September 7, 2008
Homeopathy is a natural healing method based on the principle of “like cures like.” This means symptoms are treated with an extremely diluted dose of whatever it is that might have caused the ailment in the first place. The doses of medicine are so diluted; there might not be any active elements of the original solution remaining in the actual medicine when treating the person with the disorder.
This leads to the next point, that homeopathy works on the energetic level, not the physical level. Homeopathy treatments influence the energy system of the patient (for want of a better word). The method impacts the whole person physically, emotionally, and mentally. It views a disorder as an imbalance in a person’s chi, or life force energy, and acts to stimulate the body’s own natural inner healing ability, bringing it back into balance.
In this way, homeopathy is much like acupuncture. This is another difficult to explain healing method that focuses on the body’s energy system and restoring balance. Acupuncture and homeopathy both have a physical component, but the healing cannot be explained in terms of physical, chemical reactions.
The Origin of Homeopathic Medicine
A German physician, Samuel Hahnemann, who sought an alternative to the brutal healing methods practiced at the time, originated homeopathy in the late 1700’s. Homeopathy was very well established in the US in the 1800’s and beyond. Homeopathic hospitals were common and the method was taught in medical schools. So it was quite popular, as well as sanctioned, in the US until about the 1930’s. This diminished with the rise in power of the American Medical Association, among other issues.
Homeopathy is still quite popular and practiced widely around the world, especially in Europe and India. Hundreds of millions of people access homeopathy every year for healing.
Homeopathic remedies can be used to treat just about any combination of symptoms or injuries. They are also used for over all wellness and prevention. Single medicines contain only one active ingredient and are intended to treat a very specific condition. A series of detailed questions about a person’s physical, mental, and emotional status is used to identify the best individual remedy.
There are also combined medicines that treat a variety of concerns. These have a number of active ingredients. Arnica cream is a popular example of this. It is used for treating muscle soreness and injuries.
Homeopathy is Safe
Typically, homeopathic medicines are considered to be safe, have no side effects, and can be used in conjunction with mainstream treatments. Locating a homeopathic provider is easier and easier with the growth of the alternative health community in the US in recent years. The remedies themselves can easily be found at all health food type stores.
A couple of concerns about homeopathy can also be raised. Sometimes when using a homeopathic medicine, the symptoms can seem to get worse before they get better. This has been attributed to the body recreating symptoms in reaction to receiving a treatment containing the elements that cause the illness.
Can it Be Confirmed?
Also, there is no confirmed scientific proof that homeopathy actually works to cure people. This is a concern for the skeptics. Many studies conclude that health benefits of homeopathy are due to the placebo effect. In other words, it’s all in their heads and has nothing to do with medicine. Some will then say this affirms the effectiveness of the treatment. It’s supposed to work this way on the energetic level.
Homeopathy is very different from conventional western medicine. It has many advocates and many skeptics. By some it is seen as a medicine of the future as we grow in understanding of the human energy system and all the avenues through which healing can occur. In the meantime, the reach of homeopathy is expanding and it satisfies an ever growing number of people’s desire for natural healing.
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September 6, 2008
Have you noticed the litany of speed talk at the end of those annoying drug commercials? Sure you have. Those marketers must disclose all of the potential risks you could have as a result of taking their products. As with colon cleansing and other matters of health the natural way is often superior to chemicals.
Chemicals are fine but the body is a natural organism. When you put chemicals into a natural organism like your body, that usually spells trouble. Side effects and adverse events abound. Don’t make this mistake. This is why patients with indigestion can take a drug but another patient with the very same symptoms cannot tolerate the exact treatment.
With a colon cleanse, you should stick with nature. Water is natural. In fact, the majority of your body is composed of water. Water is the best diuretic or system flusher or colon cleanser known to man. But sometimes after you’ve eaten a certain way for 50 or 60 plus years, even water cannot help much.
A solid colon cleansing program is natural. It may use herbs…mineral oil, cod liver oil, senna, peppermint, senna, raisins or prunes. Natural is just plain better for you.
Your body was never meant to survive on Tum’s, Mylanta and Prilosec OTC. Some people have so retrained their body clock so that it is required for them to eat Tum’s and consume laxatives everyday just to be regular.
This is not the way to live!
Your body has accumulated pounds of toxins, and fecal matter in its colon and rectal area. That build up is what is likely the cause of your bowel problem. Feeling bloated, gassy and still you cannot GO is not normal. Having “the runs” is also abnormal.
