Taking the Right Herbs for Arthritis

By Kaye Fretz

Have you heard about herbs for arthritis? Although there is no natural or synthetic cure for arthritis, there are ways and means to help reduce the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. One way is to take some helpful herbs. Here are some of the possible herbs you may want to take.

-Nettle Leaves- Stinging nettle is believed to be the natural counterpart of NSAIDs. The anti-inflammatory components of this herb reduce arthritis swelling. The herb also has boron which is a recommended nutrient for those with arthritis. Nettle can be eaten or used for tea.

-Devil's Claw- The claw-like shape of this herb's fruits is the reason behind its unusual name. The herb originates from Africa and is good relief for pain and arthritis swelling. There is also some experiential evidence that the herb can assist in promoting greater joint movement.

-Ginger- Who would've thought this common food ingredient can help ease pain and swelling? Arthritis patients can find relief from ginger by eating it mixed with dips and food or taken in tea form. This is one of the herbs that have the least or no side effects.

-Celery- This is another common food option that can be used for arthritis. Its use dates back a few centuries ago in Europe. Celery contains potassium and a number of anti-inflammatory compounds. Tea from celery seeds or celery eaten raw can provide good remedy for arthritis.

-Red Pepper- Lists of herbs for arthritis can't do without cayenne or red pepper. Nearly everyone knows that red pepper is a good pain reliever even for those who suffer from pain not associated with arthritis. The substance in cayenne that is popularly known to relieve pain is capsaicin. This substance blocks the perception of pain and facilitates the release of more endorphins or the body's own natural pain relievers. Cayenne also has salicylate which is an ingredient in aspirin.

-Alfalfa- Vitamins and minerals are the contribution of alfalfa for people with arthritis. This is therefore a beneficial nourishing herb. It is usually taken as tea. Although alfalfa also comes in powder form, those with arthritis are not advised to take it. Powder alfalfa can promote the symptoms of arthritis.

-Angelica- Among the Chinese, the more popular species is the dong quai. Angelica tea can be taken to relieve pain and inflammation.

A couple of other herbs have pain and inflammation reducing components. Those who take herbs seriously and properly can truly attest to the effectiveness of herbs. You should always remember though to always have safety in mind. Some herbs, when taken with some medicines can result in serious and dangerous side effects.

Herbal remedies also typically do not have standard measurements. Different sources have different opinions on how much you should take of a remedy. There is always the possibility that you could take the wrong advice resulting in the intake of incorrect amounts.

Herbs for arthritis should be taken with your doctor's knowledge. This is the best way to be sure that you are not putting yourself in danger. - 14130

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Do you have rheumatoid arthritis symptom? Find the best herbs for arthritis.

Lyme Disease - Don't Suffer More Than You Should

By Jennifer King

If you've ever contracted Lyme disease from an infected tick bite, then you realize how difficult the disease can be. Most people have no idea just how aggravating and agonizing the disease can be for those suffering from it. Muscle and joint agony that can last for a few days or weeks at a time, more than enough trips to your health practitioners office, misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments all can make for an extremely stressful period of time.

Coping with Lyme disease can be notably unpleasant because oftentimes the disease is misdiagnosed, which leads to attempted cures that don't work, and you then having to put up with continuous illness and pain from the disease. Because there is no absolute test to resolve whether or not you have Lyme disease, an incorrect diagnosis is common. This can be particularly notably aggravating for people that are told that their symptoms are "all in their mind," and then the sufferers are prescribed anti-depressants. There are over 100 different symptoms of Lyme disease, that will make it very hard for doctors to narrow down the symptoms into one illness. The disease is also regularly misdiagnosed as something else such as arthritis, and so the sufferer will not get the correct treatment.

If you are coping with Lyme disease as an everyday occurrence, following is some advice that may aid you as you fight your illness:

Gain as much familiarity as you can about Lyme disease. Educate yourself on the facts of Lyme disease, like its causes, symptoms, how it is diagnosed and prognosis of the disease. Lyme disease evolves from the bacteria Borrelia, which is ordinarily transmitted by way of the bite of a deer tick. Once the bacteria has invaded your body you'll most likely begin to suffer from the symptoms within a matter of weeks. Symptoms include a bulls-eye shaped reddish rash, fever, fatigue, and arthritis-like muscle and joint pain. Living with Lyme disease and its many symptoms is definitely not enjoyable, but by examining your symptoms and your medical history, your health practitioner will hopefully be able to make a appropriate diagnosis.

