When did this tidal wave of herbal products start? One answer is that it all started when the media began to report widely on how important it is to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Knowledge of the benefits of herbal medicines and natural tonics goes back to our ancestors thousands of years in the past. All the way back to 2800 B.C., scientists and storytellers have reported on humans experiencing the amazing healing and health benefits of natural herbal remedies. And now it is your chance!

In fact, herbal medicine has been a big part of human history for the last 5,000 years according to archaeology and written records. All the way up to today, people have used herbal medicine and treatments to aid in a wide variety of ailments to improve their health and well being.

When NOT To Take Herbal Supplements And Herbal Medicine

Many herbs have a long history of beneficial use and practically guaranteed health benefits. An herb, or botanical, is either a plant or part of a plant (like the stem only) that is used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic abilities. Although they are found in natural, herbal products are not guaranteed to be safe or without negative side effects. While they may come from plants, some plants (like certain mushrooms) are dangerous and can be damaging or poisonous to your health, instead of restoring it.

Unlike prescription drugs, herbal products are not clinically tested and proven to work for any particular ailment before they are marketed or sold to customers in health food stores like GNC (General Nutrition Center).

Also, the active ingredients in many herbal supplements and treatments remain unknown. Some supplements have been found some to contain metals, prescription drugs mixed in without any mention on the label, microorganisms or other substances.

Since most herbal products are not tested and certified by the FDA or other health authority, they may in actual fact cause health problems or complications. All of this is extremely rare as most companies do their own testing, and only use the beneficial types of herbs in their herbal products. Still, it may not be smart to try herbal products, at least before talking about it with your doctor, if you have any of these medical problems:

- High blood pressure

- Thyroid condition

- Parkinsons disease

- Blood-clotting problems

- Diabetes

- Heart disease

- Epilepsy

- Depression or psychiatric problems

- Liver problems

- Enlarged prostrate gland

- Glaucoma

- History of stroke or organ transplant

If you are pregnant or nursing, then you should take special care about using herbal products, as well as if you are about to have surgery. Some herbal products such as for weight loss or skin care are much less expensive than surgical procedures like liposuction or hiring a dermatologist, respectively. This is one other reason for the massive popularity of herbal treatments. So to always be on the sage side of things, make sure you always check with your healthcare provider before trying any herbal products you have a concern about.

It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor before using an herbal product if you are now taking any medications for a health problem. Often, an herbal supplement will not interfere with a prescription medication or even an over-the-counter product but it is always best to check with your doctor first. Some active ingredients in herbal medicines are known to interact with medications in ways that may be able to cause risks to your health.

Some benefits from herbal treatments and alternatives available on the market include but are not limited to:

1. Cost-effectiveness: Prescription drugs cost much more money than herbal medicines.

2. Lower Side Effects: Herbal medicines are generally a far healthier solution than prescription drugs due to potential harmful side effects caused by unpredicted body chemistry interactions. However as mentioned above, its important to remember that just because the word natural is included herbal medicines does not guarantee safety.

However, herbal medicines appear to have many advantages over traditional drugs, including a lower occurrence of side effects.

3. Effectiveness and Potency: Poor results with traditional drug treatments often makes people search for alternative treatments. Keep in mind, however, the potential of herbal medicines is different for everybody.

Genetics change from person to person, which affects how the ingredients work over time. Also a factor in the potency of an herb is the process and timing of harvest, as well as exposure to air and light

Ultimately, herbal medicine and herbal treatments have both weak and strong points. Keep in mind that herbal medicines are not a guaranteed and final solution to any health problem, but instead are generally effective at healing a health problem as well as being a wallet friendly solution.

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This food habits have given rise to a variety of health problems. Significantly important one among them is diabetes.

Ayurvedic principles tell us food is one important element that keeps a person in a balanced state of body, mind and soul. Taking healthy food translates into healthy body.

Ayurvedic view on diabetes is no different. There are times when diabetes can attack without any warning sign. Ayurvedic food style combined with certain herbal applications helps one effectively manage his or her condition of diabetes.

High sugar level is the most dreaded thing about diabetes. Ayurveda recommends food items that don’t release excess sugar into the blood. Food items that are too sweet, ice cream, chocolate, friend food items, white flour, preserved food, fast food, junk food etc are to be avoided. Bad habits like smoking and drinking should be given up.

Ayurveda recommends Ayurvedic herbal tea for diabetic patients. Replace sugar with honey or jaggery (thickened molasses – sarkkara) or better still palm jaggery (thickened palm molasses – karippatti).

