naturaltherapyblog.org

Herbal users ignoring scientific guidelines

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:45:00 +0000

Herbal dietary products have immensely gained popularity in countries like US but people are still failing to suck out full advantage from these products because when it comes to follow scientific guidelines, most people turn a blind eye to these guidelines. This fact loomed out from a survey that tracked more than 2,000 adults and found that 71 per cent of these people were regularly taking vitamins, minerals, herbal products and homeopathic medicines. It is quite startling that 2/3 of the people who use herbs don’t follow the guidelines, which need to be followed strictly. This underlying situation looks grimmer when researchers unveil the fact that where sales of these herbal supplements was just $8.8 billion in 1994, while in the year 2003 it touched the figure of $18.8 billion. These figures compel to think that majority of people is misusing these herbal supplements, which may lead to serious consequences. In this situation, responsibility lies on doctors, as only they can make people realize the importance of following the guidelines that comes with these herbal supplements. Giving out similar views Dr. Bardia asserted: Physicians, pharmacists and other health professionals should proactively educate consumers and advocate for public health policies that would disseminate evidence-based information regarding the appropriate use of herbs. Image Via: CBC

Bee sting therapy can cure a myriad of diseases

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:44:00 +0000

Years old folk remedy for treating several health ailments like arthritis, back pain, rheumatism and several other health disorders is well known. Here I am talking about been venom. In the recent years once again this years old remedy is gaining popularity. How to deal with ,In the above picture, you can see a Chinese patient receiving been venom treatment for rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nasal membranes. Practitioners believe that such pinpointed stings can repair damaged cells, ease inflammation and help staving off bacteria. Here is a look back at the important studies regarding been venom treatment:- Bee Venom Therapy. Bee venom successively treats men’s most precious organ. Bee Venom Therapy–A stinging endorsement. Via: spluch.blogspot

Herbal Echinacea may protect from common cold

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:43:00 +0000

According to scientists echinacea can be used to prevent the common cold and it has the ability to lower the risk of contracting the disease by more than fifty percent, the time period of cold by 1 and 1/2 day. The result of the study is published in ‘The Lancet Infectious Diseases’. The study results are contradictory with other studies which that it has no benefits. Few of the experts assured that echinacea a group of 9 associated plant species belonging to North America, work by energizing the person’s immunity. The lead researcher of the study is — Dr Craig Coleman from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. The study results are the combination of the results of 14 studies done on echinacea’s anti-cold functions. When echinacea was consumed along with vitamin C. The combination then lowered cold occurrence by 86 percent. When this herbal remedy is used only than it lowered the cold by 65 percent. And when people were vaccinated with the rhinovirus (which is considered to be the most common of all the viruses) that can cause cold, echinacea lowered the cold occurrence by 35 percent. The researcher discovered that nearly 800 products that contain the echinacea are already present in the market. Different parts of a plant like its root, flower, and stem were used to make these products. Professor Ron Cutler, of the University of East London, said in a prepared statement: The true benefits, and more importantly, how the agents work remains unclear and further better-controlled actual clinical trials still have to be carried out. The rhinoviruses cause nearly half of all the common colds among kids and adults. School goers normally get 7 to 10 colds in a year, and adults up to 2 to 5. Common colds and flu are transmitted through hand to hand contact and generally by the contact of floors, places etc touched by the entire passerby. Echinacea may lower the time period of sickness and reduces the seriousness of coughing, headache, and also the nasal blocking. Image credit Source

Herbal remedy could flush out bladder infections

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:42:00 +0000

New research suggests that an herbal extract sold in health food stores may improve treatment of bladder infections when it is taken with antibiotics. About 90 percent of urinary tract infections in the bladder are caused by E. coli bacteria. These infections afflict women four times as often as men, and in a large number of cases, the infection returns within weeks of antibiotic treatment. Researchers at Duke University reported in today’s online edition of Nature Medicine that some bacteria were able to hide in lined small pouches in the bladder. Those pouches allow it to stretch as it fills. The lead researcher says that in tests in mice, the extract can cause the pouches to kick out the bacteria, allowing antibiotics to kill them. The next step for the researchers is to experiment in larger animals to see if they can completely eliminate a bladder infection. The herbal extract is available in health food stores and some people take it by mouth as a supplement. It is promoted as a treatment for allergies, breathing problems and even fat loss. However, researchers warn that people should not take forskolin and attempt to treat themselves for bladder infections. Urinary tract infections must be treated with antibiotics because they can quickly spread to the kidneys, so infected people needed to see their doctor. But the fact that forskolin is being used by some people does help indicate it is safe. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health. Via: USA TODAY

Does mistletoe really fights cancer?

