Natural Health Ezine

Health Benefits Of Sorrel

NHE — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:28:21 +0000

Every holiday season in Jamaica, a certain type of drink makes an appearance. The main ingredient comes from the sorrel plant. Sorrel is a perennial herb that also goes by the names Narrow-leaved Dock or Spinach Dock. Sorrel tea can be consumed either hot or cold. Sorrel is also used as a dried herb in meals. The taste is a bit sour, and it’s customary to add flavorings to it, such as ginger or cinnamon to sweeten it. In addition to being a great drink for the holidays, the health benefits of sorrel are many. Sorrel is not at all common in America, but it’s popularity is sure to grow, the more people learn about it’s benefits. Sorrel is most prominent in France, Greece, Egypt, Rome, and the Caribbean.

Disease Prevention

The sorrel plant contains nutraceleuticals, which are said to be helpful to people’s health. Nutraceleuticals can help prevent and treat several diseases including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. A group of compounds known as flavonoids are present in red sorrel, which are known to be anti-oxidants. The flavonoids are also what makes is a good deterrent against specific types of cancer. The immune system is also enhanced due to the flavonoids. Sorrel contains high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

The anti-oxidant properties in the sorrel plant can help fight the signs of aging. It can help protect against free radical damage that can leave the skin looking aged and wrinkled. Free radicals also have a hand in causing stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, along with many other problems.

When used as a dried herb, the leaves of the sorrel plant can be used to treat itchy skin, fever, scurvy, and ringworm. Sorrel can be cut thinly and sprinkled over soups and salads to help relieve these ailments. Even if you don’t suffer from these issues, sorrel makes a great addition to a meal. Sorrel can be incorporated into meals as a sauce, that can go over fish or chicken dishes.

When taken in the form of a tea, this herb is helpful in treating jaundice and kidney stones. The liquid that comes out of the leaves can be used to help certain rashes. When the leaves are consumed dry and fresh, it acts as a diuretic and can clear out the body’s system. As a result of this “cleansing” the prostate benefits and can work more efficiently. Sorrel has also been used to treat hemorrhages when combined with the seeds and roots of the plant.

Tea Recipe

As stated earlier, Jamaicans drink sorrel tea during the holiday season. They combine six ounces of dried sorrel with two tablespoons of dried ginger, and an eighth of a teaspoon of ground allspice. When you mix these ingredients into hot water, it makes a warm and inviting tea. If it’s too bitter for your taste, it’s OK to add sugar to make it a little sweeter. For best results, boil the water for about 10 minutes with the ingredients in the water. It’s best to use a tea strainer when you pour it into a cup, to avoid getting leaves and other residue in your drink. You can either drink it hot right away, or put it in the refrigerator for later. If you pour it over ice, it creates a great iced tea beverage.

Sorrel is much more that a holiday beverage. There are quite a few health benefits of sorrel. Because sorrel is a natural laxative, only a small amount should be used at any one time. It could cause the stomach to react badly. However, medical studies have been performed, showing that this herb can help improve a person’s quality of life and help to maintain the health and function of the whole body.

Photo by Eatwell.in

Symptoms Of Low Vitamin D Levels

Terrie — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:16:31 +0000

There are a massive amount of nutrients that people need in order to stay healthy. One of the more important vitamins that we need is vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for cell growth. Vitamin D helps to maintain the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, and also helps with the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Adequate amounts of calcium is essential for strong and healthy bones, as well as protecting again osteoporosis, cancer, hypertension, and many autoimmune problems.

There are two forms of Vitamin D that are essential to people. Vitamin D2, otherwise known as ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 comes from plants whereas vitamin D3 comes from the human skin. The foods that you see in the grocery stores that say they are fortified with vitamin D are fortified with both types of the vitamin.

Symptoms Of Low Vitamin D Levels

There are many symptoms that can indicate low levels of vitamin D. These symptoms range from mild to severe.

Rickets
Osteomalacia
Brittle bones or loss of bone strength
Greater risk of developing cancers including lung, breast, colon, and ovarian cancer
A lower functioning immune system
Increased chance of getting asthma, colds, and the flu.
Certain types of depression (seasonal affective disorder)
Cavities and periodontal disease
Muscle fatigue
Body aches
Osteoporosis
High blood pressure
Cardiomyopathy
Heart failure
Multiple sclerosis

In early childhood, one of the first signs that a young person is not getting enough vitamin D is the development of a condition called rickets. Rickets causes the bones to get weaker and often causes the legs to give out under the pressure of the person’s weight. Rickets can cause a child’s legs to bow outward. Not only can rickets cause bowed legs, the condition can also have the same impact on the arms, causing them to bow at an odd angle.

