Healthy Body

More and more often we are finding alternative cures for what ails us. Royal jelly extract is one such alternative. What is royal jelly extract? It is a substance that is secreted from bees and is fed to the larvae. If there is no queen in the chamber, one lucky larva will be selected as queen. Only she is given royal jelly in large quantities. Sounds uniquely “royal”, doesn’t it?

Royal jelly extract has been attributed to increasing longevity and growth. This is evidenced by the fact that the queen bee is much larger and has a longer lifespan than the worker bees.

Due to the increased interest in the longevity factor of the queen bee, research in this area of study has been ongoing. While it has been determined that royal jelly has a positive effect on certain medical conditions and that it may contribute to cell rejuvenation, the prospect that royal jelly can achieve success in lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and other debilitating diseases is a hopeful sign.

The compound in royal jelly that has caused quite a stir is called acetylcholine. This enables the transmission of messages from nerve cell to nerve cell, more commonly referred to as a neurotransmitter. More importantly, however, it may be the link which can repair memory damage in Alzheimer’s patients.

Royal jelly extract contains amino acids, carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins. Those individuals who have taken this extract have said that it improved their memory function, lowered cholesterol levels, and they realized a significant change in their overall well-being. Another positive aspect about royal jelly is that users claim it increases sexual performance. Considering that a queen bee lays about 1500 eggs a day, it is no coincidence that science is making a connection between the two.

Royal jelly also contains an antibacterial protein that researchers found to be a protein packed with amino acids which can be used to fight staph infection and streptococcus. They also found evidence that royal jelly may have anti-tumor components, and may even be used to treat certain forms of cancer in the near future. Studies have also indicated that royal jelly has been utilized in treating fatigue, asthma, skin conditions, and both kidney and liver diseases.

Royal jelly extract should not be taken by pregnant women, children, or nursing mothers. In addition, consult your doctor before taking this extract since you may be allergic to the substance.

Acne is a skin condition which can encompass blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. This occurs when the opening near the surface of the skin is blocked and produces a build-up of oil. The result is inflammation, redness, and swelling. One of the natural remedies in the treatment of acne is coconut oil.

Since one of the components in coconut oil is lauric acid, which is a saturated fatty acid that fights bacteria and other viruses, utilizing it to treat acne can be very effective. The other components in coconut oil have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties which further assist in the treatment of skin infections.

While coconut oil can treat the underlying cause of acne, it should be mentioned that there are psychological effects of adolescent acne as well. While acne is less common among girls, boys ages 14 through 18 have a higher incidence of this condition.

Adolescence is a time when the body goes through hormonal changes. Teens are just beginning to explore who they are. Acne can inhibit teens from participating in group activities due to self-esteem issues arising from this condition.

It is important for teens to understand that acne is not a disease, but a temporary condition that may affect them at some point in their lives. For girls, pimples may occur during menstruation, while for boys it usually begins at puberty.

Good hygiene habits can prevent the acne from becoming too severe. For example, teens should not squeeze pimples or scrub the acne area too hard. Girls should avoid wearing make-up that could exacerbate the condition.

While there are a myriad of over-the-counter medications and topical creams, treating acne with coconut oil can be safer and just as effective. Unlike the medications mentioned, coconut oil does not contain any chemicals or preservatives. Further, there is no likelihood that any teen would develop side effects from coconut oil. Using coconut oil can not only treat skin infections, but produce a healthier complexion in teens.

As we continue to explore natural remedies to improve our overall health, it is good to know that coconut oil is tops on the list. Ironically, it wasn’t too long ago that scientists thought coconut oil was the cause of acne. Today, however, the medical community has embraced this natural product since it has proven to be an effective alternative to modern medicine. It makes sense, then, that the palm tree upon which coconuts grow is called “the tree of life”.

