Khao Yai National Park.

Khao Yai National Park

Many nature lovers in Bangkok are often looking for a place to relax that's not too far from the city. Khao Yai is always a favourite for those who are truly in need of a place where they can really get back to nature. The main reason is its relatively close proximity to the city.

Since being declared Thailand's first national park in 1962, Khao Yai has been a very popular attraction. People go there for various outdoor activities ranging from education, camping, trekking, wildlife watching, bird watching, mountain biking and even river rafting.

Access by road is easy and as you approach the park both sides of the road are lined with restaurants, mini-marts, guesthouses, resorts, lodges and golf courses. It may be that thereare too many people coming here and the forest is in danger of being destroyed.

The destruction of Khao Yai has been so heavy at times that in 1992 the government of Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun ordered the park to be closed for reforestation purposes. Some hotels and resorts as well as golf courses were scrapped as a result.

After a while, Khao Yai was reopened and welcomes tourists again, but this time there was an attempt to be more cautious about tourism development.

Yet problems still remain, especially regarding encroachment and the amount of garbage caused by tourism. Please try to be good tourists and to travel with respect for nature.

Trekking at Khao Yai

Although various points of interest at Khao Yai can be easily accessed by car, our group of young, energetic and enthusiastic trekkers chose the more adventurous path trekking.

There are five nature trails of different distances. Each trail has signposts that tourists can follow. Walkers can also request to have a park ranger from the national park's headquarters accompany them as a guide. In the rainy season, trekkers should beware of leeches. There's nothing to worry about you can use an anti-leech bag. During the rainy season you should also carry a raincoat.

Half Day Hike

The most popular route in Khao Yai is a half day walk from Dong Tiew to Nong Phak Chi Wildlife watch towers. The starting point was just opposite the park's headquarters. Followed the signs at the roadside and in a short while you will be in a dense forest. Further on is the jungle where the sounds of insects and birdsong replaced the noise of the cars on the road outside.

There was plenty of wild mushrooms, flowers, and streams to be spotted on this 5.4-kilometre trail. There were also great variety of birds, including Hornbills, Dollarbirds, red-headed Trogons, Drongos, Greater Racket-tailed Drongos and red-mottled Lapwings.

It takes about three hours to reach the Nong Phak Chi viewing point. The tower here is to help people observe wildlife at the nearby salt lick. You may be lucky enough to see wild dogs or even a herd of elephants. The watch tower is only a kilometre from the road, so it's quite a popular visitor spot.

Full Day Hike

A more adventuresome, one day hike is from the park headquarters to Heaw Suwat waterfall, a distance of 8.1 kilometres, and then to continue for another 4.5 kilometres to Thung Khao Laem.

Heaw Suwat is easily accessible by car but if you plan to test your physical strength on the long and tough route, it may be advisable to request a park ranger as a guide

The trail started very close to the office where you will be greeted with the echoing sounds of gibbons. With a guide you will not only feel safe but you will be able to observe him on duty.

The ranger will help pave our way through the wilderness, especially the parts where the trail was covered with piles of dead trees. He will be able to point out interesting plants and even wild animal tracks.

Normally the ranger's job is to search for the poachers who come into the jungle illegally to cut valuable wood or hunt wildlife. It's still a big problem for Khao Yai. Sometimes they come across the encroachers and have to exchange fire with them. Some rangers have lost their lives on duty and the world outside never hears about it. It is good to know rangers are so devoted to protecting the national heritage, and yet receive very little pay.

Birdwatchers on this trail will be delighted to see Oriental pied Hornbills, Silver-breasted Broadbills, Red-whiskered Bulbuls, Black-crested Bulbuls and many other birds. The park is home to more than 300 bird species.

It is an exhausting six hours from the starting point to Heaw Suwat waterfall. From there is another 4.5 kilometres to Thung Khao Laem or Khao Laem prairie and the only way to get there was to walk.

After three hours tramping in the wilderness, you will see the vast green prairie stretching out ahead.

Thung Khao Laem is a vast field of high grass. Legend has it that the area was once a rural community. Evidence of the existence of this community can still be seen and the ruins of an old temple remain.

About Khao Yai

Khao Yai was proclaimed a national park in 1962. It is more than 1,600 square kilometres spanning four provinces: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima. With its great diversity and abundance of wildlife, Khao Yai has also been honoured as part of the Natural Heritage of Asia. It has served as a prototype for other national parks in Thailand.

Accommodation

As you arrive at Khao Yai, go to the Tourist Service Centre for details on accommodation or to request a park ranger to accompany you on a trek.

