Care & Aid Health

The question is burning in me; can an herbal treatment go a long way in helping someone with Hashimotos Thyroiditis? I have to confess, I’ve never been one to trust herbal remedies for something as complicated as this disease, but recently my research has been promising. I may consider, for the first time, delving into the thought a bit more.

So, what would we need to know in order to be ready to move towards herbs in the healing of something like Thyroiditis? I think I would start with what’s “broken”. Let’s take a look at that question. Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services in Illinois describes it this way:

“Normally, the immune system uses naturally occurring antibodies to help protect against viruses, bacteria and foreign substances (antigens) that invade the body. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, but instead of destroying the gland, an antibody prevents the thyroid from producing adequate amounts of thyroid hormone.”

What a wonderful explanation to help someone like me who can’t stand technical jargon! This really means (in my understanding) that the immune system is “backfiring” on us. On top of this, the thyroid hormone output is compromised, leaving us tired, weary, and depressed. The symptoms associated with this snowball effect can be debilitating. I know, I have experienced some extremely difficult ones. One that hits me the most regular are digestive problems. The one that hits me the hardest is inflammation – especially when I feel this in association with the brain. I bring this up because I have had bouts of feeling like I was just going to fade out of this world, blurred vision with over-the-eye pain, all present while having trouble with digestion. It’s as if the body just cannot process anything at times. This article is not intended to address the ways I’ve treated these symptoms (successfully for the most part) but the focus is on whether herbs can help them. So, let’s explore the possibility of the role of herbs in healing this types of symptoms.

Now that we know that the immune system is the “root problem” of this disease, is there an herbal preparation designed to combat this malfunction? First, I always believe that we need to take out the things that are over-burdening the body. This begins with allergens, both in our environment (what is possible) and diet, side effects from over-the-counter drugs that can be creating additional symptoms, and chemicals, both in food, beauty aides and household cleaning products, etc. Now, with that already set in motion, we can begin to take into the body what might be missing. Obviously, if we don’t have enough thyroid hormone in our body, then the natural conclusion is that we need to stimulate this function within our system. The herbs Bladderwrack (or kelp), Avena Sativa (derived from the wild oat plant), Coleus forskohli (an Indian mint derivative), all appear to be helpful for hypothyroid conditions. The benefits of the herbs prepared specifically for low thyroid may help weight loss efforts by stimulating metabolism, help lower cholesterol, calm nerves, lower blood pressure and stimulate the thyroid to release thyroid hormones.

So, in an effort to seek healing, we must keep our minds open to all types of avenues. If you haven’t tried herbs for the thyroid, see below for one such herbal remedy called Thyroid Assist. It’s also very helpful to be a member of a forum specifically for those with thyroiditis to interact with other sufferers. May we continue to find answers together.

By: Maureen Valdivia

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Herbal remedies for fibroids have been used for many hundreds of years and have made quite a resurgence over the last few years. There is definitely a trend for using natural remedies, as these are often perceived to be less harmful and often less costly than more conventional treatments.

Fibroids are normally harmless solid growths which occur in and around the womb. They very rarely turn cancerous-indeed less than 0.1% will ever do so. However, although they are not dangerous in the medical sense, there is no doubt whatsoever that they can cause unpleasant, uncomfortable symptoms which detract from the sufferer’s overall health.

Symptoms of Fibroids

Although many women go through life never realizing that they have fibroids, for many others the reality is very different and they may suffer from a number of the following symptoms:-

* A sensation of fullness or pressure in lower abdomen

* Painful menstruation

* Bloating, indigestion and wind

* Urgent need to urinate and occasional urinary infections

* Heavy bleeding during periods which can lead to anemia

* Sudden pain caused by the twisting of a pedunculated fibroid (those which grown on stalks)

If left untreated, these symptoms can persist for many years and will normally become more severe as the size of the fibroids increases. For people preferring to treat their symptoms naturally, herbal remedies for fibroids have been used very successfully and are most effective when used as part of an overall treatment plan.

