How to Use Mexican Folk Medicine

Derived from a combination of Aztec, Native American and Spanish influence, Mexican folk medicine is indeed multicultural. With many treatments enlisting the use of popular herbs and vegetables, common cures are quite affordable. Known as "curanderismo," Mexican folk medicine is still popular today. It includes treatments like ground rattlesnake meat for healing cuts and sores. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Locate Materials

1

Use rosemary, a broadly available herb said to effectively treat earaches, skin rashes and various minor illnesses. It's known to possess many powerful healing properties. You can find it among the fresh spices at your grocery store.

2

Explore the many-faceted popularity of "yerba buena," a form of mint used in tea. Drinking the tea may aid in curing indigestion and other common forms of stomach discomfort. In the folk tradition, whole leaves are boiled along with the water for the tea.

3

Purchase ground rattlesnake in capsule form to fight serious illness. Known more likely in Mexico than in the United States, rattlesnake meat is used to treat a number of maladies from indigestion to erectile dysfunction to cancer. The ground powder is also applied externally to wounds to speed healing. Use with recommendation of a "curandero," or folk healer.

Apply Appropriately

4

Be aware that in many of the Mexican folk healing traditions, the healing process must be spiritually oriented. In the past, a healer would be brought in to determine what in the spirit world had caused an injury or illness to appear.

5

Find recommended practices and literature in a "Botanica," which is a store where "curanderismo" items may be found. In many cases, a "bonafide curandero," or Mexican folk healer may be found on the premises. Ask for advice while you're looking.

6

Know that the spiritual side of "curanderismo" must be respected and represented for best results in Mexican folk medicine. When traditions are followed to the letter, success tends to follow more consistently. Learn more by reading Eliseo Torres' book "Curandero: A Life in Mexican Folk Healing" (see Resources below).

How to Use Herbs as Alternatives to Prescription Drugs

Herbal remedies have been in use far longer than prescription medications. In fact, the original intent behind pharmaceutical companies was to capture the active ingredients found in herbs. Over time, this gave way to the creation of synthetic ingredients that are the main component of many types of prescription medications today. Since the original prescription medication was a more potent form of herbs, it's possible to use herbal remedies as alternatives to more conventional approaches. In recent decades, herbal remedies have become viable alternatives to prescription drugs in the minds of many Americans. That's why there's been a spike in the demand for herbal products, which can now be found in grocery and health food stores across the country. You can't just stop taking your prescription drugs, though, and pick up any old herb. Instead, you have to know what you're looking for and how to use it once you've found it. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Use Herbs as Alternatives to Prescription Drugs

1

Discuss the possibility of using herbal remedies in place of prescription medication with your doctor. This is especially important if you decide to forgo conventional treatment, as your doctor needs to be aware of any changes in your health.

2

Identify the prescription medications your doctor recommended, as well as their uses. Some of the more common prescription medications are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pills.

3

Research available herbs very carefully. There are thousands of different types of herbs from all over the world. You'll need to know what herbs are out there as well as what they can do before you begin. A good place to start is the "Herb Research Foundation" Web site (see Resources below).

4

Decide which herbs you want to take, being careful to consider recommended dosage, possible side effects, availability and price.

5

Buy your herbs either online from an organic grower or at your local health food store.

6

Take the herbs as indicated on the packaging. Any deviations may reduce the effectiveness of the herbs.

How to Choose an Alternative Medicine Doctor

Alternative medicine has been used to treat conditions ranging from migraines to anxiety to cancer. There are many different kinds of alternative medicine. Anything not used in conventional medicine is considered an alternative practice. There are 2 different kinds of alternative medicine doctors: those who use alternative theories and treatments in the course of their usual work, and those who have set up a practice dedicated solely to alternative therapies. Since alternative medicine covers such a broad spectrum, it's fairly easy to locate a competent doctor in your area. Follow these steps to find out how.

Instructions

Find an Alternative Medicine Doctor

1

Decide what kind of alternative medicine doctor you're looking for. There are more than 100 disciplines in alternative medicine, including acupuncture, aromatherapy, reiki, color therapy and homeopathy.

