April 6, 2008

Arm Yourself With Info About Alternative Herbal Medicine

 

Alternative herbal medicine is one of the best ways to cure chronic or other disease, in many cases. The major benefit of herbal medicines is that it is 100% natural and does not have any side effects, if taken according to the advice of a competent doctor. Look for and use organic herbs when ever possible.

Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) is the wonder medicine made from primrose, borage or currant seed oil that is extremely herbhandbook effective for treatment of alcohol addicts. Alcohol intake in huge amounts has the chances of slowing down your brain cells. This particular effect of alcohol can be checked by Valerian herb. Another effectual herbal medicine for people suffering from emotional or physical stress is Skullcap.

The alternative herbal remedies for stress, anxiety or depression are St. John's wort, ashwagandha, valerian and hops ginseng, and Motherwort.

If one is suffering from any degree of sleeplessness, the most helpful herbal medicines are lemon balm, linden, chamomile and ginger tea. For quick relief from common ailments like the odd headache, you can go for eucalyptus or peppermint oil and lavender while for rapid pain relief or inflammation, one can take meadowsweet or willow bark instead of chemical painkillers.

Salicylic acid, the chief component of the pain - killer aspirin, is found in its salicin form in willow bark and meadowsweet. The salicin is reacted upon in the stomach and transformed to salicylic acid, which grants you instant relief from pain. Ginger, which reduces the prostaglandin levels in the body, is another useful pain reliever.

Thanks to the hectic modern style of present day living, most of us suffer from stress in different forms. Herbal medicine is a great way to counter this. Ginseng and Siberian ginseng are two of the most potent stress relievers. Herbal medicines like gingko biloba, ginseng, Siberian ginseng and gotu kola are also successful in curing partial memory loss. Hawthorn, ginseng, motherwort, valerian and pineapple are the wonder herbs that help in curing angina or irregular heartbeat.

Most herbal medicines are prepared from the major herbal ingredient along with other contents. At present, almost 80% of all the medicines have some herbal ingredients.

Although herbal medicines have been extremely successful in treating many diseases, prescription drugs still hold the fort when it comes to treating critical diseases. Thus, one should not consider alternative herbal medicine to be a competitor of prescription drugs, but as a new and effective form of medicine that works in tandem with prescription drugs to treat certain illnesses.

Another benefit of herbal medicines is that it is accessible to most everyone. Herbal treatment is not at all expensive and the herbs can even be grown in your backyard! In fact, prescription drugs are much more expensive and associated with a greater amount of risk.

Alternative medicine is cheap, effective and most importantly, natural and free from any side effects.

Samuel Oliver has a site HerbsTips.com where your can discover info and tips all about herbs and herbal use for health and wellness Herbal Remedies

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

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October 25, 2006

Herbal Treatments for Hemorrhoids

Herbal treatments for hemorrhoids can be very effective alternative.  Hemorrhoids are a very distressing condition that involve the swelling of the veins of the anus and rectum. They are very similar to varicose veins whereby the veins lose their elasticity and swell and this results in the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids that may include itching, burning pain and bleeding.

In many cases herbal treatments for hemorrhoids will alleviate the symptoms, both taken internally and applied externally, however it is also necessary to address the cause of the condition. Some common factors that can contribute to hemorrhoids include sitting or standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, dehydration, obesity and lack of exercise, but without a doubt the largest factor is constipation and straining during defecation. A poor intake of dietary fiber is often a major culprit that increases the risk of development of hemorrhoids.

The fact that no animal other than human beings has ever be known to exhibit hemorrhoids can be seen as a major indication that something is wrong with our diets and improving the diet can help this condition dramatically, however herbal treatments for hemorrhoids can often provide immediate relief as well as being effective for the long term treatment of this very distressing condition.

Herbal treatments of hemorrhoids include:

Pilewort - Piles are another name for hemorrhoids and this herb was named for its effectiveness for this condition. It tonifies the blood vessels and stops bleeding. Pilewort may be taken internally as a tea or alcohol-based tincture and it can also be applied externally as an ointment.

Witch hazel - this herb can help to ease the bleeding and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. It is applied externally as an ointment, or the liquid can be applied directly to the area with a sterile cotton pad. Use three times daily until relief is obtained.

Aloe Vera gel - the fresh pulp can be applied directly on the anus to provide pain relief and soothe any burning sensations.

Butcher's Broom - this herb has been used throughout history for the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. When looking for preparations of Butcher's Broom, try to find those that contain a minimum of 9-11% of ruscogenin content, which is the active ingredient. 100 mg should be taken three times daily.

Pine Bark and Grape Seed is an herbal treatment for hemorrhoids that contain proanthocyanins and anthocyanins which are substances that improve the structural integrity of the veins and in fact the entire circulatory system. It is also possible to obtain them through increasing consumption of berries such as blueberries, blackberries and strawberries as well as cherries.

