Benefits of Sugarcane Juice/Ganne Ka Ras

Sugarcane juice has variety of nutrients which aids in the better health. Here I am mentioning some of its beneficial aspects:

Remedy for Sore Throat

• Sugarcane Juice is considered as the best home remedy for the person having sore throat, flu or freezing.

Increases Muscle Power

• Ganna ras provides natural glucose to the body necessary for maintaining the muscle power.

Rehydrates Body

• It removes weakness from the body by rehydrating the body thus known as the instant body booster and used by the  athletes.

Prevents from Protein Loss

• It is useful for the person suffering from the fever and maintains the protein loss in the body.

Treats Jaundice

• Sugarcane Juice is very helpful for the person suffering from the jaundice and provides instant recovery from jaundice by maintaining the glucose level in the body.

Regulates Digestive System Functioning

• It is a very good energy drink for the well being of the digestive system.

Treats Constipation

• It also provides help in treating the constipation due to its high potassium level.

Promotes Wound Healing

• It has a type of sugar called as the sucrose which is a natural resource helps in wound healing as well as boosting the immune system.

Strengthens Major Body Organs

• It assists to a great level in strengthening the major organs such as the eyes, stomach, heart, kidneys, mind, sex organs and etc if used regularly.

Prevents from Heart Diseases

• It also prevents from the heart diseases and strokes as it decreases the bad body cholesterol level and triglycerides.

Contains All Essential Nutrients

• Sugarcane juice has all the required vitamins and minerals having precious health benefits for the person suffering various diseases.

Treats various Diseases

• Sugarcane juice helps in treating the dysuria (burning sensation while passing urine), prostatitis, kidney stones, STD (sexually transmitted disease), urinary tract infections and etc if taken with lime juice or coconut water.
• Ganna ras also assists in other problems like high acidity, cystitis, enlarged prostate, gonorrhea, nephritis and etc.

Prevents from Cancer

• Sugarcane juice is alkaline in nature thus helps in fighting from the various type of cancer like prostate and breast cancer.

Promotes Bone Growth

• Sugarcane juice is helpful in the growth and development of the bones because of its calcium and phosphorous contents.

Prevents from Anemia

• Ganna ras is very useful to the person suffering from the anemia as it has good amount of the iron which enhances the Hb level in the body.

Rich Source of Antioxidants

• Sugarcane juice has an antioxidant property because of its flavonoid and phenolic compounds availability which works as an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-allergic, anti-tumor agents and prevents body from various diseases accordingly.

Prevents from DNA Damage

• Its antioxidants property protects us from the radiation induced DNA damage as well as from the oxidative degradation of the cellular lipids or fats. It also fights with the free radicals and prevents ageing.

Rich Source of Live Enzymes

• Freshly prepared juice of the sugarcane has different live enzymes as well as nutrients which gets absorbed by the body and nourishes the body.

Treats Kidney Disorders

• Drinking fresh ganna ras in enough amount helps in treating kidney disorders and other urinary problems.

Cherries

Cherries Benefits

Cherries are not just the fruit of one particular plant. Cherries come from many different species of the plant genus Prunus. Not all Prunus tree fruits are cherries. Prunus trees also produce plums, apricots and peaches to name but a few. Cherries are a small, rich fleshy fruit with a stone in the middle. Their colour is usually dark red but can also be pale pink and even yellowy.

The two cultivated forms of cherries are the sour cherry, Prunus cerasus, and the wild cherry, Prunus avium. Most cultivators grow the wild cherry variety, which is the variety most often utilized commercially. The sour cherry variety is the one most commonly associated with cooking.

The two species are not cross-pollinated although both originated in Asia and Europe. Due to their relative fragility under a barrage of rain or hail, the highly valued fruit is expensive compared to many fruits. Even so, wild and sour cherries are perpetually in high demand.

Depending on where they are being grown, cherries become ripe for picking at different times of the year, but usually their peak season is the summertime. In North America and Europe, June is cherry picking time. In the U.K. and Canada, cherries are harvested in mid-July to August. Based on the data from 2007, annual production worldwide is about two million tons, 40% of that originating in Europe and 13% in the U.S.

Cherries are used in many baking recipes for their tartness or flavorful sweetness, depending on the variety used. The cherry has also been found to have medicinal properties that have been proven to be beneficial in the prevention of some critical diseases and painful physical conditions.

