December 14, 2008

7 Herbal Remedies for Relieving Arthritic Pain Naturally


There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45. It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine. Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance. Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

Another type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.

The term Arthritis literally translates to joint inflammation. If you suffer from any of the different types of Arthritis listed above, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects or tried other home remedies. If you haven't yet tried 'Urtication,' it might be helpful. The term 'Urtication' comesfrom the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000years to biblical times. Urtica dioica is Stinging Nettle. The treatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles. This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.

Here are a few more herbs that are used effectively for the treatment of arthritis:

Black Cohosh
Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot. The dried root is the part used. This is a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painful menstrual cramps. Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle. It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan. In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general.

Bogbean
Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on the walls of the colon and digestive juices.

Celery Seeds
Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic. Great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Chapparal
Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, skin conditions of warts and blotches. Also one of the best cancerherbs.

Feverfew
Use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizziness and tinnitus.

Nettle
The is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one of those 'universal' plants. They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.

Saffron
A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils), thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds the calcium deposited in the joints. Also reduces lactic acid build up. Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.

Yucca
Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them for use. Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical treatment.

No matter what natural remedies you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your course of treatment does not interfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your treatment.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.


About the Author

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

October 09, 2008

Lowering Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol has been around for thousands of years. It’s a natural function of the human body.

The modern story of cholesterol and how it affects us today, actually began during a government study in 1951.

The Pentagon sent pathologists to Korea to examine the bodies of servicemen who lost their lives during the war. Autopsies were conducted on 2,000 soldiers.

The results were astounding to the medical community of that time. Normally, no one under 35 dies of coronary heart disease. Remember, this was 1951!

More than 75 percent of the soldier had yellow deposits of atherosclerotic plaque on their artery walls.

The average age of these soldiers was 21 contradicting the assumption that such artery clogging deposits were only prevalent in older men.

The results of the Army pathologists rocked the medical community. Prior to these autopsies, doctors had no idea how early the process of heart disease began.

Not long after this discovery, a name was given to the major contributor to the buildup of plaque and to heart disease risk – cholesterol.

More recent studies have shown that for every 1 percent drop in cholesterol levels, there is a 2 percent decrease in the risk of a heart attack.

Since those original studies, the risk of heart disease stemming from cholesterol has exploded.

In 2002 it was estimated that 107 million American adults now have a blood cholesterol level high enough to require medical advice.

Unfortunately, the numbers keep rising.

Despite this epidemic problem, there is good news.

You can do something about the problem and that’s what this guide is all about.

In plain English, we will take a laymen’s look at cholesterol, the causes, effects and what you can do to reverse the negative impact it has on your personal health.

www.best-natural-cures-health-guide.com

June 28, 2008

Heart Burn Cure


It is possible to cure heart burn naturally or relieve the symptoms of heart burn. There are natural cures for heart burn that have been handed down from generation to generation. There are natural cures for heart burn originating from the native people of the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, as well. Practically everyone has experienced occasional heartburn. Chronic heartburn may be caused by how much or what foods a person chooses to eat, what he or she chooses to drink and other lifestyle issues, but it can also be a symptom of more serious medical conditions. If you watch what you eat, when you eat and what you drink, but you still experience heartburn once or more per week, you should have your symptoms evaluated by a physician.
In order to cure heart burn naturally, you may need to add a few items to your pantry. Fennel tea is one of the natural cures for heart burn. Fennel seeds are available at most grocery stores and can be ordered online from companies that sell herbs and other natural products. A tea is created by seeping one or two teaspoons of seeds in eight ounces of boiling water. Gingerroot and/or rhubarb may cure heart burn naturally. Chewing on a small piece of either may relieve the symptoms. Gingerroot is available at many grocery stores. Rhubarb grows wild, can be purchased (when in season) at some grocery stores and can be grown in your own garden. Rhubarb stalks reach maturity in early summer or late spring and can be frozen in chunks for later use. These natural cures for heart burn may neutralize the stomach acid that causes the burning sensation or saliva produced by the chewing action may neutralize the acid. Saliva in the mouth and throat naturally neutralizes stomach acid. Smoking, which dries out the mouth and throat may worsen or bring on symptoms of heart burn.
If you have an herb garden, be sure to include peppermint. You can cure heart burn naturally by chewing on the washed leaves or adding a pinch to your fennel tea. Peppermint oil is one of the well known cures for heart burn and indigestion. It is an ingredient in many over the counter products sold for relief of heartburn and gas. Other mints may work as well.
None of the previously mentioned natural cures for heart burn carry any risks unless you have allergies. If you have allergies, you should check with your allergist before using a natural product that you have not used before. Natural does not always mean safe. Some herbal remedies said to cure heart burn naturally may cause serious side effects and should be used with care and caution. Pregnant women should not use products that contain slippery elm and should always consult there doctor before using anything to treat heartburn that is not a common food product. Heartburn is fairly common during pregnancy because of the extra pressure on the stomach. Chewing on a chunk of rhubarb should help.