If you’ve purchased a juicer, like Jack Lalanne’s Juicer Deluxe
, then use it. Millions of Americans did based on their marketer Jack La Lane’s testimonials. Consuming raw juices will work wonders on your bowel problems. But the real kicker is when you eat fruits and vegetables regularly you’ll be able to retrain your colon to do its job.
This is why once every three months or so you need to go on a colon cleanse. Just like you get your cars oil changed every 3000 miles because it will ruin your engine if you do not. Conversely your health is being ruined without cleansing from the inside out.
Another good source of the natural is flaxseed and wheat germ. You can get this online or at your local Whole Food market type store. Eating prunes or even drinking prune juice if you cannot get to the prunes while they are in season will do wonders for your system.
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Posted in Digestion, Uncategorized 3 Comments »
September 4, 2008
Horny Goat Weed was discovered (if you believe the legend) by a Chinese Goat Herder who had noticed increased sexual activity in his herd of goats after they had eaten some weeds. As a result, men all over the world now use those weeds as an aphrodisiac and as a herbal treatment for physical impotence.
Actually the Horny Goat herb is called Epimedium, although it is also known as Barrenwort, Bishops Hat and Yin Yang Huo. Like so many herbal treatments, Horny Goat Weed has been used in Chinese Medicine for centuries.
What makes this herb stand out from others used to treat impotence is that there have been clinical studies conducted in the United States on the immediate and long term effects of Horny Goat Weed as an aphrodisiac. For example, in 2000 Dr. Stephen Lamm conducted testing on 38 men aged between 25 and 66 years of age.
The men were split up into two groups - healthy males that had no history of impotence and Viagra males that were only able to have sex after taking Viagra. Participants were given either Horny Goat Weed in a mixture with a couple of other herbs, or a placebo, with the treatments being taken daily and also within two hours of sexual activity. The trial lasted for 60 days.
Results from this study show that:
- 65% of the healthy males reported an increase in sexual performance and satisfaction.
- 46% of the men who used viagra regularly noted increased satisfaction with sexual performance.
- 31% of the latter also noticed an increase in the number of times they had sex.
- Those who used viagra regularly also reported a definite increase in the length of time an erection was achieved and/or sustained.
- There was no evidence of any side effects on any of the participants over the 60-day trial.
Other research indicates that Horny Goat Weed also increases testosterone production in older males. Needless to say, there are many reports that the herb produces feelings of well being and increases in sexual desire in male users.
It is now clear that Horny Goat Weed works by increasing the levels of nitric oxide in the body, which in turn increases the blood flow around and through the penis, resulting in an erection. There are also indications that the herb impacts on hormones and the thyroid gland.
The search for men’s “Holy Grail” - a harmless, natural aid for sexual performance when in need - is making progress by rediscovering what has been common wisdom for centuries in some communities. Now, it seems, science is starting to provide the extra validity this herb requires for more general acceptance.
Studies have shown that even those males without a history of impotence perceived an improvement in their sexual performance and satisfaction while taking this herb. Some researchers have likened Horny Goat Weed to Viagra, without as many side effects. Luckily, in this instance, nature holds the patent.
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August 7, 2008
Menstrual cramps are a dreaded monthly enemy for every woman. Some women experience mild pain while some unfortunate ones have extreme pain to the point it interferes with daily life. Statistics show that approximately 50% of menstruating women have menstrual pain. 10% suffer extreme pain for a few days.
If you are part of this 10%, then you are familiar with the excruciating pain felt in the pelvis, lower abdomen or back. These horrible menstrual cramps have become many women’s reason to skip work, classes or household chores. As they curl up in bed, the only thing on their mind is “how do I find relief from this menstrual pain?”
If you are tired of taking drugs, why not try Chinese herbal medicine? An international nonprofit organization called the Cochrane Collaboration did a review to compare the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in relieving menstrual pain compared to western drugs. The outcome positively favored Chinese herbal medicine, although they called for better studies in the future.
Below is a list of Chinese herbs that can help stop menstrual cramps:
1. Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica Root)
Also known as the “female ginseng,” it is commonly used to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve menstrual cramps. It also helps to relieve menopausal symptoms, reduce PMS (pre-menstrual syndromes), improve anemic conditions and correct hormone imbalance. You can drink it as tea or cook it with chicken. Take note that the taste is strong and bitter.
