Useful Stress Management Books

Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life – by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard

This is an excellent book by Spencer Johnson. Uncertain tomorrow (aka future) is a big cause of stress and worry among a vast number of people. This book will help you manage your change and uncertainties. The “cheese” is actually a metaphor for “what you want to have in your life – whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health or spiritual peace of mind.” In the story written in this book, two mice and two little mice size humans live in the maze (aka workplace or a living place) and one day they are exposed to a new situation – someone moved their cheese. This book highlights how these characters can face change. Those who are ready for a change and those who just want to wait for the situation to change. It teaches anticipating the change and adjusting the attitudes towards changes in life – and the like techniques to achieve stress-free life. [Click Here]

How To Stop Worrying And Start Living – by Dale Carnegie

This is a classic, evergreen, the most powerful and life-changing book written by Dale Carnegie decades ago, which is still a ‘must-read’ for anyone serious to overcome his or her worries. Though written decades ago, his methods are built upon human behavior which has unchanged since long – time-tested to conquer worry. Read it, you won’t regret. [Click Here]

Happy Self: A Three-Step Strategy To Elevate Your Inner Game – by Tracy Fox

In a simple and effective way, Tracy Fox writes about the practical truths that would help you find the peace and personal happiness you long for. Being a strategic life coach she says she has known many people who have nice homes, secure jobs and country club memberships, and also those who have struggled to make both ends meet. “However,” she says, “no matter what the obvious cultural differences, it turns out that everyone has one core desire in common. We all just want to be HAPPY.” And the biggest enemy of happiness – and the biggest obstacle of course – is “stress”. Read this beautiful book to overcome this obstacle and come closer to the desire of your dreams – HAPPINESS. [Click Here]

The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It – by Kelly McGonigal

Kelly McGonigal highlights new research on the basis of which she suggests not to perceive stress as ‘enemy’. Instead, you should learn to embrace it. If you stop perceiving it as your enemy, it can actually help you become stronger, smarter and happier. Reading this book can help you cultivate a mindset to embrace stress, you can learn how stress can actually provide you focus and energy. Besides you can learn how stress can help you connect and strengthen relationships. And stress can help you learn from challenging experiences. Learning all this can bring stability to your mind and save you from harmful effects of stress. [Click Here]

Stress Management Articles in Scientific Journals

International Journal of Stress Management

The journal of American Psychological Association publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed original research, including qualitative, quantitative empirical, theoretical, historical, and review articles, as well as brief reports, book reviews, and editorials.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Anxiety, Depression and Sensitivity to Stress – A Unifying Theory.

A research study by Peter Salmon, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool.

When Change Causes Stress: Effects of Self-construal and Change Consequences

A research paper by Barbara Wisse published in the Journal of Business and Psychology,  June 2016. The finding suggests that the change is more likely to lead to stress when the change has consequences for matters that are central to employees’ sense of self.

Some Useful Self-Help Programs

If you suffer from anxiety while driving, shopping, or at work, this program may be helpful. They offer one-minute free anxiety test as well. They help you become free, naturally, from having another panic attack or experience Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Their statistics show that about 70,000 people in 32 countries have benefited from this program. Everyone has used this program – from soccer moms to famous celebrities. To run the anxiety and panic away [Click Here]

This program is for shy and anxious people. It can help you get authentic confidence with real and powerful connection skills. You can learn why your self-esteem doesn’t work and why the self-acceptance is the way. If you are stuck with shyness and social anxiety thing and want to be truly successful, you may consider exploring more about this coaching program by [Clicking Here]

This program is designed for those who are struggling to treat their panic attacks and general anxiety. Those who feel frustrated, have constant worry and stress for not being able to appropriately deal with anxiety in spite of all their efforts. Those who wish to participate in certain situations or do soething but cannot because of their tendency of avoidence would also benefit from this program. It is also good for those who feel that life is just passing by or have fear of leaving their house or making business or travel plans and holiday trips. This program may also be helpful to those who feel they are like prisoners to their panic attacks. To explore more, [Click Here]

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How to Overcome stress – understand it first

When your body demands something or perceives any kind of threat the hypothalamus in the brain triggers the ‘fear, fight and flight‘ response. This leads to the release of the adrenocortical hormones (stress hormones) which prepares your body to fulfill the challenges and demands to overcome the threat – actual or perceived.

Small or temporary stress is good and is termed as ‘eustress‘. It enables you and helps you to overcome certain demanding situations. However, when the stress persists unusually longer, it may become unwanted stress or ‘distress‘. When we say ‘stress’, it is actually this kind of stress – distress. And this needs to be handled.

How do people feel when they are in stress?

When someone is stressed they may feel anxious, feel unnecessarily low self-esteem, have lack of concentration, and are somewhat indecisive.

They may have a headache, muscle pain or stiffness, eating problems (too much or too little), sleep problems, dizziness, etc. They may resort to excessive ‘drinking’ or smoking, snap at people, and avoid things and people they may have problems with.

Why stress occurs?

Anything that puts high demands on you can lead to the release of stress hormones in the body and thus the consequent symptoms we call ‘stress symptoms’. The high demand situations may be related to work problems, family problems, relationship issues, personal issues, financial problems, serious illnesses, bereavement, or anything that puts a kind of pressure on you.

Is stress bad for you?

According to the traditional and prevalent point of view, yes, stress, especially persistent stress, is not good for you. There are alternate views on this as well, which I shall mention later.

First, let us talk from the traditional perspective. If the stress persists longer, it may have harmful effects on the body systems. The blood pressure may rise above normal limits, anxiety, and depression may occur, fatigue may become a chronic issue, and heart problems may also surface. Other problems that have been attributed to stress include obesity, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis. Psoriasis may also become worse with the persistent stress. The anxiety which occurs with the stress may also lead to lack of interest in the sex. Depression and premature brain aging are other two consequences that may also occur if stress persists for long.

Other mental issues that can surface include bipolar disorder, cognitive thinking problems, personality change, problem behaviors, etc. One may even feel chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, anxiety and the panic attack may occur.

Furthermore, stress tends to suppress the immune system, making your body susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. Excessive acidity of the stomach, peptic and related ulcers and other related digestive and intestinal problems are also attributed to chronic stress.

Impact of stress on women’s health

Women may feel reduced sex drive due to changes in the body’s natural sex hormones, they may have decreased fertility, irregular periods, aggravated face acne, increased hair fall, digestive problems, mental depression, insomnia, weight gain, increased risk of heart disease and stroke, etc.

Is stress caused by others?

The answer to this is ‘no’. You have to understand this before you can learn how to overcome stress. Neither the other people nor the external happenings actually cause stress. It is your own reaction to them which create stressful feelings in you. Don’t blame your stress on your boss, deadline in job assignments, or your coworkers, who also face similar challenges like you. Your stress comes from your own rumination. “Rumination is the focused attention on the symptoms of one’s distress, and on its possible causes and consequences, as opposed to its solutions” (Wikipedia). It is not the ‘reflective pondering’ which is purposeful turning inward to engage in cognitive problem solving to alleviate one’s depressive symptoms, instead, it is the ‘brooding‘ type of rumination that causes stress. Knowing the brooding and keeping it at bay solves the problem of stress.

How to overcome stress – ways and steps

Now, having understood the causes and consequences of the stress, you are in a better position to understand how to overcome stress. In order to begin, let us know the stress management definition first.  “Stress management refers to the wide spectrum of techniques and psychotherapies aimed at controlling a person’s levels of stress, especially chronic stress, usually for the purpose of improving everyday functioning.” (Wikipedia)

Here, in this article, you can find commonly used techniques, as well some new or alternate ways to stress management. You will also find dos and don’ts, tips, lists of stress management articles, books, products, and other resources that can be very useful to overcome and manage your stress.

Being Active – Exercise & Sports activities

This may not cure your stress fully but does help improve your feelings, thoughts, and improve your ability to tackle your problems in a less irritative way. However, do not force yourself to play a sport or indulge in a physical activity that you don’t like. It will only increase your stress instead of decreasing.

Though may not be enough, the easiest ways to start some physical activity is to use either squeeze balls or stress balls.

Stress Balls for simple hand exercise – click to know more

Taking Control

Taking control of yourself is one of the important ways to handle stress. Feeling of helplessness (e.g., I can’t do anything about my problem) won’t help. You need to own the problem and proactively try to solve it.

An incredibly informative book about a common debilitating medical condition that goes largely undiagnosed and untreated

Connecting with others

Talking to a friend or colleague can help you overcome your basic problem which is causing you stress. Besides, if you are connected with others, it will be helpful when you need their help.

Connecting with others is one of the ways to overcome stress. This is encouraged by the body’s built-in mechanism as well. Oxytocin, one of the stress hormone, released by the pituitary gland, in response to the stress, primes you to strengthen your close relationships with others. It makes you crave for physical contact with your friends and family members. So connecting with others actually becomes easier due to this built-in mechanism. Therefore, try to take advantage of this built-in mechanism and proactively connect with others.

Set Goals and Challenges for Yourself

Setting up new goals or challenges, for example, learning new game/sport, or a new language or dancing lessons may have a positive effect on your efforts to overcome stress. Do something new, interesting, and unexplored.

Learn Italian

Dance and sweat to some of the hottest hits of all time with Shaun T. Rockin’ Body.

Learn golf with Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons… a timeless classic with nearly one million copies in print

Avoid Bad Habits

If you have increased smoking, alcohol and/or caffeine intake, as a way to overcome your stress, it will not work. Rather it will increase it in the long run. If anything can be useful, it is Magnesium Oil.

Overcome the brooding thoughts

If you tend to brood, try to distract yourself away from it. You can do that by getting involved in activities that require attention and concentration. For instance, Crossword or Sudoku puzzles, watching an absorbing movie (on a topic different from brooding thoughts) or going for a jog. These activities will gradually diminish the urge to brood again and improve you over the time.

Help Others – Caring Creates Resilience

You may consider volunteering for any community work you like. Just try to help others. The more you give, the happier you’d be. Stress also triggers the release of the Oxytocin hormone The Oxytocin helps you to develop more empathy. You become more willing to help and support others. Take advantage of this built-in mechanism and try to help others proactively. This will help you in developing resilience for stress.

