Items For Your Natural First Aid Kit - Part Two

In part one of this article we looked at natural products that you can add to your first aid kit for effective healing remedies for the whole family. Here are more items that are essential for my family household.

Slippery Elm Powder - this powder is a superb healer in a range of situations - especially when kids are involved. Any tummy upset from food poisoning, to constipation, to the classic vomiting-diarrhoea-tummy-bug is helped with this powder. It's bland and neutral taste makes it easy for children to take when mixed in foods (porridge, stewed apples, yoghurt etc) or made into a drink. It is highly nutritious and high in soluble fibre and works as a pre-biotic, actually feeding and supporting the healthy bacteria in the gut.

Manuka Honey - this honey is a very special NZ medical miracle. There are currently many studies that are investigating the amazing antimicrobial healing power of this delicious honey. It is brilliant for sore throats, coughs, respiratory infections, and even more delicious when made into a hot drink with lemon juice & root ginger.

Oats & Baking Soda - when used in a bath they can work wonders for eczema, chicken pox, skin rashes and any condition where the skin is itchy! The best way to use oats is to place a cup of oats in a muslin bag or clean sock and place it under the tap while the bath is running. The water will go milky and help to soothe the skin. Baking soda works to soften the water and takes the itch out of the skin. Add a cup of baking soda to the bath when filling.

Epsom salts - if muscle cramps, aches and pains are plaguing you, try adding some Epsom salts to the bath. Use at least half a cup, but you may need more (1 cup) if you are really in achy pain and quite sore. They are very soothing and works wonders to a cramping, achy body.

Lavender Oil - this is another essential oil that works brilliantly for a multitude of conditions. It was first discovered as being a powerful antiseptic when a French scientist burnt his hand in his lab and plunged it into a vat of lavender essential oil to find relief. To his surprise it not only gave him relief, but healed the wound very quickly and effectively. You too can use it directly for burns, or dilute it in some warm water as an effective antiseptic wash. It is also a wonderful oil to use before bed as it sedates the mind and settles your body into a peaceful sleep. Add some drops to your pillow or onto your kids pillows to help the whole family have a blissful night of rest.

Apple Cider Vinegar - when buying Apple Cider Vinegar look for a natural source that contains 'the mother', this way you can use it for any number of wonderful treatments. Its main use is as an effective digestive tonic. Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water 20-30mins before meals to help prepare your tummy for effective digestion of the meal ahead. It can also be used effectively if you have eaten something that has upset you and caused your stomach to bloat. In this instance, put some apple cider vinegar into a small glass of water and drink it down. The vinegar will boost your body's natural ability to breakdown the food and ease the digestion.

There are any number of herbs and products you can use around the home as effective natural remedies in first aid situations and to ease the medical woes of your household. This knowledge used to be passed from generation to generation however over the years it has weakened and is now something that needs to be sought out be people. This is changing though as natural health products and there uses grow in popularity.

For more information on how natural herbs and nutrition can influence your everyday health, including your fertility, contact Wellington Natural Fertility Nutrition specialist, Kimberly Taylor on 04 4991439.

Kimberly Taylor is a successful Naturopath, Nutritionist and Medical Herbalist in Wellington, New Zealand. She has a passion for women's health care from puberty to menopause including natural fertility and preconception care. She loves supporting women and couples to restore hormonal balance and fertility, especially when a beautiful healthy baby is the happy outcome! With a life-long interest in nutrition, food and cooking, Kimberly has qualifications in naturopathy, herbal medicine and clinical nutrition. She holds a post-graduate certificate in fertility and reproductive health as well as a BA and BCom from Otago University. You can contact Kimberly by visiting http://www.zestnaturalhealth.co.nz/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_L_Taylor

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Extended Family Members Love The Bidet

Recently a topic came up regarding the most vulnerable members of our society, namely our seniors and our children. With the normal hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we have a tendency to overlook some of the more obvious ways in which we can positively impact their lives. Just because they don't typically mention personal hygiene or complain about related issues, doesn't mean they wouldn't greatly appreciate and benefit from associated technologies - specifically a bidet.

Sometimes, maintaining good health can be as simple as incorporating good personal hygiene habits into our lives. In today's culture, manufacturers have addressed the need to control and eliminate environmental contaminants by introducing the regular use of hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, anti-bacterial cleaners and the like. All of which are good at what they do, but they are designed to deal with the issue of health threats after the fact. What about taking measures to prevent issues from arising? That's where the bidet comes in.

