Alternative Treatments for Colitis

Ulcerative colitis results in inflammation and open sores in the innermost layers of the rectum and large intestine (colon). The bleeding ulcers form pus and mucus while the inflammation promotes frequent diarrhea. This inflammatory bowel disease causes pain and can be life-threatening. Currently, no cure exists for this condition and you will experience cycles of flare-ups and remission. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several natural strategies might help ease symptoms. You should consult with a health care provider experienced in treating this condition naturally to design a safe and effective regimen.

Nutritional Supplements

If you have colitis, you are probably lacking adequate amounts of important nutrients since this condition impedes proper absorption; the following supplements can replenish your system and directly address the condition.

Folic acid (800 mcg daily) can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate symptoms and prevent another flare-up; take 3.7 g of EPA and 2.2 grams of DHA daily. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, talk to your doctor about how much fish oil is safe for you to take. Probiotics, known as the "good" bacteria can treat symptoms. They come in a variety of forms; take as directed on the product label. Vitamin D (1,000 IU daily) and calcium(1,200 mg daily) are necessary for strong bones; if you have colitis, you are at higher risk of osteoporosis since your body lacks inadequate amounts of these nutrients.

Herbs

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests the following herbs based on a review of studies and other literature where they showed benefit.

Psyllium seeds, especially when combined with the drug mesalamine, can help increase the length of remission. Take 20 g of ground husks twice a day with water. Boswellia has potent anti-inflammatory properties; take 550 mg three times a day for up to six weeks. Curcumin can reduce symptoms; take 2,000 mg daily.

The following herbs are used traditionally to treat inflammation in the digestive tract but have not been studied specifically for colitis.

Slippery elm forms a protective coating over the intestines that soothes irritation and encourages healing; take 60 to 320 mg daily or mix one tsp. of powder with water up to four times a day. Marshmallow tea acts in a similar fashion as slippery elm; drink one cup three times a day. Do not use marshmallow if you have diabetes. Chamomile tea eases symptoms of digestive upset; drink three cups daily.

Acupuncture

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine frequently use acupuncture to treat inflammatory bowel diseases and it appears to relieve symptoms of colitis. Be sure to go to a licensed acupuncturist. An acupuncturist usually will offer suggestions for lifestyle changes based on a TCM perspective that can also be helpful.

Mind/Body Techniques

Stress often makes your symptoms worse. Several natural mind/body techniques can help relieve stress and reduce symptoms. Biofeedback helps you use your mind to control physical reactions in the body. Yoga, tai chi and meditation help you achieve a balanced and centered mind which reduces negative responses to stress. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tightening and releasing one muscle group at a time and can be done anywhere. Deep breathing can relieve stress and also relax your abdominal muscles, reducing pain and discomfort. Hypnosis can promote muscle relaxation, reduce pain and bloating; be sure to consult a licensed practitioner.

Diet

What you eat is an important part of managing this condition whether you are using alternative or traditional treatments. Reduce consumption of dairy products to reduce diarrhea. Fruits and vegetables are important but you might find too much fiber aggravates your condition. Steaming or baking vegetables can make them easier to digest. During a flare-up, a bland diet low in fiber is best. Eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of three big ones to reduce stress on the digestive system. Stay away from refined, white flour foods as well as caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

Home Remedy with Olive Oil to Soothe Eczema & Psoriasis

Used internally or externally, olive oil is a long-respected agent for skin care. Psoriasis and eczema are disorders in which the skin's natural regenerative properties have gone awry, resulting in drying, damage and often scarring. Olive oil's anti-oxidants and emollients make it a perfect treatment for these potentially serious problems.

Olive Oil Properties

Olive oil, both ingested and applied externally, has been used for millennia to treat skin disorders. Not all olive oil is alike, though. Cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil stored and sold in opaque, airtight tins or glass bottles is the best, as it retains most of the natural anti-oxidants of olives. For best preservation, olive oil should be stored in a cool (not cold-it will congeal in the refrigerator) area, out of sunlight and with little temperature variation.

