The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body - Heal Your Body Naturally and Maintain Optimal Health Using Alternative Medicine, Herbals, Vitamins, Fruits and Vegetables (3 page)

Dosages:

A typical dosage for allergies is 300 mg one to three times a day of a freeze-dried nettle extract.

Quercetin
 

Quercetin is a compound found naturally in vegetables, such as onions and berries. People with allergies may benefit from quercetin because it has been found to inhibit the release of histamine and reduce inflammation. Quercetin is believed to work by stabilizing cell membranes so they are less reactive to allergens.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)

A randomized, double-blind study, 330 hay fever patients at 11 clinics in Switzerland and Germany received either a tablet of butterbur herbal extract three times a day (providing a total of 8 mg of the active petasine a day), the antihistamine Allegra once a day, or a placebo. The researchers found that the butterbur was as effective as the antihistamine at relieving sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and other hay fever symptoms.

How Acupuncture Can Help

A German study published in the journal Allergy found that acupuncture may an effective and safe option for people with seasonal allergies. Patients in the study were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received a semi-standardized treatment of acupuncture once a week and a Chinese herbal tea three times a day and the other, control, group received acupuncture needles that weren't really in acupuncture points and a non-specific Chinese herbal formula. Patients who received the acupuncture and herbal treatment noticed an 85 percent improvement on a global assessment of change scale compared to 40 percent in the control group. They also noticed a significant improvement in the quality of life questionnaire.

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Many of us lead fast-paced lives and live out of sync with natural rhythms by going to sleep late, waking early, working long hours, not taking enough rest and leisure time, and eating when we’re not hungry. However, for the over 14 million Americans who suffer from anxiety, there is a pervading sense of unease and even fear that diminishes their quality of life.

Typically, people feel tension, worry, irritability, frustration, or hopelessness. The sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) is activated, causing symptoms such as poor concentration, fatigue, poor sleep, and restless, irritable, feeling tense or on edge, and muscle tension. People may also notice changes in physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, dry mouth, chest tightness, poor digestion, irritable bowel, acne, sexual dysfunction, and heart palpitations.

Other areas may be impaired

The combination of chronic stress, poor sleep, poor diet, use of stimulants such as coffee, and long work hours can deplete the body and lead to condition holistic doctors call "adrenal fatigue". Decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, fatigue, dark under eye circles, weakness, frequent colds and flu, thin skin, and accelerated aging, and the feeling burned out characterize it. In traditional Chinese medicine, this condition is called kidney deficiency.

Treatments

Conventional treatments center on anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax or BuSpar. Anti-depressants may also help. These are best used as short-term strategies. Counseling can help address underlying issues.

Diet
eliminating coffee should be the first step. There is significant clinical evidence showing that it can be all that is needed in some cases. Other foods that may worsen anxiety in excess are refined sugar honey, maple syrup and cow's milk products.

Nutritional Supplements & Vitamins

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Prescription drugs for anxiety such as Valium and Xanax work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. However, the degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain is unknown.

Other nutritional supplements used for anxiety include pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex.

Herbs

Kava

Kava (
Piper methysticum) is an herb that is used widely in Europe for nervous anxiety, tension, agitation, and insomnia. Native to Polynesia, kava appears to work in a similar way to prescription benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax and Valium, with similar effectiveness.

Kava does not appear to cause mental drowsiness unless taken in large doses. Nevertheless, it is best to use caution until you know the extent of its effects on you. The benefits are often noticeable within weeks, but some people notice improvement after as little as a week. People who have had dystonic reactions from antipsychotic drugs or who have Parkinson’s disease, as case reports indicate that kava may interfere with dopamine, should not use kava.

People taking benzodiazepine such as Valium should only take kava under the strict guidance of a qualified professional.

Valerian

Valerian is an herbal tranquilizer that is best known as a remedy for insomnia. It calms the nervous system, balances mood swings, and is not habit forming. One study found that it might have calming effects during stressful situations. It can be blended with other herbs such as hops or passionflower. Children, pregnant or nursing women, should not use Valerian.

People with serious health conditions, or who are taking prescription drugs for mood or neurological disorders should consult a qualified professional before taking Valerian.

Other herbs

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Chamomile

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Hops

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Lemon balm

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Passion flower

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Skullcap

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Suma

These calming herbs are frequently recommended for anxiety.

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What is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin also known as Tinea pedis. In an acute flare-up, the skin of the foot is red or white with scales, cracks, inflammation, cuts, and blisters. There is itching, burning, and stinging. Most often, it occurs in between the toes. During an acute flare-up, secondary bacterial infection is common.

In chronic athlete’s foot, the skin of the sides and sole of the foot is pink and scaly and there is no itchiness.

The fungus lives off dead skin cells and thrives in warm, damp environments, such as the floors around gym locker rooms and indoor swimming pools.