Khao Yai offers a wide range of accommodation for visitors. There are campsites at Pha Kluai Mai and Lam Ta Kong. The fee is 30 Bahtper person.

The campsites can be quite crowded. There are public toilets and bathrooms.

Getting There

By Car:

Khao Yai is easily accessible by car. Take the Pak Chong or Prachinburi routes from Bangkok.

Prachinburi route: take highway No. 305 from Rangsit-Ongkharak road to Nakhon Nayok and follow highway number 33, then turn left at Naresuan ring road and follow highway No. 3077 and after about 10 km you'll reach the park headquarters. This route is a shorter distance from Bangkok but steeper. This route is also more scenic and has many points of interest. Heaw Narok waterfall is a short distance if you take this route.

Pak Chong route: Follow highway No. 1 to Saraburi province, then turn right to route No. 2 which goes to Pak Chong. Then take highway No 2090 for about 20 kilometres and you'll reach the entrance. The Pak Chong route is longer.

Lampung.

       Lampung

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, heading out of Chiang Mai for the small town of Lampung. This northern destination has abundance of atmosphere and history.

Follow route 106 which takes you along a lovely country road lined with 200 year old giant gum trees that provided great shade. As you approach to Sara phi district, the road is bordered with long orchards. Somebody once said that Lampung was famous for its beautiful women and tasty lingams. This is still true.

Legend handed down for more than 1,400 years refers to this ancient town as the centre of the Hariphunchai Kingdom. Its first ruler was Queen Chamthewee who was of Mon descent. In the late 12th century AD, the King from Chiang Mai invaded and captured the town and subsequently integrated it into the Lanna Kingdom.

Today, Lampung still retains the enchanting ambience of a small and old community. It has numerous ancient temples and ruins that present picturesque scenes of the past. It's hard to believe that a modern city like Chiang Mai is developing rapidly for tourism but neighboring Lampung remains untouched.

It is worthwhile to visit to the Hariphunchai National Museum (established in 1927) to help understand the Kingdom's background. The museum is situated in the town centre, opposite Watt Phrathat Hairphunchai. The museum's displays and exhibits include historical and archeological items, including a small collection of artifacts from the Dvaravati, Hariphunchai and Lanna kingdoms. It is quite a small museum compared to many others and is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am - 4pm.

Across the street from the National Museum to the monastery called Watt Phrathat Hariphunchai, which is the principal landmark of Lampung province and dates back 958 years.

The 46-metres tall golden Chedi there is of the original Hariphunchai style and is said to contain relics of the Lord Buddha. A nine-tier umbrella made of pure gold surmounts this Chedi, which is set in the middle of the monastery.

Outside the temple walls are souvenir shops and stalls that sell hand-made local cloth, carved wood items, postcards, Buddha images and amulets.

Past the town moat, just two kilometers away is Wat Chamthewee, situated on the Chiang Mai-Sanpatong Road. Commonly known as Wat Ku Kut, this temple was built in 1298 B.E. (755 A.D.)The sputa is a square structure similar to the one at Buddhagaya in India. Around the sputa are levels of arches holding a total of 60 Buddha statues. Queen Chamthewee was the first ruler of Lampung and her ashes are enshrined within. She was the longest living ruler in the Lanna Kingdom's history and was over 100 years old when she passed away.

Just 10 kilometers from Lampung is Pa- Sang, a small village and on both sides of the main road are notice boards saying: "Wanted, long an at good prices'', in front of the dealer's premises. The fruit is in season during July and August. There are several species which are popular among consumers.

Today, 60 percent of the longans produced in Lampung are exported to Europe and other countries in Asia.

Over two decades ago, the district of Ban Pa-Sang was a handicraft centre, famous for its hand-made cotton materials, mainly produced in Ban Nong Nguak village. Most of the shops were crowded with tourists, both Thais and foreigners, because it was the main stopping point and the only access road to Chiang Mai. Since the construction of Highway No.11 linking Chiang Mai with Lampang, Pa-Sang has been by-passed. It has now become quiet and sleepy.

The peaceful cotton weaving village of Ban Nong Nguak can be reached on the road to Li district, turn right after about 4 kilometers, following the signs

Several houses have in-house showrooms that displayed their products and you can see the local women who delicately weave hand-made fabric on wooden looms. The cotton fabric of Ban Nong Nguak is moderately priced and of designs and colours that have been improved, yet retain an indigenous feel and tradition. It is generally made into tablecloths, plate rests, drapes, cushions and other decorative items. Many items are made to order and sell in big department stores in London.

