Take the Homeopath Way – Natural Cures for Everyday Health Issues
Natural cures for everyday Health Issues takes many forms. We call them Grandmas’ old remedies or natural cures, but they are cures without using medications. Do you know how to stop a baby’s hiccups? A little bit of sugar on your finger will take them away after he’s done sucking off the sugar. Another one for hiccups for someone older is to try to scare them out of them, sipping water from a glass upside down, and then there’s my personal favorite. Taking a big, deep breath and holding it until you either turn blue, pass out or your body forces you to breath. And that’s what it does; you can’t voluntarily hold your breath to turn blue.
Some other old remedies I remember from living with my Grandma. Do you have a cold? Then the best thing is to do a sink full of dirty dishes and make the water as hot as you can stand it. Personally, I would just rather go sit in the shower. Have you ever had vapor rubbed on your chest and covered with a piece of flannel? Been there, done that lots of times. Our cough syrup was honey and lemon juice.
Headaches also have many natural cures you can try. Exercise is a good idea, a brisk walk will get your blood circulating, release contracted muscles and generally just lets you relax. My personal favorite is a hot bath. The hot water also helps release bunched up muscles and helps you to relax.
Did you know that dehydration could cause headaches? It’s been printed that you need to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. I have heard the excuse that you don’t like the taste of water, but now it comes in so many flavors and without sugar that excuse is pretty well not usable anymore. In addition, other natural cures for headaches include acupressure, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. You need to press or massage on the fleshy area between thumb and forefinger, that’s one of the pressure points for acupressure.
Other ways to get rid of a nasty headache is to lie down in a dark room avoiding bright lights. Alternate hot and cold washcloths applied to the area where the pain is located. If you haven’t eaten in a while, have something to eat that is nutritious. Do slight neck rolls and shoulder lifts to relieve tense muscles in your shoulder and neck area.
Here are some interesting natural cures for symptoms of pregnancy I wish I’d had when I was pregnant. To relieve symptoms of morning sickness there are natural cures you can do to help the situation. One of the most obvious is to cut out spicy and fatty foods. Another is to stay away from strong odors such as onion, garlic, and coffee. You should eat several small meals a day instead of three big ones. Try eating a few soda crackers with a couple of sips of room temperature water before you get up in the morning. Again, acupressure is recommended by wearing sea bands three quarter of an inch down your wrist in between tendons. Last, eat what sounds good to you. My doctor gave me that advice and it has been good for me throughout my life. Generally, if it sounds good, you can keep it down better.
Heartburn can also be helped by many of the same remedies of morning sickness. Some extra hints are avoiding trigger foods that are acidic, spicy, and fatty. Avoid tight fitting clothing after you’ve eaten which can worsen the symptoms. One other idea, add some slippery elm powder to a cup of tea.
Natural cures are available for arthritis sufferers as well. Ginger extract is a natural anti-inflammatory substance. It takes damaging oxidizing agents out of the body. In other words, it’s an antioxidant. Ginger extract is completely natural and can be taken and have no side effects. Willow has also been used to ease pain. The Greeks used to mash the leaves of the willow plant with a little wine and apply it to the sore area.
Lifestyle changes can significantly impact pain levels of arthritis. Getting some exercise daily will help the joints moving freely and strengthens the joints. Don’t overdo, but a little exercise will go a long way to keep you moving freely. It helps some sufferers if they cut back on certain foods. Some of those foods are red meat, dairy products, and tomatoes. Eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, include plenty of Vitamin C and you’ll find your joints will feel better but you’re also eating healthier too.
www.therenegadehealthshow.com – This is the final installment of my interview with Dr. Joel Fuhrman… We’ve had a lot of favorable response to this, so I’m thrilled to bring you Dr. Fuhrman’s thoughts on raising vegan children and raw food challenges that some people face. Take a look…
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria that is attracted to acid. It is often referred to as “friendly” bacteria because of its helpful characteristics and the importance it has in the function of the human body. Acidophilus is found naturally in the intestines and in the vagina, where it protects the body from unhealthy organisms.
Certain products, such as contraceptive creams, however, can kill acidophilus, making it easier for undesirable organisms to attack the vagina. In addition, oral antibiotics can kill acidophilus. For this reason, patients who undergo extensive antibiotic therapy are often told to consume regular amounts of acidophilus in order to re-colonize the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
When acidophilus breaks down food it produces hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid and other byproducts. These byproducts create a hostile environment for unwelcome organisms. In addition, acidophilus uses nutrients that other microorganisms need. In this way, acidophilus kills harmful bacteria in the digestive tract by preventing these bacteria from receiving nutrients.
