A Herbal Remedy Guide To Curbing Hot Flashes - Kevin Birch

For women suffering from hot flashes during menopause and perimenopause, finding a cure is often a long process. But amid all of the synthetic treatments on the market, none compare to natural herbal treatments that have been used for centuries by women in the know.

Hot flashes, which are noted by increased heat and flushing in the face, is common among women approaching menopausal age, and some are afflicted by severe symptoms. Finding relief in the form of natural herbs helps eliminate stress that accompanies the problem.

While hormone therapy is used by many women, others prefer the natural route, taking doses of Vitamin E and Vitamin B to aid in the easing of symptoms. But herbs play an important role in natural hot flash therapy.

Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is used in whole seed and oil form to help ease hot flash symptoms. While there is no hard scientific evidence to back up the support of this claim, women have used it successfully for years.

Evening primrose oil is another herb commonly used to treat hot flashes during menopause. However, this botanical is sometimes accompanied by side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. It’s important to talk to your doctor before combining evening primrose with other medications, such as blood thinning drugs, because it could cause adverse reactions.

Soy products such as plant estrogen, which is found in isoflavones, contribute an estrogen-similar effect to the body to weaken hot flash symptoms. Many women concentrate on using soy-based food products to treat hot flashes, not soy supplements.

Another herbal remedy for hot flash symptoms during menopause and perimenopause is the use of black cohosh. As a short-term remedy, it works well. But side effects can include an upset stomach, so it needs to be used carefully.

With so much controversy in the news about hormone replacement therapy, it’s important that women find reliable natural ingredients they can use to treat various symptoms associated with menopause.

The herbs mentioned here only serve as a small reminder of natural cures you can find to treat a single symptom – hot flashes. There are dozens of other herbs that can help alleviate the other menopausal symptoms women have to endure over the years.

Kevin Birch has suffered from chronic chronic conditions for many years. He has successfully used some of the remedies included in his herbal remedy guide, Effective Herbal Remedies, to manage his health conditions.

Hopefully you will have found this article on Effective Herbal Remedies informative. You will learn a lot more about how Effective Herbal Remedies can help you at http://www.healthwareonline.com/herbs

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Use Cinnamon Essential Oil For Cholesterol And Digestive Problems - Lee Dobbins

Cinnamon Essential Oil is distilled from both the bark and leaf of the cinnamon plant which comes from Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

The aroma of the cinnamon essential oil that has been distilled from the bark is similar to that of cassia (Chinese Cinnamon) and it is often combined with frankincense as well as other oriental woods. However, cinnamon essential oil can cause irritation to the skin and should be handled with care. This kind of essential oil is particularly good use in aromatherapy to warm and comfort the person being treated.

Whilst the aroma produced by the oil distilled from the cinnamon leaves is more reminiscent of the smell of cloves than cinnamon because of the large amount of eugenol in it. It is often best mixed with oriental fragrances and as previously mentioned it should be handled with care as it can cause irritation to the skin. Where the essential oil from the cinnamon bark is ideal for aromatherapy where a person wants to feel warm and comfortable that distilled from the leaf seems to refresh and vitalize a person.

The primary components of cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde, gum, tannin, mannitol, coumarins and the essential oils known as aldehydes, eugenol and pinene. As it is predominantly used as a carminative addition to herbal prescriptions.

Some recent studies have shown that if you consume as little as 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon each day you may be able to reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels by as much as 20%. For those patients who suffer from Type II Diabetes and who are not taking insulin it is mildly carminative as well as a great way of treating nausea and flatulence that these people suffer from. Whilst it can be used on its own or as a combination therapy to treat diarrhea.

Chinese Herbalists suggest that people who are in the 70's or 80's and develop a cough which involves the spitting of whitish phlegm from their throats of a frequent basis should chew and swallow a small pinch of powdered cinnamon. This remedy also seems to help those people who suffer from cold hands and feet (especially at night).

Not only is cinnamon great for helping with appetite loss and indigestion problems as well as dealing with flatulent dyspepsia, dyspepsia with nausea, intestinal colic as well as digestive atony which is associated with colds and other debilitating conditions. It can also help to relieve the effects of nausea and vomiting and because it is mildly astringent is particularly useful to use on infantile diarrhea.

Certainly the essential oil found is cinnamon is known to be a potent antibacterial, anti-fungal and uterine stimulant and there are certain terpenoids found in this oil which are believed to account for the medicinal effects cinnamon has.

Although test tube studies carried out show that cinnamon can augment the action of insulin no clinical trials have yet proved that cinnamon can improve the action of insulin in people who suffer from diabetes. There are more than 170 million around the world who suffer from diabetes and this number continues to rise. May be many of these could actually benefit from being able to take such an easily accessible product. There is evidence to show that this spice has the power to cut blood sugar levels nearly as much as statin drugs.

It is believed that a substance known as MHCP is the reason why cinnamon reignites the body's fat cells to respond to insulin and this dramatically increases the removal of glucose.

There have also been a couple of studies carried out which reveal new evidence that act as an anti-inflammatory agent, along with being an anti-oxidant agent and ones that can lower cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose as well as improve the functioning of insulin in the body.

In fact it can not be denied that the power of cinnamon can not be denied in helping some diabetics or pre-diabetics.

However, it is important that you talk to your doctor prior to taking cinnamon in case it has any effects on the medications you are already taking.

Essential oils by themselves are very powerful and cinnamon essential oil should never be taken internally unless under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://essentialoils.health-g8way.com where you can learn more about essential oils and their uses as well as more about cinnamon essential oil.

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Natural Remedies For Treating a Cold - Simon Mitchell

Sometimes it can be hard to escape that shivery feeling that happens when you get too cold. A good immediate remedy for this is to wrap yourself up in a douvet and stick a hairdryer up it, (making sure the air flow is not restricted) until you feel warmed up.

Colds are the body's escape mechanism. When the whole system is overloaded it crashes. The body stresses out and the immune system drops its threshold. The nose releases toxic wastes in the form of mucous and the body often aches and feels exhausted. Pay attention to what your body is saying because an unchecked cold can become far more serious if you keep it buried.

If you are one of those people who can tell when you have a cold coming on, then it can be stopped, or at least minimised, in several ways. Firstly, rest is essential. There is no way your body will self-heal in a stressful situation. If you have to work, take it easy or delegate a bit more. Lemon juice, rose hips, parsley (not if you're pregnant) and fresh orange all contain vitamin C, so take them.

Some colds can actually be completely stopped dead by gently sniffing a mixture of lemon juice and warm water up your nose, if you are brave enough. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds contain zinc which is important in cold prevention so take some of those. Otherwise its time to sweat those built up toxins right out through the skin. Start with a peppermint tea and take some garlic or garlic capsules. Then boil a large onion in milk for an hour, eat it, and drink the milk. Follow on with a steaming cup of lemon juice, honey, cinnamon and grated ginger which will stimulate circulation and sweating. Enjoy it in a mustard footbath which will also warm up the blood - use multiple and layered remedies and take them as an opportunity to treat yourself.

For a mustard footbath, take 1 tsp. yellow powder mustard and one of household soda (if you have hard water) and put them in a deep basin with some water as hot as you can stand. Keep your feet and lower legs in for about ten minutes, topping the bath up with fresh hot (not boling) water. Dry off, put on thick socks and climb into a freshly warmed bed, the earlier the better.

Nature's First Aid http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/natkit.html

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Medical Conflicts-of-Interest: A Thing of the Past - Joseph Kraft, MD

Recently I had been asked to give my opinion about a new “breakthrough” nutritional supplement that is being aggressively marketed through network marketing programs. As a physician who tries earnestly to be objective about what I see in the mainstream press, I have come to realize that the medical community no longer adheres to the high standards that not long ago were seen as a moral “high ground”. Now, I am seeing my physician “colleagues” becoming spokespersons for multi-billion-dollar network marketing programs. Is there such thing as a conflict-of-interest anymore? This question is not rhetorical. Has our society completely embraced the idea that it is OK for a physician to prescribe a medicine or supplement that he himself is selling and getting profits from? Have we, as a society decided that there needs not be any distinction in moral conduct between a physician and any other salesman? It seems apparent to me that this is the case. One quick perusal of the “medicine and healing” isle at your local Barnes and Noble bookstore will demonstrate this. So why has this change taken place and what does it mean for people that are seeking the truth in medicine?

The Cause of the Moral Decline in Medicine:

First, 21st century physicians have to work harder and longer for less money. Due to the increasing amount of legal documentation that must accompany each patient encounter, fewer patients can be seen in any given day. I now spend approximately 2/3 of my time doing paperwork and 1/3 actually caring for patients. This has also affected the amount of time that can be spent with each patient. Also, insurance and medicare reimbursements are steadily decreasing. This, combined with skyrocketing malpractice premiums has resulted in a progressive decline in physician income over the past 20 years. I believe that this is one reason that physicians are looking at other opportunities to utilize their medical degree to make a living, and I can’t blame them for that.

