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.