Archive for the ‘Medicines and Remedies’ Category

Ward Off Infections With Goldenseal

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

Goldenseal is also known commonly as orange root and wild curcuma or by its scientific name Hydrastis Canadensis. This herb is found in many parts of the U.S. and Canada. The herb has its own medicinal benefits to offer and it is also used in conjunction with others to improve their efficacy. Native American tribes in North America have traditionally used goldenseal for medication as well as a coloring agent. The Cherokees are believed to have used this herb as an effective cure for cancer.

Goldenseal is a most effective medicine for treating a variety of skin problems. A skin ointment or lotion made from this herb is normally used for this purpose. Even skin rashes and eruptions that are caused by improper digestion are effectively cured by the ingestion of this herb.

Effective Treatment for Infections

Infection of the mucus membranes in the upper respiratory tract, such as those surrounding the mouth, throat and sinuses, can be cured by goldenseal tinctures. This herb is also very effective against a multitude of disease causing organisms such as different kinds of yeast, bacteria and fungi.

Urinary tract infections, intestinal and vaginal infections and stomach ailments are also cured by the use of goldenseal. For older people, goldenseal is an effective remedy for bladder infections. Elderly people are recommended goldenseal tablets to address stomach and liver ailments including functional stomach disorders, cirrhosis, ulcers, catarrhal gastritis, atonic dyspepsia and constipation.

This herb is also very effective against sinus and respiratory ailments. As the herb is bitter in taste, it stimulates bile secretion in the human body. This, in turn, improves digestion while also helping to dislodge phlegm collected in the lungs by working as an expectorant. That is why older people often start taking goldenseal when they sense the onset of colds or flu.

Elderly people also often use goldenseal as a mouthwash to treat sore gums and throat. When applied to canker sores or wounds, goldenseal hastens healing and prevents infections.

Historical Use of Goldenseal

Goldenseal has been used as natural medicine by Native Americans since the earliest times. These people used this herb to treat digestive disorders, skin trouble and eye irritations. Early European settlers saw the beneficial effects that this herb had for the Native American tribes and started using it themselves during the colonial era.

Herbalist Samuel Thompson turned the world’s attention to this medicinal herb in the 1800s as an effective cure for several ailments. At present, goldenseal is in great demand across the world for its many benefits.

Different Forms of Goldenseal

Goldenseal may be used in different forms. For treatment of wounds and sores, it is often applied as an ointment or lotion. A mouthwash or tincture of goldenseal may be used as a gargle for treating sore throat or mouth ulcers. The stem and roots of the plant are boiled to make a tea once they are dried. Other than this, goldenseal is also available in the form of tablets and capsules.

Caution for Older People

Berberine is a main constituent of goldenseal and it increases the levels of bilirubin. Older people with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure should not use this herb without clearing it with their physician first. For such people, external use, such as through mouthwashes and gargles may be approved by the doctor.

Teisha Mahabir specializes in writing articles about health, diet, longevity and health specialists like Brenda Rusnak. Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about health-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out at brendarusnak.com.

Feverfew – An Important Herb for the Elderly

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

A particular favorite among herbalists, feverfew is a fairly common garden plant belonging to the daisy family that contains compounds known as sesquiterpenes. Modern research has indicated that these compounds may be more efficacious than aspirin in treating both migraine headaches and arthritis.

How the herb can help

Arthritis – Arthritis is a catch-all term for a number of diseases characterized by inflammation and joint pain. While it can strike at any age, it is the elderly who bear the brunt of the disease as the condition can be very debilitating if not treated in time – the result can be severe joint deformities and intense pain that can adversely affect quality of life as well as mobility. Joint inflammation, tenderness, swelling, and morning stiffness are the symptoms typically associated with arthritis, and these can be either sudden or gradual in onset. Poor diet, viral infections and an adverse autoimmune response have been found to be the prime causative factors.

