What To Do When You Have A Cold?

September 14th, 2009 By: Brittany

Cold season has fit yearly in my household. My son brought home a wonderful cold from daycare, and passed it down the line to us. My husband and I have two distinct views on how to treat these viruses. My husbands like to use traditional western medicine i.e. dayquil and nightquil. I on the other hand use the traditional eastern medicine. I must say it has shortened my cold and symptoms much better then my husbands. Even my son recovered fast with Boericke and Tafel Children’s Cough and Bronchial Syrup. I used this too.

The most interesting part of this cold was learning about a remedy using hydrogen peroxide. If you have not heard of this remedy you put a cap full of 3% hydrogen peroxide in the cap and poor it into your year. You live it in for 7-10 minutes and then repeat on the other side. The theory is that cold and flu virus enter through the noise and ears.

According to Dr. Simmons, keeping your fingers out of our ears will greatly reduce our chances of catching colds and the flu, but we need to keep in mind that these 2 are microscopic and can be air-born and may land on/in our ears. Once these microscopic bodies have entered the inner-ear, they then begin to breed, and from there they have access to every avenue throughout our bodies to travel, and infect and make us sick.I have to say that this works. It wasn’t like my cold immediately went away, but I started healing instead of my body fighting.

The other remedy I used was miso soup. This is traditional  soup that you will find often in Japanese restaurants.

In 300 AD famous herbalist, Ge Hong, writes about Miso Soup with Scallions in a book called, Bei ji zhou hou fang or Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One’s Sleeve.

The soup is indicated for the onset of a cold when a person is just beginning to feel a headache, stuffy nose and a slight fever. So, the next time you feel a cold coming on, be sure to have your miso. That worked so well. It is very healthy and did such a great job making us both feel well. [ continue reading ]

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Things In Your Home That May Need Some Cleaning

September 11th, 2009 By: Brittany

This article is from MSN health, it talks about 8 common household items that may be  working against you instead of for you.

Your kitchen sponge

Maybe you’ve heard about the germs on your kitchen sponge (gross news flash—there may be as many as 20 million microbes on it right now).

What to do
The best ways to clean a dirty sponge, they say, are in the microwave (on high for one minute) and in the dishwasher, which will kill 99.9 percent of all germs.

Your bed

Bedbugs, tiny bloodthirsty insects, are hosts to organisms that cause hepatitis B and Chagas disease, say health experts. But the real problem seems to be the infections and allergic reactions that can sometimes result from bedbug bites.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, bedbugs are on the rise and becoming an increasing health problem. The insects, which hide in the crevices of mattresses and bedding, are showing up everywhere, from hostels to the swankiest hotels, and they often find their way into people’s luggage, transporting themselves to unsuspecting homes.

What to do
If you’ve done some traveling recently, and especially if you’ve noticed any mysterious bug bites, wash everything in your luggage and consider scrubbing your suitcase with a stiff brush before giving it a good vacuuming.

Your shower curtain

According to research by the Center for Health, Environment & Justice, shower curtains and liners made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be harmful to your health.

Their study suggests that PVC releases potentially harmful chemicals into your bathroom. While there is still some debate among health experts about how much of these chemicals could be deemed harmful, many believe that limiting your exposure to chemicals, wherever possible, makes sense.

What to do
Check your shower curtain’s label to see if it’s made of vinyl or PVC. While not all manufacturers disclose this information, some retailers, like Ikea, have banned PVC shower curtains altogether, and Target has promised to phase out the material in its shower-curtain products in the months ahead.

Your laundry

Nobody thinks of the washing machine as a germ magnet. Not if you’re using a public machine, and especially if that machine uses water that’s not hot enough, says Tierno.

Here’s why: Lower temperatures can encourage the spread of germs. Researchers at the University of Arizona found that intestinal viruses such as hepatitis A can be easily transferred from underwear to other garments during the washing process. Even worse, some germs can lurk in public washing machines and find their way to your clothes. [ continue reading ]

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Aromatherapy For SAD

September 9th, 2009 By: Brittany

As the days grow shorter and the weather outside starts to change for the season many people face the impeding disorder of SAD, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. The lack of sunlight can cause symptoms such as fatigue, oversleeping, sadness, depression, irritation, decreased sex drive, and loss of pleasure and interest in life.

