James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Note: Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are specific remedies only for osteoarthritis.
Super Prescription #2 Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Take 2,000 to 8,000 mg daily. MSM has natural anti-inflammatory benefits and contains the mineral sulfur, an integral component of cartilage. Reduce the dosage if diarrhea occurs.
Super Prescription #3 Fish oil
Take a daily dosage of at least 1.8 mg of DHA and 1.2 mg of EPA. Fish oil contains a direct source of the omega-3 fatty acids that reduce joint inflammation and promote joint lubrication. |
| Thuja (Thuja occidentalis) is used when you have long-standing fungal infections of the skin that do not respond to other remedies.
Other Recommendations
» Expose your feet to the open air. Wear sandals or porous slippers around the home or outside (if the climate permits). ne double-blind study reported in the Australian Journal of Dermatology looked at the effect of tea tree oil on people with a diagnosis of athlete's foot (tinea pedis). Patients applied the solution twice daily to affected areas for 4 weeks and were reviewed after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. |
| These popular remedies were once found only in hard-core health food stores. Today they can be purchased in virtually every health food store and a growing number of pharmacies. A summary of the top choices is given for each condition.
Other Recommendations. The field of holistic medicine is vast. The "Other Recommendations" section briefly describes potentially helpful holistic therapies for each condition that were not mentioned in previous sections.
REFERENCES
For the scientifically minded, there is a summarization of the studies that we quoted for each condition. |
| Consider joining a support group for work shows that when people can talk who share some of their experiences, risk of a heart attack (or a repeat hearlj
Bach Flower remedies g to accept that stress is a primary factor , you must take several steps to reduce the Ornish has produced remarkable results by put-ind daily meditation. He's found that even the tuilly come to enjoy and look forward to these people with heart disease. Again, Dr. Ornish's out their worries and frustrations with others stjress levels decline dramatically, along with the attack). |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
 In the United States, herbal remedies were used widely until the early 1900s, when what was to become the modern pharmaceutical industry began isolating individual active compounds and producing drugs based on them. American medicine became almost exclusively committed to a medical system some practitioners call allopathy, which seeks to treat illness by producing a condition in the body that does not allow the disease to live or thrive. Over the years, most Americans have become conditioned to rely on synthetic, commercial drugs for relief. |
| Today, however, scientists are taking a second look at herbal remedies. Particularly in the past twenty years, a growing body of research (much of it done in Europe) has pointed to the therapeutic potential of numerous herbs. But a lot of work remains to be done; only about 15 percent of the estimated plant species on earth have been investigated for possible medicinal uses. |
| Herbal remedies can help contain set percentages of specified active components— and their therapeutic values are backed by pharmacological and clinical studies and experience.
Phytomedicines are widely recognized in Europe, where they are categorized as plant-derived drugs. In Germany, for example, phytomedicines are considered "ethical drugs," and physicians prescribe them and pharmacists dispense them. In the United States, phytomedicines are sold as over-the-counter dietary supplements in health food stores and in some pharmacies. |
| The following is a list of some of the most common types of cold remedies, and what they can and cannot do:
• Analgesics, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen, help to relieve aches and pains and reduce fever. By themselves, colds do not usually cause significant fever. Allowing a low-grade fever to run its course may actually be beneficial; an elevated temperature is one of the body's ways of fighting infection. If you have a fever that reaches 102°F or higher, chances are something other than the cold is causing it. |
| Once the stinger has been removed and the area cleansed, try one or more of the following home remedies to ease pain and swelling:
• Make a paste by adding a bit of cool water to baking soda, a crushed aspirin, or a crushed papaya enzyme tablet, and apply the mixture to the sting.
• Charcoal tablets, available in health food stores, can be used as a poultice. Empty 2 capsules, add 6 drops of liquid alcohol-free goldenseal extract to make a paste, then smooth on a sterile gauze pad and place on the sting area. This will absorb the poisons and prevent infection. |
| Try one or more of the following homeopathic remedies to ease flu symptoms:
• Anas barbariae (Oscillococcinum), a homeopathic treatment, works very well if taken at the first signs of the flu.
• Aconitum napellus, Belladonna, and Eupatorium perfolia-tum help to ease flu symptoms.
• HP 2 from Metagenics is a homeopathic combination remedy containing Aconite, Bryonia, Eucalyptus globulus, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Ipecacuanha, Gelsemium, Phosphorus, and Pulsatilla, to relieve chills, fatigue, fever, headache, nasal congestion, sneezing, and overall aching and discomfort. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Otherwise, see the remedies listed under Homeopathy in this section for a specific remedy.
