Being Prudent With the Use of Herbal Medicines

Herbal medicines have become a relatively cheaper alternative to some trusted pharmaceutically-made medicines. Although most people believe that using herbal medicines are safer or cause fewer side effects, caution is still advised in the use of these therapeutic herbs.

Here is a list of points to consider when you plan to utilize herbal remedies:

- First and foremost, consultation with your doctor, herbalist or any trained medical professional is always advised before any treatment..

- Some herbal products or supplements could pose a danger if you have certain health problems such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, blood clotting disorders, glaucoma; heart, thyroid and prostate diseases.

- For persons about to undergo surgeries, it is advisable to tell your doctor any herbal supplements you have taken prior to surgery. They might have to be withheld for a certain period of time after your surgery if your surgeon states that they could impede the success of your surgery or recuperation.

- Only use the part of the plant advocated, and use it in the correct route of administration. If it is meant to be applied only on the skin, do not use it as a gargle or tea.

- Follow the recommended dose. Taking a larger dose does not necessarily guarantee you will increase the benefits from the herbs. It could do more harm than good, as with the herb valerian which could induce over sedation if taken in large quantities. There are also different doses for persons of varied ages and conditions, so your doctor’s advice should be followed.

- Some herbs affect the pharmacokinetics of drugs. They could reduce the efficacy of other pharmaceutical drugs. An example of this is St. John’s Wort which decreases the absorption of certain medicines needed for their therapeutic level. Ask your doctor to check the compatibility of your herbal supplements with your other medicines.

- Most herbal medicines are still unregulated when it comes to the manufacturing and labeling process. They might have varied dosages and varied preparations, as well as other additives. Thankfully, some companies already follow a standardized system of the preparation of the active herbal ingredients.

- Only use the herbal medicines for the time period indicated by your doctor.

- Also check if the diet your doctor prescribes you to follow does not clash with your drug prescriptions. A low-sodium diet should not be carried out if a person is prescribed with glucosamine, which contains sodium.

- Keep in mind that the therapeutic benefits of herbal medicines are usually gained slower compared to pharmaceutical ones.

- Some herbal medicines and their dosages are not suitable for pregnant women. They may not be well tolerated by the baby, thus, pregnant women should talk to their OB-GYN before taking any herbal supplements.

- It is also good to read some related literature regarding your supplements’ side effects or allergic reactions. Some herbs such as St. John’s wort and kava kava have been linked to serious adverse side effects such as allergic reactions and liver toxicity.

If used with discretion and common sense, herbal products have the potential to even equal or surmount the success of pharmaceutical products.

Learn About Alternative Medicine

There is so much to be learned about health and medicine, sometimes it is easy to get overwhelmed. Most people I know do not really take the time to think about the ways they are taking care of their body and the effects of their choices on their short and long term health. I have been learning a lot about various types of alternative medicine and I have become convinced that more people need to be informed that there are options for your health and fitness needs.

Basically, alternative medicine deals with a wide variety of non-traditional medicines and methods of treatment for all of the medical situations people can find themselves in. People have begun to be more concerned lately with the things that they are putting into their bodies, so alternative medicine has become somewhat of a buzzword that is being thrown around among health-conscious people right now.

I became interested in alternative medicine when I had to research and write about the latest trends in it for an article in my magazine. I had quite honestly never given much thought to the doctor's orders for certain medications and methods of treatment until I began researching for this piece. I soon realized how cautious we should be about anything that we put into our bodies. After all, we only get one body to live in and take care of, so it is solely our responsibility to be knowledgable about ourselves and to make the best possible choices for our own health.

I think this ownership factor is the thing I appreciate most about people who are interested in alternative medicine. They are mostly proactive people who are looking for new ways to treat their symptoms and who are convinced that the more natural something is, the better it is for them and for their health.

There is far too much to say about alternative medicine here, so my simple purpose is just to inform you that you are responsible for your health. You are responsible for all of the foods you eat, the drinks you drink, and the medicines and treatments that you choose. So choose wisely. Take time to consider all of your options, and see if alternative medicine might provide a better solution for you and your health needs.

You can easily learn more by doing an internet search or by grabbing some books on alternative medicine. There is a ton of information out there, so just begin today to sift through the resources and find information that is helpful for you.

How Should Alternative Medicine Be Defined

There is still no strict definition on what alternative medicine really is. But presently, it borders on the broadness of description covered by what we know of as conventional or orthodox medicine. However, to define alternative medicine as we believe it to be, it may be a knowledge that is considered as unaccepted, untested and unscientific. All these were true if we are to look some years back. But since alternative medicine has been studied in the later years, employed by numberless institutions (such as spas and the likes) and accepted by many as cure to their ailments (even those that may be resolved through conventional medicine), this definition for alternative medicine may already be considered as obsolete.

On other terms, alternative medicines are practices that may be considered false that sometime go to the extent of quackery. However, this definition is much abused by several authorities that have their own systems of beliefs and other things to support to. Still others would define it as practices that may not be tested, refuse to undergo tests and may continuously fail tests. On other peoples' view, this may be too unfair for those practicing the knowledge that comprise alternative medicine and too sweeping a statement since many have gained healing by means of alternative medicine.

This debate on the authenticity of alternative medicine is further made complicated by the number of practices that are labeled as alternative medicine, which has some truths in them. In actuality, alternative medicine covers procedures involving metaphysical principles, spiritual and religious underpinnings, new sets of healing approaches and non-European medicine practices. These are enough reasons why alternative medicine is much harder to accept in the West rather than in the East where most these practices originated. In addition to these, many proponents of alternative medicine contradict and many individual belief systems may reject others.

Furthermore, critics of alternative medicine may further define it as therapy, treatment and diagnosis that may be performed legally by unlicensed practitioners. Yet, a number of doctors and physicians find good uses of alternative medicine when combined with the conventional medicine when they are trying to hit the balance.

But there are more logical and unbiased definitions that are accepted by most. Many of which deal only on the safety and affectivity of the alternative medicine without the protection on economic interests, political views and turf protection. One such definition is that alternative medicine is a field of healing, therapy and diagnosis that are not based on controlled studies.

There are however some therapies that were once covered by alternative medicine that are now accepted within the medical community since they passed approval over their affectivity. On the opposite, there were medical practices that are now disregarded within the medical circles since there are no profound evidences that prove their efficiency in healing.

In reality, the term alternative medicine is quite misleading. Both critics and advocates of the said practices support this view. Some support the idea that Western medical practices are the alternative medicines since they were preceded by ancient practices, which is somewhat true. Others would claim that the term "alternative medicine" was only devised by advocates of conventional medicine to discredit the natural methods of healing.

Detractors on alternative medicine claim that it is not worth as being accepted by the medical circles since it lacks components that may be used to support its efficiency. Yet many assert that once alternative medicine is fully tested, then there would be great rooms for wide acceptance.

Are Alternative Medicines Effective?

A growing number of people have become interested in alternative medicine to treat illnesses. Alternative medicine as a practice has created a significant amount of controversy both inside and outside the traditional medical field. Alternative medicine refers to a treatment or substance that is unproven under the application or accepted scientific standards. The most common types of alternative medicine include herbs, supplements, therapies and activities that are outside traditional medical practice. Some of these raise questions about their safety and effectiveness.

Acupuncture, massage, meditation, herbal tea, and plant extracts are popular among devotees of alternative medicine, but many traditional doctors believe these treatments are ineffective or even dangerous. Alternative medicine has become increasingly popular as more people face the aches, pains, and illnesses that accompany aging. In some cases, individuals have not obtained a cure with traditional medical approaches and turn to other options to treat their illness. In still other cases, people feel very strongly that natural methods of treatment are better than traditional medicine, so they look for answers from alternative practitioners instead of the family doctor.

There are risks associated with alternative medicine. Some of the risks arise through the use of untested, ineffective, and even unsafe substances. The manufacturers of these substances sometimes exaggerate the claims of their effectiveness. They may misrepresent the science related to the material to convince consumers to buy the product, even if its use can endanger a person’s health.

