Medizines

Acne is caused largely by the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance that causes the pores of the skin to become blocked, resulting in spots or pimples. They are found on the face, though they may extend to the shoulders, back, arms and chest. The condition is particularly common in the adolescent years due to hormonal changes.

Acne occurs in two main forms:

Acne is frequently treated with antibiotics. Tetracycline is the antibiotic that is frequently prescribed for the treatment of acne. The most common side effect from treatment with tetracycline is the overgrowth of candida albicans and other yeast in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems.

What you can do to treat acne

The natural approaches to acne treatment include the following:

Herbal treatment

Herbal treatment can include the following mixture:

Place these herbs into a pan and add a cup of boiling water. Allow to stand for 10 - 15 minutes and strain out the herbs. This tea should be drunk three times per day.

Additional herbs that could be used include dandelion and yellow dock.

The following mixture will be of assistance and can be taken for a while:

Combine all the ingredients. Take 1 teaspoon of the herb blend and place into a suitable sized saucepan and add one cup of boiling water. Allow this to stand for 10-15 minutes. Strain out the herbs. Drink 1 cup three times per day.

Externally a lotion or infusion of the following herbs will be useful:

Distilled witch hazel will also be useful as will frequent washing with pure non drying soap.

In addition to these factors you also need to work on generally improving you general health - follow the guidelines for healthy living that have been provided in earlier articles. In particular if you smoke you need to quit. Join Growerz for the support and assistance you need to stop smoking for good. You will also benefit from cleansing your body - clean your body and skin - from the inside. This is a skin that will be healthy and acne free.

Holistic means whole. It involves treating the entire organism not just the affected area or worse, just the symptoms. Any really effective natural remedy for heartburn has to address the whole body and not just the affected area.
For heartburn and it's cause, acid reflux, the affected area is the esophagus. This area has to be treated first, starting with the painful symptoms of heartburn. But unlike the regular allopathic approach, holistic treatments go on to work on the entire digestive system as this is intimately linked to acid reflux and heartburn. Finally, to be truly holistic, the whole body must be addressed including the mind and emotions. In this article we'll look at the first step of treating the affected area when pain strikes.
When heartburn strikes, the natural reaction is to take an antacid. This should be the home remedy of last resort. Stomach acids have an important role to play in digestion and interfering with this is not wise. And very often the cause of heartburn is too little, no too much acid.
So try these alternative remedies first. Not only do they treat the symptoms but they have beneficial effects on overall health too.
The first is to munch on some unsalted raw almonds (sweet not bitter). Sweet, oily and rich in calcium, almonds work on many levels to relieve heartburn. Almonds are also rich in anti-oxidants which help heal affected areas.
Another natural way is to drink the juice of such vegetables as carrots, cucumbers, radishes or beet root. Vegetables are highly alkaline and work wonders on an acid stomach. They are also teeming with anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals to boost the overall health of the body.
Finally when heartburn strikes you should reach for the aloe vera. This coats and heals the digestive tract. Take two cups of aloe vera juice containing 98% aloe vera three times daily between meals. Aloe vera is a nutritional power house which is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti fungal. Plus, it boosts the immune system.
Remember that these natural remedies for heartburn work best in an overall lifestyle program involving eating habits, body weight and many other factors.
So don't automatically reach for the antacids the next time heartburn rears its ugly head. Try some of nature's remedies first. And remember that treating the symptoms is the just the first step. Until the whole body is well and balanced, the problem of heartburn is likely to return.

Everyone has a variety of bacteria in their mouth. Some have more than others. This bacterium helps you by beginning the digestive process.

Excess bacteria in your mouth have now been found to cause more than tooth decay, gingivitis or gum disease. So, you need to know, even though you might not have gingivitis, how to control these plaque-building bacteria in your mouth.

Bacteria that create gingivitis live in your plaque and cause your gums to inflame, bleed, and separate from your teeth. You can also have bad breath when you have gingivitis. In more severe cases, your gums become sore, teeth hurt, gums recede, and teeth loosen.

To stop the inflammation and gum separation use this natural remedy to kill some of these bacteria and strengthen your gums in your mouth.

Here are the herbs and the formula you will need to make a remedy for a mild case of gingivitis:

2 parts white oak bark herb - powder

1 part myrrh gum herb - power or granules

3/4 part Peppermint leaves converted to powder

1/2 part anise herb - power or seeds

1/8 part clove - powder

If herbs and leaves are not in powder form, grind them in a coffee grinder. Use this formula to make as much powder as you want.

