Health Benefits of Sage

Sage is a herb that is native to the Mediterranean region and it is currently sold in most supermarkets. It can be used as an ingredient in dishes but it is mostly used in beverages. It is an antioxidant, which makes it good at helping the body fight off the effects of free radicals. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties and it is good at treating sore throat, inflammation and infection of the mouth and throat, gingivitis, profuse sweating, hot flashes associated with menopause, indigestion, fevers, nervous exhaustion, lactation, migraine headaches, and high blood sugar. It has memory enhancing benefits and it can be used to treat cold and flu. It is good at treating bronchitis because it can cause you to sweat, which can help to relieve the body of toxins.

Sage tea can be made by adding one teaspoon of sage to one cup of boiling water and letting it steep in a covered cup for 15 to 30 minutes. Adding honey can make the tea taste better. A compress scan be made out of sage tea by dipping a cloth into the tea and placing the cloth on the appropriate area, such as the forehead to treat migraine headaches, the abdominal area to treat cramps or other digestive problems, or over cuts or sores to make them heal faster and provide relief. For a sore throat or to clear up sinuses, make a cup of regular-strength sage tea.

Health Benefits of Thyme

Thyme is a herb that is native southern Europe and western Asia. It has many benefits and has been used for thousands of years to preserve food. It is now cultivated commercially in many parts of the world. Thyme contains an essential oil that is rich in thymol, which is a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, and strong antioxidant.

Thyme is good at treating colds and it is commonly used in cough drops. It is also used in mouthwashes to treat inflammation in the mouth and throat infections. It has expectorant and bronchial antispasmodic properties that make it good at treating acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

Thyme is also good at easing menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms. It is effective at treating wounds, ulcers, and abscesses. It can help digestion and remove mucus from the intestinal tract. Thyme teat can be made by adding one teaspoon of crushed thyme to a half cup of boiling water, letting it steep for 10 minutes, and then straining it. It can be sweetened by adding honey.

New Plate Weighing Scale to Help Fight Obesity

A new device has been created by the scientists at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute to help fight childhood obesity. It is called a Mandometer and the device has an electronic scale that would sit under the plate and weigh the remaining food as the meal is eaten. Next to the device would be a small screen that would show a graph indicating the rate that the food is being eaten. The line on the graph would be matched against an ideal graph of consumption. If there is too much deviation from the ideal graph, the computer will make a spoken request for the eater to slow down. The concept of the device is to train overweight people to eat less and more slowly to help them feel full without overeating.

Researchers at the Bristol Royal Hospital for children and the University of Bristol in Western England did a test on 106 obese patients aged between nine and seventeen years old. The patients used the Mandometer, exercised 60 minutes a day, and followed a healthy diet for a year and had successful results. The Mandometer helped the patient’s portion sizes to be smaller by the end of the study and caused a reduction in the speed of eating by 11 percent. The Mandometer gives the best results when used in conjunction with exercise and a healthy diet.

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.

Health Benefits of Eucalyptus

The Eucalyptus tree is native to Australia but it can also be found growing in subtropical regions around the world. Its medicinal properties come from its oil, which can be extracted from the fresh leaves, branch tips, and dried leaves. It was commonly used by Australian aborigines to cure and relieve fevers. It is commonly sold as a supplement or an ingredient in over-the-counter products. It has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, and warming properties that makes it good at treating runny nose, asthma, sinusitis, burns, cuts, abrasions, scrapes, boils, wounds, sores, cavities, dental plaque, gingivitis, dental infections, cough, bronchitis, rheumatism, minor muscle aches and pains, nasal congestion, cold, flu, throat problems, pneumonia, respiratory infections, sore throat, and ulcers. It is very safe to use when taken in moderation but it is not wise for people suffering from kidney or liver problems or women who are pregnant to use it.

The supplements are good at treating cough, bronchitis, and rheumatism. When used as an ingredient in over-the-counter drugs, it is good at treating minor muscle aches and pains and for temporary relief of nasal congestion and coughs associated with cold. Tea prepared from Eucalyptus leaves can ease a sore throat when used as a gargle. When the oil is massaged into the chest, it can treat congestion and cough.

