Posts Tagged ‘natural health’

Various Uses For Lavender Essential Oil And Its Physical Benefits

Monday, May 30th, 2011

The Lavender essential oil is found only in the bud part of the flower. A member of the mint family, the plant originated from Asia, crossing Western Iran, Arabia and India to settle in the West. It flourishes in dry, well-drained soil and enjoys plenty of sunlight. There are 39 different varieties.

The dried flower has a number of uses and is a favourite in potpourris and as confetti at weddings. The perfume has been enjoyed for years although it is an insect repellent and works well especially on mosquitoes and moths.

Aromatherapy diffusers burn the oil creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. Its possible to distill at home using some special equipment and the steam method for a small outlay. If used for medical reasons its important to use Lavandula Angustifloia instead of Lavandin which is cheaper but has no medical properties. Beneficial for those with sleep disorders if sprinkled onto a pillow it aids sleep. If a few drops are added to a bath it can calm a hyperactive child.

Being one of the milder oils its safe to apply straight onto the skin and another benefit is its suitability for first aid. It improves skin infections like acne, eases menstrual cramps and muscle aches, relieves headaches and sunburn, and soothes arthritic symptoms. However, like all essential oils its recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women read the contradictions before using them.

There are different ways to apply the oil. Adding carrier oils such as Almond or Jojoba to a few drops of essential oil creates wonderfully soothing massage oil. This can even be massaged onto the scalp to prevent hair loss. If stored correctly in a cool dark place away from sunlight the oil will last for up to 2 years.

As a natural disinfectant the vapors can be inhaled and used to prevent and treat coughs, colds and other respiratory illnesses. It was used in field hospitals to disinfect walls, relieve patient pain and to speed up the healing process. Its properties are anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiseptic.

Lavender essential oil produces sweet oil which can be used in cosmetics, balms and moisturizers. This makes it popular in cooking and a delicious addition to scones, sugar, lemon curd, syrup, cake decorations, syrup and marshmallows. A premium Mono-floral honey is made by its nectar.

For more on the therapeutic value of aromatherapy oils, and one of many important oils individually such as organic Geranium essential oil, visit The Ananda Apothecary online.

Why Borage Seed Oil Can Be So Good For Your Health

Friday, May 6th, 2011

Borage has become a popular remedy in recent years, due to its ability to support relief from a wide variety of ailments. The herb produces seeds from which the oil is cold-pressed, which has found its way into health food stores across the globe.

Borage oil contains the highest natural source of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), an Omega-6 essential fatty acid. Regular use of the oil has been shown to lead to significant reduction in symptoms for arthritis sufferers, due to its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

The oil, whether topically applied or ingested, is converted in the body to prostaglandin E1, a hormone-like substance important to many biochemical activities. It appears that Western diets are often deficient in GLA, and many health conditions are exacerbated by this lack of prostaglandin production.

The creation of prostaglandin is crucial for the healing of many skin conditions. These conditions include rosacea, acne, eczema and psoriasis. For best results, users should apply the oil topically, as well as ingest it as a supplement.

Respiratory illnesses such as coughs and sore throats can be treated with this oil. A gooey gel-like substance called mucilage is present in the oil and acts as a relaxant for the mucous membranes when they get irritated from coughing. The mucilage works in the same way as cough syrup and allows the mucus to come up easier.

Healthy circulation, and decreases in cases of male impotence as well as female infertility are also among the benefits from the oil’s use. The control or prevention of high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure can be achieved with borage seed, resulting in fewer strokes and heart attacks. Shiny hair and strong nails are also direct results of using the oil.

Recent research has shown a truly wide variety of ailments can be addressed with borage’s use. Its only been in recent years that inflammation has been noted to be at the source of many health conditions, previously thought unrelated. The list is long, and deserves further investigation by those suffering from any chronic disorder.

Finding out all about the benefits of borage seed oil justifies why it is often referred to as miracle oil. The advantages are numerous, and of tremendous benefit to the user by helping to bring relief to several different conditions. This natural and healthy oil allows those who use it to enjoy a better quality of life with much less health issues.

For an enjoyable learning experience, see the excellent resources at www.anandaapothecary.com/weblog/, plus the therapeutic values of individual pure oils at http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html.

Rosehip Seed Oil’s Many Skin Care Benefits

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Rosehips for rosehip seed oil for cosmetic purposes are generally grown in South America, and cold pressed in order to keep more of the active ingredients intact after processing. Where the plant grows wild, it has been honored for its high content of vitamin C and its luxurious, rich oil makes a wonderful additive for skin creams or used alone. There are good reasons for its popularity outside of the Andes where this plant is native and that is because it is so rich essential nutrients for skin.

