Natural Acne Treatment

Acne sufferers have most probably studied, heard and read of many miraculous cures, which supposedly can cure your acne overnight. It’s a medical fact that acne cannot be cured. Acne is a skin disorder that a person must grow out of. Don’t spend your time and money on overnight remedies. Instead, take a minute and understand your own skin disorder so you can discover the right treatment for it.

It is important to understand from the outset that each person is different and therefore a remedy that works wonders for some people may fail completely on others. You have to decide whether you want to try conventional medical acne treatments or natural acne remedies. Chemical formulations and pharmaceutical products can trigger allergic, toxic and other adverse reactions. Natural acne treatments tend to be more gentle on the body, but results can be slower.

Natural Acne Treatment Guide

Nature’s way to treat acne includes changing your diet, improving bowel function, cleansing the internal body organs using herbal products and avoiding certain foods. For more information on treating acne, visit http://www.treatingacne-inc.com

Changing Your Diet

You need to stop eating foods that poison your insides. Two important elements to eliminate from your daily meals are sugar and fats. Refined sugar should be stopped altogether from entering your system. This means eliminating sugary drinks such as sodas and certain fruit juices, sweets, candy and other sugary treats. Sugar is however required as a quick source of energy for the body. There are suitable substitutes in the form of nutritional supplements, some examples being ‘Superfoods’ or ‘Green Drinks’. These supplements increase the body’s antioxidant levels which also helps as a natural remedy for acne.

Among fats, hydrogenated oils should be cut completely out your diet. This means avoiding cookies, cakes, desserts, snack crackers and all other sources of bad fats. The best foodstuffs to replace these fats are the natural oils such as olive oil, cod liver oil, and coconut oil as well as nuts and seeds.

Food Combinations

Eating the right combination of food items is an integral part of a natural acne treatment regimen. Nutritionists suggest that you eat fruit by itself without mixing them with other food types, and particularly not following a heavy meal. Vegetables should be cooked or eaten either with oil or meat, but not combined with both in one go. Salad is perfectly acceptable to be combined with all different kinds of vegetables. Finally, starches (bread, pasta, potatoes etc.) should not be eaten together with meats.

Other Harmful Food Substances

As part of the natural acne remedy, you must stop taking harmful ingredients for example Monosodium glutamate or MSG (found in Chinese foods, processed meats and tenderizers) and the neurotoxin Aspartame (used as an artificial sweetener in diet drinks).

Internal Body Cleansing

The chief focus of natural acne treatment is internal body cleansing. This functions differently for different body organs such as kidneys and liver. Again, select a herbal formula for cleansing each of these organs.

Bowel Movement

While the majority of people have their bowels emptied once every 24 hours, natural bowel movement should be more often. In addition, a a bowel emptying should take place in 30 seconds. If it takes more than that, the digestion is slow, mainly because of the presence of difficult-to-digest foodstuffs. The poisonous waste is therefore staying dormant in the intestines for some time and this ultimately results in acne. The best method to make your bowels work easily is to cease eating processed foods and red meat, or reduce their intake. Alternatively, use any of the effective herbal formulations available in the market. ‘4 Total Cleanse’ is one such recognized herbal formula for acne that works by improving bowel function.

Parasite Cleansing

The next stage in the natural acne treatment is cleansing your gut of parasites that can precipitate infections and result in acne. Herbal treatments are available for parasite cleansing and you can use them in combination with herbal formulations for bowel movements.

Natural acne remedies work gradually and sometimes relatively slowly thus, do not expect a miraculous recovery no matter what type of natural acne treatment you are trying out. Follow the treatment as indicated and don’t pause midway because you see some signs of improvement. At times you may need to use the treatment even after your acne has totally improved.Don’t be taken in by myths and cure remedies that have not first been approved by your medical doctor as you may further irritate your skin disorder and cause even more damage than repair.

For more, effective natural acne remedies, see part 2 of this article.

About The Author

Gregory De Villiers writes on a variety of health and wellness topics. Visit http://www.treatingacne-inc.com for more information on natural as well as conventional acne treatments.

Note to Publishers: You may freely republish this article as is, without editing or modification, and all links must be kept live.

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General Description

The guggul tree (sometimes spelt as ‘guggulu’) is an indigenous Indian tree which found abundantly in the temperate climates of north India. It is a small shrub, not more than 4 meters in height. It has a thin bark with thorny branches and trifoliate leaves. It has red or pink flowers with four petals each.

The gum of the guggul tree is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. This gum is a yellowing resinous substance that is obtained from the stem of the guggul plant. The guggul plant is very well established in Ayurveda. Even in Sushruta Samhita, one of the most detailed works on Ayurvedic medicine, the virtues of the guggul in the treatment of obesity and rheumatism are recorded. Guggul is commercially available for the treatment of cholesterol and triglyceride deposits in the body. Western research has proven that guggulsterone, a chemical available in the guggul gum is the main beneficial factor in lowering cholesterol. Guggulipid, an extract of the guggul gum is also effective in lowering blood cholesterol.

