Organic Cures

Mending a Broken Heart

2011-11-08T20:21:00.002-08:00

Loves me, Loves me not

I Want you to Take Over & Take oVer Control

Now, I'm not claiming to be an expert in any love affairs of the heart , but what I do really know is that going to a new place

for the very first time, is definitely headed for a great start to mending that Broken Lonely Heart of yours.

There are so many places in this huge beautiful world of ours and so many great and awesome things to do that can truly help you get some perspective and get you smiling and laughing again. Plan on going some place new for the very first time can be exciting, exhilarating, rewarding and I can’t think of anything better for a fresh start after a break up. These are a few things that I have found to be soothing in the beginning stages of mending that beautiful lovely heart of ours that was once lost and played with which has left us feeling bluer than blue: Get dressed up in your fancy attire, go all out and Honey, I"m meaning "bring it!' cause you sure are worth it - go see a silly - hysterical play/ theater, ballet, comedy, high class club or event. It doesn’t have to be one of these places or a trip round the world, it could just be for a day, or less. What I do know is that the world’s a very BIG place, so don’t waste any time and get exploring.

Go all out, play that sexy, classy, confident, intelligent, sophisticated role " as if you're secretly saying 'Here I am, looky looky looky and you can't have have cause Baby, I was born this way and I'm proud to turn the other cheek and be happy. This is your evening, your trip, your new beginning to a happier healthier new you... Now don't be snooty or to arrogant or act better, just do you with a whole lot of confidence and respect and must have knowledge of the type of Life path that you are searching for even in the Lady/Man area.. Always do you, but improve the new you for some body that does deserve a great loving, intelligent, funny, thoughtful, loyal and honest person. You only live once/ the skies the limits and if that break-up was not meant to be.You've got to move on and prove to your self that you are a better person that can do more than just sit and dwell over somebody that just hurt you.....You Can DO IT.. You know why you can? Cause You Love yourself and you Can Cause you CAN..

Make a change and stand up, be strong, put that smile back on that face,"as my momma would tell me ' baby, you've got to turn that frown up side down and get those feet a moving. Cause sitting still isn't going to pay nor do anything good for you besides crying over some rotten milk that God finally got out of your life for you to only do better.

Must have an I CAN attitude.

Go out side your comfort zone with people. Maybe the person you'd fall in love with is somebody you least think you'd end up with, and BOOOM, next thing you know-you are in love for all the right reasons.

Don't have so many limits to as what you do and don't like or want in life's adventures.

Mending a Broken Heart

2011-11-08T20:21:00.001-08:00

Loves me, Loves me not

I Want you to Take Over & Take oVer Control

Now, I'm not claiming to be an expert in any love affairs of the heart , but what I do really know is that going to a new place

for the very first time, is definitely headed for a great start to mending that Broken Lonely Heart of yours.

Must have an I CAN attitude.

Don't have so many limits to as what you do and don't like or want in life's adventures.

Bed Bugs

2010-09-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Bed Bugs are a HUGE problem with to days society.

They can be contracted from one place to another very quickly by jumping and latching on to clothing, shoes (the bottoms),sitting down on furniture in any Office, Public Transportation, Vehicle's, Setting your purse, bag, folders, brief- case down for a second or so.

These so called bed bugs are very hard to get rid of. You must Vacuum 2/3 times daily for 3/4 weeks..- the floors, Vacuum and wipe down all panels and base boards, window Ceil's, Light Switches, Plugs on Walls, Cell Charger, Lamps, All Electronics and Appliances, and All Furniture. You may place all papers and books in a bag and spray then tie and let sit for 2 weeks, placing nick-nacks or such into the freezer as well. X-tremely HOT-Steam is what kills these critters that won't go away.

You have to Spray, Use Very hot Steam, Vacuum Everything a few times a day!!
If you want to get rid of these pests.......

Call you local Cleaning Company to see if they will Provide you with Services Needed for this Main Problem. They use gear to cover and protect them from spreading.

All Natural Remedies for Cellulite

2007-09-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

Want to Do Something about your Cellulite??

Then try these Remedies that really Work!!!!

WHAT IS CELLULITE

"Cellulite is a kind of fat tissue in the subcutaneous layer of the skin that contains constricting bands of connective tissue. This connective tissue, which varies in thickness and is laced with fat cells, is held in place by a network of fibers that protects our body, cushioning our muscles and organs; it is surrounded by a liquid that both nourishes it and provides it with an effective waste system. When all is working well in the system, waste products are removed and smooth curves result; when fats, fluids and toxins are trapped deep in the skin (below the epidural layer), however, the connective tissue thickens and hardens, giving a dimpling effect. As we mature, the layer of skin thins, resulting in the rippled appearance of cellulite.

What is the difference between cellulite and fat? Though everyone has a smooth layer of fat, individual amounts depend on weight, lifestyle and genetics. This fat layer is an insulator for the body and cushions the organs, muscles and nerves. Cellulite, on the other hand, is lumpy and provides no padding whatsoever. It only occurs in certain areas of the body:

the thighs,buttocks,abdomen and breasts. When men get cellulite, it tends to be on the neck and abdomen.

Cellulite" is not a medical term. Medical authorities agree that cellulite is simply ordinary fatty tissue [1]. Strands of fibrous tissue connect the skin to deeper tissue layers and also separate compartments that contain fat cells. When fat cells increase in size, these compartments bulge and produce a waffled appearance of the skin. Many years ago, Neil Solomon, M.D., conducted a double-blind study of 100 people to see whether cellulite differed from ordinary fat. Specimens of regular fat and lumpy fat were obtained by a needle biopsy procedure and given to pathologists for analysis and comparison. No difference between the two was found.

CELLULITE

Cellulite may be allevated if the correct changes to diet and lifestyle are made. Basically caused by a buildup of toxins under the fatty layers of the skin, this can be inproved if you avoid tea, coffee,cigarettes and alcohol. Also persistant cellulite can be shifted with a detoxification program involving drinking plenty of water and using some the best home made anticellulite treatments along with some exfoliating to boost circulation. Include more friut and vegetables in your daily intake. Our daily diet consists so many emty calories such as: sugars, processed food and white flour. these have very little nutritional value and will cause weight gain, they are stored as fat rather than moving through the digestive system or burned off as energy.

You don't have to be over weight to have cellulite.

The Different Types Of Cellulite

Hard, or solid, cellulite usually occurs in women who are active (such as dancers or runners). Hard cellulite is difficult to get rid of because it doesn't lift from the body easily. It's also harder to see because it attaches directly to the muscle.

Soft cellulite is not as concentrated as hard cellulite and is much more visible. It occurs in large areas and, because it doesn't attach so strongly to the muscle, it's looser, often sagging from the body. The result is often poor muscle tone. Even though it's easier to spot, it's also easier to remove.

To test for cellulite, lightly pinch or press an area of tissue between your thumb and finger (or in a larger area, between the palms of your two hands). Normal fat appears fairly smooth, but cellulite will reveal dimples or ripples -- like the skin of an orange. Cellulite tissue is also more sensitive and can feel cold to the touch. It might appear whiter than the rest of your skin.

If you have cellulite, welcome to the club. Over 80 percent of women have this lumpy, bumpy skin. I've seen it on women of all sizes and shapes. What's the good news on such a nasty subject? There are natural and effective ways to diminish its appearance.Caffeine is the first ingredient in most cellulite treatments. The same way caffeine gets us moving in the morning, it can also help to get our fat cells moving. So head to your coffee makers, girls, and go for the high octane stuff.Do what famous models do ritualistically, and what beauty contestants to before that big swimsuit walk. Line your bathroom floor with newspapers, and then sit on the edge of your bathtub with used coffee grounds. Make sure that the coffee grounds are still warm, but comfortable, to the touch. If they've cooled down, simply heat them briefly in the microwave.Rub them into the cellulite-laden areas of your legs using your hands or a loofah mitt. Although the grounds will pretty much hit the newspaper quickly, a residue will remain. Ideally, seaweed should be wrapped around the area to detoxify. If you are unable to find lengths of seaweed at your health food store or natural supermarket, use plastic wrap. Wrap completely around the upper leg and let set for a few minutes.To intensify the treatment, take an old-fashioned rolling pin and roll the area to further smooth out the cellulite. Unwrap, brush the remaining grounds onto the newspaper, and rinse thoroughly.For top results, you should do this treatment at least twice a week.

For more great beauty secrets, check out 14-Day Beauty Boot Camp by Diane Irons.

Preventive Treatments

JUNIPER and HORSETAIL TREATMENT

Crushed juniper berries mixed with a strong infusion of horsetail cleansing herbs are excellent for a cellulite boost.

INGREDIENTS:

6 tbsp (90 mil) juniper berries

3 tbsp (45 mil) horsetail herb

To MAKE
Get ahold of juniper berries. They will be a purple color and juicy when fresh- they blacken and dry up with age. Crush the juniper berries with the back of a spoon in a bowl you are going to be using for this preparation in order to preserve all the juices. Mix the both together and cover with just enough boiling water to submerge all the herbs. Leave the boiling water in the bowl until the water gets cool.

To USE
you can add the whole entire concoction to your bath water and use the berries on awash cloth or spong to massage into the inner thigh. Alternatively, remove the berries and herb, mix with a liquid base cream so that it can be used as a cellulite lotion after bathing.

CELLULIT OIL

This is to be used after a hot relaxing bath for when the skin is soft. It may be massaged into the affected areas and contains lymphatic drainers. Use the oil around the chest and upper arms, this helps remove the toxins from the body befor they are stored as fat. This contains rosemarry to help improve circulation,fennel and juniper to detoxify the body .

INGREDIENTS

4 tbsp (60 mil) sweet almond oil

2 drops rosemarry essential oil

2 drops fennel essential oil

2 drops juniper essential oil

To MAKE
Put all ingrdients together and place into a bottle and then shake it so that they all blend.

To USE
Apply to the affected areas, massaging in deeply.

STRAWBERRY and GINGER REVIVER

This works up sluggish thighs and bittocks with a combination of active enzymes and warming stimulation.

INGREDIENTS:

1 gingerroot, about 4 inches (10cm)

2 tbsp (30) kaolin

7 or 8 large strawberries

To MAKE
Put all of the ingedients into a blender, untill it's all blended well. The clay needs to expand and become sticky. If the mix seems a bit runny you can add more clay to thicken.

To USE
Apply the fresh smelling mixture onto the sluggish skin and leave it on till it is dry. May take a couple of minutes or so.

Temporary solutions: -tanning (doesn't make the bumps any smaller, but they're less noticable; for the skin cancer worried people, go ahead and use a storebought tanner) -exfoliating then moisturizing with sesame oil -coffee grounds? yes! but do it the right way! -those 2 dollar masks that you find in wal-mart or dollar stores -as for storebought products.. remember: your skin is a live organ! if you couldnt put it in your mouth (dangerous chemicals) you shouldnt put it on your skin! and say no to pills! only consider a cream if you know someone who has experienced evident firming results from it. (ps. the lady behind the cash register.. her testimony doesn't count!)

Long term solutions: -put your feet up! keeping legs elevated while watching tv, reading, etc.. helps in the long run get the foods/nutrients that your skin loves! -honey and lemon (help rid your body of ama and kapha buildup) -cranberry juice, onions, chlorophyll-rich foods, (highly recommend wheatgrass.. too many benefits to name!) green tea, vitamin A/Protein/amino acids etc etc! excercise.. cardio, strength training, stretching, (windsor pilates are my favourite!) lastly-don't stress! your mind does have a powerful effect on your body! Now just for the record, keep in mind that over 90% of women (all shapes/sizes/ages)have it, and up until the 70's, it was just known as flesh! vogue magazine gave it the name 'cellulite'... it's not even a medical term! its because of all of the fancy lighting and airbrushing used in magazines that women have come to think that their dimples are unsexy.

For those dimppled areas,take caffinatted coffee, grind it into dust & mix with cheap hand lotion,rub this into your problem spots for 60 second a day,then shower it off & watch those troubled areas become smoother & firmer!

Sorry girls... there are some people who have it and

those few lucky ones who don't...

and they will get it once they hit 30-ish!! It's a fact of life. The only way to have less is to exercise. There is an AWESOME machine called an eliptical that works your legs and booty plus gets your heart rate to an aerobic level (you can add an arm movement if you wish)....beware it took me about 3 weeks to be able to do this machine for more than 20 min. For the first week I could barely do 5 min! Keep in mind I had 5 children less than 6 years apart! I had gotten to 213 lbs at 5 4- I was a chunky monkey! I'm currently at 170 and honestly...I've watched what I ate and exercised 5 days a week for a month and a half each time to loose 10-ish lbs each time and then maintained it for 3 months at a time. Learn to loose slowly and maintain a little at a time.. then you don't have to give up so much at a time!!

Drinking 3 glasses a day of freshly squeezed lemons in 1 cup water and a pinch of cayenne will also melt away the cellulite.

Body Wrapping
Many salons and spas exist where clients supposedly can trim inches off the waist, hips, thighs, and other areas of the body. These facilities use wraps or garments, with or without special lotions or creams applied to the skin. The garments may be applied to parts of the body or to the entire body. Clients are typically assured that fat will "melt away" and they can lose "up to 2 inches from those problem areas in just one hour." Suddenly Slender, which licenses body-wrap shops in the United States and Canada, claims that "wrapping works because cellulite is water-logged fatty tissue." As part of its sales pitch to prospective owners, the company notes that free publicity may be obtainable. Its Web site states: "Because clients get dressed up as "mummies" and then, almost miraculously, achieve major inch loss and startling improvements to their figures, local and national media have been overwhelmingly receptive to featuring presentations about the service."

Home-use systems are also being marketed through the Internet [A, B] and through multilevel marketing [X, Y]. Many of the systems are claimed to "remove toxins." Some marketers suggest measuring a large number of body areas before and afterward and adding up the differences to get "total inches lost." Life Force International, for example, recommends adding the results of 17 measurements. This enables minor changes due to temporary effects or to measurement variations to appear to be large numbers.

No product taken by mouth can cause selective reduction of an area of the body. Although wrapping may cause temporary water loss as a result of perspiration or compression, any fluid will soon be replaced by drinking or eating [5]. The idea that herbal wraps detoxify the body is absurd.

Cellasene
An herbal product called Cellasene is being vigorously promoted as a cellulite remedy. The product was developed by an Italian chemist named Gianfranco Merizzi.

Its ingredients are evening primrose oil, dried fucus vesiculosis extract, gelatine, fish oil, glycerol, soya oil, grape seed, bioflavonoids, soya lecithin, fatty acids, dried sweet clover extract, dried ginkgo biloba extract, and iron oxide. The product, to be taken twice daily (or three times per day for an "intensive" program) for two months and then once daily for maintenance costs $1.50 to $2.00 per capsule. Here's what one Internet marketer says [followed by my comments in brackets]:

Dried ginkgo biloba extract assists in blood circulation and stimulates the metabolism of fats. [Although ginkgo can increase circulation, it does not stimulate fat metabolism. Even if it did, there is no reason why it would exert a localized effect.]

Dried sweet clover extract can increase blood circulation and assist in removing fluid build-up. [This ingredient may have mild diuretic action, but is not "fluid build-up" is not a factor in the appearance or composition of fatty tissue.]

Grape seed bioflavonoids are powerful antioxidants that protect cells and blood vessels from damage. [Whether antioxidant supplements help protect tissues is not scientifically settled. Regardless, any such mechanism has nothing to do with the quantity or appearance of fatty tissues.]

Dried fucus vesiculosus extract stimulates metabolism and can help reduce localized fats. [This herb contains significant amounts of iodine and could adversely effect the thyroid gland. The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (USRDA) for iodine is 150 micrograms. The average American woman ingests 170 micrograms per day from food (not including iodized salt). Each capsule of Cellasene contains 240 micrograms of iodine. If enough were taken to increase thyroid function, the result would be unhealthy.]

Evening primrose oil and fish oil are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, a source of energy that increases metabolic levels and helps in diminishing saturated fatty acids. [The "energy" is simply the caloric value. Neither oil increases metabolism or reduces the amount of other fats one eats.]

Soya lecithin helps to break down fats. [The body makes all the lecithin it needs. Lecithin supplements do not cause the body to shed fat.]

Rexall Sundown, Inc. has been Cellasene's primary marketer in the United States. The company's Web site has claimed:

Cellasene works from within, nutritionally, to help fight cellulite at its source. . . .
Cellasene is a safe, clinically studied formula that works over time at the source of the problem -- below the surface of the skin. This unique formula of plant extracts and other beneficial dietary supplements nourishes connective tissue from within and helps reduce cellulite. The herbal ingredients in Cellasene work to increase blood circulation, reduce fluid buildup, stimulate metabolism and reduce localized fats.

CONVENIENT AND EASY TO USE. . . .

You do not need to change your diet and exercise routine for Cellasene to work. It is simple and effortless to incorporate the easy-to-swallow Cellasene softgels into your daily regimen.

CelluLean melts away cellulite by increasing your metabolism and blood circulation, breaking down the fats found in cellulite, and removing toxins from your body. The herbal extracts in CelluLean have been proven to be effective in reducing fatty deposits. Simply put, CelluLean helps your body to reach and break down cellulite, enabling your skin to regain its youthful smooth appearance.

To reduce cellulite,

you may follow the below listed home and natural remedies:
1). Use a soft body brush on damp or dry skin, brushing in long sweeping movements over the afflicted area, and working in the direction of the heart.

2). Use a massage glove or rough sisal mitt in the same way as above.

3). Always massage a cellulite cream thoroughly with your fingertips. It makes them double effective. Remember, the massaging action is more important than the cellulite cream.

4). For those dimppled areas, take caffinatted coffee, grind it into dust & mix with cheap hand lotion, rub this into your problem spots for 60 second a day,then shower it off & watch those cellulite areas become smoother & firmer!

Make your own natural cellulite cream in your home
Try this aromatherapy recipe. Add two drops each of rosemary and fennel essential oils to three teaspoons of carrier oil, such as almond oil. Massage this mixture daily thoroughly into the affected areas.

Another home remedy for cellulite is to follow a detox diet - a healthy low-fat, high fibre diet containing plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. More on cellulite diet.
We hope the above home/natural remedies for cellulite will help you.

Dry or Mature Skin

2007-09-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

Natural home remedies: Dry or mature skin

Home remedies work best when you also maintain a good diet and drink lots of water, because what we eat also reflects on our skin. Besides this, as we age , our skin loses its natural glow and gets drier. Pollution and weather just makes it worse. But, we all are hard pressed for time and generally think of home remedies as time consuming to prepare and messy! But trust me when I say this, if you have the following five ingredients in your kitchen cabinet, you will definitely save up on your beauty budget and get the salon pampered look too!

-Gram flour
-Semolina
-Honey
-Olive oil
-Ripe bananas
-Mayonnaise
-Orange peel powder (save the orange peels ,wash and sun -dry them.Grind to fine powder and store them in air-tight bottles.)

Face scrub for winters :
2 twice a week after a shower when your skin is soft.Follow up the scrub ritual , with olive oil massage to lock in the moisture.:

1 tsp gram flour
1 tsp mayonnaise or honey or mashed ripe banana
1 tsp orange peel powder
2 drops olive oil

Massage on face and neck in circular motion and wash off with cold water.Tap your face dry with a soft towel and apply your favorite moisturizer or olive oil to seal in the open skin pores.

Face scrub and pack for summers:

-Semolina or Gram flour
-Honey -skimmed milk powder or fresh cream milk
-Orange peel powder
-Rose water or plain water to mix the ingredients.:

Apply on face and keep for 20 minutes before washing off with cold water.Follow up with olive oil massage on face.This pack helps reduce sun spots and blemishes and leaves skin soft and supple.Honey and olive oil are great moisturizers and prevents wrinkles.

Tips for maintaining dry and mature skin:

- Drink water to keep skin hydrated and keep body free from toxins.
- Do not use soaps for washing face.Use oil or cream based face wash.
- Always clean face at bed time with cream
-cleanser and apply moisturizer on face and body.Wake up with baby soft supple skin.
- Add few drops of Glycerin or olive oil to bath water.This prevents skin from losing moisture after a shower and keeps the skin on the body supple and soft.

Let me first tell you the ingredients that work miracles on dry and mature skin and then I will tell you how to mix these ingredients for effective face packs and lotions.
The two miracle workers which should be a part of any face pack or lotion meant for dry or mature skin are::

1. Honey

2. Glycerine

The other natural ingredients which are highly effective on dry skin are :

- Double cream
- Ripe avocadoes
- Egg yolk
- Bananas
- Sour cream

To make highly replenishing and re-hydrating face packs, first make a base by mixing one table spoon of honey with one tablespoon of glycerine and a few drops of lemon juice. Now blend this base with other ingredients to make face packs.

Some combinations are:

1. 1 tbsp base + 1 tbsp double cream + pinch of turmeric
2. 1 tbsp base + 1 tbsp sour cream + 1 tbsp egg yolk
3. 1 tbsp base + 1 tbsp mashed avocado
4. 1 tbsp base + 1 tbsp mashed ripe banana (beware of the terrible smell)

Lightly massage these packs into your face and leave for an hour (or more if you like as they are harmless). Wash off with warm water.

Within a week you will notice a marked difference in your skin which will turn soft and supple and start glowing.

Natural Remedies For All Skin Types of Acne

2007-09-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

HOW IS ACNE CAUSED

Doctors describe acne as a disease of the pilosebaceous units. Found over most of the body, pilosebaceous units consist of a sebaceous (oil) gland connected to a hair-containing canal called a follicle. These units are largest and most numerous on the face, upper back, and chest--areas where acne tends to occur. The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that normally empties onto the skin surface through the opening of the follicle.

Normal Pilosebaceous UnitAcne is believed to result from a change in the inner lining of the follicle that prevents the sebum from passing through. For reasons not understood, cells from the lining of the follicle are shed too fast and clump together. The clumped cells plug up the follicle's opening so sebum cannot reach the surface of the skin.

The mixture of oil and cells causes bacteria that normally live on the skin, called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), to grow in the plugged follicles. These bacteria produce chemicals and enzymes that can cause inflammation. (Inflammation is a characteristic reaction of tissues to disease or injury and is marked by four signs: swelling, redness, heat, and pain.) When the plugged follicle can no longer hold its contents, it bursts and spills everything onto the nearby skin--sebum, shed skin cells, and bacteria. Lesions or pimples develop as a result of the skin's being irritated.

People with acne frequently have a variety of lesions. The basic acne lesion, called the comedo (kom-e-do) or comedone, is simply an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria. This lesion is often referred to as a microcomedo because it cannot be seen by the naked eye. If the plugged follicle, or comedo, stays beneath the skin, it is called a closed comedo or whitehead. Whiteheads usually appear on the skin surface as small, whitish bumps. A comedo that reaches the surface of the skin and opens up is called a blackhead because it looks black on the skin's surface. This black discoloration is not due to dirt. Both whiteheads and blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time.

Other troublesome acne lesions can develop, including the following:

Papules--inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch.

Pustules (pimples)--inflamed, pus-filled lesions that can be red at the base.

Nodules--large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin.

Cysts--deep, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that can cause pain and scarring.

Acne is a tremendously embarrassing and burdensome problem. It is easy to feel that you don't have control over your breakouts. But the fact is, you do. Now, your first response may be to assume that I'm going to recommend you see your dermatologist. Well, think again. Natural remedies can be just as effective and medications. Possibly more powerful. Sometimes, all your body needs is the right nutritional balance and proper skin care. Here are some easy things you can start doing today to help you heal your acne. You should notice a difference in about 4 weeks.

Apply a honey mask

to your face once or twice a week - Honey has antibacterial properties so it is great for disinfecting and healing minor blemishes.It is also gentle on sensitive skin.

Wash twice a day with acne soap

- You should wash your face twice a day with a sulfur based soap designed for acne. Once when you first wake up in the morning and then, right before you go to bed at night. Be extremely gentle to your skin when washing - do not scrub or use any sort of rough cloth. Overwashing your skin will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, thus increasing your acne.

Keep your hair off your face -

If you have long hair or bangs, pull your hair off your face. Your hair contains oils as well, and will contribute to your breakouts. You'll also want to wash your hair everyday and after workouts

Take a potent multi-vitamin -

Acne can be a sign that something is wrong on the inside. Your skin depends on nutrition. It is a vital organ that is usually neglected. If your body is not receiving the right nutrition, it will fight back. One common way it will rebel is to produce excessive sebum, clogging pores, and reducing the ability for your skin to heal and fight bacteria.

Include chromium in your diet -

Chromium is well known for weight loss diets. But it is also excellent for healing infections on the skin. Taking a chromium supplement once a day will help heal your pimples quickly and prevent future breakouts.

Eat carrots for beta-carotene (Vitamin A) -

Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and actually prevents acne. It helps reduce sebum production. This vitamin is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins. Did you know that a deficiency in vitamin A can actually cause acne?

Avoid wearing makeup -

Leaving makeup products on your skin only contributes to clogging your pores, causing more pimples and blackheads. If you feel you must wear makeup, be sure it is water-based.

Drink 8 glasses of water -

Drinking water is essential for clean skin and your overall health. Water is essential for carrying waste material out of your body... and is quite possibly flare-ups
Do not pick or squeeze your blackheads and pimples - As tempting as it may be, do not squeeze, scratch, rub or touch your pimples and blackheads. Do any of these actions, actually increases the sebum production. Plus, when you squeeze, you are actually rupturing the membranes below your skin, causing infection and sebum to spread underneath your skin. The result is more pimples.

Wash your pillow case every other day

- Your face lays on your pillow case every day. Your pillow case absorbs the oils from your skin and reapplies the dirt and oil. Thus causing breakouts. Keep your sheets and pillow cases clean.

Eat foods rich in zinc -

Zinc is an antibacterial agent and a necessary element in the oil-producing glands of the skin. A diet low in zinc can actually cause acne breakouts.

SKIN TYPES

There is a very simple test for identifying your skin type. Simply peel a single-ply sheet from a tissue and gently pree it to your face. When you remove the tissue if you see a greasy residue you have oily skin; no residue indicates dry skin. Try testing patches of your shin to see if it varies from an area to area;

Different Skin types

Normal Skin

This is the type of skin we all aspire to have but few of us are blessed with. Skin naturally is healthy and vibrant (just look at the complexions of young children), but time and modern living take their toll. A good skin care routine helps to redevelop the natural balance we all once had.

Grapefruit and Glycerin Mask
Glycerin is an emollient (lubricant). Combines with grapefruit for cleansing and toning, it creates a face mask that cleanses, rehydrates and tightens the skin.

InGredients::

2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid Glycerin
1 tbsp (15 ml) coarsely grated grapefruit peel
2tbsp (10 ml) fresh grapefruit juice (optional)
2drops grapefruit essential oil

TO MAKE::
Mix the glycerin with the grapefruit peel. If the mixture is very sticky,either heat the glycerin slightly by adding a teaspoon of boiling water or add some grapefruit juice. Add the essential oil and mix throughly untill it forms a thick past. Keeps for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

TO USE::
Apply evenly over the skin, avoiding the eye area. If using it direct from the refrigerator, allow to warm slightly or the consistency will be too thick-- it should be like honey. Laeve it on for at least 20 minutes and rinse, using the grapefruit peel to rub the skin and gently exfoliate.

OILY SKIN

Teenagers often suufer with skin type, which can lead to blemishes and acne. If we work too hard to strip the natural oil (sebum), a natural counteraction will occur and more oil will be poroduced. This condition is known as seborrhea. Gentle cleansing, regular steaming and an occasional deep-working face mask is the best way to treat this type of skin.

Aloe Vera and Rose Hip Mask

Aloe vera has healing properties for pimples and italso moisturizes and cleanses. If you have an aloe plant you can actually cut a frond and squeeze a small amount of juice from it to apply to the skin. Rose hip is astringent and a light cleanser.

InGredients::

1 tbsp (15 ml) strong rose hip infusion
4 tbsp ( 60 ml) aloe vera gel= ( Make sure that it's pure)
2 drops rosemary essential oil

To Make
Make up the rose hipinfusion. Gradually stir the infusion into the aloe vera gel. You are looking for the consistency of loose gel-you may not need all the infusion. Then add the essential oil ( for stimulating and antiseptic properties) and mix thoroghly.

