Home Remedies For Herpes

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Genital Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).

There are two herpes simplex viruses: Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2).

Herpes is spread through direct contact and it is equally common in males and females.

Causes of herpes:

Genital herpes can be caused by either the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2.

HVS type 1 usually infects the lips and when the lips are infected sores called fever blisters or cold sores are present. However, HVS type 1 can infect the genital area and produce sores there.

HVS type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes. However, it also can infect the mouth during oral sex. A person who has genital herpes can pass or transmit the virus to an uninfected person during sex.

Symptoms of Herpes:

Most people who have herpes do not know because they never have any symptoms, or they do not recognize any symptoms they might have. When symptoms are present, they can be different in each person. Usually the symptoms will appear within two to ten days. The first episode of the symptom of herpes usually last two to three weeks.

Symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak include: itching or burning feeling in the genital or anal area, pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area, discharge of fluid from the vagina, feeling of pressure in the abdomen, fever, headache, muscle aches, painful or difficult urination, vaginal discharge and swollen glands in the groin area.

Herpes can be spread between outbreaks when there are no sign or symptoms present.

Treatment of Herpes:

The goal of treatment for genital herpes is to provide relief from the discomfort of herpes sores and to reduce the time it takes for an outbreak to heal. Treatment works best if it is started as soon as possible after an outbreak begins.

Home treatment and prevention for herpes:

Most herpes simplex infections that develop on the skin can be managed at home with over-the-counter painkillers and symptomatic relief.

To reduce discomfort from herpes sores:

1. Take warm sitz baths or wash the area with warm water 3 or 4 times a day.
2. In between sitz baths, keep the water sores clean and dry.
3. Using a hair dryer to dry off the sores may be more comfortable than using a towel.
4. Wear cotton garments to absorb moisture better than those made from synthetic material.

Nonprescription medicines may reduce the pain and fever from genital herpes.

To lower the risk of recurrent outbreaks, reduce or avoid factors that trigger outbreaks such as overexposure to sun, fatigue, irritation of the genital area, and stress.

Ayurvedic tips to avoid outbreaks:

Avoid:

1. Spicy, sour, fried and junk food, which aggravates vata.
2. Precipitating factors.
3. Sleeping in afternoon.
4. Meat products over fried or deep fried in oil or fat.
5. Charred and overcooked food.
6. Consuming opposite food like fish and milk etc.
7. Physical exertion after a meal and
8. Taking bath immediately after exercise or heavy outdoor work.

Include honey, pomegranate, and fruits of Emblica officinals, legumes, dates and raisins in the diet.

Practice yoga and meditation to control emotional disturbances.

Herbal and supplement remedies for herpes simplex include:

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Siberian ginseng

Aleo vera

Bee products that contain propolis, a tree resin collected by bees.

Lysine

Zinc

This article is submitted by Dr. Vikram Chauhan MD – Ayurveda, Consultant Ayurveda Physician for http://www.planetayurveda.com. Dr. Chauhan provides free online consultations to his patients worldwide.

Herbal Remedies For Cough

Coughing is an essential action to help clear the airways and throat. However, there are instances wherein cough suggests a symptom of an underlying condition usually obstruction in the respiratory tract. Coughing is a clear skin that the body is functioning properly because of the fact that it can defend the body from irritants coming from the lungs, throat, and other structures in the respiratory tract. There are times when coughing is caused by environmental irritants like smoke, dust, and other allergens.

In ayurveda, cough is termed as Kaasa roga, a Kapha (water) illness, a common problem caused by irritation or stress of the Kapha Dosha. In this belief, it is caused by poor digestion wherein the food not properly absorbed by the body is changed into ama (Ayurveda: mucus). This ama combined with different motions and passages causes cough upon reaching the respiratory system.

Based on the ayurvedic theory there are five varieties of cough namely kaphaja, pittaja, vataja, kshayaja, and kshataja. Each type of cough has its own identifying characteristics, causative factors, and their own treatment depending on what caused the coughing.

Herbal Remedies for Cough

o The bark of bay berry (myrica nagi) turned into powder is one effective treatment for coughs caused by long-term bronchitis.

o Leaves of Betel (piper betle) are one of the most effective herbal remedies for coughing. Preparation requires crushing the leaves and adding water until the leaves are of paste consistency. It is specifically applied on the chest.

o Leaves of Butea (butea monosperma) are used in treating cough due to septic and sore throats. Solution is prepared by boiling leaves in water and using the water as mouthwash in order to benefit from its healing properties.

o For coughs caused by a swollen pharynx, characterized by irritation of the throat is usually treated by means of clove (Syzygium aromaticum).

o The humble garlic used for sautéing is one of the most essential herbal remedies for cough particularly whooping cough (pertussis). Usual dosage is 2-3 garlic pieces taken twice or thrice daily.

