What is Allicin?

Allicin is a natural compound that can be obtained from garlic or onions. When extracted and distilled to its essence, it is a clear, colorless liquid that emits a pungent smell. It plays a role in the distinctive smell of both garlic and onions. Scientists have long known about the medicinal properties of allicin, as it is an effective antibacterial and antifungal compound. Allicin is produced naturally by garlic as a defense against pests, and the garlic plant releases this compound into areas where tissue damage has occurred as a result of bacterial or fungal infections.

Health Benefits

More recent studies on the health benefits of allicin, however, have revealed that it may have other medicinal uses. One of the more common health problems that affects many people today is atherosclerosis, a condition in which hard plaques form on the inside walls of blood vessels, constricting the flow of blood through the vessels and contributing to elevated blood pressure levels. In severe cases of atherosclerosis, the formation of plaques within the blood vessels may also cause the vessel walls to rupture, leading to internal hemorrhaging. Allicin has been found to be effective in preventing the formation of such plaque, thus preventing the development of atherosclerosis.

Allicin also has great potential to become one of the next great antibacterial agents. As bacteria found in hospitals become increasingly resistant to common antibiotics such as methicillin, scientists and doctors are turning more and more to natural antibacterial solutions. A recent study found that the product, when extracted and processed into liquid form, becomes a very effective antibiotic. It is also effective when processed into a cream form, which can be used to treat patients infected with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Modern living has also led to more and more people falling prey to harmful substances found in the body known as free radicals. These free radicals are usually produced by unhealthy living habits, such as prolonged exposure to the sun. They are very reactive particles, and have been known to cause damage to healthy cells. Studies have shown that allicin is effective at trapping and removing radicals.

How to Obtain Allicin

If you want to take supplements containing allicin to take advantage of its medical benefits, then there are several options to consider. Many people who have heard about the medical benefits of allicin take extracts of garlic or garlic supplements on a regular basis. The problem with this, however, is that the formation of allicin requires the presence of an enzyme known as allinase. Without this enzyme, allicin will not form. The problem lies in the fact that the acidic environment found in the digestive system quickly destroys allinase, preventing the production of any significant amount of the substance.

The only effective alternative is to obtain a powdered extract of the compound. In this form, the allicin has already been formed and is in a state that the body can immediately use. This is the most effective form of a supplement that you may consider taking to experience the health benefits that it can bring.

Among the top two natural skin moisturizing agents being used in the best lotions and creams today are allantoin and macadamia oil. The reason for more consumers looking for skincare products that contain these vital ingredient is because of an increased awareness of the quality and goodness of organically produced plant-based extracts, which offer natural purity and deep-skin moisturizing benefits.

Moreover, the modern user knows that moisturizing your skin with an allantoin- and macadamia oil-based product provides an all-natural protective base for your skin’s surface layers, locking moisture in from the rich essential oils that these contain.

However, to ensure that you are buying quality products enriched with the wholesome goodness of organic macadamia nut oil and allantoin, you need to verify the process and the technique medium used for extracting these from the plant base. It also helps to have knowledge of supplementary ingredients used in the skin-moisturizing formula. This is because the balanced combination of all 100% natural herbal elements—allantoin and macadamia oil or others natural plant-extracts—works together to provide total skincare benefits, such as suppleness, softness and smooth, wrinkle-free skin.

Moreover, all-natural skin moisturizing products that combine the two best natural moisturizing agents as main ingredients, namely allantoin and macadamia oil, should be on every smart shopper’s list if a quality skincare regime is the grooming goal.

Allantoin and macadamia oil, which are natural plant extracts, are fantastic skin nourishing agents, especially great during winters and for those with dry skin.

Remember, any good quality, deep-nourishing skin lotion should not only moisturize your skin on the surface, it must be able to penetrate deeply and works its magic from the inside out. This is what allantoin and macadamia oil products usually do. Moreover, regularly moisturizing your skin with allantoin- and macadamia oil-based skin products can enhance your skin with natural goodness, reducing fine lines and age spots and providing users with a younger physical appearance when smoothed on long term.

The additional advantage to using deep-nourishing skincare creams and lotions containing allantoin and macadamia oil is that since these are blended together in light formulations, thanks to modern scientific skincare technology. Using these high-quality products eliminates the uncomfortable, over-waxy, after-effect of using natural oil-based skincare products, giving a silky-smooth feel on the surface. In addition to the above benefits to the surface skin, moisturizing your skin with quality, all-natural allantoin- and macadamia oil- based products also leaves the inner skin nourished. These ingredients work actively from within to heal skin damage from sun, stress, wind and other environmental elements that affect its natural balance and restoring the same with daily use.

