The Ancients knew what they were doing?

17 06 2008

  Scientists have learned that herbs contain dozens or even hundreds of chemically active compounds. In fact, the active ingredients in many of the drugs that you buy at pharmacies are very similar (or even identical) to the chemicals in herbs.

  Unfortunately shopping for medicinal herbs can be a challenge. Herb manufacturers in the United States are prohibited from making health claims on the labels nor are they allowed to give advice on how to use herbs to threat medical problems. Without medical guidence it can be difficult to know which herbs are most effective for treating different condition or how to use them to get the best results.  And because the herb industry isn’t strictly regulated some unscrupulous manufacturers  use ingredients that aren’t effective or tout herbal combinations that don’t work. Well this sounds fimiliar doesn’t it.

   Here is some herbs for different conditions;

  Allergies;

Nettle (Urtica diorca) Three times daily, relieves allergies, skin rashes, hay fever and seasonal rhinities.

  Anxiety;

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) Two 500 mg tablets before bed. Treats insomnia due to anxiety

  Cancer Protection;

Green and Black tea (Camillia Sinensis) 1 cup green or black tea three times daily. Green or Black tea act as antioxidants, reducing cell demage that may lead to cancer, reduces joint inflammation.

   Cardiovascular Disease and High Blood Presure;

Garlic (Alluim Sativum) 1 500-mg tablet three times daily use supplements with standardized amount of alliin or allicin (avoid garlic oil gel caps) Lower blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

   Constipation;

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) 2 tabletspoons daily, contains fiberats keeps your regular.

   Depression;

St. John Worts (hypericum perforatum) 2 500-mg tablets three times daily. (use only leaves, stems and flowers) Improves mood and symptom of depression.

   Fever;

Annamon (Annamomum Zeyanicun) Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon powdered covered for 20 minutes. Ues only the bark. Drink 3 cups daily. Reduce inflamamation, pain and fever.

   Headaches;

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Simmer 1 teaspoon dried rosemary in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes ( use only the leaves) Take 2 cups per day. Dilates bloods vessels and prevents stress related headaches . Acts as digestive aid, may protect against diabetes and artery diseases

   Low Energy;

Asian Ginesg (Panax ginseng) 4 500-mg tablets once daily ( only tablets that contains the  root) Acis like a mild stimulant and mood enhancer. Also acts like a antioxidants.

   Memory;

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) 1 tablet standardized to 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides, 3 times daily. Improve memory, concentiation and alertness.

   Menstruation and Menopause Problems;

Black Cohosh ( Cimicfugs Racemosa) 3 time daily 2 -500 mg  dried not tablets or 20 drops 1;1 tincture. The root is most effective part. Relieves Menopause symptoms such as thin vaginal tissues, vaginal dryness, memory loss, depression, mood swings and hot flashes.

   Pneumonia;

Thyme ( Thymus Vulgaris) Simmer 2 teaspoon herb in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. ( use leaves and flowers) Drink 3 times daily. Reduces bronchial spasms and eases coughs.

   Urinary Tract Problems;

Goldenrod ( Solidago Virgaueria) Simmer 1 teaspoon dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water and drink 1 cup daily. Use only the flowering tops. Promotes healthy urinary function.



Let’s Go Back To The Herbs!

16 06 2008

Back in the old days the pioneers were practical-minded people. They knew how to make do with what they had. They combined folk remedies from centuries earlier in other lands with herbal formulas borrowed from Indians. Since then even more has been discovered about physiology and nutrition.

Goldenseal-This herb is known for it’s antibiotic properties. Tea: add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of powdered root goldenseal for each cup. Simmer for 10 minutes use in up two cup daily.

Chamomile- This herb is known for relieving stomach distress, calming nerves, fighting infection, speeding healing process and preventing ulcers. Tea: add 2 to 3 teaspoons per cup, simmer for 10 to 20 minutes. Use in up to three cups daily.

Garlic-Garlic is a strong natural antibiotic in chopped or chewed form. It helps reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart attacks as it prevents the forming of bloods clots. Garlic also contains anti-viral properties. Use in food; season to taste.

Slippery Elm Bark- You buy this herb in a throat lozenges, cough drops. Slippery elm bark provides relief for upset stomach, coughs and sore throat. Tea; Boil or simmer 1 to 3 teaspoons of powder in a cup. Take in up to three cups daily.

Ginseng- Is used to increase stamina, provide liver protection from harmful substances and stimulates the immune system. To use follow package direction for capsules, tablets and teas.

Dandelion- This herb helps alleviate premenstrual bloating and may provide anti-inflammatory results. Tea; simmer 1/2 ounce dried leaf in each cup for ten minutes. Take up to three cups with dandelion daily.

Raspberry Leaf- This herb is widely used to treat uterine irritability, morning sickness and help prevent miscarriages. Tea; add 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup. Simmer for 10 minutes. Drink up to three cups daily.

Spearmint and Peppermint- Provides indigestion relief. Tea; add 2 teaspoons dried or 1 teaspoon of fresh per cup. Simmer for 10 minutes can be reheated. Drink up to 3 cups daily. Bath; place a few handful of fresh or dried leaves in a cloth bag and run it under water for a relaxing bath.

