Genitourinary Medicine

Astragalus: An Immune-boosting Herb

Goldenseal or Hydrastis canadenis is one of the most popular herbs sold on the American market. But why is it so popular? What are its benefits? And where is the science to back it up? But the answers to those questions do not have the same impact as the more pressing question of whether there is enough supply, especially of wild-harvested root, to meet the demand.

Goldenseal is a medicinal plant native to America. The Cherokee Indians were reported to be the first people who introduced it to the early settlers. Goldenseal was used as a Native American remedy to treat skin diseases, wounds, and sore, inflamed eyes. The roots of the Goldenseal are bright and yellow, hence its name.

For decades, goldenseal root has been used to treat all sorts of illnesses and disorders. It has acquired a considerable reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders.

As far back as the 1800s, goldenseal was referenced plenty of times in medical writings. According to Benjamin Smith Barton’s Essays Towards a Materia Medica of the United States which was published in three parts from 1798 to 1804, goldenseal was a Cherokee folk cancer remedy. Incidentally, this observation made by Barton in 1788 is one of the earliest observations of the occurrence and treatment of cancer among American Indian groups.

By the late 1700s, goldenseal was a popular strong tea for indigestion. The bitter drink helped stimulate digestion and improve the appetite. Following the Indians, it was used as a decoction to treat skin inflammations and those of the eyes. Its popularity as a herbal antibiotic has continued up to this day. Today, goldenseal is used to treat symptoms of the cold and flu. It is also used as an astringent, antibacterial remedy for the mucous membranes of the body.

The Plant

Goldenseal is an herbaceous perennial plant that is long-lived. It is commonly found in deep woods or dense forested areas. The horizontal rhizome creeps beneath the rich forest detritus, resembling a small, crooked finger. When in perfect condition, goldenseal rhizome becomes clump-like with a dense crown and multiple buds. Extending from the rhizome are fibrous rooflets. The root of the goldenseal is the main part used for herbal remedies. Its yellow color makes it distinct from all other look-alike plants and it is also attributed to the prevalence of the main antimicrobial constituent present, berberine.

Health Benefits

Many combination formulas of other herbs use goldenseal as it is reported to improve the potency of other herbs. Preparations have been marketed for the treatment of menstrual disorders, urinary infections, rheumatic and muscular pain and as an antispasmodic or as a cure to relieve the spasms commonly experienced by patients with epilepsy.

Berberine and hydrastine are alkaloids found in goldenseal. They are attributed with the potency of the herb. Similar in action, berberine and hydrastine destroy many types of bacterial and viral infections. These alkaloids can also reduce gastric inflammation and relieve congestion. The alkaloid berberine is the bitter substance that makes the plant a good aid for digestion and as a sedative on the central nervous system.

Buying Information

Goldenseal is considered generally safe when taken as directed. However, the herb is potent enough that most dieticians recommend it in small doses only. The most popular products are liquid extracts and capsules containing the whole dried herb. Since the herb is most potent when used in combination with other products, it’s good if you look for Echinacea, garlic, and elderberry in the label before buying.

What Can Goldenseal Do For Your Health?

Goldenseal or Hydrastis canadenis is one of the most popular herbs sold on the American market. But why is it so popular? What are its benefits? And where is the science to back it up? But the answers to those questions do not have the same impact as the more pressing question of whether there is enough supply, especially of wild-harvested root, to meet the demand.

Goldenseal is a medicinal plant native to America. The Cherokee Indians were reported to be the first people who introduced it to the early settlers. Goldenseal was used as a Native American remedy to treat skin diseases, wounds, and sore, inflamed eyes. The roots of the Goldenseal are bright and yellow, hence its name.

For decades, goldenseal root has been used to treat all sorts of illnesses and disorders. It has acquired a considerable reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders.

As far back as the 1800s, goldenseal was referenced plenty of times in medical writings. According to Benjamin Smith Barton’s Essays Towards a Materia Medica of the United States which was published in three parts from 1798 to 1804, goldenseal was a Cherokee folk cancer remedy. Incidentally, this observation made by Barton in 1788 is one of the earliest observations of the occurrence and treatment of cancer among American Indian groups.