The mainstream treatment for arthritis involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin to relieve the accompanying pain and inflammation, However, these drugs do not cure the problem and may actually impede the body’s immune function. Evidence also reveals that prolonged use of these medications can have grave side effects leading to liver, kidney and gastrointestinal compromise and irreversible damage.

The herb offers an alternative with its main constituent, parthenolide, acting to decrease inflammation and fever by inhibiting the release of substances in the body such as prostaglandins, histamines and serotonin. The outcome is like taking a daily aspirin but without the complications and side effects commonly associated with NSAIDs.

While there are several types of arthritic conditions, there are three common kinds. Osteoarthritis occurs when the joints are prone to wearing out either due to natural wear and tear or injury. Rheumatoid arthritis arises when the immune system attacks body tissues, targeting the joints in particular. Gout is caused by excess uric acid in the blood that is deposited in the joints and causes very painful inflammation. It has been found that people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis benefit most from treatment with feverfew.

Other uses

Besides being a potential treatment for arthritis, the herb has several other uses. It is also utilized to reduce allergies, menstrual cramps, eczema, psoriasis, blood pressure, and fever. It is also used as an insect repellent, a sleep inducing or relaxing sedative, a digestive aid, and an antimicrobial as it inhibits the growth of bacteria such as staph aureus.

What to look for while purchasing

The amount of parthenolide in each plant can vary due to factors like soil and climate, so it is prudent to read labels to find out how much of this ingredient a feverfew product may contain before purchasing it. The product should offer 0.2 5% parthenolide. One survey of these commercially available products showed that the majority actually contained no parthenolide. These were herbs that had been dried. The parthenolide, being volatile, had completely evaporated. Thus the best approach would be to search for preparations that are processed with the least amount of heat. Freeze-dried preparations in capsule form are the best bet and can be found widely in health food stores.

Teisha Mahabir specializes in writing articles about health, diet, longevity and health specialists like Brenda Rusnak. Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about health-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out on Facebook.

Fight Diseases With Fenugreek

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

Fenugreek seeds are widely used in Middle and Far Eastern cuisines, but this spice is relatively unknown in the West. It imparts a distinctive flavor to food but has also been found to have several medically beneficial characteristics.

Traditionally the spice has been used to treat conditions like abscesses and sores through poultices, as well as sore throats and diabetes. Recent evidence suggests it is not just a diabetes preventative but also intensifies normal body processes, especially in connection to athletic performance.

Anti-aging effects of the spice

The spice contains several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds like superoxide-dismutase, selenium, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, genistein, and apigenin that help the human body fight the onset of a variety of chronic conditions. Additionally, the spice protects other internally-produced and dietary antioxidants from free-radical damage and imparts key cardioprotective benefits.

Neuro-degenerative diseases – Fenugreek contains trigonellene, a compound that stimulates brain cell regeneration. Research is ongoing into whether this can be useful in preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Diabetic cataract – Diabetics have impaired enzyme function. As a result glucose and metabolites accumulate in tissues including the lens of the eye. In diabetics, enzymes that usually protect against free-radical activity damage the lenses too. Both metabolic activities lead to opacification called cataract. This spice has properties that partially reverse these changes and may be an effective prophylactic against this condition in diabetics.

Hormones – This spice is a rich source of phytoestrogens. These plant estrogens are useful for women with low estrogen levels and are also believed to protect against some types of cancer.

Selenium – The spice contains selenium, which is a vital micronutrient antioxidant that seems to offer protection against cancers of the prostate, lung and colon. Recent studies have revealed that selenium slows the progression of HIV and similar chronic viral diseases.

Overall health – Regular intake of this spice is said to keep the respiratory, nervous, reproductive and neuromuscular systems in good order, and is believed helpful for those suffering from rheumatism and arthritic joints.

Other medicinal effects of the spice

Cardiovascular disease and blood lipids – The spice modulates blood lipid levels and thus reduces atherosclerosis risk. It also acts to decrease blood clotting typically associated with strokes and heart attacks.