About seven kilometers from the cotton village is the temple named Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha. Legend has it that the Lord Buddha once stayed here.

Further on is Ban Hong district, the site of a 1,400 years old community dating back to the Hariphunchai Kingdom, located 40 kilometers south of Lampung. It has some beautiful scenery and a delightful vista of green fields and mountains.

How to get there:

Lampung is located 25 kilometers south-east of Chiang Mai. The easiest way to get from Chiang Mai to Lampung is by bus, departing from Champak Bus Station. You can also take a blue taxi (songtaew) just south of Nawarat bridge opposite Rimping Supermarket.

Visitors are recommended to rent a motorcycle or a car for self-drive tours as there are many things to see and do. Remember to check the rental agreement carefully.

Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai

Just over 100km from Chiang Mai and about 940km from Bangkok this is a good place visit if you want to see a hill-tribe village or do some trekking.

Getting There

Air conditioned buses leave from Chiang Mai's Bus Station No. 2 and take about 4 hours. Thai International have daily flights from Bangkok which take about 50 minutes.

The most interesting way to travel from Chiang Mai is first take the early morning bus to Fang and then a songthaew to Tha Thon. From there take a boat down the Kok River to Chiang Rai. However, be prepared for a long journey (around 10 hours in total).

Getting around

Chiang Rai is quite a small place so you can easily walk to destinations around the town centre. For longer journeys there are always plenty songthaews looking for customers.

Whilst in Chiang Rai it is worth visiting the Hill Tribe Foundation. They will tell you exactly where to find the Hill Tribe villages, which can save time, and they also have a constant supply of genuine items such as silver, embroidery, clothing etc for sale, but do not expect prices to be any lower. The Foundation is a non-profit making organization and its mark-up is small. It pays high rates to the village craftsmen in an effort to maintain tribal income to a life-supporting level, in order that they do not return to opium poppy cultivation

Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son

Once upon a time, on the northern border between Thailand and Burma there was a "wild west town" full of smugglers, refugees, soldiers, hill tribes and mysterious "business men". Travelling at night was dangerous and tourists were rare. The town was inaccessible except for a single road, built in 1965, winding over the mountains and onwards to Burma.

Over the years the town has opened up. A regular air service started from the precarious landing strip and a couple of decent hotels opened up. Tourists tired of busy Chiang Mai began to favors the up spoilt hill resort destination of Mae Hong Son.

This mountainous and thickly forested area is Thailand's north-western province. Mae Hong Son is 270km by road from Chiang Mai using the shorter northern route, or 370km via the southern route. During the winter, around January and February, nights can be quite chilly with the temperature dropping to 4 or 5oC.

Situated in a small valley in the middle of the mountains the scenery adds to the attraction. Any time of year, mists and clouds roll down the hill slopes to shroud the town in a soft white fog. The town is often called Muang Sam Moke, "City of the Three Mists".

It is believed that the local elephants gave the name to the town. In the 1830's a party hunting for wild elephants were sent to the area and a training ground was set up, Mae Rong Son, which eventually became Mae Hong Son. This legend, however does not explain why some of the temples in the town are several hundred years old.

Best time to visit Mae Hong Son is from November to March. During the rainy season which lasts from June to October travelling off the beaten track can become difficult.

Getting There

Buses leave Chiang Mai three times per day for the 8 hours trip to Mae Hong Son. A much quicker way to travel is to take one of Thai International's flights from Chiang Mai International Airport. Flight time is about 35 minutes. If you are flying from Bangkok you will have to change planes in Chiang Mai.

Getting around

Staying in the town is like stepping back in time, a vision of how Chiang Mai, or Chiang Rai might have been 20 years ago. Mae Hong Son is still a country town, a perfect antidote to the stress and hurry of Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

The town isn't very big so walking is a practical means of getting around during the cooler months, but can become trying in summer when temperatures hover around 40oC. You will find plenty of songthaews available for short or long journeys.

Karen Long Neck Hilltribe.

Karen Long Neck

About the Karen Long Neck Hilltribe - Padaung

The Padaung are a sub-group of Karen (Bwe Group) living in Kayah state of eastern Burma on the Thailand border. They number less than 40,000 people in total. The Padaung call themselves "Lae Kur" or "Kayan". They have their own language which belongs to the Kenmic group in the Tibeto-Burman language family.

The Karen themseves are not one homogeneous group but rather a loose confederation of heterogeneous and closely related tribes. Among the smallest of the Karen tribes in Thailand are the Karen Padaung.