A condition similar to rickets is osteomalacia. This deficiency disease affects older people, making their bones softer and more prone to breaks. The person’s overall skeletal structure weakens drastically.

Who Is At Risk For Low Vitamin D Levels?

As with any condition, certain people are more prone to have a vitamin D deficiency. These people include:

People who are obese
Elderly people
Infants who are exclusively breast fed
People who get a limited amount of sun exposure
People who live farther from the equator
Individuals with a dark complexion
People who have inflammatory bowel disease

How Do You Get The Right Amount Of Vitamin D?

It’s recommended that you get anywhere from 200 to 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D every day, depending on your age. Many Americans don’t get enough sunlight because of the potential threat of sun damage and skin cancer. The less sunlight we get, the lower our vitamin D levels get. Luckily there are solutions to get more vitamin D in our diets.

Sunlight: Vitamin D is sometimes known as the sunshine vitamin. There’s a chemical in the skin that turns into an active form of vitamin D when sunlight hits it. There are lots of opinions on how much sunlight is needed to get an adequate amount of vitamin D through sunlight. Typically, the amount ranges from 5 to 30 minutes, two to three times a week The best time for sun exposure is from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Foods: There are several foods you can add to your diet to boost your vitamin D levels. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, or tuna are good options. Fortified milk, eggs, and cod liver are other great addition to your diet.

Supplements: You can get vitamin D in supplemental form. This is probably the easiest way to boost the amount you get. In fact, if you were to get all of your vitamin D from drinking milk, you’d have to ultimately drink about one liter of milk per day. That’s a lot of milk. If you’re sensitive to sunlight, or you sunburn easily, you may not want to risk the amount of time in the sun it would take to get the recommended amount That’s why it’s important to get vitamin D from several other sources. Doctors suggest to get a supplement with both vitamin D and calcium, as the vitamin D helps the body to absorb the calcium easier.

Photo by bernat…

Little Known Ways to Improve your Walking Technique

Guest Author — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:06:46 +0000

Harold is a fitness trainer and a writer who constantly writes about Health News and tips for Big Pond News–one of the biggest websites in Australia. To read more about his works and tips, Click Here.

You can predict a runner who will win the race by simply observing his hip. The more control you have over you hips, the better the chances you have to win the race. But really, if you can’t control your hips well you will become less graceful and being sloppy is just a waste of energy and would oftentimes lead to an injury.

The point is, you must learn to delegate some load of your body to your hip and abdominal muscles. By doing so, you will be able to walk more efficiently resulting to a faster stride while reducing the risk of injury as well as the jarring of the joints due to walking impact. Of course, with lesser strains and pains, you can walk farther than normal. If you are losing weights, then you can burn generous amount of calories which is a positive thing to happen to your body. With this in mind, look at the following list to-dos for a proper walking technique.

1. Pull Your Belly Button Toward Your Spine

Normally, the abdominal muscles form like a girdle of stability to give you more control over your movements–this can help you develop six pack abs. Now, when you walk, freely swing your arm without letting your torso swivel. The main purpose is, again, to support your movement.

2. Get Your Thigh and Butt Muscles Involved

Consciously, when you take a step you need to focus more on your trailing leg; you should create some kind of a crease in the spot where your thigh and butt meet lifting your cheek to tighten your hamstring. Continue to do so as you take your way down the pavement step by step.

3. Point Your Toes Forward as You Walk

The truth is, your knees can easily be stressed out when you turn your toes out. The good thing to do while walking is to allow your heel to strike the ground first and flexing at your ankles.

4. Always Relax Your Shoulders

Do not shrug or hunch. Always hold your shoulders back and down because they also play a significant role in preserving your stamina and energy as you walk. It is normal to feel tired if you shrug your shoulders.

5. Your Head Must be Held High

Have you ever tried walking with a book on your head? That’s the kind that you need to adapt whenever you are out for walking. This is a great help in distributing the force of gravity over body and it lowers the stress on your head and neck.

Walking is the simplest exercise yet it is very helpful for a person whose body cannot sustain heavier and more strenuous activities. The fact is, doctors recommend walking as the primary form of exercise which can be done everyday, everywhere. However, in order to boost its effects, you need to have your own technique or you can follow what I have just pointed out.

