Natural Remedies
Here's just a few of the many natural remedies you can use in your daily life. If you would like more advice on alternative medicine then please do ask.
Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a 'friendly' organism which helps the body fight disease and restore health. Modern research has discovered that acidophilus kills the harmful bacteria strain of E. coli in the intestinal tract. Acidophilus breaks milk sugar down into lactic acid. Bacteria which produce putrefaction and gas in the intestines cannot live in lactic acid. Acidophilus also has the unique ability to help the body synthesize, or manufacture all of the 'B' vitamins in the system. This makes it especially valuable since there is literally a host of agents which destroy B vitamins. A few are antibiotics, birth control pills, eating sugar and refined foods and drinking coffee. A diet high in red meat will destroy the beneficial bacteria, due to the concentration of antibiotics and steroids given to the animals before they are slaughtered. Lactobacillus acidophilus has been used to restore normal oral, GI, and vaginal flora in those affected by antibiotics or by Candida and bacterial infections.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a well-known herb to health-conscious consumers. It is high in nutrients, which are drawn into the plant from deep in the soil. The richest land source of trace minerals, the roots of Alfalfa plants have been known to reach as much as thirty feet deep! The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in minerals and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carotene. They are also a source of protein, vitamin E and vitamin K. Alfalfa has been used by the Chinese since the sixth century to treat kidney stones, and to relieve fluid retention and swelling. Alfalfa nourishes the digestive, skeletal, glandular, and urinary systems. Alfalfa contains chlorophyll, which is renowned for its cleansing qualities.
Aloe vera has historically been known for assisting the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and for its properties of soothing, cleansing and helping the body to maintain healthy tissues. This plant has a reputation of facilitating digestion, aiding blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions. Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent overacidity - a common cause of digestive complaints. A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the immune system. Studies have shown acemannan to boost T-lymphocyte cells that aid natural resistance.
Angelica
Angelica has been used to stimulate gastric secretion, reduce flatulence, and treat rheumatic and skin disorders by topical application .
Apple Cider Vinegar
(should be organic, raw & unfiltered!)
Apple cider vinegar helps the body get rid of toxins and nourishes the digestive processes. Apple cider vinegar is an old folk remedy claimed to be beneficial in treating a long list of ailments. Proponents say that it can cure arthritis, guard against osteoporosis, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent cancer, destroy infection, assist in digestion and weight control, maintain memory, and protect the mind from aging. Those who have tried using it swear by it. Skeptics who have not tried it swear at proponents of this "folk remedy".
Bee pollen is a rich source of many nutrients, including amino acids. It bursts with easily assimilated protein and lecithin, which nourish the brain and nervous system. Bee Pollen nutritionally supports the body in many ways, including assisting with vitality and a feeling of well-being. It has been used by athletes, along with Ginseng, to maintain energy and stamina.
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) contains nutrients that protect eyes from eyestrain or fatigue, and can improve circulation to the eyes. When British Royal Air Force pilots During World War II ate Bilberry preserves before night missions and discovered that their night vision improved afterwards, this herb was investigated and found to be beneficial for the eyes. Bilberry works by improving the microcirculation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance required for good eyesight. It is believed that this property is related to the high amount of proanthocyanidins, a type of flavonoid that tends to prevent capillary fragility and strengthen the capillaries which nourish the eyes. Other properties appear to assist in thinning the blood and stimulating the release of vasodilators. Anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, also lowers blood pressure, reduces clotting and improves blood supply to the nervous system. Anthocyanosides support and enhance the health of collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, thus aiding in the development of strong healthy capillaries that can carry vital nutrients to eye muscles and nerves. Bilberry has long been a remedy for poor vision and "night blindness." Clinical tests have indicated that oral administration of bilberry tends to improve visual accuracy in healthy people and can help those with eye disorders such as pigmentosa, retinitis, glaucoma, and myopia.
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh has traditionally been used to calm the nervous system by nourishing blood vessels, and balancing the hormones in menopausal women. Studies show it contains substances that bind to estrogen receptors.
Black Currant Oil
Black currant oil is rich in linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This substance supports the body's manufacture of hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins which help regulate functions of the circulatory system. GLA assists the body with its energy processes and is a structural component of the brain, bone marrow, muscles and cell membranes.
Black Walnut
Black Walnut hulls contain a substance which helps the body eliminate parasites. Although this is the primary purpose of this herb, it is also used for poison oak, ringworm and skin ailments. It has antifungal properties and is also said to promote bowel regularity.
Chamomile
Chamomile has been traditionally used for treating insomnia, anxiety, menopausal depression, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, colic, aches and pains of flu, migraine, neuralgia, teething, vertigo, motion sickness, conjunctivitis, inflamed skin, and urticaria.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has received much publicity since early 2004 about its effectiveness in reducing high cholesterol and triglycerides. Cinnamon bark or oil has been used to fight microorganisms, diarrhea and other gastro-intestinal disorders, and dysmennorhea.
