The uses of essential oils were known to ancient Egyptians long before research began on their medicinal and aromatic qualities in the early nineteenth century. The sweet fragrance emitted by essential oils has had people going crazy on it for ages.

An essential oil is the extract of plant derived from flowers, stem, leaves, bark and other parts of a plant. The process is often complex and requires distillation through steam or water of the plant. The result is the pure essence of the plant, often in a highly concentrated form. In the following article we will list some of the common uses that essential oils are put to.

Diffusion
Diffusion means breathing the fragrance of essential oil. The oil is evaporated using accessories such as electric diffusers, lamp rings, aromalamps, scentballs etc. These accessories are available in various assortments in the market. They operate by continuously shooting out microscopic particles of essential oils into the air. To facilitate easy assimilation through the sense of smell, the oil is broken into fine invisible mist. Diffusion helps create a relaxing atmosphere and loosens tight muscles.

Massage
The therapeutic effects of essential oil when combined with the magical powers of touch, revives the anatomy and furthers overall well-being. When using essential oil for the purpose of massage, it is advisable that it be diluted with carrier oil. It is too concentrated to be used neat. Different proportions need to be devised for people of different ages, skin types, etc. For children, the advisable content of essential oils per ounce is 6 drops. When shopping for massage oil, a person will come across a large collection of readymade aromatherapy massage oils & lotions. These may be purchased only from reputable vendors after checking the contents well.

Baths
An essential oil bath can be quite relaxing. Moreover, this will help in combining the benefits of hydrotherapy as well. Just add a few drops of your desired essential oil to your bathtub or spa, and get that rich and nourishing feeling. Alternatively, the essential oil mixed with good carrier oil be applied to ones skin after the morning shower for that all day long refreshing sensation. This keeps skin soft, smooth and youthful.

Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is another prevalent method of using essential oils. 5 to 8 drops of essential oil of one variety or more is mixed in a pot of hot water, and the user sits with his face close to the pot, eyes closed and about 10-12 inches above the pot. As vapour rises, it gets absorbed by the minute pores on ones face and through the nostrils. A humidifier too can be used by adding a few drops of essential oil in it.

Household uses
You may not know but the essential oils can be put to several household uses as well. Like when one is doing laundry, a few drops of essential oil will give the clothes a lovable smell all day long. Lemon or tea tree oils are best used for ones garbage cans from giving that stinking smell. Lavender has long been associated with romantic evenings. So, use it in your bathroom along with essential oils of chamomile and marjoram.

The uses of essential oils are many. One can experiment on his own to find new uses of the oils and thereby contribute to the already spilling research works on the subject.

Essential oils provide a fantastic natural alternative to common ailments we see at home. The actions of essential oils are broad, ranging from topical antiseptics and anti-inflammatories to analgesics, digestive system tonics, and anti-depressants. While essential oils should not be a substitute for professional medical care, they can be successfully employed for many minor complaints, and as adjuncts to other therapies.

Here we will have a brief look at ten essential oils which may comprise the basic home care kit. While by no means exhaustive, this list will go a long way to providing effective and often pleasant! treatments for you and your family for things like cuts and scrapes, sunburn, digestive troubles, stress related conditions and more.

Oil 1 Tea Tree Essential Oil

When first examined for its antiseptic properties, Tea Tree essential oil was found to be 100 times more powerful than carbolic acid the medical standard at the time. Tea tree has an extremely broad range of antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties that have been confirmed by modern scientific research. Often used topically on small wounds, Tea Tree is also commonly found in oral hygiene preparations, and can also be effectively employed for Candida, athletes foot and acne, among other things.

Oil 2 Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender has often been called the medicine chest in a bottle for its broad range of applications. Every home should keep Lavender on hand, even if no other oil is used, as it is so very effective on burns. Its anti-inflammatory action is responsible for the beginnings of modern aromatherapy, as Dr. Jean Valnet discovered Lavenders healing properties after being burned in a laboratory accident. Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring. The oil is also pleasantly calming, and can be used to reduce stress in a variety of situations a commonly used technique is to apply Lavender oil neat undiluted to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment.

Oil 3 Chamomile Essential Oil

Ah, the great tension reliever, Chamomile oil. This extremely gentle essential oil is useful for a wide variety of nervous conditions, and is often indicated for cases of stress in children including teething and general crankiness. Rubbing into the solar plexus is a commonly used application if that is where one tends to hold tension. Chamomile essential oil is available in to varieties, German or Blue Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. The Roman variety is most often used for stress relief, whereas the German variety has the added bonus of being an extremely effective anti-inflammatory.

