Indholdsfortegnelse for Home Remedies i Home Remedies

A whopping 70 million people suffer from digestive disorders, including reflux, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, prompting nearly 60 million visits to the doctor’s office or hospital each year. While consulting a medical professional is sometimes warranted, many digestive ailments can be cleared up simply by eating the right foods—and steering clear of the problem ones…taking herbal supplements…drinking healing teas…and other natural treatments. And a variety of remedies for gas, bloating, heartburn and other uncomfortable conditions are right in your kitchen cupboard. Find out the best ways to alleviate digestive complaints without medication.…

The curious thing about burping is that certain foods have a tendency to produce more gas than others. Which are the worst culprits? What causes excess gas, and how can you avoid it? Common-sense suggestions on how to prevent burping, before it becomes a problem… A Normal (If Embarrassing) Body Function Everyone has gas, so everyone occasionally burps, since it’s one of only two ways to get gas out. It’s a normal body function. While we all swallow small amounts of air when eating or drinking, when we eat or drink too quickly, we take in too much air…and we burp (or belch). Chewing gum, talking while eating, smoking and loose dentures can also be at the root of troublesome burping, since all can result in excess air entering the…

If you ate too much at a barbecue or dinner party and your stomach needs calming, this cool drink can help. Why: The herbs in this drink—caraway, fennel and peppermint—have a carminative effect, which means that they help to relieve gas and settle an upset stomach. Note: Use organic herbs and spices whenever possible. And, since the compounds in some botanicals may interact with your medications, get your doctor’s OK before trying. Digestade Serves 2 • 1 Tbsp chopped lemongrass, or 1 handful fresh lemon balm leaves• 1 tsp caraway seeds• 1 tsp fennel seeds• 1 handful fresh peppermint leaves• 1 handful fresh or 1 Tbsp dried chamomile flowers*• 2 sprigs peppermint for garnish, optional*• 1 licorice** tea bag, optional• Stevia, optional In a pot, combine the lemongrass, caraway, fennel,…

When a cold hits, try these simple remedies for fast relief… Don’t Blow Too Hard Giving your nose a vigorous blow seems like a logical response to a head full of congestion. But it can actually increase the time that you’re sick. Reason: Gale-force nose blowing forces mucus backward into nasal passages and can block drainage from these passages. An infection that was originally restricted to the nose can spread up into the sinuses or the middle ear How can you tell if you’re blowing too hard? If you hear a crackling sound or if you notice that congestion-related pressure in your head or face is more intense than it was before blowing, then you’ve blown your nose too forcefully. My advice: Before blowing your nose, spritz some saline spray into…

Chronic sinusitis is the most common long-term respiratory disease in the US. Acute sinusitis, which lasts just one to two weeks and causes similar symptoms, such as congestion and headache, is even more common. Doctors routinely treat sinusitis with antibiotics, but this is rarely effective because the majority of cases are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Even when the infection is caused by bacteria, it will often clear up on its own without medication. Simple home remedy: Humming to relieve sinusitis symptoms—and to prevent the condition. Humming also helps relieve congestion due to a cold or allergies. When you hum, you produce vibrations that accelerate the movement of nasal cilia, hairlike projections that sweep bacteria, dust and mucus out of the nose. Fast-moving cilia also remove bacteria before they multiply…

Uh, oh. It’s around noon and you detect a slight sore throat and your nose is getting stuffy—signs of an impending cold. But instead of giving in, you can equip your body with the tools it needs to knock back a cold virus before it fully develops. I find an hour-by-hour approach to be most effective—it gives the body time to gradually make use of the healing therapies described below—but you can also use as many of them as possible any time throughout the day. To help eliminate the virus, start by drinking eight ounces of water and repeat every hour until you go to bed. Also… Hour 1: Gargle This kills germs that would otherwise collect and multiply in the back of the throat. I use Alka-Thyme, an old-fashioned,…

You don’t need to buy lotions and creams at the drugstore or department store to reduce wrinkles. Not only are lotions and creams usually pricey, but they often are laced with potentially toxic and harsh chemicals, such as parabens and formaldehyde, that have been associated with hormonal disruption and even cancer. You can improve your skin naturally—from the inside out—by consuming certain foods. Chicken Soup—The Wrinkle Potion Simmer a quartered chicken (skin, bones and all) with some onion, celery, carrots and a bay leaf for two hours in enough water to cover the contents—leave the pot uncovered for the full two hours, which will allow for evaporation and will concentrate the liquid. The poultry and vegetables will give up their flavor and nutrients to the remaining water, and after you…

To take care of their skin, most people reach for sunscreen, lotions and creams to protect, smooth and moisturize. These products can help, but beautiful, healthy skin starts with what goes into your body, not what you rub on it. Research shows that good nutrition may reduce the effects of sun damage…minimize redness and wrinkling…and even protect against some skin cancers. First Step: Hydrate The single most important nutritional factor for keeping skin healthy is water. Staying hydrated keeps cells plump, making skin look firmer and clearer. When cells are dehydrated, they shrivel and can make your skin look wrinkled. Think of it this way: When you dehydrate a juicy grape, you get a raisin. In addition, water transports nutrients into skin cells and helps flush toxins out of the…

