In modern times where the standard of living is increasing the concerns over health is also coming to forefront. With different types of food habits and environmental changes taking place, individuals are getting more and more susceptible to health-centric problems and as a result health care have become a bare necessity. People are talking about health maintenance, health insurance and so on to secure their health.

One of the most common forms of health care that people take up now-a-days are the health insurance plans and associated schemes to help them in times of need. It is always good to take long-term health insurance plans because they offer lots of benefits then short term insurance plans. One of the best ways to get affordable health insurance quotes is to visit a free insurance quote website. Such websites give reasonable quotes from different health insurance providers so that an individual can compare the interest rates, prices and facilities. Once the quotes are available, it is important to look extensively at the policies and schemes and then decide which one suits the best according to the needs.

One of the most effective health care is to undergo natural remedies because these techniques help in treating different health related ailments with precision and accuracy as well as keeping the patient free from any worries related to side effects and other health complications. Since natural remedies do not contain any harmful antibiotics they can easily be incorporated by patients of any age. Natural remedies work faster and more efficiently if a patient follows certain guidelines keeping his or her lifestyle in check. Some natural remedies can be implemented very easily with a little bit of initiative to keep the body healthy and free from any diseases. The first and foremost is to stop consuming junk foods. Drink lots of water to keep the body hydrated and at the same time eat nutritious food. Good quality of sleep every night is almost an implied necessity and exercising regularly is important.

Herbal remedies are the most effective health care techniques that an individual can employ to stay healthy all the time. Different herbal remedies are available for the treatment of different diseases like depression, constipation, various acne problems and so on. They are best suited as like natural remedies they do not pose threat of side-effects or any types of allergic reactions on the body.

All the aforementioned health care tips and techniques if implemented according to circumstances can definitely lead to a healthy and quality life with energy and enthusiasm.

Want to look svelte and slim without sweating it out in the gymnasium? Try these simple tips, changes in everyday life and get the results.

• Sleep tight: You may be amused to know that sleep has a lot to do with weigh gain. When you sleep, a hormone called Leptin is produced in your body. Leptin works to help you lose weight in 2 ways. It stops you from eating. It sends a signal to your brain when your stomach is full. It also prompts you to expend energy. So when your sleep cycle is disrupted, you may gain weight.

• Don’t skip meals: You are not going to be helped in weight loss anyway by starving. It will only serve to make you ravenous, so that you will eat the first thing that you see. And this may not be healthy. Also when you skip meals, your blood sugar level falls and your metabolism slows down. And its elementary that a slow metabolism makes it harder for you lose weight.

• Walk when you can: A majority of overweight people will tell you that they lead a sedentary lifestyle. They take the car to work and back. They use the elevator where there they can use the stairs. They spend most of their work time working from chairs. Basically, they get no exercise. How can they work some exercise into their life? Pace when you are on the phone. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk around during commercial breaks on TV. Walk to work and back.

• Control those emotions: Losing you cool and getting angry can make you gain weight. Stress raises the level of the hormone cortisol in the body and this increase can make you gain weight.

• Say no to cookies and junk food: Get into the spring cleaning mode and rid your kitchen and pantry of all unhealthy snack items. Don’t store cookies in glass jars where they are plainly visible. ‘Out of sight, out of mind is an a adage which may be useful in controlling your snacks craving.

Follow these simple strategies and lose weight the easy way.

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Taxonomic Class

Piperaceae

Common Trade Names

Aigin, Antares, Ardeydystin, Cetkava, Kava Kava Liquid, Kava Kava Root, Kavarouse, Kavasedon, Kavasporal, Kava Stress, Kavatino, Kavatrol, laitan, Mosaro, Nervonocton N, Potter’s Antigian Tablets, Super 5HT with Kava, Viocava

Common Forms

Prepared as capsules, a drink from pulverized roots, an extract, or tablets. Source

Kava comes from the dried rhizome and root of Piper methysticum, a member of the black pepper family (Piperaceae). Kava, a large shrub with broad, heart-shaped leaves, is native to many South Pacific islands.

