Natural Cures Guide

If you wake up with a headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea the morning after a big celebration, chances are you remember exactly what caused those symptoms, because they’re familiar: You have a hangover. The best advice medical experts can give you is to monitor you alcohol intake, but occasionally even one drink can be too much. That’s because tolerance for alcohol varies widely from person to person, from drink to drink, and from occasion to occasion. You may be able to knock back a six-pack at a weekend football gathering with no ill effects, but wake up woozy and in pain after a few glasses of wine at a relative’s wedding.
Generally, the more you weigh, the more you can drink without getting a hangover. Also, if you drink regularly, you production of the enzymes that metabolize alcohol increases and so does your tolerance. This doesn’t mean that consuming high quantities of alcohol is good for you– it simply means that if you don’t drink regularly, you’re more likely to feel ill effects from those occasional nights on the town, as unfair as that seems.
When you drink, the alcohol is metabolized in your liver. There, it forms toxic byproducts, which then circulate through the body, causing the pain that you feel as a hangover. The kidneys filter these waste products of alcohol out of the blood, but they must remove water while they’re doing it. That causes dehydration, one of the major hangover symptoms. Your body also uses many vitamins and nutrients to break down alcohol, especially like B vitamin. This results in a slight state of malnutrition that can worsen if your occasions for indulging occur every weekend– a good reason to make extra sure to take your vitamins during the holiday party blitz.
Eating lots of sugar can make a hangover worse, as can mixing different types of alcohol; both of these actions make the liver work harder. Generally speaking, light-colored alcoholic beverages, such as white wine or vodka, are less likely to produce a hangover than, say, red wine or scotch.
If you are planning a night out or a celebration where you know you will be drinking, eat a well-balanced wholesome meal beforehand and make sure you drink plenty of water. After the celebration, drink a large glass of water before going to bed, take a B-complex supplement that supplies at least 50 milligrams of niacin, and take a liquid bitters preparation (look for products that contain dandelion, gentian, mugwort, or Angostura bitters) in water with a little honey. This may lessen the pain of the hangover you’ll feel the next day.

Herbal Remedies

Willow (Salix spp.)

The bark of this group of trees contains the same pain-relieving ingredient found in aspirin in much smaller amounts, so it may be less stressful on your stomach. You’ll also find similar pain-relieving compounds in wintergreen. To make a tea, use the bark of willow or the leaves and flowering tops of wintergreen. Typical dosage: 1 to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of powdered bark or wintergreen leaves and flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

This bitter herb’s root may help with hangovers by gently relieving constipation and stomachaches. It also stimulates the liver, which may have a beneficial effect on alcohol metabolism. And dandelion is a good source of antioxidants, such as vitamin A, that may help repair some of the damage the festive activities wreaked on your body. Typical dosage: 2 cups of tea per day, morning and evening (steep 1 to 2 teaspoon of dried root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 30 to 60 drops of tincture three times per day for the day or two that symptoms persist.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Typically used to improve circulation, improve memory, and decrease dizziness, ginkgo may help with hangover. In Japan, the seeds of this tree are served at cocktail parties to prevent drunkenness and hangovers. Typical dosage: three 40-milligram capsules of an extract standardized to 24 percent ginkgo flavone glycosides and 6 percent terpene lactones per day.

Red or Chili Peppers (Capsicum spp.)

Hot peppers contain the pain-relieving compound capsaicin. Try dried, ground peppers or powdered cayenne in a glass of tomato juice the morning after. But keep this bloody Mary a virgin: Fighting a hangover with another drink only delays your body’s recovery. Typical dosage: a pinch or so in food.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

This herb’s seeds have a long history of use in protecting the liver. It contains silymarin, which has been shown to protect the liver against a number of toxins, including alcohol. A frequent drinker or recovering 70 to 120 milligrams three times per day. If you are planning a rare, no-holds-barred celebration, take 70 to 120 milligrams once before drinking to help protect your liver.

Don’t Jump the Gun With Painkillers

You’re thinking, well, might as well wash my analgesics down with my last slug of beer and beat my hangover to the punch? Think again. Pain relievers should not be taken with alcohol. Aspirin and alcohol are both stomach irritants; combining them can damage the stomach lining.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are metabolized by the liver, as is alcohol. Combining booze and one of these drugs can overload the liver. In fact, just such a combination has been in one case the cause of a liver transplant–not exactly the way you’d want to remember a celebration.

