Do you suffer from PMS?

Over 70% of women suffer from  pre-menstrual syndrome! Every women experiences different symptoms, so there are no neat catergories into which we all fit.
There are over 200 different symptoms that have been associated with PMS, but the three prominent are: irritability, tension, unhappiness.
Some common emotional symptoms include: stress, anxiety, difficulty in falling asleep, headache, fatigue, mood swings, increased emotional sensitivity and changes in libido.
Physical symptoms may include: bloating, abdominal cramps, constipation, swelling and tenderness in the breasts, cyclic acne, joint or muscle pain.
Physical and emotional symptoms present themselves 7-10 days before the onset of the menses, and the symptoms usually lessen or disappear throughout the menstral cycle.
What is the causation for pre-mentraul syndrome? It is definately related to hormonal fluctuation and hormonal imbalances. Emotional issues, genetic predisposition, nutrition, and lack of exercise can all play a part in how women experience PMS!
Homeopathy can bring relief from PMS, returning balance to women, on all levels. Symptoms of pre-mentrual syndrome are significantly reduced or even eliminated! A homeopathic remedy, will stimulate the body's own natural healing response, to reestablish a healthy hormonal balance, which will regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce uncomfortable symptoms of pre-mentrual syndrome.

The following, are a list of possible homeopathic remedies and their symptoms that may bring you the relief that you have been looking for. Women with serious symptoms or extremly heavy bleeding should be under the care of a physician, as well as a qualified homeopath.

Calcarea Carbonica

• fluid retention
• headache
• breast tenderness
• feeling of being overwhelmed
• feeling of extreme fatigue and depletion
• cold limbs
• symptoms worsen with exposure to cold or dampness
• symptoms worsen with exertion

Chamomilla

• angry (rude and short tempered)
• irritable
• oversensitive to pain or environmental stimuli (noise, odours, touch)
• painful cramping prior to menses
• feels worse once menses starts
• menstral flow is typically heavy with dark clotting blood
• heat worsens all symptoms
• exercise improves symptoms
• DISSATIFIED AND NOTHING CAN PLEASE

Pulsatilla

• feeling alone, unloved, as if nobody cares
• moodiness
• wants sympathy, affection, to beheld
• tendency to tears if ignored
• nausea may be present
• little or no thirst
• mild dizziness
• sensitive to heat
• night time headaches
• better in fresh air
• no two mentral cycles are ever the same

Nux Vomica

• driven
• fussy and fault finding
• extreme behaviour
• irritable or angry to the point of rage
• desire for stimulants: coffee, tobacco, alcohol
• feels cold
• cramping
• worse in the morning
• desires fatty foods

Lachesis

• irritable
• talkative, sharp tongues, sarcastic, suspicious, jealous
• tight clothing is unbearable
• bloating
• headache before menses
• severe cramping
• pains are mostly left sided and are worse upon waking
• all symptoms are relieved as soon as the menstral flow begins.

Sepia

• irritability and angry
• desire to be alone
• not wanting to talk
• better for work, keeping busy and strenuous exercise
• dislikes being touched or shown affection
• weeping before menses
• craves sour things or chocolate
• dragging pain during menses
• chilly
• exhausted

As always, I hope this post was helpful and I would love to hear your comments. If there is something else that you would like to learn about, let me know.

Happy Holidays!