Acidophilus also has been shown to assist in producing folic acid, niacin, and pyridoxine during digestion. In addition, acidophilus helps with bile deconjugation and separates bile acids from amino acids. The amino acids can then be reused by the body. For these reasons, acidophilus is thought to also help protect the body against alcohol and other drugs, as well as from aging and stressful living.
Acidophilus is found in many forms of yogurt and it can also be found in special acidophilus milk. Foods such as carrots, rice starch, bananas, soybeans, garlic and garbanzo beans are also rich in acidophilus. In addition, acidophilus can be purchased in capsules, powder form, liquids, and tablets at health food stores. Some of these acidophilus products found at health stores also contain bifid bacteria, which is another bacterium that is helpful to the body. In addition, many contain vitamin C and other valuable nutrients. A drink can be made from the acidophilus powder and it is best to drink it or take another acidophilus supplement on an empty stomach, about an hour before meals.
Research has shown that acidophilus can prevent or stop the growth of Candida, also known as candidacies or yeast. Candidacies normally reside in the intestines, mouth, and genital area. It lives best in warm, moist environments. Therefore, this fungus is responsible for thrush, which is an overgrowth of yeast, in the esophagus, mouth, and vagina. If the yeast is left unattended, it can form into visible, white patches.
Yeast infections of the vagina can cause a white, thick, odorless discharge. It often resembles cottage cheese. Vaginal yeast infections can also cause burning and itching and redness and irritation of the vulva. In addition, a yeast infection can cause discomfort or even pain during urination or during sexual intercourse.
Yeast infections can also be the cause of diaper rash in babies. A yeast diaper rash is caused by the skin being damaged and yeast from the intestines invades the skin. This sort of rash usually occurs after using antibiotics or as the result of a prolonged rash. A yeast rash is red, raised and patchy. A paste made of water and acidophilus applied to the rash can help clear it up. Or, one teaspoon of acidophilus powder can be added to formula once per day for a baby who is being bottle fed.
Some reports have indicated that yogurt containing acidophilus aides in treating vaginal candidacies, or yeast infections. In fact, one study showed that women with recurring vaginal yeast infections who eat eight ounces of yogurt containing high levels of acidophilus every day have a significant reduction in the occurrence of the infection.
In addition, research has indicated that acidophilus helps improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and boosts the immune system. Patients have also reported that acidophilus helps with diarrhea, urinary tract infections and indigestion. They have also said that acidophilus helps sweeten the breath and treat acne.
A further study by Oklahoma State University showed that acidophilus might help in the reduction of serum cholesterol levels. Further research by the University of Kentucky has shown that acidophilus can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease for people who have high levels of blood serum cholesterol.
www.TheRawFoodFamily.com Our oldest son Benny became 9 today, and one of the first living beings to congratulate today was a butterfly. He landed yesterday night on one of his presents, when I prepared the birthday table, and waited there the whole night unti Benny finally unpacked his present this morning. Magic happens!
Take Your Leave with Tea – Ten Natural Healing Tea Therapies
Research shows that drinking tea benefits health. Tea has antioxidants that help fight cancer and helps fight the natural aging process. Some tea contains vitamin C that helps fight illnesses and colds. Polyphones found in some tea helps strengthen teeth by reducing plaque. Polyphones also help aid digestion by increasing the flow of digestive juices in the stomach. There are many healing properties of tea. Try the following ten natural healing tea therapies.
Green Tea: Green tea comes in many different varieties and packs huge nutritional benefits. Green tea varieties, which are the most popular in Asia, include Jasmine Green Tea, Jasmine Dragon Pearl, Green Peony Tea and Roasted Japanese Green Tea. All green tea is high in both nutrients and minerals. After green tea is picked, it is dried using hot air. The tea leaves are then pan fried, but not fermented. When tea is not fermented, it helps preserve the nutrients and vitamins found naturally in tea leaves. Also, green tea contains vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to naturally boast the immune system and promotes overall good health. Fluoride is also found naturally in green tea. This serves to strengthen bones and prevents dental decay.