Emily Ansell of the Yale University School of Medicine who carried out a research on this said: “Our research shows that when we help others we can also help ourselves“.  “Stressful days usually lead us to have a worse mood and poorer mental health, but our findings suggest that if we do small things for others, such as holding a door open for someone, we won’t feel as poorly on stressful days.” (read full article |read research study).

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Prioritizing the work helps. It is better to do most important work first and leaving least important work towards the end. In the nutshell, manage, prioritize and space out your work.

Accept Things You Can’t Change

Try to accept situations which you can’t change. Remain within the parameters, beyond which you have no control. If you want to find the answer of “how to overcome stress”, you have to understand this concept very well.

You can’t change everything but can learn how to accept the Stuff that Sucks!

Positive Thinking

Think positively and immerse yourself in the world of your dreams and desires. When you ask yourself about how to overcome stress, think of being positive.

Let me quote here from Dalai Lama: “If there is no solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it.”

Motivational speaker Tony Robbins while talking about how to overcome stress, says: “Decide to live in a beautiful state and avoid training yourself to get frustrated, stressed out or sad. Instead, take control of yourself and train yourself to feel passionate and strong.”

Don’t Perceive Stress as an Enemy

A research study titled “Does the perception that stress affects health matter? The association with health and mortality.” was published in the official journal of the Health Psychology Division of the Americal Psychological Association, in 2012. [Read abstract or full]. According to the study: “High amounts of stress and the perception that stress impacts health are each associated with poor health and mental health. Individuals who perceived that stress affects their health and reported a large amount of stress had an increased risk of premature death.”

So “take stress positively and take it as your body’s way of helping you rise to some challenge,” says Kelly McGonigal, Stanford psychologist, and bestselling author who wrote the book: “The Upside of Stress – Why stress is good for you and how to get good at it.”

Kelly McGonigal delivers a controversial and groundbreaking new book that overturns long-held beliefs about stress. This book can help you transform stress from a barrier that thwarts to a resource that propels us.

According to her, “Stress isn’t bad“. She highlights these studies I have mentioned above and indicates that stress can, in fact, make us stronger, smarter, and happier—if we learn how to embrace it. In this book, she tells readers to how to cultivate a mindset to embrace stress. She talks about how stress can provide focus and energy and the ways stress can help people connect and strengthen close relationships. According to her, your brain is built to learn from stress and increase its ability to learn from challenging experiences.

Summing-up

In order to sum up the answer to the question, “How to overcome stress?”, it is important to note that the stress is bad and we can’t ignore this fact. However, we can handle and embrace it successfully. If you have stress and if you worry about it, you’d only be compounding the ill effects of the stress and drowning deeper and deeper in the ocean of stress. So how to overcome stress? You need to handle it, and embrace it as fact of life and learn to live with it in a way that it has minimal effect on your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing and it does not affect the quality and length of your life.

For Stress Management Articles and more resources, Click Here

First posted on October 20th, 2017.

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How to buy Bitcoin in Malaysia and worldwide

Technology is moving too fast. Every other day something new is coming up. If we don’t keep pace with the fast-changing world, we’d be left far behind. The blockchain technology is something we must know. If you don’t know its application, it’s better you now learn and know. Since you are reading this article you probably are knowing about the Bitcoins and blockchain technology, at least a little bit.

However, let me say that its applications are not just limited to Bitcoins and cryptocurrencies but its highly likely that it will affect your life in a big way in a near future. Therefore, for a better living in the future lets examine and review some aspects of Bitcoin and Blockchain technology especially in Malaysia.

Important Disclaimer

Let me write this important note here at the very outset that knowing, learning, and testing the Bitcoin use and the Blockchain technology is one thing and investing or using it is an entirely different thing.

This blog post is intended to encourage learning, testing of Bitcoin use and the Blockchain technology and is not at any investment advice or suggestions to use it for any other purpose.

If you do end up buying or investing in the cryptocurrencies please do at your own risk and with the small amount that if lost, it won’t impact your life. Maybe only the extra money you don’t mind losing if everything goes wrong.

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency

What is Bitcoin? What are cryptocurrencies? and what is Blockchain?

Answers to all these questions can be found at hundreds of websites telling you about it in details. So I am not writing such details here. I’ll write just a brief introduction and then proceed to the actual topic of this article. Bitcoin is a new type of payment network a kind of money with fast peer to peer transaction and no central authority. It is a cryptocurrency or a digital payment system – find more at Wikipedia.

How is Bitcoin bought, sold and kept in the digital coin wallets or the hard wallets

Since the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency investment is a very risky thing and that is the reason I am not encouraging people to invest large sums in this very volatile investment area. But at the same time I do encourage you to know more and at least experience yourself as to how the cryptocurrencies are bought, sold, held and transacted. Take it as an educational and learning exercise with minimum possible amounts – a hundred bucks or so for example.

Bitcoin – the money of the future?

I call it a learning exercise because many believe it will be the way the people in the future will be paying and receiving money from one another. In a way, it is a very secure way of holding and transferring but at the same time is very insecure. It is secure because if you take proper precautions there is no way anyone can take your money from your wallet – digital or hard – but if you lose the private key and someone else gets your key phrases your money in that wallet is gone forever and there is no way you can get it back.

Also buying, holding, and selling is neither allowed nor disallowed in many countries. So until this day, it is a kind of neither legal or illegal. There are either no or very minimum government rules about it. We don’t, however, know yet what rules would be framed and enforced by the government in future.

Bank Negara Malaysia’s Position about Bitcoins

Statement of Bank Negara Malaysia about Bitcoin

The Bank Negara Malaysia’s statement on Bitcoin states: “The Bitcoin is not recognised as legal tender in Malaysia.The Central Bank does not regulate the operations of Bitcoin.The public is therefore advised to be cautious of the risks associated with the usage of such digital currency.” Bank Negara Malaysia. 2 January 2014. (retrieved on 23 September 2017). See BNM website for latest updated info or advisory. Latest news report about Crypto currencies and Bank Negara Malaysia. 

Since holding and transacting cryptocurrencies means you are bypassing the prevalent banking system so this is not liked by them.  It is highly likely that they will take every chance to persuade governments to do something to stop cryptocurrency transaction. However, it appears next to impossible to completely stop the cryptocurrency transactions. At this stage, nothing is final this technology is still evolving and the government’s and banking systems have no idea what to do.

Uncertainties

Due to these uncertainties, it may not be wise to put large sums of money in this area. However, it is also unwise to ignore this evolving financial technology altogether.  I believe one must know how to buy, sell, transact, and keep the crypto-currencies safe in their digital or hard wallets and that is the objective of this article.

What is digital coin wallet?

The first step for anyone to buy Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency is to have a wallet for it to keep them. Since these cryptocurrencies are not physical things but it kind of digital puzzles solved by unique digital formulas, these can only be stored in a digital way. The locations where these are stored are spread over thousands of nodes connected through the Internet but the unique keys of these Bitcoins are stored in your wallet.

These wallets are either cloud based on and connected to you through the internet. There are some wallets which can be downloaded on your desktops and you can store your bitcoins there or on your mobile devices. There are other standalone special devices in which you can store and keep your Bitcoins. These later devices are called hard wallets (hardware wallets) we will talk more about these hard wallets later.

Online digital coin wallets

There are many sites connected through the Internet where you can create your digital coin wallet. I created my first digital wallet on blockchain.info and second on Mycelium. These digital coin wallets have their Android mobile apps as well.

During the sign-up process, you would be given a phrase to Backup on a paper, which is usually 12-word phrase.

You would be asked to print these words on a piece of paper and keep it safe at more than one place. This is because if something happens and you lose one copy for example in a fire or flood etc you can still have another copy.

Security – Extremely Important

The security of this phrase is extremely important. If you lose this phrase you lose your Bitcoins. If someone steals it, the thief becomes the new owner of your Bitcoins. So be careful and make the safety of your private keys as the topmost priority.

Many dedicated online wallets store your Bitcoins safe, especially if in small quantities,  but these wallets don’t help you buy or sell Bitcoins for you. You need to buy and transfer your Bitcoins to these secure digital coin wallet. Some buy and sell sites offer their own wallet now. However, I prefer to buy from any site or trustworthy individual and transfer to my wallet at Blockchain or mycelium or any other dedicated secure digital coin wallet or hard wallet.

How to buy bitcoin in Malaysia and elsewhere?

There are many ways you can buy, sell and use Bitcoins. As mentioned earlier, the easiest way is that if you know any trustworthy individuals who own Bitcoin, you can buy from him or her. How to do this? Let’s in go through the steps involved. Generate your digital wallet address, copy and paste and send to the person from whom you are buying Bitcoins. He or she will just need to copy and paste the wallet address you provided to him and send the specific amount of the Bitcoin to you.

You may get it in your digital coin wallet either instantaneously or it may take a few hours to appear. You can pay to your trustworthy seller in any currency you had previously agreed with him or her.

Generating Digital Coin Wallet Address

Generate your digital wallet address, copy and paste and send to the person from whom you are buying Bitcoins. He or she will just need to copy and paste the wallet address you provided to the seller and send the specific amount of the Bitcoin to you.

Receiving Bitcoins or Etherium or other cryptocurrencies

You may get it in your digital coin wallet either instantaneously or it may take a few hours to appear. You can pay to your trustworthy seller in any currency you had previously agreed with them.

Buying from Bitcoin Selling Websites

If you don’t have any trustworthy seller you may register with any website which sells Bitcoin. Some will ask for verification of your identity and phone number etc; others don’t ask for such verification.

I used coinmama.com to buy my first Bitcoin. One Bitcoin is quite expensive. So I only bought a fraction of it equivalent to USD $60 at the time of purchase.

At coinmama.com I registered first and then bought the Bitcoin using my credit card. The site asked me for a wallet address. I generated a wallet address at Blockchain to receive the Bitcoins. I copied and pasted the wallet address in the specified space in the coinmama.com form, provided purchase amount, credit card details and clicked ‘Buy’. After successful credit card payment processing, I was able to receive the bought BTC (Bitcoins) in my blockchain wallet.

Bitcoins in your digital coin wallet – What next?

