February 7, 2012

You are here: Home / Archives for Natural Health / Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies For Christmas Ailments

December 30, 2008 By

I like to think of this as my Christmas survival guide – the healthy way to deal with those everyday stresses we are faced with. With the best will in the world it is easy to overstretch and overstress yourself over the holiday period. Lots of intense activity, probably more food and drink than usual – and richer probably than your everyday diet – can all combine to put you out of sorts. Instead of the medicine cabinet, try these natural remedies to help prevent, and alleviate, those Christmas blues. It can be your seasonal ‘first aid’ kit so make sure you keep it handy.

Shock and bruising
Arnica is a wonderful homoeopathic remedy for shock – and you often get quite a few of those in the heat of family exchanges or unwrapping the world’s most unsuitable present. Taken as a couple of tablets under the tongue it will help you recover, and in its cream salve form it works wonders on bruises. In all that rushing about you can get bumped more than usual as your mind is distracted with all those lists and trying to remember if cousin George is still vegetarian or if that was just a short-term effect brought on by last girlfriend. Rub the cream onto the bruise – but only if the skin is unbroken – and it’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties will not only bring you relief from the pain but bring the bruising out faster so it passes quicker. As Arnica also helps restore emotional balance – which can seesaw rather violently at this time of year – it is always an excellent remedy to have on hand during the festive season

Healing cuts, scrapes, grazes
Under stress our nerves can show in many ways and one of the most popular seems to be picking or biting at cuticles until they bleed, or you might just not be looking carefully enough as you slice the turkey or fight your way through the crowds to get to the last ‘most popular toy of the year’ in the store. Calendula is a herb that has been used for centuries in folk medicine whenever cuts or sores need healing. It contains triterpenes which encourage new cell growth, as well as being antiseptic, and Nelson’s make a Hypercal cream which contains calendula and hypericum which can ease the pain of the wound and Boots the Chemist also make their own version. Make sure wound is clean first by bathing with warm water into which a few drops of tea tree oil have been added as this too is antiseptic and will help clear any infection.

Burns
As I am incapable of wresting a roast from the oven, or ironing anything at all, without burning myself somewhere I have amassed several useful remedies. My first option is another homoeopathic remedy from Nelsons, this time specifically for burns, and the second is lavender oil. Apply either immediately to the skin and you will soon feel the heat receding, use the oil neat and reapply as needed. Though if the burn is around food you might want to use the Nelson’s cream instead as lavender oil is rather pungent. If you have an aloe vera plant in the house, then that too is an excellent remedy to treat burns and scars. Just remove a leaf, cut across the tip and squeeze out the gel onto your skin. Aloe vera is one of the remedies used treat radiation burns after Hiroshima and it is very effective at quickly reducing heat and keeping the skin supple and moisturised.

Stomach upsets
Well first of all prevention is better than cure, so make a Christmas resolution to be kind to your liver and don’t overload it with too much food and drink – particularly rich foods and things you are not used to having regularly. Avoid things that can irritate or upset the stomach, so cut down on coffee and acid foods and try these natural remedies instead.

** peppermint tea as it soothes the stomach and aids digestion.
** ginger helps with nausea so drink ginger ale or steep ginger slices in a cup with honey and add hot water or eat some candied ginger.
** bananas soothe the stomach and counteract the acids that can cause an upset stomach. They are also easily digested and can help ease diarrhea.
** nux vom is a homoeopathic remedy that is excellent for when you have over-indulged in too much, or too rich, foods. Two tablets of 6 x potency under the tongue and repeated hourly will soon help you overcome any nauseous feelings.

Headaches
Lavender oil can be helpful here, just put a couple of dabs either side of your temples, just above your eyebrows and gently massage it in with a circular motion. Do not get the oil anywhere near your eyes. If the headache is very severe you can try a mixture of peppermint oil with lavender and clove in equal parts and inhale this regularly to clear your head If your head is aching then an ice pack might help, so put some crushed iced in a plastic bag, wrap it in a dry towel, and use it as a compress. Ice all been used in the drinks? No problem, just run the cold tap and soak a facecloth then wring it out, lie down and place on your forehead. Close your eyes until you feel better.