Oolong Tea: Oolong tea is known for aiding indigestion and by lowering cholesterol levels in the body. Oolong tea is made from large, mature trees and produces a full-bodied taste. The leaves are semi-fermented and after being picked, are left to wither, which removed moisture. Semi-fermentation happens after the leaves are left in the shade. Oolong tea has a pleasant aftertaste and a sweet, but fruity aroma. Some varieties of Oolong tea include Jasmine Oolong Tea, Ice Peak Oolong Tea, Hairy Crab Oolong Tea and WUYI Rock Tea.
White Tea: White tea is made by using very young tea leaves that are still covered in down. The leaves are not fermented. Instead, they are steamed and dried in the sun. Because of the lack of fermentation, white tea contains a high concentration of chemical compounds, which are known to help fight cancer. Because the leaves are still downy, the brewed tea has a silver-white appearance. It has a sweet aroma and fresh flavor. White tea varieties include Silver Needle, White Peony, and Jasmine Silver Needle.
Black Tea: Black tea blends are most popular in the Western world and are used in English tea blend. After the leaves are picked, the leaves go through full fermentation that makes the leaves darken to almost black. Black tea can taste different, too. It can be flowery, fruity, and spicy or even have a nutty taste. Black tea, which contains antioxidants, is known for lowering the risk of stroke and helps reduce clotting of the arteries. Black tea varieties include Black Tea, Rose Black Tea, English Breakfast Black Tea and Earl Grey Black Tea.
Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea, which is considered a floral tea, has a very aromatic, fruity flavor and is a member of the daisy family. This tea is known for helping aid with toothaches, insomnia, muscle cramps, and can help reduce the swelling of skin irritations.
Rosebud Tea: Rosebud tea is another floral tea. It is made using rosebuds of a rose bush. The tea has a very sweet, floral aroma and a light, sweet taste. Often, rosebud tea is brewed with other types of tea. The essential oils in rosebud tea can help aid circulation.
Wild Holy Tea: Wild Holy tea is has a bitter taste and is often used for medicinal purposes rather that the taste. This type of tea has show to help detoxify the body, aid in blood circulation and digestion and with regular consumption has been show to help control blood pressure and obesity.
Milk Tea: Milk Tea, and Indian black tea mix with spices, is the most popular tea in India and Sri Lanka. It is usually brewed with milk and spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Milk tea added with other types of tea, such as green tea helps aid in overall health.
Red Tea: Research has shown that this type of tea, which is grown in Africa, is rich in antioxidants and has a high level of antioxidants. Red Tea is also caffeine-free. This kind of tea has proven to help boost the immune system. Varieties of this tea include Florida Orange Red Tea, Organic Cape Red Tea, Organic Green Red Tea and Organic Green Summer Red Tea.
Paraguay Mate: This type of tea is very popular in South America. The tea is brewed with spices and drinking with a straw from a gourd. The tea is used to aid many health benefits including aiding in depression, aiding digestion, and boosting energy levels.
www.TheRawfoodfamily.com We want to invite you to share this special event with us. Our Ronja had her 4th birthday today, and we all here in The Rawfoodfamily enjoyed it so much. Enjoy the raw food gourmet birthday cake, the presents and the joy Ronja and we all are feeling on this wonderful day. Raw food children and their joy….
Take Stress down a Notch with Five Simple Breathing Techniques
When our bodies perceive stress, they begin to produce stress hormones, increase our respiration levels, blood pressure and heart rate. This is called the fight-or-flight response. One way to respond to that stress and alleviate the body’s response to it is to use proper breathing techniques. Good breathing is a must for the detoxifying of our body and the continuation of life. The intake of oxygen is so important for many of our bodily functions. When it enters our system, is cleanses our blood by getting rid of toxic things floating in our bodies. Improper or irregular breaths hurt this perfect ability of our bodies to clean and force this trash to continue floating. This can cause a number of other problems including improper digestion. It will eventually lead to exhaustion and anxiety issues within the body. It can lead to overall poor health and a lack of coping ability with other situations.
Monitoring a regular breathing pattern helps to fight the evil effects of stress on the body. Before you can learn some stress reduction breathing techniques, though, you must learn proper basic breathing. You can start by lying down wherever you’re comfortable, the floor, a bed, or a couch. Be sure your legs are a little away from each other, your toes flow out from your body, your arms aren’t in contact with the other surfaces of your body, your eyes are closed, and your palms face above. Try not to breathe through your mouth, as nose breathing is better for the detoxification process. When you inhale, your lungs and your body’s midsection should move as one. As you breathe out, it should feel as if your stomach is releasing the air you’ve just consumed. Learning this can lead to proper practice of five simple breathing techniques for stress relief.
