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How to Control High Blood Pressure

How to Control High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is not a condition to take lightly. You can take steps to control high blood pressure through a healthy diet, exercise, and several other steps listed below.

Things You'll Need:

Doctor

Determination

1

Get advice and help from your doctor or health care provider. This is the most important step if you have high blood pressure. Hypertension requires the supervision of a qualified health care provider.

2

Know your blood pressure. It's important to be aware of how high (or low) your blood pressure actually is. Make sure to have it checked regularly.

3

Exercise regularly. Consistent exercise can help control your blood pressure. You should try for at least 30 minutes a day, six days a week. If that seems impossible, try three days a week and move up from there.

4

Follow the 'DASH' diet (see link in the resources below). This diet consists of whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and is low in fat and sodium.

5

Limit your alcohol intake; this helps control high blood pressure.

6

If you smoke cigarettes, take steps to quit. Smoking is a big factor in high blood pressure, so talk to your doctor about techniques for quitting.

7

If you are on high blood pressure medication, be sure to always take it as directed!

Tips & Warnings

Don't be discouraged if your blood pressure doesn't change right off. Give yourself time; you should see results eventually.

Follow any tips only under the advice of your health care provider.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4490359_control-high-blood-pressure.html

How to Control Heavy Periods With Herbs

How to Control Heavy Periods With Herbs

If you suffer from a heavy menstrual period (or menorrhagia), then you know the drill. Tired of your situation, you visit the doctor who then puts you on birth control to manage it. Some doctors may even suggest getting a hysterectomy to fix it.

However, there are natural options too. The birth control option attempts to address the fact that your hormones are out of whack. However, as an herbalist, I believe that it is better in the long run to encourage your body in a gentle way to fix the imbalance. To do this I recommend using two types of herbs: one that is good for the liver and another that is good for the endocrine system, as well as making the following lifestyle changes.

Things You'll Need:

One herb from each category

Seaweed of choice

Multivitamin with iron

A healthy diet

1

Select one herb from each category.
Liver:
вЂў Burdock root
вЂў Dandelion root
вЂў Pau d'arco
вЂў Yellow dock

Endocrine System:
вЂў Wild yam root
вЂў Licorice root
вЂў Vitex
вЂў Ginger root
вЂў Dong quai

Take each herb once or twice a day in capsule form or as a tea. It's easier to take them as a capsule, however. Continue taking it as long as needed.

2

Women who suffer from heavy menstruation are often dealing with mineral deficiency. Seaweed is rich in minerals and vitamins and is also good for the endocrine system. You can choose any form of seaweed that you like. My personal favorite is nori, the seaweed used for sushi.

3

Another problem women have when they experience heavy periods is a lack of iron. Taking a natural multivitamin with iron is a good way to help keep iron levels at normal. Another good way is to also eat foods that are rich in iron such as green beans, small amounts of meat (hormone free) and spinach.

4

Eating a healthy diet is also important. This includes whole grains, hormone-free protein sources and plenty of leafy green vegetables.

Tips & Warnings

If you want more advice about herbal remedies for heavy menstrual periods, consult with a doctor.

Even if you decide not to go on birth control or get a hysterectomy you should still see a doctor to rule out anything serious as the cause.

Don't take licorice root if you have high blood pressure.

Don't use dong quai while menstruating.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2264545_control-heavy-periods-herbs.html

How to Control Hay Fever

How to Control Hay Fever

Millions of people around the world suffer from hay fever. There are many over-the-counter medications to try, but here are some options available that you may not know about.

1

Visit your physician and get a complete check up. You will probably be sent to an allergist for specialized testing. The good thing about that is you will know exactly what you are allergic to.

2

Raise your immunities. Eliminate sugars and processed foods from your diet. Try adding a multivitamin and mineral complex to compensate for anything you might be missing in your diet.

3

I tried the following remedy for 6 months and it got me completely off of all the allergy shots and over the counter medicines I was taking. I started the program early in the spring and went most of the way through the harvest season. I stopped the allergy shots during the summer and had a minimal number of allergy attacks.

1st week: 2 astragalus capsules (1 morning and 1 evening)
2nd week: 100 mg - 200 mg of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B1) a day
3rd week: 2 echinacea w/goldenseal capsules (1 morning and 1 evening)
4th week: 100 mg - 200 mg of Pantothenic Acid a day

Repeat the schedule for 6 to 8 months. Remember that everyone is different and you will have to adjust the dosages to your own specific needs.

4

Vitamin C reduces histamine levels in the blood. Lowered histamine levels reduce allergic reactions. Vitamin C is also a known immune system enhancer.

5

For fast relief, try over-the-counter medicines. Choose one that only remedies the symptoms you are experiencing. OTC meds usually work within 20 to 30 minutes. They will remedy the symptoms, but do nothing to eliminate the cause.

6

Keep a small notepad handy. Document the things or places that cause an allergy attack. Write down the symptoms, the duration and what helps to alleviate the discomfort.

Tips & Warnings

Always read labels on all medications.

