I've had a pretty weak immune system ever since I was a kid, so I've had more than my fair share of illnesses over the years. I've never gone through a single year without getting several bad colds, the flu, or even worse. As a result of my poor health, I've become very familiar with both over-the-counter and prescription medications. I never gave my medications a second thought until I read a published report that said these drugs might be doing more harm than good in some cases. That's when I decided to look into alternative herbal medicine.

One advantage of alternative herbal medicine is that it's all natural and chemical-free. This means that there's zero chance of becoming addicted to the medication, which is definitely not the case with prescription drugs. Another advantage is that alternative herbal medicine is often much cheaper than the products put out by major pharmaceutical companies. With prescription costs rising all over the country (prompting thousands of people to cross the border to Canada to buy their medications), this low cost makes alternative herbal medicine even more attractive. A third reason that someone might choose alternative herbal medicine is because of allergies. For example, I am allergic to acetaminophen, which is a common pain reliever and fever reducer in over-the-counter medications, so I need to find a different way to treat those problems.

When I tell people that I prefer natural cures, I am often met with puzzled looks. The most common question I get is if I'm taking alternative herbal medicine because of religious reasons. While it's true that some people might be doing so, that's not the case for me. I would just rather treat my illnesses as naturally as possible rather than infusing my body with all kinds of chemicals that may turn out to be harmful in some way.

The second most common question I get is whether or not alternative herbal medicine actually works. I was genuinely surprised by the number of people that apparently think alternative herbal medicine is just a sham. Of course I haven't tried all the products out there, but the ones I've used have worked wonderfully well for me. I have used alternative herbal medicine to successfully treat colds, the flu, headaches, digestive disorders, and even a mild case of arthritis.

I'm by no means saying that alternative herbal medicine will work equally well for everyone and for every type of health problem out there. But there's no harm in at least giving these products a chance. So if you're looking for a different way to treat common ailments, then I suggest checking out alternative herbal medicine right now.

Some of the best herbal products on the market today are Herbal Teas. Also Products for Herbal Weight Loss, Herbal Remedies for Depression and even Herbal Remedies for Acne. One of the most recent cures available now are Herbal Remedies for Menopause.

As you can see, Herbal Remedies are here to stay. Try then, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

I wish you well and hope you find a Herbal Remedy that's right for you

For more information on Herbal Remedies and Alternative Herbal Medicine, try visiting Herbal Remedies4u.com, where you can quickly and easily find tips,advice and resources on the benefits of Herbal Remedies and find out Are Herbal Remedies Right For You

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

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

There are good and bad bacteria as far as our health goes. With 60 to 70 million Americans suffering from various digestive diseases, that means we need to pay attention to those little critters working 'round the clock inside of our bodies.

Acidophilus, a common organism in yogurt and cultured milk products, such as kefir, that are said to foster a healthy balance of bacteria in the stomach. It's one of the "good" or "friendly" ones, out of about 400 types of bacterial that live in our intestinal tract and, for women, in the vagina as well. It's helpful because it aids manufacturing of B vitamins and production of lactase and other antibacterial agents.

Without good bacteria, also called probiotics, living in the gut, digestive processes go haywire. In a healthy state, our bodies just naturally maintain the proper balance. Some of the things that disrupt the natural functioning of our gut are preservatives and other additives in our foods, diets with a very high content of fat, birth control pills, alcohol consumption, and even stress.Acidophilus supplementation can help when things are out of balance.

Eating yogurt won't necessarily help. You have to read the labels because some of the yogurt on grocery store shelves don't actually contain any viable acidophilus due to the fact that they've been highly processed. It's difficult to process foods so that we're safe from harmful bacteria and yet keep the helpful bacteria alive.

Here are some of the potential benefits of supplementing your diet with acidophilus. A really big one is the suppression of candida, a type of yeast that can be very harmful, especially to our reproductive system and urinary tract. If you like to visit other countries, you'll be happy to know that supplementing your diet with acidophilus while abroad can help thwart proliferation of infectious organisms people commonly encounter in countries that do not have highly developed systems of public health.

It can also help control both diarrhea and constipation. And it helps reduce internal gas, bloating and bad breath. Some find that it even helps counteract lactose intolerance and helps lower cholesterol due to its enhancement of the body's ability to absorb fats. There's more. It may also enhance immune system function, aid in the treatment of respiratory infections such as sinusitis and bronchitis, and lower the risk of asthma, hay fever and eczema. Not bad for an organism too tiny to see with the naked eye.

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

Anxiety disorders are a common problem, affecting approximately 20 million adults and children in America. Anxiety is a common emotion consisting of uncertainty and worry faced by many, whilst anxiety disorders are when such fears are experienced irrationally. There are many treatments available, ranging from medication to therapy and alternative treatments. One treatment is through using natural herbal supplements.