To USE
This gel should be applied cold direct from the refrigerator. The coolness will have an excellent tonic effect and it feels wonderful when it slides onto your skin. You should remove it when it has warmed to the skin; this mask will not dry much.

DRY SKIN

Dry skin is often flaky and can crack and become extremely uncomfortarble.Psoriasis and eczema are severe forms of dry skin. I would try to avoid the steroid creams that you may be prescribed by your doctor for such conditions. Your body can develop a kind of immunity to these so the strength has to be increased and eventually they may become totally ineffective.

Banana and Honey Rehydrator
Nourishing banana provides intence moister and gives a delicious rich fragrance to this mask. Honey is soothing and nourishing.

InGredients::

1 ripe banana
2 tbsp (30 ml) acacia honey
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh live natural yogurt

To0 Make
Mash the banana with with a fork, add other ingredients and mix thoroghly. If you have a blender, use it! Make sure the honey is warm enough to disperse through the other ingredients. Honey should be kept at room tempature; it'll crystallize in the regrigerator.

To USE
Apply in generous quantities over the face and neck. Do not apply in a steamy bath becase it'll slide off!! Allow to dry (15 minutes or so) and remove. You can also use this preparatoin over sluggish areas such as thighs.

Impotence and erection problems

2007-09-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

Whatever the nature of your erectile dysfunction or impotence, remember almost every man has difficulties with erection at some point in his life. You are not alone, and many home remedies are available to help your condition.

The following article gives information about impotence and how natural methods can help without the disastrous side-effects of drugs.

This embarrassing problem can be eased using natural methods. As part of our regular newsletter there will be examples of successful alternative treatments for impotence.

Frustration and impotence

Failure to achieve an erection that is firm enough, or sustained for long enough, to allow normal sexual intercourse is generally known as impotence. Its cause may be physical, psychological, or a combination of both.

Physical impotence may be due to an imperfect blood supply to the penis, an age-related loss of male sex hormones, diabetes or high blood sugar levels, medical drugs, or various neurological conditions.

Psychological factors such as lack of desire, depression, or fear of failure may be responsible for impotence, and alcohol, while enhancing sexual desire, can actually impede performance.
Other organic/physical factors which may cause impotence include: antidepressants, narcotics, diuretics, sedatives and nicotine.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is an all-round circulation booster. It is most widely known for its ability to improve memory, due to its ability to increase blood flow through the brain. But is seems to also increase blood flow to the penis. If your impotence problems are based on blood flow, Ginkgo could assist.

There have been several studies into the use of Gingko to treat impotence. In one study it was found 78 percent of men with atherosclerotic*, reported significant improvements without side effects. In another six month study half the men being treated regained their erections. Give it time to work, possibly use over a several month period, taking daily dosages.

*atherosclerotic: a degenerative disease of the arteries characterised by patchy thickening of the inner lining of the arterial walls, caused by deposits of fatty material.

Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) has a reputation for increasing male libido. Aniseed, also known as Anise, contains several estrogenic compounds (female hormones, U.S. spelling of oestrogenic).

Many plants contain compounds that behave like oestrogen in the body and although oestrogen is a female hormone, oddly enough people who have used oestrogenic herbs, report androgenic (males' sex hormone) effects as well. If using, start with small amounts and see what effect it has.

Cardamon

Cardamon is an aromatic spice, held in high esteem by the Arab culture as an aphrodisiac. Arab coffee house often flavours coffee with this spice, in India it is an essential ingredient of curries and pilaus. The reason for its reputation as an aphrodisiac is its high content of cineole. Cineole is a central nervous stimulant. People often equate any stimulation as a sexual stimulation. Cardamom is used by many eastern cultures and many find it beneficial in dealing with impotence.

Ginger

Ginger is a relative of Cardamon, and well known for its warming, aromatic properties. In an article titled "Studies on Herbal Aphrodisiacs Used in the Arab System", published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, some Saudi scientists asserted that ginger extracts significantly increase sperm motility and quantity. (Motility means capable of moving spontaneously and independently).

Ginseng

Ginseng is well known as a sexual stimulant. The Chinese have long held this herb in high esteem, it is supposedly the herbal fountain of youth. It is both a stimulant and relaxant on the central nervous system and improves muscle stamina! A herb full of vitality and often used by men who have a loss of sex drive. There are cautions to take when using Ginseng. Do not take consistently and not for more than three weeks at time. Do not take during pregnancy and avoid with high blood pressure.

Saw Palmetto

Native American Indians considered the ripe fruits of the saw palmetto a tonic and an aphrodisiac. The berries do, in fact, have a toning effect on the male reproductive system and have been employed for impotence and prostrate problems. It can be used to treat prostate enlargement and cystitis.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is another herb that has acquired a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Chemical analysis has revealed the presence of diosgenen, a substance that acts in a similar way to the body's own sex hormones. Fenugreek has long been recommended by Chinese herbalists for impotence.
Pumpkin seeds are a male sexual tonic and sesame seeds have a beneficial effect in maintaining and enhancing sexual vigour.

18 Home Remedies for Impotence

Impotence. The word somehow sounds like failure, weakness. If you feel that you are impotent, you may also feel that you have somehow lost part of your dignity, your masculinity, your wholeness. But you shouldn't feel that way -- impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED), can almost always improve with treatment. In this article, we'll talk about the causes of impotence and some home remedies, including medical and non-medical solutions for the problem.

There are many degrees of erectile difficulties. Some men are able to achieve an erection but are not able to maintain it. Others become erect, but not extremely rigid. Still others only have problems when they are with a new partner or with a long-time partner. And there are those who cannot achieve an erection at all.

Do not despair. You may be suffering from a medical or emotional problem (or both) for which there are definite solutions. Behavior modification can help if your ED is the result of emotional issues. If it is caused by a medical condition -- and some 70 percent of ED cases are -- there are new therapies and home remedies that can help restore your sexual health.

Whatever the nature of your problem, remember that almost every man has difficulties with erection at some point in his life: About 5 percent of 40-year-old men and between 15 and 25 percent of 65-year-old men experience it. You are not abnormal, nor are you alone. There is no need to suffer in silence.

A variety of medical conditions can cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence. The most common diseases that cause ED are diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease, and neurologic disease. These diseases account for about 70 percent of ED cases, according to the National Institutes of Health. Between 35 and 50 percent of men with diabetes experience ED. In younger men, accidents, such as gunshot wounds to the spinal cord, car crashes, and skiing wipeouts, are often responsible. Other problems can include hormonal imbalances.

Doctors treat ED with psychotherapy, behavior modification techniques, oral medications, locally injected drugs, vacuum devices, and surgically implanted devices. In rare cases, surgery of the blood vessels may be necessary, according to the NIH. (Keep in mind that even when a physical cause can be identified, emotional or psychological factors often play a role as well.)

Oral medications include Viagra (sildenafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), which work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that increases blood flow in the penis. These drugs are taken about an hour before sexual activity. They should not be used more than once a day, and men who take nitrate-based drugs such as nitroglycerin for heart problems should not use them because they can cause a sudden drop in high blood pressure. If you suspect your erection difficulties may be related to a disease, accident, or medication or if you're simply unsure of the cause, contact your doctor.In our next section, we'll offer some home remedies for avoiding impotence or erectile dysfunction and non-medical remedies for this condition.

Remove the performance demand.

It's not unusual for a man to have an occasional episode of ED -- after drinking alcohol or after a particularly stressful day, for example. However, if he places too much emphasis on the incident and harbors fear that it may happen again, the anxiety itself may become a cause of erectile difficulties.
Behavior modification can help with this, though. One strategy that sex therapists often use is to have couples abstain from intercourse altogether, telling them instead to engage in cuddling and nonsexual touch. Gradually, over a period of weeks or months, depending on the couple, the partners work toward more sexual touching, then intercourse. The idea is to make sex a less-threatening experience.

Break out of a rut.

Add some spice to your lovemaking: Go to a hotel or a different setting. Vary the routine. Try new positions. Buy your partner some new lingerie.

Learn to relax. Stress,

arising either from performance anxiety or from other life situations, can exacerbate ED. Regardless of the cause, it's difficult to enjoy yourself when you've got too much on your mind. Try relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, where you consciously tense and relax each part of the body in sequence.

Express your feelings.

Marital or relationship difficulties are notorious contributors to sexual problems. Anger, resentment, and hurt feelings often spill into a couple's sex life, turning the bedroom into a battlefield. This situation is especially likely to develop if partners don't communicate. Work to share your feelings with your partner. Use "I" statements, and keep the focus on your feelings, instead of your partner's actions. Doing a thorough housecleaning of the relationship, instead of storing up emotional debris, may very well clear the way for a healthier sexual union.

Talk about sex.

Sometimes, erectile problems occur because you simply don't feel aroused. In these cases, sex therapists often work to help patients communicate more openly about their sexual relationship -- what they like, what they don't like, whether they'd like to do some experimenting. Again, to avoid defensiveness and hurt feelings, "I" statements are key. Choose to make assertive, rather than aggressive, comments.

Don't drink before sex.

Drinking alcohol or being drunk can significantly impair your sexual functioning.

Remember your successful experiences.

If performance anxiety has undermined your confidence, thinking about positive sexual relationships or experiences you have had in the past may help boost your self-esteem. It may also convince you that you can have a fulfilling sex life in the future.

Involve your partner.

Although erectile difficulties originate with the man, they are a couple's problem and have couple solutions. If the problem is not a medical one, there are many strategies, such as the ones discussed in this chapter, which can help. However, your chances for improvement are much better if your sexual partner is involved in the solution.

Know that you are not abnormal.

It can never be stated enough: Having problems with erection does not mean that you are physiologically or psychologically abnormal in any way. It is not your fault and you shouldn't feel guilty or allow your self-esteem to suffer.

Read, then talk.

Take advantage of the many sources of information about sex -- books that can help you and your mate solve your problems and work towards a more mutually satisfying sex life, as well as sex manuals and even videos.

Skip the aphrodisiacs.

Spanish fly and other so-called aphrodisiacs are usually little more than placebos -- sugar pills that do nothing but boost your confidence. What's more, Spanish fly can be very dangerous to use and can even be fatal. Avoid alternative or herbal remedies.

Employ fantasy.

Many men with erectile problems engage in "spectatoring," or constantly observing their own sexual performance. This takes the individual out of the moment and leads to being overly critical. Instead of judging yourself, focus on the pleasures of being with your partner. Fantasizing about and with your partner can take the focus off you.

Try masturbation.

Performance anxiety is just that -- anxiety over performing for your partner. But don't forget that while it's important to please your partner, you're also there to please yourself. Masturbation -- bringing yourself to orgasm while you are alone -- may be helpful by reteaching you how to achieve your own pleasure (as long as it's not overdone). The next step is to bring that ability into a sexual situation with your partner. In this way, you can change the focus from performance to mutually pleasurable interaction.

Quit smoking.

Studies have shown that smoking is associated with blockages in the blood vessels of the penis that obstruct the blood flow necessary for an erection. If you smoke, quit. It won't reverse existing damage, but it can help prevent it from worsening.

Protect your crotch from injury.

One very common cause of ED, especially in young men, is an injury to the crotch area. Often, these injuries (and the erectile problems they cause) do not heal of their own accord and must be treated with surgery. Crotch injuries can be caused by sports such as bicycling, karate, horseback riding, and rodeo riding. If you believe that your erectile difficulties were caused by such an accident, you should see a doctor.

Don't be afraid to seek help. If your ED has no medical cause, psychological issues may be involved. Guilt, shame, anger, fear, sadness, and other emotions can impair your ability to perform sexually. Help is available from therapists who specialize in sexual issues. Ask your doctor or urologist for a referral.

Make sure your aim is true.

Believe it or not, another cause of ED is . . . brace yourself . . . a broken penis. This type of injury -- which is thankfully quite rare -- can occur when your partner is on top, your penis slips out of her vagina, and she sits on it. This can actually cause a hole in the erection chamber, along with bruising and swelling from internal bleeding.

When this happens, you'll need surgery to repair the hole.When struggling with ED or impotence, remember that many home remedies or treatment options are available to you. Don't let embarrassment keep you from treating this disorder.

Natural Remedy for Infertility

2007-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Conquering Infertility Using Natural Methods -

Natural Remedy for Infertility

Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after a year or more of regular sexual activity during the time of ovulation. It may also refer to the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. Infertility affects some 6.1 million American couples. In the majority of cases, infertility in men and women is a direct result of: lack of proper nutrition, obesity, lack of exercise, emotional disturbances and toxic buildup in the system. If you are infertile, chances are you have accumulated and stored toxins in your body. Toxins (harmful substances) are stored in your organs, intestinal tract, and tissues. The body can tolerate some stored toxins but when these toxins reach a certain point, poor health and infertility is the result.

As you balance and cleanse your cells by expelling toxins (poisons) from your body, you will re-establish a healthy terrain. A positive attitude, spiritual stability, proper nutrition, and exercise is what your body uses to become fertile. By starting with your cells, then your organs, and then your body-systems, this program helps bring your whole body into complete nutritional, neurological, and hormonal balance, thus restoring your health and your ability to get pregnant and have a healthy baby.

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.."-Thomas A. Edison

The Global Healing Center uses only the highest quality organic fertility and pregnancy products available. All ingredients are obtained from worldwide sources where our ingredients are grown naturally. Our products will help you achieve the results you seek. We offer the following recommendation in our ebook because it has been proven successful.

OVULATION SELF TEST

If you wish to become pregnant, there are a number of tests available over the counter that can help you determine the best time to attempt to conceive. These tests predict the time of ovulation by detecting the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn triggers the release of the egg. A chemically treated dipstick detects the LH in urine samples. If the hormone has been released, the stick changes color. After a positive result, ovulation takes place within twelve to thirty-six hours. Remember, however, that no test is 100% accurate all of the time.

Infertility

You’ve been trying for months, and still there’s no baby on the way. You’re beginning to wonder if you and your partner are infertile.

Most doctors won’t even diagnose infertility until after a couple has tried to conceive for a year. They advise that women ages 35 and over seek medical help after six months, however, because of natural declines in a woman’s fertility.

Male infertility is the problem about 35 percent of the time. This can include having too few sperm or sperm that are too weak to swim the distance to the fallopian tubes. Another 35 percent of infertility cases involve the female reproductive system, with problems such as blocked or damaged fallopian tubes and lack of ovulation. These conditions have many causes, including endometriosis, hormone deficiencies, infections, cysts and sexually transmitted diseases. In 30 percent of cases, there is a combination of problems, or the cause is unknown. The natural remedies in this chapter—in conjunction with medical care and used with the approval of your doctor—may help improve the possibility of conception, according to some health professionals.

Flower Remedy/Essence Therapy “In ancient cultures, the pomegranate was a symbol of fertility,” says Cynthia Mervis Watson, M.D., a family practice physician in Santa Monica, California, who specializes in homeopathy and herbal therapy. She recommends the essence Pomegranate to women who are trying to conceive. “It has a balancing effect on the female reproductive system and is also good for emotional issues surrounding sexuality and motherhood,” says Dr. Watson.

Flower essences are available in some health food stores

Food Therapy Eat more oysters, advises Julian Whitaker, M.D., founder and president of the Whitaker Wellness Center in Newport Beach, California. While there’s no evidence that this much-ballyhooed “aphrodisiac” can increase libido, there is proof that the high zinc content of oysters may strengthen sperm count and motility, increasing chances for conception, according to Dr. Whitaker. He says you’ll get nearly the entire Recommended Dietary Allowance of zinc from just one oyster. He suggests lean red meats and crab as other good sources of zinc.

“It’s also good to eat more fruits and vegetables, which are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants,” says Dr. Whitaker. “A lot of male infertility is due to oxidation, which can weaken or kill sperm.”

Homeopathy Infertility should be treated on an individual basis by a homeopath or fertility specialist, write Andrew Lockie, M.D., and Nicola Geddes, M.D., in The Women’s Guide to Homeopathy. But they add that there are several homeopathic remedies you can try while waiting for professional care. They suggest taking a 30C dose of one of the following remedies every 12 hours for up to seven days.

If you’re a woman whose breasts feel tender, with pockets of hard swelling, and whose desire for sex is ebbing, try Conium, say Dr. Lockie and Dr. Geddes. They say that Lycopodium may help if you have a dry vagina and tenderness in your lower abdomen over the right ovary. If you feel weepy, chilly and irritable, have a lack of sexual desire and have irregular periods accompanied by a sensation that your womb is about to drop out of your vagina, they suggest trying Sepia. And if you’ve had a previous miscarriage before 12 weeks, try Sabina, they say.

All of these remedies are available in many health food stores.

Imagery

In his book Healing Visualizations, New York City psychiatrist Gerald Epstein, M.D., suggests this visualization to help women overcome infertility. Close your eyes, breathe out three times and imagine walking into a beautiful garden. There you find a tree and a stream of flowing water. Bathe in the water, allowing it to enter and clean all ova, or eggs. Then sit under the tree and enjoy the sunshine and blue sky reflecting through the leaves. Look up to your right and make a prayer for what you want. Do this quickly. Then ask your mate to join you in the garden. Lie down under the tree holding hands. Picture a blue light forming a dome over you. Now go out of the garden holding hands, cradling a child between you.

Do this imagery for two to three minutes once a day for seven days, beginning at the middle of your cycle.

Reflexology

On your hands or feet, work the reflex points for the reproductive system, diaphragm, spine and pituitary, parathyroid, thyroid and adrenal glands, says St. Petersburg, Florida, reflexologist Dwight Byers, author of Better Health with Foot Reflexology.

To help you locate these points, consult the hand and foot reflex charts

Vitamin and Mineral Therapy

The antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamins C and E can increase sperm count (the number of sperm) and motility (the sperm’s ability to swim into the egg), says Julian Whitaker, M.D., founder and president of the Whitaker Wellness Center in Newport Beach, California. In fact, he says, studies show that large doses of supplemental vitamin C can actually reverse some cases of male infertility. He recommends taking at least 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C each day, as well as 400 to 800 international units of vitamin E and 15 milligrams (25,000 international units) of beta-carotene.

And try taking 30 to 60 milligrams a day of zinc, which may also help increase sperm count, says
"Dr. Whitaker.

Infertility Chemical Found in Perfumes

The Australian The Sunday Times 25 Nov 02

High levels of a chemical blamed for causing infertility in men have been found in some of the world's best-known perfumes and cosmetics. Chanel No 5, Christian Dior's Poison, Eternity from Calvin Klein and Tresor by Lancome were among 34 toiletries found by a Swedish study to contain di-ethylhexyl phthalate or other phthalates. The European Commission is proposing a ban on the use in cosmetics of two of the most potent forms of phthalates amid fears they cause genital abnormalities affecting up to 4 per cent of male babies.

These genital abnormalities - which can include undescended testicles and malformation of the urinary tract - are blamed for soaring levels of testicular cancer in young men. Cases of the disease have risen tenfold in the past century. About 1900 British males, some as young as 15, are diagnosed every year. Nine out of 10 cases are cured, but doctors are worried by the trend. Scientists believe the phthalates could be absorbed into women's bloodstreams through the skin or inhalation.

The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association condemned the report as inaccurate. It said: "Consumer safety is the first priority for the cosmetic industry and consumers can have complete confidence in the cosmetic products they use, and in the regulatory framework which ensures cosmetic safety." Numerous studies on rats and mice have shown phthalate exposure causes genital abnormality. The latest research was conducted by a Swedish government-accredited laboratory for Healthcare Without Harm, a US-based organisation representing 300 consumer pressure groups around the world.

Researchers at the Analycen lab analysed 34 leading brands of cosmetics and found more than three-quarters contained phthalates, which help prevent loss of fragrance. The investigation found other forms of the chemical in Tommy Girl perfume, Impulse Body Spray, Nivea Deo Compact, Sure Ultra deodorant, Shockwaves hair mousse and four hairsprays including Elnett Satin, Pantene Pro-V Extra Hold and Vidal Sassoon.

Per Rosander, who wrote the report, said: "What we know about these chemicals is that they cause damage to the reproductive system. That is why they have been classed by the EU as reproductive toxins." Sharpe, of the Medical Research Council's Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in Edinburgh, said: "If you wanted to produce a list of environmental causes of the reproductive health problems in boys, phthalates would be pretty near the top of the list." Actor Julia Sawalha, who played Saffy in Absolutely Fabulous, supports the Women's Environmental Network, a backer of the Swedish research. "Chemicals that pose a risk to fertility do not belong in cosmetics, and manufacturers should be made to list ingredients," she said.

Phytoestrogens Nature's Contraceptives
Phytoestrogens can make animals infertile, what about people?

The ability of phytoestrogens to prevent reproduction in animals has been known about since the 1940's. There is a wealth of evidence that shows that mammals exposed to estrogens during critical periods of sexual development can suffer a drastic reduction in fertility. There is also strong evidence that soy phytoestrogens such as genistein can inhibit 17-b-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase, an enzyme which is required for the synthesis of testosterone and the development of the CNS-gonadal axis. There is also evidence that the soy isoflavones genstein and daidzein are genotoxic to human sperm. It is quite possible, therefore, that phytoestrogens, along with other endocrine disrupting compounds such as DDT, may contribute to the worldwide decrease in male fertility. more

James Bowen, M.D. told the FDA years ago "Every known metabolite of aspartame is of marked or questionable toxicity and patently unsafe for human use." In Aspartame Murders Infants he said: "At every point in the fertility process aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, Canderal, Benevia, etc.) destroys. ....It ruins female sexual response and induces male sexual dysfunction. Beyond this, aspartame disrupts fetal development by aborting it or inducing defects. And if a live child is born aspartame may have heinously damaged the DNA of the baby cursing future generation." Learn about the Legal class action against aspartame. learn more

"I have observed severe intellectual deterioration associated with the use of aspartame products (NutraSweet/Equal/Spoonful/Canderal/Benevia, etc.) It was usually manifest as great difficulty in reading and writing, obvious problems with memory and grossly impaired orientation to time, place and person." H. J. Roberts, M.D.

"Aspartame has a profound effect on mood and cognition....depressed mood, anxiety, dizziness, panic attacks, nausea, irritability, impairment of memory and concentration." Ralph Walton, M.D. (Learn about the Legal class action against aspartame. ) vPhytoestrogens Nature's Contraceptives Phytoestrogens can make animals infertile, what about people?

Infertility and water fluoridation - Chlorinated tap

water linked to birth defects

By Jacqui Thornton Health Correspondent and Martyn Halle

Scientists from Imperial College, London University, will carry out the research after doctors in Norway, Canada and the United States reported higher levels of birth defects in areas where chlorine is used, compared with drinking water treated by alternative methods. A Norwegian study of 141,000 births over three years found a 14 per cent increased risk of birth defects in areas with chlorinated water. Scientists have already found an association between chlorine and an increased risk of bowel, kidney and bladder cancer, but it is the first time that a link has been found with higher levels of spina bifida.

Infertility in women was found to increase with water fluoridation. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists reported a close correlation between decreasing total fertility rates in women between ages of 10 and 49, and increasing fluoride levels. They also reported that a review of all of the animal studies done to date shows that fluoride adversely affects fertility in most animal species. More about the Adverse Health Effects of Fluoride

Microwater filters generate alkalineliving, energized water. This healing water is regarded by a growing number of health care professionals as the best water to drink. In fact the Microwater ionizer water filter is listed as a medical device in Japan and is used in the treatment of several degenerative diseases. Ionized water has several health promoting qualities. Acid/alkaline balance is important in keeping the body strong, healthy, and free of stress.

Traditional fertility tonic herbs for male and female reproductive health and potency

Millions of couples are affected by infertility. Many undergo months or even years of expensive and frustrating fertility treatment without positive results.

While some causes of infertility can only be corrected by surgery, herbal remedies have been used successfully for thousands of years in traditional medicine in order to increase fertility and improve the functioning of the male and female reproductive systems.

Female fertility: How does it work?

Ovulation occurs when the ovary releases an egg about half way through the menstrual cycle. The egg then passes down into the fallopian tubes. If the woman has had sex and there are sperm present, the egg can then be fertilized and conception occurs. The fertilized egg then travels into the uterus, where it implants itself in the uterine lining approximately 6 - 10 days after conception.

While this process seems simple, it is in fact a complex process involving systemic, hormonal, emotional, as well as reproductive health. While it may normally take a few months to get pregnant, further help may be needed if a woman has not become pregnant within a year (or 6 months for women over 35).

Causes of infertility

in sexually active women include genetic factors, endometriosis,
pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia, infection, early miscarriage, scarring or obstruction
of the fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalance, cigarette smoking, obesity, excessive exercise, emotional and psychological factors, incorrect nutrition, drug abuse, stress and many other factors.

How does male fertility work?

Sperm are produced in the seminiferous tubules in the testes, which are also responsible for the production of testosterone, a male sex hormone, essential for male sexual functioning and fertility, amongst other things.

The process of sperm production, from the formation of germ cells, to fully mature sperm cells, takes about 70 days. When sperm development is complete, sperm are released from the seminiferous tubules and travel to the epididymis, where they become more mature and mobile. Sperm are stored in the epididymis until ejaculation, when contractions push a small amount of sperm into the vas deferens, through the prostate gland and into the urethra.

As the sperm travels down the reproductive tract, fluid is added by the prostate gland and seminal vesicles to produce semen. More than 90% of the ejaculatory fluid is produced by the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, which is why men who have had a vasectomy can still ejaculate normally.

In order for a man to be fertile, he needs to produce mature, healthy and mobile sperm in sufficient quantities to ensure the fertilization of the female egg. The ability to achieve and sustain an erection for long enough to ejaculate and deposit the sperm in the female reproductive tract is also important for natural conception.

Causes of male infertility

(genetic causes, infection, heat, tobacco, drug and alcohol abuse, sperm antibodies, inadequate testosterone production, poor nutrition, stress, scarring of the reproductive tract, some prescription drugs, pesticides and other chemicals and even hormones in meat and the food chain), no specific cause can be found in approximately 40% of men with fertility problems. This is called ideopathic infertility.

OIL SKIN

2007-09-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

OILY

Oily skin is shiny, thick and dull colored. Often a chronically oily skin has coarse pores and pimples and other embarrassing blemishes. It is prone to blackheads. In this type of skin, the oil producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is needed. The oil oozes and gives the skin a greasy shine. The pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look.

*Causes of Oily Skin

*Heredity

*Diet

*Hormone levels

*Pregnancy

*Birth control pills

*Cosmetics you use

*Humidity and hot weather

Because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age. In general, skin tends to become dryer with age. The flow of sebum or oil increases during adolescence and starts decreasing with age. During pregnancy and menopause, hormonal imbalances can also upset the oil balance and increase the activity of sebaceous glands.

Many people have skin that is oily only in certain areas and dry or normal in others, a condition known as combination skin.

Skin Care for Oily Skin

The great advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types.
Oily skin needs special cleansing with plenty of hot water and soap to prevent the pores from being clogged. Avoid harsh products that strip your skin of oil and encourage flakiness. They can cause a reaction known as reactive seborrhoea, where the oil glands work overtime to compensate for the loss of natural oils.

Avoid skincare products that leave your skin feeling taut and dehydrated. They cause the upper layers of the skin to shrink. This restricts oil flow through the pores leading to blockages and breakouts.

To cleanse oily skin, use oil-based products as they dissolve sebum effectively. Opt for oil-free moisturizers to maintain a shine-free complexion.

Keep your skin very clean. Limit washing your face to two or three times a day. Too much washing will stimulate your skin to produce more oil.

Choose your cleanser with care. Avoid heavy cleansing creams. Avoid the use of harsh soaps or cleansers. Use a pure soap with no artificial additives. Try an antibacterial cleansing lotion or a lightly medicated soap, and use it in combination with a water rich in minerals, not tap water. Do not use cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol. After cleansing, apply a natural oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin supple.

Use hot water when washing your face. Hot water dissolves skin oil better than lukewarm or cold water.

