March 30, 2008

Are You Moody Aromatherapy Essential Oils Might do the Trick

Getting aromatherapy essential oils is a great way to improve your mood and the moods of those around you. Oh, I know what you are thinking. You probably are one of the great many people who think that aromatherapy essential oil is just simply a bunch of hokum. Well, aromatherapy you could not be more wrong. You see, the brain is effected by all of the senses, but none of them have a more profound effect than the sense of smell. aromatherapy essential oil takes advantage of the fact that, unlike the other 4 senses, the sense of smell is wired directly in to the brain.

This means that it is quite easy to change emotions, and even to evoke ling past memories just simply through the use of smell. Aromatherapy essential oils is made especially to do just this, with each scent carefully tested to make sure that it creates the desired response in the person inhaling it. You can use aromatherapy essential oil alone, or you can use it in combination with different colors of light, or with soothing music to add to the effect. Either of these can add even more to the effect of the aromatherapy extract.

Of course, having the right atmosphere is pretty key to enjoying the full benefits of using aromatherapy essential oil. Of course, you can put aromatherapy essential oil on, and wear it around town as a fragrance. This can have a nice scent, and maybe even have a little effect on your mood and the moods of those who you come in contact with. But you can not really call it an opportunity to get the full therapeutic effect of aromatherapy essential oil.

To do that, you need to be able to sit back, relax, and absorb the whole scent. This is the only way to let it work its magic on your psyche. The aromatherapy essential oil is powerful, but it has a very subtle effect, and it is easy to lose this effect if you do not use the extract in the correct manner. Besides that, if you use the aromatherapy essential oil for your everyday scent, it will begin to lose some of its power for you. You will begin to associate it with your day to day life, and as a result, it will lose the power to relax you and put your mind at ease completely.

Zandra Jones, RN BBA writes on alternative health and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

Tags: , , , ,

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit Ask BlinkList blogmarks Google Ma.gnolia Rojo Shadows Simpy Socializer Spurl Wists Yahoo! Help

Permalink • Print • Comment

October 5, 2007

Evening Primrose Oil

There is a long tradition, going back many centuries, for using plants and flower extracts in the treatment of various ailments. Evening Primrose Oil is one such example. The plant species is said to have originated in Central America and Mexico, and Native Americans are known to have believed in its healing properties. There are various species with differently colored flowers, yellow being the most common. Some are also red, pink, white or purple. The flowers open in the evening, hence the name. Bees and moths pollinate the flowers.

The wild plant grows in the most inhospitable of places, bringing welcome color to wasteland and ground adjoining railway tracks and roads. In addition to the Evening Primrose Oil, the rest of the plant is also put to use. Young roots provide a vegetable which resembles the flavor of a pepper, and some people use the shoots in salads. Of course, some people just like Evening Primrose plants for the attractiveness it adds to the garden. In the past, people used to take the plant and make an infusion from it, which was used to treat gastro-intestinal problems and asthma symptoms. The plant was also used to make poultices, believed to soothe bruises and quicken the healing of wounds.

So, what are the claims made by the defenders and enthusiasts, concerning Evening Primrose Oil? It has been used as a sedative and as a pain killer. The most common use of evening primrose is for menstrual health. It helps ease pre-menstrual tension, menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. Other conditions treated by the oil include whooping cough, high cholesterol levels and low immune system. Skin conditions are said to be helped by Evening Primrose Oil, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and rosacea (hot flushing).

In modern times, the oil is usually sold in the form of capsules. There are many claims made for the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil. The medical establishment say that some of these claims go too far and no benefits have been proved in clinical trials. The consensus is, there may be an exception to this, in that rheumatoid arthritis could be helped. The oil has been seen to reduce blood pressure levels in animals but it's difficult to quantify the effects in humans. The Evening Primrose Oil is pressed from the plant's seed which contains an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) and there lies its therapeutic value. Others argue that you can get sufficient EFA from a good diet.

The debate will rage on, no doubt. It's good advice however, that you consult your Doctor before taking Evening Primrose Oil, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or are suffering from epilepsy. The oil can sometimes interact unfavorably with other supplements, herbal remedies or prescribed drugs. Most people agree, that in the majority of circumstances, Evening Primrose Oil will do no harm and any side affects are likely to be headaches, stomach pains or rashes.

