Herbal Remedies Archives - Page 2 of 6

4 Ways to Manage Stomach Reflux and Heartburn

An excellent home remedy for heartburn is to eat 1 toast or 2 crackers, since they absorb the acid that is causing the acidity in the larynx and throat, reducing the burning sensation.

Other options are to suck on a pure lemon at the moment that the acidity arises, because the lemon, despite being acidic, helps reduce this symptom; or you can also eat a slice of raw potato as it is capable of neutralizing acidity, fighting discomfort in a few moments. Learn more about heartburn.

However, there are a lot of DIY herbal and remedies that can be easily prepared at home and used throughout the day, especially for those who suffer from reflux and often have a heartburn crisis. Some of them are:

1. Baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda when diluted in water has an alkaline effect on the digestive tract and as a consequence decreases the acidity of the stomach, the inflammation in the esophagus and relieves the discomfort caused by heartburn.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of baking soda;

8 ounces of water.

Preparation mode

Mix the ingredients and take this mixture in small sips.

2. Fennel tea

Home remedies for heartburn

Fennel tea also contains excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve inflammation of the stomach and a burning sensation in the throat.

In addition to promoting gastric emptying and can be used in case of reflux to reduce the onset of heartburn.

Ingredients

1 cup of boiling water;

1 tablespoon of fennel bulb cut.

Preparation mode

Add the fennel to the boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day or 20 minutes before the main meals.

3. Pear Juice

Home remedies for heartburn

Those who do not like tea can choose to drink a freshly made pear juice, as it helps fight heartburn and burning, improving digestion. To prepare, you only need to blend 2 ripe pears with a little water, and if necessary you can add a few drops of lemon so that the juice does not darken.

Pear is semi-acidic, rich in vitamins A, B, and C and mineral salts such as sodium, potassium, iron, and calcium, which help dilute stomach acid and relieve the discomfort and burning caused by heartburn.

In addition to the pear, there are other fruits that have the same properties and that can be used to make other juices, such as: ripe banana, red apple and melon.

4. Licorice tea

Home remedies for heartburn

Licorice, is a medicinal plant with which you can make tea and is known to improve the symptoms of respiratory problems, however, it is also used in cases of gastric ulcers and to relieve the sensation of acidity and burning.

Ingredients

½ ounce of licorice root;

16 ounces of water (1/2 liter) of water.

Three Ways to Combat Dandruff Naturally

Struggling with dandruff? Many of us do. Dandruff can be caused by a variety of reasons: from poor hygiene and low-quality hair products, to fungal infections, eczema, psoriasis or other serious health conditions.

Depending on the reasons for your struggles with dandruff, you should get your scalp checked by a dermatologist to rule out any serious problems.

The 3 herbal blends mentioned below will work for most people as they are to be used topically only and can be used in combination with medicated shampoo.

Coconut with Lemon:

Lemon is a key ingredient in most of the hair care remedies.

Mix the juice of a full lemon

4 Tbsp of warm coconut oil (do not microwave)

Apply on the scalp

Massage and cover your head with a plastic bag

Leave it for 30 mins

Shampoo and set as normal

Aloe Vera:
Ideally you want to find fresh aloe from the thick plant leaves but if that’s not available, you can buy a high-quality extract in your local health food store.

Use 5-6 Tbsps of gel extract and apply in your scalp only late at night

Let it dry out a little before going to bed, leaving it overnight

Shampoo and set as normal in the morning.

Camphor Oil with Coconut oil:

This remedy is skin friendly and coconut has anti-fungal properties so it gives you a one-two punch approach to help your scalp heal.

Mix 1 Tbsp of camphor or a single camphor tablet (if they come in hard tablets, warm them up first until it melts)

Add 4-5 Tbsp of coconut oil

Keep in a small bottle and apply nightly to the scalp

5 of the Most Powerful Medicinal Plants Backed by Science

Chances are, you have heard of these herbs and how powerful they are. You have heard me talk about them many times or your family or ancestors may have used them before.

While we have lots of anecdotal evidence related to many herbal remedies, these 5 in particular have properties backed by science and I wanted to share what modern science has found about them here with you.