While you might think that skin-care products are the logical choice to smooth wrinkled skin, it’s wise to first work from the “inside out” to give your skin the nutrients it needs to look its best. Increasing laboratory evidence and positive reports from patients suggest that the following foods promote younger-looking skin… High-Sulfur Foods Sulfur is known to be one of the “building blocks” of collagen, a protein that strengthens skin and gives it elasticity. Fortunately, sulfur is found in a number of foods. My advice: At least once a day, eat sulfur-rich foods. Good choices: Eggs, chives, legumes (such as black, white or kidney beans) and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and sardines). Grape Juice or Red Wine These contain flavonoids known as proanthocyanidins…

Ask someone to name the food that is richest in disease-fighting antioxidants, and you’re likely to hear “blueberries” or “cranberries.” Few people are aware that red beans actually have more antioxidants than these nutritional powerhouse berries. What Makes Beans So Special? Some foods are rich in protein, while others provide healthful unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals or fiber. Beans (in a class of vegetables known as legumes) are all of the above—the ultimate “combination food,” providing maximum nutritional value, including about 15 g of protein and about 13 g of fiber per cup cooked. (A typical serving is one-half cup cooked.) Compelling scientific evidence: In a landmark study of nearly 800 people (ages 70 and over) from Japan, Sweden, Greece and Australia, the risk for death over a seven-year period dropped…

Did you know you could stop snoring by singing? Prevent kidney stones by drinking lemonade? Cure your corns overnight with a brewer’s yeast and lemon juice paste? What’s more, passionflower tea helps alleviate stress and anxiety…natural remedies can treat dry eyes, floaters, and styes…and you can lose weight by turning down the lights when you eat. Before heading to your doctor’s office or the drugstore, try treating your common ailments with home remedies.…

As a kid, I loved the funny sound of “charley horse.” Somewhere along the line, I learned that the term may have originated from a baseball pitcher who played in the late 1800s—Charley “Old Hoss” Radbourn evidently suffered from excruciating muscle cramps while playing baseball. Nowadays, I know how painful a muscle cramp can be, and as a naturopathic physician, I disagree with my medical doctor colleagues who believe that a muscle cramp is just one of those things you must “learn to live with.” The truth is, muscle cramps usually result from one of three causes: dehydration, muscle overuse or mineral deficiency. To protect yourself… Get Enough Fluids If you don’t get enough fluids, your risk for muscle cramps increases, especially while exercising. Soda, juice, coffee, diet drinks and…

At first glance, canker sores seem like a trivial complaint. These small sores inside the mouth aren’t lifethreatening or contagious. They don’t leave a scar and usually go away within a week. What’s the big deal? The problem is that many people have recurrent canker sores that occur several times a month. Because the nerves in the mouth are so sensitive, canker sores, which occur on the tongue, inside the cheek and/or behind the lips, cause a lot of pain. If you have recurrent canker sores, it can be extremely painful to eat—or even speak. Unlike cold sores, which are triggered by the herpes simplex virus and can be treated with antiviral medications, most canker sores result from a localized immune reaction brought on by stress, a food allergy, nutritional…

Corns are localized areas of hardened skin that can appear on your foot out of the blue…causing a lot of pain! Here’s a natural solution… Make a paste out of one teaspoon of brewer’s yeast and a few drops of lemon juice. Spread the mixture on a cotton pad, and apply it to the corn, binding it in place with an adhesive bandage. Leave it overnight. The next morning, remove the cotton pad and replace the bandage to keep the corn from further abrasions. Repeat the overnight remedy with a new batch of brewer’s yeast salve until the corn is no more. Sisters Lydia Wilen and Joan Wilen, folk-remedy experts, New York City, and coauthors of many books, including Bottom Line’s Household Magic. bottomlinesecrets.com…

The right foods can help relieve allergies to dust, pollen, mold and other spores in the air—easing symptoms that include sneezing, stuffy nose and wheezing. Recent finding: Allergy symptoms are less common on the rural Greek island of Crete than elsewhere in Greece, even though there’s no shortage of allergens blowing around. According to a study published in Thorax, the people of Crete can thank their diet. Researchers tested 690 island children for airborne allergies and asked their parents to answer questions about their children’s diets and symptoms. Eighty percent of the children ate fruit at least twice a day, and 68% ate vegetables that often. Those who ate more nuts, grapes, oranges, apples and tomatoes—the main local products—had fewer allergy symptoms than those who ate less. Allergy symptoms occur…

We all have embarrassing issues we don’t necessarily want to tell anyone about—least of all our doctors. Whether it’s body odor, flatulence, hemorrhoids or genital itch, these topics are hard to bring up. Never fear: Many of these conditions or problems have treatments you can administer yourself, without anyone knowing. Chlorophyll can cure bad breath and body odor…a yoga pose can alleviate gas…putting your feet in a tea bath can eliminate foot odor…and the list goes on. Keep reading to discover more effective remedies you can try on the sly.…

