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Herbs & Plants

Bailahuen

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Botanical Name :Haplopappus baylahuen
Family :  Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe : Tribe :  Astereae Astereae
Gender :  Haplopappus
Cass. 1828
Species :  H.  baylahuen
Kingdom :  Plantae
Subkingdom:  Tracheobionta
Division :  Magnoliophyta
Class :  Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Asteridae
Order :  Asterales
Common Name :Bailahuen

Habitat :It is an herb that occurs in the mountainous areas from I to the Fourth Region of Chile .

Description:Belongs to the same group as Solidago and is closely related to Grindelia.Plant type: Shrub
Flower: Yellow, 14 petals and more, also includes asteraceae  Height: 40 cm.

Click to see the pictures.

Click to see the picture

Medicinal Uses:
Since ancient times has been used medicinally mainly to relieve stomach problems, but they have also discovered other properties for this, as for example that may help improve cold, flu, pneumonia, other property is that it helps digestion of fats and proteins, is used as an aphrodisiac and antiseptic, it also has an effect antiflatulent and purifying properties, this not only used but also the leaves and stems of the flowers.

The medicinal properties lie principally in its resin and volatile oil, the resin acting chiefly on the bowels and urinary passages, and the volatile oil on the lungs. It does not cause disorder to the stomach and bowels, it is a valuable remedy in dysentery, chronic diarrhea specially of tuberculous nature and in chronic cystitis. Internally is it used as a tea for loss of appetite and non-ulcer dyspepsia with fullness, flatulence, change of bowel habits, etc. associated with minor disorders of the hepatobiliary tract (chronic cholecycstitis, nonobstructive gallstones, chronic hepatitis and for inflammations of the upper respiratory tract.  Also as a diaphoretic hot tea for the common cold and to enhance the effects in problems of the genitourinary tract, the fluid intake should be more than 2 liters per day. Externally it is used as a wet compress or poultice for minor skin inflammations and wounds.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm
http://www.chileflora.com/Florachilena/FloraEnglish/HighResPages/EH1937.htm
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haplopappus_baylahuen

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News on Health & Science

The Amazing Nutrient that Lowers Your Blood Pressure

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Research has recently found that vitamin D has a protective effect against arterial stiffness and impaired blood vessel relaxation.

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Study participants with reduced levels of vitamin D had increased arterial stiffness and vascular function impairment. However, among those whose vitamin D levels were normalized over a six month period, vascular health improved and blood pressure measurements declined.

Science Newsline Reports:

“The results add to evidence that lack of vitamin D can lead to impaired vascular health, contributing to high blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease.”

In related news, researchers have also found that high level of vitamin D could be protective against the development of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in adults.

In women younger than 75, those who had 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations lower than 38 nanomoles per liter were more likely to have age-related macular degeneration than women with concentrations greater than 38 nanomoles per liter.

Resources:
*Science Newsline April 4, 2011
*Archives of Ophthalmology April 2011; 129(4): 481-489
*MSNBC April 27, 2011
*Science Daily March 21, 2011
*Journal of General Internal Medicine April 21, 2011 [Epub ahead of print]
*Diabetes Care May 2011;34(5):1133-8
*Journal of General Internal Medicine March 15, 2011 [Epub ahead of print]

Posted By Dr. Mercola | April 30 2011

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Herbs & Plants

Baikal Skullcap

Botanical Name :Scutellaria baicalensis
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Scutellaria
Species: S. baicalensis
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales

Common Name :Baikal Skullcap, Baical, Huang Qin, Skullcap Root

 

Habitat :Native to Lake Baikal, Mongolia, Siberia, and parts of China & Korea

Description:Baikal Skullcap is a perennial flowering plant. It is an herbaceous ground cover, quite low growing despite the picture of the flower. The stems spread along the ground and then turn upwards at the tip so the base can spread 24″ but the height is only about a foot.

.click to see the pictures

Germination: Grow from seeds indoors starting in early spring and transplant outdoors in summer.

Plant: full sun to shade. Baikal skullcap is drought tolerant once established.

Flowers: August. Collect seeds in September.

Harvest: the roots of 3-4 year old plants in spring or autumn.