The first breathing technique that will help to eliminate stress is deep, relaxed breathing. Although the exercise itself can be practiced in any posture, it is best if you begin by lying down in your relaxed breathing position. Try placing your knees at an angle and ensure your feet are a hand’s width apart, your toes are turned away from each other, and your back is as straight as possible. Then put one of your hands on your midsection and one on your chest cavity. Breathe deeply through your nose into your stomach area to move your hand up as much as you are able. The hand on your chest should just barely move, and it should only move when the hand on your midsection does. You should keep going with this process until it becomes as natural as possible. The next step is to offer a smile as you take air in through your nose out through your mouth. The exhale portion of this breath should make a gentle noise, as the wind might make in the trees on a summer day. Listen and feel. When you first start this exercise, do it for five minutes. Try to work your way up to twenty minutes. Once you’ve finished, spend a few minutes without moving to allow your body to simply exist for a few moments.
Another quick breathing technique for stress reduction is a cleansing sigh. Begin this processes by sitting or standing with appropriate posture. Let out a gentle noise as you inhale deeply and sigh as much as your body will allow. The next inhale should be completely natural. This exercise can be repeated five to fifteen times.
An additional breathing exercise will not only relieve stress, but might also wake up the nervous and circulatory systems. You can start this one by standing as straight as you are able. Inhale and place your arms straight out in front of you. Begin to bring your hands toward your shoulder area, and as you do, ball up your fists. By the time your hands reach their destination, they should be tightly clenched. Keep them tight as you push your arms back into a position erect in front of your body. Repeat this exercise as quickly as you can ten to fifteen times.
The fourth breathing technique for stress relief is suggestive breathing. Start by relaxing your body in a horizontal state. Put both hands between your ribs and your stomach, and breathe deeply several times. Conceptualize that each breath you take is held where your hands now rest. As you let the air out, allow yourself to believe it is rushing to all parts of your body. Try this for five to ten minutes each day.
The final stress relief breathing technique is a rolling breath. For this exercise, unlike the others, you will need the help of a companion. Lie down and have your companion place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Inhale deeply and imagine you are filling your companion’s hands with air, belly first, then chest. Watch his or her hands as they rise with your inhalation. Exhale deeply. Repeat and it will create a rolling effect with your partner’s hands.
These techniques are great for both dealing with and preventing stress.
Store the Nutrients, not the Fat with a Raw Food Diet
It’s the diet with the most natural food you can put into your system.
It’s the basic diet that people have been living off for millions of years.
It’s the only diet that promises 100 per cent natural goodness without damaging toxins and fatty acids.
It’s a raw food diet.
So what exactly is a raw food diet?
A raw food diet is made up of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, sprouted seeds and grains, dried fruits, rolled or flaked grains, herbs and spices and juices. However, many people on a raw food diet also add cooked grains and vegetables and fish and poultry to ensure they are getting the necessary amount of protein.
The four tips below will provide a raw food diet with sufficient amount of nutrients and calories to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
1. Eat high calorie fruits and veggies.
Because you are not getting a lot of calories from fatty foods, you need to substitute with calorie-heavy fruits and veggies. These include bananas, dates and seeds.
2. Substitute your water for natural fruit juice.
Water is necessary for any diet, but on a raw food diet, it is a good idea to switch some of your water drinks for fruits.
Another good way to reduce the boredom of drinking nothing but water and add the calories and vitamins needed is with fruit smoothies and healthy milk shakes. See the recipe below for a delicious and nutritious spin on a milk shake.
3. “Cook” the rawness out.
If you’re like me, then you will have trouble adapting to an all-raw diet at first. However, it’s okay to incorporate some cooked foods such as rice, beans and potatoes.
Keep in mind that foods cooked at 118 degrees or below still keep the nutrients sealed in them and are in fact, considered raw.
4. Don’t forget the fat.
If you stick to a raw diet, you are naturally going to lose the fat intake in most foods. Make sure you consume an adequate amount of unsaturated (the good) fat with nuts, avocados, flaxseeds and vegetable oils.