Second, the American public has been so indoctrinated into our paternalistic medical system that they cannot conceive that a physician would actually abandon his oath to society and make recommendations to patients based on his own financial returns rather than on sound medical judgement. This “blind faith” has been appreciated by physicians over the centuries, but times have changed. Most physicians today are not the “public servants” of yesterday that would go out at all hours of the night to render aid to the sick and ailing. No, most of todays physicians are in groups and practice arrangements that are designed to limit their time commitment to their patients thus allowing them more family time. As a family man myself (married 22 years with 8 children), this has been a real struggle for me and was the main reason that I had to leave primary care to become an ER physician with no primary patients to be committed to. The oath that I took when I graduated from medical school (the oath of Geneva) clearly put my patient’s wellbeing ahead of my own or my family. This is a tough oath to take or to live by, but physicians over the generations have taken it. It is this dedication to patients that has created our extremely paternalistic medical environment. We tend to take whatever recommendation our physician gives as unadulterated, educated, and well thought through advice that could never be bought or sold for anything as immoral as financial gain.

If you therefore accept these two facts: first, physicians are making less money by traditional practice techniques, and second, physicians are still inherently trustworthy in the public eye, then it is no wonder that today’s physicians have a great opportunity to utilize this blind trust as a means to market medicine related products to a lay public. Then, as in a perfect storm, the “Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994” enacted by congress allowed nutritional supplements to be sold to the American public without any testing for efficacy or safety. This simply means that now physicians can utilize the trust that has been bestowed upon them to promote to unsuspecting customers (formerly referred to as patients) products that have not yet been shown to be effective or safe…and they are making millions doing it.

So what does this mean for the average American? Please be skeptical of any advice from anybody (and now this even includes medical doctors) promoting products that they are making money from. Look at the facts and get second opinions. After all, you don’t believe everything that is thrown at you by the plaid-jacketed used car salesman and now this applies to physicians as well. Before buying nutritional supplements or miracle remedies, you should always consult the opinion of your own personal physician that has your best interest in mind.

Dr. Kraft is currently a practicing ER physician in College Station, Texas. He originally trained in both Adult Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and has had teaching appointments with Texas A&M and Connecticut Children’s Hospital receiving numerous teaching awards from both. He has been married for 22 years and he and his wife homeschool their 8 children, half of which were adopted from Haiti. He and his family are active in Church and Christian Ministries in Haiti. He is interested in medicine, family relationships, child safety, alternative education, entrepreneurialism, photography, medical missions, orphan ministry, nutritional supplements, and exposing misleading medical marketing scams. He can be contacted through email at joe@mydailyhomepage.com.

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Cord Blood Banking: Weighing the Pros and Cons - Jimmy Cloward

If you are a parent, or are expecting, chances are you’ve probably heard
about the controversial subject of cord blood banking. This is when you have
some blood saved from your baby’s umbilical cord after birth. The reason for
this is that if your child gets sick or needs a bone marrow transplant, you
will have this blood available. If this could save your child’s life, then
why isn’t it more popular? The answer to this could be the cost of cord blood
banking or it could be the facts surrounding this procedure.

There are many companies in the United States that deal with cord blood
banking, the most well known among these being ViaCord and Cord Blood
Registry. If you’re planning on storing your child’s cord blood with one of
these companies, you may need to save some money first. ViaCord charges
$1,500 to collect the cord blood and then you will need to pay $95 every year
for them to store it. Because they can store it for up to 21 years, it would
cost you $3,500. ViaCord’s direct competitor Cord Blood Registry, is a little
cheaper to collect the blood, charging $1,290. The same $95 annual fee is
charged through Cord Blood Registry.

So after seeing those monetary figures, have your thoughts changed? Let’s now
look at some of the facts about the procedure of cord blood banking. If you
decide that this sounds like something you’d like to do, how likely is it
that you’ll ever need your child’s cord blood? Approximately 1 out of every
2,700 people who bank their child’s blood will ever use it. Something to keep
in mind about that statistic, however, is that if your child had their cord
blood in the bank, doctors would be much more likely to use that before
administering blood from a donor. Even if the blood was taken from a sibling,
there is only a 25% chance that it would be a match. Another positive to cord
blood banking is that it is always available when you need it.

So who should consider banking their child’s cord blood? Everyone has the
option, however children with higher risks of having a condition needing
medical treatment may benefit from this procedure the most. Having stem cells
on hand can be a huge plus if your child has a higher than average risk of
contracting sickle cell anemia, leukemia, aplastic anemia or thalassemia. It
would also be necessary to have if your child is ever in need of a stem cell
transplant, has metabolic storage disorders or immunodeficiencies.

If your baby does have a high risk of having a disease or some other medical
condition similar to the ones previously named, you should definitely ask
your child’s pediatrician for their advice on the subject. So what if you
decide this is something your child needs but you simply can’t afford it?
Well, don’t give up hope yet. There is a place called the Children’s Hospital
of Oakland and they have what is called the Sibling Donor Cord Program. This
program allows you to store your child’s cord blood for free, assuming that
you meet their eligibility requirements. The Children’s Hospital of Oakland
will assist you if your child has a transplantable condition, has a prenatal
diagnosis of a transplantable condition or if your unborn baby has a high
risk of needing a transplant of some kind.

One option you have when it comes to Cord Blood Banking is donating your
child’s cord blood. You can do this if you live near one of the National
Marrow Donor Program Cord Blood Banks in 14 states in North America, which
include Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania
and Washington. The stems cells located in your child’s cord blood could then
be used to save the lives of unrelated children who may need a transplant of
some kind. If you decide Cord Blood Banking is not something you would like
to do, then maybe you could consider donating your baby’s cord blood to
benefit others. Keep in mind, there is no cost for you to donate and donating
poses no risk to your child.

My name is Jimmy Cloward and I am a freelance writer based in Rolla, Missouri. I have written for numerous websites and local newspapers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Cloward

Natural Toe Nail Fungus Cure - Ray Rice

In 1996, I contracted a bad case of athletes feet which I must gotten at the WMCA in Cincinnati, OH where I went swimming every week. I made the mistake of letting my athletes feet condition go until my feel were really eaten up with fungus. I also noticed some type of Toe Nail Fungus in my left and right large toe nails, which at first, I didn't really pay much attention to.

In 1997 I finally bought some Lamisil cream to treat my athletes feet. After applying it for about 2 weeks, my athletes feet fungus was gone. Since it worked so well on the athletes feet condition, I thought it would work as well on getting rid of the Toe Nail Fungus so I applied it to my toe nails for the next year, but saw no improvement. In 1998, I went to my family doctor and asked him what he would recommend I do about this condition. He asked me if my toe nails hurt and I told him they didn't. He said that I could take anti fungal pills like Lamisil, but they were expensive... $10.00 per day for 3 months and they sometimes had undesirable side effects or I could just let it go and live with it like millions of other people. So, I decided not to take the anti fungal pills and tried using every type of anti fungus treatment I could find in drugs stores and on the internet and NONE OF THEM WORKED. Meanwhile my Toenail Fungus condition kept getting worst and worst.

In 2003, I moved to Florida and was barefoot most of the time. My toenail fungus infection had gotten so bad in both my large toes that they were yellowed and thick with fungus. And they not only looked bad, they HURT! So in April of 2004 I went to a podiatrist with the intention of requesting a prescription for Anti Fungal Tablets (my last resort). He talked with me about my toe nail infection ( the medical term for toenail fungus is "onychomycosis" ) and how it can actually become life threatening if left untreated. He also told me about the possible side effects of taking prescription tablets and how after his mother- in-law took prescription tablets for a month or so, she lost her sense of taste! He explained that everything she ate, "tasted like cotton". This really sounded scary and made me not want to take any pills. He said that there was another alternative treatment which worked for some of his patients which I could try first before resorting to taking the Tablets, which by the way cost (at the time) approximately $10.00 per day for 3 months - (about $900. for the 3 month period).

I did considerable research over the next week on the internet and came of with a plan of attack to get rid of my Toenail Fungus which also included my doctors suggestion. I have a background in Electronics Engineering and problem solving, so I put my skills to work and came up with a regiment which worked so well that I could hardly believe it! In three months, almost all of the fungus was gone from my toe nails and in 8 months, after my new nails had grown in, my toes were FUNGUS FREE! What a joy to finally be rid of those ugly, embarrassing toe nails. And the best part is that they have remained FUNGUS FREE to this day June20, 2006 and I didn't have to resort to taking those expensive pills.

After my toe nail infection disappeared and my new clear nails had grown in, I went back to see my Doctor When I showed him how my nails had cleared up, he was amazed!

