Infrared sauna may cure many “incurable” ailments

An infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to emit infrared radiant heat which is absorbed directly into the human body, unlike traditional saunas which heat the body indirectly via air or steam. Infrared (IR) radiation is electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength longer than that of visible light, but shorter than that of radio waves. The radiation hits the surface of the body and heats through a process called conversion, instead of heating the air around you.

An infrared sauna is usually a small portable room containing several infrared heaters. In an infrared sauna, the infrared heater produces radiant energy, which is the same as the heat from the sun, only without the harmful ultraviolet rays. Most of these heaters draw on technology developed in 1965 by Dr. Tadashi Ishikawa, a member of the Research and Development Department of Fuji Medical.

Traditional saunas, also called rock saunas or Finnish Saunas, use various types of heaters to warm the air and stones in a room. The room’s walls can be logs or some other material lined with wood. Stones placed over the heat source attain a high temperature. In its primitive form the stones are heated by wood without a chimney. The fire dies and the smoke exits by the door. Heat is maintained by the stones. Stones are usually peridotite as they are heat stable. Modern Finnish saunas have thermostatically controlled electric stoves or wood stoves with chimneys.

In a traditional sauna the air temperature typically runs between 169 to 190 °F (76 to 88 °C), though temperatures over 200 °F (93 °C) are sometimes encountered. The hot air causes the body to heat up, and eventually results in a sweat. Water is thrown on the stones to achieve a “steam shock”. This produces a quick “high”. Some add herbs or oil like eucalyptus. Traditionally, ones skin is beaten with a bunch of birch twigs. When the heat becomes intolerable one cools down under a cold shower or, as in Finland, by jumping into a frozen lake.

An infrared sauna uses a variety of heater types from older technology steel incoloy rods, to highly-efficient ceramics plates, to newer “carbon” heaters.

Many people report that the lower temperatures in an infrared sauna allow the user to stay inside longer, resulting in longer sauna sessions and therefore more overall sweating.

Infrared sauna promoters state that infrared radiant heat is safe and beneficial, some claiming that the heat penetrates more than 1.5 inches (40 mm) into the body. The argument is based on the idea that the wavelengths of far infrared waves are typically between 5.8 and 1000 micrometers. This is supposed to correspond to the vibration of the water molecule at 9.4 micrometers. Because these vibrations are similar, say some promoters, the infrared rays help knock toxins loose from fat cells into the body, and those toxins are then released through sweating. They claim this heals and stimulates tissues, and that it is effective therapy for arthritis and tissue injuries.

One of the ways that infrared sauna use is beneficial for a wide range of ailments is through the increase in circulation that it causes in the body. Increased circulation is often believed to be helpful in a variety of ways, and is generally regarded as beneficial for health.

Infrared sauna may provide benefit to patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. A pilot study involving the use of infrared sauna over a 4-week period resulted in short-term improvement regarding pain and stiffness, reduction in fatigue, and a trend towards long-term beneficial effects.

Evidence Shows Most Mouthwashes Substantially Raise Cancer Risk

An article in the Scotsman newspaper reported that alcohol-based mouthwashes increase your chance of suffering from oral cancer by up to nine times.

MOUTHWASHES containing alcohol can cause oral cancer and should be removed from supermarket shelves, a dental health study claims.
Scientists say there is now “sufficient evidence” that such mouthwashes contribute to an increased risk of the disease.

The ethanol in mouthwash is thought to allow cancer-causing substances to permeate the lining of the mouth.

Michael McCullough, associate professor of oral medicine at the University of Melbourne, Australia, who led the study, said: “We see people with oral cancer who have no other risk factors than the use of (mouthwash containing alcohol], so what we’ve done is review all the evidence.

“Since this article, further evidence has come out, too. We believe there should be warnings. If it was a facial cream that had the effect of reducing acne but had a four to fivefold increased risk of skin cancer, no-one would be recommending it.”

Professor McCullough, chair of the Australian Dental Association’s therapeutics committee, said the alcohol in mouthwashes “increases the permeability” of the mucus membrane to other carcinogens, such as nicotine.

A toxic breakdown product of alcohol called acetaldehyde that may accumulate in the oral cavity when swished around the mouth is also a “known human carcinogen,” he said.

Top-selling mouthwashes contain as much as 26 per cent alcohol.

