AILMENTS & CONDITIONS

Health conditions treated successfully with herbs and naturopathy organised by body systems:

Herbal medicine and naturopathic principle will often correct a problem quickly but, in chronic cases, it may be necessary to take a remedy for some months to facilitate a long-term cure.
Herbal medicine can be suitable for people of all ages. Many people take herbal medicine as a first-line treatment. People on medication for an existing condition often enquire about the feasibility of taking herbs alongside their prescribed medicine. This is best done under professional supervision.

As a naturopathic herbalist, I treat a wide variety of ailments and conditions at Wellness herbs and naturopathy clinic Below is a list of some common presentations.

The Circulatory system

Fortunately, natural medicine has a lot of answers when it comes to preventing heart disease. We know that the real cause of circulatory problems is inflammation, primarily brought on by poor diet, stress and environmental pollution. Antioxidant nutrients, a healthier diet and various supplements can reduce one’s risk of this number one killer.

However, when it comes to remedies we can use to actually treat cardiovascular conditions after they have shown up, most natural healers are limited in their materia medica. This is sad, because there are many great cardiovascular remedies in the plant kingdom. Following are some condition treated successfully at Wellness herbs and naturopathy:

  • Cramp and Poor circulation
  • Anaemia
  • Heart condition
  • High blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Ulcer, varicose veins, Haemorrhoids

The Digestive system

Of course there is much more to preventative medicine than taking `stuff', whether it be a medicinal plant of chemical drug. Remembering the WHO definition of health, any attempt to promote wellness and prevent the development of disease must addressed the whole complex of factors that WHO identified. A number of risk factors can be identified as well positive factors. As the focus of this material is upon Herbal medicine we shall only mention in passing the non-herbal issues. This is not to imply a `lower' significance but simply a reflection of space constraints.

By far the most important contribution made by plants to the health of the human digestive system is in the form of the food we eat. Often the only fundamental difference between a salad vegetable and a medicinal herb is that one taste better Following are some condition treated successfully at Wellness herbs and naturopathy:

  • IBS
  • Diarrhoea and constipation
  • Parasite
  • Liver problem, Gall stone and gallbladder problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mouth ulcer
  • Wind,bloating and poor absorption
  • Heartburn and acidity

The Eyes

Sight is one of our most cherished senses. We read, appreciate art, observe nature and connect with loved ones by gazing into these “windows of the soul" The importance of the eyes to the human beings need not be emphasized. Eyes provide us sight, without which life would lose most of its meaning. But at the same time, eyes are constantly exposed to the external environment.

Almost everyone in the world overworks their eyes, due to which several eye problems occur. The list of problems that occur with the eyes is almost endless. But even then, are we taking adequate care of our eyes?

Following are some condition treated successfully at Wellness herbs and naturopathy:

  • Styes, blepharitis and conjunctivitis
  • Macular degeneration
  • Gulcoma

The Hormonal system

Hormones are your body's chemical messengers. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues or organs. They work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including
Growth and development
Metabolism - how your body gets energy from the foods you eat
Sexual function
Reproduction
Mood
Endocrine glands, which are special groups of cells, make hormones. The major endocrine glands are the pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas. In addition, men produce hormones in their testes and women produce them in their ovaries.
Hormones are powerful. It takes only a tiny amount to cause big changes in cells or even your whole body. That is why too much or too little of a certain hormone can be serious. Laboratory tests can measure the hormone levels in your blood, urine, or saliva.

Following are some condition treated successfully at Wellness herbs and naturopathy:

  • Thyroid problem
  • Diabetes
  • PMS
  • Menstrual problems
  • Endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cyst
  • Vaginal infection
  • Benign breast problems
  • Menopausal problems
  • Low sex drive
  • Impotence ,infertility and low sperm count

The Immunity system

It is absolutely vital that you have a good strong immune system.

Your immune system By having this your body can fight off diseases, infections and all manner of ills. It is possible to boost your immune system and build it up into a strong defense mechanism. A strong immune system means your body can fight back very well when it is under attack. Thousands of times a day your immune system helps combat all sorts of minor invasions, from bacteria, viruses, parasites and many other "intruders". However, this internal self-defense mechanism can sometimes function poorly. There are many reasons for this and at these times it is important to try and recover as quickly as possible.A point well worth remembering is that prevention is always better than cure. So a strong immune system can stop one getting ill in the first place. Boosting the immune system is very beneficial and it is relatively easy to help the body to improve it.

Following are some condition treated successfully with Wellness herbs and naturopathy:

  • Allergies
  • Fevers
  • Infections
  • Fatigue

The Musculoskeletal system

The Musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, muscles, and various connective tissues like fascia, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. The two major functions of the musculoskeletal system is to provide movement and to protect vital organs.

The human musculoskeletal system provides movement, protection and energy for the body. Although we’ve looked at each piece of the system separately, it operates as a whole and is directly linked to the nervous system and the immune system. Back pain, knee pain and general musculoskeletal discomfort are some of people’s biggest health complaints.

Following are some conditions treated successfully with Wellness herbs and naturopathy:

  • Fibromalgia and muscle pain
  • Gout and arthritis
  • Osteoporosis

The Nervous system

The human nervous system is a vast network that controls almost every aspect of our being. Our ability to move, breathe, digest food, sense, feel, all come from complex functions of the nervous system.
Unfortunately, our go-go-go culture leaves our society with a plethora of nervous system diseases: from chronic insomnia to neuropathy, to autoimmune dysfunctions of the nervous system. This constantly on-the-go culture leaves people stuck in their sympathetic nervous system, otherwise known as the flight or fight mode, which leads to further discomfort and disease.