Rose Hip Seed oil is also called Rosa moschata or Rosa rubiginosa. The oil, once processed, is a great source of antioxidants. Of even more interest in today’s skin care are its fatty acids the skin needs for repair, as well as trans-retinoic acids (vitamin-A compounds) which the body must have to maintain healthy skin but can’t manufacture on its own.

The oil is traditionally used to help reduce scarring and to help refine pores and fine lines in the skin. It has this action because the vitamin A it contains is bio-available and can be absorbed topically. Scars are marks that can affect how people feel about themselves and can serve as a constant reminder of a trauma or major life event. This natural plant oil can aid in healing scars without many of the undesirable side effects of some synthetic topical applications.

There is a well known type of retinoic acid called Retin-A, which is very strong and requires a prescription. Rosehip seed oil on the other hand, is a natural way to provide the precursors the skin needs to repair itself and allow the body to metabolize what it needs leaving the rest harmless. It also does not have the side effect of making the skin more sensitive to UV rays from the sun, so it can be used any time, day or night.

Natural products generally rely upon empirical evidence collected over hundreds of years and the proof is in the use so to speak. Synthetics generally spend millions in research and much more in double blind studies. Natural rose hip oil generally is less expensive has stood the test of time for many users over the centuries, and at the same time, has been the subject of university studies in Chile. These studies confirmed the efficacy of the oil in reducing signs of aging, and generally smoothing skin texture.

More complex natural skin care formulas are easily made with rosehip oil as the base. One can blend rosehip with other “carrier” oils such as jojoba, pomegranate seed and argan nut, for example. Then small amounts of steam or CO2 extracted essential oils can be added depending on the desired effect. You might investigate the actions of lavender, chamomile, rose and neroli for soothing the skin. Other essential oils such as myrrh and carrot can have anti-aging properties. Researching this further can be a wonderful way to create your own high-end skin care formula at a fraction of the typical costs.

The extraction method of rosehip seed is crucial to maintain integrity of the fragile essential fatty acids and antioxidants it contains. When processed, the seed oil should have a light rose color, with a somewhat “earthy” aroma. Cold pressing is not as efficient for processing but leaves more of the essential skin nutrients intact and therefore is a standard for cosmetic use of this oil. Rosehip seed oil is a natural way to help skin heal, keep it flexible and is often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema as well as to help reduce scarring and signs of aging. While synthetic skin care products may have their uses, this natural plant oil has stood the test of time, and is a valuable ingredient alone or in recipes for therapeutic skin care.

Interested in learning further? Naturalessential oils for aromatherapy have diverse healing properties. Try Ananda Apothecary for in-depth information.

The Benefits Of Using Essential Oils For Arthritis Care

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Essential oils are all natural, safe and effective and have no side effects when used correctly. This very old holistic form of therapy has many benefits for the mind and body. When inhaled, ingested, or applied to the skin, these remedies act both an energetically and biochemically. The aromatic essential oils have a specific effect on the mind and body, including well-researched anti inflammatory actions for treating arthritis. Using essential oils for arthritis care can be of great benefit to sufferers of this condition.

In the United States, the essential oils are used to compliment conventional therapies. This type of therapy has been made use of for centuries as a holistic healing tool. Aromatic oils are extracted from plants and are extremely concentrated in their pure form — they should be diluted before use. Different combinations of the oils are diluted and blended together to create synergistic, holistic preparations for pain relief and inflammation reduction.

The use of essential oils as therapy offers pharmacological and medical results on the body. Among the most acknowledged of these outcomes is the relief of pain. For those individuals suffering with arthritic pain, the best method for using oils is topical application. The employed blend of oil is absorbed through the skin in the course of massage, bathing, and hot compresses.

Using the proper blend and dilution of the oil will help to relieve the pain and inflammation in the arthritic joints. They can be used in a bath by adding a specific number of drops to the tub, or rubbed or messaged into the affected areas. Warm compresses can also be made to wrap around or placed on the body.

The use of the oil and hot compresses have been very successful in relieving the pain of arthritic joints. Making the compress is as simple as filling a bowl with hot water that include a number of drops of an oil containing the pain relieving properties, placing a clean cotton cloth in the bowl and squeezing it out before applying it to the area of concern.