Fiber along with other herbal treatments for hemorrhoids decrease  the risk of straining during bowel movements and increasing fiber intake may actually be a very effective simple measure that can go a long way towards improving hemorrhoids. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is a must, however there are also a wide variety of fiber supplements available, such as those containing Psyllium husk or Slippery Elm Bark, that can soften the stools and reduce straining. It is also very important to ensure that water intake is increased when taking fiber supplements.

Herbal treatments for hemorrhoids can greatly assist in reducing the symptoms of hemorrhoids however in very severe cases surgical treatment may be required. In such instances the herbal treatments and dietary changes outlined can be used to prevent the problem from occurring again following surgery.

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April 5, 2008

Alternative Herbal Treatment for Constipation

Constipation is a condition which refers to sporadic bowel movements that are generally hard in consistency and often excruciating to eliminate.

According to dietitians, a number of factors can contribute this condition, such as prolonged bed rest, lack of exercise, low intake of fluids and fiber, irregular eating habits, and stress. Other common factors that aggravate, or lead to this condition include taking certain herbhandbook medications like antacids and antihypertensive agents, narcotics and iron supplements.

Changing Your Diet Helps Alleviate This Disorder

For individuals who are diagnosed with constipation or bowel obstruction, you could be suffering from this condition as a result of your lifestyle, so there are different treatment options for you.

One of these is changing your diet, as individuals who have chronic constipation will almost certainly need a change in diets, where it could mean augmenting the amount of fiber intake and eating larger amounts of raw fruits and vegetables, brown wild rice, flaxseeds, bran and whole grain cereals. Implementing an exercise regimen also will help in regulating your bowels, and these types of exercises can be as simple as taking a brisk 15 to 20-minute walk in the morning of evening.

Herbal Alternatives For Alleviating Constipation

At present, many herbal products and food supplements are designed to aid in constipation. However, if you decide to try out a specific herbal remedy, ensure that you talk with your physician first, as some herbal ingredients interfere with the prescription medicines you may be taking. Among the most notable herbs for treating this condition are aloe vera, ginger, senna and yerba mate. Here are other effective herbs for treating bowel obstruction.

- Honey. Honey is considered a natural laxative, and the early Egyptians were prescribed to take honey mixed with warm water-taken every morning for 3 or 4 days, as a cure for constipation.

- Flaxseed Oil. This herbal ingredient aids in softening stools. Freshly-ground flaxseeds are also potent and commonly used.

- Rhubarb Root. This root is useful in relatively small doses as a laxative, and is noted to be safe for use by infants.

- Slippery Elm. This herb is helpful as a laxative and for relieving the stomach as well as the intestines.

In order to effectively alleviate this condition, try to go the bathroom at the same time every day, after meals and as soon as you feel the urge. Remember to never ever hold in a bowel movement. It would also be good to eat foods that are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber.

Soluble fiber also helps to lowering blood cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels, and the is commonly found in barley, apples, dried beans, carrots, oats (such as oat bran and oatmeal), oranges, and rye. Insoluble fiber, or roughage, helps to keep your bowel movements regular, and this is common in whole-grain breads and cereals, dried beans, fruits and vegetables with skins, pasta, seeds, and wheat bran. The National Cancer Institute recommends that adults get a daily fiber intake of 20-35 grams.

http://primeherbal.com - Prime Herbal

Read more about alternative herbal treatment for constipation

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December 21, 2006

Multi-Uses of a Herbal Neck Wrap

If you are suffering from allergies, need to relax your sore muscles or are just stressed, check into what you can gain by using an herbal neck wrap.

Herbs are nature’s secret weapon against all kinds of ailments, and they have been used in every civilization since the dawn of time. With some simple research about herbs and how they can be applied in a neck wrap, you can greatly improve your quality of life and enjoy yourself more than you have in years.

The first step is to find what herbs will work best in your herbal neck wrap. This will greatly depend on what problem you are trying to address by using it. If you are suffering from allergies, you will most likely want to find an herbal neck wrap that uses aromatherapy to calm those allergies of yours.

Perhaps in time, your allergies may even dwindle or disappear after using the healing power of herbs for a while! If you are trying to soothe aching neck muscles, you will want to find an herbal neck wrap that uses the herbs to rub into your skin, which will help bring the relief you are looking for. If you are just plain stressed, you’ll probably want a neck wrap that utilizes both methods, but be prepared to pay a little more.
 
By utilizing the internet, you can find a lot of useful information on herbs and how they can best be used in an herbal neck wrap.  Once you know which problem you will want to tackle, you can pinpoint the products that you need. By searching for herbal neck wraps, you will find many sites online that will be able to ship the one you need right to your doorstep. If you are wanting a neck wrap to address several problems, you may have to wait an extra day or two so the company can create the neck wrap to your specifications.

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April 11, 2008

Herbal Education at Natural Health Schools

 

Find Herbal Education in the United States and Canada. Many natural health schools have integrated herbal education into standard curriculums and coursework. Students seeking an internship or practical training in natural medicine will find that an herbal education provides necessary skills and knowledge to become certified herbalists, herbal consultants, Chinese herbal medicine practitioners, and even naturopaths.