Super Prescription #2 Garlic (Allium sativum) or garlic/mullein drops
Place 2 warm drops in the affected ear three times daily. Do not use if the eardrum is perforated or if fluid is draining out of the ear. These herbs have antibacterial/antiviral effects and natural pain-relieving qualities.
Super Prescription #3 Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Adults can take 4 ml and children 2 ml four times daily or as directed on the container. |
| Now here is an important point to remember, since the strengths of homeopathic medicines are still ranked by this same scale. In some cases, a homeopathic doctor will recommend a remedy diluted to 6C, at other times to 30C, and many other potencies are available. By the way, Hahnemann's home kitchen recipes have been entirely replaced by modern manufacturers' precise methods of sucussion and potentization.
Hahnemann's critics, and there were many, scoffed at the idea that such minute quantities of the original substance could have a therapeutic effect on a patient. |
C. P. Khare
See book keywords and concepts |
 Seeds figure in some cough remedies (Weleda Cough Drops), and as an ingredient in carminatives and antispasmodic compounds.
Caution
Allergic reactions, like contact dermatitis, are known to be associated with the use of powdered coriander and more particularly with the oil.
Rosaceae j
CRATAEGUS
Crataegus oxyacantha auct. non Linn. Crataegus crenulata Roxb. Crataegus songarica C. Koch. |
Hyla Cass, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 NATURAL remedies FOR HYPERTENSION
Some natural remedies work to take blood pressure down a few notches into safe territory.
• Diet is a big one here! Stick with the plan I've described in this book, and your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight are going to come down. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which is commonly recommended by mainstream docs, will work too, but in my opinion it overemphasizes grains. |
C. P. Khare
See book keywords and concepts |
| Dandelion is mainly included in over-the-counter remedies for kidney and liver problems. It is also used as a cleansing remedy in rheumatism and skin disorders. A diabetic infusion is made from the root and leaves.
Dandelion capsules (250 mg and 520 mg) are sold over-the-counter.
Caution
Contraindicated in obstruction of bile duct. In case of gallstones, should be used only after consultation with a physician. The drug is included in many over-the-counter slimming preparations as a diuretic and mild laxative. |
| It is also included in remedies for menopausal and premenstrual syndrome, and period pains.
In Germany alone, valerian is an active ingredient in more than 100 over-the-counter tranquillisers and sleep aids, some of which are especially formulated for children.
See Nardostachys jatamansi.
Dipterocarpaceae
VATERIA
Vateria indica Linn.
Figure 1 Vateria indica—flowers and fruit [WOI]
Vateria malabarica Bl. Habitat
Peninsular India, from Kanara to Trivandrum, ascending to 360 m and in Coorg up to 1050 m. |
Craig Pepin-Donat
See book keywords and concepts |
 Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements
Phyllis A. Balch and James F. Balch, M.D. ISBN: 1583332367
Amazon Reveiw: Prescription for Nutritional Healing has long been considered one of the most trusted, comprehensive sources on the mind-boggling array of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements now available.
User's Guide to Herbal Remedies: Learn about the Most Popular Herbs for Preventing Disease and Staying Healthy
Dr. |
C. P. Khare
See book keywords and concepts |
| In China, fresh and dried ginger are treated as different remedies. Fresh ginger is given for chills, fever, headache and muscular pain. Dried ginger is used for "internal cold, " with symptoms such as cold hands, weak pulse, pale complexion. (Andrew Chevallier.)
ž Dyspepsia
> Motion sickness.
The British Herbal Compendium indicates ginger for atonic dyspepsia, colic, prophylaxis of travel sickness and vomiting of pregnancy. Other uses include anorexia, bronchitis, and rheumatic complaints.
Ginger tablets, capsules, biscuits and Ginger Beer are available over-the-counter. |
| Despite its toxicity, Meadow Saffron is still considered one of the best remedies for acute gout pain.
Leukaemia has also been treated with Meadow Saffron and also Bechcet's syndrome, a chronic disease marked by recurring ulcers and leukaemia. Even at low doses the herb exhibited significant side-effects. Its use is possible only under strict professional supervision.