These herbs really work and now we have all the persistent stories backed clinically:

MILK THISTLE

Famous as the national flower of Scotland, this lovely looking plant has now spread around the world. We now know that milk thistle:

– protects cells from damage

– helps treat liver and stomach ailments like spasms

– has a relaxation effect on the gastrointestinal muscles

– helps boost digestion

NETTLES

Nettles is famous for its stinginess when the plant is fresh but it has also been used for centuries in herbal remedies. Nettles is a natural diuretic, that:

– aids in gastric health

– can help lower blood pressure

– helps break down stones in the kidney and gallbladder

– can reduce inflammation

GINGKO

Gingko is one of the oldest trees on the planet as well as one of the oldest alternative medicine plants out there. It can be used in many ways but science shows us that gingko:

– can boost brain health

– can treat mild to moderate dementia

– can slow cognition decline and Alzheimer’s

– can help diabetes

TURMERIC

Today turmeric is one of the most popular medicinal herbs in the West, but it has been used for thousands of years in place like India. We know that turmeric can:

– help reduce inflammation

– help reduce pain and discomfort form arthritis

– current studies are conducted to determine its anti-cancer properties

TEA TREE OIL

This is a plant that’s native to Australia. Long been thought to be beneficial for skin conditions, including mild acne, small wounds, insect bites, and other conditions. Research also shows that tea tree oil is:

– a powerful antimicrobials extract that can help heal wounds and skin infections

– can help slow the development of acne-causing microbes

– has antiseptic and antifungal properties

How to Manage Sore Throat, Inflammation, Laryngitis and Cough

There are a few ways to calm and relieve a sore throat and persistent cough using natural remedies. People who want to use natural remedies to treat sore throat and cough should look for various resources, and do your research regarding herbs and supplements that can help, taking into account any medications they may be taking, which can lead to unwanted side effects.

If you have a severe or persistent cough for a few weeks, it is essential that you see a doctor.

If you want to try herbal remedies to help you with the pesky cough and sore throat try the three featured in today’s blog to start with!

Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root is a herb widely used throughout history as a treatment for coughs and sore throats. The herb can improve the irritation produced by cough, due to its high content of mucilage. It is a thick, sticky substance that covers the throat.

In another small study, it was revealed that an herbal cough syrup with marshmallow root, thyme, and ivy relieved coughs caused by common colds and respiratory tract infections. After 12 days of taking the syrup, 90 percent of the participants rated its effectiveness as good or very good.

Marshmallow root is also available as a dried herb or tea bag. Add warm (not hot) water and drink it immediately or let it cool first. The longer the marshmallow root stays in the water, the more mucilage it will drink.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme that comes from pineapples and is most abundant in the heart of the fruit.

Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and can also have mucolytic properties, which means that it can shrink the mucosa and remove it from the body.

Some people drink pineapple juice on a daily basis to reduce the lining of the throat and eliminate the cough. However, there is not too much bromelain in the juice to relieve symptoms.

You can find bromelain supplements at a store and they can be more effective at eliminating coughs. However, it is best to speak to a doctor before trying new supplements.

Thyme

Thyme has both culinary and medicinal uses and is a common remedy for coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, and digestive problems.

A study showed that a cough syrup with thyme and ivy relieved a cough more effectively and faster than a placebo syrup in people with acute bronchitis. The antioxidants that make up the plant may be responsible for its benefits.

To treat cough with thyme, look for a specific syrup that contains this type of herb. Alternatively, brew a cup of tea and add two tablespoons of dried thyme to one cup of hot water. Let stand 10 minutes before straining and drinking.

2-Herb Blend To Help You Lose Weight

In these stressful times when we need feel good experiences, it is very common for people to increase the amount of sugar and sugary-converted foods as they trigger the release of serotonin and beta-endorphins, soothing us and making us feel better, at least temporarily.

These include not just sugary treats but simple refined carbohydrates that are easily converted to glucose (sugar), like bread, white rice white pasta and others.

Unfortunately, and as you probably know, sugar overuse can lead to some serious health issues including obesity, heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type-2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, hormone irregularity, and depressed mood and anxiety.

In my practice as an herbalist, I often get asked what to do to help control sugar cravings while you take other steps to learn how to eat and have a better relationship with your foods.