Some herbal remedies are advertised as being able to improve memory, raise metabolism, or cure cancer and heart disease. In reality, the remedies may cause harm if taken at high doses. Another risk is that someone with a serious disease like cancer will not receive traditional and proven treatments, preferring to use alternative methods that may not be effective. In these cases, people are risking their lives. Sometimes, patients may be using alternative treatments, but not telling their doctors about them. This can lead to dangerous drug interactions. If a traditional doctor is unaware of the substance a patient is taking, medications that produce harmful interactions may be unknowingly prescribed.

It is possible to recognize potentially risky alternative treatment. If a treatment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While this is a cliché, it is often very true in situations involving alternative medicines. Be careful of products labeled ‘miraculous’ or ‘ancient remedy.’ If you are thinking about treatments such as acupuncture or reflexology, check the qualifications of the practitioner before being treated. Ask about the training received, and research the treatment to determine if it has been scientifically tested and found to be effective.

It’s a good idea to ask your doctor about an alternative treatment you are considering. Trained medical professionals have the experience and education to help you make safe decisions about your health.

Acupuncture: The Alternative Medicine From The Orient

For Mrs. Cooper, life in sunny California in her modest home has become a tug-of-war of aches and pains for this housewife of forty. A mother of five and at the same time managing a home business, she found it very challenging to keep a home and manage a business at the same time while suffering from lower back pains and migraine headaches.  She tried using the traditional medicines prescribed by her doctor but it seems that these only provided temporary relief. One day, her cousin Meredith recommended that she try other alternative medicines to cure her ailments.

At first, Mrs. Cooper was skeptical since she knew that Meredith was into new age stuff like meditation, yoga, organics, herbal medicines, and vegetarianism.  She felt she was entering into new, unfamiliar territory. But upon her cousin's insistence, she tried this ancient Chinese practice called acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a procedure that treats illness through the insertion of needles at specific points in the body. This process is said to alter the body's energy flow into healthier patterns and used to treat a variety of illnesses and heath conditions. According to the World Health Organization (who) acupuncture is an effective treatment for “over forty” medical problems such as chronic pain, headaches and those associated with problems like back injuries and arthritis. But it is limited in treating conditions like broken bones or that requires surgery.

IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?

Just make sure you’re getting this treatment from a well-trained acupuncturist and that the acupuncture needles are sterile and disposable. Undergoing this kind of treatment is like receiving an injection. You only feel pain from injections if it is larger diameter and it is a hollow needle. While acupuncture needles are very fine and about the diameter of human hair. When properly inserted by a skilled practitioner, you won't feel pain. However, you may experience a sense of electricity in the area of insertion. This kind of treatment for most patients find it relaxing and more often they fall asleep during treatment.

THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY OF CHINESE MEDICINE

Alternative Chinese medicine like acupuncture views the body as tiny part of the universe, and subject to universal laws of harmony and balance. The Chinese believe that emotions and mental states play a role in causing diseases.  Illnesses are also affected by other factors like the environment, lifestyle, and relationships. Acupuncture is based on the Taoist philosophy of yin and yang and the chi. The chi, or cosmic energy, is an invisible force found in the air, water, food and sunlight. In the body, it is a vital force that creates and animates life.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING ACUPUNCTURIST

Like a Western medical practitioner, the first thing an acupuncturist will do is to get the patient's medical history and symptoms. This will be followed by a physical examination. He or she will be looking closely at the patient's tongue, pulse, complexion, general behavior, and other signs like coughs or pains. From this, the acupuncturist will be able to determine patterns of symptoms indicating which organs are imbalanced. Acupuncture needles are always sterilized and it is a safe procedure.

In most cases, acupuncture does work ad relieves pain by helping stimulate the release endorphins into the bloodstream.

Choosing Natural Alternative Medicine Over Chemically Produced Medicine

Natural alternative medicines now are receiving a lot of build-up and hype and regular medicine are now receiving a lot of flak as well. This is brought upon by the many cases of side effects that might as well do more harm than good.  People are rediscovering the goodness of what is natural and chemical-free.

Knowing that these natural alternative medicines were used for centuries upon centuries already makes them more reliable than prescription drugs for many people. Also, the fact that the list of benefits hugely overrates the harm, which rarely happens, gives a great reason to give it at least a try. Nothing is lost and everything is to be gained.

But who's to say which is really best for us, regular or natural alternative medicines? Many or most of us generally rely on doctors to tell us what to do and which medicine to use. Well, this is the best choice, but seeking a second opinion may also be very recommendable especially if your doctor couldn't or is having a hard time curing you.

There are a lot of differences between regular prescription medicines and natural alternative medicines. But the main factor that drives people away is not only their price difference but also their effectiveness and the barrage of side effects. Natural alternative medicine has been proven and tested with age and time already.

Aside from the herbs and spices and teas, natural alternative medicine can be coupled with massages, mental exercises such as meditation, aromatherapies and so much more. Many regular medicines have come and gone but natural alternative medicines have lived on. The main reason for this is because we know that they work.

The Definition of Alternative Medicine

Have you ever suffered from a horrible headache when you thought the best remedy might be for someone to bash you over the head, or to pull your hair out?  Then you might have some experience with alternative medicine!

In all seriousness, alternative medicine is not about hurting yourself, but involves investigating other potential methods to treat an ailment besides synthetic drugs.  A good purpose for alternative medicine is to avoid developing a dependence on drugs of any type, which can supersede any medicinal or curing effects they might have.  Searching for different ways of dealing with your physical or emotional issues or conditions can end up being better for you in the long run.

A great deal of alternative medicine treatments come from ancient medicinal knowledge and insight.  Many different types of remedies used by different cultures through the years, including the use of needles for pain relief, herbs for medicinal treatments, or even massage therapy, are considered a form of medicine by the respective users because they work to some degree.  However, many alternative treatments are unknown to the general public, as they are not in conformity with the mass marketed treatments and pharmaceuticals.


The definition of alternative medicine

There is really no one ultimate definition of alternative medicine.  There are so many various methods and treatments that have been and continue to be investigated and promoted that it is hard to firmly define it.

Some of these alternative names to alternative medicine include holistic medicine, natural medicine, integrated medicine, and complementary medicine.  They are all variations of the same idea, which is natural and alternative medicine.  The design of alternative medicine is to ensure that all parts of a person’s life and being are well and strong.


The point of view of the alternative medicine collective

A standard of those who advocate alternative medicine is that health isn’t only the absence of illness or disease.  Alternative medicine works to ensure that one’s purpose in life is sustained, because a person without a purpose is not able to achieve his fullest potential.  There needs to be inspiration and motivation to allow life to be lived to its fullest.

It is thought that illness might not be the end of one’s world.  Infection is not the only cause of sickness.  The mind has the power to change one’s personality completely.  Take the great warrior king Asoka, for example.  He was so stirred by the death and devastation brought about by the Kalinga war that he became a Buddhist reformer.  In this respect, illness has the capacity to bring about change, to make us better human beings.  For that reason, alternative medicine strives to consider not only the physical health of a person, but also his personality and emotions in treating ailments and bringing about total well-being.

Sometimes, when you aren’t feeling that great, it might be better to relax by listening to calming music, taking a walk, or just thinking about life, rather than taking a pill to treat something momentarily.  Discovering your purpose will give you a feeling of strength and the realization that life is worth living!

What Is Alternative Medicine?

What is alternative medicine? This is a term used to describe the different forms of medicine other than conventional methods. Alternative medicine includes a wide variety of medical practices including non-European (non-Western) medical practices and will include some new approaches to medicine. There is also a term called complementary medicine. This is a combination of conventional medicine coupled with alternative medicine.

With increasing research and new findings in medicine there is a universal rise in the Western nations of alternative medicine. In the Eastern part of the world, namely the Orient, some forms of alternative medicine has been practiced for many centuries. Part of this trend in the West may be due to the growth of medical education among people and the increased amount of travel to different regions. More literature is now available on this subject and medical societies specializing in different forms of alternative medicine are available.

