Natural Remedies

We’ve been told for years that taking a multivitamin every day is essential for good health.  They are touted for giving you energy, lowering blood pressure, fighting cancer, and living a longer, healthier and happier life.  It seems there are vitamins for every age, sex, body type, health level, and lifestyle.  But now many scientists are saying that vitamins may not only be unnecessary, they may even be dangerous.

One of the biggest issues with multivitamins and other supplements is that there’s no federal regulation for their ingredients.  The FDA is responsible for regulating what goes into everything you eat and every medicine you take.  They take precautions to try to protect you and keep you safe.  But, there are no agencies responsible for regulating what goes into the supplements you take.  No one is responsible for double checking the purity or safety of the ingredients.  Many supplements and vitamins can be dangerous if they are made improperly or with impure ingredients.

The FDA also requires drug companies to report the side effects of their medication.  With multivitamins and supplements, there’s no such requirement.  This means you’ll have to research everything in the pill that you aren’t sure is safe.  Plus, researching side effects of multivitamins and herbal medications on the internet, where most people do their searching, may or may not give you accurate information.

There are organizations out there that will verify and give supplements “stamps of approval”, but these are all voluntary.  Also, with the many organizations that will do this, you have to know what approvals to trust.  Just because it has a “guaranteed pure” or certification seal on it does not mean it’s safe for you and your family.

When you buy a pack of multivitamins, turn it around and look at the back.  Many multivitamins have not only the vitamins you need, but a lot of extra you don’t.  While 600% of your recommended daily value may seem to be better than 100%, that extra really doesn’t do much good.  In fact, it may even be hurting you. 

Even drinking too much water can be hazardous to your health; think of what too much of a vitamin or mineral might do.  Most of the extra is simply eliminated from the body in your urine.  That’s not just wasting your money, it’s making extra work for your kidneys and other parts of your body.  Even if you take a multivitamin that only has 100% of the nutrients you need (which are often hard to find), your overall vitamin intake for the day, including the vitamins in the food you eat, may exceed 100%.

So, if you’re not taking a multivitamin, how can you get enough of the nutrients you need?  From your food, of course.  The best way to get what you need is the natural way.  Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and omega 3 fatty acids (the best way to get these is from fish) will provide pretty much all the nutrition you need to live a healthy life.  In fact, nutrients from food are better absorbed into the body and do you more good. 

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Summer is a favorite season for many an outdoor enthusiast.  The weather is warm and sunny, and there are lots of fun activities we can participate in.  But while we’re out enjoying the beautiful sun, it is important to protect ourselves from sunburn.

Sunburn can be very painful and unpleasant, and it can cause us to age prematurely.  But it can also be dangerous.  Sunburn can lead to skin cancer, so avoiding it can not only allow us to have a more fun and active summer, it can also save us from serious health problems later in life.

Preventing Sunburn

The best way to prevent sunburn naturally is to either stay in the shade or wear protective clothing.  Long-sleeved cotton shirts in light colors will protect the arms without being too hot.  A wide-brimmed hat can provide protection for the face and neck.  If you’re going to be in one spot for a long period of time, a large umbrella or awning can provide protection without the need for extra clothing.

Sunscreen is the most effective sun protection option for those who do not want to stay in the shade or wear protective clothing.  SPF 15 or higher is sufficient for most people.  For babies over 6 months of age and young children, however, SPF 30 may provide more protection.

If you’re going to be swimming or doing something to work up a sweat, waterproof sunscreen is crucial.  Products that are not marked as waterproof will rinse or sweat off, leaving you unprotected.  It is also advisable to reapply sunscreen every 8 hours, even if you remain dry.

Treating Sunburn

There are lots of products on the market for treating sunburn.  Hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion are two popular commercial remedies.  But there are several all-natural remedies that also work very well.

Aloe vera is a popular natural sunburn remedy.  You can buy aloe vera gels and creams at most drugstores and discount stores.  Or you can get an aloe plant, and break off the leaves and squeeze out the juice when you need it.

