I got a hot tip from Twitter tonight from Cindy at "Living in Rhyme - Whole Life Wellness"
She said to take the itch from mosquito bites, dab on a bit of lavender essential oil.
I'm going to try it!
Meanwhile, if I had used some sense before I went to the garden, I wouldn't have been bitten. I know that splashing on a bit of vanilla from my kitchen cupboard will keep them away. The best part is, you smell good and don't get any yucky chemicals on your skin.
Showing posts with label natural remedies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural remedies. Show all posts
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Could We Lose the Right to Natural Health?
Plenty of people are worried about this right now - the Obama health plan could mean that doctors wouldn't be allowed to use any treatment but that authorized by big pharm and that health care could be rationed.
Those are scary thoughts!
It could also mean that getting our natural supplements would either be impossible, or too expensive to contemplate.
I just read an email by Robert Jay Rowen, MD. that outlines what could happen unless we as taxpayers raise enough ruckus to make our Senators and Representatives know that if they go along with this, their careers are over.
He suggests that the only way to make sure they get the message is to make phone calls - lots of phone calls. Here's why, in his words:
"With mail being irradiated and opened off-site, and auto-emailers flooding servers, one-on-one phone calls are about the only thing our elected officials pay attention to any more. You can find phone numbers at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov."
If you'd like to learn more, or sign up for his newsletters, visit www.SecondOpinionNewsletter.com
Those are scary thoughts!
It could also mean that getting our natural supplements would either be impossible, or too expensive to contemplate.
I just read an email by Robert Jay Rowen, MD. that outlines what could happen unless we as taxpayers raise enough ruckus to make our Senators and Representatives know that if they go along with this, their careers are over.
He suggests that the only way to make sure they get the message is to make phone calls - lots of phone calls. Here's why, in his words:
"With mail being irradiated and opened off-site, and auto-emailers flooding servers, one-on-one phone calls are about the only thing our elected officials pay attention to any more. You can find phone numbers at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov."
If you'd like to learn more, or sign up for his newsletters, visit www.SecondOpinionNewsletter.com
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Natural Heartburn Remedy?
Do you pop antacids like they were candy? I know quite a few people who do. They buy Tums in the super size bottle nearly every week.
Well, there might be a natural cure that can cut down on that expense. I just read it in the local newspaper, and since it costs nothing and doesn't involve any drugs, I think it's worth a try:
When you feel heartburn coming on, simply use both hands to press just below your sternum and continue pressing down to your stomach for about 30 seconds. Do it 3 times in a row.
I'm passing this one on to my Tums-buying friends.
Another cure that seems to work well for some is sauerkraut. Not too handy to carry with you, but if you experience heartburn at home, simply eat a small bowl of sauerkraut. I read that years ago in Germany, people kept a jar of sauerkraut juice on hand for this purpose.
Well, there might be a natural cure that can cut down on that expense. I just read it in the local newspaper, and since it costs nothing and doesn't involve any drugs, I think it's worth a try:
When you feel heartburn coming on, simply use both hands to press just below your sternum and continue pressing down to your stomach for about 30 seconds. Do it 3 times in a row.
I'm passing this one on to my Tums-buying friends.
Another cure that seems to work well for some is sauerkraut. Not too handy to carry with you, but if you experience heartburn at home, simply eat a small bowl of sauerkraut. I read that years ago in Germany, people kept a jar of sauerkraut juice on hand for this purpose.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Swine Flu - What to do?
Seems like the world is getting into a panic over the swine flu, even though it has caused a lot less trouble than the "garden variety" flu people suffer from every year.
I have my suspicions about this - is it an excuse for the current administration to herd us all in for some kind of inoculations? Thanks, but I'll pass on that one.
It makes sense to stay away from crowds - but that makes sense in any flu season. However, I'm sure our Vice President is taking all sorts of heat for saying that it might be smart to stay out of airplanes and subways.
Meanwhile, there is a host of natural remedies to help protect you from the flu - the swine flu or any other. Check them out at naturalnews.com
I believe it's smart to use other precautions, such as washing your hands regularly, or using sanitizing wipes when you come out of a store, etc. But I am reading that face masks are no help, and relying on them could get you into deep trouble, health-wise.
If you're as suspicious as I am about the source of this, you may also want to read Sherry Baker's documentation of the U.S. government's "viral mixing" experiments from 2004, which seem to have been toying around with precisely the kind of viral combination we're seeing today with H1N1 swine flu.
I have my suspicions about this - is it an excuse for the current administration to herd us all in for some kind of inoculations? Thanks, but I'll pass on that one.