Once the Bitcoins are in my digital coin wallet I can keep it there indefinitely, send to anyone or if any merchant accepts payments, I can scan the QR code of his digital coin wallet and transfer the specific payment to them directly if I am buying anything from that merchant.

There are many ways to buy Bitcoin in Malaysia and elsewhere. Every transaction would be basically the same as above. You need to provide your wallet address for others to transfer money to you. Similarly, you need the others’ wallet address to send money to them. You can generate wallet address in your wallet app or website. You can send it by email, text or WhatsApp messages etc.

If you happen to be nearby, face to face, your wallet app can generate QR code. The other person’s wallet can scan the QR code and vice versa to read the wallet address and complete the transaction.

Buying Bitcoins using credit cards and bank transfers

My experience with the sites which sell Bitcoin is like this. When you buy bitcoins using a credit card you also pay some extra fee for credit card processing. However if you buy it from her trustworthy individual you know, you can save these costs.

There are are some sites which provide you the facility of transferring funds from your banks to them directly. Once your funds are transferred and reflected in your account on the website you can use these funds to buy Bitcoins.

Sites which accept payments via bank transfer in Malaysia

One such site that works Malaysia is luno.com. They have a mobile app for Android phones as well. Once you sign up with them they will need some verification from you. When they received your documents scans, they will verify your account. When I signed up for luno.com account it took them two days to verify my account. I feel this is a very slow process. They have Malaysian Maybank account. So I have had to transfer funds from my RHB account to their Maybank account first. After successful online transfer (no cash deposits accepted) it took about half an hour for funds to appear in my luno.com account. I was then able to buy the Bitcoins from them instantaneously.

Where to keep Bitcoins bought in this way?

The Bitcoins bought in this way reside in their own digital coin wallet. They, however, provide facility to send Bitcoin to any other wallets. I wanted to send my Bitcoins to my blockchain.info wallet as I feel more comfortable to place my crypto coins there, or at Mycelium instead of luno.com provided wallet. So I generated wallet address at my blockchain wallet and tried to send my BTC 0.0274 to Blockchain wallet but it did not go through. A message appeared telling me that this amount is below the minimum amount required! This is strange because, let’s say if we buy anything and want to pay in BTC, we can’t use these BTC stored in luno.com wallet to pay for such a purchase unless the price is above a certain limit. This is not acceptable.

Contacting the Support Team of these Sites – How Quickly they Respond?

If you face any problem, you need to contact the support team. Good sites would respond very fast. However, my experience is not really good with luno.com. Due to the above-mentioned problem, I decided to contact them and created a formal support ticket (reference number: 203780 dated 20th September 2017). This is to get a clear picture and solution to this problem. But they appear very slow to respond. Until writing of this article, I had not heard from them. Four days have already passed by. They have yet to reply. I need to know if and how I can transfer my BTC 0.274 from my luno.com wallet to my Blockchain or Mycelium wallet.

Buy Back Facility

They, however, provide you facility to sell them back the bitcoins you have in your wallet  luno.com. I have not tried this facility. But if my wallet at luno.com cannot transfer my Bitcoins to my Blockchain or Mycelium wallet, I will have no option but to sell my Bitcoins back to them and transfer my money to my bank account. I am not sure if I will get full amount or only after some deductions.

Word of caution

Just a thought comes to mind that what if everyone who bought Bitcoins from them suddenly decides to sell them back? Will they be honoring all request? I don’t have any answer to that. So that’s another reason, not to put all eggs in a basket.

What I would prefer…

Though they have made it possible to buy bitcoins using money transfer from your bank account but are very slow to reply to any help request. Therefore, in future, if I am going to buy using credit cards. I would prefer to use coinmama.com and transfer my BTC to my blockchain.info digital coin wallet or Mycelium digital coin wallet. For sure, I would avoid buying from luno.com or such other websites unless they remove restrictions on moving out the purchased Bitcoins from their wallet to other wallets, fully. Though with credit cards I pay some extra fee, I get my Bitcoins right in the wallet of my choice.

Bitcoin Exchanges and Escrow Sites

The second and preferable option is to buy from a trustworthy individual. How to find such a trustworthy individuals? This is a tricky question. There are some sites (or exchanges) like remitano.com, which provide escrow services among buyers and sellers of the cryptocurrencies. However, I have not used these websites and you may use due diligence before using these services.

Bitcoin Hard wallet

Now you can buy a hard wallet or hardware wallet and store your Bitcoin private keys in that wallet. You can connect your Bitcoin hard wallet to a computer through USB cable. You can store your Bitcoin private keys offline and sign transactions using these hard wallets.

I would like to emphasize here that for security and safety to have your due diligence while buying these cryptocurrency hard wallets. Make sure you are buying from the reliable source or supplier. In my opinion, Amazon is the only reliable supplier of these hard wallets at the moment. Some hard wallets are Ledger Nano S,  Trezor and Keepkey. I would prefer Trezor. This is because I can use Trezor with Mycelium digital coin wallet installed on my android device as well.

Bitcoins – Is it easy to buy in Malaysia?

Someone asked if it’s easy to buy Bitcoins in Malaysia? I have described this in detail above. You can see that it is easy to buy Bitcoins in Malaysia using credit cards, though fees are relatively high. If you know someone trustworthy willing to their Bitcoins to you at good rates, that would be the best. Otherwise, try and test escrow service exchanges with smaller amounts to start with and with due precautions.

Some escrow exchanges include localbitcoin.com. remitano.com, etc. Xbitasia.com is another exchange which accepts payments transfer from Malaysian bank accounts in the Ringgit Malaysia and use these Ringgits to buy Bitcoins. On many such sites also, I can sell Bitcoins for Ringgit Malaysia and transfer ringgits to my Malaysian bank account.

Last, but not the least, if you ever decide to buy more bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies, you may consider buying a hard wallet for safekeeping of your digital currencies.

Below are the links to some books and hard wallets and other useful stuff

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Comprehensive pain management formula, Penetrex, is not just a painkiller but a formula to reduce inflammation and thereby reduce pain, as claimed by the manufacturer. The manufacturer claims that it’s useful in lots of musculoskeletal and connective tissue pain and inflammation and hence can be very useful sports therapy when sports injuries cause pain. In this article, I’ll try to go through the detail of the ingredients of this formula, their actions on the body tissue, benefits, adverse effects, and examine in an unbiased way, if this formula is worth giving a try. This Penetrex review is based on the information gathered by myself on my own.

What is Penetrex?

Penetrex Cream

Penetrex is a topical cream which you can apply directly to the site of pain and injury. It’s a unique formula of various natural ingredients that treat many inflammation-related problems. And hence you can feel less pain caused by the inflammation. Your inflammation at the site of the lesion will also decrease. So it’s not just a painkiller but a therapeutic agent.

In order to understand the mode of action, let us take up the major constituent ingredients and then examine these, one by one.

Ingredients of Penetrex

Let me try to help you understand the role of each active ingredient in Penetrex and see how these help in pain management.

Arnica Montana Flower Extract

Arnica montana is traditionally used topically as oil, cream, liniment, salve, or tincture for alleviating muscle pain and stiffness. In European folk medicine, shepherds used to reduce pain and inflammation due to sprains, bruises, and injuries. It probably increases the permeability of membranes and dilates the blood vessels. It has been used for aches due to overexertion.

It’s taken orally only in homeopathic formulations.

Since arnica montana flower extract is proven to diminish pain and inflammation in injuries, it can be used in sports therapy, like the one for tennis elbow. And for the same reason, can incorporate in comprehensive pain management of conditions like the arthritic and inflammatory pain of the knee, hip, back, neck, and neuropathic pains including sciatica, as well as shin splints and tendinitis.

The presence of arnica montana flower extract in Penetrex formula is certainly a good choice.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil is a good emollient and used for moisturizing the skin. The linoleic acid contained in the sunflower seed oil does have anti-inflammatory effects but are mostly limited to the skin surface. However, moisture on the skin probably may help other ingredients to get absorbed and cross the skin into the deeper tissue. The therapeutic role of this ingredient is yet to be fully understood. 

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)

Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 has good anti-inflammatory properties when consumed orally. It is often used to polyneuropathy neuritis as well as carpal tunnel syndrome. These properties make vitamin B6 an excellent choice as part of comprehensive pain management formula for musculoskeletal problems, carpal tunnel syndrome as well as sports therapy for problems like tennis elbow etc. It has a role in the sodium-potassium balance in the tissues, especially nerve and therefore helps reduce the edema and inflammation, thereby reducing the pain as well. However, all benefits depend on the actual bioavailability of these ingredients in the body tissue where needed.

This ingredient is excellent choice provided it does cross the skin and reach the internal tissues. Does this happen in the case of Penetrex? This is what I’d discuss towards the end of this article.

Bilineurine Bitartrate

This ingredient also belongs to the B vitamins family. Like vitamin B6, this has a beneficial effect on the nerve inflammation. In the case of tennis elbow, radial nerve is affected, in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, nerves in the wrist are affected. So the presence of bilineurine in this comprehensive pain management formula is a good choice, especially its role in the sports therapy cannot be denied. If, as claimed by the manufacturer, it is able to penetrate deep into the tissue of discomfort, its benefits can be great.

Penetrex cream ingredients

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM/DMSO2)

MSM helps by helping tissues in eliminating the waste products like lactic acid etc. which are responsible for pain and soreness in the body.  It does so by restoring the flexibility and permeability to cell walls so that fluids can pass through the tissues more easily. In this way, the body tissues recover fast. The MSM is, therefore, good ingredient as a constituent of the comprehensive pain management formula for musculoskeletal problems and as part of this sports therapy cream.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is present in the joint fluid and cartilage. It is made in the body tissues. It keeps the bone, cartilage and joint in good shape and functioning. Routine food does not contain glucosamine. So if due to age or wear and tear, when requirements increase, the only way to replace the most glucosamine when internal production is low, is by external supplementation.

Penetrex manufacturer claims that their cream uses transdermal transport technology to transfer its ingredients from the external skin surface, to inside the joint tissue. If this is true, as it appears to be the case, then it’s a great way to bypass the oral route and make it available right in the tissue where it is needed the most. Glucosamine is not fully utilized if taken orally and can cause stomach upset as well. 

