Healing Through Qigong

The word ‘Qigong’ is made up of the two words ‘Qi’ (meaning breath or gas in Mandarin) and ‘Gong’ (meaning technique or work). Thus Qigong basically means ‘breath work’. Qigong, therefore, is a technique of traditional Chinese medicine involving the regulation and coordination of breathing patterns to ensure good health.

Qigong is believed to be the result of decades of struggle by the Chinese people for survival.

It was noticed that certain breathing techniques used in conjunction with mental concentration greatly improved bodily functions. Qigong has also borrowed heavily from Taoism and Buddhism. Thus religion and spirituality plays a very important role in Qigong techniques. Some forms of Qigong even believe that an individual can attain higher levels of accomplishment only if he is very virtuous.

Traditional Chinese medicine operates on a simple but effective premise – that of ‘Chi’. Chi is the energy or life force that travels through the human body and suffuses all our organs with health and well being. When this flow is blocked or disturbed, there is a disturbance within the system that manifests itself as a disease. According to tradition, all that a doctor has to do to restore good health is to analyze the reasons for the block and to take measures to facilitate the free flow of energy once again.

Qigong teaches an individual to live in such a way that the free flow of energy happens always, so that he is free from diseases. As the two words indicate, Qigong deals with the manipulation of breath to achieve and maintain robust health. This art has found a strong role in the martial arts of ancient China where people had to mobilize energy and stamina in coordination with the physical act of breathing.

This Chinese healing art is an effective form of alternative medicine that uses a series of gentle focused exercises to coordinate the mind and the body. It is believed that most people use only a small portion of the energy within them. Most people get sick because they do not breathe properly. These two facts have been juxtaposed in Qigong, where proper breathing helps bring good health. As such, Qigong is mostly taught for health maintenance purposes. But rarely the doctor also uses Qigong for therapeutic purposes.

In the modern world, millions of people all around the world practice Qigong for maintaining their good health. Qigong and other related arts are still associated with meditation and martial arts. But as opposed to the past, these people are no longer the sole custodians of the intricate techniques involved in Qigong. These techniques have become so popular now that medical Qigong has been officially recognized as a medical technique in China.

The practice of Qigong began nearly 5,000 years ago. Today there are almost 3,000 forms of Qigong. Tai Chi is just one of the more popular forms.
Western medicine accepts that Qigong can improve the overall health and vitality of a person. But the religious connotations that are lying just below the surface have often proved to be a matter of controversy. But there are no two opinions regarding the level of effectiveness of this practice.

Healing Herbs for Rashes and Skin Irritations

There have been literally hundreds of enquiries this month for herbs to cure skin rashes and irritations, so I thought I’d take a moment to share some of my favorite skin treatments.

First, let me remind you that the best overall skin care product you can use is olive oil. Weather you suffer from dry or itchy skin, or just wish to improve the appearance and texture of your skin, you would be hard pressed to do better than pure, extra virgin olive oil. This can be applied straight from the bottle, and can be used on any part of the skin including the face.

The curative properties of Olive Oil, both internal and external are nothing short of miraculous and I would like to share with you a recent experience that serves as a reminder to me how some of the most common elements surrounding us often remain overlooked.

My neighbor and I happen to share the same birthday. She is a widow whose children and grandchildren often come to visit. As our birthdays approached, I made her up a bottle of my favorite after-bath oil (made primarily with olive oil) as a gift. Unfortunately for my neighbor, I ran into her daughter first, who had suffered a severe exposure to Poison Ivy. In all honestly, it was undoubtedly the worst case of poison ivy I had ever seen. Her legs were almost completely covered in an angry, purple rash. In a number of areas, the rash was crusting and developing a greenish tinge. The itching was so intense that even after two weeks she was still on sleep medication as well as the prescription strength antihistamines and ointments.

I gave the oil to her and sincerely hoped it would help to alleviate her suffering. I’m pleased to report that five days later, my neighbor called, overjoyed. Not only had the oil relieved the itching, but also the crusty, green scabs were gone and the huge purple blotches had begun to fade.

The oil I mentioned is extremely simple to prepare and is an excellent curative for virtually any skin irritation including eczema and psoriasis.

After-Bath Oil:
Please remember that while a lesser grade of olive oil can be used for everyday purposes, if you are attempting to treat a serious skin condition, the extra virgin is made from the first press of the olive and retains the most important curative properties that you are searching for.

· 3 parts extra virgin olive oil
· 1 part sweet almond oil
· 1 part apricot kernel oil

Blend the oils together, and if desired, add several drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance. This can be applied to the skin at any time. For all-over skin conditioning, apply the oil immediately after your bath or shower, then pat dry.
A special note for women who shave their legs: This oil treatment will completely eliminate any itching or dry flaking skin after shaving. It is simply the best after-bath oil you will ever try.

Please check back next week when we will be discussing herbal treatments for many common irritants such as bee stings, nettles, burns and more.

Healing Your Child and Flower Essences

So far there’s never been a time where I haven’t had great results whilst taking these essences. They’re not conventional medicine; rather their healing qualities are vibrational and work on the mind, body, and spirit concept.

With their unique vibrational qualities, flower essences have been used throughout the ages by many cultures for health and healing. They’re used to clear, and resolve emotional states and imbalances found within our system by taking drops under the tongue. I sometimes use them in combination with essential oils (aromatherapy) in my oil burner and sometimes even in the bath water.

Everything in the known Universe vibrates (quantum physics) even we have a unique vibrational rate, and so do flowers and other plant life.

I love flower essences because they’re safe to use not only for adults but also for animals and children. Of the many different essences I’ve tried over the years, the Australian Bush Flower Essences have been the most effective for me. I live in Australia and resonate at a very deep level with this country although my origins lie in Europe.

There are many wonderful and unique essences to choose from around the globe including, but not limited to, the following:

Flower (Bach, Alaskan, Australian Bush Flower, FES), Ancient Rainforest,
Animal, Shell, Coral, Gem, Crystal, Angel, Goddess, EarthSpirit.

To locate a practitioner and/or supplier near you simply do an internet search for any of the words or phrases above and ending with ‘Essences’ (eg. Flower Essences, Animal Essences etc).

From personal experience the more often these essences are used the greater the benefits. However, if there’s no issue, there’s no reason for taking them. They’ll only work when an issue has presented itself.

Not only does my son take them on occasion but so has my daughter, particularly when she was entering her teenage years. The drops she was taking at the time were called ‘Adol’ Essence and helped her deal with issues of insensitivity, rebelliousness and a ‘not fair’ attitude, among other issues teenagers face as they move into a new phase of life. ‘Adol’ Essence was a great sanity-saver for her mother!

How do I or did I know they worked you might ask?

Because I know the behaviours of my children and their personalities I’ve been able to monitor any changes however subtle when they take these essences. What I notice and become aware of I write in a journal and compare the before and after.

Taking flower essences doesn’t mean ignoring conventional medicine. I use both where and when appropriate. The two can easily be used to complement each other.

I’m all for health and healing the mind, body and spirit without the use of drugs, particularly for my children. Flower essences are simply another avenue (of which there are many) along the path of healing.

Hangover

Drinking for many is a social activity which many people love to do. Even though it may not be healthy, drinking in small quantities would not cause much harm. The problem starts when there is excessive drinking. You may enjoy being drunk and may not realize things that is happening around you. The next morning is the time you realize it’s after effects which is known as a hangover and can be one of the sore mornings which you would not like to remember.
We should always be in control of alcohol and not the other way round. If it happens the other way round there are dire consequences to be borne. Even though you may be well aware about your drinking limit there are times when you cross that limit and you happen to bear the brunt.

Some of the common symptoms of having a hangover are * Severe headache * Nauseating feeling * Diarrhea attacks * Dizziness * Dry mouth and dehydration * Unpleasant feeling
Getting drunk depends upon the way you drink. If you happen to drink lots in a short period of time you will get drunk very fast.

Some of the common Do’s and Dont’s while drinking alcohol

* Never drink on empty stomach. If you happen to eat, the food helps in absorbing the alcohol content rather than directly getting into your bloodstream * Consume water (more times than ever) while taking in your doses of alcohol as it would help you from dehydration * Don’t have different alcoholic drinks at one time * Avoid colored drinks such as such as red wine, whiskeys, dark rum as they have strong alcoholic content * Do not indulge too much into sweet concoction as they are high in sugar and alcoholic content.

Hair loss prevention through Ayurveda

Hair loss is experienced by all of us at one or the other time. To know the causes of hair fall, it is very essential to know the structure of hair and its normal growth cycle.

Structure of hair

The hair on our scalp can be divided into two parts, the root and shaft. The root part of hair is in the skin (epidermis) of scalp. The hair root is surrounded by a pouch like structure called follicle. The base of hair root is in the shape of a bulb. This bulb is indented by capillaries and nerve fibers. The cells in the center of bulb divide. The newly divided hair cells push the previous cells up. The cells which move upwards die slowly forming hard hair shaft.

The hair shaft has three layers the cuticle, medulla and cortex.

Cuticle is the outer layers and protects the inner layers. It is transparent. Healthy cuticle gives a shiny appearance for hair and unhealthy cuticle gives lifeless look

Medulla is the innermost layer composed of large cells.

Cortex is the layer between cuticle and medulla. This contains pigment and keratin. Cortex determines the bulk and strength of hair.

The hair follicle contains oil secreting glands which make the hair shiny .Stress and illness diminish secretion of oil and pigments causing graying of hair.

According to Ayurveda the hair is considered as a tissue which uses the same nutrients of bone and considered as a tissue which is formed as bi-product of bone tissue.

Normal cycle of hair growth.

About 10 % of the hair on the scalp is in a resting phase at any given time. The resting hair falls after 2 to 3 months and new hair starts growing in its place. The growing phase continues for 2.25 to 6 yrs. During this phase each hair grows approximately 1 cm per month. At any given time about 90% of the hair on scalp will be in growing phase.

Few strands of hair fall as the part of normal hair growth cycle. But some people may experience excessive hair fall which is more than normal cycle. Excessive hair loss can affect men, women and children.

Causes of hair loss

1. Hormonal imbalance in men and women: In men high concentration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in hair follicles causes hair fall. In women hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and after delivery cause hair fall.

2. High amount of sebum in scalp clogs pores of scalp and prevent nutrition to hair follicle.

3. Inadequate nutrition causes hair fall.

4. Stress, worry, lack of sleep, worry and anxiety cause hair fall

5. Long standing diseases like typhoid, viral infections, anemia, surgery etc cause general debility which lead to hair fall

6. Some medicines used for gout, chemo therapy of cancer , birth control pills , antidepressants etc cause hair fall

7. Diseases like lupus, diabetes cause hair fall.

8. Tying hair tightly pulls the hair from follicles and cause traction alopecia.

9. Heredity also causes hair fall.

10. Dandruff or Fungal infection of scalp.

11. Accumulation of dirt on scalp causes blocking of pores and weakens hair roots. This leads to hair fall.

According to ayurveda the causes of hair loss are described as follows

1. Too much exposure to dust, sunlight, water and other pollutants.

2. Too much of sweating.

3. Irregular sleeping pattern.

4. Anxiety, depression, insomnia.

5. Unhygienic way of living

6. Diseases

7. Alcohol consumption.

Hair loss Remedies

1. Liberal intake of vitamins.

2. High protein and iron rich diet.

3. Consumption of raw vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, green leafy vegetables regularly.

4. Washing hair regularly ( twice weekly ) with suitable shampoo.

5. Using relaxing techniques to overcome stress, anxiety and sleeplessness.

6. Preventing fungal infections of scalp.

7. Preventing hairstyles which pull hair.

Due to these causes the tridoshas get vitiated and cause hair loss. The vitiated doshas affect the scalp skin and cause hair fall occurs. Medicated oil with the herbs Bhringaraja ( Eclipta Alba ), Amalaki ( Embelica officinalis ), Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula ) and Vibhitaki ( Terminalia bellirica ) is a best remedy for hair fall.

Green Tea Health Benefits

For many centuries people of China used green tea for treating various diseases. However with the advancement of time, today people of west use green tea, realizing its several benefits. Green Tea has long been esteemed in China for its involvement to good health. Fame of Green tea in the United States persists to develop, viewing that green tea is an innate foundation of antioxidants. These antioxidants aid defend the body from accelerating aging and augmented danger of ailments. Years of research reveal that green tea restrains the expansion of objectionable cell colonies, thus building it the healthiest tea obtainable.

Let us take a look at the benefits of green tea:

Green tea has many health benefits, and it can be used for avoidance of the diseases: Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, High Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Disease, cataracts, Infection, and Impaired Immune Function.

Green tea helps in weight loss course. The green tea leaves augments metabolism in the body there fore consumption green tea helps you burn more calories.

Green tea has the capability to fight bacteria and this can be counted as one of the chief benefits of green tea. This boosts your immune system thereby increasing the resistance power. It also helps kill bacteria that cause plaque and succeeding tooth decay. Green tea can help in fight food poisoning.

In addition, green tea can help lessening blood sugar level and cholesterol level in your blood.

Also green tea helps in getting rid of bad breath. Some element is present in green tea that stunts the growth of bad odor causing bacteria. Therefore a cup or two of green regularly can help in maintaining fresh breath.

If you are a chain smoker and also you consume around six cups of green tea a day then the propensity of risk caused due to the toxins emitted by cigarette smoke is reduced to a great extent.

Green Tea also contributes to maintain your beauty. With the help of green tea you can freshen up your face and apply around your tired eyes to get soothing feeling. If you have freckles or blemishes on your face you can apply the green tea to get rid of the spots. The green tea also has benefits for antiseptic purposes. It can be used to treat minor cuts, rashes and also can be treated to cure sunburn.

Green Tea is organically grown and the customary drying method used with Green Tea prevents the tea from the harmful effects of fermentation.

Products of green tea are available in different strength levels. Some supplements are comprised of low strengths of the active polyphones, whereas others go as far as using un-standardized green tea leaf powder.