Some of the most common forms of alternate medicine are:

Acupuncture
Homeopathy
Naturopathic medicine
Osteopathy

Acupuncture: this is an ancient art which had its origins in the Orient. It involves manipulating and inserting needles into special points in the body. It is thought to restore health and create well-being. There are several forms of acupuncture which are taught worldwide. This is one of the most famous forms of alternative medicine.

Homeopathy: is a form of medicine that tries to stimulate the body’s immune system in order to promote healing. The practice of Homeopathy endeavors to bring the entire body back into homeostasis, or balance.

Naturopathic medicine: Is a practice that is designed to stimulate the body’s own healing system. This system utilizes multiple forms of alternative medicine. It can also be referred to as Natural therapy, and can include dietary supplements, exercise and different foods.

Osteopathy: Was originally a form of alternative medicine based on manipulation of the joints. It is still used for chronic back pain. It is often used with other forms of medicine.

When treating illness and serious diseases it is important to consult your physician before taking any decisions. Many doctors will endorse some sort of alternative medicine coupled with conventional medicine, especially if conventional medicine is not proving very effective for a chronic condition. Despite the lack of credibilty given it by MD.s, some alternative medicine can work surprisingly well. It will all depend on your particular illness and your own body’s functionality whether alternative medicine will work well for you.

Parenting Tips On Getting Your Child To Take Medicine They Hate

As a parent you hate it when your kids are sick.  We want them to get better as quick as possible, and of course usually the quickest way is with antibiotics or medicine of some kind.

Where the problem comes in is when your child does not like their medicine and does not want to take it.  While you of course will give your child what the doctor prescribes but don't be afraid to ask about the taste and if you have a child that struggles to take a certain kind of medicine see if their is an alternative.

Yes we can force feed them their medicine but it is unpleasant for everyone and if your child gets upset enough they will just throw it back up anyway.  Plus unless you are extremely proficient at this you may waste doses.

Anything you can do for your child to make it easier for them to take their medicine will get them healthier quicker and save you and them from some miserable moments.

I have found with liquids that don't taste good that if I have a drink ready with something sweet it seems to help, I have even been known to use a spoon full of sugar to help the medicine go down easier. 

While no parent likes to do it you can plug your child's nose so they have to open their mouth and try it that way.  If your quick it does work most of the time, but that doesn't solve the problem if they hate their chewables or can't swallow pills easy.

I finally resorted to bribery with the nasty tasting chewable medicine.  We got a package of sweet tarts and she would have a sweet tart, follow it with the chewable, and then another sweet tart.  This of course only works if you child likes this type of candy.  But you can try others if you have to.

When it comes to pills that need to be swallowed that is sometimes tough for children to learn how to do.  I have found that placing the pill in a spoonful of applesauce makes it easier for my daughter to get the pill down without choking.

I hope these tips help.  Make sure you are firm when it comes to medicine, let them know that somehow someway the medicine must get into their tummy to make them feel better.  But that doesn't mean you can't be sympathetic and follow the dosage with a whole lot of attention and love.

Health,Medicine and Glyconutrition: The Future Isn't What it Used to Be

This is what they call "Hope"?

We've all gotten used to the idea that certain maladies will be around for a while…like until the Second Coming.  Maladies such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis…and many more are expected to be around, in epidemic proportions, longer than we think we will be alive…and anyone who tries to tell us otherwise is looked upon with real skepticism. In fact, when anyone tries to tell us "there's hope" for such maladies as, say, diabetes,  we are more likely to believe that the person is trying to sell us something…and usually we are right.

But, what's even worse is the fact that the "hope" we do receive is usually something like the following:

Studies show  people at high risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight. You can do it by eating healthier and getting 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. In other words: you don't have to knock yourself out to prevent diabetes. The key is: small steps that lead to big rewards. Learn more about your risk for developing type 2 diabetes and the small steps you can take to delay or prevent the disease and live a long, healthy life.

Of course, this is good advice. No denying it. As a medical doctor, I had to dispense advice like this for years, for diabetes and other conditions. Funny, as good as it is, I NEVER saw anyone become ecstatic, do cartwheels or celebrate because they had just received such counsel. Why? BECAUSE WHAT WE REALLY WANT FROM THE MEDICAL WORLD IS A CURE!


And why not?  It just doesn't seem fair that the only real answer to conditions like diabetes or obesity is the "hope" that we stop eating almost everything we enjoy, sweat till we drop,  "pop" prescription pills 'till we're bloated, and think positive…forever.

A new future?


So, of course, I was skeptical too when I began to hear the claims associated with glyconutrition.  As a long time medical professional and scientist, I know that "claims" are easily made… And who ever heard of "glyconutrition" anyway?


In 1999, the Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to Dr. Gunter Blobel for his work in the science of Glycobiology (the biology of glyconutrition). Out of the last eight Nobel Prizes awarded in medicine, four Nobel Prizes have been awarded for discoveries made in this ONE field. Believe it or not, this field (glyconutrition) affects maladies such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease directly. Why? Because, eight sugars have been isolated for their support of the immune system and cell communication. Additionally, human life cannot be supported without them.
This information got my attention. When a single Nobel Prize is won in medicine, everyone is paying attention. When four of them are won in the SAME field, as in this case involving glyconutrition, the medical world is "on fire" with the news.


As that information made its way through the medical world, other issues made the news too. For decades the American Medical Association, the powerhouse of medical professionals, taught that nutritional supplements were not necessary for good health. But, in June 2002, the AMA admitted that nutritional supplementation was vital to good health and helpful in treating diseases.


Also, the prestigious MIT published its findings. It wrote that these "sugars" were one of ten technologies it believed would change the world in the next decade. Nutritional supplementation was again vital to the conventional medical world…and at the center of the storm was glyconutrition.


But, what really jolted me professionally was this: Until these discoveries, scientists had NO idea how the cells of your body could tell the antibodies of your body you had an infection and that they had to "get on over here" to deal with it. Until these discoveries, scientists had NO idea how the cells of your body told the rest of your body that they needed nutrition, oxygen, waste elimination, infections healed…and a thousand and one other necessary functions of every cell. Goodness! We in the scientific world hadn't known just exactly HOW even aspirin made its way to that nasty headache of yours. We just knew it worked. So, we prescribed it.

Sugar?  Say it ain't so, doc!


But, my attention was riveted to the news that scientists like Dr. Gunter Blobel had discovered what it was that let the cells COMMUNICATE with the other systems of the body. And would you believe it?  What he found was amazing. Sugar…SUGAR! (Glyco = Greek for "sugar") No…not table sugar (else diabetics wouldn't be so excited over this new-found help for their diabetes). There are over 200 sugars in nature but, eight of them are VITAL to our good health. In fact, eight of them are the glyconutrition "backbone" for helping the body prevent or heal:


"    auto-immune diseases such as diabetes, psoriasis
"    overactive immune disorders such as allergies and asthma
"    under active immune disorders such as cancer, TB, strep
"    inflammatory disorders such as colitis, ulcers, Fibromyalgia
"    other conditions such as Alzheimer's, infertility, heart disease


Suddenly, the medical world was on fire over glyconutrition. The "anecdotal evidence" concerning glyconutrition is mounting rapidly as people are finding conditions which have long grieved them…to be a thing of the past. For so many, the expectation for the future is not a "long, long, road" fraught with impossible dieting, grueling workouts, thousands of dollars of prescriptions, and the need to dream positively. People are getting relief - from diabetes, heart disease, cancer, allergies, and many others - with glyconutrition…and without prescriptions! (Glyconutrition products are NOT prescription items…they're food.)


Oh yes. I almost forgot. If you go to your doctor and he isn't aware of glyconutrition, don't panic. Your poor doctor CANNOT possibly keep up with all of the signs, symptoms, conditions, and their myriads of treatments, chemical make up and complications associated with thousands of maladies and the millions of prescription antidotes for those maladies. I couldn't as a doctor, and I had several DECADES of experience in the field. "Been there … done that" as they say.