Oil 4 Peppermint Essential Oil

An excellent digestive tonic, Peppermint essential oil can sooth many stomach complaints. For the traveler, its effectiveness on calming motion sickness can be of great help. Further, at least eight controlled studies have shown Peppermint oil to be effective in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a painful condition of the intestines. Beyond its support of the digestive system, Peppermint is delightfully stimulating to the mind, brightening and sharpening mental focus. Finally, Peppermint is considered by some to be a more effective insect repellent than citronella when used on the body rather than in the surrounding air.

Oil 5 Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Another essential oil with a broad range of properties, Eucalyptus is most often used for respiratory conditions, being useful in clearing congestion with coughs and colds. However, its effects are certainly not limited to the airways because of its broad range of effects, it has been called the aromatherapists designer oil. Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in Summer or due to fever use in a compress, and support the immune system in Winter. Diffusing Eucalyptus oil can kill most staphylococcus bacteria, again being supportive of bronchial infections. It is considered equally effective in cases of cystitis, candida, and sunburn, to name a few, as well as being an insect repellent.

Oil 6 Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium sometimes known as Geranium Rose works wonderfully on both physiological and psychological levels. Its floral aroma is brightening and uplifting, while also working as a sedative. Malte Hozzel has made this statement regarding this oil “Geraniums vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but direct & unavoidable, making it one of the oils of choice for aphrodisiac qualities. Geranium Essential Oil inspires natural beauty & enjoyment, uplifts instantly & “tonifies” the mind & intellect in a powerful, nearly demanding attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative & emotional reserves, helping us to rise to our own earthly & spiritual identify. A fiery beauty for the spells of all worlds.” Particularly noted for its effect on female physiologic conditions, Geranium oil can be effective for menopausal problems, uterine and breast complaints.

Oil 7 Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is an effective physical and mental stimulant, whether used in a diffuser or in a morning bath. Its slightly spicy, rather than floral aroma, has a warming effect particularly useful for arthritic joints and other muscular complaints. It also has a long history of treatment for colds and flu Rosemary was a component of Four Thieves Vinegar, which robbers rubbed upon their bodies to prevent infection when up to no good during the plague years of the middle ages. Also, Rosemary is the essential oil most often associated with improving hair growth in cases of Alopecia.

Oil 8 Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme oil is a powerful antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and diuretic, though it should be employed with great care. There are many types of Thyme oil available, but only the linalol chemotype is appropriate for use with children; all varieties should be diluted prior to topical application. Given the precautions, Thyme can be a first line of defense in cases of flu, being used in a room diffuser. It also supports elimination of toxic wastes from the body particularly noted for excessive uric acid, and its warming quality can eliminate mucous and phlegm. Its application for the digestive system is that of a powerful anti-parasitic, and for the muscular system, it can be helpful for rheumatic aches and pains. Thyme oil may also be supportive in cases of hair loss.

Oil 9 Lemon Essential Oil

A recent study on test-taking college students showed the diffusion of Lemon oil into a room improved test scores more than any other oil. In addition to its mind-brightening qualities, it can also disinfect room air and act as a natural deodorant. Lemon has been noted to support liver function, and is also commonly used to assist in weight loss and cellulite reduction. In blends, lemon adds a pleasant top note, and can create a synergistic effect with other oils. Finally, Lemon oil is commonly used as both a fragrance and flavoring agent.

Oil 10 Clove Essential Oil

The power of Clove essential oil is noted upon the first sensing of the aroma it is quite strong, sharp and earthy. Clove oil has been found to be the strongest anti-oxidant of any essential oil, and is a component of longevity formulas. It is also an extremely potent antibacterial, effective against a broader range of microbes than any other oil except perhaps Oregano Clove oil has even been employed to sterilize surgical instruments. Clove also has analgesic properties, and can be used to temporarily reduce the pain of toothache. Clove oil or ground cloves is also a component of Dr. Huda Clarks anti-parasite protocol, helping eliminate parasites from ones digestive system. This is a very powerful oil which should be diluted to 1 or less for topical application.

So, there we have a possible top ten essential oils for the home medicine chest, a selection with an extremely broad range of uses for common ailments seen in a family setting. It is important to note that all essential oils are powerful, and they should be treated with caution and respect. Always refer to a trusted source before making specific applications of any oil, as many can be irritating or possibly toxic if used incorrectly.

Therapeutic essential oils from allspice to ylang ylang have been providing benefits to the body, mind, and soul for centuries. Youve probably seen the dark, compact bottles with their unusual scents in your local alternative healing store, but maybe youve been hesitant to try them.

You may have found yourself wondering, what exactly is an essential oil? It is oil that is removed from the leaves, stems, and flowers of a plant. It is highly concentrated and evaporates easily. For that reason high quality essential oils are always kept in sealed containers. Any good aromatherapy or health food store will carry a range of essential oils for a variety of mental and physical ailments.

