Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Garlic As Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Garlic As Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (Hypertension) is one of the common cardiovascular diseases worldwide!    High blood pressure can be serious as it burdens the heart to pump sufficient blood to the body and it is one of the causes for atherosclerosis.  Garlic has proven to be useful as natural remedies for high blood pressure!

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls.  Our normal blood pressure is 120/80 (Systolic/Diastolic blood pressure).  When blood pressure is 120-139/80-89, it’s considered as Pre-hypertension.  High blood pressures, stage 1 is at 140-159/90-99 and stage 2 is at 160 and above/100 and above.

Causes of high blood pressure are unknown, however, the following are some factors that may have a role in causing hypertension:-

• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• High salt in daily diet
• Alcohol
• Stress
• Smoking
• Elderly or Age factor
• Adrenal and thyroid disorders
• Chronic kidney disease
• Genetics

There are various types of anti-hypertensive available in the market based on their mode of action.  They are normally known as the following:- 

• Diuretics
• Adrenergic receptor antagonists
• Adrenergic receptor agonist
• Calcium channel blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
• Aldosterone antagonists
• Vasodilators
• Centrally acting adrenergic drugs

Besides these medications, herbal products have also proven to be useful and effective treatment for high blood pressure.  Plants can be quite promising in treating hypertension.  Orthosiphon and Andrographis are good examples of these natural herbal remedies.

One of the very common plants - garlic, has been found by a various studies to be useful in controlling blood pressure.  Garlic appears to lower blood pressure by 5 – 10% and it can also lower the cholesterol level by reducing the triglyceride (TG) levels.

Nevertheless, garlic was also found to cause thinning of blood.  Hence, it’s advised that garlic should be taken as adjunct therapy with warfarin or pentoxifylline.  In total natural remedies, Garlic can be used in combination with vitamin E or ginkgo.

Garlic should be avoided for a few weeks before and after any type of surgical procedures.

As hypertension is associated with CV events, garlic should not be taken as a substitute for any antihypertensive medications.  It has a role in helping better blood pressure management and as supplementary treatment for high blood pressure, as many studies had shown positive outcome of garlic in lowering the systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

There are many ways to prepare the remedies from garlic.  Some of the remedies preparations are:

Fresh Garlic: Eating garlic regularly can help to lower blood pressure, blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Garlic Juice: good for prevention of atherosclerosis.

Capsules: Powdered garlic can be prepared in capsules.  Garlic capsules are available as commercial products.

Citric Acid for Blood Pressure

Citric acid, is in its fresh form in lemon and limes, transforms during metabolism into alkali. This is helpful to your blood. Our  diet tends to be more acidic from coffee, sodas, alcohol, and certain proteins. An acidic condition tends to be more inflammatory.  Citric acid is required for  the Krebs cycle, Citric acid, together with Malic acid, are involved with complex chemical actions, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide, and its removal from the cells. Citric acid is also used as a natural preservative to retain freshness of many products. Citric Acid is a naturally available substance with no known side effects

Orthosiphon Stamineus / Cat's Whiskers

 Anti-hypertensive from Orthosiphon stamineus
Orthosiphon stamineus is a common medicinal herb found in tropical areas; especially in South East Asia (Malesiana), tropical Australia, and southern China.
Orthosiphon is also known as the Cat’s Whiskers or Misai Kucing (Kumis Kucing) in Malay words. Orthosiphon Stamineus is also known as Java Tea in Europe and US.



Research has been indicated it’s medicinal uses as anti-allergic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.  It is used as a remedy for arteriosclerosis (capillary and circulatory disorders), high blood pressures, kidney stones, diabetes and nephritis.   
The Cat’s Whiskers has been used as natural remedies for treatment of kidney or bladder stone, urinary tract infection, liver and kidney problems, diabetes, rheumatism and gout.
Many recent researches published the efficacy of Orthosiphon in treating or controlling hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and hypertension (high blood pressure).  Controlling of high blood pressure has also been studied in Andrographis paniculata plants.  The plants contain natural diuretics as antihypertensive agents.
Common species of Cat’s Whiskers is Orthosiphon stamineu, with two subspecies Orthosiphon stamineus “purple” and Orthosiphon stamineus “white” have essential medicinal properties which are able to high blood pressure, kidney and urinary disorders, treat Diabeties  and bone or muscular pain.

The Cat’s Whiskers can be easily planted and managed in tropical garden.  As one of the natural remedies, the matured plants are harvested, washed and cut into smaller parts, followed by sun-dried.  The dried plants can be treated as “tea leaves”.  One can make tea from the dried plants and drink as tea everyday.  The Orthosiphon tea is also known as Java Tea, one of the well-known herbal tea.
Similar to other natural remedies, should symptoms persist, medical professionals should be consulted.  If swelling or edema occurred, patients should stop taking the Orthosiphon Tea and seek for professional medical advice.

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Natural Home Remedies for Acne or Pimples

Natural Home Remedies for Acne or Pimples

Teenagers are the common victims of acne as it is a side effect of the hormonal changes taking place in their bodies. Some adults also have session of acne. Whether in a teenager or an adult it is an embarrassing condition to deal with and can also be painful in some cases. Below are 9 simple Natural Home Remedies for Acne or Pimples

So let’s look at some natural ways of dealing with this condition;

Acne is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The evidence of acne is usually found on the face, back, neck, chest and shoulders. Some cases of acne are milder than others.