Looking Young May Cause Longer Living

A 2001 Danish study found that people who look younger than their age live a longer life on average. The test conducted physical and cognitive tests on more than 1,800 pairs of twins over the age of 70 and tracked how long the twins survived over 7 years. The test found that the people who looked younger than their age were more likely to survive, even after factors like gender and environment were adjusted.

There may be a possible biological reason. People who looked younger had longer telomeres, a DNA component that is linked to aging. People with shorter telomeres are assumed to age faster. In the study, the people with longer telomeres looked younger than their age.

Cure Colds with Echinacea

Echinacea is a herb that can reduce cold and flu symptoms, such as coughs, fever, and sore throat. It is good at shortening the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. It was commonly used by the North American Plains Indians for its general medicinal properties and has been used thought history to treat infections, wounds, scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisoning, and diphtheria. It works by stimulating the body's immune system to fight infections. A study done by the University of Connecticut has shown that it can cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half and cut the duration of a cold by 1.4 days. It is recommended to get 3 grams daily in tincture or capsule form starting at the first sign of symptoms.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the best products on the market that money could buy. It is an extract that comes from the leaves of an Australian tree and has been used Aboriginal tribes of Australia for thousands of years. In World War II, soldiers and sailors included it in their field kit to treat topical infections and infected wounds. It is good at treating pimples, acne, athletes foot, mouth sores, boils, corns, gingivitis, insect bites, psoriasis, minor cuts and scrapes, burns, dandruff, ringworm, rashes, itchy scalp, and fungal infections. It has antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. It is good at killing germs and fighting infections. It is best to buy pure tea tree oil.

Health Benefits of Avocados

Avocados are a fruit that are very rich in nutrients. They can grow in many different locations but are native to the Mesoamerican region. They contain folate, which helps to prevent heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. Folate also reduces the risk of certain birth defects, such as spina bifida, and is good for healthy cell and tissue development. They contain vitamin E, which is good at slowing down the aging process and protecting the body against heart disease and some forms of cancer.
Avocados even contain a toxin that can kill cancer cells. They contain monounsaturated fat, which lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol. Monounsaturated fat is also good for cognitive and visual development. They contain lutein, which protects the body against prostrate cancer and certain eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. The fruit can also be used to treat skin disorders and to heal people who suffer from digestive and circulatory problems. They are high in oleic acid, which is good for preventing breast cancer.

Avocados contain many minerals that are important for good health. They contain potassium, calcium, vitamin C and K, folic acid, copper, sodium, and dietary fibers. Potassium is good for regulating blood pressure. Sodium is good for reducing the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Aid Weight Loss with Calcium

Calcium is found to be good at helping weight loss. It is good at reducing hunger and studies have shown that calcium stored in fat cells in the body play an important role in regulating how fat is stored and broken down by the body. More calcium in a fat cells means more fat will be burned. It is also assumed that when a person is calcium deficient, the brain detects this and compensates by telling your body that it needs food, which works against someone who is trying to lose weight. A research found that when women who were calcium-deficient took a supplement, they lost 4 times more weight than women who didn't take a calcium supplement. Foods that are rich in calcium include low-fat yogurt, milk, beans, and dark leafy greens.

Boost Metabolism with Milk

Drinking milk is good for increasing metabolism to lose weight. It helps by building lean muscle and has nutrients that can repair tiny muscle tears. It also replenishes electrolytes so that you feel refreshed. Milk is a good source of calcium, which is good at building strong healthy bones. It is best to drink low-fat or fat-free milk.

Naturally Improve Your Vision

Lutein is a natural plant pigment and antioxidant that is good at improving eyesight. It is found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, peas, broccoli, egg yolks, and corn. Lutein is good at protecting and strengthening the eyes. It accumulates in the macular region of the retina in the eye and acts like internal sunglasses since it filters out the sun's ultraviolet rays. The antioxidant property of it helps to maintain cells and tissues for good health. A study done by the North Chicago VA Medical Center found that patients with age-related macular degeneration improved their vision significantly after taking 12mg of lutein each day for a year.

Naturally Lower Blood Pressure with Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that is found in clams, poultry, and in almost every fruit and vegetable. It is found abundantly in potatoes, dried peaches, avocados, and bananas. It is good at lowering and controlling blood pressure. There are potassium supplements that can be used, but it is better to obtain potassium through foods. Too much potassium can be harmful for older people, because kidneys are less effective at removing potassium from the blood as a person ages. It is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking an over-the-counter potassium supplement.

