clean medicine ebook

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The Benefits of Clean Medicine

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Table of ContentsTable of Contents ....................................................................................................2

Introduction .............................................................................................................3

Chapter 1 ................................................................................................................4

Introduction to Natural Medicines ........................................................................4

What are Natural Medicines and Clean Medicines? .......................................4

A Brief History of Clean Medicines ..................................................................7

Renewal of Interest in Natural Medicines ........................................................9

Chapter 2 ...............................................................................................................11

Benefits of Clean Medicine ................................................................................11

Cost Effectiveness .........................................................................................11

Passed the Test of Time ................................................................................12

Fewer Side Effects .........................................................................................13

Effectiveness ..................................................................................................13

Widely Available and More Convenient......................................................... 14

How Natural Medications Work .....................................................................14

Chapter 3 ..............................................................................................................15

Known Health Risks and Problems Associated with Non-All Natural Products 15

Health Problems Associated with Prescription Medications ..........................16

Folic Acid .............................................................................................................16

Magnesium ...........................................................................................................16

Zinc ......................................................................................................................17

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions .............................................................17

Drug Interactions ...........................................................................................18

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The Severity of Drug Side Effects and Interactions .......................................18

Safety Guidelines for the Use of Natural and Clean Medicines ....................20

Introduction

In todays modern world, there are a number of different medical options and

remedies available. It does seem, however, that the more technology advances

the more complicated, and potentially dangerous, many medicines become. It is

interesting to note, however, that some of the best medicines in the world have

actually been in use for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. In fact, these

medicines were in use before the idea of a patented drug was ever developed.

Given the rising costs of pharmaceutical medications, the number of reported

side effects and adverse reactions and the fact that in many cases, prescription

medication just simply does not seem be as effective as it should be, many

people are returning to the idea of using natural medications.

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Chapter 1

Introduction to Natural Medicines

What are Natural Medicines and Clean Medicines?Natural medicines and clean medicines are produced from products that are

manufactured from elements found in nature. These elements may include

stems, seeds, berries, roots, flower buds and leaves. The use of natural

medicines has grown extensively in the last few years and as a result, they are

now available in a wide variety of formats including liquid extracts, capsules,tablets and teas as well as leaves, roots and powders.

Natural medicines may contain a variety of different plants. Herbs are one

particular type of plant that is commonly used in natural medicines. Typically,

herbs are used either in part or whole and are used for their therapeutic, flavor or

scent properties. Historically, herbs have been used to flavor foods, however,

they can also provide a variety of medicinal benefits as well. There are many

different types of herbs and plants that are commonly used either as part ofnatural medicines or on their own to promote better health. Just a few of these

herbs include:

Eucalyptus

Ephedra or ma huang

Garlic

Ginseng

St. Johns Wort

Ginkgo biloba

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Rosemary

Capsaicum

Grape seed

Melatonin

Saw Palmetto

Kava-Kava

Echinacea

Clean medicines may be taken for a variety of reasons including treating a

specific illness or disease as well as for providing relief from a common ailment.

In some cases individuals also choose to use clean medicines for the purpose of

promoting their overall health and strengthening their bodys immune system.

Some of the most common health ailments and conditions treated with natural

medicines include:

Sleeping problems

Arthritis

Sinus problems

Digestive disorders such as colitis, peptic ulcers, indigestion and irritable

bowel syndrome

Immune system problems

Gynecological problems such as menopausal problems and premenstrual

syndrome

Allergic responses like asthma and hay fever

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High blood pressure

Respiratory problems such as influenza

Skin problems like eczema, acne and psoriasis

Stress

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A Brief History of Clean MedicinesCertain areas of the world have made extensive use of various plants and herbs

to treat health problems throughout history. Synthetic drugs and medications,

which are patented, have only actually been in use since around the mid-19th

century. Prior to that time healers and physicians, as well as individuals

themselves, relied on natural medicines. Today we refer to these medicines by a

variety of different names including medicine alternatives, holistic medicine,

alternative medicine, homeopathic medicine, herbal medicine and clean

medicine.

