Herbal Creams

Herbs feed, regulate and cleanse the body naturally. Herbal creams are hand-made from natural products, including herbs, homeopathics and essential oils, generally in a macadamia nut oil base. Eczema is an increasingly common condition affecting children and adults, and causes itchy rashes, pain and inflammation. Long-term use of steroids in herbal eczema creams can cause permanent damage. Natural" creams for eczema have been found to contain the steroid drugs customers were trying to avoid. Herbal cream for acne can be made at home using natural ingredients or can be bought at a pharmacy. An acne problem can easily be solved in a cost effective way, but if low on funds, make sure to find herbal remedies for acne that are oil free.

A popular recipe will involve bananas and avocados as well as some vitamin E ointment. This is one of the best herbal remedies for acne. All a maker needs to do is put a teaspoon of vitamin E ointment in a blender. Other herbal cream arinca cream. It is mostly useful for bruising, swelling, sprains, aching joints and minor injuries where there is no broken skin. Calendula is particularly helpful in cracked and damaged skin and has a humectant action on the skin, which helps with dry and dehydrated skin. Other use for calendula sore, red, dry, itchy, chapped, cracked, rough skin, cuts, abrasions, boils, rashes, chilblains, sunburn, burns, eczema, insect bites. Comfrey cream use for sprains, strains, bruises, lumps, bumps, inflamed joints and arthritic type aches and pains.

Rosemary goddess herbal cream can be used for its pain relieving qualities, as well as, its softening effects on the skin. Contains rosemary infused oil, beeswax, and filtered water. Witch hazel cream use for heavy aching legs, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, itchy, red, inflamed skin. Marshmallow herbal cream has very beneficial effects on skin problems and diseases and helps in healing wounds, sores, skin ulcers, burns and in soothing irritation. The main benefits of tea tree oil are that it has superb antiseptic, antifungal and broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity on the skin. Olive leaf has cicatrizing properties and is therefore useful in wound healing and is also of use when the skin has been burnt or damaged by excessive exposure to sunlight.

Cordyceps

Yarsagumba or Cordyceps is a rare and unique herb that grows in the meadows above 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) in the Himalayan region of Nepal. There are various types of famous medicinal plants found in Nepal but the popularity of yarsagumba is simply overwhelming. For the last couple of years, the trade of yarsagumba is increasing and it has been regarded as an expensive life saving tonic. Headache, toothache or any other disease - yarsagumba is the remedy.

Every year during May and June, thousands of villagers from remote areas risking their own lives head for high mountains to collect yarsagumba. It is estimated that one villager can earn up to Rs. 2,500 approximately to $35 a day by collecting yarsagumba which is beyond the monthly salary of many Nepalese households. Dolpa .See a remote district in western Nepal with high steep valleys and dry climate is one of the foremost areas for collecting yarsagumba. Almost 50% of the annual supply of yarsagumba comes from Dolpa alone. Here, not only the adults but school goers also take unofficial holidays in search of the gold rush.

Collection of yarsagumba was illegal until 2001 but following its popularity and the lobbying from various organizations, the Government lifted the ban but imposed a royalty rate of Rs. 20,000 (US$ 280) per kilogram (2.2lbs). One kilo of yarsagumba that costs about Rs. 315 (US$ 5/6) in 1992 increased to Rs. 105,000 (US$ 1,435) by the year 2002 and the price has been shooting up so as the international interest on the mysterious half-caterpillar-half-mushroom known as yarsagumba.

Arnica

Arnica belongs to the family of the sunflowers and consists of about 30 different herbaceous species. The Arnica is a genus which is derived from the Latin word ana which means the lamb, this is because of its distinguishing features of the having soft and hairy leaves. The Arnica genus is mostly found in the temperate regions of the western North America and they originate from Eurasia. Arnica is known to be associated with the tribe Senecioneae because of its fine bristles on its surface.

Arnica consists of certain species like the Montana and chamissonis which are known to be helpful in making anti-inflammatory products against the bruises. The Arnica species serve as a source of food for some insect larvae.