Smoking and alcohol are well-established risk factors in causing cancer, but the use of mouthwash containing alcohol is more controversial.

Prof McCullough and co- author Dr Camile Farah, director of research at the University of Queensland’s School of Dentistry, recommended mouthwash be restricted to “short-term” medical use or replaced by alcohol-free products.

The review reported evidence from an international study of 3,210 people, which found daily mouthwash use was a “significant risk factor” for head and neck cancer – irrespective of whether users also drank alcohol or smoked.

But the effects of mouthwash were worst in smokers, who had a ninefold increased risk of cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Those who also drank alcohol had more than five times the risk.

However, Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, said further research was needed to substantiate the claims.

“Excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco are well recognised in the UK as risk factors for developing oral cancers,” he said.

“This paper raises interesting issues, but the evidence showing any link between the prolonged use of mouthwashes containing alcohol and oral cancer is not conclusive, and requires further trials to establish if there is a genuine connection.

“If patients are in any doubt about using mouthwash, they should consult their dentist.”

Dr Nigel Carter, the chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, rejected the findings and said: “A recent, and more thorough review of all available evidence carried out by leading experts on behalf of the foundation concluded there were no proven links between alcohol-containing mouthwashes and increased incidence of mouth cancer.

“The public should not worry.”

Last night, a spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson Ltd UK, the manufacturer of Listerine, said: “There is no scientific evidence to support an association between the use of alcohol- containing mouthwashes, such as Listerine, and an increased risk of oral cancer.”

natural cures for prostate cancer

A Natural Cure for Gastroesophageal Reflux

In 90% of cases, curing gastroesophageal reflux can be done with a simple GERD remedy.

Imagine never having to purchase antacids to treat your acid reflux again. Imagine not having to taste your stomach acids eating away your esophagus. Imagine naturally healing GERD and never having to worry about GERD again.

Why Try a Natural Treatment?

Natural Remedies have been around for thousands of years! And just recently, some natural remedies have begun to get tested and researched to test their legitimacy. And guess what researchers found?

Some natural remedies were worthless and some were effective? In fact, some simple natural remedies are just as effective as their pharmaceutical counterpart. With this said, if you can find a natural treatment that is research-based, you might find a simple and affordable way to treat your ailment with no drugs!

In the case of GERD, acid reflux remedies which work to heal the esophagus and sphincter have been shown to be the most effective.

Four GERD Natural Remedies You Might Want to Try

1. Avoid Crunchy Foods- Crunchy foods contribute to your acid reflux because they scratch the esophagus (tube that transports food to stomach) and sphincter (muscle flap that keeps stomach acid in the stomach). By eating these foods, you literally cause more flare-ups.

To begin your natural treatment, eat soft foods for 2 days to allow your esophagus and sphincter to heal. You eventually will be able to eat what you want but you initially want to give both of these systems a time to heal.

2. A Red Apple? Though you might be saying that this GERD remedy is too simple, it might be that easy! My dad literally owes his life to a red apple. Though it is NOT realistic to carry an apple wherever you go, we do recommend you carry at least a slice of apple for an emergency. Plastic bags are helpful!

3. Honey! This remedy has even been found in the Egyptian pyramids! And as the Egyptians figured out some of the most complicated math problems; they also discovered a natural remedy for acid reflux! Honey has been shown to have natural, miraculous healing powers which will help your esophagus and sphincter heal. Take 1 teaspoons daily during a flare-up.

Why does honey work? Honey has been shown to fight bacteria, block infection, combat inflammation, reduce pain, and improve circulation. It also stimulates the regrowth of tissue which will heal the esophagus and sphincter.

4. Milk and Seven-Up! Sounds kind of gross but has been shown to work! This remedy is simply a half and half of milk and seven-up. Give this remedy a try and see if it works for you.

Throw Away the Antacids!

This is only the tip of the iceberg!

Have you ever wondered why over-the-counter treatments such as Prilosec, Zantac, Pepsid AC, and Tegamet should not be taken for more than 14 days? Are you nervous that surgery is in your near future? Are you interested in trying to heal GERD naturally before surgery?

If so, please consider a 100% guaranteed Acid Reflux Natural Remedy that is step by step and is doctor approved. Our researchers have compiled a 40+ page remedy report that will heal your GERD and make you a heartburn expert in two hours. To discover the leading researcher in natural health, please visit our GERD Remedy website today!