Lift your arm and take a whiff…or if you suspect that you’re impervious to your own scent, ask a really, really close friend to do the sniff test for you. Does your BO make you or your friend say PU? You can’t blame it all on tough workouts or steamy weather. Instead, certain foods could be the culprits behind your stinky smell.  The reason: Compounds found in particular foods can affect the composition of your sweat. Although sweat itself generally doesn’t smell much, when the naturally occurring bacteria on the surface of your skin start feeding on that sweat, the microorganisms produce by-products that can be quite malodorous—particularly when those food compounds enter into the mix. Because your DNA is unique, your sweat is unique, too. So foods that cause…

Dandruff—dried skin that peels off the scalp—is most frequently caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia. This fungus appears on the scalps of many people in small amounts without causing problems, but sometimes stress, illness, excess skin oil, changes in hormones and even just a bad roll of the genetic dice can cause it to overgrow. The common Web remedy typically instructs people with dandruff to apply about eight to 10 drops of olive or vegetable oil to the scalp, cover the head with a shower cap and then keep the oil on the scalp overnight. The problem with this treatment is that these two oils provide the perfect environment for the Malassezia fungus to thrive! That’s because this fungus consumes saturated fats. (Even though vegetable and olive…

It’s your first waking thought in the morning—Come to me, baby! Soon you’re rolling over and reaching for your longtime love, that warm and fragrant cup of coffee. You know that you can count on its trusty shot of caffeine to rev you up and get you started on your busy day. Except: The early hours of the morning generally are not the best time of day for a caffeine boost—which means that many people are drinking their coffee all wrong. It’s a question of chronopharmacology, or how drugs (including caffeine) interact with our natural biologic rhythms. Here’s what you really ought to be doing and why—but don’t worry, you don’t have to give up your beloved joe… The Cortisol/Caffeine Connection A primary effect of caffeine is to trigger the…

When you need a boost, chances are you reach for a cup of caffeinated coffee. And if you find that it’s helping you to remember things more vividly and think more clearly while you’re working on an important task, you probably chalk that up to the caffeine. Well, the caffeine might help in the short term. But recent research conducted at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City shows that coffee itself also may provide a long-term memory benefit—even when it’s decaf! In fact, the study showed that drinking a certain amount of decaf over the long term might reduce the odds of developing the neurological impairment that’s associated with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This is certainly promising news for those who are overly sensitive to…

When we feel pain, we typically reach into our medicine cabinet for aspirin, ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever. Or if the pain is severe, or not alleviated by an OTC drug, we consult our doctor for a more powerful, prescription painkiller. Although pain medication may be needed at times, there are many natural alternatives to help prevent or manage pain. For example, many foods can help reduce pain—and certain foods should be avoided because they can cause pain. Specific exercises, stretches and massages can battle muscle pain in your feet, hands and back. And home remedies using castor oil and Epsom salts can cure joint pain and tooth pain, respectively. Discover more ways to prevent and treat pain without medications.…

Awoman with rheumatoid arthritis was told by her doctor that she would be confined to a wheelchair within the year—but a year after that diagnosis, she’s taking her dog for long walks. A person with nonstop sciatica for 30 years achieved relief in one hour—and the pain never returned. A woman with skin ulcers from severe circulatory problems was scheduled for surgery to amputate her leg—but after four months, her wounds were completely healed and the surgery was canceled. What happened: All of these people were treated with a simple form of energy healing that you can learn quickly and use to treat yourself, your family, your friends, even your pet. How it works: Using deep breathing, steady attention and touch, energy healing enlivens and directs the life force, the…

Next time your head starts to ache, instead of popping a pain pill, try a natural remedy. Science cannot explain why these alternative approaches work—but they have stood the test of time, have no side effects and often work faster than drugs. Caution: If headaches recur regularly or are se vere, seek professional medical help. Most of the categories below include several options. Try one or more remedies to see which work best for you. Products are sold in healthfood stores. • Acupressure. Clip a clothespin to the earlobe that is cl osest to your headache and leave on for one minute. • Stick out your tongue about one-half inch, and bite down as hard as you comfortably can… continue for five minutes. • Ask your partner or a friend…

Gastrointestinal (GI) health is fundamental to overall wellness. The GI tract, also known as the “gut,” allows us to draw nourishment from our food and eliminate toxins. A variety of medications claim to promote intestinal health, but I prefer my own eight-step natural approach, which is both inexpensive and easy to follow. Add one new step each day. If you’re like most people, your GI tract will be healthier within two weeks. My advice… 1. Avoid foods that cause indigestion. Indigestion is your body’s way of telling you that a certain food is not readily digestible. Instead of trying to make a food digestible by taking drugs, choose foods that you can easily digest, such as fish, brown rice and steamed vegetables. 2. Shortly after awakening in the morning, drink…