It has been confirmed that green tea is stuffed with health benefits. It acts as a influential antioxidant, which has been identified to assist prevent cancer, pull through from the harmful cholesterol, and guard against harm caused by free radicals.

It has been reported by National Cancer Institute that Green Tea has Cancer avoiding aptitudes and components for fighting against insert fresh life to the market. People who have depended on costly anti-oxidant products are finding that Green Tea is very cost-effective and organic. Tea is one of the foremost selling fresh drinks, only after water.

However you manage to incorporate green tea in your diet, as well as it on a standard basis will help you receive utmost results. Put in green tea to a vigorous, balanced diet and exercise schedule for general fitness.

Green Tea and its amazing health qualities

The Chinese have known about Green tea as a powerful medication for at least 4000 years. According to legend, tea was discovered by a Chinese emperor called Shen Nung. Some tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water, and he tried it and found it invigorating. Green tea became part of the Chinese diet and many important health benefits were attributed to it. Now recent medical studies in both asia and the west are providing a scientific basis for the claim that drinking green tea has very significant health benefits.

Green tea, like black tea is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. The difference between the three main types of tea is the way that they are produced. Green tea is unfermented tea meaning that the leaves used for green tea are steamed soon after been plucked in order to prevent the oxidation of the leaves. In this way the leaves remain green and the active substances within the leaves retain their qualities. Black teas on the other hand are made from fermented leaves and as a result have less nutritional and enzyme content as the green tea. Thus green and black teas have different chemical properties.

Modern science has in recent times been able to demonstrate that green tea is beneficial to one’s health and this is mainly due to the fact that tea contains high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols or flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of tea has been compared to that of fruit and vegetables in a number of studies. One study concluded that consuming three cups of tea a day produced a similar amount of antioxidants as eating six apples. Antioxidants help your body fight against free radicals which cause damage to cells and tisuues in your body.

While all tea is healthy to drink, it is green tea that contains the highest level of flavonoids. Recent medical studies suggest green tea to be beneficial in many areas including the following:

-Digestive and respiratory health.

-Lowers cholesterol levels

-Boosts your immune system

-Reduces high blood pressure

-Arthritis – anti-inflammatory effect.

-Oral hygiene – due to antibacterial properties.

-Skin conditions such as acne

-Lowers blood sugar

Weight loss is another area that is attracting huge attention. Recently published research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that an extract from green tea may speed up fat oxidation. A study was conducted of ten healthy men over a period of 6 weeks. It was discovered that those men who were given green tea extract burned more calories per day than those who were not given the extract. Much more research needs to be conducted in this area but the signs are certainly very encouraging.

Anyone for tea

Green Tea

Green Tea has long been valued in China for its contribution to
good health. Popularity of Green tea in the United States continues
to grow, showing that green tea is a natural source of
antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect the body from
accelerated aging and increased risk of diseases. Decades of
research show that green tea inhibits the development of
undesirable cell colonies, thus making it the healthiest tea
available.

Green tea has higher contribution to health than other teas,
because of the way it is dried. Green Tea is organically grown and
the traditional drying technique used with Green Tea prevents the
tea from the negative effects of fermentation.
Green tea products come in potency levels. Some supplements
contain low potencies of the active polyphenols, while others go as
far as using un-standardized green tea leaf powder.

It has been proven that green tea is bursting with health benefits.
It acts as a powerful antioxidant, which has been known to help
prevent cancer, recover from the harmful cholesterol, and protect
against damage caused by free radicals.

Medical Benefits:

Green tea has many medical benefits, and is known for prevention
of the following diseases: Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, High
Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Disease, Infection, and Impaired
Immune Function.

Other Benefits:

Promotes weight loss- the leaves of green tea plants help raise
metabolism in the body. By increasing the amount of calories
burned in a 24-hour period, green tea promotes weight loss.

Prevent bad breath- an element found in green tea decreases the
growth of odor-causing bacteria. It is said that drinking a cup or
two of green tea may help maintain fresh breath.

Reduce smoking risks- cigarette smokers who drink up to six cups
of green tea daily reduces their susceptibility to risks caused by
the toxins emitted in cigarette smoke.

Beauty remedy- green tea may be used to freshen up the face and
sooth tired or strained eyes. It can be applied to spots and
blemishes to lessen their visibility.

Antiseptic properties- Green tea is also known to treat minor cuts
and rashes, and is an effective treatment for sunburn.

Green teas inhibit the expression of antigens made by the body,
substances that can trigger an immune response.

National Cancer Institute reports that Green Tea has Cancer
preventing abilities and Cancer fighting components add new life
to the market. People who have relied on expensive anti-oxidant
products are finding that Green Tea is very economical and all
natural. Tea is one of the top selling consumable drinks, only toped
by water.

Green Drink for Constipation

A green drink is a powerful drink that can help detoxify your colon and your blood. This drink keeps your colon and your whole body working better and longer.

There are many types of green drinks that are prepared with powders. But the green drink that I like is made using only liquid chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll has many benefits. It is capable of neutralizing substances that cause cell mutations and strengthens the cell walls of the small intestine and colon. It has an exceptional deodorizing effect on your body and on the stools you have during a bowel movement.

I drink my green drink the first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This helps to activate your colon and stimulate it to have a bowel movement.
Here’s how I prepare my green drink.

* Add 1-2 oz of pure liquid chlorophyll into an empty glass (you may want to start with a tablespoon or two)
* Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the glass
* Fill the glass with 8 oz of distilled water
* Drink the combination completely

I add lemon juice to the chlorophyll because chlorophyll has a dull and blank taste that is uncomfortable for me. With lemon, it’s a drink that I enjoy taking every morning

If you have other health issues you want to work on, you can add other nutrients or liquids to this green drink. You can add a few drops of a product called Oxygen Elements Plus, which also is good for constipation and helps to detoxify your colon even more. You can add Alkalife, an alkaline water booster, which adds minerals to your drink.

From the clients that I have worked with, I have found that this chlorophyll drink helps them get better blood test results. Their blood is a little thinner. They carry more oxygen into the cells. Their blood cell count goes up.
Use this drink and you will keep drinking every morning just like I do, especially if you like lemon juice.

Gout Treated with Alternative Medicine

The name of the disease is not what concerns the person who treats the patient holistically, for they are looking at the die-ease in the patient, not the gout. Gout is a manifestation of the dis-ease in the patient, treating the presenting symptoms with drugs for the inflammation and pain may well relieve the symptoms temporarily, but it’s not treating the cause of the condition.

So what is the cause of gout? One might be told that some families have a predisposition to gout, and you may be told that some foods exacerbate the condition, and that’s about all that can be done if you are treated conventionally, you will also be given some prescription drugs to alleviate your pain, and to reduce inflammation. If you do nothing else to correct the cause of your gout, then it’s very unlikely you will see any improvement in your health.

You may say that since you have been taking a certain drug that you haven’t had any gout attacks, and as far as you are concerned not much else matters. Unfortunately the prescription drugs have only palliated your condition, and with constant ingestion of anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers your gouty condition will continue to develop behind the scenes, and your general health will deteriorate as a result of the drugs you are taking.

Alternative medicine, depending on what modality you have chosen, would firstly want to overhaul your diet, for a diet rich in purine foods would certainly exacerbate the condition, and may even be solely responsible for your gout.

Foods high in purines and are therefore to be avoided: Meat gravies, stocks, organ meats, shellfish, anchovies, sardines, herrings, mussels, mushrooms and asparagus. Alcohol, particularly beer is high in purines, and for that reason must be avoided. Any alcohol taken should be followed by copius amounts of water to avoid dehydration and consequent uric acid build-up. Meat, white flour, sugar, poultry, dried beans, fish, oatmeal,cauliflower, spinach and peas are moderately high in purines, and may need to be avoided.

The ideal diet should contain lots of organic fresh fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and a very important dietary addition is wheatgrass. Fruits, vegetables and juices assist the excretion of uric acid, and foods that neutralize uric acid are strawberries, cherries, and celery juice, also drink lots of filtered water. Many people have found that the addidition of cherry juice to their diet has prevented further gout attacks.

You may be given herbs or homeopathic remedies for your condition, however a change in your dietary habits may be all that is needed to improve your health. What a simple answer to what could remain a lifetime problem if you may no effort to change your eating habits. If you wish to rid yourself of your gout, alternative medicine can certainly help you.

Ginseng Tea

Ginseng tea is great for short periods; this tea can alleviate many symptoms of common aliments and lessen fatigue. Ginseng is the main ingredient to many of the medicinal teas. However, prolonged use can lead to insomnia and heart trouble, so be sure to consult your physician before drinking ginseng tea regularly as an alternative to coffee for that afternoon pick me up.

In China, ginseng is held in high regard. It is believed that ginseng has rejuvenating powers and provides stimulation to the whole body. Ginseng also offers protection against fatigue. Ginseng is known to be a stimulant for the central nervous system. This root can also help with inflammation, fever, and hormonal imbalances to name a few.

The tea is usually made from the Wisconsin ginseng root. Slices can be steeped to create a tea that is a strong as the consumer would like, or purchased as a powder and brewed using tea balls. Both of these methods let the drinker control the amount of tea used. There are ginseng tea bags available from specialty stores, but it is not recommended to buy the tea without reading all the ingredients as some packaged teas are sold as ginseng but in fact have very little of this herb in them, instead using mostly fillers

Consult an herbal practitioner or naturopath as to the right type of ginseng and how to brew your tea. The tea can be sweetened with a little honey or stored cold in the refrigerator, as this tea is quite good served iced.

Take note, if you are pregnant use ginseng sparingly or not at all.

Ginseng and Its Many Uses

Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb. It is the most widely recognized plant used in traditional medicine. Various forms of ginseng have been used in medicine for more than 7000 years. Several species grow around the world, and though some are preferred for specific benefits, all are considered to have similar properties as an effective general rejuvenator.

Ginseng is a slow growing perennial herb (reaches about 2 feet tall) native to the mountainous area of north eastern China, Korea and far eastern regions of Russia. The older the root, the greater the concentration of ginsenosides, the active chemical compounds, thus the more potent the ginseng becomes. Ginseng roots can live longer than hundreds of years. Ginseng has been cultivated extensively in China, Korea, and Japan, and Russia. Ginseng starts flowering in fourth year, and the roots take 4-6 years to reach maturity. Ginseng is a protected herb in China and Russia: exporting ginseng seeds is banned in China, and harvesting wild ginseng is illegal in Russia. Natural white ginseng is often steam- processed to produce “red ginseng” with different, higher medicinal potency.

It is used to reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels, enhance memory, and stimulate the immune system. Oriental medicine has deemed ginseng a necessary element in all their best prescriptions, and regards it as prevention and a cure. It is said to remove both mental and bodily fatigue, cure pulmonary complaints, dissolve tumors and reduce the effects of age.

Ginseng is native to China, Russia, North Korea, Japan, and some areas of North America. It was first cultivated in the United States in the late 1800’s. It is difficult to grow and takes 4-6 years to become mature enough to harvest. The roots are called Jin-chen, meaning ‘like a man,’ in reference to their resemblance to the shape of the human body.

Native North Americans considered it one of their most sacred herbs and add it to many herbal formulas to make them more potent. The roots can live for over 100 years.

Ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral Zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the defense system. The main active ingredients of ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called “ginsenosides”. These steroid-like ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that enable ginseng to balance and counter the effects of stress. The glycosides appear to act on the adrenal glands, helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess corticosteroid production in response to physical, chemical or biological stress.

Studies done in China showed that ginsenosides also increase protein synthesis and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Ginseng is used to restore memory, and enhance concentration and cognitive abilities, which may be impaired by improper blood supply to the brain.

Ginseng helps to maintain excellent body functions. Siberian ginseng has been shown to increase energy, stamina, and help the body resist viral infections and environmental toxins. Research has shown specific effects that support the central nervous system, liver function, lung function and circulatory system.

Animal studies have shown that ginseng extracts stimulate the production of interferons, increase natural killer cell activity, lower cholesterol and decrease triglyceride levels. Men have used the herb to improve sexual function and remedy impotence. Ginseng is believed to increase estrogen levels in women and is used to treat menopausal symptoms.

It is also used for diabetes, radiation and chemotherapy protection, colds, chest problems, to aid in sleep, and to stimulate the appetite.

Korean Red Ginseng is also known by the names Asian Ginseng, Asiatic Ginger, and Chinese Ginseng. Korean Red Ginseng is a deciduous perennial shrub whose fleshy root requires 4-6 years of cultivation to reach maturity. Korean Red Ginseng is now used as a natural preventive, restorative remedy and valued for its adaptogenic properties. Korean Red Ginseng is considered most suitable for males and for older people. Used for centuries in China, Korean Red Ginseng was believed to be and anti-aging herb. By equalizing the system levels in the body, Korean Red Ginseng has been used to lower cholesterol, balance the metabolism, increase energy levels, and stimulate the immune system.

Korean White Ginseng is an adaptogen having yang properties and an arousing and stimulating metabolic effect on the central nervous system, brain, head, and blood vessels. It may benefit blood sugar levels, histamine levels, inflammation, stress levels, mental and physical abilities, impotency, anemia, artery hardening, depression, diabetes, ulcers, edema, immune and lung function, appetite, libido and may offer protection against radiation exposure and easement of cocaine withdrawal.

North American White Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) is believed to give a cooling effect to the body.This cooling, energy giving, endurance enhancing factor is believed to be the most beneficial for our fast paced, stressful world.

Siberian ginseng is a distinct plant with different active chemical components. Prized for its ability to restore vigor, increase longevity, enhance overall health, and stimulate both a healthy appetite and a good memory, it is widely used in Russia to help the body adapt to stressful conditions and to enhance productivity.

Benefits
• reduce the effects of stress
• boost energy levels
• assists with mental and body fatigue

Ginseng

Ginseng is a plant with a very important role in traditional Chinese medicine. They believe that it relieves stress, improves circulation, increases quality of life, cures flu, cures impotence, and even that it can stop cancer. In fact, like many traditional remedies, it has been claimed to be a cure for almost everything.

Obviously, scientists are quick to point out that it is difficult to test whether ginseng actually has any effects at all in a scientific sense, but that doesn’t stop it from being wildly popular. It is one of the biggest-selling items at Chinese-run shops, sold both to Chinese people and believers in traditional medicine.

This huge demand has led to problems with the supply of the more potent wild ginseng, as it is being harvested faster than it can grow back, meaning that ginseng users have recently had to rely more on farmed ginseng. Today, ginseng is grown not only in China, but also in many East Asian countries such as Korea and Vietnam, and in the United States and Canada.

Although ginseng is usually thought of as a Chinese remedy, the ginseng that grows in America was independently discovered by Native Americans, who also used it for its medicinal properties. The fact that two cultures discovered it separately without influencing each other makes it seem more likely that there could be some truth in the traditional claims about ginseng. Areas where scientific tests seem to indicate that it might make some difference include impotence and cancer, but nothing has been proven conclusively.

There are many ways to eat and drink ginseng: the most popular is tea, but it is also possible to make soups, put it in food, or even just eat the plant’s leaves as it is. Ginseng isn’t that expensive in small quantities, so if reading this has made you curious, why not give it a try?

Ginko Biloba

Ginko Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living tree species, dating back over 300 million years. Individual trees can live for over 1,000 years. Ginkgo Biliboa is the best selling herbal product in the world. It is an extract from the green leaves of the Ginkgo tree which is native to Asia, however, is grown worldwide. The active ingredients in the extract are the Ginkgoflavoneglycos, Bilobalide, and terpenelactones including ginkgolides A, B and C. In Asia, ginkgo tree extracts have been used for over 5,000 years to treat cardiovascular problems as well as lung disorders.

Ginkgo’s most powerful effect is on the circulating system. Ginkgo flavenoids directly dilate the smallest segment of the circulating system, the micro-capillaries, which increase both blood circulation and oxygen levels in the brain as well as in other critical organ tissues. Ginkgo also prevents platelet aggregation or clumping inside the arterial walls. This increases arterial wall strength and flexibility and decreases the opportunity for the formation of arteriosclerostic plague. Since ginkgo increases oxygen flow to the brain and enhances the brains uptake and utilization of glucose it also is being researched for its role in the senility, forgetfulness, headaches and Alzheimer’s disease and its role in improving alertness, memory and mental performance. Recent studies indicate that some patients exhibiting the symptoms of these ailments enjoyed marginal improvement in cognitive abilities after using Ginko. In addition to the benefits provided to the brain by Ginko, it has been shown that Ginko can also help reduce the frequency and intensity of depression.

Related to circulatory improvement, German researchers have also been studying ginkgo as a treatment for atheroclerotic peripheral vascular disease. This disease impairs walking and ginkgo has been shown to help blood flow to the legs allowing people to walk further with far less pain. Ginkgo is a highly important antioxidant shown to have a special affinity for scavenging the superoxide radicals.

Benefits
• Increases circulation to the brain and lower extremities
• Treats senile conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease
• Treats loss of concentration and emotional fatigue in the elderly
• Treats hardening of the arteries
• Treats depression
• Treats allergies
• May treat tinnitus and vertigo
• May reduce vision loss due to aging
• May reduce symptoms associated with Raynaud’s disease
• Possible assistance in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease

Getting Candida

After years of working with clients with candida symptomology, I have found that until the yeast (candida albicans) is brought under control, the body cannot begin to heal with efficacy. Once again, we need to look at ‘balance’. If the internal environment of the body is unbalanced, then that environment is an ideal situation for disease.

Friendly Bacteria: Candida does have a purpose! When babies are born, their intestinal tracts have about 75% lacto bacillus acidophilus and about 25% e coli bacteria which are the ‘non-friendly’ bacteria. Yeast also exists in the intestines and plays the role of assisting in breaking down proteins.
The problem occurs when these friendly and non-friendly bacteria get out of balance, thus allowing the yeast to proliferate.

So, what can cause an unbalance in friendly bacteria? All antibiotics kill friendly flora, as do cortisone-type drugs, oral contraceptives, and chemotherapeutic drugs. In addition, certain foods encourage the growth of Candida. Candida is a living micro-organism that thrives on all food products that are simple sugars, as well as all foods that turn to glucose (sugar) in the body. This includes most carbohydrates, such as refined white flours, rice, pasta, as well as products which contain yeast.

Symptoms: The symptoms that can occur from systemic yeast are too numerous to mention; but here are just a few: extreme mood swings, irritability, depression, headaches, lethargy, gastritis, colitis, bloating, fluid in ears, itching, rashes, psoriasis, acne, spots in vision, blurred vision, nasal congestion and stuffiness, postnasal drip, cystitis, endometriosis, kidney or bladder infections, loss of appetite, overeating, insomnia, poor circulation, numbness and tingling, vaginal burning or itching, menstrual cramping, PMS, hay fever, asthma, food sensitivities, hives, loss of interest in sex, thrush, and colic.

Digestion: Proper digestion is the missing ingredient in many health programs. The role of digestion in controlling Candida is no exception. After eating a meal, the food begins to break down through enzymes produced by the body. Minerals in the bloodstream help the parietal glands in the stomach in making hydrochloric acid. This acidic reaction kills pathogens on the food and enables the protein and minerals to be further broken down by digestive juices. The small intestine walls do not have protective mucosa, so without this alkalizing mineral bath you would have burning and pain. Once this process is complete, the food is in tiny pieces able to pass through the walls of the small intestines to be used as food energy at a cellular level. If this digestive process is working correctly you will be in good shape; given, of course, that your diet is rich in raw and organic foods.

However, most people slip up somewhere along the line. If you do not chew your food well to begin the digestive process, if your pancreas is not producing enough enzymes, and you don’t make enough HCL then the pepsin cannot convert to pepsinogen in the stomach and protein digestion as well as mineral absorption is impaired. The body is then malnourished in spite of all your efforts to eat correctly.

Food that is in a state of partial digestion cannot cross the gut wall as nourishment. This can irritate the gut wall; or large partially digested food particles can cross through and circulate the blood stream in an unusable form. This state triggers a bodily response of defense. Yeast is called upon to eat protein or starch that wasn’t digested in the intestines. The more the yeast is fed, the more waste it makes. The waste from the overgrowth of yeast creates the problems which manifest as symptoms of dis-ease.

Killing off the yeast helps….but is not the total answer. Good digestion is imperative. Food enzymes, particularly containing cellulase, which eats yeast, are an important part of any Candida program. There are several herbs which can get the yeast under control by killing it off. Here are a few: White pond lily, greasewood, purple loosestrife, pau d’arco, caprylic acid, oregano, and garlic.

Changing your diet: Avoid starchy foods, white flour, processed foods, and sugars. Packaged meats, canned goods, vinegar, yeast products, cakes, candy, mushrooms, alcohol, and peanuts are major foods to avoid. Your diet should consist mainly of fresh vegetables and organic meats in a balanced fashion. It is even best to avoid fruits and fruit juices for a short time while first doing a Candida/yeast cleanse.

After taking medications: Continuing on the digestive program of enzymes which contain cellulase is a must at all times; but particularly after a bout of antibiotics, or constant use of oral contraceptives. After all Candida/yeast programs, it is important to follow up with refloridation of the friendly bacteria in the colon. Acidophilus, bifidophilus, and other strains of healthy bacteria are necessary. If the intestinal system is in a state of cleanliness, with good peristalsis; the friendly bacteria will eventually begin to repopulate on their own.
Candida can be kept in check.

Get Heartburn

In the 1940’s licorice was discovered to be useful in treating peptic ulcers. Unfortunately it had side effects that lead to high blood pressure, potassium loss, and fluid retention.

Researchers discovered that the ingredient in licorice that caused those side effects was “glycyrrhizin.” They were able to remove 97% of this chemical and the result was a product call “deglycyrrhizinated” licorice, DGL. DGL maintained its healing properties but had no side effects.

DGL was first used to heal ulcers in the stomach and duodenum without suppressing stomach acids. DGL worked just as good as the drugs Zantac or Tagamet that are designed to suppress stomach acid.

As more people used DGL, they found they got relief from a variety of stomach issues – heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, bloating, and gas. In addition, they found using DGL was better than using antacids or acid blockers.

DGL works by improving and restoring the integrity of the esophageal, stomach and duodenum lining. It does this by promoting mucus release and cell rebuilding. The mucus released provides gastrointestinal lining protection from acids and gives the lining time to rebuild and regenerated. The result is healing and strengthening of the affected tissue.

Here’s how to use DGL. DGL comes in large tablets that you place in your mouth and allowed to melt. You can chew them slightly but not swallow them since it is your salvia that helps activate the DGL.

By allowing DGL to melt in your mouth the resulting liquid will now run along your esophagus and start the healing process where ever there is tissue inflammation or damage.

Use two tablets 3-4 times a day on an empty stomach. Do not use any water when you are taking the tablets. You can take the tablets at least an hour before you eat and an hour after you eat.

Although DGL provides relief for heartburn, acid reflux and other stomach disturbances it does not totally provide a cure. It does provide recover from damaged gastrointestinal lining as occurs with ulcers, but does not change the level of stomach acid.

In some cases Heartburn is caused by to little or to much stomach acid. When too little acid is causing heartburn or acid reflux it makes no sense to use antacids or acid blocking drugs which decrease your stomach acid even more. Low levels of stomach acid leads to serious illnesses.

Because so much is still unknown about the cause of acid reflux or heartburn, it is known that DGL can give you some acid reflux relief and in some case mild cases cure it.

Use DGL for mild or severe cases of heartburn or acid reflux and you will be surprised at the results you get.

Get A Massage In Sedona

Have you received a massage in Sedona, Arizona? If you haven’t done it already you should put it on your list of things to do. Sedona has some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States and is considered one of the most serene and spiritual places to live or to visit. So, whether you go to Sedona for a business trip, an unforgettable vacation, or a family relocation you might find you want to receive massage therapy. Massage in Sedona is widely available from independent Certified Massage Therapists, Licensed Massage Establishments, and a growing number of Day Spas.

Massage in Sedona is an experience that is memorable and enjoyable and something you’ll want to repeat over and over. Whether your goal is to completely relax with a slow, soothing massage, relieve muscular pain and chronic tension, have a more comfortable pregnancy, or improve your sports performance Massage Therapists in Sedona can help you achieve your goals. In fact there are several types of Massage in Sedona. The most commonly offered massage techniques in Sedona are:

Swedish Massage – relaxing massage using gliding strokes, kneading, friction, and striking strokes along with gentle stretching and rocking.

Deep Tissue Massage – massage of the deeper musculature and connective tissue to release chronic tension and pain. It’s often a firmer massage that is appreciated by experienced clients.

Sports Massage – massage to assist the athlete in preparing for and recovering from sports events.

Hot Stone Massage – perhaps the most relaxing and luxurious massages you can get. Heated stones seemingly melt away stress and tension.

Trigger Point Therapy – targeted pain relief using specific pressure to release painful knots in muscles.

Neuromuscular Therapy – advanced pain relief targeting specific trigger points in muscles, tendons, and attachment sites.

Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage – massage for the mother-to-be helping her to decrease pain and discomfort throughout the pregnancy.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage – specifically used for decreasing swelling and edema as well as improving the circulation of the body’s lymph. It’s detoxifying and some think it improves the immune system too.

However, in addition to the more commonly practiced massage techniques your Sedona based Massage Therapist might also practice some other well known massage therapy techniques:

Myofascial Release
Cupping Massage
Medical Massage
Acupressure
Shiatsu
Ortho-Bionomy
Aromatherapy Massage

You might even want to try a special treat when you get a massage in Sedona like Couple’s Massage where a couple can receive their massage together in the same massage room with two massage therapists. During the couples massage each member of the couple can choose to receive a different massage from that of their partner. Or, for the true massage therapy enthusiast some Licensed Massage Establishments and Day Spas offer Four Hand Massage, or Tandem Massage, where you can be massaged by two massage therapists at the same time.

Massage in Sedona is also very convenient to receive. Massage in Sedona is available on an incall basis at a Massage Therapist’s office, salon, or clinic, in a Licensed Massage Establishment, or in one of many conveniently located Day Spas. Massage in Sedona is also available on an outcall basis in your Sedona area home, office, or hotel. No matter where you are in Sedona a great massage is just minutes away.

So what’s stopping you? Massage in Sedona is relaxing, stress reducing, pain relieving, and performance improving so get one today…you’ll be glad you did!

Get A Massage In Longmont

Have you received a massage in Longmont, Colorado? If you haven’t done it already you should put it on your list of things to do. Longmont has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the United States and is considered one of the most serene and spiritual places to live or to visit. So, whether you go to Longmont for a business trip, an unforgettable vacation, or a family relocation you might find you want to receive massage therapy. Massage in Longmont is widely available from independent Certified Massage Therapists, Massage Establishments, and a growing number of Day Spas.

Massage in Longmont is something that is memorable and enjoyable and something you’ll want to repeat over and over. Whether your goal is to completely relax with a slow, soothing massage, relieve muscular pain and chronic tension, have a more comfortable pregnancy, or improve your sports performance Massage Therapists in Longmont can help you achieve your goals. In fact there are several types of Massage in Longmont. The most commonly offered massage techniques in Longmont are:

Swedish Massage – relaxing massage using gliding strokes, kneading, friction, and striking strokes along with gentle stretching and rocking.

Hot Stone Massage – perhaps the most relaxing and luxurious massages you can get. Heated stones seemingly melt away stress and tension.

Aromatherapy Massage – a very relaxing and therapeutic massage incorporating the benefits of both massage and essential oils for an incredible effect you’re going to love.

Pregnancy Massage – massage for the mother-to-be helping her to decrease pain and discomfort throughout the pregnancy.

Neuromuscular Therapy – advanced pain relief targeting specific trigger points in muscles, tendons, and attachment sites.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage – specifically used for decreasing swelling and edema as well as improving the circulation of the body’s lymph. It’s detoxifying and some think it improves the immune system too.

Deep Tissue Massage – massage of the deeper musculature and connective tissue to release chronic tension and pain. It’s often a firmer massage that is appreciated by experienced clients.

However, in addition to the more commonly practiced massage techniques your Longmont based Massage Therapist might also practice some other well known massage therapy techniques:

Sports Massage
Myofascial Release
Medical Massage
Acupressure
Shiatsu
Ortho-Bionomy

You might even want to try a special treat when you get a massage in Longmont like Couples Massage where a couple can receive their massage together in the same massage room with two massage therapists. During the couples massage each member of the couple can choose to receive a different massage from that of their partner. Or, for the true massage therapy enthusiast some Massage Establishments and Day Spas offer Four Hand Massage, or Tandem Massage, where you can be massaged by two massage therapists at the same time.

Massage in Longmont is also very convenient to receive. Massage in Longmont is available on an incall basis at a Massage Therapist’s office, salon, or clinic, in a Licensed Massage Establishment, or in one of many conveniently located Day Spas. Massage in Longmont is also available on an outcall basis in your Longmont area home, office, or hotel. No matter where you are in Longmont a great massage is just minutes away.

So what’s stopping you from receiving the benefits of massage? Massage in Longmont is relaxing, stress reducing, pain relieving, and performance improving so get one today.

Gentian Violet

What is gentian violet?

Gentian violet sounds like something that is very sophisticated but actually it is not. It certainly is not a color but rather gentian violet is just a quite popular treatment for thrush. Thrush occurs because of infections on the skin or mucous membranes inside the mouth and may infect both infants and adults.

People at special risk for developing thrush are the following: newborn babies, denture users, adults with diabetes or other metabolic disturbance, people undergoing antibiotic or chemotherapy treatment, drug users, people with poor nutrition and people with an immune deficiency. These people or the people around them, whichever is applicable, should be extra observant so that any signs or symptoms of thrush can be detected and then treated right away otherwise the condition has a chance of worsening.

It is a belief of many that gentian violet is the most effective treatment of nipple soreness for breastfeeding mothers. The mothers who have used gentian violet can attest that relief is rapid so meaning it usually works right when you need it meaning as soon as possible but make sure that the dosage is right. To be discussed in the paragraphs to follow are some of the suggestions to people who use and about to use gentian violet for thrush. These next items will indeed be very useful to gentian violet users.

Gentian violet can be messy so timing, though not everything in this case, of the application of this treatment is essential. Most mothers prefer to doing the treatment just before they get a good night’s sleep because during those house they can keep their nipples exposed thus no need to worry about staining their clothes while the application is in progress.

The effect of the gentian violet for thrush is sort of immediate and in most cases thrush is one hundred percent gone by the third day if not then consider applying affected areas for a few more days. If problem persists then it is time to consult your doctor.

If baby is irritable while being nurse by a mother who uses gentian violet for thrush then the mother should stop using the gentian violet immediately and then go see a doctor instead for other possible suggestions for the treatment of the thrush.

There are other ways to cure thrush but gentian violet is still the one thing that people readily look for when thrush occurs. In this case there is a need to make sure that it is the genuine gentian violet for thrush and not some rip off medicine that you have in hand. This is so because some people are questioning the credibility of gentian violet and some attribute the failed times of gentian violet to fake products that do not have same ingredients as the real gentian violet.

These are just some of the things that users of gentian violet for thrush should be aware of. The notes are just easy to remember. It is now possible for you to recall how and why gentian violet should be used for thrush. If unfortunately one day you wake up and discover that you have thrush then you can use the information in this article for your own good. Otherwise you can always provide the information you have read to a very worried mother whose kid has thrush but who knows nothing about gentian violet.

Fundamental of Massage Therapy

Massage is another remedial procedure that occupies an important place in Naturopathy. Actually massage has had a very long history, dating back to ancient times. Massage has been used therapeutically for thousands of years in India, China, Greece, Rome, Egypt, etc.

Massage has a very salubrious effect on the organs and systems of the body as detailed below:

(1) Skin: The beneficial effects of massage on the skin are unequalled. The pores of the skin are opened up, thus helping of the elimination of poisons from the body through perspiration.
(2) Muscles: Massage reduces the tension in the muscles and relieves muscular pain. Strenuous exertion results in the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. Massage helps to rid the muscles of this acid and thus imparts a feeling of freshness and vigour.
(3) Circulation of the blood: The circulation of the blood in the part being massaged is speeded up, so that the part is supplied with more nutrients, and its healing powers are augmented. The accelerated circulation reduces swelling. There is an increase in the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen and to utilize it effectively.
(4) Nerves: Slow and gentle massage with light pressure relieves tension of the nerves and soothes them. Vigorous massage stimulates lax nerves and increases their efficiency.
(5) The digestive system: Massaging the abdomen
stimulates the digestive system, and promotes better elimination of wastes. The resistive powers of the body are strengthened due to the increase in the efficiency of the liver.
(6) The urinary system: Massaging activates the urinary system. As a result the process of elimination of toxic substances from the body through the urine is accelerated by the formation of greater quantities of urine.
(7) The heart: Systematic massage will reduce the burden on the heart, and thus increase its efficiency.

Normally dry palms are used for massage; but if the skin is too dry or if the body is excessively weak, wet cloth or soothing oil may be used. Among oils, sesame (til) oil is the best for this purpose. Some people use talcum powder for reducing friction while massaging, but this practice is not desirable, as the pores of the skin get clogged up.

Method: The process should begin with massage of the arms and legs. Next the chest, abdomen, back and buttocks should be massaged, in that order, finishing with the face and the head. Cloth should be used for massaging the back. As far as possible, we should massage ourselves with our own hands so as to combine the benefits of massages with those of exercise also to a certain extent. Those who are too weak to do so may take the help of others.

A massage should preferably be followed by a bath with lukewarm water.
If suffering from high blood pressure, the direction of massaging movements should be reversed, i.e. from head to foot.

Note: Massages are contra-indicated in the following conditions:
(1) In fevers, no massage of any type is recommended.
(2) Pregnant ladies should avoid massaging the abdomen.
(3) Abdominal massages should be avoided in cases of diarrhoea, gastric or
duodenal ulcers, appendicitis or tumours in the abdomen.
(4) Massages are generally unadvisable in cases of skin diseases.

Fruits and Juices Important for Relieving Hemorrhoids Part I

It has been found that when you eat a lot of chili peppers
that you can get a burning sensation in the rectum or anus.
It is best to avoid eating too many peppers, especially if you
have an advance case of hemorrhoids. Peppers are actually
good for blood circulation and for healing ulcers. It is always
the excess that creates problems in your body.

Here are some additional foods to avoid, which cause constipation.

• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Bad Fats
• Animal products
• Red meat

Foods you should be eating to help relieve hemorrhoids

A high fiber diet obtained from raw fruits and vegetables is what you need to eat for eliminating and for preventing constipation. When you don’t have constipation, you won’t have hemorrhoids.

The amount of fiber you should be eating is 25 35 grams per day. Most people only eat about 8 – 12 grams per day.

If you have not been eating a lot of fiber, you need to add
fiber slowly to your diet, especially if you add it by using
bran. Increase your use of bran or other bran cereals over
a couple of weeks.

If you add fiber to your diet with fruits and vegetables, you can add them freely without much problem. However, since your stomach will not be use to it, you may experience more gas for a week or two. You can compensate for this by taking digestive enzymes to help you digest the extra produce.

The following list of juices and fruits are good for helping cure or relieve
Hemorrhoids.

Juices

Juices are good for hemorrhoids but especially dark berry
juices mixed with equal parts of apple juice. The dark berry
juices to use are,

Cherries, blackberries, blueberries

These berries contain “anthocyanins” and
“proanthocyanidins” which reduce hemorrhoidal pain and
Swelling by toning and strengthening the hemorrhoid
veins. Drink at least one glass of this juice mixture each day.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are one of the best foods you can eat. It has a
good source of vitamins and minerals. It has a high beta-carotene
level and has anti-clogging properties.

Red and Black Currant Berries

Currants are high in Vitamin C, rutin, and minerals. This
makes their juice valuable in clearing hemorrhoids. The also
have a small amount of the fatty acid GLA, which produce
prostaglandin that control body pain.

This juice is also good for cleansing the liver and blood.
Good liver function is necessary for maintaining a healthy
colon, rectum and anus.

Drink 1 –2 glasses a day of red or black currant berries.

Pomegranate Juice

Although pomegranate juice may be hard to find, it is quite
useful in reducing hemorrhoids, because of its strong
astringency. Saturate a cotton ball with pomegranate juice
and push it slightly into your rectum.

If you have pinworms, the tannins in pomegranate juice will
help you get rid of them. You can also drink the juice.
During the summer I have on occasion found pomegranate
juice at a farmers market. It is slightly tart but it is easy to
drink. However, it’s hard to drink more than a glass full without
getting a stomach upset.

Oranges and bananas

Eat 2-3 oranges and 2 bananas a day. Oranges provide
vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and fiber. Bananas provide
minerals that help to strengthen tissue and have plenty of
fiber. Bananas can also be steamed to give more relief and even
eliminate hemorrhoids. Steam two not quite ripe bananas with their peel until they are soft. Eat two in the morning and two in the evening.

Papaya

Papaya is an excellent fruit to eat. It has good mineral
content, fiber, and has enzymes to digest protein.

These are the fruits and juices to use to for relieving hemorrhoids. Adding more vegetables to your eating habits is also important to get more fiber. These fruits, juices, and vegetables will help you keep regular and provide pain and inflammation relief for your hemorrhoid symptoms

Fruit Extracts

Are the growing wrinkles on your face giving you sleepless nights? Cosmetic market is flooded with innumerable types of lotions and creams that give assurance of reducing the wrinkles helping you look young. But, these cosmetic products contain harmful chemicals which may help you at present but can harm your skin in the future. At this point of time a question may arise in your mind that – “Is there any other alternative or option which can help you, without leaving any adverse affect”? Yes, the answer is “fruit extracts” that can help you look younger and that too a natural way.

Fruit extracts are prepared from fruits with little or no outside ingredients. Fruits such as apple, banana, custard apple, guava, lime, mango alphonso, orange, papaya, pineapple, strawberry are commonly used for making fruit extracts products.

Use of fruits in cosmetic functions is mainly due to the presence of vitamins and alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) such as glycolic, lactic, malic, citric and tartaric acids. Fruit extracts are known to have refreshing, purifying as well as soothing and hydrating properties. They are used for caring and grooming body, skin and hair.

Variety of fruit extracts are available in the market to suit perfectly to all skin types and hair texture. Deciding which fruit extract product to buy and from where must be bewildering you by now.

Let me firstly answer the former part of the question. To find which fruit extract to buy, you initially need to do a bit of research. Find what type is of skin texture do you have is it oily, dry or normal. If this task seems tough, you can seek for this information from professional advice from cosmetologist, who can guide you in a better manner that which fruit extract product will suit your skin type.

The next thing you need to do is to search through the market about all the available sellers or companies of the particular fruit extract that you are looking for. You can go out and can shop for them in the cosmetic shop but in case you don’t want to get into all these hassles, you can look for online cosmetic sellers. Now a days number of well known companies have open up their websites, so that a customer can look at all the products they offer at one place. Go through the various websites, you can read the feature of each fruit extract and can find the suitable fruit extract product that suits your needs to the best and that too at a much lower price than that available in the open market.

Growth of the fruit extracts usage in other words organic food segment has bang upon the “natural cosmetics” industry by raising consumers’ expectations. The positive image of fruits positive in food has now moved across to cosmetic products such as fruit extracts and many more. Get a new young look with fruit extracts and let other guess what your right age is.

Frankincense In Aromatherapy

The Mysterious Frankincense

Used for many thousands of years, the Frankincense tree has perhaps the greatest association with spiritual practice of any plant on earth. In most of the great ancient cultures, including the Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilizations, it has played a role in religious and domestic life. Frankincense has been sought after by kings and valued as highly as gold. More recently, the essential oil is gaining popularity with spiritual seekers and natural healers alike. What is so special about this tree that its ‘pearls’ were given as a gift at the birth of one of history’s most revered prophets?

The Hardy Tree and its Tears

The Frankincense tree, or Olibanum, upon first glance, may seem rather unremarkable. It appears as a giant shrub, with many knurled branches topped with abundant slender leaves and occasionally, small white flowers. A native to northern Africa, it looks like it belongs in the desert, growing in some of the world’s harshest conditions. But it is not the tree itself, but rather its sap that has such profound lore surrounding it. When the tree’s bark is pierced with a knife (known traditionally as a ‘Mingaf’), a milky-white oleoresin is exuded – thought the tree is not harmed. The resin forms droplets known as ‘tears’ or ‘pearls’, which harden into the orange-brown gum known itself as Frankincense. The English name of this natural incense is derived from the medieval French ‘franc’, meaning ‘pure’ or ‘free’, and from the Latin ‘incensium’, meaning ‘to smoke’.

History’s Most Popular Incense

For more than 5000 years, the hardened resin has been burned in temples throughout Egypt, China and India; the Catholic church continues to use it today during Mass. It is one of the four main ingredients in Jewish ceremonial incense, forming an important part of the Sabbath day offerings. The smoke of Frankincense (as with other ritual incense) is thought to carry prayers to heaven upon it’s smoke. It is also said to deepen the breath and still the mind, making it useful for meditation and yogic practice. The incense may have health benefits as well, producing a highly antiseptic smoke, keeping churches and churchgoers free from disease.

According to ancient documents, the great Baal temple of Babylon consumed 2 and a half tons of Frankincense a year. The Frankincense trade was of immense importance in ancient times, peaking about 2000 years ago. Caravans grew to as many as 2 to 3 thousand camels in size. Cities grew up along the trade routes, and heavy taxes and fees for protection, lodging and camel fodder raised the cost of the resin considerably, so much so that it was valued as much as gold. The wealth involved inspired Alexander the Great to plot to control the region, though his death happened to preceed the invasion.

