Health | MITCM

Are you Making Mistakes with Herbal Remedies? Pt 4

When it comes to taking herbs, you may actually be unwittingly making a mistake that could potentially harm your health. Here is a look at one of the biggest mistakes that you could be making when it comes to taking herbs.

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make pertaining to herbs and herbal remedies is taking dieter’s teas and herbal laxatives thinking that it is going to induce regularity in your bowel movements. The herbs that are found in products such as these are known as anthranoid laxatives, and they include buckthorn, senna, aloe, rhubarb and cascara sagrada.

People that use these products can actually become unnecessarily dependent, and may end up using them for days, weeks, months or years longer than they are supposed to. Stimulant laxative chemicals like senna should never be used for a period longer than a week, unless you have express permission from your physician or some other licensed health care provider. When you use products such as these for an extended period of time, then it may cause your bowels to have difficulty moving all on their own. People who have taken these laxatives for too long a period of time have ended up with chronic diarrhea issues along with irregular heart rhythms, muscle weakness, liver impairment and kidney impairment.

Make sure that you talk with your primary health care provider about being able to wean off of laxatives in a gradual manner so that you can recover your normal bowel function again. The big key here is going to be to go about the process slowly, typically combined with taking a fiber supplement and making sure that you also get enough fluids as well.

Filed Under: Herbal Food Supplements, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Health, Herb, Herbalism, Intestine

Are you Making Mistakes with Herbal Remedies? Pt 3

There are herbs, drugs and supplements that when you decide to take them together, you may actually be putting yourself at risk of bleeding. Certain types of medications known as anticoagulant drugs like warfarin and aspirin are blood thinners. What this means is that they are designed to keep blood clots from forming inside of your arteries. Their purpose is to reduce the risk for developing heart disease or a stroke. However, it is vitally important that you understand that when you combine these medications with supplements and herbs that are also capable of promoting the anticoagulant effect, then you can significantly increase the risk of bleeding and causing serious harm to your body.

Some of these herbs and supplements include willow bark, fish oil, dong quai, devil’s claw, goji, saw palmetto, ginseng, gingko, ginger, garlic, feverfew, danshen, coenzyme q10, chamomile and aloe vera. While these are all natural supplements that are generally healthy for you, they can cause a bad reaction when mixed with anticoagulant drugs. If you happen to be taking more than one of the aforementioned herbs, or if you are taking an anticoagulant drug, then you are going to want to consult your physician so that you can determine the best course of action from here on out. Make sure that your physician always knows what herbal remedies you are taking when a new medication is prescribed in order to ensure your good health.

Filed Under: Herbal Food Supplements, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Health, Herb, Herbalism

Accupuncture

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, good health is associated with the balance of yin and yang within the body system. Yin is identified with the life force of blood and yang is associated with energy. Disease is believed to be caused by the energy within these systems being blocked or out of balance. The practice of acupuncture uses needles inserted in specific areas of the body. Acupuncture is used to treat illness and provide therapy. Many practitioners support the use of acupuncture for treatment of disease, pain and infertility. The practice of acupuncture is considered an alternative type of medicine.

Acupuncture is based on the belief that blocked or insufficient energy can be unblocked and provided by the placement and manipulation of needles along the meridian path of the body. The energy path of the meridian locations are believed to be the points that are areas for healing using acupuncture. The points chosen along the meridian path are based on mystical Chinese beliefs. The main acupuncture points used are the twelve main meridian pathways and two of the eight extra meridian paths.

A visit to an acupuncturist will include an examination and discussion with the practitioner. Based on the results of the examination the acupuncturist will decide which pressure points to treat. Modern acupuncturists will utilize fine diameter stainless steel needles for the treatment. The depth of insertion will be dependent upon the style of treatment used. Warming an acupuncture point with herbs prior to insertion into a pressure point may be used as a supplement to the treatment. A large majority of areas require acupuncture needles to be sterile, disposable to be used only once and then discarded.

A majority of people beleive that accupuncture is an effective form of treatment and would visit an accupuncturist. A large number of insurance plans cover the cost of acupuncture treatments making it an available option for many.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Healthy Tips, Herbal, Traditional Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture, Health, Traditional Chinese medicine, Yin and yang

Yoga and your Health

Yoga is actively practiced by many people. The art of Yoga is used to center those who practice it and provide a proactive approach to healthy living. The practice of Yoga allows the individual to focus on the physical and mental aspects of their well being. Yoga develops strength in an individual and reduces or eliminates pain and mental problems. This activity continues to increase in popularity. The availability to the practice includes information on television and other media as well as numerous yoga classes across the continent.

Yoga therapists are able to assist in the treatment of numerous health problems including arthritis, diabetes, pain and stress. Yoga therapy provides purpose to life and helps to balance emotions. Yoga involves mind and body practices that include breathing exercises meditation and relaxation techniques.