For an acute attack of gout, an initial oral dose corresponding to 1 mg colchicine, followed by 0.5 to 1.5 mg can be given by the physician. Total daily dosage must not exceed 8 mg of colchicine. |
Rainer W. Bussmann and Douglas Sharon
See book keywords and concepts |
 According to this theory, illness is explained as due to "cold" causes, such as entry of air into the body, or "hot" causes, such as excessive consumption of hot foods, with curing conforming to a doctrine of opposites: hot remedies to drive out cold and cold remedies to extract heat. The classic study of the "hot/cold dichotomy" was conducted by George Foster181, who traced its origins to Greek humoral pathology brought by Spain to the New World. |
| Almost all remedies were prepared from fresh plant material (96%). All of the introduced plant species were cultivated in fields and gardens, while most of the indigenous species were collected in the wild. Diseases and other health problems were most frequently treated with decoctions of various plant species. The use of single species for treatments was rare. Of all preparations mentioned, plants were mostly boiled in water or sugarcane alcohol (aguardiente). The most frequent way to administer remedies was to prepare a decoction and ingest it orally (67. |
C. P. Khare
See book keywords and concepts |
| In the West, the herb is popular for treating menopausal upsets and is included in some remedies for premenstrual syndrome, although its main application in over-the-counter products tends to be that of a general sedative. Well-known brands are: Frank Roberts Alchemilla Compound, BP Tables, Motherwort Compound Formula, Gerard House Motherwort Compound, Lanes Quiet Life Tablets, Muir's Pick-Me-Up, Potter's Premen-taid, Wellwoman Tablets.
Caution
The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy; also if menstrual bleeding is heavy. |
Gary E. Schwartz and Linda G. S. Russek
See book keywords and concepts |
 Substances under consideration as potential remedies are given to presumably "healthy" individuals, and the homeopathic researchers look for the development of symptoms in specific personalities. The goal, of course, is not to make healthy people ill, but rather to discover the match between specific remedies and specific personality types.
Homeopaths posit "the law of similars." The thesis is that specific remedies that generate specific symptoms in healthy persons with specific personalities should lead to the reduction of similar symptoms in diseased persons with similar personalities. |
Shannon Brownlee
See book keywords and concepts |
 Or because they are orthopedists, they ignore other possible remedies." Such remedies include telling a patient with back pain to go home and take some pain medication and wait, or to try moderate exercise and stretching, which may work as well or better than surgery for most patients. When your only tool is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Wennberg's discovery of huge variations in the rates of different surgeries was partly a reflection of the uneven distribution of doctors around the country. |
Hyla Cass
See book keywords and concepts |
| NATURAL remedies FOR HYPERTENSION
Some natural remedies work to take blood pressure down a few notches into safe territory.
?Diet is a big one here! Stick with the plan I've described in this book, and your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight are going to come down. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which is commonly recommended by mainstream docs, will work too, but in my opinion it overemphasizes grains. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Papaya—This fruit has been used by Caribbean Indians for centuries for many medicinal remedies and as a digestive aid. They were onto something! The most important digestive enzyme in papaya is papain, which is similar to the human digestive enzyme pepsin. It also contains other enzymes which break down milk proteins and help digest starches. Today papaya extract is the active ingredient in most commercial meat tenderizers.
Personal Advice
Fresh fruits and vegetables and grains and cereal contain fiber which is essential for healthy colon and bowel function. |
Jean Carper
See book keywords and concepts |
 Most of the high-quality natural remedies in health food stores, such as coenzyme Q-10, St. John's wort, echinacea, milk thistle, and ginkgo—are made in foreign countries, mainly Germany and Japan, and repackaged for American consumption. Ironically, some of the raw materials are native to this country—saw palmetto is a prime example—and are exported for processing into natural drugs, because our system discourages businesses here from doing it.
It's difficult to understand how our regulations concerning natural medicines got into such a mess. |
| All the subjects used all the remedies at various times in attempts to cure their headaches. They also meticulously, using scientific criteria, recorded the course of each of their headaches for an hour. As astonishing as it may seem, in most subjects, regardless of gender, age, or duration and frequency of headaches, the peppermint oil was just as quick and effective at relieving the head pain as acetaminophen. Headache intensity began to diminish after fifteen minutes with both. |
| Peppermint oil is officially endorsed by the German government's herbal remedies authority, known as Commission E, as an effective, safe treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. If you lived there, your doctor would surely offer you peppermint oil for spastic colon.
Many sufferers of the irritable bowel syndrome are told that it is a condition they will just have to live with. Before giving up hope, they should try enteric-coated peppermint oil.—Dr. Michael T. |
| Health professionals can help you integrate the natural remedies into your overall treatment. Remember, a natural medicine, notably in the case of cancer, should be part of a comprehensive treatment. Well-trained professionals can give you excellent advice on potential interactions with other drugs you may be taking. And of course they are essential if you get into any type of trouble while taking a natural remedy.
For most Americans a health practitioner means a doctor, usually a medical doctor—an M.D. |
Email this page to a friend
