Chinese Herbal Medicine Hair Loss Options

Chinese herbal medicine hair loss treatments include alternative techniques such as massage and meditation in addition to herbal formulations that are designed to help hair re-grow. One of the most common herbs used is the root of a common vine, polygoni multiflorum also known as Foti or He Shou Wu (Old Mr. He). The common name of Old Mr. He refers to a story about an older villager who became lost in the woods. It is said that he survived by eating the root of polygoni multiflorum. When he was finally rescued by members of his village, his white hair had turned black and his youthful appearance and vitality had returned. This story has made polygoni multiflorum the traditional herb for Chinese herbal medicine hair loss formulas.

Causes of hair loss

Hair loss happens when the flow of blood to the scalp is compromised. This is known as a blood deficiency and happens when the blood lacks nourishing components. The Chinese herbal medicine hair loss belief is that healthy hair depends on an abundant flow of qi which is the body’s energies, electrical, chemical, magnetic and radiant properties. A constrained flow of qi happens when stress and emotional constraint are present. This restricts the flow of blood and qi to the chest, neck, shoulders, face and head according to the Chinese. The flow can be restored through the use of alternative herbal medicine such as massage, meditation, relaxation techniques and herbal formulations. Besides blood flow and qi, sometimes genetic factors such as weak or tiny blood vessels can play a part in hair loss.

Herbs for external use

If you prefer not to take a medicine internally, there are external options for Chinese herbal medicine hair loss. Aloe vera, onion, red pepper and safflower oil are popular herbal remedies for hair loss that are used externally. Aloe vera gel activates the production of nitric oxide. Aloe vera gel also contains an enzyme known as superoxide dismutane. Together these two substances stimulate hair re-growth. Aloe vera gel is especially effective on men who are losing their hair due to the male pattern type of baldness. Allium cepa, commonly known as an onion, has a high sulfer content which is believed to help hair heal. Red pepper, when used on the scalp, is believed to help draw blood and nutrients to the scalp. It is believed this helps encourage the release of histamines which help to stimulate cell division and hair growth. Safflower oil is believed to help dilate the blood vessels which allows more blood and nutrients to reach the hair follicle. The use of Chinese herbal medicine hair loss techniques have been used for centuries, rather they will work in your case is not known, however historical data seems to prove there is a pretty good chance that they will.

 

Herbal Medicine Chinese Practices Centuries Old

January 30, 2012 by AndrewTraub  
Filed under Acupuncture, Herbal

The traditional herbal medicine Chinese use includes a variety of techniques such as herbal formulations and acupuncture. The Chinese system of growing, processing as well as the clinical usage of herbs is referred to as the Chinese herbal sciences. The herbal medicine Chinese use has a 2,000 year history that includes continual evolution and refinement. It is true there is nothing special about herbal medicine Chinese use because many of them are imported from other countries, what is special is the science behind the herbs. What makes Chinese herbal science unique is that it integrates the patient’s sensations and perceptions with the perceptions of the herbalist perceptions and experience to arrive at a common sense solution. Chinese herbology is considered one of the most sophisticated systems in the world when it comes to analyzing both clinical indicators and patterns of symptoms with repeatability and consistency.

Herbal medicine: Chinese practices make the difference

Properly trained Chinese herbalists follow several essential techniques which then allow them to tailor herbal formulas to each individual body characteristic in addition to the primary symptoms and chief complaints. For example the palpation of the radial pulse is monitored at several positions and depths on both wrists. The tongue is inspected for overall color, thickness, distribution of the tongue coating as well as color and texture of the tongue tissue. The tongue is inspected using a bright, full-spectrum lamp so the herbalist is sure that they do not misinterpret what they see. Besides inquiring about the patient’s main complaint and the symtoms they are currently experiencing, the Chinese herbalist will also ask about the patient’s metabolic and neuroendocrine characteristics. These characteristics include the patient’s appetite, general energy level, current moods, mental states, thirst, urination and bowel movements as well as their perception of their body heat or coolness. The crucial philosophical and scientific difference between the Chinese herbal sciences and traditional Western medicine is that Chinese herbalists do not recommend herbal formulations that are based solely on the chief complaint. The formulations are not based on the medical condition that a physician may have diagnosed either. When it comes to herbal medicine, Chinese style techniques work to improve the patients overall health by attempting to restore balance to the body. Because all the body’s components are interdependent the entire complex of symptoms and clinical signs must be considered in determining a strategy for restoring health. In the practice of herbal medicine, Chinese herbalists believe that once the body is in balance, the result will be a patient that is healthier in mind, body and soul.