The different types of Yoga are numerous. Hatha yoga is a type of yoga practiced in the west. Ha means sun and tha means moon which represents Hatha yoga as a union of the opposites. Raja yoga includes several steps to the path of enlightenment. Karma yoga is practiced by and individual devoted to selfless action. Mantra yoga involves repetitive sound or words. Jnana yoga is practiced by those seeking knowledge. Bhakti yoga is suited for those who are devoted to prayer. Each of these types of yoga have the ultimate goal of enlightenment.

The practice of yoga will include learning about the bodies chakras and the wheel of light. Knowledge of the energy fields that are along the meridian path within the body is required in order to develop awareness of how yoga creates a positive flow of energy. Yoga will purify, strengthen and energize the physical body. The practice will provide focus and awareness to the mind. The overall benefits of yoga presents a case for integrating this therapy into your life.

Filed Under: Healthy Tips Tagged With: Hatha yoga, Health, Raja Yoga, Yoga

Fasting for Health

Fasting is an effective way to cleanse and purify the body. This process also helps to center the mind and body. Fasting provides the opportunity for the digestive system to rest which will provide energy to the body that would normally be used to absorb and process food. Individuals who practice fasting report that the process clears the mind and provides a centered feeling that allows free concentration and meditation. A significant amount of self control is required of those who choose to fast. The act of fasting should only be used to cleanse the body. The results will include a restoration of balance within the individual.

A fast normally lasts between one and three days. The one day fast may provide rest for the digestive system but will not provide a total detoxification. Prior to beginning a fast the body should be prepared by simplifying the diet. Normal meals should be replaced with a lite diet. On fasting days solid food should be eliminated and replaced with a liquid diet of either fruit or vegetable juice. These two food group types should not be mixed. Water should included in the liquid fast along with the juices. A water only fast is possible but should be preceded by consulting a practitioner for advice.

Strenuous activity should be avoided during a fast due to the lack of energy that may be experienced. Your body will spend this time releasing toxins that will be eliminated in many ways. Skin should be kept clean and free of products that may normally be used. These products block the pores of the skin which may prohibit detoxification.

Breaking a fast should be a gradual process that include introducing small amounts of non acidic foods into your diet. Continue to add food items until you are at the point of eating normally.

Filed Under: Healthy Tips, Herbal Food Supplements Tagged With: Detoxification, Fasting, Health

Chinese Herb Guide: Dandelion

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Dandelion is an herb that is used in a variety of different herbal remedies, especially when it comes to premenstrual bloating. Dandelion may also be capable of providing anti-inflammatory results. The best way to enjoy dandelion is as a tea. You can create a dandelion tea by steeping half of an ounce of dried dandelion leaf in a cup of hot water for a period of ten minutes. You can have as many as three cups of tea with dandelion in it per day.

For a lot of people, the dandelion is a yard pest. The truth is, the dandelion is particularly rich when it comes to nutrients. The roots and the leaves of the dandelion plant have been used for a variety of different medicines, including treatments for gastrointestinal system disorders, skin conditions, aching joints, bloating and breast illnesses. The leaves of the dandelion contain a number of vitamins including B-complex vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and minerals such as magnesium, zinc potassium, copper, manganese, iron, choline, silicon, calcium and boron. The primary active ingredients in the dandelion plant are called germacranolide and eudesmanolide, and they are compounds that can be found only in dandelion plants.

The dandelion plant offers numerous other benefits. For example, it has diuretic properties and is useful in purifying the liver and the blood stream. The dandelion plant can decrease the body’s concentrations of uric acid and serum cholesterol. The dandelion plant can maximize how well your pancreas, kidneys, stomach and spleen perform in your body. The dandelion plant can treat anemia, abscess, breast tumors, liver cirrhosis and boils, and can also avert the development of both breast cancers and age spots. The dandelion is also effective in treating menopause in women. It offers numerous benefits and is well worth adding to your daily regimen accordingly.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: Blood, Breast cancer, Health, Herb, Herbalism, Plant, Shopping, Taraxacum

Chinese Herb Guide: Chamomile

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In herbal medicine, chamomile is an herb that is well known for relieving nerves, distress of the stomach, infection and ulcers. This herb can also speed up the healing process. You can take it as a tea by adding between 2 and 3 teaspoons of chamomile to a cup of hot water. Steep the tea for between 10 and 20 minutes and take as many as three glasses of the tea per day. This herb, chamomile, actually happens to be related to the daisy, and it is indigenous to several regions including western Asia and Europe. There are different types of chamomile, such as German chamomile, which is the most common type when it comes to herbal remedies.

This herb has been used for numerous centuries as a means of treating gastrointestinal system disorders and many other disorders and ailments as well. This herb is still in use today in both Asian herbal medicine and Western herbal medicine as well. The chamomile herb has been used in ancient medicine including in Egypt, Greece and Rome. These people used chamomile to treat a wide variety of different maladies including stomach pain, fever and stroke. It is also especially popular in Germany where it is used as a cure-all for a wide variety of different purposes. In the United States, chamomile is commonly used for aiding in sleep and causing soothing, relaxed feelings. German chamomile can also be used for nausea, bloating, stomach pain and other similar digestive issues.

