What is Homeopathic Medicine?

Have you ever heard of homeopathy? You probably have, but have no idea what it really is. Homeopathy is a system of medicine that treats an illness or condition with highly diluted concentrations of natural ingredients that mimic the symptoms of the condition being treated. It seems like an odd premise, but in spite of the unusual mechanism behind it, it is a very effective method for treating disease.

How do you cure someone of an illness by giving that person a tiny concentration of something that actually causes the illness? According to proponents of the science, homeopathy not only works, but works better than conventional medicine. They say that somewhere along the line the pharmaceutical industry got involved in medicine, at which point natural remedies were abandoned in favor of chemical formulations.

If you browse through your local pharmacy, you will notice that there are actually quite a few products in the Cold & Flu aisle that are homeopathic. The easiest way to to find out if a product you are interested in is homeopathic is to read the label on the back and take a look at the ingredients. In homeopathy, all of the ingredients are diluted, so each ingredient in a homeopathic product has the letter X or C after it.

So, if one of the ingredients is Zinc 20X, that means the product contains Zinc that has been diluted 20 times. One of the most popular cold medicines on the market, Zicam, is actually a homeopathic remedy that consists of nothing more than homeopathic zinc in a nasal gel. Most people that use Zicam do not even realize that it is a homeopathic product.

There are homeopathic remedies available for almost any condition you can think of. Cold, flu, allergy, even bedwetting; there is a homeopathic remedy available for almost every condition. Homeopathy is universally recognized as being safe because the ingredients are always natural substances diluted many times over.

The big drug companies claim that any relief felt from the application of a homeopathic medicine can be attributed to the placebo effect. And, because the FDA does not require homeopathic products to undergo a clinical trial before being sold to the public, the detractors feel that homeopathy is junk science. So, is homeopathy a bunch of hodgepodge, or does it really work?

In my opinion, it works. There have been several clinical trials done over the years to test the efficacy of homeopathic products. Liddell Laboratories makes a product called Vital HGH which contains homeopathic HGH. Vital HGH is designed to treat the symptoms of aging and/or a rundown condition. In a small clinical trial performed years ago, a group of test subjects who were deficient in human growth hormone, ranging in age from 45 years and up, were given the Vital HGH formulation.

The results speak for themselves. During the five month clinical trial, the levels of HGH in the blood increased in every test subject, and more than doubled the average level of HGH. I personally have used homeopathic remedies to treat my allergies, and not only do they work, but they seem to prevent the symptoms from returning for an extended period of time.

The main reason why big drug manufacturers try to downplay the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines is so they will not have to make them. Most homeopathic products are incredibly cheap to manufacture and the profit margins are extremely small. A prescribed conventional medicine costs a lot more.

If the public began demanding natural, homeopathic remedies for their ailments, drug companies would have to make these kinds of products to stay in business, and then their revenues would tumble and their profits would shrink.

Imagine if Pfizer had to stop manufacturing Viagra, which they sell at $20-$30 per pill, and instead make a homeopathic product that would retail for only $20 for a one month supply. That is why drug companies often spend significant money to debunk claims that homeopathy works, using misinformation tactics to instill a belief in the public that homeopathy is a sham. This simply is not true. Homeopathy works, and is much more affordable.

Conventional medicines are still necessary because sometimes homeopathy does not work for each and every individual. But, next time you go to the pharmacy, take a look at some of the homeopathic brands on the shelf and give them a whirl. For common ailments that are not life threatening, homeopathy is probably a cheaper and more effective alternative.

Jim Pretin is the owner of http://www.forms4free.com, a service that helps programmers make free HTML forms.

Battling the Misery of Colds and Flu - Learn How Natural Remedies Can Help

Most people would give almost anything to relieve the misery cold and flu symptoms can bring. You can take over-the-counter medications, but they frequently have side effects such as making you drowsy. There are some natural remedies you can use to help relieve the symptoms of the common cold and flu.