Daily use of the bidet is an effective preemptive strike against harmful and dangerous pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella. It is also extremely effective in controlling the spread of urinary tract infections, a fact of which most people are not aware. So often, our seniors and our children are reluctant to discuss delicate and personal matters such as these, opting instead to wait (hoping the problem solves itself...) which of course, it rarely ever does.

Rather than wait for the problem to grow and surface as an ugly infection needing the attention of a medical professional, take some easy steps to avert just such a problem. Install bidets and bidet attachments on each commode in your home.

For seniors who may be experiencing limited mobility due to osteoporosis, arthritis or perhaps bursitis, the bidet makes it very simple to routinely cleanse and refresh oneself thoroughly after each use of the commode. The pain and inconvenience of twisting, reaching and bending can be virtually eliminated for sensitive seniors. And, since we already know that the vast majority of contamination is caused by the unintentional spread of fecal matter, bidets are seen as the most effective way to avoid contact.

Now let's talk about the youngsters. You can start instructions on the proper use of a bidet as early as when you begin potty training. We know that even potty-trained children have difficulty properly cleaning themselves after using the toilet. Children stand to benefit immensely from the hygienic cleansing offered by the bidet. Daily use of the bidet teaches kids to clean themselves more thoroughly and promotes awareness of the importance of cleanliness.

Warren L. Smith M.D. is the owner of the American Biffy Co., Ltd and inventor of the Biffy's signature bidet attachment for the commode. Because the vast majority of urinary tract infections are caused by E. coli and other intestinal pathogens, Dr. Smith developed an affordable bidet toilet system to counter the root cause for just such health/hygienic issues. Dr. Smith has a long established and respected family practice in Boulder City, NV and continues to develop product lines for the Biffy Bidet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Warren_Smith

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Colic Remedies - 3 Effective Home Treatments for Infant Colic!

A colicky baby is a normal occurrence. The majority of the newborn babies tend to suffer from colic. New parents need to understand that their baby could be crying for a number of reasons without having assumptions that the baby is abnormal or having a disorder. They also need to understand that most often than not it is because the baby is suffering from colic.

Colic generally starts within 2-3 weeks of the birth of the baby, and it may continue until about the baby is 2-4 months of age. The latest could be 8 months, as it is for some babies. There is no medicine to treat this disease, but there are some home remedies for it.

Handling a baby with colic pains can be very difficult for new parents. They tend to get worried as to why the baby keeps crying continuously. Due to the continuous crying which sometimes can go on for about 3-5 hours, the baby ends up with red cheeks. Initially the parents need to find out the real cause of the baby's crying. If the reason is colic, some of the home remedies stated below can help:

- One of the common reasons that can trigger colic could be the type of food that the mother consumes. If the mother eats any type of gassy foods or any type of food that could cause an allergy reaction, this gets transmitted to the baby through breast milk. Thus the mother needs to take care on the food she eats. This is one of the simplest colic remedies.

- Try to get the baby to relax. This can be done by playing some soft music, or rocking the baby, or even carrying it. A pacifier is also a good resort.

- A small and gentle massage using very light hand movements in a circular action also gives relief to the pain in the baby's stomach. This massage will also help the baby to have a motion which also gives some relief to pain. Try to learn this technique from some good books or even a website.

The best and the simplest of these colic remedies is the care and warmth from the mother herself. You should always remember to burp the baby in between meals and also after meals. This can be done by holding the baby upright for some time and giving it a gently pat on the back so that the air in the tummy gets released.

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Is Homeopathy a Big Hoax?

"You can fool all the people for some time, you can fool some people all the time but you can not fool all the people all the time", is an old saying. But Dr Hahnemann has been fooling all the people all along when he introduced his "Homeopathy concept" in 1796.

In fact, the idea is nothing new as it has already been mentioned in our Ayurveda: "Applying heat reduces heat." But this concept had been extended to ludicrous extremes and now we find one homeopath at every street corner doling out sugar pills for umpteen number of diseases promising a distant cure to the unsuspecting members of our society. Some Homepaths even advertise that they can cure every disease which can not be "cured" by Scientific Medicine.

If the patients get relief due to Homeopathy, it is not due to the sugar pills but because of the kind words and empathy the patient gets from the doctor. It has been time and again proved that Homeopathy is no better than placebo.

Dr. Christian F Samuel Hahneman who was born in 1755 was a regular medical practitioner. He proposed his theory of "Like cures Like" in late 18th century only because scientific medicine at that time was not so advanced and the existing chemotherapy at that time was causing "more harm than good", which is understandable. In fact he has the credit of naming Evidence Based Scientific Medicine as "Allopathy", which is a misnomer.