Remember, the basic nature of macadamia oil as a non-volatile oil extracted from the nut-tree’s meat is to offer healing goodness to deeply penetrate damaged skin, and replace the essential oils lost from overexposure to the sun and the side-effects of skin aging as a natural process.

Moisturizing your skin with products containing the right balance of macadamia oil and allantoin, two vital skin-rejuvenating ingredients, allows for faster healing of wounds and renewal of skin cells, in addition to acting as a top anti-aging skin moisturizer.

What Causes Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness occurs when the human body cannot adjust to these high altitudes. There is less oxygen available at these altitudes, and if a person is unaccustomed to this change in oxygen levels, then he or she will experience the symptoms of altitude sickness. If you consistently live at a very high elevation, this is usually not a problem.

Altitude Sickness Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of altitude sickness vary depending on the elevation. They may include dizziness, headache and loss of appetite, lethargy, breathlessness, nausea and irritability. Difficulty sleeping is also very common and many travelers have a hard time adjusting their sleep habits.

As the altitude increases, the human body must breathe more frequently to properly oxygenate itself. The lower air pressure and the higher altitude can also cause fluid to leak from the capillaries. This can cause fluid buildup in the lungs and the brain. If the body does not become properly acclimated, this can lead to serious, life-threatening illnesses.

Prevention Methods

The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too fast. The human body can adapt to the lower oxygen levels, but it generally takes from one to three days. The body has to acclimate to each significant change in altitude and a number of changes have to occur in the body for it to operate properly with these lower oxygen levels. Respirations are deeper and pressure in the pulmonary arteries increases. The body also produces significantly more red blood cells to carry oxygen.

Medications will also help prevent altitude sickness. While many of the prescription medications are available, an herbal remedy exists that offers terrific results.

Rhodiola and Altitude Sickness

Rhodiola is a plant found in the colder regions of the world. It has several shoots that grown out of a single root, and is often called Goldenroot. This plant has been used for many centuries as a treatment for a variety of health problems, ranging from depressions to cancer. While all of the benefits are still unknown, Rhodiola has been proven to reduce the occurrence of and the symptoms of altitude sickness.

In Tibet, this plant is known as hongjingtian, and has been used for generations to treat the symptoms of altitude sickness. Since Rhodiola is an adaptogen, it allows the bodily systems to operate more effectively and this includes the processing of oxygen in the blood and the lungs.

Side Effects of Rhodiola

One of the only reported side effects is of difficulty sleeping when taken directly at bedtime. However, when taken for sleep problems because of high altitude sickness, this does not seem to occur. There are also no known drugs that Rhodiola interacts with negatively.

In Closing

The full spectrum of benefits from this plant are still being researched. While numerous conditions exist that Rhodiola can treat, it is expected there are many more that it can treat. Research continues to determine other health problems that can be treated with Rhodiola.

Stroke and its Effect on the Brain

A stroke is also referred to as a cerebrovascular accident. It occurs when an occlusion or rupture of a blood vessel leads to a lack of oxygen in the brain. One of the most debilitating forms of brain damage results from this ischemia. Ischemia is a restriction in blood flow to bodily tissues that results in dysfunction or damage to the tissue. In terms of damage to the brain, ischemia is usually caused by a clot or hemorrhage in the brain tissue.

The Effects of Ischemia

When the blood vessels in the brain are damaged or slowly begin to experience ischemia, a number of different things can happen. A patient may experience difficulties with speech and fine motor skills. Saying certain words may be difficult or a person may know what he wants to say, but it will not come out right. Depending on where the problem is located in the brain, other problems with the senses may arise. Ischemia in the brain also causes harmful chemicals to be released that may damage or kill the brain tissue.

Treatment Options for Ischemic Brain Damage

In 1996, the State Pharmaceutical Academy in Russia completed a research study that found that Rhodiola Rosea Extract can help prevent ischemic brain damage. Their findings indicate that 700 mg/kg can stop the development of poor blood supply to the brain that occurs from stroke or brain injury and can lessen the chances of the release of the chemicals that cause the brain tissues to die or become severely damage. The study also found that Rhodiola was effective in decreasing the creation of lipid peroxidation processes, which can also cause significant problems.

These findings are very important to today’s current research in ischemic brain damage and to the extent that the brain tissue is damaged. By limiting the damage, there is more hope for those that have suffered a stroke or some other form of brain damage.

What is Rhodiola Rosea Extract?