The idea of medicine that is based in biology is actually not a new idea. Long

before pharmaceutical companies began to tinker around with the idea of

creating synthetic medications, healers used remedies found in nature to treat

illness and disease.

Historical records indicate that cultures on every continent have practiced the use

of natural or herbal medication in some form practically since the beginning of

time. While various methods are used, natural medicine involves the use of

plants to receive a palliative effect on symptoms associated with illness.

The use of herbal medication has grown and expanded over the years. In fact, a

number of well known medications used in modern times were originally based in

natural healing agents. For example, aspirin originated from the use of white

willow bark. A number of stimulants as well as analgesics are all based upon the

use of natural elements including morphine, which is derived from an opium

poppy tincture.

Early historical records indicate that many natural medicines were ingested

simply by chewing the plant or by brewing a drink made from parts of the plant.

For example, marshmallow root was commonly chewed in order to relieve the

discomfort of an upset stomach.

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the time, the act was vigorously protested, however, it did little good. By the mid-

20th century chemically produced medicines had become the standard.

Renewal of Interest in Natural MedicinesDuring the 1930s, it is estimated that as much as 80% of the pharmaceuticals

that were produced were based on some type of natural compound. Today, the

number of pharmaceuticals that are naturally based has drastically declined.

Estimates indicate that only about 25% of prescription medications are produced

with active ingredients that are derived from nature.

That has changed in the last ten to twenty years, however, as more and more

people have begun to recognize the importance and benefits of natural medicine

over pharmaceuticals.

In the United States, the interest in natural medications has increased rapidly in

the last twenty years. Much of this interest has grown from an increasing

dissatisfaction with prescription medication costs, unacceptable and dangerous

side effects, and a desire to return to remedies that are organic or based in

nature.

The idea of natural or clean medicine is based on several premises. These

include:

The idea that the body is actually able to heal itself. Natural or clean

medicines can help in the facilitation of this process, which is completely

natural.

The cause and not the effect should be treated. This is completely

opposite from the premise behind pharmaceuticals, which seek to treat

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the effects and often do nothing to treat the underlying cause of the

condition.

A return to Hippocrates most important principle: First do no harm. The

ultimate goal of clean medication is that balance is established within the

body while providing no harm. All natural ingredients are used to establish

this benefit.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has discovered

that an increasing number of people are using natural medicines over synthetic

prescription drugs. In fact, the World Health Organization now reports that as

much as 80% of the worlds population use herbal medications to some degree.

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Chapter 2

Benefits of Clean Medicine

Clean medication offers a number of important benefits, particularly when

compared to synthetic or prescription medication. Natural medications are

derived from essences and plants that exist in nature. They are frequently

referred to as clean medicines because they do not contain any of the chemicals

which are frequently used in the production of pharmaceutical drugs of

prescription medications.

Cost EffectivenessAs most consumers are aware, prescription medications can be quite expensive.

Even individuals who have health insurance frequently find that their co-pays are

expensive. For those who do not have health insurance, the burden of paying for

prescription medication can be overwhelming. Natural medications are far less

expensive. Overall, it costs less to produce natural medicines than

pharmaceuticals because natural medicines do not involve the same amount of

time to develop and manufacture. All of the ingredients come from nature in clean

medicines, as opposed to pharmaceuticals, which involve synthetic ingredients. It

can literally take years to develop pharmaceuticals and that type of research is

expensive.

Before a pharmaceutical drug can be approved by the FDA, it takes quite a bit of

research and clinical trials. Clinical trials are quite expensive. Therefore, when a

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pharmaceutical drug is finally approved by the FDA, the sticker price is typically

quite high.

This is not the case with natural medicine, however, because natural medicines

are produced with all natural ingredients and are not required to undergo clinical

trials.

In addition, clean medicine is also less expensive due to the fact that individuals

do not need to acquire a prescription from their physician. With pharmaceuticals,

the individual must take the time to schedule an appointment and pay for an

office co-pay. Clean medications do not require any consultation with a physician.

Passed the Test of TimeClean medications have also passed one of the most stringent tests possible;

they have passed the test of time. Considering the fact that the side effects and

adverse reactions possible with pharmaceuticals may not show up until years

after they are used, this is certainly an important advantage. The all natural

ingredients used in natural medicines have been used for hundreds, even

thousands, of years.

