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.
Friday, February 12, 2010
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.
Natural Ways to Cure an Enlarged Prostate
A male reproductive gland surrounding the urethra, the prostate is responsible for producing semen. Enlargement of the prostate gland (often referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) occurs in many men as they get older.
Although it can lead to some complications involving the bladder, an enlarged prostate won't increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
When tissues in the prostate enlarge, they may apply pressure to the urethra and partially block urine flow. This may trigger the following symptoms:
•difficulty starting urination
•weak urine stream
•inability to urinate
•dribbling at the end of urination
•incomplete emptying of the bladder
•incontinence
•frequent urination at nighttime
•pain with urination
Less than half of men with BPH show symptoms.
Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
Some men experience BPH-related complications such as bladder stones, bladder damage, urinary tract infections, and kidney damage. In these cases, doctors may pursue treatment with medication, surgery, and non-surgical therapies.
In other cases, however, self-care should suffice in treatment of BPH.
Home Remedies for Enlarged Prostate
Your doctor may suggest using the following self-care strategies to manage your BPH symptoms:
•urinating as soon as you get the urge
•avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially at night
•avoiding drinking fluids within two hours of bedtime
•getting regular exercise
•decreasing your stress with the help of practices like yoga and meditation
You may also need to limit your use of over-the-counter cold and sinus medications containing decongestants or antihistamines, both of which may aggravate your symptoms. Certain natural remedies for cold and sinus problems may help reduce your need for such medications.
Although it can lead to some complications involving the bladder, an enlarged prostate won't increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
When tissues in the prostate enlarge, they may apply pressure to the urethra and partially block urine flow. This may trigger the following symptoms:
•difficulty starting urination
•weak urine stream
•inability to urinate
•dribbling at the end of urination
•incomplete emptying of the bladder
•incontinence
•frequent urination at nighttime
•pain with urination
Less than half of men with BPH show symptoms.
Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
Some men experience BPH-related complications such as bladder stones, bladder damage, urinary tract infections, and kidney damage. In these cases, doctors may pursue treatment with medication, surgery, and non-surgical therapies.
In other cases, however, self-care should suffice in treatment of BPH.
Home Remedies for Enlarged Prostate
Your doctor may suggest using the following self-care strategies to manage your BPH symptoms:
•urinating as soon as you get the urge
•avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially at night
•avoiding drinking fluids within two hours of bedtime
•getting regular exercise
•decreasing your stress with the help of practices like yoga and meditation
You may also need to limit your use of over-the-counter cold and sinus medications containing decongestants or antihistamines, both of which may aggravate your symptoms. Certain natural remedies for cold and sinus problems may help reduce your need for such medications.
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.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Natural Cough Relief
In many cases, coughing occurs as a symptom of a short-term illness, such as the common cold, bronchitis, or the flu.
Chronic coughs, on the other hand, may be caused by one of the following conditions:
•asthma
•allergies
•chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
•gastroesophageal reflux disease
Chronic cough may also result from smoking or from use of some medications.
If your cough lasts longer than two to three weeks, consult your physician to check for an underlying health problem.
Natural Cough Remedies:
Although they won't cure the condition causing your cough, the following may provide natural cough relief:
1) Honey
In a 2009 study, researchers found that honey may decrease the frequency and severity of cough more effectively than the over-the-counter cough-suppressing drug dextromethorphan. Try adding honey to tea, or taking a spoonful on its own.
2) Marshmallow
Compounds extracted from marshmallow (an herb said to soothe irritated tissue) may provide significant cough-suppressing benefits, according to an animal study published in 2007. Marshmallow can be taken in tea form.
3) Mullein
Available in lozenge, powder, and supplement form, mullein is a common weed that contains compounds said to act as demulcents (substances that relieve irritation or inflammation in the throat) and expectorants (agents for loosening mucus and making it easier to cough up). Although mullein hasn't been specifically studied for its effects on cough, it has long been used to treat coughs in herbal medicine.
Vitalia Natural Medicine is your #1 source for natural ways to relieve a cough! Choose Vitalia Natural Medicine for your naturopathy needs!
Chronic coughs, on the other hand, may be caused by one of the following conditions:
•asthma
•allergies
•chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
•gastroesophageal reflux disease
Chronic cough may also result from smoking or from use of some medications.
If your cough lasts longer than two to three weeks, consult your physician to check for an underlying health problem.
Natural Cough Remedies:
Although they won't cure the condition causing your cough, the following may provide natural cough relief:
1) Honey
In a 2009 study, researchers found that honey may decrease the frequency and severity of cough more effectively than the over-the-counter cough-suppressing drug dextromethorphan. Try adding honey to tea, or taking a spoonful on its own.
2) Marshmallow
Compounds extracted from marshmallow (an herb said to soothe irritated tissue) may provide significant cough-suppressing benefits, according to an animal study published in 2007. Marshmallow can be taken in tea form.
3) Mullein
Available in lozenge, powder, and supplement form, mullein is a common weed that contains compounds said to act as demulcents (substances that relieve irritation or inflammation in the throat) and expectorants (agents for loosening mucus and making it easier to cough up). Although mullein hasn't been specifically studied for its effects on cough, it has long been used to treat coughs in herbal medicine.
Vitalia Natural Medicine is your #1 source for natural ways to relieve a cough! Choose Vitalia Natural Medicine for your naturopathy needs!
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!
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!
Yoga and Cancer
Yoga is a mind-body exercise that originated in India more than 4,000 years ago. A fundamental component of ayurveda (the traditional medicine system of India), yoga combines precise postures, deep breathing, and meditation in order to promote physical and emotional health.
Yoga For People With Cancer
Studies suggest that yoga may offer many benefits for people coping with cancer. Here's a look at some key findings.
1) Relieving Anxiety
Yoga may help ease anxiety in breast cancer outpatients, according to a 2009 study of 98 outpatients assigned to receive either yoga training or a brief therapy session prior to undergoing surgery. The study also showed that daily yoga sessions helped manage treatment-related side effects.
2) Reducing Stress
Breast cancer outpatients who practice yoga may have lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than those who don't practice yoga, according to a study published in 2009.
3) Improving Quality of Life
In a pilot study published in 2006, researchers found that a seven-week yoga program significantly improved quality of life for cancer survivors. The researchers also observed a significant improvement in emotional function among the study's 20 yoga-practicing participants.
4) Enhancing Sleep Quality
A 2004 study of 39 lymphoma patients indicates that weekly yoga sessions may help reduce sleep disturbance, improve sleep quality, lengthen sleep duration, and reduce the use of sleep medications.
Vitalia Natural Medicine has all the resources you will need to get involved in yoga to help relieve symptoms of cancer! Choose Vitalia Natural Medicine for all your naturopathy needs!
Yoga For People With Cancer
Studies suggest that yoga may offer many benefits for people coping with cancer. Here's a look at some key findings.
1) Relieving Anxiety
Yoga may help ease anxiety in breast cancer outpatients, according to a 2009 study of 98 outpatients assigned to receive either yoga training or a brief therapy session prior to undergoing surgery. The study also showed that daily yoga sessions helped manage treatment-related side effects.
2) Reducing Stress
Breast cancer outpatients who practice yoga may have lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than those who don't practice yoga, according to a study published in 2009.
3) Improving Quality of Life
In a pilot study published in 2006, researchers found that a seven-week yoga program significantly improved quality of life for cancer survivors. The researchers also observed a significant improvement in emotional function among the study's 20 yoga-practicing participants.
4) Enhancing Sleep Quality
A 2004 study of 39 lymphoma patients indicates that weekly yoga sessions may help reduce sleep disturbance, improve sleep quality, lengthen sleep duration, and reduce the use of sleep medications.
Vitalia Natural Medicine has all the resources you will need to get involved in yoga to help relieve symptoms of cancer! Choose Vitalia Natural Medicine for all your naturopathy needs!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
