JAVA TRADITIONAL COSMETICS

www.joglosemar.co.id/jamu.html

 The Natural Beauty of Woman
A Javanese woman is very much concern for her physical appearance to be always slim, beautiful with an alluring bright smiling face.
As a Javanese idiom says "Ngadi Sarira" to maintain the body to be always in perfect condition is of prime important. The way of life of a Javanese is greatly influenced by the royal culture. Not surprisingly that the art of "Keeping Beauty' is originated from the court palaces.
The Secret of a Princess Beauty
The Ladies of the Royal Families have a reputation to inherit the beauty of goddesses from paradise.
As told in the story of wayang (leather puppet) by the dalang (puppet master) , all parts of a princess body is always perfect and alluring: the beautiful black thick hair, a smooth skin, bright eyes, charming eye brows, eye lids and nose, bright reddish lips, white nicely teeth, wonderful built neck and shoulder, beautiful hands and arms, a waist like the one of a bee meanings slim and perfectly built.
The dalang with a clear deep voice, like in the poem reading adores the beauty of a princess with a thousands of words. It seems that all words of a complete dictionary are not enough to express of what a wonderful beauty a princess has.
The use of Traditional Jamu and Cosmetics
Nowadays, some secrets of this Karaton (Palaces) culture of "Ngadi Sarira" are known by many women from outside the Karaton walls. The Jamu is widely used to give an inner beauty, due to a good physical health.
Some of the products are consumed directly by eating it, for instance Kepel Fruit (a brown fruit of a chicken egg size), it's a natural deodorant. By eating it that would fragrant the odor of the body even the urine smells the fragrance of that fruit.
Jambu Mawar ( a kind of rose apple, mawar means a flower of rose) gives a fresh smell of breath. Some cosmetics are for outside application such as bedak dingin (cool powder) and lulur (scrubbing powder).
Beauty Care
Every woman is always proud of her hair – thick and shining, color and style. For natural shampooing, the ash of rice stalks work as a shampoo to clean the hair. After being washed by water, ingredients consist of
coconut milk, jeruk purut (a kind of citrus fruit smells like a lime ) and pandanus leaves are to be applied. It functions as a conditioner to clean the dandruff. The hair then washed by water again, to be dried while vaporizing with ratus fragrance.
Finally, a hair oil by the name of cemceman, made of coconut oil with pandanus , kenanga flower, jeruk purut etc. is applied.
Skin Care
For face caring, bedak dingin (cool powder) is applied. It's made from tendered rice with special ingredients, such as pandanus, kenanga flower etc.
For other parts of the body, lulur is applied, popularly known as mandi lulur (lulur bathing).
Lulur is also made from tendered rice, pandanus, some leaves of kemuning (with yellow color) and some medicinal roots. The lulur should stimulate the body to throw out the dead cells, replace it with new ones, stimulate blood circulation under the skin, smooth the skin and at the same time scents it.
Steaming the body
Steams of several boiled herbs are applied to ensure body freshness, including the woman organ. The steaming took about a ½ hour.
Producers
Besides the traditional cosmetics made by hand, in the country there are some big and well known manufactures of cosmetics, using modern machinery. These products are used widely across the country, even this cosmetics have been exported to many countries of the world.
(Suryo S. Negoro)From www.joglosemar.co.id/jamu.html

JAMU, TRADITIONAL MEDICINE FROM JAVA

From www.joglosemar.co.id/jamu.html

'Back to nature' is not merely a slogan in Java and Indonesia. The visible proof is the use of traditional herbal medicine of various type of 'medical plants', either from the leaves, the fruits, the roots, the flowers or the barks, etc.
These herbal medicine had been used since the ancient time up to now, it is largely consumed by people of different level; lower, middle and upper, in the villages and in the big cities.
The study of jamu had been conducted by Rumphius, a botanist as early as the year 1775 AD by publishing a book 'Herbaria Amboinesis'. A scientific research for jamu by the research center of herbal medicine in Bogor Botanical Garden, resulting a publication of a book 'Medical Book for Children and Adults', composed by E. Van Bent.
The first seminar about jamu has been held in Solo in 1940, followed by a Formation of Indonesia's Jamu Committee in 1944. In the 1966, a seminar on jamu was held again. In 1981, a book by title of 'The use of Medical Plants' was established to support the jamu industry in the country.
The method of using the jamu remains the same as the ancestors did. Some are consumed by drinking it and some are for outside application.
At present one could buy easily ready made jamu packed modernly in the form of powder, pills, capsules, drinking liquid and ointments. Of course there are still jamu shops, which sell only ingredients or prepare the jamu on spot as required by buyers. Some women are roaming the street to sell jamu, is a common view across the country.

