Saturday, July 5, 2008

Thuja As Alternative Medicine

Thuja As Alternative Medicine

Thuja is an alternative medicine that can be used internally and externally. It is used as a treatment for many medical conditions. It is often used in combination with antibiotics for the treatment of herpes sores.

  1. It is used as a remedy for glandular disorders and blood changes.
  2. It is a treatment for respiratory tract infections.
  3. It is an effective treatment for skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, corns, itchy skin and brown spots.
  4. It is a remedy for polyps and warts.
  5. It is a treatment for smallpox vaccination related side effects.
  6. It is used as a treatment for nail, skin, ear and foot fungus.

Thuja is available as capsules, oil, tincture and extract. Standard dosage is 36 mg a day. This herb is safe when the recommended dosages are adhered to. Pregnant or nursing women are to refrain from using this herb. Thuja is just as effective an alternative medicine for external health problems such as bedsores, burns and gangrene.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Boldo As Alternative Medicine

Boldo As Alternative Medicine

Boldo is an alternative medicine with a long history of use by the natives in Chile and Peru. It is a Peruvian herb used mainly for the treatment of gallstones and abdominal disorders.

  1. It is used to expel intestinal worms and parasites.
  2. It is a treatment for digestive complaints such as heartburn, dyspepsia, indigestion, spasms and cramps.
  3. It is a remedy for constipation.
  4. It is effective in treating kidney and urinary tract infections.
  5. It is used to alleviate liver and gall bladder pain.
  6. It is a remedy for mild liver problems.

Boldo is available as tablets, capsules, extract and tinctures. It is not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing women. This herb is also not to be used by people with severe liver diseases or obstructed bile ducts. Boldo is an alternative medicine that is safe to use when taken in therapeutic doses.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Vervain As Alternative Medicine

Vervain As Alternative Medicine

Vervain is a Celtic alternative medicine used to getting rid of bladder stones from the body. This herb is also useful in treating a wide range of other health complaints.

  1. It is a remedy for liver disorders.
  2. It is a treatment for insomnia and post natal depression.
  3. It is effective in treating fatigue, exhaustion and anxiety.
  4. It is a pain killer for rheumatism, arthritic and joint pain.
  5. It is used to treat jaundice, irregular menses and gallstones.
  6. It is a tonic for the nervous system.
  7. It is a treatment for skin disorders such as eczema, insect bites, weeping sores and wounds.
  8. It is used to treat ear infections, bruises and sprains.

Vervain is safe when the recommended dosages are not exceeded. Excessive consumptions can cause vomiting. Pregnant or nursing women and children are advised to refrain from taking vervain. It is also not recommended for people with kidney or liver disorders. To treat ear infections, wounds and rheumatism a poultice is often applied. To help pass kidney stones an infusion is used. Vervain is still used as an alternative medicine by herbalists to treat kidney and gallstones today.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Withania As Alternative Medicine

Withania As Alternative Medicine

Withania is an alternative medicine that has been used for more than 4000 years in Ayurvedic medicine. It is often regarded as the "Ginseng of India".

  1. It is used to treat anemia.
  2. It is a remedy for arthritis, rheumatism and joint pain.
  3. It is effective in treating insomnia and nervous exhaustion.
  4. It is a mild tranquiliser to give relief to stress.
  5. It is also used as a treatment for cough, asthma, fever, tuberculosis, paralysis and loss memory.
  6. It is an energy and immune system booster.

Withania is a very safe herb to use. It is often used in treatments for pregnant women and babies. Withania is an alternative medicine used to help people suffering weight loss as a result of radiotherapy or tumours.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Propolis As Alternative Medicine

Propolis As Alternative Medicine

Propolis is an alternative medicine that has remained popular over a long period of time. It has been used since ancient times in folk medicine. Today it is still extensively used in Argentina. It is a natural substance gathered from trees by honey bees to protect the bee hive from infections.

  1. It reduces the chances of cataracts.
  2. It promotes heart health.
  3. It is a remedy for gastrointestinal infections such as peptic ulcer.
  4. It is a preventative for infertility in male.
  5. It makes an excellent dressing for wounds.
  6. It is a treatment for skin disorders such as acne, sunburn and ulcer.
  7. It is a remedy for allergies.
  8. It is effective in treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis.
  9. It is used to treat gum disease, sore throats, ear problems, headaches, colds and flu.

Propolis is available in tablets, extract, powder and capsules. It is generally non toxic and safe for most adults. However, it is not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing women. Side effects include skin irritations such as eczema, psoriasis, lesions and peeling lips. Do not apply this herb to the area around the eye.

Standard dosage is one teaspoon of powder mixed with food thrice a day or 10 to 20 drops of extract three times a day. Do not use with anti-microbial drugs, anti-coagulants, anti-cancer agents, osteoporosis agents and immune stimulants. It will interact with these drugs and supplements. Propolis is an old alternative medicine used in our modern medicine.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Wild Indigo As Alternative Medicine

Wild Indigo As Alternative Medicine

Wild Indigo is an alternative medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections and an immune system booster. This plant belongs to the legume or pea family. It is seldom used alone and often used along with thuja, myrrh or Echinacea.

  1. It is a remedy for typhoid fever and malaria.
  2. It is a treatment for digestive tract and intestinal infections.
  3. It is used as a treatment for ear and nose inflammation and infections.
  4. It is a remedy for throat infections and inflammation such as for laryngitis and tonsillitis.
  5. It is used for treating chronic fatigue syndrome.
  6. It is a treatment for cold and flu.
  7. It is effective for diminishing lymph swellings.
  8. It is a topical treatment for inflamed nipples, painless ulcers and inflamed wounds.

Wild indigo is available as powder, tablet or capsule. An infusion is made by steeping half a teaspoon of wild indigo root in 250ml of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Dosage for tincture is one to two ml three times a day. This herb is safe when used as directed. For lymph disorders it is often combined with burdock, cleavers or poke root. If used for colds and flu it is blended with thuja or Echinacea. Today wild indigo is an alternative medicine used by herbalists along with Echinacea to treat chronic fatigue syndrome.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Catnip As Alternative Medicine

Catnip As Alternative Medicine

Catnip is an alternative medicine that is used to treat various ailments in human and cats. It is a member of the mint family. This herb is also wonderful for babies and children.

  1. It is a remedy for gastrointestinal distress such as colic.
  2. It is used to calm and induce sleep in children and babies.
  3. It is a treatment for insomnia, stress and anxiety.
  4. It is a remedy for colds, migraines, tension headache, toothaches and fever,
  5. It stimulates sweating.
  6. It is a treatment for hyperactivity in children.
  7. It is a muscle relaxant to treat spasms.
  8. It helps to prevent premature birth and miscarriage.
  9. It eases morning sickness.

Catnip is generally taken as a tea or an infusion. It is a safe herb and does not show any contraindications. However, it is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Excessive consumption could lead to diarrhea or vomiting. It is often used together with other herbs such as elder, cayenne, yarrow and saffron. It is more often employed for use on cats. Catnip remains less known as an alternative for human use today.