Saturday, March 22, 2008

which household herbs will get me high?

Damiana herb (Turnera diffusa) consists of the dried leaves of a bush which grows in the tropical areas of America. Causes a marijuana-like high, and works as a light aphrodisiac Aztecs used it as a remedy against impotence. Mayas and other Indian tribes in South-America used the herb as medication but also for pleasure. Thus it is a herb with many qualities.

If you are already an adult and fully grown, then you aren't going to grow any taller, and anything that promises that you can, is lying and probably a scam, so you should not buy it.
If you are not yet fully grown, it is still very doubtful that it will work. Good food, good health and having many essential vitamins in your diet will lead to you being taller, but ultimately it is the height of your parents that will most determine how tall you are.

It depends on many factors, including genetics, onset of puberty, and nutrition.
Women generally have a growth spurt before puberty, and some have puberty so soon they lose out on the growth spurt and don't grow after, say, 6th grade.
Men often do grow a lot after puberty. My brother grew several inches after high school graduation, darn him!

What are the best herbs for high blood pressure, weight loss, and migraines?

I am a 30 year old female. I have had severe migranes in the past, which subsided when I was pregnant with my 3rd child. After she was born, I had high blood pressure and went onto prescription meds. During this time, I still get headaches, probably a side effect, but not migraines. My blood pressure is under control, but I am very sensitive to medicines. My meds are causing me to have a rapid heartbeat. My previous meds caused me to hallucinate and have nightmares and start to sleepwalk. Other meds I have been on caused me to have insomnia. I am so tired of being under a doctor's care because it costs so much and the meds they give me always have a side effect and cause more problems. So I am looking for an herb that can help me with my high blood pressure, control my migranes, and it couldn't hurt to lose some weight also. I don't know if my problems come from a hormone problem, because it seems like it when my migranes was under control with my pregnancy. Any suggestions?

Cherries are EXTREMELY effective in lowering high blood pressure. If you take ten cherries a day, this will work. However, you cannot take the meds and the cherries, because the cherries are so powerful in doing this. I know several people who have done this with excellent results. In the summer, cherries are easy to find. So stock up. Spread the cherries in a single layer on cookie trays, and put in the freezer. When they are frozen, put them in bags, and you will have cherries for the entire winter. Personally, frozen cherries are my favourite :) I believe cherry juice, if it is pure, will have the same effect.
For weight loss, a mouthful of coconut oil (make sure it is a good quality- if it does not taste/smell like coconut, it is not good enough) will help to balance your metabolism.
Now, for the "cure-all" -Apple cider vinegar will lower your metabolism. Straight apple cider in warm water with honey to sweeten (easier to handle than straight!) will be more effective than the tablets, but the tablets definitely taste better. Three tbsp. a day is a good amount. Taking two tablets a day in addition will not hurt you.
And last but not least, ACV will prevent/remedy migraines!! It is EXCELLENT stuff! Type in "apple cider vinegar remedies" in a search engine and see what you come up with!

You should probably avoid the meds.
I am also very sensitive to medications, and I developed HBP from birth control pills.
Personally, I began eating more garlic. In cases where I don't feel I'll eat enough (or if i can't stand anymore) I take a garlic supplement. The prescription medications for HBP actually contain garlic, so this is natural and beneficial. It also will help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and ward off bacterial infections. Also, take your vitamins. B complex, calcium, and magnesium are essential in maintaining healthy BP.
Feverfew is effective in treating migraines - as well as avoiding caffiene and other stimulants.
GREEN TEA has been shown to not only regulate blood pressure, but it has less caffeine than coffee, and has been shown to boost metabolism.
Coconut oil is also effective for dieting. It's marketed as a diet food, but it has a host of other health benefits that even outweigh it's remarkable reputation as a weight loss aid. (go extra virgin organic.. do NOT buy hydrogenated, deodorized coconut oil.)

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Natural healing information with herbs or products advice.

I'm interested in learning more about natural remedies and healing. If anyone knows of any books that would provide useful information that they have personal experience with, I'm interested!!
I'm also looking into where to buy natural products--oils, herbs, etc., to go along with the information provided in the books. I live in a small town, so reliable internet sites are a good option, as well as any other stores anyone knows about that I might be able to find.

The book titled "Herbs of the Earth, A Self-Teaching Guide to Healing Remedies", by Mary Carse is an excellent resource. Chapter by chapter, you will learn about herbs, A-Z, and self test at the end of each chapter. The knowledge you gain is tremendous, along with appropriate warnings. You will learn how to make teas, tinctures, plasters and poultices, syrups, vinegars, herbal oils, along with HOW to use these products. The recommended dosage for infants, children and adults is listed in this book.

