Hate Drugs? Try Natural Therapy

In alternative medicine, the term ?Natural Therapy? refers to an eclectic self-care system that is primarily concerned with building and restoring health through prevention techniques and healthy lifestyles. In natural therapy, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders is undertaken by the therapeutic use of natural methods and materials.

The philosophy underlying natural therapy is that all living things have an innate ability to heal. This innate ability flows through us as energy or ?vital force? and it promotes self-cleansing, self-repair and self-healing. If the path of this vital force is blocked, external symptoms appear and a ?dis-ease? is diagnosed. Once the flow of this energy is restored, good health too will be restored.

Natural therapy stipulates that the immune system, nervous system, hormonal system and detoxification pathways all work as a unit. This ensures our survival. If given proper support, care and nurture the body will find its sense of balance automatically, WITHOUT the use of medicine.

Natural therapy places a great deal of emphasis on a hands-free, non invasive approach to curing maladies. There are no magic bullets and quick fixes. Each individual will have his own unique set of symptoms. Depending upon the symptoms, the therapist decides his course of treatment. And each individual takes his own time to recover.

The goal of natural therapy is to develop optimal good health for all patients and to teach patients the principles of good health. Natural therapy is used as a complementary system of healing that adequately speeds up the body?s natural ability to heal. Prevention is the ultimate goal, though therapy also includes management of symptoms.

Natural therapy usually includes a wide variety of treatment systems. Some of them are:

Clinical nutrition: Nutrition is the cornerstone of good health. Many diseases and conditions can be improved through changes in diet alone.

Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy: Natural therapy relies very heavily on the use of medicinal herbs. Herbs are characterized by their minimal toxicity and maximum effect. Since herbs do not accumulate in the body, they also do not have any lasting ramifications. When selected properly, herbs offer safe, powerful and effective healing.

Traditional Chinese medicine: Pulse diagnosis, herbs, acupuncture, acutouch are all included in this system of medicine. Dating back to almost 3,000 years ago, this stream of medicine has recently caught a lot of attention in the West.

Body manipulation: Used in conjunction with other therapies, this treatment uses a variety of systematic movements that help heal musculoskeletal and neurological problems.

Lifestyle modification: Natural therapy places full responsibility of one?s health on one?s own shoulders. Treatments are based on assessing risk factors connected to the lifestyle, diet and environment of each individual. Each of these factors is considered while developing a treatment plan.

Natural therapy can assist in curing a wide variety of clinical conditions.

- Acute conditions like headaches, sore throat, asthma and allergies

- Chronic illnesses like migraine, arthritis, heart diseases and gastrointestinal diseases.

- Stress related mental and emotional problems.

- Physical injury and trauma including post-operative pain.

Different kinds of natural therapies suffered a setback because results are slow in coming. What most people do not realize is that though results may take long, the effects last a lifetime. There is usually a complete recovery from symptoms because the physician tries to boost the body?s natural resistance to dis-ease and discomfort.

Alternative Holistic Medicine

Mineral Makeup: A Natural Sunscreen

Mineral makeup is the thing to wear this summer if you're looking for an all natural makeup with safe and effective sunscreen. The fact is that two of the main ingredients in mineral makeup are natural sunscreens that not only reflect light but protect your skin from harmful and cancer causing UV rays.

The ingredients, Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide, both natural and very safe minerals are found in almost every sunscreen on the market. Titanium dioxide is so effective because of it's ability to reflect light. It has one of the highest refractive indexes in the world at (n=2.4). In fact this refractive index is surpassed by only one other mineral in the world-diamond.

Titanium dioxide is also inorganic so it keeps the skin from gathering moisture that could feed bacteria and cause or worsen acne. This is great news for acne sufferers looking for an effective makeup and sunscreen product that won't worsen their condition.

The second natural sunscreen mineral in mineral makeup is zinc oxide. Zinc oxide was not chosen as an ingredient because of it's sunscreen qualities however, it was chosen for it's vast array of colors and indeed is elimental in providing a large array of colors for makeup artists to work with when formulating different foundaitons, blushes, and eyeshadows.

Zinc oxide is a natural UV blocker just as titanium dioxide is. It also has the same very water resistant quality of titanium dioxide and wards of bacteria. Zinc oxide is as widely used in sunscreen lotions as titanium dioxide. These two elements together give most brands of mineral makeup an spf of 15.

Sure, almost any sunscreen touting makeup you buy has these minerals in it, so what's the big deal? For acne and rosescea sufferers, believe me it's a big deal. Mineral makeup is known world wide as the skin care makeup because no matter what skin care conditions you may suffer from it is a makeup that is totally safe for your skin. Recommended around the world by dermatologists and plastic surgeons it is actually so pure that you can sleep in it without worrying about acne flair ups or any adverse reaction.

Talc based makeups, although they may contain these two natural sunscreen minerals also have other additives such as dies, chemicals and oils. Talc itself is organic and can help feed bacteria which worsens acne and rosascea. Almost all makeup on the market is talc based. Another drastic difference is the way mineral makeup is processed and worn.

Minerals used in the makeup are finely milled until they are too fine to clog pores. Talc is not milled this fine and it can clog pores worsening or causing skin problems. If you're looking for a sunscreen makeup that is natural and safe mineral makeup is definately the way to go.

Find more Mineral Makeup information at http://www.bare-mineral-makeup.info Get the facts, ingredients, and benefits as well as advice about which brands are the best.

LCarnitine in the Treatment of Metabolic Disorder

Newborn screening, as it is commonly known, refers to a series of blood tests performed within five days of an infant?s birth. All fifty states offer, and in most cases require, that all newborns be screened for various metabolic and genetically transmitted disorders. The total number of screenings may vary from state to state.

Earlier versions of newborn screening tested only for hypothyroidism, sickle-cell disease, PKU, and galactosemia. The new expanded screening includes tests for enzymatic and metabolic disorders. If untreated, these disorders can cause serious health problems including death. Once detected, however, they are easy to treat.

One such disorder detected by this screening is MCADD (Medium-chain Acyl-COA deyhdrogenase deficiency). MCAD is one of the enzymes that helps convert fat to energy. The body normally uses carbohydrates from our diet for energy. When those carbohydrates are used up, the body breaks down body fat for energy. The absence of MCAD can result in high levels of partially broken down fat, which is toxic to the brain and nervous system. MCADD is a hereditary disorder transmitted from parents to children through an autosomal recessive gene. When both parents carry the genetic trait for this defect, their child has a 25% chance of having this disorder. About one in 20,000 children in the United States is born with it, and, of those, 30 percent die from it. As a result, up to 50% of sudden infant deaths may be attributed to MCADD.

Once detected, MCADD is easy to treat and treated individuals go on to lead normal lives. Treatment usually consists of avoiding fasting and administering glucose orally or intravenously. Intake of medium and long-chain fatty acids should be avoided. Supplemental carnitine is recommended for some affected children.

L-carnitine is also beneficial in preventing age-related declines in metabolism and memory. Adding L-carnitine to standard medical treatments for heart failure has shown to improve exercise tolerance. Meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products are the richest sources of L-carnitine.

Copyright ? 2006 DHAN Medical Inc. All rights reserved.

Darshana Vaishnav, M. D. is a board certified medical doctor with a medical degree from Penn State University. With over 20 years of medical practice in California behind her, she set up her website DrugNatural.com to promote dietary supplements. Her site offers natural vitamins, herbal and dietary supplements with reliable purity and consistency available only from physicians, naturopaths, pharmacies or healthcare providers.

Darshana Vaishnav, M. D.
http://www.drugnatural.com

All Natural Bodybuilding Secrets

Natural bodybuilding refers to bodybuilding without muscle enhancing drugs or anabolic substances. In other words natural athletes who choose to build their body with all-natural have to stick to a regimen of well structured bodybuilding diet along with some performance enhancing supplements like whey protein, creatine & l-glutamine. There are however other natural athletes who go all out ie they don't even use over the counter products to help them supplement their daily diets. Their nutrition consists solely on natural foods!

Natural bodybuilding is a very specific sport. There are national bodybuilding organisations that organize natural bodybuilding contests for men and women. For more information or if you are interested in entering a natural bodybuilding show please get yourself a copy of Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness magazine at your local newsagent. Some of these shows are drug tested and some are not. The choice on which one you compete is completely yours.

A natural bodybuilder must learn to build his body in the most precise way possible. Learning as much as possible about natural bodybuilding dieting, training, supplementation is essential if one is to successfully build a natural physique of national caliber.

One of the keys to a great natural body is persistence. I don't care how well you eat or how hard you train! If you do not have the necessary persistence to keep it up for months & years you will just be spinning your wheels with no results to speak of. Building natural muscle mass takes time - sometimes a lot of time! Always be patient and expect success through your nutrition, contest diet and training.

Along with persistence you need to set up some specific, clear cut goals for yourself. If you do not know what your goals are chances are you will not make significant progress in the gym. Short term goals set up every week are great for short term progress in the gym. For example you can set a goal of increasing your bench by 2 lbs in your next week's incline bench press session! Take these small goals and add them up over 6 months and they really make a big difference. Long term goals need to be set up as well. For example - 12 weeks from now my goal is to have lost 15 lbs or pure body fat and win my upcoming natural bodybuilding contest. You need to sonstantly remind yourself of your big goals in order to not lose track of the reasons you are training and dieting so hard. Reading your goals every day helps you stay on track, train harder and not cheat on your diet. Trust me! When you are carb depleted for 3 days and pizza is calling your name, a reminder of your goals is what puts you back in track.

Nutrition is probably half the battle to getting muscle to grow OR to burn body fat. A general guideline is to eat 12-13 calories per lb of body weight if you are trying to get ripped and 17-19 calories per lb if you are trying to gain muscle. 30% of your calories should come from protein, 50% from natural carbohydrates and 20% from healthy fats (olive oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil etc). Try to avoid sugars & processed foods at all costs. Most of all, make sure you get 1 gram of protein per lean pound of body weight per day no matter what! Hardcore weight training breaks down muscle fibers and it is absolutely necessary for our body to be able to recover from these hard workouts with the use of protein.

