NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Hay fever sufferers might find some extra relief by adding acupuncture to their treatment plan, the results of a new clinical trial suggest.
In a study of more than 5,000 adults with nasal allergies, German researchers found that those who had acupuncture added to their therapy showed greater improvements in their symptoms over three months.
Overall, acupuncture patients reported bigger gains in their quality of life - reporting that symptoms such as itchy eyes, a runny nose and poor sleep were taking less of a toll on their daily lives.
Dr. Benno Brinkhaus, of the Charite University Medical Center in Berlin, led the study, which is published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
In many countries, acupuncture has become a popular alternative therapy for allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever. But the few studies that have been conducted on the treatment have produced conflicting results, according to Brinkhaus and his colleagues.
To investigate, the researchers followed 5,237 adults suffering from seasonal or year-long allergic rhinitis. Of these patients, 487 were randomly assigned to undergo up to 15 acupuncture sessions, delivered by a physician over three months; another 494 were randomly assigned to a "control" group in which patients stayed with their standard treatment alone.
The rest of the study group -- 4,256 patients in all - did not want to be randomly assigned and instead chose to have acupuncture.
All patients were surveyed about their quality of life at the study's start, at the end of the three-month treatment period, and again three months later.
After treatment was completed, Brinkhaus and his colleagues found that acupuncture patients reported greater gains in quality of life compared with the control group. The difference was still present, although waning, three months later.
Acupuncture has been used for more than 2,000 years in Chinese medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments. According to traditional medicine, specific acupuncture points on the skin are connected to internal pathways that conduct energy, or qi (pronounced "chee"), and stimulating these points with a fine needle promotes the healthy flow of qi.
There is some research evidence that acupuncture might influence immune system activity, which in theory could help explain its benefits for hay fever sufferers.
Whatever the mechanism, Brinkhaus and his colleagues say that this study and past research suggest that hay fever sufferers who are interested in acupuncture should give it a try.
"Acupuncture can be considered an effective and safe treatment option for patients with allergic rhinitis," they conclude.
SOURCE: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, November 2008.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Traditional herbal medicine kills pancreatic cancer cells, researchers report
An herb used in traditional medicine by many Middle Eastern countries may help in the fight against pancreatic cancer, one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer at Jefferson in Philadelphia have found that thymoquinone, an extract of nigella sativa seed oil, blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed the cells by enhancing the process of programmed cell death.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Advantages Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine also referred to as Herbalism or Botanical Medicine, is the oldest healthcare known to mankind. Herbal medicine is the utilization of herbs for therapy or medicinal purposes. Derived from plants, herbs are used for their medicine, aroma and spice. Herb plants produce and comprise a mariyad of chemical substances that interact with our bodies. From food, to clothing, to medicine and even shelter; plants have proven invaluable throughout the history of mankind. Through trial and error and based on observations of wildlife, plants have been developed for medicinal use. Over the centuries, mankind has documented the medicinal value of herbs.Most of our medicines used today are derived from native cultures. Approximately 25% of prescription drugs in the US contain at least one active plant material ingredient. Currently, over 4 billion people or 80% of the world population use herbal medicine for some forms of healthcare. Ayurvedic practitioners, homeopathic practitioners, naturopathic practitioners, traditional Oriental practitioners and Native American Indians commonly utilize herbal medicine. Today, pharmaceutical companies are extensively researching rain forest plant materials for their medicinal potential.Herbs remain the foundation for a large amount of commercial medications used today for treatment of heart disease, blood pressure regulation, pain remedies, asthma and other health problems. A prime example of herbal medicine is the foxglove plant. Used since 1775, this powdered leaf is known as the cardiac stimulant digitalis which preserves life in millions of heart patients in modern society. From Aloe to St. John's Wort, herbal medicines are mainstream in modern civilization. To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, peruse our site for the latest holistic health remedies today.Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to medicine, do please browse for more information at our websites.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
SPA IS MOST VITAL FOR BEAUTY CULTURE
WHAT IS SPA?
The word spa conjures up images of mud baths and meditation classes, spa cuisine in a serene desert setting. But spas, lately, seem to be popping up everywhere: office buildings, strip malls, village storefronts. Salons and Korean nail places throw the word around. How can they all be spas? First, there are different kinds of spas. At a destination spa, the whole environment is geared toward the four cornerstones of a spa experience: mind and body fitness, healthy eating, relaxation and treatments. You generally go there for at least two or three nights and immerse yourself in the spa atmosphere. Some people go to help them make lifstyle chnages. The destination spa is sometimes confused with a resort spa, which is one of the many amenities at a resort, along with golf, tennis and as much fatty food as you feel like eating. 
