Herbal Medicines

Working out is just so different to so many people. You don’t have to go out to the gym every day. Working out for you could be as simple as talking a walk to the market down the street or playing ball with your kid or even just playing frisbee with your dog. [...]

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It is summer time and where are you thinking about going this summer? Are you going to go somewhere with the family? Or perhaps it is time that you and your spouse take that much needed vacation away from it all. Perhaps a nice second honeymoon some place specially like Paris or [...]

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When it comes to looking for the right health insurance for you you really want to make sure that you do your research and really look around. Always compare and contrast different plans out there so that you can find one that meets all of your needs. For example, kaiser health insurance just...

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Just because herbal supplements are labeled "natural" doesn't mean that they don't have any side effects. On the contrary, doctors and physicians warn against the use of certain herbs because they can cause many adverse effects. Below is a list of some herbs and their herbal side effects.

Herbal Side Effects of Angelica

The herb Angelica, or Dong Quai, is a Chinese herbal medicine used as a tonic for the female reproductive system. It is said to cure female discomforts, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cramps, hot flashes, and menopausal symptoms.

According to Heck AM, DeWitt BA, and Lukes AL in a study published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy (2000 July 1), Angelica may increase the risk of bleeding or potentiate the effects of warfarin therapy.

Also in the Singapore Medical Journal in 2001, a group of scientists presented a case where the dong quai was said to cause the development of gynaecomastia as an herbal side effect.

Herbal Side Effects of Bilberry

Another herb that has been known to cause various herbal side effects is the bilberry. The bilberry is comprised of several species of low-growing shrubs in the genus Vaccinium. They have been known to have various therapeutic uses.

One of the herbal side effects of bilberry is that it has been known to interfere with the absorption of iron when taken internally. Also, fresh bilberry can cause diarrhea in some people.

Herbal Side Effects of Coleus Forskohlii

Coleus forskohlii is popular among weight loss enthusiasts. The plant is said to contain an active ingredient called forskolin. This herb is said to cause the increase of the amount of cyclic AMP (adenosine monophosphate) in cells by activating the enzyme called adenylate cyclase. It is used by many athletes and bodybuilders in enhancing lean body mass and developing the muscles.

According to the American Journal in Contact Dermatology, Coleus forskohlii has an herbal side effect where a 65-year-old woman contracted facial dermatitis. There was no obvious external cause of this skin disease and the only positive reaction found was associated with the plant, Coleus.

Herbal Side Effects of Ephedra

Perhaps the herb that is most often labeled as "dangerous" is Ephedra or the Chinese Ma Huang. On Dec. 30, 2003, the US Food and Drug Association issued a consumer alert on the herbal side effects involved with dietary supplements containing ephedra. The herb contains a substance called ephedrine said to cause high blood pressure, heart palpitations, stroke, and sometimes even death. In fact, the herb has been linked to the death of at least 100 people.

The contraindications and herbal side effects involved with this drug include increased blood pressure, increase heart rate, heart palpitations which can lead to stroke. If you develop any of these symptoms, stop using this herb immediately and consult your doctor.

It’s been several decades since Bobby McFerrin (Yes, Bobby McFerrin, not Bob Marley) wrote the hit song “Don’t Worry be Happy” and yet we still can’t, well, quit worrying and get happy.

Whether it’s the kids, work, or a to-do list that simply won’t quit, the reality is there are hundreds of sources of stress in our lives and very few real ways (short of hiring a personal assistant, and even that’s no guarantee!) to deal with them…or are there?

The following are a list of our favorite de-stressing tips – so kick back, relax and feel the stress melt away.

1. Get Things Done

Pick up milk, purchase stamps, update your checkbook, turn in the forms for the kids’ summer camp…and the list goes on, so much so that sometimes even the thought of having to tackle your mental to-do list is more intimidating than actually just getting it done! Unfortunately, in these instances, you have no choice but to take care of things. To make it more manageable (and remove the stress from the situation) transfer your mental list into a more tangible medium, either in the form of a written list or an electronic Outlook or Blackberry reminder list. Not only will writing everything down free-up much-needed mental space, it’ll also give you a visual place to check off tasks as you complete them.

2. Learn to Say No

With so many ways to say no, it’s a wonder we ever say yes!

Feeling overloaded? Then the last thing you need to do is agree to bake a batch of brownies for the soccer fund raiser. Yet, for many of us, and women in particular, saying no is simply not an option. However, it should be noted that saying that you just don’t have the capacity to take on an extra chore can be a huge stress reliever and free up time for the really important things (like an impromptu kick-around with your little soccer star!) When declining an offer, be firm. If necessary, let the person making the request know that you can’t fit it into a schedule and, if guilt overcomes you, offer to do something else or take on the task once your week is a little less hectic.

3. Work it Out

It has long been reported that exercise can reduce stress, with one 2003 study suggesting that short, intense bursts of exercise are most effective at reducing stress and stress-related diseases (such as cardiovascular disease). While this is definitely good news for those of us who are feeling a time crunch, it should be noted that other forms of exercise, such as hiking, pilates and yoga, can also help quieten the mind and help you unwind.

4. Peace and Quiet

If you’re the type of person who whips themselves into a frenzy planning a “relaxing” weekend away, perhaps it’s time to refocus your de-stressing activities to include something a little more manageable. Next time the going gets rough, retreat to a quiet room (or shut the door to the office), close your eyes, breathe deeply and think positive thoughts. Think you still need to split from your everyday environment? Consider a trip to a spa for a soothing massage or taking a morning to embark on a hike, spend some time on the beach or otherwise relax…whatever it takes to melt the stress away.

