NATURAL NEWS TODAY

Ginkgo herbal medicines may up seizures in epilepsy patients

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 05:37:00 +0000

Link:http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_ginkgo-herbal-medicines-may-up-seizures-in-epilepsy-patients_1371636
Washington, DC: Ginkgo may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy and could reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs, a new report concludes.

The article appears in ACS' monthly Journal of Natural Products. It also suggests that Ginkgo may have harmful effects in other people after eating raw or roasted Ginkgo seed or drinking tea prepared from Ginkgo leaves.

Eckhard Leistner and Christel Drewke note that consumers use pills, teas, and other products prepared from leaves of the Ginkgo tree to treat a wide array of health problems.

Those include Alzheimer's disease and other memory loss, clinical depression, headache, irritable bladder, alcohol abuse, blockages in blood vessels, poor concentration, and dizziness. Scientific concern focuses mainly on one chemical compound in the herb. It is a potentially toxic material known as ginkgotoxin.

They reviewed scientific research on Ginkgo, and found 10 reports indicating that patients with epilepsy who take Ginkgo products face an increased risk of seizures. They note that laboratory studies explain how Ginkgo could have that unwanted effect. Ginkgotoxin seems to alter a chemical signaling pathway in ways that may trigger epileptic seizures.

Further evidence showed that Ginkgo can interact with anti-seizure medications and reduce their effectiveness.

"Contrary to our own previous assumption, we are now convinced, however, that G biloba medications and other products can have a detrimental effect on a person's health condition," the report concludes. "It is therefore important that the large number of G biloba product users and their health care providers be made aware of these risks, in order to enable them to make informed decisions about the use of these preparations."

Indian herbal industry to double by 2015: Study

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:09:00 +0000

Link:http://smetimes.tradeindia.com/smetimes/news/top-stories/2010/Mar/06/indian-herbal-industry-to-double-by-2015-study14569.html
The Indian herbal industry is likely to double from present Rs. 7,500 crore to Rs. 15,000 crore by 2015, according to a new study published on Friday.

The study, brought out by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM), has viewed that the domestic herbal industry will grow rapidly in the coming years and by 2015, it is expected that the size of the domestic market will rise to Rs. 15,000 crore, reflecting a compound growth rate of over 20 percent.

Releasing the study, ASSOCHAM Secretary General, D.S.Rawat said that ideally, the niche market that India can focus on include Ayurvedic Medicines and Dietary Supplements (including health drinks), extracts, Oils and other derivatives , skin care and beauty aids.

According to the study, the Indian domestic market can be broadly segmented into two categories. The first one will cover raw materials required by the industrial units and direct consumption for household remedies, whereas the second category will cover ready to use finished medicines, health supplements, etc.

The study has found that there is a strong demand for raw stock which mainly comprises Amla, Isabgol, Senna, Henna, Ashwagandha, Aloe-vera and Myrobalans (Hartaki), which accounts for over 75 % of the raw materials used in Ayurvedic preparations. In terms of volume, it is estimated that current consumption of the key raw ingredients (as mentioned above) totals approximately 400,000 – 500,000 MT.

With value addition, the market for herbal based products is around Rs. 7,500 crores, which is roughly the current size of the Indian market, it is stated.

The study points out that globally the dependence on herbal medicines, dietary supplements and skin and beauty aids will continue to gain greater share in view of the awareness and comfort level which is akin to the use of organic food products.

The ASSOCHAM study, however, is of the view out that India's share in the global hebal market is very meager considering the country's rich resource of medicinal plants and traditional treasure of knowledge in this area.

A quick estimate of the potential reveals that India can generate raw stock of around Rs. 300 billion and easily achieve around Rs.150 billion value added products. Thus, India is hardly able to exploit less than 50% of its potential, the study adds.

The study has recommended that India's thrust in the export market needs to be focused to achieve the targeted growth and market share.

"While the ethnic Indian population outside India is utilizing Indian herbal products in a significant way, there is a compelling need to generate awareness among the locals in foreign countries with regard to Indian products, besides meeting the quality standards in the advanced countries," the study has pointed out.

Markets	Present Demand	Projected Demand (for 2015)
Europe	US$ 35 Billion	US$ 70 Billion
North America	US$ 6.5 Billion	US$ 25 Billion
China	US$ 4.0 Billion	US$ 12 Billion
India	US$ 1.5 Billion	US$ 3 Billion
Others	US$ 13 Billion	US$ 30 Billion
Total	US$ 60 Billion	US$ 140 Billion

Ayurvedic Face Mask – Herbal Masks for Glowing Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:06:00 +0000

Link:http://www.oromoindex.com/technews/2010/03/24/ayurvedic-face-mask-%E2%80%93-herbal-masks-for-glowing-skin/
Ayurveda is an age-old system healing and medicine. This system consists of herbs and herbal supplements for cures. It has treatments and remedies for a number of small and big ailments that trouble us. Along with this, there are some herbs and tonics that are useful to maintain general good health. These can be for the various organs and organ systems as well as for the skin, hair and so on. These are known to be very effective and safe.

Ayurvedic face masks for glowing skin

Ayurvedic masks are very simple yet effective. Different masks can be used to suit different skin types, problems and seasons. Each one works in its own way to make the skin look and feel amazingly smooth, soft and healthy.

Conditioning mask: You can mix two spoons fresh cream with a spoon of honey to make a paste. Apply this all over face and neck, leave for a few minutes and then wash with plain water.

Cleansing mask: You can mix a small spoon of curd with half a tomato, three small spoons of Fuller’s earth and a few drops of orange essential oil to make a thick paste, apply allover the face and neck and wash after about twenty minutes.

Protection mask: You can mix rose water with glycerin and cucumber juice and apply all over face and neck. Leave for a few minutes before washing off with water. It acts as sun protection.

Radiance mask: Mix chopped or mashed papaya, lettuce, tomato, grapes and apples with two small spoons of yogurt and a few drops of lemon essential oil, apply on skin and wash off with plain water after about fifteen minutes.

Rejuvenation mask: You can mix turmeric and sandalwood powder with milk to make a thick paste. Apply this and wash off after a few minutes with plain water.

Although these masks are natural and are safe to use, different types of skin may react differently to them. It is, therefore, important that you keep certain things in mind when you go for any of these masks.

Make sure that you wash your face before applying any mask.

Be sure of cleaning the mask off your face within twenty minutes of application.

Cover both face and neck with the mask.

Make sure to apply the mask on a small area of skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

These masks should not be applied over wounds, bruises or broken skin.

If you are careful and regular with following these techniques along with a healthy diet, you will have glowing healthy skin to boast.

Herbal remedy for leprosy

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:04:00 +0000

Link:http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2010/02/14/news0930.htm
Jamayet Ali
Thankuni (Thol-kuri) is a very popular small herbaceous plant belonging to the Umbelliferae, and comprising about 70 species which are found in wet places in temperate and tropical regions, more especially of the Southern hemisphere. In Bangladesh it is found in damp places, by the side of the pond, ditches and streams and also by the side of the zigzag paths in rural areas. Its botanical name is Hydrocotyle asiatica. The leaves are sometimes made into soup, which, however, probably serves more as a medicine than as a food. It is familiar to the villagers in the name of Thankuni.

Medicinal Properties: The plant has a bitter, bad taste; soporific, sedative to the narves, tonic, cardiotonic, bechic, stomachic, carminative, diuretic; clears the voice and the brain; cures hiccough, asthma, bronchitis, scalding of urine, headache; improves appetite (Yunani). The plant is considered a useful alterative and tonic in diseases of the skin, nerves, and blood. The people are in the habit of taking the powdered dried leaves with milk for improving their memory, and as an alterative tonic. The leaves are said to be useful in syphilitic skin diseases both externally and internally; and on the Malabar Coast, the plant is one of the remedies for leprosy. Dr. A. Hunter, after it in the Madras Hospital, came to the conclusion that it had no claim to consideration as a specific in leprosy, but found it most useful in ameliorating the symptoms and improving the general health.

In Bombay, it is a popular remedy for the slight dysenteric derangements of the bowels to which children are subject: three or four leaves are given with cumin and sugar, and the pounded leaves are applied to the navel. In the Konkan , one or two leaves are given every morning to cure stuttering; and the juice is applied (generally as a lep with Cadamba bark, ghi, and black cumin) to skin eruptions supposed to arise from heat of blood. In Java, according to Horsfield, the leaves are considered diuretic. In Ceylon, the leaves are taken as a tonic and blood purifier; also for indigestion, nervousness and dysentery. In Indo China, the plant is considered diuretic. It is used internally as an alterative tonic, and externally as a stimulant. The entire plant is used by vaidyans in derangements of the three humours. The leaves are used as diuretic and are said to be beneficial in skin diseases, specially in leprosy. For leprosy it is given in the form of powder, decoction or syrup. A syrup of the leaves was administered in two cases of chronic psoriasis. (Indian Medicinal Plants).