Emotional overload
If you find yourself weeping into the Brussel sprouts -and who wouldn’t – then keep a bottle of Rescue Remedy to hand. Just a few drops on the tongue of this mixture of floral and herb extracts helps restore emotional balance, reduces shock, calms the nerves and is my first port of call for anyone who is suffering from anxiety and stress. Lavender oil is another fast lifter of the spirit, just open the bottle and inhale, or dab a couple of drops on your wrist and keep sniffing to keep yourself calm and on an even keel -works with virtually everything but no guarantees for insufferable in laws or being left with all the washing up.

Filed Under: Natural Remedies Tagged With:


Winning Natural Remedies For Insomnia

December 27, 2008 By

Natural sleep aids are for treating insomnia the normal way, which means without having to take medications and therapies.

A natural remedy for insomnia is highly recommended as it will help your body to get used to normal sleeping without having to risk your health, and without having to spend so much. The following are some of these natural remedies.

• Mood. Motivate yourself. You know you are having difficulty in trying to fall asleep, try to do thing that can help you relax like taking a warm bath, having a nice glass of milk, and listening to soothing music. Avoid activities that will stimulate your brain to be active again. Watching television, preparing work materials, working out before going to bed will only get your mind and body on their active mood.

Set a fixed bed time and getting up time. Follow these each day or at least as much as possible.

Also, choose hours that you are most likely to relax only, when you have no work left to do.

• Food. Avoid having heavy meals at night. Your digestive system will need to be active for a period of time to digest most of the amounts of food you ate.

• Massage. Massage has been said to relieve stress.

• Meditation. Having a peace of mind lets you have a good night sleep. Clear your mind of the stress from work, personal problems, and financial troubles. Meditate for 15 minutes and relax not only your mind but also your body.

Natural sleep aids are mainly sleep coping mechanisms and activities that help one condition his or her body for sleep.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Natural Remedies Tagged With: ,


Top 10 Natural Remedies for Common Ailments

October 9, 2008 By

In a world that once wanted a pill for every malady, people are wising up an starting to turn to natural health medicine to treat illnesses. Whatever the catalyst for this movement, it will largely be beneficial, as far too many mainstream pharmaceuticals have harmful effects.

While herbs and natural remedies can have their side effects as well, in their proper doses, they can be very safe.

Below are a few that have time honored healing properties that are proven to work wonders:

1. Anxiety and depression

Even people who enjoy a fairly happy life will suffer from the blues on occasion. Instead of heading towards the Prozac however, individuals can take St John’s Wart. A popular holistic mood elevator, St John’s Wart can also be used to alleviate muscle aches and nerve pain. St Johns Wart should not be taken in conjunction with chemical based drugs as they can interact.

2. Headaches

Tanacetum parthenium, a flower commonly known as Feverfew, can be used to mitigate the pain associated with headaches and certain forms of arthritis. It can also help lower fevers hence the name. Individuals often take an oral supplement or drink it in a tea. People using Anticoagulants should not use feverfew.

3. Acne

Aloe vera gel, a natural astringent with antibacterial properties can help eradicate some of the more serious causes of acne. Aloe vera usual comes in a gel that is applied topically. The juice can sometimes be taken internally however; pregnant women and children should stay away from it. People suffering from Diarrhea should not use or ingest aloe vera gel.

4. Insomnia

Like Echinacea, Valerian is an herb that mainstream medical science has begun to take seriously. Used for centuries to combat insomnia; it can be found over the counter in Europe and abroad. Scientists are still trying to understand why it works, but believe that it effects GABA, a well known neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the body.

5. Nausea

Both chamomile and Ginger are known to help quell serious nauseas, but Ginger has been documented to affect the GI tract, lowering gases and acids that create nausea. Although it is very safe to take, continued and chronic use of ginger can provoke ulceration and bleeding.

6. Heartburn

Peppermint has a calming effecting on the digestive tract, which allows it to help a person to climate gas, flatulence and bloating. Belching can also be eradicated. Although one can suck on mints and get a mild effect, the best way to get relief is to ingest it via a strong tea.