By the late 1700s, goldenseal was a popular strong tea for indigestion. The bitter drink helped stimulate digestion and improve the appetite. Following the Indians, it was used as a decoction to treat skin inflammations and those of the eyes. Its popularity as a herbal antibiotic has continued up to this day. Today, goldenseal is used to treat symptoms of the cold and flu. It is also used as an astringent, antibacterial remedy for the mucous membranes of the body.

The Plant

Goldenseal is an herbaceous perennial plant that is long-lived. It is commonly found in deep woods or dense forested areas. The horizontal rhizome creeps beneath the rich forest detritus, resembling a small, crooked finger. When in perfect condition, goldenseal rhizome becomes clump-like with a dense crown and multiple buds. Extending from the rhizome are fibrous rooflets. The root of the goldenseal is the main part used for herbal remedies. Its yellow color makes it distinct from all other look-alike plants and it is also attributed to the prevalence of the main antimicrobial constituent present, berberine.

Health Benefits

Many combination formulas of other herbs use goldenseal as it is reported to improve the potency of other herbs. Preparations have been marketed for the treatment of menstrual disorders, urinary infections, rheumatic and muscular pain and as an antispasmodic or as a cure to relieve the spasms commonly experienced by patients with epilepsy.

Berberine and hydrastine are alkaloids found in goldenseal. They are attributed with the potency of the herb. Similar in action, berberine and hydrastine destroy many types of bacterial and viral infections. These alkaloids can also reduce gastric inflammation and relieve congestion. The alkaloid berberine is the bitter substance that makes the plant a good aid for digestion and as a sedative on the central nervous system.

Buying Information

Goldenseal is considered generally safe when taken as directed. However, the herb is potent enough that most dieticians recommend it in small doses only. The most popular products are liquid extracts and capsules containing the whole dried herb. Since the herb is most potent when used in combination with other products, it’s good if you look for Echinacea, garlic, and elderberry in the label before buying.

Discover The Benefits Of Mullein Flower

Goldenseal or Hydrastis canadenis is one of the most popular herbs sold on the American market. But why is it so popular? What are its benefits? And where is the science to back it up? But the answers to those questions do not have the same impact as the more pressing question of whether there is enough supply, especially of wild-harvested root, to meet the demand.

Goldenseal is a medicinal plant native to America. The Cherokee Indians were reported to be the first people who introduced it to the early settlers. Goldenseal was used as a Native American remedy to treat skin diseases, wounds, and sore, inflamed eyes. The roots of the Goldenseal are bright and yellow, hence its name.

For decades, goldenseal root has been used to treat all sorts of illnesses and disorders. It has acquired a considerable reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders.

As far back as the 1800s, goldenseal was referenced plenty of times in medical writings. According to Benjamin Smith Barton’s Essays Towards a Materia Medica of the United States which was published in three parts from 1798 to 1804, goldenseal was a Cherokee folk cancer remedy. Incidentally, this observation made by Barton in 1788 is one of the earliest observations of the occurrence and treatment of cancer among American Indian groups.

By the late 1700s, goldenseal was a popular strong tea for indigestion. The bitter drink helped stimulate digestion and improve the appetite. Following the Indians, it was used as a decoction to treat skin inflammations and those of the eyes. Its popularity as a herbal antibiotic has continued up to this day. Today, goldenseal is used to treat symptoms of the cold and flu. It is also used as an astringent, antibacterial remedy for the mucous membranes of the body.

The Plant

Goldenseal is an herbaceous perennial plant that is long-lived. It is commonly found in deep woods or dense forested areas. The horizontal rhizome creeps beneath the rich forest detritus, resembling a small, crooked finger. When in perfect condition, goldenseal rhizome becomes clump-like with a dense crown and multiple buds. Extending from the rhizome are fibrous rooflets. The root of the goldenseal is the main part used for herbal remedies. Its yellow color makes it distinct from all other look-alike plants and it is also attributed to the prevalence of the main antimicrobial constituent present, berberine.

Health Benefits

Many combination formulas of other herbs use goldenseal as it is reported to improve the potency of other herbs. Preparations have been marketed for the treatment of menstrual disorders, urinary infections, rheumatic and muscular pain and as an antispasmodic or as a cure to relieve the spasms commonly experienced by patients with epilepsy.

Berberine and hydrastine are alkaloids found in goldenseal. They are attributed with the potency of the herb. Similar in action, berberine and hydrastine destroy many types of bacterial and viral infections. These alkaloids can also reduce gastric inflammation and relieve congestion. The alkaloid berberine is the bitter substance that makes the plant a good aid for digestion and as a sedative on the central nervous system.

