health- the natural way

Natural remedies have grown over the years and people are more aware of other ways to treat ailments at home. Research indicates that a good number of people are trying at least one alternative treatment for their ailments, looking to treat the cause of their complaints rather than the symptoms.

With an ever-increasing levels of stress taking their toll on our health, the benefits of holistic healing are evident, suggesting that while orthodox medicine is claiming growing success in tackling major health problems.

Why choose the natural way?

Healing based on natural remedies, home treatments and lifestyle measures is gentler and far more user-friendly than taking potent drugs. It is also empowering, enabling one to take responsibility for everyday wellbeing while being free to consult an orthodox health-care professional when appropriate. Perhaps most important, it acknowledges the good sense of maintaining the health of the individual., rather than focusing only on symptoms of disease, and it attempts to prevent, rather that simply treat sickness.

Natural approaches to health recognize the body's own haling power and try to maximize or enhance it. They are also less likely than orthodox treatments to cause troublesome side effects.

Each herbal remedy, for instance, contains small amounts of several active ingredients , each of which tends to balance the actions of the others. This is in contrast to most prescription drugs, which typically contain a powerful dose of a single substance and therefore have a potential to create an imbalance in the body's chemistry and cause problems. These, in turn may necessitate further treatment.

Natural medicine places great emphasis on the important links between the body and the mind. Scientific research provides an ever- increasing volume of evidence to substantiate this approach . A wealth of studies shows that patients who think positively and address any emotional problems tend to have improved outcomes in diseases such as arthritis.

Brain and body are intimately linked to hormones, neurotransmitters (substances that help transmit messages between nerve cells) and other chemicals. Mood changes can affect the functioning of our immune system, your cardiovascular health and the quality of your sleep.

On the other hand, physical problems affect your happiness, alertness and anxiety level. This explains why physical illness can lead to mental distress and vice versa, and why physical therapies can alleviate mental illness and mind therapies may indeed encourage physical healing. Such an example is sound therapy-listening to soothing sounds can alter our brain waves, alleviating stress and lifting depression.

Choices for Health

It is tempting to see conventional and natural medicine as irreconcilable opposites. The reality is that many mainstream doctors are open minded for patients to include natural approaches in their treatment. Trying natural therapies does not have a to imply excluding yourself from benefits of 'hi-tech' medicine; instead it is a way of extending your treatment options.

The Key to Healthy Living

A good diet, regular exercise and using strategies for managing stress are the main ways to maintain health naturally.

Other important aids include;

• Fostering your relationships.
• Making your home a healthy place in which to live.
• Avoiding damaging practices such as smoking.

Looking after yourself in this way encourages mental wellbeing and helps you protect every part of your body. It can help bolster your immune system, helping protect you from infections, allergies as well.

The natural remedy cabinet

Natural health products - food supplements, medicines. Resist the urge to purchase large amounts of natural remedies. Most have a limited shelf life, keep those that you are likely to use every day and those that you believe are helpful for common ailments or first aid.

Ensure that remedies remain clearly labeled and that implements are cleaned after each use.

Basic Stock examples ;

• Mineral supplements and multiple vitamin, which are helpful if your eating habits are poor.
• Borage or evening primrose oil- a good source of omega-6 fatty acids of diet and digestion is poor. Also if your suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or arthritis.
• Fish oil capsules
• Vitamin C.
• Vitamin E.

Herbal Remedies

• Aloe vera or Aloe ferox gel or cream- for burns or to soothe irritated skin.
• Black cohosh or dong quai- for menstrual and menopausal problems.
• Chamomile flowers or tea- for anxiety, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea and sleep problems; itching and infections.
• Ginger (dried or capsules)- for mouth ulcers, gum disease and sore throat.
• Tea tree cream or oil- for cuts, scrapes and athlete's foot.
• Witch hazel liquid- for cuts, scrapes, bruises, insect bites, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.