2. Chuan Xiong (Szechwan Lovage Rhizome)
This herb is also a key medicinal herb when treating menstrual disorders. It improves blood circulation, promotes the flow of “qi” or vital energy and dispels wind to relieve pain. Other uses of this herb includes treating headache, heart disease, rheumatism, arthritis, carbuncles and boils.
It has a pungent taste and a very strong aroma. Ancient Chinese women, dating back to the Song Dynasty, used to take this Chinese herb in the form of soup. The soup called Four Substance Decoction (Si Wu Tang) also included other Chinese herbs such as Chinese Angelica Root, Red Peony Root and Chinese Foxglove Root. They drank the soup as a tonic to relieve PMS, stop menstrual pain, strengthen the body and to look more beautiful.
3. Bai Shao (White Peony Root)
White Peony Root nourishes the blood and activates circulation. It is also used for a wide variety of gynecological problems such as vaginal discharges, threat of miscarriage, excessive menstrual bleeding, and menstrual cramps. White Peony Root can be found in a Japanese formula called toki-shakuyaku-san with five other herbs. The formula of Peony Root, Hoelen, Atractylodes Rhizome, Alisma Rhizome, Dong Quai and Chuan Xiong is said to be effective in reducing menstrual pain.
4. Yi Mu Cao (Chinese Motherwort)
Chinese Motherwort is a member of the mint family. The leaves of this herb is used to treat menstrual problems. It improves blood circulation and regulates the menstrual cycle. Herbalists also recommend it to treat anxiety and heart palpitations.
The seeds have also been found to benefit eyesight. Chinese Motherwort can be taken as a tea by infusing the dried herb with boiling water. If you find the taste too bitter and unpleasant, add honey or lemon to improve the flavor. this herb can also be found as a tincture. Do not use this herb during pregnancy or when bleeding is heavy.
5. Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizome)
There are two main functions of this Chinese herb: strengthen blood circulation and relieve pain.
Corydalis is a relative of the opium poppy. Although only 1% in strength compared to opium, it is an effective relaxant and pain reliever. The alkaloids, specifically tetrahydropalmatine (THP) helps to relieve menstrual cramps and it is usually combined with other herbs such as Pteropus and Bulrush (Shixiao San).
Corydalis can be taken as a decoction, infusion, tincture or extract. You can look for it in Asian stores.
Take note that this herb is not to be taken by pregnant or nursing women. Also be careful on the dosage. Some people have reported experiencing fatigue, nausea or vertigo after consuming large doses.
Except for Chinese Motherwort, Chinese herbal treatment usually combine several herbs together to address an individual’s needs. It is a unique formula for each person. Mixing these herbs together to produce an effective formula is an art. Therefore, consult with a licensed Chinese herbal medicine practitioner before taking the herbs.
Chinese herbal medicine can be a bit intimidating to westerners, what with funny sounding herb names and maybe having to face a Chinese practitioner that may know little english. However, it is beneficial to trust our oriental counterparts and their years of medicinal tradition. Give Chinese herbal medicine a try today and say goodbye to painful menstrual cramps.
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Posted in Chinese Herbal Medicine 2 Comments »
August 6, 2008
Acne may be a skin disorder, but it’s effect on people is more than just skin deep. Acne problems hit a person emotionally, psychologically and socially. This common skin disorder is characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Acne usually appears on the face but it can also occur on the shoulders, neck, arms, legs and back.
How do you get rid of acne? It takes both external and internal cleansing to combat this skin problem.
External Cleansing
It is important to adopt a good skin care regime. Keep your face clean from dirt and grime by gently washing with a mild cleanser. Do not scrub with a wash cloth or sponge. You do not want to irritate the skin further. Just softly use your fingertips.
Stay away from strong fragrant soaps and cleansers. There is the possibility that these type of products may trigger an allergic reaction in your sensitive skin.
Do not wash your face too many times. Twice a day is good. Keep your hands away from your face and resist the urge to pop the zits and pick at your face. After you rinse your face with warm water, pat dry, tone and moisturize. This regimen is not something extraordinary. It is very basic but it makes a big difference to your skin health.
Getting rid of dead skin cells or exfoliating, also contributes to healthy skin. However, do not apply commercial scrubs or chemical peels. Opt for natural exfoliates such as finely ground oatmeal mixed with tea tree oil. Orange peels are wonderful too. Grind the orange peels then mix a little water to make a paste.
Women have to be careful about the cosmetics they use. Acne sufferers should search out cosmetics that are labeled as being non-comedogenic and oil free.
