IS CUCUMBER REALLY THAT WONDERFUL?

IS CUCUMBER REALLY THAT WONDERFUL?

(photo from ufseeds.com)

A friend forwarded me this mail.  I am sharing it because it's very interesting.  However, please be very discerning. I have not checked the veracity of any information here.  I do not even know where this article came from.  So, have fun reading it. Use wisdom and caution when trying the tips.  And own up.  Whatever the results, you were warned and you were the one who made the decision to try.

In short, don't blame me if you fall asleep after eating a cucumber. And don't blame the cucumber if people still shy away from you because of foul odor coming from your not-so-kissable mouth.  Even if you put 10 cucumbers at the roof of your mouth, the article didn't say you should stop brushing your teeth.  The cucumber is supposed to be a stop-gap measure. It was never meant to be a toothbrush, much less, a toothpaste.

Here goes:

"1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need.  Every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a
Cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that Quick pick-me-up that can last for Hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a
Cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, Spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give Off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the
Area.

5 Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6.. Want to avoid a hangover or Terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices
Before going to bed and wake up refreshed and Headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B Vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and
headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers
Have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a Quick and durable shine that not only looks
great but also repels Water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a Cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic Hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, Facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire Cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or Mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 Seconds to eliminate bad breath, the Phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your Mouth responsible for causing bad Breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel?
Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the Surface you want to clean, not only will it Remove years of tarnish and bring back the Shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm You fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a Pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen Writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!"

Chiropractors have an ethical duty

Chiropractors have an ethical duty to tell their patients about risks
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2011/jul/12/chiropractors-ethical-duty-patients-risks

A survey suggests fewer than half of chiropractors always discuss the risks of cervical manipulation with patients

Most consumers seem to think all alternative treatments are natural and therefore safe. I have repeatedly pointed out that this is not necessarily true. Some alternative therapies are associated with very significant risks. Chiropractic, for instance, has left many patients in wheelchairs and some have even died.1 Yet most chiropractors vehemently deny any responsibility.

A recent article by researchers from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth started with the telling statement that "the risk associated with cervical manipulation is controversial".2 This is certainly true. About every second patient experiences transient adverse effects after chiropractic, and several hundred cases of permanent neurological deficits or death are on record.1,3,4 Most of these serious complications are caused when an artery in the neck gets damaged during extreme manipulations of the upper spine. When this happens, the patient suffers a stroke and, as we all know, one can die of a stroke.

The Bournemouth team sent questionnaires about risk-related issues to 200 randomly selected UK chiropractors and received 92 responses. Their results show, among other things, that "only 45% indicated they always discuss [the risks of cervical manipulation] with patients ... "2

In plain language, this means that the majority of UK chiropractors seem to violate the most basic ethical standards in healthcare. If we assume that the 92 responders were from the more ethical end of the chiropractic spectrum, it might even be the vast majority of UK chiropractors who are violating the axiom of informed consent.

I applaud the authors for their courage in publishing their findings. They conclude that, "notwithstanding legal obligations, reluctance to disclose risk ... still remains, despite acknowledgement of moral and ethical responsibility."2 There is nothing to add to this clear message.

MY THOUGHTS

Better hash up on this issue.  I love going to the chiro.  But this is scary.

MASSAGE: LUXURY OR NECESSITY

Massage: Luxury or Necessity?
YOUR DAILY FIT TIP
By The Lifescript Editorial Staff
Published April 24, 2011

Should regular massages be considered a luxury or necessity? If you exercise regularly, you’re putting your body through a lot, and you could benefit from receiving regular massages, which can help combat body strain through a number of mechanisms. Massage improves circulation and increases blood flow to your muscles, which may increase the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your working tissues. It also helps to prevent injuries to your muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as help speed healing at injury sites.

The benefits of massage don’t stop there – it can improve your flexibility by increasing the range of motion at your joints as well as reduce muscle recovery time in between exercise sessions by aiding in the removal of waste products, like lactic acid. The power of touch through massage is also a great tool in general for helping you to relax and reduce your stress levels.

Many insurance programs cover the cost of massages, so don’t get stuck thinking you just can’t afford one. If you really can’t get to a professional, enlist the help of your mate to give you a rub-down once a week, and don’t forget to return the favor.


Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!

