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March 2, 2006, 7:06 PM CT
Identifying The Different Forms Of Herbal Medicine
Although there are a lot of positive things to be said when it comes to herbal medicine, is still an undeniable fact however that what we proof we have is not yet enough to make taking herbal medicine completely safe.
Hence, when you?re about to try out herbal medicine please make sure to check with your doctor first if what you?re doing wouldn?t be harmful to your body. Secondly, it?s better to be able to identify the different forms of herbal medicine so you?d know if what you?re taking is the real thing or not.
Essence - This is also one of the most popular forms that herbal medicine takes. Herbs in essential oils are processed through cold pressing or steam distillation. This form of herbal medicine is popular because a lot of people prefer to enjoy massages with the use of essential oils because it supposedly helps them relax more easily.
Pills and Capsules - People who violently resist the idea of taking herbal medicine in its raw form may find other products of herbal medicine in the form of pills and capsules. Herbal medicine is ground into powder to take this particular form. Usually, with this form of herbal medicine, the medicinal purpose is general and not meant to be a specific cure. Ampalaya capsules, for example, are taken simply to help improve your diabetes.
Infusions - This process involves the delicate parts of a plant like its leaves, seeds and fruits. The process simply takes several minutes to finish.
Poultice - There are some situations that require patients to take herbal medicine in the form of poultice. In this case, the herbs are macerated or chopped into tiny pieces and are then directly applied to the skin. After this, a hot, moist bandage is used to cover the area.
Raw - It?s like going back to the primitive past when you?re required to take this particular form of herbal medicine. Not only is the process somewhat undesirable, the taste of it leaves nothing to be desired as well. Many healthcare professionals, however, advise people to steep these raw herbs into tea because it?s said to release its healing powers effectively.
Tinctures - Herbal medicine in liquid form.
Decoctions - This process involves the extraction of certain parts of a plant like the berries, roots and herb-bark. This process usually takes 45 minutes till an hour and a half.
And now that we?re done with the list of forms of herbal medicine, we do hope that you benefit greatly from whatever herbal medicine product you?re taking!
Mr. Peter Garant is writing health, diet and exercise articles for the 1200 calories diet site and herbal health related articles for his herbal health site.
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February 28, 2006, 10:26 PM CT
Tricks to help you sleep
Everyone deserves to have the ability to lay their head on a pillow at night and drift off to sleep. But, for so many, this isn't what happens.
Be it the events of the day, the pressures that surround you or some other residing factor, not being able to sleep only complicates matters and adds to the stresses of what you are already experiencing.
Doctors are quite happy to test, prod and probe you and feed you plenty of pills and potions that they feel might assist you to get at least some sleep. These may work temporarily but they don't work long term, and you find yourself back in the Doctor's consulting room, desperate for their next 'well, if that didn't work, try this' scenario.
Sorry, but after years of putting myself through their trial and error methods, I lost all faith in Doctors and their 'standardized' ways of treating people with sleeping problems. I started thinking 'outside of the square' and stumbled across something that finally worked for me.
Here's an example.
How many people, including Doctors, have suggested you try counting sheep or something similar? It's the 'standard' response from people when they find out you have a sleeping problem. The silly part is, it actually works but NOT as you are currently doing it.
Let me explain.
What do you do when you start to count? You begin at one, right? Well, if you are using this method to get to sleep, the ONLY way this would EVER work is when you are bored senseless and you do go off to sleep but it is neither restful or relaxing. It also would be a very short sleep and you would find yourself starting from one again and counting off into oblivion! That's because you are counting in the WRONG DIRECTION!
You are looking for a result - SLEEP! To achieve it, there MUST be a start and finish point - the finish point being you getting to sleep. If you start counting from one, there is no structured end which makes this method unworkable and therefore undesirable. You are searching for regularity, not one off results.
