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Sunday, January 25, 2009

Herbal remedy for Abscesses and Boils

Boils are infected, pus-filled swellings in the skin. Most of the times we can find such boils in the moist areas like the armpits and also on the back of the neck. Such infections generally start as tender red colored swellings, and with time the area becomes firm and hard. In due course, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with pus forming a head. This can be either surgically opened or spontaneously drain out through the surface of the skin.

Boils are of different kinds. A carbuncle is formed when several boils merge to form a single deep abscess with several heads or drainage points. A furuncle can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills. A Cystic acne is formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Such acne affects deeper skin tissue and is mostly seen on the face and typically occurs in the teenage years. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the armpits and often in the groin area. This form of skin infection is difficult to treat with antibiotics alone and typically requires a surgical procedure. Pilonidal cyst is a unique kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. Pilonidal cysts often begin as tiny areas of infection in the base of the area of skin from which hair grows (the hair follicle). With irritation from direct pressure, over time the inflamed area enlarges to become a firm, painful, tender nodule making it difficult to sit without discomfort. These frequently form after long trips that involve prolonged sitting.

Most simple boils can be treated at home. The primary treatment for most boils is heat application, usually with hot soaks or hot packs. Heat application increases the circulation to the area and allows the body to better fight off the infection by bringing antibodies and white blood cells to the site of infection. As long as the boil is small and firm, opening the area and draining the boil is not helpful, even if the area is painful. However, once the boil becomes soft or "forms a head", it can be ready to drain. Most small boils, such as those that form around hairs, drain on their own with soaking. On occasion, and especially with larger boils, the larger boil will need to be drained or "lanced" by a health-care practitioner. Frequently, these larger boils contain several pockets of pus that must be opened and drained.

Antibiotics are often used to eliminate the accompanying bacterial infection. Especially if there is an infection of the surrounding skin, the doctor often prescribes antibiotics. However, antibiotics are not needed in every situation. In fact, antibiotics have difficulty penetrating the outer wall of an abscess well and often will not cure an abscess without additional surgical drainage.

There are some measures that you can take to prevent boils from forming. The regular use of antibacterial soaps can help to prevent bacteria from building up on the skin. This can reduce the chance for the hair follicles to become infected and prevent the formation of boils. In some situations, your health-care practitioner may recommend special cleansers to reduce the bacteria on the skin. When the hair follicles on the back of the arms or around the thighs are continually inflamed, regular use of an abrasive brush (loofah brush) in the shower can be used break up oil plugs and build up around hair follicles.

Pilonidal cysts can be prevented by avoiding continued direct pressure or irritation of the buttock area when a local hair follicle becomes inflamed. At that point, regular soap and hot water cleaning and drying can be helpful.

For acne antibiotics may be required on a long-term basis to prevent recurrent abscess formation. As mentioned above, surgical resection of sweat glands in the involved skin may be necessary.

Herbal remedy Amnesia

Amnesia more commonly known as the loss of memory is a condition in which memory is disturbed. This is a very common disease seen across people of different age groups and locations. The causes of amnesia can be organic or functional. Organic reasons might include damage to the brain through trauma or disease, or use of certain sedative drugs. Functional causes can be psychological factors -such as defense mechanisms. Amnesia may also be spontaneous, for example transient global amnesia. This global type of amnesia is more common in middle-aged to elderly people, particularly males, and usually lasts for less than 24 hours. Another effect of amnesia is the inability to imagine the future.

There are two forms of amnesia- the Anterograde amnesia and the Retrograde amnesia. In case of anterograde amnesia, new events contained in the immediate memory are not transferred to the permanent as long-term memory. As a result, the patient will not be in a position to remember anything for more than a brief period following the event. Retrograde amnesia is the inability to recall some memory or memories of the past, beyond ordinary forgetfulness. Both categories of amnesia can occur together in the same patient, and commonly result from drug effects or damage to the brain regions most closely associated with episodic/declarative memory: the medial temporal lobes and especially the hippocampus. We also have cases where patients suffer from verbal amnesia in which a patient forgets words or names. A few symptoms of amnesia are mild headache, inability to concentrate, intolerance to noise and so on.

The best precaution to tackle this disease is take sufficient rest and sleep. Also, practicing relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation will definitely help. You can also try taking dried thyme leaved gratiola, almonds, pepper ground in water, strained and sweetened with sugar on empty stomach daily for a fortnight. For poor memory caused by brain weakness, you can start eating soaked almonds rubbed into a paste along with sandalwood and butter. Even inhaling 10-15 drops of almond oil through the nose is beneficial. For mental irritability and lack of memory, apple with milk and honey acts as nerve tonic. For brain weakness, eat walnut with figs or raisins everyday. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation. Take sufficient rest and sleep

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Herbal remedy for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or the ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus that is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. GER is also called acid regurgitation, because digestive juices—called acids—rise up with the food. This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. This can also be due to incompetence of the cardia, transient cardia relaxation, or a hiatus hernia. GER can lead to Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which is a complicated form of the disease.

Heartburn is the major symptom of acid in the esophagus, characterized by burning discomfort behind the breastbone (sternum). Factors like obesity, pregnancy, and smoking also adds to such acid refluxes. Sometimes, certain food items also can be dangerous enough to worsen the symptoms.

To avoid acid reflux, one of the simple ways will be to be careful while eating. Avoid food items like: citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks with caffeine or alcohol, fatty and fried foods, garlic and onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods, tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, salsa, chili, and pizza. Sometimes, changing life style might also help. Actions such as stop smoking, loosing weight if needed, eating small, frequent meals wearing loose-fitting clothes etc helps in tackling acid reflux.

Medically, antacids such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Riopan, are usually the first drugs recommended to relieve heartburn and other mild GER symptoms. Foaming agents, such as Gaviscon, also works by covering your stomach contents with foam to prevent reflux. Aid like Prokinetics help strengthen the LES and make the stomach empty faster. This group includes bethanechol (Urecholine) and metoclopramide (Reglan). Metoclopramide also improves muscle action in the digestive tract. Prokinetics have frequent side effects that limit their usefulness—fatigue, sleepiness, depression, anxiety, and problems with physical movement. But a word of caution here -If the syndrome continues for more than a week than it is time to see your health care provider.

Herbal Remedies For Cancer and Tumours

Cancers and Tumors are considered as the most killer disease all over the world. This disease manifests in the uncontrolled growth of cells. The growth division takes place beyond limits and it is this uncontrolled growth that ultimately leads to the disastrous and fatal diseases of cancer and tumor. This growth sometimes spread over to other areas as well, known as metastasis. This happens through the lymph or blood. The accumulated tissues intrude into other areas destructing the live tissues in those places.