2

Ask for recommendations from the staff at your local health food store. This is a great place to find out about doctors in your area, as well as about alternative medicine products and procedures you've never heard of.

3

Talk to friends and family to get recommendations for alternative medicine doctors.

4

Tell your general practitioner about your desire to seek treatment from an alternative medicine doctor. He or she may have some good references within your medical group and insurance plan limits.

Choose an Alternative Medicine Doctor

5

Arrange for in-person consultations with your top choices. You can also speak to doctors over the phone; but in-person consultations are better. You'll get a feel for the environment of the doctor's office.

6

Bring a list of questions you want answered to your consultations. These can be about anything from how the doctor conducts his or her practice to general health questions. Selecting an alternative medicine practitioner is a big deal. You'll want to choose someone you're comfortable with.

7

Check your doctor's qualifications before you commit. While many alternative medicine professions aren't officially licensed, you can search individual organizations for competent practitioners. There's a fantastic database of alternative medicine organizations and associated practitioners at the "Alternative Medicine Foundation" Web site (see Resources below).

How to Balance Your Body's Chemicals Through Orthomolecular Medicine

Poor dietary habits and the depletion of nutrients in soil may mean that our bodies do not have the necessary nutrients to facilitate normal functions. Orthomolecular medicine attempts to restore balance to the chemicals in our bodies by reintroducing the natural chemicals to the body in the form of antioxidants, minerals, lipotropes, fiber and more. It is said to treat everything from snake bites to schizophrenia.

Instructions

Educate Yourself About Orthomolecular Medicine

1

Understand that orthomolecular medicine practitioners do not consider their field to be 'alternative medicine' but a necessary complement to other medical practices. These practitioners feel that orthomolecular medicine is a safe treatment while more tests are performed on commercial pharmaceuticals, which typically have dangerous side-effects.

2

Know that the process of orthomolecular medicine only tries to correct the balance of chemicals found naturally in your body through adding or subtracting nutrients. Nothing foreign is ever introduced.

3

Learn that orthomolecular medicine was first tested in the 1950s to treat mental disorders. Later, in the 1960s, Linus Pauling adopted the treatment in regards to psychiatry. He believed that 'the right molecules in the right amounts' were medically beneficial.

4

Learn more online at Web sites like Orthomolecular Medicine Online (see Resources below).

Contact a Doctor and Balance Your Body

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Find an orthomolecular medicine doctor at the American College for Advancement in Medicine Web site, which allows you to search by specialty (see Resources below).

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Speak with your chosen doctor to see if this treatment is right for you, and then set up a nutritional plan that can correct and restore the chemical balance of your body.

7

Understand that the entire purpose of orthomolecular medicine is to correct chemical imbalances for the physical and mental benefit of the patient. By undergoing treatment with a skilled practitioner, you will balance your body's chemicals.

How to Find an Orthomolecular Doctor

Orthomolecular medicine consists of balancing the body's naturally occurring nutrients and chemicals through vitamin therapy and introduces other nutrients, often in megadoses. While a substantial body of evidence supports the medical benefits of this treatment, many in the medical community reject these findings as the result of the 'placebo effect.' As a result, finding an orthomolecular doctor can be challenging.

Instructions

Decide if Orthomolecular Medicine Is for You

1

Learn about orthomolecular medicine before undergoing treatment. The practice, which originated as a way to alleviate neurological disorders in the 1950s, was later assimilated by Linus Pauling to treat a wider range of illnesses, like cancer, influenza and autism.

2

Know that the concept of treating patients with nutrients was first considered a last resort when traditional medicine failed. Today, doctors who practice this method consider it a safe, effective alternative.

3

Learn more when you visit Orthomolecular Medicine Online (see Resources below).

Find an Orthomolecular Medicine Practitioner

4

Use the search engine at the American College for Advancement in Medicine Web site to locate a practitioner (see Resources below).

5

Find a Web site dedicated to orthomolecular practitioners. Orthomolecular.org provides links to doctors in both the United States and abroad (see Resources below).