For information on how to how to get rid of toenail fungus quickly, easily and naturally go to http://www.toenailfunguscure.org

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Natural Herbal Remedies - Harmful Effects And Things To Avoid - By Michael Fortomas

Natural herbal remedies are good medicine. There is no doubt about that fact. What is so amazing about natural herbal remedies is their close association to our modern medicines. Most of our current “wonder drugs” have a botanical connection.



In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has skyrocketed to the forefront of the medical field. A 2004 government survey concluded that more than one third of adults use alternative medicine and healing.



However, there are over 300,000 higher plant species. A good herbalist may know of one or two thousand of them. This means that even an experienced herbalist can make mistakes. Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems.



Pregnant women should avoid barberry root bark, cascara sagrada, feverfew, juniper berries, mugwort, pennyroyal, pokeroot, rue, senna, southernwood, tansy, thuja and wormwood. All of those herbs can increased a risk for miscarriage. Safe herbs during pregnancy would be Manna, Butternut Bark or Root, Flax Seed, Slippery Elm and Lemon Verbena.



No matter what herb(s) you are taking, be mindful of anything unexpected. Stop taking whatever it is and consult an expert you can trust.



Make certain you have the correct diagnosis. Diagnosis is not easy and sometimes doctors make mistakes. Generally, however, a doctor is much better equipped to diagnose. Discuss any planned herbal discipline you plan to undertake with your physician.



Watch for any allergic reactions. Even though you may have never had any allergies in the past, if you are embarking on an herbal journey, watch carefully for any adverse reactions. If you experience difficulty in breathing within 30 minutes of trying a new herb, food or drug, call 911 immediately! You may be having an anaphylactic reaction which is the most severe form of allergic reaction. This condition can quickly become fatal unless treated promptly. This reaction is rare, but you need to be careful and be aware.



Watch for any interactions. Medicines often interact negatively with one another. So do herbs. Always be careful when taking more than one drug or herb or a combination of both. If you suspect an interaction consult your physician or pharmacist.



One interaction that you should be aware of is Antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. They interact badly with wine, cheese and many other foods. St. John’s Wort is also an MAO inhibitor so the same food restrictions apply. If you plan on using St. John’s Wort, discuss it with your physician or pharmacist.



Lastly, make certain that both your physician AND your herbalist are fully aware of all medications and/or herbal treatments you are using.



About the Author: If you are sick and tired of being over-medicated, you can take control and start a journey toward natural herbal remedies with Michael's FREE ebook "47 Herbal Remedies"
Visit http://1source-body-health.com/herbal-remedies.html




Source: www.isnare.com

A Quick Comparison of Conventional Medicines and Alternative Medicines - Chris Robertson

The term "conventional medicine" refers to medicine practiced by medical doctors and doctors of osteopath. Alternative medicine is a system of theory and practice used by many individual cultures around the world. There are several differences in conventional and alternative medicines, but there are some practitioners that use them together.

Promoting Good Health

The emphasis in alternative medicine is good health and prevention of disease. With alternative medicine, an individual is using natural remedies to build up the immune system to fight off infection and diseases. Each person is treated as an individual. Then, a specialized treatment is used for their needs. Through extensive questioning and diagnostic tools, the practitioner works to determine the cause of health problems. If there are underlying factors influencing your health, they will work to find the problem. Instead of using the same treatment on everyone with a common symptom, they try to find the hidden cause and treat it.

Different Methods

There are several different kinds of alternative medicines: homeopath, osteopath, chiropractic, herbal medicine, massage and acupuncture. Alternative medicine practitioners usually have a quality education with degree-level exams and monitored evaluation. Other therapies not as common are reflexology and aromatherapy, which use less invasive methods. These are more independent practitioners sometimes using methods developed on their own.

The purpose is to stimulate the body's healing process. Instead of trying to rid the body of a disease or symptom, the whole body is treated, and the cause is addressed. That is why a whole regimen is sometimes prescribed. This could be dietary changes, exercises, and an herbal remedy. By treating the cause, you have more chance of a complete cure. In most cases, these treatments are not as costly as conventional medicines.

Widely Used

Many companies offer alternative medicine in their healthcare packages. In recent years, Americans have spent billions of dollars on unconventional medicine, doctor's visits, and herbal remedies. As a result, many drug stores and chain stores are stocking natural remedies.

Conventional Treatments

In conventional medicine, the symptoms are attacked aggressively with surgery and drugs. Instead of the whole body being considered at one time, each organ is attended separately. Medical schools are divided into organ specific departments where the organs are learned about separately, and are not taught as being related to each other. This works fine for emergency and trauma treatments, but does not promote better health over all.

The treatments used in conventional medicine are the result of scientific research and successful results. Many doctors are convinced that these are the best for their patients. But in most cases, they will treat everyone with the same treatment when they could have different factors affecting their health. Many doctors specialize in one area and only know that one field well.

Using Both Methods

Some doctors use alternative medicine in a complimentary manner along with their conventional treatments. Several medical schools and renowned hospitals are offering courses and clinics using alternative medicines. This is also common in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Most people assume that only the latest high-tech treatments will be affective, but sometimes these are not as tried and proven as the old time remedies passed down over the years. The best thing to do is gather as much information as you can before you make a judgment. Many times people are skeptical or fearful because they do not know the facts.

Being Prepared

Though our bodies are very resilient and have the amazing ability to heal their selves, there are times that we will need help. It is best to be informed about both conventional and alternative medicines when the time comes to make a choice.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Alternative - Conventional Medicine or Majon's Health and Beauty directory.

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Apple Cider Vinegar vs Tums or Rolaids - Monty Henry

Natural (Controversial) Cures in Alternative Medicine

Welcome Back again. I hope you enjoyed the first article about H202. The second article about apple cider vinegar I found out when talking with a friend. We were talking about weight loss and she suggested the vinegar helps. I put 3 tablespoons in a 80z glass of water and drink it before I ate. 1-3 times a day. You may sweeten with molasses or honey also. If possible the organic apple cider vinegar is best. I use Braggs organic apple cider vinegar. Available at health food stores.

Apple Cider Vinegar Cures

From the extensive reader feedback we've received over the past 6 years, the reported cures from drinking Apple Cider Vinegar are numerous: allergies (including pet, food and environmental), sinus infections, acne, high cholesterol, flu, chronic fatigue, candida, acid reflux, sore throats, contact dermatitis, arthritis,and gout. One reader reported that a shot of ACV saved him from going to the emergency room for heart pain. Apple Cider Vinegar also breaks down fat and is widely used to lose weight. It has also been reported that a daily dose of apple cider vinegar in water has soaring blood pressure under control in two weeks!

If you can get over the taste of apple cider vinegar, you will find it one of the most important natural remedies in healing the body.

Apple Cider Vinegar is also wonderful for dogs, cats, and horses. It helps them with arthritic conditions, controls fleas & barn flies, and gives a beautiful shine to their coats!

Thanks,

Carolyn A.

carolyn69_91605@yahoo.com

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Antioxidant Supplements - As Good As Natural Antioxidants? - Tanya Turner

It is now a common knowledge that antioxidants are beneficial for your health. There are two ways to make sure that you get your intake of antioxidants. One is to include foods rich in antioxidants in your everyday diet. Another is to take an antioxidant supplement. Which way is better? Do antioxidant dietary supplements provide the same benefits to your health as natural antioxidants?

The market is full of antioxidant pills, drinks and other products that all claim to have anti-aging effect and even protect you from cancer. Many of them have minerals and vitamins that are intended to straighten your immune system, and generally have a positive effect on your health.

Antioxidant food supplements are not a recent discovery

Antioxidant supplements have been on the market for a very long time. Only they were not called that. Every time you take a Vitamin C, Vitamin A or Vitamin E supplement, you are taking an antioxidant. They have gained a tremendous popularity in recent years, because now it is scientifically proved that antioxidants can prevent many types of cancer.

Vitamin C supplement is an antioxidant

One of the most powerful antioxidants is actually a good old Vitamin C that also protects us from common cold. Vitamin C supplements are inexpensive and easy to find. So here is your first antioxidant supplement, even if it is not called that way on the jar. Also don't forget about natural sources of Vitamin C, such as oranges, grapefruits, grape and their juices.

Vitamin C is the only water soluble vitamin, so it is nearly impossible to overdose on it. 500 mg daily is considered an optimum dose. When drinking packaged orange juice, check the label. Many juice companies add additional vitamin C to their juices, so quite often a single glass of orange juice a day can be sufficient for your antioxidant vitamin C intake.

Vitamin A and E supplements

Vitamin A, beta carotene and Vitamin E are also strong antioxidants. Many foods contain these vitamins, and they also come in a supplement form. Cheaper supplements are synthetic, more expensive ones are derived from natural sources, like grape seeds. Some scientists argue that synthetic antioxidants are as good as the natural ones. But majority of doctors recommend natural antioxidant supplements to their patients.

