Alternative Therapies and Health News

People often opt for alternative medicine and other holistic approaches to prevent and treat several ailments. But some of these useful natural herbal remedies might prove harmful on certain stages like pregnancy.

Though there are some herbs that are useful and completely safe during pregnancy, there are others that are unsafe and hence should be avoided during pregnancy. Herbs like Bilberry, Chamomile, Blue Cohosh, Echinacea, Burdock Root, Ginger Root, Lobelia, Nettles, Peppermint, Red Raspberry and Wild yam are completely safe to be consumed during pregnancy.

The herbs that are harmful and which should be completely avoided are:

1. Avoid coffee as it contains caffeine, which when taken in excess amount can cause premature birth or miscarriage in women who are sensitive to caffeine.
2. Eucalyptus oil is difficult to get eliminated through the kidneys and hence need to be avoided.
3. Angelica, Lovge, Golden seal, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Tansy, Wild Ginger and Warmwood are some of the herbs that can cause uterine contractions.
4. Pennyroyal, Rue and Yarrow can cause abortion.
5. Cinchona has oxytocic effects; it can promote menstruation and so should be avoided during pregnancy.
6. Ma Huang has antihistamine effect and increases the pulse rate and blood pressure; so this herb should be avoided during pregnancy.
7. The cooking herbs that should be avoided are: Basil, Caraway Seeds, Celery Seeds, Ginger, Horseradish, Savory, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Parsley, Tarragon, Thyme, Watercress, Carrot Seed and Licorice Hops.
8. Anthraquinone laxatives should be avoided during pregnancy as they stimulate muscles, including the uterus, possibly causing miscarriage. Aloe, Buckthorn, Cascara, Sagrada, Docks, Meadow Saffron and Senna are laxatives.
9. Essential oils Calamus, Cayenne, Fennel, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Oregano, Passion Flower, Rosemary, Sage, Thuja, Thyme and Yarrow should be avoided as it affects both the pregnant woman and the growing fetus.

Natural herbs for curing menopausal symptoms have become very popular because of its safe nature and also because of its effectiveness in providing relief. Here are some commonly used natural herbs to deal with the symptoms of menopause.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

This is one of the most popular herbs used during menopause. It reduces and gives relief from hot flashes, mood swings, depression and memory loss. It also reduces cramps and congestions, and improves the thickness and elasticity of vaginal tissues. The dried root of this herb is used.

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Chasteberry is widely used to bring the hormonal fluctuations (experienced during menopause) to control. Dried fruit of this tree is used.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

During menopause, because of hormonal imbalance, your liver might get under trouble. Dandelion is an excellent herb for your liver. Leaves, roots and tops of Dandelion are used.

Sage

The cooking herb sage is very good for hot flashes. It helps eliminating night sweats. Fresh or dried leaves of the herb are used.

Valerian

Insomnia is a common symptom during menopause. Valerian easily helps you drift into deep sleep.

St. John’s Wort

Mood swings during menopause can also be cured by St. John’s Wort. Fresh or dried flowering plant is used.

Dong quai

Roots of the herb Dong quai helps in reducing the symptoms of estrogen deficiency.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Leaves of Gingko bilobia give relief from symptoms of fatigue, depression and memory problems.

Raspberry

Raspberry acts directly on the muscles of the uterus and tones the weakened muscles. Fresh or dried leaves and fruit of the herb are used.

Wild yam (Dioscarea villosa)

This estrogenic herb is helpful in giving relief from menopausal arthritis. It also helps reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. Dried roots and rhizomes of the herb are used.

Spice for thought? Consuming spicy food is considered to improve your memory and the cognitive functions of your brain.  Certain spices help in boosting up and preserving the functioning of your brain even as you age.

Turmeric, a popular ingredient in curry, is found to be very effective in reducing the effects of certain common neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. it inhibits the formation of  amyloid plaques in people suffering from Alzheimer’s. The functioning of the nerve cells usually decline due to the effects of oxidation. Curcumin, which forms a part of turmeric, is an antioxidant that defends your brain from the harmful effects of oxidation.

Zingerone is the antioxidant present in ginger that functions like curcumin and defends the neurons from oxidation and protects your brain. Cinnamon is yet another spice that has shown brain-protective functions. A mere smell of this spice is enough to boost the brain activity and its cognitive functions.

Autism is a neurological disorder classified as Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Around 1.5 million Americans including children sand adults are considered to be suffering from autism.

