To start off with, there are some people who would be best to stay away from ginseng altogether anyone with a blood-related condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, people with plant allergies, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children. People with a plant allergy may find that ginseng makes them feel short of breath or swell up, and children should be kept away from ginseng because its effects on their developing bodies are not yet known. If you really want to take ginseng, it will probably be alright, but you absolutely must consult a doctor first.

The biggest controversy about the risks of ginseng surrounds a condition known as Ginseng Abuse Syndrome, discovered by a Dr. Siegel. He claims that taking too much ginseng can cause difficulty sleeping, all-over swelling and tense muscles. Ginseng producers and herbal enthusiasts hotly dispute these findings, but all the same, it is best to stick to the guidelines on your ginseng packet and not exceed the recommended daily dose.

As herbal supplements are not tightly regulated, it is also worth considering that what youre buying may not even be ginseng at all, or might have been contaminated somehow there have been many cases of herbal supplements accidentally getting contaminated with poisonous metals. To avoid getting fake or tainted ginseng, you should only buy from a shop you trust, not from street dealers, and avoid anything that seems suspiciously cheap or comes in unclear packaging. If in doubt, walk away over all, it is best to cheap to the larger health store chains for this kind of thing.

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Free Radicals

Take free radical damage, for example. Free radical damage happens when the body’s cells lose electrons. Just as an old car eventually rusts out, a person’s body ages as it sustains free radical damage. Some people theorize that aging itself is a result of free radical damage, while others theorize that conditions associated with aging arise as a result of free radical damage and together contribute to the aging process.

Reversing the Effects

The question then becomes, how can we reverse the effects of free radicals? Chemically speaking, it’s a matter of ingesting what are called antioxidants. An antioxidant formula can stop free radicals in their tracks, both by preventing the loss of cells’ electrons and by adding or “donating” electrons back into cells. It’s like giving your car an undercoating to prevent rust.

Other Signs of Aging

But what about the other signs of aging? Well, some of them are visible – like the loss of elasticity in the skin, wrinkles, and graying hair – and some of them are invisible – like memory loss, vision deterioration, and hormone imbalances. The right combination of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, herbs, and minerals can help counteract the aging process. Such anti-aging products not only can stop aging, but also can actually reverse the process.

Anti-Aging Supplement

Although there are a variety of types of antioxidants products in the marketplace, if you’re interested in reversing the aging process, you should consider an anti-aging natural supplement. As opposed to creams, supplements work from the inside out to repair cells and to regenerate healthy new cells. A good anti-aging formula will afford you with a variety of benefits, including improving sleep, increasing energy, initiating fatty acid metabolism, improving memory and mental alertness, increasing circulation, improving skin texture, boosting the immune system, promoting hormonal balance, supporting good vision, and improving joint health. Beyond that, it should facilitate the repair of RNA and DNA.

When shopping for supplements that have an antioxidant formula, you should be sure to select a company that stands behind their product with a money-back guarantee, that is in compliance with FDA regulations, and that doesn’t promise overnight results. After all, the aging process takes time, and so does the reversal process. Finally, make sure that you choose an all-natural anti-aging formula that includes antioxidants.

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Healthy eating is very important for our everyday lives, but unfortunately, many people develop problems with body image with prevent them from this healthy eating lifestyle. Eating disorders vary greatly from person to person, but one thing remains constantthey are very detrimental to a persons health. If you or someone you know suffers from an eating disorder, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.

The first kind of eating disorder that a person may develop is anorexia. Anorexia occurs when someone is overly concerned with weight and simply refuses to eat. Someone suffering from this disease usually tries to hide it by discarding the food without anyone knowing, cutting the food into small pieces to make it look smaller, or lying about skipping entire meals. Anorexia is dangerous because it does not allow a person to lose weight in a healthy way. Cutting fat out of a diet is fine, but not getting enough proteins, vitamins, minerals, water, and other nutrients can make your body lose muscle weight and weaken.

Another major type of eating disorder is bulimia. While you may notice an anorexic person losing lots of weight in a hurry, someone who has bulimia may or may not be losing weight. If a person has bulimia, he or she does not have the will power to give up foods, but instead vomits or uses laxatives after meals to rid the body of these foods. Like anorexia, this can rob the body of key nutrients, and it can also lead to problems in the digestive system, throat, and mouth, which are not made for regular induced vomiting.

The third main type of eating disorder is binge eating. This is a combination of anorexia and bulimia in most cases. A binge eater will, like a bulimic, not deprive his- or herself from food. In fact, someone who is a binge eater will eat enormous amounts of food in a single sitting, and often these foods are not high in nutritional value. Instead of vomiting, a binge eater will then refuse to eat at all and exercise rigorously for a day or two, but then slip into a binge once again. This leads to major problems with weight.

