May 6th, 2009 cate
First, what is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus (pronounced /tɪˈnaɪtəs/ or /ˈtɪnɪtəs/, from the Latin word tinnītus meaning “ringing”) is the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound.
Tinnitus can be perceived in one or both ears or in the head. It is usually described as a ringing noise, but in some patients it takes the form of a high pitched whining, buzzing, hissing, screaming, humming, or whistling sound, or as ticking, clicking, roaring, “crickets” or “tree frogs” or “locusts“, tunes, songs, or beeping. It has also been described as a “wooshing” sound, as of wind or waves,. Tinnitus can be intermittent or it can be continuous. In the latter case, this “phantom” sound can create great distress in the sufferer.
Tinnitus is not itself a disease but a symptom resulting from a range of underlying causes. Causes include ear infections, foreign objects or wax in the ear, nose allergies that prevent (or induce) fluid drain and cause wax build-up, and injury from loud noises. Tinnitus is also a side-effect of some oral medications, such as aspirin, and may also result from an abnormally low level of serotonin activity. It is also a classical side effect of Quinidine, a Class IA anti-arrhythmic. In many cases, however, no underlying physical cause can be identified.
The sound perceived may range from a quiet background noise to one that can be heard even over loud external sounds. The term “tinnitus” usually refers to more severe cases. Heller and Bergman (1953) conducted a study of 80 tinnitus-free university students placed in an anechoic chamber and found that 93% reported hearing a buzzing, pulsing or whistling sound. Cohort studies have demonstrated that damage to hearing (among other health effects) from unnatural levels of noise exposure is very widespread in industrialized countries.
Because tinnitus is often defined as a subjective phenomenon, it is difficult to measure using objective tests, such as by comparison with noise of known frequency and intensity, as in an audiometric test. The condition is often rated clinically on a simple scale from “slight” to “catastrophic” according to the practical difficulties it imposes, such as interference with sleep, quiet activities, and normal daily activities. For research purposes, the more elaborate Tinnitus Handicap Inventory is often used. (source: wikipedia)
How to Cure Tinnitus?
From newmediaexplorer:
“A high number of tinnitus sufferers are deficient in B-12, and Emily A. Kane, naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist, recommends a daily dose of 2,000 mcg of B-12 for one month, followed by a dose of 1,000 mcg daily, if needed. Studies indicate that nutritional supplements can reduce the severity and incidences of tinnitus. Dr. Michael Seidman, MD, Director of the Henry Ford Health System, Department of Otolaryngology, Tinnitus Clinic, in Bloomfield, Michigan, suggests a smorgasbord of antioxidant nutrients: vinpocetine, Ginkgo biloba, ipriflavone, arginine, alpha lipoic acid, zinc, vitamin A, n-acetylcysteine, magnesium, melatonin, Chinese herbs, B vitamins and garlic. Other sources list additional supplements;: vitamin E, C, zinc, and choline, to help with both tinnitus and hearing loss.
Many European doctors and a growing number of U.S. doctors use Ginkgo biloba to treat tinnitus, and a few good trials suggest that this herb may lower the perceived loudness. The advice is to use a Ginkgo product that contains 24% flavone glycosides or standardized extract. According to several health experts, the recommended dose varies from 120 to 240 mg daily of the standard Ginkgo in divided doses. Start with the lower dose, and if not effective, increase gradually to the higher dose. Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow and nerve function, and is supposed to be quite effective for tinnitus when the cause is poor circulation, but use with caution if taking a blood thinner or if you have a blood disorder. After starting this regimen of Ginkgo, not only will your thinking be sharper within 3 to 10 days, but within 6 weeks your tinnitus should be relieved, says Dr. Kane. Once relief is obtained, lower the dose to a maintenance dose of 40 to 60 mg daily (also in divided doses during the day).”
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January 4th, 2009 cate
While there are several products out in the market that claim to whiten your teeth
, don’t you wonder if they are safe to use? Afterall, you ingest much of what is on them by the mere fact that they are inside your mouth. Do you know the chemicals in them? Do you know what kinds of health effects they can have on you? For me, I’d just rather avoid them, altogether. If you’d like to know about more natural ways to whiten your teeth, read below. These are home remedies that are safer and cheaper.
Walnut tree bark – rub walnut tree bark on your teeth. This helps remove stains from your teeth. This is one of the best teeth whitening cures.
Bicarbonate of soda – Brush your teeth with bicarbonate of soda just 5 minutes before brushing your teeth with normal toothpaste in the morning. You should see an improvement after several weeks.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide – Mix these together to form a toothpaste and efficiently brush your teeth regularly with this paste. It should remove all stains in a month.
Orange Peel Rub the inside of an orange peel (the white part) against your teeth and this should help in you teeth whitening treatment.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – Brush your teeth every night with apple cider vinegar. This is known to be an effective home remedy for teeth whitening.
Strawberries – are considered natural remedy for teeth whitening. Rubbing the teeth with strawberries daily will remove all the stains. Remember to eat them because strawberries are also good for you.
