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The typically citrus smelling tangerine essential oil is said to have many health benefits. Originally from China, this essential oil found its way first to Europe then the North America where know they are the biggest producer of tangerines. Some people call it mandarin also, the name given by the Chinese. But some argued that mandarin and tangerine belong to different species albeit from the same citrus family. The Chinese were the first one to discover the many health benefits of tangerine oil. In fact they were named after the illustrious dignitaries and nobility of the then imperial China because it was a priced fruit fit for royalty.

Tangerine oil can blend perfectly and easily with other essential oils to produce more exciting scents. Typically it used in China as a tonic. As a tonic, it helps the body maintain its homeostasis and balance. It tones the skin, the muscles as well as the different internal organs of the body. It checks the imbalances of the body and corrects them.

In skin care, tangerine oil is also extensively used. As a powerful antiseptic, it can kill bacteria causing diseases of the skin. Acnes and pimples are treated with it. Oily skin is also one problem that it can help. And like most of the citrus family, it can be phototoxic. Meaning one should exercise extreme care when using it on the skin when going outside in the sun. Generally it is mild with even a milder lemony scent but pregnant women should first consult their doctors before using it, as they should when using any oil for that matter.

Tangerine oil aids in the purification of the blood. It helps the removal of the toxins in the blood. A potent depurative, it also removes unwanted substances in the body like kidney or gall bladder stones. As an anti spasmodic, tangerine essential oil relaxes not only the muscles of the body but more importantly the internal organs as well. It can help even the respiratory system and is good as a complementary alternative treatment for asthma. As it relaxes the organs responsible for the respiratory system, asthma attacks may be avoided. Even simple stomach problems like diarrhea and dyspepsia that caused us big problems may be relieve by it as it helps the organs of the digestive system be toned, relaxed and cleansed.

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In England, the lavender holds a special position among the essential oils. But in Israel, the grapefruit is the queen of all essential oils. Originally from Asia, this sweet smelling citrus is now grown in North America (Florida and California in particular) as well as in Brazil and of course in Israel. Its botanical name is Citrus paradis and has a sweet citrusy scent that never fails to awaken the senses of anyone.

Aromatherapy is particularly popular around the world because it helps the person detoxify, relax and beautify in the process. Grapefruit oil is one of the most useful among the essential oils used in aromatherapy. Like any citrus, the peelings of grapefruit are used to extract the essential oil by cold pressed. It can come from pale yellow to bright yellow in color with a concentrated scent.

Grapefruit oil is a good astringent and tonic. As such, it is perfect for skin. As an astringent, it is good for fighting acne and pimples. It’s anti bacterial properties help fight the root cause of pimples and acnes reducing their breakouts. It is also perfect for controlling oil skin and thus leaving the skin clean and refresh. As all citrus based essential oils are phototoxic, exposure to the sun must be avoided. But in general in is non toxic and very mild.

Stress is a problem everyone encounters one way or the other. And stress can lead to bigger problems is not treated. Grapefruit essential oil combats stress by uplifting the mood. As an anti depressant and stimulant at the same time, it helps in the relation of the muscles and nerves. Headaches caused by stress are cured as its aroma enters the senses of the person. The effects make the person more alive and relaxed.

Grapefruit oil is the perfect choice for aromatherapy. It is good for controlling cellulite formation. Needless to say, it is used to reduce weight and maintain a lean sexier body. It not only makes our skin smooth, oil free and clean, it also helps in making our body be more beautiful. Not only that, it acts as a detoxifier for the internal organs of the body as it eliminates unwanted toxins. It is also a potent toner and helps the body maintain its healthy balance. It is no wonder that the grapefruit oil is the choice essential oil of many people.

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Medicine deals with healing people. It is an art as well as a science and is made up of many different health care practices that in turn have developed over time in order to help treat and prevent different kinds of illnesses. For a very long time, it was mainly practiced in the East but then it became a science in the West and this changed things around considerably. So, from being something that was only practiced in the East, medicine soon became something that was practiced in almost every part of the world.