I’ve mentioned one of the 2 herbs here before, the other one may be new to you. But both of them in combination are even more powerful to kill sugar cravings and assist in your weight loss journey.

Fenugreek Seeds

These seeds taste a little sweet and are often used in Indian cuisine, both sweet and savory dishes.

It is an antioxidant herb used to manage metabolic disorders like diabetes or anemia, clear excessive mucus and reduce inflammation

Fenugreek can be used to control sugar cravings and even blood sugar effectively. A study published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, “fenugreek delayed the onset of diabetes in subjects with prediabetes and even helped to reduce fasting plasma glucose, postprandial fasting glucose, and LDL cholesterol.” It was also observed that the control ground had a “4.2 times higher chance of developing type-2 diabetes compared to subjects in the fenugreek group.”

Gymnema Sylvetre

The Hindi name for gymnema translates to “destroyer of sugar.”

The plant’s compound can reduce the absorption of sugar from the intestinal tract and boost insulin production, all of which could help lower blood sugar. In some animal studies, gymnema extract also causes subjects to eat less and eventually lose weight.

How To Use It

1 Tbsp each in 24 ounces of water

Bring to a slow boil and simmer for 5-7 mins.

Let it cool

Drink 4 ounces of this drink 4-6 times a day until you have drank 3, eight-ounce cups per day

Stress Relief Herbal Compress

The stress of the new world we’re living in can be is overwhelming and can cause a reduction in our immunity response. Adding to the risk, is the toll that stress take on our emotional & mental health and wellbeing.

You may have an extremely busy schedule, working longer and longer hours, are taking care of children, the elderly, the sick. Perhaps you are out of a job and struggling to make ends meet. Or you simply struggle to make a difference in the face of so much pain.

Today I want to share a very simple remedy you can do even if all you have to spare is 5 minutes of self-care each day. It is a stress relief compress that you can apply to your head (over your eyes and forehead), wrap your feet with it or even apply on your chest near your heart, feeling not only its warmth but its healing embrace as well.

All of these ingredients can be easily found in markets around the world and you can use a cheese cloth or small hand towel for the compress. Check it out:

1 lavender tea bag

1 lemon balm tea bag

1 valerian root tea bag

1 chamomile OR passionflower tea bag*

*If you can’t find all 4 of these, pick whatever 3 you can find from the above list. You can still have a truly wonderful blend

Instructions

Place all 4 tea bags in a deep ceramic or glass bowl and pour hot water (16 ounces will do)
Cover the bowl for 30 mins
Strain the herbs or bags out of the liquid

Dip a clean cloth or light hand towel in the warm infusion and then squeeze out excess liquid
Apply the compress over your eyes (you can use another cloth for your feet, even your chest area. Leave for 4-5 mins at a time.
When the compress cools, dip it into the warm infusion again, squeezing out the excess, and reapplying as often as needed*

*Please do not rewarm the water in the microwave. Use the stove 🙂

Fever Reducing Tea Blend

When trying to bring a fever down, herbal remedies can help cool the body down. The herbs can stimulate the circulatory system, help your body sweat, pushing pathogens out of your body through sweat and cooling you down in the process.

Here’s a simple blend using 4 herbs. Three of these herbs are very easy to find in markets across the country. The 4th one, yarrow, may be a bit harder to find (but never impossible).

Check out the video and the recipe and “how to” below.

2 tsp ginger root, grated

2 tsp dry basil

1 tsp of peppermint

1 tsp of dry yarrow leaves

*If you can’t find yarrow, take elder flower or dry catnip

Directions

In 2 cups of hot water (not boiling), add all herbs and steep for 30-45 mins
Strain and drink small amounts of about ¼ cup of this infusion every 30 mins
Must be used within a 24 hour period

Three Oils That Protect your Respiratory System

The US Surgeon General said in an interview last week: “… we would rather prevent disease than treat disease”. The worldwide struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic has made this more evident than ever before.

You have been seeing my IG Lives and YouTube videos where I am sharing various ways to keep your body healthy, strong and have yet another line of defense against preventable diseases like the cold, the flu and the coronavirus.

Essential oils are another way in which we can keep our immune system strong and ready to fight pathogens. Here are 2 essential oils (to be used topically) and one oil-based infusion (to be used internally) that my family has been using for generations.

