There are a large number of people who simply would like to avoid harsh chemical substances. For the people who do not feel very comfortable with these chemical products, there are numerous remedies in various disciplines of alternative medicine. These remedies are certainly not less effective if not more. They have other advantages as well!
First of all I would like to count their gentle action. That may appear to be a disadvantage to some people because gentle action may be inferred as slow, but gradual changes in the body systems are always better tolerated and have a more lasting effect. Then the natural remedies have a far less potential of side effects. There is either no side effect at all, or if there are any, they are also slow to appear and can hence be detected at an earlier stage without significant discomfort or damage.
Herbal and natural remedies in general, are a far cheaper option than the prescription medicine. They are simple to prepare and you hardly ever need the highly expensive professional supervision for their use. One may ask the very pertinent question then; "why the alternative
medicines are so much less in use". The answer is simple. The herbal and natural products have to be licensed by drug regulating authorities before marketing if they are to appear in the competitive market of medicine. That involves a lot of money. Humongous amounts need to be spent on pre-launch researches and the like. The industry of alternative medicine simply does not have that big money! Then there are no laws to grant patents for these products to assure the recovery of your investments.
Showing posts with label Natasha Wolf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Natasha Wolf. Show all posts
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Anti-Oxidants - Garlic, Onion, and Pepper
Most of the spices and herbs used in our kitchen have anti-oxidant properties. You can practically see a lot of expensive herbal diet supplements that offer to get rid of nasty toxins out of your system in the market. You can get the same result out of your kitchen ingredients without having to dish out your savings on the herb supplements. The good part about it is that you don't have to worry about side-effects, allergies whatever you take in is 100% natural.
Kitchen spices like garlic, onions, pepper seeds and herbs like basil, rosemary are great anti-oxidants. You can include them in your daily meals or you can brew a healthy drink out of the fresh herbs. Wash them thoroughly with plenty of water and chop them before using. boil them up in hot water and let it simmer for a few minutes. Drain it with a strainer and you have an healthy anti-oxidant drink ready for your consumption.
Kitchen spices like garlic, onions, pepper seeds and herbs like basil, rosemary are great anti-oxidants. You can include them in your daily meals or you can brew a healthy drink out of the fresh herbs. Wash them thoroughly with plenty of water and chop them before using. boil them up in hot water and let it simmer for a few minutes. Drain it with a strainer and you have an healthy anti-oxidant drink ready for your consumption.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
What is Natural Medicine Exactly?
When you get sick, you go to the doctor. The doctor will, of course, prescribe medicine, you will go and buy the medicines and then you take them, and hopefully, you get well. This is how the health profession operates nowadays a cycle of diagnosis and prescription.
Probably, if anyone were to suggest herbs to be used as medication, you would think that person was a quack and didn't know what they were talking about. But currently, studies are being conducted to see if there is actually any merit to what is called natural medicine.
Natural medicine is the use of natural methods, herbal medicines, and traditional practices to heal ailments. Every culture has a form of natural medicine. In ancient cultures, village medicine men served as the doctors of the community, passing on medical knowledge to the apprentices that followed them.
Probably, if anyone were to suggest herbs to be used as medication, you would think that person was a quack and didn't know what they were talking about. But currently, studies are being conducted to see if there is actually any merit to what is called natural medicine.
Natural medicine is the use of natural methods, herbal medicines, and traditional practices to heal ailments. Every culture has a form of natural medicine. In ancient cultures, village medicine men served as the doctors of the community, passing on medical knowledge to the apprentices that followed them.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Have You Heard of Sunlight Therapy?
Some healthcare providers believe that sunlight therapy can be effective in helping relieve a number of health conditions. A matter of fact, a recent study compared 100 patients in Canada, who suffered from depression. The conclusion of the natural health research demonstrated that patients who received light treatment responded faster without adverse side effects opposed to those receiving antidepressant medication.
As a natural health medicine, sunlight therapy may well be on its way to proving what most of us already know -- sunshine generally makes us happier. Think back to a time when you were younger...wasn't it great to get out and play in the afternoon sun? And even as adults, we tend to soak up the rays with utter delight. The reason sunlight therapy may be as beneficial as it is for seasonal affected disorder (SAD; also seasonal depression) is primarily due to its ability to increase endorphins. These endorphins are what we call "happy hormones," which generally promote a feeling of well being. Chocolate works much in the same way - it, too, raises endorphin levels.
What other natural healing abilities does sunlight therapy offer? If you're like me, you enjoy the warm glow of the high-noon sun; but just 10 or 15 minutes per day can expose you to a rich source of Vitamin D. This particular nutrient is especially essential as it provides a critical role in maintaining our organ systems. Deficiency in Vitamin D can create a slew of health problems including Rickets, high blood pressure, cancer, and several other chronic diseases and disorders.
