Herbal Remedies

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Among various traditional herbal remedies, the benefits of dandelion and dandelion root are highly appreciated in Europe. Though dandelion is a weed, it is highly beneficial for a host of health issues. In Europe, dandelion leaves are used just as lettuce leaves to add healthy greens to a salad, though it is slightly bitter in taste. Dandelion roots are rich in vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, and are extremely rich sources of potassium, iron and zinc. It is then natural that the dandelion root benefits are immense and useful for anyone who wishes to lead a healthy lifestyle. Presented here are all the dandelion root benefits and side effects.

Dandelion Root Benefits

Dandelion root is used as a remedy for the following health conditions:

Detoxifies the Liver
Dandelion root is rich in vitamins, that help in detoxifying the liver from all the intake of unhealthy food, alcohol, and other dangerous toxins. Dandelion root has the ability to enhance bile production, which help clear out all these unhealthy toxins from the liver. It is also effective in preventing the formation of gall stones, but is not considered beneficial if one already has them.

Appetite Stimulant
This is one of the roasted dandelion root benefits. When dandelion root is roasted and a tea is prepared from it, it works well as an appetite stimulant. It is thus, helpful in reviving the appetite of those undergoing treatment for a variety of health conditions.

Natural Diuretic and Laxative
Dandelion root has high levels of potassium, that enhance urine flow from the body. This is useful in preventing health problems such as urinary tract infection, keep blood pressure under control, and is also a good herbal remedy for bloating and water retention. While diuretics drastically affect the potassium levels in the body, dandelion root is a natural diuretic that is free of this side effect. It is also a natural laxative, and generally aids the digestive system for its healthy functioning.

Controls Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels
Research studies conducted on animals have shown that dandelion root has the ability to keep cholesterol levels under control, and also help regulate blood sugar levels and thus, diabetes. Though this has not been proven in humans, dandelion root, in any case, is a healthy addition to one’s diet, and in the long run, is bound to have a positive effect on cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Dandelion root has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly useful for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. These studies have, however, only been conducted in animals, and there is no proof for this benefit in human beings. Nonetheless, as mentioned before, it is a healthy addition to one’s diet, and as it provides a host of other benefits, there is a possibility for its anti-inflammatory properties to affect human beings too.

Heals Skin Problems
Another one of the roasted dandelion root benefits, is that it helps eliminate the toxins in the body that cause skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. When consumed in the form of tea, it can clear the body of all these skin conditions.

Prevents Cancer
Studies have shown that dandelion root has the ability to fight the development of cancerous cells that lead to breast cancer and skin cancer. Again, these studies have not been completely proven, and thus, cannot be recommended as a definite solution to prevent cancer.

Alleviates Depression
It has been found that dandelion root may help alleviate depression and fatigue that is experienced as a result of stress. Also, it is highly beneficial for women who suffer from these conditions as a result of PMS.

Dandelion Root Side Effects

In very rare cases have people reported allergies upon consuming dandelion roots. Also, dandelion root should be consumed under the guidance of a qualified herbalist when one is taking other drugs for different reasons. This is because dandelion root may affect the functioning of those drugs and reduce the effect that they have on the body.

Incorporate these immense dandelion root benefits in your diet, for a healthy life and your over all well being. It is however, advisable to consult a herbalist before doing so, lest you are sensitive to dandelion root.

Tongkat ali or pasak bumi is a tree, that is native to some Asian countries, like, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is the local name for a medium-sized tree with a slender trunk, that can reach a maximum height of around ten meters. It is the root of this rain forest tree, that has been used as a herbal remedy, for a very long time. The name ‘tongkat ali’ (that means Ali’s walking stick) is derived from the long and twisted nature of the roots. It is a slow growing tree, which takes around twenty five years to mature. The roots of tongkat ali is claimed to be having testosterone increasing properties. Apart from that, this herb is suggested to possess antimalarial, anti tumor, anti pyretic and anti bacterial properties. This herb is now popular as Asian Viagra, longjack, etc. However, some tongkat ali side effects have also been reported. Let us know more about tongkat ali side effects and benefits.

Tongkat Ali Benefits

Now, you know that it is the root of tongkat ali, that is used as herbal remedy. This root is available in dried form or as powder or extract. These roots have been used in the traditional medicine of some Asian countries, as an aphrodisiac (that stimulates sexual desire). Nowadays, it is fast gaining momentum in other parts of the world too. Tongkat ali is mainly used for increasing libido, sexual stamina, fertility, etc. In some regions, it is also used in the treatment of impotence and erectile dysfunction. It has also been observed that this herb is included in some body building supplements, because, increased levels of testosterone leads to an increased muscle mass.