Lucius Licinius Lucullus is recorded to have brought a cultivated cherry from Anatolia to Rome in 72 BC. Later, King Henry VIII, who had enjoyed the fruit in Flanders, had the cherry introduced to his country at Teynham, near Sittingbourne in Kent, England.

Cherries contain anthocyanins which is the red pigment in many fruits. The anthocyanins in cherries have proven to reduce inflammation and pain in laboratory rats. The anthocyanins have also been shown to be potent antioxidants with the potential for being helpful in a variety of ways as health benefits. Studies have indicated that they may be beneficial in the fight against diabetes and heart disease. In addition, the anthocyanins in cherries resulted in lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in rats that were given a high-fat diet that included whole tart cherry powder mixed in.

Research also revealed that the health benefits of drinking one full glass of cherry juice daily equals the benefits of consuming 23 portions of vegetables and fruit. Further, it was determined that drinking 250ml of cherry juice provides more antioxidants than five portions of tomatoes, carrots, peas, watermelon and bananas. Antioxidants attack free radical molecules in the body and can also help prevent heart disease, aging, cancer and stroke. The juice tested was from the Montmorency tart cherry variety which is U.S. grown.

Cherries contain numerous vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A, and are high in nutrients like beta-carotene, perillyl, ellagic acid, bioflavonoids and potassium. This delightful fruit also produces melatonin. Melatonin, in addition to helping slow the aging process, also helps control healthy sleep patterns. A diet that includes cherries can help decrease body fat, cholesterol and arthritic inflammation.

The health benefits of cherries are quite impressive. In addition to the aforementioned benefits, Cherries also are known to relieve headaches, gout and the associated symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Sweet or sour, cherries have a pleasant taste and are perfect for desserts and snacks. They can be baked in pies, added to homemade granola bars or yogurt, or even eaten as whole fruit by themselves. Of course, a cherry is the perfect topper for an ice cream dessert. Black cherries and bing cherries are also manufactured in teas for a tasty tea and biscuit afternoon tea break. The knowledge that you are adding nutritious antioxidants along with a tasty snack only sweetens the experience.

Nature has provided man with so many delicious foods with high nutritional value. We are only beginning to realize the extent of that nutritional bounty. As science develops new technologies for the exploration of disease-preventing foods, we often find that the simplest things have complexities that offer significant health benefits. Cherries are being championed as one of the best in that category.

Amazing Benefits Of Chamomile Tea For Skin, Hair And Health

Chamomile Tea: Skin Benefits

1. Chamomile tea is innately instilled with amazing healing, anti-oxidant, cleansing and moisturizing properties  and is considered a full fledge skincare treatment.

2. Infused with great healing properties, chamomile tea accelerates the healing process of minor wounds and also disinfects the wounds.

3. Chamomile tea is an excellent all-natural skin bleach. It lightens your complexion and renders it a healthy glow naturally.

4. It is found to be very effective in soothing skin irritation and sunburns.

5. This magic potion is a powerhouse of antioxidants that help you fight acne and breakouts. It also works wonders to eliminate acne scars

6. It protects your skin from free radical damage, a chief contributor to premature aging, hence help retaining your youthful charm for long.

7. Placing cooled down chamomile tea bags under the eyes can help reducing under-eye dark circles and eye puffiness. It also soothes your tired eyes.

8. When blended with powdered milk, chamomile tea provides you a great body and facial scrub. It sloughs off the dead, dry skin cells revealing the underlying cells which are new.

9. If consumed on a regular basis, chamomile tea nourishes and moisturizes your skin from deep inside. You may also want to use chamomile in your homemade beauty recipes to draw its beauty benefits.

 

Chamomile Tea: Hair Benefits

Chamomile tea has much to offer for hair care as well. Some of the best advantages of this herbal drink are as follows:

10. A chamomile tea rinse brightens up the blonde hair instantly. If combined with henna, it makes natural highlights for dark hair as well.

11. It is a wonderful hair lightener. Using chamomile tea as final hair rinse adds a stunning bright-golden light to the brown hair. Use the treatment regularly to lighten your hair gradually .

12. Chamomile is also found to be highly effectual in preventing and eliminating dandruff. In addition, it also soothes irritated scalp.

 

Chamomile Tea: Health Benefits

13. Chamomile tea has muscle relaxing properties. It relaxes muscles of the uterus and gives relief from menstrual cramps. It increases glycine which reduces muscle spasms. Though too much of chamomile tea can upset the stomach too. So in proper amounts, it can help you get relieved from stomach cramps during menstrual cycles.