There are many uses of coconut oil, besides its health benefits. Here is a list of the most common applications:

* Coconut oil can be used as salad dressing.
* It can be utilized as a substitute for shortening or vegetable oil.
* Coconut oil can also be used to deep fry and/or sauté.
* Instead of putting butter on popcorn, why not use coconut oil.
* Coconut oil is a conditioner for hair.
* It can be used as a daily moisturizer for the skin.
* Coconut oil can be used as fruit topping.
* It can be used to make a smoothie.
* It can be used in baking ingredients.
* It relieves sunburn.
* Coconut oil can be used as a dietary supplement.
* It may prevent age or liver spots.
* It can control dandruff.
* It can keep thyroid conditions stable.
* It can prevent tooth decay.

While these are just a few ideas to incorporate coconut oil in your daily regimen, its main ingredients can have health benefits, too.

* If can be used to relieve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

* Taken orally coconut oil can help prevent a host of illnesses such as diabetes, viral infections, listeria, osteoporosis and diabetes, as well as aid weight loss, improve digestion and lower cholesterol.

Due to the high concentration of saturated fat found in coconut oil, specifically called lauric acid, you can incorporate this oil in your diet regimen by adding it to chicken and rice dinners, fish, salsa, and other recipes you have on hand.

Here is an interesting study that tried to determine how much fat was stored in people who maintained a low-fat diet, a high-fat diet containing long chain triglycerides, and a high-fat diet that contained medium chain triglycerides. Keep in mind that coconut oil contains the medium chain triglycerides.

After the individuals were kept on their diets for 44 days, the results were as follows: “The low-fat diet group stored an average of 0.47 grams of fat per day, and the LCT group 0.48 grams/day, while the MCT group deposited only 0.19 grams of fat per day. Thus, the MCT group had a 60% reduction in the amount of body fat stored as compared to the other diets.”

The assertion that coconut oil decreases food consumption has been proven. Studies show that by simply adding coconut oil to meals, individuals find that they become fully sated after a meal and have no desire for seconds or snacks.

As stated at the beginning of this article, there are many uses of coconut oil, but none more effective than its use as an alternative way to improve one’s health.

As we get older, we face the prospect of health-related issues, memory problems and loss of physical acuity. But while some believe that age is just a number, others assert you are as old as you feel. Well, depending upon how you feel one thing is certain – finding the “fountain of youth” may be just as difficult as grabbing the brass ring. In this regard, perhaps there is another alternative available: slow aging with bee pollen. Let’s take a look at the possibilities.

We know that bee pollen not only has an energizing effect but because it contains antioxidants, it can halt the aging process by rallying the cells in the body. This process of rejuvenation has been the subject of considerable research. Here is one case study.

A biologist, who is also an expert in geriatrics, did a study in the mountains of Russia where the population is known to live longer than most. What he found was quite startling. While most of the people he examined exhibited signs that they were suffering from heart disease, they were still engaging in hard work on a daily basis and enjoyed participating in local activities. The people were quite old, and the biologist couldn’t figure out why these particular people had defied the aging process.

Upon further research, he found that the common factor among these people was they all kept beehives. While they were considered quite poor and mostly bartered with their neighbors, they would pay for services with honey taken from the beehives they owned. But what they did not barter away was the substance that could be found at the bottom of these beehives. This substance was bee pollen. Thus, he concluded, the bee pollen not only slowed the aging process for these people, but extended it considerably.

Why is this research so remarkable? Because the 200 men and women he studied were over the age of 125 – all active, all engaged in daily living, and consuming bee pollen on a daily basis.

Studies have shown conclusively that bee pollen increases mental and physical acuity, and increases the metabolism as well as the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. As delineated in the study, while it appeared that the people involved had suffered cardiovascular disease, there were no other acute signs showing any significant limitations. Indeed, in the example given these people were energetic, free of stress, able to function on a daily basis, and obviously maintained a healthy state – both physically and mentally.

Can bee pollen slow the aging process? There seems to be no evidence to the contrary, at the moment.