The three malignant properties of cancer, namely the uncontrolled growth, invasion and metastasis create different kinds of cancer. The intensities of these three factors distinguish the cancers and tumors from benign tumors. Benign tumors will have only restricted growth or self limited growth; they do not invade to adjacent cells and also will not spread over to other areas. Most of the cancers cause tumors, except for some types of cancer like leukemia.

Modern medical treatments and surgical procedures can help in reducing the severe pain caused by the cancerous growth. But the success of getting cure mostly will be less than 10%. There are many herbal remedies for cancer and tumor. All these herbal remedies for cancer and tumor try to control or reduce the cell divisions. Also there are many herbal remedies which are used as palliative care medicines to control or eliminate the pain developed due to cancer and tumors.

  • Taxanes which are widely used for prostate cancer and breast cancer is a herbal remedy made of yew trees.
  • Vinca alkaloids are very effective in controlling the malignant properties of cancer cells, for example these alkaloids work effectively against malignant lymphomas. Periwinkle plant is a good source of Vinac alkaloids.
  • Chinese Happy (Camptotheca) trees are good sources for herbal remedies for cancer and tumor. The anti cancer drugs like irinotecan, 9-Aminocamptothecin and topotecan are made out of these trees.
  • The herbal materials derived from an ornamental plant giving red flowers, Rangoon Creeper, are found to have anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties.
  • Red root sage also has proven properties as an anti cancerous drug.
  • The extracts of African potato (Hypoxis Rooperi) contain sterolins and sterols are found to be very effective in the treatment of prostrate cancer.
  • A Chinese herb known as Oldenlandia is used widely in the treatment of colon, esophageal and stomach cancer. This herb increases phagocytosis by lymphocytes and also activates body organs to counter the tumor growth.

In China itself it is believed that more than 76 varieties of herbal plants are available which have very good cancer curing properties. The substances derived from all these types of herbal plants used for cancer treatment contain ingredients which can suppress tumor growth, uncontrolled division of the cells and also it is proved that these herbal remedies for cancer and tumor have very effective anti-tumor features. All these are without any side effects and hence these can be used very safely with many assured benefits and also are least expensive. .

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Herbal Remedy - Burns

There will not be anyone who has not undergone the irritations of burns at any time in the life. It is a common problem with the human kind all over the world. For mild burns, mostly no medicines are required. It will cure itself by the natural healing power. Medium sized burns require attention and few first aids together with home based or herbal remedies later will work fine for the healing of the burns. Serious burn injuries can be fatal if not treated properly. The fatality depends on the percentage of the burns as well as the parts where the burns have occurred. Herbal remedies for burns can be successfully applied for mild and medium level burns and they can be used as the first aid to the severe burn injuries before rushing to a hospital.

Have you ever got a skin burn? It is really painful and irritating. The constant burning sensation can make you weary. Apart from this, it can cause discoloration of the skin area, chapping of the skin and blistering. Mild burn injuries can cause burn or a feeling of tingle for a few hours and medium burns can be painful and irritating for some days. Burns can be caused mostly by accidents, especially in kitchen, worksites or by sunburn. UV lights and tanning lights can also cause burn injuries mildly to persons coming into direct contact with these sources.

There are many medications, especially oils and creams, that are available in the market to treat the burns related skin problems. But firstly all these are very expensive and secondly we generally do not stock them in the house as they are not essentially required very often. Then when burns occur, you will be left with only option of home based herbal remedies for burns. This article provides some simple herbal remedies for burns.



* Sandalwood paste is an effective herbal remedy for burns. You can grind a small piece of sandalwood and make as a liquid paste and apply over the burnt skin portion. The cooling effect of the sandal will soothe the skin area and the burning sensation will be reduced.
* Cotton ash paste is a home based herbal remedy for burns. Take some ash of burnt cotton and mix with olive oil. Apply this mix to the affected skin portions. This will give immediate relief from the burning feeling and cure the burn injuries within few hours to days.
* Aloe vera paste has proven effect in the treatment of burns. This can also be used as a protective cream for avoiding the sunbath.
* Boil a small quantity (say a handful) of fresh or dried comfrey leaves grinded in two cups of Jojoba or Almond oil. This prepared oil is found to be very good in avoiding the bad effects of skin burns.



Herbal remedies for burns are all time tested and well proven. They are free of any side effects such as skin allergies. So, if a burn injury occurs, it is always advisable to treat it with home based herbal remedies for burns.

Herbal Remedy Anemia (Children)

Anemia is one of the most common blood disorders. It occurs when the level of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body becomes too low. Anemia can cause a variety of complications, including fatigue and stress on bodily organs. If your child has anemia, the first symptoms might be mild skin paleness, and decreased pinkness of the lips and nailbeds. These changes happen gradually, though, so they may be difficult to notice. Other common signs of anemia include: irritability, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat. Depending on what's causing the anemia, symptoms may also include jaundice (yellow-tinged skin), a yellowing of the whites of the eyes, an enlarged spleen, and dark tea-colored urine. In infants and preschool children, iron deficiency anemia can result in developmental delays and behavioral disturbances, such as decreased motor activity and problems with social interaction and attention to tasks. Recent research indicates that developmental problems may persist into and beyond school age if the iron deficiency is not properly treated. Anemia can be diagnosed by blood smear examination, iron tests, hemoglobin electrophoresis, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, reticulocyte count.

To prevent Anemia, give your child plenty of vitamin C as it increases the child’s ability to absorb the iron. Vitamin C rich foods include broccoli, green peppers, and citrus fruits. Also, making the child eat dry fruit is also a good idea, as they contain concentrated minerals such as iron. Especially dry fruits like apricots, figs, and raisins are of immense help. Other iron rich items such as beans, almonds, and whole grain products also help. It is also a good idea to cook food in a cast iron skillet to increase the iron content of foods, especially when cooking acid rich foods, such as tomatoes.