It makes sense to stay away from crowds - but that makes sense in any flu season. However, I'm sure our Vice President is taking all sorts of heat for saying that it might be smart to stay out of airplanes and subways.
Meanwhile, there is a host of natural remedies to help protect you from the flu - the swine flu or any other. Check them out at naturalnews.com
I believe it's smart to use other precautions, such as washing your hands regularly, or using sanitizing wipes when you come out of a store, etc. But I am reading that face masks are no help, and relying on them could get you into deep trouble, health-wise.
If you're as suspicious as I am about the source of this, you may also want to read Sherry Baker's documentation of the U.S. government's "viral mixing" experiments from 2004, which seem to have been toying around with precisely the kind of viral combination we're seeing today with H1N1 swine flu.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Natural Remedy for Ganglion Cysts: Frankincense oil
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on joints such as the wrists, ankles, feet, fingers, and knees.
Because they sometimes disappear on their own, physicians often adopt a watch and wait approach and simply use a brace to immobilize the joint. However, if the sac presses on a nerve,it can be painful, so patients would prefer to "do something" about it.
Doctors can puncture and drain the cysts, but that does open up the possibility of infection.
Strangely, many patients have found relief by the application of Frankincense oil - usually applied twice daily.One man reported disappearance of his knee cysts after just 4 days' use.
Frankincense is resin from Boswellia trees, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Because they sometimes disappear on their own, physicians often adopt a watch and wait approach and simply use a brace to immobilize the joint. However, if the sac presses on a nerve,it can be painful, so patients would prefer to "do something" about it.
Doctors can puncture and drain the cysts, but that does open up the possibility of infection.
Strangely, many patients have found relief by the application of Frankincense oil - usually applied twice daily.One man reported disappearance of his knee cysts after just 4 days' use.
Frankincense is resin from Boswellia trees, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A Natural Remedy to Reduce Alcohol Cravings?
I'd never heard of this before - and didn't know there were prescription drugs to discourage alcohol consumption. But according to a news story I just read, there are, and there's also a natural herb that works well for some people.
The herb is kudzu root extract - it contains compounds that appear to be similar to an old drug called disulfiram that is prescribed to help alcoholics avoid drinking. The article referenced findings reported in the Journal of Medicinal Food, September 2007.
One woman quoted in the article said that the herb worked immediately to stop her habit of drinking wine all evening, every evening - but that it did cause constipation. (Was that the herb, or was that her body's reaction to going without the wine it had become accustomed to?)
The herb is kudzu root extract - it contains compounds that appear to be similar to an old drug called disulfiram that is prescribed to help alcoholics avoid drinking. The article referenced findings reported in the Journal of Medicinal Food, September 2007.
One woman quoted in the article said that the herb worked immediately to stop her habit of drinking wine all evening, every evening - but that it did cause constipation. (Was that the herb, or was that her body's reaction to going without the wine it had become accustomed to?)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Relief for chronic migraines
Do you suffer from migraines?
Do you take vitamins? New information shows that for some people, the addition of Vitamin B-2 can ease or even eliminate migraines.
Other non-prescription remedies include magnesium, coenyme Q10, and the herbs feverfew and butterbur. Since every body is different, what works for one may not work for another, but since migraines are so debilitating, giving these safe and natural remedies a try seems like a good idea.
And here's something else well worth trying: A water filter.
My Mother suffered from migraines most of her life, and often lost days at a time to the pain - and the after-effects of the medications she took to ease the pain. Her doctors didn't offer any solutions except those heavy-duty pain killers.
Then she moved to Arizona for the winter to get my Grandmother out of the cold. And since the water in Arizona wasn't so good, they installed a water filter in the house. And the migraines stopped almost completely.
When she came back home for the summer, the headaches started again, so they installed another water filter and they went away.
This was a standard under-the-sink installation which at that time cost about $29. I suppose they're $69 now, but worth it even if you don't suffer from migraines. It's good to get the contaiminates out of your water as a preventative health measure. The filter she used was the charcoal one - "for taste and odor" is what it says on the label.
We have no idea what was in the water to cause the migraines, because it happened everywhere. City water both in Arizona and Washington and spring water in Idaho all gave her migraines if they weren't filtered. Perhaps it was really the charcoal - and filtering the water through it gave her body a nutrient that it needed to prevent the pain. It didn't matter - what mattered was that she no longer suffered from those terrible headaches.
Of course we wished we'd known sooner, but I'll always be thankful for that accidental discovery.
If you have migraines, try these simple remedies. You might even be able to toss your pain pills!