For successful herbal treatments, it is important to look at your own individual circumstances to determine which are the best herbs for you and very often, multiple ingredients are combined to make a powerful herbal remedy for fibroids which is right for you.

Herbs Commonly Used For The Treatment Of Fibroids

The following herbs are often used in combination for the treatment of fibroids:-

* Spica Prunellae

* Concha Ostreae

* Rhizoma Sparganii

* Herba Dendrobii

* Semen Litchi

* Rhizoma Zedoariae

* Rhizoma Cyperi

* Sargassum

* Fructus Corni

Although tests by Chinese doctors have shown these herbs to be safe, they should only be taken as advised, as part of an overall treatment strategy.

By: Bernadette Hopkins

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In a separate article in this series we looked at some of the most popular herbal hair loss remedies for ingestion. Here we’ll expand that theme to include some potentially useful herbal remedies for external use.
Aloe vera – some Indian tribes of Mexico attribute their thick, healthy hair to regular use of aloe vera gel which they rub into the scalp and hair each night. Herbalists believe that the herb activates the production of nitric oxide and contains an enzyme known as superoxide dismutane. Some experts feel that these two substances combine to stimulate hair regrowth in those suffering from male pattern type baldness.
Onion (Allium cepa) – this has a high sulfur content that is believed to have hair-healing properties. Some herbalists believe that rubbing the scalp with half an onion before washing hair encourages hair growth.
Red pepper (Capiscum) – a popular folk remedy that involves the application of a red pepper poultice to the scalp to act as a skin irritant. This draws blood and nutrients to the scalp and encourages the release of histimines to stimulate cell division and hair regrowth.
Safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorious) – Eastern health practitioners believe that safflower oil applied to the scalp acts as a vasolidator that dilates blood vessels. This allows more blood to deliver nutrients to the hair follicle thus creating an environment conducive to hair regrowth.
To find out more about these and other herbal hair loss remedies, please visit the site listed below.

By: Richard Mitchell

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Herbs hold an obvious appeal for many people because they support the body’s natural healing mechanisms to target the cause of the problem, as opposed to merely tackling the symptoms. It would be wrong to present herbal hair loss remedies as a miracle solution for all sufferers – there is however growing evidence to support the view that some herbal remedies offer real hope to many people.
Let’s examine the case for some of the more popular remedies to determine if they’re worth trying.
Ginkyo biloba – this popular herb is thought to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin. Herbalists believe that the increased flow of blood to the brain area delivers more nutrients to the hair follicle thus promoting hair regrowth. The recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract each day spread over three doses.
Green tea (Camellia sinesis) – it is thought that catechins found in green tea may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into hair-unfriendly DHT. It is therefore believed to be effective in preventing and treating male pattern type baldness. You should drink several cups of green tea each day or take it in capsule form as instructed by the manufacturer.
He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) – also known as Fo-Ti, this Chinese herb has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss. It is found in many commercial preparations, or in tea and capsule form.
Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) – derived from the bark of an evergreen, it works in a similar way to green tea. It is widely used to treat prostate problems and male pattern baldness. Users should take 60-500mg per day in pill or capsule form.
Saw palmetto (Seranoa repens) – this is the current treatment of choice for many men due to its ability to protect the prostate, slow hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. It forms the core element of many commercially prepared hair loss treatments but can easily be obtained in its pure form. The recommended dose is a 160mg capsule twice each day, but make sure the ingredients are made from the berry extract not the dried berries themselves.
Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia) – this has long been favored as a means of preventing hair loss due to its ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It can be taken in pill or capsule form with an optimum dose of 50-100mg per day. It is particularly effective when combined with pygeum and saw palmetto.
You can learn more about these and other promising hair loss treatments by visiting the site listed below.

By: Richard Mitchell

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Many people experience insomnia and other problems getting the sleep they need to function well. This can cause a lot of problems throughout someone’s day time activities, such as lack of focus, sadness, sickness, and mood fluctuation. It’s not always about people who are not getting to bed on time either, as some people think. Herbal cures are becoming more popular since insomnia can be so exhausting. To lie in bed and unable to sleep is a big problem that some people face every night, so for many, herbal sleeping remedies help. Herbal alternatives are used by many in an effort to get some rest at last.