By: Michael

What Are Herbal Treatments?


Herbal treatments are botanical or plants that are used for medicinal or therapeutic reasons. They are used in place of the high cost and terrible tasting medicines for most people. Herbs are another part of the botanical and are used to make many different products. They are used to help improve or keep you in good health.


There are many herbal products, botanical products and other forms to help keep people feeling good about their health and their body. There are many people that put their faith in these herbs and use them on a daily basis to keep them feeling good.

Herbs are very popular with all different kinds of people. They are seeing how they can affect their body and keep them feeling good without having to take the nasty medicines and other things that can sometimes make people feel worse about how they are health wise.

Many use herbal treatments as a form of dietary supplements. There are so many different herbs that are used in place of vitamins and other nutrients in the body. These herbal treatments are a great resource for making people feel good about whom they are and what they are feeling inside their body. They are a great way for little picks me ups as well.

Many herbal treatments are very safe for just about anyone. However sometimes you may have to get a referral from your doctor or the nutritionist that you are working with so that you are sure you can use certain herbs. You will find that many times the herbal treatments will make you feel great and you will be able to improve your health inside and out.

There are many forms of herbal treatments. You will find that there are liquids, pills, tablets, and capsules that can be taken as herbal treatments. It will depend on the type of herb and the use. For many people, they are used to taking their herbs on a regular basis so that their body can adjust to it and stay healthy from the use of the herb.

If you are not sure if herbal treatments are right for you, you can do plenty of research on the subject. You can find many great resources to help you with your cause. You will see that there are plenty of herbal doctors and other reading material that will help you find what you are looking for about herbal treatments. You are not alone in this great use. Many are turning to the use of herbs to make their bodies stronger and to help them overcome sickness and pain.

www.best-natural-cures-health-guide.com

How Can Nature’s Remedies Help Us?


Both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which lay emphasis on herbal remedies and natural treatments, originated in the East thousands of years ago. That is probably why there is more reliance on natural remedies in the East as compared to the West. The West’s introduction to an organized therapy of herbal medicine began only in the 18th century with launching of homeopathy by Samuel Hahnemann.

Admittedly, health services and conventional medicine in developed countries are more efficient and easily accessible than in undeveloped nations. At the same time unplanned advancement, fast lifestyles and reckless use of conventional drugs has made people living in developed nations more vulnerable to disease.

Ask any medical practitioner and you will be surprised to know that despite unprecedented level of advancement in diagnostic and treatment procedures, medical science can boast of discovering a total cure for a very few number of diseases. Even common cold remains incurable to this day. The standard approach for a cold is that if you do not treat it will take seven days and if you do, then it will take a week to cure. A naturopath, on the other hand, will tell you that cinnamon oil and honey will provide relief from common cold and lime and honey in water on regular basis will help prevent its recurrence in future. Nature’s remedies are more about the use of fruits, vegetables, herbs and roots that help in improving immunity rather than providing temporary relief from symptoms, which may resurface after some time.

Conventional therapy is likely to prescribe antacids for acidity and also warn you about taking them only when needed. A naturopath will advise that you keep away from hot and spicy foods, take meals on time, include fruits like apple, watermelon and banana in your diet and consume lots of water for as long as you can. This will permanently cure you of acidity rather than make you dependent on antacids.