Even though, the efficacy of this herb is still not proved in humans, studies conducted on animals suggest that tongkat ali may increase sexual interest. According to the exponents of this herb, tongkat ali can act in two ways. It increases the production of testosterone in the body. At the same time, it inhibits the action of an enzyme, that is responsible for the metabolism of testosterone. Increase in testosterone levels results in an increase in stamina and sexual desire. This herb is also said to be beneficial for equalizing and balancing blood circulation in the body. It is claimed that tongkat ali is good for boosting the immune system and the reproductive system. The following paragraph deals with the tongkat ali extract side effects.

Side Effects of Tongkat Ali

Even though, tongkat ali has been used as herbal remedy for centuries, there is no scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of this herb. However, it is very popular and most of the users are satisfied with the results. But, there are a few reports about some tongkat ali side effects, like, insomnia, anxiety, etc. These reports are often associated with people, who take this herb in high doses. Some people complain about a warming sensation throughout the body, after ingesting tongkat ali. This too happens in case of higher doses and is said to be due to the increased blood flow and body temperature. Rapid heart beat is one of the uncommon tongkat ali side effects.

In short, like any other herb, stick to the proper dosage of tongkat ali, as per the instructions of a qualified medical practitioner, so as to avoid tongkat ali side effects. However, this herb is not recommended for men with heart disease, diabetes, kidney diseases, liver problems, prostate or breast cancer, etc. It should not be taken by men, who use immunosuppressant drugs. It is always better to consult a doctor, before using such herbs.

Menthol is an organic compound which is either obtained naturally or synthesized from mint plants. It has a waxy, pliant crystalline structure and has a tendency to melt at a temperature slightly above the room temperature. Having a generic name methyl salicylate, menthol is commonly known for its cooling effect and also has an ability to heal various health ailments. Hence for its therapeutic properties, it has been used as a herbal remedy in many products like creams, ointments, sprays, lotions, etc. This was just a brief insight about menthol, as a compound, now let us move on to its benefits followed by menthol side effects.

Benefits of Menthol

Menthol is commonly used to treat muscle and joint pain or aches due to conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, etc. It basically stimulates the skin’s cold receptors and gives a cooling effect when inhaled or applied to the skin. Menthol serves as a counter-irritant that produces a superficial inflammation in order to reduce deeper inflammation and so it works by making the skin cool and then warm. Hence these varying skin sensations deflect the sufferer’s attention from the pain or ache in the muscles, joints and tendons, which up to some extend help in relieving the pain or discomfort. However, menthol doesn’t changes the skin temperature but simply provides a feeling of temperature change. Besides this it is also used to relief sore throat and cough due tocommon cold, flu or allergies. But like the two sides of the coin, menthol also has some side effects. Hence in the following section we will discuss various menthol side effects and dangers.

Side Effects of Menthol

Like all other medicines, menthol also has some side effects, of while some are mild while others may seek immediate medical attention. Hence, below given are the common menthol dangers or side effects that some consumers have experienced while using menthol cream, lotion, spray and ointment.

Menthol Cream or Lotion: Menthol cream is generally used by people who suffer constant muscle pain or ache due to arthritis or any other condition. However some of them have observed some serious allergic reactions like skin rash, itchiness, redness and irritation at the application area and hives. Other rare but severe menthol cream side effects includebreathing difficulty, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, lips, face, etc.

Menthol Ointment: Just like menthol cream, its ointment is also used to reduce the pain or inflammation in the muscles and joints. However, common side effects associated with it include skin allergic reactions like rash, itchiness, and hives. Other harmful effects of menthol ointment are difficulty in breathing, tightness in chest and swelling in the face, mouth, tongue and lips.

Menthol Spray: Menthol nasal spray is used to provide temporary relief from congested nose, cough and sore throat due to cold, allergies, sinusitis, or other respiratory infections. Despite of its benefits, many consumers have experience some adverse reactions after using menthol nasal spray. This includes breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, chest tightness, irritation in the nose, redness and irritation at site of application, etc.

Since menthol is prepared of peppermint or mint oil, it may, though rarely, incorporate some of the peppermint oil side effects as well. However, not all consumers suffer from the menthol side effects, rather many users have no or minor side effects. Moreover, some of these side effects mainly occur due to improper use or method of application. Hence ensure that you follow all directions properly on the product package and make no hurry in using it. But still if despite of considering all safety measures you notice any of these menthol side effects, stop using it and instantly consult your doctor.