Monday, December 31, 2007

Wormwood As Alternative Medicine

Wormwood As Alternative Medicine

The bitter plant wormwood has been used as an alternative medicine in ancient Egypt long before 1600BC. During the Middle Ages it was used to expel tapeworms, pinworms and roundworms from the human body.

  1. It is an anti-inflammatory and an effective remedy for jaundice, fever, infections, hepatitis and gall bladder inflammation.
  2. It is a sedative and useful for mild depression.
  3. It is effective for treating liver and stomach complaints.
  4. It is a tonic for the digestive system.
  5. It is a powerful treatment for bronchial problems and chills.

Wormwood can be taken as tablets, capsules, tea or tincture. It is safe without any significant side effects when taken in small doses. Standard safe dosage is 1 ml tincture 3 times a day. Wormwood is not recommended for long term use. It can be toxic if taken in high dosages. Nursing and pregnant women must not take wormwood.

This herb can decrease the effectiveness of some prescription drugs. It is also unsafe to take wormwood and consume alcohol at the same time. Wormwood is a powerful alternative medicine but also a potentially toxic herb.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Green Barley As Alternative Medicine

Green Barley As Alternative Medicine

Green barley can be used as an alternative medicine for a range of health complaints. It helps the body to work efficiently and stay healthy.

  1. It effectively reduces cholesterol levels.
  2. It helps the body to burn fat.
  3. It gives relief to pain and migraines.
  4. It aids the digestive system and keeps the colon healthy.
  5. It fortifies the immune system and builds up resistance to infections, colds and flu.
  6. It improves joint mobility,
  7. It increases stamina.

Green barley is available as capsules, tablets or powder. Start with a small amount and increase gradually for your body to get used to it. If you take too much too soon you could get nausea or headache. Such side effects will soon diminish.

Today many athletes are taking green barley to increase their stamina and vitality. More and more people are aware that green barley is a useful alternative medicine.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Slippery Elm As Alternative Medicine

Slippery Elm As Alternative Medicine

The use of Slippery elm as an alternative medicine is often forgotten. In fact it is a very useful herb for a range of health disorders. It is one of the herbs found in the cancer treatment formulation Essiac.

  1. It is a natural remedy for gastritis, diarrhea, peptic and duodenal ulcers.
  2. It is an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, tonsillitis and cystitis.
  3. It has the ability to expel tapeworms from the human body.
  4. It acts as a lubricant for the digestive tract and gives relief to constipation.
  5. It is useful for treating irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion and haemorrhoids.

Slippery elm is available as tablets, capsules and tincture. It is a safe herb to take with nil side effects. Babies, the elderly, nursing and pregnant women can take the herb without any risks. It can also help those who suffer from colic and reflux. Slippery elm is indeed an effective alternative medicine that we should value.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Passion Flower As Alternative Medicine

Passion Flower As Alternative Medicine

For hundreds of years Passion Flower has been used as an alternative medicine in North America. It is an effective treatment for insomnia, anxiety and sleep disorders. In addition Passion Flower is useful for other health complaints.

  1. It is a relaxant for children who are hyperactive.
  2. It gives relief to spasms, hysteria, menstrual cramps and epilepsy.
  3. It is an effective treatment for hypertension, menopausal symptoms and high blood pressure.
  4. It is used in some sleeping pills to induce sleep
  5. In South America it is used to expel worms from the intestines.
  6. In Europe it is often used to treat haemorrhoids, skin disorders, burns and inflammation.

Passion Flower is available as a tea, extract or tincture. When used with Valerian its effect is more pronounced. It is safe and has no side effects when not taken in excess.

The daily standard dosage for Passion Flower is 200-300 mg. However, when large doses are taken it can cause allergies. These side effects range from drowsiness to mental slowing.

Today this herb remains very popular with herbalists and practitioners of natural remedy. Passion Flower is non-addictive and studies have confirmed its use as an effective alternative medicine.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Black Walnut As Alternative Medicine

Black Walnut As Alternative Medicine

Since the times of Ancient Romans and Greeks black walnut has been used as an alternative medicine. This is the hull extracted from the black walnut tree. It is best known for the elimination of parasites such as tapeworm from the stomach and intestines. Black walnut is also found to be useful for other health problems.

