The Essence of Aromatic Oils

At the heart of aromatic therapy are the essential oils which are extracted from different plants in three ways: steam distillation, cold press and absolute extraction.

The last method is used only when the plants or flowers could not survive the other two methods. To extract oils from citrus fruits, the cold press method is used while steam distillation is usually applied for extracting oils on plants and the different parts of a plant.

Holistic Havens

You should be familiar with the holistic method of aromatic therapy especially if you ever had a massage from a masseuse using essential oils. This is the most popular method of aromatic therapy. The infusion of the oils' scent, how it gets absorbed into your skin plus the deep tissue massage is enough to give your body a much needed revival from stress.

Not only does this method relieve you off stress, it is actually good for your immune system too. Stress usually leaves you with a weakened immune system and aromatic therapy builds up your immune system by stimulating the brain's chemicals so that it fights away infection.

Clinical Concoction

The clinical method of aroma therapy is applied together with traditional medicine. The way it's done can change from one country to another. In the US, one of the most common ways it is used is through dentistry. It's been found out that having the smell of lavender in waiting rooms relaxes a patient before dental surgery. The scent of lavender also helps in the relief of some serious diseases and even childbirth by providing a relaxing environment.

Aesthetic Infusions

Aesthetic aromatic therapy involves the use of essential oils in burners, diffusers and even the bath. This kind of therapy can be used by anyone. Some people even get bath salts, beads and shower gels for a heightened experience. These special products have essential oils in them and give the same relaxing and soothing effect on the skin and body. Even candles have essential oils and combining it with scented bath products will give you the best relaxing experience yet.

How It Works

There are different methods of aromatic therapy which gives nothing but the ultimate stress relief. By using scents from essential oils, aromatic therapy affects a person's mood, which in turn affects the body.

As the nose inhales the scents coming from the essential oils, the olfactory receptors transmit the information to the limbic system. This system is the place where our emotions are processed. It is said that aromatic therapy helps in stimulating the brain so that it releases chemicals that make you relax. This process is what makes aromatic therapy relieve you off stress.

Treat Yourself

There are different ways you can experience the true bliss of aromatherapy. You can visit a spa and inquire about their different services. Choose the option that will benefit you the most. You can also buy a home aromatic therapy kit. These usually come with burners or oil diffusers plus instructions on how to use it.

Or you can get yourself an assortment of different bath products with essential oils and experiment to find out what works best for you.

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Studies showed that Phosphatidylserine (PS) levels in human declined as he/she aged which in turn results in memory loss and slower learning ability. Insufficiency in Phosphatidylserine (PS) due to age could result in depression. Phosphatidylserine (PS) supplements have been suggested as solution to such conditions. These supplements compensate for low Phosphatidylserine (PS) levels and can prevent or reverse declines in brain function due to aging. Phosphatidylserine (PS) can be found in a number of sources such as rice and green leafy vegetables but in small amounts. The commercially prepared supplements are more concentrated. A few years ago, the main source of Phosphatidylserine (PS) supplements were from the cow's brains. But as concerns of cross-species infection were raised, supplements now come from soy lecithin.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) has several healing benefits which include:

o It revitalizes age-impaired brain function.
o It promotes slow decline in brain functions in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
o It combats depression because of its positive effect on mood and behavior.
o It increases ability to handle stress by decreasing cortisol levels, enhancing the sense of well-being as a result.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) comes in the following formulations: tablet, softgel and capsule. In order to maximize Phosphatidylserine (PS) benefits you can do the following:

~ Take the Phosphatidylserine (PS) products according to the directions found in the labels since some products are sold in PS complex form.
~ Look for Phosphatidylserine (PS) that has 90 mg of serine phosphate per capsule.
~ For decline in mental functions due to age, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, depression and stress, take 100 mg three times per day. Then reduce the dose to 100 to 200 mg per day.
~ Take Phosphatidylserine (PS) 20 to 30 minutes before meals with 6 to 8 ounces glass of water or juice. Start with two 90 or 100 mg capsules before breakfast and another before lunch.
~ If there is an energy boost or mild insomnia in evenings, lower the dose. Eliminate the afternoon dose.
~ It takes a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 9 months to realize the benefits of the medicine.
~ Get sufficient amounts of vitamin B12, folic acid and essential fatty acids and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in your diet. These nutrients are converted by the body to PS.
~ Don't take PS with alkaloid situlants of adrenergic agonists.

There are no major side effects observed with use of PS although nausea has developed in some. Insomnia is another possible side effect. It is best to avoid PS if you have kidney problems since this formulation reduced kidney function. Also, it could be verified if the Phosphatidylserine (PS) from soy has the same results with PS supplements from cow's brains.

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Nettle, lesser can be found throughout the mild regions of Europe and Asia. It is heart-shaped, finely toothed leaves tapered to a point and the green flowers with long, branched clusters spring from the axils of the leaves. Nettle flowers are incomplete, male or the barren flowers have stamen only. And the female or fertile flowers have pistil or seed-producing organs. Sometimes, these flowers are to be found on one plant.

Medicinal Uses of the Nettle

The Nettle herb is gathered just before coming into flower and dried in the usual manner. When the nettle is collected for drying, it should be only on a fine day specifically in the morning when the sun has dried off the dew. Cut off just above the root; do not include stained or insect-eaten leaves and tie in bunches consisting of six to ten in a bunch, spread the nettles fanwise to enable air to penetrate freely to all parts. Hang the bunch over strings. If dried in the open, keep them in half-shade and bring indoors before getting damp from dew or rain. If you dry nettle indoors, hang up in sunny room in a well-ventilated room. Window must be left open by day to allow free current of air and for the warm air to come out. The bunch should be of uniform size and length for easy packing. When dried, they should be packed in airtight boxes to prevent moisture be reabsorbed from air. Seeds and flowers are dried in the sun or stove. Wholesale herbalists still use the nettle. Homoeopathic chemists use the herb for the preparation of tincture.

Nettle is used to relieve asthma. The juice of the roots or leaves mixed it with honey or sugar can relieve bronchial and asthmatic troubles. The dried leaves if burnt and inhaled will have the same effect. The seeds are taken in wineglassful doses. The seeds and flowers are used to relieve ague. Powdered seeds help cure goiter and reduces excessive corpulency.

The seeds taken inwardly are used by old Herbals as an antidote for stings or bites of venomous creatures and mad dogs and poisoning by Hemlock, Henbane and Nightshade. Tea made from the roots of nettle can help relieve kidney. Nettle can be used as a hair tonic by simmering a handful of young nettles in a quart of water for 2 hours, strain and bottle when cold. Saturate the scalp with this lotion every other night to prevent hair fall and for a soft and glossy hair. Another good Nettle hair lotion can be done by boiling the entire plant in vinegar and water, strain then add Eau de Cologne. To stimulate hair growth, comb the hair with Nettle juice. The homoeopathic tincture of Nettle is made up of 2 oz of the herb to 1 pint of proof spirit. The powder of the dried herb is administered in doses of 5 to 10 grains.

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There have been significant advances in cancer research that point to certain herbs as potential herbal cancer cures. Results of these studies indicate that traditional Chinese herbal cancer cures like shiitake or maitake mushrooms, mistletoe, extracts of the Venus flytrap, and various botanical therapies may help in treating certain forms of cancer. However, there is little scientific evidence to be found concerning this claim and until more is known about this, we cannot completely rely on them.

Iscador (Mistletoe Extract) – Herbal Cancer Cure

Iscador is a derivative of an extract from the mistletoe plant (Viscum album L.). The mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that thrives on the branches and barks of several tree species, including oak, pine, fir, elm and apple. Since the ancient times, it has been used to treat a variety of human ailments.

The first person to think of the mistletoe as a potential herbal cancer cure was Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. Only the European species of this plant is used to treat cancer. Extracts of this herb have been shown to kill cancer cells and stimulate the immune system according to many laboratory studies. In some studies, this herbal cancer cure has been reported to reduce the size of tumor and thus improve the quality of life and survival of some cancer patients. Accordingly, the effects of this herbal cancer cure are attributed to three active constituents which are lectins, alkaloids, and viscotoxins.

Saw Palmetto – Herbal Cancer Cure

Saw Palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a low-growing palm indigenous to the Southeastern United States. It is the berries of the saw palmetto that are used for medicinal purposes, especially in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This plant is said to be anti-inflammatory, which is its main property on which its use as an herbal cancer cure is based. One interesting observation however is that saw palmetto berries do not seem to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate gland. Rather, this plant only goes so far as relieving the symptoms associated with BPH, which includes frequent urination.

