Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Sorrel As Alternative Medicine

Sorrel As Alternative Medicine

Sorrel is often used as an alternative medicine by herbalists in olden times to treat stomach disorders. It belongs to the buckwheat family and is often used in combination with other herbs.

  1. It is used externally to treat skin disorders such as ringworm and itchy skin
  2. A tea made from its leaves can reduce fever.
  3. It is effective for digestive complaints such as weak stomach, indigestion and poor appetite.
  4. It is a treatment for sinus infections.
  5. Its juice is used as a gargle to treat sore throat.

Sorrel is safe to use for most people. However, it can be toxic if large dosages are used. People with kidney ailment must avoid using this herb. It could cause kidney stones. This herb must not be used with any supplements that contain oxalate. It can also affect the iron, zinc and calcium levels in the body. Sorrel is a versatile alternative medicine but it is not suitable for everyone due to its oxalic acid.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Safflower As Alternative Medicine

Safflower As Alternative Medicine

Safflower is an alternative medicine with a history of over 3500 years. Its flowers are used to cure many diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and sterility in male, respiratory diseases and infertility in females.

  1. It is a remedy for liver disorders such as jaundice.
  2. Its flowers are an effective treatment for fevers, measles and skin rashes.
  3. It eases menstrual complaints such as period pain.
  4. It promotes blood circulation and alleviates pain and swelling in joints.
  5. It is a bladder cleanser.
  6. It is a sedative to treat panic attacks and hysteria.
  7. It promotes good digestion.
  8. It is an excellent expectorant to remove phlegm from the lungs.
  9. It clears uric acid deposits and other toxins from the body.

Safflower is available as capsule, tea, extract and liquid. This herb should not be used by pregnant women. Anyone that has a bleeding disorder should also not to take it in excessive amount. Its flowers can be used on its own or in combination with other herbs. A hot safflower tea is often used to ease colds and flu symptoms. Safflower is an alternative medicine that has also been used in Chinese medicine to treat thrombotic disorders and coronary disease.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Evening Primrose as Alternative Medicine

Evening Primrose as Alternative Medicine

Evening Primrose is an alternative medicine with a long history. It has been used as a remedy for a wide range of conditions such as whooping cough, asthma, high cholesterol and premenstrual symptoms.

  1. It is useful in reducing hyperactivity in children.
  2. It is effective for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as upset stomach.
  3. The root can be made into a tea to treat obesity.
  4. It is an excellent treatment for skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and bruises.
  5. Poultice made from the leaves is good for any skin eruptions such as ulcers and wounds.
  6. The root can be made into a dressing to treat hemorrhoids.
  7. Evening primrose oil is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Evening primrose is available as capsules or as oil. Its oil has a softening, calming and moisturizing effect on skin. Standard dosage is 2 to 16 capsules of 500 milligrams a day. To treat PMS 3 grams a day should be taken while for eczema 4 to 8 grams a day is the recommended dosage.

Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to taken this herb. With normal dosages side effects are rare. Diarrhea, bloating, nausea, burping, intestinal gas and soft stool are some the possible side effects. For people who are on medications for epilepsy or schizophrenia they should avoid using this herb. The medicinal values of evening primrose as an alternative medicine have only been recognized in recent years.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Foxglove As Alternative Medicine

Foxglove As Alternative Medicine

Foxglove is a potent alternative medicine that is also very toxic. The whole plant is poisonous and is of the Figwort family. Since early 17th century it has been used to treat heart complaints.

  1. It is a diuretic used for treating edema.
  2. It is a remedy for asthma.
  3. It is a powerful medicine for cardiac problems such as irregular heart beat, palpitations and congestive heart failure.
  4. It is an expectorant and a treatment for lung infections.
  5. Its ointment is excellent for reducing swelling and cleansing wounds.