If your skin is extremely oily, three or four daily cleansings may be in order and little or no moisturizing necessary before you are 30 years old. After that point, the skin around your eyes and mouth and on your throat may benefit from a nightly moisturizing, plus a mere touch of moisturizer in the morning.

When cleansing, massage your face well with your fingertips, using an upward and outward motion. Be careful not to rub soap into the skin; it can clog pores.

If your oily skin is scaly, you can often correct the problem by using a deep-cleaning exfoliant on alternate nights, and following the treatment with a light coating of moisturizer.

Try using a clay or mud mask. If you have sensitive skin, use white or rose-colored clays.
Use a light antiseptic night cream from time to time if you wish, and apply a clarifying mask one or two times a week.

Choose cosmetic and facial care products specifically designed for oily skin.
Before applying makeup, use an antiseptic day cream with active ingredients that diminish sebaceous secretions. Look for benzyl peroxide in the list of active ingredients.

Use a light antiseptic night cream from time to time if you wish, and apply a clarifying mask one or two times a week.

Natural Skincare

Half an hour before taking your bath apply on your face half teaspoon each of lime and cucumber juice mixed together.

If your skin is excessively oily, mix in a few drops of eau de cologne. This not only helps keep oiliness away but also helps in refining the pores of the skin by acting as astringent, thereby preventing acne.

To prevent the problem of your makeup becoming patchy either on the forehead, chin or nose due to excessive oiliness in these areas, apply a little cucumber juice on the excessively oily parts of your face, dry thoroughly and then apply your makeup.

If your whole face turns patchy after makeup is applied on it, then apply equal parts of lime juice and witch-hazel. Dry well before putting on your makeup.

Choose an astringent that contains acetone, which is known for dissolving oil. Strong astringents will do more harm than good, stimulating an overproduction of oil.

To clear away excess oil, use a clay or mud mask. Blend together well 1 teaspoon green clay powder and 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse well with lukewarm water. Do this at least three times a week--or more.

Once or twice daily, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water together. Pat mixture on your face and allow it to dry, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a cool-water rinse.Natural Skincare
Half an hour before taking your bath apply on your face half teaspoon each of lime and cucumber juice mixed together.

If your skin is excessively oily, mix in a few drops of eau de cologne. This not only helps keep oiliness away but also helps in refining the pores of the skin by acting as astringent, thereby preventing acne.

To prevent the problem of your makeup becoming patchy either on the forehead, chin or nose due to excessive oiliness in these areas, apply a little cucumber juice on the excessively oily parts of your face, dry thoroughly and then apply your makeup.

If your whole face turns patchy after makeup is applied on it, then apply equal parts of lime juice and witch-hazel. Dry well before putting on your makeup.

Choose an astringent that contains acetone, which is known for dissolving oil. Strong astringents will do more harm than good, stimulating an overproduction of oil.

To clear away excess oil, use a clay or mud mask. Blend together well 1 teaspoon green clay powder and 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse well with lukewarm water. Do this at least three times a week--or more.

Once or twice daily, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water together. Pat mixture on your face and allow it to dry, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a cool-water rinse.

Diet for Oily Skin

Take a diet rich in proteins but restricted in sugar, fluids and salt.

Take plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits.

Have your blood brought up to par by the suitable administration of necessary vitamins, iron and similar substances.

Even a slight deficiency in vitamin B2 can cause oily skin. Nutritional yeast, wheat germ and organ meats provide both vitamin B5 and vitamin B2. Other good sources of vitamin B2 are whole grains, beans, nuts, and royal jelly. Buckwheat, black beans and whole rice are excellent to supply the body with iron and rejuvenate pate skin.

Drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.

Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Avoid pork and fried and highly seasoned foods. Consume no animal fats, or heat-processed vegetable oils.

Do not cook with oil. Do not eat any oils that have been subjected to heat, whether in processing or cooking. If a little oil is necessary, such as in salad dressing, use cold-pressed canola or olive oil only.

Do not drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Avoid sugar, chocolate, and junk food.

Essential Oils For Oily Skin

Bergamot

Cedarwood

Cypress

Frankincense

Geranium

Juniper

Lavender

Lemon

Sage

Herbs for Oily Skin

Aloe vera has excellent healing properties. Apply aloe vera gel topically, as needed.

Burdock root, chamomile, horsetail, oat straw, and thyme nourish the skin.

Lavender is very good for oily skin. Mist your skin with lavender water several times daily.

A facial sauna using lemongrass, licorice root, and rosebuds is good for oily skin. Two or three times a week, simmer a total of 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water.

When the pot is steaming, place it on top of a trivet or thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at a comfortable distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the steam if you wish. After fifteen minutes, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to air dry or pat it dry with a towel. After the sauna, you can allow the herbal water to cool and save it for use as a toning lotion to be dabbed on your face with a cot- ton ball after cleansing.

Witch hazel applied to the skin is excellent for absorbing oil.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy considers skin problems to be a general bodily imbalance. Hence treatment is constitutional. Consult an experienced homeopath if the condition does not improve.

Take one of the following in the 6c strength every twelve hours for up to one month.
Take Mercurius for an oily face that smells unpleasant, with trembling, sticky perspiration and overproduction of saliva. Oiliness is worse in cold and hot weather.

Natrum mur is useful for a person with an oily, shiny face that is worse on hairy parts, and who is constipated.

Common Sense Recommendations

Do not smoke. Smoking promotes enlargement of the pores and impairs the overall health of the skin.

Rub oily skin areas with apple cider vinegar for a neutralizing effect.

Regularly brushing and massage of the whole body stimulates circulation and rejuvenates the skin.

Evening primrose oil supplements are beneficial for skin. They contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid reputed to strengthen skin cells and boost their moisture content.

Get sufficient sleep as the skin's cellular repair activity is at its optimum during this resting phase.

Exercise benefits skin as it boosts circulation and encourages blood flow. Regular exercise will nourish and cleanse your skin from within.

Herpes

2007-08-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Genital herpes is

Genital herpes
a contagious viral infection affecting primarily the genitals of men and women. It is characterized by recurrent clusters of vesicles and lesions at the genital areas. It is caused by the Herpes Simplex-2 virus (HSV-2), one of several strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus responsible for chickenpox, shingles, mononucleosis, and oral herpes (fever blisters or cold sores, HSV-1). While generally not dangerous, it is a nuisance and can be emotionally traumatic, as there is no cure.
It has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S.; 500,000 are diagnosed each year.

One in five American adults has herpes, but only one third of those inflicted are aware that they have the virus. Many people don't relate their symptoms to herpes, since they have either very mild or no symptoms at all. Over 50 million cases are currently estimated to exist in either the active or dormant stage.

Theory of Cause:

...Dr. C.N. Look

Herpes simplex viruses include two distinct but closely related viruses, namely, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both viruses can cause genital herpes. Roughly speaking, HSV-2 causes 90% and HSV-1 causes 10% of all genital herpes. Herpes simplex virus is a linear double-stranded DNA virus. HSV-1 and HSV-2 share approximately 50% homology of their genetic materials and they even express type-common surface antigens. It accounts for the high degree of cross-reactivity and the technical difficulty in differentiating the 2 viruses. On the other hand, HSV-1 & HSV-2 antibodies offer some degree of cross protection. Cell-mediated immune responses is more important than humoral responses in determining the severity of HSV infections. Hence, AIDS patients often have chronic and severe anogenital herpes. Genital herpes is usually transmitted by sexual intercourse. Direct inoculation of virus occurs through contact with infected secretions or mucosal surfaces. Orogenital contact with a partner with type 1 herpes labialis can also result in genital herpes. Asymptomatic shedding of HSV is the most common mode of transmission of genital herpes infection. It is estimated that more than half of the HSV-2 genital infections are asymptomatic.

FACTS ABOUT GENITAL HERPES:

Transmission is caused by close oral, anal, or genital contact, including intercourse, masturbation, kissing, or any direct skin-to-skin contact which allows for the transfer of bodily fluids.

A person is considered contagious when prodromal symptoms, active sores, and healing lesions are present.

Herpes is potentially contagious when no symptoms are present. That is, a person who has genital herpes is potentially always shedding active virus.

Approximately 1 in 6 members of the general infected population is thought to shed active virus occasionally without symptoms.

Some people do not get typical blister-like sores but harbor active virus in their saliva, vaginal, or penile secretions, and can shed the virus without knowing they have herpes.

Lesions can occur deep inside the vagina where they cannot be seen or felt, but can readily transmit the virus.

An uninfected individual has about a 75% chance of contracting herpes during intimate contact with someone actively shedding virus.

Oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals, and vice versa. Symptoms are similar.

Auto-inoculation: An infected individual can spread the virus to other parts of his or her body by touching an area shedding virus and then touching, scratching, or rubbing another susceptible part of the body. Towels are especially conducive to this.

It is possible for a person to contract genital herpes if the partner with oral herpes performs oral sex. Oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals, and vice versa. Symptoms are similar.

Environmental surfaces like toilet seats may be a source of contagion, but there is no evidence that this poses a real threat to the general population.

Experts differ as to how long the virus can survive on its own. The primary cause of infection remains intimate contact.

TRANSMITION

How do you get Herpes?

Herpes is spread by direct skin to skin contact. Unlike a flu virus that you can get through the air, herpes spreads by direct contact, that is, directly from the site of infection to the site of contact. For example, if you have a cold sore and kiss someone, you can transfer the virus to their mouth. Similarly, if you have active genital herpes and have vaginal or anal intercourse, you can give your partner genital herpes. Finally, if you have a cold sore and put your mouth on your partners genitals (oral sex), you can give your partner genital herpes.

When Is Herpes Most Likely To Be Spread?

Herpes is most easily spread when a sore is present, but, it is also often spread at other times too. Some people notice itching, tingling or other sensations before they see anything on their skin. These are called "Prodromal Symptoms" and they warn that virus may be present on the skin. Herpes is most likely to be spread from the time these first symptoms are noticed until the area is completely healed and the skin looks normal again. Sexual contact (oral, vaginal, or anal) is very risky during this time.

Can Herpes Be Transmitted Without Symptoms?

Yes! Sometimes those who know they are infected spread the virus between outbreaks, when no signs or symptoms are present. This is called "Asymptomatic Transmission."Research also shows that herpes simplex infections are often spread by people who don't know they are infected. These people may have symptoms so mild they don't notice them at all or else don't recognize them as herpes.

Many genital herpes infections are spread from persons who are asymptomatic "Shedders" of the virus.

For those who recognize their symptoms, asymptomatic transmission appears to be far less likely than spreading the virus when lesions are present.

Many couples have had sexual relations for years without transmitting herpes. Some simply avoid having sexual contact when signs or symptoms are present. Others use condoms or other protection between outbreaks to help protect against asymptomatic shedding.

Are complications possible?

One kind of complication involves spreading the virus from the location of an outbreak to other places on the body by touching the sore(s). The fingers, eyes, and other body areas can accidentally become infected in this way. Preventing self-infection is simple. Do not touch the area during an outbreak. If you do, wash your hands as soon as possible. The herpes virus is easily killed with soap and water.

What about pregnancy?

Can babies get herpes?

Babies can become infected with the herpes virus. If you've been exposed to herpes, you need to talk with your doctor about it before you get pregnant. This is important even if you've never had symptoms or haven't had a recurrence in a long time. The doctor might arrange a test to see if virus is present when you go into labor. In addition, you should be examined to see if you have herpes at labor and should notify the doctor if you think you have active symptoms at that time.

If no virus is found in the birth canal and there are no symptoms or signs of an outbreak, a vaginal delivery is considered safe. If herpes is present in the birth canal near the time of delivery, a cesarean section might be necessary to protect the newborn from coming into direct contact with the virus.

Babies also can get herpes if they are kissed by someone with a cold sore. A young baby cannot fight off infections as easily as an adult can, so serious problems might result. It's important that you do not kiss a baby when you have a cold sore.

Can herpes cause AIDS?

Herpes simplex virus is not related to Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS. Studies suggest that sores or lesions in the genital area make a person more prone to HIV infection if they have sex with someone carrying HIV. This may be because sores create breaks in the skin of the genitals and make it easier for HIV to get into the body. Given that herpes causes such lesions, it is extremely important to avoid sex during outbreaks. Further research is being conducted in this area.

SYMPTOMS

Herpes Symptom Evaluation

How many outbreaks have you had in the past year ? If it was only one, it was one too many. You spend a great deal of your life, suffering physically and mentally. You wait for the next outbreak wondering if you could have prevented it. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the current outbreak was to be your last?

What happens when you first get herpes?

Symptoms of herpes usually develop within 2 to 20 days after contact with the virus, although it could take longer. These symptoms may last up to several weeks, varying from one person to the next. In many people, the first infection is so mild that it goes unnoticed. In others, the first attack causes visible sores. Even so, subsequent recurrences of the disease may cause lesions. When the sores are completely healed, the active phase of infection is over. Healing of the skin usually leaves no scars. In either case, the virus retreats into the nervous system and lies dormant.

Typical symptoms

The virus starts to multiply when it gets into the skin cells. The skin becomes red and sensitive, and soon afterward, one or more blisters or bumps appear. The blisters first open, and then heal as new skin tissue forms. During a first outbreak, the area is usually painful and may itch, burn or tingle. Flu-like symptoms are also common. These include swollen glands, headache, muscle ache or fever. Herpes may also infect the urethra, and urinating may cause a burning sensation.

Typical symptoms

PRECATIOINS

Why condoms and foams?

Laboratory studies have shown that the herpes virus does not pass through latex condoms. When properly used, such condoms are likely to reduce your risk of spreading or getting herpes. Nonlatex polyurethane condoms break up to five times more often, but even the best latex condoms don't guarantee safety. Sometimes herpes sores occur in places not covered by a condom. In these cases, the condom is of little help, if any. In fact, condoms and foams should not be relied upon when herpes sores or symptoms are present.

Some contraceptive foams contain ingredients (such as nonoxynol-9) that kill the herpes virus and other STDs in test tubes. They are best used along with condoms, not in place of condoms.

What else can I do after diagnosis?

Many people feel panicked or depressed when they have herpes. Partly as a result of these feelings, the first few outbreaks can cause a great deal of stress. It may be important, therefore, to take additional steps.

First, get the information you need so you aren't worrying unnecessarily. Understanding herpes gives you a positive way to deal with your concerns. Second, seek emotional support when you need it. Keeping your feelings to yourself may do more harm than good.

What precautions can I take?

Certain basic principles about reducing risk apply equally to herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs):

You can eliminate your risk of getting herpes by not having sex with anyone (abstinence) or by having sex with a non-infected partner who has sex only with you (mutual monogamy).

If you are not sure that you and your partner are free from infection, use protection during sex. Latex condoms, used properly from start to finish for each sexual encounter, can be useful protection.

Spermicidal foams, creams, and jellies may offer additional protection.

SELF HELP

Does Herpes Recur?

Yes, both oral and genital herpes can recur. Some people have frequent recurrences, while other people have them rarely. The average for genital herpes is about 4 recurrences per year. Most people with genital herpes do have recurrences.

At the beginning of the infection, the herpes virus escapes the immune defenses by entering the nerve endings and travelling to the ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cells. In the ganglia, the virus is inactive and it causes no harm to the body or the nerve cells. From time to time, however, the virus can be reactivated. When that happens, it travels back down the nerve to the surface of the skin. There it starts to multiply, causing another outbreak. Recurrences usually develop near the site of the initial infection.

Symptoms Of A Typical Recurrence:

During a first episode, the immune system develops antibodies and other weapons against the virus. During a recurrence, then, this "immune memory" helps fight off infection more quickly. As a result, there are usually fewer sores, they heal faster, and the outbreak is less painful. The flu like symptoms of the first outbreak are seldom present.

What Triggers A Recurrence?

Herpes infections have different patterns in different people. Any one or combination of the following factors might sometimes, not always, induce an outbreak: surgery, illness, stress, fatigue, skin irritation (such as sunburn), diet, menstruation, or vigorous sexual intercourse.

A recurrence of the herpes infection may occur when latent viruses are triggered by immunosuppressive events such as emotional stress, sunlight, menses, cold or fevers, certain foods, beverages, vitamins and medications.

Since the recurrence pattern of herpes is almost as varied as the people who harbor the virus, you should take every precaution possible to keep the virus in remission.

PREGNANCY

HERPES and PREGNANCY

"I had several outbreaks during pregnancy and was terrified I would pass the infection to my baby," Maria wrote to the Herpes Resource Center. "But I didn't have an outbreak at my delivery, and at my doctor's recommendation I delivered vaginally. I gave birth to a healthy, eight-pound baby girl. I want to tell other mothers that I know it's hard not to worry when your baby's safety is at stake. But please think positive thoughts and trust your doctor. My daughter, now 12 months, is healthy and beautiful. I wish the same for your family. "

Maria's story is echoed by many. While neonatal herpes is rare, women who know they have genital herpes are often concerned about the possibility of transmitting the virus to their babies at birth.

On the one hand, such concern is understandable, because herpes can have devastating consequences for a newborn. But on the other hand, the risk is extremely low, experts agree especially for women with known, long-standing infections.

Neonatal herpes is not a reportable disease in most states, so there are no hard statistics on the number of cases nationwide. However, most researchers estimate between 1,000 and 3,000 cases a year in the United States, out of a total of 4 million births. To put this in greater perspective, an estimated 20-25% of pregnant women have genital herpes, while less than 0.1% of babies contract an infection. "Neonatal herpes is a remarkably rare event", says Zane Brown, MD, an expert on neonatal herpes and a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington. "Compared to all the other possible risks in a pregnancy, the risk of neonatal herpes is extremely small."

"I think it's perceived to be more of a problem than it is", says Scott Roberts, MD a researcher in the Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of Kansas. "The rate of neonatal herpes is very low, even though the prevalence of genital herpes in our country is quite common."

Transmission rates are lowest for women who acquire herpes before pregnancy -- one study (Randolph, JAMA, 1993) placing the risk at about 0.04% for such women who have no signs or symptoms of an outbreak at delivery. The chances of transmission are highest when a woman acquires genital herpes late in pregnancy.

Unfortunately, when infants do contract neonatal herpes, the results can be tragic. About half of infants who are treated with antiviral medication escape permanent damage. But others may suffer serious neurological damage, mental retardation or death. It's fear of these terrible consequences, rather than the level of risk, that makes neonatal herpes a concern.

If you are pregnant and you-have genital herpes, you will want to talk with your obstetrician or midwife about how to manage the infection and minimize the risk to your baby.

If you are a man with either oral or genital herpes and your partner is uninfected and pregnant, you can do even more to protect the baby. Since the highest risk to an infant comes when the mother contracts HSV-1 or 2 during pregnancy, you can take steps to ensure that you don't transmit herpes during this crucial time.

So learn what you need to know, and then relax and enjoy the excitement of the pregnancy -- and remind her that the odds are strongly in favor of you're having a baby as healthy and happy as Maria's.

How Neonatal Herpes Is Spread

In about 90% of cases, neonatal herpes is transmitted when an infant comes into contact with HSV- 1 or 2 in the birth canal during delivery. There is a high risk of transmission if the mother has an active outbreak, because the likelihood of viral shedding during an outbreak is high. There is also a small risk of transmission from asymptomatic shedding (when the virus reactivates without causing any symptoms).

Fortunately, babies of mothers with long-standing herpes infections have a natural protection against the virus. Herpes antibodies in the mother's blood cross the placenta to the fetus. These antibodies help protect the baby from acquiring infection during birth, even if there is some virus in the birth canal. That's the major reason that mothers with recurrent genital herpes rarely transmit herpes to their babies during delivery. Even women who acquire genital herpes during the first two trimesters of pregnancy are usually able to supply sufficient antibody to help protect the fetus.

Babies born prematurely may be at a slightly increased risk, however, even if the mother has a long-standing infection. This is because the transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus begins at about 28 weeks of pregnancy and continues until birth. "Babies delivered at term should be protected by antibodies -- but premature babies haven't gotten a full load, "explains Brown.

Mothers who acquire genital herpes during the last trimester of pregnancy may also lack the time to make enough antibodies to send across the placenta. In addition, newly infected people - whether pregnant or not - have a higher rate of asymptomatic shedding for roughly a year following a primary episode. This higher rate of asymptomatic shedding, plus the lack of antibodies, create the greater risk for babies whose mothers are infected in the last trimester.

Mothers who acquire genital herpes in the last few weeks of pregnancy are at the highest risk of transmitting the virus to their infants. If the mother's infection is a true primary (she has no previous antibodies to either HSV-1 or HSV-2), and she seroconverts (becomes HSV positive) at the end of pregnancy, the risk of transmission can be as high as 50%, according to research by Brown and others. The risk is also high if she has prior infection with HSV-1 but not HSV-2.

While acquisition of herpes in the last few weeks of pregnancy is rare, it may account for almost half of all cases of neonatal herpes. If a woman has primary herpes at any point in the pregnancy, there is also the possibility of the virus crossing the placenta and infecting the baby in the uterus. About 5% of cases of neonatal herpes are contracted this way.

Finally, about 5%-8% of babies who contract neonatal herpes are infected after birth, often when they are kissed - by an adult who has an active infection of oral herpes (cold sores).

Prevention:

Mothers with recurrent genital herpes

If you are pregnant and know you have genital herpes, that fact alone gives you a significant advantage in protecting your baby. Studies show that most cases of neonatal herpes occur in babies whose mothers don't have any idea they are infected.

This statistic is due, in part, simply to the large number of people who have genital herpes and don't know it. But it's also due to the lack of precautions taken by women and doctors who don't realize that neonatal herpes is a possibility.

When neither the mother nor her provider knows she's infected, neither are alert for lesions at delivery or likely to notice mild or atypical symptoms of an outbreak. On the other hand, when a woman and her provider do know there's a risk, the provider can examine her visually with a strong light at the onset of labor. This is currently the best way to detect herpes lesions. The provider can also take a viral culture at delivery to aid in diagnosis, should the baby become sick later.

"If we know you have herpes, we're going to be watching you closely, asking you about lesions and looking for them, and watching the baby closely afterward," says Lawrence Stanberry, M.D., director of the Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati.
In addition, findings presented at the 1994 International Herpes Management Forum suggest that women who are educated about genital herpes can often identify lesions even more accurately than their doctors. Women can also identify prodromal symptoms. Women can increase the likelihood of a doctor's spotting mild or atypical outbreaks by pointing to the site where lesions usually occur.

While some women may feel awkward discussing herpes in the delivery room, the best course is to think of the baby's well-being and be frank, doctors say. "It can be hard with three or four people there you've never seen before, but the important thing is to forget the stigma that unfortunately exists and just come out with it," says Roberts.

Lesion at delivery

If a woman does have a lesion or prodromal symptoms at delivery, the safest practice is a cesarean delivery to prevent the baby from coming into contact with active virus. What are the chances that a woman with recurrent herpes will have a lesion at delivery? Many women find that their outbreaks tend to increase as the pregnancy progresses, probably because of the immune suppression that takes place to prevent the mother's body from rejecting the fetus.

Between 10% and 14% of women with genital herpes have an active lesion at delivery. The odds are higher for women who acquire herpes during pregnancy, and lower for women who have had herpes for more than six years.

Fetal scalp monitor: trouble or no?

One practice that may contribute to transmission of neonatal herpes is the use of a fetal scalp monitor (scalp electrodes) during childbirth. This instrument, which is used to monitor the baby's heartbeat, actually makes tiny punctures in the baby's scalp. Several studies have shown that those breaks in the skin may serve as portals of entry for herpes virus.

While the risk from the scalp monitor may be quite small, a cautious approach would be for a pregnant woman to ask that it not be used unless there is a compelling medical reason.

"If a woman has a history of recurrent herpes, her obstetrician should carefully weigh the risks and benefits," says Stanberry. "In most cases the fetal scalp monitor shouldn't be used. There are other ways to monitor the heart rate." An alternative is the external monitor, which tracks the baby's heartbeat through the mother's abdomen.

No lesion at delivery

If a woman doesn't have herpes lesions at the time of delivery, the standard of care recommended by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) is vaginal delivery. This does expose the baby to a very small risk of infection from possible asymptomatic shedding. The case for vaginal delivery is built on a number of strong arguments.

First, the percentage of babies who acquire neonatal herpes from mothers who have no active lesions at delivery is exceedingly small. In a study of 15,923 pregnant women in Seattle, only one baby contracted neonatal herpes from a mother with recurrent HSV who was shedding asymptomatically at delivery (Brown, New England Journal of Medicine, 1991). Other studies have found an even lower rate of transmission.

"The risk is not zero, but it's extremely low," says Stanberry. By comparison, studies have found that many more women shed virus at delivery -- approximately 1.4% of women tested by viral culture, and some 20% of women tested by ultra-sensitive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology. The dramatic difference between the numbers of babies infected and mothers shedding virus have led researchers to conclude that even babies who are exposed to viral shedding rarely become infected, probably because of maternal antibodies passed through the placenta.

The second argument for vaginal delivery is that there is no practical way to detect viral shedding quickly enough to affect a delivery decision. Prior to 1988, ACOG recommended that doctors culture women for HSV-2 in the last few weeks before delivery, in an effort to identify women who are shedding. However, several studies demonstrated that these culture tests are useless for predicting which women will be shedding at delivery, as shedding tends to last only a few days at most.

While some doctors still continue the practice of weekly cultures to determine the need for a C-section, experts now believe this simply causes unnecessary cesareans - without providing any protection to babies.

For example, a 1995 study at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas showed that since the hospital adopted ACOG's 1988 recommendation of delivering women with genital herpes vaginally, in the absence of visible lesions, the rate of cesarean delivery dropped by 37%, and no babies had contracted neonatal herpes (Roberts et al., Obstetrics &' Gynecology, 1995).

Some mothers do request a C-section because they want to do everything possible to avoid infecting their babies. "Many mothers may be willing to put themselves at risk for their babies," says Laurie Scott, M.D., of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas. "But the reality is that a C-section is a potentially dangerous situation."

Maternal illness following a cesarean is approximately 28%, compared with 1.6% following a vaginal delivery. Cesareans require long recovery times, and in some instances can even be fatal.

"If we were doing C-sections on every mother with genital herpes, we'd end up losing almost as many women as we were saving babies," says Zane Brown.

Furthermore, the protection offered by C-sections is not absolute. In various studies, between 16% and 30% of infants infected with neonatal herpes were born by cesarean (in most of these cases the cesarean was performed after the membranes had ruptured).

At the same time, babies delivered vaginally, even in the presence of active lesions have an infection rate of only 0.25%-5%."Every center that does research has cases where a lesion is identified after delivery," explains Brown. "The obstetrician will notice it while stitching the mother after an episiotomy, for example. In most cases, those babies don't get infected". This again shows the protective power of maternal antibodies.

In short, for mothers with recurrent genital herpes, even the practice of delivering by cesarean in the case of visible lesions is conservative in light of the very few actual cases of neonatal herpes.

"We're not operating on mathematical assumptions," says Scott. "We're operating on real-world observations of how few babies get neonatal herpes."

Prevention: Men with Genital Herpes

If you are a man and know you have genital herpes, you have a key role in protecting your unborn child from neonatal herpes. As discussed above, the baby is at the greatest risk when the mother acquires an infection during the last trimester of pregnancy.

This happens most often when neither parent realizes that there is a risk of transmission. So, the first step is for both you and your pregnant partner to find out for sure who is infected and who is not.

At the moment, HSV screening for all pregnant women nationwide is not practical. An accurate, type-specific serology (blood test) is not available in most commercial labs. However, one accurate serology -- the Western blot -- is available from the University of Washington at Seattle (206-548-6066). To find out how you or your partner can get a Western blot, ask your doctor to call the lab at the number listed here. Your partner may also wish to have a Western blot late in pregnancy, since two-thirds of women who acquire genital herpes in pregnancy never have symptoms -- meaning neither they nor their doctors know there is a risk for neonatal herpes.

If your partner finds that she is infected, she can talk with her obstetrician or midwife about how to minimize the risk at delivery. If you are infected and she is not, you can take precautions to prevent transmission during pregnancy.