For those times when you need quick relief from common digestive ailments, try these reliable remedies… Diarrhea Remedy If you must be away from a restroom, prepare slippery elm tea (we use the inner bark powder available at health-food stores). Pour eight ounces of just-boiled water over a heaping teaspoon of the powder. Let it steep for about eight minutes, then strain the liquid into a mug and drink it. It works quickly. For severe cases, do not strain it—just drink this soothing, gloppy tea. Heartburn Relief We use our mother’s remedy. As soon as the burning starts, eat a palmful of almonds—that’s about one ounce—and the heartburn stops immediately. Our mom used dry-roasted almonds. We buy raw almond slivers. Constipation Cure It happens. You had a few days of…

Pain anywhere in the body is almost always accompanied, and made worse, by inflammation. The inflammatory response, which includes the release of pain-causing chemicals, can persist in the body for decades, even when you don’t have redness or other visible signs. Common cause: A damaged mucosa in the innermost lining of the intestines. The damage can be caused by food sensitivities…a poor diet with too much sugar or processed foods…or a bacterial imbalance, among many other factors. A weakened mucosal lining can allow toxic molecules to enter the body, where they then trigger persistent inflammation. If you suffer from chronic pain—particularly pain that’s accompanied by intermittent bouts of constipation and/or diarrhea—your first step should be to heal the damaged intestinal tissue. To do this… • Eat a variety of fermented foods.…

Your throat is so sore that it’s agony just to swallow. Yet, you can’t bear the thought of trekking to the drugstore for medicine to ease the pain. Good news: There’s no need to leave the comfort of home—just head for your kitchen. Chances are that your pantry or fridge contains what you need to soothe your poor sore throat…safely, naturally, effectively and economically. Four Fixes for Throat Pain You can use any or all of the following remedies (depending on the supplies you have at hand) in any order you like and as often as you like… Carrot poultice. You’ll need one or two large carrots or the equivalent in smaller carrots…a dry cotton handkerchief, cheesecloth or similarly sized thin cloth…plastic wrap…and a scarf. (It’s best to wear an…

Whether you’ve got a bad cold or the flu, chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food. And its healing effects are more than folklore. Research shows that chicken soup does seem to have anti-inflammatory properties that help fight infection. Helpful: The soup can be frozen for up to three months. 1 5-pound whole chicken6 garlic cloves, chopped1 medium-sized, peeled ginger root12 large carrots, chopped6 celery stalks, chopped3 medium white or yellow potatoes, chopped3 large red onions, chopped2 green or red jalapeño peppers1 bunch parsley1 bunch fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried oregano)1 bunch fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)1 bunch fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried sage) Put the chicken in a large pot, and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Add garlic and ginger. Simmer for…

While hundreds of products sold in pharmacies and at department store beauty counters promise to give you a flawless complexion, beautiful skin really does start within. Choosing a diet that provides the right vitamins and minerals can ensure healthy-looking skin. In particular, vitamin C can reduce wrinkles, and green tea can combat skin cancer. Instead of buying expensive products with chemicals, you can whip up your own face masks to firm skin and reduce wrinkles—and even make lotions to treat dry skin, rosacea and eczema.…

Nearly 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This is still true today—the right foods help you stay healthy and are powerful disease fighters. Here are seven of the best… Super Food #1: Beans Americans’ consumption of beans has steadily increased over the past two decades, and that’s good news, because beans have tremendous healing power. Popular varieties include soybeans, garbanzo (chickpeas), pinto, kidney, lima, navy and black beans. Beans are a type of legume, a class of vegetable that also includes lentils and peas. Beans are high in protein, low in fat and calories and rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, phytonutrients and several vitamins and minerals, including folic acid and other B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and…

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), compounds that help prevent infection-causing bacteria from adhering to tissues in the urinary tract, thus helping to prevent urinary tract infections. Men, take note: Cranberries can make life a little easier if you have benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlargement of the prostate gland that can make urination difficult—and way too frequent. A study of men in their 60s found that those who were given a cranberry extract had improved urinary symptoms, including improvements in their flow rate. The men also had lower levels of prostatespecific antigen (PSA), an enzyme associated with prostate cancer. Regarding drinking cranberry juice, I feel that there is not enough good data to support that the juice works for urinary tract problems or for prostate disorders. It’s better to eat whole cranberries.…

If your spouse complains about your early morning habit of singing O Sole Mio in the shower, just explain that it’s better than an all-night concert of wall-shaking snores. Nearly half of all adults snore occasionally, and about 25% do it all the time when they’re sleeping. What happens: Air passages in the back of the throat tend to sag when you sleep. The movement of air through the narrowed openings triggers vibrations that are heard as snoring. Anyone can snore, but it tends to be worse in elderly or overweight men. Singing exercises strengthen and tighten tissues in the throat and soft palate (the area at the back of the roof of the mouth), just as weight lifting tightens flabby arms. British researchers found that people who practiced singing…