Other good herbal remedies:

o Treat Cough with Mullein: Mullein is considered as one of the best herbs for cough in Eastern United States. This is primarily because this herb has no known toxicity content. It is usually taken in the form of tincture and teas. Native dried mullein can also be used as tobacco to treat asthma and bronchitis.

o Cough and Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root provides for a soothing relief for people suffering from severe coughing and other bronchial problems. Marshmallow root is now available at herb stores in liquid extract, powder, tincture, and cream form.

o Peppermint Treatment: Peppermint has a natural cooling and warming effect that is very effective in treating coughs, colds, and fever. Peppermint has decongestant and astringent actions that relieve stuffiness and congestion. It is available in the form of tea, lozenges, and oils.

o Wild cherry bark for Cough: Wild cherry bark is a natural expectorant that can flush out phlegm. This herb is commonly used to treat coughs associated with phlegm and congestion.

Boil 4 ounces of wild cherry bark in a 500ml water. Simmer it on low heat for an hour. Drink 1 to 3 teaspoon for cough treatment.

o Thyme for Cough: The extracted oil thymol of thyme is used as an antibiotic and expectorant. In fact, this herb is commonly used in most commercial cough syrup formulation. Thyme in syrup, tincture, tea, and oil form is very effective in treating coughs.

Home Remedies for Cough – In addition to herbal remedies, there are still home remedies for cough that makes use of common cooking ingredients usually present in the kitchen of many homes. This includes ginger, honey, pepper, and figs.

Due to multiple of probabilities in developing cough; it is highly essential that everyone should be informed on the simplest and most common home and herbal remedies for cough. This is precautionary so as to prevent you from rushing directly to a local drugstore or the doctor’s clinic in search for a cure to stop the coughing episodes.

The author is the owner of www.ezmed4u.com

For more information about Herbal Remedies for Cough visit http://www.ezmed4u.com/natural/common_cold_home_remedies.aspx

Bitter Melon – Natural Remedies For Diabetes

General Description

The bitter melon or bitter gourd is the bitterest of all vegetables known to humankind, but it is also the most medicinally effective. Though bitter, its fruit is eaten as a vegetable and is used to make several mouthwatering dishes especially in India. In India, the bitter gourd is known as the karela. Its biological name is Momordica charantia.

Morphologically, the bitter melon is an herbaceous vine which bears tendrils and it creeps along supports. Leaves are simple and alternate, and flowers are yellow. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The fruit of the plant, which is known as the bitter melon, has an oblong shape with a warty exterior and is dark green in color.

Bitter melon possesses various chemicals such as charantin, peptides resembling insulin and several alkaloids. Due to these constituents, bitter melon is quite widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Properties

Bitter melon is a valuable vegetable. It is useful in most metabolic and physiological processes of the human body. It has the following properties:-

(i) Bitter melon is composed of various chemicals that have a hypoglycemic activity, i.e. they reduce the amount of sugar in the blood.

(ii) Bitter melon stimulates appetite.

(iii) Bitter melon helps in the entire digestion process. Hence it is used in treatment of digestive problems.

(iv) Bitter melon has emetic, purgative and anthelmentic properties. It is also anti-flatulent.

(v) Bitter melon is used in the dissolution of fats from the body. It is known to have anti-lipolytic properties.

(vi) Bitter melon possesses all the essential vitamins in good amounts, such as vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C and also minerals like iron.

(vii) Bitter melon is anti-inflammatory and astringent. It has specific action on the movement of bowels.

Uses

(i) Anorexia

Bitter melon is an appetite stimulant. Hence it is used in the treatment of anorexia, a disorder in which a person is unable to eat the required amount of food.

(ii) Blood Impurities

Bitter gourd is used as a blood purifier due to its bitter tonic properties. It can heal boils and other blood related problems that show up on the skin. For treatment, a cupful of the juice of the bitter melon must be taken each day in the morning, with a teaspoon of the juice of the citrus lemon in it.

(iii) Diabetes Mellitus

A lot has been written lately about the very beneficial aspects of bitter melon in the treatment of diabetes. As already discussed above, bitter melon has a host of bitter chemicals in which, which are hypoglycemic in action. It also has at least one substance that is like the insulin secreted by the human pancreatic glands. Hence, bitter melon is extremely effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Doctors all over the world prescribe having either bitter melon juice early in the morning or to include it in some other fashion in the daily diet. Regular use of bitter melon over a period of time helps to bring the blood sugar level down.

(iv) Diarrhea

For diarrhea, the juice of a bitter lemon is mixed with the juice of the spring onions, both two teaspoons in quantity. This is then added with the juice of a lemon. This juice is given to the patient twice a day. This remedy is also effective in curing the diarrhea that is caused due to cholera.

(v) Hangovers

The juice of the bitter melon is excellent remedy for hangovers. It is also very beneficial in preventing the liver damage that occurs due to excessive alcoholism.

