Manuka Honey for Leg Ulcers

Ancient Egyptians used honey with wine and milk as a base for medicinal herbs; Aristotle (c.350 B.C.E.) described its use in medicine as did the Greek physician Dioscorides (c. 50 C.E.) and it is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. Honey is being used again for many wound types, including leg ulcers. Manuka honey is a high quality honey made in New Zealand by bees which gather nectar only from the flowers of the manuka bush.

The Molan Gold Standard

Medicinal properties of honey can be measured by the Molan Gold Standard.

In a study on the medicinal properties of honey, Frans Theunissen states that the first research which demonstrated the antimicrobial action of honey was undertaken in 1892 by the Dutch scientist Van Ketel.

The world's leading researcher into the medicinal properties of honey is Peter Molan of the University of Waikato. He states that most honey has medicinal properties to some degree and devised the Molan Gold Standard (MGS), which measures the level of therapeutic agents in honey for medical use.

Honey Takes Water From Bacteria

Honey attracts water to itself.

Like all sugars, honey is hygroscopic. That is, it attracts water to itself.

Bacteria need water to survive, and it was initially assumed that the deprivation of water was the major antibacterial effect.

Writing in World Wide Wounds, Molan states that honey retains its microbial activity even after it has been diluted to a level at which it is no longer able to attract water to itself. In fact, it becomes more effective.

Honey Produces Hydrogen Peroxide

Honey does not cause inflammation.

When diluted, honey produces hydrogen peroxide.

As a 3 percent solution, hydrogen peroxide was formerly used as a wound cleanser but lost favor because it damages tissue and causes inflammation.

The hydrogen peroxide produced by honey is around 1,000 times less strong than the 3 percent solution but is equally effective. It reduces inflammation and does not damage tissue cells

Expert Insight

Applying honey to a wound creates benefits greater than the hygroscopic and antibacterial effects.

The lymphocytes (white blood cells) which fight infections are stimulated by honey.

B lymphocytes make antibodies which fight the toxins produced by bacteria. T lymphocytes attack body cells which have been invaded by viruses or cancer. These both increase rapidly at honey concentrations as low as 0.1 percent, and phagocytes, which ingest bacteria, are stimulated in concentrations as low as 1 percent.

Honey Helps Heal Wounds

Manuka honey is used to treat leg ulcers.

Honey varies in its medical effectiveness depending upon where it is from and how it is processed.

In 2001, Molan undertook research on two types of New Zealand honey, one of which was a mulitifloral honey known to have actions due to hydrogen peroxide. The other was manuka honey which has phytochemical actions, i.e. plant chemicals which can protect against or prevent disease.

Molan found both honeys to be equally effective but warns that not all honey is appropriate for medical use.

The University of Waikato where he works is providing the new international standard, the Molan Gold Scale, to marketers of manuka honey to help consumers recognize that it is of medical grade and suitable for the treatment of wounds such as leg ulcers.

Rife Treatment for Lyme Disease

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada's website, Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria borrelia burgdorferi. It is passed to humans by ticks. Symptoms are flulike with severe joint and muscle aches. In advanced cases the standard course of antibiotics does not always work, leading many Lyme sufferers to turn to alternative therapies. According to the website Electroherbalism, Rife treatment uses specific radio frequencies to destroy infectious microbes, including Lyme bacteria.

History

Royal Rife, from whom the Rife treatment takes its name, was a scientist who worked in electronics, biochemistry and aviation throughout the early 20th century. According to Electroherbalism's online biography, his work identifying viruses that cause cancer led him to develop a method of destroying them. Rife thought that if he could direct an audio vibration at the microbes, he could shatter them, much like a musical note shatters a wine glass. Rife claimed he achieved a 100 percent recovery rate using his device on cancer patients. In 1939, authorities confiscated Rife's research and effectively ended his career.

Bare-Rife Devices

The modern form of Rife's machine was developed by chiropractor James E. Bare. Bare's version of Rife's machine, also known as the Bare-Rife device, channels a radio frequency through a tube containing argon, neon or helium gas. According to Bare's online article "A Brief Introduction to Resonant Frequency Therapy," sitting near the plasma tube when radio waves are activating the gas exposes the individual to its beneficial microbe-destroying effects.

