The Importance of Sandalwood Keep Growing
Posted by Sandra O\'Ryan | Filed under Disease & Illness
Background
Sandalwood is one of the oldest aromatic materials, being acknowledged in ancient biblical and in Indian text as well as used in religious ceremonies throughout the ages. Botanically known as a small evergreen in the genus Santalum and family Santalaceae, this modest-sized tree (up to 10 meters) provides a great deal of commerce for India and to some extent Australia and is now being examined by the medical industry for its medicinal properties. There are several species of Santalum, but only a few are used commercially, most notably Santalum album (India) and Santalum spicatum (Australia). Other tress from such places as Polynesia and Fuji are in small numbers and in great decline. Oddly, other plants such as the Bead Tree or Candlewood are known as sandalwood but are not botanically parallel. Sometimes, non-related plants such as Red Sandalwood are used as fillers for the more expensive, genuine sandalwood.
True sandalwood contains aromatic heartwood (middle) and roots which when harvested are used for furniture items as well as distilled for its highly prized essential oil. Plantations have been set aside in both India and Australia to meet growing demand for Santalum essential oil. Sandalwood harvesting and manufacturing of incense sticks, furniture and essential oil provides great employment for many in India, especially in southern India. The value of sandalwood in India cannot be overstated. Besides its ceremonial significance, sandalwood is used extensively in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. The harvest and processing of sandalwood is strictly regulated and private ownership of the trees is not permitted. Since 1792 trees have been considered of Indian royalty and thus well guarded and protected. These valued trees take decades to develop their rich aromatic wood and are not considered commercially viable until at least forty years of age, but trees have been harvested at thirty to meet rising requests for its processed products.
In order to retain valuable wood and oil found in the larger roots, trees are felled by uprooting, not cutting the truck. Unfortunately, many trees are illegally cut down and smuggled out of the country. In the last five years alone, the price of sandalwood oil has skyrocketed. This is mainly due to increased demand from the aromatherapy and cosmetic industry. The oil is revered by the perfume industry as being an excellent base and fixative for other high grade perfumes. The industry finds that sandalwood oil can blend well with other perfumes and when used as a base does not impart its own fragrance, thus making it a very popular ingredient for hundreds of perfume products.
Such value is found not only in its iconic-making wood, medicinal oil and fragrance but also in it religious and ceremonial value. In the Buddhist tradition, sandalwood incense is a popular offering to the Buddha and its scent is believed to have transformative qualities while in meditation. Chinese and Japanese religions also use sandalwood incense in their worship and various ceremonies. One of the oldest religions, Zoroastrianism (thought to be originally from Iran), burns the sandalwood in their sacred fire temples.
Sandalwood May Help with Antibiotic Resistance
Opposition to antibiotic use in food agriculture has been gaining momentum. In years past, it was known that severe illness-causing microbes such as Salmonella and E. coli could be contracted through eating contaminated meat. Now, it is proposed that contraction of bacteria, in this case antibiotic resistant bacteria, can possibly be transferred through ingestion, handling of industrial animal manure, as well as through drinking manure-contaminated ground water. With these scenarios coming to the surface, scientists and government officials alike are in alarm and strongly suggesting the decrease if not absolute elimination of non-therapeutic uses of antibiotics in the meat industry. Recent media has brought attention to the proposed link between the steep increase of antibiotic-resistant microbes with use and perhaps misuse of antibiotics in agriculture. Modern industrial agriculture raises animals in tight often inhumane quarters which results in animals being much more susceptible to sickness and disease, thus the administration of antibiotics is very common. Because bacteria and other microbes can easily mutate (in as little as 20 minutes), it is no wonder that great concern is now mounting.
Concern for antibiotic-resistant microbes is worldwide. A need to find alternatives to conventional antibiotic treatment is rising. Essential oils have been gaining attention by research scientists for their antimicrobial properties. A collaborative study of researchers in Austria and Germany (Flavor and Fragrance Journal 2006 May/Jun; 21(3): 465-468) found that santalols of sandalwood (the main chemical components of sandalwood) in medium and/or high concentrations showed significant antimicrobial potential against the yeast Candida albicans, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Other Promising Uses
The Australian and Indian Santalum species, found to be similar in chemical composition, are known by aromatherapists to have such therapeutic properties as anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic (reduces fever), antiseptic (as mentioned above), antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms), astringent, carminative (relieves flatulence), demulcent (reduces irritation), diuretic (soft and soothing to skin), emollient, expectorant, as a sedative and general tonic. Their principle chemical constituents are alpha-santalol and beta-santalol. According to a study conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and South Dakota University (Anticancer Research 2007 Jul-Aug; 27(4B): 2185-8) application of the chemical compound alpha-santalol prevents UVB-induced skin tumor development in mice. Sandalwood is also thought to help alleviate the symptoms of depression as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center (www.umm.edu).
