Private Health Care Management: September 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Hypertension Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Terrence Jacobs of Peoria couldn't believe it. Dr. Spencer at the Peoria East Clinic broke the bad news. He had arterial high blood pressure.

Terrence had a good excuse. After all, as a field executive in GenCorp, he certainly had his share of stress. And, let's not even talk about the pipe smoking.

According to Dr. Spencer just being male was a strike against him. The fact that he was 44 years old certainly didn't help.

Unfortunately, arterial hypertension rarely causes any symptoms until it has caused some arteriosclerosis and possibly a stroke. In fact, hypertension can be surprisingly severe before there are any symptoms.

Your blood pressure goes up and down throughout the day. If you play racketball for half an hour your pressure will go up. Even if you just see a exciting scene on television you will see a rise in your blood pressure.

If you took your blood pressure right after that, it would be high, but not diagnostic.

Things you eat, drink and smoke can also increase your blood pressure. Caffeine drinks like coffee or will do the same. Nicotine from cigars stimulates the heart to increase your pressure as well.

You may think that alcohol relaxes you, but the long term effects of all those alcohol, cocktails, and liquers drinks take their toll as well.

Spending too much time in your favorite recliner instead of getting some exercise increases your chances of blood pressure problems.

Fortunately, there are many places you can get your blood pressure checked today. Many stores and pharmacies have automatic blood pressure machines you can use. Just sit down for a couple minutes and get it checked. If you pressure is up slightly three different times, you should see a doctor. If it is over about 160 just once, you should also seek medical advice.

Rest makes your blood pressure go down. Because of that, the best time to take your blood pressure is when you first get up in the morning.

But, back to Terrence. His family history made a big difference in his hypertension. He had a father who died at age 50 of a arteriosclerotic heart disease. Genetics can really increase your chances of needing treatment for hypertension.

Fortunately, these days, there is a lot you can do to decrease hypertension.

Changing your diet will definitely help. You will improve your blood pressure as well as your overall health by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. You should get regular exercise, lots of water and a good night's sleep. If you can stop using tobacco and limit or cut out your alcohol altogether that will help a great deal.

If you don't completely normalize your blood pressure by those means, many different medications are available today that will help. You will want to find a physician that you can work with on keeping your pressure normal.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Hypertension in Pregnancy

Pregnancy comparison. 26 weeks and 40 weeks.

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Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) is the most common problem likely to be enountered during your pregnancy. In fact two to three percent pregnant women have Hypertension in pregnancy.

Bertha Reed of Aurora, IL had Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) during her 3rd pregnancy. firstname found out on her third doctor visit.

As she found out, first pregnancy, a new sexual partner, age younger than 18 years, obesity, and time since your last pregnancy of less than 2 years or more than 10 years increase your chances of Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy).

Other things that increase the likelyhood of Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) are chronic hypertension, thrombophilia, renal disease and obesity.

Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) might not cause any symptoms. However, it can cause visual disturbances like scintillations (flashes of light) and scotomata (blind spots) - probably from spasm of cerebral arteries, headache, upper abdominal pain from swelling and inflammation of the liver and rapid weight gain. Upper abdominal pain might suddenly occur and is usually constant and fairly severe. Headaches are often in the front, throbbing and similar to migrane headaches.

The big problem of Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) is that it can cause thromboembolism (blood clots), two dangerous problems with blood clots called disseminated intravascular coagulation and consumptive coagulopathy, seizures, kidney failure, placental abruption where the placenta detaches from the uterus and even death of the mother. In fact, from 1991 to 1999 over 15% of the deaths of women during pregnancy were caused by Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy).

There are three types of Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy): Chronic Hypertension, Preeclampsia and Transient hypertension.

Chronic Hypertension

Most frequently chronic hypertension has no other cause. But, it can be caused by kidney disease like polycystic kidneys, glomerular or interstitial disease, coarctation of the aorta, too much growth hormone or even using oral contraceptives.

