More Herbal Remedies

This is the fourth hub in the series of "Herbal Remedy" hubs that I've written. Each hub is short and concise containing information and precautionary measures about 3 herbs, the forms they come in, and their uses for healing. For more information about herbs please see the links that I've listed below.

1.) Red Clover: (also known as purple clover, cleaver grass, cow grass and trefoil) You can make tea from the flowering tops of red clover or buy the tea in a health food store. Red clover tea is used for those who have bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, and other upper respiratory problems. It is also used as a blood purifier and is known to help heal skin conditions. The tea has also been known to prevent cancer, especially by vegetarians, because it contains the plant estrogen called phytoestrogen isoflavones.

Caution: Do not take red clover if you are pregnant unless you consult your doctor first.

2.) Dandelion: I wrote a hub about the nutritional benefits of dandelion awhile ago. Please see the link below for more information. Dandelion leaves can be used in green salads or dried and steeped for tea. It also comes in a capsule form, tablet or tincture, which can be found in an herb or health food store. It is good for fluid retention without causing a loss of potassium and is also good for bloating. Drink 2 to 5 cups a day. Dandelion also helps lower blood pressure, indigestion, rheumatism, and is known to enhance bile secretion.

Caution: Don't use dandelion if you have gall bladder problems or if your lawn has been sprayed with pesticides.

3.) Turmeric: Turmeric (also called Jiang huang and curcuma) is an herb and a common spice used for cooking. It contains a substance that lowers prostoglandin levels, therefore helps reduce inflammation. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome turmeric can be help decrease inflammation by putting 1 teaspoon a day in your food, or you can buy capsules or tinctures. It is also good for peptic ulcers, hardening of the arteries, liver problems, and indigestion. The yellow substance found in turmeric, called curcumin, contains antioxidants, therefore, It can be taken to help lower blood cholesterol levels and to prevent cancer.

Caution: Don't take turmeric if you have gall bladder problems or if you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medications).