The Use of Chinese Herbs for Lyme Disease

A number of Chinese herbs can be useful for the many different facets of Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is a bacterial infectious disease caused by the spirochetal organism, Borrelia Burgdorferi. It is usually caused by a tick bite. The prevalence of the disease is greatest in the northeastern United States, but there have been cases of the illness in all lower 48 states. The disease is easy to treat with antibiotics in its initial stages, but it is often not detected at that point. There is a bull’s eye rash that is characteristic of the disease, but many people never get the rash. The rash looks different in people with darker pigmentation, making it easy to mistake it for other skin conditions, including bruising or eczema. The wide variety of symptoms that a person can have in its later stages makes it hard to obtain a proper diagnosis, and the medical testing for the illness is still not very accurate in many cases.

People with later stages of Lyme need treatment on a number of different levels. At the very basic level, herbs that are anti-bacterial, specifically against spirochetal bacteria, are an important component of treatment. Herbs that have been shown to have activity against spirochetal bacteria include coptis (huang lian), andrographis paniculata (chuan xin lian), isatis (ban lan gen/qing dai), phellodendron (huang bai), scute (huang qin), forsythia (lian qiao), smilax (tu fu ling), and gardenia (zhi zi). Garlic is also a useful antibacterial supplement for those with Lyme Disease.

Lyme disease can lower body temperature and create poor blood circulation. A person is also likely to feel cysts, lumps, and swellings in different areas of their body that often change and move. The bacteria walls itself off, and creates an environment in which it can grow and thrive and the person with the disease ends up in severe pain, with horribly low energy, and neurological problems. The disease thrives in a low temperature, low oxygen environment, and that is the environment it creates within the body. People with the disease often have signs and symptoms similar to someone with severe altitude sickness (also caused by a low oxygen environment).

Chinese herbs that clear blood stasis and break blood stagnation can be very useful for this aspect of the disease. The herb, pseudoginseng (san qi), can be extremely beneficial for people with Lyme Disease. It promotes blood circulation and oxygenation in the body, and can force open the cysts that protect the bacteria from being killed off. It also can help clear some of the brain fog that people with this disease have by improving blood circulation and oxygenation to the brain. Frankincense (ru xiang), and myrrh (mo yao) can also help by improving blood circulation, especially to the joints, where the bacteria often hides in cartilaginous tissue where blood circulation tends to be poorer.

An herb that is frequently used by people with Lyme Disease, teasel root, is beneficial because it improves circulation in the body and also has a warming affect. All of these herbs can help significantly with the intense and chronic pain that those with later stages of Lyme disease experience. Certain Chinese herbs can be used to reduce the person’s sensitivity to cold and improve microcirculation in the body. Herbs such as clove, cinnamon, ginger, and siegesbeckia can be useful for this purpose. The lymphatic system and the metabolism are often compromised in people with Lyme Disease. The bacteria frequently hides inside the walls of white blood cells, and results in swollen and congested lymph glands.

People with the disease often have symptoms of hypothyroidism and a slowed metabolic rate even if all of their thyroid tests are normal. In Chinese Medicine, herbs that treat phlegm are frequently used for conditions related to a slow metabolism and a congested lymphatic system. The Chinese herb, prunella vulgaris (xia ku cao), and scrophularia (xuan shen) are very useful for inflammation, congestion, and infection of the lymphatic system. Herbs such as citrus aurantium, kelp, epimedium, and Siberian ginseng, can be beneficial for improving a sluggish metabolism in people with Lyme Disease who have signs or symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Another aspect of Lyme Disease is severe and debilitating fatigue and a total lack of energy. This can be due to a host of different factors.