Pick a figure close to 100 and work your way slowly backwards to zero, taking a slow deep breath with each counted number. This focus enables your mind to relax and gives you a finishing point to achieve. Your body relaxes with each deep breath and your mind remains focused on the important task of reaching your goal. Don't stress if you lose count. Just pick a number higher than the last one you remember and continue slowly counting backwards, remembering to take that deep breath with each number.
Is it self hypnosis? Who cares what label you attach to it - it works - that's ALL that counts!
This little exercise, coupled with a few other 'outside the square' exercises, allows me to get what used to be impossible - regular and relaxing sleeping patterns. Maybe it can help you as well.
The story continues HERE
John is the Author of an eBook that dispels the myths and offers hope to those who find it hard to get to sleep at night. Visit http://ez4u2sleep.myriad2020.com to continue the story.
Source
February 20, 2006, 6:45 PM CT
Tea Tree Oil Wonders
Oil from "Down Under", Tea tree oil is yellow / greenish tinged essential oil extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca Alternifolia.
Australian natives used tea tree for antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insecticidal, and immune stimulant properties. The essential oil steam distilled from its leaves and twigs to treat range of ailments like cold, sores, acnes and even whooping cough. Combats skin infections, insect bites, and minor wounds and is a remedy for oral infections.
The balsamic woody antiseptic fragrant tea tree oil's magical healing powers make it one of the best essential oils to have in your medicine closet. Beside lavender oil, tea tree oil can be used directly without any carrier oil. It can be used undiluted as it is non toxic, non-irritating. It is ideal to perform a patch test your skin before using it. Blends well with lavender, lemon, rosemary, and clove oils.
The much talked about oil treats vaginal yeast infections, plantar warts, warts and insect bites. Rubbing it on to scalp will help in getting rid of nits, dandruff and lice. Fights viruses, bacteria, fungi thereby boosting the immune system to ward off infectious disease. It can be used undiluted on wounds, minor cuts and insect bites. It cures the affected area by penetrating the skin and leaving no scars.
Tea tree oil is good remedy for acne. It heals the acne scars and unclogs the pores. Single large drop tea tree oil dabbed on the pimple may clear it up quickly. Few drops of tea tree oil to your warm bath relax and rejuvenate you. It helps to remove persistent body odor and soothe sore muscles. When added to water in pools, hot tubs and spas it controls bacteria.
Massage few drops of undiluted oil for athlete?s foot and ring worm infections. Inhalation of few drops of this oil is a great relief for persistent colds, flu, toothache, and cough. A dab of tea tree oil around your nose will open up clogged nose soothing sinuses.
Tea tree oil has been used effectively to treat abscess, blisters, burns, insect bites, oily skin, rashes, spots, warts and wounds. You can use tea tree oil to cure sunburns, diaper rash, toenail infections and problems of smelly feet.
Tea tree oil properties act as immune booster helping the body to fight off host of micro organisms that lead to reduction in body's natural resistance power.
Sharon Hopkins manages sites on Aromatherapy and its essential oils. Aromatherapy essential oils are concentrated extracts of plants and their roots, stems, flowers and fruits.
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February 18, 2006, 9:04 PM CT
Bathing With Essential Oils From Herbs
Imagine your self floating in a gigantic bathtub full of herbs hugging your skin; its magical powers take away your tensions, worries and transforming you to feel complete and new.
Bath is calming way to relax in today?s fast paced stressful life. It is a soothing way to start a new day and blissful send-off to bed. Herbs and its essential oils soothes aching muscles, tense nerves, skin irritations, softens skin and ensures peaches and roses complexion.
Set the stage for your bath with a clean fresh bathroom. Keep clean towels, bath gels, herbs, loofah, etc handy. Choose relaxing music, light aromatic candles around you. All in all make sure that everything you need for your luxury is within arms reach.