As a Carlsbad natural health preventative, sunlight's Vitamin D has been shown to prevent or even reverse coronary disease. Recent studies suggest that individuals exposed to sunlight had a lower concentration of blood cholesterol during the summer months than in winter months. As most of us are aware, lowering blood cholesterol is vital to maintaining and preserving heart health.
As a natural health medicine, sunlight therapy may well be on its way to proving what most of us already know -- sunshine generally makes us happier. Think back to a time when you were younger...wasn't it great to get out and play in the afternoon sun? And even as adults, we tend to soak up the rays with utter delight. The reason sunlight therapy may be as beneficial as it is for seasonal affected disorder (SAD; also seasonal depression) is primarily due to its ability to increase endorphins. These endorphins are what we call "happy hormones," which generally promote a feeling of well being. Chocolate works much in the same way - it, too, raises endorphin levels.
What other natural healing abilities does sunlight therapy offer? If you're like me, you enjoy the warm glow of the high-noon sun; but just 10 or 15 minutes per day can expose you to a rich source of Vitamin D. This particular nutrient is especially essential as it provides a critical role in maintaining our organ systems. Deficiency in Vitamin D can create a slew of health problems including Rickets, high blood pressure, cancer, and several other chronic diseases and disorders.
As a Carlsbad natural health preventative, sunlight's Vitamin D has been shown to prevent or even reverse coronary disease. Recent studies suggest that individuals exposed to sunlight had a lower concentration of blood cholesterol during the summer months than in winter months. As most of us are aware, lowering blood cholesterol is vital to maintaining and preserving heart health.
Using Natural Medicine As a Cure
Natural medicine dates back to ancient civilizations when people always turned to nature for natural therapies that helped their physical and emotional body obtain balance and order, relieve pain, improve health and treat illnesses. Since time immemorial, man has recognized that nature has countless elements just waiting to be discovered as helpful remedies in mans health maladies.
In fact, Hippocrates, considered to be the father of medicine, used countless botanical extracts and solutions available in nature to cure diseases as well as improve health and overall well being. Aside from herbal sources, natural medicine also uses therapies such as homeopathy, traditional Chinese and Oriental methods and other natural essences from the earth. They have been proven to be safe and have no side effects to say the least. Even modern medicine is slowly gaining interest in incorporating natural medicine with conventional medical practice.
One famous practice in natural medicine is aromatherapy where essences from plants such as flowers, leaves, seeds, twigs and bark are extracted to create essential oils whose scents are believed to help change moods, relax the mind and body, and treat certain ailments especially when coupled with other natural medications. Proofs that natural medicine is safe and that their efficacy is there is the fact that for centuries up to now, traditional Chinese and other Oriental methods of medicine are still widely practiced and some modern medical practitioners even in conventional medicine have adopted these methods. Of course the most common among natural remedies is the use of herbal plants.
Herbal medicine is common in almost all cultures around the world and its use dates back to thousands of years ago. Although plants and plant parts such as flowers, leaves, twigs and barks, are solely used, some cultures mix with these herbal extracts some animal or mineral products. The medicine may be in the form of tea, tablets, capsules, or any other forms of extracts.
In fact, Hippocrates, considered to be the father of medicine, used countless botanical extracts and solutions available in nature to cure diseases as well as improve health and overall well being. Aside from herbal sources, natural medicine also uses therapies such as homeopathy, traditional Chinese and Oriental methods and other natural essences from the earth. They have been proven to be safe and have no side effects to say the least. Even modern medicine is slowly gaining interest in incorporating natural medicine with conventional medical practice.
One famous practice in natural medicine is aromatherapy where essences from plants such as flowers, leaves, seeds, twigs and bark are extracted to create essential oils whose scents are believed to help change moods, relax the mind and body, and treat certain ailments especially when coupled with other natural medications. Proofs that natural medicine is safe and that their efficacy is there is the fact that for centuries up to now, traditional Chinese and other Oriental methods of medicine are still widely practiced and some modern medical practitioners even in conventional medicine have adopted these methods. Of course the most common among natural remedies is the use of herbal plants.
Herbal medicine is common in almost all cultures around the world and its use dates back to thousands of years ago. Although plants and plant parts such as flowers, leaves, twigs and barks, are solely used, some cultures mix with these herbal extracts some animal or mineral products. The medicine may be in the form of tea, tablets, capsules, or any other forms of extracts.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Natural Treatment of Osteopenia
Several natural substances and alternative therapies have been studied for their effects on bone health. Here's a look at some key findings:
1) Tai Chi
In a 2007 study of 49 older adults with osteopenia or osteoporosis, scientists found that 18 weeks of training in tai chi (an ancient Chinese martial art that combines slow, graceful movements with meditation and deep breathing) helped improve balance and may reduce risk of falling.