Witch hazel is also great for sunburn.  You can gently rub it on the skin as needed, or you can add it to bath water and soak to soothe the sunburn if it covers a large portion of the body.  You can also do this with vinegar, but you will need to dilute it well.

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is the best way to keep it from putting a damper on your summer fun.  If you do get mild sunburn, a good remedy can reduce the pain and help you get back to your favorite activities sooner.  However, for extreme sunburns, particularly those that blister, it is best to see a doctor.

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Stay Healthy:  Boost Your Body’s Immune System

Have you ever heard the expression “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?”  It makes sense.  The best way to keep our bodies healthy is not to get sick in the first place.  Keeping our immune systems running smoothly is our best defense against disease.

It’s a common misconception that we have no control over our immune systems.  Eating the right foods and taking care of our bodies allows us to fight off infection more quickly and efficiently.  Here are some of the ways we can boost our immunity:

* Include lots of antioxidants in your diet.  These include vitamins A, C and E.  Foods rich in antioxidants include cherries, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and tea.  You might also want to take a daily antioxidant supplement, because it is difficult to get in as many antioxidants as are recommended through diet alone.

* Cut back on sugar.  Sugar bogs down our white blood cells, preventing our immune systems from functioning properly.  Omitting it from our diets as much as possible can work wonders for our health.

* Eliminate trans fats.  These are also detrimental to our bodies and cause free radical damage.

* Exercise regularly.  Getting our blood flowing allows our white blood cells to circulate throughout the body, and that means that they can reach and kill germs more quickly.  Try to work out moderately at least three or four times a week.

* Keep your body cleansed.  Drinking water helps to keep our systems functioning optimally, unlike sugary sodas and other beverages that add unnecessary calories.  There are also colon cleansing products that we can use to remove toxins from our bodies periodically. 

* Take vitamins, minerals and herbs that are good for the immune system.  Zinc does a good job of assisting our immune systems when we are sick, and including it in our diets or taking it in a supplement regularly will help keep us from getting sick in the first place.  Herbs that are good for the immune system include garlic, astragalus, and elderberry.

* Make sure you’re getting enough rest.  Our bodies produce growth hormones that boost our immunity while we sleep.  If we fail to get enough sleep, we don’t produce these in the amounts that we need.  So be sure to get plenty of rest each and every night.

Your immune system is an amazing thing.  When you take good care of it, it takes good care of you.  With a healthy diet, adequate rest, and frequent exercise, we can ensure that our immune systems are operating as they should.  Then we can spend less time fighting off illness and more time enjoying life.

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What Are Probiotics?

Some view bacteria is a negative thing.  It brings to mind thoughts of infections and food poisoning.  It may be hard to fathom that bacteria can often be a very good thing. In fact none of us would be alive without bacteria!

In reality, there are numerous types of bacteria that are beneficial to humans.  Trillions of bacteria live in the average human body, not because we are in bad health, but because they belong there.  They aid in a variety of biological functions.  They help us digest food, fight off harmful bacteria, and keep our immune systems working properly.

Probiotics are live bacteria that are included in food and supplements.  These so-called “friendly bacteria” are used in a variety of applications in alternative medicine.  But the mainstream medical community has also begun to recognize the benefits of probiotics, and they have garnered a great deal of attention from food companies and the media.

What Can Probiotics Be Used For?

Probiotics have been studied for use in a number of ways.  One of the areas where they have been found to be of the most assistance is in the digestive tract.  Doctors have used them to treat diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and intestinal infections.  But according to many experts, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Studies have also shown promise in treating and preventing urinary and genital tract infections in women with probiotics, and in managing eczema in children.  It is also believed that probiotics may have the potential to boost the immune system.  And studies have been conducted regarding the potential to reduce the recurrence of bladder cancer with probiotics.

Are Probiotics Risky?

So far studies have shown probiotics to be very safe, but more studies are needed to discover all potential effects, both good and bad.

In most cases, the biggest side effect reported by those using probiotics is digestive difficulties.  But it is not impossible for probiotics to cause an infection on their own.  They could also adversely affect the immune system if not taken properly.  It is crucial to follow dosing instructions carefully if you take probiotics.

