Garlic is an Ayurvedic herb that is truly multipurpose. Since prehistoric times, garlic has been used in treating number of diseases. Garlic is part of every Indian kitchen due to its healing properties. Garlic is supposed to be a divine herb and is a part of many classical Ayurvedic medicines. It is considered as one of the best herbs for maintaining the digestive tract to the optimum level.

Below are the some of the various applications of garlic.

· Cholesterol - Garlic is very helpful in lowering the cholesterol levels. It assists in lowering the LDL (low density lipoprotein). LDL is considered as the bad cholesterol as it deposits in the arteries that might lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis. Arthrosclerosis is a disorder in which plaque gets deposited in the arteries thereby blocking the normal flow of blood eventually leading to heart attack. Garlic is responsible for increasing the levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein). It is known as a good protein that helps in pacifying the affect of bad protein and helps in protecting us from major heart related troubles.

· Common cold and flu - Garlic is one of the best remedies for treating colds and the flu. It is a time tested remedy and has been used for this purpose for centuries. Garlic is highly potent and is a powerful agent that aids in suppressing any kind of infection present in the body. It improves the immunity of the body and is very helpful in protecting body from various ailments. It is also blessed with the properties that make it a mucolytic agent thereby expelling out the extra mucus that gets accumulated in the body.

· High blood pressure - Garlic is considered as the boon for people suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure. It is very helpful in maintaining the normal levels of blood pressure and also facilitates the proper circulation of blood throughout the body. It is also helpful in cleaning the plaque formation that occurs in the arterial walls in the body and is the root cause of heart attack. It is also very helpful in decreasing the increased lipid in the body their by manages triglycerides and cholesterol in the body.

· Natural mosquito repellent - Garlic contains a very peculiar smell that is due to presence of certain chemical agents that act as a natural repellent to mosquitoes. This property of garlic was widely used in India in ancient times to avoid mosquitoes interfering in the life of humans by causing disease like malaria, sickle cell anemia and various other disorders

· Powerful antibiotic - Garlic is well known for its antibiotic activities. Garlic is very helpful in suppressing any kind of infection present in the body especially in the blood. Though researches have also proved the action of garlic as aIn addition to being a broad spectrum antibiotic, garlic also has antiviral properties. In addition, bacteria will not become resistant as they tend to do with pharmaceutical antibiotics.

· Skin related ailments - Garlic is also helpful in treating the skin related problems as it is a good agent that curbs the infection in the body. It is also helpful in reducing any kind of pathogens in the blood and also improves the circulation. Due to this increased blood circulation the vital tissues and the skin gets fully nourished that leads to the good and glowing skin.

Author: Dr John Anne
About the author: Read more about the benefits of Holy Basil & Garlic - World’s Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/christing/150532387/

The human skin has many important functions such as:

1. Protection: Your skin is an anatomical barrier between the internal and external environment in bodily defense.

2.Sensation: Your skin contains a variety of nerve endings that react to heat, cold, touch, pressure, vibration, and tissue injury.

3. Heat regulation: Your skin contains a blood supply far greater than its requirements which allows precise control of energy loss by radiation, convection, and conduction. Dilated blood vessels increase perfusion and heat loss while constricted vessels greatly reduce cutaneous blood flow and conserve heat.

4. Control of evaporation: Your skin provides a relatively dry and impermeable barrier to fluid loss. Loss of this function contributes to the massive fluid loss in burns cases.

5. Storage and synthesis: Your skin acts as a storage center for lipids and water, as well as a means of synthesis of vitamin D and B by action of Ultra Violet energy on certain parts of the skin. This synthesis is linked to pigmentation, with darker skin producing more vitamin B than D, and vice versa.

6. Excretion: The concentration of urea is 1/130th that of urine. Excretion by sweating is at most a secondary function to temperature regulation.

7. Absorption: Oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide can diffuse into the epidermis in small amounts. Skin is an important site of transport in many other organisms.

With such diverse roles, it is no wonder that the skin is subject to constant attack and can be afflicted by numerous ailments. The skin is the barrier between the world and our own body, between the outer and inner environment. There are many elements in the outer environment that can cause inflammation or breakouts. There is now no question that these accumulated toxins are behind nearly every disease, symptom, injury, and malfunction of the body.

