However, as with many ‘easy’ solutions, there comes a down side. Today, as pharmaceutical medications become more sophisticated, the unwanted side effects of the medication often become greater, sometimes causing another, seemingly unrelated ailment with which the health care practitioner, and patient must deal. The almost guaranteed yeast infection a woman develops after a round of antibiotics is a case in point.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the holistic healer’s methodology enjoyed a resurgence in popularity among people looking for natural health remedies which cured the ailment, but without the unwanted side effects.

Let’s take a look at the differences in approach between the traditional physician and the holistic practitioner. You decide what makes better sense.For example, let’s say you suffer from acne and boils. The traditional physician is likely to prescribe an antibiotic, lance boils and advise you on dietary changes that will help prevent future outbreaks. On the other hand, the holistic healer views the acne and boils as a symptom of an underlying cause, specifically an excess of toxins in the bloodstream. Thus, the holistic physician may prescribe herbal blood cleansers to flush those toxins from your system. Instead of lancing boils, the holistic healer may apply a poultice of herbs which draw out the infection. Both the traditional and holistic healer generally agree on dietary changes.

In summary, the major difference between these two types of health care practitioners is that the M.D. Treats the symptoms, while the holistic professional looks for the root cause of the symptom.

The holistic strategy usually does not effect a cure as quickly as modern pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, the holistic remedies are usually more thorough.

Of course, there are obvious exceptions. If you break your arm in a fall, the traditional route – with a cast – is your best bet.

If you suffer from a heart condition or other serious disease, a naturopathic physician (N.D.) can advise you on the use of pharmaceuticals and plant medicines and how you might be able to transition safely to herbals or possibly combine therapies.

So you decide. The holistic healer’s treatments are certainly worth a look.

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.

Even if you don’t know how to grow plants, you can learn how to grow many herbs quite easily. Herbs like basil, thyme, spearmint, and sage are extremely easy to grow. They do well both indoor and out of doors, and do not require any special attention. In my opinion, the best way to grow herbs plants is to have them in a window box in your living room. That way, when you pass by them, you’ll remember to check on them. As long as you water them frequently enough to keep the soil moist, they should be growing fast enough for you to use in no time.

Of course, certain herbs plants require more attention than others. A lot of these plant herbs are attractive to many insects, so you have to watch out! For example, there are many types of bugs that will eat basil. If too many critters start chewing on your basil, it will start to damage the plant as a whole. This is why it might be a good idea to keep it inside.Growing medicinal herbs is as easy as growing in the other kinds. Unless you’re growing herbs plants for a specific health problem, however, I recommend growing ones that can be used for both health and cooking. Spearmint and ginger, for example, are great herb plant species for helping digestion. You can use them to calm the stomach as easily as they can be used to make a delicious meal. Garlic is great for heart problems, as well as for boosting the immune system. By growing these kinds of useful culinary and medicinal herbs, you can get the most use out of the time and effort you put into growing your herb garden.

There are a number of medications, including nasal sprays, that your doctor may prescribe to alleviate an asthma attack. If you have been diagnosed with asthma, ask your doctor about a common backlash effect that is a side effect of such medications. It’s well documented that such medications may initially bring relief, but eventually bring on acid reflux, another troublesome condition, which may, in the long run, make your asthma worse!

As for dietary considerations, discuss these with your physician as well. Starchy foods, food additives, preservatives and certain dairy products are best avoided in an asthmatic diet.

Although it’s debatable that asthma can be cured, there are a number of natural cures for asthma that have proven to be quite effective in significant numbers of asthma sufferers. Here are eight.

1.Apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural cures for asthma. Use 1 tablespoon, diluted in a cup of water. Drink this once or twice daily, with a meal, at bedtime, or both. A number of asthma sufferers find great relief in the first day of use. While providing relief from asthma, apple cider vinegar combats the acid reflux backlash effect and allergies.

2.While your lips may pucker, a tablespoon of lemon juice, taken an hour before meals can help your breathing problems.

3.Bromelain, which naturally occurs in tropical fruits such as pineapple, is a natural anti-inflammatory which helps to open constricted airways. If you haven’t got a source of fresh pineapple, go to your health food store. Bromelain tablets are natural cures for asthma which are highly effective in a segment of asthmatic patients.4.Your morning coffee may be one of your best friends. Theophylline and theobromine are two naturally occurring components in coffee, which qualify as natural cures for asthma. They are natural bronchodilators. When you feel an attack coming on, reach for a cup of Joe!

5.Elecampane root is the Queen of bronchodilators. You can buy this at any herb shop. Three to four capsules of elecampane root can work wonders in just a few days.

6.Keep a one ounce bottle of oil of eucalyptus on hand. When you feel an attack coming on, just take a whiff of this bronchodilator for quick relief.

7.Garlic and horseradish open up your airways in no time. Consume these with relish!

8.Asthmatics are commonly deficient in vitamin B-12. As a supplement, this nutrient is unsurpassed.

These eight natural cures for asthma can change your life. Always consult your physician, especially when taking prescription medications.