Other benefits that are provided by chamomile include soothing flu and colds, helping abscesses and wounds heal more quickly, reducing inflammation of the gums, treating psoriasis and other skin conditions and treating a disorder known as ulcerative colitis. Chamomile can be taken in many different forms including as soaks, teas and ointments. Children can use it for diaper rash, colic, chicken pox and a number of other common maladies.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: Chamomile, Germany, Health, Herb, Herbalism, Matricaria recutita, Tea, United States

Chinese Herb Guide: Goldenseal

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Goldenseal is primarily known for having antibiotic properties. It is native to the Eastern United States in forested areas, especially along the Ohio river. You can also find Goldenseal in Canada and the Pacific Northwest. It has a red berry that is not unlike the raspberry and a flower that closely resembles the daisy in appearance. Goldenseal can ease symptoms in a wide variety of different problems including stomach ache, indigestion, constipation, ulcers, diarrhea, canker sores, gingivitis, sore throat, vaginal irritation, sore mouth, colds, flu, conjunctivitis and ear ache.

Goldenseal contains a compound known as Berberine, which has a number of medicinal characteristics to it. The compound has anti-bacterial effects and is capable of killing germs. It fights against tape worms, giardia, yeast infections and parasites. Researchers are beginning to suspect that Berberine has the ability to activate the white blood cells which can help the body fight an infection better. Berberine also has both internal and external disinfecting properties.

The recommended dosage for goldenseal depends on the format you are taking it in. If you are taking goldenseal in a capsule form, then the recommended dosage is between 4 and 6 grams. If you are taking goldenseal in a liquid form, then the recommended dosage is between 2 and 4 ml, but you should take these dosages at least three times daily for the best results.

There is a standardized extract that you can take approximately 3 times per day with between 250 and 500 mg of goldenseal per dosage. The extract will generally contain between 8 and 12 percent alkaloids. You should not use this extract for more than a period of three weeks and you should stop using it for at least two weeks before you begin to use it again. You can also take this herb as a tea, with between 1/2 and 1 tsp of powdered goldenseal per cup of tea.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: Abdominal pain, Berberine, Canada, Eastern United States, Goldenseal, Health, Pacific Northwest, White blood cell

Chinese Herb Guide: Slippery Elm Bark

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Slippery elm bark is a common herb found in throat lozenges and in cough drops, but you can use it for a variety of other purposes as well. This herb is capable of providing relief for coughs, sore throats and upset stomachs. If you want to buy it in bulk rather than in a cough drop or a lozenge, then the best route for you to take is to boil it and simmer the slippery elm bark in a powdered form in a cup of water. Between one and three teaspoons of the herb is best for 8 ounces of water and you can have as many as three cups of the herbal tea per day.

The herb slippery elm bark comes from elm trees and these trees are primarily native to the Appalachian mountains which are in the eastern United States. The elm leaves have been dried and used to create tea and skin washes. Natives haven eaten the inner bark of the tree because it offers high carbohydrate levels and can be digested easily. The inner bark can be used for many other purposes as well. You can use slippery elm bark to relieve a number of gastrointestinal conditions as well as respiratory irritations, sore throats and ulcers. There are also external use benefits for slippery elm bark including the treatment of skin conditions, hemorrhoids and vaginitis. Some people recommend the use of slippery elm bark as a cough medicine or for use to soften and smooth out the skin.

You can take a 500 mg capsule of slippery elm bark three times daily to benefit from its numerous health advantages. You may also combine one part slippery elm bark to ten parts of water in liquid form or one part of slippery elm bark powder to eight parts of water in order to take advantage of the health benefits offered by this herbal supplement.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: Alternative, Cough, Elm, Health, Herb, Herbalism, Shopping, Ulmus rubra

Chinese Medicine: A look at the Body

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Chinese medicine has long been a practice of ancient medicine that has been practiced more many centuries. Although it has widely been practiced throughout China, it does not carry a uniform standard to it. While many of the ideas of Chinese medicine can be similar to each other, it can widely vary from person to person and family to family. While there might be a lot of variations on Chinese medicine there is one element that is very similar and that is the idea of the body when it comes to Chinese medicine.

When it comes to Chinese medicine it is believed that they look at the body as a small universe that is to itself. Within this universe the body is made up of energy called the qi. It is believed that the whole body has a complex system of smaller universes that make up the body and keep it running healthy and at full power. These five systems derive from the five elements such as earth, air, wind, fire and water.

It is believed that when one of these systems has an internal or external factor that causes it to not operate smoothly that the body falls apart and can cause illness, mental illness or disease. Only be restoring these systems can the body safely operate at its full potential.

It is believed that under this structure the Chinese are able to treat not just one small element of the body but it treats the body as a whole and can allow the mind, body and soul to be treated as one element something that many believe modern medicine does not look at all.

The body is a very important fundamental element of the Chinese medicine system. It is what they go back to in order to figure out what is wrong with a person and what must be restored for a person to be whole again and healthy.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine Tagged With: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Alternative, China, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Health, Herbalism, Medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine