4 Tonic Herbs

Feeling run-down and stressed-out? Does it seem you always catch whatever is going around? You may want to consider taking a daily tonic. Also known as adaptogens, these nontoxic, plant-based substances help to bolster your body's natural defenses and increase its ability to cope with normal daily stress. When taken long term, tonics may help support energy and maintain normal, healthy immunity. Popular tonics include:
 
Ashwagandha.

 

This traditional herb (Withania somnifera) from India is much used in ayurvedic medicine, where it is valued as a general tonic and adaptogen.

Benefits:

• known for its ability to calm
• used to promote sleep
• to ease anxiety or restlessness
• reduce the symptoms of drug withdrawal
• known for its ability to fight off cold and cough symptoms
• has the potential ability to decrease cancer cells without adversely affecting healthy cells 

Eleuthro.

 

Formerly called Siberian ginseng, eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a distant relative of true ginseng. It can be useful for alleviating exhaustion, fatigue from heavy workloads and lack of energy. Look for products that are standardized for eleutheroside content.

Benefits:

• Tonic for overall good health and antiaging
• Remedy for insomnia
• Promotes mental vigor and alertness
• Increases stamina and endurance, mentally and physically
• Improves reflexes and coordination
• Protects against stress-related illness
• Potent aphrodisiac for improved sexual performance and fertility
• Helpful with menopause symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods
• Enhances lung and immune functions; used to treat bronchitis
• Helps control metabolism, appetite and digestion
• Normalizes blood pressure and reduces cholesterol
• Helps cure colds and infections

Reishi. 

This distinctive, woody mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is too bitter to be eaten, but can be taken in supplement form. Reishi is recommended in traditional Chinese medicine for increasing resistance and extending life, and has been studied for its ability to support normal immune health.

Benefits:

• can help you have better blood circulation
• known to help in the treatment of anxiety, blood pressure, hepatitis, asthma and insomnia.
• alleviate the symptoms of those who suffer from respiratory problems
• also an antioxidant and helps prevent the formation of tumors and the accumulation of other cancerous cells.
• improving your memory and making your brain more sharp

Rhodiola. 

Also known as arctic root, rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) contains a group of distinctive compounds that are at least partially responsible for the plant's remarkable properties - including anti-fatigue, anti-stress, antioxidant and immune-supporting effects. It is useful for acute stress, to support optimal mood and for memory health.
You should be able to find all these herbal products in health food stores - choose the one that best meets your needs, follow package directions, and give it about six to eight weeks to see how it helps. You can take tonics indefinitely, but some herbalists suggest taking a two-week-long break every three months to help maintain the tonic's effectiveness.

Benefits:

• effective for improving mood and alleviating depression
• improves physical and mental performance, and may reduce fatigue
• improves physical and mental performance, and may reduce fatigue
• stimulating the nervous system, fighting depression, enhancing work performance, decreasing fatigue, and reducing high altitude sickness

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE AND EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINARY HEALTH
sources:

http://www.raysahelian.com/rhodiola.html

http://hypno-health.com/blog/?p=164

http://herbalnation.blogspot.com/2008/11/siberian-ginseng-eleuthero.html

http://www.medicinalherbs-4u.com/eleuthero.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/030618_Ashwagandha_health.html

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04192/4-Tonic-Herbs-for-Healthy-Aging.html

5 things to know about Power Nap

Studies on sleep and the opinions of sleep experts are convincing: napping has value. People who nap generally enjoy better mental health and mental efficiency than people who do not. The quality of their nighttime sleep tends to be better as well. Unfortunately, finding opportunities to rest during daylight hours in our society is not so easy - the North American culture is actively opposed to the whole concept, bombarding us with stimulation in more and more places and times.
If you want to embrace the habit of napping - as many cultures worldwide do - consider the following:

1.       Accept napping as a positive thing. Remind yourself frequently that napping can make a day more productive - it is actually the opposite of being lazy.

2.       Do not fight the body's desire to nap. This will result in unpleasant or unproductive naps.

3.       Take naps when you can. If your schedule does not permit a nap every day, consider taking productive naps as a passenger in cars, trains and airplanes.