Do you take vitamins? New information shows that for some people, the addition of Vitamin B-2 can ease or even eliminate migraines.
Other non-prescription remedies include magnesium, coenyme Q10, and the herbs feverfew and butterbur. Since every body is different, what works for one may not work for another, but since migraines are so debilitating, giving these safe and natural remedies a try seems like a good idea.
And here's something else well worth trying: A water filter.
My Mother suffered from migraines most of her life, and often lost days at a time to the pain - and the after-effects of the medications she took to ease the pain. Her doctors didn't offer any solutions except those heavy-duty pain killers.
Then she moved to Arizona for the winter to get my Grandmother out of the cold. And since the water in Arizona wasn't so good, they installed a water filter in the house. And the migraines stopped almost completely.
When she came back home for the summer, the headaches started again, so they installed another water filter and they went away.
This was a standard under-the-sink installation which at that time cost about $29. I suppose they're $69 now, but worth it even if you don't suffer from migraines. It's good to get the contaiminates out of your water as a preventative health measure. The filter she used was the charcoal one - "for taste and odor" is what it says on the label.
We have no idea what was in the water to cause the migraines, because it happened everywhere. City water both in Arizona and Washington and spring water in Idaho all gave her migraines if they weren't filtered. Perhaps it was really the charcoal - and filtering the water through it gave her body a nutrient that it needed to prevent the pain. It didn't matter - what mattered was that she no longer suffered from those terrible headaches.
Of course we wished we'd known sooner, but I'll always be thankful for that accidental discovery.
If you have migraines, try these simple remedies. You might even be able to toss your pain pills!
Monday, January 26, 2009
On 60 Minutes: resveratrol - Plus, what drug companies don't want you to know
A recent 60 Minutes broadcast touted the benefits of resveratrol - a natural compound found in red wine, among other things.
Studies are showing that resveratrol thins your blood and improves blood flow because it slows the build-up of platelets in blood vessels, making them less sticky.
It also switches on your immune system, lowers inflammation, and acts as a powerful antioxidant, while it inhibits unhealthy cell growth and modulates hormones. Some researchers now consider resveratrol the best way to fight certain health disasters.
Since it sounds like the wonder drug of the century, pharmaceutical companies are rushing to try to duplicate it synthetically. How dumb.
Of course that's all about the money, so they don't want you to know that you can get resveratrol naturally - in substances that carry no harmful side effects, and for a lot less money than it will take when they come out with their "Anti-aging miracle."
I have to shake my head and wonder why anyone would wait to buy a pill containing a fake when the real thing is available naturally - right now - for a fraction of the cost.
Of course it's found in red wine, but if you don't like wine, then add the following to your diet:
* Raisins
• Red Grapes
• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Purple Grape Juice
• Peanuts
• Mulberries
Living where I do, I've never tasted a mulberry - but it won't take many changes to our household's diet to add more of the others. I especially love purple grape juice!
Resveratrol is also available as a natural supplement at many health food stores.
Studies are showing that resveratrol thins your blood and improves blood flow because it slows the build-up of platelets in blood vessels, making them less sticky.
It also switches on your immune system, lowers inflammation, and acts as a powerful antioxidant, while it inhibits unhealthy cell growth and modulates hormones. Some researchers now consider resveratrol the best way to fight certain health disasters.
Since it sounds like the wonder drug of the century, pharmaceutical companies are rushing to try to duplicate it synthetically. How dumb.
Of course that's all about the money, so they don't want you to know that you can get resveratrol naturally - in substances that carry no harmful side effects, and for a lot less money than it will take when they come out with their "Anti-aging miracle."
I have to shake my head and wonder why anyone would wait to buy a pill containing a fake when the real thing is available naturally - right now - for a fraction of the cost.
Of course it's found in red wine, but if you don't like wine, then add the following to your diet:
* Raisins
• Red Grapes
• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Purple Grape Juice
• Peanuts
• Mulberries
Living where I do, I've never tasted a mulberry - but it won't take many changes to our household's diet to add more of the others. I especially love purple grape juice!
Resveratrol is also available as a natural supplement at many health food stores.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Don't peel that apple!
According to scientists at Cornell University, an apple's peel contains triterpenoids, antioxidants which were proven effective in inhibiting the growth of colon, liver, and breast cancer cells. We already knew that apples - and all red fruits and vegetables - had other antioxidants.
Our ancestors may not have known the scientific names, but they knew it too. Remember the old "Apple a day keeps the doctor away?"
One thing however - be Sure to thoroughly wash that apple. Remember that the beneficial peel won't be so beneficial if it's coated with toxic pesticides or fertilizer residue.
