The low back pain is normally felt in lumbar and sacral region and may impact other nearby area in your lower back. Backache can be caused by various reasons, from simple one like muscular strain, diseases in the back, gynaecological problems or due to problems in other parts of the body.

For backache due to muscle strain, it is normally caused by lactic acid and pyruvic acid build up which are byproducts for every muscle contraction. When these acidic byproducts accumulate in muscles, they may cause irritation that can eventually result to pain.

Lower back pain may be attributed to diseases in the back. This can be caused by:

1. Injuries such as compression fracture of the vertebral column or rupture of inter-vertebral discs,

2. Functional backache due to imbalance during pregnancy, potbelly or short leg in one side,

3. Inflammatory conditions, such as bacterial bone infection, arthritis or inflammation of the muscles,

4. Degenerative diseases in the back: osteoarthritis or osteoporosis in old people, or

5. Tumor in the spine

Backache due to gynaecological problems can form after childbirth or the presence of pelvic inflammatory diseases. Many young parents of newborn child complain of low back pain.

Problems in other parts of the body may also contribute to lower back pain: renal stones, ureteric stone, pancreatitis or even cancer of prostate.

In order to initiate treatment to a case of backache, thorough investigation of the real cause of the pain must be performed first. This may include complete blood count, urine examination, ultrasonography / X-ray / MRI or CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Once the main cause of the low back pain is determined then appropriate remedy can be administered.

Resources

Natural Remedy for Back Pain: 

Native Remedies’ Joint Ease.
Use JointEase Plus:

• As a natural alternative to prescription anti-inflammatory drugs
• For relief from painful joint conditions, neck pain or lower back ache

Further reading:

In addition to prescribed medication such as Antacids or other similar medicines, treating acid reflux holistically may also involve lifestyle change, such as stop smoking, avoid alcohol, lose weight, and eating smaller servings of meals. In addition, supplementation by commonly used herbs to combat acid reflux such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger would definitely help acute GERD patients. Chamomile has long been known for its relaxing and calming properties. It also has the ability to reduce stomach acid. Because of this, chamomile helps reduce indigestion and also soothes the esophagus to prevent acid reflux. Ginger is also commonly used for stomach problems. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties that help avoid acid from making its way back into the esophagus. Ginger also speeds up digestion.

Peppermint is also good for indigestion as it calms the stomach down, reducing the occurrence of acid reflux. Peppermint combined with the caraway fruit also has the same healing effects of chamomile and ginger. These three herbs are proven to help in preventing acid reflux. However, always remember that herbal medicine is not for everyone. It is always important to consult your doctor first before taking any herbal products to treat acid reflux. This is also very important especially if you are taking prescription drugs to avoid any adverse chemical reactions. But generally, these herbal remedies are a healthy and organic way to treat acid reflux or gastroesophegeal reflux disease.

Resources

Natural Remedy for Acid Reflux:

Native Remedies’ Gastronic Dr - a 100% natural, safe and proven herbal tonic with fast, effective relief of digestive upset. DigestAssist may be taken after meals to maintain digestive comfort and to promote healthy digestion to facilitate the digestive system’s natural ability to digest food without heartburn, acid or gas.
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Usually, natural medicine refers to medical practices that were in place before the advent of modern medicine. This includes herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, which is prevalent in Chinese, Ayurvedic(or Indian), and Greek medicine.

Natural medicine can be considered as a lost art. This does not mean that it has lost efficacy over time. In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine to complement modern medication and form a holistic medicine.

It is important to note that not all the natural remedies are legitimate. It would help to only try those remedies which have been thoroughly studied and are relatively risk free. There are numerous organizations that study natural medicine. Some governments and health agencies openly advocate the use of natural methods since they are inexpensive and relatively risk-free. As their studies compile, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines. However, many herbs and treatments have been proven to be bogus medicine. This represents a challenge for both the user and the agencies because they have to ascertain that the treatments they use or advocate are legitimate.

Even though in the past health professionals would likely to recommend natural medicine only to deal with minor ailments such as cough, colds, fever, or skin rashes, in more cases lately the use of holistic and integrated medicine to complement modern medicine are also used on more complex medical procedures like cancer treatment or surgery.