  1. It is a laxative and beneficial for digestive complaints.
  2. Use black walnut tree leaves to treat skin conditions such as ringworm, acne and eczema.
  3. It is an effective home remedy for scorpion bites.
  4. It can lower blood pressure.
  5. It is useful in the treatment of asthma, lung disease, diarrhea, sore throat and thyroid problems.
  6. It keeps your bowel regular.

You can get black walnut as capsules or tincture. It is well tolerated with no side effects. Sometimes it is used together with wormwood to increase its potency. Today black walnut is still recognised as an effective alternative medicine for expelling parasites from the human body.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Peppermint As Alternative Medicine

Peppermint As Alternative Medicine

Peppermint is an herb that has been used as an alternative medicine since ancient times. It is best known as a home remedy for a range of gastrointestinal problems. Some of these complaints are flatulence, intestinal cramps, indigestion, stomach pains and heartburn. However, peppermint is also found to be beneficial for many other health complaints.

  1. As an antiseptic peppermint gives relief to sore throats, fever, coughs, colds and flu.
  2. When used with lavender it is effective for headaches.
  3. Peppermint is sedative and can ease stress and anxiety.
  4. It is helpful in getting rid of bad breath.
  5. It is an anti-inflammatory useful in treating arthritis, tendonitis and fibromyositis.
  6. It alleviates nausea and morning sickness.
  7. In aromatherapy it is used to treat mental fatigue and sleepiness.

Peppermint is available as tablets, capsules or tea. You can also get peppermint inhalants or sprays for sinuses. Drinking peppermint tea after food can aid digestion and reduce gas.

Peppermint does not contain caffeine. The tea is safe even for children and pregnant women. It also does not cause any allergy with other medications. Peppermint has many other benefits as an alternative medicine.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Papaya As Alternative Medicine

Papaya As Alternative Medicine

Papaya is not only a tropical fruit but also an alternative medicine. In Traditional Chinese medicine it is often used as a remedy for digestive complaints. In Hawaii papaya is also used as a home remedy for different ailments.

  1. Papaya aids digestion.
  2. It can lower cholesterol levels.
  3. It eases constipation.
  4. Green papaya is effective for digestive and stomach complaints.
  5. Raw papaya juice removes parasites from the intestines.
  6. Paste made from papaya roots is effective for toothaches
  7. It is an anti-inflammatory and useful in treating fungal skin infections, dandruff, psoriasis, bacterial skin infections and leprosy.

Papaya is generally eaten as a fruit and vegetable. It is safe and does not cause any allergies. Pregnant and nursing women can safely eat them. Many people are not aware that papaya is such a useful alternative medicine.

Monday, December 17, 2007

St John’s Wort As Alternative Medicine

St John’s Wort As Alternative Medicine

St John’s wort has been used as an alternative medicine since the times of ancient Greece. Today it is used commonly for the treatment of depression and anxiety. St John’s wort can reduce the degree of severity in depression sufferers.

In Germany St John’s wort is used extensively by prescription as a natural remedy. The effects of the herb will not be felt until after taking it for a few weeks. St John’s wort is available as capsules, tablets, teas and extracts. It is safe and does not have the side effects associated with taking prescription drugs. These side effects include dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth and headaches.

Pregnant women should avoid taking St John's wort. It is unsafe to take St John’s wort with some prescription drugs such as anti-epileptic medication. St John’s wort could interact with the medications.

Studies have shown that this herb is also effective for external applications. It is good for healing wounds; lessen scarring and reducing wound inflammation. St John’s wort is truly an alternative medicine that is effective for both internal and external uses.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Hyssop As Alternative Medicine

Hyssop As Alternative Medicine

Hyssop is more than just a condiment but also an alternative medicine. In ancient times it was used to preserve meat and as a natural remedy.

  1. Hyssop purifies the blood, improves circulation and lowers blood sugar level.
  2. It is an expectorant and an effective treatment for lung inflammation, bronchitis, congestion, colds and coughs.
  3. Hyssop is used with horehound as a treatment for sore throats, asthma and laryngitis.
  4. It relieves arthritis, anxiety and skin disorders.
  5. It is also used to treat jaundice
  6. It is a booster for the immune system.
  7. It sedates and calms the nervous system.
Hyssop is available as capsules, extract, tea and tincture. As hyssop does not cause any side effects its use is highly recommended by doctors. It is a very valuable alternative medicine that is less known to most people.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Saw Palmetto As Alternative Medicine

Saw Palmetto As Alternative Medicine

Saw palmetto is an alternative medicine best known for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. Clinical studies have shown that it works on the prostate gland to maintain a healthy prostate. However, saw palmetto is also beneficial for other health complaints.

