Herbal Reference Guide

BLUE SKY HERBS - HERB REFERENCE GUIDE

General guide to the types of herbs and their variety of use.

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	GARLIC- Allium sativum Garlic contains a sulphide of the radical allil, which is rich in sulphur but contains no oxygen, thus giving Garlic its peculiar, penetrating odor. It also includes enzymes, linalool, oleanolic acid, quercetin, rutin, saponin, stigmasterol, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc and essential oil. Garlic is known as a natural antibiotic without the deleterious effects of the drugs that kill all life within the body. Today's orthodox medicine recognizes that the plant is a stimulant for the immune system and a natural antibiotic.
Benefits- Garlic helps to detoxify the body. It is said to stimulate the lymphatic system to throw off waste materials. This powerful natural detoxifier helps to strengthen blood vessels, providing protection against pollutants and heavy metal toxicity. It also works to cleanse the kidneys and increase urine flow. Garlic is considered to be an anti-oxidant and is called the powerful antibiotic that destroys harmful bacteria and leaves behind beneficial for the body to utilize as an infection fighter. Garlic is thought to enhance good digestion by increasing bile production and reducing stomach gases. Its antibacterial properties are also believed to relieve bladder infection, strep throat and vaginosis.
With regard to cognitive ability, Korean Ginseng is said to significantly improve abstract thinking. Several studies have found that treatment with Ginseng improved the ability to complete detailed tasks, perform mental arithmetic and improve memory, attention, concentration and a general ability to cope.	KOREAN GINSENG-Panax ginseng Benefits- Korean Ginseng has been known to increase physical and mental endurance, reduce cholesterol, and increase energy. It is commonly taken to enhance physical performance, prolong life and increase sexual potency. Long before scientists researched its benefits, Chinese herbalists prescribed it to normalize blood pressure, improve blood circulation and prevent heart disease. Korean Ginseng has long been reported to be an aphrodisiac: Chemicals in Ginseng are thought to stimulate the part of the brain known as the hypothalamus to direct the production of hormones that stimulate cell growth and healing in the sex organs. It is also believed to promote better blood circulation within the penis, and an Italian study found that Ginseng use increased testosterone levels, as well as the number and motility of sperm cells.
Korean Ginseng is considered an "adaptogen" in that it normalizes body functions during stressful or other situations that would alter those functions, helping the body to adapt and return to an overall sense of well-being. Dr. I. Brekhman, a Soviet scientist, was the first to describe this unique ability to normalize body functions. For example, if blood sugar levels drop too low, or blood pressure climbs too high, an adaptogen will aid the body's return to normal function. Korean Ginseng is thought to prevent liver damage in people who have been exposed to various drugs and toxins. It has also been used to help in withdrawal from methamphetamines and cocaine. When taken in lower doses, Korean Ginseng (like American Ginseng) acts as a sedative, and in higher doses, it is a stimulant. Many women have claimed relief from hot flashes and other discomforts of menopause when taking the herb. Lab studies indicate that it increases ovarian estrogen production in early menopause. Korean Ginseng is said to enhance the breakdown of alcohol in the body and therefore may shorten a hangover. The herb may also help improve drug or alcohol-induced liver dysfunction in older adults. Panax Ginseng has been used to help the digestive system and stimulate the appetite, and some herbalists have used it with some success when treating anorexia. It is also said to reduce digestive upset caused by emotional stress and inhibit ulcer formation.
Ginger is said to improve digestion and has been known to pep up the appetite, promote saliva production, combat dyspepsia, and relieve flatulent colic (it is said to prevent flatulence if included with the meal). It is also thought to be helpful for stomach cramps, alcoholic gastritis and hangover. The shogaol content in Ginger increases the activity of the digestive tract and is particularly helpful in digesting rich, fatty foods.	GINGER ROOT- Zingiber officinale Benefits- For nausea, Ginger is a wonderful and time-honored remedy. It is frequently used to settle a queasy stomach, control vomiting and colic, ease morning sickness, motion sickness and seasickness (some research showed it to be even better than Dramamine). Ginger has been used to cleanse the body of toxins through the skin by stimulating and increasing perspiration and has also been useful in breaking fevers. It is slightly diuretic and further cleanses the body by strengthening kidney function and increasing kidney filtration. Ginger is a natural blood thinner and may help to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and hardening of the arteries. The chemical gingerol appears to inhibit an enzyme that causes cells to clot and thereby reduces platelet aggregation and blood "clumping." Ginger helps to retard the production of cholesterol by the liver and has been known to reverse the increase in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, thus helping to combat heart attack.
As an effective expectorant, Ginger has been used to rid the body of mucus buildup in the sinuses, throat and lungs. For centuries, the Chinese have used Ginger as a drying herb to eliminate mucus and have used it for colds, diarrhea and coughs. This sweet, pungent, aromatic and warming herb is still considered a fine treatment for congestion, colds, influenza, asthma and chronic bronchitis. It is said to ease cold symptoms, and the shagaol in Ginger is thought to kill cold viruses. Its pain relieving properties have been said to ease the abdominal pain sometimes associated with colds and flu and also to counter the pain of strep throat. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties are said to help arthritis, bursitis and sprains. It inhibits the production of immune system components called cytokines, chemicals that create a long-term tendency toward inflammation and also stimulates blood circulation, offering pain relief, increased joint mobility, decreased swelling and morning stiffness. Other pain-killing benefits attributed to Ginger include treatment of migraine headaches, menstrual cramps and the cramping caused by constipation.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Blue Sky Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.