Archive for March, 2010
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
Warts are caused by a virus, but their presence may also be a sign of a potassium deficiency. Moles may also be caused by a lack of potassium.
Many folk remedies for warts involve potassium rich foods such as potatoes or bananas. One remedy is to cut open a raw potato and rub it on the wart once a day for a week or two. Another remedy is to rub the inside of a banana peel on the wart every day for one to two weeks. A piece of banana peel can also be taped over the wart overnight. Anecdotal evidence suggests these remedies do work for some people.
Other people have had good results getting rid of warts by eating potassium rich foods. Some common foods that are rich in potassium are potatoes, bananas, apple cider vinegar, prunes, apricots (dried apricots contain more potassium than fresh), raisins, figs, cantaloupe, spinach, tomatoes, oranges, and avocados.
Potassium is an electrolyte and helps balance the electrical and chemical processes in the body. It also helps regulate metabolism, and is needed for nerve and muscle function. Potassium is necessary to the body, but too much of it can be dangerous (it can cause heart, muscle, or nerve problems). This is why supplements of potassium have very low amounts of the mineral in them, 2% to 5% of the recommended daily allowance. Food sources are a safer way to get more potassium in your diet.
Tags: Potassium, Warts Posted in Minerals, Nutrition, Skin Care | Comments Off
Monday, March 15th, 2010
Rose petals have been used for centuries in skin care preparations. They are gentle on the skin and have a wonderful scent. Rosewater and rose oil made from rose petals are antiseptic and astringent. Rose preparations are gentle and benefit dry or sensitive skin.
One use of rose petals is to add them to homemade facial scrubs. Grind the rose petals and add them to other ingredients that are good in facial scrubs, such as ground almonds, ground oats, cornmeal, baking soda, or clay. Using only one or two ingredients is fine. Just add enough water to a teaspoon or two of the scrub to make a paste, and gently massage your skin with the mixture.
Rosewater is a gentle astringent that can be used as a toner. Rosewater can be either bought or made at home. There are several methods of making homemade rosewater. Some involve distilling rose water on the stove or in a jar in the sun. Other methods involve letting the rose petals sit in a jar with water and witch hazel (or alcohol) for a matter of weeks, similar to how herbal tinctures are made.
Rose petals can also be used in herbal facial steams. Add the roses to other herbs, such as lavender, chamomile, calendula, or comfrey. Add water, bring the herbs to a boil and remove from heat. Sit with your face over the steam, with a towel over your head. You can also use hot water in a bowl instead of boiling water. Steam your skin for 5 to 8 minutes.
Rose oil is very expensive, because it takes many rose petals to make a little oil, but can be added to homemade lotions in small amounts. A few drops of rose oil are added to larger amounts of carrier oils, such as almond oil or grapeseed oil. Rose oil can also be used in aromatherapy. It has a soothing effect on the nerves and is helpful with tension and depression.
Always use rose petals that are pesticide-free in homemade preparations. Pesticides may irritate the skin. When using rose oil be sure it is genuine. There are synthetic rose oils for sale, but they don’t have the therapeutic effects of authentic rose oil.
Tags: Roses, Stress Relief Posted in Herbs, Skin Care | Comments Off
Friday, March 12th, 2010
Passion Flower (passiflora incarnata) is an exotic looking flower, and it is used as a calming herb, despite it’s name. Passion Flower was named after the Passion of Christ because the flower seemed to have symbols of the crucifixion. It is a very useful herb, and can be taken as a pill, tincture, or infusion (tea).
Passion flower is most commonly used as an anti-anxiety herb. It has a soothing sedative effect. It can also be used for problems with insomnia. It has been used to help with seizures, lower blood pressure and to relieve muscle tension as well. It also works well as a cough suppressant, relaxing the muscles of the throat. Which makes it wonderful to take before bed if you have a cough and want to be able to take a break from coughing and get some sleep.
Passion flower has been used as a calming herb and sleep aid for over 200 years. One scientific study found passion flower as effective as oxazepam for treating general anxiety. It is approved by the German Commission E for use as a treatment for nervousness and insomnia. Passion flower is considered safe when used in moderation, however it may interact with prescription medications, specifically sedatives, blood thinners, and MAO inhibitors. It can increase the effects of these drugs.
Another common name for Passion Flower is Maypop. It can be found growing wild in certain areas in the Southeastern United States. Passion flower can be grown in a garden or as a houseplant. It grows on vines that can reach 15 feet in a season. There are many kinds of passion flower plants. If you decide to cultivate your own for medicinal uses, make sure you are growing the correct type. Passion flower would be a beautiful addition to any garden, but for those without green thumbs, it can also be bought in capsules, tinctures, and teas.
Tags: Cough Suppressant, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Passion Flower, Stress Relief Posted in Anxiety, Herbs | Comments Off
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Holy Basil is a medicinal herb that has been in use for thousands of years. It comes from India, where it is called Tulsi. Its Latin name is ocimum sanctum. Holy Basil is different than the basil that is used for cooking. Holy Basil is sacred to the Hindu religion and is used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Historically, Holy Basil has been used for heart disease, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, eye disorders, headaches, colds, and more. Currently it is best known as an herb that helps reduce stress levels. It is an adaptogenic herb, which means it helps prevent imbalances in the body and helps the body resist stress.
Scientific tests have shown that Holy Basil may be useful as a painkiller, anti-inflammatory agent, and help fight infections. It may also help control blood sugar, improve memory, and reduce fevers.
Holy Basil comes in many forms for medicinal use: herbal extract, capsules, and tea. Holy Basil is spicier than culinary basil and has a more clove-like taste. The herb is also available to buy dried and cut for use in homemade tinctures, teas, or herbal vinegars. There are three varieties of Holy Basil: Vana, Krishna, and Rama.
Holy Basil is known as the “Queen of Herbs” and “The Elixir of Life”, among other names. It is thought to heal both the mind and the body. It’s usefulness in healing many types of ailments make it a great addition to any herbal medicine chest. Like with any herb you are taking for the first time, start slowly and gradually increase the dose, because if you have never taken it before you won’t know if you have an allergy to it. It is also a good idea to ask your doctor if it would interfere with any medications you might be taking, or is contraindicated for you for any other reason.
Tags: Adaptogens, Holy Basil, Stress Relief Posted in Herbs | Comments Off
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