Medicine: The parts of the plant generally employed are the leaves, deprived of their petioles, dried by exposure to the air in the shade, and ground to a powder. It appears that if dried in the sun, or any method of artificial heat, the leaves lose a great part of their medicinal properties owing to the volatilization of the oil which is their active principle. The powder thus carefully prepared ought to be kept in well stoppered bottles to prevent the access of moisture. When fresh the leaves have scarcely any smell, but emit a peculiar faint, aromatic odour when crushed between the fingers. They have a harsh, bitter and disagreeable taste, which, however, becomes scarcely perceptible after the leaves have been well dried. The powder 3 to 4 lb of which may be obtained from 30 lb of the fresh leaves, is of a pale green colour, and exhales a slight characteristics aroma. .

Applications in medicine : The principle value of the drug appears from its physiological action to be as a stimulant to the cutaneous circulation in skin diseases, and for this purpose it will be found to have been chiefly employed. Dr. Short speaks of the drug in high terms and considers it to have a powerful action in all leprous affections. But later writers agree that its effects are most marked in the preliminary anaesthetic stages of the disease. Drs. Lolliot, Cazenove, and Bertin find it of little value in advanced cases of tubercular leprosy, but extol its virtues in the treatment of chronic and obstinate eczema, the letter remarking ;p "The eczemas treated by me with the preparations of Hydrocotyle were of the most rebellious type, viz., localized eczemas; nevertheless cures were effected in every case and that within a very brief space of time." It has also been prescribed with excellent result in cases of secondary and tertiary syphilis accompanied gummatous infiltration and ulceration; in chronic callous ulcers; as a stimulant to healthy mucous secration in fantile diarrhea and ozoena; in cases of scrofulous ulceration, enlargement of glands and abscess; and in chronic rheumatism. It has also been employed with success as a diuretic in several diseases, and as an emenagogue in cases of amenorrhoea. In all cases in which a constitutuional or general diseases id accompanied by a local lesion, the drug ought to be not only administered internally, but also applied locally as powder, poultice or ointment. Numerous description of cases so treated by practitioners in many parts of the world have appeared of last years, with the result that the use of the plant is becoming daily more wide-spread and the belief in its therapeutic value more universal. Under these circumstances it would certainly seem advisable to give the whole plant a careful trial, as recommended by Boileau and more recently again strongly advised by Daruty, as it is quite possible that much of the disrepute into which it has fallen in India may be the result of the Pharmacopoea recognizing only the least active part, viz. the leaves.

Chamomile can help you beat stress

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:02:00 +0000

Link:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life/health-fitness/health/Chamomile-can-help-you-beat-stress/articleshow/5555740.cms
Chamomile’s power as a stress-buster has been around for years. And now, two researchers are trying to find how much truth is there behind the old wives' tale.

In an evaluation for Faculty of 1000, Michael Van Ameringen and Beth Patterson have discussed the first randomized controlled trial of chamomile for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology , the study reports that "chamomile extract therapy was found to be efficacious for mild-moderate GAD".

Patients with mild-moderate GAD were included in the study and received either chamomile or placebo. Those that received the chamomile treatment were found to have a significant change in the severity of their GAD.

Van Amerigen and Patterson comment on the results of the study, saying that they "suggest that chamomile may have modest [anti-panic] activity in patients with mild-moderate GAD and may potentially be used in those who are averse to traditional pharmacotherapy".

The findings are important "because many individuals who suffer from GAD do not view their anxiety as a medical condition, [and, therefore,] self-diagnosis and self-medicating with alternative, over-the-counter remedies is common".

Van Amerigen and Patterson said "a big strength of this paper is that the authors took a herbal remedy and subjected it to scientific rigor unlike many ''natural'' remedies which have associated claims of efficacy with no supportive data."

Animal diseases treatable with local herbs

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0000

By Michael J. Ssali
When an animal is sick, the farmer has a genuine reason for anxiety. But we may probably not need the services of the vet each and every time we have to deal with animal health problems.

Link:http://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Farming/-/689860/854336/-/wt6se1/-/
Dr Nicholas Ssekabunga, a vetelinary officer and farm manager at Kamenyamiggo Datic in Masaka District examines kiyondo, which could be useful in the treatment of fevers among animals. PHOTO BY MICHAEL J. SSALI
We are used to calling in the veterinary doctor at the earliest sign of disease in our livestock that some of us actually believe the vet is indispensable.

When an animal is sick, the farmer has a genuine reason for anxiety. But we may probably not need the services of the vet each and every time we have to deal with animal health problems. Not even should we always have to rush to a farmers’ shop for the often expensive vet drugs.

Some of the problems could be treated with herbs right within our environment. And this is a view also shared by Dr Nicholas Ssekabunga, a veterinary Officer and Farm Manager at Kamenyamiggo District Agricultural Training and Information Centre (Datic) in Masaka. “When a goat had worms, there were herbs used to remove them. There were herbs used to treat animal fevers and other ailments. Our forefathers knew which herbs to apply when an animal was experiencing difficulty during delivery. There were even herbs to treat infertility among animals. Just like many of us resort to herbs in the treatment of flu and other common ailments there are herbs that can successfully treat some animal diseases,” said Dr Ssekabuga.

The tendency in Uganda these days is to have more herbalists for human illnesses than for animal diseases. Dr Ssekabunga also thinks our agricultural research organisations should devote more time and money to discovering more about herbal treatment for animal diseases. “Even if some of the herbs are effective in the treatment of the diseases, the dosage is not well understood. For instance, how often should the herb be taken and in what quantities for the young animal and for the grown up animal?

Another problem is that most people with the indigenous knowledge about herbal medicine are not always ready to share it with others,” he said. “The lack of written records further complicates the problem as many of them die suddenly without passing on the knowledge to another generation. A lot of valuable information has been lost in that way and many medicinal herbs have been cut down and become extinct since other people are ignorant about their usefulness. Most herbalists prefer to keep their knowledge to themselves so as to earn money from those who seek treatment.”

Makerere University, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (Naro) and Kamenyamiggo Datic are aware of the usefulness of integrating African indigenous herbal knowledge with modern veterinary medicine and animal husbandry. In a joint project, between 2007 and 2008, they brought together local farmers who were able to share their knowledge in the use of herbs in animal disease treatment. The revelations were quite rewarding. The grass and shrubs we often ignore and pass by are the medicine our animals need to get over a big number of the health problems for which we often rush to call in a vet.

A herbarium consisting of the medicinal plants has as a result been established at Kamenyamiggo Datic and farmers are encouraged to visit it to learn which herbs to try when their animals are sick. Dr Ssekabunga said the farmers are also encouraged to grow the plants on their plots of land. Since the farmers consulted were mainly Luganda speakers the herbs have Kiganda names.

Only a few of the plants carry botanical name labels but they are more or less the same plants found in other parts of Uganda. As a new effort to boost farming, perhaps all other ethnic communities in the country could be brought on board and tasked to reveal their indigenous knowledge in the use of herbal medicine to treat animal diseases. A great wealth of such knowledge must exist especially in the communities that have traditionally lived as cattle keepers and pastoralists.

On display in the herbarium at Kamenyamiggo Datic, Dr Ssekabunga pointed at muluku whose leaves, when crushed in water and the solution applied on a goat’s skin, helps to keep away parasites such as ticks and mites and may also treat mange.

He pointed at pawpaw trees and said crushed dried pawpaw seeds could be effective in expelling worms from a goat’s digestive system. There was a kiyondo used in the treatment of animal fevers, there was a kimyula used to stimulate heat signs among animals that exhibit silent heat, and there was mugina to ease birth and the extraction of retained placenta. The herbarium has many other medicinal plants.

Med Students Say Conventional Medicine Would Benefit by Integrating Alternative Therapies

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:08:00 +0000

Link:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100120083743.htm
In the largest national survey of its kind, researchers from UCLA and UC San Diego measured medical students' attitudes and beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and found that three-quarters of them felt conventional Western medicine would benefit by integrating more CAM therapies and ideas.

The findings will be published in the online issue of Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM) on January 20, 2010.

"Complementary and alternative medicine is receiving increased attention in light of the global health crisis and the significant role of traditional medicine in meeting public health needs in developing countries," said study author Ryan Abbott, a researcher at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine. "Integrating CAM into mainstream health care is now a global phenomenon, with policy makers at the highest levels endorsing the importance of a historically marginalized form of health care."

CAM, which includes therapies such as massage, yoga, herbal medicine and acupuncture, is characterized by a holistic and highly individualized approach to patient care. It's emphasis is on maximizing the body's inherent healing ability; getting patients involved as active participants in their own care; addressing the physical, mental and spiritual attributes of a disease; and preventive care. While interest in these fields has increased dramatically in the United States in recent years, information about such therapies has not yet been widely integrated into medical education.

