Only honey actually bottled, tested and authenticated in New Zealand can use the UMF label (standing for “unique manuka factor”) and an 8 oz jar or bottle will probably cost you about $37 in a US health store. So genuine UMF New Zealand honey can be rather expensive. There is an American alternative available that is still from New Zealand but bottled in the US but for the very best results, Manuka honey should have at very least a 12+ UMF/”Active” rating but preferably 15+ or higher.

This important UMF rating will only be known if the honey has been tested. If a producer has gone to the expense of testing, they will definitely display it on the container. The testing is expensive and accounts for a reasonable amount of the cost of tested honey.

I know you have been waiting to read about these healing properties and here they are:

1. Use as a natural antibiotic for nasty infections, such as in the chest, by taking a couple of mouthfuls of the honey several times a day, between meals.

2. Use as a natural cough treatment by taking ¾ teaspoon of the honey every time you start to cough. It should resolve in about 24 hours.

3. This raw honey can be used effectively in the treatment of abrasions, acne, bacterial infections (including MRSA), eczema, leg ulcers, puncture wounds, psoriasis, septic wounds and surgical wounds. Manuka honey will kill h-Pylori bacteria that is known to cause ulcers.

4. For abscesses or deep wounds that have been cleaned, the honey can be packed into the cavity before applying an adhesive dressing. According to an article recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, honey provides a moist healing environment, deodorizes, rapidly clears infection while reducing inflammation, edema and any oozing.

5. Apply to the face for a few minutes (or as long as you can take it) before showering, to soften and condition the skin.

6. Use when troubled with mouth sores by swishing a teaspoon of the honey in your mouth for several minutes 3 times a day until the sores are gone (usually within a day).

7. Very effective when used in the treatment of burns. According to Professor Keith Scott-Mumbly “Many clinical studies have demonstrated honey’s effectiveness in treating burns. An article in the British Journal of Surgery compared the topical use of honey with silver sulfadiazine (SSD)— one of the most widely-used, common treatments for burns—in 104 cases of superficial burn injuries. In the honey-treated group of 52 patients, 91% of the burns were infection free within 7 days, compared to only 7% of the 52 patients in the SSD group. Pain was also significantly reduced.”

The more recent emergence of dangerous antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria has sounded a wake up call to many in the medical community to consider natural substances with proven medical uses as a means to fighting such strains.

Active manuka honey is one such natural substance and of course it lasts forever.

Image via Wikipedia

Fortunately, lemons are easy to get hold of all year round, even if you do not have your own lemon tree. Lemons have so many health and other benefits that they should always be part of your diet and especially in the winter months. And don’t forget that it is not just the flesh and juice of the lemon – try to use the pith and the zest too.

1. Always start your day with a lemon as a glass of water with a slice of lemon will rehydrate your body after a long night’s sleep while supporting the kidneys and the digestive system. If you can drink more of the same during the day or add fresh lemon to your cup of black tea, even better. Then end your day with a glass of warm water with lemon before bed to help the body cleanse whilst you sleep.

 2. Use lemon to detox and cleanse that very hard working organ, the liver. Alcohol and sugar can really exact a heavy toll on the liver so give it a break by kicking the sugar habit, taking a rest from alcohol and including plenty of lemons (or grapefruit) in your diet to help to cleanse the liver while preventing toxins from spreading to other parts of the body.

3. The bitter taste of lemon helps the pumping motion in the bowels to spring into action for improved and regular bowel movements. So that lemon juice in warm water first thing has another benefit.

4. Of course everyone knows about lemon and vitamin C which together with flavonoids work to prevent infection. In addition, lemons contain citric acid, B-complex vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and fiber.

5. The vitamin C found in lemons helps to neutralize those free radicals that have been linked to aging and most types of disease. In addition, Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system while also assisting in the production of collagen which fights wrinkles by keeping the skin firm. This incredible vitamin helps the body absorb calcium and iron and has also been shown to reduce acne flare-ups.

6. Not only anti-infection, lemons have anti-viral properties too and can be very effective against all types of viruses including viral colds and flu.

7. Although lemons are acidic, strangely enough they interact with our body’s metabolism to have an alkalizing effect on the body’s fluids. This helps to restore the body’s PH.

8. A very important benefit is the presence of 22 anti-cancer compounds (including limonene which studies have shown slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals while flavonol glycosides prevents cell division in cancer cells.

9. Rutin is found in lemons and its presence has been shown to improve the symptoms of eye disorders, including retinopathy in those who have diabetes. Another plus for diabetics is that lemons contain hesperetin which lowers blood sugar levels.

10. That citric acid found in lemon juice helps with kidney health by dissolving gallstones, calcium deposits and painful kidney stones.

So stock up a supply of lemons when you do your grocery shop every week and ensure a continuous supply of health benefits from this powerhouse of goodness.

Hundreds of everyday products contain parabens and the main reason for this is that parabens are widely used as effective preservatives by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. These paraben compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal

Parabens such as Ethyl, Butyl, Methyl, Propyl, and Parahydroxybenzoate are the second most common ingredient in skin care products after water. The very least of the side effects can be skin rashes and other allergic reactions.

However, many people have become very wary of parabens because they have been found in breast cancer tumors. In fact in a very recent study, researchers found parabens in the breast tissue of every woman examined plus they found extra examples of one type of paraben, Propyl, in the underarm region. This study was carried out under the leadership of Dr Philippa Darbre, reader in oncology at the University of Reading, who has spent years studying parabens and how they get into the body.

The other concern about parabens is that they can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers. In the July 2002 issue of the Archives of Toxicology, Dr. S. Oishi of the Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, Japan, reported thaT exposure of newborn male mammals to Butyl “adversely affects the secretion of testosterone and the function of the male reproductive system.”

So how can you protect yourself and your family from parabens?

-  Start reading and checking ingredients on labels because a huge percentage of the products you buy for everyday use contain some form of parabens. It can be difficult to find products that do not use them and the problem with the cosmetic industry is that it is very unregulated so ingredients are often incorrectly listed. Look out for any chemical ingredient that ends in paraben as well as the E number followed by 3 digits (such as E218 which is another name for Methylsuch) as these codes could be used instead of the actual name of the paraben.

-  Change from commercial make up and personal toiletries to organic natural products instead. I never use commercial toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, face cleanser or moisturizer any more. True organic herbal products made from from high quality organic herbs and organic grain alcohol do not even need preservatives because they are shelf-stable for around two to three years.

-  Genuine castile soap (liquid or bars) has an excellent shelf-life of up to eighteen months or longer and requires no preservatives while a self-preserved 100% organic moisturizing body oil made from organic sunflower oil, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic peppermint oil and organic spearmint oil can have a shelf-life of up to 18 months.

-  Remember to treat your skin in the same way as you would think about what you eat before consuming it. I have a friend who says she will not put anything on her skin that she would not spread on her toast in the morning. That is excellent advice as long as she is a healthy eater! If you happily spread coconut oil or raw butter on your breakfast toast, then this would be just as safe, gentle and healthy for your skin.

The good news is that there is a gradual phasing out of these preservatives occurring in the natural skin care industry. While preservatives are needed, there are all natural, nontoxic preservatives that are both safe and effective. Many smaller skin care companies proudly state the fact that they are paraben-free. While this is a great option for them because of the smaller quantity of products they make and sell, most larger skin care companies use parabens to enable you to get your supply of product no matter where you shop. So you are usually safer with smaller, natural companies such as Aubrey Organics, Dr Hauschka Skin Care and Weleda Skin Care. Look out for natural skin care lines that avoid toxic cosmetic ingredients and are created entirely from safe, effective botanical ingredients.

Healing Natural Oils is just such a company providing 100% organic essential oils safe and gentle skin care and treatment for a host of conditions such as wrinkles, acne, varicose veins, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema and many more.