Ginger- May reduce the risk of heart attacks  by preventing blood clots. Also use for motion sickness take 30 minutes before departure take 2 or 3 capsules. Tea; add 2 teaspoons of grated or powdered ginger per cup. Simmer for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups daily.



FDA Recalls Heprin

13 06 2008

I was watching TV about a month ago.And saw the commercial about Heprin.It was a lwayer asking if you have a family member had use Heprin. I was thinking what happen with Heprin .

What is heprin? Heprin is a blood thinner.That either comes in either vials or in a syringes. The drug is offen used during surgery, Kidney dialysis or while a patients is bedridden to thin a patients blood. A reason a doctor  would want to thin a patients blood is to prevent clotting.

Why is Heprin a problem? In a nutshell the drug was contaminated during the manufacturing process. This was thought to have first occured in Sept 2007 they wasn’t sure.

Problems people will  have if exposed to the contaminated heprin.

1. Organ Failure

2. Heart Problems

3. Shock

4. Decreased blood presure

5. Chest Pains

6. Abdominal Pain

7.Fainting

8. Nausea  or Vomiting

9.Low Energy

10. Skin Redness

11. Increase Sweating

12. Increase Heart Rate

13. Throat Swelling

14. Headache

15. Shortness of Breath

16. Death

Report on June 1,2008 there was a total of 86 deaths in the United States. And Heprin is manufactured in China.



What is Acid Reflux?

12 06 2008

No one knows the exact cause of gaslroesophageal reflux. Here are serveral contribution factors that weaken or relax the lower esophageal sphindes making it worse.

1.Life Style-use of alcohol or cigarettes

2.Medication-Calcium channel blocker theophylline

3.Diet-Fatty and Fried foods chocolate, garlic and onions, drinks with cafferine, acid foods citrus fruits and tomatoes, spicy foods

4.Eating habits-Eating large meals and eating soon before bedtime

5.Other medical conditions-Hiatel, hermia, pregnancy,diabetes, weight gain

Persistent heartburn is the most common symptom

1.Heartburn is a burning pain in the center of the chest behind the breastbone

2. pain can last up 2 hours

3. heartburn is usually worse after eating

4.lying down or bending over can bring on heartburn or make it worse

5.The pain usually does not start or get worse with activity

Seek medical care when

1.Severe chest pain or presure

2. Vomiting blood

3.Vomiting followed by severe chest pain

4. dark and tarry stools

5.difficulty swallowing solids or liquids

How you can relieve their symptoms by changing habits and lifestyles

1.Don’t eat within 3 hours of bedtime

2. Don’t lie down right eating

3. Elevate the head of your bed 6 inches with blocks ( gravity helps)

4. Don’t eat large meals

5. Avoid fatty or greasy foods, chocolate, tomato-based foods, caffeine, spicy foods

Now I am a believer of Natural cause for myself. I believe not everything needs a pill to work There are alot of Natural Cures out there. Here a question for you. What did they do for pain, gas, stomach pains before there was are these  wonderful pills? That a good questions.

Now here are some Natural Cures for Acid Reflux:

1. Raw organic apple cider

2. Dietary change

3. Pickle juice

4. apples

5. Digestive Enzymes

6. Aloe Vera Juice

7. Baking Soda 4oz with water

Now some of these thing are in your home now. Or you can go to health Store and you can find some of these items there too.

6. Avoid drinking alcohol

7. Stop smoking

8. Lose Weight

9. Stand upright, sit up straight maintain good posture

10. Over the counter medicine can cause reflux

Medication:

1. Prilosec

2. Nexuim

3. Prevacid

4. Aciphec

5. Protonix

Prevention:

1. Maintain a healthy body weight

2. Avoid large meals, eating within 3 hours of bedtime

3. limit fatty, greasy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and other irritating foods

4.Avoid alcohol

5. Stop smoking

6. Maintain good posture

7. Avoid working out on a full stomach



Fight for your care

11 06 2008

I have been in the health field for years. I have seen so many change. I  can remember when I first started it seem that insurance and medicare was alot better and the needs would be taking care of from doctors to hospitals. And you always had your mediences. Today it seem to be a problem with the care you get.

Now I am wondering what has change in these few years. Does anyone have a answer. I think its been years of abuse with are system. And now their cut-backs and unfairly we the people have to suffer .But how much we have to suffer  until it’s enough. Our senior can’t afford their mediences they had to decided to eat or get their meds.  That includes people with disabilities too it is so sad. What is it going to be like when I am a senior. Will I eat or get my meds  .Or will I do either.I am sitting here wondering.

But we can do something write to our Senators,Congressman and Congresswomen. Join ARRP and help them fight the Washington for medicare and social security. And express your feelings about your health care ,meds and your medical treatment.



