Natural Herbal Beauty

Backache, or back pain, is, with headache, one of the commonest and also one of the most serious types of pain experienced. More working days are lost in the western world through back problems than from any other illness except flu. There is little surprise in this, given that the back (and neck), consisting of the spine and a broad swathe of interconnecting muscles and tissues, is almost exclusively responsible for holding us upright and keeping most organs in their correct position. This puts the back (and neck) under constant strain and is the factor that makes back problems difficult to treat. (more…)

Neckache can be as mild as a passing discomfort from sitting or lying too long in one position to a more serious and chronic condition, requiring patience and care to correct. Because the neck is one of the most sensitive parts of the body—it is the conduit for all the blood supply and nerve signals to the brain— a problem with the neck can produce symptoms in the head, such as headaches, dizziness, aching eyes, blurred vision, and jaw ache. A mild ache in the neck can be put right simply by massaging the area with your hand until the pain goes. A more severe ache, such as a “crick” or stiff neck (where the head has become “stuck” at an uncomfortable angle and is painful to move), or neck spasm (torticolli) need more complex treatment. But natural therapies have a particularly good success rate whatever the severity. (more…)

Spine

The spine has four natural curves— but they should be gentle and upright curves. A good spine should have the right balance of curves for best performance and to avoid strain on muscles and joints. When they are neither gentle nor upright, a variety of problems can occur. The most common abnormalities are kyphosis, lordosis, flat back, sway back, and scoliosis.

Figuring out whether you have a postural problem and deciding on treatment is best done with help. Consult a specialist, such as a qualified osteopath, chiropractor, physiotherapist, or a teacher of yoga or the Alexander technique. (more…)

Basil: Sweet, spicy scent. Basil is a potent stimulant that increases circulation and eases muscle and joint aches and pains. It alleviates indigestion, and has antiseptic and expectorant properties and helps to treat congestion, coughs, and colds. Basil is excellent for relieving fatigue and nervous tension. Do not use during pregnancy.

Cypress: Spicy, balsamlike scent. The diuretic action of cypress helps to relieve water retention and cellulite. It also improves circulation and is helpful for arthritis. (more…)

No matter how healthy their lifestyles sooner or later most people have some experience of muscular aches and pains: it could be a pulled muscle or ligament due to accidental injury, the wear and tear of osteoarthritis or even that new ill of the 20th century, repetitive strain injury. Or it could be a less localised problem — a systemic disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or, more commonly, a nagging backache which seems to have no obvious cause. (more…)

One of the best rubs I know is camphorated oil. Because it is no longer sold commercially, it may be necessary to make your own. You can purchase some small, 1 ounce camphor blocks from your local druggist. If it is not in stock, ask your druggist to order it for you, or to please stock it for you. Most druggists are very pleasant and helpful if you tell them why you need a certain product.

The camphorated oil is cheap to make and very handy to have around. It makes a good chest rub for chest colds as well being good for arthritic conditions. Shave the block of camphor in an earthenware or glass bowl, and add 1 ounce of menthol crystals. This too can be purchased at your local drug store. (more…)

Mahuang is an effective decongestant and bronchodilator with marked anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a good expectorant. As such, it is traditionally used as a treatment for asthma, bronchitis, allergies, sinusitis, and the common cold. Mahuang is also a mild diuretic and fever reducer that has proven very valuable against hypotension (low blood pressure). Of particular interest to many is this herb’s ability to suppress the appetite, stimulate metabolism, and bring about substantial weight loss. (more…)