For those who are concerned about avoiding or treating influenza, there may be an herbal and homeopathic alternative. Flu shot medicine or vaccine contains only three strains of dead viruses. Leaving a number of strains, including the strain referred to as the bird flu, that is currently making people very ill in parts of Asia and India.

Andrographis paniculata is one herbal and homeopathic alternative. Flu shot medicine is designed to create an immunity to specific strains of flu virus. These viruses are constantly changing, thus the reason for a different vaccine each year. Andrographis paniculata is recommended because it stimulates the entire immune system and studies have shown that it is effective in the treatment of influenza. One study in Volgograd showed that andrographis paniculata, not only contributed to quicker recovery, but also reduced the risk of post-flu complications. Flu shot medicine is still considered by most doctors and the Center for Disease Control to be the most effective flu preventative.

There is no herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine, meaning there are no herbs, botanicals or other natural products that will cause the body to build up an immunity to specific strains of the flu. All herbal and homeopathic products can do is stimulate the immune system allowing the body's natural immunities to these viruses to take over. People who have strong immune systems get fewer colds and flu viruses. People with chronic illnesses and those who have weakened immune systems should not rely on an herbal and homeopathic alternative. Flu shot medicine is still the best choice for these people.

Healthy people consider products that boost the immune system as herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine. Taken regularly, particularly during cold and flu season, products containing andrographis paniculata, beta glucans and other herbal flu remedies (bilberry, green tea, ginseng, turmeric, etc) may prevent colds and flus and complications that may arise from them. Even people who take the flu shot can benefit from these herbal products. They have few unwanted side effects and scientific studies, as well as historical use as treatment for colds and other infections, have shown that they can be effective and safe.

In addition to the already mentioned herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine or remedies, extra vitamin C and essential minerals such as copper, manganese, magnesium and zinc are all important to assist the body's natural immune system in fighting off viruses. Add these to proper diet, adequate rest, an immune system booster and you have a recipe for improved health, as well as a possible herbal and homeopathic alternative flu shot medicine. For more information about how to boost your immune system and protect yourself from colds and flus this year, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.

Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience as a health care professional and currently writes informational articles for the Immune System Booster Guide. Read more at http://www.immune-system-booster-guide.com

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternative health advisor and owner Alternative Herbal Treatment

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

Cleansing herbs is one thing we can use to defend our bodies from not only the things we eat but the things we do each and everyday. The stress involved with the typical hectic lifestyle can make a person feel burned out and listless.  One way to combat this is to take some time to cleanse not only the body but the mind.

A perfect time of year to think about making a positive lifestyle change is spring. Spring is a time for renewal and incorporating spring cleansing herbs into your life can give you a fresh new start for the new season.

Cleansing herbs are natural substances that aid the body in ridding itself of unwanted toxins. The cells of our bodies contain all kinds of unappealing toxins that enter our systems through the foods we eat as well as the environment we live in.

Utilizing a supplement that contains cleansing herbs is a natural way to give your body back the control it needs to function properly. Just as we do spring cleaning in our homes we can do the same thing with our bodies. Cleansing herbs are a safe and easy way to do this.

Supplements that contain cleansing herbs can be found in most health food stores. These supplements are specifically designed to be taken when the individual can concentrate on purifying the body. Deciding to cleanse your mind at the same time can be very beneficial as well. Some of the best known cleansing herbs are senna, red clover, and burdock root.

This can be accomplished by choosing to use the cleansing herbs at a time when you can relax. It’s best not to undertake the procedure when you are facing a deadline at work or immersed in the planning of a family event. Instead do it while you can spend your days enjoying relaxing and soothing activities such as reading, meditating or taking peaceful walks. Whatever you find enjoyable and stress free is what you should be doing while undergoing the cleansing process.

When you decide to take cleansing herbs to help clear your body’s system you’ll want to discuss this with someone who specializes in natural remedies. There are several products that offer the benefits of cleansing herbs and it’s important to choose one that will give you the results that you desire.

If you have any health concerns at all you’ll want to consult with your doctor before purchasing and using cleansing herbs. Once you get his or her approval you can go ahead with giving your body its own fresh start. 

Tags: herbal detox, herbal remedy, natural remedies, detox, detoxification, natural treatment

Alcohol and drug abuse is an ever growing problem in our society and the demand for treatment is growing too. Alcohol and drug treatment overlaps in many ways. Both types of addiction can have social and psychological causes and some people are genetically predisposed to these conditions. The two organizations, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have helped a lot of people.

There are various methods of bringing people off alcohol and drug addiction, which have become established over the years. Alcohol and drug treatment can often involve individual counseling, self help groups or group therapy. There are residential rehabilitation centers, in patient and out patient care. Some treatment programs take the approach of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Psychotherapy.

The first thing to do when dealing with addiction is to stop intake of the substance, cope with the physical side effects and then undergo an after care program. Alcohol and drug treatment must not only break the cycle of addiction but prevent the chances of relapse. Prescribed drugs can help with some side effects, including the anxiety felt by many addicts as they go thru both physical and emotional trauma.