Once a proper diagnosis is made, treatment can begin. This will regularly include either oral or IV antibiotics to kill the bacteria in your body. Understanding the illness and what it does to you is significant part of coping with the disease.

Speak with your doctor about the various cures that are available. Antibiotics are regularly used to fight the disease. However, there are alternative remedies available. These natural remedies aid you in curing your disease without the use of drugs and medicines that might cause other problems later, and can, in the long term, become expensive.

The most difficult thing to do while you're feeling dreadful is be patient, but this is quite important when coping with Lyme disease. You must give your body time to be cured and react to treatments, and becoming apprehensive over how long it's taking or thinking about how awful you feel won't help you recover any quicker. In fact, it's more likely to slow down your recovery. So just hang in there - you will get better in time. - 14130

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To find out more information on lyme disease and information on more natural cures for bacterial and fungal infections visit - Natural Treatments For Infections

Nail Fungus - What You Need To Know

By Jennifer King

Toe nail fungi is a problem nobody wants to have. Although it's not life threatening, it has the possibility of becoming very painful if you don't treat it. You would therefore try and avoid ever becoming infected. The first real step to dodging a fungal infection of your toe nails is to research the top facts about it.

#1- You can catch them

A toe nail infection doesn't just appear out of the blue. People who get infected| catch their fungal infection from someone or something. This is slightly different catching a viral infection or a cold. Specific conditions must exist for toe nail fungi to develop and crete the infection. Fungi usually breed in warm, moist areas. You can therefore get infected in areas with moisture and a warm temperature like pool sides and shower stalls. You can also become infected if you use nail clippers and files used by an infected person.

Toe nail fungi enter near your toe nail. It is viable that you will have a cut near or around your toe nail. Once the fungus has entered via the small cut, it will remain in between the nail and the nail bed.

#2- They love nails.

Keep your toe nails clean and trimmed as much as you can. Nail fungi just enjoy living under your nails. This is mainly because your toe nails offer them the living conditions that they enjoy the most. Toe nails are warm and moist so the fungi actually have it's perfect living conditions.

It is lovely to believe that toe nail fungus will just go away. This is primarily since the first symptoms of nail fungi aren't very alarming. Tiny white dots are probably all you will get at first. If you don't do anything about it though, the infection can expand under your nail. Your toe nail will possibly turn to a nasty brown or black, and can become ragged and brittle. At this stage, it will probably be difficult to treat nail fungi with just topical applications. You can, in worst cases, need to have your toe nail removed entirely.

#3- Fingernails are vulnerable to fungal infections also.

Finger nails can get infected also. Some may not be wise to the fact that the nails on their fingers can also get fungal infections. The reason why fungal infections of the toe nails are more more commonly mentioned is because they are more common than fungal infections of the fingernails.

Shoes - These are why there is such a common episodes of toe nail fungal infections. With a high percentage of people the toes are usually kept warm and moist in non-porous footwear and socks. This environment alone can easily make an initial, tame infection worse. This is simply because closed footwear promote moisture retention.

#4- Nail infections are not simple things to get rid of.

Toe nail fungal infections are stubborn. This is because the nails, which are there to protect our toes, also protect nail fungi. It will therefore be hard for topical applications to get in. This is why topical applications need to be applied regularly, consistently and for a long time before any improvement can be seen on toe nail fungal infections. - 14130

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For more information on toe nail fungus and how to treat them naturally visit nail fungus natural treatments.

8 Simple Colon Cleansing Steps to End Digestive Problems

By Daniel Gonzalez

Natural digestive health is an essential part of your overall wellness. Your natural digestive health functions are tightly woven with your body functions and very complicated. Fortunately, understanding all the ins and outs of these functions isn't necessary for you to control digestive health problems and prevent them from occurring.

Your digestive system can be kept very healthy with an assortment of natural and herbal methods. These are completely natural and common methods to attain and sustain colon cleansing. I'll share a few here with you. The list below shows some known, simple way to improve your digestive health.

* Drink More Water: This is easy. Since water is what our body uses to carry out natural digestive health and break down your food, you need to drink plenty of water. Water is also what removes all the toxic materials from your body; both from your bowels and your blood. Keep it simple, one 8-ounce glass every hour at work will keep you well hydrated and support your natural digestive health.

* Keep your intestinal tract healthy - Fiber is essential to stopping digestive problems. Though there are many foods with lots of fiber, we all have excuses or reasons for not getting enough. Many good, natural fiber supplements provide you daily needed fiber doses. There are both fiber powders to add to your drinks, and fiber pills. These can easily give you the recommended 20 to 35 grams of fiber needed for your natural digestive health. By absorbing water, fiber prevents constipation and diarrhea by ensuring your intestines rapidly remove solid waste.