(vi) Piles

In case of piles, the fresh juice of bitter melons is prescribed to the patient with positive results. Three teaspoons of juice of the bitter melon leaves is to be extracted each morning, added to a glassful of buttermilk and then consumed on an empty stomach. Carrying on this routine for thirty days will treat piles completely. Even externally, the paste of the leaves of the piles can be applied over the hemorrhoids.

(vii) Pyorrhea

Pyorrhea is bleeding from the gums. Including bitter melon in the daily diet or having some of its juice every morning on an empty stomach helps to reduce this problem.

(viii) Respiratory Problems

The paste of the leaves of the bitter melon is mixed with equal amounts of the paste of tulsi leaves. This is taken with honey each morning as a treatment and prevention for respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, common colds and pharyngitis.

(ix) Skin Infections

In case of scabies, ringworm and psoriasis, etc. one cup of bitter melon juice must be had each morning on an empty stomach. This juice can be made more potent by adding a teaspoonful quantity of the juice of the lime in it. It is also used in prevention of leprosy in vulnerable regions of the world.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

Bitter melon is used mostly as a vegetable. It is incorporated in the daily diet. Its juice is also prescribed, generally mixed with other citrus juices like those of the lemon. There are no special preparations made out of the karela, as it is generally consumed in its basic form.

Precautions

There has been some indication that the juice of the karela may induce abortion of fetuses in pregnant women. More research on this is going on. At the same time, attempts are being made to extract the essential components of the bitter melon in a more acceptable and safe form for human consumption.

Read more about the benefits of Bitter Melon and also find Home Remedies for Diabetes at http://www.ayurvediccure.com – World’s Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

Remedies For Blood Pressure

In Western industrialised countries it is estimated that one third of the adult population has high blood pressure and of these one in three will not realise they have the disease because it is a silent killer.

A normal blood pressure reading will read around 120 systolic over 80 diastolic pressure readings. Between 120-139/80-89 is the normal reading for pre-hypertensions and a reading of 140-160/90-100 and above indicates stage one and two hypertension. In the early stages of high blood pressure symptoms are rare, though can include dizziness, nosebleeds and headaches.

No one identifiable cause has been singled out for high blood pressure, though secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying condition and thus has a cause, but it is mostly a combination of lifestyle factors. Such thing as excess weight, lack of physical exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption and high salt diet, stress and of course age and family history play a part.

There are lots of ways to get your deal with hypertension naturally. A doctor will likely recommend medication for controlling hypertension and in severe cases this is completely necessary, but it is best to try and work with your doctor, after all untreated hypertension is a leading cause of heart attack, kidney disease and stroke and even mild hypertension can damage organs if left untreated.

Some natural remedies worth looking into include coenzyme Q10, which has seen promising results in studies for lowering blood pressure. Garlic is another natural wonder plant, and helps to thin the blood and lower blood pressure. Including garlic in the diet is a great way to help your ailments but if you are taking it as a supplement check with your doctor for any reactions with other medications you may be taking.

Hawthorn is also great for hypertension. Studies have shown marked reductions in pressure from patients using hawthorn extract and there have been no issues with herb-drug interactions from using the supplement.

Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium have all shown to have results in helping to lower high blood pressure. Potassium helps counter the effects of salt on the kidneys and helps to lower blood pressure there. Before getting medicated makes sure you explore all your options, because there are plenty of herbal and natural remedies out there.

Stress is another key factor in hypertension and learning to de-stress is important for controlling it. The fight against hypertension can also be helped by using your mind – techniques such as autogenic training and biofeedback have shown to be very helpful. Both techniques involve learning how to control bodily functions that are normally automatic, such as breathing, heart rate, temperature and of course blood pressure. While requiring a lot of effort, these techniques are positive life practices.

Low impact aerobic exercise (a daily walk) is also another hypertension remedy. Low impact exercise will even out your blood flow and lower your resting heart rate resulting in lower blood pressure. Hypertensive patients should not undertake high intensity exercise and any new exercise plans should be talked over with your doctor just to make sure.

Alternative medicines such as Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicines also have natural remedies for high blood pressure. Constitutional types are used to treat patients in Ayurvedic medicine, so each remedy will differ for each patient . A lack of Qi of vital energy is seen in Chinese medicine as a cause of this illness along with emotional issues like depression and anger. Chinese medicine practitioners tend to use acupuncture in conjunction with herbs for treatment.

Natural remedies are available and can work very quickly to get you back in control of your life. Finding ways to deal with hypertension naturally is essential if you are a sufferer.

If you enjoyed the information on remedies for blood pressure take a look at my website How To Lower Blood Pressure Naturally for lots of valuable tips for you!

Can ADHD Herbs Really Alleviate ADHD Symptoms?

