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Natural Herbs – Nausea, a Side Effect of Chemotherapy

Jul 25

Fight Nausea, Vomiting, IBS

  • Regulates GI system
  • Eases diarrhea and constipation
  • Curbs body fluid loss due to diarrhea
  • Alleviates mouth sores and dry mouth
  • Stimulates appetite-increases the secretion of digestive enzymes

By Thomas Garran

Nausea is one of the more uncomfortable sensations a person can experience. The causes of nausea range from motion sickness to side-effects from Western drugs. Eating excessive amounts of cold, fatty, sweet, spicy, or processed food can also lead to conditions where nausea is a symptom. Chinese medicine views nausea as an abnormal upward movement of “qi” from the stomach, and anyone who has experienced nausea can attest to the “abnormal” feeling like something that should be down, wants to come up.

In light of this, Chinese medicine treats nausea with a number of different methods. First, to deal with the acute sick feeling Chinese medicine uses herbs that help to “redirect” the qi of the stomach downward. There are a number of herbs that are very good for this purpose Fennel, Tangerine peel, and Ginger are three of the most important. Ginger is very well researched for this and all three are very safe as well as being effective.
Next, Chinese medicine looks at the possible causes of nausea and treats them. One of the most common causes is poor digestion or the inability to digest excessively in the diet. This can be due to either weakness or poor eating habits. When a person has poor eating habits food can accumulate, especially meat and fats. Chinese Hawthorne is the most important herb to treat this condition and is widely used in China by people on a daily basis or during holidays when they tend to over-eat.

To strengthen the digestion there are a number of excellent herbs. The combination of Bai-zhu Atractylodes, Codonopsis, Chinese Licorice, and Poria is called the “Four Gentlemen” is the most famous combination in Chinese medicine to strengthen the digestion. When Ginger and Tangerine peel are added this become the “Six Gentlemen” and is particularly useful when there is digestive weakness leading to nausea, vomiting, and other digestive difficulties.

When the digestion is weak its ability to process food and fluids is poor and they can accumulate, especially fluids. The combination of Job’s Tears, Poria, and Astragalus are very good for both strengthening and helping the body to rid itself of this accumulated fluid. Finally, sometimes there is inflammation in the stomach and the combination of Dendrobium and Job’s Tears is excellent to cool the inflammation and nourish the stomach.

Most people will suffer occasionally from this very uncomfortable ailment. The use of Chinese herbs can be extremely helpful in treating this and relieving the suffering of an otherwise disturbing time. For those that have a chronic nausea problem, Chinese herbs could be the answer they are looking for.

immuneenhance.com/products/apazin

Thomas Avery Garran is a Chinese medicine practitioner with 17 years of experience, a number of articles, and a book, “Western Herbs According Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Practitioners Guide.” His blog is http://sourcepointherbs.blogspot.com.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Four Reasons Why Chemotherapy Patients are Tired-And What to Do About It

Jun 05

ENERhance

Boost and Restore Energy: natural herbs, vitamins & minerals

Secondary Benefits

  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Helps individuals speed recovery from illnesses
  • Contains Astragalus, Poria seed, Ginseng, Reishi Mushroom

____________________________________________________________If you are undergoing chemotherapy treatments, you certainly have noticed that you’re tired. Not just tired where you can go take a nap and wake up refreshed, but so tired from the chemotherapy that you have no energy to do anything. You’re drained and it feels as if there’s not much you can do about it. What a challenging state to be in!

There are four reasons why chemotherapy patients are tired and fatigued, and the good news is that there is a solution that doesn’t require much effort to make a difference.

1. Low levels of white blood cells. This can result naturally from the cancer or from the cancer treatments themselves. Low levels of white blood cells mean that your army of immune system cells is dwindling, and the ones left to fight are taking on all the work themselves! That’s why you end up with fatigue.

2. Low levels of red blood cells. This can result naturally from the cancer or results from the cancer treatments as well. When you don’t have enough red blood cells, the oxygen can’t get to the tissues and the result is that you get tired. It’s the same type of fatigue noticed in those with iron deficiency anemia.

3. Abnormal growth of tumors. When tumors start growing faster, the growth spurt is draining on the body.

4. Side effects of cancer treatments. This is the most common reason that chemotherapy patients and radiation patients feet fatigued and tired.