And lest it give wrong impressions, natural remedies are not only about common cold and acidity. There are natural remedies for practically all ailments that you may come across. Paste of grounded dry orange peel is an effective treatment for acne. Two to three fresh garlic pods a day will effectively treat arthritis and rubbing mustard oil heated in garlic provides quick relief from backache and muscular and joint pain. Treating chronic constipation can be as easy as consuming psyllium husk seeds with a cup of hot milk or simple water.

Herbs have a minor caveat attached to them due to the toxicity that you may find in some undiluted forms but natural remedies are completely safe and without any side effects. Most of them do not carry any warnings. This is simple to understand because nature’s remedies are totally based on use of foods and substances of daily use and avoidance of harmful foods and activities.

By Tess Thompson

Natural Beauty Secrets & Herbal Remedies

Ever since Eve took that first bite of the apple, the human race has been obsessed with natural beauty.

Granted, each civilization has had it's own definition of what attributes are used to define beauty.

Ancient Egyptian women AND men used various natural pigments to color their bodies in an attempt to appear more favorably to the “gods.”

Head-dresses and jewelry have adorned peoples throughout history with the expectation that these items might improve their appearance.

Roman, Grecian, Arabic and Hindi women used henna to color their hair and tattoo their bodies. The historical artwork of Botticelli depicts women as rounded as cherubs.

Interestingly, current trends toward body piercing and tattooing are nothing new but merely a resurgence of historical practices.

We will take a look at specific tips, old and new, to help you meet the current perception of our societal definition of beauty.

We are adding new bonus home remedy recipes & beauty lotion recipes every week, so make sure you subscribe to our Blog RSS or just save this page to your favourites by selecting “Cntrl+D” so you can find us again quickly whenever you want a new beauty tip.

Let us begin.

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How Teeth Become Damaged or Discolored

Teeth can become discolored for many reasons.

Most apply to poor hygiene as we stated above.

Coffee, tea and tobacco are three culprits that come to mind.

Those are just the tip of the iceberg, however.

The problem is that by the time we realize that our teeth have seriously deteriorated in color, enough time has gone by that we usually have some type of dental health problem which must be addressed before we can even begin to think about “cosmetic” procedures.

Any type of dental disease makes the enamel of the teeth vulnerable to ugly discoloration.

What are some of the common problems dentists see in their patients that lead to dental disease, destruction and discoloration? Let’s review some of what they have to say:

Abscessed tooth.

Infection of the tissue surrounding a tooth that usually fills with pus which has a very smelly odor.

Alcoholism.

Immoderate use of alcohol causes decreased production of saliva causing dryness of the mouth. Dry mouth is a leading cause of tooth decay.

Atrophic rhinitis.

This is an inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane usually a result of nasal drip due to colds or sinusitis.

Bacterial changes in the mouth can increase risk for dental disease.

Cancers.

Cancers such as esophageal, pharyngeal, oral tumors, leukemia, pulmonary and stomach cancer all present severe complications due to the decay that is taking place.

Additionally, the medical treatments for these cancers can exacerbate a problem with bad breath and certain medications can cause severe discoloration of the teeth.

Oral Candida.

This is a fungal infection of the mouth cavity. Also known as thrush, it is fairly common among infants, diabetics, chemotherapy patients and people with HIV or AIDS.

Cavities

Cavities are much less prevalent today than they were in the middle of the last century.

The reason is attributed to the good education with regard to dental health, but more importantly the introduction of fluoride into municipal water systems which began in 1945.

Diabetes.

People who have diabetes may also have poor teeth. This occurs because of poor control of blood sugar, the problem with most diabetics.

The two situations go hand in hand. Gum disease is a problem for diabetics. And, diabetes is a problem for people with gum disease.

It can be difficult to determine which comes first, the diabetes or the gum disease, but the underlying problem is clear. High blood sugar contributes to gum disease.

Diabetics have trouble controlling the high blood sugar. Gum disease is a leading cause of bad breath, hence the correlation.

The American Dental Association reports that people with type 1 diabetes 5 are at greater risk for gingivitis.

Drugs and drug abuse.

Certain drugs such as antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure meds, steroids, cancer therapy drugs, diuretics and oral contraceptives are all known to increase the propensity for gum disease.