Cetyl Myristoleate

Though limited, there is some scientific evidence, but a lot of testimonial evidence, that cetyl myristoleate is useful in alleviating pain and inflammation of joints due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, bursitis, and sports injuries. Public opinion has recently been building up that it may even be better than glucosamine and chondroitin in the treatment of these problems.

How it alleviates pain? Probably by lubrication effect in joints, anti-inflammatory effect decreasing edema in and around joints, and by decreasing morning stiffness which common in arthritis of rheumatoid origin.

In light of these properties, I can safely say that inclusion of this ingredient in this comprehensive pain management formula for musculoskeletal problems and as part of sports therapy is justified and probably beneficial.

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract

Aloe vera leaf extract has healing and anti-inflammatory effects probably due to the presence of some sterols. It also contains some salicylic acid and probably due to this it has analgesic effects as well. It has been used in arthritis and other inflammatory conditions traditionally for a long time. These properties justify it as part of the comprehensive pain management strategy for the musculoskeletal problems and thus is its inclusion in the Penetrex cream. Due to analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, it has also a role in sports therapy due to injuries etc.

Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense) Oil

Though there are not many scientific studies, as is the case with most traditional herbs, some studies that have been carried out so far have revealed that Frankincense oil does have a good effect on osteoarthritis. Probably this is because of boswellic acid contained in the oil which inhibits the pro-inflammatory enzyme, 5-lipoxygenase. It has also a role in inhibiting nF-kB. When taken orally, it decreases pain and improves joint mobility, especially in the joints affected by osteoarthritis.

Due to these properties, Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense) Oil found its place in this formula for comprehensive pain management for musculoskeletal problems and in sports therapy.

Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil

Traditionally it is used for decreasing pain and inflammation over bruised or injured areas of skin. It is also used, mixed with other carrier oils, to minimize pain and inflammation of tendinitis and arthritis. It has also been used to overcome myalgia and neuralgia. There is, however, a need for more scientific studies to find out how and why this oil is effective in musculoskeletal aches and pains.

Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor)

Camphor has been used externally as a pain remedy for bruises, wounds, inflammation, gout and rheumatic joints in the past. It is still used as part of creams and ointments or rheumatic pain, neuralgia, arthritis, sore muscles, sprains, and bruises.

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil

Tea Tree Oil is primarily used historically as antiseptic and anti-inflammatory oil (Carson, 2006). The inclusion of this ingredient in this comprehensive pain management formula for musculoskeletal problems and sports therapy is a good idea because it is better to have an antimicrobial agent in it to prevent any skin infections while applying the cream for its anti-inflammatory effect. In addition to its antimicrobial effect, the Tea Tree Oil itself has an anti-inflammatory effect. These properties make it a good choice to be included in the formula.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Vitamin E’s role as an anti-inflammatory agent is not fully understood. However, there is scientific evidence in favor of vitamin E’s role against the oxidative stress. The oxidative stress caused by the free radicals play important role in the causation and deterioration of the osteoarthritis in joints including knee, hip, cervical, lumbar spine, distal interphalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, carpometacarpal, and metatarsophalangeal joints. Therefore, we can say that the vitamin E in the cream would help in overcoming the oxidative stress and thereby prevent or delay the osteoarthritis (Bhattacharya, 2011).

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate

Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate obtained from licorice roots is converted to glycyrrhetinic acid, which inhibits some enzymes which destroy corticosteroids. Therefore, the role of this ingredient is anti-inflammatory (Huang, 2016).

Side effects

As a rule of thumb, if you are allergic to any of the ingredient in the cream, don’t use. Also, do not think that all natural or herbal preparations are free from adverse effects. Generally, this cream should be well tolerated, but be cautious and if anything unusual, please consult your doctor immediately.

Conditions for which Penetrex can be useful

Let me now take up the conditions for which it can be useful or can benefit.

Arthritis

First, let’s us see what is arthritis? When one or more joints inside the body become inflamed, we call it arthritis. It causes problems like joint pain, stiffness, redness, swelling, decreased mobility and often, these symptoms worsen with age.

Arthritis is of many types, but the two most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, and they destroy the joints in different ways.

Osteoarthritis is caused by wear-and-tear to your cartilage — the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones. Too much damage will cause the bone grinding directly on another bone in a joint, which causes pain and restricted movement. This continues to happen for a long time and worsens with the age. If there is any injury or infection, a sudden flare-up can occur.

Lifestyle changes that help in managing arthritis

If you’re obese or overweight, losing weight will reduce the stress on your weight-bearing joints. This may increase your mobility and limit future joint injury. Regular exercise can help keep your joints flexible. Swimming and water aerobics may be good choices because the buoyancy of the water reduces stress on weight-bearing joints. Heating pads or ice packs may help relieve arthritis pain. Using canes, walkers, raised toilet seats, and other assistive devices can help protect your joints and improve your ability to perform daily tasks.

Using Penetrex as part of the comprehensive pain management plan for arthritis pain

You can make topical application of Penetrex a part of your comprehensive pain management plan for arthritis, be it osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. However, please bear in mind that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It can be mild or can be very serious. In many cases of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or other autoimmune problems can be present side by side. These conditions are very serious and you should seek proper and regular medical treatment by a rheumatologist. However, Penetrex as an adjuvant treatment can be good in relieving the joint pain and local inflammation at the site of the lesion. For other systemic issues, your rheumatologist can prescribe you some medicines.

Back Pain

Many people skip going to work or visit their doctor due to ‘back pain’. Penetrex is usually very useful for common back pains of musculoskeletal origin. However, if the pain starts after a fall, sports injury, heavy lifting or some kind of trauma, or is not going away with home remedies, it is better to see your doctor. This is because you may need some imaging to identify the cause and proper treatment.

For which back pain to use Penetrex?

The pain can be due to muscle or ligament strain caused by heavy lifting, awkward movement or during sports and if it’s not something serious and just painful muscle spasm, Penetrex can handle it nicely.

Bulging or ruptured disks can be more serious and needs proper care and treatment by your doctor. This is because the cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine probably become damaged or displaced or are pressing some nerves. Sometimes arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis which requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

Skeletal irregularities, like scoliosis, can also cause back pain if the condition is severe. However, this also needs proper medical attention. Osteoporosis of vertebrae can develop compression fractures if bones become porous and brittle. Penetrex may not be able to overcome osteoporosis, which on its own needs a separate and proper treatment. However, Penetrex can take care of the local inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Other therapies that may be used together with Penetrex

Back pain treatment can be physical therapy, heat application, electrical stimulation, muscle relaxation techniques, chiropractic manipulations, massage, yoga and of course Penetrex is very helpful in these conditions.

Bursitis

This is inflammation of bursa – a sac that lies over the joints and under the skin and is filled with fluid and acts as a cushion between tendons and bones. When bursitis occurs, there is a pain, swelling and tenderness felt over the bursa (joint). It mostly affects the shoulder, elbow, knee (known as housemaid’s knee) and hip joints.

Giving rest to the affected joint, using ice packs and Penetrex application can help overcome this problem in few weeks time. Penetrex can be very helpful in this condition. To prevent this condition from recurring in the knee joint, it’s better to wear knee pads. This would help prevent injuring the joint tissue and the encapsulating bursa.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In the wrist area, there is a tunnel-like narrow passageway from which a nerve, called median nerve passes from the forearm to the palm of the hand. The median nerve controls some muscles at the base of the thumb and sensations originating the palm side of the thumb, the index, middle, and part of the ring fingers (although not the little finger). Sometimes, swelling occurs due to irritated tendons or for some other reason. This compresses the nerve in the narrow canal leading to numbness and pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm. The affected hand can also experience some weakness.

Factors causing carpal tunnel syndrome

Sometimes, swelling occurs due to irritated tendons or for some other reason. This compresses the nerve in the narrow canal leading to numbness and pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm. The affected hand can also experience some weakness. At other times, sprain, fracture, overactivity of the pituitary gland, underactive thyroid gland, rheumatoid arthritis, work stress, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, fluid retention due to pregnancy and menopause can also lead to this syndrome. Besides, the formation of any cyst or tumor in the narrow passageway, or anything else that can lead to the compression of the nerve in the tunnel can cause it.

Using Penetrex for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

It is important to remove the causative factor. If it’s work stress or sprain or mild injury and not due to any serious condition, giving rest to the wrist area and using Penetrex can give good results. At the most one may need some oral anti-inflammatory for a short period and then continue using of Penetrex. That is all one may need.

However, if it’s consequent to some other condition, like hormonal edema due to pituitary or thyroid cause, Penetrex would still give a benefit at the site of the problem, but it is important to treat the main cause. Your doctor is the best person to do this in such serious cases because it may need surgical intervention if severe or if acute condition may need corticosteroid injection. So do contact your doctor if conditions do not improve in some weeks.

Fibromyalgia

According to NAIMS, “Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, diffuse tenderness, and a number of other symptoms” (NAIMS, 2014). It may have an autoimmune origin and may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), etc. If in fibromyalgia, there is any specific area that is painful, like joint or if there is fibromyalgia foot pain. Penetrex cream can be very helpful adjuvant treatment. If the fibromyalgia is due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, let the rheumatologist treat these main problems first. You can still use Penetrex at the site of lesion for local benefits. For example, fibromyalgia foot. Discuss the use of Penetrex with your doctor first.

Hip Pain

When we say hip pain here, we are talking about mild to moderate pain or chronic pain of hip joint due to osteoarthritis. Penetrex can help in managing pain, inflammation, and swelling to promote comfort. However, if the condition is severe and persists, you need to see your doctor. If the pain is due to accident or injury, or leg has become deformed, bruised and is bleeding, or if you are not able to move your leg or bear any weight, you need to proceed to the hospital. I think Penetrex would be useful in the pain which is mild to moderate, and of inflammatory origin, like osteoarthritis or mild and non-serious injuries, etc.

Knee Pain

When sprains and strains or anterior knee pain around kneecap (patellofemoral pain syndrome) cause the knee pain, one can treat it by using Penetrex, ice, and elevating the leg, etc. One may need a physiotherapist if it persists. Penetrex and rest can be used to treat pain due to damage to menisci (rubbery pads of tissue that cushion the bones and act as shock absorbers) or cartilage damage, which mostly occurs due to twisting of joints, for example it happens in sports injuries.