Cranberry
Cranberry contains a compound that prevents bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder and rest of the urinary tract. This prevents the bacteria from spreading and eventually results in the halt of infection. Using cranberry on a regular basis may help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Devil's Claw has been used traditionally for an extensive range of diseases, including arthritis and rheumatism. Research has suggested that it may be of assistance as a hypotensive, anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai has traditionally been used to relieve pain in rheumatism, to suppress allergies, and to treat menstrual disorders. It has been shown to possess antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant properties.
Evening primrose oil supplies both linolenic and linoleic essential fatty acids.
Fennel has been used as a stomach and intestinal remedy to relieve flatulence and colic, as well as to stimulate digestion and appetite. It also has a calming effect on coughs and bronchitis.
Feverfew
Feverfew has been found helpful by many in the treatment of migraine headaches, especially when these are relieved by applying warmth to the head. Feverfew may also be helpful with arthritis when it is in an inflammatory stage.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil may have anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activities. Development of atherosclerosis has been reduced by up to 69% in some studies using diets enriched with flaxseed. Flaxseed has been recommended by some for hyperlipidemia, to decrease platelet aggregation, and to help prevent heart attack and stroke. It may have some ability to lower blood pressure and to have anti-inflammatory effects in persons with arthritis, as well as assist in fighting breast cancer.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is a vitamin that stimulates the formation of normal red blood cells. Folic acid helps nourish the skin and nervous system.
Garlic provides nourishment for the circulatory, immune and urinary systems. It aids in supporting with normal circulation, nourishing stomach tissues, maintaining normal blood pressure and aids the body's natural ability to resist disease. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and fungicide.
Ginger
Ginger has been used as a stimulant of the peripheral circulation in cases of bad circulation, chilblains and cramps. In cases of fever, ginger may act as a diaphoretic to promote perspiration. It may also be effective, as a gargle, in relieving sore throats.
Horse chestnut may be useful against edema, inflammation, and venous insufficiency, especially with circulation in the legs.
Iron
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Kava has been reported to have mild sedative effects and has been used for nervous anxiety, stress, and restlessness. Heavy kava use can cause visual problems and a scaly skin rash. Rare cases of severe liver toxicity also have been reported.
Kelp
Kelp contains nearly thirty minerals which nourish the glands (especially the thyroid and pituitary). By enhancing the action of the glandular system, it helps balance the body's metabolism and rate at which it burns calories. Kelp, also known as seaweed, grows in the rich ocean beds, far below surface pollution levels. Because of its high nutrient content, this herb is reputedly beneficial for a wide range of applications. It is known to nourish the sensory nerves, brain membranes, also spinal cord and brain tissue. Kelp contains alginic acid which can help protect the body against the effects of radiation.
Parsley is valued as a blood builder, cleanser and has pressure regulating properties.
Potassium
Potassium nourishes the heart, kidneys, pancreas, muscles and the nerves. It assists in the growth and repair of body tissues, and also helps conduct messages in the body through the nervous system. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure. There must be a balanced potassium-to-sodium ratio in the body for all systems to function at their optimum level.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb can help dissolve mucus adhering to the walls of the colon.
Rosemary
Rosemary has been reported to decrease capillary permeability and fragility. Extracts have been used in insect repellents. The plant may have anticancer properties and has spasmolytic actions, liver and immune effects, and other various actions from asthma treatment to aromatherapy. It has antimicrobial actions against a variety of bacteria, fungi, mold, and viruses. (Caution: Taking large quantities of rosemary internally can result in stomach and intestinal irritation as well as kidney damage. Allergic contact dermatitis has been associated with the plant, but rosemary is not generally considered to be a human skin sensitizer. Rosemary's constituents, monoterpene ketones, are convulsants, and have caused seizures in large doses. Rosemary is also an abortifacient.)
Selenium is a mineral that reinforces the body's defense system.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum) has been studied for its potential antidepressant and antiviral effects. (Caution: Dr. Donald Brown of
Thyme has been used internally for respiratory and digestive infections. It has also been used as a gargle in laryngitis and tonsillitis - to soothe sore throats and irritable coughs. As a cough remedy, it assists in producing expectoration and reducing unnecessary spasm. It may be helpful in bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma.
Uva ursi has been useful in some cases of urinary tract infections, as well as a diuretic. It has also been usedto alleviate contact dermatitis, allergic reaction-type hypersensitivity, and arthritis. (Caution: Taking large amounts of uva ursi has resulted in gastric discomfort, tinnitis, nausea, vomiting, cyanosis, convulsions, collapse, and death.)
We do not produce our own vitamin C — it must be obtained from our diet. Science continues to confirm, with ever increasing evidence, the benefits of the C vitamin family to especially nourish the body's structural and defense systems. Vitamin C strengthens cells and tissues and helps build the body's defense system.
Watermelon seeds help the body eliminate excess water.
Wild yam has many effective uses. It is known to relax the muscles and promote glandular balance in women. Wild Yam contains natural plant components known as phytochemicals which help the body balance hormone levels. Wild Yam nourishes the digestive system and the nerves.
Zinc is essential for the health of the reproductive organs, especially in the male.