Find the right gift for Valentine’s Day

The name "Valentine" means worthy and was popular in late antiquity. The official Roman Martyrology for 14 February mentions only one Saint Valentine. Valentine was a name of one of several martyred saints of ancient Rome. Of the Saint Valentine whose feast is on 14 February, nothing is known except his name and that he was buried at the Via Flaminia north of Rome on 14 February. Other aspects of the story say that St. Valentine was a priest and served temple during the supremacy of Emperor Claudius. He declared that not one could marry under his reign.


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Even after Emperor Claudius passed this law, St. Valentine kept on performing marriage ceremonies secretly. Valentine jailed for defying him. At that time people threw flowers and notes to St. Valentine. They wanted him to know that they, too, believed in love. In this way Valentine was famous. It is even uncertain whether the feast of that day celebrates only one saint or two or more saints of the same name.





Choosing a gift for this special occasion won’t just show your affection towards your beloved, but your degree of commitment as well. The nature of the gift shows how much you care, or don’t care about your beloved. The motive of your gift also differs according to the seriousness and the type of relationship you are in. Most popular gift for Valentine's Day are flowers, chocolate and cards. Flowers have symbolized the essence of the day. On this special day, whether it is a single flower or a garland, the sole expression reflected is the message of love. Roses are the ultimate romantic flower, and the most popular present for Valentine’s Day. White roses are for love, red roses are for passion, and yellow roses are for friendship. Lilac roses are the choice to symbolize love at first sight.


Red roses are the most traditional Valentine’s flower, but white, yellow, or pink, are also used. Red Roses signify passion or strength of feeling, yellow roses stand for love, and white roses traditionally reflect innocence. A dozen red roses are considered to be a gift of love, while a single long stemmed red rose is usually seen as a passionate gift. You can also send Valentine flowers to your parents, grandparents, favorite aunt or uncle or even the kids. It is the perfect time to remember the people you love. Valentine flowers will brighten the day for those residing in care facilities. It’s a good time to thank people, too. Think about all the people in your life that you would like to thank. Maybe it’s a coworker or boss, special friend or teacher.




This Valentine’s Day, amaze and entice your partner with a gift so romantic and exotic, the excitement starts before the box is even opened. Imagine the anticipation on his/her face when a box arrives directly from Provence, France with the name zChocolat.com affixed! But the fun is just beginning because no matter which of our tantalizing Valentines you select, it will unquestionably exceed their most expectant imaginings.

There are many choices when you want to send Valentine gifts. Roses are always a favorite but you might want to choose tulips, lilies, orchids or a stunning combination of exotic flowers and chocolate or candy. Nowadays, flashy and ostentatious gifts are the priorities for the day, anyway this in no way undermines the significance of flowers.

Essential Oil of Marjoram

Marjoram is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. It is also called Sweet Marjoram or Knotted Marjoram and Majorana hortensis.

The Essential Oil of Marjoram - The Herb of Happiness
By Linda Lee Smith

Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) is in the mint family (Lamiaceae or Labiatae). This is a traditional culinary and folk remedy herb used by many different cultures. To the Romans it was known as the "herb of happiness" and "joy of the mountains" to the Greeks. The Greeks considered it a funeral herb and planted it on graves to bring spiritual peace to the departed. They also believed it increased one's longevity. It was listed in the Dioscorides' De Materia Medica (AD 78) which became a standard guide to medicines and herbal treatments for over 1,700 years. Hildegard of Bingen used it as well. In Tudor England, even the smell of marjoram was believed to keep one healthy.


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In the modern world we have found marjoram to be antibacterial, antifungal, a vasodilator, it lowers blood pressure, promotes intestinal peristalsis, is an expectorant and is mucolytic. It has been used for arthritis, rheumatism, muscle and nerve pain, headaches, circulatory disorders, respiratory infections, menstrual problems, PMS, fungal infections like ringworm, shingles, sores, spasms and fluid retention. Sweet marjoram is an oil that possesses an ability to both strengthen and relax. In Oriental medicine, marjoram tones and circulates Qi-energy, clears cold phlegm and calms the mind. It is one of the oils used in the Raindrop Technique. Emotionally, marjoram calms the senses and allows peacefulness to come into your world. It stills the mind long enough to hear the still voice within. With its warmth comes a sense of inner peace. For emotional healing, it is used to encourage calm, balance, integrity, perseverance, and sincerity. I find marjoram is be one of the most under-rated essential oils that we have. From the list above, you can see that it is good for just about any problem you might have.

