Absolute Beginner's Guide to Alternative Medicine

Fever

■ Aromatherapy: tea tree and juniper encourage the body to sweat; lavender

and peppermint are cooling; chamomile is soothing and calming; use either

in a bath or in cool water to sponge the body

■ Herbs: to a large mug of boiling water add juice of 1 lemon, 2 tsp. honey, 1

tsp. grated ginger, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, and 1 tbsp. brandy or

whisky

■ Homeopathy: belladonna, aconite, ferrum phosphoricum, gelsemium—1

tablet every 30 minutes for six doses, then every 4 hours—maximum 3 days

Fibromyalgia

■ Acupuncture

■ Biofeedback

■ Herbs: topical capsaicin

■ Magnets: sleep on a magnetic mattress and use a magnetic pillow; magnets

can also be placed over painful areas during the day

■ Supplements: magnesium, malic acid

Fluid Retention

■ Massage feet and ankles

■ Elevate legs

Headache (Tension)

■ Acupressure: press pressure points between eyebrows or at bottom of web

between thumb and first finger

■ Alexander Technique: helps improve posture to avoid buildup of tension in

neck and shoulders

■ Aromatherapy: basil, chamomile, massage lavender, peppermint, or eucalyp-

tus around temples; rose compress to eyes

■ Chiropractic manipulation

■ Herbs: 1/2 tsp. each of betony and skullcap made into tea; ginseng (200 mg

daily)

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