For decades, women relied on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve symptoms of menopause—including hot flashes, sleep disturbance, anxiety and mood swings. But several large studies have linked long-term HRT with increased risk of breast cancer, dementia, heart attack and stroke. As many as 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. One theory is that the hypothalamus, which controls body temperature, is triggered in some way by hormonal fluctuations. Fortunately, there are safer, natural alternatives to HRT for alleviating hot flashes… Avoid Spicy Foods Foods containing cayenne or other peppers have a thermogenic effect, meaning that they raise body temperature. Cook with Garlic, Onion, Thyme, Oregano and Sage These seasonings contain very small amounts of phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens such as lignans and isoflavones that occur naturally in certain foods)…

Think about your favorite restaurant. What does it look like? Sound like? For example, my friend Jeremy loves to chow down at his favorite sports bar, where the chitchat is loud…the lights are bright…multiple football games are on TV…the servers are chummy…flashy jerseys, trophies and other sports memorabilia line the walls… and rock music blares from the speakers. He finds it all quite entertaining. On the other hand, my friend Lizz loves to eat at a dimly lit, quiet café. It’s hidden on a back street that has no noisy traffic…the waiters and waitresses speak quietly…there are white cloth linens and votive candles on each table…and sometimes a musician plays soft, soothing jazz guitar in the corner. She finds it all quite relaxing. So why am I asking you this?…

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins, similar to varicose veins, in or around the anus or lower rectum. Often they itch, bleed and cause significant pain, especially when a blood clot forms and creates a hard lump. Anything that puts pressure on or strains the rectum can trigger hemorrhoids… • Adopt an anti-constipation diet so that you won’t have to strain to push out stool. Most important: Get plenty of fiber, which softens and bulks up stool. Good sources include whole-grain breads and cereals…vegetables and fruits…and ground flaxseeds. Increase your fiber intake gradually so that you don’t have problems with gas. Avoid or limit consumption of foods that contribute to constipation, such as those that are high in fat (cheeses, meats) or low in fiber (white rice, pasta, white bread). Also: Drink…

Women are the most common victims of adult acne, with one out of four women suffering from the problem in their 40s… and one out of seven having it in their 50s and beyond. Acne occurs when the hair follicles and ducts are plugged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells, creating an environment in which bacteria can thrive. There are countless drugs, cleansers and lotions available for treating acne. But two simple dietary changes might prevent the problem in the first place… Try Eliminating Dairy Products Many studies link dairy products to acne. Dairy products naturally contain proteins, growth factors and hormones that may stimulate acne. Try a simple experiment: Cut all dairy except for butter out of your diet for two months. If the acne clears up, dairy…

Coffee has already been shown by numerous studies to do plenty of wonderful things for your body. For example, it’s well known that coffee boosts concentration and reduces the risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Recent research takes this good news a step further, showing that coffee lowers the risk for death from a wide variety of major diseases. In fact, it’s the largest study to ever look at the link between coffee and health. But how many cups do you really have to drink to potentially tack on years to your life? Is it a practical amount…or one of those absurd laboratory amounts that you often see in studies? Brewing Health Benefits At the start of the study, researchers at…

Here’s a shocking statistic—90% of Americans need a drug just to get through the day. If they don’t get it, many suffer withdrawal symptoms. That may sound like an exaggeration, but think about the caffeine that nearly all American adults get in their coffee, tea and soda each day. Caffeine is a drug—and a potent one. It is true that caffeine increases energy and alertness—a nd may even help fight certain chronic diseases. In large amounts, however, caffeine can lead to nervousness and agitation—along with high blood pressure, rapid heartbeats and even panic attacks. The facts about caffeine… It’s Everywhere! With caffeine now included in so many different beverages and foods, it’s easy to consume much more than you realize. Do the math: The average US adult drinks about three…

The only way to know which of the foods below affect your joint pain is to eliminate each one for at least two weeks and assess your symptoms. Inflammatory Foods There are a variety of foods that trigger the body to produce cytokines—naturally occurring proteins that can promote inflammation, leading to pain and deterioration of cartilage in the joints. These include beef and other red meat…foods cooked at high temperatures, particularly fried foods…and any foods containing man-made trans fats (often called partially hydrogenated fats or oils on food labels), including junk food and commercial baked goods. Eat these types of foods sparingly. Animal Products I tell my patients to eat turkey and chicken in moderation. But the fact is that all animal products—including poultry, some farm-raised fish, egg yolks and…

Most people over age 50 can expect to live longer than their parents or grandparents, but many are doing so without their original knees. What’s happening: Knee-replacement procedures, known as total knee arthroplasty, have become one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the US. Each year, more than 600,000 Americans undergo knee replacement to help relieve the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of degenerative joint disease—and the numbers just keep rising. This trend is due largely to an aging population and obesity, a leading cause of joint damage. But is surgery really the right solution for all of these people? Not necessarily. Here’s the catch: Many people who receive knee replacements could have avoided surgery—along with the risk for infection and the painful weeks…