]]> http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/the-perils-of-parabens-and-how-to-protect-yourself/feed/ 0 http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/nail-buffing-%e2%80%93-the-safe-alternative-to-nail-polish/ http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/nail-buffing-%e2%80%93-the-safe-alternative-to-nail-polish/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:07:45 +0000 Jane Chitty http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/?p=5726 Many women like to keep their nails looking attractive and polished especially in the work place or for special occasions. But nail polish and remover can be particularly toxic and it becomes very high maintenance to keep those nails looking freshly polished because let’s face it, nothing looks more tacky than chipped nail polish.

Nail polish, polish removers and artificial nail products contain a host of toxic chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer, reproductive harm, asthma and other negative health effects.   But at least some nail polish manufacturers have now reformulated their products to remove the “toxic trio” of  ingredients: namely, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene.

1. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) adds flexibility and a moisturizing sheen, and helps dissolve other cosmetic ingredients. But the downside is that it is a a reproductive and developmental toxin that has been linked to feminizing effects in baby boys.

2. Toluene helps suspend the color in nail polish and form a smooth finish across the nail. But it also affects the central nervous system and can cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue. It is thought to be a possible reproductive and developmental toxin.

3. Formaldehyde is found in some nail products such as nail hardener and is a well known human carcinogen. Plus it is an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat, possibly leading to skin irritation and an allergic rash called dermatitis or eczema.

In addition to the toxic trio, nail care products can also contain a host of other toxic chemicals, including organic solvents like xylene, methyl ethyl ketone and acetone, as well as acrylic polymers such as methyl methylacrylate and ethyl methylacrylate.

But do not despair, there is a safer alternative to nail polish and it is called nail buffing which can create an attractive and smooth sheen to your nails while helping your nails grow stronger and longer because of increased circulation.

Here is how to nail buff.

Equipment:

- Medium to fine buffing block
- Fine to superfine buffing block
- Chamois leather
- Beeswax

Method: 

1. Take off that old nail polish for the last time using your existing bottle of nail polish remover before conditioning your fingernails with a good quality natural cream or oil while pushing back the cuticles. Then file your fingernails carefully to the desired shape.  At the same time look out for any signs of nail fungus.

2. Stroke each fingernail a few times with a medium/fine buffing block to take off any ridges on the surface. Be extra careful not to buff too long or too hard because of the risk of thinning out the fingernail, weakening it and making it vulnerable to injury or infection.

3. Stroke each fingernail with a fine/superfine buffing block to shine them. Go in one direction only. This is to make sure you don’t move the buffing block back and forth over the fingernail so quickly that you cause damage without realizing it.

4. Shine your fingernails with a small piece of chamois leather. If you wish, you can use a buffing cream or a little beeswax to give your fingernails a high sheen.

5. Your fingernails will look natural and attractive so you can now skip that nail polish with its toxic chemicals which you would absorb through your nails and your skin. Apart from any toxic and harmful ingredients, polish remover dries out and ultimately damages your fingernails.

Just one word of warning – don’t use the buffer for smoothing out ridges on your nails more often than once a month. You can buff the nails themselves as often as you like as long as the product is minus any abrasives.

1. Increasing our intake of vitamins C and E are important for our skin because they help reduce the damage caused by free radicals (those unstable molecules in our body). Such free radicals destroy both collagen and elastin. Although vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits and lots of veggies such as peppers, broccoli and cauliflower, you can do yourself a great favor, and additional health benefits, by adding a generous dosage vitamin C supplement to your daily diet too. Lots of leafy greens, nuts, olives and asparagus will give you a good source of vitamin E.

2. Another nutrient to add to your daily diet is zinc with its anti-inflammatory and healing properties to help keep any skin blemishes at bay. Seeds are a good source, apart from supplements, so include a tablespoon daily with your food.

3. Moisture is so vital for a healthy skin but did you know that sleeping in a room that is too hot or too dry will mean that your skin loses valuable moisture while becoming redder because of an increased blood flow. Whatever the weather, allow fresh air to come in through an open window and don’t set the temperature artificially high or low. If dry skin is a real problem for you, install a humidifier next to your bed. Our skin does its restoration work during the night so this makes the quality of air around us even more important. Look for a natural night cream for your face and choose one that includes peptides and anti-oxidants to restore moisture and nutrients to your skin while you sleep. Don’t forget to include a natural eye cream too.

4. If your skin is fair, you could be more prone to irritations resulting in deeper damage and earlier wrinkles. Pale skin has a weaker moisture barrier than darker skin. Keep your skin well moisturized with a natural moisturizer and while we all need some sunlight to top up our “more than likely vitamin D deficiency levels”, those with pale skin need less sun exposure than those with darker skin. You can safely stay in the sun (minus any sun block) until it your skin starts to change to a light pink shade. The two hours either side of 12 noon are best for absorbing vitamin D and expose as much of the skin area as possible. Don’t go rushing to the shower and slather on lots of soap for a couple of hours afterwards as this can then undo the good of the sunlight.

5. Acne is a common skin condition and studies have pointed out that milk or lactose intolerance could be a link to adult acne. This is worth looking into if acne is a problem with you. Look for dairy-free alternatives such as coconut oil instead of butter and almond or rice milk instead of cow’s milk.

6. Our lips can be especially vulnerable to dryness as they have no melanin. The first sign of dehydration in the lips is flakiness, meaning there is insufficient fatty acids and omegas in your diet. Remedy this with a suitable supplement and protect your lips with a product such as natural lip balm.

7. Part of eating a healthy diet for a clear and blemish free skin is to include lots of fresh vegetables and fruit (eat as many of these in their raw state if possible), free range chicken and eggs, grass-fed beef, and of course sustainable, safe fish. Know your fish because unfortunately many are full of toxins. It is probably safer to stick to Alaskan salmon and small fish like sardines and mackerel. 8 glasses of filtered water is also a given!

8. Whether it is winter or summer, you should be looking after your skin both on your face and of course all over your body. Keep it cleansed, moisturized and fed on a daily basis.

9. Exfoliating is a good thing to get rid of dead skin cells but be careful not to over do it as you can end up stripping the skin. Papaya is an excellent ingredient to look out for because it exfoliates enzymatically rather than mechanically as a gritty scrub would do. If you notice any milia (those tiny white bumps on the skin) this is a sure sign that you could be over-exfoiatiing.

10. We all want to avoid and/or get rid of  Circulation is an all important way to flush out all those toxins and unwanted fats. At the same time we need lots of regular exercise to help our lymphatic system – walking, swimming, cycling and just about any form of exercise is good. In addition, another method is to regularly massage the buttocks, legs and thigh areas of the body. You can use an essential oils product such as H-Cellulite to great effect. Use a body brush to aid circulation or try alternating hot and cold bursts kjof water. Diet plays a huge role in cellulite prevention and/or treatment so give up all sugar, processed salt, dairy products, meat, sodas and alcohol and eat nothing but raw food for a week and see the difference.

Here’s wishing you a new and improved skin for the rest of the year.

There are three types of acne skin conditions that can lead to scarring:

-  Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne and includes blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. It is the papules that you have to be careful of for scarring. Resist the temptation to squeeze them. If you only have a few red or brownish colored marks on your face after an acne outbreak, it is highly likely that these will fade away in a matter of months.

-  Acne rosacea can be confused with the acne vulgaris. Rosacea affects millions of people and appears as a red rash normally on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. As the redness is often accompanied by typical acne symptoms of bumps, pimples and skin blemishes, you can see how the two conditions can be confused. Blood vessels can become more visible on the skin in the affected area and if left untreated, rosacea can lead to more advanced stages where the vision is affected and there is swelling of the nose together with the growth of excess tissue. Acne rosacea scars are also a possibility.

-  Cystic acne is one of the more severe types of acne and almost always leaves some degree of scarring behind. Such a cystic acne scar takes a long time to heal and at worst can leave behind a permanent reminder with pits and marks which in some cases can stretch across a wide area of skin. Prevention is best with this type of acne. Avoid touching or picking and follow a healthy lifestyle so that the skin has the very best chance of rejuvenating and healing itself.

Always adopt a healthy regimen to look after your skin:

Cleansing is top of the list to reduce latent bacterial on the skin’s surface. Two or three times a day, the skin should be gently washed with cool to warm water (not hot) and a soft soap or cleanser to get rid of any extra sebum on the skin’s surface and to discard the dead skin cells and debris, making sure to always use a clean cloth and never to scrub the skin. Always remove all make-up very gently. Those who have a job where they might be in contact with oil, or exercise or play sport, should wash their face even more frequently.

Second on the list is to use one of the many natural acne treatments as these are safer and much more gentle than any over-the-counter or prescription medications. Suggestions include Lemongrass, Olive Leaf, Tea Tree Oil or other essential oils (H-Acne or H-Rosacea from Healing Natural Oils).

And finally, there are other helpful lifestyle changes you can follow such as drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily; taking plenty of vitamins A,C and E as well as Zinc; including lots of leafy vegetables and fresh fruit in your diet; checking labels of any make-up or sunscreen carefully as these should read “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” and be water-based; keeping the use of any hair sprays or gels well away from your face; and washing long hair or a fringe frequently so there is no oil build- up that can get on to your face.

In spite of taking great care and using preventative measures, you can still be left with acne scars. It is wise to consult a dermatologist as to the various methods of scar removal so that the right one is chosen for you.

Here are some of the options available:

-  Laser resurfacing where the damaged top layer of skin is removed while the middle layer is exposed and firmed to reveal a smoother skin.

-  Dermabrasion where a rotating wire brush or spinning diamond instrument wears down the surface of the skin to reveal a new and smoother look.

Both these methods of acne scar removal can leave the skin red which may continue for up to several months. The methods cannot be utilized if there is an active acne outbreak.

There is a further option and this is the use of a formula made with pure essential oils. This 100% natural formula will treat scars without surgery and without any side effects so that they fade and visibly improve. Such a product has powerful skin regenerative properties to encourage new cell growth while diminishing the size of scars, improving natural skin color and restoring skin tissue elasticity.

Here are some safer ways to help treat and prevent psoriasis:

-  Sunlight can treat and prevent psoriasis. While many doctors prescribe artificial ultraviolet light treatments to patients suffering from psoriasis, if you live in the right climate a “no cost” alternative is to get more sunlight. Depending on your skin tone, 15 to 30 minutes of daily exposure to the sun enhances the production of vitamin D which helps treat psoriasis (amongst many other conditions) while boosting your immune system. The darker your skin, the more sunlight exposure you need and the optimum time is to choose your minutes during those two hours either side of noon while wearing as little clothing as possible. A cold climate alternative is to take sizable doses of vitamin D3 in the form of a supplement.

-  Salt water is a great home remedy for psoriasis. If you live close to the ocean, swim as often as you can or take seawater baths or apply seawater over the affected area once a day. Alternatively, bath in Epsom salts or oatmeal. Do not use chemical based soaps and other products as these will make the problem more severe and painful. Look for all natural products.

-  Mudpacks will absorb and remove the toxins from the psoriasis affected areas.

-  A daily dose of 200 to 800 IU of vitamin E has been found to reduce itching.

-  Add 2 drops of calendula to 1 drop of oregano oil in a small cup of olive oil. Apply regularly to the affected area.

-  Baking soda is an effective way to treat the itchiness associated with psoriasis. Dissolve 1/3 cup of baking soda in 1 gallon of water, soak a washcloth into this before wringing it out and applying directly to the affected skin. Repeat this several times.

-  Coconut Oil is yet another home remedy for relieving psoriasis. You can either take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil each day by adding it to your coffee or tea, or you can apply it topically onto the affected area 3 times per day. When starting with coconut oil, consume just a teaspoon per day and build up from there.

-  Petroleum jelly is an effective moisturizer but, as the ingredients are not ideal when seeking a more natural solution, how about making your own natural jelly which can be applied to the affected areas each day. It is also important to apply moisturizer within a few minutes after a bath or shower to “lock in” moisture.  The jelly is ideal for this.

Recipe for natural petroleum jelly:

Place 1 oz. of beeswax in the top of a double boiler and heat slowly until it melts. Don’t put beeswax in the microwave or in a standard saucepan, as it is flammable when exposed to direct heat.

Remove the melted wax from heat and squeeze the oil from six x 400 IU vitamin E capsules into the wax. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties which nourish and protect your skin while acting as a natural preservative to prolong the shelf life of your petroleum jelly.

Stir in 1/2 cup of extra virgin or cold pressed sweet almond oil. Stir the ingredients constantly as the mixture cools and thickens.

While still slightly warm, scoop the jelly mixture into a dark glass jar and leave unsealed to cool completely.

Keep in a cool, dark place, or in your refrigerator.

Use it as you would use commercial petroleum jelly.

-  Cayenne pepper has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties and is high in capsaicin.  Take regularly for psoriasis.

Part of the treatment for psoriasis using home remedies is to follow some simple rules:

-  Avoid hot, spice and pungent foods as they are difficult to digest and can cause toxins in the blood.

-  Reduce your intake of bad fats, animal proteins and especially sugars and artificial sweeteners.

-  Avoid processed salts and curds as they can inflame the skin further causing greater itching. Natural salt is fine.

-  Certain fruits and vegetables are beneficial for psoriasis including beets, grapes, cucumber, green vegetables and carrots while bitter tasting foods help purify the blood and facilitate the kidneys to flush out the toxins.

For a successful, safe, gentle and completely natural home remedy, Healing Natural Oils has a topical product known as H-Psoriasis.

As you get older, you should be less likely to get warts or recurring warts because your immune system develops immunity over time.

The virus that causes warts, and then recurring warts, is called human papilloma virus or HPV. It enters the skin through very small cuts or wounds. Once in the skin, it may be destroyed by a strong immune system but if you are immune deficient for any reason, the virus can get a foothold. Some children or adults are more likely to get warts than others if their immune system is less efficient. When the virus enters the body, your immune system will create antibodies in order to destroy the virus. But these may not be strong enough to do the job if you have an impaired immune system.

Warts are contagious and the virus is easily spread. Once you have the warts virus, you can infect yourself again by touching the wart and then touching another part of your body. You can also infect another person through the sharing of towels, razors or any personal or intimate items. Public showers and other places with damp warm surfaces such as locker rooms or the areas around swimming pools provide the perfect breeding ground for picking up the warts virus. Be careful not to bite your nails or cuticles.

Even if you have the warts virus, it can take many months before a wart is noticed. In some people, they just become carriers of the virus and never have visible warts.

A wart may return after surgery because surgery removes the wart but does not destroy the human papillomavirus that causes the wart.

If you have a history of warts that recur, you may want to discuss more aggressive ways of treating these recurring warts with your doctor or health care provider. Such a treatment is known as immunotherapy and can be used to trigger your immune system to actually destroy the virus causing the wart. However, such methods are considered “last resort” because of expense, specialized handling or even the dangerous substances that are used. Such substances are called contact sensitizers, and include squaric acid, dibutyl ester or imiquimod. Another susbtance is interferon which is an experimental treatment and most doctors would be loathe to use it except in extreme cases.

Of course, one excellent way to prevent recurring warts is to boost the immune system. This could well mean several lifestyle changes. Here are some suggestions to improve your own immune system.

- Lemon is an easy way to start. Add lemon juice to a glass of water or your cup of tea daily to help maintain your body’s internal “climate” at a pH that supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments.

- An herbal boost from the large selection of medicinal herbs, well known for their immune strengthening properties that are even safe for children too, will give your body additional support during the winter months.

- Essential oils are a particularly effective natural immune system booster. When treating conditions such acne, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, eczema, arthritis, Candida, athlete’s foot and nail fungus with products formulated from essential oils, part of the healing process is to ensure the formula is absorbed into the blood stream. This is achieved by massaging a drop of the treatment under each foot. This boosts the immune system and acts as a preventative.

- Eat raw fruits and vegetables rather than the cooked version whenever you can. Their nutritional content is unparalled, with many antioxidants to protect those cells in your immune system from damage by toxins in the environment. Eat as many different colors of fruit and vegetables as possible. Dark colored produce such as berries, kale and broccoli are especially good as well as nuts, seeds, garlic and kelp.

