I know we've had alternative health threads before. But, I was too lazy to figure out what it was called and bump it for this topic.
It has been proven that Ginko Biloba does not actually help your memory or attention according to herbs wont work Then there are studies which prove its effectiveness such as dbl blind study And there are even studies which prove that it can be dangerous to take such as seizures caused by too much
Are there any alternative health things that you find particularly effective?
I'm personally a fan of Naam oil for the skin, it works better than anything I can find in the beauty aisle for a nice clear complexion.
Ginseng, I put a shot of ginseng in my coffee every morning and it really helps with energy.
I use some acupressure when I am hungover for a quick fix and if the lady wants a massage I use it.
Besides that I have to pop pills for things like allergies. I haven't been able to find anything that works as well as allegra and some nose spray. And, I know that meds will probably always be a lot stronger and quicker for relief. But, is there anything you use when it just doesn't justify going to the doctor?
D-res
Honey, lemon juice and hot to warm water before bed is a nice concoction for a soar throat.
Although as you noted, in most cases I'll just trust my local chemist and just eat cheap pharmaceuticals.
When I think of alternative medicine, I think of this:
:p
igottaknow
The boring answer is proper diet, exercise, and good night sleep is all you need to maintain your health or recover from a cold.
Theresa
5-htp works wonders for mild depression and anxiety. I get SAD and the 5-htp makes a huge difference. I have a couple of good friends that suffer from anxiety and both have said that it has reduced their anxiety (something they have suffered from for years upon years). It is supposed to help with weight loss, but I never noticed a benefit from that. Vitamin D seems to help with the SAD too.
Vitamin E oil directly on healing wounds seems to prevent scarring. My brother's appendix burst and I told him to rub the vitamin E into the scar (massive scar extending from below his belly button to just below his nipple region), and the scar is barely noticeable only a few years later. Also good as a chapstick alternative.
Echinacea and vitamin C when feeling a cold coming on. Seems to work.
I personally take calcium and magnesium supplements because I am allergic to milk.
As for allergies, I take extra strength, non-drowsy claritin. I don't find anything else works that well, but when I went into anaphylactic shock last month, the nurse gave me a shot of benadryl (a very strong concentration of it), and that seemed to help, but I also had epinephrine, so who knows.
Rapid dissolving B12 under the tongue seems to help with energy levels.
What REALLY works and what doesn't, I don't know, but these things seem to work for me.
Theresa
FYI - for anyone wanting to try the 5-htp for depression or anxiety etc., please don't do it if you are already on anti-depressants/anxiety drugs like an SSRI or Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors.
srussell0018
5-htp is made for women suffering postpartum depression. All it really does is aid your brain in its production of serotonin, which is why it can be dangerous when taking an SSRI or SNRI. Basically you'd be producing more serotonin than normal, and the medication would block its re-uptake, leaving it in the synapse. Too much serotonin can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can cause seizures and even death. The dilated pupils that come with MDMA or ecstasy use are actually an early and mild symptom of SS.
Also, If you're taking an MAOI, don't ever take anything without talking to your doctor first. But you should already know that.
Happymess
I'm of the opinion that honey + lemon and sleep cure everything.
And try to avoid people at all costs.
gmilf
quote:
Originally posted by Theresa
FYI - for anyone wanting to try the 5-htp for depression or anxiety etc., please don't do it if you are already on anti-depressants/anxiety drugs like an SSRI or Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors.
Ginseng helps a bit with that as well, supposedly and won't interact negatively if you are taking other anti-depressants.
gmilf
quote:
Originally posted by Happymess
I'm of the opinion that honey + lemon and sleep cure everything.
And try to avoid people at all costs.
apple vinegar, ginger, honey and lemon heated up and drank like a tea is soothing when I have the flu. Since I've begun teaching if I get a scratchy throat I make this concoction and I haven't gotten sick since.
Theresa
quote:
Originally posted by srussell0018
5-htp is made for women suffering postpartum depression. All it really does is aid your brain in its production of serotonin, which is why it can be dangerous when taking an SSRI or SNRI. Basically you'd be producing more serotonin than normal, and the medication would block its re-uptake, leaving it in the synapse. Too much serotonin can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can cause seizures and even death. The dilated pupils that come with MDMA or ecstasy use are actually an early and mild symptom of SS.
Also, If you're taking an MAOI, don't ever take anything without talking to your doctor first. But you should already know that.
It's used for more than just helping with postpartum, but the rest of it you got right.
srussell0018
quote:
Originally posted by Theresa
It's used for more than just helping with postpartum, but the rest of it you got right.
That's what it was originally designed for. That's why you find it in the baby aisle of a lot of pharmacies.
Halcyon+On+On
quote:
Originally posted by Theresa
It's used for more than just helping with postpartum, but the rest of it you got right.
30 Rock cured my depression. 5-HTP helped, but laughing lets me sleep at night.