Preeclampsia

Nobody knows for sure what causes preeclampsia. One thing that we know is that it is caused by a problem with the inside lining of the blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to spasm. When the arteries get smaller, the blood pressure increases. The damage also causes the blood vessels to leak causing swelling. It can cause problems with the brain, lungs and kidneys. These changes also can cause lower blood flow to the growing baby.

Transient hypertension

The elevated blood pressure called transient hypertension just happens late in pregnancy. Then after delivery, the blood pressure goes back to normal. But, it probably increases your chances of getting high blood pressure later in life.

Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) is one of the major reasons that you should keep your regular appointments with your family doctor.

Hypertension in Pregnancy Treatment

You may recall the case of Ruby Bates of Kansas City, Kansas who got preeclampsia. It was diagnosed in the first trimester. And it was complicated by pulmonary edema.

Her physician had some important decisions to make. Fortunately Dr. Ortiz was able to use the best treatment and things turned out alright for mom and baby.

The treatments that Dr. Ortiz had to choose from included medication, hospitalization and early delivery of the baby through pitosin or C-section.

Several types of treatment are still considered even though there is no proof that they work. Those include restricting activity and dietary changes. Supplemental calcium, salt restriction, supplemental magnesium, and fish oil therapy have been tried without evidence of helping. There is some evidence that low dose aspirin does help.

Medications used for hypertension in pregnancy include Alpha-adrenergic inhibitors such as Methyldopa (Aldomet), Vasodilators like Nitroprusside (Nitropress) and Hydralazine (Apresoline), Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers such as Labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), Pindolol (Visken), Oxprenolol (Apsolox, Trasicor, Captol), Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) and Atenolol (Tenormin), Calcium channel blockers like Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), Diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDIURIL) and Furosemide (Lasix) and Anticonvulsants like (Phenytoin (Dilantin) and Magnesium sulfate.

The Alpha-adrenergic inhibitors are probably the safest during pregnancy and are usually the first medication most doctors would use. If there is an allergy to the medicine or liver problems it is not as safe. But, there has not been any studies that show any harm to the baby.

Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers include some medications that are very safe and some not quite as safe. The safe ones can also be the first choice for treatment.

Calcium channel blockers may not be as safe. They have been labled 'C' because their safety for use in pregnancy has not been proven.

Centrally acting alpha-adrenergic agonists are usually saved for use in those that can't take the more frequently used medications. Like the calcium channel blockers, it has not been proven safe in pregnancy. (However, that does not mean they should not be used - but you should discuss it with your doctor.)

Diuretics also have a 'C' rating so their use is limited to cases where your doctor has determined that other safer drugs cannot be used and your high blood pressure is dangerous to you or your baby.

Vasodilators have to be given intravenously so are restricted to in hospital use. Therefore, you have to have pretty bad hypertension problems to have these used.

The seizure medications include the only medication in the group with an 'A' rating meaning that it is absolutely safe in pregnancy. That is magnesium sulfate. This is used in women who have severe pregnancy induced hypertension (eclampsia or preeclampsia) to prevent any dangerous seizures.

Naturally, any of these medications need to be used under your physician's care and frequent monitoring will be required.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Acne Remedies

Acne Vulgaris: A: Cystic acne on the face, B: ...

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Andy Carr just spied his first whitehead before going to his Math class. Just imagine his embarassment as he thought he saw that everyone was checking on him. Fortunately for Andy there are good treatments available for his acne.

Acne can be a problem for just about anyone, throwing zits your way without regard to age or race. The majority of those that {suffer|suffers| from acne, though, are adults and young adults, aged 12 to 24. Nearly eighty percent of people who fall within this group have acne and of those 25% will experience prolonged scarring that can be anything from light to severe.

Those 25 and over, though, can still suffer from acne's vise like grip. The American Dermatologist Association reports that 20% of all adults have active acne. This translates to approximately 60 million Americans, adults and teens have active acne skin lesions and 20 million of those have acne that is bad enough to cause scars. Surprisingly, only about 10% of acne sufferers will ask for help, but this is partly caused by the the way people treat those with acne.