Pharmacy compounding is the art of mixing drugs by a professional that is called a compounding pharmacist whose job is to mix drugs in a manner that suits the needs of his patient. Such a step has to be taken to change a medication from solid to a liquid form and also to take out certain ingredients that would otherwise give rise to allergic reactions.

BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) is a different kind of therapy that involves use of hormones that have similar endogenous hormones. BHRT also is associated with pharmacy compounding and involves blood and saliva testing which helps the pharmacist in reaching a particular hormonal level which has previously been determined through the process of saliva/blood testing.

Medicine has a very long and interesting history that dates back to prehistoric times when herbalism in particular was practiced and which involved use of animal parts as well as minerals to treat a patient. Sometimes, the materials that were being used in the treatment of patients were the same as were used in rituals which shamans and medicine men and even priests practiced.

The first known instance of medicinal practice can be traced to the early civilizations in Egypt and also to Babylonia as well as India. Chinese and Greeks as well as Romans were also aware of and used medicinal practices in very early times. Imhotep was probably the first real physician that practiced it around the third millennium BC.

Sri Lanka has been credited for having the first genuine hospital in which patients were being treated with the help of early forms of medications. Sushruta, an Indian surgeon, is the first to make use of surgical means to treat patients and he was the pioneer of plastic surgery.

Hippocrates is considered the father of medicine as he was responsible for laying the foundation of a more rational medicinal approach. The Hippocratic Oath for physicians is still used today and it was Hippocrates who categorized illnesses according to levels of severity including endemic, chronic, acute and epidemic. He was also the first to coin terms such as relapse, and exacerbation and paroxysm and crisis as well as convalescence and peak.

A Greek physician by the name of Galen is considered the finest surgeon from the early civilizations and it was he who was credited for performing some truly outstanding surgeries including of the eyes and also the brain.

In these modern times, medicine from compounding pharmacy Canada is being practiced on a whole new and different level and it has seen revolutionary changes on account of the practice and development of global scale information sciences. Nowadays, medicine is being conducted within special health care systems and it has become very complex and bears little if any resemblance to how it was practiced in those early days.

Medication can be difficult when recieving cancer treatment. A veterinary pharmacy toronto can help patients by compounding their medication into a cream or tonic. Trust Haber’s, the premier cancer pharmacy Toronto.

The Arizona Compounding Pharmacy is one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world. Their headquarters are in Phoenix Arizona, being there for about twenty years. The pharmacy itself is known for building compounds for patients, having one of the highest technology and up to date information.

In the eighteen hundreds compounded drugs were the wonder cure so to speak. People would make up a concoction of either grain alcohol or cocaine, or sometimes opium. They would sell these to the people in town and make a small fortune. These compounds had no set amount of herbs to use, mostly full of alcohol.

Some of the compounds that are no longer used as medicinal purposes are Seven-Up, bitters, Coke, Dr Pepper, Hires Root Beer and tonic water. These were used back when people were not that well educated in the cures for the body.

Compounding is combining the latest medical knowledge and the high state of technology known today. The doctors and pharmacists are very well trained and can make customized medications for each individual patient. Many people have become aware of the compounding and now it is in high demand. They just do not want to be put on drugs that can do more damage than the illness itself.

There are some compounds are not on the open market, thus the pharmacists can make up the compounds; some are called Tran Dermal gels, they help on top of the skin, chewies, or even lollipops. So many normal drugs have dyes, preservatives and sugars that can actually do more harm than good for the patient. Compounds do not have these, making them safer.

They create one of a kind medicine for the sole needs of each patient. An example would be a child can have flavored medicine, to help it go down. A patient that cannot swallow may have a medication that is put on the skin, avoiding swallowing it. A gel can be made up for those kinds of people. There are many different ways the pharmacy can do medications.

The doctors and pharmacist work very hard to be sure everyone has the compounds to help them get well or at least ease a lot of the pain caused by their patients diseases. They also attend counseling and classes to keep abreast of what is new and the uses.

At the Arizona Compounding Pharmacy it is their goal to help with improving the outcomes of diseases, and to help with the cost of the healthcare that is so rampant now. They also work very close with the physicians to be sure the proper drug selection, dose and compliance meets their high standards. They always are in touch with the patient and monitor their history for undesirable interactions from the drugs. There is also counseling available and updated training for the pharmacists.