Yours in health,
Amanda

The Common Cold vs. Influenza

I have been asked numerous times within the last few months, what is the difference between a "normal" cold and influenza? What continues to surprise me, is the number of people that believe that the Flu Shot will prevent them from getting the stomach flu! Just a reminder that the stomach flu affects the gastrointestinal system and influenza mainly affects the respiratory system. With that being said, that does not mean you might not experience some gastrointestinal symptoms with a respiratory illness!
A cold, is a viral infection that is characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory mucous membranes (nose, mouth and throat). People may often experience a fever, chills, coughing, sneezing and an overall tiredness. The symptoms usually appear over an 4-12 hour period. A common cold usually lasts anywhere from 3-7 days, sometimes longer if we do not listen to our bodies!
Influenza, is a viral illness. In most cases it often begins with a very sore throat, cough and runny nose. Sounds very similar to the common cold, right? What makes Influenza different, is the fever, chills and severe fatigue to the point that you can't get out of bed! Headaches are common, especially in the centre of the forehead with sinus pressure. Marked aches and pains in the back, arms, legs that are felt deep in the muscles. Symptoms may move to the chest, and present themselves with a burning pain under the sternum, that may be accompanied by a productive painful cough. In severe cases, influenza can rapidly deteriorate into bronchitis and pneumonia, with shortness of breath, bloody sputum and fluid in the lungs. Influenza has the potential to cause death. Those deaths usually involve an individual who's health is already compromised. Please remember, 99% of flu suffers will survive, and you will be immune for life to whatever particular strain of the influenza that you contracted!
Homeopathy is effective in boosting the immune system and restoring health quickly. The remedies help move the individual through the stages of a cold or flu quickly, shortening the overall duration and severity of symptoms!
Choose a remedy that best matches the symptoms that the sick person is exhibiting.

Aconite Napellus

• sudden onset of from exposure to a dry, cold wind
• from emotional shock or fright
• high fever
• sore throat
•  better in fresh air
• worse in a warm room, evening and at night
• fear impending death (talk about this illness killing them)

Baptisia Tintoria

• comes on suddenly
• chilly
• feels bruised all over
• head feels heavy
• to sick to move
• BAD BREATH
• really thirsty
• better rest
• worse motion

Bryonia Alba

• gradual onset
• very irritable
• whole body ahces
• want to be left alone and to go home
• bursting, splitting heache that is worse from the slightest movement
• thirsty for cold drinks

Ferrum Phosporicum (this is a remedy you can take in the early stages of a cold, even if the symptoms are really clear)

• fever
• headache
• feeling tired and worn out

Gelsemium Semprevivens

• comes on gradually over a few days
• feel dizzy, drowsy and dull
• feel like you have been hit by a truck and just want to lie down and sleep
• muscles ache
• eyelids are heavy
• chills up and down spine
• frontal headache
• may feel anxious with trembling

Hopefully this blog post was informative. If you have any questions or  in doubt, please seek advice from a qualified health care professional!


Yours in health,
Amanda

Staying Healthy This Holiday Season

The holiday has officially begun, and we often find ourselves plagued with illness! So,the following information is just some general advice to help you stay healthy this holiday season, and boost your immune system along the way. I realize that we all indulge at times, and your only human if you do! By trying to incorporate some the tips below, you will be able to indulge the whole holiday season, and not miss out on any great holiday parties!! Remember; never underestimate the healing power of sleep!

Ø Eat well-balanced meals and avoid foods that suppress your immunity, such as high sugar and processed foods.

Ø Daily intake of a well-balanced multi vitamin/mineral. This will support your immune system by providing you with all the required vitamins.

Ø Take 1000 IU of Vitamin D daily. Canadians need to take Vitamin D as we are deficient of this vitamin during the fall and winter season. Daily intake will increase your energy and boost your immune system!

Ø Take 400 IU of Vitamin E daily. Vitamin E is high in gamma- tocopherol, which has anti-inflammatory qualities.

Ø Buffered Vitamin C 1000mg daily. If you are feeling worn out, you can take this amount up to 3 times daily.

Ø Drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily, will keep you well hydrated. This also helps to flush out the toxins.

Ø Avoid exhaustion. This lowers your immunity and greatly increases your risk of infection. Try to get at least 8 hours of GOOD sleep nightly.

Ø Remember to wash your hands. Hand sanitizers are good for when you are not close to a restroom. Clean commonly used surfaces often. Vinegar is a great sanitizer for household surfaces!

Homeopathy is a useful tool to have readily available. Homeopathy stimulates the healing response that is already in process; further strengthening the body’s own immune system!

