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Archive for July, 2009



Heal Thy Self with Helichrysum!

Helichrysum is one of our favorite essential oils, as it has such immediate, profound pain relieving and healing effects for most folks who use it. The particular species of Helichrysum italicum, also known as Everlasting or Immortelle, is the most broadly therapeutic of the 500 Helichrysum species — and the sub species (spp) of serotinum is considered particularly special. The reason has to do with the chemistry of the oil, and here we’ll have a look at the special natural chemistry of the Helichrysum italicum species.

Healing The Body’s Structure

Reducing pain and healing of the tissues of the body require several concurrent actions for the best results. No other oil manages to do so much all at once: Reduce inflammation, loosen stiff muscles and connective tissue, relieve pain and stimulate healing. Helichrysum italicum does it all; and while proponents of conventional medicine still claim the oil to be unproven, this doesn’t prevent one from experimenting, and reaching their own conclusions about its efficacy. The oil is considered one of the safest in aromatherapy — it is listed as ‘non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing’. The only known contraindication for the oil is refraining from use if one is using wafarin or similar blood thinners, as Helichrysum has anti-coagulant properties. Now here’s a review of what the aroma-scientists know about this exceptional essential oil.

Inflammation Reduction

Helichrysum has the properties of being anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and regenerative all in the same oil. The anti-inflammatory effects can be attributed to the curcumenes present in the oil. Curcumenes have recently been very prominent in the field of natural nutrition, as the extract of the spice Tumeric, called ‘curcumin’ has become popular as an anti-inflammatory supplement. The supplement is considered helpful not only for joint inflammation and pain, but as an all-around anti-aging supplement as well. Many Helichrysum italicum species contain a significant quantity of ‘gamma’ curcumene, providing an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.

Muscle Relaxant

Where Helichrysum distilled from plants grown in coastal regions of the Mediterranean really stand out is in its ability to release muscle tension. In particular, Helichrysum italicum spp. (sub species) ’serotinum’ has the highest levels of neryl acetate. This is of a group of compounds known as ‘esters’ which are particularly good at acting as ‘anti-spasmodics’. Just like the word says, these compounds relieve muscle spasms — a condition that is often found in our necks and backs where the musculature has ‘locked up’ in a stiff and painful condition. This spasming can be the result of old injuries (where the body is trying to protect itself by holding together weak joints), from stress, or simple poor posture or ergonomics (like hunching over a computer all day!)

The serotinum sub species, with the highest neryl acetate levels of all, is found almost exclusively to be grown on the French island of Corsica. There’s something about the soft coastal air that produces some of the finest Helichrysum plants in the world. There have been producers of this sub species in the United States, though the total quantities of essential oil produced have been relatively small. Helichrysum italicum is also grown in Italy, Serbia-Montenegro, Bosnia and elsewhere in South-Eastern Europe. These locations produce excellent oils, though they may have lower amounts of neryl acetate, many have significant quantities of other important constituents.

Cellular Regeneration

The third unique aspect of the essential oil is due to the regenerative nature of the ‘di-ketones’ found almost exclusively in Helichrysum. The di-ketones are thought to signal tissues of the body to regenerate, and Helichrysum italicum is included in many formulas for wound healing and scar reduction. The di-ketone level is especially high again in the serotinum sub species grown on the island of Corsica. Levels of these di-ketones can exceed 11% of the total makeup of the essential oil.

Anti-Coagulant, Anti-Hematoma and Bruise Prevention

A wonderful effect for all us accident prone folks is the bruise prevention offered by Helichrysum. Keeping a little of the oil on hand at all times is a smart way to keep ourselves injury-free. An application or two of the oil on any part of the body experiencing physical trauma can profoundly speed healing by preventing the formation of a hematoma, a bruised area where blood flow almost comes to a halt. For athletes twisting an ankle, for example, the oil can significantly reduce the swelling that occurs in the minutes after the injury, speeding healing by quickening the nutrient/waste exchange in the area. ANY blunt injury (walking into furniture in the middle of the night, or hitting your head on an open kitchen cabinet are but two common examples) will greatly benefit both in terms of healing time AND immediate pain reduction. (An important safety note: it is due to this anti-coagulant action that folks taking blood-thinning medication should check with their physician before use. It is likely that small topical applications of the oil should not pose a problem).