Jumping activities, as in basketball or volleyball, can cause “jumper knee” leading to inflammation of the patellar tendon (patellar tendinitis). Penetrex is an excellent remedy for this condition. Similarly, for bursitis (housemaid’s knee), torn ligaments or tendons, Penetrex can be a good choice. However, as a rule of thumb, in serious conditions, for example, when temperature develops, condition warrants immediate treatment at the emergency department of the hospital.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain)

Osgood-Schlatter Disease occurs in the teenagers and young adults. It causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the bony lump just below the kneecap. Damage to the bone at top of lower leg occurs during a growth spurt. In these cases using Penetrex cream, reducing activity and ice packs can relieve the pain and resolve the problem when child’s growth spurts stop.

Using Penetrex in the Osteoarthritis of the knee joint

If the pain is due to osteoarthritis, Penetrex cream is excellent choice together with other therapies, unless there are serious flare-ups or damage is too much and you have no option but to go for knee joint replacement surgery. I think it is better to see a doctor instead of self-treat when you have torn ligament or tendon, and knee becomes unstable or keeps “giving way”. Also, if you suspect there is bleeding from inside the knee joint, evident by symptoms like swelling of the knee, warmth, stiffness and bruising, it better to see the doctor.

Septic arthritis of the knee joint – see the doctor straight away

If you feel generally unwell and have a fever together with painful hot and swollen knee joint, you may have the infection called septic arthritis of the knee joint. You must see your doctor urgently in such a case as infection can be very serious and occasionally may need arthroscopic surgery to treat it. One can use Penetrex cream for pain and swelling, with permission from your doctor, however, clearing the infection should be the priority in order to avoid any complications later on.

Using Penetrex for the gouty arthritis of the knee

If your knee joint pain is due to gout, you also need to manage your blood uric acid level. Your doctor will give you medicine to lower your uric acid levels in the blood and advise you the diet as well. Having taken care of your systemic disease and uric acid levels, one can use Penetrex cream and ice packs for local knee pain relief. However, you must address the basic cause of the pain and swelling, which is uric acid metabolism.

Neck Pain

The usual stiff neck or neck pain is a common problem, often not serious but very annoying. Sleeping in an awkward position, using a computer for a prolonged period of time, a strain on muscles because of bad posture (acute torticollis can occur), all these can cause stiff and painful neck. One can treat this kind of pain easily at home using Penetrex cream. Besides Penetrex cream, you can try heat packs or application of hot water bottle, using a low and firm pillow at night for sleep, and neck exercises. Usually, this kind of pain can last for a day or two to a few weeks. If condition persists, you can consult your doctor.

A whiplash injury occurs during traffic accidents due to sudden movement of head forwards and backward or sideways injuring the tendons and ligaments in the neck. If severe, look for proper medical treatment without delay.

Neuropathy

There are many types of neuropathies and mentioning all here is beyond the scope of this article. Mostly response of neuropathies to medical treatment can be as low as 40%. And Penetrex may also not be useful in many neuropathies. Only those with inflammation and pain can respond variably to the application of the Penetrex cream. While seeking other medical treatment there is no harm to try this. Maybe it can decrease the intensity of the pain.

Plantar Fasciitis or The Jogger’s Heel

It is the inflammation of the plantar fascia which connects the heel to the toes of the foot. It maintains the arch of the foot. People with a very high arch of the foot or flat foot have a higher tendency to develop plantar fasciitis. Usually, treatment options include rest, change in activities (not running, stopping exercises or sports, etc), taking pain medications, and stretch. In addition, one can use physiotherapy, orthotics, splinting, or steroid injections as per your doctor’s instructions. Extreme measures include extracorporeal shockwave therapy and surgery. Use Penetrex cream alone or together with these treatment options, depending on the severity of symptoms. In most cases, rest and Penetrex application would be good enough. However, if these therapies don’t work, try to see your doctor.

Sciatica

Sciatica pain occurs due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Pain or numbness is felt in the buttocks and legs. The pain may be just a tingling sensation starting from the back and going down to leg or may occur together with the weakness of calf muscles can be felt. It is usually caused by a slipped disc but we don’t know why disc slips. It may also occur due to some other less common causes, including narrowing of the nerve passage in the spine (spinal stenosis), slipping of vertebra from its position (spondylolisthesis), spinal injury or tumor, or compression or damage of nerve in the spinal cord (serious).

Penetrex can be used to decrease pain and inflammation of sciatica. If the pain is unbearable, your doctor can inject other painkilling medicines. But usually, Penetrex cream and spinal manipulation by a chiropractor or massage by a physiotherapist can be sufficient In serious cases there may be need of surgery. So it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any home remedy.

Shin Splints or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS)

Shin Splints is pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). It is a common exercise-related problem which develops after physical activity – running, vigorous exercise, fitness workout, etc. Sometimes, it may develop in people with flat foot or by wearing improper footwear.

Simple measures like rest, ice, and applying Penetrex cream can be enough to bring relief.

Tennis Elbow

This is the pain on the outer side of elbow and forearm. It occurs in players of tennis and other racquet games. The muscles of forearm and tendons become damaged due to overuse. This is different from the golfer’s elbow, which occurs on the inner side of the elbow.

Sports Therapy

Sports therapy consists of a rest, massage, using Penetrex cream and ice (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel).

If you would like to buy Penetrex, click here to visit MelakaStore.Com to make a buying decision

Why Penetrex?

As it is evident from the discussion above that Penetrex cream is very useful as part of comprehensive pain management of musculoskeletal problems as well as can be a part of the sports therapy. In some cases, it can be used singly, with gentle massage over the affected area and in other cases, it can be adjuvant part of the main treatment.

Does topical application of Penetrex works?

If you go through the information about the ingredients of the Penetrex cream, you’d notice that almost all active ingredients have shown benefits in their traditional, folklore or homeopathic use, when these were consumed orally. To some extent, these have been tested scientifically as well. Probably these would be more effective if these are applied directly to the affected tissues.

Generally, the barrier of skin prevents many substances to cross from outside into the tissues inside. The technology used in the manufacture of the Penetrex however, allows penetration of its ingredients deep into the affected tissues, as claimed by the manufacturer. The concentration of the ingredients in these tissues affected, after the topical application, is enough to work therapeutically. The effects, however, may still vary from person to person and from condition to condition. The adverse effects, which usually would occur when these ingredients are taken orally, are also prevented due to the topical application. Having said this, I think Penetrex is something worth to give a try!

Where to buy Penetrex cream?

You can buy Penetrex cream by following the links on this page. If you find it useful and want to order again, please come back to this page and order from here, to support this blog. Thank you.

If you would like to buy Penetrex, please click here to visit MelakaStore.Com to make a buying decision

Reminder: As a rule of thumb, do not use home remedies, including Penetrex, without consulting your doctor. Sometimes some health problem, which appears minor, can be serious and their timely diagnosis can be life-saving. Once you have consulted your doctor and confirmed that it is not a serious problem you can use Penetrex cream. In other cases, you can use only in consultation with your doctor as an adjuvant treatment to the main treatment.

References and further readings

• AAOS (2012), ‘Shin Splints‘, OrthoInfo – American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
• Balakrishnan, A. (2015), ‘Therapeutic Uses of Peppermint –A Review‘, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 7, 474-476.
• BBC (2008), ‘Frankincense ‘can ease arthritis”.
• F. Carson, K. A. Hammer, T. V. R. (2006), ‘Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties’, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 19, 50-62.
• Christenson, R. (2014), ‘Running into problems: plantar fasciitis, or jogger’s heel’, Guardian News.
• CSP (2017), ‘Neck pain exercises‘, in CSP, ed., The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
• Debbi, E. M.; Agar, G.; Fichman, G.; Ziv, Y. B.; Kardosh, R.; Halperin, N.; Elbaz, A.; Beer, Y. & Debi, R. (2011), ‘Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study‘, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 11(1), 50.
• Ellis, J. M.; Folkers, K. & Levy, M. (1982), ‘Response of vitamin B-6 deficiency and the carpal tunnel syndrome to pyridoxine’, 79(23), 7494-7498.
• Hesslink Jr, R.; Armstrong, D.; Nagendran, M. V. & Barathur, R. (2002), ‘Cetylated fatty acids improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis.’, J Rheumatol. 29(8), 708-12.
• Hutter, J. A.; Salman, M.; Stavinoha, W. B.; Satsangi, N.; Williams, R. F.; Streeper, R. T. & Weintraub, S. T. (1996), ‘Antiinflammatory C-Glucosyl Chromone from Aloe barbadensis‘, Journal of Natural Products 59(5), 541-543.
• Ijen Bhattacharya, Rahul Saxena, V. G. (2012), ‘Efficacy of vitamin E in knee osteoarthritis management of North Indian geriatric population‘, Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease 4(1), 11-19.
• Kalman, D. S.; Feldman, S.; Scheinberg, A. R.; Krieger, D. R. & Bloomer, R. J. (2012), ‘Influence of methylsulfonylmethane on markers of exercise recovery and performance in healthy men: a pilot study’, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 9(1), 46.
• Kamhi, E. & Zampieron, E. R. (2012), An Alternative Medicine Guide to Arthritis: Reverse Underlying Causes of Arthritis with Clinically Proven Alternative Therapies, Potter/TenSpeed/Harmony.
• Marzotto, M.; Bonafini, C.; Olioso, D.; Baruzzi, A.; Bettinetti, L.; Di Leva, F.; Galbiati, E. & Bellavite, P. (2016), ‘Arnica montana Stimulates Extracellular Matrix Gene Expression in a Macrophage Cell Line Differentiated to Wound-Healing Phenotype’, PLoS ONE 11(11).
• Mason, P. (2011), ‘Questions from practice: What’s this methylsulfonylmethane?’, The Pharmaceutical Journal, 533.
• MedlinePlus (2016), ‘Arthritis‘, MedlinePlus.
• NHS (2015), ‘Bursitis‘, National Health Service; (2015), ‘Knee pain‘, (2016), ‘Hip pain in adults‘; (2016), ‘Neck pain and stiff neck‘,
• NIAMS (2014), ‘Questions and Answers about Fibromyalgia’, in NIAMS, ed., National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
• NINDS (2017), ‘Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet’, in NINDS, ed., National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
• PubChem, C. D. (2005), ‘PubChem Compound Database CID=656852’, in National Center for Biotechnology Information, ed., Technical report, National Center for Biotechnology Information.
• Qing-Chun Huang, Mao-Jie Wang, X.-M. C. W.-L. Y. Y.-L. C. X.-H. H. R.-Y. H. (2016), ‘Can active components of licorice, glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, lick rheumatoid arthritis?’, Oncotarget(7), 1193-1202.
• Raynauld, J.-P.; Pelletier, J.-P.; Abram, F.; Dodin, P.; Delorme, P. & Martel-Pelletier, J. (2016), ‘Long-Term Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate on the Progression of Structural Changes in Knee Osteoarthritis: Six-Year Followup Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative’, Arthritis Care & Research 68(10), 1560–1566.
• Siddiqui, M. Z. (2011), ‘Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview’, Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (73).
• Sun Z, Wang H, W. J. Z. L. Y. P. (2014), ‘Chemical Composition and Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil from Leaves of Mentha piperita Grown in China’, PLoS ONE (9).
• Yang, S.-A.; Jeon, S.-K.; Lee, E.-J.; Shim, C.-H. & Lee, I.-S. (2010), ‘Comparative study of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of six essential oils and their components’, Natural Product Research 24(2), 140-151.
  