Such precautions include - abstaining from sex when you have active outbreaks, using condoms for intercourse between outbreaks, and possibly abstaining from intercourse during the last trimester. Explore alternatives to intercourse, such as touching, kissing, fantasizing, and massage.

If you have oral HSV-1 (approximately 50%-80% of adults do), avoid oral sex when you have an active outbreak (cold sore). HSV-1 can spread to your partner's genital area and give her genital herpes. Some 20%-30% of neonatal herpes cases are caused by HSV-1, so this is a real danger.

While these precautions may mean changing your sexual practices for a few months, you can have the reassurance of knowing that you have prevented the single most dangerous risk of neonatal herpes to your baby.

Women who get herpes during pregnancy

Many women who have their first outbreak of genital herpes during pregnancy do not actually have a new infection - instead, the outbreak is the first symptomatic recurrence of a longstanding infection. If you experience your first outbreak late in pregnancy, get a Western blot serology, if at all possible. (See above, for how to get a Western blot.) If performed promptly, a Western blot can tell you whether the outbreak is a true primary (a new infection in a person with no previous antibodies to either HSV-1 or HSV-2), a non-primary first episode (an infection of HSV-2 in a person with previous antibodies to (HSV-1), or a recurrence. Ask your doctor to let the lab know how many weeks pregnant you are.

A woman who has a primary episode in the last trimester, especially in the last four to six weeks, may be treated to reduce the viral load. Some experts might also recommend a cesarean delivery under these circumstances. "If a woman becomes infected during the third trimester, even if she's treated, there's a higher risk for shedding at delivery, says Stanberry. "In this situation, a C-section may really be of help, even if she has no symptoms or visible lesions." However, ACOG recommends a vaginal delivery if no lesions are present.

Unfortunately, most women who acquire herpes during the last trimester are unaware of their infection. Thus, neither they nor their babies receive the attention, treatment, and care they would receive if the infection were known.

Experimental approaches

Acyclovir is occasionally prescribed for pregnant women who suffer from extremely frequent outbreaks, or those who acquire genital herpes during pregnancy. The use of acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir during pregnancy is not recommended by ACOG or approved for use during pregnancy by the Food and Drug Administration. Ongoing studies may clarify the role of antiviral medications.

After the Baby Is Born

The possibility of acquiring neonatal herpes after birth is a risk for every baby. When such infections do occur, the cause is almost always HSV-1, which spreads from an adult who has an oral infection (cold sore). In many cases, the adult is a family member who has no idea that the minor irritation of the cold sore can be dangerous to an infant with an immature immune system.

To help protect your baby, educate family members about the danger of cold sores. Don't kiss your baby when you have an active sore, and also ask friends and relatives not to do so. In addition, if you have an outbreak of genital herpes, be sure to wash your hands before touching the baby. No extreme precautions are necessary. There is no risk in holding the baby, breast feeding, or having the baby in bed with you.

If the baby's mother has genital herpes, it is worth keeping a close eye on the baby for several weeks after birth, just to make sure no infection develops. Symptoms usually start in the first 14 days of life and may develop any time in the first month.

Some symptoms, such as blisters on the body, are indicative of herpes. Others, such as lethargy, poor feeding, irritability, or fever could stem from any of a number of minor problems. The important point is that if anything seems wrong with your baby, take him or her to your pediatrician immediately, instead of waiting to see whether the situation will improve. "If the baby doesn't behave well, if it's feverish, irritable, has blisters - don't delay," says Stanberry.

Make sure you tell your pediatrician specifically if either parent has a history of genital herpes. "OBs don't always talk to pediatricians," notes Stanberry. Don't assume something you've told your obstetrician gets conveyed to your pediatrician.

At the same time unless your baby appears to have a problem, expect the best and concentrate your energy on getting used to the new member of the family. "The vast majority of babies born to mothers with genital herpes are healthy, happy babies."

American Social Health Association, 1996

TREATMENT

What's new in the treatment of Herpes?

Researchers are working on many drugs that may eventually provide faster diagnosis and better treatment of recurrent genital herpes.

Vaccines

Herpes vaccines are currently being investigated and it is felt that an effective vaccine may be available in 3-5 years. Vaccines will only function to prevent the infection in new patients. Those who already have the simplex virus disease will probably not gain any benefit. Some vaccines have been tried to prevent the HSV occurrence, but so far had no noticible effects. These include the smallpox, Polio and Lupidon C vaccine.

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals announced the launch of their phase III trial, called the “HERPEVAC Trial for Women”, which began in November 2002.

Isoniplex (Isoprinosine) is already available in over 56 countries. Most countries have approved it for use in HSV infections due to its antiviral action, and more significantly, the ability to stimulate the body's immune response. Isoniplex is currently under investigational trials for HSV primary and recurrent cases in the United States.

What About Treatment?

Although there is no cure for herpes, some drugs have been effective in reducing the frequency and duration of outbreaks. It might be a good idea to discuss options with your doctor.

During an outbreak, keep the infected area as clean and dry as possible. This will help your natural healing processes. Some doctors recommend warm showers in order to cleanse the infected area. Afterwards, towel dry gently, or dry the area with a hair dryer on a low or cool setting. To prevent chaffing, some people also find it helpful to avoid tight-fitting undergarments. Most creams and lotions do no good and may even irritate.

Finally, a healthy immune system may be important in controlling the virus. Don't ignore the need for proper nutrition, exercise, and rest.

Alternative Solutions

We have also provided links to many alternative treatments for those who wish to suppress herpes naturally:
Red Marine Algae, Aviralex, Vir-L-Lysine, Aeura, and H-Balm

Facts About Facts

The program described, we can confidently say, has changed more lives and helped create more peace of mind than any other programs ever developed for the remission of herpes. It helps people get their lives back on track, and has also saved many friendships.

Two control methods are being examined today. One is an antiviral therapy, and the other is immunotherapy.

The object of antiviral therapy is to develop drugs that can distinguish cells which harbor the virus from those that do not. These drugs must be selective by destroying the virus inside infected cells without harming normal cells. The drug must destroy the entire virus without leaving fragments or producing mutants that may cause later problems. Essentially, antiviral agents must only be lethal to viruses, but also non-toxic to body cells.

Immunotherapy is an exciting area of medicine. Immunological researchers are developing agents that help fight viruses naturally by stimulating the body's immune response system. Some currently available substances can activate the specialized white blood cells.

Diet is a very important factor in keeping herpes in remission. It has been found that foods high in I-Arginine may cause herpes outbreaks.

The Amino Acid Lysine Controls Herpes

Is it true that the amino acid called lysine, is good for herpes outbreaks?

Yes. Supplementation with free-form lysine has shown to be beneficial in controlling herpes along with a diet high in lysine and low in arginine. "This suggests that physicians in a position to study the effect of lysine in herpes simplex infections should do so. It appears to do no harm and may be a useful therapeutic measure."

Tissue culture studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect on viral replication when the amino acid ratio of arginine to lysine favors arginine. The opposite, preponderance of lysine to arginine, suppresses viral replication and inhibits cytopathogenicity of herpes simplex virus."

L-Lysine appears to be an effective agent for reduction of occurrence, severity and healing time for recurrent HSV infection.

What foods are high in lysine and low in arginine?

Fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, brewer's yeast, mung bean sprouts and most fruits and vegetables have more lysine than arginine, except for peas. Gelatin, chocolate, carob, coconut, oats, wholewheat and, white flour, peanuts, soybeans, and wheatgerm have more arginine than lysine.(See Nutrition)

What are Lysine's Method of Action?

Nine proteins have been identified in the enveloped herpes simplex viron. In addition to the capsid proteins, the naked virions contain two additional proteins (VI and VII). Protein VII is an arginine-rich protein of the viral core. It is also known that the proteins synthesised by the herpes simplex virus infected cells contain more arginine but less lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryrosine, and isoleucine relative to leucine than the proteins synthesised by unaffected cells.

L-lysine 390 mg. was given orally at the first indication of onset of herpetic oral lesions in eight patients and vulvar lesions in two patients, with uniform rapid resolution of the lesions. This suggests that physicians in a position to study the effect of lysine in herpes simplex infections should do so. It appears to do no harm and may be a useful therapeutic measure.

Dosages:

The amount of lysine required to control herpes varied from case to case but a typical dose to maintain remission was 500 mg daily and active herpes required 1 to 6 g between meals to induce healing."

REFERENCES:

1. Kagan, C. Lysine Therapy for Herpes Simplex, The Lancet, 1:137 26 Jan 1974)

2. Griffith, R.S., A Multicentered Study of Lysine Therapy in Herpes simplex Infection", Dermatologica 156: 257-267 (1978)

3. Griffith, R.S., Success of L-Lysine Therapy in Frequently Recurrent Herpes simplex Infection, Dermatologica 175: 183-190 (1987)

4. Olshevsky, V., Becher, V. Virology, 1970, 40, 948.5. Kaplan, A.S., Shimano, H., Ben-Porat, T. ibid. p.90.

Working on the theory that people with viral diseases, can benefit from a diet high in lysine and low in arginine, James M. Scutero came up with a chart where foods at the top of the list have higher lysine to arginine ratios.

There are other dietary factors that may influence viral replication and a total approach to nutrition should be used. Use this chart as a guide or a reference only, and see what happens. Look at the absolute figures for Lysine and Arginine content. There is no reason to avoid a food if it has a low Lysine/Arginine ratio and only a few mg of Arginine in it.

Herpes Overview

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a common viral infection.

It causes oral herpes (cold sores or fever blisters), and genital herpes (genital sores or sores below the waist).

There are two herpes simplex viruses:

Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1)

• Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2)

These viruses look identical under the microscope, and either type can infect the mouth or genitals. Most commonly, however, HSV-1 occurs above the waist, and HSV-2 below.

The body's natural defense system is called the "Immune Responses". Whenever herpes attacks the immune system, the body fights back against this menace. As the battle grows more intense, there are heavy losses by both the herpes virus and the immune system. This causes the body to be less able to defend itself from attacks by other viruses. For those very reasons, a herpes patient should try to keep the herpes virus under control at all times.

There are two widespread attitudes about herpes:

Herpes does not effect any other part of the body.

There is nothing I can do to keep from having an outbreak.

Both attitudes are wrong!

Remember...

You are not alone. Herpes is estimated to affect some 80 million people in America. At least one in five adults in the United States has genital herpes.

Get more information. The better informed you are about herpes, the easier it will be to manage.

Give yourself the best possible chance to limit recurrences by maintaining general good health and keeping stress to a minimum.

Take care of the affected skin area. Keep the area dry and clean during outbreaks to help healing.

Avoid physical contact with the area from the time of the first symptoms (tingling, itching, burning) until all sores are completely healed, not just scabbed-over.

Also be aware of possible shedding or "asymptomatic transmission", even after the sores have healed.

When properly used, latex condoms help reduce your risk of spreading or getting herpes.
Prevent self-infection to other areas of your body. Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch a sore. Better yet, don't touch the sores.

Prospective parents: If either mother or father has genital herpes, or any of the mother's previous sexual partners had genital herpes, tell your doctor about it.

It is possible to get genital herpes from cold sores.

Women with genital herpes: Don't skip your annual Pap smear.

Inform yourself about herpes. For many, diagnosis with herpes can mean a time of confusion, anger, fear and frustration. For many, it seems there is no place to turn for help in dealing with the sensitive aspects of herpes infection. There is help available.

Increase your intake of L-Lysine and decrease the amount of arginine in your diet.

Herpes is spread by direct contact.

Herpes Epidemic Rise

Oral herpes, an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, is estimated to be present in 50 to 80 percent of the American adult population. 20 percent, over 50 million people, are infected with genital herpes, also caused by the herpes simplex virus, and the majority of these cases may be unaware they even have it. Studies show that more than 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with genital herpes each year, and the largest increase is occurring in young teens.

There is no cure for herpes to date. Supporting your immune system should be your first goal. A weakened immune system is more prone to outbreaks. Efforts to develop a herpes vaccine by biotechnology companies are ongoing. Until an effective herpes vaccine or cure for HSV infection is found, the prevailing approach to treatment continues to be suppressive antiviral therapy. Links, on this page, go to products and services which can help you cope with herpes in your life.

Why condoms and foams?
Laboratory studies have shown that the herpes virus does not pass through latex condoms. When properly used, such condoms are likely to reduce your risk of spreading or getting herpes. Nonlatex polyurethane condoms break up to five times more often, but even the best latex condoms don't guarantee safety. Sometimes herpes sores occur in places not covered by a condom. In these cases, the condom is of little help, if any. In fact, condoms and foams should not be relied upon when herpes sores or symptoms are present.
Some contraceptive foams contain ingredients (such as nonoxynol-9) that kill

Quit Smoking Remedies

2007-08-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Quitting Smoking: A Difficult but Crucial Task

These are 5 natural remedies that have been explored to help people quit smoking.

1) Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a commonly used therapy to help people quit smoking.

The acupuncture needles used are usually hair-thin, and they are inserted into various points in the ear where they remain for about 20 minutes.

For help in between sessions, many acupuncturists provide tiny balls (the size of the tip of a ball point pen), that are taped with invisible tape to the ear. When a craving for cigarettes hits, the smoker is instructed to press gently on the ball, which stimulates the acupuncture point.

A 2006 study analyzed 24 placebo-controlled trials on acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy, or electrostimulation for smoking cessation.

There was no consistent evidence that these therapies were effective for smoking cessation. The researchers, however, concluded that further research was needed because the poor design of many of the studies made it difficult to draw a conclusion.

One study involving 141 people found that acupuncture plus education on smoking cessation was four times as effective as acupuncture alone.
The study also found that acupuncture plus education was twice as effective as sham acupuncture plus education.

For more information about acupuncture, read the Acupuncture Fact Sheet.

2) Lobelia
The herb lobelia (Lobelia inflata) has been promoted to help people fight the effects of nicotine withdrawal and is found in many anti-smoking products. The active ingredient in lobelia, lobeline, is thought to have similar actions on the body as nicotine.

In 1993, however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) temporarily prohibited the sale of certain lobelia products marketed to help people quit smoking. According to the report, the reason was because evidence showed they were not effective.

Later research has shown that lobeline may increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain similar to cigarettes. Dopamine influences mood and produces feelings of pleasure. There is still no evidence, however, showing that lobelia supplements help people quit smoking.

Lobelia is a potentially toxic herb, and should not be used unless under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. It can cause dry mouth, profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, confusion, convulsions, coma, and in larger doses, even death.

People with heart disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, seizure disorder, shortness of breath, or who are recovering from shock should not take this herb. Pregnant and nursing women and children should also not take lobelia.

3) St. Johns wort
Although the herb St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)is used primarily for depression, there is some preliminary research on this herb to help people quit smoking.

In one pilot study, 24 people who smoked 1 or more cigarettes a day received St. John's wort (450 mg capsule 2 times a day) plus smoking cessation counseling.
After 12 weeks, 37.5% or 9 out of 24 people had quit.

Another pilot study found some effect, but the results were not long-term. Twenty-eight smokers were randomized to receive St. John's wort (300 mg once or twice a day), either once or twice daily for one week before quitting and continued for 3 months after. In addition, all participants received motivational/behavioural support. At 3 months, 18% continued to abstain from smoking. At a 12 month followup, it was 0%. Neither study was double-blind or placebo controlled, so they cannot be used as evidence.

Although St. John's Wort appears to be reasonably safe when taken alone, it can interfere with the effectiveness of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as antidepressants, drugs to treat HIV infections and AIDs, drugs to prevent organ rejection for transplant patients, and oral contraceptives.

St. John's wort is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with bipolar disorder, liver or kidney disease.

For more articles on St. John's wort, go to the St. John's wort article index.

4) GinsengGinseng
has been shown to prevent the prevent the nicotine-induced release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is what makes people feel good after smoking and is part of the addiction process.

Although intriguing, no studies to date have examined whether ginseng supplements can help people quit smoking.

For more information about ginseng, read the Ginseng Fact Sheet.

5) HypnotherapyIn

2000, a study by the Cochrane Collaboration analyzed nine longer-term studies on the use of hypnotherapy to quit smoking. The researchers found that hypnotherapy was not more effective on 6 month quit rates than other treatments or than no treatment.

Two subsequent studies had more promising results. In 2006, a pilot study examined the effect of hypnotherapy (one visit a week for 8 weeks) or no treatment (people were put on a waiting list). After the 8 weeks, 40% had abstained from smoking. At 12 months, 60% had abstained, and at 26 weeks, the abstinence rate was 4%.

In the second study, researchers looked at 12 hypnosis studies that reported the results by gender and found that the odds of achieving smoking abstinence were 1.37 times greater for male than female participants.

Sore Throat All Natural Cures & Remedies

2007-08-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

Don't want to talk, eat or can't cause your throat is sore.

A sore throat (also known as pharyngitis or tonsillitis) is a disease primarly located in the throat around the tonsils. You will find causes and home remedies on this page.

A sore throat is an infection that can be either viral or bacterial. It is most commonly caused by a contagious viral infection (such as the flu, cold or mononucleosis), although more serious throat infections can be caused by a bacterial infection (such as strep, mycoplasma or hemophilus) . Bacterial sore throats respond well to antibiotics while viral ones do not. For viral based infections, there are many natural remedies that you can take to cure a sore throat. Some of these folk remedies work within an hour or two, others take effect overnight.

You can use these following rmedies if you have a sore throat associated with a cold or flu or runny nose symptoms.

Sore Throat Cures

* Increase your liquid intake and make sure that your house is humidified properly.

* Gargle with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt to 1/2 cup water) several times a day.

* Drink a glass of hot water with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and some honey. You'll feel better instantly. You can also drink a chamomile tea with lemon and honey added.

* Cut a lemon into 2 pieces. Take one piece and put some black pepper on it, press with a knife so that sal-pepper penetrate into the lime. Put the lemon on heat to make it warm. Slowly lick this lemon squeezing it until no juice remains. Do it 2-3 times a day.

* Chives and Scallions are helpful for sore throats when simmered in water for 5 minutes. Drink as a tea.Figs, beets are beneficial in sore throats.

* Tulasi(HOly Basil): A herb that promotes optium respiratory support. Tulasi has antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory, expectorant properties and is useful in respiratory tract infections. It helps when in respiratory stress. The juice of the leaves possesses diaphoretic, antiperiodic, stimulating and expectorant properties. It is used for repsiratory, cartarrh and bronchitis.

Sore Throat Cures

Cure a sore throat with cayenne pepper

1.)"Cayenne (don't use if you have low blood pressure) pepper works wonderfully, it's also great to mix with other remedies cause it helps them work faster. Why? It thins your blood and since your body registers the hot effect as fire it gets your heart pumping more blood to rush the endorphins (natural body made morphine) to the mouth area. This creates 2 effects: 1st, you get relaxed due to the anesthesic effect of the endorphins and 2nd, the nutrients that u took with your remedy spread through your body faster, and on top of that it's a natural antibiotic. I use it for sore throats and colds in the following manner:

in glass pour about 2-4oz water (for diluting purposes [gonna try ACV next time]), 1 whole lemon (not those dry lemons we want some juice here), 1-2 Tbsp of honey (natural honey none of those syrup mixed ones) and cayenne (lots of it)

I usually put cayenne till it's red (remember were going for the blood and endorphin rush here). Bottoms up! (this is a shot) There still hasn't been a cold to pass the 3 day mark with this stuff."

*** DO NOT EXCEED 1/8th TEASPOON OF CAYENNE! ***

CAYENNE IS A NATURAL BLOOD THINNER!

"Cayenne is NOT unsafe So don't worry..

2.) The most effective and home made cure for a sore throat is to drink some lemon tea with honey right before you go to bed.

The Lemon gives a kind of fresh feeling in the throat and the Honey creates a coat over the sore spot. It truly works like a charm.

3.) Homemade Hot cocoa/mix with some addes cayenne pepper soothes the thoat with a yummy taste. Adualts and children will drink it. It also helps to keep colds away.

4.) Gargling with hot to warm salt water works to clean the infection and bacteria that causes the throat to be irritated and sore.

5.) Chilli or hot broth with Pepper-cayenne, with the meal/sFood brings it to a wonderful taste that fulfills your appotite and helps your sore throat at the same time.

2007-08-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Panic Attacks(Panic Disorder)

Panic attacks are sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. A person experiencing a panic attack may believe that he or she is having a heart attack or that death is imminent. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following symptoms:

1. "Racing" heart

2. Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy

3. Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers

4. Sense of terror, of impending doom or death

5. Feeling sweaty or having chills

6. Chest pains

7. Breathing difficulties

8. Feeling a loss of control

Panic attacks are generally brief, lasting less than ten minutes, although some of the symptoms may persist for a longer time. People who have had one panic attack are at greater risk for having subsequent panic attacks than those who have never experienced a panic attack. When the attacks occur repeatedly, a person is considered to have a condition known as Panic Disorder.

What are the symptoms of a panic attack?

As described above, the symptoms of a panic attack appear suddenly, without any apparent cause. They may include:

Racing or pounding heartbeat

Chest pains

Stomach upset

Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea

Difficulty breathing,
a sense of feeling smothered

Tingling or numbness in the hands

Flushes or chills

Dreamlike sensations or perceptual distortions

Terror: a sense that something unimaginably horrible is about to occur and one is powerless to prevent it

Fear of losing control and doing something embarrassing

Fear of dying

A panic attack typically lasts for several minutes and is one of the most distressing conditions that a person can experience. Most who have one attack will have others. When someone has repeated attacks, or feels severe anxiety about having another attack, he or she is said to have panic disorder.

What are panic attacks?

Panic attacks may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder. These attacks are a serious health problem in this country. At least 1.7% of adult Americans, or about 3 million people, will have panic attacks at some time in their lives. The symptom is strikingly different from other types of anxiety in that panic attacks are so very sudden and often unexpected, appear to be unprovoked, and are often disabling.

Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep. An attack generally peaks within 10 minutes, but some symptoms may last much longer.

Once someone has had a panic attack, for example, while driving, shopping in a crowded store, or riding in an elevator, he or she may develop irrational fears, called phobias, about these situations and begin to avoid them. Eventually, the pattern of avoidance and level of anxiety about another attack may reach the point where the individual with panic disorder may be unable to drive or even step out of the house. At this stage, the person is said to have panic disorder with agoraphobia. Thus, panic disorder can have as serious an impact on a person's daily life as other major illnesses, unless the individual receives effective treatment.

Are panic attacks serious?

Yes, panic attacks are real, potentially quite emotionally disabling, but they can be controlled with specific treatments. Because of the disturbing symptoms that accompany panic attacks, they may be mistaken for heart disease or some other life-threatening medical illness. People frequently go to hospital emergency rooms when they are having a panic attack, and extensive medical tests may be performed to rule out these other conditions.

Medical personnel generally attempt to reassure the panic attack patient that he or she is not in great danger. But these efforts at reassurance can sometimes add to the patient's difficulties: If the doctors use expressions such as "nothing serious," "all in your head," or "nothing to worry about," this may give the incorrect impression that there is no real problem and that treatment is not possible or necessary. The point is that while panic attacks can certainly be serious, it is not organ-threatening.

What causes panic attacks?

According to one theory of panic disorder, the body's normal "alarm system," the set of mental and physical mechanisms that allows a person to respond to a threat, tends to be triggered unnecessarily, when there is no danger. Scientists don't know exactly why this happens, or why some people are more susceptible to the problem than others. Panic disorder has been found to run in families, and this may mean that inheritance (genes) plays a strong role in determining who will get it. However, many people who have no family history of the disorder develop it. Often, the first attacks are triggered by physical illnesses, a major life stress, or perhaps medications that increase activity in the part of the brain involved in fear reactions.

Thanks to research, there are a variety of treatments available, including several effective medications, and specific forms of psychotherapy. In terms of medications, specific members of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the benzodiazepine families of medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat panic disorder. Examples of such medications include sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) from the SSRI group and clonazepam (Klonopin) from the benzodiazepine group. Medications from the beta blocker family (for example, propranolol) are sometimes used to treat the physical symptoms associated with a panic attack.

Before SSRIs became available, medications from the group known as the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were often used to address panic disorder. However, SSRIs have been proven to be safer and better tolerated therefore, TCAs are used much less often. When used in the appropriate person with close monitoring, these medications can be quite effective as part of treatment for panic disorder. However, as anything that is ingested carries risk of side effects, it is important to work closely with the prescribing doctor to decide whether medication treatment is an appropriate intervention and if so, which medication should be administered. The person being treated should be closely monitored for the possibility of side effects that can vary from minor to severe and in some cases even be life-threatening.

The psychotherapy component of treatment for panic disorders is equally as important as medication treatment. In fact, research shows that the combination of medication and psychotherapy treatment for panic disorder is more effective than either intervention alone. To address anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy is widely accepted as an effective form of psychotherapy. That form of therapy seeks to help those with panic disorder identify and decrease the irrational thoughts and behaviors that reinforce panic symptoms. Behavioral techniques that are often used to decrease anxiety include relaxation techniques and gradually increasing exposure to situations that may have previously increased anxiety in the individual.

Often, a combination of psychotherapy and medications produces good results. Improvement is usually noticed in a fairly short period of time, about two to three months. Thus, appropriate treatment for panic disorder can prevent panic attacks or at least substantially reduce their severity and frequency, bringing significant relief to 70 to 90% of people with panic disorder.

There are also things that people with panic disorder can do to help make treatment more effective. Since substances like caffeine, alcohol, and illicit drugs can worsen panic attacks, those things should be avoided. It may be worth engaging in aerobic exercise and stress-management techniques like deep breathing and yoga, as those activities have been found to help decrease the frequency and severity of panic attacks.

In addition, people with panic disorder may need treatment for other emotional problems. Depression has often been associated with panic disorder, as have alcohol and drug abuse. Recent research also suggests that suicide attempts are more frequent in people with panic disorder. Fortunately, these problems associated with panic disorder can be overcome effectively, just like panic disorder itself.

Tragically, many people with panic attacks do not seek or receive treatment.

What happens if panic attacks are not treated?

Panic attacks tend to continue for months or years. While it typically begins in young adulthood, in some people the symptoms may arise earlier or later in life. If left untreated, it may worsen to the point where the person's life is seriously affected by panic attacks and by attempts to avoid or conceal them. In fact, many people have had problems with friends and family or lost jobs while struggling to cope with panic attacks. There may be periods of spontaneous improvement in the attacks, but it does not usually go away unless the person receives treatments designed specifically to help people with panic attacks.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Treatment

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a pattern of behavior that develops after a traumatic event. A traumatic event in this context is defined as one that may bring serious injury or death to oneself or to another person. Traumatic events capable of causing post- traumatic stress disorder include kidnapping, natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, )ect,physical and sexual abuse, combat, drug abuse, and near-death experiences.

Historically referred to as "soldier's heart" and "shell shock" because the behavior characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder was seen in men after wartime combat, the symptoms and behaviors of post-traumatic stress disorder have been shown to occur in children, adolescents, and adults

Constellation of changes in post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a constellation of changes in personality and behavior that begin after a traumatic event and persist for more than a month. Following the traumatic event, individuals who develop post-traumatic stress disorder may feel like the everyday world is no longer real and that they are in a dream- like state. They may feel that their minds are detached from their emotions as well as from their physical bodies, a condition referred to as dissociation.

Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder may continuously experience flashbacks. During these flashbacks they relive the traumatic event and reexperience feelings of intense fear and of inability to escape from the traumatic event. Every effort is taken to avoid actions or thoughts associated with the traumatic event in order to prevent these flashbacks.

Ultimately, behavior becomes erratic and hyperactive, as if the individual were constantly defending himself. For example, the person may develop anxiety, have disturbed sleep, and be easily startled. Over the long run this behavior can lead to complete dysfunction with a sense of hopelessness, a total lack of self- esteem, and overwhelming fear of people. There also may be substance abuse (use of alcohol or narcotics, for example) and difficulty maintaining existing relationships.

Variable duration of the disorder In about half of the individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, the condition resolves within six months while the other half continue to suffer for years. Post-traumatic stress disorder is considered to be acute if symptoms and behaviors last less than three months, chronic if symptoms and behaviors persist for more than three months, and delayed in onset if symptoms and behaviors begin at least six months after the traumatic event.

