Herbal Healing for Cat and Dog Diabetes

Natural herbs have been used over the ages to manage blood-sugar levels in humans, without using insulin. Only recently has cat and dog diabetes become a problem due to lack of exercise combined with improper food habits. Here is my list of four healing herbs you can use to help your furry diabetic friend.

Cat and dog diabetes are common in North American pets, with the majority of pet owners turning to natural treatments for pets with diabetes. Using natural diabetic treatments for cat and dog diabetes allows owners of pets with diabetes to naturally lower blood glucose levels, reverse insulin resistance, stimulate natural insulin production and avoid painful injections – all with no side effects of any consequence.

The successful treatment of dog diabetes lies in four primary herbs whose beneficial actions have stood the test of time: Turmeric root, Gymnema sylvestre, Bitter Melon, and Fenugreek seeds. Steeped into a tea or as a natural herbal extract, each herb has its own properties to treat cat or dog diabetes and keep the animal in good health while balancing blood-sugar.

A major herb used for treating dog diabetes, turmeric root, is part of the ginger spice family. The herb has a slightly bitter flavor but also a hot peppery flavor with a mustard smell. It is also known as Indian Saffron or Curcuma longa and is native to tropical South Asia.

Turmeric Root plays a major role in combating insulin resistance, inflammation and a reduction in body weight. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, used in India for thousands of years. Turmeric has been used as a general pain reliever, to aid digestion, an antibiotic, a natural antiseptic, and for many years has been known for its anti-inflammatory properties. There are numerous health problems that respond well to turmeric besides dog diabetes. These include

Alzheimer’s Disease Arthritis Colon cancer Cystic fibrosis Inflammation-related obesity Insulin resistance Liver problems Melanoma Pancreatic cancer Rheumatism Type 2 diabetes

Gymnema sylvestre is part of Ayurvedic herbal medicine, nicknamed the “destroyer of sugar.” Chewing on its leaves reduces the taste of sugar in foods that enter the mouth. It originated from the tropical forests of central and western India, Australia and tropical Africa, and has been used as a natural diabetic treatment for close to two millennia. Only recently has Gymnema sylvestre entered the United States and Europe. Clinical studies show that Gymnema is an effective dog diabetes treatment, reducing blood sugar levels in dogs over time.

Bitter MelonIn 2008, a study by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica gathered four compounds from fresh bitter melon that was found to activate the enzyme AMPK. This is important because the enzyme AMPK is a protein that regulates fuel metabolism and enables glucose uptake to treat both human and dog diabetes with no known side effects.

“We can now understand at a molecular level why bitter melon works as a treatment for diabetes,” said Professor David James, Director of the Diabetes and Obesity Program at Garvan. “By isolating the compounds we believe to be therapeutic, we can investigate how they work together in our cells.” Without technology and advances in science, analyzing something as simple as bitter melon and how its compounds work on dog diabetes could never be done.

Bitter melon, also called bitter gourd, is grown in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. It has been a traditional remedy for diabetes mellitus in the Pacific and Indian Ocean islands, lowing blood sugar in type 1 and type 2 diabetes (in its extract form). In addition to dog diabetes, bitter melon is also used for

Anticancer Antiviral Cardio-protective Constipation Gastrointestinal disease Immunomodulation Digestive aid

Fenugreek seeds are used as an herb and a food spice. It is primarily grown in India, with many people eating them like sunflower seeds. More commonly, Fenugreek seeds are used in the famous Curry dish or to taste as salt and pepper.

Used for dog diabetes and in people, in proper doses fenugreek seeds will reduce active hyperglycemia. The compound’s powers are in its seeds. Some diabetics report good results soaking the Fenugreek seeds overnight to make a couple cups of morning and evening tea, achieving a drop of 20 to 30 BS points.

Fenugreek seeds, Turmeric root, Gymnema sylvestre and Bitter Melon make up the legendary formula for Primalix Blood-Sugar Balance, an herbal extract trusted by pet lovers everywhere for cat and dog diabetes.

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Growing Herbs In Your Garden

Why would you want to grow herbs in your garden? Fresh herbs are awesome. I love just putting basil leaves on a tuna sandwich and in salads. For the culinary lovers herbs are something they need fresh. Herbs serve as a major source for seasoning in preparation of foods. Herbs have a wider range of use. Some are used for scents and cosmetics while others for medicinal purposes. Effective ayurvedic herbs and Chinese healing herbs are indications of the ancient remedies. Some herbs are believed to have possessed magical charms and many a story has been written about magical potions. Herbs and spices have been major sources of trade between kingdoms and countries.

