Menopause is a huge transitional period in a woman's life. With these changes comes some discomfort. One of the biggest discomforts is described as incredible sensations of heat that come out of the blue commonly known as hot flashes. Many ladies experiencing the uncomfortable feeling seek natural remedies for hot flashes.

I once worked with a mature lady who supervised a group of workers in the field of psychology. She would suddenly stop right in her tracks with a look of dread in her eyes. She complained that she felt as if her skin was on fire for a brief moment. The sensation did not vanish as quickly as it appeared. It gradually faded over time.

Her heat experiences were significantly interfering with her ability to function properly at work. She decided to try and find some natural remedies for hot flashes that would ease the discomfort while still allowing her to focus while on the job. This was not really an easy task but she did find some natural remedies for hot flashes that I will share here.

Preventive measures can be taken to keep the uncomfortable heat episodes at bay. The important thing to do is to identify what happens immediately before the incident. This is a common practice in psychology that this behavior specialist decided to put to the test in her quest for natural remedies for hot flashes.

She discovered that stress played a major role in one hot flash after the next. How do you contend with stress if it is simply part of your life? As part of the natural remedies for hot flashes it is important to use proper planning in your daily activities. Make sure you are prepared for work. Give yourself a lot of time to get ready and to make appointments.

She found that she faired better by using these natural remedies for hot flashes. First she took control of her schedule. She finished stress-filled tasks and meeting in the morning when it was cooler. She kept ice water on hand at all times and she made sure to dress in layers in clothes with open neck space.

Occasionally, the staff will find her with her head in the freezer. The behavior specialist claims that this is among her favorite natural remedies for hot flashes she has used. Her second favorite is cotton clothing. She put her synthetics and wool items away until she gets through this phase. Cotton is much more comfortable and it breathes.

Simple changes in lifestyle like cutting down on caffeine, avoiding spicy foods and quitting smoking will benefit you as well. These natural remedies for hot flashes work very well and they don't cost a penny.

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

 

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

Everyone should be able to enjoy their life without the hassle of painful injections, or special diets, which is why an herbal treatment for diabetes may be worth investigating for you. Diabetes doesn't have to control your life or how you live it. No longer would you have to use shots to regulate your body, or stop enjoying the foods that you once enjoyed. By using herbs as your treatment source, you can regain that control without having to make special considerations for yourself.

Herbs have long been known to assist people with ailments or diseases. Some herbs and minerals people are using with success are cinnamon, chromium picolinate, gymnema sylvestra, and vanadyl sulfate. You may want to look at Optimum an alternative herbal product to treat diabetes.  With a little research, you may find a new alternative to help you with your diabetes. Start at the library when searching for an herbal treatment for diabetes. There are many books available that can give insightful information of how particular herbs can affect diabetes. You may even be able to find a book on growing your own herbs.

Next, you may want to try an internet search. You can easily find a forum where others have already found and used an herbal treatment for diabetes. If you would prefer to speak with someone in person, check your phone book's yellow pages for a practicing dietician in your area, or take a trip to the health food store and see what they would recommend. Both the dietician and health food store would be able to share what others have found that helps balance their diabetes. With the information of what has worked for others, you will be one step closer to finding an alternative for yourself.

When considering a new treatment method, everyone should consult with their doctor. Only with the guidance of an educated and trained professional would someone know that their herbal treatment for diabetes is the best alternative for them to use. Never begin a new treatment without first discussing the risks and possible alternatives that are available. You may find that using herbs in conjunction with a prescribed medicine is necessary, or your doctor may feel that herbs alone will be able to control your diabetes. Diabetes can be deadly, and professional medical consultation should be sought.       

Zandra Jones, RN BBA writes about alternative herbal treatment

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

 

Making herbal remedies isn't difficult or complicated, its just made to seem that way. If you can boil water, you can make your own tinctures, infusions or decoctions. In this article we will discuss decoctions, what are they, how are they prepared, and examples of common decoctions.

Simply put, a decoction is your basic infusion juiced up to induce stubborn roots, barks and resins to release their medicinal properties. While most plants will yield their properties to cold or boiling hot water in a matter of minutes, some require a much longer period of time, say 30 minutes or more.

While occasionally a whole plant with stem, twig, flower, leaf and bud is used for special preventive effects, usually only one part of a plant is used at one time. Examples of herbs that work best in a decoction would include:

Elm Bark, used for herpes, scurf, itch and other skin problems

Comfrey Root, the decoction makes for a good gargle and mouthwash for throat inflammations, hoarseness and bleeding gums*

Flaxseed, this decoction can be used for cough, chest and lung problems. Remember to use only ripe seeds as the immature seedpods can cause poisoning.

English Oak Bark, a decoction of the bark can be used internally or externally for hemorrhoids and other rectal problems, menstrual problems and blood in the urine.

Preparing A Decoction:

Fresh herbs should be sliced; dry herbs should be powered or well bruised. A decoction should always be strained when it is hot so that the matter, which separates upon cooling, can be mixed again with the fluid by shaking when the remedy is used.

When preparing your decoction use glass, ceramic or earthenware pots. Do not use plain cast iron with astringent plants. Use 1 ounce (30 g) of dried root or bark to just over a pint of water. Allow this to boil for at least ten minutes or longer. The mixture then steeps with a cover on the pot for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Strain out the plant parts before drinking.

