五種消炎止痛類草藥 Five Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

如果你患有與炎症相關的疾病，例如關節炎、頸肩腰腿痛，或肌腱炎，適量服用具有消炎功效的草藥能為你舒緩痛楚，活得更健康。


具有消炎止痛特性的草本植物：

1 ）白柳樹皮 White Willow Bark

白柳皮含阿司匹林類化合物，被認為是有效的傳統草藥，2008年一項研究發現其具減輕膝關節和髖關節痛楚的功效，效果顯著。白柳樹皮也可以緩解急性背痛，關節痛，和骨關節炎。

2 ）乳香 Boswellia

乳香是從乳香樹樹皮中找到的一種樹脂，已被證明能阻緩炎症反應中的重要化學反應。阿育吠陀印度草藥學醫生們長期使用乳香治療關節炎;本草藥對人類慢性腸炎病也有功效。

3 ）魔爪草 Devil's Claw

魔爪草傳統上用於治療類風濕關節炎，也可以舒緩骨關節炎、肌腱炎疼痛，以及緩解背部和脖子不適。2007年的一項有259人參與的風濕性疾病研究中，研究人員發現，服用魔爪草後六成病人會減少服用或停止服用他們的西藥止痛藥。這種草藥能顯著改善病人生活質素。

4 ）薑黃素 Curcumin

在印度草藥學中，薑黃素是眾所周知對治療關節炎疼痛非常有效的一種草藥。薑黃素是咖哩香料之一薑黃中所發現的化合物。在2007年的一項動物為基礎的研究中，科學家發現，薑黃素可以抑制促炎性蛋白質的作用。薑黃素還可以幫助減少自身免疫性疾病和肌腱炎引起的疼痛。

5 ）生薑 Ginger

喝一杯薑茶可以幫助緩解感冒相關充血症狀，服用生薑更提供持久的保健作用。研究表明，生薑通過降低你的前列腺素水平,有助鎮定關節炎疼痛。2005年一項研究甚至表明，生薑功效與非類固醇抗炎藥（例如阿司匹林）相若，而且能更有效減輕疼痛和炎症。

If you suffer from an inflammation-related condition such as arthritis, neck and back pain, or tendonitis, adding anti-inflammatory herbs to your health regimen may help you manage your pain.

Herbs for Pain Relief:

1) White Willow Bark

Containing aspirin-like compounds, white willow back was found to be as effective as conventional medicine in lessening pain among people with mild to fairly severe knee and hip problems in a 2008 study. White willow bark may also alleviate acute back pain, joint pain, and osteoarthritis.

2) Boswellia

Sourced from a resin found in the bark of frankincense trees, boswellia has been shown to thwart chemical reactions involved in inflammation. Practitioners of ayurvedic medicine have long used boswellia to treat arthritis; the herb may also benefit people with inflammatory bowel disease.

3) Devil's Claw

Traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, devil's claw may also soothe pain resulting from osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and back and neck troubles. In a 2007 study of 259 people with rheumatic conditions, researchers found that 60% of study members either reduced or stopped their pain medication after eight weeks of taking devil's claw. The herb also appeared to improve the participants' quality of life.

4) Curcumin

Another ayurvedic remedy known to tame arthritis pain, curcumin is a compound found in the curry spice turmeric. In an animal-based study published in 2007, scientists discovered that curcumin can overpower pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines. The compound may also help decrease pain associated with autoimmune disorders and tendonitis.

5) Ginger

While sipping ginger tea can help relieve cold-related congestion, supplementing with ginger may deliver long-lasting health effects. Research indicates that ginger may calm arthritis pain, possibly by lowering your prostaglandin levels. One 2005 study even suggests that ginger could reduce pain and inflammation more effectively than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin).