Tags: , , , ,

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit Ask BlinkList blogmarks Google Ma.gnolia Rojo Shadows Simpy Socializer Spurl Wists Yahoo! Help

Permalink • Print • 1 Comment

November 10, 2006

Change Your Mood With Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Getting aromatherapy essential oils is a great way to improve your mood and the moods of those around you. Oh, I know what you are thinking. You probably are one of the great many people who think that aromatherapy essential oil is just simply a bunch of hokum. Well, you could not be more wrong. You see, the brain is effected by all of the senses, but none of them have a more profound effect than the sense of smell.

Aromatherapy essential oil takes advantage of the fact that, unlike the other 4 senses, the sense of smell is wired directly in to the brain. This means that it is quite easy to change emotions, and even to evoke ling past memories just simply through the use of smell. Aromatherapy essential oil is made especially to do just this, with each scent carefully tested to make sure that it creates the desired response in the person inhaling it.

You can use aromatherapy essential oil alone, or you can use it in combination with different colors of light, or with soothing music to add to the effect. Either of these can add even more to the effect of the aromatherapy extract.

Of course, having the right atmosphere is pretty key to enjoying the full benefits of using aromatherapy essential oil. Of course, you can put aromatherapy essential oil on, and wear it around town as a fragrance. This can have a nice scent, and maybe even have a little effect on your mood and the moods of those who you come in contact with. But you can not really call it an opportunity to get the full therapeutic effect of aromatherapy essential oil. To do that, you need to be able to sit back, relax, and absorb the whole scent.

This is the only way to let it work its magic on your psyche. The aromatherapy essential oil is powerful, but it has a very subtle effect, and it is easy to lose this effect if you do not use the extract in the correct manner. Besides that, if you use the aromatherapy essential oil for your everyday scent, it will begin to lose some of its power for you. You will begin to associate it with your day to day life, and as a result, it will lose the power to relax you and put your mind at ease completely.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit Ask BlinkList blogmarks Google Ma.gnolia Rojo Shadows Simpy Socializer Spurl Wists Yahoo! Help

Permalink • Print • Comment

December 23, 2007

Natural Remedies For Constipation Relief

Constipation can be a very uncomfortable condition and affect your ability to enjoy life. It's also something that people are embarrassed to seek advice about. It may be the result of an illness or simply the consequence of your lifestyle. Constipation shows that the digestive system isn't working properly. Lack of exercise, stress and an unhealthy diet could be contributing factors. Many of us have frantic lives and we rush around, not eating properly. More fiber and less processed foods could make a big difference. You should drink enough during the day too, but not fill up on caffeine. Natural fruit juice or water is better. There are plenty laxative treatments available but a lot of people prefer natural remedies for constipation.

Treatments from the drug store may fix the problem for some people, whilst others suffer side effects and some come to depend on the laxative. Whether you choose natural remedies for constipation or drug store products, you must see a doctor if the condition doesn't improve or if there is any bleeding in the stools.

Steps can be taken which will help prevent constipation or help to alleviate it. Eating fruit and vegetables is one of the natural remedies for constipation which can easily be incorporated into daily life. The best fruits for this are bale fruit, prunes, pears, grapes, papaya and orange juice. Other recommendations are guava, apple pectin, rhubarb, sweet potatoes, carrots and garlic. Folic acid and ginger tea are also good for the digestion. There are other home cure natural remedies for constipation such as mixing one tablespoon of corn syrup to eight fluid ounces of water and drinking it twice a day. You could also drink a glass of milk twice a day with added sugar or honey.

Herbal tablets are another course to take. They shouldn't produce side effects or be habit forming. Herbs have been used for hundreds of years as natural remedies for constipation. The herbal supplements used most often contain fenugreek, dandelion, psyllium, passiflora, flaxseed or aloe ferox. None of these should lead to diarrhea, dehydration or stomach pain.

Exercise can also build up a resistance to constipation, especially if combined with healthy eating habits. The best forms of exercise for natural remedies for constipation are ones which uses the abdominal muscles. This could involve Tai Chi, which is slow moving but strengthens the muscles. Aerobic exercise is generally good, such as swimming.

The important thing is to find out what works for you and what you can conveniently fit into your life. Some natural remedies for constipation can be used as a long term solution and not just a quick fix for the problem.