The big question is this – is there something that can help alleviate the fatigue that chemotherapy patients and radiation patients feel? And if there is, why hasn’t my doctor told me?

What many chemotherapy patients have done is turned to the use of safe, natural herbal combinations that help boost their immune system and simultaneously combat the fatigue they feel. One specific herbal combination created specifically for chemotherapy patients increases the natural killer cell counts, increases the white blood cell and red blood cell counts, and helps restore energy levels pretty quickly. The average time that results were seen was about seven days according to a recent clinical study. The study also found that patients who were so fatigued that they were bedridden were able to get out of their bed, and even start back at work on a limited schedule after using this herbal formula to combat fatigue in chemotherapy patients.

The reason why it works is that the herbal combination contains 15 herbs that address the diminished white blood cell and red blood cell count, and have anti-cancer properties that address the growth of the tumor. Herbs are known also to help restore the body after strong cancer treatments, and according to Chinese medical journals, they have been used as adjunct therapy for cancer patients for decades.

Find out more information on how to combat fatigue in chemotherapy patients at http://www.immuneenhance.com/products

Leucozepin bestseller

Strengthen Immune System

Secondary Benefits

  • Regulates blood cell counts
  • Boosts energy
  • Activates NK cells
  • Stimulates macrophages
  • Relieves fatigue

Popularity: 12% [?]

Chemical From Medicinal Plants May Be Used To Fight HIV

Apr 30

leucozepin

Leucozepin bestseller
Strengthen Immune System: contains Astragalus

Secondary Benefits

  • Regulates blood cell counts
  • Boosts energy
  • Activates NK cells
  • Stimulates macrophages
  • Relieves fatigue

____________________________________________________

Chemical From Medicinal Plants May Be Used To Fight HIV

ScienceDaily — Like other kinds of cells, immune cells lose the ability to divide as they age because a part of their chromosomes known as a telomere becomes progressively shorter with cell division. As a result, the cell changes in many ways, and its disease fighting ability is compromised.But a new UCLA AIDS Institute study has found that a chemical from the Astragalus root, frequently used in Chinese herbal therapy, can prevent or slow this progressive telomere shortening, which could make it a key weapon in the fight against HIV.

“This has the potential to be either added to or possibly even replace the HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy), which is not tolerated well by some patients and is also costly,” said study co-author Rita Effros, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and member of the UCLA AIDS Institute.

A telomere is a region at the end of every cell chromosome that contains repeated DNA sequences but no genes; telomeres act to protect the ends of the chromosomes and prevent them from fusing together — rather like the plastic tips that keep shoelaces from unraveling. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter, eventually causing the cell to reach a stage called replicative senescence, when it can no longer divide. This seems to indicate that the cell has reached an end stage, but, in fact, the cell has changed into one with new genetic and functional characteristics.

A great deal of cell division must take place within the immune system for the system to function properly. For example, the so-called “killer” CD8 T-cells that help fight infection have unique receptors for particular antigens. When a virus enters the body, the killer T-cells whose receptors recognize that virus create, through division, versions of themselves that fight the invader.

Generally, the telomeres in cells are sufficiently long that they can divide many times without a problem. Moreover, when fighting infections, T-cells can turn on an enzyme called telomerase, which can prevent the telomeres from shortening.

“The problem is that when we’re dealing with a virus that can’t be totally eliminated from the body, such as HIV, the T-cells fighting that virus can’t keep their telomerase turned on forever,” Effros said. “They turn off, and telomeres get shorter and they enter this stage of replicative senescence.”

Previous studies have shown that injecting the telomerase gene into T-cells can keep the telomeres from shortening, enabling them to maintain their HIV-fighting function for much longer. This gene-therapy approach, however, is not a practical way to treat the millions of people living with HIV.

For the present study, rather than utilizing gene therapy, the researchers used a chemical called TAT2, which was originally identified from plants used in traditional Chinese therapy and which enhances telomerase activity in other cell types.

They tested TAT2 in several ways. First, they exposed the CD8 T-cells from HIV-infected persons to TAT2 to see if the chemical not only slowed the shortening of the telomeres but improved the cells’ production of soluble factors called chemokines and cytokines, which had been previously shown to inhibit HIV replication. It did.