Monday, January 19, 2009

History of henna

From Ancient times, Mehndi play an important role for creating beautiful painting, designs on hands and feets. This is practiced in various states of India and also in Africa and Middle East. Henna plant is accepted as to bring love, good fortune and to protect against evil. Mehndi is a temporary art done on the body with henna. Henna powder is prepared from a plant actually it is a bush called as Lawsonia inermis, commonly found in the Middle East and other areas where the climate is hot and dry. Actually, Mehndi is traditionally practiced for Marriage ceremonies or for some functions of religious joyous celebration. The art of Mehndi has been a long-standing tradition from many ancient cultures it can be said as the tradition is long lasting from about 5,000 years, but is most known today for its history in India. Today, it is still used in religious and ritualistic ceremonies in India; also it has gained importance and appreciation in other countries as a beautiful art to be appreciated at any time. So now, it the time to say, what exactly is Mehndi?


Henna is used for lots many things such as hair falling, dandruff for conditioning, heat rash relief, and skin conditioner. The upper level of leaves of the plant is best for Mehndi, while the lower level of the plant is used for the other purposes. Henna paste is what is made to apply henna art designs.

In European countries and Polynesian culture of permanent tattoo covered the way for henna design. As henna designs are of temporary nature, the permanent tattoo has mood of the situation. The benefits of henna designs are that they can be removed at any time, being temporary in nature.

Swiss herbal remedies

appleTake a look at Swiss Apple myth and simple recipe. Apples have been linked with Switzerland.

A small story: Once upon a time in Switzerland there is William (or Wilhelm) Tell is the Swiss national hero of freedom, and his story is well-known worldwide. In the 14th century, the legend goes, the local bailiff, Gessler, rudely put his hat on a pole and insisted that everyone should bow to it and salute it with respect. Tell refused, and Gessler forced him to shoot an apple off his son’s head as a sentence or punishment. Tell, a superb character, hit the apple and his son stayed alive; but he had geared up another one arrow for his crossbow. If he had killed his son, he would have killed Gessler at his next shoot.

Swiss Herbal's philosophy was born in the 50’s. Swiss continue to provide an exclusive line of premium quality natural source vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. Swiss Herbal arrogantly supports (CCNM) the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Nov, 99 was the opening of CCNM's new campus in Toronto. Swiss Herbal Remedies one of Women’s Health Centre is a leading edge facility of Swiss and is an important part of this new facility. This leading edge facility will be devoted to the understanding and healing of health concerns specific to women.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Hypnotheray For Phobias


Our hypnotherapy for phobias and NLP treatment can release you from the control your phobia has over you by communicating with your subconscious enabling you to be calm and relaxed instead of fearful and panicked.

Quitmaster UK employ the most upto date techniques in eliminating phobias and have helped numerous people free

themselves and get the most out of life. Contact us for more information on how we can help you.

What is a Phobia?

A phobia is an irrational, excessive and persistent fear of some thing or situation in which an excessive fear is perceived in the absence of real danger. A fear is a legitimate worry, a survival instinct which warns you that a certain action or thing might harm you.


The initial cause of phobias can usually be traced back to an initial sensitizing event where a biological response has become associated at an unconscious level with a particular trigger or stimulus, usually as the result of some emotionally charged event. When you are re-presented with the trigger, for example, seeing a snake, the associated response is triggered, most commonly resulting in feelings of anxiety, fear and panic.

There are 5 main types of phobia; simple, complex, social, panic attacks, and agoraphobia. A simple phobia is a fear of a single stimulus such as fear of heights, whereas a complex phobia is a fear of a number of stimuli.There are 5 main types of phobia; simple, complex, social, panic attacks, and Agoraphobia. In fear of flying, for example, the person may be afraid of crashing, being enclosed in the plane, losing self control etc. Those with Social Phobias are afraid of what might occur when in the company of other people, for example, fear of blushing and forgetting what you are about to say, etc. Panic attacks can be a quite terrifying but are very common and appear to mainly affect people who normally give the impression of being confident and dependable. Those that suffer with Agoraphobia experience increasing nervousness the further they travel from their own home sometimes not venturing from home at all.

A phobia can make one's life miserable, cause embarrassment, and undermine self-confidence and self-esteem. Some people therefore attempt to conceal their phobia from other people and so can often feel very alone in their debilitating fear. These people become very conscious that there is no cure for their phobia and that they must ‘learn to live with it’. Although there isn’t a pill you can take, there is something that can cure your phobia.

How Can Hypnotherapy and NLP Help?

The basic feature of any phobia is a conflict between conscious and unconscious processes. Since Hypnotherapy and NLP are the most direct way into the subconscious, it stands to reason that they can become the instrument of alleviating the irrational fear. Hypnotherapy and NLP helps you to come to an internal understanding and acceptance of how the phobia may once have served a useful purpose but now has become an unnecessary behaviour pattern.

The objective of hypnotherapy is to discover the cause(s), communicate with these unconscious processes and desensitize you from the fear so that you react to them in a calmer fashion when encountering it in the future. Attempting to deal with a phobia at a conscious level is often totally ineffective because phobias happen automatically below the level of conscious awareness. In fact many people are already aware of the cause, or trigger of their phobia, and no matter how much they attempt to consciously control and rationalise it, they still experience them.

Hypnotherapy can and will help if you want to live a life free of unnecessary fears.

Some Common Phobias

Achluophobia Fear of darkness
Agliophobia Fear of pain
Androphobia

Fear of men

Arachnophobia Fear of spiders
Atychiphobia Fear of failure
Aviophobia Fear of flying
Brontophobia Fear of thunder and lightening (storms)
Chiraptophobia Fear of being touched
Coulrophobia Fear of clowns
Decidophobia Fear of having to make decisions
Dentophobia Fear of the dentist
Emetophobia Fear of vomiting
Ereuthrophobia Fear of blushing
Genophobia Fear of sex
Heliophobia Fear of the sun
Hemophobia Fear of blood
Insectophobia Fear of insects
Lachanophobia Fear of vegetables
Claustrophobia Fear of confined spaces
Microphobia Fear of small things
Mottephobia Fear of moths
Olfactophobia Fear of smells
Ornithophobia Fear of birds
Panophobia Fear of everything

Quit Smoking Hypnosis

Quit Smoking



Quitmasters Quit Smoking Hypnosis can help you quit smoking. For the first time ever, fags are out of fashion. Non-smokers are running rings round their puffing pals with smokers now being branded addicts. New York, Ireland, Scotland and now England are all throwing smokers and their ciggies out onto the streets.

Whether a hardened 40-a-dayer or a social binge smoker, London based QuitMaster UK’s hour-long treatment is the quick, painless way for smokers to stub out for good – in a lunchtime, rather than a lifetime.