While filling tub with warm water, create a bag of your favourite herbs to be used in bathing. It is ideal that you give your skin a quick loofah brush head to toe before you start. To create an herb bag, fill muslin cloth or even an old stocking with your favourite herbs. Dip it in your bath, letting the herbs gently soak in the water. Bath salts, citrus leaves, dried rose petals, dried lavender flowers to name a few to create an herb bag. If you don?t have the fondness of creating your own bag of herbs, you can definitely buy ready made herb bags.
Not more than 5 drops of essential oils should be used in a bath. Dilute it with milk or carrier oil. Common herbs and its essential oils used in bath for calming properties.
- Black Pepper ? relief for aching muscles
- Clary Sage - as a perk me up and premenstrual tension
- Eucalyptus - for respiratory problems
- Geranium - for very dry or itchy skin, eczema and PMS
- Jasmine - when you wish to feel luxurious
- Lavender - dry skin, eczema, sprains, hot flashes, headaches, over work, insomnia
- Orange - to pep you up
- Rosemary - to get you going in the morning, a quick pick-me-up in the evening. Also good for aches and sore muscles.
- Chamomile, Lavender or roses are good for dry, delicate or irritated skin.
- Rosemary, Calendula and Thyme for oily skin.
- Lemon Balm - good for hyperactive children
- Citrus & Lavender - soothing and therapeutic properties
- Ylang Ylang - exfoliates and moisturizes the skin
- Apricot and Amber - moisturises, restores softness and suppleness to skin.
- Chamomile - aids in relief of aching muscles and nervousness
- Eucalyptus - opens the pores and the vapours from the bath help to clear the breathing passages.
Make sure that your bath time is a time of solitude. Just let yourself luxuriate in the watery haven. And don?t forget to put a ?Do Not Disturb? sign on the door.
Sharon Hopkins manages aromatherapies sites providing Aromatherapy recipes for skin care, beauty and hygiene, emotional and physical well-being. The aromatherapy oils make useful moisturizers having good penetrative properties.
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February 18, 2006, 9:04 PM CT
Treating Keloids
Keloids are abnormal overgrowths of fibrous tissue that happen when the skin has been hurted. Keloids are asymptomatic, but in some cases may cause disfigurement and cosmetic concern. Occasionally, they appear when the scar or the wound that is healing was not observed and taken care of properly. They are basically not painful and they are not easily transmitted from one person to the other. They appear to be more prevalent among the colored races. Normally, keloids tend to appear when the skin loses its collagen and elastin material, which are responsible for its elasticity. Therefore, when choosing a medication for treating keloids, it is recommended to choose ingredients that have only natural substances. These natural topics are able to treat Keloids without side effects like further skin irritations, which are usually brought about by chemicals.The TreatmentsUsually, keloids are treated through irradiation or intralesional injection of corticosteroids. But for those who are afraid of such chemicals, it would be better to opt for natural ingredients that are more effective than these artificial proceduresHere are some of the recognized keloid treatments.1. Keloid surgeryOne of the most common ways in keloid treatment is surgery. Though, most skin experts contend that keloids still have chances of returning. That is why, it is important to accompany the surgery with other products, which can easily be applied to the affected area. These alternative products or treatments are able to curb the re-occurrence of keloids. Surgical treatments for keloids are usually done through laser removal. This treatment uses intralesional injection and corticosteroids for prevention of coming back.2, Use compression bandages.Because keloids appear as excessive growth of the tissues, it would be better to compress the keloid area so as to prevent the over manipulation of the skin.3. Use steroid injections.Other common treatment is the injection of solutions that are responsible in removing keloids. This may eradicate the keloid area without having to resort to surgery or operative procedures.4. New treatmentsToday, the in-thing in medical industry needed, so as to treat keloids and other skin blemishes, are the solutions that contain biological substances. These natural ingredients are proven to be very effective with the keloid formations due to the natural procedures they trigger, like skin remodeling.These substances are also mild enough as complements to other skin treatments because they do not have side effects like skin irritation or allergy.Indeed, there are many ways on how to treat keloids. You only have to inform yourself in which one of all the treatments available in the market has the best results for treating your keloid problem.
