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A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X-Y-Z

Updated Jul 08

ABSCESS
-see Hepar Sulph

ACETYL-L-CARNITINE
Helps create energy from food and aids mental function by helping neurotransmitter production.

ACHES AND PAINS
- see EFAs

Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a 'friendly' organism which helps the body fight disease and restore health. Modern research has discovered that acidophilus kills the harmful bacteria strain of E. coli in the intestinal tract. Acidophilus breaks milk sugar down into lactic acid. Bacteria which produce putrefaction and gas in the intestines cannot live in lactic acid. Acidophilus also has the unique ability to help the body synthesize, or manufacture all of the 'B' vitamins in the system. This makes it especially valuable since there is literally a host of agents which destroy B vitamins. A few are antibiotics, birth control pills, eating sugar and refined foods and drinking coffee. A diet high in red meat will destroy the beneficial bacteria, due to the concentration of antibiotics and steroids given to the animals before they are slaughtered. Lactobacillus acidophilus has been used to restore normal oral, GI, and vaginal flora in those affected by antibiotics or by Candida and bacterial infections.

To help prevent travellers diarrhoea take a good quality live Acidophilus supplement for at least 2 weeks before you go on holiday, and continue taking it while abroad. If possible keep this product refrigerated.

Can also help IBS symptoms

Acidophilus creates the environment necessary for synthesising B vitamins, and also helps fight off harmful organisms, including salmonella, staphylococci and fungi such as candida albicans (thrush).

Acne
see Zinc

ACTIVE MUSCULAR RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Active muscular relaxation techniques are a powerful new approach to bodywork used for relaxing overactive muscles and managing soft tissue pain from trauma or poor posture. Active muscular relaxation techniques utilize resisted isometric contractions of the overactive muscle or its antagonist (the one opposing its action). The objective of this procedure is to relax and/or lengthen (stretch) the overactive muscle.

ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure is an ancient health care practice that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles whereas acupressure uses a gentle but firm pressure of the hands (as well as the fists, elbows, arms and feet in some techniques). Acupressure, the older of the two traditions, uses the power and sensitivity of human touch.

ACUPUNCTURE

As in other forms of Oriental medicine, acupuncture is based on a bioelectric medical system in which energy in the body travels along pathways called meridians. Points on the body, called acupuncture points, connect the energy flow to organs and corresponding physiological systems. Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians where each point affects the vital energy, or qi energy, that passes through it. Disease and other health problems occur when there is a disruption in this energy flow. During therapy, acupuncture practitioners stimulate acupuncture points, usually by needles or through other methods such as acupressure massage or moxibustion.

Acupuncture for Hayfever – reduces the symptoms of runny nose and eyes

Acupuncture for hot flushes – a small study has suggested that acupuncture may reduce the discomfort of hot flushes for women during Menopause

Acupuncture for lower back pain. According to a study conducted and published by B.M.J. , acupuncture is more effective than conventional medicine for treating lower back pain.

ADRENAL GLANDS
- see Pine Needle Essential Oil

AGNUS CASTUS
Also known as Vitex, is a herb native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. It has hormone regulating effects in the female body and is traditionally used to treat conditions such as infertility, pre-menstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
The Alexander technique is a method used to help people illuminate their unconscious patterns of body tension and correct habits that cause physical and emotional problems. It is used to allow a person to pattern his or her body's movement, inhibiting habits that cause tension or pain and replacing them with those that help his or her body to function more efficiently.

ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTRES

Alcohol Treatment & Rehab Centres in UK .

Abbeycare Foundation, A clinic for the treatment of alcohol dependency and problem drinking

ALFALFA
Alfalfa is a well-known herb to health-conscious consumers. It is high in nutrients, which are drawn into the plant from deep in the soil. The richest land source of trace minerals, the roots of Alfalfa plants have been known to reach as much as thirty feet deep! The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in minerals and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carotene. They are also a source of protein, vitamin E and vitamin K. Alfalfa has been used by the Chinese since the sixth century to treat kidney stones, and to relieve fluid retention and swelling. Alfalfa nourishes the digestive, skeletal, glandular, and urinary systems. Alfalfa contains chlorophyll, which is renowned for its cleansing qualities.

ALLERGIES

The Hale Approach - Nutition/Allergy Treatment
Many chronic illnesses and low-grade symptoms are due to food allergies. Stress, refined foods, high fat diet and antibiotics can cause partially digested food particles to leak into the blood stream where they trigger the immune response. A blood test identifies food to be eliminated from the diet. Checks are made for imbalance in gut bacteria, liver problems or candida infections.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy normally works on the whole constitution, but remedies for specific symptoms include Apis (for ulticaria) and Aethusa (symptoms made worse by milk).There are also remedies for candidiasis.
Buteyko
People with allergies overbreathe, diluting their supply of carbon dioxide. A lack of carbon dioxide means that antigens in the body do not bind to the foreign material correctly. Restoring correct levels through Buteyko breathing technique raises sensitivity to normal.
Colonic Hydrotherapy
Impacted matter is removed from the colon with warm, salty water, making it easier to clear up allergies.
Indian Medicine
Press the pressure points where the upper and lower jaw meed for 30 seconds only. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, avoid fried foods, eat papaya.
See Dong Quai

ALMONDS
Naturally cholesterol free – to help maintain a healthy heart. High in protein and fibre, and packed with E and B vitamins, magnesium and calcium. May aid weight loss.