Eczema is a skin condition which causes red, dry skin, and it can appear anywhere on the surface of the body. Although there are topical creams such as hydrocortisone medications that can be used to alleviate the symptoms, organic coconut oil to treat eczema can be more effective.

Since coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids and has an anti-inflammatory agent, when applied to the affected area it not only penetrates rapidly but can reduce the inflammation caused by eczema.

In addition, the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil prevent bacterial infections from forming on the skin. While the topical creams available today can be readily used to ward off dry skin, the difference is that these creams contain other agents which may or may not offer relief. On the other hand, organic coconut oil is unprocessed and its results are immediate. It is a more natural method to use for a variety of skin conditions.

Eczema can present itself in many different forms, including:

- Atopic dermatitis which is inherently genetic, especially among families who have a history of allergies or asthma.      - Contact dermatitis which is caused by irritants such as cleaning detergents, cosmetics, and related allergens.
-Â Seborrheic dermatitis which is predominant among individuals who have oily skin.
-Â Stasis dermatitis which is a condition caused by excessive fluid that accumulates beneath the skin.
-Â Neurodermatitis which can be developed by irritants such as clothing.
-Â Perioral dermatitis which is similar to acne and could be caused by topical creams or makeup.

One of the ways to prevent eczema is by avoiding those products that irritate the skin such as make-up, scented creams and soaps, perfumes, fabric softeners, and other allergens.

Eczema is an irritating condition that affects children and adults. As a general rule, keeping the skin moisturized on a daily basis can alleviate the symptoms and prevent skin inflammation as well. This is especially true during winter months. Having organic coconut oil on hand is not only a great idea to treat eczema, but it can also be used to massage your skin.

As we learn more about the health benefits of natural remedies, we are also less likely to depend upon prescription medications or over-the-counter topical creams to cure skin conditions. Coconut oil is just one of the many effective alternatives used to treat a variety of health problems. Besides treating eczema, it assists in weight loss, can be used as an alternative to other oils, can be used on salads, and has absolutely no chemicals, additives, or preservatives. No wonder the palm on which it grows is called ‘The Tree of Life”.

Much has been written about cardiovascular health and how to help fend off heart disease with royal jelly. What has research shown?

Research has indicated that royal jelly can be beneficial among individuals who have angina, an enlarged heart, and other cardio-related conditions. Along these lines, this jelly seems to increase adrenal function which ultimately allows the adrenal glands to keep the heart rate at a safe level.

This is very important for those who suffer from high blood pressure. In essence, royal jelly brings the heart rate to a relaxed state, thus lowering one’s blood pressure. Moreover, studies concluded that continual use of royal jelly will normalize blood pressure entirely.

Another condition in which royal jelly plays an active role is arteriosclerosis. Clinical studies have ascertained that this condition, which is the hardening of the arteries, can be reversed.

We also know that high cholesterol levels can contribute to heart disease. Research has found that there is a significant reduction in cholesterol levels when royal jelly is taken on a regular basis.

Although smoking is a major cause of heart disease, the cholesterol levels rise among smokers. Animal studies showed that royal jelly lowered the nicotine effect which produced lower levels of cholesterol.

Other positive benefits include regenerating tissue in the elderly. Royal jelly is a source of albumin, which the heart cannot function without. It takes hold of calcium and makes its way to the bones. If an annual check-up shows that the calcium level is low, royal jelly can help increase the amount of albumin in the blood.

Smoking, high fat diets, cholesterol, stress, and hypertension all have one thing in common – they lead to heart disease. Although research on the effects of royal jelly and its role in preventing heart disease is still ongoing, the evidence already collected suggests that royal jelly plays a significant role in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure: two of the major conditions that contribute to heart disease.

There is a caveat: pregnant women, women who breastfeed, and children should not attempt to take royal jelly. There may be severe side affects as well as an allergic reaction to the substance. Consult your physician if you have any questions regarding royal jelly or royal jelly extract.

