Homeopathic remedies are a popular form of alternative therapy, which works by treating an illness with a substance that causes those symptoms to appear with someone who does not have the same illness, which is termed the 'law of similars' whereby like cures like. The advantage of homeopathic remedies is that they are safer than conventional treatments because they are diluted to a level that is non toxic. It is a traditional form of alternative medicine in many countries and is available in the UK in the National Health Service and the public health service of many other countries. Some conventional medicines have even been derived from homeopathy such as the use of nitroglycerin to treat angina.
In order for a homeopathic remedy not to increase the symptoms of an ill person, the substance has to be diluted with water.
A homeopath can determine which remedy to use for an illness either by a lengthly diagnostic process of 'proving' or by looking at a homeopathic repertory containing a list of symptoms and the remedies that are used for them. The substances that are used in the preparation include plants such as poison ivy and minerals such as salt.
Some complementary alternative remedies are similar to homeopathic medicine, such as Bach flower remedies, which use some of the plants found in homeopathic products but are prepared differently by placing the plant extract in water and exposing them to sunlight.
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Natural Laxatives
Natural laxatives are used to treat constipation associated with lack of dietary fibre in the diet such as apples, grapes and flax seeds.
Dietary fiber are the indigestible roughage of plants that absorb water as they move through the digestive system. A person may need a natural laxative supplement if they do not eat enough wheat, oats, seed husks, corn, vegetables, juices, potatoes and who do not drink enough water. Untreated, it can increase the risk of developing colon cancer as well as diverticulitis in the elderly.
The use of fiber supplements can help to lower cholesterol levels. This has been found especially true of ispaghula psyllium seed husk which is found in many off the shelf laxative remedies and included in many health food products. Psyllium seed husks expand in water and are indigestible and so are able to clean the walls of the intestine. Unlike artificial laxitive medication, they do not cause diarrhea and are also nutritious. Ispaghula husk is obtained from the plant 'Pantago' which is a plant that is used in many herbal remedies. This plant is anti toxic, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial.
Senna leaves are often used in herbal natural laxative remedies by increasing the amount of peristaltic movements in the colon. They contain the anthraquinone derivative senna glycodide. These anthraquinones are also found in other natural laxitive substances such as Aloe and Rhubarb.
Dietary fiber are the indigestible roughage of plants that absorb water as they move through the digestive system. A person may need a natural laxative supplement if they do not eat enough wheat, oats, seed husks, corn, vegetables, juices, potatoes and who do not drink enough water. Untreated, it can increase the risk of developing colon cancer as well as diverticulitis in the elderly.
The use of fiber supplements can help to lower cholesterol levels. This has been found especially true of ispaghula psyllium seed husk which is found in many off the shelf laxative remedies and included in many health food products. Psyllium seed husks expand in water and are indigestible and so are able to clean the walls of the intestine. Unlike artificial laxitive medication, they do not cause diarrhea and are also nutritious. Ispaghula husk is obtained from the plant 'Pantago' which is a plant that is used in many herbal remedies. This plant is anti toxic, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial.
Senna leaves are often used in herbal natural laxative remedies by increasing the amount of peristaltic movements in the colon. They contain the anthraquinone derivative senna glycodide. These anthraquinones are also found in other natural laxitive substances such as Aloe and Rhubarb.
Glucosamine Tablets
Glucosamine tablets are a simple sugar similar to glucose that is obtained from fermented wheat or obtained from shellfish. It is a popular alternative health supplement to treat arthritis or inflammation of the joints which is caused by the wear of cushioning cartilage inside the joints and the lack of fluid that lubricates joints. Inflammation and pain of the joints especially those under load such as the hips will start to occcur over time and become noticable by old age. In some cases where pain is not present, the patient may hear a crackling sound and sensations at the joints called crepitus which can also be an early sign of arthritis.
Glucosamine tablets are used in alternative medicine to treat osteoarthritis as it is an important part of the generation of glycosaminoglycan carbohydrates by the body. Glycosaminoglycan is a component of connective tissues such as those found in the joints where it acts as a lubricant.
Glucosamine supplements can help to rebuild cartilage and lubricate joints. It is also usable as a food supplement in healthy individuals as it is also known to have anti inflammatory properties. Unlike painkillers and non steroidal anti inflammatories, it doesnt harm cartilage which can worsen arthritis.
Apart from those who have shellfish allergies, glucosamine tablets are a safe and bioavailable form of alternative remedy or dietary supplement.
Glucosamine tablets are used in alternative medicine to treat osteoarthritis as it is an important part of the generation of glycosaminoglycan carbohydrates by the body. Glycosaminoglycan is a component of connective tissues such as those found in the joints where it acts as a lubricant.