Herbal education is comprised of in-depth studies in the practice and art of clinical herbalism. In most herbal education herbhandbook programs, students are taught the roots of herbalism, including classes in therapeutic herbal medicine, medicine making and lab work, anatomy and physiology, herbal formulations, plant identification (botany) and growing of herbs, diet and nutrition, aromatherapy, plant chemistry, and other related subjects of study.

Typically, students who have successfully completed an herbal education will know how to identify, harvest and manufacture herbal medicine from medicinal plants. In addition, an herbal education will have trained students in how to effectively use herbal medicine as a treatment for common ailments, illnesses and other health conditions.

Depending on which natural health school in which you choose to enroll, an herbal education curriculum is often incorporated in naturopathic and Oriental medicine studies. In these courses, students are frequently introduced to natural herbal medicine and aspects pertaining to both Eastern and Western medicine.

A number of herbal education programs will commonly result in certification in the respective course of study; however, some natural health schools do offer herbal education that may result in a degree in herbal sciences.

As the consumer demand for natural healthcare and alternative medicine continues to grow, students who achieve an herbal education can feel confident that this coursework is not only beneficial to personal enrichment, but to professional growth as well.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding herbal education, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternaive health advisor and owner of alternative herbal treatment

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December 21, 2006

Benefits of Using a Herbal Deodorant

You have probably thought of switching to an herbal deodorant, but you may have some questions. How easily would I be able to obtain my new deodorant? Will it work for me?

What are the benefits of using an all-natural fragrance instead of my tried and true deodorant? In this article, we’ll discuss some of these questions, and discover the benefits and joy of using an all-natural herbal deodorant.

Herbal deodorants are not typically available at most retail stores. You will more than likely have to ask at your local health food store to find one. You may even have to order yours from a reputable site on the internet if the health food store doesn’t carry the kind you need.

If you have no other options or you feel adept in the garden, you would be able to grow your own with very little trouble. Just a little work and diligence, and you would be able to chase away nasty body odors the healthy and natural way.
 
How will you know that an herbal deodorant will work for you? Herbal deodorants will work for the majority of people, but you will have to be willing to give it sufficient time to mix with your skin before you really start to smell the results you want. This could take hours or days depending on your specific body chemistry.

You will also want to research the different herbs available to find what your options are and what has been found to work the best for others in the past. If one herb doesn’t do the trick, don’t despair! Try another, or a group of herbs, or herb products, until you get the results you desire. There are many benefits to using an all-natural herbal deodorant.
The most important reason is that breast cancer has been found to be caused by typical deodorant stopping up the pores in found in the armpit. This doesn’t allow for the natural release of sweat and toxins. Herbs are the all-natural way of cleansing the smell of body odor without keeping the toxins inside your body.

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October 30, 2006

Chinese Herbal Remedies VS Traditional Herbs

Would you choose chinese herbal remedies over traditional herbal product?  We all just hate getting sick? Regardless of how much we all dislike the colds, flu, and other annoying viruses that seem to come each and every winter, we always seem to get them. Even those of us who take precautions with a flu shot or some other form of deterrent, that darn sniffling and coughing always commence on schedule. Well, at least that's my experience anyway.

There must be a way around it all. You know, some hidden path that has not yet been discovered by the masses. A close friend of mine from Taiwan claims that Chinese herbal remedies are often better than American medicines. Who knows; maybe he's onto something. Are you willing to give Chinese herbal remedies a shot?

What do you currently know about Chinese herbal remedies?  Does the name Bi Yan Pian, Ping Chuan, or Gun Mao Ling ring a bell? Well these remedies are for cold and flu viruses.  Oh, no problem.  Although most American do not have a great depth and knowledge regarding Chinese herbal remedies, I have had an experience with Xiao Yao San for hormonal balance.  Which was very effective against my mood swings, bloating and menstrual cramps. 

Ever heard of Dit Da Jow?  Well, chances are, unless you're into Chinese martial arts, you probably haven't. Dit Da Jow is a liquid herbal remedy used to heal bruises and damaged tissue.  I used it rather frequently when I first began training in a Chinese martial art known as Wing Chun. The repetitive damage I received to my forearms during training rituals, called for some serious healing. A martial arts buddy of mine, who had been training for years, recommended Dit Da Jow.  Now, I'm not going to lie to you. In my humble opinion, this stuff stinks. However, it did remedy my bruising and promote healing.  Therefore, I do believe this stuff works. This along with other Chinese herbal remedies are often recommended in the martial arts circles.

Would you search for ancient Chinese herbal remedies to cure a headache? This is a funny question actually.  While watching a Tai Chi seminar a few years back, I spotted a student offering his teacher a massage to help remedy a headache his teacher complained of.  The old Chinese teacher grinned at him and said, "That sounds nice, but I think I'll just take some aspirin."  I could tell this shocked the student who had been fascinated by Chinese herbal remedies and massage therapy.  He thought they were better for some reason.  However, it's always best to use what truly works for you.

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