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In this article, I’ll be sharing my ideas and reviews on the travel, both from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (KL) and from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by land route. I’ll mainly focus on luxury coaches as well as buses. And also share with you, why not train to JB or KL? So should you go for a bus or coach from Singapore to KL or KL to Singapore? Later in the article, I’d also talk about buses and coach to KL. This is what we intend to explore here.

I’ll try my best to provide correct information in this article. All information should be correct at the time or posting and/or update of the article. However, I’d suggest checking with the relevant companies and authorities before you finalize your travel. This will make sure that your travel remains pleasant and safe. You can get some of such information when you buy tickets online. I’ll paste some links to the ticketing website and other resources to facilitate this for you. You may also consider searching for any missing information on your own if you feel like it.

I am sharing my experiences and knowledge here with you. So if you are traveling from KL to Singapore or Singapore to KL, especially if you are traveling for the first time, you can decide how to travel. What is the best way to travel?

• To book bus, coach, ferry or train tickets for Malaysia-Singapore, click here

Luxury Coach Singapore – KL

Several companies offer travel service by first or business class like luxury coaches to the green, clean city of Singapore.

Travel time

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by a luxury coach can take 5-6 hours generally. However, if traffic congestion is high, it can take up to 8 hours or so.  Traffic jams are very common, especially on long-weekends – when a day or two of holidays fall just after a weekend. Such traffic jams are also witnessed at the beginning and end of school holidays.

Types of coaches

Coach to KL and Singapore

The luxury coaches can be further categorized into various types. Different operators call these differently. Premium coaches with 40 seats. VIP coaches may have 26-30 seats. Superior First Class coaches may have 18 seats or so. Luggage allowance allowed is mostly one 15 kg check-in bag and small hand carry/pax.  The luxury coaches are usually double deckers with seats on the upper deck and business lounge for 6-7 passengers downstairs. These seats are for all passengers to use for short time. Some luxury coaches may sell tickets for few seats (not all) there for walk-in passengers.

Cabin environment, meals, and toilet

Cabin environment of these luxury coaches is often excellent. Air conditioning can be too cold. So do bring a long sleeve jacket or cardigan for a comfortable travel, especially if you don’t like cold environment.

Seats are mostly excellent, comfortable, reclining and ergonomic. Some operator coaches have cocoon seats with back massage facilities. You will have ample knee and leg space. Most luxury coaches have on-seat LCD touch screens for an individual passenger. You may have at your disposal a variety of infotainment and entertainment. Each seat has its own reading light, plug point for laptop or mobile phone recharging. Most luxury coaches serve meals with options of Halal or vegetarian (must pre book). The cabin crew also serve drinks and water to the passengers. Onboard Wi-Fi is available in some coaches.

On board, toilets are available for ‘short use’ (pass urine). For ‘long use’, you can request the staff to stop the coach at the next highway rest area.

Booking, check-in, and luggage

All luxury coaches ticket bookings are possible through various ticketing websites or through their call centers. You can book tickets as early as 4-6 weeks before your actual travel date. Luggage compartments are available in these luxury coaches but please do make sure your luggage is kept in the luggage compartment of the same bus you are traveling.

Luggage advice

As a precaution, please carry all your belongings with you when you alight and go for immigration and customs clearance at Malaysia – Singapore border. Sometimes, if your passport is new, or you belong to a ‘flagged’ country or you need a visa on arrival, you will need to stay longer than the coach can wait for you.

Coach operators and their pick-up and drop-off locations

If you ask me of the coach operators between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, I would mention Tanstar Solitaire, Nice Imperial, and Executive.

Nice coaches depart from Terminal KTM Old Railway Station, also from the KL Sentral Bus Terminal and Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). So you will have the option to select time and bus station when you book the ticket online. The drop-off place in Singapore is The Plaza @ Beach Road. At TBS, you can wait in NICE lounge with complimentary food and coffee.

Transtar is the luxury coach that plies between KL and Singapore. The Transtar Solitaire is 18 seater and Transtar First Class is 16 seater couch. In these coaches, the seats are individual with your own isle access. It departs from various locations in KL, including Jalan Imbi (No.135. opposite Oversea restaurant), Berjaya Times Square, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), One Utama Complex. So while booking, you have options to select the most appropriate location and time. In Singapore, it currently stops at Golden Mile Complex, 5001, Beach Road #01-12.

Coach to KL

As mentioned above, the travel time from KL to Singapore and from Singapore to KL varies between 5 to 8 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. To enter Malaysia, the coaches from Singapore usually take Tuas 2nd Link Expressway. Sometimes they may use the Johor Causeway as well.

Luxury coaches to KL

Transtar Solitaire, Nice, and Aeroline are to name a few.  These are double decker coaches which also ply from KL to Singapore. On board services, as mentioned above in review about coaches from KL to Singapore, are also provided in these coaches. These include on board food and beverages, individual LCD touchscreens, and luxury seats, etc.

Coach to KL pick up locations

The correct pickup locations can only be found on ticketing website as these keep changing and so is the departure schedule. You can find and select this when you buy the ticket online. The information here is only a guide. Mostly, the luxury coaches to KL depart from Golden Mile Complex (Transtar coach departs mostly from this place). There are some other locations as well. These include Boon Lay shopping center, Plaza @ Beach Road (Nice coach departs mostly from this place), Harbor Front, etc.

Bus to KL from Singapore and Bus to Singapore from KL

Besides luxury, executive, first class, business class and premier class coaches, there are many air-conditioned buses for comfortable economy travel. These buses are cheap and reasonably comfortable for economy travel.

Buses from Singapore to KL

The Golden Coach Express is probably the only bus service which departs from Singapore (current pickup location is Concord Shopping Center) and plies directly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA/KLIA2), Malaysia. Grassland Express Bus alights passengers at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur. This location is good for tourists as is in the city center, whereas TBS Bus Terminal is somewhat away from the city center. Most other buses alight passengers at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). Grassland Express departs from Golden Mile Complex. KKKL and Causeway Link Express are two other bus operators to name, which ply from Singapore to KL and back. Causeway Link Express departs from Jurong East (Singapore) to Kuala Lumpur.

Advice for passengers with new passport, passengers from flagged countries, and those who need visa on arrival

As mentioned above in the ‘Luggage Advice”, it’s better to carry all your belongings with you when you alight and go for immigration and customs check at Malaysia – Singapore border. This is because if you fall under the category of passengers who have a new passport, or if you are from the country that is ‘flagged’ for security concerns, or you need a visa on arrival (where allowed), you’d need more time at the checkpoints. More than 30 minutes in most cases. The bus or coach will not wait for you for more than 30 minutes. If your coach or bus leaves while you are still stuck at the customs and immigration checkpoint, you will end up buying a new ticket for going to KL, from Johor Bahru (JB).

Advice for a better option

The best strategy, in this case, is to go to JB first by a local Singapore – JB linking bus. And then, go to KL from JB, by another bus or luxury coach, after you have cleared your immigration and customs checks. If you take a Causeway Link Express bus ticket from Singapore to Johor Bahru, you can use the same ticket after Singapore immigration and customs check to cross the Johor Straits to Johor Bahru and then alight to get the Malaysian immigration and customs clearance.

Once that is done, you can use the same bus ticket to go to Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal by Causeway Link Express to take another bus to KL. You can use any Causeway Link Express bus from Singapore until Larkin Bus Terminal. Please note that Larkin Bus Terminal has many buses going to KL but this is not the only bus terminal in JB. The luxury coaches and buses also depart from some other places.

Please note that the Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal has many buses going to KL but this is not the only bus terminal in JB. The luxury coaches and buses also depart from some other places.

Time options for buses to KL

Once in JB, you can take bus, coach or luxury coach to KL. If you leave Singapore in the morning, you can book a bus ticket from JB to KL online for a late afternoon bus or the evening bus, if that is more appropriate for you. Once someone mentioned to me, it is better to take a luxury coach

Once someone mentioned to me, it is better to take a luxury coach from Singapore (or JB) in the late evening and go KL at night time, if you can sleep on the bus. You’d save the hotel room cost ($25 or more) and in lesser price($20 or so) would also reach Kuala Lumpur, comfortably! Not a bad idea, if it suits you.

Luxury coaches and buses from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur

The following are few of the reputed express buses that ply from JB to KL.

KKKL Express bus, Causeway Link Express, and Transnational buses ply from Terminal Pengangkutan Awam, Larkin (Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal) to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) of KL.