Herbs of yore are being rediscovered by modern science for fragrances and curing illness. Our ancestors knew the uses for almost every wild non-poisonous plant. Some of these plants were needed in the garden more as they never had refrigerator or the modern preservatives. These herbs served in many purposes like dyeing homespun fabrics, storing with linen to prevent insects and adding fragrance, preserving or enhancing the tastes of food.

Herb Gardens were almost an essential feature of pioneer homes. Sunny corners of the house that were readily accessible to home makers were planted with seasoning herbs. Wild crafted Herbs that grew wild in the country side were also grown in the garden. Gardeners are not rediscovering the value of these herbs and are taking pleasure in producing their own herbs. Herbs can be classified according to their use: culinary, aromatic, ornamental and medical.

Culinary herbs

These are the most useful to herb gardeners. Garnishes and flavoring is where they are used more. A common list is Parsley, Sage, Chives, Thyme, Savory, Marjoram, Mint and Basil.

Aromatic Herbs

This sweet smelling foliage has been used for producing perfumes. Flowers are mostly used but even plant parts are used. Dried herbs retain their aroma for longer periods. Some aromatic herbs are Mint, Marjoram, Lovage, Lavender, Rosemary and Basil.

Ornamental Herbs

These herbs have bright flower and foliage. Variegated Thyme, Chives, Lavender as well as Valerian with crimson blossoms and borage and chicory with blue flowers are some ornamental herbs.

Medicinal Herbs

Some plants are thought to have healing powers. Modern science has researched and recognized some herbs as true healers while others have been said to be over rated in healing powers. Some of these herbs must be consumed carefully or it could result in dangerous consequences.

Gardeners Classification

Annuals, Biennials, and perennials are so called because of the nature of blooming and life span of the herb.

o Annuals bloom one season and then die. These herbs include Anise, Basil, Chervil, Coriander, Dill, Summer Savory, etc.

o Biennials live for two seasons. They bloom only in the second season. These include Caraway, Parsley, etc.

o Perennials bloom each season. These include Chives, Fennel, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Tarragon, Thyme, Winter Savory, etc.

Gardeners Tips for you

o If you intend to begin an herb garden then your guide to herbs for you to are Winter Savory, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Basil, Dill, Mint, Marjory, Parsley, Chives and Summer Savory. You could choose any other herb to grow in your garden but know whether they are annuals, biennials or perennials.

o Herbs do not grow in wet soil. Good drainage is a must. Improve drainage by placing a 5 inch layer of crushed stones 15 to 18 inches below the top soil.

o Mix the soil with compost and sand to lighten the texture and increase fertility. Do not use fertilizers as highly fertile soils produce excess foliage with poor flavor.

o Almost all herbs can be grown from seeds. If possible sow seeds in shallow boxes in late winter and transplant these seedlings outdoors in spring. Anise, coriander, dill and fennel can be sown directly. Biennials should be sown in late spring directly into the ground. You could obtain an indoor herb garden kit and start of growing herbs indoors as well.

o Cutting and division is a useful method in propagating certain herbs.

o Harvesting in the form of picking the leaves is to be done when the plant has enough foliage to maintain growth. Harvest leaves before the flower buds open. This is when the flavor is at the peak . Pick seed heads when the color changes from green to brown or gray.

o Very few diseases or insects attack herbs. Rust infects mints and aphids may attack Caraway, Fennel, Dill and Anise.

o You could refrigerate or even dry herbs for later use.

Fever In Children – Ayurvedic Concept And Management

Ayurveda an ancient medical system, jwara (fever) can be said as the body’s natural way of burning ama (toxins) and one should not suppress it but if it goes beyond 102 degrees then one should take care to lower it

During fever, body tries to digest ama (toxins) and protect itself. In this process excess heat is produced which is tolerated by the body and it will not exceed the body limit. To bring down the fever we take some antipyretic drugs which break the above process and at that time our body will use its full potential to treat the ama and at times this will lead to fits.

Usually convulsions (fits) occur occur with high fever (usually at temperature >40 degree Celsiuses), but may also be seen at lower temperature when there is a sudden rise in body temperature and are seen in children between 6 months and 6 years.