Free radicals are highly reactive chemical molecules and participate in unwanted reactions, causing tissue damage, and destructive effects on the human body. Free radicals attack protein, lipid, and nucleic acids and lead to a reduction in their respective functions, thereby decreasing cell function, and finally causing organ failure. The road to disease can be paved with a slew of toxins and free radicals that can bind to enzymes at a cellular level and inactivate them so that the cell no longer functions optimally. When toxins are not eliminated, they are reabsorbed back into the liver.

The liver works by filtering toxins directly as well as altering them so that they can be removed during the various stages of detoxification. The liver filters toxins from about 1 liter of blood every minute. Some of these endotoxins (produced in the body), exotoxins (from outside the body), and wastes are sent to the kidneys or the colon. Other toxins, made up of compounds that are difficult for the liver to filter, must be broken down with enzymes so that they can be removed. A properly functioning liver is vital to your health.

Western medicine relies on aggressive prescription drugs and surgery to deal with many problems related to health and aesthetics. Unfortunately, these methods often result in unwanted and even dangerous side effects. And natural pills provide fleeting, inconsistent results.

Ayurveda, the science of life, prevention, and longevity, is the oldest and most holistic and comprehensive medical system available. Its fundamentals can be found in Hindu scriptures called the Vedas - the ancient Indian books of wisdom written over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda uses the inherent principles of nature to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual’s body, mind, and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature.

India Herbs has a seasoned group of Ayurvedic doctors specialized in Vajikarana, one of the eight major specialties of Ayurveda. Vajikarana is “a process or a drug, which make a man as healthy as a ox and able to undergo many hours of physical rigors.” Vajikarana prescribes the therapeutic use of various herbal and tonic preparations for enhancing the condition of your hair, nails, and skin while strengthening your body and overall well-being.

India Herbs’ Vajikarana scientists combine a proprietary herbal formula based on centuries old wisdom with advice on diet, exercise, mental training, and relaxation to address the native inhibitory causes that affect hair, nail, and skin growth while helping both men and women reach their peak health and beauty through safe and natural means.

Results: The precise combination of ingredients in Radiancio along with a mind-body focus precisely addresses your health and beauty needs!

Author: S.A. Wilson
About the author: If you want to maximize your beauty or suffer from dull and fatigued-looking skin tone, acne, dry and lackluster hair, or weak and cracking nails, there is proven help available. India’s men and women have been reaping the powerful benefits of Ayurveda Medicine for the past 5,000 years!

http://www.india-herbs.com/aff/moremojo/radiancio

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/thebeesinmyribcage/1685094175/

As our environment becomes increasingly toxic, and with the average American battling obesity, IBS, infertility, fatigue and countless other problems caused by lifestyle, it is no surprise that experts are calling for us to cleanse and detoxify our bodies.

Cleansing is the elimination of toxins, stored wastes and other unwanted substances from the body. Detoxification is the body’s natural process of changing these harmful toxins into a less harmful form. Cleansing & detoxification are total body processes. A healthy body will cleanse and detoxify by utilizing the seven channels of elimination: liver, lungs, lymphatic system, kidneys, skin, blood, and bowel.

Each organ of elimination requires specific tools to properly function. For example, the liver uses amino acids and sulfur compounds. The colon is helped by our consumption of fiber, which promotes regularity and absorbs excess toxins, eliminating them in a healthy bowel movement. Sadly, due to relatively recent changes in our environment and diet, our body does not always get the nutritional support or tools it needs to successfully detoxify and eliminate properly.

For the bulk of our history, humans have practiced cleansing, fasting, and purification rituals to rid their body of toxic buildup due to lifestyle and environment. Historically, our ancestors not only recognized the need to cleanse and detoxify, but they would also address their diet and nutrition as a means of providing nourishment both during and following periods of cleansing.

For example, Europeans and Americans traditionally drank tonics, such as fortified vegetable juices and fermented drinks like Beet Kvass and Rejuvelac. They would take these tonics to support their health and wellbeing, as well as to provide energy during times of fasting or seasonal change. In the Ayurvedic tradition, they refer to their cleansing method as Pancha Karma, a seasonal dietary rejuvenation program. Individuals partake in Pancha Karma while simultaneously taking herbs and making lifestyle adjustments.

