YOUR ONLINE MED

Choose Organic Produce

2008-05-24T01:27:00.001-07:00

Organic produce is mandated to be grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, or sewage sludge. It's hard to believe that is NOT a requirement for ALL produce. Because of pesticide residue in the soil, it is virtually impossible to grow produce "residue free" and even organically grown foods do not claim to be completely free of chemical residues. So you are thinking of buying organic, but you want to save money, you've come to the right place.

Step1

Know your produce! The Environmental Work Group, EWG, tested 45 types of conventionally grown produce and came up with a list ranking from the most polluted to least polluted with pesticide. This list is helpful in determining which produce to buy organic, with a reduced levels of pesticide, and which produce are relatively safe to buy conventionally grown if you are trying to save money.

Step2

Often referred to as the “Dirty Dozen” are the 12 fruits or vegetables with the highest concentrations of pesticides. They are as follows:

Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Lettuce
Grapes - Imported
Pears
Spinach
Potatoes

Step3

The least polluted produce is as follows:
Eggplant
Broccoli
Cabbage
Bananas
Kiwi
Asparagus
Sweet Peas-Frozen
Mango
Pineapples
Sweet Corn-Frozen
Avocado
Onions

Step4

For a detailed list of all tested produce and the level of pesticide found visit the EWG link below.

Choose Healthy Foods for the Family

2008-05-24T01:26:00.001-07:00

it seems like every day results of new studies show that what we eat directly contributes to different health conditions and risks. Taking control of health and wellness begins at home, and it begins with choosing healthy foods for the whole family. Incorporating healthy eating and healthy living in the household can and will become habitual once you take the necessary steps to make those changes.

Step1

Identify any and all health-related risks the family may already be eating toward. In other words, is there is family history of obesity, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes it places a family at risk for future medical conditions. Once the family health history is assessed, the family can choose better dietary choices.

Step2

Learn to read food labels. Ideally, food products that are low in cholesterol, low to no fats, low sugar and low salt are quality products.

Step3

Incorporate simplistic foods. Simplistic foods are foods in the natural fresh form. Fresh fruits and fresh vegetables are a great way to choose healthy foods. They do not need to be cooked and can be prepared and eaten in their natural healthy raw form. Serve raw vegetable salads with main meals and a plate of cut up fruits for dessert. This is a great way to get the daily required nutrients.

Step4

Choose leaner cuts of meat and white meat poultry. These food items are less fatty and better choices in protein. Try to make your favorite ground-beef meal with ground turkey, chicken or veal. Not only will it be healthier, but it will give a variation of flavor and bring flare to the dinner table.

Step5

Add non-animal proteins to the diet. Non-animal proteins consist of beans, soy products and nuts. These proteins are low in fat and therefore much better for the body’s health.

Step6

Consume more whole grain products. This can be done by changing from white bread to whole grain bread, eating more whole grain cereals and serving brown rice as a side dish with dinners.

Step7

Create healthy bones by including dairy in the diet. For older children and adults, low-fat or skim milk is better for the body. Eat real cheeses, not processed cheeses that tend to be higher in fat content. This may mean going to the deli counter to buy sliced cheese as opposed to the dairy section and picking up a package of processed individually sliced and wrapped cheeses. Yogurt is a great source of dairy and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Step8

Shop and buy more organic foods. Organic foods have no preservatives and are healthier for the body.

Step9

Prepare foods in healthy ways. It is not necessary to deep fry or fry foods. Try baking, broiling or grilling your favorite foods, and play around with new spices. This can be a fun way to create and make up new recipes. Sauté meats and vegetables in a non-stick spray instead of butter or cooking oil. Also, trade in the vegetable oil for extra virgin olive oil which is healthier. Cut down on using salt.

Step10

Moderate and discipline the sweet tooth. Everyone has a sweet tooth from time to time, but we do not need to feed it with unhealthy sweets. Choose fresh fruits, granola, trail mix, sorbet or even gelato which is Italian ice cream that is way healthier due to the wholesome and natural ingredients it is prepared with. Moderate the amounts of sweets by not allowing yourself to eat a large quantity of that sweet in one sitting. A person does not need to eat the whole chocolate bar to get the sweet fix they need. They can instead eat 2 squares and save the rest for another day.

Step11

Serve proper portions. It is not necessary to pile the plate high with food. It is proven that the more food that is placed on a plate will contribute to teaching the body to overeat. Try to use smaller plates and properly portion the meals that are served. This will retrain the stomach and body to eat the proper amount of foods at each sitting.

Step12

Add supplemental vitamins to the daily dietary routine. Not everything that is eaten during the day will give the body the required vitamins and minerals to sustain a healthy body. Check with your doctor to see which vitamins and minerals are essentially good to add to the daily intake in supplemental form.

change you eating habits when trying to lose weight

2008-05-24T01:24:00.002-07:00

How many times have you got on that treadmill for hours, or lifted weights until fatigue, just to step on the scale to see the same old number? If you're like me many times. Well I got news for you. I have learn by combining these things with eating the right foods , you will see results in no time.

Things You’ll Need:

positive attitude
determination
will power

Step1

Be realistic. It is more effective to use 80 percent constraint with your food plan 100 percent of the time than be perfect for only 20 percent.

Step2

Be aware of your high risk foods, and don't buy them

Step3

Make sure each meal including snacks contain protein. It stimulates the metabolism and makes you feel full

Step4

If you have a craving , only try to eat a teaspoon, your body doesn't need it to be a meal.

Step5

Drink plenty of water. It improves bio function and stave off hunger

Step6

Opt out for complex carbs over simple ones. Have whole grains cereals or breads. Pick brown rice or wild rice. Have a piece of fruit instead of juice. If you do have simple carbs eat them in moderation.

Step7

Make better bad choices, put together these changes create huge results over time

Buy Non-GMO Snacks

2008-05-24T01:24:00.001-07:00

Non-GMO foods are foods that were never genetically modified. These foods are normally all organic foods that were grown without pesticides and without chemically altered soil. Most of the larger food producers have moved their productions to chemically modified produce in order to save money. Buy non-GMO snacks by avoiding some of the name brands.

Step1

Shop online. There are many stores that are strictly vegan or vegetarian where you can buy non-GMO snacks. They are labeled properly, and most of the sites will give you information regarding their organic status.

Step2

Go to a farmer's market. Buy non-GMO fruits and veggies for snacks at a local farmer's market. These farmers bring their produce to these markets to sell, because they can't compete with the large farms which use mass production techniques.

Step3

Buy non-GMO snacks at grocery stores that carry organic produce and meats. These stores will carry many pre-packaged snacks that are made from organic ingredients that were not genetically modified.

Step4

Make healthy snacks at home. Buy and dry organic, non-GMO fruits and make trail mix at home with organic nuts. You can also make cookies and pastries at home with organic, raw sugars and natural sweeteners that were not genetically modified.

Step5

Read the labels at your local grocery store while shopping. Many of the health food producers will label their foods as being made from Non-GMO ingredients. These will help you buy non-GMO snacks when you can't make it to a health food store

Begin Your Diet

2008-05-24T01:23:00.001-07:00

Begin Your Diet

By krazigirl79

XRay of Junk Food

Rate: (9 Ratings)

How many times have you said to yourself "I'll start tomorrow" or "this is the last one" or "just one more." I have done this more times than I can count! Americans are focused on finding the right diet instead of focusing on changing the way we do things. Here are a few quick tips to help you get started, stay motivated and keep on track... for life.

Things You’ll Need:

WILL POWER
A CHEAT DAY
DRIVE

Step1

Don't set yourself up. Analyze the ways in which you manage your time and your life. Get active, and don't forget some down time for yourself.

Step2

Never starve yourself. Don't skip breakfast. eat something small if you usually eat at this time. Try eating smaller more frequent meals.
Enjoy eating( eliminate distractions, eat at table instead of in front of the tv

Step3

Strip Trigger foods of their power( if you know it's not good for you don't buy it for the house. Out of sight is out of mind

Step4

Promise yourself regular tune ups, focus on yourself, do whatever makes you feel good, make sure it isn't food though. (get your nails done, go dancing)

Step5

Don't eat around cravings. If you find it unbearable go ahead, but indulge sensibly and set limits

Step6

When you feel like your about chow down on that chocolate cake use the five D's rule. 1.Determine what's going on. 2. Delay your response.3.Distract yourself for 10 mins. 4. Distance yourself from temptation. 5. Decide how you'll handle the situation.

Step7

Stop and take stock, after a binge we tend to feel guilty , write down how you feel and what you think lead you to binge. This way when the urge hits again you can see how you felt the last time you gave.

Be Vegan on a Budget

2008-05-24T01:20:00.002-07:00

As a vegan it can be difficult to find affordable food that fits your dietary needs. Many specialty grocery stores and health markets offer the food you want but at expensive prices. If you're a vegan on a budget, use the information below to save money on your food expenses.

Step1

Buy in bulk. You can purchase staples such as brown rice, grains, beans, nuts, dried fruit and granola in bulk quantities at many grocery stores. Because you're not paying for any fancy packaging, bulk foods are usually much cheaper.

Step2

Purchase frozen vegetables. Although many people prefer to buy fresh produce, it usually don't last very long. However, you can pull a bag of frozen vegetables out of the freezer, use only what you need and save the unused portion for another time.

Step3

Add beans to your diet. Beans are an excellent source of protein and they're usually very cheap. Purchase canned beans at the grocery store and rinse them under running water to reduce some of the sodium content. Or, buy dry beans in bulk and cook a big batch on the weekend to use during the week.

Step4

Find out if your community has a farmer's market during the summer months, where many vendors offer fresh produce at low prices every week. Some communities also have co-ops or local farmers who offer vegan friendly foods at budget friendly prices.

Be Grossed Out By Lunch Meat Salami

2008-05-24T01:20:00.001-07:00

Mike Adams from NaturalCures.com took some high magnification photos of lunch meat and sausages. The things that showed up are unidentifiable.

Things You’ll Need:

your favorite lunchmeat

Step1

up close black matter Take a look at these high magnification photos of lunch meat and you probably won't want to eat it for lunch tomorrow.

Step2

even more up close The black speck in the salami is a mystery, there aren't any ingredients in the salami that would account for the little black piece

Step3

This is a closer view of the black speck, yuck

Step4

really gross This is an up close look at a Jimmy Dean sausage and a globule of fat or grisle

Step5

Alternative lunch meal ideas include salads, soups, tuna fish, and non processed chicken or turkey, or vegetarian options.

Avoid Weekend Binging

2008-05-24T01:19:00.000-07:00

It’s the weekend and let’s face it, you’ve worked hard all week. Now it’s time to kick back for some serious R and R. But sometimes a little R and R can extend to your diet. It all starts Friday, some cocktails with friends with a side of greasy appetizers. Saturday, you stop off at your local fast food restaurant for lunch. Later, you go out for a big dinner. Sunday rolls around fast. It’s seems to be a perfect day to lounge around catching up on all your old T.V. shows. Unfortunately, this entire mindless weekend binge has ruined you week of healthy eating. Feeling the guilt your routine begins again, only to end again on Friday. If this sounds like you, don’t worry you are not alone. With a little preparation you can eat healthy and enjoy the weekend with friends and family without the guilt.

Step1

Never skip breakfast.

Remember your body has been fasting all night. It’s time to wake it up with a healthy breakfast. Make sure you eat plenty of protein and fiber.

Step2

Plan Ahead

If you are planning to go out for the day bring nutritious snacks with you such as crackers, fruits, and veggies. It prevents you from spending extra money and keeps you health conscious

Step3

Don’t deprive yourself during the week

Treat yourself to a small piece of chocolate during the week. Depriving your body completely will cost you in the long run through binging.

Step4

Eat less at restaurants.

Many restaurants are starting to offer smaller portion sizes at a lower cost. However, if you order a large meal, take half of it home. Still tempted? Ask your host/hostess to divide your meal before it comes to the table.

Step5

Exercise

Go for a walk to burn those extra calories. Not only will you feel better, but it will distract you from your cravings

Step6

Drink plenty of water

Sometimes we can misinterpret our body's signals for thirst for hunger. It’s very important that you stay hydrated. This too will help curve your cravings.

Step7

Eat a healthy meal before going out.

Temptation is everywhere. Eat a healthy lunch before going out. If you go when you’re hungry, you’re much more likely too given in to unhealthy foods.

Avoid Overeating and Gaining Weight

2008-05-24T01:18:00.000-07:00

The concept behind losing weight is the simplest concept to grasp; eat less and exercise more. Still while it's understood that this is the way to lose weight, it's still one of the hardest things some people have to deal with. It's harder than quitting smoking (because you can't just quit eating cold turkey!) or alcohol or even in some cases, drugs. If you find your stomach bulging at the end of meals, you've been over-eating. Here are some tips to cutting those wasted calories.

Step1

Drink water. Drink your water. Always sit down to eat with a glass of water and make sure that you finish it during your meal. Alternating sips of water between bites will slow your eating, help digestion and make you feel fuller, sooner. Feelings of hunger are directly related to dehydration so make sure that you are getting plenty of water during the day.

Step2

Fill up on fiber. Enjoy a starter. A hot low-fat soup like Minestrone or other vegetable broth soup, or a salad with low fat dressing will give you filling fiber and some servings of vegetables. Pass on the buttered rolls or bread and high calorie topping on your salad (meat, blue cheese, croûtons, etc..).

Step3

Watch portions. It's annoying to have to measure everything but you might want to take a look at any packaged foods you eat (cereal, salad dressing, cookies, soup) and see what a real portion is. Measuring it once will give you an idea of what it should look like. Stick to the recommended portion size.

Step4

Watch portions, part II. Take half of your normal serving. If you are used to heaping spaghetti on your plate, put half of what you normally eat. If you normally eat a whole sub sandwich, eat half. If you have four slices of meatloaf, eat two. You will eat whatever is on your plate and if you are still hungry, you can always eat a little more.

Step5

Eat Slowly. It takes 30 minutes for the stomach to feel full, which means if you eat until you are full, you are actually grossly over full and should feel terrible in about 30 minutes. Chew each bite and really enjoy your food. Drink water between bites. Stretch out courses when possible. Allow your stomach to catch up with what you've just put in it. When you feel full, STOP EATING. You can always save leftovers.

Step6

Relax. Play relaxing music during meals. Classic music, jazz or other relaxing music will help you eat slower and digest more easily. Light some candles and make the atmosphere nice so you won't be tempted to rush through dinner.

Step7

Divide and Conquer. When having snacks like chips, cookies or crackers, put the recommended serving in a sandwich bag so you aren't tempted to mindless eat your way through the bag or box. If you like to eat in front of the television, this is a MUST! When going out to eat, ask for half of your dinner to go when you order. Chances are you will be full before you get to the second half. Divide leftovers into smaller containers, so you are only reheating one serving at a time.

Step8

Grazing is ok. If you are eating healthy, it's fine to have several snacks or small meals during the day. Keeping hunger at bay prevents the desire to binge because we are starving. If you get hungry, have a low-fat yogurt, some fruit or something with some fiber and protein, like cheese and a few crackers.

Step9

Eat like a child. If you can't live without fast food, try ordering the child's meal. It has less than half the calories of an adult combo and still has the things you crave in them. At restaurants, some servers will let you order off the senior or child's menu as well. Small portions!

Step10

Avoid temptation. Avoid restaurants where you know you are likely to overeat like buffets or your favorite fried food place. Eating before parties and events will allow you to nibble on some desired treats but because you aren't hungry, you won't be tempted to eat your way through the party. Always eat before you go grocery shopping!

Step11

Treat Yourself. You never want to feel deprived, because you can eat anything you want in moderation. If you find yourself craving ice cream, go ahead and treat yourself to a child's cone or a frozen yogurt sundae (small). Have a few pieces of chocolate here and there, just don't eat the whole box.

Step12

Happy Hour. Avoid sugary drinks when you go out and stick to drinks with less calories. Margaritas, pina coladas, and drinks with lots of fruit juice are all hazards to calories. Try gin and tonic, rum and diet, mojitos, or vodka tonics. If you can't do that, cut your drinking in half. Normally have three drinks? Have one and split one with someone else.