Most people know that cigarettes burn a hole in the lungs as well as bank balances and that by stopping, the benefits are savings of several thousand pounds per annum and adding years to lives. More than half of all smokers will die of illnesses related to smoking. And while most people associate smoking with lung cancer, few people realize that cardiovascular illnesses (heart) make up almost half of all smoking related deaths, due in part to the heavy strain placed on the heart by oxygen-robbing carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke. Quitting smoking is notoriously difficult. Approximately half of all attempts to quit smoking actually succeed, and most people who do successfully quit do so only after several attempts.


Why People Don't Quit Smoking

Most people know that by quit smoking they will save several thousand pounds a year. Most people know that they could add years to their life. And most people know that if they stop smoking right now, they could save their health – before it’s too late.

Why do people continue to smoke? In our experience we have found the answer to be the same all over the world. It all comes down to one thing… FEAR!

Quit Smoking Fear that you’ll have to give up your crutch or pleasure
Quit Smoking Hypnotherapy Fear that you won’t be able to enjoy life or handle stress
Quit Smoking Fear that you will put on weight
Quit Smoking Hypnotherapy Fear that you’ll have to go through an awful trauma to get free
Quit Smoking Hypnosis Fear that you’ll never get completely free of craving

All of these fears are just examples of one overriding fear. The one simple reason that you have not stopped smoking is that you fear that it is going to be too painful and too difficult!

In fact our, unique hypnosis technique makes it so easy that after only one hour you’ll leave a happy non-smoker –not feeling deprived, not feeling that you’ve made a sacrifice and not feeling any pain. Instead, you’ll have a huge sense of relief and elation that you have at last achieved what all smokers long to achieve, you have become a happy, permanent non-smoker.

What We Can Do For You

The technique at Quitmaster UK is different. Our unique Quit Smoking Hypnosis technique makes it so easy, that after only one hour, you'll leave a happy non-smoker, - not feeiling deprived, not feeling that you made a sacrifice and not feeling any pain. Instead you'll have a huge sense of relief and elation that you have at last achieved what most smokers take a lifetime to achieve - you'll have become a happy, permanent non-smoker.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Herbal remedy for AIDS

AIDS or Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is one of the most well known and hyped diseases in today’s world. As we know, Aids is caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). HIV virus is transmitted by having sex with infected people, sharing a needle with a HIV infected person, if your parents are HIV positive. Many people do not develop any symptoms when they first become infected with HIV. Some people, however, get a flu-like illness within three to six weeks after exposure to the virus. This illness, called Acute HIV Syndrome, may include fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, diarrhoea and enlarged lymph nodes (organs of the immune system that can be felt in the neck, armpits and groin). These symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for another viral infection.

HIV virus can make your body really weak resulting in CP (Pneumocystis pneumonia), a lung infection; KS (Kaposi's sarcoma), a skin cancer; CMV (Cytomegalovirus), an infection that usually affects the eyes, Candida, a fungal infection that can cause thrush (a white film in your mouth) or infections in your throat or vagina . AIDS-related diseases also include serious weight loss, brain tumors, frequent fevers and sweats, severe or recurring vaginal yeast infections, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or severe and frequent infections like herpes zoster, periods of extreme and unexplained fatigue that may be combined with headaches, lightheadedness, and/or dizziness, rapid loss of more than 10 pounds of weight that is not due to increased physical exercise or dieting, long-lasting bouts of diarrhoea ,swelling or hardening of glands located in the throat, armpit, or groin, periods of continued, deep, dry coughing, increasing shortness of breath ,the appearance of discolored or purplish growths on the skin or inside the mouth, unexplained bleeding from growths on the skin, from mucous membranes, or from any opening in the body, recurring or unusual skin rashes, severe numbness or pain in the hands or feet, the loss of muscle control and reflex, paralysis or loss of muscular strength an altered state of consciousness, personality change, or mental deterioration and other health problems.

As of now, there is no cure for AIDS. There are drugs that can slow down the HIV virus, and slow down the damage to your immune system but there is no way to "clear" the HIV out of your body. Other drugs can prevent or treat opportunistic infections (OIs). In most cases, these drugs work very well. The newer, stronger ARVs have also helped reduce the rates of most OIs. A few OIs, however, are still very difficult to treat.

Herbal Remedies For Canker Sores

Canker Sores are always very painful, irritating and persistent. Canker sores are in fact a kind of ulcers which occur mostly in places that are out of sight. They generally appear in tongue, base of the gums, inside the lips or cheeks. This is different from the cold sores which occur on the lips and surroundings. Canker sores attack, in general, the areas of soft tissues inside the mouth. While cold sores are results of virus attacks, canker sores are not. Canker sores are not contagious as well. Canker sores mostly occur due to the deficiency in the immune system and also due to the unhygienic maintenance of mouth and other parts of the body. There are many types of creams and medicines that are available in the market to counter the Canker sores. In fact there are many home based herbal remedies for Canker sores that are effective and easy to use.

Typically canker sores won’t last long. Automatically they get cured. It is true that when the canker sores exist, patient will find it very uncomfortable and find it difficult to take food and drinks. Especially they will not be able to take spicy and hot food at all. If you go for any allopathic medicines for sores, particularly creams, most of them are not suitable for application inside the mouth. The other option is intake of antibiotics and analgesics. These are very much harmful to the health in general. Herbal remedies for canker sores can be applied inside the mouth and it can give immediate relief. Some canker sores are caused purely due to the deficiency of some vitamins and also due to some chemical materials available in the toothpaste, say sodium lauryl sulfate, which you use every day.

  • One of the best home based simple techniques to reduce the bad effects of canker sores is keeping lukewarm salt water in the mouth for sometime and gurgling. This can be repeated many times in a day.
  • Taking plenty of green leaves from the food items is one of the prime herbal remedy for countering canker sores. Green leaves can be taken as raw as well as prepared. Cabbage, cauliflower, spinaches and other leafy vegetables have anti-canker sore properties.
  • Aloe juice is a very good option for rinsing the mouth. The mouth rinse with aloe juice can be repeated many times a day.
  • Plain yogurt consumption is a good treatment for canker sores, the acidophilus in the yogurt improves the immune power of the body and hence canker sores are countered.
  • Drumstick leaves can be made as a paste and applied over the canker sores. There will be some bitter taste for this paste. But it is always an effective herbal remedy for canker sores.
  • You can apply clove oil directly over the regions of canker sores and this will numb the sores.