Article Source:http://www.wearticles.com

Today’s Latest News on Natural Cures

Pressemeldungen (Austria): Natural Treatments for Yeast Infections
Most women have suffered a yeast infection somewhere down the line. Either names for a yeast infection include thrush and Candida. Its thought that 75% of women are effected by a yeast infection at some time in their lives, unfortunately they can be very hard to get rid of and cure.

A yeast infection is a fungal problem, Candida is the fungus responsible. Candida thrives off warm dark moist body parts. The tell tale symptoms of the infection include red rashes, itching, discharge (white creamy) and sometimes a yeasty smell.

A yeast infection can also strike in men and babies too, its not just a problem for women.  More.

Natural News: Grapeseed Extract Kills 76% of Leukemia Cancer Cells in 24 Hours
A new study conducted at the University of Kentucky in the United States, and published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, found that leukemia cancer cells exposed to grapeseed extract (GSE) were rapidly killed through a process of cell suicide known as “apoptosis.”

In these laboratory studies, an astonishing 76% of leukemia cells committed suicide within 24 hours thanks to the ability of GSE to activate a protein called JNK, which regulates apoptosis. More.

Diabetes Health:  Cinnamon not a natural panacea for diabetes
The Chinese mentioned cinnamon in their written work more than 4,000 years ago. The ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming process, and the Roman writer/philosopher Pliny the Elder wrote in the first century AD that cinnamon was worth 15 times more than silver of the same weight.

In Medieval times, physicians used cinnamon for such ailments as sore throats. Later, Portugal, Holland, France and England vied for ownership of the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), where the world’s cinnamon was grown. But those rivalries ended in the early 1800s when the cinnamon monopoly dissolved after it was discovered that the spice could be grown in many other areas.

In the West today when most people think of cinnamon they immediately think about that most unhealthy, but delicious, pastry, the cinnamon roll. However, in the past few years cinnamon has been making a comeback in its old “roll” as a medication. Is cinnamon a substance with medicinal properties germane to the treatment of hyperglycemia? If so, is it safe? If it is safe and effective, how and when should it be taken? These aforementioned questions are worth answering. More.

7 Potent Natural Cures in Your Kitchen

The New Zealand Herald ran a very interesting article about natural cures in your kitchen — the incredibly potent healing compounds found in natural foods, herbs and spices.  Unlike manufactured drugs or even vitamins, these these food compounds have substantial scientific support.

Preventive medicines made from rice, berries and red wine could soon be available to help to prevent cancer and other diseases – and pills could be available by 2010. Scientists funded by Cancer Research UK hope the active compounds will be used to create the first products in a family of drugs that stop disease before it takes hold. “These agents have proved highly effective in the lab – it is extraordinary,” says Professor Will Steward, a cancer and molecular medicine expert who is involved in the research.

A single plant molecule can have a bewildering array of health-promoting effects – curcumin, for example, obtained from the spice turmeric, doesn’t only protect against cancer, it is anti-inflammatory and could help combat Alzheimer’s.

Many of the molecules scientists are getting excited about are plant pigments. In nature, these act to neutralise damaging molecules created by ultraviolet light. In the body, they do the same job – they stabilise damaging molecules on everything from cell membranes to the gut lining and blood vessels. By preventing damage, they help to prevent inflammation, cancerous changes and other ageing effects.

Other plant molecules with anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects exist to protect the plant from pathogens, but they have the same effect in the human body. Drugs companies are looking for the most powerful plant molecules to use alone or in combination with existing drugs. The only downside is that drugs companies don’t always look to see how plants were used traditionally.

In herbal medicine, whole plant extracts are used, rather than a single molecule. In these extracts, you get dozens of beneficial molecules working together in synergy. While the new drugs are likely to consist of high concentrations of natural “super-molecules”, you can access their health benefits now, in food or as supplements.

So which of today’s foods will be tomorrow’s drugs and how can you use them to stay healthy now?

1.  Broccoli and brussels sprouts
Active molecule: Diindolylmethane
Combining a potent cocktail of anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties, diindolylmethane from brassica vegetables is set to become one of the leading new phyto- chemical drugs. It’s already used for treating respiratory papillomatosis tumours, caused by the HPV virus and is in phase III clinical trials for cervical dysplasia. Meanwhile, trials sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute are investigating it as a treatment for cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon. It has also been shown to enhance the effect of the ovarian cancer drug, Taxol.
Benefit now: Eat plenty of broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and kale to help strengthen your immune system and fight infection.