American Heart Association doesn't consider supplements beneficial

Antioxidants are very beneficial not only to prevent cancer, but also to prevent many heart deceases. American Heart Association doesn't approve of taking antioxidant vitamin supplements to improve your health. They believe that natural antioxidant foods are better. American Heart Association argues that there is no evidence that antioxidant supplements provide cardiovascular protection.

Their studies revealed that our body doesn't absorb antioxidant supplements as well as it absorbs natural vitamins from fruits and vegetables. So vitamins supplement don't do you any harm, but they don't bring too much benefit either.

Other doctors, on the other hand, argue that antioxidant supplements are beneficial for your health. A supplement can help you have a proper antioxidant intake even if you don't get it with food.

While doctors still argue, it make sense to include as much of antioxidant food in your diet as your can. Especially that most fruits are not only a rich antioxidant source, but they are also high in fiber and low in fat. So you shouldn't try to replace natural sources of antioxidants with supplements. However, it is a good idea to take an additional antioxidant supplement as well, because with a level of pollution and stress in modern life your body needs all the help it can get.

Visit href="http://www.antioxidants4health.info/"> Antioxidants 4 Health to find more about how to take the most advantage of antioxidants. We review several href="http://www.antioxidants4health.info/antioxidant-supplement.htm"> Antioxidant Supplements to help you find ones that are best suited to your needs

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Magnetism – For Quick Healing and Pain Relief - Sacha Tarkovsky

Can the wearing of a medical magnet relieve pain? Can the broken bone, when left in the presence of a strong magnetic field, heal more quickly?



Studies prove they can, and do. Read on, and you may find some answers that will help you manage a health problem, by healing and pain relieve with magnetism.



How Does Medical Magnetism Work?



Our body, made up of cells, and finally atoms, are all magnetically charged. Also, our bodies have a great deal of metallic minerals in its composition, especially blood (which contains iron) and are subject to magnetic fields.



Our brains emit a huge magnetic field of about 3million Kilogauss (a gauss is the measure of a magnet’s power).



Each cell and particularly each organ has a magnetic value. When an organ is ill, the value is diminished (or increased in the example of cancer).



Magnets worn next to the skin, or on or near a pain or illness locus, have some striking effects on the cells, the organ itself, and the body itself.



These magnets must be of a certain power however. For example, a magnet of less than 800 gauss will not penetrate the skin.



The wearing of medical magnets are believed to have a calming effect on disturbed cells (especially nerve cells), and can less pain, soreness, stiffness and swelling.



Also, there is not a modern physio-therapy office that does not contain a special magnetic field to accelerate the healing of broken bones.

No one is exactly sure how this phenomenon works, but it a standard piece of equipment today.



Can Wearing Magnets Prevent Illness?



Many people now believe that wearing a copper bracelet with magnets embedded in it, can relieve muscular pains, or eliminate them before they become noticeable.



Tests show that such bracelets can improve one’s blood circulation, increase the temperature of strained muscles or ill areas (where a poor circulation has deprived it of proper temperature and oxygen), and also act as a muscle relaxant.



Many animal trainers and especially racehorse trainers are not using copper – magnetic bands to alleviate injury and promote healing of strains and pains.



They also believe it acts to prevent these very same strains and pains.



Is There Some Special Conditions the Magnets Can Alleviate?



It has been proved in a study at Tufts University Medical School (Boston) that magnet therapy greatly helped people suffering from Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a form of arthritis, but non-deforming or non-swelling.



It has pains that are sometimes severe and can last for years. The suffers have terrific sleeping problems.

The study proved that suffers that slept on magnetic mattresses had a great deal of pain relief, while suffers who slept on normal beds had none.



In a similar study done at the New York Medical College of Valhalla, magnetic foot pads were placed in the shoes of people suffering from diabetic neuropathy.



The people who had footpads with magnets found a marked increase in the relief of numbness, tingling and pain.Furthemore, evidence suggests that roughly 80% of chronic pain sufferers could benefit form magnetic therapy, which is true for virtually any form of pain.



Magnets are especially good for those who suffer from rheumatic and environmentally induced painful symptoms, that include aching and swollen feet, simple arthritis, pains in the shoulder and back, tension headaches and even sports injuries.



Sometimes just the fixing of a medical magnet to the affected area can bring relief and this is a great alternative health treatment which more people should consider.


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Supta Vajrasana - Best For Digestion - by Kevin Pederson

Supta Vajrasana in Sanskrit means thunderbolt, it was Lord Indra’s weapon. It is known as the king of all asanas, related with mind. These asanas are mainly related to the digestive system and also boosts the sensual energy of the person. It keeps your body strong and healthy by doing this asana regularly. It looks like a very simple exercise but doing it properly is the key for any exercise. Vajra is an important pulse which is directly related with genital-urinary system which modulates the sensual energy of the person. Supta Vajrasana is known to have fourteen asanas in its series which proves to be very beneficial for providing the needed energy for your body.

With the increasing age we tend to get aggravated by many illnesses and pains which bound our life. Waist, shoulders and spinal chord pain can be facilitated by doing this asana. This asana is very good for women as it helps in minimizing menstrual pains as well as avoids any complication during pregnancy. Supta Vajrasna can be performed during times of menstruation. It also relieves you from pelvic strain, burning sensation and waist pain. The core essence of this asana is to boost your moral by spiritual upliftment. It is also known to clear problems like sciatica and slip disc. The meditational poses are an excellent way to bring unison of the mind, body and soul.

If you have blood pressure this asana would benefit you immensely. It gives your spine the needed boost and helps in creating a supple and flexible back. It tones your abdominal muscles which in turn tones the abdominal wall. If you are suffering from problems like hernia this is the asana to provide relief. Supta Vajransana stretches most parts of your body including your hips and diaphragm. The continuous practice of this asana helps in maintaining your thighs which is a problem area for many. It gives a slim look to your thighs. Problems like gout, diabetes and varicose veins can also be treated by this asana. This asana is totally subjected to strengthening your lower spine, knee and ankles. It is also helpful in firming your thighs, calf muscles and making your abdomen stronger and toned. It helps in lubricating every joint of your body which helps in future.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before following any of the asanas from this article and the site. To avoid any problems while doing the asanas, it is advised that you consult a doctor and a yoga instructor. The responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

About the Author: Kevin Pederson manages number of sites on Yoga which gives information on yoga asanas and how to make best use of it. Supta Vajransana Yoga Asana Benefits strengthens the right muscles to alleviate all your pain.

Discover 3 Natural Remedies For Morning Sickness - David Silva

Here's an estimate that might shock you: as many as 80% of pregnant women experience morning sickness or some form of nausea during their pregnancy. Fortunately, the morning sickness doesn't last throughout the entire pregnancy. It tends to peak around the 9th week and disappear around the 20th week. Unfortunately, nearly three months of battling nausea can be tough on anyone.

Because of concerns for the baby, more and more women are turning to natural remedies for their morning sickness. However, even natural remedies require caution. For instance, the three most common natural remedies for morning sickness are ginger tea, acupressure wristbands, and peppermint oil. Yet these remedies can cause mild adverse reactions such as skin irritation due to the wristbands or the intolerable taste of the ginger.

You do have other choices, however. Here's a short list of steps you can take immediately to help relieve your morning sickness

- Eat frequent, smaller meals so you never feel too hungry or too full.

- Avoid fried or fatty foods.

- Eat crackers, bread, toast, cereal and other bland foods throughout the day. Eat something from this list before you get out of bed in the morning.

- Drink plenty of fluids, especially between meals.

- Keep a record of your activities and the foods you eat in order to identify what tends to trigger your nausea.

If these steps aren't helpful, then you might want to consider trying one of natural remedies listed above. Let's take a closer look at these ...

Acupuncture

A very small percentage of pregnant women experience hyperemesis gravidarium, which is a severe form of morning sickness that can result in weight loss, dehydration, and potentially hospitalization. Several studies have demonstrated that regular, several-times-a-day acupuncture sessions can be helpful in minimizing this form of nausea and vomiting.

In addition, acupuncture wrist bands (also known as ‘sea bands’) that stimulate the pericardium (p6) acupuncture point can be effective. The wrist band consists of a plastic button that applies pressure on the p6 point inside the wrist. This is a form of traditional Chinese medicine used to relieve nausea, and it generally works immediately. You can find an acupuncture wrist band online or at your local health food store. They're generally reasonably priced.

Ginger

Ginger is a popular natural remedy for morning sickness. It's been used for this purpose for centuries, and after numerous medical trials, is generally recognized as safe. However, ginger does contain substances that can potentially cause birth defects. For this reason, taking higher doses (over 500 mg) during pregnancy is generally unadvisable. In addition, there are concerns that ginger can prolong bleeding time and interfere with platelet aggregation, though studies focused on the first trimester found no notable difference in the number or miscarriages, stillbirths and malformations.