5. Natural Sunlight

Everyone feels a little happier when the sun is shining, and the reasons aren’t just psychological. According to several studies, the less natural light there is in a room, the more stressed (not to mention sleepy!) a person will feel. In fact, a study (PDF) by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that workers were more productive and reported higher rates of job satisfaction when exposed to natural light. Stuck in cubicle-dom? Make an appointment each day (yes, that’s right, put it on that Outlook calendar) to get outside, take a stroll, and absorb a couple of rays! Trust us, you’ll feel better for it!

6. Supplementation

While the answer to your stress can rarely be found at the bottom of a bottle (both of the alcoholic and prescription variety), sometimes supplementation can prove beneficial. For example, a supplement that contains golden root (or rhodiola rosea) has stress reducing effects that can improve your mental outlook as well as give you the energy boost you need to tackle the issue at hand.

7. Phone a Friend

Popularized in the game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” for contestants in a bind, phoning a friend can actually reduce stress. In a 2004 study conducted by researchers at Tokyo University, it was determined that “social buffering may accelerate recovery from stress and change your experience of it” as well as speed recovery. Now granted, the experiment was conducted with rats, but a second study conducted by researchers at UCLA showed that following the death of the spouse, women with a strong social network “were more likely to survive the experience without any new physical impairments or permanent loss of vitality.” Our verdict? Perhaps it’s time to buddy up!

8. Music Man

Chalk another one up for the benefits of music – turns out it can help alleviate stress too! In a 2001 study conducted by researchers at Adelaide University in Australia, it was determined that organ music “significantly reduced a range of negative emotions commonly experienced during Christmas, such as tension, depression, anger and fatigue.” Our inclination? If it works during the super-stressful holiday season, it’ll work year round! Now go rock out!

9. Just Do it!

Although sex is probably the last thing on your mind when you’re feeling stressed, sometimes getting down is the best way to get over it! In fact, according to a study by Canadian researchers, when bacteria get in to hot water (literally…but it’s a stressor for them!), it activates a “sex-inducer” gene that ups the likelihood of reproduction. Need further proof? A 2006 study suggests that sex can reduce the stress and anxiety experienced prior to public speaking and that “greater frequency of intercourse is associated with greater benefits.”

10. Glass Half Full?

Well, perhaps not this optimistic.

We’ve all heard the term “making a mountain out of a molehill,” but when you’re in the midst of an existential crisis, sometimes it is difficult to take a step back and keep your cool. However, in the face of a stressor or other adversity it is important to ask yourself a few questions: Will this matter next week? How about next month? If I knew I was going to die in a week, would this be something I would want to spend this minute of my remaining time on? Is what I am basing my feelings on a fact, or is it an assumption? Sometimes just asking yourself these questions can help you gain perspective on the issue, so much so that before you know it, you’ve developed a solution!

What are favorite ways to unwind and de-stress? Share your advice with fellow Apples!

ebby, Claudecf, sashamd, SpringChick, tricky ™, sparktography, Darwin Bell, festivefrog, knivesout, duconihilum Flickr Photos (CC)

Further Reading:

The Benefits of Short Breaks

Antioxidants and the Stress of Eating

No Advantages from Aromatherapy?

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Attn: Project Owners Manage construction info on-demand And save time and money! Herbal care products range from toothpaste to lotions to facial creams and soaps. There are a number of choices for herbal care products available in our market today. These herbal care products are good alternatives to commercially manufactured products because they [...]

Hypnosis is a practice introduced centuries ago in order to cure people of damaging habits, relive them temporarily of pain, and thus allow them to rest of get a good night's sleep and/or enhance one's confidence and self-esteem. Hypnosis works at a subconscious level just like when you are asleep and induces, through the power of suggestion, an altered state of mind that will allow you to achieve desired results.

Become a Hypnotist

Many people connect magicians with hypnotists, and therefore feel that they are capable of hurting one while performing hypnosis. Well, the fact is that you too can learn everything about hypnosis and even get to practice it on yourself through a hypnosis video. The hypnosis videos have been expressly provided for those who fear losing control in the hands of a hypnotist but still would like to try and find treatment for their sufferings in the privacy of their home. They are also for those who are curious of the healing powers of hypnosis.

Through an hypnosis video you will learn to induce the state of hypnosis safely on yourself and others as well, but remember that just like any other treatment, hypnosis cannot be achieved without the commitment of the other party. Therefore, you or the person who you will be performing on must want to get hypnotized in order for the treatment to work and you to get positive results.

Hypnosis Treatments Have No Side Effects

You will also find out in the hypnosis video that hypnosis has no side effects unlike drugs, which almost always do. You will be able to help through hypnosis therapy a larger number of disorders such as insomnia, eating disorders that lead to weight problems, excessive habits like smoking or drinking, pain and stress relief that usually keep us up at night and also build up self-esteem.

Shopping for Hypnosis Videos

You will be able to find hypnosis videos with ease in bookstores, department stores in the self-improvement section and online. There are many types of hypnosis videos that are specially made for beginners, advanced and also for specific needs, which you can learn gradually. While you cannot become a hypnotist through hypnosis videos alone you will be able to help yourself with a variety of problems, as well as other family members and/or friends that are willing to give your knowledge and skills a try in order to find relief for their respective problems.

It’s likely that a herbal remedy can be found in your medicine cabinet. But is using herbals or natural health products a good idea'