Most of us will suffer from neck pain at some point in our lives—it’s the fourth leading cause of chronic disability in the US. It’s no wonder that we call an aggravating, unrelenting person or situation “a pain in the neck.” What about actual neck pain that just won’t go away? You may be enduring a low-level, nagging pain in the neck…or pain that’s so severe you can hardly turn your head. Either way, assuming that you and your doctor have ruled out a problem like cervical dystonia (where neck muscles contract, causing the head to turn or twist to one side) or some other specific health condition, your doctor may have few options other than an endless supply of pain pills. And that’s not only frustrating: It can be…

One minute you’re fine—and the next, yelp! You have a cramp in your foot that’s so painful you don’t know what to do with yourself. (If you’re like me, you start hopping up and down on it in hopes of making it stop!) Sometimes foot cramps can wake you when you’re asleep…or even strike in the middle of a workout. They can also occur when you’re just sitting—for instance, when driving or simply relaxing on the couch. No matter when they happen, they disrupt whatever you’re doing. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ease a foot cramp when it’s happening—and a few natural solutions can help to prevent them, too (if you get them regularly). A foot cramp is a sudden contraction of a muscle or muscles.…

Chinese medicinal teas work by helping balance qi, the life force or energy that flows through everything in nature, including our bodies. Anyone with severe symptoms should, of course, be seen by a health-care professional, but milder conditions often can be relieved by drinking teas you make at home using the recipes that follow. All generally are safe, though you should check with your health-care provider before using them if you take a blood thinner or other medication, have a medical condition or are pregnant or breast-feeding. The necessary ingredients are available at health-food stores, herbal stores, Asian markets and/or online. Each recipe makes two servings. Teas can be prepared in larger quantities, if desired, and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days—but for maximum therapeutic effect, teas…

For relief proven in clinical studies, try pectin, a substance found in the outer skin and rind of fruits and vegetables. Apples and bananas are among the best sources of pectin. If you suffer from heartburn, try eating an apple (do not choose green or other tart varieties) or a banana to see if it relieves your symptoms. Pectin supplements, which are available at most health-food stores, are another option. Take at the onset of heartburn until it subsides. For dosage, follow label instructions. Pectin supplements are generally safe but may interfere with the absorption of some medications, so check with your doctor before trying this supplement. Caution: Chronic heartburn (more than twice a week) may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that should be treated by a gastroenterologist.…

So-called herbal “bowel cleansers” are touted as healthy and effective treatments for chronic constipation. In my clinical experience, this claim simply is not true. Bowel-cleansing formulas typically contain strong laxative herbs, such as aloe resin (sometimes listed as “aloe leaf”), buckthorn, cascara, rhubarb and senna. These herbs increase peristalsis, the wave-like movement of the bowel that facilitates elimination of stool, but they also irritate the gut wall. Like any good laxative, these herbs will promote a bowel movement, but repeated or large doses create cramping, diarrhea and blood in the stool. I define constipation as having less than one bowel movement per day. Common causes of constipation include irregular bowel habits (ignoring the urge to go or not allowing enough time)…inadequate fiber and/or water…lack of exercise… and poor digestive function…

Most adults are hit with at least two to three colds a year, and more than 20% will be unlucky enough to contract the flu. Hand-washing and flu shots are two of the best ways to prevent these ailments that can knock you out for more than seven days. Natural solutions can also help you boost your immune system to stave off colds, flu and pneumonia. When you do find yourself at home with the cold or flu, try these effective remedies, including humming to relieve sinusitis… an onion poultice to calm a cough…hydrotherapy to relieve aches from the flu…and, of course, a chicken soup recipe!…

Many Americans are quick to try over-the-counter cough syrups, but most coughs will get better without any treatment. In most cases, coughing is simply the body’s attempt to clear irritants (dust, pollen or pet dander) or infectious agents (viruses and bacteria) from the airways. It is a very effective process that usually stops on its own when the job is done. If you have a cough with a cold or sore throat, your doctor may tell you to stay home (to avoid infecting others) and let the cough run its course. Caution: If you have a fever over 101º F, chest pain, shortness of breath, sputum that is pink or contains flecks of blood…or if your cough persists for more than a week without these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.…

Colds are potentially more dangerous than most people realize. That’s because they often weaken an already compromised immune system, making the sufferer more vulnerable to the flu and pneumonia. A nutritional deficiency is the most common cause of depressed immunity, but even people who make a point to eat a well-balanced diet often fall short when it comes to getting enough key nutrients. For this reason, many Americans turn to dietary supplements for extra protection. But which ones really work? Here are some of the most effective supplements for preventing and treating colds and related upper-respiratory ailments. Start with the first supplement and add others (all are available at health-food stores), based on specific symptoms…* Mixed Antioxidants When it comes to fortifying your body to fight off colds, it’s wise…

About 85% of all Americans are prone to cold sores. These unsightly blemishes are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They often burst into view when you least want them—usually when your resistance is low because of a cold, the flu, pregnancy, sunburn, or before a job interview, your wedding day or some other stressful event. Cold sores generally take about two weeks to clear up. Here’s an easy home remedy to speed up the healing process… Combine one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of honey (preferably raw honey), and dab the cold sore with a cotton swab dipped in this mixture. Do this three times a day (once in the morning, afternoon and evening). The sore should be gone in less than a week. Sisters Lydia…