Treat Urinary Incontinence with Weight Loss

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional release of urine and it affects more than 13 million women in the United States. Obesity is a common risk factor for urinary incontinence. A research study done by the University of Alabama-Birmingham found that overweight women who lost just 3 pounds cut the amount of leaks due to urinary incontinence by 28 percent. Women who lost 17 pounds cut the amount of leakage by 47 percent.

Fight Dementia with Coffee

A Swedish study has found that when middle-aged adults drank 3 to 5 cups of caffeinated coffee each day, they were 65 to 70% less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease later in life when compared to people who drank 2 or less cups each day. Coffee offers protection against the diseases by containing magnesium, antioxidants, and caffeine. It is also assumed that coffee decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes, which can contribute to dementia.

Reduce Salt to Cut Heart Disease

It is found that reducing salt in your diet can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease. Just reducing salt intake by 1 gram everyday would cause 25,000 less cases of heart disease and 200,000 less deaths in the United States in a decade. A study showed that when people lowered their sodium intake by 25% to 30%, they had a 25% reduction in heart disease and stroke risk 10 years later when compared to people who ate their usual diet. It is recommended to eat less than 2,300mg of salt per day and it is recommended that middle-aged and older adults and people with high blood pressure have less than 1,500mg of salt each day in their diet.

A New Better Botox

This a new product called Dysport that is suppose to be better than Botox. It has been FDA approved to treat facial lines and cervical dystonia. It temporarily restricts the muscle actions that cause creasing and frown lines. It suppose to be better than Botox because it lasts approximately 4 months instead of 3 days and works faster. Dysport is made from the same active ingredient as Botox, called Clostridium botulinim toxin type A. It is also similar to Botox in that it is injected into the skin at the site of forehead wrinkles. There are side effects, such as nose and throat irritation, headache, pain and skin reaction at the injection site, upper respiratory tract infection, eyelid swelling and drooping, sinus inflammation, and nausea.

Prevent Cavities with Apples

The popular saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" may be true or at least they can keep cavities away. Apples increase the flow of saliva, which washes away sugars from food and reduces bacteria buildup. Saliva is good at decreasing mouth acidity and washing away food particles.

Natural Ways to Treat Allergies

There are many natural ways to reduce and prevent allergy symptoms without the use of medications. There are vitamins, herbs, foods, drinks, and easy common things that you can do at home so that you don't have to suffer from allergies.

There are several vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies that are good at relieving allergy symptoms and strengthening the immune system. Vitamin B5, vitamin A, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help to relieve allergy symptoms, such as congestion, coughs, and runny nose. Quercetin is a plant compound that can be found in foods, such as onions, apples, and citrus fruits, that can prevent the secretion of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that the body produces during an allergic reaction that causes sneezing and other symptoms. Butterbur is a herb that is good at relieving hay fever symptoms. Licorice root, astragalus, and capsicum are also good at curing allergy symptoms.

There are foods and drinks that can be used to easy allergy symptoms. Spicy foods, such as hot ginger, cayenne pepper, onion, and garlic, can help to reduce mucous secretion, which can help to clear nasal passages. Honey can be used to help allergies. Taking 1 or 2 teaspoons of locally grown natural honey before the allergy season starts helps the body to get used to pollen before the allergy season is full blown and helps the immune system. Teas such as green tea and Mint Medley herbal tea work well to ease congestion.

There are easy things that can done at home that can help allergies. Cleaning carpets, bedsheets, floors, and curtains at least once a week reduces pollen and allergy in your home. Dust mites are another cause of allergies that are commonly found in bedding, carpets, and pet dander. It is good to wash bedding in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer to kill dust mites. It is also a good idea to enclose mattresses, box springs, and pillows in airtight zipped plastic or special allergy proof plastic. Using an air conditioner can help to clean, recirculate, and dehumidify the air.

Giving pets a regular bath can help to reduce allergies. Washing your hair regularly can help to reduce allergies because hair can hold a lot of pollen when you go outside. Wearing sunglasses when you go outside can reduce the amount of pollen entering the eyes. Nasal Rinses are very effective at removing the pollen stuck in the nasal passages. Doing a nasal rise will drain out some bacteria and mucous and help to reduce allergies.