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Definition

Wounds are classified as damage to the skin or fundamental tissues. Skin injuries should be taken seriously due to the high risk of infection.

Symptoms

Pain is the primary symptom associated with wounds; however, the degree of pain varies greatly depending on the severity of the injury. In many cases, bleeding or bruising can also occur but not all wounds will have visible signs.

Types

Many different types of injuries result in wounds, these include shallow paper cuts, surgical injuries, pressure blisters, stomach ulcers caused by diabetes, and injuries caused by accident such as razor nicks.
Wounds caused by small cuts or scratches are minor enough that they need nothing more than a thorough cleansing and bandaging. However, severe wounds generally require professional medical attention, and stitches or sutures. Persistent wounds, such as arterial, venous, or stomach ulcers attributed to diabetes, usually take more time to heal.

Causes

Wounds have many common causes including cuts, surgical procedures, bites, and full body trauma. Prolonged bed rest can lead to skin wounds more commonly known as bedsores. Complications from disease, such as diabetes can also create internal wounds such as ulcers.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Useful oils such as lavender, bergamot, tea tree, eucalyptus, juniper, and rosemary can give your immune system a boost, helping to speed up your recovery time.

Diet: A diet rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc helps speed wound healing. Foods with these nutritional vitamins include organic vegetables, yellow vegetables, raw seeds and nuts, ova, fresh natural fruits, and fresh water fish. Avoid all saturated and processed fats, refined and processed foods, sugars, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.

Herbal treatments: Calendula cream has anti–inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities and is known to decrease healing time. Other useful herbal remedies include comfrey underlying powder, and goldenseal, both applied as a salve. Echinacea and distilled witch hazel may also help promote recovery.
Juice Treatment: Useful fruit juices include beet greens, carotene, vitamins C, vitamin E, and magnesium. Beet juice is rich in potassium, folic acid, and glutathione. Carrot juice provides healing antioxidants as well as vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium, and minerals. Celery juice also provides your body with potassium and antioxidants, as well as sodium.

Homeopathy: The three most useful homeopathic remedies are Calendula, hypercurium berries, and ledum.
Nutritional Supplementation: Suggested nutrients include vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin B, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and zinc. Noni fresh fruit extract is also useful due to its known ability to enhance immune performance, stimulate cell regeneration, and fight pain and irritation.

Topical Treatment: Unprocessed honey applied topically can help disinfect wounds, sores, and actively promote wound healing.

Alternative Professional Care

If signs and symptoms persist, despite using the measures listed above, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following expert care therapies have all been shown to be helpful in treating injuries: Energy Treatments, Light Therapy, Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy, Neural Therapy, Naturopathic Treatments, Oxygen Therapy, and Chinese Medicine. (See glossary for descriptions of these optional therapies.)

Definition

Worms are parasites that invade the intestinal tract and other parts of the body. They are extremely contagious.

Signs, Symptoms and Types

Worm symptoms vary according to worm type. In general, having a parasitic worm causes one to feel fatigue and flu-like symptoms. The less obvious signs include a vitamin and mineral deficiency, joint pain and depression. Intestinal and digestive problems such as gas and belching may also occur.

Pinworms are usually associated with itching and irritation around the anus, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Other signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, joint pain, skin irritation and insomnia.

Whipworm’s cause mild to severe abdominal pain as well as diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, appendicitis, and rectal prolapse in women as well as children.

Tapeworms cause a variety of problems ranging from moderate to severe, including abdominal cramping and obstruction. Additional symptoms such as fever, coughing, and wheezing are common and can become serious if tapeworms enter the lungs. Adult tapeworms can also create problems within the appendix, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Hookworms usually do not have symptoms. If they do, the most typical are pulmonary difficulties, severe stomach pains, and anemia. Rash’s are also common on the skin at the site of invasion.

Leads to

Parasites happen because of digestive enzyme deficiencies, nutrient deficiencies, bad hygiene, improper elimination of human waste, walking barefoot on contaminated dirt, and consuming improperly prepared meats.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Useful essential oils include bergamot, chamomile, camphor, rose, peppermint, tea sapling, and thyme.

Diet: Avoid all processed and refined sugars, soda, alcohol, harmful fats, and all milk and dairy products. Do not consume meat or fish unless you are certain they are not contaminated.

