Last winter my mother came down with a very intense cold. She is on medication to control her blood pressure so it is difficult for her to take over the counter medications. She is also eighty seven years old so even a common cold is serious. We called the clinic to talk with her doctor; he stated that the cold needed to run its course. He suggested that mom get plenty of rest, take in plenty of fluids, and that she could take a non aspirin pain reliever. I told my mom that I would go to the store and pick up some soup and juice for her. On the way to the store I decided that I would also pick up a movie that we could watch together.
When I arrived at the store I ran into a Catholic nun that has been a friend of our family for many years. She inquired how mom was doing. I explained to Sister that mom was not doing very well right now because of the cold. She told me that she had great herbal remedies that worked well for people that could not take the over the counter drugs. She stated that the herbal remedies where safe for people with high blood pressure. She said that the majority of the herbal remedies were in the form of tea. I told her that mom like drinking hot teas so this would be a good thing for her. Sister made arrangements to come over to see mom later in the day and that she would bring along some of the teas. She wanted to know what mom’s symptoms were so that she would bring the best herbal remedies. I explained that mom had a cough, and sore throat along with the runny nose. Sister said that she had just the right thing and that it would also help mom to get rest.
I picked up the things that mom needed and went back to her apartment. I made us a light lunch of soup and crackers and then put in the movie for us to watch. I told mom that Sister would be stopping over to bring some herbal remedies. Mom said that she was willing to try anything because she was really feeling miserable.
Sister brought over several tea bags. I put on the tea kettle and took out the tea pot so that I could steep the tea. Sister explained that it was very important to let the tea steep for at least 15 minutes before drinking it. We added a teaspoon of honey to the tea and gave mom a cup. After about 45 minutes mom said that she was very tired. Sister left and I helped mom into her bedroom. She slept for four hours. When she woke up she was feeling a bit better. She ate more soup and drank another cup of soup and put on her pajamas and went to bed. She slept through the night and was much better in the morning. We did not know if it was Sister’s herbal remedies or the rest, but we were glad that the cold symptoms were improved.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Herbal diet pills
Herbal diet pills are very popular these days as an alternative to more traditional methods of weight loss like diet and exercise. Herbal treatments in general are very trendy today, which I find a little worrisome for several reasons.
First of all, just about anything can be in an herbal diet pill. ‘Herbs’ are a kind of loophole in the FDA system, as they are not classified as drugs and therefore don’t have the rigorous standards for testing and safety that drugs normally get. Make no mistake about it though, herbs can be every bit as potent and harmful as drugs. The difference between medicinal herbs and drugs is really quite vague anyway, as most drugs themselves come from a kind of plant or herb.
Most of the time the ‘herbal’ classification doesn’t last very long; the FDA eventually calls it a drug and brings in the scientists. When that happens herbal diet pills often either become available only by prescription or are banned completely. Snooping around a little from site to site selling herbal diet pills, it is clear that the makers of these things are all too familiar with the FDA. Many sites even use it to their advantage saying things to the effect of ‘buy it now before the FDA bans it!’. You have to ask yourself, if the FDA is likely going to ban an herbal diet pill you’re interested in, should you be taking it at all?
I took a few herbal diet pills in college once on a whim, and I didn’t eat anything for nearly two days afterwards. I also didn’t really get much sleep either. Anything that makes you wired like that and kills your appetite so completely just isn’t good for you. While they were ‘ephedra free’ and were supposedly totally natural and safe, I don’t think I’d ever felt so polluted and ill in my life. A year later I discovered that the FDA had banned the same herbal diet pills I had taken, and I have to wonder what it was I had put in my body.
Anyway, just don’t be fooled by the word ‘herbal’ in an herbal diet pill. I would actually trust a regular diet pill that is FDA approved a lot more than some herbal diet pill concoction that has who knows what in it. The words herbal and natural are marketing ploys and should never be confused with the word safe unless there’s been some testing to prove it.