A holistic approach to treating SAD includes light therapy, diet changes, nutrient supplementation, exercise, and the use of essential oils, which can bring some aromatic light into the dark of winters.

Essential oils stimulate the nerve endings of the olfactory bulb, which lies at the back of the nose. These nerve endings stimulate a part of the brain called the limbic system, associated with our most primal instincts, emotions, and memories. Essential oils are particularly effective at stimulating the olfactory system because the molecules of the oils are so small that they enter the bloodstream rapidly and are carried to all parts of the body. This allows the aromatic essences of the oils to affect not just our sense of smell but our entire being. Alive.com

Aromatherapy can have a very profound difference when added to other alteration to treating SAD. Often times the hardest part of sticking to a dietary change or exercise routine during the winter is finding the motivation and strength. Essential oils and aromatherapy can give you what this extra boost that is needed during this season. So, what are some great oils to consider when Season Depression starts to hit? Here is a list of ones that I have personally used before. If you have tried others please add them to your comments.

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) has an uplifting and fresh-floral, citrus scent. The oil is made from steam-distilling the leaves and twigs of the sweet orange tree. Having nervine properties, petitgrain can be uplifting, balancing, calming, and refreshing when used as an inhalant or with a diffusor. It can also be used on the skin with a carrier oil or used in a massage oil or bath.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) has a fresh, sweet, fruity scent (it’s often described as being like sunshine in a bottle), and has an uplifting, cheerful effect. Bergamot can help with anxiety, stress, tension, agitation, depression, and insomnia. Bergamot can be used in a diffusor, bath, or on the skin with a carrier oil (do not apply directly to skin). May increase photo-sensitivity.

Lemon (Citrus limonum) has the unmistakable smell of fresh lemons. The oil can stimulate the white blood cells that defend the body against infection. Lemon is refreshing and cooling, brings clarity to mind and emotions, restores vitality, and encourages clear thinking. Its antimicrobial properties and fresh scent also make lemon a great household cleanser and air freshener. Use as an inhalant or with a diffuser, or on skin with a carrier oil in massage oil or bath. May irritate sensitive skin. When used in skin care, use at low dilution. When used in bath, always use with a carrier oil. It may increase photo-sensitivity.

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A Treat For Your Body

September 7th, 2009 By: Brittany

Tulsi Sweet Rose Tea

I have discovered a wonderful tea that is very refreshing an cleansing at the same time. I am talking about Tulsi Tea. I have been drinking the Tulsi Sweet Rose Tea, and find myself much less stressed, much more relaxed, and much more clear headed.

For those who have not yet heard about this tea please let me give you a small background. Tulsi tea originated in India thousands of years ago, and made from the leaves and blossoms of the Tulsi basil plant. This known tea is known for its rich antioxidant that are known to promote wellness by building the body’s immune system, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. It is recognized as one of India’s most sacred herbs because of its health benefits and healing properties.

Potential Health Benefits

• Strengthens the immune system, promotes longevity and enhances well-being.
• Promotes heart health by lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Increases the body’s efficiency in using oxygen, which improves stamina, strength and endurance.
• Promotes respiratory health. [ continue reading ]

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Immunity Booster Foods

September 6th, 2009 By: Brittany

I thought since we are entering into fall and eventually winter season that adding a reminder about what foods to consider eating is in order.A great place to stock up is the farmer’s markets. Now is great time to stock up on all these great foods as their season comes to an end.

Source: Alternet Sept. 2009, 15 Best Foods to Improve Your Immunity

Yogurt

Yogurt that contains live cultures is rich in lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis, which fight bacteria that cause diseases and raise your white blood cell count. (If you are not lactose intolerant, or have dairy allergies kefir is a great probiotic).

Green Tea

Green tea is a great source of L-theanine, an amino acid that triggers the release of germ-fighting compounds from your T-cells.

Oranges

One of the best sources of immunity-boosting vitamin C, oranges cause your body to produce higher levels of antibodies and white blood cells.