Daily Protocol: During the day, chew small quantities of a mix of pumpkins seeds, papaya seeds, papaya pulp, and unsweetened organic yogurt. Drink filtered water with two garlic capsules. Before each meal, add pepsin and glycerin to hot water and drink immediately. In the morning after you wake, and at bedtime, swallow one clove of peeled garlic and drink a cup of herbal tea with lemon directly after.

Fasting: Tapeworms can be killed by fasting on raw blueberry for three days. Be sure to consume all blueberry juice. (See cleansing and detoxing for more information.)

Herbs: Using clean pumpkin seeds, make an herbal infusion by adding one ounce of crushed seeds to a pint of boiling water. Drink one cup of this mixture three times a day, six times a week, for up to three weeks. Eat up to one ounce of pumpkinseeds a day if possible. Peppermint, senna, and wormwood tea are also very helpful.

Liquid Therapy: Fig juice is useful for eliminating roundworms.

Nutritional Supplementation: Suggested nutrients are garlic pills, vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin C, zinc, acidophilus bacteria, and deglycerrhized licorice, two to three times daily on an empty stomach. Natural Aloe-Vera juice or gel may also be helpful.

Option Professional Treatment

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the steps listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all demonstrated the ability to treat worms: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Detoxification Treatment, Magnetic Field Therapy, Oxygen Therapy, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (The glossary provides more information about alternative treatments.)

Definition

Whooping cough is an acute bacterial disease characterized by a spasmodic cough with a lengthy high-pitched sound. This “whooping,” noise is made while coughing and breathing. Whooping cough not only produces a very specific sound but it is also highly contagious.

Symptoms

Whooping cough symptoms may take one to three weeks to appear after a subsequent infection. Symptoms often last for an additional six weeks to three months and can affect the entire respiratory tract. Signs and symptoms include catarrh (mucus), exhaustion, sneezing, fitful coughing, eye tearing, and poor appetite. As symptoms progress, spasmodic hacking and coughing become more rapid producing the characteristic “whooping,” sound. Continual coughing and inhalations produce large amounts of mucus. Gagging and throwing up can also occur.

Trigger

Whooping cough typically arises from a bacterial infection. It is also acquired through bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, cigarette smoking, and respiratory allergies.

Organic Cures

Aromatherapy: Steam inhalation with tea tree, basil, chamomile, camphor, eucalyptus, peppermint, rose, and thyme can help reduce symptoms and speed healing.

Diet: Drink plenty of healthy liquids. A combination of, 1-2 tbs. honey, 1 tbs. apple cider vinegar, 1 tbs. fresh lemon juice, 1 tbs. of horehound and licorice extracts, 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, and vitamin C powder, is especially effective when added to warm, pure, strained water. Sip throughout the day. Avoid milk and all milk products, processed foods, sugars, soda, and alcohol. Eat light, and concentrate on an organic, whole foods diet, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Incorporate brown rice, clear vegetable soups, potatoes, whole grains, garlic and onions into your diet.

Flower Essences: Crab apple and olive are helpful when dealing with the accompanying stress and exhaustion associated with whopping cough.

Herbal treatments: Useful herbal treatments including sundew, thyme, butterbur, and crazy cherry sound off, can be taken through infusions or even tinctures, many times a day.

Homeopathy: Drosera, Pertussinum, Cuprum Fulfilled, and Magnesia Phosphorica may help relieve signs and symptoms and speed healing.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of drinking water, applying ice, using steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include complete body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of warm or chilly compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions and can easily be utilized in the home as part of a self-care program. Numerous naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use hydrotherapy as part of their remedy therapy. We recommend several in-house hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these types of procedures to make sure they are right for you. *Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment.* Instructions to purify chlorinated bath water should be followed.

Liquid Therapy: Just about all fresh, natural vegetable juices are helpful. For additional benefits, add a clove of garlic.

Nutritional Supplements: Recommended nutrients include vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, zinc, acidophilus, garlic clove capsules, and lung glandulars.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite using these remedies, seek the assistance of a competent health professional. Professional treatment therapies are useful when dealing with whooping cough. These treatments include: Acupuncture, detoxification therapy, energy medicine (Gentle Beam Generator, Ondamed), light box therapy, magnetic area therapy, naturopathic medicine, neural therapy, osteopathy, oxygen therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine. (See reference’s for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)

Definition

Warts are growths or skin tumors on the skins surface, typically caused by viruses. These growths are usually harmless and benign, but they can also cancerous.