Conclusion
It is rather evident that the value of sandalwood extends across centuries and continents. It is revered by various religions, scientists, aromatherapists and perfume enthusiasts alike. What is remarkable is that uses of plants and their essential oils are bringing such world-wide engagement as their promising applications are uncovered in scientific research. A need for alternatives to conventional antibiotics as well as insecticides is clear. As less-than amiable agriculture practices surface and resistance to current antimicrobials increase, it is apparent that humankind will revert back to solutions found in nature and perhaps make a more diligent effort to conserve the very earth that sustains us.
The author highly recommends aromatherapy as a wellness practice. Read more about aromatherapy and ‘emotional well-being‘.
Tags: alternative medicine, aromatherapy, disease, Disease & Illness, essential oils, health, herbs, illness, massage, natural health, natural medicine, skin care, wellness
Implant Device Offers Drug-free Lower Blood Pressure
Posted by Christian Goodman | Filed under Health & Fitness
An implant the size of a cell phone can lower blood pressure without the use of drugs. The implant is placed in the chest and works kind of like a pacemaker. It sends electrical signals to the brain through the carotid arteries in the neck whenever the blood pressure is elevated. The brain in turn signals the body to lower blood pressure.
This device was surgically implanted in the chest of Annette Lawrence. In an interview she said “Before I couldn’t even get out of bed. I couldn’t really do anything.” From 2005 the implants are available in the market.
Lawrence was only 37 when she had the device implanted. Her vascular surgeon, Dr. Karl Illig of the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, said, “She constantly had blood pressure up in the 200s The device is basically like a pacemaker. That’s the best way to look at it.”
As the device sends electrical impulses to the brain through the carotid artery, Dr. Illig explained, “that electrical signal is then sent up the nerves into the brain telling the brain, ‘Ah ha! Your blood pressure is too high.’”
When the brain gets these signals it intimates the body to decrease the heart rate, open the blood vessels to bring down the blood pressure and to release the fluid from the kidney.
“The blood pressure really is too high,” said Dr. Illig, “but the brain doesn’t sense it that way so this is kind of giving it as kick start.”
She said, “Since I had this procedure done, boy I tell you, I’ve got so much energy. I’m ready to keep up with [my grandson].” Lawrence’s blood pressure is 175/104 when the device is turned off. Whne the device is turned on the blood pressure immediately drops to normal 143/86.
It takes two to three hours for surgery and it is done under general anesthesia. The implant is inserted under the skin near the collarbone it is done using a surgery. From the cell phone sized device two wires will run to the right and left carotid arteries in the neck. If you are a person who cannot tolerate medication and if all the medications have failed for you then this device is for you.
Losing weight, exercising regularly, being stress free, eating good diet with vegetables and fruits, not using excess alcohol are the best ways to naturally lower high blood pressure or hypertension. The best way to avoid surgery and medication is by following a healthy lifestyle. Following a perfect diet on nutrition can prevent high blood pressure.
Apart from reducing stress levels regular exercise also reduces the hardening of the arteries. The main factor for high blood pressure is hardened arteries and blocked arteries. To lower blood pressure one should exercise regularly.
EL331014
Blue Heron Health News is a best known resource of natural health information that lately published an information guide on how to lower blood pressure naturally.
Tags: health, Health & Fitness, hypertension, implant device, natural health
My Neck Pain is a Real Pain in the Neck!
Posted by Christian Goodman | Filed under Health & Fitness
Sudden and nasty accidents always have the habit of life changing due to pain it cause without any substitute. Like most people on earth I too suffered from neck pain due to a car accident. The pain was unbearable that it made me to alter my position into a curved stance.
I know my friends and relative who are suffering from neck pain. But their amount of pain, symptom and causes of pain vary diversely. Not all neck pains were same.
Common causes are injury or trauma to the neck (e.g., whiplash) disc and/or nerve problems within the neck and arthritis. Triggers can include stress, sleeping in an awkward position and prolonged strain on the neck as with sitting at one’s computer for too long, etc.