What is the Best Method of Natural Healing for Canker Sore Problems?

January 16, 2012 by AndrewTraub  
Filed under Herbal, Natural

This may have happened to you quite a number of times in your life, and you may have found this problem rather annoying or even painful and debilitating. And it is natural that you will try to find a cure for it so that you won’t have to suffer from the discomfort and pain anymore. A canker sore may seem like a small problem for some people, but it can be a very bothersome thing for others, especially those who find that they cannot eat, talk or drink properly due to the pain that comes with this little mouth wound. Finding natural healing for canker sore problems can be easy as long as you know what to look for.

Canker sores are those little wounds that you get inside your mouth which are actually mouth ulcers that will usually heal within a week or two. How these canker sores appear is still a mystery, but there are many methods of natural healing for canker sore problems that you can use to get rid of the irritating and uncomfortable sores in your mouth. Some of the methods of natural healing for canker sore include the use of gargles, topical treatments and other remedies that are made of natural ingredients or derivatives from herbs. With so many different forms of natural healing for canker sore problems that you can use, it is difficult for you to ascertain which one will work best for you. While different methods work differently on different canker sore sufferers, you can find the best solution by testing out all the methods available to you.

One of the natural healing for canker sore methods or recipes is the use of DGL or Deglycyrrhizianted licorice which is a licorice derivative that has medicinal qualities. This kind of herbal derivative, which is different from plain licorice, is used in the form of a powder dissolved in warm water, and you have to gargle it to help shorten the healing time of your canker sores. Another natural healing for canker sore remedy you can use is the herb called lady’s mantle. This herb has been known to serve as a remedy for throat and mouth infections, including canker sores. You can also use chamomile, specifically German chamomile, as your choice of natural healing for canker sore.

There are many effective ways to get natural healing for canker sore problems, and finding the best solution can be achieved by trying out different methods to see which one is most effective in helping you get rid of your painful mouth sores.

Reading an Encyclopedia of Natural Healing

January 5, 2012 by AndrewTraub  
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Herbal, Natural

Can reading an encyclopedia of natural healing help you learn more about the natural healing techniques that are said to be more effective than modern day medicine? What exactly can you get from an encyclopedia of natural healing?

There are a few people who have written and published a so-called encyclopedia of natural healing, and these books often contain information on the different kinds of herbs and herbal combinations that can be beneficial to a person’s health. The use of an encyclopedia of natural healing as a resource for such information may prove effective for some people, but it may not be so useful to others. Depending on how knowledgeable is the author, a book like this that extols the virtues of the natural way of living and healing can be a treasure trove of knowledge or a complete waste of time.

How can you determine whether or not a particular encyclopedia of natural healing is worth reading or buying? You may need to trust the judgment of other people on this first, and once you get their opinions about certain books, you can proceed to look for reviews on them. To judge whether an encyclopedia of natural healing is worth its weight in gold, you have to find out how the book is described by people who have read it, and how useful it has been to them. If the comments on the book are negative and yet logical, you will do well not to buy the book. There may be a few positive comments on a certain encyclopedia, but you should take note whether or not the praises that are being sung are as true as the negative comments about the book. There are people who point out the positive points of the book, and if you feel that these positive points outweigh the negative comments that others have given about the book, then you may want to get one yourself.

You should not get an encyclopedia of natural healing that contains too many testimonials or vague references to certain remedies that the author does not really know about. The right kind of natural healing encyclopedia you should get is one that offers a lot of natural remedies as healing alternatives or supplements to conventional medicine. You can easily find quite a number of natural healing encyclopedias for sale nowadays, both in your local bookstores and over the internet. Make sure you do the necessary research about the encyclopedia of your choice before you purchase it. Ultimately, a good encyclopedia of natural healing should be useful in helping you maintain a healthy life.