One of the luxury coaches that ply from JB to KL is Aeroline, which picks up passengers from Persada Johor International Convention Centre and alights passengers in front of Corus Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Train to JB – Singapore – KL

Train to JB / Singapore – KL sector is not a very popular option these days, probably because trains are infrequent, and schedules may not be convenient for passengers. However, those who do not have time constraints, traveling by train is not a bad option. I’ll write more about the train to JB/Singapore – Kuala Lumpur at some other time as it needs a full page review.

Singapore – KL – Singapore Rent a Car

Fly Qatar Airways to KL or Singapore

If you love to drive, this can be an option to consider. North-South Highway (PLUS Highway) between KL and JB is a good picturesque highway. Better safe than sorry: Don’t over speed while driving on this highway. There are speed trap cameras on this highway at many places. This topic warrants a separate review and I’ll try to post one at other some time. [Click here to rent a car]

Is it worth to stop by at Melaka for a night or two?

If you are a tourist traveler, never been to Melaka before and if you don’t have time constraints, it is worth to stop by at Melaka instead of traveling directly from Singapore/JB to KL or KL to Singapore/JB. Melaka has all ingredients to be a tourist city – good food, good sights and scenes and best of all – cheap!

Have happy and safe travels – “Selamat Jalan“.

Need a hotel to stay? Book hotel with best price guarantee, here!

The post Bus or Coach – Singapore – Or train to JB – KL appeared first on Ideas and Reviews.

This article covers all these issues. Towards the end, I will also suggest the most harmless and appropriate home remedies. Home remedies may not give you instant relief from gastric pain, but as practiced in traditional medicine and as one of the most useful of the home remedies, these practices are most often very harmless, easy and sustainable.

Causes of the gastric pain

I will not go through the details of the causes of gastric pain in this article but just short notes so that if you have not previously gone through the topic, you may learn something here.

Gastric pain is a kind of general term which laymen use to refer to the pain or discomfort arising from the stomach (gastric) area. People may refer to the pain of ulcer of the stomach called gastric ulcer or the pain arising from the ulcer of the first part of the intestine, the duodenum. They may also refer the gastric pain to very common disorders like indigestion, overeating, dyspepsia, stomach over acidity, etc.

However, in this article I am focusing more on the gastric pain that occurs due to dyspepsia, indigestion, slight over acidity, gastritis, and reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus – also called Gastroesophageal Reflux or in short the GERD. This gastroesophageal reflux or GERD is the common cause of gastric pain in chest, which many people misattribute to pain in the heart and therefore also call ‘heartburn’. The heartburn is not due to any heart problem but due to reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus or just due to some indigestion, gastritis or over acidity in the stomach.

Caution: Here is my advice to practice extreme caution in this matter. Since the heartburn or the gastric pain that is felt in the chest, commonly due to GERD or gastritis, occurs at the same position as the chest pain due to heart attack or other heart problems, it is extremely important to get yourself diagnosed properly and get confirmation that pain occurring in the chest is not due to any heart or other problem. Once this is confirmed and properly diagnosed by the competent and qualified physician, that the pain is not due to any serious or a heart condition, then you can try home remedies for the gastric pain relief.

Features and Symptoms of the gastric problem

Whether you have a gastric problem with ulcer of just a gastric pain due to gastritis and non-ulcer dyspepsia, indigestion or GERD, there may be some distinguishing symptoms or these conditions may have overlapping symptoms.

If there is ulcer or gastritis you may be feeling

• Pain or discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen which may or may not be relieved by eating
• Nausea, vomiting or reflux of stomach contents may occur
• If long-standing gastritis or peptic ulcer, loss of appetite or weight loss may occur

If the gastric problem is just dyspepsia without any ulcer, indigestion the symptoms tend to be more like this:

• Feeling of burning sensation in the upper abdomen or in the chest
• There may be excessive wind (passing gas)
• Feeling of bloating in the stomach

Why gastric problem actually occurs?

Again I am not going to write all the causes of the peptic ulcer and non-ulcer gastric problems but just to give you a little bit of a gist, here is a brief info.

The basic mechanism of the causation of these gastric problems is as follows:

In the stomach, acid (gastric acid) is produced as part of the digestive process. However, this acid does not injure the stomach and intestinal wall (mucosa) due to the presence of a kind of a barrier. When that barrier is gone, for any reason, the acid starts to irritate the stomach wall causing all these gastric symptoms. Let me go through briefly these factors that cause the gastric problem and gastric pain in many cases. In many of these cases the protective barrier is weakened or the balance between these two factors – acid and the barrier – is jeopardized (more acid or weak barrier) and this leads to the pain and inflammation of the wall of the stomach or small intestines.

Causative and predisposing factors for gastritis with ulcers

Helicobacter pylori

In the case of ulceration and gastritis, it may well be due to the presence of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (or just H. pylori). How it causes, probably no one knows. Maybe it is not the bacteria itself that causes the ulcer or gastric inflammation but the immunologic reaction of the body that causes it.

Other factors to consider

Gastritis or gastric / peptic ulcer mostly occurs in those people who either smoke, drink alcohol, take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines called (NSAIDS) for joint pains or take Aspirin for the heart problem or stroke, or take food that increases the stomach acid release.

Causative and predisposing factors for gastritis and dyspepsia without ulcer

Sometimes the acid levels in the stomach or the digestive enzymes are low in the stomach. This can also lead to heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD or GOR). Why is the acid level low? This is a separate important topic and I am not going to talk about this here. There can be many reasons for this low level of acid in the stomach and some may need to be treated properly by the competent physician. That is why I mentioned earlier that get the proper diagnosis first before trying any traditional or home remedy, including those I am mentioning here in this article.

People with lactose intolerance are also prone to some gastrointestinal symptoms. Again, I am not going into the details of the lactose intolerance. However, very briefly, to let you know, the lactose is a milk sugar and it needs lactase enzyme to be digested. But due if someone lacks that enzyme, called ‘lactase’, the lactose sugar can’t be digested and will lead the gastric and some other gastrointestinal symptoms. Why lactase enzyme is not produced in the gastrointestinal tract is again another topic and beyond the scope of this article. But the best thing to do in case of lactose intolerance is to avoid consuming milk and milk products.

Smokers, alcohol drinkers, caffeine takers (tea & coffee), consumers of spicy and oily food, overweight people and those having lots of stress are also more likely to get gastric problems.

There are some serious or complicated problems that can also be the cause of a gastric problem. These include irradiation in the past, autoimmune reactions, Crohn disease, atrophy of gastric mucosa, and more serious problems like the multiorgan failure, portal hypertension gastropathy, and sarcoidosis. This is another important reason to get properly diagnosed before starting any over the counter product, traditional therapy of home remedies.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species

Free radicals produced in the body or to be specific, in the gastrointestinal mucosa, by factors like smoking, excessive alcohol intake, physical and emotional stress, damages the gastrointestinal mucosa leading to the irritation, inflammation, and ulceration of the gastric, intestinal and esophageal walls. These free radicals are also produced by the presence of H. pylori bacteria. Addressing this problem of free radicals is important for overcoming the gastric problem. Later, I will also write more about how this issue can be tackled.

Osteopathic approach to the causation of gastric problem

I have tried to mention some of the most common causes of gastric problems above. However, there is another school of thought and they are Osteopaths. I don’t want to overlook the causative factors that osteopaths believe cause the gastric diseases and problems. According to them, the mechanical stress or pressure on certain nerves at the spinal, cervical or clavicular level may be responsible for this, especially through the vagus nerve. There are also opinions, according to which effects on the lymphatics, somehow due to the diaphragm can lead to hypersecretion of the stomach acid. Another opinion states that the sympathetic nerve irritation can well be the causative factor that may lead to chronic gastric disease. Thus the osteopaths believe, the osteopathic manipulative therapies can be useful not just for gastric pain relief but may well actually cure the gastric pain problem.

So how to cure gastric pain? What are the home remedies for gastric? How to get gastric pain relief? Which gastric pain remedy should you try at home without getting into trouble? What is the gastric pain cure?

Treatment Options

Having talked about the causes and predisposing factors for the gastric problems, indigestion, gastritis, nonulcer dyspepsia, and the peptic ulcer let us see what are the treatment options and what we can do at home.

Let me stress again here about the importance of correct and proper diagnosis by the qualified physician. This is most important and there is no alternative to this. Having yourself correctly diagnosed, and treated, there are some lifestyle and dietary regimens that can be incorporated into the daily life for a better home management of the gastric problem. I am definitely not going to discuss detailed medical treatments here but just a brief info and will only confine to the details of other remedies that can be tried together with the medical treatment and in consultation with your physician.

If your diagnosis confirms you have Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, please remember, the eradication of the bacteria is important and your doctor should be able to give you the appropriate medicines for that. Some combination of multiple medicines are currently used for this and these do work. So if H. pylori, get the appropriate treatment first before resorting to home remedies etc.

Drugs

The oversecretion in most cases can be controlled by use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) group of medicines. Your doctor is the best person to prescribe you the right PPI medicine and the correct dose. Another type of medicine used is histamine receptor blockers or H2 blockers. Protectants, like Sucralfate, is given to protect the ulcer surface from coming in contact with the stomach acid so that it can be healed quickly and prevent recurrence.

Surgery

Surgery is rarely used these days for the treatment of the peptic ulcers and is confined to the life-threatening complications or if the ulcer is unresponsive to the treatment by other methods, which is rare.

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT)

OMT, as mentioned earlier is asserted by the osteopaths and the chiropractors. They claim that some kind of spinal manipulations can be used for the treatment.

Changes in the diet

This is a very important aspect and should be followed. The dietary changes that can help include the following:

• Abstaining from consumption of sugar, alcohol, tea, and coffee, because all these only worsen and prolong the peptic ulcer problem
• Micronutrients like vitamin A, zinc, selenium, and vitamin C are very helpful in the recovery phase and diets rich in these can be very useful

Herbs

The herbs used for peptic ulcer or gastric problems are mostly in combination as there is no single herb that can help overcome the gastric symptoms. The combination may include any of the herbs. Naturopaths have many formulas and here I give some herbs for reference only. It would not be out of place to mention here that herbs too have side effects and may not be appropriate to be taken together with your other medicines. So it is important to discuss with your doctor before taking and herb or herbal medicine.