Personal Healing Experiences

The use of Helichrysum essential oil on the world stage of medicine has been very brief. While use in aromatherapy has been significant, the cross over into the greater world of natural health is only just happening. As a result, formal testing of its efficacy is limited. However, because the oil is so safe, its really worth a try to see if it works for you. The critics of natural health say over and over that so many plant medicines are ‘unproven’ — we counter that so many ‘proven’ medicines are actually dangerous, lack truly unbiased scientific backing, and don’t actually result in healing, but rather a temporary cessation of symptoms. A fairly small amount of Helichrysum essential oil will either give you the results you’re looking for or it won’t. MANY users HAVE reported excellent results: profound relief from back pain, neck pain, joint pain scar tissue tightness. Extreme sports enthusiasts have called it ‘the magic oil’ for its quick pain relief. If Helichrysum sounds like it may help you, there’s every reason to give this wonderful, effective, organic natural medicine a try!

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Tips For Selecting Residential Stair Lifts

Are you having trouble getting up and down th steps in your home these days? Is someone you love dearly struggling with the option of giving up their home or only living on one floor of their home? If so, consider the following points that will help you decide what type of residential stair lifts could fix the problem immediately.

Indoor/Outdoor: Stair lifts today come in both indoor and outdoor models. That means that mobility can be restored not only within the home, but outside the home as well. If you want your home to be completely accessible to yourself or someone you love, then consider having all of the stairs in and around your home equipped with a lift.

The biggest difference between an indoor and outdoor lift is the materials they are made from. While an outdoor model may come equipped with many of the same features as an indoor model, they are designed to stand up to natural elements much better.

Comfort: Some people will require certain features to be on a chair in order for it to be truly functional and comfortable to ride. If you need an extra wide chair, extra cushioning, or special safety features, make sure to identify these needs and narrow down your options on the market accordingly.

The best way to determine the features you need is to look around online to see what chairs are currently being offered on the market. If you don’t know what is being offered, you can’t make an informed decision.

Set-Up: Do you want to set up your own lift, or is it best for a professional to come into your home and do it? The perk to setting up yourself is that you can save considerable amounts of money, but the down side is you may install it incorrectly. Most companies have professional installers who will come into the home and ensure it is hooked up just right.

Most residential stair lifts come with a warranty and many companies will even come into the home to do repairs and/or maintenance checks on the chairs.

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Top Varicose Prevention Tips - Pregnancy and Varicose Veins

Many girls first notice varicose veins and spider veins appearing during their first pregnancy. These ugly veins often appear on the lower legs and can be accompanied by painful, swelling and itching. Knowing how to prevent this condition can greatly reduce any discomfort in your legs and help you regain your leg energy and attractiveness.

There are several reasons for leg vein problems

- the enlargement of the uterus puts force on the inferior vena cava (the large vein on the right side of your body), putting added pressure on leg veins.

- the increased amount of blood in your body adds pressure.

- your progesterone levels rise when you’re with kid, which causes the walls of the blood vessels to chill, weakening them.

- carrying twins or higher multiples adds more weight and strain on legs.

- if other family members have leg vein problems you might be more inclined to getting them

There is a positive side to this - if you did not have varicose veins before becoming pregnant, then the condition will most likely reduce after you give birth - particularly if you follow the prevention advice below.

How to prevent and get rid of existing vein problems:

– Exercise daily by taking brisk walks to improve your circulation and to reinforce leg muscles and veins. Elude sitting or standing for long periods. Shift your weight from one foot to the other when standing to extend circulation.

– Eat a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation (the pushing can cause vein issues and hemorrhoids) and try and keep your weight in the recommended range at each stage of your pregnancy. Include oats, barley, beans, peas, lentils, baked potato with the skin, brown rice, whole wheat, and masses of veggies and fruits in your diet.

– Elevate your legs particularly when reading or watching TV. When lying down place your feet on a folded pillow to raise them higher than your heart. Some girls even sleep this way.

– Don’t cross your legs at the knees, cross them at the ankles instead.

– Sleep on your left side to minimize the weight of the uterus on the inferior vena cava ( which is on your right side). Put a pillow behind your back and one under your feet to help you stay on your left side and to decrease stress on legs and feet.

– Wear elastic support hose if your legs or ankles are swollen. Put them on first thing in the morning to keep blood from pooling in the lower leg veins. Medical supply stores and drugstores carry these stockings. They’ll be tighter at the ankle and get looser as they are going up the leg so blood can easily flow back up towards your heart.

– Try using natural varicose vein cream and lotions that are safe for pregnant girls to help heal and reduce the size of varicose veins and forestall swelling, itching and burning. The herbal ingredient Calendula is a soothing and tough circulation enhancer famous for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. It has an amazing capability to shrink varicose veins and scale back the appearance of spider veins too.

Weak, distended veins are avoidable. Doing these top Dallas varicose veins prevention tips is significant with each successive pregnancy to maintain leg vein health. These tips can help your body to heal itself while they give you improved circulation and increased vitality and energy - something each mum wants to get the best out of life and to enjoy a healthy, satisfied and comfortable pregnancy.

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Find Out How To Get A Cheap Health Inurance Plan?

The economy has seen better days that’s for sure, but the cost of Health Insurance continues to rise. If you are like me, then you are looking for a cheap health insurance plan, or at least to reduce what you are already paying.

Although there are 2 different ways to do this, we shall start with the first. This is analyzing the plan you currently have and seeing if you can change it to a different option.

Those people that currently have more expensive policies, such as Individual Policies can look at the possibility of changing those, perhaps either to group or to family plans. This will of course have the effect of making your payments less.`

Increasing your deductible will also save cash, but be aware that if you are going to do this then you will have to pay more before the insurance company starts paying.

The trouble with this is that it can be a ‘false economy’. The reason for this is that if you need care or treatment for any reson then you will end up footing a higher proportion of the bill.

The second way to find reductions is really the most effective and is something that you have a lot more control over. Different companies obviously sell similar policies, however the amount they charge for these can vary greatly from company to company, (the amounts would probably shock you).

To check the whole marketplace for the best deal used to take a lot of time and was also difficult to do, you could never be sure that you had found all the best cheap health care providers.

Now we have the tools to always make sure we get the best low cost medical insurance. The ‘tools’ in this case are comparison sites that have done all the hard work and collected up the companies in one place so it is easy to make a judgment.

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Proper Skin Care Methods

Skin care is an important part of life. Everybody should know how to take care of their skin. Learn proper skin care techniques today.

There are other natural skin care products that are not foods. Look up inorganic skin care products online. They are just as safe as organic alternatives, but they are much safer than manufactured options.

If your baby or child is having problems with rashes you should consider the fact that it might have allergies to your detergent or soaps. There are several choices for mild soaps out there. If you look on the box of most laundry detergent you can see whether or not it is hypoallergenic.

Natural products also have natural aromatherapy. That is because honey smells like honey, and lavender smells like lavender. Many artificial smells can trigger allergies.

If you find that all of your work still results in no relief, chances are that eczema can be caused by genetics, allergies or an allergy in your child’s food or even in your own food if you are breast-feeding. If your child shows evidence of eczema, take them to your pediatrician immediately. A skin care product for baby’s skin you can get from your pediatrician might have to be a concentration of hydrocortisone.

In coming months, a baby’s immune system starts to develop and isn’t nearly as sensitive as it was before. Begin using products when your doctor says it is okay and even then work them slowly into your baby’s care regimen. See the reaction in your child’s skin, especially if there is a history of problems for sensitive skin allergies in your family.

Many doctors recommend that mothers of young children with eczema moisturize them three or four times a day. In baby skin care products, you must have cortisone cream for use on eczema. If your child has what appears to be film on the skin, speak to a doctor.

Tide is a good choice because they have a product that has no fragrance as well. When it comes to using soap on your child or your baby Johnsons has a very large choice of hypoallergenic products for skin care. If you can’t afford Johnsons you should look into using Ivory. It is very mild and is very cost effective.

If your child itches, the first thing you do to clean your child is to cleanse the bottom with water and mild soap, using a soft cloth. Products that clean skin can cause irritation. Use zinc oxide as a barrier for a baby when the skin is dry.

Cornstarch is a skin care product. It is dry, and usually the best way to avoid any kind of reaction in newborn skin, because it does not have manufactured products in it to cause a reaction to a baby that has sensitive skin. Don’t use adult products for a baby’s skin.