* Stay away from bad fats: Good fats like those from fish oils play a major role in reduced joint swelling and overall heart health by helping your natural digestive health process remove excess acids.

* Include Protein with Your Meals - Don't let anyone tell you that you don't need protein. Protein is a must for your digestive juices in your stomach and to ensure continual colon cleansing. These proteins can be from plan or animal sources. If you are getting enough, then get a protein drink supplement or keep stash of high protein snacks nearby.

* Have you tried raw vegetable juices - Even if you don't like raw or cooked vegetables, many will find raw vegetable juices as enjoyable and palatable as fruit juices. It is an excellent substitute to get the required enzymes for natural digestive health. These enzymes are essential to proper break down of meats and other foods. Cooked vegetables have had the enzymes destroyed. If you simply cannot get raw vegetables with each meal, take a plant enzyme supplement to prevent digestive problems.

* Probiotics are a must in your diet - You may have never guessed that bacteria is important to your natural digestive health. These healthy, good bacteria are called probiotics. Digestive cleansing, diarrhea prevention, sustained immune functions and many other benefits come from probiotics in your diet. You need live cultures for the best natural digestive health. There are many supplements with living probiotic cultures. They exist naturally in fermented food, yogurt, buttermilk and others.

* Use Quality Multivitamins - Don't just settle on any cheap multivitamin off the shelf. There are good ones and bad ones. It is great your grocery store carries cheap ones. Unfortunately, they go in one end and out the other without being absorbed. Your vitamins are essential to digestion. Get a good quality multivitamin.

* Natural Cleanses are good - Be sure to cleanse your colon naturally. Aloe drinks and similar supplements are superb for building natural digestive health. Aloe drinks will assist your body in its natural, self-cleansing process.

It's time to take control of your natural digestive health. Apply all or most of these easy 8 methods for colon cleansing and digestive health and your will put an end to your digestive problems. These are easy and convenient. Take charge and be healthy. - 14130

About the Author:

Danny Gonzalez has been using natural digestive health methods to stop digestive problems since surviving surgery for colon cancer. How now enjoys sharing ways for others to prevent suffering from similar ailments. Daniel also shares free samples of diet resources at http://www.myherbalhealthblog.com/your_wellness

What is Solgar Celadrin and How Can it Work For You?

By Keith Woolley

In the fight against Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, Celadrin is a relative newcomer. With a blend from essential fatty acids that will not react with oxygen after treatment, they're soluble with water and fat. The source of the fatty acids is tallow oil from bovines. Celadrin is made up of a very special blend of 8 cetylated fatty acids (including myristoleic, myristic, and oleic acids) and as a generic chemical name, it is known as cetyl myristoleate.

Celadrin, with no known side effects/bad reactions, it is said to be safe. With more than 100 million Celadrin pills prescribed, there have been no reports of bad side effects. A sample that large is significant.

Celadrin has been tested in clinical trials, unlike other all-natural supplements. According to clinical trials. Celedrin is proven effective in slowing down or completely eliminating the joint and cartilage inflammation that can cause arthritis and other painful diseases. Celadrin seems most effective when used with other supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin according to some tests.

If you have a complex medical history and/or if you take a lot of medications, you may want to look into Celadrin. It is a very important, all- natural ingredient for folks in your situation. Mobility of joints is greatly increased when supplemented by Celadrin to enhance joint lubrication. The joints rub together when this fluid decreases or wears down, causing tremendous pain. Celadrin has shown to provide relief to deep muscle and tissue injuries.

Those with bulging disks in their backs, arthritis, or painful joints all suffer from the friction of bones rubbing against each other once the normal fluid pocket has leaked out.

Celadrin comes in both a topical and oral form. You are able to take it by mouth as it comes in the form of capsules, tablets and soft gels. This product is also available as a cream for topical use. Patients have reported that using Celadrin cream in areas where they are hurting have felt relief in just a half hour after first applying it. Clinical research has proven that Celadrin can reduce inflammation. Patients can get the same healing benefit with whatever works for them, that would be with oral or topical formulations, as this shows its equally effective, this is what the studies are showing.

Celadrin has shown to produce many benefits including decreasing inflammation and promoting cartilage rebuilding. For people who suffer from joint, muscle, or tendon pain, the good effects of Celadrin make it something to look into. - 14130

About the Author:

Before you search for any natural remedy online, make sure you check out Keith Woolley's Medicine Interactions by Herbal Remedy available at http://www.solgar.co.uk . Keith Woolley compiled this information for Solgar Vitamins and Herbal Remedy.