About 4% of the general population or approximately 10 million people develop post-traumatic stress disorder each year. It is twice as common in women as in men. In one study it was found to occur in 15% of war veterans up to19 years after combat. Several factors including psychological traits, genetics factors and life experiences may contribute to the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder.

For most patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment has consisted of counseling, psychotherapy, or drugs. A combination of these approaches is sometimes employed. We will focus here on the drugs used for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Drug treatment of post-traumatic stress disorderThe erratic, hyperactive behavior, anxiety, and sleep disturbance associated with post-traumatic stress disorder were first thought due to over-activity of the sympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that is active when there is fear. For this reason, children were treated with propranolol (Inderol) which blocks the sympathetic nervous system. However, propranolol proved to provide little benefit.

New research has revealed how severe trauma can produce long-term changes in the nerves in the brain. In particular, it is now believed that the problem is caused by alterations in the chemical substances that nerves in the brain use to communicate with each other, substances referred to as neurotransmitters. These alterations in neurotransmitters may be responsible for the symptoms and behaviors.

Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder has therefore shifted to drugs that target these chemical substances. For example, antidepressants including imipramine and phenelzine (Nardil) that alter neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine have been found do more to reduce flashbacks and the feelings of helplessness more than placebo (a dummy pill). Unfortunately, however, side effects interfered with the long-term use of these drugs.

Trials with sertraline (Zoloft)

A trend that emerged from these studies was that greater improvement was seen with drugs that altered serotonin more than other neurotransmitters. This finding led to studies with sertraline (Zoloft) which alters serotonin in the brain. In two 12 week-long trials involving 385 patients -- mainly women who developed post- traumatic stress disorder after sexual or physical assault - sertraline (Zoloft) was compared with placebo. Sertraline (Zoloft) reduced both the number and intensity of symptoms by 50% compared with 30% for placebo. A third similar study found no difference in the response between sertraline (Zoloft) and placebo. A fourth study in war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder also found no difference in response.

In sum, sertraline (Zoloft) may be effective in reducing symptoms in at least some but by no means all patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. In particular, sertraline (Zoloft) may be useful for women with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of sexual or physical assaults. Nevertheless, the response to sertraline (Zoloft) was not much greater than the response to placebo, suggesting that the drug's effectiveness is limited.

Issues raised by the studies but not answered are whether men respond as well as women, whether post-traumatic stress disorder caused by different types of traumatic events will respond similarly, and whether patients with other psychological problems in addition to post-traumatic stress disorder also will respond to sertraline (Zoloft). None of the studies to date have addressed the issue of how effective sertraline (Zoloft) will be with long-term treatment or what happens if treatment is discontinued.

Newer drugs in development For now, treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder is likely to remain focused upon drugs that alter serotonin but are less likely to cause side effects. Nefazodone (Serzone) and mirtazapine (Remeron) are already being tested. It is likely that fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa) will soon be studied for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Guide to Alternative Therapies
Contents:

Acupuncture, Artemisinin for cancer, Beta-mannan to reverse dysplasia of the cervix, Anti-Malignin antibody test for cancer, Botanicals for diabetes, Cesium Chloride for Cancer Clay eating , / clay therapy, Colonic irrigation for autointoxication, Cranberry juice for bladder infections, EDTA chelation for atherosclerosis, Enzyme therapy for cancer, Fucoidin (fucoidan, Limu-Moui), Fulvic acid, Gallstone flush, Ginger, Guaifenesin, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Live blood cell analysis, Manipulative medicine, Melatonin, No-Dairy diet for breast cancer Oleander soup Plasma generator Relaxin tablets Salivary gland crystallization testing Shark cartilage Silver colloid Thymic extract Ultraviolet blood irradiation Venus flytrap extract Vitamin C for atherosclerosis Wilson's syndrome Yohimbine for erectile / ejaculatory dysfunction Zeolite for cancer

Stop with the Complaining!!!

2007-08-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Complaining,

like all thought patterns, is not mere observation. Complaining is a creative act. The more you complain, the more you summon your creative energies to attract something to complain about. Your complaints may seem fully justified, but realize that whenever you complain, you are placing your order for more of the same. Complaining is not merely about the past. Whenever you make a complaint, realize you are setting an intention — a goal — for the future.

Note that complaining is not the same thing as having a negative emotional reaction. That first-response negative reaction is OK. Complaining is the act of reinforcing what you don’t want and intending even more of it. It’s the act of dwelling on the negative.

People who complain trap themselves in a reality that constantly gives them more to complain about. Life keeps harshing on them. Their luck is below average. They never get any real breaks. Unfortunate circumstances, seemingly beyond their control, keep manifesting. It seems totally unfair, but it isn’t. The complainers are merely witnessing the fulfillment of their own requests. Every thought is an intention, and complainers habitually intend what they don’t want. So it makes perfect sense they live in a reality congruent with those thoughts. The complainer may tell you their reality is causing their complaints, but it’s more accurate to say their reality is reflecting their complaints.

Complaining is also addictive. The more you do it, even within your own mind, the more it becomes an ingrained habit and the harder it is to stop.

Complaining and the Law of Attraction

I’ve seen many a person claim to be using the Law of Attraction properly, holding only positive intentions and thinking predominantly about what they want to attract. Then after a few weeks of little or no results, they fire off an explosion of complaints:

This LoA stuff is nonsense! I gave it a real shot, and it isn’t working for me. Why haven’t my intentions manifested yet? Why does this seem to work for other people but not me? I’ve wasted a lot of time on this and have nothing to show for it! Robble robble robble!

People who really grasp the LoA won’t do this sort of thing. It’s like planting a seed and then digging it up in a wild thrashing manner to see if it’s growing. You just killed the plant in the process. Now consider this: If someone finds it necessary to kill their plant to verify it’s growing, did they really expect/intend the plant to survive and thrive in the first place? Obviously not. If you know the plant will grow, you won’t dig it up. Similarly, if you intend with certainty that your intention is going to manifest, you won’t lash out with complaints about your failure. You’ll simply continue holding the intention until it does manifest, no matter how long it takes.

In practice you will see some intenders hold their intentions patiently for months and years, while complainers will usually give up within the first 30 days. Why? You might not like what I’m going to say, but the truth is that the complainers were predisposed to eventually give up. Failure was their true background intention.

You see… people who backlash at the LoA for not giving them what they want never fully embraced the LoA in the first place. They were always expecting to fail, simply paying lip service to the idea of positive intentions. But their background thinking remained negative.

You can’t fool the LoA. It knows your true expectations, and it isn’t going to release its treasures to those it knows will eventually give up.

Intentions and time

Recognize that the LoA is timeless, not time-bound. Here’s how I like to think of it: Any thought you hold at any time is a timeless intention, so all thoughts in all times influence your results in all times. Now that’s a gross overgeneralization, but if you accept it as true, it will help you understand why you must treat your intentions as timeless commitments.

Your lifetime of thoughts acts like a resonating band of intention. That band’s overall signature determines what kind of life you live. A chronic complainer will manifest a predominantly negative life. A positive thinker will manifest a predominantly positive life.

Your thoughts/intentions are not time-bound. If you’re going to complain at some point in the future, that complaint will subtly affect you today.

Let me give you a real-world example. Suppose your car broke down this morning, and it was totally unexpected.

What caused that breakdown? Some might say it’s the laws of physics. An LoA advocate might say that you were unconsciously putting out intentions before then to manifest the breakdown, perhaps for reasons that may not be clear to you. However, I’m suggesting something else may have caused the accident.

How did you react to the breakdown after it happened? Did you complain about it? Did you keep going over it in your mind, making your negative reaction stronger and stronger? Do you realize all those thoughts are intentions? I’m actually suggesting that your act of complaining about the accident after it happened is what manifested the accident in the first place. If you weren’t going to complain about it, the accident might never have happened.

I know this runs contrary to how most people think about cause and effect. However, if you play with this idea for a bit, you’ll come to a new understanding of the LoA, one which I believe is more consistent with its actual functioning. If you begin to see intentions as running backward and forward through time, you’ll recognize just how crucial it is to keep your thoughts positive at all times if you want to manifest a positive life. Even complaining about the past is a thought pattern you must eventually drop.

People commonly assume the LoA only travels forward in time. I don’t think so. In fact, I’m fairly certain that isn’t true at all.

The complainer seed

Here’s another way to think about this, one that might be a little easier to accept if you’re very attached to linear thinking. Consider that if something unfortunate happens to you, and you’re going to complain about it afterwards, then there must have been some kind of complainer seed within you in the first place… before that negative event took place. You must already have been the kind of person who’s predisposed to complain. And if that seed is there, you can bet the LoA is going to pick up on it.

Really positive people who are good at manifesting don’t complain. Even when things don’t go their way, they keep directing their thoughts towards the positive side. They expect that things will eventually go their way. They also take action to participate in the positive manifestation. Setbacks don’t make them throw in the towel and curse the LoA because they don’t harbor the complainer seed. They’re not going to be perfect about it, but this is their dominant pattern.

If you want to create the life you really want, instead of one you merely tolerate, you must eventually uproot the complainer seed. This seed is so destructive that it will keep killing the positive seeds you plant. It knows it can eventually destroy them. It knows you’re only fooling yourself. It will make you think the positive seeds you’re planting are really weeds, such as wishful thinking or gullibility.

When you finally recognize that the complainer seed will continue to sabotage your efforts as long as you harbor it, make the conscious decision to dump it. Only then can your positive intentions take root without being uprooted.

Whenever you catch yourself complaining, visualize that complainer seed, and imagine yourself uprooting it and throwing it away. Feed it to the birds. Give it back to Source. Or just toss it in the garbage. Then visualize a positive thinking seed, plant it, fertilize it, and water it. Say to yourself, “I hold the seed of happiness.”

Complaining may be a compelling addiction, but it needn’t be a life sentence.

Perhaps the most important step in quitting the habit of complaining is to disconnect the undesirable behavior from your identity. A common mistake chronic complainers make is to self-identify with the negative thoughts running through their minds. Such a person might admit, “I know I’m responsible for my thoughts, but I don’t know how to stop myself from thinking negatively so often.”

That seems like a step in the right direction, and to a certain degree it is, but it’s also a trap. It’s good to take responsibility for your thoughts, but you don’t want to identify with those thoughts to the point you end up blaming yourself and feeling even worse.

A better statement might be, “I recognize these negative thoughts going through my mind. But those thoughts are not me. As I raise my awareness, I can replace those thoughts with positive alternatives.” You have the power to recondition your thoughts, but the trick is to keep your consciousness out of the quagmire of blame. Realize that while these thoughts are flowing through your mind, they are not you. You are the conscious conduit through which they flow.

Mental conditioning

Although your thoughts are not you, if you repeat the same thoughts over and over again, they will condition your mind to a large extent. It’s almost accurate to say that we become our dominant thoughts, but I think that’s taking it a bit too far.

Consider how the foods you eat condition your body. You aren’t really going to become the next meal you eat, but that meal is going to influence your physiology, and if you keep eating the same meals over and over, they’ll have a major impact on your body over time. Your body will crave and expect those same foods. However, your body remains separate and distinct from the foods you eat, and you’re still free to change what you eat, which will gradually recondition your physiology in accordance with the new inputs.

This is why negative thinking is so addictive. If you keep holding negative thoughts, you condition your mind to expect and even crave those continued inputs. Your neurons will even learn to predict the reoccurrence of negative stimuli. You’ll practically become a negativity magnet.

The trap of negative thinking

This is a tough situation to escape because it’s self-perpetuating, as anyone stuck in negative thinking knows all too well. Your negative experiences feed your negative expectations, which then attract new negative experiences.

In truth most people who enter this pattern never escape it in their entire lives. It’s just that difficult to escape. Even as they rail against their own negativity, they unknowingly perpetuate it by continuing to identify with it. If you beat yourself up for being too negative, you’re simply reinforcing the pattern, not breaking out of it.

I think most people who are stuck in this trap will remain stuck until they experience an elevation in their consciousness. They have to recognize that they’re trapped and that continuing to fight their own negativity while still identifying with it is a battle that can never be won. Think about it. If beating yourself up for being too whiny was going to work, wouldn’t it have worked a long time ago? Are you any closer to a solution for all the effort you’ve invested in this plan of attack?

Consequently, the solution I like best is to stop fighting and surrender. Instead of resisting the negativity head-on, acknowledge and accept its presence. This will actually have the effect of raising your consciousness.

Overcoming negativity

You can actually learn to embrace the negative thoughts running through your head and thereby transcend them. Allow them to be, but don’t identify with them because those thoughts are not you. Begin to interact with them like an observer.

It’s been said that the mind is like a hyperactive monkey. The more you fight with the monkey, the more hyper it becomes. So instead just relax and observe the monkey until it wears itself out.

Recognize also that this is the very reason you’re here, living out your current life as a human being. Your reason for being here is to develop your consciousness. If you’re mired in negativity, your job is to develop your consciousness to the point where you can learn to stay focused on what you want, to create positively instead of destructively. It may take you more than a lifetime to accomplish that, and that’s OK. Your life is always reflecting back to you the contents of your consciousness. If you don’t like what you’re experiencing, that’s because your skill at conscious creation remains underdeveloped. That’s not a problem though because you’re here to develop it. You’re experiencing exactly what you’re supposed to be experiencing so you can learn.

Conscious creation

If you need a few more lifetimes to work through your negativity, you’re free to take your time. Conscious creation is a big responsibility, and maybe you don’t feel ready for it yet. So until then you’re going to perpetuate the pattern of negative thinking to keep yourself away from that realization. You must admit that the idea of being the primary creator of everything in your current reality is a bit daunting. What are you going to make of your life? What if you screw up? What if you make a big mess of everything? What if you try your best and fail? Those self-doubts will keep you in a pattern of negativity as a way of avoiding that responsibility.

Unfortunately, this escapism has consequences. The only way true creators can deny responsibility for their creations is to buy into the illusion that they aren’t really creating any of it. This means you have to turn your own creative energy against yourself. You’re like a god using his powers to become powerless. You use your strength to make yourself weak.
The reason you may be stuck in a negative thought pattern right now is that at some point, you chose it. You figured the alternative of accepting full responsibility for everything in your reality would be worse. It’s too much to handle. So you turned your own thoughts against yourself to avoid that awesome responsibility. And you’ll continue to remain in a negative manifestation pattern until you’re ready to start accepting some of that responsibility back onto your plate.

Negativity needn’t be a permanent condition. You still have the freedom to choose otherwise. In practice this realization normally happens in layers of unfolding awareness. You begin to accept and embrace more and more responsibility for your life.

Assuming total responsibility

You see… the real solution to complaining is responsibility. You must say to the universe (and mean it), “I want to accept more responsibility for everything in my experience.”

Here are some examples of what I mean by accepting responsibility:

*If I’m unhappy, it’s because I’m creating it.

*If there’s a problem in the world that bothers me, I’m responsible for fixing it.

*If someone is in need, I’m responsible for helping them.

*If I want something, it’s up to me to achieve it.

*If I want certain people in my life, I must attract and invite them to be with me.

*If I don’t like my present circumstances, I must end them.

On the flip side, it may also help to take responsibility for all the good in your life. The good stuff didn’t just happen to you. You created it. Well done.

Pat yourself on the back for what you like, but don’t feel you must pretend to enjoy what you clearly don’t like. But do accept responsibility for all of it… to the extent you’re ready to do so.

Complaining is the denial of responsibility. And blame is just another way of excusing yourself from being responsible. But this denial still wields its own creative power.
Conscious creation is indeed an awesome responsibility. But in my opinion it’s the best part of being human. There’s just no substitute for creating a life of joy, even if it requires taking responsibility for all the unwanted junk you’ve manifested up to this point.

When you catch yourself complaining, stop and ask yourself if you want to continue to deny responsibility for your reality or to allow a bit more responsibility back onto your plate. Maybe you’re ready to assume more responsibility, and maybe you aren’t, but do your best to make that decision consciously. Do you want sympathy for creating what you don’t want, or do you want congratulations for creating what you do want?

If you find this site helpful, please enjoy the spirit of giving and being nice too.

Caterina writes on how to deal with negative thoughts that are holding you back. One of the ways she suggests is to stop complaining and observe your negative thoughts. Then, start accepting more responsibility for what you experience (ie, if I’m unhappy, it’s because I’m creating it) because “Complaining is the denial of responsibility. And blame is just another way of excusing yourself from being responsible.”

Clumsiness

2007-08-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

OOOOOOPPPSSS

* You suddenly become clumsy for unexplained reasons.

* You have difficulty seeing clearly.

* You have numbness, tingling or loss of feeling in your hands or feet.
What Your Symptom Is Telling You

Somewhere in all of us, a klutz lurks.

We're all clumsy to some extent. It just varies from person to person," says Robert Slater, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical neurology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia. "For the average person, a normal amount of clumsiness might be one or two awkward incidents a day. You might tip over a glass or bump into a doorway on any given day," Dr. Slater says. "On the other hand, if you bump into the doorway half the time you try to go through it or you knock the same glass over three times in a row in quick sequence, that may be cause for concern."

If you find yourself being more clumsy than you normally are, it could simply be a symptom of fatigue, premenstrual syndrome or anxiety. But it also could be a warning sign of a stroke, multiple sclerosis or a tumor.

Symptom Relief

While a sudden increase in clumsiness should be brought to the attention of your doctor, there also are a number of quick, easy remedies for those occasional times when things near you seem to go bump, crash and rattle.

Don't dwell on it. "People who notice they're clumsy invariably become more clumsy," Dr. Slater says. "In reality, they may have been this clumsy all of their lives and suddenly, for some reason, often stress or fatigue, they become more aware of it."

Take a nap. You may be a bit more clumsy because you're tired. "If you know that you've been missing sleep, and you've been fumbling things around, then the first thing to do is to get some rest," says Dr. Slater.

Take time to relax. Some people who are prone to stress or are suffering from anxiety can become more fumble-fingered, Dr. Slater says. Stress-reduction techniques such as biofeedback or meditation may help.

Tennis, anyone? Exercises requiring hand/eye coordination can improve your reflexes and make you less clumsy, says Jim Buskirk, a physical therapist at the Dizziness and Balance Center in Wilmette, Illinois. "Activities like tennis and Ping-Pong are particularly good for hand/eye coordination," he says. "Just taking a paddle with a ball on a string and bouncing that for one or two minutes twice a day can help. We also have people hold two round sticks in their hands and we put a third stick on top so it forms an H. Then we ask them to roll the sideways stick back and forth."

Imagine your worst nightmare. Imagery can help you overcome your clumsiness, says Dennis Gersten, M.D., a San Diego psychiatrist and publisher of Atlantis: The Imagery Newsletter. To try it, close your eyes and imagine that you're in a shop full of china or glass figurines. Then imagine that you're the clumsiest person in the world. In your klutziness, you stumble and fall into all sorts of precious objects. Now let go and have a good laugh because the world did not fall apart.

"Many people walk on pins and needles so they avoid some imagined catastrophe. But actually imagining the worst-case scenario often takes the bite out of that fear of klutziness," Dr. Gersten says. Practice this imagery for five to ten minutes a day.

Bring out the animal in you. Animals are another image that helps people become less clumsy. "What is the most graceful animal that you can think of? A cheetah? An eagle?" Dr. Gersten asks. "Imagine yourself as that animal. Feel yourself as that animal. Feel how every muscle in your body works together. Feel the wind in your face as you run or soar through the air in perfect balance with yourself and with nature." Practice this imagery for five to ten minutes whenever your self-esteem is low because of an episode of clumsiness.

All Natural home Remedies for Sting & spider Bites

2007-08-24T23:48:00.000-07:00

Home remedies and natural cures or medicines made at home

from natural ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, herbs are

catching a lot of attention due to its very nature of cure:

simple, no side effects, no chemicals, inexpensive, plus the

pleasure of being able to cure yourself.......

**If the person bitten/stung has abnormal swelling, or shows signs of a Serious allergic reaction, call 9-1-1!! Some people can die from bites/stings if they are not treated Immediately. !!!!!!

Insect And Spider BiteS

If you lived near a polar ice cap, you'll never worry about Mosquitoe'S,Wasps,or Spiders. For the rest of us, confrontations with these Pesky, Inevitable bugs are there.

Here are some tips to deal and treat stings:

Wasps,Bees,Bumble Bees,Yellow Jackets and Jelly Fish

1). Baking Soda for Stings
Make a paste of baking soda and water and then apply it to the wasp,hornet,bee stings.
This will soothe the sting as well as keeping the swelling down. Using a thick paste, just leave it
over the stung area for about 5 minutes and you willfind Great Relief.

If stung keep the pressure off of your foot and place the foot in warm water

2). Banana to soothe a sting
Using the inside of the banana peel placed over the area where you have been bitten is said to bring great Relief!!

3). Garlic:
Cut the garlic very small and place it on th bug bit or sting and 9 out of 10 it will be gone the next day-No Itching!!!

4). Mud:
to get effective relief from a sting ,make a mud paste(water and dirt) and put it over directly on
the sting. It will relieve the Swelling,Stinging and Redness. Once it is all dried up then you may wash it off using cool water.

5). Onion:
If you get stung by a yellow jacket,wasp,hornet) ect, cut an onion and put it Directly on top of the stung area. Instantly the sting is gone. Any type of Onion will do just fine.

Spider bites

bites, stings and swelling

2007-08-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

MILD V'S SERVER

Signs and symptoms of an insect bite result from the injection of venom or other substances into your skin. The venom triggers an allergic reaction. The severity of your reaction depends on your sensitivity to the insect venom or substance.

Most reactions to insect bites are mild, causing little more than an annoying itching or stinging sensation and mild swelling that disappear within a day or so. A delayed reaction may cause fever, hives, painful joints and swollen glands. You might experience both the immediate and the delayed reactions from the same insect bite or sting. Only a small percentage of people develop severe reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect venom. Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include facial swelling, difficulty breathing and shock.

Bites from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants are typically the most troublesome. Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and some spiders also can cause reactions, but these are generally milder.

For mild reactions:

Move to a safe area to avoid more stings.

Scrape or brush off the stinger with a straight-edged object, such as a credit card or the back of a knife. Wash the affected area with soap and water. Don't try to pull out the stinger; doing so may release more venom.

To reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice.

Apply 0.5 percent or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or a baking soda paste - with a ratio of 3 teaspoons baking soda to 1 teaspoon water - to the bite or sting several times a day until your symptoms subside.

Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol Severe Allergy) or chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin).

Allergic reactions may include mild nausea and intestinal cramps, diarrhea or swelling larger than 2 inches in diameter at the site. See your doctor promptly if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.

For severe reactions
Severe reactions may progress rapidly. Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance if the following signs or symptoms occur

1). Difficulty breathing

2). Swelling of your lips or throat

3). Faintness

4). Dizziness

5). Confusion

6). Rapid heartbeat

7). Hives

8).Nausea, cramps and vomiting

Take these actions immediately while waiting with an affected person for medical help

1). Check for special medications that the person might be carrying to treat an allergic attack, such as an auto-injector of epinephrine (for example, EpiPen). Administer the drug as directed - usually by pressing the auto-injector against the person's thigh and holding it in place for several seconds. Massage the injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption.

2). After administering epinephrine, have the person take an antihistamine pill if he or she is able to do so without choking.

3). Have the person lie still on his or her back with feet higher than the head.

4). Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give anything to drink.

5). If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking.

6). If there are no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), begin CPR.
If your doctor has prescribed an auto-injector of epinephrine, read the instructions before a problem develops and also have your household members read them.

If your doctor has prescribed an auto-injector of epinephrine, read the instructions before a problem develops and also have your household members read them.

Help Insomnia Naturally

2007-08-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

ZZZzzzZZZZZzzzzzzzz

"Now I lay me down not to sleep.

I just get tangled in the sheets.

I swim in sweat three inches deep.

I just lay back and claim defeat... Lids down,

I count sheep.

I count heartbeats. The only thing that counts is that

I won't sleep... My mind is racing, filled with lists of

things to do and things I've done.

Another sleepless night's begun..."

Who Needs Sleep?
Song By: Barenaked Ladies

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is difficulty in initiating and/or maintaining sleep. It is a term that is used often to indicate any and all stages and types of sleep loss. Insomnia is not a disorder, it is a symptom.

There are different kinds of insomnia:

Sleep Onset Insomnia (Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome):
A disorder in which the major sleep episode is delayed in relation to the desired clock time that results in symptoms of sleep onset insomnia or difficulty in awakening at the desired time.

Idiopathic Insomnia:
A lifelong inability to obtain adequate sleep that is presumably due to an abnormality of the neurological control of the sleep-wake system. The insomnia is long-standing, commonly beginning in early childhood, sometimes since birth.

Psychophysiological Insomnia:
A disorder of somatized tension (conversion of anxiety into physical symptoms) and learned sleep-preventing association that results in a complaint of insomnia and associated decreased functioning during wakefulness.

Childhood Insomnia (Limit-Setting Sleep Disorder):
Primarily a childhood disorder that is characterized by the inadequate enforcement of bedtimes by a caretaker with resultant stalling or refusal to go to bed at the appropriate time.

Another kind of insomnia that generally affects children is called Sleep-Onset Association Disorder.
This disorder occurs when sleep onset is impaired by the absence of a certain object or set of circumstances, such as being held, rocked or nursed; television watching, radio listening, etc. ( Could be true for the Peanuts cartoon character Linus and his blanket?)

Food Allergy Insomnia:
A disorder of initiating and maintaining sleep due to an allergic response to food allergens. It is typically associated with the introduction of a new food or drink, i.e., cow's milk.

Enviornmental Insomnia (Enviornmental Sleep Disorder):
A sleep disturbance due to a disturbing enviornmental factor that causes a complaint of either insomnia or excessive sleepiness. (How about the garbage man or the leaf blower early in the morning!?)

Transient Insomnia (Adjustment Sleep Disorder):
Represents sleep disturbance temporally related to acute stress, conflict or enviornmental change causing emotional agitation.

Periodic Insomnia (Non 24-Hour Sleep-Wake Syndrome):
Consists of a chronic (lasting a long time) steady pattern consisting of 1-2 hour daily delays in sleep onset and wake times in an individual living in society.

Altitude Insomnia:
An acute (short and sharp course, not chronic) insomnia usually accompanied by headaches, loss of appetite, and fatigue, that occurs following ascent to high altitudes. (Unless you are a mountain climber or a mountain goat, this kind of insomnia won't apply)

Hypnotic-Dependency Insomnia (Hypnotic-Dependent Sleep Disorder):
Characterized by insomnia or excessive sleepiness that is associated with tolerance to or withdrawal from hypnotic medications.

Stimulant-Dependent Sleep Disorder:
Charcterized by a reduction of sleepiness or suppression of sleep by central stimulants, and resultant alterations in wakefulness following drug abstinence.

Alcohol-Dependent Insomnia (Alcohol-Dependent Sleep Disorder):
Characterized by the assisted initiation of sleep onset by the sustained ingestion of alcohol that is used for its hypnotic effect.

Toxin-Induced Sleep Disorder:
Characterized by either insomnia or excessive sleepiness produced by poisoning with heavy metals or organic toxins.

How is insomnia treated?

Each case of insomnia is tailored for that particular person's needs. Methods used for treatment include behavioral modification, following good sleep hygiene practices, light therapy, and occasionally medication is prescribed for a short period of time.

"How To Cure Your Insomnia And Dramatically
Improve Your Sleep
Quickly and Easily
Without Side Effects!"

Sleep away your worries, stress and anxiety guaranteed!

Finally, get the relaxing and uninterrupted night's sleep that you deserve, guaranteed!

Wake up in a complete state of rejuvenation guaranteed!

Have a more enjoyable day filled with energy guaranteed!

Starting right now you can say goodbye to
tossing and turning and
waking up in the middle of the night.