Natural medicine should be thought of as an accompanying medicine that forms part of a holistic and integrated medicine instead of ‘one not the other’ case. Right now, the current collective medical thought suggests that natural medicine be used only to supplement accepted modern medical practices. Holistic medicine is helpful because it suggests that treatment not necessarily be given only when sick. Holistic and natural medicine strives to make each patient practice good health habits. These habits include good diet, healthy living, and the regular natural treatment.

It is this same line of thought that leads our parents to tell us to eat our vegetables. Yes, a healthy lifestyle will achieve the similar intended effect to our well-being as holistic medicine. And this is the very first basic foundation of natural medicine – may it be massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy or others.

What is the difference between a drug and a natural medicine and herbal supplements?

According to the definition set by food and drug administrations in most countries (you can check their websites on your own if you want), drugs are chemicals that can prevent, treat a health condition, and/or cure ailments and diseases, or alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body. These drugs have approved therapeutic claims. For example, paracetamol is a drug given to bring down any higher than normal body temperature. Iron supplements are given to treat mild cases of anemia.

Natural medicines and herbal supplements are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements. They do not have to have an approved therapeutic claims unlike in the case of drugs. Dietary supplements could also contain vitamins, minerals, herbals, or amino acids that are aimed to add to or supplement the diet of an individual.

Natural medicines and herbal supplements are not intended to be taken alone as a substitute to any food or medicine, but instead it is meant to supplement them to give your body a holistic treatment. Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by your doctor or as instructed on the bottle. But if your doctor is absolutely against the use of natural medicines without telling you a satisfying reason, consider having a second opinion! Discounting the use of natural medicines totally is never a wise thing to do. However, bear in mind that each individual reacts differently to the components of herbal supplements. While it is perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement of primrose oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it.

Yes. With the rising popularity of using and consuming anything herbal or organic is the proliferation of fake herbal supplements or those that are produced with or less than stringent quality control, which may even endanger lives. One way of ensuring the safety of the people consuming such herbal supplements is to pay attention to the active ingredients contained within it. Do your research before taking natural medicines and herbal supplements. As in any commercial transactions, the rule is ‘buyer beware’.

Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?

Yes. It cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal supplements experienced an improvement in their health—whether this is due to the herbals themselves or due to a placebo effect, as long as they do not worsen the condition of an individual, then using them is worth the risk.

Your doctor knows better than most of us.

First of all, clear your condition with your doctor. Ask him/her if taking a particular herbal supplement is safe given your health condition. People with heart, liver, or kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not advised to take these, or at the minimum is to take these herbals in minimum amounts. All substances pass through the liver and kidney to be processed and filtered respectively. Kava, which is used to relieve people from stress, has been pulled out from the Canada, Singapore, and German markets because it contains substances that may cause liver damage. Certain herbals such as Ephedra used for losing weight, contains chemicals with heart-inducing effects that can increase heart rate, which in turn can exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in several documented cases by the American Medical Association.

Follow the directions for use.

Always obey the authority! Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by your doctor or as instructed on the bottle. Each individual reacts differently to the components of herbal supplements. While it is perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement of primrose oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it.

Just like over-the-counter and prescription drugs, herbal supplements also have active ingredients that affect how your body works. Thus, taking these herbal supplements can be quite risky for certain individuals. Also, most herbal supplements provide vague or little information on their labels, which doesn’t help at all in choosing which herbal supplement is best. The best thing to do is to educate yourself first and do research on the particular herbal products that you intend to use. It is also advisable to discuss with your doctor about any herbal supplements you plan to take.

Choosing the right herbal supplement from the hundreds available today is a difficult prospect. To help you find the right supplement for you, here are some important advices. First, always look for standardized herbal supplements. Look for certification that the particular herbal supplement has met certain manufacturing standards. Second, buy only single-herb products. Also look out for claims that sounds too good to be true. Most likely these claims are not true. Remember there is no single herbal supplement that can possibly deal with a wide spectrum of health problems. In addition, be cautious of herbal supplements manufactured outside the US. Some herbal supplements from other countries have been found to contain toxic ingredients and prescription drugs.

When treating fever, instead of resorting to paracetamol, you can opt to use natural remedies such as herbs. It is best to consult a naturopath or homeopath, a health care provider who specialize in natural remedies to guide you on what herbs and products to use. Some of the most common herbs to use when dealing with fever are lemon balm leaf, chamomile, peppermint, licorice and elder flower. For babies that are still breastfeeding, it is best that the mother takes the herbs herself so that the medicinal properties are passed on to her nursing infant through her milk. For babies older than 2 years old, a half cup of herbal tea made from the above mentioned herbs can be given to be drunk up to 4 times a day for 24 hours.