For a healthy afternoon treat, tempt your pallet with this delicious wheat milk shake, a healthy spin on an old classic.
Sprout soft white wheat and blend with water. Strain to remove the pulp and blend the liquid mixture with bananas and honey. Serve in a milk shake glass and enjoy!
Like with any diet, switching to a raw food diet can be somewhat overwhelming and scary at first, especially if you’re afraid of losing the calories and nutrients your body needs to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. However, with the above tips, there is no need to be afraid of a raw food diet again.
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www.vibrantvegan.com We’ve had lots of questions lately regarding what we’re feeding our kids. “Are you feeding your children an exclusively raw vegan diet?” “Are your kids vegan?” “What do your children eat?” Here is our 2 part answer
Acupuncture is a natural therapy that is a form of Chinese medication. It involves inserting hair-thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s healing abilities. Acupuncture can be used to heal and overcome a variety of physical and mental health related problems.
Pain Relief
Acupuncture can aid in relieving pain. This is, in part, due to the fact that acupuncture increases the body’s level of endorphins, which are often referred to as “feel good” chemicals. Acupuncture also helps normalize nerve impulses because acupuncture points and the central nervous system are connected.
The Immune System
Evidence has indicated that acupuncture strengthens the body’s immune system and natural resistance. It has been shown that there is an increase in white blood cells, as well as in the level of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Globulins after an acupuncture treatment. Alpha and Beta Globulins are thought to help white bloods cells better fight infection, while Gamma Globulins assist in the production of immune antibodies.
Drug Recovery
Acupuncture assists in the recovery of drug and alcohol addiction. It does this by helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms, decreasing cravings, relieving tension, and helping people relax. In fact, acupuncture is so successful in drug treatment recovery that many clinics throughout the United States use acupuncture as an integral component of their programs.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Acupuncture has the ability to release muscle tension, as well as tension in the connective tissues. This allows the lymphatic, nervous, and circulatory systems to function more efficiently. For these reasons, acupuncture is helpful in both prevention and treating musculoskeletal disorders. In fact, sports figures such as Carl Lewis, Charles Barkley, and Jim McMahon are known to use acupuncture in order to improve training and performance, as well as to speed up healing and to manage pain.
Allergies
Allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to substances that are harmless to most people. Environmental factors, such as pollen, dust and chemicals are common causes of allergies. Similar, foods such as milk, wheat, and selfish can cause allergic reactions. Allergies can cause watery eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing. They can also cause more serious problems, such as joint pain, diabetes, glaucoma, kidney problems, depression, heart palpitations and learning disorders. Through acupuncture, the body can be detoxified and the immune system can be strengthened, thereby causing the body to cease having allergic reactions.
Stress
Stress can lead to more serious health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and respiratory problems. According to Chinese medicine, stress causes these problems when the liver energy is out of balance. Therefore, acupuncture helps but this energy back into balance, which relaxes the muscles and brings about peace of mind.
Diseases and Disorder
Acupuncture can help with more than 50 different internal medical problems. Some diseases that have been effectively treated with acupuncture include: bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, ulcers, and hypertension. The exact acupuncture treatment varies depending on the medical condition and may be used in conjunction with other natural therapies, such as herbs and massage.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is often brought on my depression, stress, or an infection. No matter the direct cause, patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have immune system deficiencies and most have a weakness in their internal organs. Acupuncture can be used to improve the body’s immunity and, therefore, eliminate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Menopause
Typical symptoms associated with menopause include night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and heart palpitations. In Chinese medicine, these symptoms occur when the Yin is out of balance. Yet other symptoms of menopause can include weight gain, hypertension, indigestion, and water retention, these are caused by an imbalance in the Yang. If these are left untreated, it results in a Qi deficiency, which causes feelings of fatigue, a dry vagina, decreases sex drive, lower back pain, cold extremities, and incontinence. Acupuncture therapy has been shown to help get the Yin and the Yang back into balance, thereby reducing the symptoms of menopause.
PMS and Menstruation
Many women experience both emotional and physical pain and discomfort before and after menstruation. Emotional difficulties can include sadness, anger outbursts, depression, and irritability. Physical pains can include pain in the lower back and the lower abdomen. Acupuncture can help bring the body back into balance and eliminate or lesson physical and social pain associated with menstruation.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is quickly gaining acceptance in Western culture for its proven ability to treat emotional and physical problems without the side effects associated with other forms of medication.