Eating disorders can effect bother males and females, as well as people of any race, ethnicity, or age. Most commonly, victims of eating disorders are teen and young adult girls. Many people die every year due to complications with eating disorders, but if you or someone you know suffers from this problem, help is available.

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Infected food is the biggest culprit, with water coming in second. Ice cream, cocktails served in re-used coconut shells, raw seafood, ice, and food from street vendors are potential risks that can interrupt your adventure with less salacious memories to pass on to family and friends.

The nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea from such acute infections usually sorts itself out after a few days unless of course you have contracted hepatitis A, or something like giardia. Certainly, if you are unlucky enough to be sick after a few days, you should see a doctor.

Fortunately, there are remedies you can take that will strengthen your immune and digestive system and hopefully give your body a better chance at dealing with its new environment. The herbs I describe below would make an excellent travelers mix. The best form to take them in would be as a tincture, which can be made up by going to a local herbal dispensary if you have one in your area, or alternatively, a local herbalist.

Astragalus Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus is a good anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial. The polysaccharides in it support the immune system. Astragalus increases the activity of phagocytes, natural killer cells, and the levels of antibodies in the blood.

Picrorrhiza Picrorrhiza kurroa

This is an Ayurvedic herb that is best given in low doses, as higher doses can cause diarrhea and flatulence in more sensitive people. Its a bitter herb, so it stimulates the digestive system. It is also anti-malarial, supports the immune system, and protects the liver. Picrorrhiza encourages all aspects of the immune system, such as B and T cell activity, and the activity of phagocytes. This herb is used in Ayurvedic medicine for liver related problems and immune problems.

Goldenseal Hydrastis Canadensis

Goldenseal is a gut antibiotic, which for example helps reduce adhesive e coli, and encourages some immune functions of the body. For example, berberine, which is one of its active constituents, has been shown to increase the activity of macrophages, which digest bacteria and viruses. Barberry also contains berberine, so more information on this very valuable constituent is below. Goldenseal, being a bitter herb, it is also good for the digestive system. If you are pregnant or suffer from hypertension, however, you should not take goldenseal.

Barberry Berberis Vulgaris

Berberine, one of the active constituents in this herb is an anti protozoic, which helps protect travelers against giardia, leishmania, and treponema pallidum. Other notable effects of berberine are its activity against giardia, dysentery, and candida, as well as the cholera vibrio. The active constituents berberine and palmatine are also anti-bacterial. And berbamine, which like berberine is an alkaloid, is a strong anti-bacterial which seems to work by increasing white blood cells and platelets. The constituent palamtine is a uterine stimulant, however, and as such pregnant women shouldn’t take this herb. Barberry is another gut antibiotic, but it is also anti-malarial though no self-respecting herbalist would recommend anything other than doctor’s treatment if you do contract malaria.

Echinacea Echinacea purpurea or augustifolia

Echinacea is an immune stimulant. Its main active constituents are the polysaccharides and the alkamides especially the isobutylamides, which are both immune stimulating, and the polyaceytlenes, which are antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Echinacea supports the activity of phagocytes, which are part of the immune system, and is also considered anti-viral and anti-microbial. One of the ways echinacea appears to work is by inhibiting the action of the enzyme hyaluronidase. This enzyme is used by micro-organisms to break down the connective tissue that prevents them from entering and spreading through the body. For these reasons, it is excellent as part of a travelers remedy mix.

These remedies are not designed as a prophylactic, like a vaccine. They work on the principle of giving your body an increased chance at staying healthy. But nothing replaces common sense. Wash your hands before eating. Don’t drink ice or from water bottles where the seal has been broken. Drink cocktails in glasses, not cute but probably old coconut shells. Don’t eat anything fresh that you can’t peel. Don’t eat ice cream or drink unpasteurized milk. Be wary of eating from street vendors. Some people do, and are fine. But they are a risk factor with gastrointestinal upsets. Its a good idea to pack some oral hydration salts as a precaution.

But above all, enjoy your holiday!

References C Fisher & G Painter, Materia Medica of Western Herbs for the Southern Hemisphere
Class notes from Ses Salmond, certified Natural Therapist and Herbal Medicine teacher

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Why the Elderly Must Take Antioxidants
Many researchers claim that elderly people, especially those who have reduced their food intake, frequent aspirin users, heavy drinkers, smokers, and people with impaired immune systems may benefit from taking antioxidant supplements daily. In terms of heart disease and stroke, it is possible that higher levels of antioxidants slow or prevent the development of arterial blockages, a complicated process involving the oxidation of cholesterol. Moreover, antioxidants may deter the collection of plaque on arterial walls.