Unfortunately the time of our lives when acne usually is prevalent is when we are most subconscious about our appearance and it can be emotionally and socially debilitating since it is such an embarrassing condition.

 Acne can be characterized by the visual presence of blackheads, pimples, scars and small superficial sebaceous cysts.

Acne in adults is more often the result of poor dietary habits. We are what we eat and if we are eating junk, eating at the wrong time of day and generally not looking after ourselves we tend to get acne as a result.

Acne can also be caused by unhealthy living habits such as not washing our hands and face regularly.

Here are some natural remedies for dealing with Acne:

1. Lemon Juice – This would not be lemonade but the concentrated form of lemons or the juice of a lemon that your squeeze and apply directly to the affected areas.
2. Garlic – With this remedy you can apply the garlic by rubbing it on the affected areas or by eating some raw cloves of garlic ( if you can handle it) or by taking it in supplement form. Garlic is a natural blood cleanser so helps keep the acne at bay.
3. Orange Peel – Some swear by this remedy where you simply rub the inside of the orange peel onto the affected areas.
4. Cucumber – This remedy calls for you to apply the cucumber slices to your acne areas for at least 15-20 minutes to have any effect. Also helps with aging so for the adults suffering with acne this is an added benefit.
5. Zinc – This mineral has shown dramatic results in the treatment of acne and can be found in pill form so it is easy to take as it requires no down time where things that have to be applied to the acne affected spots do.
6. Epsom Salt – This therapy has proven very effective and is used in the bath. You take a hot bath with Epsom salts a few times each week. This causes you to sweat which releases toxins built up in your skin.
7.  Steam shower - Have a steam shower or boil little water and put your head over the vapors for few minutes. This method will open up the pores and they can be cleaned easily. The blackheads also can be squeezed out easily.  This opening of pores can be achieved by another method like - putting a very warm cloth on the affected area several times in a day. 
8.  Apple Cider Vinegar - Clean your face and apply apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball. The acid present in these kitchen remedies helps in flushing out the dust particles accumulated in pores of the skin and keeps the skin looking recently.
9. Tea Tree Oil - Tea tree oil is derived form the leaves of Australian Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil contains antiseptic property of which is very effective skin disinfectant. Its antiseptic property is equivalent to 5% Benzoyl peroxide

So above are 9 Natural Home Remedies for Acne or Pimples.  

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Benefits of the Lavender Plants

Benefits of the Lavender Plants

Lavender, a lovely name for a plant with many common names as lavender, English lavender, French lavender, Garden lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula latifolia, and Lavandula officinalis.

Lavender plants (common species: Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis) is well-known for its aromatic fragrance.  It has been used as a fragrant ingredient in lotions, body shampoo, soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes.   Similar to Chamomile Tea, Lavender Tea is also one of the elements in modern and Zen living style, though it has been traditionally taken.

image courtesy-Pixabay

Lavender (Latin: lavare,  means “to wash”).  It was frequently used in purifying body and spirit.  This herb is also treated as a natural remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and mood disturbances.  Clinical research has confirmed that lavender produces calming, soothing, and sedative effects.
Lavender plant is commonly found in the mountain area at the Mediterranean.  The plants grow well under sunny and stony habitats.  It’s found throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States today.  The small, blue-violet, purple Lavender flowers contain essential oils, giving the herb its fragrant scent.

Lavender - Which Parts are useful?

Flowers!  The essential oil is extracted from the fresh flowers of the lavender plant and used for medicinal purposes.

Lavender Oil- Medicinal Uses
Clinical studies have been indicated that lavender essential oil has a beneficial role in treating various medical conditions.  This includes insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, postoperative pain, and as an antibacterial and antiviral agent.

Clinical studies have been indicated that lavender essential oil has a beneficial role in treating various medical conditions.  This includes insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, postoperative pain, and as an antibacterial and antiviral agent.
Lavender oil is also used in adjunct with other forms of integrative medicine, such as spa, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation.
Same as Chamomile, Lavender Tea is easily found in Coffee & Tea House, readily made as an herbal tea bag, for calming and distress.  

Here are some of the medicinal uses of Lavender:-

Lavender flowers in Insomnia 

Pillows filled with dried lavender flowers were found useful to promote better sleep.  This was used traditionally to help the restless fall sleep.

image courtesty- Pixabay.com

Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil may help to improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders.
Massage with lavender essential oils may also help to improve sleep quality, more stable mood, increased mental capacity, and reduced anxiety.
Alopecia areata – Hair Loss
Massage scalps with lavender essential oils daily may help in promoting hair re-growth.

A headache

Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil where the aroma is inhaled is good as a treatment for headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion.

Lavender in Skin Conditions

Skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), wounds, eczema, and acne, can be treated with lavender essential oil.

