Many arthritis sufferers are looking for an alternative treatment for arthritis pain.  There are actually three common types of arthritis.  These are Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and psoriatic.  Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45.  It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine.   Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance.  Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

The second type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties. Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.  So an alternative treatment for arthritis should help alleviate the pain as well as the inflammation.

Many arthritis sufferers are looking for an alternative treatment for arthritis pain.  There are actually three common types of arthritis.  These are Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and psoriatic.  Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45.  It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine.   Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance.  Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

The second type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties. Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.  So an alternative treatment for arthritis should help alleviate the pain as well as the inflammation.

The term Arthritis literally translates to joint inflammation.  If you suffer from any of the different types of Arthritis listed above, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects or tried other home remedies.  If you havent yet tried Urtication as an alternative treatment for arthritis, it might be helpful.  The term Urtication comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times.  Urtica dioica is Stinging Nettle.  The alternative treatment for arthritis is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles.  This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.

Here are a few more alternative treatment for arthritis that have worked effectively:

Black Cohosh
Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot has been used as an alternative treatment for arthritis.  The dried root is the part used.   This is a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painful menstrual cramps.  Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle.  It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan.  In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general.

Bogbean
Useful for as alternative treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.   Also has a stimulating effect on the walls of the colon and digestive juices.

Celery Seeds
Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic.  Great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.<br>

Chapparal
Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, skin conditions of warts and blotches.  Also one of the best cancer herbs.

Feverfew
This alternative treatment for arthritis use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizziness and tinnitus.

Nettle
The is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one of those universal plants.  They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body.  Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications.  Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.

Saffron
A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils), thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds the calcium deposited in the joints.  Also reduces lactic acid build up.   Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.

Yucca
Is another alternative treatment for arthritis that is also promising.  The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them for use.  Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical treatment.

No matter what alternative treatment for arthritis you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your course of treatment does not interfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your treatment.

Tags: natural treatment, rheumatoid arthritis, herbal remedy, arthritis treatment

I was diagnosed with arthritis when I was thirty years old. Since I was fourteen years old I have had various treatments on my back. Each doctor that saw me gave me a different diagnosis. Many people were surprised that I had arthritis at such a young age. I was relieved that I finally had an answer and could move forward. The not knowing what was causing the pain was worse for me than the diagnosis. Once I knew what I was dealing with I began to do research on arthritis pain relief.

There are so many theories as well as products that are available to help with arthritis pain relief. I have been on several different prescription medications through the years, but the side effects are difficult to deal with and many of the products have been pulled off the market due to heart related issues. The media coverage as well as my own experiences has caused me to seek out natural remedies for arthritis pain relief. The natural remedies do not offer as immediate arthritis pain relief but they also do not have the side effects. The major side effect that I am trying to avoid is the acid reflux that I had with the prescription medications. I found that when I lay flat, which felt the best for my back, I would get severe heartburn. I have been using a combination of stretching exercises along with heating pads and topical ointments to aid in the arthritis pain relief. For me the main factor in dealing with the pain is doing as much as possible to prevent it from happening. When I know that I am going to be doing a strenuous activity I make sure that I stretch my muscles well. I also take breaks often and make sure to get plenty of rest. The key for me for getting arthritis pain relief is altering my activities. If I sit too long, stand too long or do a repetitive motion I find that I am in a great deal of pain. If I take breaks and alter my position from sitting to standing I can effectively avoid the pain.

There are a number of homeopathic remedies that are available on the market. I find that having the blended herbal teas helps my arthritis pain relief. It is important that you get the natural and homeopathic remedies from a reputable person. There are many products on the market that claim to be all natural; however they do not have any active ingredients to help in pain relief. There is no food and drug regulations on natural cures so it is important to know what you are buying and putting in your body.

Tags: herbal, alternative treatment, herbal treatment, natural treatment, health

Loss of hair is very upsetting when it's an extreme case. Both men and women can fall victim to Alopecia. It's very difficult for sufferers to keep their self confidence. There are four main categories of Alopecia with their individual degree of severity. Broadly speaking, the more hair loss there is, the less effect any treatment will have. The categories are Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis.

The category most people will be familiar with is the Androgenetic Alopecia. The first signs in men are the receding hairline and the thinning at the crown. The result will be either partial or complete baldness. Women's hairlines are not affected but there is a general thinning of hair all over the head. Women do not suffer total baldness except in rare instances. The cause is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and may be affected by hormones. A healthy low fat diet and aerobic exercise could help prevent it.

