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| Alternative Medicine Information |
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Herb Remedies
Herb remedies are made of natural substances that come from plants. Herbs have been valued throughout history. The Bible tells us Kings journeyed many miles to bring frankincense and myrrh as gifts for Jesus. Indeed the Bible makes references to herbal medicine. In Ezekiel, Jesus says "the fruit of the tree is for man's meat, and the leaves for man's medicine." Many plants have been found by science to have effects upon the body. One example is the bark of the willow tree. Years ago this bark would be steeped in hot water, the same way you would make tea. This hot drink somehow brought pain relief and helped to lower fevers. As time went by, scientists found that the bark of this plant contained something called salicin. This natural substance was eventually made into acetesalicylic acid, which is now known by the more common name of "aspirin." This tree bark based home remedy is now the world's top selling pain relief product. Not all herb remedies come from tree bark of course. Ginseng and Kava supplements are made from the roots of those plants. In Ginkgo Biloba products, the tree's leaves are used. Other herb remedies are made from flowers, seeds, mushrooms, leaves, cacti, bark, etc. Coffee is made from ground coffee "beans" which are the seeds of a tree. Coffee contains caffeine, which stimulates the body. Tea comes from the dried leaves of various plants. Tea also contains caffeine. These may be helpful when trying to stay awake and alert, and not helpful at all when trying to get a good night's sleep. Throughout history, herbs and plants have been believed to have medicinal properties. Today medical researchers are proving that many herbs and plants do support good health. Some herbs have even been turned into medicines. Foxglove is one example. In the past it was believed to help chest pains. Researchers eventually found that ingredient digitalis from foxglove. Digitalis is now a medicine that is widely used by doctors for heart related treatments. Scientists turned a mold into the medicine named Penicillin. The bark of the Peruvian cinchona tree was believed to help the body fight off malaria and medical researchers eventually used it to make quinine sulfate. However not all herbs and plants are good for you simply because they are "natural." The tobacco leaf, for example, is a natural herb. Cigarettes were at one time advertised on television as being good for helping soothe a cough. The truth was just the opposite and we now know that tobacco can cause cancer. On the other hand, some plants have falsely been labeled as being bad for you when they are actually good for you. Early settlers in America thought that if you ate tomatoes you would die from poisoning. Scientific medical studies are the only way to prove how herbs work or do not work. Unscientific claims for or against a simple plant are absurd. History provides some clues as to which herb remedies may help support good health. Ginkgo biloba for example may be the oldest herb known in human history. Fossils of ginkgo biloba trees have been found dating back to the Paleozoic era millions of years ago. In China, these tree leaves have been used as one of their most popular herb remedies for over five thousand years. The Egyptians left us the Papyrus Ebers which are hieroglyphic writings about hundreds of herb remedies such as aloe vera. A Chinese herbal guide known as the Ben Cao is thought to have be recorded by Emporer Shen Nong around 2000 B.C. In India the study of Ayurveda (the science of life) also dates back to around 2000 B.C. The Greek doctor Dioscorides made a record called De Materia medica which tells the health effects of over 500 plants. Italy was where ingredients were first formulated in standardized dosages. The Amazon rain forest is home to many unknown plants and herbs. Today scientists hope it could be home to many new herbal supplements that could lead to new medicines. Every year science learns more about how herbs and plants are good for your health. It is becoming more and more as the Bible quote says, "the fruit of the tree is for man's meat, and the leaves for man's medicine." Note: The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. Always talk to your Doctor before taking herbal products. Monica Nelson writes helpful articles for consumers about a variety of health topics including healing herbs and nutritional supplements, weightloss products, bodybuilding supplements, amino acids, minerals and vitamin advice.
