Herbal supplements aren’t really a fad. Herbal remedies, whether on the shelves of health food stores or concocted from home, have been around for centuries. Herbal supplements and their use around the global aren’t going away. There has been a recent burst in the use of some herbal supplements – yes – such as Echinacea – not because folks weren’t using them consistently before now. No, the reason these herbal supplements seem to have burst on the scene is because of the proliferation of available information by way of the Internet, by the preponderance of broadband accessibility by private individuals who in the past have labored through the frustration of waiting for dial up – or perhaps had no computer until recently, and by the increased cost and decreased availability of quality affordable medical care.
Social networking sites such as MySpace and YouTube also help to get the word out about herbal supplements, as well as online merchant or directory sites such as http://Amazon.com that not only make the herbal supplements easy to pay for and obtain right from home, but also allow for innovative calls to action such as opt-in emails.
So herbal supplements are all the rage at this point in time and major supercenters and retailers that had not commonly carried the natural food supplements are now struggling to keep up with demand and keep these healthy goods on their store shelves. Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Safeway, Kroger, Fred Meyer and the myriad of other big name stores now sell Gingko Biloba, St. John’s Wort, glucosamine, Echinacea, valerian, and all sorts of vitamins, minerals, and naturally occurring nutrients. Many not only care the major labels for these herbal supplements but have introduced their own store’s label.
What’s very interesting about this new demand for herbal over the counter drugs is that in a society that is so litigious – in the case of the United States – and so quick to demand restitution – that so many would demand such multitudes of unregulated products. Herbal supplements are never tested and never regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA.) There is no warning label on these bottles, no protective coating around each individual caplet that tells you they’ve not been tampered with. Yet, people still imbibe in record numbers.
It’s important, therefore, that those who take herbal supplements educate themselves and tread with care. There are a number of nutritional and natural foods Web sites that offer help in the decision on what herbal supplement to take, how much of it to take, and when to take it. Many supplements should only be taken for limited time periods, while others are contraindicated if you are taking specific prescribed or over the counter medications. It’s important that you know these things and follow the guidance of herbal supplement experts. While your family doctor may be some help here a naturopath, homeopathic professional or even pharmacist is generally going to be the wiser advisor when it comes to herbal supplements.
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Dustin Cannon is owner of JustArticlesVIP.com and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about this topic Dustin recommends you visit: Worldwide Shopping Mall
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Herbal Teas - Tasty Or Toxic?
Have you visited the tea section of your local grocery store lately? If so, you've seen the dizzying array of herbal tea blends, brands and flavors. There's no doubt that herbal teas are a huge commercial success, and they've been enjoyed for centuries. Many tea lovers buy them for their smell and taste. Others expect herbal teas to be a healthier alternative for other caffeine-containing beverages. Some buy them strictly for the medicinal benefits or effects on the packages.
These claimed medical effects can include calming, soothing, and relaxing. On the other hand, other high-caffeine tea blends may promise increased energy and concentration. Green tea remains a top-seller for its legendary health effects. Is there a dark side to the booming herbal tea business?
* Comfrey tea has been associated with two reported cases of liver disease in the U.S. In one case, the patient abused the herb by drinking nearly a dozen cups of comfrey tea daily as well as consuming many comfrey pills. This extreme herbal dosage continued for over a year, resulting in the liver ailment.
* Lobelia tea can cause vomiting, breathing problems, convulsions, and lead to coma and death when used in large amounts.
* Aromatic sassafras tea in large amounts has caused cancer in lab rats. Oil of sassafras and safrole are the major chemical components of the sassafras oil. These components were banned from root beer decades ago. Although sassafras bark is banned from all food use, extract that contains no safrole is allowed.
These herbs, even those in commercial herbal teas, can have medicinal effects. Therefore you should always talk to your doctor before using herbal preparations, especially if you use prescription medication. Even if you are not on medication, stop any herb use immediately if you experience unusual symptoms. The symptoms may be an allergy to the herb, or something totally unrelated to the herb. Only your doctor can tell you for sure.
These claimed medical effects can include calming, soothing, and relaxing. On the other hand, other high-caffeine tea blends may promise increased energy and concentration. Green tea remains a top-seller for its legendary health effects. Is there a dark side to the booming herbal tea business?
Reading The Tea Leaves
In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the responsibility to evaluate foodstuffs and medications sold to the public. Herbal teas receive very little regulation. Generally, herbal teas fall into a gray area between foods and drugs. Traditionally, the FDA has considered herbal teas taken only for taste and aroma to be classified as foods. Another FDA "rule of thumb" has been that any herb that is safe for consumption in food is therefore assumed to be safe when taken as a tea. However, the FDA has been taking a closer look at herbal teas and their effects.Are Herbal Teas Toxic?
