Varicose veins causes | herbal remedy varicose veins

Varicose veins are very common and affect 50% of the population aged over 50 years. Women are more likely to get varicose veins. Varicose veins generally form on the inside of the leg and the back of the calf. Pregnant women tend to get varicose veins in the lower pelvic region.

When veins are unable to pump blood back to the heart on account of weak muscles and valves that do not seal owing to weak walls, the blood tends to collect in the veins causing them to bulge and twist. Varicose veins are primarily caused when pressure is applied. The veins of the legs have the hardest job in pumping blood to the heart. They have to work against the force of gravity and have to bear the weight of the body. As a result the pressure is immense and can overcome the strength of the valves. Therefore legs are most likely to develop varicose veins.

Varicose veins can get worse over time and when inflamed generally cause pain. In severe cases, when blood continues to stay accumulated without reaching the heart, blood clots can form. If these blood clots travel especially to the lungs, they can be life-threatening. Ulcers can form on the skin and form wounds.

Relief from varicose veins can be obtained by some simple techniques such as wearing supporting stockings, elevating legs when resting, avoiding salt which can cause water retention, exercising regularly and giving up smoking.

Pilex is a herbal ayurvedic formulation that is very effective in relieving pressure on veins and reducing inflammation.

Find out more on natural remedies for varicose veins

Inflammation treatment with herbs | Herbal relief for inflammatory diseases

Inflammation generally occurs when the body's immune system is called into action. Any kind of infection or injury results in inflammation sometimes followed by pain, heat and fever. As soon as the body detects a threat, white blood cells swarm to the spot and fight the infection or injury (such as a twisted ankle). Therefore inflammation is necessary for healing.

However when the body's immune system is out of control chronic inflammation results. Chronic inflammation leads to tissue destruction and persistent pain. This leads to serious conditions like arthritis and colitis. Most of the body's defence systems are located in the gastro-intestinal tract to keep bacteria from food at bay. It is therefore not surprising that many major inflammatory diseases affect our digestive system. Diseases such as IBS, IBD, colitis, ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease are all digestive tract related. It has also been found that many of these conditions are found in the developed world and only recently are there increasing cases in developing countries as well. This clearly points to our diet and environmental exposure.

The trend towards processed foods and sugars causes the digestive system to be unable to cleanse itself sufficiently. This can cause a build-up of toxins triggering the body's immune cells and inflammation. A modern lifestyle also exposes us to environmental toxins such as plastics and other chemicals not to mention the build-up of stress. In fact auto-immune diseases like arthritis are known to be caused by inflammation and stress.

The following are important Ayurvedic herbs that have shown astounding benefits in relieving inflammation, pain and stress as well as in clearing the body of toxins.

1. Triphala - Triphala which is composed of 3 pure herbs in equal proportions (amla, haritaki, vibhitaki) is the best remedy for intestinal cleansing and promoting digestive tract health. It tones the colon and rejuvenates the intestinal lining. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.

2. Boswellia - Boswellia has been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in diseases such as arthritis and colitis. It has been shown to be as effective as NSAIDs in many cases without any side effects. Boswellia is considered the premier herb in Ayurveda in fighting a wide range of inflammatory diseases. It has been shown effective in inhibiting pro-inflammatory cells

3.Ashwagandha - Ashwagandha is also a famous anti-inflammatory herb. In addition it induces relaxation and stress relief. A combination of Boswellia and Ashwagandha provides excellent relief in autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and crohn's disease.

4. Guggul is another herb used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

5. An ayurvedic formulation called Rumalaya Forte contains these important herbs as well as others. It has been subjected to clinical studies and offers pain relief from arthritis, bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and other painful bone and joint disorders. It also helps rebuild connective tissue.

Lower blood pressure with herbs | Herbal remedy to lower blood pressure

The following are herbs well known in lowering blood pressure and optimizing it.

Arjuna is a herb highly recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners to lower blood pressure and heart rate. It is also sknown to lower cholesterol and heart related problems

Fresh garlic juice is also considered excellent in reducing blood pressure

Ashwagandha is a herb recommended for reducing hypertension and stress and inducing relaxation.

Hawthorn is also known as a herbal heart tonic that has been used as a European and Chinese folk remedy to reduce blood pressure.

There are several other ayurvedic herbs also known to aid in preventing and treating hypertension. In fact Abana is a herbal medicine formulated by the renowned Himalaya Herbals company that incorporates all the ayurvedic herbs and minerals known to aid in lowering blood pressure and promoting heart health. It contains 40 herbs and minerals including Arjuna, Ashwagandha, Shankhapushpi, Mandukaparni, Guggul and others in a formula prescribed by ayurveda for optimium heart health. Being completely natural it has no side effects and can be taken as a daily health tonic to prevent heart attacks, heart disease, lower blood pressure and remove stress. It can even be taken by people with normal blood pressure as a means to maintain optimum heart health.

Diabetes and obesity | type 2 diabetes cases rise with obesity

Recent news reports showed that type 2 diabetes cases doubled in the US in the past decade. Most of the new diabetes cases were in the Southern states. These same states also showed the highest increase in obesity with Mississippi, West Virginia, Alabama, and Louisiana having over 30% of the population that was either obese or overweight as per the CDC standards.

Diabetes mellitus and obesity are closely linked and these report confirm the problem. Being overweight is the single most important reason for high blood sugar levels. Diets high in fat and sugar cause the body's natural ability to synthesize glucose to break down causing diabetes. It has also been shown that African-americans, Hispanics and Asians are prone to diabetes.

Losing weight and exercising are essential to bringing diabetes into control.
Read our article on natural ways to control diabetes