Since it has muscle relaxing properties, a cup of chamomile tea after a hard day’s work can relieve stress too.

14. Chamomile tea can be taken on a regular basis in proper amounts as it can help you sooth down the pains from stomach ulcers. If you have gone through an operation following a stomach stone formation, then having chamomile tea after having food or as directed by your physician, can help you stay away from re-formation of stones.

15.Chamomile has anti-bacterial properties. It therefore increases the immune power of a person. Chamomile tea taken during cold and cough helps a person recuperate from it faster.

16. Chamomile tea helps maintain blood glucose levels and therefore it helps in controlling diabetes mellitus symptoms. Ask your physician for an effective dosage of chamomile tea.

17. Chamomile tea can be packed into small plastic packets or into compressors or even made into ice cubes and used on tired eyes for treating, dark circles or sunken eye problems.

18. Chamomile tea can be used to treat hemorrhoids by application of cooled chamomile tea for a soothing sensation.

19. It reduces gas formation. It also helps you get rid of heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome.

20. A cotton ball can be dipped into cool chamomile tea and used on to rashes which appear on the back during summers. Chamomile tea when consumed internally can sooth the system totally and helps you get rid of allergic symptoms.

21. Regular intake of chamomile tea can help you get rid of migraines.

22. Chamomile tea has sedating properties. Regular intake of chamomile tea can help you get good sleep and can give you relief from troubled sleep.

Chamomile Tea: Selection and Storage

• While buying chamomile tea from a grocery-store or herbalist, always look for products formulated from whole flower head. This will ensure you reap most of the benefits out of it.
• It is also a great idea to prepare your own chamomile tea.
• Preserve chamomile tea in an airtight jar and store in a dry place. Keep away from direct sun.

 

Chamomile Tea: Usage Tips

• Chamomile tea can be easy brewed following a few simple steps.
• First of all, warm up your tea pot by pouring some boiling water into it and then add some apple slices, mashing it with a wooden spoon.
• Afterwards, add some pre-washed chamomile flowers to the pot and pour-in two cups of boiling water.
• Cover the pot and let the flowers steep for a couple of minutes.
• Strain the tea and add some lemon juice or honey for added taste.

The best time of drinking this herbal tea is almost an hour before bed time. This will help you to sleep peacefully besides offering other health and beauty benefits.

Cayenne (Capsicum Annuum)

Cayenne Benefits

Cayenne peppers, also known as Paprika, are often used as a natural fat burner and pain killer with anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne is used to heal ulcers, improve circulation, boost the immune system, aid digestion, nausea,scrofula, herpes, shingles, rheumatism, arthritis, pleurisy, Raynauds disease, bunions, psoriasis, pleuritis and pericarditis,. It is used as a tonic for the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, spleen and stomach, and has been indicated for preventing heart disease. Cayenne can be used as a general stimulant to build up resistance at the beginning of a cold, tonsillitis, laryngitis, hoarseness, shingles, and for swollen lymph glands. It is known to combat chills. It is also said to increase fertility and delay senility. Recently, cayenne has been used successfully to treat patients with cluster headaches, a particularly painful type of headache. Studies have also shown that Cayenne Pepper can raise metabolic rates by as much as 25%. Used with Lobelia it can also help soothe nerves.

Cayenne may be used internally or externally to treat arthritis, bunions, psoriasis, and muscle and joint pain.

Used externally, cayenne liniment may soothe the stiffness and pain of rheumatism and arthritis. The contents of a capsule, or half a teaspoon from a jar of cayenne powder, can simply be added to some moisturiser and then massaged onto the skin. Cayenne can be made into plasters or liniment or the tincture may be applied directly, to increase blood flow to areas afflicted with rheumatism, arthritis, pleuritis or pericarditis.

Cayenne can also be taken internally both as capsules and also fresh or dried powder added to food. It can be taken as an infusion for stomach and bowel pains or cramps. Small quantities of the fresh fruit or the powder may stimulate appetite and expel worms.

Cayenne contains: Alkaloids, capsaicin, capsacutin, capsaicin, capsanthine, capsico PABA, fatty acids, flavonoids, sugars, carotene, volatile oil, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and C.