2.  Eggs and spinach
Active molecule: Lutein
Keep your eye on lutein, especially if you’re worried about your eyesight. Lutein, a yellow pigment found in green leafy vegetables and eggs, is making headlines as a potential treatment for eye diseases. Clinical trials show it directly improves human visual performance, helping to prevent the onset of macular degeneration and cataracts. One study in JAMA, the Journal of the American Optometric Association, found that in high enough doses it could even reverse some symptoms of macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in the elderly.
Benefit now: On average we eat around 2mg lutein a day. Yet research indicates we need at least 10mg to prevent or ease symptoms of eye disease. Other than eating more green leafy vegetables and eggs, your best bet is a supplement top-up.

3.  Brown rice
Active molecule: Tricin
People in countries where brown rice is a dietary staple have low rates of colon cancer, so researchers began investigating why. Among other reasons, they discovered that a substance in rice called tricin has anti-cancer effects in the lower gut.
Benefit now: Cook brown rice, in which tricin is found. Its protective effect on the bowel will increase the more you eat it. Its high-fibre levels also protect against cancers of the gut.

4.  Turmeric
Active molecule: Curcumin
Turmeric, the Indian spice that gives curry its yellow tinge, is a powerful anti-inflammatory with cancer-preventive effects. Used in Ayurvedic medicine, the rush is now on to develop the active molecule, curcumin, as a drug. The US National Institute of Health has four clinical trials underway investigating curcumin treatment for pancreatic and colorectal cancers and Alzheimer’s.
Benefit now: Powdered curcumin is not as strong as isolated curcumin, but it does contain other health-promoting molecules and can help ease mild arthritic pain, digestive irritation, bruising and swelling. For a mild effect, add a spoonful of the powdered spice to a curry. For anti-inflammatory effects, stir a teaspoon into 50ml of water and drink twice daily.

5.  Red wine
Active molecule: Resveratrol
Found in red wine, Resveratrol is set to be a leading contender in the new family of anti-ageing drugs. The drug under development gives more than 50 glasses of wine’s worth of resveratrol in a single pill. This dose has been found to double physical endurance and enhance lifespan in animal studies. Research suggests it can also offset the negative health effects of high-fat diets.
Benefit now: There’s no way you could get anything near the levels of resveratrol you’ll get in the future drug. But you can get significant cardiovascular and anti-cancer benefits from drinking one to two glasses of red wine a day.

6.  Tomatoes
Active molecule: Lycopene
Lycopene, the red pigment in tomatoes, is in clinical trials for cardiovascular diseases and prostate cancer. Studies have demonstrated that lycopene improves blood flow through the heart. Several large clinical studies indicate it holds real potential for preventing and treating prostate cancer.
Benefit now: Populations studies suggest that a diet rich in tomatoes can reduce prostate cancer risk. Processed tomato products such as tomato paste and puree tend to contain higher lycopene levels. It is better absorbed with vitamin E, so add unprocessed olive oil to your salad. Available as a supplement.

7.  Chilli
Active molecule: Capsaicin
The molecule that gives chilli peppers their fiery edge, capsaicin is the key ingredient in an experimental new painkilling drug, Adlea. It has a long-lasting effect in dulling nerve pain and Adlea, which is in phase II trials, is being given as an injection to dull pain for up to a month. Capsaicin could also prove to be another leading drug in the prevention of cancer – current trials are assessing it for effects on prostate, gut and lung cancers.
Benefit now: Thai people are famed for their hot curries and have a lower incidence of prostate and gut cancers. Add as much chilli as you dare to stews, salads and curries.

Today’s Best Video on Natural Cures

Natural Cures for Oily Hair

Buy some shikakai powder from the market. Powder some green grams and fenugreek (methi) seeds. Mix two portions of shikakai powder, one portion of green gram flour and half portion of Fenugreek powder and keep it. When required, mix a tablespoon of this mixture in the white of an egg and use it as a shampoo. It does not lather like a soap, or shampoo, but cleanses the hair.

