Dental Health
Aloe vera has natural anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. This makes it ideal for use in treating mouth ulcers and bleeding gums. Just dabbing a bit of aloe vera onto your gums or mouth sores each day can help to promote healing and cell growth.
Treating Acne and Other Skin Conditions
So many over-the-counter skin care products contain aloe and that’s because it works magic on troubled skin. Use aloe vera to treat acne, psoriasis, dry skin and blisters. It is also beneficial in lighten dark age spots on the face and reducing pigmentation. In addition, aloe vera can also help to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which helps to delay the signs of aging.
Hair Care
Dandruff and dry hair are no match for the ultra-moisturizing aloe vera gel. Pure aloe vera gel can relieve dryness and keep dandruff at bay. For general dryness or lack of moisture, juice half of a fresh lemon and mix the juice with ½ cup of aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture once a week to freshly-washed hair. Leave it on for approximately five minutes before rinsing and shampooing.
If dandruff is the problem, apply a small amount aloe vera gel directly to the scalp twice daily for at least six weeks. Leave the gel on your scalp for at least an hour. You’ll notice significant improvement in your flaky scalp.
Treating Herpes
According the University of Maryland Medical Center, when aloe vera is applied topically to genital herpes, it can relieve the pain and burning symptoms, and also speed up the healing of the sores. The sores should be covered with the gel twice a day until they are completely healed.
Soothing Burns
If you’ve soaked up too much sun, aloe vera will come to your rescue. Not only does it soothe the burning pain associated with sunburn, it also helps to stimulate new skin growth and repair. It’s not only good for sunburns, either. Use aloe vera gel to help soothe and heal any type of minor burn on your skin. Continue to use the aloe vera until the burn has healed.
Warnings
While aloe vera is an all-natural method of healing, some precautions must be taken. It is not advised to take aloe vera orally. Also, it should never be applied to an open cut or wound. Although rare, aloe vera may trigger an allergic reaction which can lead to a rash on the skin. Always check with your doctor before using aloe vera to treat any type of condition, especially serious conditions like genital herpes.

Remember that anytime you begin taking herbs or supplements you should check with your physician to be on the safe side. This is especially true if you are on any medication, or if you have any chronic disorders such as asthma or depression.

You should also keep in mind that dosage is important. Some people falsely assume that taking more is a good thing. Try to stay away from this mindset. You should only take the recommended dose of any vitamins, supplements or herbs you decide to incorporate into your diet.

Dandelion

This ancient herb is seeing a comeback in modern times. It helps to cleanse the kidneys by being a mild diuretic. This can help flush salts and toxins from the body, which is why it’s important to only take the minimal dose necessary. At higher doses you could cause an electrolyte imbalance.

Dandelion is also a source of vitamins A, B complex, C and D. This makes it an all-around excellent herb to add to any diet. Some bodybuilders use dandelion root extract because it is said to aid in muscle recovery and growth. Building muscle, even in small amounts, will help you lose weight.

You can find dandelion in capsule form. You can also boil the roots and leaves to make a tea. If you take it in tea form, you might want to add some honey because it can be slightly bitter. Also, don’t just pick dandelions you see in lawns or parks, because you have no idea if fertilizer was used on the property.

Green Tea

While we are on the subject of tea, do not forget the power of green tea. This herbal tea will help your body burn fat. It also decreases the body’s burning of carbohydrates while working out. You might think this sounds bad, but it’s actually just the opposite. Doing this will give you more endurance and enable you to work out for longer periods of time.

Another benefit of green tea is it will stimulate alpha waves in the brain, which will lead to increased concentration and feelings of relaxation. Think about it: how often do you reach for a salty or sugary snack because you are frazzled? We all do it from time to time. If we do it less, we will lose weight.

Licorice

Licorice is a powerful herb that should only be taken in moderation. That said, it can work wonders and has been used for thousands of years.

You can take licorice in capsule form. Never take more than the recommended dosage, and don’t take it if you have high blood pressure or any kind of heart irregularity.

Licorice will help control blood sugar and reduce your cravings for sweet snacks. It also acts as a mild cough suppressant and in small doses will calm the stomach.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a very popular herb and for good reason. It helps provide energy and also assists in supplying nutrients to the muscles. Ginseng is also good for controlling blood sugar which helps with cravings.

Like the others, ginseng is a powerful herb that should only be taken as directed. And like the others, if you experience any moderate to severe side effects, such as sweating, shortness of breath or nausea and vomiting, you should immediately discontinue use and seek medical assistance.

Many people today seek natural treatments for their ailments. Lifestyle changes, especially in diet and exercise, can have a strong effect on high blood pressure as well as many other symptoms of disease. Cutting out the use of tobacco, caffeine and alcohol also has positive effects on blood pressure. The modern American diet of overly processed foods, high in fat and sodium, has an adverse effect on health overall, and is known to be a causal factor in obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease. For those seeking to better their health using natural methods, dietary changes are key.

Fortunately, a number of herbs can be used to treat high blood pressure. Many of them have been scientifically studied to have a positive effect on hypertension, with few, if any, contraindications or side effects. Treating high blood pressure can be as simple as drinking three cups of hibiscus tea a day or using two to three cloves of garlic in a salad dressing. Herbs that can be used for treating high blood pressure include hawthorn, hibiscus, ginkgo biloba, cayenne pepper and garlic.

Hawthorn
The ancient Greeks knew of the benefits of hawthorn in treating heart disease. Rich in antioxidants, hawthorn lends a nutritional punch in the treatment of heart and circulatory ailments. Hawthorn also contains flavonoids, plant pigments that are beneficial to health. One of these flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, is responsible for dilating blood vessels. Hawthorn is a natural vasodilator that can help lower blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscles in artery walls, which allows more blood to flow.