How to Avoid Getting Bloated on a Long Flight

2008-05-24T01:16:00.000-07:00

These days, it's fairly simple to hop on a plane and wake up the next morning in another country or even on another continent. Unfortunately, you could also wake up lethargic and bloated, with swollen ankles and shoes that don't fit. With a few alterations to your in-flight routine, you can wake up in your destination well rested, well hydrated and ready to hit the ground running.

Step1

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking plenty of water is the most important thing you can do to eliminate in-flight bloat. Be sure to bring water on board with you, as it may be over an hour before the flight attendants get to food and beverage service. Try to drink 8 oz every hour or two.

Step2

Just say no to booze. While in-flight alcohol is tempting, it's also dehydrating, as are caffeinated beverages. Stick to water and fruit juices.

Step3

Pass on peanuts, pretzels and other salty snacks, which will only add to bloat and counteract all the water you've been drinking.

Step4

Snack on healthy foods. Avoid heavy meals, particularly those heavy in fat or fiber, which take a long time to digest.

Step5

Get up and move. Stand up and stretch or walk around the cabin every hour or two to get the blood flowing and relieve any tension. You might want to request an aisle seat so you don't disturb your neighbors, especially if you're consuming large quantities of water.

Step6

Try and get some rest. Pack a neck pillow, a blanket, noise-canceling headphones or whatever helps you sleep to ensure you arrive at your destination refreshed.

How to Make A Hops Pillow

2008-01-15T03:05:00.003-08:00

If you have trouble getting a good nights rest there are well-researched herbs that are known to aid in sleep. A natural alternative which is not habit-forming or causes side effects is a better approach for your health. Here is my recipe that combines three of the most-researched sleep herbs.

Hops Humulus lupulus, (Cannabaceae [marijuana] family), has profound sedative effects - even sniffing the herb helps you doze off. Found in the wild the female flowers are most commonly used in brewing beer. Hops have been used by herbalists for thousands of years to encourage sleep. The aging process of hops (up to two years) is what allows the chemical compounds, humulone and lupulone to create a substance that is chemically similar to chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium).

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) this is an old-time sleep remedy also used for centuries for relaxation and to calm the nerves. Most commonly used as a tea in the evening to promote a restful sleep.

Lavender (Lavandula, various species) there have been accounts of British hospitals using lavender essential oil to help patients sleep. Aromatherapists like to use the oil for stress, muscle ache, skin conditions and as a sleep aid.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

Muslin bag or pouch
2 parts dried hops
1 part dried chamomile
1 part dried lavender

Steps

Step One

Use a muslin bag which allows the herbs to breathe through the fabric. Be sure you are not using a synthetic fabric for your pouch.

Step Two

Gently scoop up the herbs with a small wooden spoon and place in your bag. Tie the bag tightly to contain the herbs securely.

Step Three

Then simply place under your regular pillow at night. Sweet dreams and jelly beans (organic ones of course).

How to Make a Herbal Infusion From Seeds and Flowers

2008-01-15T03:05:00.001-08:00

Fresh seeds and herbs can form potent natural healing teas and infusions. The difference between a tea and an infusion is the strength and method of preparation. An infusion is generally used 2 to 3 times a day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

1 quart glass Mason jar
Mortar and pestle
Clay pot
Seeds or flowers of the herbs

Steps

Step One

Select the herbs that will work the best for your problem. Consulting folk medicine books, websites and natural remedy books is a great place to find which herbs apply to the problem you are having.

Step Two

Place 1 tspn. of the seeds and/or flowers to be used in a mortar and crush with the pestle until they have been pulverized. Add a small amount of warm water to remove the flowers or seeds from the mortar and place them in a 1-quart Mason jar.

Step Three

Boil spring water in a clay pot and pour into the Mason jar. Seal the lid tightly and allow to infuse for at least a few hours. For infusions made from seeds do not infuse for more than 4 hours or the infusion may turn bitter.

How to Make a Herbal Infusion From Roots and Barks

2008-01-15T03:04:00.002-08:00

Folk medicine has long used herbs found in the countryside or grown in the garden to treat various maladies. Herbalists use herbs, leaves, stems, bark and roots to treat various conditions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

1-quart glass jar
Mortar and pestle

Steps

Step One

Sterilize a 1-quart glass Mason jar with lid. Wash the jar and then rinse it in boiling water and allow to air dry until cool. Keeping the jar sterile until use will prevent any unwanted contaminants from finding their way into the herbal infusion.

Step Two

Take the bark or root of the herb that will form the infusion and place it in a mortar. Grind it into a powder with the pestle. The larger the surface area of the herb, the greater the transfer of important compounds will be into the water.

Step Three

Pour the powdered herb, then pour boiling water into the Mason jar to the rim. Firmly seal the lid on the jar. The temperature and pressure that will build inside the jar will pull the compounds out of the root or bark powder.

Step Four

Allow the jar to cool and drink one cup of the mixture 2 to 3 times a day. Do not keep the infusion overnight. It is best to make the infusion fresh daily to maintain the potency of the remedy.

How to Make a Headache Relief Pot

2008-01-15T03:04:00.001-08:00

Headache relief pots are small containers with a natural formula in them that relieves headaches. The headache relief ointment in these pots is a topical ointment that begins to relieve headaches on contact. They are convenient and easily carried in a pocket or purse. Headache relief pots are inexpensive and easy to make.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

2 oz. beeswax
3 oz. shea butter
Double boiler pot
Large mixing spoon
4 oz. olive oil
Lavender essential oil
Mini flowerpots or lip balm containers

Steps

Step One

Melt the shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler over high heat on the stove. Stir occasionally until the mix is melted completely. If you don't have any shea butter, use 1 oz. beeswax and 2 oz. of massage oil or olive oil instead.

Step Two

Add the olive oil to the wax mix. Completely combine the oil into the wax mixture. Extra virgin olive oil works the best with this formula, but other varieties of olive oil will also work.

Step Three

Stir in 10 to 15 drops of the lavender essential oil. Blend the lavender into the mix. Remove the mix from the heat.

Step Four

Pour the mix into the small pots or lip balm containers. This wax recipe makes 9 oz. headache relief ointment.

Step Five

Massage the ointment on the temples once the mix congeals. For fast relief from headache pain, take long, deep breaths while messaging the temples of your forehead.

Tips & Warnings

The balm in the headache relief pots remains effective for up to 2 years if stored in a cool, dry area.

How to Harvest and Store Valerian Roots

2008-01-15T03:03:00.001-08:00

Valerian is an herbal remedy used as a mild sedative for treatment of sleep disorders, restlessness and anxiety. You can grow Valerian in your garden and enjoy the sweet smell of the blossoms until it is time to harvest the roots. Here is how to gather, clean, dry and store Valerian root for medicinal use.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You'll Need

Scythe
Spading fork
Pressure hose or rotary root washer
Knife

Steps

Step One

Cut off the Valerian stalks at ground level with a scythe when ready to harvest. The best time is between August and September, preferably in the second year of growth.

Step Two

Dig up the Valerian roots, also called rhizomes, with a spading fork. Place the harvested roots in the shade while you work.

Step Three

Shake the roots to remove excess soil.

Step Four

Wash the roots with a pressure hose or rotary root washer to remove all soil and stones that may be lodged in the crown. Use cool water--heat can damage the cells that contain the plant's essential oil.

Step Five

Chop the roots into equal small pieces to ensure uniform drying.

Step Six

Preserve the essential oils in the roots by drying them at room temperature in a shady spot in your home or barn for 10 days. Shade drying, low temperature vacuum drying and freeze drying are also good methods. Take care not to allow the temperature while drying to exceed 50 degrees Celsius, as it can cause a significant decrease in essential oil content.

Step Seven

Store the Valerian root in tightly sealed containers where they will be protected from heat, light, air and moisture. You can use plastic bags, light-proof sacks, glass canisters or drums.

How to Heal an Upset Stomach

2008-01-15T03:02:00.005-08:00

We have all experienced the pain of an upset stomach at one time or another. In this article you will learn how to make your own drink to help heal an upset stomach quickly.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Goldenseal
Chamomile
Mullein
Skullcap
Lobelia
Mint
Powdered peppermint
Pennyroyal
Water

Steps

Step One

Mix together 1 teaspoon of goldenseal, 1 heaping teaspoon of chamomile, 1 teaspoon of mullein, 1 teaspoon of skullcap, 2 teaspoons of lobelia, 1 tablespoon of mint, 1/4 teaspoon of powdered peppermint, and finally 1 tablespoon of pennyroyal.

Step Two

Boil a cup of water and add 1 teaspoon of the herbal mixture to it. Allow the ingredients to steep for 10 minutes.

Step Three

Strain the water and herb mixture that has been steeping and sweeten it for taste.

Tips & Warnings

Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in this article.
Immediately stop use if you find that you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in this article.

How to Make a Detox Vegetable Broth

2008-01-15T03:02:00.003-08:00

You can clear away the ill effects of over-indulgence by using this nourishing, natural detoxifying broth. It is filled with vitalizing ingredients such as pumpkin, carrots and spinach.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

Non-reactive cooking pot.
Colander
Cheese cloth or thin linen
1 3/4 quarts of pure water
1 tsp. of Celtic sea salt
5 slices of sliced ginger root
2 finely chopped carrots
3 finely chopped celery stalks
1 cup of finely chopped cabbage
1 cup of finely chopped spinach
1 cup of finely diced pumpkin
1 finely chopped squash
5 finely sliced Shiitake mushrooms, fresh or dried
1 cup of chopped parsley

Steps

Step One

Place the water and all the other ingredients into the cooking pot.

Step Two

Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover partially and let cook until the liquid is reduced to about half the original amount you started with.

Step Three

Prepare the colander by lining it with a piece of cheesecloth or thin linen.

Step Four

Strain the hot mixture of broth into a bowl.

Step Five

Discard the vegetable pulp and drink the broth with meals or as a snack.

Tips & Warnings

Check with your doctor before beginning any detox program.

How to Make a Dandruff Removal Rinse

2008-01-15T03:02:00.001-08:00

This has been a problem that seems to still stump everyone. You may have tried all types of shampoos, creams and pills, to no avail. This is an herbal method that has worked for a lot of my friends

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Camphor, Lavender, Bay, Sage, Rosemary, Rubbing Alcohol, Water

Steps

Step One

Combine 2 tbsp of each herb to 2 quarts of water

Step Two

Add 2 capfuls of rubbing alcohol

Step Three

Steep in water for 2 hours

Step Four

Bottle the mixture and use each time you shampoo

How to Make A Cold Oil Infusion

2008-01-15T03:01:00.005-08:00

Herbs can contain oils that can be used medicinally but these oils can be lost or destroyed if made with a hot oil infusion. To protect the healing oils in these herbs, use need to do this by making a cold oil infusion with them.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

9 oz Dried Herb OR 1 1/4 lb Fresh Herb
2 c Vegetable Oil

Steps

Step One

Put herbs in a large jar and pack them tightly. Cover with your oil. Seal tightly and put in a sunny location for 2-6 weeks depending on desired strength.

Step Two

Pour slowly through a jelly bag or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Be sure you allow oil to filter completely through bag or cloth. Squeeze oil from bag, extracting as much as you can.

Step Three

Pour oil into small dark, clean bottles and seal tightly. Store in a cool, dry location.

How to Make a Chamomile Compress for Sunburn

2008-01-15T03:01:00.003-08:00

Chamomile has been used in herbal remedies for thousands of years. During the middle ages it was even used as part of a love potion. Today chamomile is used in many forms to treat various ailments including insomnia, menstrual cramps, arthritis and skin inflammations. Its ability to sooth skin inflammation is why a chamomile compress is so soothing for sunburn and it's quite easy to make.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Bowl of ice water
Wash cloth
Chamomile essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Sprig of rosemary

Steps

Step One

Fill a small sized bowl with ice water.

Step Two

Add 3 drops of chamomile essential oil to the bowl of ice water. Enjoy the soothing aromas while making your chamomile compress for sunburn.

Step Three

Put in 2 drops of lavender essential oil to the bowl of ice water. The lavender works with chamomile to sooth the skin and has a terrific, calming scent.

Step Four

Drop a sprig of rosemary into the bowl. Rosemary helps to produce a cooling affect.

Step Five

Dip a washcloth into your mixture and squeeze out the excess water.

Step Six

Place the chamomile compress on your sunburn as often as needed.

Tips & Warnings

Smoothing aloe to the affected area after you have applied the chamomile compress to your sunburn will help to reduce swelling as well as prevent peeling.
Some people can have an allergic reaction to chamomile including potentially life threatening anaphylaxis.
Although chamomile has been used in herbal remedies for many years there is not enough reliable medical research to support claims that this herb is effective for any medical condition.

How to Make a Burn Treatment

2008-01-15T03:01:00.001-08:00

Ever burn yourself on the kitchen stove and reach for immediate relief only to find none? This easy recipe can be made at home and kept close at hand in case of an emergency. You will be happy to have it, believe me!

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

Aloe vera gel
Dark glass bottle & lid
Kettle for boiling water
Large mixing bowl
Strainers, sieves
Funnel
Whisk

Steps

Step One

I had seared the palm of my hand once by picking up a large pot that was on a hot burner. I threw the pot out the window, put my hand in a glass of cold water and went about the garden picking herbs. I made myself a very effective concoction which I will describe to you. It is much better to have this on hand, on the ready for when the next burn comes.

Find the fresh healing herbs that are right in your own back yard. This is where any home-made healing product begins. Here are some ideas for burn treatment herbs: horsetail fern, mint of any kind, flowers of chamomile, calendula or violet, leaves of plantain or nettles, root of comfrey, dandelion or burdock. If you don't have any fresh herbs or wildflowers available, use loose peppermint tea.

Step Two

Fill your kettle with purified water and put it on to boil. Rip leaves and flowers by hand. Grind your root in an herb-only coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle. The more surface of the plant product exposed to the water, the more effective the infusion will be. Fill the quart jar to 8oz with herb and wait for the water to boil.

Step Three

Make sure your water is as pure as possible, distilled or filtered or both. Lead, copper, mercury, chlorine, flouride (all commonly found in US tap water) will affect the quality of any product you make at home. Fill the quart jar up with boiling water. Seal your lid.

Step Four

Let the herbs steep. You are making an infusion. If you need to get immediate relief, let the tea steep for 20 minutes before straining. If you are not in a hurry, you can leave it for 24 hours.

Step Five

Strain the infusion. Pour it back into your quart jar and top off with purified water. You now have 32-oz herbal infusion.

Step Six

Pour into a large bowl. Add 32-oz aloe vera gel, organic if possible. Mix with a whisk.

Step Seven

If you burned your hand or foot, you can put your burn directly into your mixing bowl and let it soak until you have some relief. You can soak a clean, white, cotton rag or bandage in the mixture, squeeze out excess moisture and wrap it around your burns for comfort. This is good for sleeping. You can cover the wet bandage with a plastic bag to avoid seepage onto your clothes or bedding.

How to make coconut oil

2008-01-15T03:00:00.004-08:00

Making coconut oil is very easy.
When you live in the rural area with coconut farm it is good to know how to make a coconut oil because you can use it for cooking or massaging or light for your lamp.
Or you can use coconut oil to massage your scalp to shine your hair.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

grated coconut
water
pot or frying pan

Steps

Step One

Grate coconut and put water in it.

Step Two

Squeezed grated coconut with water to make a coconut milk.

Step Three

Heat the coconut milk until all water is dried up and only coconut oil left in the pot.

How to Lose Weight With Hoodia Gordonii

2008-01-15T03:00:00.003-08:00

Hoodia Gordonii is a plant that grows naturally in South Africa and Namibia. For thousands of years, bushmen in Southern Africa have been chewing on the plant during long hunting trips. It allows them to go days without eating but keeps them energetic and strong. Research on the appetite suppressant started in the 1960's. It wasn't until the 1990's that scientists figured out the main ingredient.

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

Step One

Pick a Hoodia Gordonii supplement that is made with 100 percent Hoodia. Some companies add in other ingredients or don't use pure Hoodia.

Step Two

Take 1 to 2 capsules every day. Drink them down with a full glass of water. Space them out by taking one in the morning and the other one hour before dinner. Monitor your appetite for a week.

Step Three

Experiment with the dosage to get the right appetite suppressant affects for your body. You may need to double the dosage and take 2 to 4 capsules a day.

