Alternative Medicine in Bozeman, MT

Life Energy Massage promotes healthy living; we want to share some examples of alternative medicine in Bozeman, MT, that could help to resolve various health problems. Learn about the benefits of gingko, turmeric, evening primrose oil, flaxseed, tea tree oil, echinacea, grapeseed extract, lavender, and chamomile. If you have questions about these medicinal plants, contact us.

Gingko

  • Rating
  • Safety: Topically: 4.5/5.0; Orally: 3.0/5.0
  • Evidence: 3.0/5.0
Gingko, a vital herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is one of the oldest tree species and homeopathic herbs. The leaves are used to produce capsules, tablets, and extracts, and when dried, they can be used to make tea. Its capacity to improve brain health is likely its most notable feature. According to research, gingko can help individuals with mild to moderate dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Recent research has focused on a component that may aid in the treatment of diabetes, and further research is ongoing, including an animal study that suggests it may improve bone healing.
Interesting Fact
With fossils dating back 270 million years, gingko trees are considered living fossils. These trees have a 3,000-year lifespan.
Gingko Could Help With
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Eye Health
  • Inflammation
  • Diabetes
  • Bone Healing
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Dementia
Consider the Following
  • Its long-term use has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid and liver cancer, based on tests on rats.
  • It is known to cause problems in the liver, so liver enzymes may need to be monitored.
  • It can interact with blood thinners.
  • Do not ingest gingko seeds since they are poisonous.
  • Headaches, upset stomachs, dizziness, and allergic reactions are possible side effects.
  • Due to numerous drug interactions, talk to your doctor about its use.

Turmeric

  • Rating
  • Safety: Used as an Herb: 5.0/5.0; Used as a Supplement: 4.0/5.0
  • Evidence: 3.0/5.0
With its striking orange hue, it is impossible to miss a bottle of turmeric on a spice shelf. In India, turmeric is thought to have anticancer effects and prevent DNA mutations. As an anti-inflammatory, it can be taken as a supplement, and it has been used topically to relieve discomfort in people with arthritis. It is used globally as a culinary ingredient, making it a delicious, antioxidant-rich addition to many dishes. According to current studies, turmeric is a potential treatment for several dermatologic illnesses and joint difficulties.
Interesting Fact
For almost 4,000 years, turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb. It is a cornerstone of Ayurveda, an Indian alternative medical system.
Turmeric Could Help With
  • Pain Caused by Inflammatory Diseases, Like Arthritis
  • Preventing Cancer
  • Stopping DNA Mutations
  • Several Skin Diseases
Consider the Following
  • People tend to take too much when used as a supplement, so trusting the dosage and quality can be difficult. Safety increases when consumed as an herb in cooking or tea.
  • Its long-term use could result in stomach issues.
  • Turmeric's bioavailability is low. Adding pepper can help your body absorb more of its nutrients.

Evening Primrose Oil

  • Rating
  • Safety: Topically: 4.5/5.0; Orally: 3.0/5.0
  • Evidence: 3.0/5.0
The oil produced by the brilliant yellow evening primrose flower can help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and skin disorders, including dermatitis. The available research on this oil is readily available, but some sources are more credible than others. For example, some studies have found that evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to aid in treating atopic dermatitis and diabetic neuropathy. Other health issues, such as breast pain, may also benefit from it.

Recent studies suggest that it can help individuals with multiple sclerosis, change hormones and insulin sensitivity in those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and be used topically to treat moderate dermatitis. According to findings, evening primrose oil might be the “Swiss Army knife” of the medicinal plant world. It comes with a warning that it may interact with various medications. More research is on the way, and the potential applications are favorable.
Interesting Fact
Because they bloom as the sun sets, evening primrose flowers are also known as moonflowers. They smell like lemons, according to many people.
Evening Primrose Oil Could Help With
  • PMS
  • Mild Skin Conditions
  • Breast Pain
  • Menopause
  • Inflammation
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • PCOS
  • Blood Pressure

Consider the Following
  • Some blood-clotting medications interact with it.
  • It is unclear whether it is safe to use during pregnancy.
  • It may obstruct drug absorption during HIV treatment.
  • It interacts with lithium in the treatment of bipolar illness.
  • Its long-term use could be risky.

Flax Seed

  • Rating
  • Safety: 4.5/5.0
  • Evidence: 3.5/5.0
Flaxseed, which is also sold as an oil, is a safe plant-based dietary supplement option. This plant has been harvested for thousands of years. Today, it is praised for its antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory benefits. While further research with human participants is needed, one study claims that eating flaxseed can help prevent colon cancer. According to another study, flaxseed can help lower blood pressure. It can even help people with obesity to lose weight.

Flaxseed and flaxseed meals are popular additions to oatmeal and smoothies, and it is also available as tablets, oil (which can be used in capsules), and flour. The best approach to get flaxseed into your diet is to eat it. Ground seeds can be sprinkled on cereals or salads or cooked into hot porridge, stews, homemade bread, or smoothies. It’s also great to mix salad dressing with flaxseed oil.
Interesting Fact
Flax seeds are one of only a few plant-based omega-3 fatty acid sources. Chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans are also good sources.
Flax Seed Could Help With
  • Decreasing Obesity
  • Regulating Blood Pressure
  • Preventing Colon Cancer
  • Inflammation
  • Hot Flashes

Consider the Following
  • Women's estrogen production may be affected, particularly if they have a history of cancer or are pregnant.
  • Flax seeds should not be eaten uncooked or unripe since they can be toxic.