All of the above herbal remedies for canker sores are well proven to be effective and have been in use from time immemorial. These are all very cheap and can be obtained from the kitchen shelf or from your backyards.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Humor and health : Laughter as medicine, Laughter Yoga

“Laugh and stay positive “

mr_bean

Laughter is a feel good factor for human beings so it have something to do with being positive and overcoming stress. Scientific researches proved that laughter have the power to increase muscle flexibly, lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and boost immune function by raising levels of infection fighting T-cells, disease fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.
There are many ways to trigger laughter seeing a funny movie or a tv commedy show will do ( beaing the craziest fan of Mr Bean I keep myslef happy by watching his shows ), according to me it will be good to start your day watching a commedy show because laughter got the magic to transmitt positive enegry it you and will make your day beautifull. Beaing in the company of funny friends can also make you healthy. There are lot of socities around the world that promotes laughter tearaphy and laughter yoga.

Grapes varieties - nutrition facts - grape seed magic


Grapes consists of two varieties - red grape and white grapes. Grapes are considers to be one of the best fruit that fight ageing human body, Most of itz Vitamins are concentrated on itz seeds and skin. So please chew them and eat.

Grapes contain Resveratrol ( poly phenol antioxidant )which is capable of inhibiting cancer, heart disease, degenerative nerve diseases, mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease and viral infections. Resveratrol is concentrated mostly on the skin and seeds of a grape, so please don’t avoid eating them. Grape pulp got only 1 percentage of total Resveratol of an entire grape !

Anthocyanins is the main polyphenolics in red grapes and flavan-3-ols (e.g., catechins) are the more abundant phenolic in white varieties. Anthocyanins is concentrated on the skin of red grapes itz due to that red wines is superior in itz antioxidant properties than white grapes.

Also a grapes vitamin contents vary according to soil in which it is grown

A Special mention to grape seeds

More and more new Scientific discoveries are showing light to the wonders of grape seeds and its significant anti oxidant properties, Together with tannins, poly-phenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids, these seed constituents display inhibitory activities against several experimental disease models, including cancer, heart failure and other disorders of oxidation stress. Grape seed extracts are used in cosmetic medicines and grape seed oil is high in vitamin E.
New findings has shown that an extract from grape seeds is capable of destroying leukemia cells by forcing them to commit undergo programmed cells death.

Grape seed extract has been shown to be active against a number of different types of cancer cells, including skin, breast, colon, lung, stomach and prostate cancers. However, until this study it had not been tested on haematological cancers and no one had managed to find out exactly how the extract induces cell death.

Professor Xianglin Shi and colleagues at the University of Kentucky exposed leukemia cells to different doses of a commercially available grape seed extract. At higher doses the extract killed 76% of the leukemia cells within just 24 hours. Further investigations revealed that the extract appears to induce apoptosis by activating a pathway called JNK. Studies also relieved that the extract does not harm healthy cells.

Grape Wine

Grape wine got a great significance from ancinet days onwards but only recently we discovered its health benefits because it got the vitamins of grape seed and skin.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Herbal vitamins

Things in the life of plants and animals, we found vitamins. A group of organic food substances or nutrients are called vitamins. For a health, vitamin-based plants are the best that contain a number of elements. Most vitamins can be found in plant and animal sources. To avoid side effects with modern medicine to the general preference natural remedies. Vitamins herbal form of tablets, capsules and liquid extracts. Liquid extracts are generally much more readily absorbed than the strength vitamins herbal. That is why many companies selling herbal vitamins combine a number of ingredients to provide a full range of benefits. Liquid extracts are treated in this liquid, which extract the active substance of the herb that is easily secure and more sustainable. To avoid the side effects of drugs later there is a preference for natural remedies.
To improve the health Herbal vitamins are most useful. We can get vitamins from food. Vitamins herbal must be an essential element of food. Turmeric, extracted from leaves of olive, Aloe Vera, valerian, herb extract of sage and chamomile, these are some sources of vitamins herbal. Vitamins, herbal help people keep fit and healthy. In the market for many types of vitamins, products made from plants are available.

Herbal Nutrition

We get vitamins and mineral from out diet. Nutrition is the number one key to disease prevention. Herbs are holistic nutrition. Herbal nutrition supplements are made and are usually available without a prescription. Intake of herbal vitamins with a regular and healthy diet is enough to ensure good health. Today many people choose herbal vitamins for good health. The evidence suggests that the intake of herbal vitamins when complemented with a regular and healthy diet is enough to ensure good health.

Herbal nutrition supplements that may raise bleeding, decrease the effectiveness of anti-clotting medications, or make higher heart rate or high blood pressure under certain conditions? Before taking herbal nutrition consult with your doctor if you have Diabetes, Liver Problem, High blood pressure, Thyroid problem etc.., Fennel, Parsley Cayenne these are the Nutritional herbs. Herbal Nutrient Supplement is becoming important. There can be side effects in the use of Herbal Nutrition supplement. You need to take precaution before taking Herbal nutrition supplement. Now you can achieve all your health and wellness goals with herbal nutrition solutions

Tea Herbal Pregnancy

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Herbal tea pregnancy

Many pregnant women have the question that, Is herbal tea safe for their pregnant health? There are number of teas labeled as Pregnancy Teas. Herbal teas can often provide an additional source of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

The watery hot beverage known as "tea" is enjoyed by every culture in the world. “Pregnancy Teas” or herbs such as red raspberry leaf that are in teas that are considered to be good for pregnancy. Many professionals who are working on herbs say- that the regular consumption of these teas may prevent pregnancy complication. Pregnancy tea is a mixture of herbs, vitamins and minerals which are readily absorbed by the body. It is helpful in relieving morning sickness and provides the uterus to work in a more efficient way during labor and birth, thus making birth easier and faster. It is very helpful in building of health and also it is safe for both mother and baby, and it tastes great too! Adding a bit of honey provides extra energy. This will also help keep the uterus working strongly and efficiently throughout labor and birth, helping to facilitate placenta delivery.

Pregnant women should be very careful while choosing teas to drink during pregnancy. We suggest starting with a basic black or green tea and adding honey, sugar, lemon or orange rind, cinnamon, cloves to spice it up a little. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration believe the following teas, if taken in small amounts, to be safe during pregnancy or nursing.

• ginger
• lime blossom
• peppermint
• roasted barley
• rose hips
• thyme

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. Aromatherapy means treatment using scents it is a holistic treatment of caring for the body with pleasant smelling botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint.