It all started when he had the symptoms of "malaria" on eating Cinchona bark and he started proposing that Cinchona can cure malaria. The basic principle of homeopathy is known as the "law of similars." This law is taken on his word and is an unproven assertion. It is not a true law of nature based on the scientific method. Homeopathic remedies are prepared by serial dilutions with shaking by forceful striking on anelastic body, which homeopaths term "succussion". Each dilution is assumed to increase the effectiveness of the remedy whic is called "potentization". This dilution continues till none of the original substance remains! After considering the patient's symptoms and signs, homeopathic reference books known as "repertories" are consulted and a remedy selected based on the totality of symptoms and signs.

Based on such totally unscientific principles, Dr Hahneman went on to write his "Materia Medica", which is now the basis for Homeopaths all over the world. Later on several double blind controlled trials were conducted and none of them proved that Homeopathy is better than placebo. In fact, WHO has warned that giving homeopathy in patients with curable diseases like Tuberculosis amounts to medical negligence and is criminal.

One grand theory proposed by Hahneman in 1803 was that Coffee was responsible for most of the diseases. When it was disproved, he had to abandon this theory and this Coffee Theory is a good example of his tendency to make up a grand theory from scant evidence.

It is strange that Homeopathy is still being practiced despite scientific evidence that it is no better than a placebo in treatment of any illness and absolutely useless in acute conditions especially requiring surgery.

Of late, there is a resurgence of Homeopathy and there are now Corporate Homeo hospitals catering to different sections of the society. I don't understand why Doctors practicing Evidence based Medicine do not see through the "Emperor's clothes" and protest against such blatantly unscientific practice.

My opinion is that Homeopathy is no different from Aroma therapy, Pyramid therapy, Crystal therapy etc, which have no scientific basis either. I feel our Governments should ban the false advertisements of the homeopaths and the publicity given to chains of homeo clinics.

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Different Types of Dementia Explained

The term 'dementia' is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by certain diseases and conditions, such as memory loss.

What is important to understand is that there are various different types of dementia. Usually, people associate the term 'dementia' with Alzheimer's disease. Whilst this is the most common cause of dementia, it is not the only one. Learning about different types of dementia is important because each one has its own set of characteristics.

Types of dementia include:

? Alzheimer's disease

? Vascular dementia

? Dementia with Lewy bodies

? Fronto-temporal dementia

? Korsakoff's syndrome

? Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

? HIV-related cognitive impairment

? Mild cognitive impairment

There are also rarer forms of dementia such as supranuclear palsy and Binswanger's disease. The Alzheimer's Society publishes information about the various types of dementia on its website.

For the purposes of this article, we will explore two main types of dementia: Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease affects around 465,000 people in the UK. [Figures from the Alzheimer's Society]. It is a physical disease that affects the brain. The disease sees 'plaques' and 'tangles' develop in the structure of the brain. These plaques and tangles kill off brain cells. People suffering with the disease are also affected by a shortage of important chemicals in their brains. These chemicals help to transmit messages around the brain. Without them, these messages cannot be delivered.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that damages more and more parts of the brain as time goes on. As this happens, so the symptoms become more severe. For example, people in the early stages of Alzheimer's experience short memory lapses, perhaps struggling to find the right words for things. As the disease develops, sufferers will forget words - along with the names of people and places - as a matter of course. Understandably, this is both frustrating and frightening, and accordingly Alzheimer's sufferers may experience mood swings as the disease takes hold.

Individuals who are living with dementia will ultimately require round-the-clock care and will need to find a care solution where they can benefit from dedicated care and support from expertly trained care providers. This may be a residential care home or a live in care service from a home care company.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. It is caused by problems in the supply of blood to the brain as a result of damage to a network of blood vessels in the organ called the vascular system. A damaged vascular system will not allow blood to reach the brain, which kills off brain cells - and this can lead to vascular dementia.

A number of conditions can incur damage to the vascular system including high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol and diabetes. If these conditions are spotted early enough, they can be managed and as a result present less of a threat to the vascular system. Vascular dementia can also be brought on by a stroke.

Symptoms include forgetfulness, restlessness, confusion and aggression.

Dementia care

Individuals who are living with dementia need support. Family and friends have an important role to play, and as the condition advances the patient will often need some form of professional care. A live in carer who is trained in dementia care can provide both practical assistance and the emotional support and care that is needed when living with dementia. A live in carer also enables the person living with dementia to remain at home, which is greatly advantageous from the point of view of providing continuity of care in familiar surroundings promoting a sense of calm and overall wellbeing.