There is reason to hope, though, for those affected with acne. Once you have learned what causes acne, the things that help and the things that don't help and how to prevent your acne, you can take those steps to get skin that is glowing and clear.

What Causes Acne?

While acne skin lesions and the resultant scarring is not contagious, there are some known factors that do contribute to a case of acne lesions. Generally, acne is caused when the sebaceous glands produce excess oil. Other causes might include:

* An inherited tendency towards acne or genetics * Poor cleansing of the skin * Over washing the skin * Hormones and hormone imbalances * Some illnesses * Some prescribed medications * Stress and anxiety * Physical irritation * Cosmetics that are oil based * Pollutants in the environment

Don’t Waste your Time and Money

While some acne remedies help, many do not. When buying an over the counter remedy, be careful. Lots of the acne products on the shelves today have harsh ingredients that can dry out your skin, or even make your acne worse. Pick out your cleaning and acne remedy products with care and seek out products that are not too harsh.

What Really Works

Four things really do work for acne. Together they pack a powerful punch to make acne disappear.

* Healthy diet * Water * Adequate sleep * Proper cleansing

To treat acne you currently are suffering from, use natural products such as tea tree oil which has strong antiseptic effects and is really effective. Witch hazel is an effective toner and it can provide a healthy glow. Mint is a good spot treatment, especially for cystic acne. It has properties that cool and sooth the skin and kill germs in the process.

A good firming and cleansing mask that you can make yourself is a corn starch and egg white mask. Make a paste with the egg white and corn starch. Apply to your clean skin and allow to dry. Take it off later with a wet washcloth and rinse well. You will be rewarded with great skin.

An Ounce of Prevention…

Prevention will help you avoid acne in the first place. The best way to avoid acne is to take good care of your health. A good, diet low in fat that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help keep your skin clear. Dark green leafy vegetables, like broccoli, are great acne fighters. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Adequate sleep is another easy beauty secret. Doctors will tell you to get approximately seven hours of sleep a night.

Finally, proper cleansing of your skin is necessary for keeping it clear. Take time to cleanse your skin every day. If you wear cosmetic makeup, make sure that you take it off each nightbefore retiring. When you wash your skin, use a cleanser that is gentle and be sure that the water is not too hot. Don’t over cleanse or scrub because that can make your acne worse. Rinse your skin well and blot dry with a clean towel. When you work to prevent acne, you won’t have to worry about any scarring from it.

Gratitude Helps Depression

Depression is the opposite of a state of gratitude – it is a feeling of despondency that can be caused by inactivity, any factor that sends the equilibrium of the mind into negative territory, a deteriorating economic state, sickness (your own or that of a loved one), unemployment, a spouse or friend walking away from your life or even hormones. In other words, depression is what optomism is not.

For what I give, not what I take, For battle, not for victory, My prayer of thanks I make. ~Odell Shepard

Depression first chokes and then, if unchecked, goes on to completely destroy positive thought. It sends the positive attitude process ever downward, and places the depressed person in a zombie-like stupor. A depressed person slows down at work, does not enjoy family life and remains in a condition of continued dissatisfaction. That was the mental state – a depressed person suffers on the physical front too because negative thinking releases harmful chemicals into the body. Additionally, a depressed person suffers from fatigue and keeps thinking that he is affected by some medical condition.

Depression has to be recognized and battled as quickly as possible. The first thing that a depressed man may do is to reach out for anti-depressant pills, which give a temporary relief from depression. However, depression normally stems out of a negative thought process and the best way to treat it is positive thinking. Yes, a depressed person needs to start thinking positively to ward off depression, and one of the greatest factors that can usher in positive thought is the feeling of gratitude.

Gratitude, or thankfulness, is an appreciation of a benefit received. Expressing gratitude makes one feel good and also tanks him up with positive vibes, and he begins to feel upbeat and full of encouraging energy. The body will be energized and actually healthier. The big question, however, is what to be grateful for and to whom to express our thanks.