– EUCALYPTUS: This highly anti-oxidant oil can help you relieve cold symptoms, break down congestion in the chest, clear your nasal passage and promote relaxation, helping you sleep at night.

My mom used to put a few drops in our chests before bed when we were super congested. I still remember those moments fondly.

– THIEVES essential oil: a blend of oils

The blend includes herbs like cloves, cinnamon and rosemary and is believed to help boost the immune system. It has antimicrobial activity and can help you fight nasal and sinus congestion. It is also good at promoting respiratory health and energizing the mood.

My sister would put 3-4 drops on my little nephew’s hands right before dropping him off to school every morning. He rubbed his hands together and smell the oil before rubbing it on his temple and neck. That first year of use, he avoided the cold when most kids in his school got it at least once.

– OIL OF OREGANO: This is a natural antibiotic and antioxidant with antiviral properties. It contains various potentially healing compounds that can also help reduce pain and symptoms of the cold and flu.

I often use it at the first sign of symptoms, adding 3-4 drops of the oil blend (NOT the essential oils but the oil infused in a carrier oil) in a cup of tea, 3-4 times a day. You can also take it in small caps.

Immunity Boosting Herb-Infused Vinegar

This is an incredibly versatile herb infused vinegar, based on the original recipe made famous by the story of the 4 thieves who, legend has it, during the black plague stole from the dead and dying without getting sick themselves.

The herbs on this blend are all regularly used to help us strengthen our immunity, reduce inflammation and most are amazing at helping you improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.

This vinegar can we used topically, can be used in food or as a remedy. Check out the video here and the recipe / ingredients below the video.

Ingredients

16 oz organic apple cider vinegar
2 tsp of cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

2 teaspoons dried sage leaves
2 teaspoons dried rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorn seed, crushed
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 bulb fresh raw garlic cloves, chopped

Directions

Fill a large jar with the herbs and then add the organic apple cider vinegar, making sure all herbs are fully covered in the liquid.
Stir with a wooden spoon and ensure the herbs are thoroughly saturated with the vinegar.
Seal the jar using plastic paper, then add the metal lid to prevent the vinegar from corroding the metal in the lid.
Let the mixture marinate for a minimum of 2 weeks (ideally 4 weeks) in a dark place, shaking the jar daily to ensure better extraction.
Once done, you can strain all the herbs and store in an amber or dark blue color glass jar and start using your vinegar in salads, in tea blends or topically.

Herbal Tonic for the Cold, Flu, Other Respiratory Illnesses

This powerful tonic can be used by people who are perfectly healthy and trying to stay healthy and those with the cold, the flu and other symptoms.

If you have a fever, aches and pains, and are concerned about getting sicker, this can help shorten your symptoms, reduce inflammation, rest easier and feel better a little sooner.

You can do this with just 5 ingredients:

2 inches of ginger root (boiled in 16 ounces of water)

1 cap full of raw apple cider vinegar

½ lemon juice (freshly cut)

1 dash of cayenne pepper

1 tsp of raw honey (avoid if you’re a vegan)

You can also add a couple of other ingredients, to create a one-two punch of protection:

20 drops of reishi tincture

10 drops of oil of oregano

Take this 12 ounce drink once a day as a protective tonic and 3-4 times a day if you’re fighting a cold, the flu or something else!

How to Make Hand Sanitizer at Home

In light of the continued spread and worldwide struggle with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the CDC’s directive to practice social distancing and other guidelines, many of you have asked if alternative practices like herbal medicine can help add an extra layer of protection to your health and immunity.

In the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing with my community simple herbal and other home-made remedies to help you stay strong and supporter through this world-wide pandemic.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make WHO and CDC approved hand sanitizer at home with just 4 ingredients.

I tried it at home and showed you the process here.

Here is the mix/recipe:

4 ounces of isopropyl alcohol (91% or above)

1/2 tsp of glycerol or glycerin

1/2 tsp of hydrogen peroxide

1 ounce of water (boil the water, let it cool)

5 drops of tea tree oil

5 drops of lavender

*Add to a clean, empty bottle with a spray cap

Coronavirus: Can Herbal Medicine Help Protect You?