Do not wash your hair everyday. If your hair is clean your glands will secrete more oil. Use a cleaning shampoo to wash your hair and to scrub off the oil build up. Use a mild shampoo and scrub lightly.

A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth. It provides all the vitamins you need for a great skin and a healthy scalp. Another good idea is the juice of alfalfa mixed with that of carrot and lettuce.

Apply a mild astringent directly to the scalp for extra oil-fighting power. To minimize this effect, adopt some techniques to help manage stress, such as meditation, massage, acupuncture, and/or yoga. And, if you’re using birth control pills, talk with your gynecologist or primary care provider about other kinds of pills or contraceptive options that may have less impact on the oilyness of your hair and/or skin.

One teaspoon of apple cider kitchen vinegar added to a pint of water makes an excellent finishing rinse that adds shine and luster to your hair while removing soap residue that can weigh down oily hair. A thorough rinsing with plain water will remove the smell.

You can help slow down oil secretion by applying a homemade astringent directly to your scalp. Kingsley suggests applying a mixture of equal parts witch hazel and mouthwash, with cotton pads, to the scalp only. The witch hazel acts as an astringent and the mouthwash has antiseptic properties, he says. If your scalp is very oily you can do this each time you shampoo.

You’ll need 1/2 teaspoon aloe Vera gel and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Blend this ingredients well and add a little of your regular shampoo. Wash your hair as usual, but let the shampoo on for a few minutes.

Boil two handfuls of mint leaves in one and a half glass of water for 20 minutes. Strain the solution and mix in a 300ml bottle of shampoo.

If you want to treat oily hair, you need a shampoo that deep cleans to remove the excess sebum that’s weighing your hair down. Look for a shampoo designed specifically for oily hair. It might be best to avoid cheap shampoos since they are often high in detergent content which can strip the ends of moisture. Even people with oily hair tend to have dry ends.

Oily hair needs to be washed more often but don’t scrub too hard while washing. And don’t pile hair on the head while shampooing. It causes tangling, leading to further breakage. You can add lemon to the final rinse for a great shine. You need to be careful about washing hair regularly, though you could condition it just twice a month.

Oily hair needs to be washed more often but don’t scrub too hard while washing. And don’t pile hair on the head while shampooing. It causes tangling, leading to further breakage. You can add lemon to the final rinse for a great shine. You need to be careful about washing hair regularly, though you could condition it just twice a month.

Although hair is not essential to life, it is of sufficient cosmetic concern to provoke anxiety in anyone when it starts thinning, falling, or disappearing. To a woman, the sight of a comb or brush covered with lost hair can cause intense mental strain. Hair is formed in minute pockets in the skill called follicles.
Article Source:http://www.wearticles.com

A Natural Cure for Celiac Disease

Being diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity once meant giving up most breakfast cereals or being stuck with bland, cardboard-tasting versions. These days, the number of “gluten-avoiders” is growing rapidly, but the good news is, so are the great tasting breakfast options for them. Nature’s Path, North America’s number one organic cereal manufacturer, is introducing organic Whole O’s – a delicious whole grain cereal with pomegranate juice for a sweet flavor – to its line of gluten free products.

Celiacs cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley, which are common ingredients in many breakfast cereals and snacks. More than 2 million people in the U.S. have celiac disease – about 1 in every 133 people . For every person diagnosed, 140 will go undiagnosed. And, doctors say that about 15% of the population has “gluten sensitivity.” That’s a lot of people who don’t have a seat at the breakfast table!

In response to the growing number of consumers searching for products that are not only gluten free, but delicious and healthy to boot, Nature’s Path offers a line of gluten free breakfast cereals, children’s cereals and crispy rice bars that provide organic, tasty choices.

The newest addition, Nature’s Path Organic Whole O’s, is a gluten free blend of organic whole grain corn and rice with pomegranate juice for a delicious flavor. It is organic, tasty and a great way for gluten avoiders to get healthy whole grains into their diet, something that is not always easy for them to do.