Here is a list and short description of the very effective natural ingredients you will need to help you sleep longer and leaves you feeling So fresh in the morning.:

Sleep Enhancer:

Valerian Root -
Used for thousands of years as a remedy, tranquilizer, and sedative for disorders such as restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia; scientifically proven to be a safe and effective anti-anxiety agent and sedative. Valerian is a common ingredient which is used as a mild sedative and sleep aid for nervous tension and insomnia. There is no single active compound and that valerian's effects result from multiple constituents acting independently or synergistically.

Chamomile Flower -
has pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, and has a mild tranquilizing effect. Chamomile has been known to treat anxiety and insomnia.

Passion Flower -
the herb of choice for treating insomnia. Passion Flower is a naturally grown medicinal herb, approved by the German Commission E in the treatment of insomnia and nervousness. It is also used as a sedative in nervous disorders (including gastrointestinal complaints of nervous origin), difficulties in sleeping, and anxiety or restlessness. The sedative effect of Passion flower has made it popular for treating a variety of ailments, including nervousness and insomnia. Research had indicated that passion flower has a complex activity on the central nervous system (CNS), which is responsible for its overall tranquilizing effects. Also, it apparently has an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles within the body, including the digestive system, promoting digestion.

Melatonin -
a hormone made by a part of the brain called the pineal (say: "pin-ee-all") gland. Melatonin may help our bodies know when it's time to go to sleep and when it's time to wake up. Melatonin deficiency may cause sleep disorders, immune deficiency conditions, and depression. Melatonin has been found to alleviate sleep disorders and boost the immune system
Hops - to relieve unrest, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Hops are prescribed for nervous tension, excitability, restlessness and lack of sleep.

Lemon balm -
recommended for the treatment of insomnia, particularly in combination with the herb valerian (Amazing Insomnia Relief also has the herb valerian). Lemon balm is used medicinally for treatment of a variety of disorders including insomnia and anxiety. However, unlike prescription drugs, lemon balm doesn’t cause unpleasant side effects.

California poppy flower -
a great herbal remedy to treat sleep problems and anxiety. Has been traditionally used for treating sleeping difficulties and anxiety.

Ashwagandha -
to treat insomnia and sleeplessness. Also has therapeutic effects. the herb may have antioxidant properties.

Lavender -
used medicinally for treatment of anxiety and insomnia. There is now scientific evidence to suggest that lavender improves sleep quality and promotes relaxation. (GREAT STUFF!)

5-HTP -
Several elements of a good night's sleep appear to be influenced by 5-HTP. In addition to reducing the amount of time it takes to nod off, this compound actually may enhance the quality of sleep itself, increasing both the duration of dream states (REM sleep) and of deep slumber. In studies, most people who tried 5-HTP also reported feeling more rested upon awakening.

+White Willow Bark -to relieve pain -
The salicylic acid in White Willow Bark lowers the body's levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds that can cause aches, pain, and inflammation. While White Willow Bark takes longer to begin acting than aspirin, its effect may last longer. And, unlike aspirin, it doesn't cause stomach bleeding or other known adverse effects. White Willow Bark is typically used to relieve acute and chronic pain, including headache, back and neck pain, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps and also control arthritis.

Plus 5 Amazing Vitamins Included Also!Amazing Insomnia Relief Premium Sleep Enhancer could quite possibly be the GREATEST sleep remedy the world has ever known... are you ready to try it? Everything stated on this website is the truth especially this: You could begin to experience life-changing results the very first night!

I couldn't sleep well for a while. Now i am sleeping through the night and feeling refreshed in the morning. I am getting best results with amazing insomnia relief more than anything else."Dhyanna Gagne, Seabrook, NH

"Amazing Insomnia Relief has helped me come off of prescription sleep aids and restore a more natural cycle to my sleep. I feel well rested and generally fall asleep within 30-45 minutes. It's great!"Leo Loucas, Wantagh, NY

"I use amazing insomnia relief and it has helped my sleep disorder caused by my overnight shift. I’m able to have a more prolonged and restful sleep. Before I used to sleep no more than 3 or 4 hours straight and toss and turn but not while using this.Nilda Hernandez, Toa Baja, PR

"For the first time since 1993 I have been able to sleep while taking Amazing Insomnia Relief." Diane Turbill, St. Agnes, Australia

"It is wonderful!!! I have not found anything to compare. I strongly recommend everyone gets it. Thanks!" Gretchen Villers, Westcliffe, CO

Insomnia Articles and Links

Attention Insomniacs: Stanford group therapy program aims to put insomniacs to sleep. The Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic has launched the first group therapy program for insomnia in the U.S.A. (7/14/99)

Using Light Therapy to Treat Insomnia - University of California at San Diego Using Light Therapy to Treat Insomnia - University of California at San Diego

Trouble Sleeping? The Cause May Require Treatment - Arkansas Department of Health News

Sick & Tired of Surfing Yourself to Sleep? - Sympatico: Healthway: Counting Sheep

Sleep/Insomnia Program - Recognizing the huge numbers of people who suffer from sleep problems, this site has help for insomnia, curious insomnia cures, and sleep information resource links.

Insomnia: The Causes and Cures - Women Alive

Trouble Sleeping? Chill Out! - A press release from the journal Sleep

In Pursuit of Sleep - Experts say stick to the basics

Insomnia - Just Go to Sleep and Forget About It!

Psychopharmacology: Insomnia & Its Treatment - Healthline Magazine

Mayo Clinic Health Letter -- Overcoming Insomnia

CenterWatch Clinical Trials Listing Service - Insomnia

Symptoms of Primary Insomnia

Sleepless in Cyberspace-- This page is from Oslo, Norway for anyone who has ever found themselves unable to go to sleep at one time or another, or all the time! A short list of things to do to help you get to sleep and humorous comments about each suggestion. The page is under construction.

Topics in Primary Care - Insomnia- Short summary of what things can cause insomnia.

The Book Well - Some suggested books to read about insomnia.

41 Simple Tips to Help You Get to Sleep

41 Simple Tips to Help You Get to Sleep, including some we're quite sure you've never seen before.

They're all designed to help you deal with the tension, stress and anxiety that lead to insomnia, so that you can enjoy a good night's sleep.

Not every one of these insomnia techniques alone will get you to sleep, but a few of them at least should prove successful. Needless to say, there's no guarantee, and no attempt to provide medical advice.

With that caveat out of the way, we can only wish you good luck. And a good night's sleep.

Insomnia techniques you've probably already tried but are still worth trying again.

Tip#1. See a Doctor
Insomnia can be a symptom of physical disorders, although for most of us it's the result of tension, stress and anxiety -- and of course the more anxious we get about our insomnia, the worse it gets. If your doctor pronounces you a "healthy" insomniac, he might suggest some of the techniques provided here. Or she might prescribe drugs to help you get to sleep.

We suggest you try all these methods first, and use drugs only as a last resort. The decision, of course, is yours.

Tip#2. Take a Warm Bath
It's a great way to relax your body. Don't overdo it, however. You merely want to relax your body, not exhaust it. Too long in hot water and your body is drained of vitality.

Use bath salts, or throw in Epsom salts and baking soda -- one cup of each. These will relax
you and also help remove toxins from your body.

Tip#3. Get a Massage
Have your spouse (or whoever) give you a massage just before going to sleep. If you can convince them to give you a full body massage, great. If not, even a short backrub and/or
a face and scalp massage can be a big help. Have them make the massage strokes slow,
gentle, yet firm, to work the tension out of your muscles and soothe you to sleep.

Tip#4. Listen to Music
Play some soft, soothing music that will lull you to sleep. There are even cassettes and records designed for that very purpose. Some are specially composed music, others simply have sounds of waves rhythmically breaking, or the steady pattern of a heartbeat.

Of course if you don't have a record, cassette or CD player that will automatically turn off, we don't suggest this. If you have to get up and turn it off at the end, you've obviously lost its effect.

Tip#5. Drink Warm Milk
A glass of warm milk 15 minutes before going to bed will soothe your nervous system. Milk contains calcium, which works directly on jagged nerves to make them (and you) relax.

Tip#6. Drink Herb Tea
If you don't like milk - or are avoiding dairy products - try a cup of hot camomile, catnip, anise or fennel tea. All contain natural ingredients which will help you sleep. Most health food stores will also have special blends of herb tea designed to soothe you and help you get to sleep.

Insomnia?

Just Go To Sleep And Forget About It

Tip#7. Eat a Bedtime Snack
A small, low protein, high carbohydrate bedtime snack, such as juice and cookies, eaten about an hour before bedtime, can help you fall asleep sooner. (Pizza does not qualify.) On the other hand: Studies indicate that foods with large amounts of the amino acid L-tryptophan help us sleep better. These include warm or hot milk (but not cold milk), eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, turkey and cashews. Try both food theories, and see which works best for you.

Tip#8. It should be obvious, but some people forget that coffee is not the only drink containing caffeine. Tea (black, not herbal), chocolate and cola drinks are also high in caffeine.
Alcohol may feel like it's soothing you, but all it's doing is stupefying you. Research has shown that alcohol upsets sleep, preventing a deep rest. Same with tobacco. Avoid them all.

Tip#9. Sleep in a Well-Ventilated Room
Fresh air (we know - it's hard in the wintertime) and a room temperature between 60-65 degrees will give you the best sleeping conditions. Any warmer and you'll toss and turn from the discomfort of being too warm. Keep the thermostat down and do your temperature-adjusting inside the bed -- with more or fewer blankets.

Tip#10. Sleep on a Good Firm Bed
A firm bed will give your entire body the support it needs to really relax. It's better for your spine, too.

Tip#11. Sleep on Your Back
It's the best position for relaxing, and allows all your internal organs to rest properly. If you must sleep on your side, do it on your right side, not your left. Sleeping on the left side causes your lungs, stomach and liver to press against your heart, causing stress on an organ that most of us find quite useful.

Tip#12. Never -- ever -- sleep on your stomach. It causes pressure on all your internal organs -- including your lungs, which results in shallow breathing. It can also, as you've no doubt discovered, cause a stiff neck and upper back problems.

Tip#13. Get Some Physical Exercise During the Day
People with "mental" jobs, like office workers, have far more trouble with insomnia than do people who work physically hard all day. Even 15 minutes a day of exercise (at least half an hour before going to bed so your body will have a chance to slow down) will give your body the activity and oxygen it needs to help you relax more and sleep better.

Tip#14. Keep Regular Bedtime Hours
Your body likes regular routines, whether you do or not. It likes to know that it's going to get up at the same time each day, eat at the same times, and go to bed at the same time. Not very exciting, maybe, but comfortable. So pick a reasonable and regular time to go to bed each night. And stick to it. Even if you don't think you're tired when the time comes. Your body will appreciate it. And after a while when it feels it can rely on the routine, it will begin to repay the favor by letting you get to sleep when you want.

Tip#15. If You Can't Sleep, Get Up
Don't lie awake trying to get to sleep any longer than 30 minutes. If it goes that long, get up. Do something quiet and non-stimulating. When you feel tired again, go back to bed.

Tip#16. Don't Sleep In Get up at the same time every day, even on weekends and holidays. Once you've awakened, get up. Don't lie in bed awake, thinking about getting up. Just do it.

Tip#17. Get Up Earlier in the Morning
At least try this when you're trying to set up your new regular bedtime routine. As much as you may hate getting up one-half hour earlier (or even more) than you really have to, you'll be that much more tired at night and more apt to get to sleep. Once you and your body have the confidence that you can get to sleep when you want at night, you can go back to your preferred wake-up-in-the-morning time.

Tip#18.Keep Your Bed a Place for Sleep
Okay, and maybe for one other thing. But not for working, reading, watching television, doing crossword puzzles, or whatever else occupies you in the evening. Let your mind and body identify bed with sleeping.

TIP# 19 Avoid Naps
Sure, they're nice to do during the day, and if you couldn't sleep at night, you're grateful for any chance to sleep. But if you're really having trouble sleeping at night--and you're not a senior citizen who sleeps for small periods of time, skip naps. You'll be more tired at bedtime and more able to fall asleep.

Tip#20 Iluminated Bedroom Clocks
Try to keep your bedroom as dark as possible. An illuminated bedroom clock is a source of light that can be extremely annoying if you're having a hard time getting to sleep. If you can't replace the clock, at least block its light with something.

Of course there's the standard insomnia remedy that everyone knows (although it never worked for us)

Counting Sheep

Some insomnia techniques you probably haven't seen before

Tip #21
And, obviously -- unless you have a particularly unusual body -- your feet facing south. This aligns your body with the magnetic field of the planet, bringing your own energies into harmony with those of the Earth. Sound like a pretty bizarre theory? Try it. You'll see what a difference it makes.

Tip #22
Don't Watch TV or Read Before Going to Bed
Wait at least one-half hour (preferably longer) before going to bed after reading or watching television. We know; some people say that reading a detective story or some such escapist book helps put them to sleep. If it works for them, great. But it seldom worked for us. And it probably hasn't worked for you either.

The reason is that no matter how passively we watch television, or how innocuous the book we read is, our minds are still being stimulated. And an overstimulated mind -- along with anxiety and stress -- is what keeps us awake. It's all those thoughts in our head we have to get rid of before we can get to sleep. The last thing we need is more input into our heads from television or books.

Tip #23
Toe Wiggling
A relaxed body is essential for a sound sleep.This may sound like we're contradicting what we just said about our minds keeping us awake, but it's no contradiction. Eastern sciences (such as yoga) have known for thousands of years that the mind and body are connected (actually they're not just connected, they're one, but the idea that they're connected is sufficient for our purposes here.) So if the mind is not relaxed, the body is not relaxed. Conversely, the body has to be relaxed for the mind to be relaxed. It's a package deal.
So how do you relax your body? We've already mentioned milk, herbal teas, exercise, and avoiding caffeine. But there are techniques you can do directly with your body. Toe Wiggling is one of them.

Lie on your back (where you should be in the first place) and wiggle your toes up and down 12 times, wiggling the toes of both feet at the same time. This will relax your entire body, inside and out.

How does it work? According to the science of Reflexology -- which has been around in other cultures for thousands of years -- your feet are a kind of master control panel for the rest of your body. "Meridians" in the body -- which are those channels of energy treated by acupuncture -- end up in the feet. So the ends of those meridians in your feet connect with every organ and every part of your entire body.

When you wiggle your toes, you are stimulating -- and thus relaxing -- your entire body. (Incidentally, this is a good place to mention that you can be energized and relaxed at the same time. It's a matter of the quality of that energy. If it flows freely and smoothly, you will be relaxed. If the energy flow in your body is restricted or blocked, you will be tense. And toe wiggling helps to bring about a relaxing, free-flowing energy.)
Note: This same exercise is also great first thing in the morning before getting out of bed in order to energize the body.

Tip #24
Stomach Rub
This soothes down the digestive system and helps to bring about a deeper relaxation. An extra benefit is that it will help you to lose weight by improving the functioning of the digestive system.
Simply lie on your back and place your hand on your navel. Begin to make small circles in a clockwise direction as you gently glide your hand over your stomach. Let your circles gradually become bigger and bigger. When your circles reach the outside of your stomach, gradually reduce their size until you are back at your navel again. Then reverse the direction (to counter-clockwise) and do the same thing again. Repeat this whole series with your other hand. Do this several times.
Note: Food material moves through the colon in a clockwise direction. If you have trouble with constipation, make all your circles clockwise. If troubled by diarrhea, make all your circles counter-clockwise. Clockwise circles will alleviate the blockage, counter-clockwise circles will help solidify fecal material.

Tip #25
Progressive Relaxation
This exercise is most effective when you tape record the instructions in advance, preferably in your own voice. This way you don't have to concentrate on remembering the instructions.

We'll give you the instructions here. You tape record them, with a short pause after each sentence to allow yourself time to actually do the sensing and relaxing.

Lie on your back, close your eyes, and begin to listen to the tape.

1.Feel your feet. Feel the weight of your feet. Feel your feet relax and sink into the bed.

2.Feel your lower legs. Feel the weight of your lower legs. Feel your lower legs relax and sink into the bed.

3.Feel your knees. Feel the weight of your knees. Feel your knees relax and sink into the bed.

4.Feel your upper legs. Feel the weight of your upper legs. Feel your upper legs relax and sink into the bed.

5.Feel your hands. Feel the weight of your hands. Feel your hands relax and sink into the bed.

6.Feel your lower arms. Feel the weight of your lower arms. Feel your lower arms relax and sink into the bed.

7. Feel your elbows. Feel the weight of your elbows. Feel your elbows relax and sink into

8.Feel your upper arms. Feel the weight of your upper arms. Feel your upper arms relax and sink into the bed.

9.Feel your buttocks. Feel the weight of your buttocks. Feel your buttocks relax and sink into the bed.

10.Feel your back. Feel the weight of your back. Feel your back relax and sink into the bed.

11.Feel your pelvic and belly area. Feel the weight of your pelvic and belly area. Feel your pelvic and belly area relax and sink into the bed.

12.Feel your chest. Feel the weight of your chest. Feel your chest relax and sink into the bed.

13.Feel your shoulders. Feel the weight of your shoulders. Feel your shoulders relax and sink into the bed.

14.Feel your neck, both front and back. Feel the weight of your neck. Feel your neck relax and sink into the bed.

15.Feel your skull. Feel the weight of your skull. Feel your skull relax and sink into the bed.

16.Feel your mouth. Feel any tension in your mouth. Feel your mouth relax and any tension slide off into the bed.

17.Feel your eyes. Feel any tension in your eyes. Feel your eyes relax and any tension slide off into the bed.

18.Feel your entire face. Feel any tension in your face. Feel your face relax and let any tension slide off into the bed.

19.Mentally scan your body. If you find any place that's still tense, relax it and let it sink into the bed.

Tips #26
Deep Breathing
One of the main reasons many of us are tense is our breathing. Most people breathe very shallowly, using only the top part of their lungs. Deep Breathing allows us to use our entire lungs, providing more oxygen to our bodies, and energizing and rejuvenating every organ and cell in our bodies. It is probably the most effective and beneficial method of relaxation we've seen.

1.Lie on your back.

2.Slowly relax your body, starting with your feet and moving through every part of your body until you have reached -- and relaxed -- your face and scalp.

3.Do a quick check to see if you've missed any place. If so, relax it.

4.Slowly begin to inhale, first filling your lower belly, then your stomach area, and then your chest and the top of your lungs almost up to your shoulders. Hold for a second or two, then begin to exhale. Empty the very bottom of your lungs first, then the middle, then finally the top.

5.Continue this breathing for 4 or 5 minutes. Don't force your breathing; it's not a contest to see how much air you can take in. Just do it in a relaxed, peaceful manner.

6.After a while, imagine that you are resting on a warm, gentle ocean. The sun is shining peacefully on your body. Imagine that you rise on the gentle swells of the water as you inhale, and that you slowly descend as you exhale.

7.Continue this relaxing breathing as long as you wish (hopefully until you fall asleep).

Note: This is particularly effective when you do it after Progressive Relaxation -- if you haven't already fallen asleep!

Tip #27
Visualize Something Peaceful
Just lie there with your eyes closed and imagine you're in your very favorite, most peaceful place. It may be on a sunny beach, swinging in a hammock in the mountains or your back yard, or all alone in a cave in the Himalayas.

Wherever it is, imagine you are there. You can see your surroundings, hear the peaceful sounds, smell the fragrance of the flowers, and feel the warmth of the sun or whatever sensations are there. Just relax and enjoy it -- and drift off to sleep.

Once you've found a place that's especially peaceful and effective, you'll find that the more you use it, the more you can count on it to help you relax and get to sleep. Its comfort and familiarity will make it more and more effective.

Tip #28
Visualize Something Boring
We like this one in particular. The beauty of it is you can turn a negative into a positive. Just visualize that you are someplace that you have always found extremely boring. It could be listening to a particular teacher who was so boring that he or she almost always put you to sleep. Perhaps it's some friend or acquaintance whose incessant talk and theories put you to sleep. Maybe it's your work, maybe it's your commute each day.

Whatever it is, visualize it. And recapture that bored, tired, heavy, sleepy feeling that you always experience. Let that feeling spread through your mind and all through your body till you're filled with complete tiredness and sleepiness. It works.

Tip #29
Imagine It's Time to Get Up
This is a neat one too. Kind of a variation on the previous technique. Imagine that you're not allowed to go to sleep. Imagine that your morning alarm has gone off and it's time to get up and go to work. You know how delicious that feeling is in the morning when it's time to get up but you're so tired and your eyes are very heavy and you shouldn't do it but you just want to fall right back to sleep for a few minutes more?

Well, we find you can often bring that about just by imagining as fully and realistically as possible that it's morning, that you have to get up, put your feet on a cold floor, stagger around the house, take a cold shower, and do whatever unpleasant things you associate with getting up in the morning. The more unpleasantly you can imagine it, the more you won't want to do it. And the more you'll just want to stay in bed and sleep. Try it. You'll be surprised how tired and sleepy your mind can make your body.

Tip #30
Quiet Ears
This technique is an ancient Eastern meditation as well as a great way to fall asleep.

1.Lie on your back with your hands behind your head, fingers interlocked, and your palms cupping the back of your head. Get as relaxed as possible (This position make take a little while to get used to).

2.Place your thumbs in your ears so that you are pressing the outer flap of your ear and blocking the entrance to the ear canal.

3.Lie quietly and listen for a high-pitched sound that you will gradually hear inside your head.

4.Lie there for 10 to 15 minutes and concentrate on that sound. Then put your arms to your sides and go to sleep.

(Don't worry about all the stories of people who have ringing in their ears. This is different -- and natural.)

And some new suggestions from readers who have found these remedies useful for their own insomnia.

Tip #31
Not Thinking I have one method that never fails to put me to sleep. As long as I'm 'decently' tired, i.e., not trying to overdo it, it's bedtime, etc., I just lie down, close my eyes, and concentrate on 'not thinking'. This often becomes a competition of my strength of will versus my instinct to think. Occasionally a pinprick of an idea strikes you, but you just have to ignore it, and it always puts me to sleep in about two minutes. It's better then just lying there. "- Lance

Tip #32
Smoke Yourself to Sleep
"I've found the best thing to get me asleep is cannabis—and all the people I know who smoke it agree.' - Anonymous

Tip #33
Yawning
"Force yourself to yawn two or three times. This followed by the relaxation exercises you discuss will help signal your mind that it is time for sleep. Thanks for the good advice." - Joaquin

Tip #34
Sex—Alone or with Others
"My husband and I have another solution: sex or masturbation. That usually helps you fall asleep." -Jennifer

Tip #35
Backwards Counting / Mental Computer
"Even though I am only a kid, I still have problems falling asleep sometimes. Usually, all I have to do is count backwards from 1,000, taking a deep breath in between each number, as far as it takes to get to sleep."

Another mental exercise to use is to mentally 'type' in your worries onto a mental computer, such as 'fear', 'stress', and 'anxiety'. Then hit the delete key until the entire "screen" is blank."

I know many adults often say, 'I wish I was as carefree as a kid,' but it really isn't that easy to be a kid! Thank you so much for the suggestions!" - Anonymous

Tip #36
South, Not North
"I suggest you amend the tip on "sleeping with the head pointing North". It has long been known in India that sleeping this way is damaging to mind and body, and that burying the dead with the head pointing northward makes the body decay more quickly. The premise is that the body can be seen as a large magnet, with the head as the north pole and the feet as the south pole. Since unlike poles attract, it is best to have the feet (south pole) facing North. This results in minimal blood circulation and low activity in the brain, and therefore more restful sleep."- Ron

Tip #37
Earplugs
"How about plain old-fashioned earplugs? I finally figured out that the reason I couldn't relax into sleep was that I was being kept irritated and awake by the crickets chirping outside my window. Earplugs work! And they're inexpensive, too." - Vanessa

Tip #38
Secure Place
"A technique that I have found most useful is to envision myself in some ideal spot: a house, say, that is perfectly secure and warm while a blizzard rages outside. I picture a window next to my bed, with snow striking against it. Then I work out the layout of the house, the heating system, the surroundings; and I make them all ideal so that the idea of security and no disturbing thoughts can intrude."- Edward

Tip #39
Bedtime Routine
"It helps to develop a bedtime routine. Have a series of things that you always do when going to sleep. For example, before going to bed, feed the dog, fold laundry, check the locks. Humans are creatures of habit.
Remember the guy with the dogs? He rang a bell and they knew it was dinnertime. It's the same theory. Doing this will 'program' your body to know that it's bedtime." - Erinn

Tip #40
Hot Water Bottle
"To help you sleep after a high stress day, lie down with a hot water bottle on your stomach, close your eyes and breath deeply, so the bottle rises and falls. We carry a lot of tension there and the weighted heat releases it." - Elaine

Tip #41
Green Cows—and Other Animals of Color
"Actually, I feel a little silly passing this along since I'm up right now with, well, insomnia. But, a technique I've generally had good success with is to visualize animals in the wrong colors. For example, blue cat, green cow, red elephant, and so on. After coming up with a color/animal combination I try to actually visualize it and then I move on to the next one. Coming up with the combinations and then trying to picture the animal seems to keep my mind occupied and distracted from whatever stressful thoughts were keeping me awake and it gets boring enough that I can generally fall asleep pretty quickly. I've shared this with two coworkers with insomnia and they've reported that it helped them as well." - Candace

Good luck! Have a pleasant sleep!

Please note:

If you see a mistake, or wrong information, please E-mail: Nodmaster. We welcome your comments, suggestions, or notification of sleep related information

All Natural Hyperactivity

2007-08-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Can You Please Listen!!!!....

You're not paying attention."

Don't you know where you put your lunch money?"

"Stop fidgeting!"

"Don't interrupt."

Can you imagine what it would be like to hear people talk to you this way every single day?

If you can imagine it, or if it sounds just like what you're used to hearing, then you know what it's like to have ADHD. Those letters stand for a condition called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Kids who have ADHD are not bad, lazy, or stupid. They have a disorder that means they may have problems paying attention or sitting still in their seats. They can also act on impulse - this means doing things without thinking about them first. Kids with ADHD may spend a lot of time in the principal's office. Sometimes they do things that cause them to get hurt. They might change their friends a lot.

Who Gets ADHD?

On average, 8-10% of kids have ADHD. That means out of 100 kids, 8 to 10 of them may have ADHD. So if your school has 300 kids, 24 to 30 of them may have ADHD. Kids who have ADHD usually start having problems in preschool. Boys have ADHD more often than girls. In fact, three times as many boys have ADHD, but no one knows why.

A kid might have a greater chance of developing ADHD if one of his or her relatives already has ADHD or another type of behavior problem. But no one is sure why anyone has ADHD, although scientists and doctors think that it probably has to do with differences in the way people's brains work. No one gets ADHD on purpose, so it isn't ever anyone's fault. And ADHD isn't contagious - you can't catch it from someone like the flu.

What Are the Signs of ADHD?

ADHD can cause kids to act in different ways, depending on who has it. Most kids with ADHD have problems concentrating and paying attention. Some kids with ADHD might also have trouble sitting still in class and waiting for their turn. They might yell out the answers before other kids have a chance to raise their hands.

Sometimes they can be disorganized, distracted, or forgetful. They might lose things and have trouble finishing assignments. They may wiggle around in their seats, move around a lot, talk too much, or interrupt other people's conversations.

It's important to remember that everybody does these things once in a while. It doesn't mean you have ADHD. Checking It Out When parents and teachers suspect that a child has ADHD, the first step is to visit the doctor. He or she may then refer the kid to a specialist like a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurologist who knows about kids who have ADHD and other kinds of behavior problems. Part of the doctor's job is to check for other illnesses that look like ADHD but need different kinds of treatment.

If the Doctor Says It's ADHD

Once the doctor determines that a kid has ADHD, then the doctor, parents, and teachers begin to work together to find out the best way to help. Often this means starting one of the medicines used to treat ADHD, deciding how much medicine is needed, and when to give it. Children with ADHD usually only have to take their medicine once before school, but some may have to go to the nurse in the middle of the school day for medicine.Once the doctor determines that a kid has ADHD, then the doctor, parents, and teachers begin to work together to find out the best way to help. Often this means starting one of the medicines used to treat ADHD, deciding how much medicine is needed, and when to give it. Children with ADHD usually only have to take their medicine once before school, but some may have to go to the nurse in the middle of the school day for medicine.