Other helpful herbs include Echinacea and goldenseal. These herbs help clear up infection. Another helpful natural remedy for babies suffering from fever is garlic, because of its antibacterial properties. Tea made from ginger also helps in relieving fever. For diaper rash, helpful herbs that can soothe your baby’s discomfort include essential herbs like calendula, comfrey, lavender and sandalwood. Simply rub a few drops of essential oil made from these herbs into the affected part for instant relief from the uncomfortable burning sensation.

There are two main types of headache: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are those that are not caused by any underlying medical condition. Under primary headaches are migraine, tension and cluster headaches. Meanwhile, secondary headaches occur as a result of medical conditions such as infection or increased pressure on the skull due to a tumor. Primary headaches occur more commonly than secondary headaches.

Cluster headaches are described as extremely painful headaches that occur in ‘clusters’ over a short period of time, hence the name. It has been known that cluster headaches can be treated by an unlikely herb, the cayenne. Also known as chili, paprika or red pepper, cayenne is found to relieve cluster headaches if applied as an ointment to the inside of the nostrils. However, this proves to be uncomfortable for most people because of the burning sensation it produces.

Meanwhile, migraine headaches begin at one area of the head and spread out to other areas. Migraine sufferers are usually extremely sensitive to light and other stimuli. Two herbal products that are found to help relieve migraine are Feverfew and Ginkgo Biloba. Clinical studies have revealed that feverfew can indeed prevent the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Meanwhile, the Ginkgo Biloba, an herb with dozens of health benefits, is an anti-oxidant. It also promotes better blood circulation of blood to the brain which is most useful for relieving headache and migraines.

While lifestyle and stress management addresses the environmental causes of depression, herbal and natural remedies offer a physiological treatment of depression symptoms. Herbal and natural remedies provide relief from depression by influencing various specific biochemical processes. There are different herbs that provide various effects that help remedy depression. Some herbs replenish the brain chemicals and cell enzymes. Other herbs increase some hormone levels. Because these herbs address specific causes and provide a specific effect, herbal therapy can be tailored to fit an individual’s needs. And the best thing about natural and herbal remedies for depression is that they are easily accessible and usually provide fast relief with little or no side effect.

Some of the most common natural and herbal remedies for depression are Ginkgo Biloba, Siberian Ginseng, 5HTP, SAMe or S-Adenosyl Methionine and St. John’s Wort. Ginkgo Biloba is a powerful anti-depressant and anti-oxidant that helps increase blood flow to the brain. This herb has dozens of positive effects such as improved memory, cardiovascular health and blood circulation. Another famous herb used to treat depression is Siberian Ginseng. This herb has several beneficial effects to the body. Most notably, it helps the body adapt to external physical stresses caused by various environmental factors. Ginseng also regulates blood sugar levels.

The benefits of using natural remedies for acne problems are quite simple: they come with fewer side effects and can be quite effective in treating various acne types. And because they are organic, they are also less likely to cause irritation to the skin. One common natural remedy for acne is salicylic acid which is derived from fruit. Salicylic acid helps in treating acne by causing dead skin cells to begin shedding, thus stimulating the growth of newer skin cells and helps release the congestion of clogged pores. Dermatologists often use salicylic acid peels to unclog the pores on their clients’ faces which will lead to smoother skin.

Tea tree oil is also an excellent natural remedy for acne. It is a product of the melaleuca plant and is widely known for its antiseptic and antibiotic properties. Tea tree oil, when applied to the face, can kill off bacteria that cause acne. This wonder oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the size and redness of inflamed acne. It also prevents dryness and irritation. However, tea tree oil must be used only in low concentrations since it can cause allergic reactions when used in higher concentrations. Another useful herb in controlling acne is witch hazel. Products containing witch hazel can help unclog the pores, soothe inflamed skin and help in making the skin smooth and toned.

Resources

Natural Remedy for Acne Problem: Native Remedies’ ClearSkin-A Acne Gel and ClearSkin FaceWash
Nature’s treatment for acne control and prevention, containing carefully selected herbs to:

• Treat Existing Acne Skin Eruptions
• Prevent Future Breakouts
• Improve Skin Appearance
• Reduce Scarring
  
  

Further reading: