As alternative health supplements become more widely accepted and available, millions of Americans choose to include them as part of their daily health regimen. Many are turning to supplements as a way to boost their immune systems, improve bodily functions and help their bodies heal more naturally.

A recent U.S. government survey, conducted as part of the National Health Interview Survey, found that 38 per cent of adults, and about 12 per cent of children, regularly take some health supplement. The most common conditions for adults using supplements are arthritis, back and neck pain, joint pain, and other musculoskeletal ailments.

According to the survey, the five most popular health supplements used by Americans are:

Fish Oil

Available in capsule or liquid form, fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids contain DHA for a healthy nervous system, EPA for a healthy cardiovascular system and anti-inflammatory properties, and vitamin A for good vision and healthy skin.

Studies show that regularly consuming fish oil can have many benefits. It can ease pain and inflammation, protect the heart, help regulate blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and improve mental concentration. It also is used to treat depression and ADHD, arthritis, inflammatory bowel and colitis.

Be sure to find a brand that is free of PCBs, mercury and other chemical contaminants. Large quantities of fish oil contain too much vitamin A, which can be toxic in high doses.

Glucosamine

This nutrient is usually taken in pill or powder form. Its principal function is to build connective tissue and healthy cartilage. It also helps form protective tissues that cushion joints against excessive wear and tear.

Glucosamine also relieves pain, swelling and tenderness while it helps rebuild stiff and worn out joint tissue. When used with chondroitin, it becomes even more powerful.

This supplement can cause heartburn, nausea and gastric pain in some people, so it should accompany by food. Studies do not show any toxicity from its long-term use, and it is safe to take with other supplements.

Echinacea

This herbal supplement, made from the purple cornflower, a native-American plant, can be taken in pills, powder, or liquid. It was first used in the United States in 1887 to treat minor infections but studied extensively in Germany since 1938.

Echinacea is believed to fight infection by boosting the immune system and attacking viruses, including influenza, herpes and polio. It has also shown some benefits against bacterial infections, frequently used to protect against viruses or clear up symptoms faster.

It can cause mild stomach upset or diarrhoea. If you are allergic to flowers, don’t take it. Experts warn against its use by people with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, and progressive illnesses like diabetes and AIDS. While there are no known reports of toxicity, you should only take it when needed.

Flaxseed oil

Flaxseed oil is from the seed of the flax plant. It is mostly in oil or capsule form. Like fish oil, it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Still, about 50 per cent of these fatty acids are in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, which experts believe is not as beneficial as the EPA and DHA found in fish oil.

Avoid taking flaxseed simultaneously as medications and other supplements as it can slow down their absorption. Because of its ALA content, people with either diabetes, muscular degeneration or schizophrenia should avoid this supplement.

Flaxseed products should be manufactured using fresh-pressed seeds, bottled in dark containers and processed at low temperatures. Be only supplements that are certified free of heavy metals.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a Chinese herb that has been used for thousands of years. It can be taken in liquid, powder and pill form or consumed as tea.

While ginseng is popular with athletes for increased energy and endurance, it is also believed to reduce fatigue and stress and help prevent infections. Other studies show ginseng could lower blood sugar and support cancer treatment.

Ginseng is a mild herb and is considered to be extremely safe when taken responsibly. Large doses of ginseng can cause nausea, high blood pressure, sleeplessness and restlessness.

Given recent changes in attitudes toward mental health issues and the growing numbers of individuals diagnosed with depression, alternatives to prescription drugs and their safety have come into question. Side effects, interactions with other medications, and the ability of conventional medicine to accurately match patients to the appropriate drug have become a crapshoot at best. A health care system overloaded with new patients, financial considerations, and the fact that no two human minds are the same make assessment complex and treatment accomplished mainly by trial and error. Not all drugs work for all people, and this is obvious in the use of antidepressants.

One of the simplest ways to help raise and keep an excellent mental perspective is to ensure a balanced diet. Too often, we tend to view eating as a culinary experience aimed at gratification rather than a refuelling stop for our bodies. Some studies have shown that individuals suffering from depression are often deficient in B Vitamins. The suggestion of a balanced diet may help ward off depressive states or lessen the severity of episodes. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp, feed the body, feed the mind.

We should think of the importance of physical exercise. It’s valuable to elevate mood. Endorphins, the brain’s natural feel-good compound, is released during strenuous physical activity, such as exercise. Exercise improves blood circulation, which may alleviate several minor physical discomforts that may contribute to depression. Also, a regular exercise program encourages better sleep patterns and promotes self-esteem by improving appearance. Best of all, exercise is somewhat addictive from a mental standpoint. If individuals exercise regularly, they will go to great lengths to ensure they do not miss a workout.