All studies that were conducted on saw palmetto as a potential herbal cancer cure show that extracts from the berries are effective for both subjective and objective measurements of the prostatic enlargement. Other studies also show that the extract selectively acts on dihydrotestoserone receptors in the prostate and in this way, inhibits the hormone from binding to them and minimizes the stimulation of cell growth.

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Specifically, herbal hot packs usually contain the following ingredients:

For the base content: rice and lavender, buckwheat husks, popping corn, other grains, peas or beans and cherry pits. For the herbal content: lavender which is for relaxation, catnip as sleep aid, peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus for congestion, garlic for severe congestion, yucca to treat inflammation and other herbal ingredients.

Herbal hot packs are particularly effective if used to relax. To heat herbal hot pack, place the pack in the microwave oven for as little time as possible, usually less as a minute depending on the size of the pack. Herbs will lose their effectiveness if heated for a long time especially the mints. The same herbal heat pack can be put in the freezer and used as a cold herbal pack to treat inflammation. You can use the herb catnip as effective herbal hot packs or pillows for relaxation and to relieve congestion. Just hang the plants up to dry, put them into an old pillowslip and use them as a pillow to aid sleep.

Herbal hot packs are generally used to treat and are effective for the following symptoms:

o General muscle fatigue
o Sciatic nerve
o Back pain
o Arthritic and rheumatic pain
o Tight, still muscles
o Sinus headaches, backaches, joint discomfort or inflammation
o Warming muscle before exercising
o Muscle spasms in neck or upper back
o Ease pain of migraines and TMJ problems

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How Glutamine works

The demand for plasma glutamine experiences a marked high during exercise or other times when stress is applied to the body's normal metabolic rate, such as fasting, severe injury, illness, et cetera. Various cells of the immune system such as lymphocytes and macrophages depend on this substance as their primary fuel source. So for instance, in the event of an illness, the immunological response is mounted in order to counteract the symptoms. The cells' demand for glutamine therefore increases along with the heavy demand for more action in the performance of their functions.

About 40-50% of glutamine is consumed by the enterocytes of the small intestines, which makes them the largest consumers of this substance. Additionally, this substance is required for the synthesis of nucleotides in the cell nuclei. This explains the increased demand for glutamine during cell division. For rapid growth and development, a sufficient supply of glutamine is therefore important. De novo synthesis of the substance might not be enough to supply the amount needed to meet the physiological demand during times of severe, metabolic stress when the amount of free glutamine is rapidly depleted.

Another important system that needs adequate amount of glutamine is the skeletal system. The primary sites for glutamine synthesis are the skeletal muscles. This is why approximately 60% of the free amino acids stored in the skeletal muscles are glutamine. Within the plasma, this substance is also the most abundant amino acid. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone, is released during times of stress. It release prompts the proteolysis of muscle proteins and the release of glutamine into the plasma to support the increased demand for free glutamine.

Hypoglycemic states, such as fasting for approximately 12 hours, result in the branched-chain amino acids within the muscle undergoing the transamination process to yield keto-acids which are precursors for glucogeogenesis or ketogenesis. This results in the generation of glutamate and alanine. Glutamate is the substance which when synthesized is converted into glutamine and ammonia.

Ergogenic Effects

Glutamine plays a significant role in the maintenance of muscle mass during physiological stress. Supplementation of this substance may promote nitrogen retention and prevent the loss of muscle protein. For this reason, many bodybuilding enthusiasts use this substance in their supplemental drugs to keep their muscles toned and maintain their mass.

Commercial Availability and General Use

A month's supply of glutamine costs around $14 to $54. The substance is typically sold in the form of gel capsules and powders. It is sold in major health or nutrition stores and an ingredient in many dietary supplements, such as protein powders.

One important thing to note about this substance is that it is relatively unstable in solution. So if you use glutamine powder and mix it into solution, it must be consumed shortly. Some manufacturers recommend that its consumption be divided in dosages throughout the day. Other suggestions include consuming it shortly before sleep and after waking.

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The first people to discover the many uses of the ginkgo biloba are the Chinese monks who revered it as a sacred herb and cultivated it on temple grounds. The species was later brought to Europe in the 1700s where it became a commonly prescribed drug used in countries, such as France and Germany. Today, the ginkgo tree is one of the well-researched herbs in the world.

