Herbs for constipation

I have checked out this informative article on herbs for constipation which I find useful as it resonates with my experiences in treating this symptom over the years. I noted that "the gentlest remedies for constipation include increased movement and exercise, certain yoga postures, increase of fluid intake, and dietary changes including increased fiber and fruit... And prune juice may be the most effective and gentlest remedy for constipation." Yes, I can testify to the effectiveness of prune juice which I have been drinking every other morning, mixing it with half a cup with warm water, which helps maintain regularity every two or three days on average, which I believe is normal for me. I have stopped eating yoghurt for the time being though, as I think the cold food may have caused running nose symptoms in the mornings, and besides, prune juice works fine for me. 

I have also taken natural bulk laxative such as psyllium, if I remember correctly, occasionally in the past, and like what the article says, I needed to drink a lot of water for this gentle laxative to do its work properly.

I noted that the mild herbal laxatives include dandelion root, chickweed and yellow dock root tincture, whereas purgative herbs include "aloe, buckthorn, cascara sagrada, rhubarb, and senna... which should be used only as a last resort". I also learnt that "Kathi Kevilles approach is to combine the irritant herbs with tasty ones like peppermint, ginger, and fennel, that also relax the intestines and prevent cramping." Yes, I have been drinking a cleansing herbal tea occasionally recently which is the Pukka nettle, peppermint and fennel tea, and I believe it helps maintain regularity and prevent constipation too.

Natural remedies and prevention methods for flu symptoms

MANUKA HONEY

I was caught in the rain on my way home yesterday afternoon - though I was carrying the umbrella, the heavy rain and strong wind caused me to be slightly soaked by the time I reached home. I had runny nose, though there was no fever or body ache. I took a teaspoon of manuka honey at dinner time, and this morning when I woke up, my nose is fine. So you could consider getting a small jar of manuka honey from a health store too.

http://voices.yahoo.com/manuka-honey-as-natural-cold-flu-remedy-7373654.html?cat=68
"It is no secret that honey helps to soothe the throat and ease the effects of certain illnesses during the cold and flu season. However, one type of honey is being used more successfully than ordinary honey. It has been discovered that Manuka Honey from New Zealand contains healing properties not found in other types of honey, making it extremely effective in treating a wide spectrum of health conditions

Manuka Honey's famed antibacterial properties are now being used in hospitals to ward off antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that cause potentially life threatening conditions such as MRSA and VRE. In addition to its impressive antibacterial activity, studies have also revealed Manuka Honey's antiviral properties which make it effective in treating cold and flu symptoms.
...
For cold and flu symptoms, it is recommended to take one teaspoon of Manuka Honey, 3-4 times per day. It is also important to note that because Manuka Honey is an all-natural ingredient, it has been found to cause no negative side effects whatsoever when used for medicinal purposes. Manuka Honey could very well possibly be one of the single most healthiest things you could eat."

http://healthtalkwomen.com/sarahs-column/why-you-should-love-active-manuka-honey/
Natural Cold and Flu Remedy
"Manuka Honey is effective in treating, and minimizing the effects of the flu and the common cold. Soothes sore throats too."

I would usually take 1 teaspoon of manuka honey daily. It not only boosts immune system, but also speeds up healing. For example, my runny nose cleared overnight after taking 1 teaspoon of manuka honey, as mentioned earlier. Recently, it relieved me of sore throat within a day too.

On a similar note, this article suggests mixing honey with garlic to make garlic tea (for cold, cough or flu), or mixing honey with lemon (for sore throat) - these suggestions are for your consideration too. http://www.naturalnews.com/035323_home_remedies_colds_coughs.html

MISO SOUP


Miso soup is good as a natural remedy for flu symptoms too, as it boosts immune system.

(NaturalNews) Miso is a delicious fermented food that has been eaten in China and Japan for many centuries. Today it is a favorite of health minded people in the West because of its many anti-aging benefits. Miso and other fermented foods and drinks help build up the inner ecosystem and assure the digestive tract is amply supplied with beneficial bacteria. These bacteria help digest, synthesize, and assimilate nutrients so necessary for good health and anti-aging. They also strengthen the immune system, keeping it at the ready to fight infection and cancer.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/025519_health_anti-aging_soy.html#ixzz2Gh2gitrX

GINGER


This website also recommends ginger, among other herbs, to combat flu.

http://www.naturalnews.com/034851_flu_herbal_remedies_cures.html
Fresh ginger root (zingiber officinale) is a warming botanical that has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions since ancient times (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm).

Used for the treatment of digestive problems, stomach upset and nausea for more than 2,000 years, ginger has long been a popular natural remedy for a variety of ailments. A powerful anti-inflammatory, ginger has also been widely used for generations to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches and painful menstrual periods.

