What health issues, conditions and problems can natural alternative medicines, supplements and herbals be used to treat?
ACNE
Acne, including acne triggers such as hormonal causes and food allergies. Herbal, nutritional and dietary considerations for both internal and topical treatment of acne. Herbs used include: Tea-tree oil, burdock, red clover, dandelion, lavender, garlic, yellow dock, Oregon grape root, strawberry leaves, echinacea, vitex, guggul, and calendula.
ADAPTOGENIC HERBS
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for herbs considered to be adaptogenic; equalizing and normalizing the functions of the different body systems, thus increasing immunity, overall health and vitality in a gentile and tonic manner. These herbs help correct the ravages of chronic stress, exercise, and compromised immunity. Herbs frequently used include: Ginseng, Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, astragalus, turmeric, schisandra, suma, reishi, licorice, maitake, codonopsis, and jiaogulan (Gynostemma).
ADDICTIONS
Herbal, nutritional, dietary and lifestyle considerations for coping with addiction recovery. Health conditions may include benzodiazepine withdrawal, quitting smoking, alcoholism, and caffeine withdrawal. Herbs frequently used include: lobelia, milk thistle, watercress, valerian, kava, St. John's wort, schisandra, ashwagandha, flax, vitex, kudzu, and passion flower.
ADD/ADHD (ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER)
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for the incidence, characteristics, types, and possible causes of ADD/ADHD. Significant emphasis is placed on nutritional therapy, with specific herbs listed for the treatment of ADD/ADHD. Homeopathy is also mentioned. Also includes symptoms and diagnostics, treatment strategies, and a discussion on conventional vs. alternative therapies. Herbs frequently used include: valerian, chamomile, alfalfa, hawthorn, hops, passion flower, ginseng, lemon balm, St. John's wort, evening primrose oil, ginkgo, catnip, oat, skullcap, Siberian ginseng, motherwort, and blue vervain.
ALCOHOLISM
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for alcoholism, including physiological consequences like fatty liver disease, hypoglycemia, poor digestion, and depression. Health conditions may include herbal and nutritional therapies, dietary considerations, and acupuncture as well as information for coping with alcohol cravings and the psychological aspects of addiction recovery. Herbs frequently used include: milk thistle, kudzu, goldenseal, dandelion, turmeric, chamomile, Siberian ginseng, and ginger.
ALLERGIES/SINUS
Helpful Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for allergies, including causes and types of allergies and sinus problems, including sinusitis and congestion. Health conditions may include herbal and nutritional therapy, aromatherapy, homeopathy and hydrotherapy. Alternatives to prescription medications are discussed and a self-test for allergies is also included. Herbs frequently used include: licorice, eyebright, lobelia, ephedra, nettles, garlic, ginkgo, feverfew, echinacea, nettles, goldenseal, green tea, ginger, turmeric, horseradish, chamomile, eucalyptus, and bromelain.
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Nutritional therapy, detoxification, herbs and their actions, and clinical research studies are discussed at length. Possible causes of Alzheimer's and memory loss are examined as well as treatment options. Very informative. Herbs frequently used include: ginkgo, rosemary, ginseng, gotu kola, hawthorn, and licorice.
ANEMIA
Useful Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for Anemia. This packet discusses the various types of anemia as well as the symptoms and causes of anemia. Health conditions may include B-12 deficient anemia, iron deficient anemia, folic acid deficient anemia nutritional and dietary considerations, and hydrotherapy. Herbs mentioned include: dandelion, gentian, raspberry, nettle, burdock, yellow dock, hawthorn, and hops.
ANTIMICROBIAL HERBS
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for herbs that have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties, as well as herbs that help to increase immune response. Discusses the dangers of bacteria resistance to pharmaceutical antibiotics and offers herbal alternatives that are effective against: gram positive bacteria like streptococcus, staphylococcus and myco bacteria, gram negative bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, as well as herbs that are effective in the treatment of tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, trichomonas, candida, malaria and herpes. Herbs frequently used include: garlic, usnea, goldenseal, lomatium, Oregon grape root, ginger, Echinacea, elder, astragalus, reishi, shiitake, acacia, aloe, grapefruit seed extract, juniper, licorice, sage, wormwood, eucalyptus, honey, and cryptolepsis.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Information describing free radicals, their effects on the body, and the role of antioxidants in eliminating them. Vitamins, nutrition, diet, and herbs are discussed, as well as healthy lifestyle suggestions to help prevent free radical damage. Herbs mentioned include: echinacea, garlic, milk thistle, schizandra, ginkgo, ginseng, pycnogenol, green tea, ginkgo, grape seed, lemon balm, red wine, and barley grass.
