Unlike now where there is a pharmacy on every corner, Great Grandma just went outside her back door when she needed something to fix a headache. Since there wasn’t a pharmacy nearby, she learned how to care for her family’s needs with a little help from nature.

Although today all of us have access to pharmacies, you, like Great Grandma, may prefer the natural cures. If you don’t have an herb garden in your yard, and not many people do, then you can still get your herbs from a health food store.

Now I’m not a herbologist or a nutritionist but when it comes to herbal remedies, the five most popular herbs are:

1. Echinacea – In times past, Native Americans relied on this herb for symptoms of respiratory distress. Today it’s widely sought after to combat symptoms of colds and flu. It is a common ingredient in commercial cough drops, although the amount in that product is less than what you could get in an herbal formula. Echinacea is also important in supporting the immune system function.

2. Ginkgo and Ginkgo Biloba – This is a herb that is rising in popularity because it seems to improves brain and memory function. Although the extent of its power isn’t known, it has been shown to improve circulation. You may have seen Ginkgo Biloba advertised in commercial tonics and tablets. Before buying theses, be careful that the quality and quantity of this herb is sufficient to matter.

3. St. John’s Wort – This was a little known herb until it came to attention as a natural alternative to anti-depressant medications. Critics in the medical profession say that the dosage is not as predictable as with prescription medications. Proponents of herbal remedies counter that the safety and lack of addiction potential still make St. John’s Wort a good alternative to prescription drugs.

4. Chamomile – This herb is more than a flavorful tea, it’s an natural remedy that relieves the discomfort of muscle cramping and can help reduce anxiety. This herbal tea can also be used as a remedy for insomnia.

5. Ginseng is an herbal remedy that has been handed down from ancient Chinese culture. Ginseng is an adaptogen which is a term used by herbalists to refer to a natural herb product that has the ability to increase the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. It can help you ward off physical and mental strain so that your body can return to normal levels of functioning. That’s why herbalists recommend Ginseng for fatigue and stress, particularly when recovering from an illness.

I would recommend consulting with a herbologist or a nutritionist before considering using these but they are easy to find and, in the long run, probably less harmful than OTC drugs.

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Description

Also known as tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is a common fungus infection. Intense itching is the hallmark of athlete’s foot. In fact, the condition is so irritating that many sufferers vigorously scratch at the area just for a few moments of relief. Unfortunately, scratching not only worsens the existing infection, it spreads the fungus to new skin. In cases where scratching is especially intense, the skin can become extremely weepy and warm to the touch.

Athlete’s foot is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes, a moderately contagious organism that is most commonly spread in locker rooms, public showers, and swimming poolshence, the name “athlete’s foot.” It can also be caught by sharing an infected towel or by stepping on a mat after someone with athlete’s foot stood there. Athlete’s foot infections are rarely dangerous.

Poor hygiene, continually moist skin, and minor skin or nail injuries increase your chances of catching athlete’s foot from a contaminated surface. Clean, dry, and intact skin rarely becomes infected.

Signs and Symptoms

Intense itching on the sole of the foot or in between the toes

Stinging or burning sensation between toes

Cracked, red skin that mayor may not ooze liquid

Dry scaling and fissuring of skin between toes

Small, pink, water-filled blister between toes

Nails that separate from the nail bed

Foot odor

Conventional Medical Treatment

Athlete’s foot is usually diagnosed by a visual exam. treatment typically involves an over-the counter anti-fungal cream or liquid that is applied to the area twice a day. In severe cases, a stronger cream or an oral anti-fungal medication is prescribed. In addition, you are instructed to keep your feet dry, wear absorbent socks, wash your feet daily, wear open-toe shoes or sandals whenever possible, and change socks when damp. If your feet sweat unusually heavily, visit your health care provider to rule out any undiagnosed medical problems.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

In order to lower the amount of acid in the body, avoid acid-forming foods, such as red meat Stay away from foods high in phosphates, such as soda, fried foods, and all forms of sugar. Your diet should include raw fruits and vegetables, broiled fish and chicken, and whole grains. Include tofu and cultured foods high in acidophilus, such as yogurt Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins.

A daily nutritional supplement regimen such as the one below should help your condition.