A systematic review published the same year concluded that tai chi may be an effective, safe, and practical intervention for maintaining bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. However, the review's authors note that existing studies on tai chi's bone-protecting effects are limited in quantity and quality.
2) Green Tea
Consumption of green tea might improve bone mineral density by stimulating activity in bone-forming cells and inhibiting activity in bone-weakening cells, according to a report published in 2009.
3) Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is common among patients with osteopenia (as well as osteoporosis), suggests a 2006 study of 448 individuals. Vitamin D is essential for helping the body absorb calcium, a mineral key to forming and maintaining bone.
Exposure to the sun's UVB rays helps the body synthesize vitamin D. However, since UV exposure is known to increase your risk for skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends obtaining vitamin D from foods and supplements.
Better Bone Health
These strategies can also help preserve bone health:
•getting enough calcium (between 1000 to 1500 mg per day, depending on your age, dietary intake, and other health conditions)
•getting regular exercise, including weight-bearing exercise
•limiting caffeine intake
•avoiding smoking
1) Tai Chi
In a 2007 study of 49 older adults with osteopenia or osteoporosis, scientists found that 18 weeks of training in tai chi (an ancient Chinese martial art that combines slow, graceful movements with meditation and deep breathing) helped improve balance and may reduce risk of falling.
A systematic review published the same year concluded that tai chi may be an effective, safe, and practical intervention for maintaining bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. However, the review's authors note that existing studies on tai chi's bone-protecting effects are limited in quantity and quality.
2) Green Tea
Consumption of green tea might improve bone mineral density by stimulating activity in bone-forming cells and inhibiting activity in bone-weakening cells, according to a report published in 2009.
3) Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is common among patients with osteopenia (as well as osteoporosis), suggests a 2006 study of 448 individuals. Vitamin D is essential for helping the body absorb calcium, a mineral key to forming and maintaining bone.
Exposure to the sun's UVB rays helps the body synthesize vitamin D. However, since UV exposure is known to increase your risk for skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends obtaining vitamin D from foods and supplements.
Better Bone Health
These strategies can also help preserve bone health:
•getting enough calcium (between 1000 to 1500 mg per day, depending on your age, dietary intake, and other health conditions)
•getting regular exercise, including weight-bearing exercise
•limiting caffeine intake
•avoiding smoking
What You Need to Know About Osteopenia
Osteopenia is a condition marked by low bone mass. Although people with osteopenia have less dense bone than normal, the condition is not as severe as osteoporosis. However, people with osteopenia are at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis if their condition is left untreated.
An estimated 18 million people in the U.S. have osteopenia.
Risk Factors for Osteopenia
Because aging-related processes deplete bone of minerals and mass, your risk for osteopenia (as well as osteoporosis) is likely to increase as you get older.
In addition, women are more prone to osteopenia and osteoporosis than men, due to their naturally lower bone mineral density and certain bone-affecting hormonal changes that occur during menopause.
Other factors that may raise your risk for osteopenia include:
•eating disorders or other issues that prevent the body from absorbing a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins
•exposure to radiation therapy or chemotherapy
•a family history of osteoporosis
•excessive consumption of alcohol
•use of certain medications, such as steroids
An estimated 18 million people in the U.S. have osteopenia.
Risk Factors for Osteopenia
Because aging-related processes deplete bone of minerals and mass, your risk for osteopenia (as well as osteoporosis) is likely to increase as you get older.
In addition, women are more prone to osteopenia and osteoporosis than men, due to their naturally lower bone mineral density and certain bone-affecting hormonal changes that occur during menopause.
Other factors that may raise your risk for osteopenia include:
•eating disorders or other issues that prevent the body from absorbing a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins
•exposure to radiation therapy or chemotherapy
•a family history of osteoporosis
•excessive consumption of alcohol
•use of certain medications, such as steroids
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
More Detox Herbs in the Kitchen
Herbs for Mercury Detox
Meanwhile, you can use garlic and MSM [methylsulfonylmethane], a natural form of organic sulfur — an essential nutrient available in capsule/pill form — to remove the toxic effects of mercury.
Garlic and MSM are both rich in sulfur — sulfur, as you know, is a good anti-mercury agent. It is always good to use garlic in food. Garlic improves the body’s sulfur reserves.
Clove is another good chelating agent; try to eat 2-3 cloves everyday.
You may also introduce cilantro [a member of the carrot family, and also referred to as Chinese parsley and coriander] to your diet.
Cilantro helps “muster” mercury, and other toxins, and flushes them out of the body through excretion.
Cilantro, or coriander, is available in most grocery stores.
Also, you may take a multi-purpose vitamin supplement — especially, vitamins C and E — on a daily basis — to improve the chelation process. However, make sure your capsule contains all the essential minerals.
