| Frequently
Asked Questions
Q:
Did you know?
A: Carole
Childers, the founder and owner of All Ways Healthy is a certified
nutritionist and a Licensed Nutritional Counselor in the state of
Illinois. Carole is available for consultations, please call
847-438-9200 if you'd like to schedule an appointment.
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Q:
I suffer from insomnia and have heard that the herb valerian might be of
help. Can you tell me more about it?
A: Valerian's
primary traditional use has been as a sedative for the relief of insomnia;
it can also be used in the treatment of stress and anxiety. Valerian root
has been used for centuries to calm upset nerves, treat mood problems,
pain and headache. In medieval times, valerian was so popular it became
known as "all-heal."
Valerian is used
medically in much the same way as Valium although the two are totally
unrelated. Valerian provides no side effects compared to prescription
sedatives which often result in depressed coordination, a groggy drugged
feeling and dependency.
In the book, Herbal
Medicine, Rudolf Weiss states that valerian seems to work two different
ways: with a sedative action as well as a balancing depressant action on
the autonomic nervous system. Valerian has a mild tranquilizing or
sedative effect which makes it ideal in calming nerves and easing sleep
problems. Studies show valerian helps relieve insomnia as well as improve
sleep quality; it seems to work most effectively when taken an hour before
sleep.
Valerian's benefits are
many but before beginning treatment, I urge you to check first with your
health care provider to learn more and to find the correct formulation
that's right for you.
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Q:
Recently, I have heard much about Ayurveda health practices. Can you
explain what it's all about.
A: Ayurveda
is the natural medical system of India, ‘formulated more than 3,000
years ago. The name Ayurveda originated in the language of Sanskrit,
‘Ayur” coming from
the Sanskrit word for “life,” and "Veda" referring to
knowledge or science.
Ayurvedic
medicine, the oldest healing system in he world, is experiencing a great
revival of interest for its holistic approach to health and its reliance
on herbs. Contrary to western medicine’s narrow focus on disease,
Ayurveda widens its perspective to the preservation and restoration of
health in relationship to all aspects of a person’s life.
Ayurveda
classifies individuals in the context of their environment, spiritual
makeup and body type. The Ayurvedic balance of health features a holistic
concept encompassing mind, body and spirit in relation to nature and the
universe. Ayurvedic medicine works to prevent disease rather than to treat
symptoms. From the Ayurvedic point of view, disease represents a state of
imbalance. To fight disease, Ayurveda attempts to rebalance the self
by strengthening the whole person.
One
of the most important. keys to balance entails eating the correct
selection of food and maintaining proper digestion. Other key pillars of
Ayurvedic belief include: detoxifying and cleansing, boosting the immune
system’s effectiveness, keeping mentally sharp and helping the body
cope with stress.
As
you look to improve your own health, consider the teachings of Ayurveda
and treat your whole system —mind, body and spirit— with this ancient
healing philosophy.
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