The most commonly used method with regard to alcoholism is detoxification. This means the body has to get used to the lack of alcohol in the system. Withdrawal symptoms can be helped with drugs such as Diazepam or Phenobarbital. Some withdrawal can last a few weeks, but gradually becoming less intense. Detoxification must be followed by some sort of therapy, preferably one which discovers the psychological causes of the drinking. Many alcohol addiction programs are successful, providing the participant sees the program thru to the end. Some alcohol and drug treatment can involve the use of Acupuncture for those people wanting to avoid medication.

The methods for treating drug addicts is determined by factors such as the type of drug and how often and how much the drug has been taken. The most used program is the 12 Step Recovery Program. It's very important that drug addicts break off contact with other users and with dealers. Some programs advocate the use of a replacement drug such as Methadone. This is a controversial issue as Methadone is an addictive drug itself, but it is easier for a lot of people to use it to wean themselves off all recreational drugs eventually. For some people, cold turkey is the only way. As with all alcohol and drug treatment, it's a question of finding the right treatment for the individual.

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

There are many alternative acid reflux remedies available, and it seems like there are more being released every day. Although there are plenty of prescription medicines to treat acid reflux, or heartburn as it is often called, more and more it seems that people are turning to acid reflux home remedies as an alternative to these kinds of treatments. I am not really sure why this is so, but acid reflux remedies made of herbs, minerals, and the like are becoming more and more popular as time passes.

Now majority of us uses tums for heartburn but it is basically chalk. Did you know that antacid causes you to lose your libido? So lets look at some alternative remedies and information that is available.  I have heard of activated charcoal being used successfully as an alternative acid reflux remedy. Another alternative treatment for acid reflux is 2 tsp of Braggs apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp of raw honey (not processed) in 8 oz glass of water is one of the best treatment available.  Drink it cold or make it as a hot tea. It is absolutely delicious. This remedy alone stopped my husband's heartburn. I forgot about chewable DGL (Licorice Root) 20 minutes before meals and before going to bed at night also stops acid reflux.  These remedies surely work but they are short term solutions.  That 's why I strongly recommend Cure Your Heartburn for long term solution. 

Now let's talk about a healthy diet.  Eating a lot of grains, fresh vegetables and a few fruits, and little fat or grease or meat, can do a lot to treat heartburn. Making sure that you do not overeat, and that you have several small meals over the course of the day rather than just having one great big one can also work wonders for your acid reflux. Also drinking plenty of water reduces stomach acid.  Especially drinking a glass of water before going to bed consistently over the course of time is the cheapest remedy I know of.  People would rather go on just as they always have, eating foods that simply are not that good for them, and then treating the symptoms with  acid reflux remedies, instead of the cause, which is simply unhealthy eating habits.

Of course, some people really do suffer from acid reflux disease for other reasons than just poor dietary habits. If you are one of these people, and are simply the victim of an overactive stomach, then there is nothing else for it than to treat your condition with the remedies that you find. Otherwise, you are at risk of all kinds of other health problems caused by the excessive stomach acid.

 

While natural ingredients include an entire range of produces derived from plant leaves, roots, bark, fruits, and even extracted oils, herbal skin care products derive their beneficial effects from herbs. Herbs are low-growing aromatic plants that can be used either fresh or dried; these include annuals (which must be seeded each year) as well as perennial herbs (which survive the winter to grow again in the spring). Usually, it's herbs' leaves that are used to enhance skin care products' benefits.

The Herb Research Foundation classifies herbal & organic skin care products into one of four groups, depending on the herbs that the products include, and the scale of sale. The four groups are Ayurvedic, Chinese, General, and Commercial.

Ayurvedic herbs are the herbs used in India, including ginger, turmeric, and frankincense as well as pants that are less well known in English such as ashwagandha. These four, in combination, have been shown in texts to decrease rheumatoid factor and interleukins, which are the biological markers of rheumatoid arthritis activity.

It's a little-known fact that Chinese herbs are seldom used alone, but are more often used in formulas of four. In Chinese herbal medicine, the formula is assembled just like the individuals in a royal court. There's a King Herb that has the strongest effect, a Minister Herb that addresses the min pathology as well as a secondary pathology, and assistant herbs. Assistant Herbs can be helpful and strengthen the King's effect, corrective and eliminate the King or Minister herb's toxic effect, or opposing in order to decrease the King's effect.

General herbs are those with entries in reference publications such as the Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs that describe their medicinal properties. The names of many of these will be familiar to you; you may have seen seeds to grow them in the grocery store, or you may actually have some of them growing inside or near by your house. And commercial herbs are those wholesalers sell in bulk.

For more on homemade organic soap making as well as candle making and other do-it-yourself crafts visit the soap making resources center at Pure and Natural Soaps where you'll find articles, recipes, instructions, ideas and tips.
To discuss these and other craft projects visit the Soap Making Message Board - a community forum for soap and candle making as well as other crafts and do-it-yourself projects. Discuss techniques, share ideas, learn new methods, post your favorite recipes and meet new friends.

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternative health advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

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

Hypothyroidism is caused by varied causes. It could stem from a singular cause or a mixture of various causes such as complications arising from thyroid gland diseases, afflicted brain activities, exposure to medical treatments, and autoimmune disord…

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Hypothyroidism is caused by varied causes. It could stem from a singular cause or a mixture of various causes such as complications arising from thyroid gland diseases, afflicted brain activities, exposure to medical treatments, and autoimmune disord…

Source: HealthBuy.com

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