Step Four

Allow up to 14 days to see the full effect of Hoodia. You may notice you're not as hungry within only a few days. Other people won't notice the difference for up to two weeks.

Step Five

Eat healthy meals. Hoodia will curb your hunger and decrease your desire to snack in between meals. As you eat less, it's also important to eat the right foods.

Step Six

Exercise to lose even more weight. Moving your body more will help you achieve your weight loss goals faster.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure there's a 100 percent money back guarantee. There's so much weak Hoodia on the market, you want to know that the company is backing their product.
Check with your doctor before using Hoodia is you have high blood pressure.
Don't use Hoodia Gordonii if you're pregnant or nursing.

How to look younger using the non-hormonal anti-aging supplements

2008-01-15T03:00:00.001-08:00

Anti-aging addresses how to prevent, slow, or reverse the effects of aging and help people live longer, healthier, happier lives using proper nutrition, physical fitness, skin care, hormone replacements, vitamins, supplements, and herbs.

I will discuss only the supplement part of anti aging in this article.

The following supplements can be considered for a scientifically-based anti-ageing therapy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

Step One

1. L-CARNOSINE
Although carnosine has been known for about a century, its antiaging properties have only been extensively studied during the past few years. It may turn out to be the greatest anti-ager of all. High concentrations of carnosine are present in long-lived cells such as in nerve tissues. The concentration of carnosine in muscles correlates with maximum lifespan, a fact that makes it a promising bio-marker of aging. Unlike most antioxidants, which work by prevention, carnosine protects AFTER free radicals have been released. One of the cardinal anti-ageing affects in the body is glycosylation, which leads to decay of protein function. Carnosine blocks this process. It also blocks amyloid production, the substance found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Other properties emerging are its apparent anti-cancer effects, toxic metal binder and immune booster.

DOSE: 500 mgms. daily. Best with vitamin E, 200- 400 IU daily.

Step Two

2. TRIMETHYL GLYCINE (TMG)
TMG protects the youthful methylation process in our metabolism. Published research shows that TMG can lower dangerous plasma homocysteine levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It helps the integrity of nerve fibres and so may improve Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. It protects against liver damage from alcohol and other dangers. Finally, it protects DNA and so may slow cell ageing.

DOSE: 500 - 2,000 mgms. daily. It works better with co-factors B6, B12 and folic acid.

Step Three

3. GINGKO BILOBA
Extract of the tree Gingko biloba have been used by the Chinese for 2800 years. It is now well recognized and an important brain food and anti-oxidant and improves mental function in people of all ages. It quenches free radicals and improves neurotransmission, thus protecting circulation and enhancing memory. Protects against Parkinsonism, Alzheimer's and other dementias.

DOSE: 50- 100 mgms active ingredient. Look for products with less than 2 ppm of the toxic gingkolic acid (European limits set at 5 ppm maximum).

Step Four

4. S-ADENOSYL METHIONINE (SAMe, pronounced Sammy)
A derivative of important methionine, SAMe is widely distributed in the tissues of young healthy adults. But with ageing and sickness, it is depleted, leading to further deterioration. SAMe is needed for the body to metabolize efficiently, for neuronal regeneration and the synthesis of energy through ATP, the basic energy molecule. It may help prevent or reverse liver damage (alcohol, viruses and chemical pollution). It can help with ME and other fatigue states.

Additionally, SAMe may be the safest, fastest acting anti-depressant available today.

DOSE: 200- 800 mgms daily. Best taken on an empty stomach, with water.

Step Five

5. N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
L-cysteine is an important suplhur-containing amino acid. Others, taurine and methionine protect and nourish the liver. The form N-acetyl-cysteine is more readily absorbed and is a powerful antioxidant and anti-viral. This could be important when we recognize more and more the damaging effects of "stealth viruses". It also help boost glutathione levels, which is one of the most important brain detox substances of all.

DOSE: 500 -1000 mgms daily. Note. Take plenty of extra vitamin C at the same time, to prevent it being oxidized and rapidly destroyed in the body (3 times as much vit C as N-acetyl-cysteine is recommended).

Step Six

6. PHOSPHATIDYL CHOLINE (and PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE)
No point in living to a great age if your brain doesn't travel along with you. Phosphatidyl choline, from lecithin, is an important protector for phospho-lipid cell membranes in the brain. These are the ones most easily damaged by free radicals.

We get it in our diet, in vegetables (especially cauliflower and lettuce), whole grains, liver, and soy. It also comes in lecithin (containing 10-20% phosphatidylcholine) in grains, legumes, meat and egg yolks. But we need more, to be on the safe side.

Most of these remarks apply also to phosphatidyl serine, a phosopho-lipid. It is found in in fish, green leafy vegetables, soybeans and rice. Over 3,000 published research papers and more than 60 clinical trials have established that phosphatidylserine can rejuvenate your brain cell membranes and cognitive function.

Both these compounds are valubale to memory and mood, mental clarity, concentration, alertness and focus.
DOSE:
500 mgms daily of phosphatidyl choline/100 mgms daily phosphatidyl serine

Step Seven

7. COENZYME-Q-10
This vitamin-like substance (also known as ubiquinone) was discovered in 1957. Since then a deluge of scientific papers have attested to its ability to strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, prevent heart attacks, counter obesity and slow ageing. Studies in mice shows it increases their life span by 25%. CoQ10 is found in all cells, where it is responsible for the manufacture of ATP, the basic energy molecule. It is now being said that if CoQ10 levels drop by 25%, cancer is probable.

When co-Q-10 and selenium are taken simultaneously, hair may also starte to grow back - dark hairs!

DOSE: 100- 200 mgms daily. It is plentiful in heart, meat, kidney and eggs, and to a lesser extent soybean, wheat, alfalfa and rice bran.

Step Eight

8. BORON
The pivotal role of boron in bone metabolism has made it clear that it is protective against osteoporosis and therefore vital to a long and happy life, especially for women. More many women die from complications of a fracture of the femur than of breast cancer. Researches also concluded that countries with lower boron levels in the soil had much more arthritis. It works best in conjunction with magnesium and other co-factors.

DOSE: 3 mgms daily, coupled with 300- 400 mgms of magnesium.

Step Nine

9. ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID
The subject of intensive current research, this may be the most important antioxidant of all in protecting the brain and neurological tissues from damage. Alpha-lipoic acid has unique ability to pass into the brain, where is helps regeneration of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E and glutathione. It is also a strong chelator and may protect against Alzheimers by removing toxic metals which generate damaging free-radicals. It is both fat and water soluble, which means it is easily absorbed from the gut.

DOSE: 60- 80 mgms.

Step Ten

10. L-CARNITINE:

L-carnitine, is a naturally occurring substance found in most cells of the body, particularly the brain, neural tissue, muscle, and heart. Carnitine, whose structure is similar to choline, is widely available in animal foods (meat, poultry, fish and dairy products), whereas plants have very small amounts.

Carnitine concentration in tissues declines with age and thereby reduces the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane Research in aged rats found supplementation with high doses of acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid (an antioxidant) reduces mitochondrial decay.

Step Eleven

11. ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
Almost the same status as vitamins, essential fatty acids are vital for tip top body and mind function. So-called omega 3s and omega 6s have different effects. You need both. Plant sources, such as borage and evening primrose, provide omega-6s and fish oils provide omega-3s. Studies show that eating lots of fish reduces inflammatory chemicals and leads to better health and more mental clarity, with less chance of Alzheimers.

DOSE: 500- 2,000 mgms. Food sources- fish, star flower, borage, evening primrose and flax seeds.

Step Twelve

12. L-GLUTATHIONE/MASTER ANTIOXIDANT:

Glutathione is a dietary supplement used as an antioxidant to help protect the body from many diseases and conditions. It is used to treat infertility (difficulty getting pregnant), cancer, cataracts, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Glutathione is used to detoxify various chemicals from the body.

Glutathione is probably not well absorbed into the body when taken by mouth. One way to get around that is to take it by vein. A more practical solution is to take the precursors -- that is, the molecules the body needs to make glutathione -- rather than glutathione itself. Supplements of vitamin C are more effective at increasing intracellular glutathione than taking oral glutathione supplements. Oral supplements of whey protein and of alpha-lipoic acid appear to help restore intracellular levels of glutathione.

Gluathione is found in acorn squash,avocado,cantaloupe,grapefruit,okra,ornage,peach,potato,spinach,strawberries,tomato,watermelon and zucchini.

How to Learn More about Herbal Healing

2008-01-15T02:59:00.004-08:00

Interest in herbs and herbal healing are at an all time high. While there are numerous books and magazines devoted to herbal health, most people turn to the Internet for the information they are looking for.

Unfortunately, the Internet has a lot of conflicting information and sometimes it is hard to discover which data is accurate. One rule of thumb is to look for three or more Internet sites that confirm the same information. Better yet, would be to combine Internet and published books for research.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You'll Need

One good herb book
One good herbal health book
Internet access

Steps

Step One

Purchase several good herbal books. Look for those that are written by a 'real' doctor.

Step Two

Type the name of the affliction, along with the word herbal into an Internet search engine.

Step Three

Read at least the top five response pages to your search.

Step Four

Consult the printed herbals for verification of the information you have found online.

Step Five

Do a search on the herbs the Internet sites and books have recommended. Look carefully at side effects and possible interactions with prescription or over the counter drugs.

Step Six

Take only the recommended amount of the herbal remedy if you choose to attempt herbal healing.

Step Seven

Allow time for the herbs to work. Unlike pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies take time to show results.

How to Know What Herbs to Take While Cleansing

2008-01-15T02:59:00.003-08:00

Cleansing impurities from our bodies by taking oral herbal supplements or by drinking herbal teas is becoming a popular alternative to more traditional dieting. Deciding which herbs to take, however, depends upon your personal health goal. Different herbs are used to cleanse your colon, to detoxify your liver, to reduce parasitic and bacterial infections or to boost your everyday energy. Follow these steps to pick the herbs you need.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Determine Your Reason for Taking Herbs While Cleansing

Things You'll Need

Computer with Internet access

Steps

Step One

Visit an impartial source for alternative herbal medicine techniques, like the "Alternative Medicine Homepage" Web site (see Resources below). Here you'll find information on what herbs to take to cleanse yourself.

Step Two

Define what goals you're trying to achieve by using herbs while cleansing. An herbal cleanse can clean out your digestive system, remove impurities from your liver or reduce the potential for parasitic infections. Herbal supplements can also cleanse your colon, liver, gall bladder, kidneys, bladder, lungs, lymph nodes, blood, skin or any combination of the above.

Choose the Right Source for Cleansing Herbs

Steps

Step One

Consult with a local health store. Ask the staff to recommend a good, reputable source for herbs.

Step Two

Find local herb gardeners in the area who specialize in alternative medicine. This may be the most inexpensive way to obtain these herbs.

Step Three

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the price range for each herb. It's important to find the best quality herbs for the lowest price. Know when someone is overcharging or offering an inferior product. Herbs are generally inexpensive.

Create a Plan for Your Cleansing Program

Steps

Step One

Pick an appropriate time to begin your herbal cleansing program. Allow for flexibility in your cleansing schedule if side effects occur.

Step Two

Know your body's limitations when fasting or cleansing. Immediately consult your doctor if you experience too much discomfort during the fasting period.

Step Three

Prepare a steady routine when beginning a cleansing program. Create and stick to eating and sleeping habits. This will help you to remain organized and focused.

Step Four

Experiment with using Chinese herbal remedies during your cleanse. Psyllium and black walnut hulls are just 2 of the herbal ingredients found in the "Chinese Tiao He Cleanse" (see Resources below).

How to Kill a Headache With Cayenne

2008-01-15T02:59:00.001-08:00

Experience a headache and you know how quickly one can ruin your day. Drugs help, but many can have long-lasting side effects that make you drowsy or feel worse in some other way. Switch to an all-natural approach that is just as effective, but comes from your spice rack, instead of your medicine cabinet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

Step One

Use capsaicin, the compound found in cayenne, which provides the heat, to correct your headache. By cutting off the sensors in your brain, cayenne will get rid of your discomfort.

Step Two

Add a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne powder in approximately 4 ounces of warm water. This will dilute the mixture enough that you don't experience too much discomfort from the heat of the capsaicin.

Step Three

Dunk a cotton swab or Q-tip in the solution and stir it around, fully coating the cotton.

Step Four

Apply the moist cotton swab to the inside of your nostrils, lightly gliding it over the inside. Stop when you can really smell and feel the heat being given off by the cayenne.

Step Five

Sit down and relax, the mixture will burn, which tells you it is working. Though the initial reaction to this may be unpleasant, it is effective and safe to kill a headache with cayenne.

Step Six

Recover from the heat in your nose and you will find that you have also recovered from your nasty headache.

Tips & Warnings

Do not go too far on the inside of your nose. The further up you put the concentrated solution, the more it will burn.

How to Invigorate the Body with Rosemary Oils

2008-01-15T02:58:00.006-08:00

The body needs to be invigorated to maintain vital energy. The body needs to quench the thirst of being of being weak so, does need the invigoration that it deserves. Rosemary Oils is one of the many aromatherapeutic techniques that heal the mind away from stress.

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

Step One

Use energising bath creams or foams that contain rosemary oil. It is useful spending time, making time to understand how your body responds to rosemary oils.

Step Two

Put in a few drops of energizing rosemary oil in your body cream for additional refreshment.

Step Three

When going to bed, oil your wrists with a few drops for a goodnight's rest.

How to Improve Your Mood Without a Prescription

2008-01-15T02:58:00.005-08:00

Depression seems to occur with a variety of intensities. There’s blah day, a blah year, and there’s a feeling that’s more debilitating that requires medical attention. Several prescription medications exist that aim to treat mild depression; however, many people prefer more natural methods that produce fewer side effects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

Step One

Supplements containing SAM-e (s-adenosyl-methionine) have been clinically proven to help enhance mood and emotional well-being without side effects, but it’s expensive.

Step Two

St. John’s Wort has been shown to help improve symptoms of mild depression over time. You have to take it for about six weeks to see any benefits. However, there have been studies that claim St. John’s Wort may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Step Three

If you are taking an anti-depressant for depression, you may want to consider supplementing with ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba has been shown to promote healthy blood circulation, as well as improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction, a common side effect of anti-depressants.

Tips & Warnings

These tips by no means substitute for medical advice. If your symptoms are prolonged or severe, seek medical attention

How to Improve Heart Health With Coenzyme Q10

2008-01-15T02:58:00.003-08:00

The older we get, the more health problems we start to have. One of the most important parts of our body is our heart. If you are having heart troubles, specifically with cholesterol, then Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, might be right for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

Step One

Locate a provider. There are many providers of CoQ10. The Internet is a fast and easy source of locating a store. A health food store will most likely have it in stock and be able to answer your questions as well. Some internet companies may mail it right to your door if you order online.

Step Two

Identify the amount of milligrams. There will be a milligram weight listed on every supplement bottle. Typical ranges for CoQ10 are 30 milligrams to 600 milligrams. The severity of your heart condition will determine the optimal milligram amount. Generally the worse your heart condition the more milligrams you would want to take.

Step Three

Take your CoQ10. Everyone needs to take CoQ10 as recommended. The most benefit in improving your heart health is to take CoQ10 as a long term supplement. Be sure to schedule regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your improvement.

Tips & Warnings

Always tell your doctor when you are planning to start a supplement.
Check with your doctor on possible side effects.

How to Improve Health With Green Tea

2008-01-15T02:58:00.001-08:00

Millions of people are learning the health benefits of green tea. It contains nutrients that are essential to a healthy lifestyle. Green tea has helped build people's immune systems for more than 4,700 years. Today you see it added to bottled water, weight loss products and even soda pop.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

Step One

Choose a green tea with L-thiamine. It is the component in green tea that strengthens T-cells. Green tea gives your body an anti-inflammatory and an anti-allergic boost.

Step Two

Read the ingredients on the tea. Make sure that it includes catechin. A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concludes that daily consumption of tea containing 690 mg catechin for 12 consecutive weeks reduces body fat. The catechins also increase the brain chemical norepinephrine and slow the rate of cognitive decline.

Step Three

Make sure the tea has antioxidants. Studies show that antioxidants slow the growth cancer cells. Antioxidants fight damage caused by free radicals.

