All posts tagged United States

Alternative Medicine and It’s Use in Natural Pain Management

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Chronic Pain conditions are a growing problem in the United States. And while the debate still rages about whether or not chronic pain should be managed as a separate condition or just a symptom of another problem it is clear that pain management has become a booming segment of the healthcare industry.

Consequently, the use of pharmaceutical drugs for pain control has also reached an all time high. Drugs like Oxicontin, Vicodin and methadone, are front page news in causing America’s latest drug crisis, as a result, the use of cocaine and heroin have also reached levels not seen in this country in 30 years.

Due to the economic and scientific phenomena of the pharmaceutical revolution of the 20th century, thousands of years of knowledge were suddenly abandoned. Herbal medicine has safely and effectively treated pain for millennia, and is for safer than the synthesized, processed medications that today’s doctors seem to be all too willing to hand out like so much candy.

In the realm of alternative medicine, there are many forms of natural pain management that are in fact, the basis of where many of our oh-so-popular pharmaceutical drugs come from.

Codeine and morphine are opium derivatives that may be effective but are also highly addictive, and even aspirin is a derivative of willow bark. Many other plants have been used in natural pain management since antiquity, such as lavender and chamomile for minor pain issues and these plants have the added benefit of also assisting with the emotional component of pain such as anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Plants like henbane and mandrake are so effective that they are even used very effectively during labor to ease the pain of childbirth.

Some wonderful and powerful herbal medicine can also be found in the spice cabinet. Spices like turmeric, and ginger are two of the most powerful anti- inflammatories on the planet. These plants are natural COX-2 inhibitors; they are the alternative medicine answer to the popular pharmaceutical drugs Celebrex and Vioxx. In the middle east, India and all over Asia where the diets are rich in spices like turmeric, and ginger and cayenne, where life is also far less convenient then our own, people have a far less occurrence of arthritis and chronic back pain, and continue to work very labor intensive jobs such as farming and agriculture work even into their 90’s.

There has always been an accepted school of thought in allopathic medicine that it is acceptable to injure one part of the body to heal another, thus even common over the counter NSAID pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can cause long term damage, acetaminophen to the liver and ibuprofen to the kidneys, in natural pain management many plants, roots, barks, and other herbs not only antistetic in nature but they are also anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic as well, and herbal medicine is gentler on the system and is more synergistic with the body allowing for greater absorption of the necessary constitutes.

So you see that alternative medicine goes beyond the typically accepted ideal of treating just the symptoms and goes farther to treat many of the underlying causes as well as some of the other components involved in chronic pain conditions.

How Vibration Medicine Can Help Alleviate Stress In Your Life

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Vibration medicine focuses on balance. It is based on the principle that everything vibrates to a specific frequency. When our bodies deviate from their normal vibration, disease and ill effects can occur.

There are many forms of vibrational healing. Some have been around for centuries, while others are in the experimental stages. Here are the explanations of some of the types of vibrational medicine.

Reiki

Reiki is a form of vibrational medicine that involves our Ki, or life force. Practitioners are trained and attuned by Reiki masters. They promote relaxation and healing through the laying on of hands.

Reiki is founded on the principle that negative thoughts exist not only in the mind, but also throughout the body and energy field. By changing the negative vibrations, Reiki practitioners open the channel for Chi to flow freely in the body, allowing it to return to its original, healthy state.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of healing the body. Over 2,500 years old, this technique works by stimulating certain points on the body using fine needles. Acupuncture takes into account the same energy as Reiki, but acupuncture works on the assumption that the energy flows between two opposite points.

The stimulation of the needles on certain points on the body’s energy meridian works on the organ systems of the body. By altering their vibrations, the life force is regulated. This treats the sickness or disorder at hand.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a fairly common form of vibration medicine. Only 2% of people in the United States and Britain use it, but 15% of those in India have used homeopathy.

Like the other types of vibration medicine, homeopathy’s philosophy is based upon the principle that disease and illness are caused by a disturbance of a person’s Chi. In concentrated form, homeopathic medicine produces symptoms similar to those of the sickness they are intended to treat. But the medicines are diluted and shaken several times before being used by the patient, purportedly enhancing spirit-like powers in the drug.