The traditional methods of making jamu such as by boiling the prepared herbal ingredients (jamu godok) still prevail in Javanese society. The popular traditional tools of making jamu are still available in many Javanese houses such as; Lumpang (small iron Mortar), pipisan, parut (grater), kuali (clay pot), etc.
What kind of disease could jamu cure?
The reply is almost every disease, jamu could cure. There are various kinds of jamu to combat different kind of illness. In Principle there are two types of jamu; the first is jamu to maintain physical fitness and health, the locally popular are Galian Singset (to keep women body fit and slim) and Sehat Lelaki (to keep men body healthy). The second is jamu to cure various kinds of illness. Except the above, there are special jamu created with the purpose to maintain a loving family harmony. The popular products among other are Sari Rapet, which makes a women sexual organ in a good condition, as for the man the matched product is jamu Kuat Lekaki (strong man). The Javanese are also taking a great care to pregnant women during pre and postnatal period by producing the related jamu. There are also jamu for the babies.
The Herbs for Jamu
There are hundreds of herbs for jamu prescriptions, among other are:
Spices
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
Lempuyang (Zingiber Oronaticum)
Temu Lawak/ Wild Ginger (Curcuma Cautkeridza)
Kunyit/ Tumeric (Curcuma Domestica)
Kencur/ Greater Galingale (Kaemferi Galanga)
Lengkuas/ Ginger Plant (Elpina Galanga)
Bengle (Zingiber Bevifalium)
Leaves
Secang (Caesalpinia Sappan Hinn)
Sambang Dara (Rexco Ecaria Bicolar Hassk)
Brotowali (Tiospora Rumpii Boerl)
Adas (Foeniculum Vulgare Mill)
Fruits
Jeruk Nipis/ Calamondin (Citrae Aurantifalia Sivingle)
Ceplukan (Physalic Angulata Him)
Nyamplung (Calophylum Inaphyllu)
Barks
Kayu Manis/ Cinamon (Gijeyzahyza Glabra)
Flowers
Melati/ Yasmin (Jataninum Sunbac Ait)
Rumput Alang-alang (Gramineae)
It is worth to note that some jamu factories in Java are exporting its products. Besides the export of ready made jamu, 25 kinds of herbal plants and ingredients are also in the list of export to Europe, Australia, USA, Japan, etc.
No Side Effects
The people like to consume jamu due to :

• Availability in many places
• Comparatively cheap price
• No side effects

JAVA TRADITIONAL MEDICINES - fertilising Hair

Baldness a scourge, especially for women. The reason a lot of things, such as setres, the use of excessive chemicals, and others. If you find the initial symptoms such as hair loss in significant amounts and occur every day, you should be wary. Before severe, you should use this herb. The material is only one, the banana tree. Take enough, approximately 10 cm long. then grated and squeezed. Do not forget to be filtered because it takes the water from the juice. Let stand for one night. Use to wash it every morning. Concoction that can only be used once. So, create a new potion if you want to use it again. Do it for a few days. Or if you want the best results, do it every day for 2 weeks. should, stop while the use of chemicals in your hair so the results get more leverage. This herb has been used by Javanese ancestors for thousands of years ago. The results proved successful and most importantly, 100% secure. Try and enjoy the results.
Bahasa IndonesiaInggris—Deteksi bahasa—AfrikaansAlbaniaArabBahasa IndonesiaBelandaBulgarByelorusiaCekDanskEstiFarsiGalisiaHindiIbraniInggrisIrlandiaIslanItaliaJepangJermanKatalanaKoreaKroatLatviLituaviMagyarMakedoniaMaltaMandarinMelayuNorskPilipinoPolskiPortugisPrancisRumaniaRusiaSerbSlovenSlowakiaSpanyolSuomiSwahiliSwenskThaiTurkiUkrainaVietnamWalesYiddiYunani > InggrisBahasa Indonesia—AfrikaansAlbaniaArabBahasa IndonesiaBelandaBulgarByelorusiaCekDanskEstiFarsiGalisiaHindiIbraniInggrisIrlandiaIslanItaliaJepangJermanKatalanaKoreaKroatLatviLituaviMagyarMakedoniaMaltaMandarin (Aks. Sederhana)Mandarin (Aks. Tradisional)MelayuNorskPilipinoPolskiPortugisPrancisRumaniaRusiaSerbSlovenSlowakiaSpanyolSuomiSwahiliSwenskThaiTurkiUkrainaVietnamWalesYiddiYunani tukar