Incidentally, doctors don't usually find out first what works. They're just too busy being overwhelmed with the medical conditions they face, day to day. They usually find out like everyone else…They read about it or attend some seminar. Often, the marketplace produces antidotes - or research finds the right treatment, as in this case - long before they do. But, I can tell you this. Glyconutrition is helping conditions as diverse as diabetes and Alzheimer's … and a lot of people have hope that these conditions CAN be and are being…overcome…


Suddenly, the future isn't what it used to be…

Alternative medicine cervical cancer prevention

Cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer in young women and is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths among women, particularly in minorities and
in impoverished countries. Like all cancers, cancer of the cervix is much more likely to be cured if it is detected early and treated immediately at its initial stage with the alternative medicine through natural medications with no side effects at our center.

Cancer of the cervix occurs when the cells of the cervix change in a way that leads to abnormal growth and invasion of other tissues or organs of the body.It is caused primarily by a sexually transmitted infection with an oncogenic strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Studies have shown dietary intervention and nutrient supplementation to be effective in preventing cervical cancer. Additionally, local escharotic treatment combined with systemic treatment shows significant potential in reducing dysplasia

Cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix (organ connecting the uterus and vagina). It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms, but can be found with regular Pap smears (procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope).

The uterine cervix is the lowest portion of a woman's uterus (womb). Most of the uterus lies in the pelvis, but part of the cervix is located in the vagina, where it connects the uterus with the vagina.
    * One of the key features of cervical cancer is its slow progression from normal cervical tissue, to precancerous (or dysplastic) changes in the tissue, to invasive cancer.
    * The slow progression through numerous precancerous changes is very important because it provides opportunities for prevention and early detection and treatment.

Other possible risk factors include the following:
    * Giving birth to many children.
    * Having many sexual partners.
    * Having first sexual intercourse at a young age.
    * Smoking cigarettes.
    * Oral contraceptive use (the Pill).
    * Weakened immune system.

Cervical cancers don't always spread, but those that do most often spread to the lungs, the liver, the bladder, the vagina, and/or the rectum.

Self-treatment is not appropriate for cancer under most circumstances. Without medical treatment, the cancer will continue to grow and spread. Eventually vital body organs will not be able to function properly because the cancer will take their oxygen and nutrients, crowd them out, or injure them. The result is very often death.

Although self-treatment is inappropriate, there are things you can do to reduce the physical and mental stresses of your cancer and its treatment.

Maintaining good nutrition is one of the best things you can do.
    * You may lose your appetite during your treatment.
    * Common side effects
    * People who eat well, take in enough calories and protein.
    * keeping up your calorie and protein intake.

The following lifestyle changes may help keep you stronger and more comfortable during treatment:
    * Engage in mild physical activity
    * Rest is equally important
    * Quit smoking.
    * Avoid alcohol.

Treatment of cervical cancer is directed at preventing precancerous cells from becoming cancerous cells.
    * This is usually a step-by-step process
    * The deepest cells must be removed
 
Cervical cancer begins with abnormal changes in the cervical tissue. The risk of developing these abnormal changes has been associated with certain factors, including previous infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), early sexual contact, multiple sexual partners, cigarette smoking and taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

Treatment of cervical cancer is directed at preventing precancerous cells from becoming cancerous cells.The key to preventing invasive cervical cancer is to detect any cell changes early, before they become cancerous. Regular pelvic examinations and Pap smears are the best way to do this.

Avoidance of human papillomavirus infection is becoming increasingly important in the prevention of precancerous and cancerous changes of the cervix.
    * Early age at first intercourse is associated with increased risk
    * Likewise, barrier protection, such as condom use, may prevent HPV infection, although this has not yet been fully studied.
    * Early tests found an experimental vaccine to be effective against the virus responsible for half of all cases of cervical cancer.
    *. Quitting smoking may decrease your chances of developing cervical cancer.
    * Genetic material that comes from certain forms of HPV has been found in cervical tissues that show cancerous or precancerous changes.
    * These findings demonstrate a strong link between the virus and cervical cancer.
    * Because HPV can be transmitted by sexual contact, early sexual contact and having multiple sexual partners have been identified as strong risk factors for the development of cervical lesions that may progress to cancer.

Possible signs of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.These and other symptoms may be caused by cervical cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
    * Vaginal bleeding.
    * Unusual vaginal discharge.
    * Pelvic pain.
    * Pain during sexual intercourse.

Tests that examine the cervix are used to detect (find) and diagnose cervical cancer.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

Treatment options depend on the following:
    * The stage of the cancer.
    * The size of the tumor.
    * The patient's desire to have children.
    * The patient’s age.
    * The type of cervical cancer.

Treatment of cervical cancer during pregnancy depends on the stage of the cancer and the stage of the pregnancy. For cervical cancer found early or for cancer found during the last trimester of pregnancy, treatment may be delayed until after the baby is born.

The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the cervix or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment

Alternative Medicines Complement Conventional Medicines

There are many choices when looking for alternative medicines. Today, more people are turning to these alternatives for their treatments than ever before. These types of medicines provide a different approach than conventional medicine in health care systems and practices.

What is Alternative Medicine?

Some examples of alternative medicine are chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, and naturopathy. Although you may be unfamiliar with these treatments, there are people all over the world successfully using them.

In several ways, alternative medicine offers a different outlook on healthcare than conventional medicine. The usual treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, antibiotics and other types of drugs; however, there is growing evidence and awareness that alternative treatments can be less costly, less invasive, and sometimes safer than well-known conventional treatments.

A Higher Stand of Health

The goal of alternative medicine is a higher standard of health, not just the absence of disease.  For many years, individuals were given a clean bill of health without considering their emotional, spiritual or social needs. Alternative medicine considers the health and well being of the person by evaluating the physical, emotional and psychological makeup and needs. The patient is examined as a person and not just a number or case. Patients are encouraged to participate in decisions instead of being a passive subject.

Healing the Body

Conventional medicine has typically treated and removed symptoms as quickly as possible. Sometimes the results are dramatic and immediate with traditional surgeries and medicines. Sometimes, however, this creates other physical problems. The alternative is to help the body heal itself.

By using less dramatic treatment, the body is given a chance to work through its own healing therapy. Instead of synthetic medicines, the use of whole foods, herbs, homeopathic and nutritional supplements are utilized. The results may take longer but in the end the body will be healthier. True healing can occur in this way, increasing the chances that the symptoms will not return.

Finding an Alternative Professional

If you are planning to consult an alternative professional for a specific need, it is recommended that you consult with a medical doctor or osteopathic physician to get a diagnosis. They go through extensive training in diagnosing illnesses and diseases. This step could lead you to the correct treatment and avoid confusion. After you have had your exam and diagnosis, ask for the recommended treatment. Then look for an alternative treatment that may be easier on your body and possibly more effective.

There are different ways to find a practitioner. One of the most helpful is to get referrals from family and friends, your doctor, or other health care providers. Also use the resources at the library, the Internet, and medical information organizations. When you have a list of referrals, begin to gather information on the professionals. Ask for literature, find out how long they have been practicing, and what practices they use. Check to see if your insurance policy will cover their fees and what will be expected from you.

Having a Consultation

Be prepared when you consult with the professional. Describe your symptoms or condition clearly. Be sure to include a complete medical history. Explain what you have learned about alternative treatments.

Listen carefully to the suggested treatment and ask questions to make sure you understand. Ask what the benefits will be from this therapy.  Find out how long the treatment will take and if you should expect side effects.

Making a Choice

Did he answer your questions and make you comfortable? Is the treatment acceptable to you? Now you can decide if this practitioner is right for you.

Before you choose alternative medicines, take the steps necessary to ensure you are treating the problem, not just the symptoms. You'll soon discover the long-term benefits of alternative medicines.

Stress Relief Provided By Herbal Medicine

Chances are, you may not know about the use of herbal medicine to provide stress relief.

We certainly can’t blame if you don’t. Herbal medicine, after all, is still trying to gain its former popularity and so many people are still in doubt of its efficacy and prefer to use prescription medicine instead. But you see, if you take the time to check historical texts, the use of herbal medicine can date back as far as 5,000 years ago! The efficacy of herbal medicine, therefore, should not be in doubt anymore since it’s supported by five millennia worth of proof.