Following are some condition treated successfully with Wellness herbs and naturopathy:

  • Depression , tension and anxiety
  • Headache and migraine
  • Insomnia
  • Neuralgia and sciatica
  • Shingles
  • Poor memory and concentration
  • Autism ,ADD and ADHD

The Respiratory system

Respiratory infections most commonly occur in the winter season when cold, wet, damp weather affect the functioning of the lungs and other respiratory organs. Fortunately, therapeutic herbal treatments can have a profound influence on respiratory afflictions. Herbs can be used to allay coughing and sore throat, and may be useful for respiratory infections and asthma. Plants that have expectorant, demulcent, antitussive, and antimicrobial actions are most effective for these purposes, and can be consumed as herbal teas or tinctures.
Expectorant herbs thin and expel mucus that can congest the air passages. Demulcent herbs contain mucilage which soothes dry, irritated tissues; they are specific treatment for a sore throat or a dry cough. Antitussive agents reduce respiratory spasms and are most beneficial for coughs which have a dry, irritated character and for the treatment and maintenance of asthmatic conditions. Antimicrobial agents are important to include in a respiratory formula to address the source of the infection. Following are some condition treated successfully with Wellness herbs and naturopathy:

  • Hay fever
  • Asthma
  • Sinusitis, bronchitis and cough
  • Flus and colds
  • Tonsillitis and laryngitis
  • Sore throat
  • Earache

The Skin

The skin is considered the body’s largest organ. Skin is made up of multiple layers that protect the body from germs and other environmental toxins. Skin has many purposes including temperature regulation and insulation. A film called the “acid mantle” covers healthy skin and acts as a barrier. Skin also contains naturally occurring oil called “sebum” that protects and lubricates. Skin can develop many problems. Symptoms of poor skin health include sores, spots, cracks, oiliness, dryness, scaling, itching, chapping, pimples, and rash. Causes are varied and may include stress, caffeine overload, allergies, high copper levels, poor digestion, constipation, poor circulation, lack of exercise, sun damage, irritating cosmetics, liver malfunction, air pollution, dehydration, and drug or alcohol abuse.

Healthy skin requires good diet and lots of water. Include citrus fruits, whole grains, carrots, beets, cucumbers, and other fresh veggies in the diet to maintain beautiful skin.

Many herbs (which are packed with minerals, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids) are great for the skin. Herbs can help cleanse, hydrate, heal, and balance the skin.

Herbs especially suited for use in healing and protecting the skin include rose hips, evening primrose oil, green tea, echinacea, sage, ginseng, calendula, burdock root, rosemary, aloe, dandelion, lavender, and chamomile. Any herbal tea that cleanses the blood can be used to improve the skin. Drink in tea or apply as lotion. Following are some condition treated successfully with Wellness herbs and naturopathy:

  • Acne
  • Eczema and psoriasis
  • Mouth and gum problems
  • Skin infection
  • Verrucae and warts

The Urinary system

The urinary system works with the lungs, skin and intestines to maintain the balance of chemicals and water in the body. Adults eliminate about a quart and a half (1.42 liters) of urine each day, depending on the amount of fluid consumed and fluid lost through perspiring and breathing. Certain types of medications, such as diuretics that are sometimes used to treat high blood pressure, can also affect the amount of urine a person produces and eliminates. Certain beverages, such as coffee, can also cause increased urination in some people.

The primary organs of the urinary system are the kidneys, which are bean-shaped organs that are located just below the rib cage in the middle of the back. The kidneys remove urea waste product formed by the breakdown of proteins from the blood through small filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron consists of a ball formed of small blood capillaries, called a glomerulus, and a small tube called a renal tubule. Urea, together with water and other waste substances, forms the urine as it passes through the nephrons and down the renal tubules of the kidney. Herbal remedies for urinary infections usually include an antiseptic herb to reduce bacteria, soothing herbs to reduce painful inflammation, and diuretic herbs to increase urine flow (which flushes out toxins and dead bacteria).

To protect against urinary infection, add more celery and celery seed (great in coleslaw) to the diet. Organic celery only costs a little more and is well worth the price. Celery tincture is also available. For best results also drink cornsilk, bearberry, juniper, chamomile, or yarrow tea. Other herbs to try include couchgrass, gravelroot, parsley, wild carrot, dandilion, ura-ursi, watermelon seeds, cleavers, barley grass, alfalfa, marshmallow, stinging nettle, goldenrod, fennel seed, slippery elm, oregon grape root, and hydrangea. Cranberry juice is well known for helping heal and prevent urinary tract disorders. Pure cranberry juice prevents bacteria from sticking to bladder walls. It also contains natural antibiotics and is a diuretic. Drink 16 ounces per day for best results. Prevent reoccurring bladder infections by keeping the urine too acidic for bacteria (like E. coli) to survive. Eat more plums and blueberries to increase acidity. Also add garlic, nasturtium leaves, rose hips, papaya, and carrots to the diet.

Following are some condition treated successfully with Wellness herbs and naturopathy:

  • Urinary tract infection
  • Fluid retention
  • Kidney stones
  • Prostate problems