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Essential Oils Can Eradicate Fungus!

March 25th, 2010

Ridding the Body of Unwanted Fungus

There is a growing interest in seeking alternatives to conventional treatments for fungal infections. Pharmaceutical treatment for fungal related illnesses is often accompanied with unwanted and even dangerous side-effects. A growing body of science literature supports the use of essential oils to supplement or replace conventional treatments of fungal related diseases.

Fungi are More Than Mushrooms

Many of us associate fungus with mushrooms either growing on moist lawns or under a forest canopy. Yet fungus (known collectively as fungi) is a large group (in the Kingdom Fungi) of multi-cellar organisms that includes molds, yeasts and the familiar mushrooms. These organisms can infect human skin, nails and tissues ? causing unsightly, irritating and sometimes painful symptoms. Such infections are known as mycoses.

Ailments Associated with Fungal Infections

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the perils of Candida species (namely Candida albicans) infections, especially for women. Overgrowth of these usually commensal critters often results in vaginal irritation and discharge. Other candida-related infections lead to oral thrush, gastrointestinal troubles, and infection of the urinary tract. For those with severely compromised immune systems, such infections can even be fatal.

Other disorders arising from fungal infections are such things as athlete’s foot, maladies of hair and nails, necrosis of the skin, and aspergillosis- a pulmonary disease initiated by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. An Aspergillus infection can cause airway restrictions and even fatal lung bleeding.

As you can deduce, fungal infections are nothing to trifle with. In the following paragraphs synopses of science study findings are assembled. All of these studies have indicated possible use of essential oils to effectively treat fungal infections.

Stopping Candida Overgrowth

There is a large collection of recent science literature indicating that various essential oils and their constituents (such as clove oil, lemongrass, eucalyptus, thyme, juniper, cinnamon, and tea tree) have been shown to be effective (in vitro) at inhibiting the progression and spread of this fungus. In a 2007 study from the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India, scientists found that rosemary essential oil was effective against drug-resistant mutants of Candida albicans.

Essential Oils in the Treatment of Dermatophytes

Dermatophyte fungi infect the skin, hair and nails of humans as well as our beloved pets. The by-products of their colonization are toxins. These toxins in turn cause often painful inflammation and embarrassing blemishes (remember your grandparents’ brown or even green toenails?yuck!).

Researcher from the Center of Advanced Study in Botany in India (2009) found that Cymbopogon martini (palmarosa) and Chenopodium ambrosioides (wormwood) exhibited in vitro and in vivo (guinea pigs) antifungal activity separately and synergistically. They conclude that such results validate using essential oils in the treatment of dermatophyte infections and an alternative to conventional tropical treatments.

Stopping the Spread of Pulmonary Aspergillosis

As mentioned earlier, an infection from Aspergillus is no walk in the park. Several recent laboratory studies find that the inhibitory capabilities of essential oils against this fungus merit further investigation for clinical use. A 2010 Australian study from Charles Sturt University found that the essential oil Leptospermum petersoinii was more potent in reducing infection (in animal lungs) from Aspergillus than conventional antifungal drugs.

Conclusion

It is certain that most of us will experience fungal infections at one time or another. Once these organisms take a foot hold, they are not eager to leave and are often resistant to conventional treatments. Acknowledging that conventional treatments are not always successful nor safe, medical researchers are looking at using essential oils as a treatment alternative. Laboratory studies indicate that essential oils are effective against fungal infections and in some cases more potent than conventional drugs.

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Medicinal Mushrooms in History

March 12th, 2010

5,300 years ago, an injured and starving man from Val Venosta, Italy, fled across an Alpine glacier to escape pursuers. But his enemies caught up with him and with a practiced arrow-shot penetrated his shoulder blade and subclavian artery. Before long, he was dead from blood loss. “Oetzi the Iceman” was found mummified in 1991. On his person were pouches containing mushroom remedies, the oldest known proof in existence of medicinal mushrooms usage.