JAVA TRADITIONAL MEDICINES - Anti Dandruff

Dandruff bias to annoy.  If your hair a lot you a lot of dandruff , and you are using a shampoo with a variety of brands, but have not brought satisfactory results, then try with this recipe, which is

Find jengkol tree, then scraped, and then pounded until smooth, and then were given water, squeezed and filtered to take the water, then add to them a little eucalyptus oil. Early morning shampoo make this potion. With the permission of god, the result will be very real, existing dandruff on your hair will soon disappear. 

There are also other ways.  You have to take a pure coconut oil about 4 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon salt, then stir until smooth. Then heat until boiling. After boiling up and set aside briefly. When you are lukewarm, rub on the scalp. But don't massage. Apply 3 or 4 hours before shampooing. And at the time of shampoo, scalp-scratching do not carded.

Lavender

Lavender is native to the Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, Russia, and Africa. It has been used cosmetically and medicinally throughout history. In modern times, lavender is cultivated around the world and the fragrant oils of its flowers are used in aromatherapy, baked goods, candles, cosmetics, detergents, jellies, massage oils, perfumes, powders, shampoo, soaps, and tea. English lavender ( L. angustifolia ) is the most common species of lavender used, although other species are in use, including Lavandula burnamii, L. dentate, L. dhofarensis, L. latifolia, and L. stoechas.
Many people find lavender aromatherapy to be relaxing, and it has been reported to have anxiolytic effects in several small, methodologically flawed trials. Overall, the weight of the evidence suggests a small positive effect, although additional data from well-designed studies are required before the evidence can be considered strong.
Lavender aromatherapy is also used as a hypnotic, although there is insufficient evidence in support of this use.
Small phase I human trials of the lavender constituent perillyl alcohol (POH) for cancer have suggested safety and tolerability (up to 1200mg/m2four times/day), although efficacy has not been demonstrated.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Anxiety (lavender aromatherapy)
Lavender aromatherapy is traditionally used for relaxation. It is reported to help relieve anxiety in several small studies, although negative results have also been reported. Better research is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.
Agitated behavior (lavender aromatherapy)
Small studies of patients with severe dementia in nursing homes have found that lavender aromatherapy (2% administered for 2 hours) or pinning a cloth with the oil on it to the patient may help to decrease agitated behavior. Further well-designed studies are needed in this area before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Alopecia/hair loss (lavender used on the skin)
Small randomized controlled trials have shown that patients who massage essential oils (thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood) into their scalps daily showed more improvement than the control group. More research of lavender alone is need before a recommendation can be made.
Antibacterial (lavender used on the skin)
Early laboratory studies suggest that lavender oils may have antibiotic activity.However, this has not been well tested in animal or human studies.
Cancer (perillyl alcohol)
Animal studies report that perillyl alcohol (POH), derived from lavender, might be beneficial in the treatment of some types of cancer. This research has focused on cancers of the pancreas, breast, and intestine. Preliminary small studies in humans suggest safety and tolerability of POH, but effectiveness has not been established.
Dementia
Small randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of lavender aromatherapy on agitation and behavior in patients with Alzheimer's dementia report conflicting results. Further well-designed studies are needed before a conclusion can be drawn.
Depression
Preliminary research suggests that lavender may be helpful as an adjunct to prescription antidepressant medications. A small randomized clinical trial found that using a lavandula tincture with the prescription drug imipramine was more effective than either therapy alone at treating mild to moderate depression. Additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Ear pain
A small clinical trial used a naturopathic eardrop called NHED (containing allium sativum, verbascum thapsus, calendula flores, hypericum perfoliatum, lavender and vitamin E in olive oil) at a does of 5 drops three times a day with and without an antibiotic and topical anesthetic. It was found that the ear pain was self-limiting and resolved after a few days with or without antibiotics. This evidence is preliminary and further research is needed before any conclusion about this treatment can be made.
Hypnotic/sleep aid (lavender aromatherapy)
Lavender aromatherapy is often promoted as a sleep aid. Although early evidence suggests possible benefits, more research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Overall wellbeing (lavender used in a bath)
Preliminary evidence has shown that 20% lavender oil in combination with 80% grapeseed oil used in a bath may help to increase overall wellbeing, and decrease anger and frustration. Lavender oil used as aromatherapy has also been shown to increase overall mood. Further well-designed research is needed to confirm these results.
Pain (lavender aromatherapy)
Preliminary research suggests that the impression of pain intensity and unpleasantness may be reduced after treatment with lavender therapy. Other research has shown that lavender aromatherapy may be effective when used with acupressure for short term relief of lower back pain. Further research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Perineal discomfort after childbirth (lavender added to bath)
