The Top 10 Herbals You Can't Do Without

There are a handful of herbs you can buy commercially out there which are what I call "essential herbs". These little organic wonders are worth their weight in gold in terms of their medicinal as well as therapeutic values. Medicine has advanced to the point that key enzymes as well as other key proteins from these herbs has been isolated and verified for their healing attributes on certain diseases and conditions. No longer do we have to take the words of "herbalogists" as I'd like to call them, when we can prove the merit of these herbs in a scientific manner. So, here they are:

1. Garlic. garlic is one of those herbs that should be the first in line when we talk of PREVENTION. Many cultures around the world have made it the staple herb for cure and preventive purposes. It contains a compound called ALLICIN which, it turns out, has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Garlic is good for your heart, boosts your immune system, helps cleanse your liver, and has anti-inflammatory as well as anti-cancer properties too.

2. Aloe Vera. This plant has become a staple in households all over America and with good reason for doing so. Aloe vera soothes sunburnt skin as well as sores. It contains an anti-itch compound called MAGNESIUM LACTATE making it extremely useful for itches, rashes, insect bites, and other skin conditions. It has been shown to be a potent cellular regenerator if eaten. So, your common household aloe vera plant isn't just for moisturizing your skin anymore.

3. Basil. Basil is another herb whose medicinal and therapeutic value far outweighs its culinary charm. Basil essential oil is used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress. Its other uses, however, are the following; used in cough, colds, and asthma to provide relief. Used to treat skin problems like acne and helps moisturize skin and hair. The oil has anti-oxidant properties which can help delay aging and is beneficial in preventing diseases like cancer. The oil is also strongly anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory as well.

4. Lemon. And you thought all that zest was only for taste. Lemon juice when mixed with water, as in lemonade, isn't just a summer refreshment anymore. Who would have thought that during the time you were selling lemonade down the street for a quarter a glass when you were a kid you were actually helping some old folk with his or her rheumatism. Well, rheumatism isn't the only condition lemon is good for, mind you. It's also good for it's blood purifying properties; it can cure heartburn; it has anti-aging properties when applied to the skin; it helps cure respiratory conditions such as asthma, it can help control high blood pressure; and it can help you lose weight too. Lemon also helps in cleansing the liver as well as flushing the body of wastes and unwanted toxins.

5. Coffee. Surprised? When I was still in college I used to drink gallons of coffee before my exam to help me stay alert at least long enough to finish a chapter of anything, let alone try to memorize the thing. Mom used to always tell me that I drink too much coffee and I'd end up a nervous wreck and so anxiety-ridden. Well, as it turns out, folks, coffee is indeed good for you. I mean it's the only herb you can drink and not even see it as one. It prevents Strokes, Diabetes, Arrhythmias, Asthma, Liver Cirrhosis, Dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Need we list more? So, pour me another cup will you...

6. Oregano. Oregano is one of those herbs I have a warm spot for in my heart. Not only is it a delight to use around my kitchen when I cook, but it's minty smell is refreshing. A member of the mint family, its medicinal uses comes from the oil extract made from this herb. It is strongly anti-bacterial; has been shown to aid in the recovery from respiratory ailments; has anti-oxidant properties; aids in digestion; is anti-spasmodic; and can help clear out blocked sinuses.

7. Camomile. This herb comes in two flavors, as an oil and as tea. The herb is an effective anti-bacterial; it helps children fall asleep; it is perfect ( in tea form) for ulcers induced by stress and anxiety; an effective natural relaxing herb without side effects; it's helpful in stomach aches, cramps, and diarrhea; is also anti-inflammatory.

8. Ginger. This Herb is my next favorite second only to garlic. Zingiber oficionale, as ginger is scientifically called has been used for centuries as an herb to aid digestion. Ginger root is boiled and drank for these ailments. It's use, however, far surpasses that. It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes as well as helps in maintaining a stable lipid profile by controlling the amount of absorbed cholesterol.Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and so is helpful for patients suffering from arthritic pain. Ginger also promotes better circulation in our bodies. It has been shown to be effective for nausea and vomiting and other related symptoms experienced by post-operative patients. It also helps alleviate abdominal pain and menstrual abdominal cramps. Ginger is also effective as a decongestant because it relaxes the muscles around blood vessels hence is very effective for flu-like symptoms and colds.

9. Ginseng. Ginseng is probably the most famous herb today, due to it's historical track record and its properties. The herb has been used in many places of the world for centuries because of it's healing properties and immune boosting effects. It is rich in the mineral Zinc, which is needed by thymic hormones for proper functioning of the immune system. It has also been shown to increase stamina, improve memory, aids the body in coping with stress, and is also a diet supplement for its appetite curbing effects.