The advantages or drinking more than eight glass of water everyday is not easily told in an essay. Drink a minimum of 8-15 glass of water in the day time. After sunset take only minimal quantities of water. Another thing is to drink plenty of water an hour before a meal and an hour after the meals. Drinking water close to meals dilute the digestive fire (in Ayurveda it is called pitta) and makes the process of digestion difficult.

Take fruits like grapes, fig, pomegranate, citrus fruits etc. Bitter melon (bitter gourd, karela) is used as medicine for diabetes.

The point about Ayurvedic management of diabetes is never a hard task. All you will have to do is to incorporate Ayurvedic principles as your daily routine. Having healthy food and exercise regime itself can help one control his or her diabetes to a great extent.

Include turmeric and garlic as spices, bitter gourd as vegetable, triphala as a laxative and drinking lot of water as daily habit. These are not very difficult to follow. You can’t eat or drink all the food items you have. But living a sweeter life sometimes means giving up some sweet for tongue food items.

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Practised for thousands of years, alternative medicine includes systems like
Acupuncture, Ayurveda and traditional Asian medicine. Alternative medicine branches
out from the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments and
therapies. CAM is often combined with formal, conventional medicine, integrating
both medical practices, in order to give the best results to patients. It can be said that
the earlier methods of medicine were attempted at achieving a balance between bodily
and natural energy. Energies were sought as positive and negative energies, where
positive energies were to bring in happiness and health and negative energies an
incapacitation of resistance to face any ailments. Matters of utmost importance in
deciding therapies or treatments in these earlier medical systems were factors like
one’s lifestyle, one’s habits of eating and one’s occupational pressures.

The earliest use of traditional remedies dates back to 2800 BC in China.
Practised all over the world in more than a hundred disciplines, alternative medicine
has aided medical tourism in an unprecedented manner. Using alternative medicine
and following alternative medical practices not only removes any possible additional
affects of the illness but also increases the resilience of the body. It is generally
claimed that natural remedies are not only less inimical to human physiology
but they also help in retaining body pliancy. Systems of natural, traditional
medicines use a combination of ingredients to restore the bodily constituents. In
fact, natural remedies are considered more as food, given their natural constituents.
Since alternative medicine is based on completely natural methods and there is
no usage of any chemicals, there is no danger of any interference with the organic
system. A holistic approach as opposed to looking at a set of symptoms and a
treatment that delves into the root-cause of an illness are some of the distinct and
highly acknowledged features of alternative medicine. It is also opined that
widespread use of modern medicine has deteriorated the immune system in the
human physiology and has resulted in these modern medicines becoming less
effective. It is also often said that alternative medicine is the only way to cure
some incurable diseases.

A Brief History of Alternative Medicine

The history of alternative medicine can be traced back to some 5000 years, when the Chinese and Indians discovered traditional and Ayurvedic therapies to heal the body and the mind. The real objective was to identify the deterrents in the body system which caused ailments, and
strengthened the body’s immunity. The therapies mainly incorporated self-care, lifestyle
changes and various preventive measures. The normal practices that were followed in the early stages of the history of alternative medicine include the extractions of the bark of willow trees. Many kitchen ingredients were also used for treating patients. The treatments were considered as the blessings of God, as it brought immense relief to the writhing bodies and prayer was considered as one of the strongest weapons in waging war against ailments.
Source: “A Brief History of Alternative Medicine”, http://www.med-help.net/med-history-of-alternativemedicine.
html

Alternative Medicine and Medical Tourism

Today, alternative medicine holds out immense potential in attracting medical
tourists. For example, India is likely to become a major hub for medical tourism,
with revenues from the industry estimated to grow from US$333 million in 2007
to US$2.2 billion by 2012, says a study by the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII) and McKinsey.3 The major competitive advantages that India faces are cost
effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The world has witnessed the development of many traditional as well as modern
systems of medicine in the 20th century. Path-breaking discoveries like penicillin,
technological advancements in modern surgery, major research advancement in stem
cell research and genetic structure, and the development of traditional medical systems
like traditional Chinese system of medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Homeopathy,
Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and others have all been a part of developments in the
omnipotent territory of global medicine. The major competitive advantages that India
has are cost effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The last few years have seen countries with their own individual expertise attracting
tourists from all over the world and promoting medical tourism like never before.