ANXIETY/STRESS
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for the topics of anxiety and stress management. This packet discusses nutritional therapy, homeopathy, herbal therapy and lifestyle suggestions for reducing stress and anxiety. The herbs mentioned include: licorice, ginseng, chamomile, wood betony, black cohosh, rosemary, black horehound, blue cohosh, bugleweed, California poppy, cowslip, cramp bark, damiana, feverfew, goldenrod, gotu kola, hops, hyssop, Jamaican dogwood, kava, lady's slipper, lavender, lemon balm, life root, linden, lobelia, mate, mistletoe, motherwort, mugwort, oats, scullcap, passionflower, peppermint, St. John's wort, valerian, squaw vine, sweet flag, vervain, wild lettuce, wormwood.
APHRODISIACS-see SEXUAL VITALITY
AROMATHERAPY
Information about essential oils and the art of aromatherapy. The health and psychological benefits are outlined, and it contains information about the quality and standardization of oils. Topics discussed include: carcinogenisis, phototoxicity, safety, the biology of fragrance, interactions between oils and drugs, categorization of oils, processing methods, dosage, pheromones, aphrodisiacs, mood benefits. Oils mentioned include: oregano, eucalyptus, nutmeg, lavender, jasmine, hyacinth, muguet, osmanthus, bergamot, clove, geranium, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, ginger, ylang ylang, tea tree, chamomile, neroli, and many, many more.
ARTHRITIS - see OSTEOARTHRITIS and RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
ASTHMA
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for the prevention, causes, symptoms, and treatment of asthma. Included is a discussion of nutritional and herbal therapies, osteopathic therapies, homeopathy, naturopathic, and Ayurvedic treatments. Safety considerations in relation to using inhalers and steroids are discussed. Clinical research support is included, as well as a list of resources and contacts for even more information. Herbs mentioned include: ephedra, lobelia, scullcap, dong quai, licorice, ginkgo, garlic, cayenne, grindelia, anise, chokecherry, echinacea, evening primrose oil, turmeric, feverfew, forskolin, angelica, flax, borage and green tea.
ATHLETES, HERBS FOR
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for herbs for athletes for improving strength and endurance, weight management, and the treatment of sports-related injuries such as muscle strains, sprains, tendonitis, and bruises. Health conditions may include ergogenics, homeopathy, hydration aids, nutritional and dietary considerations. Herbs frequently used include: ginseng, Siberian ginseng, tribulus, astragalus, ephedra (ma huang), ginger, turmeric, arnica, caffeine, and bromelain.
AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for autoimmune disorders including their causes. Topics discussed include herbal, nutritional and lifestyle considerations, immunodepression, mercury toxicity, and enzyme therapy. Herbs frequently used include: Echinacea, gentian, yellow dock, centaury, dandelion, blessed thistle, barberry, aloe, astragalus, shiitake, ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and milk thistle.
AYURVEDIC MEDICINE
General Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for Ayurvedic medicine. This packet provides a thorough definition and history of Ayurvedic medicine, and the models that are used in Ayurvedic treatments throughout the world. The mental constitutions, and three doshas are described, and diagnostic methods are also introduced. Herbs mentioned include: neem, ashwagandha, guggul, bayberry bark, clove, asafoetida, nutmeg, bala, fenugreek, mint, rhubarb, sandalwood, forskolin, gymnema sylvestre, boswellia, gotu kola, turmeric, shilijit, andrographis, arjuna, fennel, cumin, shatavari, and many more.
BEAUTY AIDS
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for herbal beauty aids. Health conditions may include herbal, nutritional and lifestyle considerations for skin, hair, and nails, lip care, wrinkle treatment, moisturizing, cellulite, warts, age spots, breast enhancement, cruelty-free products and the dangers of synthetic chemical ingredients. Herbs frequently used include: horsetail, aloe, calendula, lavender, chamomile, comfrey, eucalyptus, evening primrose, ginseng, green tea, hemp oil, henna, mint, nettle, oats, rosemary, tea-tree oil, burdock, sage, yarrow, fennel, fenugreek, saw palmetto, wild yam, cumin, and honey.
BEE PRODUCTS
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for the health benefits of products made by bees: honey, propolis, bee pollen, bee venom and royal jelly. Contains descriptions of each substance along with research supporting the benefits of use.