Health Benefits

Frankincense resin is thought to have a bounty of health properties – it was an ingredient in a rejuvenate face mask in ancient Egypt (it was also charred and used as the classic heavy eyeliner seen in much ancient Egyptian art), and at one time was “used to treat every conceivable ill to man”. In ayurvedic medicine it is known as salai guggul, used for centuries to treat many conditions, including arthritis. Modern science has isolated the active compounds found to have anti-arthritic properties. Called boswellic acids, these components inhibit the inflammatory process, improve blood supply and prevent further cartilage reduction.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Modern natural medicine has taken to the use of the essential oil of Frankincense. The oil, having a warm, woody, sweet aroma with a hint of citrus, is steam or CO2 distilled from the resin. It is used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, catarrh and asthma; for wrinkles, wounds and dry skin, and in cases of rheumatism, cystitis and leukorrea.

The most important effect of the essential oil may be on the nervous system. Regarded as an antidepressant, the aroma can both relax and revitalize, and can help in cases of nervous tension and exhaustion. Frankincense oil contains sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the limbic system, the hypothalamus, the pineal and the pituitary glands. The oil is now being researched for it’s ability to increase human growth hormone production. Further, it is considered to strengthen the immune system, which may in-fact occur as a result of it’s uplifting properties.

Frankincense essential oil can be used in a manner similar to burning of the incense in spiritual practice. Warming in a candle lamp or direct application to the temples and third eye will quiet the mind, deepen the breath, and promote meditative stillness. It is often blended with Sandalwood, Myrrh and Cedarwood for such uses, and the single-pointed concentration it invokes is thought to allow the spirit to soar.

Experimenting with Frankincense

Frankincense resin is widely available at reasonable costs. Most is wildcrafted, being extracted from trees growing in the deserts of northeast Africa – thankfully, the resource is abundant, as the trees easily survive harvesting of the pearls. The small chunks of resin can simply be lit by themselves in a dish or similar container, and allowed to smolder and release their smoke. Frankincense is also available in prepared incense sticks and other incense preparations. In the form of your choosing, simply light and allow some quiet time to experience the deep aroma.

With the essential oil, a diffuser or warming lamp can be used to disperse the aroma throughout a space. The oil is also found in aromatherapy candles, where it is released from the heated oil beneath the burning wick. Frankincense oil can be applied directly to the forehead (it is non-irritating or sensitizing) where you can both capture the aroma and absorb the oil directly. Again, take a moment to sit quietly to perceive any effects.

The wonderful gift of the Frankincense tree is available in many ways, and has come highly recommended for many thousands of years. Try adding a little Frankincense to your life, and see what the mystery is all about!

Four Creative Steps To Healing

Ever have the feeling that dis-ease was controlling your life? Perhaps it’s not even a chronic illness. Do you harbor anger? Resentment? Frustration?

Maybe it’s just me and I’m talking to myself, but I’ve let all of these rule my life at some point. Therefore, in this short article, I thought we’d take a look at “Four Creative Steps To Healing.” From it, I hope you’ll gain insight into yourself, your behaviors and perhaps the way you deposit or withdraw from your own health currency.

Step One: Understand Your Energy
We’ve all heard about the aura that surrounds the body, but what could this possibly have to do with our health? According to Carolyn Myss in her audio program “Why People Don’t Heal,” the energetic exchange that happens within this field is where our thoughts become translated into energy (or what she terms as one’s biography becoming their biology). Translation: These cycles or waves of energy that surround our body are a function of our thoughts. Thoughts are energy waves then, that affect our health in a positive or negative way. Let’s look a little closer to see why this happens:

The contributors to this energy surrounding the body are the 7 major “chakras” (chakra in Sanskrit means “wheel or vortex”). It may help to note that Myss refers to each energy wheel as a “computer,” one which collects and interprets information and “perceptions” the mind has about the world. It has been shown scientifically that each of these 7 wheels of energy corresponds to a particular endocrine gland in the body. Translation: In light of the adage, “you are what you eat” we could conclude with with some degree of certainty that “you are what you think.”

Step Two: Let Go Of Old Wounds
Now that you’ve been (hopefully) examining your thoughts and translating all of your negative energy into positive, Myss throws another curve ball. Would you agree with her that “healing is unattractive?” I needed some time to think about this: Why in the world would healing be unattractive?

Answer (According to Myss): Our wounds give us power! And after careful contemplation, I’ve outlined three ways I have done this, myself.

Ask yourself: Are you leading with your wounds? You’ll know if you done any of the following:

1. Used Wounds to Manipulate a Situation or a Person.
Let’s say we find a situation unsavory, scary or inflaming a personal “hot button.” Have you ever avoided a situation when you really needed to face head on? Or, how ’bout this one: “I just can’t get into this relationship – I’ve been burned before!” Okay, maybe I am just speaking to myself here, but I admit, I’ve used my wounds (more times than I care to admit) to refrain from loving unconditionally.

2. Use Them to Attract Other Wounded Souls Who Want to Exchange in the “Wound” Game.
I’ve done this myself, too. In listening to another share their wounds, I’ve given up compassion for wound ante – “Ill see you and raise you one.” Agreed, there is a difference between healing from a wound and “leading with a wound” but, in my humble opinion, I’d be willing to bet that we know the difference between being healthy and not. For example, I know when I’m healthy when I can listen with empathy, void of getting out my toolbox to “fix” or laying out my wounds unsolicited.

3. Give Up Our Ability to Listen.
Dr. Bernie Siegel in his book “Peace, Love and Healing” basically says, listening is the work of angels. Many times listening is all we have in a situation when someone calls on us for help. If we express what Ms. Myss calls “woundology” or “leading with our wounds” we’re saying that we can’t stand the loss of power and desire all the attention for ourself.

Since I’m laying out all my laundry here today (And what would Myss have to say for this?) here’s an example of the way I’ve led with my wounds: Recently someone confided in me about a situation where they had lost a loved one. While listening attentively, my mind searched its experiences for a similar event. All this so I could say: “Oh that’s terrible! Don’t feel so bad though, because I’ve been through this thing that is so much worse!”

To reclaim my character, however, (and after I realized what was happening), I caught myself. In reality, all this person really needed was my ear to listen unconditionally.

Step Three: Learn To Forgive Yourself and Others
The final two steps are remedies which can help heal our anger, resentment and frustration. Step three then, is simply forgiveness. For to forgive in earnest then takes our energy out of its emotional investment in the past. We give up the need to spend wasted energy making negative deposits into this account and to paraphrase Myss, is the fastest way to bring our energy into real time. Translation: Trust me, you’ll know authentic forgiveness when you experience it. The body literally “lets go” of the weight of the past.

Step Four: Love Yourself
The final creative step to healing? Loving yourself, of course! This is the most challenging concept, in my opinion. Why? To begin we must start where we are, and love and accept ourselves for who we are, today. How does this help our health? It’s simple,
when we realize that we are stunting our personal growth and health through negative self talk, we can then begin to love ourselves one piece at a time.

Here’s how it’s done (Author’s note: beware, this practice may seem untraditional yet, if you’ll consult Louise L. Hay’s book: “You Can Heal Your Life” – you’ll find that this is one of the remedies she used to heal herself from cancer):

Every day spend 15 minutes in the mirror sending love to yourself! Start small by finding one part of yourself where you can find perfection. Each day, or week, or month choose new parts of yourself to love. Before long, you’ll find an image of perfection before your eyes. And you’ll have purified your energy, to boot!

In closing, we could make all of these steps very simple, indeed. For there is only one step here that will make you healthy and happy. Remember: It’s when we’ve learned to love ourselves that we can truly be healed.

References:

Myss, Carolyn, Ph.D. Why People Don’t Heal. Colorado, 2001. Sounds True Audio.
Siegel, Bernie, M.D. Peace, Love and Healing. New York: HarperCollins. 1989.
Hay, Louise L. You Can Heal Your Life. California: Hay House. 2004.

Forever Young

We’ve all heard the “fountain of youth” programs. There must be dozens of them: pills, creams, Bo-tox injections, etc. As aging baby boomers we’re in search of quick, perfect and easy “fountains” for ourselves. Let’s face it, we each want to slow the ticking of our own aging clock.

At the tender young age of 30 I decided I wanted to stop growing older. Why would I want to get any older? Thirty seemed the perfect age to be — forever. As a New Age explorer, during the late 70’s I roamed the Redwood hills of Northern California seeking truth. This is how my quest to have more control over how I age, which is called anti-aging, began. At this time I am pleased to report that indeed my quest for youth is paying off. Now at the “calendar” age of 55, except for a few silver hairs I both look and feel not much over 35 years old.

As I began to research the subject, I found that the mind/body connection to anti-aging became clear. After all, Google has over 14 million hits on the subject. “Youthing” is the term I now use to explain anti-aging. Youthing is an idea whose time has come. What did I discover during my quest? I found that multiple disciplines — including but not limited to breathwork, firewalking, fasting, yoga, and hypnosis — all helped me to shape my future. Lessons in dancing, they were.

Most of us assume that anti-aging is just about “sticking around” for a little longer, but this is only a small part of the quest. Youthing is a state of being . It’s an awareness. Youthing is really about “stepping up to the plate” and taking your power into the very fabric of our reality — into every cell of our bodies. We can all have more control over how we age; the best part is that youthing doesn’t involve buying pills or cremes, or joining a club. Youthing is a training system that teaches each of us to let go of old counterproductive and worn-out beliefs, programs, and assumptions. Essentially, we learn to automatically say ”yes” to a long and healthy life, and without even thinking about it — without using our old habits, which leave us as they’re replaced by new ones.

When we expect to slow down the aging process, we can create — each at our own cellular level — conditions that justify this belief. As Deepak Chopra wrote in AGELESS BODY, TIMELESS MIND ( Harmony Books,1993): “Aging seems to be something that’s happening to you when in fact it is something your body has learned to do. It has learned to carry out the programming fed into it by you, the programmer”.

What is easy, fun and very effective is hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is simple, very effective, and can be fun depending on its purpose. Whether sessions are done in person or by telephone, they can set the stage for stretching beyond set limitations. Hypnosis is the art of placing the conscious self in a state of strong suggestibility. During this time the conscious self is very open to change; it can literally set aside any limiting beliefs that may have been interfering with one’s ability to change.

It’s a proven fact that our bodies are constantly creating new and healthy cells to replace old and damaged ones, and every new cell gets its “replacing” instructions from the DNA contained in the old cell. So, it stands to reason that if our DNA programs our new cells with the healthiest and most youthful information possible as a blueprint for development, the body’s cell memories will change for the better, by being “younger”. This process is called “Cell Transformation”. The question arises: can hypnosis really be used in order to literally tell our bodies cells to be younger? From my experience, I strongly believe that the answer is yes.

Lets wrap this up. Youthing is the process of participating in the act of a successful anti-aging program. It involves one’s past, present and future. Here’s why: the past is forever with us. We can’t do away with it; we can’t change it. But we can make it work for us, because addressing and healing childhood traumas (with regard to induced and conditioned beliefs about aging) can be explored and corrected. Also, learning to forgive ourselves and others can do wonders for us and for our present youthing goals. Finally, seeing ourselves alive, fit, and healthy, now and and in the future, is a vital part of everyone’s youthing process..

I’m currently working with energy medicine that is directed toward youthing techniques. It is very effective; I could write so much more about it. But remember this: your body is the most valuable possession you own. By consciously programming your mind and body to remain youthful, the old paradigm — of collective conditioning — is broken. As Richard Bach put it so concisely in his classic 1977 book, ILLUSIONS: “Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they’re yours.” Don’t limit how you age. Find out how it is to feel good!

Foot Massage

Foot massage or foot reflexology has a Chinese origin. It dates back to more than 3,000 years ago and is used in the prevention and cure of many health ailments.

Some in fact say, foot massage dates back to ancient Eygyptian times due to archaeological findings in cave drawings in Egypt.

The principle of foot massage rests in the premise that the meridian network connects all tissues, organs and cells in our body. Each organ in the body is connected to a specific reflex point on the foot through the intermediary of 300 nerves. A trained foot reflexologist can put pressure on different meridians or energy lines on the sole and side of the feet to determine the cause of illness.

By using pressure to these the reflex points, the foot massage is good for stimulating the activity internal organs, and to improve blood and lymph circulation. Thus, the top to bottom well being of a person can be made through the foot.

The principles of foot massage is not in congruence with western allopathic medicine. Western medicine merely sees the foot as a body part comprising of bones, ligaments and joints.

However, foot massage is fast gaining much popularity and acceptance as an alternative health treatment. Fans of foot massage believe it can cure not only colds and minor ailments, but more serious ailments as well. These ailments include liver dysfunction, constipation problems, chronic headaches, skin allergies, etc.

Like most Oriental medical techniques, foot reflexology is a “holistic” treatment. It concentrates on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of one particular ailment.

While Western medicine promises speedy recovery of all unpleasant symptoms, foot massage therapy can be slow and gradual. A series of visits is necessary to strengthen the body and to bring the body back to balance.

A session of foot reflexology in San Francisco, can set you back as much as US$40-100. Thus, foot massages over a period of time, can add up in terms of costs.

However, for practitioners and believers of foot massage, the cost for good health is well worth it. The alternative would have been money spent in clinics and western hospitals for prescription drugs and perhaps, invasive surgery.

Folk Medicine

Long before orthodox medicine took center stage in the health care practices around the world people who were sick used to visit different kind of doctors. These doctors were not the steth-wielding, tech-savvy, white-coated medical geniuses of today. Mostly, they were bearded, wizened and gnarled humans looking less like physicians and more like witches or wizards. But they were revered, loved and even feared because of one particular skill they possessed – the healing touch.