Chemical Components

Pharmacologic activity is attributed to the kavapyrones that occur in the root. Biologically active components are obtained from chemical substitution of the basic pyrone structure. Alpha-pyrone components include yangonin, desmethoxyyangonin, 5,6-dehydromethysticin, ll-methoxyyangonin, and] 1-methoxy-nor-yangonin. Methysticin, kawain, dihydromethysticin, and dihydrokawain are active components from the 5,6-dyhydro-alpha-pyrone structure. Pipermethystine is an alkaloid isolated from the plant leaves of kava.

Actions

More than one mode of action is involved. An unquantified synergism exists among kava components. Components of the root may produce local anesthetic activity similar to that of cocaine but lasting longer than that of benzocaine. Kava induced mephenesin-like muscle relaxation in animals but was found to lack curare-like activity. The limbic system is inhibited by kavapyrones, an effect associated with suppression of emotional excitability and mood enhancement. Kava also inhibited haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats .

In human studies, kava produced mild euphoria with no effects on thought and memory. The neuropharmacologic effects of kava include analgesia, hyporeflexia, and sedation. Kava can impair gait and cause pupil dilation. Some pyrones show fungistatic properties against several fungi, including some that are pathogenic to humans.

Reported Uses

Kava has been useful in attenuating spinal seizures and has antipsychotic properties. Therapeutic trials have shown a degree of seizure control in epileptic patients, suggesting involvement of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors.

Kava extract has also been studied for treating anxiety disorders. In one study, 101 patients with anxiety of nonpsychotic origin showed improved scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale after being given a lipophilic extract of kava standardized to 70 mg of kavalactones three times a day . Both placebo and kava showed benefit as per the scale after 8 weeks, but kava fared significantly better than placebo at 16 weeks (P<.0001). No improvement was seen as measured on the Clinical Global Impression Scale. A meta-analysis of seven double­blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials found some superiority of kava over placebo for treating anxiety in all trials but statistically significant superiority in only three trials .

Other claims for kava include treatment of asthma, depression, insomnia, muscle spasms, pain, rheumatism, and sexually transmitted disease and promotion of wound healing.

Dosage

Dosage is usually based on the kavapyrone content, which varies with preparation. Most studies in humans used 70 to 240 mg of kavapyrone P.O. daily. One study used 90 to 110 mg of dried kava extract P.O. t.i.d. for the treatment of anxiety . Doses of freshly prepared kava beverages average 400 to 900 g P.O. weekly.

Adverse Reactions

CNS: changes in motor reflexes and judgment, headache, dizziness.

EENT: vision changes.

Long-term, heavy use

CV: hypertension.

GI: diarrhea.

Hematologic: decreased platelet and lymphocyte counts.

Metabolic: reduced plasma protein, urea, and bilirubin levels; weight loss.

Musculoskeletal: increased patellar reflexes.

Respiratory: shortness of breath.

Skin: hypersensitivity reaction .

Other: dopamine antagonism (potential for galactorrhea and breast engorgement), reddened eyes and dry, flaking, discolored skin.

Interactions

Alcohol: Increased kava toxicity. Avoid administration with kava.

Alprazolam: May cause coma . Avoid administration with kava.

Benzodiazepines, other CNS depressants: Additive sedative effects. Avoid administration with kava.

Levodopa: Increased parkinsonian symptoms. Avoid administration with kava.

Pentobarbital: May have additive effects. Avoid administration with kava.

Contraindications And Precautions

Avoid using kava in pregnant or breast-feeding patients and in children under age 12; effects are unknown. Use cautiously in patients with neutropenia, renal disease, or thrombocytopenia. Avoid administration with psychotropic drugs.

Special Considerations

Inform the patient that significant adverse reactions may occur with long-term use of kava.

Caution the patient to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants because they enhance kava’s sedative and toxic effects.

Inform the patient that absorption of kava may be enhanced if it is taken with food.