"Even with the high prevalence of CAM use today, most physicians still know little about non-conventional forms of medicine," said study author Michael S. Goldstein, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and professor of Public Health and Sociology, UCLA. "Investigating medical students' attitudes and knowledge will help us assess whether this may change in the future."

The team of UCLA and UC San Diego experts in the fields of CAM, integrative medicine, Western medicine, medical education and survey development created a novel 30-question survey and sent it to 126 medical schools throughout the United States. In return, the team received 1,770 completed surveys from a pool of about 68,000 medical students nationwide, roughly three percent.

While the current results offer valuable insight into medical students' perceptions of CAM, given the low response rate, researchers plan future studies to further refine the tool and see if the findings can be more generalized.

Researchers found that although medical students endorsed the importance of complementary and alternative medicine, obstacles remain that may prevent future doctors from recommending these treatments in their practices. According to the findings:

77 percent of participants agreed to some extent that patients whose doctors know about complementary and alternative medicine in addition to conventional medicine, benefit more than those whose doctors are only familiar with Western medicine.

74 percent of participants agreed to some extent that a system of medicine that integrates therapies of conventional and complementary and alternative medicine would be more effective than either type of medicine provided independently.

84 percent of participants agreed to some extent that the field contains beliefs, ideas, and therapies from which conventional medicine could benefit.

49 percent of participating medical students indicated that they have used complementary and alternative treatments however few would recommend or use these treatments in their practice until more scientific assessment has occurred.

"Our research suggests that persuading doctors to integrate CAM will require investment in the types of clinical research that form the backbone of Western medicine," adds Abbott. "Even now, medical schools have the opportunity to train the next generation of medical practitioners in health care systems outside of conventional medicine. Core values of CAM can help students develop a more holistic and individualized approach to patient care."

The study also found that the further along in school the student was, the more likely they were to believe their learning regarding CAM therapies was sufficient. Still, researchers note that more than 60 percent of participants favored more education related to this field during their time in medical school. Although more than half of all U.S. medical schools currently offer some type of CAM course, researchers say these courses could be augmented or streamlined into more formal, standardized curricula.

"Although the content of integrative medicine programs remains controversial, medical schools across the country are moving forward with ambitious new programs to teach the next generation of health care leaders," said Dr. Ka Kit Hui, Wallis Annenberg Chair in Integrative East-West Medicine at UCLA, founder and director, UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, and chair, of UCLA's Collaborative Centers for Integrative Medicine. "Through the Collaborative Centers for Integrative Medicine, UCLA has become one of the nation's leading academic centers for integrative medical education. UCLA offers training programs for health sciences students and residents, as well as fellowships for clinicians and researchers."

Hui added that the importance of integrative medical education is increasingly being realized outside of UCLA. Forty-four highly esteemed academic medical centers now comprise the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine, which was established to advance the principles and practices of integrative health care within academic institutions. It provides a community of support for academic missions and a collective voice for influencing change. The Consortium also helps disseminate evidence-based information on CAM, informs health care policy, and supports medical education.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Gerald Oppenheimer Family Foundation, and the Annenberg Foundation.

Additional authors include Ron D. Hays, Ph.D., UCLA professor of medicine and senior health scientist at RAND; Dr. Jess Mandel, associate professor and assistant dean of undergraduate medical education, UC San Diego; Babbi Winegarden, Ph.D., assistant dean, Educational Development and Evaluation, UC San Diego; Dale Glaser, Ph.D., adjunct assistant professor, San Diego State University; and Laurence Brunton, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and medicine, UC San Diego.

Herbal remedy of hepatitis

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Link:http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2010/01/31/news0662.htm
Jamayet Ali
Bahera is a favourite fruit used as a constituent of 'trifala' made with the combination of other two fruits Haritaki and Amlaki. The tree is a common associate of sal, teak and other important trees, occurring more or less scattered and not gregariously in Bangladesh, India, Srilanka, Java and Malaya. Its Botanical name is Terminalia bellirika Roxb. The tree is a light demander but can withstand slight shake when young. Young seedlings are known to tolerate fairly heavy shade during the first or second year, heavy shade after wards kills them. It is decidedly sensitive to frost, the leaves being usually affected more readily than those of almost any of its associates.

The fruits ripen during November-February. Freshly fallen fruits are collected from the ground, swept clean in advance. The pulp in immediately removed and the seed dried in the sun before storing. The seeds remain viability for about a year. The plant can be raised in the field by direct sowing or by transplanting the nursery raised entire seedlings of one year growth. Stamp-plants are not satisfactory when compared to entire transplants. The seedlings are ready for transplanting in July when they are two to four month old. The fruit is eaten when fresh by goats, sheep, cattle, deer and monkeys. The kernel is eaten. It tastes like a filbert, but is said to produce intoxication when eaten in excess.

Medicinal Properties: The bark is useful in anaemia and leucoderma. The fruit is bitter, pungent, acrid; digestible, laxative, anthelmintic, useful in bronchitis, sore throat, biliousness, inflammations, strangury, asthma and in diseases of eye, the nose the heart and the bladder. The seed is acrid, intoxicating; useful in thirst; vomiting, bronchitis, corneal ulcers; relieves "vata" (Ayurvada).The fruit is bitter; astringent , tonic, attenuant, aperient, antipyretic; useful in dyspepsia, bilious headache, diarrhea; applied to the eyes, to piles; brain tonic (Yunani).In the Konkan, the kernel, with that of the marking nut, is sometimes eaten with betel-nut and leaf in dyspepsia; the fruit also is used as an astringent, usually in combination with chebulic myrobalans. There is no doubt about the narcotic properties of the kernel. The part used in medicine is the pulp.

In the Punjab, it is chiefly employed in dropsy, piles, diarrhea and leprosy; also occasionally in fever. When half ripe, it is considered purgative, when fully ripe of dried, astringent. Mixed with honey, it is employed as an application in cases of ophthalmia.The oil is considered a good application for the hair. The gum is believed to be demulcent and purgative.Like other kinds of Terminalia, the Beleric myrobalans afford a yellow fixed oil which is prepared by the poorer classes in the Central Provinces and used as a substitute for ghee and as an application for rheumatism.The fruit is combination with other drugs is prescribed for snake-bite and scorpion-sting.The bark is a mild diuretic .The fruit is not an antidote to snake venom or to scorpion-venom.(Indian Medicinal Plants, K.R.Kirtikar and B.D. Basu)

Medicine: When half ripe it is considered purgative; when fully ripe or dried, astringent. Mixed with honey it is employed as an application in cases of ophthalmia. The oil is considered a good application for the hair.; the gum is believed to be demulcent and purgative. Dymock states that the kernel, with that of the marking nut, is sometimes eaten in the Konkan with betel-nut and leaf as a cure for dyspepsia. (Dictionary of the Economic Products of India).

Properties and uses: Fruit of the drug constitutes the principal drug, which is a laxative, tonic and astringent, and is used in the treatment of hepatitis, breathing problems, coughs, hoarseness, eye diseases and scorpion-stings. Inner part of the fruit is useful in treating dysenteric diarrhea. Dried pulp is useful in the treatment of sore throat, cough, hoarseness, dyspepsia, indigestion, dropsy, piles and leprosy. The fruit is also used as a hair tonic. The half-ripe fruit acts as a mild purgative.

Simple home remedies for eczema

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:27:00 +0000

Link:http://www.teatronaturale.com/article/1505.html
Eczema is a condition in which skin gets inflamed and forms pustules onto the skin. Eczema has typical characterization of flakiness, itching, dryness and redness. It normally affects the upper chest, neck, arms, back of the knees, face and wrists.

The cause of eczema is found to be because of the deficiency in nutrition, cold and dry weather, body toxins, allergies, faulty metabolism, or varicose veins. Before going on to the dermatologists you can try on to some of the simple home remedies for eczema.

Simple Home Remedies for Eczema:
- Coconut oil: Using coconut oil helps in softening the skin and preventing the itches.

- Mudpack: Applying mudpack over the affected area provides great relief.

- Sunbath: Sunbath helps to kill the harmful bacteria that presents in the layer of dry skin.

- Herbal Treatment: Paste made of camphor and sandalwood powder provides effective relief on applying to the affected area. Neem a good herb that helps to wash away the infection causing bacteria from the body.

- Water Treatment: you can make use of cold compresses and cold wet fomentations methods to treat eczema. You need to reapply the compress once it has been warmed off.

- Spearmint Leaf: Juice of spearmint leaf helps to heal the rashes.

- Almond Leaf: Make almond leaf pulp on mixing with water and use it is as an ointment in order to treat eczema.

- Papaya seeds: Mash the papaya seed and apply it on the affected area

Herbs are a unique way to beat winter, sickness and tasteless food

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:32:00 +0000

Link:http://www.northiowanews.com/articles/2010/01/27/britt_news/02herbs.txt
By Megan VerHelst
Forget the cold. Forget all the white stuff and forget going to the doctor. Area residents can find solace and comfort in all different forms of green, most of which can be grown in their own backyards.

