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.

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.

Spirulina As Alternative Medicine

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.

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 17^th 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.

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.

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.