Is it better to take St. John's Wort in a tincture?

Does the herb pharm brand work? Should I be taking capsules? I spoke to a homeopathic doctor and she said to use herb pharm tincture, but it seems that most people use capsules? Anybody have any opinions? I'm taking it for social anxiety and depression along with exercise, diet, fish oil, and CBT.

Blanco Verde Partners with Heron's Nest Farm for Pot Luck

… or attend classes offered both days at 10:00am, 12:00 noon, or 2:00pm to learn the uses of the herb, and make your own Echinacea tincture. … Read More…

The Scandal That Removes Your Freedom To Choose

As a result, medical herbalists will not have access to some regulated herbal medicines. They will instead only be allowed to work with simple tinctures, … Read More…

Jet lag remedy came naturally

THE BUSINESS: Ted's Tinctures Inc. has developed FlyRight Jet Lag Formula, capsules that contain an herbal jet lag remedy that the company says also can … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Do you suffer from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, irritability and mood swings? Here are some herbal remedies that have been used by cultures around the world for the symptoms that occur during menopause.

• Angelica. European garden angelica (Angelica archangelica) and Don gui (A. sinensis). Both strengthen, warm and energize the reproductive organs. Angelica nourishes, restores and revitalizes. These herbs ease those hot flashes, stabilize mood swings and soothe your irritated nerves. Take 1-2 cups infusion or 30 drops of tincture 2-3 times a week.

• Chaste Tree. (Vitex agnus castus). This herb nourishes the pituitary gland and regulates menstruation. It eliminates hot flashes and night sweats and restores hormonal balance. It even helps shrink uterine fibroids. Take 20 drops of tincture 1-2 times a day.

• Ginseng. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), Chinese ginseng (P. ginseng) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Ginseng has been used for over 5,000 years. Vitamin C neutralizes ginseng so take vitamin C rich foods at least 3 hours before or after taking Ginseng. But, vitamin E foods like olive oil, nuts, nut butters and sunflower seeds enhance and even double ginseng’s effects. Mood swings, menopausal headaches, hot flashes and night sweats are relieved with regular use of Ginseng. Take ½ cup infusion or 10-40 drops of tincture 1-2 times a week.

• Black Cohosh. (Cimicifuga racemosa). Regulates menstruation and aids in relieving menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, nervous irritability and relieves tension. Take 1 cup infusion or 20-40 drops of tincture daily.

Menopause symptoms can be eased with regular use of natural herbs. You can take these herbs as teas or tinctures over several months to get the full benefits of their healing qualities.

©2009 Shanna Ohmes

Want to know more about how to boost your immune system? Traditional diets and how to prepare them, healthy fats, herbal remedies and debunking health myths are some of the subjects covered in The Natural Living Site Newsletter at http://thenaturallivingsite.com

Ok so 3 more posts today that I’ve dug up – I’m an information JUNKIE on this stuff lately. Give em a browse and let me know what ya reckon. They’re just from a few different sites I’ve been surfing lately that are generally good for information like this…

milky echinacea tincture?

A new topic 'milky echinacea tincture?' has been created by Beth in forum 'HerbTalk'

covertress: Common Herbal Medicines

It is a good idea to use this species, because you should not buy wild-crafted echinacea at all. There is not much of it left in our herbal world. To make a super-quality echinacea tincture, try adding seeds to the mixture. …

Homemade Echinacea Glycerite

I have kept saying I was going to make our own glyserite tinctures and I just have not ever got around to it. Hmmmm….I wonder why? Anyways, the past week and a half, my children have been sick with the seasonal flu and some are on …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Strengthen Your Immune System

Winter is when we are most likely to catch a cold or the flu. With my help, you can prepare yourself with herbs and home remedies to avoid infection and to build a strong immune system.

I prefer safe antibacterial herbs such as echinacea, usnea, or poke root, which not only kill infection, but also help us keep our immune systems strong. These herbs have an extensive history of countering resistant bacteria and strengthening the body’s natural defenses. I also recommend medicinal mushrooms, garlic, and ginseng to help you during the winter season. And remember: our thoughts affect our health too!

Echinacea root is the all-American immune system strengthener. It triggers production of white blood cells, interferon, leukocytes, T-cells, and B-lymphocytes, as well as directly inhibiting the growth of most bacteria and viruses. Peter Holmes, author of Energetics of Western Herbs, cites it as being effective against anthrax. Echinacea tincture is my first choice for countering infection. (Capsules and pills of Echinacea, if used for lengthy periods, may be counter-productive.) A dose of the tincture is one drop for every pound of body weight. I take this several times a week as a preventative; several times daily when there is active infection.

Usnea, a common lichen, is especially rich in a powerful antibacterial bitter called usnic acid (also usinic acid). I use the tincture of Usnea barbata (a dose is 1-2 dropperfuls), but other lichens show similar immune-enhancing and tonifying properties. There are no side effects reported from use of even large amounts of usnea tincture.

Poke root tincture (Phytolacca americana) kicks the immune system into gear incredibly fast. I’ve seen chronic infection of many years’ standing resolve after only one dose, and acute infection subside in a matter of hours. Poke’s effect seems to be focused on the lymphatic and glandular tissues of the throat and chest, making it the perfect counter to inhaled anthrax, which attacks the lymph nodes around the lungs. Poke is a specific against pneumonia and a protector of the lungs. It contains an antibacterial alkaloid and a special antiviral protein. It magnifies the effects of Echinacea and they work wonderfully well together.