Other Forms of Vibration Medicine

New forms of vibration medicine are being evaluated. One involves therapy with actual tiny vibrations, and is believed to be effective against osteoporosis. Study participants received the therapy for 10 minutes each day for one year, and their bone and muscle mass both increased.

Other forms of vibration treatment include vibrations of sound and color. It is not clear how well these treatments work, but they are being given serious consideration.

Acupuncture is probably the most respected type of vibration treatment in the Western world. But other forms of vibration therapy are becoming more popular. Although it is hard to comprehend how these types of therapy work, they all have dedicated followers. Most of them have been found to be beneficial in healing various diseases, and that is more than can be said for many types of medicine.

Ayurveda Medicine

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Ayurveda means the science of life. Followers and practitioners alike believe in this ancient form of medicine as well as its philosophy of treating the whole person.

Ayurvedic medicine consists of many different elements. In India, there are eight distinct branches of Ayurvedic medicine:

Internal Medicine
Surgery
Treatment of head and neck disease
Gynecology, obstetrics and pediatrics
Toxicology
Psychiatry
Care of the elderly and rejuvenation
Sexual vitality

Nearly 80 percent of the population of India use some form of Ayurvedic medicine for healing, with or without a combination of conventional medicine. In the United States, over 200,000 adults will use Ayurveda medicine in any given year.

The underlying basis of Ayurveda medicine is that the foundation of health has to do with our connection to the universe, namely the bodys constitution or prakriti and life forces or doshas.

The prakriti refers to a persons general health, the likelihood of them coming out of balance, and their ability to resist disease or recover from it. The prakriti is unique to each person, and describes the way their body functions to maintain health. Key elements are the way the body digests and disposes of waste. The prakriti generally stays the same over ones lifetime.

The doshas are the three life forces or energies found in us all, with some combination of all three found in everyone. The likelihood of a person contracting a disease are based on the balance of the doshas as well as the state of the body, and mental and lifestyle factors.

The three doshas are:

Vata this dosha respresents ether and air. It is the most powerful of the three as it controls vital body processes like breathing, the heart, cell division, the mind and waste disposal. This dosha can be upset by fear, grief, and lack of sleep, among other forces. Those with vata as their main dosha are susceptible to skin and neurological conditions, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis as well as other afflictions.

Pitta this dosha represents fire and water, and controls both the hormones and digestive system. Pitta can be upset by spicy or sour food, fatigue and too much time in the sun. Those with pitta as their main dosha are susceptible to hypertension, heart disease, and others.

Kapha this dosha represents water and earth, and controls strength and immunity. Kapha is upset by greed, sleeping during the day, and too much salt and sugar in the diet. Those with kapha as their main dosah are susceptible to diabetes, cancer, obesity and respiratory illnesses.

Ayurveda medicine has been around for centuries, and is here to stay. It is an alternative, holistic, and complete medicine and its list of patients grows each day.

Why Helichrysum Essential Oil Belongs In Your Medicine Cabinet

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The precious essential oil of Helichrysum is relatively unknown in the United States, even in natural health and wellness circles. Interest and experience with this natural healing phenomenon is growing rapidly, however and with very good reason. Helichrysum is one of the most potent, dramatically healing essential oils used in European medical aromatherapy today. As noted by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, America’s leading medical aromatherapist, the effects of this oil are so convincing that it has never met with any kind of criticism. An essential oil so useful, even those who consider aromatherapy a pseudo-science do not challenge its wonderful effects! So what is Helichrysum oil, and how can it benefit the newcomer to aromatherapy?

With so many species of Helichrysum grown, and several essential oils distilled from these, it is important to recognize the most important of the therapeutic varieties. It is the italicum’ species of the Helichrysum plant that is mentioned with highest regard in the aromatherapy literature; moreover, the serotinum’ sub-species may be the most potent. When looking for the oil, be sure it is 100% pure, undiluted, Helichrysum italicum for best effects.

