Showing posts with label Alternative Therapies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alternative Therapies. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Home Remedies from the Old Country
When I was growing up my mom had millions of home remedies for everything from a cure for an ear ache to a salve for open wounds. Some of them really worked and some of them I think were just smelly placebos to make you think it was working. Here are some of the remedies my mom used to use to get us better fast when we had a cold.
Lemmon:My mom always said that Tea with lemon was the best thing for a cold, and many experts now agree with her. The vitamin C in the lemon helps strengthen the body's immune system. They also say that it should be in warm water which is why they put it in tea.
Chest Cold:Garlic soup is a great way to help open up the repertory system and make breathing easier while killing the germs that causes the cold at the same time. The garlic hold antiseptic properties that helps the body rid itself of its unwanted guests, the oil the in the soup opens the airways, and by adding a tablespoon of onion juice you can flush all the unwanted toxins from your body by sweating them out.
Reduce a Fever:It is not uncommon for someone with a cold to have a fever. A good way to reduce the fever is with Ginger. When cut up and boiled in water ginger has been found to lower a fever in a matter of hours. A less bitter way is to put a small piece of ginger into a glass then pour boiling water in the glass, after letting it sit for 2 or 3 minutes put a tea bag in the glass and add some sugar. This method is less effective but tastes much better.Lady FingersFor those who may not know another name for Okra is Lady Fingers.
Lady Fingers are great for sore throats because they contain a large amount of mucilage that sooths a sore throat and helps keep the throat moist. Take a ¼ pound of okra, cut them into small pieces and boil in a liter or water. The steam can also be used but it is not as strong as eating the vegetable.Tamarind and Pepper:A great way to relieve a stuffed up nose is
Tamarind and Pepper soup.The soup is made by adding 50 mg or Tamarind into a pot with 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil then add one teaspoon of hot ghee and half a teaspoon of black pepper. You should have 1 cup of this soup 3 times a day. After drinking you will fell your nose start to run and your eyes will water, but within minutes your sinuses will be cleared out.
Bitter Gourd Root Paste:This is not one of my mom remedies so I have never tried it but I have been told from people that it really does work. This remedy does not cure the symptoms of the cold it goes after the cold itself. Take a teaspoon of the paste and a teaspoon of honey. If taken for a month it will rid the body of the cold germs and help strengthen your immune system.
End All Cure All:
This really is the best home remedy I have ever seen. Turmeric not only gets rid of the cold in a few days, it also knocks out all the symptoms like sore throat, runny nose and congestion. Turmeric can be bought as a powder, put half a teaspoon of Turmeric in a sauce pan with a cup of milk and bring it to a boil on a low flame. When the milk begins to boil take some good strong sniffs of the steam your nose will almost instantly begin to open up, and after drinking the concoction you will star to feel better. Drink 2 cups a day for 3 days and you will be back on your feet in no time.
These are just a small example of all the home remedies that are out there. I have personally tried several of these methods, and can vouch for their effectiveness.
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Article Source: http://www.healthcrazed.com/
Aromatherapy
By Amy Otis, RN
Aromatherapy is the science (and art), of using oils extracted from aromatic plants to enhance health, well-being and beauty. By using essential oils therapeutically one can treat a wide range of problems from stress and insomnia, to acne, menstrual cramps, depression and fatigue. Essential oils (also known as essences) are obtained from the distillation of herbs, plants and flowers. They all have different therapeutic effects on the body. Aromatherapy has a long history of use in ancient Egypt, China, and India.
You may not even realize that you already use aromatherapy. When you burned that scented candle last week, you were practicing aromatherapy. When you walk through a fragrant garden, you are doing it again. Almost all of the bath and body care products we use contain some form of essential oils - the basis of aromatherapy.
The Power of Scent
People often don't realize how strongly they are affected by scents. The smell of home made bread or of the ocean can bring back memories from years before; of happy time or bad times too. This is because the olfactory sense, the sense of smell, is interpreted by the part of the brain that is concerned with our emotions. Scents have a powerful effect on our moods. Adding different essential oils to your massage oil or bath oil can enhance the relaxing or invigorating effect of the massage or bath.