To Drugged to Know the Difference

10 06 2008

This is a continue from yesterdays post. Now is at a different hospital again actually it the new one just open not too long before this happen. Of she was unconscious when she arrive because of her sugar was at 22. Her son went with her and try to tell them what happen the doctor would not listern to him. The doctor order tests and labs etc.Here she is with that circle again.  After getting back the test back  The doctor started treating her . She finally woke-up but she was not herself not knowing what happened she panic and of course the doctor was disdain with her that didn’t help.

She was move to ICU and was on insulin IV and was on IV solution for her Congestive Heart Failure.  And was in ICU for a week and they move her to a regular room .And they continue with her treatment . But she was not herself and she was just not right and confuse and  she wasn’t making any sense and was just acting like she was crazy .I couldn’t understand what was happen with her .I try to ask the nurse and she didn’t have a answer. So I went back the next day and there  no was change in her. The doctor came in I ask him what was going on she has never been like this.. This doctor look at me and said with a voice that scare me she always been this way hasn’t she.  I answer No she hasn’t. A few days went by no change  I was getting worry about her and still had no answers. After about week she was getting better and it was like it never happen. She couldn’t remember a thing and why was she there.

She and I talk about it afterwards and we think he give her meds he shouldn’t had give her .Because she ask to see her chart and they refuse to let her look at the chart. And by the way. It’s is your right to look at your chart. She left there and never went back again.



HealthCare Horror Story!Are you being treated right?

9 06 2008

I have a friend that was very ill, this happen a week before thanksgiving of last year. She has been ill for a long time but this time was different .She was at her sister-in-laws house which is close to one of the better hospital here.

She was rush to the ER and they ran tests and labs,etc. They admitted her quickly she was in ICU.Now  let me tell you something she has alot of health issues and was doing pretty good up to this point.

Now she in the ICU she has Renal Failure, Congestive Heart Failure, Pneumonia and she was insulin resistant. And her Potassuim was very high .She was really out of it and very sick. At the time she could not really tell the doctors everything and she was new to them .So they went by the labs and the test that they had done to treat her.

So they gave her mass amount of prednisone in IV for her Renal Failure and IV of insulin because her sugars was off the charts.  And IVs of antibioties for her pneumonia. After a few days she was getting better. Still very weak and she was telling them about her medical history and she thought they was listerning.

She was telling them what would work and what did not work the doctor seem to be listerning but was he. We thought he was really listerning .He change her insulin which was a good move they slowly stop the IVs and started put her on pill form of medicine.

She and the doctor talk about admit her to a nursing home because she thought she needed some Physcial Therapy. She explain to the doctor  she would need to continue taking predinsone to keep her from having Renal Failure again. The doctor agree we thought. She left the hospital and went to the nursing home .She shortly find out that the doctor did not keep her on predinsone and she need this keep her from going into Renal Failure. And now her sugar was instead of being to high they are too low.

She try telling the doctor at the nursing home he did not listern .Within a week she was in Renal Failure again and her her sugars was to low. She try to walk down the hall to the dining room to eat her lunch .And she fell in the hallway and it take them a while to get her up. They take her back to her room .Remind you she did not get to eat her lunch.

They thought she was sleeping so they did not bother her with a meal or even to check her sugars. A few hours went by and her son came up to check on her. She did not respond to him. He yell for help and made them check her sugar it was 22. He made them send to the hospital. Now this was a different hospital and here we go again. She made it back it was close another hour in that bed. And not check she would be dead today .Thank goodness she still with use today.



Prednisone-The Deadly Poison !

9 06 2008

Prednisone is a a corticosteroid.In other words it is anabolic steroid (that body builders use)It is use for inflanmatory condition for anti-inflanmatory  effects .They work on set of action and profoundly affects many parts of the immune system as well as rest of the body. Prednisone  the cornerstone of treating most types of Vasculities and often use with other immunosuppresive medications.

Side Effects after taking 10 milligrams of prednisone for a few months.

-Weight Gain

-Glucose Intolerance

-Hypertension

-Bone Thinning

-Easy Bruising

-Mood Swing/ Insomnia

-Avascular Necrosis of bone

-Abdominal Marks

-Cataracts

-Ance

Now if all these side effects can happen with use on a short term basic.Can you see what it could be for someone use this for a long period of time. Well I know someone on prednisone she been on it at least 14 years that I know of maybe longer.

It use to be she would get sick .Go to the doctor and get a prednisone pack and start at 10 milligrams and a fews day later decrease and few days later decrease again until its been and week and the pack was done. And she was feeling good for a few months .That work great for a few years. But after years of use her immune system is spot.

And now she has to have prednisone everyday for her Renal Failure and to maintain her life. She Take ((15-20) milligrams) daily. And this is daily battle for her. Because it is at the point it really does not work very long for her. The doctors try to get her off of prednisone and she end up in the hospital. She decided years ago this would be the way she was going to live her life on prednisone. So she has live a good life and continues living the best way she can. I spend time with her  and wonder how can she keep going .Everyday is a little harder then the day before .But she has a strong well to be here .And I do enjoy being in her life ,

This is my persnnal belief about prednisone. It can be wonderful drug for the short term use .But for the long term it will kill you.