Archive for October, 2009

What Causes Frequent Urge To Urinate

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

You feel like rushing to the washroom every 15 minutes: could something be wrong? Because this falls within “toilet-talk”, you don’t feel like addressing this out loud. ‘Drinking less is not the answer! What you’re suffering from is urge incontinence – a “twitchy” bladder that means you can’t get to the toilet in time. This could either be a symptom of a urinary tract infection where an antibiotic course of three to seven days should do the trick after urine tests and advice from a urologist.

Or you may have a more serious health condition involving your bladder, kidneys or urinary tract. You could have a “neurogenic” or hyperactive bladder with overflow, which is a chronic condition that requires treatment by a urologist. If you’re diabetic, take extra care: You’re more prone to urinary tract infection and a neurogenic bladder. Running to the toilet may even be caused by certain medication (say for high blood pressure).

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Herbal Remedies

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Herbal treatments have been used all over the world for thousands of years, and some of the most powerful drugs used in orthodox medicine today are based on plants and plant extracts. Some plants are poisonous or have unwelcome side-effects, but medical herbalists have access to extensive research which enables them to identify exactly the right treatment for the individual patient.

Like other alternative practitioners, the medical herbalist bases treatment on a holistic approach, aimed at assisting natural healing and restoring you to balanced health. Because herbalism treats you rather than your ailments, a herbalist needs to build up a complete picture of your health and lifestyle and search for clues to the causes of any problems. What’s appropriate for you may be the wrong thing for somebody else, even if you seem to be experiencing similar things? Prescriptions vary, and depend on what’s needed to restore good health; they may be altered over time according to how you react to them. Self-help measures may also be suggested, and adjustments recommended to your diet, exercise, work and social life.

Herbal remedies use extracts from whole plants, not just their active ingredients. This reduces the incidences of unwanted side-effects that may arise when the active constituents are used in isolation. The result is that herbal medicine tends to be gentler, safer and less disturbing to the body than orthodox remedies – but may be a while before you notice its effects.

Dosage of some herbal remedies is strictly controlled by law, because many plants may be toxic. Other medicines can have powerful effects. Medical herbalists often work together with practitioners in other alternative disciplines, and with orthodox doctors.

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