Lavender has been evaluated as an additive to bathwater to relieve pain in the perineal area (between the vagina and anus) in women following birth. Preliminary poor-quality research reports no benefits. Better research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Eczema
In a small clinical trial essential oils were used in combination with massage to treat childhood atopic eczema. The subjects were massaged with a mixture of essential oils, including lavender, for a period of 8 weeks. It was found that there was deterioration in the patient's eczema, which may have been due to a possible allergic contact dermatitis provoked by the essential oils themselves. More study of the effect of lavender essential oil alone is needed before any firm conclusions can be made.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Acne, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, burn treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome, circulation problems, colic, common cold, decrease in heart rate, diabetes, diuretic, dizziness, douche, exercise recovery, fatigue, fever, gas, hangover, heartburn, HIV, indigestion, infertility, insect repellent, lice, low blood pressure, menopause, menstrual period problems, migraine headache, minor burns, motion sickness, muscle spasm, nausea, neuroprotection, parasites/worms, psychosis, seizures/epilepsy, snake repellent, sores, sprains, tension headache, toothache, varicose veins, vomiting, wound healing.
Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Adults (18 years and older)
Lavender tea: 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 grams) of leaves steeped in 1 cup (250 milliliters) of boiling water for 15 minutes is a dose that has been used.
Lavender inhalation (aromatherapy): A technique that has been used is to place 2 to 4 drops in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water, and vapors can be inhaled. This can be repeated daily or as needed. Lavender aromatherapy (2% administered for 2 hours) or pinning a cloth with the oil on it to the person has been used to decrease agitated behavior.
Lavender bath additive: To reduce perineal discomfort after childbirth, 6 drops of lavender oil have been added to a bath. Another technique is to add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried lavender flowers to hot bath water. 20% lavender oil in combination with 80% grapeseed oil has been used in a bath to help increase overall wellbeing, and decrease anger and frustration.
Lavender massage therapy: A technique that has been used is to add 1 to 4 drops of lavender oil per tablespoon of base massage oil.
Lavender tincture: 60 drops of lavender tincture (1:5 in 50% alcohol) per day has been used.
Eardrops: A small clinical trial used a naturopathic eardrop called NHED (contains allium sativum, verbascum thapsus, calendula flores, hypericum perfoliatum, lavender and vitamin E in olive oil) at a dose of 5 drops three times a day with and without an antibiotic and topical anesthetic.
Perillyl alcohol (POH): Early cancer studies report doses of 800 to 1200 milligrams per square meter of body surface, taken by mouth, four times daily in a 50:50 POH: soybean oil preparation.
Children (younger than 18 years)
There is not enough scientific evidence to safely recommend lavender for children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
People with allergies to lavender may experience skin irritation after contact, and should avoid lavender in all forms.
Side Effects and Warnings
Mild rash can develop after applying lavender oil. Reports describe increased sun sensitivity and changes in skin pigmentation after applying products containing lavender oil. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, headache, chills, confusion and drowsiness are sometimes reported after inhaling lavender or absorbing it through the skin, or after large doses of lavender (more than 5 grams daily) or perillyl alcohol (derived from lavender) are taken by mouth. The essential oil of lavender may be poisonous if taken by mouth.
Drowsiness can occur after lavender aromatherapy. More severe drowsiness or sedation may occur when lavender is used with other sedating agents. Use caution if driving or operating heavy machinery. In theory, lavender used by mouth may increase the risk of bleeding. Individuals with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase bleeding should use caution. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
Some cancer patients have experienced low blood cell counts (neutropenia) after taking high doses of perillyl alcohol by mouth.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Lavender is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.
Interactions with Drugs
Animal studies suggest that lavender used as aromatherapy or by mouth may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Drowsiness caused by some seizure medicines may also be increased. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
In theory, lavender may add to the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Lavender may have additive effects when used with prescription antidepressant medications, such as the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
Lavender used as aromatherapy or by mouth may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements. Examples of herbs that may cause sedation include calamus, calendula, California poppy, capsicum, catnip, celery, couch grass, dogwood, elecampane, German chamomile, goldenseal, gotu kola, hops, kava (may help sleep without drowsiness), lemon balm, sage, sassafras, skullcap, shepherd's purse, Siberian ginseng, St. John's wort, stinging nettle, valerian, wild carrot, wild lettuce, withania root, and yerba mansa. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
In theory, lavender may add to the cholesterol-lowering effects of some herbs or supplements such as fish oil, garlic, guggul, and niacin.

