January 16, 2010
What is Calendula Calendula is an annual plant that thrives in almost any soil but can typically be found in Europe, Western Asia, and the United States. It belongs to the same family as daisies, chrysanthemums, and ragweed. Its branching stems grow to a height of 30 – 60 cm, and it blooms from early spring until frost. The orange-yellow petals of the flowerheads are used medicinally. Calendula is known by its botanical name as: Calendula officinalis. It belongs to the Asteraceae (Daisies) family and is known by common names such as: Garden marigold, Poet’s marigold, Pot marigold and others. Calendula is probably one of the most useful of all medicinal herbs. It has valuable medicinal properties and can be used as a culinary herb and for skin care and cosmetic purposes. Applications in traditional medicine include: Eczema Gastritis Minor burns (including sunburn) Wound healing Other indications include: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing, and soothing. Infusion of the petals used as lotion for skin cleansing and softening. Taken internally for poor circulation, varicose veins, ulcers, colitis, stomach cramps; also, headaches, toothache, ague, and skin problems. Said to strengthen and comfort the heart and aid in digestion. For external use, an oil is made from the flowers for skin problems and sunburn; used in ointment form to heal acne and fade old scars and for external sores, cuts, bruises, burns and rashes. Usually combined with chamomile and comfrey for a soothing ointment in cases of skin problems, burns, cuts, insect bites, stings and bruises. An infusion from the leaves is used for tired swollen feet. Flowers used in infusion form as a wash for red eye. Where does Calendula come from Calendula is native to Southern Europe around the Mediterranean Sea. It has been used by ancient Greeks, and was known to Indian and Arabic cultures before the Greeks. The botanical name comes from the Latin clandulae or calends meaning ‘throughout the months’, which was intended to emphasize the very long flowering period of the Marigold. What are the properties in Calendula Calendula is a well-known antiseptic and wound healer. It reduces swellings and bruises, relieves and heals effects of stings and bites and infected sites. The use of Calendula in natural skin care products is similar to that of Arnica, but it has a much gentler action and the additional benefit of wound healing. It can be used on all skin types and in all conditions. Its traditional uses include: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-septic, Wound healing. Known active constituents The petals and pollen contain triterpenoid esters (an anti-inflammatory) and the carotenoids flavoxanthin and auroxanthin (antioxidants, and the source of the yellow-orange coloration). The leaves and stems contain other carotenoids, mostly lutein (80%) and zeaxanthin (5%), and beta-carotene. Plant extracts are also widely used by cosmetics, presumably due to presence of compounds such as saponins, resins and essential oils. Calendula officinalis is used for the treatment of skin disorders and pain, and as a bactericide, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Use of Calendula in natural skin care products Calendula contains high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals. As a result of it is a preferred ingredient in natural anti-aging skin care products and moisturisers formulated for dry, sensitive and damaged skin. Researchers are not sure what active ingredients in calendula are responsible for its healing properties, but it appears to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects in addition to the beneficial effects from the antioxidants. Calendula is often used in natural skincare products that address sensitive, dry, irritable skin as seen in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and similar skin problems.
January 14, 2010
Find Natural Health Doctor Careers in the United States and Canada. To become a natural health doctor, individuals should take the time to explore the various occupational options that are available today in the natural healing industry. Because there are a multitude of natural health doctor professions, it is a good idea to research the specific field of study in which you are interested in order to establish the right educational path.
For example, if naturopathy interests you, becoming a natural health doctor with an emphasis in naturopathic medicine usually requires a formal education in a variety of health sciences and humanities before prospective students can even apply to the select school. However, once you have acquired all necessary training, you can enroll in one of several natural health doctor programs that will enable you to achieve your professional aspirations.