Glucosamine supplements can help to rebuild cartilage and lubricate joints. It is also usable as a food supplement in healthy individuals as it is also known to have anti inflammatory properties. Unlike painkillers and non steroidal anti inflammatories, it doesnt harm cartilage which can worsen arthritis.
Apart from those who have shellfish allergies, glucosamine tablets are a safe and bioavailable form of alternative remedy or dietary supplement.
Saturday, 31 May 2008
Bach Flower Remedies
The Bach Flower remedies can also be used in a preventative way, when we are experiencing stress and anxiety, and for those who generally feel tired or unwell but do not have a specific medical diagnosis.
If needed they may be taken in conjunction with medical treatments as they will not conflict with any medication, have no side effects and are non addictive.
* "Impatiens" is the Bach Flower remedy for people who are easily irritated. "White Chestnut" is used for people who have obsessive, worrying thoughts, which seem impossible to control.
* "Olive" is used for those who are exhausted in body and mind. This could be due to, for example, a long period of strain through personal difficulties, a long illness or nursing someone for a long time.
* "Hornbeam" is the remedy for weariness, mental rather than physical. For those who wake up doubting their ability to face the day's work.
As well as the 38 individual Bach Flower Remedies, Dr Bach also created one remedy that contained 5 of the flower remedies, (Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose and Clematis) this he called Rescue Remedy. "Rescue Remedy" is for emergency situations, for example; receiving sudden bad news, bereavement, feeling fearful or when in terror. Rescue Remedy may also be taken for a stressful event, such as; a visit to the dentist, sitting an exam and taking your driving test. It will help to calm your fear and nerves. Rescue Remedy is also now available in a convenient spay form and Pastilles form. In addition to this, there is "Rescue Cream" which is useful as a healing ointment for dry and chapped skin.
Several simple books and leaflets are available to help you choose your Bach Flower Remedies. The 38 Flower Remedies details each remedy and how it can help with emotional problems. Each one of these is used for a different emotional state and it is important to choose the correct one for your situation to ensure it works for you.
If needed they may be taken in conjunction with medical treatments as they will not conflict with any medication, have no side effects and are non addictive.
* "Impatiens" is the Bach Flower remedy for people who are easily irritated. "White Chestnut" is used for people who have obsessive, worrying thoughts, which seem impossible to control.
* "Olive" is used for those who are exhausted in body and mind. This could be due to, for example, a long period of strain through personal difficulties, a long illness or nursing someone for a long time.
* "Hornbeam" is the remedy for weariness, mental rather than physical. For those who wake up doubting their ability to face the day's work.
As well as the 38 individual Bach Flower Remedies, Dr Bach also created one remedy that contained 5 of the flower remedies, (Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose and Clematis) this he called Rescue Remedy. "Rescue Remedy" is for emergency situations, for example; receiving sudden bad news, bereavement, feeling fearful or when in terror. Rescue Remedy may also be taken for a stressful event, such as; a visit to the dentist, sitting an exam and taking your driving test. It will help to calm your fear and nerves. Rescue Remedy is also now available in a convenient spay form and Pastilles form. In addition to this, there is "Rescue Cream" which is useful as a healing ointment for dry and chapped skin.
Several simple books and leaflets are available to help you choose your Bach Flower Remedies. The 38 Flower Remedies details each remedy and how it can help with emotional problems. Each one of these is used for a different emotional state and it is important to choose the correct one for your situation to ensure it works for you.
Homeopathic remedies
Homeopathic remedies do not have side effects and are safe, even for the use of small children, this therefore makes them suitable for self medication, when treating common complaints that any one of the family may suffer from.
The basic idea of homeopathy is to treat an illness or complaint with a substance which, if taken by a healthy person, would actually produce symptoms similar to those of the person who is ill.
For example, Belladonna Deadly Nightshade, when eaten, this plant, root or berries is extremely toxic and can cause symptoms such as flushing, loss of balance and urinary retention. The homeopathic form of Belladonna is used to treat conditions such as a brightly flushed face, vertigo and cystitis.
The principles of homeopathic remedies mean that the more dilute a remedy becomes (-30c is more dilute than 6c-) the more potent it becomes. However at these potencies choosing the right remedy is more important than choosing the right potency. As a general rule 6c are used for acute, long standing ailments, and 30c for emergencies or chronic conditions. Some of the most popular homoeopathic remedies at Country Living are:
ARNICA: This should be in everyone's medicine cabinet. Some of its uses are...
* Use after ANY injury
* Bruises
* Sprains
* Insomnia due to over-tiredness
* Great sensitivity to pain
GELSIMIUM: This homeopathic remedy can be used to treat the following...