The human body is already accustomed to the use of plant extracts and all

natural ingredients not only because they have been used for thousands of years

but also because most people already ingest plants and herbs anyway as part of

their regular diet. This is not the case with pharmaceuticals. When an individual

uses a pharmaceutical to treat a health problem, a molecule that the human body

is not accustomed to is introduced. Given the fact that everyone is different, it is

difficult to determine how the body may respond to the introduction of a new

element. This is one of the reasons why side effects can vary so widely.

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Fewer Side EffectsListen to an advertisement on television for any prescription medication and you

will likely hear a litany of different possible side effects. In some cases, these side

effects can be so disturbing you may find yourself wondering whether the cure

of the medication is worth the possible side effects that may result. In many

cases, these side effects can be quite unpredictable. Side effects that may not be

a problem with one individual may occur violently in another individual. One

reason for this is the fact that synthetic medications can interact with the body

chemistry in a manner that simply cannot be predicted. Natural medications are

not produced from any synthetic ingredients and as a result, they frequently offer

fewer, if any, side effects.

EffectivenessDespite their high cost, pharmaceuticals are not always effective. It is not

uncommon, for some individuals to discover they must experiment with different

types of prescription medication before finding a type that provides even a

modicum of relief from their symptoms. Unfortunately, in many of those situations

the side effects can be worse than the cure. This is one of the reasons that so

many people are turning to clean medicines.

Natural medications frequently offer a higher level of effectiveness. This is

because natural medicines tend to be more potent than synthetic medications.

The actual potency of natural remedies can vary depending on a variety of

factors including the way in which the ingredients were harvested and the

growing conditions of the ingredients such exposure to air, moisture and light.

Overall, however, natural medications are often more potent than prescription

medication and as a result frequently offer a higher level of effectiveness.

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Widely Available and More ConvenientWith prescription medication, individuals must wait to make an appointment with

their physician. Depending on the schedule and caseload of their physician this

can take awhile in some cases. Meanwhile, the individual must continue to suffer

from the symptoms related to their illness. Even after the individual has seen

their doctor, they must then take their prescription to the pharmacy and have it

filled. This is certainly not the case with all-natural medication. No prescriptions

are required; therefore, there is no need to wait for an appointment with a

physician. In addition, since all-natural and clean medicines do not require a

prescription they do not need to be obtained from a pharmacy.

How Natural Medications WorkHerbal are natural medications provide a wide range of applications. As a result,

the impact they can have on various functions of the body can vary as well. The

idea of ingesting plants in order to receive specific benefits is not anything new.

In fact, most people use plants to receive some type of effect even if they are not

already using herbal or natural medications. For example, peppermint is

frequently used to aide digestion while many people drink chamomile tea to help

them relax. Millions of people drink a cup of tea or coffee each morning in order

to help them awaken and face the day.

In much the same way that these herbs and plants can be used to achieve a

variety of effects, other plant extracts can be used to treat a wide array of

different health problems. Herbs and plants are also frequently used in order to

act as a preventive measure against contracting certain health issues such as

colds. Herbs and plants work quite effectively because the human bodys

metabolism is designed and suited well for the purpose of digesting herbal

medicines. For most people, herbal medications provide an effective result that is

gentle and involves little to no side effects.

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Chapter 3

Known Health Risks and Problems Associatedwith Non-All Natural Products

As consumers are already aware, there exists the strong potential for side effects

and adverse reactions when non-natural products are used to treat health

conditions. What many consumers may not realize, however, is the extent to

which pharmaceuticals can cause problems and exactly how severe some of

those problems and risks can actually be.

In fact, in many cases, synthetic medications can actually cause more harm than

good; the exact opposite of the ancient creed established by Hippocrates. There

is compelling evidence which suggests that hundreds of thousands of deaths

may occur each year as a result of prescription medication.

Reuters reports that research suggests approximately 5% of all hospital

admissions are actually the result of side effects from prescription medication.

This number alone affects more than 1 million people on an annual basis.