4.       Consider time and duration. Napping for too long, too often or at the wrong time of day can be counterproductive. See what length and schedule works best for you.

5.       Napping can mean just taking a break. Lying on a hammock or just staring into space is the essence of rest - it is not doing that refreshes you in body and mind.

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE AND EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINARY HEALTH
sources:
http://www.123rf.com/photo_8183920_woman-sleeping-on-laptop-taking-a-power-nap-during-work-isolated-on-white-background.html
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04231/5-Reasons-to-Nap.html

5 Ways to Help Sinus Problems

Chronic sinus problems don't necessarily require drugs or surgery - diet and lifestyle play important roles. Besides avoiding polluted, dusty and smoky environments (and secondhand smoke), try the following to help reduce the symptoms of chronic sinus problems:

1.    Eliminate milk and all milk products from your diet (including prepared foods that list dairy and its byproducts as ingredients). This can lead to dramatic improvement after about two months.

2.    Take astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous), the root of a native Chinese plant that boosts immune system function. The usual dose is two capsules twice a day unless otherwise directed on the package label.

3.    If you take an antibiotic for sinus infections, be sure to take a probiotic to restore the friendly bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract and that may be wiped out by antibiotics.

4.    Don't smoke.

5.    If you suffer from allergies, consider equipping your house - or at least your bedroom - with a good air filter. A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter is a good choice - it removes particles in the air by forcing it through screens containing microscopic pores.

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE AND EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINARY HEALTH
Sources:
http://www.fcchiro.com/sinusitis.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071119170153.htm

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04098/5-Ways-to-Help-Sinus-Problems.html

4 Ways to Treat Sinus Congestion

1. Acupuncture. It can be remarkably effective for relieving acute sinusitis. Acupuncture can ease pain and promote sinus drainage within minutes of the placement of the needles.

2. Hot compresses. Help promote sinus drainage by placing very warm, wet compresses over the whole sinus area (in your upper face) frequently. Work up to as much heat as you can comfortably stand for 10 minutes at a time, several times a day.

3. Steam inhalation. Inhaling steam with a little oil of eucalyptus in it may ease sinus clogging.

4. Saline flushes. Flushing your nasal passages with a warm saline solution can help relieve sinus congestion and prevent sinus infections. Do this two to four times a day if you have an active infection. You can use a neti pot, a traditional, Indian nasal-irrigation device shaped like Aladdin's lamp that lets you pour the water into your nose. Or simply dissolve a ¼ teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and pour some of the solution into your cupped hand and inhale it through one nostril while a finger from your opposite hand compresses and blocks the other nostril. Alternatively, you can sniff the solution from a small cup or squirt it into your nostrils with a rubber-bulb syringe. The idea is to inhale enough water to spit it out through your mouth.

Sinusitis Home Remedies

If you think you have sinusitis and your condition is not accompanied by fever, cough or nasal discharge that is yellowish to greenish, then you can use the following as a sinusitis home remedy:

Garlic – The herb contains the same chemical found in drugs that lessen the stickiness of mucus.

Dried Rosemary – Rosemary acts as an analgesic that can help relieve headaches and facial pain.

Anise Seed – Anise helps break up mucus and it also acts as an expectorant.

Horseradish – The pungent root is said to contain the same compound that can be found in nasal decongestants.

Fenugreek Seed – Fenugreek seeds are tonic, astringent, demulcent and expectorant. These characteristics work together to relieve congestion of the sinuses.

Cayenne Peppers – Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin. Capsaicin is a substance that can stimulate the nerve fibers and it may also act as a nasal decongestant.

Black Peppercorns – Black pepper is useful if you have sinusitis. Taken with honey, it acts as a stimulant that breaks up hard mucus in the nasal passages and it also warms the body up. It also acts as an anticatarral which prevents the formation of mucus.