Supplements for Those who Imbibe

So you travel a lot with your job–and such travel involves a lot of social imbibing with potential clients. What can you do? First off, keep monitoring your alcohol intake and switch to club soda after a certain number of drinks. Second, try taking the following supplements to minimize alcohol’s effect on your overall health.
* Zinc. The enzymes that break down alcohol need this mineral to do their work.
People who drink frequently are often deficient in zinc; if you want to take a
supplement, take 15 milligrams. Or you can try eating a piece of whole-grain
toast or some rice before imbibing. This not only supplies zinc but also soaks
up alcohol in the stomach, allowing it to be absorbed more slowly.
* B vitamin. The whole complex of these nutrients tends to be depleted in those
who drink frequently. Like zinc, B vitamins are used by the enzymes that meta-
bolize alcohol. Take a product that supplies at least 50 milligrams of each B
vitamin (thiamine, niacin, B6, B12) and 100 milligrams of folic acid after drink-
ing.
* Vitamin C. This antioxidant may help in the breakdown and removal of
alcohol from the body. Take 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C as soon as poss-
ible after drinking a lot.
* Vitamin A. Excessive drinking depletes this important vitamin. Morning-after
bloody Marys, made with tomato juice, may help hangovers because of their
high levels of lycopene, a vitamin A relative. Just make your Mary a virgin–
meaning blend it without the alcohol–and you’ve got a very healthful drink.

Sweet Cure for a Splitting Head

Honey contains as much as 40 percent fructose, a form of sugar that may speed the metabolism of alcohol and decrease the effects of a hangover. So if tea and toast is all your dicey stomach can handle, you can amply sweeten the tea with honey. High amounts of fructose can also be found in most fruits.

Do your gums bleed–even a little? Are they red, sore, or puffy? Have you ever had bad breath, or has your dentist ever told you that you need to brush and see the hygienist more frequently? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may have some form of periodontal or gum disease.
According to the American Dental Association, approximately three in four people over age 20 have some stage of gum disease. It might be gingivitis, the earliest and most treatable stage, when careful brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can reverse the damage. Or it might have progressed to the point where tooth loss can occur.
Teeth are not embedded in the jaw like fenceposts in concrete. They are surrounded by living tissue called the periodontal membrane. This tissue acts as a shock absorber for the tooth. Thousands of tiny fibers connect to the tooth and to the bones of the jaw.
In a normal, healthy mouth, a slight space called a pocket exists between the tooth and the periodontal membrane. It usually measures one to two millimeters, or about an eighth of an inch. When food particles and bacteria remain trapped in this space, they form plaque, a sticky goo that clings to the teeth. Plaque hardens into tartar, which settles into this pocket in layers, eventually deepening it. Over time, the gums lose their normal pink color, get puffy and red, and may bleed when brushed.
Left untreated, layers of tartar continue their progress down the roots of the tooth, eventually penetrating the periodontal membrane and eroding the bones that hold the tooth in place. The teeth involved loosen and eventually fall out.
Why do some people get gum disease and not others? For one thing, the bacteria that cause it are contagious; they can be spread by kissing. For another, there seems to be a link between gum disease and adult-onset diabetes. Vitamin C deficiency may also play a role, allowing greater passage of the bacteria into the tissues that surround the teeth.
Researchers are now investigating why many of the same people who suffer from gum disease also have cardiovascular disease. It’s possible that the same dietary habits or deficiencies promote both problems. And although gingivitis may seem minor, the bacteria that cause it can be aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia. Finally,gingivitis is one of the early signs that the immune system may be having problems and it should be ignored.
The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss regularly. Also, see a dentist periodically to remove the plaque that builds up. If you tend to get a lot of plaque, see a dentist at least twice a year.
Treatment for periodontal disease usually involves some sort of mechanical procedure in which a dental hygienist deep-cleans the gums and removes plaque from the area of the tooth under the gum. This is often accompanied by antibiotic treatment; more and more, antibiotic treatment alone is being used. There are no drugs, however, that can be taken internally to reverse the progress of gum disease. In advanced cases, surgical procedures are performed.

Herbal Remedies

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida)

Just as it fights the bacteria and viruses that cause colds, flu, and minor infection, echinacea fights gum bacteria by enhancing the functioning of the body’s immune system. Use it as a mouth rinse or swab it onto sore or swollen gums. You can also take it internally. Typical dosage: up to nine 300- to 400-milligram capsules per day; or up to 60 drops of tincture three times per day.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis candensis)

One of this root’s compounds, berberine, is a potent antibacterial substance. Goldenseal also stimulates digestion and the secretion of bile, which helps you get more nutrients from the foods you eat–a good thing in case nutritional deficiencies have made you more prone to gingivitis. In addition, goldenseal is astringent, which helps tone gum tissue. Typical dosage: up to six 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 50 drops of tincture per day. Caution: Goldenseal has not been proven safe for pregnant or nursing women. If you have heart problems, consult your doctor before using it.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Well-known for its healing properties, calendula benefits gums with its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating compounds. It may also help treat ulcers and sore throats. Typical dosage: apply tincture to the affected area up to three times per day.