Exercise and Free Radicals
Exercise in untrained individuals overwhelms defenses resulting in increased free radical damage. Thus, the “weekend warrior” who is predominantly sedentary during the week but engages in vigorous bouts of exercise during the weekend may be doing more harm than good. To this end there are many factors which may determine whether exercise induced free radical damage occurs, including degree of conditioning of the person, intensity of exercise, and diet.

Because Free Radicals have one or more unpaired electrons, free radicals are highly unstable. They scavenge your body to grab or donate electrons, thereby damaging cells, proteins, and DNA genetic material. The same oxidative process also causes oils to become rancid, peeled apples to turn brown, and iron to rust.

Sources of Antioxidants!
Consuming more antioxidants helps provide the body with tools to neutralize harmful free radicals. It’s estimated that there are more than 4,000 compounds in foods that act as antioxidants. The most studied include vitamins C and E, betacarotene and the mineral selenium.

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I happen to know of some very famous people who did. Even the beautiful Cleopatra used organic products. She would take her bath in a tub of milk in order to relax and keep her skin soft. In the 1800s Miss Josephine, Emperor Napoleons ex-wife, busied herself with organic gardening. Every variety of roses known at the time could be found in her exquisite garden.

Between then and now a lot of chemicals have been developed that are used in foodstuffs and cosmetics. However, for me, personally, nothing can take away from the thrill of discovering natural uses for herbs and flowers and learning about natural cures.

Take roses. Rose petals can be used for their scent in perfume, deodorant, air freshener, soaps, potpourri mixes, and even for eating. Do you remember moms remedy for a cold leaning over a bowl of boiling water with your head covered in a towel and inhaling? Just add some organic rose petals to the boiling water and inhale that fragrance. The same water can then be poured into spray bottles and voil, you have a natural air freshener.

Still we have come a long way since the time of Cleopatra and Josephine. As you probably know, there is always more than one way of doing things. You and I each have our own preference. Whats good for one person is not necessarily good for another. Lets face it, not everyone is going to take a milk bath. Today you can go out and buy all kinds of organic body products including organic body lotion. You choose. You decide, You have fun.

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Dieting refers to regulated food intake to satisfy a short-term goal losing weight or adding it. Diet refers to the food items that form the dieting process.

Human beings need essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A well-balanced diet must meet these nutritional requirements or it could threaten general health and physical fitness. The diet must make the person healthy enough to be active and still provide only enough calories that can be burned away in the course of a day without it accumulating as fat.

The fact is not every diet works for everyone. That is because there are metabolic differences between individuals. The challenge is to choose a diet that works for you. This you can do only with the help of a physician.

Diet pills are quite popular among health-conscious individuals. Some diet pills are associated with comprehensive dietary programs. However, these diet pills, especially the ones containing vitamins and minerals are not effective weight-loss tools for everyone. Some medicines cause short-term weight loss, but the loss is normally accompanied by dangerous side-effects.

Diet drugs can be classified into diuretics and stimulants. Diuretics induce water-weight loss, while stimulants such as ephedrine increase the heart rate and reduce appetite. These drugs can also cause kidney and liver damage. The stimulants increase your risk of sudden heart attacks and also cause addiction. Always look for FDA approval for these diet drugs.

Exotic dieting patterns are not just ineffective, but dangerouus as well. Starvation diets are undertaken by many to gain that perfect figure – the lean and athletic Ally McBeal look. But these diets are normally counterproductive. Yo-yo dieting refers to alternating periods of feasting and famine. It too is quite ineffective. When you starve, the body responds by decreasing metabolism. When you begin consuming food agan, the food gets stored as fat. These adjustments leave the dieter feeling lethargic and fatigued.

Certain medical conditions require special diets. A diabetic person is put on a diet for managing the blood sugar level, while mild hypertension is partly cured by following a diet of fruits and vegetables and a diet low in fat and sodium. The hypertension diet could focus on weight loss, if controlling blood pressure is necessary. Celiac disease patients follow a gluten-free diet, while people with kidney disease are required to follow a low-sodium diet to lessen the load on the kidneys. Lactose-intolerant people leave out milk products from their diet.

Many diets include medicinal plants. These herbs include leaves, bark, berries, roots, gums, seeds, stems, and flowers. They come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid beverages, bark pieces, powders, tinctures, fluid extracts, creams, lotions, salves, and oils. These medicines include herbal products which are avaiable over-the-counter or at health food stores. However, it’s always better to consume medications prescribed by doctors and provided by pharmacists.

Go on a diet if you need to. But play it safe, and do it in consultation with your doctor. And remember, if one diet does not work for you, it doesn’t mean you have failed. You could still find a diet regimen that will work wonders for you!

