Evening primrose oil carries a lot of health benefits.  It contains phenylalanine, a pain relieving compound which is known to relive chronic headaches.  It is also a subject of several studies for its potentials in combating heart diseases, multiple sclerosis, obesity, schizophrenia, menopause and PMS.

It is also rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a kind of fatty acid which is the reason behind all the healing benefits of the plant.  These include skin health and the improvement of the nerve function.

Here are some of the known health benefits of evening primrose oil:

1. It helps to relieve menopausal and other menstrual discomforts.

Evening primrose oil helps to inhibit the production of prostaglandins during menstruation.  This can help to alleviate menstrual cramps and reduce pre-menstrual breast tenderness, endometriosis, irritable bowels and carbohydrate cravings.  It is also known to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.    

2. It helps to alleviate joint pains associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

When taken as supplements, evening primrose oil has the ability to relieve pain and swelling of the joints. 

3. It helps to protect you from nerve damage due to diabetes.

According to research, the GLA content of the evening primrose oil can help to protect you from nerve damage which is associated with diabetes.

4. It helps to treat eczema.

There are instances when it becomes hard for the body to turn dietary fats into gamma linolenic acid.  This can cause eczema to appear on the skin.  One way to treat this condition is to take evening primrose oil to compensate the body's GLA requirement.

5. It helps to treat acne and rosacea.

People with acne are known to have excess secretion of sebum, a thick oily substance that tends to clog the pores of the skin.

This condition can be prevented by the use of evening primrose oil which helps to dilute sebum and prevent the occurrence of rosacea or the enlargement facial blood vessels.

6. It helps to alleviate inflammation caused by multiple sclerosis.

The essential fatty acids contained in evening primrose oil are useful in reducing the inflammation that is associated with multiple sclerosis.  It is a progressive nerve disorder which can cause damage to the sheaths of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

7. It helps to boost the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain.

Evening primrose oil is believed to improve the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain.  This can help in preventing or treating progressive brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

This plant maybe more popular as an ornament, but it is one of the top six herbs Chinese herbal medicine.  It even earns the official name Taraxacum officinale which literally means "Official Remedy for Disorders." 

Here are some of the known health benefits of dandelion:

1. It helps to promote bone health.

Dandelion is loaded with calcium which is an important mineral for bone health and development.  It is also rich in vitamins C and Luteolin.  These are potent antioxidants that help to protect your bones from deterioration and damage due to the effects of free radicals.

2. It helps to protect your liver from disorders.

This plant is also rich in substances which help to keep your liver in top shape.  These substances include vitamin-C, Luteolin, Triterpenes and Taraxasterol. 

Dandelion also helps to reduce the effects of fatty foods that can trigger heartburn and indigestion.

3. It helps to lower your risk from diabetes.

Dandelion juice helps to stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin to keep your blood sugar level low.  Its bitter taste also helps to lower the sugar level in the blood, and its diuretic properties induce frequent urination which can help to remove excess sugar from the body.

4. It helps to protect you from urinary disorders.

Being packed with diuretic and disinfectant properties, dandelion helps to clean your kidneys and urinary tract from toxic substances which can cause urinary disorders.  It also helps to protect your urinary system from infections by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in the urinary tract.

5. It helps to keep your skin in good health.

The sap of dandelion, known as dandelion milk, is highly alkaline in nature and it contains fungicidal, germicidal and insecticidal properties.  It is highly effective in treating microbial and fungal infections of the skin such as ringworm, eczema and other skin diseases.

6. It helps to treat acne.

Being rich in detoxifying, diuretic, stimulant, and antioxidant properties, dandelion juice is useful in treating acne.  It works by regulating the proper secretion of hormones that help to facilitate the removal of toxic substances through urination and increased sweating.

7. It helps to facilitate weight loss.

Being an effective diuretic, dandelion helps to facilitate weight loss through the excretion urine that contains four percent fats. 

8. It helps to lower your risk from cancer.

Being rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and Luteolin, dandelion neutralizes the effect of free radicals which are the main contributors of degenerative diseases such as cancer. 

9. It helps to lower your risk from anemia.

Dandelion is loaded with iron, protein and lots of B vitamins which are necessary in the formation of red blood cells and other components of the blood.