Step Four

Buy tea that has been steamed not fermented. Steamed tea leaves have more nutritional value than fermented tea leaves.

Step Five

Drink at least two to three cups of green tea a day. Studies suggest that green tea helps your circulatory system by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Tips & Warnings

In most studies about green tea, the participants drink 4 to 5 cups of tea a day.
You should not add milk or cream to green tea. It hinders the beneficial effects of the tea.
Green tea capsules are also available and work just as well as regular green tea.

How to Improve Brain Health With Ginkgo Biloba

2008-01-15T02:57:00.005-08:00

Ginkgo biloba is thought to improve brain health due to its positive effects on the circulation system. In theory, ginkgo biloba enhances blood circulation to the brain, and this, in turn, delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the brain for optimal functionality. The brain needs a healthy blood flow supply for optimal brain health. Read on to learn how to improve brain health with gingko biloba.

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

Step One

Stabilize your brain cell membranes by taking a preventative dose of ginkgo biloba. It acts as a powerful antioxidant and contributes to the oxidation of free radicals, which are linked to premature aging.

Step Two

Enhance your memory and mental acuity with ginkgo biloba. Sixty-one study subjects who participated in a 30-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical were given neuropsychological tests before and after receiving treatment, and the subjects showed significant improvements in the speed by which they processed the information on the tests after taking ginkgo biloba extract.

Step Three

Stomp out Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive decline with a healthy dose of ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo has been linked to alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimer's and therefore is a healthy supplement for senior citizens to include in their daily regimens.

Step Four

Banish depression with ginkgo biloba. Study evidence shows that taking a dose of ginkgo biloba extract helps elevate mood swings and reduce symptoms of depression.

Step Five

Amp up your healthy sexual desires with ginkgo biloba. In patients who were currently taking antidepressants—specifically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors—ginkgo was found to be 84 percent effective in an open trial for treating impotence and sexual dysfunction.

Tips & Warnings

Due to its slow-acting nature, it may take anywhere from four to eight weeks before you notice the benefits of ginkgo biloba.
Since ginkgo biloba helps thin the blood to improve circulation, do not use if you are already taking any blood thinning medications.
Always consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies.

How to Holistically Cure a Cold

2008-01-15T02:57:00.003-08:00

Forget all those expensive cold remedies that make you feel like you’re walking around in a fog. Use instead my holistic method which can, for the most part for anyone who has cared to try it, work in one day. It’s less expensive, you can use ingredients you have in the house and you won’t feel dazed from a cold medicine.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Fresh, peeled garlic cloves
Bed rest
Eucalyptus or Rosemary essential oils if necessary

Steps

Step One

The key to this method is your self. You have to pay attention to your body and what it is telling you. Colds rarely slam you down without a bit of forewarning. A slight runny nose or you’re a little achier than normal for instance, these are signs that a cold is trying to invade your body.

Step Two

Click to enlarge

As soon as you become aware of these warning signs, swallow a whole, peeled, fresh garlic clove. That’s right, a garlic clove. The clove should be no larger than a multi-vitamin, otherwise you may choke. Like a multi-vitamin, drink a glass of water to wash it down. Tip: Place the rounded side up so it curves with the back of your throat for ease in swallowing.

Step Three

Usually one garlic clove will do the trick. However, if your cold is further along than you anticipated, the next course of action is to cease all activity and go to bed. I know that this is a tough one to do you’re very busy after all. But this is essential for two reasons. Number one and most important, the body heals itself only while at rest. That bears repeating; the body only heals and repairs itself while at rest. This goes for all ailments. Number two, you’re contagious. Be considerate of other people’s health. Don’t get the whole office and/or your family sick. Quarantine yourself.

Step Four

After you’ve had a good nap, you can take another garlic clove, and power down some vitamin C. If you don’t have any citrus look around your fridge for a bell pepper which contains twice the Vitamin C as citrus, red bells have three times. If you’re feeling very brave you can eat a raw chili pepper which has even more vitamin C.

Step Five

Next on my list of things to do to annihilate the common cold is a little aromatherapy. Most likely you don’t have any eucalyptus or rosemary essential oil (if you do, GREAT! Use a couple drops to your simmering water. ) So instead use Vicks VapoRub which has eucalyptus and cedar oils in it. Take a ½ teaspoon of the ointment and drop it into a small pot of two cups simmering water. The oils will kill airborne cold bugs. If you’re still feeling stuffy, you can breathe the vapors for some relief.

Step Six

Last, go to bed early and while you’re drifting off to sleep, think to yourself, I will be well in the morning, I will be well in the morning. This is important. Your intent and mental resistance to the cold will be wholly beneficial in using this remedy. In the morning if you don’t feel completely well, I trust that you will feel significantly better. Pop another garlic clove just for good measure.

Step Seven

Of course the best way to stop a cold is prevention. Wash your hands frequently during cold season, dress appropriately, eat well and stay rested.

How to Help Your HYSTERIA

2008-01-15T02:57:00.001-08:00

Hysteria is a diagnostic label applied to a state of mind, one of uncontrolable fear or emotional increases. The fear is often centered on a body part, most often on an imagined problem with that body part (disease is a common complaint). People who are "hysterical" often lose self-control due to the overwhelming fear and anxiety.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
Kava-kava (Piper methysticum)
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentine) (AKA Snake Root)
Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetide) (AKA Devil’s dung, Stinking gum)

Steps

Step One

Did you know…?

Hysteria is a diagnostic label applied to a state of mind, one of uncontrolable fear or emotional increases. The fear is often centered on a body part, most often on an imagined problem with that body part (disease is a common complaint). People who are "hysterical" often lose self-control due to the overwhelming fear and anxiety.

Hysteria

Overview

Did you know…?

Hysteria is a diagnostic label applied to a state of mind, one of uncontrolable fear or emotional increases. The fear is often centered on a body part, most often on an imagined problem with that body part (disease is a common complaint). People who are "hysterical" often lose self-control due to the overwhelming fear and anxiety.

Step Two

Symptoms

· Heaviness in the limbs

· Cramps, may be severe

Strong feeling of ascending abdominal constriction

Continual sighing

Difficulty in breathing

Constriction in the chest

Palpitations

Feeling of a foreign body lodged in the throat

Swelling of the neck and of the jugular veins

Suffocation

Headache

Clenched teeth

Generalized and voluntary tensing of muscles of locomotion

Wild and painful cries

Incomplete loss of consciousness

An enormously swollen neck

Violent and tumultuous heartbeats

Involuntary locomotors muscle contraction

Frightening generalized convulsions

Violent movement

· Weakness

· Emotional instability

The emotional symptoms include:

· a weakness of the will

· a craving for love and sympathy

· tendency towards emotional instability

Hysterical trances may last for days or weeks. A patient in a trance may appear to be in a deep sleep, but the muscles are not usually relaxed

Causes

· Stress

Sexual repression

Perverted habits of thought

Idleness

Heredity plays an important part in its causation. A nervous family background and faulty emotional training when young are predisposing causes. The emotional situations may be mental, strain, stress, fear, worry, depression, traumatism, masturbation, and prolonged sickness.

Step Three

Treatment

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

These berries are valued by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine for their properties as a general tonic and for their ability to counter stress and fatigue. Although weaker than Siberian and Panax ginsengs, schisandra is both safer and tastier. Typical dosage is up to 6 580 mg capsules per day or 15-25 drops of tincture in water 2 times per day or 2 cups of tea per day.

Kava-kava (Piper methysticum)

This South Pacific root calms and takes the edge off nerves, but it does so without the loss of alertness that accompanies sedative medications and without the side effects associated with common anti-anxiety drugs. Typical dosage is up to six 400-500mg capsules per day divided into 3 doses, or 15 to 30 drops of tincture in water one to three times per day. Do not exceed recommended dosages, do not operate a car or heavy machinery while taking kave until you learn how it affects you. Do not take while pregnant or nursing. Do not take the herb with alcohol or drugs that depress the central nervous system, such as sedatives and antidepressants or with dopamine prescribed for Parkinson’s disease.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

One of the stronger herbal sedatives, valerian soothes anxiety, relaxes tight muscles and relieves pain when given in low doses. Because valerian has sedative properties, some practitioners reserve it for evening use and prefer kava for daytime. Typical dosage is 300-400 mg per day or 20-60 drops of tincture one to three times per day.

Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentine) (AKA Snake Root)

The herb rauwolfia is very useful for hysteria. One gram of the powdered root should be administered with one cup of milk in the morning as well as in the evening. Treatment should be continued till a complete cure has been obtained.

Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetide) (AKA Devil’s dung, Stinking gum)

Asafoetida has also proved beneficial in the treatment of this disease. Smelling this gum prevents hysterical attacks. If taken orally, the daily dosage should be from 0.5 to 1.0 gm. An emulsion made up of 2 gm of the gum with 120 ml of water is a valuable enema in hysteria, when the patient resists taking the gum orally.

How to Help Your Anxiety

2008-01-15T02:56:00.005-08:00

Many of us lead fast-paced lives and live out of sync with natural rhythms by going to sleep late, waking early, working long hours, not taking enough rest and leisure time, and eating when we’re not hungry. But for the over 14 million Americans who suffer from anxiety, there is a pervading sense of unease and even fear that diminishes their quality of life.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Herbs

Steps

Step One

Typically, people feel tension, worry, irritability, frustration, or hopelessness. The sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) is activated, causing symptoms such as poor concentration, fatigue, poor sleep, and restless, irritable, feeling tense or on edge, and muscle tension. People may also notice changes in physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, dry mouth, chest tightness, poor digestion, irritable bowel, acne, sexual dysfunction, and heart palpitations.

Other areas may be impaired

The combination of chronic stress, poor sleep, poor diet, use of stimulants such as coffee, and long work hours can deplete the body and lead to condition holistic doctors call "adrenal fatigue". It is characterized by decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, fatigue, dark under eye circles, weakness, frequent colds and flu, thin skin, and accelerated aging, and the feeling of being burned out. In traditional Chinese medicine, this condition is called kidney deficiency.

Step Two

Treatments

Conventional treatments center on anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax or BuSpar. Anti-depressants may also help. These are best used as short-term strategies. Counseling can help address underlying issues.

Diet
eliminating coffee should be the first step. There is significant clinical evidence showing that it can be all that is needed in some cases. Other foods that may worsen anxiety in excess are refined sugar honey, maple syrup and cow's milk products.

Nutritional Supplements & Vitamins

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Presciption drugs for anxiety such as Valium and Xanax work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. However, the degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain is unknown.

Other nutritional supplements used for anxiety include pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex.

Herbs

Kava

Kava (Piper methysticum) is an herb that is used widely in Europe for nervous anxiety, tension, agitation, and insomnia. Native to Polynesia, kava appears to work in a similar way to prescription benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax and Valium, with similar effectiveness.

Kava doesn't appear to cause mental drowsiness unless taken in large doses. Nevertheless, it is best to use caution until you know the extent of its effects on you. The benefits are often noticeable within weeks, but some people notice improvement after as little as a week. Kava should not be used by people who have had dystonic reactions from antipsychotic drugs or who have Parkinson's disease, as case reports indicate that kava may interfere with dopamine.

People taking benzodiazepine such as Valium should only take kava under the strict guidance of a qualified professional.

Valerian

Valerian is an herbal tranquilizer that is best known as a remedy for insomnia. It calms the nervous system, balances mood swings, and is not habit forming. One study found that it may have calming effects during stressful situations. It can be blended with other herbs such as hops or passionflower. Valerian should not be used by children, pregnant or nursing women.

Step Three

People with serious health conditions, or who are taking prescription drugs for mood or neurological disorders should consult a qualified professional before taking valerian.

Other herbs

Chamomile

Hops

lemon balm

passion flower

skullcap

suma

These are calming herbs that are frequently recommended for anxiety.

How to Heal With Lemon Balm

2008-01-15T02:56:00.003-08:00

Lemon Balm, which won the International Herb Association's 2007 Herb of the Year, is recognized by its distinct lemon smell. Not only does lemon balm repel mosquitoes, it can be grown to remedy a host of maladies ranging from stress to digestive problems. Lemon Balm can also be used to aid in a good night's sleep.

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

Step One

Ease anxiety and improve your mood with a low dose of lemon balm. To improve sleep, try a higher dose. Enjoy lemon balm as a calming tea.

Step Two

Apply a topical application of lemon balm to treat cold sores. If treated early, cold sores diminish faster when a lemon balm cream is used. While it doesn't prevent cold sores, lemon balm speeds the healing process.

Step Three

Mix 150 to 450 mg of lemon balm per cup of tea to help ease indigestion. If you are pregnant or nursing, be sure to consult with a physician before consuming lemon balm. Likewise, people with thyroid problems should also talk to their doctor.

Tips & Warnings

Lemon balm can be used many ways, including creams, extracts, in prepared dishes or simply for aromatic purposes.
Make lemon balm tea by adding a handful of leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Let steep for at least five minutes.
Enjoy a restorative lemon balm bath by placing the leaves in a muslin bag and running it under warm water.

How to Heal the Body Naturally

2008-01-15T02:56:00.001-08:00

The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body is essential reference book for anyone interested in maintaining optimal health and overcoming disease. The book contains concise and comprehensive listings of over 175 herbs and conditions. The book has quick and easy references to the all information you need to maintain excellent health the natural way.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Book

Steps

Step One

http://www.lulu.com/content/1130498

Printed: 487 pages, 8.5" x 11", perfect binding, white interior paper (60# weight), black and white interior ink, white exterior paper (100# weight), full-color exterior ink

Herbal Medicine sometimes referred to as Herbalism or Botanical Medicine, is the use of herbs for their therapeutic or medical value. An herb is a plant or plant part valued for its medical, aromatic or savory qualities. Herb plants produce and contain a variety of chemical substances that act upon the body.

Herbal medicine has been used for centuries. In fact, there has been evidence showing that herbal remedies have been around since the Neanderthal period about 60,000 years ago. Other evidence of the use of herbs for medical purposes has appeared in cave paintings estimated to have been made between 13,000 and 25,000 BC. Most of the synthetic prescription drugs made today is based on naturally occurring substances and capabilities found in plants.
In fact, many of the familiar pharmaceutical medications we use today were originally created from natural ingredients. Drugs like opium (from poppies), aspirin (from willow bark), digitalis (from foxglove) and quinine (from the cinchona tree.)

Herbal Medicine can be broadly classified into various basic systems: Traditional Chinese Herbalism, which is part of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Ayurvedic Herbalism, which is derived from Ayurveda, and Western Herbalism, which originally came from Greece and Rome to Europe and then spread to North and South America.

Chinese and Ayurvedic Herbalism have developed into highly developed systems of diagnosis and treatment over the centuries. Western Herbalism is today for the most part a system of folk medicine.

Interest in herbals and natural alternatives has been growing worldwide in recent years from the reported success stories from the use of herbs. For example, St. John's Wort is widely used in the treatment of mild depression without the need for Prozac. St. John's Wort does not have the side effects such as that of Prozac. There are some Ayurvedic herbs that are very useful for reducing cholesterol, diabetes etc. Similarly the popularity of Ginseng and Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is rising due to its beneficial effects.

The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body is an essential reference book for anyone interested in maintaining optimal health and overcoming disease. The book contains concise and comprehensive

Step Two

About the author:
Author Stacey Chillemi published: Epilepsy You're Not Alone, Eternal Love: Romantic Poetry Straight from the Heart, My Mommy Has Epilepsy (Children's Book) , My Daddy Has Epilepsy (Children’s Book), Keep the Faith: To Live and Be Heard from the Heavens Above (poetry book), Live, Learn, and Be Happy with Epilepsy, Epilepsy and Pregnancy: What Every Woman Should Know
Co-authored by Dr. Blanca Vasques, Faith, Courage, Wisdom, Strength and Hope, How to Be Wealthy Selling Informational Products on the Internet, How to Become Wealthy in Real Estate, How to Become Wealthy Selling Ebooks, Life’s Missing Instruction Manual: Beyond Words, STACEY CHILLEMI STORIES AND POETRY HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN: Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul, Chicken Soup for the Shoppers Soul, Whispers of Inspiration

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• H.O.P.E. Mentor, for the Epilepsy Foundation
• Speaker at different events for schools, organizations, political events
• Spoke in front of Congress in Washington for employment discrimination for people with epilepsy
• Appeared on four talk shows to discuss epilepsy focusing on the importance of understanding epilepsy, how to help someone having a seizure and giving people with epilepsy encouragement and hope for the future.
• Appeared on radio stations discussing epilepsy
• Appeared on the Michael Dressor Show – Health Radio
• Appeared in newspapers all over New Jersey such as, The Leader, Belleville Post and the Star Ledger.
• June 26, 2002, I was honored an award by the Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey for Outstanding Volunteer Award.
• Received awards in my achievements and certificates in recognition for outstanding efforts in trying to improve society.
• Active participant in organizations and activities.
• Published over 200 articles.