As far as working out is concerned, forget all you read in the most popular bodybuilding magazines in the market. The routines posted in most magazines by the pros will do absolutely nothing for you if you want to grow muscle naturally. Fact of the matter is, most people who start bodybuilding DO follow these routines blindly. They do the same thing week after week, expecting results but nothing ever happens. Sure they gain some strength in the beginning but plateaus soon hit them. They then decide to buy the next magic pill or powder in the market that will jump start their results. The result is a very rich supplement company and a very frustrated athlete. There is a large amount of information out there that is totally unsuitable for the majority of people who want to grow muscle naturally. My point is to educate yourself on how the body works before you start training haphazardly just because you read an article in a magazine. Stick to the basic exercises that have worked for years for most people and do NOT overtrain. Each muscle needs to be fully trained only once per week for muscle growth to occur. Ovetraining is the biggest single mistake most people do and is the reason why people quite bodybuilding & weight training.

Bottom line? You are either 100% natural or you aren't! There are no shortcuts and there are many obstacles. In the end however, you will be satisfied in knowing that you achieved results that are comparable to those of drug enhanced athletes, 100% naturally. Trust me, it's the best feeling in the world and it IS achievable. All you have to do is set goals, work hard, be consistent and have patience.

Copyright 2005 - Kostas Marangopoulos

Kostas Marangopoulos is a certified personal trainer, natural bodybuilder and owner of one of the best bodybuilsing websites & forums on the web, BodybuildingApplied.com. To get Kostas' free monthy bodybuilding diet & training secrets newsletter, please visit http://www.BodybuildingApplied.com

Natural Alternatives Approach to Healthier Skin

Skin is one of the most sensitive organs in our body, thus, we should keep it healthy to prevent any skin disease or irritations. There are many skin treatments as well as skin products to help you in maintaining your skins? health. However, when not carefully picked, the skin care products can cause you some side effects such as allergic, irritations, or even infections. These side effects are cause by the unusual reaction of your skin towards certain chemical materials on the products. Therefore it is recommended to use natural skin care to lessen the risk of getting those side effects. Natural skin care is basically skin care product which encompasses natural ingredients. They do not contain any chemical compound thus reducing the possibility of developing irritation or allergic reaction when applied to your skins.

How to treat and pamper your skin naturally? Actually it?s pretty easy. Some vegetables and fruits can do the trick. Your veggies and fruit can be cost effective and healthy yet rewarding natural skin care. For instance, you can use peach, carrot, apple, or strawberry for your facial skin care, toner and etc. You can find a lot of prescriptions for these natural skins care available in the internet.

Because of the increasing market demand for natural skin care products, companies have been responsive and produce a wide range of natural skin products, thus giving you plenty of choices to choose from.

Natural skin care products extend widely from facial skin care product to body care products. With the increasing awareness of skin care importance, natural body care products are increasingly popular in the market. Natural body scrub, whitening essence, shampoo products, hair treatment, and soap are only some of the ever-increasing popular natural body care products. Ingredients are extensive from tropical fruit, to vegetables to mineral water and many more. With this wide range of natural skin care products, it is easier than ever for you to stay healthy and beautiful yet far from the risk of developing skin allergic or irritations. Isn?t nature wonderful?

Jerrick Foo has been researching and developing all dry skin care the purpose of offering men and women safe, dry skin care tips. He have created Dry Skin Care Guide to share his 10 years of combined expertise with you. Visit http://www.dry-skin-care-guide.com for essential skin care tips.

Combination Homeopathic Remedies: Your Introduction to Homeopathy

Of all homeopathic products on the market, combination remedies are arguably the most popular. You can find them prominently displayed in the homeopathic sections of most health food stores and placed near the cash registers in Whole Foods during cold season. Bestsellers, these products offer us the hope of a simple and straightforward solution: one medication for one diagnosis of anything that ails us, conditions ranging from teething, to head colds, to premenstrual syndrome, to hemorrhoids. But do they work?

It?s not hard to grasp the concept involved in manufacturing combination remedies. Two or more remedies known to relieve a particular symptom are combined in the same tablet. The expectation is that either the chosen remedies will enhance each other?s actions, or that at least one of the remedies will be exactly what the patient needs.

These remedies exist right on the border between allopathic (conventional) medicine and homeopathic medicine. On one hand, these preparations are prescribed for a particular ailment in the same way as conventional drugs. On the other hand, the components of combination remedies are homeopathically prepared substances. Their proponents argue that the combination remedies are much better then conventional drugs, as they have no side effects.

PROS AND CONS OF COMBINATION REMEDIES
Combination remedies sold in stores are proprietary to their manufacturers. As they are proprietary medications, I feel uncomfortable rating their efficacy. Nonetheless, I don?t want to leave you guessing about them without reliable information. So let me just say that, in my experience, all the major homeopathic manufacturers produce equally good combination preparations. I never use them myself, however some of my patients report that various brands produce more or less similar results. It is also my understanding that at the beginning of the 20th century different companies sold and bought the recipes of efficacious combinations from each other. This makes the process of selection easier. Major companies on the American market that offer combination remedies are Boiron, Hyland/Standard, Washington Homeopathic Products, and 1800HOMEOPATHY. There are quite a few smaller companies out there, too, and companies change hands from time to time, which is a great benefit to the consumer. Mergers or splits of these companies mean only one thing for you: a continuous exchange of experience leading to better products.

What are these remedies useful in treating? They can provide significant relief for self-limiting conditions in people with excellent or average health. There are impressive remedies for vertigo, acute sinus infections, teething, and hemorrhoids, for instance. The major homeopathic companies use combinations that have been tested for years and are shown effective, but to reiterate, only for the temporary relief of self-limiting conditions. Treating serious and or chronic conditions with combination remedies isn?t a good idea. In these situations you are much better off seeking help of a qualified homeopath.

You should avoid combination remedies, or any other homeopathic preparations, while you are receiving professional homeopathic care, as these preparations might interfere with single remedies used by classical homeopaths. For many consumers, taking homeopathic combination remedies is a good place to start testing the homeopathic waters, so to speak. Real healing requires an understanding of individual traits. My new book Easy Homeopathy teaches you how to achieve complete cure, as opposed to the temporary suppression of symptoms. I hope you begin your homeopathic journey today with a little help from my book and a lot of support from your common sense.

Edward Shalts, MD, DHt, author of Easy Homeopathy and The American Institute of Homeopathy Handbook for Parents is a vice-president of the National Center for Homeopathy and a second vice-president of the American Institute of Homeopathy. He also serves on the faculty of the Center for Health and Healing at the Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the UMDNJ Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in New Jersey. Board certified in homeopathy, psychiatry, and alternative medicine, he has been working in the field of homeopathy for 20-plus years. He provides homeopathic care to adults and children through his private practice in Manhattan. He can be reached at http://www.EasyHomeopathyHome.com.

Introduction to Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, derived from two roots - ayur (which means life) and veda (knowledge). Knowledge arranged systematically with logic becomes science. During the due course of time, Ayurveda became the science of life and now called so. It has its root in ancient vedic literature and encompasses our entire life, the body, mind and spirit.

Another longer definition of ayurveda goes: ayurhitahitamvyadhe nidaanamshamanam thathaa vidyate yatra vidhwadhihi tatra ayurveda uchyate. This verse takes us to a deeper level to understand what ayurveda is.

Manifestation of Creation:

From the essence of satva the five senses are created:- Ears to hear, skin to perceive touch, eyes to see, the tongue to taste, and the nose, to smell. The essence of rajas is manifested as the five motor organs: speech, hands, feet, genitals and the organs of excretion. The mind is derived from satva, while rajas is manifested as prana, the life force. The tamasic quality is also responsible for the creation of tan matra, the subtle elements, and from whom the five basic elements are manifested. They are space, air, fire, water and earth.

Space:

Expansion of consciousness is space and space is all enclosive. We need space to live, and our bodily cells contain spaces.

Air:

Its representative in the body is the biological air, responsible for movement of afferent and efferent, sensory and motor-neuron impulses.

Fire:

Where there is movement, there is friction, which creates heat, so the third manifestation of consciousness is fire, the principal of heat.

Water:

Because of the heat of the fire, consciousness melts into water.

Earth:

The next manifestation of consciousness is the earth element. Because of the heat of the fire and water, there is crystallization. According to Ayurveda, earth molecules are nothing but crystallization of consciousness.

The Three Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha

The structural aspect of the body is made up of five elements, but the functional aspect of the body is governed by three biological humors. Ether and air together constitute vata; fire and water, pitta; and water and earth, kapha. Vata, pitta and kapha are the three biological humors that are the three biological components of the organism. They govern psycho-biological changes in the body and physio-pathological changes too. Vata-pitta-kapha are present in every cell, tissue and organ. In every person they differ in permutations and combinations.

According to Ayurveda, there are seven body types: mono-types (vata, pitta or kapha predominant), dual types (vata-pitta, pitta-kapha or, kapha-vata), and equal types, (vata, pitta and kapha in equal proportions). Every individual has a unique combination of these three doshas. To understand individuality is the foundation of healing according to Ayurveda, The Science of Life - http://www.ayurvedichealth.4t.com

Dr.Bhawnesh writes on introduction to Ayurveda, an ayurvedic physician and continuously supply knowledge about Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Treatments.