The benefits of this therapeutic approach begins with the right combination of essential oils. The therapy produces a number of outcomes and among them is the anesthetic effect of certain blends. Combinations of menthol (found in peppermint and corn mint) and camphor (found in the camphor-type of rosemary essential oil) produce a dulling in the pain receptors which in turn relieves pain.

There are several single or blends of the oil with pain relieving properties. Among them is frankincense which research has shown can relieve the pain and improve arthritis in seven days. Frankincense has been used in Ayurvedic medicine, which is “the science of life” and a very holistic approach, to treat the joint condition for hundreds of years. This essential oil is edible, and the raw resin can be chewed to gain its benefits. Other oils to experiment with are helichrysum (known as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and regenerative oil), ginger (especially the CO2 distillation, also researched for its “COX-2″ inflammation inhibition) and German Chamomile (who’s blue chemical called “matracin” is a potent inflammation reducer). Wintergreen oil is chemically similar to liquid aspirin, and benefits many people with painful joints.

Before using essential oils for arthritis care make sure to check with your physician or arthritis specialist. Also be certain to use the right combination of anti inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Do not apply the treatment to the skin if there are any cuts or tenderness. It is also important to be certain that the treatment will not cause any skin irritations. Test a small amount first to ensure your own personal response to the oils, and be sure to use a carrier oil or “base” oil, into which the essential oils are blended. This in no way reduces the potency of the essential oils, but actually helps them penetrate into the affected area. If you have not yet used essential oils for arthritis relief, they are certainly worth a try, and have been successful for many individuals.

Uma aromatherapy spray is a favorite natural aromatherapy blend that is a favorite among yoga teachers.

Chiropractor Sydney Assists To Alleviate A Variety Of Ailments

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Your local chiropractor Sydney has the necessary professional qualifications to assist in offering effective relief from injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic care is by its very nature holistic, due to the fact that it uses non-invasive techniques of physical manipulation to improve the balance and function of your joints.

This means that the patient can experience immediate relief from their symptoms without having to undergo lengthy recovery periods as might be expected from surgical procedures. Chiropractics does not rely on the use of medications, which often have negative side effects and symptoms of their own. Instead, the patient experiences immediate relief with no negative set backs.

Your bone structure is supported and strengthened by the muscular system, forming a unique and complex framework that is not only incredibly flexible, but also very strong. An injury to this structure can however result in a reduction of the natural mobility that severely reduces the patients range of motion.

Your chiropractor is able to affect positive alterations to the musculoskeletal alignment by using very specific manipulation techniques. First, they will determine the severity and nature of the injury by first giving the patient a thorough physical examination. Often they will incorporate a series of simple tests designed to test flexibility and mobility.

This will help them to pinpoint the nature of your injury and together with a medical history they should have enough information to then correct your misalignments. Bone setting is a painless process that will bring an immediate sense of relief from your symptoms. An instantaneous sense of relief is often reported by patients who feel an improved range of mobility with dramatically reduced pain symptoms.

The effects are cumulative and over the days following the setting further reductions in inflammation and swelling will improve flexibility. Your chiropractor Sydney is likely to recommend a series of consecutive adjustments. These are designed to not only accelerate the healing process but allow the doctor to monitor your progress.

Visit Chiropractor North Sydney for relief of back, neck, leg, shoulder and arm pain. Your North Sydney Chiropractor is expertly trained to provide natural and safe health solutions for all age groups.

Sydney Chiropractor Explains A Unique Health System

Monday, March 21st, 2011

A visit to a chiropractor Sydney can help local patients to alleviate a variety of pain symptoms that are the result of musculoskeletal injuries or imbalances. Chiropractic care focuses on your entire system and uses an holistic approach to alleviating conditions associated with the vertebrae, joints and soft tissue structures that support them.

The main focus in chiropractic care is placed upon the proper alignment of the vertebrae and associated joints. Proper balance and functioning of the joints is of paramount importance to the continued health and well being of every patient. Attention is also placed upon the proper functioning of your neurological system, as pinched nerves and neuralgia can adversely affect a patients quality of life.

A misaligned vertebrae generally results in swelling and inflammation that affects the joints and soft tissues. These conditions have negative effects upon the nervous system and can result in sensations of burning pain or numbness in the extremities. In conjunction, chiropractors are qualified to provide patients with useful information regarding their posture.

Posture correction therapy involves the use of exercises to strengthen your core muscles to help better support your entire frame. Once strengthened, they aid in supporting the correct positioning of your spinal column to ensure adequate flexibility and mobility for your entire frame.

