Alternative Medicine Cabinet

Apart from the odd paracetamol (the safest painkiller on the market) I don't have any over the counter preparations in the house and rely totally on natural products which not only work but are also safe to use. So this article I am setting out a few ideas for your own Alternative Medicine Cabinet.

The list below covers a whole range of ailments and is by no means definitive but a good starting point for those of you wishing to start your own alternative medicine cabinet.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Use the 6C or 30C potencies (all listed should be obtainable from pharmacies and health shops). Adults should take 2 tablets and children under 12 one only. Take without water and do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before and after taking.

ACONITE - good for shock. For example, if you have fallen and are a little shaky take this remedy before the following one (Arnica). Take 2 tablets immediately.

If taken at the first sign of a cold brought on by actually being cold they should stop it developing. Take 2 tablets every hour on 6 occasions.

ARNICA - wonderful for bruising, be this bruising you can see after, for example, a knock, or internal bruising. Take immediately after knocking yourself - 2 tablets every hour x 6. Dental work - take 2 tablets on the day of the work and then 3 times a day for 2 days afterwards. Do the same pre and post surgery to avoid internal bruising. Arnica cream is also useful to rub on a bruise - do not use if the skin is broken though. In this case use Calendula cream or Pawpaw ointment (see below).

ARSENICUM ALBUM - great for digestive problems, sickness and diarrhoea. Take 2 tablets every 15 minutes 6 times maximum.

CALENDULA CREAM - can be used on broken skin and great for heat rash, sunburn, nappy rash and chickenpox.

GELSEMIUM - good for colds and flu if you have a humdinger of a sore throat, aching and shivering. Take as Aconite.

FERR PHOS - this can stop a cold before it develops. Take as Aconite. I find Gelsemium stops a cold with me. My husband finds this remedy works for him so experiment to see which is the best for you.

RHUS TOX - excellent for aches and pains following gardening, DIY, etc. Take 2 tablets straight after the manual job and then have an Epsom Salt bath(see details on this below) that evening and the next day you should be pain - free.

Homoeopathic remedies last indefinitely if stored away from light, heat and strong smells. So keep these away from the following essential oils.

ESSENTIAL OILS

CLOVE - apply neat with a cotton bud to aching teeth or gums. Repeat twice daily.

LAVENDER - can be used neat on wounds, insect bites, burns (after holding burn under cold running water for 10 minutes).

TEA TREE - can be used neat on cold sores, spots and infected acne. Use 2 drops in a glass of water to gargle with if you have a sore throat. Repeat 3 times a day. For wounds - clean well under running water, add 10 drops to 1 pint warm water and use this solution to bathe the wound. Cover with a dressing.

All the above oils last a maximum of 2 years so discard after that time.

OTHERS

ALOE VERA - you can buy a gel but it is easier to buy a plant and keep on a windowsill in the kitchen. Great for burns (as with Lavender, hold burn under cold running water for 10 minutes first) break off a leaf and squeeze some of the gel onto the burn. For wounds, put some of the gel on after cleaning under cold water first.

ECHINACEA TINCTURE - an immune system booster. Take for one month during September and again in March to avoid flu following the directions on the tincture bottle.

RESCUE REMEDY - one of the Bach Flower Remedies and something every home should have. It is good for any acute situation be this following sudden shock, fear or anxiety. Use before flying, driving tests, exams, etc. Take 4 drops direct on tongue every 10 minutes. Repeat as often as necessary.

PAWPAW OINTMENT - this is available from suppliers on the internet. It is an ointment which can be used for every age group, including babies being particularly good for nappy rash. It works on bruises, insect bites, cuts, burns, nettle rash, eczema. I have used it on small diabetic ulcers on the feet as well. If you are on a budget you could use this and save money on the Arnica and Calendula creams.

EPSOM SALTS - these are available from pharmacies. They are excellent to add to a bath up to 4 times a week to help arthritis, aching muscles and at the start of a cold or flu (they heat up the water so cause you to sweat the inflammation out). Add a mugful to a warm, not too hot, bath. Agitate the water and soak for 15 minutes. If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition make sure the water is warm and not really hot and use at most three times a week.

There may seem to be quite a few remedies to buy to stock up your own Alternative Medicine cabinet but, once purchased, they will last for a couple of years at least and it will mean you have something on hand to deal with most first aid problems. If you do have a problem that persists, however, have it checked by your doctor rather than continuing with self - prescribed treatment.