In conclusion, every one’s skin is different. Every different kind of skin requires different skin care products. Learning how to take care of your skin can be very beneficial to you.

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Be Free of Ugly Acne Problems

If there are acne on you ” or those big, reddish pimples on your face, or perhaps even your upper arms or back; you are not alone. This may not believe this, but there are plenty of people suffering from the same skin condition and like you, they have also tried every trick in the book ” rather unsuccessfully unfortunately.

While it may seem discouraging and youd rather die ” or something equally melodramatic ” than be seen outside with a huge, red shiny pimple anywhere on your face; there is still something you can do to finally get rid of those stubborn ugly marks that keep popping on your face.

Chris Gibson used to suffer from the same cruel fate of being a teased names because of his acne. He also thought that he was ill-fated to be this way for the rest of his days. And although he felt really awful about his problem, this compelled him to seek for a remedy that will not only salvage him from more embarrassment but likewise help other people in the same boat.

After much testing and hits and misses; Chris Gibson finally discovered the secret to getting rid of acne and keeping them at bay from any part of you for life. In his book Acne Free in 3 Days, he shows his public how he got rid of his acne without having to use expensive treatments or undergoing heavy therapy that will eat up too much time and money.

He likewise shares his other secrets in keeping a healthy and blemish-free skin from your face to your back and anywhere else that your acne used to pop-up.

If you dont know where to get the Acne Free in 3 Days book, you can simply visit Google and look for it. Besides the website of the book itself, there are also countless websites that discuss the book and how it can help you.

If you think that you can no longer enjoy blemish-free skin on your face again, then you should really give this book a try. After all, if youve tested everything else and nothing has so far worked, whats one more attempt?

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The Value Of Accurate Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices

Blood pressure monitors are essential for those who suffer from high blood pressure. Having a good and thorough monitor can be the difference between life and death for some people with high blood pressure.

Blood pressure monitors vary in quality, accuracy, and cost. The most important things to look for in blood pressure monitors are:

* Ease of use - The buttons need to be big and simple to use. Sufferers or individuals with high blood pressure should never have to search for or get confused about the buttons and menu. Wasting time trying to get the machine to work is dangerous.

* Portability - People with high blood pressure still travel. It is crucial that the machine comes with a carrying case, simple to store and bring places, and is easy to stow away while on the road. It is best to get one small enough to fit in a shoulder case so that it is easily accessible when needed. It is also imperative to figure out any airport information pertaining to the use of blood pressure monitors.

* Service - When you one of these important machines, it is essential that it comes with a service plan. Sometimes the readings can become inaccurate from a few reason, for instance: jarring a a monitor, smashing the monitor, or over use. It is essential that one brings the device back or get it serviced regularly (as described in your user guide).

The above qualities in a blood pressure monitor are most important. People suffering from high blood pressure to have portability and accuracy to check their system. It is very important that these patients have a portable blood pressure monitor that is easy to use and easy to carry. If someone that has high blood pressure is feeling the affects of the condition of high blood pressure, he/she should be able to take a reading at any time, any place, any situation.

Monitors come in a couple of styles: a wrist reading monitor and an arm reading monitor. Some say that readings in the wrist are more reliable but the results can be inaccurate if not done while the machine is laying flat. This also depends on the patient. Many think of it as uncomfortable to take a reading at the wrist because it beats like a heart and is uncomfortable; this is one of the draw backs of taking the pulse via the wrist.

In addition to purchasing a superior blood pressure monitor, people with high blood pressure should consult a physician. Other treatments include monitoring and prescriptions. People depend on these blood pressure monitors to be reliable so that, it gives an thorough test. If the results are inaccurate, or worse, if the sufferer forgoes a test, there will be no way determine if there is an issue. High blood pressure can develop into a heart attack or stroke.

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Taking Care Of Your Skin

Your skin is the most visible part of your body. If you do not take care of it, you’ll look ugly. If you want to maintain your health discover skin care tips today.

You don’t have to be a dermatologist to know about skin care. You can look up all kinds of information online. This information will empower you to make great skin care decisions!

If your baby or child is having problems with rashes you should consider the fact that it might have allergies to your detergent or soaps. There are several choices for mild soaps out there. If you look on the box of most laundry detergent you can see whether or not it is hypoallergenic.

