Alternative Health & Herbs Remedies Ashwagandha Root 1-Ounce
Ashwagandha is held in as high esteem as ginseng, but is much less costly. It is a rejuvenating herb, useful in all conditions of weakness and tissue debility, particularly in children and the elderly and it is rejuvenating, balancing, strengthening, and calming to the nervous system.
Alternative Health & Herbs Remedies Ashwagandha Root 1-Ounce Bottle (Pack of 2)
Light Box Therapy–A Favorite Light Therapy Product
November 30, 2010 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Light, Natural
There are several types of light therapy products, with the Light Box Therapy fast becoming one of the favorites, especially in the treatment of depression. Not acceptable in the past 25 years, antidepressant medication and psychotherapy have taken the front seat for acceptable depression treatments until the last ten years, when light therapy has quickly approaching a substantial position of respectability for the treatment of depression.
In 2005, the American Psychiatric Association in Washington, D.C., had come to the conclusion that in trial experiments, a daily exposure to bright light which utilizes natural sunlight or Light Box Therapy. It is considered just as effective as any of the antidepressant drugs in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is also called “winter depression”, along with other forms of depression.
Over the past years, treatments such as the Light Box Therapy had been scoffed at by mainstream psychiatrists in the claims of “diminishing signs of depression” when exposed to daily bright-light exposures. These Light Box Therapy exposures ranged in early morning treatments from 30 minutes to one hour, with the trial results. When the tests were completed, they demonstrated pronounced and remarkable easing of the SAD symptoms upon awakening in the morning and apply dawn simulations of the Light Box Therapy or natural sunlight.
The latest research does not show yet results for severe depression, or whether certain colors can cause any eye problems or issues, even though there is a major agreement that it will not. And new treatments such as the Light Box Therapy combined with one night of sleep deprivation followed by a week’s normal sleeping patterns, are increasing recovery for those who are presently receiving antidepressants for bipolar or major depressions. But the maximum of long-term benefits are achieved with Light Box Therapy or natural sunlight in addition to sleeping with a regular schedule in order to balance the biological clock.
Shorter days with less sunlight began around October 30, 2007, in certain areas–Alaska, Maine, Vermont, and some other northern U.S. states–right after daylight saving ended. Approximately 14.5 million Americans are diagnosed with SAD, with feelings of suicide, lack of interest in anything around them, extreme fatigue, or feelings of worthlessness. To many of them, the Light Box Therapy with either white light or a full spectrum light to simulate the sunlight, will offer them a better feeling–depending on where or not they can stick to it or not.
Some of the more recent treatments of SAD include the Light Box Therapy combined with cognital-behavioral therapy, or CBT, which has results in the high 80% range bracket. They also have been proven to show less depression after a one-year follow up than either treatment alone.
Researching Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Researching Complementary and Alternative Medicine provides a valuable and timely resource for those looking to understand, initiate and expand CAM research.
This collection brings together leading international CAM researchers with backgrounds and expertise in a variety of areas including health social science, qualitative methodology, general practice, health services research and public health. Drawing upon their own research work and experience, the contributors explain and review core methods and research issues pertinent to contemporary CAM and its future development. Topics discussed include:
- the use and limitation of evidence in CAM research
- the issues facing practitioners (GPs, therapists, nurses, etc) who wish to conduct research
- how and why qualitative methods should be combined alongside quantitative methods to help explore CAM
- how the randomised control trial (RCT) method relates to CAM
- the future direction of CAM research in terms of public health and policy-related agendas.
Researching Complementary and Alternative Medicine is essential reading for students, academics and researchers in CAM, health studies, medicine, nursing, medical sociology and public health. It will also appeal to CAM and allied health practitioners.
How Safe Is Herbal Medicine?
November 29, 2010 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Herbal
“All herbs are safe, it’s okay that I am on medicine from my doctor and still take these supplements.”
These are statements that one may hear if they question the safety of herbs or herbal therapy. However, all herbs and herbal therapies may not be completely safe for everyone. But before someone delves into those theories, perhaps it is best to understand what herbal medicine is.