The second category involves loss of hair from certain areas of the body but most commonly the scalp. Alopecia Areata results in bald spots. It's caused by the body not recognizing the hair follicles and reacting to them as alien tissue. It might be hereditary and some researchers think that stress could be another reason. Sometimes, the hair will grow back but once the condition is well advanced, treatment will have little benefit.

The third category is somewhat more severe, resulting in total loss of head hair. The causes of Alopecia Totalis are less conclusive but may be the same as the causes associated with Areata. Again, stress may be a contributing factor.

Finally, there is the most severe condition of all, when all hair from the entire body is the result. Alopecia Universalis . The cause is thought to be the same as Areata and Totalis. This condition can strike at any age.

Quite a few celebrities have been sufferers over the years. John D. Rockefeller was one and used to wear a toupee. The basketball player Charlie Villanueva also has the condition. Duncan Goodhew, the British Olympic swimmer, thought that his hair free head gave him an aerodynamic edge. Recently, the British TV presenter Gail Porter has bravely come to terms with her condition. She has taken the decision to continue her career in the spotlight without recourse to wigs. It seems to cause less of a stir when it happens to a man, and Yul Brynner, Vin Diesal and Telly Savalas are bald men who are considered sexy.

Tags: herbal treatment, herbal, alternative treatment, health, natural treatment

One form of alternative treatment for pain relief that is becoming more and more popular is reflexology.  This natural method uses your feet to treat your whole body and is gentle and painless.

Reflexology can be used to achieve good health and balance or to alleviate symptoms from stress, migraines, infertility, back pain, arthritis and injury.  It is not a means to cure ailments but rather a  method to soothe and ease pain without the side effects of medications.  Reflexology as an alternative treatment for pain can speed the healing process and may be used alongside traditional medicine and medications.

The benefits of reflexology extend past simply relieving pain.  This alternative treatment for pain relief method of healing can also be used to achieve balance and health as well as to maintain good health.

If you are thinking of adding reflexology as an alternative treatment for pain relief, then you must take care when selecting your practitioner.  Since reflexology is becoming more and more popular, you should have plenty to pick from in your area.  Make sure the practitioner you choose has the appropriate qualifications and is someone that you feel comfortable with.  If you do not like your practitioner or they do not have a demeanor that is soothing to you, your sessions could be adversely affected.

Your first session will be mostly a learning session for the practitioner.  This is a time for them to get to know about you and your problems so that they can map out the best course of treatment.  This is actually the most important part of the therapy as learning about the patient is critical to choosing the treatment that will best suit your needs.  You will also receive your first reflexology session using your feet.  Plan an hour for each treatment.  Once the practitioner zeros in on where your pain is, they will be able to use your feet to treat your inner organs.

After the session, pay particular attention to how you react as this information is important feedback for your practitioner.   It is important that you report back your reactions so be sure to write them down and bring the paper to your next session.  Everyone responds differently to treatment, but most people report a feeling of total relaxation and well being.  Remember, the healing process is different for everyone and can take time so don't expect miracles on your first visit.

Reflexology is a great alternative treatment for pain relief or just maintaining your general well being.  It is totally natural, non invasive and has no adverse side effects. Why suffer needlessly from back pain, migraines or any other ailment when you could give reflexology a try?

Tags: reflexology, back pain, stress, arthritis, relaxation

There is a great tradition in different cultures around the world about the use herbs, for their flavor in cooking and for their healing properties for the mind and body. The monks and nuns in early England were amongst the first people in the West to learn about herbs. They experimented with herbalism in their gardens and soon became experts in dispensing the appropriate treatment.

It's important when learning about the usage of herbs for medicinal purposes, to choose the correct dosage and to make sure of the purity of the herb. Many people who don't know about herbs think that they are completely harmless because they grow naturally. This is not true, as herbs can have side effects just as much as drugs can if not administered correctly.

If you are not sure about herbs, seek advice and go to a licensed herbal practitioner. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or receiving treatment by drugs. Taking both a herbal treatment and a drug can double up on components and flood the body too much.

The use of herbs and their effects is well documented. A lot of medical professionals from conventional backgrounds are beginning to give herbal remedies more respect as they learn more about herbs. The Chinese have already had herbal medicine as part of their everyday treatment for a very long time. Different ailments have their own treatment solutions, with many herbs duplicating each other.

Aloe Vera is a multi purpose herb, treating many ailments including arthritis, acne, warts, and allergic reactions. Lavender can also help with arthritis. Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin), is another herb that is used for a variety of patients, treating influenza, stomach ache, and pulmonary infections. St. John's Wort (one of the more dangerous herbs in incorrect doses), has been tested in medical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate levels of depression. Results showed that the herb performed better than a placebo.

