Herbally Alternative

What is it about herbs and natural supplements that make so many doctors flinch? Is it that these supplements are actually not good for us, or is it something else? While some doctors are beginning to support patient use of herbal remedies such as Echinacea, others are highly opposed to the use of some of the most beneficial herbal supplements on the market.

There is some reason for caution on the part of the medical community: many of these herbal remedies have not been tested thoroughly by the FDA. However, many people claim that they will continue taking these herbal supplements despite the opinion of the FDA. So who is right? Many holistic practitioners feel that anything that seems to work does, in fact, work; therefore, there is no harm in drinking an herbal tea or taking a supplement to support and boost one’s immune system.

Home Remedies To Lighten Hair

There are some great home remedies to lighten hair - no need for bought hair dyes if you have dirty blonde or mouse colored hair.

Sun

The best, purest and most natural way to get those real blonde highlights is to be out in the sun. Lie face down with clothing covering your skin and spread your hair out to drink in the rays of sunlight. Or just get out in the sun more. Anyone with blonde to mid brown hair will find that it is always lighter in summer - provided you do not stay indoors all of the time.

Do not overdo it of course. You must be careful not to become sunburned. Use a strong sun blocker on all exposed skin and you may also consider using sun cream on your scalp.

Swimming

Swimming in either a pool or the sea and then letting your hair dry in the sun is a great way to lighten it. It’s great exercise too!

However, some of us live in climates where there is very little sun for many months of the year. What do we do then?

Hydrogen Peroxide

Mix small amounts of household ammonia and hydrogen peroxide in equal quantities. Warning: it will smell bad! Test on a small area of skin near the ear and wait 24 hours to see if there is any allergic reaction. If not, mix a fresh batch and apply to hair. Rinse off when developed. You may also want to test on a strand of hair.

Never use household bleach or any other chlorine based product on your hair. This can destroy your hair, cause terrible damage to your skin and possibly kill you with the fumes.

Lemon Juice

Squeeze one fresh lemon. It should give you about 2 tablespoons of juice. Mix this with 3 times the quantity of water and apply to dry hair. Leave for several hours before rinsing out. Do this every day and your highlights should become lighter in a very natural looking way.

You may want to use more of the lemon juice/water mixture if you have very long hair and less if you have short hair.

Tea

Ordinary tea can lighten brown hair - seems crazy given the color that it is, but it’s true! Make tea to a normal strength that you would drink, let it cool and then rinse your hair with it.

It is best to test a strand before using tea on your whole head. If your hair is already a light shade, it may darken it.

Some of these methods can leave your hair rather dry, so be sure to use a good conditioner for blonde hair. Shampoos and conditioners containing chamomile are great for fair hair.

Going out in the sun after using any of these home remedies to lighten hair will increase their effectiveness.

Natural Remedies For Growing Hair Back

Natural remedies for growing hair back can avoid some of the complications of transplants and other processes. Hair loss is something that happens to most men and many women but the process can be prevented, slowed or even reversed in some cases.

While transplants are the quickest way to replace lost hair, they do have some disadvantages. One is that they do not stop further hair loss. So for example a man with a round balding patch at the crown who has transplants, will later probably develop a bald ring around the transplanted area as the hair loss spreads. The other main disadvantage is that unless you have a series of many treatments, people are likely to notice that you suddenly have more hair. They may think it is a hairpiece, toupee or wig.

Natural hair loss remedies come in various forms and the best results are likely to come from using more than one.

Massage

Scalp massage can stimulate hair growth where the loss is temporary or not severe, and can help to prevent further loss of hair. Gently massage the full scalp with your fingertips for about three minutes each day. Be careful not to scratch the scalp with your nails or damage any growing hair.

Massage with jojoba oil will provide the scalp with B and E vitamins plus many minerals that will give hair a boost. Jojoba oil is particularly effective if you have a tendency to skin problems such as dandruff, eczema and psoriasis, or oily hair.

