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Nature And Health: September 2012

Natural Health Remedies for Psoriasis

Itching, red, raised, scaly skin, inflammation and pain. That's the discomfort and unenviable feeling which accompanies psoriasis, a quite common skin condition that usually starts between the ages of 20 and 45. But there are so many natural health remedies for psoriasis that have been studied, proven and applied successfully by a significant number of psoriasis patients and conventional physicians.

Just a little effort of mixing, preparing and applying these natural health remedies for psoriasis can relieve or lessen the discomfort of all type of psoriasis.

1. Some studies have shown that applying Aloe Vera extract or gel is very effective in the treatment of stable plaque psoriasis because of its skin-soothing properties and you can find it very easily at any pharmacy or health-food store.

2. One of ancient natural health remedies for psoriasis is applying apple cider vinegar as a disinfectant or soothing agent directly to the skin, with moisturizer or by adding to the bath for treatment of psoriasis.

3. Another herbal remedy for psoriasis is an ingredient capsaicin, found in cayenne peppers. Use the herb in a cream, lotion, ointment or patches for a very effective means of reducing redness, scaling and itching of the skin.

4. An Indian herb, turmeric has great healing power as an antiseptic to help relieve swelling, pain and inflammation and is another one of the natural health remedies for psoriasis.

5. Natural health remedies for psoriasis also include such items as evening primrose oil, garlic oil, emu oil, oregano oil, warm olive oil and mineral oil. These are used for their protective and softening effects on the skin.

6. According to many studies, shark cartilage extract is also believed to play a significant role in treating psoriasis. It can be found at most health food stores in pill form.

7. Some bath solutions have also proven to be very effective as remarkable natural health remedies for psoriasis. For example, warm bath with tea tree oil, Epsom salts, baking soda, vegetable oil, coal tar solution, sage grass extract, oiled oatmeal, walnut leaves, pine or spruce needles. Don't forget to apply a soothing moisturizer after a bath solution.

8. Milk thistle is also a significantly useful herb to restrain human T-cell activation. It is available at health food stores in the form of tablet or fluid extract.

9. Covering psoriasis patches with whipped fresh chicken egg-white with vegetable oil and plastic wrap is a another proven, natural health remedy for psoriasis that helps in easing the symptoms of the disease and clearing of skin.

10. Shampoos, creams, gels, and other topical preparations containing salicylic acid may also help to remove scales and dead skin caused by psoriasis.

Now-a-days, many people are choosing herbal and natural health remedies for psoriasis as they have fewer side effects than prescribed and over the counter medications. But take care to examine, choose and use any of these natural remedies for psoriasis, as they can have potentially serious interactions when used with prescribed medications. Always consult with your doctor if you are taking a prescription before starting any of these natural health remedies for psoriasis.

Natural Health Remedy For Better Living

Natural health remedy actually holds a simple and effective solution to improving health. No matter how well people have built their professional work credentials, those people still know very little about how the human body works. Many are unsure about the links between their health and certain diseases, which is why they are easily panicked by the diagnosis of certain diseases and are always obedient to doctor's instructions regarding the treatment. But with a little diligence digging up information about available options for both orthodox and alternative treatments, they can start building their own understanding of their health conditions. Armed with this information, they might be more confident in trying out a natural health remedy and treatment solution.

Background

With conventional medical treatments, many principles and methods are in contradiction as new discoveries and results of relevant research emerge. On the other hand, Western medicine is now recognizing the real benefits of drug-free natural health remedies. Medicine is now recognizing the impact of natural healing methods to diseases and overall well-being. Today, these remedies are used alongside conventional medical treatment as an adjunctive or complementary form of therapy. This only shows that natural health remedies can intercede and help people recover from their illnesses and achieve better health.

Regarding natural health and remedies

When conventional medical treatment fails to deliver its promised benefits, most people turn to alternative treatments to find solutions to their health problems. Natural health remedy is arguably the simplest among the available options of alternative treatment. This system of self-care basically involves the restoration of wellness and health using medicinal plants, diet, nutrient supplements and healthy lifestyle habits. With absolutely no form of drugs used, this treatment option appeals to the natural recuperative powers of the human body, restoring normal organ system functions and stimulating and strengthening the immune system to initiate natural healing processes. This way, it also builds stronger defenses for the body to fight the harmful effects of pathogens, diseases and other health-threatening elements.

Natural health practices

Natural health practitioners believe that through certain restrictive practices, the body can regain its control over diseases and health. Such practices include naturopathy, hygienic practices, herbalism, support of self-care sources like books, e-books and journals, healthy dieting and vitamin and nutrient supplements. These therapeutic and preventive health care practices oppose the continued reliance on professional caregivers and standard medical practices to achieve self-sufficiency in managing health and diseases.