One doesn't need to be an environmental enthusiast to enjoy the variety of benefits herbs have to offer. From thyme to basil to rosemary, herbs carry numerous uses ranging from culinary to medicinal. In addition, herbs are easy to grow and provide a little green relief to long winter days.

“If you decide to experiment in growing and using herbs, you will grow to love it as I do,” said Britt resident Marvea Smidt, owner of Marvea Mary's and avid herb enthusiast. “There is never an end to what you can learn.”

Herbs can be grown in gardens alongside other plants and vegetables. Different varieties can be grown in pots inside a house. For others, it may be easier to run to a store like Marvea Mary's, where numerous different herbs are available to area residents- some of which are sold in the original state, others that are made into teas, jellies and bath products.

Smidt is not a professional, but her experience with herbs dates back to her childhood. Since then, she said she loves to study and read books about different kind of herbs.

“I remember my aunt Sadie and her herb garden that she was so proud of,” Smidt said. “I used to go there and rub the leaves of the herbs, and she would tell me about them and how good they were for you.”

TO A BOTANIST, an herb is a plant without a woody stem. To a gardener, an herb is a plant used to compliment food or utilized for medicinal and household purposes. Herbs can also be a part of a shrub- such is the case with rosemary- or a tree, from which bay leaves originate.

Smidt's herb garden boasts both annual and perennial plants. She said she plants her annuals inside her house in March, while her perennials- including tarragon, lemon balm and lavender- go in her herb garden.

Other herbs Smidt plants herself include anise, cinnamon and opal, to which Smidt said she is partial.

“It was my mother's name, and it makes a beautiful jelly,” she said.

Smidt typically dries her own herbs. Early in the morning, Smidt goes to her herb garden and harvests the herbs she wants to dry. She washes and dries the herbs before laying each leaf on a lined cookie sheet. The sheets are then placed in a well-ventilated room- like a sun porch- to dry.

Once dry, Smidt stores the herbs in glass canning jars. Some herb growers, Smidt said, prefer to dry their herbs in a microwave or stove, although she added many herbs lose color that way.

From the numerous different herbs she grows, Smidt said it is hard to choose a favorite. She said if she had to choose, she would choose lemon balm, an herb with a fruity smell and a hint of mint.

“Bees love lemon balm, but mosquitoes hate it,” she said. “Also, toss lemon balm into a fire so bugs won't bother the people gathered around it.”

Although Smidt has her favorite herbs, there are some herbs that stand above others in popularity. Ten of the most popular herbs, Smidt said, are parsley, chives, rosemary, thyme, dill, mint, marjoram, oregano, sage and basil.

While many may recognize these herbs as common culinary ingredients, Smidt said each one carries its own medicinal benefits-

- Parsley is rich in in iron and vitamins A, B and C. It also acts as a natural breath freshener.

- Chives are a good source of calcium and are believed to strengthen nails and teeth.

- Rosemary, used in tea, is an antidote for stress.

- Thyme, also used in tea, can be used to help cure a cough.

- Dill seeds seeped in water can be used to help settle an upset stomach.

- Mint is an herb that can be used in a variety of home remedies and is used in cures to relieve indigestion, flatulence and colic.

- Marjoram gargles and teas help to relieve sinus congestion and symptoms of hay fever.

- Oregano acts as a digestive aid.

- Sage helps to treat sore gums and mouth ulcers.

- Basil, which is a member of the mint family, is also recommended to aid digestive problems. It can also be used to help relieve stomach cramps, vomiting and constipation.

AS WELL AS these herbs, one might recognize a variety of other popular herbs commonly used for medicinal purposes.

- Juice squeezed from aloe leaves is often used to relieve burns.

- Cayenne pepper can be used to relieve upset stomachs, cold symptoms, tooth and muscle aches.

- Chamomile, used in tea, is good for colds, headaches and to relieve anxiety.

- Garlic is a good aid for infections, respiratory problems and sore throats.

- Ginger is great for symptoms of influenza, bronchitis, sinus congestion, morning and motion sickness.

SMIDT SAID this is just a few of many natural herbs.

“There are so many herbs with culinary and medicinal qualities,” she said. “These are just a drop in the bucket.”

Herbs can also be used as companion plants in vegetable gardens. Smidt said companion planting may actually influence vegetable growth and attract or repel different insects.

Before using any herb, Smidt said it is essential to consult a physician before starting a specific regimen.

But above all, Smidt said people should have fun with their herbal ventures.

“If you're interested in plants in general, herbs go right along with that interest,” she said. “With herbs, it's always something different- you're always going to learn something new.”

Home remedies can be used to cure sickness

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:31:00 +0000

Link:http://bgnews.com/city/home-remedies-can-be-used-to-cure-sickness/
By Bobby Waddle
Students suffering from dry skin, stomach aches and runny noses can seek relief in the form of home remedies sold at local shops such as the Happy Badger and Squeaker's Cafe.

"We sell quite a few of them," said Squeaker's co-owner Heather Andre.

A popular remedy at the Happy Badger is homemade soap produced by chemist Carolyn Wuenstel, which is designed specifically to feed the skin with natural oils such as coconut and palm.

"It's as much about what's not in my soap as what's in it," Wuenstel said, stressing the absence of synthetic detergents that can be tough on the skin.

According to About.com's Alternative Medicine page, dryness, redness, irritation and damage to protective skin layers are effects of synthetics, leaving the skin vulnerable to infection.

Other useful remedies sold at Happy Badger include the neti pot, which can be used for cleansing sinuses by pouring warm salt water into one nostril and flushing it out the other.

"If you have allergies, it cleanses everything," said Wuenstel, but she cautioned that pouring water into the nose can be difficult for some to handle.

"You might use [it] to treat nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds," said Dr. James T. Li of the Mayo Clinic on mayoclinic.com. "Some neti pot enthusiasts say that regular use of a neti pot is more effective for nasal allergy and sinus symptoms than are over-the-counter medications."

Regular use is key to understanding several home remedies, according to nutrition and Chinese herbology expert Roger Drummer, a diplomat of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

"Most natural remedies are designed to maintain homeostasis -- an equilibrium in your body," Drummer said.

He also said that many herbal supplements help the body make up for lost nutrients in an unbalanced diet, boosting the body's existing functions, while many medicines are formulated to kill a disease without nourishing the body.

A common herbal supplement is ginger root, which is used to strengthen the digestive system by dissolving phlegm and balancing out stomach fluid, Drummer said. Happy Badger co-owner Donna Cohen said ginger is equally effective in treating nausea, as it is a tea ingredient.

VITAMIN D CUTS RISK OF CANCER

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0000

Link:http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/153354/Vitamin-D-cuts-risk-of-cancer
By Victoria Fletcher
VITAMIN D can slash the risk of getting bowel cancer by 40 per cent, according to the latest research.

The first large-scale trial of its kind has revealed strong evidence that the “sunshine vitamin” is key to fighting the disease.

Scientists last night warned against rushing out to buy vitamin pills, however, because it is not clear whether large doses are safe.

Around 90 per cent of our vitamin D comes from exposure to sunlight. Although too much sun can trigger skin cancer, most experts agree that a 10 to 15 minute walk in the sun will boost vitamin D levels without causing skin damage.

During these outings, people are advised to avoid sunscreen and expose as much of their body as possible to the UV rays. But in winter, getting enough vitamin D from the sun can be almost impossible in the UK. Experts recommend eating foods rich in vitamin D such as eggs and mackerel instead. Vitamin D supplements in the form of fish oil tablets may also help, although experts warn that no more than 25 micrograms a day should come from this source because higher levels are believed to damage bones and kidneys.

Although vitamin D has already been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, slow the ageing process and protect against brittle bones and multiple sclerosis, its role in protecting against cancer has up to now been unclear.

The latest study, looking at 500,000 people in 10 western European countries, has revealed that those with the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood have the lowest risk of cancer. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Around 37,500 patients are diagnosed every year and 16,000 die.

Around one case in 10 is linked to obesity with many more are linked to poor diet and alcohol abuse.

Vitamin D deficiency has also led to a rise in the number of cases of rickets, doctors warned yesterday.

The cond ition, which stunts children’s growth, is traditionally linked to the poverty of Victorian times, not 21st century Britain.

According to a report in the British Medical Journal, a “few hundred” children are now treated each year for rickets. More than 20 new cases are discovered every year in Newcastle upon Tyne alone.

Dr Tim Cheetham, of Newcastle University, said: “I am dismayed by the increasing numbers of children we are treating with this entirely preventable condition.

“Fifty years ago, many children would have been given regular doses of cod liver oil, but this practice has all but died out.”

As well as a change in diet, modern children also spend more time indoors playing on their computers instead of outside in the sunshine.