Helichrysum Essential Oil A Natural Means to Speed Healing of Many Common Sports Injuries

Despite the image of Aromatherapy as lacking in scientific foundation in the United States, the use of pure, therapeutic grade essential oil for medical applications is common throughout much of Europe. The essential oil distilled from the flowers of Helichrysum Italicum is well-known for its broad range of actions, which can support healing of many common sports-related injuries. The essential oil's compounds are known to prevent and relieve blood clotting (helpful for bruising), stimulate tissue regeneration, act as a powerful anti-oxidant, and can reduce inflammation. This combination of effects many help with injuries such as twists and sprains, bruises, tendonitis and the like. Any dedicated athlete would greatly welcome such a non-toxic, effective alternative healing remedy!

From a scientific standpoint, the alternative medicine aspects of aromatherapy deals with the interaction of a wide array of natural plant chemicals with human physiological systems. Each essential oil is many, sometimes hundreds, of individual chemical constituents. These often work in concert to provide a synergy of effects - a result that is greater than the application of each phytochemical alone. A great example is the combination of chemical compounds in Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil - it has been called an 'aromatherapists designer oil' because of it's mix of anti-viral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory components, plus a pleasing aroma, make it helpful in treating certain types of cold symptoms. Helichrysum Italicum contains a great synergy in it's own way - it's constituent chemicals are known to reduce inflammation, signal tissue regeneration, remove clotted blood, relax tissues and reduce pain.

Before approaching it's possible effects of Helichrysum essential oil on sprains, strains and other sports injuries, let's look at the root of these painful conditions. Take, for example, a an ankle twisted in a basketball game - what has happened physiologically? Connective tissues (tendons and ligaments) have been stretched beyond their normal lengths; these tissue have suffered 'micro tears', which is damage to the actual structure of the cells of the connective tissue. Some of these cells are so damaged that they die, and need to be re-grown. There is often additional swelling and bruising involved, which is generally the leaking of blood from damaged capillaries into intracellular space. This results in a loss of blood supply to surrounding cells, and blockage of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products moving to and from those cells. This in fact, leads to cellular damage beyond the primary injury of the connective tissue cells. More cell death occurs here, not only directly from the loss of nutrient/waste exchange for these cells, but also due to an increase in oxidative radical activity. The greater the amount of 'secondary' injury which occurs lengthens the time to recovery - here, one can see why applying ice to an injury soon after it occurs can speed healing - it reduces the amount of blood that clots (bruises) in an area, and lowers the metabolic activity (and oxidative radical production) in cells with a loss of nutrient supply - therefore, less secondary cell damage and death accompanies the primary injury.

The synergistic effects of the compounds found in Helichrysum oil address the physiological processes involved in such injuries directly. First the anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting effects reduce the secondary damage (occurring in acute injuries, or, for example, just after a training bout that has made a chronic injury flare-up). The anti-oxidant properties also prevent further cellular damage from occurring. The analgesic effects are a nice addition, possibly reducing the need for oral pain-relief medications of questionable toxicity. Finally, the tissue regenerating effects help re-grow all damaged tissue, and can even help prevent scarring from cuts and open wounds.

In 'Medical Aromatherapy', Dr. Schnaubelt indicates that the effects of many essential oils cannot be explained completely by the actions of their individual components - many oils' effects are greater than the sum of their parts. The synergy of the components in Helichrysum produces a particularly sensational healing result. A recent user of the oil, who had been a professional triathlete, then cyclist, then 'casual' marathon runner, was having chronic pain in an achilles tendon. Overuse - and perhaps a stiff clutch on an old car - lead him to believe that despite excellent fitness, he wound not be able to take part in an upcoming major marathon. The injury hurt every time he ran; he had been a proponent of alternative therapies for many years, with some success using DMSO for tendon-related inflammation. He had not found DMSO (often used on racehorses for similar injuries) to be as effective on chronic injuries as acute ones, and this achilles issue was no different - nothing was helping fast enough where he knew he could make the race. For the first time, he gave Helichrysum essential oil a try, applying undiluted (Helichrysum is very well tolerated this way) to the area twice daily. Within two days, he was running without pain, and ran a personal best at the marathon event.

In this instance, the application of Helichrysum reduced pain (and likely inflammation as well) in the area, and supported regeneration of the damaged tendon tissues. The essential oil should prove just as effective with acute injuries as well - it's noted ability to reduce the clotting of blood, along with it's anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerative properties give it a seemingly complete natural arsenal to speed healing in most common sport-related injuries. In fact, this could extend to a very wide variety of trauma injuries, though great care should be taken to use as an adjunct to proper allopathic medical care in such cases.

If you decide to try the oil for yourself, be sure of your source, and that the variety is correct one discussed here. The oil is appropriate for range of injuries - minor to major - though of course it is not a substitute for proper medical attention in any way. Using the oil in conduction with a prescribed therapy should be discussed with your doctor. The literature does state that the oil is very well tolerated, and can be applied directly to the skin undiluted. An application of a thin film a few times a day, as soon as chronic pain is noted, or an acute injury occurs, is best. The oil can be used on broken or damaged skin - in fact, it is included in formulas to reduce scar formation along with Rosehipseed and Hazelnut oils (a 5% dilution of Helichrysum in a 50/50 blend of these two base oils can be used to support wound healing). As with any therapy, be aware of how you're body is responding to treatment, and consult a medical professional with any questions or concerns about it's use. In summary, Helichrysum italicum essential oil is a gentle, topical treatment which may speed healing for many common sport-related injuries. It is regarded as a very safe oil and is worth a try if you are in need of such support.

The author is the owner of Ananda Aromatherapy, a source for pure therapeutic grade essential oils, blends, and aromatherapy products. Ananda's vision is to offer the highest grades of products to ensure their healing properties are available to it's customers.

Natural Acne Treatments

Apart from physician?s medications, Acne can also be treated very effectively by using natural methods. Conventional treatments for acne have been proved usually quite successful. Natural methods may also include usage of cleansing agents and lotions made with Benzoyl peroxide, gels or creams made modified forms of vitamin A, and antibiotics applied to the skin or taken orally.

Home grown methods have been adopted to treat acne, now a day; diet being one of the most important factors. A diet based on whole, unprocessed foods may benefit people with acne. People with Acne should try to eat at least five servings of vegetables per day and at least one serving of fruit per day. They must avoid eating refined sugar, fried foods, trans fats such as milk, milk products, margarine, shortening, and other hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Foods rich in healthy omega-3 oils such as ground flaxseeds and sardines should be increased. Chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages; iodized salt, shellfish, wheat and/or milk products may aggravate acne. Drinking many glasses of fluids and water tends to reduce the effects of acne. Increased in take of fiber rich food along with fresh vegetables, fruit and grains help the patient to reduce the effects of acne.

Vitamin A may help to reduce sebum production. However, high doses of vitamin A can carry a risk of decreased bone density, birth defects, headache, and muscle and joint pain. Sexually active women of childbearing age must not take more than 5,000 IU per day, unless they are under the guidance of a professional physician and are using at least two reliable forms of birth control. Adequate intake of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and zinc will also help reduce the effects of severe acne. Unhealthy fats such as margarine, hydrogenated oils and processed foods must be avoided at all costs.

Zinc, especially in the form of zinc gluconate or zinc sulfate, will help prevent acne. Zinc helps heal blemishes, scars, reduces inflammation, and reduces androgenic hormonal effects on the skin. Increase the intake of zinc in the diet. Vitamin B6 may help reduce the occurrence of premenstrual or mid-cycle acne. This vitamin is essential for the proper metabolism of steroid hormones and can reduce the sensitivity of skin to the effects of testosterone.

Many herbal preparations are also used to decrease the effects of acne. An herbal blend that can help with acne consists of equal parts of the herbal extracts of sarsaparilla, yellow dock, burdock, and cleavers. These herbs are believed to be potent blood and lymph cleansers. Half a teaspoon per day of this blend can be taken three times per day combined with a healthy diet.

For a possible acne treatment, massaging the effect area gently may help treating acne. It can help to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage and speed the healing of blemishes.

Apart from these measures, regular exercises, and meditation and breathing exercises may help in reducing the effects of sever acne.

Natural Acne Treatment

Stein Ove Stien is the author of Natural Health with Natural Health related Guides, Articles and Recourses.

10 Smart Tips to Guaranteed Weight Loss

Make the following tips part of your everyday life and you will experience significant weight loss:

1. Do not skip meals. Eating raises your metabolism; skipping meals may fool your body by slowing down its metabolism in order to reserve calories for future energy demands.

2. Exercise regularly; make exercise part of your dailyschedule. Exercise raises your metabolism and burns off extra fat.

3. Re-create your favorite recipes by removing fats, salt, and sugar. You can find many creative ways to maintain the great taste of your favorite recipes by using nonfat substitutes.

4. Eat a well-balanced diet containing the necessary nutrients for optimal health. Use the Food Pyramid and the label of nutrition facts on food products to help you select a healthier diet.

5. Eat slowly and masticate every bite thoroughly to reduce your appetite.

6. Eat no more than three small meals and 2-3 snacks every day; not three big meals.

7. Hot water with some lemon prior to breakfast will jumpstart your metabolism.

8. Locate a weight loss companion or a support group. Either one will aid you in keeping up with your weight loss goals.

9. Drink 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day.

10. If you can?t stop thinking about food and are constantly tempted to ?cheat? on your diet program, strongly consider a natural appetite suppressant.

If you are interested in a highly effective natural appetite suppressant, at Hoodiaway.com you'll find Pure H57 Hoodia Gordonii Plus Products that help you suppress your hunger so you can start losing serious weight.

Modern SupermarketsPalaces Of Poisons

Each week, my wife and I do our grocery shopping. And yes, even though I'm a man, I'm always involved in this because what we buy is a very important purchase--an investment in our health and business productivity. We are what we eat, for better or for worse.

First, we go to a natural/organic food market and buy most of our food there. Organic is our first choice. Natural is the second choice.

Organic means that 95%+ of the ingredients are organic, excluding water and salt. Natural means at least 75% are organic.

What we can't find at a natural/organic food market, we buy at an upscale supermarket.