The guggul is famous in the west with the name mukul myrrh tree. Biologically, it is named Commiphora wightii or Commiphora mukul. In Ayurveda, guggul is rarely taken in its pure form. Whenever it is prescribed for direct oral medication, the guggul needs to be purified. This method of purifying the guggul herb is known as the shodhana. Shodhana is done by boiling the herb in either cow’s milk or its urine. This makes the drug more acceptable to the human body, but it reduces its volatile oil content and hence makes the drug a little less effective in therapeutic terms.

Properties

Guggul is known to have the following properties:-

(i) Guggul disintegrates the cholesterol accumulated in the body. Hence it is used in the treatment of various cardiovascular problems.

(ii) Guggul flushes out the toxins from the body and promotes easy digestion of foods. It has a mild laxative effect.

(iii) Guggul is known to be a liver stimulator.

(iv) Guggul purifies the blood.

(v) Guggul has a treating effect on the nervous system.

Uses

(i) Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a special type of arthritis which affects the cervical vertebrae, i.e. the vertebrae of the neck region. For the treatment of this disease, guggul is by far the best remedy. It is used in the form of its preparation Simhanada Guggul. The dosage prescribed for the patients is two to four tablets twice a day, followed by a glass of hot water or milk. Due to its laxative effect, it also removes the ama, i.e. the toxic buildup of waste materials in the body. If the bowels move in a regular fashion, the pains of spondylosis are very much reduced. In fact it is only after treating constipation first that any medication for the spondylosis would work.

(ii) Constipation

Guggul is a laxative. It facilitates the movement of the bowels and keeps the digestive system clean.

(iii) Obesity

Guggul is used primarily in the treatment of obesity. It is used in a very unconventional way. The gum resin of the guggul is used to make incense sticks. These are lighted and the fumes are inhaled. Guggul can also be given internally for obese people. Both Navaka Guggul and Triphala Guggul are effective in the treatment of obesity.

(iv) Rheumatism

Yogaraj Guggul is extensively used in the treatment of rheumatism. Two to four tablets twice a day need to be taken. The dose must be followed by a glass of hot water or milk.

(v) Sciatica

Guggul is very effective in treating problems related to the nervous system. It is given to the patient of sciatica in the form of Yogaraja Guggul, of which guggul is the main ingredient. The dosage is two tablets four times a day along with warm milk or water.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

(i) Guggul Tiktaka ghrita

Guggul Tiktata ghrita is elaborately prepared by boiling guggul in a special kind of butter.

(ii) Navaka Guggul

Navaka Guggul is a combination of guggul with other important herbs. It is generally used in weight loss.

(iii) Simhanada Guggul

Simhanada Guggul is a preparation with guggul with the main ingredient which is used as treatment for cervical spondylosis.

(iv) Triphala Guggul

Triphala Guggul is a compound extract (of triphala) to which guggul is added.

(v) Yogaraja Guggul

Yogaraja Guggul is a very special preparation with guggul as the main ingredient. It is a mixture of about twenty powder extracts, among which guggul is the chief ingredient. It is used as a carminative, for lowering cholesterol and as an antipyretic.

Apart from these, there are many other guggul preparations being widely used such as Gokshuradi Guggul, Salai Guggul, Amrutadi Guggul, Kaishora Guggul, Kanchanara Guggul, Trayodashanga Guggul and Maha Yogaraja Guggul.

Precautions

The use of guggul must always be done under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician. Excess of guggul almost always causes a rash on the body. But there are other more serious problems associated with an over-intake of guggul. For one, guggul interferes with the liver functions. Hence people with liver conditions must not use guggul. Guggul is used in the treatment of digestive problems. But an excess of guggul can worsen the conditions. People having constant problems such as diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disorder must avoid taking guggul.

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Guide To 5 Popular Natural Sleep Aids For Children

You’ve done all that sleep habits stuff to make your child go to sleep or stay asleep. Nothing worked. Now you’re desperate enough to try some natural sleep aids for children but you don’t know where to begin. There are more natural sleep aids in the stores than there are prescription sleeping pills. Here’s a fast and easy guide to 5 popular natural sleep aids for children.

1. Melatonin

What is melatonin?

It’s a hormone secreted from the pineal gland in our brain. Thought to help our bodies’ sleep-wake cycle i.e when it’s time to go to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. Melatonin decreases the time it takes to fall asleep (”sleep latency”), and may increase the duration of sleep.