Poor oxygenation and blood circulation and lowered metabolism and body temperature are part of the picture. The person’s adrenal glands may not be functioning properly either. Someone with Lyme Disease may also have a host of digestive problems that result in a lack of adequate nutrition. The disease itself can trigger chemical changes in the brain that create severe depression and an inability to concentrate, which is debilitating as well. In Chinese medicine, herbs that nourish the qi and blood can help this lack of energy. The herbs can improve the person’s digestive functioning, support the functioning of the brain, support proper functioning of the adrenal glands, and improve the person’s ability to handle stress. They can also help the proper functioning of the mitochondria in their production of ATP in the cells, which helps a person’s energy at a very fundamental level. Siberian ginseng, schizandra, licorice, and astragalus are all good herbs for improving a person’s energy level, digestive functioning, and their ability to handle stress.

White peony, dong quai, and wolfberry nourish the blood and reduce fatigue. Polygonum and eucommia can help improve a person’s adrenal response and can improve brain functioning. Bupleurum, longan fruit, zyzyphus seed, dragon bone, oyster shell, and magnolia bark can be beneficial for the depression, anxiety, lack of concentration, and sleep problems that people with Lyme Disease experience. As you can see, Lyme Disease is a complex illness with many facets. Chinese herbal medicine has numerous herbs in its pharmacopia that can treat the many different aspects of this disease in a comprehensive and holistic manner.

Cure your Baldness & Alopecia the Natural Way

A recent media broadcast on UK televison as part of an expirement to cure alopecia and treat thinning hair and baldness uncovered the beneficial factors of using chinese herbs in treating alopecia. There are a number of Chinese herbs that can be beneficial for this condition. Chinese medicine treats the root imbalances in the body that result in alopecia. When the body is brought into balance, symptoms resolve themselves and slowly disappear.

The first is a pattern of Liver and Kidney Deficiency. This means that the energy of the body that normally nourishes the hair follicles is deficient. When herbs are used to nourish the Liver and Kidney, hair can start to grow back. The second pattern is toxic heat in the body. This means that there is an inflammatory condition in the body that is a result of excess acidity from a poor diet, exposure to pollution or other toxins, or an infection.

In most people with alopecia areata, these two conditions exist in combination with each other. It is necessary to reduce inflammation and acidity in the body while nourishing the cooling yin energy of the body that nourishes hair growth. He Shou Wu, polygonum otherwise known Fo-ti, is one herb that can be beneficial for people with alopecia areata. This herb has been used traditionally in China for graying hair and premature hair loss. It is a general tonic for the brain and the body, and can improve the quality of hair growth on the head. It can take three to six months of use to see the full benefits of Fo-ti.

The Chinese have also traditionally used this herb as a longevity tonic. Ligustrum and eclipta are also two Chinese herbs used to nourish hair growth by strengthening the Liver and Kidney Yin energy of the body. Research done in China have shown that these herbs can promote hair growth in people with alopecia areata. Chinese wolfberries are also a general body tonic that improve blood circulation to hair follicles of the head. This herb can work well in combination with the herbs listed above. In order to clear the inflammation and acidity that can trigger alopecia, mint, dandelion, and honeysuckle herbs can be used in combination.

Some supplements that may be of benefit in combination with Chinese herbs include vitamin C, flaxseed oil, and nettle tea. All of these are anti-inflammatory and detoxifying to the body. Eating black beans and black sesame seeds can also be helpful when taken alongside Chinese herbs. Chinese herbs are a safe, natural, effective, health-promoting way to treat alopecia areata and increase hair growth.

Herbal Menopause Treatment

Today, we have heard about the hormone replacement therapy or HRT as it is continually accepted in society as a perimenopausal treatment.  However, many women still choose not to undertake this method as a treatment in the first place.  Most of the women rather preferred on trying some herbal menopause treatment, which greatly appear to them as softer options.

The herbal menopause treatment has considerably a long history of usage and often clinically the only interference needed.   The use of the herbal menopause treatment has been continually increasing due to the reason that most naturopaths and herbalists greatly prescribed herbal menopause treatments rather than HRT.  As such, many herbs and supplements are now applied to administer the switch from the reproductive to the post-reproductive phase of the women’s life.