Laura Luckett works for The Good Care Group, a professional provider of high quality live-in care services that enables elderly people to stay safely and happily in their own home for as long as possible, maintaining independence and dignity.

Our expertly trained professional carers, who are exclusively employed by us provide a range of tailored services in the home, everything from personal care, cooking, domestic support and lifestyle and social activities, through to the management of complex conditions, such as dementia and Parkinson's.

We offer packages of care that meet a wide range of needs. Whether it is a live-in care service, or daily care (from 7-12 consecutive hours a day), or respite care following discharge from hospital our care team will find the right solution for you and your family.

http://www.thegoodcaregroup.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Luckett

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Food Consumption While Your Baby Has Diarrhea

There are many causes of infant diarrhea. The most common is known as a stomach bug which is usually caused by a virus. This seems to pass by quickly with little or no concern at all, just extra diaper duty for mum and dad. However, parents have to be vigilant, during this time so as not to worsen the condition. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications. So many parents wonder what to feed their baby when he or she has infant diarrhea.

Believe it or not there are some foods that can actually help stop the diarrhea. The important thing to remember is to feed the infant complex carbohydrates. These types of food is easily digested and does not irritate the intestinal tract. The other important thing to remember is to feed the baby small meals, but more often. Here are just some foods to stop diarrhea: rice cereal, dry toast, mashed potatoes and pasta. Your baby can also be fed apple sauce, oatmeal, strained bananas and yogurt with live cultures. The live cultures in the yogurt do not allow any bacteria to adhere to the intestinal tract so it is then eliminated in the feces. Ensure that the baby remains hydrated as well. Infant electrolytes are available at your local grocery store or pharmacy for purchase. They come in a variety of flavors as well. If your little bundle is picky, they also have an electrolyte that can be frozen, and given as a Popsicle.

Another cause of infant diarrhea is teething. Some experts believe that teething does cause diarrhea while other believe that there is no correlation. Just as there are some foods to stop diarrhea, there are some foods that can worsen the condition. Avoid giving your baby apple, pear or cherry juice. Avoid peaches, pears, prunes and apricots. No milk products should be consumed by the infant either. If you are nursing however, continue to do so. But mothers be warned avoid any caffeinated products. These products are passed to the infant through the breast milk and are known to irritate the digestive system. The unusual thing is that apple sauce stops diarrhea as it has a product called pectin in it. Pectin is something that makes stool firmer. On the other hand apple juice has a sugar called sorbitol. This sugar makes diarrhea worse and will irritate the baby's digestive tract. If you find that your baby's condition is not improving be sure to consult a pediatrician immediately.

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Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites

There are few things in the world that are more annoying than a persistently buzzing mosquito, always just out of reach until it swoops in and bites you when you're not looking. When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva containing an anticoagulant that prevents your blood from clotting. The itchy red swelling that results is caused by an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva. While for many of us this is just an annoyance, mosquitoes in some parts of the world carry malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, encephalitis, and other serious diseases. Even in safer parts of the world, many people have stronger allergic reactions, producing itchy welts. Often, mosquitoes hone in on certain individuals, leaving others entirely alone.

In any event, there are many ways to avoid bites in the first place. Mosquitoes routinely swarm at dusk; sometimes, they appear in the thousands just as the sun is going down, then disappear after 30 minutes. Especially if you are allergic or seem to attract mosquitoes, stay in a screened porch. Or, apply an insect repellent; most repellents can be used quite safely. DEET, for instance, is the active ingredient in many repellents; it keeps away an array of biting insects including mosquitoes, gnats, midges, and sand flies. Another common repellent is citronella oil, obtained by the steam distillation of freshly cut grasses. You can rub this onto your exposed skin as a lotion, or apply as a spray.

There are various devices that keep mosquitoes at bay. Insect repellent wristbands can be worn around the wrists or ankles; these release a fine repellent vapor such as DEET, forming a protective barrier around your body. Because no liquid chemicals are directly absorbed by your skin, there is little danger of skin irritation or damage to clothing. Likewise, plug-in mosquito killers gradually release insecticide vapors into the air, keeping bugs away. Because plug-ins work so gradually, they are appropriate for use indoors and can be left on overnight in your bedroom. Mosquito coils, on the other hand, are more obtrusive; these coils are set up on small metal stands or glass bottles and, when lit, release smoke that repels mosquitoes. Each coil burns for about 8 hours; coils are appropriate for use outdoors. If you want to light one inside, be sure the room has adequate ventilation.