CAREER EXPERIENCE: Journalist for The Journal Magazine, Worked for NBC on Dateline, Channel 4 News, Today Show, Managing Editor for the Fashion Magazine UZURI, and owns her own freelance company.

Step Three

About the Author
Dr. Michael Chillemi, DC

Dr. Chillemi enjoys helping people achieve optimal health by relieving their pain, strengthening their bodies, and revolutionizing their lifestyles through implementation of evidence-based, treatment and training protocols.

Dr. Chillemi is licensed in the state of New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. He is certified by the National Board of Chiropractic and by the American International Sports Association. He is also certified in Flexion Distraction, Functional Capacity Evaluations, and Certified in Cardiac Resuscitation.

Dr. Chillemi offers extensive care and treatment ranging from acute to chronic injuries, cervical and lumbar disc conditions, sports related injuries, shoulder dysfunction, knee dysfunction, and rehabilitation of the functional body.

Dr Chillemi believes strongly in educating people in all aspects of health and fitness. His diverse background and skill set allow him to administer effective integrated treatment and therapy to assist in the areas of pain management, acute-injury care, post-surgical rehabilitation, functional training and rehabilitation, weight loss and balanced nutrition, increasing muscle mass, improving athletic performance, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, stress management and sport-specific personal training.

Dr. Michael Chillemi has pursued his passion for herbal and alternative medicine one of the reasons for his participation and hard work to help with the completion of this book.

How to Heal Pink Eye

2008-01-15T02:55:00.001-08:00

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Bookstore: www.lulu.com/staceychillemi

Steps

Step One

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection that lines your eyelid and part of your eyeball. Pink eye usually makes you feel like you've got something in one or both of your eyes that you can't remove. Your eyes may seem to be pasted shut from the discharge coming from your eyes. The whites of your eyes may begin to have a pink discoloration, and you may not see as well as you did before.

Swelling causes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent, resulting in a pink or red spread to the whites of your eyes. Pink eye and red eye are conditions commonly used to refer to all types of conjunctivitis.

Pink eye is an irritating infection to have to experience; it hardly ever affects your sight. Pink eye can be contagious; it should be diagnosed and treated early. This is especially important for preschool-age children, who commonly develop both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis.

Step Two

Symptoms

· Redness in one or both eyes

· Itchiness in one or both eyes

· Blurred vision

· Sensitivity to light

· A rough feeling in one or both eyes

· A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night

· Tearing

Causes

· Viruses

· Bacteria

· Allergies

· A chemical splash in the eye

· A foreign object in the eye

Most cases of pink eye are caused by viruses. In newborns, pink eye may result from an partly opened tear duct.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis may affect one or both eyes. Viral conjunctivitis usually creates a watery or mucous discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis often produces a thicker, yellow-green discharge and may be associated with a respiratory infection or with a sore throat. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are related with colds. Both viral and bacterial types are very contagious. Adults and children alike can get both of these types of pink eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children than it is in adults.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may take a sample of eye secretions from the conjunctiva for laboratory analysis to find out which form of infection you have and to decide on the best way to treat it.

If you have a young infant with recurrent pink eye or persistent eye tearing, your child may have a blocked tear duct. Your child's pediatrician may closely monitor the situation to see if the tear duct opens on its own, or you may be referred to a specialist.

Step Three

Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops if the infection is bacterial, and the infection should clear within several days of starting treatment. Antibiotic eye ointment, in place of eye drops, is sometimes prescribed for treating bacterial pink eye in children. An ointment is often easier to administer to an infant or young child than are eye drops. With either form of medicine, you should notice an improvement within one to two days. Make sure that you use the medication for the entire time your doctor prescribes it, to prevent repetition of the infection.

Viral conjunctivitis can't be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Like a common cold, you can use an over-the-counter remedy to relieve some symptoms, but the virus just has to run its course. You may notice the condition getting worse in the first three to five days. After that, you should see that the pink eye will slowly clear up. It may take up to two to three weeks from the time you were infected for the virus to go away.

If the irritation is allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe one of many different types of eye drops. These may include:

· Antihistamines

· Decongestants

· Mast cell stabilizers

· Steroids

· Anti-inflammatory drops.

How to Fall Asleep When You Aren’t Tired

2008-01-15T02:54:00.001-08:00

Sleeplessness is a common ailment among healthy adults. While counting sheep may pass the time, it doesn’t always lull you to sleep. Whether it’s a big presentation in the morning or restless energy keeping you from slumber, there are ways to trick your body into a resting state. Read the below tips to find out how.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Herbal or sleep-inducing tea
Journal
Pen

Steps

Step One

Make a cup of herbal or sleep-inducing tea such as Sidroga Good Night Sleep Tea.

Step Two

Take a deep breath and relax your body.

Step Three

Sip the tea.

Step Four

Return to bed and sit in an upright position with your tea on a bedside table.

Step Five

Make a list in your journal of what you think is keeping you awake. This can range from specifics (“my fight with Mom”) to generalities (“the state of the environment”).

Step Six

Jot next to each item how you can help resolve it in the morning.

Step Seven

Finish your tea.

Step Eight

Turn out the light and sleep.

Tips & Warnings

Soothing music or a nature machine may help you fall asleep faster.
If you have frequent problems falling asleep, see your doctor.

How to Harvest and Store St. John's Wort

2008-01-15T02:53:00.004-08:00

St. John's wort (an Anglo-Saxon word that means "herb"), is an herb that has been used by man since the ancient Greeks and has a rich history that includes folklore and magic. The plant is named for John the Baptist, and some believe that the 24th of June, St John's birthday, is the best time of year to harvest the plant. Interestingly, the plant does seem to reach its peak for harvesting on that very day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

Step One

Look for bright yellow flowers. The best time to harvest them is by the 24th of June, when the flowers are not yet completely open. These flowers contain hypericin in greater quantities than the rest of the plant. Hypericin is one of the properties of the plant that can be used as a balm for skin, or when ingested, can help the nerve tissues and increase blood flow.

Step Two

Take the entire St. John's wort plant inside and cut it there; keep the flowers and the bulk of the buds.

Step Three

Sift any unwanted items from the flowers and buds such as dirt and leaves.

Step Four

Test the plant to find its level of hypericin. Put a flower into a dish with olive oil. If the oil turns very red, the level of hypericin is very high.

Step Five

Make a tincture of St. John's wort by putting two to three ounces of flowers, bud and leaves in a pint jar. Cover the St. John's wort with 8 ounces of 100 proof vodka. Tighten the lid on the jar, and shake the bottle periodically. Do this for two weeks, then strain the liquid from the bottle and keep it in an airtight bottle. Do not leave the mixture in the sun as it can lessen its potency.

Step Six

Mix oils and salves with the St. John's wort, being careful to keep them from the sunlight also.

How to Grow St. John's Wort

2008-01-15T02:53:00.003-08:00

Sometimes called "herbal Prozac," St. John's Wort is mostly used to relieve depression and anxiety. Originating in Europe and Asia, this perennial is now so widespread many farmers think of it as a weed to be eradicated because when their cattle eat it, they become "sun sensitive." Due to its ease of cultivation and medicinal value, many herbalists like to grow St. John's Wort.

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

Step One

Grow St. John's Wort in a home herb garden or outdoors after the threat of frost has passed. This plant prefers well-drained sandy or clay soils. It grows well in full to partial sun, tolerates some shade and likes to stay moist.

Step Two

Plant St. John's Wort by seed in the spring or go out in the wild, get some cuttings and transplant them about one foot apart. Seeds can take up to three months to germinate, so leave some to reseed every year. Rootlets are easier, although they can take more than one season to become established. Transplant seedlings when they're about two inches tall.

Step Three

Watch for flowers. They will be bushy, yellow and bloom in July and August, although not until the second year. They are pollinated by bees and flies. When in bloom, St. John's Wort smells like turpentine and shouldn't be handled without gloves. The plant can grow into 2-5 feet shrubs if left untrimmed.

Step Four

Harvest St. John's Wort by cutting off the top 1/3 part of the plant in July. Allow some to go to seed. In September, move the plants to the garden, about 8 inches apart. They'll survive the winter if covered with some brush or straw.

Step Five

Store by drying the leaves and flowers indoors in a cool, dry place. You can bundle the leaves and hang them upside down to dry. These are the parts used medicinally and are what gives St. John's Wort its commercial value to be used as tinctures, ointments and teas.

Tips & Warnings

St. John's Wort seeds will germinate better if you soak them overnight, mix them with sand and put in your refrigerator for about 10 days. This way, you can start them indoors early or just plant them by scattering on the ground.
It's important to plant St. John's Wort where it will not be invasive to another person's property because it will spread rapidly.
Consult a physician before using St. John's Wort. It can interfere with a variety of prescription medications.

How to Go Vegetarian, Cold Turkey

2008-01-15T02:53:00.001-08:00

You’ve decided to stop eating meat, either for moral or health reasons, and it seems like a big job. You don’t want to back down from your decision, so you need to go for it, all at once. Before you start throwing all the steak away, go through this checklist to make it easier for you to stick with it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

Step One

MAKE A MEAL PLAN
You have to make a menu with at least ten or twelve meals that you know you absolutely love. Without a menu to keep you moving, you’ll find yourself occasionally snacking on whatever you can find, and your will power can start to slip. So think of dishes that you like and can eat more than once or twice a week (vegetarian meals you already like, such as pizza or macaroni and cheese, are a good start) and make a list that you can always go to when you’re feeling hungry or your determination is weakening.

Step Two

FIND OUT WHO IS HELPING YOU
One of the hardest parts of not eating meat is knowing who is going to help you and who is going to be a problem. Perhaps your husband or wife are supportive. Perhaps your kids are going to help out. And perhaps your best friend is a butcher. Make a list so you know who is supportive and willing to eat what you’re going to eat, and who is going to tempt you by sitting in front of you with a big plate of barbecue ribs. Plan your activities and meals accordingly.

Step Three

PLAN ON EATING IN
Until you have become used to not eating meat, it’s best to avoid restaurants. A meal at a restaurant is almost guaranteed to be two sides and a main meat dish. Some restaurants offer vegetarian substitutions, but most still cater to the traditional meal format. Unless you plan on eating nothing but appetizers and side dishes, try to have most of your meals at home. Once you're a seasoned vegetarian, you'll be back at restaurants with no problems.

Step Four

BE READY FOR DIGESTIVE CHANGES
Meat rots when it gets warm, so the digestive system rushes to break it down before it goes bad inside the human body. As you cut out the meat in your diet, you’ll sometimes find that you still feel hungry after eating, or that you’re going to the bathroom more often for the first few days. This is temporary, because your body is adjusting to not dealing with the protein-rich, fat-laden meat you’ve been eating for such a long time. It will pass in a few days, and you’ll find that you have more energy and you don’t feel tired after a big meal.

Step Five

TOSS THE MEAT AND STAY THE COURSE
Now that you’re ready, go ahead and get rid of the meat. Keep your house stocked with great vegetarian meals and snacks, and don’t look back. Good luck and good health!

Tips & Warnings

If you’re becoming a vegetarian for health reasons such as heart disease or diabetes, you might want to go one step further and become vegan (giving up animal products like eggs and milk as well as meat). This can make a huge difference in your health and wellness, too!
Having one little burger or piece of chicken might seem like no big deal, but it confuses your digestive system and makes it harder to see the results. And the more often you go back to eating meat, the harder it is to stay vegetarian.

How to Go Vegetarian In Three Weeks

2008-01-15T02:52:00.004-08:00

You’ve decided to go vegetarian for your health or for moral reasons, and you’re planning how to do it. But you’re not ready to dive in completely and cut meat out of your diet overnight. Before you give up on your plan, run through this checklist and learn how to make a gradual change to vegetarianism over a three-week period.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

Step One

REPLACE RED MEAT
Red meat is the most difficult meat of all on your digestive system. So step one, or week one, is to cut it out by replacing it with meat substitutes. Most grocery stores carry soy-based versions of burgers, meatballs and ground beef. Continue eating your pasta dishes and burgers with the replacement meat, and cut out the old-fashioned meal staples, such as beef and lamb by replacing them with chicken and fish. This will get the super-high protein and fat out of your system in week one.

Step Two

REPLACE FISH, FOWL AND PORK
After your body has become accustomed to not eating red meat, the next step is to get rid of the other meat. Step two, or week two, is to stop eating fish, fowl, and pork. If possible, get soy-based replacements from the local grocery store or health food store. If you can’t find a replacement for the fish that you like (because there aren’t as many), simply fill out your menu with more vegetarian red meat dishes (use soy-based ground beef in tacos, make vegetarian meatball subs). By the end of the week, you’ll find that every meal you make is free of meats as main ingredients.

Step Three

CUT OUT THE OTHERS
With your body now adjusting to drawing its protein from soy and plants, it is now the time to take out the rest of the meat products. So step three, or week three, is to find a replacement or simply cut out the side dishes and appetizers with meat in them. For breakfast, replace bacon and sausage with soy-based alternatives, or just have potatoes and toast with your eggs. Get rid of the bacon bits and ham on your salad, replacing them with croutons, cheese, and salad dressing. If you eat pasta at a restaurant, make sure your pasta sauce was not made with meatballs or meat sauce. After you’ve isolated and eliminated these last few meat products, you’ll have a menu just as large as your previous diet, but without the meat.

Step Four

ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION
Sometimes, meat is in the strangest places: as a thickening agent for soups, as an additive in preservatives and gelatins, all kinds of places. Once you’ve decided to cut meat out of your diet, you have to remember that you’re the only one who is paying attention. You have to be the one who makes sure that everything you eat is truly meat-free.

Tips & Warnings

If you want to go one step further and become vegan (cutting out animal products like eggs and milk along with meat) instead of vegetarian, simply add another week where you replace or cut out animal products. You can use rice milk or soy-based cheese, and use bananas in recipes to replace eggs.
When you take three weeks to cut out meat, it also gives you three weeks to give up. Make sure that you have someone close that you trust to watch your diet and keep you honest.

How to Get the Maximum Benefit From A Massage

2008-01-15T02:52:00.003-08:00

Massage therapy is on the rise. Schools are now offering classes and degrees for this therapy. The benefits are endless ranging anywhere from eliminating toxins, improving circulation to toning muscles. Read on to learn how to get the maximum benefit from a massage.

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

Step One

Once you have made your appointment and are at the therapist's office, allow yourself to start relaxing. As you disrobe, let the cares and worries of your day fall away.

Step Two

Allow the massage therapist to do their job. Relax and allow them to move your body. Don't offer resistance or assistance unless asked to because this is your chance to relax. Remember that it's OK to sleep.

Step Three

When the massage therapist is finished, they will give you sometime to regroup. When you feel collected and ready to get up, move slowly. Don't rush. Take some deep breaths. This will help the detoxification process.

Step Four

Drink lots of water following the massage. This has a flushing effect on the body and aids in getting rid of any toxins.

Tips & Warnings

Don't eat for at least one hour prior to your appointment.
Make sure your massage therapist is qualified. Check her credentials.
Ask to see documentation if you have any questions.

How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, & Poison Sumac

2008-01-15T02:52:00.001-08:00

Everyone has had poison Ivy at one time in their life. Some people are naturally immune while others suffer with it horribly. Let me explain the old way of treating poison Ivy, poison sumac and poison oak and there is nothing to buy. Believe me this recipe dates back to the early 1600's and still works even today.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

Willow Tree
2 Quart Pan
Water
Canning Jar

Steps

Step One

Click to enlarge

Willow Tree

The first most crucial part is to find a willow tree. Make sure it is not a weeping willow tree but an actual willow tree. Once you find the willow tree, you need to harvest around 30-50 leaves. Just the leaves only. You do not need to take anything else.