They then took blood samples from HIV-infected individuals and separated out the CD8 T-cells and the CD4 T-cells — those infected with HIV. They treated the CD8 T-cells with TAT2 and combined them with the CD4 T-cells in the dish-and found that the treated CD8 cells inhibited production of HIV by the CD4 cells.

“The ability to enhance telomerase activity and antiviral functions of CD8 T-lymphocytes suggests that this strategy could be useful in treating HIV disease, as well as immunodeficiency and increased susceptibility to other viral infections associated with chronic diseases or aging,” the researchers write.

In addition to Effros, researchers were Steven Russell Fauce, Beth D. Jamieson, Ronald T. Mitsuyasu, Stan T. Parish, Christina M. Ramirez Kitchen, and Otto O. Yang, all of UCLA, and Allison C. Chin and Calvin B. Harley of the Geron Corp.

The Geron Corp., TA Therapeutics Ltd., the National Institutes of Health and the Frank Jernigan Foundation funded this study.


Journal reference:

1. . Telomerase-Based Pharmacologic Enhancement of Antiviral Function of Human CD8+ T Lymphocytes. Journal of Immunology, Nov. 15, 2008 [link]

Adapted from materials provided by University of California – Los Angeles.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Can Complementary Medical Treatment Help With Cancer Treatment Side Effects?

Apr 20

By Eric DeYoung

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is defined as interventions that are neither taught widely in medical schools, nor traditionally available in US Hospitals. CAM can be broken down into two broad categories I) those that are ingested or injected such as chelation therapy, Nosodes or Homeopathy and II) those that require a practitioner or therapist. Herbals, vitamins, organics, chemicals and diet are examples of the first group and meditation, massage (body work), chiropractic, acupuncture, body-mind therapy, and prayer are examples of the second.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become the norm for many cancer patients, the majority of whom use it along with conventional therapy. Data published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA 280(18):1569-75) from a 1997 United States survey of alternative medicine use demonstrated that 42% of the general population uses some form of CAM. More recent surveys of cancer patients demonstrate approximately two-thirds are engaged in a least one form of CAM therapy.

As a group, physicians remain somewhat in the dark to their patients’ use of CAM therapies. In multiple surveys, only about one-half of patients using CAM have indicated that their doctors are aware. The primary reason patients cite for not informing their practitioner is that the physician never asked. Studies also indicate that the great majority of patients using CAM do so in conjunction with standard cancer therapies, and not to the exclusion of oncologic treatments that is physician-endorsed.

Herbal formulas, raw foods, organic diets and homeopathy are additional forms of CAM modalities utilized in for many types of cancer treatments and especially for reducing the potential side effects of chemotherapy as well as radiation treatments. Traditional Chinese Medicine or Meridian therapy may also support the oncologist team in properly managing the side effects from cancer treatment. Patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy found that electro acupuncture treatments combined with anti-nausea medication were more effective than medication alone in controlling their chemo-related vomiting, according to a study reported in the Dec. 6 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. According to cancer experts, the study adds to the evidence that non-traditional therapies can be helpful to patients suffering from side effects of chemotherapy.

Homoeopathic treatment involves giving extremely small doses of a substance (called a ‘remedy’) that, if given to a healthy person in larger doses, will cause the same or similar symptoms. A recent survey (Molassiotis, Fernadez-Ortega et al. 2005) has shown that homoeopathy is one of the most commonly used complementary therapies for cancer. As a complementary treatment, homoeopathy is used mainly to strengthen the body, improve well-being and to relieve symptoms caused by the disease or the treatment. (Milazzo, Russell et al. 2006).

Most oncologists are comfortable with their patients’ use of CAM. Overall there is little clinical evidence to suggest that complementary therapies cause harm or interact unfavorably with regular medications. However, physicians are concerned that ingested or injected CAM might pose risks to some patients. Some might biochemically interfere with the effect of the chemotherapy or radiation therapy either negating or intensifying its action. In addition, although often taken to decrease the side effects and toxicity of conventional therapy, CAM may sometimes have unwarranted side effects of their own. For example, they may worsen other medical conditions a patient has such as high blood pressure. Many forms of prescription medication contain an herb as a base and therefore using herbs with CAM their may be a drug interaction potential with the existing formula within the prescription medication being used by the oncologist or other medical team participants.

The medical community recognizes the growing use of CAM and the need to investigate these medicines and their side effects. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is presently putting forth a research initiative through the NCCAM to study complementary and alternative therapies.