The most common symptom for autism is problem in social interaction. Other symptoms related to this are difficulty in maintaining eye contact, failure to develop peer relationships, problems in verbal and non-verbal communication, epileptic seizures, Tourette syndrome, learning disabilities, repetitive behavior, repetitive use of language, and attention deficit disorders.

Certain herbal remedies are as effective as synthetic drugs in curing autism, and act without causing any side effects.

1. A highly distressed patient can be given tranquilizing drugs.
2. An herbal formula called Pure Calm gives quick relief for children and adults suffering from autism.
3. Focus ADHD Formula is another herbal remedy for treating the symptoms of ADHD in patients suffering from autism.
4. St John’s Wort prevents the over-metabolism of serotonin and improves the brain functioning gradually.
5. Tantrum Tamer is a homeopathic remedy that is helpful in handling tantrums.
6. Autism also occurs due to intolerance of some food items like certain dairy products and certain wheat and grain products. They should not be given food items containing proteins like gluten and casein.
7. Supplements of vitamins and minerals also help improve the functioning in people suffering from autism.

Other alternative remedies for autism include physiotherapy, educational therapies, occupational therapy, music therapy, sensory integration, behavior modification and speech therapy.

When bacteria enters the urethra, and grows in the urinary tract, it leads to bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI). Because of the shorter urethra, women are more prone to urinary infection than men. In men, secretions of the prostate gland retard the growth of bacteria. Certain alternative remedies like herbal remedies have proved to be very effective in treating such infections.

Using the conventional methods of treatment will affect the immune system and will also give rise to antibiotics-resistant bacteria. Natural herbs and home remedies will help cure the infection without any harmful side effects.

The symptoms of UTI are:

• Frequent urge for urination
• Irritation and a burning sensation while urinating

Herbal/Home Remedies for UTI

1. Research has shown that cranberries and blueberries contain compounds that prevent bacterial infection (E.coli) from infecting the walls of the bladder. Almost 90 percent of the infection is caused by E.coli bacteria. Drinking 10 ounces of cranberry juice every day will help cure the bacterial infection.
2. Goldenseal contains berberine that inhibits bacterial growth at the wall of the urinary bladder.
3. The herb uva ursi contains the compound arbutin which kills bacteria that causes the infection.  
4. Drinking barley water by adding lemon to it also helps cure the infection.
5. Hydrangea, parsley, and dandelion leaves are diuretics that help wash away bacteria by increasing the amount of urine that passes through the bladder.
6. Leaves, flowers and seeds of nasturtium contain antibiotics that help prevent UTI.

Avoid dairy products, spicy food, carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes.

Latest research has shown that the spice curcumin could be an excellent memory shield that destroys the Alzheimer’s disease causing plaque. Curcumin is an excellent home remedy for Alzheimer’s. Curcumin, which is a component of turmeric (the yellow pigment) and cumin seeds, breaks up the plaques that are formed by beta-amyloid deposits in the brain.

Beta-amyloid causes the production of neuronal plaque, which is usually found in all sufferers of the neurodegenerative disease. Curcumin’s low molecular weight and structure allows it to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and bind to beta-amyloid.

Doctors have associated the low level of Alzheimer’s disease in India to the use of curcumin in their daily meal. “Curcumin has been used for thousands of years as a safe anti-inflammatory in Indian traditional medicine” says Professor of medicine and neurology Gregory Cole.

Other studies have shown turmeric to be an excellent cure for several other health disorders. Curcuminoids have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects on our body. This promising spice is effective in the treatment of several ailments like cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis.

Depression disturbs the rhythmic pace of our life. Depletion in the level of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine and norepinephrine causes depression. Antidepressants act by increasing the level of these neurotransmitters especially serotonin. Natural remedies have proved to be very helpful in curing depression.

• The herb St. John’s-wort is considered to be more powerful antidepressant than some pharmaceutical drugs such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and imiprimine (Tofranil). It has been used for generations as an anxiety and stress relieving herb. It is due to the presence of an active compound called hypericin that causes a change in anxiety and depression levels. St. John’s-wort also improves the quality of sleep. Make tea using 2 teaspoons of the herb by boiling it for 10 minutes. Take two cups of tea every day for a month. The advantage of St. John’s wort is that this herb has very few side-effects.
• Licorice is also very powerful anti-depressant that contains compounds with high anti-depressant potentials. Three cups of tea in a day will easily relieve you from stress and anxiety.
• Boil two cups of water with one teaspoon each of rosemary and sage. Drink the tea daily.
• Ginger is an excellent remedy for depression. You can take ginger along with other herbal anti-depressants.
• The neurotransmitter tryptophan which is found naturally in certain food items we eat, acts as antidepressant. Tofu, soy products, walnut, pumpkin seeds are all rich sources of tryptophan.