10. It helps to lower your risk from jaundice.

By promoting urination, dandelion helps to remove excess bile from the body to protect you from jaundice.  It also helps to maintain the health of your gall bladder and keeps it protected from oxidants and infections.

11. It helps to lower your risk from high blood pressure.

Frequent urination and the increased volume of urine are believed to be a factor in lowering blood pressure.  With its diuretic properties, dandelion helps to lower your risks from hypertension.  

It is also loaded with fiber and potassium which play different roles in regulating your blood pressure.  Fiber helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body while potassium works to keep your blood pressure under in the low.

Free radicals are harmful, in fact, they are believed to the primary cause of cellular damage which can lead to degenerative diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart diseases, diabetes, aging and rheumatoid arthritis. 

But if they are kept under healthy control, free radicals can help to kill bacteria and viruses which can cause infections and diseases.

Nature has provided us with herbs that can help to combat the proliferation of free radicals.  These herbs help our body to eliminate excess free radicals that can terrorize the healthy cells in our body.

Here are some of the herbs that can help to fight free radicals:

1. Grape Seed

The extract of grape seeds contains potent antioxidants vitamin E and flavonoids called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, or OPCs.  These antioxidants are aggressive fighters that combat free radicals.  They also help to boost your memory and optimize blood supply to your brain.

2. Bilberry

Bilberry is loaded with bioflavonoids which help to nourish and maintain the health of your blood vessels, capillaries and connective tissues.  It also helps to keep your eyes healthy and protected from macular degeneration.

3. Arjuna

Arjuna or Terminalia arjuna is a medicinal plant which is popular in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties.

It is rich in antioxidants which help to protect the body from oxidative damage which can lead to angina and other heart conditions. 

4. Hawthorn

This herb is a thorny shrub that belongs to the rose family.  It is used in folk medicine for its ability to alleviate certain heart conditions like mild forms of angina.

It contains plenty of bioflavonoids which help to protect the cardiovascular system from the harmful effects of free radicals.

5. Garlic

Garlic is popular all over the world for its culinary and medical uses.  It is loaded with 15 different kinds of antioxidant compounds which are proven to protect your heart and brain from diseases.

6. Ginger

Ginger is a food ingredient that contains antioxidants which aid the body in breaking down dietary fats.  These fats, if left unchecked can contribute to the onset of atherosclerosis and inflammation.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is a very popular ingredient for curry, but it is also a potent herb that helps to inhibit oxidative enzymes.  One of its known benefits is its ability to lower your risk from Alzheimer's disease and arthritis.

8. Acai

Acai is one of the richest nutritive fruits of the Amazon.  It is rich in antioxidants that help to protect you from the risks of cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.

9. Rosemary

This herb is loaded with plenty of vitamins A, B complex and the antioxidant vitamin C.  These substances help to make rosemary an effective fighter against aging, eye diseases, stress, and infections.

One of the reasons for man's continued patronage of healing herbs is its being natural.  Many people feel safe using products of nature.  These herbs are even made into teas so that their regular drinkers can enjoy their health-giving properties. 

Here are four herbal teas which are beneficial to your health:

1. Peppermint Tea and Chamomile Tea

Peppermint tea is a popular evening tea for its healing properties.  It is especially recommended for people who are suffering from nausea and upset stomach.  This tea also helps to provide relief from fatigue, sinusitis, spasms, and gas pains.

Chamomile tea is a stress buster.  It's soothing and calming effect helps to make people relax.

2. Umeboshi Tea and White Radish Tea

Umeboshi tea is not very popular yet its healing properties cannot be underestimated.  Its health benefits include relief from gas pains and digestion problems, and treatment of stomach cramps and sea-sickness.  It is also used as an alternative remedy for hangover.

White radish tea or daikon is another health-giving beverage that contains properties that help your body in combating infections and fever, discharging excess fluid and promoting weight loss.

It is also capable of removing animal protein and regulating blood sugar levels.  This in turn helps to improve your mood to enable you to perform better at whatever you do.

We already know that the popular teas that we drink such as green tea, black tea and other teas that are made from the camelia plant are very beneficial to our health.  They are known to carry energizing and healing properties which can heal and prevent diseases that can damage the major organs of the body. 

