Health Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint is a herb that is native to the Mediterranean region and has a distinct flavor and medicinal properties. A long time ago the leaves of the herb was used to crown luminaries in ancient Greece and Rome. It is good at treating tension headaches, indigestion, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, muscle pain, upset stomach, reducing heartburn, dissolving and preventing gallstones, fighting bad breath, clearing congestion and cough related to cold and allergies, reducing stress, and controlling mild asthma.

Peppermint is good at dispelling gas, bloating, and intestinal cramps in the digestive system. It can have a temporary pain-relieving effect on muscles and organs that are cramped or spasming. It can be used topically for cooling and relaxing the skin.

Peppermint has B vitamins that improve concentration and performance in the brain and nerves. Peppermint tea can be prepared by blending 1/2 ounce of peppermint leaves and 1/4 ounce of camellia leaves together. Use one teaspoon of the mixture per each cup of tea. Blend the mixture and boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes and then strain.

Broken Heart Syndrome

Broken heart syndrome is a temporary condition that is often confused with having a heart attack. The symptoms are similar, such as shortness of breath and chest pain. It mostly affects middle-aged and elderly women and is often caused by emotional or physical stress. The condition is almost never fatal, causes no long term heart damage, and usually doesn't reoccur.

Symptoms of the condition occur when stress causes your body to be flooded with catecholamine hormones. Blood pressure and heart rate increase. There is also a sudden and temporary weakening of the mycardium. A bulging out of the left ventricular apex with a hypercontractile base of the left ventricle of the heart often happens.

The condition is commonly referred to as stress cardiomyopathy, stress-induced cardiomyopathy, or apical ballooning syndrome. Symptoms can be prevented by reducing anxiety before it increases. It is different from a heart attack because a heart attack is caused by blocked arteries and broken heart syndrome is caused by a surge of adrenaline and other hormones. One to two percent of patients who are diagnoses with a heart attack are actually experiencing the condition.

Slow Aging with Tea

White tea is good at slowing down the aging process of the body. It has ingredients that are effective at boosting the immune function of skin cells and protecting them against the damaging effects of the sun. It also has an extract that protects the skin from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress of the skin causes a breakdown in cellular strength and function. The extract has antioxidant properties that make it very effective. Antioxidants rid the body of free radicals that speed up the aging process. White tea has a high amount of the antioxidant called catechin, which is believed to help prevent stroke, diabetes, cancer, and heart failure.

In a study done on 21 different plant extracts, scientists have found that white tea was better than all of the other botanicals at stalling the activity of the enzymes that wear down elastin and collagen, which are two proteins that help to prevent wrinkles. Elastin helps maintain the elasticity of the skin, lungs, and arteries. Collagen is commonly found in the connective tissue and it is important for the strength and elasticity of the skin.

White tea also has anti-viral and antibacterial properties. It has a considerable amount of both caffeine and the amino acid theorine, both have mood enhancing qualities.

Ease Stress with Scents

It is found that the scents of lavender, lemon, orange, grape, mango, and basil are good at easing stress. They all contain linalool, which is a chemical that can offset the effects of stress. Linalool has a calming effect on the limbic center of the brain, which is involved in processing emotions.

Lavender is a good scent that is good at aiding relaxation and reducing anxiety. Lavender oil can be used to treat pain from tension headache when it is breathed in as a vapor or diluted and rubbed on the skin. When it is added to a vaporizer, it can help to treat cough and respiratory infection. The scent of lemon has shown in studies to enhance mood and ease stress and depression. Basil can help to ease depression and relieve headaches and migraines.

Health Benefits of Licorice

Licorice is a flavorful herb that has been used for food and medicinal purposes for thousands of years to treat several illness from the common cold to liver disease. It grows wild in some parts of Europe and Asia and usually grows 3 to 7 feet high. Licorice roots are brown on the outside and yellow on the inside and contain a compound that is nearly 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice supplements are made from the roots and underground stems of the plant. Licorice candy that is commonly sold in stores is flavored with licorice root extract and is considered a healthier snack choice because it contains almost no fat per serving.

Licorice is considered a demulcent because of its soothing and coating properties. It is considered an expectorant because it can remove phlegm and mucous from the respiratory tract. It is commonly used by health care professionals to relieve respiratory ailments, allergies, bronchitis, colds, sore throat, tuberculosis, stomach problems, heartburn from reflux, inflammatory disorders, skin diseases, stress relief, hepatitis, and liver problems.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small shallow ulcers in the mouth that can be caused due to issues, such as stress, tissue injury, a virus, irritation to spicy foods, or biting the inside of the mouth. There are foods, such as citrus and acidic fruits and vegetables, that can cause canker sores. To prevent canker sores it is recommended to brush your teeth regularly to keep the mouth free from irritants, avoid foods that cause irritation in the mouth, especially acidic and spicy foods, and avoid irritation from chewing gum. Hard and crunchy food can also cause canker sores.