India

In India, medical tourism in alternative medicine has its ancestry in South India
and some places in North-Eastern India. Internationally famed for its natural remedies and therapies, Kerala’s schools of medicine have embraced Siddha,
Naturopathy and Ayurveda in treating their patients. These traditional medical
practices are estimated to attract high-end medical tourists from Europe and
Middle Eastern countries. The vital advantages that a country like India faces
with regard to medical tourism are its traditional therapies like yoga and Ayurveda
combined with tourist attractions in states like Kerala and north-eastern states.
Naturopathy, a therapeutic system based on natural remedies, trusts natural
elements like air, water and sunlight, combined with therapeutic massages and
conditioning and toning of the human body. Naturopathy believes that the human
body has the capacity to heal on its own, provided it is in a healthy environment.
With a holistic approach to well-being, Naturopathy believes that the three
physical entities – the physical body, the supernatural soul and the mind – must
be integrated through natural energies. “A recent survey shows that 76% of global
drugs are consumed by USA and European countries. We believe that freedom
from diseases and drugs can only be achieved by living a natural life style.”4
Ayurveda, the most ancient health care system, takes its ingredients from nature.
The use of herbs, materials like gold and mercury and many household ingredients
make this science easily accessible to common man. Ayurveda claims to cure diseases
like diabetes with the aid of nature. The Siddha medical system, which is a part of
Ayurveda, employs herbs, minerals and advanced scientific techniques under ancient
principles of medical science to cure many chronic diseases. It is named as one of
the most complicated and intricate forms of medicine. Siddha considers nature
and man as one essential entity. It claims that physiological characteristics like
human aging can itself be arrested with natural remedies.

Naturopathy has evolved medical tourism in India in more than one ways.
With its systems of medication using all natural ingredients to restore the holistic
disease-fighting nature of the human body, the medicine has created increased
chances of its own survival through tourists from all parts of the world visiting
India to reap its benefits. As Vitthal Kamat of the Kamat Group of Hotels says,
“With Naturopathy and Ayurveda along with the world renowned tourist attractions
and heritage places, the tourism sector can grow in leaps and bounds.”5 Naturopathy
in “KayaKalp”, a naturopathy centre in Himachal Pradesh, run by the Vivekananda Medical Research Trust in India has served medical tourists in detoxifying, immunizing and rejuvenating through Yoga, Pranayama, Panchkarma, Meditation and Naturopathy. Its therapies are claimed to be drug-less and extremely natural. Naturopathy takes the help of Ayurvedic preparations for healing processes like Panchkarma and improvement of blood circulation.

India’s pioneer in alternative therapy – medical tourism, Kerala, has visitors
from all over the world in the months of June, July and August. These months are
looked upon as the best period for cure of bodily ailments through Ayurveda.
High quality medical facilities provided at low prices are the main tourist attraction
in Kerala. Mr. M Narayanan, head of Poovar Island Resort says that there are
tourists from countries like Australia, Europe and Germany. The packages offered
in these Ayurvedic spas include services like Ayurvedic oil massages, powder
massages, vegetarian diets, detoxification programs and a lifestyle change. In fact
it is little known that Ayurveda includes not just massages, but a whole gamut of
services like herbal and natural diet plans, natural healing therapies, and therefore
a full-fledged medical system.

Ayurveda Gram, a unique Ayurvedic Institution in Bangalore offers Ayurveda
in its wellness form to medical tourists. It offers services like Customized Yoga,
Pranayama, Meditation, and a vegetarian diet to boost metabolism. Its sprawling
campus full of medicinal herbs and natural surrounds helps in the processes of
cure for specific ailments like Arthiritis, Spondilytis, Cholesterol, Sinusitis, Peptic
Ulcer and Obesity. Other therapies by Ayurveda Gram include Stress Management
therapies, Panchkarma and rejuvenation therapies.

AYUSH, the department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha
and Homeopathy was formed under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act,
1970. One of the most recent awareness activities undertaken by AYUSH was a
health fair organized in parts of Hyderabad, Chennai, Indore and New Delhi.
AYUSH ensured that the major Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha manufacturers in
India participated in this health fair.