I used to work in an herbal / vitamin supplement store while I was in college. The herbs and vitamins for the most part are generally of low quality. Meaning the herbs have been over processed to maintain freshness (weakening their strength), the minerals are not usually multi keylated (low absorption) and often mixed together with the wrong minerals, and the vitamins are of low quality.
Here are some tips to know when buying the products. First of all be aware that some herbs are over harvested and in serious decline in their habitat (like black cohosh). Its better to buy farm raised herbs not wild, but these herbs lack compared to the wild grown. Tinctured fresh herbs are strongest and most easily absorbed. Dried herbs are the weakest and usually the cheapest. Look into local medicinal plant books in your area and learn how to make your own tinctures. I've cured arthritis, bleeding ulcers, tendonitis, high blood pressure, excessive menstrual cramps, urinary inflammation/infection, through wild herbs.
Minerals that are multi keylated and in liquid form are most easily absorbed. ie we cannot go out and start chewing on some copper to get copper; we need to absorb copper through an edible plant that has lots of copper in it. The more plants that a mineral is keylated with the higher chance of absorption. Also, little known fact here; Zinc does not absorb well with other minerals at the same time. Take Zinc separately from other minerals.

What are some dog safe herbs and ingredients?

When baking dog treats, what kinds of herbs or other ingredients can I use to flavor them? I want to be careful of what I use, and not add anything that could harm my dogs. Do you know of anything? Also- is garlic powder dangerous for dogs?

here is just one example:
Cheesy Dog Biscuit Treats
Homemade dog treats are fun to make and healthier than many of the store-bought versions.
I N G R E D I E N T S
1 cup rolled oats (such as Quaker)
1/3 cup margarine
1 cup Boiling water
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons chicken or beef flavored instant bouillon
1/2 cup milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 - 3 cups whole wheat flour.

I N S T R U C T I O N S
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
Grease cookie sheets.

In large bowl, combine rolled oats, margarine and boiling water; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in cornmeal, sugar, bouillon, milk, cheese and egg; mix well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to form a stiff dough.
On floured surface, knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth and no longer sticky, 3 to 4 minutes. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2 inch thickness, cut with bone shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes on until golden brown. Cool completely. Store loosely covered. Makes 3 1/2 dozen large dog biscuits or 8 dozen small dog biscuits.

Storing Dog TreatsIn general you should store dog treats the same way you would homemade people cookies. That being said, there are two main variables that determine storage time - the amount and type of fat in the recipe and your local weather conditions. If your recipe uses fats such as butter, or meat bits or juices then it will be more prone to rancidity than a recipe that uses some vegetable oil or shortening. Your treats may mold or spoil much faster in humid or very hot climates.

Here is a recipe that I use:

CHEESE & GARLIC DOG TREATS

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1 1/4 c. grated Cheddar cheese

1/4 lb. corn oil butter

1 clove garlic, crushed

Pinch of salt

Grate the cheese and let stand until it reaches room temperature. Cream the cheese with the softened butter, garlic, salt and flour. Add enough milk to form into a ball. Chill for 1/2 hour. Roll onto floured board. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly brown and firm. Makes 2 to 3 dozen, depending on size.

Anyone knows what's the best herbs for diabetes?

Anyone knows how the following herbs affect Diabetes type two? Fenugreek,Gymnema Sylvestre,Konjac Mannan,Nopal Cactus?

I've taken Gymnema in the past and found that it lowered the overall blood sugars. A few others that I've taken are Morinda Citrifolia (also known as Noni) and just regular cinnamon. These all worked to lower the blood sugars over time, The best being the Noni.

They won't cure diabetes, however most of the ones you listed as well as cinnamon, are known to aid in reducing insulin resistance in the cells. Another herb that helps lower glucose is bitter melon.

Momordica Charantia (commonly called bitter melon), Moringa Oleifera (horse raddish tree), Mentha Cordifolia (peppermint), Curcumae LONGA (tumeric)and Corchorus Olitorius (jute) are the main ingredients of ABS Bitter Herbs Dietary Supplement I have been taking.

Many herbs supposedly have glucose-lowering effects, but there are not enough data on any herb to recommend it for use in people with diabetes. Herbs are not considered food by the Food and Drug Administration and are not tested for quality or content. Therefore, products can be promoted as helping health conditions without having to show evidence of this. Discuss the herbal dietary supplements with your doctor or dietitian before trying them. They may interact poorly with your diabetes medication."

What's the best herbs for health and memory?

Ginkgo Biloba has long been touted as a great memory aid and mind enhancer. It comes from the bark of the tree of the same name, which just happens to be the oldest living tree on earth! I've been taking it for about a year now and noticed results after about two weeks. Also, there were not side effects that I noticed. You can Google it for more info, and it is available at anyplace they sell vitamins or herbal supplements. The cost is not bad: about $8-10 for a month supply.