Arnica is a well-known plant in the herbal medicine, because of its uses and success in healing the body issues such as the bruises, stiffness, and also the soreness of muscles. It is referred to as the Arnica Montana, which means the mountain plant. It is extensively used for sprains and also as a tincture for the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory purposes.

Tablets are also made with Arnica which has proved to be very useful in today's time. Arnica is also used widely in the homeopathy; it is available in the form of gel in almost every health store commonly to be applied on the area of requirement thrice a day.

Arnica is distinguished by having deep roots and erect stem with no branches. The consist of leathery type ovoid leaves and have large yellow and orange colored flowers which are 6-8cm wide, which have quite a pleasant scent. It is also contains very small seeds like fruits on its branches.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is known to be a very common perennial flowering plant which is cultivate as one of the very useful forage crop. It is also known as the Purple Medic, Trefoil or the Lucrene commonly.

Alfalfa is now one of he leading legumes in the agriculture of the world, and the largest alfalfa producer is the US itself, with the states of California and South Dakota being the highest producers.

Alfalfa is known to be a very adaptive plant and it can be used to grow in the cold climates of the northern plans and mountains, as well as the Mediterranean and hot desert climates at the same time. The lie of an Alfalfa plant though is much shorter and it can live up to three to twelve yeas depending on the climate availability.

The height of the Agrimony legume is about 1 meter and it is quite often compared for its resemblance with the clover and clusters of small purple flowers. The root system of the Agrimony is as deep as about stretching to the extent of 4.5 meters normally. This is why the plant is very tough and resilient to the droughts specially.

It has a tetraploid genome.

Alfalfa plant has a tetraploid genome, and its plants have the characteristics of being autotoxin which means that they do not survive if grown in the pre-existing fields of Alfalfa. This is why it is always recommended to clear or rotate the field before the reseeding is carried out.

Alfalfa is most commonly used for the dairy purposes which involve the sheep, horses and goats however it is also sometimes used for the human consumption. The sprouts of the Alfalfa are a common ingredient for the salads more widely used in the western countries. Alfalfa are also used as dietary supplements after dehydrating the leaves in several forms like the tablets, powders and even tea.

Agrimony Herb

Agrimony is one of the very popular herbs from the rose family, which is in bloom from the months of June to September. The herb leaves no doubts that it originates from the rose family as its leaves are itself very beautiful. The herb has been used traditionally as one of the very useful medicinal herbs.

The Agrimony herb grows close to the ground and there are also flowers seen growing close to its little branches. The herb is distinguished with its sweet smell like that of the apricots which is surely enjoyable to everyone.

This herb's history also includes its use for the purpose of healing of the wounds and sores of the body. It has also been used for some of the tribes' ritual rites and traditions. There is also a myth associated with this herb that if a man was to put it beneath his head for some time he would be induced to a deep sleep.

As the herbs have always been ahead in the medical sues, Agrimony is believed to have the powers of curing jaundice. It is used after the roots is placed in boiling water for sometime and then the water is prescribed to be taken about half a pint six times in a day.

Agrimony has also been associated with the treatment of the general fever and the outcomes have almost always been successful. Together with the healing of the casual medical problems Agrimony is also used to treat some severe diseases of the blood and the skin as well.

The patient is prescribed to take does of full glasses and the taste is sweetened with the use of honey and sugar over the leaves and roots.

The herb is also used in today's time mostly for the bowel diseases and throat problems. It is also appreciated by many for its virtues till date.

Drying of the herbs

Drying of the herbs is a technique used so as to get most of the freshness and also the taste out of the herbs. There are various methods for the drying of the herbs which can be used to achieve the best results.

Before starting off with the drying of the herbs, you should harvest the herbs in the early morning this is because they haven't yet started expending energy for the day and this makes them in just the perfect condition right before the flowering.

The first step involves the use of knife or scissors so as to cut off the large branches or the stems out of the plant itself. Each branch of the plant in use should be shaken gently so as to do away with any of the insects still lodging in the plant. Any damaged or diseased leaves should be immediately removed.

It is sometimes advised to wash the herbs before the drying process can be carried out so as to get rid of any of the dirt or debris allowing the insects and other harmful materials to live in the plant. However, if this is carried out the plant has to then be completely dried before it is put in contact with other plants for the drying procedure, because wetness can cause messy mold to build up very quickly.