Tip: If you also like drinking apple juice, make sure that it's made from whole apples so you get a good dose of triterpenoids.
Now... to convince my family that apple peelings belong in pie. Right now, my horse is getting the benefit of all those triterpenoids (not that I don't want him to be healthy, but he gets whole apples, too!)
Our ancestors may not have known the scientific names, but they knew it too. Remember the old "Apple a day keeps the doctor away?"
One thing however - be Sure to thoroughly wash that apple. Remember that the beneficial peel won't be so beneficial if it's coated with toxic pesticides or fertilizer residue.
Tip: If you also like drinking apple juice, make sure that it's made from whole apples so you get a good dose of triterpenoids.
Now... to convince my family that apple peelings belong in pie. Right now, my horse is getting the benefit of all those triterpenoids (not that I don't want him to be healthy, but he gets whole apples, too!)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Native American Health Food: The Wild Strawberry
Do you live where wild strawberries grow? I do - but of course not at the moment. Too much snow.
I recently ran across a history of their use - it may make you view them with new respect when you see them - and maybe make it worth your time to pick those tiny little gems.
The Indians here in the west used wild strawberries for colds - even though they didn't know about the vitamin C content! Mashed strawberries were made into a paste and used to clean teeth and to relieve toothache.
They used the juice to mix with water and bathe reddened eyes and to squeeze into inflamed sores and onto sunburned skin to speed healing.
A tea made from the dried leaves was used to relieve stomach troubles.
The strawberry's roots were harvested and made into bitters - for a Spring tonic and blood purifier.
My bet is that the settlers soon learned to copy them, since those old-time farm and ranch women had no corner drugstore.
In the East, during the American Revolution, Minutemen were saved from scurvy by drinking tea made from the fresh green foliage of the wild strawberry.
So it appears that the entire plant has been used for some health-giving function.
Next time you see a wild strawberry - do a bit of harvesting!
I recently ran across a history of their use - it may make you view them with new respect when you see them - and maybe make it worth your time to pick those tiny little gems.
The Indians here in the west used wild strawberries for colds - even though they didn't know about the vitamin C content! Mashed strawberries were made into a paste and used to clean teeth and to relieve toothache.
They used the juice to mix with water and bathe reddened eyes and to squeeze into inflamed sores and onto sunburned skin to speed healing.
A tea made from the dried leaves was used to relieve stomach troubles.
The strawberry's roots were harvested and made into bitters - for a Spring tonic and blood purifier.
My bet is that the settlers soon learned to copy them, since those old-time farm and ranch women had no corner drugstore.
In the East, during the American Revolution, Minutemen were saved from scurvy by drinking tea made from the fresh green foliage of the wild strawberry.
So it appears that the entire plant has been used for some health-giving function.
Next time you see a wild strawberry - do a bit of harvesting!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Ease that sore throat with Ginger tea
If you have a stuffy head and sore throat but want to avoid drugstore remedies, go to the grocery store instead. Get a chunk of fresh ginger root and take it home to make tea.
You can grate it and put it a cheesecloth bag to steep in the pot, or simply slice it and put it in the bottom of your cup. Some folks prefer adding a little honey for sweetener, while others add honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Remember also that Grandma's old standby really does have beneficial effects. I'm talking about chicken soup, of course. It also eases the throat and helps to open the sinuses... And sure tastes good for lunch when the thought of chewing and swallowing something firm makes your throat hurt!
You can grate it and put it a cheesecloth bag to steep in the pot, or simply slice it and put it in the bottom of your cup. Some folks prefer adding a little honey for sweetener, while others add honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Remember also that Grandma's old standby really does have beneficial effects. I'm talking about chicken soup, of course. It also eases the throat and helps to open the sinuses... And sure tastes good for lunch when the thought of chewing and swallowing something firm makes your throat hurt!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Natural remedies for your eyes
I just came across these eye-related tips in a natural health book ... They sound worth a try.
Two or three carrots a day, raw, cooked, or in juice are supposedly excellent for relieving problems with night vision. Also, blueberries when they're in season and watercress in salads or tea are said to help restore night vision.
Cleaning your eyeglasses: to avoid streaks use a lint free cloth and a touch of vinegar or vodka.
Eye drops: Commercial eye drops and eye washes can actually harm your eyes. The preparations to "get the red out" shrink the veins that cause redness, but that masks a problem. Your eyes are red because they're irritated, so listen to them!
Remove the irritant, get more sleep, or cut back on alcohol - but don't mask the problem with a product that can cause harm.
