Be Well Buzz » inflammation

The Many Eucalyptus Uses

BeWellBuzz — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:29:36 +0000

Most people readily recognize the scent of eucalyptus, but many don't realize that this evergreen tree also has a wide variety of uses. Koala bears typically come to mind when thinking about eucalyptus, although it is used by humans as well. The most common type of eucalyptus, known as the Blue Gum tree, grows primarily in Australia and Tasmania, although there are over 300 known variations of the plant. The leaves and leaf oil of the eucalyptus tree are typically utilized for medicinal purposes, and it is not uncommon to find eucalyptus in a number of over-the-counter drugs, cleaners and even air fresheners. Eucalyptus can be found in a number of forms. Forms of Eucalyptus

Leaves - In both fresh and dried form, leaves of eucalyptus are used as air fresheners and in medicinal teas.
Oil - In this form, eucalyptus is added to cough and cold medicines, dental products, antiseptics and used directly to treat fevers. Oils are also used in industrial mining operations and as aromatherapy.
Ointment - Applied directly to the skin, the plant is used for treating minor aches and pains. It is also an ingredient in several over-the-counter rubs to be used as cold treatments.
Sprays - Some companies sell the plant in a spray form, allowing it to be used topically on humans and pets.

Health Benefits At one time, eucalyptus was thought to be a valuable treatment for diabetes. Although it does appear to cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, research continues regarding the exact benefits, if any, for diabetics. Other documented medicinal and healthy uses for eucalyptus include:

Treatment of respiratory illnesses - Coughs, colds, sore throats, asthma, and congestion appear to respond to medicines containing eucalyptus. Relieve congestion and cough by rubbing eucalyptus oil or ointment into the chest. Another method for relieving congestion and other respiratory problems involves boiling eucalyptus leaves in a tightly covered pot filled with water then removing the pot from heat to inhale the vapors. The plant's oil can be mixed with warm water to create a mouth rinse that helps alleviate sore throats. As an antibacterial, natural decongestant, eucalyptus often reduces the intensity and the duration of respiratory illnesses.

Burns, cuts and insect bites - Topically, eucalyptus may be used as an antiseptic reducing the risk of infection and promoting healing.

Muscle and joint pains - Rubbing oil from the leaves into the muscles and joints has been known to temporarily relieve pain. Below is a recipe for making your own relaxation massage oil that is great for a soothing massage:

Relaxation Massage Oil 4 drops Lavender 1 drop Petitgrain 1 drop Frankincense All measurements are per 1 tablespoon of carrier, or base, oil. This blend may be added to a warm bath or used as massage oil.

Reducing fevers - A small amount of the oil taken internally may temporarily reduce a fever.
Stimulant and stress reliever - Eucalyptus leaves and oil provide an aroma that can be useful in dealing with stress and fatigue.
Dental care - Eucalyptus oils may be found in mouthwashes and toothpastes because it's a natural bacteria fighter.
Bug repellant - In both Honduras and Venezuela, the plant is used to keep bugs away.

Parasite deterrent - Guatemalans use eucalyptus to get rid of ringworm and topical parasites.

Household Uses

Soaps and cleansers - Commonly found in household cleaners, eucalyptus offers a healthy aroma and strong cleansing abilities. It is often used in spas and saunas for both refreshment and cleansing purposes.
Spot and stain remover - There are companies that sell the oil for such purposes, claiming that it doesn't leave a stain and removes tough stains such as gum and ink.
Carpet cleaner - In a less concentrated form than the spot remover, eucalyptus spray can be used as a natural carpet cleaner without drenching the carpet.
Doing laundry - Adding a teaspoon of oil to heavily soiled loads may clean and refresh them.
Garden spray - You can use this spray directly on the base of plants to keep pets away.

For Building In Australia, eucalyptus trees are often used as timber for building. They are ideal as a building material because they grow very quickly and use does not result in deforestation. In countries where the tree is not a part of the natural habitat, growing eucalyptus has not been as successful. It can have a negative affect on the native flowers and plants, and doesn't appear to grow near as well out of its own habitat. California does have a form of eucalyptus that is now also marketed for medicinal and household use.