Tags: , , , ,

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit Ask BlinkList blogmarks Google Ma.gnolia Rojo Shadows Simpy Socializer Spurl Wists Yahoo! Help

Permalink • Print • Comment

April 7, 2008

Making Herbal Remedies - What is a Decoction?

 

Making herbal remedies isn't difficult or complicated, its just made to seem that way. If you can boil water, you can make your own tinctures, infusions or decoctions. In this article we will discuss decoctions, what are they, how are they prepared, and examples of common decoctions.

Simply put, a decoction is your basic infusion juiced up to induce stubborn roots, barks and resins to release their medicinal herbhandbook properties. While most plants will yield their properties to cold or boiling hot water in a matter of minutes, some require a much longer period of time, say 30 minutes or more.

While occasionally a whole plant with stem, twig, flower, leaf and bud is used for special preventive effects, usually only one part of a plant is used at one time. Examples of herbs that work best in a decoction would include:

Elm Bark, used for herpes, scurf, itch and other skin problems

Comfrey Root, the decoction makes for a good gargle and mouthwash for throat inflammations, hoarseness and bleeding gums*

Flaxseed, this decoction can be used for cough, chest and lung problems. Remember to use only ripe seeds as the immature seedpods can cause poisoning.

English Oak Bark, a decoction of the bark can be used internally or externally for hemorrhoids and other rectal problems, menstrual problems and blood in the urine.

Preparing A Decoction:

Fresh herbs should be sliced; dry herbs should be powered or well bruised. A decoction should always be strained when it is hot so that the matter, which separates upon cooling, can be mixed again with the fluid by shaking when the remedy is used.

When preparing your decoction use glass, ceramic or earthenware pots. Do not use plain cast iron with astringent plants. Use 1 ounce (30 g) of dried root or bark to just over a pint of water. Allow this to boil for at least ten minutes or longer. The mixture then steeps with a cover on the pot for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Strain out the plant parts before drinking.

Warning: The FDA has determined that Comfrey can lead to Pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning which causes a liver disorder in humans called hepatic veno-occlusive disease. The small and medium veins in the liver become obstructed, eventually leading to liver disfunction, cirrhosis and death. While only 2 deaths attributed to Comfrey have been documented, due caution is indicated.

The information provided by UsingHerbs.Com is intended to heighten awareness of potential health care alternatives and should not be considered medical advice. Always check with your qualified health-care professional for medical attention, advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

MK Welty hosts an informational site for herb enthusiasts at http://UsingHerbs.com Join us for regular discussions of herbs, their history, properties and uses.

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternative health advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

Tags: , , , ,

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit Ask BlinkList blogmarks Google Ma.gnolia Rojo Shadows Simpy Socializer Spurl Wists Yahoo! Help

Permalink • Print • Comment

April 5, 2008

Alternative Herbal Treatment for Constipation

Constipation is a condition which refers to sporadic bowel movements that are generally hard in consistency and often excruciating to eliminate.

According to dietitians, a number of factors can contribute this condition, such as prolonged bed rest, lack of exercise, low intake of fluids and fiber, irregular eating habits, and stress. Other common factors that aggravate, or lead to this condition include taking certain herbhandbook medications like antacids and antihypertensive agents, narcotics and iron supplements.

Changing Your Diet Helps Alleviate This Disorder

For individuals who are diagnosed with constipation or bowel obstruction, you could be suffering from this condition as a result of your lifestyle, so there are different treatment options for you.

One of these is changing your diet, as individuals who have chronic constipation will almost certainly need a change in diets, where it could mean augmenting the amount of fiber intake and eating larger amounts of raw fruits and vegetables, brown wild rice, flaxseeds, bran and whole grain cereals. Implementing an exercise regimen also will help in regulating your bowels, and these types of exercises can be as simple as taking a brisk 15 to 20-minute walk in the morning of evening.

Herbal Alternatives For Alleviating Constipation

At present, many herbal products and food supplements are designed to aid in constipation. However, if you decide to try out a specific herbal remedy, ensure that you talk with your physician first, as some herbal ingredients interfere with the prescription medicines you may be taking. Among the most notable herbs for treating this condition are aloe vera, ginger, senna and yerba mate. Here are other effective herbs for treating bowel obstruction.