The gluten free line also includes:

• Nature’s Path Organic Corn Flakes – Organic corn meal flakes with organic grape juice for a sweet flavor
• Nature’s Path Organic Honey’d Corn Flakes – Organic corn meal flakes with organic honey
• Nature’s Path Organic Mesa Sunrise – A whole grain blend of organic cornmeal, flax, buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth
• Nature’s Path Organic Crispy Rice – Organic rice, lightly sweetened
• EnviroKidz Organic Gorilla Munch – Crispy organic corn meal puffs
• EnviroKidz Organic Peanut Butter Panda Puffs – Organic cornmeal coupled with organic peanut butter
• EnviroKidz Organic Amazon Frosted Flakes – Lightly sweetened organic cornmeal flakes
• EnviroKidz Organic Koala Crisp – Organic brown rice and cocoa
• EnviroKidz Organic Crispy Rice Bars, Berry – Organic blueberries, raspberries and rice make a berry crispy treat
• EnviroKidz Organic Crispy Rice Bars, Chocolate – Organic crispy rice and milk chocolate
• EnviroKidz Organic Crispy Rice Bars, Peanut Butter – Organic crispy rice and peanut butter
• EnviroKidz Organic Animal Cookies, Vanilla – An organic version of the classic treat

Like all Nature’s Path products, the gluten free line is organic, so none of the products contain artificial preservatives or additives, genetically modified organism (GMOs) or synthetic pesticides. The cereals come in EnviroBoxes, which contain the same amount of cereal but 10% less packaging, reducing Nature’s Path’s yearly impact upon the earth by saving over 1.3 million gallons of water, 940,000KWh of energy and 144 tons of paperboard.

Founded in 1985, Nature’s Path Organic Foods is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia and employs over 300 people at its four facilities in Canada and the United States. The privately held, family-owned company produces breakfast foods and snacks sold in specialty foods stores and retailers in 40 countries around the world. The company’s innovative brands include Nature’s Path®, Flax Plus, EnviroKidz®, Weil by Nature’s Path TM, and Optimum®. Visit Nature’s Path online at www.naturespath.com.

Europeans More Open to Natural Therapies Such as Homeopathy

Europeans, with the popular system of natural health spas, have long been more open to natural medicine than consumers in the U.S. Paradoxically, they also have less tolerance for heavy-handed government regulation of health care, widely seen as being an attempt by government bureaucrats to protect the billion-dollar pharmaceutical industry.

For example, the royal family of England has been a traditional supporter of the alternative medical system of homeopathy. In a recent article in an Icelandic paper, a detailed description of homeopathy was given:

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which states that an ill person can be treated using a substance that can produce, in a healthy person, symptoms similar to those of the illness. Put in an extremely simple way: If your feet get frostbitten, rub them with ice.

HOMEOPATHY is based on the so-called principle of similarity, also widespread in mainstream medicine, the most notable examples being antidotes and vaccines. Classical homeopathy is a holistic medicine; in other words it aims to treat the whole person rather than a single symptom. Instead of suppressing symptoms homeopathic remedies act to stimulate the body’s own defence mechanisms. Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, minerals and other natural substances.
The homeopathic clientele

“There are normally three kinds of people who seek homeopathic treatment,” says Vanessa Parrado Lobo, a Spanish-born homeopath working in Jyväskylä and Helsinki. “There are those who naturally take good care of themselves and believe that they can have a significant impact on their own healing. Another big group is the group of people who are not satisfied with the ‘regular’ medical care. Most of these people suffer from chronic diseases like asthma, migraine, allergy or joint problems. The third group are people sent by a relative or a friend who was helped by homeopathy.”

Parrado Lobo got seriously ill at the age of 18. She was allergic to antibiotics so she had to search for alternative ways of curing. She came across homeopathy and it was love at first sight. She moved to Holland to study homeopathy at The Hahnemann Instituut Nederland for six years.
Parrado Lobo treats people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. Their symptoms vary from flu, chicken pox and ear infections to chronic conditions like depression, genital herpes, migraines, problems of insecurity or shyness and eating disorders.

Homeopathy in Finland
“Homeopathy is not very well known in Finland,” Parrado Lobo explains. “I think the most common prejudice that people have against homeopathy is that they do not believe that you can cure chronic or severe diseases with homeopathy. They associate homeopathy with herbal teas,” she adds. “People also seem to think that you need to believe in it for it to work. My answer to that is: babies and toddlers do not know what they are given and they can still be cured beautifully. They often heal faster than adults.”

“Reading about any form of natural therapy and trying to understand the basics of health and disease can be helpful,” Parrado Lobo says. “Knowledge is power. If you know how your body works and how the dynamics of health and disease work, you can save yourself from many health problems.”