- The foods that boost immunity contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Carotenids, Bioflavenoids, Zinc, Selenium and Omega-fatty acids. Sprirulina is good as a naturally digestible food because it supplies so many of the nutrients you need.

- Sufficiently high levels of vitamin D are vital for boosting your immune system which you can get by optimizing sun exposure year-round or by taking oral vit D3 supplement when the weather is not suitable. Whatever the weather, spend more time outdoors and take the opportunity to exercise while you are there. Encourage the whole family to do the same.

-  Remind yourself to drink lots of water. Your urine should be the very palest of yellow otherwise you are just not drinking enough.

- Make sure you are getting sufficient and good quality sleep. You know how much you need as an individual and it mostly likely means you have to go to bed earlier every night to achieve the hours of sleep you require.

-  Enjoy a good laugh. Laughter significantly increases the activity of T cells and other markers of healthy immune function. If we can laugh, we will automatically relieve our stress levels.

- Remember too that if you have taken antibiotics recently, you will need to restore the healthy flora balance in your body by taking a probiotic containing acidophilus. Unfortunately, antibiotics can harm the good bacteria in your system, and therefore your immune system, while they are fighting an infection in your body.

- Avoid too much coffee as caffeine depletes the minerals and vitamins in your body and dehydrates you. If you have to drink a cup of coffee, then add 2 more glasses of water to your daily water intake to counteract the downside of the coffee.

- Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners – sugar is particularly addictive so keep sugar to the minimum and avoid the white, refined type at all costs. Artificial sweeteners contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to the immune system. Stevia is a safe and effective sugar substitute.

- Avoid smoking including second hand smoke as when you introduce cigarette smoke to your body, you are inviting multiple invaders for your immune system to chase, catch and remove. The more you smoke, the harder your immune system has to work. So of course your immune system is going to be weakened.

- Avoid alcohol and drugs as  low or moderate alcohol consumption will stimulate immune functions in a positive way but excessive consumption depresses immunity. All drug abuse will cause immune dysfunction.

Avoid Processed food and the bad fats.

Apart from boosting your immune system, natural treatment is another way to treat and prevent recurring warts. Healing Natural Oils produces H-Warts which counteracts the warts virus on contact, causing warts to shrink and flake away within a period of 2 to 6 weeks. The wart is drawn right out of the skin from the underneath upwards and once eliminated, that wart will not grow back.

So no more recurring warts.

However there are some noticeable differences.

Dealing with skin tags first, these small pieces of skin hang off the skin but are actually attached. They are usually irregular and bumpy in appearance with a fleshy color or darker skin color. Skin tags are very common and can very in color and size but when they first appear as small flaps, they all look the same.

It is only as they grow larger, that they can take on different shapes and sizes..

The scientific name for skin tags is acrochordon. Skin tags are more likely to appear on the eyelids, groin area and neck, but they can occur anywhere on the body. Skin tags are more usual in the middle aged. While there is no known cause of skin tags; they are not brought on by a virus like warts. Other contributing factors are diabetes and obesity. Pregnant women also are prone to developing skin tags. The good news is that skin tags are benign (non cancerous) and are not infectious.

Secondly, warts are more cylindrical and have a different texture when compared to skin tags plus they also come in different colors and can be single or clustered together. Warts come in white, pink or deeper shades, whereas skin tags are skin colored or a darker shade of skin color. Warts are small white or red bumps that can either be raised or flat. They are often described as looking like small cauliflowers. They are caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV. Warts are like little non cancerous tumors found on the body and come from well over 100 different strains of the virus.

Warts can be a nuisance but they are not painful except in the case of plantar warts on the foot.

Warts usually appear on the hands, feet and sometimes the face. While they are considered to be infectious, they are not dangerous or life threatening. However, certain body warts should receive immediate treatment as they can be particularly contagious and transmitted during sexual activity through skin-on-skin contact.

Treatment

Skin tags and warts are treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Your doctor may even suggest surgery or other similar methods to remove them. However, both skin tags and warts (wherever they are located) can be treated naturally with a healing natural oils product – H-Skin Tags for the skin tags condition and H-Warts for all types of warts. Both products are specially formulated from pure essential oils to ensure a 100% natural, safe and gentle healing process with no pain, no burning and no scarring.

Whiteheads are pimples that are filled with pus and this is what gives them their name.  

Blackheads are often considered to the be first stage of acne. We all get blackheads from time to time but they are more likely in those with an oily skin rather than a dry skin. Sometimes blackheads form, not from oil below, but from the use of topical oils above or the use of make up which is then not cleaned off correctly so that dead skin cells accumulate within the pores. These dead cells then clog the pore opening, leading to a further oil build up. Even using too much moisturizer, foundation or sun screen can lead to clogged pores. And clogged pores cause blackheads to form.

So how can you prevent both whiteheads and blackheads?

• Keeping your skin clean is important so wash the face gently 2 to 3 times a day with a natural soap or non-soap cleanser and warm water. Use a soft face cloth and pat dry gently.

• A gentle shower every day will also help to remove excess oil.

• It is vital that you do not pick, scratch, rub or scrub your skin especially if there are any whiteheads, blackheads or other pimples because this can spread them and any bacteria on the skin.

• If you have to use make up, then make sure it is water-based and not oil-based. All make-up should be carefully removed at bedtime.

• Wash your hair frequently and keep your hair off the face as much as possible – avoiding long bangs on the forehead if your skin is inclined to be oily.

• Ensure a strong immune system together with a healthy lifestyle as this will go along way in preventing whiteheads and blackheads or lessening the extent of an acne outbreak.

• Regular meals with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, free range eggs and organic meats. Take care to avoid all sodas, artificial sweeteners, sugars and refined and processed foods.

• Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to hydrate the skin and get rid of all toxins. A glass of water with a slice of lemon in it will be a natural detox as soon as you wake up in the morning.

• Avoid any smoking and make sure you exercise regularly.

• Top up your vitamin D levels and improve your skin and appearance with regular doses of sunlight. If the weather is suitable, try and get some 20 minutes of sunlight every day over as much as your body as possible but if not, it is important to take vitamin D3 supplements instead which are especially vital in the winter months.

If you can follow such healthy lifestyle guidelines, not only will you go a long way to preventing whiteheads, blackheads and of course pimples and acne, but you will also notice an clearer skin and an all round health improvement.

Treat whitehads by applying mild steam to the area after cleansing which softens the skin and opens up the pores for further cleaning. Apply a gentle skin toner after steaming and cleaning to close the pores again or apply an iceblock wrapped in a soft cotton cloth to the whiteheads.

Treat blackheads after a good, gentle cleaning, by steaming your skin for several minutes by placing your face over a bowl of very hot water with a towel over your head to stop the steam escaping. Only try to remove normal blackheads – nothing that is inflamed or infected. Use scrupulously clean and sterile equipment such as a flat blackhead remover. Once you have finished, apply some disinfectant on a sterile cotton wool ball to close the pore again. Alternatively, treat yourself to a facial at a spa or salon where expert therapists will give you a deep cleansing facial treatment and remove any blackheads at the same time. Even if you can only afford such treatment two or three times a year, it is well worth it.

Once you have cleared the skin of whiteheads and blackheads, keep any blemishes at bay with a natural remedy such as H-Acne from Healing Natural Oils which, apart from treating acne outbreaks, can also be used as a preventative by including it in your twice daily facial wash.

The HPV virus or human papilloma virus, that causes warts, is opportunistic and will take advantage of any small scratch, cut or wound in the skin to invade warm moist places – particularly on the fingers, hands and feet. Of course children being children will have more of these small scratches, cuts or wounds than adults. Children also tend to have more skin-to-skin contact with other children and of course they also share lots of items like towels, clothing, toys and more. These two factors along with the more immature immune system can mean warts from time to time.

Fortunately for children, warts are mostly painless unless they are plantar warts on the soles of the feet. Plantar warts become rather painful when they start to grow inwards because of the pressure and weight of being walked on all the time.

