How to Improve Memory With Herbs

How to Improve Memory With Herbs



Doesn't it drive you crazy when you forget where you've put something important? We don't think about our memory much, until we forget to do something or forget where we put something. Our memories can get a little fuzzy as we get older, but there are some herbs you can take and some things you can do to make sure that your memory stays as healthy as possible until your final days. Christopher Hobbs says in his book “Herbal Remedies for Dummies:” "Poor memory often occurs in the elderly as the brain is progressively starved for blood, oxygen and nutrients as the blood vessels are clogged and hardened from a poor diet, stress and stimulants... Poor memory sometimes results from inadequate exercising of the brain. As you get older, keep stimulating and challenging your mind, for example, by taking a new course of study every five or ten years." It's a matter of "use it or lose it."







Things You'll Need:





St. John’s wort, either dried herb, capsules or tincture




Gotu kola herb (Centella asiatica), either dried herb, capsules or tincture




Ginseng root




Nettle leaf




Water









1


Make lists. Even if you are simply going to another room of your house to pick up something you need, sometimes you might forget why you’re there once you arrive.





2


Develop habits that will reduce your stress level, as this can lead to memory problems. Deep breathing, yoga, meditation, simple stretching and regular exercise can help. Keep your heart pumping with some cardiovascular exercises and try not to worry. And eat fresh fruits and veggies and avoid consuming too much caffeine, alcohol and sugary snacks. Drink plenty of water.





3


Try taking gingko biloba or gotu kola herbal formulas. Ginkgo improves blood circulation to the brain and other parts of the body. For tincture: Take two to four full droppers of tincture made from fresh or dried gingko or gotu kola, two to three times daily. You can also put a few fresh leaves of gotu kola in your salad if you grow it, but be sure to do it every day.





4


Take the herbs on a regular basis. Many herbs can take one or more months to "kick in," so after you start taking an herb, keep it up every day. If you miss a dose, get back on track with your next dose and then try to remember to take it regularly.








Tips & Warnings










During menopause, especially, many women can become forgetful. For many women, this will pass, so if you can learn to work around this problem for a while, chances are your memory will improve after your hormones stop changing so much.








Ginkgo biloba is available in capsule form at drugstores and as a tincture or bulk dried herb at natural food stores.








This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The use of herbal products should not be taken lightly. Always consult a qualified health care practitioner before using any herb, especially if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are taking any prescribed medications.








Memory problems can sometimes indicate a serious medical condition. Dementia is a progressive brain dysfunction, which gradually affects a person's ability to successfully navigate daily activities. The most well known type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. If your memory problems or those of a loved one are serious, consult with your medical care professional.








The “Physician's Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines” reports no adverse side effects associated with taking either ginkgo or gotu kola. However, you might experience a negative reaction if you combine ginkgo with certain prescription medicines, such as anticoagulants, antiplatelets and aspirin: hemorrhages have been reported for a very small number of patients who combined ginkgo with such anticoagulant drugs.








If you take gotu kola, it can cause headaches for some people, so if this begins to happen, reduce the dosage.



http://www.ehow.com/how_4463866_improve-memory-herbs.html

How to Improve Memory With Essential Oils

How to Improve Memory With Essential Oils



The strongest association in memory is made through the sense of smell. Using essential oils to improve the memory has been done for years. Follow the directions below when studying or learning something new to improve your memory.







Things You'll Need:





5 parts lemon essential oil




3 parts Basil essential oil




2 parts Rosemary essential oil




Small bottle.









1


Pour the lemon, basil and
rosemary
essential oils in the small bottle.





2


Close top and shake to mix.





3


Use a few drops with a potpourri burner, aroma lamp, or diffuser to increase the brains activity.








Tips & Warnings










To use the memory oil on the go by adding a small amount on your wrist.



http://www.ehow.com/how_4446957_improve-memory-essential-oils.html

How to Improve Memory With Acupressure

How to Improve Memory With Acupressure



To improve memory and alertness, try acupressure to improve blood flow to the brain. There are several pressure points on the body for this purpose, described below. Apply gentle pressure to these areas to clear the mind and refresh you. Here's how.









1


Put your fingers on the backs of your ears and trace an imaginary line to the top of your head. You should find a small hollow at the back of the top of your head.