Today foxglove is grown commercially for the production of digoxin and digitoxin the cardiac drugs. The dried leaves and seeds of this plant form the base of these heart medications. Side effects as a result of overdose of digoxin are vertigo, anxiety, nausea, depression, convulsions, coma, dry mouth and even death. Today foxglove is still the best known alternative medicine for treating heart disorders.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Cupping As Alternative Medicine

Cupping As Alternative Medicine

Cupping is an ancient alternative medicine practised in China and Japan. In the Arab cultures this method of healing is known as Al-hijamah. In cupping heat is usually introduced into a glass cup and then placed straight onto the skin to unblock congestion.

  1. It stimulates flow of blood and energy to the affected area.
  2. It is effective for treating joint and muscle pain.
  3. It is a remedy for soft tissue injuries, arthritis and sprains.
  4. It treats bronchial congestion by relieving fluid from the lungs.
  5. It is used to treat gastrointestinal complaints.
  6. It is an effective treatment for cold and flu symptoms such as chills, dizziness and headache.

Cupping is generally used on its own. This is an inexpensive method that one can easily learn and use at home. It can also be used in combination with other therapies such as acupuncture and therapeutic massage. This technique is non-invasive, safe and painless. However, it must not be used on rashes or those who have a temperature or bleed easily. It is considered to be the best deep tissue massage on the market. Generally it is used on the back but it can be applied to many other parts of the body. Cupping is an alternative medicine that has been tested by time and effective in treating a range of health complaints.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Calendula As Alternative Medicine

Calendula As Alternative Medicine

Calendula is an alternative medicine that has a long history as an antiseptic to heal wounds. It is originated from the Mediterranean region but is now accepted all over the world.

  1. It is an effective remedy for skin problems such as burns, eczema, rashes, wounds, insect bites, chapped skin and scrapes.
  2. It is effective for treating digestive disorders such as gastritis, indigestion and duodenal ulcers.
  3. It fights fungal infections.
  4. It is a treatment for ear infections.
  5. It normalizes menstruation.
  6. It is a liver and gallbladder cleanser.

Calendula is available as ointments, tinctures, fluid extracts, oils and fresh or dried leaves. It is a safe and non toxic herb. However, its use can cause allergic reactions in some people. Pregnant or nursing women and children should refrain from using this herb. To make an infusion in a cup of boiling water steep one tablespoonful of dried flowers for 10 to 15 minutes. This tea can be drunk 3 times a day or used as a wash for skin problems. Calendula remains as one of the most versatile herbs and a potent alternative medicine.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Aconite As Alternative Medicine

Aconite As Alternative Medicine

Aconite is a potent alternative medicine that has been used since ancient times. It is derived from the monkshood, wolfs bane or aconite plant. This herb belongs to the Buttercup family and was used as an antidote to poisoning in olden days.

  1. Aconite extracts are used to ease pain caused by arthritis, rheumatism and gout.
  2. It is used to treat cold and flu symptoms.
  3. It is a remedy for headache, earache, fever and eye injuries.
  4. It is a treatment for sciatica and nerve pain.
  5. It is effective for treating skin disorders and inflammation.

Aconite is available as pill, teas, ointment, extract and tincture. It is toxic when consumed in its raw state. In Chinese medicines it is generally used together with other herbs to counter its toxicity. It is often an ingredient blended into other herbal preparations as infusions or teas.

This herb is not recommended for use by expectant or nursing women. It increases the effectiveness of some herbs and drugs. This is one herb that works very fast if taken orally. Increased heartbeats and salivation, blurred vision, acidosis and diarrhea are some of the side effects associated with the use of this plant.

Aconite is an extremely powerful alternative medicine but poisonous unless the toxicity is removed.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Butterbur As Alternative Medicine

Butterbur As Alternative Medicine

Butterbur is an alternative medicine that has been used for centuries to treat cough and wounds on skin. In the Middle Ages it was used to try to treat the plague. Butterbur is also known as Western coltsfoot, Arctic butterbur and bog rhubarb and belongs to the ragweed family.

  1. It is a treatment for migraine headache.
  2. It is a remedy for asthma, hay fever and bronchitis.
  3. It is effective in reducing muscle spasms.
  4. It is useful for treating stomach complaints.
  5. It is effective for urination problems

Butterbur cannot be used on its own as it can be poisonous unless properly processed. It is often taken as capsules or tablets, dried root and dried herb under such standardized extract products Petadolex, Petaforce and Tesalin. Recommended dosage is 50 to 75 mg twice a day. The toxic alkaloids that are harmful to kidneys and liver have been removed through processing. It is commonly used together with Marshmallow or Horehound as a cough treatment.

