Three Herbs and Spices That Have Powerful Healing Properties

A good number of herbs and spices have been associated with medicinal properties and health benefits throughout history. It can be recalled that a whole lot of them had attained popularity because of their medicinal properties way before the current age and time.

These assertions on the medicinal properties of some of these herbs have also been given credence by researches conducted in modern science.

Find below 3 very healthy herbs and spices that come with significant and remarkable health benefits based on modern research.

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been established as one of the lot that lowers blood sugar levels whilst having a very remarkable anti-diabetic effect. It is a very popular spice which is usually found in a variety of baked goods and recipes.

The spice contains a compound known as cinnamaldehyde and it is responsible for the spice's medicinal properties. It can also act as an antioxidant and helps fight against inflammation. It is also known to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood.

Its effects on blood sugar levels are remarkable and are the most pronounced. It lowers blood sugar levels, and one of the ways it does this is by breaking down the carbohydrates in the digestive tract and boosting the sensitivity of insulin.

Studies have also shown that it can reduce fasting blood sugars by a significant 10% to 29% in a diabetic patient. It can be administered effectively in a dosage of 0.5 to 2 teaspoons per day.

2. Sage

This name is derived from the Latin world Salvere and it means 'to save'.  It was used for many healing processes in the middle ages and is also believed to have played a part in preventing the plague.

Recent studies have shown that sage may improve brain function and memory, with regards to patients suffering from the Alzheimer's disease.

The disease is caused by a drop in the level of acetylcholine and sage is known to inhibit the breakdown of this chemical messenger found in the brain.

Further research has also shown that the herb can be used to improve memory functions in both young and old folks. I bet sage will be a very good consumable that may provide players with winning instincts whilst playing at an online casino.

3. Peppermint

This has been established as a reliever of IBS pain and may also aid in the reduction of nausea. The oil components in peppermint contain the agents which are responsible for its health benefits.

Peppermint oil has been shown to improve the management of pain in irritable bowel syndrome, IBS.

It functions by ensuring the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the colon, and this relieves the pain that is likely to be experienced during bowel movements. It also ensures the reduction of the common digestive symptom which is known as abdominal bloating.

Peppermint has also been used in aromatherapy for women in labor as it reduces nausea in the process. It also reduces nausea after births that involved surgeries and C-section.

This is a guest blog entry.

Reducing Anxiety with CBD Oil

CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. There has been much speculation and controversy about using cannabis for medicinal purposes, but many studies have shown that CBD has contributed significant positive effects to the treatment of various illnesses. But what about when it comes to mental health? Can CBD help reduce anxiety?

According to research, CBD can reduce many symptoms of anxiety and the best part is it has little to no side effects.

Is It Dangerous?
Before anything else, it’s good to address the fear of some people that CBD may have some intoxicating effects such as that of THC. Though CBD and THC both come from cannabis, they have very different effects. THC is the cannabis chemical that gets you high and CBD does not have that effect.

People who use CBD do not experience any alterations of their mental state.

What Is CBD Oil?
What exactly is it? Cannabidiol or CBD is oil that is extracted from the cannabis plant. It is rich in chemicals called cannabinoids which has some effects on the brain’s receptors but it does not make a person feel high. It has many health benefits including the slowing of cancer cells and improving mental health.

You can consume CBD oil, use it as an added ingredient to food or you can take it as medication. Smoking it has no proven benefits.

What Does CBD Do to the Brain?
To understand how CBD can help in reducing anxiety symptoms, it’s good to know how it works in the brain.

CBD produces several effects in the brain. It is firstly a 5-HT1A agonist - which is a type of serotonin receptor. Mental issues such as depression and anxiety can usually be treated by targeting serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of happiness. Drugs like SSRIs or serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain’s synaptic area. This can in turn, reduce anxiety and improve mood.

In the same way, CBD boosts signals through serotonin receptors. It enhances the transmission and even works faster than other drugs. It may even solve some of the limitations of the currently existing antidepressant medications.
 