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ALMONDS: Alternative Medicine for Headache and Joint Pains

ALMONDS as ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR HEADACHE AND JOINT PAINS

Ask Suzy Cohen
By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph., Lifescript Pharmacist
Published April 23, 2011

http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Alternative-Therapies/Natural-Remedies/Ask_Suzy_Cohen_How_to_Fight_Radiation_Poisoning.aspx?utm_campaign=2011-04-23-78990&utm_source=healthy-advantage&utm_medium=email&utm_content=healthy-well-wise_Ask%20Suzy%20Cohen%20How%20to%20&FromNL=1&sc_date=20110423T000000


Dear Suzy Cohen,
My dad used to eat almonds all the time, because he said it helped with his headaches and joint pain. I inherited this condition, and I’m not sure if they work but I eat them once a week. Is there any medicinal truth to the almond folklore?

-C.P., Portland, Ore.

Research suggests that nuts are good for pain relief. Almonds, for example, contain salicin which, when consumed, forms salicylic acid, the primary by-product of aspirin metabolization. This is why your dad feels better eating them.

In anecdotal evidence, some headache sufferers claimed that eating almonds daily has a cumulative effect. Regular headaches might become less severe and/or disappear gradually with regular consumption of almonds. Over time, eating 10-15 almonds per day might give you relief from that jackhammer in your head.

I say “might” because some people are allergic to salicin. So if your throat itches, or tongue and lips swell whenever you eat almonds, then avoid the nuts.

Besides the natural pain pacifier, almonds are rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps increase muscle relaxation. They provide even higher amounts of vitamin E, potassium and manganese, and a bit of copper, riboflavin, zinc and phosphorous.

Even though a quarter cup of almonds contains 18 grams of fat, 11 of those are the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind.

Emerging research suggests that eating almonds doesn’t result in weight gain, and may even contribute to weight loss because of the nuts’ tendency to cause a feeling of fullness after eating them.

So next time you feel a headache coming on, go ahead and get a little nutty with almonds. You can make or buy commercially prepared almond butter. Almond butter is a healthier (and tastier, I think) alternative to peanut butter. It also seems to be less allergenic than peanuts.

MY THOUGHTS

So that's why I can eat all the almonds I want.  But not cashew nuts.  Cashew nuts trigger my severe migraines.  As in a week of delibitating pain.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR KNEE PAIN

6 Alternative Medical Treatments for Knee Pain
News by Granny Med
(March 16, 2011) in Health / Alternative Medicine

By Kate Wharmby Seldman
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/6-alternative-medical-treatments-for-knee-pain

Many different treatments and therapies come under the umbrella of alternative medicine. Whereas traditional medicine usually prescribes only a few treatments for a particular ailment, there could be tens of alternative remedies for the same condition.

Let’s take knee pain as an example. Mainstream medicine treats a sore knee as follows: first, rest is prescribed, as well as ice or heat, stretching, and physical therapy. Alternative-medicine aficionados may practice these treatments as well, since they don’t involve medication or surgery. Next, the patient might take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, like ibuprofen. Cortisone shots into the knee are another option to treat inflammation. If all else fails, the patient may undergo arthroscopic surgery, which involves inserting a tiny camera into the knee and using it as a way to view and repair torn ligaments, cartilage, or other issues within the joint.

In terms of alternative medicine, the remedies available are myriad. Acupuncture is popular for knee pain - the needles are inserted into points on the knee in order to open up channels of qi, or life energy, that, when flowing properly, can ease discomfort in the joints. Stomach 36 and Spleen 9 acupuncture points, located around the knees, are important points to use when treating knee pain. Medical science is starting to back up the effects of acupuncture on knee pain: a 1999 study indicated that acupuncture helped osteoarthritis patients build strength and flexibility while relieving pain and stiffness.

Electromagnetic therapy, in which magnets placed on the knee generate pulses of electricity, isn’t widely used anymore, but some studies have suggested it can help relieve pain. More research is needed to see if this therapy really can increase blood flow to the knee, thereby decreasing pain.

Homeopaths prescribe several remedies for knee pain, especially arthritis-related discomfort: these include arnica montana, bryonia alba, ledum palustre, apis mellifica, and rhus toxicodendron. There’s also a homeopathic remedy called osteoarthritic nosode, which is made from the tissue and fluid of an osteoarthritic knee.

Massage can be useful for knee discomfort. Massage therapists work on the areas above and below the knee to try and ease swelling and stiffness. They sometimes also massage the area with ice packs, which supposedly helps stop pain by replacing it with temperature signals instead.

The dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have helped knee pain sufferers get some relief. One study indicate that oddly, the worse the pain is, the better the supplement is at relieving it: it didn’t work very well for mild to moderate knee pain, but it helped sufferers of severe pain.

Herbal remedies for knee pain include comfrey and aloe vera gel. Another remedy involves wrapping the knee with cabbage leaves, which serve as a mild anti-inflammatory, and then surrounding the leaves with plastic wrap. The patient should leave the wrap on overnight, or change it every four hours when awake.

Read more at GrannyMed

MY THOUGHTS

These articles never fail to surprise me.  Cabbage? 

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DIABETES

Natural remedies for Diabetes  
Monday, 21 March 2011 03:15

Diabetes affects over 23 million Americans, nearly 8 percent of the population, and these numbers are on the rise. Diabetes prevalence increased 13 percent in the two years between 2005 and 2007. Add to this the 24 percent of people who are believed to be undiagnosed and you can see the picture of the epidemic rise of diabetes in recent years. Adult onset diabetes, the most common form, can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure.

Prevention and lifestyle are still the best medicine. Though there is no known cure, a healthy lifestyle can reduce symptoms. The National Institute of Health has launched a campaign that focus on lifestyle and dietary choices for diabetes prevention. Alternative medicine has also been busy researching natural treatments for diabetes prevention and health maintenance. Numerous products—including foods, botanicals, and vitamins—offer promising results.

*Alpha-lipoic Acid

Three research trials of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) demonstrate ALA’s ability to increase insulin sensitivity and enhance glucose metabolism. ALA may also heal nerve damage in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Doses of 600 milligrams were shown to be effective and well tolerated.

*Gymnema

Gymnema sylvestre is a climbing plant that grows in Southeast Asia and Africa. It has been used in India to treat diabetes as part of Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years. Modern research has shown gymnema to lower serum glucose levels by inhibiting the intestinal absorption of glucose. Gymnema has an added health benefit for diabetes treatment, in that it can be used alongside insulin. Other uses for this beneficial herb include weight loss and hypercholesterolaemia.

*Chromium

The element chromium is important in the regulatory function of insulin and blood glucose. Its action is similar to the prescription drugs used by diabetics: metformin and troglitazone. It is thought that chromium acts by decreasing the body’s insulin resistance. Chromium picolinate is the form that is best absorbed for this purpose.

*Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber derived from the cell walls of algae, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and plants. It is also found in cereal grains like oat and barely. It is commonly used for its cholesterol-lowering effects and is now being cited for its ability to control blood sugar levels. You may have seen beta-glucan on the ingredient list on your morning cereal box because in 1997 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed oat bran to be registered as the first cholesterol-reducing food. (The recommended amount for this purpose is three grams beta-glucan daily.) Several trials are underway investigating the use of beta-glucan in diabetes and for blood sugar control.

*Ginseng

For over 2,000 years, ginseng roots have been prized in Chinese medicine for their health-giving qualities. Its name is from the Greek, Panax, means “all cure” (pan—all, akos—cure). Panax is a member of the Araliaceae family and should not be confused with Siberian Ginseng, which is from a different plant family (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Research suggests that ginseng may lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

*Bitter Melon

Bitter melon is a melon in the Cucurbitaceae family and related to honeydew and Persian melon. Bitter melon extracts and tea contain the glycosides momordin and charant that can be used to treat hypoglycemia. A 1999 study of bitter melon pulp with type 2 diabetic patients show a reduction in serum blood sugar levels that lasted for up to twelve hours. The plant acts on liver and muscle glycogen synthesis and inhibits the enzymes involved in glucose production.

*There are numerous other products from nature that may prove to have a healing effect on diabetes and blood sugar control. Alfalfa, aloe vera, barley, bilberry, bladderwrack, burdock, evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, fenugreek, fish oils, gotu kola, horse chestnut seed extract, marshmallow, milk thistle, rosemary, spirulina, stinging nettle, and white horehound are just a few of nature’s bountiful healing agents that have been used in treating diabetes with natural medicine in the past. Hopefully, modern science can investigate these natural substances, and find the quantizes needed for the healing doses needed to bring relief to those suffering from diabetes.

By Melanie Grimes

MT THOUGHTS

I've always known that bitter melon or bitter gourd is

(from alibaba.com)

but I didn't know that it's a relative of honey dew

(from alibaba.com)

And I didn't know that this is Persian Melon-another relative.

