Sunday, December 31, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Natural Remedies for Common Health Concerns
Our immune system is nature's way of keeping us healthy. In the past, most people thought that our immune system only related to our general state of health. Physicians routinely removed some of the most important organs of our immune system. I had my tonsils removed when I was 3 years old. And many people have no appendix. Today we know better.
We know that the immune system seems to have a primitive intelligence. It is a marriage of organs and body systems that all work together in order to protect our body as a whole. There are so many things that contribute to the decline in the health of our immune systems. These include a poor diet, stress, and overuse of antibiotics just to name a few.
We have alternatives to prescription drugs, whose only function is symptomatic. There are known substances that can assist us in stimulating immune function. These substances encourage the elimination of toxins, stimulate liver and kidney function as well as speed recovery when we do get ill.
Some types of alternative approaches used include such holistic practices as herbology, homeopathy and aromatherapy. Nutritional remedies are also quite effective for an immune boost.
Some of the common herbs that we use to give our immune systems this boost against bacterial, viral and parasitic infections include: citrus seed extract, Echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, licorice root, vitamin C and shiitake mushrooms. There are so many options out there that it can get quite overwhelming. How do you know what works? How do we know which one to use?
I would like to share with you some of the research on natural methods of healing that can be used for several common conditions for which antibiotics are usually prescribed. As always, seek the guidance of a professional if you suspect any illness. Work with this professional, whether he be Western, Eastern, homeopathic or natural care provider. I would also love to hear from you. What works for you? Do you have old family remedies that have proven helpful?
Acne
The natural program outlined shows good to excellent results in 92% of patients. Dietary manipulation and avoidance of certain substances such as soft drinks is well known. Vitamins A, E, B6, and zinc show promise as wellas benzoyl peroxide and essential oils.
Bladder Infection
Cranberry juice is the #1 choice in the treatment of bladder infection. This can be combined with blueberry juice. Acidophilus and Vitamins C, A and beta-carotene have been used effectively. Extra fluids, good hygiene and frequent urination are effective preventive strategies. Thyme oil and tea tree oil can be used for chronic infection. Homeopathic remedies are also effective.
Common Cold and Flu
High doses of Vitamin C can be taken without harm. What your body does not need, it will not use. Take up to point of diarrhea and then back down to the dose just before diarrhea. Zinc or vitamin C lozenges can be used to treat a cold. Essential oils are useful. Echinacea is used to effectively tweak the immune system during cold and flu season as well. Make sure to get plenty of rest and keep yourself hydrated, if you do develop a cold or flu symptoms.
Intestinal Infection with Diarrhea
Lactobacillus bifidobacterium, used as directed, builds those important intestinal bacteria back up. Many of these are killed during antibiotic treatment along with the bad guys. L.bifidobactreium supplement our intestinal immunity during these times.
Sinusitis
Herbs and essential oils can be used to treat sinusitus. Humidified air is a great transport for oils as well as keeping the air less dry and irritating. Avoid potential allergens during these times.
Vaginitis
Use of a tampon soaked in essential oil, especially tea tree oil, has been found to be effective in the treatment of simple vaginitis. It is also applied externally with good effect. Unsweetened yogurt douches are used by many as a natural alternative. Acidophilus keeps your vaginal environment well balanced. Vitamins such as C, A and E are always effective immune boosters.
Disclaimer:ALWAYS SEEK MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS. Do not diagnose yourself. It is very important to work with your health care provider. Many of these and other remedies are widely accepted today. However, what looks like simple vaginitis can be much more, for example. That is why you should seek the services of a professional. Most professionals will work with you to incorporate any natural therapies that you wish to utilize, provided they do not counteract treatment prescribed. Work with your care provider, for your own safety.
These and so many other natural forms of therapy, both preventive and symptomatic relief, are used effectively and safely everyday. Any comments, suggestions, family remedies or stories are greatly appreciated. I am a perpetual student and always welcome new information. Take care of yourself! We'll talk again soon.
We know that the immune system seems to have a primitive intelligence. It is a marriage of organs and body systems that all work together in order to protect our body as a whole. There are so many things that contribute to the decline in the health of our immune systems. These include a poor diet, stress, and overuse of antibiotics just to name a few.
We have alternatives to prescription drugs, whose only function is symptomatic. There are known substances that can assist us in stimulating immune function. These substances encourage the elimination of toxins, stimulate liver and kidney function as well as speed recovery when we do get ill.
Some types of alternative approaches used include such holistic practices as herbology, homeopathy and aromatherapy. Nutritional remedies are also quite effective for an immune boost.
Some of the common herbs that we use to give our immune systems this boost against bacterial, viral and parasitic infections include: citrus seed extract, Echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, licorice root, vitamin C and shiitake mushrooms. There are so many options out there that it can get quite overwhelming. How do you know what works? How do we know which one to use?
I would like to share with you some of the research on natural methods of healing that can be used for several common conditions for which antibiotics are usually prescribed. As always, seek the guidance of a professional if you suspect any illness. Work with this professional, whether he be Western, Eastern, homeopathic or natural care provider. I would also love to hear from you. What works for you? Do you have old family remedies that have proven helpful?
Acne
The natural program outlined shows good to excellent results in 92% of patients. Dietary manipulation and avoidance of certain substances such as soft drinks is well known. Vitamins A, E, B6, and zinc show promise as wellas benzoyl peroxide and essential oils.
Bladder Infection
Cranberry juice is the #1 choice in the treatment of bladder infection. This can be combined with blueberry juice. Acidophilus and Vitamins C, A and beta-carotene have been used effectively. Extra fluids, good hygiene and frequent urination are effective preventive strategies. Thyme oil and tea tree oil can be used for chronic infection. Homeopathic remedies are also effective.
Common Cold and Flu
High doses of Vitamin C can be taken without harm. What your body does not need, it will not use. Take up to point of diarrhea and then back down to the dose just before diarrhea. Zinc or vitamin C lozenges can be used to treat a cold. Essential oils are useful. Echinacea is used to effectively tweak the immune system during cold and flu season as well. Make sure to get plenty of rest and keep yourself hydrated, if you do develop a cold or flu symptoms.
Intestinal Infection with Diarrhea
Lactobacillus bifidobacterium, used as directed, builds those important intestinal bacteria back up. Many of these are killed during antibiotic treatment along with the bad guys. L.bifidobactreium supplement our intestinal immunity during these times.
Sinusitis
Herbs and essential oils can be used to treat sinusitus. Humidified air is a great transport for oils as well as keeping the air less dry and irritating. Avoid potential allergens during these times.
Vaginitis
Use of a tampon soaked in essential oil, especially tea tree oil, has been found to be effective in the treatment of simple vaginitis. It is also applied externally with good effect. Unsweetened yogurt douches are used by many as a natural alternative. Acidophilus keeps your vaginal environment well balanced. Vitamins such as C, A and E are always effective immune boosters.
Disclaimer:ALWAYS SEEK MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS. Do not diagnose yourself. It is very important to work with your health care provider. Many of these and other remedies are widely accepted today. However, what looks like simple vaginitis can be much more, for example. That is why you should seek the services of a professional. Most professionals will work with you to incorporate any natural therapies that you wish to utilize, provided they do not counteract treatment prescribed. Work with your care provider, for your own safety.
These and so many other natural forms of therapy, both preventive and symptomatic relief, are used effectively and safely everyday. Any comments, suggestions, family remedies or stories are greatly appreciated. I am a perpetual student and always welcome new information. Take care of yourself! We'll talk again soon.
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