March 21, 2009
herbs
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Rooibos or Red Bush Tea as it is also known is not a true tea but an herb which is indigenous to the Cederburg area of South Africa. Due to its widely publicized health benefits it has grown into a billion dollar export industry since the mid twentieth century.
The tea has no caffeine and only half the tannin of ordinary tea. Apart from being refreshing to drink, in place of ordinary tea and coffee, it has the advantage of containing minerals and powerful antioxidants. Having no oxalic acid it also does not irritate the kidneys.
The Japanese scientists, who did studies in the 1960’s, discovered Rooibos contains a powerful antioxidant similar to SOD which is thought to retard aging and quercetin which is believed to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Besides that Rooibos is also found to contain aspalathin which counteracts the atherosclerotic processes that result in heart disease. Due to this the Japanese promote it as an Anti-Aging Tea and import large quantities of the tea.
Research was done elsewhere where the French found that hair lotion containing Rooibos promoted faster hair growth with improvement in the hair condition and caused no allergic reactions. In South Africa research found that the polyphenol content in Rooibos is similar to green tea. Polyphenols help protect the body from damage by free radicals.
Rooibos has been found to be helpful with general health problems. It relieves digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and constipation. Having a calming effect it helps with irritability, insomnia and depression.
Both pre natal and breast feeding Mothers supplement their intake of manganese, calcium and fluoride drinking Rooibos and therefore promote strong teeth and healthy bones in their babies. Rooibos, when applied at every nappy change, relieves nappy rash and when drunk by the baby relieves colic.
Preparation of Rooibos is the same as ordinary tea. First warm the tea pot with boiling water and then place one teaspoon of tea or tea bag per cup required in the pot. Pour over boiling water and let infuse for a few minutes. The longer it is left before drinking the more antioxidants the tea will contain. Can be served plain, with hot or cold milk or lemon. It can be lightly sweetened with honey or sugar or just left without any sweetening. Rooibos also makes a wonderful ice tea.
In South Africa Rooibos Tea is often used in day to day cooking as not only does it add important minerals and antioxidants to the diet and help digestion, it also enhances the flavors of the cooking. Just replace the water in a recipe with the tea.
Next time you are in your health shop or in a department store stocking specialty teas, why not pick up a packet and try it out?
March 20, 2009
health alternative
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Survey: Most Americans Say Health System Performs PoorlyWall Street JournalThe survey focuses on six areas: wellness and healthy living; traditional health services; alternative health services; information resources; health insurance; and health policy. The survey found health care is overwhelmingly seen as a consumer market …
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Source:Survey: Most Americans Say Health System Performs Poorly - Wall Street Journal
March 17, 2009
health alternative
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Dr. David Minkoff Initiates Health Stimulus ProgramPR-USA.net (press release), BulgariaDr. David Minkoff, MD, (http://www.drminkoff.com) an alternative health care expert, initiates "Health by Numbers", a health stimulus program that provides free tests designed to help relieve health worries in these tough economic times when no one can …
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Source:Dr. David Minkoff Initiates Health Stimulus Program - PR-USA.net (press release)
March 16, 2009
health alternative
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Andrew Weil among alternative medicine doctors who testified …Examiner.comThey explained how a new alternative health paradigm shift, designed around treating the underlying fundamental causes of chronic disease, must take place. Treating the cause of our chronic disease epidemic, they contend, is the best solution to our …
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Source:Andrew Weil among alternative medicine doctors who testified … - Examiner.com
March 16, 2009
yeast infection
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Most women may not want to talk about it, but it is a fact that a yeast infection will happen to three out of every four of them at least once during her life. This article will talk about what a yeast infection is, how to get rid of them and how to prevent them from coming back.
A yeast infection, also called Candidiasis, is an overgrowth of the fungus with the name of Candida albicans. It occurs naturally in the body, especially in dark, moist environments. Its symptoms may include excessive tiredness, irregularity of the bowels, skin outbreaks, headache, bloating in the abdomen and even depression. The condition often comes about when the immune system gets compromised and the yeast starts generating more toxins than the body can deal with.
Typically, a yeast infection is triggered by factors that change a woman’s hormonal balance, such as taking antibiotics, using steroids, taking contraceptive pills, pregnancy or menopause. They can also be caused by stress, an unhealthy diet, and diseases such as diabetes and immune deficiencies.
Although there are prescription and over the counter medicines that have been formulated to treat yeast infections, some women prefer more natural and less costly treatments, many of which can be at least as effective as those that use medications.
Book Review: Yeast Infection No More
The old saying “an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure” definitely is sound advice when it comes to the yeast overgrowth problem. Here, then, are some ways in which the condition of a Candida infection may be prevented.
Because the fungus thrives in a warm, moist environment, it is best to keep areas that are prone to infections cool and dry, especially the vaginal area. Underwear should be made with cotton rather than synthetic fibers because they breathe better. Do not wear overly tight trousers or blue jeans.
Watching your diet is also important. Avoid taking in excessive yeast and sugar by limiting consumption of carbonated beverages and alcohol, especially beer. Dairy products can also be problematic, with the exception of yogurt. The beneficial bacteria in plain, live yogurt can help restore the natural balance in the body. Eating a low carbohydrate diet is a very good thing also. Learn about the glycemic index and look for goods that are lower on the G.I. scale. For example, use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. Replace white bread with rye. Substitute whole wheat pasta for noodles made with white flour. Instead of plain white rice select the basmati variety.
By following this advice, it may be possible to reduce the chances to contract a yeast infection, or at least to reduce its harmful effects on the body.
March 14, 2009
health alternative
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Examiner.com |
Time to talk about alternative health careExaminer.comby JoAnne Robinson, Miami Alternative Medicine Examiner Recent studies have shown that the use of many forms of alternative health care have dramatically increased in recent years. I suspect that many factors contribute to this increase, not the least …
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Source:Time to talk about alternative health care - Examiner.com