As a natural health doctor , you will embark on innovative medicine and ancient healing arts, and will apply learned skills and knowledge to help in healing. The modern natural health doctor may facilitate Eastern medicine like acupuncture, Tuina, Chinese herbal medicine, and Qi gong. In addition, other practice essentials may include treatment through homeopathy, bodywork therapeutics, holistic medicine, and naturopathic medicine. Other treatment options that a natural health doctor might apply include color therapy, hypnotherapy and chiropractic medicine.
Depending on the natural health doctor program in which students enroll, it is safe to assume that training and education will be course-intensive, and will require potential years of dedication. In the long term, a natural health doctor can anticipate lucrative earnings.* (Earning potential varies depending on education, experience and area of expertise.) For instance, if you pursue a career as a Doctor of Chiropractic, you can earn upwards of $118,000 annually.
Achieving a career as a natural health doctor is perfect for individuals who still believe in the Hippocratic Oath, and have a strong desire to compassionately help patients through noninvasive and natural methods.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding natural health doctor careers or natural health schools, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.
January 14, 2010
For many people, selecting the particular soap you apply on the skin will not be an important everyday decision. But if you think about it, you will find out how it should be.
Choosing a good soap that will be able to clean, pamper and renew our skin, is mild and gentle, and smells good altogether may be a little tough. However, if you invest time to do so will surely be worth it in the end.
The skin is undoubtedly precious to us, in more ways than one. One of the best ways for us to maintain it and keep it most healthy is to use only the soap that it truly deserves. It is only in using pure natural soap that our give our skin the opportunity to have the best nutrients and ingredients.
You can try reading labels of ordinary soap bars found in your favorite beauty shop or supermarket. Can you even understand what these strange sounding ingredients are and why they were put there? Chances are, you don’t. But you may have an inkling that most of these ingredients are not natural, and that might be a big probability that they will be harsh on the skin.
Lathering pure natural soap is surely luxurious on your skin. It can enrich and pamper the skin in the best way, containing only the best vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
There are a wide number of natural soap recipes widely available. This includes organic soap recipes made out of goat’s milk, citrus to lemongrass, brown sugar to honey and shea butter to olive oil. These contain very important nutrients, enzymes and amino acids which are all able to enhance the skin. These components are also very gentle not only on the skin, but on the environment at the same time.
Pure natural soap is free from harmful chemicals and possible even toxins which can quicken aging. With natural soap, you can enrich and revitalize your skin and slow down the process of aging. Homemade soaps can also prevent the occurrences of dark spots and skin thickening. It may also aid in collagen fiber reconstruction, retention of moisture and in keeping skin elasticity.
Making organic soaps have now been made easiest and most convenient. The process is not very time consuming or tedious. You can even use tools, equipment and ingredients that you can find at the kitchen.
There is no better time than now to start properly nourishing your skin by using pure organic soap . This may not be one of our important everyday decisions. However, choosing to go natural might just be one of the right decisions you will ever make now.
January 14, 2010
Many people have been led to believe that fat is bad for you, and that may be the case for some cooking oils. The purpose of this article is to get you up to speed on the good oils and what their health benefits are, because the truth is, your body needs it.
Good fats, what they are and how they affect our health:
Good oils are some of the natural plant based oils, such as olive oil from olives, sunflower oil from sunflowers, peanut or grapeseed oil. These are all natural oils found in nature that have a proven health benefit. They are expeller pressed, not heated so as to maintain the integrity of the oil and their anti-oxidant level.
Grape seed oil;
This oil has a mild nutty flavor and is fantastic for cooking because it does not burn as fast as regular oils and does not smoke. It would have to be almost 400 degrees before it will start to burn. Be careful though, when you heat oils it can cause them to lose some of their anti-oxidant properties.
Grape seed oil unheated is a very potent in terms of its anti-oxidant properties. Specifically, OPC which stands for “oligomeric proanthocyanidins”. These are polyphenols, a compound very high in anti-oxidants, much more powerful an OPC than Vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins are utilized and or excreted soon after digestion. Grape seed oil on the other hand can stay in the body for as long as 3 days where the body can utilize its health benefits.