Primarily, marjoram is anti-bacterial and anti-spasmodic in action. It mixes well with basil, bergamot, Roman and German Chamomile, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, Eucalyptus citriodora and radiata, fennel, juniper, lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, pine tea tree, rosemary, and thyme linalool.

To use marjoram essential oil, you can dilute one part essential oil to one part mixing oil or it can be used neat (undiluted) on the body. It can be directly inhaled, diffused or taken it as a dietary supplement. Remember, marjoram is one of those great cooking herbs. It mixes well with anything which will mask its smell, although I find its fragrance quite pleasing. It has a warm-spicy aromatic-camphoraceous and woody odor. Marjoram is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Since it can stimulate menstruation, it should be used with caution in pregnancy. Want to learn more about the healing properties of marjoram and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit.

Check this out for more information on learning to heal through the art of aromatherapy as a clinical aromatherapist. http://www.ishaaromatherapy.com/ For educational courses on healing energy and the laying-on of hands, you can go to http://www.htspiritualministry.com/ You can also read more about aromatherapy and marjoram essential oil in Linda Smith's books: Called into Healing, Reclaiming our Judeo-Christian Legacy of Healing Touch, and Healing Oils Healing Hands, Discovering the Power of Prayer, Hands On Healing and Anointing. You can find these books and much more on my web site at http://www.ISHAhealing.com/HealingStore/tabid/348/Default.aspx

Using herbal remedies

Herbs that are used for medicinal purposes come in a variety of forms. Active parts of a plant may include leaves, flowers, stems, roots, seeds, and berries. They may be taken internally as pills or powders, dissolved into tinctures or syrups, or brewed in teas and decoctions.

Herbal Remedies Are From Then Until Now
By Rose Windale

More and more people are now acknowledging and using herbal remedies. They are quite becoming popular owing the their efficacy which many have proven. Herbal remedies, as the name implies is making use of herbs for treatment of an ailment, disease or condition. For centuries, they were the curative and treatment measures which societies have relied upon. They worked then, and so why not now? But conventional forms of treatment have overshadowed herbal remedies. The use of pharmaceutical drugs has become mainstream and people regard them to be the ultimate answer. But what is popular doesn't have to always be right.



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Conventional treatments do work in themselves and they can be effective, too. But such modes have drawbacks- they have side effects - and at times they can be debilitating. There are cases wherein a disease or condition may be treated, but there is an offshoot of another one. This does not at all serve the true purpose of a treatment. Treatment ought to lead to alleviation or elimination of a disease or condition, not the production of another one or an aggravation of it. And so here comes a divergent option for treatment other than pharmaceutical drugs - herbal remedies. Herbal remedies fall under the scope of alternative methods of treatment.

Alternative medicine is oftentimes more inclined towards natural healing- natural modes of treatment. They are means which work in conjunction with the body's natural processes. Among these natural means is the use of herbs to promote better health. Herbs have been used over the centuries for cooking. So why can't they be safe and effective as medicines? To this day, herbal remedies are gaining a wide acceptance. As such, many manufacturers have produced different forms of them and made them available in the market. That's why they are not so elusive as they were during the height of the popularity of conventional treatments.

One third of all patients use herb remedies for some of their conditions and diseases. But often, they don't tell their doctors about it. It could be out of forgetfulness, or they may think it's not necessary. Or perhaps they are ashamed of telling their doctors. They may even think that their doctor would disapprove of such manner of treatment. But some doctors have regard for herbal remedies. They may approve of their patients using them, or they may even use them themselves. Getting hold of such treatment measures can be had through the countless products containing herbs and natural ingredients.

But how can one be assured that they are getting the right ones- good quality and authentic herbal products? It takes being cautious- getting from a credible and reputable source. It also takes research of which of the herbs would be most appropriate for one's condition. One can go to the library for research, or read some alternative medicine journals, or even go online. Better yet, they could ask for the opinion of a qualified herbalist. An expert herbalist is one who has the better authority and knowledge on such matters. With the proper guidance, information and awareness, one can get the best benefits out of herbal remedies.