  1. It is an expectorant and effective in treating bronchitis, coughs, asthma and chest congestion.
  2. Saw palmetto treats hair loss and baldness in both male and female.
  3. It is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
  4. It is a diuretic and a treatment for bladder problems.
  5. It helps with hormone imbalances, pelvic pain and decreased sex drive.

Saw palmetto is available in the form of capsules, tablets and liquid. The standard dosage is 320 mg per day. Saw palmetto is safe, non-toxic and inexpensive. It is not known to react with any drugs. Today saw palmetto remains a popular alternative medicine for prostate care.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Olive Leaf As Alternative Medicine

Olive Leaf As Alternative Medicine

Olive leaf has been used as an alternative medicine since the times of Prophet Ezekiel. It is derived from the evergreen olive tree around the Mediterranean. Olive leaf is a potent natural antibiotic to fight viruses, bacteria, fungi and yeasts.

  1. It is an effective treatment for shingles and skin infections.
  2. It reduces bad cholesterol.
  3. It can lower high blood pressure.
  4. It is used to treat hyperglycaemia and diabetes.
  5. It is effective for colds, flu, herpes, throat infections, ear infections and eye infections.
  6. It boosts the immune system and can help chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers.

Olive leaf can be taken as capsules, tea or tincture. To get the desired benefits at least 500mg of olive leaf is recommended on a daily basis. It is safe to be taken over a long period. Olive leaf does not have the side effects such as thrush or diarrhoea associated with some synthetic antibiotics. However, pregnant or nursing women should avoid taking olive leaf as an alternative medicine.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Onion As Alternative Medicine

Onion As Alternative Medicine

Onion is not just a herb but also an alternative medicine. In ancient Egypt onion was used extensively both as a food and a natural remedy. Many of us are not aware of the medicinal properties of the onion.

  1. Onion is useful in the prevention of dyspepsia and flatulence.
  2. It is used to treat bleeding hemorrhage.
  3. It is often used in the treatment of urinary and teeth problems.
  4. Onion is known to be an effective remedy for anemia.
  5. It acts as a stimulant for the whole body to increase vigor and energy.
  6. The juice from an onion cleanses the digestive system.
  7. Onion juice can cure stomach complaints.

You can easily include onions in your daily meals or salads. Onion is best eaten raw to get its full potential as an alternative medicine.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Turmeric As Alternative Medicine

Turmeric As Alternative Medicine

Turmeric is a spice that has been used as an alternative medicine for more than 2000 years. The Indians use turmeric in all their cooking and also as a home remedy for various skin diseases.

  1. Turmeric is an effective treatment for inflammation of the throat, stomach, lungs and intestines.
  2. It is an antispasmodic for stomach and menstrual cramping.
  3. It is used to treat cough, bronchitis and asthma.
  4. Turmeric is also an effective anti-depressant to counter depression.
  5. It is a valuable antiseptic for burns and cuts.
  6. In Ayurveda medicine it is used to treat bleeding problems, hysteria and epilepsy.
  7. It is also an effective treatment for gallstones, heartburn and stomach ulcers.
  8. Turmeric helps to prevent osteoporosis and control bone loss.

Turmeric is safe and has fewer side effects than some common pain killers. It is best taken on an empty stomach to get its full potential. Avoid taking turmeric with prescription drugs for blood thinning.

Turmeric is gaining popularity everyday as an alternative medicine when more people are aware of its healing properties.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Golden Seal As Alternative Medicine

Golden Seal As Alternative Medicine

Golden Seal is the most wonderful alternative medicine from the herb kingdom. It is a powerful antimicrobial that fights infections and is often taken together with Echinacea for colds and flu.

Golden Seal is an effective remedy for a range of digestive problems such as gastric catarrh, loss of appetite and dyspepsia.

It is also a proven treatment for various types of sore which include herpes sores, gum sores, denture sores, mouth sores and fever blisters.

Golden Seal is available as pills or capsules. When the recommended dosages are taken, Golden Seal has few side effects. Pregnant or nursing women and young children should not take Golden Seal. Golden Seal however, remains the top selling herb as an alternative medicine in America today.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Cat’s Claw As Alternative Medicine

Cat’s Claw As Alternative Medicine

Cat’s claw has long been used by the Asháninka tribe of Peru as an alternative medicine. In Europe it has been used as a complementary medicine in the treatment of cancer and AIDS from the early 1990s.

