Food As Medicine - The Tasty Approach To Better Health

Rebecca Prescott

Annemarie Colbin, in her book, Food and Healing, presents a chapter on altering diet to combat specific conditions. Her recommendations are based on her own experience as a student of macrobiotics and health food, and a teacher of natural healing and balanced eating. As well as her observations of those whom she treated in consultations, and the transformations of her students over the years. Despite her background in macrobiotics and vegetarianism, Annemarie isn't dogmatic about food - she recognizes that what is healing for one person, during a particular period of their life, may not be healing for others, or even for that same person at different stages of their life.



She takes as her cue the fact that regular foods have been used for their medicinal value in most traditional cultures. The underlying principle is one of restoring balance. Illness is considered a state of imbalance within the body. And like in homeopathy, she believes that remedies can cause similar symptoms to that which they cure - if the symptoms they can cure are not present, and they are taken in sufficient quantity. So, the remedy should no longer be taken once the symptoms of imbalance, the illness or condition, disappears. Otherwise, the remedy may in fact cause similar symptoms to reappear. If this is the case, the remedy should not be taken again, as the remedies are (according to this principle), causing the new symptoms. Serious medical conditions she does not rely on food cures for. She recognizes that Western medicine also has its place. But food being what it is, can also be a useful healing adjunct in those situations.



One thing that impressed her was food's ability to alter our metabolism quickly. She described this epiphany after cooking a meal for some South American friends, who were used to a diet that was high in protein and fats. When they ate the meal prepared by her, which was high in complex carbohydrates like whole grains and legumes, and low in fat, sugar (for dessert), and low in protein, they found alcohol affected them in a way it usually didn't. The same amount they normally drank, which did not make them drunk with their usual fare, got them quite tipsy on hers. She observed from this that alcohol, being expansive in nature, balanced out the highly contractive protein and fat they normally ate. These ideas, of particular foods having an expansive or contractive nature, is one that she learnt from the Oriental healing systems she studied.



This approach touches on a core difference between Western understanding of both food, and medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine's (TCM). TCM has as its conceptual underpinning, the study of relationships between things. Western approaches, to both nutrition and medicine, are based on a reductionist approach. They explore isolated nutrients, diseases that are studied under the microscope, with a symptom that then suggests possible causes, defined within a narrow and static frame. Ted Kaptchuk illustrates this when he describes how, when he was studying TCM in Macao, one of his teachers was talking about shingles. His teacher described how shingles on the face was different to shingles elsewhere, say, on the trunk. The reason behind this was that "the Chinese view demanded another perspective - seeing the relationship of the symptom to the whole body". (Kaptchuk) he goes on to say: "The question of cause and effect is always secondary to the overall pattern...The total configurations, the patterns of disharmony, provide the framework for treatment." (Kaptchuk)



References: Ted Kaptchuk, Chinese Medicine, The Web That Has No Weaver (Rider Books, London)

Annemarie Colbin, Food As Healing (Ballantine Books, New York)

About the Author: To learn more about acne natural cures versus natural acne treatments, check out this article exploring the use of Chinese Herbs: http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/acne-natural-cure.html

Source: www.isnare.com

How Dirty Dishes And Stale Bread Saved The World

Doug Smith

Copyright 2005 by Doug Smith

Home Remedies - Facts or Quacks?

That's what I recently asked myself. Myths and legends often
have their basis in a grain of truth. So I wondered if home
remedies, alternative treatments, and folklore cures might
also be based on truth. A little research provided some
astounding results!

He Was No Martha Stewart

In fact, Alexander Fleming had no housekeeping skills
whatsoever. During the early 1900s, Petri dishes, beakers,
and test tubes were piled around his lab like dirty dishes
in a bachelor's sink. That may be appropriate, because he
was studying the growth of bacteria and molds. I'm sure he
had no trouble getting either of those to grow in his lab.
I'm not sure how he kept his experiments separate.

Cashing In On Some Bread

Fortunately, there was at least one experiment that got
contaminated. He discovered that a mold growth called
Penicillium (because the cells are pencil-shaped) had
killed the bacteria he was culturing in one of his test dishes.
The Penicillium mold is often found on bread. He was able to
isolate the chemicals in the mold which killed the bacteria,
which are now known as penicillins.

A Miracle Cure Is Born

The antibiotic effects of penicillin, and its cousin
cephalosporin, proved to be a great aid to the medical
community in fighting bacterial illnesses and diseases.
Over the years these molecules have been enhanced to help
them fight bacteria which had become resistant. Penicillin
is still saving lives today, simply because Al Fleming was a
slob. Thankfully, he was smart enough to notice his mistake
and understand what it meant.

Eating moldy bread isn't going to cure your illness. Instead,
you might need a shot of penicillin to fight the effects of
your ill-advised snack! In this case, however, this home
remedy discovery is definitely a fact.

(You may reuse this copyrighted article provided no content
is changed - other than line length - and the author's box is
intact. All links must be active hyperlinks or made active.)

=================================================================
Doug Smith is a Chemical Engineer and the webmaster of
http://www.SuperHomeRemedies.com You get free & natural home
remedies for fungus, lice, acid reflux, cold sores, yeast & more
at Home Remedies
Stay up to date with our Home Remedy News Blog at Home Remedies News
=================================================================

About the Author

Doug Smith is a Chemical Engineer and the webmaster of
http://www.SuperHomeRemedies.com You get free & natural home
remedies for fungus, lice, acid reflux, cold sores, yeast & more.

Treating a UTI Naturally

Nicole Bandes, Certified Herb Specialist

UTIs, or urinary tract infections, are infections that occur in the bladder, urethra or kidneys. While women suffer from UTIs most often, men are not immune. Generally, if a man has a UTI, he should address his concerns with a medical doctor because it may indicate a more serious condition affecting the prostate.

The most common symptoms of a UTI are frequent and urgent needs to urinate even if the bladder is empty, burning upon urination and sometimes abdominal cramping. It is now possible to determine if you have a UTI at home. Most pharmacies sell reagent strips that can be used to detect the presence of bacteria in the urine much the same way a doctor's office will. .

Many UTIs can be treated naturally at home. The most well known folk remedy for UTIs is to drink cranberry juice. There is actually a great deal of scientific evidence that suggests cranberries can inhibit bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract which will prevent and even treat UTIs. What has always seemed to get lost in the translation is that the cranberry juice must be as natural as possible (no added sweeteners) and should be a high concentrate of cranberries rather than some cranberry and a lot of grape or other juice type. This type of juice is usually not available in a regular grocery store. It can, however, often be purchased from a health food or natural foods store. To effectively treat a UTI, it is necessary to drink a large amount (approximately a gallon per day) until symptoms clear up and then to drink about half as much for a minimum of 10 additional days.

Natural, pure cranberry juice can be very tart. If you prefer, you can take a cranberry juice supplement instead. Some high quality supplements will combine cranberry with Buchu, a diuretic which will help ease the feeling of needing to urinate when the bladder is empty. Remember to take these frequently throughout the day (every 3 to 4 hours is best) and with plenty of fresh, clean water.

Colloidal Silver and Garlic may be used as a natural antibiotic which will destroy the bacteria in the urinary tract. When using garlic supplements, it is important to use garlic that does not have the odor component removed as this is the part of the garlic that is antibacterial. If you are concerned about odor, use a garlic supplement that is combined with chlorophyll and is enteric coated.

Things to avoid during a UTI

* Citrus fruits: May cause an alkaline environment which will encourage bacterial growth.

* Sugars, processed foods, caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol.

* Feminine hygiene sprays, packaged douches, bubble baths, and tampons.

With diligence, most UTI's can be remedied at home. However, if there is blood present in the urine or symptoms persist for longer than 1 week, a doctor should be consulted as it may indicate a more serious UTI that must be treated with antibiotics.

About The Author

Nicole Bandes, Certified Herb Specialist

Want your natural health supplement questions answered? Send your questions to ask@naturemadeez.com. Nicole Bandes is the author of the Ask The Herb Specialist column and an Area Manager for Nature's Sunshine Products. Read more articles by Nicole at http://www.naturemadeez.com.

Constipation remedy using apples and other juices

rudy silva

Here are two constipation remedies that you can use for a mild case of constipation and for a chronic case of constipation.



Apple and Pear Juice



If you have a mild case of constipation, you can use this remedy to get results.



Prepare equal amounts of fresh apple and pear juice. Drink this combination when you first wake up and one hour before bedtime.



Juice the pears that are slightly hard. If the pear is ripe, it is best to blend it whole with apple juice to create a thick drink. Using the whole pear will give you additional fiber. Just remove the seeds but do not peel the organic type.



Pears have minerals, vitamins, and chemicals that help to clean out your colon, kidney and to regenerate your blood cells.



Apple Juice and Prune Juice



Here's a constipation remedy that you can use if you have chronic constipation. In addition to just drinking apple juice, you can accelerate your peristaltic action with prune juice.



Here's how to do it.



If you have a juicer you can make fresh apple juice and drink 3-4 glasses a day. You can also drink store-bought apple juice but try to get fresh squeezed and not the type that has been flash pasteurized or pasteurized. If you can find fresh apple juice then use flash pasteurized.



Buy your juice in glass containers if possible.



Plastic containers are processed using solvents that stay in the container walls and gradually outgas into the apple juice. This out gassing is more severe when plastic containers are stored in hot places.



To speed up the laxative effects of apple juice, take the following combination first thing in the morning before you have breakfast,



Drink 2-3 cups of prune juice.

After ½ hour, drink one cup of apple juice

Then, 1-hour later drink another cup of apple juice.



I usually buy my prune juice in a bottle and fresh squeeze my apple juice.



Be prepared to head for the bathroom after you drink your prune juice and your first glass of apple juice. You may need to head to the bathroom soon after you drink prune juice, everyone is different. I have used this combination and have recommended it to my clients and have had good results.



Prune juice by itself is good for constipation. It is a safe, gentle and an effective laxative. Drink a cup in the morning and a cup in the evening. Prune juice contain the substance dihydrophenylisatin, which is responsible for the laxative action. Prunes are also high in iron and are a great supplement if you are anemic or low on iron.



If you add prune juice to your diet, do not drink as much of it as you would when you have constipation. Drink ½ glass in the morning and perhaps ½ glass in the evening.


Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. For information on constipation and other remedy ebooks go to: http://www.stop-constipation.com See some of his newsletters at: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com/archive.html

5 Keys to Building Wealth Online

If you are wondering about the keys required to build online wealth, then you have stumbled upon the only source that you will ever need. If you would employ the keys presented here, you would be destined to overcome almost every reason that people fail to build online wealth. The keys are very similar to the keys to build wealth offline as well. So let’s not linger, let’s get to it.

Key #1: Make yourself visible. On your website, provide all information necessary for potential customers to get in touch with you. This info should include an e-mail address, your picture, and your phone number – at least your business number. A personal address is nice, at least the city and state that your are in.

Key #2: Be unique. Everyone has their own set of special knowledge, use yours. Even if you don’t feel like it, you have information that only you know. Be yourself. Express yourself. Be honest and believe in your own approach to presenting your business.

Key #3: Be customer oriented. Tap in to your website with the eyes of a stranger – like your customers will be. View it. Read it. Experience it. And then edit it. Continue to edit out the bad and enhance the good elements of your website. Listen to the input of your visitors. Isn’t it they that you try to please?

Key #4: Automation. The use of auto-responders will catapult you to unseen levels of success. Know that statistics show that the average customer doesn’t make a purchase from a website until they have been exposed to it between seven and nine times.

Key #5: Use online advertising techniques like blog spots and article directories. Don’t forget to engage in offline advertising tactics as well. Newspapers, periodicals, radio, television, magnetic signs on your vehicle and signs along the roadways are all valid resources. Use anything to get people to hit your website, and then deliver their needs to them like you would want yours delivered to you.

Constantly involve yourself in learning about business techniques in general. Online business is still business. It’s time to get down to business.

Author: will smithston

Toenail Fungus Remedy

Sharon Hopkins

Fungal infections are common on both fingernails and toenails. Toenails are more prone to be affected by fungus, as these living organisms thrive in dark damp environments available on the foot than on hand.

When inflicted with toenail fungus, the nails can turn yellowish or have brownish discoloration. They may become thick or brittle over time and break or shed on own. Such kind of nails is unsightly, disfiguring, embarrassing and painful most of the times. Toenail fungus can happen to any one. It is a contagious disease that spreads on contact too…

Abnormal pH level of the skin, trauma to the nail, unhygienic feet and decreased immunity of the body permit this disease.

Avoiding toenail fungus -

- The fungus thrives in warm moist areas like spas, swimming pools, showers or locker rooms. If you step on a warm puddle or wet floor, you can pick up the infection. After using such public places, it is ideal to wash your feet thoroughly and dry them well.

- Wear cotton socks to absorb moisture from the feet that happens from sweating.

- If your socks are damp, take them off and dry your feet before wearing a fresh pair of dry socks.

- Wear shoes that have a comfortable fit and allow plenty of air and moisture to pass through.

- Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, shoes or any other personal items of those people who have already contracted this disease.

- Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every time. Use a towel vigorously to remove any dead skin and improve circulation.

- Keep your nails cut short, and don't use nail polish.

- Trim your toenails regularly. Trim them into a straight line and then smooth the edges with a nail file.

Toenail fungus remedy –

- Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic and fungicide that will help fight your fungus. Apply undiluted tea tree oil with olive oil to the affected toe nail. Alternatively you can put few drops of tea tree oil on toenails and rub it thoroughly every day.

- Soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toe nails looking healthy.

- Soak your toenails for 15 - 20 minutes in basin full of warm water and natural apple cider vinegar mixed in equal proportion. When done, dry your toenails thoroughly. Use a hair dryer on warm setting to absorb all the moisture in and around the toes.

- Put equal amount of tea tree oil and lavender oil on a cotton ball or swab. Dab it under the top edge of the toe nail and surrounding area 2 or 3 times a day. Tea tree oil is natural antibiotic and lavender will help fight the infection and prevent skin irritation.

- Blend 2 drops of Oregano essential oil with a tsp of olive oil. Apply this mixture on the affected area daily for NOT more than three weeks. Oregano essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties.

- Until the growth of the new nail is complete, apply apple cider vinegar 2 or 3 times a day.

- Lather AHA creams onto your feet before going to bed. This will flush the rough scaly skin from your feet that is more prone to growing fungus.

The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader, not the site, and the writer.

About the Author:

Sharon Hopkins has been managing a number of Natural Home Remedies websites having information on home based natural cures and remedies for some of the most common illnesses and health problems.

Read more articles by: Sharon Hopkins



This article is distributed by: www.iSnare.com

The Safety of Natural Therapies

Dr. D.S. Braun

Just because something is labeled or deemed "natural' does not mean it comes without risk! Anytime you introduce another substance into your body, whether it be by ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption, there are inherent risks.

If you suffer from ANY of the following conditions, PLEASE seek the advice of your doctor before using ANY natural remedy - whether it be aromatherapy oils and blends or herbal teas, tinctures, supplements, salves, etc.

Epilepsy (some oils/herbs can actually send you into a seizure!)
High Blood Pressure
Low Blood Pressure
Skin Sensitivity
Coagulation Disorders
Hepatitis
Heart Disease
Liver Disease
Pregnancy/Nursing (there are no safe oils during pregnancy!)
Hormone Replacement Therapy

The golden rules for safety:

1) If you are under the care of a physician, seek his/her advice BEFORE starting therapy.
2) If you are pregnant or nursing, do not utilize natural therapies without the express consent and guidance of your doctor.
3) Keep in mind that many oils are phototoxic - meaning they will increase your sensitivity to the sun. Avoid sun exposure after topical use of essential oils.
4) Do a patch test. Always patch test a new oil or blend on a small area of skin to test for sensitivity. The last thing you want is a huge rash because you didn't know you'd be sensitive to the oil!
5) Natural remedies work well with traditional medicine - the key word being 'with'. If you have any medical conditions, are under a doctor's care for ANY reason, or simply have questions/concerns - talk to your medical professional BEFORE you begin a natural therapy regimen.

Remember - Natural does not mean 'safe'!

About the Author

Dee is a Doctor of Reflexology, Homeopathic Practitioner, Certified Aromatherapist, and Reiki Master. Her site is AkobiAromas.com - a source of quality aromatherapy, herbal and reflexology information and products.