- Honey. Honey is considered a natural laxative, and the early Egyptians were prescribed to take honey mixed with warm water-taken every morning for 3 or 4 days, as a cure for constipation.

- Flaxseed Oil. This herbal ingredient aids in softening stools. Freshly-ground flaxseeds are also potent and commonly used.

- Rhubarb Root. This root is useful in relatively small doses as a laxative, and is noted to be safe for use by infants.

- Slippery Elm. This herb is helpful as a laxative and for relieving the stomach as well as the intestines.

In order to effectively alleviate this condition, try to go the bathroom at the same time every day, after meals and as soon as you feel the urge. Remember to never ever hold in a bowel movement. It would also be good to eat foods that are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber.

Soluble fiber also helps to lowering blood cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels, and the is commonly found in barley, apples, dried beans, carrots, oats (such as oat bran and oatmeal), oranges, and rye. Insoluble fiber, or roughage, helps to keep your bowel movements regular, and this is common in whole-grain breads and cereals, dried beans, fruits and vegetables with skins, pasta, seeds, and wheat bran. The National Cancer Institute recommends that adults get a daily fiber intake of 20-35 grams.

http://primeherbal.com - Prime Herbal

Read more about alternative herbal treatment for constipation

Tags: , , , ,

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit Ask BlinkList blogmarks Google Ma.gnolia Rojo Shadows Simpy Socializer Spurl Wists Yahoo! Help

Permalink • Print • Comment

April 6, 2008

Arm Yourself With Info About Alternative Herbal Medicine

 

Alternative herbal medicine is one of the best ways to cure chronic or other disease, in many cases. The major benefit of herbal medicines is that it is 100% natural and does not have any side effects, if taken according to the advice of a competent doctor. Look for and use organic herbs when ever possible.

Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) is the wonder medicine made from primrose, borage or currant seed oil that is extremely herbhandbook effective for treatment of alcohol addicts. Alcohol intake in huge amounts has the chances of slowing down your brain cells. This particular effect of alcohol can be checked by Valerian herb. Another effectual herbal medicine for people suffering from emotional or physical stress is Skullcap.

The alternative herbal remedies for stress, anxiety or depression are St. John's wort, ashwagandha, valerian and hops ginseng, and Motherwort.

If one is suffering from any degree of sleeplessness, the most helpful herbal medicines are lemon balm, linden, chamomile and ginger tea. For quick relief from common ailments like the odd headache, you can go for eucalyptus or peppermint oil and lavender while for rapid pain relief or inflammation, one can take meadowsweet or willow bark instead of chemical painkillers.

Salicylic acid, the chief component of the pain - killer aspirin, is found in its salicin form in willow bark and meadowsweet. The salicin is reacted upon in the stomach and transformed to salicylic acid, which grants you instant relief from pain. Ginger, which reduces the prostaglandin levels in the body, is another useful pain reliever.

Thanks to the hectic modern style of present day living, most of us suffer from stress in different forms. Herbal medicine is a great way to counter this. Ginseng and Siberian ginseng are two of the most potent stress relievers. Herbal medicines like gingko biloba, ginseng, Siberian ginseng and gotu kola are also successful in curing partial memory loss. Hawthorn, ginseng, motherwort, valerian and pineapple are the wonder herbs that help in curing angina or irregular heartbeat.

Most herbal medicines are prepared from the major herbal ingredient along with other contents. At present, almost 80% of all the medicines have some herbal ingredients.

Although herbal medicines have been extremely successful in treating many diseases, prescription drugs still hold the fort when it comes to treating critical diseases. Thus, one should not consider alternative herbal medicine to be a competitor of prescription drugs, but as a new and effective form of medicine that works in tandem with prescription drugs to treat certain illnesses.

Another benefit of herbal medicines is that it is accessible to most everyone. Herbal treatment is not at all expensive and the herbs can even be grown in your backyard! In fact, prescription drugs are much more expensive and associated with a greater amount of risk.

Alternative medicine is cheap, effective and most importantly, natural and free from any side effects.

Samuel Oliver has a site HerbsTips.com where your can discover info and tips all about herbs and herbal use for health and wellness Herbal Remedies

Zandra Jones, RN BBA is an alternative health advisor and owner of Alternative Herbal Treatment

Tags: , , , ,

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit Ask BlinkList blogmarks Google Ma.gnolia Rojo Shadows Simpy Socializer Spurl