Drug abuse is a different matter entirely. This is a sad footnote to our culture today. In years past this subject wouldn’t even be considered in a guide such as this.

A study conducted in 2003 revealed that 12.3 million Americans 12 years old and over tried methamphetamine at least once. This number is staggering when you consider that represents 5.2% of our population.

Not only are the health risks tremendous but the damage to the teeth is often irreversible. Dentists have reported that the teeth of methamphetamine users are described as rotting, black, stained and literally falling apart and crumbling.

The drug is highly acidic and reduces the production of saliva. Users tend to grind their teeth and crave sugar in any form.

The drug also remains in the system for up to 12 hours prolonging the exposure during a period when the user probably will not even consider brushing or flossing.

Removal of the teeth is often the only course of action.

Eating disorders.

We have mentioned that vomiting is a known cause of bad breath. Hand in hand with vomiting are potentially dangerous disorders such as bulimia and anorexia.

Bulimia involves the practice of repeated binge eating followed up by self-induced vomiting called “purging” and is normally done secretly.

The reasons for engaging in this practice are different for each participant. However, it is generally accepted by the medical community that those who suffer from bulimia eat for “comfort.”

They use food as a therapy and consume large amounts to induce inner feeling of well being. It appears to temporarily drive away feelings of anger, loss, sadness and other negative, human conditions.

Each time they binge, they need to purge so they can recapture the emotional band-aids they get while binging. It is an extremely dangerous practice.

The purging process is also accomplished by fasting, taking diet pills or using diuretics. Not only does the practice rapidly deplete the body of natural resources, it also creates a dry mouth situation which causes decay.

If you know of someone who you suspect may be on a damaging “binge eating” program watch for the warning signs. If you suspect they may be engaged in this behavior, intervention may be in order.

Anorexia is also extremely harmful. While it may manifest itself in some of the same ways as bulimia, it is different in that the victim has a fear of weight gain and even the slightest ounce of body fat just can’t be tolerated.

Rather than binging and purging, purging is the tool of preference for people who suffer from anorexia.

Body piercing.

Our purpose of discussion that relates to body piercing is obviously directed toward oral piercing.

It is not our intent to make any judgment of the practice, merely to point out some of the risks involved for those who choose to engage in this kind of activity.

The most obvious risk factor is infection which can occur when there is a lesion on any part of the body. However, as we know that the mouth is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, whether it is “good” bacteria or “bad” bacteria.

You might think that the risk is greater at the time of piercing and that would be correct. However, continual handling of the jewelry after placement greatly increases the odds of infection down the road.

Oral piercing may also put you at risk for blood contamination and increase the possibility of hepatitis B, C, D and G.

Damage to the blood vessels in the tongue or cheek can induce prolonged bleeding and in some cases nerve damage can occur.

Just having the jewelry in the mouth can damage the soft tissue around the teeth causing the gums to recede.

Constant clicking of the jewelry against natural and/or restored teeth can cause the enamel or veneers to crack or chip.

Oral jewelry can also create more saliva than is necessary. Some people have reported problems with speech and a pronounced reduction in the ability to pronounce words properly. Others say that their ability to chew was impaired.

Another worse case scenario is the risk of having the jewelry dislodge causing a dangerous choking situation or even swallowing the jewelry and having it end up in the digestive tract which is dangerous itself.

Finally, there is no doubt that having a foreign body in your mouth is going to create a poor environment for healthy teeth. Keeping the area around the piercing 100% clean 100% of the time is impossible.

It only takes a few tiny particles lodged in or around the entrance and exit of the jewelry stud to create tooth decay. And, that’s even before you add in the factors discussed above.

So, if you do choose to engage in the practice prepare yourself for some pretty hefty maintenance and the possibility of infection or even worse circumstances.

These examples are not the norm, of course, but if you do experience any of them, it would be prudent to contact a physician especially if they replace previously normal breath odor.

Dry mouth.

Sounds like such an innocuous little phrase, doesn’t it? Thought to be one of the leading causes of dental disease, dry mouth occurs when saliva production is reduced and carries its own nasty little package of problems.

The medical term for dry mouth is “xerostomia” (pronounced ZEER-oh-STOH-mee-ah). Saliva performs vital work in your body. It aids in digestion by using the enzymes to help break up different foods and also makes it easier to talk.

Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by rinsing away food particles from between the teeth as well as the gums.

Saliva also helps you taste the food you eat and makes it easier for you to swallow that food and is also known for neutralizing any damaging acids.

It is believed to be caused primarily by certain medications which we listed in the previously. The symptoms of dry mouth can include:

• Dry, rough tongue
• Poor sense of taste
• Burning sensation in your mouth
• Increased plaque
• Reduced saliva production

Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS and stroke are also attributed to causing dry mouth as well as pregnancy and/or hormonal changes due to menopause.

Increasing fluid intake can help to re-hydrate the mouth. It’s important to keep it moist so you don’t lose all the benefits provided by saliva production.

Gum disease/Gingivitus.

This is inflammation of soft tissue surrounding the teeth. This condition is much more serious than a single abscess.

Gingivitis is the precursor to periodontitis which is the final step of gum disease that can ultimately lead to tooth loss. This will be discussed in depth a bit further on.

Impacted tooth.

An impacted tooth is one that rebelliously will not erupt into its proper position and most often results in infection, which we know is another cause of bad breath and ultimately can result in loss of the tooth.

Periodontal disease.

It’s hard to believe that in a 2002 poll of 1,000 Americans over the age of 35, it was determined that 60% of adults polled knew little or nothing about gum disease!

A tragedy when you consider that gum disease is the leading factor in tooth loss, even healthy teeth.

Your teeth can appear to be healthy and disease free, when under the surface gum disease can stalwartly march on creating a condition that will ultimately lead to serious tooth loss.

Bad breath is a “red flag” to help determine if this problem is prevalent in your mouth.

Healthy gum tissue forms a shallow groove at the point where the tooth meets the gum line. This disease occurs when the anaerobic, sulfur producing bacteria we discussed earlier, become trapped beneath the gum line.

This is a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria and they will settle in and take residence.

Not recognizing and dealing with the problem will result in serious dental problems up to and including loss of teeth and even underlying bone disease.

If you are diagnosed with serious periodontal disease, work to save your teeth needs to begin as soon as possible.

The first step that your dentist will take is probably what is called “scaling and root planing.” This is a non-surgical procedure to remove the deposits of plaque on the surface of the tooth including the root.

Since periodontal disease rarely occurs in just one tooth, this will probably need to be done to all your teeth.

The dentist will scrap the surfaces of the tooth below the gum line to remove all traces of plaque clear down to the bottom of the pocket. He will then smooth the surface of the root to encourage healthy gum tissue to heal. This process also discourages plaque from reforming.

Depending on how involved your case might be, the dentist may prescribe medication to assist in healing or control pain and potential infection.

More diagnostics are required before a prognosis of your case of periodontal disease can be given. Each deposit of plaque creates its own “pocket” and the dentist needs to measure the depth of the pockets that were scaled during your first visit.

Often, the scaling procedure works well to eliminate the problem and you are free from further treatment other than normal examinations. At this point you would be well served by employing a daily regimen of preventative maintenance to insure the disease does not return.

However, if the diseased pockets are deep and extending into actual bone, you may need to have surgery in order to keep the teeth. If this is the case, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist, a doctor who specializes in periodontal disease.

The periodontist will use a surgical process to aggressively penetrate the diseased areas and ferret out the plaque and bacteria. The pockets where plaque resides must be sealed off so the environment does not invite a return of the disease.

In some cases bone surgery or bone grafts may be necessary to rebuild bone that was destroyed by the periodontal disease. If there was substantial tissue damage grafts may need to be used to replace the soft tissue.

This procedure involves removing gum tissue from your palate to cover the areas where severe gingivitis has penetrated too far into the gum line.

Your dentist or oral surgeon may also recommend further treatment and/or medications.

Pharyngitis.

This is an inflammation in the area at the back of the mouth known as the Pharynx as usually occurs because of a virus.

This is the same area where you begin to feel a slight “scratchiness” at the onset of a cold or flu. The bacteria involved can lead to more serious streptococcus, commonly known as “strep throat.”

If it progresses it can be highly contagious and because it is bacterial it will produce bad breath and possible tooth decay.

Poor dental hygiene.