The warming nature of the root helps to produce sweating and thus helps to release pathogens. Ginger also helps to strengthen the immunity of weaker individuals who sweat without the relief of symptoms. (http://www.naturalnews.com/030318_cinnamon_colds.html)

A great herbal tea can be made for those trying to recover from a cold or flu by simmering a couple of cinnamon sticks and sliced fresh ginger in water for at least 20 minutes. It can also be taken in high-dose supplement form to aid the immune system in warding off and killing the flu virus.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034851_flu_herbal_remedies_cures.html#ixzz2Gh2sg7D8

WAYS TO BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM TO PREVENT FLUS, COUGHS AND COLDS

This article summarises some suggested measures to boost the immune system and prevent flus, coughs and colds. http://www.naturalnews.com/028562_immune_system_colds.html

• Include fresh, organic vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, chicory, cabbage, garlic, mushrooms and spinach in the diet as often as possible to boost the immune system.
• Fruits to include would be lemons, grapefruit, oranges, bananas and dark colored fruit such as blueberries, black cherries, blackberries, black currants and black grapes.
• Spicing up meals with ginger, cinnamon, cumin, oregano and cayenne will help to build the immune system in order to fight off colds and can even be taken at the onset of a cold to reduce the effects.
• Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice or tea helps to restore the body's pH balance. An imbalance of alkalinity creates a condition favorable to the growth of bacteria, yeast and unwanted organisms which thrive in a more acidic environment.
• Drink plenty of pure water each day to flush the body of toxins. Drinking green tea, or Rooibos tea (African redbush tea) will promote overall good health.
• Get enough sleep each night - research indicates that sleep deprivation can adversely affect the body's ability to fight infections.
• Exercise regularly* - moderate, consistent exercise can lead to substantial benefits in immune system health in the long-term.
• Control stress - Stress can raise cortisol levels and weaken the body's immune system, making it more susceptible to colds and flu.

(*Note: Do not over-exert yourself if you exercise. If you have a fever, it is better to get sufficient rest and wait for the fever to subside before attempting any strenuous exercise.)

If you happen to be travelling outside these days via public transport, remember to wash your hands when you return home or before eating meals as germs/bacteria/virus may be contracted from certain surfaces such as handle bars on public buses, subway trains, etc. I am reminding myself to do so too as I would start to have runny nose once in a while when I did not wash my hands after travelling on a bus and before eating a meal.

Related article
Five must-have winter rescue natural remedies

Treating heartburn naturally

WHAT IS HEARTBURN?

According to this website http://www.naturalnews.com/019756_heartburn_antacids.html#ixzz25ygGrYJi

"Heartburn occurs when foods mix with acid to form a liquid that rises into the esophagus, causing chest pain or a burning sensation in the stomach."

Heartburn is also known as acid reflux, or GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).

HOW TO TREAT HEARTBURN NATURALLY

The following websites recommended some foods that help treat and/or prevent heartburn and aid digestion, including apple cider vinegar, ginger, probiotics and aloe vera juice.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a great natural remedy not only because it is cheap and easily available in supermarkets, but it is also effective in treating heartburn without any side effect.

http://www.naturalnews.com/037114_foods_happy_belly.html

"Apple cider vinegar is regarded as an excellent digestive aid by many alternative practitioners and nutritionists, but not so much by MDs and mainstream dieticians.

Use an apple cider vinegar that has not been pasteurized or filtered for best results. Before each meal, one or two tablespoons downed in a half glass of water can be beneficial. Water with meals should be room temperature for optimum digestion."  

http://www.naturalnews.com/035720_acid_reflux_natural_remedies_heartburn.html

"Dr. Group recommends organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon in a little bit of water, to eliminate heartburn. This seems counterintuitive in that apple cider vinegar increases stomach acid to aid digestion before meals. But there are many testimonials claiming it works."

http://www.naturalnews.com/031428_heartburn_ginger.html

"One of the most highly recommended acid reflux remedies is apple cider vinegar. Sip a tablespoon of the unfiltered, unpasteurized variety in 8 ounces of water during meals. Why does this work? There are two theories. One is that many people actually have insufficient stomach acid. In this case, the LES (which is pH sensitive) may open when it shouldn't allow stomach acid up into the esophagus. Acidity in the vinegar communicates to the LES to stay shut keeping stomach acid where it belongs. An alternative theory is that the vinegar dilutes stomach acid somewhat (since it is less acidic), mitigating reflux symptoms but not enough to impair digestion.

In addition to directly affecting digestion, apple cider vinegar provides an array of vitamins and trace minerals and promotes a more alkaline environment in the body while it helps destroy harmful bacteria. The result is better health including improved digestion."

 Ginger

http://www.naturalnews.com/031428_heartburn_ginger.html

"Other folk traditions rely on ginger for acid reflux since it helps calm stomach acid and relax the muscles of the esophagus. Try sipping a tea made with fresh ginger root and a pinch of cinnamon as a restful way to relieve GERD symptoms."

