The Europeans, Chinese and American Indians used the leaves and fresh berries of the Uva Ursi to treat bladder infections, kidney stones and incontinence. Marco Polo also recorded in the 13th century that the Chinese physicians were using this herb as a diuretic, for kidney and bladder problems. In other parts of the world, some North American Indians used an infusion of Uva Ursi to heal sore gums, canker sores and as a mouthwash.

Medical herbalists report that the diuretic action comes from arbutin, which is absorbed, remains unchanged and then is excreted by the kidneys producing an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucus membranes.

Uva Ursi strengthens the urinary passages and is good for inflammation of every part of the urinary system. It also increases the flow of urine and cleanses the spleen.  (...)

Read the rest of The Benefits of Uva Ursi, aka Bearberry

© Natural Health Blog 2011. | More articles: bladder infection, herbs, urinary tract, uva usi

Pycnogenol. This herb is a powerful anti-oxidant capable of reducing free-radical tissue damage. Pycnogenol is much more effective than vitamins E, C, Carotene, Selenium.

In the winter of 1535 the French fleet of explorer Jacques Cartier, lay frozen solid at the mouth of what is now known as the St. Lawrence River in Canada. Adding to their plight, scurvy broke out resulting in the death of 25 crew members. As their provisions dwindled the remaining crew went onto the Quebec Peninsula to hunt and trap game, but without fresh fruit and vegetables they were in danger of dying from scurvy and malnutrition.

The remaining 85 crew members, growing weaker, were eventually rescued by friendly Quebec Indians. The Indians being experts on the medicinal properties of plants and trees offered them a tea made with the needles and bark of pine trees growing in the area.

Unsure of the results of the tea, the cure was given to only two of the sickest crew members, who began showing recovery so fast that within a week the tea was given to all the crew members with lifesaving results.

Four hundred years later, a research professor named Jacques Masquelier, visiting Quebec to study flavonols in pine bark and grape skins, learned of Cartier’s experience which had been chronicled in his journal, “Bref récit et succincte narration de la navigation faite en MDXXXV et MDXXXVI.”

With continued research he discovered that the Maritime Pine used by Cartier and his crew, which grows along the southern coast of France. Through his research, Masquelier “found that the maratime Pine Bark contained a blend of flavonols called proanthocyanidins which he later patented under the name Pycnogenol (Ritchason 175).” (...)

Read the rest of The Anti-aging Benefits of Pycnogenol

© Natural Health Blog 2011. | More articles: aging, herbs, pycnogenol

So, don’t be shy. Spice up your life with a teaspoon or two or these healthy herbs and spices.

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. It’s great for circulation and may help regulate blood sugar. Add a few dashes of cinnamon to your morning coffee or sprinkle on strawberries for a sweet combination of spicy health.

Cumin, a good source of manganese and iron, aids digestion and bloating. Traditionally it’s found in curries and stews, but can also be drunk as a tea.

Ginger is good for more than just cookies. Long heralded for it’s anti-nausea benefits, new research suggests that ginger may also be an anti-inflammatory. Try a ginger tea to find relief from stomachaches, arthritis and possibly migraines.

Red (Cayenne) Peppers contain capsaicin which is not just a good source of anti-oxidants, it’s also a helpful spice for dieters looking to boost metabolism. Cayenne pepper is even said to increase one’s feeling of fullness so dieters eat less.

Rosemary may help improve memory and prevent cancer in the long term. In the short term, it can be rubbed on the skin to increase circulation and relieve sore muscles. Simply mix a little Rosemary oil into your favorite plain skin cream after a workout.

Thyme is thought to possess anti-inflammatory health benefits and is often used to treat respiratory distress and chest colds. Studies now indicate that Thyme may also be good for common age-related diseases that effect cognitive function and heart health.

Tumeric (Yellow Curry) is that colorful spice that gives mustard and some curries that wonderful warm yellow glow. The distinctive hue comes from curcumin, a compound that may help inhibit the growth of cancer, reduce inflammation and protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease.

When it comes to getting the health benefits of nature, these 7 herbs and spices are but the tip of the teaspoon. Start adding more spice to your recipes and see how easy it is to scoop health and flavor into every bite.

© Natural Health Blog 2011. | More articles: herbs, spices for health

Although much of our early knowledge about how to use herbs for beauty has faded away, the idea of adding herbs to cosmetics is enjoying a renaissance.

Herbals are relatively free of side effects, which makes them the safest and most effective choice for beautiful, clean and healthy skin. One of the best ways to ensure the purity of your cosmetics is to make them yourself. If you understand the healing their properties, you can make herbal skin care creams and lotions in the kitchen of your home, using fresh herbs and oils. Here are is guide to using herbs for skin care: (...)

Read the rest of Herbs: Natural Solutions for Healthy Skin

© Natural Health Blog 2011. | More articles: herbs, Skin Care

The findings were reported December 21 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study involved 4,594 people in Taiwan who had just been diagnosed with urinary tract cancer, as well as a random sample of 174,701 people from the country. (...)

Read the rest of Herbal ingredient, aristolochic, tied to urinary cancer by new research

© Natural Health Blog 2010. | More articles: cancer, herbs, research