Hibiscus
A recent study published in the journal Phytomedicine reports that a standardized extract of hibiscus can lower blood pressure. Many herbal teas contain hibiscus, a popular and tasty ingredient. Drinking hibiscus tea, three cups a day, lowered systolic blood pressure by seven points, or about the same as any standard blood pressure medication. Drinking hibiscus tea would be an easy, delicious way of lowering blood pressure.

Ginkgo Biloba
One of the oldest trees in the world, the leaves of the ginkgo biloba are studied extensively in the United States and Europe. Traditionally, ginkgo has been used for blood disorders and to enhance memory. Ginkgo contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which act to dilate blood vessels and reduce blood platelet stickiness. In some cases, ginkgo can cause stomach upset, headaches and dizziness. Sixty milligrams twice a day will help lower blood pressure.

Cayenne Pepper
Capsicum or cayenne pepper exerts a variety of actions on the circulatory system. It can increase cardiovascular performance, while simultaneously lowering blood pressure. Fibrin, a protein that promotes blood clotting, is reduced when cayenne is taken. Cayenne is considered a catalyst herb, which heightens the effects of other herbs, vitamins and minerals when taken simultaneously. Capsicum boosts circulation of the blood and expedites the nutrient/waste exchange at the cellular level.

Garlic
Garlic is another potent natural vasodilator and is also rich in antioxidants, which help to rid the body of dangerous free radicals. Garlic acts as an anticoagulant or blood thinner, which can help lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Garlic has been shown to slow down atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. One to three garlic cloves a day will lower blood pressure by seven or eight percent. Garlic is available fresh, in aged extract form, tablets, fluid extracts or tinctures or in capsules.

Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates which is what your body runs on. Compared with other types of sugar, honey is better at maintaining blood sugar levels and is effective at providing energy and reducing muscle fatigue. Honey also acts as an immune booster, full of antioxidants to help you fight illness and stay healthy.

Honey can act as an antiseptic, and has been used as a first-aid salve for wounds for thousands of years. It has antibacterial properties that lower the risk of infections and also acts as an anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce swelling. Perhaps the best known honey remedy is for a sore throat. It soothes the pain and is able to eliminate many bacteria that may cause infection.

Honey may even help to fight diseases such as cancer. The floral flavonoids in honey can increase antioxidant levels in the cells of the body. They rid the cells of free radicals and improve immune system health.

Cinnamon, the sweet and fragrant spice most associated with the holiday season, has a long history of medicinal uses. One of the oldest known spices, it was used in ancient Egypt and mentioned in one of the oldest known books of Chinese medicine. Chinese healers have prescribed cinnamon for nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, colds, and flu. It has also been used to improve circulation and boost energy and even to help ease painful menstruation in women. Often it is put in chai tea to help the body digest dairy products.

The oil found in the bark of the cinnamon tree contains active ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Research has also been done on cinnamon’s effectiveness in reducing platelet clotting and increase blood flow.

Cinnamon may also help the body’s ability to respond to insulin in people who have type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that daily consumption of cinnamon can help reduce blood sugar levels, triglycerides and cholesterol. Some studies are even suggesting that cinnamon can have an effect on these levels regardless of diet!

Just smelling the warm, wonderful spice can have a positive effect on brain activity. Research has shown that memory, attention, and eye-hand coordination is improved after smelling the cinnamon scent.

Honey and cinnamon are perhaps the easiest health foods to incorporate into your diet. They taste good and can enhance the flavor of almost any food. So sprinkle some cinnamon on your oatmeal or sweeten up your tea with a spoonful of honey. It may just do your body some good.

In some cases insomnia is caused by general anxiety, restlessness, or nervousness. Herbs such as Chamomile, Hops, and Valerian can help with these situations. Chamomile, or Anthemis nobilis, is a popular herb found often in teas and essential oils. It is a mild sedative and safe for use by both adults and children. Hops (Humulus lupulus) is one of the main ingredients in beer and can also be found in herbal pillows created to help with mild insomnia cases. Valeriana officinalis – or Valerian – has a very strong scent and is often mixed together with herbs such as Hops, Passion Flower, and California Poppy to create teas and oils that can aid in not only helping you fall asleep but stay asleep once that has happened. It is another sedative herb which causes no serious side effects or addictions like prescription medications might.

One of the reasons many people try herbal remedies instead of chemical medications is because they are worried about suffering side effects. Few herbs will cause problems like medicines might. Passion Flower, or Passiflora incarnata, can be taken in large amounts to help soothe mental nervousness and exhaustion but without causing side effects. However, Hypericum perforatum (commonly known as St. John’s Wort) must be taken very carefully in minimal doses because it can cause a sensitivity to sunlight in the skin. This herb not only helps combat insomnia, it also can relieve some mild depression symptoms brought about by chemical imbalances in the brain.

Though not as frequent as seen in adults, children may also suffer from bouts of insomnia, and you will want to treat them with the safest methods possible. Herbs such as Wild Lettuce and California Poppy have no side effects and are gentle and safe for use on children. Wild Lettuce (Lactua virosa) has mild sedative properties and can be used for acute or chronic insomnia problems. California Poppy, or Eschscholzia californica, is a popular herbal remedy used in the United States. It is a mild sedative and analgesic and not only helps you fall asleep but improves the quality of your sleep.

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is one of the most commonly used herbs because it not only relaxes and soothes the mind, but it can be used in a variety of forms including essential oils, teas, and inhalants. It is added to candles and incense for relaxation, used in massage oils for soothing, and combined with other herbs in bath water to ease the mind. It has no side effects and is safe for use by both adults and children. It is also one of the easiest herbal remedy ingredients to find, and can be purchased from not only homeopathic stores but also general pharmacies and whole foods stores.