7. Urinary tract Infection

For years, the juice of the cranberry has been used to treat prophylaxis or urinary tract infections. Several glasses a day can even prevent them, essential information for women who suffer from CUTI (constant urinary tract infection).

8. General aches

Willow bark is an all a round pain reliever that shouldn’t be taken with aspirin. Because it mimics aspirin, willow bark shouldn’t be used by children with viral infections as this can increase the risk of Reye syndrome. Turmeric is just as useful in eradicating premenstrual and inflammation pain.

9. Mild burns

Aloe vera can help sooth the pain that usually accompanies mild burns, but Calendula, a flowering herb, has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make it the best first degree burn treatment.

10. Respiratory infections

Echinacea is the number one homeopathic remedy when it comes to viral and upper respiratory infections. People who decide to use echinacea should stay away from Tylenol as this could cause allergic reactions or severe side effects.

Turning to natural remedies will have many benefits and rewards if followed properly. Indeed, a homeopathic approach may be just the thing to keep you and your loved one s in good health throughout the flu and cold season and throughout life.

Filed Under: Natural Remedies Tagged With:


Natural Remedies For the Common Cold

October 8, 2008 By

Sneezing. Coughing. Achiness and fever. A cold is certainly no fun to fall victim to. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold; however, there are a few natural ways to tackle the aforementioned symptoms. When taken at the onset of the illness, many of these natural remedies will work to head a cold off at the pass. Others will make the cold bearable or shorten its duration.

1. Long touted for its homeopathic properties, echinacea is just now getting its due from the medical community. Today, even mainstream physicians acknowledge that echinacea can reduce the term of viral gestation in the body. In some cases, if taken prior to severe symptoms, it may stop a cold in its tracks. An herb that was used for centuries by Native Americans, the perennial plant is extremely safe. Most people drink it in a tea while others take it in a pill form. Either method appears to work just fine.

2. Aiding in digestion and doubling as an expectorant, the Canadian Perennial called Golden Seal can also prevent the infection that accompanies colds. Most people who use the natural antibiotic take it in a supplement form but Goldenseal can come as a tea or a gargle for sore mouths and throats too. A cream version of Goldenseal is also available, but this is generally used topically for skin injuries.

3. Ginger has been used to improve sexual performance and enhance stamina, but those who practice holistic medicine say that freshly ground ginger can also ward off a cold or even the flu virus. The traditional Chinese medicine should be ingested as a tea several times a day (a minimum of three). Although you can get supplements with ginger in it, fresh ginger is always best. To prepare it, you can peel and boil pieces of ginger for roughly fifteen minutes then strain into a tea. Sweeten to taste, and if so inclined, you can eat the pieces that are left over.

4. Vitamin C is a time honored natural remedy for many disorders. Found in orange juice and herbal supplements, doctors and homeopathic practitioners alike have touted the healing properties of L-ascorbate for decades. This all around medicinal wonder can help keep your immunity up and even stave off the signs of aging by reducing free radicals. Most people advise taking 2000 mg Vitamin C supplements at the first signs of a cold, to reduce the chances of the cold worsening.

5. Two items that make excellent pizza toppings are also ingredients for a terrific antiviral home remedy – garlic and onions. Both of these bulbs have immunity boosting properties and although they may not smell very good, they certainly help lower the life expectancy of a virus. 8-12 cloves of garlic should be boiled in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes to create a tea that will quickly alleviate cold symptoms. Honey and lemon can be added to the brew to make it palatable. Onions can be ingested the same way. Adding coconut oil will add to the immunity properties.

Before utilizing any method of healing, herbal or otherwise, you should be checked out by a doctor to rule out any other causes for your symptoms. If you are diagnosed with a cold or mild virus any of the above remedies will certainly be helpful to you. Also be sure to look out for signs of an allergic reaction as this can signal problems with your chosen therapy.

Play it safe and natural remedies can give you a true alternative to the harsh chemical based pharmaceuticals available on the market today.