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE AND EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINARY HEALTH

sources:
http://goeshealth.com/world-health/what-is-sinusitis-and-how-to-prevent-it.html/attachment/sinusitis-symptoms

http://www.themediteckwellnessgateway.com/blog/1422/sinusitis-remedies-that-can-be-found-in-your-kitchen/ 

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04099/4-Ways-to-Treat-Sinus-Congestion.html

4 Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

Want to lower your blood pressure in four simple steps? It's not as difficult as you think, and the benefits include a decreased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, erectile dysfunction, cognitive difficulties and osteoporosis. Adopt the following:

1.       Ditch the cigarettes. Smoking can temporarily spike blood pressure, damage blood vessel walls, and raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. While quitting smoking can be a challenge, natural support such as Dr. Gurgevich's CD "Hypnotic Tonic to Remove Tobacco Addiction" can help - find it in our Marketplace.

2.       Get moving. Research shows that regular aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, swimming and cycling, can reduce blood pressure, possibly by keeping blood vessels flexible. Regular exercise can also help you lose weight and keep it off, which is crucial to the success of any high blood pressure treatment plan. Start slowly and aim for 30 minutes of aerobic activity most days of the week.

3.       Stay calm. Stress can raise blood pressure, while relaxation techniques appear to lower it. Learn and practice a mind-body approach such as breath work, yoga or meditation and take advantage of its benefits regularly.

4.       Eat a healthy diet. Adequate intake of micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium and vitamin C, is essential to maintain blood vessel tone and healthy circulation.

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE AND EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINARY HEALTH

Sources:
http://blog.drsinatra.com/blog/heart-health-nutrition/nattokinase-for-healthy-blood-pressure

http://www.ehow.com/how_4907675_easy-steps-lower-blood-pressure.html

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04077/4-Ways-to-Lower-Your-Blood-Pressure.html

3 Supplements for Strong Bones

As men and women age, they can experience a loss of bone mass as well as normal wear and tear on the joints. Small preventive measures can help to protect joints and keep bones strong - consider the following supplements:

1.   Calcium. People who don't get enough calcium may lose bone mass faster and fracture bones more easily. Taking half as much magnesium with supplemental calcium will help offset any constipating effects. I recommend women supplement with 500 to 700 mg of calcium citrate in two divided doses taken with meals for a total of 1,000-1,200 mg from all sources (including diet); most men do not need calcium supplements, but should instead get 500-600 mg per day through diet.

2.   Vitamin D. It facilitates the absorption of calcium, helping to support healthy and strong bones. It also promotes bone mineralization. Get regular sun exposure (about 20-30 minutes a day is adequate), and take 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day - look for supplements that provide D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than D2 (ergocalciferol).

3.   Vitamin K. It helps activate certain proteins that are involved in the structuring of bone mass. Low intake of vitamin K has been linked to low bone density. You can get adequate amounts of vitamin K through a diet rich in leafy greens, such as Swiss chard, kale, parsley, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE AND EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINARY HEALTH

Sources:
http://www.coloribus.com/adsarchive/prints/unknownadvertiser-rich-in-calcium-for-strong-bones-2526505/ 

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/building-strong-bones-the-vegan-way/

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04066/3-Supplements-for-Strong-Bones.html

3 Nutrition Tips for Arthritis

If your mornings begin with stiffness, pain and swollen joints, you may be experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis. In addition to getting regular exercise (low-impact is the best) and maintaining a healthy weight, consider the following nutritional strategies to help prevent or lessen symptoms.

1.       Eat foods rich in antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources, and may help reduce tissue damage from inflammation.

2.       Get enough omega-3s. The omega-3 fatty acids provided in oily fish (such as wild Alaskan salmon), walnuts and freshly ground flaxseed may help reduce the inflammation and pain of arthritis.

3.       Regularly use ginger and turmeric for their natural anti-inflammatory properties.

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE AND EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINARY HEALTH

sources:

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/issue-14/natural-arthritis-remedies.phphttp://www.shutterstock.com/pic-74586259/stock-photo-common-types-of-arthritis.htmlhttp://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04045/3-Nutrition-Tips-for-Arthritis.html