Herbal Remedies for Headaches

There are not many people who can say that they never had a headache. Headaches are not only a distressing nuisance but big business as well because there are so many commercial products, sold in millions every day. There are many environmental and stress related factors that can induce what might be termed a simple headache. However, if people suffer from persistent headaches for no obvious reason a complication may be responsible, and medical advice should be sought without delay.

For simple or everyday headaches it is not necessarily the best idea to start pill popping as soon as they occur. Indeed it may be better to consider whether there is a more natural approach. Of course, the best way to eliminate the problem would be to remove the cause, but if it is work or environmentally related, that may not be possible. Therefore, an alternative approach could be to try natural herbal remedies, which many people have found successful in treating their own headaches.

A visit to your local herbal or health shop may be beneficial. Aspirin, which is one of the main headache cures, was originally derived from willow bark. Mixed with other herbal extracts such as peppermint or chamomile, willow bark may bring about the relief you are seeking. Be sure to obtain the advice of an adviser from your supplier, because it is possible to overdose on herbs as well as over the counter medicines. If in doubt ask, and make sure that anything you take is safe. Ready-made preparations, from reputable suppliers, offer the best solution to those who are not experts themselves.

Different types of herbs have been found to be useful for different kinds of headache. For instance many have found peppermint to be useful for migraines, and it is generally considered to be particularly safe. Primrose supplements contain phenylalanine that may be useful for treating work and stress induced headaches. Feverfew has proved its worth for ages past, as have other herbal remedies that your health adviser may be able to recommend.

Some people derive benefit from essential oils, finding that the aroma from the likes of lavender, or tea tree oil to be therapeutic. It is not difficult to imagine such treatment works after a hard day in the office or factory. A few drops of your favorite oil, added to your bath water, may refresh and invigorate your headache away!

Just remember that there are herbal alternatives to many over the counter drugs. That is not to say that natural products can't have side effects. They can, and that is why it is so necessary to get qualified advice before taking anything you are unsure about.

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herbal remedies for headaches

Blackcurrants offer Hope For Alzheimer's Disease

Continuing research in Scotland gives hope to Alzheimer's patients. Along with many other fruits, blackcurrants are rich in antioxidants, that are useful in helping to keep a range of serious illnesses at bay. It seems that darker colored fruits such as blackcurrants, blueberries, blackberries, bilberries, amongst others, are particularly beneficial.

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It is reported that the Scottish Crop Research Institute, who are internationally recognized for their expertise on blackcurrants, have been funded to the extent of one million Euros, in a joint project with Kuopio of Finland. Eventually they hope to produce a range of blackcurrant snacks, as a useful preventative and treatment for Alzheimer's. There researches are to be applauded, because any development that can assist towards alleviating the burden of this dreadful disease, will be internationally welcomed.

If you would like to read an interesting article concerning this issue please Click Here, 'The Herald - Web Issue 3304'.

Rosehip Tea and Syrup

Progressing into November sees a virtual avalanche of leaves falling from the trees, and lots of other plants beginning to look worse for wear as autumn takes a hold. However, there is still one burst of reddish color to be found in the hedgerows, belonging to rosehips that are a traditional source of nutrients, particularly vitamin C.

These days, fruit of all kinds is plentiful and it is not difficult to obtain sufficient vitamin C, often called the sunshine vitamin. In fact citrus fruits, such as oranges are obtainable all year round at reasonable prices, as are other fruits from many parts of the world. This has not always been the case, and during the Second World War when merchant vessels were in peril, supplies to the UK and other countries almost dried up. Some people were able to turn to the hedgerows, and seek out the rosehips that grew in profusion.

It has been reported that one cup of rosehips contains as much vitamin C as forty oranges. Therefore, it is not difficult to gauge its usefulness as a natural medicine, useful in warding of colds and flu, as well as assisting in building up immunity to other afflictions. Fortunately, the days when merchant vessels were threatened are long gone, and the increase in airfreight and travel has been a revolution. Many of the hedgerows remain, although some have succumbed to modern farming methods, and there are plenty of rosehips still to be found.

Rosehip syrup is more of a commercial proposition, and perhaps best left to the experts to concoct. However, rosehip tea is easy to make, and merely involves boiling a few of the hips in a little water and straining the liquid. It may be sweetened with honey, or cinnamon as has been used traditionally. It is necessary to strain the liquid and to remove the seeds and any hairs that may be present.