Aromatherapy is a branch of alternative medicine that uses the scents of plants and their parts for therapeutic use. Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils and absolutes. Aromatherapy heals free aromatherapy tips and advice for your daily needs select from aromatherapy associates bath, body and skincare collections and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of our spa grade products. In addition to essential oils, aromatherapy encourages the use of other complementary natural ingredients including cold pressed vegetable oils, jojoba (a liquid wax), hydrosols, herbs, milk powders, sea salts, sugars, clays and muds. There are well over a hundred different essential oils with antiseptic properties. In order to get the maximum benefit out of these aromatherapy essential oils, they have to be made from pure, natural materials. Synthetic oils are not effective. These natural oils have been found to have anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, antidepressant and even expectorant properties. They also stimulate and relax our minds and bodies.


The Benefit of an Aromatherapy:-

Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs offer both psychological and physical benefits. Not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction, but when inhaled into the lungs, the natural constituents (naturally occurring chemicals) can supply therapeutic benefit. If not done correctly and safely, however, the use of essential oils can have severe consequences. The Benefit of Physical Application: Essential oils that are applied to the skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The constituents of essential oils can aid in health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Since essential oils are so powerful and concentrated, they should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. To apply essential oils to the skin, essential oils are typically diluted into a carrier such as a cold pressed vegetable oil, also known as a carrier oil. Common carrier oils include sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil and grapeseed oil.

Hypnotherapy

The term "hypnosis" is derived from the Greek word hypnos, meaning "sleep." Hypnotherapists typically use exercises that bring about deep relaxation and trance. Many people routinely experience a trance-like state while they are watching television or sitting at a red light. A person in a trance or deeply focused state is unusually responsive to an idea or image, but this does not mean that a hypnotist can control his or her mind and free will. Hypnotherapy is often applied in order to modify a subject's behavior, emotional content, and attitudes, as well as a wide range of conditions, habits, anxiety, stress-related illness, pain management, and personal development.

Different persons can experience hypnosis little bit in different ways. Some people may notice that they feel rather heavy, whilst others may feel light and ‘floaty.’ Often the closed eyelids can flutter a little here and there, or there may be a slight tingling sensation in various parts of the body. However some people experience nothing at all, other than a feeling of deep relaxation. The experience of hypnosis is a very personal thing, but basically, it is just a very calm and pleasant feeling – rather like being in a daydream.


The use of Hypnotherapy is to rule over certain kinds of problems which are in the minds of many persons

There are many types of uses and various branches of hypnotherapy. Usually, hypnotherapy is used to cut throw the bad habits and to strengthen the mind with self control.

Hypnotherapy is used to fight stress and related ailments.

It is very useful in gaining general confidence and for over coming phobias and fears and calming nerves.

More specialized branches can even deal with pain relief. Hypnosis can also be used as a natural anaesthetic in surgical operations, or to help with childbirth.

Most Hypnotherapists cover a wide range of subjects, but Individual therapists will supply you with a list of the specific problems they treat.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Calcium Supplements: Good or Bad?

Some more lessons to learn today!!!

Today is about calcium supplements.
A New Zealand research reporting women taking calcium supplements to protect their bones had a significantly higher risk of having a heart attack.

Calcium benefits our bones, preventing bone loss and fractures. However, calcium consumption increase heart attack rate up to 40% higher!!!! It could also lead to stroke or sudden death.
The researchers think the finding is real because other studies have gone in the same direction, but this finding needs further verification.

It is suggested to take more calcium in whole food rather than calcium supplements. And if you have to take calcium to prevent bone loss from osteoporosis, the dosage should be under 1 gram a day. The researchers stated that it is better to be lower dosage.

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

It has been long unknown the cause of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or cot death.

Thanks to a recent study conducted by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, as their study has shown that the SIDS can be caused by bacteria infection, i.e. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Further study should be conducted on how to prevent the bacteria infection.

Friday, January 9, 2009

PREVENTION OF DIABETES

More and more research is emerging to support the value of physical activity and a
healthy balanced diet.
In one study, 3234 non-diabetic patients with elevated glucose - a
high-risk population for developing diabetes - were assigned to either a placebo,
metformin or lifestyle modifications. Lifestyle intervention was classified as a
goal of at least 7% weight loss and at 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
The average length of time for follow-up was 2.8 years. Results showed that after
this time the incidence of diabetes had been reduced by 58% in the lifestyle
intervention group as compared to the placebo whereas metformin group had reduced
their incidence of diabetes only 31%.
This has been backed up by numerous other studies and one particular
study suggested that lifestyle interventions could reduce the incidence of disease
by 20% and delay the development of diabetes by 11 years as compared to Metformin
which only resulted in an 8% reduction in disease and delayed onset of diabetes by 3
years.
Another study of lifestyle interventions in people at high risk for
type II diabetes showed sustained lifestyle changes and a reduction in diabetes
incidence that remained after the individual lifestyle counselling was
stopped.

to heal is to be healed

"to help, is to be helped
to heal, is to be healed
to care, is to be cared for
and to love, is to be loved"
- Red Cloud

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Food Fallacies

A food allergy is an adverse immune response to a food protein. The food protein triggering the allergic response is termed a food allergen. It is estimated that up to 12 million Americans have food allergies and the prevalence is rising. 6%-8% of children under the age of 3 have food allergies and nearly 4% of adults have them. Food allergy causes roughly 30,000
emergency room visits and 100 to 200 deaths per year in the United States. The most
common food allergies in adults are shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and eggs and the most common food allergies in children are milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts.



It is estimated that 1%-2% of the United States population is allergic to tree nuts, peanuts, or both. Approximately 9% of children with an allergy to tree nuts will outgrow their allergy. Interestingly, tree nuts are not related to peanuts. In addition, you can be allergic to some but not all tree nuts. Almonds seem to cause the least problems of all common tree nuts.
6.9 million allergic to fish and/or shellfish. The most common reactions include rash (atopic dermatitis), redness and swelling around the mouth, hives (urticaria), wheezing and difficulty breathing, stomachache, cramping, diarrhea or vomiting,
A milk allergy (sometimes called a milk protein allergy) is a reaction to one or more proteins present in the cow’s milk. There are over 20 proteins in cow's milk that may cause allergic reactions. Casein and whey are the two main components of cow’s milk responsible for the vast majority of reactions. Casein is the curd that forms when milk is left to sour, consisting of 80% and the watery part which is left after the curd is removed is called whey consists of rest 20%. The presenting symptoms such as colic, irritability, spitting, diarrhea, and eczema may disappear, but a new pattern of illness and symptoms may emerge such as nasal and sinus symptoms, recurrent abdominal pain, headaches, generalized lethargy, and dark circles under the eyes.