Studies show that cod liver oil can prevent dry skin, help individuals who have arthritis and aid in increasing vitamin and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for cardiovascular health. But the question some have raised is: can cod liver oil help asthma?

There is a definite link between asthma and cod liver oil. Experts suggest that one of the causes of asthma is a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids. They attribute this in part to children who have not been breastfed as well to as a diet which is lacking in vitamins and minerals.

Therefore, because cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, research suggests that asthma can be reduced as a result of consuming an appropriate amount of essential fatty acids a day. Scientists also state that among the fatty acids most consumers ingest, omega-6 is the highest while omega-3 fatty acid lags behind.

Asthma is considered to be an inflammatory condition and since we know that omega-3 fatty acids can curb inflammatory conditions, then it is reasonable to assume that cod liver oil can be an effective alternative in the treatment of this condition.

Moreover, other studies have indicated that children who are deficient in nutrients such as Vitamin C, E, B12, beta-carotene, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are also prone to develop asthma. Thus, a diet regimen composed of these nutrients as well as cod liver oil has been considered an effective treatment for asthma sufferers.

The results of these studies and research suggest that since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be easily obtained simply through diet alone, it is often necessary to supplement the diet with cod liver oil as a way to maintain the vitamins and fatty acids which are components of this oil.

One asthma sufferer stated that she was suffering from wheezing and decided to take cod liver oil. The wheezing ceased. After a while, she stopped taking the oil and the wheezing returned. One can deduce from this that cod liver oil can reduce the symptoms of asthma.

If you or your child has asthma, the first suggestion would be to consult with your physician to determine if cod liver oil is appropriate for you. There may be certain conditions under which you cannot use this oil, especially if you of your child have a pre-existing illness or have been taking medications which can interact with the oil.

Cod liver oil seems to help asthma patients and judging from the overall consensus in researching the relationship between the cause and effect of asthma, this may be an effective alternative.

As a child, you may remember receiving a spoonful of cod liver oil from your grandmother. While this “spoonful of sugar” didn’t necessarily help the “medicine go down”, it nonetheless was a remedy that was popular at that time. Today, the benefits of cod liver oil for dry skin are still considered worthwhile.

Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, D, and E which are derived from the liver of the cod. However, there are some manufacturers of cod liver oil who add Vitamin E in a synthetic form, while others use the original source of these vitamins contained in the liver of the cod.

Vitamin E helps in promoting healthy skin, while Vitamin A can prevent such skin conditions as acne and the like. Vitamin D helps to lower the toxicity found in Vitamin A. Since dry skin can results from a deficiency of Vitamin A, these three vitamins found in cod liver oil work in tandem to address the problem effectively.

Cod liver oil can be used as a topical agent or taken in capsule form. What are the benefits? When used topically, cod liver oil allows for the acceleration of healing and overall good skin. Taken orally, cod liver oil actually maintains the supple soft skin and may prevent aging skin signs such as “liver spots”. This oil also has been known to reduce the number of wrinkles on the skin as well.

While it is evident that the benefits of cod liver oil for dry skin are numerous, it should be noted that because this oil contains Vitamin A and D, that additional supplementation of these vitamins may cause side effects. Thus, pregnant women should consult their doctors before taking cod liver oil.

In addition, there has been recent news regarding high amounts of mercury found in fish. However, cod liver oil is tested for over 30 contaminants before it is made available to consumers. Further, cod liver oil does not contain mercury, which can only be found in fish and not the oil itself.

Finally, choosing the right cod liver oil may take a bit of research on your part as some companies utilize synthetic vitamins in the processing of this oil. There are well known brands of cod liver oil which you can find online or via your pharmacist that contain the appropriate amount of Vitamin A, D, and E.

With the crazy weather we have been having lately, most of which has probably contributed to dry skin, it is clear that cod liver oil not only helps prevent this condition but has been used for other ailments as well. Just ask grandma!

