USE OF HERBAL MEDICINES FOR MASSES

March 28, 2011

The call of the hour is to first shun outright the unnatural drug therapies. We have to be convinced that, the more deviated we are from nature, the more we are for the trouble.

For centuries people had been eating apple, yet it was for Newton to discover the law of gravity by observing the apple fall from the tree. In the same way, the law of cure has been there ever since the creation of plants and human being, and the people have been unknowingly applying it and getting cured.

Yet it is for the intellectuals to go deep into it and make more beneficial for the humanity. A common man is not interested in what the law of cure is. He is to be provided with thumb-rules and simple guidelines in different ailments. Below are given a few examples:

The above examples are just to show how guidelines for the use of different medicinal plants may be prepared for the common diseases in an area. It may be noted that there are different medicines for different type of fevers, and the holds good for all type of diseases. In fact, for true cure, the name of a disease has no value. It is very misleading to say that a particular drug is useful in fever, or diabetes, or hyper tension etc.
*21\218\2*

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA): PROTECTING ANKLES AND FEET

March 22, 2011

RA in the feet can cause swelling and stretched ligaments, and over time the foot often becomes broader and the toes higher than they were before. One of the best ways to protect your feet and ankles is to wear the proper footwear because a shoe that fits poorly can injure sensitive toes and feet and cause further deformity.
Do not under any circumstances purchase a shoe that rubs or causes pressure and then expect to break it in. This will only come to pass at the expense of your feet. The best advice really is, “If the shoe fits, wear it.” When shopping for shoes, look for the following features:
•      light weight
•      deep enough to clear top of toes; deeper if insert is needed
•      wide enough not to pinch toes together
•      breathable, supple uppers (leather or canvas); seamless deerskin or calfskin are the best materials
•      one inch or smaller heel
•       good shock absorption when heel contacts ground; crepe soles are excellent for this
•      good support along the inside of the foot
•      durable, stiff back for support.
People with RA often have difficulty finding shoes that are comfortable, practical, and stylish. If the arthritis in your feet is mild, shoes that are deep and wide, such as good supportive walking shoes or athletic shoes, will usually suffice.
If you have minor deformities of the feet, you may require an insert, or orthosis, for your shoes. These foot supports can be purchased over the counter, or they can be specially designed for your feet by a podiatrist, orthotist, or pedorthist. Supports are designed to relieve pressure on sensitive areas by distributing the pressure to other areas of the foot. Some orthoses can actually prevent or even correct deformity. You will need to purchase shoes that are wide and deep enough to accommodate the orthosis. Many shoe stores sell special shoes for this purpose. Call ahead and ask if the store carries extra wide, extra deep shoes.
Sometimes an extra piece of rubber or leather (metatarsal bar) is applied externally to the sole. This takes pressure off the ball of the foot, frequently an area of discomfort.
If you have severe foot damage or deformity you may require specially made shoes. Orthopedic shoes or custom-made shoes can be fabricated from a cast of your feet. Some newer versions are more stylish than the classic orthopedic shoe. Your doctor, therapist, orthopedic surgeon, or podiatrist may be able to give you the name of the best manufacturer of orthopedic shoes in your area. These shoes are generally quite expensive so ask around before you invest your money. It is important that you select a provider who is willing to make adjustments if the first pair feels uncomfortable to you. Also, find out whether a second pair can be purchased at a reduced fee.
Splints are occasionally recommended for the back of the foot and the ankle. Your physician will tell you whether a foot splint might be useful for you.
Finally, here is some excellent advice from Dr. John Ward and Dr. Carolee Moncur of the University of Utah Medical Center about foot care for people with arthritis:
•      Keep your feet meticulously clean and dry, particularly between your toes.
•      Examine your feet often for signs of stress.
•      Look for blisters and pressure sores. Change your shoes or get professional advice if these signs of stress develop.
•      Avoid chemical agents or cutting to remove calluses; they have formed for a reason. Find out what that reason is.
•      Cut your toenails straight across.
•      Plan ahead to avoid excessive walking when your feet are painful.
•       Keep your weight low.
*69/209/5*

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR BONE DENSITY: LILLIAN’S STORY

March 14, 2011

One of my colleagues told me about one patient taking only Fosamax. A small woman in her early 70s, Lillian eats a fairly average American diet, has difficulty walking (and in fact uses a walker), and so gets little exercise and refuses to take calcium or any other supplements. Despite being about 30 percent low in bone density in her hip and spine, Lillian generally feels fine and is always happy and peppy when she comes into the doctor’s office. But the scan results did convince her she needed something to protect her bones if she didn’t want to fracture her hip or suffer from compression fractures in the spine, so she decided on Fosamax. In two years, she’s had over 6 percent gains in her back and almost 11 percent in her hip, impressive results given the fact that the medicine wasn’t getting support from the recommended lifestyle changes. In Lillian’s case, a positive attitude seemed to be the best medicine.
*168\228\2*