For many years, good bacteria has been known to exist in our bodies.  The benefits of probiotics were discovered many years ago, but they have only recently gained widespread attention and acceptance.  They are have become more accessible in recent years, popping up in a variety of food products from yogurt to baby formula.  Adding probiotics to your diet is easy, and it has the potential to greatly improve your health.

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The Many Ways To Use Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is by far the most popular aromatherapy oil used today. What are the many uses of lavender oil? Let’s take a look.

Skin Oil: When used on the skin, lavender oil has been shown to treat acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Because it has anti-fungal and anti-viral components, this oil may also be used for inflammatory conditions, burns, wounds, rashes and sunburn. It is also said to prevent aging of the skin.

Hair Oil: Instead of using brand name conditioners, use lavender oil in a carrier oil as an alternative. Use a small amount on the ends of your hair then rinse.

Reduce Stress: When used as bath oil, lavender can reduce stress and anxiety. It has also been known to act as an antidepressant.

Massage: Utilized as a massage oil, lavender has been proven to be effective in reducing muscle pain, arthritis, rheumatism, and swelling. It is also said to strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, aid in improving digestion, and relieve nausea.

Mind and Body: Because lavender is a de-stressor, it enables the mind and body to reach a balance within that is evidenced by one’s energy levels. For those who suffer from anxiety and depression, it may act as a catalyst to relieve the symptoms associated with these conditions such as panic attacks and insomnia.

Candle: Lavender can also be used to permeate a room in your home with its lovely scent.

Headaches: Studies have shown that a few drops of lavender oil applied to the temples provides effective relief.

Insect Bites: Lavender oil has been shown to heal insect bites.

As we go about our daily lives and try to juggle many tasks at once, it’s important to take time out to “smell the lavender”. While there are 24 hours in a day, there are far too many moments missed in which we can truly relax. Although lavender oil has many medicinal uses, it can simply be enjoyed for its essential component at least once a day.

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Ten Tips To Keep In Mind When Using Essential Oils

Aromatherapy has become very popular. With that, there are ten safety tips which should be followed when using essential oils or when making your own home blend.

1. Always use carrier oil to dilute the essential oil. Here is a general formula: 2% dilution for normal use by adults; 1% dilution for seniors and individuals with sensitive skin. Carrier oils to be used are: olive oil, emu oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, aloe vera, chamomile oil, and ylang ylang oil.

2. For skin applications, first determine if you are allergic to the oil by applying a drop of the oil on the skin. If, after a day, no rash occurs, you can safely assume you are not allergic to the oil. However, ascertaining what type of skin you have, i.e., dry, oily or normal can be a beneficial first step.

3. If you use Bergamot oil, note that it has a photosensitizing component and should not be used when exposed to the sun.

4. Pregnant women should avoid essential oils, especially in the first trimester. Some oils may cause uterine contractions; others may be irritating to a pregnant mom’s sensitive skin.

5. Due to the fact that most essential oils are highly concentrated, the rule of thumb is: less is more.

6. Essential oils are generally not for consumption. Although some, such as peppermint and bergamot, can be used in very tiny doses for certain ailments. Reference a good guide to essential oils to check on this.

7. Keep essential oils where children cannot access them.

8. Avoid synthetic essential oils as they can cause allergic reactions.

9. Read labels on essential oils to ascertain if they are natural and not processed.

10. Some essential oils can be toxic. Research any oil you intend to use before application.

You can also check the International Fragrance Association’s online database to determine what oils are safe to use. Store the essential oils in a cool dry area. If you are using drops of an essential oil in combination with candles, add a drop or two away from the wick as essential oils are combustible.

For anyone with a medical condition, it is always a safe bet to consult your doctor before using any type of essential oil. In addition, if you develop any symptoms while mixing essential oils, you may be using too much. It is also recommended that when mixing or blending essential oils, you do so in a well ventilated area or outdoors.

If you are taking any medication, consult your doctor. This is especially true if you are taking any type of sedatives to induce sleep. There are essential oils that contain sedative components.

