January 17, 2011, 12:49 pm
Soothing Sore Muscles With Ginger
By KAREN BARROW
Can a dose of ginger help you recover after a workout?
In this week’s “Really?” column, Anahad O’Connor examines whether ginger, the popular remedy for a queasy stomach, can also reduce soreness after exercise. In one study, he writes:
Scientists recruited 74 adults and had them do exercises meant to induce muscle pain and inflammation. Over 11 days, the subjects ate either two grams of ginger a day or a placebo. Ultimately, the ginger groups experienced roughly 25 percent reductions in exercise-induced muscle pain 24 hours after a workout.
In a similar double-blind study, scientists compared what happened when subjects consumed either two grams of ginger or a placebo one day and then two days after exercise. The ginger appeared to have no effect shortly after ingestion. But it was associated with less soreness the following day, leading the researchers to conclude that ginger may help “attenuate the day-to-day progression of muscle pain.”
To learn more read the full story, “The Claim: Eating Ginger Helps Reduce Muscle Pain and Soreness,” and then please join the discussion below.
MY THOUGHTS
if more and more people will try taking ginger and prove that it's truly an alternative medicine, the priceof this yellow crop will most certainly go up. sore throat, inflammation,indigestion and now sore muscles. move over alaxan!
Showing posts with label inflammation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inflammation. Show all posts
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
ALOE VERA FOR BURNS
The Alternative Medicine Cabinet: Aloe Vera for Burns
By ANAHAD O'CONNOR
Anahad O’Connor, who writes the “Really?” column for The New York Times, explores the claims and the science behind various alternative remedies that you may want to consider for your family medicine cabinet.
The Remedy: Aloe Vera
The Claim: It heals burns.
The Science: Aloe vera gel may very well be the crown jewel of skin-soothing treatments for damaged skin. And for good reason: Numerous studies have provided evidence that it can heal the minor burns and scrapes that a harsh world can inflict on sensitive skin. Scientists suspect that has to do with the gel’s anti-inflammatory properties.
One randomized study by a team of surgeons in 2009, for example, looked at 30 patients with second-degree burns and found that aloe cream completely healed minor wounds in less than 16 days, compared to 19 days for silver sulfadiazine, a common antibacterial cream used to treat burns.
To be sure, not every study has had conclusive findings. Another one published in the journal Burns in 2007 looked at data from four different studies that included a total of 371 patients with various types of wounds and burns. The authors stopped short of recommending aloe vera gel for all burn and wound healing. “However,” the authors stated, “cumulative evidence tends to support that aloe vera might be an effective intervention used in burn wound healing for first to second degree burns.”
In other words, experts say, for severe wounds that go beyond superficial damage to the skin, medical attention is needed. But for sunburns, blisters and small burns that cause minor pain, redness or damage that is limited to the top layers of skin, aloe vera could make a difference.
“There are factors in aloe that help the cells regenerate and heal faster,” said Dr. Lawrence D. Rosen, a pediatrician at the Whole Child Center in Oradell, N.J., who recommends it to his patients. Dr. Rosen suggests keeping an aloe plant in your home. Or simply purchase a leaf or two from the market and break it open when needed, he said.
The Risks: According to the National Institutes of Health, when used topically, aloe vera gel has no significant side effects.
MY THOUGHTS
this aloe vera (sabila to us) is getting to be my real favorite. it helps hair grow, it cures pimples and rashes. and then it can treat burns. i wonder if this plant would grow in a condo unit where's there's no sunlight...
By ANAHAD O'CONNOR
Anahad O’Connor, who writes the “Really?” column for The New York Times, explores the claims and the science behind various alternative remedies that you may want to consider for your family medicine cabinet.
The Remedy: Aloe Vera
The Claim: It heals burns.
The Science: Aloe vera gel may very well be the crown jewel of skin-soothing treatments for damaged skin. And for good reason: Numerous studies have provided evidence that it can heal the minor burns and scrapes that a harsh world can inflict on sensitive skin. Scientists suspect that has to do with the gel’s anti-inflammatory properties.
One randomized study by a team of surgeons in 2009, for example, looked at 30 patients with second-degree burns and found that aloe cream completely healed minor wounds in less than 16 days, compared to 19 days for silver sulfadiazine, a common antibacterial cream used to treat burns.
To be sure, not every study has had conclusive findings. Another one published in the journal Burns in 2007 looked at data from four different studies that included a total of 371 patients with various types of wounds and burns. The authors stopped short of recommending aloe vera gel for all burn and wound healing. “However,” the authors stated, “cumulative evidence tends to support that aloe vera might be an effective intervention used in burn wound healing for first to second degree burns.”
In other words, experts say, for severe wounds that go beyond superficial damage to the skin, medical attention is needed. But for sunburns, blisters and small burns that cause minor pain, redness or damage that is limited to the top layers of skin, aloe vera could make a difference.
“There are factors in aloe that help the cells regenerate and heal faster,” said Dr. Lawrence D. Rosen, a pediatrician at the Whole Child Center in Oradell, N.J., who recommends it to his patients. Dr. Rosen suggests keeping an aloe plant in your home. Or simply purchase a leaf or two from the market and break it open when needed, he said.
