Something that is found routinely on Asian kitchen shelves and is increasingly now found in kitchens all over the world, is turmeric.
Long known and revered for its natural antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties, it is now increasing in popularity the world over both as a condiment as well as a medical aid.
If brides in many south Asian countries are routinely anointed with turmeric paste because it is said to make skin glow, and if it is commonly applied on minor cuts and grazes as a healing aid, this is not inconsistent with what scientists are increasingly discovering about turmeric.
Turmeric is well known for treating minor cuts and wounds since it is known to have antibacterial properties.
Since it is a natural antiseptic, among the less advanced societies, this is something that is widely used to treat minor ailments because of its efficacy as well as its ready availability.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent. One traditional remedy for a sore throat and cough is turmeric mixed with warm milk.
It may not taste great, but generations have sworn to efficacy of this in treating a bad throat due to the way that the turmeric acts to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
It is also used to ease gastrointestinal discomfort and is sometimes effectively seen to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
Turmeric is widely used in Ayurveda. Traditionally turmeric is an important ingredient in the Indian medical tradition of Ayurveda.
It is also used in a lot of cosmetics. Not only in traditional societies, but even modern, western societies are making use of turmeric for cosmetics.
And this is not just for things such as antiseptic creams, but also is used in making sunscreens because of antioxidant and skin lightening properties.
Modern medicine is exploring the use of turmeric in treating a variety of ailments. Curcumin, found in turmeric, which is principally responsible for turmeric’s restorative properties, is being experimented with in order to find possible curative uses for it.
Modern researchers are investigating the possibility of using turmeric and its medicinal properties to treat Alzheimer’s, arthritis and other biological disorders.
Trials have been conducted to see if turmeric has a beneficial effect on cancers of the pancreas, multiple myeloma, colorectal cancer etc.
One study even found that curcumin is able to destroy cells of esophageal cancer. Turmeric is seen to support nerve growth. It is also seen to be useful in treating snake bites.
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vineri, 26 februarie 2010
joi, 4 februarie 2010
Homeopathy – How Does It Work?
The current agitation against Homeopathic Medicines in Britain does lead us to ask the question Does homeopathy work? How, if at all does it work? Protesters have called homeopathic treatments “scientifically absurd” and have asked for withdrawal of the treatments as the BBC reported.
The protestors have dismissed homeopathy as nothing more than a placebo.
So what is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of treatment that supports the body’s own healing mechanism. Homeopathy bases itself on the principle of “like cures like”. A homeopathic remedy is an extremely pure, natural substance that is administered in a very diluted form.
In large quantities these substances would cause the same symptoms the patient is trying to cure. In small, pure, diluted doses, it is not only safe and free from side effects, but it will trigger the body to heal itself and that is the basis of homeopathy.
Well one may believe in homeopathy or not, but it is our considered view that it is unreasonable to demand that others stop using homeopathy. Certainly there is enough reason to believe in its efficacy; enough people have benefitted from it. Even if there is no benefit, there is no side effect either; so is there any reason to condemn homeopathy? We think not!
The protestors have dismissed homeopathy as nothing more than a placebo.
So what is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of treatment that supports the body’s own healing mechanism. Homeopathy bases itself on the principle of “like cures like”. A homeopathic remedy is an extremely pure, natural substance that is administered in a very diluted form.
In large quantities these substances would cause the same symptoms the patient is trying to cure. In small, pure, diluted doses, it is not only safe and free from side effects, but it will trigger the body to heal itself and that is the basis of homeopathy.
Well one may believe in homeopathy or not, but it is our considered view that it is unreasonable to demand that others stop using homeopathy. Certainly there is enough reason to believe in its efficacy; enough people have benefitted from it. Even if there is no benefit, there is no side effect either; so is there any reason to condemn homeopathy? We think not!
sâmbătă, 23 ianuarie 2010
Allergy Treatment
Once you develop allergies, you cannot prevent them. What you can do is avoid the allergens that cause them.
You should consult with your doctor on the efficacy of getting allergy shots, which are meant to desensitize you to allergens so that you no longer have allergic reactions. There is still some debate over whether such injections work for everyone.
Antihistamines may help suppress symptoms, though most will cause drowsiness. A few such as Claritin seem not to cause this side effect.
Other drugs that can alleviate symptoms are decongestants, nasal sprays and corticosteroids.
If sensitive to outdoor allergens such as pollen, stay indoors during the heaviest concentrations of it or when it's windy. Turn on your air conditioner (making sure that the filters are clean) both in your house and car. Clean your dog or cat after it's been outside as pollen can cling to fur; or give your pet away. Take a shower yourself after being outdoors.
Consider purchasing an air purifier for rooms that you spend the most time in.
If allergic to dust, keep your house clean. Get rid of carpets and other fabrics, such as curtains. Wash clothes and bedding often. Do not use down pillows or comforters.