Some of the most popular therapeutic essential oils are eucalyptus, lavender, and sandalwood. Youve probably used eucalyptus in the form of potent smelling vapor rub under you nose and on your chest when you have a cold. Thats because eucalyptus helps to clear your sinus cavities, which leads to better breathing. It also soothes sores and insect bites, acts as a disinfectant, and lifts the mood.

Lavender is always a favorite of the therapeutic essential oils due to its ability to relax the body, calm the mind, fight infection, and soothe inflammation. Unlike the majority of essential oils, it does not have to be diluted and can be applied directly to trouble areas. Or, you can use a few drops in your bath to help you relax or to extinguish a tension headache.

Looking for something more exotic? Try the woody and rich smelling sandalwood oil. For millennia lovers of the deeply aromatic sandalwood oil have used it as an aid for deeper meditation and spiritual development, in religious ceremonies, and as a treatment for skin conditions and other infections of the body. High quality essential oils like pure sandalwood oil can be pricy, but youre guaranteed to enjoy the experience.

One of the less expensive therapeutic essential oils is tea tree oil, which usually comes from Australia. The scent reminds you a bit of a strong disinfectant, and thats exactly what it does best kills germs and bacteria. Always dilute tea tree oil before using it on your skin.

Therapeutic essential oils dont always come in the mysterious little bottles you see in stores or at your massage therapists office. High quality essential oils also come in salves or creams that you can apply to your skin. You not only get the benefit of the essential oil, but you receive the moisturizing properties of the cream. You can also try pure essential oils in a tincture. In a tincture the oil is mixed with alcohol and applied to the skin. In addition, you can purchase a room or car diffuser which turns essential oil into a vapor and distributes the oil throughout a room for everyone to enjoy.

Remember that pure essential oils are always the best, so purchase from stores which carry high quality essential oils. Experiment with the variety of essential oils that exist to see which ones influence your moods and body the most.

You don’t realise it yet, but in the next two minutes, you’re going to learn about an amazing natural and drug-free therapy that could release you from the shackles of your chronic back pain.

You see the truth is, your back pain is a THIEF! In fact, it’s robbing from you right now as your sitting and reading this. Yes you heard right, it’s robbing you of the FREEDOM to

1. Perform simple day to day tasks e.g. gardening, driving

2. Enjoy a good nights sleep

3. Feel energised and refreshed

4. Have peace of mind, free from depression and anxiety

5. Play with your kids

6. Bend & stretch to reach things

7. Maintain a fully independent lifestyle

The No.1 Cause of Disability

Millions are suffering like you across the world! In fact according to the UK ‘Back Care’ Charity, there are AT LEAST 1.1 million people suffering from back pain each year. Back Pain is cited as being the main cause of disability in U.K. Every year over 150 million working days are lost due to back pain.

The picture across the waters in the US tells a very similar story. According to American Chiropractic Association, at any given time, there are approximately 31 million people experiencing some form of back pain.

According to the World Health Organisation –

“More people in Canada, the U.S., and Finland are disabled from working due to musculoskeletal disorders, especially back pain, than any other group of diseases.” Badley et al 1994

Time for a Change…Don’t You Think?

Clearly those figures are not going to fill you with sunny optimism, but here’s something that will. I’m talking about a therapy that uses the awesome forces of nature to help you get your life back.

It’s been in use since about 2000 B.C. The ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks and Indians, swore by it. Archimedes praised its amazing therapeutic powers.

Today, it has many well-known devotees such as Cherie Blair, Bill Clinton, Andre Agassi, and Sir Anthony Hopkins. And, it was approved in February 2006, for use by the National Health Service.

Let me introduce the phenomenal power of Magnetic Therapy as your heavyweight contender in the fight against your back pain.

Magnetic Energy is all natural; in fact the earth itself is a huge magnet. Magnetic Therapy uses this powerful energy to stimulate and kick start your bodies own healing processes.

The therapy itself is a non-invasive and safe method of applying static or pulsed magnets, either directly above the point of injury or near a major artery. These high strength magnets generate a Magnetic Field that is powerful enough to penetrate right through the skin and bones, down to the cells.

How Magnetic Therapy Can Affect Your Back’s Pain & Inflammation

When your body sustains an injury or viral attack, the surrounding tissues at the site of injury will show up as being highly acidic.  If the body remains in this state for an prolonged duration, a condition known as &39;Acidosis&39; develops. 

Research has shown Acidosis to be a significant factor in degenerative diseases, such as Osteoarthritis,  type II Diabetes, Cancer and Irritable Bowel Disease. It is believed that these diseases are acute acidic reactions which have developed over time into Chronic conditions.