In homeopathic remedy cat’s claw is often used to treat a number of gastrointestinal complaints such as gastric ulcers, parasites, gastritis, leaky bowel syndrome, colitis and diarrhea.

The Peruvian natives use cat’s claw in the treatment of hemorrhages, menstrual complaints, rheumatism, tumors, urinary tract infection, fever, abscesses and diabetes.

Cat’s claw can be taken in the form of tea, capsules or liquid. Taking it as a tea is better for people with a sensitive stomach. It is not advisable to consume large dosages of cat’s claw as it may cause side effects such as diarrhea. Cat’s claw is a very potent alternative medicine and we should use it with caution.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Bilberry As Alternative Medicine

Bilberry As Alternative Medicine

Bilberry is best known as an alternative medicine for the treatment of eye problems. It improves night vision and reduces eyestrain. In Europe it is used to treat cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. However, bilberry is also effective for other health problems.

  1. Bilberry helps to heal ulcers in the stomach
  2. It is used to treat the hardening of the arteries and heart disease
  3. It eases nausea, indigestion, menstruation pains and diarrhea
  4. It is useful in the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease and varicose veins
  5. It is an effective treatment for external sores, cuts, wounds and ulcers.

You can take bilberry in the form of capsules, liquid or tinctures. Bilberry has hardly any side effects if the correct dosage is taken. It also does not react with most common drugs. There is however, the risk of bleeding if used with some pain relief medications. I take 5000mg bilberry everyday and my night vision has greatly improved. Bilberry is indeed an effective alternative medicine for eye care.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Apple Cider Vinegar As Alternative Medicine

Apple Cider Vinegar As Alternative Medicine


Do you know that apple cider vinegar is used widely as an alternative medicine? Apple cider vinegar is apple juice that has been fermented. It is inexpensive and easy to use. There are numerous ways it can benefit our health and here are some of them:


1. It is effective for food poisoning and indigestion.
2. It breaks down fat and reduces cholesterol
3. It regulates blood pressure.
4. It boosts the immune system and fights infections.
5. It aids metabolism and helps with weight loss
6. It eases joint pains, leg cramps and arthritis pains.
7. It detoxifies the body.


You can get apple cider vinegar as a drink, capsules or tablets. I am one of those people that always have to watch my weight. I gain weight very easily even though I run six days a week and watch what I eat. With the help of apple cider vinegar I am able to maintain my weight. Apple cider vinegar as an alternative medicine for weight loss is truly amazing.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Ginseng As Alternative Medicine

Ginseng As Alternative Medicine

Ginseng has been used by the Chinese as an alternative medicine for more than 7000 years. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to treat many health conditions.

  1. It boosts the immune system
  2. It detoxifies the body
  3. It helps to reduce memory loss over short period
  4. It increases testosterone levels in men
  5. It is also a sexual tonic for women
  6. It keeps the blood pressure and blood sugar normal
  7. It helps the body to recover from stress, fatigue and illnesses
  8. It is also used to protect from radiation and chemotherapy

Ginseng comes in the form of powder, tincture and capsules. You can also make a decoction by steeping few slices of ginseng in hot water. Ginseng does not contain any toxicity and has no side effects when taken in the right dosage.

It is not recommended for long term use without a break. Young children should not be given ginseng. It can also cause insomnia for some people when taken together with caffeine. Ginseng is another favorite alternative medicine for me; I often use it as a pick-me-up.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Kudzu As Alternative Medicine

Kudzu As Alternative Medicine

Kudzu this weedy Japanese vine has proven to be an effective alternative medicine.

It is one of the fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.

  1. It normalizes blood pressure.
  2. It helps to prevent heart disease and cancer
  3. It relaxes muscles
  4. It fights microbial inflammation and infections.
  5. It is used to treat alcoholism, dysentery and fever.

Kudzu is usually taken as a tea. You can make a tea with kudzu leaves or root. It is often used in cooking and as an animal feed. Kudzu is not that well known as an alternative medicine outside Chinese medicine.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Kelp As Alternative Medicine

Kelp As Alternative Medicine

Kelp the common seaweed is often used as an alternative medicine. From various studies it is shown to have the following health benefits:

1. It helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

2. Kelp is used to reduce an enlarged prostate in men.

3. It eases pains in joints and inflammatory tissues in people with rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Kelp improves pigmentation in the eyes and nose

5. It can prevent or reduce hair loss.

6. Kelp is often used for the prevention of goiters (enlarged thyroid glands).

7. It prevents the body from absorbing harmful radioactive heavy metals created by nuclear power plants such as strontium 90.