Rhodiola has been used for many centuries as a traditional medicine. It has been used as an antidepressant, a stimulant for the nervous system and to help reduce fatigue. Rhodiola is part of the Crassulaceae plant family. It grows in the colder areas of the world. There are several shoots to one plant and a plant can grow between 5 and 35 cm tall.

How is Rhodiola Rosea Extract Sold?

Rhodiola Rosea is also called Goldenroot and is usually sold in capsule form. A few tonics are available as well. The normal dosage is between 100 and 1000 milligrams a day, depending on the individual patient.

What Are the Known Side Effects of Rhodiola Rosea Extract?

To date, the main side effect of Rhodiola Rosea that has been reported is having difficulty going to sleep if the dose is taken too late in the day. One of the best things about Rhodiola Rosea is that there are also no known drug interdictions to date.

In Closing

Rhodiola Rosea is often used for mood enhancement and as an herbal antidepressant. However, with the latest studies showing the benefits of this plant substance on preventing ischemic brain damage, this supplement is certainly worth taking it, as stroke and brain injuries are very common nowadays. This may be the one thing that can have a significant effect on the long-term effects of these types of brain damage.

What Exactly is Stress and How is it Caused?

What most people do not realize is that stress is, in fact, a physical response by the body. When faced with imminent danger or in an emergency, your body will flood your system with certain substances such as adrenaline, heightening your senses and your reaction time. This is a survival mechanism designed to give you a greater chance of escaping from danger, and is often referred to as the “stress response” state.

However, a state of stress is not meant to last for long periods. The stress response depletes the body’s energy reserves, and exhausts your mental faculties. Generally, after a prolonged stress response, you will find yourself experiencing an overwhelming need to eat and sleep. In this modern age, however, too many people go through life experiencing the stress response day after day, all day long. As a result, it is not surprising that many people eventually break down.

Treating Stress with Homeopathy

With homeopathy, you have a safe and natural treatment for the symptoms of stress while you are attempting to address the root causes of stress in your life. Among the homeopathic treatments that can be used to address stress-related symptoms are ignatia, kali phos, lycopodium, phosphorous and passiflora. All of these treatments are commonly administered by homeopaths to patients in need of relief from stress-related problems.

Each of these homeopathic treatments addresses a different kind of stress-related problem. Ignatia is an effective treatment for frayed nerves caused by various types of emotional stress. Kali phos is a nerve nutrient cell salt that can be used to effectively treat anxiety and nervous conditions caused by injury or physical pain. Lycopodium addresses the common stress-related symptoms of extreme irritability and emotional anger. Passiflora is particularly effective at treating insomnia, important since stress often results in patients suffering from sleeplessness. A lack of sleep can further worsen a person’s mental state, creating a vicious cycle of stress and sleeplessness. Finally, phosphorous can be used to treat restlessness and acute sensitivity.

If you think you suffer from stress-related issues and any of these homeopathic treatments might be useful in treating your condition, then you should definitely make it a point to consult with a professional homeopath. He or she can diagnose your condition and determine whether it is appropriate for you to begin homeopathic treatments.

Of course, you also have to work to remove the root sources of your stress from your life. Otherwise, no matter how effective homeopathic treatments are at relieving the symptoms of your stress, you will always find yourself facing these same problems.

Pomegranates are high in antioxidants. These chemicals bond with free radicals in the blood, including LDL cholesterol (the bad kind), and prevent their oxidation. This prevents the buildup of plaque inside the walls of the arteries that leads to heart disease. The juice of the pomegranate has also been shown to help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form blood clots.

The pomegranate is still the subject of a great deal of research. In one study, it was found that consuming eight ounces of pomegranate juice on a daily basis for just three months produced a definite increase in the oxygen supply to the coronary arteries that feed the cells of the heart. This improved oxygenation means a decreased risk of heart attack. Another study shows promising results based on the long-term use of pomegranate juice as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).
Pomegranates have also been linked to a decrease in new instances of certain types of cancers and slowed growth of existing ones. This improves a person’s chances of avoiding cancer altogether or surviving it if it develops. Two specific cancers studied were breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Both were reduced in frequency and showed slower growth rates in patients consuming pomegranate juice on a regular basis.

A study exists that shows that pomegranate reacts with certain enzymes known to attack the cartilage and cause inflammation. This indicates that pomegranates may slow or prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis for many people and help relieve symptoms in others.