Sometimes neck pain can be sharp and painful. Rarely it gets very difficult to diagnosed. Fibromyalgia is one of the more common causes of neck lasting for months.
Sufferer’s express pain in the following ways Soreness, stiffness in muscle sharp pain to even touch, acute pain strong enough to force the neck to turn to one side (torticollis), pain in the base of the skull, one or both-sided headaches, pain radiating down the back and/or arms, tingling arms and/or fingers and general weakness in the neck and/or arms.
Women are affected more by neck pain than men.
Sometimes there are rare and life threatening periods when something larger is associated with the neck pain. But most of the time neck pain tend to disappear within a day or two.
One such condition is meningitis. This is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord who’s causes can be both viral (most common but not as devastating) and bacterial (less common but an extremely life-threatening disease).
In addition to neck pain and/or stiffness, be on the lookout for a sudden rash development, fever, pain in bending the neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and severe back pain.
Head trauma can also cause neck pain. Headache, nausea, vomiting, loss or complications in vision, hearing or balance, pain localized behind one eye and weakness in arm and/or leg muscles. These are the other symptoms you should look for.
What are the different ways to avoid neck pain? The answer is if it’s not a serious illness or injury in neck the you should continue your daily routine. You should keep in mind that your daily routine should not be the cause of neck pain. In that case it is better to go for an ergonomic solution.
Only daily neck exercises will help you to strengthen neck muscles in the long term. Neck collar will simply weaken the muscles in neck. When you are provided with a neck collar, please only use it for few days.
An alternative way is to use my all natural neck pain relief program. As all the muscles around neck, back and head are interconnected it is highly risky to weaken those muscles. I’m launching it soon and i sincerely hope you follow these exercises as i did. And I’m very sure you will be relieved from your neck pain.
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Christian Goodman is a well known health researcher and author of many revolutionary natural health alternatives ways. One of his latest breakthroughs is his natural neck pain treatment coming soon. You can learn more about Christian on his Natural alternative health blog.
Tags: health, Health & Fitness, natural health, neck pain
Natural Acne Cure - Does It Work or Is It a Scam?
Posted by Daphne Dew | Filed under Health & Fitness
Living with acne is pretty painful. Not just physically (although those zits can hurt sometimes), but also emotionally. It’s hard having your priceless years tarnished with acne, branding you as a ‘pizza face’ everywhere you go.
The struggle with acne gets ever worse when you try and find a cure. The treatment options are almost always identical, and that’s bad when most of them aren’t working for you anyway. Most treatments require repeated usage of the product to maintain results, and that’s if you even get any results.
Not only that, but then you have acne scars to buy products for! It’s like it never ends…
Well, the silver lining in all this is a little known fact about acne - the cure is easier than you’ve been lead to believe. What I mean is that natural cure for acne are much more effective than any manufactured treatment. The only reason many people are still in the dark on this is because of all the major companies invested in your problem…
There are a lot of people invested in the business of acne, and producing manufactured products that simply mask the problem and keep people buying is much too lucrative a strategy to change. Because of this, you won’t typically find any natural remedies for acne on store shelves.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying every acne treatment product on the market is a total scam. There are a number of treatments out there have worked for people in the past. However, that doesn’t mean we should look past the fact that the acne problem brings in a lot of money, and the money tends to take priority over the cure.
A lot of people just don’t think it’s worth it to have to regularly buy products, sometimes even pay monthly fees, just to keep their acne away. So many people rant about how their breakouts keep coming right back if they miss even one day of their usual ’skin cleansing regimen!’
A lot of people out there would much rather get access to a blueprint that can help them make a few dietary changes, and keep their skin healthy and beautiful all year round. There are a number of different natural acne cures out there that work better for healing your skin and keeping it bright and clear than any topical treatments on the market.
If you yourself are still suffering from acne breakouts and you’re ready to throw away all those special soaps and creams then a natural acne cure may be what you’ve been looking for.