Well, the answer to that question lies inside each of us. If we take a look at our own lives, we will find innumerable instances that we can be grateful for. For instance:

We can thank the lord for giving us a good night's rest, for a great sunny day and for the birds chirping in our backyard. Thank life for not leaving you alone, high and dry! If we are healthy, we can thank nature for giving us a robust body constitution; if we are unwell, we can thank the doctors for bringing us out of our condition. If we have friends to fall back on, we must thank them for just being there for us.

These were just a few instances – sure enough, you will find many more reasons to feel grateful towards Nature and towards your family/friends once you start evaluating your life. So, go right ahead and do that, and when you discover the little things that add that sparkle to your existence, humbly express your gratitude to them.

The positive attitude you express will promote positive thinking, which in turn will drive away the darkness that depression has exploded into your mind. Gratitude will drive away the fears planted by depression and sprinkle your mind with good cheer, and once you are cheerful, the world will be wonderful. Forever.

To Do: 1) Make a list of 10 things that you are thankful for "right now". 2) Put up a sign reminding you to make another list every day. 3) Add to your list during the day every time you start having any negative thought. 4) Save your lists in a scrapbook. 5) Read your scrapbook if you are having trouble remembering anything you are thankful for.

Natural Remedies for Depression

Depression is a fairly frequent psychiatric disorder, which is characterized by a symptoms including depressed mood and other emotional problems, hopelessness, eating pattern changes - you might eat more or less than usual, and the decreased ability to have any pleasure in just about anything. Depression affects between 7% and 19% of the people in the US, with more than twelve million American adults being newly diagnosed with depression each year. Major depression accounts for more than 60% of suicides every year, primarily because only about one third of men and women with depression access medical attention.

Although the exact cause of depression is still unknown, there are many known natural remedies for depression. The most important natural remedy that can take care of your depression is a good diet, which actually plays a huge role in the balance of chemicals in the brain. A diet that limits sweets, sweet chocolate, pies, ice cream, sugar loaded sodas, cake and other foods packed with sugar can actually reduce the amount of poor moods, because sweets are able to temporarily increase mood by increasing blood sugar levels. But, once the sugar level drops, moods tend to be even lower and cause those with depression to enter depressive periods. By keeping blood sugar levels steady, major depressive moods can often be prevented. Avoiding coffee and other drinks like 180, Instant Tea, Cherry Coke, Havoc, Bomba Energy as well as dart and Espresso Italia espressos that are high in caffeine can also be beneficial. The same goes for any alcoholic beverages. Caffeine and alcohol can both worsen mood, by providing a temporary period of happiness that is usually followed by depression. Those with depression should focus on consuming foods that are able to trigger serotonin production, such as foods rich in B vitamins and magnesium. Nuts, green vegetables, and some varieties of fish can be beneficial, since they can actually trigger a good mood without being followed by a state of depression.

St. John’s Wort has been used in various countries for treating mild depression. Although it has not been proven effective in treating severe depression cases, it has been shown to actually increase synaptic levels of biogenic amines, such as nor epinephrine. Various studies have been performed, and have shown that St. John’s Wort has actually been as effective as various prescription medications for depression. When used by patients diagnosed with mild depression, it can relieve many of the symptoms, included but not limited to extreme mood changes, loss of appetite, insomnia, and negative feelings. Exercise is possibly the most beneficial natural remedies for depression, because it can lessen some of the symptoms of depression while keeping the body healthy. Exercise has been shown to improve overall mood, increase energy, and reduce the effects of insomnia in depressed people. Exercise has been effective in treating mild to moderate depression, but may take longer than prescription medications to show results.

Seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression that only occurs during certain parts of the year, has been shown to be effectively treated by extended exposure to bright artificial and natural sunlight. It is used as an alternative to prescription depression medications, and works by regulating the body clock. Exposure to artificial and natural sunlight can actually trigger chemical changes in the brain, such as serotonin and melatonin production which can improve sleeping patterns.