We have discussed some of the leading causes of dental disease, but nothing matches poor dental hygiene as a leading cause of tooth decay and discoloration.

Lack of brushing, flossing and regular checkups are the most important weapon for ridding oneself of bad breath and preventing more serious conditions from developing.

All of these conditions can leave you with teeth and that need lots of help!

Fortunately we live in the modern world. Unlike those ancestors of ours, we have access to dental procedures that were nothing more than “science fiction” in centuries past.

www.best-natural-cures-health-guide.com

Selecting A Dentist

Choosing a family dentist is much the same as choosing your family doctor.

In fact, one tip would be to ask your doctor who he or she chooses to visit for their dental needs.

That’s a pretty good endorsement!

If that is not an option, then common sense should prevail.

Do your due diligence.

Try walking through the yellow pages if you’d like, but a bit more in depth analysis might be prudent.

Check with your state licensing agency to determine if a dentist you are considering is licensed to practice in your state.

Contact the office of your state attorney general to determine if there has been any malpractice claims filed against a particular individual.

Check with your Better Business Bureau to determine if there have been any complaints filed for which the dentist has failed to respond.

Talk to your friends and neighbors to obtain personal referrals or recommendations.

If you have dental insurance your plan may require you to use their preferred providers.

If that is the case, work from that list following the recommendations listed above.

It’s your family. It’s your money. It’s your health.

www.best-natural-cures-health-guide.com

How To Have A Beautiful Smile

Begin with a healthy diet.

Avoid snacking between meals.

Brush and floss your teeth after every meal.

If you must snack, make them healthy snacks Instead of snacking on junk food, try chewing on fresh fruits and vegetables, especially the crunchy foods.

Apples, pears, celery and carrots are good suggestions.

They will aid in enzyme production and the natural chewing of the crunchy foods will stimulate the gums.

Drink plenty of water.

Keep your mouth moist and avoid dry mouth.

Remember that dry mouth is a harbinger of dental disease.

We also need that water to stimulate the production of saliva.


Avoid drinking soda pop.

Americans consume gallons of soda pop a day.

Most is loaded with sugar which obviously leads to dental disease and discolored teeth.

Don’t be fooled by a “diet soda” label.

Even they have huge amounts of acids that are deadly to the enamel on your teeth.

And, if you thought that just sodas are the culprit, think again.

A recent study claims that all those popular sports drinks we buy may not be such a good idea after all.

They may re-hydrate the body, but they can cause irreversible damage to the dental enamel.

The study reports that fitness water, sports drinks, energy drinks and other non-cola beverages increase the risk of damage by anywhere from 3 to 11 times!

It should be mentioned that the findings are indicative of long term use.

However, it appears that these drinks may not necessarily beneficial as a substitute for plain old-fashioned fresh water!

www.best-natural-cures-health-guide.com


Body Massage: The Healing Touch

Most of us experience this feeling of just giving up our fatigued bodies to a masseur who will massage away all the aches and pains caused by physical stress and mental tensions. The pain just seems to vanish out of your system once it is their expert hands. If you keep dreaming about this on your low days, well you are probably not alone for massage is a known stress reliever. Massage at its best has the power to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.

What is a full body massage? How to massage?

Technically, full body massage is a hands-on manipulation of the skin, muscle and joints to relax muscle spasm, relieve tension, improve circulation and hasten elimination of toxins and wastes from the body. Massage is an ancient art. It has been known to be in practice in the Orient for over 3000 years. The expert hand of the masseur not only rubs away fatigue inducing stress but also improves blood circulation in the body. Apart from creating a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissue (the muscles, tendons and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it mainly affects the muscles just underneath the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the internal organs.

Massage Therapy: Alternative medicine?

An essential part of alternative medicine, massage has gained popularity in the West too and is widely used to treat a variety of ailments. Different forms of massage include - Acupressure, Athletic Massage, Polarity Massage, Reflexology, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Sports Massage, Swedish Massage, Traeger Massage and Watsu. Aromatherapy massage makes use of aromatic essential oils known for their stress relieving effects. Manipulation of soft tissues affects many of our bodily systems; hence massage therapy stands to help many of the health problems we face today.