But there are less popular teas that can also help to energize you and protect you from stress, infections and diseases.  These are herbal teas which are derived from medicinal plants.

You cannot underestimate the capability of herbal teas to provide health benefits.  These teas are derived from medicinal plants.  These are the plants that man has depended on for healing and protection for hundreds of centuries.  

But there are teas which are especially effective in reliving stomach problems.  These are:  

1. Anise

This is a powerful tea that is best taken before bedtime to ease or prevent indigestion and to relieve digestive stress.  This herb is a good breath freshener.  It is also able to provide relief from persistent and dry cough.

2. Sage

Sage is a bitter herb that can help to relax the lining of your digestive tract.  Its calming properties can ease stomach troubles and it has the ability to lower blood sugar levels.  With sage tea, you can kiss goodbye to excessive night sweating.

3. Papaya

Papaya contains enzymes that help to promote healthy digestion and assimilation of nutrients to digest various nutrients like protein, vegetables, and milk and starches.  It also helps to facilitate waste elimination for a healthier colon and to clear the lymph system to prevent infections.

4. Dandelion Leaves

This herbal tea serves as a mild laxative that helps to relieve constipation and bloating.  Its bitter taste helps to stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes to facilitate good digestion.

5. Hops

This is an herb with heart-shaped leaves which are used to keep the digestive tract in good health and condition.  It is loaded with plenty of vitamins and minerals, and its bitter taste makes it good for fighting indigestion.

This herb is known to provide relief to women with post menstrual syndrome and menopause symptoms.  It is not recommended for men because it has can negatively affect a man's sexual drive.

6. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is used to relax the muscles of the digestive tract and it has the ability to relieve spasm, bloating and abdominal pain.  Its relaxing effects make it a good muscle pain reliever, and it has the ability to alleviate constipation.  Herbalists recommend chamomile tea to people whose conditions are worsened by stress or anxiety.

7. Marigold

Behind its pungent flavor, marigold is a potent lymph system and digestive system cleanser.  It is very effective in relieving inflammations of the stomach lining and bowels.

These are seven of the most common herbal teas that help to keep your digestive system healthy and protected.  You can drink one tea each week to make you body adapt to their taste and effects.   But be sure to follow the instructions on when and how often to take.  It can help to give you the maximum benefits of each herb.

But there are teas which are especially effective in reliving stomach problems.  These are:  

1. Anise

This is a powerful tea that is best taken before bedtime to ease or prevent indigestion and to relieve digestive stress.  This herb is a good breath freshener.  It is also able to provide relief from persistent and dry cough.

2. Sage

Sage is a bitter herb that can help to relax the lining of your digestive tract.  Its calming properties can ease stomach troubles and it has the ability to lower blood sugar levels.  With sage tea, you can kiss goodbye to excessive night sweating.

3. Papaya

Papaya contains enzymes that help to promote healthy digestion and assimilation of nutrients to digest various nutrients like protein, vegetables, and milk and starches.  It also helps to facilitate waste elimination for a healthier colon and to clear the lymph system to prevent infections.

4. Dandelion Leaves

This herbal tea serves as a mild laxative that helps to relieve constipation and bloating.  Its bitter taste helps to stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes to facilitate good digestion.

5. Hops

This is an herb with heart-shaped leaves which are used to keep the digestive tract in good health and condition.  It is loaded with plenty of vitamins and minerals, and its bitter taste makes it good for fighting indigestion.

This herb is known to provide relief to women with post menstrual syndrome and menopause symptoms.  It is not recommended for men because it has can negatively affect a man's sexual drive.

6. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is used to relax the muscles of the digestive tract and it has the ability to relieve spasm, bloating and abdominal pain.  Its relaxing effects make it a good muscle pain reliever, and it has the ability to alleviate constipation.  Herbalists recommend chamomile tea to people whose conditions are worsened by stress or anxiety.

7. Marigold

Behind its pungent flavor, marigold is a potent lymph system and digestive system cleanser.  It is very effective in relieving inflammations of the stomach lining and bowels.