Athlete’s foot can sometimes be confused with these conditions

• Dyshydrotic dermatitis (a type of eczema)
  
• Allergic contact eczema (a type of eczema)
  
• Atopic eczema (a type of eczema)
  
• Psoriasis
  
• Erythrasma
  

When to see your medical doctor

• There is swelling in your foot or leg and you develop a fever.
  
• You notice an accumulation of pus in the blisters or cracks in your skin.
  
• Your symptoms interfere with normal activity.
  

Treatments

The tinea fungus is contagious and once it takes hold, it can be quite tenacious, so it is important to take the following steps to prevent re-infection:

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Keep your feet thoroughly dry, especially between your toes.

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Wear cotton socks, and change your socks daily.

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Do not wear tight, closed-toe shoes. Moisture and heat cause athlete's foot fungus to thrive.

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Do not go barefoot in public places. Wear flip-flops.

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Use a foot powder to keep feet dry. Simple cornstarch makes a good foot dusting powder.

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Wash socks in the hot water setting of a washing machine.

Herbs and Essential Oils

Tea tree oil

The most common natural treatment for athlete's foot is the essential oil tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). A home remedy works as well as over-the-counter foot medications. It has anti-fungal properties. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the skin three times a day, covering the affected area. About 4 to 10 drops is sufficient. Continue for two weeks after the fungal infection seems to have disappeared to ensure that it is eradicated. Tea tree oil also helps with fungal infections of the nails.

Tea tree oil can also be mixed with aloe vera gel. About 4 ounces of aloe vera gel to 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil can be combined in a spray bottle and applied twice daily. Allow the feet to dry before putting on footwear.

Tea tree oil can be found at the health food store. Be sure to buy 100 percent tea tree oil.

Grapefruit seed extract

Grapefruit seed extract, which is available at health food stores, is reported to have significant anti-fungal effects. Add drops of grapefruit seed extract to a wet palm and apply it to the feet two to three times per day, or follow the manufacturer's recommendations. You can also add it to the washing machine while you are washing socks.

Garlic

Put crushed garlic into dry socks before bed. Raw garlic can help to kill the athlete's foot fungus.

Ayurvedic Remedy

Athlete's foot is often related to the pitta and kapha constitutional doshas, which have a tendency to sweat. Begin by cleaning the foot area with tea tree oil, about 4 to 10 drops. Combine 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel with 1/2 teaspoon of tumeric. Apply this mixture to the feet every morning and night and cover them with old socks (tumeric will stain sheets and socks). After two weeks, if there are signs of improvement, continue with a once a day application of this mixture for another week. If there has been any discoloration of the skin due to the tumeric, it will fade within two weeks.

Diet
People with chronic or recurring athlete's foot should avoid excessive consumption of yeast products such as breads and other baked goods, as well as vinegar, and alcohol. People with higher intake of yeast may be more prone to athlete's foot.

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With asthma, airways of the lungs, called bronchial tubes, are inflamed. The surrounding muscles constrict and mucus is produced, which both cause airways to narrow.

Untreated asthma flare-ups can lead to hospitalization and can even be fatal. You should not treat this condition by yourself. A doctor's supervision is required.

Symptoms

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Wheezing and shortness of breath

• Difficulty sleeping due to shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing
  
• Chest pain or tightness
  
• Shortness of breath during exercise
  

Buteyko Breathing Technique for Asthma

Russian-born researcher Konstantin Pavlovich Buteyko developed the Buteyko (pronounced bew-TAY-ko) Breathing Technique.  It consists of shallow-breathing exercises designed to help people with asthma breathe easier.

Description:

The Buteyko Breathing Technique is based on the premise that raising blood levels of carbon dioxide through shallow breathing can treat asthma. Carbon dioxide is believed to dilate the smooth muscles of the airways.

A study involving 60 people with asthma compared the effects of the Buteyko Breathing Technique, a device that mimics pranayama (a yoga breathing technique), and a placebo. Researchers found people using the Buteyko Breathing Technique had a reduction in asthma symptoms. Symptoms did not change in the pranayama and the placebo groups.
The use of inhalers was reduced in the Buteyko group by two puffs a day at six months, but there was no change in the other two groups.

There have been several other promising clinical trials evaluating this technique.

Omega Fatty Acids

The primary inflammation-causing fat in our diets is called arachidonic acid. A German study examined data from 524 children and found that asthma was more prevalent in children with high levels of arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is found in food, particularly egg yolks, shellfish, and meat. Eating less of these foods may decrease inflammation and asthma symptoms.

Arachidonic acid can also be produced in our bodies. Another strategy to reduce levels of arachidonic acid is to increase intake of beneficial fats such as EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) from fish oil, and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) from borage or evening primrose oil.