General Benefits of Massage

? Soothing relaxation ? Healing ? Eases tension, stiffness and pain ? Improves breathing ? Improves circulation ? Enhances well-being


The therapeutic benefits of massage

? Massage aims to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function. ? Boost immune system function, improve circulation and speed up recovery time. ? Relax tight and tense muscles ? Ease or prevent physical dysfunction and pain. ? Reduces overall stress and fatigue ? Massage therapy is effective in the control of pain - chronic or acute, stress reduction and in creating a sense of soothing relaxation and well-being. ? Massage can be fun and can be wonderfully sensual; it can be an effective tool to revive a sagging sex life. Erotic Thai massages or even simple massages are a great way to begin a night of intimacy.


Full Body Massage helps you relax!

Although even a one odd massage does leave you with a pleasant feeling, the effects of massage are cumulative and undergoing a series or course of massage treatments, is what will give you the maximum benefits. Regular massages strengthen and tones the muscles and boosts the entire body mechanism, so as to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries. Massage has the power to stimulate the nervous system as much as it can relax, hence it can be used, depending on the individual's need.

www.home-remedies-for-you.com

June 18, 2008

Great Brushes for Tooth Care

The idea behind these toothbrushes is using sonic waves to break up even the tiniest bits of build up and plaque. Used everyday, these toothbrushes can promote not only a clean smile, but a healthy one as well. These are widely available at department stores and through many dental offices.

Braun Oral B Electric: Braun also makes several models of the Oral B electric toothbrush.

This toothbrush does not rely on sonic waves, but does function quite well. Some of the models also come with a water jet to help get to those hard to reach places in between the teeth and along the gum line. These toothbrushes will cost you anywhere from $50-$150.

WaterPik: The WaterPik has been around for several years and while the technology and style have changed, the idea is the same.

This device shoots a very fine and steady stream of water on your teeth to dislodge food and other particles. This is a great way to make sure you get between all your teeth and along your gumline. The WaterPik is often recommended for those that have dental work, such as implants or orthodontic work, such as braces.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article.

Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

by Aaron Scott

Carbohydrates Explained

The carbohydrates are the starches and sugars which are the main providers of energy for keeping the body working and coping with the activities we undertake. Western man has about half his diet in the form of carbohydrate but in the east it constitutes up to 90% usually taken as grains. It is fortunate that grains are also good providers of protein; starvation is generally the result of too little food rather than too few carbohydrates.

The refining of carbohydrates into white flour, polished rice and white sugar is a prime cause of overweight. Such foods are easy to eat in large amounts whereas if they are as near nature as possible-for example as wholewheat flour; brown rice and raw sugar-the appetite is well satisfied with less quantity.

Another bonus is that the all important dietaty fibre, probably in its best form as cereal fibre (bran), is retained. Dietary fibre adds bulk to the contents of the gut, and for this reason is extremely valuable in preventing constipation. It is thought that a Western diet low in dietary fibre may be one of the causes of diverticulitis, appendicitis and varicose veins.

If you include dietary fibre in your diet you will be less likely to suffer from those disorders linked with over-refined foods. It must be remembered that brown bread is often coloured with caramel, and has added wheatgerm (a good food in itself), but is basically made from a refined or semi-refined flour. It is safest to insist when you can on bread from stoneground wholeweat flour as this will contain all the necessary nutrients. Brown rice, pulses (lentils, peas and beans) and oatmeal are also excellent sources of dietary fibre.


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Aloe Vera Skin Care

Home Made skin care beauty solutions using Aloe Vera.

1. Silky Aloe Vera Skin Care Body Lotion

1 cup Aloe Vera gel 1-teaspoon lanolin 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil 1/3-cup coconut oil 1/2 to 3/4 ounce beeswax 3/4 cup almond oil 1 ? teaspoons essential oil Use a blender (or food processor) to mix the Aloe Vera gel, lanolin, & vitamin E oil. Microwave coconut oil & beeswax in a glass container on high 30 seconds, and stir. Repeat heating in 10-second blocks until fully melted. Stir in almond oil, reheating if necessary. Run blender or processor at low to medium speed, and then pour in melted oils in thin stream. As the oil is blended in, the cream will turn white and blender's motor will start to grind. As soon as melted oils are added and you've achieved mayonnaise-like consistency, stop the blender, add essential oil and pulse-blend. Do not over blend. Transfer cream to glass jars while still warm - the lotion will thicken quickly. This lotion really absorbs well and leaves no residue on skin. This recipe makes two cups.