In Thailand, only a few families of Padaung have settled temporarily as refugees in Muang District of Mae Hong Son Province, near Ban Tha Ton in Chiang Rai Province, and as of June 2005 a small group near Chiang Dao. Generally they live among other hilltribes groups, mostly Karen.

The Padaung escaped from the Kaya State in Burma to Thailand in the mid to late 1900's and are actually refugees of a political turmoil. They belong to the Karenni sub-group of the Karen People, which are still fighting for their independence in Burma.

The Karen-Padaung occupied central Burma before the Burmese arrived from the North and they, together with the ancient Mon, farmed the Irrawaddy and Salween Valleys and built civilizations based on their unique cultures.

The Padaung women famously wear brass rings around their necks. This distorts the growth of their collarbones and make them look as if they have long necks - which they don't. This row of brass rings do not actually stretch their necks but in fact squash the vertebrae and collar bones. A woman generally has about twenty or more rings around her neck. This neck ring adornment is started when the girls are 5 or 6 years old.

The rings on the arms and the legs are not quite as prominent as those on the neck simply because the neck rings are so pronounced. However, these rings are just as important. The rings on the arms are worn on the forearm from the wrist to the elbow. Those on the legs are worn from the ankles to the knees, and cloth coverings are kept over most of these rings, from the shins down to the ankles.

Most of Padaung are animists, but about 10 percent are Buddhists. Now, the number of Christians is increasing because of the Roman Catholic mission. The annual festival for the fertility and prosperity of the whole community is usually held at the beginning of the rainy season. Sacrifices are made to the spirits for good health and bountiful harvests. Rice is the Padaung main crop.

Long Neck Lady Weaving in Chiang Dao.

Human Zoo's? Prisons? To visit or not?

- All the Long Neck "villages" in Thailand are set up for tourists and are not neccessarily managed by the Padaung people themselves.

- There have been allegations of imprisonment, and ill-treatment by management in some villages before.

- Some of the ladies are illegally on Thai soil (not officially granted refugee status) and are vulnerable to exploitation

- Allegations have been made that children are forced to adopt this practice at a young age.

- They see many people and are constantly photographed so it is difficult for some to look anything other than bored.

- The "villages" are basically set up as shopping stalls set up with the Long Neck ladies as the stall holders. The ladies will be keen for you to buy handicrafts in exchange for your photography. Don't expect too much of a traditional village setting.

- There is an entrance fee, which by the nature of it means you are paying to look at these ladies - human zoo?

- While the villages have been set up, it is where these ladies (and families) live.

- These ladies make a good living from visitors. The average wage for a days hard labouring in the fields is around 150 Baht. These ladies can earn more than that with relatively little effort.

- The Padaung people in Thailand are either refugees or economic migrants depending on who you ask. They need all the help they can get.

- The fact that the number of younger girls wearing rings is showing signs of increasing may well underline the point above.

- As some of these ladies are illegal immigrants their management argue that because of their protection they are not forcibly repatriated to Burma

- The ladies do sell some nice and very cheap souvenirs and handicrafts.

- While it is probably not politically correct, I'm sure there is a relatively natural, if somewhat sick. fascination with the freak-show aspect of seeing people who have willingly distorted their bodies. This is enhanced as it is a culturally based practice.

- The ladies look absolutely stunning, great memories and great photographs.

The Karen Long Neck - Padaung Village in Chiang Dao

The Chiang Dao Karen Long Neck - Padaung Village consists of about 6 families with around 8 ladies with rings on their necks.

Many of the ladies have relocated from a village near Tha Ton, presumably thier management saw the proximity to Chiang Mai as potentially more profitable.

They have selected a stunning site, very picturesque with great all round mountain views. This is a really pleasant added bonus. On a clear day it is very beautiful indeed, affording a view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao from a different angle.

Due to the initially precarious nature of this type of village it is far from assured that it will be in its present location for any length of time.

The atmosphere in the Chiang Dao Long Neck Village seems pleasantly relaxed and the "shopping pressure" relatively low. Maybe this will change as more visitors come, but it was certainly nicer than some of the more visited hilltribe villages in the area.

Visiting without a good guide tends to add to the feeling of being a human zoo. A knowledgeable guide should at least be able to facilitate a little interaction beyond just shopping.

The Bridge over the River Kwai.

The Bridge over the River Kwai

This famous bridge is located about four kilometers northwest out of Kanchanaburi provincial town. It crosses the Khwae Yai River. It was built in the last two years of World War II as part of the 415 kilometers rail road track between Bangkok and Rangoon.

