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General

In this section, you'll find general info on anything that's related to alternative health or holistic well-being.

Getting the drop on hay fever

Autumn - like spring - may mean that you have to cope with sneezing, a stuffy and watery nose, red and itchy eyes. Just what causes hay fever?

Spring is in the air. And so are a thousand allergy-causing pollens. This is bad news for the growing number of people suffering from allergies whether it is hay fever, asthma, eczema or other forms of allergies.

SA has no rules for cure-alls

With regulation virtually non-existent, South Africans are exposed to dangerous alternative health products marketed under unsubstantiated claims. We investigated.

Where complementary therapy fits in

Taking care of your body in the relaxed, calm way characteristic of complementary medicine can be refreshing. But how does it fit into the conventional medicine picture?

Can herbs cure cancer?

Exciting new research shows that herbs could possibly help treat cancer. An alternative-health practitioner and an oncologist put matters into perspective.

The future of traditional healing

80% of the South African population makes use of traditional health practitioners, but still there is little space or tolerance for sangomas and other traditional healers.

Nature's answer to viagra

For many women, a smooth, shaven chin, complete with a fresh hint of aftershave, is a potent aphrodisiac. But could shaving have some libido-boosting benefits for men too?

Spirulina: help or hype?

Many swear by spirulina, while others feel the benefits are often hyped up by marketers. To get his take on the story, we caught up with the founder of Marcus Rohrer Spirulina.

Your nose knows

Your sense of smell affects your behaviour, helps you to sense danger, and plays a subtle role in how you communicate with others.

Tune in to your sense of hearing

Exhausted by all the noise around you? Then perhaps it's time to use your ears more effectively: filter out the noise, and make space for the good sounds – and silence.

The journey of a white sangoma

Sheila Dorje (38) tells her story of how she begame a sangoma.

First aid: a natural approach

Put together your own natural first aid kit, packed with herbal, aromatic and homoeopathic remedies that can fix common ailments quickly and effectively.

Boost flavour and health with herbs

Nothing turns a bland dish into a culinary feast like the right blend of herbs and spices. But did you know that many herbs and spices also pack a powerful, health-promoting punch?

Alternative medical systems

Do you know the difference between Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, Environmental medicine, Holistic medicine, Homeopathic medicine and Naturopathic medicine? Learn more here.

Lavender protects against candida

A new study has identified lavender oil as a powerful antifungal agent that provides protection from skin and nail infections, including Candida albicans.

Pain remedies in your kitchen

There are many common pains and aches that you can cure naturally with simple ingredients from your kitchen.

Bio-Strath: 50 years of health

Fifty years ago a young Swiss man started to produce an immune-boosting tonic. Today, millions of people around the world have already experienced the health-promoting benefits.

Pamper-time: homemade beauty treats

Beauty treatments don't have to be expensive. Make your own natural treatments at home with these easy and inexpensive recipes. They also make for great gifts.

New supplement vs. spastic colon

Fifteen percent of western populations have irritable bowel syndrome. Unique Formulations are about to release a new product that could help sufferers.

Natural relief from spring colds

Suffering with a little pre-summer cold or flu? Why not try a prescription for chicken soup instead of a drug.

Aloe, aloe?

Aloe products are being touted by some as a miracle treatment for anything from irritable bowel syndrome and cancer, to wounds and constipation. We investigate.

Electronic diagnosis under fire

When a Mpumalanga GP recently pointed out that a 50-year-old man had "vaginal problems", the use of frequency-based prognostic devices came into question. Health24 investigated.

Are herbal remedies safe?

People believe herbal and homeopathic remedies to be natural and safe. Although most of them are, some could have dangerous side effects - especially if taken with other medicine.

Spa roundup

It's time to chill out, and you think a spa might be just the thing. The good news is that we've done the legwork for you.

Traditional healing and med schemes

In the not-too-distant future patients may be able to claim for visits to their Traditional Health Practitioner from their medical scheme.

Pushing pain away

The human body never ceases to amaze. For example, its intricate system of muscles and reflexes are closely linked and work in harmony.

Healers and schemes

There's concern about the lack of healthcare workers in SA. Yet we have 185 500 traditional healers that could play a more prominent role – if certain hurdles can be overcome.

Pilates: the payoff is sweet

Let the group fitness gadflies flit from belly dancing to body sculpting to circus stunts. Pilates people opt to take long, steady aim at the core.

Echinacea proven to fight flu

New research by an international panel of researchers has shown, for the first time, the efficacy of echinacea purpurea against flu viruses, including the H1N1/Swine Flu virus.

Angry with the world?

If the year is getting too long, everyone is working on your nerves and you're about to throttle your boss, kids or significant other, it's time to escape to the countryside.

Quacks and other science fraudsters

There's a saying: "A fool and his money are soon parted". Beware: there are quacks and charlatans just waiting to pounce on you with their fraud dressed up to look like science.

5 stomach-soothing herbs and spices

If you're prone to stomach pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or heartburn, consider adding some of these stomach-soothing herbs and spices to your meals.

Beware mouthfuls of 'kougoed'

If you want to chew the indigenous plant kougoed to calm you or make you feel less depressed, do so in moderation – don't indulge yourself indiscriminately.

Better health with integrative meds

The hot new topic in healthcare circles is a development called Integrative Medicine - the gradual integration of Western medicine and complementary and alternative medicine.

Ayurvedic herb boosts memory

Two clinical trials have identified that CDRI 08, a specific extract of the Indian plant Bacopa monnieri, promotes memory, recall, concentration and mental clarity in adults.

What are your supplements made of?

Before you reach for your supplements, bear in mind that not all multivitamins are derived from natural nutritive sources like plants, fruits and vegetables.