Depression is a serious medical condition, but mild cases can easily be improved with the help of natural depression remedies. Prescription medication have possible serious side effects, but using natural methods can improve the medical condition without any similar problems. Changing regular activities such as diet, exercise, and even church going can help to improve depression periods decreasing your depressed mood and other emotional problemsand sex problemsand eating pattern changes - you might eat more or less than usual, making those diagnosed with depression able to live a normal, happy life.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Effective Remedies For Warts

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Worried about irritating warts? There are a lot of ways on how to remove these irritating attachments from your skin. There are remedies that can be of big help and it’s not even close with the idea of removing it through surgical treatments, scraping it off with a knife or even applying acidic compounds just to rid of it. Causes of these are because of infection made by viruses that can produce small mass in different parts of your skin and even under the soles of your feet.

Here are simple remedies on how to remove annoying skin infections.

Remedy # 1
If you have a wart, no matter where it is located, soak it in warm water about 15 to 25 minutes and towel dry. Soaking effects using warm water is used in order to moisten and make the wart tender so that the next steps will be more effective than the hardened wart. When the soaked wart has been all dried up, apply vinegar preferably apple cider using a cotton ball on the wart then leave it for about 15 minutes. Wash off the vinegar applied with clean water then dry it.

Remedy # 2
Get an aspirin then dissolve it with small drops of water then apply the solution on the wart. After applying the aspirin solution, cover the area with band-aid. You can do this procedure at least twice a day most likely upon waking up and before going to bed.

Remedy # 3
Using baking soda that is dissolve in water, rub the mixed solution to the wart at least three to four times every day. You can also use gauze that is soaked with the mixture of castor oil and baking soda then apply it on the wart. For it to be secured from dirt and dust or any foreign body that may be the cause of infectivity, put a band-aid on the area then leave it for the night.

Remedy # 4
In order to get rid of ugly plantar warts, you can do it naturally by applying the pulp of a ripe or even a raw banana peel on the wart then, to avoid being in contact with any untoward foreign substance, cover it with a clean cloth or band-aid. Remove the application only when you are going to take a bath. Do the procedure daily for a couple of months and observe how far it has changed.

Remedy # 5
For warts that are years old, the best suggestion is by applying chewed cashew on the wart. Do this for a couple of days. You’ll notice that the wart is disappearing for about three to four weeks.

Remedy # 6
A dandelion stem can also be helpful in getting rid of warts. Rub the stem on the wart for two to three times everyday until the wart is completely gone which is for about three to four weeks.

Remedy # 7
Crushed garlic is also an effective remedy that can be rubbed on the wart three times a day until complete disappearance of the wart, still for about three weeks to one month. Mashing a garlic glove so that it becomes moist and pulpy can also be put on the area. You will notice that the wart starts to gradually vanish a night after.

These procedures are only few tips on how to effectively do away with the warts.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Asthma Remedies

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Before you decide to use any asthma remedies at home, you need to know more about this serious health condition. Did you know that asthma can cause death? Yes, and that’s very true; this is the reason why asthma requires immediate treatment to prevent the condition from getting worse. If you think you’re at risk of developing the disease, read on.

Asthma attacks occur when there is inflammation of the air passage or bronchial tubes. Asthma is considered as a chronic health condition but even if you have it, you can effectively manage and control it with the help of your doctor. Since the airways are affected, you will experience difficult in breathing. The attacks can be mild or severe but one thing’s for sure, the condition can be deadly when left untreated. In the US, over 20 million people are suffering from asthma.

