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Headaches can be incapacitating at the worst and a nagging annoyance at best. They can impact work and school productivity, and a bad headache can just put you out of commission, regardless of your profession. Taking medications will help alleviate discomfort, but some of these pain-killers have side effects (such as stomach pain) and, if taken for a long time, pain relievers can cause a rebound effect (in the form of another headache) once you quit taking them.

Some of the common causes of headaches are muscle tension, dilation and constriction of the blood vessels within the brain, food sensitivities, and hormonal fluctuations. Once you’ve seen your doctor and have ruled out anything serious, there are a few all-natural strategies to headache alleviation that you can try.

1. Cramp Bark (Vibernum opulus)

As the name of the herb suggests, Cramp bark will help relieve muscle tension and cramps. Vibernum prunifolium can also be sold as “Cramp bark,” however it is normally made use of to relieve uterine cramping. Cramp bark (Vibernum opulus) is touted as a prevention and remedy for muscle stress headaches. It is frequently used tablet form, but a tea made from the bark can also be consumed.

2. Massage

The calming effect of massage will help ease muscle stress and increase blood circulation, both of which might help headaches. There are massages you can do on your own in your own home or ask another person to do them, or you can go to a professional for headache pain relief and prevention.

3. Chiropractic

Muscle tension can cause bone and joint misalignment, say chiropractic professionals, and then the misalignment exasperates the muscle tension as muscles attempt to draw the bones back into alignment. Having an adjustment at a chiropractor brings almost instant headache pain relief, and seeing the chiropractor regularly (say once a month) can help stave off future headaches.

4. Feverfew

This daisy-like little flower is regarded by many herbalists to be a very effective remedy for headaches, especially migraines. While there are numerous ways to use it, capsules are the easiest and have the fewest negative effects. You may take feverfew on a regular basis to prevent migraine episodes.

5. Willow

You might have heard about white willow for relief of pain; but in fact, various willow (Salix) species can help reduce discomfort. The forerunner to aspirin, the inner bark of the white willow can provide pain relief for headaches. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. White willow (and other willow bark) is generally consumed supplements.

6. Stress Management

It’s generally understood that tension and headaches are interconnected. Participating in regular stress relief may help stop the onset of headaches. Stretching, meditation, Yoga, Pilates, and other strategies may help align the body and reduce stress.

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A virus is entirely different than bacteria. Many people are much more fearful of viruses since antibiotics haven’t any impact on them. The interesting and helpful factor is that certain herbs do have antiviral action, and several of them are widely available. Below are a few of them.

Lemon Balm

Throughout Germany, the antiviral effects of lemon balm are well-documented, and products made from the herb are given for herpes virus outbreaks and cold sores. Lemon balm is very simple to cultivate in a garden – a little too simple, actually, as it tends to take over when not contained.

Lemon balm will make a very good tea, and can be consumed to combat all sorts of viral infections, such as colds and flu. The tea or even a cream can be applied on cold sores or other viral lesions, for example shingles or chicken pox.

Astragalus

An immune boosting herb referred to as huang qi in Chinese medicine is not as popular in other countries. The root is sweet, similar to licorice, to which it is related. It’s been shown to be an effective antiviral herb, especially in the prevention of the common cold and flu virus, and may even perform well against the Coxsackie B virus (this virus can lead to an inflammation of the heart).

You can simmer slices of the root in water to make a therapeutic drink, or use the commercially available tincture. It is generally agreed that astragalus should be taken as a deterrent instead of once the illness is under way, so if you feel you’ve been subjected, or perhaps you experience the initial twinges of sickness, you can start using astragalus.

Garlic

No discussion of antiviral herbs could be complete without talking about garlic, an organic herb that is antiviral, antibacterial, as well as antifungal. It isn’t costly, and you may use the entire herb or use capsules. However, a great number of experts agree that “deodorized” garlic is probably not as effective as the unaltered natural herb.