Children are often prone to fever due to their weak immunity and hence one should treat fever with ayurvedic herbal medicines and dietary guidelines to support and strengthen their immune system. In children fever is associated with kapha dosha which is just opposite to pitta qualitites which has a symptoms of low apetite, nasal or chest congestion etc.,

Children should be made to take ample rest.



They should drink a plenty of warm liquids to support the digestive fire and elimination of ama .



Cold sponging to be given incase the fever is more than 101 F.



Warm ginger tea kindles agni and Tulsi tea when taken before bed time works wonder by lowering the fever by promoting sweat.



Home remedy for lowering fever can be done by rubbing fresh onion juice to the child’s navel region.



Also apply a cool cloth to the forehead to protect the brain.



Mahasudarshan is also very useful for high fevers.

As children are very delicate it is always better to consult an ayurvedic physician before treating them.

Tulsi – An Ayurvedic ‘Adaptogen’

Welcome to the fifth installment on the medical practice of Ayurveda, perhaps the oldest documented form of medicine on the planet, and the natural treatments it utilizes. In this article our focus is on “Holy Basil,” or Tulsi which has been used for thousands of years in India for emotional and physical ailments.

Though basil is grown on all continents, Tulsi, or holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), is unique to the Indian subcontinent. The plant itself appears as a shrub that grows around 18 inches in height. The variety of the Tulsi plant will dictate its color, appearing from green to purple with small, oval-shaped leaves and lavender flowers. Within these leaves are a rich source of essential oils, including eugenol, nerol, camphor, and a variety of terpenes and flavonoids. The importance of these oils will be understood as you read on.

First of all, Tulsi has strong anti-oxidant properties that improve the body’s ability to fight free radical cellular damage. If you have read the past articles in this series, by now you are seeing a pattern in Ayurveda. Amalaki, Ginger, and now Tulsi all share anti-oxidant properties that are known to fight off ‘dis-ease’ and the toxic effects of aging, and Ayurvedic Medicine is rich with such botanicals.

Think about this for a moment. When was the first time you heard the term “free radicals” or “anti-oxidant”? Maybe ten years ago? These concepts have been popularized in western medicine and nutrition in the last two decades. Medical literature has since focused on the oxidative damage we inflict on our bodies through diet, stress and lifestyle choices. As a consequence, many “anti-aging” products are popularized in the marketplace. Ayurvedic and Eastern Medicine has known for centuries that it is essential to maintain a healthy balance of body and mind, which is a reason why these disciplines have flourished worldwide and are now embraced in the West.

Exactly how the practice of Ayurveda helps in balancing the body, mind and spirit is the key to this article and the title. Within both Western (Allopathic) and Eastern (Ayurveda & Chinese) Medicines, research has discovered there are certain compounds and chemicals that modulate the body’s response to stress. Meaning, these compounds actually help the body fight the effects of ongoing stress. I am talking about internal stress, such as an improper diet or persistently negative thoughts, as well as the external stressors, like working at a high-stress, low reward job for example.

Tulsi, like Amalaki described before, is thought to be an ‘adaptogen’ that can actually assist your mind and body to balance all stress placed upon it. In a manner of speaking, Tulsi has a calming effect on whole person and acts like the Ayurvedic equivalent of an anti-anxiety medication.

Additionally, recent research studies unveil an impressive array of health benefits supporting the traditional uses of Holy Basil. Tulsi has significant respiratory benefits of maintaining the health of the chest and lungs, partially through its anti-inflammatory effects. As we know, the process of inflammation is the cause of many diseases, and Tulsi also aids in prevention of gastric ulcers and in gingival and periodontal disease. Recent research, more so in Eastern Medicine, focuses on the use of Tulsi in prevention and cure in cardiovascular disease, cancer, Arthritis, Diabetes and Dementia. To find specific clinical studies, refer to the PUBMED website where up to date research on all Ayurvedic herbs can be found.

Lastly, what of those aforementioned oils within Holy Basil and their health benefits? Those oils have a specific role in defending against infections from bacteria, viruses and fungi, making Tulsi a widely recognized antiseptic. Another pattern you have likely noticed from this article series on Ayurveda is the vast and differing ailments the natural botanicals treat. This is almost counterintuitive if you have been raised in western culture and with Allopathic Medicine since the rule is often one medication for one disease. If that one medication is ineffective or partially effective, then a second is added and perhaps a third. The botanicals in Ayurveda are versatile and work synergistically, clearly unique aspects of this medical practice.