Asthma is called by different names like reactive airway disease, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and wheezy bronchitis but they all mean one thing. Most of the attacks are triggered by inhaled substances such as animal dander, dust, feather, and pollen. Irritants can also trigger the attacks such as cigarette smoke, odors, gases, and dirt. If you had respiratory infections like bronchitis, sore throats, flu, and colds, you are also at risk. Other factors like emotional stress (excitement and fear), carrying heavy objects, or running (strenuous physical activities), weather conditions (sudden change in temperature or weather) and certain medications (e.g. aspirin) can trigger the attacks as well. Proper management of the disease is required because asthma has no cure. These are the symptoms that you should look out for – chest tightness, breath shortness, wheezing, and cough; if you have these symptoms, visit your doctor immediately. Once you’re exposed to the asthma triggers, the bronchial tubes become swollen and inflamed.

You can’t really tell when the attacks might happen so you need to identify the possible triggers. With the doctor’s help, you can stay away from the triggers. Individuals who are already diagnosed with asthma often exhibit the symptoms several times in a week especially they engaged in strenuous activities. Here’s good news – you can control the attacks by using medications prescribed by the doctor. These are the best remedies that you can use:

1.    Make a mixture out of ½ Tbsp cinnamon powder and 1 Tbsp honey. Take the mixture before sleeping.

2.    If your asthma is still in its early stage, boil ½ c of milk and 10 garlic cloves and drink before bedtime. This is great for asthma patients suffering from severe attacks.

3.    Figs help in draining your phlegm. Wash 3-4 figs and drench them in 1 c of water. You can eat the figs when your stomach is empty or you can also drink the soaked water.

4.    Soak 1 tsp of Fenugeek seeds in 1 c of water overnight; drink this solution at night, preferably before bedtime.

5.    Mince garlic cloves in a hot ginger tea. Give this to the asthma patient 2x a day.

6.    Boil ajwain and breathe-in the steam. Add honey and drink it 2x or 3x a day.

7.    Make a mixture of 1 gm ginger powder, 1 gm black pepper, and 1 tsp of honey molasses.

Use the remedies mentioned above for treating asthma attacks. The ingredients needed are mostly found in your kitchen so you won’t have any problem in preparing them.

Some Home Remedies For Yeast Infection

You will never know what can be very useful in your kitchen. Just a little flick of your hand, your basic ingredients and seasonings may become an effective medical kit which can remedy injuries like simple cuts and get rid of infections like yeast infections. The microorganisms Candida albicans, causes yeast infections. But don’t be surprised to know that home remedies for yeast infection can be very effective in getting rid of theose microorganisms.

Candida is a kind of microorganism that is always present in our body. When its environment, including our body, changes the growth of the fungi suddenly increases which causes the infections. This change in the environment may vary from acid and alkaline imbalance to poor nutrition. Some triggers also include an increase intake of sugar, changes in the body’s hormones, antibiotics, and even birth control pills. Any one of these or combination of these factors can trigger the proliferation of the fungi resulting to infections bringing with it the problems of itching, burning, irritation, and the presence of white or yellowish discharge.

Although a number of products are commercially available to help soothe the discomfort brought by yeast infection, you might find these products a little expensive or buying them would be quite inconvenient or you need the remedy this instant. Also, there might be a chance that the fungi develop a resistance to commercially available medicines.

Some of the remedies that have been recommended include the use of borax especially if the yeast infection causes discharge that looks like egg white; calcarea carbonica to help with the itching and burning sensations felt before and after menstruation; kali bichromicum to remedy a very uncomfortable discharge with itching and burning; natrum muriaticum; pulsatilla; sepia; and sulphur.

You can fight microorganisms with other microorganisms. We’re talking about the use of probiotics which are friendly microbial organisms that occur naturally in the digestive tract and vagina. The growth of probiotic microorganism suppresses the growth of the Candida which cases the infections. It’s a battle of microorganisms.

There’s a big chance that these remedies are not readily available in your homes. There are natural and more home made remedies that are available to you.

Garlic has been found to be effective by some people when it comes to treating yeast infections. What you can do is get a couple of garlic cloves and smash and convert it into paste. You then apply that garlic paste around the vagina area. The antibacterial properties of garlic can help in getting rid of those pesky fungi. The only setback would be the smell.