Seaweed, Kelp, Bladderwrack

Fucus vesiculosus is a brown seaweed that grows on the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the North and Baltic seas. Its name is sometimes used for Ascophyllum nodosum, which is another brown seaweed that grows alongside Fucus vesiculosus. These species are often included in kelp preparations along with other types of seaweed.
The Vietnamese consume seaweed as food in various forms: raw as salad and vegetable, pickle with sauce or with vinegar, relish or sweetened jellies and also cooked for vegetable soup. As herbal medicine, seaweed is has been used for traditional cosmetics, treatments for cough, asthma, hemorrhoid, boils, goiters, stomach ailments, urinary diseases, reducing the incidence of tumors, ulcers and headaches. Although Vietnam has an abundance of algae floral with total number of species is estimated to be nearly 1000 species of which there are 638 species of marine algae identified.

Synonyms

Black-tang, bladder, bladder fucus, Blasen-tang, brown algae, common seawrack, cut weed, Dyers fucus, edible seaweed, fucoidan, fucoxantin, Fucus, green algae, Hai-ts'ao, kelp, kelpware, knotted wrack, Meereiche, Quercus marina, popping wrack, red algae, red fucus, rockrack, rockweed, schweintang, sea kelp, sea oak, seetang, seaware, seaweed, sea wrack, swine tang, tang, Varech vesiculeux, vraic, wrack.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Antibacterial/antifungal
Laboratory study suggests antifungal and antibacterial activity of bladderwrack. However, there are no reliable human studies to support use as an antibacterial or antifungal agent.
Anticoagulant (blood-thinner)
Laboratory study has found anticoagulant properties in fucans or fucoidans, which are components of brown algae such as bladderwrack. However, there are no human studies to support this use.
Antioxidant
Laboratory study suggests antioxidant activity in fucoidans, which are components in some brown algae. However, there are no human studies to support use as an antioxidant.
Cancer
Several brown algae, including bladderwrack ( Fucus vesiculosus ), appear to suppress the growth of various cancer cells in animal and laboratory studies. However, currently there are no reliable human studies to support a recommendation for use in cancer.
Diabetes
Based on animal research, extracts of bladderwrack may lower blood sugar levels. However, there are no reliable human studies to support a recommendation for use in hyperglycemic conditions, such as diabetes.
Goiter (thyroid disease)
Bladderwrack contains variable levels of iodine (up to 600 micrograms of iodine per gram of bladderwrack). As a result, it has been used to treat thyroid disorders such as goiter. Although there are case reports of seaweed/kelp products causing hyperthyroidism, there have not been studies of dosing, safety, or efficacy, and there is no widely accepted standardization of iodine content for these products. While the evidence does suggest thyroid activity, there is not enough research to support this use of bladderwrack.
Weight loss
Bladderwrack and other seaweed products are often marketed for weight-loss. Theoretically, thyroid stimulation from bladderwrack may increase metabolism and cause weight loss. However, safety and effectiveness have not been studied in humans.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Antiviral, atherosclerosis, arthritis, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), bladder inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, colon cancer, eczema, edema, enlarged glands, fatigue, heart disease, hair loss, heartburn, herpes simplex virus, high cholesterol, hormone dependent cancers, kidney disease, laxative, lymphadenoid goiter, lymphoma, malnutrition, menstruation irregularities, obesity, parasites, psoriasis, radiation protection, rheumatism, sore throat, stool softener, stomach upset, swollen or painful testes, ulcer, urinary tract tonic.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Standardization
Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. There is no known standardization for bladderwrack. Because of the potential contamination of bladderwrack with heavy metals, its consumption should always been considered potentially unsafe.