8. It strengthens fingernails

Kelp is available as tablet, tea, capsule, tincture and powder. Asian people especially the Koreans and Japanese eat a lot of seaweed rich in kelp. I enjoy eating dried seaweed as a snack. Maybe this is one way for me to gain the benefits of kelp as an alternative medicine.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Garlic As Alternative Medicine

Garlic As Alternative Medicine

Garlic has been used as an alternative medicine for centuries to treat different ailment and health problems. The followings are some of the common uses of garlic as an alternative medicine:

1. Garlic is found to prevent some cancers such as colon and stomach cancers.

2. It is also a very potent antibiotic more powerful than penicillin.

3. It is effective against staph bacteria, cholera, strep, enteritis and dysentery.

4. Used as a preventative measure for vascular changes related to age.

5. It thins the blood like aspirin.

6. It can lower cholesterol, blood pressure.

7. Kills bacteria that cause infection.

8. Expel worms and parasites from the intestinal tract.

Garlic is used in many more areas than those listed. Garlic remains my favourite alternative medicine as I have had excellent result with it for throat infections.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Black Cohosh As Alternative Medicine

Black Cohosh As Alternative Medicine

Black cohosh is an alternative medicine that acts like female hormone estrogen. The Red Indians in North America have used black cohosh mainly for gynaecological problems and child birth for hundreds of years.

Today it is popular for the treatment of PMS and menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. It is also used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Herbalists often use black cohosh to prevent miscarriage. Black cohosh also is effective in treating mood changes, fatigue, sleep disturbances and irritability.

You can buy black cohosh in the form of pills, liquid, tea and root. It is the main ingredient (20mg) found in Remifemin pills. You can buy black cohosh without a prescription. It has few side effects and is well tolerated. It is not known if black cohosh is safe for pregnant women or those who have had cancer of the breast.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Echinacea As Alternative Medicine

Echinacea As Alternative Medicine

Echinacea was the alternative medicine of the American Plains Indians. Today it has become one of the most popular herbal supplements. Echinacea kills viruses, fungi and bacteria. It is a powerful immune system booster and blood cleanser. It has also shown to be effective in fighting the cold viruses.

Echinacea is available as tablets, herbal teas, capsules, tinctures and throat lozenges. It is safe to take with few side effects. When used externally, it is great for wounds and burns. However, for people who have tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, collagen disorders and collagen disorders they must not take Echinacea as an alternative medicine.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Kava Kava As Alternative Medicine

Kava Kava As Alternative Medicine

Many of the islanders in the South Pacific have used kava kava as alternative medicine for hundreds of years. In Tahiti, Hawaii and Vanuatu it is recognised as an effective relaxant and sedative. Kava kava is a potent diuretic and most beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism, gout and arthritis. It is also proven to be a safe remedy for anxiety and stress. Kava kava is often used externally for joint pains, mouth ulcers and toothache too.

Kava kava is sold as a kava tea, kava coffee, raw kava root and kava paste. Must not drink any alcohol after taking kava kava. You may get allergic reactions or other dangerous side effects. Those women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive should not take kava kava. Kava kava is also not recommended for people with lung, liver or heart problems.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Ginger As Alternative Medicine

Ginger As Alternative Medicine


Ginger is greatly valued as a home remedy and alternative medicine in India for over 4000 years. It is used commonly as a condiment, spice and culinary herb in many countries.

Ginger works wonders for flatulence, menstrual cramps, diarrhea, indigestion, morning sickness and nausea. It also helps to relieve the symptoms of cold. Ginger breaks down phlegm, soothes the throat and warms the body. Anti-vomiting drugs can cause defects in unborn babies. Ginger is however, safe to use by pregnant women.

Ginger is a natural bactericide and great anti-oxidant. It is available as fresh, powdered, pickled, dried, capsules, tablets and prepared teas. My personal favorites are the pickled ginger and ginger tea. When I do not feel well in the tummy, a hot cup of ginger tea always resolves my complaint.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Ginkgo Biloba As Alternative Medicine

Ginkgo Biloba As Alternative Medicine

The herb ginkgo biloba is one of the most vital herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a history of at least 5000 years. In India ginkgo biloba is also an important herb in Ayurvedic healing.


