Homeopathy

The history of homeopathy
Homeopathy is derived from the two Greek words –hómoios which means similar and páthos that signifies suffering. The term homeopathy was used by the German physician Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann and first appeared in print in 1807, although he had began outlining his axiom of medical similars in a series of articles and monographs from 1796.

This method of treatment is widely popular in India and Europe; in the United States, it is not mcuh used as such therapies have been subject to very strict ordinances; very recently, even in Europe very strict and tight rules and regulations have been implemented by the EDQM.

The Theory of Homeopathy
The principle of homeopathy believes in treating the sick and unhealthy with exceptionally diluted agents that in concentrated form produce similar symptoms in the healthy or the normal. The homeopathic doctors believe that the chances of recovery are much higher if the serial dilution of the medication is increased laong with succussion or violent shaking. Unlike the established school of medicine, homeopathy believes that any disease is nothing but just a “morbid derangement of the organism”. This theory also asserts that every instance of an ailment differs from one person to another and an ailing person has a ‘dynamic disturbance in a hypothetical vital force’; hence, the conventional method of diagnosis and medication is not acceptable.

Since this alternative medical therapy believes in the principle of diluting the drugs to make them more effective, Homeopathy has faced tremendous amount of criticism from various sections of medical science; professionals have debated its authenticity and even termed it as “quackery” or “pseudo science”. Unfortunately placebo controlled clinical trials have only given mixed results and better quality trials are more likely to produce negative results. To make matters worse quite a few cases of critical conditions have proved to fatal from attempts made to treat serious diseases solely with homeopathy drugs.

Use of homeopathy for the treatment of Cancer
At the beginning of 2006, the European Journal of Cancer conducted a research and published the results of six trails of homeopathic treatments for the treatment of Cancer which included chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Amongst these six, three were were randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials. The authors of this publication were the Department of Complementary Medicine at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth. According to their investigation, there were not enough evidence to suppport the homeopathic use for the cancer therapy; however, the results were pretty encouraging and requires further investigation.

Popularity of homeopathy
As discussed earlier, homeopathy is much popular in India and Europe than in USA. Research has indicated that the growth of homeopathy in the British market is almost 20 percent every year; the growth rates are far high in Germany and Portugal. However, it is interesting to note that while this alternative form of medical treatment is usually considered to be complementary to its conventional counterpart, in India almost 10 percent of the population use homeopathy exclusively for their medical requirements.

Some interesting data
• More than 30 percent French doctors and 20 percent German medicos advise homeopathy to their patients.
• Almost 40 percent of British doctors recommend patients to seek homeopathy treatment.
• Nearly 45 percent of Dutch medicos firmly believe that homeopathic medicines are very effective.

Herbs That Lower Blood Pressure

It is really amazing to know that Mother Nature is always ready to provide your life with health care and essentials for survival. This provision includes lowering your blood pressure. Surprisingly, there are lots of traditionally used herbs that lower blood pressure. Most of them are made into supplements, and are also used to treat other conditions.

Herbs are beneficial in lessening chest pains, improving circulation especially for those with irregular mens, and treating cardiovascular diseases. That’s why you should get to know which herbs can lower your blood pressure, so that when you go shopping for natural blood pressure reducing supplements and alternative medicine, you would know basic information on what to find ingredients that are useful in reducing blood pressure.
Arjuna Bark (Terminalia Arjuna)

This is a deciduous tree found all over India. Ayurvedic medicine has used its bark for over three centuries. A number of studies have shown its effects on different cardiac disorders like coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. There had been no undesirable side effects or signs of hepatic, renal, or hematological abnormalities.
Black Cumin Seeds (Nigella Sativa)

Cumin seeds have been used in folk medicine for a long time, as a hypotensive remedy and diuretic. Research shows that Nigella sativa seed’s oil can be a powerful acting antihypertensive agent.
Forskolin (Coleus Forskohlii)

This has also been used in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time. Forskolin is known to show antispasmodic and hypotensive effect. It helps relax your arterial vascular smooth muscle, resulting to lower blood pressure.

Garlic

Raw garlic has important cardiovascular effects, like lowered blood pressure. Studies show that it can decrease your systolic pressure by 20-30 mmHg and your diastolic pressure reading from 10-20 mmHg.
Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxycantha Monogyna)

It is believed that Hawthorn can dilate your coronary blood vessels. It has been traditionally used for treatment of cardiovascular disorders in various cultures, and has been noted to show mild lowering of blood pressure effect, which sometimes takes up to four weeks for optimal results.
European Mistletoe (Viscum album)

Mistletoe has hypotensive and anti-cancer properties. It is known to possess cardiotonic, hypotensive, antispasmodic, vasodilatory, thymus stimulating, and tumor-inhibiting activity. However, mistletoe’s pharmacological effects have been successfully exposed in animal studies.
Olive Leaf (Olea Africana and Olea Europea)

This extract is taken from the leaves of the olive tree. It contains a very complex makeup of substances that act as vasodilators, which lowers blood pressure. This herb’s action has been studied for more or less two decades. Studies show that it can give significant decrease in blood pressure, without side effects.
Indian Snakeroot (Rauwolfia Serpentina)

This is an ancient Hindu remedy. This herb is the innate source of Reserpine, which is one of the pioneers of commercial blood pressure medication. Its healing wonder is due to its control of nerve impulses throughout pathways that control your blood vessels and heart. However, it has many adverse effects such as concentration problems and drowsiness. It should be avoided if you have stomach ulcers, depression, or ulcerative colitis.
Yarrow (Achillea Wilhelmsii)

This herb was found to contain substances that are effective in lowering lipids and blood pressure. A significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 2 months treatment using yarrow extract drops, were shown in research.

The use of herbal remedies is one way to attack hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. However, it would be best to seek the advice of a cardiologist first before using alternative remedies. It would be better if you read more on your condition; Cardiologychannel is one helpful site that provides more information on cardiovascular problems.