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: RED CHESTNUT

February 22, 2011

Over – anxiety for others.
‘Red Chestnut’ relates to the soul potentials of solicitude and love of other fellow beings—relatives, neighbours and other human beings remotely connected and even those having no relationship at all except the common bond of being a human being.
In the positive ‘Red Chestnut’ state-the person feels concerned about the safety and well-being of the person in distress but he keeps his cool, and is able to convey his positive thoughts and guidance for others even from a distance. He takes care to radiate only positive thoughts of safety, well-being and encouragement to the afflicted person. If he visits a relative in an emergency ward, he wears a calm and re-assuring look on his face and does not evince any anxiety on his face. In the negative Red Chestnut state the person has fear and anxiety for the other person. This anxiety may have a justifiable cause—as a relative having been removed to an emergency ward after a serious road accident, or it may be without any cause—only an imaginary fear about the safety of a person. “I do not worry for myself, but what would happen to my children after I am dead and gone?”
“Whenever my child goes to play football, my nerves remain taut with the fear that he may get inj ured”, “Ever since I got my child admitted into the school hostel I have lost my sleep. Who would feed him properly and who would look after him if he fell ill”. “He was convalescing quite well and it was expected he would be discharged from the nursing home in a couple of days, but since he heard about an accident to his son, he has reverted to the previous position”.
“My young daughter is expected by night plane to day, but till she reaches home safely I am worried”, “Uncle was free from asthmatic attack for the last 2 months, thanks to the homoeopathic treatment. But when he heard of the serious accident to Jhelum Express, in which his son and his wife were travelling, his old trouble has returned”.
*158\308\8*

FAST FACTS ABOUT SICK BUILDING SYNDROME

February 12, 2011

In the average 100-person office, here are the most frequent excuses for taking sick days and the average number of days these reasons eat up a year: flu (76 days); muscle sprains (30 days); fractures (23 days); colds (21 days). According to one survey by the National Center for Health Statistics, the average man takes 4.3 sick days, the average woman 5.5 (excluding time off to give birth).
How common: No one is sure exactly how many “sick” buildings there are, but the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has investigated more than 1,500 cases in the United States over the past 20 years or so, and that’s a fraction of the number of complaints it’s received.
Risk factors: New or remodeled buildings that are poorly ventilated and overcrowded. Overcrowded buildings with moisture and growth of fungi or bacteria in indoor surfaces or in the ventilation systems.
Age group affected: Anyone working in a sick building can develop sicb building syndrome.
Gender gap: A majority of those complaining of sick building syndrome are women. Researchers believe that’s because women tend to report illnesses more quickly, but it may also reflect the fact that women still hold more clerical jobs than men—and that workers with clerical jobs usually don’t have private offices.
Who to see: A family doctor or an otolaryngologist can help with specific symptoms.
*564\257\8*

THE ENDOMETRIOSIS DIET: BREAKFAST

February 2, 2011

This is often the most problematic meal of the day, since many women do not like to eat breakfast or don’t have the time. We strongly urge you to begin the day with some nutrition, to keep blood sugar levels subtitled. A small bowl of whole-grain cereal with half a cup of soy milk (or low-fat milk) supplies carbohydrates, protein, and some calcium from the soy. Hot cereal such as oatmeal, cooked with a tablespoon of raisins, is good, too. Half a grapefruit or, better, a noncitrus fruit like a small banana adds sufficient sugar. Limit egg intake to one or two a week. These should be boiled or poached. Choose organic fertilized eggs, available at many supermarkets now. They taste the same as the standard egg, but contain less cholesterol. If you don’t have cereal or one egg, have a high-fiber bran muffin or one or two slices of toasted whole-wheat bread with half an apple.
This menu offers protein, carbohydrates, and minimum fat and is fairly low in calories, it begins the program to lower disruptive hormone levels in women with endometriosis while simultaneously supplying energy.
If you want a cup of coffee or tea (or any drink with caffeine), have it at breakfast time, rather than later in the day. Caffeine takes about half an hour before it supplies its “kick,” and close CO four hours before its effect wears off. One result of caffeine on the drop in blood sugar level is a sense of hunger. By the time you feel this, you should be ready for lunch, which. Like dinner, should consist of foods that will maintain a steady blood sugar level.
*89\43\4*

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: HINTS TO PROTECT ELBOWS, SHOULDERS, HIPS AND KNEES

January 17, 2011

Elbows and shoulders
Here, as with hands and wrists, the principle is to avoid putting stress on the joint in a way that contributes to deformity. For example, when you are carrying heavy objects, keep them as close to your body as possible so that your spine can relieve some of the stress on your shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
Assistive equipment. Assistive equipment to relieve stress on shoulders and elbows includes items that have extended handles and items that allow you to carry things without using your arms.
•       extended handles on combs, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, utensils
•      extended handle dustpan
•      elbow crutch
•      over-the-shoulder pouch
•      knapsack
•      small cart for carrying items (a folding shopping cart, for example).