Ginger is commonly taken in hot water as a tea. It can also be consumed as ginger soda, gingersnaps or in capsule form.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Nausea can be minimized by using the aroma of peppermint. It's relatively easy to create your own peppermint aroma bowl. Fill a large bowl with hot water, add two drops of peppermint essential oil, and you're all set. Keep the bowl on a nightstand near where you sleep and see if it doesn't help.

As with any medical treatment or natural remedy, always consult with your physician first. Some natural remedies can work against medications, others can have hidden side effects that your physician can caution you about.

David Silva is the webmaster for Alternative Medicine First, a website dedicated to the dissemination of information about alternative medicine, including various practices such as acupuncture, biofeedback, Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage, yoga and others.

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Stick It To Me! Here's 10 Great Reasons To Try Acupuncture - James Calvin

Acupuncture is a natural therapy that is a form of Chinese medication. It involves inserting hair-thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s healing abilities. Acupuncture can be used to heal and overcome a variety of physical and mental health related problems.



Pain Relief



Acupuncture can aid in relieving pain. This is, in part, due to the fact that acupuncture increases the body’s level of endorphins, which are often referred to as “feel good” chemicals. Acupuncture also helps normalize nerve impulses because acupuncture points and the central nervous system are connected.



The Immune System



Evidence has indicated that acupuncture strengthens the body’s immune system and natural resistance. It has been shown that there is an increase in white blood cells, as well as in the level of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Globulins after an acupuncture treatment. Alpha and Beta Globulins are thought to help white bloods cells better fight infection, while Gamma Globulins assist in the production of immune antibodies.



Drug Recovery



Acupuncture assists in the recovery of drug and alcohol addiction. It does this by helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms, decreasing cravings, relieving tension, and helping people relax. In fact, acupuncture is so successful in drug treatment recovery that many clinics throughout the United States use acupuncture as an integral component of their programs.



Musculoskeletal Disorders



Acupuncture has the ability to release muscle tension, as well as tension in the connective tissues. This allows the lymphatic, nervous, and circulatory systems to function more efficiently. For these reasons, acupuncture is helpful in both prevention and treating musculoskeletal disorders. In fact, sports figures such as Carl Lewis, Charles Barkley, and Jim McMahon are known to use acupuncture in order to improve training and performance, as well as to speed up healing and to manage pain.



Allergies



Allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to substances that are harmless to most people. Environmental factors, such as pollen, dust and chemicals are common causes of allergies. Similar, foods such as milk, wheat, and selfish can cause allergic reactions. Allergies can cause watery eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing. They can also cause more serious problems, such as joint pain, diabetes, glaucoma, kidney problems, depression, heart palpitations and learning disorders. Through acupuncture, the body can be detoxified and the immune system can be strengthened, thereby causing the body to cease having allergic reactions.



Stress



Stress can lead to more serious health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and respiratory problems. According to Chinese medicine, stress causes these problems when the liver energy is out of balance. Therefore, acupuncture helps but this energy back into balance, which relaxes the muscles and brings about peace of mind.



Diseases and Disorder



Acupuncture can help with more than 50 different internal medical problems. Some diseases that have been effectively treated with acupuncture include: bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, ulcers, and hypertension. The exact acupuncture treatment varies depending on the medical condition and may be used in conjunction with other natural therapies, such as herbs and massage.



Chronic Fatigue Syndrome



Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is often brought on my depression, stress, or an infection. No matter the direct cause, patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have immune system deficiencies and most have a weakness in their internal organs. Acupuncture can be used to improve the body’s immunity and, therefore, eliminate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.



Menopause



Typical symptoms associated with menopause include night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and heart palpitations. In Chinese medicine, these symptoms occur when the Yin is out of balance. Yet other symptoms of menopause can include weight gain, hypertension, indigestion, and water retention, these are caused by an imbalance in the Yang. If these are left untreated, it results in a Qi deficiency, which causes feelings of fatigue, a dry vagina, decreases sex drive, lower back pain, cold extremities, and incontinence. Acupuncture therapy has been shown to help get the Yin and the Yang back into balance, thereby reducing the symptoms of menopause.



PMS and Menstruation



Many women experience both emotional and physical pain and discomfort before and after menstruation. Emotional difficulties can include sadness, anger outbursts, depression, and irritability. Physical pains can include pain in the lower back and the lower abdomen. Acupuncture can help bring the body back into balance and eliminate or lesson physical and social pain associated with menstruation.



Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is quickly gaining acceptance in Western culture for its proven ability to treat emotional and physical problems without the side effects associated with other forms of medication.


Are Allergies and Asthma Taking the FUN OUT OF LIFE? Who Else Wants To Learn One Simple Way To Totally Eliminate Asthma And Allergy Attacks, ALL Without Using Drugs And Inhalers Now...


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Copper Bracelets & Health - Their Amazing Health Benefits Revealed! - Sacha Tarkovsky

Copper bracelets were common in ancient societies and have amazing health benefits that you can benefit from. If you think wearing a simple copper bracelet can’t help you remain healthy – think again!



Archeologists have been unearthing copper jewelry for now over 200 years and yet so little has been said about them.



Why were they worn?



Why are they universal (seen in all ancient societies, even Island ones)? What do they do for the wearer?

All these questions are answered and more below. The fact is copper bracelets have a direct medicinal

effect on the human body.



Copper Bracelets and History



Worn by Pharaohs, Indian Rajas, Chinese Emperors, Persian Kings, Alexander the Great, and so many others, the copper bracelet has had more than just a cosmetic purpose.



In fact, it cannot compare even to brass (which is copper and zinc), let along Gold or Silver. Why has copper bracelets been so popular then?



Copper has been used by every civilization that had access to it as a medicine and preventative.



The history of civilization is also the history of the use of copper. The bracelets have literally been worn in every major civilization.



What Does a Copper Bracelet Do?



In a study done in the Mayo Clinic (Bratton et al., 2002) it was found that in general (over 75%) of all people with arthritic and rheumatoid arthritic pains found the symptoms decrease and sometimes disappear by the simple wearing of a pure copper bracelet.



It is no secret that copper is a most excellent conductor of electricity, and besides that, the skin is as much an entry point in the body as a barrier.



Micro doses of copper enter the body and bolster the immune system, and as it’s on the skin, it enters as and when needed (not as in dietary copper).



The copper bracelet seems also to emit elemental and molecular vibrations and other physical phenomena such as a corona effect of the ends of the bracelet.



These vibratory emissions appear to convey some medicinal benefit. In the case of body pains due to some rheumatoid arthritic condition, it appears to be very effective indeed.



Other Benefits of Wearing a Copper Bracelet.



There are several other benefits gained by the wearing of a copper bracelet, allowing absorption directly from the skin. They are:



• Copper binds to enzymes and aid the formation of hemoglobin in erythrocytes, help form collagen for wound healing, and otherwise improve the body's functioning.



• Copper can be absorbed differentially by infectious microorganisms and thereby poison them (such as Staphylococcus aureus bacteria),



• Copper is known to optimize the use of iron and zinc in the immune system.



• The absorption of copper through the skin can correct hidden copper deficiency can help optimize the body's resistance to disease.



• Copper competes with toxic minerals for absorption and physiological use, thus reducing their harmful impact and making them more likely to be eliminated.



• Copper has shown that in certain anemic and sick individuals, there is a trans-dermal feeding response that conveys a powerful tonic and immuno-protective effect.



Side Effects of Wearing A Copper Bracelet



It is true that wearing a copper bracelet can discolor the skin as the blue-green copper deposits there.

However, this discoloration can be washed away with soap and water over the course of a day or two, and there is no evidence that it harms the skin.



Otherwise, there are generally no side effects (except positive and desired ones) in the wearing of a copper bracelet.





.


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Home Remedies For Toothache - Lee Dobbins

Just about the only thing that is worse than having a toothache is having to go to the dentist so that he can fix it! While you might try to ignore a toothache and hope it goes away you really need to have it checked out as most toothaches are due to tooth or jaw problems like dental cavity, cracked tooth, exposed tooth root, gum disease, jaw point diseases or spasm of the muscles used for chewing.

The severity of a toothache can range from chronic, mild to sharp, and excruciating. The pain may worsen or get aggravated by eating and drinking hot and cold foods and beverage. The weather can also worsen the situation.

Dental cavity is the most common cause of toothache. Dental cavities are holes in the two outer layers of the tooth called the enamel and the dentin. The enamel is the outermost white hard surface and the dentin is the yellow layer just beneath the enamel. Certain bacteria in the mouth that convert simple sugars to acid causing dental cavities. This acid softens and dissolves the enamel and dentin creating cavities.

While you really do need to get to the root of the problem with your dentist, here’s some home remedies that you can use until you can get an appointment:

When toothache occurs, avoid hot, cold or sweet drinks for this will help prevent pain from pulpitis.

Chewing cloves or rubbing clove oil on the tooth is good for toothache.