Before we give you an example of herbal medicine that can provide stress relief, however, we shall give you a little bit of do's and don’ts on the subject of herbal medicine to ensure safety and proper use.

Do consult your doctor first before taking any herbal medicine to fight stress or for whatever reason. Self-medication is never good and it can bring you a lot of complications that could have easily been avoided if you had only asked your doctor about your chosen type of medication.

When consulting your doctor, do bring a sample of your herbal medicine so he’ll be able to analyze whether it’s real and of good quality. To safeguard yourself from cheap herbal medicine imitations, always buy from any herbal medicine store of good and long-standing reputation. These stores may even offer money back guarantee and of course, that wouldn’t hurt at all.

Your doctor may also make you aware if there would be any possible negative reactions if and when you do take a particular herbal medicine. That doesn’t mean you can’t take herbal medicine anymore to provide relief; it simply means that you’re just not able to take that particular herbal medicine and you have to search for another.

Lastly, if you’re already taking prescription medicine, you truly need to visit your doctor before taking herbal medicine as well because there are instances when a combination of both can result to unwanted complications.

And now for an example of herbal medicine that can provide stress relief:

Catnips – One of the most common symptoms of stress are diarrhea, increased or loss of appetite and anxiety. If these are stress symptoms that trouble you most, this herbal medicine is definitely what you need because it nurtures the stomach and nerves.

Kada Kava – This herbal medicine can provide stress relief by vanquishing symptoms like insomnia (typical of workaholics who love to do overtime) and anxiety (typical of workaholics who have high pressure jobs).

Cancer and Alternative Medicine: An Overview

Alternative medicine is the use of means, in addition to, or instead of conventional, to treat disease or pain.  There is lots of controversy surrounding alternative medicine, especially in the cancer arena, because most of it is unproven, as far as the medical world is concerned.  To be proven, a treatment must have undergone peer-reviewed, controlled studies.  However, if you know where to look, you can find plenty of research to support the efficacy of many alternative therapies.

Every day, more and more of us are becoming fed up with conventional medicine’s way of doing things; I mean, let’s face it … Western medicine’s focus is managing a disease once it occurs.  Many alternative methods can be used as preventive instead of management.  Once I started thinking about it, I knew there just had to be a better way.  That’s when my alternative journey began. 

The many different avenues of alternative medicine, can be overwhelming and there are many with which I do not have personal experience.  But, this is your starting point … a broad overview, not all-encompassing, by any means, of breast cancer alternative medicine.  Some of these methods are palliative (help manage pain and discomfort of cancer and its treatment), some are complementary (to be used in addition to conventional), some are intended to be preventive, and others look promising as adjuvant treatments. 

Manual Healing and Physical Touch
This is a huge category that includes acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and Reiki, to name a few.  Acupuncture is derived from Chinese medicine and involves inserting tiny needles through the skin into specific energy pathways on the body.  This method interrupts the energy that flows through the body and is based on balanced Qi.  There is lots of controversy surrounding whether acupuncture can be used as a method of treating cancer, itself, but it is thoroughly documented to alleviate pain and nausea from cancer and its treatments. 

Chiropractic is the correction of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system.  It is achieved by adjustments to the spine and neck.  There are traditional chiropractors who adjust the entire spine and then there are Direct Non-Force Technique chiropractors who alleviate neurotransmitter interference, throughout the body, by specific, targeted adjustments.  The thinking, here, is that the body has the means to heal itself and seeks to maintain balance within itself.  Correcting the musculoskeletal disorders helps to regain the balance that has been lost.

Massage has been found, by recent studies, to provide more alertness and less depression, stress, anxiety, and pain.  There are many different forms of massage, ranging from deep tissue to a basic relaxation massage.  Many health care providers are proponents of massage therapy in addition to conventional treatment.

Reiki is a Japanese word that means universal life energy.  This is a method that is typically performed in person but can be performed from a distance.  The thinking behind Reiki is that, when the energy pathways of the body are blocked, it results in disease and/or pain.  A Reiki practitioner can unblock these pathways, resulting in less pain and muscle tension, and increased ability for the body to heal itself.

Herbs, Minerals, Vitamins, Diet, and Nutritional Supplements
This is one of the roads I’ve chosen, for myself, based on careful research and consideration.  There is evidence that shows that what we eat plays a big role in cancer prevention and it’s in the news all the time.  In the evolution of our society, our foods have become more and more processed, and less and less nutritious.  Farmers use pesticides to keep the bugs from getting our produce.  They use hormones to grow our chickens, cattle, and pigs larger faster, so they can make money off them sooner.  Of course, it doesn’t occur to them, or maybe they just don’t care, that those substances are then consumed by us.  I didn’t even realize those things were used until after I had been diagnosed.  You mean I’m eating estrogen in my meat????  Wow, was that ever a wakeup call.

Most practitioners don’t endorse the use of nutritional supplements simply because they haven’t been approved by the FDA … this premise amazes me because there have been many drugs, that have been approved by the FDA, that have caused serious injury and/or death.  There are many nutritional supplements that show serious promise in the prevention, and possibly even treatment, of breast cancer.  The studies are out there, if you know where to look. 

Naturopathy
Naturopathy is another technique that uses the body’s innate ability to heal itself.  It is based on the concept that everything, within the body, is related and that if you have pain or illness, that is an alarm your body sets off to get your attention and let you know something is wrong.  The naturopathic way of thinking is that your body begins to let you know something is out of balance … perhaps you aren’t digesting your food correctly, or you have some hormones out of balance … and it begins a snowball effect, throughout your organs, until it gets your attention.  Everything is related and, if there is a problem in one area, another area tries to take up the slack and becomes overworked, and so on.   Naturopaths use natural means, such as homeopathic remedies, natural agents, manipulation, or electrical treatment to obtain balance so that the body can heal itself.


Homeopathy
This is the practice of using minute doses of active ingredients to produce the body’s own defense and healing process.  It, like naturopathy, strives to achieve homeostasis (balance) so the body can heal itself.  Homeopathic remedies work much like a vaccine does to our bodies and is based on the premise of like fixes like.  Homeopaths prescribe substances that would cause symptoms, in a healthy person, for the purpose of healing those same symptoms in a sick person.  For example, a homeopath would prescribe minute amounts of thyroid to someone whose thyroid was overactive for the purpose of the thyroid building a defense to this and slowing itself down. 

This is, by no means, an exhaustive overview of alternative therapies, but is, as stated, an overview. For more in-depth discussions on this as well as conventional breast cancer treatment please visit our website below

Role of Alternative Medicine in modern society

Typically, alternative medicine differs from traditional medicine in that alternative medicine is older and what we might call unconventional or non-Western medicine. Alternative medicine does not follow the traditional science and research that current medicines undergo. Alternative medicine could also be termed complementary or traditional medicine or the therapies that can be integrated into current medicine. The staff of the National Library of Medicine of the United States classified alternative medicine under the category of complementary therapies in their Medical Subjects Heading Section. This was done in the year 2002. The definition provided was that alternative medicine therapeutic practices were not considered as an integral part of the traditional allopathic medicine. Therapies like acupuncture, dieting, physical therapy like exercises or yoga, etc. are termed as alternative medicine. These therapies are called complementary when they are used along with conventional treatments. If they are done in place of conventional treatments, they are known as alternative treatments.

In April 1995, the panel of National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, worked on Definition & Description, CAM Research Methodology Conference, Office of Alternative Medicine. The panel defined alternative medicine and complementary medicine as those healing resources that encompass all health systems and practices that are different from the dominant health system of a particular society or culture. Usually, therapies like ayurveda, herbal medicine, folk medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, diet practices, chiropractic, music therapy, massage, pranic healing, etc. are classified as alternative or complementary medicine. People who do not find a cure, remedy or success in allopathic medicine generally try alternative medicine. Such people generally suffer from cancer, arthritis, acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS), chronic back pain, etc. Therapies included under alternative medicine would cease to be included in that category once their efficacy is proven and they are considered safe and effective. They are then considered as part of traditional medicine. An example would be chiropractors. Twenty years ago insurance would not pay for them as they were considered “alternative and ineffective.” Today thousands of people have been helped by chiropractors and they are now recognized in the medical community. A similar movement is underway in the nutritional supplement and nutraceutical industry.