Using CBD Oil to Reduce Anxiety
Clinical trials on humans have shown that CBD can help reduce anxiety. After patients with generalized anxiety consumed CBD, they reported a significant decrease in anxiety. The researchers validated these reports by scanning the patients’ brains and noted that there were patterns in the brain which are similar to the effects of anti-anxiety medication.

In a smaller study, patients who suffer from social anxieties took CBD before simulating a public speaking test. They reported that they had significantly less anxiety and researchers proved this by measuring physical symptoms like heart rate and blood pressure. Those who didn’t take CBD experienced higher anxiety and discomfort during the simulation.

This shows that CBD can significantly reduce anxiety and help with cognitive impairment and discomfort.

Finding new ways to treat anxiety is important because it can reduce risks of other incidents such as accidents. If you ever get into a vehicular accident because of anxiety, you should seek the help of a car accident attorney.

Conclusion
Those are just some of the research done about CBD and mental illnesses like anxiety. There is a wealth of studies that you can find showing how CBD significantly helps in the treatment of many other illnesses. Evidence from animal studies helped the scientific and medical community understand how it works in the brain and more and more human trials are starting to validate its positive effects.

This is a guest blog entry.

4 Tips To Stay Active And Injury-Free

In case you didn't know, there are two main reasons why sports injuries generally occur. These are none other than trauma and overuse. Traumatic injuries are often obvious or dramatic scenes. There is no doubt about that. For example, you see a basketball player clutching his knee after falling down. But as far as overuse injuries are concerned, they are likely to be more common than ever.

Overuse injuries can happen to you when your body pushed past its limits. The same thing can happen if you go beyond your level of conditioning. This is also the main reason why many athletes in sports these days are advised to keep an experienced personal injury lawyer handy. It is due to the fact that athletes are fond of pushing their body to the limits.

Anyway, the point here is that you must veer away from poor technique and training errors. If you are a young athlete or you simply love sports or any activity, here are some prevention tips to keep in mind.

Always Listen to Your Body

No other people know your body. It is only you. You have the concrete idea of what your body is capable of and how your workout is affecting you. This is where you need to listen to your body. If you are in pain, then do not try to exercise. To recover from it and take a few rests. Even more so, you must pay utmost attention to areas that are of particular personal risk. This could be having bad knees or a chronic back problem. Remember always that age is always capable of influencing your risk for injury. That is why it is important that you learn to adjust your fitness program according to your changing body.

Know Your History

If you have previous injuries, then you better put them into consideration all the time. They are simply a good indication of areas that you need to be extra careful about. For instance, you have badly injured your knees in the past. You must consider focusing your strengthening exercises to it, so it can rehabilitate and recover. Just make sure you do not overdo it. Otherwise, it will only defeat the purpose of getting injured (again). Moreover, you must consider keeping in mind of strategies that could help you be active and healthy. Above all, veer away from habits or activities that could put you at a great risk of getting injured.

Set Your Pace

Always remember this phrase: “Too much, too soon.” Basically, this phrase has always been the number one cause of most athletic injuries. People just seem to love the idea of neglecting the kind of activity or program that they could fit. The idea is that you must go with an activity and pace that are in accordance with your body limit. As soon as you find the right fitness level, you can gradually increase from there. However, you must pay attention to how your body reacts. Start by warming up and taking things slowly. If you think you have reached your limit, slow down and keep that pace at bay.

Define Your Goals

Seriously, it really helps if you consider defining your goals. For instance, you are training for an upcoming tournament or a marathon. You customized your workout according to this goal. Obviously, if you are into basketball, you want to go for programs that are designed for this type of sport. The idea is that you define your goals so you will know what sort of activities or exercise programs you must follow.

Well, there you have it! Remember that the effectiveness of these tips totally depends on you. Keep them in mind nonetheless!

Thi is a guest blog entry.

What Causes Insomnia and How to Treat It?

