Herbal Beauty Tips

Statistics show that thirty-three percent of Americans use herbal products each year. There are many people seeking herbal remedies to gain more control over the health decisions they face.

With all the publicity of both positive and negative reports on herbal remedies, it leaves one wondering who to believe. By taking heed to the following guidelines you can learn to be a wiser consumer of alternative therapies such as herbal remedies.

Did you know that nearly all vitamins have herbal origins? There are also many conventional medicines in use today that have herbal origins. Herbal plants have been used as medicine for centuries. But? on the other hand, everything that is natural is not necessarily safe.

Herbal remedies can be a valuable addition to your personal wellness. However, just as with conventional means, certain guidelines are advisable. Knowledge is the best defense against suffering from misuse of botanical blends.

One of the most important things to learn concerning herbal remedies is to always be sure to obtain them through reputable sources, such as a pharmacy, or a nutritional supplement company with high-quality and manufacturing standards. Be sure to look for other evidence that a manufacturer has quality control standards, such as lot numbers and expiration dates.

Many reported problems in relation to herbal remedies are due to poor quality products, overuse, misuse, allergic reactions, or adverse reactions when taken along with prescription and over the counter drugs.

Before using an herbal remedy make sure you read the supplement label and follow the dosage instructions. If you suspect a supplement is causing a side effect, you should discontinue using it immediately.

Most herbal remedies are generally regarded by the (FDA) Food and Drug Administration to be safe. These herbs can be used safely when taken in the appropriate manner. But these very same herbs may present risk to patients with certain conditions or who are taking certain kinds of medications.

That is why it is always a good idea to consult your physician before taking any herbal supplements especially if you have a chronic disease, or are taking any kind of drugs. Herbal supplements should not be taken by women during pregnancy, breast-feeding or in children under twelve, unless they are specifically recommended and monitored closely by your physician.

Another reason to discuss the use of herbal remedies with your physician is to avoid possible complications. There are certain drugs and herbs that should not be taken together because the herb may increase or decrease the effect of the prescribed drug.

Patients undergoing certain types of surgical procedures and/or general anesthesia should discontinue herbal therapy about two weeks before such procedures. If you are scheduled for surgery, tell the surgeon and anesthesiologist what you are taking. The reason for this is because some supplements can make you bleed easier, cause your blood sugar levels to fall too low, or intensify the sedative effect of anesthesia.

If you are faced with emergency surgery, remember to take your supplements along with all the drugs you take to the hospital to show the anesthesiologist. Your pharmacist will also need to know before filling your prescriptions so they can prevent possible drug interactions. Your pharmacist is well trained and knowledgeable of herb and drug interactions that can prevent complications.

Herbal Remedies have been given rave reviews by many people. But keep in mind that everyone?s makeup and genetic DNA is different. Herbs that work for 95 out of 100 people may not work for you. But that is also true for chemically manufactured drugs prescribed by your doctor.

Although herbs are natural- remember they are very potent, and their usage should be closely monitored. Hopefully with this knowledge in your arsenal it will put you one giant step ahead in your quest for optimum health.

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Here is the good news about anxiety disorders: They are treatable. There are a variety of treatments for anxiety, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and medication. But the question more and more patients are posing to their doctors is: Is prescription medication the best treatment option?

Anxiety is complicated to diagnose because it is often found to be a symptom of other medical conditions or a side effect of other behaviors. For example, some people react to too much caffeine by exhibiting symptoms of anxiety disorders, including, occasionally, panic attacks. Other conditions that can be accompanied by anxiety are hypoglycemia, hyperthyroid, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome and, most often, depression.

When a patient who is suffering from depression is also suffering from anxiety disorder, doctors can often see it as a good sign. In general, it means that the person has not accepted or given in to their depressed condition, and is anxious about it. To alleviate the anxiety, doctors can recommend different types of therapy, each of which can work equally well. Most doctors recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps the patient first to identify the cause of his anxiety, talks him through it, and then slowly and carefully exposes him to situations which make him feel anxious and teaches him how to cope.

In addition to therapy and learned relaxation techniques, doctors will sometimes recommend prescription medication for anxiety -- most often benzodiazepines like Xanax. These medications should not be taken for more than a few months at a time and should not be relied upon as a permanent treatment option. They can be highly addictive and can also produce disturbing side effects, which makes many examine them closely before agreeing to try them.

In many cases, anxiety can be treated without any medication at all. In cases where medication is recommended, there are also natural treatment options for those who are reluctant to begin a regimen that includes prescription medications. If you decide to pursue this route to anxiety relief, look for remedies that include ingredients like passion flower, which is also used to alleviate hypertension, insomnia and nervous tension. Other effective ingredients are lavender, which is one of the most popular panic attack treatments, and lemon balm, a natural anxiety treatment that also serves as a general tonic for the nervous system.