Ginkgo Biloba Herbal Remedy

The ginkgo tree has been used for thousands of years as a medicine to cure all sorts of diseases. Today, modern scientific findings have led to the discovery of two active compounds present in the ginkgo tree that were responsible for its excellent natural antioxidant properties. These substances were later dubbed as "ginkgolides" and "bilobalide."

Ginkgolides and bilobides are the main constituents found in ginkgo biloba herbal remedy products found in most drugstores. Ginkgo biloba herbal remedy is said to be effective as an antioxidant and an inhibitor of platelet-activating factors. It is also said to benefit the central nervous system in general. For this reason, ginkgo biloba herbal remedy is usually used for memory loss. In fact, ginkgo biloba herbal remedy products are common in the market as treatment for Alzheimer's Disease, that memory disorder occurring mostly among the elderly.

Ginkgo biloba herbal remedy is also said to improve poor circulation to the extremities. Its natural properties make this herb beneficial to people who are depressed, dizzy, and emotional. According to a small Swiss pilot study of 14 patients suffering from depression, ginkgo can boost cognitive-psychomotor performance and in the process, reduce the number of nighttime awakenings. Their results show that ginkgo biloba herbal remedy can increase both short wave and slow wave sleep.

In this study, scientists gave half of their subjects a prescription antidepressant and gave the other half a ginkgo biloba herbal remedy. After a period of six weeks, they surveyed the results.
Although they were unable to find out exactly how the herb works, they were however able to discover properties in the herbal supplement that can benefit stressed out patients. Researchers found that ginkgo can significantly lower down stress hormone activity in the body. The results of this study were later confirmed by researchers at Switzerland's Basel Physchiatric University in a larger, randomized, and double-blind trial.

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For more than 2,000 years of the Indian medical system which is known as "Ayurveda", ashwagandha has been held in high regard by many generations of people for its great abilities to help in the proper functioning of the body. Ashwagandha is a small evergreen shrub that is widely cultivated in India and in some parts of the Middle East for several medicinal properties. This herb can also be found in the some parts of Africa.

This erect and grayish plant with long roots known as ashwagandha has a small greenish flowers and fruits that are red-orange in color when ripe. It has been applied traditionally in a variety of ways. Ashwagandha can be used as a sedative, diuretic, rejuvenation tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, and as an "adaptogen' or endurance developer.

Traditionally, some of the Western herbalists refer to ashwagandha as "Ayurvedic ginseng" due to its fame for enhancing energy, strength, and stamina, as well as for its potential to give relief to stress.

Ashwagandha is typically applied since its beginning till now in its powdered form. It is noted that such powdered form is developed from the whole ashwagandha plant and the root alone. It has therefore some various forms that really give certain effects to those who use it.

However, ashwagandha is typically used in test tubes and animals. In fact, the use of this herb have been limited for those purposes alone, and it is then hard to form a proposition about the importance of this herb to humans. Although, there are several studies that are conducted mostly in India, and those studies have considered that ashwagandha does have anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and immune-boosting properties. Also, the different chemical constituents of ashwagandha have demonstrated a number of therapeutic effects.

Due to the fact that ashwagandha is applied to heal or treat some major disorders that are connected with nerve tissue damage which in turn related to the destructive molecules called as free radicals, there are some findings which assumed that ashwagandha may have antioxidant properties. Ashwagandha is also found out to be beneficial to central nervous system and it may help to ease arthritis, reduce the stress and increase endurance, as well as it boost sexual performance.

It is just necessary to know that when the ashwagandha is included as part of an herbal blend, its effects may be diluted or may be too tough to detect. So, the proper consultation and prescription should be made before adding the herb. It is however noted that the right idea to take ashwagandha is to take it with a meal or a full glass of water. And for the reason that ashwagandha may have sedative qualities, fully understanding of how it affects you prior to doing any other activity that requires total alertness is indeed a right move.

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ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is among one of the most common mental disorders in children. It affects 3 to 5 percent of all children. And the boys outnumbered the girls by two to three times. ADHD often continues into adolescence and adulthood. This disorder may cause frustration to the child.

Fortunately, there some herbal supplements that are known to help improve the symptoms associated with ADHD. These ADHD natural herbal medicines are the following:

Chamomile- matricaria chamomilla. This ADHD natural herbal medicine is a mild sedative used for mild sleep disorders in children. It is an excellent nervine that relaxes and tones the nervous system and treats digestive problems such as gas, colic and ulcers.