Downside to Medications
Medications prescribed by doctors can help sometimes, but the side effects are often very undesirable. Issues like lack of coordination, accidents, daytime tiredness, dizziness, stomach issues, and difficulty waking up are some of the more common side effects. Even if someone doesn’t experience a bad side effect, that doesn’t change the fact that it is sedated sleep, which just can’t compare to natural, healthy sleep. Herbal sleep solutions have been on this earth forever. If we use herbal sleeping aids, we can get the rest that is needed without the negative side effects of prescription drugs. There are several types of herbal sleeping cures out there that people suffering with insomnia can use.

Herbal Remedies
There are a number of great herbal rest and relaxation aids that you can choose from, including Kava Kava, Valerian, Passion Flower, and Hops. Kava Kava is used commonly with insomnia, and is commonly used in the form of hot tea. Valerian is a very common root used for an herbal sleep aid, although it doesn’t smell good. Passion Flower and Hops are also great herbal sleeping aid. There are several ways to use Hops as an herbal sleeping cure, but many times people use it inside of a pillow to use it simply. Passion Flower works through relaxing the nerves and cramps in the body to allow for easy rest.

Selecting an herbal remedy can seem like a tough choice, since there are so many types to choose from. The first thing you want to do is try out a few herbal sleeping aids. Also, find out which herbal sleeping remedies can be used long term versus those which are recommended for short term use only. Check with your local naturopathic physician, herbalist, dietician, or whole foods expert to find out what is a good plan for you.

By: Anthony Henderson

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Acne is a term for what we commonly call pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and nodules that become visible on the face, chest, upper back, cheeks, chin, arms, and shoulders. Acne victims experience ruthless, chronic flushed marks on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, upper back, and buttocks. When these marks are spots that have a faint, open center, they are recognized blackheads. Whiteheads are spots that puff out under the skin and have no pores. Pimples, equally, are whiteheads that rupture. The boil-like lumps are frequently called nodules.

Almost three-quarters of all teens as well as young adults experience with acne. However, men and women about 30s and 40s can also experience. The truthful source of acne remains vague but more is documented about how the acne that are part of acne form. There are more and more treatments to help with this distressing condition.

Using Acne-R, acne can be treated prolifically in almost each acne case. If you want to have neat & clean skin level, Acne-R is deep-rooted thriving treatment that will help get rid of your spots. Acne needs to be treated once shows potential. Scarring is an alternative with a small number of acne lesions, and scarring is perpetual. Acne “scars” are not areas of bruising where a spot used to be. These discolorations will ultimately become paler. Scars are glooms in the skin at the mark of ex- acne lesions.

Acne-R is available in tablets form and can be taken orally. The standard measured quantity is two tablets, taken twice a day after meals. For sensitive cases, take three times each day.

When Acne-R is taken as on target you will observe results in 2-3 weeks. But bear in mind – Acne-R must be taken together with label information. Skipping pills will just holdup the ruling of your bad skin. With Acne-R, determination pays off!

By: Jessica Abbott

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The treatment methods for Candida are wide-ranging since the symptoms that it causes are so broad. Possible cures, such as probiotics, changing one’s diet so that it is as sugar-free and carb-free as possible, therefore depriving Candida of it’s main source of food and riding yourself of antibiotic treatment, which many consider the original cause of Candida are all popular choices. But if none of those options work for you, what can you do? There are several herbal and all-natural options available.

One of the most popular choices in dealing with Candida is the addition of shark liver oil to your diet. It’s believed that shark liver oil does wonders for the body when it comes to improving the health of the immune system. This is important for sufferers of Candida since the best weapon we all have against Candida running wild in our bodies is our own immune system.

Another popular herbal remedy for Candida is grapefruit seed extract. Grapefruit seed extract is an anti-fungal solution that helps to raise the bodies pH back to a level where it becomes too acidic for the Candida to live. Helping to raise the bodies’ pH level back to healthy levels is an effective way to treat Candida.