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:41:00 +0000

What to believe and what not to believe, such abstruse questions are hovering round mistletoe extract and compelling to reconsider whether mistletoe extract contain anti-cancer properties or not because where in some of the European countries like Germany, mistletoe extract is believed to have anti-cancer properties. On the other hand, a section of scientists has come up opposing such beliefs, saying that mistletoe extract does not contain anti-cancer properties. Backing this view Edzard Ernst, MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCPEd, in BMJ says, ‘I recommend mistletoe as a Christmas decoration and for kissing under, but not as an anticancer drug.’ This time moving on the same track researchers have given air to the view that using mistletoe for treating cancer is just like befooling a cancer patients. These contradiction statements are bound to leave a patient with cancer in a fix, since such contradicting statements has turned mistletoe extract as a doubtful thing. Therefore, it is quite important to come up with concrete evidences to prove any side of the claims or cancer patients would be the worst suffers. Image credit: Irish Health Via: Ivanhoe

Chinese herbs can lower the menstrual pain

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:40:00 +0000

According to a recent study, Chinese herbs can be more effective in reducing menstrual pains if compared to normally used medicines, acupuncture method or heat treatment procedure. The researchers monitored approximately 3,500 females of few countries and finally came out with such assumption. Researchers mentioned that during the course of study these Chinese herbs not only provided relief from the unbearable pain of menstruation, but it also lowered the risk of its comeback in every three months. The methods which are used for treating the menstrual pains are following – 1. Placebo 2. Birth control tablets 3. Acupuncture 4. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) 5. Heat treatment 6. Chinese herbal remedy Chinese herbal treatment was found to be more effective in reducing menstrual pains in comparison to all the other methods given above. There were no proper proofs to state that herbal remedy is better than placebo and other methods. No major side effects were reported. Menstrual pain affects the health of nearly 50 % adult or matured females and also of — 60 % to 85 % teenager females; as a result they more often miss their schools & jobs. Although the cause is yet under discussion, it is thought to be associated with a disproportion in the hormones of ovary. The Chinese herbs have been utilized from a very long time to cure this type of condition & most of the females want to undergo this type of medications more and more. The investigation involved 39 assessments, out of which 36 took place in China, & rest three took place in – Japan, Taiwan & the Netherlands respectively. The herbal mixtures which were given subjects were approved herbs & that revitalized their energy, nourished the blood & improved the functioning of their liver & kidney. The most commonly used herbs in the herbal medicines are following — Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis (danggui)), cinnamon (cinnamon bark (rougui)), licorice (gancao), peony (white:baishao & reddish:chihhao), Chinese motherwort (yimucao), fennel fruit (huixiang), nut-grass rhizome (xiangfu), Szechuan lovage root (chuanxiong). Nearly 36 females had participated in the trial, approximately 53 % of them who consumed these herbs informed — of not having as much of pain than it was expected normally in comparison to 26 % who were in the placebo group. The researchers of the study mentioned that further studies are required for the reason that only — few people took part in these assessments and also the studies were not up to the mark. The study appeared in the Cochrane Library journal. Image credit Source

Beet Juice: Simplest but an effective tool against hypertension!

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:40:00 +0000

Is high blood pressure a constant threat to your health? If it is, so just relax and have a glassful of beet juice to bring it down. No kidding! Actually, beet juice has been found reducing high blood pressure significantly. The idea got the spark after researchers at Barts and The London School of Medicine found that drinking just 500ml of beetroot juice daily could control your blood pressure, significantly. The study led by Professor Amrita Ahluwalia of the William Harvey Research Institute at Barts and The London School of Medicine, and Professor Ben Benjamin of Peninsula Medical School, revealed that beet juice consumption brought down healthy volunteers’ blood pressure significantly within just 1 hour of ingesting beetroot juice. More interesting is the fact that even after the elapsing of 24 hours some degree of reduction continued to be observed. Isn’t it amazing? This could prove a major milestone in our fight against deadly high blood pressure, as hypertension is still one of the serious health problems, responsible for around 20% deaths, worldwide, one way or the other. Moreover, death toll due to hypertension has spiraled to new heights in the developing countries like Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Mauritius, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Uruguay. All this raise the curtain from a gloomy health. Source

Is Deeside the fount of eternal youth?