Sciatica, neuralgia, dizziness and headaches are sure symptoms of improper posture. Applying gentle chiropractic techniques can work to realign the misplaced vertebrae to restore proper mobility to the joints. The process is completely natural and non-invasive, allowing for a speedy reduction of symptoms as the body heals itself. Patients are encouraged to continue with core strengthening exercises to maintain improved posture.

Your chiropractor Sydney is also qualified to give advice to patients regarding nutrition, weight loss and safe exercise routines to help maintain health and fitness. Many sporting professionals rely upon the advice of their chiropractors to ensure that they maintain good spinal health and improved performance. Injuries are a sporting enthusiasts biggest concern and with the aid of your chiropractor you can reduce the risk of recurring injuries.

For natural and safe pain relief in Sydney, visit Chiropractor Sydney. We specialise in helping people resolve back, neck, shoulder, leg and arm pain. We also provide advanced treatments to eliminate headaches and migraines. For more information click the following link : Chiropractic Sydney

Natural Healing Benefits Explained by Sydney Chiropractor

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

A resident chiropractor Sydney can aid local residents with the alleviation of musculoskeletal pain and immobility by providing advanced chiropractic care. The focus is placed firmly upon the balance of the entire musculoskeletal system, particularly the spinal column. A well balanced system is a healthy system.

The spine, joints and muscles work together to form a supportive structure that is complex and while strong and flexible, can be forced out of balance. Injuries incurred by the musculoskeletal system can cause swelling of the joints and inflamed tissue, which may also suffer injury that is aggravated by the resulting inflammation.

Swelling affects not only the vascular system, reducing blood flow and the delivery of nutrients, but also the neurological system. A chiropractic adjustment can alleviate neuralgia. After conducting a thorough medical history and ascertaining the cause of your symptoms with a physical examination, the chiropractor can work on realigning your joints.

This is done by applying gentle external pressure in a specific manner to rebalance the joint. This procedure is painless and results in an almost immediate sense of relief as the joints are realigned. The correctly positioned joint is able to enjoy full range of motion once more. This results in the automatic reduction of inflammation and swelling.

This process is completely natural, does not rely on surgery or medication and is painless to perform. Most patients report immediate improvements in their symptoms directly following a chiropractic adjustment. Once a misaligned joint is correctly repositioned, the natural healing process reduces swelling. The reduction of this swelling and inflammation results in the reduction of pressure placed on the vascular and circulatory systems.

The ultimate goal is prevention of future injuries by strengthening your support structure, namely your musculoskeletal system. You may need to visit your chiropractor Sydney over a course of several weeks to ensure that you enjoy the maximum benefits from your chiropractic adjustments.

For natural and safe relief of headaches, migraines, back, neck and arm pain visit Chiropractor North Shore in Sydney. Click on the following link for more information: North Shore Chiropractor

Chiropractor Sydney Helps To Reduce Musculoskeletal Pain

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Local residents are able to rely upon the professional knowledge of their local chiropractor Sydney to improve their musculoskeletal pain symptoms. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, holistic solution to physical pain without the need to undergo surgery or to take harmful chemical medications.

It is a gentle method that is used to realign the joints and vertebrae, reducing tension and spasms in the affected muscles. The support structure within the body is flexible and resilient and is able to take a great deal of stress and strain before injury occurs. However, should a misalignment affect a joint, the mobility of that joint becomes compromised.

Your body will struggle to function normally as the misplaced joint is out of alignment, causing swelling and inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue structures. The nervous system becomes compromised, resulting in numbness, tingling and occasionally burning sensations experienced in the extremities.

The combined pain and stiffness will make it increasingly difficult for patients to complete routine daily tasks without great difficulty. Along with reduce mobility, symptoms of muscle tension, stiffness, headaches, sciatica, neuralgia, numbness and joint pain may plague the patient. Insomnia, blurred vision, dizziness and reduced mental clarity may also present as side effects.

To correct these symptoms, chiropractic techniques are utilized. They include direct physical manipulation using applied physical pressure to gently restore balance to the affected joints. Your chiropractor can assist patients with exercise routines and nutritional programs to enhance your overall health and fitness levels. This is a very useful option for people wanting to follow a health eating plan or who wish to improve their physical fitness.

Many sports professionals and young athletes ask advice from their chiropractor Sydney to not only help them to improve their athletic performance, but to reduce the risk of sustaining sporting injuries. They also offer nutritional advice and posture correction therapy as a preventive measure to reduce the likelihood of recurring injuries.