Garlic

Garlic is loaded with ajoene, allicin and thiosulfinates, compounds high in sulfur that ward off diseases and help battle infections.

Carrots

Carrots are packed with beta carotene, a phytonutrient that increases your body’s production of T-cells and natural killer cells.

Spinach

The high amount of antioxidants found in spinach help boost your immune system.

Sweet Potatoes

Like carrots, sweet potatoes are loaded with beta carotene, which boosts your body’s T-cell and NK-cell count.

Mushrooms

Rich in compounds called beta glucans, mushrooms boost the production of NK-cells and T-cells in your body to help prevent infections.

Kiwi

Like oranges, kiwis are high in vitamin C, which helps protect your body against infections.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are also packed with vitamin C, which prompts your body to produce more interferon. This antibody covers the surface of cells and fends off viruses.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a great source of glucosinolates, phytonutrients rich in sulfur that stimulate the natural antioxidant systems in your body.

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Suprising Signs That You Will Live To Be 100

September 3rd, 2009 By: Brittany

I have seen this post around on the internet and I thought what an interesting topic. I think that most of us like to think of ourselves living a long and prosperous life, but as msnbc health lists there may be some signs that suggest an advantage. Of course, they didn’t list everything that goes into account for good health. Things like stress and over diet also play a role. To ready the full article click here .

You’re the life of the party
Outgoing people are 50 percent less likely to develop dementia, according to a recent study of more than 500 men and women age 78 and older from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Participants also described themselves as not easily stressed.

Researchers speculate that their more resilient brains may be due to lower levels of cortisol — studies show that oversecretion of this “stress hormone” can inhibit brain cells’ communication. Science-backed ways to cut cortisol levels: Meditate, sip black tea, or take a nap.

You run for 40 minutes a day
Scientists in California found that middle-aged people who did just that — for a total of about 5 hours per week — lived longer and functioned better physically and cognitively as they got older; the researchers tracked runners and nonrunners for 21 years. “What surprised us is that the runners didn’t just get less heart disease — they also developed fewer cases of cancer, neurologic diseases, and infections,” says study author Eliza Chakravarty, MD, an assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. “Aerobic exercise keeps the immune system young.” If you don’t like to run, even 20 minutes a day of any activity that leaves you breathless can boost your health, she says.

You like raspberries in your oatmeal

Most Americans eat 14 to 17 g of fiber per day; add just 10 g and reduce your risk of dying from heart disease by 17 percent, according to a Netherlands study. Dietary fiber helps reduce total and LDL (”bad”) cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity, and boost weight loss. One easy fix: Top your oatmeal (½ cup dry has 4 g fiber) with 1 cup of raspberries (8 g) and you get 12 g of fiber in just one meal.

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Financial Peace At An Unfinancial Time

September 1st, 2009 By: Brittany

This economy is tough. I think that everyone has been hit in some way. This kind of financial uncertainty makes daily life stressful- money and financial security play a very active role of life. When we feel threatened it becomes even more stressful.

I found some great sites that I feel everyone should be aware of. Most ideas that you are going to read or hear are not new ideas, but someones just hearing them again can help us making smarter and wiser decisions about money.

1. Extended Warranties
Generally, they’re not worth the money. (The only thing I now have a warranty on is my laptop computer, and that’s because I practically beat it to death.) If a new gadget or appliance is going to fail, research tells us it will do so during the manufacturer’s warranty period or long after the extended warranty has expired. That makes extended warranties, which can cost anywhere from $5 to hundreds of dollars, a big profit center for retailers and a pretty useless expense for consumers.

Get Smart: If you’re worried about a breakdown, take the money you’d spend on a warranty and stash it into a special savings account. If your item fails, you’ll have the money to repair it. If not (which is more likely), in three or five years when everything’s gone well, you’ll have stashed away a nice little nest egg.

2. Gym Fees
The sales pitch is compelling and the promise of better health is hard to deny. But getting roped into a legal obligation to pay a big monthly fee for the next two or three years—whether you use the gym or not—makes no sense.

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