If you've already been bitten and have an itchy welt, there are various household products that can help relieve your discomfort. Many people use salt: moisten the area around the bite and rub in some table salt. The itchiness should disappear immediately. You can also rub apple cider vinegar into a bite. Strangely, toothpaste is another common product that quickly alleviates your itching; for some reason, peppermint-flavored toothpaste works the best.

You can make a paste with baking soda and apply that to your bite, leaving it on for about 15 minutes. Mix baking soda with water until you have a paste-like substance, and apply directly to your bite. Or, mix baking soda with witch-hazel. Two other products that you can purchase that will relieve your itching are calamine lotion (commonly used for poison ivy) and aloe gel.

Some people find that a mixture of 1 part water, 1 part garlic salt, and 1 part seasoning salt is effective in controlling itchiness. This potent mixture will burn for about 5 seconds, and then your bite will feel much better. Other people find that simply rubbing their own saliva into the bite will relieve the discomfort.

If you have a persistent itch that won't stop and you can't prevent yourself from constantly scratching, you are at risk of infection. If the itching is really unbearable, cut a lemon in half and "scratch" the bite with the soft, pulpy side of the lemon; this is better than using your fingernails, which will tear at the bite and eventually cause infection.

There is little we can do to avoid coming into contact with mosquitoes, but there are many products to help prevent bites, and dozens of remedies that will bring relief if we've already been bitten.

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Groin Rash Treatment That You Can Do

Groin rash can be caused by various factors and causes. It can be due to the kind of soap that you use as you take a bath. Some people get rashes with the clothes that they wear or with the underwear that they use. Allergies with food or any material may also cause the occurrence of groin rashes. Fungal infection is just one of the most common reasons why groin rash occurs. It is indeed very uncomfortable to have these rashes as it may distract from your daily activities.

The pain or itchiness that it can bring will surely make your life miserable. With this, you have to find ways to treat the groin rash that you have. You have to get rid of it as soon as possible. With various causes that have been pointed out, you must know that there are various treatment methods that you can do too. To be able to do the right thing, you need a guide for sure.

TREATMENT OF FUNGAL INFECTION

One of the most common causes is fungal infection called jock itch. There are actually a lot of ways that you can treat this jock itch. Antifungal creams and ointments can be used topically. But before you can apply this, you have to make sure that the affected areas are clean. Home remedies can also be used like lemon juice and alcohol. You just need to apply these topically on the affected areas. There are oral medications that you can take but you need to visit your physician first before you can use them. You have to be sure that it is indeed a fungal infection before you can take any medicines for it.

TREATMENT OF DERMATITIS

Dermatitis is a common condition among people who are hypersensitive to some of the materials that are commonly used. Rashes may occur after using a body spray or soap that is not compatible with your skin. Even latex condoms can cause this. What you need to do first is to determine the thing that causes your rashes so that you can avoid using it. There are steroid creams that you can apply which you can buy over the counter too. If the rashes will not disappear after a month, you may need to seek a physician to get some help.

TREATMENT OF YEAST INFECTION

Yeast can also cause groin rash. To treat yeast infection, you must practice good hygiene. You need to take a bath and use mild soap only. It is recommended that you use cotton underwear only for your skin to be ventilated well. Try to avoid eating foods rich in sugar since these foods may feed the growth of yeast. Include yogurt in your diet too.

Having these groin rashes can be very disturbing. It may lead to pain or itchiness. Since there are various causes of groin rash, you have to determine the cause first before you can apply the needed treatment. The tips will help you in treating groin rash according to its cause.

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How Does A Pulse Oximeter Work?

Pulse oximeter is used in measuring the level of oxygen carried by the hemoglobin in the entire body. The reading in the oximeter is an important indicator of lung and heart function. The level may be measured by analyzing a blood sample. But for a much quicker, less invasive process, a reading from the finger tip, earlobes or toes through the pulse oximeter can be used.

For each hemoglobin molecule, four oxygen molecules can be carried. Through pulse oximetry, the percentage of oxygen currently carried by the hemoglobin with maximum level of oxygen hemoglobin is able to carry is compared. The percentage is called the oxygen saturation level.

Oxygenated blood leaves the lungs and is then pumped by the heart through the artery. The deoxygenated blood returns to the lungs through the veins to pick up more oxygen from the lungs as the organs use oxygen. The oxygen level of the blood affects how light waves are being absorbed. The blood rich in oxygen absorbs light and lets the red light pass through. The deoxygenated blood absorbs the red light and allows infrared light to pass through. A pulse oximeter emits red and infrared light through the sample site. A light detector on the opposing side measures the light that pass through. It then calculates the ratio of red to infrared light. The ratio will be compared to a scale that is calibrated to each oximeter to assess the oxygen saturation level. The oxygen saturation level in the body of a young and healthy individual has the reading between 95 to 99 percent.