For natural and safe pain elimination in Sydney, visit Chiropractor Sydney. We offer specialist treatment for helping people resolve neck, back, shoulder, leg and arm pain. We also offer advanced treatments to resolve headaches and migraines. For more information click the following link : Chiropractic Sydney

Mild Glucosamine Chondroitin Side Effects

Saturday, January 8th, 2011

For people to be able to move their bodies, they need joints. And, in order for those joints to move, they are going to need special tissue to help them move. In between the joints, to help people move, is a tissue called cartilage. This is a huge friction reducer between bones. And, it help cushion the bones from jarring pressure. Also, to help our joints to move, people need tendons and ligaments. Arms and legs cannot be moved without them. Taking a supplements like this will help you if you have joint problems. And, as always with any supplement, there are possible side effects. Glucosamine chondroitin side effects are few and mild.

You may be one of the millions of people in this country alone that suffers from an arthritis called osteoarthritis. If you are, then you would be one of those who would benefit from using this supplement. This supplement will help reduce the degeneration of the cartilage in your joints and also be able to help regrow this cartilage for increased joint function and ease of motion with less pain.

There are other uses for glucosamine chondroitin, and that would include the area of vision. For those who have had cataracts and had them removed, you were more than likely given some of this product as an eye drop during the removal of the cataract.

Any time someone uses medication, they are going to have some side effects. You will even get side effects from using an aspirin. But, in this, you will find that there are few and minimal side effects. Most of the time with any medication, the severity of side effects depends on the person who is taking it.

If you do experience some side effects, then they will be more in the area of some stomach discomfort. This discomfort can come in the form of nausea, or maybe some diarrhea. Headaches may be one of the side effects as well. Some who have taken this product have reported some constipation as well. There have been very rare reports of any severe or major side effects.

Glucosamine chondroitin is a very safe and beneficial product for those who are suffering from osteoarthritis. It can be used with great confidence to help restore movement and reduce pain. If you suffer from this than you will want to use this supplement.

The author suffered while living with rheumatoid arthritis for seven years before he discovered the rheumatoid arthritis diet. Click this link to find out which diet for rheumatoid arthritis really works to relieve arthritis pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Causes, Management, Treatment

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Rheumatoid arthritis affects roughly 1 percent of the world’s population. It is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by the inflammation of the tissue lining the inside of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also be an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues just like it does with foreign bacteria. Rheumatoid arthritis inflammation primarily damages the lining of the joints, however, the membrane linings of the blood vessels, heart and lungs may also become inflamed.

The joints inside the extremities are quite often attacked by rheumatoid arthritis, but any joint membrane may be involved. Medicine can control the inflammation; if the inflammation is not controlled, deformity of the joints can occur as a result. This can lead to permanent joint damage over time, resulting in chronic pain, lost range of motion and disability.

There are three stages of rheumatoid arthritis. The initial stage starts with the swelling of the synovial lining, causing swelling, pain, redness, and stiffness around the affected joints. The 2nd phase is the rapid division and growth of cells, or pannus, which causes the thickening of the synovium. At the third phase, the inflamed cells produce enzymes that bone and cartilage can absorb causing the affected joint to produce more tenderness, deformity and loss of movement.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients suffer the pain of cycles of severe and light symptoms. The following are signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:

- Joint inflammation in the small joints of the extremities – Joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain especially in the morning – Hardened bony protrusions in joints – Cartilage and bone destruction

Rheumatoid arthritis often has a serious effect on a person’s life and health, especially if it isn’t diagnosed and treated early. Receiving the proper diagnosis early on is essential because it helps you start the correct treatment immediately thus providing you with a greater possibility to avoid disability and deformity.

It is always advisable to consult your physician about the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. With the proper diagnosis, you can take control of the disease with the right medication. Doctors have many ways to manage this disease, the goals of which is to eliminate pain, decrease swelling, slow down or stop joint damage, help people feel better, and help people stay active.

Presently, the precise reason for the disease is unidentified, although there are many theories, like abnormal autoimmune response, genetic propensity, and various environmental reasons. Scientists are getting closer to deciphering the events that lead to abnormal responses of the body’s immune system. And while there isn’t a cure, controlling the disease through the use of recent drugs, exercise, joint protection techniques and self-management approaches have been used by patients to live happier, healthier plus much more productive lives.

Michael Massie was a life-long athlete before being diagnosed with RA. He suffered with arthritis for seven years before he discovered the rheumatoid arthritis diet. After experimenting with various approaches and methods, he developed his own version and wrote The Amazing Arthritis Diet. He now enjoys an active and full life, and resides in Austin, Texas.