When you take herbal remedies, find out what works for you. Some people will need more, some will need less. Everyone is different.

Always consult a physician before starting any remedy or alternative healthcare program.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2195341_control-hay-fever.html

How to Control Constipation With Herbs

How to Control Constipation With Herbs

Almost nothing makes us feel more miserable than being constipated. Whether itвЂ™s a chronic problem or even if it only happens to you once in a while, itвЂ™s something you want to avoid. Eating foods that are low in fiber, as well as overeating and eating foods that are too well done can cause infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Fresh fruits and vegetables, eaten raw or lightly steamed or sautГ©ed, are the first line of defense when you begin to suffer from constipation. And the old standards, bran and prunes, are always good choices before you reach for the over-the-counter products that promise relief, but can become habit forming.

Things You'll Need:

Cascara sagrada bark

Yellow dock root

Burdock root

Licorice root

Psyllium seed

Water

Prune juice or prunes

Bran

1

Get up and do a little exercise. Simply walking 15 or 20 minutes several times each week can help to prevent constipation from happening and can help to get things moving in your intestines.

2

Evaluate your diet and add fresh fruits and vegetables if youвЂ™re not eating the recommended four to five servings every day. Prunes, or prune juice, of course, are wonderful to get the bowels moving.

3

Add bran, either wheat bran or oat bran, to your diet every day. ItвЂ™s delicious in breads, muffins, and you can even sprinkle it on your breakfast cereal.

4

If you need a little boost to the above measures, try taking psyllium seed or husk, available in capsules, every day for seven days. Be sure to drink two glasses of water or herb tea after taking psyllium.

5

An effective formula for relieving constipation is a combination of cascara bark, licorice root, yellow dock and burdock. Simmer one teaspoon of each in two cups of water for about 20 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly, and then drink one-half cup every day. Before you retire in the evening is a good time to drink this tea. If taking this tea only once a day doesnвЂ™t help, increase your dosage to twice a day.

6

Stress can also cause constipation, so if you are going through a tough time, do some relaxation exercises, yoga and deep breathing.

Tips & Warnings

Visit your local farmerвЂ™s market and experiment with the freshest and most beautiful fruits and veggies you can find.

Avoid processed food and junk food.

Avoid eating a lot of foods that contain flour, as this can вЂњplug you up.вЂќ Once or twice a week is fine, but many people find that a diet that is heavy in wheat can cause constipation or make it worse.

This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The use of herbal products should not be taken lightly. Always consult a qualified health care practitioner before using any herb, especially if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are taking any prescribed medications.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4475213_control-constipation-herbs.html

How to Control Arteriosclerosis With Natural Medicine

How to Control Arteriosclerosis With Natural Medicine

Arteriosclerosis, or the hardening of arteries, is a medical condition in which calcium, cholesterol and fat deposit on the arterial walls, decreasing blood flow and increasing blood pressure. Modern medical treatments include catherization and angioplasty or even removing the lining of the artery or replacing it entirely with a synthetic graft. The best approach to treating arteriosclerosis is by examining and removing the causes through a less invasive and natural treatment.

Natural Medical Treatments

1

Determine the cause of arterial blockage by conducting analysis tests with your natural medicine doctor. Doctors should perform a variety of tests including body fat percentage, EKG, blood biochemical risk factor analysis and a platelet aggregation test. From these tests, a natural medicine doctor can prescribe the right natural treatment for you, and help you eliminate other prescription drugs that may be worsening the problem.

2

Treat arteriosclerosis with Chelation therapy if your risk factors for serious complications are high. Chelation therapy corrects the cause of artery blockage by trapping and removing harmful substances in the blood, such as aluminum, lead and mercury. Chelation therapy is a natural non-surgical treatment that is less invasive, less damaging and more effective that traditional medical treatments.

3

Have your natural medicine doctor perform a FACT (Functional Acuity Contrast Test). This simple test can help your doctor determine whether IV injections of phosphatidylcholine and glutathione can be an effective treatment for your arteriosclerosis. Phosphatidylcholine and glutathione can reverse the build-up of plaque and lesson the tendency for thick blood, easing the symptoms and causes of arteriosclerosis.

Natural Treatment at Home

1

Remove stressors that may cause or worsen arteriosclerosis. Avoid all free radicals by removing excess fat from your diet, eating more natural foods with no preservatives, not smoking and taking fewer prescription medications if possible. Your naturopathic doctor should help you determine if your healing response is inadequate due to or aggravated by excessive medication, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, excess blood sugar or other stressors.

2

Change your lifestyle depending on the advice your natural medicine doctor recommends after in depth testing. These changes will most likely include a strict diet that restricts fat and carbohydrate intake and increases exercise to reduce weight. Other treatments may include hormone therapy, vitamin and mineral supplements and stress reduction.

3

Add fresh garlic to your diet whenever possible; there is no such thing as too much. Garlic has the natural ability to reduce the clotting tendency of blood, reducing the stickiness and aggregation of platelets in the arteries. A diet rich in garlic can help to reduce high blood pressure, relieving the symptoms of arteriosclerosis.