Another famous Ayurvedic centre in India is the C V N Kalari Centre for
Ayurveda. Kalari is one of the approved Ayurvedic centres recognized by the
Kerala Tourism Department.6 Kalari has its customers from many foreign countries. The centre specializes in Marma Chikitsa (the application of pressure on specific
nerve points) and other special practices of healing. Having both therapeutic and
rejuvenative aspects in them, these specialized healing procedures take extensive help
of Ayurveda to treat the ailing.
Some Ayurvedic resorts have formulated Ayurvedic kitchens that help improve
the effectiveness of oil treatments. Diet regimens, detoxification programs and other
processes that give a glowing skin to the customer are very popular. Some of these
Ayurvedic resorts also arrange for cooking classes to help their customers acquire
and maintain the lifestyle that they are introduced to in these spas and resorts.
Ananda, an Ayurvedic Spa in the Himalayas is one of the most famous destination
resorts in India. It offers specialty Ayurvedic packages like Aroma therapy massages,
reflexology programs for rejuvenation, stress release programs, personalized Yoga
sessions, body composition analysis and weight reduction programs through Yoga
and Ayurveda. Ananda claims that its packages and therapies cure many ailments
like headaches, nausea, climatic disorders, facial paralysis, insomnia, asthma, neuralgia
and does general improvement of metabolism.

China

The 3000 year-old method of traditional medicine in China has gained popularity
as the world’s most popular medicine, being used by more than a quarter of the
world in treating even chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS, allergies and heart diseases.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses medicinal herbs, therapeutic exercises
and acupuncture to cure ailments. TCM diagnoses illnesses based on the five elements
theory and the yin-yang theory. The five elements theory base their evaluation on the
five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water to establish a connection between
human physiology and pathology and the natural environment.7 The movement of
these five elements constantly rules the functioning of the human body and thus
establishes the interdependence of both.

The yin-yang theory calls for comprehending the bright and dark sides of
the universe, in other words, the opposite properties of the universe.8 The relative
nature of yin and yang represents the interrelationship between substance and function. As traditional chinese medical practitioners say “Only with ample
substance can the human body function in a healthy way; and only when the
functional processes are in good condition, can the essential substances be
appropriately refreshed.”

Chinese herbal medicine is more known as Chinese materia medica. This includes
Chinese crude medicine, prepared drugs in pieces, traditional Chinese patented
medicines and simplified Chinese medicinal preparations. Chinese herbology, a major
aspect of TCM addresses the art of combining medicinal herbs.10 It visualizes the
entire human body’s balance of energies and spirit to treat a medical condition.
Herbs are combined into different potions of various characteristics for the sake of
different individuals being treated by TCM practitioners. Herbs like Astragalus,
Ginkgo, Ginger, Green Tea, Siberian Ginseng and Garlic are used to treat several
ailments. Around 300 mineral and animal extracts and 400 formulae are used to
cure diseases, in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture, as part of TCM is used to unblock the flow of vital energy through
the human body.11 One of the oldest healing techniques in the world, this traditional
method aims at “restoring health through simulation of specific points on the body.”12
Ailments like nausea, addictions and some kinds of pains are claimed to be treated
with the help of acupuncture.

Taking advantage of its abundant human resources, China is luring medical tourists
into its web of alternative medical therapies. Wellness packages in China come at
low costs and without any side-effects, thanks to proliferated Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Several massages and spas have been set up in recent times that provide
mental health and physical well-being to medical tourists with the help of Chinese
medicinal herbs. Wellness apartments are established for the purpose of serving
senior medical tourists. These wellness apartments facilitate these tourists in
practising their own hobbies and also conducting medical activities like Taiji.

Germany

Germany’s alternative medical practices have their origins in Homeopathy, a
medical system that was developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician.
Homeopathy considers symptoms as disturbances of vital forces that have
connection with the human body. Homeopathic advocators believe that this
medical system has the ability to cure acute diseases like flu, cold, pains, depression
and fatigue, constipation, irritability other than chronic diseases. It is claimed to
cure allergies and allergic disorders like Eczema and Asthma. Moreover, this
medical system is child friendly, in the sense, that the medication given by
homeopaths is sweet to the tooth and therefore acceptable. Homeopaths are known
for debonair and their hands free treatment of patients. They concentrate more
on the patient’s state of mind and attitude towards life. The preparation of different
potions in Homeopathy is done mostly with the help of herbs, minerals and
animal extracts. Also, it is often reasoned that since the dosage that homeopaths
prescribe is in such minute constitutions and because they come in dilutions of
substances like water and alcohol there is no chance of any side-effects.
Germany also stands famous for its herbal remedies. Regulated by Commission
E14 on the purity and pharmaceutical activity, these herbal medicines in Germany
have come a long way in preventing and curing many diseases like cancer, AIDS and
other serious ailments. Most physicians in Germany are required to be educated in
Alternative therapies, so that it serves complimentary to modern medical treatments.
As Mark Blumenthal, chairman of the American Botanical Council points out, “Most
of the clinical research that’s conducted on the leading herbal medicines in the United
States comes from Germany.”15

