Homeopathic Remedies

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.

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.

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.