Adults (18 years and older)
General use (by mouth): Soft capsules (alcohol extract) in doses of 200 to 600 milligrams daily have been used. Tablets have also been used, initially taken 3 times per day and gradually increased to 24 tablets per day. 16 grams of bruised plant mixed with one pint of water has been used, administered in 2 fluid ounce doses 3 times per day, or an alcoholic liquid extract in a dose of 4 to 8 milliliters before meals.
Patch: Bladderwrack and seaweed patches are sold commercially as weight loss products, although there are no commonly accepted or tested doses.
Children (under 18 years old)
There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend safe use of bladderwrack in children. Because of the iodine content and potential for contamination with heavy metals, it may be inadvisable for use in children.

Tea Tree Oil

Garlic and Heart Health

Garlic, believed by experts to be one of the oldest cultivated plants in history, carries with it an extensive list of diseases it is thought to be helpful in relieving. A major player in herbal medicine throughout the world, it has been used for a wide variety of conditions including dysentery, tuberculosis and influenza for at least five thousand years.

These days, however, we've "rediscovered" it for the treatment of two common, modern-day maladies: hypertension (high blood pressure) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and related conditions). Both of these conditions contribute to an elevated risk for heart disease and strokes.

In truth, there are great medications available by prescription for both hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Those individuals severely afflicted probably need to be on one of them rather than relying on garlic or any herbal product to be effective enough to control their conditions. But many people have mildly elevated blood pressure and/or cholesterol, just the kind of condition for which garlic should be considered as an alternative to expensive prescription medication.

Scientists have studied garlic fairly extensively as it relates to the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia and it seems to be effective in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol in individuals who take it on a regular basis. The active component of garlic is an amino acid called alliin which is further converted to allicin and other active metabolites. Any garlic you purchase should be standardized in the amount of allicin it contains.

As I mentioned, the studies on garlic as treatment for the above conditions are very good , however it is important to know that they didn't just use your average cloves of garlic off the grocery store shelf when conducting these studies. In fact, many of the clinical studies were done using Kwai, an encapsulated form of garlic containing standardized amounts of allicin. What this means is that it's difficult to say whether or not a couple of cloves of fresh garlic taken daily in your diet will be adequate to achieve the kind of results you may be looking for.

For this reason, I feel uncomfortable recommending anything other than Kwai or a similar standardized preparation. Each capsule of Kwai contains 150 milligrams of concentrated garlic (the equivalent of 450 milligrams of fresh clove) standardized to 900 micrograms of allicin. A total of four capsules daily are recommended.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking garlic as interactions between it and some blood thinners have been reported.

Ginseng

This famous Chinese herb has been used for over 5,000 years. It was worth more than gold to the Qing Dynasty of ancient China.

Ginseng is used in thousands of formulas to provide vivacity and energy. Ginseng is used more than any other herbal remedy.

Ginseng contains nitrogenous compounds, minerals, vitamins, fat-soluble compounds, and carbohydrate compounds in its stained root. The herb is costly and not easy to produce and takes six years to reach maturity. Researchers today label ginseng as a strong immune system tonic that can uniquely affect the entire body.