6

Call the offices of practitioners within a reasonable distance to schedule an initial consultation. Find out how long this consultation will last and whether or not you will be charged for it.

7

Make an appointment with the practitioner(s) who strike you as the most trustworthy and experienced. Arrive at your appointment with a list of questions.

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Begin a course of treatment if the practitioner feels--and you agree--that you could benefit from orthomolecular medical treatment.

How to Relieve Stress Through Guided Imagery

Those looking to relieve stress may find the solution in guided imagery. In this technique, a person imagines specific types of images to achieve positive mental, emotional or physical results. Guided imagery revolves around the theory that the mind can control the body. Therefore, if a person can relieve the mind of stress, the body will be relieved as well. Scientific evidence shows that guided imagery can cause some patients to relax their muscles.

Instructions

Learn About Guided Imagery

1

Know that guided imagery is not a new fad. It has been around since ancient times, when it was used to relieve pain, heal the body and cure diseases. It was believed that just having a strong image of sickness could create the symptoms within the body. Therefore, being exposed to positive, healthful images was paramount.

2

Get more information through a local guided imagery practitioner. You can find one by visiting the Worldwidehealthcenter.org engine (see Resources below).

3

Learn more about the treatment, including history, procedures and concerns, at the Holisticonline.com Web site (see Resources below).

Guide Your Own Images to Relieve Stress

4

Find a place where you can be undisturbed for your session.

5

Use headphones or a stereo to play soothing sounds. You can use a purchased audio recording of a professional to aid you. Many Web sites provide you with a script to read. You may find that you prefer the sound of soothing music to the sound of voices. Feel free to follow your preference.

6

Think of the most relaxing place you would ever want to spend time. Really think of the details that surround this place. Hear the sounds. Feel the breeze. Smell the scent in the air.

7

Feel your muscles relaxing as you relieve your stress through the image in your mind.

8

Breathe deeply and steadily as you perform your guided imagery meditation.

9

Relax each part of your body, step by step. Start from the top of your head and work your way down to your feet, or start at your feet and work your way up.

10

'Tell' each part of your body to relax. (You can do this silently, through thought.) For instance, inhale as you think the words 'relax, relax,' then exhale as you think the words 'feet, relax.' Use the same technique on your ankles, calves and so on. It may sound silly, but it's intensely relaxing after a few minutes of practice.

How to Improve Your Nutrition Through Orthomolecular Medicine

In orthomolecular medicine, the adage 'you are what you eat' is considered to be true. In this form of medicine, the regulation of the body's chemicals and nutrients is used to treat many forms of sickness, like herpes, skin disorders and viral pneumonia. By working with an orthomolecular practitioner, you can form a nutrition plan that may help improve your health.

Instructions

Familiarize Yourself With Orthomolecular Nutrition

1

Know that Orthomolecular nutrition has been used since the 1950s when doctors were used it to treat those suffering from mental disorders. Linus Pauling adopted it in 1968. He created the concept of using 'the right molecules in the right amounts,' through which psychiatric ailments could possibly be treated.

2

Understand that you may already be performing a type of modified orthomolecular therapy. If you take vitamin pills, you are following the tenets of this therapy. With the help of an orthomolecular nutritionist, you may improve your overall nutrition with supplements as varied as dietary fiber, amino and fatty acids, megadoses of vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

3

Feel comforted knowing that, while this practice may be somewhat controversial in the medical community, it is thought to be safe and natural. Only the chemicals and nutrients that occur naturally in the body will be manipulated. Nothing foreign will be introduced into your body.

4

Get your questions answered online. Visit Web sites like Orthomolecular.org for more information (see Resources below).

Find a Practitioner in Your Area

5

Locate a practitioner in your area by using search engines. Try the American College for Advancement in Medicine Web site (see Resources below). Facilitate your search by specifying specialty.

6

Use the Orthomolecular.org Web site to find links to practitioners in the United States and abroad. Only a small portion of the medical community prescribes orthomolecular nutrition plans. Therefore, finding a doctor near you may prove difficult.

7

Choose your doctor and develop a nutrition plan for your specific needs.