If you are taking any other medicine prescribed by your doctor, then before starting off with herbal remedies, it is mandatory to get your doctor’s opinion.

The leaf of the Gingko tree which is shaped like a human brain is considered to improve memory and the cognitive capacities of the brain. Memory loss or decrease in concentration is usually caused due to a reduction in the flow of blood to the brain cells. The gingko extracts improves the circulation of blood to the brain thereby increasing the memory and cognitive functions of a human being.

Gingko Bilobia is a dietary supplement made from the leaves of gingko plant. The extracts from the leaves are processed before being added to the memory supplement.  This is sold as a tonic to enhance memory and mental performance. Gingko intake also slows down the affects of Alzheimer’s disease.

What make the gingko extract so effective is the presence antioxidants like flavenoids and terpenoids that destroys free radicals. It increases the brain’s ability to use oxygen. The Gingko Bilobia supplements also improve the memory by preventing the causes of brain cancer and stroke.

The other herbs related to improving memory are: Allium Sativum, Calamus Root, Basil, Lemon Balm, Gotu-Kola, Rosemary, Peppermint and Holly.

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug made from the plant Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis Sativa is an herb. The chemical compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in the drug is shown to have excellent medicinal value.

Because of its medicinal and therapeutic values, it is claimed to be an excellent drug in the treatment of cancer and AIDS patients.

Marijuana has shown to play an important role in the treatment of AIDS. Studies have been conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco where patients who smoked marijuana experienced great relief from chronic foot pain related to AIDS.

Marijuana reduces pressure in the eye. Hence, it is helpful in treating the eye disease Glaucoma that causes blindness.

It is also a relief for patients suffering from nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

Relief for AIDS patients

• Marijuana is a relief for pain, aching, numbness and sensory neuropathy associated with AIDS. Sensory neuropathy is a nerve disorder that is common among HIV patients that shows symptoms like numbness, intense pain, and tingling in the hands and feet. 
• It helps maintaining appetite thereby maintaining the patient’s weight. It increases appetite and enhances the craving for food.
• Marijuana helps in easing muscle and joint pains.
• The report of a study in the journal Neurology claims that Marijuana reduces HIV nerve pain. In an experiment, 50 people having HIV nerve disorder were asked to smoke Marijuana 3-4 times a day. Results showed that the nerve pain got reduced to 34% in these patients. According to studies and reports, marijuana cigarettes have shown to reduce the chronic nerve pain in HIV patients by 70%. No serious side effects have been detected.

Smoking Marijuana has not been directly related to lung cancer, though it can cause bronchitis.

Migraine is a paroxysmal ailment, which is accompanied by a severe headache. Normally, headache comes on one side of the head. Migraine is also associated with disorders of the liver, the digestion and the vision. This problem appears when a person is under great mental tension or suddenly gets over that stale.

Migraine may be due to a number of causes like low blood sugar, infection, allergy, excessive intake of certain drugs, low energy, a weak constitution, nutritional deficiency, improper sleep and rest, consistent overwork, excessive smoking, drinking, and sexual indulgence. In case of women, menstruation is also a major cause. This form of migraine usually disappears after menopause.

Here are some useful herbal remedies for migraine.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Regular intake of this herb can reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks. The leaves of feverfew have parthenolide that saves from dilation of blood vessels and inflammation. Eating two fresh leaves everyday can help you to a great extent. It is extremely bitter, and so you may face mouth or tongue irritation. To avoid this problem, wrap the leaves in a piece of fresh bread and eat. You can also try feverfew capsules. You also get standardized parthenolide extract. Take between one-quarter and one-half milligrams of parthenolide everyday to prevent migraine. Take up to two grams during an acute attack.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)

It has potent anti-inflammatory properties, and its daily intake helps prevent migraines. Ginger improves blood circulation, relaxes the blood vessels, and decreases the production of pain-causing prostaglandins. Take fresh ginger for a better effect, because the pungent oils in the raw herb have the most active properties. Eating one-quarter inch slice of fresh ginger root everyday, either in raw or lightly cooked form, helps in migraine prevention. If you prefer dried ginger, get good-quality powdered ginger and take 1,000 mg daily. During migraine attack, take 500-1,000 mg at the first sign and repeat it every two hours up to six times a day.