If you consistently suffer from allergies, regardless of whether it's pollen season or not, it may be that you are allergic to a particular food or food additive. UC Berkeley's The New Wellness Encyclopedia recommends the following for people with mild to moderate allergies: Take your resting pulse (in a 60-second count), then try a little of the food (in as pure a form as possible) you suspect may be causing your allergies. Take your heart rate 15-20 minutes after consumption. If your heart rate is more than 10 beats faster per minute, you're allergic to that food. Eliminate it from your diet. Do not pursue this recommendation if your allergies are severe as anaphylactic shock can result.
You should consult with your doctor on the efficacy of getting allergy shots, which are meant to desensitize you to allergens so that you no longer have allergic reactions. There is still some debate over whether such injections work for everyone.
Antihistamines may help suppress symptoms, though most will cause drowsiness. A few such as Claritin seem not to cause this side effect.
Other drugs that can alleviate symptoms are decongestants, nasal sprays and corticosteroids.
If sensitive to outdoor allergens such as pollen, stay indoors during the heaviest concentrations of it or when it's windy. Turn on your air conditioner (making sure that the filters are clean) both in your house and car. Clean your dog or cat after it's been outside as pollen can cling to fur; or give your pet away. Take a shower yourself after being outdoors.
Consider purchasing an air purifier for rooms that you spend the most time in.
If allergic to dust, keep your house clean. Get rid of carpets and other fabrics, such as curtains. Wash clothes and bedding often. Do not use down pillows or comforters.
If you consistently suffer from allergies, regardless of whether it's pollen season or not, it may be that you are allergic to a particular food or food additive. UC Berkeley's The New Wellness Encyclopedia recommends the following for people with mild to moderate allergies: Take your resting pulse (in a 60-second count), then try a little of the food (in as pure a form as possible) you suspect may be causing your allergies. Take your heart rate 15-20 minutes after consumption. If your heart rate is more than 10 beats faster per minute, you're allergic to that food. Eliminate it from your diet. Do not pursue this recommendation if your allergies are severe as anaphylactic shock can result.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips called "tender points." People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms. Available data suggest that the number of persons aged 18 and older in the United States with fibromyalgia is approximately 3.7 million. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly, and men may also be affected.
Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about what triggers the disease. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may result from an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe the syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified.
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed criteria for fibromyalgia that physicians can use in diagnosing the disease. According to ACR criteria, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain for at least 3 months in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites.
Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach. The physician, physical therapist, and others in the medical support system, as well as the patient, may all play an active role in the management of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise, such as swimming and walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces muscle pain and tenderness. Heat and massage may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant medications may help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. People with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.
Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about what triggers the disease. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may result from an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe the syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified.
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms mimic those of other diseases. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed criteria for fibromyalgia that physicians can use in diagnosing the disease. According to ACR criteria, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain for at least 3 months in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites.
Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach. The physician, physical therapist, and others in the medical support system, as well as the patient, may all play an active role in the management of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise, such as swimming and walking, improves muscle fitness and reduces muscle pain and tenderness. Heat and massage may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant medications may help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. People with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.
marți, 13 octombrie 2009
Spirulina Is A Miracle Remedy
Spirulina is a food supplement for human and animal consumption that is cultivated all over the world. It is generally used as a supplement for humans, and it is available raw or in the tablet form.
In some parts of the world where it is used more it is even available in the flake and powder forms.
Spirulina is generally found in subtropical lakes, which contain high quantities of potassium, carbonates and bicarbonates.
So why is there a sudden craze for Spirulina? Well, it’s not so sudden. People have been using Spirulina for ages. The Aztecs used it as a nourishing condiment after drying it.
Other Mesoamericans used Spirulina for healing stomach infections and stomach diseases. In the year 1970, for the first time a large Spirulina plant was built near Lake Texcoco.
The reason why Spirulina is being used on a daily basis by people all over the world is because it contains anything from 50 to 80 % protein, as well as essential amino acids. These amino acids can be compared to the value of those in meat, eggs and even milk.
It is more nutritious than most vegetables! It also contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, Vitamin C, D and E. You’d think that’s all that a tiny strand of algae can hold, there is so much more inside it. It contains essential minerals like potassium, calcium, which are all great for the human body.
Over the years, people have begun to realize the medical properties of Spirulina. It is said that it can even help prevent heart damage brought about by chemotherapy which uses Doxorubicin, without affecting the anti cancer functionality.
It is also believed to reduce the severity of strokes, and to enhance the recovery process after a stroke has occurred. Also, it helps reverse age related memory loss and hearing problems. It has medically been proven to aid the treatment of hay fever as well.
Other medically proven benefits include aiding the process of healing keratosis and melanosis which occurs when one has chronic arsenic poisoning. It also helps treat anemia of HIV infected and HIV negative children who have nutrition problems.
During a medical trial the Spirulina proved over a period of 2 months sizeable reduction in cholesterol levels and increased blood pressure stability. The group took 4.5g of Spirulina every day, and it was found that their total cholesterol dropped significantly, their HDL Cholesterol increased, and their triglycerides were lowered as was their general blood pressure level. Lastly, Spirulina has been clinically proven to be effective in Rhinitis, which can lead to a condition called chronic sinusitis.
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