Research further suggests that more than 100,000 people are affected by

prescription medications even when they are used correctly.

To make matters even worse, the use of prescription medications has drastically

increased in the last few years. One clear example of this is the use of

antibiotics. In the last 50 years, the amount of antibiotics being prescribed has

rapidly increased. Estimates indicate that more than 3 million pounds of

antibiotics are prescribed each and every year.

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Health Problems Associated with Prescription

MedicationsMany experts are now concerned that the almost continual exposure to

antibiotics has not resulted in the alteration of pathogens. Just a few of the

pathogens which may have been altered or mutated include Staphlococcus

aureaus, Streptococcus and enteroccoi as well as many more. When pathogens

mutate or change, they become much more difficult to treat and in some cases

may become more serious as well.

Prescription drugs are also believed to cause a number of other health problems,

one of which is the way in which the body is able to absorb nutrients. This can be

a serious problem because not only potentially toxic chemicals are being

released into the body but the body may also be deprived of essential nutrients

as well. This may only serve to make matters worse, including lengthening the

amount of time it takes for the body to recover from the initial problem.

Folic Acid

One of the essential nutrients that may be depleted as a result of the use of non-

all natural products is folic acid. This can be a serious problem for severalreasons. First, most people are already somewhat deficient in folic acid due to

the average diet. The use of prescription medication can cause further depletion.

Research has shown that a deficiency of folic acid can result in the build-up of

homocystine levels within the blood, a condition which can be quite unhealthy. In

addition, a lack of folic acid can also result in several serious birth defects.

Magnesium

A number of different prescription medications can result in magnesium

deficiency. A lack of the proper amount of magnesium can also cause serious

health problems including interference with the regulation of blood sugar levels,

cognitive problems and the exacerbation of osteoporosis. Research also

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suggests that magnesium deficiency may also serve as a trigger for strokes,

hypertension and heart attacks.

Zinc

Zinc is another important mineral that may be depleted by the use of prescription

medications. The activity of practically every enzyme that exists within the body

can be affected by a lack of zinc. In addition, a variety of different hormones as

well as insulin receptors may also be affected by a zinc deficiency as well.

Common symptoms of zinc deficiency include anemia, joint pain, poor hair, nails

and skin and a weakened immune system.

Side Effects and Adverse ReactionsIt is a widely accepted fact that prescription medications can result in adverse

reactions and side effects.

A side effect is a type of secondary effect of a medication that is commonly

adverse. While many side effects occur immediately upon taking a medication, in

some cases, it could take much longer for side effects of medication to occur. Infact, it can sometimes take months or years for side effects of medication to

actually show up.

An allergic reaction usually occurs immediately after an individual ingests a

particular substance. Common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction

include skin rash, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, insomnia, bloating, gas,

lightheadedness and nervousness. This type of reaction can be quite serious. In

some cases, an allergic reaction can even be fatal if it impacts the cardiac and/orrespiratory systems.

A toxic reaction may occur immediately after taking a medication or it may take

up to several years for the reaction to become apparent. When the reaction

occurs may depend on a variety of factors including the health of the individuals

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immune system, their overall healthy, genetic makeup and the health of their

liver. In the event, the individuals liver has become overwhelmed with alcohol,

poor diet, drugs or exposure to toxins from the environment, adding even more

drugs into the bodys system may make it impossible for the liver to provide

detoxifying effects for the body. Signs and symptoms of a toxic reaction include

continual infections, autoimmune problems, fatigue, bad breath and skin rashes.

Drug InteractionsDrug interactions are always a possibility when an individual is taking more than

one medication at a time. This is why doctors always insist that patients provide

an updated list of medications currently being taken. The problem, however, is

that side effects of medication can occur years after the medication has been

taken. It is not at all uncommon for new side effects to be uncovered literally

years after the chemicals that are used within a synthetic medication was

originally made available.

To exacerbate the problem, most manufacturers do not routinely test their

medications against the medications produced by other pharmaceutical

companies. Therefore, there is really no way to predict how the interaction of one

medication with another medication may occur. In almost all cases, serious drug

interactions are uncovered completely by accident.