2


Find the pressure points on your face. The temples are a well-known pressure point for anxiety, but there are two others. There is another two thirds up your nose from your lip, and the other is between your eyebrows where your forehead meets the bridge of your nose.





3


Locate the pressure points at the back of your neck. There are two on either side of your spine about a half inch below the base of the skull. The others are directly below the base of the skull, in the hollows between the neck muscles.





4


Feel the bottom of your breastbone. Measure three thumb widths up from the bottom to find the pressure point in your chest.





5


Other pressure points that can help with memory and alertness are on your legs. Measure four finger widths down from the bottom of your kneecap, and one finger width on the outside of the shinbone. You will know that you found the correct spot if this muscle contracts with you move your toes up and down.





6


Press the pressure point on the top of the back of your head with your left hand while you press the pressure point above your lip. Hold these points for one minute while you breathe deeply.





7


Use all of your fingers to press on the bottom two points on the back of your neck. Hold for one minute. Next, press your thumbs on the upper points on the back of your neck while you slowly lean your head back. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and hold for two minutes.





8


Hold the heels of your hands on your temples while you move your jaws as if you were chewing gum. Do this for one minute to help memory and concentration. Next, press your right fingertips on the pressure point on the bridge of your nose while you press the point on your breastbone. Close your eyes while you press these points for one to two minutes.





9


Rub your right heel on the pressure point on your left shin for 30 seconds. Alternate and rub the right shin with your left heel for 30 seconds.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2387329_improve-memory-acupressure.html

How to Improve Lung Function with Yoga Breathwork

How to Improve Lung Function with Yoga Breathwork



Patients who suffer from chronic lung disorders like asthma, COPD or cystic fibrosis could benefit greatly from yoga breathwork. Yoga helps to improve lung function by opening up lung passages and releases stale air accumulated at the base of the lungs. By exhaling out toxins, it allows the lungs to circulate fresh, clean air.







Things You'll Need:





Yoga mat









1


Lie on your back. Rest your hands to the side. Close your eyes and breathe normally through your nostrils. Allow the breath to come and go naturally. Relax your body on the mat as you breathe naturally for one to two minutes.





2


Sit up in a cross legged position. Inhale slowly to the count of three and exhale slowly to the count of six. Increase the breath counts. Inhale to the count of four and exhale to the count of seven. Inhale to the count of five and exhale to the count of eight.Repeat two to four sets.





3


Inhale and exhale naturally through the nostrils for a minute to center and ground yourself. Inhale through your nose to the count of three and then open your mouth and exhale forcefully by opening your mouth and letting out your breath so it forms the word: "Hahhhhhhhh" (make sure you draw out the breath when you open your mouth). Repeat six to eight times.





4


Lie back on the mat and close your eyes. Visualize your breath as a warm, bright light flowing your lungs as you inhale deeply to the count of three. As you exhale to the count of three, visualize the stale air releasing from your lung as puffs of grey smoke. Concentrate on your lungs and feeling positive energy flowing through your lung and heart center filling your body with fresh pure air. Imagine toxins leaving your body as you lie on the mat as you become aware of your natural breath. Place your hands on your chest and feel the natural rise and fall of your chest as you breathe. Stay in this reclined pose for at least one minute.





5


Sit up and sit cross-legged on mat. Inhale to the count of three as you raise your hands over your head and exhale to the count of three as you release your hands to your side. Bring your hands to heart center and end your breathwork practice by saying: Namaste.








Tips & Warnings










Please check with your medical doctor if you have any medical conditions (especially lung conditions). Also, if you feel dizzy or light headed, immediately stop the breath work and rest.








You will see results in your lung function and breathing, if you practice on a daily practice. Do not over exert your lungs and listen to your body.



http://www.ehow.com/how_4421030_improve-lung-function-yoga-breathwork.html

How to Improve Kidneys by Drinking Teas

How to Improve Kidneys by Drinking Teas



Your kidneys regulate your blood pressure, eliminate metabolic waste, activate Vitamin D and stimulate the production of red cells. That's just to name a few functions. If they're not in a good shape, kidney stones can form very quickly. Studies show that people who drink only one cup of tea a day lower their risk of kidney cancer significantly.