Arthritis Sufferers Want More Alternative Medicine

December 15, 2011 by AndrewTraub  
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Herbal, Natural

If you are an arthritis sufferer, you have probably had more than your share of expensive doctor visits, prescription drugs and their many harmful and even dangerous side effects. And even after all of this trouble and expense, you still have pain. So many people have tried to carry on There has to be a better way! And there is. Studies have found that nothing helps arthritis more than alternative medicine.

People of all ages suffer from arthritis. Despite the stereotype of the little old arthritic man hobbling down the street with his cane, even small children can develop this painful malady. More arthritis sufferers use alternative medicine on a daily basis along with lifestyle changes. One such change is a special diet that eliminates foods known to aggravate the condition while adding in those foods that help to reduce pain and inflammation.

Proper diet is a viable option for pain control that few people take advantage of. Arthritis sufferers should eat more natural foods as a form of alternative medicine, and eliminate foods that aggravate pain and swelling such as dairy products, beef, eggs, nuts and grains.

There are food based herbal remedies that arthritis sufferers should make more use of as alternative medicine. Some of the more popular ones are –

• Ginger – An anti-inflammatory.
• Cayenne – Used as a topical rub or in capsule form to ease pain.
• Devil’s Claw – An analgesic pain reliever.
• Horsetail – strengthens joint tissue and facilitates free movement.
• Yucca – Known as a pain reliever for centuries

Arthritis flare ups can benefit from more alternative medicine food choices such as –

• Cherries
• Blueberries
• Celery juice
• Celery seed
• Pineapple
• Rosemary

These foods strengthen and add collagen to the bones and joints, making them more flexible, and are anti-inflammatory as well.

Herbs that fight the pain of arthritis include –

• Alfalfa
• Feverfew
• Ginseng
• Yarrow
• Burdock
• Dandelion
• Garlic

All the above herbs are quite good made into herbal teas. Yes, even the garlic! It is delicious as a tea with milk and honey. Try a cup of tea instead of a pain pill, and sip thoughtfully as your pain begins to back off a degree or two.

Don’t pay attention to the taunts of others who make kiddingly tell you that you have turned into a health food nut! Once you have tried the above remedies and see what a difference they can make in your pain, you will be laughing right along with them… laughing with joy that your pain has disappeared. Plus, the addition of these foods, along with a good whole foods diet that leaves out certain foods will help you to lose weight easily if you need to. Excess weight puts a lot of pressure on the joints, which can aggravate arthritis.

Foods that can trigger the pain of arthritis include –

• Tomatoes
• Eggplant
• Green peppers
• Potatoes (white)

Aromatherapy Massage for Relaxation

December 12, 2011 by AndrewTraub  
Filed under Aromatherapy, Art, Herbal

Aromatherapy has been used holistically for centuries at home and by those who have experience with essential oils and in modern times, the benefits of this gentle complimentary treatment has increased in popularity immensely. Stress and stress related conditions cause a variety of negative effects on people and aromatherapy can help balance out these negative aspects simply and effectively.

Aromatherapy massage is probably one of the most well-known treatments and this works exceptionally well in lowering the heart rate, blood pressure and of course, relaxing muscles. In addition, aromatherapy massage also improves the following:

• Nourishes the skin when the oil is massage in.
• Can soften fatty deposits
• Relieves headaches which are caused by tension
• Helps reduce stress-related symptoms
• Promotes a feel-good factor
• Helps to remove toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system.

An aromatherapy massage is so much more beneficial than a traditional massage as the aroma from the essential oils stimulate the olfactory nerves, sending signals to the brain which in turn transmit messages to the rest of the body.

Finding a good therapist is essential as this adds to the whole ambiance. The client must be able to feel at ease with the therapist and as the client will be partially clad, need to feel relaxed and open to the therapist massaging large expanses of skin.

Aromatherapy massage is a very safe treatment; however there are some contra-indications to oils that may be used in a treatment. In pregnancy for example, there are some oils, which should not be used at all. It is important that the person having the massage tells the masseuse if they have any medical or health conditions. Usually a full consultation is carried out so as to prevent any adverse reactions being suffered.
Some main conditions to report are:

• Thrombosis
• Epilepsy
• Pregnancy
• Contagious skin conditions
• Sensitive skin.

If you are planning to have an aromatherapy massage, it is worth arranging it to be after usual work hours i.e. not at a lunchtime when you have to go back to work. The massage will make you feel very relaxed and not feel like working, many of its benefits will be lost by having to force yourself to work.