Buying Information

Goldenseal is considered generally safe when taken as directed. However, the herb is potent enough that most dieticians recommend it in small doses only. The most popular products are liquid extracts and capsules containing the whole dried herb. Since the herb is most potent when used in combination with other products, it’s good if you look for Echinacea, garlic, and elderberry in the label before buying.

How to Know if you Have Candida

Copyright (c) 2007 Mary Ann Copson

Candida is a pervasive problem that can sap your energy and wreck havoc with your moods. Candida albicans is a yeast that normally lives in the body in the inner warm creases and crevices of the digestive tract and in the vaginal tract of women. Under stressful conditions, through the overuse of antibiotics, damage to the intestinal tract or due to immune system depression, C. albicans can overgrow. Yeast cells, particles of yeast cells, and various toxic by-products of yeast metabolism can enter the general circulation and significantly disrupt body processes.

The result is chronic candidiasis, leading to a wide range of symptoms affecting almost every system of the body – especially the gastrointestial, genitourinary, endocrine (hormonal), nervous and immune systems. Women are much more likely to experience chronic candida than men due to the effects of estrogen, birth control pills, and a higher number of prescriptions for antibiotics.

Because virtually any body system can be affected, chronic candidiasis can trigger a multitude of symptoms. Patients say that they feel “sick all over.” Fatigue, allergies, immune system malfunction, depression, chemical sensitivities, and digestive disturbances are just some of the symptoms that suggest candida.

Those with chronic candidiasis are typically stuck in a vicious cycle. With regard to the immune system, a triggering event such as antibiotic use or nutrient deficiency can lead to immune suppression that allows Candida albicans to overgrow and become more firmly entrenched in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.

Once the organism attaches itself to the intestinal cells, it competes for nutrition with intestinal cells and ultimately the entire body ?- robbing the body of vital nutrients. In addition, Candida albicans secretes a large number of mycotoxins and antigens. Candida albicans is referred to as a “polyantigenic” organism because over 79 distinct antigens have been identified. Because of the tremendous number of antigens, an overgrowth of Candida albicans easily overwhelms the immune system.

How do you know if you have candida?

The more of the following symptoms you have the more important it is that you get a test to find out if you have candida and treat it with an integrated treatment plan.

Chronic fatigue or lethargy

Feeling of being drained

Loss of energy

General malaise

Headache

Decreased libido

Numbness, burning, or tingling

Muscle aches, weakness, or paralysis

Dizziness, loss of balance

Pain and swelling in joints

Craving for foods rich in carbohydrates or yeasts such as high sugar foods, bread and alcoholic beverages

Depression

Frequent mood swings

Inability to concentrate

Feeling spacey or unreal

Spots in front of the eyes

Poor memory

Erratic vision

Nasal congestion or discharge

Postnasal drip

Nasal itching

Sore or dry throat

Cough

Pain or tightness in chest

Wheezing or shortness of breath

If your symptoms suggest candida, follow up with a qualified health care practitioner. There are reliable tests to reveal the presence of candida.

There are many, many popular recommendations for treating candida. Over the counter quick fixes are plentiful. Following these popular recommendations could leave you with poor nutritional choices, unbalanced mood and energy, confused, and quite probably still with candida.

There really isn?t any single magic bullet that can immediately eliminate chronic candidiasis and restore healthy functioning to the body. Instead, a comprehensive approach involving lifestyle, stress management, exercise, diet, nutritional supplementation, glandular therapy, personal foundations and the use of herbal medicines can be used.

Complete Information on Acanthosis Nigricans With Treatment and Prevention

Acanthosis nigricans is a disorder that may start at any age. It causes velvety, light-brown-to-black, markings normally on the neck, under the weaponry or in the groin. Acanthosis nigricans is almost frequently associated with obesity. Some drugs, especially hormones such as human increase hormone or oral contraceptives, can too induce acanthosis nigricans. People with lymphoma or cancers of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts can too produce serious cases of acanthosis nigricans. Most patients with acanthosis nigricans have a high insulin degree than those of the same weight without acanthosis nigricans. Elevated levels of insulin in most cases likely induce acanthosis nigricans.