If you need and use artificial tears, be sure to use the kind that is preservative free. The preservatives can damage your eyes.
For a safe, natural remedy for tired or irritated eyes, try a carrot wash.
Wash a bunch of carrots and cut off the tops. Place a handful of the clean carrot tops in a jar of distilled hot water. Let it stand and when cool use the carrot water as an eye wash.
Or - mix 1 drop of lemon juice n one ounce of warm distilled water and use it as an eyewash. This is said to be particularly effective when your eyes have been exposed to external irritants such as smoke, dust, and harsh lights.
Two or three carrots a day, raw, cooked, or in juice are supposedly excellent for relieving problems with night vision. Also, blueberries when they're in season and watercress in salads or tea are said to help restore night vision.
Cleaning your eyeglasses: to avoid streaks use a lint free cloth and a touch of vinegar or vodka.
Eye drops: Commercial eye drops and eye washes can actually harm your eyes. The preparations to "get the red out" shrink the veins that cause redness, but that masks a problem. Your eyes are red because they're irritated, so listen to them!
Remove the irritant, get more sleep, or cut back on alcohol - but don't mask the problem with a product that can cause harm.
If you need and use artificial tears, be sure to use the kind that is preservative free. The preservatives can damage your eyes.
For a safe, natural remedy for tired or irritated eyes, try a carrot wash.
Wash a bunch of carrots and cut off the tops. Place a handful of the clean carrot tops in a jar of distilled hot water. Let it stand and when cool use the carrot water as an eye wash.
Or - mix 1 drop of lemon juice n one ounce of warm distilled water and use it as an eyewash. This is said to be particularly effective when your eyes have been exposed to external irritants such as smoke, dust, and harsh lights.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Does big pharm control the FDA?
My guess is yes, big pharm does control the FDA. Possibly because so much of the "research" done by the FDA is funded by pharmaceutical companies.
And big pharm does not want the sale of natural health products cutting into its revenues.
Thus my email last night held a message about a new assault on our freedom. It seems the FDA, under pressure from big pharm, is hiring more agents to monitor the advertising from people selling natural health products. Those who dare to say natural products might help someone avoid illness or become well will be subject to stiff penalties, and could be put out of business entirely.
Those who advertise and sell herbal remedies, for instance, must not even mention the name of a disease or a symptom of a disease in their advertising. Talk about a way to get rid of the competition!
I suppose it makes sense. As more and more people realize the benefits of herbs and other natural supplements, and as more and more people are becoming ill from pharmaceuticals, big pharm knows that many will shift from trusting them to mis-trusting them - and will switch to natural remedies with no evil side-effects.
So... they promote the idea that natural products should be regulated because they might be "dangerous" to the public. Never mind that nearly all of the products they sell carry the risk of serious disability or death.
Thank goodness we are all free to do our own research and find out just what good things herbs, vitamins, and supplements such as mangosteen can do for us. I keep a copy of Dr. Tanton's "A Drug Free Approach to Health Care" by my desk, because I know he's done years of research into natural health. It's a great place to start - and if I want to know more, there's always Google.
I firmly believe that every person should research the side effects before taking any medication - and should explore natural alternatives before taking the risk that pharmaceuticals present. Even if it does mean lost revenue for big pharm.
And big pharm does not want the sale of natural health products cutting into its revenues.
Thus my email last night held a message about a new assault on our freedom. It seems the FDA, under pressure from big pharm, is hiring more agents to monitor the advertising from people selling natural health products. Those who dare to say natural products might help someone avoid illness or become well will be subject to stiff penalties, and could be put out of business entirely.
Those who advertise and sell herbal remedies, for instance, must not even mention the name of a disease or a symptom of a disease in their advertising. Talk about a way to get rid of the competition!
I suppose it makes sense. As more and more people realize the benefits of herbs and other natural supplements, and as more and more people are becoming ill from pharmaceuticals, big pharm knows that many will shift from trusting them to mis-trusting them - and will switch to natural remedies with no evil side-effects.
So... they promote the idea that natural products should be regulated because they might be "dangerous" to the public. Never mind that nearly all of the products they sell carry the risk of serious disability or death.
Thank goodness we are all free to do our own research and find out just what good things herbs, vitamins, and supplements such as mangosteen can do for us. I keep a copy of Dr. Tanton's "A Drug Free Approach to Health Care" by my desk, because I know he's done years of research into natural health. It's a great place to start - and if I want to know more, there's always Google.
I firmly believe that every person should research the side effects before taking any medication - and should explore natural alternatives before taking the risk that pharmaceuticals present. Even if it does mean lost revenue for big pharm.
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