In the early days of civilization, a vast majority of people were cut off from ‘formal’ medical care. Competent physicians were a luxury, to be enjoyed only by the super-rich and royalty. For everyone else, there was the local witch-doctor who was respected for his or her in-depth knowledge of folk medicine. This was the man or woman who treated everything from boils to gangrene, from cesarean to malaria and even small pox.

What is astonishing is that many of these so-called ‘doctors’ effectively cured their patients. What is even more interesting is that these medicines have lost none of their charms with the passage of time and more and more of them are finding their rightful place in mainstream medicines.

Remember how your grandma used to give you wild cherry bark for cough, or boil the twigs and leaves of red cedar to cure your cold? Well, that’s folk medicine! If you were to ask your grandma how she learnt those techniques, she’d draw a blank! These unofficial health-related practices were passed on informally by word of mouth and were developed through observation and experimentation.

Illnesses ranging from the common cold and sore throat to warts, cancer, malaria, impotence and arthritis are said to be treated through folk medicine.

Folk medicine largely depended on the use of natural materials such as herbs, plant roots, trees, barks, fruits, insects and food items. Therefore, these practitioners paid a lot of attention to botany.

But the advent of modern medicine saw a decline in folk medicine as these ‘rustic’ practices were put under the microscope, dissected and then discarded as worthless. One more reason contributed to the decline of folk medicine.

Folk medicine started its downward slide with the advent of magical healing powers. Seedy people on the lookout for a few fast bucks were successful in capitalizing on the trust and faith of large sections of the society. Once their ruse came to light, people began to lose faith in folk medicine. Soon folk medicine was relegated to a gray area between orthodox medicine and quackery.

However, as more and more people have started to realize, there is a wealth of knowledge in traditional folk medicine. As people have started adopting the holistic way of life, there is a struggle to re-invent the precious folk medicine of yore. In recent years, the folk medicine of indigenous people is becoming more popular.

Some examples of folk medicines that we use in our daily life are:

Garlic – to reduce blood cholesterol levels
Chinese acupuncture – to treat blood clotting and migraine
The juice of neem leaves – to treat malaria
Poultice – to treat infected wounds

Turmeric – to treat bee or wasp stings

Today, amazingly more than two-thirds of the world’s population rely on the healing powers of folk medicine at some point of their lives. For many nothing else is available or affordable. For some, nothing else is acceptable. And for a very few, nothing else works.

Finding A Natural Remedy

Finding a natural remedy to sickness or an ailment isn’t hard. A quick visit to a health food store to speak with a clerk who is well versed in what herbs are natural remedies for what ailment can provide a wealth of knowledge. Also a quick surfing tour of the internet using natural remedy as a keyword for the search can provide a great deal of knowledge.

When looking for a natural remedy use common sense and add a grain of salt to what you may be told. Some people take it to an extreme and think there is a natural remedy for everything. Not true, but if you use common sense you’ll probably find a natural remedy for most ailments. After all, for many hundreds of years there was no such thing as a pharmaceutical industry, and using a natural remedy to cure an illness was the only way an illness could be cured.

The world of the natural remedy is varied and multi faceted. A few examples however are very common and should be known by everyone. For instance, zinc is a great natural remedy for colds. Cranberries are a natural remedy for urinary track infections, especially common for women. Aloe Vera juice applied to cuts and abrasions is a natural remedy that does wonders for healing. Garlic is a natural remedy for heart disease and an immune system strengthening agent. Seeds from the common pumpkin are a natural remedy to rid the body of parasites. Apple cider vinegar is a multifunctional natural remedy for many diseases, and an overall cleanser of the system. St. John’s Wort is a natural remedy for depression symptoms. Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits are full of vitamins and a great natural remedy for the common cold, as is chicken soup. White vinegar is a natural remedy for toe fungus when the feet are soaked in it. Cinnamon is a natural remedy for high blood pressure and much safer than pharmacological solutions. Grape seed is an ancient natural remedy for prostate problems, common in middle aged and older men. Finding a natural remedy is tea is easy. Green tea boosts the immune system, ginger tea aids digestion, and most teas in general help keep the system flushed out and pure. With this entire in mind, it is easy to see that a natural remedy is usually an option for almost any minor health problem.

Find Help To Stop Smoking Cigarettes

If you are in need of support to halt smoking cigarettes, there are a assortment of different places you can turn. From natural cease smoking cigarettes goods to stop smoking cigarettes antidepressant medications, there are numerous different ways to quit smoking. You may also join a quit smoking help association to get aid to stop smoking cigarettes, and multitudinous non-profit organizations also offer smoking free videos to supply additional quit smoking tips. No matter which process you choose, the most important aspect of trying to stop smoking cigarettes is the truthful desire to be smoke-free and well again.

A focused mind is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.

There are many prescription medicines that provide aid to stop smoking cigarettes. Quit smoking cigarettes antidepressant medications are becoming more and more popular as doctors realize that smokers tend to be more depressive than the rest of the general population. By treating these depressive symptoms while also reducing nicotine cravings, medication smoking stop treatment has proven to be highly productive in helping individuals to stop smoking cigarettes.

If you are wary of medication to assist stop smoking cigarettes, you might consider one of the natural stop smoking cigarettes products on the market today. There is a growing market for laser smoking cessation treatments and acupuncture cessation smoking methods. Both of these stop smoking cigarettes aids work to boost your endorphin levels, giving you a high of sorts that blocks some of the nicotine cravings that make people begin smoking again. These additional stop smoking cigarettes methods do not have much scientific research to back them up, but there are many individual reports that state that the laser smoking stop therapy worked in one or two treatment sessions.

A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood. General George S Patton

In addition to these commodities, you can also find aid to stop smoking cigarettes at your local grocery store or drugstore. Nicotine replacement stop smoking cigarettes aids provide smokers with a means to manage their cravings and to gradually diminish their dependence on nicotine. These stop smoking cigarettes products come in the forms of nicotine gum, the patch and a smoking cessation shot. All of these methods help to cut down a person’s dependency on nicotine, and they also lend a hand to reduce the symptoms connected with the nicotine withdrawal process. These symptoms can be somewhat severe if a individual stops smoking cold turkey. However, there are a variety of stop smoking cigarettes methods that make the process easier than it has ever been.

A real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken a new action. If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided. Anthony Robbins

Even if you try to quit without the aid of medication or nicotine supplements, you will even need help to stop smoking cigarettes. This help can come in the form of quit smoking support groups, friends, family or co-workers. The more people you have supporting you on you voyage toward superior health, the better off you will be. You can also turn to any number of non-profit organizations to receive the help you need.

Thanks for taking the time to read this quit smoking article. You should continue researching for additional information to help you down the road to a smoke free life.

Fighting Obesity

Fighting Obesity – an ayurvedic way

Definition of Obesity

Excess amount of body fat is Obesity.

Excess weight of muscles, bone, fat and water in the body (like body builders and athletes) is Overweight.

Over weighted persons are at increased health risk than normal persons. They are more prone to chronic diseases like heart diseases, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and few types of cancers.

Is fat necessary to our body?

Certain amount of body fat does the following function
1. Heat insulation.
2. Absorption of shock.
3. Storage of energy. Etc.

Ayurveda describes the functions of body fat as

“Medaha sneha swedaudhrudatwam pushtim asthyancha”

This means in normal conditions the body fat keeps the body moisturized , causes sweating , gives energy to body (by storing energy) and nourishes bones. (By protecting them from shock)

Distribution of fat

Women have more body fat than men. In women usually the fat accumulates around hips giving them a pear shape. In men it accumulates around belly giving them an apple shape. The obesity related problems start when fat accumulates around waist.

In ayurveda the distribution of fat is described as follows.

Medastu sarvabhutaanamudarenvasthi thishtathi |
Ata evodare vriddhihi prayo medaswino bhavet ||

Fat gets deposited in and around belly in all living beings. It is also present in bone. Hence when a person becomes obese his stomach bulges out.

And also the characters of an obese person are described as

“Medo mamsa ativriddhatvaachalasphigudarastanaha”

Which means the hips, belly and breasts of an obese person sag and sagged parts flap as that person moves. An obese person will not be active.

Causes of Obesity

When a person consumes more calories than he burns then the excess calories get stored in the form of fat causing obesity.

1. Genetic factors–Obesity tends to run in families. If parents are fat then the offspring also show a tendency to accumulate fat. Even the diet and lifestyle habits which are practiced in family also contribute to obesity.

2. Environment. – A person’s eating habits and the level of physical activities a person has also contribute for excess deposition of fat. When a person eats food containing more calories and has a sedentary work then the calories consumed are more than calories burnt. The excess amount calories are stored as fat.

3. Psychological disturbances.- There is a tendency to over eat in response to negative emotions like boredom, sadness or anger. This leads to obesity.

4. Binge eating disorder.

5. Diseases and conditions like Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, Depression, and certain neurological problems lead to overeating which in turn leads to accumulation of fat.

6. Medicines such as steroids and some antidepressants may cause weight gain.

Causes of obesity according to Ayurveda

The causes of obesity are very clearly explained in ayurveda. The following reasons which are mentioned in ayurveda increase the deposition of fat.

Avayamadivaaswapnashleshmalaaaharasevinaha |
Madhuroannarasaha prayaha snehamedhovivardhati ||

According to ayurveda the causes of obesity are defined as :

1. Avyayama : Not exerting physically
2. Divaswapna: Sleeping in afternoon.
3. Shleshmala Ahara Vihara : The diet and life styles which increase Kapha
4. Madhura Annaha : Consuming sweetened foods .

Health risks due to Obesity

Obesity leads to the following problems.
1. Type-2 diabetes
2. Heart disease.
3. High Blood pressure.
4. Stroke
5. Few types of Cancers
6. Gall stones
7. Liver diseases
8. Osteo arthritis.
9. Gout
10. Infertility
11. Irregular menstruation in women.

According to Ayurveda the obese persons are more prone to the following diseases.

1. Diabetes.
2. Kidney related problems.
3. Hepatitis.
4. Low libido.
5. Low energy levels.
6. Skin problems.
7. Fistula
8. Piles.
9. Filariasis . etc

Tips to reduce Obesity

1. Determine with the help of your physician how much weight has to be reduced.
2. Set several short term realistic goals .
3. Reward yourself each time you make progress (Not food items)
4. Even small weight losses have shown to be beneficial.
5. Make gradual changes in eating habits.
6. You will lose weight when you burn more calories than you consume. Hence eating less and being more active help in losing weight.
7. Sound eating habits keep you out of putting on weight.
8. Stay motivated to lose weight.
9. Slow weight loss is the safest and most effective. ( one to one and half pound per week).
10. Gradual weight loss, promote long term loss of body fat.
11. A person who is moderately active needs daily, 33 calories per kg of body weight to maintain his weight .
12. Reducing calories intake by 300 per day and increasing the physical activity to burn 200 calories per day results in weight loss of 400 Gms per week.
13. To satisfy basic nutritional needs eat a variety of foods every day. Choose from each of the five food groups milk, meat, fruit, vegetable and cereals. Balanced food plans encourage making wise choices about everyday food choices. This type of diet helps to stay at your proper weight for life.
14. Allow for an occasional treat.
15. Evaluate your eating pattern.
16. Try to cut down on foods high in fats and sugar.
17. Most successful weight – loss plans stress on reduction in both calories and the amount of fat eaten
Physical activity:
1. Determine the type of physical activity that suits your life style.
2. Regular aerobic exercise like brisk walking, jogging or swimming, is a key factor in achieving permanent weight loss and improving health
3. Health experts recommend exercising 30 minutes or more on all, days of the week for maximum benefits. The exercises should be moderately vigorous to be most effective but not exhausting.
4. Incorporate few simple measures to burn calories effectively. Like- taking an after dinner walk, using stairs instead of escalators or elevators, parking the car farther away to have a longer walk etc.
5. Exercises also improve sense of well being ,decreases stress and decreases appetite in some.

Ayurvedic tips to reduce Obesity

Numerous tips to reduce obesity have been mentioned in ayurveda. The following ayurvedic tips help you to reduce the obesity.
1. Very good exercises. Exercises like brisk walking, jogging, playing out door games etc help to reduce weight.
2. Physical and mental exertion. Exerting physically like doing house hold works, walking to distant places to bring groceries, vegetables etc, walking long distances to bring the child back from school, walking to working place, climbing stairs etc are types of physical exertion. Exerting physically as much as you can help to burn more calories. Mental exertion like worrying or involving in finding solutions to problems also restrict food consumption in some and there by reduces the intake of calories .
3. Having sex frequently is also a good physical exertion.
4. Consumption of honey. This is advisable for non diabetic patients. Consuming 2 tea spoon of honey with a glass of herbal tea which includes weight reducing herbs help a lot in weight reduction. Honey along with these herbs scrapes and dissolves the Kapha and medha (body fat).
5. Sleeping for less hours. Avoiding sleeping in afternoons help to increase the burning of calories. This avoids slowing of basal metabolic rate.
6. Avoiding the food and beverages which increase kapha and medha. The foods which increase kapha and medha are sweets, sweetened drinks , large quantities of carbohydrates and oily food.
7. Consuming wheat products than rice products help to reduce obesity.
8. Using Green gram and horse gram help in reduction of kapha and medha.

Fertility and Well Baby

There are two events in my life that solidify my faith in the power of
nutrition.These monuments will forever bring me backto that core belief that each of us has theability to control who we are, what we choose to think, and
what we choose to do with our health.

My family has an inherent weakness in the area of hormonal balance. I have three aunts who were unable to bear children; my sister has been unable to conceive, even after trying fertility drugs and lazer surgery; and I had surgery years ago to enable me to have the children I longed for. At this time, my surgery was called a ‘wedge resection’ and served to surgically remove a pie shaped section of each ovary so that the egg could
penetrate the ovarian walls that had become thickened from fibroid cysts.

With this history in mind, I was not surprised when my daughter, Morgan, did not menstruate. From the tender age of sixteen, her OB/GYN induced menstrual periods with the use of birth control pills. Morgan detested this, and would put it off as long as possible. The forced menstruation was debilitating, with agonizing cramps and heavy bleeding. Her doctor had also told Morgan that it was unlikely she would ever have children.