Oregano Oil Health Benefits

NHE — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:53:03 +0000

Oregano is a very popular spice that has been used for hundreds of years. This spice is mixed into a variety of foods to add a little extra flavor to a dish. Not only is this spice used in foods, but certain parts of the oregano plant can be made into an oil. The wild oregano plant species grows in mountain regions that are remote and have no pollution. The oil from the wild oregano plant is extracted from the leaves of the plant. The leaves of this plant have a high amount of oil, and once the oil is extracted, it’s developed into a product called oil of oregano. Oregano oil provides many different benefits to a person’s health. Oregano oil health benefits range from being able to help people suffering from digestive problems, to treating athlete’s foot.

Helps With Skin Infections

Oil of oregano works well on skin infections. Along with treating athlete’s foots, oil of oregano helps treat other internal and external fungal infections. It destroys every type of yeast and fungi, no matter where it’s located in or on the body. Oil of oregano also stops the growth of parasites and bacteria. It has been known to neutralize protozoans, worms, and amoebas. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can be relieved by using oil of oregano. Other skin problems that this oil can help with include diaper rash, dandruff, venomous bites from bees and other insects, and other skin disorders. It is OK to use oregano oil directly on the skin, as long as it’s diluted with water. It can also be diluted with coconut oil or olive oil. The ratio is normally one drop of oregano oil to every teaspoon of coconut oil or olive oil.

Helps With Digestive Problems

Oregano oil has high concentrations of carvacrol and thymol. These two substances have been known to help with an upset stomach and help with digestion. Mild indigestion can be remedied by putting two or three drops of this oil into a glass of milk. Oregano oil is also helpful in reducing the risk of food poisoning. When combined with eggs, meat, salad, or milk, the oil can stop food poisoning microbes from growing. Other intestinal issues that oregano oil can help with include intestinal gas and diarrhea.

Helps With Colds, Sore Throats, And Sinus Congestion

Oregano oil health benefits also include helping to defend against the common cold and sore throats. If you feel like you’re getting a cold, or if your throat is a little scratchy, adding three drops of oil of oregano to a glass of orange juice, can have symptoms clearing up in no time. This mixture is also a good remedy for sinus congestion. It’s safe to drink the orange juice and oregano oil three to five times a day.

Oil of oregano is densely packed with minerals. The minerals in oregano oil include the following

Magnesium
Calcium
Iron
Zinc
Copper
Potassium
Boron
Manganese

There are also quite a few vitamins in oil of oregano including the following.

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Niacin

Oregano oil health benefits are plentiful. This oil is a great addition to anyone’s diet, and it’s easy to incorporate. You can add the oregano oil to hot tea to make a nice soothing drink. There are a few words of caution, however. If you’re allergic to mint, basil, thyme, or sage, you might get an adverse reaction to this oil. If you use this oil on the skin and end up with a rash as a result, stop using it and consult your doctor. It also might reduce your body’s iron absorption ability, therefore pregnant women are urged not to use it regularly. Other than these issues, oregano oil can provide you with many health benefits.

Coriander – A Green Leaf Full of Life

Guest Author — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:54:44 +0000

Author Bio: Cathryn Johnson is a content writer for Medical Coding Certification who gives advice on the pursuit of education and living a healthy life. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors, performance arts and a good book.

I have recently been taking East Indian cooking lessons from my best friend’s mom. As we cook together, she often chats away regarding the multitude of health benefits the various spices we use possess. At first, I didn’t think much of her free commentary. But one evening, I decided to do some research of my own. I was amazed to discover that the colorful spices that I thought simply added to the taste, texture and aroma of Indian food,in fact provide quite a health punch.

What is Coriander?

One of my favorite Indian spices is coriander. I love coriander for its earthy aroma, which is a mixture of citrus and sage. Coriander can be found in seed or powder form, or as leaves, more commonly referred to as cilantro or Indian dhania. The fruit of the coriander plant contains two seeds which, when dried, are the used as the dried spice. The leaves of the plant are also used in cooking.