(from alibaba.com)

WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

Osteopathy: Lesser-Known Branch of Alternative Medicine
News by Kate Wharmby Seldman
(March 02, 2011) in Health / Alternative Medicine

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/osteopathy-lesser-known-branch-of-alternative-medicine

When you hear the words “alternative medicine,” you probably think of homeopathy, herbal remedies, perhaps even acupuncture. Osteopathy is another natural medical practice that fits under the alternative-medicine umbrella – but it’s less well known than its more famous, and often more controversial, cousins.

Osteopathy is a technique that practitioners believe can help heal the body. It involves massage, stretching, and manipulation of joints. Osteopaths say it works because all parts of the body – skin, muscles, tissue, bones, nerves, ligaments, and so on – are connected to one another. Osteopathy realigns the musculoskeletal structure and promotes proper blood flow, which is said to assist in pain relief.

Craniosacral therapy is part of osteopathy. Osteopaths place their hands on the patient’s head and tune in to what they call the “craniosacral rhythm.” This is thought to be a pulsing movement located in the spinal fluid: it comes in waves, and osteopaths say it’s responsible for the quality of a patient’s health. Osteopaths gently massage the patient’s head and manipulate the spine. This treatment is said to release restrictions of the nerve passages, realign cranial bones, and optimize the flow of spinal fluid. Practitioners of craniosacral therapy say it can relieve back and neck pain, headaches and migraines, stress, and TMJ, a jaw disorder that causes tension and pain. It’s also used to treat chronic pain of any kind.

Osteopaths go to school to obtain qualifications that allow them to practice. Universities who offer osteopathy programs include Michigan State, New York Institute of Technology, and William Carey University. The programs are generally four years in length.

Each state in the US has an osteopathic medical board that grants licenses to qualified practitioners. This regulation ensures that patients can find certified osteopaths who have undergone the necessary training, rather than people who have simply decided to call themselves osteopathic practitioners.

Originally published at GrannyMed

MY THOUGHTS

Some doctors would actually recommend you to an osteopath if they think osteopathy is best for you. I wouldn't go to one without a recommendation.  I won't feel comfortable having someone 'manipulate my spine' unless I'm sure he/she won't risk messing around with it.  Of course a recommendation is not foolproof.  But it beats the hell out of picking someone from the yellow pages.  Or a Google search.

HUMMING CAN CURE SINUS PROBLEMS

The Claim: Humming Can Ease Sinus Problems
By ANAHAD O’CONNOR
Published: December 20, 2010

THE FACTS

Dealing with a cold is bad enough, but when it leads to a sinus infection, the misery can double. Some researchers have proposed a surprising remedy: channeling your inner Sinatra.

Sinus infections — which afflict more than 37 million Americans every year — generally occur when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed, trapping air and pus and other secretions, and leading to pain, headaches and congestion. Because the inflammation is often caused by upper-respiratory infections, people with asthma and allergies are more vulnerable than others to chronic sinusitis.

Keeping the sinuses healthy and infection-free requires ventilation — keeping air flowing smoothly between the sinus and nasal cavities. And what better way to keep air moving through the sinuses and nasal cavity than by humming a tune?

In a study in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers examined this by comparing airflow in people when they hummed and when they quietly exhaled. Specifically, they looked to see if humming led to greater levels of exhaled nitric oxide, a gas produced in the sinuses. Ultimately, nitric oxides during humming rose 15-fold.

Another study a year later in The European Respiratory Journal found a similar effect: humming resulted in a large increase in nasal nitric oxide, “caused by a rapid gas exchange in the paranasal sinuses.” Since reduced airflow plays a major role in sinus infections, the researchers suggested that daily periods of humming might help people lower their risk of chronic problems. But further study is needed, they said.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Studies show that humming helps increase airflow between the sinus and nasal cavities, which could potentially help protect against sinus infections.

ANAHAD O’CONNOR scitimes@nytimes.com

MY THOUGHTS

that's such an easy way to be free of sinus infections.  i wonder if there's anyone who doesn't know how to hum?