Springtime is considered the worst time of year for allergy sufferers due to the abundance of grass and tree pollen. But it doesn’t stop there. In virtually all parts of the world, pollen from various grass and weed species is a problem throughout the summer and into the fall, keeping many people miserable. Often mistaken for a “summer cold,” allergies that occur in the summer usually cause the same symptoms triggered by spring pollen—runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The antihistamines that most allergy sufferers reach for, such as loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), work by blocking the effect of inflammatory compounds called histamines, which produce allergy symptoms. A newer, even more powerful class of medications, including montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate), block the…

Expensive and possibly risky hightech interventions are not necessary: Healthy, glowing skin at all ages comes from inside. If you take good care of your body, your skin will reflect your good health. For optimal skin health… Follow an Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Aging Diet Replace trans fats, saturated fats and processed foods with fresh fruits and vegetables and foods rich in healthy fats (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids), such as walnuts, flaxseed and cold-water fish (wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, etc.). Since an anti-inflammatory diet is believed to improve circulation, you may find that within days of starting to eat this way, the puffiness and dark circles under the eyes begin to diminish. The more colorful the produce, the richer it is in antioxidants, which help slow the aging process and maintain elasticity in…

If you’ve got facial wrinkles that you’d like to reduce but you don’t want to get Botox injections or a surgical face-lift, there’s a do-it-yourself option that’s far less invasive and far less expensive. With a technique known as facial acupressure (similar to acupuncture but performed without needles), you can take five to 10 years off your appearance—and perhaps even improve your overall health in the process. Sound far-fetched? I have treated hundreds of patients who were contemplating face-lifts but found success with acupressure. Bonus: Unlike Botox or surgery, acupressure won’t give you a tight, frozen or pulled-back appearance. The results are softer and more natural. Why Acupressure? Acupressure is based on a Chinese healing technique that involves pressing or kneading key points on the body to stimulate energy flow,…

Repair Sun-Abused Skin Soften the leathery look of skin that has had too much sun with this centuries-old beauty mask formula. Mix two tablespoons of raw honey with two tablespoons of flour. Add enough milk (two to three tablespoons) to make the mixture the consistency of toothpaste. Be sure your face and neck are clean and your hair is out of the way. Smooth the paste on your face and neck. Stay clear of the delicate skin around your eyes. Leave the paste on for a half-hour, then rinse it off with tepid water and pat dry. Do this once or twice a week. And wear a hat when you go out in the sun, please! Milk Face Mask: French Secret for Getting Rid of Wrinkles This is the secret…

What comes to mind when you hear the word “prunes”? You probably think of one of two things: laxatives or senior citizens. That’s why the prune industry is trying to change the name to “dried plums.” I, for one, match prunes with memories of my grandmother, who always had a box in the kitchen cabinet and a bottle of prune juice in the fridge. But the fact is, prunes are amazingly good for us. They are nutrient-rich… inexpensive…they can satisfy a sweet tooth without the horrid effects of processed sugar… they can even help you get going with a healthy, slimming diet. But there’s a lot more to this simple, inexpensive super food—yes, I said super food—that could make you healthier and get you thinking about prunes in a whole…

Spices and herbs not only boost the flavor of your food, they also boost your health. Powerful plant compounds known as phytochemicals are found in high concentrations in many spices and herbs. Phytochemicals help fight heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and other diseases. Here are the seasonings to add liberally to your food as often as possible. Unless otherwise noted, fresh herbs and spices offer a higher concentration of phytochemicals, but dried still are powerful. Super Spices The following spices have been shown to be particularly beneficial to our health… • Cinnamon. Cinnamon has an almost medicinal power. Recent studies have shown that cinnamon enhances the metabolism of glucose and cholesterol and thus may provide protection from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A study reported in…

Nuts are some of the healthiest snacks you can eat. But did you know that certain kinds of nuts are beneficial for specific health problems? For example, there’s a particular nut that’s been linked to reduced risk for diabetes… another nut that slows the progression of a serious eye disease by 25%…and yet another nut that helps curb cholesterol levels. Do you know which particular nuts provide these and other benefits? Here’s what you need to know about eight of the most popular nuts—and the health benefits of each… Almonds If you are one of the millions of Americans who takes medication to reduce cholesterol, you might want to add almonds to the mix. One three-month study tested 27 men and women with high cholesterol. People who ate about a…

Much of the eye discomfort we suffer from every day can be treated naturally at home. Best overall remedy: Eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, anchovies, mackerel and herring. People who eat fish regularly produce less arachidonic acid, a substance that can lead to chronic inflammation and eye damage. Aim for two to three fish meals a week. If you are not a fish lover, take a fish oil supplement. Here, common eye problems—and the best home treatments… “Computer Eye” The average American spends up to seven hours each day looking at digital images on computers, TVs, etc. Result: Eyes that are irritated and dry. Studies show that we blink at only about one third of the normal rate when using a computer or watching TV.…