For Animals Eucalyptus branches can be used as bird perches providing antioxidants and other valuable minerals like calcium and magnesium. Some breeders use eucalyptus to line bird nests because mites and ticks will not live near the plant. Koalas and other animals eat from the eucalyptus plant in the wild. Active Ingredients Eucalyptus leaves include tannins which are used for treatment of inflammation. The oil derived from the leaves and branch tips contain cineole, which is a natural antiseptic. Cautions and Concerns Although the topical and aromatic use of eucalyptus is generally safe for anyone over the age of two, internal use should be considered carefully and only in small doses, particularly with young children and elderly people. Even used topically, eucalyptus may cause a rash or skin irritation if used in concentrated form. People have overdosed with only a few drops of the oil, so it is very important to follow guidelines and recipes carefully as well as consult a licensed medical professional. It should not be used by people who have high blood pressure, kidney, stomach or liver issues, diabetics, pregnant women or breast-feeding women without a doctor's advice. As it has been known to affect blood sugar levels, insulin-dependent diabetics should be particularly cautious. It is not difficult for adults to overdose on eucalyptus oil, so medicinal recipes should be followed carefully. For children between the ages of 2 and 6, ingestion through steam and rubs provide the least dangerous and most effective treatment, but again, the concentration should be kept low. Although approved for medical use in Germany, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stricter guidelines and has not approved the use of eucalyptus for medicinal purposes. Often people view herbs as harmless and natural. While they are natural, they can be harmful. It is important to consider possible side effects, particularly when ingesting an herbal product. Consulting a professional herbalist or doctor is always recommended before administering any herb medicinally. Source http://www.lifescript.com/

Inflammatory Foods

BeWellBuzz — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:22:24 +0000

Chronic inflammation can lead to premature aging as well as many disorders and diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, hay fever, and Alzheimer's disease. The following foods should be avoided completely or eaten rarely if you want to avoid inflammation. Sugar Sugary foods in all their forms lead to inflammation. Cookies, cake, pie, ice cream, candy, doughnuts, pastries, and all other sugary treats are off limits if you want to lessen your inflammation load and keep your weight down. Fruit Juice Many people think fruit juice is healthy but it is pure sugar. Instead of drinking fruit juice, eat the whole fruit. Whole fruit contains fiber that slows down the metabolism of sugar and makes it less damaging to your body. Fried Foods Egg rolls, French fries, fried chicken, fried vegetables, and anything else that is battered and deep fried is a top cause of inflammation. Flour Pasta, bagels, bread, rolls, muffins, pizza, pancakes, flour tortillas, and anything else made from white flour can lead to inflammation. Both white flour and whole wheat flour have a negative impact on the body. Instead, choose whole grains like brown rice. Fast Food Fast food is full of chemicals, preservatives, fillers, MSG, and other things nobody should be eating. When eating out, choose restaurants that use fresh ingredients. Partially Hydrogenated Oils Avoid margarine, vegetable shortening, and any packaged products that contain partially hydrogenated oils. Omega-6 Fatty Acids Foods high in omega-6 fatty acids encourage inflammation in the body. Most Americans get too much of it. Foods to avoid or limit include margarine, safflower oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil. Many prepared foods contain oils high in omega-6 fatty acids. Avoid those products and when cooking at home use omega-3 oils like olive oil or canola oil. Source http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/foods-that-are-inflammatory.html

Acupuncture for Dry Eye Relief?

BeWellBuzz — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 04:01:10 +0000

Acupuncture^[1] may help ease dry eye syndrome^[2], a small study^[3] suggests.

Published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the study involved 36 people with dry eye syndrome (a condition that occurs when the eyes don't produce enough to tears to stay properly lubricated). For four weeks, each participant received acupuncture three times weekly. At the end of the treatment period, patients showed a decrease in dry eye symptoms and an increase in their eyes' watery secretion.

