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Sandalwood is both a classic scent and a classic medicine. Used as an aromatic for over 4000 years, and as a medicine in the Ayurvedic system for perhaps a millennium, the wood itself has been greatly valued by mankind. The essential oil, while only becoming popular in the last hundred years, is a truly classic scent, with important science-proven therapeutic medicinal applications. Whether it be for the body or mind, sandalwood oil can offer effective support. Here’s a look at the therapeutic applications of this treasured oil, and how you too might benefit from its medicinal magic.

For those not so familiar with the source of this wondrous material, sandalwood oil is distilled from the the wood of, of course, the sandalwood tree. Sounds simple enough, but the tree is totally unique — its a parasite, growing only on other trees. So harvesting the wood involves cutting down both trees. To make matters more challenging, the wood isn’t really ready to harvest until its at least 30 years old, and really, the older the better.

The very finest oil, certainly aromatically — and some people believe therapeutically as well — is distilled from the Santalum album species native to India. The essential oil has become so highly valued that over-harvesting of the trees has made a significant impact in deforestation in certain regions. So much so that the government of India made it a law that they now own all the sandalwood trees in the country! This, of course, is meant to prevent poaching of the trees, as clearly the offense is rather serious stealing the valuable resource from the government. Thankfully, there are plantations of this same species of tree underway, and other sources of very fine sandalwood oils that are now close in rivaling the quality of the Indian material.

It is clear that for the reasons of rarity alone, the essential oil is something to be cherished. However, the oil has some very impressive and important medicinal qualities that make it even more valuable. One application is a direct derivation of the use of the wood’s paste for skin care: The essential oil has been shown to prevent the occurrence of skin cancer if applied before exposure to UVB light as well as chemo-toxins.

Scientific researchers have elucidated the source of this cancer-preventative action. It turns out that one of the major natural chemical constituents, called “santalols” (found only in sandalwood oil, and no other natural material yet discovered) reinforces the signal for cells to die as they normally should. A feature of cancer cells is that they do not live and die in a natural cycle as healthy cells do — they just go on living, growing and spreading. So application of sandalwood oil prior to exposure to a carcinogen essentially tells the cell to keep on going through its normal healthy life cycle. And despite the lack of availability of Indian sandalwood, santalols are found in all other popular species from which the oil is distilled.

Aside from its therapeutic effects from topical application, the oil’s aroma deeply affects our psyche. The rich, elegant scent has been shown to be both stimulating and calming at the same time. The result is a sense of clarity and awareness. Subjects being researched reported the effects of the whole sandalwood oil, and that of “alpha-santalol”. It was found that the individual constituent was stimulating to alertness and mood, though only the whole oil also resulted in greater relaxation and vigor. This very interesting mix of effects on the mind, which correlate well with the oil’s use as a meditation aid. A drop or two on the wrists, temples, or forehead is a great way to enjoy the aroma for this purpose.

Interestingly, while the oil heightens awareness, it actually supports deeper, more restful sleep. Research on the inhalation of the aroma showed that study participants usually challenged to get a good rest spent much less time awake, and the total time spent in “rapid eye movement” sleep was also increased. The affect was attributed to the oil’s action in the bloodstream after inhalation, not on the sensing of the aroma. So a gentle massage with the oil may be just as effective as using a diffuser for improved sleep with the oil.

So you can see that sandalwood oil has some wonderful, valuable therapeutic activity — features that everyone can enjoy. When shopping for the essential oil, you’ll find several varieties available. The most common are Australian and South Pacific, though you may still find some Indian available through specialty sources. Chemically, they are fairly close in their profile; the key individual constituents are present in significant quantities in each variety. You will also find is they have subtly different aromas, and you may have a strong preference for one over another. The Indian has beautiful, soft character, whereas the South Pacific is bold and masculine, and the Australian can be somewhere in between. Once you find an oil you like, buy some to put away! Sandalwood gets better (and more costly) with age — you’ll have a wonderful oil for you and your family to enjoy now and on into the future.

The author is a consultant to The Ananda Apothecary, an excellent online resouce for medical grade essential oils, aromatherapy formulations, flower essences, and usage instructions for a great many natural products and therapies.

People are mostly unaware of a potentially life-taking condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘diabetic’ in the name! Though diabetics are prime targets of this condition, so also are they who have undergone severe dehydration for whatever reason, as well as those who have had massive viral or bacterial infections. These three categories form the high-risk population vulnerable to diabetic ketoacidosis.

This condition is related to the metabolic functions of the body. Food is digested to produce glucose, a form of sugar. Glucose is used by the muscles directly to carry out our basic functions. Glucose which is not needed immediately is converted to and stored as fat. Whenever the glucose levels dwindle, the body takes recourse to the stored energy reserves within our body, that is, the fats, reconverting them back to glucose, that is energy.

Fats are pretty complex substances, and when they are decomposed to get their glucose content, a very simple fatty acid, called ketone, is also released into the blood. This causes ketoacidosis. This isn’t a problem for the body in small, occasional doses. However, when it is massive and prolonged, the blood chemistry changes drastically. If left untreated for too long, or if treatment is left till too late, the condition can result in fatality. To reiterate, the high-risk population is especially vulnerable to diabetic ketoacidosis, but the others are just a little less likely to develop diabetic ketoacidosis. So everyone should beware this condition!