Mixture of crushed clove and peanut butter will provide relief. Apply this to the aching tooth and keep it in there for some time.

Make a solution of salt and water and gargle.

Turmeric sticks are good for toothache. Burn some turmeric sticks, make a fine powder, and use it as toothpowder.

Chew a clove slowly in the aching tooth to release the juice and leave it there for about half an hour. Do this three to four times.

Ginger is also good. Try to do the same procedure as the cloves and it gives same relief.

Drink juice of star fruit twice a day to get relief from the tooth pain.

Drops of vanilla extract on the affected tooth are an effective remedy.

Oil of oregano on the paining tooth is also effective.

You may also use Listerine antiseptic by gargling it.

Ice is a traditional relief for toothache. Chew a piece of ice on the aching side of the mouth, although in the case of cavity this may make it hurt more!

If the pain is prolonged and severe, painkillers may provide some relief.

You may be able to avoid the pain of toothache all together by keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Try to avoid cavities by reducing the intake of sugary foods and drinks. Make them as an occasional treat and at meal times only. Brush your teeth and floss regularly.

Visiting the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning will help to ensure healthy teeth and gums. This way, you can avoid most toothache by catching any problems in their early stages where the treatment will be less severe.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.herbs-home-remedies.com where you can find out more about natural treatments and home remedies.

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The Fastest Way To Get Over The Flu - By: Chuck Bluestein

The above title is my guarantee to you. Modern medicine knows that people can come in contact with the germs that cause the flu and not get it due to a great immune system. What do colds have to do with the cold weather? Why is the flu season during the cold weather? Learn why the body catches a cold and the flu, how to get over them the fastest way and how to avoid them.

If your immune sysem is strong enough then you will not get the flu. When a person's health is too low, the body's intelligence tries to strenghten it. Its job is to constantly try to make the person healthy and fit, not fat. Its only goal is the best health possible. But people have many other priorities like entertainment, fun, being sociable, making money and being admired.

So when a person's health (immune system) drops too low, the body's intelligence tries to force you to do something about it. A person's health and immune system are proportional to how clean or free of toxins the body is. It is constantly trying to get rid of toxins but sometimes it gets backed up. Things that help the body detoxify are heavy sweating caused by heat or exercise, sleeping, fasting and eating a light and healthy diet. The opposite things, like lack of sleep, causes the body to get backed up with these toxins.

During cold weather people get less sunlight which means less vitamin D (which is good for the immune system). Also people sweat a lot less during cold weather so saunas can help to cause more sweating. The skin is one of the 4 excretory organs which also include the lungs, liver and kidneys. The colon is not an excretory organ since it is outside the body proper. That is medical talk.

With Bikrams Hot Yoga, you do yoga exercise in a room that is 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Americans have a tendency to over eat and under sleep especially around the holidays. I saw on the forums before thanksgiving that more people are asking what to do about a cold.

So the body's intelligence allows you to get sick so you will do the things that you were unwilling to do, like taking off work, eating less and sleeping more. Then after the flu, you are healthier than you were before the flu. If you do not do these things then the flu can last a long time.

The quickest way to get over a cold or the flu is fasting, according to Mark Twain and I. That causes the body to detoxify at the fastest rate possible. If you can't fast, then just eat only fruit, especially fruits high in vitamin C, until you are better. You already know about getting plenty of rest and drinking enough fluids. For more on this, see my website: Colds and the Flu

By: Chuck Bluestein

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Chuck Bluestein is a nutritionist, herbalist and an expert on fasting and weight loss. His website has info on colds and flus, losing weight (including water weight), weight loss strategies, healthy diet, fasting, natural healing and how to be happier. Fasting and The Master Cleanser Lemonade Fast

Natural Headache Relief - Alvin Toh

Headache is a common complaint in most people. There are 2 types of headaches: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are migraine, cluster and tension headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying disorder such as brain tumour, infection or injury. Tension headaches are the most prevalent type, afflicting men and women at some point in their lives. Most headaches are triggered by emotional, stress, environmental, chemical and food factors.

There are many over-the-counter headache pain relief medications. However, they don't cure headaches and are not without side effects. Over time, any medication can lose its effectiveness if taken too frequently.

Natural alternatives to headache pain relief are just as effective if you know the cause of your headache. However, if you suffer from migraine, cluster or any other serious types of headache, natural headache remedies may not help.

Here are some of the most common natural headache remedies.

1. Take a hot bath. The hot water helps to release contracted muscles and generally relaxes the whole body, thus relieving tension headaches.

2. Exercise can relieve headaches that are caused by stress. Jogging, swimming and taking a brisk walk will improve blood circulation, release tension and relax your body.

3. Many headaches are caused by dehydration, which causes muscle contraction. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day is recommended, not only to prevent and relieve headaches but essential to maintaining general well-being.

4. Hot or cold compress is great for relieving allergy, sinus and caffeine headaches.

5. Some oils such as lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint can relieve tension headaches.

6. Acupuncture or acupressure is a commonly used to treat stress or chronic headaches.

7. Massage is effective for relieving muscle tension in the head, neck and shoulders, and reducing stress. It can help to relieve tension headaches in some people.

8. Establish regular sleeping hours and get sufficient amount of sleep every day. The lack of or too much sleep may trigger headaches.

9. Poor posture can put a strain on your neck. Don't sit, stand or work in one position for long periods of time. Good posture places minimal strain on your muscle, ligaments and bones.

10. Avoid bright lights if they cause headaches to you. Staying in a room with minimal lighting can provide relief to headache pain.

11. Avoid foods that trigger your headaches to prevent future attacks. Some common food suspects are chocolate, red wine, nuts and cheese.

12. Reduce your caffeine intake.

Different natural headache remedies work for different people, so you need to experiment to find out which ones suit you best. If you have recurring headaches or they are very painful, it is best to consult with a doctor.

Headache is a common cause of suffering in most people. There is no need to live with the pain of headache. For more revealing facts and resources about causes of headaches and natural headache pain relief, visit http://www.relievemigraineheadache.com

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Sorry to my Readers

Sorry to all my readers but I was away for the holidays and no where near a computer. I will be posting more articles soon. Thanks for your patience.

Sincerely,

Anna A.

Aloe - It Is Used Internally To Combat Poor Appetite, Asthma - Gerald Crawford

Aloe Vera information and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments and problems such as healing wounds, for skin rejuvenation, acting as a laxative and reducing skin irritation and relieving sun burn.

Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.

Botanical Classification: Family Aloeceae

Genus and specie: Aloe vera - Aloe barbadensis

Other names:

Barbados, Cape, Curaiao, Socotrine, and Zanzibar aloe

Description of the herb aloe vera:

Aloe vera is a clump forming perennial with rosettes of thick, fleshy, spiky, gray-green leaves, young specimens being red spotted and the plant bears yellow tubular flowers in summer.

Parts used:

The slimy inside of the leave is used (also referred to as gel) as well as a juice extracted from the pulpy inside and a yellow bitter laxative principle which is an exudate from the leaf which is dried to a crystalline substance.

To prevent any confusion, herewith a summary of uses:

Aloe vera gel:

This is the naturally occurring and undiluted gel obtained by stripping away the outer layer of the leaf.

Aloe vera concentrate or extract:

This is the product obtained when removing the water from the gel

Aloe vera juice:

This is a drink for internal use that consist of at least 50% of the pulped aloe gel.

Aloe vera latex or bitter principle:

This is a bitter yellow liquid derived from the pericyclic tubules of the rind of the aloe and which primary constituent is aloin.

Properties:

It is a bitter herb with anti-inflammatory, astringent, emollient, anti fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, and is useful in the eradication of parasites and stimulating the uterus.

It contains a host of compounds that are biologically active and includes anthraquinones, saccharides and prostaglandins as well as other constituents.

Anthraquinones:

The anthraquinones contained in aloe, which has the purging and laxative action on the digestive system includes aloin (barbaloin), isobarloin, anthranol, aloetic acid, anthracene, ester of cinnamic acid, aloe-emodin, emodin, chrysophanoic acid, ethereal oil as well as resistannol.

Saccharides:

It contains various saccharides including glycoprotein, mucopolysaccharide and polysaccharides such as galactose, xylose, arabinose, acetylated mannose as well as the remarkable acemannan.

Prostaglandins and fatty acids:

The conversion of fatty acids to prostaglandins are rare but the major unsaturated fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid can be converted to 1-series prostaglandins and have a very effective influence on reducing inflammation, allergy as well as helping platelet aggregation (blood clotting at wound sites) as well as wound healing.

Other constituents:

It furthermore contains enzymes (oxidase, amylase, catalase, lipase and alkaline phosphatase) amino acids (lysine, threonine, valine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine and phenylalanine) vitamins (vitamin b1, B2, B6, C, E, folic acid, choline and beta carotene) minerals (calcium, sodium, manganese, magnesium, zinc, copper and chromium as well as other miscellaneous compounds such as cholesterol, triglycerides, steroids, uric acid, lignins, beta-sitosterol, gibberellin and salicylic acid.