Most metropolitan areas have one upscale supermarket. There are usually a small number downscale supermarkets, too, with Wal-Mart Supercenters usually the market share leader in downscale segment.

When we discuss organic food with people, they always ask, aren't organic foods too expensive? Answer: not really.

They're more expensive to buy, but you need less of them to feel satisfied. On a net basis, then, with organic foods, there is no real increase in your total food cost.

Many people asking the too expensive question cheerfully squander their food dollars on worthless, dangerous items like sodas, cold cereals, white bread, bottled water, junk meat, candy, baby food in jars, and bakery items--to name a few.

People can save serious money by not buying these needless items, instead investing the savings into organic and natural foods, earning higher returns--better health and increased stamina.

Supermarkets today are sophisticated palaces of poisons. Their factory fresh foods come in cans and various kinds of packaging.

They're loaded with excessive salt, sugar, toxic sugar substitutes, allergenic glutens, and questionable chemicals.

Sugar substitutes are particularly noxious.

The most used is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). It's in almost all packaged foods. It's used because corn is plentiful in the US, it's very cheap, sweet, and it significantly enhances people's appetites, thereby enhancing their waistlines, hips and chins and, at the same time, enhancing manufacturer profits.

Aspartame (using brand names like Equal) is considered a leading toxin by professional toxicologists.

Sucralose (Splenda is the big brand name) is a chlorocarbon, made by marrying chlorine and carbon molecules. Chlorine undermines the immune system.

So, avoid sugar substitutes, except for Xyitol and stevia.

What should you eat? Exercise guru, Jack La Lanne, on the Larry King Show, answered that question recently, saying If man made it, don't eat it.

That says it all--very simply. We agree with Jack, age 92, and still able to work out strenuously for hours.

Not only is a supermarket a palace of poisons, it's also a perpetual P.T Barnum marketing circus. Barnum is famous for his quote, there's a sucker born every minute.

Americans are vastly deceived when it comes to food.

They assume that the government (especially the FDA) would not allow manufacturers to make and market unsafe food. Wrong!

Can you say, campaign contributions for nice little boys and girls--senators and representatives--from agribusiness and huge food companies?

I'm convinced that, similar to the cosmetics industry, the packaging of supermarket foods often costs the manufacturer more than the contents.

The ambiance of today's upscale supermarkets is rather sad, if not bizarre.Examples:

1. Older people with poor teeth and poor posture shuffling along slowly, filling up baskets with soft foods (pudding, jello, white bread, cold cereal) to rot their remaining teeth even more and trash their brittle bones even faster.

2. Obese people waddling along laboriously and short of breath, pushing overflowing baskets of mostly snack junk food.

3. Small children lying on the floor screaming because Mom refuses to buy a worthless box of cold cereal, the package adorned by a monster or action hero.

4. Twenty-something women trying to stay slender, living on purchases of white wine and tasteless lettuce.

5. Working families and singles buying salt-laden, microwave boxed dinners for a fast meal.

6. My wife, Shirley, discovering an angel food cake with eight ingredients, including propylene glycol, a major ingredient in antifreeze.

Oh, well, it wouldn't freeze in the freezer, I guess, staying moist for 20 years perhaps. Thanks for small blessings.

7. And me, using a flimsy loaf of processed bread, standing in the isle and using the loaf as an accordion, squeezing it, and singing joyfully, pretending to be Lawrence Welk.

Upscale supermarkets offer more healthy foods than downscale supermarkets, which skillfully manipulate people with limited means, modest educations, and the pauper mindset with triple coupon bargains of huge bags of processed white flour, for example.

And, believe it or not, many poor inner city people have to buy their groceries at convenience stores, since no supermarket is nearby and they don't have autos.

It's hard to be healthy consuming sodas and cupcakes for dinner.

Eat right, take nutritional supplements and vigorous exercise.

But if you eat poorly, health insurance, hospitals, doctors, synthetic drugs, exercise and supplements are all useless.

If you refuse to stop eating poorly, it's a good idea to pre-plan your funeral now. Only an undertaker can give you the help you'll need, if you will not eat right.

If you put garbage in a can, it becomes a garbage can. Don't put garbage in your temple, your body.

John J. Alquist owns and operates Alquist Enterprises. He is a, professional speaker, Platinum Author, and business consultant. Visit John online at http://www.tell-it-well.com Or contact him at john@tell-it-well.com or Yahoo IM, sreen name empanicator21.

Sleep: Restorative of Tired Body and Mind

Sleep is one of nature?s greatest inventions and blessings of life. It is a periodic rest of the body which is absolutely essential for its efficient functioning. It has been called most cheering restorative of tired bodies.

Sleep is the indispensable condition to the recuperation of energy. We go to bed fatigued and get up refreshed. Sleep repairs the wear and tear of the body and mind incurred during waking hours. Nothing is so restorative to the nerves as sound and uninterrupted sleep. Sleep is thus a vital element in a total way of life. It is a basic need in man?s mental as well as physical life.

During sleep most of the functions of the body are carried on at the lowest level possible in health. Heat production is from 10 to 15 per cent below the basal level. The mechanism regulating the body temperature are less sensitive than in the waking state and are depressed by 0.5 to 1.0 degree F. The rate of the heart is reduced by 10 to 30 beats per minute and a decline in blood pressure of about 20 mm occurs in quiet restful sleep. The urine volume is considerably reduced, but its concentration in solids is increased. The tone of all the skeletal muscles is lessened. The eyes are usually rolled upward and the pupils constricted.

Loss of sleep exerts seriously detrimental effects upon the nervous system. Long periods of wakefulness may cause profound psychological changes such as loss of memory, irritability, hallucination and even schizophrenic manifestations. During the last World War, prisoners in Nazi concentration camps who kept awake for days by strong lights and blaring wireless sets, collapsed.

Sleep versus rest

For correct living, it is essential to differential between sleep and rest. At rest the body is disturbed by all exterior noises; but in sleep it is screened from them by partial loss of consciousness and also by what is called dream protection. One useful purpose of the dream is to convert outside noises that might awake the sleeping person, into fantasies that do not disturb him.

During rest the limbs are normal, but in sleep they swell. Blood flows from the brain, distends the arteries, and makes the limbs bigger. IN sleep more muscles are relaxed than in rest, though the sleeping person changes his position about 35 times in one night, without knowing it. Many organs which work during rest suspend their activities in sleep. Thus the recouping value of sleep is much more than that of rest or simple lying down.

To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:

Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy

Yoga Helps You Lower Blood Pressure

Hypertension is a common disease nowadays, which, if it?s not treated corectly can cause many damages to the other organs of the body. People who suffer from high blood pressure need to lower blood pressure in order to neutralize the effects of hypertension on their body.

Changing their life style and sometimes taking medicines is recommended for the people who need to lower blood pressure.

It is very helpful in the treatment of hypertension the yoga lifestyle, which can really help you lower blood pressure. Yoga exercises, called asanas, involve stretching and moving the body into various positions. During these exercises any tightness or tension observed in the body should be consciously relaxed. Yoga practice offers stress management techniques, which are essential to lower blood pressure. There are many yoga asanas, maybe hundreds or even thousands, but only certain asanas can help you lower blood pressure.

The most efficient for lowering blood pressure are the forward bends, which have a pacifying effect on the brain, the nervous system, the blood circulation to the brain, and they also help you reduce the stress. All these lower blood pressure. Furthermore, these asanas slow down the pulse rate, so they lower blood pressure.

They are also helpful to lower blood pressure the sitting asanas, such as Upavista Konasana, which remove the tension from the ribs and the intercostals muscles, and also help you breathe easily. Many hypertensives have difficulties in breathing and these asanas help them in this matter and they also lower blood pressure.

Other helpful asanas are the supine poses, like Supta Baddhakonasana, which relax the abdominal region and have a calming effect on the nerves, facts that lower blood pressure.

There are also recommended for those who need to lower blood pressure, the inversions, such as Halasana and Setubandha Sarvangasana, which have a refreshing effect on the nerves and reduce the sympathetic tone very fast. Usual practice of these asanas regularizes blood pressure, so lower blood pressure when it?s abnormally high.

At these previous asanas you can add the pranayama and the Svanasana, which relax the mind and senses, and stabilize the blood pressure, so lower blood pressure in case of hypertension.

This medical article is written by Grojan Fabiola during one research session on lowering blood pressure in a natural way, that will be using yoga. So, if you want to find out more about how to lower blood pressure, especially in a natural way, please click this link.

Battle Blemishes

Every individual has different skin needs. But what doesn?t differ is that everyone?s skin needs to be cleaned to remove excess dirt brought about by the outside environment. Gentle cleansing is the first place to start.

Use a water-soluble cleanser:

Water-soluble cleansers are great because they gently cleanse your skin without stimulating the oil glands. A gentle cleanse does not cause redness or dryness. It also makes the skin feel soft and releases oil and dirt gently without damaging the skin.

Once you leave those dry, irritating pore-clogging bar cleansers and soaps behind, you will notice a distinct difference in the way your skin looks and feels. But you must remember to ONLY stick to water-soluble cleansers which are free of exfoliating agents, oil absorbing ingredients and topical disinfectants. These harsh ingredients do very little for the skin because these active ingredients are quickly washed away ? not providing any benefit on the skin at all. These ingredients are best used in the other stages of the cleansing process ? like moisturizers, exfoliators or for disinfecting the skin.

But it is important to not only cater to the outside of your body but also you must cater to your body from the inside-out. Make sure you are eating anti-oxidant rich, non-inflammatory foods like hazelnuts, salmon, celery, cucumbers, apples, yogurt and pomegranates.

Many people do not realize this, but there are many natural foods that can actually lead to skin inflammation. We are always told to eat fruits and vegetables because they?re better for us than processed foods. However, some of these fruits and vegetables can actually be detrimental to our skin.