Filed Under: Natural Remedies


Naturally Healing – Your Mind and Body

October 5, 2008 By

Most people, in their day-today activities, don’t realize how much stress they build up and store in their bodies. Emotional and mental health is just as important as your physical health. In fact, cellular memory is an important factor to your mental health. If you haven’t heard of cellular memory, the long and short story is that the body’s cells remember traumatic physical and mental anguish. It become stored like baggage in the body’s cells and it can greatly impact your emotional and physical health.

One must be able to step back or away from one’s daily grind before it is possible to reconnect with your personal energy. A good way to reconnect with the earth’s natural healing energy is by being guided by a qualified shaman at the Sedona Healing Retreats.

Using Native American shamanistic traditions, a Healing Retreat, is an excellent opportunity for Cancer Survivors as well as anyone seeking some natural healing. Re-discover your Inner Child, learn what animal totems may already be guiding your life, or re-connect with the earth’s natural energies to help heal and continue to sustain your health and spirit naturally.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Natural Health, Natural Remedies


Common Uses for Bach Flower Essences

September 26, 2008 By

For thousands of years, our ancestors used natural remedies to help individuals with physical or mental health problems.  These formulas were passed from generation to generation for centuries until modern medicine came into being.  Modern medicine, while it saves lives and does amazing things, may be missing out on the potential benefits associated with natural health products.

The Origin of Bach Flower Essences

Bach Flower Essences are named for Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician.  He was an extremely successful physician but felt concerned about the tendency of modern medicine to focus on disease, rather than the patient’s health as a whole.  He gave up his practice in 1930 and devoted his time and energy to finding natural remedies.

Dr. Bach found that there were 38 essences that would unblock the natural health potential in himself and his patients.  These 38 essences corresponded to various mental states and were composed of refined herbal extracts.

What Exactly Are the Bach Flower Essences?

Bach Flower Essences are natural remedies made using an all-natural process.  Natural wild flower infusions are added to spring water by steeping it in the sun or by boiling it.  Hand made in England, the 38 Bach Flower Essences are preserved using grape brandy.

The principle behind the use of natural remedies like the Bach Flower Essences is that there is a mind-body connection.  If the mind is at peace, then the body will also return to a healthy condition.  This natural health approach is based on the idea that dispelling negative feelings like anger, anxiety, and indecisiveness will allow the body to heal itself.

How Animals Can Benefit from Bach Flower Essences

Most animal lovers will tell you that animals also feel emotions.  You can tell when your dog is depressed or anxious or when he feels jealous or angry.  Animal behavior is also affected by these emotions, so it important to get animal emotions in balance.  Bach Flower Essences are one way to help restore emotional equilibrium in your pet.

Bach Flower Essences During Pregnancy

Both your intuition and you doctor will tell you that you must be careful what you consume during pregnancy.  There is a long list of forbidden foods and medications.  However, Bach Flower Essences are not on that list.  They promote natural health and are safe for expectant mothers.

Pregnancy is a time of great emotional turmoil, making it also a very important time to consider natural remedies for emotional issues.  Hormonal imbalances and simply adjusting to the state of pregnancy can cause rush of feelings that are difficult to process and can lead to health problems.  Bach Flower Essences are one of the safest ways to deal with these concerns.

Children and Bach Flower Essences

Childhood is often described as a carefree time, but most of us know that simply isn’t true.  Children, especially the children of today, feel anxious and depressed at times.  These feelings can lead to greater health problems and should be resolved as quickly and simply as possible.

Since you don’t want to endanger your child’s health with any unnecessary chemicals, natural remedies are a good way to restore balance to your child’s emotional health.  Bach Flower Essences are completely safe for children and babies.

Why Natural Health is Sometimes Better

Conventional medicine is extremely effective in many areas; however, there is a tendency, as Dr. Bach discovered, for many medical doctors to focus on curing specific physical ailments, rather than looking deeper into the patient’s emotional health.  In addition, medical remedies often carry warnings about side effects and dangerous overdoses.  Natural remedies are much safer and provide a complementary therapy to regular medical care.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Aromatherapy, Mental Health, Natural Health, Natural Remedies Tagged With: , , , ,