Herbs are not just part of an archaic medical system with no current usefulness; they offer a way for anyone today to improve their health and vitality.
My name is Edward C Dumchus and I have been using and studying herbs for nearly forty years. I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on books, journals, classes and courses since 1970, and continue reading and studying today. I can help you cut through the tons of information and show you how to use herbs safely and effectively.
I have spent more than two-thirds of my life using herbal remedies, and advising friends, family and clients about herbs. I have given classes and lectures about herbs and herbal remedies for more than thirty years.
I have worked with a wide range of clients from those seeking a little boost in their energy to clients with serious medical problems. (I am not a doctor, and worked with clients who had medical conditions only after they discussed taking herbal remedies with their primary medical provider.) I have helped many people improve their health and their lives by using herbal remedies. I am no longer actively seeing clients, but hope to offer information through the internet to continue helping people lead healthy, active lives.
If you are seeking an alternative that allows you more control of your own level of health and vitality, herbs have much to offer. Using appropriate herbal remedies, you can make deep and lasting changes to your life, and feel more a part of the cycles of nature.
The information presented here is not a substitute for qualified medical care. If you have a medical problem, please check with an appropriate care provider. I am not a doctor, and am not providing information with the intention to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please discuss with your doctor any natural or herbal products you are taking or planning to take.
There are several herbal remedies I have found helpful for occasional insomnia.
One of my favorites is chamomile flowers, brewed as a tea and sipped warm. It is a very relaxing beverage, and is often all that is needed. (It is also soothing to the digestion.) To prepare the tea, add to freshly boiled water, and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes. It may be sweetened with honey, if desired, and honey compliments the taste of the chamomile very nicely. If you are allergic to flower pollen, or ragweed, you may want to try a different remedy, as the flowers may set off your allergy.
An alternative herbal remedy, with a stronger sedative effect, is a combination of the herbs Valerian Root, and Hops; I generally recommend two parts valerian to one part hops. (I have found that taking the herbs together is more effective than either alone, but either herb will have sleep inducing effects.) These are my favorite insomnia herbs, when I need more than the gentle relaxation that chamomile provides.
My experience is that Valerian works most effectively when taken as an alcohol extract, rather than in capsule or pill form, and I also use Hops as an extract. I generally add the extracts to warm water (or a non caffeinated tea or herbal infusion) and sip that before retiring. (Valerian root tea is very unpleasant to the taste, using the extract makes the taste less noticeable.)
One more herbal remedy I find useful for insomnia is Scutellaria Lateriflora, commonly known as Scullcap or Skullcap.
Scullcap has been used for centuries because of its natural sedative properties; it was used to treat hysteria and nervous tension, nervous disorders in general, and even as a treatment for epilepsy. It also has been traditionally used as an anti-spasmodic, and anti-inflammatory.
Scullcap is available in pill or capsule form, as well as liquid or tincture, from several suppliers. Follow the dosage recommendations on the label. (I always start at the lowest recommended dosage whenever I try a new herbal remedy, and increase the dosage gradually, if necessary, and if there are no negative reactions from taking the remedy.)
These are my favorite herbal insomnia remedies, but should be used only for occasional insomnia. Frequent or severe insomnia may require medical treatment, so please consult with your doctor if you have a persistent problem.
If you are currently taking any medications, please talk with your doctor before using any herbal remedies.
The information presented here is not a substitute for qualified medical care. If you have a medical problem, please check with an appropriate care provider. I am not a doctor, and am not providing information with the intention to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please discuss with your doctor any natural or herbal products you are taking or planning to take.
There are many over the counter laxatives which are made from natural fiber products, psyllium husks are one of the most common. If you are looking for that type of remedy, I recommend looking at the ingredients, as some also add artificial flavors and coloring agents. I would recommend that you use one with nothing artificial added.
There are also other home remedies that are effective natural laxatives, and I personally prefer using this type of remedy first, and looking to over the counter remedies only if the home remedies do not work.
One of my favorite natural constipation remedies is apples, or apple sauce. (I prefer fresh, raw apples, but apple sauce will do if fresh apples are unavailable.)
One of the key soluble fibers in apples is pectin. Pectin is contained in many fruits, and is a key reason that fruits are healthful. There are many other factors, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc., but pectin has some special effects in the digestive system that I want to discuss here.
Pectin acts as a laxative stool softener, so it is very helpful in treating constipation. Pectin is also a key ingredient in many over the counter anti-diarrheal preparations. Intestinal bacteria convert the pectin into a soothing and protective coating for the intestinal lining, which is often irritated by the microorganisms which cause diarrhea.
In addition to the pectin, apples contain a natural fruit sugar, sorbitol, which also has some natural laxative properties.
Apples have been used as natural remedies at least as far back as the Roman Empire, where they were used as a treatment for diarrhea. (Apples actually help both diarrhea and constipation, acting both as a laxative and anti-diarrheal.)
There are many foods with a high fiber content, which may be helpful with constipation problems, you can find a listing of the fiber content of many foods at Nutrition Data.
Remember if you have persistent problems with constipation, (or any other health problem), you should discuss the problem with your doctor.
The information presented here is not a substitute for qualified medical care. If you have a medical problem, please check with an appropriate care provider. I am not a doctor, and am not providing information with the intention to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please discuss with your doctor any natural or herbal products you are taking or planning to take.
My favorite natural remedy for constipation is both safe and effective.
(The only case where it may not be safe is if there is a blockage in the bile ducts, and, in that case, it should not be used without first consulting your primary health care provider.)
The remedy is very simple, and offers extremely fast relief. Take two tablespoons of olive oil, and drink them. It rarely takes more than 30 minutes to remedy constipation.
Occasional constipation is experienced by nearly everyone, it can be caused by a change in diet or routine, as many travelers have discovered. This remedy is widely available, and easily taken.
If constipation is a frequent problem, you should check with your doctor or other health care professional, as it may be a symptom of a medical problem, and should not be ignored.
Constipation may also indicate that you need to add more fiber to your diet, many of us eat much less than the recommended daily amountg of dietary fiber. Consulting with a medical professional or nutritionist could provide appropriate advice. The information presented here is not a substitute for qualified medical care. If you have a medical problem, please check with an appropriate care provider. I am not a doctor, and am not providing information with the intention to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please discuss with your doctor any natural or herbal products you are taking or planning to take.