That means that no other drug company can introduce a “generic” version of any of these drugs while its patent is in effect. pet compounding pharmacy This should not be overlooked: Some online pharmacies only sell to customers in the US and Canada. The demand for pharmacists exceeds supply in the USA.

Are herbs “dilute forms of drugs” – and therefore dangerous? Or are they “natural” – and therefore safe? If you sell herbs, you probably hear these questions often. What is the “right” answer? It depends on the herb! These thoughts on herbs will help you explain to your customers (and yourself) how safe – or dangerous – any herb might be.

To prevent problems when selling or using herbs:

Be certain you have the correct plant. Use simples. Understand that different preparations of the same herb can work differently. Use nourishing, tonifying, stimulating, and potentially poisonous herbs wisely.
BE CERTAIN YOU HAVE THE CORRECT PLANT

One of the easiest ways to get into trouble with an herb is to use the “wrong” one. How could that happen? Common names for herbs overlap, causing confusion as to the proper identity. Herbs that are labeled correctly may contain extraneous material from another, more dangerous, herb. Herbs may be picked at the wrong stage of growth or handled incorrectly after harvesting, causing them to develop detrimental qualities.

Protect yourself and your customers with these simple steps:

Buy herbs only from reputable suppliers. Only buy herbs that are labeled with their botanical name. Botanical names are specific, but the same common names can refer to several different plants. “Marigold” can be Calendula officinalis, a medicinal herb, or Tagetes, an annual used as a bedding plant. If you grow the herbs you sell, be meticulous about keeping different plants separate when you harvest and dry them, and obsessive about labeling.
USE SIMPLES

A simple is one herb. For optimum safety, I prepare, buy, sell, teach about and use herbal simples, that is: preparations containing only one herb. (Occasionally I will add some mint to flavor a remedy.)

The more herbs there are in a formula, the more likelihood there is of unwanted side-effects. Understandably, the public seeks combinations, hoping to get more for less. And many mistakenly believe that herbs must be used together to be effective (probably because potentially poisonous herbs are often combined with protective herbs to mitigate the damage they cause). But combining herbs with the same properties, such as goldenseal and echinacea, is counter-productive and more likely to cause trouble than a simple. A simple tincture of echinacea is more effective than any combination and much safer.

Different people have different reactions to substances, whether drugs, foods, or herbs. When herbs are mixed together in a formula and someone taking it has distressing side effects, there is no way to determine which herb is the cause. With simples, it’s easy to tell which herb is doing what. If there’s an adverse reaction, other herbs with similar properties can be tried. Limiting the number of herbs used in any one day (to no more than four) offers added protection.

Side effects from herbs are less common than side effects from drugs and usually less severe. If an herb disturbs the digestion, it may be that the body is learning to process it. Give it a few more tries before giving up. Stop taking any herb that causes nausea, dizziness, sharp stomach pains, diarrhea, headache, or blurred vision. (These effects will generally occur quite quickly.) Slippery elm is an excellent antidote to any type of poison.

If you are allergic to any foods or medicines, it is especially important to consult resources that list the side effects of herbs before you use them.

UNDERSTAND THAT DIFFERENT PREPARATIONS OF THE SAME HERB CAN WORK DIFFERENTLY

The safety of any herbal remedy is dependent on the way it is prepared and used.

Tinctures and extracts contain the alkaloids, or poisonous, parts of plants and need to be used with care and wisdom. Tinctures are as safe as the herb involved (see cautions below for tonifying, stimulating, sedating, or potentially poisonous herbs). Best used/sold as simples, not combinations, especially when strong herbs are being used. Dried herbs made into teas or infusions contain the nourishing aspects of the plants and are usually quite safe, especially when nourishing or tonifying herbs are used. Dried herbs in capsules are generally the least effective way to use herbs. They are poorly digested, poorly utilized, often stale or ineffective, and quite expensive. Infused herbal oils are available as is, or thickened into ointments. They are much safer than essential oils, which are highly concentrated and can be lethal if taken internally. Herbal vinegars are not only decorative but mineral-rich as well. A good medium for nourishing and tonifying herbs; not as strong as tinctures for stimulants/sedatives. Herbal glycerins are available for those who prefer to avoid alcohol but are usually weaker in action than tinctures.
USE NOURISHING, TONIFYING, STIMULATING, & POTENTIALLY POISONOUS HERBS WISELY