Internal Cleansing
Everyday we expose our body to all sorts of toxins. There are toxins in the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. The accumulation of these toxins in our body and the inefficiency of our organs to totally get rid of them can contribute to terrible acne breakout.
Clear off some of these toxins running in your blood and you will be working towards clearer skin. Here are two herbs to help you detoxify:
1. Neem
The neem tree holds medicinal value for a myriad of problems. It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects help treat inflammation, infections, dental disorders and skin diseases including acne.
Neem has also been used to cleanse the blood, liver and boost the immune system. Every part of the neem tree is useful — the leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark. Therefore there are many ways to use neem. There is neem soap, neem oil cream, neem leaf extract cream, capsule supplements and neem based facial lotion.
The healing properties of neem is increasing in popularity. This tree indigenous to India may be the secret to your acne cure.
2. Turmeric
Research shows turmeric to be a spice that has antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial properties. It can either be taken internally or applied directly on the affected area.
Some of the benefits when ingesting it are improving blood circulation, purifying the blood, strengthens the digestive system and improving the liver function.
The turmeric root looks similar to the ginger root but more orange. You can also find turmeric in powder form. This spice is usually used in Indian curry but you could also just sprinkle some onto your baked potato or stir fry vegetables. Some people just add a teaspoon to a cup of water or milk and drink it.
To use it externally, you could make a paste to apply to the acne. Leave for 20-30 minutes to dry and then rinse off with lukewarm water. Here are several options on how to make the paste:
- Ground fresh turmeric root with yogurt.
- Turmeric powder mixed with mint juice.
- Grounded neem leaves with turmeric powder.
- Add 1 tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tsp of sandalwood powder and milk.
The only thing that may turn you off from using turmeric is the yellow stains left behind. To get rid of the yellow color on your skin, use cleansing milk.
As you use these herbs to detoxify, it is best that you eat a healthy diet too. Stop all junk food such as chips, fried food, fast food and carbonated drinks. Pile up on the vegetables and fresh fruits. Drink lots of water.
Combating acne on just the skin level may not be enough. Try using a more wholesome approach, treating the problem externally as well as internally.
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August 5, 2008
The earliest documentation of aromatherapy’s auspicious beginning was in Egypt around 5,000 years ago with documented use in China and the Far East. The practicality of its use in Egypt is almost identical to its use today, namely, health and beauty. Many of the same essential oils are used today and in combinations prescribed by the Egyptians thousands of years ago.
Until the coming-of-age of antibiotics in the medical field, aromatherapy was still a viable therapy for certain types of illness. After modern medicine made its debut, the belief in the “old ways” began to decline. The decline continued until about twenty years ago, when society realized that some of the magic bullets touted by the medical field were not working. By this time even the doctors and nurses were looking toward alternative medicine to complement current therapies. Thus, the name now commonly used in the medical profession is “Complementary Alternative Therapies/Modalities(CAM)”. Aromatherapy is considered one accepted form of CAM.
The nursing organization began using aromatherapy about fifteen years ago when they recognized the benefits for their acute-care and long-term care patients. Other medical fields have begun using aromatherapy in their treatment. For instance, in psychology, the essential oils can be used to enhance traditional painkillers which can be a boon to the approximately 80 million people who are afflicted with chronic pain.
In the area of heart disease, the oils can be used to relieve “anxiety” in the patients allowing the patient to begin the healing process. Other areas are more practical such as cleaning the work area (home and hospitals) with essential oils as they do in Europe instead of chemical products. This has a dual purpose: the antibacterial properties of the oils clean and disinfect plus the scent affects the individual(s) in a positive manner.
Aromatherapy has grown over the years and the main concern today is using this modality safely. There is more to this therapy than mixing a few oils and inhaling or massaging it into the skin.
Knowing the compounds and what effect they produce, knowing the quality of the oils, knowing the proper mixtures, where to buy quality products and the risks associated with its use are all of concern.
Aromatherapy is becoming a very big business and along with its growth comes a real need to begin the process of setting-up legitimate certifications and accreditation standards.
The potential for fraud is evident. The oils do not come cheaply. The process of extracting the oils from the plants or seeds is very expensive. Whether or not the essential oil performs properly is dependent upon its quality and the reputation of the manufacturer. Mixing the wrong oils or setting-up protocols for clients improperly can have dangerous consequences.
Generally speaking, the use of aromatherapy is safe; however as more people become involved in this area there will need to be some type of training and testing available for people to meet certain industry standards.
