what does Dr. Oz say about herbal medicine?

What does Dr. Oz say about herbal medicine?

Instead of turning to pharmaceutically manufactured drugs when you have an ache or pain, herbalist Peeka Trenkle suggests turning to Mother Nature and one of her many herbal remedies. If you are going to try an herbal remedy, Peeka suggests doing your own research and taking one herb at a time in the form of either a tea or tincture instead of a capsule. “Using capsules makes your body need to break things down in a different way, so if you are going to use capsules try to use only the herbs that you would naturally eat,” she says. Taking herbs in the tincture form, which is the concentrated liquid of the herb, the herb is able to absorb 200 times faster in your body; allowing you to see results faster.

Dr. Oz talks with Peeka about readily available herbs that she says can cure common ailments:

Hawthorn: This herb is a member of the apple family and helps the body adapt to stress. It also helps regulate blood flow in and out of the heart, Peeka says.

 

Peppermint: One of the longest-used herbs, peppermint can be taken in oil or in tincture form to help cure lethargy and offer a pick-me-up that isn’t too stimulating or irritating to the digestive tract, Peeka says.

 

Ginger: Whether eaten raw, in tea, or as an extract, Peeka says ginger relaxes the digestive tract and can help calm acid reflux, an irritable bowel and stomach upsets.

 

Lavender: The buds of lavender flowers can be steeped into a tea and added to your bathwater as an herbal remedy to cure insomnia, Peeka says. “Lavender has an ability to sedate the nerves that is not drug-like in its effect,” she says.

 

Sage: This herb helps your body absorb oils better, and drinking sage tea could help people who are chronically dry, Peeka says.

 

Rosemary-If you have noticed yourself sneezing or your joints beginning to stiffen, you may want to consider adding rosemary to your meals. It contains rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant that works with your immune system to block allergy triggers; it also helps to prevent arthritis. Rosemary can also help to eliminate bloating. This power herb can also help your memory. Rosemary arouses neurons that communicate with the hippocampus, allowing you to recall information more easily. In ancient Greece, medical students would wear rosemary garlands around their necks during exams. Take 6-12 drops 2-3 times per day.

 

Saffron-The yellow color saffron produces comes from crocin, a powerful antioxidant, which studies have identified as a cancer fighter. Take 6-12 drops 2-3 times per day.

 

 

Horseradish-This spicy herb helps with digestion due to the agent cholagogue. Not only does cholagogue help the liver detoxify blood, but it also promotes the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the intestine – a key part of the digestion process.

 Common bad habits and the holistic fix

 Bad Habit: Yo-Yo Dieting

Yo-yo dieting may actually be more problematic for your health than remaining steadily overweight. Cycling between different weights throws off your metabolic profile, damages your arteries, and wreaks havoc on your cholesterol by increasing “bad” LDL levels. This type of cholesterol can build up on the sides of your vessels, putting you at risk for a heart attack. One study found that women who yo-yo dieted five or more times during their life had a greater risk of heart disease.

 

Holistic Cure: Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast packs so many health benefits that it’s known as nature’s wonder food. It’s an excellent source of all the major B vitamins, especially B5 and chromium. Studies show this yeast helps lower triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood that can increase the risk of heart disease. Additionally, brewer’s yeast raises levels of “good” HDL cholesterol while reducing LDL cholesterol. Brewer’s yeast, sometimes also called nutritional yeast, can be found in the bulk aisle of health food stores. Have 1-2 tablespoons on your food each day; sprinkle it on cereal and popcorn or blend into smoothies.

Bad Habit: Drinking Too Much

While a daily glass of wine has its health benefits, most people do not realize that 1 glass is defined as 4 ounces. Any more alcohol than 4 (4-oz) glasses per week can quickly lead to binge drinking, especially on the weekends when you’re more likely to indulge. When you drink too much, you harm your liver. Chronic damage can cause cirrhosis, a condition that leaves the liver scarred and unable to function properly. Accordingly, your liver cannot effectively filter toxins out of your body.

Holistic Cure: Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a powerful herb that improves liver function by protecting it from toxins and reducing inflammation. The antioxidants in milk thistle help your liver repair and regrow. Add 30 drops of milk thistle into a glass of water each day.

Bad Habit: Not Sleeping Enough

Dr. Oz recommends getting 7 hours of sleep a night. Research has shown people who get less than 5 hours have a 15 % greater risk of dying than people who repeatedly get a good night’s rest. Not only does sleep deprivation affect energy levels and weight, it damages your immunity. Your immune system replenishes itself while you sleep, so insomniacs are more vulnerable to colds, flu and stomach bugs.

Holistic Cure: Astragalus Root

Ideally, you should get 7-8 hours of sleep each night, but this isn’t always practical. Boost immunity with this herb that’s been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Not only does astragalus root have antiviral properties that will help stimulate your immune system, it aids with sleep! Take 6-12 drops of astragalus root 60 minutes before bed. Avoid using astragalus while pregnant or breastfeeding, due to harmful effects seen in preliminary studies.

Reference:

http://www.doctoroz.com/topic/alternative-health?page=5&content_type=articles&nid=14169