This acidic state makes it difficult for the damaged cells and tissues to absorb oxygen. As you may be aware, your cells & tissues need oxygen to survive. Therefore, if the condition is left untreated over an extended period of time the cells and surrounding tissues will eventually die.

However, you will be pleased to hear that the application of a Negative Magnetic Field can reverse this process.  The reason being that when Magnets are applied directly above the site of injury, the Negative Field is able to penetrate down to the cellular level, the iron content present within your blood cells becomes responsive to it.

This reaction results in improved blood circulation. One of the functions of blood is to take oxygen and nutrients from the heart out to the cells, tissues and vital organs in the body. Therefore, improved blood circulation means that more oxygen and nutrients can be transported out to the damaged cells and tissues a lot more efficiently.

This booster supply of oxygen and nutrients enables the bodies own healing processes to work at an accelerated rate. In the midst of all this activity, the brain sends out signals to release the body’s natural painkillers, i.e. Endorphins.

Magnetic Therapy is not only effective at reducing pain, but also tackling Inflammation. One of the key benefits to this therapy is that it works with the body to reduce the pain, whereas traditional drugs treatment &39;block&39; or suppress the pain signals. In the effect, they temporarily mask the problem.

Inflammation is the body’s primary healing response to damaged tissues or attacks from viruses or bacteria.

When the body comes under attack, the brain initiates the defence sequence of sending out the White Blood Cells think of them as the bodies ‘heavy mob’ who are always on the look out for trouble, aka the viruses, foreign bodies etc to the site of injury or location of foreign bodies.

The white blood cell’s job is to devour the foreign bodies and then release chemicals into the surrounding tissues. It is these chemicals that trigger inflammation.

Inflammation causes blood vessels to increase in width to make allowance for the increased amount of blood going to the site of injury. The blood transports the white blood cells, platelets, nutrients and oxygen to the area at an accelerated pace. Fluid flows from the blood vessels and leaks into the damaged tissues causing swelling. The swollen area becomes puffy and warm to touch.

White blood cells will maintain their position at the point of injury, and the brain will continue to send reinforcements until the battle is won. However, if there is a continued highly concentrated presence of white blood cells in the blood, this could indicate that something very serious is going on in the body.

The Magnetic Field benefits inflammation by drawing out excess fluid and toxins from the surrounding tissues and then expelling them, on route, via the Liver and Kidneys.

Once the excess fluid and toxins are removed the swelling will begin to reduce.

The improved blood circulation and tackling of inflammation, leaves the way open for the body to be able to HEAL ITSELF efficiently.

According to James Braly M.D., Medical Director of Immuno Labs, Fort Lauderdale, inflammation, which is one of the key manifestations in chronic pain is often triggered by an allergic reaction. The reaction will usually stem from food allergies. Thus if you feel as though you have tried all or most of the proven methods of pain relief, and are still not having any joy, then testing for food allergies is probably the way to go. In addition, Dr. Braly also recommends enforcing a strict limit on foods which are high in saturated fat content, such as dairy products, red meats, hydrogenated fats, alcohol and caffine.

So, you may well be wandering what is the bottom line here, I would say that the net effect of Magnetic Therapy has to be that it essentially tips the pain relief scales in your favour, i.e., you control the Back Pain instead of the Back Pain controlling you.

The main benefits that you can get from Magnetic Therapy are that it

1. Is a drug free alternative to manage pain

2. Uses natural energy

3. Has stood the test of time

4. Is constantly advancing – the amount of evidence and studies about it’s effectiveness continue to grow year on year

5. Won’t mask pain, it attacks the source

6. Can make you feel less stressed and more energised

7. Can be used to treat mild depression

8. Relieves or eliminates pain & inflammation

9. Improves circulation

10. Is a cost effective option to paying for prescriptions

11. Longer lasting pain relief than traditional pain killers

12. Puts you in control of your pain

Try it today; you’ve nothing to lose except your pain!

Donna Gray, Director

DISCLAIMER

- The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. The author of this article is not a medically trained physician; therefore, any theories or suggestions put forward are intended to supplement and not replace the advice of medically or legally trained professionals.

- All matters concerning your health require medical supervision.

- Please ensure that you consult your GP prior to adopting any suggestions put forward by Magnetics 4 Back Pain, as well as about any condition that may require medical diagnosis or medical attention.

- Magnetics 4 Back Pain is not responsible in any manner whatsoever for any injury sustained either directly or indirectly from information put forward in this article.

Orlando, Florida is an exciting city with beautiful scenery and several of the best theme parks in the world that demand attention from all. Orlando has fantastic weather and is a great place to live or to visit. So, whether your stay in exciting Orlando is for a business trip, an unforgettable family vacation at Disney World or Universal Studios, or a career related family relocation you might find you want to receive a massage therapy session. Massage in Orlando is widely available from independent Licensed and Certified Massage Therapists, Licensed Massage Establishments, and several world class Day Spas.

