Medication Natural

Many people get occasional bouts of acid dyspepsia, usually related to a temporary problem such as having eaten rich, spicy foods or having eaten too quickly when feeling rushed and stressed. If the symptoms happen very regularly, you may need to look more carefully at what you eat and how fast you eat it. If there is persistent discomfort, seek professional treatment.

Aromatherapy

Using hot or warm compresses over the abdomen, with up to 10 drops of oils such as Chamomile or Lavender in a small bowl of water, can give relief from the inflammation and spasm that accompany excess acidity. These oils, diluted at 2 percent in a base oil, can also be gently massaged into the abdomen if the discomfort is not too great.

Herbalism

Digestive disturbances generally respond very well indeed to herbal treatment, and acid dyspepsia can be improved considerably. For a temporary problem choose from the suggested herbs and use as warm teas; for repeated acid/heartburn symptoms use stronger, as infusions or as otherwise directed.

Chamomile(Chamomilla recutita): A relaxant and anti-inflammatory remedy that helps the whole digestive tract; if acid symptoms are related to stress and/or over-eating of rich foods, this herb makes an excellent choice.

Lemon Balm(Melissa officinalls): Another excellent herb where the condition is caused by stress; if available use the fresh leaves for a much finer flavour.

Meadowsweet(Filipendula ulmaria): Although chemically related to aspirin, Meadowsweet is soothing for an inflamed stomach (but may need to be avoided if there is a hypersensitivity to salicylates such as aspirin) and reduces acidity.

Slippery Elm(Ulmus fulva): This is highly soothing to the inflamed gullet or stomach, and may be taken before meals, either as tablets or by mixing 5 ml(1 tsp) of the pure powder in a little warm water- it lives up to its name as it goes down, coating and soothing the membranes.

Homeopathy

As usual, individual characteristics will determine proper prescribing of remedies, but initially choose from:

Carbo veg: For a burning feeling in the stomach, and acid reflux with waterbrash (gas being brought up into the mouth with acidic fluid) and sometimes nausea; symptoms often caused by over-eating or drinking.

Lycopodium: For definite heartburn, much wind and a feeling of fullness after only a little food.

Nux vomica: When taken too much rich food, alcohol and coffee leading to nausea and acidity but also an empty, hungry feeling in the stomach.

Naturopathy

Often a glass of milk is suggested as a temporary measure, to neutralize the acid. This is not always suitable, and certainly not on a regular basis, as dairy produce can create its own digestive problems. It may be helpful to avoid solids for up to 24 hours after a bad bout of acid heartburn. Using a hot compress over the abdomen can relieve pains. Avoid coffee, alcohol, tobacco, chocolate, pastries or spicy foods for at least a couple of days, and if prone to this complaint, then try to slowly cut them out.

Heartburn Symptoms

When excess acid leaks back up into the gullet, this inflames and irritates the lining of the oesophagus and the feeling of heartburn is produced. Taking antacid tablets regularly may not only mask underlying problems, but can also be counter productive as the stomach tries to compensate by creating more acid.

The hustle and bustle of modern life has caused a near epidemic of chronic anxiety. Many experts believe that upwards of 50% of the population suffers periodic bouts of debilitating anxiety symptoms, and all too often, doctors attempt to treat these conditions with medications. Many of these anti-anxiety medications have detrimental side effects and even withdrawal symptoms, but fortunately, there are also natural remedies for anxiety that can calm the inner turmoil and restore balance to life.
While many experts dispute the idea that anxiety is a “disorder,” nearly everyone agrees that dealing with a chronic anxiety problem reduces our ability to function effectively in the world, and can even negatively affect the immune system.
The most common symptoms of anxiety include irritability, chronic worrying, insomnia, feelings of panic, grinding teeth, tightness in the chest, heart palpitations, shallow breathing and stomach discomfort. It is important to note that these are just a few of the more common symptoms; a complete list of possible anxiety symptoms would likely number well into the thousands, as every unique individual experiences anxiety in a slightly different way.
In North America, the most common way to treat anxiety issues involves the use of medications. But natural remedies for anxiety are often more effective, and have the advantage of not producing the unwanted side effects or withdrawal symptoms. The following herbs and natural remedies have all shown promise in decreasing, or in some cases eliminating, anxiety.
Kava. Kava is a natural herb that has been used as a remedy for anxiety for decades in Europe. This natural treatment has been studied in several university sponsored trials in Europe, and the evidence suggests that it can be effective in controlling anxiety. However, because of recent concerns about Kava’s effect on the liver, the herb is now less frequently used in Europe, though it is still available in the United States in lower dosages.
Skullcap. Skullcap is a natural herb that has traditionally been used as a remedy for anxiety. Although there is only limited research available on its effectiveness, one double-blind, placebo controlled study found that skullcap was effective in reducing anxiety levels.
Passionflower. Passionflower is another herb that shows promise in treating chronic anxiety. One clinically controlled study compared passion flower to Oxazepam in 36 individuals reporting generalized anxiety symptoms. Although the results of the trial showed that Oxezepam relieved anxiety more quickly, Passionflower was found to be equally effective over a four-week period. Passionflower also showed no significant side effects or withdrawal symptoms.
Melatonin. Melatonin supplements have been studied extensively for their ability to promote restful sleep. In the past few years, melatonin has also been the subject of anxiety research. One study found that melatonin was as effective as prescription anti-anxiety medication in relieving pre-surgery stress in women. Smaller studies have shown similar results for both women and men.
Besides these and other natural remedies for anxiety, there are also alternative treatment options including acupuncture, biofeedback, relaxation therapies, meditation, guided visualization, and aromatherapy. Unfortunately, most of these alternatives have not been studied at length, and therefore it is difficult to assess exactly how effective any specific treatment may be. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that relaxation therapy and guided visualization can significantly improve both chronic anxiety and panic attacks. Used in conjunction with other natural remedies for anxiety, these alternative treatments show great promise.

With some thought and careful planning, a vegetarian diet during pregnancy can provide all the necessary nutrients that you and…

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Vegetarian Pregnancy and After