Allergy to eggs usually begins early in life and usually presents in infancy as a rash, including eczema or atopic dermatitis, or gastrointestinal symptoms, on rare occasions, anaphylaxis can occur in highly sensitized individuals. Mildly egg allergic children can often eat food prepared with small amounts of egg, such as cakes and muffins, without an immediate reaction. However, these trace quantities may aggravate eczema, and may cause the egg allergy to stay longer.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Anxiety Disorders - Anxiety Medications

Anxiety and fear are often used to describe the same thing. When the word “anxiety” is used to describe mental illness it’s typically referred to as an anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety. In this context it refers to an overriding emotional tension or feeling of fear and dread that has no apparent identifiable cause. Anxiety disorders include phobias, panic attacks, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), social anxiety disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.

Anxiety disorders often are accompanied by depression and can be severe enough to interfere with social interaction or can affect job performance. Physical symptoms can include racing or hard beating heart, perspiration, shakiness, feeling hyper or jittery similar to a caffeine rush. Emotionally, anxiety can make you feel scared, immobilized, stuck and make it difficult to concentrate, like your brain chemicals are going haywire. In a sense they are. That’s what anxiety does it causes your brain chemicals to be imbalanced and unstable.

Common anxiety medications a Dr. may prescribe include Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil, Klonopin, Zoloft, Prozac, Valium and Zanax. Behavorial therapy and psychotherapy are often advised. There are also some natural remedies such as homeopathics and herbal supplements that some people say can give some relief.

Hiccups by cold roased potatoes

Do not eat roast potatoes when it is already cold, because it would cause inconvenient hiccups to you.

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm and other inspiratory muscles, that is the muscles we use to breathe in. Hiccups can be a sign of irritation in our body.

Hiccups occur when we eat too much at once and do not chew it properly before swallowing it down.

But there are also many other causes of hiccups. One of them is the resistant starch found in starchy foods like potatoes when eaten cold. Resistant starch resists the process of digestion in the small intestine (where starchy food is digested when it is hot), and moves into the bowel and colon where it is fermented by bacteria. This causes more gas, bloating, irritating our diaphragm and thus causes hiccups.

So if you happen to have roast potatoes leftovers in your fridge, do make sure you heat it up before you eat it.

Monday, January 5, 2009

ACNE TYPE FOR EASY IDENTIFICATION

here are some pictures of acne.with the help of you can identify the type of acne and treatment may be in right direction.



Covered types:

- Closed Comedo


- Open Comedo (known as blackheads)


- Cys
tic Acne

How they appear? Cystic acne are usually larger and inflamed. You can feel them as soft, but usually painful fluid-filled bumps under the skin.

How they develop? Similar like nodules, cysts begin to form as deep break in the wall of the follicle. A membrane is developed around the infection in the skin. As a cyst finds its way to the surface of the skin, it make damage to the healthy tissues. That's way scarring can occur and is very important to treat this type of acne as soon as possible.

What is the Treatment for cystic acne? This is the most serious form of acne and If you are prone to cystic acne please speak with your dermatologist as soon as possible because they can leave you scars for the rest of life. Treatment is usually topical (retinoids, azelaic acids) or oral medications such as antibiotics and Accutane.

Nodules are most severe form of cystic acne and they are large, very painful,lesions that are lodged very deep within the skin.

- Pustular Acne

- Acne Scars


- Acne Infantile


- Milia

- Rosacea

Nutritional Benefits of Green Mung Beans

Green mung beans (also known as green beans) are very beneficial towards our health. It has high level of iron to prevent anemia, phosphorus to prevent beriberi, vitamin B1 to prevent digestion problem.

Vitamin E from mung bean sprouts can help to increase fertility because of its alkalinity. Thus, it is also very effective in keeping gastric juice in check, helping in food digestion, and skin regeneration.

However, you should pay extra attention in the cooking process of green beans, as the nutritional value is easily diminished by heat and acid.

The correct way to cook green beans is to soak with water for 1-2 hours. Afterwards, cook it altogether with the water in medium heat for 30 minutes. It is ready to serve. You can add in sugar, milk, or coconut milk according to your liking.

For adults, green beans is very good to repair and maintain body system, especially during recovery phase from illness. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can benefit from its high level of iron and folate.

It is best if you could consume green beans daily. Or else you can take it once every other day, or twice a week.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Coffee: Good or Bad?

Some of us, including myself, need coffee to start a day. And even worse, we need caffeine to kick-in to get our brain start 'working'. This is actually quite a common situation for us, working people.

Well, some findings do show coffee contains higher anti-oxidants than found in fruits. And also that coffee consumption is beneficial for men. It is said that this would increase the swimming speed of sperms.

However, you should also know the side effects of coffee consumptions. Besides heart beating faster and insomnia, coffee actually have greater side effects that these common knowledge.

Coffee is indeed doing no good for women as it may cause infertility if it is consumed in excess amount.

In fact, there is a new US study shows that pregnant women who drink two or more cups of coffee a day can double their risk of having a miscarriage.

US researchers say they have conclusive proof to show that women who drink a lot of caffeine on a daily basis in the early months of pregnancy have an elevated risk of miscarriage.

The researchers say in a paper published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology to be absolutely safe, expectant mothers should avoid caffeinated beverages of any kind during the first five months of pregnancy.

Expectant mothers should avoid daily caffeine consumption, be it from coffee, tea, hot chocolate, caffeinated beverages, or a combination of all of these.

So, do watch out your caffeine intake, especially for working expectant mothers

Fight Against Cancer With Broccoli


Good news for all of us who like to eat broccoli, well even those of you who do not like it, we all should start taking in more broccoli into our diet.

A study by Institute of Food Research in England has shown that broccoli can affect hundreds of genetic changes. To name a few: to strengthen genes that could fight against cancer, and to eliminate genes that could promote tumor.

Besides having isothiocyanate, broccoli also contain sulforaphane which yield extra immunity to fight against cancer.

Plants To Clear The Air In Your Office

Looking for something to freshen up the air in your office?

Here is some good news. We may at some relief now, thanks to the research from Plants and Environmental quality Group at the University of Technology in Sydney. Their study has found that plants removed about 70% of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at concentrations above 100ppb from the office air. Volatile Organic Compounds are emitted from certain types of plastic in chairs, furniture and office appliances. Plant metabolism and soil microorganisms are involved in this clearing the air process.

