Labels: lifestream wheat grass | wheatgrass edinburgh | wheatgrass growing kit
Blue cohosh is derived from the aerial parts of the plant, its roots, and its rhizomes. Pharmacologic effects are attributed to several glycosides and alkaloids, such as caulosaponin and methylcytisine. Caulosaponin is responsible for the herb's oxytocic effects and its effects on coronary vasculature as well as its ability to stimulate intestinal contractions. Methylcytisine produces nicotinic effects; for example, it elevates blood pressure and blood glucose level, stimulates respiration, and increases peristalsis. Blue cohosh is available as capsules, decoction, dried powder, liquid extract, tablets, tea, and tincture.
Benefits And Uses of Blue Cohosh
Blue cohosh is used to treat colic, sore throat, cramps, hiccups, epilepsy, urinary tract infections, inflammation of the uterus, asthma, memory problems, hypertension, muscle spasms, worm infestation, anxiety, restlessness and pain during pregnancy, and labor pains. It's used to stimulate uterine contractions and induce menstruation, and as an antispasmodic, antirheumatic, diaphoretic, expectorant, and laxative.
Blue cohosh may also have some antimicrobial activity. Low doses of the extract may inhibit ovulation. The roasted seeds of the herb are commonly used as a coffee substitute.
Administration
Dried rhizome or root: 0.3 to 1 g by mouth three times a day .
Tea: 1 cup three times a day; prepared by steeping herb in 5 oz of boiling water, then straining .
Liquid extract 0:1 in 70% alcohol): 0.5 to 1 ml by mouth three times a day.
Clinical considerations
In the past blue cohosh has been listed as a drug in the USP and the National Formulary; however, because of serious safety concerns, its use isn't recommended.
The root of this herb can be toxic, and the danger associated with its use seems to outweigh the reported medicinal benefits.
Don't confuse blue cohosh with black cohosh.
Monitor patient's blood pressure and blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and protein bound iodine levels. . Monitor patient for signs and symptoms of overdose, which resemble those of nicotine toxicity. If overdose occurs, perform gastric lavage or induce vomiting, if needed.
Warn patient to avoid using blue cohosh during pregnancy, labor, and breast- feeding.
Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.
Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
There is virtually no credible evidence that blue cohosh is effective for any of the conditions for which it has been used. Several published reports cite cases of serious adverse effects in infants, apparently caused by blue cohosh.
Read out for Home remedies Check out brewing green tea and swedish massage
To discuss natural remedies for hemorrhoids it is important to know what a hemorrhoid is and the various types of hemorrhoids there are. In general it is when an anal varicose vein becomes so swollen that it stretches and pushes with such force the vein ruptures and bleeds. External hemorrhoids can be seen and felt as a soft, blueish - purple lump protruding. Internal hemorrhoids you may never even know that they are occurring. Internal hemorrhoids however, can collapse and then protrude outwardly and is accompanied by a mucus discharge and bleeding. This type of hemorrhoid is known as a prolapsed hemorrhoid.
Certain factors can cause or at the very least contribute to hemorrhoids. Some of these factors include obesity, lack of exercise, food allergies, lifting heavy objects and lack of dietary fiber. Often pregnant women develop hemorrhoids due to the pressure of the uterus on the major anal veins. Constipation, especially during pregnancy, can make hemorrhoids all the more painful as it puts additional pressure on the area. Childbirth also can cause hemorrhoids in many cases.
There are some natural remedies for hemorrhoids that can relieve some of the pain often accompanied by hemorrhoids.
* Apply aloe vera gel directly on the anus. Aloe vera can relieve the pain and soothe the burning sensation.
* Strong, fresh brewed yarrow tea. Yarrow is available in most health food stores. Place a cotton ball dipped in the tea and apply directly to the anus. The yarrow can reduce the pain considerably.
* To shrink an external hemorrhoid apply witch hazel with a cotton pad three times a day directly on the hemorrhoid.
* To relieve pain of both external and prolapsed hemorrhoids use a capsicum or garlic enema. Both can be found in most health stores.
* For near instant relief of the pain create a cranberry poultice. It is quite simple to prepare. Take 4 tablespoons of raw cranberries and blend them until smooth. Wrap one tablespoon of the blend in cheese cloth. Push the cheese cloth against the anus holding it tight(wearing a tight pair of underwear will suffice). If the pain persist still after one hour, repeat with a fresh blend in cloth.
* Garlic or onions can be used as a suppository. They will actually strengthen the veins as well as kill any bacteria and reduce the inflammation. Peel a clove of garlic (or peel an onion cutting it down to the size of a clove) and right before bed push the clove slightly into your rectum. A regular bowel movement will remove it. IMPORTANT, if you are bleeding do not use this method.
* Ice works wonders. To make your own ice pack, place crushed ice into a plastic zip lock bag and wrap it in a thin piece of cloth and place it against the anal area. This will give quick relief from some of the pain and swelling. Keep the ice pack on for a full 15 minutes and then remove it. Wait 15 minutes before replacing the ice pack. NEVER place ice directly against the anus.
* To prevent hemorrhoids make a lemon drink that will strengthen the blood vessel walls and veins in the anal area. To make the lemon drink follow this recipe. Be sure to use an organic lemon as the peel is used as well. Slice the lemon into four quarters and boil in a covered glass pot using distilled water for ten minutes. Allow it cool and rink a 6 - 8 oz cup each day.
This is a powerful drink as lemons are full of Vitamin C and bioflavonoids which will go directly into the distilled water as it is boiled. This drink provides many bioflavonoids which are not available in any pill or supplement.
* Stone Root or Collinsonia Root is actually a vegetable found in Florida. Most health stores will have it in either a powder or liquid form. Stone Root supports blood vessel contractions and flow, reduces irritation and inflammation of veins, and keeps mucus membranes healthy.
Since every person is different, each person will need to try different remedies until they find one that works for them.
Bright blessings,
Ashira
http://www.ashira.ws
ashira@ashira.ws
Ashira is a Practicing Pagan for over 15 years. Currently she is a featured columnist at Asknow.com.
The Witches' Child Author
Bacon Bits Author
FFWA Member
Cassel Network of Writers Member
Labels: wheatgrass sprouter | www wheatgrass | powdered wheatgrass