Step Two

Place the willow leaves in a 2 quart sauce pan, fill it with cold water and bring the water to boil. Afterwards let the water boil until it gets dark like a brown tea. At this point you can turn the heat off and let this cool off.

Step Three

Once cooled, go ahead and pour everything into a mason jar or any canning jar you have available. It is now ready to be used. Simply take a cotton cloth and soak up some of the juice and place it on wherever you see poison ivy at. Whenever it itches put the juice on. In three days everything will be gone and no more itching.

How to get rid of menopausal symptoms

2008-01-15T02:51:00.006-08:00

Menopause is a period in life that all women will eventually face and they will need to learn to deal with the symptoms on a daily basis.

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

Step One

Click to enlarge

Novagen Promensil

Take Promensil by Novagen an all-natural plant supplement of Red Clover isoflavones approximately 222 mg and 40mg of isoflavones on a daily basis after a meal, preferably after morning breakfast before the start of you work day.

Step Two

Take a daily supplement of 300mg of Black Cohosh Root and 60mg of Black Cohosh Root Extract after breakfast and before the start of your day. It works great when taken jointly on a daily basis with Promensil. Allow two weeks for the herbs to take effect when first starting on this herbal regimen to see continuous on going results

Step Three

Both pills can be taken together with your morning meal along with your morning daily vitamins.

Step Four

Include Glocosamine 500mg and Chondroitin 400mg with your daily vitamin regimen. It will help promote strong bones and joints as menopause does affect your bones and joints in the aging process. This will help eliminate arthritic aches and pains while maintaining your cartilage health and thereby improving mobility and flexibility for comfortable joint movement.

Step Five

Novagen Promensil, Black Cohosh and Glucosomine can be found any any health food stores, vitamin stores including regular chain stores like Walmart. Each Promensil package comes with a 30 supply. Black Cohosh can be purchased in bottles of 100 capsules under the Natural Whole Herb Brand by Spring Valley and Glucosomine Chondroitin is sold by Spring Valley as well in bottles of 300 capsules.

How to Get Rid of Head Lice Naturally

2008-01-15T02:51:00.005-08:00

Have you ever been faced with head lice? Do you hate to have to go out and buy the expensive shampoo? I know that I did when I faced it with a newborn in the house. Here are some tips that you can use to get rid of them naturally without having to go buy that expensive shampoo.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Items needed will depend on which one you choose.
Straight Apple Cider Vinegar
OIL of Garlic
Black Walnut Tincture or Tea
Lavender Essential Oil
Anise Oil
Tea Tree Oil
Dr Bonner's Peppermint Pure Castille Soap
Olive Oil
Henna
Mayonnaise
Vaseline
Parsley
Plastic Wrap

Steps

Step One

Apple Cider Vinegar, Oil of Garlic, Black Walnut Tincture or Tea: For quick relief, bathe your head/hair with any one of these.

Henna: Use henna on hair. (Will make hair reddish color.)

Step Two

For Lavender Essential Oil, Anise Oil, Tea Tree Oil(2-3 drops essential oil in 10 ml carrier oil): Massage into scalp

Dr Bonner's Peppermint Pure Castille Soap: Was hair with soap, leave on for a few minutes and wash out.

Step Three

Olive Oil, Mayonnaise, Vaseline: Cover hair and scalp, wrap in plastic wrap & leave on for about 3 hrs or overnight. Wash hair. You may need to wash hair a few times to get olive oil or vaseline out but these will smother the lice.

Parsley: Repels lice.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

2008-01-15T02:51:00.003-08:00

Did you know…?

The medivcal name for bad breath is called halitosis. It can be causes from poor oral hygiene habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Avocado (Persea Americana)
Guava
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Raw Juices

Steps

Step One

Overview

Did you know…?

The medivcal name for bad breath is called halitosis. It can be causes from poor oral hygiene habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

How Does What You Eat Affect Breath?

All the food you eat begins to be broken down in your mouth. As foods are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream, they are eventually carried to your lungs and given off in your breath. If you eat foods with strong odors (such as, garlic or onions), brushing and flossing - even mouthwash - merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.

Why Do Poor Habits Cause Bad Breath?

If you don't brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, which promotes bacteria growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath. In addition, odor-causing bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath if dentures are not properly cleaned.

Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can also cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods, and irritate gum tissues.

What Health Problems Are Associated With Bad Breath?

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may be warning signs of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. The bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth, which irritate the gums. If periodontal disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone.

Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth and dental caries.

The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) can also cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque and washing away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by the side effects of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.

Step Two

Many other diseases and illnesses may cause bad breath. Here are some to be aware of:

· respiratory tract infections

· pneumonia

· bronchitis

· chronic sinus infections

· postnasal drip

· diabetes

· chronic acid reflux

· liver problems

· kidney problems

Step Three

Treatment

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Among the several home remedies for halitosis, the use of fenugreek has proved most effective. A tea made from the seeds of this vegetable should be taken regularly for correcting the condition. This tea is prepared by putting one teaspoon of seeds in half a litre of cold water and allowing it to simmer for fifteen minutes over a low flame. It should then be strained and used as tea. (Not to be used during pregnancy).

Avocado (Persea Americana)

Another effective remedy for bad breath is avocado, which is far superior to any mouth lotion or remedies for this condition. It effectively removes intestinal putrefaction or decomposition which is one of the most important causes of bad breath.

Guava

Unripe guava is good to use in halitosis. It is rich in tannic, malic, oxalic, and phosphoric acids as well as calcium, oxalate, and manganese. Chewing it is an excellent tonic for the teeth and gums. It helps cure bleeding from gums and stops bad breath. Chewing tender leaves of guava tree also stops bleeding from gums and bad breath.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley is a valuable cure for bad breath. Two cups of water should be boiled and several sprigs of parsley, coarsely chopped, should be steeped in this water along with two or three whole cloves or a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. This mixture should be stirred occasionally while cooling. It should then be strained and used as a mouthwash or gargle several times a day. Also, eating the parsley garnish on your restaurant dinner plate will keep bad breath at bay.

Raw Juices

All fruit and vegetable juices are beneficial in the treatment of halitosis and should be taken liberally by those suffering from this disorder. Juices from green vegetables are good to help bad breath.

How to Get rid of a pimple

2008-01-15T02:51:00.001-08:00

Just can't seem to squeeze it to the top. Seems like it's growing inside instead of out. Well, it's as simple as 1, 2, 3!

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Vicks Vapor Rub

Steps

Step One

Locate the bump and apply a small amount of the vicks.

Step Two

Rub it into the skin but not all the way through.

Step Three

Let it sit for a few hours. (preferably over night)

Step Four

Place each thumb at the sides of the pimple and slightly press the together.

How to Get Newsletters on Apothecary

2008-01-15T02:50:00.003-08:00

If you have an interest in becoming an apothecary or just want to stay informed in the field, you may want to subscribe to a newsletter. Fortunately, this is easy and often free (though some organizations may ask you to become a member and pay an inexpensive membership fee first). For hundreds of years, apothecaries were the West's leading medical experts, concocting herbal remedies and dispensing advice to treat everything from infections to insomnia. Follow these steps to learn how to get newsletters on apothecary.

Difficulty: Easy

Get Newsletters On the Ancient History and Modern Life of the Apothecary

Things You'll Need

Computer with Internet access

Steps

Step One

Start by learning. For most of human history, the apothecary was a pharmacist and a doctor rolled into one. He had a lot of knowledge of herbal remedies. He both prescribed them and sold them. He also performed surgeries and attended the births of babies.

Step Two

Join an apothecary-related organization to receive its newsletter. Some even have magazines. You may want to join the American Herbalists Guild (see Resources below).

Step Three

Consider email lists and blogs. Many Web sites will send you news and information through email lists. All you have to do is sign up. The American Herb Association has an online newsletter (see Resources below).

Step Four

Get into an email group like Yahoo Groups to find an online apothecary group that interests you (see Resources below). There are groups for every topic you can imagine. Everyone in the group can communicate just by typing an email.

Step Five

Learn more about this ancient discipline at Wikipedia.com (see Resources below).

How to Get More Healing Herbs Into Your Diet

2008-01-15T02:50:00.001-08:00

No food is fully prepared without the proper seasoning. Instead of just sprinkling on some salt and pepper, experiment with different herbs that are rich in nutrititional value and add a healing quality to the food. Here are a few healing herbs and some suggestions for cooking and baking with them.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Ginger
Marjoram
Vanilla
Turmeric
Sage

Steps

Step One

Know that aromatic and spicy ginger run the gamut for beneficial healing properties. Some of them include anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic and antitoxin traits. Ginger also acts as a circulatory tonic, cholesterol and blood pressure reducer, and a motion sickness, vertigo, nausea and morning sickness treatment. Ginger is versatile and can be added to all kinds of soups and sauces. It adds zest to Asian dishes and is also a great additive in tea.

Step Two

Remember that marjoram, a Mediterranean native, can be used as a digestive aid, a phlegm remedy and it also eases nervous disorders like anxiety, insomnia and headaches. Marjoram is a great herb to use with just about any meat including sausage, lamb, beef, pork, chicken and liver. Also try it on heavy vegetables like cabbage and beans and in salads and chowders.

Step Three

Learn that vanilla is a great herb for people with a sweet tooth, as it can be added to nearly any baked good. It’s chock full of antioxidants and works as a stimulant to improve circulation. Because it’s an aromatic spice, vanilla works as a nervine to soothe the central nervous system and relieve nerve disorders like depression. Add vanilla to cakes, muffins, pies, pudding, ice cream, brownies and any other baked good.

Step Four

Be aware that turmeric, a significant ingredient in curry powder, is another powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It aids in digesting fats and protects the liver from toxins. Turmeric also treats intestinal parasites and fights cholesterol. It’s great in vegetarian dishes, rice, chicken, beans, stews, sauces, mustards, chutneys and relishes.

Step Five

Learn that with as many health benefits as culinary uses, sage is definitely a staple in the chef’s kitchen. Not only does it have antibiotic, antioxidant, antifungal, antiseptic and astringent qualities, sage also has a cooling effect that works to break fevers. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, silicon, sulfur and zinc. It revitalizes every system in the body and is used to calm all nervous disorders. Use sage to season all meats, especially turkey, soups, sauces, salads, stuffing, potatoes, beans, rice and vegetables.

Tips & Warnings

Beginners should start with small amounts of turmeric at first. Add lemon if desired.
Use sage sparingly because a little goes a long way.

How to Get Comfort from Comfrey

2008-01-15T02:49:00.006-08:00

Cultivated since about 400 BC, Comfrey has been used as a healing herb. This plant is native to Europe and Asia. It is popularly used to treat burns, scars, wounds, bronchitis and coughs. Stomach ulcers have also been treated using comfrey.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

Dried Comfrey leaves
Water

Steps

Step One

For treatment of burns, scars and wounds, use 0.4% solution, or a 2% ointment. These can be found in Comfrey's leaves. Use 8 oz – 8 lbs of dried comfrey leaves per quart of water to produce a 0.4% solution.
Marshmellow Root is a good use in ointment for ulcerous skin and fractures. Comfrey's mucilage promotes healthy skin.

Step Two

The goal is to capitalize on comfrey's allantoin, so gage your measurements according to plant parts used:

Dried leaves contain 0.1–1.6% allantoin.
Dried roots contain 0.4-1.5% allantoin.
Fresh leaves are 85% water, leaving less than 0.2% allantoin per leaf.

Step Three

Take one of the following three times daily:

Standard infusion (leaves) or decoction (root); ½ cup
Liquid Extract 1:1 in 25% alcohol; 2-4 ml

How to Get a Colon Cleansing

2008-01-15T02:49:00.005-08:00

If you have heard about the benefits of colon cleansing, you may be interested in getting the procedure done. Colon cleansing involves getting rid of the impacted fecal matter found in your intestines. This is supposed to help rid the body of toxins. Several options for colon cleansing are available.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

Step One

Purchase a colon cleansing product. Many companies offer a cleanse that comes in capsule form. You take the pills and it stimulates the bowels. Colonix is a popular colon cleansing system.

Step Two

Make your own colon cleanse. Taking certain herbs together can allow you to cleanse your colon at home. For example, fennel seed and flax seed are both natural laxatives.

Step Three

Speak to an herbalist. An herbalist can assist you if you decide to mix your own herbs to create a colon cleanse.

Step Four

Find a spa that performs colon cleansing treatments. High end spas offer their guests the option of having colon cleanses done on their premises.

Step Five

Speak to an alternative medicine specialist. A person that specializes in alternative medicine can let you know how you can go about getting a colon cleanse.

Tips & Warnings

Do not perform a colon cleanse if you are pregnant, nursing or suffer from any serious medical conditions.
Do not overdose on laxatives to cleanse your colon. This is not a safe method.

How to Gain Weight with Herbs

2008-01-15T02:49:00.003-08:00

Yin and Yang are the two most fundamental concepts in Chinese medical philosophy. In anatomy, the human body is divided into yin and yang as follows: The internal region is yin, while the external region is yang; the fire viscera are Yin, while the six bowels are Yang.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Herbal Supplements

Steps

Step One

Step Two

In physiology, Yin stands for storage of energy while Yang stands for human activities. In pathology, Yin and Yang are used to describe two basic patterns of drainage. When Yang wins a victory there will be fever; when yin wins a victory there will be chill.

Step Three

When yang is in deficiency, it will cause chill sensation in the superficial region; when yin is in deficiency there will be internal heat. Among the treatments based on this principle are sedating the excess and toning up the deficiency.

How to Find Tibetan Herbal Medicine

2008-01-15T02:49:00.001-08:00

Tibetan herbal medicine is cherished due to its long-lasting effects. Due to the popularity of Tibetan herbal medicine, the demand exceeds the supply. Many Tibetan herbal suppliers will only supply patients being treated by doctors aligned with designated Tibetan medical schools. However, Tibetan medical doctors have discovered many substitutions for traditional herbs that are readily available in the regions in which they practice. Tibetan herbal remedies are inexpensive and are used to treat illness and signs of aging.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Find Tibetan Herbal Medicine

Things You'll Need

Computer with Internet access

Steps

Step One

Visit the World Directory of Tibetan medical practitioners (see Resources below). This list includes suppliers of Tibetan herbs.

Step Two

Consult your Tibetan medical doctor. The directory above can point you to a Tibetan doctor whom you can consult about herbal medicines.

Step Three

Ask your Tibetan doctor where to find aTibetan pharmacy. Some doctors sell traditional herbal remedies in their office. If they don't, they're a great place to start when asking for pharmacy recommendations.

Step Four

Check out your local Chinese herbal pharmacy. As the popularity of Tibetan herbal medicine continues to rise, many Chinese herbalists have begun to stock Tibetan herbs. You can ask the proprietor of the Chinese pharmacy for another vendor who might stock more varieties of Tibetan herbs.

Step Five

Visit an online retailer such as Traditional Tibetan Healing (see Resources below). Here you can learn about the benefits of Tibetan herbal medicines.

How to Find Products with Mangosteen

2008-01-15T02:48:00.005-08:00

Mangosteen has long been known as the Queen of Fruits for its delicious taste and nutritious properties. A Southeast Asian fruit, it has only recently captured the imagination of the West. Now, mangosteen products are becoming readily available at specialty stores. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

Step One

Decide what kind of mangosteen product you want. Supplements, juice and the actual fruit can be found for sale, though the fruit is difficult to find in the United States.

Step Two

Shop at a natural foods store, where you will find both juice and supplements. The juice is sometimes sold with other bottled beverages, though it's sometimes in the supplement aisle since it's usually purchased for its health properties. You may have to ask staff which supplements contain mangosteen because they probably won't be in their own category.

Step Three

Look for mangosteen products at a store specializing in vitamins and supplements. As you examine labels, look for supplements featuring the whole fruit. Some products will just contain juice, but the whole fruit is more beneficial.

Step Four

Locate an independent distributor. Some mangosteen products, such as XanGo, are only sold through independent distributors. If you don't see any local advertising from an independent distributor, visit a product website such as XanGo. It will give you information about how to locate a local distributor of the product.