The oxygen saturation levels must be taken the arterial blood rather than from the venous blood, which is oxygen depleted. However, the light emitted by the oximeter has passed through the arteries as well as the veins, skin, bone, and other tissues. All of which affects light absorption. Since the arterial blood is pumped by the heart, it waxes and wanes as the heart beats. The oximeter measures both trough and peak levels of light absorption. The difference in the two levels lies in the light absorbed by the arterial blood. The oxygen saturation levels may be taken at a single time, but this is can be an unreliable reading. More accurate information about the heart and the lung function is gained by taking readings over time and analyzing the trends.

Some factors may lead to false oximetry readings, such as advanced age, irregular or weak heartbeat, cold hands, weak pulse or incorrect placement in the oximeter. Skin color and nail polish will not affect the readings of the pulse oximeter.

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Green Tea - A Tea for Life

For more than thirty years, Western researchers have known that the occurrence of solid tumor cancers is far less in countries where populations consume large amounts of green tea. Cultures that are endowed with a long tea tradition have much to contribute to individual and global health. However, this applies only to green tea. Regular black tea, presently very popular almost everywhere, has not much to do with real tea. Real tea is derived from the tea plant Thea sinensis or Thea asoncica, not to be confused with herb teas such as peppermint, chamomile or fennel.

Both black and green teas originate from the same tea plant, but their methods of processing are different. The breaking of the leaves of the plants and exposing them to the oxygen of the air produces black tea. The resulting natural fermentation process destroys the most important biological ingredients of the tea - the tannins. By contrast, during the production of green tea, the leaves are stabilized through exposure to both humid and dry heat. This eliminates fermentation-producing enzymes and safeguards the nutrients.

Due to fermentation, black tea assumes drug-like qualities. Since tannins and other important nutrients are no longer present in the tea, its caffeine appears in free and unbound form. The stimulating effect of the quickly released caffeine causes the addictive effect of black tea. It triggers a 'fight or flight' response in the body. Since the body treats the ingested caffeine as a nerve toxin, the adrenal glands naturally respond by secreting the antidote adrenaline. This defense response by the body has a stimulating and enlivening effect. However, as the effects of the caffeine and adrenaline diminish, the body starts feeling tired and may end up exhausted.

Green tea works in a different way. The large amounts of tannins in green tea make certain that the caffeine is taken to the brain in only small and well-dosed amounts, which actually harmonizes the energies in the body. Unlike black tea, the original green version of the tea makes the body's own energy-use more efficient. This helps the consumer of green tea improve his vitality and stamina without having to experience the 'up and down' effect so often accompanied with the consumption of black tea.

The value of tannin has been studied for centuries all over the world. Besides its ability to bind caffeine, it also has healing properties. Green tea is particularly helpful with intestinal disorders and high blood pressure. It has been shown to be 20 times more effective in slowing the aging process than vitamin E. Studies have demonstrated that the success rate of green tea in reducing oxidants in the body (considered responsible for aging) is 74 percent compared to 4 percent with vitamin E. The vitamin C content of green tea is four times higher than in lemon juice and it contains more B-vitamins than any other known plant. This makes green tea useful for facial skin conditions such as rosacea/acne. Apart from drinking green tea, you may apply it directly to the skin before bedtime and after washing your face in the morning.

Since green tea is highly alkaline it naturally helps combat hyperacidity. People who drink green tea also suffer less from arteriosclerosis. It also keeps the blood thin and prevents coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, researchers from the University of Osaka, Japan, have been able to prove that green tea kills microbes responsible for cholera and tooth decay; it also destroys salmonella germs before they even have the chance to enter the stomach. A substance called 'EGCG' has been found to retard tumor growth. The Botikin Hospital in Moscow reported that green tea is more effective against infection than antibiotics, without producing any harmful side effects.

Green tea has over 100 ingredients that have been found useful for a number of conditions, it inhibits cell mutations leading to cancer, reduces blood fats, balances serum cholesterol levels, prevents high blood pressure, increases heart efficiency, improves brain functions, enhances metabolism, improves vision, supports secretion of saliva, increases growth of hair, reduces body fat and weight, stimulates digestion and helps clear urinary tract obstructions.