But children who have ADHD need more than just medicine. They also need help learning how to change the way they act. Some kids with ADHD can learn to do this by using relaxation therapy or behavioral therapy. In relaxation therapy, counselors teach kids how to relax and stay calm by doing deep-breathing exercises and relaxing different muscle groups.

Behavioral therapy

helps kids with ADHD by teaching them to set goals for themselves and by using rewards to help them reach those goals. Teachers can give a kid with ADHD a reward for sitting still in class, for example. And parents can do the same thing at home, by rewarding their children for paying attention, completing their chores, or keeping track of their things. Kids with ADHD may need extra help learning how to do things other kids find easy.

Kids who have ADHD can become depressed or anxious. So for many kids with ADHD, the key to success is not only following the treatment plan from the doctor, but working to build good friendships with other kids, too. Many kids with ADHD find that their symptoms get better as they get older. Adults with ADHD can have happy lives, and they can be very successful in whatever they decide to do.

Studied by: Steven Dowshen, MDDate reviewed: May 2006

The Natural Solution To ADD/ADHD: Drugging Your Child Is NOT The Answer!!!

ADD/ADHD: What Is It?

There's often nothing more frustrating than seeing a child, or being an adolescent, who experiences learning problems, or LD (Learning Disorder) and ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

These children may often be out of control, over-stimulated, under-stimulated, or experience uncontrolled stimulation patterns throughout their sensorium, exhibiting behavioral patterns which are difficult to explain and which often disrupt an entire household.

Attention Deficit (and its many forms: ADD/ADHD/LD) is a dysfunction of the Central Nervous System (CNS), most specifically the Reticular Activating System, which results in difficulties of maintaining attention and concentration, learning and memory, as well as involving an inability to process and sort out incoming information or stimulus from both an child's inner (subjective) and outer (objective) worlds. It may manifest itself in undue passivity or inattentiveness, or unruly, uncontrollable, aggressive hyperactivity in an affected child.

Common Neural Processing & Behavioral Traits of an Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Child (ADD/ADHD/LD):

1: Gives up easily on tasks, assignments and self-interests.

2: Poor reality testing skills, and avoidant of reason or logic.

3: Poorly developed skills of integration, interpolation and extrapolation.

4: Poor skills of attention and concentration, unable to sustain focus of interest.

5: Difficulties in short term and long term memory acquisition and management.

6: Difficulty in making up their mind, or making choices without undue anxiety.

7: Poor planning abilities, unable to follow through consistently or complete tasks.

8: Difficulty in differentiating between competing, extraneous stimulation.

9: Easily distracted from tasks, conversations or social interactions.

10: Often over-stimulated and over-sensitized to their surroundings.

11: Poor listening skills, often interrupts others, abruptly changes topic.

12: Overly excitable, reactive and easily perseverating from one situation to another.

13: Inability to manage emotional responses, temper tantrums.

14: Easily frustrated, emotionally labile/unstable leading to immediate changeable moods and behavioral inconsistencies.

15: Often hyperactive, fidgety, overwhelmed with feelings of restlessness.

16: Inability to maintain appropriate social conduct, often disruptive in school.

17: Experiences difficulty in following instructions and guidance.

18: Impatient, continuing difficulties in delaying gratification.

19: Overly demanding, may become self-destructive and aggressive.

20: Poor sleep patterns, often not rested, angry or despondent upon rising.

If 8 or more of the above listed traits are continuously persistent in your child's behavior, then it is recommended that you see your child's pediatrician for possible ADD/ADHD diagnosis.

Attention Deficit is a limiting metabolic dysfunction of the Reticular Activating System, the center of consciousness that coordinates learning and memory, and which normally suppliesAttention Deficit is a limiting metabolic dysfunction of the Reticular Activating System, the center of consciousness that coordinates learning and memory, and which normally supplies
the appropriate neural connections necessary for smooth information processing and clear,
non-stressful attention. When neural building materials are lacking, demand for further connectivity cannot easily be fulfilled, interfering with the efficient processing of information,
and frustrating the ADD/ADHD/LD child.

In other words, neural "hardware" remains in limited production (there's not enough of it),
and supply cannot keep up with the demand (increasing stimulus or "traffic") for new neural connections within the Central Nervous System (CNS). Demands for new learning, memory,
and the management of information processing cannot be satisfied, and the insufficient "connections" result in existing neural pathways being repeatedly overworked and over stressed, often resulting in complete gridlock or shutdown so that nothing gets processed thereafter. This, most noticeably, generates frustration, bewilderment and behavioralblems in the Attention Deficit child.

The Reticular Activating System and its connections.

At the center of consciousness, attention and learning.The Reticular Activating System appears to be intimately involved in the neural mechanisms which produce consciousness and focused attention, receiving impulses from the spinal cord and relaying them to the Thalamus, and from there to the Cortex, and back again in a feedback loop to the Hippocampus/Thalamus/ Hypothalamus and participating neural structures in order for learning and memory to take place. Without continual excitation of cortical neurons by reticular activation impulses, a child is unconscious and cannot be aroused. When stimulation is enough for consciousness but not for attentiveness, ADD or LD results. If too activated, a child cannot relax or concentrate (and is over-stimulated or hyperactive) often resulting in ADHD.

How Does This Limitation Affect A Child's Perceptual Abilities?

Although Attention Deficit starts in the brain, it really involves the entire sensorium (vision, smell, touch, hearing, etc.) as well as the inner world of cognition and emotion. When deprived of the required number of neural connections needed to process the "traffic" smoothly, competition between various stimulus results. Overly competitive stimulation from multiple external and internal sources (too much visual stimulation, too much sound stimulation, too many internal feelings and emotions, etc.) can cause undue frustration, irritation, aggression and anxiety. When the limited neural network is overly taxed in this regard, it becomes unable to "tune in" or focus on some stimulation, while "tuning out," or "turning down" (attenuating) other stimulation.

This lack of ability to focus on some particular stimulus while attenuating others, creates undue "noise" in the perceptual systems within the brain. For the Attention Deficit child, this perceptual "neural-noise" is so overly noxious and continuous that it appears to be competitively assaultive, crippling any attempt to concentrate on one stimulus while attenuating others. Feelings of helplessness and anxiety are often overwhelming, forcing an Attention Deficit child to look for ways in which to survive the assaultive nature of their world.

A number of strategies are possible, but two are generally the most common and most easily documented. The first is that of an ADHD child. ADHD's are hypothesized to have ample supplies of Acetylcholine and clear, lipofuscin-free, unobstructed Cholinergic pathways, allowing them to actively compete and overwhelm the intrusive messages. Thus, an ADHD child attempts to operate at a "noisier" level (becoming intensely hyperactive), trying to "shout-down" the crowded array of competing stimulation within their brain.

ADD's and LD's are hypothesized to have low Acetylcholine levels and adverse lipofuscin populations within the Cholinergic neural pathways, making a competitive response more difficult and trying. For both an ADD and LD child, it becomes so "noisy" that it becomes necessary to shut down all processing of the senses altogether, avoiding and deflecting all stimulation. The incessant cacophony of "neural-noises" produces a powerfully competitive "numbing," almost hypnotic agent, and an ADHD child simply "gives up" to the competitively powerful undifferentiated "white-neural-noise" being generated by their sensorium because the neural-thresholds of the sensorium have over-fired and can no longer be sustained. Thus, unlike another child (children), the ADD and LD child simply "shut-down" and "tune-out," producing high Theta and/or Alpha brain waves (see brain maps below).

Depression and Natural Cures

2007-08-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Cures & Symptoms & Causes of Depression

An introduction to Depression

In any given 1-year period, 9.5 percent of the population, or about 20.9 million American
adults, suffer from a depressive illness5 .The economic cost for this disorder is high, but
the cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder,
but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can destroy family life as well
as the life of the ill person. But much of this suffering is unnecessary.

Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although the great majority
even those whose depression is extremely severe can be helped. Thanks to years of fruitful research, there are now medications and psychosocial therapies such as cognitive/behavioral, "talk" or interpersonal that ease the pain of depression.

Unfortunately, many people do not recognize that depression is a treatable illness. If you feel that you or someone you care about is one of the many undiagnosed depressed people in this country, the information presented here may help you take the steps that may save your own
or someone else's life.

What is Depression?

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts.
It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and
the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a
passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be
willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull
themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for
weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people
who suffer from depression.

Symptoms of Depression.

Depression Symptoms - Mania
Symptoms

Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom.
Some people experience a few symptoms, some many.
Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.

Some of the most recognized symptoms of depression include a profound feeling of
sadness or loss of interest. You may be surprised to learn that people with depression
often experience a broad range of other symptoms. In general, if you've been
experiencing some combination of the following emotional or physical symptoms
for more than two weeks, and it clearly interferes with your life,

Discuss Your concerns with your doctor:

Sadness throughout the day, nearly every day

Fatigue or lack of energy

Loss of interest in or enjoyment of
your favorite activities

Sleeping too much or to little

Feeling of worthlessness

Change in appetite or weight

Excessive or inappropriate feelings
of guilt

Sleeping too much or to little

Aches and pains

Thoughts of death or suicide

Restlessness

Trouble making decisions

Don't let this list of symptoms scare you.

Treatments and therapies are available to
help with the symptoms of depression.

Causes of
Depression

There's no simple explanation why people experience depression. It's a complex disease
that may develop for a variety of reasons. It can affect anyone at any age, regardless of
gender, race, ethnicity, or income level.

Some people become depressed after a major life change — the death of a loved one,
a divorce, the loss of a job or a move. Even seemingly happy events, such as becoming
a parent or getting married, can trigger depression. Or, even a smaller change can
sometimes trigger depression.

Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can
be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar disorder. Studies of families in which
members of each generation develop bipolar disorder found that those with the illness
have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the
reverse is not true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes vulnerability
to bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently additional factors, possibly stresses
at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset.

In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation after generation.
However, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain
structures or brain function.

People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world
with pessimism or who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are prone to depression.
Whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness
is not clear.

In recent years, researchers have shown that physical changes in the body can be
accompanied by mental changes as well. Medical illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack,
cancer, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal disorders can cause depressive illness,
making the sick person apathetic and unwilling to care for his or her physical needs,
thus prolonging the recovery period. Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship, financial
problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can trigger
a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder. Later episodes of illness typically are precipitated by only mild stresses, or none at all.

Depression in Women

Women experience depression about twice as often as men.1 Many hormonal factors
may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women particularly such factors
as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause,
and menopause. Many women also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both
at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children and for aging parents.

A recent NIMH study showed that in the case of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS),
women with a preexisting vulnerability to PMS experienced relief from mood and physical symptoms when their sex hormones were suppressed. Shortly after the hormones were
re-introduced, they again developed symptoms of PMS. Women without a history of PMS reported no effects of the hormonal manipulation.6,7

Many women are also particularly vulnerable after the birth of a baby. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as the added responsibility of a new life, can be factors that lead
to postpartum depression in some women. While transient "blues" are common in new
mothers, a full-blown depressive episode is not a normal occurrence and requires active intervention. Treatment by a sympathetic physician and the family's emotional support for
the new mother are prime considerations in aiding her to recover her physical and mental
well-being and her ability to care for and enjoy the infant.

Depression in Men

Although men are less likely to suffer from depression than women, 6 million men in the United States are affected by the illness. Men are less likely to admit to depression, and doctors are less likely to suspect it. The rate of suicide in men is four times that of women, though more women attempt it. In fact, after age 70, the rate of men's suicide rises, reaching a peak after age 85.

Depression can also affect the physical health in men differently from women. A new study shows that, although depression is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in both men and women, only men suffer a high death rate.2

Men's depression is often masked by alcohol or drugs, or by the socially acceptable habit of working excessively long hours. Depression typically shows up in men not as feeling hopeless and helpless, but as being irritable, angry, and discouraged; hence, depression may be difficult to recognize as such in men. Even if a man realizes that he is depressed, he may be less willing than a woman to seek help. Encouragement and support from concerned family members can make a difference. In the workplace, employee assistance professionals or worksite mental health programs can be of assistance in helping men understand and accept depression as a real illness that needs treatment.

Depression in the Elderly

Some people have the mistaken idea that it is normal for the elderly to feel depressed. On the contrary, most older people feel satisfied with their lives. Sometimes, though, when depression develops, it may be dismissed as a normal part of aging. Depression in the elderly, undiagnosed and untreated, causes needless suffering for the family and for the individual who could otherwise live a fruitful life. When he or she does go to the doctor, the symptoms described are usually physical, for the older person is often reluctant to discuss feelings of hopelessness, sadness, loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, or extremely prolonged grief after a loss.

Recognizing how depressive symptoms in older people are often missed, many health care professionals are learning to identify and treat the underlying depression. They recognize that some symptoms may be side effects of medication the older person is taking for a physical problem, or they may be caused by a co-occurring illness. If a diagnosis of depression is made, treatment with medication and/or psychotherapy will help the depressed person return to a happier, more fulfilling life. Recent research suggests that brief psychotherapy (talk therapies that help a person in day-to-day relationships or in learning to counter the distorted negative thinking that commonly accompanies depression) is effective in reducing symptoms in short-term depression in older persons who are medically ill. Psychotherapy is also useful in older patients who cannot or will not take medication. Efficacy studies show that late-life depression can be treated with psychotherapy.4

Improved recognition and treatment of depression in late life will make those years more enjoyable and fulfilling for the depressed elderly person, the family, and caretakers.

Depression In Our Children

Only in the past two decades has depression in children been taken very seriously. The depressed child may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that the parent may die. Older children may sulk, get into trouble at school, be negative, grouchy, and feel misunderstood. Because normal behaviors vary from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell whether a child is just going through a temporary "phase" or is suffering from depression. Sometimes the parents become worried about how the child's behavior has changed, or a teacher mentions that "your child doesn't seem to be himself." In such a case, if a visit to the child's pediatrician rules out physical symptoms, the doctor will probably suggest that the child be evaluated, preferably by a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of children. If treatment is needed, the doctor may suggest that another therapist, usually a social worker or a psychologist, provide therapy while the psychiatrist will oversee medication if it is needed. Parents should not be afraid to ask questions: What are the therapist's qualifications? What kind of therapy will the child have? Will the family as a whole participate in therapy? Will my child's therapy include an antidepressant? If so, what might the side effects be?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has identified the use of medications for depression in children as an important area for research. The NIMH-supported Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPPs) form a network of seven research sites where clinical studies on the effects of medications for mental disorders can be conducted in children and adolescents. Among the medications being studied are antidepressants, some of which have been found to be effective in treating children with depression, if properly monitored by the child's physician.8

Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment

The first step to getting appropriate treatment for depression is a physical examination by a physician. Certain medications as well as some medical conditions such as a viral infection can cause the same symptoms as depression, and the physician should rule out these possibilities through examination, interview, and lab tests. If a physical cause for the depression is ruled out, a psychological evaluation should be done, by the physician or by referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

A good diagnostic evaluation will include a complete history of symptoms, i.e., when they started, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, whether the patient had them before and, if so, whether the symptoms were treated and what treatment was given. The doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and if the patient has thoughts about death or suicide. Further, a history should include questions about whether other family members have had a depressive illness and, if treated, what treatments they may have received and which were effective.

Last, a diagnostic evaluation should include a mental status examination to determine if speech or thought patterns or memory have been affected, as sometimes happens in the case of a depressive or manic-depressive illness.

Treatment choice will depend on the outcome of the evaluation. There are a variety of antidepressant medications and psychotherapies that can be used to treat depressive disorders. Some people with milder forms may do well with psychotherapy alone. People with moderate to severe depression most often benefit from antidepressants. Most do best with combined treatment: medication to gain relatively quick symptom relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life's problems, including depression. Depending on the patient's diagnosis and severity of symptoms, the therapist may prescribe medication and/or one of the several forms of psychotherapy that have proven effective for depression.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is useful, particularly for individuals whose depression is severe or life threatening or who cannot take antidepressant medication.3 ECT often is effective in cases where antidepressant medications do not provide sufficient relief of symptoms. In recent years, ECT has been much improved. A muscle relaxant is given before treatment, which is done under brief anesthesia. Electrodes are placed at precise locations on the head to deliver electrical impulses. The stimulation causes a brief (about 30 seconds) seizure within the brain. The person receiving ECT does not consciously experience the electrical stimulus. For full therapeutic benefit, at least several sessions of ECT, typically given at the rate of three per week, are required.

Medications

There are several types of antidepressant medications used to treat depressive disorders. These include newer medications chiefly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) the tricyclics, and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The SSRIs and other newer medications that affect neurotransmitters such as dopamine or norepinephrine generally have fewer side effects than tricyclics. Sometimes the doctor will try a variety of antidepressants before finding the most effective medication or combination of medications. Sometimes the dosage must be increased to be effective. Although some improvements may be seen in the first few weeks, antidepressant medications must be taken regularly for 3 to 4 weeks (in some cases, as many as 8 weeks) before the full therapeutic effect occurs.

Patients often are tempted to stop medication too soon. They may feel better and think they no longer need the medication. Or they may think the medication isn't helping at all. It is important to keep taking medication until it has a chance to work, though side effects (see section on Side Effects on page 13) may appear before antidepressant activity does. Once the individual is feeling better, it is important to continue the medication for at least 4 to 9 months to prevent a recurrence of the depression. Some medications must be stopped gradually to give the body time to adjust. Never stop taking an antidepressant without consulting the doctor for instructions on how to safely discontinue the medication. For individuals with bipolar disorder or chronic major depression, medication may have to be maintained indefinitely.

Antidepressant drugs are not habit-forming. However, as is the case with any type of medication prescribed for more than a few days, antidepressants have to be carefully monitored to see if the correct dosage is being given. The doctor will check the dosage and its effectiveness regularly.

For the small number of people for whom MAO inhibitors are the best treatment, it is necessary to avoid certain foods that contain high levels of tyramine, such as many cheeses, wines, and pickles, as well as medications such as decongestants. The interaction of tyramine with MAOIs can bring on a hypertensive crisis, a sharp increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. The doctor should furnish a complete list of prohibited foods that the patient should carry at all times. Other forms of antidepressants require no food restrictions.

Medications of any kind prescribed, over-the counter, or borrowed should never be mixed without consulting the doctor. Other health professionals who may prescribe a drug such as a dentist or other medical specialist should be told of the medications the patient is taking. Some drugs, although safe when taken alone can, if taken with others, cause severe and dangerous side effects. Some drugs, like alcohol or street drugs, may reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants and should be avoided. This includes wine, beer, and hard liquor. Some people who have not had a problem with alcohol use may be permitted by their doctor to use a modest amount of alcohol while taking one of the newer antidepressants.

Antianxiety drugs or sedatives are not antidepressants. They are sometimes prescribed along with antidepressants; however, they are not effective when taken alone for a depressive disorder. Stimulants, such as amphetamines, are not effective antidepressants, but they are used occasionally under close supervision in medically ill depressed patients.

Questions about any antidepressant prescribed, or problems that may be related to the medication, should be discussed with the doctor.

Lithium has for many years been the treatment of choice for bipolar disorder, as it can be effective in smoothing out the mood swings common to this disorder. Its use must be carefully monitored, as the range between an effective dose and a toxic one is small. If a person has preexisting thyroid, kidney, or heart disorders or epilepsy, lithium may not be recommended. Fortunately, other medications have been found to be of benefit in controlling mood swings. Among these are two mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants, carbamazepine (Tegretol®) and valproate (Depakote®). Both of these medications have gained wide acceptance in clinical practice, and valproate has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for first-line treatment of acute mania. Other anticonvulsants that are being used now include lamotrigine (Lamictal®) and gabapentin (Neurontin®): their role in the treatment hierarchy of bipolar disorder remains under study.

Most people who have bipolar disorder take more than one medication including, along with lithium and/or an anticonvulsant, a medication for accompanying agitation, anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Finding the best possible combination of these medications is of utmost importance to the patient and requires close monitoring by the physician.

Side EFffects

Antidepressants may cause mild and, usually, temporary side effects (sometimes referred to as adverse effects) in some people. Typically these are annoying, but not serious. However, any unusual reactions or side effects or those that interfere with functioning should be reported to the doctor immediately. The most common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants, and ways to deal with them, are:

* Dry mouthit is helpful to drink sips of water; chew sugarless gum; clean teeth daily.

* Constipation bran cereals, prunes, fruit, and vegetables should be in the diet.

* Bladder problems emptying the bladder may be troublesome, and the urine stream may not be as strong as usual; the doctor should be notified if there is marked difficulty or pain.

* Sexual problems sexual functioning may change; if worrisome, it should be discussed with the doctor.

* Blurred vision this will pass soon and will not usually necessitate new glasses.

* Dizziness rising from the bed or chair slowly is helpful.

* Drowsiness as a daytime problem this usually passes soon. A person feeling drowsy or sedated should not drive or operate heavy equipment. The more sedating antidepressants are generally taken at bedtime to help sleep and minimize daytime drowsiness.

The newer antidepressants have different types
of side effects:

* Headache this will usually go away.

* Nausea this is also temporary, but even when it occurs, it is transient after each dose.

* Nervousness and insomnia (trouble falling asleep or waking often during the night) these may occur during the first few weeks; dosage reductions or time will usually resolve them.

* Agitation (feeling jittery) if this happens for the first time after the drug is taken and is more than transient, the doctor should be notified.

* Sexual problems the doctor should be consulted if the problem is persistent or worrisome.

Herbal Therapy
for Depression

Some risk factors for depression include:

In the past few years, much interest has risen in the use of herbs in the treatment of both depression and anxiety. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), an herb used extensively in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in Europe, has recently aroused interest in the United States. St. John's wort, an attractive bushy, low-growing plant covered with yellow flowers in summer, has been used for centuries in many folk and herbal remedies. Today in Germany, Hypericum is used in the treatment of depression more than any other antidepressant. However, the scientific studies that have been conducted on its use have been short-term and have used several different doses.

Because of the widespread interest in St. John's wort, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a 3-year study, sponsored by three NIH components the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the Office of Dietary Supplements. The study was designed to include 336 patients with major depression of moderate severity, randomly assigned to an 8-week trial with one-third of patients receiving a uniform dose of St. John's wort, another third sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression, and the final third a placebo (a pill that looks exactly like the SSRI and the St. John's wort, but has no active ingredients). The study participants who responded positively were followed for an additional 18 weeks. At the end of the first phase of the study, participants were measured on two scales, one for depression and one for overall functioning. There was no significant difference in rate of response for depression, but the scale for overall functioning was better for the antidepressant than for either St. John's wort or placebo. While this study did not support the use of St. John's wort in the treatment of major depression, ongoing NIH-supported research is examining a possible role for St. John's wort in the treatment of milder forms of depression.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a Public Health Advisory on February 10, 2000. It stated that St. John's wort appears to affect an important metabolic pathway that is used by many drugs prescribed to treat conditions such as AIDS, heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers, and rejection of transplants. Therefore, health care providers should alert their patients about these potential drug interactions.

Some other herbal supplements frequently used that have not been evaluated in large-scale clinical trials are ephedra, gingko biloba, echinacea, and ginseng. Any herbal supplement should be taken only after consultation with the doctor or other health care provider.

Psychotherapies

Many forms of psychotherapy, including some short-term (10-20 week) therapies, can help depressed individuals. "Talking" therapies help patients gain insight into and resolve their problems through verbal exchange with the therapist, sometimes combined with "homework" assignments between sessions. "Behavioral" therapists help patients learn how to obtain more satisfaction and rewards through their own actions and how to unlearn the behavioral patterns that contribute to or result from their depression.

Two of the short-term psychotherapies that research has shown helpful for some forms of depression are interpersonal and cognitive/behavioral therapies. Interpersonal therapists focus on the patient's disturbed personal relationships that both cause and exacerbate (or increase) the depression. Cognitive/behavioral therapists help patients change the negative styles of thinking and behaving often associated with depression.

Psychodynamic therapies, which are sometimes used to treat depressed persons, focus on resolving the patient's conflicted feelings. These therapies are often reserved until the depressive symptoms are significantly improved. In general, severe depressive illnesses, particularly those that are recurrent, will require medication (or ECT under special conditions) along with, or preceding, psychotherapy for the best outcome.

How to Help Yourself
if Your Are Depressed

Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime:

* Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.

* Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.

* Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.

* Participate in activities that may make you feel better.

* Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.

* Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.

* It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition change jobs, get married or divorced discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.

* People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.

* Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.

How Family and Friends Can Help
the Depressed Person

The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until symptoms begin to abate (several weeks), or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person to the doctor. It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person is taking medication.
The depressed person should be encouraged to obey the doctor's orders about the use of alcoholic products while on medication. The second most important thing is to offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope.
Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the depressed person's therapist. Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies, and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs diversion and company, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure.

Do not accuse the depressed person of faking illness or of laziness, or expect him or her "to snap out of it." Eventually, with treatment, most people do get better. Keep that in mind, and keep reassuring the depressed person that, with time and help, he or she will feel better.

Where To Get Help

If unsure where to go for help, check the Yellow Pages under "mental health," "health," "social services," "suicide prevention," "crisis intervention services," "hotlines," "hospitals," or "physicians" for phone numbers and addresses. In times of crisis, the emergency room doctor at a hospital may be able to provide temporary help for an emotional problem, and will be able to tell you where and how to get further help.

Listed below are the types of people and places that will make a referral to, or provide, diagnostic and treatment services.

* Family doctors

* Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors

* Health maintenance organizations

* Community mental health centers

* Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics

* University- or medical school-affiliated programs

* State hospital outpatient clinics

* Family service, social agencies, or clergy

* Private clinics and facilities

* Employee assistance programs

* Local medical and/or psychiatric societies

For More Information

Depression Information and Organizations
from NLM's MedlinePlus (en Español)

References
1 Blehar MD, Oren DA. Gender differences in depression. Medscape Women's Health, 1997;2:3. Revised from: Women's increased vulnerability to mood disorders: Integrating psychobiology and epidemiology. Depression, 1995;3:3-12.

2 Ferketick AK, Schwartzbaum JA, Frid DJ, Moeschberger ML. Depression as an antecedent to heart disease among women and men in the NHANES I study. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2000; 160(9): 1261-8.

3 Frank E, Karp JF, Rush AJ (1993). Efficacy of treatments for major depression. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 1993; 29:457-75.

4 Lebowitz BD, Pearson JL, Schneider LS, Reynolds CF, Alexopoulos GS, Bruce MI, Conwell Y, Katz IR, Meyers BS, Morrison MF, Mossey J, Niederehe G, Parmelee P. Diagnosis and treatment of depression in late life: consensus statement update. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1997; 278:1186-90.

5 Robins LN, Regier DA (Eds). Psychiatric Disorders in America, The Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study, 1990; New York: The Free Press.

6 Rubinow DR, Schmidt PJ, Roca CA. Estrogen-serotonin interactions: Implications for affective regulation. Biological Psychiatry, 1998; 44(9):839-50.

7 Schmidt PJ, Neiman LK, Danaceau MA, Adams LF, Rubinow DR. Differential behavioral effects of gonadal steroids in women with and in those without premenstrual syndrome. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1998; 338:209-16.

8 Vitiello B, Jensen P. Medication development and testing in children and adolescents. Archives of General Psychiatry, 1997; 54:871-6.

This brochure is a new version of the 1994 edition of Plain Talk About Depression and was written by Margaret Strock, Public Information and Communications Branch, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Expert assistance was provided by Raymond DePaulo, MD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Ellen Frank, MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Jerrold F. Rosenbaum, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital; Matthew V. Rudorfer, MD, and Clarissa K. Wittenberg, NIMH staff members. Lisa D. Alberts, NIMH staff member, provided editorial assistance.

Updated: 09/13/2006

Alternative Approaches to Depression and Mental Health
By the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Self-Help for Depression

Diet and Nutrition

Spiritual Counseling

Animal Assisted Therapies

Expressive Therapies:

Art Therapy; Dance/Movement Therapy; Music/Sound Therapy
Culturally Based Healing Arts:

Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Yoga/Meditation, Native American Traditional Practices, Cuentos
Relaxation/Stress Reduction:

Biofeedback, Massage Therapy, Guided Imagery/Visualization
Technology-Based Applications:

Telemedicine, Telephone Counseling, Electronic Communications, Radio Psychiatry
Where can I find more information?