Therapeutic uses:

Internal use:

The herb is used internally to combat most digestive problems, including:

constipation, poor appetite, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome as well as - asthma, diabetes, immune system enhancement, peptic ulcers

Studies have also shown that when aloe is taken internally it can stimulate and regulate various components of the immune system by stopping the inflammation and blood supply of tumors and also showed interesting results in preventing carcinogenic compounds from entering the liver and is combined in some cancer treatments.

The juice of the inner leave can be used for its anti-inflammatory effect it has on Crohn's disease but the laxative and bitter principle of aloe must NOT be used by people suffering from Crohn's disease as it causes griping and cramping.

It contains aloemannan which stimulates the growth of healthy kidney cells and helps to slow the formation of kidney stones.

The juice can be used very successfully to treat heartburn as well as ulcers and to sooth the lining of the digestive tract. It is not that effective to treat stress induced ulcers, but can be used for peptic ulcers caused by excess acid, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as alcohol use.

The oral use of aloe has produced good results in patients suffering from asthma when the asthma sufferers were not dependant on corticosteroids for treatment.

The exude from the leaves are used as a strong purgative and stimulant laxative but can cause griping and has an abortifacient effect and should not be used in pregnancy.

The bitter principle in aloe exudate which cause the laxative effect is preferable to use than that of cascara and senna, as aloe draws less fluid into the large intestine and are less likely to cause electrolyte imbalance than the other two.

In a study where volunteers ate 120 grams of parboiled aloe for lunch and supper a marked decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides and sugar was found, while in another test using aloe extract, it reduced fasting blood-sugar dramatically which is probably due to the stimulating effect it has on the pancreas to produce more insulin.

External use:

Aloe is used externally for the treatment of:

skin irritation, burns, scalds, sunburn, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, ulcers, stimulate cell regeneration

The gel can be applied directly to the skin as a softening agent.

For burns and other wounds aloe is particularly effective as it activates the macrophages which fights bacterial infection while at the same time increasing circulation to the area which results in accelerated healing.

The enzymes - carboxypeptidase and bradykininase are both involved to reduce swelling, itching, reducing inflammation as well as pain.

Studies confirmed that wounds treated with aloe heal far faster than other wounds not so treated - both for traumatic as well as surgical wounds. This may be due to the fact that it contains not only vitamin E and C as well as zinc but the polysaccharides also reduce inflammation and stimulate the fibroblast and epidermal growth and repair process.

The juice is also effective for the treatment of minor wounds and insect bites by forming a "natural plaster" over the wound.

It has good astringent qualities and is usually combined with other ingredients, to make an excellent, soothing treatments for the skin and can also be used with great success on hemorrhoids (piles).

In studies it also showed a marked result in producing remission in skin cancers and its superb anti-oxidant effect is effective to help prevent skin damage from x-rays and other forms of radiation.

When applied regularly to psoriasis great results are achieved and also relieve the pain and inflammation of eczema.

When people with frostbite was treated with a cream containing aloe, the incidence of tissue loss and amputation was reduced.

Aloe-emodin which is one of the ingredients not only has a laxative effect, but is also involved in killing the herpes virus which causes cold sores and shingles.

Aromatherapy and essential oil use:

Aromatherapists use aloe vera by infusing the plant material into a base oil, such as almond or apricot kernel oil.

This macerated oil exhibits astringent, emollient, anti fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

The oil is combined in massage therapy for its healing and rejuvenating properties.

Safety precautions and warnings:

Pregnant and breast feeding women should not use aloe latex (the laxative part) internally, although the topical application of aloe to the skin has no effect on pregnant or breastfeeding women.

People suffering from problematic hemorrhoids, ulcers, diverticulosis, colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome should consult a medical practitioner or trusted herbalist before taking aloe internally.

Extreme care should be taken with the administration of aloe laxatives, as this can cause severe digestive upsets.

When used topically, some individuals may have an allergic reaction and a skin patch test (behind the ear or on the forearm) is advised before use.

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: www.12234455.co.za

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerald_Crawford

Neem For Natural Eczema Remedy - Evelyn Lim

Many have reported good success with neem for natural eczema remedy. Eczema is a type of skin disease commonly called as dermatitis. Eczema skin is usually very dry. When the skin is attacked by a bout of eczema, it turns red, itchy and inflammed. If you have eczema, you will find it hard to stop itching and that tends to aggravate your already very sensitive skin.

Neem is a special Indian plant. It is famous for its medicinal values. In India,the neem tree is considered sacred and worshiped. It is easy to find neem trees everywhere in the country, so much so that it is considered the free tree of India. The English name for neem is Margosa. The botanical name of neem tree is Azadirachta indica.

Neem has been used as a medicine for more than 5000 years. Neem is especially good for those with skin disorders such as eczema. As a natural eczema remedy, neem when applied on the skin relieves you from itching and the painful symptoms arising from your disorder. You can also take a warm bath with neem leaves in it. In fact, this is a very common custom in India. It is also highly suitable in the instance when you have some minor skin infections.

Neem, as a natural eczema remedy, has anti bacterial, anti parasitic, anti fungal, anti viral and anti protozoal properties. It prevents micro organisms from entering into your body. For eczema sufferers, this is good news. Very often, bacteria is being introduced into your body through your broken skin, a result from scratching and itching. Application of neem oil or neem powder on your wounded skin can render micro-organisms inactive, thereby initiating relief and recovery.

Neem is not only beneficial as a natural eczema remedy but also helps to strengthen the immune system of your body. You can obtain its benefits by eating raw neem leaves. However, if you are having neem for lunch for the first time, you may not be used to the taste. Or you may find it inconvenient to have to chew neem leaves. The alternative is to consume neem supplements in the form of capsules.

Neem products for natural eczema remedy are now readily available via Indian herbal stores or on the internet. You can also get neem lotions, body washes, shampoos and conditioners if you have sensitive skin. My Indian friend tells me that he has seen cases of people gaining through consuming and using neem as a natural eczema remedy.

Evelyn Lim has been suffering from eczema skin symptoms for several years. She reviews natural eczema products and treatments on her site. Read about her journey to getting beautiful skin here at http://www.eczemaskintreatment.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Evelyn_Lim

Home Remedies For Sinuses - By Sharon Hopkins

Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinus passage and over secretion of mucus by the membrane lining the nose and throat. It is often followed by a common cold, influenza and other general infections.



Excessive or constant sneezing, running nose, blockage of one or both nostrils, headaches and pressure around the head, eyes and face, fever, lack of appetite and difficulty in breathing are symptoms of sinusitis.



Try some of these home remedies for sinuses -



- A tsp of black cumin seeds tied in a thin cotton cloth provides relief when inhaled.



- Take few capsules of cayenne during or after each meal for several days till the infection is cleared up. Alternatively put 1 tsp of cayenne in cup of hot water and drink a cupful of this thrice a day.



- Add few drops of eucalyptus oil to 1/2 cup boiling water. Pour the mixture into a bowl and inhale the steam for 10 - 15 minutes with your head covered with a large towel.



- Put few drops of eucalyptus oil on your handkerchief and sniff periodically.



- Dissolve 1 tsp of salt in 2 cups of water and use it through a nasal inhaler.



- Make a nasal flush by mixing 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp baking soda in one cup of warm water. Fill the syringe with the solution and drop the mixture up your nose.



- Dissolve 1 tsp uniodized salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda in a pint of water and inhale it through nasal inhaler.



- Steep 1-2 tsp of thyme in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink a cupful of this mixture three times a day. Because of its strong antiseptic properties, thyme is good for respiratory infections.



- Sipping hot teas made with herbs such as fenugreek, fennel, anise, or sage may help move mucus even more and keeps it flowing.



- Blow one nostril at a time. This will help prevent pressure buildup in the ears, which can send bacteria further back into the sinus passages.



- Sniffling whenever your nostrils feel stuffed is a good way to drain the sinuses and stale secretions down the throat.



- Press your thumbs to the either side of the nostril to bring a fresh blood supply to the area and soothing relief.



- Apply warm wash cloth over your eyes and cheekbones. Leave it till you feel the sinus pain subsiding.



- Carrot and spinach juice taken regularly is also found to be highly beneficial.



- Eat pungent herbs like garlic, horseradish because it contains a chemical that moves mucus and makes it less sticky.



- Garlic, Onions, Horseradish, Hot Pepper and Ginger added to any soup broth will open the sinuses.



- Steep fresh basil in cupful of water and drink it to alleviate the stuffiness caused by inflamed membranes.



- Pungent oils such as thymol and camphor help open clogged passages.



- Tilt your head back and place a tsp of onion juice in each nostril. Repeat when needed.