In a study testing the preventative action of green tea, a team of researchers from the Department of Preventive Medicine at the University of Southern California (U.S.C.) found that green tea prevented breast cancer in women by 30 percent if they consumed about half a cup per day. If they drank more than that, their risk of developing breast cancer was further reduced. Women who regularly drank black tea, on the other hand, didn't have a reduction in their breast cancer risk. The good news is that this study revealed that you don't need to drink buckets full of green tea to benefit from it.

The best green tea comes from the Shizuoka area in Japan; it grows organically and has no additives. People living in this area have a much lower cancer rate than those living in other areas of Japan. A reliable brand is Sencha sold by Kurimoto Trading Co., Japan. With over 130 ingredients, it is the richest of all green teas. Other brands are Ocha or Bancha; you should be able to find at least one of them at a good health food store.

Note: The effectiveness of green tea depends on how you prepare it. Take 1? teaspoons of green tea for 2 cups of tea. Bring water to a boil and turn the heat off. Put the tea into a pot and pour the boiled water over the tea as soon as the water has stopped bubbling. After no longer than 35-45 seconds, pour the tea through a sieve into a teapot, otherwise the tea loses much of its effectiveness. You may use the same leaves a second time by applying the same procedure.

Does Green Tea Contain Toxins?

Some web sites on the Internet claim that tea is very high in fluoride content. Fluoride in tea is supposedly much higher than the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) set for fluoride in drinking water. Another site confirms that information, adding that the typical cup of tea exceeds one milligram of fluoride, which is well over the recommended amount for fluoridated drinking water. On yet another site, it says that fluorine and its compounds in food are entirely different from chemically-produced sodium fluoride. It states that once an element is extracted from the soil and incorporated into plant life, its properties change greatly. All this can be greatly confusing for those concerned about fluoride poisoning.

Yes, fluoride is found in tea and also in mother's milk. This applies also to areas where there is no fluoride in the drinking water or air. Numerous plants contain naturally occurring fluorine or fluoride compounds. The hideous version of fluoride that is added to drinking water in so many parts of the world is the poison we ought to protect ourselves against. "Fluoride, once touted as an osteoporosis treatment, is, in fact, toxic to bone cells," says John R. Lee M.D. Thankfully, the American Dental Association, which has for many years been one of fluoride's biggest advocates, changed course when it alerted its members in 2006 that parents of infants younger than a year old "should consider using water that has no or low levels of fluoride" when mixing baby formula.

If the naturally occurring fluoride in green tea were even remotely toxic (like the fluoride added to drinking water), it would not have shown to have such a wide range of preventive and curative effects. The body's immune system would reactively respond to it and become weakened in the process, yet quite the opposite is true. Green tea inhibits cell mutation, stimulates digestion and enhances brain functions. Synthetic fluoride has the exact opposite effects.

The fluoride - or fluorine - that occurs naturally in tea and other foods is so volatile that most of it evaporates in the heating process. The synthetic sodium fluoride added to water, on the other hand, remains stable when heated. So the sodium fluoride in your cup of tea is of much greater concern than the natural fluoride in the tea itself. Excessive fluoride intake can lead to hyperthyroidism. If you have been diagnosed with this disorder you should consult with a doctor of Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine or an ND (doctor of naturopathic medicine) who is knowledgeable about nutrition and its effects on the body's endocrine glands.

Andreas Moritz is a writer and practitioner in the field of Integrative Medicine. He is the author of 13 books on various subjects pertaining to holistic health, including The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush, Timeless Secrets of Health and Rejuvenation and Cancer Is Not a Disease. His most recent book is titled 'Vaccine-Nation: Poisoning the Population, One Shot at a Time'.

Moritz is also the creator of Ener-Chi Art ( http://www.ener-chi.com/ ) and Sacred Sant?mony.

Much of his life's work has been dedicated to understanding and treating the root causes of illness, and helping the body, mind, spirit and heart to heal naturally.

Connect with Andreas at: http://www.facebook.com/enerchi.wellness

Copyright ? 2011 by Andreas Moritz

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andreas_Moritz

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Head Lice Treatment: Put an End to the Problem!

If we take a look across the globe there are a wide variety of head lice treatments that are available, ranging from simple homemade remedies to special shampoos and oils. Head louse or lice are tiny insects found on the scalp of the head when one is infested. These can be spread through contact. A head louse infects your hair and it can live up to 30 days in your hair. During their life cycle, they also lay eggs in your hair. These eggs are called nits. Head lice are common in overcrowded places, especially in the schools.