Summary: A stimulating stomachic. A catalyst for all herbs. Improves circulation, aids digestion by stimulating gastric juices, stimulates the appetite, reduces inflammation, is a mild stimulant or tonic, improves metabolism, relieves gas, colds, chills, and stops bleeding from ulcers. Good for the kidneys, lungs, spleen, pancreas, heart, and stomach.

Cats Claw Benefits

Cats Claw is a vine commonly known as Una de Gato and is used traditionally in Peruvian medicine for the treatment of a wide range of health problems, particularly digestive complaints and arthritis and to treat wounds, stomach problems, cancer, and more. It has only recently caught the attention of western herbalists and researchers. Today, mainly by word of mouth, it has become one of the best selling herbs in the USA.

Since the 1970s, studies and research have been carried out by scientists in Peru, Germany, Austria, England and other countries, to find out more about the powerful healing properties of Cat's Claw. Today, mainly by word of mouth, it has become one of the best selling herbs in the USA. Not since quinine was discovered in the bark of a Peruvian tree during the seventeenth century had any other rainforest plant ever prompted worldwide attention.

The most attention was given to the oxindole alkaloids found in the bark and roots of Cats Claw, which have been documented to stimulate the immune system. It is these seven different alkaloids that are credited with having a variety of different medicinal and healing properties. The most immunologically active alkaloid is believed to be Isopteropodin (Isomer A), which increases the immune response in the body and act as antioxidants to rid the body of free radicals. Compounds found in Cat's Claw may also work to kill viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that cause disease, and they work to inhibit healthy cells from becoming cancerous.

It has been suggested that Cat's claw extracts exert a direct anti-proliferative activity on MCF7 (a breast cancer cell line). This has led to its use as a adjunctive treatment for cancer and AIDS as well as other diseases that negatively impact the immunological system. In addition, the presence of glycosides, proanthocyanidins and beta sitosterol help provide anti-viral and anti-inflammatory support for the body. These alkaloids also exert a beneficial effect on memory. Cat's claw is considered a remarkably potent inhibitor of TNF-alpha production.

This herb's anti-inflammatory properties may help to relieve arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory problems. The primary mechanism for Cat's claw anti-inflammatory actions appears to be immunomodulation via suppression of TNF-alpha synthesis.

Cat's Claw may help create support for the intestinal and immune systems of the body, and may also creates intestinal support with its ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract. This cleansing helps create support for people experiencing different stomach and bowel disorders, including: colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and leaky bowel syndrome.

In addition, in one study, human volunteers who took Cat's claw for 8 weeks showed improved DNA repair.

Cat's Claw can often be found combined with other 'immune' herbs with similar healing properties such as Echinacea and may:

• reduce pain and inflammation of rheumatism, arthritis and other types of inflammatory problems.
• have anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties that inhibits cancerous cell formation.
• promote the healing of wounds.
• be useful for treatment of gastric ulcers and intestinal complaints
• help to relieve chronic pain.
• enhance immunity by stimulating the immune system.
• help people experiencing stomach and bowel disorders, including colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky bowel syndrome, gastritis and duodenal ulcers, intestinal inflammation.
• help fight both viral and fungal infections such as Herpes and Candida

20 Amazing Benefits Of Cabbages For Skin, Hair And Health

Green, leafy and wholesome, cabbage is a low calorie vegetable. A popular choice in salad recipes, this fibre-rich vegetable offers a host of benefits. Read on to discover the amazing benefits of this hardy vegetable.

Cabbage is an important member of the brassica family which also includes broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts. It is a round and leafy vegetable that is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Available all the year round, it forms a part of a healthy diet.

 

Types of Cabbages:

Several varieties of cabbage are available to choose from – Savoy, Wombok, January King, red and green cabbages. They can be eaten raw or cooked. The taste varies from savory to gently sweet. Being rich in vitamins, iron and potassium, they are widely used in both eastern and western cuisines. Given below are a few varieties of cabbage.

1. Green Cabbage:

This is the most commonly used type. It has smooth leaves packed tightly and a round shape resembling a large ball. It is also sometimes called as Dutch white cabbage and is also available in a smaller variety known as ‘Minicab’.

 

2. Red Cabbage:

This variety is denser than the green one and has a slight peppery flavor. It is more nutritious than the green variety and is also available in smaller varieties.

 

3. Savoy Cabbage:

This is a large ball shaped cabbage having loose, darker outer leaves varying from smooth to curly. Its wrinkly leaves are great when wrapped around different fillings. This cabbage’s color varies from light green to bluish green.