Dr Cheetham and Professor Simon Pearce are calling for vitamin D to be added to milk and other foods. Prof essor Pearce said: “Kids tend to stay indoors more these days instead of enjoying the fresh air. This means their vitamin D levels are worse than in previous years.

“A change in public health policy is required. Health professionals have been slow to deal with this problem, even though we have known about it for a while.”

Half of all adults are estimated to have vitamin D deficiency in winter and spring. The problem is worst in northern England and Scotland.

The good news for people battling the winter gloom is that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means you don’t need to take it every day because any that enters the body is stored up for future use.

Green Tea Could Modify the Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Lung Cancer Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:12:00 +0000

Link:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112165108.htm
Drinking green tea could modulate the effect of smoking on lung cancer.

Drinking green tea could modulate the effect of smoking on lung cancer. (Credit: iStockphoto/Lilli Day)
Results of this hospital-based, randomized study conducted in Taiwan were presented at the AACR-IASLC Joint Conference on Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer, held here from Jan. 11-14, 2010.

"Lung cancer is the leading cause of all cancer deaths in Taiwan," said I-Hsin Lin, M.S., a student at Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan. "Tea, particularly green tea, has received a great deal of attention because tea polyphenols are strong antioxidants, and tea preparations have shown inhibitory activity against tumorigenesis."

However, previous studies of green tea have been inhibited by the flaws of the epidemiologic model with its inherent biases.

Lin and colleagues enrolled 170 patients with lung cancer and 340 healthy patients as controls. The researchers administered questionnaires to obtain demographic characteristics, cigarette smoking habits, green tea consumption, dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, cooking practices and family history of lung cancer. They also performed genotyping on insulin-like growth factors as polymorphisms on the following insulin-like growth factors: IGF1, IGF2 and IGFBP3, which have all been reported to be associated with cancer risk.

Among smokers and non-smokers, those who did not drink green tea had a 5.16-fold increased risk of lung cancer compared with those who drank at least one cup of green tea per day. Among smokers, those who did not drink green tea at all had a 12.71-fold increased risk of lung cancer compared with those who drank at least one cup of green tea per day.

Lin and colleagues suspect genetics may play a role in this risk differential. Green tea drinkers with non-susceptible IGF1 (CA)19/(CA)19 and (CA)19/X genotypes reported a 66 percent reduction in lung cancer risk as compared with green tea drinkers carrying the IGF1 X/X genotype.

Heavy smokers carrying susceptible IGF1, IGF2 and IGFBP3 genotypes also had a higher risk of lung cancer compared with nonsmokers carrying non-susceptible IGF1, IGF2 and IGFBP3 genotypes.

"Our study may represent a clue that in the case of lung cancer, smoking-induced carcinogenesis could be modulated by green tea consumption and the growth factor environment," said Lin.

Herbal Acne Remedies – Herbs to Try

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:12:00 +0000

Link:http://www.exposedskincarereview.com/blog/herbal-acne-remedies-herbs-to-try/

Acne is a skin condition that happens to many people, and often the result is breakouts that develop on the face and body. Dealing with acne can be difficult, as breakouts can ruin your complexion and make you feel that you look horrible. However, even though you may despair that you can ever have the clear skin you are longing for, there are herbal acne remedies that can help and give you the relief from acne that you need. So, if you are ready to enjoy clear skin and finally get rid of the acne problem you are dealing with, you may want to try one of these herbal solutions for acne yourself.

Milk Thistle

One of many herbal acne remedies that you can use to treat your acne naturally is milk thistle. The seeds from milk thistle can be used in various ways to combat your acne problem. These seeds can be made into a powder, allowing you to easily add them to foods, such as cereals and drinks. Also, it can be used in a tincture that you can easily take as well.

Basil

Believe it or not, another great herbal remedy for acne is basil. While you may think that basil is just something that you cook with, it is great for treating skin problems. It purifies the blood and gets rid of germs as well, which are some of the main cases of the acne problem. Basil has been used for years to treat acne and various other skin conditions as well and can even be used as an acne preventative.

Burdock Root

You’ll also find that burdock root is one of the many herbal acne remedies out there that can really be a huge help. You can easily find it in various health food stores and you can add it to veggie dishes and to salads as well. The burdock root can be used in a tincture for acne treatment too.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel can also be used as a treatment for acne, and while it is sometimes it is used alone to treat acne, it is used in a variety of natural treatments for acne with other ingredients as well. This herb is known for having great anti-bacterial properties and as a great astringent. It helps to remove extra oil that is on the skin and it also tightens up the pores of the skin as well.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another well known herb that is used for acne treatment as well. It is also a great antibacterial. This herb has often been used to treat infections of the skin, blackheads, and of course acne. It is important that you never use full strength tea tree oil on your skin, since it is too strong. You should always use a solution of tea tree oil that has been diluted on the problem area.

Aloe Vera Gel

Last of all, another of the huge selection of herbal acne remedies is aloe vera gel. This herb is used for so many thing and is know for healing. It is both an astringent and an anti bacterial. You can actually apply the gel from an aloe vera plant to your skin, and it is used in a variety of great acne treatments as well.

As you can see, there are a variety of different herbal acne remedies out there that can help to choose your acne problem. If you’re looking for a great treatment that uses some of these great herbs to treat your skin, one excellent one to consider is Exposed Skin Care. This acne product uses a variety of natural ingredients and herbs to help provide an effective treatment for acne that is natural, affordable, and effective.

The Various Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:10:00 +0000

Link:http://www.buzzle.com/articles/the-various-natural-remedies-for-erectile-dysfunction.html
There are various natural remedies for ED and some of them are in the form of naturally occurring substances that could be taken as supplements and others are in the form of herbal remedies.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) remedies are being developed from several years. All sorts of natural remedies have been developed and tried by men. Some have proven to be effective while others have been discarded. The problems lies in the fact that not many natural remedies for ED have been clinically proven to be successful. The scientific reasons as to why and how they can treat ED remain sketchy at best. But because they are natural and have no side effects, men see no harm in trying them out.

Here are a few natural remedies that are a popular treatment option for erectile dysfunction:

Acupuncture

This method has been used to treat various disorders and medical conditions for many centuries. It’s a popular natural treatment procedure for erectile dysfunction. It’s an intervention procedure that, again, does not come with any proof of its efficacy.

DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid, which the body, through various processes converts into testosterone and estrogen. Testosterone is a hormone that is very important for a healthy sexual function and also maintaining sexual disorder. A decrease in its production can lead to ED. The intake of supplements having DHEA has been seen to work against ED. If you are thinking about using DHEA, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor first, before using it.

Ginseng

Ginseng, especially, Asian ginseng has been commonly used as an ED treatment option. Though not many studies have confirmed its efficacy, it continues to be highly regarded for its anti-ED properties. It is an essential ingredient of the various herbal ED pills available on the market. Before you take ginseng, it’s important that you consult your doctor about its usage. This is because there have been cases where ginseng has interacted with the current intake of a person’s medications.

L-arginine

This is a naturally occurring amino acid in the body, which improves the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. NO is a compound that helps the erectile ability of a person by dilating blood vessels, which results in an improved blood flow to the penis. The efficacy of L-arginine has been proven through a series of trials and tests. But there is a rider. It is seen to be effective in men who experience an abnormal metabolism rate of NO.

Pomegranate juice

There are many health benefits associated with the drinking of pomegranate juice. It is a juice rich in anti-oxidants and helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. It’s also supposed to be an effective natural remedy for ED. Although there is no conclusive proof for the same, pomegranate extract continues to be an integral component of various herbal pills used to treat ED symptoms.

Ginkgo biloba

Yet another traditional and herbal treatment option for ED, this is typically used to treat ED that is resultant of the intake of antidepressant medications. There have been various studies conducted on the effectiveness of gingko, and many of them have given it the thumbs up.

Horny goat weed

The name has nothing to do with why it’s effective. This weed has been used to treat ED for many years. Studies conducted on the horny goat weed found that a compound of the weed, icariin, resembles the drug Viagra, in its action.

There are various other natural remedies that are available for the treatment of ED and many of these remedies are being rediscovered. These natural remedies are becoming extremely popular because they are easy to take and have zero or very minimal side effects.

Vitamin E, the Importance of Applying Conocimeinto

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:08:00 +0000

Link:http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2596545/vitamin_e_the_importance_of_applying.html?singlepage=true&cat=5
by Will Smith
The diet is much more important than what we normally think. There are foods that can raise the pressure. There are others that we can raise the blood sugar, cholesterol. Some even we can cause cancer. However, there are also foods that can make us smarter, or more relaxed, and so on. In the strictest sense, any of the nutrients can become a drug. This happens in any deficiencies. In dehydration, for example, water becomes the most suitable drug for the patient.