Advise women to avoid taking kava during pregnancy or when breast­feeding.

Points of Interest

Kava, although a depressant, is non fermented, nonalcoholic, nonopioid, and nonhallucinogenic and does not appear to cause physiologic dependence, but the risk of psychological dependence exists.

Kava is commonly used in the South Pacific as a ceremonial beverage.

Commentary

Kava has been used or studied most commonly for the treatment of ahxiety, restlessness, and stress. These uses are supported by limited evidence from a few small clinical trials. In studies of kava as an anxiolytic, adverse reactions were minimal, but significant adverse reactions are re­ported with chronic, heavy use. Other therapeutic claims are poorly documented. Additional trials are needed to establish dosing regimens, drug interactions, therapeutic benefits, and adverse effects.

Taxonomic Class

Juglandaceae

Common Trade Names

None known.

Common Forms

Available as a decoction, an extract, and a tincture and used externally as a bath additive and a compress.

Source

The leaves of the deciduous tree (Juglans regia), the bark, the hull of the nut, and the nut itself have been used for various preparations.

Chemical Components

The leaves contain about 10% tannins of the ellagitannin type; naphthalene derivatives, especially the monoglucosides of juglone (=5- hydroxy-1,4-naphtholquinone) and hydrojuglone; more than 3% flavonoids (such as quercetin, quercitrin, hyperoside, and kaempferol derivatives); 0.8% to 1% ascorbic acid, plant acids, including gallic, caffeic, and neochlorogenic acids; and 0.001 % to 0.03% volatile oil, mainly germacrene D. The main active components are the tannins and juglone.

Actions

J. regia is mainly used externally as an astringent, based on its tannin content (10%). Juglone and the essential oils may have in vitro antifungal activity and, possibly, antitumorigenic effects in mice. The actual nut has been studied as a substitute (replacing 20% to 35% of monounsaturated fat foods) in cholesterol-lowering diets with success in further reducing total cholesterol and LDL levels in human subjects .

Reported Uses

Walnut preparations have been used externally for acne, eczema, eyelid inflammation, excessive perspiration of the hands and feet, pyodermia, tuberculosis, and various skin ulcers. It has been used internally for catarrhs of the GI tract and as an anthelmintic and a blood-purifying agent.

Dosage

Dosing is highly dependent on various factors. Because no standard production exists, dosage ranges must be viewed as relative guidelines.

External: 3 to 6 g/day; 100 g per full bath.

Extracts: 2 to 3 g P.O. once to several times a day.

Tincture: 1 to 3 ml P.O. once to several times a day.

Adverse Reactions

Hepatic: hepatotoxicity (caused by tannin content).

Other: carcinogenic effects (potential with long-term use of J. regia as an external preparation).

Interactions

None reported.

Contraindications and Precautions

Excessive oral ingestion and topical application of walnuts should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding patients.

Special Considerations

• Caution the patient who is at risk for heptatotoxicity about ingesting considerable quantities of walnut because the tannin content may increase the risk of hepatic injury.
• Advise the patient who is looking for a natural agent to reduce serum cholesterol levels to pursue more stringently studied and proven alternatives.
• Inform the patient that walnut preparations that contain juglone compounds can discolor the skin or mucous membranes yellowish brown.
• Caution the patient that daily topical application of walnut preparations may increase the risk of tongue cancer and leukoplakia of the lips.

Commentary

Little, if any, evidence exists other than in vitro studies to support most of the claims for the use of walnut. Larger human trials are needed to demonstrate its effectiveness in hypercholesterolemic men and Women. More research is needed before definitive recommendations can be put forward.

Taxonomic class

Smilacaceae

Common Trade Names

Multi-ingredient preparations: Sarsaparilla, Sarsaparilla Root Extract

Common Forms

Available as capsules (425 mg, 520 mg), dried root powder, liquid (30 ml), solid root extract, tablets, and teas.

Source

The dried roots and rhizomes of various Smilax species (S. aristochiifolia, S. regelii, S. febrifuga, S. ornata) are used in commercial products. Smilax species are cultivated in Mexico, Jamaica, and South America.

