25 October 2010

Just what is herbalism?

Just what is herbalism? It the treatment of various ailments through natural sources found in the various plant life available.
Although it may sound a bit primitive, it forms the basis of modern pharmaceutical medicine in many ways.
Often considered and derided as a form of folk medicine, herbalism is something you, I and everyone generally practices whether we realize it or not. It is simply the use of certain plants to relieve a particular ailment. When you take aspirin for a headache, you are essentially practicing herbalism in a sense. Why? Aspirin comes from the inner bark of the Willow tree. Obviously, it does not come in the form of a tablet, but there is no denying the relief you obtain from taking it is from the plant derivative of that bark.
While it is true that most remedies come from natural sources, the modern definition of herbalism is much more restrictive than what I have suggested to this point. It is more about the direct rendering of herbs to a medicinal form where industrial manufacturer of pills is not involved.
This form of herbalism has a long history. From 3000 BC, we have records of Summerians using thyme to treat ailments. The first herbalism book is believed to be one found in China and dating from 2700 BC. This book is of great interest and importance. Why? It listed over 365 herbs and their medicinal properties. One was Ma Huang, which you probably know better today as Ephedrine.
The popularity of herbalism cannot be understated. From the Greeks to the Romans to the Chineses and beyond, herbalism formed the basis of medicine through much of the world. It was only in the 17th century that it began to lose its dominant position as modern medicine slowly started to create new forms of treatment and distractions of plant medicinal properties into hybrid medications.
Does this mean herbalism is dead or should be avoided as a form of medicinal treatment these days? Of course not. Pharmaceutical companies spend vast amounts of money sending people into the rainforests for a reason. They are looking for that next great drug that will revolutionize the world, the next aspirin if you will.
On a more practical level, herbalism has a definite place in your daily life. Herbal medicines tend to be better for you than modern alternatives because they do not contain the additives you find with pharmaceuticals. This makes them better for you, but also easier to take as they are often mixed with teas and so on.
Is herbalism for you? Only you can answer that. Just understand that it herbalism is not some extreme fad or something weird. It formed the basis of medicine in our world for such a long period of time that one must wonder how different the world would look today had it not been discovered.

Bulk Herbs and Natural Products for Healthy, Natural Living










HERBS & HEALTH is your on-line supply source for bulk herbs and natural products. Bulk organic herbs, organic spices, loose leaf organic teas, organic essential oils and aromatherapy supplies are part of the almost 3000 natural products to choose from at HERBS & HEALTH .

HERBS & HEALTH is pleased to offer you one of the largest selections of premium quality botanicals at very reasonable prices. We have one of the most extensive selection of premium herbs, extracts, spices and seasonings, essential and base oils, as well as a variety of various other natural products to be found from one shop.

We are a small group dedicated to offering you the very best to meet your needs in natural health. We offer a personal touch in selection, processing and customer service. If you have any question rest assured you will receive a prompt reply. Our Master Herbalist is always at had to answer your questions.

It is our goal to offer to you only the finest botanicals at an affordable price and free shipping!. Have a look around and if you by chance cannot find what you are interested in, ask us! You may want to view our complete price list online by clicking on this link. Not all of our offerings are online at the moment so please subscribe to our newsletter to keep informed

more herbs into your life









In this day and age, with everyone trying to find alternative medicines, it is a wonder that herbs are being used constantly for all sorts of different things. If you are trying to incorporate more herbs into your life, you need to know exactly what you need and what herbs do what things. That is exactly what we are going to explore below! Let us be your guide to all sorts of different herbs and their uses!

Bilberry Fruit Extract. Helps reduce night blindness and the ability to adapt to bright light.

Cascara Sagrada (Aged Bark): Helps cure constipation.

Cayenne Pepper Fruit: An effective anti-irritant herb.

Cranberry Fruit: Prevents urinary tract infections for proper urine flow.

Dong Quai Root: Will treat various menopause symptoms.

Echinacea Herb: This herb will assist you with fighting off a cold and respiratory problems.

Evening Primrose Oil: Replenishes essential fatty acids, treats fatigue and the addition to alcohol.

Feverfew Leaf: Treats headaches, migraines and menopause symptoms.

Garlic Cloves: Lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Ginger Root: Treatment for upset stomach, nausea and motion sickness.

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract: Improves memory and mental health. Reduces dementia and is a natural pain reliever. Also treats Vertigo and tinnitus.

Asian Ginseng Root/Panax Ginseng: Gives a person more energy to feel invigorated.

Siberian Ginseng Root: Invigorates and gives more energy against fatigue and weakness.

Goldenseal Root: Improves respiratory problems and treats colds and flus.

Gotu Kola Herb: Improves memory.

Grape Seed Extract: Improves blood flow. Helps colds and flus.

Green Tea Leaf Extract: Lowers cholesterol.

Kava Kava Root Extract: Helps problems with nervousness or anxiety, stress, and restlessness. Will help you sleep.

Licorice Root: Improves respiratory and stomach problems. Helps avoid ulcers.

Milk Thistle Seed Extract: Repairs liver damage and cirrhosis.

Saw Palmetto Berry Extract: Improves urination problems in benign prostate hyperplasia stages 1 and 2.

St. John’s Wort Herb Extract: Enhanced mood and reduces depression.

Valerian Root: Treats anxiety, restlessness, and trouble falling asleep.

These are just a few of the herbs of the world and what they can really do for you. So go on, incorporate some herbs into your life!

Traditional Herbal Remedies - Herbs for Digestive Health










Aloe Vera

Latin Names: Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis Common Names: aloe vera, aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant's gall Taken internally, aloe vera juice is said to aid the digestion and absorption of nutrients, to help control blood sugar, to increase energy production, to promote cardiovascular health, to improve liver function, and to boosts the immune system.












Burdock

Latin name: Arctium minus

Common names: Common Burdock, Lesser Burdock, Beggar's Button, great burdock Root of Burdock has been used for centuries: to release water retention, to stimulates digestion, to aid kidneys, liver and gallbladder function and more.










Echinacea

Latin names: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea angustifolia

Common names: Cone flower, purple Cone flower, Eastern purple Cone flower, Indian echinacea, Indian fig, Indian fleabane, Kansas cone-flower Beyond Echinacea root being used by herbalists to stimulate the body's immune system against all manner of irregular conditions, Echinacea is a also used as tissue detoxifier. It stimulates digestion and promotes perspiration to sweat out toxins.

Three Echinacea roots - purpurea, pallida and angustifolia - are being used in herbal medicine practice - and are considered to be clinically identical and interchangeable.