When suffering from cold or flu, make sure that you blow your nose often instead of sniffing it back into your head. Don't blow your nose hard as this can create pressure which may lead to an ear ache.

The proper way to blow your nose is to place a finger over one of your nostrils while blowing gently to clear the other nostril. Always make sure you wash your hands afterwards to help prevent the spread of germs.

It's always beneficial to get plenty of rest while you have the cold or flu as the human body needs rest in order to heal. When you conserve energy by resting, your body can then utilize that energy to heal.

Try gargling with warm salt water to moisten a dry, irritated throat. Use one teaspoon of salt and dissolve it in warm water. Use the salt-water gargle four times a day. You can also use tea that contains tannin in order to tighten the mucus membranes.

You can also make an effective gargle by steeping one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water. Mix in one teaspoon of honey. After this mixture has cooled to room temperature you can gargle with it. Never, ever give honey to a child younger than 18 months.

Drinking hot liquids like broth, tea or soup can help to relieve congested sinus passages and also help prevent dehydration. Warm liquids also help soothe the inflamed membranes of your nose and throat.

A steamy shower will also work wonders to help moisturize your nasal passages and help you to breathe easier.

Use a mentholated salve such as Vicks VapoRub under your nose to help open your nasal passage and bring easier breathing. An added bonus is if the salve contains menthol, eucalyptus or camphor which will help alleviate the pain of a nose rubbed raw by blowing.

You can apply hot or cold packs to the face over facial sinuses to help relieve pain and congestion, or use a damp, warm washcloth as a compress.

Here are several natural herbal and aromatherapy recipes to help alleviate the worst symptoms of colds and flu:

Cold and Flu Combo Tea

* 3 parts Echinacea
* 3 parts Goldenseal Root
* 2 parts Pau D Arco
* 2 parts Peppermint leaf
* 2 parts Mullein
* 1 part Ginger Root

Directions

Combine all of the Herbs together. Place 2 Tablespoons of mix in jar that can be completely covered. Pour 6 ounces of hot water over the Herbs and seal. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain Herbs. Drink 1 cup 3 times a day. Inhale the tea to relieve sinus congestion.

Eucalyptus Chest Rub

* 40 drops essential oil of Eucalyptus
* 10 drops essential oil of Camphor
* 2 drops essential oil of Wintergreen
* 1 drop essential oil of Thyme
* 1 ounce Olive Oil
* 1/2 teaspoon Beeswax

Preparation: Add the Beeswax to the Olive Oil and heat until the Beeswax is melted. Use very low heat or a double boiler to prevent burning the oil. When the wax is melted, remove the oil from the heat then add the essential oils and stir to blend.

When the mixture is cool it is ready to use. You can make this using only the Eucalyptus oil if preferred. To use rub a small amount on the chest as needed to relieve congestion.

Cold Combat With Essential Oils

* Orange, - 20 drops
* Eucalyptus - 10 drops
* Juniper berry 10 drops
* Pine Needle - 10 drops
* Basil - 6 drops
* Rosewood - 6 drops
* Ginger - 4 drops

Blend all together and us in a Diffuser or a few drops in 1/4 cup of Epsom Salts added to a bath. You can also place a few drops on a kleenex and insert into your pillow case before bedtime. (This Recipe From Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson)

Dee Braun is a Cert. Aromatherapist & Dr. of Reflexology who teaches Aromatherapy, Reflexology & Color/Crystal Therapy at http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/. Vist the Alternative Healing Academy, which offers home study courses in several natural healing methods. Payment plans are available!

Holistic Healing and Magnetic Therapy Solutions

Magnetic therapy is part of a very large number of therapeutic offerings. These are sometimes referred to as holistic healing options. That is to say, because magnet therapy has never been accepted by the medical community (primarily because further studies are needed to show if, how and why magnets may help alleviate chronic pain) magnetic therapy will always be looked at as holistic healing.

This does not mean that magnets do not help or will not holistically heal those that suffer from chronic pain. Some studies have shown there may be some benefits to magnetic therapy such as a loss of swelling in some patients as well as pain relief in patients with fibromyalgia, arthritis and other chronic pain issues.