Today it has become a widely accepted alternative medicine for a range of ailments. Ginkgo biloba may help to treat stroke, memory loss, heart disease, deafness, tinnitus and depression. It is available from all health food stores in liquid, tablet or capsule form. Ginkgo biloba is easy to absorb and does not cause any toxicity. However, for those who have normal brain functions ginkgo biloba has no effect.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Alternative Medicine Treatment For Arthritis

Alternative Medicine Treatment For Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that affects different parts of the human body. It can be your knees, spine, hips, fingers, ankles and shoulders. We all know someone that is affected by one form of arthritis or another. A friendof mine is actually waiting in the queue to go into hospital to have a knee operation.


I first discovered that I have arthritis in my left knee more than 10 years ago. I have to say that I have only taken alternative medicine for my conditions. Today I am still able to run 6 kilometers six days a week. This is all thanks to taking chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine supplements. I personally believe that alternative medicine treatment for arthritis is the best option.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Willow Bark As Alternative Medicine

Willow Bark As Alternative Medicine


Willow bark is known as "natural aspirin. It has been used for medicinal purposes since the time of Greek physician Hippocrates around 400 BC. Today it is used mainly as a natural pain killer for different ailments. These include colds, headache, arthritis, fever and rheumatism.

It does take a bit longer for willow bark to work than aspirin. However, it is shown to have a longer lasting effect. Willow bark is available commercially as tea leaf, powder, tablet, portion and capsule. The daily recommended dosage for taking willow bark is 100-250 mg every four hours.

If you are pregnant, willow bark is not recommended. Also if you are undergoing surgery please avoid taking willow bark two weeks before and after operation.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Feverfew As Alternative Medicine

Feverfew As Alternative Medicine

Feverfew is a plant often used in alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of migraines. It is an anti-inflammatory and works similar to ibuprofen. Feverfew is available from health food stores as tablets, capsules, tea and fresh leaves.

Feverfew is also helpful for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. There are many other uses of feverfew such as anti-spasmodic to relieve muscle spasms. Feverfew is most useful in reducing the severity and frequency of migraines. My colleague Sharon who suffers from migraines vows by feverfew.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Alternative Medicine Acceptance On The Increase

Alternative Medicine Acceptance On The Increase


The use of alternative medicine is increasing and in Australia it has become an integral part of our healthcare. With our multi-cultural society alternative medicine has become more acceptable to many Australians. Practitioners of alternative remedies often learn homeopathy, kinesiology, chiropractics, reflexology, body works, osteopathy, aromatherapy, iridology, electro-magnet therapy, nutritional therapy, naturopathy and acupuncture.


Alternative medicine believes that our bodies have the innate powers to do the healing. It requires the patient willing to take make some life style changes over long period. This is important to help with the prevention and treatment of the ailment. If it is only a cover up for life long symptoms then alternative medicine is no better than conventional medicine.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Alternative Medicine

Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is becoming more popular with each passing day. Just what exactly is alternative medicine? It means different thing to different people. Broadly speaking it is any diverse health care practices and products that replace conventional medicine. Or instead of visiting a traditional doctor one uses alternative medicine as a healing method. Very often alternative medicine is used to treat allergies, skin cancer, colds and even cancer.

In alternative medicine it is believed that you have to treat the whole person. It is considered better for the body and more cost effective over long term. In a lot of cases, such alternative treatments have proved effective. There is nowadays increased information on alternative medicine available to the public. More doctors have opted to include alternative medicine in their practices.

On the other hand, some may argue that alternative medicine is a waste of time. It has yet to be demonstrated as effective. Another objection is that due to lack of scientific research alternative medicine is considered as harmful and unproven.

Alternative medicine is growing more popular worldwide among consumers and professionals. The market for this treatment is huge and growing. It is taught at unconventional schools and naturopathic medical schools as part of their curriculum.

I personally do not think that Alternative medicine is always a waste of money and time. It is of course not worth it if it will cost a lot of money and make you feel worse. Alternative medicine is not harmful for minor health issues. However, in some situations it is best to include other treatment methods.

With increased research data and public opinion alternative medicine is accepted as less invasive, more effective, economical and less harmful than conventional medicine. More and more medical and health professionals are taking an interest in alternative medicine.