The Japanese used 16,000 Allied prisoners of war, mostly from Britain, Australia, U.S.A. and Holland, and 100,000 Asian laborers’ to build the line. A great number of them died during the building of the track and the bridge. Just before the end of the war, the allies bombed the bridge. After the end of the war in 1945, four kilometers of the track from the Burmese-Thai border were destroyed by the British. The remaining 300 kilometers in Thailand were sold to the State Railway Authority of Thailand in 1947. Today only 130 kilometers of the line is still in use, linking Bangkok with a small town further west of Kanchanaburi.

The most popular tourist attraction in Bangkok.

Wat Arun or Wat Jaeng (The Temple of Dawn

"Wat Arun" (The Temple of Dawn). The temple is also known as "Wat Jaeng". It is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The Great Prang was built by King Rama III during 1842 - 1847, taking five years to complete. It is 67 meters high and measures 234 meters round the base, which make it highest prang in Thailand (The Continuing Education Center, and The Translation Center. Chulalongkorn University 1987 : 160) The prang is decorated with a million pieces of chinaware set in the shape of flowers. One can climb the stupa half way up the prang to have a very good view of the Grand Palace and the Chao Phraya River. The Ubosot (ordination hall) houses the principal Buddha image which was modeled by King Rama II himself. "The ashes from the cremation of King Rama II were interred in the pedestal of the principal image". (The Continuing Education Center, and The Translation Center. Chulalongkorn University 1987 : 163

The Grand Palace

North of Thailand.

    

   Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

This temple is Chiang Mai's most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. It is 15 kilometres from town, 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by funicular rail cars. The temple's golden pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year

Doi Inthanon.

Doi Inthanon National Park Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest mountain and towers 2,565 metres above sea level. Complex mountain ranges and a mild climate characterise an area with moist and dense summit forest which is the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River, one of northern Thailand' s major waterways. Various streams descend, forming beautiful waterfalls throughout the park. These include the Siriphum, Vachirathan, Mae Pen, Mae Klang, and, the largest of all, Mae Ya waterfalls. Meo and Karen hilltribes inhabit the park. Visiting the Doi Inthanon National Park is possible throughout the year. The best period for viewing waterfalls is May through November. The best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February. The best period for ornithologists is November through March

Around my country.

Phra Pathom Chedi.

Phra Pathom Chedi is located in Muang District, Nakhon Pathom Province, 56 kilometers west of Bangkok. The chedi (stupa) rises more than 120 meters into the air with the radius of the base of 233.50 meters. The present chedi was built in the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) to cover the old one that is believed to have been built some 2,000 years ago. The temple that houses Phra Pathom Chedi is one of the six highest ranking royal temples.

When he was a monk, King Rama IV found an old chedi. It was an up-side down bowl shape with a 'prang' on top, very similar to SANCHI stupa of India. The restoration of the chedi did not start until Prince Mongkut became King Rama IV. It took 17 years to complete, during the reign of King Rama V. King Rama IV named the stupa "Phra Pathom Chedi" because this stupa appeared first in this land before any others. (Pathom means first) It is the largest pagoda in the world

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

This floating market is located about two kilometers from the township of Damnoen Saduak District. It is locally called Klong Latphli Floating Market. Here hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area, mostly paddled by women in Thai style hats called NGOP. They sell every thing from vegetables and fruit to kitchen gadgets or fresh-cooked noodles or sweets.

Herbs for Reducing Cholesterol.

Description

There are a lot of people that suffer from high cholesterol and also there are people that suffer from low cholesterol. These people that suffer from either high or low cholesterol are always looking for ways to combat these cholesterol problems. It seems that there are many ways to try and deal with these cholesterol problems. But finding one way that helps you can be a struggle in itself. There is a natural way to help you with your cholesterol problems and that is through herbs. Herbs for cholesterol troubles is a great natural way to help you with either high or low cholesterol problems. There are herbs all over the world that are used for different kinds of treatment. There are herbs that can help with acne and herbs are also used for cleansing the body. And now there are herbs that are also used to help people combat their cholesterol problems. The bad thing about cholesterol problems is that you may not know if you actually have these cholesterol problems. There are no warning signs and when you find out that you do have either high or low cholesterol it may come as a huge surprise to you. There are ways to defeat your high cholesterol through the use of herbs, the herbs for cholesterol troubles can be in short supply, but if you do not stop looking then you are bound to find the right herbs that will help you. Check the internet or any other local drug store that does sell herbs and then you will be able to combat your high cholesterol troubles.