Another possible benefit of pomegranate juice is as an antidiarrheal drink. While no known studies exist to back this up, empirical evidence and subjective studies have indicated that pomegranate juice can slow or stop diarrhea. However, an overdose may lead to constipation. Therefore, moderation is an important aspect of using pomegranate juice in this manner.
With so many proven health benefits and a large number of suspected benefits, it is no wonder the pomegranate has been called a super food. Some even claim it to be nature’s most perfect food. While a steady diet of nothing but pomegranates does not sound even remotely appealing, there can be no doubt that eating pomegranate or drinking pomegranate juice can help anyone become healthier.

From its antioxidant properties that improve heart health, a proven reduction in cancer incidence and higher survival rates among cancer patients, possible treatment for arthritis and aid to digestive health, the pomegranate may very well be one of the big guns in the food arsenal that fights off disease. It can also help with the aging process to improve the quality of life for those who make it a part of their diet.

This herb is believed to originate in Greece. Many historical medical journals and books have referred to the medicinal properties of this root. The old books refer to the complexion-enhancing effects that this root has on the skin. Ancient times saw women boiling the root to create an infusion that they used for beautification purposes. In modern times, Japanese have been known to consume the root and sometimes the herb itself. People in America, Italy, France and India are no strangers to the properties of this well-known ancient herb.

The entire herb is believed to have many curative properties. For centuries, people have consumed the raw dandelion root as a tea by boiling it in water. Some people also boil the fresh Dandelion plant along with the root to obtain a cleansing effect on the system and to stimulate the urinary and digestive system. This root is also known to be a great blood thinner and is useful for heart diseases, as thinning of the blood can prevent clots that can cause a stroke.

Fresh Dandelion leaves are also great ingredients in a salad because they have a very distinctive and bitter taste and are a great source of nutrients, compared with spinach or tomatoes. Each 100 grams of Dandelion contains 45 calories. This amount also contains 2.8 percent parotids, 7.5 percent glucids and vitamins A, B2, C, D and G. The minerals found include sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron.

This herbal remedy is used to cure constipation, as it is a great laxative and a natural diuretic. It is also great when added to regular coffee. It can also be used separately as an alternative to coffee or tea, as it does not make much difference in the taste.

Edema is a condition in which patients suffer with too much water in the liver. The diuretic properties of this herb can alleviate the situation by helping remove excessive water from the system, thus improving the overall functioning of the liver.

The many benefits of organic Dandelion root, including bile stimulation, liver cleansing, diuretic properties, diabetic control properties, killing harmful bacteria, relief for heartburn and indigestion and flushing of particles from the gall bladder, have an overall cleansing effect on the bowels.

Dandelion root is perhaps used most widely as a powerful diuretic. This is why it is used as a detoxification agent by many practitioners the world over. Doctors have recommended the use of Dandelion leaves to cure fluid retention in patients and as a natural laxative. Given the power and the properties of the Dandelion root, it is advisable that it be used with a great deal of caution as contrary to the common belief, natural remedies do have side effects if not used properly.

The various species of this root are known by the common name Sarsaparilla. Many species are found across Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, where people have been making good use of its medicinal properties for centuries. In fact, people the world over have been known to tap the properties of this root for alternative medicine—and the modern world is no exception either.

This vine-like creeper that consists of wood-like stems and large thorns was introduced to Europe from Mexico toward the end of the 15th century. The Europeans began using this root to cure rheumatism and syphilis in the sixteenth century. Pharmacists in the US began to use the medicinal properties of this root to cure syphilis as late as the 1850s.

Sarsaparilla has been an ingredient of many patented medicines for many years and has been known to be used as blood purifier, diuretic, tonic and sweat inducer, among many other applications. Since some medical professionals also claim that Sarsaparilla is a good source of herbal testosterone, this herbal medicine has been used for a long time as a sexual rejuvenator for men and perhaps a replacement for an anabolic steroid in many formulas used for body building.

Sarsaparilla is a good source for sarsasapogenin (steroidal saponins). Scientific researchers are of the opinion that Sarsasapogenin is a good replacement for natural male hormones because they can duplicate the actions and properties of these hormones. This is a point that many doctors and medical men have argued against vehemently. So, there is a great deal of doubt pertaining to this property of Sarsaparilla. It is also a great source of beta-sitosterol, a component that may be related to the herbs anti-inflammatory properties as well as liver protecting properties. There has also been a lot of European literature on the good effects of Sarsaparilla on psoriasis.