A very important factor that contributes to a nutrient becomes medicine, is the dose. Today we know that, for example, vitamin A, a dose of 5,000 IU daily, simply acts as a nutrient. However a dose of 200,000 IU, the same vitamin A acts as an immunostimulant (ie, which stimulates our immune system). However, at higher doses, some 600,000 IU or more will act as an anti-tumor drug. The form of vitamin A palmitate can be toxic, as it is fat soluble and stored in the liver. Therefore, only be used in emulsified form and under the supervision of a physician. Recently it shown retinoic acid (a form of vitamin A) stimulates the regeneration of hearing cells in mammals, which could help in sensor neural deafness.

The scientific community to recognize this ability of nutrients into medicines, he coined a new term to describe them. It has called biological response modifier (BRM). MRB is a natural product that has the ability to stimulate the defense mechanisms of our body, causing no major physiological changes to the appropriate dosage, as is the case of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, friendly bacteria, the enzymes, amino acids, and other plant products. It importance is such today that during the "Adjuvant Nutrition in Cancer Treatment Symposum" (Symposium on Adjuvant Nutrition in Cancer Treatment) conducted in Tulsa, devoted several papers to the exclusive use of these BRMs.

One nutrient that has received much attention from the orthodox medical community is vitamin E. In addition to all the people the powers given to vitamin E, recent studies have conducted very careful about its use as a drug, in this case as an MRB. For example, in a study conducted in Uppsala in Sweden Univiersidad showed that vitamin E has a beneficial effect on ischemic heart disease by its ability to reduce neutrophil chemo taxis. On the other hand, it verified that vitamin E can reduce myocardial infarct size with a single high dose or repeated low doses. In another study at the University of Naples, Italy, demonstrated that administration of pharmacological doses of vitamin E is a useful tool to reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin action in diabetic patients. Also shown that vitamin E may reduce the tissue damage induced by exercise and lipid peroxidation during exercise training.

In a medical journal called Movement disorders, one speaks of the usefulness of vitamin E in neurological problems such as late and diquinesia Parkinson's disease. Both conditions are possible mechanisms that can be explain by the pathology of free radicals. Because vitamin E is an antioxidant, may be beneficial for these diseases. In a double blind, controlled, many patients showed more than 50% reduction in all its signs of dyskinesia. In Parkinson's patients, it was note that had fewer abnormalities, fewer complications for conventional therapy and better performance of daily activities.

Anti-malaria GM plants can save millions: Scientists

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:07:00 +0000

Link:http://www.zeenews.com/news596161.html
London: In a major breakthrough that could treat millions of patients suffering with malaria in developing countries like India, British scientists claimed to have unlocked the genetic map of the plant used to cure the disease.

Scientists at University of York, UK, have mapped the genes of the medicinal herb Artemisia annua, and predicted that the high-yielding anti-malaria crops would be available for wide spread plantation within two years around the globe.

The discovery, according to the researchers, could save countless lives especially in the African continent and developing countries like India and China. Malaria affects 300 to 500 million people in the world and kills more than one million every year.

According to Professor Ian Graham who led the study, Artemisia annua seeds are already being planted in field trials in India, China, East Africa and Madgascar.

"It's a major milestone for the development of this crop," Professor Graham told BBC News, adding that it would be a profitable crop for farmers in low- and middle-income countries.

Artemisinin combination therapies, or ATCs, are used widely to treat malaria and are seen as the best solution to the parasite's increasing resistance to anti-malarial drugs.

Prof Graham hoped that new higher yielding and more robust varieties could increase global supply of the malaria treatment within three years.

Simple Natural Remedies can Stop Bronchitis before It Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:06:00 +0000

Link:http://www.naturalnews.com/027958_bronchitis_natural_remedies.html
by: David Victor
Bronchitis is a relatively common illness that often follows a cold or flu and can affect anybody young or old. Whether you have acute bronchitis after a cold or chronic bronchitis brought on by recurring illnesses or smoking, there are natural remedies you can use to cure it and make sure it doesn`t come back. The key is to support your body with nutrients so it can heal.

Bronchitis is a disease where the air tubes in the lungs, the bronchi, are enflamed and can either be acute or chronic. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include coughing, chest pain, and fever which often follows a cold or flu. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis are more severe and include difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and exhaustion.

Bronchitis is often preceded by the common cold or flu. The treatment of these common illnesses can actually cause bronchitis. Most conventional treatments for a cold or flu focus on suppressing the symptoms like coughing. By keeping the body from expelling germs and mucus, the mucus can get trapped in the lungs where it becomes infected causing bronchitis.

At the first sign of disease that can lead to bronchitis, it is important to start combating it. The best way to combat any disease is to give your body the support it needs to fight it by itself. There are some basic vitamins and minerals you can take to support your body and some herbal remedies to help ease the symptoms while your body heals.

Taking vitamins A, C, and E as well as beta-carotene and zinc can give your body the support it needs. Vitamin A is important for lung health. Vitamin C is an antihistamine and supports the immune system. Vitamin E helps in the healing of tissues. Beta-carotene is helpful for lung health and tissue repair. Zinc also supports tissue repair.

While your body is healing, there are some things you can do to help ease your symptoms, particularly the coughing. Peppermint tea is a good way to soothe your cough. A ginseng tea can help eliminate infection and can also soothe coughing fits. A drink of crushed ginger, honey, and a little lime can also help you soothe a cough. These drinks can help you and are usually pretty tasty.

Another thing you can do to help recover from a bout of bronchitis is to strengthen your lungs. Blowing up balloons is a simple way to strengthen your lungs after they have been infected. Doing yoga may also help you regulate your breathing and strengthen your lungs.

You can even make some dietary changes that help your body get rid of the germs and toxins that contributed to your illness. A juice fast of fresh vegetable and fruit juices can help you. Just remember, your symptoms, like the coughing, will persist while your body gets rid of the germs and toxins. The goal is to get them out of your body so you can get healthy again.

If you use these simple remedies, you can start feeling better without using the chemical concoctions most people use. This is good because the use of "traditional" medicines like cough suppressants can actually be the cause of illnesses like bronchitis and can keep you from getting better, so you definitely should stay away from them.

Use Homeopathic Gout Remedies: Colchicum, Ledum, Nux Vomica and Aconite

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0000

Link:http://www.naturalnews.com/027957_gout_homeopathy.html
by: Melanie Grimes
Homeopathic medicine has a long history in treating and curing gout. Homeopathic remedies are useful to reduce the swelling and inflammation as well as aid in the healing of the joints. Gout is caused by the build-up of uric acid in the joints, particularly of the hands and feet. The swelling puts pressure on and causes enlargement of the area, which can lead to extreme pain. Many homeopathic remedies reduce the swelling and aid in the digestion of the proteins, which cause the uric acid build-up.

Avoiding the foods that contain these uric acid causing conditions is advised. Red meat, poultry and fish are the main sources. Exercise and drinking plenty of water also helps remove the uric acid from the blood. Chronic gout can lead to arthritis and degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis.

Homeopathic Remedies for Gout

Aconite (Aconitum) is made from a plant that grows in the mountains of Europe. Though aconite is a poison in its herbal state, it has been found to be safe, even for infants, in homeopathic dilution. The name Aconite comes from the Greek word meaning "rocky" describing the plants native habitat. Symptoms come on suddenly, particularly after exposure to a cold wind. Gout pain that might be successfully treated with Aconite may also include symptoms of anxiousness or great anxiety. Aconite is especially useful in gout of the feet joints and is best used in the early onset of symptoms.

Nux vomica is made from the seeds of the Strychnos plant, which grows in Asia, particularly in India and China. Used as a botanical in traditional Chinese Medicine, Nux vomica is also a useful homeopathic remedy for gout. The gout patient who needs Nux vomica may be irritable and suffer from stomach distress and chronic indigestion.

Colchicum is a common homeopathic remedy used to treat gout. The gout that is best treated with Colchicum is when the joint is red and very sensitive to touch. These gout pains are worse with any motion and better when lying still.

Ledum is used in gout of the big toe. Ledum is a useful remedy to use after Colchicum, or if there has been an overuse of Colchicine, a drug commonly used to treat gout that is made of the Colchicum plant. Ledum is used to treat gout when the person feels chilled and the joint is also cold.

Homeopathic remedies are sold over-the-counter in many health food and specialty food stores. These remedies are labeled for their indications and are mostly available in the potencies of 6c or 30c.

Herbal teas help strengthen mind and body

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:14:00 +0000

Link:http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/food/food/view/20100114-247206/Herbal-teas-help--strengthen-mind-and-body
By Reggie Aspiras
ALCOHOL, SODAS, CAFFEINE drinks are taxing on one’s liver and kidneys and depress the immune system, according to Christine Gonzales NMD, PhD, co-founder of Wellness Institute and director of Natural Medicine.

Clean, purified water is an essential part of a healthy diet. It facilitates our body’s metabolic process, nutrient transport, immune factor transport and waste removal.