Melatonin Fast Facts

The most popular natural sleep aid for helping adults with jet lag or effects of shift work
Also popularly used as a sleep aid for children, more than 20 studies have shown that melatonin helps children with insomnia to fall asleep quickly
Side effects: daytime drowsiness headaches, dizziness, a “heavy-head” feeling, stomach discomfort
Safe with short-term use (three months or less) as concluded by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2005)
Dosage should not exceed 3 milligrams and it’s not recommended by healthcare professionals to give to kids younger than 10.
Being a popular OTC sleep aid, pharmaceutical grade synthetic form is available in many brands; AVOID natural forms that are basically melatonin derived from animal’s pineal glands due to possible contamination
It must be noted however, nearly all studies of melatonin were on “special needs” children i.e. autism, other development disabilities, blind. Their bodies either don’t produce melatonin or do so only erratically.
15% of pediatricians still recommend melatonin as a sleep aid for children with insomnia, according to the medical journal Pediatrics (2002)

Before Using Melatonin As A Children Sleep Aid:
-discuss with your pediatrician to rule out medical reasons for insomnia, such as breathing difficulties or behavioral conditions such as attention-deficit disorder
- parents should first try techniques to cha
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nge the child’s sleep behavior

2. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

What is chamomile?
It’s one of nature’s oldest herbal sleep aid used for centuries. It is also one of the gentlest herbs making it so popular as a children sleep aid. The active ingredients are flavonoids namely, chrysin and apigenin, believed to reduce restlessness helping one feel more relaxed and more prepared to sleep.

It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. That’s why it’s also popularly used in cases of stomach irritation.
Safe for both adults and children. It does not lead to dependency and has not been shown to have any side effects. However, it may cause allergic reactions in people who have plant or pollen allergies.
Most often drunk as a tea, which has a mild, pleasant flavor. Also available for internal use in capsule or tincture form
Known as a ‘plant doctor’ stimulating the health of other plants, you will find it popularly combined with other herbs to make standardized herbal remedies.However, this also means you have to use with caution if your child is on other drug therapies. It may increase the effects of other sleep aids.

3. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

What is valerian?

A herbal sleep aid that is also one of the top 3 popular OTC sleep aids for children. Its active ingredient is still unclear therefore how it works is unclear too.
Generally thought to help reduce the time to get to sleep and possibly improve sleep quality.
It also eases nervous tension, muscle tension and anxiety
Generally safe when taken in recommended dosages. However, high doses of valerian can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, vivid dreams, weakened heartbeat and even paralysis.
It works well in combination with other sedative herbs. Valerian and lemon balm preparation is the most popular combo sleep aid for children since a study done in Germany showed fast and significant improvement for children under 12 with restlessness or dyssomnia (sleep disorder).

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

What is lemon balm?

It’s an aromatic mint plant recognized by European herbalists for its ability to help induce sleep and ease nervousness. In Germany, lemon balm preparations have been approved for treatment of nervous insomnia.

It also protects the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers. Therefore, lemon balm is a popular remedy for insomnia accompanied by a nervous stomach.
Taken as a tea, lemon balm is quite tasty.
When used as a sleep aid for children, the dosage according to the German study are valerian and lemon balm tablets with 160 mg of valerian root dry extract and 80 mg of lemon balm leaf dry extract.
It is not associated with any toxicity or side effects.

5. Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)

What is passion flower?

This herb, used by the Aztecs as a sedative, helps relax the mind and body to induce restful sleep. The active ingredient, harmine, and related compounds help inhibit the breakdown of serotonin. It also contains chrysin, the same flavonoid found in chamomile. It is an especially helpful sleep aid for sleep disorders caused by chronic pain, muscle conditions and anxiety.

Taken as a tea, tincture or as capsules.
Safe for use as either a sleep aid for children or adults. However, because the most common side effect of passion flower is drowsiness, don’t take it unless you plan to sleep for while.

Now that you know these 5 natural sleep aids for children, always consult a licensed healthcare provider first if you are thinking of using any of them for your child. Also, you should tell your healthcare provider about all of the supplements and medication your child may be taking so that he can evaluate any potential drug-supplement interactions.

It’s not easy to find appropriate supplement brands for these 5 popular natural sleep aids
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for children. The supplies are usually in adult dosage or in different combinations not according to the studies for children sleep aids.

By: Isabel T.

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Find out what’s available on the market in this compiled list of Natural Sleep Aids For Children
This information is brought to you by OTC Sleep Aids.com

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“I have one child who has suffered eczema since she was a newborn and have tried many treatments and creams . The best results we have had so far is the more natural herbal treatments.

I have placed this article up for all to read with some other ideas and home remedies you can try.”

Eczema is a skin condition that varies in severity from mild to severe.  Not surprising then that many people who live with this condition seek out eczema home remedies that will work for them and make their lives that much easier.  The symptoms of eczema range from dry patches, cracked red skin that becomes inflamed and then bleeds.  The skin also itches terribly and as well as bleeding, it can weep.

Some of the eczema home remedies that are then helpful for this skin condition, involve helping to keep the dry and cracked skin moist and supple.  Amongst these remedies, the bathing in oatmeal is often suggested to anyone who wants to find natural ways of managing their eczema.  This is because oatmeal has a natural cleansing and soothing effect to the skin.  You can also use oatmeal as a paste mixed with honey that is then applied to the affected areas.  The honey will in effect act as an agent that will kill the bacteria that is often associated with eczema.  The paste should be left on the area for about forty minutes and this will sooth and moisten the skin.

What is also often used as an eczema home remedies is nutmeg.  Nutmeg is grated into a fine powder, mixed with water into a paste and spread over the skin.  This will help in the same way that oatmeal helps: to sooth and moisten the skin.