The Herbs to Use

There are quite a few herbs that can be used when you are trying to deal with your cholesterol problems. Ideally your doctor might first tell you about ways that you can help lower your cholesterol without using any form of medication. While this is a very good idea there are people that still like to use the natural way of healing themselves and this is also still a good way to combat any cholesterol problems that you might have. If you are serious about using the natural way of healing yourself then these are the herbs that you need to have stored away in your kitchen somewhere. The first herb is called the alfalfa herb this herb has been known to block absorption of cholesterol. Also the fibers that are present in the alfalfa herb stick to cholesterol and this means that the cholesterol will stay in your blood, this then results in the more harmful cholesterol leaving the body instead of staying inside the body. However this herb for cholesterol treatment does not affect the good cholesterol that is inside your body. This herb has recently gone under trial on America on humans and it seemed to help them out a lot. But during the study results proved that no high doses of this herb should be consumed as this can lead to damaging the red blood cells in the body. Another item that can be used in the fight against lower cholesterol is simple garlic. Garlic has been used for centuries for treating all kinds of illnesses and diseases. Garlic helps people with their cholesterol problems by keeping the cholesterol levels in our body in good balance. This is done by lowering serum cholesterol levels and garlic also raises the good cholesterol levels. Garlic is also good for combating clots in the body that can result in heart diseases and strokes.

Summary of Herbs for Cholesterol

There are also other herbs and natural remedies that can be used to help combat high and low cholesterol problems but the two listed above are the ones that seem to be making a bog impact on people that want to use natural ways of treating themselves. Herbs for cholesterol problems are a good natural way of making your body feel better by only using what nature intended us to use. High cholesterol is a shock for many people and they want to deal with it straight away, while most of these herbal treatments will take time to make any kind of effect on the body they are still used all the time by people all over the world and they have seen good results come out of using these herbal treatments.

Hope this article will provide you information about Herbs for cholesterol.

Herbs for Colon Cleansing.

The colon gets clogged up with parasites and fecal matter due to wrong eating habits and exposure to toxins in food, water, and the air. The liver becomes unable to dispose of all the toxic waste and it ends up in the bloodstream. Nutrients can’t reach the bloodstream as long as the colon is blocked. We need to clean our colons to get our health back. Herbs for colon cleansing are available in various forms such as capsules, pills, teas, soup, and in their natural state.

 Use Herbs for colon cleansing if you have three or more of the following symptoms:

1. Tiredness in the afternoon

2. Headache

3. Backache

4. Allergies

5. Food cravings

6. Bad breath

7. Insomnia

8. Depression

9. Indigestion

10. Irritability

11. Overweight

12. Skin problems

13. Water retention

14. Bad memory

15. Menstrual pains

16. Asthma

17. Tension

Herbs for colon cleansing

• Aloe Vera is a natural laxative that relieves bowel irritation and constipation.

• Artichoke protects the liver against toxins and infection. It stimulates bile secretion and is useful to reduce abdominal distension.

• Barberry Bark is a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects that encourages bile flow.

• Black Radish is useful in the treatment of constipation caused by liver dysfunction. It increases the production of bile and improves intestinal contraction and relaxation.

• Buchu is used to reduce colon inflammation and bloating during menstruation.

• Burdock Root improves bile production and increases digestive juices.

• Burdock Root purifies the blood, acts as a diuretic and restores the liver.

• Cascara Sagrada restores intestinal tonus and thereby cures constipation.

• Cayenne Pepper helps to get rid of waste through sweat and acts a blood purifier.

• Dandelion stimulates the flow of bile from the urea tract and helps to clean the blood. It supports the liver function and reduces eczema.

• Fennel is mostly used in the form of tea that acts as a natural laxative. It relieves flatulence and colic. It helps to maintain stasis and tone, and sterilizes the gastrointestinal tract.

• Garlic kills bacteria in the bloodstream and cleans the intestines.

• Ginger is a tonic that you can use to strengthen the digestive tract. Drink a bit of grated ginger together with a drop of lemon juice and honey in warm water before dinner. It is a softener and revitalizes the muscles and glands. It helps get rid of toxins through sweating.

• Ginseng detoxifies the whole body and reduces fatigue. Pregnant woman, people with high blood pressure and hypoglycemia should avoid it.

• Golden Seal supports the colon, liver and pancreas function. It stops intestinal swelling and kills bacteria in the waste.