What are alternative approaches to mental health care?
An alternative approach to mental health care is one that emphasizes the interrelationship between mind, body, and spirit. Although some alternative approaches have a long history, many remain controversial.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health was created in 1992 to help evaluate alternative methods of treatment and to integrate those that are effective into mainstream health care practice. It is crucial, however, to consult with your health care providers about the approaches you are using to achieve mental wellness.

Self-help
Many people with mental illnesses find that self-help groups are an invaluable resource for recovery and for empowerment. Self-help generally refers to groups or meetings that:
Involve people who have similar needs
Are facilitated by a consumer, survivor, or other layperson;
Assist people to deal with a "life-disrupting" event, such as a death, abuse, serious accident, addiction, or diagnosis of a physical, emotional, or mental disability, for oneself or a relative;
Are operated on an informal, free-of-charge, and nonprofit basis;
Provide support and education; and
Are voluntary, anonymous, and confidential.

Diet and Nutrition
Adjusting both diet and nutrition may help some people with mental illnesses manage their symptoms and promote recovery. For example, research suggests that eliminating milk and wheat products can reduce the severity of symptoms for some people who have schizophrenia and some children with autism. Similarly, some holistic/natural physicians use herbal treatments, B-complex vitamins, riboflavin, magnesium, and thiamine to treat anxiety, autism, depression, drug-induced psychoses, and hyperactivity.

Pastoral Counseling
Some people prefer to seek help for mental health problems from their pastor, rabbi, or priest, rather than from therapists who are not affiliated with a religious community. Counselors working within traditional faith communities increasingly are recognizing the need to incorporate psychotherapy and/or medication, along with prayer and spirituality, to effectively help some people with mental disorders.

Animal Assisted Therapies
Working with an animal (or animals) under the guidance of a health care professional may benefit some people with mental illness by facilitating positive changes, such as increased empathy and enhanced socialization skills. Animals can be used as part of group therapy programs to encourage communication and increase the ability to focus. Developing self-esteem and reducing loneliness and anxiety are just some potential benefits of individual-animal therapy (Delta Society, 2002).
The Health Benifits of Pets

Expressive Therapies
Art Therapy: Drawing, painting, and sculpting help many people to reconcile inner conflicts, release deeply repressed emotions, and foster self-awareness, as well as personal growth. Some mental health providers use art therapy as both a diagnostic tool and as a way to help treat disorders such as depression, abuse-related trauma, and schizophrenia. You may be able to find a therapist in your area who has received special training and certification in art therapy.
Dance/Movement Therapy: Some people find that their spirits soar when they let their feet fly. Others-particularly those who prefer more structure or who feel they have "two left feet"-gain the same sense of release and inner peace from the Eastern martial arts, such as Aikido and Tai Chi. Those who are recovering from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse may find these techniques especially helpful for gaining a sense of ease with their own bodies. The underlying premise to dance/movement therapy is that it can help a person integrate the emotional, physical, and cognitive facets of "self."

Music/Sound Therapy:
It is no coincidence that many people turn on soothing music to relax or snazzy tunes to help feel upbeat. Research suggests that music stimulates the body's natural "feel good" chemicals (opiates and endorphins). This stimulation results in improved blood flow, blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing, and posture changes. Music or sound therapy has been used to treat disorders such as stress, grief, depression, schizophrenia, and autism in children, and to diagnose mental health needs.

Culturally Based Healing Arts
Traditional Oriental medicine (such as acupuncture, shiatsu, and reiki), Indian systems of health care (such as Ayurveda and yoga), and Native American healing practices (such as the Sweat Lodge and Talking Circles) all incorporate the beliefs that:
Wellness is a state of balance between the spiritual, physical, and mental/emotional "selves."
An imbalance of forces within the body is the cause of illness.
Herbal/natural remedies, combined with sound nutrition, exercise, and meditation/prayer, will correct this imbalance.

Acupuncture:
The Chinese practice of inserting needles into the body at specific points manipulates the body's flow of energy to balance the endocrine system. This manipulation regulates functions such as heart rate, body temperature, and respiration, as well as sleep patterns and emotional changes. Acupuncture has been used in clinics to assist people with substance abuse disorders through detoxification; to relieve stress and anxiety; to treat attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children; to reduce symptoms of depression; and to help people with physical ailments.

Ayurveda:
Ayurvedic medicine is described as "knowledge of how to live." It incorporates an individualized regimen—such as diet, meditation, herbal preparations, or other techniques—to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, to facilitate lifestyle changes, and to teach people how to release stress and tension through yoga or transcendental meditation.

Yoga/meditation:
Practitioners of this ancient Indian system of health care use breathing exercises, posture, stretches, and meditation to balance the body's energy centers. Yoga is used in combination with other treatment for depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.

Native American traditional practices:
Ceremonial dances, chants, and cleansing rituals are part of Indian Health Service programs to heal depression, stress, trauma (including those related to physical and sexual abuse), and substance abuse.

Cuentos:
Based on folktales, this form of therapy originated in Puerto Rico. The stories used contain healing themes and models of behavior such as self-transformation and endurance through adversity. Cuentos is used primarily to help Hispanic children recover from depression and other mental health problems related to leaving one's homeland and living in a foreign culture.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction Techniques
Biofeedback:
Learning to control muscle tension and "involuntary" body functioning, such as heart rate and skin temperature, can be a path to mastering one's fears. It is used in combination with, or as an alternative to, medication to treat disorders such as anxiety, panic, and phobias. For example, a person can learn to "retrain" his or her breathing habits in stressful situations to induce relaxation and decrease hyperventilation. Some preliminary research indicates it may offer an additional tool for treating schizophrenia and depression.

Guided Imagery or Visualization:
This process involves going into a state of deep relaxation and creating a mental image of recovery and wellness. Physicians, nurses, and mental health providers occasionally use this approach to treat alcohol and drug addictions, depression, panic disorders, phobias, and stress.

Massage therapy:
The underlying principle of this approach is that rubbing, kneading, brushing, and tapping a person's muscles can help release tension and pent emotions. It has been used to treat trauma-related depression and stress. A highly unregulated industry, certification for massage therapy varies widely from State to State. Some States have strict guidelines, while others have none.

Technology-Based Applications
The boom in electronic tools at home and in the office makes access to mental health information just a telephone call or a "mouse click" away. Technology is also making treatment more widely available in once-isolated areas.

Telemedicine:
Plugging into video and computer technology is a relatively new innovation in health care. It allows both consumers and providers in remote or rural areas to gain access to mental health or specialty expertise. Telemedicine can enable consulting providers to speak to and observe patients directly. It also can be used in education and training programs for generalist clinicians.

Telephone counseling:
Active listening skills are a hallmark of telephone counselors. These also provide information and referral to interested callers. For many people telephone counseling often is a first step to receiving in-depth mental health care. Research shows that such counseling from specially trained mental health providers reaches many people who otherwise might not get the help they need. Before calling, be sure to check the telephone number for service fees; a 900 area code means you will be billed for the call, an 800 or 888 area code means the call is toll-free.

Electronic communications:
Technologies such as the Internet, bulletin boards, and electronic mail lists provide access directly to consumers and the public on a wide range of information. On-line consumer groups can exchange information, experiences, and views on mental health, treatment systems, alternative medicine, and other related topics.

Radio psychiatry:
Another relative newcomer to therapy, radio psychiatry was first introduced in the United States in 1976. Radio psychiatrists and psychologists provide advice, information, and referrals in response to a variety of mental health questions from callers. The American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association have issued ethical guidelines for the role of psychiatrists and psychologists on radio shows.

This fact sheet does not cover every alternative approach to mental health. A range of other alternative approaches—psychodrama, hypnotherapy, recreational, and Outward Bound-type nature programs—offer opportunities to explore mental wellness. Before jumping into any alternative therapy, learn as much as you can about it. In addition to talking with your health care practitioner, you may want to visit your local library, book store, health food store, or holistic health care clinic for more information. Also, before receiving services, check to be sure the provider is properly certified by an appropriate accrediting agency.

Where can I find more information?

American Art Therapy Association, Inc.1202 Allanson RoadMundelein, IL 60060-3808Telephone: 847-949-6064/888-290-0878Fax: 847-566-4580E-mail: info@arttherapy.org www.arttherapy.org

American Association of Pastoral Counselors9504-A Lee HighwayFairfax, VA 22031-2303Telephone: 703-385-6967Fax: 703-352-7725E-mail: info@aapc.org www.aapc.org

American Chiropractic Association1701 Clarendon BoulevardArlington, VA 22209Telephone: 800-986-4636Fax: 703-243-2593www.amerchiro.org

American Dance Therapy Association2000 Century Plaza, Suite 10810632 Little Patuxent ParkwayColumbia, MD 21044Telephone: 410-997-4040Fax: 410-997-4048E-mail: info@adta.org www.adta.org

American Music Therapy Association8455 Colesville Rd, Suite 1000Silver Spring, MD 20910Telephone: 301-589-3300Fax: 301-589-5175E-mail: info@musictherapy.org www.musictherapy.org

American Association of Oriental Medicine5530 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1210Chevy Chase, MD 20815Telephone: 888-500-7999Fax: 301-986-9313E-mail: info@aaom.org www.aaom.org

The Delta Society580 Naches Avenue SW, Suite 101Renton, WA 98055-2297Telephone: 425-226-7357Fax: 425-235-1076E-mail: info@deltasociety.org www.deltasociety.org

National Empowerment Center599 Canal StreetLawrence, MA 01840Telephone: 800-769-3728Fax: 508-681-6426www.power2u.org

National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse1211 Chestnut Street, Suite 1207Philadelphia, PA 19107Telephone: 800-553-4539Fax: 215-636-6312E-mail: info@mhselfhelp.org www

These are Some risk factors for depression that may trigger the Depression:

# Let your family and friends help you.

# A family history of depression

# Death or illness of a loved one

# Stressful conflicts, such as fights with family members or disputes at work

# Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse

#Major life events, such as moving, graduating from college,
changing jobs, getting married or divorced, becoming a new parent,
or retiring

# Financial difficulties

It is important to seek help if you think you are depressed.

All Natural Toothache Remedies

2007-08-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

On the Registry of Pain

Toothache is right up there with listening to a 5,000 kazoo concert or clobbering your thumb with a hammer. It's the kind of pain that makes you want to yowl.

Most toothaches are due to bacteria and decay that have penetrated the tissue at the tooth's center, according to Kenneth H. Burrell, D.D.S., director of the American Dental Association's Council on Dental Therapeutics in Chicago. The subsequent inflammation causes pressure, which causes pain. These bacteria can also create localized areas of infection, called abscesses, at the root tip. Both situations can produce a deep, sharp throbbing sensation and extreme sensitivity. (If it's just a sharp "burst" of pain that quickly vanishes, you probably have sensitive teeth rather than a toothache.) In addition, gum disease, failed restorative work, tooth fractures--even sinus infections and heart ailments--can produce intermittent bursts or a constant stabbing pain that'll drive you up the wall.

This long day's journey into excruciation can easily be avoided by practicing a daily routine of brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist twice a year. But that probably doesn't mean too much if your molar is already beating like a bass drum. When the pain is on the march, you'll soon be marching to the dentist. But in the meantime, here are a few things you can do to grin and bear it.

Rinse with warm salt water.
Hot or cold water will only aggravate an already sensitive tooth, but swishing some
warm salt water will relieve a lot of the pain, says William P. Maher, D.D.S., assistant
professor of endodontics at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.
Just mix two to three teaspoons of salt in a glass of water.
The salt draws out some of the fluids causing the swelling and has a general soothing effect.
The saltwater rinse also cleans the areas around the infected tooth.
Even unsalted lukewarm water (about body temperature) can flush out an irritating piece
of rotting food and provide some relief.

Take an analgesic.
"Anything you would take for a headache you can take for a toothache,
" says Dr. Burrell. That old standby, aspirin, works wonders to tame toothache pain
and inflammation. If you have adverse reactions to aspirin, try ibuprofen (Advil or Nuprin). lbuprofen has even more anti-inflammatory power, and it's gentler to the stomach than aspirin.
If you do use aspirin, never put it directly on a tooth or gum, warns Dr. Burrell.
It will only produce a painful acid burn. Also, don't give aspirin to children because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Find relief in the freezer.
"Ice will shut down some of the superficial nerves,
" says Thomas Lundeen, D.M.D., co-director of the Clinical Pain Program at the
University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
It is particularly helpful with bruises or other traumatic injuries to the tooth or mouth,
since ice can greatly reduce swelling. But don't apply ice directly to a tooth:
Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel outside the mouth.

Try some oil of cloves.
Eugenol (oil of cloves) is available over the counter and provides exceptional temporary relief, especially for toothaches that are temperature-sensitive. Such pain is usually due to problems of the pulp, the tooth center, says Martin Trope, D.M.D., chairman of the Department of Endodontology at Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia. Most drugstores sell eugenol toothache kits. You can even mix liquid eugenol with zinc oxide to create your own temporary fillings for painful cavities. A few drops on the tooth surface or in a cavity or crack should do the job until you can get to the dentist.

Numb it with benzocaine.
"Benzocaine is a local, over-the-counter anesthetic that works well if there is a large cavity or damage to the tooth surface," says Dr. Maher. "It numbs things. The closer you can get it to the pulp, the better it works."

Several easy-to-apply, brand-name oral gels and ointments contain this numbing agent. Dab the gel on the entire tooth surface and surrounding gum with your finger or a cotton swab. If you have a visible cavity, try to get the gel inside the cavity area.

Don't get all heated up.
Keep heat away from your teeth, warns Dr. Trope. In fact, avoid both temperature extremes. Very cold or hot drinks may increase the pain when they hit your nerve endings. Extremely salty or sugary foods and drinks can have the same effect, he adds.

Use some more ice on your hand.
Here's a neat trick developed by pain researcher Ronald Melzack, Ph.D., of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Rub a piece of ice on the V-shaped area between your thumb and forefinger for five to seven minutes, until that area goes numb.
This treatment significantly eases tooth pain by sending impulses along the same pathways that toothache pain travels. The impulses close the gate on incoming pain messages--in effect, shutting off the ache.

You may want to exercise ... or not.
"Most people with a throbbing toothache just want to sit still--and that is probably best," says Dr. Lundeen. "On the other hand, physical activity, especially of the aerobic type, may produce enough endorphins (the body's natural pain relievers) that the pain will be greatly reduced.
" If you can, try a brisk walk or jog.
But don't force yourself to keep going if the pain gets worse.

Breathe deeply--and listen up. "
Soothing music and deep breathing bring about a relaxed state, which can help alleviate some toothache pain," says Dr. Lundeen. Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle have discovered that slow rhythmic music effectively reduces your awareness of much acute pain, including dental pain, by distracting your attention and generating pleasant moods and images. So sit back, turn on the stereo, and let the dulcet tones of your favorite crooner chase away your toothache blues.

Put out that cigarette!!!!!!.

"Tobacco is associated with a great number of dental and oral problems
and can really irritate sensitive gums," says Dr. Lundeen.
"Snuff and chewing tobacco are especially damaging."
Tobacco stimulates adrenaline, which sensitizes us to pain.
And the nicotine in tobacco blocks endorphins.

When to See the Doctor

Make an appointment
with your dentist as soon as you feel a toothache--and keep that appointment,
no matter what.

"If you have a toothache and the pain goes away, you should not assume you are cured,
" says William P. Maher, D.D.S., assistant professor of endodontics at the University of
Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Have your teeth checked by a dentist.
"The condition could actually worsen with no outward symptoms at all."

The problem is that the pulp can go dead even while the bacteria are still very active. The bacteria may be working under the crown, but after the pain dissipates, "you wouldn't even know it, because your early warning system has been removed," says Dr. Maher. But unless you have the underlying problem taken care of, you may risk losing the tooth.

A Natural Remedy for Gingivitis, Toothaches, and Mouth Sores

Everyone has a variety of bacteria in their mouth. Some have more than others. This bacterium helps you by beginning the digestive process.

Excess bacteria in your mouth have now been found to cause more than tooth decay, gingivitis or gum disease. So, you need to know, even though you might not have gingivitis, how to control these plaque-building bacteria in your mouth.

Bacteria that create gingivitis live in your plaque and cause your gums to inflame, bleed, and separate from your teeth. You can also have bad breath when you have gingivitis. In more severe cases, your gums become sore, teeth hurt, gums recede, and teeth loosen.

To stop the inflammation and gum separation use this
natural remedy to kill some of these bacteria and strengthen
your gums in your mouth.

Here are the herbs and the formula you will need to make a remedy for a mild case of gingivitis:

2 parts white oak bark herb – powder
1 part myrrh gum herb – power or granules
3/4 part Peppermint leaves converted to powder
½ part anise herb – power or seeds
1/8 part clove - powder

If herbs and leaves are not in powder form, grind them in a coffee grinder. Use this formula to make as much powder as you want.

Place the mixture into a small container. I usually use a small unused vitamin bottle.

I usually mix a small amount and use a tablespoon as my measuring tool. For example, 2 tablespoons of white oak, 1 tablespoon of myrrh gum, ¾ tablespoon of peppermint leaves, and so on. The measurements do not have to be so precise.

How to use it:

To control bacteria in your mouth, use this power once a week. If you have gingivitis, you can use this 3 times a day. Place some powder on your toothbrush and brush your teeth and gums. After brushing spit out, a few times, the saliva and residue powder. Don't rinse out your mouth since you want to keep the active herb powders in your mouth. You can swallow any that remains in your mouth with no problem.

This powder combination is bitter, but quite powerful and will get the job done. You can add more peppermint powder to make it less bitter, if you like.

For severe cases of gingivitis and toothaches, you can also moist some powder with distilled water and then place the paste all along the your teeth and gums – front and back. Leave the paste in your mouth as long as you can. Don't worry about the herbs getting in between your teeth. This remedy works.

My wife was scheduled for a root canal last year and a few weeks before her tooth started paining and couldn't sleep. So I made this remedy. She just placed the powers around the painful area. It wasn't long before the pain stopped and she was able to go to sleep.

There have been other clients that have used this remedy for a month and successfully avoided having the dentist apply gingivitis treatment. In cases of severe gingivitis, go see your dentist and at the same time use this remedy.

ALL Natural Remedies to taking care of Your Teeth

* Rinsing the mouth with a decoction of mint, or chewing parsley leaves
can inprove breath.
* Cleaning your teeth twice a day, in the morning and evening.
* For toothache apply some drops of cinnamon or clove oil to the base of the aching tooth.
* Ice is also a good remedy. Try to compress the affected area with some ice.
Mantaining the proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing toothaches
* Til Oil gargling is good for jaws, depth of voice and great taste for food.
By doing this type of gargling A person should never get cracked lips, bad odour, sore throat
and a toothache.
* Green vegetables and fruits like grapes, lemon, oranges, promegranates should be included in you diet.
* The Tongue should be also cleaned on a daily basis when brushing your teeth.
* The twig of neem or babool can be used for cleaning the teeth.
* Consuming ginger, lemon juice, will help improve the digestive system and improves bad breath.

Enjoy Your Healthy and Beautiful SMILE

Toothaches

2007-08-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

Make Your Tooth Ache Vanish With These Magic Home Remedies

Sharp, throbbing pains and extremely painful toothaches can present themselves completely unannounced. Most of the time the cause for this alarming pain is some form of tooth decay caused by a medical condition, poor mouth and dental hygiene or a fractured or otherwise
damaged tooth, as most people will experience this pain at some point in their lives, it is handy be aware of some toothache remedies.

Cleaning your teeth and gums properly is obviously the key to prevent toothache pains. Home remedies for toothaches will help you stop the excruciating pain and can see you through till you are able to visit your dentist. Every person cleans their teeth, using a tooth brush, in a different way. Dentists recommend brushing the teeth with small circular motions, gently brushing the gums as well. Doing this twice a day will prevent toothaches, and can help relieve milder toothaches.

Causes of Toothaches

A faulty diet, high in sugar and refined foods, along with the consumption of fizzy drinks (usually high in sugar) is the greatest threat to our teeth. Mouth bacteria break sugars down into different types of acids. These acids will attack the enamel on your teeth, causing decay and erosion of the protective layer on the tooth. This is the reason why it can take a long time before you notice that your teeth are in danger. The enamel is broken down slowly, this process can literally take years, after which an excruciating pain will let you know that your tooth is deteriorating.

Easing toothache pain will be your first priority as soon as this pain hits you.
Unfortunately, but understandably, lots of people who suffer from toothaches start taking lots of painkillers to be able to ease the toothache pain.

Fortunately there are more ways than one to relief toothache pain, and most of these remedies happen to be simple home remedies. Curing toothaches is usually a task for your dentist, but a lot can be done to relieve yourself of the pain. Some recommendable toothache pain remedies that really work can be applied with items and substances that can generally be found in any kitchen.

How to Avoid Toothache?

Vitamin C, helps to maintain both bones and teeth, kills bacteria and prevents decay. Lime is known for its high vitamin C content and prevents teeth from decaying and gums from loosening around the teeth (caused by a high sugar level in the mouth). If you start adding lime juice to a glass of water every day, this can cure toothaches and help prevent them.

Reducing your intake of sugars, and snacking less in between meals, will help your teeth to stay strong. Gargling with lime juice if you have a very painful toothache is an excellent home remedy.

Of course, the best way to deal with a toothache is to avoid one. Toothache pain relief can be very successful but if treatment comes too late a tooth may be lost. Consult your dentist if you start experiencing pains and watch your diet. Armoured with these toothache remedies, you will be well equipped should you ever suffer from one.

Remedies for the aches of the Mouth

1.) Using vanilla extract works fine for a toothe ache,but if you have almond extract this works even better, vanilla extract has 35% alcohol verses 37% for the almond extract believe me the add'l 2% does make a difference.

2.) Clean a cavity out with a toothpick then pack it with some cotton soaked in clove oil.

3.) Whiskey works great however Wild Turkey works better (more alcohol)

4.) If you have a throbbing tooth ache, try this.
get a bowl of water big enough for your hand, and fill it half with water and 2 handfulls of ice. Place the hand from the opposite side of the body from where the tooth is located, into the ice water. In other words, if the tooth pain is on your left side place your right hand in the ice water. With the other hand, gently massage the V-shaped area between the thumb and index finger while the hand is under water. YES...it sounds strange. It works. I had an abscessed tooth that had to get a root canal. It happened over the weekend. When My hand hit the ice water the throbbing stopped instantly.

5.) GARGLE WITH AN ALCOHOL BASED MOUTHWASH IT WILL KILL THE PAIN QUICKLY REPEAT AS OFTEN AS NEEDED...

6.) Rinse your mouth out with hydrogen peroxide. This will kill the infection.

7.) This may sound a little far fetched but try reflexology, it worked for me when nothing else did. On your fingers and toes find the sensitive spots on your joints and massage the pain out. It takes awhile to get all of the sensitive spots out but it works!

8.) Cut a piece of fresh onion and place it on the side of your mouth where the tooth ache is coming from. It works almost immediately. And if you begin to feel a little pain again, just very slightly bite into the onion, just enough to let some juice escape. This works great for tooth aches that keep you awake at night or from doing work during the day.

9.) Keep the mouth and sore area well cleansed with saltwater.

10.) Ccrushed fresh garlic clove worked wonders .
'Allicin' is the substance that garlic releases when crushed, and seems to have some pretty good effect on pain. But be very careful, it does burn... and from what I hear, too much can be worse than the tooth ache in the long run. apply to effected tooth and slowly subsides.

11.) Putting anbesol on your aching toothe. It'll cut out some of the pain. I had to get some
I had to get some sleep so I took a shot of Nyquil to help me (figuring it had some pain killer and something to help me sleep). The pain went away within 2 minutes and I slept all night

12.) Place an ice pack on the cheek next to the sore spot for toothaches caused by infection.

13.) Take a teabag put it in water and put in microwave for less than a min. Put teabag on tooth. Doesn't taste good but it helps.

14.) Rub the palm of your hand with ice to relieve a tooth ache.

15.) Rinse the mouth with some alcohol, such as vodka, to kill any infection.

16.) Put about 8-10 aspirin in a bowl and crush them with a kitchen tool. Add about 6 ounces of filtered water, and a little salt because it was kind of bitter. Heat it in the microwave until it is very warm. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and placed the cotton ball in your mouth, in the dry socket. In about 5 minutes, You should be completely out of pain again!! Actually, the pain will go from about a 10 to about a 1 or 2. You'll stay pain free all day long by reheating the solution and applying a fresh cotton ball several more times- especially after eating and drinking. [I originally tried swishing the solution gently in my mouth, but that gave my whole mouth a terrible chalky feeling that lasted several hours. That's when I switched to applying it directly with a cotton ball.]

17.) Oregano oil diluted 10% one drop where it hurts or one on each tooth.Taste bad but works like a charm.

18.) I use peppermint oil (like you use for hard rock candy) on my toothache. It clears my sinusis to .

19.) Combine these two toothpastes: Crest whitening plus scope & Crest cavity protection. Brush teeth with combined toothpastes. Sensitivity for me was greatly diminished; I could drink water as hot and as cold as it would come out of my faucet without pain, while before I couldn't stand drinking anything that wasn't 98 +- 10 degrees F. It wears off after about 4 hours.

20.) Okay I had a terrible toothache and nothing worked. Orajel, Salt water, listerine etc. nothing. So i went into the bathroom and tried this: Take 2 rags heated one up pretty hot and the other one pretty cold, hold the hot one on your gum near the tooth, then swap to cold then to hot and keep repeating. I tried this and the pain wasn't completly gone but felt way better.

21.) get green onions and chop off the end of course and cut it just below where it leafs out and put it to your tooth that hurts. Bite down and suck out the juices. It hurts but it works

22.) Slice a raw onion and put the slice on the affected area of gum or on affected tooth.Who knew, what 8 Advil and a bottle of Orajel couldn't touch, 1 slice of onion fixed almost instantly!

23.) Boil 3-4 guava tree leaves in water and wait till it becomes luke warm. Make mouth full of this and wait for couple of seconds. Repeat this and this will relieve the tooth ache.

24.) PURE IBOUPRFIN take about 12-1500 miligrams be sure to eat some bread and drink milk because it is bad for your stomach . But I promise it will work althouth this is only tempoary about 2-3 days then your body will probly become imune if you still cant afford a dental visit try 2 tylnol and 2 advil at the same time people keep in mind these are desperate measures for desperate times and you should not make a habit of these doses!!

25.) FOR TOOTHACHE, RUB ICE ON THE BACK OF YOUR HAND BETWEEN YOUR THUMB AND INDEX FINGER.

26.) For a bad tooth ache, warm up some water (not to hot, your going to rinse your mouth with it) add 1 teaspoon of salt (yes, table salt you want this to be salty) stir, swish the mixture around your mouth and teeth, gargle & with in seconds your pain will go away.

27.) Fill a bag or bottle with warm water and press against the sore area.

28.) ALL you need is a bath rag,sugar,rubber band, and some water.Get the rag and lay it open and put a heaping tablespoon of sugar in the center of it.Then put the rubber band around the rag to hold the sugar in place.After doing that Run some warm water over it (enough to get it wet or enough to dampen it) then place the rag in your mouth where the tooth is.May seem strange be it truly works.

29.)Take two Midol and two tylenol...pain was gone in a few minutes!! you can take midol too! It wont hurt you!

30.) Tiger Balm, that strong-smelling oriental ointment that comes in a red tin decorated with a tiger is really effective for instant relief of toothache. Just put some on a cotton ball and place it directly on the painful tooth or rub a little bit straight on the cavity, make sure not to swallow it.

31.) Activated charcoal helps to draw out the infection. You can buy activated charcoal at most any health food store. Take about a tablespoon and mix it in with a little water,mix to a paste consistency. Smear it on a small piece of gauze,and place it directly upon the hurting tooth and the pain will stop shortly.

32.)