How to Learn More about Herbal Healing

Introduction

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You'll Need

• One good herb book
• One good herbal health book
• Internet access

Steps

1

Step One

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

2

Step Two

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

3

Step Three

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

4

Step Four

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

5

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.

6

Step Six

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

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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

Introduction

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Determine Your Reason for Taking Herbs While Cleansing

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Steps

1

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.

2

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

1

Step One

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

2

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.

3

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

1

Step One

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

2

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.

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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.

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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

Introduction

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

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.

2

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.

3

Step Three

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

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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.

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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.

6

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

Introduction

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

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.

2

Step Two

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

3

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

Introduction

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

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.

2

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.

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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

Introduction

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

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.

2

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.

3

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

Introduction

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

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.

2

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.

3

Step Three

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

4

Step Four

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

5

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

Introduction

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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

Introduction

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

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

Steps

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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

Introduction

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.

Instructions

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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.