Herbal supplements such as St. Johns Wort have specific properties that elevate moods, allowing for a better Mental perspective. Herbs should always be administered and supervised by a trained professional, as they may cause secondary health issues for the uninformed user. UV light, especially in dreary winter months, may also elevate moods.

Most notably is the conscious effort to exercise your mind. Complacent, negative thought patterns tend to intensify if left to their own devices. You can prevent those by staying active and alert mentally by utilizing several practices. Learning something new, restart an old hobby, or studying a new subject in which you have an interest can elevate and maintain moods. Stay social; every conversation is food for thought, giving the mind a workout. Recognize negative thoughts as they appear, do not dwell on them, and discard them quickly. Surround yourself with positive people whenever possible; it’s tough to keep a positive outlook while swimming in the grief and misery of others.

For years I struggled with acne. I visited many dermatologists, but few could help me with my acne. Eventually, I got frustrated with all of the medication that didn’t work and looked into an inexpensive household and natural products that I could use. These home remedies have worked for me. And I put a lot of research, time and effort to make sure they all work.

5. Toothpaste. When I discovered toothpaste, it was like a miracle. I had always gotten these zits all over my face, but they would only come at certain times, and it was usually a spot here and a spot there. I found out toothpaste worked and haven’t used anything else for spot treatment since. The ingredients in toothpaste kill bacteria underneath the skin. Those bacteria can cause the pore to get clogged and a pimple to follow. Usually, if you put a dab of toothpaste on a spot or pimple, it will dry it out, and you won’t have to worry about it for another 24 hours.

4. Aspirin and water. Many people aren’t aware of the skin benefits of aspirin. When half of teaspoon of aspirin is mixed with one tablespoon of water, it becomes a solution that helps to exfoliate the skin, which helps unclog the pore that’s clogged.

3. Lemon juice. The acidic properties of lemon juice can help you with your acne. A small amount of lemon juice dabbed on the skin with a cotton ball will usually help to clean the dirt that’s clogging your pores. You can even add some lemon juice to the aspirin and water mix for better results.

2. Tea tree oil. A small dab of tea tree oil can help remove damaged skin cells. The tea tree oil also has antiseptic properties, which help to heal the skin. Apply half a teaspoon of tea tree oil to the acne and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing.

1. All in one. The best home remedy of all is to combine all the ingredients above into one solution. This home remedy is one of the most effective remedies for acne because it helps to exfoliate, clean and heal your skin all at once.

Acute viral nasopharyngitis! A mouthful, isn’t it? How about acute coryza?
Both medical terminology for what we average folk refer to as, ‘The Common Cold.’
There is no cure for the common cold, a contagious viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system. Numerous products are available to help lessen the symptoms, but they are not a cure.

Each cold season we see new products hit the shelves in bigger and better packaging. They are peddled to us through glossy adverts in magazines and commercials, promising us relief. However, in your rush to feel better, you’re likely to cause more problems for yourself and your family. In fact, over the counter medications can be extremely dangerous. Extended research has seen many popular brands removed from the shelves in recent years. Indeed, that has to raise alarm bells. For example, a decongestant’s purpose is to shrink the respiratory linings, which swell when the virus is present. The stuffiness experienced when you have a cold is caused by this swelling and relieved by the decongestant.

You may breathe a little better, but you place yourself and your family at risk of the following known side effects.

– Elevated blood pressure
– Elevated heart rate
– Insomnia
– Jitters

Recent studies have even linked the use of decongestants to heart attacks and strokes. Yes, even in young children.

Don’t be fooled. The underlying factor for the myriad of cold products on offer is financial gain. Ever wondered why many products are offered in their ‘new and improved’ ‘faster acting’ and “lasts longer” forms? These cost many dollars more than the original brand, yet the now inferior form continues to be manufactured. Why? If the consumer’s health is the primary concern, then surely we all deserve the best they have to offer, packaged in one affordable form. Would anyone willingly choose to feel only partially better!

Society is slowly waking up to the idea that maybe Grandma was right all along!

Here are the top five recommendations to relieve the symptoms of a cold, the natural way, compliments of Grandma!

Try them, and I guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results and soon discarding the endless assortment of bottles in your medicine cabinet.

1. BED REST

The body’s immune system can effectively deal with the infection of a cold. Within a few days, specific antibodies are produced, which prevent the virus from infecting different cells. However, for your body to take care of you, you have to take care of it. Plenty of rest time allows your immune system to do its job without the added stresses placed upon it when you decide to soldier on!

2. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Drinking plenty of water has two significant benefits. Firstly it will replenish the precious fluid your body secretes while fighting the infection. Secondly, it will assist in thinning out the mucus, helping to alleviate the blocked nose. Herbal teas and soup broths are ideal ways to replenish fluids if you can not handle water on its own.

3. AUGMENTED STEAM

Boil up a large pot of water. If you’re lucky enough to live in Australia, then pop out to the yard and pick yourself a few Eucalyptus leaves to add to the pot. If not, 3 – 5 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil should do the trick. Let the water boil for around 10 minutes.
Inhale the steam through your mouth to alleviate mucus congested in the chest area and inhale through the nose for stuffiness and blockages. Keep eyes closed during the process and take deep relaxing breathes until feeling clearer. If you find eucalyptus too strong, then rosemary works equally as well.

4. BLOW BLOW BLOW amp; COUGH COUGH COUGH

Stop sniffing and avoid using cough medicine! Sniffing sends that mucus right back to the very place it came from! You want to expel the infected mucus from your body. Stop sniffing and grab a tissue! Welcome, that cough! Most cough medicines contain ingredients to suppress coughing. Again, you want to shift the infected mucus away from the lungs. Suppressing a cough hinders your body’s attempt to heal. A natural remedy will relieve the cough without stopping it. There are many natural remedies for cough relief. Perhaps the best known is a squeeze of lemon and a tablespoon of honey mixed with hot water. Other options to relieve that cough is:

– Ginger tea
– Apple cider vinegar sprayed on the neck area of your clothing during the day and on your pillowcase before bedtime
– A few drops of Juniper essential oil in hot water, sipped slowly.
– Herbal tea with a pinch of cinnamon
– A cup of grape juice mixed with a teaspoon of honey
– Make cough syrup from baked onion juice, comfrey tea, and honey

Many may seem a little odd, and they won’t win any taste test competitions, but they all work a treat.

5. GRANDMAS CHICKEN SOUP

Call it an old wives tale, and many do, but there is nothing like a piping hot bowl of chicken soup to make you feel better. Chicken soup is nutritious, easy on the digestive system and helps clear the head. A quick recipe packed with all things good is found below and will help relieve the nasty symptoms of any cold. Did I mention it tastes great?

GRANDMA’S BASIC CHICKEN SOUP RECIPE

Ingredients:

small whole chicken
One large onion diced.
One large carrot diced.
Two stalks of celery sliced thinly
One clove of garlic crushed.

Method:

Place chicken in a large pot of cold salted water and bring to boil. Remove scum from the top and return to cook for 10 minutes. It makes the flavour of the chicken more potent and a clearer broth. After coiling for 10 minutes, add all ingredients, cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for 1 to 3 hours. Remove chicken from bones; at this stage, it should break away with ease. Serve to steam hot!

You can modify this recipe to suit your taste. Add potato, parsnip, capsicum, tomato, zucchini or any other preferred vegetable or add noodles. Adding starches such as noodles, rice, or potato will make for a thicker cloudy broth.

Herbs and food that are being used for medicinal purposes are also called drugs. You have to beware of reinforcing this notion because when you buy herbal remedies in your local health-food store, they are usually labelled as “nutritional supplements. It usually carries a recommendation to take a certain amount of the product daily with the diet.

Are herbal medicines safe?

There’s been a lot of talk about herbal remedies being safe, but the fact is that there are some herbs that should be avoided, but most are unlikely to harm you. Toxic conventional medicines are currently responsible for one-third of all hospitalizations. There are standard herbal treatments for some common ailments. Still, it is always wise to visit a healthcare practitioner who expert in natural remedies for guidance. The following steps to increase the chances that your natural medicine will be effective are as follows:

– Don’t buy loose herbs because dried plants of all kinds lose their potency if they sit around.

– Buying “standardized” extracts are guaranteed to contain a minimum amount of the ber.

– Use tinctures. The alcohol used to extract the active constituents of the herb preserves the herb’s potency as well.

– Freeze-dried extracts are concentrated and stable, so they tend to retain their potency longer.

It’s relatively easy to put together a herbal arsenal that may help you fight most of the illnesses that you and your family are likely to encounter. Here’s what you should have readily available:

– Chamomile tea- A mild relaxant and excellent as a remedy for colic and stomach upsets, it can be safely used by children, too. Placing chamomile tea bags on the eyes is a form of treatment for conjunctivitis. Place the teabag in a little boiling water. When the teabag has cooled but is still warm, place over closed eyes, lie back and relax with tea bags in place for 15 minutes two or three times a day.

– Echinacea- It’s like a work of magic boosting disease-fighting white blood cells. Take it if you have a cold, the flu or any other type of infection.