Most Important

a prodophilus formula (1 tsp in water twice daily on empty stomach)-replenishes friendly bacteria

colloidal silver (apply topically as directed on label)-a natural antibiotic and disinfectant that promotes healing

garlic (as directed on label)-destroys fungus

Also Recommended

vitamin B complex (100 mg)-promotes healthy skin

vitamin C (3000 to 10,000 mg 3 times daily in divided doses)-promotes immune function

zinc (50 mg daily, not to exceed a total of 100 mg from all supplements)-inhibits fungus and stimulates the immune system

essential fatty acids (1 tblsp flaxseed oil)-promotes healing of skin disorders

vitamin A (50,000 IU daily for 1 month, then reduce to 25,000 IU; do not exceed 8000 IU daily if you are pregnant)-heals tissues and stimulates the immune system

vitamin E (start with 400 IU daily and slowly increase to 1000 IU daily)-promotes healthy skin

oil of oregano (apply topically as directed on label)

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your healthcare provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Aromatherapy

Tea tree oil is especially effective for combating athlete’s foot and other skin infections. For athlete’s foot, apply the essential oil directly to the affected area after thoroughly washing and drying. Dilute with aloe gel or vegetable oil if it’s too strong.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic practitioners recommend cleaning the affected area with tea tree oil, then applying an aloe vera-turmeric mixture for 2 to 3 weeks. Note: turmeric stains fabric and skin, so wear old socks.

Homeopathy

See “Yeast Infections” entry.

Hydrotherapy

Wash and thoroughly dry the affected areas often.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese Herbal Therapy To treat athlete’s foot, an herbalist may prepare a decoction of fresh aloe vera juice and licorice, which can be applied directly to the affected area 3 times a day, as needed.

Garlic can also be used to treat athlete’s foot. Simply puree 3 to 5 fresh cloves, apply them to the area and wrap in a clean, dry cloth or sterilized gauze. Leave the cloth in place for 1 to 2 hours before removing. Wipe away garlic with another clean, dry cloth (don’t use water).

Constipation

This is usually caused by insufficient fiber in the diet. However, lack of fluid, too little exercise, and too much stress can also contribute. Symptoms of the condition include difficult, irregular, and infrequent movements of the bowel. Consult a physician if constipation persists, or immediately if it is associated with vomiting, fever, or abdominal pain

Treatment

Herbal Medicine

Camomile, hops, fennel, and a natural laxative such as linseed, will ease constipation. Drink herbal teas rather than coffee.

Reflexology and Massage Both can be helpful.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Acupuncture This can help to relieve stress.

Diarrhea

Intolerance of certain foods, a virus, or bacteria can be responsible for diarrhea. It can also be caused by anxiety and a change of diet.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition Drink lots of water and peppermint tea to replace lost fluid. If symptoms persist, replace lost salts by regularly drinking a mixture of 1 pt/500mlt water to 1 tablespoonful of sugar and 1 teaspoonful of salt. The water strained off boiled rice is also helpful. Eat plenty of live yogurt or take half a teaspoonful of Lactobacillus acidophilus with a teaspoonful of Lactobacillus bulgaricus in a glass of water three times a day. Avoid solid food.

Herbal Medicine Golden seal, and an infusion of agrimony, plantain, or geranium are helpful, as is peppermint tea.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Dandelion, golden thread and skullcap root are all recommended.

Homeopathy Arsenicum alb. 6c and Pulsatilla 6c.

Acupressure This can help.

Fecal Incontinence

A temporary loss of bowel control can occur as a result of diarrhea. Regular lack of control may result from an injury to the anal muscles (during childbirth or surgery), or from paralysis or dementia. It can also result from fecal impaction, a condition in which feces become stuck in the bowel. This can cause inflammation and lead to the uncontrolled release of small pieces of feces from the rectum.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition Follow a high-fiber, wholefood diet, and drink plenty of water (at least six large glasses a day).

Acupressure and Yoga Both of these treatments are helpful, especially the practice of abdominal breathing techniques.

Homeopathy Causticum 6c is often recommended.

Herbs have been used in the traditional folk medicine of many nations for thousands of years to treat premature aging conditions such as premature graying hair. Admittedly, traditional medicines have not always been effective in treating gray hair and to this day no herbal or medicinal treatment for genetically-determined and age-related gray hair conditions exists. Nonetheless, herbal remedies have experienced a great revival in popularity recently and now account for more than 50% of all hair care products sold. Their attractiveness stems mainly from the widespread belief that they are free from negative side effects and can stimulate natural healing processes in the body and thus reverse medical conditions naturally.
 