Amphetamines rock! Well, that is the impression you get when you read that the production of amphetamines has risen by a mere 2,000 % in a ten year period. That is bad news but when you consider that about 50% of these prescriptions for ADHD drugs are written by pediatricians, you begin to despair. Amphetamines can lead to drug abuse so parents are seeking alternatives. ADHD herbs have hit the news recently as they have been shown to be effective in alleviating some ADHD symptoms.

We now know only too well that amphetamines and all their cousins with fancy names like methylphenidate are nothing else but ‘speed’ which creates a high. It is when patients try to stop taking them that problems develop. Apart from the side effects of insomnia, high blood pressure, heart problems and impotence, there are problems in coping with the withdrawal such as depression, paranoia and hearing voices.

There are many ADHD herbs which are touted as having a beneficial effect on ADHD symptoms. You only have to be careful about where they are coming from and how they are manufactured. Let us look at a few of the most effective herbs for ADHD.

There is a Chinese herb called Radix Heraclei which has been used since ancient times and is great for soothing the nerves and helping to reduce stress. It has been found to be useful in helping hyperactive children to stay quiet. Another Chinese herb which is perhaps much more famous is Gingko Biloba which helps to develop the nervous system and can be effective in getting more blood to the brain cells. It can help in delivering more oxygen to the tissues and is a great antioxidant. The Ayurvedic herb known as Brahmi has long been recognised as a great aid to cognitive function and brain enhancer generally. These are just three in an impressive list of ADHD herbs now available. In both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, which are systems which have functioned for millennia, there is a great emphasis on restoring a lost or disturbed balance.

It is precisely this function that can be so useful in alleviating ADHD symptoms and ADHD herbs are being used much more now in ADHD treatment. You can find out more about the company which manufactures herbal/homeopathic remedies from the link below. There are certain guarantees which are important before selecting any herbal or homeopathic remedy and herbs for ADHD are no exception. You will be surprised to learn that the facility is supervised by the FDA.

Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in Children’s Health. He has written extensively on ADHD. Discover what ADHD Alternative Therapy is available. Find out how ADHD behavior therapy can save your sanity.

Struggling with Stomach Ulcer Symptoms? Check All Medication Options Closely and Avoid Side Effects!

Go see a doctor!

That’s the normal course of action for any of us suspecting that we may have a stomach ulcer. Is this good advice? Yes, absolutely.

Don’t do what I did – try a shortcut. The first ulcer medication most people (like me) will try is an antacid. Based on common knowledge we all hope that this will fix the problem and save an expensive trip to the doctor. Wrong!

Antacid medications offer short term relief only.

An antacid is not a cure, yet many people rely on antacids. Many antacid medications designed for “too much acid” can actually add fuel to the fire. A common antacid ingredient, calcium carbonate, actually raises stomach acid levels 3 to 4 hours after you take it by stimulating gastric secretion.

Some antacids contain aspirin which is known to cause ulcers if used over prolonged periods. Because antacids are NEVER going to fix any ulcer, you could get hooked on the temporary relief you get, and end up taking an antacid for a prolonged period. Result – the aspirin may cause more ulcers. Bottom line – avoid antacids. They can start a vicious cycle of pain and relief, without ever fixing the problem.

Conventional Treatment

Doctors are great, use them for what they are best at – diagnosing medical conditions. Correct diagnosis is the key to getting the correct treatment. But don’t feel compelled to take the prescribed treatment your doctor will offer you – especially if you have been diagnosed with an infection H Pylori bacterium (the cause of 90% of peptic ulcers).

The most popular treatment these days is Triple Therapy – this treatment is not only aimed at eradicating H Pylori but also to reduce acid levels as well, so your ulcer can heal. In theory this sounds like a good idea. But in reality, stopping the production of stomach acid can do you more harm than good.

What most of us don’t realise is that blocking or reducing the production of your stomach acid can actually leave you under nourished. How so? Easy, normal levels of stomach acid are absolutely necessary to assist in the digestion of proteins properly and to allow your body to absorb vitamins and minerals., When stomach acid is blocked or insufficient, proteins and vitamins from the food you eat cannot be absorbed properly, and this can leave you undernourished, and susceptible to food poisoning, parasites, and other stomach problems, including more ulcers.

Of course, another thing against Triple Therapy is that it is a 10-day to 2-week course. It is fairly complicated and you can expect to take up to 20 pills a day – and the side effects are very unpleasant. To start with, try nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, dark stools, metallic taste in the mouth, and yeast infections in women. In fact, the side effects are so bad it is enough to put most people off finishing the course. Side effects and are the biggest reason for the high failure rates of Triple Therapy.

So what are the options?

Natural cures are safer in terms of side effects, and much easier to take. Very few doctors will be able to tell you much about this because they have been trained to prescribe drugs, and oddly enough most of their post graduate training comes from the pharmaceutical companies. Even if you opt for a natural cure, you will still have to get a diagnosis from your doctor.