Your Detox Shopping List
In summary, besides incorporating MSM and a multi-purpose vitamin that includes C & E seek out recipes that incorporate Cilantro, Clove, Garlic, Coriander, Turmeric and add a super green food like Chlorella or algae to your diet; Add chlorophyll rich foods, and include some fiber like psyllium which is best to take before retiring.
These simple additions to your lifestyle will help you maintain a healthier body system.
When browsing through an Indian cookbook many great meals also incorporate these simple detox herbs. You’ll enjoy the food and spices, while supporting giving your body system a boost.
Meanwhile, you can use garlic and MSM [methylsulfonylmethane], a natural form of organic sulfur — an essential nutrient available in capsule/pill form — to remove the toxic effects of mercury.
Garlic and MSM are both rich in sulfur — sulfur, as you know, is a good anti-mercury agent. It is always good to use garlic in food. Garlic improves the body’s sulfur reserves.
Clove is another good chelating agent; try to eat 2-3 cloves everyday.
You may also introduce cilantro [a member of the carrot family, and also referred to as Chinese parsley and coriander] to your diet.
Cilantro helps “muster” mercury, and other toxins, and flushes them out of the body through excretion.
Cilantro, or coriander, is available in most grocery stores.
Also, you may take a multi-purpose vitamin supplement — especially, vitamins C and E — on a daily basis — to improve the chelation process. However, make sure your capsule contains all the essential minerals.
Your Detox Shopping List
In summary, besides incorporating MSM and a multi-purpose vitamin that includes C & E seek out recipes that incorporate Cilantro, Clove, Garlic, Coriander, Turmeric and add a super green food like Chlorella or algae to your diet; Add chlorophyll rich foods, and include some fiber like psyllium which is best to take before retiring.
These simple additions to your lifestyle will help you maintain a healthier body system.
When browsing through an Indian cookbook many great meals also incorporate these simple detox herbs. You’ll enjoy the food and spices, while supporting giving your body system a boost.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Natural Treatment for Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
A leading cause of blindness in the United States, glaucoma causes damage to the eye's optic nerve (a bundle of fibers responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain).
There are several types of glaucoma. The two most common are primary open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma typically occurs when fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly builds up and impairs the optic nerve.
In primary open-angle glaucoma, fluid drains from the eye too slowly, resulting in painless damage to the optic nerve and a very gradual loss of vision.
In acute angle-closure glaucoma, the iris partially blocks fluid drainage at the angle where the cornea and iris meet, causing an abrupt increase in eye pressure.
The following may increase your risk of glaucoma:
•Being over age 60
•Having a family history of glaucoma
•Diabetes
•High blood pressure
•Eye injuries
•Nearsightedness
African-Americans and Mexican-Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians.
Glaucoma Symptoms
Although primary open-angle glaucoma often has no symptoms, it leads to a very gradual loss of peripheral vision and - in advanced stages - tunnel vision.
Considered a medical emergency, acute angle-closure glaucoma causes sudden, severe eye pain that may be accompanied by the following:
•Reddening of the eye
•Stomach upset (including nausea and vomiting)
•Sudden visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or the presence of halos around lights
Treatment for Glaucoma
If you experience symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include the use of medication and/or a laser procedure that promotes drainage of fluid from the eye.
Undergoing an eye exam every two years can increase your chances of detecting glaucoma in its early stages, delaying progression of the disease, and preserving your vision.
Standard treatments for glaucoma include eyedrops, oral medication, fluid-draining laser procedures, and conventional surgery that creates a new opening for fluid to leave the eye.
Alternative Treatment for Glaucoma
If not properly treated, glaucoma can result in total blindness. While alternative medicine alone can't treat glaucoma, certain remedies and therapies may help manage the disease. Consider talking with your eye doctor about using the following to help prevent or control glaucoma:
1) Ginkgo Biloba
This herb may boost blood flow to the optic nerve and, in turn, have a beneficial effect on glaucoma, according to a research review published in 2001. However, the review authors note that ginkgo biloba was not found to have a direct effect on eye pressure.
2) Vitamin C
Vitamin C - an antioxidant available in supplement form and also abundant in citrus, berries, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables - may help reduce eye pressure and benefit people with glaucoma, a 2001 study suggests.
3) Mind-Body Stress Management
Since stress is a risk factor for acute angle-closure glaucoma, including a stress-reducing practice such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation in your self-care may help protect your vision.
A leading cause of blindness in the United States, glaucoma causes damage to the eye's optic nerve (a bundle of fibers responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain).
There are several types of glaucoma. The two most common are primary open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma typically occurs when fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly builds up and impairs the optic nerve.
In primary open-angle glaucoma, fluid drains from the eye too slowly, resulting in painless damage to the optic nerve and a very gradual loss of vision.