Beautiful Skin Made Easy with Simple Aromatherapy Blends

By Jean Patton

Using natural botanical skin care is a wonderful experience. With uplifting aromatic essential oils and other natural carrier ingredients, it is easy to nourish the skin in a very special way. While dramatic effects can sometimes be had using synthetically created products, natural botanical blends can bring about a lasting healthy glow free from the possibility of side-effects.

While some of the most highly regarded therapeutic grade oils may seem expensive at first, they are effective in such small concentrations as to really make them worthwhile. And their efficacy is well-known; that's why so many laboratory-made preparations use components of essential oils in their formulas. With a one or two ounce bottle to mix in, and an eye dropper, you can easily mix your own blend with the aroma and actions you desire most.

Several essential oils and carriers are held in high-esteem for their regenerative and nutritive properties. With only a small collection of oils, you can make highly-effective recipes applicable to particular skin conditions such as premature aging, UV and other damage, acne-prone skin and more.

Some of the more important aromatherapy oils used in beauty and skin formulas for both men and women include: Helichrysum italicum - a potent skin metabolism stimulator and strong anti-inflammate (inflammation at a cellular level is associated with nearly all skin damage and premature aging). Rosemary essential oil of the Verbenone chemotype - this serves a similar function to the oil of the Helichrysum flowers, increasing skin metabolism and enhancing the removal of cellular waste material. True Lavender, or Lavendula angustifolia, is also a strong anti-inflammate and skin regenerator with a lovely relaxing aroma - it lowers tension in addition to directly treating the skin cells, furthering natural beauty. The oil distilled from the Wild Carrot seed (also known as Queen Anne's Lace) is very regenerating, bringing life to tired, lifeless skin resulting from high-stress and toxic environments. Palmarosa is considered a 'wonder oil' because of it's brilliant aroma and strong yet gentle antiseptic properties; Niaouli is another essential oil commonly recommended for the same reasons, in addition to it's ability to tighten and firm the skin.

This is only a few of the many essential oils included in skin formulas, though these are considered among the most important for their broad range of effects. Almost any essential oil can be added to a blend in balanced quantities. In many cases, oils are added as much for their lovely aroma as their direct therapeutic benefits to skin tissue. Many aromatherapists, and natural health professionals for that matter, consider the overall mental and emotional condition to be of primary importance in creating an appearance of fitness and beauty. Many citrus and floral oils are used for this reason - Neroli, distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, is an often used example. Others are Jasmine, Sandalwood (very popular in Men's skin care), Geranium and Ylang Ylang.

The essential oils are almost never applied to the skin undiluted (Lavender is a rare exception). Instead, they are added to what are known as 'carrier' or 'base' oils. Diluting the essential oil in carrier not only stretches your dollar, but the oils actually are more effective this way! Research has shown that most essential oils have the most dramatic therapeutic effects at concentrations of less than 5% of the total blend. And the carriers have their own positive effects; besides helping your skin absorb the essential oils, they provide nutrients such as essential fatty acids, and vitamin compounds which enhance the skin's health.

A few of the most important carrier oils include the following: Rosehip Seed Oil is highly regarded for it's regenerating effects for skin which has been over-exposed to the sun or has other damage. It includes a variety of Vitamin A which acts to increase cellular turnover, similar to Retin-A without the over-drying side effects. Numerous scientific studies have validated this oil's positive effects on damaged or prematurely aged skin. Next is Evening Primrose Oil, which has a significant quantities of gamma-linolenic acid, an important essential fatty acid. Evening Primrose oil has been used to support skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and may help premature skin aging. Finally, Hazelnut oil is possibly the most commonly used base oil for skin care; it is gentle, has little aroma, and is suitable for all skin types. Often, small amounts of Rosehip seed and/or Evening Primrose oil will be included in a blend, with Hazelnut oil comprising the majority of the carrier mixture.

Here are several blends categorized by skin type to get you started. For normal skin, used at any time: In each ounce of Hazelnut Oil, add 15 drops Thyme Linalool, 15 drops Rosemary Verbenone, 15 drops Neroli, and 15 drops Spike Lavender; this blend can work well for acne with it's antiseptic properties, but is an excellent tonic for all skin types.