Did you know that inflammation actually plays a role in the development of swelling and disease? It also plays a role in acne and aging.

In youthful-disease free skin, when looking at the skin under a microscope, no inflammation is visible. However it is present in older skin. This is also the same for acne-prone skin.

Basically, the foods we eat are just as important as the foods we should avoid - like flour, bread, bananas, cream cheese, granola and honey. You thought these were good you?re your skin? Nope, think again! These foods are inflammation inducing foods which can actually leave our skin looking tired, puffy and prone to break-outs.

The list goes on (with natural foods that are bad for the skin), but if you want to learn more visit www.acne-secrets.com. There you will find all natural tips, information and treatments for acne. These are the secrets the pharmaceutical and drug companies won?t tell you about.

Take care of your skin it is well worth it.

Janice Johnson is the founder of http://www.Acne-Secrets.com which offers all-natural tips, information and recipes to help treat acne naturally in both teenagers and adults.

Natural Beauty Tip Using Vitamin E To Your Advantage

Whilst skin care products generally won't deliver nutrients deep into the actual living cells beneath the superficial layers of the skin, the vitamin E in many products is actually useful. Scientists have found that by applying antioxidants to the skin, free radical damage that would normally occur through exposure to UV light (say, from the sun), can be prevented or at least minimized. Vitamin E is a popular ingredient in many skin care creams.

The scientists found that the protective effects of vitamin E from that period of UV exposure were apparent 2 and 3 days later. The group of people who had vitamin E cream applied to their skin had less signs of inflammation than the group who were given the lotion without vitamin E. Inflammation is a sign of cell damage, and was measured in this study by the amount of blood flow to that area as compared to normal. This was a placebo controlled, double blind study, which means that some people received the lotion with vitamin E, some didn't and neither group knew which it was getting. The conclusions these scientists made were that vitamin E was effective at preventing the visible signs of aging on skin.

Whilst vitamin E in creams and lotions will benefit the skin, there is strong doubt on whether it can help in some of the beauty products it is in. For example, when vitamin E is advertised as being of benefit to strengthen or thicken eyelashes, this is something of a misnomer, and is not supported by science. Paula Begoun, the 'cosmetic cop' writes that there isn't a product out there that will strengthen and thicken eyelashes. The best you can do in this instance is to apply an eyelash primer and mascara to make eyelashes appear thicker. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and the research verifies only benefits that relate to this antioxidant activity.

Another of the promises associated with vitamin E creams is that it helps to heal scars. This is not something that has been verified scientifically. Research quoted in Wikipedia found that when vitamin E was applied to patients who had undergone surgery, it did not reduce the size, shape, or color of scars. In fact, up to one third of patients experienced complications like allergies, dermatitis, and irritation that in fact can make a forming scar worse. Activated manuka honey is a much better option in reducing scarring, and healing skin.

Vitamin E remains an excellent antioxidant. It is helpful when taken as a supplement for a whole host of issues, including protecting the liver, and minimizing the damage smoking does. And it is great for the skin in terms of preventing sun damage from the oxidizing effect of UV light. It is a good 'beauty vitamin' when taken as a supplement. Erica Angyal describes how it protects cell membranes from damage and helps maintain their flexibility, which can diminish as we age. It also works to increase the level of vitamin A in our body. And it is very beneficial for skin problems like acne and psoriasis. She recommends taking 400 to 800 IU of vitamin E a day, to prevent premature aging and improve the lustre of skin.

References:
http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/news/ng.asp?id=62583
Erica Angyal, Gorgeous Skin In 30 Days (Lothian Books, 2005)

If you'd like to learn more about vitamin E, click here. If you're an acne sufferer, and want some help deciding on either an in salon or at home acne facial, check out this article.

The First Step To Curing Acne

The first step to curing acne is knowing what type of acne you have. This information gives you precious insight to what may have actually triggered the acne outset. Once you know your acne trigger, you are one step closer to removing the acne activator and living acne free.

There are numerous types of acne, which could explain why it is so cumbersome if not seemingly impossible for the acne sufferer to find a cure. Looking at the list below, you may be surprised discover that you acne is not caused by stress, but your new bottle of designer perfume.

?Adult Acne Sudden onset, or continuation of acne, during adulthood. The cause may be hormone imbalances, stress, pollution or medications. Studies have shown a direct link between hormone imbalances and the onset of acne in women ages 30 to 40 years old.

Acne cosmetic This form may be rare but is triggered by use of cosmetics with acne aggravating ingredients such as lanolins, isopropyl mysristate and some pigments.

Acne conglobata Severe hereditary acne that can cause scarring on the face and back.

Acne detergens Acne resulting from abrasive cleansers.

Acne excori?e (Mirror Addict Acne)- Psychosomatic disease caused by constant picking of the face and/or body.

Acne fulminans (Too Much Testosterone Acne) Acute and severe form of acne accompanied by symptoms like fever and joint pain. This acne is common among males. Traits include: abrupt onset of acne, inflammatory and ulcerated nodular acne on the chest and back, severe acne scarring, fluctuating fever, painful joints, loss of appetite or weight, and high white blood cell count. This acne is caused by use of testosterone, used legally or illegally to enhance muscle growth. Over the counter treatments or not effective. If you don?t need the extra testosterone for your health, don?t take it.

Acne keloidalis This acne occurs with people of African descent. It is characterized by firm papules and pustules at the nape of the neck.

Acne mallorca Acne caused by sunbathing.

Acne mechanica Acne provoked by mechanical irritation such as tight, restricting cloths or straps.

Acne medicamentosa (Drug Induced Acne) Acne brought on by medications. Common culprits include phenytoin (Dilantin), isoniazid, lithium, bromides, iodides, androgens and corticosteroids. Lithium worsens acne vulgaris and can bring on acne in persons who have never experienced acne.

Oral contraceptives containing norgestrel or norethindrone may also induce or worsen acne.

Over the counter drugs containing potassium iodide, bromide (cold remedies) and chlorine (chloral hydrate) may cause acne with very small pustules.

Acne neonatorum Infant acne triggered by hormones from the mother transferred to the newborn. This acne usually disappears without treatment.

Acne pomade Acne occurring with persons who use pomades or thick oils daily on their hair. This oil travels from the hair to the forehead where it clogs pores and creates acne lesions. Avoiding touching the face with oiled hands and limiting use of synthetic oils on the hairs usually remedies pomade acne.

Chloracne Acne created by constant exposure to hydrocarbons in motor oil and insecticides.

Imaginary acne Imagining acne when there is actually no acne.

Pitch acne Lesions created by coal tars or dandruff tar shampoos.

Premenstrual acne Acne provoked by hormonal changes prior to menstruation.

Steroid acne Inflammation of hair follicles caused by internal steroids or from topical corticosteroids on the face. Steroid induced acne appears as red papules and pustules concentrated in the area where the steroid was applied. Steroids thin the outer layer of the skin and make the hair follicles more susceptible to rupture. Lesions usually leave after steroid use ends.

Tropical acne Acne experienced by some World War II soldiers in the tropics who developed severe acne with horrible scarring.

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include ?Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne? (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work ?Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we?re still not getting this dieting thing? (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com

Fibromyalgia Treatment Options

Below is an overview of various Fibromyalgia Treatment options available to the patient.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stems from the Chinese philosophy of energy flowing in the meridians that lie below the skin. Energy imbalances in these meridians is used for the diagnosis of disease. Acupuncturists insert very fine needles into the skin to balance energy as in fibromyalgia pain treatment. Acupuncture is often used to help control pain and is beneficial for pain management in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Allopathic

Typically Allopathic physicians recommend the following medications for patients with Fibromyalgia Symptoms:

?Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID?s) - These over-the-counter pain relievers may ease the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia, however, their effectiveness varies with individuals.

?Antidepressants - These medications are prescribed to patients with depression. The medication affects the levels of Serotonin in the brain.

?Muscle Relaxants - If muscle relaxants are taken before sleeping, they may help reduce pain and spasms.

?Narcotics - Physicians don't usually recommend narcotics for treating FMS because of the potential for dependence and addiction.

Chiropractor

Chiropractic treatment is based on the premise that restricted movement in the spine may lead to reduced function and pain. Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy a chiropractor uses to treat restricted spinal mobility. The goal is to restore spinal movement and, as a result, improve function, decreasing pain. Manipulation does not need to be forceful to be effective. A Chiropractor may also use soft tissue massage in the treatment of FMS, stretching muscles that are shortened or in spasm.

Diet And Nutrition

A natural Fibromyalgia Treatment and balanced fibromyalgia nutrition diet can be helpful in counteracting stress, removing toxins from the body, and restoring the natural balance of nutrients. Homeopathy medicine, FIBRO-HELP products, help patients by combatting stress, replacing deficiencies, and supporting the immune system. Patients are recommended to limit the amount of sugar; caffeine; alcohol; and fried, processed, fatty foods consumed. These substances have been shown to irritate muscles and stress the system increasing FM pain. Even for those patients who do not have severe food triggers or allergies, eating a healthier diet can have long-term benefits in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Supplementing the present diet with greater quantities of raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables, and substituting meats that are high in fat with fish or lean poultry, are also beneficial practices.

Exercise

Fibromyalgia Exercise is one of the most powerful remedies in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Increasing scientific evidence has shown that exercising for a minimum of 20 minutes per day will help fibromyalgia patients as a natural fibromyalgia treatment. Exercise becomes a key component in healing FM Syndrome patients because a properly designed routine will improve the body tissues, decrease pain, and increase mobility. The fibromyalgia exercise program must be slow and gradual. The goal is to improve overall health while decreasing FM symptoms.