A Chinese form of massage said to stimulate the follicles involves tapping the scalp with the fingers of both hands. Beginning in the middle of the base of the skull at the back, tap about 20 times then move the tapping slowly upward and outward around the ears. Then begin again at the back a little higher than where you started before. Repeat until you have covered the whole scalp, finishing at the front.

Nutrition and Vitamins

The hair requires a full balance of vitamins and minerals to grow healthily. Most of us do not get all that we need from our diets. Increasing your intake of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables to around 10 varied portions a day will go a long way toward rectifying any deficiencies.

Make sure that you are getting enough of these nutrients in particular:

Vitamin A
All B vitamins, especially B6 and B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Iron
Copper
Iodine
Essential fatty acids

You can track all of the nutrients in your diet with a free computer program such as the Cron-o-meter available from http://spaz.ca/cronometer

If any of the above nutrients are deficient in your diet you can either look for foods that contain more of them (best option) or take supplements, except for vitamin A which should always be supplied from food. The best food sources of vitamin A are orange and red vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, red pepper etc or dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach.

Men should pay particular attention to the amount of zinc in their diet because it is very important for the prostate. It is vital to have enough, but too much can cause problems.

Herbal Remedies

Men may find the herbal treatment Saw Palmetto useful in treating hair loss. This is believed to have an action on the prostate which is involved in typical male pattern baldness. Be careful not to take too much because if the male hormones that lead to hair loss are reduced too far, breast tissue can develop.

Saw Palmetto may be useful for some women too but must not be taken with hormone therapy, oral contraceptives or any other medication that contains hormones.

Reduce Stress

Stress can cause hair loss and therefore anything you can do to reduce stress or anxiety in your life is likely to have a beneficial effect on your hair. Try meditation or practice relaxation techniques for 10 minutes each morning, preferably after exercise. Regular exercise will both reduce stress and create a healthier skin and scalp.

These solutions may help in cases for male pattern baldness and age-related hair loss in women. They do not constitute a health treatment or cure. If your hair loss is related to health problems or medication or has an unknown cause, it is best not to rely on natural remedies for growing hair back and you should see your doctor.

Old Home Remedies - Grandmother’s Secrets That Work!

Old home remedies have gotten a bad reputation since the rise of the male-dominated medical profession, but some of those old time remedies are just as effective as modern medications. They have even found their way into many of the products that we buy in the drug store. Why pay more for something with a fancy name done up in a capsule when you can find it for free growing in your garden, or buy it for a few cents in the supermarket?

Ginger

Ginger can be used for both nausea and heartburn. Eat a small piece of ginger to relieve your discomfort. Either fresh or pickled ginger should work equally well.

Alternatively, make ginger tea by soaking a piece of ginger in water that is almost boiling. Leave to steep and drink when it is just warm. Add honey if desired.

Ginger tea either with or without honey is also good for relieving the symptoms of a cold.

Home Remedies For Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

Cold sores, aka fever blisters, and other types of herpes sores respond well to anything astringent. Lemon is one of the best old fashioned natural remedies for a cold sore that you will find.

If you can, place a thin slice of lemon over the area where you feel the itch of a cold sore starting. Hold it in place with medical tape if necessary. Replace with a fresh slice every few hours. You should soon find that the itching stops and the sore will not appear.

If the sore is on your face and this just looks too weird, fill a small clean perfume bottle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and spray it onto the area about once an hour.

You can also use apple cider vinegar in a perfume bottle in the same way.

Note this must be done before the blister breaks out. Never use lemon juice or vinegar directly on an open sore.

If your cold sore has already appeared, try drinking the juice of one lemon mixed in a glass of warm water four times a day between meals. You can also do this once a day for prevention - first thing in the morning is best.

Fruit And Fiber For Constipation

Constipation can have many causes but the most common are lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise and certain medications. The doctor will not diagnose constipation unless you have not had a BM for three days or more, but most of us feel uncomfortable before this point and a healthy person eating plenty of fiber will have two or three BMs every day.