I began looking for an answer which would help Morgan to achieve a period
naturally.I encouraged her to begin a program of pau d’arco, essiac tea, and shark cartilage to help dissolve the cysts on her ovaries. She also included a combination of female corrective herbs which included red raspberry, alfalfa, dong quai, blessed thistle, and black cohosh to target her reproductive system. Along with this, Morgan took a combination of herbs to strengthen the entire endocrine system; particularly the pituitary gland which is the master conductor for our endocrine system. Within three months Morgan began normal periods, without the heavy cramping and bleeding that was a side effect of the birth control pills. She had mixed feelings about this; because she admitted to enjoying the freedom of not having to deal with menstruation for the better portion of each year.

At this point it seemed the victory was won. Another point scored for the incredible power of herbs to return the body to homeostasis. However, both my daughter and I had naively stopped short in realizing that this restored balance could presage further events.

When Morgan announced her pregnancy, my jaw dropped. Her husband, who had learned to accept their lives as being childless, seemed dazed. This baffled look he wore seemed plastered to his countenance from that day until the day their daughter, Sierra, was born. I will never forget the glorious moment when the doctor held up the newborn and announced, “This is the healthiest looking baby I’ve seen in a long time.”

About this same time, my daughter-in-law was expecting her first child. Wendy’s doctor sent her to a High-Risk Specialist after the ultra sound revealed only two channels in the umbilical cord, rather than three. Two channels are meant to deliver nutrients to the fetus and one carries waste out of the womb. The doctor explained their concern that the baby could be born with Down’s Syndrome, but would definitely be undersized, due to the missing umbilical channel. Wendy was monitored closely with frequent ultra-sounds as well as comparative measurements taken of the baby’s head growth.

We knew it was imperative to get as much nutrition as possible through that single channel. Wendy began taking raspberry leaf herb, alfalfa, kelp, and dandelion. The alfalfa was taken in concentrated form as this herb directly feeds the pituitary gland, which in turn promotes growth. Wendy was faithful in taking her supplements throughout her entire pregnancy.

I had the good fortune to be present at this granddaughter’s birth also. The delivery room was filled with no less than eight hospital personnel as the time approached for the baby’s birth. The staff were solicitous and kind; and they were fully prepared for a preemie. When Wendy was in transition, and barely aware of comments around her, one of the doctors said to staff, “We don’t expect the baby to be over five pounds.” I stood on the side, with my son’s mother-in-law, waiting anxiously as a chorus of medical students, nurses, and doctors chanted in unison, “push, push, push”. Each time
the baby’s head crowned, we held our breaths, and then the tiny wet head would disappear. Again the chorus…..”push, push, push”. Finally that triumphant moment came when the baby slipped out and everyone heaved a sigh of relief, and a shout of exhilaration. Everyone feels as though they have somehow participated in, and not just observed, a miraculous event.

Kaitlynn was born, and she weighed a glorious 7.6 pounds, had perfect color, and was strong and healthy in every way. The hospital preparations for an undersized, undernourished baby were not needed. The comments around the room were, “Maybe there were three channels after all.” So a portion of the umbilical cord was taken to the lab to be analyzed. The result showed that, indeed, only two channels had been present.

Two beautiful granddaughters. Uncertain beginnings…but with the help of proper nutrition, and positive thinking…..two very precious gifts.

The information in this article is intended for education purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or
replace medical treatment.

Feeling Blue

Have you been feeling a little blue lately? Statistics claim that an estimated half a million people suffer each winter from a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder. Sometimes this can bring on severe depression along with weight gain. For many of us it is only a re-adjusting time that makes us feel a little blue.

What causes these blue feelings? Due to the lessening of sunlight hours received our brain chemicals can become imbalanced causing us to feel more tired, moody and more apt to eat more. It is often referred to as “The Winter Blues”.

Personally, it tends to hit me when we turn the clocks back in October and continues until the spring comes.

Even animals are affected by this seasonal change. The Hibernation instinct is very strong.

What can we do to help lift our spirits? THINK ORANGE!!!!

Yes, Aromatherapy can help you out with its sweet citrus Essential Oils. All of the citrus oils will help but I find Orange a great pick me up…following close behind is Grapefruit

How can we incorporate this into our daily lives? We can easily diffuse orange essential oil in a diffuser on our desk or work area. We can also add Orange Essential Oil to our dishwashing liquid and cleaners. It is great for cleaning up.

Be careful not to use cold pressed citrus oils on the skin as it may cause photosensitivity. Even though there is not as much sunlight in the winter there are still some UV rays shining so the best bet is to keep citrus oils off of your skin.

By the way, adding a few drops of cinnamon to the orange in the diffuser makes a lovely warm, wintery scent!

So remember: If you are feeling Blue…Think Orange!

Below is a chart depicting the various characteristics of Orange Essential Oil

Orange
Citrus sinensis
Family: Rutaceae

Extraction: Cold Pressed

Part: Peel

Harvest: Florida: December, January, February; California: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, November, December; Israel: October, November; South Africa: May, June

Color : Yellowish orange to dark orange

Smell: Sweet, Citrus, Fruity, Fresh

Note: Top

Effect: Stimulating or Sedating depending on dosage

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Magic: Purification, Joy, Physical energy, Magical energy

Chakra: 7th (Spiritual Chakra)

Description: Grown in Sicily, Israel, Spain, California, Florida, France, Cypress and China. A small sized tree with bright orange fruit. An inferior oil is made from the peel and juice. Native to China.

Historical Info: The orange tree is believed to have been taken by Franciscan monks to the West coast of America, where they began cultivating it.

Warnings: Slight chance of phototoxicity

Blends With: Black Pepper *, Cinnamon leaf **, Clary Sage ****, Clove *, Cypress *, Frankincense **, Geranium *, Ginger *, Grapefruit *, Jasmine *, Juniper Berry *, Lavender ***, Lemon **, Mandarin **, Myrrh ***, Niaouli *, Nutmeg **, Petigrain *, Rose *, Rosemary **, Tea Tree *, Ylang Ylang **,

Main Chemical Constituents: 90% monoterpenes: Mainly limonene, bergapten, auraptenol, acids

Properties: Anti-Septic, Disinfectant

Symptoms: Anxiety ***, Astringent *, Cellulite *, Colds/Flu *, Constipation ***, Depression ****, Digestion ****, Fever *, Female Complaints **, High blood pressure **, Irregular heart beat *, Insomnia ***, Mouth ulcers *, Nervousness *****, Shock *, Stress/Tension *, Water Retention *, Weight Loss *

Emotional: Encourages emotional expression, heals emotional memories, hysteria, clearing

Feel anxious again

Of course, no matter if you’ve ever experienced anxiety disorder, you know about such treatments as herbal or homeopathy management of it with the use of the essence of Bach flower, berocca or ginger, gotu kola or lemongrass leaves, licorice, magnesium, passion flower, St. John’s wort or valerian.

Aromatherapy along with hydrotherapy do not work recent research say. Vitamin C is not effective either, according to these studies. No matter how much you laugh, pray, avoid caffeine in your food and drink or keep to a carbohydrate-rich/protein-poor diet, or how many hours a week you spend on yoga. This measures are absolutely uneffective in anxiety disorder treatment.

But if you swap praying for meditation, and yoga classes for dance/movement therapy together with music, you increase the chance that your effort will be paid off. In the same category you can find relaxation therapy, exercise, bibliotherapy, autogenic therapy, massage (might be effective for kids only, researchers say), inositol and acupuncture.

Some treatments, such as kava and 5-hydroxyl-L-tryptophan, are effective but kava brings with it severe side effect, such as liver toxity and 5-hydroxyl-L-tryptophan can cause eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome.

The conclusion investigators came to is that the majority of complementary and alternative medicines so popular nowadays cannot be accepted as an adequate alternative for treating anxiety disorders.

You can read more at herbal alternative medicine articles.

Evoking The Right Moods With Aromatherapy Candles

For your wedding anniversary this time, you planned a lovely evening, complete with a sumptuous dinner by the candle light. Though everything went right according to your plans, it were the candles that spoiled the evening. First, the table got all dirty with burnt wax all over it. Second, the soot and smoke marred the romantic atmosphere.

The ordinary candles that we get in the market are made out of paraffin. Paraffin is a petroleum-based product and thus results in more soot and smoke when the candle is burnt. So, if you are using these candles, be prepared for the unclean burning. However, if you want to avoid these, go for aromatherapy candles.

Aromatherapy candles are made from essential oils of plants. And lighting the room is only a secondary feature of these candles; the primary use is in stimulating oneself physiologically and therapeutically. It is well known that aromas and fragrances are effective for evoking mood and emotions. So if you are looking forward to romantic evening, just use aromatherapy candles and see how your beau says just the right words.

The market place has a wide range of options for you to choose in aromatherapy candles. Choose from floating, pillars, gel, votive and jar candles. If you are free and want to do something creative then go for designing aromatherapy candles for yourself. It is easy. You must be aware of the basic preparation method and have a knowledge of essential oils. And lo! Your candle is ready.

Lavender is the most popular oil used in the preparation of these candles. Light a candle when you are taking bath. Or place a candle by the dining table. Lavender has stress relieving features and will keep you stress free for the entire day.

You have a large choice in fragrance too. Just understand the mood you want to stir up and make your choice. If you are suffering from sleeplessness, you can use Sage, Chamomile, and Ylang Ylang. Looking for uplifting mood, use Rosemary and Grapefruit induced aromatherapy candles. Similarly, there are candles with aromas of Eucalyptus, Geranium, Peppermint, and many more.

The wax used for preparation of the candles must preferably be natural. The soot released from paraffin candles has been associated with many diseases. Vegetable based wax like soy, palm and beeswax burn clean and for long. They release less soot.

However, while purchasing aromatherapy candles, one must be cautious. What is sold as aromatic candles may be made of synthetic wax and fragrances. These may be toxic at times. So choose the aromatherapy candles with care.

Essentials Oils – Natures Precious Gift

Essential Oils: Nature’s Precious Gift Have you ever wondered what is the reason of perfume in flowers and other plant parts? They are the essential oils. But in addition to the aromatic part, the essential oils also contain plant hormones and some other compounds. The essential oils are highly effective at very low concentrations. They have considerable effects on plants, animals as well as insects. The main reason of this is that the essential oils are very ancient compounds that were produced by the very ancient plants and have been produced ever since. The animals existed with the plants from the beginning. This long term of co-existence has caused them to respond to these essential oils in some way or the other.

The essential oils are extracted today by expression, steam distillation or solvent extraction. The last process of essential oil extraction however kills some of their therapeutic and other values. This renders them less effective. These solvent extracted essential oils are available in the market at a low cost. However, they are less effective and therefore less advisable. In the distillation process of extraction, water and steam are used to remove the oils out of fresh or dried plants. Solvent extraction uses the use of a solvent like alcohol to extract the essential oils.

Essential oils have been mentioned in the very ancient literature. These oils were used in the days long back in the Egyptian civilization. They were also being used in the ancient India, Rome, etc. The essential oils were generally used as a source of perfume in the ancient days. The Egyptians had big machines for extracting the Essential oils. As they were used in various other purposes and were dear to afford, the essential oils were also called as ‘Precious oils’ in the ancient days. Their use in religious rituals also assigned them the name of ‘sacred oils’. However, the essential oils name exists now.

The therapeutic value of essential oils is admirable. In the contemporary period, they have been used first by a French Chemist in treatment. This kind of treatment was coined the term ‘aromatherapy’. The aromatherapy is used even today, since most of the essential oils effect in a much pleasant way on human health. Being natural, they don’t generally cause a side effect. However, some may have adverse effects.

The essential oils can help in the cure of anxiety, depression, fatigue, memory problems, headaches, insomnia, etc. They sometimes show an unbelievably fast action. This is because they can easily enter through the skin and even through the cell membranes into the cells. One of the most important uses of some essential oils is that they improve the body immunity. To know more about essential oils, please visit us directly.

Essential Oils Storage

The importance of storing your essential oils in a proper manner can be estimated from the fact that women in the 19th century would ask their jewelers to design special bottles to hold their perfumes and essential oils. Luxury apart, storing essential oils in specially designed bottles helped keep the therapeutic and aromatic properties of the essential oils intact.

It is common knowledge that most of the essential oils become contaminated or their effect gets weakened with time if they are not stored properly. Citrus oils are the most susceptible to early breakdown. They oxidize and begin to lose the aroma and therapeutic properties. The citrus oil becomes cloudy and a sweet fragrance is emitted. This signals towards the deterioration of the essential oil.

Same does not apply to oils such as frankincense, sandalwood, patchouli, and myrrh. They can be stored for a longer time. In fact, they improve with time. In the older times, Egyptians used to embalm the dead people with the essential oils of cedar wood, cinnamon etc. When one such tomb was opened in the early 20th century, traces of the oil were clearly visible.

Will you not like to keep your treasured essential oils in the same manner? Lifetime of the essential oil ranges from 6 months to several years. Through a proper storage, one can increase the shelf life of an essential oil. The following section provides lessons in storing essentials oils.

Dark amber, cobalt blue, or violet glass bottles are the best when it comes to storing essential oils. Sunlight can be very harmful for the essential oils. Ultraviolet rays, which are a part of the sunlight, weaken the essential oil. This explains the reason why it is not advisable to store essential oils in clear glass bottles. Sunlight easily passes through the clear glass bottle, thus producing reaction in the essential oil, and no longer rendering it effective.

Plastic bottles too must not be used as the plastic dissolves with the essential oil and thus is contaminated. One can use aluminum bottles to store the essential oil, but the inner surface of the container must be lined.

Your essential oils need to be kept away from sunlight as far as possible. High temperature can be harmful to the oil. Therefore, the place where the essential oil is stored must not be near any heater vent or any such heat-emitting gadget. Keeping the oil in a refrigerator can help increase its shelf life. Nevertheless, freezing is not acceptable. When cooled at very low temperatures, some essential oils will cloud. It regains its original state when brought to room temperature. Certain citrus oils continue to be cloudy even when brought to room temperature. However, this does not affect their therapeutic properties.