2. Oats & Aloe Vera Exfoliant for your skin

1 tablespoon finely ground oats 1 tablespoon finely ground almonds 1-teaspoon honey 1-tablespoon Aloe Vera gel Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir until well mixed. Apply to face and neck skin after cleansing and before toner is applied, using gentle circular motions. Rinse well with warm water and gently pat excess moisture from face. Follow with facial mask.

3. Aloe Vera Face Mask for Healing and Soothing

(Great for sensitive and dry skin, especially after sun bathing) Ingredients: -3 TBS pure and certified organic aloe Vera juice -1 drop Helycrisum essential oil -1 drop Rose essential oil Combine all ingredients and apply mixture evenly on face and neck. Leave it on for at least 7 minutes and rinse with warm water. Pat dry, and apply the following "healing and soothing" aromatic blend, prepared in advance in a 10-ml bottle filled with vegetable oil: -1 drop Neroli essential oil -3 drops Lavender essential oil

4. Aloe Vera Skin Toner

Soak a cotton pad with pure aloe Vera gel and use it to freshen your skin and remove excess oil. Use daily, following with moisturizer. This is especially good for normal and oily skin and is a great overall toner. Dilute the gel 50/50 with spring water if you have sensitive skin. You can also use the juice of a leaf from your aloe plant. Cut off the amount you are going to use, and put the remainder of the leaf in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The leaf will keep for about 3 days.

5. Floral Aloe Vera Gel

1/2 cup Aloe Vera gel (available in most natural food stores) 1 tbsp. dried lavender flowers or 3 tbsps. fresh. 1 tbsp. dried calendula flowers or 3 tbsps. fresh. 1. Mix together the aloe Vera gel with the lavender and Calendula flowers in an ovenproof glass container, then heat the container gently by sitting it in a hot water bath on the stovetop. 2. Let the mixture cool completely, and then pour it through a clean, fine strainer (to remove all of the solids) into a clean container.

6. Exfoliating Foot Mask

1/2-cup oatmeal 1/2-cup cornmeal 1/2-cup coarse salt 1/2 cup unscented body lotion 4 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Slide feet into mixture and rub, beginning at toes, working up to heel and ankle. Do one foot at a time, rinsing in a separate bowl of warm water.

7. Exfoliating Aloe Vera Face Mask

4 Tbsp. Pumpkin puree 1 Tbsp. Honey 4 tsp. Cornmeal 2 tsp. Aloe Vera gel 2 tsp. Pineapple, diced 1 tsp. Green tea 1/2 tsp. Sunflower oil 6 drops frankincense essential oil (optional) 4 drops cinnamon extract (optional) Directions Steep green tea in boiling water. Set aside to cool. In blender or food processor puree pineapple and place in medium-sized mixing bowl. Add pumpkin, honey and aloe. Mix well. Stir in sunflower oil, green tea and cornmeal. Discard the remaining green tea. Add frankincense and cinnamon. Stir. Apply small amount of pumpkin mask to cheeks, forehead, chin and neck. Massage in circular motions gently buffing skin. Repeat. Apply more product as needed. Leave a thin layer of pumpkin mask on face and neck for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with tepid or cool water and pat dry with soft towel. Follow with appropriate moisturizer. Store remaining mask covered in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Benefits: Pumpkin enzymes dissolve dead skin cells while the cornmeal sweeps them clean. Honey has antimicrobial properties as well as moisturizes and softens. The result is a beautiful glowing complexion. Use this mask as often as you like.

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5 Steps to Vibrant Health

Say goodbye to prescription drugs and worthless supplements forever.

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If you've ever popped an aspirin, wondered how to lose that belly fat, been diagnosed with "high cholesterol," allowed the pediatrician to stab your kids with a vaccine, feared type II diabetes or "asked your doctor if the latest erection pill was right for you," then you must follow these 5 steps to protect your health and wealth - and to feel great within 30 days!

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