You can try to educate your children to avoid warts by practising good hygiene; washing their hands thoroughly in soap and water at appropriate times; wearing footwear when in public damp places like around swimming pools, in showers or locker rooms; and resisting the urge to bite their fingernails or to pick at hangnails. But in spite of these measures, there is still no guarantee that your children will avoid picking up the warts virus.

There are four main types of warts that affect children:

-  Common warts which usually appear on fingers, hands, knees or elbows. They look like a small, hard bumps shaped like a dome and are a brown to grey color. Their rough surface sometimes reminds people of a tiny cauliflower.

-  Flat warts which are very small and about the size of a pinhead. These warts have flat smooth tops and are usually the same color as your flesh. Although commonly occurring on the face, they can also grow singly or in clusters on arms, knees or hands.

-  Filiform warts which have a finger-like shape and are usually flesh-colored. They often grow on or around the mouth, eyes, or nose.

-  Plantar warts which are those painful warts that appear on the soles of the feet (that I have already mentioned). Please be aware that it is important to treat plantar warts as soon as possible as they become more stubborn and more painful the longer they are around.

It is always easier to treat your children’s warts in the early stages plus this has the added advantage of preventing them being so contagious.

The good news is that it is relatively simple to treat your children’s warts at home by:

-  Using an over the counter medication that contains salicylic acid. This can be effective although you need to be careful not to allow the liquid on to the adjoining healthy skin.

-  Ordering a natural product online such as one produced from pure essential oils. Safe to use on children from the age of 4 years, this product is gentle and successful. Healing Natural Oils has just such a product known as H-Warts.

If you wish to take your child to a pediatrician or a dermatologist, they may well recommend:

-  Cryotherapy or a freezing procedure to remove the wart.

-  Laser treatment (particularly for stubborn warts that have have been neglected) when a tiny laser is used. The procedure may need to be repeated a few times to get rid of deep plantar warts.

Although these methods are usually painless, they may need several treatments to be successful and of course there is a higher cost implication.

Find the right method to suit your child while ensuring the least amount of discomfort when removing the wart or warts.

Most of us are only too aware of how harmful pharmaceutical drugs can be to our general wellbeing and especially to our immune systems. The side effects can often be devastating. This is the reason why so many are turning to alternative health remedies to counteract their health problems.

The olive leaf is just one of these remedies.

One of the more recent discoveries about the natural extract from the olive leaf plant is that it can effectively lower blood pressure – safely and naturally – without those often nasty side effects from pharmaceutical drugs. Researchers have found (and as published in the journal Phytomedicine) that if olive leaf extract is taken at a dose of 500 mg 2 x per day, it naturally lowers blood pressure in patients suffering from stage 1 hypertension and at a better rate than prescription ACE-inhibitor drugs.

But there are many other health benefits too

-  Olive leaf works as a powerful antixodant and is thought to contain more antioxidants than green tea.

-  Olive leaf produces energy.

-  Olive leaf fights infection.

-  Olive leaf helps to manage chronic fatigue syndrome.

-  Olive leaf boosts our immune systems.

-  Olive leaf helps to fight viruses including shingles and herpes and of course the common viruses leading to colds and flu. The olive leaf produces what is called oleuropein. It has been proven to fight colds and flu. A friend of mine, who would not live without olive leaf, confirms that it works so fast if you have flu symptoms that you can actually feel the healing happening!  She says it is like hitting the fast forward button on the illness.

-  Olive leaf increases and benefits our skin health. Olive leaf soap is useful for this.

-  Olive leaf detoxifies our bodies, eliminating the radicals that can make our bodies sick.

Olive leaf comes in the form of different products such as herb tea, powdered capsules, soap, extracts and lotions, which can all be used for their health enhancing properties. When brewed as a hot tea, it offers a rich unique flavor but without the caffeine.

Look for a reputable source for your olive leaf products but if you have an olive tree in your garden, you can even pick and use your very own leaves. Pick healthy leaves that have not been attacked by parasites or bugs – although it will usually stand to reason that a healthy tree that has ample sunlight, grows in suitable soil and is not overgrown by other plants, will not have many of these. While you can pick the leaves fresh when needed, the potency of the leaves is seasonal, and the best time to pick them would be when they are most likely to have to ward off attack from their natural enemies –  that is during the growing season. This will vary according to latitude and location.

I have a friend in New Zealand who picks them regularly from the trees on her farm and she keeps one next to her bed so that should she feel the tickle of a scratchy throat during the night, she will munch on a leaf and by the morning, all will be well again! Another friend says she has not had a cold or flu in more than two years thanks to olive leaf. She adds that she was so sick whenever she did succomb to one of these viruses that it is like a miracle to have been free of them for so long.

She says: “ I am so thankful I discovered olive leaf.”

The medical profession long ago realized the healing powers of herbs and plants so that most of the prescribed medicines today have at least one component derived from herbs and plant essences. However, pharmaceutical companies extract what they consider to be the active ingredient from plants and herbs which they isolate before mixing with synthetic substances. It is then no longer a natural product and can lead to a very powerful but unbalanced drug with possible side effects. Today, more and more health conscious members of the public are turning to pure natural products using herbs, plants and, of course, essential oils.

One such essential oil is geranium.

Native to Africa and originating from South Africa, as well as Reunion, Madagascar, Egypt and Morocco, the geranium is now grown throughout the world. This hardy and semi-succulent plant usually grows to around 3 feet tall and is noted for its small pink flowers. There are about 700 different varieties of the plant, yet only 10 supply essential oil in viable quantities, as the normal garden geraniums produce far too little oil for extraction. This oil is obtained through steam distillation. While the essential oil of the geranium can be extracted from the stems, most of the focus is placed on obtaining the oil from its leaves. This oil is usually a pale green color with a thin texture and has quite a strong aroma which is known for its sweetness and similarity to that of a rose. The final scent of the oil will vary depending on where it was grown.

Geranium essential oil has wonderful healing benefits particularly with regard to the skin.

- It is used to soothe dry skin

- it is used to reduce cellulite through massage

- it is used to help clear the complexion of blemishes

But geranium essential oil also has a calming and restoring influence on mind, body and the emotions.

The many healing benefits come from the health giving properties such as:

-  Astringent which has the main function of inducing contractions, helping prevent muscles and skin from sagging loosely and avoiding wrinkles.

-  Anti bacterial and anti microbial properties that prevent bacteria or microbes from developing on wounds while keeping you safe from infections.

-  Haemostatic properties that help to speed up coagulation or the clotting of blood.

-  Cicatrisant that helps scars and other skin blemishes to fade and vanish while facilitating blood circulation just below the surface of the skin and distributing melanin in a uniform way.

-  Cytophylactic that promotes cell health while encouraging the recycling of dead cells and the regeneration of new cells.

-  Diuretic properties that lead to increased urination and an effective way of removing of toxins from the body as well as aiding digestion and stopping the formation of gases in the intestine.

-  Deodorant with its pleasing and uplifting aroma (like a combination of floral and mint) will help eliminate body odor.

-  Tonic in geranium essential oils tones up muscles and skin to give you a smoother and more attractive look.

-  Vermifuge is a property that is of particular benefit to those children who suffer from intestinal worms while the vulnerary in geranium oil speeds up the healing of wounds of all types.

Along with these properties, geranium oil has other benefits making it the ideal essential oil to be used as part of the treatment for acne, dermatitis, eczema and other skin conditions as well as respiratory infections, neuralgia, burns and more.

Not only does geranium oil help to heal and treat physical conditions, it also has uplifting effects to aid and treat those who might be suffering from depression or anxiety.

Gentle and safe to use, geranium oil will not cause any side effects because it is non-toxic, non-irritant and for the most part non-sensitizing. However, it can affect the hormonal system during pregnancy and for that reason, is best not used when pregnant.

The strong aroma of geranium oil will repel mosquitoes, head lice and other unwanted creepy crawlies.

The most simple way to enjoy the benefits of geranium essential oil for various conditions is to use those specialised products formulated by Healing Natural Oils.