There was a time when children used to open rosehips and use the hairy seeds as a form of itching powder. They would pop it down the shirt or blouse of an unsuspecting friend, and take some delight in watching them scratch. It was all fairly innocent, but these days there would probably be health and safety implications attaching to such unusual forms of play.

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herbal remedies rosehips

St John's Wort As Good As Prozac!

A recent report in the Daily Mail contains information about further research into the use of St John's Wort for treating depression. Extensive studies carried out at the Center for Complementary Medicine in Munich, found the herb to be as effective as Prozac.

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This is not the first time that researches into St John's Wort have substantiated its effectiveness in treating depression. Its popularity in the UK can be gauged from the two million people estimated to use it. It is very popular in other countries as well, including Germany, where it is commonly prescribed, by medical practitioners.

St John's Wort may effect the action of other medicines, and those who are taking anything prescribed by their doctors, are recommended to seek his advice before taking the herb. In fact it is always wise to discuss the matter with your doctor, in the first instance, to help you reach a decision with regard to whether it is right for you.

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St John's Wort and Prozac

Herbal Remedies - Mosquitoes

A very interesting article has emerged from the Malaysian National News Agency, regarding herbal ways to combat mosquitoes, and the diseases they cause.

It is reported that Dr Nor Azah and others, at the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, are looking into the use of herbs and spices as ways of repelling the insects. It seems that as insect behavior is significantly related to aroma, essential oils could be developed for use as insect repellents.

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Important research work is continuing with scent-producing plants, and it is fascinating for all who are interested in natural health to learn of such promising studies. There is a worldwide interest in aromatherapy, herbal remedies, and other matters concerning natural health, and it seems that these studies present another area where nature can spring to our defense.

An extract from the article is reproduced below:

"POTENTIAL OF HERBS AND SPICES

Dr Nor Azah suggested the possibility of using herbs and spices, whose essential oils are able to repel insects, be used in insecticides,

This is due to the presence of monoterpenoids like limonene, citronellol, geraniol and citronellal that have been reported as having insect repellant properties.

'As aroma play an important role towards controlling the insects behaviour, essential oils can be used as insect repellents', she said.

From FRIM's research, a number of essential oils such as Cymbopogon nardus, Litsea eliptica, Melaleuca cajuputi and Cinnamomum spp demonstrates repellent properties against the Aedes agyptii mosquito.

She said essential oils from other plants, reported to be able to repel insects are that from geranium (Pelargonium citrosum), sandalwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) and Sweet Basil (Ocimum spp).

'There are other aromatic species that can be found in the Malaysian forest or that cultivated in parks for their medicinal properties and culinary reasons. Essential oils from these species are also preferred by the essential oil industry,' said Dr Nor Azah, who has been with FRIM since 1987."

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natural health herbal remedies mosquitoes

Herbal Remedies Are Not A Quick Fix

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Herbal treatment is not a quick fix or a magic bullet, but support for a natural health lifestyle. It is concerned with prevention as well as cure by creating a balance in natural health. Some herbal preparations assist with maintaining a balanced lifestyle, whilst others are most useful when imbalances do arise. In common with conventional medicine, expert guidance is vital, but it is accessible from a variety of sources including, personal consultation, libraries, natural health magazines, the Internet, quality newspapers and elsewhere.

Please click here, The New Straits Times Online to read a very interesting article.

"NO one would have expected a Mat Salleh to be one of the first to market Tongkat Ali in Malaysia, but that's what Benjamin Scott Drewe did.
More than 10 years ago, this Australian herbalist registered one of the first lines of Tongkat Ali products in Malaysia.

Drewe, who has lived in Malaysia for more than 20 years, says he's been attracted to the study of herbs since his teenage years.

'Growing up in an organic farm, it was easy to find my passion at an early age,' says Drewe, the managing director of Asia Botanicals.

'I take pride in building people's trust in herbs. Herbal remedies are based on scientific research.
'Things have changed since 'Grandma's days'. Today we use science and technology to show the mechanism of herbs.'"