ALOE VERA
Aloe vera has historically been known for assisting the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and for its properties of soothing, cleansing and helping the body to maintain healthy tissues. This plant has a reputation of facilitating digestion, aiding blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions. Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally neutralises digestive juices to prevent overacidity - a common cause of digestive complaints.

A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the immune system. Studies have shown acemannan to boost T-lymphocyte cells that aid natural resistance.

Can be used to treat burns, minor wounds, itching and digestive complaints.

Prickly heat - apply gel to skin to soothe prickly heat
Peptic ulcers – aloe vera juice sooths and heals the gastro-intestinal mucous membranes.
Colitis, IBS, constipation and food poisoning may benefit from treatment with aloe vera - - - - General digestion – daily intake of aloe vera has shown to improve regularity, nutrient absorption, energy levels and general bowel health.
Antioxidant – aloe vera juice is reputed to help eliminate toxins and scavenge free-radicals

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
Fights off damaging effects of free radicals and regenerates antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E, and Glutathione.

AMINO ACID THERAPY
Amino acid therapy is the use of "free form" amino acids for various therapeutic purposes. Supplements of pure amino acids in the form of powder, capsules, or pills are referred to as free-form amino acids. In conjunction with vitamins and minerals, amino acid supplements can be used to treat a variety of illnesses, including many physical and mental disorders.

ANAEMIA
See Iron

ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY
Animal-assisted therapy is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process.

Anorexia Nervosa
see Zinc

ANGELICA
See Angelica has been used to stimulate gastric secretion, reduce flatulence, and treat rheumatic and skin disorders by topical application .

Anti-oxidants
A group of nutrients which protect the body from destructive molecules called free radicals. The main anti-oxidants include vitamins A,C and E, beta carotene and the mineral selenium. There is mounting evidence that high anti-oxidant levels can substantially reduce the risk of major diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

See the following:-

Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Co Enzyme Q10
Germanium
Grape Seed Extract
Green Tea Extract
Lycopene
Pine Bark extract
Pomegranate extract
Red Wine Extract
Selenium
Tumeric Extract
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

ANTHEROSCLOSIS
See Flaxseed oil

ANXIETY
See Vitamins/B vitamins
see Camomile

APPLIED KINESIOLOGY
Applied kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis using muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person's body is functioning. When properly applied, the outcome of an AK diagnosis will determine the best form of therapy for the patient. Since AK draws together the core elements of many complementary therapies, it provides an interdisciplinary approach to health care.

APPETITE SUPPRESSANT
See Chromium polynicotinate

APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
Applied physiology uses the science and art of muscle/fascial monitoring to learn about states of stress in the body. Certain specific muscles are related to various organs and body systems through the acupuncture meridian network. By monitoring a specific muscle, it is possible to get a "readout" of energy related to a particular organ or body system.

APRICOTS
Contain Vitamin A to help maintain healthy eyes. Good source of iron and high in fibre.

ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are substances, such as grape seed or pine bark extract, vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta carotene, that appear to protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation. This would make them especially helpful for the circulatory system and for soft tissue maintenance.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
(should be organic, raw & unfiltered!)
Apple cider vinegar helps the body get rid of toxins and nourishes the digestive processes. Apple cider vinegar is an old folk remedy claimed to be beneficial in treating a long list of ailments. Proponents say that it can cure arthritis, guard against osteoporosis, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent cancer, destroy infection, assist in digestion and weight control, maintain memory, and protect the mind from aging. Those who have tried using it swear by it. Sceptics who have not tried it swear at proponents of this "folk remedy".

ARNICA
Arnica Cream is the ideal first aid application, effective for all types of bruising resulting from injuries, knocks and falls. Can also be taken internally in a pill form (6 or 30C strength)

Bromelian, an extract of pineapple. When taken between meals it has anti inflammatory properties and can be useful in the treatment of Arthritis.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may relieve arthritic pain.
Arnica – use as a gel and combine with Devil’s Claw tablets or tincture
Quercetin
Green-lipped mussels
Omega-3 fish oils
Pomegranates
Tumeric
Pine Needle Essential Oil
Boron
Dong Quai
Feverfew
Flaxseed oil
Honey and Cinnamon

ARTICHOKES
Artichokes could help lower cholesterol levels students of Reading University have found. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. A healthy reading is anything below 5 millimoles of cholesterol for each litre of blood . Anything over 6.4 is high. Researchers used Cynara Artichoke, an artichoke supplement found in healthfood shops, on 131 patients with high cholesterol. After 12 weeks, average cholesterol levels fell from 7.16 mmol/litre to 6.86 – significant enough to have a favourable effect on patient’s heart disease risk.

AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. It is an art and science which seeks to explore the physiological, psychological and spiritual realm of the individual's response to aromatic extracts as well as to observe and enhance the individual's innate healing process.

The Aromatherapy Trades Council has issued a definition of essential oils to help trading standards prosecute firms that produxce week dilutions or blends of little therapeutic value. When buying the aromatherapy oil ensure that the label says “essential oil”.

Approved brands include Tisserand, Fleur Aromatherapy, Neils yard and Nelson & Russell.

When using essential oils, care should be taken as all essential oils are extremely strong – it is good for the inexperienced user to assume none should be taken internally or used undiluted (except lavender)

PREGNANCY - never use Basil, Sage, Clove, Thyme, Hyssop, Marjoram, Myrhh, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Juniper or Sweet fennel.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE : can be exacerbated with the use of Hyssop, Rosemary, sage and Thyme.

SENSITIVE SKINS can have trouble with Fennel, Lemon Grass, Rosemary, Melissa, Lemon, Peppermint, Sage, thyme, and Teatree, and Cinnamon can cause particular problems.

ALCOHOL – DO NOT USE Clary sage in conjunction with alcohol as it can amplify the effects of alcohol.

BABIES – with the exception of Lavender, Chamomile and Mandarin, essential oils should not be used to treat babies or young children without the advice of a qualified Aromatherapist or medical practitioner.

SUNSHINE - Citrus oils in particular should not be used on the skin for at least 4 hours exposure to the sun’s rays, or a sun bed. Avoid Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Lemongrass, Citronella, Grapefruit, Melissa and any other citrus oil.

Essential Oils and their uses
Lavender :
Helps sleep
used for headaches – place on third eye (make sure you wash your hands after application)
Helps relieve stress
Helps heal burns – can be applied neat onto burn or blister
Helps relieve itchiness from insect bites

ART THERAPY
Art therapy is based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing. Through creating art and talking about art and the process of art making with an art therapist, one can increase awareness of self, cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences, enhance cognitive abilities, and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of artistic creativity.

ASRALAGUS AND SCHIZANDRA
Flu remedy – Once flu is passed the acute stage, these herbs, in tincture form, are good for the exhaustion and aching muscles.Possesses the ability to revitalise a lethargic immune centre and makes an excellent long term tonic for the elderly during the winter months

ASTHMA
See the following:-
Omega-3 fish oils
Shiatsu
See Dong Quai
See Rosemary
See Thyme

ASTON-PATTERNING
Aston-Patterning is the application of the Aston paradigm (perceptions about our bodies' natural form and function, our processes of learning and self-expression, and our interaction with the physical properties of the planet and our environment) to human movement, bodywork, and ergonomics, matching human function to its environment. As a form of therapy, its uniqueness lies partly in its comprehensive approach to the whole individual rather than seeing the body as separate parts.

AURA-SOMA
Aura-soma is a colour therapy that comprises 105 bottles of coloured liquids. Each bottle contains 2 distinctive layers of refined oils floating on spring water and all the colours are completely natural. Various essential oils are added to the oily phase, while the aqueous one contains plant extracts, flower essences and crystals e.g. pink contains rose quartz, royal blue sapphire and turquoise.

Each colour has its own frequency and, when combined with the ingredients, radiates a special kind of energy. It is said that we are instinctively drawn to the colour frequencies that that can help restore balance to mind, body and soul.

AURA THERAPY
Aura therapy is a healing technique based on reading a person's aura, or vital energy field, and then treating diseases revealed by the aura color or colors. There are several variations of treatment, but therapy emphasizes manipulating the aura energy back into a positive balance.

AURICULOTHERAPY
Auriculotherapy, also called ear acupuncture, applies the principles of acupuncture to specific points on the ear. Auriculotherapists believe that healing processes can be promoted by working with these points on the ear, because the ear contains many blood vessels and nerve endings that, when stimulated, influence the organs and bodily functions.

AUTOGENIC TRAINING
Autogenic training, also known as Autogenics, is a system of simple mental (meditative) exercises, which consciously focuses the creative power of the mind on relaxation and awareness. It promotes deep relaxation, greater awareness, self-discovery, and self-regulation. It is designed to switch off the "fight or flight" response and invoke the rest, relaxation, and recreation system within the body.

AYURVEDA
Ayurveda is based on the premise that disease is the natural end result of living out of harmony with our environment. "Natural" is an important word because Ayurveda understands that symptoms of disease are the body's normal way of communicating disharmony. With this understanding of disease, Ayurveda's approach to healing becomes obvious: To reestablish harmony between the self and the environment. Once this is reestablished the need for the body to communicate disharmony diminishes, symptoms dissipate, and healing has occurred.