A not so smelly alternative would be the use of honey. However, the smell may not be as strong as garlic but the stickiness of honey would be quite uncomfortable. Nevertheless, according to testimonials applying honey on the affected regions helps alleviate the various symptoms of the infection. You apply honey and leave it for about 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Another good antibacterial and antifungal remedy would be vinegar. Vinegar mixed in warm water is said to be quite effective. You need to soak the area for at least 20 minutes though to see and feel some effects. Cider vinegar is said to be more effective.

These are but a few of the home remedies for yeast infection. There might be a couple of others that you might heard of but before you decide to use them, it would be best to ask around or read more about them to make sure that you won’t be doing more harm than good.

Home Remedies Of Green Tea

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For more than millions of years, sciences have been finding effective ways of preventing and treating every kind of disease. Diseases that are categorized under those that can be cured only through Divine Intervention. There have been so many discoveries on how to treat a particular ailment and many alternatives have already been developed. It comes from eliminating heartburn by using brown sugar through the intake of corn syrup for controlling nausea and other remedies. But nothing can beat green tea as one of the most effective home medicine.

Green tea is not just your typical beverage. It’s more than a liquid being coordinated with every meal. With these trying times, it had become an integration to remedies of body illness'. For most people who consume green tea, they believe that it is a kind of miracle drink. It benefits almost all of the body’s functions. From teeth to skin care, green tea has already been a kind of general measure for preventing certain diseases.

To prove that green tea has become an essential part of a person’s health, below are just some of the many benefits of tea when it comes to health.

Oral Indication

Green tea is said to have certain compounds that can kill bacteria in a person’s mouth, thus eliminating high chances of cavity accumulation. Cavities can be good source for halitosis or bad breath to form. Before that happens, drink green tea. With just a few green tea gargles, you can protect your teeth from having tooth decay. Of course you have to lessen or eventually get rid of sweets to totally protect your teeth from destruction.

Green tea has the properties of fluoride which can strengthen gums and teeth and aiding in the prevention of decay formation. Commercialized green tea mouthwashes are being sold that comes in different tingling and intriguing flavors.

Skin Indication

Regarding skin diseases, green tea is said to have exhibited positive outcomes in treatment and further care of skin. Two of the most irritating skin diseases are being discussed – eczema and acne. If you have acne, you can use it as an astringent that can be combined to other elements to produce concoction and is applied to the skin with a cotton ball. It is an alternative to expensive astringents and toners. Should you choose to drink it instead, the effect will still be the same but you risk yourself in taking the caffeine too. Mixing green tea with other ingredients like olive oil can help treat eczema.

Medicinal Indication

There have been a lot of intriguing knowledge about the medicinal contribution of green tea to the body. It is said that daily intake of green tea can provide further prevention for easy-accumulated diseases and infections. Because of the free radicals that are circulating around a person’s body, it has become more prone to disease but not until the discovery of antioxidants which helps in flushing out free radicals inside the human body. Free radicals can cause terrible cell damage which can affect the body negatively.

With these benefits mentioned, no wonder a lot of households trust the wonderful effects of green tea. It has proven a lot of medical result that are exceptionally elaborate and more so, being effective in almost all aspects of health and fitness.

Basil - The King Of Herbs

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One of the most popular herbs is Ocimum basilicum commonly called sweet basil. Often called the ‘king of herbs,’ basil can be grown indoors or out. Sweet basil has inch-long, oval-pointed, dark green leaves and a clove-pepperish odour and taste. Sweet basil makes a handsome, bushy small plant, growing to a foot or more indoors. A purple-leafed variety, ‘Dark Opal’ is decorative, makes a lovely houseplant, and is equally useful in cookery. Do not let basil bloom, or it will go to seed. Instead, pinch out the plant tops and they will grow into compact little bushes.