• Grapefruit Seed kills strep, salmonella, staph, herpes, fungi and parasites.

• Green Tea is a potent detoxifier and has the best Herbs for colon cleansing. It is rich in vitamin C and catechins that make up about a quarter of green tea leaves. The cathechins combine with other molecules to detoxify the system. Green tea contains polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

• Kale helps to reduce bloating and contains the colon protecting glutamine that prevents cancer of the bowel.

• Licorice Root heals mucus membranes of the intestinal tract.

• Milk Thistle is used to clean and regenerate the liver.

• Parsley has diuretic qualities and helps to clean the kidneys. It facilitates oxygen metabolism.

• Peppermint relieves constipation, indigestion and cramps.

• Psyllium Husk softens fecal matter for easier stools by increasing the water content in the colon.

• Red Clover cleanses the bloodstream from toxins and rids the digestive system of bacteria. It helps the muscle lining in the digestive system to relax, is an appetite suppressant, and protects the body against bacterial infections.

• Rhubarb Root has a purgative action that reduces constipation.

• Seaweed provides essential nutrients and helps against constipation.

• Senna has powerful laxative qualities and helps to clean the lymphatic system.

• Spearmint relaxes the body and stimulates bile secretion. It relieves headaches, tension, and indigestion.

• Turmeric is has anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-fungal qualities. It acts a blood purifier.

These Herbs for colon cleansing also have other qualities to improve the body’s health in areas such as building the immune system and to increase energy. Herbs for colon cleansing should form part of your normal diet. Don’t use an excess of any herb. Follow a balanced diet and regular exercise to insure overall health.

Herbs for High Blood Pressure...

Although blood pressure varies from person to person and also by age, in general terms normal blood pressure should be less than 130 mm Hg systolic and less than 85 mm Hg diastolic, being the optimal blood pressure less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. Above these measures the individual is diagnosed with hypertension.

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries, and Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure greater than 140/90, it is recommended to bring back blood pressure closer to 120/80, considered optimal, because elevated blood pressure levels increase the risk for heart attack and stroke.

Although hypertension can be treated with medication, most people everyday are wanting to control this condition with the use of herbs, as recommended by ancient disciplines that have spread widely in Occident in the last years, such as Ayurveda.

Herbs for Diabetes.

From ancient times to the present, people have treated several diseases with the awesome medicinal properties of plants and herbs, diabetes has not been the exception. Although there are several herbs well known for their healing properties, there are also two of them particularly famous for their efficacy supporting diabetes.

Banaba (Lagerstroemia Speciosa) is a widely studied herb from the Philippines used for support in diabetes mellitus which the leaves have the ability to maintain normal blood sugar simulating an "insulin-like" activity and it has been traditionally used to aid in cleansing the liver and in weight control because of its ability to assist in regulating blood sugar within the normal range.

Ampalaya (Bitter melon-Mormodica Charantia) is another Philippine herb under extensive research in recent years confirming its effectiveness in the treatment of diabetes, because of its properties to increase the production of beta cells by the pancreas, thus improving the body's natural ability to produce insulin. Perhaps it is the most popular remedy for diabetes throughout the Philippines, Asia, India and Africa.

Banaba and Ampalaya have been recommended by the Department of Health of the Philippines, as a remedy for liver problems, diabetes and HIV, confirming their properties to control diabetes by slowing the absorption of blood sugar. Ampalaya in its wild form is also widely cultivated as fruit, also know as bitter melon, balsam pear, bitter gourd, or cucumber

An intake of 2 oz twice a day of bitter melon juice, obtained either by blending the fruit with a small amount of water or by running the fruit through a juicer, is today one of the most popular remedies in Asia and the United States, along with Banaba leaves tea and coconut oil which offers more promise for diabetes sufferers.

However, there are many other medicinal herbs and spices helping in the treatment of diabetes such as Ginkgo Biloba, which improves circulation in individuals with diabetes, Fenugreek with fiber-rich seeds able to slow the absorption of blood sugar in the intestine lowering cholesterol levels, and Psyllium seeds acting similarly to fenugreek slowing down gastric emptying and reducing the rate at which glucose gets absorbed from the intestine.

Ginseng both American and Asian has been introduced to modern medicine as a popular ancient Chinese aphrodisiac, but its medicinal properties are not limited to this function. Ginseng is able to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas increasing the body's ability to use it.

A daily intake of 200 milligrams for two to three weeks, followed by a one to two week break, is considered a safe dose in the treatment of diabetes, taking in mind that that large doses may cause nervousness, headaches, insomnia and diarrhea, and it may be not used by people with high blood pressure.