What Is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is not just going to the pantry and shaking out some oregano and declaring you cured. Actually, it is based from ancient forms of healing. Our ancestors used what was found out in nature to heal and to prevent ailments. Native Americans truly believed and still believe that all we need in life, Mother Earth will provide; meaning, there is no need to take synthetic pills to cure. What is interesting is that some synthetic drugs have been based on aspects of nature.
Herbal Examples
Not all herbs are created equal. Some herbs are not for human consumption. At least not the way they are presented in nature. Perhaps some of these have hidden properties, but they have not been discovered yet. It may be that they are only to be combined with certain properties to make them safe. That is one of the funny things about nature; you never can underestimate it and the powers that have yet to be uncovered. Some herbs are merely for spicing up that stew or to make your house smell better. However, some may truly have medicinal properties. A few examples of these herbs would be:
• Garlic – Garlic has been used in many Italian dishes, but it has shown to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure
• Peppermint – Not only useful as a breath freshener but it also helps reduce nausea and flatulence
• Ginger root – Also helps with nausea especially during morning sickness
• Oats & Oat Straw – These wonder herbs are full of calcium and magnesium so they help relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin
Safety Concerns
Once upon a time, there was a thought that it was time to come up with standards for practical medicine and drugs. This was instilled to protect the general public from fraudulent drugs and doctors and hopefully protect them from further illness or even worse, death. It was not uncommon for a traveling “doctor” to come rolling into town with the new elixir that would cure everything from baldness to the intestinal disorder. However, many were later found to be nothing more then watered down whiskey or a combination of herbs and extracts. These standards are met during the production of modern medical medicines, but different when it comes to herbal medicines.
The standardization of dosage and purity is not mandated in the United States. What is interesting is that products made with herbs to the same specifications may still vary because the result of biochemical variations in the plant. Plants have chemical defense mechanisms against predators that may have lethal effects in humans. A couple of examples would be poison hemlock and nightshade; this is why these herbs are not available on the market. A couple of other cases of negative herb use include liver failure when black cohosh was ingested and chronic licorice ingestion which has led to major potassium depletion.
Humans Could Be Cause To Blame
Once again, this could be a case of we are our own worse enemy. Some humans tend to jump into things without doing the research beforehand, and there are cases with herbal medicine that seem to follow suit. Some patients will be taking medicine prescribed by their doctor that will lower blood pressure but then read an article that claims that a certain herb has been proven to do the same. They think it would be great to double up with both before consulting their doctor or herbalist and ingest both. This can result in dangerously low blood pressure which can be just has harmful as high blood pressure. It is known that some herbs and certain fruits interrupt with the cytochrome P450, which is vital in drug metabolism.
There are arguments on both sides of this issue. Herbal medicine seems to become more and more popular with not only followers of alternative medicine but also those who want to enhance their present lifestyle. Herbal medicine continue to prove safe and effective under proper use, and could be even more so if patients can bridge the gap between their modern medical practitioner and their desire to understand and hopefully benefit from herbal medicine.
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Tide Ultra with Bleach Alternative Original Scent Powder, 63
New and Improved. Now concentrated with even more stain fighting power packed into a smaller box, so you can use 1/3 less.
Tide Ultra with Bleach Alternative Original Scent Powder, 63 Loads, 114-Ounce
Your Guide to Alternative Medicine: Understanding, Locating,
Your Guide to Alternative Medicine: Understanding, Locating, and Selecting Holistic Treatments and Practitioners
Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Deodorant Body Bar, Natural,
Contains the natural odor- fighting properties of sage and lemongrass to keep you feeling fresh. A gentle deodorant soap to keep your whole body feeling fresh. You don’t need artificial ingredients, heavy perfumes or synthetic bactericides like triclosan to feel and smell fresh after washing. Not when nature provides two effective natural odor-fighting botanicals like sage and lemongrass! We use gentle natural ingredients in our soaps to provide you with a fresh, clean feeling that stays with you. And you’ll love the rich, pleasant smelling lather. No artificial fragrances, colors or preservatives. No synthetic detergents. Biodegradable. No animal fats. Tom’s of Maine products are tested for safety without the use of animals. What Makes This Soap Natural? Many soaps contain synthetic detergents, animal ingredients (tallow), or artificial fragrances and preservatives. Our vegetable-based soaps are made gentle and effective without these ingredients. Natural Color and Preservation: The deep, rich color of our soaps comes from natural emollients and extracts, not artificial dye. We use a unique blend of rosemary and Vitamin C to preserve our soaps, not synthetic preservatives such as EDTA. Natural Fragrance: At Tom’s of Maine, we don’t use synthetic fragrances. Every scent in our natural soaps comes from natural ingredients: the essential oils of herbs and the bright, colorful aromas of flowers and roots. Made in U.S.A.
Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Deodorant Body Bar, Natural, Lemongrass, 4oz (113 g) (Pack of 6)
Professionalism and Ethics in Complementary and Alternative
(The Haworth Integrative Healing Press) Presents an examination of current issues in complementary/alternative medicine and bioethics. Includes case histories, explanations of the Hippocratic Oath, and more. Hardcover, softcover listed in approval week 2002-12.
Professionalism and Ethics in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The Complete Family Guide to Alternative Medicine: An
A complete health reference explains what various alternative therapies are now available, what they are successful at treating, which therapy is suitable for which ailment, and how to choose and find a good practitioner. Original.
The Complete Family Guide to Alternative Medicine: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Healing
Spiritual Healing: What Is It?
November 27, 2010 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Natural
You are not feeling well. You may feel okay on the physical level, but something is missing, you are suffering from anxiety and lost, or perhaps you have a combination of symptoms. What can you do? You have visited your traditional doctor and they have prescribed certain drugs to help with the symptoms but you still have those feelings. You may have visited a counselor for your emotional anxieties but still like you need more. Perhaps you have even traveled the paths of alternative healing and tried to live the natural life to achieve wholeness. All of these steps may help you achieve wholeness and complete happiness but there is another avenue you may want to explore. This is the avenue of faith healing.
What Is Faith Healing?
The broad definition of faith healing would be the attempt to use religion or spiritual means to prevent illness, cure diseases, or just improve health. This is usually done through prayer. Those who attempt this form of alternative healing say they can summon divine or supernatural intervention by using prayer, mental practices, spiritual insights, and other techniques. This form of healing can be used together with traditional forms of healing and may offer relief of pain or even the power of a “miracle cure”. The term “faith healing” is greatly used by outside commentators. Those who believe that God heals through the Holy Spirit believe in the “laying on of hands”.
Christian Belief
In the Christian faith, it is said by the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that Jesus had the power to heal the sick. He would grant this healing to those he felt truly had faith in him and the Holy Spirit, but would deny these miraculous healing powers to those who were just testing validity. An example of this healing is told in each of the Gospels. It goes something like this: “A young woman who had discharge of blood for over twelve years spent her whole fortune on traditional doctors, of the time. She saw Jesus and believed in him and the Holy Spirit and new that the touch of Jesus’ robe would indeed heal her.” Because of her full belief, she was cured instantly.
Jesus did believe in traditional medicine, which is mentioned in the Bible with the use of herbs, oils, and wines. Many people criticize Christians for using faith healing as the only true method for cure. The critics state the sole use of faith healing delays the potential cure from traditional medicine. This is especially criticized when parents choose faith healing for their children and do not use any forms of traditional medicine. Sometimes the outcome is death and the thought is that if the child has died then it was God’s will to do so and the child is brought to Heaven by angels and they will live in peace with God, in the kingdom of Heaven.
The Thoughts Of Catholicism
Those who practice Catholicism believe that faith healing is a result of intercessory prayer to a saint or to the person who has the gift of healing.
The apparition of the Virgin Mary has been attributed to several miracles around the world. Some people claim to see the Blessed Virgin Mary in different traditional things, which will bring great blessings to those who go and offer prayer to that vision. For example, it is told that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in the underground chamber in Lourdes, France. The Catholic Church has acknowledged over 60 miracles and 7,000 medical cures since the sighting in 1858.
Saint Jude is known as the patron saint of lost causes. Many Catholics pay tribute and pray to Saint Jude for the aspects of their life that need the most attention. Some write to the local paper of these desired prayers as a tribute to the Saint and for other Catholics to join in their needed prayers.
This form of alternative medicine comes under great scrutiny from those who do not believe. It is sometimes hard to grasp ideas that do not have concrete evidence and the thought that an unseen being could be responsible for suffering and healing. There are others that truly believe and have personal accounts of healing.