淺談顏面神經麻痺/神經線發炎 Ways to relieve Bell’s palsy

顏面神經麻痺(神經線發炎或稱貝爾氏麻痺)是面部一側突然出現的臨時性麻痺。神經麻痺的症狀往往可以變得非常嚴重，病人有時候無法閉上一隻眼睛，甚至微笑也感困難。
顏面神經麻痺(神經線發炎)病因不明，但有合理證據顯示與皰疹病毒感染有關，而感染此病毒人群中大部分人並不會發現任何症狀。飲食方面的一些建議或許能減輕或縮短感染期。建議患者的飲食盡量選擇含高L-賴氨酸和避免含L-精氨酸的食物。
詳情請參閱下表：
含高L-賴氨酸食物 (建議食用)
所有肉類
魚
酸奶
奶酪
牛奶
雞蛋
蘋果
梨子
杏子
鱷梨
菠蘿
綠豆
蘆筍

含高L-精氨酸食物(避免食用)
蕃茄
小麥胚芽
球芽甘藍
腰果
葡萄
南瓜種子
胡桃
黑莓
藍莓
花生
巧克力
糖

研究證明B族維他命對治療受損神經有所幫助。B族維他命對大腦健康也有裨益，有助集中注意力。
   
MSM（甲基磺酰基甲烷）已被證明有助於神經損傷的修復。建議每天補充500毫克。

經常按摩受影響而癱瘓那側面部，會增加對重新控制面部神經線的可能性。
   
菸酸有助改善面部外組織血液循環，改善恢復速度。
   
有時病人會特別渴望食某些食物，特別是脂肪類食物。其實這是正常現象，因為神經伸展和收復需要大量脂肪類營養，這些營養素對腦部內側神經健康尤為有益。可選擇最健康的脂肪類補充劑，包括含奧米加三的亞麻籽油/磷蝦油補充劑。

Bell's palsy is an unexpected temporary paralysis of one side of the face. It can often become so severe that its victims are unable to close one eye, or even smile.
   
Bell's palsy is related to herpes, a virus which the majority of the population silently hosts without showing any symptoms. It is therefore strongly recommended that the patient's diet be high in L-lysine and low in L-arginine.  Use the chart below to ensure that the diet is higher in lysine than arginine.
    Foods with Lysine
(Encouraged)        
All meats
Fish
Yogurt
Cheese
Milk
Eggs
Apples
Pears
Apricots
Avocados
Pineapples
Green beans
Asparagus    
   
Foods with Arginine (Avoid)
Tomatoes
Wheat Germ
Brussels sprouts
Cashews
Grapes
Pumpkin Seeds
Pecans
Blackberries
Blueberries
Peanuts
Chocolate
Sugars

The B vitamins have repeatedly been shown to help in healing damaged nerves in studies. They are also especially good for brain health, and thereby concentration.
   
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) has been shown to assist in the repair of nerve damage. Supplement with 500 mg. of MSM each day.
   
Massage the paralyzed side of the face regularly, because this will increase the likelihood of regaining complete control of the face after the Bell's palsy.
   
Niacin will improve circulation in the outer tissues, such as those of the face to speed recovery.
   
Unusual food cravings often occur, and it is wise to obey them. Craving fats is normal, since fats are required for nerve creation and repair, especially for those inside of the brain. Try to choose the healthiest fats that you can, and supplement with omega-3 in the form of flax seed oil or krill oil capsules.

Amla/Indian Gooseberry (Indian Herbs Series)

Amla

Medicinal Plant: Indian Gooseberry
Latin Name: Emblica officinalis

All parts of the plant are used in various Ayurvedic/Unani medicine

According to Ayurveda, amla fruit is sour and astringent in taste, with sweet, bitter and pungent secondary tastes.

Its qualities are light and dry, the postdigestive effect is sweet, and its energy is to cooling.

According to Ayurveda, amla balances all three doshas.  While amla is unusual in that it contains five out of the six tastes recognized by Ayurved, it is most important to recognize the effects of the "virya", or potency, and vipaka", or post-digestive effect.
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Amla is particularly helpful in reducing pitta due to its cooling energy and balances both Pitta and Vata by virtue of its sweet taste.  The Kapha is balanced primarily due to its drying action.  It may be used as a rasayana(rejuvenative) to promote longevity, and traditionally to enhance digestion, treat constipation, reduce fever, purify the blood, reduce cough, alleviate asthma, strengthen the heart, benefit the eyes.

Indian gooseberry is a common constituent, and most notably is the primary ingredient in an acient herbal rasayana called Chyawanprash.

In Chinese traditional therapy, this fruit is called 余甘子, which is used to cure throat inflammation.

Emblica officinalis tea may ameliorate diabetic neuropathy.

Amla is used in many hair tonics.  It enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation.  It strengthens roots of hair, maintains color and luster.  Eating fresh fruit or applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and color.  Amla oil is very popular in India as it serves as a very good hair growth booster thereby preventing hair loss.