Coriander is one of the world’s oldest spices. Its use can be traced back to 5,000 BC. Although coriander originated in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions its has been widely used in Asian countries for thousands of years. The
ancient Egyptians cultivated coriander and it was even mentioned in the Old Testament. Hippocrates, along with many other early physicians, used coriander for its medicinal properties. Both the Greek and Romans used coriander to
preserve meats and flavor breads. In fact, the name coriander comes from the Greek word koris, which means bug. Perhaps this name has to do with the way the seeds look, or maybe because of the “buggy” offensive smell it emits when
unripe.

What are the benefits of Coriander?

Coriander is slowly developing quite a reputation for its healing properties. In certain parts of Europe, coriander is known as an “anti-diabetic” plant. Studies show that when this spice was added to the diet of diabetic mice, it helped
stimulate their secretion of insulin and lowered their blood sugar. Coriander has a stimulating effect on the endocrine glands, which results in an increase in secretion of insulin from the pancreas, which in turn increases the insulin level in
the blood. This helps with proper assimilation and absorption of sugar. And the end result is a fall in the sugar level in the blood, thus proving beneficial in the fight against diabetes.

In India, coriander’s anti-inflammatory properties are touted. Coriander contains, cineole, one of the 11 components of the essential oils, and linoleic acid, which both possess anti rheumatic and anti-arthritic properties. Thus, coriander is
beneficial for reducing arthritic swelling. Coriander also helps excretion of extra water from the body, this helping reduce swelling due to malfunctioning of kidney or anemia.

In the United States, recent studies show that coriander has cholesterol-lowering effects. In a study involving rats fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, coriander lowered total cholesterol levels. It also lowered LDL (the “bad” cholesterol),
while increasing levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol). It is believed that the acids present in coriander, which include linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin-C), are what help reduce the cholesterol
level in the blood. Coriander is also believed to help reduce the cholesterol deposition along the inner walls of the arteries and veins. As an added benefit, coriander provides a good source of dietary fiber, iron and magnesium.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to use coriander in its powdered or seeded form to enhance the flavors in your food, or in its leafy form as an edible garnishment, its health benefits make it a spice worth including in your spice rack. And if you are not
much of a cook, go out for Indian food, most dishes in restaurants are at least garnished with coriander leaves.

Photo by alex_lee2001

Eat Right For Your Blood Type Diet

Linda — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:52:50 +0000

For all who are looking for an interesting book to read, I recommend the “Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type“. I have been having some digestion issues on and off over the last couple years and after trying out this diet for a couple months, I am becoming pretty convinced that I found my answer.

Health Benefits Of Hops

NHE — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:26:17 +0000

Hops are most commonly known for being an ingredient in beer. Hops are what gives beer its bitter taste. You might be surprised to learn that hops is not only used in beer. Hops have been an integral part of herbal healing, having some of its traditional uses supported by today’s modern science. The hop is a flower that grows in clusters. The flowers look like green cones and were first cultivated on a regular basis in the 8th or 9th century AD in Bavaria’s Bohemian gardens, as well as other parts of Europe. The hop plant is normally trained so they grow up strings in commercial fields known as hop gardens, hop fields, or hop yards.

What else is it in?

Along with being an ingredient in beer, hops are also found in other beverages, such as a carbonated drink called Julmust. This beverage is very much like soda and is a popular drink in Sweden. The oils and extracts found in the hops plant are used in a variety of different products. These oils and extracts are used to flavor candy, gelatin, and yeast. They’re also used in pudding, ice creams chewing gum, baked goods, and a variety of condiments.

What are the benefits?

There are quite a few health benefits of hops. A sedative chemical was found in the hops plant in 1983. For several decades before this discovery was made, scientists didn’t believe that hops could be taken as a sedative. There are small traces of this sedative chemical located in the fresh leaves of the plant. As the leaves dry and age, the concentration of the chemical increases. A sedative is different from a sleep aid, as a sedative is designed to relax you and not put you to sleep. Sedatives are used to relieve anxiety. Along with anxiety, hops are also good for cardiovascular disorders, hyperactivity, shock, ulcers, and toothaches.

Women who are going through menopause, might find that taking hops can be beneficial. German scientists have conducted research on hops, and have found that the plant contains hormones that are very similar to estrogen. Because of this discovery, hops might help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause. The same research also discovered hops may be able to alleviate pain from arthritis as well. There are anti-inflammatory properties found in the hops herb that can help arthritis patients.

A unique benefit of taking hops is its ability to treat dandruff. In extract form, hops can be rubbed into the scalp to help treat this issue. Shampoo your hair as you normally would, then apply the hops extract. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it out thoroughly with plain water. This can be a preventative treatment as well as a way to get rid of the problem.