Some History
In 400 B.C. Hippocrates wrote, "The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day," There are numerous references throughout history to the use of aromatic oils. The term aromatherapy was coined by a French chemist named Rene Gattefosse, in the 1920s. Several years earlier he had noticed the therapeutic effects of essential oils after burning his hand badly while working in his laboratory and accidentally dunking his hand into lavender oil. His hand healed very quickly and left no scars (so history tells us).
Some Research
Research in the 1990s testifies to the strength of this link. Dr. Gary Schwartz, professor of psychology and psychiatry of Yale University, has found that certain odors can lower blood pressure. The scent of spiced apples was shown to be particularly effective -- it lowered the blood pressure of healthy volunteers by an average of three to five points. Other scientific research has shown that pleasant smells such as peach and plum can reduce pain, and that essential oils can change peoples moods: jasmine, ilang-ilang and peppermint can life depression, geranium and bergamot relieve anxiety; and rose and carnation restore energy.
Essential oils are a complex mixture of chemicals with many different properties. As well as affecting mood, some are antibacterial, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory. The chart on the next page lists some of the most common oils with the properties ascribed to them. The diversity of claims made for essential oils sometimes several claims for one oil, can cause confusion. A single oil may be described as both calming and stimulating. This sounds like a contradiction, causing skeptics to dismiss the whole subject. However, someone suffering from nervous tensions might first be calmed by the scent, and then, with this new freedom from tension, reclaim his natural energy and feel refreshed and energized.
Buying Essential Oils
The price of essential oils varies greatly; for a small quantity of lavender oil you might pay only a fraction of the cost of the same amount of rose oil. This reflect the facts that it takes about 400 pounds of rose petals to product just a liter of rose oil, whereas 400 pounds of lavender flowers yields about 6 liters of essential oil. Most health food stores sell essential oils. They should always be sold in brown glass bottles (sometimes cobalt blue) to keep the light out -- which can alter them chemically. They are sold in small quantities as only 3 - 5 drops goes a long way.
Blending Oils or "Carrier Oils"
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and must always be diluted, otherwise they can sting and even cause allergies. To use them during a massage, you need to dilute them in a carrier oil. The most commonly used carrier oils are almond, olive, soya, grape-seed, avocado, hazelnut, peach and wheat- germ oils. Many of these are very expensive. Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E and acts as an antioxidant but it is a bit thick and heavy, so add just a little to a light carrier oil to prevent your massage oil from turning rancid. To dilute an essential oil, mix one to three drops with a 5 ml teaspoon of carrier oil. (Most essential oils will have directions on their label). If you want to make up a larger quantity, add 15 to 30 drops to 2 fluid oz. (50 ml) or carrier oil. Use a more diluted mixture on sensitive skin and on the face.
Essential oils are not very oily, but they are very volatile liquids that evaporate quickly after use. Store them and your blended massage oil in a cool dark place in air tight bottles. Now, you might be asking, do I have to go to all this trouble? Not really. Today there are some wonderful products on the market that are already mixed for you. I got a very nice -Tranquility Blend" at a chain vitamin shop online. For example: it has oils of lavender, patchouli, sage, orange, grapefruit, and cypress. It is in a base of jojoba oil, macadamia oil, vitamins E and A and some preservatives to keep it fresh longer. Other products may use hazelnut and cocobutter as their carrier oils. Read the labels to see what is in them and make sure you can sample any body lotions before you buy them. Many shops in the malls now do have sample size lotions and essential oils. There are also some wonderful bath oils available also for whatever mood you want your bath to create. Just make sure to buy products that are in dark blue or brown bottles since the essential oils will change when exposed to light.
Essential oil candles have become very popular, they work, but not as well as a lotion or oil-mix. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your obstetrician before using any essential oil products. When I was trying to get pregnant my OB suggested I used the tranquility blend, but he practiced naturopathic medicine as well as traditional. SO, please check with your physician, practitioner or midwife first.