Due to the great appreciation of the herbal menopause treatments, a number of simple herbal formulations which generally suggested as a starting point for most women are now available and lining on the shelves of several health food outlets anywhere in the world.  And speaking of those herbal menopause treatments that stand out as being worldly renowned in pharmaceuticals formulations, St. John’s Wort and black cohosh are among the many.

In particular, St. John’s Wort is considered as the best herbal menopause treatment since the early days.  This herb has been applied traditionally for the treatment of mood disturbance and anxiety especially during the menopausal periods. Notably, numerous clinical studies have supported this claim and have demonstrated the efficacy of this herb in cases of mild to moderate depression.  And so far, there is still no known side effect for this herbal menopause treatment.

In terms of black cohosh as the other herbal menopause treatment that is proven effective, it has been demonstrated that it has an oestrogenic effect.  And just like St. John’s Wort, there is also no know side effect for the use of this herbal menopause treatment, however, the British Herbal Compendium recommends that the treatment for menopause by this herb must not exceed six months and that this herb should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation phases.

From such information alone, it is somehow understandable that herbal medicines have much to offer specifically in women for the treatment of symptoms that are related with the menopausal stage.  For many women, herbal menopause treatments are the therapy of preference.  And as further discoveries are noted in this area of herbal treatment, many practitioners and patients are now much confident in a broad array of effective therapeutic involvements.

Herbal Medicines

Herbal medicines are now lining in shelves in most health food stores.  This is basically for the reason that the causes of illness that afflicted mankind are continually evolving, so is number of people who need some prescriptions and herbal medications continually increase.

However, even if herbal medicines are widely manufactured and used nowadays, there are still certain doubts in terms of its safety and effectiveness.  Many people claimed that herbal medicines are absolutely safe and effective because they come from natural sources and they are labeled as “herbal” or “natural”.  With this matter, it is then necessary to know that not all herbal medicines are safe and effective.  In fact, many plants are poisonous and the labeling does not necessarily mean that herbal medicines are really safe and effective.  This is for the reason that some herbal medicines labeled as “natural” are not really natural to the human body.

To support such stand, the herbal medicines, unlike the over-the-counter prescriptions and medications, are not tested before they are sold.  There is a lack of governance in the place of herbal medicines so there is no proof that they work well or are safe.  And there is great possibility that herbal medicines are not really pure, for they may contain some ingredients like the plant pollen which could make you sick.

Given such information, perhaps the best move to take when considering herbal medicines is to consult the doctor for some guidelines, before taking any form of herbal medicines.  In fact, most of the herbal medicines are not good for those who have particular health problems such as high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, history of stroke, and other serious ailments.

Also considerable is the fact that since the herbal medicines are not tested to ensure that they are safe, most of the herbal medicines may have certain side effects.  For instance, taking ginkgo biloba may lead to have bleeding as a side effect.  Other example is the fact that if you are taking St. John’s Wort, there is a great possibility that you may have an upset stomach, a tired feeling, confusion, dizziness, and dry mouth.  Aside from that, sunburn may also appear more easily.

Some of the herbal medicines are not also taken if you have other prescriptions or medications.  This is for the fact that the herbal products can alter the way prescription medicines work.

So if you want to avoid several complications after taking herbal medicines, you should then tell your doctor if you are taking a prescription medicine or have certain health problems while taking an herbal supplement.

Herbal Medicine for Cold

Many people these days, children, adults, or elders, are greatly looking for an effective and safe herbal medicine for cold. This situation is mostly evident especially between the months of November through March winter period.  One of the reasons for that continuing search for an efficient herbal medicine for cold is the fact that once you have gotten a cold or even flu, the herbal remedies and vitamins may be able to lessen the symptoms or in fact shorten the time frame you have it.