How does one find Tulsi? Like Ginger and Turmeric described in past articles, Holy Basil and its oils are available in the West, Tulsi is not as ubiquitous as the others. Natural health food stores and Eastern Medicine (Ayurveda & Chinese) clinics are likely to have Tulsi in some forms. One can also grow the plant from seeds if you have the ambition.

Thanks for reading and for more information on Ayurveda and products making their way to the West, follow the link below.

The next article will introduce you to Ayurveda’s answer to weight loss and the remarkable fat-burning botanical responsible for this. Until then, enjoy and have a healthy, happy day.

To Your Health And Longevity,

Dr. Kevin Rosi

Shilajit Facts – Energy Medicines And Shilajit

SHILAJIT generally speaking is a concentrated historic plant life essentially from the Himalayan region. It is a rich mineral pitch in it’s raw form. Shilajit is a compact mass of vegetable organic matter, composed of a gummy matrix interspersed with vegetable fibres and minerals. Substances which have been identified in Shilajit include moisture, gums, albuminoids, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, silica, resin, vegetable matter, magnesium, sulphur, iron, chloride, phosphorous, iodine, glycosides, tannic acid, benzoic acid and a number of vitamins and enzymes.

In the Eastern world, a compound known as Shilajit (silajit) has a history of use as a folk remedy for various disorders, including genito-urinary diseases, diabetes, gall stones, jaundice, enlarged spleen, fermentative dyspepsia, worms, digestive disorders, piles, epilepsy, nervous disorders, eczema, anemia, anorexia, asthma etc. Shilajit has also been used as a tonic to help retain youthful vigor. Shilajit has been administered either by itself or in combination with certain other ayurvedic (herbal) medicines.

Shilajit over and above its nutritional and herbal content has novel energetic properties. Measurement of subtle energy changes indicate that Shilajit has a vibratory field that is substantially stronger than any vitamin, mineral, food substance or herb. Its vibratory field is also stronger than the vibratory fields of any of the known ingredients which make up Shilajit, when these ingredients are tested as pure substances from non-Shilajit sources.

Vibrational medicine treats the human body by integrating and balancing the energetic systems which influence cellular patterns of manifestation. The basis for vibrational medicine is the finding that a series of interacting subtle energy systems help regulate cellular physiology. When a small amount of Shilajit is added to a vitamin or mineral preparation, the energetic properties of the vitamin or mineral preparation are enhanced. The addition of Shilajit to vitamin or mineral preparations imparts to the preparations an energetic quality above and beyond their nutritional content. As well, the energetic quality of Shilajit-fortified vitamin and mineral preparations support or enhance a user’s bioenergetic field.

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Rock Life With Shilajit

Shilajit or Silajit is used in the Ayurveda and also top most traditional Indian system of medicine with a blessing of god to the mankind and also considered as amrit from God, given to them to live life youthfully and become immortal. Shilajit is a material that enhances strength, stamina, and stress relief. The color of Shilajit is pale brown to blackish brown and slimy to touch, pure and heavy. Shilajit contain at least 85 types of minerals in Ionic form, including triterpenes, himic acid, fulvic acid and aromatic carboxylic acid. Shilajit has been used since centuries but it was not known to the western world earlier.

Sanskrit meaning of Shilajit is Rock Like – the power to make human body like a rock enabling it to withstand the ravages of time. Shilajit have to be found in the Himalayan Mountains In India, Tibet, China and other region in the Himalayan belt. Shilajit is the end product of the plants which are trapped in rocks, decomposed and preserved due to high pressure. There are some factors for composition of this drug, like the species of plants involved, climatic conditions and altitude. Shilajit is a pure and natural herbal product, which is very useful in many diseases and serves as a potent tonic and one of the powerful ant aging herb and rejuvenator.

Benifits of Shilajit for both men & women: 1. Shilajit is an antioxidant, which stops generation of free radicals in the body and provides youthful life for longer time. 2. Shilajit purifies the blood & control blood pressure. 3. It is useful in Depression, Mental Stress, Mental Fatigue as well as Mental Concentration. 4. Shilajit is a very good pain relieving effect in any kind of injury and muscular pain. 5. Shilajit regulates the blood sugar level and well used in treating diabetes cases. 6. It is also helpful in making skin appear shiny, fresh and glowing. 7. It is a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent that reduce acute chemically induced edema by 77%. 8. It is also helpful in urinary problems. 9. Shilajit is helpful therapy in piles and fistula related problems. 10. It also increases the core energy responsible for our sexual and spiritual power.