Warning: The FDA has determined that Comfrey can lead to Pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning which causes a liver disorder in humans called hepatic veno-occlusive disease. The small and medium veins in the liver become obstructed, eventually leading to liver disfunction, cirrhosis and death. While only 2 deaths attributed to Comfrey have been documented, due caution is indicated.

The information provided by UsingHerbs.Com is intended to heighten awareness of potential health care alternatives and should not be considered medical advice. Always check with your qualified health-care professional for medical attention, advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

MK Welty hosts an informational site for herb enthusiasts at http://UsingHerbs.com Join us for regular discussions of herbs, their history, properties and uses.

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

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

In this article 'Herbal Menopause Treatment: Black Cohosh', you will discover:

• What is black cohosh?
• Why is black cohosh a good herbal menopause treatment?
• How much black cohosh do you need to take as an herbal menopause treatment?

What Is Black Cohosh? Black cohosh is a shrub-like plant which is found in the forests in the eastern parts of the USA and Canada.

Black cohosh is also known as black snakeroot and squaw root.

It gets it's name from the colour of the root and the word 'cohosh' means 'rough' in Algonquin Indian which refers to the root structure.

Black cohosh has been used for centuries by Native Americans for its beneficial health properties.

It is the rhizome and dried root of black cohosh which is used for medicinal purposes.

Black cohosh has the following health properties:

• Adaptogen
• Helps to balance female hormones
• Helps to balance moods
• Relaxant
• Uterine stimulant

Why Is Black Cohosh A Good Herbal Menopause Treatment? Black cohosh a good herbal menopause treatment because clinical trial have shown that it is very effective at reducing hot flushes in postmenopausal women.

In fact, one trial found that extract of black cohosh to be just as effective as oestrogen therapy in reducing hot flushes.

How Much Black Cohosh Do You Need To Take As An Herbal Menopause Treatment? As an herbal menopause treatment, try taking 20 mg of a highly concentrated black cohosh extract twice per day for up to 6 months then discontinue use.

Warning: As with all supplements, please consult your doctor before taking them.

Some people may experience nausea, indigestion, abdominal pain, dizziness and headaches with black cohosh.

So, to sum up…

Black cohosh is a safe and effective herbal menopause treatment.

Clinical trials have shown that black cohosh can reduce hot flushes in post-menopausal women.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Download 'How To Beat The Menopause Naturally' Free E-book

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is a Alternative Health Advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

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

As the owner of this blog, today is a day of reflection and the hope of America that lives on today.  Today marks the Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Even though this is a blog about Alternative Health Treatment, I have a dream for the invasion and not the war (war means when a country attacks you, we were never attacked by Iraq) in Iraq to end, for our service men to come home, for the end of the greatest wealth transference of the wealth of the United States through oil revenue and imports going to foreign countries who hate us, end to the lost of jobs in America going over seas, end to $3.00 gas prices, end of the trillion dollar deficit, end of debt owed to China, Iran, and Venezuela, and to the end of the Presidency of George W. Bush.  Here is the speech of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Enjoy!

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

I am Zandra Jones, RN BBA and I have a dream!

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

Anxiety disorder affects many people on a daily basis. It can co-exist with other disorders as well, such as depression and many of the same antidepressant medications are used for anxiety treatments. The symptoms experienced by persons with anxiety or panic disorder can be different and occur with varying severity, which is why anxiety treatments must be individualized for each patient. Some of the most common symptoms that people with anxiety experience are heart palpitations, fast heart rate, numbness and tingling in arms and hands, shortness of breath, dizziness, disassociation with present surroundings, terror, and fear of impending doom. These feelings are all too real to people who are experiencing  an anxiety or panic attack. There is also great fear afterward of another attack;  agoraphobia is common and many of these people do not want to leave their homes for fear of having an attack in public in front of strangers. Home is safer and anxiety attacks are less likely to happen in more comfortable surroundings.

Anxiety treatments can be very simple if contributing factors, such as caffeine intake or use of other stimulants that are contributing to the panic attacks. Stress is another common denominator that plays a significant role in anxiety disorder. Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands, which in turn stimulates the "fight or flight" reaction in our bodies. Eventually, neurotransmitters in the brain can't keep up with the continued assault and a chemical imbalance results. Serotonin, norephinephrine, and dopamine are the three neurotransmitters that have been found to play a significant role in mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. The newer anti-depressants make more of these chemicals available in the brain alleviating symptoms, which is why anxiety treatment usually involves use of an anti-depressant. Anti-anxiolytics are also prescribed to control symptoms and feelings of panic that can still occur until the anti-depressant starts to become effective, which can be two to four weeks from initiation of treatment.        

Most patients respond very well to anxiety treatments; antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications when incorporated with psychotherapy and some life style modification are very beneficial. Relaxation techniques are also a great treatment for anxiety and can be done any where any time. Slow rhythmic breathing will slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure as well as enhance relaxation and calm feelings of anxiety. Other effective anxiety treatments include biofeedback, meditation, and exercise, as well as stress reduction, lowering caffeine intake, or any other chemical or substance that is being ingested that could be a contributing factor. If you or someone you know is suffering from panic disorder, get help with effective anxiety treatments. For more information about anxiety treatments that work consult a mental health care provider to get back into life and stop being paralyzed by panic.  

Zandra Jones, RN BBA writes about alternative treatments and health related articles.  Read more at Alternative Herbal Treatment.

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