Herbal Medicine: Ginseng Uses and History

Herbal Medicine: Ginseng Uses and History

Prized more than gold for thousands of years, Ginseng root has been Asia’s most revered “tonic” and most effective herbal medicine. It is viewed as an aphrodisiac that strengthens the body, enhances health and aids in longevity. Early Jesuit missionaries in Canada discovered American Ginseng in 1704 and made a fortune shipping it to China. For years it was America’s most valuable export until over collection just about wiped it out. Today it is grown in Wisconsin and most of the crop is shipped to Asia.

Until recently most scientists scoffed at the ginseng claims. But research is mounting that shows it helps the body resist illness and damage from stress. Studies show that it stimulates the immune system, helps reduce cholesterol buildup, protect the liver from toxic substances and increases stamina and nutrient absorption from the intestines. Asian athletes use it to boost their performances.

The Chinese for years said it enlightened the mind, increasing wisdom. Continuous use leads to longevity. Recent studies have said that ginseng prevents heart disease, blood coagulation, and protects cells from radiation damage. They are continually studying ginseng to find more positive results for its use.

Chinese herbalists may use ginseng combined with other herbs to treat manifestations of lymphoma, including anemia, fatigue, and enlarged spleen. It helps with nausea related to cancer treatment also. Ginseng is also used to help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Ginseng contains estrogen like substances may prevent bloating. As you can see there are many uses for ginseng on its own or combined with other herbs to help us lead healthier life.

Here is a sample recipe tea that is made from Ginseng:

GINSENG TEA RECIPE

For decoction, add ½ teaspoon of powdered root per cup of boiling water. Simmer 10 minutes. Drink up to two cups a day.

Kevin Smalley is an herb enthusiast and expert. For more great tips on herbal medicine, download this amazing eBook called Herbal Gardening Made Easy and find amazing ways to enjoy herb gardening!

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Tags: Ginseng, Herbal, History, Medicine, Uses

Anemia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Anemia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Anemia is a blood disorder that is created when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. These cells are the main transporters of oxygen to organs. If red blood cells are also deficient in hemoglobin, then your body is not getting enough iron.

Anemia is usually detected or at least confirmed by a complete blood cell (CBC) count. It is the common blood disorder. There are several kinds of anemia, produced by a variety of underlying causes. Anemia can be classified in a variety of ways, based on the morphology of RBCs. It is found in the person when the number of red blood cells in your blood is low. For this reason, doctors sometimes describe anemia as having a low blood count

Symptoms of anemia:

feeling of restless fastly and loss of energy.
fatigue — occur because organs aren’t getting enough oxygen
Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise
Shortness of breath and headache in exercise also
Difficulty in concentrating on something

Types & causes of Anemia

1) Macrocytic anemia:Macrocytic anemia can be further divided into “megaloblastic anemia” or “non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemia”. The cause of megaloblastic anemia is primarily a failure of DNA synthesis with preserved RNA synthesis, which result in restricted cell division of the progenitor cells.

2)Microcytic anemia: Microcytic anemia caused due to hemoglobin synthesis failure or insufficiency .Iron deficiency anemia is the common type of anemia so it has many causes. RBCs often appear hypochromic (paler than usual) and microcytic (smaller than usual) when viewed with a microscope

3)Normocytic anemia :Normocytic anaemia causes when the overall Hb levels are decreased, but the red blood cell size (MCV) remains normal. Causes include:

Accurate blood loss
Anemia of chronic disease
Bone marrow failure Aplastic anemia

4)Heinz body anemia: Heinz bodies are an abnormality that forms on the cells in this condition. This form of anemia may be brought on by taking certain medications; it is also triggered in cats by eating onions or acetaminophen (Tylenol). It can be triggered in dogs by ingesting onions or zinc and in horses by ingesting dry Red Maple leaves.

5) Dimorphic anemia : When two causes of anemia act simultaneously, e.g., macrocytic hypochromic due to hookworminfestation leading to deficiency of both iron and vitamin B12or folic acid or following a blood transfusion more than one abnormality of red cell indices may be seen Hemolytic anemia

There are more than 400 types of anemia found in the medical science, which are divided into 3 groups:

Anemia caused by blood loss
Anemia caused by decreased or faulty red blood cell production
Anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells

Treatments of Anemia

To over come the problem of anemia,

1)A proper diet including green vegetables is must

2)Consult with doctor or physician to diagnose the type of anemia and treatment options

3)Take proper nourishments, vitamins and nutritional supplements – Iron, B12 or folic acid

4)infections treatment , inflammations or malignancies

5)Blood transfusions provides red blood cell transfusions for bleeding and/or severe chronic anemias can save the life of a person.

6)Red cell transfusions are the old mainstay, which offers the quickest relief for anemias provided proper consultation should be taken as several risks are associated with transfusion.

A successful treatment of anemia is to identify and treating the above cause: blood loss, a nutritional deficiency, cancer, bone marrow infiltration, chronic illness, inflammation, or decreased response to erythropoietin. Laboratory test results and a physical examination, a physician can determine the cause of you.

The article contains main information about anemia, to know more about pernicious anemia visit and sickle cell anemia and find more on several other a complete online health guide – blood diseases