Natural herbs are less costly than medication, and consist of herbs, vitamins and botanicals. They can be taken individually, or with other supplements, but it is best to first consult your doctor before deciding on natural herbs as a treatment for anxiety disorders. They also have the advantage of having no side effects, as compared to medications which can result in side effects such as nausea. Below are some common herbs used in anxiety disorders treatment.

1. Passion Flower
This is a natural plant that is used to treat anxiety, amongst other ailments. Its has unique calming properties, and can also reduce body tremors from fear. It promotes better sleep, and can act as a painkiller. It also contains anti depressants, and is used for high blood pressure and epilepsy.

2. Lavender
This is a more popular alternative than the passion flower, and is also known for its calming properties. It is also one of the more effective treatments for panic attacks, and is a tonic for the nervous system.

3. Lemon Balm
This is used to calm the digestive and nervous system, and also reduces blood pressure. It is uncertain if used alone, lemon balm is effective for treating anxiety attacks. It is usually taken with Valerian, Chamomile or Passion flower.

4. Kava
It is an effective tranquilizer, and whilst it is not an addictive substance, research suggests that it may be linked to liver problems.

5. Valerian
This is another natural plant used for treating anxiety. It also promotes better sleep, allowing for the body to rest and recuperate.

6. Chamomile
Chamomile flower leaves are used to make tea, and is a natural alternative for treating anxiety. It also reduces fever, encourages sleep and enhances the body's metabolism.

7. Dandelion
The roots and leaves are used to treat the body's internal systems, and through it, provide relief for some of the symptoms of anxiety. It is commonly used in salads and tea, and can also be used as a substitute for coffee.

There are many natural treatments available, and herbs have been used for treating illnesses for centuries. However, do keep in mind that it is not a quick fix, and can only alleviate the symptoms of anxiety attacks. It is advisable to seek out behavioral or cognitive therapy so as to eliminate the root of the problem causing anxiety attacks.

Greg Frost is an authority figure in the Anxiety Treatment field and director of http://www.AttackAnxiety.org, a company that provides a variety of Anxiety Attacks information to assist people in treatment.

Different Herbs for Anxiety Treatment

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

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, arthritis treatment, herbal remedy, rheumatoid arthritis

Acid reflux in infants is one of the most common ailments among newborns and small children.  I am a big proponent of alternative treatment for acid reflux but when it comes to infants this may not be the right choice.  Both of our children were diagnosed with the condition, and it of course was hard news to hear the first time. 

Your brain immediately goes into parent mode because you don’t want your child to have any pain or discomfort.  You most certainly don’t want to hear that your child or children are diagnosed with a condition.  However, our pediatrician reassured us that acid reflux in infants is quite a common condition among babies and with some treatment the condition would improve and eventually subside.

Acid reflux in infants is a condition where the contents of the stomach, including both acid and food, work back up into the esophagus sometimes causing pain and discomfort.  One of the things you can try is try the infant's formula.  Back in the day there wasn't that many choices.  Carnation Good Start with comfort protein was new formula on the market but it didn't work for my baby.  We also tried Prosobee.  Hyland's Indigestion formula worked well. 

It is a medical fact that acid reflux in infants is common, mainly because their muscle closing off the stomach from the esophagus is often not completely formed yet and allows for acid and food to back up quite often, mostly after eating. 

In babies, it is difficult to tell they have acid reflux, as it is quite common for babies to spit up.  If a child spits up or vomits often, and it is accompanied by crying, arching of the back or poor sleeping habits then the child most often is diagnosed with acid reflux. 

Acid reflux in infants is usually treated with some medication.  Pediatricians often prescribe acid reducers such as Prevacid or Zantac, which reduce the production of acid in the stomach.  Since acid reflux in infants is so common, these now come in water soluble forms which can either be mixed with their formula or breast milk, or it also dissolves almost immediately after hitting the mouth of an infant.  This makes giving this medication much easier, and it is effective almost immediately.

Our children were treated with Prevacid as well as taking over the counter Mylanta.  This is also commonly used to treat acid reflux in infants because it immediately soothes the esophagus and stomach lining, reducing the burning sensation and discomfort.  By the time they reached one year of age, neither was taking medication for their acid reflux and are now normal healthy toddlers.  There were absolutely no ill side effects from taking the medication prescribed, and our lives were almost immediately improved during treatment.  The medication helped them to sleep better, spit up less and be more comfortable, leading to a much happier babyhood.

Tags: infant, babies, acid reducers, gas pain, prevacid, zantac, indigestion