GHS Natural Health Blog

Herbal medicine or Herbalism is the component of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (C.A.M.) which has to do with the use of herbs and their extracts for various conditions therapy and it is based on traditional and folk recipes from all over the world. Medical herbal products are used more and more in the modern western world for natural healing. Many herbs have been used for centuries and have been proved to be beneficial for various diseases treatment. Herbs are natural products, but this often leads to a common misunderstanding. Herbs and herbal extracts and supplements are not harmless. They should be used only under the guidance of an experienced herbalist, physician, GP or doctor.

In order herbs to be used safely it advisable to observe the next precautions:

• Ask your doctor for advice whenever you have any doubt.
• Ask your doctor for the appropriate dose.
• Women during pregnancy should be very careful and never use any herbal medicine without the permission of the responsible gynaecologist.
• Diseased persons who take drugs, should be very cautious when using herbal products because of possible interaction with the drugs.
• Beware of fraud or adulterated products.
• Special attention should be paid when buying herbal products on internet.
• Search for reliable information and ignore unconfirmed rumors about herbs, before trying any remedy.

Probably you do not know what is the definition of the word Herb, but it is most possible to have drunk an herbal tea or used a nutrition supplement. Herbs are called the plants or usually the useful part of them that are used for therapeutic or alimentary purposes. Herbs they have special scent or favor and this why they have drawn our ancestors’ attention. Nowadays, there is a fast growing market which merchandise herbs (fresh or usually dried), herbal teas or products with herbal substances as principal ingredients (tablets, powders etc.).

There are a few hundreds herbs that grow all over the world. Several of them have therapeutic attributes and are used as natural or pharmaceutical medicine, many others are used only in cooking and some dozens are harmless for external uses but very dangerous if taken internally. Although herbs are generally wild plants that grow in mountains, forests or leas, some of them can easily grow in a home garden or even indoor! Some of the most popular and commonly used herbs are: Basil (Ocimum Basilicum), Chamomile (Chamaemilum nubile), Oregano (Origanum vulgare), Garlic (Tulbhagia violacea), Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Ginger (Pelargonium x nervosum).

As mentioned above, herbal teas and nutrition supplements can promote general health and wellness. If you search for the maximum success you should combine the herbal extracts digestion with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Herbs are great immune system booster and body functions regulators. Moreover, they offer essential nutrients and promote heart’s operation. What is more, herbs have anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties, while they can contribute to a better vision, memory and energy. Additionally, herbal medical products believed to be effectual digestive enhancer. Last but not least, drinking herbal teas can help you achieve calmness, clear mind and improve quality of sleep.

Reference: George Kakaris

Alternative medicine has risen so quickly in popularity that many forms of alternative medicine treatments have been brought into the spotlight. The alternative medicine massage treatment is among these.

Massage is a great way to relax the body and take away the stress and problems of the day. The more common reasons that people get an alternative medicine massage is to rid their body of kinks and to feel refreshed afterwards.

The History of Hilot

Hilot as an alternative medicine massage originated from the Philippines. There are several varieties of this kind of alternative medicine massage. It has been a useful way of treating so many things from the flu to sprains and even dislocations. It is embedded in the culture of the country and there are, up to this very day, a few people who practice this type of alternative medicine massage.

The mang-hihilot or masseuse tends to guard their secrets methods of kneading and herbs that this is now uncommon to get a person who is skilled at it. Due to the close guarding of the trade secrets of the masseuse, they only teach their close relatives this art of alternative medicine massage in order to keep the family line going. It is uncommon today to actually have a Hilot that is performed by someone with ancient heritage.

Hilot goes as far back as the 5th century in the tribes of the Filipino people. It is unfortunate to note that there are no written facts or documents regarding the exact ways of this alternative medicine massage. What has been handed down from generation to generation of mang-hihilot contains variations added or subtracted by the current masseuse.

Uses Of This Alternative Medicine Massage

The hilot type of massage is often used to alleviate aches and pains due to overwork or stress. It is also common for a hilot masseuse to attend to a pregnant woman during birth or to change the position of the baby.