 

4. Wombok:

Also known as Chinese cabbage, this variety is basically oval shaped with crinkly leaves having white veins. It is pale green in color and available in a ‘baby wombok’ size.

 

Skin Benefits of Cabbage:

Leafy greens are considered great for skin, and cabbage is no exception. Cabbage contains ‘indole-3-carbonile’ which is a powerful antioxidant. It is responsible for detoxifying your liver. This is beneficial for the skin as well because it removes the toxins, which if accumulated in the blood, cause dull and blemished skin. Thus, the skin benefits of eating cabbage are many.

 

1. Anti-ageing benefits:

Regular consumption of cabbage along with other cruciferous vegetables can provide anti-ageing benefits to the skin. The rich amount of Vitamin C in this vegetable keeps the skin youthful and delays the ageing process. Moreover, Vitamin A in cabbage juice  works together with Vitamin D to make your skin clear and healthy. It also avoids the destruction of skin cells due to ultraviolet rays.

 

2. Healing properties:

Cabbage has excellent skin healing properties. When used as a poultice, cabbage is effective in curing skin eruptions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rashes, insect bites, leg ulcers and wounds. It helps cure arthritis as well. You can prepare the poultice by grating or processing some cabbage in a blender. Wrap the content mixed with some water in a cloth. Place it on the affected area for about 15 minutes. You can also crush the leaves and apply them directly on the affected areas. Regular application of this poultice as well as eating cabbage can help you heal faster.

 

3. Provides flawless skin:

It is appreciable for its beautifying effects and it also has a role in promoting healthy skin. If you are suffering from pimples or other skin irritations, cabbage can be the solution. All you need to do is to steam the upper leaves of cabbage and remove all the veins. Compress the leaves between a linen cloth and cotton to make them smooth and soft. Place the compress on the affected area over night and experience spotless skin next morning.

 

4. Vitamin E improves skin complexion:

Its juice is also excellent for improving complexion. It has potassium in it which is instrumental in purifying your body and skin. The high levels of Vitamin A rejuvenate your tissues while sulfur helps in fighting the infection. Vitamin E is often used as an ingredient in skincare products and supplements. The ultimate result is glowing and fairer skin.

 

5. Sulfur prevents acne:

Sulfur is considered as ‘Nature’s beauty mineral’. Because of its drying effect, it plays an important role in drying acne and breakouts. Moreover, it is vital for the synthesis of keratin, a protein substance that is essential for healthy hair, nails and skin. It also helps in cleansing your blood and removing bacteria and toxins from your body.

 

6. Cleansing property:

Its juice is extremely effective in cleansing your body as cabbages are abundant in Vitamin C. If you are suffering from acne, drinking cabbage juice can help in clearing it up. Cabbage juice can also heal infected gums caused by gingivitis.

 

Hair Benefits of Cabbage:

Being loaded with nutrients such as vitamins, calcium, sulfur, iron and magnesium, cabbage is equally beneficial for your hair. Some of the benefits of cabbage for hair are given below.

 

7. Stimulates hair growth:

Just like other green vegetables, cabbage has a high content of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that stimulates hair growth. Applying a mixture of boiled cabbage and freshly squeezed lemon juice on scalp can facilitate hair growth. Mash ½ cup boiled cabbage and 1/8 cup fresh lemon juice in a blender to form a thick paste. Massage this mixture on your scalp, leave it for 30 minutes and then shampoo and condition your hair as usual. This can be done twice a week.

 

8. Smooth and healthy hair:

Cabbage nourishes your hair, thus providing you with silky, shining hair. Apply its juice on your scalp and the roots of your hair. Shampoo your hair after an hour. This will make your hair smooth and silky.

 

9. Prevents hair loss:

Raw cabbage and cucumber juices are rich in silicon and sulfur, two vital minerals that stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Apply a mixture of 30 ml cabbage juice and 30 ml cucumber juice on your scalp and hair roots, massage thoroughly for 10-15 minutes before going to bed and wash off the next morning. This should be done thrice a week for maximum benefits.

 

10. Conditions dry hair:

Raw cabbage juice is also beneficial for dry hair as it makes it soft and shiny. Try drinking a mixture of 80 ml of raw carrot and cucumber juice and 40 ml of raw cabbage juice to get healthy and beautiful hair.

