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Sandalwood Essential Oil: A Look At Its Anti-Cancer, Anti-Stress And Mood-Lifting Effects

November 11th, 2010 Comments off

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.

Treatment For Urinary Tract Infections

June 22nd, 2010 Comments off

Urinary Tract Infections, or UTI infections, are a common problem, especially in women. After respiratory infections, UTI infections are the most common type of infection experienced by people. The most common cause of these infections are bacteria, which can be introduced to the urethra by unsanitary hygiene practices, sexual intercourse or waiting for long periods of time before urinating. A frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning upon urination and urine that has a cloudy or white appearance are all signs of a possible urinary tract infection. If you are dealing with such problems, there are many natural, home remedies that may be able to help.

When dealing with a chronic UTI is to make sure that the body stays properly hydrated. Drinking water helps the body stay properly hydrated. Many people contract UTIs because they have a weakened immune system. Having a poor diet and eating too much sugar can cause a person to have a weakened immune system.

The symptoms of a UTI include cloudy urine, a strong odor, low fever and a painful, constant need to urinate. Many women also experience fatigue, nausea, and a general ill feeling. If the infection is mild, it may often go away on its own without an antibiotic. However, a prescription medication can be necessary to fully remove all the bacteria so that the UTI does not return.

Cranberry juice has been a popular natural treatment for centuries. This treatment has been used as an effective way to flush the bacteria. The treatment is also thought to be especially effective because it can prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract system. Cranberry juice can also inhibit the growth of bacteria.

There are many natural solutions you can use to try and resolve a UTI. The most popular one is cranberry juice. Cranberry juice flushes out your urinary tract without allowing the bacteria to cling to the walls of the urinary tract. You can either drink pure cranberry juice, or take cranberry tablets. If you do use the juice, make sure its it is pure cranberry juice and not cranberry juice “cocktail”.

If you suffer from a chronic UTI then you should consider going to a pharmacy or retail store and purchasing URIZOL. URIZOL is an over the counter medication that is used to treat this infection. The medication is an all natural remedy for the infection. It eases abdominal pressure, stops burning during urination, and reduces the urge to constantly have to urinate. URIZOL works as a type of diuretic due to the fact that it contains asparagus. Asparagus works to clean out the urinary system so that patients do not feel such a strong urge to urinate. It also contains cranberry which contains antioxidants that work to cleanse the body. The mediation also contains Echinacea, Buchu, Juniper, and Marshmallow mucilage. These ingredients work to reduce urinary irritation, fight infection, and cleanse the urinary tract system. With about a weeks worth of usage, the patient can reduce the symptoms of chronic UTI.

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Supplements – Do We Need Them?

June 8th, 2010 Comments off

We see them everywhere these days- advertisements for supplements; be them nutritional, dietary or vitamins. We are told that they can do everything except bathe you! But let’s step back for one second. Are they really required? Do they actually help us?

True Answer? Probably! In the western world we are now living in a fast paced environment where we are not as caring as to what we put in our bodies when it comes to food. This very act has a direct influence on how healthy we are or may become. With fast paced life comes potential neglect for the body and this can face the body with challenging times if left to erode further.

As we consume more and more processed foods, we also limit the true goodness of natural untreated foods and nutrition that can get inside our bodies to benefit us all. Maybe we may not intentionally do this – but the fast foods we eat certainly don’t contain the goodness of say a fresh cooked meal.

So what do we do? Well DO NOT ignore it! Help and assist your body! This is where supplements come in to the equation. Depending on how healthy we are, how much physical activity we do and obviously our overall health condition – supplements can aid the body in a viable and positive manner. Nutritional supplements such as vitamins complex, mega green powders, protein powders and general health shakes can provide us with the key nutrition we may need.

Whilst it may not sound like much – cumulatively such a intake of supplements can provide a positive effect on the body. So next time you see that advertisement – play closer attention as to what it is meant to do – you never know , it may just be what your body needs.

