98
Escarpment Magazine Spring 2014
Whenyouare lookingatotheraspects
ofyour life to 'make-over' thisseason,
take some time to consider the items
youuse toeaseannoyingsymptoms...
IMPORTANT -
These are suggestions for alternatives to over-the-counter
medications. Do not replace prescription medications without first consulting
your prescribing physician.
Advil/ibuprofen, Aleve/naproxen -
thesepain relievingmedicationsworkby re-
ducing inflammation. Naturalproductswithanti-inflammatoryproperties includeMSM
(methylsulfonylmethane), Traumeel
®
(available as a topical ointment and oral
drops), and theculinaryherbsgingerand turmeric. Ginger canbeused internally
via tea,or to spice-upyour food,andcanalsobeusedasa soothing soak;add the
driedpowder toyourbathwater.
Tums, Pepto-bismol -
ginger teas (eg.Ginger Aidby TraditionalMedicinals)
ordigestiveenzymesare sometimes thekey to settlinganupset stomach.However,
somepeopleactuallyneed toencouragestomachacidproduction forbetterdigestion.
Howdoyouknow ifyouareoneof thesepeople? Thenext timeyouexperience indigestion,
swallow1Tbspof applecider vinegar...within1-2minutes youwill know if it iswork-
ing! Share your resultswith your naturopathic doctor (ND) and theywill be better
able tohelpyouhave longterm, trouble-freedigestion.
Cold& flu -
thedrugstorepillsaregood for symptom-relief, but
ifyou reallywant to recover faster,youneed tosupportyourbody'sabil-
ity to fight infection. Some natural immune-supportingoptions include an echinacea&
goldenseal herbal combo, oil of oreganodrops (on solesof feet for children)andzinc
tablets. For nasal congestion, trydaily flushingwithaneti pot, or inhaling the steam
of hotwaterwitheucalyptusoil.
Antihistamines -
therearemanynaturalproducts that haveanti-histamine
properties. A few common selections include a bioflavonoid called
quercetin, Euphorbium
®
nasal spray, andvitaminC (available inoral and
intravenous forms, the latter from yourND). Flushing the nosewith a neti pot
throughout theallergyseasonhelpsmanypeopleprevent theprogressionofmore
intense symptoms.
Blemishstick -
pimplesneedminerals, not chemicals. At bedtime, dab soléwateron toeachblemish... you
will noticean improvement in1-2days. Soléwater is basicallymineral-rich salt water... at a health food store
purchase rocksofHimalayan salt, put 2-3 rocks inaglass jarand fillwithwater, and then let sit overnight.Keep
jar inbathroom fordailyuse.
Antibacterial cream -
forminor cuts and scrapes keep tea treeoil, manuka honey, andoil of oreganoon
hand. Manukahoney isalsogood forapplying toburns; it speedshealingandprevents infection.
Forbest results, beginapplying these suggestionsat first signof symptoms.
Thesearenatural substitutions for symptom relief; however if you reallywant toaddress thecauseof your symp-
toms, speakwithyour naturopathicdoctor.
|E|
By SHELBYWORTS
BSC, ND
make-over
your
medicine
cabinet
ESCARPMENT
®
WELLNESS
|
healthier lifestyle habits