The plants used in this study are common house plants: Howea forsteriana (Kentia palm); Spathiphyllum wallisii var. Petite (Peace Lily); and Dracaena deremensis var. Janet Craig.

So you might want to start looking for these plants to put in your office, for a safer and clearer air to breathe.

Why Herbs Are Not Safe For Pregnant Women

Many Chinese people would take chinese herbs during their pregnancy. My families and my husband families are among those who believe that preggars should consume chinese herbs, to strengthen the uterus and thus the well being of the baby.

Consumption of chinese herbs is prohibited by my obgyn (obstetricians and gynaecologists) in Singapore. According to her, herbs do not have any quality control and thus should be avoided as we are unsure of the quality.

At first, I took some of chinese herbs during my pregnancy, and I fell ill. It was just the regular chicken herbs soup that I always took since I was young. I had stomach cramps. At first I thought it was just a coincidence. Then after the next 2 times I took the chinese herbs soup, I am very certain that the stomach cramp is due to the chinese herbs I consumed. It was in my early trimester of pregnancy. I avoided chinese herbs since then, and ignored what my family and my hubby's family said about the importance of consuming chinese herbs.

And I finally find a more detailed explanation in one of pregnancy books I am reading, on why preggars should avoid taking chinese herbs, or any herbal cures in general. So my preggars friends, or if there is any of you who is trying to conceive, note down this piece of information.

Medicinal herbs are drugs, often very powerful ones. Some are so powerful that they are used in laboratories to produce prescription medicines. Others have been used for generations in some societies to induce abortions, and some have been linked to miscarriage.

Even in a seemingly soothing cup of tea, some herbs are capable of producing such symptoms as diarrhea, vomiting, and heart palpitations. The use of herbal medicines presents an added risk that is not present hen the remedies come from the drugstore.

Herbs are not made under quality-controlled conditions, and may be dangerously strong or imptently weak. They may also contain harmful contaminants, including such allergens as insect parts, pollens, and molds, and even toxic agents such as lead or arsenic.

Considering the above, you should also avoid herbal teas. If you are craving for the taste or smell of herbal teas, just add orange, apple, pineapple, lemon, mint leaves,

magnesium and zinc - are you getting enough?

interesting website on the role of magnesium and zinc, etc. in the treatment and prevention of
common cold, dysmenorrhea, menstruel cramps, cardiac arrhythmas, depression, angina pectoris, asthma, leukemia, allergy, herpes, etc.

http://george-eby-research.com

Obese females' large waists 'raise pancreatic cancer risk'

Obese women who carry most of their excess weight around their stomach are 70 per cent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, a new study claims.

Before now, the most well-established risk factors for pancreatic cancer were smoking and chronic pancreatitis but scientists behind today's research say it strengthens the evidence linking obesity to pancreatic cancer risk in women.

The team at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden followed more than 138,000 postmenopausal women in America for over seven years to investigate the effects of obesity on pancreatic cancer as a part of the Women's Health Initiative.

251 women in the study developed pancreatic cancer. Of these, 78 women had the highest waist-to-hip ratios.

This is 70 per cent more than the 34 women with the lowest waist-to-hip ratios who went on to develop the disease - after adjusting for other potential risk factors including age and smoking status.

Previous research has suggested that diabetes and abnormal insulin levels may play a role in pancreatic cancer and the authors of today's study argue that obesity could increase the risk of the cancer by affecting insulin levels.

Commenting on the study, Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "Pancreatic cancer is associated with particularly poor survival, so it's crucial that we learn more about how to prevent the disease.

"About a quarter of all cancer deaths are caused by unhealthy diets and obesity and it's important that people are aware of this risk."

Stress Causes Yeast Infections

Do you often experience recurrent yeast infections? If you do, make sure you start taking things easily now.

Chronic stress may be a factor causing vaginal yeast infections with Candida albicans, according to Swedish study, and as reported in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The study was conducted by involving 35 healthy women and another 35 women who had at least 4 yeast infections during the past year. Most commonly, these women are infected with Candida albicans.

The researches collected saliva samples from the participants in order to measure the stress hormone, cortisol. Usually cortisol levels rise in the morning. However on these infected women, the cortisol levels was blunted compared with the healthy women. A shallow rise in cortisol indicates ongoing stress.

The researches also found that more patients than the healthy women group, had a history of other vaginal infections such as genital warts, bacterial vaginosis and genital herpes. The researchers suggest that recurrent yeast infections may be a sign of reduced local immunity.

Further studies are needed though. In the meantime, slow down your pace, take deep breath and relax as much as possible. Don't let yourself sink in stress. Additionally, to help keep the yeast away, tips from my gynae: do make sure you iron your underwear after each laundry.

--------------
For reference
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00029378

Eat like the japanese to lose weight

Japan has one of the world's lowest obesity rates in the world. Only 3 percent of Japanese women are obese, compared to 13 percent in France and 33 percent in the U.S., according to the International Association for the Study of Obesity.

The Japanese also are global longevity champs, particularly the people of Okinawa -- home to the world's largest population of centenarians. Dr. Bradley Willcox, co-author of "The Okinawa Diet Plan," has been conducting a 25-year investigation of this long-living population.

Compared to the way we eat in America, the Japanese diet is much lower in calories -- primarily due to the dominance of high-water, high-fiber and low-fat foods

The Japanese achieve this "low calorie-dense diet" by eating a tremendous amount of plant foods, particularly vegetables, which pack the diet with disease-fighting antioxidants and other phytonutrients, such as flavonoids.

Instead of french fries -- the most popular vegetable in the United States -- the Japanese eat a wide range of veggies, especially those in the cabbage family, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy and kale. These cruciferous vegetables, named for their cross like petals, contain substances that may protect against cancer.

Moriyama writes about aspects of the Japanese diet that may be linked to lower rates of heart disease. The Japanese eat more fish than red meat -- which keeps their diets low in saturated fat and rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

They avoid trans fat (and a ton of extra calories) by eating fruit at the end of their meals instead of cookies, cakes and pies. Instead of super-sized sodas, the Japanese regularly drink antioxidant-rich green tea, which may offer heart-health benefits.

Other countries could well take note of this. There are around 1 billion overweight adults worldwide, of whom 300 million are clinically obese. The World Health Organization has described obesity as a ‘worldwide epidemic. Obesity can lead to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, osteoarthritis, and diabetes . The UK National Audit Office study from 2002 estimated that obesity cost the NHS £500 million a year, and the cost to the country overall has been put at up to £7.4 billion per annum.