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.

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.

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.

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.

Reishi As Alternative Medicine

Reishi As Alternative Medicine

Reishi is an alternative medicine that has been used in China and Japan for thousands of years. It belongs to the mushroom family and a very versatile medicine to treat a wide range of health ailments.

1. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
2. It is used to prevent and to treat coronary heart disease.
3. In China it is used to treat chronic hepatitis.
4. It is a treatment and preventative for memory loss.
5. It is used to treat asthma and coughs.
6. It is a remedy for insomnia and fatigue.

Reishi is available as teas, tablets, tinctures and extract. This mushroom is very safe and can be taken over a long period without any side effects. It is best taken with an empty stomach in the morning. Reishi can be used by pregnant or nursing women and children. Very often it is combined with other herbs. Mountain climbers often consumed this medicinal mushroom to combat altitude sickness. Today Reishi is still popular as an alternative medicine for promoting vitality and combating fatigue.

Mullein As Alternative Medicine

Mullein As Alternative Medicine

Mullein has been a valued alternative medicine since ancient times. It is also called great mullein, common mullein, velvet dock, mullein dock and Aaron's-rod. This herb is well known for treating childhood ailments such as chickenpox, tonsillitis and mumps.

1. Mullein oil is an effective remedy for earache.
2. It is a treatment for sore throat, dry coughs and hoarseness.
3. It is used to treat glandular swellings and sprains.
4. It is a remedy for bronchitis, pneumonia, colds and flu.
5. It is excellent for sore joints and aching muscles.
6. It is used to treat asthma and allergies.
7. It is a relaxant to treat stress.

Mullein is commonly taken as a tea or infusion. The leaves can be made into a poultice to treat sprains and swellings. It is often used in combination with other herbs such as thyme, lobelia, sage, chamomile, marjoram, elder, red clover, white horehound and coltsfoot. To treat mumps, chickenpox and measles it is blended with catnip. This herb is used with licorice and uva ursi to give relief to coughs. For earaches soak some mullein flowers in olive oil.

This herb is non toxic even pregnant or nursing women can use it. Side effects are very rare. The only known side effect reported is skin irritation. It is not recommended for people that are on diabetic drugs as this herb will inhibit the effectiveness of the medications. Today mullein remains the best known alternative medicine used by herbalists to treat coughs, colds and sore throat.

Costus As Alternative Medicine

Costus As Alternative Medicine

Costus is an alternative medicine used by the Chinese and Indians for centuries. In China it is one of the 50 fundamental medicinal herbs. It is of the same family as ginger.

1. It is a remedy for gastric disorders such as diarrhea, bloating and stomach ache.
2. It is a treatment for mild skin irritations.
3. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat asthma and coughs.
4. Its roots are used to expel parasites.
5. In Tibet it is a remedy for emotional weakness.
6. In India it is inhaled to clear the bronchial passages.
7. It eases pain associated with rheumatism.

Costus is available as extracts, powders or infusions at Asian markets and specialty stores. Amount to be taken is related to the condition that requires treatment. It is a non toxic herb without any known drug interactions. It can sometimes bring on skin irritation when used externally especially in sensitive individuals. The dried roots of costus are still used as an alternative medicine to give relief to symptoms associated with intestinal disorders.