This is literally a new week for me! Meaning? This is the first week since February 6th that I will not be under nurse's supervision! I was offically discharged! My wound being healed and my bp under control, there was no further need for the nurses to monitor me.
In some ways I miss the attention and the schedule! Knowing that the nurse was coming would put everyone on their toes! Cannot have the nurse coming to a "dirty" house now could we???? That is the one drawback! We will probably start getting lax in keeping the house presentable at all times. LOL LOL Notice I did not say CLEAN!
Would like to send out a congratulations to my niece Tyonna Wright! She graduated from Clark University in Atlanta today! She is on her way into the world!!! Having an education makes the journey a bit more enjoyable!
Right now in Jersey we are about to begin our season of roast and burn!!!! What we call the tropics of South Jersey! The humidity!!!!! Living next to the water does not help at all!!! Always wanted to live near the water, and got my wish!! Surrounded by water and marshy swamps! Nothing like those nice seaside towns u see on the tube! One thing we do look forward to every year is the Farmer's Market! The chance to get fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables is awesome! Not that Acme does not have nice produce, BUT there is something about getting your corn right from the stalk! LOL LOL
Still educating myself about herbs!
Today's herb is? Arnica! Hope u got as much from this as I did!
PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TRYING ANY HERBAL THERAPIES!

Arnica

Arnica
(Arnica montana ([Latin]), also commonly called mountain tobacco or leopard's
bane, is a wildflower resembling a daisy that grows in the mountains of Europe
and North America. Arnica is commonly used in topical herbal medicines to
speed healing from bruises and other traumatic injuries. Arnica is thought to
provide the body with pain relief as well as anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory
benefits.

Arnica contains sesquiterpene lactones, substances that are
known to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Arnica prevents bruising by
keeping stimulating the white blood cells to disperse trapped blood and fluid
from the site of injury. Arnica’s effectiveness as a treatment for bruising,
sports injuries, and inflammation is well established and many commercial creams
used for treatment of pain, bruising, and swelling contain arnica as an active
ingredient. Arnica creams are also used to treat pain and inflammation resulting
from carpel tunnel syndrome and arthritis.

Arnica can also be used externally to
treat tired, overstressed muscles. One study performed in Norway showed that
marathon runners who applied arnica to their skin before the event experienced
less pain and stiffness afterward. Arnica is a relaxing addition to the bath,
and has been shown to be particularly helpful for soaking tired, aching feet.


Arnica’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect may be of some
benefit to those with inflammatory skin disorders. This herb is traditionally
used as a topical treatment for burns, eczema, and acne. However, arnica should
not be applied to an open wound, as it could cause painful irritation.


Arnica is seldom used internally, because it is irritating to the
stomach, and can be poisonous if consumed in large amounts. Signs of arnica
toxicity include vomiting, weakness, increased heart rate and nervous
disturbances.

However, an arnica tincture is sometimes recommended by
homeopathic practitioners to treat motion sickness and seizure disorders (of
course, if you have a seizure disorder you should be under a doctor’s care, and
consult your physician before taking any supplementation, including arnica).


Arnica is known to stimulate blood circulation and can raise blood
pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. People with high blood pressure
or heart disease should consult a physician before using arnica.

Topical forms of arnica are generally rubbed on the skin at the site of pain or injury.
Arnica salves are available for treatment of chapped lips and skin, eczema, and
acne. You can also purchase tinctures or even dried arnica flowers—add them to a
relaxing bath for relief of tight, tired muscles and sore feet at the end of the
day.



Tuesday, 15 May 2012

• Over another hurdle!

  Yesterday was a pretty good day for me!  
  I have been under nursing care since I came home from the hospital.  I have really had some very good nurses!!!  I have had wonderful care!  Just wanted to put that out there!
  Monday marked a time and place that I had to arrived much earlier than expected.   My nurse came to check on my wound and my blood pressure and the other minor issues I have been dealing with.  She checked my wound and said that my wound was completely closed!!!!  I no longer had to keep a bandage on it!!!!  WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!   She said I still have some time to go before my wound site gets tough and not sooo fragile, but the major issue is resolved!!!!  To say the least I was very very happy!
  GOD is good!  I give GOD total credit and praise for my healing progress!
  Some would think that I am a bit touched, but I take quite a few vitamins and herbs on a daily basis.  I believe that has helped with my body's ability to recover.  Thus, my deeper interest in herbs and natural foods.  Getting to know valuable information that we did not have access to in the past.  The internet has opened soooo many doors to information that it would be foolish not to indulge in some herbal education. 
  Right now my mission is to find the right alternative therapy for my bladder control.  Having Spina Bifida related issues with my elimination processes has now taken over the front seat!!!!!  Getting older has not helped a whole lot either! "sigh"  
  The next herb on the list is Anise!!!   The only thing I knew about anise was that some baked with it, and that I do not particularly care for the taste!!!  But it does have some interesting properties!!!!  Maybe in a capsule form?????   humph!!
  PLEASE check with your physician first!!! Before trying any herbal or alternative therapies!
  