Other hilot massages also help to ease the pain of a sprain or a dislocation. These massages can be painful therefore the person giving the hilot usually asks the individual to chew on some leaves or to take a brew which can alleviate pain. Although the pain can be very intense to begin with, many claim that the medicinal value in the future fare outweighs the temporary discomfort of the treatment.

This form of alternative medicine massage is very effective especially for the stress related aches and pains. Many of todays clients of hilot massages are doctors, lawyers, stockbrokers, and real estate brokers. These high stress jobs require a release of stress and many have found that massage is the perfect way.

It is typically done with the accompaniment of virgin coconut oil to rub or knead at the muscles. After a hilot session, you are usually warned not to bathe for approximately twenty four hours. This is because the special oils used in the hilot session are rumored to only work if given enough time to soak in though the skin.

Reference:-  Hilot massage

• Garlic (Allium sativum). Garlic is an antifungal antiseptic and is effective in treating tinea conditions. Steep several cloves of garlic in some olive oil for one to three days. Strain the garlic cloves from the mixture and dab the oil on the affected area with a cotton ball.
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Ginger contains caprylic acid which is good for fungal infections. To make a ginger tonic simply add one ounce of crushed ginger to a cup of boiling water and let it simmer for 20 minutes. When the mixture is cool enough to use, simply apply it to the affected areas using a cotton ball.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Licorice has 25 fungicidal compounds and has been used by the Chinese to treat Tinea conditions. Make a strong brew using five to seven teaspoons of dried herb to a cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 20 minutes. When it is cool simply apply it to the affected areas with a cotton ball.
• A mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax may help heal fungal infections of the skin.
• Pau d’Arco is also a wonderful antifungal herb. It has powerful Anti-viral and Anti-biotic properties.

The medicinal benefits of herbs have been well documented. Many of the spices that we use to flavor our food can also help to heal us. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common herbs and how they can benefit us more than just my simply spicing up our favourite meals.

Garlic: Garlic is a very healthy herb. It has shown to significantly reduce the amount of fatty deposits in the arteries by up to 50%. It also helps to stop clots from forming. Garlic can easily be added to dishes to make them more tasty. If you have a problem with “garlic breath,” you may want to use a supplement.

Mint: There are many, many types of mint. The most popular ones are spearmint and peppermint. For individuals who are interested in growing their own herbs, mint is an easy one to grow. Of all herbs, mint is probably the one with the most documented evidence. Mints are fantastic for soothing stomach pain. They are also great for obtaining fresh breath.

Basil: Basil works well in helping to improve memory, and calm the nervous system. It also is an effective herb to clear the lungs, remedy ear aches and treat fungi infections.

Lavender: The herb lavender is known to help alleviate headaches and to help individuals who suffer from insomnia fall asleep. Using this herb in oil is a perfect way to administer it.

Marjoram: Marjoram is great for soothing and calming.

Parsley: Parsley is well known for its diuretic properties. It is especially good for women going through menopause who are retaining water. There is also some evidence that parsley helps to lower high blood pressure in very mild cases.

Rosemary: Rosemary is an excellent herb to take when one is suffering from poor circulation, headaches or memory lapses. It is also good for fighting bad breath.

Yarrow: Yarrow not only has bodily healing properties, it also is great in attracting beauty. Butterflies are attracted to this herb, making it a good way to entice them to your garden.  Yarrow is also excellent for treating skin abrasions and cuts. It also helps to promote healing. Some individuals use yarrow to treat physical problems ranging from hemorrhoids to headaches.

Wormwood: When mixed with caraway or peppermint, wormwood can be used to sooth stomach pain and irritable bowel syndrome. It is best taken as a tea. It is important to note that wormwood has been declared unsafe by the FDA, due to thuione, which is found in wormwood and is dangerous for the liver.

Garlic, mint, basil, lavender, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, yarrow and wormwood are all herbs with outstanding healing properties. They are also all very easy to grow, making it very simple for an interested person to grow their own and benefit from them all year long.  There is no need to purchase them expensively in the store, when you can successfully grow them yourself.

Because many people enjoy having their food seasoned with herbs, it is really never difficult to incorporate them into one’s diet, which makes them incredibly convenient to consume. Be sure to add fresh herbs whenever you can and benefit from both their delicious flavor and their healing properties.