Whichever methods you employ, remember that there are many effective methods of treatment for anxiety and depression, and that patience and persistence will eventually lead you the healthy option that is best for you.

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Tess Thompson is a Homeopathic Practitioner, Reflexologist, Certified Aromatherapist, and Herbalist who contributes regularly to Native Remedies - where you can find All Natural Homeopathic and Herbal Remedies for many health conditions including natural treatments for anxiety and panic attack treatments.

The diet patch claims to work via transdermal delivery of chemicals that are created to suppress the appetite, increase metabolism or keep your body from absorbing fats in the food you eat. Transdermal delivery is viable and works because some molecules are so small they can be absorbed through the skin and directly to the blood stream. Up to 95% percent of a drug can reach the body's cells in this manner compared to a much smaller amount if a drug is taken orally.

It's important to remember that what makes the idea of a patch delivery system work is that the molecules in the drug must be small enough to be absorbed by the skin. Diet Patches contain the usual weight loss ingredients, caffeine, chromium, and hydroxycitric acid amongst other dieting chemicals.

Many marketers go overboard in touting the effectiveness of diet patches, in the process making outrageous promises and some have recently been sent to jail for using spam in their mass marketing campaigns. It's important to remember that diet patches contain the same ingredients as other delivery systems of weight loss products.

It's just that the diet patch can make it easier for the wearer to remember to take the diet products they are using. They don't have to worry about taking a bunch of pills before every meal and possibly be questioned by others about what the pills are for. Diet patches are a more discreet method of delivery for weight loss products and can deliver low doses of the drug over a continuous period of time. You should continue with your exercise program while using diet patches in addition to making good meal choices.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette, and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Here is a place for more info and great deals on the diet patch.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a devastating, painful and degenerative disease of the joints that affects over 75% of all people over the age of 65. In the U.S. alone it is estimated that there are between 37 to 50 million people who suffer with some degree of arthritis.

The vast majority of arthritis sufferers have osteoarthritis which is a chronic, aggressive joint disease. This disease causes cartilage and other joint tissue to deteriorate. Cartilage begins to wear down, and slowly deteriorates to the point to which the surrounding bones begin to rub against each other making a cracking or grating noise. Severe pain and swelling often result, as well as limited movement of the joint.

When compared to arthritis herbal treatments and natural supplements, many doctors prescribe medication to ease the pain and this only serves to make the disease even worse. In fact cortisone (and other steroids) can actually speed up the rate of loss of cartilage. It gets worse - temporary pain relief without rebuilding the joint allows you to move the joint which in turn causes more pain and damage ? a lose, lose situation!

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and each has its own characteristic symptoms and its own course. Depending on the specific condition and how severe it is, arthritis can interfere with even the most ordinary activities, such as walking, dressing or bathing.

Most medical doctors will tell you that the causes are multiple and unknown, however the truth is that it is caused by a complex of nutritional deficiencies ? which can of course be reversed in many cases.

Note ? in the case of Rheumatoid arthritis the cause is most likely to be an infection by a bacteria and in addition to the natural and herbal arthritis treatments listed here, a simple antibiotic treatment such as minocycline prescribed by your doctor will help.

At the same time, bone spurs begin to appear at the same joints ? all signs of a calcium deficiency and also an early warning signal of osteoporosis.

Prevention ? A Natural Remedy for Arthritis

In addition to arthritis herbal treatments and supplements, a healthy lifestyle is essential as a natural remedy and for the prevention of arthritis. Following a few basic steps is an important part of providing a natural remedy. Here?s what you can do right NOW:

?Make sure you have a well balanced diet with plenty of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, eggs and dairy products ? these contain minerals, vitamins and amino acids essential for health.

?Exercise ? particularly ?weight-bearing exercises? ? many studies all agree that a small amount of regular weight bearing exercise can assist.

?Reduce the amount of meat, processed foods and carbonated drinks in your diet ? these are all high in phosphorous and this causes calcium to be lost.

?Stop smoking and reduce your intake of alcohol, caffeine and sugar - they limit your absorption of nutrients.

?Supplement ? you need to supplement with a good source of calcium and other minerals along with vitamins and essential fatty acids. You will make progress by supplementing with all 90 Essential Nutrients and an additional liquid calcium/magnesium supplement.

?Arthritis herbal treatments and cartilage supplements like glucosamine & chondroitin are required to assist with repair and rebuilding of the cartilage.

Arthritis Herbal Treatments & Supplements

To treat and reverse arthritis you need to follow the prevention guidelines and use arthritis herbal treatments and supplements.

You cannot expect natural cures for arthritis to take a few days. The disease is progressive and degenerative and has been present for quite some time ? however the good news is that these treatments work. The process will take from between two weeks to three months (2 to 3 months if you are older and/or suffer any problems with absorption)or don?t take these nutrients in adequate amounts.

