Herbs and Herbal Supplements

[Racoon]

Originally Posted by wine

Hello fellas.
Should I not take 3mg of Melatonin every other night along with Valerian?

They definitely make my dreams more vivid, and strange
and I enjoy taking them, but eh
how do they affect my body negatively?
Any info will be much appreciated.

Hello Wine,

Valerian is good for sleeping, but I'm unsure how much more it will enhance the vividness of your dreams?

posts #25-27 there were a few tidbits. --> Herbs and Herbal Supplements
I'll put that on the list of looking up. the plant I had growing has since been ravished.

I think it would be safe for you, so do some experimenting...

[Racoon]

Valerian has been used as a sleep aid for over 1,000 years. Its ability to help relax the central nervous system, promote feelings of calm, decrease levels of anxiety and stress, and enhance sleep are known to millions the world over.

Unlike some prescription sleep aids, valerian is not known to cause morning grogginess and is non-addictive.

Clinical research to identify the mechanism of action in Valerian suggests that its sedative and anti-anxiety effects occur as a result of direct action on the GABA neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is believed that Valepotriates and the GABA phytochemical extracts from the root are responsible for this action.

Valerian is a consistent use product. Even though users report improvement in symptoms of stress or sleep difficulty within a few hours, the best results, according to some clinical studies are experienced within one to four weeks. One study suggests that Valerian should be taken daily for at least 72 hours before an improvement in sleep can be felt.

I tend to prefer the liquid extracts myself Wine. NOW is a local company, but usually purchase 'Herb Pharm' brand. (when I can manage to purchase them..)


to get an idea, a dropper bottle typically sell for about $10, and if you use it consistently, then its should last about 2-3 weeks

Vitamins, Minerals, Herbal Products online at Puritan's Pride

Hope that helps some ol' chap

[wine]

Yes thank you very much.

[maikeru]

Originally Posted by Michaelangelica

This is an unusual way of eating Basil.
I thought it was Indian but this comes form a Thai web site.

I have never tried it has anyone else?

I know if you leave basil to self-seed, often you will loose the seeds to ants. So perhaps the covering that forms when the seed is wet is tasty to ants?

You would have to make sure any seed you purchased was not treated with fungacides etc


Recipe here:
Appon's Thai Food Recipes: Thai Basil Seed Drink (Nam Manglak)

I have tried it recently. The one I drank was kind of minty. It's weird, because they're almost like tapioca pearls (very common in Tawainese drinks) but not quite. We carry it at my folks' foreign grocery store.

[Michaelangelica]

Originally Posted by wine

Hello fellas.
Should I not take 3mg of Melatonin every other night along with Valerian?

Who knows?
Want to do a double-blind clinical study and let us know?

Valerian is a pretty innocuous, calming herb.
.
I don't know anything about Melatonin.
Isn't it taken to help Jet-Lag?

[Racoon]

Red Clover - Trifolium pratense

Red clover is a legume rich in isoflavonoid phytoestrogens including: genistein, daidzein, formononetin and biochanin-A, compounds that are now recognized for supporting critical hormone levels within the body in both men and women, without having any negative side effects. Controlled clinical trials show that phytoestrogens from red clover help to maintain proper bone density in menopausal women, as well as relieving hot flushes and night sweats.

Red clover has been a valued medicine since ancient times and was particularly valued for treating respiratory problems, colds, flues and infections in the 19th century. Red clover is recognized as a detoxification herb or "blood cleanser". The tea, like that of licorice root, is also said to be effective for treating gastrointestinal problems and can be used externally as a hydrocortisone cream replacement for alleviating skin inflammations and psoriasis. Historically, the blossom tea was also used as an antispasmodic and mild sedative.

Research is showing that phytoestrogens, including and especially those from red clover, are beneficial for preventing and treating many of the major degenerative diseases plaguing our society today.

Red Clover, Herb Monograph - Flora Health Herb Encyclopedia

[Racoon]

Passionflower - Passiflora incarnata

This is a natural tranquilizer, as it is good for relieving of muscle tension and anxiety.
Passionflower is a safe natural alternative for promoting sleep...

Its also very pretty.

more info:
Passionflower, Passiflora incarnata,herb uses

botanical.com - A Modern Herbal | Passion Flower - Herb Profile and Information

[Michaelangelica]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Racoon

Passionflower - Passiflora incarnata

This is a natural tranquilizer,

Thanks R
Isn't it an amazing flower?
Isn't there a story about it and the Passion of Christ?

A tea made from lemon tree leaves is also calming.

[InfiniteNow]

So, what's the difference then between incarnata and caerulea?

DCM has a thread dedicated to the second of those two:
Passiflora caerulea

[Racoon]

Time for a Thyme refresher, as this herb was brought up into coversation today.
Theres quite a few varieties and variagated forms. Thyme makes a pretty little and shady ground cover as well as being a popular herb.

Thyme was grown in monastery gardens in southern France and in Spain and Italy during the Middle Ages for use as a cough remedy, digestive aid and treatment for intestinal parasites.

A solution of thyme's most active ingredient, thymol, thyme's most active ingredient, is used in such over-the-counter products as Listerine mouthwash and Vicks VapoRub because of its well-known antibacterial and antifungal properties. Thymol apparently also has a therapeutic effect on the lungs. Ingesting or inhaling the oil helps to loosen phlegm and relax the muscles in the respiratory tract.

Thyme also has quite a History

Ancient Greeks considered Thyme a symbol of courage and sacrifice. Tradition tells that Thyme was in the straw bed of the Virgin Mary and the Christ child. In the Middle Ages, ladies would embroider a sprig of Thyme into scarves they gave to their errant knights....
In the 18th century, it was recommended as a cure for a hangover.

Thyme