Step Five

Visit Hawaii if you want to purchase the fresh mangosteen fruit in the United States.

Tips & Warnings

Though the fruit will hopefully be available at upscale grocers across the country in the near future, Onomea Orchards in Hawaii is currently one of the only growers. You can contact them at 808-896-2781.
Though mangosteen is a nutritious fruit, it does not live up to the extravagant health claims often made about it. Don't expect a miracle from this fruit.

How to Find Non-Toxic Makeup

2008-01-15T02:48:00.003-08:00

Whether you have a serious health issue or not, you might want to pay attention to what your body is absorbing through your skin when you wear makeup. Most readily-available makeup is loaded with chemicals that are either untested for long-term effects on your health, or that may already be proven to have potentially harmful qualities. It can be quite a challenge for someone who is concerned about potentially damaging ingredients to find good makeup that doesn't contain toxins. What toxins do you look for on the label? Where can you find a list of manufacturers that produce non-toxic makeup? Learn how, right here!

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Computer with internet access.
(Optional)Credit card for shopping online, if you wish to purchase makeup online.

Steps

Step One

Click to enlarge

A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients by Ruth Winter

First, get informed about ingredients used in makeup. A great resource is A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients (Paperback)
by Ruth Winter, available online at Amazon or in local health-food stores. Some ingredients to research and learn about include: parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde (a known carcinogen). Another good resource is the website for The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (www.safecosmetics.org).

Step Two

Second, check your current makeup for potentially harmful ingredients. Throw away the ones you decide aren't the best quality for your health, or phase them out if you choose, by planning to replace them with non-toxic products. Most department store brand ingredients are not regulated, so watch out; even the brand Origins is not completely non-toxic (however, check each product to know for sure as they have added some organic products to their line).

Step Three

Click to enlarge

To find non-toxic makeup, the best source I have found is at www.safecosmetics.org. The list is at: http://www.safecosmetics.org/companies/signers.cfm
I know it's a long list, but the good news is that there are a lot of choices! I've had lots of fun going through these sites hunting for safer makeup, and I think you will too! In fact, some offer samples at a lower price so that you can try the items first. Alternatively, local health-food stores sometimes have a selection of non-toxic makeup as well, but watch out, as many still contain some questionable ingredients. I have found that prices for non-toxic makeup are often the same or less than the big department store brands, even though the ingredients can be of better quality (you aren't paying for ad campaigns and fancy packaging).

Step Four

Click to enlarge

Beautiful and Safer Nail Polish from Anise Cosmetics

If you love getting your nails done, please also consider the potentially harmful effects of nail polish, nail polish remover, and artificial nails such as acrylic ones. There is a reason nail techs wear masks! The good news is that there are safer options. For example, check out this website: www.anisecosmetics.com. You can also do an internet search for water-based nail polish. Or even better, go natural! I have gotten many compliments on natural, buffed nails!

How to Find an Alternative Healthcare Practitioner

2008-01-15T02:48:00.001-08:00

With the rising costs of healthcare, people are starting to look into alternative therapies. Do you know what to look for when it comes to finding an alternative healthcare practitioner? Here are some helpful hints.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You'll Need

Common sense
Some knowledge of health history
Open mind

Steps

Step One

The first step is to get a complete physical from your physician. Find any existing health problems and make sure that looking into alternative therapies are something your family doctor is willing to talk to you about. Evaluate your needs based on the health report you get back from your doctor.

Step Two

Talk to people you know who already use alternative therapies. They will know practitioners in your area that specialize in the therapies or techniques you are interested in. They will also be able to give you an idea of the cost and the benefits of some of the modalities.

Step Three

Research the therapies and find some that interest you. There are several out there including massage therapy, reiki, acupuncture, trigger point therapy and more. Once you decide on a therapy, start interviewing practitioners. Ask lots of questions.

Step Four

Don't forget to give at each therapy time to work. Benefits from massage are evident soon afterwards. Other therapies may take one or two days. Herbal remedies can work quickly or long-term. Some may take a few weeks. Don't get discouraged.

Tips & Warnings

Don't go into anything blind. Read and investigate the treatments you are interested in. Become knowledgeable about your body.
Read disclaimers and labels.

How to Find Accredited Osteopathy Schools

2008-01-15T02:47:00.001-08:00

In practice, osteopathic physicians are indistinguishable from other medical doctors. Osteopaths are able to practice traditional medical techniques of diagnosis and treatment. Similar training paths are required for both as well. Schools of osteopathy need to be accredited to be considered on a par with allopathic medical schools. The number of admitted students to osteopathy schools may be greater than at non-holistic medical programs. Students wanting a broader approach to medicine may find osteopathy to be an excellent career path. Follow these steps to find the accredited osteopathy school for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Understand the Similarities of Accredited Medical Programs

Things You'll Need

Computer with Internet access

Steps

Step One

Research the similarities between osteopathy and allopathy. Although educational training programs are similar, an osteopathy program adds training in musculo-skeletal manipulation and focuses on a "whole person" approach during all stages of patient care, from consultation through diagnosis and treatment.

Step Two

The primary aim of osteopathy is to promote wellness, rather than isolating and treating symptoms of a disease. Students who are drawn to primary care can find osteopathic medical schools that are directed to treatment as it relates to social perspectives.

Step Three

Expect to complete your undergraduate degree before matriculating into a medical program. Both Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) programs typically take 4 years to complete. Either degree will lead you to become a fully licensed physician.

Apply to Accredited Schools

Steps

Step One

Complete your Bachelor's Degree and take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) exam.

Step Two

Fill out application paperwork through the centralized application service offered at the "American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service" Web site (see Resources below).

Step Three

Review the application deadlines. Plan ahead to submit materials as early as possible.

How to Find a Local Apothecary Dealer

2008-01-15T02:45:00.000-08:00

Natural and herbal remedies are becoming more and more popular; so, it's fairly easy to find a local apothecary dealer in most cities and larger towns. In the past, an apothecary was a medical jack-of-all-trades who diagnosed illnesses, prescribed and concocted medications that were usually made from herbs and even performed surgery. In his time, the apothecary would have treated every type of illness, from gout to cancer to pneumonia. Today, modern apothecary dealers are more akin to herbalists. Follow these steps to find one near you.

Difficulty: Easy

Find A Local Apothecary Dealer

Things You'll Need

Yellow Pages
Computer with Internet access

Steps

Step One

Be flexible with your online search. If the term "apothecary" doesn't produce the volume of results you were hoping for, try using search terms like "herbs," "herbalist" or "compounding."

Step Two

Read about the history of the apothecary online. You can start by reading the revealing and interesting "Encyclopedia Britannica" entry penned in 1911 (see Resources below).

Step Three

Perform an updated version of the old-fashioned Yellow Pages search by using YellowPages.com (see Resources below).

Step Four

Choose the apothecary shop nearest you and pay it a visit. Test the apothecary's knowledge by asking his or her advice on a physical condition you'd like to improve. If the suggested remedy is within your price range, consider giving it a try.

How to Use Alcohol to Treat Body Pain

2008-01-13T12:42:00.001-08:00

For a person with chronic body pain, everything in between waking up and going to sleep can be a chore. Some pain sufferers who are not willing or able to take pain pills use alcohol to mitigate their pain.

Difficulty: Easy

Choose an Alcoholic Drink to Combat Pain

Things You'll Need

Juice (optional)
Journal

Steps

Step One

Consider your drinking history. If you are an alcoholic, drinking to suppress your pain will most likely trigger your alcohol dependency. If you have never had an alcoholic drink before, you may want to start drinking slowly.

Step Two

Pick an alcoholic drink to treat your body pain based on the drink's alcohol content. A 12-oz. bottle of beer, a 5-oz. glass of wine and 1 1/2-ozs. of hard liquor all have the same alcohol content by volume. It is best to start with less than one serving to treat your pain and work your way up to a full serving.

Step Three

Use an alcoholic drink that you can enjoy to treat your pain. If you do not like wine, consider having beer. If you do not normally drink alcohol, consider mixing a tasteless alcohol, like vodka, with juice.

Manage Your Pain With Alcohol

Steps

Step One

Keep a journal of how much alcohol you drink to manage your pain. If you start noticing you need more alcohol to manage your pain, speak with your doctor about other pain-management options.

Step Two

Drink at a regular time each day. Make sure you do not drive, operate heavy machinery or do intricate work for an hour after consuming your chosen alcoholic beverage to avoid accidents. Learn more about the effects of alcohol at the Partnership for a Drug-Free America website (see Resources below).

Step Three

Avoid eating a few hours before drinking your chosen alcoholic drink if your dose isn't working as well as it did before. By not eating before your drink, the effects will be stronger. If you take this tactic, be sure to eat something and wait an hour before driving again.

How to Take Ephedra for Health

2008-01-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) is native to China and also known as ma huang, which means "yellow hemp" in Chinese. It grows in dry climates and the above-ground parts are used medically. Ephedra specifically refers to an alkaloid that is extracted from the plant. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

Step One

Read about the historical uses of ephedra. It has been used for 5,000 years in China to treat asthma, hay fever and the common cold.

Step Two

Understand the potency of ephedra. The dry weight of the aerial parts of the plant is 1 to 3 percent alkaloid content, most of which is ephedrine. This means that the plant is a powerful stimulant by itself without refinement.

Step Three

Study the chemistry of ephedrine to know that it is a powerful stimulant that is chemically similar to amphetamine and methamphetamine. It is also a considered a performance-enhancing drug in most sports.

Step Four

Trace the legal history of ephedra in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed banning ephedra products containing more than 8 mg of ephedrine in 1997. This was opposed by the health supplement industry, which lobbied heavily to prevent the ban, and the FDA withdrew its proposal in 2000.

Step Five

Review additional evidence published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2000 which attributed a number of deaths to ephedra use. The FDA banned the sale of ephedra products on April 12, 2004, and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ban on Aug. 17, 2006. The sale of ephedra remains illegal in the United States.

How to Grow Goldenseal

2008-01-13T12:39:00.001-08:00

Native American Indians once used goldenseal as yellow dye, a cure for upset stomachs, wounds, whooping cough and pneumonia. This perennial flower is a member of the buttercup family and is most commonly used today for bleeding gums and to help ease eczema. Organized studies have shown it successfully fights E. coli. It's not easy to grow goldenseal from seed, but well-cultivated roots prove helpful to keep on hand.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

Step One

Search for a planting area with well-drained soil, preferably under a shade canopy of trees like walnut, oak or sycamore. Preferring 60-75 percent shade, Goldenseal likes humus-rich soil, without sand or clay. It will not grow in areas with high heat or humidity.

Step Two

Plant live goldenseal rootlets during dormancy, sometime in October. Divide them into small pieces and plant them about 8 inches apart in a row.

Step Three

Stay busy doing other things while you wait for your goldenseal to bloom. Flowers appear two years after planting, in April and May, and have three small light green sepals and no petals. Goldenseal's fruit ripens in July, looks like raspberries, contains two black shiny seeds and is not edible.

Step Four

Harvest roots and the underground stems in the fall 3 or 4 years after planting. The roots and stems are used for medicinal purposes and are what gives goldenseal its commercial value for use as a gargle, skin wash, tincture or syrup.

Step Five

Protect harvested goldenseal roots from moisture and light. Roots will be bright yellow and gnarled, from ¼ inch to ¾ inch thick. Use them within three years.

Tips & Warnings

If you struggle with athlete's foot or other problems with the tootsies and do not have diabetes, try a commercial foot soap containing goldenseal root.
Consult a physician before using goldenseal. Pregnant women and people with high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes or heart disease should never use goldenseal.

How to Learn About Apothecary History

2008-01-13T12:38:00.004-08:00

Nearly every civilization has used herbs and plants as medicines to treat everything from infertility to pain to infection. Throughout the majority of the last millennium, apothecaries acted as pharmacists, midwives, medical experts and surgeons all rolled into one. The history of the apothecary gives us insight into what life was like before work was highly specialized and medicine closely regulated. Follow these steps to learn more about apothecary history.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Learn About the History of Apothecary

Things You'll Need

Library card
Computer with Internet access

Steps

Step One

Be a detective. To learn about the history of apothecaries, you need to be able to search the Internet thoroughly, with an eye for detail. The "Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London" Web site will give you a glimpse of some apothecary history (see Resources below).

Step Two

Research the history of the pharmacy, the history of herbal medicine and the history of monasteries, which often grew herbs in "physic gardens." Nearly every civilization has used herbs and plants as medicines, treating everything from infertility to pain to infection. These histories will help broaden and deepen your understanding of apothecary's place in history.

Step Three

Consider the etymology of the word "apothecary," which comes from the Latin "apotheca" and even earlier from the Greek "apothéké." Originally, it meant a "storehouse for spices, wines and herbs." Later, it came to mean a person who stocked and sold all kinds of herbs for medicine, cosmetics and other uses.

Step Four

Curl up with a good book. You'll learn a lot by reading Joan Lane's "A Social History of Medicine: Health, Healing and Disease in England, 1750-1950" (see Resources below).

How to Learn About Herbs Safely

2008-01-13T12:38:00.003-08:00

Herbal medicine is a great thing, especially when it comes to treating chronic illnesses and enhancing your overall state of health. But if you aren't careful, it can be dangerous.

A lot of people think that just because something is natural, that means it will be safe. And yes, there are a lot of herbs that are gentle, such as chamomile and oatstraw. (There are plenty of others).

But, not every herb out there can be used every day. In fact, some herbs, such as poke root, are so potent, they should only be used under the supervision of a qualified professional. When used improperly, these herbs can cause serious complications and side effects.

There are several things you need to learn about in order to use herbs responsibly. What follows are the steps needed to help you use herbs safely.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

A really good book about herbal medicine such as A Modern Herbal by Maude Grieves or your herbal book of choice. I actually have several of these that I consult when learning about a new plant.
A field guide of herbal and medicinal plants
Samples of the herbs you want to use

Steps

Step One

Your first step is to do some research. If you have a particular condition you want to treat, read about the condition and the common herbs that are used. If you are just interested in the herbs themselves, read as much as you can about them. This includes the potential side effects.

Step Two

If you are interested in learning how to identify the plants that you want to use and harvest your own, you will need a really good field guide and/or the advice of a knowledgeable professional to help you. You don't want to make the wrong choices just in case you end up mistaking your herb for something poisonous.

Step Three

Once you consider which herbs you want to experiment with, do some further research as to the right way to take it. The common way to ingest herbs is through a pill. However, that may not be the optimal way. This varies from herb to herb.

Step Four

Once you figure out which herb to test and whether or not it's for you, prepare it as instructed in your books. If you need to apply it topically, do a patch test first to make sure you aren't allergic. If you need to take it as a tea, take a few sips and see how you feel. It is important to test the plants in small amounts to gauge your body's reaction.

Step Five

If you confirm that you aren't allergic and that you haven't experienced any side effects, you can take the herb as directed in your research. You will also want to consult with a qualified professional or a doctor.

Tips & Warnings

Choose herbal medicine books that have illustrations. This will help you learn how to identify the plants.
There are some herbal books that are considered classics, such as Back to Eden. However, some of these books are rather old. They are valuable resources, but they shouldn't be your only ones. Choose modern books as well.
Make sure you consult with a physician, especially if you have a chronic condition.

How to Lose Weight with Herbs

2008-01-13T12:38:00.001-08:00

Weight loss can be tricky. The formula is pretty simple: Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and don't consume too many calories. But what happens if you've been doing these things but are not getting the results you expect? Herbs can help out a lot.

Note: Depending on the herbs you choose they can help your body burn fat, boost your metabolism, and keep your liver healthy. The herbs listed below are not diet aids. They simply help strengthen the body's natural ability to lose weight. They are also not stimulating like some of the "diet herbs" on the market.

If you are looking for a guide to help you detox, this is NOT it. If you want something that will help you lose weight quickly, again, you will not find that info in this article.

Too many people try to find the quick way out. They spend years abusing their bodies and eating food that is bad for them. They neglect their bodies and continue to not exercise. Instead, they want to undo years of abuse by taking a supplement that will crash the weight off. This is just MORE abuse.

You will NEVER find that kind of information in an article that I write. This is not a healthy mindset and I will never advocate those methods. My goal is to help you get healthy. Period.