A natural treatment for stomach ulcers may be an alternative medicine practice in conjunction with either herbal medicines, and diet and nutritional supplements. Note that if you have been diagnosed with H Pylori, then you will be able to treat this infection with a herbal remedy only.

Certain herbs can eradicate H Pylori completely. Herbs that can also stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation include liquorice, echinacea and Goldenseal. Herbal medicines provide an extremely safe and natural treatment for stomach ulcers, as opposed to the nasty side effects of drug therapy.

Always look for a natural cure that has scientific backing and one that has been tested and approved by laboratory testing.

Apart from herbal remedies, other alternative medicines like acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine and Homeopathy, are all worth investigating as well.

Author Bio
My name is Gavin. My passion is to help others avoid the pitfalls and side effects of conventional medicines. I enjoy writing specifically for you, the patient, without all the medical jargon that only doctors can understand. My aim is to help you easily find an ulcer cure that works best for you. Please feel free to browse my website http://www.ulcer-cure.com for more information.

Massage Therapy For Rheumatic Fever

Ayurveda, an age old Indian system of medicine, emphasis that Rheumatic diseases occur due to accumulated ama accompanied by the vata dosh. Panchakarma, is a cleansing process, which is very much unique in Ayurvedic medicine and by undergoing it, the body is able to release excess doshas and amas (toxins) from the cells and it strikes at the root cause of Rheumatic fever.

Panchakarma means five therapeutic measures which are undergone for the purification of the body. The simple logic on which Ayurveda operates is that the body has to be purified before preparing it for treating it for the complex health problems.

The pre-purification measures of panchakarma are :

1.Snehana (abhyangam) – oil massage is done which helps the ama to move towards the gastro intestinal tract.

2. Swedana (sweating) – a process which liquefies the toxins and increases the movement of ama towards the gastro intestinal tract.

Next comes the main purification measures :

1. Vamana – It is a therapeutic vomiting which eliminates the kapha casuing the excess mucus.

2. Virechana – It is a purgation therapy. To treat the fever which is the result of the excess Pitta being secreted in the gall bladder, liver or small intestine.

3. Nasya – It is believed that nose is the doorway to our brain which in turn is the doorway to consiousness. In Nasya, the excess of bodily humors especially the ones that are found in throat area, are eliminated through administration of medication through the nose.

4. Basti – It is an enema therapy where the herbal concoctions of sesame iols and other herbal preparations in the form of liquid medium are introduced in to the rectum. Janubasti is also very effective in treating vata disorders which results in RA disorders.

Hence panchakarma treatment is found very effective in treating the rheumatic disorders and after undergoing it the person is then advised to lead a modified lifestyle, take proper diet and do yogic exercises that helps him in keeping himself at bay from RA disorders in future too.

Dr Rajesh Nair is a Web writer and ayurvedic researcher. Check out his favorite sources for ayurvedic medicines and herbal medicines

Natural Products For Achilles Tendonitis

Some natural products for Achilles tendonitis really work.

For pain caused by inflammation, the German combination remedy Phytodolor, a blend of ash, poplar, and goldenrod extracts, is backed up with the best scientific evidence. No fewer than ten scientific studies confirm its usefulness in controlling muscle and bone pain with a virtual absence of side effects. This remedy may be particularly appropriate for Achilles tendon pain because it normalizes red blood cells in contact with the affected tissues.

This product is sold in the UK, Ireland, and continental Europe under the trade name Phytodolor; in the United States and Canada it is marketed by Enzymatic Therapy. Because Phytodolor works by reducing inflammation, it is most helpful during the first few weeks after injury. Unlike NSAIDs, it will not aggravate the underlying tissue damage.

SAM-e, best known as a treatment for depression, also relieves pain. Like Phytodolor, it has the advantage of very seldom causing side effects. Various studies have found SAM-e as good or better for pain relief as Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, and Nuprin. A study involving 20,641 people with osteoarthritis of the finger, hip, knee, and spine found that SAM-e alone was as effective as their ordinary pain relievers.x5

In the longest-running study involving the supplement, various minor side effects occurred in 20 out of 97 patients from time to time during the first 18 months of the intervention. In the final 6 months of the study, however, no patients experienced any side effects from SAM-e. Patients received relief of morning stiffness, pain at rest, and pain on movement, and depression as well.

Although the use of individual herbs for Achilles tendonitis is not especially well documented, several herbs are likely to be helpful. Animal studies show that boswellic acid extracts (produced from the Ayurvedic herb guggul) stop inflammation, increase glycosaminoglycan synthesis needed to repair injured tissue, and improve blood flow, the latter especially important in the treatment of Achilles tendonitis.

