Boswellia herb for Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease also known as ileitis or enteritis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus commonly affecting the ileum and the colon. The symptoms of crohn's disease are sometimes similar to irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis and are characterized by severe abdominal pain,diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, skin eruptions and fever.

A herb that has shown good results in treating inflammation caused by crohn's disease is Boswellia also known as Shallaki. Boswellia is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that is beneficial in chronic inflammatory conditions. Being a herb boswellia does not disturb the microflora of the intestines or irritate the gastric mucosa as some NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)and analgesics can do. Many people have commented that Boswellia works the same if not better than NSAIDS and commonly prescribed analgesics in relieving inflammation and pain. It also works well as an adjuvant to other pain relief prescription medications. Boswellia in conjunction with Ashwagandha is very beneficial in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease

More information on Crohn's disease and natural treatments

Herbal remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common digestive disorder. IBS is characterized by abdominal cramps accompanied by diarrhea or constipation. Here are some herbal remedies to treat IBS.

Take 1 tbsp of bran in a glass of water or fruit juice every day

Take 1 tbsp of a soluble fibre like psyllium in a cold glass of water once a day

Drink 3 to 4 cups of peppermint tea every day

Avoid foods that contain fat. Chocolate, dairy, eggs, spices and decaffeinated coffee should also be avoided. To check for food sensitivities, stop eating a suspected food for 10 to 30 days, then try it again. If you get an adverse reaction avoid that food in the future

Activated charcoal capsules can help stop diarrhea. However charcoal can interfere with the absorption of other medications that you may be taking

Triphala a compound of 3 herbs Indian Gooseberry (Amalaki), Chebulic Myrobalan (Haritaki) and Bellirica Myrobalan (Vibhitaki) is also considered an excellent ayurvedic remedy for IBS. For best results, Triphala along with Boswellia (an anti-inflammatory) is recommended.

More information on Irritable Bowel Syndrome and natural treatments for IBS

Kidney stones | Foods to avoid for kidney stones

If you have kidney stones or are susceptible to kidney stones you probably already know that drinking plenty of water during the day is key to preventing kidney stones from forming again. In addition to drinking water, there are certain foods that you need to avoid owing to their high calcium oxalate and salt content.

Here is the list of foods that contain calcium oxalate:

High-oxalate foods—higher to lower

• rhubarb
  
  
• spinach
  
  
• beets
  
  
• swiss chard
  
  
• wheat germ
  
  
• soybean crackers
  
  
• peanuts
  
  
• okra
  
  
• chocolate
  
  
• black tea
  
  
• sweet potatoes
  

Foods that have medium amounts of oxalate may be eaten in limited amounts.

Medium-oxalate foods—higher to lower

• grits
  
  
• grapes
  
  
• celery
  
  
• green pepper
  
  
• red raspberries
  
  
• fruit cake
  
  
• strawberries
  
  
• marmalade
  
  
• liver

You should also eat a low-protein diet and avoid foods that raise uric acid level. Some of these foods are

• Anchovies
  
  
• Sardines
  
  
• Organ Meats
  
  
• Brewer's Yeast
  

Other medicines and supplements to avoid:

Avoid taking antacids

You may need to reduce calcium intake with the advice of your doctor

Avoid Vitamin D supplements that can also raise calcium oxalate levels.


More information on kidney stone causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment


Information on Cystone from Himalaya Herbals that helps treat and prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections naturally

Kidney stones causes | kidney stones herbal remedy

Kidney stones are small stones that form in the kidneys from the chemicals present in urine. They start as small crystals of salt and minerals and with time may build into larger stones. When small, they can pass out with the urine. But when they grow larger, they can obstruct the urinary tract causing urinary tract infections and kidney infections. 50% of small stones can pass out with the urine and cause no symptoms. However larger stones can cause severe pain and need medical attention.

Kidney stones generally form when there is an imbalance in the chemicals in the urine particularly calcium.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Insufficient water in diet

Medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, gout and intestinal problems.

Hereditary reasons - High levels of calcium in the urine may be passed on in families

Foods high in calcium for those susceptible to kidney stones

Hot climate - Dehydration can lead to water deficiency causing urine to become more concentrated

Treatment of kidney stones

50% of small kidney stones measuring upto 10mm in size get passed out through the urinary tract. If the stones are larger and start causing obstructions in urinary flow, medical attention is required.

It is highly advisable to drink sufficient quantities of water throughout the day to maintain a normal balance of salts and minerals in the urine.

Cystone from Himalaya Herbals is an ayurvedic herbal formulation that has proven effective in treating and preventing kidney stones.

Depression and medications | Depression hormonal imbalance

Depression is said to be caused by hormonal imbalances. While everyone has downs in life if depression is persistent it is time to seek a doctor's help. It may also be time to take a second look at your prescription medications. Sometimes medications prescribed for heart problems, glaucoma and high blood pressure can also cause chemical and hormonal imbalances. Depression, fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities, can be a side effect of these medications. It is important to make an inventory of all your medications and inform your doctor. Sometimes a simple change in medication can cause an upliftment in mood.

Depression comes in various forms - from mild to severe. Some types of depression are associated with seasonal changes. SAD or Seasonal affective disorder is usually brought on by winter when there is lack of sunshine. Going out into the sunshine and light therapy are greatly beneficial in such types of depression.

More information on depression forms, symptoms and treatment

Herbal treatment for depression | Ayurvedic herbs for depression treatment

Depression affects more than 20 million Americans. Depression is twice as common in women, although in part due to their social network, women are more likely than men to be able to pull themselves out of depression over time. Depression can be a serious illness which left untreated can over time affect your relationships, your job, and your life. It has been found that often the bigger problem is not depression itself but your reaction to it.

There are definitely steps you can take to challenge depression head-on.

Stay active and exercise regularly.

Go out into the sun for a few minutes everyday. Light therapy is known to be an instant mood enhancer

Take your vitamins especially Vitamin B12

Maintain an active social network

Certain herbs are well known in fighting depression, worries and anxiety. Some of the best known ones are St. John's Wort, Bacopa and Ashwagandha. Bacopa is considered the premier herb in Ayurveda for brain functions. Not only does it help to fight depression but it also improves cognition, memory and boosts the functioning of the brain.

Ashwagandha helps to relax and soothe the mind. It relieves stress and hypertension and lifts the mood.

High blood pressure | Natural blood pressure control

Blood pressure or the pressure against the walls of the arteries is measured as systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts to pump blood through the arterties while diastolic pressure is when the heart muscles relax. Pressure is created both by the heart pumping blood into the arteries and by the arteries resisting the flow of blood.

High blood pressure or hypertension generally carries no visible symptoms but causes damage to blood vessels in turn increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Many people have high blood pressure without realizing it. Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of having high blood pressure.

Recommended Blood Pressure for non-diabetic patients:

Systolic pressure: less than 130mg

Diastolic pressure: less than 80mg

For diabetic patients:

Systolic pressure: less than 140mg

Diastolic pressure: less than 85mg

Pure herbs such as Arjuna and Ashwagandha are well known for lowering and controlling blood pressure and hypertension