Zone: hardy to zone 5, survives temperatures as low as -23°C or -9°F

Soil: well-drained soil that does not dry out

Constituents:Flavone glycosides ,Baicalein ,Baicalin ,Wogonin ,flavones

 

Medicinal Actions & Uses:
Action:

*anti-allergic [helps with allergies]
*anti-bacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
*anti-coagulant [an agent that prevents the formation of clots in a liquid, as in blood]
*anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
*anti-microbial [an agent that destroys microbes]
*antioxidant [contributing to the oxidation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature aging and dementia]
*bitter and cold [applied to bitter tasting drugs which act on the mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach to increase appetite and promote digestion]
*diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
*sedative (mild) [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
*vasodilator [an agent that widens the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure]

Medicinal Part used: Root

Baical Skullcap is commonly used for:

Allergic Conditions

*allergic and inflammatory diseases
*allergic rhinitis
*hay fever
*inhibits prostaglandin production and histamine release
Blood Conditions

inhibits collagen and arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation

Cardiovascular Conditions

*atherosclerosis
*hypertension

.
Gastrointestinal Conditions

*bacillary dysentery
Immune system Conditions

*acute infections
*autoimmune diseases
*chronic infection
*retroviruses, e.g. herpes, HIV etc.

Inflammatory Conditions

*chronic inflammation

.
Liver Conditions

*cholecystitis
*hepatitis

.
Metabolic Conditions

cataract and diabetes complications
Pregnancy

*abnormal fetal movements
*toxemia in pregnancy

.
Respiratory Conditions

*acute bronchitis
*asthma
*colds

.
Other

*clears heat and damp heat
*leukemia
*scarlet fever
*tumors

.
Externally

*acne vulgaris
*eczema
*peridontal disease
*urticaria

Dosage:

Recommended dosage is as follows:

2-6g/day dried root
4-12mL/day 1:2 fluid extract

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.robsplants.com/plants/ScuteBaica
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scutellaria_baicalensis
http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/baical_skullcap.htm

http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2007/12/scutellaria_baicalensis_1.php

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Categories
Ailmemts & Remedies Pediatric

Goldenhar syndrome

Alternative Names:Oculoauriculo-vertebral spectrum(OAV).

Definition:
Goldenhar syndrome is a rare congenital defect characterized by incomplete development of the ear, nose, soft palate, lip, and mandible. It is associated with anomalous development of the first branchial arch and second branchial arch. Common clinical manifestations include limbal dermoids, preauricular skin tags, and strabismus.It  is a highly complex combination of malformations which leaves babies with an underdeveloped face.

YOU MAY CLICK TO SEE THE PICTURE…

The term is sometimes used interchangeably with hemifacial microsomia, although this definition is usually reserved for cases without internal organ/verterbrae disruption.

Goldenhar syndrome was first described by Dr. Maurice Goldenhar in 1952.

It affects between 1/3500 to 1/26000 live births in the UK

Symptoms:
Chief markers of Goldenhar syndrome are incomplete development of the ear, nose, soft palate, lip, and mandible on usually one side of the body. Additionally, some patients will have growing issues with internal organs, especially heart, kidneys, and lungs. Typically, the organ will either not be present on one side or will be underdeveloped. Note that whilst it is more usual for there to be problems on only one side, it has been known for defects to occur bilaterally (approximate incidence 10% of confirmed GS cases).

The main features of the condition affect the ear, which may not have developed at all. This combines with underdevelopment of the jaw and cheek on the same side of the face. When these are the only problems it is normally referred to as hemi-facial microsomia and sometimes the condition stops there. But when associated with other abnormalities, particularly affecting the vertebrae in the neck it is referred to as Goldenhar Syndrome, or ‘oculoauricular dysplasia’. Dental problems are common due to the difference between both sides of the face and the jaw bones.

Goldenhar children very occasionally have been known to have heart and kidney abnormalities.

Most individuals with the syndrome are of normal intelligence although learning difficulties can occur in about 13% of cases. However there are usually language problems as a result of deafness and there may be speech and swallowing problems.

Many babies with Goldenhar Syndrome have poor weight gain in the first year or two of life as a result of their dental abnormalities.

Other problems can include severe scoliosis (twisting of the vertebrae), limbal dermoids, and hearing loss (see hearing loss with craniofacial syndromes).Deafness/blindness in one or both ears/eyes.

.
Causes:–
The cause of Goldenhar syndrome is largely unknown. However, it is thought to be multifactorial, although there may be a genetic component, which would account for certain familial patterns. It has been suggested that there is a branchial arch development issue late in the first trimester.