However, it is important to know that the herbal medicine for cold does not really cure such conditions.  The herbal medicine for cold is just there to provide us with some relief but not to totally cure it.  But still, some considered herbal medicine for cold is there on the market to help us in strengthening our immune system, so to prevent the onset of cold. Among those are mentioned below.

There are basically two forms of widely known herbal medicine for cold, and these are the astragalus and schisandra.  Many experts have noted that to better get a good result, begin using these forms of herbal medicine for cold and flu before such illnesses strike to take advantage of their immune-building potential.

In particular, the astragalus has been shown to enhance nearly every phase of immune-system activity.  One of the scientific studies demonstrated that long term use of this herbal medicine for cold sharpened the immune cell activity ranging from the speed with which the immune cells make up to the speed with which they travel in the body.  Aside from that, another support for this herbal medicine for cold showed that astragalus has the potential to increase the production as well as the storage of interferon, which is an essential substance that strengthens the body to invading bacteria and viruses.  It is then noted that this herbal medicine for cold stimulate cells to start their defense against these invaders and then increase the interferon’s effects in fighting the common cold.

In terms of schisandra, as another well-known herbal medicine for cold, it is interesting to know that this herb is a vining shrub that is indigenous to China.  Traditionally, its berries are applied in the Chinese medicine to promote the production of fluids in the body as well as to control coughing, to enhance the resistance level of the body to a wide spectrum of adverse biological, physical, and chemical effects, and also to aid the body in handling stress.  And along with that, this herbal medicine for cold is also applied to correct mild digestive malfunctions and to stop diarrhea.

Due to its proven effectiveness, these two mentioned herbal medicines for the treatment of cold are now widely offered in many health food outlets.  The dosages of any of them just depend upon a person’s size, age, and specific conditions.  So, it is necessary to consult with a doctor for proper information.

Herbal Medicine and Bruising

Herbal medicines have generally surged up to their highest usage since the Food and Drug Administration decided to consider herbal medicines as dietary supplements in 1990. There had been some reports mentioning that the estimates of annual herbal medicine sales have elevated to between $ 2 and $3 billion.  Along with that rise of herbal medicine, the issue on herbal medicine and bruising emerged.

Many people since the rise of herbal medicine actually asked and searched for some possible link between herbal medicine and bruising.  Greatly, many of them have found out certain links and some important consideration regarding herbal medicine and bruising.

In the first place, the issue on herbal medicine and bruising basically emerged due to the public question on what specific herbal medicine will be used and is effective for treating bruises.  Speaking of bruising, it is interesting to know first that bruising occurs after a traumatic injury and it is generally consists of swelling and discoloration under the skin; however, there is no disruption of the skin.  Such discoloration is said to change in color depending on the depth if the bruise.  With that, the healing then takes days or even weeks, also depending on the severity of the bump or blow that caused the bruise.

From such information alone, knowing that bruising is such a form of disease, the function of herbal medicine is greatly needed.  This is where the issue on herbal medicine and bruising occurs.  Since the underlying purpose of the issue on herbal medicine and bruising is really to find some herbal remedies for such disease, it is just nice to mention some of the great supports for the link between herbal medicine and bruising.

Particularly, one of the great solutions that will answer some questions regarding the issue on herbal medicine and bruising is the function of Arnica, one of the well-known herbal medicines for bruising.  Arnica is always suggested as both an internal and topical means to treat minor injuries.  In fact, many experts that tackle the issue on herbal medicine and bruising often recommend the mixing 1 tablespoon of arnica tincture in 500 ml water as a treatment for bruise.

And outside from such fact that shows the link between herbal medicine and bruising, there is an herb known as Bellis, which is proven effective for treating injury to deep tissues, bruises after operations, and sprains.  And also there was Comfrey which is also widely used in traditional medicine as a topical application to aid in treating wounds.

These are just among the many notable herbs that will provide some answers and supports to the issue on the herbal medicine and bruising, and all of them act as good treatments for bruises.