Tea Tree Oil

  • Rating
  • Safety: 4.0/5.0
  • Evidence: 3.0/5.0
Tea tree oil has long been good for skin conditions such as moderate acne, athlete's foot, tiny wounds, dandruff, insect bites, and other inflammatory skin problems. More research on acne and scalp use is needed, but for now, there is some evidence showing tea tree oil's antibacterial properties on wounds and topical infections.

Tea tree oil was found to decrease the growth of acne-causing bacteria in a recent study. I i's often utilized as a highly concentrated essential oil. Like all essential oils, tea tree oil should be diluted in a carrier oil, according to the study. It is also frequently diluted in a range of skincare products and lotions.
Interesting Fact
Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of a tree endemic to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.
Tea Tree Oil Could Help With
  • Acne
  • Athlete’s Foot
  • Cuts
  • Dandruff
  • Insect Bites
Consider the Following
  • If consumed orally, tea tree oil is poisonous.
  • An allergic reaction to your skin is possible.
  • Hormones may be affected.
  • Its long-term use is not advised.

0

  • Rating
  • Safety: 4.5/5.0
  • Evidence: 3.5/5.0
Echinacea is much more than the gorgeous purple coneflowers found in gardens. For centuries, these blossoms have been used as medicine in the form of teas, juices, and extracts. They are now available as powders or supplements. The most well-known use of echinacea is to relieve cold symptoms. Still, additional research is needed to confirm this effect and learn how echinacea improves immunity when a virus is present. Echinacea is generally harmless, except for a few potential adverse effects. Even if further research is needed, you can always use it to get rid of your cold symptoms faster.
Interesting Fact
Native Americans were among the first to use echinacea as a therapeutic herb. Archaeological evidence first appeared in the 18th century.
Echinacea Could Help With
  • Colds
  • Immunity
  • Bronchitis
  • Upper Respiratory Infections
Consider the Following
  • It might be difficult on the digestive system and cause stomach discomfort.
  • Allergic responses may occur.

Grapeseed Extract

  • Rating
  • Safety: 4.5/5.0
  • Evidence: 3.5/5.0
Grapeseed extract, which is available as a tablet and capsule or in liquid form, has been well-known and praised for its antioxidant properties for many years. It offers some health benefits, including lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and alleviating impaired leg vein circulation symptoms. Grapeseed extract has been shown in studies to have anti-cancer properties and slow the growth of cancer cells.
Interesting Fact
Antioxidants found in grapeseed extract are the same as those found in wine.
Grapeseed Extract Could Help With
  • Cancer
  • Lowering LDL (Bad) Cholesterol
  • Leg Vein Circulation
  • Edema
  • Blood Pressure

Consider the Following
  • If you're on blood thinners or blood pressure medication, or if you are about to have surgery, proceed with caution.
  • It has the potential to limit iron absorption.

Lavender

  • Rating
  • Safety: 4.0/5.0
  • Evidence: 3.5/5.0
If you suffer from anxiety, you have likely been advised to use lavender essential oil at some point, and for good reason. This fragrant, purple flower has a good reputation in research, with the majority of research concentrating on its anti-anxiety properties. In a study of dental patients, lavender was found to be relaxing, while another study found that lavender could directly impact mood and cognitive performance. It's also been praised for its sedative effects, which can help individuals sleep better. Lavender has recently been discovered to have anti-inflammatory properties. It works best when diluted and administered to the skin or in aromatherapy, and it has very minimal adverse effects.
Interesting Fact
Lavender was brought to Provence, France, by the Romans 2,000 years ago.
Lavender Could Help With
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Blood Pressure
  • Migraine
Consider the Following
  • It may irritate the skin.
  • If used orally, it is toxic.
  • When used undiluted, it may alter hormones.

Chamomile

  • Rating
  • Safety: 4.0/5.0
  • Evidence: 3.5/5.0
Chamomile, a medicinal plant with flowers that resemble small daisies, has anti-anxiety properties. Most people are familiar with it as a popular tea flavor (one review claims that over 1 million cups are consumed per day worldwide), but it can also be consumed as liquids, capsules, or tablets. Chamomile's calming properties have been extensively researched, including a 2009 study that found it superior to a placebo in treating generalized anxiety disorder. One recent study verified that it is safe for long-term use. Another recent study confirmed that it has potential in anticancer treatments.
Interesting Fact
German chamomile, an annual that flourishes in the Midwest, and Roman chamomile, a perennial that attracts pollinators and smells like apples, are the two different varieties of chamomile.
Chamomile Could Help With
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Insomnia
  • Cancer
Consider the Following
  • It may trigger allergic responses. Anaphylaxis has been reported in the past.
  • It has the potential to interact with blood thinners.
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