Aloe Vera Juice

http://www.naturalnews.com/037114_foods_happy_belly.html

"The king of natural GI tract and stomach disorders is Aloe vera juice. Aloe vera juice needs to be shopped wisely. The cheap adulterated ones with preservatives or pasteurized stuff won't cut it. Get only pure, whole unpasteurized aloe vera juice. Yes it's pricier, but worth it.

Stomach ulcer sufferers swear by it. There have been many, many reports of Celiac disease and Crohn's disease sufferers curing themselves with aloe vera juice, as well as some experiencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

With a disease as intense as Celiac, Crohn's or IBS, it takes several days to a few weeks of daily use to get results."

http://www.naturalnews.com/021858_aloe_vera_gel.html

"Aloe vera cures ulcers, IBS, Crohn's disease and Celiac disease Polysaccharides in the aloe vera plant have curative effects on numerous digestive disorders. The Internet is a storehouse of information and testimonials about aloe vera curing IBS, ulcers, Crohn's disease and other disorders of the digestive tract. This is one of the best-known applications of aloe vera gel.

Taking aloe certainly isn't a magic bullet cure, of course. It won't reverse your disease after drinking one glass of aloe vera gel. It needs to be used regularly. Most people report positive results in 3 - 30 days, depending on the condition.

Aloe vera ends acid reflux disease

Acid reflux isn't really a disease. The drug companies just call it that to convince everyone that they need to take medications to ease the symptoms. But in reality, all you probably need is aloe vera. Drink aloe vera gel on a regular basis, and your heartburn symptoms will usually vanish within a few days. Of course, it would also help if you'd stop eating fried foods and processed foods."

Probiotics

http://www.naturalnews.com/035720_acid_reflux_natural_remedies_heartburn.html

"Increasing probiotics is always a good idea. Homemade milk or water kefirs, and foods such as miso and homemade sauerkraut are potent and economical probiotic foods. Less economical but conveniently accessible probiotic supplements are also available."

http://www.naturalnews.com/036578_probiotics_microflora_antibiotics.html

• helps body absorb nutrients (opposite action of soda) in first 4 to 6 hours, before gastrointestinal acids reach them.
• helps expel food within 24 hours, before it starts becoming a toxin in your system, affecting your immunity.
• aids with lactose intolerance, helping intestinal microbes produce vitamins (very important for people with IBS and Crohn's disease).

Avoid Antacids or Acid Blocking Medications Where Possible
.

On another note, as I have learnt the past couple of years researching on heartburn, the antacids or acid-blocking medications prescribed by medical doctors usually have side effects, and may only provide temporary relief, and may worsen the condition in the long run.

http://www.naturalnews.com/022840_stomach_heartburn_health.html

"I go on to explain to the patient that, while their medication may be working temporarily, the damage that it's causing to their body can be extremely dangerous over the long term. Stomach acid plays an important role in both digestion and our overall health and by blocking its production we are essentially starving the body of life sustaining nutrients."

Practise Good Eating Habits Regularly

So, treating heartburn with natural remedies are highly recommended. Waiting for 1-2 hours after eating a meal before lying down to take a nap or sleep is important too. When I lay down too soon after dinner late at night, I would feel a slight burning sensation in my throat when I belched and the partially digested food is regurgitated from my stomach before I swallowed back the food. I would remind myself to elevate my pillow and waited at least half an hour more before lying down to sleep, so as to avoid any heartburn in future.

http://www.naturalnews.com/019756_heartburn_antacids.htmlhttp://www.naturalnews.com/019756_heartburn_antacids.html

"So, what is the first resort in heartburn treatment? Aim to prevent it in the first place, and for that, a change in eating habits is a good place to start. Many foods have a reputation for causing heartburn, including onions, garlic, hot and spicy foods, fatty or greasy foods, fried foods and highly acidic foods, like tomatoes and citrus. Chocolate and coffee are also common culprits. In addition, the way you eat is sometimes just as important as what you eat. People who eat especially quickly, who lay down after a big meal or who simply eat too much, are often more prone to heartburn. When you eat too much too fast, without chewing well, the stomach must produce more acid to break down food, creating problems for you down the line. Therefore, in addition to paying attention to the types of foods you eat, and avoiding those that trigger heartburn, you must also be aware of portion size and how quickly you eat,"

This website on natural remedies summarises three simple steps to get rid of heartburn and GERD forever:

http://chriskresser.com/get-rid-of-heartburn-and-gerd-forever-in-three-simple-steps

1. Reduce factors that promote bacterial overgrowth and low stomach acid. (such as avoiding artificial sweeteners such as fructose)
   
2. Replace stomach acid, enzymes and nutrients that aid digestion and are necessary for health. (such as adding apple cider vinegar to water, drinking lemon juice, etc)
   
3. Restore beneficial bacteria and a healthy mucosal lining in the gut. (such as taking probiotics)

Related link: 
How to Treat Acid Reflux Naturally