Make sure that your baby doesn’t have dry skin. Knowing what dry skin looks like can help you to take care of it better. First, stock your nursery with products for the care of your baby’s skin before you bring your newborn home.

If you find that all of your work still results in no relief, chances are that eczema can be caused by genetics, allergies or an allergy in your child’s food or even in your own food if you are breast-feeding. If your child shows evidence of eczema, take them to your pediatrician immediately. A skin care product for baby’s skin you can get from your pediatrician might have to be a concentration of hydrocortisone.

To treat eczema, prevent the baby’s skin from becoming dry. They say the proper care of the baby’s skin is to limit the harsh soaps you use, because they remove the natural oil of normal skin. You should use soap brands like Aveno, Dove or Ivory.

From grapes to sugar cane, there are skin care potentials in many natural products. Just look online for ways to use natural skin care products. It is not hard to find!

Hormones near the end of pregnancy may cause babies to have oily skin. You may be interested in going green with products for skin care because you want to do your part to protect the earth. Use skin care products that take care of oily skin, but also are good for the environment.

Dead epithelial cells contribute to clogged pores. The newly exfoliated skin tends to have a healthy glow. The skin looks polished and bright.

If you need to thin a natural product for use in skin care, just use purified water. You don’t need chemicals or impurities. Just thin it with water, the most natural substance of all.

In conclusion, every one’s skin is different. Every different kind of skin requires different skin care products. Learning how to take care of your skin can be very beneficial to you.

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3 Things To Consider Before Purchasing Residential Stair Lifts

If you are considering residential stair lifts for your home, you are not alone. Millions of people have one of these chairs in the home, or are seriously considering their options to have one added in the near future. The following tips will help you pick the perfect chair so it is a functional addition to the home.

Location: Where are you going to put this chair? There are indoor as well as outdoor models on the market right now. While you may just be considering one or the other, there are some homes that benefit from having one indoors and one outdoors. This ensures that literally every area of the property is accessible to everyone who lives or visits the home.

Often, the biggest difference between an indoor and outdoor model is the materials used. Outdoor models are designed to stand up to elements of the weather without rusting or falling apart. Yet, they often feature the same functions and technologies as many other indoor models.

Features: What features do you think you need? Technology continues to enrich this market, making more and more models available from each of the big name brands. You may want to spring for an extra wide chair or something with a lot of extra padding. Or, you could demand a lot of extra safety features to ensure your chair is safe for every user.

If you aren’t very familiar with the market, then you can’t make an educated decision on which type of lift you really need. Get in touch with your intended uses and then look around online. Once you have an idea of what features you require, selecting will be easier.

Set-Up: Do you want to set up your own lift, or is it best for a professional to come into your home and do it? The perk to setting up yourself is that you can save considerable amounts of money, but the down side is you may install it incorrectly. Most companies have professional installers who will come into the home and ensure it is hooked up just right.

Most residential stair lifts come with a warranty and many companies will even come into the home to do repairs and/or maintenance checks on the chairs.

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Chair Lifts For Stairs Deliver Independence, Complete Mobility

There aren’t very many attractive solutions to a mobility problem No one wants to deal with being unable to go up and down the stairs in their own home, which is why chair lifts for stairs are quickly becoming an affordable option.

The stress and terror that can come over a person when they think they may have to leave the comfort and security of their own home can be depression and scary. Being faced with a group home of any sort or having to move in with someone else and be a burden is heart wrenching. Luckily, a chair lift can stop all of this heartache.

Even worse, they do not want to lose their sense of freedom and independence.

A chair lift is the best alternative because it allows the person to stay in the home they love. In many cases, it can make the difference between moving in with someone else or into a group living situation and being able to live on their own for awhile longer.

The chair lifts sold today have the value of modern technology backing them up. For a very affordable rate, a technical will come into the home and completely set it up on the home’s staircase. They will come with a rechargeable battery which ensures the chair is operational even in the case power is lost to the home.

With a lift in the home, independence can be maintained. If this is the only obstacle a person faces, then it is a very easy problem to fix. Professionals will come into the home and install the chair, giving very fast access to all areas of the home.

If you or someone you love is having difficulty going up and down the stairs, it’s time to consider chair lifts for stairs in your home. There is no reason that steps should ever interfere with complete independence or force anyone to give up a home they love and feel comfortable in.

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