Place the mixture into a small container. I usually use a small-unused vitamin bottle.

I usually mix a small amount and use a tablespoon as my measuring tool. For example, 2 tablespoons of white oak, 1 tablespoon of myrrh gum, ¾ tablespoon of peppermint leaves, and so on. The measurements do not have to be so precise.

How to use it:

To control bacteria in your mouth, use this power once a week. If you have gingivitis, you can use this 3 times a day. Place some powder on your toothbrush and brush your teeth and gums. After brushing spit out, a few time, the saliva and residue powder. Don't rinse out your mouth since you want to keep the active herb powders in your month. You can swallow any that remains in your mouth with no problem.

This powder combination is bitter, but quite powerful and will get the job done. You can add more peppermint powder to make it less bitter, if you like.

For severe cases of gingivitis and toothaches, you can also moist some powder with distilled water and then place the paste all along the your teeth and gums - front and back. Leave the paste in your mouth as long as you can. Don't worry about the herbs getting in between your teeth. This remedy works.

By Rudy Silva

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a part of life for millions of Americans. High blood pressure medications are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. But did you know that you can effectively lower your blood pressure without the use of drugs or medications?
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (as of 2004), blood pressure can be broken down into 4 segments.
Normal: Lower than 120 (systolic) over lower than 80 (diastolic) - lower than 120/80
Prehypertension: 120-139 (systolic) over 80-89 (diastolic) - 120-139/80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension: 140-159 (systolic) over 90-99 (diastolic) - 140-159/90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension: 160 or higher (systolic) over 100 or higher - higher than 160/100
Natural treatment aims to lower blood pressure to at least 140 over 90 for most individuals. However with prolonged natural treatment you may even be able to get your blood pressure back in the normal range.
The first step in lowering your blood pressure is to make sure your getting all the essential vitamins, nutrients and minerals required for a healthy cardiovascular system. The list below is a good starting point. I've only included the most important vitamins and nutrients, but these alone will help a great deal in lowering your blood pressure. Especially if you are deficcient in one or more of them (which if you have high blood pressure you probably are).
-Calcium - 1,500 - 3000 mg daily.
-Magnesium - 750 - 1000 mg daily.
-Potassium - As directed on label
(increase dosage of Potassium if taking cortisone or other high blood pressure meds)
-Coenzyme Q10 and Coenzyme A - As directed on label
-Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) (flax seed oil, or black currant seed oil are good sources)
-Garlic (2 capsules 3 times daily)
-L-Arginine - As directed on label
-Vitamin E - 100 IU daily for first month, then increase to 200 IU daily
(DO NOT take Vitamin E if taking blood thinners)
-Vitamin C with Bioflavinoids - 3000 - 6000 mg daily in divided doses.
-Lecithin granules or capsules - 1 tbs 3 times daily before meals or 1,200mg three times daily
-Vitamin B Complex - 100mg of each B vitamin twice daily with meals.
-Vitamin B6 - 50mg 3 times daily
Along with getting the correct vitamins and supplements, their are a variety of herbal and natural remedies that have for a long time shown to be effective in treating hypertension.
I highly recommend Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup, as it has had some amazing results for a lot of people with high blood pressure/heart problems. You can order the syrup online. If you can't find it, you can just get Hawthorn berry tea or powder, which is also effective in lowering blood pressure.
One of the cheapest and most effective high blood pressure therapies is cayenne. Start out taking 1 teaspoon a day, and work your way up to 3 teaspoons (or more) each and every day. You can also take wheat germ oil when you take your cayenne in the morning. The two in combination often provide great results.
If you have symptoms of high blood pressure such as headaches and dizziness, you can take mistletoe, which has proven effective for the relief of both headaches and dizziness associated with high blood pressure.
Your should also try to completely eliminate salt from your diet. That means avoid anything with sodium , salt, soda or the Na symbol on the label. Also avoid baking soda, MSG, Aspartame and foods high in preservatives (foods with long shelf life generally). You should also avoid animal fats, aged cheese, caffiene, alcohol and tobacco (and other drugs). Avoid licorice as well, which can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure.
If you are taking an MAO inhibitor (a class of high blood pressure medication), avoid anything that contains the chemical tyramine or tyrosine. MAO inhibitors in combination with either of these chemicals can lead to a stroke.
I also recommend that you drink only steam distilled water (1 oz. for each lb of body weight each day).
Reducing stress will also have an immediate impact on blood pressure. You can try meditation or breathing exercises, or simple audio cd's that are designed to lower stress. There are many different stress reducing techniques, some more in depth than others. Getting sufficient amounts of sleep each night, in tune with the rise and setting of the sun, is also beneficial.
If you aren't already, you should strive for at least 30 mins of light cardio activity (such as walking) each day.
A colon cleanse or fast can also be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, and I recommend doing one anyways for the overall health benefits.
In summary, here are the most important things you (or anyone else) should do to lower blood pressure.
1. Reduce stress
2. Get sufficient amounts of sleep
3. Supplement with the above mentioned nutrients and vitamins
4. Take cayenne/wheat germ oil each and every day
5. Take Hawthorn berry syrup, tea or powder
6. Get plenty of light exercise
7. Drink plenty of steam distilled water
8. Reduce, or even better, completely eliminate salt/sodium from your diet.
9. Avoid chemicals/preservatives/artificial sweeteners/stimulants
10. Perform a colon cleanse or fast 2-3 times a year
11. Avoid muccous forming foods (animal fats, cheese, dairy etc.)
12. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
13. Get plenty of good fiber (supplement if necessary).
Out of the above mentioned remedies/techniques the 3 with the most immediate and most beneficial results will be the daily cayenne, wheat germ and hawthorn berry as well as reducing stress. Those 4 in combination are often enough to lower a person's blood pressure within acceptable limits.

