Holistic Approach to Depression

Millions of individuals suffer from clinical or symptomatic depression. If you are one of them, you can experience great benefit from some specific attention to their own health as well as guidance from a health professional who understands the basic tenets of natural medicine.

Natural medicine is consistent with the rhythms of nature and how nature is organized. Historically, there has been a commitment in medicine to do no harm, and when you are using natural substances such as herbs and working at a gradual pace, the likelihood of doing harm is almost completely eliminated.

Because depressions symptoms can be all over the board and sometimes quite contrary to each other, finding the right herbal medicine for treatment can be tricky. For instance, some symptoms for one may include chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, excessive sleep, loss of appetite, excessive appetite, headaches, backaches, joint aches, bowel disorders, as well as feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy.

The next person will complain of tension, stress, chronic headaches, chronic stomach aches, bowel problems, chronic nutritional deficiencies, chronic allergies, chronic physical disorder, poor diet, excessive sugar and caffeine intake, endocrine disorder such as hypothyroidism, endometriosis, lack of sun exposure, and assaults from the environment such as toxic metals.

Garlic as a Natural Medicine

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicine from plants. Ancient Sanskrit documents describe garlic remedies being used in India 5,000 years ago. Chinese medicine has used the healing and beneficial health qualities of garlic for over 3,000 years. In 1858, Louis Pasteur praised the anti-bacterial properties of garlic. World War I surgeons used garlic juice to fight infections in wounds. Garlic was also used as an antibiotic during World War II. Garlic has been used as a spice for food for centuries because of it s ability to kill germs that cause food to spoil. Roman senator, naturalist and scholar, Pliney the Elder, recorded the beneficial effects of garlic on human health. In Marseilles, in 1722, garlic was the main medicine used to prevent and treat the plague. Dr. Albert Schweitzer used garlic as an antiseptic in his hospital. Garlic is actually licensed as a drug in Japan.

Garlic contains a sulphur compound called allicin. Allicin is what gives garlic it s taste and aroma and is thought to be the key ingredient that gives garlic it s natural health benefits.

Garlic kills 30 types of bacteria that are known to cause intestinal disorders and digestive problems. Garlic has been used for hundreds of years to treat dysentery. Garlic has been known to help kill intestinal worms and other parasites. Garlic also has antifungal properties to prevent and help treat intestinal disorders such as candida. Garlic s antifungal qualities has also been used to treat fungal and bacterial skin infections as well as infections of the lung, sinus, bladder, vagina, colds and flu.

Natural Medicine: A Lost Art?

Natural medicine can be considered as a lost art. This does not mean that it has lost efficacy over time. In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine

Before we continue, it is important to stress that not all the natural remedies are legitimate. It would help to only try those remedies which have been thoroughly studied and are relatively risk free.

Take herbal medicine for example. There are many well-documented and studied herbal remedies available. However, only those that deal with minor ailments such as cough, colds, fever, skin rashes, and the like are likely to be recommended by health professionals. These remedies are sometimes superior to synthetic medicine. This is because herbal medicines are less likely to cause negative side effects.

Currently there are numerous organizations that study the effects and advocacy of natural medicine among which is herbal medicine. Some governments and health agencies openly advocate the use of natural methods since they are inexpensive and relatively risk-free.

As their studies compile, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines. However, many herbs and treatments have been proven to be bogus medicine. This represents a challenge for both the user and the agencies because they have to ascertain that the treatments they either use or advocate are legitimate.

Hot Cayenne Pepper

Another excellent herb to include as part of your daily dietary regime is cayenne pepper.

One of the foremost compounds in cayenne is capsaicin, which gives the herb its “hotness” and spiciness. Somewhat ironically, this substance actually gives cayenne the soothing effect it has on one’s digestive tract. Digestive tract ailments such as stomach cramps and acid reflux could thus benefit from the use of cayenne.

Cayenne’s most potent healthful property is its ability to stimulate circulation. It raises body temperature and improves blood circulation; if you have ever taken cayenne pepper and felt your face flush, you would know all about this. In this regard, cayenne benefits various circulatory conditions, and also gives heart and overall cardiovascular health a boost.

Further, cayenne has the effect of improving the fast and even distribution of nutrients which are consumed; for this reason, cayenne is included as part of many herbal formulas, to improve the effectiveness of other herbs which are used. Indeed, whatever natural health remedies you are using, cayenne can be very helpful.

Cayenne also helps to regulate your blood pressure, provide relief from inflammatory joint conditions, lessen pain and itching, tackle infections, improve digestion, relieve constipation as well as alleviate sore throats.

In addition, cayenne is able to stop bleeding quickly and effectively, and this applies to both internal and external bleeding. Because of this and the other properties of cayenne, this herb has been used for numerous emergency type situations, including fainting, shocks, bleeding, and even strokes and heart attacks.