You could simmer chopped garlic in chicken broth and drink it to stave off the common cold and flu virus. Raw, minced garlic can be sprinkled over salads and eaten with pastas. Be cautious with consuming too much of it raw, however, since it could trigger serious nausea or vomiting when used in this manner.

Ginger

In the past, ginger was regarded as a “warming” herb that could hinder queasiness from a “chilled stomach,” which was said to take place any time large amounts of cold water were consumed in warm weather. Now that we know that ginger has highly effective anti-nausea action, and it is also anti-viral.

Teas created from fresh ginger are tasty and spicy. You could sweeten them with raw honey for added germ-fighting benefits and taste. Whenever you notice the very first stages of a cold or flu virus, try sipping some of this tea several times daily. You can even drink it as a deterrent if you feel you may have been in contact with any viruses. Ginger is considered very safe; however, it is not appropriate for women who are pregnant.

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Arthritis comes in various forms; however, it is invariably painful. The standard medical strategy is to take some sort of pain medicine (usually non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NASDs) that might bring about a number of side effects, including stomach discomfort. Thankfully, there are a few natural, organic strategies to arthritis pain managing. Here are some of them.

White Willow

Willow bark – in particular the white willow – has been used to alleviate pain and inflammation for decades, even hundreds of years. It has a substance labeled salicin, which is the foundation for aspirin. White willow can be taken as a tea and in supplement form, preferably with food.

Stinging Nettle

This relentless weed may provide considerable pain relief for arthritis patients. You may use it topically or consume it internally. If you are using it topically, you take advantage of stinging nettles’ sting, putting the plant onto the area of the body that is experiencing arthritis pain.
Cooking and eating stinging nettle (the sting goes away when it’s cooked) like vegetables could also help. Stinging nettles contain significant amounts of the mineral boron, which is said to help the bones and joints retain calcium.

Red Pepper or Capsicum

The heat from red pepper comes from a substance known as capsaicin, and it is this very same compound that helps alleviate arthritis pain. Capsaicin acts as an endorphin trigger – endorphins are the body’s all natural pain medication. If you love spicy foods, add some red pepper to your regular eating plan in the form of hot pepper sauce, or by including ground red pepper to foods.
Red pepper may also be used topically. Red pepper/capsaicin creams can be purchased in many drug stores, but make sure you wash your hands after applying it, or wear gloves when applying. You wouldn’t like to have it in your eyes!

Foods and Spices

There are many food items and spices you can add into your meals for arthritis relief. Here are some of them.

Ginger – Drinking a cup of ginger tea daily has been said to help arthritis pain. It works as an anti-inflammatory, alleviating the discomfort and swelling associated with arthritis.

Turmeric – This yellowish spice is often added to curries, rice pilafs, and other recipes. Its benefits act like the ones from ginger. Turmeric may also be taken in capsules.

Oregano – Along with featuring anti-inflammatory properties, oregano is also reputed to be an antioxidant. Spread it freely on your pizzas, include it with your spaghetti sauce, or blend it directly into meatloaf. Oregano may be added to many Greek and Italian dishes.

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The problems with antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria have received a great deal of interest recently. The issue is that bacteria, having been subjected to antibiotics for so long, have created a resistance to the medications. The sad truth is that bacterial infections that used to yield very easily to antibiotics have become more severe, possibly even lethal.

Remarkably, however, herbs that have antibiotic properties seem to elude the bacterial “learning process” and as a result do not seem to create resistant bacteria. Antibiotic herbs can be used in the home for minor infections and as antiseptics to stop infections. Here are some of the more useful antibiotic herbal remedies.

Fresh Garlic
This smelly yet effective herb is an antibiotic giant. It’s also widely accessible and economical. You could even grow it yourself.

How Should it be Used?
Garlic is most effective when applied internally. It can be converted to ear drops and applied to combat ear infections; simmered in broth or water, it makes a therapeutic broth that performs especially well for upper respiratory infections. Fresh garlic can be minced and combined with all kinds of foods, from noodles to salad. Many natural health practitioners believe that garlic is most beneficial when used raw – as juice, minced, or crushed.

