Calendula : Flower Petals - A natural anti-inflammatory and skin soother. Also helps to regulate menstrual cycle and lessens fever.
Useful for many skin disorders, such as rashes, and sunburn, as well as for neuritis, and toothaches. Good for diaper rash and other skin problems in small children.

Catnip – Leaves : Controls fever. Aids digestion and sleep; relieves stress; stimulates appetite. Good for anxiety, colds and flu, inflammation, pain and stress.

Chamomile : An anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, digestive aid,  diuretic, nerve tonic, and sleep aid. Helps colitis, diverticulosis,  fever, headaches,and pain. It is a traditional remedy for stress and anxiety, indigestion, and insomnia.

Caution: Should not be taken for a long period of time, as this may  lead to ragweed allergy. Should not be taken by those allergic to ragweed.

Dandelion : leaves, roots, tops - Cleanses the bloodstream and liver, and increases the production of bile. Used as a diuretic. Also reduces serum cholesterol and uric acid. Improves function of kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and stomach. May aid in the prevention of age spots and breast cancer.

Elderberry : Flowers , inner bark, roots- Builds the blood, cleanses the system, eases constipation, enhances immune system function, fights inflammation, increases perspiration, lowers fever, soothes the respiratory tract, and stimulates circulation. Also has a powerful antioxidant properties. The flowers are used to soothe skin irritations.

Caution: Do not consume the stem of this plant. The stem contains cyanide, and can be toxic.

Eyebright : Used as an eyewash. Prevents secretion of fluids and relieves discomfort from eyestrain or minor irritation. Good for allergies, itchy/watering eyes, and runny nose. Also used to combat hay fever.

Barberry - Bark berries roots - Decreases heart rate, slows breathing, reduces bronchial constriction, kills bacteria on the skin, and stimulates intentinal movement.

Caution ; Should not be taken during pregnancy.

Bayberry - Root bark - Helps clear congestion, aids circulation, reduces fever, acts as an astringent. Helpful for stopping bleeding. Good for circulatory disorders, fever, hypothyroidism, and ulcers.
Also good for th eyes and immune system.

The wax of berries is used to make fragrant candles.

Bilberry Plant- Helps to control insulin levels and strengthen connective tissue.
Acts as a diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic. Useful for hypoglycemia, inflamation, stress, anxiety, night blindness, and cataracts.

Caution : Interfers with iron absorption when taken internally.

Birch Leaves - Bark ; Acts as a diuretic, lessens inflammation, and relievs pain. Good for
joint pain and urinary tract infections. Applied externally, is good for boils and sores.

Birch – Bark : Acts as a diuretic, lessens inflammation, and relieves pain. Good for joint pain and urinary infections. Applied externally, is good for boils and sores.

Black Cohosh -Rhizomes, roots - Lowers blood pressure and cholestrol levels, and reduces mucus.

Black Walnut : Husks inner bark, leaves, nuts - Aid digestion and promotes healing of mouth or throat sores.

Cleanses the body of some types of parasites. Good for bruising, fungal infection, herpes, pison ivy and warts.

When boiled the hulls produce a dye that is used to dye wool.

Alfalfa _ Flowers - leaves petals : Alkalizes and detoxifies the body. Acts as a diuretic, eases inflammation, lowers cholestrol, balances hormones, and promotes pituitary gland function. Also contains an anti fungal agent.
Good for anemia, bleeding-related disorders, bone and joint disorders, colon and digestive disorders, skin disorders, and ulcers.

Must be used in fresh, raw form to provide vitamins. Sprouts are especially effective.

Anise - Seeds - Aids digestion, clears mucus from air passages, combats infections
and promotes milk production in nursing mothers. Good for indigestion and for
respiratory infections such as sinusitis. Also helpful for menopausal symptoms.

Aloe Vera : Pulp from inside of leaves - Applied externally, heals burns and wounds: stimulates cell regeneration, and has astringent, emollient, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Good for AIDS and for skin and digestive problems. 