Symptoms

HPV warts can occur singly or in groupings. Their appearance and size vary greatly depending on where they are on the body and the degree of irritation they receive on a daily basis. HPV warts usually vanish on their own, with no treatment, within several months. However, in some people they may last for years, or reoccur later on the same spot or on different parts of the body.

Types

There are various types of HPV warts. The most common wart is known as Verrucae Vulgaris. It appears as a well–defined, rough, roundish or irregular growth. They are typically light gray, brown, grayish-black, or even yellow, and are usually sensitive to the touch. They most commonly occur on the knees, elbows, fingertips, face, and scalp.

Periungual warts occur around toenail beds. Plantar warts occur on the feet, are very common, and often seem flattened because of the pressure caused by walking. When many plantar HPV warts grow collectively, they create a painting-like appearance called mosaic warts. Pedunculated HPV warts are stalk-like and normally start to appear with age. They most commonly occur around the neck, chest, scalp, and armpits. Vaginal warts appear on or around the genitalia and are highly contagious.

Causes

There are 35 infectious strands of HPV and warts can result from any one of them. Warts are contracted because of poor diet and nutirition, bad hygiene, and in the case of vaginal warts, unprotected sex is typically the cause. HPV warts also commonly occur due to aging and reduced immune function.
Caution: Some warts do turn into cancerous tumors. If your warts seem inconsistent, they may still be benign, but you should still consult with a physician immediately.

Organic Cures

Note: Natural healing associated with warts may require anywhere from one to several weeks of care. Typically, a wart will disappear during the last few days of healing.

Aromatherapy: Lemon essential oil applied topically can speed healing. Thuja oil can also be effective in healing warts.

Diet plan: Eat a natural, whole foods diet, with an emphasis on meals high in vitamin A, such as dark green or yellow vegetables, cold-water seafood, sulfur, onions, garlic, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli. Avoid all processed and prepared foods, sugar, unhealthy fat, and eliminate excessive meat consumption.

Herbs: Apply the milky liquid produced in the stem of a dandelion, to the wart each morning and every night.
Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic treatments include Thuja, causticum, calc carb., ruta grav., and graphite’s.

Dietary Supplementation: Recommended nutrients consist of vitamin A, carotene, vitamin B complex, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, zinc oxide, garlic capsules, and M-cysteine.

Topical Remedy: A solution of garlic, essential oil, vitamin E, castor oil, and zinc oxide lotion can be applied topically to warts.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the steps listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following expert care therapies have all been shown to be helpful in treating warts: Naturopathic Treatments, Orthomolecular Medicine, and Chinese medicine. (See Glossary for explanations of these Alternative Therapies.)

Definition

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of the stomach contents through the mouth. Vomiting is a natural reflex.

Symptoms

Symptoms of vomiting include upset stomach, nausea, sweating, white clammy skin, and general sick feelings. Dry heaves commonly occur when the stomach is completely empty and there is nothing left to expel.

Causes

The most common causes of vomiting include morning sickness attributed to pregnancy, food allergies, food poisoning, parasites, emotional upset, alcohol binging, medicinal side effects, and excessive exercise or activity after eating.

Note: Vomiting may also occur due to gastric illness (ulcers or inflammation), appendicitis, reaction to microbial toxins, pharmaceutical medication use, excess mineral consumption (most commonly zinc and iron), radiation, motion sickness, gastrointestinal blockage, or a metabolic disorder such as diabetes or liver disease. Vomiting is also associated with psychological disorders such as bulimia, which is self-induced vomiting.

If vomiting persists, consider having a doctor screen you for one of the problems listed above. When vomit contains blood, contact a doctor immediately.

Organic Cures

Aromatherapy: Massage or compress a mixture of black pepper, chamomile, fennel, camphor, lavender, peppermint, or rose essential oils, onto your stomach.

Diet: If you are experiencing regular vomiting you must rehydrate your body. Drink filtered water, fresh-squeezed natural vegetable juices, and clear broths. Avoid heavy foods and dairy in particular. For meals, consume a light vegetable broth and whole-grain bread, until you are ready to gradually reintroduce more solid foods, such as plain organic yogurt, potatoes, soups, brown rice, and steamed veggies. After two or three days, begin consuming a normal organic, whole foods diet.

Herbs: Ginger, peppermint, and spearmint are all useful for calming nausea. They can be used alone or in tea.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include Ipecac, phosphorus, arsenicum album, and Nux Vomica.