It's not known how acupuncture might help relieve dry eye syndrome, a disorder most prevalent among people over age 65. Often treated with over-the-counter artificial tears, dry eye syndrome might also improve with the use of omega-3 fatty acids^[4] (healthy fats thought to tame the inflammation^[5] associated with dry eye).

For more help in boosting your defense against dry eye, make sure to stay hydrated and break frequently when performing activities that require prolonged periods of visual attention.

References^{^} Acupuncture (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} dry eye syndrome (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} study (www.liebertonline.com)^{^} omega-3 fatty acids (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} inflammation (altmedicine.about.com)

Sesame Oil Extract May Fend Off Depression

BeWellBuzz — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 20:15:54 +0000

Sesamol--a natural substance found in sesame oil--shows promise for relief of depression ^[1]. In preliminary research ^[2] published in the journal Psychopharmacology, scientists found that sesamol helped shield mice from depressive-like behavior caused by stress.

According to the study's authors, people with depression tend to have elevated levels of certain markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (a destructive process that results from overproduction of free radicals). Their study's findings suggest that sesamol may help reverse stress-induced inflammation and oxidative stress and--in turn--thwart the onset of depression.

It's too soon to recommend sesamol in prevention or treatment of depression of any kind. If you're looking to lift your mood while alleviating stress, consider natural mood-enhancers like meditation, yoga, and massage therapy.

References

^{^} depression (altmedicine.about.com)
^{^} research (www.springerlink.com)

Beet Juice May Boost Brain Health

BeWellBuzz — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:24:04 +0000

New research shows that drinking beet juice ^[1] could boost blood flow to your brain and possibly protect against dementia. In a small study ^[2] from Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry, scientists discovered that subjects given beet juice had increased blood flow to brain regions associated with aging-related cognitive impairment. The study involved 14 adults, all of whom were age 70 or older. Over the course of a four-day experiment, researchers found that following a beet-juice-enriched diet helped stimulate circulation to white matter in the frontal lobes. According to the study's authors, poor circulation in this part of the brain is often linked to a higher risk of dementia. Marked by a strong flavor, beet juice is often blended with other juices (like apple or carrot) before drinking. Past studies show that drinking beet juice may also tame inflammation ^[3], keep blood pressure ^[4] in check, and enhance exercise stamina.

References

^{^} beet juice (altmedicine.about.com)
^{^} study (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
^{^} inflammation (altmedicine.about.com)
^{^} blood pressure (altmedicine.about.com)

Arthritis – Prevention and Pain Relief

BeWellBuzz — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:34:47 +0000

Arthritis refers to a group of musclo-skeletal disorders characterized by joint pain and inflammation. Joints are the connecting tissues between two bones, and an inflammation of one or more joints is known as Arthritis. Contrary to the common belief, arthritis can affect men and women of all ages. More than 350 million people in the world are dealing with arthritis. Whether it is Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis or any other kind, the one common feature is the extreme pain and stiffness associated with this disorder. While there is no permanent cure for this disorder, the symptoms are usually manageable with:

Regular Exercises
Alternative Therapies
Natural Pain Relievers

Let's take a deeper look into each of these arthritis pain management techniques. EXERCISES Exercising is extremely important when you have arthritis. Moderate and regular physical activity can work wonders for your joint and muscle pain by decreasing fatigue, strengthening your muscles and bones, increasing flexibility and stamina, and improving your general sense of well-being. Here are a few exercises that are especially beneficial:

Swimming - Swimming in warm water can relieve arthritis pain and joint stiffness to a great extent. The arm and leg movements gently exercise your joints and also strengthen your muscles. Being in warm water raises your body temperature, which causes dilation of blood vessels and increases blood circulation. You can also try hydrotherapy that involves floating in warm salt water, as salt is a natural pain reliever.

Cycling - Cycling is a good low impact exercise option for arthritis patients. Cycling equipment can be adjusted according to your needs, so you don't have to exert too much pressure while riding it. For those with severe joint pain, stationary bikes are the best option and they are equally effective in strengthening your joints and muscles. Just keep track of your mileage, and go on increasing your goals by small margins.