Osteoarthritis is a good news, bad news condition. While it typically gets worse with time, it does not progress as rapidly or painfully as rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, there are no pharmaceutical treatments. All your doctor can do is prescribe a pain killer. On the other hand, there are medications available for rheumatoid arthritis that can slow progress of the disease, as well as pain killers to ease those painful joints.

In both cases, conventional medicine does not offer much, besides some relief of pain. However, you can make use of time-tested natural remedies for arthritis that can actually improve your condition and reduce the need for pain medications. It’s also easy to integrate these foods and herbs into your daily routine.

Bing cherries are a terrific anti-inflammatory. Fresh cherries in season work best, but canned cherries will still offer significant help.

Capsaicin creams are one of the most useful of the natural remedies for arthritis when used as a topical on the affected areas. During cold and damp weather, you’ll find substantial relief from pain and inflammation. The effect can be enhanced by wearing nylon gloves and socks, which help hold the heat.

Turmeric, taken in capsules or prepared in curry dishes is a marvelous addition to your natural remedies for arthritis, that is found to be as effective as cortisone in alleviating symptoms of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Additional benefits include improvements in digestion, reduction of cholesterol and lowers blood sugar, a boon for diabetics.

Alfalfa is another inexpensive and time tested of the natural remedies for arthritis. The best form is the dried powdered leaves. You can buy this at health food stores in capsules. Alfalfa is packed with nutrients and is good for respiratory problems too.

Next in our lineup of natural remedies for arthritis is the Omega-3 fatty acids, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, found in fish. Sardines, salmon, tuna and herring contain high quantities of the Omega-3′s. Alternatively, you can take gel caps from the health food store. As a bonus, taking this supplement reduces your risk of heart problems, reduces bad cholesterol while raising the good cholesterol.One especially tasty spice in your repertoire of natural remedies for arthritis is ginger. Ginger is anti-inflammatory. Make a habit of drinking ginger tea three times a day. Ginger is also beneficial to your heart health.

You’ve probably heard of Evening Primrose oil, but did you know that this plant oil is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory agents discovered to date? Several double-blind studies have demonstrated that the pain experienced by arthritis sufferers was typically reduced by 50%!

If you put all of these natural remedies for arthritis to work for you, you’ll be feeling better soon. Always discuss using any of these with your physician. Good luck!

Very few people are able to get sufficient quantities of vitamin D through their diet. The symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency include aching muscles, as well as weakness and pain in the bones.

Pregnant women who have a vitamin D deficiency will pass this deficiency on to their baby. The first symptoms of deficiency in infants may be muscle spasms, caused by insufficient calcium, due to malabsorption by a lack of vitamin D. If you’re breastfeeding your child, talk with your physician about vitamin D supplementation and exposure to sunlight, in healthy amounts, for your baby. Breastfeeding has many health benefits for your baby, but breast milk contains very little vitamin D.

Older people and people with darker skin are more vulnerable to this deficiency. In both cases, the requirements for vitamin D increase. Older persons may have malabsorption problems. Darker skinned persons do not form the same amounts of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Both groups should probably have a blood test to determine the vitamin D levels in their blood. If you are deficient, consult with your doctor to determine a proper amount of supplementation.

Other repercussions may result from a vitamin D deficiency. For example, your body may try to compensate for the lack of adequate levels of calcium in the blood (caused by inadequate levels of vitamin D), by producing excessive amounts of the parathyroid hormone, eventually resulting in a condition called hyper-parathyroidism. This hormone causes calcium to be drawn out of the bones. In the case of osteoporosis, this naturally worsens your condition.Some health conditions, including genetic disorders, diseases of the kidney or liver, as well as certain medications can impair your body’s ability to convert vitamin D to a usable form.

Vitamin D is stored in the liver and metabolized through the kidneys into its active, or usable form. Only your doctor can determine the dose that’s right for you, so don’t experiment. Effective dosages range from 400 – 2000 i.u’s daily.

If you suspect you have a vitamin D deficiency, have your doctor perform blood tests to determine if this is the case. Vitamin D3 is what you want as the form of supplement, as it’s the most readily metabolized. Fatty fish, such as salmon, are good sources of vitamin D3.

You can see that you can eliminate several annoying aches and pains, while warding off the severity and development of related health conditions. The good news here is that when you restore adequate levels of vitamin D, you eliminate all the problems associated with a vitamin D deficiency. It’s worth checking out!

Interestingly enough, these foods do more than benefit your prostate health. From a holistic standpoint, the healthier you are overall, the better your whole body functions, including the prostate.

At the top of the list is the soybean. The traditional diet in Japan includes plenty of soy and it’s well documented that the incidence of prostate and breast cancer among the Japanese is quite low. Tofu, which is sold in blocks like cheese, comes in various textures, from soft to extra firm. Tofu does not have much of a taste on its own, but readily absorbs the flavor of other foods with which it is cooked. Try dicing some extra firm tofu and soaking it in a chicken, shrimp or vegetable broth. Toss the tofu with some steamed rice and veggies.