In acute angle-closure glaucoma, the iris partially blocks fluid drainage at the angle where the cornea and iris meet, causing an abrupt increase in eye pressure.
The following may increase your risk of glaucoma:
•Being over age 60
•Having a family history of glaucoma
•Diabetes
•High blood pressure
•Eye injuries
•Nearsightedness
African-Americans and Mexican-Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians.
Glaucoma Symptoms
Although primary open-angle glaucoma often has no symptoms, it leads to a very gradual loss of peripheral vision and - in advanced stages - tunnel vision.
Considered a medical emergency, acute angle-closure glaucoma causes sudden, severe eye pain that may be accompanied by the following:
•Reddening of the eye
•Stomach upset (including nausea and vomiting)
•Sudden visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or the presence of halos around lights
Treatment for Glaucoma
If you experience symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include the use of medication and/or a laser procedure that promotes drainage of fluid from the eye.
Undergoing an eye exam every two years can increase your chances of detecting glaucoma in its early stages, delaying progression of the disease, and preserving your vision.
Standard treatments for glaucoma include eyedrops, oral medication, fluid-draining laser procedures, and conventional surgery that creates a new opening for fluid to leave the eye.
Alternative Treatment for Glaucoma
If not properly treated, glaucoma can result in total blindness. While alternative medicine alone can't treat glaucoma, certain remedies and therapies may help manage the disease. Consider talking with your eye doctor about using the following to help prevent or control glaucoma:
1) Ginkgo Biloba
This herb may boost blood flow to the optic nerve and, in turn, have a beneficial effect on glaucoma, according to a research review published in 2001. However, the review authors note that ginkgo biloba was not found to have a direct effect on eye pressure.
2) Vitamin C
Vitamin C - an antioxidant available in supplement form and also abundant in citrus, berries, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables - may help reduce eye pressure and benefit people with glaucoma, a 2001 study suggests.
3) Mind-Body Stress Management
Since stress is a risk factor for acute angle-closure glaucoma, including a stress-reducing practice such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation in your self-care may help protect your vision.
Umka for Colds
Umcka (Pelargonium sidoides) is a geranium plant native to South Africa. Long used in traditional African medicine, umcka (short for "umckaloabo") has recently become popular in other parts of the world, particularly in treatment of respiratory problems.
Uses for Umcka
Umcka is typically used to treat these respiratory issues:
•the common cold
•sore throat
•bronchitis
•sinusitis
Benefits of Umcka
To date, few studies have explored umcka's efficacy in treatment of health problems. Existing research suggests that umcka may help manage the following conditions:
1) Rhinosinusitis
For a study published in 2009, researchers assigned 103 people with acute rhinosinusitis to take either an extract of umcka root or a placebo for a maximum of 22 days. (Usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, acute rhinosinusitis is marked by inflammation of the mucosa of the nasal passages and at least one of the paranasal sinuses.) Study results showed that umcka was more effective than placebo in treatment of the condition.
In a research review published the previous year, scientists concluded that doubt exists as to whether umcka is effective in alleviating symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis.
2) Bronchitis
Umcka appears to be more effective than placebo for patients with acute bronchitis, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2008. Researchers sized up four placebo-controlled clinical trials, finding that umcka significantly reduced bronchitis symptoms by day 7 of treatment.
3) The Common Cold
A 2007 study indicates that umcka may decrease the severity of cold symptoms and shorten the cold's duration. Focusing on 103 adults with cold symptoms, researchers found that 78.8 percent of those who took umcka were clinically cured after 10 days (compared to 31.4 percent assigned to a placebo).
How to Use Umcka
Available in syrup, liquid extract, and capsule form, umcka can be found in most health food stories and pharmacies that carry herbal products.
Umcka has been found to produce few adverse effects, but may trigger allergic reactions of gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
Uses for Umcka
Umcka is typically used to treat these respiratory issues:
•the common cold
•sore throat
•bronchitis
•sinusitis
Benefits of Umcka
To date, few studies have explored umcka's efficacy in treatment of health problems. Existing research suggests that umcka may help manage the following conditions:
1) Rhinosinusitis
For a study published in 2009, researchers assigned 103 people with acute rhinosinusitis to take either an extract of umcka root or a placebo for a maximum of 22 days. (Usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, acute rhinosinusitis is marked by inflammation of the mucosa of the nasal passages and at least one of the paranasal sinuses.) Study results showed that umcka was more effective than placebo in treatment of the condition.
In a research review published the previous year, scientists concluded that doubt exists as to whether umcka is effective in alleviating symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis.
2) Bronchitis
Umcka appears to be more effective than placebo for patients with acute bronchitis, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2008. Researchers sized up four placebo-controlled clinical trials, finding that umcka significantly reduced bronchitis symptoms by day 7 of treatment.
3) The Common Cold
A 2007 study indicates that umcka may decrease the severity of cold symptoms and shorten the cold's duration. Focusing on 103 adults with cold symptoms, researchers found that 78.8 percent of those who took umcka were clinically cured after 10 days (compared to 31.4 percent assigned to a placebo).
How to Use Umcka
Available in syrup, liquid extract, and capsule form, umcka can be found in most health food stories and pharmacies that carry herbal products.
Umcka has been found to produce few adverse effects, but may trigger allergic reactions of gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Benefits of Cranberry
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are the fruit of a plant native to North America. Often consumed whole, cranberries are also available in juice or supplement form.
Uses for Cranberry
The most common medicinal use of cranberry is to treat urinary tract infections. Cranberry is also used to manage or prevent the following:
•Gum disease
•Diarrhea
•Diabetes
•Stomach problems
•Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries
Benefits of Cranberry
Although research on cranberry's health effects is limited, studies suggest that cranberry products may help treat the following:
1) Urinary Tract Infections
A number of studies have shown that regularly drinking cranberry juice (or taking cranberry supplements) may help prevent urinary tract infections. Research indicates that substances found in cranberry may prevent bacteria from clinging to cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection.
If you think you have a urinary tract infection, contact your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Infections should not be self-treated with cranberry products.
2) Peptic Ulcer Disease
A small study published in 2005 suggests that regularly drinking cranberry juice may prevent Helicobacter pylori infection, a major cause of peptic ulcers (a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine). Infection with H. pylori (a type of bacteria) is also linked to the development of gastric cancer.
3) Gum Disease
Cranberry may help gum disease by preventing bacteria from sticking to teeth, according to a 2004 study. To help reduce your risk of gum disease (a condition that may be linked to heart disease), drink about four ounces a day of a cranberry juice that does not contain added sugar.
Uses for Cranberry
The most common medicinal use of cranberry is to treat urinary tract infections. Cranberry is also used to manage or prevent the following:
•Gum disease
•Diarrhea
•Diabetes
•Stomach problems
•Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries
Benefits of Cranberry
Although research on cranberry's health effects is limited, studies suggest that cranberry products may help treat the following:
1) Urinary Tract Infections
A number of studies have shown that regularly drinking cranberry juice (or taking cranberry supplements) may help prevent urinary tract infections. Research indicates that substances found in cranberry may prevent bacteria from clinging to cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection.
If you think you have a urinary tract infection, contact your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Infections should not be self-treated with cranberry products.
2) Peptic Ulcer Disease
A small study published in 2005 suggests that regularly drinking cranberry juice may prevent Helicobacter pylori infection, a major cause of peptic ulcers (a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine). Infection with H. pylori (a type of bacteria) is also linked to the development of gastric cancer.
3) Gum Disease
Cranberry may help gum disease by preventing bacteria from sticking to teeth, according to a 2004 study. To help reduce your risk of gum disease (a condition that may be linked to heart disease), drink about four ounces a day of a cranberry juice that does not contain added sugar.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is sourced from Oenothera biennis, a plant native to North America. It contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid required by the body for growth and development.
Uses for Evening Primrose Oil
In herbal medicine, evening primrose oil is typically used to treat these health problems:
•eczema
•rheumatoid arthritis
•premenstrual syndrome
•menopausal symptoms
•diabetes
Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
Research suggests that evening primrose oil may be of little value in the management of premenstrual syndrome or menopausal symptoms. However, other studies indicate that evening primrose oil may help with the following conditions:
1) Eczema
Evening primrose oil may help relieve the itching, crusting, redness, and swelling associated with atopic eczema, according to a meta-analysis published in 2006. Fatty acids are thought to play a role in these beneficial effects.
2) Rheumatoid Arthritis
To date, there's little research on the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in treating rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory condition that causes pain and swelling of the joints). However, a report published in 2001 suggests that evening primrose oil may have indirect anti-inflammatory actions and may help manage this autoimmune disease.
3) Breast Cancer
Preliminary research suggests that GLA may help destroy tumors without inducing damage to normal cells or causing harmful side effects. And in a small study published in 2000, researchers found that participants who took GLA supplements in addition to the breast cancer drug tamoxifen responded more quickly to breast cancer treatment than those who took tamoxifen alone.
Uses for Evening Primrose Oil
In herbal medicine, evening primrose oil is typically used to treat these health problems:
•eczema
•rheumatoid arthritis
•premenstrual syndrome
•menopausal symptoms
•diabetes
Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
Research suggests that evening primrose oil may be of little value in the management of premenstrual syndrome or menopausal symptoms. However, other studies indicate that evening primrose oil may help with the following conditions:
1) Eczema
Evening primrose oil may help relieve the itching, crusting, redness, and swelling associated with atopic eczema, according to a meta-analysis published in 2006. Fatty acids are thought to play a role in these beneficial effects.
2) Rheumatoid Arthritis
To date, there's little research on the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in treating rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory condition that causes pain and swelling of the joints). However, a report published in 2001 suggests that evening primrose oil may have indirect anti-inflammatory actions and may help manage this autoimmune disease.
3) Breast Cancer
Preliminary research suggests that GLA may help destroy tumors without inducing damage to normal cells or causing harmful side effects. And in a small study published in 2000, researchers found that participants who took GLA supplements in addition to the breast cancer drug tamoxifen responded more quickly to breast cancer treatment than those who took tamoxifen alone.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Does Naturopathy have a Place in Integrated Medicine
In the Integrated Medicine column this month Dr Wolf looks at Naturopathy and what role it might have in the integration of complementary and conventional medicine.
Naturopathy is a system of medicine that aims to maintain health by supporting and stimulating the vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature). Rather than being a specific therapy, naturopathy is an holistic approach that stresses the importance of plain nutritious food, fresh air, sunlight and exercise.
Naturopathy is a holistic philosophy, and naturopaths use a variety of treatments including: dietary advice, nutritional supplements, detoxification methods, bodywork (such as massage or osteopathy), hydrotherapy, herbs, homoeopathic remedies, acupuncture, counselling and lifestyle advice. Naturopaths will always tailor the treatments to meet the individual needs of the patient.
In the early part of the century naturopaths were often considered to be quacks; however, many of their ideas particularly, those on diet and exercise, have come to be accepted by conventional medicine.
In the integrated practice of medicine the naturopath has a role in providing alternative treatment, especially for chronic illness, but he or she also has a role as a catalyst in strengthening a holistic and team-based approach to treatment.
Naturopathy relies strongly on educating the patient to better health and it has an educational role in helping health care professional explore other methods of treatment and a holistic approach.
Vitalia Natural Medicine is your #1 source for all your naturopathy needs in San Diego. Dr. Wolf has the background and experience to help heal you the natural way. Choose Vitalia Natural Medicine for all your naturopathy needs!
Naturopathy is a system of medicine that aims to maintain health by supporting and stimulating the vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature). Rather than being a specific therapy, naturopathy is an holistic approach that stresses the importance of plain nutritious food, fresh air, sunlight and exercise.
Naturopathy is a holistic philosophy, and naturopaths use a variety of treatments including: dietary advice, nutritional supplements, detoxification methods, bodywork (such as massage or osteopathy), hydrotherapy, herbs, homoeopathic remedies, acupuncture, counselling and lifestyle advice. Naturopaths will always tailor the treatments to meet the individual needs of the patient.
In the early part of the century naturopaths were often considered to be quacks; however, many of their ideas particularly, those on diet and exercise, have come to be accepted by conventional medicine.
In the integrated practice of medicine the naturopath has a role in providing alternative treatment, especially for chronic illness, but he or she also has a role as a catalyst in strengthening a holistic and team-based approach to treatment.
Naturopathy relies strongly on educating the patient to better health and it has an educational role in helping health care professional explore other methods of treatment and a holistic approach.
Vitalia Natural Medicine is your #1 source for all your naturopathy needs in San Diego. Dr. Wolf has the background and experience to help heal you the natural way. Choose Vitalia Natural Medicine for all your naturopathy needs!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a tree native to the rainforests of South America. A member of the holly family, the tree produces leaves and stems that have long been used to make tea in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Consumed as a beverage, yerba mate tea is also used in traditional medicine to treat various health problems.
In a 2001 study of 47 healthy overweight adults, researchers found that taking a mixed herbal preparation (containing yerba mate, guarana, and damiana) three times daily for 45 days induced significant weight loss. The herbal blend also helped participants feel full more quickly while eating.
More than a drink, Yerba Mate has become a cultural phenomenon throughout South America. Its benefits are obvious. In Buenos Aires, where people carry their Mate with them throughout the day, the site of an obese person is rare.
A study published in 2008 found that yerba mate helped neutralize free radicals and protect mice from DNA damage, a hallmark of cancer and other diseases.
A number of studies have linked chronic consumption of yerba mate with increased risk of bladder, esophageal, lung, and head and neck cancers. Although researchers have yet to determine how or why yerba mate might raise cancer risk, there's evidence that steeping the tea at high temperatures may promote the absorption of certain carcinogenic compounds found in the plant.
Vitalia Natural Medicine can help you gain all the benefits of Yerba Mate by using their extensive knowledge in herbal remedies! Vitalia Natural Medicine is your #1 source for all your natural medicine needs!
In a 2001 study of 47 healthy overweight adults, researchers found that taking a mixed herbal preparation (containing yerba mate, guarana, and damiana) three times daily for 45 days induced significant weight loss. The herbal blend also helped participants feel full more quickly while eating.