Jaana Laakkonen from Jyväskylä turned to homeopathy with her young daughter who suffered from severe aqua-phobia, or fear of the water. She had anxiety attacks before school swimming lessons and she also suffered from stage fright when having to speak in front of the class. About a year ago Laakkonen and her daughter visited Parrado-Lobo´s studio for the first time. After five appointments and homeopathic treatments her daughter´s problems disappeared. “She actually enjoys swimming nowadays and she is no longer afraid of giving presentations at school,” Laakkonen states.

Another patient of Parrado-Lobo, the seven-month-old daughter of Annalaara Hopkins-Nykänen was cured of food allergies with the help of homeopathy. “We met Vanessa three times. The last appointment was in September and my daughter’s allergy symptoms have stayed away ever since,” Hopkins-Nykänen affirms.

Did you know this?
• Although homeopathy has its roots in an ancient medical philosophy formulated by Hippocrates in the 5th century BC, “like cures like”, modern homeopathy dates back 200 years to the work of the German doctor Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843).

• Classical Homeopathy is so called when it is practiced according to the principles set down by Samuel Hahnemann. The main difference between classical and non-classical homeopathy is the way in which the remedies are prescribed. A homeopath who works classically will only prescribe one remedy at a time. By contrast, clinical or non-classical homeopathy treatments can involve more than one remedy.

• There are approximately 200 members in the Finnish Association of Homeopaths (Suomen Homeopaatit Ry), which has been a member of the ECCH (European Council for Classical Homeopathy) since 1991. Finnish legislation provides no official status for homeopathy, but the Association is working on developing professional criteria that would lead to a register of homeopaths.

Lower High Blood Pressure… with Grapes?

Reuters ran a report recently that reveals a natural cure for high blood pressure: eating grapes!

Grapes helped lower blood pressure and improve heart function in lab rats fed an otherwise salty diet, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday.

The findings, published in the Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences, may help people with high blood pressure, they said.

“These findings support our theory that something within the grapes themselves has a direct impact on cardiovascular risk, beyond the simple blood pressure-lowering impact that we already know can come from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables,” Mitchell Seymour of the Cardioprotection Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan said in a statement.

In a study sponsored in part by California grape producers, Seymour and colleagues examined the effects of ordinary grapes on rats that develop high blood pressure when fed a salty diet.

Some of the rats ate a diet containing a powder from red, green and purple table grapes and a high-salt diet. Others were fed the grape powder and a low-salt diet. The powder, which contained the same nutrients in fresh grapes, allowed the scientists to measure the rats’ intake carefully.

After 18 weeks, the rats that ate the grape-enriched diet had lower blood pressure, better heart function, reduced inflammation throughout their bodies, and fewer signs of heart muscle damage than rats that ate a salty diet but no grapes.

“The inevitable downhill sequence to hypertension and heart failure was changed by the addition of grape powder to a high-salt diet,” Dr. Steven Bolling of the University of Michigan, who heads up the lab, said in a statement.

Bolling said he thinks flavonoids, beneficial chemicals found in grapes, green tea, cocoa and tomatoes, could be having an effect on blood pressure. Flavonoids have been shown in other studies to have heart-health benefits.

Food producers are keen to show the health benefits of their products. Studies sponsored by chocolate makers, almond and walnut producers have shown various heart benefits, including reducing inflammation in blood vessels and lowering the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Natural Cures for Sore Muscles

Our friends over at Mother Earth News have published a marvelous article on natural cures for tired, aching muscles.

Balms and ointments are also popular means of applying heat to sore muscles. And, since the main ingredient in the various commercial products (Ben-Gay, Absorbine, Tiger Balm) is wintergreen oil, homemade balms are easy to prepare . . . and will save you a bit of money, too.

To make your own rub, simply put one tablespoon each of several herbs—lavender, rosemary, calendula, chamomile, camphor, ginger, eucalyptus, and wintergreen are all good choices—in the top of a nonmetal double boiler. (Note: Never use iron, brass, copper, zinc, or aluminum containers for preparing herbal remedies, as the plant ingredients may chemically react with the metal . . . corroding the vessel and contaminating the solution.)

Check out the article!

Natural Cold and Cough Remedies May Be Safer for Children After All

Given the U.S. government’s ongoing campaign against any remedy not marketed by its friends in the pharmaceutical industry, it was surprising to see the recent warning against giving cold medicines to young children. Even the drug companies themselves, fearful of expensive lawsuits, not warn against standard cough syrups and medicines.