Over the years, more and more people have been using alternative medicine because traditional medicine is not working for them. The 2004 survey by the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine of the United States revealed that approximately 36% of Americans used alternative medicine in 2002. If alternative medicine is used in conjunction with traditional allopathic medicine, an integrative doctor is a person’s best option. Some traditional doctors are adamantly against or simply do not believe in complementary medicine, even though research continues to show the benefits of many compounds. Your doctor should be informed about other approaches you may be using and if they are not comfortable with that then always feel free to choose another doctor. This would enable the doctor to foresee any possible complications or a better time in which to use a complementary therapy. The concern in using alternative medicine stems from the fact that some practitioners of alternative medicine do not have an accredited medical degree and therefore do not have a valid medical license. However, in recent times, many educational institutions and universities have started offering courses in homeopathy, ayurveda, siddha, unani, acupuncture, and naturopathy. The recent growth in this industry is evident by the many people demanding different, and in some cases better, care than what they are receiving in “modern medicine.” They are no longer accepting the fact that they need to suffer with pain or illness because modern pharmacy does not have a magic bullet for them.

Natural cure asthma alternative medicine

Man is exposed to many unhealthy environments due to this he has been captivated to number of diseases. He is becoming unhealthy with the stress of work and the food he intakes. He to get relaxed has found many  bad ways like useage of tobacco, smoking, drinking alcohol, drug addiction and many more by which he himself inviting the diseases to his cadaver. 

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways in the lungs. The two main components of asthma are airway constriction and inflammation. Together, constriction and inflammation result in narrowing of the airways in the lungs, which results in symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It's also important to remember that some days, you may not even experience any symptoms at all. But your asthma is still with you. That's why it's essential to continue treating your asthma, with daily preventative medication, even on days you feel well. One way of helping to manage your asthma is through education. In this section we have provided useful information about your asthma so you'll begin to understand how you can help treat it.

The reactions cause the airways to become narrower and irritated - making it difficult to breath and leading to symptoms of asthma. It is difficult to say for sure what causes asthma. What we do know is that:
·    you are more likely to develop asthma if you have a family history of asthma, eczema or allergies
·    certain environmental factors influences whether which also causes asthma
·    many aspects of modern lifestyles – such as changes in housing and diet and a more hygienic environment – may have contributed to the rise in asthma over the last few decades
·    smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a child developing asthma
·    children whose parents smoke are more likely to develop asthma
·    environmental pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and may play a part in causing some asthma
·    adult onset asthma may develop after a viral infection

There is cure for asthma, as there are some excellent medicines available to help you to control your asthma so that is does not interfere with your daily life. We at our center cure this asthma with natural dietary supplements which are filled with herbal and cures the asthma with no side effects. It is important that you take your asthma medicine properly according to the advice of the doctor.

Some of the signs which makes you that asthma has to be checked as early as possible are:
·    Waking at night with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a tightness in the chest
·    Having to take time off work because of your asthma
·    Finding it difficult to breathe, and breathing short shallow breaths
·    Needing more and more reliever treatment
·    Finding that your reliever does not seem to be working
·    Having to take your reliever more frequently than every four hours
·    Feeling that you cannot keep up with your usual level of activity or exercise

If your asthma is under control you are more likely to have a better quality of life and be more able to do the things you want to. So if you are in need of having a better life then you can take control your asthma by knowing what medicines to take, how much and when to take them. It is also important to avoid things that trigger your asthma and know what to do if your symptoms get worse.

Of course you want to do whatever you can to help care for a family member or friend with asthma. You may not be sure how to help. But with a little guidance, you can help your loved one manage his or her asthma. Identify the signs of asthma and help your loved ones with asthma. See what the asthma medications are taken by your loved ones are whether they are long term or short term preventatives. Know what to do and what to medications give during the emergency. If you think your loved one are suffering with a severe attack, get medical help immediately.

How to prevent from asthma
·    Be away from the animals as they have fur which are small particles due to inhaling them asthma can be attacked so keep them away of the living room.
·    The air we breathe contain lots of dust and pollution which paves a way to asthma. So should try to be away from the polluted air.
·    The ozone rays which are ultra violent are also one of the cause for this asthma so should be aware of using the things which keeps us away.
·    Cold and viral infections are one of the triggers for asthma. So before taking the vaccinations for it they should be consulted with the doctor.
·    If somebody in the family was suffering with it then some of the precautions are needed to be taken for preventing it.
·    If you have got the symptom of asthma then it is better to quit the smoking for the better of your life.
·    The sudden change in weather may also is one of the symptom of asthma, so you should be careful and should use the medications in a proper way.

The above said are not to be considered as the medical advise but to be taken as just information so you will be aware about asthma and take care of yourself or your loved ones to cure it in a proper way.

Let me end this with the statement-Asthma can be cured and conquered!

Benefits Of Alternative Medicine

With the growing number of people being affected by newly discovered chronic degenerative diseases such as AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome,
Are you worried or wondering....

Is it possible to maintain good health?

What your body needs to function properly?

Why conventional medicine is becoming more complicated and costly and in some cases simply ineffective?

A growing number of people are turning to alternative medicine and natural healing--simple, traditional low-tech methods of preventing illnesses and solving everyday health problems.

Do you have unanswered questions on....

Why are people flocking to health food stores, with their lotions and potions, and what keeps them going back for more?

What to do if you or someone in your family falls ill?

Are these therapies really old wives tales or can they really work?

Even mainstream doctors have begun to recommend natural drugless therapies' to treat both everyday complaints and serious illnesses. Dietary modifications, for instance, has become the weapons of choice against a number of diseases that would have been treated mainly with prescription drugs a generation ago.

It is now known that many conditions are caused by the wrong diet and can be reversed by the right diet. Heart disease, cancer, weight problems, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure--they can all be treated to some degree with foods.

Natural therapies found in alternative medicine are actually much older than Western treatments such as surgeries and antibiotics. Experts estimate that herbal remedies and Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, has been around for 5,000 years.

Many alternative medicine remedies began with scientific research or clinical impressions reported by physicians working with safe, natural substances. But we live in a generation now that has been cut off from this age-old
tradition of self-reliance. Healing and health care have become almost-
-the exclusive province of duly licensed physicians.

While doctors and other professionals-are indeed great to have around, what is not so great is when you cannot do anything without them.

Shouldn't we be able to do something to save our health--maybe even our lives--without a doctor?

What happens when medical help is not so readily available?

What happens when doctoring simply does not work?

Some of us go to doctor after doctor, and still no help. Is that the end of the line?

While antibiotics have saved millions of lives, they have not really solved some resurgence of germs that are turning up in new forms that do not respond to conventional therapies.

There has been a real shift in the way people think about their health. Rising health care cost is a factor in the recent surge of interest in alternative medicine. Many people are attracted to the alternative physicians emphasis on treating the whole person--body, mind and spirit.

Most importantly some physicians use intensive counseling to help patients find out whether aspects of their daily lives, such as job stress, marital problems, diet or sleeping habits might be behind their symptoms. In this age of managed care and impersonal group practices patients find this individualized approach of alternative medicine particularly appealing.

One of the principal goals of alternative medicine and natural healing is to break the cycle of dependency and allow people to be more in control of their own lives.

Alternative Medicines That Work For Me

There is a lot of hype about alternative medicines, and some of them are certainly without much value. Of course there is a lot of hype about regular medicines, many of which do as much harm as good. The fact that natural remedies and treatments rarely hurt people as much as prescription drugs is one reason to at least try them. Here are a few that I can vouch for from experience.

<b>Tea Tree Oil</b>

I had a lump on the side of my nose, growing slowly, bleeding at times. I had it for years, and the one time I asked a doctor about it, he wasn't sure if it was actually cancerous. I read somewhere that tee tree oil might work. I bought a bottle at a health-food store for $6. I applied a drop to the lump each day, and in less than six weeks, the lump was gone completely.