The Risks: According to the National Institutes of Health, when used topically, aloe vera gel has no significant side effects.
MY THOUGHTS
this aloe vera (sabila to us) is getting to be my real favorite. it helps hair grow, it cures pimples and rashes. and then it can treat burns. i wonder if this plant would grow in a condo unit where's there's no sunlight...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Potato: Natural Remedy for Inflammation, etc.
How To Make a Potato Poultice
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
Created: May 30, 2005
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
A potato poultice is a warm compress made with grated potato that is used to relieve congestion and inflammation and heal skin. It's used traditionally for conditions such as arthritis and eczema.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 20 minutes
Here's How:
1. Chop two unpeeled potatoes into 1 inch cubes.
2. Boil the potato cubes. Mash them.
3. Spread the potatoes onto a thick gauze or cheesecloth. Add another sheet of gauze or cheesecloth or fold it over.
4. Test the temperature with your hand, making sure it's not too hot.
5. Apply the poultice to the affected area. Wrap it with a dry cloth or towel and hold it in place with string or bandage.
6. Remove the poultice once it is cold.
What You Need:
* Potatoes
* 2 pieces of cheesecloth or gauze
* Towel
* String or bandages
MY THOUGHTS
sometimes i sit in front of the computer for hours looking for articles and i wonder if i'm wasting my time. and then i find materials like this. potatoes as a natural remedy. that's something new! there's always something new. that's like a song,isn't it? "i guess i wanted something new in my life. a new key, a new door..." a potato, perhaps?
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
Created: May 30, 2005
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
A potato poultice is a warm compress made with grated potato that is used to relieve congestion and inflammation and heal skin. It's used traditionally for conditions such as arthritis and eczema.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 20 minutes
Here's How:
1. Chop two unpeeled potatoes into 1 inch cubes.
2. Boil the potato cubes. Mash them.
3. Spread the potatoes onto a thick gauze or cheesecloth. Add another sheet of gauze or cheesecloth or fold it over.
4. Test the temperature with your hand, making sure it's not too hot.
5. Apply the poultice to the affected area. Wrap it with a dry cloth or towel and hold it in place with string or bandage.
6. Remove the poultice once it is cold.
What You Need:
* Potatoes
* 2 pieces of cheesecloth or gauze
* Towel
* String or bandages
MY THOUGHTS
sometimes i sit in front of the computer for hours looking for articles and i wonder if i'm wasting my time. and then i find materials like this. potatoes as a natural remedy. that's something new! there's always something new. that's like a song,isn't it? "i guess i wanted something new in my life. a new key, a new door..." a potato, perhaps?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Herbs for Pain Management
Herbs for Pain Management
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
Updated April 24, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
At the heart of many pain-causing conditions is chronic inflammation. A natural immune response to infection or injury, inflammation can become chronic due to factors like poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, and exposure to environmental toxins.
If you suffer from an inflammation-related condition such as arthritis, neck and back pain, or tendonitis, adding anti-inflammatory herbs to your health regimen may help you manage your pain. Although not as fast-acting as standard pain medication, such herbs may significantly diminish your pain when used regularly (especially when combined with daily exercise and the practice of relaxation techniques, both of which can provide pain reduction).
Keep in mind that anti-inflammatory herbs won't heal your condition itself, despite their pain-easing effects. Furthermore, addressing the cause of chronic inflammation is essential for working your way toward optimal health; not only known to generate pain, inflammation is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Be sure to consult your primary care provider before using herbs, to avoid making common mistakes.
Herbal Pain Relief
Here's a look at six inflammation-fighting herbs that may provide pain relief.
1) White Willow Bark
Containing aspirin-like compounds, this herb was found to be as effective as conventional medicine in lessening pain among people with mild to fairly severe knee and hip problems in a 2008 study. White willow bark may also alleviate acute back pain, joint pain, and osteoarthritis.
2) Boswellia
Sourced from a resin found in the bark of frankincense trees, boswellia has been shown to thwart chemical reactions involved in inflammation. Practitioners of ayurvedic medicine have long used boswellia to treat arthritis; the herb may also benefit people with inflammatory bowel disease.
3) Devil's Claw
Traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, devil's claw may also soothe pain resulting from osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and back and neck troubles. In a 2007 study of 259 people with rheumatic conditions, researchers found that 60% of study members either reduced or stopped their pain medication after eight weeks of taking devil's claw. The herb also appeared to improve the participants' quality of life.
4) Bromelain
An enzyme extracted from pineapple stems, bromelain reduces levels of prostaglandins, which are hormones that induce inflammation. Bromelain may benefit people with arthritis and conditions marked by musculoskeletal tension (such as TMJ syndrome), as well as those suffering trauma-related inflammation. What's more, the enzyme may promote healing in muscles and connective tissues.
5) Curcumin
Another ayurvedic remedy known to tame arthritis pain, curcumin is a compound found in the curry spice turmeric. In an animal-based study published in 2007, scientists discovered that curcumin can overpower pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines. The compound may also help decrease pain associated with autoimmune disorders and tendonitis.