With more than 300 spa towns, Germany has become the premier destination
for health and wellness in Europe.16 One of the most famous resorts in Germany
is the Baltic Spa Resort in Warnemunde. Situated on the shore of the Baltic Sea,
it idealizes the sea as a “homeopathic pharmacy” and claims that “it contains all
important trace elements and has a similar composition to human blood”17 Sea water is said to have revitalizing effects in treating bodily ailments like respiratory
illnesses, sleep disorders and obesity. Other than these, mental disorders like
depression, anxiety and agony are claimed to be cured with the help of the sea.
Sea breeze is said to be specifically effective in treating cardio-vascular as well as
dermatological conditions. Major advantages that Germany faces are in terms of
both cost and quality. As Axel Steller, the CEO of the Arab German Health
Foundation points out, “In the US, operations are four to five times more expensive
as they are in Germany”.

Japan

Japanese medicine is known as Kanpo or Kampo, a herbal medicine that forms part
of well-researched modern clinical methods and also traditional methods of
medicine. A Japanese variant of the traditional Chinese medicine or the Oriental
medicine, Kanpo adheres to the body’s natural instincts and natural mechanism
of healing. For this purpose, medical treatment involves diagnosis of the tongue,
abdomen and pulse. At each stage of the treatment, different formulae that are
necessary to bring the body back to normalcy, are prepared by the physician.
These herbal medicines are regulated by the Japanese Government. Kanpo
medicine is used to cure many acute and chronic ailments like cardio-vascular,
respiratory, digestive, reproductive and dermatological conditions and immune
system corrections and even disorders like bedwetting, high cholesterol and
hepatitis. Though Kanpo therapies take longer than usual to work, this medical
system uses some very natural diagnosis and treatment methods and concepts
like water, blood and air to identify bodily symptoms. Also, it is claimed that
these herbal medicines produce no side-effects because of their natural
compositions. Japanese therapists of Anma visit countries like India and Singapore
to help in promotion of health tourism. Anma, a traditional Japanese massage, is
said to be a complete form of Shiastu19 that treats the body to release blood flow
in a proper manner to rejuvenate the body.

Apart from attracting tourists for its natural herbal medical treatments, Medical
tourism in Japan has become popular thanks to its volcanic areas that have allowed
the formation of some hot mineral water springs called Onsen. Japanese Onsen serve as places where the ailing can get alternative treatments to modern medical
practices. These have medicinal properties that heal wounds, alleviate pains and
replenish energy levels. Senior tourists and people suffering from many kinds of
aches and pains come flocking to these mineral water springs. The healing
properties of these springs are accentuated by the surrounding volcanic soil that
is composed of many minerals and curative elements.

Outlook of Medical Tourism in Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is here to stay, claim some traditional medical practitioners.
Given its perceived advantages over the modern medical techniques and the expensive
western medicines, alternative medical therapy is gaining ground in many developing
as well as developed countries. Practices like Ayurveda and Homeopathy claim that
surgery may always be the last option in case of treatment of an ailment. Natural
medicines like herbs and minerals can all be partaken as food and not medicines as
such, since their composition is all natural. Alternative medicine is used in conjunction
with modern medicine to treat many chronic ailments like diabetes and AIDS. This
helps modern medical practitioners to evolve a closer relationship with the patient
and cure him to a greater extent, thus giving him a new perspective to life. It follows
that one should never overlook the disposition of the traditional cures suggested by
our ancestors. These provide a standpoint from where one can comprehend the
profundity of traditional and alternative medicine, and gauge the tremendous potential
of alternative medicine in medical tourism.

Please seek author’s permission for reprint. Send a reprint request to kirrti82@gmail.com.

References
1. www.hinduonnet.com
2. “Kerala”, www.takekerala.com
3. “Prospects of Medical Tourism in India”, www.mpiweb.org
4. “Medical Tourism push for Penang and Langkawi”, http://thestar.com.my
5. www.wikipedia.com

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Diabetes details: Diabetes means your blood glucose is too high. Diabetes is the inability of the body to ‘produce insulin – type 1 diabetes’ or ‘proper use of insulin – type 2 diabetes.