For sensitive and damaged skin, try: 3/5ths ounce Hazelnut Oil, 1/5 Rosehip Seed Oil, and 1/5 Evening Primrose Oil. To this, add 15 drops Moroccan Chamomile or German Chamomile, 15 drops Helichrysum, 15 drops Lavender, and 15 drops Roman Chamomile. This blend will enhance the regenerative capability of the skin, while reducing the inflammation which accompanies any type of damage and aging.

For clearing excessively oily and acne-prone skin, to one oz. of Hazelnut oil, add fifteen drops each of Myrtle essential oil (use the green, rather than red, variety), Eucalyptus Dives, Spike Lavender, and Rosemary verbenone. The Myrtle is special in that it dissolves the sebum clogging skin pores, and the Eucalyptus calms the output of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands.

If your skin doesn't have particular damage to it, but appears lifeless due to exhaustion and/or exposure to significant amounts of pollution or environmental toxins, this is the blend for you. Use one part Rosehip Seed and 4 parts Hazelnut as the base. To each ounce, include fifteen drops Carrot Seed (also known as Wild Carrot or Queen Anne's Lace - a well known skin restorative), fifteen drops Lemon verbena (which enhances the removal of toxins from skin tissues), fifteen drops Niaouli (an all-around brilliant antiseptic oil with firming effects), and fifteen drops Rosemary verbenone (again, for it's regenerative and stimulating effects). If you are wishing to strengthen, tighten, and firm your skin, try this dilute mixture (the concentration of essential oils is relatively low here for use near the eyes) five ounces of Hazelnut oil and one ounce of Rosehip seed oil, fifteen drops of Green Myrtle, fifteen drops of Rock Rose (a plant grown in very sun-drenched areas, excellent for gently tightening the skin). If you like, add fifteen drops of Rosemary verbenone for it's regenerative properties, but omit if this causes sensitivity used near the eyes.

These blends are tried and true combinations of essential oils (see Kurt Schnaubelt's "Advanced Aromatherapy - the Science of Essential Oil Therapy"). They will help get you started into the wonderful world of natural health and beauty. There is a blend here that can suit the needs of nearly every individual; yet there are no hard and fast rules. You can blend oils to your own tastes and needs, just keep in mind that more is not usually better in natural medicine and therapeutics - a balance is important. Most essential oils work best at concentrations below 5% of the total blend in a carrier. For best results, once you begin to experiment, allow your intuition to lead you to the oils and combinations that work best for you. - 14130

About the Author:

The author is a consultant for Ananda Aromatherapy. Find more resources are available on aromatherapy supplies & essential oil formulas through the website.

What Is Acupuncture? The Alternative Healing Process

By Bi Kun tan

Sometime medicine prescribed by a doctor just doesnat seem to work. So a person will have to think outside the box for that one thing that will be the cure. Something that people may resort to is acupuncture. You may have heard of this but you might not know exactly what it is and why itas used?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method used to resolve many complex medical issues. It was used in conjunction with Chinese herbs and medicines. It still is used this way today. It is a healing process that many claim have improved their life when other traditional medicines could not.

Acupuncture is essentially the use of many sharp needles. These needles are inserted just under the skin in precise location. It is assumed that by placing the needles in these certain places that pain or stress will be alleviated in others.

Acupuncture takes time to understand. You must take an acupuncture course before you are able to practice this method. The classes will teach you acupuncture models and the techniques to properly apply the treatment. This is a delicate skill, and without these courses, a person could inflict more pain. Improper placement could damage the bodyas nervous system.

For example, if a person seeks acupuncture to relieve pain in their arm, and sees a person who is not certified and is not trained in the proper techniques, this person could recommend the wrong area. This untrained person could apply acupuncture to the arm and the result is nerve damage to the patients arm leaving them with less feeling for the rest of their life.

It is important to get treatment from a well trained professional because they will alleviate your pain by using the correct acupuncture techniques. The Chinese developed this treatment specifically for treating pain and stress. So far, it seems like the technique has worked.

Recent medical breakthroughs have enabled it to be used for more than just certain ailments. The list of ailments that you can use it for is constantly growing as patients seek alternatives to traditional medicines and healing practices. Today, acupuncture is mostly used for ailments such as: arthritis, back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and also sciatica.

This article should provide a brief overview to the question: what is acupuncture? It is a healing process that was developed by the Chinese and can be used for eliminating pain and stimulating healing within the body. If you feel that your current medical ailment isnat getting any better, consider alternative medicine. Acupuncturists will be able to determine if this type of therapy will help you. - 14130

About the Author:

To discover the ultimate acupuncture resource, visit my website at acupuncture acupressure.