Proper way of taking Shilajit: Shilajit is very safe herb for anyone and everyone to take. 2 Capsules per day is sufficient until to achieved the desired results.

Shilajit Side Effects: It is being used traditionally since ages and it is also being used in the ayurvedic herbal medicines since many centuries, there is no significant side effects seen. But there is lack of studies as far as the clinical safety is concerned. Take proper dosages for its good results.

Now a days Shilajit has been verified, approved and patents offered by United States and also there are many testimonials from people who are taking this drug have been received improvements beyond their expectations. It is a very rare and most popular drug in nature and this is the reason for his high value. The best quality of Shilajit is found in only India with other names of asphaltum, girij and mineral pitch.

Ayurvedic Remedies For High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure means high pressure in the arteries. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Hypertension can be classified as either essential (primary) or secondary. Essential hypertension means that no medical cause can be found to explain the raised blood pressure. It is common. Secondary hypertension indicates that the high blood pressure is a result of another condition, such as kidney disease or tumors.

Symptoms of Hypertension:

The first symptoms of hypertension may appear as a pain at the back of the head and neck on waking in the morning, which soon disappear. Some of the other common symptoms are dizziness, palpitations, pain in the region of the heart, frequent urination, nervous tension, fatigue, and difficulty in breathing.

Causes of Hypertension:

The chief causes of hypertension are stress and a faulty style of living. Smoking and an excessive intake of intoxicants, tea, coffee, and refined foods destroy the natural pace of life and prevent the expulsion of waste and poisonous matter from the body. Hardening of the arteries, obesity, and diabetes lead to hypertension. Other cause of hypertension are an excessive intake of common table salt, and eating a high fat and low fiber diet.

High Blood Pressure and ayurveda:

Along with herbal treatment, ayurveda stresses on a healthy balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, yoga and meditation for the treatment of high blood pressure.

Diet :

Diet should be in such a way that it reduces body weight and excess fat, thereby reducing the blood pressure. Therefore the following diet is recommended

A vegeterian diet including the following is ideal for hypertension – Garlic, lemon, parsley, bitter gourd, drumstick etc.
Fresh fruits like Indian gooseberry, grapes, banana, guava, and watermelon are consider beneficial.
The quantity of salt used should be decreased.
Red meat and eggs should be completely avoided.
Coffee should be avoided.
Quantity of oil used should be reduced and completely avoid the use of hydrogenated oils.
reduce the intake of cereals and pulses.
Regular exercise, practicing yoga and meditation are very effective.
Sound sleep and proper rest is very essential.
Avoid anger, tension, anxiety and loud speaking, and smoking.
Laughter therapy is consider a good natural treatment of high blood pressure.
Home remedies for High Blood Pressure:

Garlic: It slows down the pulse rate and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath, and the formation of gas within the digestive tract. It may be taken in the form of raw cloves or two to three capsules a day.

Indian gooseberry: A tablespoon each of fresh amla juice and honey mix together should be taken every morning as an effective Ayurvedic treatment for hypertension.

Lemon: The vitamin P found in lemon is essential for preventing capillary fragility

Grapefruit: The vitamin P content in the fruit is helpful in toning up the arteries.

Watermelon: The seeds of watermelon, dried and roasted, should be taken in liberal quantities. Rice: It makes a perfect diet for hypertension who have been advice salt-restricted diets. Calcium in brown rice, in particular, soothes and relaxes the nervous system and helps relieve the symptoms of high blood pressure. Potato: Potatoes, specially in boiled form, are a valuable food for lowering blood pressure.

Parsley: It keeps the arterial system in a healthy condition. It may be taken as a beverage by simmering 20gm of fresh parsley leaves gently in 250ml of water for a few minutes. This may be drunk several times daily.

Rauwolfia: Among the herbs, rauwolfia is the best Ayurvedic remedy for high blood pressure. The root of the drug in a powdered form is used. Half a teaspoon of this drug should be taken thrice a day.

Vegetable juice: Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot and spinach, taken separately or in combination, are also beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Dietary calcium and potassium: These two essential nutrients help the body secret excess sodium and are involve in important function which control the working of the vascular system. Potassium is found in abundance in fruits and vegetables, and calcium in diary products.