Walking - When you think about low impact exercises that do not involve any jarring movements, there is nothing better than Walking. An effective cardio workout, walking lubricates your joints, increases muscle strength and decreases the stiffness in your joints. The most important thing to consider is that the intensity of your exercises should be neither too low nor too high. Therefore, start at a small and comfortable level, and slowly go on increasing the time.

Yoga - Yoga is undoubtedly a miracle cure for most physical ailments including Arthritis. Regular practice of Pranayama (Yogic breathing) and Yogasanas (physical postures) can lubricate your joints, improve blood circulation, strengthen your tissues and joints, improve muscle flexibility and provide a complete workout for all your body parts. Get in touch with a Yoga teacher and learn the various exercises that are recommended for arthritis pain management.

Tai-Chi - Tai Chi is a form of ancient Chinese exercise that involves light, controlled movements focused towards improving flexibility of joints, sense of balance and muscular strength. Recent studies conducted worldwide have shown the remarkable benefits of Tai Chi for Arthritis patients, as it provides a complete workout for all your body parts, ligaments, joints and tendons. It also helps in relaxing your mind so you can cope up with the pain in a better manner.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a well-known Chinese therapy that has been endorsed by the WHO as an effective treatment for pain. Disposable, stainless steel needles are used to stimulate your body's energy-channels or meridians to correct the energy imbalances in your body. The needles stimulate points located near the nerves, which leads to the secretion of endorphins (body's natural pain-relieving chemicals) and blocks the message of pain from being delivered to the brain.

Chiropractic: Chiropractic is a remedial system that centered on the structure of the body. Chiropractic treatment for arthritis will be adapted to suit your age, physical built, severity of your condition and your general health. In general, a chiropractor will work on your spine to correct subluxation and other imbalances, and allow your body to cure itself naturally. It is a well-known therapy for arthritis pain relief.

Biofeedback Techniques: Biofeedback Techniques can help you improve your health by controlling various physiological functions in your body such as your heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, muscle tension etc. This gives you complete control over your body, so you can treat various health disorders.

NATURAL PAIN RELIEVERS From natural herbs that treat inflammation to techniques that influence the brain's remarkable healing powers, nature offers many treatments for conditions such as arthritis, and other musculo-skeletal disorders. Listed below are some of the natural pain relievers that you can comfortably use for getting rid of the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.

Capsaicin: Capsaicin is an active component of Chile Pepper. It desensitizes the nerve receptors called C-fibers that are responsible for pain sensations, and also reduces the joint tenderness temporarily.

White Willow Bark: It contains salicylic acid (a compound from which aspirin, a pain-relieving drug is made). White willow bark blocks the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and decreases pain to a large extent.

Fish Oil: Fish oil contains EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) that work as natural anti-inflammatory agents, by blocking the production of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids that lubricate and strengthen the joints.

Devil's and Cat's claw: Devil's claw is a South African herb that contains 'iridoid glycosides', which are known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Named after its hook-like horns, cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a woody vine native to the Amazon rainforest. It is used to treat a variety of health problems, including arthritis, stomach ulcers, inflammation, dysentery, and fevers.

Turmeric: Turmeric is a common remedy for cold, cough, inflammation and pain. It contains curcumin, which is a powerful painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent.

Glucosamine: Glucosamine is the building block of cartilage, tendons and other connective body tissues. Not only does it preserves these body tissues, but also inhibits the activity of enzymes that can destroy cartilage. A lack of Glucosamine is considered to the primary causes of arthritis. Glucosamine acts as a 'shock absorber' for the joints and improves their flexibility in a natural manner.

For long-term relief from joint pain and inflammation, you will need to follow a complete pain management program that involves regular exercises, a healthy diet, and use of natural remedies as far as possible. While these are not quick-fix solutions, they can be very effective at managing your pain and reducing inflammation, thus, allowing you to live an active and healthy life.