By Dr John Anne

High blood pressure or hypertension is the condition when the blood flow in the arteries and veins is forced under a higher pressure than normal. This can happen due to the weakness of the heart or due to the buildup of cholesterol in the coronary arteries, which can reduce their lumen. Today, most people in the world are suffering from hypertension, though it is not always fatal. Proper medication and a positive lifestyle can make people with higher blood pressures lead a long and happy life. However, neglect can cause severe fatal problems like myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).
High blood pressure is known as Rakta Gata vata in Ayurveda. It can be caused due to vitiation of any of the three doshas, though the contribution of the vata dosha may be more, as it is responsible for the circulation of blood. The following are the main precipitating factors for people with different doshas:-
1. Vata type of Hypertension - This is caused by extreme emotions such as worry, anxiety and stress.
2. Pitta type of Hypertension - This is caused by negative emotions such as hatred, jealousy and feeling for revenge.
3. Kapha type of Hypertension - This is caused by problems with the digestive system.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of High Blood Pressure
1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina)
Alfalfa contains several elements which are needed in the softening of the hard arteries. This reduces the tension in the arteries and hence helps to treat hypertension.
2. Bloodwort (Achillea millefolium)
Bloodwort is a sweat-inducing herb. It makes the blood flow towards the skin for expelling the sweat. Due to this free movement of the blood, the high blood pressure is reduced. Bloodword contains an alkaloid which is effective in reducing high blood pressure.
3. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic is an antispasmodic agent. Hence it reduces the pressure in the arteries caused due to the pumping action of the heart during blood circulation. Garlic creates a rhythm in the pumping of the heart, which eases the pulse. Other high blood pressure problems such as dizziness, shortness of breath and indigestion are also taken care of by garlic. Garlic is widely considered to be the best remedy for high blood pressure.
4. Jaundice Berry (Berberis vulgaris)
Jaundice berry is another very effective remedy in the treatment of high blood pressure. It eases the tension in the arteries by making them dilate. Thus the blood flow in them is facilitated.
5. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley is like a monitor of the blood vessels. It regulates the flow of blood in them and maintains easy circulation. It looks after the entire arterial system. Hence it is a very beneficial herb for people with high blood pressure.
6. Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)
The effects of rauwolfia on the arteries and veins of the human system have been investigated in detail, and immensely positive results have been obtained. Rauwolfia has a treasure-trove of alkaloids for easing the arteries, synchronizing the blood flow in them, reducing palpitation and even removing the cholesterol buildup in the arteries. Hence, practitioners of all forms of medicine acknowledge the effects of rauwolfia. In Ayurveda especially, the root of the rauwolfia is prescribed for hypertension patients. The Ayurvedic name for rauwolfia is sarpagandha.
(2) Dietary Treatments for High Blood Pressure
A strict dietary regimen is important to seek early treatment from high blood pressure. The following points must be obeyed:-
1. Salt should be reduced or totally eliminated from the diet. Hot and spicy foods should also be avoided.
2. Instead of hydrogenated fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats must be used. These include oils of sesame, olive, flaxseed, mustard and groundnut. Ghee and butter made from cow's milk are beneficial. Buffalo milk should be avoided.
3. Indigestion should be taken care of by consuming a good amount of leafy vegetables containing fiber.
4. Bitter gourd and drumsticks are advantageous vegetables for people suffering from high blood pressure. Colocasia must be avoided, but yellow pumpkin helps in reducing blood pressure.
5. Among fruits, bananas, oranges, guavas and apples are good. All kinds of dry fruits and nuts are good.
6. Sweets and chocolates must be avoided.
7. Red meats must be avoided. But white meats, especially fish are beneficial in lowering blood pressure.
(3) Ayurvedic Concepts for High Blood Pressure
Sarpagandha is the drug of choice in high blood pressure. Not only is this drug used in Ayurvedic medicine, but it is also used in allopathic medicine in the treatment of high blood pressure. In addition, the following herbal preparations are prescribed depending on the doshic cause of high blood pressure:-
a. For Vataja High Blood Pressure, jatamansi and brahmi are prescribed.
b. For Pittaja High Blood Pressure, sarsarapilla and sandalwood are prescribed.
c. For Kaphaja High Blood Pressure, calamus, arjuna, shilajit, guggulu and berberis are prescribed.
(4) Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure
a. Have a spoonful of lemon juice mixed with honey every morning.
b. Oranges are very helpful in high blood pressure. Have a juice of two or three oranges every day.
c. Prepare a powdered mixture of cumin seeds, fennel seeds and sugar. Take one spoonful of this mixture in water every morning and evening.