Diabetic ketoacidosis becomes dangerous due to delayed treatment. Most people who have diabetic ketoacidosis aren’t even aware that they have it. The symptoms manifest themselves in the later stages of the condition. Recognizing them may well mean the difference between a life-critical existence and a normal one. The chief symptoms that are easily discernible are given here for your information.

Lip and skin dryness, heightened skin temperature, abnormal skin tone such as paleness or flushed appearance, are directly related to diabetic ketoacidosis.

The severe change in the blood chemistry can cause blurred vision and similar vision problems.

Sickly sweet smelling breath.

The person with diabetic ketoacidosis can feel very tired, so tired that he sleeps almost throughout the day. He won’t even take part in those activities that he likes.

Extreme nausea and complete loss of appetite.

The extremely abnormal blood chemistry can affect the brain. The person with this condition can become severely disoriented.

Careful monitoring of the blood glucose is the only effective way to control diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetics who require insulin shots should be extremely regular in taking them. Dehydration must be countered by taking rehydration salts. Supplementary glucose should be taken if the glucose level drops sharply below the minimum level. Everything must be done under proper medical supervision, that goes without saying for such a serious, and possibly fatal, condition! The treatment is not an overnight cure, but it is the only effective one. Take care!

There are two things everyone needs to have to assist in controlling their diabetes. The first is an ample supply of diabetic testing supplies and the other is a wholesome diabetic diet plan. Visit www.Diabetes-Diabetic-Diet-Plans.com to read more about this disease and ways to control it.

I think I’ve been addicted to sodas ever since I was a kid. It was my favorite thing to drink at the age of five, and it’s still my favorite drink over 30 years later. There’s some kind of fix that a soda satisfies that other drinks simply can’t.

The sweetness of soda can’t be beaten in my mind. Some of my favorites, like cream soda, give me just the right amount, and a unique sense of satisfaction. As I get older, though, I fully acknowledge the fact that it’s a habit I’d be better off putting an end to.

Aside from the fact that it causes cavities, too much soda can also make you excessively tired. Many point to sodas as a leading cause of diabetes too. It was time for me to make a change, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.

If you’re at a loss for what to drink in its place and can’t come to terms with the idea of drinking water all day, any one of these drinks might do the job for you.

Have you ever had seltzer? If you have, try drinking it more regularly for a few weeks and the taste of it, or lack thereof, will grow on you. This is a perfectly healthy substitute for soda, and the carbonation definitely helps out.

If you seek a little more flavor, opt for a carbonated fruit drink. There are plenty of these, and the key will be to get one that’s completely natural. One brand that you may enjoy is Fizzy Lizzy, as their brand of sparkling juice drinks has no additives and tastes great.

Yet another possibility is green tea. This will give you a more holistic experience, but there are some great health benefits that come with the drink. If you don’t like the thought of drinking something hot, make some iced green tea.

Any one of the above drinks in place of soda will have a profoundly positive impact on your life. Are you ready to make a change?

Enjoy more articles by this writer, covering products like fluorescent light covers and the fluorescent lighting ballast.

Generally, most psychiatrists will prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety, with the most popular being Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam). While these medications are usually the first choice, there are however different options used that were not originally created to treat anxiety.

Certain antidepressants are also used in the treatment of anxiety. These medications are different from anti-anxiety medications in several different ways such as a low risk of dependency and abuse. In addition, antidepressants can take anywhere from four to six weeks to fully take effect. These medications can not be used for sudden symptoms of anxiety either.

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants to treat anxiety. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, and Lexapro. These medications are used to treat both generalized and severe anxiety such as OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder. As with all prescription medications, there are some risks of side effects. The most common side effects include weight gain, stomach upset and nausea, sexual problems, sleepiness and dizziness, nervousness, and headaches. In addition, there are reported cases of more severe side effects which include suicidal thoughts, hostility, and aggression. An additional risk involved with taking antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications is their ability to actually increase symptoms in both disorders.

SSRIs:

These medications are used to treat anxiety by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain involving serotonin. SSRIs accomplish this by making more of the neurotransmitter available to the receptor sites of the post-synaptic nerve.

Buspirone (BuSpar) is a newer anti-anxiety drug that acts like an SSRI by increasing serotonin in the brain (subsequently reducing brain activity). BuSpar also reduces dopamine, a neurotransmitter (also a medicated substance) that increases heart rate and blood pressure. It starts working in half the time of antidepressant drugs, and lacks many of the side effects of anti-anxiety drugs, such as sedation. BuSpar also doesnt cause loss of memory or coordination and is not habit-forming, two problems with drugs such as Ativan. BuSpars effectiveness is limited to generalized anxiety disorder.

Since prolonged anxiety can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems, beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to treat these problems. They also help deal with physical symptoms of anxiety, such as dizziness, sweating, trembling voice, and rapid heart rate. Beta blockers are best for phobias. Side effects of beta blocker use include nausea, sleepiness, lightheadedness, and a very slow pulse.

Your doctor will be able to determine whether medications such as the ones listed above are necessary. He or she will ask you a series of questions as well as perform some physical tests to decide which medication will befit you the most. It is very important that these drugs take time to work at their optimum capacity and there may be a series of medication changes dependent upon any side effects endured.

Funmi Salami is a reputable editor and featured writer on Clivir.com where she provides and shares more information about Fear Anxiety Disorder and other information about Anxiety Disorder and Chronic Insomnia.