The sores usually go away without any treatment but there are over the counter products that can provide temporary relief and healing. If the sores are unusually large, are spreading, last longer than three weeks, won't go away, cause high fevers, or the pain doesn't allow you to drink enough fluids, then it is recommended to visit a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to prescribe a medication that can help.

The Health Benefits of Clove Oil

Clove is a plant that is originally from the lowlands, valleys, and hillsides of the southern Phillipine islands. It has been used for centuries for medicinal and homeopathic properties. It is full of minerals, such as calcium, hydrochloric acid, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Clove oil is commonly extracted from the the flower of the clove and it can be used to treat toothaches, indigestion, cough, asthma, headaches, stress, blood impurities, bronchitis, muscle aches, sprains, arthritis, and rheumatism. Many of the benefits of clove oil is due to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, and stimulating properties.

Good Ways to Ease Stress and Fatigue

Stress can trigger a surge in hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause fatigue, headaches, or back pain. There are foods and drinks that can be used to ease stress.

Carbohydrates are good at easing stress. They can boost the levels of serotonin in the brain and make you feel calmer. Serotonin is a chemical that controls the stress management system in the brain.

Dark chocolate contains high levels of caffeine and theobromine, which can improve mood and energy levels. Chocolate can have an affect on the levels of endorphins released into the brain that can ease pain and stress. It also contains tryptophan, which is a chemical that causes the release of serotonin.

It is found that combining caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, both which are present in tea, can decrease mental fatigue and improve alertness, reaction time, and memory. Black tea can help to ease stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol.

Best Ways to Naturally Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition where blood pressure levels are above a normal range. An adult is considered to have high blood pressure if if their blood pressure is 140 mm Hg systolic pressure and/or 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure or higher. There are several ways of lowering blood pressure without using medication. The safest and most effective ways to lower blood pressure would include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, reducing stress, and eating a diet that is low in salt and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

There are certain vitamins and minerals that can help lower blood pressure. Vitamin C can help lower blood pressure in people that have mild or moderate hypertension. It is recommended for women to get 75 mg each day and men to get 90 mg each day. Vitamin C can be obtained through eating fruits, such as oranges, or taking supplements. Magnesium can also be taken in supplement form to relax muscles to help lower blood pressure. It is recommended to take 400 mg of magnesium.

Herbs can also be used to lower blood pressure. It is found that a red flowered species of hibiscus, called H. sabdariffa, is very effective in lowering blood pressure. A study in 2004 showed that people who drank 2 cups of hibiscus tea each day for 4 weeks lowered their diastolic blood pressure by 12 percent.

Exercise Encourages Wellness

A recent research has shown that a single 20 minute exercise session each week can reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and increase happiness and energy levels. Researchers have also found that almost any type of physical activity, including housework, yard work, and brisk walking could help to decrease levels of mental distress.

Anger is Connected to Healing

It is found that anger problems and the inability to control anger can slow down the recovery period of an injury. This is caused because of increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can suppress the immune system, when a person is angry. It is best to try to have a good control over these feelings if a person is going through a healing period.

Coffee Can Cause Miscarriages

A recent study found that pregnant women that drink more than one cup of coffee a day are at risk of having a miscarriage. Even a small amount can be very dangerous. Two hundred milligrams of caffeine, the equivalent of two cups of regular coffee, can double the risk of having a miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. Caffeine decreases blood flow to the placenta and stresses the metabolism of the fetus. It is recommended that a pregnant woman doesn’t have any caffeine in her diet.

Cell Phones Causing Sleeping Problems

It is found that the mild radiation that a brain receives from a cell phone can cause a person to have problems falling asleep. A study also found that people that were exposed to mobile phone radiation just before trying to go to sleep had higher risks when it came to having insomnia and headaches. The same people also had more trouble reaching a state of deep sleep and they couldn’t stay in deep sleep as long as people who weren’t being exposed to cell phone radiation.

It is assumed that mobile phone radiation causes changes in the areas of the brain responsible for activating and coordinating the stress system. It is recommended not to talk on a cell phone soon before going to bed.

Protect Yourself Against Heart Damage

There are many factors that cause heart damage and many things that can be done to protect a person against it. Things that can affect heart damage include oral health, sleep habits, marriage, family history, and the area where you live.

