Herbalism is a traditional medicine practice based on the use of plants or their extracts, also referred to as herbal medicine, phytotherapy, botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbology, and medicinal botany. In addition to plants or their extracts, herbalism occasionally includes shells, bee products, certain animal parts, and even fungi.

There are many substances that plants produce which can be beneficial to our health, people all over the world have used plant extracts to treat ailments since the ancient history.

The first written record of Herbalism being studied dates back to more than 5,000 years ago. The first known Chinese herbal book dates back to 2700 B.C. and listed over 360 plants known for the medicinal uses. In 1000 B.C., the Egyptians were known for using mint, opium, indigo, castor oil, and garlic to treat ailments and the Bible makes mention of this as well.

It's also interesting to note that many of today's top selling pharmaceuticals have a long history of use as herbal remedies. Quinine, aspirin, opium, and digitalis are just a few examples. It is estimated that over 80 per cent of the world's population uses herbal meds in some way, shape or form.

Many herbalists believe that pharmas are most effective when used in emergency situations where time is of the essence. Over the long haul however, the consensus is that herbs are a better alternative in preventing disease.

Regardless of which camp you're in, conventional medicine or alternative, there's no denying that herbal remedies and herbalism certainly have their place.

For information on herbal colon cleaning, be sure to visit the Colon Cleansing Forum at http://www.ColonCleansingForum.com today. Registration is free!

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Pure Heart, a "Raspberry Revolution" blend, is Guayaki"s lastest appendix to their award-winning line of Biological Yerba Friend Drinks. Unalloyed Heart features vitalizing organic yerba mate (mah-tay) combined with hawthorn and yarrow - all of which are herbs known to promote improved cardiac performance.

This heart-healthy mingle is combined with organic rose hips, hibiscus, organic raspberry juice and cranberry juice to create a ambrosial and refreshing grab-and-go drink.

The unique combination of healthy nutrition and balanced stimulation from the brewed leaves of the rainforest yerba mate tree make Guayakí Yerba Mate the healthiest source of energy on the planet.

Guayaki Unadulterated Heart contains caffeine comparable to coffee and energy drinks; however, the caffeine is balanced by mate"s content of theobromine (the euphoriant in chocolate), and another mild stimulant named theophylline.

Yerba mate is also a good well-spring of B vitamins including pantothenic acid - the "anti-stress'' vitamin which promotes proper avail of the adrenal gland. Yerba mate is again a rich source of magnesium, which has been proven to aid anxiety.

Many caffeine-sensitive people that drink yerba mate gain vitality and clarity of mind, on the contrary don"t experience the jitters, stomach discomfort, energy crash and migraine that are common complaints expressed by community that drink coffee and impulse drinks.

A nourishing "whole herb" that offers adaptogenic properties, yerba mate holds 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, 11 polyphenols and saponins (phytochemicals that prop up the immune system).

Unlike other functional and energy drink concoctions on the market nowadays that feature synthetic and isolate ingredients, Guayaki follows a "whole tree - whole health" herbal tradition that unleashes the natural form of these nutrients in a way that the intent can easily absorb and process them.

Guayaki Pure Heart is mildly sweetened with organic cane juice, and has far less calories (50) per serving than most other drinks in the marketplace. Offered in a 16-ounce premium flask for a SRP of $2.19, Guayakí Pure Heart can be purchased at thousands of natural foods stores, supermarkets, cafes and gyms from the beginning to the end of North America and at www.guayaki.com.

Advanced Research Highlights How Rainforest Yerba Mate is of Benefit to the Cardiovascular System For many centuries, the traditional yuyeras (indigenous herbalists) of South America chalk up used yerba mate as the base for their daily herbal medicine.

They believe that yerba mate acts as a catalyst to enhance the healing powers of the other herbs in their remedies and aids assimilate the herbs into the body. Now, modern science is backing up many position of their cultural beliefs.

A compilation of trial published in the November 2007 issue of the Journal of Drink Science details mate"s many attributes. In particular, the announcement highlights how recent field has form yerba mate to be of benefit to the cardiovascular system.

The supporting evaluation includes the following findings: 8226; Administering Mate extract decreased the lipid oxidation in the heart alongside protecting myocardial tissue. Schinella and others, 2005).

8226; Mate was also tested against peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity, associated with stroke and myocardial ischemia, proviso in blood supply, and Mate tea showed the highest inhibition against cyctotoxicity, compared with budding tea and red wine. Bixby and others, 2005).

8226; Mate has further been capable to reduce ATP, ADP, and AMP (nucleotide) hydrolysis, which can help balance the circulatory system.

From http://bevnet.com/news/2008/5-28-2008-guayanki.asp

As people approach out of winter seclusion, the natural tendency is to dust off the whole and excite in proper shape for a new season. Go ahead: Flip the mattress, clean the drapes and switch handbags.

Cox News Supply photo (ENLARGE) Many spring herbs are bitter, which increases the secretion of digestive juices, stimulates a sluggish stomach and gives a healthy appetite.

Spring greens cleansing tea, above, includes herbs such as peppermint leaves, crimson clover, nettle leaves, alfalfa and cleavers leaves. While tidying things up on the outside, this era of the year also is just right for a little spring cleaning on the interior as well. The holidays are over.

We've enjoyed enough sweets and treats to carry on us another six months or so.

Jump wager into that exercise government – after all, Memorial Day was the unofficial start of swimsuit season – step outside into the fresh air and sunshine and cleanse your thing and spirit. Only of the ways to revitalize and nourish your system is through herbs.

Integrating these familiar cleansers with their tantalizing meal-enhancing flavors is a simple pathway to add a in good health variation to your recipes while enjoying a fresh outlook on spring.

Many spring herbs are bitter, which has the effect of increasing the release of digestive juices, inspirational a sluggish stomach and restoring a healthy appetite. Spring is the best time for renewal, said Val Koffman, an herbalist in Palm Beach, Fla. It is so important to cleanse and purify our bodies throughout the year, but especially after the winter," she said.

Koffman said she came to get it the value of herbs in her life after dealing with a austere health issue. I was in school studying to be a doctor when I became ill," she said. I was prescribed many different medications that resulted in serious side effects."

Koffman decided to take a consistent approach and found a way that she trustworthy would ponder and cure her body rather than covering up the symptoms. Koffman attended institution for herbal medicines and studied with herbalist Rosemary Gladstar.

It has been 18 years since I began this, and I immediately dedicate my time to teaching people about the aid of these beautiful plants from Mother Earth's garden," she said. Koffman's company, Fresh, creates handmade simon-pure herbals. Its Web site, freshherbs andteas.com, embrace a number of recipes using Fresh products.

Colleen Hulett, a practicing herbalist in Canada owing to 1996, is a subscriber of the dart cleansing as well. In Canada, this is the time of year to or literary draw nigh gone of hibernation and cleanse," she said.

Cleaning our blood and liver this household way come by our health invest in on track and revitalizes our adequate internal system."

Cleansing is lone of the another important roles representing herbs, said Hulett, who also studied with Gladstar.

It is important to look for the advice of a trained professional or your physician before beginning any change in diet and health care, but Koffman said when our stiff get sluggish, we should take a reminder from the Europeans. Eat lighter with lots of fresh greens to give your body a chance to interchange and repair and be at its best."

Hulett echoes these sentiments saying, "Don't forget to avoid sugar, white flours, coffee and fermented foods if you can during cleansing, as they may intercede with the process."

From http://rockymounttelegram.com/featr/content/features/stories~.html