Acanthosis nigricans can start at any age. It’s almost apparent in folk who have blue rind. Skin changes are the alone signs of acanthosis nigricans. Sometimes the lips, palms or soles of the feet are affected as easily. The skin changes seem slowly, sometimes over months or years. Rarely, the affected areas may itch. Most people with acanthosis nigricans have an insulin level that is higher than that of people of the same weight who don’t have acanthosis nigricans. Eating too much of the wrong foods, especially starches and sugars, and being overweight can raise insulin levels. When acanthosis nigricans is related to obesity, weight management is an important part of prevention. A diet that contributes to reduced insulin also can help prevent acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans caused by medicine may go away once the medication is stopped.

Rarely acanthosis nigricans is associated with a tumor, almost usually of the abdomen or intestine. In these cases acanthosis can bee seen in additional places, such as the lips or hands and is remarkably serious. Occasionally acanthosis nigricans is inborn or payable to an endocrine disorder. Overweight individuals normally have advance if they suffer weight. In those who have a tumor or a gland disorder, correction of the underlying trouble will frequently heal the acanthosis nigricans. Because acanthosis nigricans itself normally simply causes changes to the show of the rind, no specific handling is needed. In some cases, acanthosis nigricans is inherited. Certain medications, such as human increase hormone, oral contraceptives and big doses of niacin can add to the circumstance.

People with acanthosis nigricans should be screened for diabetes and, although uncommon, cancer. Controlling blood glucose levels through drill and diet frequently improves symptoms. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor through a medical history and physical examination. Blood work might be done to investigate the cause of acanthosis nigricans. Other hormone problems, endocrine disorders or tumors may play a role as well. Rarely, acanthosis nigricans is associated with certain types of cancer. It is important, however, to attempt to treat any underlying medical problem that may be causing these skin changes. Other treatments to improve skin appearance, including Retin-A, urea, alpha hydroxy acids, and salicylic acid prescriptions, may be helpful in some people. Dermabrasion or laser therapy may help to reduce the bulky portion of the affected skin.

Urinary Tract Infections in Women

Urinary tract infections in women are the cause for six million office visits per year, and kidney stones cause intense pain. In general, urinary tract infections in women are due to bacteria gaining access to the bladder from the urethra. About 75 percent of the time, urinary tract infections in women are triggered by sexual intercourse, says Nicolette Horbach, MD, associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at George Washington University: Some women may only have one in a lifetime, while others are susceptible to recurring infections.

Women with medical problems such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis are at higher risk for infection. Women at risk for sexually transmitted disease are at higher risk for infection. Some other factors that may predispose women to a UTI include nylon underwear or panty hose, and the use of certain perfumes/lotions or bubble baths. In women with frequent infections, the use of cranberry extract or cranberry juice can lead to a decrease in the number of infections. Women who consumed the cranberry juice had almost 50% less bacteria in the urine, a biomarker for UTI.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common types Urinary tract infections in women are the cause for six million office visits per year, and kidney stones cause intense pain.of infections encountered in medicine today. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more prevalent among women than among men (ratio of 20:1), probably secondary to an anatomically short urethra and its close proximity to the vagina and rectum. Uncomplicated urinary tract infection is a common clinical syndrome that occurs in women with otherwise normal genitourinary tracts. In general, urinary tract infections in women are due to bacteria gaining access to the bladder from the urethra.

In the past, urinary tract infections vaccines were administered vaginally in the form of a liquid vaccine. Several problems were associated with thei ntravaginal administration of liquid urinary tract infections vaccine. Further according to the present invention, there is provided a suppository-based vaccine delivery system for the prophylaxis against urogenital infectious diseases, such as urinary tract infections whereinthe vaccine is in contact with the vaginal mucous membrane for asufficient period of time to enhance the immune response. The suppository-based vaccine delivery system according to the present invention allows the vaccine to be in contact with the vaginal mucous membrane for a sufficient period of time to enhance the immune response. Most of the patients with recurrent urinary tract infections can be treated successfully with continuous low-dose prophylaxis.

Treatment of urinary tract conditions is an area of much investigation. Successful treatment of this condition in the female requires the re-establishment of the normal flora of the vagina so that the normal pH of the vagina. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options for the woman with abrupt symptoms of a urinary tract infection. The most important aspect of treatment is starting antibiotics in a timely fashion to decrease the number of bacteria present, thereby allowing inflammation to subside and symptom improvement to begin. In spite of agreat deal of progress in the treatment of other bacterial infections, the morbidity and mortality of urinary tract infections’s remains unchanged inthe last 20 to 25 years.