Chemical Components

Saponins constitute] % to 3% of the chemical components of sarsaparilla, with the three main saponins being sarsaponin (parillin), smilasaponin (smilacin), and sarsaparilloside. Other saponins include sarsapogenin (parigenin), smilagenin, diosgenin, tigogenin, aspergenin, and laxogenin. Phytosterols, such as beta-sitosterol, may contribute to an anti-inflammatory effect. Resins, starch, trace volatile oils, and cetyl alcohol constitute the remainder of the compound.

Actions

Sarsaparilla’s pharmacologic effects have been attributed to the saponins, which are claimed to be blood purifiers or tonics that supposedly remove unwanted toxins from the body. This idea might have arisen from sarsaparilla’s supposed diaphoretic and diuretic effects. Other purported effects of saponins include an ability to bind serum cholesterol in the GI tract and a hemolytic effect if administered IV These pharmacologic effects are not well documented.

Sarsaparilla has shown in vitro activity against common dermatophytes . Significant anti-inflammatory activity and prevention of chemically induced hepatocellular damage have been noted in rodents . Sarsaparilla was found not to have any beneficial effects for improving the healing of bone fractures in rats.

Reported Uses

Sarsaparilla root is claimed to be useful for treating renal disease, rheumatism, and skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. Older research attempts to substantiate sarsaparilla for use in psoriatic disease.

The most notable trial involved patients with psoriasis vulgaris who received sarsaponin (a major component of sarsaparilla) or placebo . Although the study showed favorable results in terms of improved symptoms, duration of benefit, and reduced disease exacerbations, problems with study design led to questions regarding the final conclusions reached.

Because of its steroidal components, sarsaparilla has also been touted as an athletic performance-enhancing agent. These steroids have not been proven to be anabolic, and therefore, this claim remains unsubstantiated. Sarsaparilla has been promoted as an appetite and digestion aid and as a diuretic. Its extract has been evaluated as adjunctive therapy in leprosy .

The 1992 German Commission E monograph advocates the use of sarsaparilla in treating psoriasis, renal disease, and rheumatic complaints and for diaphoresis and diuresis.

Sarsaparilla is accepted by the FDA as a flavoring agent.

Dosage

For psoriasis, 1 to 4 g of dried root, 8 to 30 ml of concentrated sarsaparilla compound decoction, or 8 to 15 ml of liquid extract P.O. t.i.d. has been suggested.

Adverse Reactions

CV: hypotension.

GI: diarrhea, GI irritation.

GU: renal dysfunction.

Hematologic: hemolysis (I.V. use).

Metabolic: electrolyte imbalances.

Respiratory: asthma (inhalation of root dust).

Interactions

Bismuth: May increase absorption or elimination or both. Avoid administration with sarsaparilla.

Certain hypnotic drugs: Increased elimination. Monitor for lack of effectiveness.

Digitalis: Increased absorption. Do not use together.

Oral drugs: Saponins may affect absorption of other drugs. Other drugs should be taken 2 hours before or after taking sarsaparilla.

Contraindications and Precautions

Avoid using sarsaparilla in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown.

Special Considerations

• Inform the patient that therapeutic claims for sarsaparilla are weakly substantiated.
• Advise the patient with asthma to avoid inhaling sarsaparilla root dust or root particles.
• Caution the patient who is already taking a diuretic about excessive diuretic effects, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and hypotension.

Points of Interest

• Since the] 6th century, sarsaparilla was thought to be an effective treatment for syphilis. It gained popularity in the Old West of the United States and was the drink of choice for cowboys. It was even listed for such uses in the USP from 1820 to 1910. Activity against syphilis has not been pharmacologically substantiated.

Commentary

The use of sarsaparilla for any condition needs further research. Mechanisms and properties are not clearly documented or adequately researched. The most notable clinical trial evaluated the herb’s use in study design and the presence of confounding variables placed the conclusions in question.