6) Ginger
While sipping ginger tea can help relieve cold-related congestion, supplementing with this warming herb may deliver long-lasting health effects. Research indicates that ginger may calm arthritis pain, possibly by lowering your prostaglandin levels. One 2005 study even suggests that ginger could reduce pain and inflammation more effectively than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin).
Sources
Beer AM, Wegener T. "Willow bark extract (Salicis cortex) for gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis - Results of a cohort study with a control group." Phytomedicine 2008 [Epub ahead of print]
Grzanna R, Lindmark L, Frondoza CG. "Ginger--an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions." Journal of Medicinal Food 2005 8(2):125-32.
Reyes-Gordillo K, Segovia J, Shibayama M, Vergara P, Moreno MG, Muriel P. "Curcumin protects against acute liver damage in the rat by inhibiting NF-kappaB, proinflammatory cytokines production and oxidative stress." Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 2007 1770(6):989-96.
Warnock M, McBean D, Suter A, Tan J, Whittaker P. "Effectiveness and safety of Devil's Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders." Phtyotherapy Research 2007 21(12):1228-33.
MY THOUGHTS
i wonder what this willow bark is. it keeps appearing in a lot of the natural remedies. a lot of these are "never-heards". except the ginger. and i know for certain that it cures inflammation.
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
Updated April 24, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
At the heart of many pain-causing conditions is chronic inflammation. A natural immune response to infection or injury, inflammation can become chronic due to factors like poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, and exposure to environmental toxins.
If you suffer from an inflammation-related condition such as arthritis, neck and back pain, or tendonitis, adding anti-inflammatory herbs to your health regimen may help you manage your pain. Although not as fast-acting as standard pain medication, such herbs may significantly diminish your pain when used regularly (especially when combined with daily exercise and the practice of relaxation techniques, both of which can provide pain reduction).
Keep in mind that anti-inflammatory herbs won't heal your condition itself, despite their pain-easing effects. Furthermore, addressing the cause of chronic inflammation is essential for working your way toward optimal health; not only known to generate pain, inflammation is a major risk factor for chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Be sure to consult your primary care provider before using herbs, to avoid making common mistakes.
Herbal Pain Relief
Here's a look at six inflammation-fighting herbs that may provide pain relief.
1) White Willow Bark
Containing aspirin-like compounds, this herb was found to be as effective as conventional medicine in lessening pain among people with mild to fairly severe knee and hip problems in a 2008 study. White willow bark may also alleviate acute back pain, joint pain, and osteoarthritis.
2) Boswellia
Sourced from a resin found in the bark of frankincense trees, boswellia has been shown to thwart chemical reactions involved in inflammation. Practitioners of ayurvedic medicine have long used boswellia to treat arthritis; the herb may also benefit people with inflammatory bowel disease.
3) Devil's Claw
Traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, devil's claw may also soothe pain resulting from osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and back and neck troubles. In a 2007 study of 259 people with rheumatic conditions, researchers found that 60% of study members either reduced or stopped their pain medication after eight weeks of taking devil's claw. The herb also appeared to improve the participants' quality of life.
4) Bromelain
An enzyme extracted from pineapple stems, bromelain reduces levels of prostaglandins, which are hormones that induce inflammation. Bromelain may benefit people with arthritis and conditions marked by musculoskeletal tension (such as TMJ syndrome), as well as those suffering trauma-related inflammation. What's more, the enzyme may promote healing in muscles and connective tissues.
5) Curcumin
Another ayurvedic remedy known to tame arthritis pain, curcumin is a compound found in the curry spice turmeric. In an animal-based study published in 2007, scientists discovered that curcumin can overpower pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines. The compound may also help decrease pain associated with autoimmune disorders and tendonitis.
6) Ginger
While sipping ginger tea can help relieve cold-related congestion, supplementing with this warming herb may deliver long-lasting health effects. Research indicates that ginger may calm arthritis pain, possibly by lowering your prostaglandin levels. One 2005 study even suggests that ginger could reduce pain and inflammation more effectively than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin).
Sources
Beer AM, Wegener T. "Willow bark extract (Salicis cortex) for gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis - Results of a cohort study with a control group." Phytomedicine 2008 [Epub ahead of print]
Grzanna R, Lindmark L, Frondoza CG. "Ginger--an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions." Journal of Medicinal Food 2005 8(2):125-32.
Reyes-Gordillo K, Segovia J, Shibayama M, Vergara P, Moreno MG, Muriel P. "Curcumin protects against acute liver damage in the rat by inhibiting NF-kappaB, proinflammatory cytokines production and oxidative stress." Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 2007 1770(6):989-96.
Warnock M, McBean D, Suter A, Tan J, Whittaker P. "Effectiveness and safety of Devil's Claw tablets in patients with general rheumatic disorders." Phtyotherapy Research 2007 21(12):1228-33.
MY THOUGHTS
i wonder what this willow bark is. it keeps appearing in a lot of the natural remedies. a lot of these are "never-heards". except the ginger. and i know for certain that it cures inflammation.
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