]]> http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/geranium-oil-and-its-many-healing-ways/feed/ 0 http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/your-lips-can-warn-you-of-health-problems-%e2%80%93-10-lip-symptoms-to-look-out-for/ http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/your-lips-can-warn-you-of-health-problems-%e2%80%93-10-lip-symptoms-to-look-out-for/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:57:17 +0000 Jane Chitty http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/?p=5204 We love our lips for happy smiles, loving kisses and much more. But our lips can also tell us when something might be wrong with our health.

Here are ten such ways in which our lips can speak to us:

 1. Blue lips or blue fingernails can be one of the syptoms of an asthma attack along with: severe wheezing when breathing both in and out; coughing with asthma that won’t stop; very rapid breathing; chest pain or pressure; tightened neck and chest muscles; difficulty talking; feelings of anxiety or panic; pale, sweaty face; or worsening symptoms despite the use of medications. An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms caused by the tightening of muscles around your airways (a bronchospasm). During this attack, the lining of the airways also becomes swollen or inflamed when thicker mucus is produced leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and even some difficulty in performing normal daily tasks.

 2. Burning lips can be a sign of depression. With all the sensory equipment in the brain, the lips can become overly sensitive when there is a psychological imbalance.

 3. Chapped lips (when they are persistently sore and chapped) can be an indication of an allergy. This can swell the lips slightly, which causes the skin to crack and peel. The cause of such an allergy can vary from person to person. For example, the irritant could be anything lipstick, peanuts or even the gloves that your dentist uses on your 6 monthly visits. You will need to get to the bottom of what is causing the allergy and if necessary, this can be determined from an allergy test.

 4. Cold sores are usually a sign of a weakened immune syststem when the herpes virus (which will lie dormant in your system) is reactivated. The virus is very contagious and once you have it in your system, it will remain there for life. You may need to make lifestyle changes to boost your immune system, while treating the cold sore itself.

 5. Cracked lips can be a sign of different conditions. When they appear at the side of the mouth they can sometimes be due to anemia and a shortage of iron in the body. In addition, cracks can also be a sign of diabetes. The high level of blood glucose which accompanies the diabetes encourages the growth of candida, a yeast-like infection which typically attacks the thin dermis at the corners of the mouth. Cracked lips can also be a sign that your diet is low in the B vitamins.

 6. Pale lips, or lips that take on a bluish tone instead of healthy deep pink, can be a sign of heart conditions and lung problems as these can both affect the amount of oxygen being carried in the blood so that the level drops, leading to a change in the color of the lips. Pale pink lips are another common side effect of anemia and a possible shortage of iron in the body.

 7. Pale, dusky or blue lips can be an early warning symptom of the presence of meningitis or septicaemia in children. Often these conditions have non-specific symptoms such as just feeling or looking generally unwell. Along with the color of the lips, other symptoms may include having a high temperature, being more tired than usual, feeling sick, severe leg pains which can even prevent a child from standing or walking; and cold hands or feet even when they have a high temperature.

8. Red aura around the lips is another symptom of an allergy especially in the case of a high consumption of sodas or an allergy to the benzoic acid content of toothpaste.

9. Swollen lips can be a strong indicator of poor health. Although swollen lips are sometimes caused by Crohn’s disease (which normally causes swelling in the bowel but can inflame the lymph ducts at any point in the body), swollen lips can be an indication of a food sensitivity.

10. Scaly, crusted lips are sometimes known as lick eczema. The skin on the lips can be come dryer than other skin areas because they contain fewer sebaceous glands. If children or adults lick their lips excessively they dry out the few oils that are present, leaving the tissue and area around the mouth dry and vulnerable to infections. Discourage any licking and keep the area moist with a frequent application of Vaseline or your own natural jelly.

 Look after this vulnerable area of your skin – the lips – by drinking plenty of water to moisturize them from the inside while keeping them well lubricated at all times including at bedtime.

Good nutrition is vital for your developing baby but also contributes to the strength and health of your skin, along with hydration, so drink those 8 glasses of water daily and make sure you take your vitamins.

Here are five skin problems that you might encounter during pregnancy:

Acne

We always tend to think of acne as a teenage problem but you might be surprised to know how many develop acne as adults and this of course can also happen during pregnancy when the skin is more sensitive and the hormonal balance is affected. It is vital to wash the skin with lukewarm water and a natural cleanser two or three times a day. Acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum which is an oily substance that forms in glands just under the surface of the skin. In normal times, this sebum flows out of hair follicles from the glands onto the skin to act as a natural skin moisturizer. But during times of hormonal uphealval such as pregnancy, a blockage can develop in the pores – made up of sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria. The blockage is only microscopic at first but, as it gets bigger, it develops into a blackhead or whitehead. Most of the sebaceous glands are found on the face, neck and back. This is where acne appears.

Cholasma

This is a condition that results in brown or yellow type patches of skin on the face. Some have given it the name of the “mask of pregnancy”.  This discoloration or darkening can appear in those areas around the eyes or the forehead, the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks. Again it is another hormonal effect as  progesterone and ostrogen stimulate melanin cells in the skin to produce more pigment. Intense sunlight can aggravate the condition. The good news is that the skin will go back to its normal self after the birth of your baby. While it is a good idea to avoid too much sunlight on your face, make sure to place the rest of your body in direct sun for 15 to 30 minutes daily (depending on your skin tone as the darker your skin, the longer you need). Sunlight is vital to boost and maintain your vitamin D levels for health reasons and to ensure you manufacture vitamin D in your breast milk for your new baby. If you cannot get sufficient vitamin D from the sun (for example because of being in a cold climate) then supplement with vitamin D3.

Linea nigra

This is when those busy stretching tummies develop a faint brown line from the navel to the pubic bone. This line is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and will usually disappear after the birth of the baby because the hormones will return to normal and the skin will renew itself.

Pigmentation

This is when the nipples (and that area around the nipples know as the areola) can become darker and might continue to remain darker even after the birth of the baby. Another fact that some moms-to-be notice is that their moles and freckles also become darker and even more prevalent.

Stretch marks

Any area on the body from the knees upwards can be prone to stretch marks. Stretch marks are tears in the lower layer of your skin. When the skin is stretched to its limit, it tears slightly allowing blood vessels to show through. If your mother or an older sister had stretch marks when they were pregnant, then you are more likely to. It makes good sense to do what you can to reduce the chances or severity of stretch marks if you are pregnant as your body can grow so rapidly that the skin cannot produce enough new tissue. Try to limit your weight gain and ensure it is as gradual as possible so the skin can stretch at a steady rate. Along with hydration, you can help to avoid stretch marks by using a brush or wash cloth to massage the areas where you have noticed stretch marks or want to prevent them occurring to increase circulation to the area. Include foods rich in zinc in your diet such as nuts and fish as well as those high in vitamins A, C and D like carrots, citrus fruits and milk and those foods rich in protein such as eggs. Avocados are especially good. Be sure to moisturize your skin for the whole of the pregnancy. Healing Natural Oils has formulated a product known as H-Stretch Marks made from pure essential oils which is 100% safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing to help prevent and eliminate stretch marks.

If you know what skin problems you can expect during pregnancy, they will not come as such a surprise and you will be prepared.

Jock Itch is the popular name for a rather less than popular fungal condition that affects the groin and upper thighs, more often than not in guys. While the medical name for jock itch is tinea cruris, it also sports other names such as crotch itch, crotch rot, Dhobie itch, eczema marginatum, gym itch and ringworm of the groin.

Jock itch is more likely to develop:

-  When there is lots of sweating involved such as while playing sports; in hot and humid weather; from friction when wearing tight clothes for extended periods; or even sharing clothes with others.

-  When people have certain health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus or other diseases that cause problems with the immune system.

Jock Itch only affects the top layer of the skin so it is fairly easy to treat with a topical medication but very importantly if you don’t treat it promptly, jock itch can last for weeks or even months.

Look out for these signs and symptoms:

-  A round red raised rash

-  Itching

-  Chafing, burning or red skin in the groin, thigh or anal area

-  Flaking, peeling or cracking skin as the rash starts to subside.