That's a difficult question to answer, as the FDA is learning. The large majority of commercial herbal tea blends contain multiple ingredients in relatively small concentrations. These teas are quite safe to drink when used according to the product instructions. Problems arise, however, when people prepare their own herbal teas, deliberately concentrate commercial blends, have an allergic reaction to the tea ingredients, or the tea is incompatible with prescription medications.What's The Problem?
The problem is one of consumer awareness. Many plants and herbs used in teas have specific and measurable medical properties. Caffeine is one of the best examples. It is a naturally occurring ingredient in both tea and coffee plants. Problems are possible when uninformed persons attempt to medicate themselves with teas.Some Examples
* Chamomile is reported by some to be both a relaxant and a digestive aid. The chamomile plant is a member of the same plant family as ragweed, asters and chrysanthemums. People allergic to those plants should be cautious of chamomile tea.* Comfrey tea has been associated with two reported cases of liver disease in the U.S. In one case, the patient abused the herb by drinking nearly a dozen cups of comfrey tea daily as well as consuming many comfrey pills. This extreme herbal dosage continued for over a year, resulting in the liver ailment.
* Lobelia tea can cause vomiting, breathing problems, convulsions, and lead to coma and death when used in large amounts.
* Aromatic sassafras tea in large amounts has caused cancer in lab rats. Oil of sassafras and safrole are the major chemical components of the sassafras oil. These components were banned from root beer decades ago. Although sassafras bark is banned from all food use, extract that contains no safrole is allowed.
Should You Be Scared?
Commercial herbal tea vendors would never willingly endanger you, their customer. Commercially available herbal tea blends are expected to be very safe to drink when prepared according to their directions. Similar to drugs, problems with herbs arise when they are abused or taken in extreme concentrations.These herbs, even those in commercial herbal teas, can have medicinal effects. Therefore you should always talk to your doctor before using herbal preparations, especially if you use prescription medication. Even if you are not on medication, stop any herb use immediately if you experience unusual symptoms. The symptoms may be an allergy to the herb, or something totally unrelated to the herb. Only your doctor can tell you for sure.
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Copyright 2006 by Doug Smith. Visit Home Remedies to discover free home remedies that show you how to use common household ingredients to cure embarrassing ailments at www.superhomeremedies.com
About Herbal Supplements
So what is an herbal supplement? The herbal supplement is a supplement that provides you body with various nutrients necessary for your health and which is based of herbs and natural products. There are a wide variety of different types of herbal supplements available in the market nowadays. The benefits that each herbal supplement claims are also numerous and diverse.
Numerous brands vary significantly in the ingredients used in production of some type of herbal supplement and in recommended dosages. The prices vary significantly too. You can definitely find the cheap or discounted herbal supplements, but with the price drop the quality usually drops. Also with cheap herbal supplements you have a greater chance of purchasing a fake product. Consult with your doctor or other health professionals before you start taking some type of herbal supplement.
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Herbs,Vitamins and Mineral Supplementation
Herbal Supplement – the risks.
Many of the benefits that some type of herbal supplement or supplements claims on its label are not supported by scientific evidence or scientific research. According to medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay, preliminary research on St. John's wort for depression and gingko biloba for improvement cognitive function has not shown much of a benefit beyond that of the placebo effect. That doesn’t mean though that all herbal supplements are fake. That only means that there is such a risk until more research is done.Herbal Supplement – the variety.
You can find a great range of different brands, ingredients, and doses of herbal supplements in health food stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, discount stores, etc. According to medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay, there are at least 880 different variations of the 10 best selling herbs. It can become very confusing to choose the best herbal supplement. So as you go about the learning and doing process patience is the key to the most effective way to go about the supplementation process.Numerous brands vary significantly in the ingredients used in production of some type of herbal supplement and in recommended dosages. The prices vary significantly too. You can definitely find the cheap or discounted herbal supplements, but with the price drop the quality usually drops. Also with cheap herbal supplements you have a greater chance of purchasing a fake product. Consult with your doctor or other health professionals before you start taking some type of herbal supplement.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Herbs,Vitamins and Mineral Supplementation
Chinese Herbal Remedies
A lot of people are pretty casual about Chinese herbal remedies. It is true that Chinese herbs are everywhere nowadays, so many people reason that they are always safe to take. Herbal weight-loss supplements, immune systems support boosters, and many other drugs are all derived from herbal Chinese remedies. In the last couple years, traditional Chinese medicine has become a big business in this country.
