Ginseng tea brewed from ginseng powder can provide some valuable health-promoting properties – as well as producing some unwanted side effects. As is the case for all herbal supplements, anything made from ginseng extract – whether it is ginseng tea, candy or pills or capsules – should be used judiciously.

Korean ginseng tea, derived from a variety a ginseng root that is cultivated in China’s northeastern Manchurian region as well as Korea proper, has been used as a tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Traditionally, this type of ginseng tea is considered to have yang properties, being associated with heat, dryness, and “masculineâ€� energy. Also known as “red ginseng,â€� Korean ginseng tea is essentially a stimulant; Asian medical studies suggest that this type of ginseng powder may indeed live up to its reputation as an aphrodisiac and cure from male impotence. Additional studies indicate that the “redâ€� variety of ginseng root may also help in the prevention of certain types of cancer.

This so-called “red ginseng” incidentally does not refer to its natural color; it means that it has been heat-processed, either by steaming or by sun-drying.

Overuse of ginseng root can produce negative side effects as well. Because of its stimulant properties, ginseng extract can result in insomnia much like caffeine. Nausea, diarrhea and headaches can also result. The most common and dangerous side effect of ginseng powder overuse however is elevated blood pressure; individuals who suffer from and/or are taking medication for hypertension should avoid taking products made from ginseng extract, including ginseng tea.

Even healthy individuals should seek the guidance of a licensed herbalist or healthcare professional before making extensive therapeutic use of ginseng.

If you have been into a quality bar lately, you might have noticed a series of glass jars with an amber liquid in them.  These jars are often filled with tinctures of different concentrated flavors of herbs and spices that the bartender will use to flavor drinks.  Tinctures are also used for the health benefits derived from the particular herbs or spices used and also known as liquid herbal extracts.

Essentially, tinctures are created when herbs are placed in alcohol and allowed to sit for several days, or even up to several months.  Vodka is the usual alcohol of choice in the preparation of tinctures, although brandy or rum may also be used.  If using alcohol is an issue, apple cider vinegar or glycerin might be substituted.  Alcohol functions as a preservative, so you may let the bottles of tincture sit out on a shelf, but if you use vinegar the resulting liquid must be refrigerated throughout the process.

The amount of herbs to alcohol varies according to individual recipes, but in general a good place to start is to combine one ounce of herbs with four ounces of vodka.  Be sure to use enough alcohol so that the herbs are completely submersed in the liquid.  Using the tincture to flavor drinks, you might select to use lemon peel, lavender or allspice for their distinctive tastes that they will bring to your drinks.

You will need to let the tincture sit in a dark place in a cabinet for a couple of weeks or longer so that the herbs are truly macerated by the alcohol.  The bottle should be briskly shaken at least once a day.  After it is quite strongly scented, you may strain the solids from the liquid, and add some sugar syrup to the alcohol-based tincture.  You may find that you will need to strain the liquid several times using a very fine mesh with cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove every last bit of little fibers of the herbs.  It may then be stored in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.  To use the tincture, you will use an eyedropper to place drops in tea, juice, water or drinks.

You may experiment with the type of natural herbs used in terms of dried or fresh.  If using fresh, be sure to chop them before you place them in the jar and cover with alcohol.  If you’re using dried herbs, it is best to use them in a cut and sifted form – smaller pieces will allow the liquid to penetrate quickly, but unlike powder it will still be easy for you to strain later.  An alcohol-based tincture can last up to two years if properly prepared and stored.

Clinical Research Shows that Devil’s Claw Root May Relieve Arthritis and Low Back Pain

Devil’s claw has been used for centuries in herbal medicinal remedies as a treatment for pain and complications of pregnancy, in topical ointments to heal sores, boils, and skin problems, to restore appetite, relieve heartburn, and also to reduce pain and inflammation. Today, the effectiveness of Devil’s Claw as an effective medicinal treatment in the relief of the pain and inflammation of arthritis and chronic low back pain are being confirmed within the contemporary medical community through clinical studies and scientific research. The research has shown striking evidence that indeed, Devils Claw root may make just as an effective treatment for many ailments as many of the more well know counterparts commonly found in modern medicines

Recent scientific findings support evidence that using devil’s claw root in the treatment of degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis and low back pain helps to relieve pain and inflammation. Notable research has been conducted worldwide and includes studies completed in Germany and reported by the British Society for Rheumatology finding that H. procumbens is indistinguishable from Vioxx in the treatment of chronic low back pain. Additional studies from the Provincial Medical Centre in Canada report that randomized controlled trials in adults suffering from acute, sub-acute or chronic non-specific low-back pain found strong evidence that daily doses standardized to 50 mg or 100 mg harpagoside were better than placebo for short-term improvements in pain.

Representing only a sampling of the research and evidence conducted on the medicinal properties of this herb, the data results clearly demonstrate that using devil’s claw extract may be an effective aid in significantly reducing the pain of chronic arthritis and back pain. As an additional benefit, this is a safe herb that is nontoxic with virtually no side effects if taken at the recommended therapeutic dose for short periods of time. It has been found that Devil’s Claw does promote the secretion of stomach acid so it is recommended that individuals with stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or gallstones should not take devil’s claw unless recommended by a health care provider. It is recommended to avoid the use of devil’s claw herb during pregnancy and breast-feeding unless otherwise directed by your health care provider. Any herbal therapy should be undertaken under the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

References:

1. Article comparing Vioxx and Doloteffin

2. Provincial Medical Centre Studies