There is good reason to believe he carried both of these mushrooms along as natural remedies. Whipworm parasite eggs were found in Oetzi’s intestines. Birch polypore mushroom Piptoporus betulinus is a traditional de-worming remedy. The other mushroom in his possession, Tinder fungus (Fomes fomentarius), may have been used to cauterize the wound on his right hand.

Both species belong to the group of mushrooms known as polypores, so named because of the many pores underneath. They often grow on trees, and to date no species is known to be poisonous to humans.

Few polypores are edible because they are hard and fibrous. But people in the Orient as well as the Occident have used them to treat a multitude of diseases for ages. Usually in the form of a tea that would be brewed and drunk; sometimes as a poultice placed on a wound or over an aching body part.

Native American traditions tell of using different kinds of polypore extracts to combat smallpox and other diseases introduced with the arrival of Europeans. This includes Reishi (Ganoderma resinaceum), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), Birch polypore, and Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), as well as the now rare and endangered species Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis).

Although nearly extinct today, Agarikon was once common in the old-growth forests of ancient Europe. Greek physician Dioscorides referred to Agarikon as a remedy for tuberculosis in Materia Medica, 65 B.C. It’s the earliest record of a medicinal mushroom in European literature. Two millennia later, the historic use of Agarikon in Poland was put down in writing in the article Medicinal mushrooms in Polish Folk Medicine by K. Grzywnowics. Again, it included lung conditions, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and infected wounds.

While mushrooms have been utilized medicinally in the West, it pales in comparison to the adulation they have received in the Orient. Next follows three species of medicinal mushrooms from Asia, which simply have to be included in any article on medicinal mushrooms.

First out is Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), sometimes nicknamed the “Mushroom of Immortality” due to its wide range of healing properties. Reishi was mentioned in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic from around 2,000 years ago. Many ancient Oriental temples and wood-carvings include images of this highly revered “cure-all” fungus.

Another Chinese medicinal mushroom known as Cordyceps was first described in the 200 A.D. book The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman. Cordyceps was, and still is, largely used as an aphrodisiac and to improve physical prowess in athletes, although modern research also indicates many other areas of potential usefulness.

Last but not least is the medicinal mushroom Shiitake, better known as a culinary delight. However, Shiitake is also one of the most research mushrooms for medical properties. Commercial cultivation of Shiitake began about a thousand years ago in China. Medicinal uses include immune enhancement, antibiotic and more. Shiitake extracted Lentinan polysaccharide is approved as an anti-cancer drug in Japan.

Medical research on mushrooms appears to have begun in the late 1960′s in Japan. It gained attention in the West through the research by Dr. Ikekawa, who found that families growing mushrooms had lower cancer-rates than other people in their communities. Since those early days, medical research into mushrooms has grown exponentially and is still increasing. Medicinal mushrooms are continuing to make history.

Note: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Mushrooms have not been aproved for medicinal use by the FDA. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner about the treatment of any medical condition.

Dr. Rafael has worked in the natural health field since the mid-90′s as a researcher and author, now specializing in fungi for health. Click medicinal mushroom for more articles and mushroom products. Material for this article comes from several different sources. However, a significant portion comes from the books of medicinal fungi expert Paul Stamets, who deserves special credit and thanks.

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Many Advantages of Homeopathy

February 25th, 2010

The reason why homeopathy has gathered quite a lot of adherents to its way of treating ailments may stem from the fact that it operates quite opposite principles of what conventional medicines follow. Many people seem to notice that certain alternative remedies such as what homeopathy offers may provide a necessary alternative especially when conventional treatments may not be able to provide an effective cure for certain diseases. Here are the other advantages that the practice of homeopathy may offer.

It is considered safe. Homeopathy is considered as a safe alternative form of treating diseases and other ailments. The main purpose of homeopathic remedies is to aid the body and the life force from fighting disease by improving its own capacity to heal. The remedies in no way work against the natural healing processes of the body. That is why most consider it as a relatively safe form of alternative treatment.

Homeopathic remedies are based on natural ingredients. Synthetic and man-made substances are considered as obstacles in the practice of homeopathy that may impede the body’s own natural healing powers. That is why homeopathic remedies are only made from ingredients that are naturally found in the environment. Homeopathic medicines are basically made out of natural ingredients.