External Use of Olive Oil

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder in which skin patches grow at an accelerated pace, dying and flaking off faster than adjacent skin areas. In the worst cases, it affects the hands and small joints, causing psoriatic arthritis. Eczema is caused primarily by environment, rather than genetics, but otherwise it is quite similar to psoriasis: areas of irritated skin that gradually get larger if left untreated. There are several forms of eczema, from cradle cap in babies to allergic dermatitis.
Because of its emollient properties, olive oil rubbed into affected areas twice daily will keep the drying skin supple and less prone to damage, while the anti-oxidants in olive oil will encourage normal skin growth. Adding an essential oil to the olive oil is fine but not necessary; similarly, heating the oil to no more than 105 F is fine and can be relaxing but is not necessary. For best results, massage the oil into clean skin after a warm shower or bath; don't use more than your skin can absorb in about five minutes of gentle rubbing.
Psoriatic dandruff and cradle cap can be treated in a similar fashion, especially with short hair. Massage about a half-ounce directly into the scalp after washing and rinsing hair. Allow the oil to sit in place for about 10 minutes, then use a comb to gently loosen and remove plaques at the base of hair. Wash and rinse repeatedly until the hair no longer feels greasy. You may have to do this several times to remove all the dandruff, but do not repeat more often than twice per week.
There are several types of psoriasis and eczema, and not all respond well to olive oil. In some cases, discontinuing regular medication and using olive oil can make lesions worse. Be sure to let your doctor know what you are doing, and if your skin condition does not improve within a month, discontinue external use.

Nutritional Use of Olive Oil

There are many anecdotal stories that increasing olive oil in your diet improves psoriasis and eczema conditions. Unfortunately, a study published by the British Journal of Dermatology in 2005 found so little evidence of this that olive oil was used as a placebo when testing the effects of fish oil on these disorders. There is evidence that improved nutrition in general can improve skin condition, and it would certainly not cause harm to substitute olive oil for other oils in the diet.

Alternative Medicine Remedies for Overworked Liver & Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system consists of the lymphoid organs, including lymph nodes. It aids in eliminating waste from the body. Waste collects in the lymph nodes and moves to the kidneys, skin, lungs and colon so it can be expelled. The liver produces bile, which is necessary for digestion and expels toxins and waste. These organs become overworked and can lead to symptoms of sluggishness, digestion issues and headaches.

Lymphatic System Home Remedies

There are several effective ways to boost your lymphatic system at home. Try dry brushing. Beginning at the outer limbs and working to the body's center, gently use a brush to massage your skin, allowing sweat glands to open pores and let your body breathe.

A massage, sharing the same principle as dry brushing, is also a good way to stimulate the lymphatic system. Elevate the feet for a few minutes and massage the outer points of the body, working toward the center. You can also ask a professional therapist for a lymphatic massage.

Take a break from preservatives. Avoid highly processed foods because they cause fluid retention and swelling. Also avoid foods that contain monosodium glutamate, as well as commercial soup or sauce bases and broths, gelatin, and anything hydrolyzed. Focus instead on drinking eight to 10 glasses of pure water every day and add fresh vegetables and foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, broccoli and salmon, to your diet. Also squeeze half a lemon into a cup of warm water each morning and drink.

Homeopathy for Liver

If you are tired each morning, irritable, constipated or have gas or bloating, your liver may be overworked. Other signs are morning headaches, digestive headaches, pain on the right side and skin problems.
There are several homeopathic remedies for a sluggish liver, according to Nicole Duelli, a certified classical homeopath. The herb chelidonium majus is helpful with gas, right-side pains and irritability. Lycopodium helps with bloating and morning sluggishness. Nux vomica and natrium sulphuricum are other herbs to try. Duelli recommends contacting an experienced homeopath for liver problems, since they tend to be chronic. Remember that some herbs should not be taken in raw forms, but should be diluted to work safely.