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Alternative Medicine Aromatherapy Although the word aromatherapy has not been around forever, the use of plants, herbs, fruits and flowers for healing have been centuries long. Aromatherapy is still being researched today for it's wide variety of uses, including the healing effects that is has on the body. Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil Eucalyptus pure essential oil is obtained from the leaves and branches of the eucalyptus tree, also known as Eucalyptus Globulus. This tree originated in Australia, where the aborigines likely discovered its medicinal properties and started experimenting with the oil. The oil is extracted through steam distillation, which used about 110 pounds of Eucalyptus tree to make 2 pounds of oil. The main therapeutic ingredient in eucalyptus essential oil is eucalyptol. This main ingredient, eucalyptol, has very strong germicidal and disinfectant properties. On a psychological level, it helps to relieve exhaustion and mental sluggishness. The following are a few of the conditions eucalyptus oil helps with: Suppresses Coughs: Make a compress with the oil, and masage into the chest. Purify a sickroom: Excellent way of disinfecting a room where someone is, or has been sick. Just diffuse some oil into the air, and the germicidal properties will kill the germs in the air, giving you a clean room with clean air. Excellent for the wintertime, when it is more difficult to air out the house. Your Well-Being: Apply some eucalyptus oil and massage oil to your pulse or pressure points. Eucalyptus is one of the few oils you can apply directly to the skin. Infections: Apply some eucalyptus oil to the bandage, or gauze, and wrap the wound with it. Once again, the main ingredient, eucalyptol, has very strong germicidal and disinfectant properties. Dandruff: Mix 10 drops of eucalyptus oil with your shampoo. As a side note, you should also use an all-natural shampoo. This will also help with the dandruff. Eucalyptus pure essential oil can be used for a variety of conditions. This makes it an excellent addition for your well-being. Air Purifiers, Are They Worth The Money? When you suffer from allergies or asthma, you may think it may be a good idea to purchase an air filtration system for your house. But one legitimate question would be: is it worth paying the money? Experts say that it can ease your symptoms, but that is true only if you make other changes in your environment, too. Pyrethre: Pest Terminator History Neroli: The Fragrance that Exudes Contentment One whiff of this unique fragrance will be enough to make anyone feel immensely contented. Particularly effective for insomnia and depression, it lingers in the air, leaving a sweet exquisite scent behind. Just light an essential oil lamp in your bedroom and it will relax your spirits, balance your mood and relieve any work-related stress and worries. With the fragrance of Neroli, only good dreams will come your way. Beating Your Neck, Back and Shoulder Pain Suffering from neck, back and shoulder pain? If you are, you are in good company. Millions of people wake up every morning and endure every day experiencing pain in their necks, backs and shoulders. While neck, back and shoulder pain used to be thought of as conditions affecting only adults, due to more parents scheduling routine doctors visits for their kids, it's becoming increasingly apparent that children and teenagers are also suffering from the symptoms. So if it's not age that causes this severe discomfort, what is it? Believe it or not, the culprit may be your sleep habits and the position you sleep in. Alternative Medicine is Holistic, Western Medicine is Reductionist The major difference between alternative medicine, or what I'll call holistic health, and Western medicine, is in approach. Secrets Of Aromatherapy Part I - Physical Remedies Aromatherapy can be used to relieve the discomfort of a wide range of minor physical complaints including burns, colds, flu, sinus problems, cold sores, eczema, headache, indigestion, menopause, menstrual irregularities, muscle aches, nausea and toothaches. The Mechanics & Effects of Smoking So exactly what does happen when you smoke? Memory Loss Memory loss affects thousands of people every year. Memory loss is often attributed to "getting older." In reality, age-related memory loss is a fallacy. The latest scientific research indicates that memory loss is actually a direct result of decreased use of the memory centers within the brain. Gearing Up for Flu Season Well, flu season is coming upon us quickly, and most people would love to skip getting sick this year. The biggest question is?How? Here are the easiest ways to keep yourself and loved ones free of the nastiest of colds this (and every) year. Purchasing Essential Oil Tips on Purchasing Essential Oils Becoming A Certified Reflexologist Reflexology is something I've used and loved since I was 8 years old. I began learning about Reflexology when my aunt bought me a book by Mildred Carter - whom I consider to be the mother of American Reflexology. You Cant Fool Mother Nature In the 1970's, there was a margarine commercial with the message of "you can't fool mother nature." This statement never held more true than it does today. Green Drink For Constipation A green drink is a powerful drink that can help detoxify your colon and your blood. This drink keeps your colon and your whole body working better and longer. Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice - What, How, and Why! Since the late 1960's, wheatgrass has become frequently discussed in health and medical circles as one of natures greatest gifts. Classified as one of the most abundant superfoods known to man, wheat (and more recently barley) grass has been celebrated for its nutritional content, cleansing and cell regeneration capabilities as well as being in a form that is easily and effortlessly assimilated and digested by our bodies. Illness - What Can We do About it? Illness concerns everyone. How can we approach it? And what is the reason behind illness? Whether you need to stay well or get well, lifestyle changes are essential to help you win the fight against illness. Discover 5 Scents That Will Turbo Charge Your Energy, Mood, Brain Power, and More Control Appetite Manipulate The Body And Mind With A Portable Massage Table A portable massage table can be very essential tool. Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissue and joints of the body and using a portable massage table can make giving and receiving a massage that much easier. A massage offers many diverse physiological effects, which are primarily due to the therapist's hands moving over the body in a manner that affects all its systems - in particular, the muscular by decreasing muscle tension and feelings of stress; the circulatory by reducing heart rate and blood pressure; the lymphatic by improving the flow of blood and lymph fluids in the body; and the nervous by inducing the relaxation response. Most important, massage therapy helps meet the human need for the caring and affirmative touch. No wonder so many people find massage therapy so helpful in so many ways! After all, even the great Hippocrates who learnt this art from Herodicus way back in the 4th Century B.C., had advised thus in so many words when he said - "The physician must be acquainted with many things and assuredly with rubbing" (the ancient Greek and Roman term for massage). Kundalini Questions Alex Wrote;
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