Homeopathic medicines are easy to use. Most remedies developed through homeopathy come in the form of small sugar pills. They are usually convenient to carry and easy to take. Homeopathic medicines are also recognized and regulated by the FDA. There are also over the counter versions that can be conveniently obtained fro stores.

Homeopathic medicines are quite affordable. People may consider using homeopathic medicines simple because they are quite inexpensive. People may be able to undergo homeopathic treatment for ailments and diseases for fairly less as compared to costly conventional medical treatments.

Remedies can be used safely with other forms of treatment. Since it is considered relatively safe, homeopathic remedies may also be used along with other forms of therapy and medication. One way of using homeopathic remedies is by using the along with other supplements and herbs. These remedies won’t affect even if people may be taking other forms of medication to treat their condition.

Homeopathy in non-invasive. One good thing about the practice of homeopathy is that it is a non-invasive form of treatment. It does not in any way disturb the natural processes of the body because it may disturb the natural balance of vital forces that homeopathy aims to uphold. The practice also does not try to suppress the body’s natural ability to heal.

The advantages offered by homeopathy makes it quite popular among those who wish to find a good alternative to conventional medicine. For the advantages that it offers, homeopathy makes a good supplemental treatment that may help improve wellness.

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Buy Muira Puama Herb: Lower Stress

February 24th, 2010

The term “impotence” has traditionally been used to signify the inability of the male to attain and maintain erection of the penis sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse. Impotence, in most circumstances, is more precisely referred to as erectile dysfunction as this term differentiates itself from loss of libido, premature ejaculation, or inability to achieve orgasm.

Muira puama is a bush / small tree up to 5 meters in height and produces pungent flowers with a jasmine like fragrance.

Muira Puama is usually prepared by treating the barks and roots of the shrub in order to extract the active ingredients. The precise mechanisms by which Muira Puama affects the body are not clearly understood.

Erectile dysfunction may be due to organic or psychogenic factors. In the overwhelming majority of cases the cause is organic, i.e., it is due to some physiological reason. In fact, in men over the age of 50, organic causes are responsible fro erectile dysfunction in of 90%. In the past, a man with impotence who was able to have nighttime or early morning erections was thought to have psychogenic impotence. However, it is mow recognized that this is not a reliable indicator.

Preliminary research indicates one of the best herbs to use for erectile dysfunction or lack of libido may be Muira puama (also known as potency wood). This shrub is native to Brazil and has long been used as a powerful aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant i n South American folk medicine. A recent study has validated its safety and effectiveness in improving libido and sexual function in some patients.

vAlthough many people are skeptical about sexual stimulants or “herbal viagra” as such, the muira puama herb has been shown by Dr. Jacques Waynberg, a world authority on sexual functioning, of the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, that it is effective in assisting in increasing sexual desire as well as attaining and maintaining an erection.

The action of the muira puama herb is not fully understood but it seems to assist with both the psychological as well as the physical aspect of sexual function.

Presently, the mechanism of action of Muira puama is unknown, From the preliminary information, it appears that it works on enhancing both psychological and physical aspects of sexual function. Future research will undoubtably shed additional light on t his extremely promising herb for erectile dysfunction.

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Buy Muira Puama Herb: Tired of Being Sick? Try Herbs Natural Herbal Support

February 24th, 2010

Many of us, perhaps most, will admit to feeling anxious on a regular basis and often even depressed, perhaps due to pressures of work, home life, or any of a multitude of other causes. However most of us are not clinically depressed or anxious, to the point where our lives and health are affected detrimentally.

So we can comfortably conclude that natural herbs for depression fall into the alternative medicine category. Just because herbs for depression are labeled alternative does not mean they aren’t effective. This is especially true in cases of mild depression.

Certainly where someone is feeling so anxious or depressed that the medical profession would categorize them as clinically depressed or anxious immediate help should be sought from a professional. However where someone is suffering from a milder form of anxiety then there may be alternatives to the common anti-depressant drugs that often appear to make things worse for less serious cases.