Theories/Speculation

According to proponents of Rife treatment, the Rife-Bare device may leave microbe cell walls more open, allowing the immune system to destroy them. Some individual users speculate that the machine works by stimulating immune function. Specific frequencies channeled through the plasma tube target specific types of infection. Although Lyme disease emerged in North America after Royal Rife's time, according the website Rife Laboratory Reports, he did work with the bacteria that causes syphilis, a microbe with a structure similar to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Controversy

The National Council Against Health Fraud includes Rife devices in its list of fraudulent medical cures, although they also decry the effectiveness of medically accepted practices such as acupuncture and herbalism. In a 2000 article in the "Sydney Morning Herald," journalist Ben Hills dismissed Bare-Rife machines as a fake cancer cure that caused several deaths in Australia. Like many alternative therapies, the Rife device's effects are unsubstantiated by clinical trials.

Considerations

According to e-HealthMD's website, the standard treatment for Lyme disease is a course of antibiotics as soon as possible after diagnosis. In areas where Lyme disease is endemic, your doctor might prescribe a course of antibiotics as a preventative measure should you be bitten by a tick. The Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation website suggests that many people with chronic Lyme disease recover after a second course of antibiotics.

Equine Therapy for Addiction

Recovering from addiction can be a long and difficult process. For years, addiction recovery involved basic 12-step meetings and addiction counseling, but today there are many new methods of addiction treatment. One of these methods, known as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, is a form of addiction therapy that focuses on creating meaningful relationships between recovering addicts and horses.

History

Equine therapy originated as a therapy for physically disabled individuals. It was designed to improve balance, muscle strength and flexibility. Equine therapy expanded to help those with mental or emotional disabilities increase their patience and self-esteem. The Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association was formed to promote equine therapy and educate clinical professionals on its practices. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy has recently become part of many addiction recovery programs.

Who Can Benefit From Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy can benefit a wide range of individuals who suffer from addictions. Those addicted to heroin, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, prescription drugs and alcohol can all be helped. The most important qualification is a willingness to change and learn from the experience.

How Equine Therapy Works

Recovering addicts generally work with a licensed psychologist and an equine therapist. Individuals participate in a variety of activities with horses that are designed to teach them about themselves, focusing on learning to identify and handle their emotions in positive ways. In one method designed to teach participants about the power of body language and tenacity, the participant is given a halter and told to enter a corral and catch a horse. Depending on the participant's body language, method and approach, the horse may respond positively or negatively. Other activities are designed to teach the participant to notice how to approach horses with respect in order to gain trust--a skill that recovering addicts can apply to their own lives.

Benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine therapy helps recovering addicts become more aware of how their emotions affect others. It can also help participants reconnect with a wide range of emotions such as joy, fear and sadness that they may have ignored or avoided during their struggle with addictions. Significant improvement can be seen in participants' abilities to access their emotions, trust others, rise to challenges and ask for help in overcoming difficulties during recovery. Horses are ideal animals for therapy because they exhibit the full range of human emotions. As they respond to the way individuals treat them, individuals learn about how changing their actions can affect the quality of their lives. Equine therapy not only replaces drug use with a positive and meaningful activity, but it can also help addicts to take their minds off of the difficulties of recovery.

Expert Insight

Lynn Moore, an addiction counselor certified in equine-assisted therapy says equine therapy is "not about riding horses; rather, it's about interacting with horses on the ground so patients can learn more about themselves. Horses mirror human feelings. They give us immediate feedback through non-verbal cues, so people can take those cues and better understand themselves. It's not about horsemanship, it's about overcoming fears and frustrations--just by working with a horse."

What is the Role of Jojoba Oil in Oral Healing?

It's time to clean out the medicine cabinet and throw out some of those chemical-laden potions. Natural oils such as jojoba oil are effective cures for common ailments. Not only are natural oils safe but much more versatile than the standard drugstore treatments. Many people are familiar with jojoba oil's benefits for their skin and hair, but few realize it is an excellent treatment for canker and cold sores.

Where Does Jojoba Oil Come From?

The jojoba shrub is a perennial found in southern Arizona, southern California and northern Mexico. A pod containing three seeds grows on the shrub. The seeds are 48 percent to 50 percent oil. Native Americans and Mexicans have used the oil for centuries.

What is a Canker Sore?