10. Ginkgo Biloba. Often called the "wonder herb" or "power herb" for its many, and I mean MANY, uses. From the Ginkgo tree, this herb is a potent circulation enhancer making its effectiveness in disease where poor circulation is an issue evident. Patients suffering from stroke, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy in diabetics, and even diseases where cerebral insufficiency is a problem. It has been shown to prevent depression, asthma, vertigo, allergy, dementia, headaches, and helps relieve stress, anxiety, and tension. It's most famous use, however, is in college students who take them while studying for exams. The increased cerebral circulation aids in retention.

So there is our list of the Top 10 Herbs we couldn't do without. even if you don't have all that in your household try to keep at least a few. The power of these herbs in helping prevent diseases, extending your life, and improving the quality of life shouldn't be neglected. Once again, until our next post. Be good to yourselves...and to one another. And be good to your herbs too...oh man, I think it's time for that 3rd cup of coffee..Thanks for your time.

How to Feel Better Now

Often times we find ourselves in a rut, when things aren't going as we hoped for or even planned for. We get depressed and resign ourselves to this state of helplessness. I can sit here and type away and ask you to do this and do that, consider this or that, but ultimately it really depends on you. One thing I can tell you though is that perspective and outlook goes a long way and depending on how you see and interpret events or situations in your life so will your plans of action and results change.

Feeling good about yourself requires a level of commitment on your part. I say this because there are certain aspects in your life that deserves your attention RIGHT NOW. They can be either your relationship with your spouse, your tendency to procrastinate, your need to lose more weight, it doesn't really matter. You will never feel content and complete unless you have arrived at a level where all areas in your life sync together or are in harmony.

Sometimes the question, rather than being the usual "where to begin?" or "when to begin?", becomes the sedentary and inconclusive "HOW to begin?" Really, how do we go about slowly changing key areas in our lives? Once we identify where we are lacking and finally coming around to figure out how we go about in changing these, the question then becomes HOW do we sustain these changes?

Take a moment to listen what your life is telling you. Where do you feel a need to connect? Where do you sense a feeling of urgency, a need to do something? You have to learn to listen to your inner instincts when even reason starts to not make sense to you anymore. Make small changes everyday and what better place to start than with you? Don't get bogged down by your frustrations on the things you aspire to have, or the goals you toil day in and day out for. Realize what's in front of you NOW and know that what you have now is as good as it gets. If you aim to make it better then do so, but KNOW that it is there. Let me give you an example. Sometimes we take the people we love for granted because we know no matter what happens they will always be there. Can you say the same for them? Do they feel the same? Learn to appreciate people for your connection with people in general defines who you are. Let me ask you this, which legacy would you prefer to leave behind: A wealthy man with very few friends or a self made man who didn't really have very much but is loved by so many people and is well thought of. The answer should be clear right. Or is it?

Prioritize what's important to you in life. Here are a few pointers you can do RIGHT NOW, RIGHT THIS MINUTE, to make you FEEL BETTER:

1. Call, text, or say to the one you love, " I love you honey. I know I don't say it often but know that I do, with all my heart."

2. If you did someone wrong go to him or her and say that you are sorry. Right now.

3. Go through the many stuff you left lying around in the garage for years and call the local Salvation Army and give it away. Just think a little boy somewhere would be so happy to get that dusty action figure you thought was worth some money as a collectible back in the day.

4. Do volunteer work once in a while.

5. Lose 1 pound this week if you are overweight. No one knows your body like you do and only you can set your limitations. Notice I didn't say try, I said lose the pound. It's time to stop trying and start doing. Meanwhile, go through your old clothes and look for your favorite pair of jeans, you know, the ones that USED TO fit. It won't be long before you'll wear them out-again.

6. Choose what you eat. Remember that you aren't getting any younger and those brisk walks that leave you gasping for breath or that stabbing pain you feel in your chest should tell you something. It should tell you that it's time you do something about your health.

7. Exercise when you can. Eat less when you can't exercise.

8. Practice Kindness.

9. Be humble at ALL TIMES.

10. Share your blessings, your time, and your ideals with people who needed a boost in life. Remember that not too long ago you were in that same spot too.

11. Pray. Understand and be at Peace.

Remember that it's also about attitude. If you fall don't stay down too long. Get up, dust yourself off and forge ahead, always ahead. Never quit on yourself. Never quit on the people who depend on you either. Until our next post..you guys take care of yourselves, hear? Thanks again for your time.