All the branches are now collected into a bunch and then this is stored in a plain paper bag, which should have a few open wholes on the sides required for ventilation. The bag should be big enough so that the leaves do not touch the sides and it should then be hung in a warm and dry room upside down. This takes about a week or two depending entirely upon the moisture levels of the herbs. During this time a constant check on the molds should be given so as to take instant action if it prevails.

After the require time, the dried leaves are carefully removed taking care not to crush them, so as to attain the bets flavor and the stems are then discarded.

Bee Balm

Bee Balm originates from the Eastern North American side and is a perennial herb which grows in dry areas and woodland edges. The Bee Balm consists of beautiful showy flowers which are uniquely lilac in color and are present in large whorls which includes about 20 to 50 flowers at the tope most part of the stem. The leaves are more of a pale green color and are supported by leaflets.

Bee Balm consists of a hard and squared stem which can rise to a height of about 3 feet. Both the stem and the leaves are covered with dense hair layer through out. The roots are known to be shorter and slender.

The growing conditions of the Bee Balm are very easy to handle as it can be grown in any ordinary garden soil. The Bee Balm can grow considerably well in the heavy clay soils and require shady parts in the sunny areas to grow well. The soil should be preferably alkaline in pH and the conditions should be dry.

The chief uses of the Bee Balm are in the eating and medicinal uses. The edible nature of the Bee Balm has made it a much widely used herb. The herb above the ground is edible and it is also used for the flavoring of the cooked foods. The flowers are used as edibles in some of the salads. The herb is distinguished with its aromatic nature which makes it a good source of oil and also a refreshing tea ingredient. The young Bee Balm leaves are also used for some beverages.

Bee Balms are very popular in the medicinal uses, ranging from the antiseptic cure to the simple headaches and gastric problems. However one of the more important uses of the Bee Balms is in the steam inhalation for the cure of certain throats and bronchial inflammations.

Dill

Dill originates from the southern and central parts of the Asian continent and is commonly known to be a very short-lived herb. It is the only specie of the genus Anethum. The maximum height of this herb can reach as high as 60 cm and it consists of slender stems and soft, delicate leaves that can extend to a maximum length of about 20 cm. The flowers of Dill vary from white to yellow and are about 2 to 9 cm in diameter. The seeds of these herbs can be of a maximum length of 5 mm with 1 mm of thickness.

The dill seeds are more extensively used as spices all over the world and the fresh leaves of the dill weed are used as herbs.

The Dill herb can be successfully cultivated in the periods of summers where the sunshine is at its highest levels. The soil requirement for the Dill herb is fairly rich and above all the drainage has to be rich enough. The seeds can be used for about 3 to a maximum of 10 years. The name of this herb as dill was kept due to its Anglo-Saxon meaning of the word 'dylle' which means to soothe, and this plant has the features of relieving gas.

The fresh leaves of the dill plants are dried so that they can be used as herbs. The leaves of the dill plants are known to be aromatic because of which they are used in the food flavorings and also in other soups and pickles. It is always recommended to use the products of this plant as fresh as possible because it tends to lose its flavor very rapidly. However if they are frozen and dried the flavor can still be maintained for over a year.

The seeds of the Dill plants are used very popularly as spices; its oils are also widely used extracted from the leaves stems and the seeds.

In the medicinal uses, the dill plant is effective in the cure of certain digestion problems.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the most commonly used trees which rises to a maximum height of about 15 meters and belongs the family of the Lauraceae origination from Sri Lanka and also the Indian Subcontinent, mostly from the southern part.

The secret behind the aromatic nature of the Cinnamon tree is its essential oil which makes up about 1% of is composition. There is a procedure to be followed for the preparation of the oil which is by pounding the bark and using it to the macerate in sea water, after that it is distilled over. The color of the oil is golden-yellow and it is characterized by a very hot aromatic taste.

The cinnamon oil can give pungent smell over the time if it reacts with oxygen and it then gets dark in coloration. Some of the chemical components of the Cinnamon oil are ethyl cinnamate, linalool and methyl chavicol etc

Apart from its uses as a spice, Cinnamon is largely used in the cure of common colds and problems related to the digestive system like the diarrhea. It is also now used extensively as a natural cure or toothaches and for the eradication of bad breath.