Studies have found a link between heart diseased and gum disease. It is assumed that bacteria in the mouth penetrate damaged gums, enter the bloodstream, and cause inflammation. It also increases in plaque in the arteries that go to the heart. There is evidence that keeping your mouth healthy can cut the risk of heart disease. Intensive periodontal treatment can cause an improvement in cells lining blood vessels throughout the body, which causes a better and healthier blood flow to the heart. It is recommended to brush teeth twice each day, floss each day, and go to the dentist every six months for regular cleanings.

People that get five hours of sleep or less each night are twice as likely to develop high blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for heart disease. When people don’t get enough sleep, their average daily blood pressure and heart rate increases. Not getting enough sleep can also increase the risks of obesity, depression, and diabetes, which are all factors that can increase the chances of developing heart disease. Studies have shown that getting enough sleep each night can lower blood pressure.

If there is constant strain and stress in a relationship, your risk of having a heart attack increases up to 34 percent. A lot of anger and stress can cause a flood of hormones that causes the heart to beat faster and pump harder, causing higher blood pressure and more wearing on the cardiac blood vessels. People in a bad marriage are more likely to eat poorly, drink alcohol more, and smoke, which are things that are bad for the heart.

Family history can increase risks of heart disease. A family history of early heart attack can double the risk of coronary calcification, which is a buildup of calcium in blood vessels that is connected to heart disease, in people between the ages of 30 and 50. Women are more likely to have multiple risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Exercising and eating healthy can still decrease the risks even if there is a family history of heart disease.

People that live in more deprived neighborhoods that don’t have sidewalks, walking trails, and parks have a 20 percent higher risk of heart disease regardless of how rich or educated a person is. These neighborhoods discourage walking and exercise and usually encourage unhealthy eating since they are more likely to have more fast-food restaurants and convenience stores. Something can be done by petitioning officials to add more sidewalks and lights.

Acupuncture Could Increase Pregnancy Chances

A recent study says that acupuncture could possible improve the chances of conceiving if the treatment is done right before or after embryos are in the womb. Acupuncture treatments involve placing thin needles at certain points on the body to try to control pain and reduce stress levels. Using this treatment as a fertility treatment, it is assumed that it would increase the blood flow to the uterus, relax the cervix, and inhibit the “fight or flight” stress hormones that can make it harder for an embryo to implant itself. The study found that the odds of conceiving went up 65 percent for the women who were given the treatment.

Music Therapy for Good Health

Research has shown that good music can be good for your health. It can dull pain, release stress, lower blood pressure, better your mood, and cure insomnia. There are certified music therapists that treat heart disease, asthma, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases using music therapy.

Researchers found that listening to music for an hour each day can decrease 20 percent of your pain. It can also decrease the need for pain medication before and after surgery. This music therapy works by stimulating the release of pain-masking endorphins in the brain.

Brain music therapy can help insomnia. People suffering from insomnia who listened to classical piano created in response to their own brain waves improved their sleep quality in only 4 weeks. This type of therapy boots the levels of melatonin, which is a brain chemical that is linked to sleeping.

Music therapy can also help depression. Music can decrease depression symptoms by up to 25 percent. Researchers found that listening to New Age music decreased the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and classical music lowered blood pressure. Another study found that listening to your favorite workout songs during exercise can fight off fatigue so that you can workout longer and won’t feel so drained afterwards.

Relaxation Can Lower Cholesterol

Staying calm during stressful situations can help to maintain or to raise the levels of HDL cholesterol, which is the good cholesterol. Researchers from Oregon State University surveyed 716 men and found that the men who stayed calm during stressful situations had higher levels of HDL than men who became angry or wanted to be along during stressful situations. The men that got angry also had higher levels of triglycerides, which are blood fats. The same effects happen in women.

A person that has anger control problems can learn self-control techniques, such as taking time to slowly and deeply breathe when feeling angry.

Stress Weakens Teeth

In Brazil, 14 tests were done that showed that stressed-out people have a higher risk of periodontal disease. Also, increased levels of the stress hormone, called cortisol, might have a negative effect on the immune system and allow bacteria to invade the gums. You can lower stress levels by exercising and sleeping more.

Sweet Snacks Help Stress

It is reported that eating sugary foods when you are stressed can help you relax. Glucocorticoid is released during times of physical or mental stress. Too much glucocorticoid production can cause obesity and a decreased immune response. Research has found that when sweet snacks or drinks were consumed, lower levels of glucocorticoid were produced, and stress levels were lowered. When you are feeling stressed or pressure, a snack in moderation could help you relax.