Allopathic medicine Diabetes: In allopathic treatment, they consider and treat everyone in a similar manner and drugs are used for treatments. These drugs are used to stop or block one particular function of an organ. It is not trying to correct the root cause and only gives temporary relief. Also they use only one force (compared to war utilizes land force only) that is the medication for diabetes.

Alternative medicines Diabetes: treatments they consider human as a whole and each human is treated differently for the same disease. They are not only considering the disease alone, but also its causes – physical and mental (psychological) reasons.

Homeopathic remedies diabetes:

For example homeopathic remedy is concern they find the correct remedy by looking for symptoms of:

Main complication Physical symptoms Mental/emotional/psychological symptoms Modalities (when the disease is better and when it is worst) Causation (reason behind the disease – root cause)

Homeopathic remedies for diabetes, different peoples are treated with a different medicine with respect to their individual physical, mental, modalities and causation.

Ayurvedic herbal remedies for diabetes:

It is also called as herbal medicines, herbal therapy, herbal treatment, herbalism and botanical medicines.

The herbal medication is prepared from plants, use medicinal herbs to prevent and treat diseases and ailments or to promote health and healing. Either the dried plant as a whole or a specific part of it (root, leaves, fruit, flowers or seeds) is formulated into suitable preparation. Ayurvedic natural remedies are not only control blood sugar, but at the same time it will take care of kidney, liver, eye and hearts. These are the organs that may be affected by long term of diabetes. Also the carbohydrate metabolism is by liver, kidney, pancreas and small intestine. Thus the herbal medicines correct these organs for proper utilization and elimination of the glucose. That is, it corrects the root cause.

Yoga poses diabetes:

Yoga refers to be the traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. It has the ability to balance body, mind & spirit. This discipline has curative power for many chronic diseases that include diabetes, by activating glandular systems responsible for the illness. In the case of diabetes, yoga poses give mild and gentle massages to the internal organs such as pancreas, liver, intestine, etc. These organs are responsible for the diabetes cause.

Acupressure for diabetes:

Accupressure is also called as acupressure or healing touch. TCM relies on a number of basic principles which have been refined over thousands of years of medical practice. One of the major principles of this medical tradition is the idea that health is governed by the flow of life force, or qi, through the body. Interruptions in this flow can lead to medical complaints, as the body’s balance of energy is disrupted. TCM practitioners also believe that disruptions in the flow of qi affect specific organs, and that all symptoms can be linked with a particular organ.

In the case of diabetes many patients have found that has either cured or decreased the severity of their diabetes.

Reflexology for diabetes:

Reflexology massage or zone therapy is particularly a healing art by applying pressure (using the hand, fingers and especially the thumbs). This massage is specifically done to feet, hands and some times even to the ears. It activates the acupoints which are interrelated to the organs in the body.

That is why reflexology massage is showing positive impact on promoting self-healing capabilities on diabetes.

Complementary Medicine:

All the above alternative medicine treatments are also called as complementary medicine. The name “complementary medicine” developed as the two or more systems began to be used alongside (to “complement”) each other.

So if we use all the above said alternative medicines together (used all the medicines at the same time) there is a amazing result because one complements the other;

Homeopathy treats disease by physical, mental, modalities and causation symptoms – human as a whole. Herbal remedies correct the disease by correcting the organ responsible for the disease – this system corrects the function of the organ responsible. Yoga is a physical and mental discipline that gives massage to the internal organ and calms the mind for proper function of the organ. Acupressure is a healing touch which clears the blockage of qi (vital energy) and thus function of the particular organ is normalized. Reflexology is an art of massaging the nerve points connecting with the organ responsible for the disease. If the nerves are stimulated the organ start function normally.

If you use all the above said complementary medicines each works differently, then the chance of cure for the disease is very high.

For example purpose we used to define alternative medicine diabetes, it is not only for diabetes but also for cholesterol, high and low blood pressure, eye problems, etc. I named a few the list is endless.

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It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the herb cayenne pepper had its start as an herbal remedy. There are no writings on Capsicum in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, or Persia. The best guess that historians are willing to put forward is that cayenne went to India and China some time in the 14th or 15th century. It is believed that Europe started cultivation around the 16th century. Today cayenne is still a popular herb in the food industry. Now because of well designed and implemented clinical studies it is widely accepted as an effective alternative medicine. Pharmacopoeias of leading medical clinics from Austria, Egypt, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland support this finding.