The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose decided to share her knowledge and tips through her website http://www.healthzine.org/. You can sign up for her free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and happy life.

History of herbal Old School

Herbal medicine is a practice that is as old as mankind, and certainly older than agriculture or writing; every human culture on every continent of the Earth has practiced herbal medicine of one form or another.

Go Old School With Herbal Remedies
By Elise Peters

Even before recorded, historical accounts of man's earliest use of herbs for medicinal purposes, animals had long been using plant life as a source of cure for their ailments. Even in these modern times, it isn't unusual to see some domesticated animals (horses and dogs, for example) that seem unwell seeking out a particular plant and eating its leaves, flowers, berries, or roots. Such foliage aren't in these animals' typical everyday-menu and would ordinarily be ignored. Similar sightings thousands of years ago were probably what inspired prehistoric man's primitive experiments with herbs as they sought to find ways to cure various ailments and help heal wounds. It's remarkable how some animals seem to instinctively know which specific herb can cure or heal whatever it is that ails them. Prehistoric man, on the other hand, had to rely on his keen observation skills and probably sampled the very herbs that they'd seen other sick animals eat, while carefully noting its subtle effects on his own body. Their practice of herbal trial-and-error over the course of time eventually reinforced their findings and belief in the medicinal value of various plants.



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Over the ages, each race and culture developed their own extensive catalog of herbal preparations for a range of illnesses and diseases. This body of knowledge was passed down from generation to generation of appointed healers and elders, with each succeeding generation validating (or disproving) the efficacy of these herbs, and adding their own discoveries. Four major herbal traditions would eventually emerge: Native Americans, Chinese, Ayurvedic (from India), and European. Surprisingly, some of them independently came up with similar healing applications for herbs that were common across these cultures. Clearly, this lends further credence to our ancestors' wisdom in looking to herbs for cure and support for general physical well-being.

The extensive history of herbal medicine is undeniably part of the evolution that later led to early medical science. In the last few hundred years, medicine had developed into a formal study, a "new school" of thought where experimentation and emerging scientific methods are exactingly applied. The focus had shifted towards learning the secrets of human physiology through open anatomical explorations. Herbs were likewise thoroughly scrutinized in laboratories, the beneficial substances were identified and extracted, and efforts to synthesize these substances in laboratories had begun in earnest. Thus, synthetic drugs were born. Man's long-standing reliance in herbs for medicinal relief would, in such a relatively short time, be replaced by these artificial "herbal substitutes." Treatment with herbs would soon be relegated in people's minds as merely "folkloric" medicine, or worse, as quackery. Modern western medicine had now become the dominant medical philosophy.

The development of synthetic drugs was instrumental in the massive strides that were made towards curing previously untreatable diseases and newly emerging maladies. However, drugs are not without their disadvantages: side-effects, drug abuse and addiction, the emergence of stronger, more resistant viruses and bacteria due to improper drug use, to name a few. The ills and evils spawned by drug addiction and the illegal trade that accompanies it deserves a separate discussion all its own.

Just be clear that whether you are looking to quit smoking, or whether you are looking to cure acne, there are natural remedies available as a safe and effective alternative

Herbal Antibiotics

Antibiotics have been rightfully deemed miracle drugs because of the countless lives they have saved from potentially lethal infections such as meningitis, helping to protect against the harmful ones. While antibiotics are effective in killing bad bacteria, they also kill the good bacteria, an important part of our immune system, lining the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts. Without protection from friendly bacteria, disease-causing agents more readily take hold.

Natural and Herbal Antibiotics
By James Lamb

Once hailed and considered the magic bullet that could cure all our ills, modern antibiotics now seem to have lost their power. The problem appears to be in the innate ability of a virus to mutate and develop means they have grown resistant to our synthesized drugs.



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Try as we might to develop more powerful classes of drugs the diseases all too soon seem to outpace efficacy. There are other considerations regarding the lasting effects of taking courses of antibiotics too. While the antibiotic drug may indeed combat its intended victim it is indiscriminate and wages war on our natural bacteria as well. We all carry beneficial bacteria within our digestive systems that make up a significant portion of our immune system. It is the job of this good bacteria to fight infections and protect us, However a one or two week course of antibiotics from your doctor may cure the illness that took you to the surgery but it will also wipe out your allies and leave you more vulnerable to illness.