Hips and Knees
People with hip and knee arthritis need to make every effort to keep their weight down. This will limit the amount of pressure that is put on these joints.
One technique for avoiding putting undue pressure on hips and knees is to use your whole body to rise from a sitting position. Slide forward as far as you can in the seat and then lean forward over your knees and swing up. Try to push off with your forearms or palms (avoid using your fingers). Elevating yourself in the chair with a pillow will help.
Assistive Equipment. People with arthritis in the hips and knees may find the following equipment helpful. Remember that these assistive devices should not be overused. Reaching, for example, is good exercise, and if reaching is not painful for you, you probably are better off not using a long-handled reacher.
•      elevated seat with arm rests
•      raised toilet seat
•      stool
•      shower bench
•      extended shoehorn
•       long-handled reacher
•      tub grab bars
•      walking aids (cane, walker).
*68/209/5*

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: OLIVE – MISS. DIMPLE’S & JAI DEV’S CASE

January 10, 2011

Miss. Dimple could not be made to study History. The subject bored her. She had failed in this subject in the previous examination, and the private tutor did not give any hope of her faring any better in the next examination.
Whenever she opened her History Book, she felt bored after reading a new lines and closed the book to study some other subject. She had lately developed a fear of this subject.
She was prescribed ‘OLIVE’ (to enable her to do uninteresting work i.e. to study History) and MIMULUS (to remove fear of History).
After taking these remedies thrice a day for one week, she could sit to study History just like any other subject.
Jai Dev had a very sharp intellect but a weak body. He was very good at studies, but could never score more than 80% marks in his examination, because he could never complete his paper. His hands got tired and the fingers would not hold the pen after writing a few pages.
‘OLIVE’ remedy was prescribed T.D.S for 15 days before the examination and the result was very encouraging. He could score 80% marks in the examination.
*154\308\8*

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: PROTECTING HANDS AND WRISTS

January 2, 2011

Finger and wrist joints tend to slowly drift out of their natural alignment as the result of chronic inflammation.
•    When stirring foods, hold the utensil with your thumb on top, as if you were holding an ice pick, and stir with shoulder motion.
•       Avoid hanging a purse strap over your wrist or carrying heavy suitcases.
•      Avoid supporting your body weight on your wrists and hands. For example, do not lean on your hands while standing against a table edge.
•    Avoid stressful wringing and twisting motions (use an electric rather than a manual can opener).
•    Do not wring your washcloth out, let the cloth drip dry. Do not grip items tightly or hold onto them for long periods. Too tight a grip increases deforming pressures.
•    Modify the size of articles that you grasp daily. You can enlarge the grips on pencils, pens, toothbrushes, and other utensils by placing the handles inside a foam hair curler or wrapping them with soft foam rubber.
•    Avoid actions that push your other fingers toward your little finger. To dial on a rotary dial telephone, hold a pencil like an ice pick. When reading, don’t hold a book in a way that puts weight on your fingers (use a book-holder). Don’t rest your chin on top of your fingers. Lift and carry objects with your palms, not with your fingers. When getting up from a chair, use your palms rather than your fingers to push off.
Remember to use the largest joint and the strongest muscle available to complete the job. For example, shut doors with your hip or upper arm rather than your fingers. Open jars by putting pressure on the top with your palm and twisting from the shoulder rather than gripping the lid with your fingers.
Splints. The splints that are available today are made of lighter weight materials and are smaller than they were in the past. They are also more comfortable and attractive than splints used to be. The ring splint is an example of a modern splint which can be used by persons with swan neck or boutonniere deformity, if the splint improves function.
Hand and wrist splints can be either commercially fabricated (purchased over the counter) or custom fit by an occupational therapist or orthotist. (An orthotist is an expert in the development and application of splints, braces, and other supports to improve function or decrease pain and inflammation.) The functional wrist splint is useful because it allows some movement at the fingers while immobilizing the wrist. Some physicians prescribe a resting hand splint to be worn at night to rest finger and wrist joints. Remember, splints should only be used if they relieve pain or improve function.
Assistive equipment. People with hand and wrist problems may find use of the following equipment helpful:
•    built-up handles
•       faucet turners / lever
•      key adaptor / lever
•       button hook
•      elastic shoelaces
•      house door opener
•       car door opener / lever
•      loop scissors
•      luggage carrier
•      mitt potholder
•      padded wrist rest for computer keyboard or typewriter.
*67/209/5*

DRUG THERAPIES FOR HEALTHY BONES: FLUORIDE

December 20, 2010

I used to prescribe sodium fluoride because it stimulates bone formation. But the bone formed turned out not to be of high quality—and sometimes even abnormal—resulting in dense, but fragile, bones and increases in the rate of fractures. Side effects include gastrointestinal problems and joint and/or bone pain, and it is potentially toxic in high doses. With newer, far better options, the benefits no longer outweigh the drawbacks, so my advice is to avoid it.
However, studies are under way on lower doses in special slow-release formulations that may build bone and decrease fractures, as well as reduce or eliminate side effects. Low doses (45 to 75 mg daily) are already used in Europe, with apparently satisfactory results, but haven’t been approved by the FDA here as of yet. More study is needed, but perhaps lower doses that keep fluoride safe and effective will bring this drug back into favor. It should be a relatively inexpensive option if it does prove useful in the future. If it does make a comeback, you may want to take it along with calcium and vitamin D supplements, and possibly another medicine that blocks bone breakdown.
*162\228\2*

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