Tips for Choosing the Right Three Position Lift Chair for You

Three position lift chairs offer users three convenient positions from which to choose. There is the upright position at one end and the 135-degree almost reclined position at the other end with the 45-degree incline in between. These three positions offer the ultimate in comfort as it allows the user to sit upright when reading, or sit at an inclined position to watch TV or even sleep comfortably in the chair. However, to enjoy the benefits of this type of power chair it is important to choose one that is right for you.

Factors You Will Need to Consider

Lift chairs come in a wide assortment of shapes and sizes to accommodate people of different shapes and different heights. The first thing you need to consider is whether the chair is big and wide enough for you. The right size chair is one in which your feet can touch the floor without straining when you are sitting.

The next thing to consider is which type of chair is most appropriate to meet your needs. Some chairs are designed with basic functionalities whereas others offer more advanced functionalities such as zero-gravity positioning that boosts circulation and offers enhanced back relief. There are also several additional features, such as heating and massage, that offer an even higher degree of comfort and relief. While all of these extra functionalities and features may sound so much more attractive, they can increase the price of the chair drastically. Feature filled chairs are a much more expensive option and you may want to consider them only if it is necessary and if your budget allows for it. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons and make the right choice.

Another thing to remember is that these chairs can be pretty bulky and will take up a lot of space with even more space needed when they are reclined. Make sure you measure the chair and the available space so that you can be sure it will fit into the room where you are planning to place it and it can also be comfortably reclined. After all, if you are planning on investing in a three position lift chair you will want to place it somewhere where you can avail of the benefits of all three positions.

A lift chair may serve a utilitarian purpose but ultimately it is also a piece of furniture and as such, it needs to fit into the overall decor of your home. You do not want to get a chair that will clash with the existing decor.

Living Well and Staying Alive

Staying fit and healthy is the only way life can be better. Day in and out, we are faced with taking so many decisions with regards to our lives and also our health. Eating the right foods and making sure that we are not faced with difficult health situations we cannot deal with is where we do not want to be which is why we must make sure we are always eating right.

The difference between a healthy person and an unhealthy person is the ability and the willingness to want to make a change. Below are some tips to help you live a healthy life and also stay strong and healthy at all times;

· Make sure you sleep well. Do not sleep less than 8 hours every night.

· Make sure you take lots of water during the day to help in cleansing your body.

· Make sure you do not eat just anything especially junk food from restaurants.

· Eating foods like pasta, etc late at night is very dangerous.

· Stay away from fatty foods and foods that contain high calories like processed foods, biscuits, margarine, candy, meat, chicken, etc.

Having various food recipes on the many healthy foods available can help you eat only the right things. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables will go a long way to ensuring that your health is in place. For instance, vegetables and fruits like;

· Tomatoes

· Cabbage

· Carrot

· Spinach

· Green beans

· Onions

· Lettuce, etc

· Oranges

· Apples

· Bananas

· Blue berries

· Red grapes, etc.

A healthy life is never easy to go through with however; if you really value your life and also the happiness of your family and yourself, you will definitely understand that your life might be your life but can affect many people in different ways. There are only a few people that have been able to understand what health really means and for those people, life is just beautiful.

Switching from your normal way of life especially wth regards to your eating lifestyle to eat healthy can be quite a difficult transition, this is why it is always advisable to take the process slowly. Rushing the whole process will only lead you to fail but when you take things easy, you will realise how easy the entire process is.

Good health means wealth which is why you must make sure you do not take your health and the way you live for granted.

It is sad to see many people die of illnesses and diseases that could have been prevented if they had just lived a healthy life by eating the right foods and paying attention to their bodies needs in a positive way. Do not be like them, start concentrating on your health and make sure you are on the right track for health is wealth.

The Wonders of Care for Your Newborn - At Home

Congratulations! You've made it through the nine long months of pregnancy, followed by childbirth - which could also mean hours of labour! So now you can breathe a sigh of relief because those are the hardest parts right? You get to go home and enjoy building a life with your newborn baby.

But then you get home and you realise - babies aren't born with instruction manuals! And you feel like you have no idea what you're doing!

There's so much information available out in the world in books, magazines, the internet - everyone is ready to give you some advice. But what could be better than having an experienced hand with you, in your own home, helping you to get through this sometimes tough - but always amazing time?

That's where home care providers come in.

When you come home from the hospital, it's always better to have someone there to help you with your newborn - especially with today's short hospital stays. Having a baby alone is already takes a very big toll on you, both physically and emotionally. And while you're still recovering newborn babies can be very intimidating - not to mention exhausting!

You'll have a lot of questions as a new parent about the care of your baby. And a lot of friends will want to come over to meet the new little one! So to manage all of that, along with your family and pets may need extra help!