There are so many different natural remedies out there for these conditions. My advice to you is to go visit a homeopathist or get a homeopathy book to self diagnose. Homeopathists prescribe remedies for specific symptoms rather than conditions, so it is best to really talk to someone one on one or to do some research.

5-HTP (l-5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an intermediate in the natural conversion of the essential amino acid, tryptophan, to serotonin. Clinical studies have shown that 5-HTP increases the amount and availability of serotonin produced by the body. Increased brain serotonin levels may produce positive effects on emotional well-being, appetite regulation, melatonin production and maintaining a healthy sleep cycle.

I know a couple of spices with thermogenic properties (they speed up your metabolism for a while)
Mustard- dip you crudites in mustard instead Ginger- good in soups and tea, hot or iced etc
cayenne pepper and chilli pepper, add to savoury meals, 1/2 tsp per serving isn't too spicy
Green tea AND white tea
cinnamon is also a metabolism booster

What's the best herbs for menopause?

Just found out have just started the Menopause my GP asked if i wanted H.R.T but dont want to go down this road if i can avoid it.. I have acheing muscles in arms and legs and was thinking herbel remerdies GP agreed any ideas whats best to take please.

The herb, black cohosh has been successfully used by women to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances and anxiety for many years. It has been reported that black cohosh yields up to 80% improvement in hot flashes.
Black cohosh can be found in most health food stores, where it's usually sold as an extract. Follow the dosage recommendations on the label.

I used Vitex/Chaste Tree also called agnus castus and i am happy to say it helped me avoid the hot flashes and the many problems associated at this time of homrmal changes. hope this helps,GoodLuck!

Any oestrogenic herb, eg: red clover and motherwort - traditionally used for gynaecological complaints, saw palmetto and rhodiola rosea root. However, because of their oestrogen qualities, women with a strong family history of breast or uterine cancer should just do without.
The best-known commercial pain reliever is aspirin. But natural aspirins like willow bark and meadowsweet, contain salicin, which converts in the stomach to salicylic acid (which is aspirin - originally a herbal remedy!). You could also try ginger and feverfew. Standardised herbs from a pharmacist are safer than picking your own (though I think you'd be safe with ginger!).

Does the Herbs for Pets really work indoors?

Does the Chia Pet Herb Garden really work indoors? How? What herbs grow well indoors?
I was always under the assumption that one could only grow heartier herbs indoors like rosemary, etc., and that basil would be a little more difficult.
But the Chia Pet Herb Garden includes basil seeds in its box. Does it grow well indoors?

Basil grows well under special florescent greenhouse lights. You can purchase them at most all hardware stores including the big chain stores. A hydroponic indoor garden works well with herbs. You have be diligent in keeping the water at the proper level and the nutrients in the water. As with any garden your results will greatly depend on your management and inputs. You will have a lot of fun growing the herbs and that's what it is really all about. Just have fun. I wish you well with your garden.

I have never seen a Chia pot work. What usually happens is there is an initial burst of greenery and then the whole thing dies. Herbs grow great indoors but are done best in their own pot rather than a chia form. Basil, sage, oregano will all do well in a house that has plenty of light. Herbs are sun lovers. Chives in pots do really well and taste great. The more you cut them the more chives come back.

Safe herbs for cats.?

Are herbs like dill, basil, catnip safe for cats to munch on?
What are the other toxic herbs to cats & what are the safe herbs?

cat nip yes
fresh grass yes
never agood idea to give cats herbs unless you know they are not harmful.

Make a garden for your cat with catnip, wheat, oat, and barley grasses. Your kitty will love it and those are not toxic to her.

Well, there is Pet Grass. It is good for all animals if they eat it.. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, etc. It has a lot of antioxidents in it, you could try that. I know they sell it at Petsmart. Its a live plant.

Anyone know of a good store that sells affordable herbs in the valley?

Trails in downtown should be your starting point.

How effective are herbs, that we use now a days?
i recently started using the moringa leaf powder, its a natural herb that is direct from the tree, i was actual introduced to it by a friend, it is suppose to treat 300 ailments, i have fungal infection{toes and feet},sunuses,male problems i.e {E.D,premature ejaculation},insomnia, though i can say av started to feel some changes like i use to feel tiredness in the mornings and being moody, any way the people who introduce me to this herbal powder are saying that this powder is like food though it has high hutritional value. so could some one please who has knowledge about this herb educate me more please.

There is no doubt that the pure Moringa Tree leaf is the source of incredible health benefits. It's the ultimate, natural, organic, energy and endurance health supplement. There are plenty of studies that describe these benefits and the pure, powdered, moringa leaf is the most potent part of the plant.

India's ancient tradition of ayurveda medicine sites 300 diseases that are treated with the leaves of the Moringa tree.
Gram for gram, Moringa leaves contain:
Pure Slippery ElmThe Health Store delivers natural health products to the world!