Homeopathy

The word Homeopathy (or Homoeopathy) is derived from the Greek words ?homoios?, meaning ?like? or ?similar?; and ?pathos?, meaning ?suffering? or ?disease?. Homeopathy is a system of medical therapeutics for treating based on the principle of ?similae? or ?simile.? ?Disease is eliminated through remedies able to produce similar symptoms.? The principle is that certain substances (herbs, minerals, inorganic salts, and other organic materials, etc.) in full strength yield the same symptoms as does a known disease, and that those same substances when potentised (or diluted and vigorously agitated) can provide relief of those same symptoms. Titrated dilutions and succussions of a particular substance can often be the means for fibromyalgia treatment. Today, unlike nutritional substances, Homeopathy substances are considered medicines, recognized as powerful entities which allow specific medical claims to be made about them.

Massage Therapy

Massage involves the use of different manipulative techniques to move the body's muscles and soft tissues. Massage Therapy aims to improve circulation in the muscle, increasing the flow of nutrients, eliminating waste products. Massage can relax muscles, improve range of motion in the joints, and increase the production of the body's natural painkillers. It often helps relieve stress and anxiety for those afflicted with the symptoms of pain.

Naturopathic

Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine are educated with the same general medical curriculum as traditional Allopathic doctors, but also study traditional natural therapeutics emphasizing lifestyle changes, disease prevention, and optimal wellness. They perform physical examinations, laboratory testing, gynecological exams, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis, and allergy testing. They may order diagnostic testing, as well as incorporate a wide variety of natural therapeutics for natural fibromyalgia treatment. .

Osteopathy

Osteopaths are licensed to perform many of the same therapies and procedures as traditional Allopathic doctors. One area where Osteopathy differs from conventional medicine - but is similar to Chiropractic medicine - is in the use of manipulation to address joint and spinal problems. This is beneficial in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms

Physiatry

Physicians who specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are called Physiatrists. Doctors of Physiatry specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in 3 major areas of medical care: musculoskeletal injuries and pain syndromes, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and rehabilitation of patients with severe physical impairments.

Physiotherapy

Physical Therapy is a health care profession that helps the patient restore the use of muscles, bones, and the nervous system. The basics of the physical therapy profession include the use of modalities like ice, heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. Therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, manual therapy, and hydrotherapy-aquatic therapy are all used for pain relief and fibromyalgia treatment.

Self Care

Self Care is critical in the treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Some important tips for self care:

?Reduce Stress - Avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress. Allow time to relax daily practicing stress reduction techniques such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation for FMS treatment. Sleep - Fatigue is one of the major symptoms of FM, getting enough sleep is essential. In addition to allotting enough time for sleep, get into a routine of sleeping and waking up at the same hour each day. Take short naps to restore energy in the body. Fibromyalgia Exercise - Regular exercise will help improve chronic pain symptoms. Stretching, optimum posture techniques, and relaxation practices are also helpful.

?Pacing - Keep a balance on daily activities. If too much is done on a good day, take time off the following day, and rest to avoid bad days.

?Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle - Eat a balanced diet, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and do a leisure activity which is enjoyable and fulfilling as a complete FIBRO treatment.

About The Author
Leela Fraser is the the editor for The Fibromyalgia Treatment Center http://www.back-fibromyalgia-pain.com which provides extensive resources on Fibromyalgia Treatment and natural medications.

Steam Bath

Steam bath is one of the most important time-tested water treatments which induces perspiration in a most natural way. The patient, clad in minimum loin cloth or underwear, is made to sit on a stool inside a specially designed cabinet. Before entering the cabinet, the patient should drink one or two glasses of cold water and protect the head with a cold towel. The duration of the steam bath is generally 10 to 20 minutes or until perspiration takes place. A cold shower should be taken immediately after the bath.

Very weak patients, pregnant women, cardiac patients, and those suffering from high blood pressure should avoid this bath. If the patient feels giddy or uneasy during the steam bath, he or she should be immediately taken out and given a glasss of cold water and the face washed with cold water.

The steam bath helps to eliminate morbid matter from the surface of the skin. It also improves circulation of the blood and tissue activity. It relieves rheumatism, gout, uric acid problems, and obesity. The steam bath is helpful in all forms of chronic toxemias. It also relieves neuralgias, chronic nephritis, infections, tetanus, and migraine.

To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:

Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy

How Do I Get Rid of Cellulite for Good?

Getting rid of cellulite is something that a lot of people are worried about when it comes to this day and age. While it was once considered stylish to be heavy and maybe a little misshapen, this is not the case anymore and people are really starting to worry about their appearance. Sadly there is only a handful of people who actually take the time to research the matter fully. They want to know the answer to how do I get rid of cellulite, but they do not want to do anything about it. This is sad when you consider the fact that there are so many new ways to combat this problem and the answer may be sitting right in front of their nose all along. If you are looking for a natural way of getting rid of cellulite then you are looking in the right place.

That is right, there is a completely natural answer to how do I get rid of cellulite and that means a lot to a lot of people in the world. If you are worried about putting a lot of toxic substances into and on your body for cellulite then you need not worry anymore. Most of the newest products that have hit the market are completely natural and make for a wonderful solution to the cellulite problem. Of course there is the matter of the other natural ideas about this problem as well. Most people do not realize that they can effectively prevent the build up and appearance of cellulite with just some simple exercising on a daily basis. This can also be coupled with the healthy diet that you should be on if you are wanting to know how do I get rid of cellulite. There is nothing that will stop you from taking care of this problem with little or no money involved.

There is the issue of using a cellulite cream. If you are looking for a natural way of getting rid of cellulite then you should take into consideration that the many creams that are on the market are very natural. Most of them have all natural ingredients and are a combined effort of many herbs to help eliminate the problems that cellulite causes within the body. To answer the question how do I get rid of cellulite you should simply look to the methods that you know and work from there, that is the best answer anyone can give.

Craig Weaver is the editor for http://cellulitereductioninfo.blogspot.com/ the number one resource for how do I get rid of cellulite

Skin Care Home Remedies

Natural homemade recipes for your skin are simple to make and cost-effective. What you put on your skin is just as important as what you eat. Commercial products often contain chemicals that are absorbed by your skin finding their way into the bloodstream which can be harmful to your overall health.

Virgin coconut oil/butter makes for a good moisturizer by providing a protective layer that locks in natural moisture. Coconut oil solidifies at temperatures below 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the coconut butter in small lip balm or eye cream jars or any small sterilized jar. For a lip balm, use coconut butter on its own or add peppermint or spearmint oil. As an acne treatment, add a couple of drops of tea tree, lavender, or patchouli oil. For wrinkles, add rose, orange or patchouli oil. To treat eczema, add chamomile, geranium, or orange oil. To treat broken capillaries, add rose, palmarosa, or parsley oil. To treat cellulite, add grapefruit, tangerine, or orange oil. For stretch marks, add palmarosa or neroli oil. To treat burns, add geranium, patchouli or lavender oil.

For sunburned skin, break open a leaf of an Aloe Vera plant and smooth onto the skin. The gel is also good for other types of burns and has soothing, cooling, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Strawberry juice, cucumbers and avocados are also soothing to sunburned skin.

For tired eyes, place cucumber slices over your eyes. For dark circles around your eyes, place cooled tea bags over your eyes.

For a homemade facial toner, mix green tea, chamomile or ginseng tea (made with mineral water or distilled water) with lavender or lemon oil. Green tea is rich in antioxidants which fight free radicals that damage and age the skin. Green tea is said to diminish fine lines. Lavender oil is a good toner and lemon oil is a good rejuvenator and toner. Add Vitamin C crystals as a preservative and antioxidant. MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is a natural source of organic sulfur good for the skin. Add MSM crystals to your toner or eat high sulfur foods such as kale or watercress.

Prick a capsule of Vitamin A, E, or wheat germ oil and smooth directly onto your skin, add to coconut, almond or apricot oil, or to your toner. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant and Vitamin E is said to slow down the aging process. Almond oil soothes and lubricates the skin. Apricot oil protects and softens the skin. Wheat germ oil promotes skin elasticity.

For a moisturizing and refreshing mask, mix avocado with shredded cucumber. Avocados are rich in protein and Vitamin A. Cucumbers are cooling and cleansing. Use a mashed banana for a skin firming mask.

To lighten age spots, rub lemon directly onto your skin.

For a body powder, mix cornstarch and baking soda with your favorite essential oil. For a foot powder, mix cornstarch, baking soda and tea tree or peppermint oil. Baking soda acts as a deodorizer and soothes the skin. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, germicide, antibacterial, and fungicide. Peppermint oil is soothing to the feet and swollen ankles.

Drinking plenty of water, eating raw fruits and vegetables, and getting plenty of rest are one of the best ways to achieving healthy and radiant skin. What goes into your body is reflective on your skin.

Elizabeth Kiely is the owner of EK Shower Caps http://www.eklbc.com

Cure for Cellulite? How Topical Treatments are Key in Curing this Stubborn Condition

Cellulite is indeed a cringe-worthy word to thousands - no wait, millions - of women worldwide. The idea that the spongy, crater-like marks can tragically mar even the thinnest of thighs and tiniest and tightest of rear ends really boggles our minds. Women, and even some men, have searched high and low for an absolute cure for cellulite, even going so far as to pay thousands of dollars for treatments such as endermology which do not permanently cure cellulite, but rather smooth it out temporarily.

Or they spend hundreds of dollars on high end department store cellulite products only to find extremely temporary results oriented products which tighten and tone cellulite prone areas only for as long as they stay on the skin, or for as long as their active ingredients remain potent and effective, which many times can fade within hours.

The More Permanent Cellulite Solution - a Cure that Goes a Long Way in Effectively Treating Cellulite

In response to a more permanent cellulite cure, I propose you attack cellulite both externally with some of the most advanced cellulite creams ever. After a period of a few months of usage of a high quality cellulite cream, you will notice some very impressive results in the improvement to your cellulite prone areas with repeat treatments.