Coincidence? After having the growth for years? I don't think so. In fact I had another growth years later on my neck, and for several years, I couldn't remember what I had used the first time. When I found a clue in some old notes, I used tea tree oil on that growth, which was even larger than the first one. It was gone in about six weeks.

<b>St. John's Wort</b>

When hiking in Canada, I cut my foot. The gash was deep. I found St. John's Wort (Hypericum perfolatum), which has been proven to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. I mashed up a few leaves and bandaged them to the cut, replacing them occasionally. I have honestly never seen a cut heal faster.

St. John's Wort is one of the better known alternative medicines now. It is used as an anti-depressant, with numerous studies showing it's effectiveness. It is also used by some as a temporary mood-elevator. This effect isn't proven yet, but whenever I've had tea made from the plant, it tasted awful and left me happy for two hours. Anecdotal and subjective evidence (I'm not even entirely convinced), but interesting.

<b>Valerian Root</b>

When my wife has cramps and pain, nothing works better than a cup of tea made from valerian root. You can get the tea in many stores now. I wouldn't try driving after having valerian root. This is a powerful relaxant.

In fact, valerian root is too strong for some people. A gentler herb that will relax you is chamomile. You can find this as tea too. It makes a great drink with honey, just before you are ready to go to bed.

There are so many alternatives out there. I have stopped a headache just by chewing on willow twigs. I have stopped diarrhea with oak bark (careful - this can hard on the liver in large doses). I have watched a friend's poison ivy rash disappear overnight with the application of jewelweed juice.

I am sure that I have tried just as many alternatives that didn't work, too, but you know what? Put all the ineffective ones together and the cost probably doesn't add up to the cost of one visit to a doctor. As for the effective ones, well, no doctor yet has introduced me to one of them. You have to do your own research on alternative medicines.

Why It’s Better For Women To Use Herbal Medicine

A Little Something about Herbal Medicine First

Before we should address the issue of possible benefits that women can enjoy from the use of herbal medicine, wouldn’t it be proper to know a little something about the history of herbal medicines first?

Herbal medicine has been in use for years and years. If you want to know how long, would you believe it if I said that herbal medicine has been used to cure human afflictions for five thousand years already? That’s right. Maybe even Mother Mary herself once benefited from the healing powers of herbal medicine. And was she born even way back than 5,000 years?

The Wonders of Herbal Medicine

It’s Cheap – Money matters always so taking herbal medicine is not only better for the body, it’s better for the pockets too!

It’s Easy to Make – That’s right. You can make your own herbal medicine. Just follow the formula the way you would with a kitchen recipe.

It’s All Natural – And of course, all-natural is better than man-made more often than not. Because of that, there are fewer reasons to worry about symptoms and side effects. If you’re the one making the herbal medicine yourself, do make sure that you’re using clean utensils (clean hands also, please!) and the right herbs.

A Little Warning about Herbal Medicine

We can all agree that herbal medicine is truly helpful to the human race. But herbal medicine can also become a danger – but blame the humans (that’s us) for that as well.

You have to take the necessary precautions to ensure that herbal medicine will be completely beneficial to your body.

First, if you’re going to buy herbal medicine rather than making one for yourself, it’s essential that you buy herbal medicine that’s produced by a reputable company and buy it from a reputable retailer or seller as well. There are a lot of fake herbal medicines out in the market so just to be safe than sorry, do choose one that has proven to be effective.

Secondly, do be aware that it’s very much possible to overdose on herbal medicine. And when that happens, it means that you took more than advised. Hence, do consult your doctor first about the appropriate dosage and even if you feel that it wouldn’t harm you to increase the dosage, let’s just stick to the safe side once more and follow what the good doctor says.

Lastly, it’s imperative that you inform your doctor if you’re already taking other medications because it could react negatively when you start taking herbal medicine as well.

How Alternative Medicine Fits into Today’s Society

Think you don’t know what alternative medicine is?  It’s more common than you think, and now has a firm place in the world today.  Certain therapies not formerly thought of as legitimate medical treatments are now being used on a more frequent basis to treat a variety of ailments, quite often with endorsement from the medical community.  Some of the more common types of alternative medicine treatments include:

•    Massage therapy
•    Aromatherapy
•    Hydrotherapy
•    Acupuncture
•    Herbal Remedies
•    Meditation
•    Spiritual therapy

More than likely, you are familiar with many of these treatments; maybe you have even experienced a few yourself.  Many of these treatments are not only used to treat many common health problems, but are used by people all over the world in order to achieve total well-being.

For thousands of years, the treatments deemed alternative today were standard practice.  And now, people seem to be turning to these optional therapies when they are in a health crisis, or if they feel they have nowhere else to turn.

There are factions of people throughout the world who prefer to take advantage of the natural effects that alternative medicines and therapies offer, rather than depend on synthetic drugs to cure or prevent ailments.  Herbal medication have the benefit of being completely organic, or from the earth, and often provide equivalent remedies to prescription drugs.

Alternative medicines and treatments have become part of the fabric of our society today.  While many of these therapies are meant to be used as a treatment for a health problem, some are used by people as simply a method of relaxation or reward.  Chief among them is massage therapy.  Massage has become incorporated into the routines of many individuals in today’s society as a means of stress reduction, rather than pain relief.

Meditation is another form of alternative medicine that has become an integral part of many lives in today’s society.  With its roots steeped in ancient spiritual history, meditation acts like massage in that it provides a release for stress and anxiety.  In order to perform mediation correctly, though, you should learn as much as you can about it first.  Many people enjoy this type of alternative therapy a great deal because of the personal control they have when performing it.  Many individuals in today’s society highly recommend meditation as a type of alternative medicine.

The stresses of today’s society have led some to cry out for change.  Many find solace and healing in alternative medicine treatments.  The natural treatments and calming effects of many of them are exactly what many people have been searching for in order to reduce their stress.  The average person is forced to deal with a large amount of stress on a daily basis.  Alternative medicine and treatments bring relief to the stresses and anxiety that people of today’s society feel weighed down by.

In today’s society, we see a great deal of stress, anxiety, and illnesses.  Alternative medicine provides a viable option to traditional medicine that aids people in the maintenance of their well-being in their busy lives.  Massage therapy and meditation are two common treatments that people can turn to, that can also have a positive effect on today’s society as a whole.  As we move forward in society, you will continue to see a shift towards more acceptance of alternative medicine and therapy.

Identifying The Different Forms Of Herbal Medicine

Although there are a lot of positive things to be said when it comes to herbal medicine, is still an undeniable fact however that what we proof we have is not yet enough to make taking herbal medicine completely safe.

Hence, when you’re about to try out herbal medicine please make sure to check with your doctor first if what you’re doing wouldn’t be harmful to your body. Secondly, it’s better to be able to identify the different forms of herbal medicine so you’d know if what you’re taking is the real thing or not.

Essence - This is also one of the most popular forms that herbal medicine takes. Herbs in essential oils are processed through cold pressing or steam distillation. This form of herbal medicine is popular because a lot of people prefer to enjoy massages with the use of essential oils because it supposedly helps them relax more easily.

Pills and Capsules - People who violently resist the idea of taking herbal medicine in its raw form may find other products of herbal medicine in the form of pills and capsules. Herbal medicine is ground into powder to take this particular form. Usually, with this form of herbal medicine, the medicinal purpose is general and not meant to be a specific cure. Ampalaya capsules, for example, are taken simply to help improve your diabetes.

Infusions - This process involves the delicate parts of a plant like its leaves, seeds and fruits. The process simply takes several minutes to finish.

Poultice - There are some situations that require patients to take herbal medicine in the form of poultice. In this case, the herbs are macerated or chopped into tiny pieces and are then directly applied to the skin. After this, a hot, moist bandage is used to cover the area.

Raw - It’s like going back to the primitive past when you’re required to take this particular form of herbal medicine. Not only is the process somewhat undesirable, the taste of it leaves nothing to be desired as well. Many healthcare professionals, however, advise people to steep these raw herbs into tea because it’s said to release its healing powers effectively.

Tinctures - Herbal medicine in liquid form.

Decoctions - This process involves the extraction of certain parts of a plant like the berries, roots and herb-bark. This process usually takes 45 minutes till an hour and a half.