  

  Anise

  Anise (Pimpinella anisum [Latin]), also known as aniseed, pimpinel seed, and sweet cumin, is a plant that produces seeds that are used in both herbal medicine and aromatherapy. This sweet smelling herb is also commonly used to flavor foods and liqueurs such as anisette and ouzo. 
  
  Anise is from the parsley family and, like parsley, has been used for thousands of years as a natural breath freshener. Anise seeds can be steeped in boiling water at home to produce a natural mouthwash; many mouthwashes and toothpastes sold in natural foods stores also contain anise. 
  
  Anise has been shown to be a secretagogue, an herb that acts as an expectorant in the body. The essential oil extracted from ground anise seeds helps loosen phlegm in the throat and lungs. Teas containing anise are very effective at helping make coughs more productive, and have also been used to treat asthma. 
  
  Anise is also an ingredient in many cough medicines and lozenges. Some other respiratory-related ailments that may benefit from treatment with anise include the common cold, pneumonia, influenza, bronchitis, and sinusitis. 
  
  Anise is also sometimes used to increase a nursing mother’s milk supply. The seeds of anise contain anethole, a substance that can help raise prolactin levels and thus stimulate milk production. Women seeking to improve their milk supply are advised to drink 1 cup of anise tea per day. Anise tea can be made at home by steeping 2 teaspoons of crushed seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. 
  
  New mothers may find anise to be helpful in other ways—it can be an effective treatment for colic and upset stomach. Anise’s expectorant effect encourages the secretion of excess fluids from the digestive system, and this herb has also been shown to reduce flatulence (gas) in both children and adults. Many all-natural remedies for colicky babies and digestive ailments contain anise as an active ingredient (don’t give your baby anise tea or seeds—if you give them too much it could make them very sick). 
  
  Anise is available in tea, and the whole seeds are used in cooking. All foods containing anise are thought to offer some of the same benefits as the teas and capsules, although foods are generally less effective than supplementation. 
  
  In some sensitive individuals, anise can cause allergic reactions. People with inflammatory skin conditions, including rosacea and acne, may experience flare-ups when taking this herb. Large doses of anise can act as a narcotic in the system. 

Angelica, better known as Dong Quai

Since I have been dealing with my health a lot lately, I have been looking into natural alternatives and what if anything they could do to help with several issues I am dealing with.  So on my journey I went!!!!  
Last time I posted about Aloe and the benefits and precautions of this herb.  Today it is Angelica!  Better known as Dong Quai.   Never really heard much about this herb or its uses. 
It is amazing what this earth has to offer in the form of herbs for medicinal purposes!!! 
As with any endeavor you begin concerning your health, PLEASE check with your Dr first!!!! 

Angelica

Angelica (Angelica archangelica, A. atropurpurea, A. sinensis [Latin]), also known as masterwort, wild parsnip, and wild celery, has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years. Angelica is an effective treatment for gas, indigestion, and stomach cramps; it may also be used to improve circulation, help treat some bronchial and cardiovascular disorders, and ease menopausal symptoms.

Angelica is a close relative of the carrot, parsley, celery, fennel, and dill; and there are several different species of this herb. European angelica (Angelica archangelica) and American angelica (A. atropurpurea) have traditionally been used to treat headache, colds, and bronchial and lung disease. Chinese angelica (A. sinensis), commonly called Dong quai or Dang gui, is used in traditional Asian medicine to treat gynecologic disorders such as painful menstruation, as well as a host of menopausal symptoms.

Angelica has also been said to induce uterine cramping and menstruation—American colonists sometimes used angelica for abortion. Today Dong quai is an active ingredient in many herbal formulations designed to balance women’s hormones and to promote breast growth or enhancement.

Angelica improves circulation and spreads a warm feeling throughout the body; its effect on the body has been compared to that of a calcium channel blocker, and it is therefore sometimes used to treat high blood pressure and angina. However, preliminary research suggests that angelica may cause increased blood clotting, so anyone with a history of heart ailments should not take angelica without first consulting a physician.

Commission E, the panel of experts in Germany that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of herbal treatments, recommends angelica for treatment of indigestion and flatulence. German studies also found that angelica does indeed relax the windpipe, and may be effective for treating colds, flu, bronchitis, and asthma.