However, before you take either of these herbs or any other supplements, be sure to discuss this with your doctor to make sure they would not cause problems with any other medications you may be taking. The first of these is St. John’s Wort. Anxiety sufferers who have used this Herb have reported that in low doses it actually works within days, but that high doses can cause restlessness.

The second popular herbal remedy for panic attacks is Kava Kava. This herb, which comes from the South Pacific islands, has proved to be good for both stress and anxiety, as well as social anxiety. However, Kava should not be used more than three times weekly. It is also recommended that you take a full week off after every two weeks of use. Also, Kava is not recommended for children or teenagers, but only for those adults who do not have liver problems.

Ginkgo biloba – You are probably surprised to find this supplement on my short list of potentially helpful natural herbs for depression. The simple reason is it may be helpful in helping our senior citizens maintain a healthy positive attitude and avoid depression. A research study concluded Ginkgo biloba was effective in increasing serotonin receptors in people age of 50 and older. This is important because as we age there is a reduction in the number of serotonin receptor sites on brain cells make elderly people more vulnerable to depression. The more serotonin receptors lost, the deeper and darker the depression; Ginkgo helped offset this problematic progression.

However many herbs have been used in medical applications for much longer than their modern chemical counterparts and so there exists a large body of admittedly anecdotal evidence backing their medicinal properties.

The critical point to remember is that there are no guarantees with herbal treatments, and care must be taken to ensure you are not exposing yourself to additional problems and side effects. There is little doubt a herbal substitute for a conventional drug, used in moderation, should provide some relief with less of the addictive dangers associated with prescription meds, but it cannot always be assumed that herbs will be a safer option. Do not assume they are a miracle cure and always take heed of the dosage recommendations.

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A Brief Guideline on Looking for the Best Treatment in Homeopathy

February 22nd, 2010

Homeopathy is the second most popular treatment system in the world and is widely accepted as an alternative to traditional medicine. And like its conventional counterpart, homeopathic medicine is used to treat a wide array of medical conditions, from acute conditions such as headaches, colds, and flu to chronic ones such as asthma, cancer, and diabetes. It works on the principle of like cures like, meaning the substances that cause symptoms that are similar to those of healthy people. The second homeopathic principle is using the lowest dosage possible for every treatment.

On the market these days, various types of homeopathic products are available in the form of pills, liquid dilutions, tinctures, and ointments. There are medications that are manufactured for particular age groups such as babies and children, while others can be taken by everyone regardless of age.

Looking for the right homeopathic product to cure your condition? Doing so involves something more than just scanning through the labeling of the products. The following are several pointers to keep in mind before you choose a homeopathic remedy.

1. Familiarize yourself with the basic principles of homeopathic medicine. That way, you are better armed with the knowledge you will need when looking for the right homeopathic treatment for your condition. Read online articles and research that are relevant to the field.

2. List all the symptoms that you are going to cure, taking into consideration everything from head to toe. Factor in other problems such as emotional and mental conditions. Highlight the severe symptoms. Doing an inventory of all your symptoms makes it easier for you to trim down the possible homeopathic remedies for your condition.

3. If you are not sure with a certain homeopathic product, then do not try it. Homeopathic remedies work only when the right ones are taken at the right dosage and potency.

4. Do you have any kind of allergy? Yes, homeopathic medicine is a safe and natural method of treatment, but it may cause an adverse reaction if a homeopathic product contains substances that your body cannot tolerate. It is important that you read carefully the list of ingredients of a certain product to see if one or two of them might cause an allergic reaction. If this is so, look for other remedies.

5. Consider the possible interactions with other medications. While homeopathic remedies are known to work well with other medications, it is best to be on the safe side.

6. To eliminate the guesswork from choosing the correct homeopathic product, you may opt to get those with multiple ingredients or those that are created to treat different conditions. For example, a remedy for flu may contain ingredients that can relieve headache or body pains.

7. Start with a lower potency first and then take remedies with higher potencies gradually.

Resorting to homeopathy can be a wise decision especially if you have chosen the correct remedy that can provide you relief from your condition. It is recommended that you consult your doctor to make informed choices.

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