Saturday, November 19, 2016
Natural Alternative to Paxil
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated one in four adults deals with some type of mental disorder related to depression. Paxil is one of the most prescribed drugs for depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Paxil has potentially serious side effects, such as dizziness, sweating, tremors, depressed libido, nausea and vomiting, constipation, increased thoughts of suicide and a higher incidence of suicide in younger people. The drug is no longer prescribed for those under 18.
Natural Alternatives
Due to the side effects of Paxil, and other prescription antidepressants, many people diagnosed with depression seek alternative treatment options. Psychotherapy is the primary non-drug choice patients utilize. Psychotherapy can help patients find the root of their problems and to learn new strategies for coping. A professional counselor can often help you in just a few sessions, and long-term therapy is rarely required.
Other natural alternatives include exercise, meditation, massage, acupuncture, vitamins and herbs.
Serotonin
Deficiency in serotonin levels is one of the main causes of depression. Several prescription antidepressants work on the serotonin release system in the brain to increase serotonin levels. Mediation, yoga, acupuncture and massage all release endorphins and boost serotonin levels without having unpleasant side effects and withdrawals.
Vitamins
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly in folic acid, omega 3s and B vitamins, can contribute to symptoms of depression. It's important to take a daily multivitamin and to supplement with Omega 3s, found in fish oil. Eggs, broccoli, salmon, tuna, asparagus, oranges, trout and spinach are excellent sources of folic acid, omega 3s and B vitamins.
Herbs
Several herbs can be helpful to manage depression:
St. John's Wort contains hypericin and can help alleviate depression and anxiety. A typical dosage is 900mgs daily. Pregnant women should avoid St. John's Wort.
Gingko Biloba improves circulation to the brain, improves memory and concentration and is particularly useful for elderly people who are depressed. It isn't as effective as other herbs but can provide a boost when used in conjunction with something like St. John's Wort. You typically take 80mgs three times daily.
Siberian ginseng is adaptogenic and can improve several conditions, from high blood pressure to depression. It acts as a MAO inhibitor to alleviate symptoms of depression. A person can take 400 to1,200mgs daily for eight weeks, followed by a two-week rest period, repeated as needed. Siberian ginseng appears to be safe for pregnant women.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Activated Charcoal for Mercury Detox
Mercury, sometimes identified by its chemical symbol Hg, is toxic to the human body and can create significant problems with your health, even when the exposure level to the metal is low. Mercury has the ability to attract compounds that contain sulfur, and the metal further displaces manganese, zinc, magnesium and selenium. These elements are vital to induce necessary interactions in one's body on a biochemical level. Mercury creates a number of deficiencies in the body, particularly in relation to the latter-mentioned elements. Thankfully, activated charcoal can be used to remedy the situation.
Mercury Poisoning
Mercury exposure can occur in a number of ways; the metal evaporates rapidly at temperatures of 68 degrees F and will turn into an invisible gas. This gas is visually undetectable, and it has no scent. Mercury can escape its container and can readily slip through a crack or opening. Plastic containers are useless when containing the metal, because mercury can easily move through the plastic wall of the container, too. Mercury has been used in dental fillings and when those fillings fall out or are removed, the individual can be exposed to mercury.
Mercury poisoning and/or exposure is associated with a number of negative symptoms. Those who have been exposed to mercury might have problems with peripheral vision, nerve pain or loss of sensation, poor coordination, difficulty speaking, walking, or hearing, muscular issues, mood changes, loss of memory, mental issues and rashes might develop from the exposure to mercury, as well.
Activated Charcoal for Mercury Detox
Activated charcoal has been successfully used for detoxifying a person's body and freeing them of mercury accumulation. Activated charcoal comes from burnt wood, sawdust, shells, coconut, petroleum coke, coal and peat; the remains of burnt wood or other materials, when dried, become charcoal. This charcoal formation, when exposed to oxidized gas, forces the charcoal to undergo a natural erosion process internally. The latter erosion intensifies the charcoal's ability to absorb things since a network of pores is further intensified during the erosion process, thereby tripling the pores inside the charcoal. Activated charcoal can absorb metals like mercury and other heavy metals so that they can be passed out of the body. The charcoal can be consumed orally for effective treatment of heavy metal poisoning.