This herb is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women and children. It is also not for those who suffer from liver problems such as hepatitis. People who are allergic to ragweed should not take this herb too. Butterbur is an alternative medicine that is highly toxic if used unprocessed.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Yellow Dock As Alternative Medicine

Yellow Dock As Alternative Medicine

Yellow Dock is an alternative medicine used for purifying blood since ancient times. It is a plant that belongs to the buckwheat family. Today it is used to treat a variety of health complaints by herbalists.

  1. It is excellent for skin disorders such as eczema, rashes, leprosy, psoriasis, ringworm, hives, acne and cradle cap.
  2. It is a treatment for constipation and diarrhea.
  3. It is a remedy for anemia.
  4. It is a treatment for poor nails and hair.
  5. It cleanses toxic wastes from the body such as from the kidneys, intestines, liver and lymph glands.
  6. It is used to treat hepatitis and some cases of jaundice.
  7. It inhibits the growth of E Coli and Staph bacteria.
  8. It is a remedy for heavy menstruation.

Yellow dock root is available as tinctures, capsules, tablets and extract. Nursing or pregnant women are advised not to take this herb. It is also not recommended for people who suffer from kidney stones or bowel obstruction. Do not use this herb at the same time with any laxatives. Standard dosage is 1000 mg twice a day in capsule form. It is often combined with other herbs such as burdock and dandelion. For the treatment of psoriasis it is mixed with burdock, figwort, oregon grape root, dandelion root and sarsaparilla. It is commonly used as a tea. Excessive dosages or prolonged use will deplete the body’s potassium levels. Today yellow dock remains the best alternative medicine for building and purifying blood in the body.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Figwort As Alternative Medicine

Figwort As Alternative Medicine

Figwort is an alternative medicine best known for treating skin disorders such as psoriasis, itching, eczema, burns, ulcers and skin swelling. It is also effective in treating a great range of other health problems.

  1. It is used to expel worms from the intestines.
  2. It detoxifies and purges toxins from the body.
  3. It is a remedy for constipation and sluggishness.
  4. It is an effective treatment for enlarged glands such as nodosities in women’s breasts.

Figwort is available as tea, tincture, soak, compress and a wash. It is non toxic when the standard dosage is adhered to. This herb can be taken as an infusion or use topically. To make an infusion steep about 3 teaspoonful of figwort leaves in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. It is often used together with barberry, rhubarb root or dandelion to treat constipation. To treat skin problems it is combined with burdock and yellow dock. This herb can be used with hawthorn and ginkgo to enhance poor memory. It can also be used as a sedative when combined with valerian. To calm nervous digestive problems use it together with peppermint and Roman chamomile.

This herb is not recommended for use by pregnant or nursing women. People with heart problems such as rapid heart beat should also avoid using it. This herb interferes with drugs for blood sugar such as metformin and insulin. However, figwort is still considered the best alternative medicine for the lymphatic system.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Horse Chestnut As Alternative Medicine

Horse Chestnut As Alternative Medicine

Horse chestnut is an alternative medicine derived from an extract of the leaves, seeds and bark of the horse chestnut tree. Traditionally its bark has been used to treat malaria and dysentery. Today this herb is used for a wider range of health problems.

  1. It is a remedy for water retention in the body.
  2. It is a treatment for respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, coughs and catarrh.
  3. It is effective against varicose veins, leg pain and swelling.
  4. It is used to treat inflammation of joints and arthritis.
  5. It is a treatment for enlarged prostrate, hemorrhoids, diarrhea and fever.