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Herbal Remedies - Herbal Remedies - Evening Primrose Oil

Herbal Remedies - Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose originated in North America, but was introduced into Europe in the 17th century. Because the wild primrose only opens its yellow petals in the evening, it is apparent why it is known as the evening primrose. The less common alternative name of evening star is due to the petals emitting phosphorescent light at night.

Evening primrose oil has become well known for its anti-inflammatory and other healing properties. Its power is derived from its seed oil which contains gamma-linolenic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid.

Gamma-linolenic acid is not unique to evening primrose oil, but with 7-10 per cent fatty acid content, it is a major source. Because of this high content evening primrose has real health benefits, because when taken internally, gamma-linolenic acid is converted into prostaglandins, which help to assist body functions.

Evening primrose oil has been found to be extremely helpful for treating PMS and other menstruation problems, as well as endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts. Also its anti-inflammatory properties appear to help with other associated conditions including premenstrual breast problems.

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evening primrose oil

Herbal Remedies - Herbal Remedies - St John's Wort

Herbal Remedies - Herbal Remedies - St John's Wort

St John's Wort is sometimes known as a miracle herb because it is used for so many afflictions.

Traditional Chinese medical practitioners have used St John’s Wort for over 4000 years. It has more recently come into its own in the West as a treatment for mild to moderate depression. Some people take St John’s Wort as a natural alternative to Prozac, and in Germany, where St John’s Wort is an approved treatment, it outsells Prozac by about 10:1.

Until recently it was thought that the hypericin content of St John’s Wort was responsible for its antidepressant effect. However, more recent studies are inconclusive, and it is not known exactly how the herb works in alleviating depression. What is certain is that there are millions of people, all over the world who are taking St John’s Wort and reaping benefits. Because of the herbs popularity, research studies are widely available, and excellent books have been written with up to date information.

Researchers continue their endeavours to discover the secret of St John’s Wort, but to its many beneficiaries, why it works is not as important as that it does work! Moreover, it seems that although its therapeutic effects are best known in the West for treating depression, it is useful for many other conditions.

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Herbal Remedies St John's Wort

Herbal Remedies - Bites And Stings

There is a downside to everything, even warm summer days and nights. As the temperature creeps up millions of insects will hatch, presenting both a nuisance and possible danger from insect bites and stings. As with most things prevention is better than cure.


Although it is tempting to disrobe to catch as much sun as possible, there are good reasons why you should be careful. Not only would you subject yourself to an overdose of potentially hazardous ultra violet light, but you would more readily attract the unwanted attention of insects, including wasps, bees and midges. So the sensible thing to do is to wear light clothing, to cover up, and not to present yourself as a target and possible meal to the insect world!


Lavender is a natural alternative to chemical preparations for treating insect bites. You could obtain lavender oil from a retail source, or learn how to prepare your own, as lavender is easy to grow, and lavender plants might assist also in keeping some insect pests out of your garden. Although some insects avoid lavender it has the advantage of a pleasant aroma, that human beings find pleasant.


Garlic is well known for its culinary uses, but it may also assist those who take it to resist insect bites. Insects don't seem to like the smell. Crushed garlic is useful for treating mosquito bites and bee stings. Once smitten, lavender oil can also help in treating stings, as well as being a deterrent.


Plaintain, also known as ribwort, and pig's ear, is a common weed that can be found growing in lawns, and even driveways. It can be useful in treating insect bites, and in an emergency the plaintain leaves could be chewed to mash them up, and spit out to use as a poultice.


Insofar as flying insect are concerned, wasps are possibly public enemy number one! At times wasps seem to sting, for the sheer joy of inflicting pain on humans. Again lavender oil is a recommended natural treatment, but at the wasp time of the year it is obviously better to avoid getting stung. The advice regarding covering up should be heeded. You should also be alert to where wasp's nests might be situated. Multiple wasp stings, are much more serious than an attack by a lone wasp. So if you see many wasps in close proximity, give them a wide berth.


Some people may be allergic to particular stings and bites, from the likes of wasps and bees. Bees though, seem not to be naturally aggressive, and do not normally sting unless provoked. There are reports of people who have been stung suffering from anaphylactic shock. This could cause a severe reaction and even prove to be fatal. Fortunately such occurrences are rare, but it is better to be safe than sorry, and if any reaction from a bite or sting seems particularly severe medical attention should be sought, without delay.