Useful Ayurvedic herbs for high Blood Pressure:

Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemose), Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalicroides), Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliaturn), Dong quai (Angelica sinesis), Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), Hawthorn (crataegus oxyacantha), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Javal devil pepper (Rauwolfia serpentina), Myrrh, Sanicle (Sanicula europaea), Skullcap root (Scutellaria baicalensis), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and Wild cherry bark (Prunus serotina).

Preventive Measures for Hypertension

Hypertension prevention include maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, following a healthy eating plan, that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy foods, choosing and preparing foods with less salt and sodium and drinking in moderation.

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Take Care of Dental Pain With Natural Toothache Remedies

Since the ancient times many cultures from around the world have used medicinal herbs for relief from pain caused by toothache. For much of human history these natural toothache remedies have been employed to help the sufferer get some respite from relentless dental pain. It should emphasized that the practice of modern dentistry is a relatively new development in human civilization. Some of the medicinal herbs used for dental pain relief include yarrow, tarragon, cloves and calendula. Here are three examples:

1. Yarrow is a wild flowering plant that grows in meadows, open-fields and woodlands all over Asia, Europe and North America. Yarrow is used in herbal medicine all over the world thanks to its unique astringent properties. Throughout history the yarrow plant has been utilized for everything from staunching bleeding to curing headaches and toothaches. Freshly ground yarrow roots applied directly to the tooth or gums acts as an anesthetic and relieves the dull throbbing pain commonly associated with toothache.

2. The dried flower buds of an evergreen tree, cloves historically only grew in tropical climates, but today can be found all over the globe. Cloves are used as a spice in Indian, Mexican, Indonesian and Vietnamese cuisine for their unique flavor. They are also used in many traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Studies have shown that clove oil applied to the area of a toothache will have an immediate pain-numbing effect, even more so than other natural toothache remedies.

3. Native to the eastern United States and Canada’s southeast, the butternut tree is a relative of the black walnut tree and can grow as tall as 60 feet. Butternut trees spring up all over the place, and can be found in rich woodlands, along riverbeds and even in many backyards. The butternut tree bears leaves and fruits similar to its cousin the black walnut tree, but it is the light grey bark of the butternut tree that provides soothing comfort for toothache sufferers. Native Americans have known of the painkilling properties of the butternut tree bark for centuries; a common remedy for alleviating toothache pain was to directly apply the inner butternut tree bark to the gums.

These were just a few examples of the many herbs still in use today for treating toothaches. Although none of these herbal remedies are recommended as a replacement for a dentist, they can offer some quick pain relief before a visit to the dentist’s chair. It must be remembered that these simple herbal concoctions were the primary way in which toothaches were treated for many millennia. In a time before modern anesthesia and synthetic painkillers, the only way to numb dental pain was by the use of such natural toothache remedies, or with a shot of strong alcohol before the offending tooth was pulled out by a pair of pliers. Consult your dentist for more information on effective natural herbal medication for dealing with toothaches.

Herbs and Yoga For Healing

Herbs and Their Healing Powers

Through the ages, herbs were a critical component of most of the traditional and holistic therapies. They were the most vital medicinal agents all over the world and across various cultures. The West had used herbs extensively to cure various ailments and in the East, India and China had made significant progress in herbal science. The practice of the herbal science was mostly restricted to men who were involved in spiritual and religious activities and many of the herbs actually remained unknown to the common man for thousands of years. But as the various religious institutions lifted their restrictions and opened their collection of medicinal literature to men from outside, the knowledge of herbal science slowly became available in the public domain.

Today, yoga borrows the best of the herbs from all over the world. The knowledge is already there, and practitioners of yoga are making full use of it. So when we talk about yoga and herbs, we do mean ayurveda to a large extent. But it goes beyond ayurveda too. Take for example the use of ginseng today. It is an oriental tonic herb that has been imported from China.

Ginseng is a particularly helpful herb for anyone who is practicing yoga as the herb helps to increase the chi or the vital energies that resides deep in our bodies. Ginseng thus helps to make our muscles stronger and our nerves more receptive. The overall strengthening properties of the tonic herb are particularly helpful for vegetarians who are in a way restricted in the way of sources of nutrients available to them.