As a patient, it is always a good idea to discuss the use of CAM with your oncologist. Not only will it make them aware of other therapies you are using, but also the reasons that you may need them such as insomnia, pain, depression, anxiety, etc. Bringing along any data or literature you may have will be helpful to your doctor. As well, there are multiple Internet websites available for you to research CAM. Try looking at several, from a variety of different groups (manufacturers, support groups, medical) before starting complementary therapies. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) website is a good starting place – http://nccam.nih.gov

The Center For Alternative Medicines at Occupational Kinetics
http://www.myockn.com

Eric M. DeYoung, OTR/L, HHP, NPRS, NDC is experienced as a board registered and licensed occupational therapist in Kentucky and Indiana with a Bachelors degree from Shawnee State University, doctoral training as a traditional Naturopath practicing Homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine through Clayton College of Natural Health, a certified Holistic Health Practitioner and a Neuro Physical Reprogramming Specialist through the California College of Natural Medicine. Additional training that he maintains certification and competency is in the ways of body work such as myofascial release, cranial sacral therapy, Reiki, Acupressure, Meridian therapy, body reading, homeopathic endocrinology, Neuro-Muscular Therapy, and Positional Release. Eric’s interest in treating patients is rooted in the field of Functional Medicine which believes that the core clinical imbalances that underlie various disease conditions arise as environmental inputs such as diet, nutrients (including air and water), exercise, and trauma processed by one’s body, mind and spirit through a unique set of genetic predispositions, attitudes and beliefs. He believes that improving balance – in the patient’s environmental inputs and in the body’s fundamental physiological processes – is the precursor to restoring health and it involves much more than treating the symptoms. As the owner of Occupational Kinetics at The Center For Alternative Medicines, he is able to facilitate function through holistically treating his patients incorporating mind, body and spirit.

Popularity: 3% [?]

All you have to learn about herbal medications

Apr 14

In modern era of environmental problems, climatic changes, fast rhythm of life, stresses and various health problems, it is essential for everybody to take a good care for own health. Herbal medicine and herbal remedies can be a good solution for everyone, who looks for safe and natural methods to support own body and remain healthy and young for long time.
It was recently estimated that about 80% of the world’s population regularly uses herbal remedies and natural treatments for various ailments and health conditions. Growing public dissatisfaction with modern health care approaches and numerous disadvantages of using pharmaceuticals (including their cost, numerous unwanted effects and over-the-counter availability) produced a new wave of interest to traditional medicine and herbal remedies.

A great number of herbs and plants have strong therapeutic effects, and the humanity has not discovered the majority of those yet. Natural materials we can receive from medicinal plants contain a great deal of various chemical elements and components, which can produce powerful curative effects when they work as a composition. However, the effectiveness of herbal materials depends on some factors, such as climate, soil quality and other environmental aspects of the locality where the herb was growing, as well as the factors connected with harvesting and processing.

Herbal medicine is capable of curing a huge number of diseases and health concerns, starting from arthritis and eczema and ending with menopausal symptoms and chronic fatigue. At that, modern herbalists have a tendency to using whole plant extracts and benefit from therapeutic effects of the formulas, created by our Mother Nature rather than use extracts. However, modern herbal supplements and pills contain a great number of herbal extracts and concentrates, which are biologically derived and considered to be effective when working together. Such herbal medicines act slower in comparison with pharmaceuticals, but they usually have much better effects in long-term perspective.

There is a popular idea that herbal remedies are 100% safe because they are all natural. However, it is not true, and the people who rely on herbal remedies (especially modern natural supplements and pills with complicated formulas and dozens of ingredients) should not neglect possible side effects. Herbal remedies are also medicines, and chemical components of theirs can cause allergies, digestion problems or other negative reactions in the body. That is why it is absolutely essential to avoid self-healing and use modern herbal remedies under control of experienced herbalists or other competent medical practitioners.

You can find a great variety of herbal remedies and treatments in our pharmacies and health care shops. Essential oils used for aromatherapy and herbal teas are, probably, the most popular and safest among them. Liquid extracts, tinctures and syrups are used for treating the symptoms of such ailments as colds, headaches, increase heart rate and anxiety, depression and many others. Also, there are a lot of natural supplements, capsules, pills and tablets, which contain only naturally extracted elements and are designed for combating almost all known health problems of our times.