First of all, just about anything can be in an herbal diet pill. ‘Herbs’ are a kind of loophole in the FDA system, as they are not classified as drugs and therefore don’t have the rigorous standards for testing and safety that drugs normally get. Make no mistake about it though, herbs can be every bit as potent and harmful as drugs. The difference between medicinal herbs and drugs is really quite vague anyway, as most drugs themselves come from a kind of plant or herb.
Most of the time the ‘herbal’ classification doesn’t last very long; the FDA eventually calls it a drug and brings in the scientists. When that happens herbal diet pills often either become available only by prescription or are banned completely. Snooping around a little from site to site selling herbal diet pills, it is clear that the makers of these things are all too familiar with the FDA. Many sites even use it to their advantage saying things to the effect of ‘buy it now before the FDA bans it!’. You have to ask yourself, if the FDA is likely going to ban an herbal diet pill you’re interested in, should you be taking it at all?
I took a few herbal diet pills in college once on a whim, and I didn’t eat anything for nearly two days afterwards. I also didn’t really get much sleep either. Anything that makes you wired like that and kills your appetite so completely just isn’t good for you. While they were ‘ephedra free’ and were supposedly totally natural and safe, I don’t think I’d ever felt so polluted and ill in my life. A year later I discovered that the FDA had banned the same herbal diet pills I had taken, and I have to wonder what it was I had put in my body.
Anyway, just don’t be fooled by the word ‘herbal’ in an herbal diet pill. I would actually trust a regular diet pill that is FDA approved a lot more than some herbal diet pill concoction that has who knows what in it. The words herbal and natural are marketing ploys and should never be confused with the word safe unless there’s been some testing to prove it.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Traditional Use Of Herbal Medicines
Herbal medicine has been used for centuries all around the world. Relegated to the status of folk medicine for years by the medical establishment, herbal medicines are experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to the dangerous side effects of many of today's pharmaceutical drugs.
Herbal medicine has three traditional forms. Western herbalism began in Europe, and crossed over to North America with the European settlers. Some Native American influences can be found in some of its lore. Chinese medicine is herb-based, and breaks everything into yin or yang... cooling herbs or heating herbs are prescribed for illnesses that either cause the body to be cold or hot. Rounding out the herbal medicine trio is Ayurvedic medicine from India. With a history 5,000 years in the making, Ayurvedic medicine is based on balancing any imbalance found in the body.
Today, more people are turning back to herbal medicines, finding them more effective and gentler than pharmaceuticals. The entire pharmaceutical industry is based upon herbs and the medicines derived from them. Most of today's medicines however are made from synthetic compounds rather than those derived directly from plants.
Herbs are also whole foods. They offer nutrition, minerals and vitamins along with medicinal compounds. Herbs can be taken fresh as food, or made into teas, tisanes, tinctures, syrups, drops, poultices, salves, creams or dried and put in capsules. Depending on your illness, some methods of taking the herbs will work better than others.
Still other herbs are taken as supplements. An example would be alfalfa tablets, which can supply you with vitamin K (it helps your blood clot), among other nutrients. Supplements can be found at health food stores both in your local area and online. When buying supplements, look at the herbs for freshness. Any herb that is dried should still be a fresh green color, not brownish. If the color has deteriorated, it means the herb was dried using a method that removed nutrients from the herb.
If you are on pharmaceutical medications, please check with your physician or a certified herbalist before adding herbal medicines or supplements. Some herbs will interact with pharmaceutical medications and cause reactions or will counteract your regular medication. For instance, if you are prescribed blood thinners for a health condition, taking the aforementioned alfalfa supplement would be ill-advised, since vitamin K promotes clotting.
It is important to remember that just because herbal medicine is natural doesn't mean it can't hurt you. If you are not familiar with an herb and its effects, consult with a certified herbalist. Herbs need to be taken appropriately so you don't overdose or end up with an effect you didn't count on. Like any other medicine it is important to follow instructions for any herb.