Aloe (Aloe vera)

Aloe is a proven healer of skin injuries. Because it has the same effect on the gums, a number of mouth rinses and other dental products include aloe. Look for it in herbal dental products, or mix pure aloe vera gel with tincture of the herbs. Swab this paste on sore gums as needed.

Billberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Both of these berries contain proanthocyanidins, substances that are powerfully anti-inflammatory and may help strengthen gum tissue. To use them against gingivitis, buy a few ounces of the powdered version of either herb. Mix the powder with enough water to make a paste and swab onto the infected gums. Leave on 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse and floss.

Bacteria-Fighting Gum Rinse

Although this rinse isn’t especially tasty, it will help heal inflamed gums.

5 drops goldenseal tincture
5 drops myrrh tincture
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 dash of cayenne
2 cups of water

Combine all ingredients. Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes, three to four times per day.

It’s the stuff of legend, an old-fashioned disease that supposedly afflicts only the elderly, the rich, and the over-indulgent. But gout isn’t humorous–it’s painful. Imagine shards of ground glass inside your joints. Only the shards aren’t glass, but crystals of uric acid, a byproduct of the breakdown of old cells and the construction of new ones.
Uric acid is usually filtered out of the body by the kidneys. But when there’s too much of the acid in the bloodstream, it begins to accumulate in the joints.
Uric acid crystals inflict intense joint pain, often in nighttime attacks that come without warning. The big toe is most often affected, but other joints, including knees, ankles, elbows, and fingers can be involved. Swelling, inflammation, a sensation that the joint is on fire, and chills or fever can also result.
Nine out of ten people with gout are middle-aged men; over half of those with gout have a genetic predisposition to the ailment. Those who are overweight and those prone to high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes are likely candidates.
Gout has traditionally been thought of as a disease of the affluent who dine on fatty meats, wines, and rich dairy products. But newer research points to a different culprit: beer. One study found that the major dietary difference between 61 men with gout and a group and a group of men who didn’t have it was that 41 percent of the gout group drank more than a dozen cans of beer–two and a half liters–a day.
Suds imbibers aside, the reason certain people are prone to gout remains somewhat of a mystery. Researchers have linked the disease to prior joint injuries, periods of stress, and alcohol or drug consumption. Certain diuretics and antibiotics can trigger gout; studies have also shown that gout can result from the presence of tumors, kidney disorders, lead poisoning, and enzyme deficiencies. Mild cases of gout may be completely controlled by dietary changes. But continuing attacks may need more intensive care because they can cause permanent joint and kidney damage.

Herbal Remedies

Grapseed (Vitis vinifera)

You’ve likely seen commercial products that include grapeseed or pine bark extracts. These contain powerful antioxidants called proanthocyanidins that neutralize damaging free radicals in joints and work as natural anti-inflammatory agents. Typical dosage: 50 to 200 milligrams of proanthocyanidins per day.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

This spice, familiar to anyone who enjoys Indian food, contains a compound called curcumin. Like grapeseed, turmeric is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It’s also effective at easing the stiffness and pain that come with gout. Turmeric is especially effective when combined with a boswellia (see below). Typical dosage: 300 to 900 milligrams per day of a product standardized to 95 percent curcumin.

Boswellia (Boswellia carterii)

This resin, also known as Indian frankincense, contains an acid that in animal studies has shown an ability to control arthritis. It also inhibits inflammation and improves circulation to affected joint tissues. Typical dosage: 300 to 400 milligrams per day of an extract containing 65 percent boswellic acid two times.

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

This herb has an extensive history of use as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and digestive stimulant. Because improper digestion of protein plays a role in gout, causing the uric acid buildup that leads to those shard-like crystals, this is a remedy tailor-made for people with gout. Typical dosage: 600 to 800 milligrams per day of product standardized to 1.5 percent harpagoside. Caution: Do not use if you have gastric or duodenal ulcers. Do not use during pregnancy or nursing. If you have heart disease, use only with a doctor’s supervision.

Yucca (Yucca schidigera)

Another digestion-improving herb, yucca has been found in some studies to treat arthritis pain,swelling, and stiffness. Although those studies were controversial, yucca has seen continued use for joint pain. Typical dosage: 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams two or three times per day.

Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)

If you like this seed as a seasoning, here’s another reason to appreciate it. An extract of celery seed has the ability to calm inflammation and neutralize the harmful effects of uric acid. Typical dosage: 2 to 4 tablets of celery seed extract per day.

Supplements to Ease the Pain

You can take a number of supplements to alleviate the pain of gout and help ward off future attacks. But be aware that they aren’t a substitute for improving your diet. (Also be aware that niacin supplements may precipitate an attack of gout, as nicotinic acid competes with uric acid for excretion from the kidneys. If you’re currently taking niacin for heart disease, high cholesterol, or other conditions, ask your doctor about gout and this supplement.)

* Folic acid. This nutrient is important in the breakdown and metabolism of proteins; it also inhibits the action of an enzyme responsible for the production of uric acid. Typical dosage: 200 to 400 micrograms per day.

* Alpha lipoic acid (ALA),vitamin E, and selenium. This terrific trio helps to suppress the production of leukotrienes, chemicals that play a role in joint inflammation. ALA and selenium help vitamin E fight damaging free radicals more effectively. Typical dosage: 50 to 800 milligrams of ALA per day; 200 to 400 IU of vitamin E per day; and 200 micrograms of selenium per day.

* Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. You can get these in fish oil, flaxseed oil, or evening primrose oil, but the source doesn’t matter. What matters is that these fatty acids inhibit the production of the inflammatory agents released in gout in several ways. Typical dosage: 1,200 to 2,000 milligrams of fish oil per day plus 500 to 1,500 milligrams of omega-6 fatty acids per day (sunflower, safflower, olive, and soy oils contain omega-6 fatty acids).

* Bromelain. This enzyme is found in the pineapple plant and functions as an effective anti-inflammatory. Typical dosage: 500 to 1,500 GDUs (gelatin digestion units)per day; or just eat plenty of fresh pineapples.

Get a Doctor’s Diagnosis

Because several other disorders can mimic the symptoms of gout, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis of any persistent joint pain. Blood and urine tests may or may not show a high level or uric acid. Your doctor may want to take x-rays or draw fluid from the synovial sac that cushions the joint to find out if what’s ailing you is really gout or some other disease.

A Gentler-on-Joints Diet

Gout is among the most food-instigated disorders described in this book. Luckily, mild cases are also easily treated by changes in diet. And at least you know the enemy: uric acid.
But how do you fight it? One way is to withhold compounds that the body breaks down into uric acid. One of these compounds, purine, occurs in many foods. A low purine diet is essential in treating and preventing gout.
Try to avoid the following foods.

* Alcohol * Lunch meats
* Anchovies * Oatmeal
* Asparagus * Organ meats
* Cauliflower * Mushrooms
* Dried beans and lentils * Mussels
* Herring * Peas
* Poultry * White flour
* Saradines * White sugar
* Saturated fat * Yeast products
* Spinach

After that list, you might ask what’s left? Try eating plenty of the following foods.

* Fresh vegetables juices (carrot, celery, parsley)
* Grains, seeds, and nuts
* High fiber foods and complex carbohydrates
* Plenty of water to facilitate excretion of uric acid
* Raw fruits and vegetables
* Vegetables broths

Cheer for Cherries and Berries

Not all good things are off limits to people with gout. In studies, cherries (especially black cherries), blueberries, and strawberries have proven their ability to reduce levels of uric acid in studies. Black cherry juice is probably the most effective. Use it in pure juice form and drink 1/8 to 1/4 cup per day.

Glaucoma can be a silent thief: Probably half the people who have it develop no symptoms. Meanwhile, their vision is slowly bing stolen by pressure that gradually damages the optic nerve in the eye. Others who have glaucoma experience blurred vision, loss of side vision, colored rings or halos around lights, or eye pain.
What’s happening inside the eye? A liquid referred to as the aqueous humor flows around the parts of the eye, bringing them nourishment and carrying away wastes. If the fine vessels supplying this liquid deliver too much fluid or don’t drain well enough, pressure builds up in the eye.
This pressure can damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. And such damage is irreversible, making early detection critical. Glaucoma can occur because of trauma, tumors, diabetes, high blood pressure, heredity, or use of corticosteroid eyedrops. If you have any type of disease involving the circulatory system, you might also be at risk for developing glaucoma. Luckily, optometrists can measure pressure inside the eyes to detect early stages of glaucoma, although increased pressure doesn’t always mean glaucoma exists.
There are three levels of treatment for glaucoma: drugs, laser therapy, and surgery. Five different groups of drugs are used to treat glaucoma, each having a slightly different way of working. If drug treatment is ineffective, laser therapy or surgery is then used to reduce the pressure in the eye.