Echinacea
No doubt you’ve heard about this herb – it’s all over the place during cold and flu season, and for good reason. Echinacea is a powerful antibiotic and, in the case of colds and flu, anti-viral. It also will work as an antiseptic on cuts and also to remedy sore throats.

How Should it be Used?
Tea produced from Echinacea’s roots and aerial parts is not particularly tasty, however it can be drunk. This kind of tea can also be used as a wash for superficial cuts and scrapes. Echinacea tincture, diluted in warm water, makes a really good sore throat remedy.

Goldenseal
The golden yellow hue of Goldenseal’s roots gives it its name, and these roots are the components that are made use of medicinally. Goldenseal is effective topically and internally; nevertheless, it is such an efficient antibiotic that it can affect intestinal flora, and shouldn’t be used internally for over a couple of weeks at a time.

How Should it be Used?
Infused in boiling water and cooled, Goldenseal can be used as a rather helpful eye wash for infections in and near the eye. Such an infusion also makes a great wash for cuts and scrapes, and can also be applied to surgical wounds, particularly on household pets.

Ginger
Were you aware that ginger can work as an antibiotic? It is reputed to be effective against E. coli and Salmonella, both of which are food-borne bacteria that cause considerable illness in people. It has even been shown to treat and heal ulcers.

How Should it be Used?
Ginger may be made into a tea using the fresh root or the dried and ground root. The fresh root is relatively cheap, and a drink can be easily created by gently simmering ginger pieces in water and sipping the end result, sweetened with natural honey. You can even eat candied ginger to help treat ulcers and fight infections.

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Fungal infections affect a great number of folks, and they’re not just unpleasant; they can be stubborn to clear up, as well. The subject of fungal infections generally and yeast infections specifically has gotten a lot of focus lately, and as fungal infections seem less responsive to conventional treatments, herbal solutions are being looked into. Thankfully, there are some very effective herbs and natural treatments for fungal infections. Here are some of them.

Apple Cider Vinegar

While a bit pungent, apple cider vinegar is actually a powerful antifungal. For athlete’s foot, you can soak your feet in a diluted apple cider vinegar solution a few times every day, and/or you can “paint” the area affected with a cotton ball or swab soaked in apple cider vinegar.

For internal infections, apple cider vinegar may be ingested several times a day. It’s strong stuff – you will likely want to dilute it with water and sweeten it with raw honey or stevia sweetener, but avoid sugar sweetening. Sugar is said to worsen yeast infections, since yeast flourish on it.

Sources also indicate that diluted apple cider vinegar can also be used as a douche to cure vaginal yeast infections.

Look for raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, as it has the most active constituents.

Garlic

Again with a stinky remedy! Garlic may be odorous, but it’s known as a great fungus fighter. Used internally, garlic may help cure yeast and fungal infections in the body. For vaginal yeast infections, a peeled garlic clove may be inserted into the vagina and left all night, and the process done again (with a fresh garlic clove) each night for about one week, or until signs and symptoms diminish.

Rub a cut garlic clove over athlete’s foot a few times each day for topical treatment.

Echinacea

For more than just colds and flu, a German study has shown that Echinacea is a highly effective anti-fungal. Used internally, Echinacea will help clear up yeast infections and prevents their recurrence.

Goldenseal

The yellow root from this plant contains berberine, which isn’t only an anti-biotic but an anti-fungal too. A diluted tea produced from the roots may be used as a douche or foot-soak for athlete’s foot, or the diluted tincture could be used similarly. It can also be used internally, but not for more than three weeks or so (after that, it may impact intestinal tract bacteria).

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)

This somewhat debatable anti-fungal treatment is alleged to be quite powerful. It’s debatable because the active constituents have not been completely determined, nevertheless it’s been shown to be quite effective at treating fungal infections, both topically and internally.

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