The importance of urinary tract health is highly understated in this country. Urinary tract health is important in leading an active, healthy lifestyle. The amount of proanthocyanidins recommended for urinary tract health is 30-35 mg per day, which is found in 8-10 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail (27% juice). A favorite among nutrition experts, Soy extract is the perfect bath additive. The fermented soy extract is particularly useful in preventing and/or treating cancer, preventing infections, reducing the incidence of infections, treating infections, preventing and/or treating asthma, preventing and/or treating inflammation. Saw palmetto, pygeum, and pumpkin seed extracts are natural products which should be taken consistently.

The Flotrol Bladder Control Formula can help strengthen these muscles while also having a unique calming effect on the bladder. It is a combination of soy germ extract and lipid-free pumpkin seed extract. Soy is considered to be beneficial for maintaining a healthy bladder. The use of pumpkin seed dates back to 16th century when it was used of unitary tract health.

Ginkgo Biloba Properties And Benefits

One of the world’s oldest alive tree forms is Ginkgo Biloba. Excavations of fossils of Ginkgo Biloba show them to be 5000 years older and even more. One single tree can have a life of a thousand year; it can grow up to one hundred twenty feet long. The leaves are shaped like a fan while branches are short.

There is a strong odor in it’s fruits and there is inner seed in every leaf, consuming the leaf can lead to human poisoning. For centuries Chinese people used both the seed and the leaf as herbal medicine, but modern researchers have discarded this and mainly focused attention on basic Ginkgo Biloba extract, derived from green leaves after being dried up.

There are as many as 40 odd materials available in Ginkgo Biloba tree, but just 2 out of those many can be of any benefit to human suffering, the 2 being terpenoids and flavonoids. Flavonoids are influential in antioxidant effects.

Reports have supported the same and say it helps protecting retina, blood vessels, heart muscle and nerves from damage. Terpenoids help increasing blood circulation by opening blood vessels and dipping the tackiness of platelets.

Flavonoids is a definite antioxidants which are immensely helpful in removing free radicals that float present in out bodies, these radicals possess threats to human health and can effect normal system functions.

The environment too has its share in causing damage to us (obviously we stand responsible for the current state of environment) like cigarette smoking, air pollution, radiation and ultraviolet rays shall have a telling effect on our bodies and these threatening free radicals can lead to heart diseases, cause aging, cancer, cell death & Alzheimer’s disease.

There are various studies being conducted across the globe to find the diseases that Ginkgo Biloba can be applied in. We know now that Ginkgo Biloba is useful in treating dementia, hair loss, circulatory problems and hair loss but researchers are trying to widen the scope of its benefits to alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, blood vessel disorders, chronic rhinitis, atherosclerosis, hearing loss, high blood pressure, respiratory tract illnesses, concentration deficit hyperactivity disorder, asthma, cataracts, bronchial asthma, anti-rheumatic, migraine, high cholesterol, heart disease, labor induction, schizophrenia, congestive heart attack, coronary heart disease, menstrual pain, cardiac rhythm abnormalities, blood clots, freckle-removing, traumatic brain injury, neuropathy, cough, dermatitis, fatigue, hepatitis B, angina, genitourinary disorders, anxiety, mood disturbances, acute cerebral infarction, retinopathy, anti-bacterial, autoimmune disorders, oral cavity cancer, acidosis, anti-parasitic, diabetes, indigestion, allergies, anti-fungal, dysentery, breast disease, bronchitis, insomnia, varicose veins, skin sores, eczema, hypoxia, sepsis, scabies, ulcerative colitis, swelling, headache, seizures, thrombosis, heart attack and aging.

There exist few side effect but benefits will always out number side effects. Headaches and gas related discomfort may be experienced. Suppose you consume anti-depression drug (these are monoamine-oxidase inhibitors in character) then a negative counter reactions could be possible. You could be risking some kind of bleeding and if you at all have a clotting disorder then it should be strictly avoided.

If going through lactation or pregnancy then too should be avoided. Headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, in few cases you might get rashes or feel itchy and nausea are few other possible side effects. To be on safer side visit your doctor and consult him/her before you starting the medication of any herbal remedies.