Massage in Orlando is an experience that is memorable and enjoyable and something youll want to repeat over and over. Whether your goal is to completely relax with a slow, soothing massage, relieve muscular pain and chronic tension, have a more comfortable pregnancy, or improve your sports performance Massage Therapists in Orlando can help you achieve your goals. In fact there are several types of Massage in Orlando that you can receive. The most commonly offered massage techniques in Orlando are

Swedish Massage – relaxing massage using gliding strokes, kneading, friction, and striking strokes along with gentle stretching and rocking. This massage is soothing and reduces muscular soreness while improving overall circulation.

Deep Tissue Massage – massage of the deeper musculature and connective tissue to release chronic tension and pain. Its often a firmer massage that is appreciated by experienced clients.

Hot Stone Massage – perhaps the most relaxing and luxurious massage you can get. Heated stones are used to perform the massage strokes while seeming to melt away stress and tension.

Trigger Point Therapy – targeted pain relief using specific pressure to release painful knots in muscles.

Neuromuscular Therapy – advanced pain relief targeting specific trigger points in muscles, tendons, and attachment sites.

PrenatalPregnancy Massage – massage for the mother-to-be helping her to decrease pain and discomfort throughout the pregnancy.

However, in addition to the more commonly practiced massage techniques your Orlando based Massage Therapist might also practice some other well known massage therapy techniques

- Cupping Massage
- Medical Massage
- Acupressure
- Ortho-Bionomy
- Aromatherapy Massage
- Myofascial Release
- Orthopedic Massage

You might even want to try a special treat when you get a massage in Orlando like Couple’s Massage where a couple can receive their massage together in the same massage room with two massage therapists. During the couples massage each member of the couple can choose to receive a different massage from that of their partner. Or, for the true massage therapy enthusiast some Licensed Massage Establishments and Day Spas offer Four Hand Massage, or Tandem Massage, where you can be massaged by two massage therapists at the same time.

Massage in Orlando is also very convenient to receive. Massage in Orlando is available on an incall basis at a Massage Therapist’s office, salon, or clinic, in a Licensed Massage Establishment, or in one of many conveniently located Day Spas. Massage in Orlando is also available on an outcall basis in your Orlando area home, office, or hotel. No matter where you are in Orlando a great massage is just minutes away.

So what’s stopping you from receiving the benefits of massage? Massage in Orlando is relaxing, stress reducing, pain relieving, and performance improving so get one today…you’ll be glad you did!

Color-spectrum therapy has been popular since the days of antiquity. In Ancient Rome, the healer Pleneus recommended precious red stones to stop bleeding, while in China, healers cured stomach discomforts by gently massaging the patients belly with the yellow color. In Western society, notions such as these have given way to the scientific understanding of light as electromagnetic energy, and of color, as being determined by its frequency. The possibility that the energy of light could interact with and affect a living organism motivated modern color-spectrum therapy, which became popular in 1877 when Englishmen Dawns and Blunt discovered the ability to cure rickets with ultraviolet light. Here the scientific explanation is that ultraviolet radiation which is a component of sunlight enables a biochemical reaction in the skin that produces vitamin D, and thereby correcting the vitamin deficiency that causes rickets. It is also known that a specific kind of depression associated with the dark months of winter called seasonal affective disorder can be alleviated by exposure to a suitable artificial light source that mimics sunlight. Exposure of the retinas to this light seems to be important; the therapeutic mechanism may involve brain chemistry neurotransmitters affected by this exposure. Thus, there is at least some scientific basis for the idea that light can improve a persons health and well being.

Within Eastern healing traditions, there is also a chromatic interpretation of the chakras and human energy system, in which each chakra is associated with a certain characteristic color, and that the exposure to certain colors can have a health-enhancing effect. Kirlian photography represents an attempt to bring the detection of these colors beyond the subjective realm of intuitive healers into reproducible scientific methodology. Currently, controversy surrounds the origin and meaning of the patterns produced by objects on photographic films in the presence of high-voltage electric fields. Some people believe that these patterns represent the human energy field, auras and chakras. Others discredit these ideas and offer purely physical explanations based upon gas ionization in the presence of moisture.

Whatever the case, it is now well established that biochemical processes and metabolism in the body and brain are accompanied by electrical signals, which can be detected – for example with electrocardiograms and electroencephalograms. Who is to say that the body’s electrical energy is not organized just as matter is organized within the anatomical structures. It is conceivable that refinement of scientific instruments may one day detect and characterize the chakras and associated energy fields that have figured in Eastern healing traditions for thousands of years. Imagine how the Western mindset of 200 years ago would have reacted when presented with the proposition that the human heart and brain produce signals that are now routinely used in standard medical diagnostics.