A lot of people suffer from acute insomnia but don't want to take sleeping pills. In studies about herbs, it's been found that Valerian root is a good alternative and doesn't cause drowsiness in the morning. General fatigue can be helped by periwinkle or dandelion. Periwinkle can also ease the symptoms of the menopause, as can fennel.

Many gardeners get a lot of pleasure from growing a herb garden, providing wonderful scents and flavor for the pot. A stock of mint, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley will give you the basic supply needed for most dishes. Add some rosemary and chives and you're well set up. You'll have fun learning all about herbs and their uses in the kitchen, whether you follow advice in cookery books or do some experimenting of your own.

Tags: lavender oil, herbal, periwinkle, lavender, herbal remedy, fennel, aloe vera, herbal tea

Do you have another whopping zit on your face? Wow, can this ever be excruciating! I mean come on, does it truly ever end? So many of us face the daily redundant pangs of acne, but don't have a clue what to do about it. Well, if you really want to learn how to stop acne, you have to turn to the professionals. Now, this can be a variety of different sources, ranging from your family physician, to a dermatologist, to the World-Wide-Web. The key is discovering what literally causes acne breakouts and assessing it properly. The ebook Acne Free in 3 Days can help you do just that. In fact, the ideal remedy for your pimples may be different from what your best friend or sibling uses. Isn't it time you took your life back and got your image in order for a bright future?

Have any clue how to stop acne? Hey, if your answer is a big fat no, then don't fret one bit. You're certainly not the first to be clueless when it comes to zits and their origins. The truth of the matter is that 80 percent of the human race is burdened by this nasty skin disorder, however many don't treat it properly. If you are one of the several that suffer from severe acne, which probably covers your face and back, it's prudent to consult a professional. He/she will be able to give you the absolute best advice regarding your particular skin.

Since we all have a skin type, it's essential to know how to go about treating it and furthermore how to stop acne from returning. Probably one of the most common mistakes when it comes to blemishes and pimples is over-doing it. Far too many acne sufferers are cleansing their delicate mugs several times a day with harsh products. This can only worsen the situation at hand. In reality you should be cleansing your face no more than three times each day. And that's only if you have oily skin. Typically a topical cream or gel should be applied after cleansing in order to treat the acne breakouts.

Are you still trying to decide how to stop acne? Well here is an Ebook as seen on TV called Acne Free in 3 Days. Read more topics on acne alternative treatment at Alternative Medicine Support.

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is a natural health advisor and writes articles on Alternative Treatment and Natural Health.

Tags: health, natural treatment, herbal, herbal treatment, alternative treatment

Finding natural acne remedies for adult acne my not be as easy as it may seem.  Even though there are many alternative treatment for acne, the treatment itself may not be enough.  Many people think of acne as something suffered solely by hormone laden teenagers, but many adults can attest that that's simply not the case! At least eighty percent of adults suffer from acne at some point after leaving their teens, and many adults suffer recurring bouts of acne well into their thirties and even forties.

Not only can acne be disfiguring and embarrassing, but most acne medications were created with young skin in mind, and simply don't suit the skin of older people (many acne treatments are too drying, as they treat "oily" skin; although many acne sufferers actually have so-called normal or even dry skin).  Therefore finding and effective acne treatment can be a challenge.

So what is a mature acne sufferer to do? One excellent place to start is by looking at natural acne remedies. Many are just as effective as their over the counter or prescription counterparts, but are often much more gentle and far less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

There are several natural acne remedies which work effectively against acne, many of which are plant based, or herbal in nature. It's possible to buy many herbal based acne products online or even from your local pharmacy or health food store. For many people, this is a convenient way of treating their acne naturally. However, other people prefer to make their own natural acne remedies.

One natural herbal acne remedy involves the use of strawberries or strawberry leaves. The use of moistened strawberry leaves as a treatment for acne actually dates back to Egyptian times. You can replicate the treatment of the ancient Egyptians quite simply, by moistening strawberry leaves with a little water, and then leaving them on your face for ten to fifteen minutes as you rest. Alternatively, you can try using mashed strawberries, applied as a paste to your skin.

Another natural acne remedy is the use of the herb dandelion as an alternative treatment. To use dandelion, you can chop up both the leaves and root of the plant and boil it in water. After simmering the mixture gently for ten minutes, turn off the heat, allow it to cool and then strain. The liquid can be drunk as a tea, or applied directly to the skin (or both!).

Tags: acne, herbal remedy, acne treatment, natural acne remedy