Learn to love the joy of drinking herbal teas. It is great for slow and mild intestinal cleansing plus the added benefit of not just burning fats but also lowering one’s weight slowly.

Vegetable juicing can provide all the basics of human nutrition, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

Enzymes spark the hundreds of thousands of chemical reactions that occur throughout the body. They are essential for the digestion and absorption of food, the conversion of food into body tissues and the production of energy at the cellular level. In fact, enzymes are essential for most of the building and rebuilding that occurs in the body every day. When foods are cooked, enzymes can be destroyed. This is why raw juices are so important. They provide an excellent source of all important enzymes.

Carrot’s beta-carotene and the ellagic acid found in fresh apple juice are clinically proven anticancer agents.

Limonene from lemon’s white pith is recognized as a potent anticancer nutrient, and is also effective in dissolving gallstones.

Apple’s soluble fiber, ellagic acid and Vitamin C, combined with celery’s healthy dose of minerals and electrolytes, can cleanse and rebalance the system.

Digestive enzymes found in honeydew, papaya and pineapple reduce inflammation and energize the body.

Immune Builder Juice

1 peeled fresh pineapple fruit

2-3 stalks of celery

1-2 Moringa stalks

3-5 carrots, scrubbed well, green tops removed

Cut pineapple and carrots into sections that fit the juicer’s feed tube. Bunch celery and Moringa, push through the feed tube. Stir the juice and pour into a glass. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Herbal teas are considered pure water with a plus (vitamins, minerals). Herbal teas have been utilized for thousands of years. The seemingly mystical healing properties of various herbs have supposedly helped cure afflictions, as well as strengthen the body and mind. There is mounting evidence that herbal teas have cancer-fighting properties. In particular, real tea is rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants, and is an excellent source of phytochemicals.

Antioxidants help protect the body against disease by counteracting the harmful effects of free radicals—stray, highly reactive particles that accumulate in the body as by-products of metabolism. Free radicals injure surrounding cells through oxidation. Left unchecked, they can damage cellular DNA and potentially cause cancer.

Antioxidants, such as Vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, are free radical scavengers. Research from both the National Foundation for Cancer Research and University of Kansas reports that green tea is 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 25 times more potent than Vitamin E at protecting cells from damage linked to cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.

Teas are convenient, pleasant; a tasty way to utilize various herbal remedies. The delightful secret of “nature’s gift” is that it can be part of our diet, as there is so much we can do to make our tea choices flavorful and delicious.

Herbal teas can be prepared hot and steamy or chilled, with little honey, a slice of lemon, coconut sugar or molasses. If used to heal cancer, it is best to use stevia or molasses only.

Ginger, tarragon and lemongrass teas are popular flavors. Not only are they delightful to drink, these also fill your home with lasting and natural aroma. Their herbal properties can overcome motion sickness, relieve cold-related woes and soothe the stomach. It is amazing how each herbal tea comes with a list of medicinal benefits that keep us healthy and strong.

Other disease-prevention and control teas: malunggay (Moringa oleifera), bitter melon (Momordica charantia), banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) lagundi (Vitex Negundo), sambong (Blumea balsamifera) and turmeric (Curcuma longa).

Research and studies show there are herbal teas for prevention of cancers of the oral cavity, stomach and colon. Some studies link tea with decreased risk of lung and skin cancers.

Cheers! A cup of herbal tea for your health.

Leg fat protects against heart diseases

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:10:00 +0000

Link:http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=116142§ionid=3510210

Individuals with pear-shaped bodies are less likely to develop heart and metabolic problems, a new study finds.

According to the study published in the International Journal of Obesity, gaining extra pounds on the hips and thighs can protect individuals against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

Having too little fat around the hips can, conversely, lead to serious metabolic problems including Cushing's syndrome.

The quick break down of fats releases a large amount of cytokines, leading to an inflammatory condition associated with various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes.

Compared to the fat gathered around the waist, the fat around hips and thighs are more stable, indicating that it can be a good storage place for harmful fatty particles.

Pear-shaped people also have lower levels of adiponectin, an inflammatory cytokine — the hormone that plays a role in heart disease and diabetes, the new study found.

Higher levels of leptin produced in this fat can also effectively influence appetite and metabolism.

"This research helps us better to understand how fat acts in the body in order to develop new approaches in reducing heart and circulatory disease," said Fotini Rozakeas of the British Heart Foundation.

Scientists hope their findings will lead to the development of better drugs for treating obesity and related disease such as diabetes and heart disease.

Does plastic chemical cause disease?

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:08:00 +0000

Link:http://www.nhs.uk/news/2010/01January/Pages/Plastic-chemical-and-heart-disease.aspx

BPA is commonly found in many household items, not just baby bottles
“A chemical found in food tins and baby’s bottles has been linked to an increased risk of developing heart problems,” The Daily Telegraph reported.

It said that scientists have found that people with high levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in their bodies were a third more likely to develop heart disease than those with low levels.

This study found some associations between BPA levels in the urine and the likelihood of having certain diseases. However, it has several limitations, and cannot prove that BPA caused these diseases.

BPA is commonly found in many household items, and there is likely to be little that individuals can do to reduce their exposure. Despite concerns, the growing body of research into the safety of BPA appears to have found little evidence so far that it is harmful to humans.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) stated in 2008 that it considers levels of BPA exposure to be safe. It said, "after exposure to BPA the human body rapidly metabolises and eliminates the substance". It continues to monitor the situation.

Where did the story come from?

The research was carried out by David Melzer and colleagues from the University of Exeter and University of Plymouth. The study was funded by the Peninsula Medical School and published in the peer-reviewed open access journal PLoSOne.

The Daily Telegraph gave a balanced report of this research, but did not discuss the limitations of the study and the fact that it cannot prove causation. The headline that the chemical is found in baby’s bottles may cause undue concern to parents. BPA is found in many household items, including some baby bottles, and it is probable that there is little that can be done to avoid it.

What kind of research was this?

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate associations between the concentration of bisphenol A (BPA) in the urine and various health measures. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted in 2003/04, reported that there were associations between urinary BPA concentration and heart disease, diabetes and liver enzymes, in adults. It has also been speculated that BPA can affect levels of hormones. The current analysis was a follow-up to this earlier research, and used data from the 2003/04 survey and new data from the 2005/06 survey.

The drawback of cross-sectional studies is that they cannot prove causation. This is because they measure both the exposure and the outcome at the same time, and it is therefore not possible to say whether the exposure occurred before the outcome. In this study, BPA levels were only measured on one occasion, and it is not known whether the participants’ levels of BPA remained the same or fluctuated over time, or whether high levels preceded the onset of the disease problems.

What did the research involve?

The study included 1,455 US adults (aged 18–74 years) assessed in 2003/04 and a further 1,493 assessed in 2005/06. The participants were asked various health questions using computer software called the Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing system. They were questioned on whether a doctor had ever diagnosed them with angina, coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, asthma, diabetes, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, arthritis, thyroid problems, any kind of liver condition or cancer. They were also given a medical examination and had blood tests for liver enzymes. BPA concentration in their urine was measured in a randomly selected subset of a third of the participants.

The researchers assessed the relationships between BPA and diagnoses of heart attack, coronary heart disease, angina, diabetes and liver enzyme levels, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, smoking, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and urinary creatinine concentration (a measure of kidney function).

What were the basic results?

Urinary BPA concentrations were significantly lower in the 2005/06 sample than the 2003/04 sample (a mean (average) of 1.79ng/ml versus 2.49ng/ml). In the 2005/06 sample, higher BPA concentrations had some association with coronary heart disease, with a calculated 33% increase in risk with every incremental rise in BPA concentration, although this increase was only just significant (odds ratio [OR] 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.75). There was no significant association with heart attack from the 2005/06 sample alone. The increase in risk for the combined outcome of cardiovascular disease (report of coronary heart disease, heart attack or angina) was significant when data were pooled from both years (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.44). There was also no significant increase in diabetes risk in the 2005/06 sample, but pooled data from both samples were significant (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.40).

The researchers also carried out analyses between BPA and all other diseases assessed.

How did the researchers interpret the results?

The researchers concluded that greater BPA exposure, as reflected by urinary levels, is “consistently associated with reported heart disease in the general adult population of the USA”. They say that further studies are now needed to clarify the mechanisms behind these associations.

Conclusion

This study has found some associations between BPA levels in the urine and the likelihood of having certain diseases. This study has several limitations:

The findings do not prove that BPA caused the diseases investigated. The measures of BPA and disease outcomes were only taken at one point in time, and it is not possible to conclude that one thing has caused the other. It is also likely that BPA exposure and levels in the urine vary over time, so the measurements may not reflect the participants’ usual levels.

● The researchers carried out numerous statistical analyses. Not all of the results for the 2005/06 group were significant, and many others for this group were only just significant. Pooling data from both groups showed significant associations between BPA and cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but the high number of statistical tests carried out increases the risk of these findings occurring by chance.