We tend to contaminate the essential oil in the process of using them. The following checklist will be helpful in preventing contamination:

• Never touch the top of the orifice reducer or the inside of the cap.
• Always use separate pipettes for separate oil.
• The pipettes must not be carriers of oxygen. When one uses the pipette for taking out the oil, a few drops of it remain in the pipette. This becomes contaminated when it comes in contact with oxygen outside. When the same pipette is used again, it contaminates the whole bottle.

The cap of the bottle containing essential oils must not be kept open for long. Since they are volatile, they will evaporate.

The cap of the bottle containing essential oil must be selected carefully. Rubber droppers have a tendency to turn into gum when they come in contact with the concentrated essential oil.

Keeping these points in mind, one can surely increase the shelf life of the essential oils. This might require a few extra efforts and might become expensive in some cases, but your treasured essential oils truly deserve this.

Essential Oils For Home Care

Essential oils provide a fantastic natural alternative to common ailments we see at home. The actions of essential oils are broad, ranging from topical antiseptics and anti-inflammatories to analgesics, digestive system tonics, and anti-depressants. While essential oils should not be a substitute for professional medical care, they can be successfully employed for many minor complaints, and as adjuncts to other therapies.

Here we will have a brief look at ten essential oils which may comprise the ‘basic home care kit’. While by no means exhaustive, this list will go a long way to providing effective (and often pleasant!) treatments for you and your family for things like cuts and scrapes, sunburn, digestive troubles, stress related conditions and more.

Oil #1: Tea Tree Essential Oil

When first examined for it’s antiseptic properties, Tea Tree essential oil was found to be 100 times more powerful than carbolic acid – the medical standard at the time. Tea tree has an extremely broad range of antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties that have been confirmed by modern scientific research. Often used topically on small wounds, Tea Tree is also commonly found in oral hygiene preparations, and can also be effectively employed for Candida, athlete’s foot and acne, among other things.

Oil #2: Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender has often been called the ‘medicine chest in a bottle’ for its broad range of applications. Every home should keep Lavender on hand, even if no other oil is used, as it is so very effective on burns. It’s anti-inflammatory action is responsible for the beginnings of modern aromatherapy, as Dr. Jean Valnet discovered Lavender’s healing properties after being burned in a laboratory accident. Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring. The oil is also pleasantly calming, and can be used to reduce stress in a variety of situations – a commonly used technique is to apply Lavender oil ‘neat’ (undiluted) to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment.

Oil #3: Chamomile Essential Oil

Ah, the great tension reliever, Chamomile oil. This extremely gentle essential oil is useful for a wide variety of nervous conditions, and is often indicated for cases of stress in children (including teething and general ‘crankiness’). Rubbing into the solar plexus is a commonly used application if that is where one tends to ‘hold tension’. Chamomile essential oil is available in to varieties, German or Blue Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. The Roman variety is most often used for stress relief, whereas the German variety has the added bonus of being an extremely effective anti-inflammatory.

Oil #4: Peppermint Essential Oil

An excellent digestive tonic, Peppermint essential oil can sooth many stomach complaints. For the traveler, it’s effectiveness on calming motion sickness can be of great help. Further, at least eight controlled studies have shown Peppermint oil to be effective in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a painful condition of the intestines. Beyond it’s support of the digestive system, Peppermint is delightfully stimulating to the mind, brightening and sharpening mental focus. Finally, Peppermint is considered by some to be a more effective insect repellent than citronella when used on the body (rather than in the surrounding air).

Oil #5: Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Another essential oil with a broad range of properties, Eucalyptus is most often used for respiratory conditions, being useful in clearing congestion with coughs and colds. However, it’s effects are certainly not limited to the airways – because of it’s broad range of effects, it has been called the aromatherapists ‘designer oil’. Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in Summer (or due to fever – use in a compress), and support the immune system in Winter. Diffusing Eucalyptus oil can kill most staphylococcus bacteria, again being supportive of bronchial infections. It is considered equally effective in cases of cystitis, candida, and sunburn, to name a few, as well as being an insect repellent.

Oil #6: Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium (sometimes known as ‘Geranium Rose’) works wonderfully on both physiological and psychological levels. It’s floral aroma is brightening and uplifting, while also working as a sedative. Malte Hozzel has made this statement regarding this oil : “Geranium’s vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but direct & unavoidable, making it one of the oils of choice for aphrodisiac qualities. (Geranium Essential Oil) inspires natural beauty & enjoyment, uplifts instantly & “tonifies” the mind & intellect in a powerful, nearly demanding attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative & emotional reserves, helping us to rise to our own earthly & spiritual identify. A fiery beauty for the spells of all worlds.” Particularly noted for it’s effect on female physiologic conditions, Geranium oil can be effective for menopausal problems, uterine and breast complaints.

Oil #7: Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is an effective physical and mental stimulant, whether used in a diffuser or in a morning bath. It’s slightly spicy, rather than floral aroma, has a warming effect particularly useful for arthritic joints and other muscular complaints. It also has a long history of treatment for colds and flu – Rosemary was a component of ‘Four Thieves Vinegar’, which robbers rubbed upon their bodies to prevent infection when up to no good during the plague years of the middle ages. Also, Rosemary is the essential oil most often associated with improving hair growth in cases of Alopecia.

Oil #8: Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme oil is a powerful antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and diuretic, though it should be employed with great care. There are many types of Thyme oil available, but only the ‘linalol’ chemotype is appropriate for use with children; all varieties should be diluted prior to topical application. Given the precautions, Thyme can be a first line of defense in cases of flu, being used in a room diffuser. It also supports elimination of toxic wastes from the body (particularly noted for excessive uric acid), and it’s warming quality can eliminate mucous and phlegm. It’s application for the digestive system is that of a powerful anti-parasitic, and for the muscular system, it can be helpful for rheumatic aches and pains. Thyme oil may also be supportive in cases of hair loss.

Oil #9: Lemon Essential Oil

A recent study on test-taking college students showed the diffusion of Lemon oil into a room improved test scores more than any other oil. In addition to it’s mind-brightening qualities, it can also disinfect room air and act as a natural deodorant. Lemon has been noted to support liver function, and is also commonly used to assist in weight loss and cellulite reduction. In blends, lemon adds a pleasant top note, and can create a synergistic effect with other oils. Finally, Lemon oil is commonly used as both a fragrance and flavoring agent.

Oil #10: Clove Essential Oil

The power of Clove essential oil is noted upon the first sensing of the aroma – it is quite strong, sharp and earthy. Clove oil has been found to be the strongest anti-oxidant of any essential oil, and is a component of ‘longevity’ formulas. It is also an extremely potent antibacterial, effective against a broader range of microbes than any other oil except perhaps Oregano – Clove oil has even been employed to sterilize surgical instruments. Clove also has analgesic properties, and can be used to temporarily reduce the pain of toothache. Clove oil (or ground cloves) is also a component of Dr. Huda Clark’s anti-parasite protocol, helping eliminate parasites from one’s digestive system. This is a very powerful oil which should be diluted to 1% or less for topical application.

So, there we have a possible ‘top ten’ essential oils for the home medicine chest, a selection with an extremely broad range of uses for common ailments seen in a family setting. It is important to note that all essential oils are powerful, and they should be treated with caution and respect. Always refer to a trusted source before making specific applications of any oil, as many can be irritating or possibly toxic if used incorrectly.

Natural Way To Health And Well Being

Essential oils are the natural product of plant metabolism. They are considered the liquid immune system of the plant. Essential oils come from the stems, seeds, leaves, bark, roots, rinds, flower petals and grasses of plants.

When you buy essential oils don’t be upset at the price. First off, they are well worth it. Secondly, when used properly it only takes a very small amount to accomplish the task. You’ll also want to try to purchase organic essential oils. The more pure the essential oil the more potent it will be. All natural and chemical free should be the only type of essential oil you purchase. Other modifications and processing can alter the strength and the purity of the oil. Essential oils that are extra virgin or cold pressed are great ones to use.

Essential oils can be used for a variety of purposes. Aromatherapy, bath oils, medicinal uses, and massage are only a few of the typical uses for essential oils. For a natural, effective therapy, no matter what the purpose, there is most likely an essential oil available to suite your needs.

When thinking about aromatherapy essential oil there is a variety out there from which to make your choices. The purer an aromatherapy essential oil the more potent the therapeutic effects. There is a wide range of aromatherapy essential oils all with their own unique therapeutic qualities.

Here is some information help you decide to buy any essential oil. To start, your essential oils have to be diluted into base oils. Diluting will make the substance go further and last longer. Dilution of essential oils will not reduce the effects.

Massage therapy essential oils can just as well be used in baths. Since a nice warm bath can be a great way to unwind at the end of the day, what better way to relax than to include a product that will help in many more ways, from rejuvenating the spirit and the mind to conditioning the skin. It is important to note that oil will cause the surface of the tub to become very slick, so use caution when exiting the tub and be sure to wash the tub out thoroughly when finished to avoid an accident the next time you bathe.

As with any product it is always important to check the contents of the oils and purchase them from a reputable company where you have more assurance of the ingredients used. Particular medical condition may cause adverse reactions when using these oils. If you have high blood pressure, pregnancy, epilepsy, heart conditions, diabetes and more consult with a physician before use. Remember, it is a good rule of thumb to spend a little time doing your homework first rather than pay for it later with your health.

Essential Oil Guide

The uses of essential oils were known to ancient Egyptians long before research began on their medicinal and aromatic qualities in the early nineteenth century. The sweet fragrance emitted by essential oils has had people going crazy on it for ages.

An essential oil is the extract of plant derived from flowers, stem, leaves, bark and other parts of a plant. The process is often complex and requires distillation through steam or water of the plant. The result is the pure essence of the plant, often in a highly concentrated form. In the following article we will list some of the common uses that essential oils are put to.

Diffusion
Diffusion means breathing the fragrance of essential oil. The oil is evaporated using accessories such as electric diffusers, lamp rings, aromalamps, scentballs etc. These accessories are available in various assortments in the market. They operate by continuously shooting out microscopic particles of essential oils into the air. To facilitate easy assimilation through the sense of smell, the oil is broken into fine invisible mist. Diffusion helps create a relaxing atmosphere and loosens tight muscles.

Massage
The therapeutic effects of essential oil when combined with the magical powers of touch, revives the anatomy and furthers overall well-being. When using essential oil for the purpose of massage, it is advisable that it be diluted with carrier oil. It is too concentrated to be used neat. Different proportions need to be devised for people of different ages, skin types, etc. For children, the advisable content of essential oils per ounce is 6 drops. When shopping for massage oil, a person will come across a large collection of readymade aromatherapy massage oils & lotions. These may be purchased only from reputable vendors after checking the contents well.

Baths
An essential oil bath can be quite relaxing. Moreover, this will help in combining the benefits of hydrotherapy as well. Just add a few drops of your desired essential oil to your bathtub or spa, and get that rich and nourishing feeling. Alternatively, the essential oil mixed with good carrier oil be applied to ones skin after the morning shower for that all day long refreshing sensation. This keeps skin soft, smooth and youthful.

Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is another prevalent method of using essential oils. 5 to 8 drops of essential oil of one variety or more is mixed in a pot of hot water, and the user sits with his face close to the pot, eyes closed and about 10-12 inches above the pot. As vapour rises, it gets absorbed by the minute pores on ones face and through the nostrils. A humidifier too can be used by adding a few drops of essential oil in it.

Household uses
You may not know but the essential oils can be put to several household uses as well. Like when one is doing laundry, a few drops of essential oil will give the clothes a lovable smell all day long. Lemon or tea tree oils are best used for ones garbage cans from giving that stinking smell. Lavender has long been associated with romantic evenings. So, use it in your bathroom along with essential oils of chamomile and marjoram.

The uses of essential oils are many. One can experiment on his own to find new uses of the oils and thereby contribute to the already spilling research works on the subject.

Essential Oil Dilution

Essential oils have gained popularity due to the benefits attached to it. There is no better way than essential oils that can be put to multitasks that too keeping you nearer to nature. Anyone can use essential oil according to his needs. Variety of essential oil is available in the market to satisfy the diverse never-ending needs of people.

Different people use different essential oils as per their need. Sensitivity of skin vary from person to person, you need to stay aware of the fact that essential oil may harm your body if your skin is sensitive. But, no need to fear. Now, you can use essential oil dilution to dilute the concentration of essential oil in case if you have sensitive skin.

Essential oil is made from all natural ingredients so that there are no side effects. Essential oils are quite easy to use and have many benefits attached to it. They are commonly used for easy inhalation, steam inhalation that can help with cold and influenza, massage that helps in toning the body, room freshening, bath and many more.

It is true that pure essential oils are volatile oils and can easily penetrate the skin. Using essential oil may cause skin irritation or sensitivity if not properly diluted in carrier oil or if used in high concentrations. Children and the elderly are especially sensitive are specifically found to be sensitive to neat essential oil.

Essential oil dilution acts as a mode to diminish the strength of essential. People who experience skin sensitivity to even mild essentials oils can choose appropriate essential oil dilution. Whenever you use an essential oil for the first time make sure to test yourself for sensitivity by applying your chosen essential oils in a dilution only to a small skin area before using on a larger area of the body.

Skin sensitivity, type of essential oil used and the degree of results you desire determines the dilution needed in the essential oil. Make sure to take a careful, measured approach when using any essential oil and adjust both the quantity of oil used and the amount of dilution in accordance with the body’s response that will help you make the best use of the benefits of essential oil.

Use of essential oil dilution does not affect the benefits of essential oil in any manner. It is just a means to make essential oil suitable for all even for people with sensitive skin. It is always recommended to buy the essential oil from a trusted source, which serves only pure essential oils to derive essential oil benefits in the best possible manner.