Various types of ginseng include Japanese ginseng (Panax japonicum), Asian ginseng (panax ginseng), Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and American ginseng. Asian ginseng is the most popular and grows in China, Korea, and Japan. Siberian ginseng is native to Korea, China, Japan, and Russia. America ginseng can be found in forested areas from Quebec to Minnesota and south to Georgia and Oklahoma.

American and Asian ginseng, both similar in chemical composition and appearance, are the types recognized for having healing powers. Ginseng grown in North American is often thought of as the most favorable and costly. It is grown and exported from Wisconsin, British Columbia, and Ontario.

ECHINACIAE

Echinacea is a very popular herbal remedy, but its full potential is not completely known by many in the medical profession. For hundreds of years, Echinacea was used by numerous cultures to promote better health.

Echinacea, sometimes called coneflower, is a wildflower that flourishes in meadows or wet valleys in the Midwestern United States. Echinacea is most famous for its medicinal properties, but it is also common in gardens since it has striking purple blossoms.

Health Benefits of Echinacea

Echinacea works to increase the activity of the immune system by stimulating white blood cells, which attack the viruses and bacteria that lead to illness or infection. This also makes it very beneficial for people with AIDS since their immune systems are weakened. This application of Echinacea is being extensively researched, since the full effect of the immune system on AIDS and cancer is still unknown. Echinacea is also every effective in treating respiratory ailments like colds. Some research has found Echinacea to be effective as an antiviral or antifungal, which also helps it fight infection. The full potential of Echinacea, for these applications and others, still needs to be thoroughly studied.

In some parts of Europe, Echinacea is taken in an IV as supplemental treatment for some forms of cancer. Some European medical professionals also inject Echinacea to remedy infections of the urinary tract. However, neither of these practices are common in America.

Echinacea can also be used externally to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It can also be an ingredient in hemorrhoid treatments or to sooth inset bites. Some people use it to shield their skin from sun damage.

Dosage and Administration

To make a tea out of Echinacea, use 1-2 teaspoons of Echinacea in a cup of unheated water. Slowly heat the mixture until it is boiling and let simmer for 10-12 minutes. The tea can be taken three times daily.

If you are taking it in tincture form, take 1-4 milliliters three times daily.

YOHIMBE

Native to the Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon, this tall and possibly endangered evergreen provides a wide variety of medicinal benefits. The bark of the yohimbe was used originally to treat problems including leprosy, fever, and coughs by West Africans. It has also been used to dilate pupils, as an anesthetic, as a way to prevent heart disease, and as a hallucinogen and an aphrodisiac.

During the rainy season from May to September, Yohimbe bark is harvested. This is the time that it has the greatest alkaloid content. Yohimbe trees usually die after they have been stripped of their bark requiring the planting of numerous new trees. Yohimbe trees grow quickly and sometimes sprout from dead trees.

The alkaloid yohimbe is the main chemical in the yohimbe’s bark. Yohimbe is said to prevent various depressive disorders as it inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) and dilates blood vessels. Yohimbe also stops alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that belong to the sympathetic nervous system. Today yohimbe is frequently used to treat erectile dysfunction. No research has been completed that supports yohimbe’s medicinal uses.

Dosage and Administration

15 to 30 mg daily of yohimbine is recommended to treat most conditions including erectile dysfunction. 5-10 drops three times daily of yohimbe bark tincture is a common supplementation.

Precautions & Side Effects

Side effects while using yohimbine and yohimbe may include nausea, increased blood pressure, dizziness, anxiety, rapid heart beat, and insomnia. You should not use yohimbe if you are pregnant, have peptic ulcers, or suffer from kidney disease. Because yohimbe can cause anxiety disorders, children and adolescents should not use it. No more than 40 mg should be taken daily or serious side effects could result.

Yohimbine and yohimbe can possibly cause birth defects or miscarriage when ingested by pregnant women. Breast-feeding women and children should not take either because they might cause anxiety disorders. Those with high blood pressure, prostate hyperplasia, or kidney diseases should refrain from taking yohimbe products because they can heighten these conditions. Schizophrenia and depression can be aggravated or triggered by yohimbine and yohimbe.