 

Health Benefits of Cabbage:

 

11. Helps prevent cancer:

There are many properties in cabbage that help fight cancer causing cells. These ingredients include dindolylmethane (DIM), sinigrin, lupeol, sulforaphane and indole 3 – carbinol (I3C). The sulforaphane and the I3C compounds are known to increase anti cancer effects.

 

12. Immunity booster:

It has a very high content of Vitamin C. Thus cabbage helps in strengthening one’s immunity system and also assists in curbing free radicals.

 

13. Anti-inflammatory properties:

It is also very rich in amino acids which help fight inflammation.

 

14. Eliminates the risk of cataract:

The beta carotene content in cabbage helps in prevention of macular degeneration of the eyes and thus, keeps cataract at bay.

 

15. Reduces risk of Alzheimer’s disease:

The latest research states that consuming cabbage, especially the red ones, can prevent Alzheimer’s. Vitamin K that is widely found in cabbage is responsible for this.

 

16. Helps in treatment of peptic ulcers:

Peptic or stomach ulcers are healed by consumption of cabbage. Its juice has anti ulcer properties owing to its high content of glutamine.

 

17. Assists in weight loss:

It is considered to be the best dish for those who constantly watch their weight. An entire cup of cooked cabbage contains merely 33 calories. Thus, a diet of cabbage soup would mean endless bowls with absolutely no weight gain.

 

18. Provides relief from constipation:

Proper digestion is facilitated due to the high fiber content in it. This helps in providing relief from constipation.

 

19. Proper skin care:

It is very rich in antioxidants which protect the skin from free radicals responsible for the signs of ageing.

 

20. Provides relief from sore muscles:

Lactic acid present in it is known to provide effective relief from sore muscles.

Butterbur Benefits

Butterbur (Petasites hypridus) is a herb used mainly to treat headaches and seasonal allergies. There are two kinds of Butterbur plants which look almost identical. Make sure to use the one that contains petasin. Petasin is described as a bitter tasting compound found in the Butterbur plant. Migraine, headache and hay fever sufferers will greatly appreciate the discernment. Displayed as a pink flower stalk with lilac and very soft reddish flowers as well as rhubarb-like leaves, Butterbur is native to mainland Europe, Asia and North America. The best environment for growth and survival are marshes, wet meadows, damp roadsides, riverbanks and ditches.

 

Latin Name

Petasites hybridus

 

Common Names

Common butterbur, sweet coltsfoot, blatterdock, bogshorns, butter-dock, butterfly dock, capdockin, flapperdock, langwort, umbrella plant.

Headache and inflammation, severity of migraines, seasonal allergies such as itchy eyes, itchy and runny nose, and nasal congestion.

 

Properties

Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, cardio tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, and leaves that function as an analgesic.

Historically, in the sixteenth century, Butterbur as a dried powder was mixed with wine to fight in the battle against the plague and other virulent diseases. It was also used as a treatment for worms as a form of diuretic, the spurring on of menstruation, and by Native Americans as a herbal remedy for headache and inflammation. Other uses were for urinary tract issues, wound healing and back pain. Butterbur has been in use for over 2,000 years. The name Butterbur comes from the use of wrapping butter in its large leaves during the warm weather.

Studies show that Butterbur is currently most effective for the treatment of headaches and inflammation, severity of migraines and hay fever. It is important to note that Butterbur has not been proven to treat all allergies, only seasonal allergies which include itchy eyes and noses, sneezing, runny noses and nasal congestion. Additional research is necessary to determine if Butterbur is safe and can eventually be used for year-round allergies such as mold, dust or animal dander.

Each part of the Butterbur plant is very important. The leaves, roots, flowers and stems are all used for medicinal purposes in some way. For example, when taken orally, studies show a specific extract from the root of the Butterbur over a four month period can lessen the relentlessness of headache pain and the duration of these headaches as they occur. The leaf extract of Butterbur decreases nose discomfort.

Butterbur can be taken in several different forms. It can be eaten, given as a powder, in pill form, in tea or as a tincture. However, it is very imperative to note that Butterbur contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are toxic chemicals. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are created by plants to defend them against the feeding frenzy of insect herbivores. These toxic chemicals may cause liver damage or cancer to the liver. When purchasing Butterbur products, consult your physician first and make sure that your purchase is labeled: Pyrrolizidine alkaloid or PA-free. An effective dosage of Butterbur is 50 to 75 mg twice a day.