The different parts of Medicinal Plants can be easily differentiated by their leaves and other aromatic part of the plants. The leaves of fresh or dried plants are considered herbs, the fruit, berries, bud, roots, or bark are known as spices, and among these, Cinnamon is a spice that helps cells become more responsive to insulin.

A daily intake of a quarter to a full Cinnamon teaspoon sprinkled in juice, coffee or onto cereal is enough to regulate your insulin. Cayenne Pepper, used topically help decreasing diabetic nerve pain that may occur in legs, hands and feet. This spice is popularly know in its ointment form known as Capsaicin, and the recommended topical treatment may last for up to five days.

Using herb is not without risk, because they are also drugs, so if you try herbs as a treatment for diabetes symptoms, get the correct herb, making sure you identity it as the corresponding to its name, test only one herb at a time in its recommended dose watching for side effects, and stopping its use if any reaction occur, if possible contact your doctor immediately.

Herbs may effect your other medications so comment to your health care provider that you are trying with herbs, and monitor your blood sugar levels, while you keep eating healthy and exercising regularly.

Herbs for Relaxing.

One of the goals in our modern society is to eliminate the stress which causes us to have a hard time relaxing or getting to sleep. No matter, if you live in a big cosmopolitan capital or in a small town, all of us experience stress at one time or another, making us feel overwhelmed during a busy day or experiencing apprehension over the outcome of a particular event.

It may be just a temporary stage, as the stress and agitation during the holiday season, or the worries and anxiety caused by an upcoming job interview, but those events adding extra pressure to our days makes it useful and almost mandatory to use relaxing herbs.

Valerian, skullcap, kava kava, hops and many others have been used for a long time with the purpose to calm the spirit bringing peace to the mind, in fact some of them, such as valerian, Lemon Balm leaves, orange leaves or orange blossom have been used as home remedies for ages to improve children's sleep by mixing an infusion of the herb with sweetened warm milk.

It is also known that some delicate aroms of herbs induce to relation and placid dreams. One of those herbs is Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), a native herb to North America as well as Europe, also known as sweetgrass, holy grass, buffalo grass, vanilla grass, or Zubrovka, considered as a sacred plant and used in peace and healing rituals.

Sweetgrass leaves are dried and made into braids and burned as vanilla-scented incense. The long leaves of sterile shoots are used by Native Americans in making baskets, while the coumarin content of the herb or the fragrance is used as incense and in making perfume. Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils taken from plants, flowers, roots and seeds for healing and relation purposes.

Infusion of relaxing herbs is the most common and cheap method of extracting the medicinal compounds of herbs when used as an intake for easiness. Infusions are the simplest way of extracting herbs active principles by dropping them in hot water or boiling the herb slowly as in decoctions.

An infusion is prepared as a regular tea to extract the volatile compounds of the herbs. Flowers and leaves of relaxing herbs can be used in infusions as single herbs tea or blending and mixing them. Although it may be drunk hot, warm or cold, experts advise to drink them as hot as you can, and sweetened with honey if possible.

Decoctions require more time and are particularly useful when using the roots of the herbs, barks or fruits, because they are thicker and less permeable than the aerial parts of the relaxing plants, and do not liberate their active principles by simple infusion or just liberate it partially.

In decoctions it is necessary to simmer the parts of the plant in boiling water in order to extract all their medicinal compounds. It is advisable to cut or break into small pieces the plant materials, and use a lid over the simmering pan to avoid loosing volatile constituents. After cooling down and separating the solid from the liquid, decoctions can be taken hot, warm or cold as regular infusions.

If you cannot turn your mind off and you need to relax, one of the herbs successfully used to help you recover the tranquility and inner wellness is the passion flower, a Native American herb. The passion flower is most effective in the alcohol extract form, because a few drops of this herb in tea, milk or water are enough to get results.

The Extract of relaxing herbs can be combined with other extracts, such as passion flower with Scullcap and/or Kava, and it is best to take a dose 1/2 to 1 hour before bed and then again just at bedtime for this intranquility condition. In insomnia conditions, a Chinese combination of Ginseng, Reishi and Fu Ling, all in equal parts taken twice a day with meals may solve the problem.

Relaxing herbs like Valeriana and Passiflora incarnata (passion flower) may be helpful in pain relief after traumatic injury, or when a patient become tense and less tolerant of pain for any other reason. In fact a naturist remedy in this case is Dr. Bach's Flowers