Some magnet pain therapy enthusiasts will use magnets for back problems and will buy magnetic therapy chairs, mattress pads and back support belts. The holistic nature of magnetic therapy means you may find this is exactly what you have been looking for to ease your chronic pain; however the studies are not conclusive so there is really no way to support magnetic therapy in any way beyond holistic healing and alternative medicine.

Holistic is referred to as pertaining to the whole body. This means that if magnet therapy and magnetic therapy solutions are seen as holistic healing remedies, then they are also seen as whole body treatments. Holistic healing is further defined as the treatment of disease by taking into consideration every part of the body to bring the internal environment into balance.

When we look at magnet therapy and holistic healing from this light, we find that pain therapy via magnetic products are seen as helping to bring the body into balance and focusing efforts on the entirety of the body, and not just one small part. Remember too that holistic healing then must also include preventive measures taken before the pain occurs or is likely to occur.

So we can now look at holistic healing as a preventive type of medicine as well as something that attempts to focus on the entire body instead of just one aspect.

For instance, if you injure yourself and use the magnets immediately, this may prevent further pain later down the road. Or if you use a magnetic mattress to sleep on every night, this may in some way increase circulation, prevent swelling or something else altogether that is aiding and helping in your everyday health and mobility. I say this may increase circulation or prevent swelling because further studies are needed to fully understand the benefits of magnet therapy and magnetic therapy solutions.

It is important to point out once again that in no way is magnet therapy proven to "cure" or "heal" in the traditional sense of the word as it is applied in Western medicine. However, it is possible that holistic healing, as it is sometimes called and which we see as an allover body healing with preventive attributes, makes it is possible to say that magnet therapy may heal in a purely holistic sense.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether magnet therapy is right for them and whether they make it part of their holistic healing process. This is because the use of magnets is seen today as a holistic healing option which may, in conjunction with other pain therapies, help to prevent and alleviate chronic pain or swelling.

Seth is a Webmaster for MagnetPainTherapy.Com. If you want to find out more about magnetic therapy along with additional studies that provide evidence on both sides of the debate, go to http://magnetpaintherapy.com/holistic_healing.html

The Top Vitamins Needed For Health And Wellness

Many people are often confused about their nutrition needs and what vitamins they need to stay healthy. It's often hard to make sense of the poor information seen in advertisements and by the media. So, how do you know which vitamins you should take?

Actually the right answer is all of them in the correct amounts are necessary to stay healthy.

Vitamins are essential for life since they aren't stored in the body and cannot be created by the body. There are 13 vitamins your body needs. The vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, pantothenic acid, biotin, and folate are the vitamins needed in every diet.

Vitamins are necessary for proper growth and health. Your vitamins and minerals should come from a variety of foods you consume but you can take supplements for what is lacking.

A supplement should be both high in quality and offer complete vitamin amounts. A multivitamin is a better choice than choosing many individual vitamin supplements. The supplements are intended to improve nutrition and give you the proper amount of micronutrients needed every day.

Each of the vitamins has a certain job to do. For example low levels of vitamin D could lead to rickets while other vitamins are necessary for preventing medical problems such as vitamin A that prevents night blindness.

Vitamins come in two different categories. There are the water-soluble varieties that are easily absorbed by your body. Your body can't store them. Some of the water-soluble vitamins are: Folic Acid or folate helps the body make new cells and prevents anemia. It is found in dark leafy vegetables, beans, oranges and grains.

The B1, thiamin, helps use carbohydrates for energy and is found in lean meats, legumes and nuts.

B2, riboflavin, helps process protein and fats and is found in lean meats, eggs, dairy and nuts.

B3, niacin, helps process protein and fats and is found in whole grains and fish.

B5, pantothenic acid, helps your body process nutrients and make red blood cells. It is found in organ meats, beef, chicken, lobster, milk, peanuts, peas, beans, yeast and whole grains.