Diabetes – This spice is comparable to cinnamon’s antidiabetic properties. It prevents and treats Type II diabetes in different ways. It can lower blood sugar levels by over 45%, and works to set right lipid imbalances in diabetics while increasing the levels of many key antioxidants.

Obesity and heart disease – The seeds are rich in a mucilaginous dietary fiber that regulates post-prandial blood sugar levels. The fiber also delays fat and cholesterol absorption in the intestines. In this way the spice offers added protection against obesity and heart disease.

Gastrointestinal disorders – The seed in powdered form is often taken by those who suffer a lack of appetite, abdominal bloating, vomiting, dyspepsia, worms, and hemorrhoids, It is also said to detoxify the body.

Modern research has revealed that fenugreek offers superior health benefits in comparison to more popular spices like cinnamon and chilies. However, do remember that taking several spices in combination enhances their benefits by raising the efficacy and bioavailability of their compounds, thus boosting anti-aging and general health effects.

Teisha Mahabir specializes in writing articles about health, diet, longevity and health specialists like Brenda Rusnak. Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about health-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out at brendarusnak.ca.

Rhinoplasty: Choosing The Right Cosmetic Surgeon

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

The key aspect to determine the cost of rhinoplasty is the surgeon’s professional fee. But how to choose rhinoplasty surgeon’s who could deliver the desired outcome and compensate every cent paid for this surgery?

When you are trying to find a rhinoplasty surgeon, much care should be considered before finally selecting your doctor. You should be able to list and know his qualifications as a surgeon to determine if he’scapable on performing rhinoplasty surgery.

Factors to Consider in Choosing Rhinoplasty Doctor

Education and Training – This is the most critical qualification of a rhinoplasty surgeon. His education and learning ought to be extensive from a trustworthy institution and should finish them with flying colors. His ability and expertise must be perfected from practical experience with his residency in outstanding facilities under the wing of noteworthy doctors.

Accreditations- Training ought not to stop after finishing of medical school as well as never even after acquiring a medical board accreditation. A medical expert who professes to be skilled in his domain needs to have accreditations, which confirms his taking part in extensive trainings and workshops relevant to rhinoplasty surgery.

Adept on Current Technology- He has to be familiar with the new discoveries in surgical strategies. Clinical knowledge also has to reveal that the surgeon will be able to participate in a number of operations fairly often.

Particular Features of the Top Rhinoplasty Doctor

Set an open communication- The right surgeon is one who can communicate well with his clients. In this manner you will not hesitate to tell him of something that you believe towards the surgery. There will be a straightforward flow of advice and familiarity with every critical element relating to the procedure.

Referred by Others – The best way to look into the personal characteristics of a nose reshaping cosmetic surgeon is to definitely know a reference individual who has gone over the treatment with that doctor. Find out about his personal expertise, of course, if whether or not she/he recommends the physician to you personally and her friends.

Costumer Feedbacks- Testimonies from recent patients are all essential. They sum up the skills of the doctor through their assurance that they had and achieved the envisioned end results without any subsequent issue. Many of these customer feedbacks are posted on the doctor’s site as your reference.

Before and After Photos

Take a look at before and after photos of recent clients. These images are proofs of his skilled approach in performing rhinoplasty. Through checking at these images you will notice that doctors have their unique cosmetic style in accomplishing nose job. You ought to be capable to find this style and discover if you relate with it.

Choosing the best rhinoplasty doctor is the first and most essential step in getting a nose job. As it is a complicated and a challenging treatment, you should make sure that you select exactly the best in this field of cosmetic surgery. It is not wrong to investigate too much about the surgeon since it is anticipated that you will get stressed and frightened of the pending procedure. By knowing a great deal of data about your doctor and finding out of his skills, you may somehow get at ease and with less fear for the operation.

Seeing as there are a great deal of surgeons from which to choose, narrow your checklist to three and following that assess each one by differentiating them over the above mentioned requirements. Once you’ve chosen, put your trust in his hands and trust that everything can be well based on your plan.

Clinics such as the Esteem Cosmetic Studio in Australia has a number of doctors, this ensures that you