Vigorous massage really helps to deliver the lotions ingredients transdermally (through the skin), much deeper, and allows them to really penetrate and go to work beneath the epidermis, and helps to re-tone and tighten the collagen beneath the epidermis which has become damaged and weakened over time, which is the precise cause of cellulite, and exactly how you must target it to heal and cure the underlying causes.

Tips for Curing Cellulite Naturally - Changes You Can Make

There are some little changes you can make that can help make a difference in your quest for a victory over your cellulite. These tips are just small adjustments in your lifestyle that will help to cure the underlying causes of cellulite. These are not in any way a replacement for use of an external lotion or cream, which has undeniable benefits for cellulite elimination, but rather a supplemental guide to help you achieve the most dramatic results in your battle against cellulite.

Cellulite Defeating TIPS:

- Avoid bubbly drinks that are carbonated. There is not any conclusive evidence that these beverages actually cause cellulite, but there has been conjecture that it may add to the appearance of cellulite. You don't have to completely remove them from your diet, just watch your intake. And drink plenty of water to flush out those naughty toxins, which can add to your cellulite problem areas.

- Do not consume foods high in fat and low in fiber consistently. This type of diet will put you on the fast track to a cellulite nightmare.

- Drink green tea. Green tea, especially the organic variety, is an excellent source of antioxidant compounds which, when consumed, can really help to eliminate toxins and fight the free radicals which partially contribute to your cellulite problem. Not only that, green tea is an excellent remedy for poor circulation, as it really gets the circulation revved up for the few hours after it is consumed.

Poor circulation locally is also another major contributing factor to cellulite, and is a HUGE part of the cure. This is exactly why external circulation stimulating products works so well. The good ones trigger a response that really gets the circulation going, which breaks up the puckered bands of collagen below the surface which cause the cottage cheese appearance of cellulite.

- Vigorously massage your thighs, buttocks and belly with the cellulite treatment of your choice. This stimulates the circulation. Without massage, and likewise, regular exercise instead of the pursuit of couch potato lifestyles, will help you immensely in curing your cellulite trouble areas. Overall bodily circulation, or the increase of circulation does two things: Increased circulation in turn increases your body temperature. Higher body temperatures do not provide a perfect growing spot for cellulite, because of thermogenesis, which is fat burning.

Cellulite is pockets of fat, puckered up. Decrease your body fat, and you in turn decrease cellulite. The second reason is that it has been scientifically proven that poor circulation is many times the cause of cellulite for many women, and for that matter, men as well. Increase your circulation and you also have attacked part of the problem. This is done by moving around and staying away from a sedentary lifestyle, as well as using a circulation-stimulating product externally.

So, you see, curing the appearance of cellulite CAN be done. And it can be done without spending thousands of dollars like Hollywood actresses do to get there svelte, cellulite free bottoms and thighs. Best of all, it can be done in the comfort of your own home, and the level of success you achieve in eliminating your cellulite is completely in your hands!

Visit Cure for Cellulite for information on the most effective natural cellulite cures on the market today, and to see the multiple before and after pictures of what it has done for other clients. Danna Schneider is the founder of Herbal Therapeutics: Herbal Medicine, which offers the latest in herbal medicine and alternative healing.

Beginner Bodybuilding Diet Guidelines & Tips

Beginner?s Advice:

1) The first thing an absolute beginner should do is visit his/her doctor and get the all clear to begin a workout program that will include cardiovascular and weight training.

2) Decide on what are your goals. Do you want to lose body fat and tone up or do you want to gain weight? Doing both at the same time can be achieved too but is very difficult and can lead to zigzag diets.

3) A general guideline is that if your body fat is below 14% you should be ok to bulk up and gain some weight and body fat. If you are above 14% then you should try to first lose some fat and then try to gain the weight. Generally anyone who has a body fat percentage of over 30% is considered to be obese.

4) Have a set nutrition plan before you begin training. 5-6 meals a day are an absolute MUST whether you want to lose bf or gain weight.

5) Have a set training regimen. If you have to, hire a personal trainer for a couple of sessions to show you how to perform the basic exercises. Ask for advice on your routines, either from knowledgeable people in the gym or in our forum.

6) Choose a gym that will have all the basic equipment (benches, squat racks, smiths etc). If you go during peak hours (5pm-8pm) you should try and join the gym with the most equipment around. This will help you finish your workout faster and not wait for someone to get off your machine. Make sure your gym has personal trainers and helpful staff. Cleanliness is also a MUST!

7) Don?t just go to the gym to train chest and arms! If you want your progress to be fast you MUST train all muscles at least once per week.

8) Do not tax your body with unnecessary time in the gym. Go in, train hard and get out of there as fast as you can! Growth takes place OUTSIDE the gym while you are eating healthy meals and while sleeping and resting.

9) Cardio training is a good tool for all beginners in order to help them gain some cardiovascular strength for strenuous weight workouts.

10) Always remember that you will progress faster if you contantly apply te following equation to your lifestyle:

TRAINING + MEALS + REST = GROWTH! If one or more components are missing, growth simply won?t take place and you'll end up being very frustrated.

Copyright 2005 - Kostas Marangopoulos

Kostas Marangopoulos is a certified personal trainer, natural bodybuilder and owner of one of the best bodybuilsing websites & forums on the web, http://www.BodybuildingApplied.com. To get Kostas' free monthy bodybuilding diet & training secrets newsletter, please visit http://www.BodybuildingApplied.com

Natural Weight Loss The Missing Link

The whole subject of weight loss is fraught with confusion. Advice given by one expert is very often contradicted by another. The problem is, most of the experts are affiliated to organisations with specific agendas. It is a bit like going to a financial advisor who receives a fee for recommending a certain products. At the end of the day these people have to make a living so how can you really trust their advice as the best? The weight loss industry is no different, every sector has its experts providing advice heavily biased to the sector they represent.

Regardless of the advice given there does exist a set of fundamental rules to achieve safe but natural weight loss. These rules do not favour any particular diet nor do they promise the world. If you have jumped from one diet to the next hoping for a miracle you will know what I mean. Conventional diets, for most of us, are in the main doomed to failure. We are asked to break a lifetime of habits, switch to some new regime and avoid the foods that we actually like! I ask you, are we not setting ourselves up for failure? Don't get me wrong these diets do and can work for some people. After all they're all based on the fundamental principle that providing there is a calorific deficit after you apply the equation calories in minus calories out, you will lose weight.

Natural weight loss is all about losing weight safely and in accordance with how we have evolved. You just cannot ignore the last 100,000 years and only consider the last 100. It just doesn't make sense! Of course, we need to consider how we live today. Technology might have advanced at a remarkable speed but nature certainly hasn't! You see, we are continually fighting effects with effects. Rather than finding the root cause of a problem we create something new to solve the problem. Our approach to to fighting fat is to invent a low fat product. One can only guess at the problems we are setting up for ourselves. But that's ok, we'll just invent a new medicine :)

One thing is certain in this world though, what may be good for one person is not necessarily good for another. It is no good trying to sell the benefits of meat to a vegetarian. The last thing a marathon runner wants is to bulk up and a body builder will not thank you for asking them to cut protein from their diet! All of these people have different needs so any one diet won't suit all.

It is clear, there are many different roads one can take on the journey to good health and that each of us can only make decisions that are right for us. However, what is also clear is that somewhere we have lost our way. We have tried to fight the effects of modern day obesity with modern day answers and all we seem to be doing is to make the problem worse.

Isn't it about time we looked at things in a different way? We shouldn't be on a 'diet', we should change our habits for life! If we start out on the assumption that this is just a temporary thing then we are doomed to failure, simply because we start to do the things we were denied all the more. How often do you see people lose weight quickly and then put it all back on in a relatively short time? I guess quite a lot. Just imagine the long term effect this has on our health.

The correct way to live a healthy life is not to diet at all. Don't deny yourself anything but begin the process of changing to a more natural way of living by introducing new healthy habits. You will find that over time the crave/binge cycle will diminish and you will start to lose weight naturally.

Stuart is the author of Blog Key To Success and is a long term student of practical philosophy. Visit the Natural Weight Loss Blog for more information.

Anti Aging Natural Supplements Beating the Ravages of Time

Crow's feet, wrinkles, arthritis -- all these and more are the hallmarks of aging. And with a large part of the baby boom generation starting to reach retirement age, anti aging natural supplements are in high demand. Aging is a natural process, and most of us want to reach a ripe old age in a healthy condition. What we don't like are the effects that we see and feel as the cells become less healthy and as the organs decrease in function. And this is why many of us think popping a pill or several pills becomes necessary as we grow older.

One thing you have to remember is that anti aging natural supplements are not magic solutions that will keep you looking eternally youthful. What they will help do is help keep the cells healthy, promote intracellular communication, so that the body functions smoothly and become resistant to diseases. You will still age, but you will look good as you do so -- and in a lot of cases, you may even look young for your age. Most importantly, you will look and feel healthy. Just remember that anti aging natural supplements will work best if you eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and follow a healthy lifestyle. Many anti aging supplements contain antioxidants, which play a major role in keeping us healthy and looking young. Everyday we are exposed to substances called free radicals, which damage the cells and cause the emergence of diseases. Vitamins and minerals play a key role in defending the body from these free radicals, and many supplements provide us with the vitamins and minerals that are missing from our daily meals. Vitamin E, for instance, is a powerful antioxidant that keeps the skin looking supple and young, and it protects the body's fatty cells from free radicals as well. Vitamins C and B are likewise important antioxidants which we should be getting in adequate amounts each day. The members of the family of B vitamins are especially helpful in battling stress; and anyone knows that the less stressed you are, the younger you look and feel. Remember, however that some vitamins can cause side effects if taken in excessive doses; you should read the supplement labels and consult your primary physician regarding appropriate dosages for you.

