20 Foods That are Great for Your Skin

It doesn’t take much more than common sense to realize that what you put into your body is going to have an impact on how your body looks and feels. If you eat foods that are filled with fat, cooked in grease and high on the sugar then your body is going to reflect that in its shape, size and texture. In contrast, if you consume foods that are healthy for you then your body is going to respond by looking and feeling healthier.

This is true at all levels including the level of your skin. People who want to have skin that looks young and supple and that has that healthy natural glow to it need to start by paying attention to what types of foods they are putting into their bodies. Take a look at the following twenty foods that are good for your skin and think about which ones you can easily add to your diet to get that youthful skin appearance that you desire:

1. Water. The number one thing that you can put into your body if you want great-looking skin is water. The more water you drink, the more you flush all of the other stuff out of your body and the healthier your skin is going to look.

2. Green tea. When you’re not drinking water, you should be drinking green tea. It has many, many different health benefits including benefits for the skin. You can drink it cold or warm. Avoid adding sugar or milk to it if you want the best benefits for your skin.

3. Cantaloupe. This food increases antioxidants in your body which increases your ability to absorb free radicals which in turn reduce skin problems so that you have healthier skin.

4. Tomatoes. This is another food that is rich in anti-oxidants and so will have the same skin-boosting benefits that the cantaloupe will give to you.

5. Berries. Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are all berries that are also rich in antioxidants. Eat them alone, toss them in cereal or add them to the sides of other dishes to increase the healthiness of your skin all throughout the day.

6. Plums. There really is a long list of fruits that you can eat that are rich in antioxidants and that are therefore good for your skin.

7. Sweet potatoes. This is a vegetable alternative to the cantaloupe and tomato options that you may want to try to get those free radicals flowing healthfully throughout your body and fighting off skin problems.

8. Broccoli. This is a great vegetable that has many different health benefits which is why you’re always hearing that you should “eat your broccoli”. One of the things it contains a whole lot of is Vitamin A, a vitamin that is great at improving the turnover of cells in the skin. This means that when you eat broccoli, your skin gets renewed more quickly and the freshest (nicest looking) skin is on top where everyone you meet can see it.

9. Spinach. This food doesn’t just make you strong like Popeye. It’s also rich in the same Vitamin A properties that broccoli has so it’s good for your skin as well. You never saw Popeye looking like he had dry, aged skin did you?!

10. Carrots. If you want to get your Vitamin A but you aren’t that big of a fan of leafy green vegetables then you may want to turn to carrots to improve your skin with this vitamin.

11. Low Fat Dairy. Diary products are another really great source of Vitamin A so they can be really good for the skin. However, you want to avoid the fat that is in a lot of these foods so make sure that you look for low-fat versions of cheese and milk that are rich in Vitamin A.

12. Omega3 Rich Fish Dishes. Omega3 is that “good fat” that we’re always trying to get even though we try to avoid the “bad fat”. One of the things that the Omega3 fats do is ward off any kind of inflammation. This means they’re good for the skin. You can find these in many different fish dishes including tuna, shellfish, sardines and salmon.

13. Flax seeds. You don’t have to eat fish to get the essential fatty acids that your body needs (and that improve your skin). An alternative option is to eat flax seeds and to cook with flax seed oil.

14. Walnuts. These are yet another option that you can choose in addition to flax seeds or fish dishes if you want to improve your skin with those essential fatty acids.

15. Grapefruit. This food is really rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for people concerned about skin problems because it delays or reduces wrinkles.

16. Oranges. Just like with grapefruits, these are great for the skin because they are so rich in Vitamin C.

17. Brussel Sprouts. Most people think that you have to eat citrus fruits to get Vitamin C but there are a few vegetables out there that have it as well. Brussel sprouts are a good one for the skin. Peas are another option.

18. Whole wheat. Another ingredient in some foods that is really good for your skin is selenium. This is found in whole wheat cereals, breads and baked goods. This improves the skin at a cellular level and keeps you looking young and beautiful.