BREAST HEALTH
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for a variety of therapies for promoting breast health. Health conditions may include herbal, nutritional and lifestyle considerations, prevention of breast cancer, environmental toxins, hormonal implications, breast self-exam, emotional issues, exercise, genetics, early menarche, and anti-cancer recipes. Herbs frequently used include: burdock, calendula, comfrey, dandelion, olive, plantain, poke, red clover, St. John's wort, yarrow, yellow dock, flax, ginger, maitake, reishi, shiitake, soy, turmeric, rosemary, and parsley.
CANCER AND ASTRAGALUS
Information and research findings on the topic of astragalus and immuneotherapy. This packet is fairly technical in nature, and is appropriate for professionals as well as lay people.
CANCER, BREAST
Comprehensive Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for both western and the Asian medical view of breast cancer, including symptoms and treatments from both perspectives. There is an article on the TCM approach to treatment of breast disorder, professional therapies and commonly used Chinese formulations. In addition are several shorter articles on various natural remedies for breast tumors and cancer. Herbs frequently used include: garlic, poke root, echinacea, red clove, reishi, rosemary, burdock, flax, soy, green tea, lemon grass, basil, ginger, cumin, mint, ginger, bromelain, and more.
CANCER AND ESSIAC
Information about the Essiac formula. It discusses the research and history that is available on this formula. It provides the reader with the recipe for Essiac, and some sources for purchasing the herbs, and /or more information about Rene Caisse's work. Includes articles on sheep sorrel, slippery elm, burdock, Indian rhubarb and more.
CANCER, GENERAL
Extensive Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for unconventional cancer treatments, including a review of experimental studies that used various herbs in the treatment of cancer and immunodepression. Herbs noted for their anti-tumor actions are also included. Chemotherapy is discussed. Some herbs mentioned include: astragalus, aloe vera, garlic, green tea, turmeric, ginseng, mistletoe, pau d'arco, shiitake, reishi, licorice, echinacea, maitake, citrus pectin, cordyceps and bromelain.
CANCER, PROSTATE
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for alternative and complementary cancer therapies for the treatment of prostate cancer. Health conditions may include risk factors (including hormonal, genetic, age and race links), herbal, nutritional, dietary and lifestyle considerations, environmental toxins, prevention, and an overview of pharmaceutical therapy protocols. Herbs frequently used include: echinacea, comfrey, osha, ginseng, Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, medicinal mushrooms, soy, green tea, flax, saw palmetto, pygeum, nettle root, garlic, thyme, licorice, red clover, turmeric, citrus pectin, and lycopene.
CANCER, SKIN
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for alternative and complementary therapies for the treatment of skin cancer. Health conditions may include both internal and topical therapies, herbal, nutritional, allopathic, naturopathic, Ayurvedic, and Chinese protocols. Covers basal and squamus cell carcinomas, actinic keratoses, and melanomas. Also included are Hoxey and Essiac-like formulations. Herbs frequently used include: milk thistle, rhubus, turmeric, cinnamon, poke, nettle, yellow dock, chaparral, bloodroot, cleavers, thuja, sheep sorrel, and birch bark.
CANDIDIASIS
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for chronic candidiasis. This packet describes the typical profile of candida sufferers and contains a candida questionnaire. Nutritional therapy is discussed. Herbs mentioned include: black walnut, garlic, barberry, pau d'arco, echinacea, tea tree oil, aloe vera, astragalus, ginseng, shiitake, goldenseal, chamomile, and milk thistle.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Comprehensive Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, including the symptoms, causes, and various treatment options. Surgical treatment is contrasted with vitamin, herbal, and nutritional therapies, chiropractic, acupuncture, and various bodywork techniques. Stress management, exercises, and healthy work environment strategies are also discussed. Herbs mentioned include evening primrose oil, ginkgo, scullcap, passionflower, lobelia, and arnica.
CERVICAL DYSPLASIA
Information herbal, nutritional and lifestyle considerations in the treatment of cervical dysplasia. Health conditions may include understanding pap smear results, symptoms, and HPV links. Herbs frequently used include: periwinkle, calendula, lady's mantle, goldenseal, vervain, licorice, dong quai, yerba mansa, nasturtium, sweet violet, red clover, burdock, vitex, thuja, Echinacea, marshmallow, and dandelion.