Everyone wants to get into acupuncture, acupressure, Tai Chi, and of course, Chinese herbal remedies. Nonetheless, just because something is a Chinese herbal remedy does not mean that it is safe for everyone. These herbs are traditionally only given out by trained healers, so self-diagnosis can be extremely dangerous.
The problem is that people are not very well educated about what natural herbal remedies are safe and what aren't. For example, some of the most common ingredients in over the counter Chinese herbal remedies can be dangerous when taken with the wrong things. Take ginseng, for example. In most circumstances, taking ginseng is perfectly safe.
When it is combined with ephedra, another common ingredient in Chinese herbal remedies, it becomes extremely dangerous. It can cause palpitations and even heart attacks. Nonetheless, people continue to take ginseng and ephedra together without even realizing the damage they could be doing to their health.
The basic rule of thumb is that any Chinese herbal remedy that you can buy in the drugstore is probably safe if used by itself in the manner recommended. After all, the more serious Chinese herbal remedies are only available through herbalists. You can take ginseng, Echinacea, Chinese weight-loss herbs, and other similar things without any serious problems with your health. If you're going to take anything more powerful than that, you really should go see a Chinese herbal practitioner. Otherwise, you can do serious damage to your health.
I would really like to see Chinese herbal remedies integrated more fully with mainstream modern medicine. After all, both Eastern medicine and Western medicine have some things that they are good at. Western medicine is excellent for the treatment of acute problems. If you suddenly have a heart attack, a broken bone, a stroke, or some other medical emergency, you are much better going to a Western doctor.
Traditional Chinese medicine, on the other hand, is much better at treating chronic conditions. Chinese herbal remedies can be used to treat problems before they even happen. This is what is so great about Chinese medicine.
By: Ann Marier -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Ann Merier writes articles about the home and family health. Article topics include mothers day,diabetes,detox diet,yoga,pilates exercise
Health Care
Chinese Herbal Remedies
Everyone wants to get into acupuncture, acupressure, Tai Chi, and of course, Chinese herbal remedies. Nonetheless, just because something is a Chinese herbal remedy does not mean that it is safe for everyone. These herbs are traditionally only given out by trained healers, so self-diagnosis can be extremely dangerous.
The problem is that people are not very well educated about what natural herbal remedies are safe and what aren't. For example, some of the most common ingredients in over the counter Chinese herbal remedies can be dangerous when taken with the wrong things. Take ginseng, for example. In most circumstances, taking ginseng is perfectly safe.
When it is combined with ephedra, another common ingredient in Chinese herbal remedies, it becomes extremely dangerous. It can cause palpitations and even heart attacks. Nonetheless, people continue to take ginseng and ephedra together without even realizing the damage they could be doing to their health.
The basic rule of thumb is that any Chinese herbal remedy that you can buy in the drugstore is probably safe if used by itself in the manner recommended. After all, the more serious Chinese herbal remedies are only available through herbalists. You can take ginseng, Echinacea, Chinese weight-loss herbs, and other similar things without any serious problems with your health. If you're going to take anything more powerful than that, you really should go see a Chinese herbal practitioner. Otherwise, you can do serious damage to your health.
I would really like to see Chinese herbal remedies integrated more fully with mainstream modern medicine. After all, both Eastern medicine and Western medicine have some things that they are good at. Western medicine is excellent for the treatment of acute problems. If you suddenly have a heart attack, a broken bone, a stroke, or some other medical emergency, you are much better going to a Western doctor.
Traditional Chinese medicine, on the other hand, is much better at treating chronic conditions. Chinese herbal remedies can be used to treat problems before they even happen. This is what is so great about Chinese medicine.
By: Ann Marier -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Ann Merier writes articles about the home and family health. Article topics include mothers day,diabetes,detox diet,yoga,pilates exercise
Health Care
Chinese Herbal Remedies
Herbal Schools Teach Natural Healing Methods
The healing properties of herbs have received more attention in Western medicine in recent years. Herbal Schools focus on expanding knowledge of herbal treatments and have opened up more opportunities for students interested in herbal health professions.
Modern herbalists use plants from all regions of the world, and modern Herbal Schools teach uses of herbs, roots, bark, and beneficial plants and plant parts from which drugs are extracted. Traditionally, "Chinese Medicine" makes use of plants native to China and Asia, "Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine" uses plants native to India, and "Herbal Medicine" generally refers to the North American and European uses of plants from their regions. Most alternative medicine schools teach all forms of herbal medicines.