But as the Chicago Tribune points out in an article on natural cures for colds and flu, traditional natural cures for colds and flu have been used for centuries safely — and may not be coming back in vogue.

There are several effective natural remedies have been around for centuries: Chicken soup to fight the cold, honey for a sore throat, salt to rinse stuffy nasal passages and regular soap (skip antibacterial products containing triclosan) and water to wash your hands.

Though they’re all considered “folk remedies,” these traditional cures have stood up to scientific scrutiny, which is more than you can say for the heavily marketed drugs that may also carry some risks for children.

Here’s a list of home remedies that work from Consumer Reports on Health:

1. A saltwater bath for a stuffy nose
2. Chewing gum to relieve heartburn and speed healing from abdominal surgery
3. Chicken soup for colds
4. Yogurt for belly aches (look for those that contain live, active cultures or are labeled “probiotic”)
5. Honey for a cough (do not administer to children under 1 year of age)
6. Cranberries for a healthy bladder (look for drinks that list cranberry juice as the first or second ingredient)
7. Staying warm to prevent a cold

The yoga practice of rinsing the nasal passages with warm water also has strong advocates. Many doctors also recommend using a nebulizer and pharmaceutical-grade saline solution to literally neutralize cold and flu viruses. Apparently, some studies have shown that nebulizing (hardly a “natural” cure although it’s only salt water) somehow makes cold and flu viruses less contagious.

Medicine and Natural Cancer Treatments and Cures

The Federal Trade Commission announced last month 11 separate law enforcement actions challenging deceptive advertising of bogus natural cancer cures. The FTC charged the companies with making unsupported claims that their products cured or treated one or more types of cancer. In each case, the company is charged with violating the FTC Act, which bars deceptive claims. Some complaints allege that the companies also falsely touted clinical or scientific proof for their products.

“There is no credible scientific evidence that any of the products marketed by these companies can prevent, cure, or treat cancer of any kind,” said Lydia Parnes, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Of the 11 complaints the FTC announced, six have been resolved by proposed settlements; the rest will be litigated. In all cases, the companies will be required to notify consumers who purchased the products challenged in the complaints that there was little or no scientific evidence demonstrating the products’ effectiveness for treating or curing cancer. They also must urge these customers to consult with their doctors about the products. In addition, the companies will be prohibited from selling or disclosing their consumer lists to others. The products the companies marketed include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve (a corrosive ointment), and mushroom extracts.


“Many of these products are scams,” Parnes said, “and let’s face it, when you’re battling cancer, the last thing you need is a scam. The best idea is to talk to your doctor about any treatment that you are thinking about taking.”

The FTC also announced a new Web site about bogus cancer cures. The site – www.ftc.gov/curious – tells consumers how to spot and report bogus claims they see online, and urges people with cancer to talk to their treatment team about any products they’d like to try.

The site features a video and includes a list of resources on cancer treatments from a variety of agencies within the federal government. Information is provided in English and Spanish.

The cases announced September 18th began through an Internet surf conducted by the FTC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Competition Bureau Canada in June 2007. Following the surf, the FTC sent warning letters via e-mail to 112 Web sites between August 2007 and January 2008. Of these, nearly 30 percent either closed their sites or removed the problematic cancer treatment claims. The remainder were reviewed to determine whether a law enforcement action was warranted or whether they should be referred to the FDA or the Competition Bureau.

The FDA sent warning letters to 23 U.S. companies and two foreign individuals. The warning letters stated that because the marketed products claimed to cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent cancer, and because they are not proven to be safe and effective for their labeled use, they are unapproved new drugs marketed in violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The Competition Bureau sent warning letters to Canadian companies that were selling fraudulent cancer cures online. Almost all the companies have adequately corrected their marketing materials, and the bureau will take additional enforcement actions to ensure compliance by the rest.

Administrative Cases. The FTC sued five companies. The cases will be tried before an administrative law judge at the Commission. In each case, the Commission seeks an order prohibiting the respondents from representing that their products prevent, treat, or cure any type of cancer unless the representation is true, non-misleading, and supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence. The FTC also will seek orders prohibiting the respondents from making representations about any health-related products without competent and reliable scientific evidence.