By far the most popular herbal cure for reversing gray hair today is Fo-Ti root. It can be found as a principal active ingredient in almost any existing natural gray hair product. Fo-Ti (polygonum multiflorum), is a climbing plant native to China and now widely grown also in Taiwan and Japan. In traditional Chinese medicine it has been used for ages as a popular longevity tonic because of its assumed ability to counteract the body’s aging processes. In China it is well known under the name He shou wu, which stands for “black haired Mr. He”. The legend has it that an old villager, Mr. He, who lived in the 9th century A.D. took Fo-Ti and restored his black hair, youthful appearance and vitality and fathered children at the ripe age of 60. He lived to 130, maintaining his black hair. In addition to influencing the aging processes, Fo-Ti is believed to possess many other health-giving properties highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. Among other things, it is also thought to extend hair growth cycles and thus it can be frequently found in many commercial hair loss products. As is so often the case with herbal remedies, Fo-Ti has never been clinically studied as a potential gray hair treatment. There is no scientific or recent empirical evidence that it can help reverse graying hair.

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) and folic acid are two vitamins from the group of B vitamins credited with the ability to reverse graying of the hair. Their presence in the human body is essential to maintaining one’s original hair color and it is possible that a shortage of any of these two vitamins might lead to hair turning gray. Their extra intake can be beneficial in gray hair conditions caused by vitamin B deficiency but will not restore original hair color in conditions caused by hereditary factors or old age. Nonetheless, these two vitamins are used in almost any commercial gray hair remedy you can buy.

There are numerous other herbal ingredients such as Asian ginseng, eleuthero root, gotu kola, ginkgo biloba, green tea, rosemary, chamomile, horsetail, etc. that you can find in natural gray hair products (for more info read: http://www.greyhairloss.com/herbal-hair-loss-remedies.html), having mostly supplementary functions, such as promoting a healthy scalp environment or providing additional nutrients to your hair follicles. Some other herbs, such as sage, are used to add color to your hair, working as a natural hair colorant while also giving your hair more shine, which gives the impression of there being less gray hair. One traditional method of reversing graying hair, which may sound anecdotal, is rubbing your fingernails against each other to help circulation (as nerve endings are located under the finger nails), thereby reducing the amount of gray hair.

It can be concluded that no scientific evidence exists that any known exercise or herb, vitamin, mineral or nutrient contained in the natural remedies can reverse premature or age-related graying of hair. If you decide to try any commercial herbal oral treatment for gray hair, keep in mind that besides there being no guarantee of its effectiveness, no daily dosage has been established and side effects might occur, despite the widespread belief that herbal remedies are safe and free from them.

Many Westerners have been trying Chinese acupuncture and medicine when pills and doctors weren’t helping them. Many people who are faced with conditions such as fibromyalgia, tendonitis, or osteoporosis feel that there is no hope of long lasting relief from their symptoms. People that suffer from depression and chronic headaches will benefit from trying Chinese acupuncture.

Evidently, the most current study of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the USA claims that 8.2 million Americans have experienced acupuncture therapy at some point in their lives. Of those people, 2.1 million have tried acupuncture this past year. Acupuncture works through the use of filiform needles that are inserted and maneuvered in certain points on the body to provide freedom from pain. There is more to Chinese medicine than just visiting an acupuncture clinic. There is a wide array of herbal medicines and remedies to try.

Cancer patients who are being treated with chemotherapy have begun using acupuncture and Chinese medicine to alleviate side effects like nausea or headaches. Conditions that are difficult to manage and treat, such as osteoarthritis, asthma, drug addiction, and various types of chronic pain, can often be remedied with acupuncture or Chinese herbal supplements. It’s an effective and inexpensive alternative to a visit with a traditional health practitioner.

Americans are only now beginning to understand the value of alternative medicines, even though the Chinese medicine manuals have remained in tact for over 5,000 years. Schools that provide training and education in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are quite popular in California. Maybe Yoga and green tea have led the way for Chinese acupuncture and medicine. Americans seem to be happy with the new pain relief options.