Liquid Therapy: Any organic, fresh vegetable juice infused with ginger can help calm your stomach.

Dietary Supplementation: One day after the vomiting has stopped, begin taking supplements, but only take light doses for the first few days. Useful nutrients include acidophilus, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B1, vitamin C, folate, and deglycerrhized licorice.

Alternative Professional Care

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the advice listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following expert treatments have all demonstrated the ability to be helpful in treating regular vomiting: Acupressure, Craniosacral Therapy, Detoxification Therapy, Environmental Medicine, Magnetic Area Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, and Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)

Description

A viral infection is any type of infection caused by a virus. A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that reproduces within cells. A virus can be as mild as the common flu, and as severe as HIV.

Symptoms

Symptoms of viral infections vary, but typically consist of fever, aches, chills, and fatigue. Virus-specific symptoms also exist. For example, the chilly virus usually produces mucous in the nasal area and neck, the mononucleosis virus creates severe exhaustion and, sometimes, liver enhancement, and the Polio virus creates paralysis. Signs and symptoms can be persistent or short-lived, depending on the type of virus, and the individual’s immune system. In some cases, such as HIV, viral infections can be life-threatening.

Types

There are hundreds of viral infections, such as cold and flu, herpes viruses, and HIV etc. Medical professionals can effectively control symptoms after they determine which virus is affecting your system.

Causes

Viruses are naturally occurring microorganisms. They most commonly enter your system through respiratory routes and bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. After they enter the body, infectious virus’s multiply on their own and often spread among people in close groups such as families or co-workers. Sneezing, touching germ infested surfaces, and consuming infected foods are some of the other typical ways viruses travel from one individual to another.

Be aware: Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics.

Natural Cures

Diet: Eat an organic, whole-foods diet, with plenty of fresh, raw, steamed vegetables including onions and garlic. Drink plenty of filtered water and avoid all processed foods, sugars, unhealthy fat, alcohol, soda, commercial fruit juices, milk, and dairy products.

Herbs: Echinacea, goldenseal, astragalus cayenne, and ginger root are all helpful in speeding viral infection recovery times.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include calendula, chamomile, belladonna, mercurius solubilis, and sulfur.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you. *Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

Juice Therapy: Garlic clove mixed with celery, and beet juice is and excellent immune boost.
Nutritional Supplementation: Ascorbic acid, taken in therapeutic does of 500 – 5,000 mg, is effective in treating viral infections. Other suggested nutrients are vitamin A, carotene, vitamin B complex, panothenic acid, garlic capsules, zinc oxide, proteolytic enzymes taken between meals, acidophilus bacteria, raw thymus glandular, lysine, cysteine, olive leaf extract, and quercetin.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms continue to persist, seek the assistance of a competent health professional. The following professional treatments are useful for healing viral infections: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Detoxification Treatment, Environmental Treatments, Energy Medicine , Molecule Therapy, Permanent Magnetic Field Treatment, Naturopathic Treatments, and Oxygen Therapy. (See Glossary for an explanation of these optional therapies.)

Description

Vertigo is a type of dizziness where one feels as though they are swaying or moving when they are actually standing still. It occurs because of a loss of internal balance or equilibrium typically caused by a disturbance in the inner ear.

Symptoms

Vertigo attacks usually occur very suddenly and are typically accompanied by difficulty walking, and feeling dizzy or faint. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, a general ill feeling, and pallor (dropping color, turning white).

Types

There are two types of vertigo. Subjective vertigo is characterized by a feeling that the person is floating around in space. Goal vertigo is the feeling that the room, and the objects within the room seem to be swirling around the person.

Cause

Vertigo is caused by disturbances within the system that regulates equilibrium – the ears, ear canal, inner ear, cerebellum, and the eyes. The system can be disturbed by mild stress, ear infections, inflammation of the ear waterways, obstruction within an ear tube, or a tumor. All of these factors must be screened for and addressed in order to put an end to vertigo.
Note: Vertigo can be an indication of a number of other health problems. Prolonged or severe episodes of vertigo require instant medical attention.

Natural Cures

Diet: Avoid stimulants such as coffee, chocolates, sodium, fried foods, smoking, drugs, alcohol, and aspartame.
Herbs: Ginkgo Biloba and Ginger are both known to help maintain equilibrium. Take one tablet of ginkgo Biloba or two capsules of ginger three times daily.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic treatments include gelsemium, phosphorus, cocculus, aconite, natrum muriaticum, sulfur, silicea, lycopodium, and belladonna.