Herbal medicines are a good way to treat quite a few illnesses and deficiencies. Do your homework and read about an herb and its actions before taking it. And before mixing herbs or adding a new herb, it doesn't hurt to consult an expert. Herbs have a lot to offer and can greatly benefit your health when taken appropriately.
Complementary and alternative medicine is the combined use of medical practices and products that aren't a part of conventional medicine. Many are using the CAM approach in hopes that they can prevent disease and live a more enhanced quality of life.
Herbal medicine has three traditional forms. Western herbalism began in Europe, and crossed over to North America with the European settlers. Some Native American influences can be found in some of its lore. Chinese medicine is herb-based, and breaks everything into yin or yang... cooling herbs or heating herbs are prescribed for illnesses that either cause the body to be cold or hot. Rounding out the herbal medicine trio is Ayurvedic medicine from India. With a history 5,000 years in the making, Ayurvedic medicine is based on balancing any imbalance found in the body.
Today, more people are turning back to herbal medicines, finding them more effective and gentler than pharmaceuticals. The entire pharmaceutical industry is based upon herbs and the medicines derived from them. Most of today's medicines however are made from synthetic compounds rather than those derived directly from plants.
Herbs are also whole foods. They offer nutrition, minerals and vitamins along with medicinal compounds. Herbs can be taken fresh as food, or made into teas, tisanes, tinctures, syrups, drops, poultices, salves, creams or dried and put in capsules. Depending on your illness, some methods of taking the herbs will work better than others.
Still other herbs are taken as supplements. An example would be alfalfa tablets, which can supply you with vitamin K (it helps your blood clot), among other nutrients. Supplements can be found at health food stores both in your local area and online. When buying supplements, look at the herbs for freshness. Any herb that is dried should still be a fresh green color, not brownish. If the color has deteriorated, it means the herb was dried using a method that removed nutrients from the herb.
If you are on pharmaceutical medications, please check with your physician or a certified herbalist before adding herbal medicines or supplements. Some herbs will interact with pharmaceutical medications and cause reactions or will counteract your regular medication. For instance, if you are prescribed blood thinners for a health condition, taking the aforementioned alfalfa supplement would be ill-advised, since vitamin K promotes clotting.
It is important to remember that just because herbal medicine is natural doesn't mean it can't hurt you. If you are not familiar with an herb and its effects, consult with a certified herbalist. Herbs need to be taken appropriately so you don't overdose or end up with an effect you didn't count on. Like any other medicine it is important to follow instructions for any herb.
Herbal medicines are a good way to treat quite a few illnesses and deficiencies. Do your homework and read about an herb and its actions before taking it. And before mixing herbs or adding a new herb, it doesn't hurt to consult an expert. Herbs have a lot to offer and can greatly benefit your health when taken appropriately.
Complementary and alternative medicine is the combined use of medical practices and products that aren't a part of conventional medicine. Many are using the CAM approach in hopes that they can prevent disease and live a more enhanced quality of life.
Immediate Relief And Healing Through Herbal Care
Aromatherapists suggest the essential oils of juniper, Roman or German chamomile, and cypress for treating bursitis.
Bodywork and Somatic Pradices
Good bets for gentle, immediate relief, and healing include reflexology, Therapeutic Touch, massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Feldenkrais, Trager, and Oriental body work. Later, to reduce the likelihood of any further problems, such as repetitive motion syndrome, old injury history, or persistent pain cycles, use trigger point myotherapy, Hellerwork, Rolfing, Aston-Patterning, or Alexander technique.
Chiropradic
Bursitis is sometimes caused by malposition of the joint. Corrective adjustments are beneficial, especially in chronic cases, In acute cases-specifically those caused by repetitive motions and the "overuse syndrome" typically seen in athletes-specific chiropractic adjustment (SCA) can be extremely effective. Chiropractic care may also include physical therapy, such as ultrasound and electromuscle stimulation. A chiropractor may recommend specific exercises to prevent bursitis in the shoulder from progressing to frozen shoulder syndrome, which sometimes happens in serious cases.