It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids -water or herbal teas preferably as this will help with the removal of toxins. Avoiding heavy meals afterwards are also advised as blood would be diverted to the stomach to help process the food eaten instead of the healing process beginning.

Having an aromatherapy massage regularly will help to combat the stresses of daily life and help you to achieve a relaxed and balanced lifestyle.

Understanding Chinese Herbal Medicine

November 24, 2011 by AndrewTraub  
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Herbal

Maintaining health by restoring the balance of energy, body and spirit is the main focus of Chinese herbal medicine. The difference between the methods of Chinese herbal medicine and traditional methods is that instead of the herbs being used to treat a particular disease or condition in Chinese herbal medicine is that the herbs are used to nourish the body. Imbalances in the body can be detected by the appearance of the skin, hair, tongue, eyes, pulse and can be heard in the voice. A variety of herbs are used, in different combinations, to help restore balance to the body. These combinations of herbs are created to treat the main complaint or patterns of the patient’s symptoms instead of the underlying cause. Use of the Chinese herbal medicine method of treatment helps to restore the bodies balance, resulting in the patient being healthier in mind, body and soul.

The make-up of Chinese herbal medicine

Herbal medicine is administered in numerous ways, from teas to powders, pills, tinctures and syrups. Herbal formulations typically contain anywhere from four to twelve different plant based ingredients. In China there are over 3,200 different herbs to choose from. There are 300 different mineral and animal extracts available. Currently there are over 400 different herbal formulations that are used. To make these formulations effective, one or two herbs are chosen that will have the greatest impact on the major aspects of the problem. The other herbs that are used in the formulation work in a variety of ways from treating the minor aspects of the formula to helping the other herbs work more effectively. The minor herbs also help direct the herbal formula to specific parts of the body.

History of Chinese herbal medicine

Chinese medicine has been firmly established since 200 BC, however a listing of medicinal herbs and formulations were not developed until the first century AD. During the Ming Dynasty (1152-1578) a classic book on medicinal herbs, which lists nearly 2,000 different herbs and extracts, was written by Li Shi-Zhen. When Western conventional medicine began spreading to the East many of the traditional herbal medicines began to be regarded as folklore. Interesting enough the Chinese government has supported the use of both traditional and Western medicine since 1949. Traditional Chinese medicine began to gain popularity in the United States during the 1970’s after President Richard Nixon paid a visit to China and continues to remain a popular alternative today.

Traditional Chinese medicine can be used in conjunction with traditional medical practices provided you choose a health care practitioner that is knowledgeable in both fields. As with any medicine there are side effects and possible drug interactions, so before deciding that Chinese herbal medicine is right for you, talk to your health care provider.

Herbal Medicine: More Popular Than Ever

Herbal medicine can be defined as the use of herbs for the medicinal or therapeutic values. The parts used vary from plant to plant but can include the plants seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark or flowers. Herbal medicine, which has been around longer than conventional medicine, is becoming a mainstream alternative. Almost 80% of the world population today uses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care according to the World Health Organization. The popularity of herbal medicine has made some doctor’s today decide to use a combination of both conventional and alternative medicine to treat their patient’s ailments.

Alternative medicine through the ages

Herbs have been used throughout history, even before records of their use existed. This fact has been proven during archaeological digs where human bones were found with herbs carefully tucked around them. Practically every culture has used herbs to heal various ailments, from physical to psychological. Many of the drugs that are available today are of herbal origin. An estimated 25% of the prescription drugs that are currently dispensed in the United States contain at least one active ingredient that has been derived from plant material. When plant extracts are not used in drugs there is a good chance that at least one ingredient has been chemically synthesized to mimic the properties of natural plant compounds. Modern medicine is so intertwined with herbal medicine that using the two together just makes sense.

Choosing herbs

Farm grown herbs are favored over wild-crafted herbs, which are herbs that grow naturally without human intervention, because farm grown herbs can be certified organic. With herbs that grow wild there is no way to know if the herbs have been sprayed with chemicals or other contaminants. Once the decision has been made between wild-crafted and farm raised herbs, the next decision is choosing what form of herbs suits your needs the best. The main forms that herbs are available in are fresh, dried, tablets, capsules and bottled as a liquid. The quality of the herbs is more important than the form the herbs are in. The higher quality the herbs are, the more potent the medicinal values will be.