Some natural supplements contain herbal ingredients that have been proven to be very effective in countering the effects of aging. Green tea extract, for instance, is particularly helpful since certain studies show that it is more potent as an antioxidant than vitamins C and E combined. It contains substances like flavonols and catechins, which are very good for disease prevention. Some supplements containing herbs like golden root or rhodiola rosea belong to a category called adaptogens, which are effective in relieving stress and promoting a more youthful aura. Ginseng is another herb that can be called an adaptogenic herb. Many other herbs have anti-aging benefits. These include polygonum, which promotes the body's production of an antioxidant called superoxide dismutase; schisandra helps the liver flush out toxins and is another anti-stress agent; and gynostemma, a Chinese tonic herb, promotes cardiovascular health and blood flow to keep the skin looking young and healthy.

Another popular ingredient in many anti aging natural supplements is a hormone called Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA occurs naturally in the body, but levels decline sharply with age. Once this happens, a condition known as metabolic syndrome may occur. Some symptoms of this disorder include an increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can lead to complications such as diabetes, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Taking a DHEA supplement will result in numerous anti aging benefits over time. It can relieve stress, increase lean muscle mass and strength, boost the immune system, sharpen mental clarity, promote weight loss, increase antioxidant enzymes in the liver, and enhance sexual performance.

Anti aging natural supplements are available in pill, liquid, or powder form and sold under many brand names. Most of them have a preventive effect in addition to keeping the body's systems functioning in optimum condition and to hold back the negative effects of aging. But just because they are readily available does not mean you can indiscriminately just buy any that takes your fancy. Be an informed and wise consumer; talk the subject over with your physician first and become informed about the advantages and disadvantages of certain supplements before you make your choice.

Supplement-info.com provides you with information on (herbal) nutritional supplements, weight loss, bodybuilding, and anti aging natural supplements. Go to http://www.supplement-info.com/

Balancing Your pH: The Key to Staying Healthy

You may be surprised to know that your body's pH balance is your first defense against aging and disease. The balance of acid and alkaline in your body directly affects your health. Osteoporosis, for example, is the result of a pH balance problem. As the body becomes more acidic, it takes calcium from the bones, teeth and tissue as it tries to remain healthy. The bone mass becomes depleted, causing osteoporosis. We need calcium to bring the alkaline pH up and the acid levels down.

Although we need an alkaline-based diet for proper health, the typical American diet is full of acid-forming foods: manufactured, processed foods; high fat foods; mucus forming foods; and foods with toxic residues. In addition, stress and lack of exercise create acid-forming conditions. This is a recipe for disaster, and the reason that so many people feel unwell and lethargic.

The good news is that you can improve your health and well-being by choosing a healthy lifestyle. In the process, you'll slow down the aging process and increase your energy levels. The six keys to vibrant health are:

1. pH Body Balance - Work on a daily basis to maintain your body's pH balance. There are products available that are tasteless and colorless and can be added to water in order to restore your body's pH balance by neutralizing acids and allowing your body to detoxify.

2. Water - On a daily basis, ingest at least eight 8-ounce glasses of spring water or water pH balanced at 7 or higher.

3. Release Toxins - Every six months to a year, have a liver/gallbladder flush; have a monthly colon cleansing; and have regular, daily bowel movements through eating a diet high in fiber.

4. Digestion - Eat five to seven small meals a day. Chew slowly and completely, and stop before you are full. Take digestive enzymes and probiotics as needed.

5. Nutrition - Follow a pH balanced diet of 80 percent alkaline and no more than 20% acidic-forming foods at each meal. Eat organic foods in their natural state. Supplement your diet with a natural health supplement containing calcium, vitamins and minerals.

6. Skin Care - Your skin is the body's natural barrier to infection and it needs to be pH balanced. Clogged pores can cause toxic conditions inside the body. Choose a skin care product that cleans the skin and maintains the body's natural pH level, and that contains no animal fats, harmful chemicals, or preservatives.

Achieving natural health doesn't require a miracle; you simply must adjust your body to its proper pH balance, and provide it with the correct amounts of calcium and minerals.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular

Helpful Uses for Common Herbs

ACNE

Tea tree oil (which can be found at Wal-mart by the rubbing alcohol) Rub a drop of this antiseptic essential oil on blemishes 3 times a day to discourage infection and promote healing.

Homemade pimple cream

5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tsp of an oil free fragrance free lotion and apply it 3 times a day.

Witch hazel

Blot acne prone areas 2 times a day
For added antibacterial strength drop 5 fresh sage leaves into a 4 oz bottle of witch hazel and let sit 1 week before using.

BLOODSHOT EYES
Potato: peel and finely grate a ripe baking potato (no green areas) put gratings into gauze and lie back and hold cloth to eye 10-15 minutes.

BURNS
Aloe- smooth gel directly onto burn

Calendula- apply gel directly to the burn as often as necessary to relieve pain or at least 3 times a day for 2-3 days even when you no longer have pain.

Mint- chop a couple fresh mint leaves and lay them on top of burn for 15-20 minutes. Tape gauze over area.

Herbal hair rinses
Use 1 tsp dried or 2 tsp fresh herbs brewed in 1 c water and let steep for 15-20 minutes to make a strong tea. Strain out the herbs and after shampooing and conditioning if you do, use these herbal rinses to help hair be shinier and healthier.

Rosemary and parsley: good for dark hair

Sage: will darken graying hair

Chamomile: will highlight blonde and light brown hair

Calendula (pot marigold, not American marigold): conditions

Lavender and lemon verbena: add fragrance

Linden: good for frequently washed hair

Nettles: good for controlling dandruff

Can also use these other combos together for rinses:

Rosemary, sage, southernwood leaves
Rosemary and mint leaves
orange and lemon peels, mint and rosemary leaves
Chamomile, linden flowers, rosemary, sage, nettles
Horsetail and Yarrow leaves

Homemade Body Scrub

I did this 2 nights ago and I couldn't believe the difference it made in my skin. I used this on my face and upper body and then shaved with this recipe and it made my skin feel so very soft.

1 c oatmeal
enough buttermilk to make a paste
Grind the oatmeal in a blender or food processor till it is very fine, but it in a bowl and add the buttermilk to make a paste. Smooth onto the face and any other area you want to scrub off dead skin cells. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes, I shaved while I was waiting for this to set or read a book whatever you want use this time to relax. Then wash the face off with luke warm water and jump into the shower, BE SURE TO HAVE a drain catcher in the tub or run very hot water into the drain afterwards...

I shaved with this and my legs have never felt softer!

You can also use the buttermilk every night after you wash your face to help remove the days skin cells. It has made my face glow and I did feel the difference when I was done.

Rose Water

Ok, if you were lucky enough to get roses for Valentine's Day and you don't want to throw them away make homemade rose water. It's great for a light fragrance or to freshen up in a hurry not to mention a nice astringent, BUT please make sure you are not allergic to roses.

Take a few roses and pull off their petal and add to a blender add 2 cups of water, and pulse, now leave overnight or for 12 hrs then pulse again. Put a paper towel in a colander, to catch the roses petals because if any petals get into the water it will spoil the water, strain the petals out then pour the water into a nice spritz bottle. You can refrigerate it for up to a month. It feels really nice on a hot day and it.

Rebecca White is a mother to 3 boys ages 12, 10 and 4. She loves to grow herbs for cooking and medicinal uses. Rebecca owns http://www.medicinalherbguide.com where you can find many more tips and great articles on owning your own medicinal herb garden. Be sure to stop in to see books she recommends using and software that saves you time when recording your plants' progress.

A Quick Natural Remedy for Heartburn

Before we get into my favorite natural remedy for heartburn I'll quickly talk about what causes heartburn to help you get better picture of what it will take to combat it. What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is simply a burning feeling in your chest caused when acid from your stomach comes in contact with your esophagus. It can be very painful and irritating and sometimes even last for several hours.

Common Treatments for heartburn

The most common treatment for heartburn is an antacid that can be purchased over the counter from your local pharmacy. You've probably seen the commercials of the guy eating his favorite greasy foods only to be struck with heartburn halfway through his meal. The commercial ends with the guy smiling because he took his favorite medication and can now continue eating his favorite deep fried food.

While antacids are obviously and option there are better more healthy ways to fight your heartburn. Not only are they healthier but they work faster and even prevent you from getting heartburn in the first place.

You probably won't hear about these from your doctor simply because drug companies and much of the medical field wants to keep people in the dark about the simple natural home remedies for heartburn.

The most common heartburn home remedies

These natural remedies have been used for years by millions of people. There are several but the most common are ginger, peppermint and chamomile.

Ginger has been used for hundreds of years for all kinds of intestinal problems not just heartburn. Ginger can also aid in reducing swelling in your body as well as help eliminate nausea. The anti-inflammatory and nausea eliminating properties of ginger will both help with heartburn.

Many people swear that taking just one teaspoon of ginger root per day is more effective as a natural heartburn home remedy than any prescription or over the counter drug.

Peppermint and chamomile have been known to have similar healing effects as ginger but is also known to have a calming effect on the stomach.

The easiest and most simple way to make use of these herbs to combat your heartburn is to take them in tea form.

Some other natural heartburn home remedies

1. Drink at least 6 8oz glasses of water per day

2. Raise the head of your bed ? this is just the simple law of gravity that will keep the acid in your stomach

3. Eat slowly ? Not only will this help reduce heartburn but studies show that people who eat slower actually eat less.

4. Don't lie down if you're experiencing heartburn ? just like the tip above you want that acid to stay in your stomach and standing up and sitting up will aid in it not moving up into your esophagus.

#4 doesn't mean you that you should try to go to sleep sitting up. Most people find that if they're going to bed at 9pm that it's best not to eat past 7pm. So give yourself about 2 hours between eating and sleeping.

If you found those tips on heartburn home remedies useful then you can learn a lot more about how about eliminating heartburn at http://www.stoptheheartburn.com

Natural Remedy for Heartburn