Taking Gooseberry juice with honey is good for improving eyesight. It improves nearsightedness and cataract.  It reduces intraocular tension.

Gooseberry contains chromium.  It has a therapeutic value in diabetes.  Indian Gooseberry or Amla stimulate the isolated group of cells that secret the hormone insulin.  Thus it reduces blood sugar in diabetic patient.

Gooseberry strenghtens heart muscles.  So heart pumps blood flawless throughout the body.

Infection:  Due to its antibacterial and astringent attributes the Indian Gooseberry protects against infection.  It improves body resistance.

Due to its strong, cooling and laxative properties, Gooseberry is useful for remedies for diarrhea, and dysentery.  It is a great relief for gastic syndrome and hyperchlorhydria.

Consuming Gooseberry powder with butter and honey before meal improves appetite.  It helps in balancing Nitrogen level and thus increases weight in a healthy way.

Amla prevents health related hyperlipidaemia through attenuating oxidative stress in the aged process.

Gooseberry is a good source of vitamin C.

Scientific studies show that amla has anti-flammatory and antioxidant properties that can help maintain healthy hair.

Other studies conclude that topically applied amla has exfoliating and anti-bacterial properties and may help maintain a healthy scalp and promote hair growth.

Treat your hair with the amla powder mixture about once every two weeks.  Between treatments, try using a shampoo and conditioner containing amla.  You also can use amla oil on your hair between treatments for extra shine.

100 grams of amla contains 700mg Vitamin C.  If amla is dried in the shade then much of the vitamin C is retained.  To get the maximum out of amla it should be taken raw with very little salt.

Constipation causes infrequent stool, anal and perianal pain and abdominal discomfort.  This persistent straining during the defecation leads to bleeding piles.  Amla being rich in fibre regulates the bowel action and keeps constipation at bay.  Juice of amla taken with 250mg of giloy extract(Guduchi) provides an effective remedy for hemorroids.

If your blood cholesterol troubles you then take amla.  The vitamin C in amla helps in dilating the blood vessels and thereby lowering the blood pressure. Grind dried amla into a fine powder and mix it with sugar candy.  Store this mixture in a glass bottle and take one teaspoon of this mixture every day empty stomach.  This will help maintain the cholesterol level.

Amla has anti diabetic quality.  Make a mixture of equal quantity of amla, jamun and bitter ground powder.  Take one teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day.  This mixture is also useful in treating conjunctivitis and glucoma.

In case of acidity take 1 gram of dry amla powder with a little sugar in milk or water twice a day.

1 tablespoon of paste of amla leaves, mixed with honey is an effective treatment for diarrhoea.

For promoting hair growth and prevent premature graying of hair one can use amla rich oils and shampoos.  For a quick home remedy soak amla powder in water for a week.  Then use it wash hair.  This preparation is a 3 in 1 shampoo, conditioner and hair day. 

Amla helps in restoring Vitamin C level in elderly, diabetic patients, hypertensive and women using estrogen contraceptives.

Deficiency of Vitamin C makes a person lethargic, susceptible to infections, rheumatic pains and intestinal disorders.  Consuming amla removes this lethargic feeling and makes one vibrant and upbeat.

According to a research low vitamin C levels puts a person at risk of developing gallbladder disorders.  Taking amla saves one from gallbladder infections.

In children low vitamin C levels leads to disturbed growth and fragile disorders. For a person with low vitamin C level healing of wounds and fractures is a slow process.  For quick healing, one must consume amla.

Amla is also a cure for scurvy.  Dry amla powder mixed with an equal quantity of sugar taken in doses of one teaspoon twice a day with milk provides enough vitamin C to beat scurvy.

Amla also works wonder with pregnant and lactating mothers.

It also reduces the incidence of cancer of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract.

Amla is nature's best antioxidant.  Food rich in antioxidants combat free radicals naturally and without any side effects.

Triphala is the best formulation of amla.  It is a household name in India.  As the name suggests it is a combination of 3 herbs - amla, harad and beheda.  Triphala is prepared by mixing the powder of these three herbs together.

滋補肝臟和膽囊的天然保健配方 Liver Tonic Home Remedy for healthy liver and gallbladder.