When used at a dosage of 400 mg per day, there are no reported side effects from boswellic acid. The Ayurvedic formula Yogaraj Guggulu has the same effect, as does a modern Ayurvedic product from TheraVeda (Organix South) called Nartana.

Some people should avoid boswellin, boswellic acid extracts, and guggul (guggulu). Both boswellic acid extracts and Yogaraj Guggulu alter the body’s production of thyroid hormone. They should be avoided by people who have Graves’ disease or other forms of hyperthyroidism. Boswellic acid supplements should be avoided by persons taking beta-blockers, especially propanolol (Inderal, Inderide), or calcium channel blockers, especially diltiazem (Cardizem), for high blood pressure, since boswellic acid can make these drugs less available to the body.

Capsaicin, devil’s claw, menthol, and willow bark all offer pain relief. Capsaicin is the chemical that gives hot peppers their heat. As anyone who has cooked with chiles knows, capsaicin can cause burning, redness, and inflammation, especially to the eyes and mouth. The first time it is applied in a cream to the skin over a painful injury, capsaicin causes these symptoms, but the nerve fibers serving the back of the leg become insensitive to it-and to pain.

The product Tiger Balm works through providing a combination of capsaicin and menthol.

Capsaicin works best when there is good circulation to the skin to which it is applied.Do not apply capsaicin to your legs if you have diabetes and never apply capsaicin to ulcerated skin.

It is also important to keep capsaicin out of your nose and eyes. Allergic reactions to capsaicin are rare but are not unknown, and there have been cases of hypothermia in people who used capsaicin in an especially cold room. It is theoretically possible that capsaicin absorbed into the bloodstream could reduce the bioavailability of aspirin, and when aspirin does not relieve pain, people tend to take too much; if you use capsaicin, use pain relievers other than aspirin.

Devil’s claw relieves knee pain, but only if it is taken in an enteric-coated form that protects its analgesic compounds from being digested in the stomach. Do not use devil’s claw with NSAIDs such as aspirin and Tylenol and avoid it entirely if you have duodenal or gastric ulcers.

Willow bark is a natural substitute for aspirin. It contains a pain reliever less potent than the salicylates found in aspirin but that does not generally cause bleeding or stomach irritation. Do not use willow bark during pregnancy, if you have tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or if you are allergic to aspirin. Do not give willow bark or aspirin to children who have colds or flu.

Products that are effective for osteoarthritis, such as the cetylated fatty acid formula Celadrin, are not specifically shown to support recovery from Achilles tendonitis. Celadrin will, however, relieve Achilles tendon pain through the action of menthol in the formula, and is clinically proven to relieve pain in the knee, wrist, and elbow with or without menthol in the formula.

Homeopathic arnica is frequently prescribed for Achilles tendonitis by medical doctors in the UK and Germany. Arnica is most likely to help during the first few weeks after injury and when there is redness of the skin over the heel. Never take any arnica product internally, and do not ever apply the fresh herb to skin.

Recovery from Achilles tendonitis is possible. Read about Vitamins & Achilles Tendonitis and Preventing Achilles Tendonitis. Robert Rister is the author or co-author of nine books on natural health including the critically acclaimed Complete German Commission E Monographs and Healing without Medication.

The Natural Approach For Joint Pain Relief

As we all know, many of our elders are very much affected by joint and muscle pain these days. It is also a surprising fact that the number of younger people are also experiencing chronic joint pains which effect their quality of life.

Although today there is a wide range of medicinal assistance readily available, the best pain relief solution is to first try a natural joint pain relief method, like some of the methods I will discuss below:

Exercise

The best conventional treatment for joint pain, such as osteo­arthritis generally involves prescribed exercises to keep the joints flexible, encourage nourishment of the cartilage, and strengthen the surrounding tissues; joint protection, often based on the suggestions of a physical or occupational therapist, to limit further damage; and, when necessary, both drug and non drug measures to ease discomfort and decrease stiffness.

It is the movement of a joint that forces oxygen and nutrients into the cartilage and removes waste products, thus helping to keep the cartilage healthy. When the pain and stiffness sets in, however, moving the affected joint is the last thing on many peoples’ minds.

Range-of-motion Exercises

Range-of-motion exercises are used to put a joint through the full range of its natural motion without excessive stress. They are essential to any treatment plan for joint stiffness such as osteoarthritis. Your doctor or a physical therapist can show you appropriate exercises.

Reflexology

To help relieve pain in a joint, reflexology may prove helpful. The ancient healing art of reflexology has been known to man for many thousands of years. It was first practiced by the early Indian, Chinese and Egyptian peoples.

Reflexology is the application of pressure using thumb and fingers on reflex points in the feet and hands to stimulate a physiological change in the body. IT IS NOT A MASSAGE! If a body part is not functioning correctly, uric acid, calcium and mineral deposits may accumulate in the reflexes, impeding energy flow and circulation. A skilled, professional Reflexologist can assist in breaking down and dispersing these deposits, helping to restore the body to better health.