Ground cayenne, in powder form, can be added to meals or mixed with warm water and consumed as a tea. Generally speaking, the hotter the peppers, the more powerful their health properties will be. Cayenne which is rated at about 200,000 heat units can be considered very strong. Liquid extracts can also be used, although those are more commonly used in emergency situations. Even if you do not consume cayenne regularly, this herb is very useful to have in your herbal cabinet.

Almost like garlic, cayenne has quite literally too many health benefits to mention in a short article. And, also like garlic, cayenne is a potent herb, and your body might thus take some time to adjust to it. As always, it is a good idea to start with a small dosage and slowly work your way up. One possible starting dosage is 1/8 teaspoon of powered cayenne per day, with the final target a daily dose of 3 teaspoons.

Hawthorn for Heart Health

A tree native to Europe, North America, and northern Asia, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) produces berries that contain potent antioxidants. Extracts of the berries (as well as hawthorn leaves and flowers) have long been used in herbal medicine. In the United States, hawthorn products are typically marketed for their effects on heart health.

Uses for Hawthorn
Hawthorn is purported to help treat the following health problems:

•indigestion
•angina
•atherosclerosis
•congestive heart failure
•high blood pressure
Benefits of Hawthorn
The antioxidants in hawthorn are thought to boost heart health by strengthening blood vessels and stimulating blood flow.

Although hawthorn's health effects have yet to be extensively studied in the United States, research suggests that hawthorn extracts may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of these cardiovascular problems:

1) Chronic Heart Failure

Hawthorn may help manage symptoms and improve physiologic outcomes when used as a supporting treatment for chronic heart failure, according to a 2008 research review of 14 studies (including a total of 855 chronic heart failure patients). The review's findings indicate that treatment with hawthorn may lead to improvement in exercise tolerance and in symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.

2) High Blood Pressure

In a pilot study published in 2002, 38 mildly hypertensive volunteers were assigned to a daily supplement of 600 mg of magnesium, 500 mg of hawthorn extract, a combination of magnesium and hawthorn, or a placebo. After 10 weeks, the 19 subjects who took hawthorn extract showed a greater reduction in resting diastolic blood pressure than other study members. What's more, hawthorn-taking participants were found to have lower levels of anxiety.

In a more recent study, published in 2006, scientists discovered that hawthorn helped lower blood pressure among individuals taking prescription drugs to treat their type 2 diabetes.

3) Atherosclerosis

An animal study published in 2009 suggests that hawthorn may help reduce levels of blood fats (including cholesterol) and aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries).

Should You Take Hawthorn?
Given the extremely serious nature of heart disease, it's crucial not to attempt to self-treat a heart condition with hawthorn (or any other herbal remedy). Make sure to consult your physician if you're considering the use of hawthorn in treatment of a heart problem.

Nettle for Allergies

Also known as "stinging nettle" or "nettles," nettle (Urtica dioica) is an herbal remedy derived from the leaves or root of the stinging nettle bush

In herbal medicine, nettle has long been used to treat a number of health problems, including:

•muscle pain
•joint pain
•eczema
•arthritis
•gout
•anemia
•hay fever
•urinary tract infections
•tendonitis
•insect bites

Although research on nettle's health effects is limited, studies suggest that the herb may show promise in treatment of the following conditions:

1) Enlarged Prostate

A research review published in 2007 indicates that nettle may help relieve complaints associated with enlargement of the prostate gland (a condition also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia). However, the review authors note that more studies need to confirm the herb's beneficial effects before nettle can be recommended as a treatment option for men with enlarged prostate.

2) Allergies

A number of studies show that nettle may help manage allergies and ease symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching. In one study published in 2009, scientists discovered that nettle may help treat allergies by reducing inflammation.

3) Osteoarthritis

A small study (published in 2000) found that topically applied nettle may help ease osteoarthritis pain.

Vitalia Natural Medicine can help you discover the benefits and side-effect of using nettle! Choose Vitalia Natural Medicine for all your naturopathy needs!

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!

Herbal Remedies for Depression

In any given year, nearly 20 million adults in the United States have depression. Most people with depression do not seek treatment, although the majority can be helped with treatment. The first step is to talk with your doctor, because depression is a serious illness that shouldn't be self-treated.

Here is a list of some natural herbal remedies that may treat depression:

1) St. John's Wort. This herb has been shown to be more effective than placebo to treat mild to moderate depression. It also has very few side effect. Although, it may interfere with other drugs meant to combat HIV, other anti-depressants, drugs for treatment of organ transplant rejections, and oral contraceptives.

2) omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of good fat needed for normal brain function. Our bodies can't make omega-3s on their own, so we must obtain them through our diet. Studies have linked depression with low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids. In countries with higher fish consumption, such as Japan and Taiwan, the depression rate is 10 times lower than in North American. Postpartum depression is also less common.

