garlic

February 9, 2017

Alterative Herbs

Pictured: Alterative Herbs By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA, LMT, RYT Phytotherapy involves herbal medicine to treat illness.  A synergistic approach is recognized with phytotherapy in which all components of the plant play a role in contributing to its healing, not just isolated constituents.  Further, it is seen that most […]
April 3, 2018

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is caused by reduced oxygen available to the body at higher altitudes.  It is more likely to happen when climbing altitudes above 8,000 feet quickly, not allowing the body to acclimatize. The body may need more time getting used to the higher level.  Symptoms […]
April 3, 2018

Analgesic / Pain

Analgesic substances reduce pain in a variety of ways: as a local anesthetic or anti-nociceptive, and also via the nervous system.  The menthol constituent in peppermint has shown topical anti-nociceptive activity, lavender aromatherapy has shown to calm nerves after surgery to help reduce pain, and comfrey has been used for […]
April 3, 2018

Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is our body’s response to infection and injury. Its purpose is to clear out foreign cells and dead cells from the local area.  Inflammation is characterized by increased redness, heat, pain, and swelling to an area.  Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce inflammation in various ways.  For example, spices like turmeric, ginger, […]
April 3, 2018

Antibacterial

There are many types of bacteria, and not all bacteria are bad.  Some good bacteria in the body help aid in digestion and fight infection.  Pathogenic bacteria can cause disease.  Wikipedia does an excellent job of categorizing and listing the most common types of bacteria:  Pathogenic Bacteria List. Antibacterial herbs […]
April 3, 2018

Anti-fungal

Certain herbs are known for their anti-fungal actions.  Most research studies have been in vitro; more human studies are necessary. Recipes to Help with Fungal Infections Blog Articles RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description […]
April 3, 2018

Antimicrobial

Herbs and essential oils are known for their antimicrobial potential, and have been studied for their abilities to inhibits or kill microbes including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and yeast.  It is important to understand therapeutic margin for each botanical, the amount at which a substance is both safe and effective to […]
April 3, 2018

Antioxidant

Antioxidant herbs, fruits, and vegetables have the potential to reduce oxidation, which can cause free radicals to form.  This can then contribute to aging and disease. Eat Your Colors! Antioxidants protect your cells!  They are found in the richly colorful fruits and vegetables that we eat.  Here are some examples: RED […]
April 4, 2018

Anti-parasite

Also called anthelmintic, anti-parasitic herbs can help the body eliminate or destroy worms and parasites such as tapeworm.  Significant essential oils studied include oregano and thyme, and herbs include wormwood and hyssop.  Caution is necessary when using herbs as anti-parasitics, related to their low therapeutic margin. Recipes to Help with […]
April 5, 2018

Alteratives

Alteratives are blood cleansing, and help the body to improve metabolic processes and thus work more efficiently absorbing nutrients, and removing wastes.   Examples of herbs include garlic, burdock, echinacea, dandelion, turmeric, holy basil, and yellow dock, plantain, and red clover.  Alterative herbs are best to be taken in small doses over […]
April 5, 2018

Cardiac Health / High Blood Pressure

Eating right is an important part of healthy blood flow.  Herbs for cardiac health can include tonic and hypotensive herbs and oils such as ginkgo, garlic, oats, hawthorn and oregano.  These herbs show potential in reducing blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of the arteries due to fatty […]