Dosages
Once the charcoal is activated, it can be used to help detoxify the body. Activated charcoal is not something the body will digest, and the charcoal is also not absorbed by the body through natural digestive properties. It is not possible to overdose on activated charcoal when it is consumed. For children, the appropriate dosage is roughly 25 to 50g. Meanwhile, the appropriate dosage for adults is commonly assessed based on a person's body weight. In general, a single gram is offered for every kilogram of a person's body weight. Activated charcoal can be consumed as tablets: a single 280mg tablet can be consumed daily after eating a meal to help remove mercury accumulations from the body.
What Is Spearmint Tea Good For?
Known for its stimulating properties, uplifting aroma and clean taste, spearmint tea has been used for various purposes throughout history. The warming and relaxing menthol qualities of spearmint tea help relieve congestion and relax the esophagus. Spearmint tea can be used to ease motion sickness and help ease stomach pain. Spearmint tea also as has been recognized as being able to help women with excessive hair growth in unwanted places.
Controlling Unwanted Hair Growth
The rare condition called hirsutism occurs when masculinizing androgen levels in the blood are too high, causing a female to have hair growth on her breasts, face and body. Prescription medications such as oral contraceptives are given to treat hirsutism; however, recent studies suggest that the use of spearmint tea is a natural alternative to treat hirsutism. According to Mehmet Tamer, the lead investigator of the Turkish study on hirsutism, drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day for five days may significantly reduce the level of blood testosterone in women who have hirsutism.
Historical Uses
Whether being rubbed into the sore muscles of ancient Greek athletes, or being used to purify drinking water, the use of spearmint tea has been documented throughout history. In the Middle Ages, spearmint tea leaves were commonly strewn about the house to discourage rodent infestations and was commonly believed to dispel the "evil eye." Spearmint tea leaves were also mixed with salt and applied to dog bites and bee stings.
Practical Applications
Spearmint tea leaves can be used in a steam vapor to help clear the sinuses and ease the nerves. Add 2 tbsp. of spearmint tea leaves to a bowl containing 1 cup of steaming hot water. Lean over the bowl and cover your head and the bowl with a towel then breathe in the steam.
A gargle of cooled spearmint tea helps treat a sore throat. Drinking spearmint tea helps ease headaches, nausea and diarrhea. To help relieve the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids, try adding a strong decoction of spearmint tea to your bathwater.
Brewing Instructions
Infuse 2 tsp. of spearmint tea leaves into 1 cup of boiling water. Let the spearmint steep for 10 minutes. Strain the herb from the tea. Add a small amount of sweetener if desired.
Spearmint Statistics
The United States currently produces 70 percent of the world's mint supply; primarily grown in the states of Oregon and Washington. Only 1 lb. of mint oil is needed to make 13,000 sticks of gum.
Remedy for a Swollen Lip
A swollen lip can be the result of a physical altercation resulting in an injury to the lip. It can also be the result of an allergic reaction or even possibly a disease. In order to appropriately treat a swollen lip, it is necessary to know the underlying cause. A doctor should be consulted if the cause may be an allergy or disease or if the swelling continues after treatment.
Injury
Use warm water to treat your swollen lips. Pour hot water into a small cup or bowl. Add a little salt. Submerge your lips into the bowl for a few minutes. Only use if the swelling is accompanied by cuts to the lip.
Soak a clean towel in hot water and place on lips. Only use if the swelling is accompanied by cuts to the lip.
Rub some table salt gently across the swollen lip. Salt is a natural disinfectant and will kill germs present in the swollen lip. If you have any cuts, this may sting slightly.
Cold applications may also work. Place a few ice cubes into a clean towel and hold to lips. Freeze a spoon and then apply it to the swollen lip to reduce swelling.
Allergic Reaction
Consult with your doctor if you believe the swollen lip may be caused by an allergy. Signs of an allergic reaction may include itchiness and swollen red lips.
Avoid potential allergens. Take notes on recently eaten foods, new cosmetics or soaps or recent bug bites. You could also be allergic to bed linens or your pillow. Discuss with your doctor.
Try to not lick your lips as this could cause further damage.
Place a tea bag in a cup of warm water. Remove the tea bag. Cool and apply to swollen lip. Repeat until swelling is gone.
Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel. Apply to the lip.