Sleep plays an important role in a person’s health, success, happiness, and overall well-being. In fact, sleeping is equally as important as eating healthy and exercising. Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, the way you act, react, think, learn, work, and interact with others. It can also increase your risk of chronic health diseases.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. Individuals with insomnia usually have difficulty falling asleep, wake up often at night, have trouble going back to sleep, wake up early in the morning, and feel tired once they wake up.

Insomnia can be caused by a lot of factors. Here are the common causes of insomnia:

1. Medical causes

Insomnia can be caused by a lot of medical conditions. These medical conditions can cause insomnia as a side effect or the symptoms of medical conditions can cause discomfort that makes it difficult for a person to sleep.

Some medical conditions that can cause insomnia are acid-reflux disease (GERD), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, angina, arthritis, brain lesions, congestive heart failure, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic pain, hyperthyroidism, stroke, and tumors.

Medications taken for asthma, birth control, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, nasal allergies and common cold, and thyroid disease can also interfere with sleep and cause insomnia.

Insomnia can also be linked to other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.

2. Psychological problems

Psychiatric conditions and psychological problems like anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or psychotic disorders can cause insomnia.

Insomnia can be a cause and a symptom of depression and depression can also cause an individual to have insomnia. Insomnia is more severe in patients with major depressive disorders. It can also trigger or worsen depression and depression can also trigger or worsen insomnia.

Symptoms of anxiety that can result in insomnia include:

• Getting caught up in deep thought
• Troubled about the past
• Worried about the future
• Tension
• Feeling overwhelmed

The stillness of the night keeps the mind wondering and worrying which can keep a person awake. It can bring out fears and stressful thoughts in a person.

3. Hormones and other biological factors

Hormones can cause insomnia such as estrogen that brings about hormone shifts during menstruation. Individuals with hormonal imbalance also usually have trouble sleeping.

Sometimes, insomnia can be caused by neurotransmitters located in the brain that are involved in sleeping and waking activities. There are a lot of possible chemical interactions in the brain that could prevent one from having quality sleep. This may be the cause of insomnia for individuals who can’t identify the cause of their insomnia.

4. Disruptions in sleeping pattern or circadian rhythm

Interferences in your normal sleeping schedule can cause insomnia. Disruptions such as jet lag or change in work shift usually makes it hard for an individual to fall asleep or to sleep uninterrupted.

5. Environmental factors

Extreme temperatures (extreme cold or extreme heat), environmental noise, high altitude, and light are some of the things that you cannot control and can cause you trouble sleeping.

6. Significant life stress

Going through stressful and traumatic experiences such as losing a loved one, changing or losing a job, divorce, and moving can make you worry and think a lot which could result in insomnia.

7. Unhealthy lifestyle and bad sleeping habits

Insomnia can also be triggered by certain habits and behaviors when it comes to sleeping.

Bad sleeping habits such as the following can cause insomnia:

• Taking naps in the afternoon
• Sleeping later or longer to make up for lost sleep
• Working at home in the evening
• Watching too much television or playing too much computer games at night
• Working in different shifts

The following bad habits (food, drinks, or habits) can cause insomnia:

• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Heavy meals before bedtime
• Smoking

Insomnia can cause serious problems and illnesses so it’s important to have it checked and treated right away once it becomes regular. Treatment may involve medication, therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stimulus control, mindfulness and relaxation training, and alternative medicine or home remedies such as cbd-oil-help-your-sleep.

This is a guest blog entry.

How Prescription Drug Abuse Affects the Body

Abuse of drugs, prescription or otherwise, is a growing problem in today’s world. In fact, about 20% of the US population has abused prescription drugs at one point. This is a serious issue.

But how exactly does prescription drug abuse affect the body? Here are the primary ways that the human body is negatively impacted by prescription drug use.

Effects of Prescription Drugs

The three types of prescription drugs that are most often abused are opioids, depressants, and stimulants.

Opioids have gained recent exposure as the “opioid epidemic” has risen in America. They are primarily used to treat pain, which they do by blocking pain receptors. This can temporarily cause a feeling of euphoria, which is why it’s frequently abused. While opioids can be safe for use over a short period of time, long term abuse is extremely damaging to the body, and addiction to the euphoric state it creates is common.

Depressants are another severely addictive prescription drug. Depressants are used to suppress functions of the central nervous system (CNS) and are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. The most common depressants are benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Depressants work by affecting the brain neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and by lowering brain activity, which has a calming and sleep-inducing effect. Again, while depressants are prescribed for short term, specific usage, but abuse can result in permanent damage to the brain. 

The final type of prescription drug that is frequently abused are stimulants, like amphetamines. The most commonly used stimulants are Adderall and Ritalin, which are medically used to treat attention-deficit- disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants raise the heart rate, blood sugar, and blood pressure, constrict blood vessels, and open the pathways of the respiratory system, which is fine in moderation, but with frequent use can be extremely damaging to the body. These stimulant drugs are usually abused for their increased energy and focus effects, which makes them popular among high school and college students, as well as those with demanding jobs and long hours. 

Danger of Prescription Drugs

When they are taken for the prescribed reasons and within the right dosage, these drugs are safe, but overuse and abuse can create number of health problems and cause significant damage to the body.

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise because these drugs are so much easier to obtain than illicit ones. Prescription drugs can be obtained at your local pharmacy, via online pharmacies, and are easily stolen and then abused. Not everyone who begins using prescription drugs will fall victim to addiction, but it’s incredibly hard to predict, which is another reason prescription drugs are so dangerous. There are many external factors, such as environment, body composition, genetics, emotional state, and age that play a role in whether or not someone may become addiction to prescription drugs, but it truly is unpredictable.

If you worry that someone you care about may be struggling with prescription drug abuse, there are a number of drug rehabilitation centers that you can suggest and recommend. The important thing is not to accuse, but to have your suggestion come from a true place of love and support. The decision to enter a rehab facility is ultimately a solo one, but by offering your unconditional support, hopefully you can help your loved one make the right choice for them and their future.

This is a guest blog entry.

Free Radicals and How They Affect the Body Functioning

Free radicals refer to unstable atoms that have the potential to damage body cells causing premature aging and illness. Oxygen molecules in the body system split as part of their transformation into single atoms with unpaired electrons.

The imbalance in electronic pairing results into free radicals. These are always reacting, looking for other atoms to bond to for stability. The frantic movement and chemical reactions of the free radicals set in motion a process known as oxidative stress. This is dangerous to the body cells and causes a wide range of diseases symptomized by wrinkles and other conditions.

How Free Radicals Damage the Body

In 1956, the free radical theory of aging was first outlined, and it suggested that free radicals break cells down gradually. As the body system ages, its ability to fight the effects of free radicals is lost and this causes more radicals to accumulate hence oxidative stress. The degenerative process this causes is known as aging.

A number of studies and theories have been put forward connecting the impact of free radicals and oxidative stress to conditions such as:

• Alzheimer’s and other diseases of the central nervous system
• Cardiovascular diseases caused by clogged arteries
• Cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders
• Wrinkles, skin elasticity loss, hair loss, and hair texture changes among other age-related signs
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease among other genetic degenerative diseases

Though the free radical theory of aging is somewhat recent, there are numerous studies that support its theoretical framework and postulation. Several studies done on rats show increases in the concentration of free radicals as they age. The findings then tie up with declines in health as a result of age.

Causes of Free Radicals

The body naturally produces free radicals. However, lifestyle factors can accelerate the process of free radical production and this includes:

•    Exposure to pesticides, polluted air, and toxic chemicals
•    Alcohol
•    Smoking
•    Fried foods

These and other lifestyle factors have also been linked to diseases affecting the heart and cancer. The underlying denominator to all these conditions is oxidative stress which is directly connected to free radicals.

Supplements and Antioxidant Foods

Any foods containing vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, glutathione, oligomeric proanthocyanidin, and phytoestrogens, are considered antioxidants. In short, they cancel out any effects imposed by free radicals on the body. Examples of such foods include citrus fruits, berries, and carrots. Soybeans are particularly rich in phytoestrogens and they can substitute meat.

Since the body doesn’t get enough antioxidants from foods taken, health supplements are necessary.

Most of them are available in local chemist and drug stores. You can get other supplements such as anthogenol online. Research studies support the use of supplements to enable the body to reach the recommended daily allowance for each of the nutrients it is deficient in.

The best approach to fighting free radicals is, therefore, a combined strategy involving a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, prescription-based supplementation, and avoiding the lifestyle factors that can cause accumulation of free radicals.

This is a guest blog entry.

Senior Home Care

Most seniors will eventually need assistance. It can be very difficult for loved ones to know when that moment comes. However, the process of hiring a caregiver will be easier if you’re not trying to do it after a crisis. Choosing the right person can be the difference between being able to stay home and having to move into a long-term care facility.
 
When to Hire a Caregiver

There are many signs that you can use as guideposts in your decision. If you’re the primary caregiver, you may find yourself becoming overwhelmed. Perhaps your loved one’s needs have grown too numerous or perhaps you desperately need a break but never seem to get one.

Making yourself ill won’t help your loved one. You need to take care of yourself as well. If you constantly find that your own needs are neglected, it’s time to start thinking about getting outside help.

An in-home caregiver might be a shock at first. However, your loved one should be able to adapt to the right person. The caregiver’s goal is to make your life easier, not harder. That means he or she will try to disrupt your routine as little as possible. Your loved one’s comfort is paramount.

There are also physical signs that your loved one needs a caregiver. How is their balance? Do they have trouble standing up from chairs? Seniors who are unsteady on their feet are at risk of falling. If someone isn’t home to help when the fall occurs, your loved one could spend hours laying on the ground in agony.

You should also look at your loved one’s self-care routine. Are they taking their medication correctly? If your loved one is unable to take their medication on their own, you’ll need to find someone to start supervising them. It’s very important that they follow their doctor’s treatment plan.

Skipping medications can wreak havoc on your body

Massachusetts company North River Home Care notes that it’s “crucial” that family members “obtain superior home care services for a loved one needing assistance.”

How to Talk to Your Loved one About Home Care

Once you’ve noticed the signs that your loved one needs extra assistance to get through their day-to-lives, it can be incredibly difficult to initiate the conversation. Your loved one might become upset or emotional. They might be resistant to change or feel unhappy about needing help.

It may seem like a daunting task but you don’t want to put off the conversation for too long. Your loved one might be injured or they might go days without taking their medication.

Often, the person knows or suspects that they need help. They might feel nervous about talking about it aloud or they might be afraid to ask for help.
 
Advantages of Home Care

There are huge benefits to hiring an in-home caregiver. Many adults appreciate the ability to remain in their own home for as long as possible. Adapting to life with a caregiver can be hard. Doing it in an environment that you already feel comfortable in can make the process easier.

In-home care is cheaper than a nursing home and provides more individualized attention. Your loved one’s caregiver will be focused entirely on them.

You should also highlight the fact that your loved one will be more independent with a caregiver than if they moved into a residential or nursing facility. Their life doesn’t have to change drastically.

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a caregiver is the peace of mind that it’ll give both you and your loved one. You’ll know that if anything happens, your loved one won’t be alone.

Choosing a Home Care Provider

Few decisions are as important as choosing the right home care provider. It’s a big change in your loved one’s life. You want everything to go as smoothly as possible. That means hiring someone that you can trust. The caregiver will be witness to intimate moments. They’ll see your loved one during times when they’re vulnerable or frightened. It’s really important to choose a quality person.

You should also think about your loved one’s needs. If they have serious medical complications, they might need a licensed nurse to care for them rather than a caregiver. This is a decision you can make with your loved one’s doctor if you don’t feel comfortable making it yourself.

Whatever you decide to do, there are resources you can use to help. Before settling on a caregiver, read reviews about the company they work for. If there are a lot of negative reviews, be wary.

This is a guest blog entry.