What is now indisputable – even from the perspective of modern medical science – is that the practices of Eastern philosophy, such as yoga and tai chi, which are informed and guided by the theory of chakras and their colors and energy meridians – lead to health, longevity and well being.

Famous American doctor John Lieberman, after many years of experiments, discovered that while the ray of light passes along the optic nerve, it splits into two parts – one shaft creating the visual image of the object in the brain and the second one affecting the hypothalamus, the organ responsible for maintaining heart rhythm, body temperature, and feelings of joy and fear among others. The brain reacts differently to different light, and with the help of the endocrine system, stimulates the production of various hormones. Orange light stabilizes kidney function and aids in living with diabetes. Green light improves the function of the cardio-vascular and blood systems. Blue light calms the nerves and contributes to reducing depression. Red increases the potency and physical strength, while violet rejuvenates us with the help of hormones of that color, such as melatonin.

All these age-old methods are simple in fact, deceptively so, easy to perform and very effective. If you can dedicate 10 minutes daily to them, very soon you will feel more energetic, invigorated, radiant and happy.

A laxative is defined as,

A substance that is used to promote a bowel movement when you are constipated.

Laxatives work by starting and stimulating peristaltic action. Peristaltic action is a wave like movement that occurs throughout your gastrointestinal tract esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon that helps move your food into your stomach, through your intestines, through your colon, and out your rectum.

There are drugstore products, natural occurring foods, special nutrients, liquid preparations, herbal substances, and homeopathic liquids that have laxative effects. I do not recommend using drugstore laxatives or any other form of drugs to clear a constipation problem.

All my recommendations are for using natural foods, minerals, special nutrients, or herbal products. And some of these natural methods should also be used only for the time it takes to clear your constipation.

Recommendation You should use Drugstore laxatives or drug laxatives only under Doctors recommendations.

There are no safe drugstore laxatives. These laxatives are habit-forming and work by desensitizing your colon. Their use can irritate nerves and muscles along the intestinal lining, interfere with digestion and adsorption, cause cramps, deplete fluids, and create other physical internal problems.

Laxatives can enlarge and seriously damage your colon when used for a longtime. Eventually, after continual use, you will not be able to have a bowel movement without using them.

If you have been using laxatives for a long time, you will have to retrain your colon to activate peristaltic action. This training will have to be done under the care of a medical practitioner. If you are tempted to use drugstore laxatives remember that,

Laxatives bought in drugstores are of questionable safety. Because of the action these laxatives have on the small intestine and colon, doctors and other health practitioners recommend their limited use since they,

have chemical side effects that affect your health

produce an active force that can damage nerves that control the muscles in your colon walls

desensitizes your colon so your natural peristaltic action is reduced

become habit-forming

rush food through your intestines so it does not digest and absorb nutrients or minerals properly

kill friendly bacteria, unless they are fiber foods

contain preservative, coloring, and other additives that are unhealthy.

Remove excessive fluids and electrolytes from your body.

Recommendation Never use a laxative, Drugstore or Natural, when you have acute abdominal pain, especially if the pain is on the lower right hand side, where the appendix is located. See your doctor right away.

Using Laxatives for the wrong reason can be life threatening.

If you use drugstore laxative, use them for just the time needed to clear your constipation. Then starting looking at what it takes to stop your constipation from occurring.

Arthritis had Mrs. Thompson grounded for years. She had seen several doctors with no permanent solution to the problem. As an alternative medicinal stream, Mrs. Thomson agreed to use aromatherapy. Regular massage with the essential oils of lemon balm, rose, black spruce, tarragon and jasmine was recommended. She testifies to the positive effect aromatherapy had on her condition.

Many people like Mrs. Thompson have found relief in aromatherapy treatment. The system of aromatherapy treatment utilises aromas and scents to heal the human being as a whole. Aromas and scents are derived from several plants and herbs. Research that has been undertaken on plants and herbs from the ancient times until now has helped determine their therapeutic benefits. However, more than a science, aromatherapy is an art and involves a creative approach in making specific blends.

Essential oils have an important role to play in aromatherapy treatment. An essential oil is the essence of plants derived through a process whereby plants are distilled through steam or water. What we get through the process is a concentrated essential oil, of which a few drops are capable of giving the desired effect.

One of the first known discoveries of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils was made by French chemist Ren-Maurice Gattefoss. Gattefoss is also credited with coining the term aromatherapy. When he got a burn on his hand, he accidentally put his hand in a jar full of lavender oil. He was surprised to see that he got immediate relief and the burn left no scars on his hand. Through further research, he established the healing powers of lavender oil.