The Severity of Drug Side Effects and InteractionsAccording to The Journal of American Medical Association, more than 2 million

hospital patients experienced adverse drug reactions or side effects that were

serious within a single year. Furthermore, 106,000 of those individuals eventually

died as a result of those drug reactions. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact

that these numbers accounted for nearly 5% of all the deaths that were recorded

in the United States during that one calendar year. As a result, deaths resulting

from drug reactions became the fourth leading cause of death across the nation.

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To make matters even worse, there is also evidence that a significant number of

adverse reactions from prescription drugs are simply never reported. JAMA

further reports that only about 1 in every 20 drug reactions are actually reported.

Given this estimate, it is entirely plausible to think that tens of millions of people

could be seriously injured by drug interactions and side effects each year while

nearly half a million people die as a result of serious side effects and interactions

related to prescription medications.

Even when medications are taken as prescribed, there still exists the strong risk

of dangerous side effects and interactions. According to a Center for Disease

Control and Prevention report published in the Wall Street Journal, there are

more than 600,000 hospital admissions resulting from correctly administered

medications. The same report indicated there are some 700,000 visits to

emergency rooms as a direct result of properly administered side effects. These

side effects included internal bleeding, seizures and death.

Although these medications are supposed to make patients feel better, the sad

and even dangerous truth of the matter is that many prescription medications

create serious problems within numerous systems as well as the brain. It has

even been suggested that much of the confusion and memory lapses that many

older people experience could also be attributed to the number of synthetic

medications that are frequently prescribed as people grow older. Given the large

number of Baby Boomers that are entering and approaching retirement age, this

is certainly a serious concern.

Individuals who are at least 65 years of age take an average of six medications

daily. Those individuals, who are in long term care facilities and nursing homes,

take an average of eight medications per day. Clearly, our older citizens comprisethe segment of the population most at risk for harm from prescription medications

as a result of interactions and side effects.

Drug interactions, adverse side effects and ways in which synthetic drugs

interfere with the bodys ability to absorb nutrients are all quite serious and can

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even result in death. The main reason for these problems is the fact that

prescription drugs are not designed to cure diseases. They are instead

manufactured to suppress the symptoms associated with the illness or disease.

Prescription medications are able to do this by interfering with the way in which

cellular functions normally occur. When these cellular functions are disturbed or

disrupted, the effects are commonly referred to as side effects. Sadly, in many

cases these side effects can actually be more serious that the condition that was

originally treated.

Safety Guidelines for the Use of Natural and Clean

MedicinesOverall, natural medicines are much safer than pharmaceutical drugs as well as

more effective. You should always exercise caution when using any type of

medicine, however, as it is possible for even the natural ingredients in clean

medicines to result in some side effects if they are combined with other

medications without caution.

When used carefully, natural medicines can treat a variety of illnesses and

conditions with little to no side effects. To ensure the optimal use of natural

medicines it is important to follow these guidelines:

Always make sure you read the label for information regarding dosage, expiration

date and warnings. Also make sure you always review the ingredient list just to

be certain you are not allergic to something that may be contained in the

medicine.

Read the directions and follow them. As with all medications, taking more natural

medicine than recommended is not a safe strategy. Be sure to follow the

directions regarding whether the medicine should be taken with liquid or food.

Be watchful for possible reactions. Overall, clean medicines do have fewer side

effects than pharmaceutical drugs, however, it is possible for any type of

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medicine to interact with other medicines, foods or herbs. If you are taking more

than one kind of medicine or herb, it is wise to make sure you are watchful

regarding any possible interactions. Read the directions so you will know which

side effects may occur. It is also important to make sure that you are watchful for

any allergic reactions. While natural medicines are produced from natural

elements, anyone can be allergic to anything; even if it is produced in nature.

Even if you do not have any known allergies, it is still a good idea to be watchful

when using a new product.

Finally, make sure you speak with your health care provider and make him or her

aware of your use of a natural medicine, especially if you are currently taking any

other medications.

When used properly, natural medicines can provide a host of benefits and treat a

variety of health conditions with more effectiveness, a lower treatment cost and

fewer negative side effects than pharmaceutical drugs.

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