Grape seed oil keeps the arteries flexible and smooth and is good for your heart. It also lowers the bad cholesterol and raises the good cholesterol. This has been proven time and time again in clinical studies. This oil is also good for your skin, hair and eyes.
Olive oil;
Olive oil is a cold pressed (not heated or treated with chemicals) directly from the olive fruit. You will see different types of olive oil namely, extra virgin, virgin, pure and extra light. Extra virgin olive oil is the best because this is from the first pressing and retains the highest level of anti-oxidants. Virgin is the second pressing, pure the third pressing and extra light the last pressing. The more pressing it goes through the less level of anti-oxidants properties it has.
Olive oil is also good for your heart and like grape-seed oil, lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol because it is a monounsaturated fat. Olive oil is excellent for the stomach and digestion. It can protect the stomach from ulcers and gastritis. In Mediterranean countries like Greece, they eat large amounts of olive oil but have a lower incidence of heart disease and stroke.
No matter what oil you use there is a risk of the oil going rancid. Don’t expose your oil to light as this will cause it to lose some of the anti-oxidant properties. Keep it closed tightly (so the air doesn’t oxidize it) and keep in a cool dark place. Note: It’s best not to buy it in a clear glass bottle. Another thing you can do to prevent oil from going rancid is open a vitamin E capsule and poor it in the oil.
The health risk of bad fat:
A bad fat is a saturated or trans fat. These fats are associated with disease. This is because they are hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. When you see these words on a label, DON’T EAT IT OR GIVE IT TO YOUR FAMILY! Oils that are hydrogenated are put through an extensive process that uses, believe it or not, soap, clay, nickel, bleach and hydrogen gas to process it. These oils inhibit the body’s ability to metabolize food and prohibit proper enzyme function. The saturated or trans fat that you eat today may not be fully metabolized for 6 weeks! Think of that for a minute. It means that for up to 6 weeks these oils are prohibiting metabolism and enzyme function for all that time. If you eat it every day, think of the future health risk.
January 14, 2010
Every time I read or hear about flu fatalities, it makes me wonder, mainly because whenever my family or I get flu, we manage to overcome it quite quick using ONLY natural remedies. Now the world is fighting swine flu and its’ warnings are all over the news, Internet and airport posters. Since my darling husband travels quite frequently, I had to figure out a way to prevent any flu virus getting near him. So, I made a preventive kit to use anytime he is about to get on the airplane. This kit contains Antiviral Essential Oil Blend that Natures Lovers produces, Vitamin C and homeopathic remedy. It works every time and he hasn’t brought any viruses back home since : In case you already caught the nasty virus, the experience can be quite unpleasant and exhausting. In this case, my suggestion is to get plenty of rest, drink enough warm liquids, stay away from sugar (which shuts down our immune system) and ask your loved one to make you a bowl of chicken soup! Another very effective tool is again to use Essential Oils of Eucalyptus, Lavender, Thyme, Myrtle, Pine and Lemon. These amazing oils help with nasal congestion, headaches, fever and cough. Essential Oils of Lavender, Thyme and Lemon promote production of white blood cells, which are essential to our immune system for fighting viruses and bacteria. Oils of Eucalyptus, Myrtle, Frankincense, Pine and Ravensara will help with nasal congestion and mucus. Usually, we pick up a virus in crowed places places like malls where ventilation is very poor; a good prevention tool would be to drop few drops of antiviral Essential Oils on a tissue and carry it with you throughout your busy day inhaling the vapors before stepping into those crowded places. Essential Oils rarely cause allergic reactions, unless applied undiluted directly to the skin or mucus membranes, therefore, it’s always better to consult with qualified aromatherapist about what oils to use. Oils of Eucalyptus, Lavender, Myrtle and Frankincense are usually safe to be used in children (over 2 y.o) and elderly. For kids smaller amount of drops for inhalation should be used. For example – adults should use 5-7 drops of essential oil for inhalation and kids should use 2-3 drops. Nevertheless, if your flu symptoms get worse go visit your doctor : Be well & stay healthy!