Some of the common ailments where aromatherapy treatment has been accepted as a potent solution are anxiety, stress or insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, eczema, digestive problems, menstrual or menopausal problems, etc. Therefore, aromatherapy treatments heal physically as well as psychologically.

A common respiratory disorder is asthma. This is caused through contact with allergen, after a tiring exercise session or through infection. An asthmatic person experiences shortness of breath, cough and mucous production as a result of inflammation or contraction of the bronchi. The condition can be treated through aromatherapy treatment. The oils of clove bud and lemongrass have been recognised to have anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. These oils along with the oils of lemon, clary sage, and angelica can be very useful for treating asthma.

Aromatherapy products are available in several stores, referred to as aromatherapy stores. These stock preparations made from herbs and plants sourced from different parts of the world; mostly, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and the Africas.

However, the use of aromatherapy treatments must be strictly prescriptive. Toiletries, which use aromas and scents, use a very small amount of essential oils. Therefore, they are not harmful. As said earlier, essential oils are highly concentrated. If a larger dosage of it is taken, then can result in irritation or be poisonous, when used with food or drink.

Did you think essential oils being derived from plants are free from side effects? No, they are not. The common side effects of essential oils are nausea, headaches etc.

Get help from an expert practitioner on the appropriate treatment for ones condition. The person who practices aromatherapy treatment is known as aromatherapist. He either will massage the oil on the skin or would suggest the appropriate method of use. Just as one would check the credentials of a doctor practising in contemporary medicine, it is important to know whether the aromatherapist has been trained in aromatherapy treatment. An aromatherapist proceeds in the same manner as a common doctor. He will first get a detailed medical history of the individual through a series of questions on diet, lifestyle, and health problems. This goes well with the system of aromatherapy healing where the whole rather than one particular ailment is considered for treatment.

I was reviewing an ebook on vinegar remedies and uses recently, and came across some surprising assertions. Despite the ebook author claiming that vinegar was not a cure all, the list of complaints vinegar supposedly fixed was astounding. Almost as astounding as the rationale behind using vinegar to fix said complaints.

Apart from the evils of satisfying one’s ‘debased’ taste buds over nourishing the body – which is apparently the cause of all of modern man’s ills. The author suggest we start looking to ‘natural resources’ that have been used in the days before Christ. Apparently that was a bit of a turning point nutritionally.

Anyway, sunshine, water and air aside, its all herbs, honey, and homebrews. These are the antidote to the ‘unnatural chemical compounds’ that are plaguing us. Hmmm – that must be why we our ancestors lived about double the life span that we do. Oh, I’m sorry, its we who live on average twice as long as our ancestors…

It would be lovely if we could explain away the plethora of chronic and acute illnesses that affect so many people. There is no doubt that in some cases nutritional choice has played a causative or aggravating factor in a person’s ill health. But people who follow very healthy, natural diets also get sick. People who exercise still have heart attacks. The answer is not always simple, nor is it always to be found by glorifying folk remedies or taking complex Oriental classification systems and treatments out of context. Which is not to say there is not some value, for certain things, in either traditional medicine, or folk remedies.

But giving herbal treatments, or folk remedies, the veneer of pseudo science, does not help anyone.

The author of this ebook stated that ‘a number of outstanding authorities’ have proven the ‘therapeutic’ value of using apple cider vinegar for complaints ranging from obesity to arthritis – without naming said authorities. And the chief rationale behind apple cider vinegar’s supposed wide ranging value is that, like apples, it contains Phosphorous, Chlorine, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium, Calcium, Sulfur, Iron, Fluorine, Silicon, plus many trace elements. And, Potassium.

Now, apple cider vinegar may in fact contain all of these things. It certainly does contain potassium, but only very small amounts – about 15mg per tablespoon as compared to 159mg per apple, or 288mg for 10 rings of dried apple. Cider vinegar has no sodium, no magnesium, and about 1mg of calcium and phosphorus. Hardly noteworthy. But that doesn’t stop the book promoting apple cider vinegar as encouraging the health of veins and capillaries, and therefore heart health and blood pressure. And whilst we’re at it, it helps the blood clot better, though there is no explanation as to this mechanism. By this rationale, tomorrow it will help colonize mars. Presumably in the same mysterious way as it stores the fiber this ebook attributes cider vinegar as having.

But just as apple cider vinegar in fact has no fiber – unlike apples – so cider vinegar is not nearly as miraculous or mysterious as the ebook’s logic. Vinegar may in fact have promise in cleaning without having to resort to harsh chemicals. And in may also be beneficial for some health purposes. But it does not do nearly as much as is claimed. And by creatively linking it to every ailment imaginable, it serves to turn herbal remedies into a bad joke. Mars anyone?

