Absolute Beginner's Guide to Alternative Medicine

Sciatica

■ Acupuncture

■ Applied Kinesiology

■ Chiropractic manipulation

■ Hydrotherapy: warm water jets

■ Reflexology

Sexual Dysfunction

■ Herbs: ginkgo (180 to 240 mg daily) for erectile problems; ashwaganda

■ Hypnotherapy and imagery

Shingles

■ Aromatherapy: eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, chamomile, bergamot—

smooth the oil gently over the affected areas and down either side of the

spine; if body is too painful to touch, add oils to a water spray or use in a

bath

■ Herbs: echinacea (up to 2 g daily); St. John’s wort tea, aloe vera gel to blister-

ing area

Sinus Problems

■ Aromatherapy: basil, marjoram or eucalyptus—put on handkerchief or use

with a vaporizer

■ Herbs: ephedra, goldenseal, yarrow, coltsfoot—make a tea using 2 tsp. of herb

per cup; use herbs in cream or oil and massage the sinus areas

■ Homeopathy: hydrastis, kali bichromicum—1 tablet three times daily—maxi-

mum 10 days

■ Hydrotherapy: hot and cold compresses, steam inhalation, nasal lavage

■ Reflexology: massage the sinus reflexes on the tips of the fingers and toes

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