1


Drink at least one cup of tea a day. Choose a tea like green tea or oolong. You can make a cool beverage out of the same tea bags, but don't expect commercial iced teas to have the same affect.





2


Buy kidney fortifier herbal tea. It contains alisma and wild pyrrosia,
Chinese herbs
used for centuries as diuretics and to maintain healthy kidney function. Steep th tea bag for 3 to 5 minutes, drink hot or refrigerate for a cold beverage.





3


Drink watermelon seed tea and celery seed tea to get rid of kidney stones. Watermelon seeds are a diuretic that stimulate and cleanse the kidneys. Celery seeds increase the elimination of water and help flush out toxins.





4


Put ground or cut watermelon seeds into a mug. Pour boiling water over it, allowing it to steep. Strain the seeds once it's cool. Drink at least once a day, 3 days a week.





5


Pour boiling water over 1 Tbsp. of celery seeds. Allow it to steep. Let it cool and drink it. Have at least one cup a day, 3 days a week.








Tips & Warnings










Avoid celery seed tea while pregnant. It stimulates your uterus.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2257297_improve-kidneys-drinking-teas.html

How to Improve Joint Health With Ayurveda

How to Improve Joint Health With Ayurveda



Joint health is essential for optimal mobility. Unfortunately, as we age, our joints also age, causing pain that can range from a minor nuisance to seriously debilitating. Taking a proactive approach is the best way to prevent joint pain; however, if you're already experiencing pain in your joints, following Ayurvedic principles may help you to feel better.









1


Stimulate your digestion to get your body's circulation moving and get toxins out. Eat fresh vegetables, warm soups and whole grains to get your digestive system performing optimally. Start your day with warm fruits such as apples and figs.





2


Warm a combination of ginger juice and castor oil. Drink this before starting your day. Also, drink stimulating warm teas made from herbs and spices, such as cumin, fennel and mint, throughout your day.





3


Massage your joints with warm oil consisting of a combination of garlic and sesame oil. Move the flat part of your fingertips over your joints in small circles.





4


Lubricate your joints with yoga poses. Also, take short walks to prevent your joints from stiffening.





5


Reduce your weight to minimize the strain placed on your joints.





6


Take a warm bath daily and move your joints while under the water. Add chamomile oil and sesame oil to your bath to minimize symptoms.





7


Reduce stress in your life. Stress can exacerbate symptoms associated with arthritis and other joint ailments.








Tips & Warnings










Enhance joint health by increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating certain types of fish, walnuts and ground flaxseed.








Limit animal foods such as milk and dairy products.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2154723_improve-joint-health-ayurveda.html

How to Improve Health With Yohimbe

How to Improve Health With Yohimbe



Yohimbe is found in the bark of the West African yohimbe tree. It's commonly known for enhancing male sexual performance and reducing the incidence of erectile dysfunction and impotence. It has also been reported to increase sperm production and enhance sex drive in men and women. But there are many other ways to improve health with yohimbe as well.









1


Use yohimbe bark medicinally. The Bantu people of West Africa are known to improve health with yohimbe bark to treat a number of illnesses including leprosy, fevers and coughs.





2


Promote weight loss with yohimbe. Recent studies reveal that yohimbe increases the breakdown of fat in the bloodstream and it's an effective appetite suppressant.





3


Apply yohimbe to the surface of the skin to provide surface pain relief.





4


Improve blood circulation and dilate the blood vessels with yohimbe to improve blood circulation to the heart and other major organs of the body.





5


Treat high blood pressure, chest pain and many other age-related illnesses with yohimbe to improve health. Yohimbe will dilate blood vessels which can aid these and other health problems.





6


Reduce the incidence of erectile dysfunction, impotence and other sexual problems in men with yohimbe. Yohimbe will dilate the blood vessels in the pelvic region and increase sexual desire.








Tips & Warnings










Yohimbe root is very potent and should never be used without consulting a doctor.








Yohimbe interacts with many common over-the-counter drugs. People with certain illnesses should not use yohimbe to improve their health without consulting a physician first.








Yohimbe should not be used over a long period of time.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2189668_improve-health-yohimbe.html