Lifestyle: Remain still during vertigo attacks and avoid quick movements. Most importantly try to keep your head still. To avoid further vertigo attacks, reduce stress, and get adequate sleep.

Dietary Supplements: Recommended nutrients include Vitamin B complex, vitamin B3 (niacin), B6 supplement, ascorbic acid, bioflavonoids, rutin, vitamin E, calcium, colane, and adrenal glandulars.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the steps listed above, seek the assistance of a qualified health professional. The following professional treatments have all proved useful in treating vertigo: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, exercise, Chiropractic care, Caniosacral Therapy, environmental treatments, Hypnotherapy, Magnetic Field Treatment, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Qigong, Reflexology, and traditional Chinese medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative treatments.)

Definition

Varicose veins are enlarged, inflamed, elongated, and twisted veins typically caused by prolonged standing, weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle. Pain from varicose veins can range from mild to unbearable.

Symptoms

During the initial stages of varicose veins, the affected blood vessels become tense and stiff which can be felt through touch, but is not usually visible. As the situation progresses, the actual veins become larger and twisted, and begin to appear as bluish, blackish elevations above the surrounding skin. Other symptoms include aches within the surrounding area, leg fatigue, itching, and burning sensations. Relief can be achieved through elevating legs or wearing tights that compress the legs. Varicose veins most commonly occur at the rear of lower lower-leg, the calf muscles, and across the inside of the lower and upper legs.

Types

In addition to spider veins on the thighs, other types of varicose veins are varicocele (varicose veins in the scrotum), hemorrhoids (spider veins in the rectum), and esophageal varices (spider veins in the wind pipe).

Causes

The primary causes of varicose veins are nutritional deficiencies, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, cigarette smoking, standing for extended periods of time, pregnancy and hormonal changes caused by menopause.

Organic Cures

Aromatherapy: Add cypress oil to warm bath water. Rose, juniper, rosemary, and lemon essential oils can be massaged around the affected areas but do not directly massage varicose veins.

Diet: Eat a natural, whole foods diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, and filtered water. Fresh organic berries, cherries, natural citrus fruit, buckwheat, millet, garlic, and onions are all particularly useful. Eat plenty of fish and minimize your red meat consumption. In addition, avoid unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, sugar, salt, alcohol, dairy products and, fried, processed or refined foods.

Herbal treatments: Combine equal parts of the tinctures hawthorn, ginkgo, prickly ash, and yarrow. Consume one teaspoon of this mixture three times per day. To help ease discomfort, cayenne pepper and ginger underlying are also recommended.

Homeopathy: Helpful homeopathic remedies include calcarea fluor., hamamelis, pulsatilla, calcera carbonicum, and carbo vegetabilis.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you. *Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

Juice Therapy: Typical juicing remedies include the following juice combinations: carrot, celery, and parsley; carrot, green spinach, and turnip; carrot, beet, and cucumber; carrot, celery, and green spinach and watercress.

Lifestyle: Wear support stockings and exercise regularly. Walking barefoot as much as possible is also an excellent way to combat varicose veins.

Nutritional Supplementation: Recommended nutrients are vitamin C, bioflavonoids, vitamin B complex, vitamin, B6, supplement D3, vitamin E, calcium, folate, magnesium, lecithin, essential fatty acids, proteolytic enzymes, and rutin.

Alternative Expert Care
If your symptoms persist despite following the above steps, seek the assistance of a competent health professional. Professional treatments have proven useful in dealing with varicose veins: Acupressure, Acupuncture, exercise, Chelation Treatment, Detoxification Therapy, Energy Treatments (Light Beam Generator), Molecule Therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Oxygen Therapy, Prolotherapy, Reflexology, and traditional Chinese Medicine.(See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)

Summary

Vaginitis, more commonly known as a vaginal infection, is a condition in which the vaginal tissue becomes infected by bacterial microorganisms or other toxic irritants.

Types

There are various types of vaginal infections, most which can safely and effectively be treated, using the natural cures outlined below. There are several different types of vaginal infections including vaginosis, which is acquired through a bacterial infections. Candidal Vaginitis is caused by a type of candidiasis, or fungus located in the genital region. Hormonal Vaginitis, typically occurs in women who have already been through menopause. After menopause, the vaginal cells are far more susceptible to infection and discomfort.