Dried fruit is the classic traditional remedy for constipation. Daily consumption of a bowl of figs, prunes, dates or even raisins should sort out your regularity within a few days. Always soak the fruit for 2-3 hours in warm water before eating. You can cook it if you wish. Drink the juice as well as eating the rehydrated fruit.

For quick relief, take 2 to 4 teaspoons of castor oil. This is another well known home remedy for constipation.

To avoid it happening again, increase your consumption of fruit and vegetables to at least 5 portions every day and preferably 10. Choose whole grain bread and brown rice over white varieties, and drink plenty of water. Sometimes dehydration alone is responsible for the problem.

Old home remedies can help with a wide range of common ailments, but always see your doctor if the problem persists.

Herbal Medicine Usage Theories

When you use herbs, you probably don’t think about why you are using them the way you are. Most herbal medicine practitioners subscribe to one of several different theories about the proper use of herbal medicine. One of the oldest theories is the Chinese theory that states that herbal medicine is divided into two categories that produce yin-yang balance: pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants. Another, slightly more recent theory about herbal medicine is derived from Native American uses. Native Americans used herbs according to their physiological effects and spiritual uses.

A modern theory combines some of these older theories to create the use of herbal combinations to treat illnesses. According to the Triune formula, there are nine herbal combinations that nourish, supplement, or drain the main organ systems of the human body. This formula was derived from ideas in Chinese herbal medicine.

Create A Natural Remedy Using Honey

The healing properties of honey are numerous. It is the mystery behind many natural remedies. Having many medicinal applications for common conditions. From burns to fending off viral colds or flue. Honey is an antibiotic. But also has excellent anti viral and anti fungal qualities. Why not try some of them out? Here’s simple recipes, tips and tricks, to get you started!

Which Honey?

Like a lot a things. You get out what you put in. Raw and organic honey is definitely the best option. It will taste better than most mass produced brands. Plus, has much more nutrients.
Three Honey Cold Remedy Recipes
1) This is great for fighting a cold, and also for calming the stomach. Warm through a cup of raw honey. Until it becomes liquefied. Mince and peel equivalent to 2tbs of ginger. Chop a quarter cup of lemon balm. Add both to the honey and keep it simmering for twenty minutes. Pour into a glass container and tightly seal the cap.
2) Feeling blocked up? Congested? For every cup of raw honey. Blend in a quarter cup of fresh lavender or mint. Hyssop and Thyme. Even Rosemary, sage and Rosehip will do the trick. You can use dried herbs too. Just reduce the amount to one eighth cup.
3) The Ultimate cold or flu remedy. A good idea to keep it at hand over the winter months. A simple garlic and honey remedy. So simple to make. Just fill a container with cloves of garlic. Pour over the raw honey. It will need to be left to infuse. At least a few days, before use.
Honey Remedies and Storage
A cool dry cabinet is Okay. The refrigerator is better. Make sure you make a note of the date it was made. So you can keep track of things.

How Much To Take
If you are feeling under the weather, just one teaspoon. Three or four times a day. If it’s a case of the flu. Some people like to use their honey mixtures with apple cider vinegar. Or water. To make infusions. The brave will also add a spot of cayenne pepper. Renowned for it’s great healing advantages. Remember! Honey must not be given to young children, under one years of age. They love it. But the risk of botulism is high.

Natures Helping Hand
Is there a more natural way? Than using herbal remedies. To fight our ailments and discomforts. Another important thing to understand? Honey is loaded with sugar. Natural or no. So no doubling up quantities! The most fundamental important thing, to using these natural honey remedies, is this. Get the honey from a local source. It will give the best results and you’ll be on your way to Wellville. In no time at all!

Natural Remedies for Arthritis

Do you or someone that you love suffer from arthritis? If so, the pain and discomfort that is commonly associated with arthritis may be too much to handle. When it is, there are many arthritis sufferers who turn to over-the-counter medications to seek relief. Yes, these over-the-counter medications will work in most cases, but did you also know that there are natural and safe ways to manage and treat arthritis? There are and a few of these natural remedies are highlighted below.