Arthritis Health Supplements:

?Minerals ? supplement with a good source of calcium and minerals. Liquid is always best and only in a form which is organic and highly absorbable (plant derived colloidal minerals); minerals required include copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc and many trace minerals such as manganese and boron ? plant derived colloidal minerals are the best source

?Highly Absorbable Multi-Vitamins - Vitamins B6, D and E are required to build strong bones and vitamins C and E are required to build bone matrix and joints.

?Essential fatty acids from fish oil are also important for reducing the inflammation and rebuilding the fluid used to cushion the joints.

?Amino acids are involved in the construction of collagen and cartilage and you can find them in the multi-vitamin supplements we recommend.

?Liquid calcium/magnesium supplements are required for the support of healthy bones and joints ? liquids are always more absorbable than tablets.

?For pain relief, Cetyl Myristoleate Cream - a natural cream produced from essential fatty acids has been clinically proven to relieve pain and improve mobility.

Natural Pain Relief and Repair of Damaged Cartilage

?Two other arthritis supplements involved in rebuilding cartilage are glucosamine and chondroitin.

Clinical studies around the world have shown that supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin provide a natural remedy for arthritis and help the body build and repair damaged or eroded cartilage as well as reduce pain and inflammation. Gelatin is a natural form of collagen and when combined with glucosamine will be much more effective than glucosamine on its own.

?MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) & CM (Cetyl Myristoleate) - these two arthritis herbal treatments have shown in clinical and scientific trials to promote the repair of cartilage, relief of joint pain and related discomfort and significantly improve the mobility people suffering arthritis.

Pain relief and freedom of movement is a fundamental part of the natural remedy and cure for arthritis. Ease of movement is essential to keep the joint healthy and in time, the vitamin, mineral and cartilage arthritis herbal treatments and supplements will actually rebuild and repair the damage. A Win-Win situation!

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Paul Newland is a health writer, sports training consultant and martial arts instructor and manages the Global-Longevity.com website. He is the author of numerous health information books and guides, including the Wellness Report, The Ultimate Antioxidant Report, The Selenium Report, The Bird Flu Report, The Ultimate Nutrient Guide and The Essential Fatty Acid Report and The Ultimate Sports Nutrition Guide - available Free (for a limited time) through Global-Longevity.com

Bitter melon is a plant that is grown in tropical areas, like the Amazon, Asia and the Caribbean as a food and medicine. It's a slender, climbing vine with a fruit that looks like a warty cucumber. Its Latin name Momordica means to bite, because the jagged edges of its leaves appear as if they have been bitten. Everything in the Momordica plant, especially the fruit, taste extremely bitter.

Medicinally, the plant has long been used by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon to treat diabetes, intestinal gas, as an antiviral for measles and hepatitis. It promotes menstruation and is also used to topically treat sores, eczema, leprosy and large wounds. It is used by tribesmen to heal hypertension, malaria, fevers and headaches. Taken internally, it is effective in expelling worms and parasites in adults and children

In numerous modern studies, all parts of the plant has been found to clinically demonstrate hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties and other beneficial properties against diabetes mellitus. The fruit's extract has shown the ability to enhance the body's glucose uptake and promotes insulin release. In other in vivo studies, the fruit and seed have been shown to reduce total cholesterol by significant amounts. Other in vitro studies have also demonstrated the anti-cancerous and anti-leukemic properties of bitter melon against liver cancer, leukemia and melanoma. Bitter melon,is also effective against numerous viruses, including the Epstein-Barr, herpes and HIV viruses. In one study, a leaf extract increased the resistance to viral infections while also increasing the abilities of our natural killer cells. In addition, the fruit and fruit juice have shown strong antibacterial properties, especially against E.Coli.

However, when extracts are injected intravenously in lab rats, bitter melon proves to be toxic and poisonous. The seeds of the fruit also have the ability to induce abortions in mice, as well as anti-fertility properties in female animals. It also produced sperm infertility in male animals. Bitter melon has also been traditionally used to lessen uterine activity; therefore, should not be used by pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. Though bitter melon can lower blood sugar levels, it should not be used by persons with hypoglycemia. Even diabetics planning to take bitter melon supplements should check with their physicians first and always monitor their blood sugar levels because they may need to change their insulin medications.

Today, bitter melon capsules and teas have become more widely available in the Western world. Concentrated fruit extracts are now available in capsule form, as well as in powders and tinctures. It is also a suggested complementary treatment for diabetes, viruses, colds and flu, high cholesterol, psoriasis and certain cancers. The traditional method of making bitter herb tea is as follows: One cup of a standard leaf decoction taken two times daily, or 1-3 ml of tincture taken twice daily. The traditional South American remedy and the most potent way of using bitter melon for diabetes is to extract the juice of a fresh bitter melon fruit to be drank twice daily on an empty stomach. For seed or fruit extracts in capsules, make sure to follow the instructions on the label.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Herbal guide.