At the day spa, people can drop in for massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures. Often, day spas are an extension of a hair salon. This is fine, as long as the spa offers a quiet, serene, environment. But no one is regulating use of the word spa. That's why some salons promote spa services when all they have is one massage table, or use names like "spa pedicure." If you have any doubt, check out the facilities yourself before booking an appointment. Just drop in and ask for a quick tour. At a minimum, a day spa should offer professionally administered massages, facials and body treatments in a quiet, serene atmosphere. At its most elaborate, a destination spa like Canyon Ranch has a staff of physicians, psychologists, nutritionists and physical therapists. It offers so many classes, lectures and services that and so many things going on that you could spend months there and still not experience them all. 
At the day spa, people can drop in for massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures. Often, day spas are an extension of a hair salon. This is fine, as long as the spa offers a quiet, serene, environment. But no one is regulating use of the word spa. That's why some salons promote spa services when all they have is one massage table, or use names like "spa pedicure." If you have any doubt, check out the facilities yourself before booking an appointment. Just drop in and ask for a quick tour. At a minimum, a day spa should offer professionally administered massages, facials and body treatments in a quiet, serene atmosphere. At its most elaborate, a destination spa like Canyon Ranch has a staff of physicians, psychologists, nutritionists and physical therapists. It offers so many classes, lectures and services that and so many things going on that you could spend months there and still not experience them all. 
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Diabetes and Herbal Remedies
Diabetes and herbal remedies
Using herbal remedies and plant derivatives to help in the treatment of diabetes should certainly not be discounted. Although numerous 'miracle herbal cure' companies exist, and champion the ability of herbal compounds to supplement insulin as a treatment, these should not be taken at face value without thorough research and consultation with experts. That is not to say that some of the following herbs do not have properties that some diabetics will find beneficial.
The herbs and plant derivatives listed below have been employed traditionally by native people in the treatment of diabetes, in the areas in which they grow. Many suffer from an inadequate knowledge base.
Allium
Allium sativum is more commonly known as garlic, and is thought to offer antioxidant properties and micro-circulatory effects. Although few studies have directly linked allium with insulin and glucose levels, results have been positive. Allium may cause a reduction in blood glucose, increase secretion and slow the degradation of insulin. Limited data is available however, and further trials are needed.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a widely known household plant originating from arid countries and resembling the cactus. Grown across the globe, aloe is used as an after-sun lotion, to treat burns and to promote wound healing. It is well regarded as a 'healing herb.' In some parts of the world, dried aloe vera sap and gel (taken from the inner portions of the leaves) are used traditionally to treat diabetes. Aloe Vera may be able to lower fasting blood glucose levels as well as HbA1c.
Using herbal remedies and plant derivatives to help in the treatment of diabetes should certainly not be discounted. Although numerous 'miracle herbal cure' companies exist, and champion the ability of herbal compounds to supplement insulin as a treatment, these should not be taken at face value without thorough research and consultation with experts. That is not to say that some of the following herbs do not have properties that some diabetics will find beneficial.
The herbs and plant derivatives listed below have been employed traditionally by native people in the treatment of diabetes, in the areas in which they grow. Many suffer from an inadequate knowledge base.
Allium
Allium sativum is more commonly known as garlic, and is thought to offer antioxidant properties and micro-circulatory effects. Although few studies have directly linked allium with insulin and glucose levels, results have been positive. Allium may cause a reduction in blood glucose, increase secretion and slow the degradation of insulin. Limited data is available however, and further trials are needed.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a widely known household plant originating from arid countries and resembling the cactus. Grown across the globe, aloe is used as an after-sun lotion, to treat burns and to promote wound healing. It is well regarded as a 'healing herb.' In some parts of the world, dried aloe vera sap and gel (taken from the inner portions of the leaves) are used traditionally to treat diabetes. Aloe Vera may be able to lower fasting blood glucose levels as well as HbA1c.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Herbal Medicine: The Latest Trend In Modern Healing
Herbal medicine has been widely used by our early ancestors to cure common illnesses, treating major health-problems, and as a dietary supplement to maintain proper body functions. Despite the modern technology available in the field of medicine, many health-buffs are utilizing the natural art of healing through the use of plants and herbs.