Natural Health Remedy For Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting as many as 16 million Americans, half of whom do not know they have it. It is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, renal failure, and amputation in the U. S., and is associated with a range of complications, including heart attacks, strokes, amputations and loss of vision. It is also the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults 20-74 years old. Diabetics have up to a 400% greater chance of heart attack or stroke. Could a natural health remedy for diabetes turn the tide?

Researchers are in agreement that the theory of oxidative stress is central to the understanding of diabetes. Since diabetes is on such a dramatic increase in the United States, it's helpful to understand what diabetes is, and what to look for. Diabetes mellitus is a nutritional disorder, and is characterized by an abnormally high level of blood glucose and the excretion of the excess glucose into the urine. Diabetes is known to cause swelling of the ankles and feet by damaging small blood vessels (microangiopathy). Fortunately, diabetes has been clinically proven to be curable in over 98% of patients with Type 2 diabetes, 64% with Type 1 diabetes and can be controlled with nutrition and supplements. Any one of these could be the next natural health remedy for diabetes. Listed below are natural supplements that can help reduce blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar resulting from an impaired response to insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to increased levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood and is released to regulate the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. It is required by the body to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Insulin resistance is understood to be a major contributor to the onset of diabetes. Resistance to insulin appears to have a major effect on heart disease. To be a natural health remedy for diabetes, a supplement must be shown to reduce blood sugar levels.

Sore throat - the most common contagious viral or bacterial infection

Sore throat - the most common contagious viral or bacterial infection... a tickling sensation that becomes sore, frustrating and eventually severely painful. Antibiotics can cure only bacterial sore throats but for viral based infections, antibiotics are of no use. However, natural remedies for sore throat can really do wonders with viral based infections. You will get pain relief usually within an hour or two by using these natural health remedies for sore throats, but sometimes it may take a little more time.

Most natural health remedies boost our body's natural resistance power to combat infections and to support our immune system. To lessen the symptoms of an irritated sore throat and speed the healing, these natural health remedies for sore throat can be easily and effectively used at home.

1. First of all, increase your liquid intake as it helps to hydrate dry mucous membranes and keeps your throat coated with moisture. Mild, warm and soothing drinks like ginger n honey tea, holly basil n clove tea, decaffeinated coffee, and warm water with lemon and honey are some of the best natural health remedies for sore throats.

2. Use a humidifier in your room as dry air irritates sore throat. Humidifier reduces the irritation by adding moisture to the air.

3. One of the best known natural health remedies for sore throat is gargling. Gargling with a mild mixture of salt or 4-6 drops of grapefruit seed extract and warm water, sage or raspberry leaf tea or other herbal teas, several times a day, will ease sore throat pain, reduce the inflammation and hydrate dry tissues.

4. Some aroma oils like tea tree, geranium, lemon, cypress or bergamot essential oils can be taken as gargles with warm water and to moisten the irritated throat with a spoonful of honey.

5. Vitamin C is also a natural health remedy for sore throat. and is very helpful in speeding up the healing process for sore throat and it is recommended by doctors. Vitamin C enriched fruits like pineapple, oranges, lemons and limes contain natural anti-inflammatory agents and are also natural health remedies for sore throat.

6. Take two or more cloves crushed and two teaspoons of fresh holly basil leaves, then pour boiling water over them and steep for ten minutes. Strain the tea, add some honey and drink it. You can repeat it for a maximum of two to three days.

7. Natural health remedies for sore throat also include using the throat reflex points on your feet and both hands to heal sore throat by applying acupressure acupuncture or reiki techniques.

8. Steam inhalation for some minutes will help you breathe easier if you are feeling difficulty in taking a breath. Put 3 drops of tea tree oil, eucalyptus, rosemary or lavender oils in a bowl of boiling water and inhale deeply for 3-5 minutes.

9. Some of the herbs such as slippery elm, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), cider vinegar, cedar, scallion, cayenne pepper, sage, honeysuckle flower and marshmallow root are also used as natural health remedies for sore throat.

10. Another natural health remedy for sore throat is a soothing hot cup of barrage tea, anise mint tea, fenugreek seed's tea or a concoction of tea leaves, cinnamon or turmeric powder two or three times a day will also sooth, coat and protect the throat.

Natural Health Remedies - Debugging the Myths

The modern world is endlessly being turned by newly discovered treatments and medicines and sometimes seems to have forgotten the natural health remedies. The world of medication is being dominated by large pharmaceutical and research companies which have literally obliterated the other types of medicinal treatments over last few centuries. However, natural health remedies are currently experiencing a resurgence as the world takes a look back at its roots.