There are so many soy products to be found in the supermarkets today, it’s not difficult to make soy a regular part of your diet. Try a soy burger – it does taste like beef, but unlike beef, which you should cut down on if you want to promote prostate health, a soy burger promotes prostate health. Soy milk is another great choice for your prostate’s well being. While several studies suggest that dairy products have a detrimental effect on prostate health, regular consumption of soy milk appears to reduce your chances of prostate problems.

If you just don’t care for the taste of some of the many soy products available, visit your health food store and purchase powdered soy, a concentrated source which is available in capsules.While you’re at the health food store, pick up some extract of Saw Palmetto, or Saw Palmetto berries in capsules. A recent study of more than 1000 men, conducted over a six month period, compared Saw Palmetto with a standard pharmaceutical used to treat prostate problems. The conclusion was that both were effective, but the Saw Palmetto produced less side effects than the pharmaceutical. In another analysis of 18 independent studies, a VA medical center concluded that Saw Palmetto was an effective treatment for prostate problems.

You’ll want to douse your entrees generously with garlic at every opportunity. Many clinical studies have demonstrated that men who eat garlic regularly have far lower incidences of both prostate and bladder cancer. If you’re one of those who dislikes garlic and/or garlic breath, get back to the health food store and pick up some capsules of Kyolic(TM) garlic. This Japanese product does not produce garlic breath and doesn’t upset the stomach.

Lycopene is a compound found in red fruits and veggies, such as apples, tomatoes and red bell peppers. Lycopene is an antioxidant (cancer-fighting) which comes with a bonus. Several studies have shown that a lycopene rich diet results in better prostate health. In particular, red fruits are found to promote prostate health.

So what’s for dinner? How about some chicken flavored tofu, in a fried rice dish with some sweet red bell peppers? For dessert, have a dish of strawberries!

Did you know that aloe vera products have been used for soothing minor burns and other skin problems for over 2000 years? The stuff is even mentioned in the Bible! Talk about a long history of pain relief. But I’ve only recently learned that there are a lot more natural aloe vera products on the market than just the standard-issue gel we use to help calm fierce sunburn.

All aloe vera products come from the well-known succulent plant that looks ever so slightly like a spiky ball of cactus. The gel from the leaves of this famous plant has all sorts of excellent properties that are used for both skin care and cosmetics. What I didn’t know is that there’s a whole new market for aloe vera products that you actually ingest. You can drink it as a juice or take it in tablet or capsule form, and some say that it’s a real help for things like minor digestive problems or naturally boosting the immune system.Whatever the scientific reasoning behind it, I’m a big believer in aloe vera products. I know there’s nothing that feels more wonderful than pulling a big bottle of that wildly colored green gel out of the refrigerator and putting it on a raging sunburn. The cooling effect is instantaneous, and I know that applying it frequently seems to not only keep me from peeling, but helps the burn to fade more quickly. And it’s nice to know that I’m using something on my skin that’s free of chemicals, is all-natural, and has been around for centuries. It’s a skin-care choice I feel good about.

Here are five foods that, eaten regularly, are time tested ways to reduce high blood pressure. Most have several other components that provide additional benefits to your general health, as well as other health conditions that may be associated with high blood pressure. Be sure to consult with your physician and discuss the appropriateness of each of these foods to your specific health picture. Augmenting your medication with these dietary ways to reduce high blood pressure may require more frequent testing of your blood pressure. Your doctor may want to adjust your prescription dosage accordingly.

Garlic is perhaps your most valuable ally in reducing high blood pressure. Garlic contains allium, the active property in effecting a reduction in HBP. Onions also contain allium, although not in as high a concentration. Both garlic and onions reduce high blood pressure, ‘bad’ cholesterol and can prevent blood clots. Garlic is also a natural antibiotic, effective against an array of pathogens. There are so many ways to incorporate garlic and onions into your diet, so load up! Many clinical studies have found that just a couple of large cloves each day can cut your risk of heart attack in half!

Cucumbers – good in a salad seasoned with those garlic and onions – help lower your blood pressure, are good for your digestive tract and can also relieve the symptoms of rheumatism. Cucumbers also have a mild diuretic effect, so mention this to your doctor.

Artichokes are yet another of the effective ways to reduce high blood pressure naturally. If you’re overweight, this is a good addition to that salad plate as well. If you are diabetic, artichokes can help regulate blood sugar levels and provide plenty of that fiber you need.Celery is an old time remedy for high blood pressure, so let’s add a few stalks to our growing salad dish. Like cucumbers, celery is mildly diuretic, reducing water retention. Celery is good for diabetics in regulating blood sugar, as well as reducing water retention.

Certain mushrooms have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as one of the ways to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In particular, shiitake and maitake mushrooms are found to be especially effective in this regard. Shiitake mushrooms are usually available fresh in larger supermarkets. Both are also available in dried form and are easily reconstituted in water. A mix of these mushrooms makes a delicious soup, or salad accent. Other notable benefits of eating these mushrooms include boosting the immune system function, fighting off viral conditions and as a preventative and treatment for cancer.

Discuss these food choices with your doctor. Eat a salad a day which includes these ingredients. Bet you never imagined that a bowl of salad might be one of the best ways to reduce high blood pressure, while admirably addressing a variety of other health conditions. To your good health!