配方詳情(等份)：
蒲公英根
水飛薊(苔薊草)
朝鮮薊
茴香子

作用：
本配方能恢復和保護肝臟功能，清理肝臟和膽囊多餘毒素。

用途：
用以維護肝臟健康，或經歷肝臟和膽道疾病後（急性或慢性）清理和強化肝膽功能。本配方適合肝衰竭、肝炎、黃疸病、膽汁不足和膽結石，並作為輔助治療慢性便秘。

Liver Tonic Home Remedy for healthy liver and gallbladder.

Remedy details(equal portions):
Dandelion root
Milk Thistle
Artichoke
Fennel seed

Action:
This remedy is a restorative and protective tonic for the liver, and is cleansing to both the liver and gallbladder.

Uses:
Can be used as an occasional maintenance tonic, or to cleanse and strengthen after illness or liver abuse or in the treatment of hepatic and biliary illness(acute or chronic).  Indicated in hepatic torpor, hepatitis, jaundice, sluggish bile and gallstones, and as adjunct therapy in chronic constipation.

金印草(北美黃蓮)在實驗測試中證實能降低膽固醇 Popular Herb Goldenseal Lowers Cholesterol in Lab Tests

由美國弗吉尼亞州帕洛阿爾托醫療保健機構統籌的一項動物和細胞培養試驗表明，一種主要用於對抗上呼吸道感染的北美草藥金印草，也可能是一種有效的降膽固醇藥物。研究結果刊登於 Journal of Lipid Research。

姓劉研究員及同事們指出，以往的研究發現金印草和其他草藥都含有一種叫黃連素的生物鹼可以降低血脂。在一個發表於2004年自然醫學雜誌的小型臨床試驗發現，一組包括32例高脂血症患者服用由中國草藥黃連(與金印草非常接近）提取的黃蓮素後，病人的膽固醇和甘油三酯水平平均來說下降了約三分之一。

在新的研究中，劉姓研究員發現金印草除含有黃連素外還含有其他有效成分，對高膽固醇人士更為有益。她從細胞培養和倉鼠實驗上發現，其他有益化合物配合黃連素產生協同效應，能有效平衡血脂。她的研究小組發現其中一種有效化合物為Canadine。

研究表明，Canadine及相關化合物有助促進肝臟低密度脂蛋白受體的產生。這種低密度脂蛋白受體粘附到肝細胞表面後，能有效抓住血液中低密度膽固醇（LDL），有效降低血液中“壞”膽固醇水平。

西藥他汀類藥物也有助降低膽固醇，不過其作用包括阻斷一種促進肝臟製造膽固醇的酶發揮作用，令肝臟天然產生的膽固醇降低，這樣會激活低密度脂蛋白受體和肝細胞從血液中抽取更多的有害血脂，其副作用可能包括肝臟和肌肉損傷。

Popular Herb Goldenseal Lowers Cholesterol in Lab Tests

Animal and cell-culture tests by a team at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System have shown that goldenseal root, a popular North American herb used mainly to fight upper respiratory infections, may also be an effective cholesterol-lowering agent. The findings appeared online in the Journal of Lipid Research.

Previous research by Liu and colleagues found that berberine, an alkaloid found in goldenseal and other herbs, could lower lipids. In a small clinical trial published in 2004 in Nature Medicine, a group of Liu's collaborators in China treated 32 hyperlipidemic patients with berberine isolated from the traditional Chinese herb huang lian, like goldenseal, mainly as an antimicrobial. On average, the patients' cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped by about a third.

In the new research, conducted solely in Liu's VA lab, goldenseal root proved more powerful than berberine by itself as an agent against high cholesterol. Based on the evidence from her cell-culture and hamster experiments, Liu believes that other compounds in goldenseal, in addition to berberine, work in concert to keep lipids in check. Her team identified one of these compounds as canadine. They are working to purify and characterize two others.

The study showed that the compounds boost the production of a protein known as LDLR (liver low-density lipoprotein receptor). Anchored to the surface of liver cells, LDLR grabs particles of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol from the blood and draws them inside the cell. This lowers cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Statin drugs accomplish the same job, but they do so by blocking an enzyme that enables natural production of cholesterol in the liver. When the liver is low in cholesterol, this activates LDLR and liver cells take in more harmful lipids from the bloodstream. Their side effects could include liver and muscle damage.