The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human body, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”…Thomas Edison, 1902.

We have many different options for healthcare today, but the focus will be on biologically based treatments and prevention. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM defines the scope of biologically based practices to include, but is not limited to, botanicals, animal-derived extracts, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, prebiotics and probiotics, whole diets, and functional foods.

But first, let’s take a look at the different philosophies of healthcare practiced today. Allopathic, alternative, complementary, integrative-what does it all mean? Each includes many different kinds of therapies, and although alternative, complementary and integrative are sometimes used interchangeably, the general focus of each is different.

Allopathic medicine focuses on disease and the treatment of the physical body with drugs and surgery. These are conventional physicians with the title of M.D. that are universally recognized as having a medical degree.

Alternative medicine includes those therapies not generally recommended by allopathic physicians. It includes Energy Medicine, Ethnomedicine, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Homeopathic Medicine, Botanical or Herbal Medicine, Bio molecular Medicine, Manual Medicine, Spiritual Medicine.

Complementary medicine includes therapies used by both alternative and allopathic physicians. It includes Exercise Medicine, Environmental Medicine, Social Medicine, Nutritional Medicine.

Integrative medicine is the attempt to integrate the many philosophies of medicine, allopathic, complementary, and alternative, to treat the whole person, physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual.

Many people are hesitant about trusting their healthcare to anyone other than an allopathic physician. But did you know that Naturopathic Medical Doctors are the only physicians who receive complete training in conventional medicine as well as natural medicine? Licensed Naturopathic medical doctors N.M.D.N.D. attend a four-year graduate level Naturopathic medical school where they are educated in all of the same basic sciences as a conventional M.D. In addition to this training, they are extensively educated in the philosophy and implementation of safe and effective natural therapeutics with a strong emphasis on disease prevention. Unfortunately, some states do not yet offer licensing for Naturopathic Doctors.

Allopathic physicians and pharmaceutical drugs are, and always will be, necessary for acute, emergency medical care and trauma, as well as for conditions that cannot be controlled with lifestyle changes, good nutrition and supplements. But many conditions can be prevented and controlled with lifestyle changes and biologically based medicine. Just as many pharmaceutical drugs can interact with other drugs, some biologically based supplements may interact with drugs and cause side effects, so a healthcare provider should always be consulted before adding supplements to the diet. In some cases, alternative therapy may actually have beneficial synergistic effects in conjunction with existing medical therapy, even when not feasible as a replacement.

Biologically based medicine is not new. It was practiced for thousands of years before pharmaceutical companies began manufacturing the first synthetic drugs. In addition, many of the pharmaceutical preparations used around the world are based on plants. As late as the 1930′s, the formulation of about 80 of synthetic pharmaceutical drugs began with a natural compound. Today, about 25 of prescription drugs contain active ingredients derived from plants.

The United States has the most advanced medical system in the world, yet the population is increasingly turning to natural healing methods. However, the U.S. still lags behind world stats. A survey of 31,000 U.S. adults conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics in 2004 showed that 35 percent use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. Today, the World Health Organization estimates that herbal medicine is still the primary source of health care for approximately 80 percent of the world’s population.

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. These diseases and other chronic diseases such as obesity, depression, metabolic and digestive disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and fibroids, account for 7 of every 10 deaths and affect the quality of life of 90 million Americans. Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and most costly, yet they are the most preventable.

Conventional physicians treat chronic diseases with expensive pharmaceuticals that may temporarily relieve the painful or uncomfortable symptoms, but the drugs do nothing to resolve the underlying cause, and may actually cause other side effects and serious problems. Because nutrition affects our immune system, organ function, hormonal balance and cellular metabolism, many of these chronic conditions and diseases can be traced to a nutrition deficiency. When the deficiency is not corrected, symptoms begin to appear and eventually lead to disease and premature aging.

Many pharmaceuticals can effectively be replaced with multi vitamin supplements, botanicals, amino acids, prebiotics and probiotics, fresh foods and functional foods for both prevention and treatment. Because herbs work synergistically, combinations of herbs with similar properties enhance the properties of each. This is why choosing a product containing a combination of different herbs is usually more effective than choosing individual selections. An example of this is the combination of valerian, passion flower and hops to promote relaxation and restful sleep. All three have a relaxing effect on the body. Valerian relaxes muscle tension, while hops relaxes the nervous system, and passiflora acts as a sedative. Popular alternative medicine company Melaleuca even offers a product called RestEZ that offers a supplement that contains all three natural sleep enhancers valerian, passion flower and hops.

In part two of The Power of Natural Alternative Medicine we will discuss the regulation of nutritional supplements and little known history of natural medicine.