A canker sore is a single-clustered, shallow, painful ulcer found anywhere in the mouth. A canker sore starts as a reddened lesion which turns white or gray at the center surrounded by a reddish halo. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," it usually clears up after seven to 21 days but is recurrent in some people. Stress, nutrient deficiency (thiamine deficiency in particular) and gluten sensitivity are all known causes of canker sores. These factors bring about canker sores because all impair normal immune function. It is, however, possible to develop a canker by merely injuring the mucous lining in the mouth.

What is a Cold Sore?

Cold sores or fever blisters are small, painful blisters that appear on the lips, nose and mouth. Herpes simplex virus 1 is the cause of these unpleasant sores. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people become infected when exposed to the virus, but only 10 percent develop sores. After contact with an infected person, the sores last seven to 10 days.

How Does Jojoba Oil Aid in Healing?

Jojoba oil resembles the sebum found in skin, and so it does not cause any allergic reaction. It possesses microbial properties which discourage the growth of bacteria and fungal microbes. Its bacteria-fighting power comes from the oil's iodine content. The oil also contains nutrients such as vitamin E, B complex vitamins, and minerals such as silicon, chromium, copper and zinc.

Since the cause of cold sores is viral and canker sores stem from poor immune function, jojoba oil only aids in the natural healing process of the sores. In the case of mouth sores, the oil is desired for its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce pain and speed healing. It also moisturizes cracked lips from fever blisters.

Jojoba Oil Use on Mouth Sores

Use a cotton swab to apply the jojoba oil to sores. Use 20 drops maximum or 2 tsp. daily until condition clears.

Choosing the Right Jojoba Oil

Most health-food stores carry jojoba oil. Always buy organic jojoba oil that is pesticide and preservative free. Read the label and make sure there is nothing added. Organic jojoba oil can be pricey, but a little goes a long way.

Red Marine Algae for Viral Infections

The Chinese culture has known the nutritional and medicinal benefits of red algae for thousands of years. Red algae is commonly used as a natural immune system booster and is available at most health-food stores. Modern medicine is just now discovering how red algae can be used to treat and prevent many types of illnesses, including several types of viral infections.

History

Since 600 B.C., the Chinese have incorporated marine red algae into their diet for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. The Chinese believe that red algae improves the flow of qi energy in the body resulting in a sense of well being and improved energy levels. Qi (pronounced "chi") is defined as breath or air.

Modern Knowledge

Modern scientists and researchers have known the medicinal benefits of red algae and recently discovered its anti-viral potential. Currently, scientists are aware that with regular intake red algae can boost the immune system against viral infections and treat a multitude of other illnesses such as boils, urinary tract infections, asthma, goiters, and stomach problems.

Scientific Findings

Recent scientific studies on the effects of red algae as an anti-viral are revealing. Clinical studies conducted by the University of British Columbia reports the anti-viral activity of red algae against the herpes simplex virus as positive, meaning it is effective in the treatment of the virus. The American Society for Microbiology states that two species of red algae have inhibited the replication of the herpes simplex virus.

Additionl Antiviral Potential

There are many other viruses harmful to humans that red algae has been successful in fighting in addition to herpes simplex I (cold sores) and II (genital herpes). Red algae is effective against sexually transmitted diseases such as Human Immune Deficiency (HIV) and the Human Papillovirus (HPV) that causes genital warts. Additionally, scientists are discovering how effective red algae is against the viral infection Candida, which is associated with chronic yeast infections in women.

How Red Algae Works

Red algae has been reported to rival the effectiveness of modern synthetic anti-virals such as Acyclovir. The benefits from red algae come from its natural active agent of carrageenans, which are members of the family of sulfated polysaccharides. Polysaccharides stimulate the production of interferons that work as a natural anti-viral agent and improves the activity of T-Cells and B-Cells that destroy virus-infected cells within the body.

Warnings

Red algae can be purchased without a doctor's prescription and can be used as a natural viral preventative and immune system booster. However, homeopathic remedies to treat existing viruses should only be used once you have consulted a doctor and have full knowledge of what type of virus you intend to treat with red algae therapy.

About Microcurrent Facials

Microcurrent facials, also known as microcurrent facelifts or Bio-ultimate facelifts, give people a safe, effective and painless way restore a youthful appearance to their skin, according to Microcurrent Systems. This cosmetic technique, performed by estheticians throughout Europe and by an increasing number in America, involves stimulating the tissues with tiny micro-amps of electric current to support the cells' own natural biological processes, firming and toning the face.