Essential oils are not very oily, but they are very volatile liquids that evaporate quickly after use. Store them and your blended massage oil in a cool dark place in air tight bottles. Now, you might be asking, do I have to go to all this trouble? Not really. Today there are some wonderful products on the market that are already mixed for you. I got a very nice -Tranquility Blend" at a chain vitamin shop online. For example: it has oils of lavender, patchouli, sage, orange, grapefruit, and cypress. It is in a base of jojoba oil, macadamia oil, vitamins E and A and some preservatives to keep it fresh longer. Other products may use hazelnut and cocobutter as their carrier oils. Read the labels to see what is in them and make sure you can sample any body lotions before you buy them. Many shops in the malls now do have sample size lotions and essential oils. There are also some wonderful bath oils available also for whatever mood you want your bath to create. Just make sure to buy products that are in dark blue or brown bottles since the essential oils will change when exposed to light.
Essential oil candles have become very popular, they work, but not as well as a lotion or oil-mix. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your obstetrician before using any essential oil products. When I was trying to get pregnant my OB suggested I used the tranquility blend, but he practiced naturopathic medicine as well as traditional. SO, please check with your physician, practitioner or midwife first.
Important Guidelines for Using Essential Oils
Keep oils away from mucous membranes and eyes and never use them below your waist! If you have sensitive skin, test some oil on a small patch of skin -- inside of your elbow is a good spot, before using it. Wait 24 hours, if irritation, redness, itching, or burning occurs, you should not use that oil!
When using aromatherapy on children age six to twelve and the elderly, cut all doses in half. If you have any questions at all, ask your health care provider if she or he thinks aromatherpy is safe for an elderly or ill person. Most practitioners do NOT advise using essential oils on infants. Do not use essential oils if you have high blood pressure or are on medication for high blood pressure. When in doubt, ask your health care provider!
*****************************
Article Source: e-healtharticles.com
Aromatherapy is the science (and art), of using oils extracted from aromatic plants to enhance health, well-being and beauty. By using essential oils therapeutically one can treat a wide range of problems from stress and insomnia, to acne, menstrual cramps, depression and fatigue. Essential oils (also known as essences) are obtained from the distillation of herbs, plants and flowers. They all have different therapeutic effects on the body. Aromatherapy has a long history of use in ancient Egypt, China, and India.
You may not even realize that you already use aromatherapy. When you burned that scented candle last week, you were practicing aromatherapy. When you walk through a fragrant garden, you are doing it again. Almost all of the bath and body care products we use contain some form of essential oils - the basis of aromatherapy.
The Power of Scent
People often don't realize how strongly they are affected by scents. The smell of home made bread or of the ocean can bring back memories from years before; of happy time or bad times too. This is because the olfactory sense, the sense of smell, is interpreted by the part of the brain that is concerned with our emotions. Scents have a powerful effect on our moods. Adding different essential oils to your massage oil or bath oil can enhance the relaxing or invigorating effect of the massage or bath.
Some History
In 400 B.C. Hippocrates wrote, "The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day," There are numerous references throughout history to the use of aromatic oils. The term aromatherapy was coined by a French chemist named Rene Gattefosse, in the 1920s. Several years earlier he had noticed the therapeutic effects of essential oils after burning his hand badly while working in his laboratory and accidentally dunking his hand into lavender oil. His hand healed very quickly and left no scars (so history tells us).
Some Research
Research in the 1990s testifies to the strength of this link. Dr. Gary Schwartz, professor of psychology and psychiatry of Yale University, has found that certain odors can lower blood pressure. The scent of spiced apples was shown to be particularly effective -- it lowered the blood pressure of healthy volunteers by an average of three to five points. Other scientific research has shown that pleasant smells such as peach and plum can reduce pain, and that essential oils can change peoples moods: jasmine, ilang-ilang and peppermint can life depression, geranium and bergamot relieve anxiety; and rose and carnation restore energy.
Essential oils are a complex mixture of chemicals with many different properties. As well as affecting mood, some are antibacterial, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory. The chart on the next page lists some of the most common oils with the properties ascribed to them. The diversity of claims made for essential oils sometimes several claims for one oil, can cause confusion. A single oil may be described as both calming and stimulating. This sounds like a contradiction, causing skeptics to dismiss the whole subject. However, someone suffering from nervous tensions might first be calmed by the scent, and then, with this new freedom from tension, reclaim his natural energy and feel refreshed and energized.