Dandelion

The Dandelion is known to be an attractive plant mostly because of its beautiful yellow flowers and they are originated mostly from the European and Asian parts of the world.In the parts where Dandelion is not native to, it can start becoming weedy like for examply in the northern areas. They belong to the Taraxacum specie which is involved in the asexual reproduction by means of the apomixes and also the seed production occurring mostly without pollination.

Dandelion has the tap root system and is the perennial herbaceous plants. They are more widely known as the weeds or the ruderals.

The Dandelion consists of leaves which can extend up to a maximum height of 5-25cm and are either simple and basal or lobed in structure. They can push down the vegetation surrounding them as the leaves grow outward gradually. This can cut off the sunlight and eventually kill the vegetation. There are many flowering stems which can be about 2 to 5 cm in diameter and consist solely of ray florets. Dandelions are also used as food plants by some of the insect larvae of the specie Lepidoptera. However mostly the dandelion is taken as an unwanted weed by the gardeners.

There are certain important uses of the Dandelion like it can be used as a good source of leaf vegetable and is also used for cooking purposes and are also eaten in the raw forms in salads. Even the young leaves and the unopened buds are used for including in the salads which have a slightly bitter taste. The salads made with the Dandelions also consist of the boiled eggs. The leaves are in fact a good source of nutrition being high in Vitamin A, C and minerals like iron and calcium, even more than spinach.

Medicinal Herbs

The history of the alternative medicine dates back long ago to the times when there had been the first man on earth. Because there was no such aid or understanding of the medicines and therapies, simple plant's leaves were involved in the healing procedures, and sometimes also involved the intake through the mouth.

This then gave rise to the use of medicinal herbs, which have been a part of our lives since thousands of years and are known to be effective for many diseases that have been healed over time with their use.

These medicinal herbs are used for various purposes related to the health and its maintenance. The immune system of the body is given a great boost with the use of certain medicinal herbs. Various types of body infections can be completely healed with the increase in the body's resistance to them after the use of the medicinal herbs. Even certain allergies are known to have been completely subsided with the involvement of the medicinal herbs. Overall these types of herbs are also known to give a great boost to the energy, and vitality of the body in totality.

For instance the most commonly used herb the Garlic is now, a major ingredient of almost every dish made today because of not only its taste but its role as a medicinal herb. Garlic can be used as an antibiotic, i-e it can work against the bacterial diseases in the human body. Latest research has also proved the treatment of the cardiovascular diseases through the use of garlic.

Echinacea is another medicinal herb which is coming in use for the medicinal purposes specially the purple coneflower specie of Echinacea. These herbs are known to have reduces the severity and also the duration of the common flu.

Medicinal herbs are now found in a great variety almost dealing with every medical related problem with the advancement in the research and their use.

Aloe Vera

One of the most commonly used and heard names of the herbs in today's times is in fact the Aloe Vera which is the specie of the Aloe which originates from the northern African regions.

The physical appearance of the Aloe Vera is just like any other common herb with a height of about 80-100 cm and the plant itself being stem less or consisting of a very short stem and characterized as succulent. The leaves of Aloe Vera are categorized as thick and fleshy, with a grayish tinge and serrated margins. The flowers if produced are pendulous and yellow in color of about 2-3 cm long.

The Aloe Vera can easily be cultivated in frosty climates and it requires basically a treat of well-drained soil with sandy characteristics with moderate amount of light. If kept in pots the proper drainage of the plants should be made sure of and during the winter season it is advisable to keep the pots in greenhouses or indoors. Aloe Vera is quite easily cultivated in the drier regions of the tropical and subtropical areas and is widely used for both ornamental and medicinal uses.

One of the chief uses of the Aloe Vera is as a food preservative. The latest studies and research have created a gel from the Aloe Vera herbs which keeps the food products fresh and prolongs its freshness to a much longer time period. This is not only efficient but also safer to be used in terms of being environmentally friendly also. It consists of certain antibiotic and antifungal feature which enables it to be used for this purpose.

