1.1.Echinacea is an herb best known as a cold preventative, blood cleanser and immune system booster. However, a little known benefit of Echinacea is that even long-standing cases of eczema respond well to Echinacea tablets (available at health food stores) within several days.

2.Amaranth tea is another effective eczema treatment. Here’s the formula: you’ll need two teaspoons of amaranth seeds and, if available, 1 teaspoon of amaranth leaves. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, add the amaranth seeds and simmer for five minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and add the leaves. Steep for 30 minutes. (If you can’t find the leaves, don’t worry – it’s not essential, but does increase the effectiveness.) When cool, use as a wash, twice daily.
3.Here’s another natural eczema treatment which, while being a bit unusual, is highly effective. For each treatment, combine one tablespoon of peeled, raw, grated potato with 2/3 teaspoon of uncooked, granulated quick-cooking tapioca. Add just enough water to make a thick, sticky paste. Spread the paste on several layers of gauze and fasten to the affected area with medical adhesive tape. Change every day, repeating until relief is obtained.

4.Watercress tea for an eczema treatment? You bet! Thoroughly wash 1 large bunch of watercress and place in a stainless steel saucepan, with just sufficient water to cover the greens. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, simmering slowly until the watercress is quite tender. Strain the cress well, through a few layers of cheesecloth and refrigerate. Bathe the affected area(s) a few times each day, with a piece of soft cloth. For comfort’s sake, a soft linen works best.

5.Would you believe that horseradish root can treat eczema? Yes, indeed and quite effectively. Grate a 3-4 inch piece of fresh horseradish root, put it into a glass bottle and cover with apple cider vinegar. Set the covered jar on a sunny window ledge for 10 days. Strain the horseradish root out and refrigerate the remaining liquid. For each application, dilute the vinegar with equal parts of water and apply daily.

6. Some cases of eczema respond well to warm water combined with a couple of teaspoons of blackstrap molasses. Soak the affected area frequently in this bath each day. In addition to the soaking, take a teaspoon of molasses by mouth, several times a day. Note that diabetics should not use this treatment!

7. Our last natural eczema treatment is for dry eczema only, as it will make weeping eczema worse! Take 1 capsule of propolis twice daily, for 3-4 days, then follow up with one application of the propolis cream daily, until the eczema is relieved. (Propolis capsules and cream are available at health food stores.) Note that about 1 in every 2,000 persons have an allergic reaction to propolis. Should you develop a rash, discontinue use. The rash will disappear upon discontinuing the propolis.

You’ll surely agree that eczema is no fun! One of these natural eczema treatments will work well for you and you’ll save time and money, too!

Acupunture and acupressure are two of the most popular forms of alternative therapies. They are both cure-all sorts of treatments in the sense that either of them can be used to treat or cure a number of illnesses and pains and aches. How does it work? Well, the long and short of it is that by targeting specific points on the body, you can release or stimulate different neural activities for different zones of the body. For example, for constant lower back pain, an acupunturist might search for a specific pressure point where the subtle reflexes that occur from the acupunture will trigger neural relief for the lower back pain. As far as alternative therapies go, acupuncture is one of the most consistently satisfactory for the patients. Scientific studies of the past couple of years have indicated that this is a valid alternative to traditional medication in some cases.The other rage in alternative therapies is herbalism or the use of natural occuring herbs and plants to treat illnesses and boost the body’s health. Common among them are herbs and other natural products that will increase stamina or energy or reduce stress. Many of these herbal remedies vary based on the person taking them and other dietary factors. In addition, many herbal remedies can cost as much as pharmaceutical drugs and services.

The great thing about alternative therapies is the amount of exposure they’ve gotten over the past couple of decades. They are increasingly the subject of numerous scientific studies and analysis. Why is this a good thing? Because at some point in the future traditional medicine, alternative therapies and scientific medicine will all come together and offer the very best medical coverage for you and your family.

But instead of jumping right into a new exercise routine, I had to try to figure out which poses and stretches would work best for me. The key to using yoga for back pain is being able to identify your problems so you can do exercises to strengthen those areas. I already knew that my issues were caused by years of playing sports, followed by years of sitting at a desk job for upwards of 8 hours per day. Plus, I have to admit that my mattress has seen better days. It sags in the middle and does not come close to providing enough support. Is it any wonder that I now have to turn to yoga for back pain relief?

Anyway, I obviously need exercises that will target my lower spine and the surrounding muscles. I checked a few different websites, and found lots of great programs that maximize the benefits of yoga for back pain. These exercise programs consist of simple stretches that can increase in intensity once you build up some strength and stamina. They’re easy enough for beginners to do on their own, so I don’t have to worry about messing anything up in that regard. In addition, I discovered many balance activities that are meant to help improve posture. Proper posture is also a critical element in eliminating minor spinal aches and pains, so I intend to incorporate these exercises into my routine as well.Those of you who want a more intense workout will be happy to know that you can purchase DVDs aimed at people interested in yoga for back pain relief. There are many advantages to watching a DVD rather than just looking at a website, including the fact that you’ll have an instructor talking you through the moves. The instructor can tell you what you’re doing right or wrong, and potentially help prevent accidental injuries. For this reason, I think I’m going to go ahead and buy a couple of these DVD workouts for myself.

I’m not saying that doing yoga for back pain will be the ultimate answer for all sufferers, but I do believe that it’s at least worth a try. Just be sure to do the exercises for at least a month or two before making up your mind, because it’s unrealistic to expect results overnight!