By Dr John Anne

What is Ayurveda and Its Importance?
Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing. Translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means 'the science of life'. ayur means "life" and veda means "science. India system which largely depends on plant support to form major Chunk of its medicine. Most of the herbs, spices, seeds, roots, leaves, stems, petals and flowers are deeply ingrained in all Indian homes where 'home remedies' are popular. Even certain family members in some family are adept in curing even intricate disorders by simple and cost effective formulations which, at times, have shown marvelous and astounding results.
All over the world today we are looking for a natural system of healing that is comprehensive and complete, that is not merely some curious form of folk healing but a real and rational system of medicine that is sensitive to both nature and the Earth. This is exactly what Ayurveda has to offer, for it has a many thousand year-old clinical tradition and a comprehensive natural method of treatment ranging from diet, herbs and massage.
With Ayurveda we learn the right diet for our individual type, how to improve our immune system, he keys to right use of sexual energy and rejuvenation,a nd a conscious way of life that can lift us to a new level of awareness in all our endeavors.
Without such natural wisdom as Ayurveda, we may find ourselves not only unhealthy, but unhappy and spiritually confused.
Ayurveda Principles and Theory
Ayurveda system is the prominent user of herbs and its basic theory revolves round imbalance and vitiation of three humors (Doshas).
Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi) are the great five elements which underline all living systems. these elements are constantly changing and interacting and can be simplified into three Vitiations (Doshas). When these doshas remain under harmony and balance, health of body does not get disturbed but, when their balance gets disturbed, a diseased state sets in.
The three doshas are vata (Wind), Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm) and due to predominance of the one dosha, a person's personality is determined that is ' Vata-Prakriti', 'Pitta- Prakriti' or 'Kapha Prakriti'
Vata formed from ether and air, governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance.
Pitta formed from fire and water, governs "all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body
Kapha formed from earth and water, cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure
Each person has an individual blend of the three doshas, with one or sometimes two doshas predominating.
Common Herbs used in Ayurvedic Medicines
Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis) - The fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any natural occurring substance in nature. It maintains balance amongst three doshas and effectively controls digestive problems, strengthens heart, normalises cholesterol, prevents cancer, builds up and sustain defence mechanism, improves eye-sight and detoxifies the body.
Amla is said to have 20 times more vitamin C than orange. The vitamin C content of amla is between 625mg - 1814mg per 100gms. Other studies show that amla increases red blood cell count and hemoglobin. A research tem discovered that when Amla is taken regularly as a dietary supplement, it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals, such as lead, aluminium and nickel.
Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Withania Somnifera)- Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs for promoting ojas and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda. It is a well known semen promoter and it treats impotency and infertility.
Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha has antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The strong anti-stress actions, increases memory and learning capabilities. It has also found to be useful in Rheumatic and Arthritic disorders like pain, swelling etc
Summing up, it is a strong Aphrodisiac and has Immunomodulating, anti- inflammatory, anti tumor and anti stress properties which clearly shows why Ayurveda has such a high opinion of this herb as a general tonic.
Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) - It is a cardiac tonic of high quality. Terminalia arjuna, is known to be beneficial for the treatment of heart ailments since 500 BC. Clinical research has indicated its usefulness in relieving anginal pain, and in the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and possibly hypercholesterolemia.
"Terminalia arjuna bark extract, 500 mg 8 hourly, given to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy." Result on Clinical Research Conducted.