3) SAM-e or S-adenosyl-L-methionine. It's a chemical that's found naturally in the human body and is believed to increase levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.

4) Folic Acid. Folic acid, also called folate, is a B vitamin that is often deficient in people who are depressed. Folate is found in green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruit, beans, and fortified grains. It's one of the most common vitamin deficiencies.

Vitalia Natural Medicine is committed to using natural and holistic ways to help treat medical conditions you face. This also involves the use of herbal remedies to combat health problems and concerns. Visit Vitalia Natural Medicine today and start feeling healthy again naturally!

Gallstones Treatment

To begin with, let us discuss what gallstones are. They are a build-up of minerals that form pebble-like substances in the gallbladder. Bile is the substance responsible for helping your body digest fat, but when bile contains too much cholesterol or other substances it can harden into gallstones. These gallstones can then block the normal passage of bile that can lead to pain.

There are a variety of natural medicines that can help you fend off these gallstones that do not require the use of any toxic substances. One solution to help prevent and rid yourself of gallstones is to eat more fiber. You can add more fiber to your diet by consuming more whole grains, flaxseed, legumes, and psyllium seeds. Or you can take fiber tablets which are vitamin supplements to give you the fiber you need without having to eat the fiber directly.

Another treatment for gallstones is to consume more vitamin C. Research has shown that women with higher levels of consumption of vitamin C helped reduce their risk for getting gallstones by nearly 50%. Vitamin C is responsible for breaking cholesterol down into bile acids, is available in all citrus fruits, broccoli, and kale. You can also take a vitamin C supplement to help you intake more.

Milk Thistle is also a natural solution to gallstones. Silibinin, the main ingredient found in milk thistle, has been found to reduce the cholesterol levels in bile, which may prevent gallstones from forming.

Vitalia Natural Medicine is a source to help you use natural remedies over conventional medicine. Vitalia Natural Medicine is dedicated to improving your health and that of your family by providing effective, non-toxic health care. They are a group of naturopathic doctors, trained as primary care providers, who use natural therapies to bring the body, mind, and spirit into balance.

Feverfew for Migraines

Feverfew is a plant that belongs to the sunflower family. It has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy in European folk medicine. It contains a compound called parthenolide, which might be able to ease muscle spasms, reduce inflammation, and prevent the contriction of blood vessels in the brain.

As far as herbal medicine goes, feverfew is often used to treat: migraines, arthritis, psoriasis, menstrual cramps, asthma, skin conditions, and stomach aches. Although scientific study on feverfew is limited, there is research to suggest that feverfew does have healing properties on these conditions.

Feverfew is available in capsule, tablet, and liquid extract form, and is available in many health food stores. There are also some side effects an individual might encounter when using feverfew, such as mild stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, and flatulence. Also, patients who stop long-term use of feverfew sometimes experience withdrawal like symptoms such as muscle stiffness, moderate pain, and/or anxiety. If you're allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, or marigold you may be sensitive to feverfew. Finally, if you're takin an anticoagulant or anttplatelet medication, you should consult your doctor before use.

Vitalia Natural Medicine can help you determine if feverfew may be a good choice for you. Vitalia Natural Medicine is dedicated to improving your health and that of your family by providing effective, non-toxic health care. They are a group of naturopathic doctors, trained as primary care providers, who use natural therapies to bring the body, mind, and spirit into balance.

Botanical (Herbal) Medicines

Herbal remedies have been used by all cultures since the beginning of time. Many modern pharmaceutical drugs are derived from plants, but the plants are altered, refined, and synthetically produced. Naturopathic doctors believe the unaltered, natural form of the plant provides the most desirable medicinal response with fewer to no side effects.

Herbs can be taken in many forms:

• Herbal Tea


• Compress


• Poultice


• Tincture


• Syrup


• Gargle


• Douche


• Salve

Herbal Tea: Leaves, flowers, or roots of a plant can be made into tea. Flowers and leaves are infused; roots are decocted. An infusion is a liquid preparation made by steeping an herb in either hot (not boiling) or cold water. A decoction is a liquid preparation made by boiling an herb root.

Compress: Compresses are used for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: external application of herbs to treat wounds, infections, and muscular/joint/skin conditions.

Poultice: Like the Compress, poultice is also used by applying herbs to treat wounds, infections, and muscular/joint/skin conditions.

Tinctures: Tinctures are a liquid extract of an herb. These are made by placing the herb in a solvent, such as alcohol, and left to sit for several days at least, and the alcohol will draw out the medicinal properties of the herb. Tinctures are more potent than teas, so inessence their medicinal properties are stronger. Tinctures are used to: normalize body functions, improve the immune system, and treat illnesses.

These are just a few holistic remedies used when dealing with naturopathic doctors and medicines. To find out what is right for you, visit Vitalia Natural Medicine, and they will be happy to assist you in becoming healthier through natural means!

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!