And a professional baby home caregiver can help you ease your nerves and give you the support you need to become an independent and confidant parent. Oh, and there's that other part about helping you to get some shut-eye - you definitely need some rest!

Daytime care

While you're still trying to adjust to parenting, you might feel like you don't have enough hours in a day! A home carer for your baby will help you manage better by looking after baby while you take a nap. Home carers can also look after your baby for you while you work or run errands throughout the day. In most cases they can also help you out with some light cleaning around the house, cooking meals and running errands for you.

Overnight care

Overnight caregivers are usually the highest in demand! Taking care of a baby all day is already quite exhausting. All you want after a long day is to have a good night's sleep. But with baby crying and waking you up throughout the night that just doesn't happen! That's why many mommies have a home caregiver to look after their babies during the night so that they can be well rested for the next day.

24-hour care

This is usually necessary when you've experiences a complicated pregnancy or delivery - or your little one is ill. An experienced care giver or in some cases a neo-natal nurse can help you to take care of a sick little one and make it much easier for you. You're already exhausted, and a sick baby is even more taxing. Many home health care agencies will have a few different carers or nurses to rotate in shifts - that way you'll have someone with fresh energy looking after your little one.

There's no shame in getting help with you newborn baby - in fact it should be applauded as proof that you want only the best for you baby!

Professional home carers for babies and specialist neo-natal nurses can be just the lifeline you need to make your experience a very happy one!

Quick Cough Remedies - Instant Relief You Can Take

Cough - on normal days, it is forgivable and waiting for medication to take effect after a few days is okay. But if you need to be in a business meeting or give a speech to an audience, you may want a remedy that will immediately give you relief. Of course, these remedies are not really meant to cure the underlying problem. However, they can be pretty useful on certain occasions.

Lemon & Honey

Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and other soothing ingredients that can help relieve you from cough. Also, honey is known for its numerous healing properties. To benefit, simply mix equal parts of lemon and honey and store in a jar. Take a tablespoon of the mixture whenever you feel the need to relieve yourself. The honey will make the sourness of the lemon less discomforting. Another way to do this is to heat the lemon first (without bringing to a boil) before mixing it with honey.

Anti-bacterial Gargle

These can be bought over-the-counter at your favorite drug store. There are plenty of varieties and you can choose any brand that you like. However, you need to be wary about products that you may be allergic to. For example, you may want to go for unscented variants if you are allergic to perfume products. A simple menthol-based mouthwash will also do. Just bring a bottle of it wherever you go and gargle when you feel your throat itching again.

Salt Gargle

This is fairly easy to make. Simply mix ½ glass of hot water with ½ glass of warm water and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Make sure that the salt is completely dissolved. Gargle using the solution and make sure you gargle deep enough so that the solution will reach your throat. This makes a fine cough relief thanks to the natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salt.

Garlic Syrup

These can also be bought over-the-counter and are available in different variants. The only problem is that they can sometimes be a bit pricey. However, good garlic syrup makes a fine cough relief thanks to its antibacterial properties. It will instantly kill the bacteria causing itch and inflammation on your throat. Just be wary of the smell. After using garlic syrup, you may want to brush your teeth afterwards or gargle with mouthwash.

Aloe Vera Juice

Most of the discomfort that you feel when you have a case of cough is from the inflammation of the throat. This can result to itch and pain. In which case, a natural aloe Vera juice will work wonders because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties. It also has ingredients than can help soothe the pain and itch. To benefit, you may want to sip down the juice slowly using a straw. This way, your throat will be more exposed to the juice.

Tea & Honey

Tea has long been known for its many medicinal properties and among them are its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes tea a good beverage for relieving cough. But to add to the effect, it is good to add some honey as well. You also have the option of adding some lemon for a stronger effect.

Lemon Packs a Powerful Punch for Health and Household

Lemons 

Lemons are the most valued of all the fruits for their healing, detoxifying, cleansing and rejuvenating properties. Since ancient cultures, lemons have been used for the preservation of health and longevity all around the world to cleanse and cultivate health with its strong phytochemical punch.

Property breakdown 

Lemon juice is 6.7-8.6 % citric acid. Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin required for the formation of collagen, a protein found in skin that reduces wrinkles, lessens scare tissue and strengthens and repairs blood vessels and other body tissues. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants have anti-cancer properties and are responsible for slowing down the aging probess, fighting tumors, repairing wounds and warding off inflammatory illnesses and fighting viral and bacterial infections.