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When you eat, food moves from the mouth through the esophagus and into the stomach to be digested. At the end of the esophagus, there is a band of muscles that open and allow the food to go into the stomach. It then closes to prevent the food and acid from coming back up into the esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux when foods or digestive juices escape the stomach and come back up through the esophagus.

To make sure your stomach has enough acid at mealtimes, make sure you chew your food thoroughly. Getting saliva mixed into the food as you chew will get the digestion process off to a good start.

Snacking throughout the day causes the stomach to pump out acid gradually instead of saving it for mealtimes when it is needed the most. It is best to not eating closer than three hours apart. For example – if you eat breakfast at six a.m. and lunch at twelve p.m. then a snack at nine a.m. would be fine.

Next, make sure you do not drink too much liquid while eating a meal. Too much liquid dilutes the necessary acid in the stomach. The best policy is to drink a glass of water 30 minutes to one hour before or after your meal, with only a few ounces consumed during the meal. After you have eaten, one hour or two feel free to guzzle down all the pure natural water you want.

Another cause of acid reflux comes from eating large meals. This increases pressure on the stomach causing the stomach contents to be forced out and up into the esophagus. You will need to give your body at least two hours to digest your food properly. In addition, never ever lie down immediately after eating a large meal.

To avoid overproduction of acid eat smaller portions of food at each meal. It would also help a lot to eliminate any fried food or food that contains refined sugar, or caffeine.

Obesity can also increase abdominal pressure, and your risk of suffering from acid reflux as well. If you are overweight, cutting back on the amounts of food that you eat at each meal, and exercising daily should put you on the right path to helping you shed a few pounds.

Acid reflux is caused in some people when the sphincter muscle at the end of the esophagus becomes weak or does not close correctly. Prescription drugs, certain foods, alcohol, and smoking have been known to weaken the sphincter muscles.

Try not to use antacids since they cut down the acids you will need when you eat. Without enough acid, your stomach is unable to do its job of breaking down the food into the various nutrient components.

Inadequate digestion of proteins can cause the liver to increase production of low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol, which is the bad cholesterol that does the most damage to your body.

Instead of taking antacids, try the following natural approach. If you still have sour stomach in between meals try eating something that will settle it without triggering more acid production such as sauerkraut. Your stomach should relax after eating sauerkraut in five to ten minutes.

The benefits of natural solutions are they normally cost a lot less, but even more important is the fact that natural solutions are a healthier alternative. They tend to reduce the possibility of becoming dependant on addictive chemical drugs.

There are also three herbs that are well known for soothing stomach muscles, which are chamomile, gentian, and ginger. If your problem does not respond successfully to natural remedies within a few days, please see your health care provider.

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Toronto, ON, Canada – June 2007 – As the temperature rises, the layers start peeling off not only on the body but also on the feet. No longer are the thermal socks, stockings or boots needed because it’s finally time to wear our summer sandals or walk bare footed on the grass. But are your feet summer sandal ready? Were you taking care of them all winter long although they were mostly covered. By the looks of it, quite a few of you were not. So with the official summer season already upon us, you can get your feet summer sandal ready quickly with the Perfect Pedicure Routine created by a new online all natural skin care product company, bluebasins bath and body.

bluebasins bath and body has designed their foot care system to naturally have your feet feeling and looking great. “We realize that a lot of people do not take great care of their feet either because they do not know how, have no time or no idea where to start, that’s why we’ve created this simple system to start the user on a path to having great healthy feet,” says Makeda Paul, owner, “besides, it’s summer and you’ll want to show them off with pride.”

bluebasins has created a simple five step foot care system with the products created from 100 natural essential oils and herbs that promote healthy skin and soft heals. The entire system, recommended once a week, is designed to have your feet looking and feeling great. It includes products such as their Peppermint and Tea Tree Liquid Foot Soap, Revitalizing Herbal Foot Fizz, Warming Ginger Foot Mask, Tea Tree and Mint Exfoliating Foot Scrub, Peppermint and Tea Tree Foot Butter and Cooling Foot Powder. So even though your feet are abused throughout the day bluebasins bath and body products will help you take great care of them at home.

The Perfect Pedicure Routine includes ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, essential oils of Tea Tree, Peppermint, exfoliants and herbs such as Kaolin clay, Lavender buds and mint leaves.

bluebasins bath and body products show consumers an alternative natural way to take care of your skin.

About Makeda Paul

Makeda Paul is the owner of bluebasins bath and body creators of 100 natural, bath and body products. An Aromatherapist by trade, she creates her products using the best herbs, flowers, extracts, essential oils, exotic nut oils and butters. She believes, as is one of the missions of her company that ingredients should be pronounceable. Because of this, her clients know exactly what each of the products contains and how their skin can benefit from them.

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