Digestive care experts encourage individuals to consume a well balanced diet, rich in whole foods. Such a diet favors fare high in macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, as well as phyto-nutrients and antioxidants. In the modern age, we can apply the lessons from our healthy ancestors, and adjust our diet so that we too can support our channels of elimination.

So choose a salad with your entrée or a smoothie for breakfast. Take supplemental fiber to assist your colon to cleanse and detoxify. These are simple changes that will go a long way to promote good health. They will help strengthen and nourish the constitution, as well as assist your body in the cellular processes required for health and survival.

Author: Cassandra Cox
About the author: Cassandra Cox is a 10-year veteran of the natural products industry. Having received her credentials as both a Nutritional Consultant and Digestive Care Specialist, she is passionate about nutrition and digestive care.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/debrisdesign/411833565/

A number of people wonder if yoga can improve their muscle fitness and strength levels. While they recognize that yoga can help reduce stress and increase flexibility and overall health , when it comes to increasing muscle fitness people think it might the most appropriate exercise to do the job. But, according to experts, yoga can definitely make you stronger.

If you would like to really put your daily fitness routine in overdrive and get better results than you ever have in the past, you really should consider adding yoga exercises into your home fitness workouts. Unlike traditional weight building exercises, in yoga your body provides the resistance. While you are not likely going to produce the bulked up muscles of some weight lifters, you will certainly increase your muscle strength. In addition, some balance postures require enormous muscle control in order to prevent you from falling over. This helps to build and strengthen your muscles. Aerobic exercise is great for burning calories, and strength training works very well for strengthening your muscle groups, but yoga goes far beyond either of those forms of exercise and can benefit you both physically and mentally.

In addition to all its other benefits, yoga can help you improve muscle fitness and make you actually feel and be stronger. Whether you choose to use it as your primary means of strength training or you want it to supplement your other exercises, yoga can help your muscles grow fit, balanced, and strong. In fact, many poses in yoga are done very slowly or you are required to stay in a specific posture during several breaths. In fact, those who have experienced it, support that it is much more challenging to your muscles to hold a pose or do it slowly than it is to allow momentum to move you through an action.

Furthermore, while in weight training, you isolate a specific muscle as you perform an exercise and this leads to a short, tightened muscles, the muscles you develop during exercising yoga are more likely to be elongated, because as you are strengthening them, you are simultaneously lengthening them. Particularly, practicing yoga can help realign your muscles, so they are more balanced. You truly work your entire body when you practice yoga as you do not focus on an isolated muscle, but actively recruit the smaller muscle groups as well. Finally, since you are not overworking any specific muscle group, you are less likely to get injured.

Concluding, this type of exercising has a number of mental benefits, as the yoga positions and breathing exercises helped people focus inward rather than on the outward distractions of their lives. According to related literatures, Yoga is a science that has been in place for thousands of years in the Indian culture. It consists of ancient theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection. Its aim is to unite the mind, body and spirit and if it is given the right tools and right environment, the body can find harmony and heal itself. Many support that this introspection helps them clear their mind and focus their attention on the more important things in their lives. In addition, regular yoga exercise routine can greatly reduced a person’s stress levels. Since many yoga poses and breathing techniques encourage extreme relaxation of body and mind those experiencing the mental benefits of yoga can get rid of their daily stress and its damaging influences.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://forahealthywoman.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://iwomensworld.net/ and http://thenursingcenter.com

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/shunpikie/326467017/

“Natural products can be good medicine when of high quality and used correctly. The multibillion-dollar industry offers a dizzying array of products. The article contains useful links for nutritional supplement rankings, the FDA and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Click here to read the full article at www.seattlepi.com |

Aromatherapy, commonly associated with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), is the use of volatile liquid plant materials, known as essential oils (EOs), and other aromatic compounds from plants to affect someone’s mood or health.

When aromatherapy is used for the treatment or prevention of disease, a precise knowledge of the bioactivity and synergy of the essential oils used, knowledge of the dosage and duration of application, as well as, naturally, a medical diagnosis, are required. In the Anglo-Saxon world, even among “natural” practitioners like herbalists or naturopaths, aromatherapy is regarded more as an art form than a valid healing science. At best, it is viewed as a complementary and seldom the only treatment prescribed.