Taxonomic class

Rosaceae

Comman Trade Name

None known

Common forms

Available as decoctum cydoniae, B.P. (decoction from seeds), fruit syrup, and mucilage of quince seeds.

Source

The fruit and seeds of Cydonia oblonga are used in preparing the medicinal products of quince.

Chemical Components

The seeds contain fixed oil, protein, and a small amount of amygdalin, and its coat contains mucilage. The fruit pulp contains malic acid. Beta­D- glucopyranosyl-(1,6) -beta -D-glncopyranoside of 3- hydroxy-beta­ionol has also been isolated in the fruit.

Actions

Tertiary literature suggests astringent, cardiac, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, and restorative effects. A decoction of C. Oblonga has been shown in vitro to have a bactericidal effect against Vibrio cholerae .

A German abstract describes a three-way crossover study examining varying strengths of a mixture of extracts from both Citrus limon and C. oblonga and their effects on nasal mucociliary clearance . The investigators failed to detect a change in nasal mucociliary clearance.

Reported Uses

Traditionally, quince fruit syrup has been commonly added to beverages to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and sore throat. The decoction from the seeds is taken internally in the treatment of dysentery, gonorrhea, and thrush; it is also used as an adjunct in boric acid eye lotions and in skin lotions and creams. Anecdotal data exist for these uses; no clinical human data are available. The mucilage of quince seeds has been used as a suspending agent in such pharmaceutical and toilet preparations as mouthwashes for canker sores, gum problems, and sore throats. Although the quince seeds are thought to be useful in treating cancer probably because of amygdalin’s cyanogenetic action-no studies have confirmed this effect.

Dosage

For diarrhea, dysentery, gonorrhea, and thrush, large quantities of decoctum cydoniae (2 drams of quince seed boiled in 1 pt of water for 10 minutes) P.O.

No dosages have been reported for the external use of mucilage preparations.

Adverse Reactions

None reported .

Interactions

None reported.

Contraindications and Precautions

Avoid using quince in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are ,known.

Speciacial Considerations

• Advise the patient taking quince for GI symptoms that other agents with known safety and efficacy data are available.

Alert Quince seeds are potentially toxic because of their amygdalin (laetrile) content.

• Caution the patient to keep quince out of the reach of children and pets.

Points of Interest

• Other varieties of quinces, especially the Japanese quince, Cydonia illponica, are not used medicinally.
• Japanese quince is a popular ornamental plant that is grown all over the world.

Commentary

Preparations made from the fruit or the mucilage derived from the seed (oat may provide minor relief from diarrhea and sore throat because of their astringent and demulcent properties. Although a quince decoction has been shown to have an in vitro bactericidal effect against V. cholerae there are no clinical reports suggesting its value in treating cholera. The amygdalin (laetrile) component of quince is toxic and ineffective as a cancer treatment and should not be consumed.

Common Trade Names

Biodynamic Lemon Balm Liquid Herbal Extract.

Common Forms

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is usually taken as a tea made from either dried or fresh leaves. Liquid extracts are available. Preparation of a poultice has also been reported in the lay literature and a formulated cream has been used in some clinical trials.

Source

M. officinalis is a member of the mint family. Active chemical constituents can be found in the leaves and stems. The leaves are opposite, ovate, bluntly serrate, and acuminate. The flowers are bilabiate and range in color from white to light blue.

Chemical components

Numerous compounds have been isolated from lemon balm, including caffeic acid, citral, citronellal, eugenol, geraniol, choline, and an unidentified glycoside.