Grapes

The juice of ripe grapes acts well on migraine. Take it several times in small doses.

Niacin

Niacin can better treat migraine. Valuable sources of this vitamin are whole wheat, yeast, green leafy vegetables, nuts, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, liver and fish. Vitamin B complex tablets containing 100 mg of niacin can do the same job.

Lemon crust

The crusts of lemon can effectively treat migraine and give great relief. Pound these crusts into a fine paste in a mortar, and apply the paste as a plaster on the forehead.

Vegetable juices

Carrot juice, in combination with beet and cucumber juices or spinach juice, can treat migraine very well. Mix 200 ml of spinach juice with 300 ml of carrot juice. Or, mix 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices with 300 ml of carrot juice. Both these combinations can treat your migraine problem.

Cabbage leaf compress

Cabbage leaf compress works well on migraine. Crush few leaves of this vegetable, place it in a cloth, and bind it on your forehead at bedtime or at convenient time. Renew the compress when the leaves dry out.

A new research study proved that a Chinese herb called danshen offers a better treatment for high blood pressure. The researchers say that an active ingredient in this herb helps in reducing hypertension in hamsters and widens blood vessels.

Traditionally, it was known that danshen works for high blood pressure. But researchers didn’t know how it works.

The roots of danshen, which is a kind of sage, are used as medicine in Chinese culture. It is used to treat heart problems and hypertension. It is more effective in case of people who have hypertension with angina and atherosclerosis.

In this study, the researchers gave the active ingredient of danshen, tanshinone IIA, to hamsters having high blood pressure. They found that this ingredient reduced blood pressure and widened blood vessels. It appears to work by boosting the body’s production of nitric oxide.

The research lays the foundation for future research on danshen’s effectiveness as a hypertension drug. Though there are plenty of drugs available in the market currently, many have their significant side effects.

However, more research needs to be done on danshen’s therapeutic role. Also, drug toxicity and adverse effects of this remedy should also be evaluated. The researchers also say that they are trying to understand the effects of danshen after people stop taking it.

The yuccas comprise the genus Yucca of 40-50 species of perennials, shrubs, and trees in the agave family Agavaceae, notable for their rosettes of evergreen, tough, sword-shaped leaves and large terminal clusters of white or whitish flowers.Yuccas are widely grown as ornamental plants in gardens. Many yuccas also bear edible parts, including fruits, seeds, flowers, flowering stems, and more rarely roots, but use of these is sufficiently limited.

The fruit can be dried and eaten during the winter, and we can also make a fermented drink from the fruits. Yucca is one of nature’s best blood purifiers.

Benefits of Yucca:

• It helps form a protective coating on the intestinal walls.
• Helps eliminate pathogenic organisms. Destroys deadly viruses. Encourages growth of friendly bacteria.
• Helps conquer lower grade intestinal infections. Reduces inflammation and swelling.
• Reduces intestinal symptoms, and disorders.
• Decreases accumulation and growth of intestinal wastes in the colon. Beneficial in colitis, and diverticulitis.
• Dissolves out and eliminates intestinal mucus and the wastes on the intestinal lining.
• Relief of constipation, intermittent diarrhea, intestinal gas.
• The Yucca root has a laxative and cleaning action in the bowels. This accelerates colon elimination.
• Relief of cramping and abdominal pains; often very rapid relief - - in minutes.
• Lessens soreness, stiffness and swelling of joints, in some arthritides - - at least those related to intestinal toxicity and putrefaction.
• Lessening of headaches - - migraine type.
• An effective treatment for sores, scabs, and skin rashes.
• Lowering of abnormal cholesterol.
• By its cortisone-like action it helps offset stresses.
• Widely used in sanitation plants to accelerate, by the action of its saponins, the breakdown of organic wastes.
• For some reason it helps some people to stop smoking.
• Used as a treatment for digestive and arthritic problems in dogs, horses, before humans.
• Saponins have a cleansing action on anything - acting as a detergent, just like a soap.
• It has a high content of Vitamin A and B complex, vitamins and some Vitamin C.
• It has a high content of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper.
• No unpleasant or harmful side effects.