4

Spice your foods with cayenne pepper, fenugreek and caraway. High cholesterol levels in the blood increases the tendency for plaque formation; however, cholesterol is influenced by the type and level of lipoproteins in the blood. High-density lipoproteins can prevent plaque accumulation and help control arteriosclerosis. Vegetable lipids, or phytosterols, are a means of introducing more high-density lipoproteins and can be found in cayenne pepper, fenugreek, caraway, garlic and onions.

Tips & Warnings

Early detection and control of arteriosclerosis can save your life. If you suffer from high blood pressure and high cholesterol, see a natural medical doctor as soon as possible to assess your risk and discuss possible treatment and prevention options.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2099303_control-arteriosclerosis-natural-medicine.html

How to control anxiety with herbs

How to control anxiety with herbs

TCM, or traditional Chinese medicine has been around for thousands of years, and recently has gained popularity in the united states. the days of western elitism are gone as more and more of their "primitive" remedies have been scientifically proven to have merit. Major drug companies have spent billions of dollars researching these "new" organic compounds that the Chinese have been employing in their medicines for centuries. The following mixture is a traditional Chinese preparation of two herbs that i have found to have real therapeutic benefits. They are potent anti-anxieties but unlike synthetic western medications, do not have a risk of dependency or abuse.

Things You'll Need:

valerian root (1 oz) overlain (1 oz) hot water a tea ball

1

Make sure that both of the herbs are completely dry -if they aren't, the tea that they produce will not be potent enough. Also, dice them up into small pieces that will fit into the tea ball.

2

Pack the tea ball completely full with a mixture that is two part valerian root and one part vervain. Boil three pint of water add the tea ball and remove from heat. Cover the pot or teapot and allow the tea to steep for at least twenty minutes and up to one hour.

3

after the tea is properly steeped one small cup at breakfast or lunch, and a larger cup (the rest of the preparation) at bedtime. If you experience any stomach discomfort try adjusting the amount of tea that you imbibe to four small cups per day, before each meal and once at bed time.

Tips & Warnings

Warnings: make sure that all of the tea has been removed before drinking. Vervain has an extremely bitter taste. If you are taking any medications, consult with a physician before using drinking the tea.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2109943_control-anxiety-herbs.html

How to Know the Best Way to Lose Weight With Herbs

How to Know the Best Way to Lose Weight With Herbs

Weight loss can be tricky. The formula is pretty simple: Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and don't consume too many calories. But what happens if you've been doing these things but are not getting the results you expect? Herbs can help out a lot.

Note: Depending on the herbs you choose they can help your body burn fat, boost your metabolism, and keep your liver healthy. The herbs listed below are not diet aids. They simply help strengthen the body's natural ability to lose weight. They are also not stimulating like some of the "diet herbs" on the market.

If you are looking for a guide to help you detox, this is NOT it. If you want something that will help you lose weight quickly, again, you will not find that info in this article.

Too many people try to find the quick way out. They spend years abusing their bodies and eating food that is bad for them. They neglect their bodies and continue to not exercise. Instead, they want to undo years of abuse by taking a supplement that will crash the weight off. This is just MORE abuse.

You will NEVER find that kind of information in an article that I write. This is not a healthy mindset and I will never advocate those methods. My goal is to help you get healthy. Period.

So if you read the steps below and feel disappointed that I'm telling you to take herbs that will gently get your body back in balance and will help aid you in a normal, healthy weight loss schedule - perhaps it's time for a change of mentality? If you want to lose weight it is NOT an overnight process.

My advice would be to really think about your habits and your lifestyle. Make the changes that you need and then choose one or two of the herbs listed below that will gently help your body be as healthy as possible. This WILL translate to weight loss.

Things You'll Need:

1 Tsp. of your herb of choice

1 Cup hot water

A mug

Something to strain the herb if not using a tea bag.

1

Choose one of the herbs listed below to try. Add 1 tsp. of the herb to hot water (or one tea bag). Let steep for ten minutes and then remove the tea bag or strain the herb. Drink two to three cups a day.

2

A healthy liver helps your body process the extra fat and eliminate it. To stimulate your liver try dandelion root, burdock root, yellow dock root or dandelion leaves.

3

Traditional tea is also a good weight loss aid. White tea and green tea are the best, but black tea and oolong tea will work as well. They come from the sample plant, they're just dried differently.

4

Some herbs really help fire up your metabolism, which helps you burn more calories. These herbs include ginger, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon.

5

Excess stress can really take a toll on your body and cause you to gain weight. You can help manage your stress by using herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile, and oatstraw.

Tips & Warnings

Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day--more if you can do it.

Eat a balanced diet.

Research the herbs individually so you can get to know them.

My advice would be to try only one or two at a time so you don't overwhelm your body.

Make sure the herbs you choose don't have any side effects.

Consult with a physician before you use any of the herbs just to be safe.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2094370_lose-weight-herbs.html