Therefore the healing power of herb like Ginseng can actually make a world of difference to someone who is practicing yoga. Not only will he fill refreshed and revitalized which will help him to do the asanas better, but it will also mean a stronger and fitter body. Another import from China is the herb tang kuei. It is renowned for its ability to support a woman’s reproductive system.

The West has also contributed heavily to herbal science. Many of the commonly used western herbs that make up the list of yogic herbs include bayberry, barberry and calamus. The bark of the bayberry tree is particularly effective in treating coughs, colds, diarrhea, ulcers, sores and bleeding gums. Barberry has been thought to have particular properties that help in controlling the blood pressure, reducing inflammation and even fighting cancer. Calamus aids digestion and stimulates appetite.

Ayurveda has a long list of herbs and since yoga has been closely associated with ayurveda through centuries, many of the ayurvedic treatments have been incorporated into the yogic life. Some of the most effective ayurvedic herbs are aloe, basil, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, mint, parsley, poppy seeds, etc. Aloe is particularly helpful in curing ailments of the liver, the spleen, blood and the female reproductive system. Basil is one of the most effective diaphoretic and helps in curing coughs, colds, flus and various other lung problems. Parsley is especially beneficial for the kidneys and the uterus.

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Herb Use – A Brief History

Earliest Known Use of Herbs

The earliest indication of herb use by human beings was discovered in the 1960s in a burial site at Shanidar Cave in Iraq. 8 herbs were found there, buried with 60,000 year-old Neanderthal remains. It’s believed these were medicinal plants intended for use in the afterlife. Healing herbs were also portrayed in the famous cave paintings at Lascaux, France, which are between 11,000-23,000 years old.

Ancient Civilizations

Chinese herbalism is widely regarded because it has the longest unbroken recorded history. The oldest medical book that mentions herbs is the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, dated somewhere between 800 and 200 BC. It explains the medical theory and practice of the Yellow Emperor who is thought to have lived around 4700 BC.

By 3500 BC, the Egyptians were associating herbs with healing. The practice of Ayurvedic herbal medicine, which originated in India, is lost in antiquity, but had been recorded at least by 1000 BC. In the West, the earliest writing about herbs comes from the Greek physician, Hippocrates, who lived between 460-377 BC, and from Pliny the Elder, a Roman who wrote about medicinal plants in 77 AD.

Medieval Europe

Medieval Europe had a dicey relationship with herbs–lots of superstitions. For example, it was commonly believed scorpions bred beneath Basil pots, and if you so much as inhaled the scent of basil, it could drive a scorpion into your brain. At the same time, monks and midwives often had a very sophisticated knowledge of medicinal herbs, and the peasant class grew and used herbs in cooking. The rich planted their gardens with native herbs and purchased exotic spices like cinnamon from the East.

The New World

It’s easy to forget that Columbus was looking for a quick, cheap route to the spices of India when he “discovered” the New World. Also forgotten is the fact that long before his discovery, indigenous peoples were using herbs extensively–some of the best documented are Goldenseal, Black Cohosh, Echinacea, and Cat’s Claw. In fact, native peoples across both American continents had uses for almost every wild, nonpoisonous plant growing in their region.

Early Americans

American settlers used herbal remedies for illnesses, flavoring, as dyes, and for their pleasant fragrances. Herb gardens were an essential part of pioneer homes. European immigrants were familiar with many of the wild-growing herbs of North America, including parsley, anise, pennyroyal, sorrel, watercress, liverwort, wild leeks, and lavender. Unknown herbs, such as Echinacea, they learned to use from Native Americans.

Age of Enlightenment

By the 17th century, European universities were teaching botany and planting “physic” gardens, and in 1652, Nicholas Culpeper published the first comprehensive herbal, cataloging all the known herbal remedies of England. Ultimately the West turned away from herbs in favor of chemical cures, many of which were based on the active ingredients found in herbs in the first place. To protect their nascent drug industry, however, herbal cures were openly disdained, and in some places even outlawed.

A Few Common Cures

Marjoram was a general tonic for the Greeks, and was eaten in the Middle Ages as a tranquilizer and cure for headaches. Parsley was a medieval cure for stomach ailments. Mint was used by Greek athletes as an after bath muscle relaxant, and was an important cleansing agent in the middle ages. It was used to purify drinking water by sailors. Chives were used by early Dutch. They planted chives in the meadows so cows would give chive-flavored milk, which they believed was good for the digestion.

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