By Linda Moore
Published: 12/3/2008

Popularity: 1% [?]

Benefits of Alternative Medicine

Apr 14

leucozepin

Leucozepin bestseller
Strengthen Immune System: contains Astragalus

Secondary Benefits

  • Regulates blood cell counts
  • Boosts energy
  • Activates NK cells
  • Stimulates macrophages
  • Relieves fatigue
In recent times, alternative medicine is becoming popular for treatment of many ailments. It has certain advantages over the conventional methods, in terms of safety and expense. Read on to know more about the benefits of alternative medicine.
Alternative medicine refers to therapeutic practices that are based on natural and traditional methods. The treatment methods are totally different from the allopathic medical practice. In contrast to the conventional medical techniques that only treat diseases, alternative medicine emphasizes in improving the quality of life; be it treatment of diseases or promoting well-being of the individual. Alternative medicine is the form of treatment for practicing holistic health. A holistic health practitioner has a thorough knowledge about the body, mind and spirit of the human system.

In general, the term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used to cover all the practices, other than the standard medical care techniques (or conventional methods). However, the terms complementary and alternative can be used to determine the purpose of following the therapies. If alternative medicine therapies are used in addition to the conventional treatment methods, then they are referred to as complementary. Therapies are called alternative, in case they are used instead of the conventional methods.

Benefits of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine has been used for treatment of many diseases, since the olden days. Alternative medicine encompasses many disciplines such as homeopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, naturopathy, massage therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Though many of these therapies have gained interests worldwide, there are some like humor and radium therapy that are no longer in use. Following are some of the benefits of alternative medicine.

Herbal medicines (use of herbs) are used for treatment of varied health problems like insomnia, diabetes, bad breath, respiratory disease, heart disease, circulatory problem, skin and allergy problems. Some known herbs like aloe vera and garlic can be used for detoxification process. Various herbs are also identified that help to lose weight naturally.

Pain in the joints can be successfully treated by following acupuncture techniques. Acupuncture can also used to treat mental illnesses. The advantage of acupuncture is that it can be conducted in people who have a low immune system. Health problems treated by acupuncture technique include fatigue, stress, headache, tennis elbow and osteoarthritis.

Chiropractic is a popular technique for treatment of ailments related to muscle, bone and joints (neuro-musculoskeletal system). The basic principle behind chiropractic is that the body system has the ability to heal by itself. It gives more emphasis in treatment of spine problems, as spine is the primary center for many health related problems.

Aromatherapy refers to the use of plant essence for treatment of diseases. In recent times, aromatherapy has become a part of massage therapy. Essential oils added to a carrier oil base are used for massaging the body. The skin absorbs the plant essence easily (due to their molecular structure), which then stimulates the circulatory system, lymph flow and helps in natural detoxification process.

In addition to these benefits, alternative medicine does not have side effects, provided the therapies are conducted properly by a licensed practitioner. Alternative medicine is more cost-effective as compared to medical treatments. Since the therapeutic practices of alternative medicine often lack biomedical proof, a number of researches are ongoing to study the effects of alternative medicine on the human body.


By Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Published: 3/17/2009

Popularity: 3% [?]

Healing Herbs for Preventing and Curing Cancer

Mar 09

leucozepin

Leucozepin bestseller
Strengthen Immune System: contains Astragalus

Secondary Benefits

  • Regulates blood cell counts
  • Boosts energy
  • Activates NK cells
  • Stimulates macrophages
  • Relieves fatigue