Weight Management

Losing excess weight, and eating a nutritionally balanced diet often can help diminish inflammatory actions.

Diet

Food choices can help greatly. For example: diary products, citrus fruits along with meat category such as meat, pork and lamb, alcohol and vegetable oil when avoided helps to prevent joint pain caused by such foods that provide inflammation.

Water

Water is extremely important to the joints. Because the synovial fluid contains water, if you become dehydrated less synovial fluid is available to protect the joints. Synovial Fluid is a fluid in the body that reduces friction between the articular cartilage in joints to lubricate and cushion them during movement.

Failure to keep yourself hydrated will play havoc on your joints. Remember, by the time you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Once dehydrated endurance is diminished, strength can drop, and the effect can last into the following day(s). Instead of relying on a thirst signal, drink water at regular intervals regardless if you’re thirsty or not to help maintain your overall health, including your joint health!.

Hydrotherapy (e.g., hot/cold water treatment, hot/cold compresses.

Additional measures to help ease the joint pain and stiffness include heat and cold treatments. Simple hot or cold water treatments are easy ways to soothe joint pain. To relieve stiffness and dull, penetrating pain, warm (not hot) compress applied directly to the affected area is the best option. For sharper, more intense pain, a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a plastic bag and placed over a towel on the skin for 10 to 20 minutes, and repeat every four hours as needed is a standard successful treatment plan. never apply a cold treatment for more than 20 minutes at a time, or you’ll risk damaging your skin. Hot showers or baths or heating pads may also help by improving flexibility, especially before exercise or other physical activity.

Natural Supplements

There have been several studies showing potential benefits of dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis. Potential treatment options may include:

Glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is one natural substance that has been shown useful for osteoarthritis pain relief.

Chondrotin. One of the most popular remedies you can use at home is chondrotin. Many scientists have made study of this natural product and found it to improve the way your bones are protected from impact. Many people begin to have problems with arthritis when the cartilage in their bodies wears away due to age. Taking a regular chondrotin supplement can help conduct more fluid into your cartilage, helping it to take the shock of simple impacts on a daily basis. You can find more information on chondrotin in many of the other articles on our website. You may also find a few places to purchase it if your local drug store does not carry it with their regular supplies.

MSM, methylsulfonylmethane. MSM provides sulfur, a vital building block of joints, cartilage, skin, hair and nails, and methyl groups, which support many vital biochemical processes in the body, including energy production. MSM is a naturally-occurring nutrient found in small amounts of many foods. As a dietary supplement, MSM is synthesized. When made correctly, it is identical to that found in nature. MSM can be taken alone or in combination with other joint health supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Published, peer-reviewed clinical research in the U.S. has shown MSM is safe and effective in increasing joint comfort and supporting a normal range of motion.

Vitamins B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin). .Both taken in large doses significantly reduced osteoarthritis hand pain, presumably by reducing systemic inflammation. B vitamins also balance the nervous system, reducing pain.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been reported in patients with osteoarthritis, and supplementation with Vitamin D3 is recommended for pain relief.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an anti oxidant that also helps promote healing, calcium builds stronger bones and the B vitamins balance the nervous system, reducing pain.

Calcium. Calcium builds stronger bones.

Vitamin/Mineral combination therapies. Some People with joint pain may get relief from the following daily nutrient intakes: 5,000 milligrams of vitamin C, 800 to 1,400 milligrams of calcium and a B-complex supplement containing the six important B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B 6, vitamin B12 and pantothenic acid). Vitamin C is an anti oxidant that also helps promote healing, calcium builds stronger bones and the B vitamins balance the nervous system, reducing pain.

Antioxidants, including Vitamins C and E. Antioxidants, including Vitamins C and E in both foods and supplements, has shown in studies to provide pain relief from osteoarthritis.# Pycnogenol. A new study to be published in the April 2008 edition (Volume 22, issue No 4) of the journal of Phytotherapy Research shows Pycnogenol (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, was shown to reduce all osteoarthritis symptoms by 56 percent. The study revealed a particularly high efficacy of Pycnogenol for lowering joint pain by 55 percent. Moreover, patients required dramatically less standard pain medication (-58 percent), which greatly improved the gastrointestinal complications resulting from the pain medication by 63 percent. In addition to the osteoarthritis results, 76 percent of the patients in the Pycnogenol group and 79 percent in the placebo group showed visible ankle and foot edema at inclusion of the study. After the three months, edema decreased in 79 percent of the Pycnogenol patients and only one percent in placebo-treated patients. A even larger more detailed study on osteoarthritis carried out at the University of Arizona Tucson (published in Nutrition Research) prior to this study had discovered that Pycnogenol was effective for improving pain and joint function. After three months in the Pycnogenol group, there was a reduction of 43 percent in pain, 35 percent in stiffness, 52 percent in physical function subscales, respectively. The placebo group showed no significant scores throughout the entire study. Based on the studies the benefits of Pycnogenol for arthritic joints are suggested to result predominantly from the anti-inflammatory potency of Pycnogenol. There are more breakthrough studies on Pycnogenol and osteoarthritis expected to be published next year allowing for development of innovative, natural formulas for joint health.