Helichrysum italicum is found growing wild around the Mediterranean, where fine grades of the essential oil are distilled. With growth in the oil’s popularity, exceptional oils are now being produced in North America as well, with laboratory credentials and brilliant aromas to prove it. As with many other essential oils, it is the care taken in the growing of the plant and use of precise distillation techniques that make an oil therapeutic grade’; where different geographical locations can sometimes produce different chemotypes’ of essential oils, this does not seem to be the case with Helichrysum. As is also the case with most essential oils, a pleasing, well-rounded, natural aroma is indicative of its healing potency.

By now you’re likely asking: So what does it DO? Ah, well, a great many things! Helichrysum italicum is a unique essential oil in its distinct synergy of molecular components. It is the only oil known to contain safe but powerful regenerative di-ketones. Its curcumene components have been studied for their anti-inflammatory action; further, the oil contains what are known as spasmolytic esters’ which cause tissues to relax. Relaxing, anti-inflammatory and regenerative a wonderful combination in a single therapeutic oil.

As Dr. Schnaubelt notes: The pain-reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect is unique…Generally, Helichrysum italicum works for all conditions in which inflamed tissue needs to be calmed down and regenerated. The oil has a great variety of applications due to this broad range of action. It is regularly used for skin, muscle and connective tissue injuries and healing with profound results. Most simply, the essential oil may be applied directly to larger cuts, scrapes and even surgical incisions to speed healing (true Lavender oil works well for small wounds add a little Tea Tree in either case for a stronger anti-microbial effect).

Helichrysum oil is wonderful for active sports and fitness enthusiasts of all sorts. Its anti-inflammatory action is so helpful for bumps, bruises, sprains and strains; Its effect is so potent that in many cases, it may prevent bruising and swelling all together if applied in time. Even if applied later, as one would an Arnica preparation, it will still speed healing. Chronic injuries may also be helped with other supportive ingredients. Tendonitis can be treated, for example, with a blend using 1 part per 100 each of Helichrysum italicum, Lemon Eucalyptus and Yarrow essential oils in a base oil of your choosing a base of comfrey cream may be most beneficial.

Helichrysum is included in many therapeutic blends for the skin. It is considered anti-inflammatory, tissue regenerating and a cicatrisant (scar reducing). To treat scars, old and new, use 25 drops Helichrysum, 25 drops Rosemary Verbenone and 75 drops Calophyllum (Tamanu) in each ounce of Hazelnut oil. Apply regularly to the scar; this formula is even used for smoothing of old keloid scars over a period of six months. For additional support, add 75 drops of Rosehip seed oil to the blend. Helichrysum is used in blends to reduce stretch marks after pregnancy: Use a 3% dilution of Helichrysum oil in Hazelnut with 20% Rosehip seed as the base and apply regularly. During pregnancy, a low dilution blend (1% total essential oils) of Neroli and Cypress in Hazelnut oil is recommended to prevent the marks from occurring. Hemorrhoids may be relieved with 1% Helichrysum and 1% German Chamomile in Sesame oil. Allergic skin reactions and eczema may be calmed with 1% each Helichrysum and Blue Tansy essential oils in Hazelnut oil.

Helichrysum essential oil is indicated for many other conditions, and should be discussed with your healthcare provider to see if it makes sense as an adjunct therapy. The oil may ease symptoms of neuralgia through its regenerative and analgesic properties apply a 3% dilution of the oil in Hazelnut or Jojoba to tingling or painful areas. It may offer support for other physical conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis in a similar concentration, with added warming oils may be added for improved. Helichrysum acts as an anti-coagulant, and is supportive of the veins. It is considered effective for reducing tinnitus: a drop is placed on a cotton ball and put in the ear each night for two weeks some recommend simply placing a drop on the pinky and massaging the ear canal. The antispasmodic and decongestive actions help with coughs, colds and asthma. It also can offer great support for stress related exhaustion and headaches.

On the more esoteric side, where aromatherapy also affects the psyche and emotions, according to Mojay’s Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit’: Those (emotions) that are most indicatedare enduring resentment, half-conscious anger, bitterness of spirit, and a stubbornly negative attitude. For many, there can be a direct link between these hardened emotions and physical manifestation of illness. Aromatherapy massage with Helichrysum may be extremely beneficial, as one receives the oil’s aroma, its biological effects, and the healing touch of massage. Here, the oil may be used in a 1-3% dilution, alone or with other oils tailored to the person’s needs.