The role of herbal medicine today

There is no doubt that alternative medicine is gaining popularity today. The role that traditional medicine typically plays is being changed as more people look for a natural approach to healing. It is easier today than ever before to find health care providers that use both alternative and traditional treatments. This makes it possible for people who want to use a combination of herbal medicine and prescription drugs to get sound advice from their medical care provider.

Herbal Medicine For Anxiety

When it comes to choosing herbal medicine for anxiety there are numerous herbs to choose from, however the herbs alone will not reduce all the anxiety. The herbs should be used in conjunction with stress relieving techniques for maximum effectiveness. When your body is under stress it is more vulnerable to free radical damage. Herbal medicine for anxiety should contain natural ingredients such as bilberry, ginkgo biloba or milk thistle which contain flavonoids that help neutralize free radicals in addition to stress relieving herbs such as Piper methysticum, also known as kava kava or valerian which are two of the main herbal medicines used for anxiety.

Stress relieving techniques

When using herbal medicine for anxiety it is important that it is not used on a long term basis because the medicines the herbs contain can build up in your system causing unexpected side effects or the herbal formulations to quit working. Taking an herbal medicine for anxiety is not much different than taking a pharmaceutical medicine when it comes to learning relaxation techniques. To relieve stress it takes more than just a medication. Relaxation techniques should be learned. A change in lifestyle that can include the addition of meditation or an increase in positive activities that you enjoy participating in can help relieve anxiety. Sometimes stress relief is simply a matter of taking a relaxing bath filled with essential oils such as clary-sage, rosemary, peppermint or lavender. These essential oils, alone or in combination, are great for reducing anxiety and inducing a sense of calm. Other natural ways of dealing with anxiety include laughter, journaling and getting a massage. When you use any of these stress relieving techniques in combination with herbal medicine for anxiety you are sure to come out a winner.

Alternative anxiety solutions lead to a balanced sense of well being

With more people turning away from pharmaceutical drugs because of possible side effects or the desire to improve their health in a more natural way, the use of an herbal medicine for anxiety as well as other
non-traditional health care practices such as massage and meditation are increasing in popularity. Countless studies have been performed in regards to the use of herbal supplements as well as their therapeutic benefits. Research has provided strong evidence that the use of an herbal medicine for anxiety, alternative medicine practices as well as a healthy diet have a beneficial effect which leads to a healthier lifestyle that promotes a feeling a general well-being that most people do not feel when they use pharmaceutical drugs.

Why You Should Purchase the Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing?

There are many reasons why you should get yourself a copy of The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, and one of the reasons is to learn about natural healing. By learning from The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, you will gain a lot of information that may prove invaluable to you and your family in time of need. This book, which is written by a medical doctor, will show you that healing does not necessarily have to involve hospital visits, synthetic chemicals for medication, or other expensive therapeutic treatments.

The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing is a book that provides information about many different kinds of cures for different illnesses, and these are often remedied with natural substances and techniques. This book reveals how the many different herbs and herbal combinations can help a person heal naturally and how an ailing body will react to such herbal medications. The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing also explains how a person can strengthen his immune system with the use of natural methods that include exercise, acupuncture, homeopathy and diet, among others.

While The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing may be a well meaning compilation of information on alternative medicine, there are people who say that not everything in the book is actually reliable enough, since the author does not cite references or sources for his information and that some of the entries can be pretty misleading. There are also complaints that there are no real remedies or techniques on how to get well in the book since there are no dosages, measurements of herbal ingredients, or clear explanations as to what some remedies can do for a person. However, there are also people who laud The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing as the ultimate natural health guide in the market. These people say that the book is a must have for every household as it can provide good advice when anybody in the family falls ill.

These different opinions on The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing may prove to be a bit confusing to those who wish to learn more about the alternatives to modern medicine. Before you buy this book, it is advisable that you read it first, and then compare the information with some of the more established opinions on the subject of natural healing. If you find that the information is reliable enough, and that the tips given in the book are effective in helping you overcome your ailments, you should very well purchase it. The information provided by the book can either be the answer to all your questions about natural healing or it may leave you wanting for more information on the subject, and the decision to get the book or not is truly dependent on your own judgment.

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