The jock itch rash usually starts on both sides of the groin fold and if left untreated, will advance down the inner thigh. As the infection worsens, the edge is redder and more raised than the initial rash. It is usually scaly and well demarcated. The longer the infection remains, the more the skin will turn a reddish-brown and lose much of the scale. Jock itch does not affect either the scrotum or penis.

There are several types of the mold-like fungi called dermatophytes and these are responsible for jock itch.  We all have microscopic fungi and bacteria (including dermatophytes) living on the dead tissues of our skin, hair and nails and, of course, thriving in the warm moist areas like the insides of the thighs. When the groin area gets sweaty and isn’t dried properly, it provides the perfect environment for the fungi to multiply and thrive.

Follow these treatment tips if jock itch appears:

• Wash thoroughly before drying the afected area using a clean towel. Use a separate, clean towel on the rest of your body — don’t use the same towel you used on your groin.

• Apply an over the counter antifungal cream, powder, or spray as directed on the label or if you prefer a natural and gentle remedy, H-Jock Itch will safely relieve the symptoms of jock itch with no skin irritation.

• Change your clothes, especially your underwear, every day.

• Treat other fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot. H-Athletes Foot will counteract the itching, burning and inflammation associated with this condition safely and successfully.

It’s important to continue treatment until all signs of the fungal infection have disappeared, and even longer, to prevent the infection from coming back.

Keep up good hygiene habits to prevent or after a jock itch outbreak as follows:

• Always shower or take a bath every day and especially after playing sports.

• Always keep the groin area as dry as possible by using a clean towel after showering or swimming.

• Avoid sharing towels.

• If you wear any athletic supporters, wash them as often as possible.

• Always treat any other fungal infection elsewhere on your body to prevent the fungus from spreading to your groin.

  Remember to never touch or scratch your groin area after touching another area of your body that has a fungal infection – for example your feet.

]]> http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/jock-itch-%e2%80%93-this-fungal-condition-needs-to-be-treated-promptly/feed/ 1 http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/helpful-hints-on-managing-your-childs-eczema/ http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/helpful-hints-on-managing-your-childs-eczema/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:37:52 +0000 Jane Chitty http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/?p=5138 Eczema can be especially troublesome, and even unbearable, for some children when they suffer from those irritating symptoms of dryness, itching and inflammation. If you are a parent of a child with eczema, you will suffer with them and want to do everything you can to relieve the symptoms.

Too much heat and sweat can make the skin even more irritated and itchy.  When the body sweats, valuable water and moisture is lost from the skin. Keeping the skin moisturized is key to controlling this affliction. It is vital to establish a skin care routine.

A daily bath helps to moisturize the skin, using moisturizing aqueous cream rather than ordinary soaps for cleaning. The temperature should be just warm and it is helpful to soak for 15 to 20 minutes so that the skin’s outer layer can absorb moisture. Avoid any excessive scrubbing. For an additional soothing treat, add colloidal oatmeal like Aveeno to the bath, and even use oatmeal as a soap substitute. For the bath, pour 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal into the lukewarm water. This oatmeal is a fine powder that will remain suspended in water. For use as a soap substitute, wrap colloidal oatmeal in a handkerchief, place a rubber band around the top, wet it, wring it out and use as you would a normal washcloth. After the bath, the skin should be partly dried by gently patting with a towel to remove excess water while still leaving the skin damp.

Use an emollient cream for adding moisture to the clean but still damp skin. The best moisturizer is a basic fragrance-free one that is more greasy than creamy such as Vaseline. Unfortunately, Vaseline is a petroleum byproduct but I have a recipe for a natural jelly to use instead. An emollient cream is even more important to use if your child is in an air conditioned or heated environment. Use the cream twice a day and even more often on the hands if they are affected.

Recipe for natural petroleum jelly:

Place 1 oz. of beeswax in the top of a double boiler and heat slowly until it melts. Don’t put beeswax in the microwave or in a standard saucepan, as it is flammable when exposed to direct heat.

Remove the melted wax from heat and squeeze the oil from six x 400 IU vitamin E capsules into the wax. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties which nourish and protect your skin while acting as a natural preservative to prolong the shelf life of your petroleum jelly.

Stir in 1/2 cup of extra virgin or cold pressed sweet almond oil. Stir the ingredients constantly as the mixture cools and thickens. While still slightly warm, scoop the jelly mixture into a dark glass jar and leave unsealed to cool completely.

Keep in a cool, dark place, or in your refrigerator. Use it as you would use commercial petroleum jelly.

Of course a child with eczema is going to be very tempted to scratch those areas that itch. Keep their nails cut very short and covered with cotton mittens at night and more often if your child is young enough not to pull them off. The big problem with scratching eczema is that it triggers eczematous rashes. If you can stop the scratching, some eczematous rashes will actually disappear on their own.

There are a host of home remedies that you can also try. You may find that one or more of these are perfect for your child:

-  Apply coconut oil to the affected area to keep the skin smooth and soft.

-  Make a paste of 1 teaspoon sandalwood and 1 teaspoon camphor and apply to the eczema.

-  Another paste can be made of 1 tablespoon each of turmeric powder and bitter neem leaves.

-  Try just using water. Apply cold compresses or cold water. Cold, wet dressings can help soothe and relieve the itching associated with eczema. You can even use cold milk instead of water as this may be a lot more soothing. Put milk into a glass with ice cubes and let it sit for a few minutes. Then pour the milk onto a gauze pad or thin piece of cotton and apply it to the irritated skin for 2 or 3 minutes. Re-soak the cloth and reapply, continuing the process for about 10 minutes several times per day.

-  Calamine lotion is good for many types of rashes that ooze and need to be dried out.

-  Another suggested remedy for eczema is to dab some witch hazel on the affected area with a cotton ball.

-  Some regular sunlight (in moderation) can be helpful as it tops up your child’s Vitamin D and kills harmful bacteria at the same time.

-  Eczema is aggravated by dehumidified air, especially during winter months when forced-air heat circulates in the home. As this heat is more drying than other types, a good humidifier is an excellent home remedy for eczema. Make sure your humidifier is covering a sufficient area of the home (to be beneficial) and have one next to your child’s bed bed when he or she is sleeping.

-  Cotton clothing worn next to the skin is kinder than other material. Bed linens and towels should be pure cotton too. Avoid all synthetic or itchy fabrics as well as tight or ill fitting clothing. Even labels on clothing can be a source of irritation.

-  Eliminate any foods that can aggravate the eczema. Traditionally eggs, orange juice and milk have been suggested as eczema aggravators in children but it may well be something different such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, salty food, refined fats, white sugar, coffee, red meat or raw garlic. Allergy tests will ascertain if a particular food or diet is contributing to the eczema.

-  Reducing the effect of house dust mite can be an important step to take as many children are affected by the allergens in the droppings of these mite that thrive in warm and moist environments, living in bedding, mattresses, curtains and carpets. Effective and regular vacuuming as well as damp dusting and the washing or airing of bedding will help with this. If you can change from carpeting to another form of flooring, even better.

-  Essential oils have been used down the centuries as a successful home remedy for eczema and other skin conditions. Now H-Eczema from Healing Natural Oils is specially formulated from pure essential oils to provide the perfect healing eczema treatment that is gentle, safe and successful to use.

It can take some time and effort to find the perfect combination of treatments to suit your child but well worth it to manage this eczema condition.
.

6 olive oil tips for your personal use:

1.  Use olive oil to give yourself a relaxing scalp massage before combing the oil through your hair. Then leave for an hour. This is a good time to relax with some ME time – perhaps soaking in the bath or doing a manicure or pedicure while you are waiting. A drop of olive oil will moisturize cuticles or you can mix  some oil and water and soak your hands before a manicure. After an hour, wash out the oil in your hair with your natural shampoo. Olive oil provides a nourishing treat for your hair from all the good fats in the olive oil. Another tip for your hair is to comb through a drop or two of olive oil when it is dry to tame the frizz and flyaways on humid days or during winter.

2.  Olive oil makes an excellent natural and rich moisturiser for your hands, feet or elbows especially after a shower. If using for your feet, then put on some soft socks and leave for a while. Keeping your feet moisturized in this way helps to prevent cracked heels whether in the hot summer months or the cold, dry winter months. Olive oil is also good to use on areas of the skin after shaving or waxing.