In Europe, especially in France, where it originated, aromatherapy is incorporated into mainstream medicine. There, the use of the anti-septic properties of oils in the control of infections is emphasized over the more “touchy feely” approaches familiar to English speakers. In France some essential oils are regulated as prescription drugs, and thus administered by a physician. In many countries they are included in the national pharmacopeia, but up to the present moment aromatherapy as science has never been recognized as a valid branch of medicine in the United States, Russia or Germany.

Essential oils, phytoncides and other natural VOCs work in different ways. At the scent level they activate the limbic system and emotional centers of the brain. When applied to the skin in the form of massage oils they activate thermal receptors, and kill microbes and fungi.

Internal application of essential oil preparations, mainly in pharmacological drugs, may stimulate the immune system, urine secretion, may have antiseptic activity etc. Different essential oils have very different activity.; they are studied in pharmacology and aromachology.

While the practice of aromatherapy is sometimes thought to be confined to inhalation, it may include various methods, including:

* Inhalation (directly or diffused into the air)

* Absorption through the skin (baths, massages, compresses)

* Absorption through the mucous membranes (oral rinses and gargles)

* Ingestion (occasionally prescribed, with caveats)

Skeptics argue that while pleasant scents can be relaxing, lowering stress and related effects, there is currently insufficient scientific proof of the effectiveness of aromatherapy. Like many alternative therapies, few controlled, double-blind studies have been carried out. A common explanation is that there is little incentive to do so if the results of the studies are not patentable.

There are some treatments generally accepted in Western medicine to give a form of relief for the airways in case of cold or flu, such as mint and eucalyptus essential oils. Some skeptics acknowledge that aromatherapy has limited scientific support but argue that its claims go beyond the data or that the studies are not adequately controlled and peer reviewed.

The term “aromatherapy” has been applied to such a wide range of products that almost anything which contains essential oils is likely to be called an “aromatherapy product”, rendering the term somewhat meaningless in that context.

Some proponents of aromatherapy believe that the claimed effect of each type of oil is not caused by the chemicals in the oil interacting with the senses, but that the oil contains a distillation of the “life force” of the plant from which it is derived that will “balance the energies” of the body and promote healing or well-being by purging negative vibrations from the body’s energy field.

Arguing that there is little scientific evidence that healing can be achieved, or that the claimed “energies” even exist, many skeptics reject this form of aromatherapy as pseudoscience or even quackery.

Disclaimer: The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about aromatherapy.

Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more aromatherapy resources at: http://www.aromatherapy-centre.info and http://www.ebookpalace.com

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/kendiala/19527447/

The term naturopathic treatment covers a broad range of modalities that come under the umbrella of alternative medicines. All natural therapies aim to work with the body in treating the cause of illness, not just the symptoms. Naturopaths treat people holistically, taking into account not only their physiology, but also psychology and lifestyle.

Some examples of healing methods that come under this umbrella would be acupuncture, both Chinese and western herbal medicine, Indian ayurvedic medicine, chiropractic and massage, macrobiotics and energy work such as reiki and thought field therapies. Some are more accepted by doctors as having something to offer patients in assisting with maintaining their health, while others are frowned upon as being useless scams.

Naturopathy as a label has only been around for about one hundred years, but most alternative healing methods it covers are tradition-based medicines that have been used for much longer than we can prove. Ancient Egyptians, Native American Indians and Aborigines, to name a few, have used what they find in nature to heal their people and some of their recipes are successfully used today.

It is important to remember that all potent and potentially harmful medicines that are pharmaceutically produced have some plant derived ingredients. They are simply concentrated to the point where they are very powerful and sometimes damaging. Naturopaths have a motto that has been used since the 1800’s and that is to “do no harm”. Where prescription medications can have long-term side effects and even cause short-term discomfort, Naturopathic medicines are subtle in assisting. They work with the body, not against it and positive results can be felt quickly.

A Naturopathic medicine for a common cold for example will be ingredients to enhance the immune system, to help the body decongest and reduce inflammation, and probably something that is antiviral and antibacterial to eradicate germs more quickly. The medicines they use only encourage the bodies own ability to do all these things itself. If you buy an over the counter pharmaceutical treatment, it may cover your symptoms, but can deplete the immune system, dehydrate you and give you a false impression of health so you don’t allow your body the rest it needs to recover.