Hops can have an effect on a person’s risk of getting cancer. Oregon State researchers extracted flavonoids from hops and tested it in the treatment for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer. The researchers found some evidence that suggests the flavonoids found in hops may cut a person’s risk of getting these types of cancers. These flavonoids also neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals destroy cells in the body, and promote early age signs such as wrinkles.

While there are some health benefits of hops, there are also some precautions when consuming the herb. Hops can lower blood sugar levels by a significant amount that could cause hypoglycemia in diabetics. Hops should never be given to young children, particularly children under two years old. The FDA has deemed hops as being safe for healthy women who are not pregnant or nursing, and adults who are not using another type of sedative. For older children and adults over the age of 65, a lower dose is recommended.

Taking too much of this herb can result in several issues including upset stomach, diarrhea, confusion, vomiting, and seizures. It’s best to consult with a doctor before experimenting with this herb, especially if you’re taking other medications. Because of the benefits of this herb, and the fact that hops is an ingredient in beer, does not give you a license to drink more beer. Use caution when drinking alcohol. It’s OK to drink a beer or two from time to time, just don’t go over board.

Photo by katrinket

10 Good Foods For Prostate Health

Guest Author — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:40:03 +0000

An overlooked area for prostate health is diet and nutrition. Men go about their lives not thinking about how important it is to eat food for good prostate health. Eating a proper diet goes a long way in preventing prostate disease. This article will cover the importance of diet and nutrition for managing prostate health for men of all ages.

Beneficial Prostate Foods

There are many different types of foods that benefit the prostate. Some foods that should be a regular part of your diet and their benefits are:

1. Broccoli

Evidence suggests broccoli has properties to block prostate cancer cells. The chemicals in broccoli are strong antioxidants and can even destroy free radicals that cause cancer. For the most health benefits, broccoli is best eaten raw or steamed with minimal cooking. Try to eat at least 3 servings a week.

2. Tomatoes

They are rich in lycopene, which is another strong antioxidant. Lycopene also has anti-cancer properties. Unlike broccoli, tomatoes are best cooked for better health benefits. 3-5 servings a week is a good diet plan.

3. Berries

Foods like strawberries & blueberries have strong antioxidant support and anti-inflammatory properties. They also have anti-cancer properties as well. A substance called “polyphenols” is the main beneficial ingredient in berries. Suggested serving should be 3-5 per week.

4. Nuts

Many different types of nuts including walnuts, pecans, macadamia, Brazil, and almonds are great prostate support foods. Nuts are rich in a compound called “selenium”. Selenium has been researched for slowing tumor growth and has
antioxidant powers. Consume at least 5-7 servings a week of various nuts.

5. Fish

This is rich in selenium, but also has zinc. Zinc is an important nutrient for prostate health. Zinc plays the role of strengthening the immune system and prevents unwanted cell growth. Salmon is a great fish source for prostate health. Try to eat fish at least twice per week.

6. Apples

This fruit is loaded with a compound called “quercetin”. Quercetin has very strong anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an important bioflavonoid and antioxidant. Bioflavonoids are natural nutrients found in most fruits and vegetables. The apple peel supplies most of the benefits. The peel contains both quercetin & bioflavonoids. Apples should be eaten on a daily basis.

7. Watermelon

This is another food rich in lycopene. The red color of watermelon demonstrates the presence of lycopene. All red-colored fruits have some sort of lycopene presence. Watermelon or red-colored fruits should be eaten at 3-5 servings per week.

8. Soy-based foods

Foods like soybeans and raisins are rich in soy. Soy can protect and strengthen prostate tissue. Soy foods should be at 2 servings or more a week. But make sure it’s non-GMO and soy should always be eaten in it’s rawest form to get the full benefits.

9. Purified water

Water is very important to the body. Water is a natural cleanser. It will help keep the prostate flushed of unwanted toxins. Drink 6-10 cups of purified/bottled water daily.

10. Green tea

This beverage is rich in antioxidants. Green tea prevents the spread of cancer cells. Suggested intake of green tea is at least 4 cups daily.

Actually, all fruits and vegetables are good for the prostate. The above list is just a few foods that are beneficial to prostate health. Red (colored) fruits are particularly the best fruits to make a regular part of your diet.

Foods To Avoid Or Limit

While there is a long list of foods to have in your diet, there is also a list of foods to keep out of your diet. Below is a list of some of the foods to avoid/limit.