An increase in Goldenhar syndrome in the children of Gulf War veterans has been suggested but the difference was shown to be statistically insignificant

Diagnosis
There is not a genetic test that can diagnose Goldenhar syndrome. The diagnosis is made when an individual has the common symptoms associated with the condition. The diagnosis is made by a physician.

Treatment :
Once a child is diagnosed with Goldenhar syndrome, additional tests should be performed. A hearing evaluation is necessary to determine if there is hearing loss. If hearing loss is evident, the child should be referred to a hearing specialist. Speech therapy may also be helpful. X rays of the spine are recommended to determine if there are vertebral problems, and the severity. Individuals with Goldenhar syndrome should also be regularly evaluated for scoliosis. Renal ultrasounds and ultrasounds of the heart may also be recommended, due to the increased risk for birth defects in these areas. A doctor would make this recommendation. Finally, individuals with Goldenhar syndrome should be evaluated by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).

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Surgery may be required to correct the birth defects seen in Goldenhar syndrome. Surgery to correct the facial birth defects can improve appearance and function.

It is necessary to help the child to develop e.g. jaw distraction/bone grafts, occular dermoid debulking, repairing cleft palate/lip, repairing heart malformations, spinal surgery. Hearing aids placed in one or both ears.

Some patients with Goldenhar syndrome will require assistance as they grow by means of hearing aids or glasses.

Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with Goldenhar syndrome is very good. These individuals typically have a normal life span and normal intelligence.

Prevention:
There has been progress in identifying the condition through pre-natal scanning and it is thought the risk of having another affected child is small.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/goldenhar_syndrome.shtml
http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/goldenhar-syndrome/3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldenhar_syndrome
http://confessionsofateacher.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/867477.jpg
http://www.pharmacyescrow.com/blog/index.php/2011/03/11/goldenhar-syndrome/
http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/Birth/Birth-defects/Goldenhar-SyndromeGoldenhar syndrome

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Herbs & Plants

Bai Zhu

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Botanical Name :Atractylodes macrocephala
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Cynareae
Genus: Atractylodes
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales

Parts Used : The rhizomes are collected in November when the lower leaves begin withering. They are stripped of the small roots and sun-dried or heat-dried.

Common Name : Bai Zhu

Habitats: E. Asia – China, Japan and Korea.   Pastures and waste ground. Grassland and forests at elevations of 600 – 2800 metres.

Descriptiopn :
Bai Zhu  is a  Perennial herbaceous plant, 40-60 cm. high. Stems cylindrical, much-branched in the upper part. Leaves alternate, toothed, the lower 3-lobed with long petiole, the upper entire, short-petioled. Inflorescence in terminal head; flowers small, lilac, all tubulous. Achene globose, with a coma of hairs.
It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required)
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The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist

Cultivation :
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. This species is probably hardy in most of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to at least -15°c. Widely cultivated in China for its use as a medicinal herb. This species is dioecious. Both male and female plants need to be grown if seed is required.

Propagation :
Seed – sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the following spring or early summer.

Chemical composition: The rhizomes contain essential oil 1.5%, atractylol, atractylon; glucoside, inulin, vitamin A, potassium atractylate.

Medicinal Uses:
Antibacterial;  Diuretic;  Sedative;  Stomachic;  Tonic.

Bai Zhu is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The root contains an essential oil, glucoside and inulin. It is a bitter-sweet tonic herb that acts mainly upon the digestive system and strengthens the spleen. The root is antibacterial, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, sedative, stomachic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of poor appetite, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, chronic diarrhoea, oedema and spontaneous sweating. It is often used in conjunction with other herbs such as Codonopsis tangshen and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Combined with Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) it is used to prevent miscarriage. The roots are harvested in the autumn and baked for use in tonics

It has traditionally been used as a tonic for the digestive system, building qi and strengthening the spleen.  The rhizome has a sweet, pungent taste, and is used to relieve fluid retention, excessive sweating, and digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.  It is also used in the treatment of poor appetite, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, and edema. It is often used in conjunction with other herbs such as Codonopsis tangshen and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Combined with Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) it is used to prevent miscarriage.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Atractylodes+macrocephala
http://sulwhasoo-sulwhasoo.blogspot.com/2010/12/update-history-of-whoo-chung-line.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atractylodes

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