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If Using Aromatherapy Oils on the Skin – Don’t Forget the Carrier Oil

Most essential oils, especially aromatherapy oils, are highly concentrated. If using aromatherapy oils on your skin, don’t forget the carrier oil. What is a carrier oil? It is an oil which dilutes the essential oil but at the same time carries its basic essence.

Before determining what type of aromatherapy oil you are going to use on your skin, it is important to ascertain your skin type. In other words, does your skin tend to be normal, oily, or dry. For normal skin, for example, you can utilize rose oil since it is very good for the skin, as is lavender oil. However, you have to dilute these highly concentrated oils with a carrier oil.

What are the carrier oils used to dilute aromatherapy oils on the skin? Examples include emu oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, aloe vera, chamomile oil, and ylang ylang oil. For example, if you wished to dilute lavender oil, you could use carrier oils such as chamomile and ylang ylang. It would be necessary to ascertain the ratio of each of these oils to make an effective aromatherapy concoction. Depending upon who is using the oils, a 2% dilution is recommended for general use and 1% for seniors or those who have sensitive skin.

Of course, your main goal is to choose the appropriate aromatherapy oil that is both safe and gentle to the skin. The aforementioned oils are among the most popular oils utilized for normal to dry skin.

What if you have a skin condition such as acne? Certainly you can use lavender and tea tree oil, which have been proven to clear this type of skin condition. Conversely, for older adults who prefer using aromatherapy oils – there are essential oils which may be used to rejuvenate skin cells and decrease the aging of the skin. These oils would include lavender, rose, and rosemary.

Most aromatherapy oils have been proven to play an important role in regenerating skin cells, moisturize the skin, and help to heal skin conditions such as acne or eczema. They may also prevent inflammatory conditions, and a myriad of other skin problems caused by environmental toxins.

While the use of aromatherapy oils on the skin along with the carrier oils to dilute the essential oil is important, the bottom line is that an exercise and diet program that contributes to good health is also essential in ensuring the skin is properly nourished.

One final note: Stress can cause a variety of health problems including skin conditions. The use of aromatherapy oil may not only help treat the stress, but can improve the skin as well.

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How Massage Oils Aid in Relaxation

The fact that massage oils aid in relaxation can be attested by a majority of individuals who have been to a health spa. In addition, if you’ve ever gone to a nail salon, one of the services they provide is a free ten-minute back and neck massage. It’s wonderful, isn’t it?

But the one massage that totally relaxes you is the hand massage given during the manicure process. The professional puts lotion on your hands and targets specific points that literally relieve all tension, right? That’s because he or she has been trained in reflexology, a method whereby applying pressure to specific reflex points in your hands can restore the energy in your body and provide a perfect balance within.

Taking it a step further, the use of massage oils can increase the relaxation process tenfold. Let’s face it; we are all under pressure either from work or at home. Stress builds up and we become tired, lethargic, and unable to deal with the everyday problems we normally face. Using massage oils has been known to release tension. At the same time, it strengthens the immune system, relaxes muscles, and improves circulation. This in turn is thought to reinforce the Qi (pronounced kee) or energy levels in our bodies.

Massage therapy or aromatherapy has been used since the days of Cleopatra, and there is no denying that it promotes health, healing, and a sense of immeasurable calm. We also know that specific oils may regenerate skin cells, can be used as exfoliants, and - on a practical note – may clear up those dry areas of the body that are often affected during winter months.

Using massage oils as a catalyst for relaxation also creates a feeling of wellbeing. As an example, the scent of specific massage oils may trigger a memory or recollection from the past. Have you ever passed by an ice cream store and the aroma of the cone brought back a pleasant memory from your childhood? Well, massage oils have the same affect.

Massage oils seem to induce feelings of warmth, familiarity, and soothing comfort. Depending upon what type of fragrant oil you prefer, each one has its own specific characteristic that can not only relax, but also improve your mood, dissipate stress, put you to sleep, or energize you.

From the time of Cleopatra, who used to bathe in milk and rose petals, there is no doubt that massage oils have been proven to act as aides in relaxation, contribute to overall wellbeing, and alleviate pain and discomfort.

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