Alternative Health Care

Alternative health care covers a wide scope of treatments. Some of these work for certain ailments; some of them don't.

ones that i, personally, have had success with include:

hair, skin & nail vitamins
  (really! my hair got thicker, my nails grew faster, and my skin glowed).

vitamin c -- great for immune system.  taking vitamin c when i have a flu or cold has shortened the duration and severity.

garlic -- helps lower cholesterol. taking in supplement form is the easiest way.

rosehips extract - natural pain reliever

whey powder - concentrated protein for vegetarians

vitamin a -- helps with night blindness, skin, bones

vitamin e -- i try to get this from foods as too much vitamin e can cause health problems. However, Because the digestive tract requires fat to absorb vitamin E, people with fat-malabsorption disorders are more likely to become deficient than people without such disorders. Deficiency symptoms include peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, skeletal myopathy, retinopathy, and impairment of the immune response. People with Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, or an inability to secrete bile from the liver into the digestive tract, for example, often pass greasy stools or have chronic diarrhea; as a result, they sometimes require water-soluble forms of vitamin E, such as tocopheryl polyethylene glycol-1000 succinate.

rosehips -- take for arthritis
Rich in Vitamin C

Rose hips of some species, especially the Dog Rose (Rosa canina) and Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa), are a rich source of vitamin C. With one to two percent vitamin C, by dry weight, rose hips have a higher content than citrus fruit. During World War II when imports of citrus products to Great Britain were limited, tons of rose hips were harvested there from the wild to make rose hip syrup as a vitamin C supplement for children.

Medicinal Properties



In addition to their culinary uses, roses were also valued for their medicinal properties. In AD 77 the Roman writer Pliny recorded 32 disorders that responded to treatment with rose preparations. Medieval herbals contained many entries that tell of the restorative properties of rose preparations.



The anti-inflammatory properties of rose hips have recently been shown to be useful in the treatment of patients suffering from knee or hip osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting over 20 million Americans. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint, allowing bones to rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement.



Scientists in Denmark reported that patients who daily consumed standardized rose hip powder (made from dog rose) experienced significantly less joint stiffness and pain, and an improved general well-being and mood after 3 to 4 months of treatment. The use of rose hip powder also enabled the patients to considerably reduce their standard pain medication. Rosehips contain high levels of antioxidant flavonoids with known anti-inflammatory properties.

Additional Protection



Rose hips also contain carotenoid pigments, plant sterols, tocotrienols and a very high level of anthocyanins, catechins and other polyphenolics, known phytochemicals to protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). They also contain up to 5 % by weight of pectin, a soluble fiber that protects against CVD. In clinical trials, rose hips were seen to reduce C-reactive protein levels, associated with a lower risk of CVD.



The rose hips of Dog Rose are a traditional diuretic and laxative. The rose hips are useful in the treatment of influenza-like infections, diarrhea, and various urinary tract disorders. No side effects are known when rose hips are used in the normal designated amounts.

Herbal Tea



Rosehips are also commonly used to make herbal teas, by boiling the dried or crushed rose hips for10 minutes. About 2 tablespoons of berries are used per pint of water. A half-teaspoon of dried mint may be added to give a different flavor, or the acid-tasting tea may be sweetened. Rose hip tea may also be improved by blending with hibiscus flowers.
 
stretching exercises
 
these are great for strengthening and toning muscles, as opposed to aerobics which can potentially damage bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Just say “no” to bubbles
When shopping for bath products look for those consisting of essential oils which benefit your skin (because they are readily absorbed) and your mood because of the aromatherapy they offer. If you really need a little foam, then go for ingredients like soapbark and yucca because they are both non-soap herbal extracts that create foam.


The added benefit of taking a bath with essential oils (and not sodium lauryl sulfate)is that if you breathe slowly and deeply you can; improve your respiratory system by moisturizing and clearing its pathways; relax your mind and body to help decrease your cortisol levels (helps to reduce belly fat), control your moods and get a good night’s sleep; soften your skin to prevent itchy, dry skin; and remove toxins and impurities from your skin.

Eucalyptus essential oil: Clears sinuses and eases congestion
Almond essential oil: Revitalizes and moisturizes
Melissa essential oil: Relaxes for a sound sleep
Juniper essential oil: Soothes tired, sore muscles
Rosemary essential oil: Invigorates and wakes up the system
Black pepper essential oil: Treats muscular aches an pains because of its warming properties
Mineral Sea Salts: Gently removes toxins and impurities from the skin
Green Tea Baths:Removes toxins from the skin while providing powerful antioxidants and vitamins
Conclusion
Research has shown that whatever makes you feel relaxed and good will also help you with your menopausal symptoms. Just stay away from chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Indulge in an essential oil bath, it’s an inexpensive form of therapy.