So what can be done? Well mother nature has been around longer than modern science and she can still help us. Natural and herbal antibiotics are more gentle and certainly less aggressive than modern drugs.

As natural alternatives to prescribed medicines the following are all considered to provide effective antibiotic properties.


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Echinacea - purple coneflower

Echinacea contains antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which do not act directly on a virus but stimulates your own immune system. This works by promoting white blood cells and killer T cells to attack and destroy the invader.

Garlic - Allium sativum

This pungent smelling and tasting plant is probably better known in culinary circles but is a powerful herbal treatment. Testament to its antibiotic properties is that is was used to treat tuberculosis and typhoid before recent drugs took over. Used to dress wounds in the First World War garlic's legendary healing benefits combat bronchial infections, intestinal parasites, fights colds and flu and ear infections. Further it can be used to reduce catarrh.

Eucalyptus - Blue Gum Tree

Traditionally an Aboriginal remedy Eucalyptus is known world wide as an extremely powerful antiseptic. Historically it was used to fight diphtheria, tubercular coughs and respiratory illnesses. Its effectiveness is derived from the plant's antiseptic properties and in that it helps dilate bronchioles to aid breathing.



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Honey

Obviously not a herb it is never the less derived from plant nectar by bees. What makes it special in the antibiotic armoury is that many bacteria cannot survive against honey. This is because the moisture needed by bacteria to survive is drawn from them by the honey and thus destroys them. Even chronic wounds which previously failed to heal and strains of deadly germs such as MRSA can be effectively treated using honey. An enzyme called glucose-oxidase is added to nectar by bees during the honey making process. The glucose-oxidase breaks glucose down into hydrogen peroxide which is of course a mild acid used in many bleach and cleaning products due to its disinfecting antibacterial ability.

This is a wide ranging subject with very many natural alternatives to modern antibiotic drugs than the few mentioned here. But while manufactured chemicals have their place in fighting diseases centuries old remedies still have a role to play too. In many ways traditional cures and treatments have proved to be not only effective but the only alternative when others fail.

James Lamb is a Uk writer of fiction and numerous non fiction subjects with a particular interest in health, wealth creation and writing. For more on health, money making and numerous other subjects, visit his ebooks website at http://www.rewards-ebooks.com/ For more herbal and natural health tips please visit http://www.squidoo.com/herbs-remedies

Urinary Tract Infection and Herbal prevention

Urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. Although urine contains a variety of fluids, salts, and waste products, it usually does not have bacteria in it. Your urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Any part of your urinary system can become infected, but most infections involve the lower urinary tract.

Herbal Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection
By Rebecca Hopkinson

Herbal remedies for urinary tract infection are certainly worth considering if your symptoms are mild. They can have a good success rate and the popularity of natural treatments is climbing generally due to concern over the widespread use of antibiotics.


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Ancient history supports the theory that herbs have been used for many centuries to heal all manner of conditions. They are generally good for the whole body and can help support general healing, not just of the urinary tract. Herbal remedies can be an economical option-indeed you may even find that you already have the ingredients to hand in your kitchen cupboards.

Herbs which have been shown to be beneficial for urinary tract health include rose hips, dandelion, fennel, marshmallow, oat straw and nettles. It therefore follows that if you drink herbal teas made with any of these ingredients, you will be on your way to improving the health of the urinary tract. Parsley is also another component of good herbal remedies and this can be eaten raw in salads or the dried variety can be liberally added to foods.

Health food stores often carry a range of herbal remedies for urinary tract infections and you may like to consider keeping one of these in the cupboard as a standby.

Other good natural treatments for urinary tract infections include drinking plenty of plain water and perhaps a couple of glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice each day. It is also good practice to avoid sugar, as this can aid the growth of bacteria within the urinary tract. You could also try placing a heat pad on the abdomen and avoid using any perfumed products around the vaginal area.

If you prefer to use a natural treatment, herbal remedies for urinary tract infection are not the only option. There is an excellent natural cure which is guaranteed to begin working to take away the pain within just 30 minutes and you will be completely free of pain by the following day.