This is a blueprint for a natural acne cure that is gaining in popularity because it has worked to stop acne breakouts for many people worldwide: Mr X Acne Review. To learn more about natural acne cures click here: Best Cure for Acne
Tags: acne, beauty, cure, cures, fitness, health, Health & Fitness, natural health, natural remedies, people, remedy, skin care, society, solution, treatment
Constipation Can Be Cured With A Natural Colon Cleanser
Posted by Jayne C Thompson | Filed under Health & Fitness
If you suffer from chronic constipation you are not alone. Millions of people have the same problem but very few take it upon themselves to do something about it. Avoiding your constipation issues can be very dangerous to your health. When you let constipation go unchecked you are setting yourself up for an array of health problems. Getting rid of constipation is simple when you use a natural colon cleanser.
What causes constipation? The most obvious answer would be not getting enough fiber in your diet. However, this is just one cause of constipation. There are many others that you may not be aware of. You need to be aware of all the causes of constipation so that you can keep if from happening.
A common cause of constipation is not heeding the call to go to the bathroom. Many people will ignore the urge, especially if they are in a public place. Some people may have such a demanding job, they can’t take the time to go to the bathroom. Constantly holding it in will do damage to the nerves that line the colon. This will produce chronic constipation because the colon is no longer able to function properly.
Antibiotics can cause constipation. These drugs will kill the good bacteria that are found in your bowel. This good bacteria is important because it helps to digest foods, and it also keeps the harmful bacteria found in your bowel under control. When this balance of good and bad bacteria is upset the result can be constipation. You can fix this problem by using a natural colon cleanser with probiotics.
Constipation can be caused by other things besides what is written here. If you start to notice that your bowels are not moving as often as they should, or you are feeling bloated then you need to find a good natural colon cleanser. By keeping constipation under control you protect yourself from chronic health problems.
To find out which colon cleanser can improve your health visit natural colon cleanser to read reviews and testimonials of the very best Colon Cleansers on the market that come with a complete satisfaction money back guarantee. Click Natural Colon Cleanser today for essential colon health.
Tags: alternative medicine, Health & Fitness, natural health
Top Benefits Of Whey Protein Shakes For Athletes
Posted by Francoise A. Hale | Filed under Health & Fitness
Recent researches have shown that bodybuilders can greatly increase their performance and muscle growth by consuming whey protein. Whey protein is derived from real milk and supplies our body with protein, calcium, magnesium and other minerals. Whey protein is compatible with both fat-loss and muscle gain diets and is easily absorbed by our body in its liquid form.
Bodybuilders are advised to eat a diet with lots of lean protein accompanied by protein shake daily. Add a whey protein to supplement your body’s higher protein demand. Here are seven reasons more of why you should add whey protein in your diet:
1. Easily digestible nutrition. Bodybuilders and athletes who are always on the go can consume just one protein shake immediately after a workout for rapid absorption of key nutrients. Whey protein drink blends may contain vitamins and minerals that aren’t readily available in everyday meals, making them a convenient supplement for those with busy lifestyles.
2. Suitable for lactose intolerants. Bodybuilders who are allergic to milk products can safely drink whey protein drinks. These drinks are made with egg protein, soy protein and calcium caseinate; giving the same nutrition as milks without lactose.
3. Packed with Amino Acids. Amino acids are mainly responsible for protein synthesis. In other words, whey protein products are a great help in building and repairing muscles.
4. Easy to use. Whey protein powders and shakes can be mixed into other foods and drinks for variety. Bodybuilders can mix whey protein powder into oatmeal and yogurt for breakfast; enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie made with a base of their favorite whey protein shake mix; or mix protein powder into soups and broths for a nourishing meal. There are countless ways to consume whey protein and enjoy a varied diet.
5. Enhances muscle repair. Our bodies need all the protein it can get after an intense workout session for muscle repair and development. Consuming whey protein products after a workout can enhance the rate of muscle repair.
6. Reduces appetite naturally. Whey protein products are ideal for athletes who are on a low-calorie diet since protein regulates appetite. In addition, whey protein drinks can be taken in as a low-calorie meal replacement or as a nutritional snack in between meals.
7. Improves metabolism. Whey protein consumed at timed intervals provides essential nutrients and energy throughout the day. This practice also helps in getting your metabolism to function optimally.
Natural Supplementation is an Effective Way To Support Your Well Being and Strengthen Your Performance. Stemulite is an Excellent, All-Natural Supplement, Used by Many Bodybuilders and Athletes. People Also Frequently Report Having a Deeper, and Fuller Sleep when Taking Stemulite Before Going to Bed.
Tags: body building, body building and forming, body health, fitness, Health & Fitness, herbal remedies, natural health, natural herb products, sports nutrition