Martha Fitzharris is a free lance journalist for http://www.naturalbioskincare.com a website offering a new biological natural skin care product that activates skin renewal.
If you want more information about Strech marks, please clic natural skin care cream with natural skin renewal activators.
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Natural Relief For Arthritis And Joint Pain?
The years of teaching high impact aerobics are catching up with me. Sure it's been great for the ticker, but the knees on the other hand are showing signs of age and making icky noises. What my Physical Therapist friends call "creep" and "crepitus" (which is just nice technical way of saying "grinding") had become loud enough to be heard by the naked ear! At the rate I was going - I was sure I'd need a knee replacement by 40. Of course this just won't do. So I've taken to doing leg extensions regularly and? taking glucosamine.
Glucosamine - What's That?
"Glucosamine" is a natural constituent of cartilage which has been shown to stimulate the production of connective tissue! In more technical terms, glucosamine is considered an "amino sugar." An amino sugar is the component of a carbohydrate which does not contribute to the body's energy - instead it gets incorporated into body tissues, forming such structures as tendons, ligaments, bones, skin, nails, eyes and heart valves.
What is Glucosamine Used For?
Glucosamine supplements have been used most recently (according to the research I consulted) for everything from joint pain to connective tissue repair. It's best know for its contribution to tendon and ligament support, for building joint cartilage as well as reducing destruction of cartilage. It has also shown promise in reducing inflammation due to asthma and bursitis, lessen the incidence of food allergies, tendonitis and skin problems! As if that isn't enough - what I find most exciting about glucosamine is its use in relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
How Glucosamine Works
It's fairly basic. We produce less glucosamine as we age, therefore our cartilage has difficulty retaining water. Depletion of this fluid, which ads "cushion" to the joints and other tissues, can create everything from joint pain to arthritis. Glucosamine (together with its counterpart chondroitin - another naturally occurring substance) - helps to counteract this water loss as well as restore cartilage.
Side Effects
So What's the bad news? I always want to know. Here's what I found: Since these substances are naturally occurring - they work on the body differently than synthetic drugs (think Prednisone) or anti-inflam's like Naproxen. This said - it takes a while to notice signs of joint help - more than likely it could take up to a year of regular supplementation before the benefits take hold. Once they do, however, 50% of all regular users have reported definite decreases in symptoms of joint pain - I will let you know! The only other downside I could find to the glucosamine/chondroitin complex users were nausea and heartburn - although they are rare and counteracted by eating prior to supplementation.
How To?
As I've just stated, always take the glucosamine/chondroitin complex with meals to avoid side effects. I take one, 500 mg tablet once a day. Dr. Mindell (I am a big fan of his work: see below) recommends taking just 1-3 500 mg. tabs daily for three weeks (to get a boost), then take one, 500 mg. tab daily.
My Usual Disclaimer:
As always, please check with your healthcare provider before supplementation - discuss with him/her any medications you are taking to avoid interactions. Although herbs and other naturally occurring substances are considered "food" (simply because they can't be patented and trademarked thus cannot come under scrutiny of the FDA) they are still very strong substances in the body and should not be taken lightly! Check out more literature - educate yourself!
My Favorite Resources (and research sources for this article) Include:
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam, 2004.
Khalsa, Dharma Singh, M.D. Food As Medicine. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. The Vitamin Bible. New York: Warner Books, 2004.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. Prescription Alternatives. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Laura Turner is a natural health practitioner and author. She hosts http://www.beauty-and-body.com and publishes the New Body News and Wellness Letter, The Online Magazine Healthy People Read. ( http://www.new-body-news.com ) Subscribe for f.r.e.e. and receive her Special Report: "Take Charge of Your Health!" and check out her latest book: Spiritual Fitness!
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