Evening Primrose oil. This ADHD natural herbal medicine contains gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) which is converted to prostaglandins that help regulate body functions and perform numerous other tasks.

Fresh lemon balm- Melissa officinals. This ADHD natural herbal medicine is an aromatic herb that is used in treating a number of conditions such as nervous problems, insomnia, female discomforts, headache, toothache, sores, cramps, tumors and insect bites.

Ginkgo biloba is an herb used as ADHD natural herbal medicine. This herb is believed to be effective in treating memory loss especially age-related.

Gotu kola or Centella asiatica is an oriental herb that has tranquilizing, anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects. It also improves mental functions including concentration.

Passionflower or Passiflora incarnate. This herb is used since Aztec civilization is one of the ADHD natural herbal medicines. It is used as sedative, diaphoretic and analgesic. It contains numerous chemicals that are beneficial to the brain, nervous system and circulation. It is also popularly used in childhood nervous conditions.

St. John's wort. This ADHD natural herbal medicine is used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder.

Skullcap or Skutellaria lateriflora. This ADHD natural herbal medicine has a calming effect to the nervous and muscular systems and contains tonic properties. Due to its ability to control nervous irritability and muscular incoordination, it consequently promotes rest and sleep. Skullcap influences the central and sympathetic nervous systems. Skullcap is also safe to use since it has no toxicity.

Valerian is an herb good for ADHD natural herbal medicine. It is reported to have helped ease up the symptoms of ADHD and ADD.

Wild Oat seed or Avena sativa. This ADHD natural herbal medicine is a sedative for nervous disorders which includes chronic and acute anxiety, stress and excitatory states. Wild oats seed is vital for strengthening the entire nervous system. Wild oat seed helps treat depression, stress, nervous debility even drug and alcohol addiction.
Zinc/sulphate. This ADHD natural herbal medicine is believed to have contributed to improvement in ADHD disorder especially on the ability to concentrate.

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Gymnema sylvestre is a woody climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India. It may also grow along the ranges of Deccan Peninsula, Assam, and some parts of Africa. The leaves of the Gymnema sylvestre are used as an herbal remedy for sugar problems. When chewed, the leaves cause a reaction in the taste buds, effectively blocking sweet tastes in the mouth. This thus explains the name gurmur, which is Hindi for "destroyer of sugar."

Health Benefits

For thousands of years, generations of people in India have chewed the leaves of the Gymnema sylvestre plant in an effort to control blood sugar. They were reportedly successful in this regard; however, there is little scientific evidence to back this claim. In fact, the herb today is mainly promoted as an appetite suppressant and weight-loss agent.

Interestingly enough, several small studies have been conducted on the real effects of Gymnema sylvestre on diabetes. Trials using placebo as the controlling factor came up with results that indicate the ability of Gymnema sylvestre to lower down blood sugar levels. In diabetes type 1, the herb appears to enhance the action of insulin.

In another study, scientists let 27 people with diabetes type 1 take leaf extracts of Gymnema for several months. They were able to find that these people required less insulin to control their blood sugar levels after taking the extract. Several animal studies support the results of this study. They indicate that the herb extract can increase the number of insulin-producing cells produced in the pancreas, and thus returning the blood sugar levels to normal as a result.

Aside from trials on diabetes type 1, research has also been conducted showing the effects of Gymnema sylvestre on type 2 diabetes, which is the more prevalent one. Type 2 diabetes is known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes. According to research findings, using Gymnema sylvestre may improve the body's control on blood sugar levels and in effect, reduce the need for large doses of oral diabetes drugs to curtail the disease. It is still important however that this herbal supplement should not take the place of more proven ways of managing the disease, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medications as prescribed by the doctor.

In India's traditional Ayuverdic medicine, Gymnema sylvestre can treat a variety of disorders besides diabetes. Extract made from the leaves are used as treatment for digestion problems, cough, constipation, and malaria. Animal studies also indicate the possible role of this herb in lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL which is known as "bad" cholesterol.

Buying Information

Gymnema sylvestre is available in many drugstores as a capsule for weight loss. Some health food stores also sell the product as a liquid extract. If you want to use the product as a supplemental treatment for diabetes, remember that clinical trials with diabetics in India have used 400 mg per day of a water-soluble acidic fraction of the herb's leaves so best results might be achieved using the herb in liquid form.

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