A good first step would be to seek out the nurses involved in holistic medicine, working out of the major cancer centers, universities and hospitals who have been schooled and trained in the use of aromatherapy and find out where and how they received their certification.
The field of aromatherapy encompasses not only individuals seeking health through alternative medicine, but also the medical field seeking to use aromatherapy to enhance treatment and patient care. Certification standards would guarantee that individuals who prefer the use of aromatherapy will be offered the safest and best quality products, and patients under a doctor’s care will not be denied the benefits of aromatherapy in their treatment.
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August 4, 2008
Tribulus Terrestris looks as tough as its name suggests. This thorny little plant whose fruit is covered in sharp spines can be used in treating a number of different human conditions, including impotency, infertility, and in improving libido in both men and women. Among its main active constituents are steroidal saponins, such as protodioscin and protoglascillin.
Tribulus Terrestris attacks impotency in a number of different ways:
Firstly, it does dilate coronary arteries and therefore improves blood circulation. As having a good blood circulation is crucial to achieving and maintaining an erection, it is clear to see why this would help.
Secondly, the effects that bodybuilders find when they use this herb to increase their muscle growth are equally important in treating impotence. One of the active elements in Tribulus Terrestris signals the production of luteinising hormones, which in turn signals the body to produce testosterone. Increased levels of testosterone help improve sexual drive, sexual performance and virility.
One major study conducted in the School of Medicine at Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia focused on just how effective Tribulus Terrestris is in treating impotence and lack of sex drive in men. The author noted that in many cases of impotency the afflicted male has likely hidden his problems for quite some time before seeking help for the problems. It also made a pertinent point in stating that while a man might notice a decrease in his libido, he is then more likely to suffer impotence as well. However, an impotent male usually has a normal sex drive but simply can’t perform when he wants to.
A lack of libido can be caused by a number of different factors, including a mixture of physical factors, hormonal problems and psychological issues. Because of the link between lack of sex drive and impotence, it is sometimes difficult to treat the problem with traditional methods.
The report noted above suggested that, in some respects, herbal treatment for the problem may be more beneficial than traditional medical means because the impact of the herb is likely to be wide ranging rather than focused on a single physical or mental cause.
The results of the study focused firstly on men who had libido disorders (and one would assume impotence as well). Using Tribulus Terrestris, 50% of the men noticed an increase in sexual drive. The second group of men were all suffering from impotence. In this group, 57% of the subjects experienced an improvement in frequency and the time the erection could be sustained.
Unfortunately, the Indonesian study used only a small population group to study the effectiveness of Tribulus Terrestris. However, it would appear that even a short period of treatment with the herb could result in increases in both libido and sexual function.
In all the literature, there is no indication of negative side effects of Tribulus Terrestris, nor any contra indications. The herb appears to work, like so many other herbal treatments, in a holistic manner that includes increased changes in the body, such as improved blood flow, and in mental changes, such as increasing sexual drive.
The fact that the herb is used to treat complaints as serious as angina would indicate that Tribulus Terrestris is both a safe as well as effective way of overcoming impotence. However, users should still be guided by a medical professional before including it in their medications.
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August 4, 2008
Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine involving the use of essential oils that has been around for about 6000 years. It is a holistic therapy which means that aromatherapy practitioners consider not just your physical symptoms, but also mental, spiritual and emotional factors. Holistic therapy recognizes that these factors are essential to take into account as they all have a great influence over your health.
There are three main ways that the essential oils used in aromatherapy enter your body:
- through your skin
- through olfaction - your sense of smell
- through your lungs
The Skin
Using essential oils in massage is the most common use of aromatherapy. The massage oil is made from a carrier oil with a few drops of essential oils added, this allows the essential oils to be absorbed into the skin. Applying heat will increase the rate at which the oils are taken in. The massage itself will produce a bit of heat, and covering the area with towels or blankets or a heated wheat bag is also common.
Once the essential oils are absorbed into the skin they work their way into the underlying tissue thereby affecting the nerves, organs and blood stream.
Here’s a quick and easy experiment to prove that essential oils really can enter your body through your skin. Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub the liquid (garlic essential oil) from the cut end on the bottom of your foot. See how long it takes before you can taste garlic on your breath (usually about 15-20 minutes).
The Sense of Smell (Olfaction)
The olfactory receptors, which are called chemoreceptors, are nerve endings embedded deep within your nasal passages. Fragrance chemicals in the air are inhaled and dissolve once they hit the fluid lining in your nasal passages. This allows the chemoreceptors to pick them up and send the ‘chemical message’ to the brain.