Buying Essential Oils
The price of essential oils varies greatly; for a small quantity of lavender oil you might pay only a fraction of the cost of the same amount of rose oil. This reflect the facts that it takes about 400 pounds of rose petals to product just a liter of rose oil, whereas 400 pounds of lavender flowers yields about 6 liters of essential oil. Most health food stores sell essential oils. They should always be sold in brown glass bottles (sometimes cobalt blue) to keep the light out -- which can alter them chemically. They are sold in small quantities as only 3 - 5 drops goes a long way.
Blending Oils or "Carrier Oils"
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and must always be diluted, otherwise they can sting and even cause allergies. To use them during a massage, you need to dilute them in a carrier oil. The most commonly used carrier oils are almond, olive, soya, grape-seed, avocado, hazelnut, peach and wheat- germ oils. Many of these are very expensive. Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E and acts as an antioxidant but it is a bit thick and heavy, so add just a little to a light carrier oil to prevent your massage oil from turning rancid. To dilute an essential oil, mix one to three drops with a 5 ml teaspoon of carrier oil. (Most essential oils will have directions on their label). If you want to make up a larger quantity, add 15 to 30 drops to 2 fluid oz. (50 ml) or carrier oil. Use a more diluted mixture on sensitive skin and on the face.
Essential oils are not very oily, but they are very volatile liquids that evaporate quickly after use. Store them and your blended massage oil in a cool dark place in air tight bottles. Now, you might be asking, do I have to go to all this trouble? Not really. Today there are some wonderful products on the market that are already mixed for you. I got a very nice -Tranquility Blend" at a chain vitamin shop online. For example: it has oils of lavender, patchouli, sage, orange, grapefruit, and cypress. It is in a base of jojoba oil, macadamia oil, vitamins E and A and some preservatives to keep it fresh longer. Other products may use hazelnut and cocobutter as their carrier oils. Read the labels to see what is in them and make sure you can sample any body lotions before you buy them. Many shops in the malls now do have sample size lotions and essential oils. There are also some wonderful bath oils available also for whatever mood you want your bath to create. Just make sure to buy products that are in dark blue or brown bottles since the essential oils will change when exposed to light.
Essential oil candles have become very popular, they work, but not as well as a lotion or oil-mix. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your obstetrician before using any essential oil products. When I was trying to get pregnant my OB suggested I used the tranquility blend, but he practiced naturopathic medicine as well as traditional. SO, please check with your physician, practitioner or midwife first.
Essential oils are not very oily, but they are very volatile liquids that evaporate quickly after use. Store them and your blended massage oil in a cool dark place in air tight bottles. Now, you might be asking, do I have to go to all this trouble? Not really. Today there are some wonderful products on the market that are already mixed for you. I got a very nice -Tranquility Blend" at a chain vitamin shop online. For example: it has oils of lavender, patchouli, sage, orange, grapefruit, and cypress. It is in a base of jojoba oil, macadamia oil, vitamins E and A and some preservatives to keep it fresh longer. Other products may use hazelnut and cocobutter as their carrier oils. Read the labels to see what is in them and make sure you can sample any body lotions before you buy them. Many shops in the malls now do have sample size lotions and essential oils. There are also some wonderful bath oils available also for whatever mood you want your bath to create. Just make sure to buy products that are in dark blue or brown bottles since the essential oils will change when exposed to light.
Essential oil candles have become very popular, they work, but not as well as a lotion or oil-mix. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your obstetrician before using any essential oil products. When I was trying to get pregnant my OB suggested I used the tranquility blend, but he practiced naturopathic medicine as well as traditional. SO, please check with your physician, practitioner or midwife first.
Important Guidelines for Using Essential Oils
Keep oils away from mucous membranes and eyes and never use them below your waist! If you have sensitive skin, test some oil on a small patch of skin -- inside of your elbow is a good spot, before using it. Wait 24 hours, if irritation, redness, itching, or burning occurs, you should not use that oil!
When using aromatherapy on children age six to twelve and the elderly, cut all doses in half. If you have any questions at all, ask your health care provider if she or he thinks aromatherpy is safe for an elderly or ill person. Most practitioners do NOT advise using essential oils on infants. Do not use essential oils if you have high blood pressure or are on medication for high blood pressure. When in doubt, ask your health care provider!
*****************************
Article Source: e-healtharticles.com
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