Introduction To Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine, or sometimes termed as botanical medicine, uses the curative properties from different specifies of plants and their respective parts, such as flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and fruits. Despite the lack of modern medical equipments and tools, our ancestors were able to determine the curative elements found in each type of plant through experimentation. The years of accumulated knowledge on this art greatly contributed to the practice of herbal medicine today. Also, researchers and medical experts looking into the practice of herbal medicine have discovered that the findings of their ancient counterparts were somewhat accurate in regards to the properties of plants and herbs as a treatment method of known health-problems. Today, medical companies are now incorporating these discoveries into their own products to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Using Herbal Medicine
There are different ways to make use of herbal products and assimilating it into your health program; treatment methods include teas, poultice, ointments, baths, and so on. Whatever the method used, it would be best to consult an herbalist in regards to the proper instructions in using them. You can make use of processed herbal products from credible medical companies or use them in their raw form. Note, however, that using raw plants and herbs as treatment require careful preparation for it to have a positive effect on our bodies. For starters, you need to carefully wash them thoroughly under running water and make sure that you remove any dirt and other substances that might be harmful to your body. When cooking plants and herbs, it would be best to make use of non-metallic kitchen utensils to avoid chemicals from being added into your concoction. Earthen ware pots and wooden utensils preferred. You might also want to sundry them to preserve their curative properties and use them later on when needed -- especially for leaves and seeds. Also, seeds need to be cracked open and ingest only the inner portion to avoid stomach problems. Usually the shells of seeds cannot be broken down by our digestive system, so it's best to remove them before ingesting.
Safety First
Herbal medicines uses 100% natural ingredients from plants and herbs; but this is not reason enough to relax considering the risk involved due to malpractice. Same with synthetic medicines, herbal products can also cause health risk if it is not properly administered to a patient, which might cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side-effects. To avoid any complications, it would be best to consult a doctor or an herbalist on the proper herbal products that will address your health problem, as well as the proper instructions in taking them in. It would be best to answer their questions truthfully during consultation so that they can be accurate with their diagnosis.
Introduction To Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine, or sometimes termed as botanical medicine, uses the curative properties from different specifies of plants and their respective parts, such as flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and fruits. Despite the lack of modern medical equipments and tools, our ancestors were able to determine the curative elements found in each type of plant through experimentation. The years of accumulated knowledge on this art greatly contributed to the practice of herbal medicine today. Also, researchers and medical experts looking into the practice of herbal medicine have discovered that the findings of their ancient counterparts were somewhat accurate in regards to the properties of plants and herbs as a treatment method of known health-problems. Today, medical companies are now incorporating these discoveries into their own products to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Using Herbal Medicine
There are different ways to make use of herbal products and assimilating it into your health program; treatment methods include teas, poultice, ointments, baths, and so on. Whatever the method used, it would be best to consult an herbalist in regards to the proper instructions in using them. You can make use of processed herbal products from credible medical companies or use them in their raw form. Note, however, that using raw plants and herbs as treatment require careful preparation for it to have a positive effect on our bodies. For starters, you need to carefully wash them thoroughly under running water and make sure that you remove any dirt and other substances that might be harmful to your body. When cooking plants and herbs, it would be best to make use of non-metallic kitchen utensils to avoid chemicals from being added into your concoction. Earthen ware pots and wooden utensils preferred. You might also want to sundry them to preserve their curative properties and use them later on when needed -- especially for leaves and seeds. Also, seeds need to be cracked open and ingest only the inner portion to avoid stomach problems. Usually the shells of seeds cannot be broken down by our digestive system, so it's best to remove them before ingesting.
Safety First
Herbal medicines uses 100% natural ingredients from plants and herbs; but this is not reason enough to relax considering the risk involved due to malpractice. Same with synthetic medicines, herbal products can also cause health risk if it is not properly administered to a patient, which might cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side-effects. To avoid any complications, it would be best to consult a doctor or an herbalist on the proper herbal products that will address your health problem, as well as the proper instructions in taking them in. It would be best to answer their questions truthfully during consultation so that they can be accurate with their diagnosis.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
HERBAL MEDICINE
What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine, refers to the use of any plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Long practiced outside of conventional medicine, herbalism is becoming more mainstream as up-to-date analysis and research show their value in the treatment and prevention of disease.
What is the history of herbal medicine?