Herbs comprise a group of several thousand plants with widely varying actions. Some are nourishers, some tonifiers, some stimulants and sedatives, and some are potential poisons. To use them wisely and well, we need to understand each category, its uses, best manner of preparation, and usual dosage range.

Nourishing herbs are the safest of all herbs; side effects are rare. Nourishing herbs are taken in any quantity for any length of time. They are used as foods, just like spinach and kale. Nourishing herbs provide high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carotenes, and essential fatty acids.

Examples of nourishing herbs are: alfalfa, amaranth, astragalus, calendula flowers, chickweed, comfrey leaves, dandelion, fenugreek, flax seeds, honeysuckle flowers, lamb’s quarter, marshmallow, nettles, oatstraw, plantain (leaves/seeds), purslane, red clover blossoms, seaweed, Siberian ginseng, slippery elm, violet leaves, and wild mushrooms.

Tonifying herbs act slowly in the body and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. They build the functional ability of an organ (like the liver) or a system (like the immune system). Tonifying herbs are most beneficial when they are used in small quantities for extended periods of time. The more bitter the tonic tastes, the less you need to take. Bland tonics may be used in quantity, like nourishing herbs.

Side effects occasionally occur with tonics, but are usually quite short-term. Many older herbalists mistakenly equated stimulating herbs with tonifying herbs, leading to widespread misuse of many herbs, and severe side effects.

Examples of tonifying herbs are: barberry bark, burdock root/seeds, chaste tree, crone(mug)wort, dandelion root, echinacea, elecampane, fennel, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, ground ivy, hawthorn berries, horsetail, lady’s mantle, lemon balm, milk thistle seeds, motherwort, mullein, pau d’arco, raspberry leaves, schisandra berries, St. Joan’s wort, turmeric root, usnea, wild yam, and yellow dock.

Sedating and stimulating herbs cause a variety of rapid reactions, some of which may be unwanted. Some parts of the person may be stressed in order to help other parts. Strong sedatives and stimulants, whether herbs or drugs, push us outside our normal ranges of activity and may cause strong side effects. If we rely on them and then try to function without them, we wind up more agitated (or depressed) than before we began. Habitual use of strong sedatives and stimulants – whether opium, rhubarb root, cayenne, or coffee – leads to loss of tone, impairment of functioning, and even physical dependency. The stronger the herb, the more moderate the dose needs to be, and the shorter the duration of its use.

Herbs that tonify and nourish while sedating/stimulating are some of my favorite herbs. I use them freely, as they do not cause dependency. Sedating/stimulating herbs that also tonify or nourish: boneset, catnip, citrus peel, cleavers, ginger, hops, lavender, marjoram, motherwort, oatstraw, passion flower, peppermint, rosemary, sage, skullcap.

Strongly sedating/stimulating herbs include: angelica, black pepper, blessed thistle root, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, coffee, licorice, opium poppy, osha root, shepherd’s purse, sweet woodruff, turkey rhubarb root, uva ursu leaves, valerian root, wild lettuce sap, willow bark, and wintergreen leaves.

Potentially poisonous herbs are intense, potent medicines that are taken in tiny amounts and only for as long as needed. Side effects are common.

Examples of potentially poisonous herbs are: belladonna, blood-root, celandine, chaparral, foxglove, goldenseal, henbane, iris root, Jimson weed, lobelia, May apple (American mandrake), mistletoe, poke root, poison hemlock, stillingia root, turkey corn root, wild cucumber root.