These are seven of the most common herbal teas that help to keep your digestive system healthy and protected.  You can drink one tea each week to make you body adapt to their taste and effects.   But be sure to follow the instructions on when and how often to take.  It can help to give you the maximum benefits of each herb.

6. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Astralagus is an energy tonic whose roots can be added to stew, rice, soup or any food that you can simmer for at least 30 minutes.  Aside from its energy-boosting properties, this herb also helps to strengthen the immune system, improve digestion and promote normal lung function. 

Astralagus is the kind of herb that the whole family can enjoy because of its ability to blend well with any food.  You don't have to worry about its taste because it's neutral.

7. Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula)

Codonopsis is a gentle energy tonic which is used in Traditional Chinese medicine to improve the function of the lungs, the digestive function and the spleen.  It is also believed to contain properties that help to increase red blood cells, lower blood pressure and relieve stress.

Because of its milder effect, many people use codonopsis as an alternative to ginseng.

8. Herbal Bitters

Herbal bitters which include gentian (Gentiana species), wormwood (Artemmesia absintbium) and mugwort (A. vulgaris) can help to improve energy levels.  They have properties that help to enhance endocrine function and promote the proper function of the digestive system.  You can find bitter herbs in various combinations in natural products stores.

9. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

This herb has a stimulating effect but it also helps to relieve anxiety and stress.  It helps to improve digestion and its pleasant taste makes it good for making tea.

10. Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a sweet smelling herb that has a gentle, stimulating effect on the nervous system.  It helps to relieve anxiety, alleviate digestive disorders and boost memory.

11. Mushroom Energy Tea

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine make tea from reishi mushroom to treat fatigue.  They use one to three ounces of chopped or powdered reishi mushroom, combine it with three cups water, boil it in a pot and allow it to simmer for 30 minutes.  The mushroom tea is ready to drink when cool.

Herbs and herbal supplements are natural products that help to treat fatigue and alleviate its underlying causes.  They have lesser risks from side effects yet they can be as potent as pharmaceutical products.  To enjoy their maximum benefits, use them with the advice of an experienced herbal practitioner.

Fatigue is a signal from your body that it needs proper attention.  But the first step in treating fatigue is always done at home with the use of non medical and natural ways.  It starts with a check in the way you live.  If you continually spend energy without giving your body enough time to recover or recharge, fatigue is a natural consequence.  You need to address it by giving your body sufficient time to rest and replenish the energy you lost in your daily activities.

But there are times when it's not your lifestyle that's causing your fatigue.  It can be caused by medical problems such as anemia, thyroid disease, depression or sleep problems like insomnia.  If your feeling of tiredness is not triggered by an energy-draining lifestyle, you should refer your problem to a medical professional.

If you want to use non medical methods to address your problem, there are lots of natural herbs to treat fatigue.  These are:

1. Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

This is a tested fatigue buster that's been used for many years.  Aside from its ability to alleviate fatigue, Siberian ginseng can also give you more energy to improve your performance even under stressful conditions.  It also contains properties that help to improve your resistance to viral infections.

2. Chinese Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

This herb is as potent in combating fatigue as the Siberian ginseng and it is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. 

Chinese ginseng can be too strong or stimulating, and it is not recommended for long term use for most people.  You should use it under the supervision of an herbal practitioner.

3. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice is not just a fatigue buster but a potent energy booster as well.  It has a pleasant taste that blends well with tea to make it easy for you to ingest.  This herb also contains properties that help to fight inflammation and viral infections.

4. Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

This herb is used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat fatigue, maintain energy levels, and strengthen tissues.  It contains properties that help to relieve stress and improve sleep.  It is also believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, improve memory and support the health of your lungs, kidneys and liver.

5. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi is one of the most popular herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its ability to treat many health issues.  It is a potent energy and immunity booster with a calming effect that helps to reduce stress and improve sleep. 

These are some of the most popular herbs that help to treat fatigue.  Use them with the help of an herbal professional to enjoy their maximum health benefits.

Remember, eating healthy means getting at least five servings of vegetables every day. If you can’t remember the last time you had this many vegetables on any given day, then you aren’t eating healthy. According to government statistics, only one in five adults get this many servings of vegetables every day. One out of five doesn’t even eat one vegetable in a 24 hour period. If you have a salad for lunch every day, that’s a good start, but it still doesn’t come close to the five helpings you need seven days a week. If you only eat three meals a day, this means that you have to have two servings for lunch, and three for dinner. If you aren’t getting close to this, the best thing to do is to take a multivitamin.