_____________________________

Healing Herbs for Preventing and Curing Cancer

Dina Hunter

Healing Herbs for Preventing and Curing Cancer No one knows exactly what causes cancer. Research has learned that when the immune system slows down or cannot work properly, cancer and other immune failure diseases seem to take over. The white blood cells are a main part of the immune system. When the white blood cells die or in some way become impaired, the immune system breaks down. Conventional cancer treatments usually consist of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These can all lower your white blood cell count and wreak havoc with your immune system. White blood cells are very tough little guys, swimming through our veins, attacking infections and various other “bad germs” in our blood. But they are vulnerable to certain things. They can not do their job well when there is infection. They are killed off by chemotherapy, radiation, mold, chlorine and fluoride in our water supply and metal toxins such as mercury, iron or aluminum. What’s even more frightening is antibiotics, as well as, some pharmaceutical drugs that we are given to help combat disease and infection can sometimes destroy the white blood cells. Many times the very drugs and treatments that kill cancer end up killing the patient because their organs break down and fail to function. So there goes our immune system. In 2002 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I endured surgery and chemotherapy, which made me horribly sick and left me so weak I could barely walk across the room. When I told the oncologist I was sick and vomiting for several days after each chemo session, she told me it couldn’t be the chemo making me sick. It had to be something else making me vomit. Even after the chemo sessions were over, I was still too weak to do much of anything. I asked the oncologist if there were any herbs or certain kinds of foods I should eat. She said, “No, just eat what you normally eat.” She obviously had no knowledge of herbs or nutrition. So, it looks to me like, if you’re suffering from the effects of chemotherapy or radiation, you’re pretty much on your own. It’s very hard to cope with these vague feelings of tiredness, no energy, depression, irritability, loss of appetite, memory loss and concentration. Most doctors seem to feel these symptoms are unimportant and dismiss them without much thought. One thing we can do is take advantage of the many cancer fighting, immune enhancing herbs, some of which have been around for 1000s of years. Scientists around the world are concentrating on herbal medicines to boost the immune cells of the body in it’s fight against cancer. Find a good herbalist or Doctor of alternative medicine. He or she can put together an herbal formulation based on your body, it’s needs and your life style. Because there are many kinds of cancer and different herbs work in different ways, they are usually not given singly. They work much better in synergistic combinations. Some herbs fight disease by enhancing the immune system. Others work with the lymph system to neutralize toxins and encourage drainage of fluids which flush toxins out of the body. Water, although not an herb, does a very good job of flushing toxins from the body. Just make sure the toxic chemicals that are added to most water systems are filtered out before you drink it. According to the Department of Agriculture there are over 3000 herbs that contain anti-cancer properties. Following is a list of the more common herbs for treating this dreaded disease. Astragalus has been used for more than 5000 years in China. It enhances the immune cells and the natural killer cells that are known to destroy cancer cells. It has been shown in research to speed recovery from chemotherapy and radiation treatments and prolong life expectancy. Astragalus is rarely given alone. According to Chinese medicine it works best when given along with other immune enhancing herbs. Some studies do show that it is effective when used alone and it is certainly worth using. Flaxseed supplements help balance the hormonal system and enhances the immune system and is recommended as a preventative for women who are concerned about breast cancer. Doctors in Germany have been using yarrow along with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Garlic and onion has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer of the colon, esophagus and the stomach. Hippocrates was the first to recommend it’s use. Antioxidants are found in most fruits, vegetables and herbs and are known to fight cancer and other diseases. Pau D Arco has been known to shrink cancerous tumors. Burdock, Cat’s Claw, sweet potatoes and pineapple, all have cancer fighting qualities which can detoxify your body and boost the immune system. If you don’t have an herbalist or doctor who will prescribe a synergistic herbal combination to fight cancer for you try eating a wide variety of herbs known to fight cancer and rejuvenate the immune system. Find more information about combating disease with herbs at www.healthyherbalplants.com .

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/healing-herbs-for-preventing-and-curing-cancer-482749.html

About the Author:

Dina Hunter is the author and owner of www.healthyherbalplants.com She is a firm believer in natural healing with fresh natural foods and herbs.She uses herbs for pain, stress and joint care As a cancer survivor she has done a lot of research on herbs to help This article discusses relevant herbs for preventing and curing cancer and helping the body cope with radiation and chemotherapy, recover from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/healing-herbs-for-preventing-and-curing-cancer-482749.html

Popularity: 10% [?]

Natural Cures for Insomnia Relief

Mar 09

If you’re looking for natural cures for your insomnia relief, try some of these popular  solutions.