– Feverfew- Take it to prevent and treat migraine headaches.

– Lemon balm- works well as a mild relaxant, and it may also help fight the virus that causes cold sores.

– Nettle- This allergy fighter diminishes all those who suffer from hay fever.

– Peppermint spirits- It is excellent both for headache and upset stomach. For headaches, drip a little onto a folded tissue. And rub across the forehead, on the temples and the back of the neck. For stomach problems, put a few drops in a bit of water and swallow. They are not recommended for young children.

– Slippery elm- This herb soothes and coats the inside of your throat and intestines. It’s great for sore throats and coughs, as well as diarrhoea and other digestive problems.

– Saint-John’s-wort- This herb is as effective as pharmaceutical drugs for mild-to-moderate depression.

– Valerian- It’s the perfect herb for a perfect night’s sleep. You can also try combining it with lemon balm, hops or passionflower for even more sleep-inducing power.

– White willow bark- This herb contains salicin, a precursor of aspirin. It acts more slowly and gently than the highly purified, fast-acting aspirin found at the drugstore. Still, it’s also unlikely to upset your stomach or cause any other side effects. It can be helpful for mild fevers as well as aches and pains.

– Wild indigo- It’s the best for upper respiratory infections. Combine it with Echinacea for sinus infections.

Don’t forget that herbal medicines are medicines, not dietary supplements. It is not good to take them unless you’re treating a specific condition. Stop taking them once the situation has resolved or if it becomes apparent that the herbal therapy is not working.

Recovering from alcoholism can be challenging, even for the most diligent and perseverant of individuals. If you are a recovering alcoholic, you can be assured there will be times in your life when you will be at significant risk for relapse or complications associated with dual addiction. In terms of prescription medications, there is a considerable risk for complications related to regression and dual addiction. Therefore, you must find a doctor who can help you manage those risks.

In terms of medications that place you at the most significant risk, the use of pain medications – both over-the-counter and prescription pain medications – can be a challenge to manage effectively. Because many pain medications are habitual or cause addiction, the use of these medications can prompt a desire to use alcohol again or may produce a dual habit. Conversely, suppose you do not manage pain well with the medicines prescribed. In that case, you may find that alcohol is your drug of choice in managing your pain. Your doctor, therefore, must find the right balance of medications to control your pain while also reducing the risk for further addiction or relapse complications.

Anaesthesia is not a field of medicine that we typically associate with a relapse or a complication in recovering alcoholics. For some recovering alcoholics, and especially since alcohol is a relaxant and a mood depressor, the use of specific types of anaesthesia can trigger a physiological response that may lead to a relapse. Therefore, be sure that if you require any surgery, you advise the anesthesiologist about the risks for regression based on your alcohol use in the past. Often, with this knowledge, your anesthesiologist can take additional precautions when providing medications during and after your surgery.

In all cases of your life, as a recovering alcoholic, you will want to avoid using medications that mimic the effects of alcoholism as much as possible. Because these drugs can lead to adverse complications associated with new addiction or even dual addiction, it is vital to eliminate these exposures from your life. When facing pain issues or needing anaesthesia, be sure your doctors are familiar with the risks you may face as a recovering alcoholic.

Reflux in infants is quite common in the first few months of life. For many infants, the complications of reflux can lead to a lack of nutrition when not managed effectively. As a new parent, if your baby has been diagnosed with reflux, you may want to consider a variety of home remedies to improve your infant’s digestion. That could include the use of wedge pillows.

Wedge pillows are typically medical devices used in the home for conditions such as COPD, GERD, or even to treat swine flu and other respiratory complications. For infants, however, sleeping on an incline can help to reduce reflux and even improve digestion overall. If you are going to use a wedge pillow, it is essential to find the right type for your infant’s body and medical needs.

Incliner sleep wedges are a common type of wedge pillow that parents use for an infant with reflux. The incliner sleep wedge is easy to use, portable and even placed in the infant’s crib. For many infants using the incliner sleep wedge during the day will also help with digestion when the stomach is busiest. After a few days of using an incliner sleep wedge, many parents report improvement in the baby’s digestion and reduced complications of reflux.

Health insurance companies will usually cover the cost of purchasing an incliner sleep wedge for an infant who has reflux. To obtain coverage for this medical supply, you should ask your obstetrician to prescribe it. And then contact your health insurance company to determine how you get the item through a participating medical vendor. Or where you can submit your receipt for purchase of the incliner sleep wedge. With a few phone calls, the item can be obtained for almost no cost. And your baby will be on the way to a better nutritional level as the reflux complications are decreased with the wedge pillow device.