More than a drink, Yerba Mate has become a cultural phenomenon throughout South America. Its benefits are obvious. In Buenos Aires, where people carry their Mate with them throughout the day, the site of an obese person is rare.
A study published in 2008 found that yerba mate helped neutralize free radicals and protect mice from DNA damage, a hallmark of cancer and other diseases.
A number of studies have linked chronic consumption of yerba mate with increased risk of bladder, esophageal, lung, and head and neck cancers. Although researchers have yet to determine how or why yerba mate might raise cancer risk, there's evidence that steeping the tea at high temperatures may promote the absorption of certain carcinogenic compounds found in the plant.
Vitalia Natural Medicine can help you gain all the benefits of Yerba Mate by using their extensive knowledge in herbal remedies! Vitalia Natural Medicine is your #1 source for all your natural medicine needs!
Testimonials
Here are what some of our valued patients are saying about us:
"The service you have provided has made it possible for me to be off a strong drug that was sapping all my energy. It is great to feel well again." L.N., Vista
"My pediatrician told me it was normal that my infant was always extremely sick and that there was no way he had allergies at his age. Vitalia doctors worked with nutrition, supplements and homeopathics to make my son a healthy boy." K.S., Carlsbad
"Since we began addressing my health concerns, my anxiety has greatly improved. I can now fall asleep, my sleep medication is cut in half,...my emotions are improved, my concentration is better, and my hot flashes are gone." K.H., Carlsbad
"My daughter was not thriving. She would not eat. Nothing seemed to work. At Vitalia, they took a comprehensive history and after careful consideration made a homeopathic recommendation. After taking the remedy, she now eats and has gained weight. Thank you, again." B.S., Cardiff
Vitalia Natural Medicine is your #1 source for natural and healthy alternative forms of medicine. With such a wide variety of sources and a long history of expertise you are sure to find something that will help you thrive with Vitalia Natural Medicine!
"The service you have provided has made it possible for me to be off a strong drug that was sapping all my energy. It is great to feel well again." L.N., Vista
"My pediatrician told me it was normal that my infant was always extremely sick and that there was no way he had allergies at his age. Vitalia doctors worked with nutrition, supplements and homeopathics to make my son a healthy boy." K.S., Carlsbad
"Since we began addressing my health concerns, my anxiety has greatly improved. I can now fall asleep, my sleep medication is cut in half,...my emotions are improved, my concentration is better, and my hot flashes are gone." K.H., Carlsbad
"My daughter was not thriving. She would not eat. Nothing seemed to work. At Vitalia, they took a comprehensive history and after careful consideration made a homeopathic recommendation. After taking the remedy, she now eats and has gained weight. Thank you, again." B.S., Cardiff
Vitalia Natural Medicine is your #1 source for natural and healthy alternative forms of medicine. With such a wide variety of sources and a long history of expertise you are sure to find something that will help you thrive with Vitalia Natural Medicine!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Meet the Vitalia Doctor
Natasha Wolf received her Honors Bachelor degree in Life Sciences from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. She then attended Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, an accredited four-year Naturopathic Medical School, where she was awarded a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. She is a licensed Naturopathic doctor in California and a member of both the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the California Naturopathic Doctor's Association.Dr. Wolf believes strongly in the connection between mind, body and spirit and that there is an inherent ability of the body to heal itself. She brings a unique, personal approach to her medicine combining an extensive background in homeopathy with knowledge of herbal medicines, nutrient therapy, physical medicine, nutrition and lifestyle counseling to customize a natural, non-toxic treatment plan for each individual.
Dr. Wolf practices general family medicine with an emphasis on women's health. Trained as a primary care doctor, she can effectively treat all women's health, men's health, children's medicine and acute conditions. Some conditions she has worked with include:
Menopause
Arthritis
High blood pressure
PMS
Immune system disorders
Allergies
Digestive disorders
Fatigue
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Autoimmune disorders
Thyroid and other endocrine related problems
Diabetes
AIDS and HIV
Cancer support
Detoxification.
Dr. Wolf works with people individually to identify health goals, assist patients in attaining those goals while increasing wellness, vitality and peace in their lives.
Here are what some of her clients are saying abour Dr. Wolf:
"The service you have provided has made it possible for me to be off a strong drug that was sapping all my energy. It is great to feel well again." L.N., Vista
"My pediatrician told me it was normal that my infant was always extremely sick and that there was no way he had allergies at his age. Vitalia doctors worked with nutrition, supplements and homeopathics to make my son a healthy boy." K.S., Carlsbad
If traditional medicine and cures are not working for you, or you believe that natural cures are something you would like to try, visit Vitalia Natural Medicine to see if it's right for you. Simply give them a call at (760) 720-NATURE (6288) or send them an email at mail@vitalianaturalmedicine.com to set up an appointment!
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