- Grate fresh lotus root, mix it with grated ginger and unbleached white flour. Apply the mixture directly to the skin. You can leave this for several hours or overnight. Repeat for a week or more till you get relief. This is mixture is quite effective dispersing and moving stagnated mucus. There could be watery discharge from the eyes or nose.



The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader, not the site, and the writer.



About the Author: Sharon Hopkins manages Home Remedies providing information on home based cures. Sinusitis results from the inflammation of the sinus passage and know how to find relief with natural home based remedies.



Source: www.isnare.com

Infertility And Natural Herbal Remedies - Joe Rote

A couple with no specific physical abnormalities, that do everything right to conceive for a reasonable length of time without a positive result, can be considered to have a fertility problem.



Many couples affected by infertility spend months or years of treatment for fertility problems without a positive outcome.

The inability of a couple to conceive and the exact causes of infertility are very hard to pin down, and may have many underlying single or multiple causes. Therefore it may be wise to try to remedy the problem by maximizing many of the bodily functions needed for a successfull outcome.



Natural herbal remedies have come a long way since their ancient origins, and are making new strides every day, with remedies to increase fertility and enhance functioning of the male and female reproductive systems.



Herbal remedies use botanicals (plants) either singularly or in compounds, and sometimes animal by-products to prevent and correct targeted conditions.



Many new natural herbal products have been compounded to remedy infertility for example for:

Females to:



* Promote regular ovulation

* Correct hormone imbalances

* Regulate menstrual cycles

* Increase libido



Males to:



* Improve the functioning of the (prostate, seminal vesicles, testes, and penis)

* Increase, testosterone levels, sperm production and, motility

* Enhance sex drive, and strengthen erections



Stress, poor nutrition, bad habits such as smoking, over use of alcohol, and drug abuse, emotional and psychological problems, a number of prescription medicines, can all adversely affect fertility, and may require some lifestyle changes.



Natural remedies optimize reproductive health without adding to the risks of multiple births, and many other problems of other approaches to overcoming infertility problems.



A natural herbal remedy could be the answer to your problem.



The FDA does not regulate the manufacturing of herbs, common sense and a little research can help assure that you are buying a quality product. Check the name of the manufacturer or distributor, and the facts label for, amount, daily usage values, and active ingredients.


Joe Rote has spent 18 years in the health field, and is the webmaster of
http://www.aa1info.com that will point you to high quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency. Copyright 2006 Joe Rote this article may be freely distributed if the resource box stays attached and no part of the article changed without permission


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Asthma treatment utilizing natural health products versus prescription medicine
By: Rich Marsiglia

Traditionally, Asthma is researched and known as a condition, which affects the respiratory track of the lungs. Asthma can be categorized into allergic and non-allergic or extrinsic, intrinsic and mixed asthma.

An extrinsic Asthma (allergic) :It is normally attacked by allergic things such as dust particles, fumes or smokes, animal dander, sugar, chemicals, drugs, environmental and industrial pollutants, food additive and tobacco, etc

An intrinsic Asthma (Non-Allergic): Generally triggered by adrenal glands’ disorder and emotional disorder such as stress, tension and anxiety.

It is wholly depends on the stimuli that trigger or target in attacking a person.

Mixed AsthmaMixed asthma is a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic asthma. Mixed asthma patients react to certain allergies but also are triggered by other reasons and things.

It is a two- steps problem.

• When a person is affected by asthma, inflammation is felt in the air passages and it becomes red and swollen.

• When the air passages get inflamed, the patient becomes extra-sensitive to different things, which may aggravate asthma.

Symptoms:

It is a respiratory disease caused from allergies; it can be identified or its presence can be felt by symptoms like chest constriction, labored breathing and continuous coughing.

Asthma is a chronic disease, which cannot be cured permanently but can be controlled. One can control his asthma if it is early and properly diagnosed and then patient goes for early treatment. If treatment is not done earlier or a patient becomes careless about his health then there will be frequent and severe attack of asthma, which may lead to fatal consequences.

Treatment:

We know that asthma cannot be cured permanently but we can control it to great extend if we opt natural treatment and take some precautions. Heavy doses of medicines of different chemical compositions may aggravate asthma instead of controlling it. So it is better to start treatment using natural products.

Natural treatment is safe and result oriented; it can control asthma to great extend without any side effects. The health condition of the lungs, immune system, nervous system and adrenal system are the vital areas for the treatment of asthma through natural products.

Asthma treatment using natural product

Natural treatment starts by avoiding things, which trigger asthma such as aerosol, sugar, food additives, fats food, salt, fast food, junk food, ice cream and chemically preservative food.

The patient must add more juicy fruits, green vegetables, fiber vegetables and raw nuts in his diet.

Patent must avoid such conditions and situations, which cause emotional disturbances or negative emotions such as depression, restlessness, anger, anxiety, destructiveness, self-condemnation and self -pity.

In natural treatment of asthma diet, emotional and physical aspects to be taken care.
Herbal products must be taken that help in removing excessive mucous and clear respiratory track.

Herbal asthmatic formula contains 13 types of herbs, which reduces excessive mucus, chest constriction; clear respiratory track and helps in comfortable breathing.

Herbs contain antitussive and antispasmodic qualities, which helps in toning lungs and helps in relieving congestion.

There are herbs included for the treatment of asthma that having demulcent and expectorant qualities to tone up bronchial tubes that help in expelling excessive mucus and phlegm.

Some herbs have multi qualities, which act on the body suitably and positively to tone and shape up lungs, clear air passage, control and calm down coughing and control labor breathing.

Herbs like elecampane, garlic, mustard, ginger, skullcap and valerian easily available naturally and these herbs are highly recommended for the treatment of asthma.

There are herbal chocolate and tea, which can be used for the treatment to control asthma. There are tonic, based on herbs to strengthen the immune system and respiratory system. Food powders are made of herbs and fruits to fight asthmatic attacks.

There are ointments made by herbs to rub the chest during the breathing problems or chest constriction.

There are also ayurvedic and homeopathic treatment to control asthma, which is found to be very effective and substantial.

Asthma should be treated opting natural products and herbs because it is safety, cheaper and free from any side effect. These applications will certainly control your asthma and same time you can enjoy life normally and naturally.

Author Rich Marsiglia, Natural Health Products at YourHealthyPlace.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Colon-Liver Cancer: A Story of a Miraculous Healing - Chris Teo, Ph.D.

Goh, was 73 year-old male. He was diagnosed with colon cancer. He opted for alternative healing instead of an operation. With the help of his son, he changed to a totally raw, vegetarian diet. After two months, the tumours in the colon mysteriously disappeared. The doctor took numerous X-rays on him and was baffled as to what had happened. Believing that he was cured, Goh went back to his old ways and diet! Within two months, the cancer came back. This time he was in severe pains. Besides, the cancer had spread to the liver. He was in so much agony that the family had to send him to the hospital. At first, the doctors were reluctant to admit him and scolded his son for “trying to be too clever.”

Medically there was nothing anybody could do for him, except to give him painkillers. He was the worst of patients in the hospital cancer ward. When the specialist came on ward rounds, he would refuse to see Goh, because according to the specialist Goh’s “liver did not function anymore!” His stomach was bloated and the legs swelled and the rest of him was reduced to skin and bones. His condition was beyond imagination. He was unable to walk, even for a short distance to the toilet, and could barely talk. After almost three months, he was brought home because according to his family “if he had to die, let him die at home.” Except for one son, the rest of the family members gave him up for dead. They said: “There is no need to give him anything -- why waste the money, there is no chance, no hope anymore.”

Around Goh’s 73th birthday, the family made him a coat. Actually, that coat was intended for his anticipated funeral. Goh himself gave up, refusing to take any medication -- he was ready to die. Fortunately, one of his sons refused to accept defeat. He came to CA Care and asked for herbs. Goh was prescribed many herbs but he only agreed to take the Abdominal Distension tea, refusing the AB, Liver-P etc. After two weeks, the swelling subsided and the healing started! As Goh gained confidence, he started to take other prescribed herbs. Soon, all the pains were gone and he regained his health.

I met Goh and his son for the first time on 9 October 2000, at the hotel while on a visit to his home state. We had a chat and did a video interview. Goh told me that he was healthier than before he had cancer. He wakes up around 4 a.m. everyday and walks about four to five kilometres to the market to buy his daily food supplies. He comes home and eats raw potato leaves. He takes his juices. He refuses to eat any meat even though his qi-kung master encourages him “to eat some meat for strength.” He does not feel that he has lost any strength and can climb the hills like anyone else.

A lesson I learnt from this episode – “Don’t ever give up, even if your doctors have given up on you!”

Story extracted from the author’s book: Cancer Success Story Book 2: Miraculous Healing.

To view our video-taped conversation click: http://www.cacare.com/video/index.php
For more information about complementary therapy for cancer visit: http://www.cacare.com, http://www.BookOnCancer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Teo,_Ph.D.