Actions

The efficacy of eugenol in dental analgesia is well established, and it is probably this component that accounts for the usefulness of lemon balm in toothache. Aqueous methanoJic extracts have demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Early scientific data reported possible antibacterial and antiviral properties of lemon balm. These reports have been supported by data that indicates potent activity against HIV-1 by aqueous extracts . In vitro studies have also demonstrated antiprotozoal activity against Trypanosoma brucei specificially . Additional research has indicated that certain constituents of the plant (caffeic acid and an unidentified glycoside) inhibit protein synthesis by direct interference with elongation factor 2. Numerous studies by various laboratories have supported these data. This may account for the antiviral activity of the herb. Ethanolic extracts have demonstrated an affinity for cholinergic receptors in human cerebral cortical tissue. This affinity was predominantly for nicotinic receptors with less but significant affinity for muscarinic receptors . Clinical trials of lemon balm cream for local treatment of herpes labialis demonstrated significant improvement in time to heal, spread of lesions, and attenuation of symptoms relative to placebo control . No animal or human studies exist to establish the toxicity of lemon balm.

Reported Uses

Nonmedical uses of lemon balm include its use in potpourri, herb pillows, and cosmetics and as a garnish or herb in cooking. The lay literature touts numerous therapeutic benefits for lemon balm, including its use as an antiflatulent, an antipyretic, an antispasmodic, a carminative, an emmenagogue, a sedative, a stomachic, and a sudorific. It has also been used by herbalists as a treatment for asthma, chronic bronchial catarrh, headache and vertigo in pregnancy, hysteria, melancholy, migraine headache, and toothache. Other uses purported for lemon balm as a poultice for local treatment of wounds, tumors, and insect bites; I,) relieve menstrual cramps; and in the treatment of herpes simplex lesions. Proposed cholinergic activity has led to lemon balm’s being suggested as an alternative therapy for various derangements of memory, IIlduding Alzheimer’s disease . No data exist that establish the extent of use of lemon balm by the public.

Dosage

I ,emon balm is most often taken as a tea, prepared from either fresh or dried leaves. The tea is prepared by steeping a bag of leaves (1 tsp) for about 5 minutes in hot water. Sometimes a stronger tea is made by placing 1,1/2 tbsp of the leaves in1 pt of boiling water, covering it, and steeping it for 15 minutes before straining. Dosage for the liquid extract is recommended to be 2 to 4 ml P.O, t.i.d.

Adverse Reactions

Skin: local irritation.

Other: hypersensitivity reactions.

Interactions

None reported.

Contraindications and precautions

No contraindications or precautions have been reported for lemon balm. One study that examined the ability of different antiviral compounds used in the treatment of herpes simplex to evoke a sensitivity reaction reported that an extract of lemon balm induced a weak response (less than the antiviral tromantadine) in guinea pigs. People who have a propensity to develop allergic reactions should use the herb cautiously. A second study examined the mutagenic properties of several medicinal plants, using an Aspergillus nidulans plate incorporation assay as the model. No mutagenic or genotoxic effects were noted for either aqueous or alcoholic extracts of lemon balm. No other studies using more stringent models of mutagenicity, teratogenicity, or genotoxicity exist. Given the ability of caffeic acid and the glycoside to inhibit protein synthesis, the use of lemon balm in pregnancy should be strongly discouraged, despite its purported efficacy in treating gravidal headache and dizziness.

Special considerations

Caution the patient who is prone to allergic reactions to avoid using lemon balm.

Advise pregnant patients to avoid using lemon balm.

Advise the patient to consult a health care provider before using herbal preparations because a treatment that has been clinically researched and proved effective may be available.

Although no known chemical interactions have been reported in clinical studies, consideration must be given to the pharmacologic properties of the herbal product and the potential for exacerbation of the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.

Commentary

Potential benefit may be possible when lemon balm is used as recommended. A few scientific studies do support the possible efficacy of certain constituents as an anti-inflammatory and a memory aid. No clinical studies support these uses nor has the toxicological profile of these actions been determined.

The widespread use of lemon balm in cooking implies that it is probably safe when ingested in small amounts. Most information concerning its medical uses comes from the lay literature and does not constitute a valid recommendation for its use. Extensive scientific research is needed to provide a basis for the use of caffeic acid, the glycoside, or some derivative of these chemicals as an antiviral. Also, controlled scientific and clinical studies are needed to establish safe therapeutic doses and adverse effect and toxicity profiles of lemon balm.