The consumption of raw juices is an effective and natural remedy for arthritis. Two specific types that come highly rated and recommended are green juices, as well as potato juice. In fact, potato juice has been used to treat the pain and discomfort commonly associated with arthritis for years on end. For potato juice, cut a potato into thin slices. When doing so, leave the skin intact. Place the potato slices in a glass of cold water and leave sitting for a few hours, overnight is best. Then drink.

The consumption of Omega 3 Fatty Acids are another natural way to treat many of the symptoms of arthritis. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are found in most fish. Those who do not like eating fish are encouraged to examine Omega 3 Fatty Acid supplements, which are available for sale at most drug stores and health stores. This natural remedy can provide relief from all forms of arthritis; however, those with rheumatoid arthritis see and feel the best results.

Warm olive oil massaged over the area is another easy and natural way to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. What is nice about this approach is that most individuals already have olive oil in their homes. When using warm olive oil, be sure to let cool a little, as olive oil that is too hot can result in painful skin burns. In addition to plain olive oil, sage, rosemary, or garlic can be diluted with olive oil, with about ten more parts of olive oil. When applied to the impacted area, relief should be felt immediately.

Baths are another natural way to treat the pain and discomfort often associated with arthritis. When using baths to seek relief, warm baths are advised. In fact, cold bathes can result in increased pain, which is not the goal. In addition to a traditional warm bath, many of those suffering from arthritis recommend adding about three or four tablespoons of Epson salt to the bathwater. Those diagnosed with arthritis should remain in a warm bath for at least thirty minutes.

Small amounts of exercise is another natural way to relieve the pain and discomfort commonly associated with arthritis. The only problem is that those suffering from arthritis must proceed with caution where exercise is concerned. Moving around, whether it be through walking or squeezing a stress ball, can help, but it also important not to over do it. Those who overexert themselves are likely to experience even more pain and discomfort.

As you can see, there are a number of natural remedies and home remedies that can be used to seek relief from arthritis. If you are not suffering from arthritis, but if you know someone who is, you may want to pass these easy and natural remedies onto that person. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of natural remedies and their many benefits.

Natural Healing for Food Allergy

How Natural Healing for Food Allergy Can Help You?

There are many people in the world who are suffering from food allergies, and they are constantly in search of a way to overcome such allergies. In such cases, remedies for natural healing can be effective in helping them cure certain food allergies. With natural healing for food allergy remedies, a person can fortify his system to withstand certain food allergens, and they can help him overcome the problems brought about by allergies to certain foods. When you talk about natural healing for food allergy, you are essentially talking about a system that uses natural herbs. This system will help a person find out what foods he may be allergic to so that he can minimize the allergic effects that the accidental intake of such foods may bring.

One such natural healing for food allergy system is found in Ayurveda, and according to experts in the field of natural healing, each person has an Ayurvedic dosha that will reveal which foods are healthful and which are not. Further explanation by experts in the field of alternative medicine states that the three different doshas have different cures for certain food allergy reactions. The three different doshas in natural healing for food allergy through Ayurveda are Pitta, Vata and Kapha. When a person is a Pitta and he finds himself suffering from food allergy because he consumed foods that he should be avoiding, like spicy or fermented foods, he should take a natural healing for food allergy recipe that is made of crushed cooked apples, cumin and clarified butter. This natural healing for food allergy remedy should be ingested a couple of times everyday in half a cup doses.

Another possible source of natural healing for food allergy treatment is Yoga. There are numerous exercises that can help you strengthen different parts of your body, and there is a particular exercise that will help improve your digestive system to help you overcome food allergies. This Yoga exercise called the agni sara should be performed three times a day, and it involves the use of abdominal muscles, holding of breath as well as balancing.

These are just a few of the natural healing for food allergy remedies that you can use to combat the allergies you may have with certain foods, and they may even help you overcome such allergies enough to allow you to eat these foods. Before you indulge in these alternative remedies to food allergies, you should do a little research on these subjects as well as consult professionals who are experts in these fields.