3.  A mixture of sugar, a few drops of essential oils together with olive oil wll give you a scrub for exfoliating dry skin and dead cells while moisturizing at the same time. A bonus is the great smell from the essential oils. Alternatively,rub your skin with olive oil, then scrub with sugar or coarse salt, and rinse.

4.  Olive oil makes a safe and natural make up remover including taking off stubborn eye make up. An alternative to olive oil which I often use is a natural baby oil. I also add a few squirts of the baby oil into the bath water to keep my skin soft and moisturized.  You can put some drops of olive oil into the tub for the same result.

5.  If you ever find you get a bit too much sun, and there is evidence of some sunburn on your skin, massage olive oil into the area for a couple of days afterwards to speed up the healing process and to prevent peeling.

6.  Olive oil may help to fade the appearance of scars but H-Scars from Healing Natural Oils will give you the best result for any scarring problems.

And now 6 domestic uses:

1.  Your cat will thank you for adding a quarter teaspoonful of olive oil to his food daily, helping to prevent hair balls and making his coat shiny.

2.  Apply a drop or two of olive oil to a Q-tip for first aid on a  zip that just won’t move whether it is on clothing, luggage or anything else.

3.  Wooden furniture will eagerly soak up this homemade olive oil and lemon juice polish (mix 2 parts olive oil to 1 part lemon juice) when you apply to a soft cloth and wipe down your furniture before giving it a going over with a polishing cloth.

4.  Rub or spray olive oil on your measuring tools in the kitchen for an easy clean-up of sticky substances like honey, grain mustards or sugary syrups.

5.  You can remove paint from your skin with olive oil too. Rub onto messy hands and arms (or faces) and allow the oil to soak into the skin for five minutes before rinsing off with soap and water.

6.  You can even use some olive oil on a rag or cloth and apply to the top of a squeaky hinge either in the house or the car to stop that irritating sound.

Try some or all of these great tips on using olive oil at home to make your life that much easier.

Although most of us will carry at least one scar (however small and often dating back to our childhood), scars on the face can be distressing. These may be from an accident or an injury but acne is a major cause of facial scarring. Other reasons for facial scars could be the removal of moles or skin tags by excising. Depending on their severity, it may be possible to remove or lessen the appearance of these facial scars. Even though they can affect our self esteem, and in extreme cases be emotional damaging, facial scars are normally treated as a cosmetic problem.

One way to remove them is through surgery. The surgeon will cut out the scar and close the wound with tiny stitches so that you are left with a considerably less noticeable scar. The dilemma is that in some cases of facial scarring, early treatment can stop poor scar formation on the face while other scars may improve dramatically in their own time.

If this is your situation and you decide to wait before going the cosmetic surgery route, there are non surgical steps you can take in the meantime including silicone sheeting therapy, steroid injects or laser treatments.

Laser surgery has become very popular and different lasers are used for different types of scars. A CO₂ laser beam is the laser of choice for acne scars while Pulse Dye laser can improve older and more severe types of scarring. The reason why lasers are effective in removing facial scars is because (a) they can lighten dark scars and (b) even out the skin’s surface. The method known as laser skin resurfacing will usually be successful on those indented acne type of scars in the skin but not everyone is considered suitable for laser scar removal. For example, those with skin conditions such as psoriasis, cystic acne or eczema.

Cryosurgery is another procedure used for facial scar removal. Super cooled liquid nitrogen is applied to scarred tissue to wear it away without damaging the skin underneath. This method is useful for those more prominent, raised scars. The procedure can be rather uncomfortable.

Another treatment used for scars on the face is microdermabrasion. This process uses a small device that buffs out the top layer of the skin. After some days of treatment, you will have a smoother face with less damage.

You can also go a more cost effective and natural route when treating facial scars. H-Scar is an all natural product with pure essential oils. It is 100% gentle, safe and painless and will reduce the look of scars while at the same time smoothing and texturing the skin. The appearance of scars will fade and the skin will be restored to a more natural colour but without any discomfort at all.

Remember that using cosmetics correctly can help cover up facial scars while the healing process takes place – particularly for females. For long term use, it will be worth while going to a professional make-up artist so that they can teach you the best way to conceal any facial scar with cosmetics.  As far as the cosmetics themselves, find a concealer that matches your skin tone and you can make sure it stays on all day by covering with a translucent powder. A product with green or yellow undertones will take some of the red out if this is a problem with your skin. Concealer products generally come in stick liquid or cream form. The secret of concealing a facial scar is to blend and keep on blending while keeping everything spotlessly clean to avoid any bacteria.

The massaging of facial scars can help to break up scar tissues while improving the circulation of blood to the face area. This works because the lymlph nodes are prompted to drain excess fluid that commonly surrounds scar tissue during the healing process. There are 4 steps to follow for this massage:

1. Rub the scar in a circular motion to promote fluid drainage.
2. Stretch the surrounding skin outwards while gently rubbing the scar with thumbs using a circular motion.
3. Apply pressure to the scar with finger or thumb and rub in one direction. The palm can be used for larger scar areas.
4. Apply massage oil to the scar while massaging to prevent drying out of the skin.

Remember to up your Vitamin D levels by getting plenty of sunlight but this should be on the rest of your body and not your face which is more vulnerable to sun exposure when there is scarring. Apply a natural sun screen to any scarred areas but enjoy the benefits of the sunlight itself which can be part of the healing process. Fifteen to thirty minutes of sunlight exposure (depending on your skin tone) around midday several times a week will help to boost your vitamin D levels and the many health benefits that come with this. When sunlight is not available, supplementation with vitamin D3 is highly recommended.

They include anal skin tags, groin skin tags and vaginal skin tags.

Anal skin tags in particular can differ from normal skin tags as they are often the result of another condition called an anal fissure, which is a small tear in the anus caused by a hard stool. During the healing process of this tear, the anal skin becomes uneven and the result can be an anal skin tag. They can also develop following hemorrhoids as the tissue-swelling (associated with the hemorrhoids) may extend to the anal skin. One of the differences between anal and other skin tags is that they can be itchy or painful. They can also cause hygiene problems because fecal debris may become trapped beneath an anal skin tag. If there are many anal skin tags, the problem multiplies and could lead to infection.

There are many different treatments available for anal skin tag removal:

- Cryotherapy which is when your doctor freezes off the skin tag using liquid nitrogen.

- Surgical excision where an anal skin tag is cut off under surgical conditions with a local anesthetic to dull the pain.

- Electrocautery which is a suitable treatment for large skin tags where the tag is cut off and the skin electrically cauterized to close the wound.

- Laser treatment which can be used on anal skin tags rather successfully and the whole anal area is re-surfaced at the same time which is a bonus.

Any surgery in the anal area, however small, may cause some post-operative pain.

- Anal and other skin tags can be successfully treated with essential oils. Healing Natural Oils provides just such a safe, gentle and successful treatment.

It is not recommended that you use any over-the-counter products for the removal of anal skin tags, as well as other skin tags in the groin area, as these are too harsh for the sensitive genital area.

Although groin and vaginal skin tags are harmless and benign, many people become upset at their appearance and worry about them being something more sinister. Understandably, they are also often concerned and even embarrassed about what their partner will think. In addition, because the genital area is moist and the skin often sensitive and tender, such skin tags can be easily irritated, chaffed, infected or injured by rubbing against underwear or from friction during sport, exercise or sexual activities. Skin tags have their own blood supply so will bleed if injured. Skin tags in the vaginal area are more vulnerable during menstruation because they start to swell during this time before returning to their normal size at the end of a woman’s period.

Fortunately, it is easy to remove skin tags.

So it is usually a good idea where there are anal skin tags or skin tags in the groin area (including the vagina) and particularly on the penis itself, to have them removed both for reasons of comfort and to avoid any anxiety for your sexual partner. The easiest time to treat them is when they are small. The important thing is to choose as safe and painless a method of removing your skin tags as possible whatever size they are and wherever they occur.