Medicinal properties 

Citric acid is a powerful chelator that binds to metal ions for heavy metal toxin removal, such as with amalgam cavity fillings. Limonene, the oil found in the citrus peel, contains the highest quantities of the medicinal phytochemicals shown to reduce non-melanoma skin cancer risk. Bioflavonoids in lemon juice strengthen the blood vessels and maintain good eye health. The potassium content is essential for normal kidney function, electrolyte balance and critical for nerve and muscle function. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties in lemon juice is recommended for acute rheumatism.

Historical Fun Facts 

Lemon juice was known to counteract narcotic poisoning. Nero, emperor of Rome, was known for drinking copious quantities of lemon juice to prevent any assassination attempts through poisoning and has long been recognized for its value as a hangover cure. The citric acid in lemons is capable of breaking down the proteins in seafood, further aiding in digestion. The initial reason lemons has always been paired with seafood was for its antibacterial properties to make the food safe. Lemon has been widely used for cleaning the house and used internally and externally for cleansing the body and also as a means for preserving food, remedies and any homemade concoctions.

During the 18th century, British Royal Surgeon James Lind discovered that the amount of Vitamin C in lemons was enough to ward off scurvy. In this regard, it has been a British tradition that every ship carry enough lemon juice for every sailor. Indonesian tradition held that for those whose suffered migraines, one should clean with lemons and soak their feet in lemon juice water. Lemons were also the go-to for neuralgia, malaria, rickets, tuberculosis, gout, and chronic rheumatism.

Everyday uses 

Lemon is very useful in everyday activities of cleaning, hygiene, beauty regimens and, remedies and all-purpose recipes.

The face, nails, liver spots, ant-aging, acne, natural chemical peel facials, hair lightening, skin tone evening, heart burn, liver complaints, sun burns, asthma, digestion, smells, diphtheria, sore throats, headaches, influenza, fevers and hang over's all benefit from lemon.

Daily tip 

Start the morning with lemon water to increase health vibrancy, detoxify the body, blood and liver, reduce the risk unwanted health issues and promote regularity while nourishing the brain and nerve cells.

"Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food." -Hippocrates.

Disclaimer: Not intended to diagnose/treat any disease or be a substitute for medical advice/ health care. Speak with your doctor before incorporating any new lifestyle changes.

Stephanie Harper, Wellness Coach of Holistic Approaches, specializes as a Master Herbalist, Nutritional Consultant, Master Gardner and Certified Holistic Health Practitioner.

Remember, Optimum Wellness is more than the absence of dis-ease. Connect, ask questions, receive support and learn how to cultivate wellness in your life for free connect to Holistic Approaches on Facebook

Death, Taxes, and Health Care

Interestingly enough, all three of these employment trends eventually died out to the extent that there are not nearly the job opportunities today as there were in days gone by. Yet there is one industry that hasn't changed -- an industry as reliable as death and taxes. That industry is healthcare.

As long as there are people living on the planet, there will be available healthcare jobs for the taking. Let's face it: People get sick and/or injure themselves in accidents. Without a thriving healthcare industry, we would be in a world of hurt.

Fastest Growing Industry

According to data from the U.S. government, healthcare jobs are among the fastest-growing in the country. As a matter fact, if you remove government jobs from the equation, the healthcare industry promises the greatest amount of growth over the course of the next 10 to 20 years. On average, the government estimates most healthcare jobs will see a total employment increase of nearly 25 percent through the year 2020.Some medical jobs will see greater growth than others, of course, but the healthcare industry is a stable one.

While double digit growth is a good thing for the industry, there is a downside in that there aren't enough students entering medical school to fill all the positions projected to be open. That's one of the main reasons why there continues to be a drastic shortage of qualified workers to fill all the available healthcare jobs. Medical facilities are literally begging for workers and willing to allow them to virtually write their own ticket if they'll come to work. No other industry has ever seen anything like it.

So Many Options

Young students thinking of entering the medical field have so many options it can be daunting at times. For example, a high school student not interested in pursuing 10 years of education can choose among a number of certification programs that will allow him to land entry-level healthcare jobs like a certified nurse assistant, dialysis technician or home health aide. For many of these entry-level positions, certifications can be earned in 3-12 months.

Workers interested in nursing can begin as licensed practical nurses after completing just a two-year program. They can continue their education to become registered nurses, nurse practitioners and even physician assistants. And for those who want to go all out, there are all sorts of healthcare jobs for doctors ranging from general practitioners all the way up to the highest-paying surgical specialties.

With so many healthcare job options to choose from, all you need is a little bit of motivation and a proper education.