Basil is an annual and grows 12 – 24 inches (30 – 60 cm) as the height varies according to the variety. Cultivation requirements for growing basil: full sun; light, well-drained, nutrient rich, slightly acidic soil; frequent watering (don’t waterlog); will not tolerate cold; pinch off flower stalks for a longer season of leaf production.

Basil can be easily started from seed or can be brought indoors at the end of the growing season. If you are bringing basil indoors, choose the most robust plants. Before the first frost, dig them out of the garden and pot them up in fresh potting soil. Basil can also be grown in pots outdoors and treated the same way when bringing them in for winter. Check for insects and if there is an infestation, spray with a soap and water spray. Gradually reverse the hardening off process by keeping the pots out of direct sunlight for about a week. The plants will become acclimatised to the lower light conditions they will experience indoors. Bring them inside and provide the conditions they need to continue growing.

Basil requires at least five hours of sunlight a day to stay healthy and flavourful. If you are growing basil on the windowsill, turn regularly to ensure every side receives light. Don’t let basil leaves touch the cold glass. Basil grows even better under fluorescent lights in the winter. Hang the lights 6 inches (15 cm) from plants and leave lights on for 14 hours a day.

There are many cultivars of basil. Two that are particularly popular are: O. basilicum ‘Dark Opal’- only herb to win the All American Award of Excellence – can be used the same as sweet basil; O. basilicum ‘Citriodorum’- strong lemon scent – nice for tea and with chicken and fish.

In the garden, basil can be planted with tomatoes as it helps to overcome both insects and disease. Basil also repels flies and mosquitoes. In the kitchen, use basil in tomato dishes (both raw and cooked), pesto, sauces, salad dressings, soups, fish dishes, mushroom dishes, egg and rice dishes, mixed with other herbs, omelettes, pasta dishes, vegetables such as carrots, eggplant, cabbage, squash, and zucchini. Use fresh leaves in salads and add fresh leaves to vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Basil can be used fresh, frozen, or dried. Use basil with discretion, as it is one of the few herbs that increase in flavour when heated.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

The Truth About Herbs

Have you taken echinacea to stay health through the winter, ginseng for more energy or valerian to ensure restful sleep? If so, you're not alone.

Have you taken echinacea to stay healthy through the winter, ginseng for more energy or valerian to ensure restful sleep? If so, you're not alone. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, more than 38 million Americans take herbal supplements. With more Americans using herbs to improve their health, it's important to know how to choose and use them safely.

"Herbs may play an important role in overall health and well-being, but many people are still learning what works and what should stay on the shelf," said registered dietitian Lynn Laboranti, M.S. "Consumers should do their homework and talk to their doctor about what herbs are right for them."

What do you know about herbs? To test your herbal IQ, Laboranti poses the following questions:

Q: Can echinacea boost immunity?

A: Several scientific studies have shown echinacea to be an effective, natural way to boost immunity. When taken at the first sign of not feeling well, echinacea helps stimulate the body's natural defense system. Echinacea should not be taken for more than eight weeks at a time.

Q: What does St. John's wort do?

A: Clinical and laboratory research has earned St. John's wort a growing reputation as an herb that helps enhance mood. It has few side effects, but may cause light sensitivity and decrease the effectiveness of some prescription medications. It's important to talk to a health care professional before using St. John's wort or other herbal supplements if you take prescription drugs.

Q: Does soy relieve menopause symptoms?

A: Soy contains naturally occurring isoflavones, which have been shown to help relieve menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats. Soy foods and soy isoflavones also help support hormonal balance in women during the menopausal years. Experts recommend 30 to 65 mg of soy isoflavones (5-8 ounces of soy milk or 1 to 2 soy tablets) daily to receive a full benefit.

If you choose to take herbs in tablet form, Laboranti recommends reading a product's label for additional safety and dosage information. Nature's Resource herbal supplements, found at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, feature an extended, multipage safety label on the bottle. The booklet, called "Herbal ABCs," contains extensive information on the specific supplement, drug/herb interactions, contraindications, adverse effects, allergy warnings and special safety instructions.

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