Poke root
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is powerful medicine – in fact, a potential poison – and the dose is very small. One drop of poke tincture may be taken daily for no more than three months as a counter to possible infection. Alkaloids in poke root tincture can accumulate in the kidneys, making extended use risky. Caution: You can feel spacey and out of your body when taking poke, especially at higher doses. The first few times, take it after dinner and stay home so you can judge your reaction.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus) is widely considered the single most effective immune tonic and adaptogen in the herbal realm. Safe and inexpensive, it helps the immune system respond quickly to infection and mitigates the effects of stress. Astragalus root is also an excellent ally for building powerful immunity. Both, or either, may be taken daily for extended periods with no ill effects. I throw several pieces of these roots in every pot of soup I cook.

Ginseng root (Panax quinquefolius or Panax ginseng) is another exceptional ally for the immune system, especially when there is physical or emotional stress. In any form (tincture, tea, extract) it nourishes production of interferon, phagocytes, antibodies, and killer T-cells. So long as you need ginseng, there’s no overdose; if you take it when you don’t need it however, it may produce an unpleasant, jittery, speedy sensation.

Garlic has been used to prevent infection for thousands of years; and it still works! No need to upset your stomach (and loved ones) by eating it raw; cooked garlic retains its antibacterial powers, so long as you eat enough of it. During plague times, healers in some areas wore a “bird’s beak:” a stiff cone was made of paper or bark, stuffed with garlic and spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg), and tied on over the nose to help prevent contagion. That’s a little cumbersome for modern times, but inhaling the aroma of a cup of spicy tea (there are many blends available, or make your own) could help you avoid catching contagious disease.

Medicinal mushrooms are not only immune system tonics, they possess antibacterial properties which make them ideal for preventing anthrax infection, according to expert Paul Stametes. A tincture or strong infusion of any shelf fungus with pores can be used, he says. If you prefer to buy your mushrooms, rather than hunt for them, look for reishii (Ganoderma lucidum) or shiitake (Lentinus edodes). Both are adaptogenic, revitalizing, regenerative, and able to directly suppress infection. Side effects, even from large doses, are rare.

But herbs and medicinal foods alone are not enough. What we think, and what we consume, are also important parts of building strong immunity. Candace Pert, visiting professor of neuroscience at Rutgers University, has proven that every cell of the body participates in the immune system through an integrated network of chemical, electrical, and hormonal signals. The immune system is a network, she says, which resonates with the vibrations that surround it. It is as affected by emotions as by bacteria, as impacted by thoughts as by drugs.

Long-standing low-level depression, smoldering anger that is never expressed, bitterness and vengeance projected into the future are all known to depress immune functioning. Prayer, affirmations, positive thinking – no matter what you call it, talking lovingly to yourself builds powerful immunity. One of the fiercest old women I know, healer Margo Geiger, taught me to not only think good thoughts but also to unthink immune system stressing phrases like: “This is killing me,” or “I’m dying to . . .” (“Let’s live for it!” she’d say.)

Specialized cells which eliminate bacterial and viral infections are made as needed by the immune system. Richly supply your immune system with nutrients, and it easily counters infection, building healthy white blood cells to kill anthrax and other germs. Starve your immune system and it will falter, leaving your lymph nodes and other tissues open to infection and destruction.
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My favorite foods for nourishing the immune system include beets, carrots, garlic, medicinal mushrooms, seaweeds, and dark leafy greens (including nettle infusion). For rapid results, try miso soup with seaweed and wild mushrooms. Try Immune A Go Go Soup from my book Breast Cancer? Breast Health!

Carotenes strengthen and activate all parts of the immune system, especially the thymus (the “master gland of immunity”). A half-cup of dandelion greens, two cups of nettle infusion, a small baked sweet potato, or two large cooked carrots or beets is a “dose;” but ten times that much can be consumed safely. Repeated doses provide a cumulative effect starting about a week after you begin.

Selenium is a trace mineral with special abilities for building a healthy immune system. Best sources are organic garlic, medicinal mushrooms, and astragalus. Zinc helps build energetic white blood cells (which eliminate bacterial infections). Best sources are Echinacea, nettles, and seaweed.

The B-vitamin complex, especially B6 (pyridoxine), is critical to immune system health. Best sources are potato skins, broccoli, prunes, and lentils.

Virtually all drugs depress the immune system. This includes caffeine and nicotine, alcohol, prescribed drugs, “recreational” drugs, and vitamin/mineral supplements. For a healthy immune system, eat nourishing food and forgo the pills.

Both light and dark are necessary for a strong immune system. For optimum immune system strength, sleep in a totally dark room at night, and spend at least 15 minutes a day outside without glasses or contacts. Full spectrum sunlight is needed to trigger the production of important immune system components.

Exercise is an excellent way to tonify the immune system. A number of clinical trials have shown regular exercise to be strongly linked to heightened immunity. The emphasis is on regular. It is better to walk one mile four times a week for a month than to jog 16 miles once a month.

In Summary: Strengthen you immune system with a good diet, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, emotional well-being, and a few of the recommended herbal allies of your choice. Always remember to use herbs and herbal preparations simply and safely. Avoid immune compromising substances such as coffee, tobacco and medications. With a strengthened immune system you will not only enjoy better health, but you will be less likely to be susceptible to infection and possible death from bacterial and/or viral invasions. Faith in your body’s ability to protect itself will continue to bolster and reinforce the immune system as your mental well-being improves. Enjoy the upward spiral of health as you follow the path of the Wise Woman Way.

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material on this website/email is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion

Susun Weed
PO Box 64
Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax: 1-845-246-8081

By: Susun Weed

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Visit Susun Weed at: The Wise Woman Center;and Ash Tree Publishing

Susun is one of America’s best-kn
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own authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women’s health. Her 4 best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women.

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