CHILDREN, HERBS FOR
Excellent information for parents on the natural treatment of childhood illnesses. Some of the many topics discussed include: colds/flu, ear infections, sore throats, diarrhea, stomach distress, constipation, fever, skin rashes, teething, measles, chicken pox, headaches, allergies and asthma. Safety information, including when to see a doctor is given. Also, helpful herbal home remedies are offered along with instructions on how to make them. Articles on environmental hazards, and the controversy over the immunization of infants are part of this packet as well. There are also formulas for calculating the correct dosage to give to a child. Herbs frequently used include: sage, chamomile, ginger, echinacea, goldenseal, lemon balm, licorice, peppermint, garlic, evening primrose oil, mullein, catnip, comfrey, myrrh, astragalus, aloe, reishi, shiitake, rosemary, calendula, thyme, lavender, yarrow, witch hazel, and slippery elm.
CHINESE HERBS
General Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for Chinese herbs. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is discussed, as are techniques of diagnoses and examination used in TCM. There is also an article comparing Eastern and Western medicine. Herbs frequently used include: gingko, qinghao, qingdai, huanglian, spiny jujube, magnolia flowers, rhubarb, qian ceng ta, sour date kernel, ma huang, licorice, and many more.
CHOLESTEROL REGULATION
Extensive Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for athlerosclerosis and the regulation of cholesterol, including diet and lifestyle recommendations and herbal treatments. Research studies are also included. Herbs frequently used include: garlic, flaxseed, ginger, alfalfa, psyllium, cayenne, artichoke, bilberry, turmeric, eggplant, fenugreek, onion, ginkgo, guggul, hawthorn, milk thistle, shiitake, berberine, khella, red clover, soy, and bromelain.
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME (CFS)
Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for chronic fatigue, the Epstein-Barr virus, and the immune system. Symptoms, diagnosis, possible causes, and numerous treatment options are discussed at length. Nutritional and herbal therapies are included, along with bodywork and lifestyle considerations. Resources and support groups are also listed. Herbs mentioned include: ginkgo, garlic, milk thistle, licorice, Siberian ginseng, astragalus, ganoderma, burdock, goldenseal, echinacea, St. John's wort, baptisia, pokeweed, lomatium, osha, black currant, pau d'arco, dandelion, shiitake, and reishi.
CLINICAL HERBALISM
Information for clinical herbalists. Health conditions may include dosage consideration, counseling tips, preparing extracts, standardization, contamination of herbs and herbal products, misunderstood toxic herbs, a discussion on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostics, and guidelines for those interested in choosing a herbal practitioner. Herbs frequently used include: baikal skullcap, balloon flower, rhemannia, red sage, ginkgo, noni, ephedra, ginger, licorice, dandelion, echinacea, yarrow, passion flower, goldenseal, valerian, yellow dock, chaparral, comfrey, lobelia, wormwood, belladonna, and coltsfoot.
COLDS AND FLU
Extensive Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for the herbal remedies that can prevent or treat colds and flu. Immune system building herbs are discussed, as well as homeopathic remedies. Many of the herbs are broken down by their mode of action: expectorant, antibacterial, diaphoretic, etc. Very comprehensive and helpful. This packet also contains information about nutritional therapies. Herbs frequently used include: echinacea, ginger, osha, schisandra, goldenseal, elder, garlic, cat's claw, reishi, lemon balm, mint, linden, thyme, astragalus, and ephedra.
COLITIS/ IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Helpful Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn's disease. Nutritional and herbal therapies are given, not only for treating these disorders themselves, but also their complications including diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal upset, and special concerns of these diseases in children. Research studies and the actions of different herbs are also mentioned. Herbs frequently used include: bayberry, comfrey, plantain, wild yam, cramp bark, chamomile, peppermint, slippery elm, scullcap, marshmallow, psyllium, flaxseed, yellow dock, dandelion, cascara sagrada, senna, buckthorn, linseed, valerian, echinacea, goldenseal, poke root, and kelp.
CONSTIPATION
Useful Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for the various causes of and treatments for constipation, including nutritional and botanical therapies. Herbs are discussed at length, including how to use them and important safety Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for laxative use. Herbs frequently used include: cascara sagrada, comfrey, flaxseed, goldenseal, psyllium, senna, aloe vera, rhubarb, buckthorn and linseed.
CROHN'S DISEASE
Helpful Natural, herbal and alternative medicines or treatments for the treatment of Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel conditions. Nutritional and herbal therapies are discussed along with research substantiation. Herbs mentioned include: oat straw, oats, cat's claw, psyllium, marshmallow, echinacea and goldenseal.
Or check out even more great healthy, system building herbals, naturals, alternatives.
(footnote: Entry #1, partial list; more to be added. Much of above information adapted from Herbs.com).