1. Dairy products

Avoid dairy products at all cost. Especially eggs and processed milk products. In numerous studies, dairy intake is linked to prostate cancer. Men who consume dairy products regularly have as much as a 40% higher risk of developing
prostate cancer.

2. Refined sugars

Avoid foods with added sugar. I say “added” here because a lot of foods have natural sugar like fruits & vegetables. Cancer cells thrive on sugar which can lead to cancer growth.

3. Red meats

Try to limit red meat intake. Red meat may have other health benefits, but for prostate health these foods are better left out of the diet. Red meats are loaded with fats and steroids. A diet high in fat intake is linked to prostate cancer. If you’re going to eat red meat then let it be very minimal.

4. Caffeine

Beverages like coffee and soft drinks are loaded with caffeine. This stimulant leads to damage of soft tissues like the prostate. Cut out or limit the consumption of caffeine.

5. Spicy foods

Foods such as chili and pepper can irritate the prostate. Don’t make spicy foods a regular part of your diet. However, certain spices can actually benefit the prostate like cayenne pepper and garlic.

The above list has just a few of the foods to avoid for maintaining prostate health. Of course, consult your doctor or nutrionist when devising a diet plan. There may be some foods that are harmful for the prostate, but necessary for other reasons. Also, try to purchase foods that are “organic” or “natural” for optimal health.

As you can see, eating a healthy diet plays a very important role in prostate health. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Avoid fatty foods and drink plenty of purified water. Eating healthy is doing you and your prostate a big favor. You may not be thinking about it now, but giving your prostate the needed nutrients can certainly keep it from having a possible
problem in the future.

Tony Bowen is a freelance writer. He is currently a resident writer for Online Nursing Schools, which researches areas of nursing education, online nursing programs, and healthcare. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, fishing, hunting, sports, and video games.

Photo by spisharam – AWAY

Natural Remedies For Jet Lag

NHE — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 10:36:47 +0000

Traveling can be an exciting activity. You go to places you’ve never been to before, or you visit relatives you haven’t seen in a while. Whatever the reason for your trip, you don’t want to feel tired and sluggish during your time away. When you travel through many time zones, you might experience jet lag. Jet lag is when your internal clock is disrupted by changing time zones. The more time zones you cross, the more pronounced the jet lag will be. There are specific signs and symptoms of jet lag. These signs include:

Disorientation
Lack of concentration
Fuzzy headed feeling
Irritability
Fatigue
Dehydration
Uncomfortable feeling in the legs and feet
Disrupted sleep after arriving at your destination

It takes time to recover from jet lag. The estimation from NASA suggests that it takes one day for each time zone you pass through to recover your normal internal rhythm. So if you fly through five time zones, it will take five days for you to feel normal. Flying one or two times zones away isn’t usually a problem, and it shouldn’t effect your internal schedule too much, but any more than two, and you might feel the effects. There are a few natural remedies for jet lag. There are ways to prepare your body for your trip so the effects aren’t as severe as they could be.

Prepare Before Your Trip

If you know in advance that you have a trip coming up that is several time zones away, you can start to adjust your schedule before hand. Go to bed an hour earlier than you normally would (or later depending on which way you’re traveling). Take a natural sleep aid such as melatonin to help you get to sleep earlier. Make sure you set your alarm clock an hour earlier also, so you don’t sleep to your usual time. Keep setting the clock back an hour every day until you’re on the time zone of your destination.

Jet lag can also disrupt your eating patterns. Adjust your eating patterns just like you adjusted your sleep patterns a few days before your trip. Eat meals at times that correspond with your destination. High protein diets can help your body prepare for a long flight. If you’re sitting on an airplane for several hours without moving, the protein in your diet will help fight off fatigue.

During Your Trip

Get plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. The air on an airplane is recycled and very dry. This can quickly dehydrate you and leave you feeling fatigued. Drink water throughout your flight to keep your body alert and hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as soda, tea, and coffee. Alcohol should be avoided as well. Stick with water the whole way.

While you’re on the plane flying to your destination, set your watch for the new time zone. Once you do this, start thinking as if you’re in the time zone already. Don’t think about what time it is at home, concentrate on where you are now. When you arrive at your destination, get outside and into the sun as soon as possible. The sunlight will wake you up and give you a boost in energy.