Aloe Vera is also extensively used for the medicinal purposes, which is one of its main uses. The most important impact of this herb is indeed in healing of the skin diseases and inflammatory conditions. Beauty products such as the creams and shampoos have also been made with Aloe Vera.

The Aloe Vera herb is also widely used as a food, in the remote areas and villages as a traditional practice.

Herbal Remidies

Indian medical systems, among them the ancient science of Ayurveda, have always been aware of the medicinal value of plants. To cite but one example, for at least 2500 years before the West recognized the medicinal properties of the Rauwolfia serpentina (sarpagandha) root, used by folk healers to calm violently disturbed patients. In the 1940's Indian scientists isolated the active substances from rauwolfia and discovered its added benefit as a remedy for high blood pressure.

Folk healers are unlicensed but not necessarily untrained. Like physicians, they pursue their specialties, learning by observation and imitation. Often healing is considered a gift that runs in a family and is passed down from mother to daughter or from father to son. The ability to set bones, for example, is thought to be hereditary as is the power to stop bleeding. Charms are often recited by the healer and jealously guarded.

Herbal medicines were used with magical practices, sometimes alone. Many of the herbs used by the American Indians--such as datura, coca, cinchona, curare, cascara sagrada, and the like--are now used as drugs in modern scientific medicine. Herbal medicines are assuming greater importance in the primary health care of individuals and communities in many developing countries and there has been an increase in international trade in herbal medicines. However, in most countries the herbal medicines market is not adequately regulated, and the products are therefore unregistered and often not controlled by regulatory bodies.

Citrus Aurantium

Citrus Aurantium is a commonly used Chinese herb to improve stomach and gastrointestinal function. Recent research has shown that it may be as effective as ephedra in increasing thermogenesis in the body without the side effects that often result with the use of ephedra. Thermogenesis is the process through which the body converts stored fat into energy and body heat. Increasing the thermogenic process in the body may increase weight loss. Citrus aurantium, or Zhi Shi, contains a combination of adrenergic amines. These are synephrine, N-methyltyramine, hordenine, octopamine, and tyramine. All of these substances have been shown to have powerful thermogenic properties. When this herb is used along with moderate exercise and a healthy diet , it may assist with weight loss.

Instead of just using dried, capsulated, herbal products, start including *whole* herbs in your life. Eat them everyday, as fresh as possible, (e.g. take walks, check out the vegetable stand, or tend a garden), everyday. Instead of taking a capsule, eat a handful of fresh parsley. Experiment with tasting each of your favorite culinary herbs made up as "diet" tea. Collect dandelion leaves, plantain, mints, lettuce, whatever, and whip it up in your blender as special diet "green drink." Almost no calories in most herbs. Eating and living with herbs can bring you a lifestyle which may be more conducive to weight loss.

Herbs can be used to assist in the weight loss process, while they may not be enough on their own, when used in combination with dietary changes and mild exercise can make most weight loss attempts very successful.

Apothecary

Apothecary is a historical name for a medical professional who formulates and dispenses materia medica to physicians, surgeons and patients — a role now served by a pharmacist.



In addition to pharmacy responsibilities, the apothecary offered general medical advice and a range of services that are now performed solely by other specialist practitioners, such as surgery and midwifery. Apothecaries often operated through a retail shop which, in addition to ingredients for medicines, sold tobacco and patent medicines

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In its investigation of herbal and chemical ingredients, the work of the apothecary may be regarded as a precursor of the modern sciences of chemistry and pharmacology, prior to the formulation of the scientific method.


By the 15th century, the apothecary gained the status of a skilled practitioner, but by the end of the 19th century, the medical professions had taken on their current institutional form, with defined roles for physicians and surgeons, and the role of the apothecary was more narrowly conceived as that of pharmacist



Apothecaries used their own measurement system, the apothecaries' system, to provide precise weighing of small quantities. Apothecaries also were known to accept special requests for viles and poisons. This meaning of the term "apothecary" has not passed into archaic oblivion, as in William Faulkner's still widely read 1930 story "A Rose for Emily" the main character, Miss Emily Grierson, goes to an "apothecary" and buys arsenic, ostensibly to kill a rat .