Symptoms of lice infestation:
Itching of the scalpSmall bumps on the scalp neck and shouldersTiny white specks (eggs) on the bottom of the hair, these specks are very difficult to remove

Here are some of the best homemade head lice treatments

How to go about head lice treatment? Fortunately a number of options are available nowadays and you can choose from a range of home remedies to a wide variety of medical treatments available. Let us first discuss about a natural lice treatment. This involves getting rid of louse by applying some substances which are commonly available in your home. You can use mayonnaise, petroleum jelly and olive oil. You can apply any one of these on your hair, and leave it overnight. To prevent dripping, a shower cap should be used. As it is difficult to get rid of eggs, it is advised to repeat this process after ten days.

Apart from this there are many other home remedies for the head lice treatment. You can use tea tree oil, almond paste, lemon juice to get rid of lice and nits. Lemon juice with garlic paste is a very effective treatment to get rid of the hair lice.

The most effective way to get rid of lice is with a nit comb. This is especially useful for children under two-years of age, who may have adverse reactions to lice shampoo and other chemicals used as a head lice treatment. These nit combs are available at local pharmacy shops and they are quiet reasonable. It is recommended to use these nit combs daily so that you get rid of these lice and nits.

Some medications are also available in the market for effective head lice treatment. Medications that are used to kill lice are called as Pediculicides. All Pediculicides are generally applied on the scalp and hair. Leave this on your hair for ten minutes and then rinse it off. These are very effective on the lice, but not on the nits. So it should be re-applied after 7-10 days. But it is very important to follow all the instructions of application and use carefully as, some Pediculicides have significant toxins. Some popular medications for the louse treatment are: Permethrin, Lindane, and Malathion.

A final thought of head lice treatment and prevention

As it is said, prevention is better than cure, it is very important to prevent the infestation of head louse. Following are some points that are to be kept in mind:
Never share brush, comb, caps etc with a person who has lice infestationKeep your hair cleanRegularly clean things that have direct contact with the hair e.g. pillows, seats and etc.

Treatment is very crucial, and should be done warily with all the prevention methods in order to avoid further infection. For the complete removal of the lice it is very important to repeat the head lice treatment a couple of times.

I know how hard it can be to try and get rid of head lice for good, but due to the community that we live in, we are still prone to be infested by head lice even after the treatment. Hence we should consider how to prevent this problem from recurring in the future. Visit Head Lice Prevention to learn more.

Don't give up hope, it's NOT impossible. Learn more ways to get rid of lice at Head Lice Treatment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Troy_K

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Medications For Jock Itch Today

The dark, moist and warm environment can be very favorable for the faster growth of the fungi that cause jock itch. Your groin, buttocks and genital area are just some of the areas where they can find this kind of environment to multiply faster. Since this kind of fungus is actually naturally occurring, everybody is at risk but those who are always active like athletes have better chance of having this infection. The medical term of the fungus causing this is tinea curis which can produce ring like rashes over affected areas. One good news that you need to remember though is that, you can do some ways to get rid of jock itch immediately. There are medications that you can use. To be able to choose the best one, you will need more information for sure.

USE LAMISIL

One of the most popular medications is Lamisil which is being used by a lot of people not only for jock itch but also for most fungal infections like ring worm and athlete's foot. You can go to the nearest pharmacy to get this kind of medication. One thing that you need to remember is that you have to avoid covering the area with cloth or gauze if you applied Lamisil for the skin to breathe and dry up easily.

UTILIZE TING

Some people prefer to use those medications that can be easily applied. Thus, Ting has come into the picture. Aside from being very effective in relieving jock itch, it is also easy to apply since you just need to spray it over the affected areas. Make sure that you will also read the instructions given by the manufacturer especially on the measures that you need to do before you apply it.

MEDICATED POWDER

As much as possible, you have to keep the infected area dry and clean all the time since the fungi grow well in damp environment. After cleaning or washing the area, you may use medicated powder to keep the area dry and fresh all the time. There are antifungal powders that can be used but if you cannot find one, you can always have baby powder to at least dry up the infected area immediately.

TOPICAL OINTMENTS AND CREAMS

A lot of people have been using topical ointments and creams to get rid of jock itch. One of the most popular is the one that contains miconazole. Before you apply the cream or ointment, you have to make sure that the area is clean.

ORAL MEDICATIONS

Before you take any oral medications, you have to ensure that the doctor has approved the use of it. Thus, you need to see your physician before taking any oral medications. This is to ensure that you are having the right kind of treatment for jock itch.

With the spread of jock itch, you will expect that there are various medications that can cure it also. Thus, if you have been infected by this, you must not lose hope. The tips mentioned here can be very useful for you. Make sure you remember them all the time.

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