* Influenza
* Sneezing
* Sore throat
* Heavy eyes
* Vertigo
NUX VOM: Is used to treat the following...
* Nervous indigestion
* Travel sickness
* Ill effects of over-eating or drinking
* Stuffy colds
* Premenstrual tension
RHUS TOX: This homeopathic remedy can be used for...
* Shingles
* Effects of over-exertion
* Rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica
* Strains of joints or tendons
These are just a few of the many thousands of homeopathic remedies available to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Some conditions however, may not be treatable without visiting a homeopathic practitioner who may find it necessary to blend a remedy for your specific condition.
The basic idea of homeopathy is to treat an illness or complaint with a substance which, if taken by a healthy person, would actually produce symptoms similar to those of the person who is ill.
For example, Belladonna Deadly Nightshade, when eaten, this plant, root or berries is extremely toxic and can cause symptoms such as flushing, loss of balance and urinary retention. The homeopathic form of Belladonna is used to treat conditions such as a brightly flushed face, vertigo and cystitis.
The principles of homeopathic remedies mean that the more dilute a remedy becomes (-30c is more dilute than 6c-) the more potent it becomes. However at these potencies choosing the right remedy is more important than choosing the right potency. As a general rule 6c are used for acute, long standing ailments, and 30c for emergencies or chronic conditions. Some of the most popular homoeopathic remedies at Country Living are:
ARNICA: This should be in everyone's medicine cabinet. Some of its uses are...
* Use after ANY injury
* Bruises
* Sprains
* Insomnia due to over-tiredness
* Great sensitivity to pain
GELSIMIUM: This homeopathic remedy can be used to treat the following...
* Influenza
* Sneezing
* Sore throat
* Heavy eyes
* Vertigo
NUX VOM: Is used to treat the following...
* Nervous indigestion
* Travel sickness
* Ill effects of over-eating or drinking
* Stuffy colds
* Premenstrual tension
RHUS TOX: This homeopathic remedy can be used for...
* Shingles
* Effects of over-exertion
* Rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica
* Strains of joints or tendons
These are just a few of the many thousands of homeopathic remedies available to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Some conditions however, may not be treatable without visiting a homeopathic practitioner who may find it necessary to blend a remedy for your specific condition.
Arnica Tablets
Arnica tablets can reduce swelling, prevent muscular soreness and alleviate postoperative trauma. Based on the theory that 'like cures like' it treats illness by giving patients substances that cause the very same symptoms. However, the remedies are given in minute diluted amounts.
Thousands of practitioners and patients swear by the curative powers of Arnica tablets. Arnica tablets are widely used in Germany and France by medically qualified doctors, and they are also routinely administered in casualty units in hospitals.
Made from a yellow daisy-like flower, the active components of arnica include sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids which are known to reduce inflammation and ease pain. It also contains thymol, an essential oil that fights infection, and carotenoid, a powerful antioxidant. Arnica tablets are believed to work by stimulating the activity of white blood cells and dispersing fluid that accumulates around damaged, swollen joints.
Thousands of practitioners and patients swear by the curative powers of Arnica tablets. Arnica tablets are widely used in Germany and France by medically qualified doctors, and they are also routinely administered in casualty units in hospitals.
Made from a yellow daisy-like flower, the active components of arnica include sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids which are known to reduce inflammation and ease pain. It also contains thymol, an essential oil that fights infection, and carotenoid, a powerful antioxidant. Arnica tablets are believed to work by stimulating the activity of white blood cells and dispersing fluid that accumulates around damaged, swollen joints.
Omega 3 fish oil
The prostaglandins then produced from the Omega 3 fish oil are able help the body in ways such as reducing high blood pressure and reducing inflammation. Many of us choose to eat oily fish as part of a balanced diet; however we may not be able to get enough purely from our diet. Omega 3 Fish oil supplements have been found to be beneficial to many health conditions...
- Heart Health: Reduce the likelihood of blood clotting by reducing the viscosity of the blood therefore improving blood flow . This Makes the heart less prone to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Lower blood pressure reduces homocysteine levels and Increase beneficial HDL cholesterol Osteoporosis.
- Bones: The essential oils found in Omega 3 fish oil may in some people help to treat osteoporosis when taken alongside a good quality calcium supplement.
- Pregnancy: We would always advise any one who is pregnant to talk to their GP before taking any supplements. Pregnant women are however often advised to keep up their intake of Omega 3 oils by eating oily fish. It has been found to be vitally important for the brain development of the foetus.
- Arthritis Psoriasis
- Bipolar Disease
- Menstrual symptoms
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)