19. Lean red meat. Some people have poor skin because they don’t have enough iron in their diets. If you are concerned that you’re too pale or you have dark circles under your eyes then you may need more iron. Red meat is a great source for that but make sure that you’re not eating any red meat that is too high in fat.

20. Eggs. Eggs are a good iron-providing alternative for people who don’t want to eat much red meat.

Adding these foods to your diet should go a long way towards improving the healthfulness of your skin. However, it’s just as important to cut out foods from your diet as it is to add foods if you do want healthy skin. Make sure that you reduce your intake of caffeine, bad fats, salt, sugar, etc. to maximize the healthy benefits that your skin is getting from the intake of these other good foods!


Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

17 Unique and Interesting Types of Massage Therapy

1. Amma Therapy. This type of body therapy combines several different types of massage therapy in one session. It goes beyond this, however. It refers to a push-and-pull motion that is used within the massage. The goal of this type of massage therapy is to rejuvenate the energy flow of the body.

2. Ayurvedic Massage. This type of massage is similar to acupressure but it comes from India instead of from China. Like with acupressure, it uses massage on top of specific pressure points to heal the body. In Ayurvedic massage, these healing points are called marmas. There are two goals of this massage. The first is to heal pain. The second is to detoxify the body.

3. Balinese Massage. This is a type of massage that you don’t hear about very often. However, you may be familiar with the other types of massage that are combined together to create this unique massage. They include Swedish massage, Deep Tissue massage, acupressure massage, energy work such as Reiki and even aromatherapy.

4. Belavi. This is the name for a unique type of facial massage. It is an age-defying rejuvenation massage. It reduces wrinkles and increases the healthy glow in your face. It is sometimes called “the facelift massage”. The massage is done on the face, limbs and upper body. A facelift including a mask and exfoliation are also done.

5. Body Electric Massage. This type of massage is a blend of two other types of massage. The first is Thai Massage, which is a type of clothed massage that uses stretching as its core. The second is Swedish massage, which is the more hands-on type of “body rub” that you may be familiar with. However, there’s more to the massage than this. It’s a spiritual based massage that derives from Buddhism and Tantra. The goal of this massage is to heal the body through attention to each chakra of the body. Another goal of this massage is to raise self-awareness of the sensual self.

6. Canadian Deep Tissue Muscle Massage. This type of massage is designed specifically for pain relief. The massage therapist is trained to heal specific muscle problems in the body. It is usually a quick, clothed massage that is done with the patient seated in a chair.

7. Craniosacral Massage Therapy. This is a massage that is focused on the head as well as the spine. It is probably the type of massage that is closest in nature to chiropractic care. Subtle adjustments may be done to the neck and spine during this type of massage. However, this is primarily a light-touch massage that often focuses on head massage.

8. Esalen Massage. This is a light-touch massage that is designed specifically to heal emotions. It is the physical equivalent of going to see a psychologist. Although you may not talk about your psychological, emotional and spiritual issues with your Esalen massage therapist, the goal is to heal them. The underlying belief is that the power of human touch is so strong that it has the power to heal these problems.

9. Five Element Shiatsu. This is a rhythmic motion massage doe to the back or stomach to heal the body. In the beginning stages of this massage, the massage therapist will use all of his or her senses to gain a complete understanding of the patient’s body. The healer will tailor the massage to the specific problems uncovered during these first stages. The goal of this type of massage is to create energy harmony in the body.

10. Lomi Lomi. This Hawaiian form of massage uses an undulating motion when rubbing the body. Think the waves of the ocean or the dance of the hula. As with many other forms of massage, the purpose of this massage is to unblock the body’s trapped energy.

11. Manual Lymphatic Drainage. This type of gentle massage is designed to improve the flow of the body’s lymph fluid. It uses a very specific amount of pressure that is applied in a circular motion to achieve the intended healing results.

12. Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy. This rare type of massage is a deep body massage that is designed for advanced healing. This massage is designed to actually rejuvenate muscles that have been damaged and to give assistance to people suffering from paralysis of the body. It goes far beyond the basics of deep tissue massage and uses highly specialized techniques to heal the body at the cellular level.

13. Raindrop Technique Massage. This Native American massage technique is heavily focused on the use of aromatherapy. Scented massage oils are applied to the hands, feet and spine during this massage. The massage is a back massage that uses heat and motion to realign the spine. The goal of the massage is to release toxins from the spine to heal the whole body.

14. Rolfing. Another type of very deep tissue massage is rolfing. It is essentially chiropractics for the muscles of the body. The goal of this type of massage is to realign the body’s muscles the way that they are supposed to be. This type of massage is not a one-time deal; it is completed in a series of sessions over weeks or months.

15. Russian Massage. This type of massage is a pain-relieving massage. It alternates long deep strokes with short quick strokes to heal the muscles. It is sometimes described as a combination of Swedish massage and sports massage.

16. Thai Herbal Massage. Thai massage, a type of stretching-based massage, is very common. In contrast, Thai herbal massage may not be as easy to find at day spas in your area. Your best bet is to research skin care services because it is sometimes considered to be more of a facial than a true massage. However, it is notable that this type of massage is often done to the whole body and not just the face. It has the hallmarks of a facial in the sense that it uses heat and steam and a body wrap to offer a relaxing, rejuvenating experience. However, it does incorporate hands-on massage with deep muscle manipulation using hot oil and hot compresses.

17. Trigger Point Myotherapy Massage. This type of massage uses pressure-based muscle manipulation. The massage is focused on trigger points. These are areas where the muscle has gotten stuck in a spasm. The massage works out the spasm. This is a deep tissue massage that some people may find to be painful or too intense.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Calcarea Carbonica as mighty homeopathic & sculptor of the Earth

Calcarea Carbonica (Calcium Carbonate) against depression

Calcarea Carbonica is homeopathic remedy made from the middle layer of oyster shells, Mother of pearl.

It is very often used to treat the symptoms of depression and hypothyroidism.

Calcarea Carbonica is recommended to people who have following symptoms associated with depression: fear of failure, restlessness, anxiety, obsessive or compulsive behavior, night sweats or related feelings and emotions, acute or chronic disturbances in sleep, forgetfulness, confusion, low-spirit.

Calcarea Carbonica can be taken whenever there is a lack of Calcium in the body.

There are also other known uses for Calcarea Carbonica that may or may not be related to a person’s emotional health. This homeopathic remedy is often used to treat such problems as stomach acidity, symptoms related to menopause, pituarity and thyroid disfunction, Candiasis, eczema, ear infections that result in discharge that is sour in smell, tonsillitis, eye infections,malnutrition, neuralgias,anemia, backache, joint or bone pain, fractures that are slow-healing, some digestive problems and slow bone or teeth development. It can be taken during periods of physical exertion, during damp or cold weather periods and in the early spring for those who feel cold easily. Calcarea Carbonica is often used in combination with other homeopathics or herbal tinctures to produce the desired effect.

Hypocalcemia and IMPORTANCE OF CALCIUM

Calcarea Carbonica can be taken whenever there is a lack of Calcium in the body (hypocalcemia)

Hypocalcemia is an electrolyte imbalance and is indicated by a low level of calcium in the blood.

Calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth, as well as for normal muscle and nerve function, healthy blood and function of the hearth and circulation. Normal blood calcium levels are maintained through the actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH), kidneys and intestines.

While calcium keeps our bones and teeth strong, those bones and teeth also store the calcium that the body needs – allowing the body to break down and rebuild bone when it needs that calcium for other body functions - what is the main reason of OSTEOPOROSIS (lack of Calcium is forcing body to use stored resources in bones).

Calcium is also responsible for normal pH level in the body: if there is not enough of Calcium, blood and whole body starts to be too acid - usual deseases are RHEUMATISM, OSTEOARTRITIS, ARTRITIS.

Causes of Hypocalcemia:

■Vitamin D deficiency
■HORMONAL IMBALANCE: FUNCTION OF THYROID GLAND AND PARATHYROID GLANDS: Parathyroid glands are responsible for balance of calcium and phospore in the blad. Parathyroid glands are part of thyroid gland, and usualy if thyroid gland is underactive, parathyroid glands are affected as well.
■Chronic renal failure
■Magnesium deficiency
■Alcoholism
■Biphosphonate therapy - drugs used to treat high blood calcium levels or pills used to treat osteoporosis.
■Certain types of leukemia or blood disorders
■A complication of chemotherapy, tumor lysis syndrome, occurs when your body breaks down tumor cells rapidly, after chemotherapy. This may cause hypocalcemia, high blood potassium levels, and other electrolyte abnormalities.
■Drugs such as diuretics, estrogens replacement therapy, fluorides, glucose, insulin, excessive laxative use, and magnesium may also lead to hypocalcemia.
■Chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin)
■Diuretics (furosemide[Lasix] or bumetanide[Bumex])
■Antibiotics (amphotericin B)
■Corticosteroids
■Certain things in your diet, like caffeine, phosphates (found in soda pop) can make difficulties to calcium apsorption.
Vitamin D, helps you to absorb calcium in your body, as well as CALCAREA CARBONICA.

Symptoms of Hypocalcemia:

■The most common sign of hypocalcemia is "neuromuscular irritability." Your nerves and muscles, which are directly related to blood calcium levels, may spasm or twitch.
■If your blood test results indicate hypocalcemia, you may have muscle cramps in your legs or your arms.
■The symptoms of hypocalcemia you experience may relate to how fast or how slowly the fall in blood calcium levels occur.
■If you have long-standing low blood calcium levels, you may notice no symptoms of hypocalcemia.
■If you have an "acute" or sudden drop in your blood calcium level, you may notice more twitching.
■numbness and tingling of fingers and toes.
■you can be depressed, or more irritable
■You may become confused or disoriented AND VERY, VERY SLEEPY.
■heart muscle contractS irregularly due to the electrolyte disturbance.
■Increased urination.
■Poor appetite that does not improve
■sudden fall of level of calcium can cause: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Whan hypocalcemia occurs, supplements of calcium should be taken.

Calcarea Carbonica is good remedy which can completely replace supplements or calcium after some time, or be taken at the same time as suplements, because Calcarea carbonica helps body to attain balance and enchances natural absorbtion of calcium from the food (or suplements) as well as helps healing the cause of the deases.

Use of Calcarea Carbonica, Calcium Carbonate

If taken as a single remedy, the most helpful is to responsible, steady people who become fatigued and overwhelmed. They may develop anxiety, sometimes with fear of heights or claustrophobia. The person usually feels chilly, with clammy hands and feet, and has low stamina. Digestive troubles with gas and heartburn are common, especially after eating wheat or dairy products. Swollen lymph nodes and tonsils, head sweats during sleep, shortness of breath from exertion, back pain, dizziness, nightmares, and strong cravings for sweets are often seen. Individuals who need this remedy are sometimes oversensitive to aspirin.Children who need Calcarea Carobonica are slow to teethe and to walk, but they are also likely to be stubborn and strong-willed. Emotionally, Calcarea carbonica patients tend to be afraid of the dark, of isolation, of getting sick, and of going insane. When Calcarea Carbonica is needed as a single remedy, individual usually suffers from physical and mental slowness.

Various use of Cacarea Carbonica, as a single remedy (or in combinations):

Acne

If a person with frequent pimples and skin eruptions is chilly with clammy hands and feet, easily tired by exertion, and flabby or overweight, this remedy may help improve the skin’s resistance to infection. People who need this remedy are often very anxious when overworked, and have cravings for sweets and eggs.

Allergies and sensitivities

Acidity

Anxiety

This remedy is usually indicated for dependable, solid people who become overwhelmed from physical illness or too much work and start to fear a breakdown. Their thoughts can be muddled and confused when tired, which adds to the anxiety. Worry and bad news may agitate them, and a nagging dread of disaster (to themselves or others) may develop. Fear of heights and claustrophobia are also common. A person who needs this remedy is often chilly and sluggish, has a craving for sweets, and is easily fatigued.

Backache

This remedy is often useful for low back pain and muscle weakness, especially in a person who is chilly, flabby or overweight, and easily tired by exertion. Chronic low back pain and muscle weakness may lead to inflammation and soreness that are aggravated by dampness and cold.

Bronchitis

for bronchitis after a cold. The cough can be troublesome and tickling, worse from lying down or stooping forward, worse from getting cold, and worse at night. Children may have fever, sweaty heads while sleeping, and be very tired. Adults may feel more chilly and have clammy hands and feet, breathing problems when walking up slopes or climbing stairs, and generally poor stamina.

Cataracts

This remedy may be indicated when a person developing cataracts has the feeling of looking through a mist. A person needing this remedy tends to be a responsible type, but feels overwhelmed when under stress and fears breakdown or disease. Chilliness, swollen glands, weight problems, and easy tiring from exertion

Constipation

People who need this remedy often feel more stable when constipated, and experience discomfort and fatigue when the bowels have moved. Large stools are hard at first, then sticky, then liquid. The person may feel chilly and sluggish, have clammy hands and feet, crave sweets, and feel weak and anxious when ill or overworked.

Depression

A dependable, industrious person who becomes overwhelmed from too much worry, work, or physical illness may benefit from this remedy. Anxiety, fatigue, confusion, discouragement, self-pity, and a dread of disaster.

Eczema

This remedy is suited to people who are chilly with clammy hands and feet, and tend to develop eczema and cracking skin that is worse in the wintertime. They are easily fatigued by exertion, and feel anxious and overwhelmed if ill or overworked.

Edema

A person who develops swelling in the lower extremities, especially around the knees, may need this remedy. Symptoms can be worse from sitting, unless the legs are supported.

Fibromyalgia

Muscle soreness and weakness that are worse from exertion, and worse from getting cold and damp, may be relieved by this remedy.

Gallstones

When a person needing this remedy has gallbladder problems, the abdomen may feel swollen on the right and be very sensitive to pressure, with cutting pains that extend to the chest and are worse from stooping, The person feels worse from standing, worse from exertion, and better from lying on the painful side.

High blood pressure

This remedy is often helpful to people with high blood pressure who easily tire and have poor stamina. They are typically responsible types, who feel overwhelmed when ill and fear a breakdown. Palpitations and breathing problems can be worse from walking up a slope or stairs, and also when lying down.

Infection

People who need this remedy tire easily and have low stamina. They tend to feel chilly and sluggish, with clammy hands and feet (though their feet may heat up in bed at night, and their heads may perspire during sleep). Swollen lymph nodes, frequent colds, sore throats, ear infections, and skin eruptions are common. Children who need this remedy are often slow to walk and may have teething problems, frequent colds, and ear infections

Menopause symptoms

This remedy may be helpful to a woman with heavy flooding, night sweats and flushing (despite a general chilliness), as well as weight gain during menopause. People who need this remedy are usually responsible and hard-working, yet somewhat slow or plodding and can be easily fatigued. Anxiety may be strong, and overwork or stress may lead to temporary breakdown.

Mouth ulcers

This remedy is often indicated when infants and small children have recurring canker sores. A child who needs this remedy may also have head-sweats during sleep, and be slow to teethe or learn to walk. Calcarea carbonica may help with canker sores in adults who are chilly, stout, and easily fatigued.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoporosis

Pituarity disfunction

Parathyroid disfunction

Thyroid disfunction

Depression after birth

This remedy can be helpful to a woman who is overwhelmed by working too hard and taking on too much responsibility. Weakness and fatigue make her feel depressed. Anxiety, insomnia, and nightmares may develop

Psoriasis

Rachitis

Rheumatoid arthritis

This remedy may be useful for deeply aching arthritis involving node formation around the joints. Inflammation and soreness are worse from cold and dampness, and problems may be focused on the knees and hands. Weakness in the muscles, easy fatigue from exertion, and a feeling of chilliness or sluggishness are common.

Teething

TBC

Varicose veins

Varicose veins that hurt while the person is standing or walking may respond to this remedy. People who need this remedy often have poor circulation, with clammy hands and feet, and a general feeling of chilliness. They may have weak or flabby muscles, and be easily tired by exertion.

Yeast infections/ Candidiasis

When this remedy is indicated, burning and itching feelings may occur both before and after the menstrual period. Discharge from vaginitis is milky and acrid or thick and yellow. A person who needs this remedy is often chilly and stout, has a craving for sweets, and is easily tired by exertion

Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate, or CaCO3, comprises more than 4% of the earth’s crust and is found throughout the world. Its most common natural forms are chalk, limestone, and marble, produced by the sedimentation of the shells of small fossilized snails, shellfish, and coral over millions of years.

Aragonite and calcite are beautiful CaCO3 minerals which pictures I put here to present the power of Calcium Carbonate: healing force of this remedy is as mighty as its creativity on the (sur)face of our planet.

With the same strength and intelligence which Calcium Carbonate is designing this extraordinary magical beauty in the nature, Calcarea Carobonica is healing mental and physical disorders in people and animals.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Series - Home Remedy #15 - For Blood Pressure ( Low and High )

Blood Pressure - Low

■Have juice of 10-15 basil (tulsi) leaves mixed with 1 teaspoon honey. Crush the leaves to a paste and squeeze out the juice through a muslin cloth.

Blood Pressure - High

■Restrict salt intake and drink plenty of fluids (at least 8-10 glasses of water daily).
■Have single pod garlic (lasan), one pod first thing every morning or if this is not available, have 1 - 2 cloves of ordinary garlic (lasan). If you get discomfort with having garlic first thing in the morning, swallow 2 cloves twice a day with water, any time or with meals.
■Mix 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon ginger (adrak) juice, 1 teaspoon cumin (jeera) powder. Have twice a day.
■Drink curry leaves (curry patta) juice initially 3 times a day (1 glassful) for 1 - 2 months and then reduce to only once in the morning. Have it on empty stomach. For taking out juice: fill your mixer with washed curry leaves, add 1/2 - 3/4 glass water. Churn well and sieve. Add 1/2 - 1 lemon juice and drink fresh.
■Go on an apple diet for a few days. It has a diuretic effect and thus brings down the B.P.
■Having rice, particulary brown rice as the main staple food is very beneficial. As rice has very low sodium content and low cholesterol, it is a perfect diet for those who have been advised to have low salt diets.
■Consumption of natural diuretics like coconut water, butter milk, coriander (dhania) juice (make from green coriander in the same way as curry leaves juice) is very benefical.
■Fruits such as mausami, orange, peaces (aaru), plum (aloo bukhara), watermelon (tarbooz) are also benefical.
■Last but not the least, rest, relaxation and good sleep are effective in keeping the B.P. under control.
■Drink coriander (dhania) juice made from fresh dhania (same way as curry leaves juices) 3 times a day. If this is not effective, start having fenugreek (methi) juice instead (made from fresh methi) and if this is also not effective, move to curry leaves juice. Drink each juice for 10-12 days at least before you decide. If this is not working, then move to the next one.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

Everyone has been anxious at some point in their life, whether it be over love, school, work or that big presentation due tomorrow. Anxiety, fear and worry are all completely natural human feelings. Yet for some anxiety can be more than a normal occurrence and endure for an extended period of time affecting their physical and mental well being. This is commonly called an anxiety disorder.

Fortunately even though millions of people suffer from anxiety, there are many types of treatment available - medical, therapeutic and herbal. This article overviews some of the more common anxiety disorders and herbal anxiety remedies that possibly can help.



Common Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

People suffering from GAD often feel an unrelenting worry or fear that is out of proportion to the actual event and are compulsively worried for extended periods of time hampering their physical interactions with the world and other individuals.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People suffering from OCD tend to have bothersome and intrusive thoughts that generate anxiety (obsession) and perform repetitive actions (compulsion) like excessive hand washing to try and reduce their anxiety. The person's actions often cause them to lose valuable time and ostracize themselves from others.

Panic Disorder

People suffering from a Panic Disorders often have panic attacks, which are extreme bouts of fear that strike them without warning when performing a task. The symptoms resemble that of a heart attack and can last anywhere from a couple minutes to up twenty minutes though some people can have them come and go over a period of hours.

Phobias

People with a phobia suffer fear and anxiety when they see a specific thing and feel something awful will happen to them if they encounter that phobia. Phobias can range from the common to the extreme including things like spiders, snakes, social interaction and even loud noises.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

People suffering post-traumatic stress feel an extreme amount of fear and anxiety due to a severe trauma they suffered such as a hostage situation, a serious incident, a life changing accident, serving in combat, etc.

While these are only a few of the many anxiety disorders that exist, there are often treatments available for people suffering with them - therapy, medical and herbal. Of all of these herbal remedies are perhaps the oldest and while they may not cure someone of a disorder they can help soothe their anxiety. Even without an anxiety disorder, people who are worrying or anxious can benefit from a simple herbal remedy.

Common Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

There are thousands of herbs in the world that all offer some form of health benefit. Many of these herbs have then been refined as a basis for pharmaceutical drugs in treating various ailments. Yet herbal remedies themselves remain fairly simple and natural and there are several that show some benefit in reducing anxiety.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a small daisy like flower that has been made into a tea, a tablet and shaped in many other forms. While scientific studies have not really studied Chamomile, many people's personal accounts say that it does in fact reduce their anxiety. One of the best ways to use Chamomile is to make or buy Chamomile Tea, a sweet drink that offers great benefits. Given its low risk to most people, it offers not only benefits in reducing anxiety but also as a muscle relaxant and soothing upset stomachs.

Kava Kava

Kava has been grown and used through the Pacific Ocean for hundreds of years and by utilizing the roots of this pepper like plant which contain kavalactones, it has been made into an herbal supplement and a drink. The drink combines Kava powder (ground up Kava root) which is soaked into water or milk. Hot water or liquids are not used as it kills the kavalctones which generate the soothing benefits of the drink. Always follow directions if making your own.

When one takes Kava their tongue and lip may go a little numb (only temporary) followed by an increase in talkative behavior, clear thinking, calm muscles and finally a feeling of well-being. Anxiety should clear away or at least become marginalized. Falling asleep becomes easier and more restful with people waking up more alert.

Some studies have suggested liver damage may result from extended use of Kava. However this seems to be a result of extended use of the herbal Kava supplement rather than the drink. Water soluble Kava has not been proven to cause liver damage and is how the Kava drink has traditionally been prepared by Pacific Islanders for hundreds of years. It is also thought that improperly prepared Kava by including ground up stem or leaves and the processing process of Kava used in making the supplement could cause the liver damage. If you already have liver problems, it may be best to avoid Kava. A tiny portion of people who use Kava may be allergic and have skin irritation or a rash and if so should not use Kava. There have also been some indications that Kava can become addictive.

Passionflower

Passionflower is a climbing vine that is considered a calming herb in folk medicine which has been borne out in studies. The herb is available in extracts, tea, dry herbs and tinctures like most other herbal medicines. A double blind study showed it worked in decreasing general anxiety disorder with less effects than the anti-depressant Oxazepam, though bigger studies are needed. Passionflower can serve as a sedative and helps sleep, improve anxiety, asthma, rapid heart rate and other problems. The full cause of why is unknown but there have been no major cases of side effects from use. It is often used with Valerian or other herbal supplements. Nausea, headaches and drowsiness may be possible side effects in some people and allergic reactions are possible.

Valerian

Valerian is a sweet scented pink or white flower that grows in the Northern Hemisphere and was first found in Europe, being used by the Romans and ancient Greeks. Valerian is also the name of a nutritional and dietary supplement in capsule form made from the roots of the above flower and can also be used in a tea. Valerian serves predominantly as a treatment for insomnia due to being a mild sedative but has shown some affect in reducing anxiety.

However in some people, Valerian has had an opposite effect by actually increasing nervousness and anxiety. Other side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea and increased drowsiness while an allergic reaction of rash, hives, difficulty breathing could occur. There is also the rare possibility of liver damage though the exact reason is unknown whether it is how the herb is prepared, the dosage, etc. Proper monitoring can reduce any impact on the liver.

Skullcap

Of the many types of wetland loving Skullcaps, the Common Skullcap (found in Britain, Europe and Asia) and the Blue Skullcap (found in America) are known for their sedative abilities and help in treating anxiety, insomnia and nervous tension among other ailments. The most common side effect of Skullcap is muscle aches and increased body temperature, though Skullcaps is also known to cause liver damage.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is from the mint family and originally found in southern Europe and the Mediterranean before being transported around the world. It is a useful herb that has been used since the Middle Ages. Studies have shown Lemon Balm reduces anxiety and mood disorders as well as reducing fevers and helping digestion. It is not a sedative and is commonly used in teas or as an extract. Some people have used it as a skin cleaner or bug repellent. There are no major side effects though rarely some people may feel nauseous or dizzy after consumption.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Series - Home Remedy #14 - Belching (Dakaar)

Grind 2 teaspoons each carom seeds (ajwain) and dried ginger (adrak) into a fine powder. Add a little black salt (kala namak). Take 1 teaspoon of this mixture with 1 cup warm water frequently.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India

Series - Home Remedy #13 - Bed Wetting in Children

Give 2 walnut halves (akhrot giri) and 1 teaspoon of kishmish to the child before sleeping for 10 – 12 days.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India

Series - Home Remedy #12 - For Baldness

Boil 1 cup mustard oil (sarso ka tel) with 4 tablespoon henna (mehendi) leaves. Filter and bottle. Massage on the bald patches regularly.

Grind the remains of tobacco smoked in a hookah and add to boiling mustard oil. Cool and store. Massage on the bald patches regularly.

Rub on the scalp 1 teaspoon oil in which raw mangoes have been preserved for over one year. Repeat this treatment regularly.

Grind 1 tablespoon liquorice root pieces (mulathi) in 1 cup milk with ¼ teaspoon saffron (kesar). Apply this paste on bald patches at bed time continuously.

Grind fenugreek seeds (methi dana), with water and apply on the head. Leave for at least 40 minutes before washing. Do it every morning for a month.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Series - Home Remedy #11 - For Bad Odour

Use neem twigs as tooth paste.
Powder the dried mint (pudina) leaves. Use as toothpowder.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Series - Home Remedy #10 - For Bad Breath

Chew some fennel seeds (saunf) frequently.

Chew a piece of cinnamon (dalchini) put in a betel leaf (paan ka patta).

Boil some cinnamon (dalchini) in a cup of water. Store it in a clean bottle in your bathroom. Use it as a mouthwash frequently.

Parsley leaves are rich in chlorophyll, nature’s own deodorizer. Chew some leaves regularly and your breath will remain fresh. Alternatively, you can chew some cardamom seeds (illaichi) to sweeten your breath.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India