Even if you do eat a lot of vegetables, you have to worry about where they come from. The quality of the soil where vegetables are grown isn’t what it used to be. This means that vegetables can be lacking in the amount of vitamins and minerals needed to maintain good health. The quality of water also has a lot to do with how nutritious the vegetables you eat are. It’s hard to say what kinds of pesticides are used on vegetables that come from other countries that have different agriculture regulations. The only way you have a chance at getting vegetables that may have the nutrients they should is to buy organic. Once again, vitamins and supplements will ensure that you are getting the right amount of nutrients.

As a group, vegetarians are probably the healthiest eaters around, but even they miss out on some nutrients. For example, vitamin B12 can only be found in animal foods such as meat, chicken, fish, and dairy products. So vegetarians should be especially aware of their vitamin B12 intake and learn more about the benefits of these supplements and others that they may be missing from their diet.

The way you cook vegetables has a lot to do with the amount of nutrients they have when you eat them. Most nutritional books assume that you are eating your vegetables raw or at the very least, lightly steamed. That is the only way they can make the claims on the nutritional value of the foods they recommend you eat. If you boil, microwave, fry, or bake your vegetables, the nutrients become more depleted the longer they are cooked. At a certain point, they have little of their original nutrients.

If you eat out more than three times a week, you are really cutting into the nutritional value of your food. Having a salad is okay, but only if it’s a dark green salad. Iceberg lettuce doesn’t count because it has no nutritional value. In fact, most vegetables at restaurants are so overcooked and over seasoned that they aren’t really very good for anyone. If your work schedule has you eating out every day, then you really need to take a multivitamin.

If you look on a multivitamin, you will notice that there are at least twenty two different vitamins or more in each dose. Each one of these vitamins does something for your system that is unique and also essential to keep your body functioning at a normal level. The best thing to do is take some time and look some of them up on the internet. You might be surprised at how necessary they each are.

Flaxseed oil is loaded with essential fatty acids.  These are essential compounds that help to make your systems function normally.  But since the body doesn't have the ability to produce them on its own, you need to get it from natural food sources, such as the flaxseed oil. 

Essential fatty acids work to protect your cell membranes from damage and to optimize their main function of admitting useful substances and rejecting harmful ones.

EFAs also contain omega 3 fatty acids which help to provide nourishment to your brain and health to your heart. 

Here are some of the health benefits of flaxseed oil.

1. It helps to prevent heart diseases.

Flaxseed oil is rich in essential fatty acids which can help to prevent and treat heart diseases.  It also helps to lower bad cholesterol levels which are one of the main causes of high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks.

2. It helps to prevent inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent inflammation which is caused by gout, lupus and fibrocystic breasts.  It can alleviate joint pains and inflammation of the skin, joints and kidneys.  Aside from these benefits, omega-3 also helps to facilitate absorption of iodine, especially on women who are suffering from fibrocystic breasts.

3. It helps to prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders and gallstones.

Flaxseeds are rich in dietary fiber, an essential substance that your body needs in optimizing the functions of your digestive tract.  This can lead to the prevention of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular diseases.  It can also help to repair damage on the intestinal tract and prevent the formation of gallstones and dissolve existing ones.

4. It helps to keep your skin healthy and protected from acne, eczema, psoriasis and sunburn.

Flaxseed essential oil contains skin-healing properties which help to protect your skin from eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.  Thanks to the essential fatty acids which can do a lot of wonders for your overall health.

5. It helps to promote healthy hair and nails. 

The abundance of EFAs in flaxseed oil which includes omega-3 can help to give you lustrous hair and healthy nails.

6. It helps to prevent nerve damage that can lead to numbness and tingling.  It may also help to treat Parkinson's disease.

7. It may help to reduce the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

This still needs further studies.  But according to research conducted by the University of Toronto, the lignans in flaxseed oil may help to benefit people who are suffering these types of cancer.

Flaxseed oil also helps to treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility, male infertility, and impotence.