Plants had been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. For example, ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal plant uses. Indigenous cultures (e.g., African and Native American) used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical systems (e.g., Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in which herbal therapies were used systematically. Scientists found that people in different parts of the globe tended to use the same or similar plants for the same purposes.
In the early 19th century, when methods of chemical analysis first became available, scientists began extracting and modifying the active ingredients from plants. Later, chemists began making their own version of plant compounds, beginning the transition from raw herbs to synthetic pharmaceuticals. Over time, the use of herbal medicines declined in favor of pharmaceuticals.
Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary healthcare. In the last twenty years in the United States, increasing public dissatisfaction with the cost of prescription medications, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has led to an increase in the use of herbal medicines. In Germany, roughly 600 to 700 plant-based medicines are available and are prescribed by approximately 70% of German physicians.
How do herbs work?
For most herbs, the specific ingredient that causes a therapeutic effect is not known. Whole herbs contain many ingredients, and it is likely that they work together to produce the desired medicinal effect. Many factors affect how effective an herb will be. For example, the type of environment (climate, bugs, soil quality) in which a plant grew will affect its components, as will how and when it was harvested and processed.
How are herbs used?
For the reasons described in the previous section, herbalists prefer using whole plants rather than extracting single components from them. Whole plant extracts have many components. These components work together to produce therapeutic effects and also to lessen the chances of side effects from any one component. Several herbs are often used together to enhance effectiveness and synergistic actions and to reduce toxicity. Herbalists must take many things into account when prescribing herbs. For example, the species and variety of the plant, the plant's habitat, how it was stored and processed, and whether or not there are contaminants.
Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine, refers to the use of any plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Long practiced outside of conventional medicine, herbalism is becoming more mainstream as up-to-date analysis and research show their value in the treatment and prevention of disease.
What is the history of herbal medicine?
Plants had been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. For example, ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal plant uses. Indigenous cultures (e.g., African and Native American) used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical systems (e.g., Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in which herbal therapies were used systematically. Scientists found that people in different parts of the globe tended to use the same or similar plants for the same purposes.
In the early 19th century, when methods of chemical analysis first became available, scientists began extracting and modifying the active ingredients from plants. Later, chemists began making their own version of plant compounds, beginning the transition from raw herbs to synthetic pharmaceuticals. Over time, the use of herbal medicines declined in favor of pharmaceuticals.
Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary healthcare. In the last twenty years in the United States, increasing public dissatisfaction with the cost of prescription medications, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has led to an increase in the use of herbal medicines. In Germany, roughly 600 to 700 plant-based medicines are available and are prescribed by approximately 70% of German physicians.
How do herbs work?
For most herbs, the specific ingredient that causes a therapeutic effect is not known. Whole herbs contain many ingredients, and it is likely that they work together to produce the desired medicinal effect. Many factors affect how effective an herb will be. For example, the type of environment (climate, bugs, soil quality) in which a plant grew will affect its components, as will how and when it was harvested and processed.
How are herbs used?
For the reasons described in the previous section, herbalists prefer using whole plants rather than extracting single components from them. Whole plant extracts have many components. These components work together to produce therapeutic effects and also to lessen the chances of side effects from any one component. Several herbs are often used together to enhance effectiveness and synergistic actions and to reduce toxicity. Herbalists must take many things into account when prescribing herbs. For example, the species and variety of the plant, the plant's habitat, how it was stored and processed, and whether or not there are contaminants.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
More about Dengue Fever
Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with any one of the four dengue viruses. It occurs in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Symptoms appear 3—14 days after the infective bite. Dengue fever is a febrile illness that affects infants, young children and adults.
Symptoms range from a mild fever, to incapacitating high fever, with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash. There are no specific antiviral medicines for dengue. It is important to maintain hydration. Use of acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin) and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen) is not recommended.
Symptoms range from a mild fever, to incapacitating high fever, with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash. There are no specific antiviral medicines for dengue. It is important to maintain hydration. Use of acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin) and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen) is not recommended.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Dengue Fever Remedy
Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are acute febrile diseases, found in the tropics and Africa, and caused by four closely related virus serotypes of the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae. It is also known as breakbone fever. The geographical spread is similar to malari, but unlike malaria, dengue is often found in urban areas of tropical nations, including Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Ri, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and Bangladesh. Each serotype is sufficiently different that there is no cross-protection and epidemics caused by multiple serotypes (hyperendemicity) can occur. Dengue is transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti (rarely Aedes albopictus) mosquito, which feeds during the day.[2]
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of dengue is usually made clinically. The classic picture is high fever with no localising source of infection, a petechial rash with thrombocytopenia and relative leukopeni.
