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When East meets West in modern medicine it can often be a source of controversy, but recent studies have been turning up some very persuasive arguments for incorporating non-Western medicine and holistic approaches with more traditional views.

Non-drug treatments are an important part of the debate.

The once controversial use of herbs, vitamin and mineral therapies, alternative pain remedies such as acupuncture, and chiropractic or chiropathy are now more mainstream than ever as consumers hear more about sometimes harmful traditional treatments and prescription drug interactions and side effects.

Constant news about the "newly discovered" benefits of dietary supplements point to a growing trend toward over-the-counter risk prevention and self-care. Scientific research seems to back up claims of holistic medicine when to comes to supplements such as

• Omega-3 fatty acids - Reported to have positive effects against a host of conditions including ADD and macular degeneration.
• Vitamin C - Know for antioxidant properties, reports suggest benefits against cancer, heart disease and other conditions as well as the long standing belief that it helps fight colds and flu.
• Vitamin D - Implicated in lowering the risk of many diseases including MS, breast cancer and other cancers as well as strengthening teeth, improving bone health and combating arthritis.

Many doctors practicing standard western medicine are being converted to the benefits of the holistic approach and discussing alternative approaches and supplements with their patients.

More time-tested cures from mother nature's kitchen:

Rashes - Mix oatmeal and water to create a poultice to ease the itch of eczema, poison ivy, or other common rashes. It's an age-old remedy, but the key to its effectiveness has only recently been discovered in a key compound in oatmeal, avenanthramides, which calms inflamed, itchy skin.

Burns - Moisten the effected area with aloe vera gel which helps protect the skin and ease inflammation which aids in healing.

Hangover - Since alcohol depletes the body's store of B vitamins, a B-complex supplement before going to bed will help offset a morning headache and nausea (see below). A large glass of water taken with it helps to the body to rehydrate.

Nausea - Ginger has been proven a very effective defense against nausea and stomach upset, especially when used in its powdered form and mixed with hot tea or cold drinks. No ginger in the spice rack? Try ginger ale.

More about alternative medicine around the Web:

Elsewhere on the Web, keep informed at top sites offering information, results of recent studies, news & updates on the alternative approach to health & fitness ...

NCCAM - The National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has gathered an impressive array of articles, reports on research studies and related links to help with information on herbs, vitamins, chiropractors, acupuncture and related therapies.

American Chiropractic Association - Expert information and patient guides to symptoms, causes and chiropractic treatment of common aches and pains, plus an entire library of health and wellness topics, searchable database of US chiropractors by name or location.

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians - Naturopathic physicians combine respect for natural processes and products with more traditional Western training.

Quackwatch - Your alternative medicine safety net. Reviews alternative treatments with a skeptical perspective, but will acknowledge if an herbal remedy, supplement or treatment seems to work.

The American Botanical Council - ABC is a nonprofit group set up to "educate the public, health care practitioners, media, and government agencies on the safe and effective use of medicinal plants and phytomedicines." Also includes the latest research reports on medicinal properties found in everyday herbs, fruits and vegetables.

The Herb Research Foundation - This site focuses on medicinal use of herbs. Their resources include a botanical picture gallery, publications, herb safety reviews, and much more.

Natural Bloom Adventures in Holistic Health - An extensive list of alternative therapies and treatments is explained by articles from experts and practitioners. Forums and other interactive features add to the depth of the site.

also see -> Aromatherapy

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.