Home Remedies for Liver

Your liver is more likely to be overworked if you drink large amounts of alcohol or eat a lot of processed, fatty foods.
Juice fasts are a good way to cleanse. Drink the juice of two whole oranges every day for at least three weeks. Another option you can try is to soak roasted cumin seeds in buttermilk for one half-hour, add a pinch of salt and drink. Make sure you swallow the seeds. Try making a juice using three parts carrot juice to one part cucumber juice. Drink this daily. A cup of dandelion tea each morning can also help by stimulating bile production and aiding the liver in blood purification.
Milk thistle is another excellent way to help your liver. Milk thistle not only detoxifies the organ, but also helps with new cell growth. Take two capsules daily.

Melasma Home Cure

Melasma is a skin condition in which dark patches or spots appear on the face because of hyperpigmentation in the skin. There are several causes of this disease, including hormonal changes, medications such as birth control pills, and allergic reactions. Pregnancy often causes melasma. Sun damage can make melasma worse, but there are several home remedies that can diminish the appearance of the dark spots.

Kitchen remedies

Acidic substances are helpful when it comes to improving melasma because they help exfoliate the skin and get rid of dead skin cells. This will give skin a fresher appearance and help lighten any dark areas. Vinegar, an acetic acid, is a good choice. Dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of water and cleanse your skin. Apple cider vinegar is a good pick. You can also try a mixture of vinegar and onion juice. You'll need to grind up an onion to make the juice. Wash your face twice a day with this mixture. If you don't want to bother juicing the onion, just dip onion slices in vinegar and apply the slices to the pigmented areas.

One of the most common acidic liquids that can help with skin texture and appearance is lemon juice. Using this helps get rid of pigmented areas because lemon juice's acidic nature helps the top layer of skin peel, revealing newer skin underneath. Adding sugar to the lemon juice will aid with exfoliation. Another recipe that aids with improving dark spots is to mix a quarter cup of unripe, mashed currants with a tablespoon of unpasteurized honey. The honey will help soothe skin while the currants will help exfoliate. Leave this on your face for an hour before washing off. After washing, rub a small amount of lime juice on your face to help with skin turnover.

Internal remedies

Drink plenty of water. This helps the skin look its best and also aids in getting rid of toxins through sweat. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits. These foods contain necessary vitamins and minerals for healthy-looking skin.

Prevention

Avoid sunlight. Sun will cause the dark spots of melasma to darken. Also, if you do use any remedies, spending a lot of time in direct sun will undo any results. Always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and cover up with a hat when you are outdoors.

Stress can also make melasma worse. Try to avoid excess stress. Exercise and meditation are good ways to relieve stress.

Nonpharmaceutical Ways to Raise HDL

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is an important part of the body's cells, but it can build up in the arteries and cause damage. There are two types of cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL is considered "bad" and HDL is "good." Raising HDL levels is desirable, and can be done in many nonpharmaceutical ways.

Eat Certain Foods

By simply adding certain foods to your diet, HDL levels can be increased. Omega-3 fats aid in increasing HDL levels, and these are found in cold water fish, including tuna, mackerel, herring, halibut and salmon. Get more fiber in your diet by eating apples, prunes, oranges, cranberries, avocados, oatmeal, oat bran, barley, beans, raw white and yellow onions and macadamia nuts. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, eaten in moderation can be consumed daily. Cook using olive oil.

Drink Certain Beverages

Drink several cups of brewed green tea a day--not instant or in a pre-mixed bottle. Although doctors recommend no more than two alcoholic drinks a day for men and one for women, red wine is an antioxidant and also reduces blood sugar levels and blood pressure. According to a study from Boston University School of Medicine, grape juice also significantly increases HDL.

Take Supplements

It's not always possible to get all your nutrients from food. Daily vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements can provide another source. Coenzyme Q-10 and omega-3 supplements work together to increase HDL. Vitamin B complex can help, along with the minerals calcium and magnesium. A garlic supplement, as well as eating fresh garlic, may raise "good" cholesterol levels while reducing blood pressure. Garlic also has antioxidant properties. Other beneficial supplements to try are N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA).

Avoid Harmful Foods

Just as important as eating the right foods is avoiding certain foods that are high in cholesterol, trans fats and saturated fats. Limit or eliminate the consumption of deep-fried foods, whole-fat dairy products, fast foods and foods that contain partially or fully hydrogenated oils (often found in commercial baked goods, margarines and other processed foods).