Yours in health,

Amanda

Just a little humour

I came across this cartoon, while reading a monthly newsletter; Homeopathy4Everyone! It made me laugh, so I thought I would share it with all of you! I always wonder where artists come up with their material, and would be quite interested in seeing the skeptics version of this cartoon. Please note, that I support allopathic (western) medicine! I believe that all forms of healing need to work together holistically, for everyone to experience true health!

Yours in health,

Amanda

Ten Reasons to Use Homeopathy

1. Effective Medicine
Homeopathy can be an extremely effective system of medicine when used correctly. It can provide long-lasting relief from many conditions and illnesses, including injuries and emergency situations.

2. Natural Action
Homeopathy works by stimulating the body's own natural defense mechanism to promote health and to resist infection and susceptibility to disease. Although gentle, the results can be powerful and long lasting.

3. Holistic
Homeopathy treats the whole individual, acting on the mental and emotional levels as well as the physical level.

4. No Harmful Side Effects
Homeopathic treatment offers a gentle and non-invasive approach to health. When used correctly, it produces no toxic side effects, no dependency or addiction, and no withdrawal.

5. Cost Effective
Homeopathic medicines are surprisingly inexpensive when compared to over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

6. Fast -Acting First -Aid Relief
Homeopathy can be safely used at home or in the workplace to provide rapid relief for minor problems such as bruises, simple burns, sprains, insect bites, gastric upset, etc. However more serious or long-lasting complaints should be treated by a qualified homeopath.

7. Not tested on Animals
Homeopathic medicines are tested only on healthy humans in order to determine the range of action of each remedy.

8. Complementary Medicine
Homeopathic medicines may be used independently or along with conventional drugs and other therapies (with the full knowledge of your health providers). It can often alleviate side effects of conventional treatments (e.g., chemotherapy).

9. Health &Well-Being
Homeopathy improves health generally, rather than merely alleviating localized symptoms. It provides a balanced level of overall health and an increased sense of well-being and quality of life. By boosting the body's immune system, homeopathy can help improve a person's resistance to illness and infections.

10. Medicine of the Future
Homeopathy is the second most widely-used system of medicine in the world. It is available in most countries and is gaining in popularity as an alternative to conventional medicine.


The following list was written and provided by the Canadian Society of Homeopaths  www.csoh.ca

Introduction To Homeopathy

The word "homeopathy" is derived from two Greek words: homoios which means "similar" and pathos which means "suffering." The basic concept of homeopathy is the principle of similars, or as it is often referred to as the Law of Similars.  To explain this, every substance which is capable of producing a set of symptoms in a healthy human being, is also capable of curing similar symptoms in a sick person!

The beauty of homeopathy, is that it stimulates a natural healing response. The body express symptoms, and these are signs that the body is already attempting to fight against infection or stress. Homeopathic remedies mimic and enhance the bodies defenses, they do not inhibit or suppress it!

Homeopathic medicine has been practised since 1790, in Europe. The British Royal Family has used and supported homeopathy since the 1830's! Many other famous individuals from the past and present, advocate for homeopathy, the following list is just a few:

• Queen Elizabeth II
• Louisa May Alcott
• Nathaniel Hawthorn
• David Beckham
• Tina Turner
• Paul McCartney
• Dizzy Gillespie
• John Wayne
• Catherine Zeta-Jones
• Suzanne Somers
• Dr. Phil
• Priscilla & Lisa Marie Presley
• Jennifer Aniston
• Orlando Bloom
• Mark Twain

Homeopathy, is cost effective! So you do not have to be famous or rich,  to experience the healing art of homeopathy!

Yours in health,
Amanda

Welcome

I am so excited to share my new blog with you! I am hoping to use this forum for educational purposes, and to support how homeopathy is a truly amazing form of complementary medicine. There is an over abundance of information on the Internet, and lets face it, homeopathy is not easy to understand! Become informed, so that you can make a decision, that is based on facts not fear or ignorance.
I believe that everyone has a right to make their own choice, so become informed about your health care options, and make a choice that works for you and your family!

Yours in health,
Amanda