These chemical messages are sent first to the frontal lobe of the brain where the smell is analyzed, and secondly to the limbic system and autonomous nervous system. This is where emotional and physical responses to the fragrance are created. For instance, you might feel calm or sleepy, or you might sneeze. You might also be reminded of something in your past, and this experience will have an emotional response attached to it.
Some essential oils actively mimic neurotransmitters which have a powerful ability to alter mood. These can be helpful for conditions such as stress and depression.
The Lungs
Inhaling essential oils is the fastest way to get them into your bloodstream where they can start working. This is because the lungs are very efficient at absorbing oxygen, and vaporized essential oils that you breathe in. Since your respiratory system is designed to get oxygen into your bloodstream, when you inhale the fragrance of essential oils, they too are carried quickly into your bloodstream.
Some Benefits of Essential Oils
In France, where modern day aromatherapy originated, it’s a part of mainstream medicine in the control of infections because of the strong antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal properties of many essential oils.
All essential oils are antiseptic to some degree. However, a few of the more powerful antiseptics are lavender, thyme, clove, cinnamon, tea tree, manuka and oregano.
Essential oils are extremely beneficial in skin care. The ancient Egyptians, who invented cosmetology, used essential oils in skin care around 5000 years ago.
A study in Japan showed that lemon, vaporized in a room, reduced typing errors by 54%. Lemon is well known for it’s antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which would also make it beneficial throughout office buildings.
These are just a few of the many uses of essential oils in aromatherapy. But there is also an important aspect of aromatherapy that doesn’t get mentioned often - the pleasure aspect. Using essential oils is fun, even if you aren’t a qualified aromatherapist. Have some fun discovering which fragrances you enjoy, they are bound to have a beneficial effect even if you just use a few drops in your bath water.
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August 4, 2008
It first started as a tingling sensation. You also felt some burning and itching. Soon tiny blisters start to form. They keep getting larger and soon you have one ugly and painful cold sore. The only thing on your mind is “how do I get rid of this quickly?” Here are some cold sore remedies that can help:
1. If your cold sore is in the early stages, topical cream Abreva
can speed up your healing. Your cold sore won’t last as long and won’t be as bad. It’s an OTC medication and can be bought at the store. Many users swear by it’s effectiveness. Unfortunately it is a little pricey.
2. Increase your Lysine intake and reduce Arginine. Lysine is an amino acid that restricts the growth of the herpes virus. Arginine, on the other hand, is used by the virus to grow. So, eat lysine rich foods such as legumes, meat, vegetables, eggs and dairy products. Stay away from nuts, chocolate and caffeine. Another way of increasing your Lysine level is by taking supplements. Lysine cream and lip balm can help reduce the discomforts of cold sores.
3. Use lemon balm. Lemon Balm
, also commonly known as Melissa, is a herb with a lemony scent that looks a lot like mint. This herb has antiviral properties. Studies suggest that it can help sooth the itching, tingling and burning sensations of cold sores.
There are several ways to use lemon balm as a remedy. You could get lemon balm tea bags, brew it as a tea, then apply the liquid on the sore using a cotton ball. Don’t throw away the tea bags. Freeze it and later apply it on the sore. The icy coldness relieves your pain and the antiviral properties helps to cure the sore.
Of course, you could also drink the tea. Freezing the tea and then sucking on the ice chips is another idea. Then there are also lemon balm cream and lip balm.
This herb is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women because it can effect the uterus and the body’s hormonal balance.
4. Treat it with St. John’s Wort essential oil. When applied topically, the sore heals quickly as it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. You only need a very small amount because the essential oil is very concentrated.
5. Ice it. Apply an ice cube directly on the sore for 15-20 minutes several times a day. By reducing the temperature in that region, you stifle the development of the virus. The numbing effect also provides some relief from the pain and itchiness. This method works best during the beginning tingling stage.
6. Apply tea tree oil. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. When it comes to a cold sore, it can cut down your healing time in half. Use a Q-tip and dab the oil directly on the sore 2-3 times a day. You can also mix 10 drops of oil with warm water and use it as a gargle. Tea tree oil can be found at most health food stores.
Cold sores are certainly a sight for sore eyes. It not only irritates but makes you feel embarrassed to go outdoors or meet people. Although there may not be a cure, there are certainly ways to prevent it or at least make it cure faster. Here’s hoping you find a cold sore remedy that works for you.
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Cold Sore,
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