Angelica supplements and tinctures are available at most health stores. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package, because this herb can be toxic. You could also try one of the “hormone balancing” teas or capsules sold in many pharmacies and health food stores—these usually contain some form of angelica.

Angelica is though to induce menstruation, and should not be taken by pregnant women. People with a history of atherosclerosis or heart attack should also avoid this herb, as should anyone that has a history of photosensitivity—angelica contains psoralens, which are chemicals that can cause some sun-sensitive people to have an allergic reaction to sun exposure.

Cilantro!!

Wednesday, 02 May 2012

Cilantro!

I get a newsletter from www.NaturalNews.com.  They have very informative useful information regarding health issues and living as naturally as possible.  Their articles are not overly lengthy and easy to understand (important for me!  lol lol ).  Today's article was dealing with the herb Cilantro!  I know of cilantro for its use in Mexican foods.  That was about it for me!  But today, I learned it has great health properties!  It is especially good for those who suffer with inflammatory issues like arthritis and some auto immune disorders, as it reduces inflammation.   Wanted to share this information with as many people as possible!!  I know I have arthritis and my daughter has lupus, and we love guacamole with cilantro in it! 

Detoxify heavy metals and soothe chronic inflammation with cilantro, a powerful 'superherb'

(NaturalNews) The anti-inflammatory and detoxification power of cilantro, a medicinal herb whose seeds are known as coriander, is greatly underrated and largely unknown in Western culture today. But if you suffer from a chronic inflammatory disease, which can manifest itself as arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, heart disease, brain fog, fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome, and a number of other debilitating illnesses, then cilantro just might be the natural solution for you.

Rich in phytonutrients, flavonoids, and active phenolic compounds, cilantro has long been used by ancient cultures to prevent indigestion and other digestive disorders, and recent studies have confirmed that the herb does, indeed, help alleviate various stomach ailments. Dr. James A. Duke, Ph.D., a retired botanist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and author of The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, for instance, says that drinking a cup of cilantro leaf tea can remedy any form of stomach discomfort (http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/benefits-of/cilantro).

Cilantro contains two specific compounds known as cineole and linoleic acid that both possess anti-arthritic and anti-rheumatic properties. Cilantro also contains a substance known as dodecenal that is twice as powerful as the antibiotic drug gentamicin at fighting infection and eradicating harmful microbes from the body. Cilantro is also a natural antiseptic that can help wounds heal more quickly, and is a natural chelator of heavy metals from the body.

Eating several tablespoons of cilantro-based pesto every day (http://www.rawfoodinfo.com/articles/art_cilantroremheavymetals.html), in fact, or supplementing with cilantro capsules, is an excellent way to help cleanse your body of toxic heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and lead, which can accumulate in tissue and elsewhere as a result of repeated environmental and dietary exposure. Adding cilantro juice to a cleansing coffee enema is another great way to detoxify your body of heavy metals naturally (http://www.naturalnews.com/027942_cilantro_heavy_metals.html).

Cilantro as a natural anti-inflammatory medicine

As far as inflammation is concerned, researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, India, found that rats given a powdered extract of coriander seeds to treat rheumatoid arthritis experienced far less swelling and inflammation compared to rats given a steroid treatment for the condition. The research team also found that coriander extract can alleviate joint inflammation associated with other types of arthritis as well.

"We undertook this experiment after we found [cilantro's] mention in the traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Unani for its anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic activities," said Surender Singh, co-author of the study which was published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research. Traditional Ayurveda and Unani, after all, have long used cilantro, with much success, to treat inflammatory conditions (http://www.everydayhealth.com).

A 2004 study published in the journal Food Chemistry found similar benefits for both cilantro and coriander, but noted that cilantro leaf extracts are the most potent. Since those suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions have been found to have lower-than-normal antioxidant levels, and cilantro is a powerful antioxidant, it is hypothesized that the mechanism by which this medicinal herb alleviates inflammation is via its unique antioxidant content.

So how can you integrate cilantro into your own diet? Blending a handful of fresh, organic cilantro into your daily smoothie is one option (http://mariefrohlich.blogspot.com). You can also throw some cilantro in your regular juicing recipes, and also sprinkle it into salads, stews, and other meals. Chopped cilantro also tastes great when added to fresh salsas and dips, so you can try adding it to those recipes.

For more cilantro use ideas, visit:
http://www.gourmetsleuth.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035741_heavy_metals_cilantro_detox.html#ixzz1tjOFOmXj

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035741_heavy_metals_cilantro_detox.html#ixzz1tjO68sZA