Herbal Schools vary somewhat, but all are based on the use of medicinal herbs in the promotion of natural health. The course will include botany, plant identification, human physiology, pathology, nutrition, and herbal actions in their curriculums.
Currently there is no formal system of accreditation for the study of herbology. Potential students should consider schools with teachers who have considerable experience and schools that offer intensive training in both plant sciences and properties of herbs. Interested students should also consider programs that provide extensive hands-on experience in their curriculums. Programs in Herbal Schools should last at least one year. Two-year programs will offer a more thorough and effective education.
Herbalists in the U.S. may be self-defined professionals, as neither certification nor licensure is required by state or national organizations at this point. State laws do regulate the practice of medicine, however, and laws vary by state. Medical students gaining an education from Herbal Schools may gain licensure to practice natural healing and herbal medicine and may use herbal medicines as part of their medical practices. Herbalists practicing medicine often practice under doctors of acupuncture or naturopathy.
Teaching and learning about herbal medicines is not restricted to a formal education from Herbal Schools, and those who define themselves as teachers, natural healers, or counselors may be self-taught herbalists or Herbal Schools graduates.
Most herbologists or herbalists today are self-employed and may run small manufacturing operations, counseling others about herbal products and growing herbs for manufacture.
To learn more about Herbal Schools and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.
DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.
Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com
Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.
By: Michael Bustamante
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
We invite you to visit the Natural Healing Directory at SchoolsGalore.com to find Herbal Schools, Herbal Medicine Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Healing Arts Schools.
Modern herbalists use plants from all regions of the world, and modern Herbal Schools teach uses of herbs, roots, bark, and beneficial plants and plant parts from which drugs are extracted. Traditionally, "Chinese Medicine" makes use of plants native to China and Asia, "Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine" uses plants native to India, and "Herbal Medicine" generally refers to the North American and European uses of plants from their regions. Most alternative medicine schools teach all forms of herbal medicines.
Herbal Schools vary somewhat, but all are based on the use of medicinal herbs in the promotion of natural health. The course will include botany, plant identification, human physiology, pathology, nutrition, and herbal actions in their curriculums.
Currently there is no formal system of accreditation for the study of herbology. Potential students should consider schools with teachers who have considerable experience and schools that offer intensive training in both plant sciences and properties of herbs. Interested students should also consider programs that provide extensive hands-on experience in their curriculums. Programs in Herbal Schools should last at least one year. Two-year programs will offer a more thorough and effective education.
Herbalists in the U.S. may be self-defined professionals, as neither certification nor licensure is required by state or national organizations at this point. State laws do regulate the practice of medicine, however, and laws vary by state. Medical students gaining an education from Herbal Schools may gain licensure to practice natural healing and herbal medicine and may use herbal medicines as part of their medical practices. Herbalists practicing medicine often practice under doctors of acupuncture or naturopathy.
Teaching and learning about herbal medicines is not restricted to a formal education from Herbal Schools, and those who define themselves as teachers, natural healers, or counselors may be self-taught herbalists or Herbal Schools graduates.
Most herbologists or herbalists today are self-employed and may run small manufacturing operations, counseling others about herbal products and growing herbs for manufacture.
To learn more about Herbal Schools and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.
DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.
Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com
Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.
By: Michael Bustamante
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
We invite you to visit the Natural Healing Directory at SchoolsGalore.com to find Herbal Schools, Herbal Medicine Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Healing Arts Schools.
Internal Herbal Cleansing
Herbal cleansing has become very popular in the world today and comes in many different forms. One can go to an alternative health clinic for advanced forms of herbal cleansing or simply take herbal supplements at home.
There are many products on the market in the form of pills or powders with various herbal combinations depending on the particular type of cleansing you wish to undertake.
One can take herbs to cleanse the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs. The most popular form of herbal cleansing however, is to clean the intestines. The purpose behind herbal cleansing is to remove wastes and toxins from the body so cleansing the intestines is the logical choice.
An efficiently functioning digestive tract will help support and nourish the body. Properly formulated herbal supplements can assist the elimination of wastes and improve the assimilation of nutrients in the body.
Many alternative health practitioners believe that ill health begins in the colon and the first step in preventing and treating disease is to cleanse the digestive tract. Our modern diet of heavily processed food along with sedentary lifestyles contributes to the accumulation of waste products in the colon and a sluggish digestive system.
Herbal cleansing help restore the body to its normal state of being able to repair itself and ward off disease. Some claim that herbal cleansing remedies can help rid the body of parasites which could be responsible for a variety of diseases.