The coronavirus is wreaking havoc around the world, not just in the health of people but in our psyche and in the world economy as a whole. We don’t know as much as we’d like to about this virus and that is one of the reasons for the type of panic we’re seeing. If you don’t know an enemy, how do you fight it, right? In my practice as an herbalist, I’ve had a dozen people ask me if I could recommend botanicals that can protect them from getting the coronavirus. Check out my answer and my recommendations here:

Practical recommendations from the US Federal Government: coronavirus.gov In addition, please make sure to check for symptoms, like:

fever
dry cough
shortness of breath – less common

In Herbal Medicine we take a 3-step approach: 1 – Prevention 2 – Lessening of symptoms 3 – Strengthening the immunity The Botanical/Herbal recommendations for prevent and protect your respiratory and immune systems include: Respiratory:

garlic
elderberry
plantain leaf
echinacea
thyme

Immune System:

reishi/chaga mushrooms
oil of oregano
tea tree
ginger
eucalyptus

How To Improve Memory with Herbal Blends

How’s your memory? Do you forget people’s names, can’t remember if you turned the stove off, forgot the wallet yet again!?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Memory decline can happen at any time in our lives, and for a variety of reasons. Your memory and brain work like the memory in your computer. Lots of information is taken in first, then connections are formed.

Your brain then creates specialized messages that are stored as memories in the appropriate “place,” so you can access them later. Stress, chemical changes, poor diet, lack of sleep, age all affect your ability access those “places” and remember things.

So, how to get those brain areas to work more efficiently so you can remember things better? Well, with my trusted herbal blends, of course! Here are 3 of my favorites:

REMEDY NO 1: GINSENG

-stimulates nervous system

-increases concentration

-reduces mental fatigue

INFUSION

1 tsp, 1 cup of water

1x / day

4 weeks

REMEDY NO 2: SALVIA

-antioxidant activity

-improves brain activity

-improves memory

INFUSION

2 tbsp, 1 cup of water

1-2x/day

daily

REMEDY NO #: GINGKO BILOBA

-improves blood flow

-blocks free radicals

-activates the brain

INFUSION

2 Tbsp, 1 cup of water

1-2x/day

Foods and Herbs To Help Manage Earaches

These alternative remedies can be administered alongside necessary antibiotics as additional synergistic treatment.

Try one of the following 3 remedies, ideally one at a time. Check out the video below and the instructions in writing below the video:

Click Here To Access The Video

Remedy No 1: ECHINACEA

-stimulate white blood cells

-has antibiotic effects

*How To Do It?

Add 2-3 drops of tincture into each ear 2-3 times per day

Remedy No 2: Onion

-antibacterial and antibiotic

-antifungal

-reduces swelling

*How To Do it?

Cut 1/3 of the onion and place it directly over the ear. Hold it in place with a cloth bandage for 15 mins. Add a hot pack over the onion to release the oils into the ear.

Remedy No 3: Tea Tree

-antifungal, antiviral

– can shorten the duration

-relieves pain

*How To Do It?

Mix 1 tsp of coconut oil and 1-2 drops of tea tree. Put it gently into the effected ear.

Change the cotton ball 2-3 times per day.

What have been your tried and true earache remedies? Let me know in the comments below the video.

Upset Tummy Be Gone | How To Soothe Your Tummy

We’ve all been there: a squeezy feeling in the pit of your stomach, and gas bubble that feels trapped and causing pain, a bloated stomach that makes you look 4 months pregnant (even the boys), the funny butterflies that are neither cute nor sexy.

What to do? If you’re feeling that combination of physical discomfort and emotional stress that manifests in discomfort, pain and distention on the belly, I got some herbal blends for you! Check out the video blog and the written list below the video!

Here are some of my favorite tummy soothers:

1. CHAMOMILE

-aromatic and carminative bitter

-loved by kids & elders alike

-great for occasional gas and bloating

-relieves nausea and occasional heartburn

2. GINGER

-warming carminative

-soothes upset stomach and nausea

-supports sluggish digestion

-rekindles digestive fire and reduces gas/bloating

3. PEPPERMINT

-cooling carminative

-smooth muscle of the digestive tract

-soothes the nerves & a nervous stomach

4. BURDOCK

-bitter stimulant

-maintains healthy gut flora

-keeps microbiome in balance

-stimulates digestive secretions

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