Warts are caused by one of the many versions of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects through broken skin or the mouth (like when you bite your nails). No one knows why some people are more warty than others, since the virus is ubiquitous and comes in contact pretty much with everyone. That HPV just loves some people more than others! We don’t know anyone who loves having warts, and some medical cures are harsh and ineffective. So here is one of our many home remedies to make them disappear: Finely grate a small, peeled carrot (use the small holes on your grater), and combine with one teaspoon of olive oil. Put the mixture on the wart(s) for a half hour once a day. Your wart should be gone within…

Vaginal dryness can be as problematic for a woman as erectile dysfunction is for a man. Women naturally produce less moisture (in the vagina, as well as in the eyes, skin and other parts of the body) as they get older. But it’s one of the easiest sexual problems to correct—and without the use of store-bought, chemical-filled lubricants. Try one of the following remedies. If it doesn’t work, try another until you find what works best for you. • Barley water. Barley water is an emollient that also nourishes and strengthens vaginal tissues. Cook two cups of light pearled barley in 10 cups of water for two hours. Strain, and reserve the water. Drink a glassful three or four times a day between meals for at least three weeks. If…

The average person produces one to four pints of gas daily and toots it out about 14 times a day. But the fact that flatulence is common and normal is small comfort when a pungent emission sends those around you running for cover and leaves you red in the face. Here are the top flatulence-producing foods (beans aren’t the only culprits!) and simple ways to turn off the gas… The Most “Musical” Foods Flatulence is caused in part by fermentation. Food substances that don’t get absorbed in the intestines wind up in the colon, where they are fermented by bacteria, creating gas. The odor depends on the foods eaten and the types of bacteria present. The sound, which is caused by an outward rush of air that makes anal tissues…

When discomfort occurs “down there”—especially when there is an open sore or when pain is accompanied by other symptoms that could indicate an infection, such as a fever or vaginal discharge—of course you need to contact your doctor so he or she can diagnose the complaint and prescribe treatment. To relieve simple chafing or other minor irritations, though, there often are steps you can take at home that bring relief. In some cases, the remedies suggested below also can alleviate discomfort while you wait for your doctor-prescribed treatment to take effect. Complaint: External Itchiness, Irritation, Inflammation or Rash… Chafing (for instance, from very tight pants or overzealous cycling) and allergic reactions or sensitivities (to laundry products, personal-care products, clothing fabrics, even toilet paper) are two main reasons why women can…

It lowers blood pressure, prevents diabetes and may even fight skin cancer. Even coffee drinkers find it hard to believe that their favorite pick-me-up is healthful, but it seems to be true. People who drink coffee regularly are less likely to have a stroke or get diabetes or Parkinson’s disease than those who don’t drink it. There’s even some evidence that coffee can help prevent cancer, although the link between coffee and various cancers is preliminary and still being investigated. Polyphenols and More Coffee contains hundreds of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, including some of the same polyphenols that are found in fruits, vegetables, wine and green tea. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants that inhibit inflammation as well as cell damage. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees contain antioxidants. However, some of…

There’s a common and icky consequence to many surgeries: constipation. Sometimes it happens because certain surgeries are performed on the abdomen (such as appendectomies, gastric-bypass surgeries, hysterectomies, bariatric surgeries and bowel surgeries) and may disrupt bowel function. Other times, it can happen due to a sudden and drastic pre-op dietary change (such as eating a lot less food and/or drinking a lot less water)…a side effect of pain medication that’s given post-op…or getting anesthesia, which temporarily paralyzes muscles (including the muscles that push food through the intestines). Constipation, of course, is not only very painful; it’s also dangerous. It can lead to cramps, swelling, nausea, vomiting, infection and even death if your bowel bursts. So German scientists wanted to see whether drinking a common beverage that’s known for its natural…

An ingrown toenail can happen when the nail is pushed down into the skin of the toe, usually from poorly fitting shoes or lack of a proper trimming. This can cause redness, swelling and a lot of pain! Here’s how to fix it: At bedtime, put a slim wedge of lemon on the problem toenail, keeping it in place with a Band-Aid and covering it with a sock. Sleep that way, and by morning the acid in the lemon should have softened the nail enough so that you can ease it away from the skin and trim it. The right way to trim the nail is to cut it straight across, not down at the sides, and not shorter than the toe (which promotes growing into the skin). Lydia Wilen…

Millions of Americans live with chronic pain in their backs, hips, legs and feet. Many self-medicate with ibuprofen or other analgesics, or they undergo batteries of expensive tests to identify the underlying problem. Do this first: Take off your socks and look at your toes. If the second toe is even slightly longer than the big toe, you might have Morton’s toe, a condition that disrupts normal alignment and can cause pain throughout the body, particularly in the back, legs and feet. The condition is named after Dudley J. Morton, MD, of Yale Medical School, who first wrote about it causing foot problems. Janet Travell, MD—White House physician to former presidents Kennedy and Johnson—took the concept further by explaining that Morton’s toe could cause pain all over the body. It’s…