Selenium. deficiency has been correlated with a higher risk and severity of osteoarthritis.

Boswellia. Boswellia is an herbal supplement in Ayurvedic medicine also know as Indian frankincense, salai guggal, and boswellin. The proper botanic label for boswellia is Boswellia serrata. It is derived from the resin of the bark of the Boswellia tree. While it grows in other parts of Southeast Asia, it is found abundantly found in the Indian subcontinent. The condition for which boaswellia has had the most supporting evidence for a beneficial effect is arthritis. The most convincing study was published in 2003 (Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7) when a research study examined patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Half of the patients received daily supplementation with 333 mgs of Boswellia. The other half received placebo. After the first intervention, washout was given and then the groups were crossed over to receive the opposite intervention for eight weeks. All patients receiving boswellia reported decrease in knee pain, increased knee flexion and increased walking distance. The frequency of swelling in the knee joint was decreased. Radiologically there was no change. The observed differences between drug treated and placebo being statistically significant, are clinically relevant. The conclusions of the study were: “Boswellia serrata extract is recommended in the patients of osteoarthritis of the knee with possible therapeutic use in other arthritis.” Other studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Diseases that have been studied where good results have been reported include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and bursitis.

Ginger (rhizome) extract. Ginger has shown in some studies to improve knee osteoarthritis symptoms moderately.

Hydrolyzed collagen (hydrolysate). Hydrolized collage (a gelatin product) may also prove beneficial in the relief of osteoarthritis symptoms, as substantiated in a German study by Beuker F. et al. and Seeligmuller et al. In their 6-month placebo-controlled study of 100 elderly patients, the verum group showed significant improvement in joint mobility.

Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids is a vitamin supplement comprised of important oils derived from fish has shown to benefit bone health. In fact, recent studies have shown that plant-based omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contained in such foods as flaxseed and walnuts may have a protective effect on bone health, according to a team of Penn State researchers who carried out the first controlled diet study of these fatty acids.

Oil Herbal Remedies. An herbal remedy includes ingredients such as boswellia, ashwagandha, ginger, menthol and camphor. All this tends to give a natural way of immune system modulation. Generally the oil when rubbed over the pain zone provides good result by improving the blood circulation and giving a warm and relaxing sensation from pain. Where as medicines and syrups have to be continued with the adjoin diet suggested. This gradually leads to comfortable movements of joints and muscles. Additional natural joint pain relief action includes ayurvedic medicines, capsules, syrups, medicated artho oil etc.

Jeff Behar, MS, MBA regularly writes about hot topics in the areas of health, fitness, disease prevention, nutrition, bodybuilding, men’s health, women’s health, weight management, weight loss, vitamins and supplements and alternative medicine. His work also often appears in several of the major health and fitness newsletters, blogs, RSS Feeds, as well as print magazines, and many other online health, nutrition,and fitness websites.

Cure For Tinnitus

There are so many causes which result in tinnitus. What is tinnitus? The continuous sound of ringing in your ears without the presence of external sound agent is found to be the symptom of tinnitus. Tinnitus is found to be present in most of the people aged above 50 years as most of the persons of that age have a hearing loss problem. Normal persons too have the possibility of attack of tinnitus.

Cure for tinnitus is based on the causes of tinnitus. As there are varieties of causes, there are varieties of treatments available too. Of them, natural remedies for the found to be best to cure tinnitus.

Herbal remedies play a vital role for on cure for tinnitus. Few of them are; sesame oil, Black cohosh, Goldenseal, Lesser periwinkle, Spinach, Fenugreek seed tea, Castor oil, Passion flower, Ramson juice.

Sesame seed and oil are often used as cure for tinnitus in ayurvedic treatment. They are good in fighting against dizziness and blurred vision too.

Black cohosh is used as a cure for tinnitus. It relieves the pain caused by the tinnitus. When Black cohosh is used along with the Gingko provides the best result.

Goldenseal can be used as a cure for tinnitus. Best results can be obtained when goledenseal is taken along with Black cohosh.

Zinc deficiency may lead to tinnitus. Taking spinach which has a rich content of zinc will be of great use to cure tinnitus.

Drinking a cup of Fenugreek seed tea 3 times a day, puts an end to the disturbing noises produced in the ear.

Tinnitus is found to be present in most of the people aged above 50 years. Cure for tinnitus are available now-a-days in a wide range.

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