Herbs with demulcent properties are considered useful. Marshmallow root (Althea off.) has a soothing effect. Some naturopaths use Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) as demulcent as a gastric problem remedy. However, it should neither be taken during pregnancy nor for prolonged period of time. A word of caution also for those who have high blood pressure, vascular disease of heart, or diabetes, kidney or liver problems. Some naturopaths advise potassium-rich food, like bananas to be consumed together with licorice. Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva)of North America is used as it contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a smooth gel when mixed with water and coats the surface of stomach and esophagus (hence useful in GERD as well).

Astringent herbs that reduce irritation, swelling, and inflammation, and may create a barrier between the surface of stomach and intestines. The naturopaths consider these useful in gastric problems for their properties. These include (i) Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum). However, because this herb is strongly astringent, the naturopaths consider it more appropriate for the duodenal ulcer instead of gastric ulcer. Gastric ulcer and gastritis and other stomach problems may actually get worse with the use of Cranesbill.

Herbs for H. pylori eradication: Garlic (Allium sativum) and Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea) are said to have some antibacterial effect and therefore it is claimed that if used, it can help eradicate H. pylori. There is, however, insufficient evidence in this regards. Garlic oil capsules may contain allicin, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Also, please bear in mind that herbs like these may interact with your current medicines and therefore do make yourself aware of the drug interactions. Discussing with your doctor would be ideal in this regards.

Nervine herbs: Since the stress and anxiety have a role in gastric problems, probably due to acid oversecretion. The nervine herbs like Chamomile are said to be helpful. Marigold (Calendula officinalis) as tea, may possibly be helpful in healing ulcer and gastric problems. Both Chamomile and Marigold have anti-inflammatory properties. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is also helpful, but it is notable that St John’s Wort cannot be taken in many cases. Therefore, you must be careful and take it only after consultation with your doctor. Certain antiviral medicine can’t be taken together with this herb.

Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure have been used traditionally for more than 2500 years in China. Currently, more researched and better options for treatment of gastritis, gastric and peptic ulcer, non-ulcer dyspepsia are available but sometimes these traditional methods may also help in gastric pain relief. It may have some role in decreasing the acid secretions and therefore may be considered as a gastric pain remedy.

Physical Therapies

Massage: Massage therapist claim some benefits from Therapeutic Touch, Shiatsu, and Swedish Massage. Probably these may have an indirect effect by virtue of lessening the stress levels.

Manipulative Therapy: Spinal manipulations, as mentioned earlier is said to have a therapeutic effect on the gastric problems.

Bicycling exercise alone or together with drinking water or other fluids (e.g., isotonic drink) is said to help in the gastric emptying and help in overcoming the gastric problem. This modality can be considered as one of the home remedies for gastric.

Yoga: Various yoga poses, especially Apanasana, Spinal twist, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, Paschimottanasana, Marjaryasana, Bitilasana, Balasana, Adho Mukha Savanasana, Uttanasana, Trikonasana, Utkatasana, and Pranayama, either all or some may be considered.




Home remedies

• Try to eat smaller portions of meals. Eat regularly and frequently.
• Avoid oily fried and spicy food
• Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, and smoking
• Eating in sitting position on the dining table is best, instead of eating in any other position or eating while sitting on a sofa, etc.
• Discuss with your doctor about stopping NSAIDs / Asprin. These have a causative role in the ulcer.
• Keep the upper part of the body higher by raising the head-side of the bed by 6-8 inches. In this way, the semi-digested food won’t not regurgitate into the esophagus and thus help minimize the esophageal problem of heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, and non-ulcer dyspepsia.

Home remedies for gastric pain – How to cure gastric pain due to non-ulcer dyspepsia and indigestion

Gastric Pain Relief Tip (Belch Button Pressing)

The Belch Button point is located on the back, just below the rib. Pressing this point firmly for few seconds can help release the gas trapped in the stomach and thereby improving the gastric pain and indigestion.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic medicines can be used if the symptoms of the gastric problem are matching with the conditions in which Nux Vomica or Cabovegitablis are effective. The homeopathic practitioner can give you the most appropriate homeopathic medicine. These can be good for burping or bloating stomach.

Together with small portions regular and frequent meals, containing balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, it is advisable to chew the food fully before swallowing.

Probiotics

The Probiotics, like capsules of Lactobacillus acidophilus, are used for both preventive and curative purposes. They are said to act by enhancing the production of prostaglandin, mucins, growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and by improving gastric mucosal integrity, transmucosal resistance and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).

Antacids

These can be purchased over the counter but it is better to consume judiciously. Gaviscon is considered good in alleviating GERD dyspepsia symptoms.

Peppermint tea or peppermint sweet is said to be good for indigestion and non-ulcer dyspepsia, but not appropriate for ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux. So use with caution.

Lastly, I would like to mention one more remedy and that is the easiest to incorporate into the daily routine and said to be very beneficial for both ulcer disease or non-ulcer dyspepsia and GERD – the gastroesophageal reflux. That is the Siberian Pine Nut Oil.

Siberian Pine Nut Oil

Siberian Pine Nut Oil

Being traditional and dietary therapy, the way the Siberian pine nut oil helps to improve gastric problems is not fully understood. What we know so far, I will try to discuss below. However, right now, let me say that it works well!

Let us see what are the constituents of the Siberian pine nut oil and what are their actions on the body. This will enlighten us on the way these help us in our gastric problems.

Pinolenic Acid

The Siberian pine nut oil contains high concentrations of this polyunsaturated fatty acid. The nuts of the Siberian pines have pinolenic acid to the extent of 27%. The Korean pine nut oil also contains pinolenic acid in lesser quantities.

The main physiologic function of the pinolenic acid in the body is triggering cholecystokinin and glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP1). Cholecystokinin slows the gastric emptying, relaxes the proximal part of the stomach, accelerates the ulcer healing (by upregulation of cholecystokinin-A receptors, enhanced somatostatin release, stimulation of sensory nerves and hyperemia in the ulcer area) [PMID: 10458643]. The GLP-1 also relaxes the stomach by decreasing its motility and emptying through mechanisms which are not yet known (PMCID: PMC3124003]. The second important function is its anti-inflammatory effect. Due to this property, it helps to overcome the inflammations in the stomach, intestine, and esophagus and thereby helping in overcoming the problems like gastritis, dyspepsia, ulcers, and GERD.

Some extra benefits

Although not used as primary or mainstream cholesterol lowering agent, it increases the uptake of LDL by the liver and therefore helps lower the LDL cholesterol. So consumers of the Siberian pine nut oil who consume it for gastric problems may also have few extra benefits. If there is obesity or overweight problem the appetite suppressant role of Pinolenic acid may be helpful and if you have some high cholesterol problem, that too will benefit! The other extra benefits include possible prevention of cancer spread (metastasis).

Free radicals, Reactive Oxygen Species and Siberian Pine Nut Oil

As mentioned earlier, the routine daily activities like smoking, stress, excessive alcohol consumption etc. produce lots of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These free radicals damage the stomach wall as well as walls of the small intestine and the esophagus. Another source of free radical damage is the presence of H. pylori bacteria. Continuous free radical damage may not just cause gastritis, ulcer, and dyspepsia, but may also lead to cancerous development in the gastrointestinal or esophageal tissues. Siberian pine nuts contain very potent antioxidants which very effectively neutralize the free radical damage and thereby helps solve the gastric problems. Let me explain below how this oil from Siberian pine nuts is able to do this.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and it is present in the Siberian pine nut oil as naturally occurring d-alpha-tocopherol. This naturally occurring vitamin E is more bioavailable (which means body can absorb and use it better) and is twice as potent as the one present in the vitamin E capsules (dl-alpha-tocopherol). Also, the Siberian pine nuts oil is richer in this form of vitamin E as compared to the other vegetable oils.

Carotenoids and Provitamin-A

These are also very powerful antioxidants to remove free radicals from the gastrointestinal and other body tissues. Siberian pine nut oil is rich in these carotenoids and provitamin – A substances. The bioavailability of these substances is very high as these are dissolved in the oily medium of the Siberian pine nut oil.

Besides this, the Siberian pine nut oil makes available three amino acids, viz. cysteine, glycine, and glutamate. Our cells make glutathione from these amino acids. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant. So, the Siberian pine nut oil not just acts as an antioxidant itself but also helps the body make more antioxidants to eradicate reactive oxygen species (ROS / free radicals).

Enzymatic antioxidants

The two enzymatic antioxidants to consider here are (1) Superoxide dismutase (SOD), (2) catalase. Here, we can also mention the glutathione peroxidase. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), converts free radicals [harmful] into ordinary oxygen [harmless / beneficial] and hydrogen peroxide. Since hydrogen peroxide also has damaging effects, the enzyme catalase degrades it. Some of the remaining peroxides are degraded by the glutathione peroxidase.

We have mentioned the role of the enzymatic antioxidants above. However, what exactly is the role of Siberian pine nut oil in these activities? Here is the answer: The SOD requires zinc, manganese, and copper to function. The Siberian pine nut oil has plenty of these trace elements. Both SOD and catalase need iron for their proper functioning and there is no dearth of iron in the Siberian pine nut oil.

Last but not the lease, let me mention the adverse effect of the Siberian pine nut oil so that you know everything and you can make an informed and considered decision regarding its use.

Adverse effects of the Siberian Pine nut oil

• Allergies – as with any other substance, if you have allergy with any constituent of this oil, you may not consume it. Some advice use of patch test before starting its consumption.

It is advisable to exercise precautions or consult your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Seizure disorder: Although it may be suitable for those with generalized convulsive epilepsy, it may not be suitable for those with nonconvulsive epilepsies. Please refer to your doctor, if you have any seizure problem, before consuming
• Using blood thinners like warfarin, clopidogrel (Plavix), etc.
• Taking antibiotic ceftazidime (effect of this antibiotic may increase), anticancer treatments, such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, carboplatin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, tamoxifen, vincristine, and vinblastine (effect may increase), or immunosuppressive drug – cyclosporine (effect may increase)
• If you are at risk of prostate cancer.

Final words…

I think I have covered most of the good and bad effects of the Siberian pine nut oil. In light of these, I can safely say, that the overall effect of it on the gastric problems, is excellent. Moreover, it is generally harmless.

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