Thursday, December 28, 2006

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



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

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

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.



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

Thursday, December 21, 2006

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



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

Sunday, December 17, 2006

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.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kraft,_MD

Friday, December 15, 2006

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

Thursday, December 14, 2006

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



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

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

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

Sunday, December 10, 2006

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.



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

Thursday, December 07, 2006

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



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

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

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



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

Monday, December 04, 2006

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.


MORE FREE INFO

On all aspects of health and more on how magnetism can act as a healer - Visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at http://www.net-planet.org/index.html



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Sunday, December 03, 2006

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.

Friday, December 01, 2006

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.



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