What is the difference between bee pollen and royal jelly extract? What benefits do they offer? Let’s do a little comparison on each.

Bee pollen is called the “food of life”. It contains 18 amino acids, vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorous, potassium, fatty acids, carbohydrates, rutin, and protein. Bee pollen is originally taken from plants, compressed into pellets, and extracted from beehives.

Royal jelly contains acetylocholine, which is a neurotransmitter that allows for the transmission of messages from nerve cell to nerve cell but, more importantly, has been shown to have a positive effect on memory loss which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It contains amino acids, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and is also considered a bee food.

Royal jelly is a substance produced by the worker bees that, in turn, is used to feed the queen bee. It serves to increase her growth and longevity. This is why queen bees are considerably larger and live longer than worker bees.

What are the benefits of bee pollen and royal jelly in human terms?

Bee pollen builds up the immune system in order to fight allergens. It can slow the aging process, reduce stress, and is very effective for those who wish to lose weight – or gain weight, whichever the case may be.

Individuals who have taken royal jelly extract assert that it provided improved memory function, overall good health, increased resistance to infections, lowered cholesterol, and prevented anemia as well as other chronic disorders. In general, they saw a significant improvement in their overall well-being.

It should be noted here that bee pollen was found to increase longevity among a group of people in the Russian mountains. Their average age is 125. So there seems to be some similarity between bee pollen and royal jelly in this regard.

Bee pollen has the ability to increase the production of blood cells in those who have anemia, prevents allergies, increases energy levels, builds up the immune system against allergens, and prevents infections; royal jelly plays a similar role in enhancing the immune system as well.

If one looks at the benefits of bee pollen and royal jelly and combines the two, clearly they both provide many of the elements needed to maintain a healthy life and, to a large degree, extend it as well. Bee pollen and royal extract is a combination that can’t be beat!

Witch hazel has been used for many generations to treat skin problems. It has even made its way into a number of mainstream skin products over the years, from respected companies such as Pond’s. Herbalists have also used it internally to treat some conditions, although there is some debate as to its safety when used internally.

Witch hazel’s pleasant fragrance and easy care makes it a popular shrub. It can also be found in various forms in herb shops. Here are five of the most popular uses for witch hazel:

1. Witch hazel can be used on sores, bruises and swelling. For this purpose, witch hazel is often used in a liquid astringent form. It can be applied several times a day to provide soothing relief to injuries.

2. Witch hazel’s antioxidant and astringent properties make it effective against acne. For the treatment of acne, witch hazel is also often used in its astringent form. It is gentle and non-drying to the skin, unlike many harsh acne medications found in drug stores.

3. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can be treated with witch hazel. These conditions are unsightly and painful, but witch hazel can soothe both the visible symptoms and the pain associated with them. These characteristics also make witch hazel a good option for sunburn. For these types of conditions, witch hazel may be better used in a cream preparation.

4. Witch hazel is a good choice for treating exposure to poison ivy. Witch hazel is gentle yet effective against the itching and swelling of the outbreaks that result from contact with the plant.

5. Witch hazel is effective against hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The herb’s anti-inflammatory properties can shrink hemorrhoids and bulging varicose veins. It can also provide relief from the pain associated with both conditions. Witch hazel is available in the form of pads for hemorrhoid relief, and these can also be used on the varicose veins if desired.

How Do I Use Witch Hazel?

If you’re growing your own witch hazel, you’ll need to make a tincture or tea out of witch hazel leaves. The tea is made by steeping 2 to 3 grams of witch hazel leaf in a cup of boiling water for about 15 minutes. Tincture is obtained by placing the bark in alcohol, allowing the alcohol to extract the beneficial oils of the plant.

Witch hazel can be found in stores in the form of astringent, medicated pads, creams, toners and facial washes. It can also be found in some shaving products due to its numbing properties.

Witch hazel is one of the most useful herbs in existence. It can treat a wide variety of skin conditions gently yet effectively. Used properly, it has few side effects.