If you begin to feel sleepy on the plane, get up and move around. Be sure it’s safe to do so. Stand up, stretch your legs, and walk up and down the aisle to get your blood flowing. The longer you sit still, the more tired your body will feel. If you get up and stretch from time to time, you’ll stay alert and won’t be tempted to nap.

When you land, stay active. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Keep your legs moving, this will help you stay alert and will not have you dwelling on how tired you may be feeling. Stay active until it’s time to get to bed in the new time zone. Again, set your alarm so you don’t over sleep.

If you’ve got a trip coming up, and your destination is in a time zone far from where you live, keep these ideas in mind. The natural remedies for jet lag listed above can help you adjust and have you spending more time having fun with relatives or enjoying new travel sites. Bring along some natural sleep aids, like melatonin, in case you find yourself still having a hard time falling asleep.

What are your tips to help or avoid jet lag?

Photo by Olastuen

Tulsi Health Benefits

NHE — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:14:25 +0000

There’s an herb that is not well known yet to the Western world, but it’s becoming more popular. It’s bound to gain more recognition the more we get to know the health benefits of the herb. It’s called Tulsi, or Holy Basil. Tulsi has been around for thousands of years and is highly honored in India for its amazing healing properties. Tulsi health benefits provide more than just healing abilities. Health benefits such as boosting the immune system, enhancing stamina, and promoting a healthy metabolism can prevent sickness from occurring. Tulsi health benefits are vast. Let’s take a look at just a few of the advantages it provides.

The healing power of Tulsi is astounding. Chewing the leaves can clear out phlegm and mucus from bronchial tubes. The leaves of Tulsi are an expectorant, meaning it helps to eliminate the mucus that builds up in the lungs. This makes it a great herb for anyone suffering from a slight cough, bronchitis, or a chest cold.

The leaves of Tulsi can also strengthen the stomach and can enhance digestion. Tulsi can aid in the healing of the common cold, sore throats, and fever. Drinking Tulsi tea in a liter of boiling water can help reduce a temperature. The juice that is found in the herb’s leaves is what makes the fever reduction possible.

Tulsi can be useful in treating other respiratory ailments, such as asthma and influenza. A mixture of Tulsi leaves, ginger, and honey can be an effective treatment for these issues. And a mixture of Tulsi leaves, table salt, and cloves can give fast relief to the flu.

The Holy Basil helps to strengthen the kidneys. Kidney stones may be passed quicker by drinking the juice found in the leaves of Tulsi mixed with honey. Tulsi is a mild diuretic and a detoxifier and can help reduce levels of uric acid concentration within the blood. The main cause of kidney stones is a build up of this uric acid. Since Tulsi is a mild diuretic, it can help to pass the stone quicker than normal.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C and eugenol, are found in Tulsi and protects the heart from free radical damage. The herb also helps with lowering cholesterol levels. Stress can also cause issues with the heart. Stress can increase blood pressure, which can put strain on the heart. Drinking Tulsi tea can help sooth raw nerves and help to lower stress levels. Blood pressure can be lowered by drinking tea with this herb.

Tulsi can keep teeth strong and healthy. If you dry the herb’s leaves in the sun, then mash them into a powder form, it can be used to brush your teeth. Just add a little water to the powder and it turns into a sort of paste. Instead of adding water, you can also add mustard oil and create a paste with that. This herbal toothpaste can maintain your teeth, help to alleviate bad breath, and can be used to massage the gums to prevent gingivitis. It can also be used to help teeth disorders such as pyorrhea.

Sore eyes and night blindness can be remedied by Tulsi. These eye disorders are caused by a lack of vitamin A. Placing two drops of the juice from the leaves into each eye can help alleviate these issues. Or you can fill a bowl with water and let the leaves soak in it for a while. Wash your eyes out with this water and it should reduce the soreness. Drinking Tulsi tea regularly can protect the eyes from free radical damage, and can reduce your chance of getting glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, vision defects, and opthalmia.

These are just a handful of Tulsi health benefits. Other advantages include the following:

Quicker wound healing after surgery
Protects against infection
Acts as a vaccine against pox
Anti-carcinogenic to help fight against cancer and tumors
Reduces labor pains
Destroys rabies germs
Treats cholera
Treats gastroenteritis
Treats whooping cough
Treats measles
Treats mumps
Treats urinary and genital infections

The list just keeps going. This is definitely one herb to be on the lookout for. The health benefits are seemingly endless.

Photo by Leepak