The natural healing herb Capsicum contained in cayenne pepper is loaded with Vitamin A which is necessary for smooth skin and vision. Vitamin A has been found to be the most powerful killer of free radicals, which bombard us on a daily basis. Vitamin C is the other proponent active in capsicum. The healing properties of Vitamin C are clearing blood clots, eliminating plaque from the arteries, healing wounds and fighting colds. By starving them of oxygen, capsicum causes tumor cells to die.

Capsicum can cause a burning sensation but in time you will get used to it. The active ingredients in the herbal remedy, Capsicum, stimulate the brain and salivary glands releasing endorphins into your body. Endorphins are nature’s natural painkiller giving us the feeling of pleasure. Capsicum is also the main ingredient in pain killing rubs for Arthritis and Diabetes nerve damage.

Many herbalists today recommend capsicum for such ailments as cold hands and feet, sluggish metabolisms, obesity and respiratory tract infections. Use it externally for arthritis, sore back muscles, rheumatism or sprains and bruises. One suggestion for cold feet is to wear a thin pair of socks, then get a thicker pair of socks, sprinkle the inside with cayenne pepper and put them on over the thin socks. The pepper will send a warm soothing sensation to the soles of your feet.

An interesting study was done to see if capsicum would irritate or cause ulceration in the intestines. On the contrary it was found that the herb did not harm the tract but sped up the healing of ulcers by secreting more mucosa, the protective lining of the intestines.

A very surprising result of many of the clinical tests is that capsicum raise the metabolic rate and is effective in burning the bodies fat. This has many implications for people with obesity problems. Early indications also show that capsicum slows the absorption of fat in the small intestine. These studies are on going but there are some weight loss products with capsicum that are available in your health food store.

As a tropical analgesic, capsicum, the natural herbal remedy has received wide attention by qualified health professionals. It has shown to relieve the pain of shingles as well as other skin ailments. The FDA has approved it to be used for these problems as well as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Studies are being done to see if the herb can be effective in treating psoriasis and fibromyalgia.

When using it topically a redness or burning sensation may sometimes occur. This will disappear in two to three weeks time. Once you have received control of the pain capsicum must be used continuously for the relief to be sustained.

If you are diabetic take 3 capsules a day to help bring down your blood sugar levels. Capsicum will affect the breakdown of carbohydrates which will control the fluctuation of sugar levels after eating meals. Of course, this is still being studied in clinics around the world.

So now we have received another healing herb from Mother Nature’s food pharmacy. Capsicum can be counted as a natural herbal remedy in alternative medicines available to help our ailments and relieve our pain.

Disclaimer: Always consult your Doctor or Herbalist before attempting any form of alternative medicine. This article is for informational purposes only.

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

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Alternative Medicine is as old as the human race. In the beginning, when man was created, he was given free access to use the “Herbs” that were created by God for food and medicinal use. Eastern countries have long been using traditional methods of treating their health problems and diseases. Oriental countries like: China and India and far east countries like: Egypt and ancient Babylon have all used alternative herbal medicine to treat health problems.

What is Herbal Medicine? “Herbal Medicine” also called Botanicals and. A herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicine products are dietary food, supplements or properties that people take to improve their health. Many herbs have been used for a long time for claimed health benefits. They are sold as tablets, capsules, teas, extracts and fresh or dried. However, some are not effective and some may interact with other drugs you are taking. It is always wise to consult or inform your Doctor about your use of herbal medicine.

Doctors, health professionals and patients in western countries are becoming more receptive to learning and using alternative and herbal medicine to treat and reverse their health problems. As a result, many western medical schools are now teaching alternative treatments, techniques and theories. Some hospitals and Doctors are now supplementing their regular medical care with alternative and herbal techniques and treatments.

Micronutra alternative herbal medicine made by real Doctors has led the way in producing high quality herbal products to help reverse many known chronic diseases. Many people with long term chronic illnesses have been using Micronutra herbal products with amazing results. These products are effective in reversing the root causes of : diabetes, high blood pressure, gout, menopause, fatigue, asthma, arthritis, stress, sex problems in men and women, acid reflux, lupus, allergies, yeast infection, weight loss, cholesterol and immune system. Micronutra herbal medicine has made a difference in the lives of many people. Why not learn more about Micronutra medicine and see if these products can help you in your health problems?

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The recommended dosage is 1000 mg twice daily.