And now that we’re done with the list of forms of herbal medicine, we do hope that you benefit greatly from whatever herbal medicine product you’re taking!

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Alternative Medicine

If you have rheumatoid arthritis you may have often thought about seeking an alternative health practitioner, but have not known how to approach the matter. You may be considering alternative medicine now for your arthritis, because you have been treated unsuccessfully for years by conventional medicine.

Having been treated for rheumatoid arthritis over a lengthy period your condition may be rather advanced, that is not to say that alternative medicine would be unable to treat it, but rather the treatment would be slow and steady in order to avoid any aggravation of your arthritis.

Unfortunately patients often expect fast results from their chosen alternative practitioner, however, this will most certainly not be the case, for years of taking prescription drugs will have more than likely left you in a debiliated condition.Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with prescription drugs fails to treat the cause of your disease, it only treats symptoms, this results in suppression, and you spend the rest of your life with intermittent flare-ups and exacerbations of your disease with no cure ever in sight.

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an auto-immune disease, with an unknown cause. This diagnosis rather absolves you of all responsibility for your disease, having received your diagnosis you then proceed unquestioningly to commence a regime of potent drugs for your rheumatoid arthritis without doing any research on the disease yourself.

Have you ever asked why your immune system has decided to attack you, rather than protect you? If you gave this some serious thought you might decide to make some lifestyle changes in order to help your immune system regain it's innate intelligence. You may ask what lifestyle changes you might have to make in order to regain your health. Basically there really is only one change, and that is your diet. The answer is simple, eat fresh organic fruits and vegetables, eliminate fast foods, highly processed foods, aspartame, MSG, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, cigarettes, alcohol, diet sodas, and all other sodas.

If you would prefer to keep your rheumatoid arthritis, your junk diet and prescription drugs then that's your choice and you will undoubtedly pay for your choice with lifelong sickness. However, if you make the effort to change your diet you will reap the benefits, and you will be richly rewarded with vibrant health.

The Origins Of Alternative Medicine

The origins of alternative medicine, also known as holistic medicine, can be traced back thousands of years to the very roots of medicine. Many millennia ago, physicians or healers would assess the sick person’s emotional condition in addition to their physical symptoms before beginning treatment. The roots of alternative medicine deal with the symptoms of the “whole” person, not merely the physical signs of illness. This is radically different from traditional medicine today.

In medicine today, people demand to be cured immediately, and the demand for medicines and treatments that do so is very high. Most physicians today are trained to assess physical symptoms and base treatments on that, without much consideration of the person’s emotional or intellectual state.

Since its inception, alternative medicine has survived the ages and stages of the field of medicine. Despite the prevalence of modern medical practices, there are still millions of people worldwide that take advantage of alternative treatments for ailments or well-being. Some of these alternative treatments include massage therapy, herbal remedies, and meditation. Massage is one of the most long-standing forms of alternative treatment, and it is highly popular today as a treatment for aches and pains, and as a means of stress release and relaxation. Most people probably don’t even think about massage as a type of alternative medicine.

Through the ages, every society has used their own forms of alternative medicines and treatments. There is over 5000 years of history and many types of treatments that were used far and wide, and many traditional medical treatments can even find their roots in alternative medicine from long ago.

Long ago in Europe, medical issues were treated by one of two types of healers, the physicians or the folk healers. The folk healers appealed to the poorer factions of society, in that they used natural treatments that were more affordable and easier to come by. Folk healers were often highly respected in these underprivileged sections of society. Folk healers often incorporated philosophy and religious faith into their healing practices, which helped to strengthen a sick person’s mind and spirit, as well as his body.

Eventually, folk medicine evolved into the traditional medicine we are familiar with in today’s world. With each passing century, many great advances have been made in treatments and cures for various diseases and conditions.

Despite the dominance of traditional medicine in the world today, there is still a place for alternative medicine. It is alive and well, and used by many people around the world through massage therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, meditation, and many other forms of alternative treatments. Many physicians now support many of these treatments, making them less alternative.

The origins of alternative medicine were very forward thinking. Alternative medicine has survived through the millennia because it has real validity, despite a great deal of ridicule through the ages. Though they do not have the immediate effect that many drugs and treatments of traditional medicine, they are a feasible option for a person to consider.

What Happens During Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture is one of several popular alternative therapies tracing its roots to traditional medicine in China more than 5,000 years ago. Although the treatment is regarded as one of the most common and oldest worldwide, acupuncture only started to become recognized in the US after New York Times journalist James Reston wrote a feature on how his post-surgery pain was eased by doctors in China in 1971 using the procedure.

1. The Basis Of Acupuncture

The treatment assumes something called qi (pronounced key) - energy in living beings that passes through twelve meridians or invisible energy lines in the body. Each line links to a specific organ system; the belief is that any imbalance in qi flow leads to a disease. The key component of acupuncture treatment is the insertion of needles into key points on the meridian lines to renew balance. These extremely thin, metallic needles are aimed at specific anatomical points and controlled manually or by electrical stimulation. An individual usually feels relaxed and energized after acupuncture.

2. Modern Treatment

The US Food and Drug Administration reclassified these needles as medical devices in 1997, from the earlier classification as experimental. The FDA notes that over $500m are spent by people in the country every year for the treatment, for which a good number secure insurance coverage. The agency's main restrictions with the needles are that they be non-toxic and sterilized and that they be used only once and discarded immediately after.

- Acupuncture is endorsed by the National Institute of Health
- Is practiced by dentists, doctors and other health practitioners

3. Increasing Acceptance

Increasing acceptance of acupuncture was highlighted by the National Health Interview Survey in 2002, which indicated that the number of American adults turning to the treatment surged from 2.1 million in 2001 to about 8.2 million the following year. The interest in acupuncture also received a boost from the impatience individuals had with the failure of conventional medicine.

4. How Does It Really Work?

Acupuncture reportedly induces the release of endorphins in the body, relieving an indivudal from pain. Other effects attributed to the therapy include influence over neurotransmitters, or substances transporting nerve impulses; promotion of circulation; and effects over the body's electrical currents and autonomic nervous system. Many common ailments and undesirable conditions are addressed by acupuncture treatment.

5. Commonly Treated Conditions

- Sinusitis
- The common cold
- Smoking and other addictions
- Migraines
- Tennis elbow
- Infertility
- Menstrual cramps
- Obesity
- Low-back pain
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome

6. Procedure

On the first meeting, acupuncturists usually ask new clients to fill up a personal health record prior to an interview. A session then has the client answer questions that cover main health issues, diet, emotional and psychological profile, and overall lifestyle and regular activities. The therapist should also be informed by the individual of any current medication and treatment being taken. During this interview, one can also expect the practitioner to evaluate pulse points and establish how healthy the individual's twelve meridians are. A diagnosis is then given, followed by the use of between 6 and 12 needles as treatment is commenced. Patients keen on acupuncture must realize that the exact placement on target points on the meridians is more important, not the number of needles used.

The initial insertion may make the patient feel pricked or stung. However, the treatment should be painless and comfortable for the duration that could extend to an hour or more. An individual should immediately tell the acupuncturist to discontinue if he feels any numbness, discomfort or pain. Variations of the treatment may involve use of herbal medicine - capsules, tablets or tea made from Chinese herbs to boost the therapy. Some practitioners also integrate cupping - a suction effect created with the use of glass cups on the skin, in part to promote blood circulation and continuous qi flow.

7. Rising Popularity

The recent withdrawal of the Vioxx painkiller has raised apprehension over pain relievers available in the market. This concern, combined with statements from the NIH and other government and health organizations that side effects from acupuncture are significantly lower, has made more individuals turn to the treatment, particularly for pain relief. Several studies have also shown how acupuncture has helped patients with osteoarthritis, post-chemotherapy nausea and even depression. Despite all the apparent positive feedback, those considering acupuncture should still consult regular doctors and health-care professionals for advice on their conditions first. If they decide to pursue the treatment, they must make sure that the acupuncturist or practitioner they see is highly-qualified and certified by organizations such as the American Academy of Medical Acupuncturists.