So as you can see, Helichrysum is well-suited to a great many individuals concerned with natural health, wellness and fitness. Whether you’ve got active children, you’re active sports enthusiast or have one in your family, you’re healing your skin or improving its appearance, or have other muscular, nerve, joint or vascular conditions, Helichrysum italicum oil may offer welcome healing action. Helichrysum can be applied regularly, as it is a safe essential oil with no contraindications. The oil is still relatively rare, and the flowers only yields a small amount, so the cost may seem a little high – but a little goes a long way. It is only used undiluted in acute situations; otherwise a low dilution is often used. Helichrysum italicum is one of aromatherapy’s stand-out healing oils, coming highly recommended by many natural healers, and deserves a place in nearly everyone’s medicine chest.

Fenugreek Seeds- Medicine To Control Cholestrol

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Fenugreek is one of the oldest recorded plants used in medicine. It has been used in Arabian, Greek and Indian health care for thousands of years and was used in Egypt going back to 1500 BCE. Fenugreek has even been used in China for thousands of years. Fenugreek is grown as a plant in India, France, Argentina, United States, North Africa and the Mediterranean countries for food, medicines, dyes, condiments and forage purposes. It’s an erect annual herb with trifoliate leaves and a height ranging between 0.3 and 0.8 meters.

The name Fenugreek comes from the Latin meaning ‘Greek hay.’ This is because this herb is traditionally used as fodder for animals. It is also called Bird’s Foot, Foenugreek, and Goat’s Horn. Fenugreek is commonly found growing in Mediterranean regions of southern Europe. Fenugreek intake tends to increase breast size plus milk production primarily for nursing mothers. Thus, only very partial perks like these can come to ordinary women who simply want to expand their breast tissue for non-feeding purposes.

Fenugreek has a strong modulating effect on blood lipid levels and can substantially reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. In diabetics, who usually suffer lipid imbalances, it has demonstrated a remarkable ability to lower cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels while raising HDL levels. The leaves of fenugreek are useful in the treatment of indigestion and slow functioning of liver. Gastric disorders can be cured by consuming the leaves fried or boiled in butter. Even the seeds of fenugreek are used in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea.

Fenugreek seed is used to treat GI complaints and to relieve upper respiratory tract congestion and allergies. It’s also used to lower cholesterol, blood glucose, insulin, and hemoglobin AlC levels, to improve glucose tolerance, and as an appetite stimulant. Fenugreek seeds are washed thoroughly and dried in shade. Pour lemon juice 300 ml in an earthen pot and put the dried fenugreek into it. Now heat the pot. Reduce the juice to half. Now remove from heat and let it cool. Filter out the seeds and dry it in shade. When dried, the seeds are ground to a coarse consistency.

In addition, some people are allergic to fenugreek. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include difficulty in breathing, hives, closing of the throat, and swelling of the tongue, face, or lips. If you suspect that you are having an allergic reaction to fenugreek, call your doctor immediately. Fenugreek holds some medical promise for people predisposed to heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes or the metabolic syndrome X. Compounds in fenugreek have been shown to reduce the effective glycemic index of other foods, decrease blood glucose and increase insulin tolerance, which has implications for helping pre-diabetics. At the same time it can help to lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels making for a healthier blood lipid profile.

Wash you face with clean water using a good quality face wash. Now wipe the face gently with a soft cloth. Prepare a dry powder of fenugreek seeds by grinding them with spice grinder. Now take a teaspoon of fenugreek seed powder and mix it with some water, make a slight thin mixture so that it can be applied on the face with cotton balls. Apply it every alternate day in the affected area for 4-5 hours, try to apply during bedtime.

The main ingredient in Fenugreek seed extract is the phytoestrogens and isoflavones, it is these two main parts of the Fenugreek seed extract that act on the body and help promote breast tissue growth, resulting in larger breasts, firmer breasts and a fuller looking bust overall and all this without the need of surgery or synthetic pills. One way of utilizing fenugreek is by taking fenugreek seeds and crushing them until they form a paste. This paste can then be used on the scalp by way of massaging and left on for a period of about 45 minutes. Once that 45 minutes has passed, be sure to wash the paste away from your scalp.