If your immune system is able to beat any illness on it’s own, it will be more robust and capable next time it is faced with similar circumstances. Seeing a Naturopath when you are in good health can also be a great idea. You can discuss things like Naturopathic medicines for energy levels, sleeping patterns, moods and even homeopathic mixtures to prevent generic diseases which may run in your family.

There are many different ways they can help with general health, and the less stressed you are and the stronger your immune systems, the less likely you will be to get sick in the first place. Visits to the Naturopathic center are usually covered by health insurance, so you can get similar insurance benefits as you would going to any other doctor.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about naturopathic treatment.

Author: Heather Colman
About the author: [Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather’s articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.

Image: Vancouver Acupuncture on Flickr.com

The use of herbal formulas to cleanse and detox the body has been used throughout the world and throughout the ages. Herbs can be used alone for their individual functions or together for a more complete cleanse. They are often used in conjunction with a fasting detox to accelerate and enhance the cleanse.

Herbs come in many forms such as tinctures, teas, powders, fresh, or dried. They can also be purchased as combinations as part of a cleanse program. Please be aware of potential drug interactions prior to taking any herbal remedies and check with your physician if you are pregnant or nursing.

Some of the more commonly used detox herbs are:

Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle helps cleanse the liver from alcohol, drugs, heavy metals as well as protecting the liver from future toxins. It is also a mild laxative and soothes and moistens mucus membranes.

Spirulina
Spirulina is actually a very safe whole food (not an herb) and can be eaten every day. It is a blue/green algae containing chlorophyll which is known as nature’s green magic for its cleansing capabilities. It also builds the immune system, lowers cholesterol, rebuilds intestinal flora. Effective in eliminating heavy metals and dioxins, spirulina is also a terrific source of protein, beta carotene, iron and GLA (an essential fatty acid).

Red Clover
Red clover cleanses the blood, increases urine & mucous production, improves circulation, and stimulates bile production.

Echinacea
Echinacea is used to cleanse and detox the lymphatic system.

Licorice Root
Licorice Root cleanses the colon, supports lung & spleen function, and promotes adrenal gland function. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and increases mucous fluidity in lungs.

Dandelion
In addition to dandelions many nutritional benefits, it provides urinary & glandular benefits, acts as a liver & kidney tonic and as a blood purifier.

This preceding list is a very small selection of helpful detoxing herbs. To learn more about herbal cleansing please visit the following site: Herbal Detox: www.healthrecipes.com
Author: Sheryl Lyon
Image: NYC - Queens - Flushing: Queens Botanical Garden - Herb Garden

A very effective method of detoxing the body that can be used alone or in conjunction with fasting and/or herbs is sweating. This is done through the use of saunas, steam rooms and hot baths.

Profuse therapeutic sweating is one of the most natural ways to assist your bodies natural detoxification because perspiration is designed to eliminate waste from your body. Skin has been called the “third kidney” for its incredible waste removal capabilities.

The increase in body temperature caused by these techniques induces an artificial fever. This increase in temperature leads to an increased immune system function, increased production of white blood cells, increased metabolism, and increased heart rate and blood flow. Many believe that toxins lodge in fat cells beneath the skins surface. Sweating is the easiest and closest exit point for these toxins.

Although steam rooms and hot baths can feel hotter than a dry sauna because of the humidity, the temperature is actually lower and much of the water you feel on your body is condensation rather than sweat. For this reason, many experts recommend FIR infrared saunas instead. In addition, infrared saunas are more energy efficient, offer a high comfort level, and usually provide a deeper penetration of heat which in turn provides a more substantial detox.

Dr. Mercola recommends far-infrared saunas and even includes instructions on how to build your own simple sauna for home use for under $75.

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant please exercise caution when using steam, saunas, hot tubs, or baths. Hyperthermia (increase in body temperature) is linked with fetal neural tube defects especially during the early weeks of pregnancy. Some countries like Germany routinely recommend the use of saunas for pregnant women so blanket statements about safety certainly do not apply, but if you do decide to use a sauna, do not spend more than 10-12 minutes in the heat and then be sure to cool down completely.

Learn more about sauna benefits at:
www.mercola.com
www.wikipedia.com/sauna

Image: Finnish Sauna Society

This method of self-hypnosis is a perfect marriage between the Eastern and Western concepts of health management and overall well-being.” NaturalHealthBlog
Try the Seishindo meditation out for yourself at NaturalHealthWeb.com and learn more about Seishindo at seishindo.org