Ash – Brushing your teeth with hard wood ash is also beneficial as it contains a teeth whitener – potassium hydroxide. It may not be the most tasty but it’s effective.
Your diet matters – Certain foods you eat help your teeth stay nice and white: celery, apples and carrots clean your teeth naturally by way of chewing vigorously, and other foods like lettuce, strawberries, lemons, broccoli and spinach prevent staining by either creating a sort of film that protects your teeth from stains or cleans them well.
Brush! – To prevent discoloration and permanent staining of your teeth brush after every meal.
Lemon juice and salt – Mix the two to create a paste and apply to yellowing spots on teeth. It’s been reported that this is one of themost effective home remedies for teeth whitening.
Avoid excessive consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, carbonated drinks and smoking to ensure your teeth will keep their shiny white glow.
Lemon – Dip your toothbrush in lemon juice and brush your teeth well. This is also effective home remedy for teeth whitening. And refreshing, too!
Nail Biting – Don’t do this. This damages your teeth, and it’s just a horrible habit overall.
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January 3rd, 2009 cate
Since a very long time ago, licorice, which is a root (not an herb), has been popularly used for upper respiratory problems, sore throats, bronchitis, coughs, and excess catarrh. It has been known to soothe and reduce coughing, and its antiviral effectiveness is particularly good for mouth ulcers and cold sores.
The healing powers of licorice: a remedy for gastritis, peptic ulcers, and abdominal cramping. Some studies report that licorice can increase gastric juices by as much as twenty-five percent without changing the natural pH of the stomach, making licorice noteworthy for proper digestion.
Licorice also has an anti-inflammatory effect. This root is often added to formulas for chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritic and rheumatic complaints.
Notes: Always check with your health care provider if this is good for you. Licorice should not be used in excess or by people with diabetes, heart conditions or high blood pressure. Also please avoid licorice if you happen to be taking diuretics or using potassium supplements. Licorice has been known to have negative effects on estrogen-sensitive conditions, on thyroid hormone production, and it should not be combined with prescription corticosteroids.
Order Some Panda All Natural Soft Licorice
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November 29th, 2008 cate
You might be wondering why I’m featuring a shredder for this site. Does it fit into the theme of body mind spirit? YES. Shredders not only take care of your personal information on letters that need to be destroyed to keep private information from getting out, but the shreds and confetti from it can be recycled and thrown into your compost pile. I love this shredder for that. Just make sure the paper is compostable. When paper is shredded finely this way, it’s easier to break down, it adds a “brown” (dry) factor to the compost to balance out the “green” wet material. Hey, and if anything, it’s sort of fun. Here’s the product information below:
The innovative Fellowes SB-87CS with Safe Sense Technology features an active sensor that stops shredding immediately when paper entry is touched. Designed for frequent shredding needs, the Fellowes Powershred SB-87CS delivers a high level of performance that’s ideal for small business or home office use. This heavy-duty personal shredder reduces documents to higher security confetti particles, and shreds up to 15 sheets per pass, 50-100 times per day, for a total daily capacity as high as 1,500 sheets. Equipped with a 9-inch wide front feed paper entry, the SB-87CS easily accepts standard letter or legal-size documents. SB87CS shreds CDs in a designated safety slot and the durable steel cutters also accept credit cards, staples and small paper clips. Electronic auto start/stop ensures quick & easy automatic shredder operation. Shredder automatically shuts off and alerts operator when a jam occurs, door is ajar or 7-gallon pullout wastebasket is full. Sheet capacity gauge helps prevent paper jams. Door offers convenient holder for oil, manual and shredder bags. Cabinet-style stand includes casters for portable ease.
Note: You can also throw this into your kitty’s litter box for extra absorption.
Get your Fellowes Powershred Sheet Confetti Cut Shredder now
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November 24th, 2008 cate
This playful, user-friendly guide to macrobiotics has become a well-loved classic (over 180,000 copies sold). A favorite repeat seller in natural food stores and alternative health care clinics, it has been used a textbook for college classes in Holistic Health, and as a handbook for nutritional counselors training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City.
Much more than recipes, The Self-Healing Cookbook gives fresh, heartwarming support to anyone aiming to prevent or recover from diet-related moods and health symptoms. A starter shopping list, food-mood charts, self-healer’s workbook, and healing foods glossary are included. Along with a wealth of wisdom on how to eat locally, think globally, cook with the seasons, lose weight naturally and nourish growing kids.
Word-of-mouth has carried this book to Great Britain, Canada, Singapore, Israel, and Australia. Over 21,000 copies have sold in the Japanese edition. In April, 2002, it will be published in Brazil, in a Portuguese edition. We’d love to hear from international readers where else it has found a home in your kitchens.
Get it now: The Self-Healing Cookbook: Whole Foods To Balance Body, Mind and Moods
Posted in body, books, depression, diet, eco living, garden, general, healing, health, healthy recipes, herbal medicine, inspiration, kids, lifestyle, medication / prescription drugs, online self help, organic, parenting, popular, real food, recommendations and favorites, safe products, self improvement, setting goals, success stories, you should know | No Comments »