Principles

According to Dr. Peter H. Lathrop, microcurrent therapy applies low-current electricity in a way that mimics the cells' own bioelectric processes to help tissues heal and regenerate themselves. Increased biolelectric activity within the cells makes them more permeable, allowing them to move nutrients and waste products more efficiently. It also replenishes the cells' production of protein and adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, giving them more fuel to perform these vital tasks. These beneficial actions all contribute to the rejuvenation of facial tissues.

Procedure

A cosmetic microcurrent procedure begins with a facial cleansing and the application of a collagen-based solution. The practitioner positions a set of contact wands over various acupressure points around the face. As the contact wands deliver the microcurrent, the practitioner massages the face in patterns that aid the stimulation of muscles and skin cells. Microcurrent facials work particularly well with thinner tissue layers, but most adequately-hydrated skin will respond to the technique.

Power Used

People troubled by the idea of receiving electric current should understand that doctors apply microcurrent at a power level of only one millionth of an amp, no stronger than the body's own naturally-occurring electrical generation, according to Microcurrent Systems. Unlike other electricity-based therapies such as as nerve stimulation treatment, patients do not feel any kind of discomfort or muscular reaction to the microcurrent, experiencing nothing more than a relaxing and gentle massage instead.

Practitioners

The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors and Associations states that only trained trained estheticians, skin care specialists who work in spa or medical environments, should perform microcurrent facials. The Coalition's official position on this treatment also calls on estheticians to employ a level of electric current low enough to avoid any obvious contraction of the facial muscles. Estheticians may study microcurrent techniques as part of their core training or pick up these techniques in their continuing studies.

Considerations

People who undergo microcurrent facials should drink plenty of water before going in for the treatment, because proper hydration makes a major difference in the effectiveness of the therapy. Otherwise, microcurrent facials require little in the way of preparation and nothing at all in the way of recovery time, making it a convenient alternative to a more invasive surgical procedure such as a traditional eyelift or full facelift.

How to Use Coconut Oil to Clear Up an Ear Infection

The most common condition for which children take antibiotics is the ear infection, according to Coconut Oil Central. Many parents, however, prefer to give more natural remedies to their children. Adults also like to try natural remedies whenever they can. Coconut oil is one natural treatment that people use to clear up ear infections.

Symptoms

According to Natural Cures and Remedies, otitis media is the medical term for an ear infection. Otitis means inflammation, and media means middle (referring to the middle ear, where ear infections usually occur). Ear pain is a key symptom of ear infection, as is fever. Other symptoms include irritability, fluid draining from the ear and difficulty sleeping.

Benefits

One of the main reasons why many people prefer to use coconut oil as opposed to other treatments is safety. Using coconut oil in the ear has relatively few side-effects or risks, whereas other approaches, such as medications, involve numerous side-effects. In addition, many are concerned about the overuse of antibiotics. "Coconut oil kills a long list of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and protozoa," according to Coconut Oil Central, because it contains high levels of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs).

Procedure

Using coconut oil for an ear infection is relatively easy. If possible, it is best that someone other than the person with the ear infection administer the coconut oil drops, because it can be difficult to place the drops correctly into one's own ears. Coconut oil is solid, so melt it slightly until it becomes liquid. Place the oil into an eye dropper. Have the person with the infected ear lie down, and carefully place several drops of the liquid oil into the affected ear. The person with the infected ear should continue reclining for several minutes to allow the oil to absorb into the ear. To prevent the oil from coming out of the ear, place a small piece of a cotton ball into the outer part of the ear.

Types

There are various brands of coconut oil for sale, and these are available in health food stores, other grocery stores and from online retailers, such as those that sell nutritional supplements. It is important to use a quality oil for use in the ear and preferably an organic one that is as pure as possible.

Considerations

One can also eat coconut oil to get additional healing benefits for ear infections. According to Natural Cures and Remedies, eating good fats like coconut oil can help to boost the immune system. Placing a heating pad or warm towel over the ear is another soothing natural treatment for ear infections.

Warning

Do not place coconut oil into the ear if the eardrum is possibly injured. In that case, seek help from a health practitioner.