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How It Is Possible To Get And Maintain Chiseled Abs

March 12th, 2010 Comments off

There are very many reasons why people engage their self in bodybuilding and one of them is to be tasty and gain a shape which is sexy to the other sex. In this context, the chest, arms and the abs are the best muscles to workout since they are the most observable. This is the reason why you need strategies to workout these muscles and know how well you go about meeting your set targets. The abs is a point of doubt in this post and this is why you should focus on these tips.

The six pack as typically known by many people is generally well exercised abs. These are mostly developed through an indirect stimulus on the respective muscles. Some of the most common exercises used in the abs work-outs include squatting, overhead pressing, dead lifting, pull-ups, bench press and the dynamic rows. Six packs thus can be well described as chiseled muscles particularly of the abdominal area in a human body. The six pack abs has of late been of great demand from the population because they’re creating a good reputation of a male muscle builder. All girls are been driven silly by footballers removing their shirts, swimmers, athletes and other sports people.

There are crucial factors which must be taken into concern when practicing and exercising for 6 pack development. These are a selection of the most vital elements of a bodybuilder and without them, exercises are not sometimes performed well and in the long run they’re no self proved success. These are the two main parts of getting the 6 pack and they’re all best for successful body building.

One of these parts is the diet of an individual person. The secret in these is to avoid sugary and fatty meals while still at the same time ensuring the utilization of little meals in a day. The meals of muscle builder must avoid fats because ; the stomach lining is extremely subject to fat deposits. With a large amount of calories in the body the surplus is subject to storage and this prevents the shaping of the abdominal muscles and there fore 6 packs become a dream never happen.

The second major aspect you have to have is the serious need and strict discipline. These 2 aspects are the secrets of working out well and voiding any compromises. Just develop a need of boosting to the others of your 6 packs by setting up a program and strictly following it without failure. In an exceedingly short time, you will notice that, patience pays and that you aren’t practicing in vain.

Learn: How to Get Rock Hard Abs Permanently without using drugs, supplements or crazy diets at how to get six pack abs.

Natural Remedies for UTI Infections

February 14th, 2010 Comments off

UTI infections are one of the most common types of infections. They are especially prevalent among women and more than 50% of women will have a UTI at some point in their lives. If left untreated, these infections can cause serious complications. Thus, it is important to know how to treat UTI infections. UTI infections can be difficult to treat and some doctors believe that the use of antibiotics increases the likelihood of future infections. Luckily, there are many natural remedies that can be used right at home to treat UTI infections.

Vitamin C, like the cranberry juice remedy, is high in acidity and can be used as a treatment for uti. Taking 1000 milligrams per day can help restore the balance of the urinary tract and can also help prevent future bladder infections as well.

You can do several things once you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection. One thing you can do that may help is to drink plenty of water and stay away from pop or other drinks that have sugar in them. Then, call your physician and make an appointment to find out if your suspicions are true. In addition, another home treatment that has been used to help with urinary tract infections is cranberry juice. Cranberry juice can sometimes be effective when dealing with a urinary tract infection. Cranberry juice has helped many and you can also buy cranberry supplements. For more complete and professional advice, speak with your physician.

Cranberry juice is a well known and clinically proven method to treat UTI infections. However, not many people know that blueberry juice provides similar benefits and can also be used. These juices have antibacterial properties and, in their pure form, can disinfect the urinary tract very efficiently. Unfortunately, additional treatment may be needed to completely rid the body of the UTI infection.

Some home remedies provide UTI relief, but that relief may be only temporary. First and foremost, you should drink plenty of fluids (especially water) to flush out the bladder. Cranberry juice is helpful as well in providing UTI relief, as it inhibits the growth of bacteria and makes it harder for the bacteria to cling to the urinary tract walls. Celery, watermelon and parsley can also contribute to UTI relief by acting as a diuretic and flushing out the bladder.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort due to a urinary tract infection, you should try Urizol. Urizol uses a strategically mixed blend of herbs that attacks your bladder infection and gives you relief from the pain and burning as well. Urizol will help cleanse your bladder of the harmful bacteria and rid you of multiple symptoms using an all natural remedy.

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