Alternative Cure for Knee Osteoarthritis

TAI CHI FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRIRTIS

FROMTHE ARTICLE 'When Ibuprofen Won't Cut It'
By Paige Greenfield
O, The Oprah Magazine  |  From the August 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Painful condition: Knee osteoarthritis
Alterna-Treatment: Tai chi

An hour of tai chi twice a week for three months reduced pain by 75 percent among patients with severe knee osteoarthritis, according to a study from Tufts University School of Medicine. Look for classes at gyms, hospitals, or community centers. Or practice at home (Netflix has more than 6,000 tai chi DVDs).

MY THOUGHTS

just one hour- that can be easily done, i think.  here's a sample tai chi video from youtube.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR TENSION HEADACHE

ACUPUNCTURE FOR TENSION HEADACHE

from the article 'When Ibuprofen Won't Cut It'
By Paige Greenfield
O, The Oprah Magazine  |  From the August 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Painful condition: Tension headaches

Alterna-Treatment: Acupuncture

After just six to 15 acupuncture treatments, study participants reported that the number of days they experienced tension headaches was cut in half, report researchers at Technical University of Munich in Germany. Check with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to locate a certified acupuncturist.

MY THOUGHTS

one of these days,i just have to try acupuncture. i so badly need an alternative treatment to my perennial headaches.

THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE

The Healthy Alternative
By Dr. Mehmet Oz
Oprah Radio  |  October 17, 2006

Is it possible to live to be 100 with the vigor and vitality of a 20-something? Dr. Oz explores that question with longtime friend and alternative heath expert Dr. Andrew Weil. Drawing from Eastern medicine and alternative medical practices, Dr. Weil says you can stave-off sickness, improve your health and live longer.

Here are just a few of Dr. Weil's tips to combat a cold:

    * Wash your hands frequently—it's still one of the best ways to fight off colds, especially during the cold and flu season.

    * Eat plenty of garlic for its natural antiviral and antibacterial properties.

    * Add eucalyptus oil, which is naturally antibacterial, into a steam bath to soothe the respiratory passages and prevents secondary bacterial infections when you have a cold.

    * Echinacea can be taken at the first sign of a cold to assist with symptoms.

    * Ginger is excellent for motion sickness, nausea and has beneficial anti-inflammatory effects

MY THOUGHTS

if you can't have a steam bath, you can put eucalyptus oil in a nebulizer.  i actually put some in my facial sauna.  it is very soothing.

GINGKO for MEMORY LOSS?

Ginkgo: Take It or Leave It
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the August 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Ginkgo has long been popular as a memory-saving herb. But a recent report from the multicenter Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study—which involved 3,000 adults who took the herb daily for an average of six years—has found that ginkgo didn't seem to halt the memory loss or mental decline of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. O asked Josephine P. Briggs, MD, director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (which funded the study), for her opinion of the findings.

Should people stop spending money on ginkgo?

The results pertain only to dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the elderly. But there is more data to come in the next few years. Ginkgo could be effective in other populations or for different purposes.

What other reasons might there be to take it?

We've seen promising results in improving blood vessel function and flow, but larger studies are needed. There is ongoing research on ginkgo for asthma, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, sexual dysfunction due to antidepressants, and insulin resistance. But before taking the herb, check with your doctor about any possible interactions with drugs such as warfarin or aspirin.

MY THOUGHTS

here's the gingko plant

and here's what the pill looks like.

do you recognize it? i don't. but i certainly hope those tests would be successful.
 

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR COMMON BOWEL PAIN

Herbs, Hypnosis May Ease Common Bowel Pain
February 18, 2008, 2:56 pm
By TARA PARKER-POPE

An estimated one in five Americans suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, a disorder that can cause disabling cramping, constipation and diarrhea. But even though I.B.S., as it’s often called, is incredibly common, sufferers often are frustrated by the lack of good treatment options.

Last month, The Journal of Family Practice offered a review of the most effective nondrug options for I.B.S. The information is important because I.B.S. drug treatments often don’t work for many patients or pose serious health risks. The drug Zelnorm was withdrawn after links to heart problems, and the drug Lotronex has been subjected to severe marketing restrictions because of concerns about side effects.

Now doctors say there is some evidence to support nondrug treatments for I.B.S. Herbal formulations, certain probiotics, special diets, therapy, hypnosis and even journal writing may offer some relief to patients.

The review notes that more study of herbal products to treat I.B.S. is needed. However, it highlights two formulations that have shown benefit in studies. One herbal compound contained extracts of bitter candy tuft, chamomile, peppermint, caraway and licorice. Another commercial preparation called Iberogast contained all those ingredients plus lemon balm, celandine, angelica and milk thistle. Both treatments worked better than placebo at relieving I.B.S. symptoms.