Herbal Remedies

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Traditionally used for all problems concerning the eye, the fruits of this shrub contain anthocyanosides. These compound can help prevent the breakdown of vitamin C, which in turn can reduce pressure inside the eye. Blueberries, cranberries,and huckleberries also contain anthocyanosides. Typical dosage: 2 or 3 capsules or tablets standardized to 25 percent anthocyanosides per day.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

An extract made from the leaves of this tree contains bioflavonoids called ginkgolides, which may be beneficial for glaucoma. Typical dosage: three capsules per day ( containing at least 40 milligrams of extract standardized to 24 percent flavone glycosides and 6 percent ginkgolides).

When Glaucoma Symptoms are an Emergency

Although most cases of glaucoma develop gradually, a rare type called acute closed-angle glaucoma develops rapidly and requires immediate attention by a medical professional. If you have pain and redness in the eyes, hazy vision, nausea and vomiting, and headaches accompanied by a marked loss of vision, see a doctor immediately. This disorder can cause permanent loss of vision in two to five days if left untreated.

Vitamins for Your Eyes

Vitamin C has been shown to reduce pressure inside the eyes. If you are at risk for glaucoma, use either vitamin C supplements or herbs and foods that are high in vitamin C.
Other antioxidants may also help to prevent glaucoma, but little research has been done. If you’re at risk for this thief of vision, it’s worth making part of your routine a daily cup of antioxidant tea. Look for teas that contain rosemary, shepherd’s purse, or turmeric.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you get a variety of antioxidants in your diet. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, especially the colorful ones.

Sources of Vitamin C
* Bell peppers
* Citrus fruits
* Parsley
* Strawberry leaves and fruit
* Turmeric

Herbs High in Antioxidants
* Rosemary
* Shepherd’s purse
* Turmeric

An Herb to Avoid

You may have heard about treating glaucoma with jaborandi (Pilocarpus spp.). This South American herb contains pilocarpine, a standard glaucoma drug. Although the drug was originally made from the plant, today pilocarpine is manufactured synthetically. This fact is not merely interesting trivia, however, because using the herb itself is not considered safe. An overdose can cause death due to fluid buildup in the lungs.

They’re not exactly a subject for polite conversation. But genital warts are the most common viral sexually transmitted disease. About 50 million people in the United States have had an encounter with them. Women between the ages of 22 and 30 are the most commonly affected.
These small, painless, flat or mushroom-shaped growths appear singly or in clusters on the genitals. Or they don’t appear at all. That’s their special hazard: Only 30 percent of people infected actually develop warts. And the 70 percent of cases in which no warts appear are most often linked to cervical dysplasia, abnormal cells on a woman’s cervix that can be a precursor to cervical cancer.
Genital warts are caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus–the same virus that causes less worrisome common warts. These strains are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, usually during intercourse. Four weeks to nine months after exposure, blistery and perhaps itchy sores with a red base appear first on the genitals, then the anus and buttocks. The warts may stay the same, grow larger, or completely disappear, but the virus remains in the body and may recur months or even years later.
Risk factors for genital warts include multiple sex partners, cigarette smoking, and immune weakness. If you are female and test positive for a genital warts virus, be sure to get regular Pap smears and pelvic exams to keep an eye on the health of your cervix. This is especially important if you also have genital herpes, another risk factor for cervical dysplasia.
Genital warts are a condition you do not want to treat on your own. Be sure to consult you doctor, who can give you more information about risk factors and treatment options. It’s especially important for you doctor to monitor the progress of the condition.

Herbal Remedies

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Amazing garlic not only fights viruses but also is good for the heart and treats bacterial infections. Allicin, a sulfurous compound in garlic, appears to encourage healing. Typical dosage: one or more fresh cloves, raw or only slightly cooked, per day; or up to three 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day (look for at least 5,000 micrograms of allicin per day).

St.-John’s-Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Well-known for its usefulness in treating mild to moderate depression, this herb is also antiviral. It’s known to help in cases of herpes, so it’s worth a try with genital warts. Typical dosage: 450 milligrams in capsules two times per day for three days, then skip a day, repeating for nine months or longer; or 3/4 teaspoon of tincture two times per day for the same time period.

Genital Wart Oil

This oil is potent–which it must be to destroy warts–so use it carefully.

1/2 teaspoon castor oil
1/4 teaspoon thuja essential oil
1/4 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
800 IU vitamin E oil (2 opened 400 IU capsules)

Combine all of the ingredients. Protect the skin around the wart with salve, leaving only the wart exposed. Carefully apply the mixture to the wart with a cotton swab two to four times per day for no more than one week. Caution: Do not take essential oils internally.