Symptoms of Vaginal Infection

The two main symptoms of all types of vaginal infections are pain and or itching in the vaginal area. Symptoms can often be severe, with a thick, milky, vaginal discharge resembling curds.

Causes

The most typical causes of vaginal infections are antibiotic use, bacterial infections, candidiasis (yeast overgrowth), parasitic microorganisms such as trichinosis vaginalis, hormone imbalances, and unsafe sex.
Other causes include poor hygienic habits, irritants such as chemical or perfumed vaginal products, and wearing undergarments that are too tight with synthetic irritants, such as pantyhose.

Prevention Guidelines

To avoid vaginal infections, take the following precautions:
Shower or wash at least once per day to keep the vaginal area clean.

After showering or even bathing, properly dry your vaginal region.

Avoid wearing pantyhose, particularly nylons brands, and wear white 100% cotton underwear.

Avoid using perfumed or chemical douches, and any other products that may cause vaginal irritation.

Make sure your partner uses condoms during sexual intercourse.

When using the restroom, ensure that you are wiping front to back.

Natural Cures

Diet: Healthy eating is very important. Drink plenty of purified water and increase your intake of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, complex whole grains, and organic, free-range beef, chicken, and fish.
Avoid all commercial, processed, and non-organic food. Stay away from alcohol, espresso, sugars, sugar substitutes, preservatives, food dyes, whole wheat and whole wheat products, and delicate carbohydrates. Avoid most dairy products with the exception of plain, natural yogurt, which has been shown to prevent vaginal yeast infections. When choosing cooking oil, select from, virgin coconut butter/oil, extra virgin olive oil, high lignin flax seed essential oil, and unrefined hemp seedling, walnut, and sunflower oils. Avoid all hydrogenated or even partially hydrogenated fats and oils.

Nutrition and diet are key factors in healing diseases and removing medical imbalances. Check out the Whole Foods Diet for a complete whole foods eating plan. In many cases, consuming a raw foods diet can be extremely beneficial. For more information read the Uncooked Diet or print this article for a simple reference.

Herbal treatments: Useful herbal treatments for dealing with the symptoms of vaginal infections include the following tincture combination: two equal parts Echinacea and goldenseal combined with one part phytolacca
Herbal treatments can be placed within a douche, to cleanse the vaginal region and destroy harmful microbes. Herbs used for this type of treatment include calendula, comfrey leaf, Echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, plantain, and St. John’s Wort.

For healing candidal vaginitis, gently rub the genitals with an extract of gentian violet. For general vaginal infections, dark walnut or pau d’arco can be applied topically.

Homeopathy: Useful natural homeopathic remedies for vaginal infections include belladonna, cactus root, and sepia.

For vaginal infections related to candidiasis, these remedies may help: Aconite, arsenicum, berberis, caladium, calcarea phosphorica, cantharis, chamomille, chelidonium, graphite’s, kali bichrom, kreosotum, lilium, lycopodium, mercurius, natrum muriaticum, natrum phosphoricum, nitricu, acidum, petroleum, pulsatilla, sulphur, and thuja.

Nutritional Supplements: Helpful nutrients include vitamin A, beta carotene, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc oxide, as well as acidophilus bacteria (which can be used orally or as a douche) and the amino acid lysine.

Other Treatments: Both douches and suppositories are effective ways of treating genital infections. In addition to the remedies mentioned above, you can also add two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar to one quart of filtered drinking water to create an herbal douche.

Tori Hudson, MD. reports that a suppository consisting of powder boric acid mixed with berberis, calendula, as well as goldenseal, placed in the vagina, is highly effective for eliminating vaginal bacterial infections.
Topical Solutions: Vitamin E lotion, and diluted tea sapling oil applied topically have been shown to speed healing time.

Optional Professional Treatments

The following expert therapies efficiently treat vaginal infections: Acupuncture, Detoxing Therapy, Power Medicine, Environment Medicine, Magnet Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Air Therapy, as well as traditional Chinese Medicine.

Overview

Urinary tract infections are classified as any infection of the urethra, ureter, bladder or kidneys. Urinary tracts infections, also known as UTI or bladder infections, affect millions of people every year. Urinary tract infections are more common in women who are sexually active or who have entered menopause. It is estimated that one in five women will suffer from at least one urinary tract infection in their lifetime. Urinary tract infections can reoccur and become a chronic problem, however with proper care urinary tract infections can be avoided entirely.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain and burning while urinating. Urinary tract infections also make you feel the need to urinate more frequently throughout the day and night. Typically, there is no increased urination, only the feeling that you constantly have to go. Pain in the lower back, lower abdomen and genital region is also very common.

