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An Interesting Herb Fact
Common Herbal Remedies using Aloe Vera
The plant Aloe (scientific name Aloe vera) is originally from tropical Africa, but it can now be found all over the world. It is a very common ingredient in many herbal remedies. It is believed that related species were traditionally used as an antidote to treat poison arrow wounds. We know that the Greeks and Romans traditionally used the Aloe vera plant, making a gel to treat battle wounds. Aloe vera was also commonly used during the Middle Ages, where it was a popular purgative. Aloe vera is...
Valerian Herb: Nature's Tranquilizer
The Valerian herb has
rightly earned the reputation as nature's tranquilizer. Indeed, this
popular herb is known to calm the nerves without any of the side
effects that prescription drugs have to offer. The smell of Valerian is
known to be strong, distinctive and unpleasant, but this seems a rather
small price to pay for the effects of this popular herb. The herb was
nicknamed phu by the Greek physician Galen, but its official scientific
name is Valeriana officinalis. Valerian is one of the best researched
of the modern herbs. It has chemicals called valepotriates that are
developed in valerian extracts. These chemicals appear to have a
depressive activity on the nervous system.
Valerian has been described as pungent, bitter, dry and cool. The
plants constituents are volatile oils (including isovalerianic acid and
borneol), alkaloids, inridoids, and alkaloids. The herb has several
actions. It is a known tranquilizer, antispasmodic, a diuretic,
expectorant, a carminative, a mild anodyne, and it is known for its
ability to lower the blood pressure. The most commonly used part of the
Valerian plant is the root. The root is well known for its ability to
control nervous tension. It is highly regarded as an herbal remedy to
treat anxiety and insomnia. The root is also well known for its ability
to strengthen the heart and has been known to reduce high blood
pressure. The Valerian root is also well known for its ability to aid
in the healing of wounds and ulcers. The plant is also applied
topically to control the symptoms associated with muscle cramps.
Valerian can also be used as an expectorant. It has been known to help
tickling coughs. The Valerian plant is most commonly harvested in the
fall.
There are several other ways to prepare the valerian root. For
instance, it can be prepared into a maceration to treat insomnia or
symptoms of anxiety. Simply soak two tablespoons of chopped, fresh herb
in a cup of cold water for roughly eight to ten hours. Many herbalists
combine other herbs with this concoction. A good choice is peppermint,
which can be added to the water to make the taste of the concoction
more palatable. Valerian can also be infused to make a hot tea that can
be taken to treat the symptoms of insomnia and anxiety.
The Valerian herb can also be used to create a strong and potent
tincture. The tincture can be taken to treat anxiety and insomnia. It
is recommended that doses of Valerian tinctures are started low. A good
dose to start with is 1-2 ml. Some people are known to develop
headaches after using Valerian. You can avoid this by starting with a
low dose. Doses of the Valerian plant can gradually be increased, if so
desired.
Valerian can also be made into a compress. Simply soak a clean pad in a
tincture and place over the skin to relieve muscle cramps. A wash can
also be created to treat chronic ulcers and wounds, and it can be used
to draw out splinters. |
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