Archive for the ‘Natural alternatives’ Category
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Slippery Elm
This plant has a long tradition of use for acid reflux and a variety of other digestive conditions. It is soothing to the lining of the esophagus and stomach. The mucilage it contains acts as a barrier against the damaging effects of acid on the esophagus. It is generally more effective for occasional or mild GERD.
Slippery Elm
DOSAGE
Suck on a lozenge after each meal or as needed. It is also available in capsule form. Take 500 to 1000 mg after each meal.
SAFETY
This herb is extremely safe. However, avoid taking medications at the exact same time; they should be taken at least one hour apart.
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Tags: acids, Antacid, antacids, esophagus, GERD, plant, Reflux
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Nux Vomica
This is the most common homeopathic medicine used for GERD. For many it relieves symptoms quickly and without any side effects. Though no formal studies have been done, we believe it normalizes the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Nux Vomica
DOSAGE
Take two tablets of a Nux Vomica 30C potency twice daily until symptoms are gone. Thereafter, use as needed for occasional symptoms. If there is no improvement within one week, stop using it.
SAFETY
Since it is in homeopathic form and highly diluted, there are no safety concerns with this medicine. The only factor to be aware of is that if the medicine is not helping within a week, stop using it. Continuous use without benefit could aggravate your symptoms.
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Tags: Antacid, homeopathic, medicine, Reflux, safety, symptoms, vomica
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Saturday, May 8th, 2010
Natural Alternatives to Antacid and Reflux Drugs: Aloe Vera
This plant has soothing and healing effects on the lining of the digestive tract. Herbalists throughout history traditionally have recommended aloe vera for the treatment of stomach acidity.
DOSAGE
Take 600 mg of the capsule form, or 2 tablespoons of the liquid form, or 2 teaspoons of the powder form in water 20 minutes before each meal three times daily. Make sure you are using aloe with the bitter latex portion removed; aloe products containing this substance are used as a laxative. Unless identified as a product for constipation, most internally consumed aloe products have the bitter latex portion removed or substantially removed.
SAFETY (more…)
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Tags: aloe, bitter, latex, medications, portion, products, stomach
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Thursday, April 8th, 2010
History. The Sting in Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has long been used by holistic doctors and traditional herbalists. It grows in North America, particularly in Oregon and other Northwestern states. It is also found throughout Europe. Its Latin name
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Tags: Allergies, nettle, sting, stinging, urtica
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Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Quercetin
This naturally occurring flavonoid, found in foods and available as a nutritional supplement, has anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties. Preliminary research shows that it reduces histamine release from mast cells While we are unaware of any studies, we find it to be helpful clinically for our patients.
DOSAGE
Take 500 to 1,000 mg three times daily.
SAFETY
Rare instances of headaches and tingling of the extremities have been reported.
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Tags: Allergies, allergy, drugs, foods, Quercetin
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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Stinging Nettle
This plant has been used by naturopathic doctors in the United States over several decades for the treatment of allergies. A randomized, double-blind study at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine tested the benefit of freezedried nettles for the treatment of hay fever. In the study, 58 percent of participants given stinging nettle had a reduction in sneezing and itching.
DOSAGE
Take 300 mg three times daily.
SAFETY
No adverse effects are known for the aboveground parts of stinging nettle, the part of the plant used in the mentioned study.
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Tags: Allergies, drugs, naturopathic, nettle, plant, stinging, treatment
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Sunday, March 14th, 2010
Allergy Drugs: Nasal Decongestants
Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
Phenylephrine nasal (4-Way Fast Acting, Afrin Children
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Tags: afrin, blood, Decongestants, drugs, interactions, medications, nasal, vessels
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Sunday, February 21st, 2010
Allergy Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives. What Are Allergies?
Allergies are a very common health problem in the United States; approximately one out of five people is affected by hay fever.With this condition sufferers react to substances in the environment such as grass or tree pollens. This is usually seasonal. Some people react year-round to things such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, congested sinus, watery and/or itchy eyes, and sinus pressure and pain. Allergies can also cause sinus headaches, fatigue, inability to focus, itchy mouth and throat, sore throat, sleep problems, asthma, eczema, and a variety of other health problems. (more…)
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Tags: Allergies, allergy, fever, fungi, grass, itchy, mites, pollen, react, sinus, spores, spring, throat
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