Products with a probiotic called Bifidobacterium also appear to help. Soluble fiber, the kind found in fruits, oats, barley, psyllium and some beans, appears to help. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, like that found in cereals and wheat brans, showed no benefit.

Several studies have evaluated hypnosis for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In studies involving a total of 644 patients, about 80 percent reported relief of symptoms after hypnosis. Hypnosis was less likely to work in men whose predominant I.B.S. symptom was diarrhea.

A Web site called IBShypnosis.com includes details on studies using hypnosis to treat I.B.S. as well as experts who offer the treatment. The Mayo Clinic Web site also offers more information about I.B.S. and alternative treatment options.


MY THOUGHTS

i know quite a number of people who have this bowel problem.so,i know (in theory) that this can be very uncomfortable. if you have this common illness, i hope you've taken note of the medicines that have been called off. it's quite possible we have it here. it'll be wiser to switch to the herbal supplements.

as for hypnosis, i'm getting quite curious. there seems to be a number of illnesses that hypnosis can cure.

Marigold for Skin Inflammation

The Alternative Medicine Cabinet: Marigolds to Soothe Skin
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: Marigold extract (Calendula)

The Claim: It cures dermatitis.

The Science: The standard course of treatment for dermatitis — a catch-all term for various types of skin inflammation — usually includes powerful antibiotics and topical steroids. But herbal advocates have long promoted extracts from the plant Calendula officinalis, also known as the marigold, as a substitute. The plant is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and studies have found it effective for several skin conditions, particularly diaper rash and acne. One study in women receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer also found that Calendula cream, which can be bought over the counter, applied to the skin a couple times a day reduced redness, pain and irritation.

The Risks: Allergic reactions are rare. But people with allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies and marigolds are most susceptible.

MY THOUGHTS

i searched for a marigold pic and i'm pretty sure that we have this here.of course, we don't need to extract the juice. we just need to look for the calendula cream

NATURAL HAIR REMOVAL METHODS

Natural Hair Removal Methods
becomegorgeous.com

Chemicals often have a harmful effect on our skin and organism in general. More and more people follow a natural lifestyle avoiding the use of artificial methods and chemical-based beauty products.

Those who go the green way might consider that the body care routine makes no exception. That's why look at these natural hair removal methods.

Sugaring

# Often the natural beauty treatments require the use of ingredients right from our kitchen. This hair removal method is the real example for this.

# Mix a cup of sugar and the juice of a half lemon a quarter of cup honey, and there you go! You made the most organic and eco-friendly sugar paste ready to eliminate undesired hair with.

# Similarly to waxing apply the warm (not hot) sugar to your legs or the critical spots. Then use the specific cloth, then remove the hair with a sudden move.

# This method has endless benefits, besides the fact that unlike wax it won't irritate or hurt your skin. The pain will be also less harsh, still the method will remove all the unwanted hair. It can be easily done at home with a DIY kit, without assuming any risk. The effect will last almost as long as with waxing.

Pumice Stone

# Abrasive hair removal methods were used in ancient times. However some might find them less painful and more effective then the ones invented later on. Pumice stone is the only one that is still used among the fans of eco-friendly beauty.The only condition to make the wonder happen is to keep our legs wet and then start the friction.

# It must be mentioned that this method serves rather as an option to remove small portions of hair, rather than an all in all hair removal process.

# Those who are rookies in this business might find it useful especially if their hair is still thin and gentle.

# Rub the pumice stone in a circular way, gently without pushing it too hard.Avoid causing damage to your skin and let your legs soapy and neat.

# You might experience a tiny redness but don't panic its a normal reaction of the skin to abrasives. Soon it will disappear.

Waxing

# This method applies the same rules as sugaring does. Indeed often considered one of the most common and efficient hair removal techniques waxing can be called 100% natural.

# Using a beeswax or paraffin substance the hair is plucked right from the root. Pumice stone might serve for fine hair only, however waxing can handle the thickest ones also.

# Natural waxes made of plants, water and other herbs not only help you get rid of hair, but also moisturize and pamper your skin. Without leaving red bumps behind. Refresh your body with a painless waxing session for the fabulous result and learn how to reduce waxing pain.


MY THOUGHTS

waxing - ouch! just a little bit. i wouldn't try this at home. the sugar maybe.