Bridgett Raffenberg

When it comes to treating your insomnia, you have many treatment options. There are many over-the-counter sleep aids. You can even visit your doctor to get some prescription strength medication. But what if you’re not comfortable taking medicine to cure your insomnia? Luckily, there are many natural cures for insomnia that do not require consuming medication. Insomnia is not a new problem. It has been around as long as people have suffered from stress and anxiety. You won’t be surprised to find that people throughout the ages have found many natural cures for insomnia through trial and error. And as with all history, we can benefit from their trials. There are many natural herbs that can help induce sleep. Chamomile tea has long been a favorite natural cure for insomnia sufferers. Lavender has a pleasant calming effect. Valerian has been a favorite herbal remedy for centuries. If you have trouble falling asleep when you get into bed, a relaxation routine may help you. There are many techniques to help relax your body. If you think your insomnia is stress related, relaxation is the key to getting to sleep at night. When you get into bed, lie on your back and breathe very deeply and slowly. Breathe well into your chest and diaphragm. Exhale slowly. Do this a number of times over to calm your mind. After that, concentrate on relaxing your body, one section at a time. Start with your feet and think about how relaxed they are. Move on to your ankles, your calves, your knees, etc. This may help to calm your mind and body in preparation for sleep. Try to be mindful of your insomnia problem BEFORE you get into bed at night. Wind down. Read a book (but not one that will stimulate your mind like an a thriller), listen to classical music while you do the dishes after dinner, drink a warm cup of milk and have a light snack before retiring. Take a warm bath and relax. Set yourself up to fall asleep before you ever get into bed. Television and computer work can stimulate your mind and is not a good idea at bedtime. Consider your sleeping environment. Is it the right temperature? Are your blinds closed? Would ear plugs block out the noise from a snoring spouse? Many of these little annoyances can be something that will wake you up all night. Waking up because your feet are cold is a common complaint amongst people who wake often. Wear socks. Be sure you have adequate blankets. If it’s hot at night, run a small fan. Think about the things that might be happening to wake you up after you’re asleep and see if you can’t eliminate those problems safely. Exercise can be a great stress reliever. If the stress of your day is causing your insomnia, exercise may be something that will alleviate some stress. Try getting out of the office and walking at lunch. Fit in a session at the gym each day. In addition to relieving stress, the exercise will help to wear out your body.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/natural-cures-for-insomnia-relief-754965.html

About the Author:

Bridgett Raffenberg is a former technology teacher who loves techno-gadgets and social media. Known as the ‘Martha Stewart’ of her neighborhood, she also enjoys internet marketing, real estate investing and volunteering.

To learn more about Insomnia Symptoms , join others at http://www.InsomniaSmptomsFAQ.com where you will find this and much more,

includiNatural Cures for Insomnia, Insomnia Symptoms, Natural Sleep Remediesng detailed information on Natural Sleep Remedies . http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/natural-cures-for-insomnia-relief-754965.html

Popularity: 2% [?]

The Place of All Natural Chinese Herbs in Cancer Treatment

Feb 01

By Dr. Donna Schwontkowski

Medical philosophy is vastly different than all natural herbal therapy. Medical doctors are aggressive in their attack on cancer and try to burn the cancer out, cut it out, or kill it with potent drugs. Herbal philosophy is based on the support of the body’s natural defenses and working with the body until any illness is gone. Both philosophies have their triumphs and challenges. In many people’s minds, the big question is where do all natural Chinese herbs fit into the grand scheme of cancer treatment?

Why Not Mix Both Philosophies?

Many alternative health practitioners and even medical physicians now have decided that both philosophies can be incorporated together and result in a more successful outcome for patients with cancer, especially those on chemotherapy treatment. In the last few decades, clinical research studies have proven that it is indeed possible to  combine medical therapy with all natural Chinese herbs.

For example, synthetic IL-2 is often used as a treatment modality by the medical profession for patients with colorectal cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, and kidney cancer. The chemotherapy drug is extremely toxic and can cause serious side effects. The herb Astragalus was given to patients with colorectal cancer. When researchers and doctors combined their efforts and administered the all natural Chinese herb Astragalus to patients receiving synthetic IL-2, the white blood cells of patients became faster and more efficient. The drug’s effectiveness was enhanced, proving that a chemotherapy natural solution mixture could work, that all natural Chinese herbs do indeed have a place in chemotherapy treatment.

Studies show that Astragalus helps in cancer cases by increasing killer cells. Astragalus also helps offset immune damage from numerous drugs. Astragalus protects the immune system, increases the metabolic rate and increases energy levels. All these functions can only aid a chemotherapy patient.