To purchase this medicine visit www.salaciaoblongacapsules.com
write to info@salaciaoblongacapsules.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS HERB ON
www.nutrasolutions.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/news…

http://www.newstarget.com/005986.html

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=7685

For Salacia Oblonga herb Capsules and Extract Write to Botanika
herbalpowders@operamail.com treeseeds@operamail.com
treeseeds@rediffmail.com : : : : WWW.SALACIAOBLONGACAPSULES.COM
Traditional Indian medicine, herb Salacia oblonga may help treat
diabetes Posted By: News-Medical in Medical Study News
Published: Tuesday, 8-Feb-2005 Printer Friendly Email to a
Friend : : : : Herbs used in traditional Indian medicine to
treat diabetes seems to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in
a manner similar to prescription drugs, a new study reports.
Researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga to 39
healthy adults, and the results were promising. The largest dose
of the herb extract – 1,000 milligrams – decreased insulin and
blood glucose levels by 29 and 23 percent, respectively. : :
“These kinds of reductions are similar to what we might see with
prescription oral medications for people with diabetes,” said
Steve Hertzler, a study co-author and an assistant professor of
nutrition at Ohio State University. : : Salacia oblonga, which
is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka, binds to intestinal
enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the body. These
enzymes, called alpha-glucosidases, turn carbohydrates into
glucose, the sugar that circulates throughout the body. If the
enzyme binds to the herbal extract rather than to a
carbohydrate, then less glucose gets into the blood stream,
resulting in lowered blood glucose and insulin levels. : :
“Lowering blood glucose levels lowers the risk of
disease-related complications in people with diabetes,” Hertzler
said. “Also, poor compliance with diabetes medications often
hinders the effectiveness of these drugs. It may be easier to
get someone to take an herb with food or in a beverage, as
opposed to a pill.” : : The study appears in a recent issue of
the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. : :
Thirty-nine healthy adults participated in four separate meal
tolerance tests. These meals, which were given in beverage form,
were spaced three to 14 days apart. Each participant fasted for
at least 10 hours before consuming the test beverage. : :
Participants were asked to drink about two cups’ worth of the
chilled beverage, which contained zero, 500, 700 or 1,000
milligrams of Salacia oblonga extract. Afterward, the
researchers used the finger-prick method to draw blood samples
from each person every 15 to 30 minutes for three hours. These
blood samples were used to determine insulin and blood glucose
concentrations. The biggest changes in blood glucose and insulin
levels usually happen within the first two hours after eating. :
: The beverage that contained the highest concentration of the
herbal extract – 1,000 milligrams – provided the most dramatic
reduction in insulin and blood glucose levels. Insulin levels
were 29 percent lower, while blood glucose levels were 23
percent lower as compared to the control drink, which contained
no herbal extract. : : As Salacia oblonga can cause intestinal
gas, the researchers had the study participants collect breath
hydrogen samples hourly for eight hours after drinking the test
beverage. The participants collected their breath in small
plastic tubes. The researchers then analyzed these breath
samples for hydrogen and methane content – the level of either
substance in the breath corresponds to the level contained in
the colon. : : The subjects also rated the frequency and
intensity of nausea, abdominal cramping and distention and gas
for two days after consuming each test meal. : : While the test
beverages containing Salacia oblonga caused an increase in
breath hydrogen excretion, reports of gastrointestinal
discomfort were minimal, Hertzler said. : : Right now he and his
colleagues are trying to figure out what dose of the herb is
most effective, and when it should be taken relative to a meal.
: : “We want to know how long it takes for the herb to bind to
the enzymes that break down carbohydrates,” Hertzler said. “The
participants in this study took the herb with their meal, but
maybe taking it before eating would be even more effective.” : :
The researchers also want to study the effects of Salacia
oblonga in people with diabetes. : : “A lot of studies show that
lowering blood sugar levels reduces the risk for all kinds of
diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease and nerve
and eye damage,” Hertzler said. “We want to see if this herb has
this kind of effect.” : : Salacia oblonga is still relatively
difficult to find in the United States, Hertzler said, although
there are manufacturers that sell the herb through the Internet.
: : This study was supported by the Ross Products Division of
Abbott Laboratories in Columbus. : : Hertzler is continuing to
conduct Salacia oblonga studies with the Ross Products Division
of Abbott Laboratories. He has no links to the company beyond
this affiliation. : : Hertzler conducted the work with former
Ohio State colleague Patricia Heacock, who is now at Rutgers,
the State University of New Jersey; Jennifer Williams, a
clinical scientist with Ross Products Division, Abbott
Laboratories; and Bryan Wolf, a former research scientists with
Ross Products Divisio

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