Holistic Treatments for Acne

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

Most people that suffer from acne rely on creams and topical agents to get rid of their acne. The non-prescription items fill shelves on the pharmacy counter, while the prescription aids can have severe side-effects and must be monitored closely by a doctor. Some of these creams and pills should not be taken by people already taking hormones, or who may be pregnant.

Most acne problems are caused by a buildup of toxins in the body, particularly in the colon and lymphatic systems. Acne, like most diseases, starts from a digestive system imbalance. In order to cure acne problems, we must address imbalances in the digestive system and fix the problem at the source.

Most people have never stopped to consider the natural treatments available to them. Of all the holistic treatments for acne, herbal treatments and reflexology show the most promise for long-term relief.

Herbs

Tea Tree Oil is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic. You can use it as full strength oil diluted in warm water and apply as you would a commercial astringent, or use one of many tea tree oil soaps. Tea tree will kill any bacteria or virus it comes in contact with. You could also try eucalyptus oil or a thyme infused wash, which have a similar effect.

Lavender is one of the best herbs to use topically in the essential oil form. Lavender is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic.

Sage is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. It has natural tannins, camphor and rosmarinic acid, all of which help repair skin.

Papaya enzymes help to exfoliate and unclog pores. Papaya also promotes healthy skin cell growth, softens and smoothes the skin. For increased benefit, try adding the chewable form to your diet as well.

Burdock root and dandelion leaves cleanse the liver. They also contain inulin, which helps remove bacteria from the skin.

Milk thistle and red clover helps the liver cleanse the blood and lymphatic system.

Reflexology

Reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system and encourages the release of endorphins; natural feel good hormones to our entire system. Reflexology is based on the belief that applying pressure to reflexes on the feet and hands can effectively treat the entire body. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, reflexology stimulates blood flow and eliminates toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.

Although reflexologists cannot diagnose or claim to cure a sickness or disease, the results speak for themselves, making it one of the most sought after treatments today. In fact, celebrities pay an arm and a leg for just a few minutes of reflexology. Not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. Many people with illnesses like allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; acne; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

No matter what your physical or emotional condition may be chances are you will benefit after just one treatment. Many people will go through a course of treatment in order to cure acne problems once and for all.


Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Reflexology.

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The Dandelion: Pesky Weed or Herbal Wonder

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

Dandelion is considered to be one of the newest additions to the list of reputable herbal remedies. There has always been some curiosity about how the dandelion got its name. According to legend, the dandelion got its name from a surgeon in the 15th century who thought that the shape of the leaves resembled a lion’s teeth. Dandelion is used differently in different parts of the world. In the West it is customary to separate the leaves and the root of the plant. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, it is customary to keep the plant intact when preparing herbal remedies.

While dandelions are often one of the first flowers to herald the arrival of spring, humans have recognized the potential of other herbs before turning to the dandelion, if at all. As an example, there is no written indication of anyone using this herb in the western hemisphere before it was noted in the Ortus Sanitatis of 1485. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion was virtually ignored until the 7th century.

The taste of dandelion has been described as cool, sweet, and sometimes bitter. It can aid a number of organs, including the heart. Dandelion leaves are some of the healthiest edible greens. If you have a lawn, dandelions are bound to grow there. Thus they are not just a healthy, organic alternative to supermarket greens, they are also very economical! If you use chemical means to rid your lawn of dandelions, just think of the money you will save by tossing these greens in a soup pot or salad bowl instead.

Dandelion leaves are known to contain bitter glycosides, vitamins A, B, C, D, and several minerals, including salt, iron, and potassium. The leaves also contain carotenoids, terpenoids, choline, and potassium salts. A juice created from dandelion leaves has been known to be an effective diuretic. Simply puree the leaves and take the juice whenever needed. Dandelion leaves are also believed to be good for bolstering the liver, and to aid digestion. Dandelion leaves can also be infused to create a tea that helps treat toxic conditions such as eczema, acne and gout.

The root of the dandelion plant is also often used for medicinal purposes. Roots contain tannins, volatile oils, triterpenes, sterols, bitter glycosides, asparagus, and insulin. Many traditional herbalists favor dandelion as a liver stimulant. The root is also often used as a gentle, nourishing, cleansing tonic. It has been used to treat a wide range of disorders including gallstones, joint inflammations, and chronic constipation. Dandelion root is also easily made into at tincture to treat gout, acne, and eczema.

Dandelion extracts can be found in a number of herbal remedies, and can also be prepared many different ways. Dandelion leaves can be consumed raw or cooked. Teas and tinctures made from various parts of this plant are both easy to make and affordable during the plant’s growing season.