Garlic pills are another common, all-natural way to deal with Candida. It’s believed that garlic can inhibit the growth of Candida in the human body since it does have some antimicrobial properties. An even more effective version of garlic, a purified extract known as allyl alcohol, has shown to be effective in killing yeast, and therefore Candida, in lab tests. The same tests have shown that the garlic can start working within hours of ingestion, making it a popular choice.

Certain oils have also demonstrated an ability to kill or suppress Candida in lab tests on animals. Natural oils from cayenne pepper, cloves and especially oregano have been tested and shown to help Candida sufferers. They showed an ability to reduce the amount of Candida in animals with a suppressed immune system and an ability to reduce the overall number of colonies of Candida in animals, as well.

Tea tree oil is another herbal remedy that has shown good anti-fungal properties, as well as anti-Candida properties. Tea tree oil works best when rubbed into the skin in areas where the Candida infection is present, like the feet or anywhere where a Candida-caused outbreak of psoriasis has occurred. Studies showed that the tea tree oil weakened the cell walls of the yeast, making them easier for the bodies immune system to kill off.

Lactoferrin, which comes from whey protein, has been shown in lab studies to help the body fight off yeasts, bacteria and even some parasites. It has shown to survive the stomachs digestive juices and make its way into the intestine where it can battle the Candida.

Because Candida is a fairly new condition and is still so controversial, there really is no medical consensus as to the best way to treat it herbally. The best choice for anyone looking to treat their Candida is to speak with a doctor, or at the very least a trained dietician about what treatment is best for you.

By: Jane Symms

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Herbal snoring remedies are available that can be used for for those that suffer from the condition.

Snoring may not be a problem by itself, but snoring is the root of many other problems affecting not only the person who snores but also his family. Snoring can lead to disturbed sleep and hence act as a cause of hypertension and heart ailments. Also mostly the snoring problem occurs due to reasons like nasal congestion, obesity, disturbed sleep, use of sleeping pills, consuming alcohol and caffeine, sleeping on the back etc. So in some cases the snoring is also related to some existing problem, which leads to even further problems.

Due to the ill effects of the snoring and its wide effect on one’s family members, lot of remedies have come in and many are very effective too. But the problem with snoring remedies is that they are “specific” in the area they target. Some remedy may aim at a blocked nose whereas other may aim at soothing the throat. So to be sure of which remedy to be adopted, the person should be aware of the problem which causes the snoring.

The herbal snoring remedy starts from the encouragement in simply changing your lifestyle to get controlled and proper sleep. Quitting tobacco and alcohol also acts as a remedy for snoring. There are other herbal snoring remedies also available that can cure the snoring trouble for you and your family.

There are many herbs available to cure the main causes of snoring. Household ginger is a very beneficial herb and can stop snoring. The ginger helps in increasing the secretion of saliva, which coats the throat and provides a soothing effect. The ginger mixed with honey can further lubricate the throat and along with snoring problems can bring an end to other cold problems too. Another herbal remedy available is wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), which works as an anti inflammatory just like vitamin C and helps to soothe the throat, which stops snoring.

Some herbal remedies also include nasal sprays that stops snoring by opening the nasal passages. These also help in clearing the sinus congestion and thus are far more effective for people who suffer from sinus problems.

Herbal remedies aim at stopping the snoring problem by curing the symptoms causing it. They try to correct and imbalance in the immune system, which in turn helps in prevent further diseases and complications. It also aims at preventing relapses which is not the case with other types of remedies, which try to terminate the current cause of snoring. Herbal remedies work from a deeper standpoint and aim at boosting the immune system and build a strong body.

Herbal remedies can be specific in application and hence for each type of patient, there is a specific formulation made by mixing highly effective herbs and enzymes. The herbs and enzymes work together gently to cure the snoring problem. Herbal remedies are one hundred percent natural so the chances of side effects are very remote.

Herbal remedies for snoring are very effective and promise long term benefits. But make sure herbal remedies are taken from a qualified source. If the formulation of herbs and enzymes is not correct, the result may not be so positive.

By: Dr. Mark Clayson

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