Exercise

Aerobic exercise raises HDL levels, and it has additional benefits, such as maintaining weight, improving strength and supporting cardiovascular health.

Instructions for Magnetic Ankle Bracelets

Magnetic bracelets are not only a fashion statement, but serve a purpose---to help heal problem areas of the ankles, wrists, feet and calves. It is believed that magnets relax the muscles and improve oxygen and the flow of blood to these areas by adjusting ionic balances in the body. No side effects have been reported from wearing a magnetic bracelet.

Choosing Your Bracelet

When selecting a magnetic bracelet, you can choose between copper, silver and gold as the primary metal. You can find many different styles online, ranging from clasps to stretch bracelets.

Look for one that fits comfortably around your ankle. Some types of bracelets are adjustable. Look at the gauss, or strength of the magnetic field, of the bracelet and choose the one that fits correctly. Don't buy an ankle bracelet if the package does not indicate the gauss, as the store may not allow the return of the bracelet.

Placement of the Bracelet

You will need to place the bracelet around the part of the ankle that is giving you trouble. If more than one ankle bracelet is worn, make sure to place them at least an inch apart from each other. Many advise not wearing the bracelet continuously. Instead, wear the ankle bracelet for about 5 to 7 days, then leave it off for the same amount of time.

Don't wear the magnetic ankle bracelet if you have a pacemaker or if you have issues with high blood pressure. You also do not want to wear it next to your watch, as this can affect the magnets in the bracelet. Consult your doctor before wearing the magnetic bracelet if you have any concerns.

Care Instructions

Do not drop the magnetic bracelet onto a hard surface. This can cause the magnetic properties to stop working. Do not clean your bracelet with jewelry cleaner. This can alter the benefits of the bracelet as well. Do not allow your bracelet to come into contact with salt and chlorine, which can corrode the bracelet.

Clean your magnetic bracelet with a clean soft cloth or a damp cloth with a little mild soap. Completely rinse the bracelet and allow it to dry naturally. For copper bracelets, clean with a brass or metal cleaner designed for it.

Home Cure for Thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection caused by any species of the fungus Candida, usually by Candida albicans. Thrush can affect the skin, genitals or digestive tract of babies, children and adults, both male and female. Typically, thrush affects breastfeeding babies' mouths and women's vaginas, also known as a yeast infection. Symptoms may include itching, burning or soreness in the mouth, genitals or skin.

Tea Tree and Coconut Oil Remedy

Mix drops of tea tree oil and coconut or olive oil and apply the salve to the nipples after breastfeeding. Always rinse the nipples and dry them before feeding again. You can also apply raw, virgin coconut oil to your nipples and your baby's mouth before and after breastfeeding to prevent passing thrush back and forth. You can also apply a mixture of coconut oil and caprylic acid powder to the nipples between feeding. Make sure to rinse it off and apply only coconut oil before feeding again.

Yogurt Remedy

Eat yogurt regularly and give your baby fingerfuls of yogurt as well. You can also dab yogurt onto the yeast patches in your baby's mouth.

Baking Soda Remedy

Combine one teaspoon of baking soda and eight ounces of water in a bowl. Make sure all of the baking soda is diluted before dabbing the solution onto the affected areas of the mouth. Use a cotton swab to apply the solution and make sure to use a clean swab for each application to prevent cross-contamination.

Grapefruit Seed Extract Remedy

Make a solution of one ounce of water and 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract. Apply it to the inside of the cheeks (for babies and adults). Use this solution when breastfeeding as well. Swab your baby's mouth before nursing and apply the solution to your nipples after nursing. You can also apply this mixture to affected patches of skin.

Vaginal Thrush

For vaginal thrush, scrub your panties with unscented detergent before washing them in the washing machine. You can also boil your panties before washing or soaking them in bleach for 24 hours. You can also add vinegar to the rinse water and dry the panties outside in sunlight when possible.

Prevent Thrush

Avoid getting thrush by eating wholesome foods and avoiding processed grains and sugars. Some foods that help prevent thrush include fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, milk kefir and yogurt. Women should always wear cotton panties that are washed in very hot water after each use.