Herbal Therapy
For easing the discomfort of bursitis, try willow or meadowsweet tea; both herbs contain salicylate, a natural pain reliever. To prepare the tea, steep 1 teaspoon of either dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes; strain and drink 3 cups daily.
Alternatively, you might try a blend of tinctures of meadowsweet, horsetail, and willow bark. Combine equal amounts of the tinctures and take 1 teaspoon of the blend 3 times daily.
A combined tincture of lobelia and cramp bark is also therapeutic when rubbed into muscles to calm the tension produced by bursitis.
Homeopathy
Your homeopathic practitioner may suggest Ruta graveolens to ease the pain of bursitis.
Hydrotherapy
When pain is acute, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours. After that, use contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold compresses) up to 3 times daily. Caution: Never use a cold compress for longer than 20 minutes at a time; extended exposure to cold can damage skin.
You also might try soaking in a warm Epsom salts bath for 20 to 30 minutes once a week.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Acupuncture can help reduce the inflammation and relieve the stiffness that accompanies bursitis, and it may promote the drainage of excess fluid. Acupoints targeted vary, depending on whether the pain is located in the hip, knee, or shoulder. Acupressure Acupressure can be used to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with bursitis.
Chinese Herbal Therapy Corydalis Analgesic Tablets might be prescribed to combat bursitis-related pain, and aloe vera can be used as a topical medication. Herb plasters can also be used locally on affected areas.
Read out for Liposuction garments. Check out breast pumps and doctor.
Bodywork and Somatic Pradices
Good bets for gentle, immediate relief, and healing include reflexology, Therapeutic Touch, massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Feldenkrais, Trager, and Oriental body work. Later, to reduce the likelihood of any further problems, such as repetitive motion syndrome, old injury history, or persistent pain cycles, use trigger point myotherapy, Hellerwork, Rolfing, Aston-Patterning, or Alexander technique.
Chiropradic
Bursitis is sometimes caused by malposition of the joint. Corrective adjustments are beneficial, especially in chronic cases, In acute cases-specifically those caused by repetitive motions and the "overuse syndrome" typically seen in athletes-specific chiropractic adjustment (SCA) can be extremely effective. Chiropractic care may also include physical therapy, such as ultrasound and electromuscle stimulation. A chiropractor may recommend specific exercises to prevent bursitis in the shoulder from progressing to frozen shoulder syndrome, which sometimes happens in serious cases.
Herbal Therapy
For easing the discomfort of bursitis, try willow or meadowsweet tea; both herbs contain salicylate, a natural pain reliever. To prepare the tea, steep 1 teaspoon of either dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes; strain and drink 3 cups daily.
Alternatively, you might try a blend of tinctures of meadowsweet, horsetail, and willow bark. Combine equal amounts of the tinctures and take 1 teaspoon of the blend 3 times daily.
A combined tincture of lobelia and cramp bark is also therapeutic when rubbed into muscles to calm the tension produced by bursitis.
Homeopathy
Your homeopathic practitioner may suggest Ruta graveolens to ease the pain of bursitis.
Hydrotherapy
When pain is acute, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours. After that, use contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold compresses) up to 3 times daily. Caution: Never use a cold compress for longer than 20 minutes at a time; extended exposure to cold can damage skin.
You also might try soaking in a warm Epsom salts bath for 20 to 30 minutes once a week.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Acupuncture can help reduce the inflammation and relieve the stiffness that accompanies bursitis, and it may promote the drainage of excess fluid. Acupoints targeted vary, depending on whether the pain is located in the hip, knee, or shoulder. Acupressure Acupressure can be used to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with bursitis.
Chinese Herbal Therapy Corydalis Analgesic Tablets might be prescribed to combat bursitis-related pain, and aloe vera can be used as a topical medication. Herb plasters can also be used locally on affected areas.
Read out for Liposuction garments. Check out breast pumps and doctor.
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