Horse chestnut is available as capsules, tablets, creams and salves from pharmacies and health food stores. It is unsafe for use by pregnant or nursing women and children. Side effects include itching, gastrointestinal upset, headache, calf cramps and nausea. It is not recommended for use with medications for diabetics. This herb when combined with feverfew, ginseng, garlic and ginkgo can increase bruising and bleeding. It is also not advisable to use it with such herbs as fenugreek, gotu kola, dong quai and aconite. Horse chestnut is yet another potent alternative medicine that has to be used with caution.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Dandelion As Alternative Medicine

Dandelion As Alternative Medicine

Dandelion is an alternative medicine that has been used by herbalists for more than 1000 years. The whole plant can be used as a medicine both internally and externally. In China it has been used to treat breast cancer for hundreds of years.

  1. It is a remedy for liver disorders such as gallstones, jaundice and hepatitis.
  2. It is a treatment for skin conditions such as eczema and wounds.
  3. It gives relief for gout, rheumatism, arthritis and joint pain.
  4. It treats anemia and poor circulation.
  5. It is effective against digestive complaints such as heartburn, peptic ulcer and constipation.
  6. It lowers cholesterol levels.
  7. It is used to treat allergies and asthma.

Dandelion herbs and roots are available as teas, capsules, tablets, tinctures and liquid. It is a very safe herb to use even when taken in large doses. Side effects including diarrhea, contact dermatitis and gastrointestinal upset are rare. Pregnant or nursing women are not advised to take this herb. For people who are on drugs for diabetes, blood pressure and bipolar disorder such as lithium, niacin and phenotiazines they should avoid using dandelion. It can also affect the effectiveness of antacids, antibiotic ciprofloxacin and thyroid hormones. If this herb is used with niacin it may cause stomach upset and flushing. Today the root of dandelion remains a very popular alternative medicine used by herbalists.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Tormentil As Alternative Medicine

Tormentil As Alternative Medicine

For centuries tormentil has been used by herbalists to treat a wide range of health disorders. Such complaints include mouth ulcers, laryngitis, bleeding gums, pharyngitis and scrofula.

  1. It is a treatment for intestinal and stomach complaints such as gastritis, diarrhea, colitis and dysentery.
  2. It is effective in staying all kinds of bleeding such as intestinal bleeding, nose bleeding or wounds.
  3. Juice made from the root or herb is anti-venom and a remedy for measles and chickenpox.
  4. It is a gargle for throat and mouth inflammation.
  5. It is also excellent for piles and infections of the vagina.

Tormentil is available as tea or tincture. It is also a powerful remedy for outward wounds and sores. It is often used in wound lotions and injections to treat foul sores and ulcers for different parts of the body. Those who have a weak stomach should not take this herb. It could cause vomiting or digestive problems. Tormentil has many medicinal uses but it is best known as an alternative medicine for staying fluxes of blood.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Silverweed As Alternative Medicine

Silverweed As Alternative Medicine

Silverweed is an alternative medicine that has been used since the medieval times. It was used extensively for diarrhoea and haemorrhages. This herb is known by many other names such as goosewort, anser, trailing tansy, argentina, wild agrimony and prince’s feathers. Almost every part of this plant can be used.

  1. It is a gargle to relieve toothache and sore gums.
  2. The tea is drunk to clear skin complaints such as sunburn, freckles, blemishes, marks from smallpox and skin discoloration.
  3. It is a remedy for jaundice.
  4. It is effective for urinary tract inflammation and kidney stones.
  5. The tea is excellent for eye inflammation.
  6. It is an effective treatment for abdominal, stomach, intestinal and menstrual cramps.
  7. It gives relief to digestive disorders such as indigestion and diarrhea.
  8. It is used to ease joint pains such as those caused by bunion, gout and arthritis.

Silverweed is available as tea, dried herb and ointment or lotion. An infusion is made by steeping 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. To relieve a sore throat add some honey. For cramps it is often used together with Balm and Chamomile. The tea can also be used as a wash to improve skin complexion. Lotion or ointment of the herb is used externally to treat bleeding hemorrhoids.

Silverweed is safe when taken in the recommended doses. Side effects of excessive doses of this herb include memory loss, aura fluctuation and unconsciousness. Avoid using it with stimulants and depressants. Pregnant, nursing women and children should also refrain from taking it. Silverweed is a very potent alternative medicine and should be used with great caution.