Traditional Use

Much has been written about this herb, which can be supported by medical research. However, many uses of this ancient herb originate from folklore. The Mexicans have been using the medicinal properties of this herb to cure conditions that include terminal ailments such as cancer and a host of other skin diseases. Toward the end of the 20th century, herbal doctors were known to have put this herb to use to cure leprosy. It is no secret that naturopaths have used this herb and have reportedly cured many women’s diseases because of its progesterone-like properties. This herb has also been used to flavor root beer before better and more convenient flavoring agents were discovered.

Administrators of this root recommend a dosage up to three times a day in the form of a tea or liquid extract. While some have to brew this root as a tea, readymade capsules containing a powder of the root are available. The dosages vary according to the condition being addressed and the doctor’s prescription.

• Evening Primrose Oil is one of those natural remedies you often hear about, but still might not know exactly what it does, or any of its health benefits. The truth is that evening primrose oil can be beneficial in a number of health areas, including that of helping to regulate hormones

Evening primrose is a native plant in North America that has been used for centuries by Native Americans in different ways to treat health problems. In modern days, the oil contained in the seeds of the evening primrose is extracted and standardized for use as a dietary supplement with certain medicinal properties.

The primary active ingredient in evening primrose oil is the omega-6 fatty acid, GLA. GLA is an essential fatty acid that is not produced by the body. This means that it must be consumed in food or taken as a supplement to get it into the body. GLA is required for the body to produce certain prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are precursors to many of the hormones produced by the body. The amount of GLA in the body has a direct effect on the prostaglandins available to the endocrine glands to use in making hormones.

Regulating the dosage of evening primrose oil to higher or lower levels can regulate the production of hormones in the body. Because evening primrose oil is the best source of GLA, the amount of oil taken as a dietary supplement will have a direct influence on the production of certain hormones.

Hormones work with many different systems in the body to regulate the functions of the body. By modifying the production of estrogen, evening primrose oil can work to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. It also works to control the symptoms of PMS, which provides substantial relief to many women around the world.

GLA works to regulate the production of the prostaglandin identified as E1. E1 is a precursor to hormones that reduce inflammation in the body. Increasing the production of these hormones works to ease bloating associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle. It also provides substantial relief for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Increasing this hormone to reduce inflammation also reduces the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Insulin is another hormone that is regulated by taking evening primrose oil. This means that evening primrose oil is beneficial to people with diabetes. The oil helps maintain level quantities of insulin in the blood, thus improving the way that cells take up blood glucose and lowering the amount of glucose circulating in the blood. In addition, evening primrose oil works with the central nervous system to reduce diabetic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy, two secondary effects of diabetes.

Evening primrose oil has been shown to have many positive health effects on the human body. This oil is one of the best sources of the omega-6 fatty acid, GLA. The body uses GLA in several different ways, including controlling the production of certain prostaglandins that the body uses to make some of the hormones. Regulating the amount of GLA in the body is key to regulating hormones. Keeping the levels of hormones regulated can provide relief from many difficulties experienced by different people. Production of estrogen is one of the hormones regulated by GLA. This helps regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and ease the symptoms of PMS.

Another benefit of black cohosh is its ability to relieve menstrual cramps. Many women experience severe cramping immediately before and during their periods. Taking small amounts of black cohosh root extract can reduce this cramping.

Black cohosh contains naturally occurring salicylic acid (aspirin). This makes it a good supplement to treat minor pains from arthritis or other problems that can cause swelling. Of course, if a person has a known allergy to aspirin, taking black cohosh will likely trigger an allergic reaction, and care is advised when considering the use of black cohosh in any way.

Another beneficial property of black cohosh when it is applied properly is that it can stimulate uterine contractions and help induce labor. Over the years, many nurse-midwives have used it successfully to induce labor without needing drugs or medications that could potentially harm the baby. Again, care should be used in administering black cohosh to a pregnant woman. Taking it too early during a pregnancy can induce a miscarriage. A medical professional should be consulted any time that one is considering the use of black cohosh root if even a chance of pregnancy exists.

In the past, the juice of the black cohosh plant has been used as an insect repellant and to treat snakebites.
The primary health benefit of the black cohosh root continues to be its effectiveness in controlling menstrual cramps and the many symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings are all relieved somewhat by using black cohosh root. Doctors continue to study this root to determine how it works. There are many indications that it works similarly to the hormone estrogen. Although the why and how it works are not fully understood, it is effective.

Because of the way black cohosh seems to mimic estrogen, care should be taken if using it concurrently with traditional hormone replacement therapy. The two may interact and one may keep the other from being as effective. Since other interactions are possible, seek advice from a medical professional before beginning a regimen of black cohosh to treat your symptoms and to avoid possible complications.