Researchers frequently comment on the use of Astragalus to alleviate the toxic side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. In the peer-reviewed journal, Carcinogenesis, June of 2007, researchers M.M. Tin et al reported that Astragalus inhibited cell growth and promoted the death of cancer cells. They also found that Astragalus reduced the size of tumors without causing death and without causing a drop in body weight in studies on mice. The researchers concluded that Astragalus could be an effective chemotherapeutic agent in colon cancer treatment and used as an adjuvant in combination with other orthodox chemotherapeutic drugs to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy compounds.

In another study, patients with small cell lung cancer used traditional chemotherapeutic drugs like vincristine, cyclophosphamide and carmustine and researchers added the all natural Chinese herbs ginseng and Astragalus to the therapy. The survival rate increased to as long as 17 years in some of the patients! Again, this proved that a chemotherapy natural solution mixture of treatment could work.

Glycyrrhiza glabra, of licorice, is also another Chinese herb that activates immune cells in human subjects. The Journal of Phytotherapy Research reported on a study in August 2006 where immune cell function was enhanced within 24 hours of ingesting licorice and also Astragalus and Echinacea. CD4 and CD8 T cell counts increased and continued for at least seven days. When the all natural Chinese herbs licorice and Astragalus along with Echinacea were used together, another immune cell function was improved, that of CD69 expression.

There are plenty of other studies that show that all natural Chinese herbs can be used as a chemotherapy natural solution. What we are seeing is that using the chemotherapy drugs by themselves can almost assure one of toxic side effects to come, but using them with the all natural Chinese herbs, the chemotherapy treatment can be endured better and with a higher quality of life.

For more info on herbs that help chemotherapy fatigue and other side effects, see http://www.immuneenhance.com

For more info on articles on health, see http://www.drdonna.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Donna_Schwontkowski http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Place-of-All-Natural-Chinese-Herbs-in-Cancer-Treatment&id=1070074

Popularity: 4% [?]

Therapy Pain

Jan 15

Therapy Pain   by Billy Fischer

Where traditional forms of medicine do not work alternative therapies are resorted to. When there is a combination or integrated medical system that is followed, how to blend both the alternative and the conventional needs expertise. Alternative therapies make available services which are not offered in conventional medicine. These treatments could involve homeopathy, new age healing, faith healing and naturopathy. Some diseases might warrant alternative methods of healing rather than the conventional and more and more people seem to be becoming aware of this.

Not only can alternative health therapies help you to improve the quality of your life and feel better, they can also help you to improve your overall general health in order to provide you with a sense of control. It relaxes you by reducing your anxiety, stress, depression, sleeplessness and tension. They reduce some of the side effects, which are normally noticed in the usual cancer treatments and also help in reducing some of the symptoms like poor appetite, tiredness, pain, sickness, diarrhea, constipation and breathlessness.

Alternative health therapies can be very effective at masking pain, which can sometimes hide a more serious underlying condition and are often used in conjunction with conventional medicine. Some cancer support groups for example, offer these therapies for free or make a small charge and some hospitals and hospices provide as part of cancer care, alongside conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Many cancer patients to support themselves in their fight against cancer now use these therapies. These therapies are very valuable in that they identify and support spiritual and emotional characteristics and physical features, but they should not be used as the only alternative line of treatment.

More than billion is spent by the Americans annually on vitamins and herbs which are alternative health products. The recent studies that were conducted by Phillips, Tindle, Eisenberg and Davis, reflected that there was roughly seventy two million adults within the United States that use alternative and complementary therapies. The studies conducted by Herman, Craig and Caspi in 2005 also show an out of pocket spend of about billion annually on these therapies.

It is very essential to find out which treatments offered by alternative health therapies are more effective and at the same time making you feel much better and comfortable. The quality of life for many people has improved especially those who have Motor Neuron Disease. It is always advisable to check with your doctor before starting with any of the alternative health therapies and you should also remember to check whether any such treatment adapted would have adverse effect on any of the treatment programs which are already being undertaken.

In case you are thinking of using any alternative health therapy along with your contemporary medication then you must talk to you doctor and find about the pros and cons that are related. You could even find out from your physician if he is qualified to practice any of these therapies. Today doctors are more and more convinced that alternative therapy does have a place in the overall healing of a patient; this gives them the ability to maybe recommend alternative therapy practitioners. For some people, these types of therapies are helpful in coping with effects of conventional treatments, reducing anxiety and giving them back some control over their lives.

Popularity: 2% [?]

 
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