Dandelion is considered to be one of the newest additions to the list of reputable herbal remedies. There has always been some curiosity about how the dandelion got its name. According to legend, the dandelion got its name from a surgeon in the 15th century who thought that the shape of the leaves resembled a lion’s teeth. Dandelion is used differently in different parts of the world. In the West it is customary to separate the leaves and the root of the plant. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, it is customary to keep the plant intact when preparing herbal remedies.

While dandelions are often one of the first flowers to herald the arrival of spring, humans have recognized the potential of other herbs before turning to the dandelion, if at all. As an example, there is no written indication of anyone using this herb in the western hemisphere before it was noted in the Ortus Sanitatis of 1485. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion was virtually ignored until the 7th century.

The taste of dandelion has been described as cool, sweet, and sometimes bitter. It can aid a number of organs, including the heart. Dandelion leaves are some of the healthiest edible greens. If you have a lawn, dandelions are bound to grow there. Thus they are not just a healthy, organic alternative to supermarket greens, they are also very economical! If you use chemical means to rid your lawn of dandelions, just think of the money you will save by tossing these greens in a soup pot or salad bowl instead.

Dandelion leaves are known to contain bitter glycosides, vitamins A, B, C, D, and several minerals, including salt, iron, and potassium. The leaves also contain carotenoids, terpenoids, choline, and potassium salts. A juice created from dandelion leaves has been known to be an effective diuretic. Simply puree the leaves and take the juice whenever needed. Dandelion leaves are also believed to be good for bolstering the liver, and to aid digestion. Dandelion leaves can also be infused to create a tea that helps treat toxic conditions such as eczema, acne and gout.

The root of the dandelion plant is also often used for medicinal purposes. Roots contain tannins, volatile oils, triterpenes, sterols, bitter glycosides, asparagus, and insulin. Many traditional herbalists favor dandelion as a liver stimulant. The root is also often used as a gentle, nourishing, cleansing tonic. It has been used to treat a wide range of disorders including gallstones, joint inflammations, and chronic constipation. Dandelion root is also easily made into at tincture to treat gout, acne, and eczema.

Dandelion extracts can be found in a number of herbal remedies, and can also be prepared many different ways. Dandelion leaves can be consumed raw or cooked. Teas and tinctures made from various parts of this plant are both easy to make and affordable during the plant’s growing season.


Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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All About Herbalism

Monday, April 7th, 2008

There are many different types of alternative medicines that people often subscribe to when they decide that the options that are offered by western medicine aren’t efficient enough at treating their symptoms. Many people feel that a more natural solution may be the best idea for helping to get rid of an ailment, and to that end, herbalism has become an increasingly popular option. In this article, we’ll go over some of the basics of herbalism so that you can better understand what your options are when you come down with a type of illness.

Herbalism is the practice of relying on herbal remedies in order to keep the body healthy and ward off various illnesses. People have been eating various herbs and plants for thousands of years in the hopes that they will be able to find solutions to the problems that plague them. Today, herbal medicines are one of the most popular forms of alternative treatment, with a study showing that a full 18.9 percent of people turn to herbal remedies to help them with illness.

Those who take herbal remedies in order to cure themselves may do so in many different manners. Some prefer to simply eat the herbs, while others may take capsules containing herbs that are ground up. Making tea out of herbal supplements is also a popular option, and it is a type of consumption that is often used for popular herbal remedies such as chamomile, dandelion, and many others. Another method of achieving results from herbal remedies is to remove the essential oils found in the herb and use them as a type of ointment.

While many people use herbal remedies with much success in treating their problems, the world of herbal remedies offers no guarantees. As they are not marketed pharmaceutically, herbal remedies are not subject to the various tests that clinical drugs are, causing the efficiency of some herbal remedies to be debatable. For that reason, if you are considering taking an herbal remedy to treat a problem, you should thoroughly research the herb in order to ensure that it actually treats the problems that a salesman claims it can treat.

One good thing about herbal remedies, by contrast, is that herbal remedies are much more well-tolerated than clinical drugs, causing less side effects to occur. For those who tend to experience lots of side effects when they take pharmaceutical drugs, herbal remedies may provide a sufficient answer to the problems they may face. Herbal remedies also tend to be much cheaper than pharmaceutical drugs as they are grown as opposed to being produced inside of a laboratory.

As with any type of medication, you should speak with your doctor before you begin a regimen of an herbal remedy in order to ensure that the herb is safe for you to ingest and that it will not counteract any other medications that you may be taking. Your health is your responsibility and it is important to know all of the options that you have when it comes to treating various ailments and illnesses.


Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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