Caution: Allergy though rare may occur in susceptible individuals. Apply small amount behind ear or under arm to see if rash occurs. Do not use if rash occurs.

Astragalus Roots.  Acts as a tonic to protect the immune system.
Aids adrenal gland function and digestion. Increases metabolism ,
produces spontaneous sweating, promotes healing, and provides energy
to combat fatigue. Increases stamina. Good for colds, flu and immune -
definciency problems. Effective for chronic lung weakness.

Caution: should not be taken in presence of a fever.

Herbs form an integral part of the holistic approach of all sciatica alternative remedies. Whatever the contention of the conventionalist, the role of herbal treatments cannot be denied. Many conventional medicines were initially derived from herbs and natural products and later synthesized for mass production.

Most of the drugs used for treating different ailments carry warning about side effects. Herbs are relatively safe and, if taken in recommended quantities, do not lead to any complication that cannot be managed easily. A typical herbal sciatic nerve treatment for managing pain will include any or more of the following herbs:

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Low doses of devil’s claw, initially known for relieving pain from arthritis, can ease sciatic pain.

Oil of Wintergreen

It contains methyl salicylate, widely used for treating inflammation caused by arthritis, sciatica, arthritis, rheumatism and tense muscles externally. It is too toxic and should not be ingested.

St. Johns wort

Rubbing oil from this herb on the affected part, preferably before bedtime, will take care of any intense pain and tension.

Chamomile

Chamomile has healing effect on muscle tissue. Topical application or chamomile tea or 10-20 drops of extract in water produces instant results.

Horsetail

This perennial rush-like flowerless herb with hollow stems and a narrow leaves that spread by creeping rhizomes is an effective remedy for building connective tissue.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most talked about herbal remedies for injury, sciatica, healing wounds and pain management. It has been in use in Asia since ages and has a very strong track record. It can be ingested on daily basis, even in its raw form mixed in milk or used as a topical remedy by mixing it with butter oil and other herbs like garlic and leek.

Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia erythrina)

It is particularly indicated for compression of nerves like sciatic nerve, painful menstruation and spasms.2 to 4 grams of dried root of the herb, three times a day are enough to relieve episodes of sciatica. However, this herb is not recommended for pregnant women or lactating mothers and individuals with congestive cardiac conditions.

Garlic and mustard Oil

Garlic pods and mustard oil work as an effective pain reliever. Put some garlic pods in mustard oil and heat till the garlic is burnt. Let it cool. A regular massage over the affected part will relieve mild pain.

Herbs can be used as standalone medicines and topical applications. They can also be used in combination of more than one herb. Although a safer option, indiscriminate use of herbs can prove to be dangerous in some rare cases.

Moreover, herbs should be used only after gathering relevant information about the dosage and instances where they should not be used. While a topical application of herbs is devoid of any negative effect on the patient, ingestion can sometimes produce mild side effects. 
 
This article was originally published on:
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Article text:

The human body is a complex system of actions and reactions where each organ, gland
and body system has a dedicated role. The immune system acts as a sort of a watch dog
and comes into action the moment there is something wrong with the body, a bacterial
invasion, for example.

Simply said, your immune system is your body’s own physician that protects against a wide
range of disease causing antigens. It is obvious that immune system health is a primary
factor that affects your overall health.

The quick fix solution provided by the antibiotic alternative for treating even self healing
conditions and its indiscriminate use has resulted in the development of drug resistant
bacteria. In addition, new strains of bacteria are developing as they undergo various
mutations around us.

Herbs provide a natural defense against bacteria, even those that have developed resistance
to antibiotic drugs. Moreover, an increased use of herbal antibiotics can go a long way in
restricting indiscriminate use of antibiotic drugs, thus ensuring that the drugs will still be
effective when we really need them. For example, aloe, garlic and grapefruit seed extract
are very effective in defending the body from Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and
salmonella. Other herbs that have proven antibiotic effects include goldenseal myrrh,
usnea and arctostaphylos uva-ursi.