If left untreated, a urinary tract infection can become serious and begin to affect your body’s “filtering system.” When this happens, extra symptoms typically include blood in the urine, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, lower back pain, and discomfort in genital region.

Note: If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, seek the help of a qualified medical professional immediately.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

The primary cause of urinary tract infections are bacteria within the urinary tract. Typically, most bacteria are expelled when you urinate, however in some cases when not all bacteria have been eliminated, an infection can result. The problem is not bacteria making its way into the urinary system, the problem is bacteria not being able to escape.

Menopause can increase the risk of urinary tract infections due to the natural decrease of estrogen in the body. The drop in estrogen levels causes the bladder to become less elastic. This loss of elasticity makes it impossible for the bladder to completely empty itself. The small remaining urine within the bladder then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infection

In order to prevent urinary tract infections, women must consider the following:
Urinate after sexual activities. Friction caused by sexual activity may force bacteria into your urinary tract system. Urination directly afterwards will typically expel any new bacteria.

Consider your choice of contraceptive. Avoid the use of excessively large diaphragms because these prevent effective voiding of the bladder, especially after intercourse. Contraceptive sponges can also cause similar problems. Choose contraceptive in the pill, patch, or shot form and make your partner wear a condom.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Draw a warm bath and add one or more of the following essential oils: bergamot, chamomile, eucalyptus, juniper, rose, and sandalwood. Effectively relieve pain by massaging any one of these oils on the lower back area.

Diet plan: Healthy eating is a very important component in urinary tract maintenance. Increase your intake of clean, organic, fruits and vegetables, complex whole grains, and add organic free-range poultry and fish to your meals.

Avoid all refined, and processed foods, as well as alcohol, coffee, sugars, artificial sweeteners, chemical preservatives, food dyes, dairy products, and delicate carbohydrates. Do not eat saturated, trans-hydrogenated or partially–hydrogenated fat and oils. Instead, choose avocado butter or oil, extra virgin olive oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, or unrefined walnut oil.

Foods rich in proteins such phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and tyramine should be avoided, because they are high in amino acids which can cause irritation in the urinary tract. These foods include avocados, bananas, dark chocolate, citrus fruit, figs, and yogurt. Dried fruits, mushrooms, commercial fresh fruit and vegetable juices, leavened bread, and pizza should be used sparingly, if at all, because they may cause further irritation.

Drink plenty of pure, filtered water throughout the day, and sixteen ounces of unsweetened organic blueberry or cranberry juice. Both juices contain mannose, which helps to deter bacteria from sticking to the cells of the urinary tract system.

Additionally, get screened for potential food allergies and avoid any foods your system is sensitive to.
In order to heal completely, try a whole foods focused eating plan. To learn more about the whole foods diet, read Uncooked Food Diet.

Herbs: Buchu, corn silk, couch grass, goldenseal, marshmallow leaf, uva ursi (also known as bearberry) and fresh parsley in a tea or raw, are very useful herbal remedies. These can be taken in a tea or through infusions.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic treatments include Apis, arsenicum, belladonna, berberis, calcarea, cantharis, causticum, conium, lycopodium, mercurius, nux vomica, pulsatilla, and sepia. For best results, consult with an experienced homeopath who can help you select the remedies most appropriate for your particular needs.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies.*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

Hot and cold compresses may also be applied to the lower back and pelvic area. Please seek the advice of your alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these procedures in order to make sure they are right for you.

Liquid Therapy: There are several juice combinations that help to relieve symptoms: apple and carrot, cranberry and carrot, celery parsley and spinach, carrot beet cucumber and melon juice. For an additional boost add garlic or onion juice to any of these combinations.

Supplements: Useful nutrients include vitamin A, beta carotene, zinc, and acidophilus.
Add half a teaspoon of mannose powder to filtered water and drink every few hours to speed recovery.
Topical Remedy: Apply half a teaspoon of plain, organic, natural yogurt around the opening of the vagina.

Alternative Expert Care

The following professional treatment therapies are also effective in the treatment of bladder infections: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Detoxing Therapy, Energy Medicine, Environment Medicine, Magnet Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, and Air Therapy. (See glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)