January 14, 2010
Depression affects all too many members of our population and now with the economic recession, I am certain that the numbers of depressed people among us are just going up. We all know about the commonly prescribed anti-depressants like Paxil and Zoloft, but did you know that there’s an herbal remedy that’s been shown to treat mild to moderate depression that’s available at your local pharmacy? That’s right, St John’s wort or hypericum, is the most widely known herbal treatment for depression and in some countries, like Germany, it is commonly prescribed for mild depression, in children and adolescents. According to the Cochrane Review, a key resource in evidence-based medicine, the available evidence suggests that the hypericum extracts tested in the included trials are superior to placebo in patients with major depression; are similarly effective as standard antidepressants; and have fewer side effects than standard antidepressants. St John’s Wort was tested in a double-blind study of 105 patients diagnosed as having neurotic depression or temporary depressive mood. The subjects were then divided into two groups and monitored over a period of four weeks, with one group given 300mg of St John’s Wort extract, three times daily, and the other group was given a placebo. The results showed that, after 4 weeks, 67% of the Hypericum group had responded positively to the treatment without any adverse side effects whereas only 28% of the placebo group showed any signs of improvement. Pretty incredible evidence for St. John’s Wort, huh. What about Major depression, you ask? Yup, it’s good for that too. In fact, an analysis of 29 clinical trials with more than 5000 patients conducted by Cochrane Collaboration concluded that extracts of St. John’s Wort were superior to placebo in patients with major depression. St. John’s Wort had similar efficacy to standard antidepressants and the rate of side effects was twice lower than for newer SSRI antidepressants and five times lower than for older tricyclic antidepressants.
January 14, 2010
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer as well as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American men. A prostate specific antigen (PSA) test has been shown to detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages. Even though cancer screenings are very important they are just one health concern when it comes to the prostate. As men get older, the prostate may become a source for many other problems that can, but not necessarily always, include cancer. Since the symptoms of some prostate conditions often mimic cancer, many men who learn they have a problem often immediately assume the worst. Therefore, it is important to understand the prostate and how potential changes might affect your health. Additionally, it is good to know what natural supplements you can take to ensure your prostate ages healthfully.
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland found only in men just below the bladder and around the urethra, which functions as part of the male reproductive system. Throughout life the prostate continues to grow larger, but only after it becomes too large do problems begin to occur. The most common problem for men under fifty is prostatitis (inflamed prostate). This can cause a burning feeling during urination as well as frequent urination. It may be a sign that your body is fighting an infection, which can usually be treated with the use of an antibiotic. Nonbacterial prostatitis, on the other hand, does not respond to antibiotics and requires other forms of treatment. Men over fifty suffer most frequently from prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although older men are more at risk for prostate cancer, BPH is much more common. This issue occurs when the prostate becomes so enlarged that it squeezes the urethra, causing problems in urination, urinary tract infections, and in worse case scenarios kidney damage. However, prostate cancer will affect one out of ever six men over the course of their lifetimes, making it the most serious prostate problem, causing 27,00 deaths this year alone.
Prostate problems such as BPH are usually treated with prescription drugs, which often lead to unpleasant side effects such as mild dizziness, sleep problems, decreased sex drive, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and fainting. For those people who don’t want to experience these side effects, there is a natural safe alternative available: saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is the best known of prostate-supportive herbs coming from palm tree berries. However, it does not work for all men or those with extreme cases of BPH. The prostate gland also needs zinc, which is hard to find in a typical diet. By adding zinc supplements to your daily regimen, you can easily stabilize hormones and possibly prevent prostate problems.
A great natural solution that comes risk-free and can help with a large range of prostate health issues is epilobium, which contains properties that have supported prostate health for centuries. Epilobium is a small willow herb used in traditional medicine for the treatment of prostate disorders and valued for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Because traditional use and modern research have proven that epilobium may help with BPH and prostatitis and has shown promising results for inhibiting cancer cell growth, it’s a great choice for prostate health.
January 14, 2010
Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. It affects over 5 million couples alone in the U. S. and many times more in the world. Because of an unawareness of treatment, only 10% seek help from professional specialists. We have spent most of the time in this series discussing conventional and Chinese medicines in treating fertility. I believe it is the best time to change the subject by discussing how to treat infertility with the herb: stinging nettle (urtica dioica).
I. Definition Stinging nettles are also known as urtica dioica. It is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating lack of sexual desire.
II. How stinging nettle affects fertility
- 1. Testosterone Since it contains high levels of 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran, it helps to promote the production of free testosterone, resulting in an increased quality of sperm count and sexual desire.
- 2. Kidney It is said that stinging nettles also helps to balance the yin and yang in the kidney which helps to improve kidney function in regulating the production of growth hormones. This results in increasing sexual desire and improving the reproductive organs for production of sperm in men.
- 3. Blood flow It is said that stinging nettle not only helps to increase the production of red blood cells by stimulating the function of bone marrow, but it also enhances the blood in absorbing oxygen which reduces nervous symptoms including fatigue, loss of concentration, and lack of energy.
- 4. Benign prostatic hyperplasia Study shows that stinging nettle also helps to smoothen the urination in men due to aging, resulting in increased prostate fluid leading to normal ejaculation.
- 5. Toxin Cleansing It is said that it also contains substances that help to cleanse the body of toxins through kidney and liver function. This results in balancing the qi and blood in the body, leading to normal functioning of the reproductive organ, including a normal menstrual cycle in women and increased sperm count in men.
III. Side effects There are no major side effects, but overdose may cause mild stomach upset, fluid retention, and hives or rashes. Please consult with your herbalist.
For the best pregnancy self help program review, please visit http://bestfertility.blogspot.com/ For series of Infertility Articles, please visit http://fertility-infertility.blogspot.com/ or my home page at http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com
January 14, 2010
In these dark, cold days of August (isn’t it hard to believe it is summer?) tiny golden suns adorn our herb-garden at Herbal Tinctures Supplies. They bring a joyful blaze to the garden, and I am always amazed at how versatile these commonly-seen flowers are.
Marigold (Calendula Officinalis) is one of the most wonderful, and probably underestimated herbal remedies available . Skin inflammation, bruising, strains, cuts and wounds,minor burns and scalds,skin ulcers, all are healed safely and quickly with Marigold flower ointment or lotion, or, in the case of muscle-strains, with warm herbal poltices. For internal use, Marigold, taken as a tea or herbal tincture has excellent results with duodenal or gastric ulcers,indigestion, (if the stomach is very sensitive, a tea may be gentler to take than an alcohol-based tincture, or if a tincture is preferred, it is easy to ‘take the edge off’ the small amount of alcohol by adding the dose to a herbal tea, for example, peppermint, spearmint or camomile)
Marigold is also classed as a ‘cholagogue’. That means it stimulates the secretion of bile from the gall-bladder (which can have great beneficial effect in gall-bladder complaints .) And as a result, is mildly laxative, which aids detoxification of the whole system, gently and without side-effect.
It is known as an ‘emmenagogue’ (this means it tones the womb, and can help normalize menstrual irregularities.) n.b. please be careful when taking herbal remedies during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek professional advice.
And, most interesting of all, Marigold has anti-fungal properties, so is the herb which is most useful in cases of Thrush or Candida albicans . Taken internally, as a tea or tincture three times a day, it will help tremendously to banish fungal infections. For Vaginal Thrush , a douche made with a herbal infusion of Marigold is a natural way to help clear this uncomfortable problem.(1-2 teaspoonfuls to 1 cup of boiling water:steep 15 minutes: allow to cool to body temperature.)
It tastes quite bitter as a tea, but apparently the bitter taste affects a certain nervous system response which actually helps the herb to work! (Or that’s what we’re told in order for us to take our medicine!) As a tincture, it is much easier and more convenient to take.
Marigold contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which according to a study published in The American Journal of Nutrition, have a role in the prevention of degenerative eye problems, such as Cataracts and Macular Degeneration. It has also been discovered that Lutein lowers the incidence of Mammary Tumours (as a result of a study of laboratory mice.)
Wow! What a flower!
January 14, 2010
It wasn’t until 1873 when toothpaste – now packaged in a jar – was mass-produced. The modern toothpaste tube was invented in 1892 by Dr. Washington Sheffield of Connecticut and was first used in his product called “Dr. Sheffield’s Crème Dentifrice.” He got the idea after his son traveled to Paris and saw painters using paint from tubes. By the 1900s, toothpastes made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda emerged but tooth powders continued to be used until World War I. Strangely, charcoal remained a popular teeth cleaning ingredient. Fluoride was first added to toothpaste in 1914 but it was criticized by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1937. In the 1950s, ADA changed its position and granted its seal of approval to fluoride toothpastes. The first brand to receive this honor was Procter & Gamble’s Crest toothpaste in 1955. “Toothpaste comes in a variety of colorings, and flavors. The more usual flavorings are some variation on mint (spearmint, peppermint, regular mint, etc). Other more exotic flavors include: anise, apricot, bubblegum, cinnamon, fennel, neem, ginger, vanilla, lemon, orange and pine. More unusual are flavors include peanut butter, iced tea, and even whisky. Unflavored toothpaste does exist; however, most are flavored and sweetened. Because sugar promotes the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay, artificial sweeteners are generally used instead,” said the editors of Wikipedia. Bourbon and scotch whiskey flavored toothpastes appeared in Ohio in 1954 and contained real alcohol. They were invented by Don Poynter who had to take out a $10,000 bank loan to manufacture these products. Although the loan almost cost him his life, Poynter became famous and his novelty product became a best seller. Other varieties manufactured by Neiman-Marcus in Dallas, Texas include champagne, Chablis, burgundy, Irish crème and peppermint schnapps flavored toothpastes. For chocolate lovers, Regione Piemonte of Italy has a Hazelnut Chocolate Toothpaste that comes with a toothbrush and eight chocolates. While the idea of brushing with chocolate sounds appetizing, I doubt if it will help prevent cavities. Promising to “put some flavor in your life”, Breath Palette of Japan has these exotic flavors: tropical pineapple, green tea, monkey banana, honey, kiwi fruit, cafe au lait, plum, vanilla, Indo curry, strawberry, California orange, white peach, Darjeeling tea, lemon tea, bitter chocolate, blueberry, caramel, L’Espresso, grapefruit, pumpkin pudding, cola, fresh yogurt, lavender, sweet salt, Fuji apple, Kyoto style tea, Japanese plum and grape. As you can see, today’s toothpastes aren’t as bad-tasting as the ones our forefathers relied on. Although modern toothpastes are generally safe, they are not intended to be swallowed. Fluoride is toxic in large doses and excessive amounts can cause fluorosis in children which is characterized by black and brown stains as well as cracking of the teeth. This usually occurs between the ages of three months to eight years. “This is why young children should not use fluoride toothpaste except under close supervision. There are several non-fluoride toothpaste options available in the market for those who choose not to use fluoride. Natural toothpaste can contain peppermint oil, myrrh, plant extract (strawberry extract), special oils and cleansing agents,” said the editors of Wikipedia. To complement your beautiful smile, use the Rejuvinol AM/PM Botox Alternative Age-Defying System to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. For more information, go to http://www.rejuvinol.com.