Herbal Philosopy

Since herbalism is such a diverse field few generalizations apply universally. Nevertheless a rough consensus can be inferred.

Most herbalists concede that pharmaceuticals are more effective in emergency situations where time is of the essence. An example would be where a patient had elevated blood pressure that posed imminent danger. However they claim that over the long term herbs can help the patient resist disease and in addition provide nutritional and immunological support that pharmaceuticals lack. They view their goal as prevention as well as cure.

Herbalists tend to use extracts from parts of plants, such as the roots or leaves but not isolate particular phytochemicals.Pharmaceutical medicine prefers single ingredients on the grounds that dosage can be more easily quantified. Herbalists reject the notion of a single active ingredient. They argue that the different phytochemicals present in many herbs will interact to enhance the therapeutic effects of the herb and dilute toxicity.Furthermore, they argue that a single ingredient may contribute to multiple effects. Herbalists deny that herbal synergism can be duplicated with synthetic chemicals. They argue that phytochemical interactions and trace components may alter the drug response in ways that cannot currently be replicated with a combination of a few putative active ingredients. Pharmaceutical researchers recognize the concept of drug synergism but note that clinical trials may be used to investigate the efficacy of a particular herbal preparation, provided the formulation of that herb is consistent.

In specific cases the claims of synergy and multifunctionality have been supported by science. The open question is how widely both can be generalized. Herbalists would argue that cases of synergy can be widely generalized, on the basis of their interpretation of evolutionary history, not necessarily shared by the pharmaceutical community. Plants are subject to similar selection pressures as humans and therefore they must develop resistance to threats such as radiation, reactive oxygen species and microbial attack in order to survive. Optimal chemical defenses have been selected for and have thus developed over millions of years.Human diseases are multifactorial and may be treated by consuming the chemical defences that they believe to be present in herbs. Bacteria, inflammation, nutrition and ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) may all play a role in arterial disease.Herbalists claim a single herb may simultaneously address several of these factors. Likewise a factor such as ROS may underly more than one condition.In short herbalists view their field as the study of a web of relationships rather than a quest for single cause and a single cure for a single condition.

In selecting herbal treatments herbalists may use forms of information that are not applicable to pharmacists. Because herbs can moonlight as vegetables, teas or spices they have a huge consumer base and large-scale epidemiological studies become feasible. Ethnobotanical studies are another source of information. For example, when indigenous peoples from geographically dispersed areas use closely related herbs for the same purpose that is taken as supporting evidence for its efficacy. Herbalists contend that historical medical records and herbals are underutilized resources. They favor the use of convergent information in assessing the medical value of plants. An example would be when in-vitro activity is consistent with traditional use.
Certain strains of herbalism rely on sources that would be widely considered unreliable and would not be accepted in a scientifically oriented herbal journal. These include astrology, the Bible, intuition, dreams, “plant spirits”, etc.

Herbaceous Plant

A herbaceous plant is a plant that has leaves and stems that die down at the end of the growing season to the soil level. A herbaceous plant may be annual, biennial or perennial.


Annual herbaceous plants die completely at the end of the growing season or when they have flowered and fruited, and they then grow again from seed.


Herbaceous perennial and biennial plants have stems that die at the end of the growing season, but parts of the plant survive under or close to the ground from season to season (for biennials, until the next growing season, when they flower and die). New growth forms from living tissues remaining on or under the ground, including roots, a caudex (a thickened portion of the stem at ground level) or various types of underground stems, such as bulbs, corms, stolons, rhizomes and tubers. Examples of herbaceous biennials include carrot, parsnip and ragwort; herbaceous perennials include peony, hosta, mint, most ferns and most grasses. By contrast, non-herbaceous perennial plants are woody plants which have stems above ground that remain alive during the dormant season and grow shoots the next year from the above-ground parts – these include trees, shrubs and vines.


Some relatively fast-growing herbaceous plants (especially annuals) are pioneers, or early-successional species. Others form the main vegetation of many stable habitats, occurring for example in the ground layer of forests, or in naturally open habitats such as meadow, saltmarsh or desert.