Similarly, there are other properties that lie hidden in many herbs that need to be
explored. Astragalus membranaceus is a plant that survives even the harshest winter.
Known as huang qi, it has been an integral part of traditional Chinese herbs for immune
system. It works on the immune system as a tonic while improving lung, adrenal gland
and gastrointestinal functions. In addition it improves metaboilsm, increases sweating,
helps in healing and counters fatigue.

Allopathic drugs including antibiotics are based on a solitary compound and thus target a
specific disease or infection. Herbs, on the other hand, have a composite structure and
contain complex compounds. Common sage (Salvia officinalis), for example has been
recommended for virtually every ailment and there exists evidence of its effectiveness in
many disorders including the Alzheimer’s disease.

The immune system of the body is the first line of defense against foreign substances
and organisms. Its dedicated function is comprises recognizing and ultimatley destroying
harmful foreign substances. The immune system is also easily impaired.

The easily identifiable factors that weaken the immune system are depression and physical
and emotional stress. An improper diet, alcoholism, recreational drugs, common drugs,
especially antibiotics and steroids and a physically unfit body can also cause long term
harm.

The occurrence of a disease is not by itself an indication of a weakened immune system.
However, recurrent conditions like infections, frequent depressive episodes and cold and
sore throat are indications of a weak immune system.

Herbs for immune system have been part and parcel of traditional therapies and modern
homoepathy. At the same time, herbs have an intrinsic nature of being effective only in
recommended doses. Some of the herbs are extremely toxic in their undiluted form and
special attention must be paid to it.

This article was originally published on:

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It is imperative that the immune system be strong enough to perform the function of the body’s
own natural physician. A weak immune system does not work to its optimum capability - it fails
to recognize foreign invasions and can even start to destroy the normal cells of the body.

While an illness does not indicate a weak immune system, persistent fatigue, swelling of glands,
recurrent colds and sore throat do indicate deterioration in the immune system health . The
immune system is well organized and focused in its functions. It is also a complex system that
can be impaired by simple factors like excessive physical or emotional stress, reckless recourse
to the antibiotic alternative and a non-nutritional diet.

The immune system uses up lot of reserves in the body in the process of producing antibodies
and white blood cells. These reserves need to be replenished regularly so that the immune
system continues to work at optimum levels. Herbal antibiotics and herbal supplements can
play an important role in this.

You would have noticed that every time you have a cold the doctor prescribes a vitamin C
supplement along with other medications, when a if prescription is needed. Vitamin C
restricts the growth of viruses and bacteria. However, the vitamin needs flavanoids for
easy absorption by the body.

These are plant based substances that should be consumed with vitamin C daily for
strengthening your immunity against disease. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of
vitamin C and therefore help in keeping the immune system in a healthy condition.

Herbs for immune system contain complex compounds that bacteria are unable to break.
This means that they cannot use simple compounds for their own metabolism. And this is
the main reason why the there is no possibility of bacteria developing resistance to herbs.
Many herbal supplements have antibiotic properties along with the capacity to spruce up
your immune system’s health.

Exercising the antibiotic alternative every time you fall ill can destroy the friendly bacteria
as well. These friendly bacteria are of utmost utility for the healthy functioning of various
systems in the body. For example, antibiotics disturb the intestinal flora making elimination
of solid wastes difficult.

Herbs like stinging nettle, dandelion, watercress, Echinacea, Korean white ginseng and shoots
of conifers like fir and pine help in the detoxification process. They also purify the blood and
boost immune system health especially if consumed in juice form. Echinacea stimulates
white blood cells that aid in the break down and elimination of solid waste and toxins.

A supplement prepared from roots of licorice, couch grass and lovage herbs helps in
supercharging the immune system along with eliminating toxins that may have accumulated
in the body.

It should be kept in mind that herbs for immune system are not a panacea that will cure
all diseases by improving immune system health. Some herbs can be toxic in nature if they
are not properly diluted or if they are administered in a manner different from the instructions
provided by an expert.

This article was originally published on:

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URL: http://www.nativeremedies.com/affiliates/modules/articles/article.php?id=593

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