In addition, consider these thoughts on using herbs safely:

Respect the power of plants to change the body and spirit in dramatic ways. Increase trust in the healing effectiveness of plants by trying remedies for minor or external problems before, or while, working with major and internal problems. Develop ongoing relationships with knowledgeable healers – in person or in books – who are interested in herbal medicine. Honor the uniqueness of every plant, every person, every situation. Remember that each person becomes whole and healed in their own unique way, at their own speed. People, plants, and animals can help in this process. But it is the body/spirit that does the healing. Don’t expect plants to be cure alls.Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Susun Weed, Copyright @ 2009 wisewoman@herbshealing.com

LEARN HOW TO PREVENT ILLNESS AND HEAL YOURSELF safely and easily the Wise Woman Way. Women’s health forum, FREE women’s forum, weblog, and email group. Topics include menopause, breast health, childbearing, fertility, disease prevention, nutritional advice, and cancer prevention. Visit the Wise Woman Web

What Is Angina?

Angina (angina pectoris) is severe chest pain due to lack of blood (i.e., oxygen) in the heart muscle. The main cause is a coronary artery disease called atherosclerosis, or a clogging of the arteries. Angina typically feels like the chest is being strangled. Severity of symptoms may or may not be associated with fatal heart attacks.

Four types of mainstream prescription drugs are available to treat angina: beta-blockers, nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin), calcium antagonists, and antiplatelet drugs. Herbal medicine also offers solutions for treating angina. Below is a summary of the top herbs and herb ingredients based on scientific research.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes from the stems of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). Bromelain is widely used as a component of digestive enzyme supplements and as an anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic systemic enzyme for treating arterial blockages.

Study: Experimental dosages of 1000-1400 mg daily led to disappearance of symptoms angina in human patients within 4-90 days, depending on severity of blockage. Symptoms returned when bromelain treatment was discontinued. (Source: Acta Med. Empirica)

Hawthorn (Crataegus species)

Extracts from berries, flowering tops, and leaves are widely used in Europe and Asia for their benefits to heart health. Effects are due to substances called flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).

Study: Crataegus extracts given orally to rats (2 percent of the diet) significantly reduced damage to myocardial cells. (Source: Arzneim. Forsch.)

Study: The main flavonoids from Crataegus led to improved coronary flow, heart rate, left ventricular pressure, and speed of contraction and relaxation in perfused isolated guinea pig hearts. (Source: Arzneim. Forsch.)

Study: Crataegus extract (3.3 percent OPCs) diminished accumulation of lactic acid, thereby improving oxygen utilization, in perfused isolated rat hearts. (Source: Arzneim. Forsch.)

Study: 46 patients were given either a tablet with 100 mg of Crataegus leaves or a placebo. Results were that 46 percent of the Crataegus group showed improved EKG readings within 4 weeks, whereby the control group showed 3 percent improved readings. (Source: J. Tradit. Chin. Med.)

Study: Crataegus leaf extract led to decreased oxygen consumption and improved oxygen utilization and heart function when given to dogs. (Source: J. Tradit. Chin. Med.)

Study: 60 patients with mild stable forms of angina were given either a tablet with Crataegus extract (brand: Crategutt novo) or a placebo 3 times daily. EKG readings under exertion improved significantly in the treated group vs. the control group. (Source: Therapiewoche)

Other Angina Treatment Herbs

Additional research has also shown the beneficial effects for treating angina with the following:

Khella (Ammi visnaga): Commercial supplements are widely available for healthcare professionals. Effects are less than those reported for hawthorn. Active ingredients may have toxic effects at clinical doses.

Astragalus membranaceus (currently correct name: Astragalus propinquus): Widely available in supplement form. Better known as an herb for boosting the immune system. One major Chinese study showed significant benefits in treating heart disease in humans. However, treatment was not with any available oral form.

Terminalia arjuna: Important cardiotonic herb in Ayurvedic medicine. One small clinical study (10 patients) showed significant improvement in several indicators of heart health, including lower frequency of angina.

Dr. Dennis Clark is a retired university professor and research scientist who has studied the biochemistry of plant natural products for more than 35 years. He provides his scientific views on the most important herbs for human health. Get his top recommendations for the best herbs and supplements for daily use in his report, “The Five Pillars of Basic Nutrition.” Download your free copy at http://herbscientist.com.