Natural remedies are often referred to as "alternative" medicine, alternative to the modern Western mode of medications that is. However, if we go a few hundred years back, these remedies are actually the mainstream remedies. Of course, one cannot argue that modern ways of treating ailments are effective, thus, the total disappearance of natural health medications and remedies seem inevitable. But it is also a fact that there are natural remedies that really works, and more and more people are starting to realize that.

There are many reasons why people are going back into using natural health remedies. The natural ways of treating certain ailments can come as a first aid treatment, whenever modern medicines are not available. First of all, natural health remedies are becoming more popular because of the expensive cost of Western medicines. The oligopolies that consist of the big pharmaceutical companies have jacked up the prices of medicines, leaving many people to resort to other alternatives. Secondly, more and more people are becoming aware and wary of the side effects of some medicines. Bodies react differently to medicines.

Some people just don't believe in the power of natural remedies, thinking that these are lame attempts to address a certain ailment. That's unfortunate because the empirical evidence shows that natural remedies and natural medicine works.

Debugging the Myth about Natural Health Products

The concept of health promotion has evolved because of the changing definition of health and an awareness that wellness exists at many levels of functioning. The definition of health as the mere absence of disease is no longer accepted.

Today, health is viewed as a dynamic, ever-changing condition that enables a person to function at an optimum potential at any given time.

The ideal health status is one in which people are successful in achieving their full potential regardless of any limitations they might have.

Wellness, as a reflection of health, involves a conscious and deliberate attempt to maximize one's health. Wellness does not just happen; it requires planning and conscious commitment and is the result of adopting lifestyle behaviors for attaining one's highest potential for well-being.

Wellness is not the same for every person. The person with chronic illness or disability may still be able to achieve a desirable level of wellness. The key to wellness is to function at the highest potential within the limitations over which there is no control and to obtain the most natural health products that will help supplement the much-needed boost in an individual's total well being.

Natural Health Remedies for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

If asked, "What is the most common health problem that is growing at the alarming rate?", one out of
four people will probably answer---"High Blood Pressure or Hypertension". Most physicians usually
recommend pharmaceutical medication for hypertension. But, more and more, the beneficial role of
natural health remedies for high blood pressure is recognized by many researchers and scientists. A
holistic approach, along with these natural health remedies for high blood pressure, can help to lower
your blood pressure in a natural, safe and effective way.

The principle of adopting natural health remedies for high blood pressure are based upon our
balanced daily diet, life style management and careful consumption of certain supplements.

1. One of the most effective natural health remedies for high blood pressure is garlic. You can take
1-2 fresh garlic cloves in various forms such as soup, salad, pickles and the like. Garlic is also
available in the form of capsules. An average dose of two to three capsules a day for 12 weeks will
make a sizable dent in high levels of blood pressure.

2. A diet rich in magnesium (found in nuts, kale, leafy greens, legumes and whole cereal grains),
folic acid and potassium will work effectively in reducing high blood pressure.

3. Vitamin therapy---some vitamins also play a crucial role as natural health remedies for high
blood pressure, such as vitamins B, C, D, and E (which helps vitamin C to lower blood pressure
level), You can get these vitamins by consuming citrus (lemons, oranges and grapefruit), Indian
gooseberry, European blueberry and watermelon or by supplementation.

4. Serrapeptase is a natural proteolytic enzyme isolated from the micro-organism that is processed
through fermentation of plant grown enzymes so vegetarians can also consume it. This enzyme is
immunologically active for clearing the blood vessels and has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It
is truly a natural health remedy for high blood pressure.

5. Some herbs such as cayenne, terminalia arjuna (an Indian coronary vaso-dilative herb),
commiphora mukul, withania somnifera, ginger, saffron (having a chemical called crocetin, which
help to lower blood pressure), mistletoe, kudzu (Pueraria lobata), valerian (Valeriana officinalis),
hawthorn berries and tops, rauwolfia, horse chestnut and ginkgo biloba...are also very useful and
effective natural health remedies for high blood pressure that treat hypertension extremely well.

6. A beneficial effect can be realized by reducing the quantity of salt and sodium-rich foods such as
soy sauce, canned soups, fried, fatty, refined and spicy foods, sodas, tobacco, tea and coffee.

7. Overweight and stress, both play a very important role in increasing the level of blood pressure.
By reducing both, you can surprisingly lower your blood pressure level safely and naturally. Yoga
and meditation can do wonders to reduce weight, stress and normalize blood pressure and are great
natural health remedies.

Fortunately, these powerful natural health remedies, along with choosing the proper diet and lifestyle
options are a safer, more effective means for treating high blood pressure. You can find them easily
at any grocery market, herbal medical store, health food store or Ayurveda shop.