The WHO definition of dengue haemorrhagic fever has been in use since 1975; all four criteria must be fulfilled:[4]
Fever, bladder problem, constant headaches, severe dizziness and loss of appetite.
Hemorrhagic tendency (positive tourniquet test, spontaneous bruising, bleeding from mucosa, gingiva, injection sites, etc.; vomiting blood, or bloody diarrhea)
Thrombocytopenia (<100,000 title="Hematocrit" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematocrit">hematocrit more than 20% higher than expected, or drop in haematocrit of 20% or more from baseline following IV fluid, , ascites, hypoproteinemia)
Dengue shock syndrome is defined as dengue hemorrhagic fever plus:
Weak rapid pulse,
Narrow pulse pressure (less than 20 mm Hg)
Cold, clammy skin and restlessness.
Serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies are available to confirm the diagnosis of dengue if clinically indicated.
*Papaya Juice - Cure for Dengue*
You may have heard this elsewhere but if not I am glad to inform you that papaya juice is a natural cure for dengue fever. As dengue fever is rampant now, I think it's good to share this with all.
A friend of mine had dengue last year. It was a very serious situation for her as her platelet count had dropped to 28,000 after 3 days in hospital and water has started to fill up her lung. She had difficulty in breathing. She was only 32-year old. Doctor says there's no cure for dengue. We just have to wait for her body immune system to build up resistance against dengue and fight its own battle. She already had 2 blood transfusion and all of us were praying very hard as her platelet continued to drop since the first day she was admitted.
Fortunately her mother-in-law heard that papaya juice would help to reduce the fever and got some papaya leaves, pounded them and squeeze the juice out for her. The next day, her platelet count started to increase, her fever subside. We continued to feed her with papaya juice and she recovered after 3 days!!!
Amazing but it's true. It's believed one's body would be overheated when one is down with dengue and that also caused the patient to have fever papaya juice has cooling effect. Thus, it helps to reduce the level of heat in one's body, thus the fever will go away. I found that it's also good when one is having sore throat or suffering from heat.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of dengue is usually made clinically. The classic picture is high fever with no localising source of infection, a petechial rash with thrombocytopenia and relative leukopeni.
The WHO definition of dengue haemorrhagic fever has been in use since 1975; all four criteria must be fulfilled:[4]
Fever, bladder problem, constant headaches, severe dizziness and loss of appetite.
Hemorrhagic tendency (positive tourniquet test, spontaneous bruising, bleeding from mucosa, gingiva, injection sites, etc.; vomiting blood, or bloody diarrhea)
Thrombocytopenia (<100,000 title="Hematocrit" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematocrit">hematocrit more than 20% higher than expected, or drop in haematocrit of 20% or more from baseline following IV fluid, , ascites, hypoproteinemia)
Dengue shock syndrome is defined as dengue hemorrhagic fever plus:
Weak rapid pulse,
Narrow pulse pressure (less than 20 mm Hg)
Cold, clammy skin and restlessness.
Serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies are available to confirm the diagnosis of dengue if clinically indicated.
*Papaya Juice - Cure for Dengue*
You may have heard this elsewhere but if not I am glad to inform you that papaya juice is a natural cure for dengue fever. As dengue fever is rampant now, I think it's good to share this with all.
A friend of mine had dengue last year. It was a very serious situation for her as her platelet count had dropped to 28,000 after 3 days in hospital and water has started to fill up her lung. She had difficulty in breathing. She was only 32-year old. Doctor says there's no cure for dengue. We just have to wait for her body immune system to build up resistance against dengue and fight its own battle. She already had 2 blood transfusion and all of us were praying very hard as her platelet continued to drop since the first day she was admitted.
Fortunately her mother-in-law heard that papaya juice would help to reduce the fever and got some papaya leaves, pounded them and squeeze the juice out for her. The next day, her platelet count started to increase, her fever subside. We continued to feed her with papaya juice and she recovered after 3 days!!!
Amazing but it's true. It's believed one's body would be overheated when one is down with dengue and that also caused the patient to have fever papaya juice has cooling effect. Thus, it helps to reduce the level of heat in one's body, thus the fever will go away. I found that it's also good when one is having sore throat or suffering from heat.
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