Another claim of herbal cleansing products is that the herbs help to loosen old material in the intestines and allow it to pass out of the body. In addition, some herbs may help to tone the bowels to allow them to function more normally to aid in the rapid elimination of wastes.
There are actually many varieties of herbal supplements on the market today and the function will depend upon which herbs are used in the product. You can easily find herbal cleansing products at your local health food store. You can also shop for them online where you will be assured of having access to a huge variety of products and be able to research them and then compare prices before you buy.
When buying herbs it is important to buy quality standardized herbal preparations. It is usually not a good idea to buy herbal supplements based on price alone. Stick with well known and respected name brands and if you have any questions, consult your physician or alternative healthcare provider for medical advice.
If you currently are on prescription medication or have an illness, it is particularly important to talk with your doctor before adding herbal supplements to your diet as some herbs may react with your medications.
By: Sarah Thomas -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Sarah Thomas provides articles on health matters. You can find more of her work at the site herbal-central.com.
There are many products on the market in the form of pills or powders with various herbal combinations depending on the particular type of cleansing you wish to undertake.
One can take herbs to cleanse the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs. The most popular form of herbal cleansing however, is to clean the intestines. The purpose behind herbal cleansing is to remove wastes and toxins from the body so cleansing the intestines is the logical choice.
An efficiently functioning digestive tract will help support and nourish the body. Properly formulated herbal supplements can assist the elimination of wastes and improve the assimilation of nutrients in the body.
Many alternative health practitioners believe that ill health begins in the colon and the first step in preventing and treating disease is to cleanse the digestive tract. Our modern diet of heavily processed food along with sedentary lifestyles contributes to the accumulation of waste products in the colon and a sluggish digestive system.
Herbal cleansing help restore the body to its normal state of being able to repair itself and ward off disease. Some claim that herbal cleansing remedies can help rid the body of parasites which could be responsible for a variety of diseases.
Another claim of herbal cleansing products is that the herbs help to loosen old material in the intestines and allow it to pass out of the body. In addition, some herbs may help to tone the bowels to allow them to function more normally to aid in the rapid elimination of wastes.
There are actually many varieties of herbal supplements on the market today and the function will depend upon which herbs are used in the product. You can easily find herbal cleansing products at your local health food store. You can also shop for them online where you will be assured of having access to a huge variety of products and be able to research them and then compare prices before you buy.
When buying herbs it is important to buy quality standardized herbal preparations. It is usually not a good idea to buy herbal supplements based on price alone. Stick with well known and respected name brands and if you have any questions, consult your physician or alternative healthcare provider for medical advice.
If you currently are on prescription medication or have an illness, it is particularly important to talk with your doctor before adding herbal supplements to your diet as some herbs may react with your medications.
By: Sarah Thomas -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Sarah Thomas provides articles on health matters. You can find more of her work at the site herbal-central.com.
Herbal Skin Care
Skin care is not a topic of recent times; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of skin. However, skin care has transformed in a big way. Herbal skin care routines have been replaced by synthetic/chemical-based skin care routines. The herbal skin care recipes which once used to be common place are not so popular today (and even unknown to a large population). This transformation from herbal skin care to synthetic, can probably be attributed to two things – our laziness (or just the fast pace of lives) and the commercialisation of skin care. Even herbal skin care products have been commercialised. These commercial herbal skin care products have to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home. However, it seems that things are changing fast and more people are now opting for natural and herbal skin care routines. But still, none want to make them at home and hence the commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise.
So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?
Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.
A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.
Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.
Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.
Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)
Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.
Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.
Many skin care tips and articles.
By: Ellen Biddle
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Ellen for www.ultimate-cosmetics.com . Find lots of makeup and beauty tips here with many useful articles on skin care. Also learn how to get rid of dark circles under eyes.
So what are these herbs or herbal skin care mechanisms?
Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.
A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties. Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers. Their herbal skin care properties get invoked when they are combined with other herbs like tea.
Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care. Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties. Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.
Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.
Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)
Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.
Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of skin disorders like eczema and psorasis. Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects (the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products) Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive. So, herbal skin care is the way to go. However, this does not mean that you totally discard the synthetic products. Some people go to the extent of debating with their dermatologist, if he/she suggests a synthetic product. You should accept the fact that some skin orders might need usage of clinically proven non-herbal skin care products.
Many skin care tips and articles.
By: Ellen Biddle
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Ellen for www.ultimate-cosmetics.com . Find lots of makeup and beauty tips here with many useful articles on skin care. Also learn how to get rid of dark circles under eyes.
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