Aloe Vera gel, or juice, placed on the swollen lip should reduce swelling. Aloe Vera is known to be anti-inflammatory.
Eat foods that contain vitamins A, B, C and E. Include green leafy vegetables and fruit.
Avoid foods that may aggravate the swollen lip or cause further swelling. These include foods containing butter and cheese. They also include chocolate, whole wheat flour or whole grains, tomatoes and nuts.
Do not drink caffeinated products such as coffee or tea, but do drink plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated.
Add ginger to your daily diet to prevent future lip health issues.
Other
Your doctor may prescribe and antihistamine if you swelling is severe.
Lip balms with sunscreen will help moisture and sooth the lips and protect them from the sun.
Blisters or sores accompanying the swollen lips may indicate a viral disease such as herpes. You should see you doctor to discuss a treatment plan.
A vitamin B deficiency may cause swollen lips.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Herbal Treatments for Itching
For some people, itching is more than a skin irritation: It can be a sign of a chronic condition. Because scratching can make an itch worse and can even lead to an infection, herbal remedies can be attempted.
Causes
Common causes of itching are dry skin, skin inflammations from allergies or sunburns, pregnancy, eczema, parasitic infections, insect bites and a reaction to strong chemicals like detergents.
Prevention
Avoid dry skin by moisturizing after baths and showers. Heat and humidity can cause moisture and sweat that can make you itch even more. Always wear sunscreen when outdoors and wear gloves when cleaning or handling chemicals. Check with your doctor about allergy medications or infections. Avoid tight clothes at night.
Home Treatments
There are many home treatments you can try, including:
Taking a peppermint bath. Peppermint will alleviate the itch and also help you relax.
Using Vicks vapor rub for quick relief on small areas that itch.
Mixing equal amounts of cinnamon and honey to make a paste and applying it to itchy areas.
Putting two cups of oatmeal into a bathtub filled with lukewarm water.
Mixing apple cider vinegar with water and rinsing the itchy areas. Two teaspoons of the vinegar can be added to your bath, or you can pour one cup of white vinegar in bath water and soak for five to 10 minutes.
Putting aloe vera or cod liver oil on itchy spots.
Trying a salt-free diet and adding foods with vitamins E and C, beta-carotene and zinc.
Covering the area with a paste made from coconut oil and lime juice.
Applying vitamin E oil to the itch.
Mixing baking soda with water to make a paste to apply to affected skin.
Applying a cold compress.
Mixing aloe vera, cod liver oil, lemon juice, vitamin E oil and wheat germ oil and putting it on the affected areas.
Bathing or wiping the area with evaporated milk.
How to Benefit from Titanium Bracelets
Magnetic Therapy has ushered us into a world in which "beautiful" may also be "healthy." With the use of attractive jewelry, people can get pain relief while looking their best. The answer lies in a safe, non-invasive method of applying magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes.
Instructions
- 1
Relieve pain with titamium bracelets. Titanium bracelets are often worn as a cure for carpel tunnel syndrome. One theory is that, when magnets are applied to a painful area of the body, the nerves in that area are stimulated, thus releasing the body's natural painkillers. Another theory maintains that when magnets are applied, all the cells in that area react to increase blood circulation, ion exchange, and oxygen flow to the area.
2Heal your body faster. Titanium bracelets are a type of local anesthetic as well as a healing compound, because wearing a local ornament containing titanium assists in speeding up the body's own immune system. Utilizing the proper application of negatively charged magnets in contact with the relevant part of the body heightens the body's instinctive power to mend quicker and reinstate a natural healthy state.
3Use titanium bracelets for their potent anti-inflammatory properties. The application of a magnetic field to an injured area helps restore the normal electromagnetic balance. This relaxes capillary walls, as well as surrounding muscle and connective tissues, allowing for increased blood flow. More oxygen and nutrients are transferred to the injury site, while pain and inflammatory-related electro chemicals are more efficiently removed.
4Fight infections. Titanium bracelets are worn for the same reasons of other magnets. General uses include the ability to fight infections.
5Boost Energy levels. Magnetic therapy dates as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Magnets have long been believed to have healing powers associated with muscle pain and stiffness; lodestones on the body, just as titanium bracelets on the wrist, were worn to correct unhealthy imbalances in the flow of "qi," or energy.