B6 helps the body use proteins and fats and supports the nervous and immune systems and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. It can be found in organ meats, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, bananas, carrots and yeast.

B12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is needed to make genetic material in the cells. It's found in liver, poultry, clams, flounder, sardines, eggs, milk and blue cheese.

C, ascorbic acid, helps connective tissues form and acts as an antioxidant, found in broccoli, spinach, citrus fruits, tomatoes and potatoes.

The fat-soluble vitamins need your body's bile acids to absorb them. They are stored in body fat. Some of the fat-soluble vitamins are:
A, retinal, is needed for vision and healthy skin and is found in liver, fish, dairy and tomatoes.

D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous, prevents fractures and osteoporosis and is found in eggs, fortified milk and saltwater fish.

E is an antioxidant and helps repair body tissues and is found in fish, milk vegetable oils and fruits.

K is important for forming blood clots and is found in cheese, spinach and cabbage.

The human body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy body and regenerate cells. Eating a well balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals, meats and dairy products and taking supplements when necessary can keep the body functioning properly.

John Tolmachoff is the chief editor of health related site such as http://www.LiquidVitaminsReviews.com and http://www.beautytipssupplies.com. These sites are packed with health tips and are offering as a gift a $49.00 free audio eBook at either of these sites.

Advantages Of Acai Berry

By Micheal Vincent

There are very few foods in the world that can claim to be superfoods. Superfoods must have many more benefits besides just providing enough calories and some nutrition. However, there are some foods that are able to be elevated to superfood status because of the incredible benefits they can deliver.

Acai berry is one of these foods. With its ability to do everything from quicker weight loss to fighting off disease, acai berry can provide you with better health without any effort. What makes Pure Acai Berry such an incredible food is the fact that its nutritional content is as close to perfect as possible. First of all, it is absolutely filled with antioxidants. Click here to find more information about Benefits Of Acai Berry.

As you probably know, antioxidants are necessary for slowing down the effects of aging and for fighting disease. The berry also has monounsaturated fats, which are the healthy type also found in olive oil. Fiber and phytosterols are also part of the package, as is a well balanced amino acid complex. In all, this food is a very complete way of getting energy, nutrition, and antioxidants all in one package.

Because of its extremely complete nutritional content, the acai berry has the potential to provide tons of benefits for your body. Among the most popular reasons for people to use the product are to increase energy, maintain better health, and to lose weight.

You can expect to have more energy when you use the acai berry because of its combination of carbohydrates and fats and its high concentration of antioxidants. All of these things combined make it a very good source of energy and a great way to increase your stamina during the day. Because you are likely to feel and be healthier while taking it, this will also increase your energy.

The antioxidant levels of this berry are more than five times as high as in blueberries and other such foods. This makes them very powerful in terms of fighting aging and bodily damage. Many people rely on this berry to fight off the free radicals that can be implicated in everything from cancer to wrinkles. Antioxidants have the amazing power to neutralize free radicals, which can help you feel younger and healthier than ever before. By using foods with high levels of antioxidants, you can experience great health and fend off the damaging effects of pollution, UV light, aging and more.

Pure Acai Berry can also help you with your weight loss goals as it has the ability to help your body burn fat more quickly and to increase your metabolism. In addition, because it can help your body work more efficiently in general, you can expect losing weight to be easier.

For instance, the ability of the berry to increase your stamina will make it easier for you to exercise, and the berries perfect amino acid complex will allow your muscles to function properly during exercise. The berry even provides digestive support so that you can use your food more efficiently. The benefits of the acai berry are hard to beat and it is a great addition to any diet. Since it is not a local crop, the best way to get the benefits of this berry is in the supplement form offered by Pure Acai Berry.

Since this is the most concentrated and purest way of getting the incredible benefits of this berry, you will be able to see the benefits of this berry much sooner. Begin now and you can even get a Free Trial of Pure Acai Berry to see the benefits for yourself! Click on Benefits Of Acai Berry to find out more.

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This article is for consumers looking for information on Acai Berry Promotional Offer and Acai Berry Supplement.