Improvement of cardiac muscle function and subsequent improved pumping activity of the heart seem to be the primary benefits of Terminalia Arjuna.
Brahmi (Bacopa, Gotu Kola) - Brahmi is known as "the food for brain". Traditionally Brahmi is used as a mental tonic, to rejuvenate the body, as a promoter of memory and as a nerve tonic. It promotes a calm, clear mind, and improves mental function.
Modern Research claims that brahmi improves memory and helps overcome the negative effects of stress. Brahmi is especially suitable for students as it enhances the minds ability to learn and to focus and for an elderly person hoping to regain their memory. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety.
As a nervine tonic, Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke, nervous breakdown or exhaustion and Attention Deficit Disorder. The best Ayurvedic brain and memory formulas contain brahmi, as do many of the long life promoting compounds.
Guggulu (Shuddha Guggulu, Guggul, Commiphora Mukul) - Modern Research shows that it is the prime Ayurvedic herb for treating obesity and high cholesterol. Studies shows that guggulu lowers serum cholesterol and phospholipids, and that it also protects against cholesterol- induced atherosclerosis. Guggulu were seen to lower body weight in these clinical studies.
Guggulu also as anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating arthritis and other joint pains.
Karela (Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd, Momordica Charantia) - At least three different groups of constituents have been reported to have blood sugar lowering actions in bitter Mellon. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. Scientific studies have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes.
It could probably reduce the patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. Also Bitter Melon has two proteins which are thought to repress the AIDS virus.
Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management.
Neem (Azadirachta Indica) - Neem is an extraordinary blood purifier, good for al skin diseases like acne, eczema, psoriasis and teeth and gums. Neem is included in most Ayurvedic Skin products because it is as effective on an external application as through internal indigestion.
In Ayurveda it has been safely used for over five thousand years and are a good immunity booster to prevent colds, fevers, infections and various skin diseases.
Shilajit (Mineral Pitch, Asphaltum) - Shilajit is one of the prime Ayurvedic compounds for rejuvenating the body. it is an aphrodisiac, anti-aging herb and to treat diabetes and debilitating urinary problems.
The Charaka Samhita states that a person must use shilajit for a minimum of one month before starting to realize he regenerating effects. It is also used to treat impotency and infertility. it is well known that Shilajit would return the libido of people to level of teenagers.
There is a folk saying by the indigenous people who live in the Himalayan region that Shilajit makes the body strong as a rock. It is an adaptogen, (Rasayna), that helps to combat immune disorders, urinary tract disorders, nervous disorders and sexual dissatisfaction.
Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata, Salai Guggul) - Modern Research indicate that the Boswellia herb may assist in treating joint mobility, pain, and may be a useful remedy for a variety of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A recent clinical trial suggests positive effects of Boswellia serrata extract in knee osteoarthritis.
Boswellia has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders and best for treating Back Pain, Knee Pain, Joint Pain and Arthritis. This herb has also been proposed as a possible therapy for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) - Triphala has got the properties of three famous nutrients: amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. The advantage of this formula is that it is milder in action and more balanced than any of the three alone.
It has cleansing and detoxifying action. Used regularly it is good for gentle, slow detoxification of the digestive tract and then the deep tissues. It also has the ability to normalize all three humors with continued use.
As a daily supplement triphala is hard to beat; that' s why in India they say "even if your mother leaves you, every thing will be fine if you have triphala"
Tulsi (Holy Basil, Ocimum Sanctum) - Its very name Holy Basil certifies to its sacred nature. It is a sacred plant worshipped in many Indian homes and is a must in every Hindu's house.
Holy basil is also a major ingredient of many Ayurvedic cough syrups. it is a good stress reliever, and modern research has found it to be good for Respiratory problems, Cold, Fever and all types of Cough.

By Dr John Anne