So if you read the steps below and feel disappointed that I'm telling you to take herbs that will gently get your body back in balance and will help aid you in a normal, healthy weight loss schedule - perhaps it's time for a change of mentality? If you want to lose weight it is NOT an overnight process.

My advice would be to really think about your habits and your lifestyle. Make the changes that you need and then choose one or two of the herbs listed below that will gently help your body be as healthy as possible. This WILL translate to weight loss.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

1 Tsp. of your herb of choice
1 Cup hot water
A mug
Something to strain the herb if not using a tea bag.

Steps

Step One

Choose one of the herbs listed below to try. Add 1 tsp. of the herb to hot water (or one tea bag). Let steep for ten minutes and then remove the tea bag or strain the herb. Drink two to three cups a day.

Step Two

A healthy liver helps your body process the extra fat and eliminate it. To stimulate your liver try dandelion root, burdock root, yellow dock root or dandelion leaves.

Step Three

Traditional tea is also a good weight loss aid. White tea and green tea are the best, but black tea and oolong tea will work as well. They come from the sample plant, they're just dried differently.

Step Four

Some herbs really help fire up your metabolism, which helps you burn more calories. These herbs include ginger, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon.

Step Five

Excess stress can really take a toll on your body and cause you to gain weight. You can help manage your stress by using herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile, and oatstraw.

Tips & Warnings

Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day--more if you can do it.
Eat a balanced diet.
Research the herbs individually so you can get to know them.
My advice would be to try only one or two at a time so you don't overwhelm your body.
Make sure the herbs you choose don't have any side effects.
Consult with a physician before you use any of the herbs just to be safe.

How to Make Kratom Tea

2008-01-13T12:37:00.004-08:00

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an etheogen that provides soothing analgesic, mood enhancing, and muscle relaxing effects to users in Thailand. Give this plant a try! It really works!

This article includes a commonly used method for brewing a wonderfully effective Kratom Tea.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa, either dried leaves, or fine powder)
Coffee Filter or Strainer
Cup or Glass
Water
Honey, Juice, and/or Sugar (all optional)

Steps

Step One

For this guide, I will be using 50 grams of crushed Kratom leaves per 1 liter. Depending on your tolerance to the taste/effects you can add more or less per liter. If you want a stronger brew, I would recommend one of the fine (possibly enhanced) kratom powders.

Take the 50 grams of crushed leaves and place them in a pot. Add 1 liter of water.

Step Two

Gently boil the leaves in the water for 15 minutes, you may stir or agitate the mixture for the first 5-10 minutes, but leave it to simply boil for the last 5.

Step Three

Take the pot off the burner and pour the water into a container through a strainer. Once strained, squeeze or press the leaves, and drain any excess fluid into the container as well.

If you used a finely powdered kratom product, it would be best to use a coffee filter instead of a strainer, most powdered products slip right through strainers.

Step Four

After completing step 3, take the leaves from the strainer, place them back in the pot, and repeat steps 2 and 3, up to 3 more times. A good way to tell if its worth it to repeat again, is to taste (just a little) or smell the prior liquid yielded (before straining). If it has a strong, bitter, "kratomy" taste, then it would be worthwhile to repeat the process. If it has a much weaker, bland taste, then chances are, you removed most of the alkaloids in your previous extractions.

Step Five

Finally, once done repeating steps 2 and 3, dispose of the leaves (I enjoy chewing on them, though, just a tip!), and turn back to the liquid yielded from the extraction.

Step Six

Drinking kratom tea isn't pleasant for everybody. I personally enjoy it with any combination of honey, sugar, and/or fruit juice. Start small with your doses (if you used 50g/L then one to three cups, depending on bodyweight/tolerance), as too large a dose of kratom could result in a negative experience.

No specifics on how much sugar/honey/juice to add, everyone's different, you know. But heres a tip. If you can't bear the taste well, don't bother mixing anything, just slam it down as fast as you can. If you are able to deal with the taste, try a mixture of sugar/honey/juice that satisfies you.

Step Seven

Drink and enjoy. Effects begin about 10-30 minutes after consumption, and last up to 4 hours.

How to Live Better with Hashimotos Thyroiditis

2008-01-13T12:37:00.003-08:00

Hashimotos Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own thyroid gland. This guide is intended to help you take the first steps towards reclaiming your health. I have this disease myself and have found many helps throughout my journey. I am now sharing these with you.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Determination
Positive attitude

Steps

Step One

Eliminate stimulants and chemicals from your diet.

Thyroiditis can be positively influenced by a healthy diet. Consider what you are currently eating. Keep a journal for a week and spot the culprits that might be there. Some of the more obvious ones are caffeine, sugar and preservatives. I react strongly to all three of these. It took me many years to realize what a significant burden those “foods” were to my health. The first two abuse the adrenal glands and cause all types of imbalance. Preservatives can cause further stress to the brain (especially Aspartame!). Greatly reduce or eliminate your intake of these substances. This is what I found to be the best “first step” in helping the symptoms of this disease.

Step Two

Choose the treatment options that are best for you.

Please fully research all your options before you start any long term thyroid treatment! Consider first and foremost what your regular diet should be. Then, begin to choose the right treatment for your body. There are combinations of herbal supplements, synthetic drugs (I would strongly recommend against this choice unless you just can’t get to other solutions), and natural desiccated thyroid preparations like Nature-Throid and Armour. There are other natural paths including detoxification methods. This is such an important step. I can’t stress enough how bad I felt that I had missed this step 14 years ago! I just did what the doctor told me. To know more about this critical step, please see my website home page which is listed below this article.

Step Three

Watch out for Over-the-counter medications.

Find and take the right medications and don’t take the wrong ones! This is important. Just like food, ALL medications have side effects. It is very important to know what the side effects are and if they might be influencing your symptoms. For example, I used to suffer from excruciating migraine headaches. My HMO doctor (who was not interested in natural causes or treatments) suggested I take an over-the-counter medication. He said it was likely sinus related. This led me to Advil Cold and Sinus. Well, was I aware that my headaches got better because there is caffeine in them? Case and point: I found out that caffeine works to relieve caffeine headaches! Why? Because our body begins to depend on the “fix” each day when we have caffeine on a regular basis. After a few days off of caffeine, a very serious withdrawal symptom can result in the form of a headache (in addition to other symptoms that are known as “die off” symptoms). Many times it can be relieved by eating or drinking caffeine. I believe that’s why I have spurts of being addicted to chocolate. The only “cure” for this cycle is to get off of these roller coasters; whether from drugs or caffeine in food. I can’t go into all the chemical reactions your body can have over different drugs here, but it is important for you to be aware of each and every drug you are putting into your body. This goes a long way toward healing. Find the root problem and then work to overcome it without drugs – therefore bypassing their side effects.

Step Four

Exercise does more than we think.

Yes, it is important but I believe the importance comes in many forms. It is a great stress reliever! Something about exercise just cleans out the negative thoughts in the brain. It has been so exciting to see the difference after I exercise. It just feels like someone just took a weight off of me. Oh, of course I must bring up the “weight” thing. Here’s one big problem with this disease. Our metabolism is seriously compromised when there is a sluggish thyroid. If you combine exercise with the right diet and right treatment, well, you’ve got a chance. But that combination is still not fully researched. What we do know is that a whole body approach has the most benefit. So find a fun exercise. Please don’t make yourself do something you hate to do. Choose a variety to alternate during the week to combat repetition injuries and to keep you from becoming bored.

Step Five

Finally, take control of your health.

Educate yourself about Hashimotos Thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disease. It has cycles. It fluctuates depending on things like life crisis, stress, seasons (especially the cold seasons when your body temperature naturally goes down), diet, attitude, etc. What I find the most confusing about this disease is the large amount of triggers it has. Consider a yearly calendar specifically noting times during the year that your symptoms flare up. This might go a long way in trouble-shooting triggers that you may be able to avoid in the future. A forum dedicated to thyroid disease is an excellent place to get support. Consider joining one, or better yet, visit my website forum linked below so we can walk through this disease together.

How to Treat Hives Naturally

2008-01-13T12:37:00.001-08:00

Hives are red blotchy swellings on the skin, which are usually the result of an allergic reaction. They are often very itchy and can be painful or cause a burning sensation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

Cornstarches
Licorice
Oatmeal
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Aloe Vera Gel
Antihistamines
Echinacea
Ginseng
Nettles
Quercetin
Vitamin C
Yellow Dock

Steps

Step One

Put cool, wet compresses on red areas to soothe itching.

Step Two

Take a bath in oatmeal if hives cover a large area.

Step Three

Add cornstarch to your regular bath.

Step Four

Apply aloe vera gel to soothe skin and reduce discomfort.

Step Five

Take acidophilus to help reduce an allergic reaction.

Step Six

Take quercetin to help relieve inflammation and allergic reactions.

Step Seven

Supplement with 1,000mg vitamin C a day to help your immune system respond to allergens.

Step Eight

Use the herbs alfalfa, yellow dock, echinacea, ginseng, licorice and nettles.

Step Nine

Investigate the cause of the hives. Medications, insect bites or stings, certain foods and food additives, and certain plants are common culprits.

Step Ten

Avoid the substance that caused your hives.

Step Eleven

Use an antihistamine for temporary relief of symptoms, particularly if hives are very severe or if overall allergic reaction is severe.

Tips & Warnings

Hives can be part of a very serious, even life threatening, allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. If you have an outbreak of hives accompanied by difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting, chest pain, coughing or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, seek immediate emergency assistance.
If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

How to Use Alternative Therapies for Anxiety

2008-01-13T12:36:00.004-08:00

Anti-depressants are being prescribed left and right. Some don’t like the idea of taking pharmaceutical remedies, as even doctors don’t know the how and why some of these pills work. There are a number of alternative remedies available for anxiety and mood.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

Herbal remedies
Aromatherapy

Steps

Step One

Click to enlarge

Take herbal remedies. St. John’s Wort, Valerian, and Gingko Biloba have all been proven effective. Experiment with what works best for you. There are relaxation teas and supplements available.

Step Two

Click to enlarge

Exercise. Exercise isn’t just to improve physically, but mentally. Getting the blood moving is important for mood elevation.

Step Three

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Get plenty of sleep and eat well. A lack of sleep and poor diet can be an emotional drain. Anxiety is hard on the body.

Step Four

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Take relaxing baths and listen to relaxing music. Candlelight is more relaxing than harsh, artificial light. Aromatherapy, such as incense, can help as well.

Step Five

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Breathe deeply. One method is to breathe in one nostril, while covering the other, then breathing out the other nostril. A very relaxing technique.

Step Six

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Acupuncture and acupressure have shown to be mood elevators. Hypnosis has also shown to be effective. These methods will work better for some and not for others. You have to trust the process and not be overly skeptical.

Step Seven

Click to enlarge

Use Bach Flower Remedies—there are different concoctions available for different types of anxiety. An alternative therapist specializing in Bach Flower Remedies can help find the best solution.

How to Get Medical Marijuana in California

2008-01-13T12:36:00.003-08:00

This isn't the hardest thing in the world, but you need to cover all your bases, and depending on where you live it may be a long drive.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You'll Need

"Chronic Ailment"

Steps

Step One

You don't need to be a dying medical patient to receive medical marijuana! You can use it to treat things such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc...there are many different things that you can use medical marijuana for.

Step Two

Although all doctors can give you a medical marijuana recommendation, most won't. You need to find a marijuana friendly doctor in your area. Depending on your area you may have to drive an hour or more to find a doctor willing to prescribe marijuana. Visit www.canorml.org to find a marijuana friendly doctor. CANORML is the California National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

Step Three

It will cost about $100-$200 for your visit to the marijuana doctor. This visit will not be covered on your insurance!!

Step Four

You must have documented proof from your current doctor that you have a chronic condition. Emphasis on CHRONIC. When you go to your current doctor to get your medical records you do not have to tell them that you are using it to get marijuana!! It's your personal business.

Step Five

Also, when seeing the doctor make sure you state that you have or have had used marijuana and it relieves your symptoms without any side effects.

Step Six

Once receiving your marijuana recommendation you need to get your medicine! Visit www.canorml.org to find a dispensary near you!

Step Seven

Visit http://www.webehigh.com/news/detail.php?choose_subject=1&newsId=331&CITYID=0 for a great guide on how to obtain medical marijuana!! If after reading this you have any questions feel free to send me a message on eHow and I'll answer any question you have!

How to Make a Garlic Astrigent

2008-01-13T12:36:00.001-08:00

This folk remedy soothes pimples and boils.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Garlic

Steps

Step One

Crush garlic into the lard.

Step Two

Blend well.

Step Three

Apply to problem area.

Tips & Warnings

Garlic's blood-cleansing affect is believed to help avoid pimples.

How to Treat Acid Reflux

2008-01-13T12:35:00.004-08:00

You can cure and prevent acid reflux with a few quick life changes. A trip to the health food store for some supplements and a list of what to do.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

Choline Bitartrate
Licorice pills
Glutamine powder

Steps

Step One

Click to enlarge

L-Glutamine Powder from Trueprotein.com

Glutamine powder comes in powder form and has no taste. Glutamine is an amino acid thought to help reduce hyperacidity and inflammation of the stomach lining. It cured me when prescription meds did not.
Mix two level teaspoons in a cup of water and drink one in the morning and one at night. It worked for me to heal the pain in my esophagus. I took choline bitartrate and licorice pills once a day which helped the healing process. I found the best price and a quality product at Trueprotein.com.

Step Two

When you eat sit up straight and do not recline until you have digested your food. Eliminate acid producing foods like coffee, chocolate, tomatoes and eggplant. Cut down on cheese and limit the amount of yogurt you eat until you feel better. You can gradually resume small quantity of the foods above when you feel healed.

Step Three

Gastric Reflux is often associated with obesity, pregnancy, overeating, bending, lifting, lying down too soon after eating and smoking. You can cure yourself with a small amount of effort.

How to Use Aloe Vera for Weight Loss

2008-01-13T12:35:00.003-08:00

Today, there are millions of different products that claim to help you lose weight quickly and easily. There is no miracle weight-loss cure, however. The only way to lose weight safely and effectively is through diet and exercise. At most, weight loss formulas and products like aloe vera offer an added boost to a diet and exercise plan.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

Aloe vera juice
Aloe vera latex capsules
Aloe vera gel

Steps

Step One

Inform your doctor of your intention to use aloe vera. Aloe vera can have counter indications for some people, as well as some drug interactions.

Step Two

Start your weight loss regimen with an aloe vera colon cleanse. Cleaning out the colon to get rid of toxic residue will help improve your energy level so that you can get more out of your weight loss plan. You can choose from aloe vera juice or capsules taken daily for several weeks.

Step Three

Adopt a low-fat, low-sugar, low-calorie diet to shave off the pounds. Consider choosing organic foods to limit the buildup of toxins in the body.

Step Four

Create a regular exercise routine and stick to it. A combination of cardiovascular exercise and weight training is the most effective way to lose weight and sculpt your body.

YOUR ONLINE MED

Choose Organic Produce

Choose Healthy Foods for the Family

change you eating habits when trying to lose weight

Things You’ll Need:

Buy Non-GMO Snacks

Begin Your Diet

Begin Your Diet

Things You’ll Need:

Be Vegan on a Budget

Be Grossed Out By Lunch Meat Salami

Things You’ll Need:

Avoid Weekend Binging

Avoid Overeating and Gaining Weight

How to Avoid Getting Bloated on a Long Flight

How to Make A Hops Pillow

Introduction

Instructions

Things You'll Need

Steps

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

How to Make a Herbal Infusion From Seeds and Flowers

Introduction

Instructions

Things You'll Need

Steps

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

How to Make a Herbal Infusion From Roots and Barks

Introduction

Instructions

Things You'll Need

Steps

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Step Four

How to Make a Headache Relief Pot

Introduction

Instructions

Things You'll Need

Steps

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Step Four

Step Five

Tips & Warnings

How to Harvest and Store Valerian Roots

Introduction

Instructions

Things You'll Need

Steps

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Step Four

Step Five

Step Six

Step Seven

How to Heal an Upset Stomach

Introduction

Instructions

Things You'll Need

Steps

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Tips & Warnings

How to Make a Detox Vegetable Broth

Introduction

Instructions

Things You'll Need

Steps

Step One

Step Two

Step Three