Precautions-

The use of herbs is a traditional approach to strengthening the body and treating disease.
Lavender may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.  Nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills are few common allergic reactions reported in some individuals following inhalation or absorption of lavender through the skin.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender.
As a good practice, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine or medical professionals.

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Chamomile Tea: Health Benefits for Our Health

Chamomile Tea: Health Benefits for Our Health

Knowing Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the commonly found plants from the family of Compositae (Asteraceae) with common names as ground apple, chamomile and wild chamomile.  
Chamomile is one of the oldest favorites of all common garden herbs.  And it’s also having a great reputation as natural herbal remedies.  Today, one may easily get a cup of Chamomile tea in any coffee and tea house.  There are a few species in Chamomiles; common species include Matricaria chamomilla, Anthemis nobilis, Chamomilla recutita.  
As Related to the daisy family, chamomile is indigenous to regions of Europe and western Asia.  The Egyptians love it for its virtues.  They believed that Chamomile has the power to cure ague and it was also dedicated it to the Egyptians Gods.  For centuries, Chamomiles have been grown in English gardens for its use as a common herbal medicine.
The Europeans and Western Asians too, have been using Chamomile for centuries to treat many disorders.  In Rome, Greece, and Egypt, chamomile was used to treat many maladies including fevers, stomach pain, and stroke.  Chamomile is commonly used to soothe, relax, and to treat sleep disorder in America.  Chamomile is also used to treat problems like bloating, nausea, or stomach pain.  It has also been used by natives in soothing colds, helping wounds or abscesses heal, reducing gum inflammation, soothing skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, and treating ulcerative colitis.  Today, Chamomile is still in use as natural healing, treatment and relief agent.

Chamomile As Natural Remedies

Reports from various photochemistry researches showed that Chamomiles contain a volatile oil as well as flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin and patuletin-7-glycosides) and coumarins (umbelliferone and herniarin), with the volatile oil containing a-bisabolol, chamazulene as well as polyacetylenes and polysaccharides.  It’s traditionally used as indicated below:

• As herbal tea
• For treatment and relief of ague, cold and fever
• As relief agent for stomach pain and for better digestion
• As a supplement for stroke
• To soothe, relax, and to treat sleep disorder like insomnia
• To treat and relieve bloating and nausea
• For wounds or abscesses healing
• Reducing and relief of gum inflammation
• Used in treatment for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
• Treatment for ulcerative colitis
• For distress and relief anxiety
• Help in soothing colic, teething and infantile convulsions

Though Chamomile is good as a remedy, when taking Chamomiles for medicinal use, it’s important to remember that if symptoms persist, one should immediately consult a professional medical doctor for advice.

Chamomile - Which Part To Take?

The whole plant is useful but the flower buds contain the most of its medicinal properties.  

Chamomile - How To Take?

Chamomile can be taken internally or for external or topical use.  It can be taken as tea, soak, or ointment.
Steam distillation of dried flower buds can be performed to yield an essential oil.
Essential oil from Chamomiles is good for calmness, distress and eases worries and fears.  It also helps to dull muscular pain and stimulates the liver and spleen.  Inhaling the essential oil could treat nasal catarrh as well as inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract.  It can also be used topically.

You may also like the article 10 Amazing health benefits of Holy Basil or Tulsi.

Personal Preference

Make Chamomile Tea from ready tea bag as afternoon tea.  Add some natural honey.  Enjoy the soothing moment!

What Else?

As Chamomile is in the same family of daisy and Chrysanthemum, the same class effect may be observed.  Do not take or use Chamomile products if sensitive to Ragweed or Chrysanthemum, or any other herbal products from the daisy families (Compositae).
Chamomile preparation may be contra-indicated during pregnancy and lactation.
It’s also contra-indicated when using anti-coagulant drugs.
Use in the infant should always be with cautious.

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Natural Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Natural Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Winter is still here and winter comes with Cold, Cough and Sore Throat.

A sore throat is characterized by inflammation of pharynx due to bacterial or viral infection. Its usually occurs due to cold or influenza. It is also known as pharyngitis

 Causes for a sore throat:

• Bacterial infection
• Viral infection
• Sleeping with mouth open
• Tooth and gum infection
• Allergies
• Smoking
• Speaking or singing for a prolonged period
• Throat Cancer

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Symptoms of a sore throat:

• Pain in throat
• Difficulty to swallow
• Difficulty to open mouth
• lump in neck
• Hoarseness of voice
• Fever
• Breathing problem

Treatment of a sore throat:

• Mix 1 tsp of cinnamon powder, 1 tsp of honey and 1tsp of pepper powder and consume this twice daily to relieve a sore throat
• Gargle with hot salt water helps to relieve a sore throat
• Boil tea leaves in water. Strain this mixture and drink this water slowly to relieve a sore throat
• Boil bark of mango tree in water.Sip this extract slowly to get rid of a sore throat
• Mix a few drops of lemon juice and few drops of honey to a cup of chamomile tea and drink. This helps to relieve a sore throat

Prevention of sore throat:

• Eat healthy
• Drink plenty of water
• Take adequate rest
• Don’t smoke

I hope you read and understood the above simple Home Remedies for Sore Throat. If you liked the article, Please like and comment and share the article with your friends.

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