Sunday, May 18, 2008

Natural Remedies

There's such an abundance of "natural" treatments and concoctions, & it's hard to know what's going to work and what's just pretty packaging. Here are a handful of things that have worked for me:

(1) Heather's Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules with Ginger and Fennel
-- You can get peppermint oil capsules at just about any health food store or natural food market, and I find all brands helpful. However, this is the brand that works best for me, and I think it's the addition of ginger and fennel. Take it for general lower GI disturbance, stomach cramps, etc. (I've heard that peppermint oil should NOT be used if you have problems with gastric reflux or heartburn, as it can exacerbate the condition.) You can get this brand at some health food stores, Amazon.com or helpforibs.com.

(2) get relief by The Republic of Tea--- This tea is part of The Republic of Tea's Wellness Red Tea line and is also for tummy troubles. I think it works best for general indigestion/ yucky feeling. Besides rooibos, it has cinnamon, anise and peppermint. I find the taste pleasant enough, though not the most delicious tea I've ever tried. However, I start to feel better within minutes...so I'll take it! Also, The Republic of Tea is based in Novato, California, which is a very special place to me. You can get the tea at upscale markets, health food stores, their website....probably Pottery Barn and places like that!

(3) EmergenC-- I'm not sure why the mega dose of C and B vitamins must be delivered via fizzy drink mix, but this stuff really helps fight illness and general blahs. I don't think the taste is repulsive, but I don't particularly like it either. (I've had orange, tangerine and raspberry...and feel the same about all.) However, Trader Joe's recently came up with their own (cheaper) version, and it is SO disgusting!! I'll stick with EmergenC. You can get this at a lot of drug stores, health food stores, Trader Joe's, etc. Usually at health food stores, you can buy one or two single packets to see if you like it. (If you have a sensitive stomach, like me, know that mega doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea. So...don't take more than one packet per day...and maybe take it along with a low dose of Immodium.)

(4) oona PMS2-- The title is a little misleading because it's really not for PMS. (oona has another product-- PMS1, in a green tin-- that's for PMS symptoms. No idea if it works. They also have a menopause product, and again, haven't tried it.) This one is for menstrual cramps. It says it helps with a bunch of other things too-- like muscle aches and nausea-- but it doesn't really. However, it does help with cramps to a very significant degree, particularly if I follow the directions and start taking it a couple of days before my period. The active ingredients are Cramp Bark Extract (apropos!) and ginger. This product can be a little difficult to find, but try your local health food stores and/or natural markets. You can also get it at Amazon.com or www.oonausa.com, though buying it from either of those places will generally cost more than trying to find it in town.

Okay, enough for now, but feel free to share your own "finds" in natural health!

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