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:39:00 +0000

It should give all youth enhancing cream products a run for their money. Research conducted on Deeside Mineral Water shows that it holds anti-ageing properties. Deeside Mineral Water which is collected from the Pannanich Wells near Balmoral Castle, in the Scottish Highlands is believed to contain properties that enhance its purity. On their website Deeside claims the water is of the highest quality and pure. The reason for this is the natural filtration process that the water undergoes. It flows through millions of pores deep within the ancient granite rock, and thereby acquires a unique natural purity. Research conducted on people consuming Deeside on a regular basis showed that it had anti-cancer properties and reduced inflammation in arthritis patients. However, before the water is hailed as a miracle cure for all ails, the company’s MD Martin Simpson is quick to point out that Deeside water is not a miracle cure and does not prevent all ills… The Deeside website contains more information about why their water is so healthy. There are three reasons for this — pH level, electrical conductivity, and REDOX potential. In this age of health consciousness and eternal youth, Deeside is sure to have many takers. To find out more about Deeside, visit their website.

French clay may help cure Buruli ulcer

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:38:00 +0000

Believe it or not, clay seems to be the ultimate answer to your cures.Soon enough, your physician might be prescribing clay to cure your wound. Specially French clay has a lot of medicinal value. Out of most of the clays in the market, French clay has been successful in healing wounds. French clay known as Agricur is very useful for medical purpose. At least that’s what French humanitarian worker Line Brunet de Courssou thinks. The French clay seemed to be very effective when applied to the bodies of the people suffering from Buruli ulcer. The World Health Organization has labeled the Buruli ulcer disease as one of the emerging diseases.How does this clay exactly work? Well, the highly charged up molecular surfaces of clay rips apart the bacterial cells. Clay minerals kill bacteria by a physical process and not a biochemical process. Bacteria types like Salmonella typhimurium have been killed by the French clay. So it is clear that this clay is extremely efficient. I think that Clay therapy is somewhat similar to the idea of applying various types of herbs or oils to human body. Nevertheless, the painstaking approach is useful. Clays have a long history of curing stomach aches.So, clay is clearly a great way to treat your disease or wound. Image Credit: Fromnaturewithlove

Go herbal for a healthy mouth

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:37:00 +0000

A clean mouth is a healthy mouth. Pleasant breath, clean teeth and healthy gums all contribute to a beautiful smile. There are numerous mouth-care products available in the market today. But they should be selected with care as many conventional toothpastes and mouthwashes contain ingredients that are unhealthy or even toxic. Hence is advisable to use herbal products for dental care. Why are natural products beneficial? Most conventional toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market contain unnecessary and sometimes harmful ingredients. As much as we may avoid it, while using the products a certain amount is swallowed or absorbed directly into the bloodstream because the products come into direct contact with the mucous membranes of the mouth.Some of the harmful ingredients are artificial colors ,foaming agent sodium lauryl and fluoride. Although studies show that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, controversy exists over the safety of fluoride because it has been linked to immune dysfunction. Natural toothpastes rely instead on safe cleansing agents like baking soda, salt, and bamboo powder. These toothpastes and mouthwashes are sweetened with vegetable Glycerin. They also contain essential oils such as clove , peppermint, eucalyptus , lavender and neem. Even dental floss is a source of toxic chemicals.Many brands’ nonstick coatings contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which have been linked to Cancer. Healthier choices are natural dental flosses made with vegetable waxes and Beeswax and flavored with essential oils. Home remedies for a healthy mouth Brush and floss daily to sweep away plaque.Use a soft toothbrush as hard toothbrush can wear away tooth enamel.Use mouthwash between meals to remove stray food particles.Once in a while use the simple home tooth whitening treatment.Mix 1 tablespoon each of baking soda ans hydrogen peroxide and brush your teeth with the mixuture for two minutes.Rinse thoroughly and dazzle everyone with your smile! Via:Natural Image1