● The disease outcomes were all by self-report only, which increases the likelihood of inaccuracy.

● BPA was measured in only one-third of participants. Although this subsample was selected at random, assessing the entire sample would be likely to give a more accurate picture of average levels.

As most of the human population is exposed to this chemical, there is little that individuals can do at present to try to reduce their exposure to BPA. It is not known from this study whether particular products give greater exposure. Although The Telegraph specifies babies’ bottles, this study did not look specifically at this. Parents should not be concerned that by feeding their baby from a bottle they are putting them at risk of heart disease or diabetes.

BPA is said to be a compound with one of the highest production volumes in the world, and over 90% of humans are exposed. It is commonly found in many household items. If there is a chance that it poses a risk to health, further research is warranted.

Despite there being a growing body of research into the safety of BPA, none of the research to date appears to have found conclusive evidence that it is harmful to humans. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) continues to monitor the situation. In July 2008, it stated that, “after exposure to BPA the human body rapidly metabolises and eliminates the substance. Newborns can similarly clear BPA at levels far in excess of the TDI (tolerable daily intake [amount that can be safely consumed in a day]). This means that exposure to BPA is well below the limit that “provides a sufficient margin of safety for the protection of the consumer, including foetuses and newborns”.

The EFSA has also evaluated a 2008 study from the US, which suggested a link between raised levels of urinary BPA and a higher rate of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. It concluded that the study has no information on long-term exposure to BPA, “which would be important in order to establish a correlation between BPA and the development of the chronic medical conditions in question. The EFSA found that the study did not provide sufficient proof of a causal link between BPA and these health conditions”.

Alzheimer's disease 'could be detected by eye test'

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:06:00 +0000

Link:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8456323.stm
A simple eye test might be able to detect Alzheimer's and other diseases before symptoms develop, according to UK scientists.

The dying cells of this mouse with Alzheimer's show up as green dots
The technique uses fluorescent markers which attach to dying cells which can be seen in the retina and give an early indication of brain cell death.

The research has been carried out on mice, but human trials are planned.

Scientists from University College London hope this could lead to a high street opticians test for the disease.

The research, which is published in the journal, Cell Death and Disease, could enable scientists to overcome the difficulty of investigating what is happening inside the brains of those with Alzheimer's.

They currently have to rely on expensive MRI scans or post-mortems.

Fluorescent dye

This new technique enables scientists to track the progress of brain disease by looking at dying cells in the retina.

The cells show up as green dots because they absorb the fluorescent dye.

The research has so far been carried out on mice, but the team is optimistic that the technique can be translated to humans.

Professor Francesca Coredeiro, lead author from University College London Institute of Ophthalmology said: "Few people realise that the retina is a direct, albeit thin, extension of the brain.

"It is entirely possible that in the future a visit to a high-street optician to check on your eyesight will also be a check on the state of your brain."

"I hope that screening for Alzheimer's will be available on the high street within five years."

She said the research could help scientists to see how the disease is progressing by comparing retinal cell death a few weeks apart.

"Currently, the biggest obstacle to research into new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases is the lack of a technique where the brain's response to new treatments can be directly assessed - this technique could potentially help overcome that."

Patient trials

The first patient trials to assess the technique for the eye disease will begin later this year.

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "These findings have the potential to transform the way we diagnose Alzheimer's, greatly enhancing efforts to develop new treatments and cures.

"If we spot Alzheimer's in its earliest stages, we may be able to treat and reverse the progression of the disease as new treatments are developed.

"Dementia scientists currently lack a way of assessing the brain's responses to new treatments in real time; this technique may help overcome that obstacle.

"700,000 people in the UK live with Alzheimer's and other dementias, and that number is set to double within a generation unless scientists make rapid progress in their race for a cure."

Dr Susanne Sorensen from the Alzheimer's Society also welcomed the research, but stressed much more research was needed to see if the technique could indeed be used to diagnose the disease, or monitor the effects of drugs under development.

Dementia, it's everybody's concern

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:04:00 +0000

Link:http://herenb.canadaeast.com/news/article/919671
Hanne Armstrong
New report forecasts massive economic and personal consequences if issues aren't addressed.

Alzheimer's. Vascular Dementia. Pick's Disease. Lewy Body Dementia. Creutzfelt-Jakob Disease. Those are just a few of the dementia's on the rise in our aging population. And everyone is impacted.

For some, the effect is direct, as they watch and try to care for a family member whose mind slips out of reality. Others know a neighbour, a woman down the street, who "isn't all there" anymore. Many are professional or volunteer care-givers, on whom this kind of illness can take a great emotional toll. And if you're not in any of these categories, you're sure to be in the last one, the one that pays taxes which allows our health care system to care for sufferers of dementia.

The Alzheimer Society has released Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia in New Brunswick, which forecasts massive economic and personal consequences between now and 2038 if nothing is done to curtail the advance of these diseases.

"Today, someone in Canada develops dementia every five minutes," says Executive Director of the New Brunswick Alzheimer Society Chandra MacBean. "If nothing changes, this sharp increase in the number of people living with dementia will mean that by 2038, the total costs associated with dementia in our province alone will reach $911 million a year. This amounts to a massive cumulative total of $19.5 billion over this 30-year period."

Rising Tide was commissioned by the Alzheimer Society and carried out by RiskAnalytica, a firm which specializes in independent health care and economic forecasting and intervention evaluations. Their task was to assess the current situation with regard to Alzheimer's, and foresee the future through 2038 if treatment and prevention remain as they are now and if, particularly prevention practices, are changed.

Can Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia be prevented?

"There are no guarantees," says Joanne Sonier, Society Programme Coordinator. "There's no current evidence indicating that Alzheimer's can be prevented. But there are ways to minimize the risk, and of delaying the onset of this and other dementias."

In a nutshell, the means of delaying the onset of dementia, or of possibly avoiding it all together, are to challenge your brain, be socially active, live and eat healthy, protect your head, and be physically active.

Findings reported in Rising Tide indicate that simply through an increased level of physical activity, by 2038 over new 360 cases of dementia in New Brunswick would be averted. Over 2,005 fewer people province-wide would be suffering from dementia, and there would be 152 fewer deaths caused by it. There would be fewer people in care, and direct health costs would be reduced by over $611.3 million.

Healthy lifestyle and eating habits by the general population would avert over 1,175 new cases of dementia by 2038. 8,305 fewer people would be suffering from dementia and 665 few people would die of it. Direct health care costs would be reduced by over $2.7 billion.

The numbers speak volumes, not just about the dire situation the country will find itself in if nothing is done, but about the positive effect simple things like living and eating habits can have.

"All of us need to be informed about dementia," says Joanne, "reducing our risks, caring for our brain health, and helping to inform others. And Canada as a country needs to invest significantly more in research, which is a critical part of changing the course of these diseases."

Started in 1978, the Alzheimer Society is at the forefront of efforts to combat, study and treat all forms of dementia in Canada. Currently there is no national health care policy regarding dementia, leaving regional jurisdictions to find their own way, and making the role of this nationally present Society a crucial one. The Society is active in over 140 communities across the country, is a main funder of dementia research and training, provides enhanced care and support to patients, families and caregivers, and is a prominent voice at all levels of government.

The purpose of Rising Tide is not solely to bring the issue of dementia to the attention of governments, but also to increase awareness of these diseases among all Canadians. As more and more people reach their senior years, it is becoming increasingly important that everyone understands how their own choices can play a role in their own future with regard to dementia.

"Inaction is not an option," reads the conclusion of Rising Tide. "The time to act is now."

The cost in human suffering and in health care of Alzheimers and other forms of dementia is enormous, and if left unchecked will be much worse in the near future. Inform yourself, live a healthy lifestyle, exercise and care for your brain, and don't hesitate to speak to people, in or out of government, about the importance of coming to grips with dementia, and stemming its rising tide.

‘90pc people in developing world use herbs’

noreply@blogger.com (Natural News Today) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:02:00 +0000

Link:http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=218802
THE Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) organised a joint inaugural session for two different international seminars on the varsity campus on Thursday.

The seminar “New Trends in Chemistry” was coordinated by Dr Rakhshanda Nawaz of LCWU’s Department of Chemistry while the other “Medicinal Plants” was done by Prof Dr Ismat Naeem of the same department.

According to a WHO study presented at the seminar, “Medicinal Plants” around 90% of the world population in the developing world relies on herbal remedies for their basic healthcare needs.

Prof Dr A Rehman Chaudhry from Chicago, USA, delivered a lecture on enzymes. Moreover, eminent national and international researchers participated in the seminars.

Dr Akram delivered a lecture on the role of carbon compound in daily life. Prof Dr MH Boskabady of Mashhad University of Medicinal Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, presented his research work on the importance and usage of saffron. The joint inaugural session was chaired by LCWU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Bushra Mateen.