Beauty Supplements That May Surprise You! :: Holistic Healing :: Herbal Remedies :: A-F

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Beauty Supplements That May Surprise You!
by author Christine McPhee

Beauty is linked to health. And while everything you take into your body will have an effect on your outward appearance, some foods and supplements have more influence than others. You may be surprised which common supplements help make you look great!

Echinacea

Echinacea is an amazing remedy used to help the body rid itself of microbial infections and put the body in a heightened state of resistance. There is a substance in our bodies called hyaluronic acid that keeps tissues between the cells sticky, making a barrier to infections. This enzyme hyaluronidase can make this sticky substance watery, allowing bad bacteria to enter. Echinacea works to stop the invasion and alerts the immune system by stimulating a number of cells. It is effective against both bacterial and viral attacks. In conjunction with other herbs, it can be used for any infection in the body. It is useful for infections in the upper respiratory tract such as laryngitis, tonsillitis, and for catarrhal conditions of the nose and sinus.

The tincture is also beneficial when used as a mouthwash in the treatment of pyorrhea and gingivitis. In the form of a lotion it helps septic sores and cuts.

St John’s Wort

Taken internally, St John’s wort has a sedative and pain-reducing effect that helps it treat neuralgia, anxiety and tension. It is an important herb to use where there are menopausal changes triggering irritability and anxiety. It has been recommended for the treatment of depression, but it may take one month before feeling results. It has been used to treat fibromyalgia, sciatica and rheumatic pain. When it is used externally, St John’s wort is a healing and anti-inflammatory remedy.

When used as a lotion St John’s wort will speed the healing of wounds and bruises, varicose veins and mild burns. The oil helps heal sunburns.

Milk Thistle

Make sure milk thistle is stocked in your cupboard. It helps promote milk secretion and is safe to use by breastfeeding mothers. Apart from promoting lactation, it can also be used to increase the secretion of flow of bile from the liver and gall bladder and can be used in all problems associated with the gall bladder. Milk thistle restores impaired liver function. The plant contains the chemical substance silymarin, which has a regenerative effect on the liver. By stimulating the growth of new liver cells, silymarin promotes self-repair in a damaged liver.

Since the skin is a major organ of elimination, reducing the amount of toxins expelled through the skin by supporting the liver is highly recommended for chronic skin problems. Milk thistle’s liver-supporting properties make it a natural choice for skin health.

Ginseng

Ginseng will benefit your overall physical outlook. Ginseng has an ancient history of being a herb that enables people to reach their physical peak, generally increasing vitality and physical performance. It is also known for increasing stamina in times of stress. It will raise lowered blood pressure levels to a normal level. It can be used in general for exhaustion and weakness. Most of all, ginseng has a growing reputation for increasing all kinds of body resistance. Many sources caution women to use it for a maximum of five to six weeks at a time.

Will help you stick to your exercise schedule!

Elderberry

The next herb to add to your list is elderberry. The elder tree is a veritable medicine chest in itself. Elder leaves may be useful as an ointment for tumors. Elder flowers are perfect for the treatment of colds and influenza. Similarly, elder berries are useful in the treatment of rheumatism. A syrup from the berries can be used as a remedy for coughs and colds in the form of a hot toddy of mulled elderberry wine. The berries also act as a laxative and diuretic. This herb works as a cleanser and antioxidant, stopping problems before they start. Elderberry has become very popular among people who have immune-compromised systems such as those who are HIV positive. Elderberry is a gentle herb that maintains a constant vigilance against opportunistic organisms without having negative effects on the body.

The leaves of the tree can be used to heal bruises, sprains, wounds and chilblains.

Reishi

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Christine McPhee is a health researcher and broadcaster for the Touch of Health.

Source: alive #207, January 2000

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St John's Wort

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St. John's Wort
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