By supporting the body's own healing qualities, this treatment will enhance and strengthen the body's immune system enabling it to fight off the cause of the infection extremely quickly and effectively.

It is totally safe for both sexes and for children and adults alike. In addition, it completely safe to be taken alongside any other medication.

As with herbal remedies for urinary tract infection, this treatment does not contain any synthetic ingredients or expensive over the counter medication. It is also guaranteed to work faster than antibiotics.

Home Remedies For UTI

Herbal Cure For Sinus

Sinus infections are easy thing to prevent and treat naturally. Many medications fail to help get rid of sinus symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose and infection. Herbal remedies for sinus have been used successfully for centuries.

Herbal Cure For Sinus - An Easy Cure Without Side Effects
By Kyler Robinson

Sinus not only affects the person physically but also affects him psychologically. The major recurring problem with this is headache and stuffed nose. It is an allergic disease and can be set off by any kind of pollution. For many people the sinus cavity is one of the weakest and is very susceptible to any airborne contamination which causes infection. The body system produces thick mucus in order to get rid of extra calcium that enters the body through food intake.



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Such people find it difficult to drain off the excess mucus and in turn it becomes an ideal place for bacteria to multiply. No matter how much antibiotics and nasal sprays are used to kill the infection, it recurs as some bacteria might have found immunity to the antibiotic.

The best way to deal with this infection is the herbal cure for sinus. Many a time's herbal cure for a sinus will not provide instant solution to the infection. It may take many months to be completely cured and have normal mucous. But unlike antibiotics, Herbal cure for sinus does not have any side effects. Herbal cure address the problem right at its root thus trying to eliminate its cause. This makes sure that the sinus infection does not reoccur again. This also helps in building immunity against the infection.

Vitamin C helps in curing sinus. Intake of vitamin must be increased for people who suffer from sinus infection. A diet rich in spinach broccoli, black tea, blue berries etc, are great herbal cure for sinus. Licorice powder is also another herbal cure. The inhalation of steam in which fenugreek seed has been added is a good cure. The intake of water boiled with this seed is also very helpful.

The inflamed mucus lining of the sinus cavity can be cured with herbal medicines and the patient can regain his health and normal stage of sensitivity. The infection will therefore not reoccur again.

We are providing natural treatment for sinus to thousands of people, if you would like to kick your sinus infection then use these sinus treatment.

Peppermint Herbal Healthcare

Peppermint is sometimes regarded as 'the world's oldest medicine', with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago. Peppermint has a high menthol content, and is often used as a flavouring in tea, ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste. It is indigenous in Europe and now widespread in cultivation throughout all regions of the world

Peppermint As An Herbal Healer
By Robert Rister

The various varieties of peppermints are small, perennial plants. They have oddly four-sided stems and bears clusters of small reddish-violet flowers. Their leaves are dark green with purple veins, with a strong, characteristically minty aroma. Popular in the almost all cuisines of desert cultures around the world, this mint grows best in sunny, moist areas near water.


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Nearly every herbal tradition uses teas of this herb to calm queasy stomachs. These tea quell contractions of the smooth muscles lining the intestines and relieve stomach cramps. They also relieve mild spasms of the bile duct associated with gallstones.

Peppermint teas also have gastrointestinal effects that go beyond the simple relief of indigestion. The volatile oils in peppermint teas stop the growth of Listeria and Salmonella, the bacteria causing food poisoning, as well as the overgrowth of non-pathogenic bacteria that aggravate Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Laboratory studies with animals have found that they counteract the growth of bacteria that release free sulfur, causing especially odorous flatulence. And these herbal teas are nourishing in themselves, containing an extraordinary range of trace minerals, including cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lithium, manganese, magnesium, vanadium, and zinc.

If you pick your own peppermint from your herb garden, be sure to gather the leaves in the early morning just after the dew has disappeared. The flavoring oils of the leaf are at their highest concentrations in early to mid-morning. Rinse the leaves very carefully and be sure to dry them indoors, in a cool, dark place.

Read about Fruits, Vegetables, Fat, Fiber and Preventing Breast Cancer. Robert Rister is the author or co-author of nine books on natural health.