5 Natural Ways To Relieve Headaches and Migraines

Posted on 05/06/2013 by sbonham

Have you ever felt like the only person in your family or group of friends that gets headaches? I have. Surprisingly, it is a lot more common than you would think. An estimated 15% of the population of America actually gets headaches once a week – that’s 40 million Americans!

There two main types of headaches- tension headaches and migraines. An estimated 90% of headaches are tension headaches (begin in the back of the neck or head and spread outward, with a dull non-throbbing pain). The other the other 10% are of the horrible kind – migraines, cluster headaches and caffeine withdrawal hadaches. These 10% are a direct result of the opening and closing of blood vessels in the head that set off pain.

So how does one naturally reduce headaches? Easy, through diet! Below are the top ten natural ways to reduce headaches.

1) Bay Leaves

Bay contains a compound known as parthenolides that are extremely useful in preventing migraines. Basically the parthenolides in the bay leaves inhibit serotonin release from blood cells. So next time when you make a soup, just throw a few bay leaves in it.

2) Feverfew

It’s been more than 10 years now since feverfew helped me with migraines. When reflecting on the medical literature, feverfew seems to work for about two-thirds of those who use it consistently. Furthermore, studies in the British Medical Journal agree that taking feverfew regularly prevents migraine attacks.

3) Willow Bark

This miracle tree was also previously discussed in Eco-Savy’s article on Natural Pain Relief Supplements. It basically contains an active ingredient called “salicin” which was originally used to make aspirin (of course today Aspirin is 100% synthesized- surprise, surprise).

Will Bark is so effective, that in Germany the government endorses willow bark as an effective pain reliever for headaches. Specifically the German Commission E recommends getting between 60-120 mg of salicin to treat a headache which is equivalent to 1 tsp. of the high-salicin bark or 1-1.5 tea spoons of white willow bark. Even more crazy is that 86% of the salicin in willow bark is absorbed by the digestive extract, providing a good blood level of the chemical for several hours.

Benefits of Tumeric

Posted on 02/06/2013 by sbonham

Want to find a more natural cure for digestion, circulation, arthritis and your overall health? Well, it probably already exists in your home! It’s called Turmeric…you know, that BRIGHT YELLOW HERB that probably has been sitting there for a while?

Benefits of Tumeric

The benefits of turmeric are endless. It has been used for centuries and is actually considered an ancient herb. Today it is often prescribed by naturalpathic doctors to treat everything from digestion, arthritis, skin conditions, circulation, liver ailments and to increase health of the brain.

Why is Tumeric Powder good for you?

Turmeric health benefits are a result of the antioxidant called curcuminoids. Curcuminoids key benefits are that it (1) eases inflammation (2) eases stomach pain (3) stimulates the secretion of bile and (4) kills bacteria.

Limitations of Turmeric

The only limitations of turmeric, as many herbs on your spice rack, is that it is not as concentrated or as easily absorbed by your body when compared to the turmeric in quality supplements.

DON’T LOSE HOPE THOUGH! SCIENTISTS HAVE DEVELOPED A SOLUTION IN A SUPPLEMENT CALLED THERACUMIN!

Where to Buy Quality Turmeric Supplements?

To increase the absorption in your body of turmeric and thus health benefits, scientists have taken this potent herb and created a really incredible supplement called Theracurmin. What’s so great about theracurmin? The particle size.

The average curcumin particle size is more than 100 times smaller than particles of curcumin powder alone. These microscopic particles are obtained by mixing curcumin powder with all-natural emulsifiers, including gum from the Indian ghatti tree. The mixture is ground to an extremely fine state, then the particles are dispersed evenly through the emulsifiers and kept in suspension so the curcumin is easily absorbed by the digestive tract. As a result, the level of curcumin antioxidant that is actually absorbed is much greater.

Scientific Studies: Benefits of Turmeric

In a research study using healthy human volunteers, scientists were each given an oral dose of 30mg of curcumin powder (Sasaki) and 30mg of Theracurmin at different time periods. The bio-availablility was analyzed and found to be 27 times higher for Theracumin.

Researchers from Michigan State University, also published a study in the Journal of Biological Chemistry showing that curcumin helps prevent abnormal protein formation, thus supporting neurological communications. Ultimately this may help prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. Curcuminoids, especially in this highly absorbable form found in Theracumin supplements, may be able to cross the blood-brain barrier to influence biochemical reactions in the brain.

Questions for Eco-Savy readers. Fill out in Comment Box Below.

So have you every tried Theracumin? Eco-Savy encourages its readers to write about turmeric and wants to promote discussion on the benefits of this herb and your health. For example, have you ever used this herb to help with any health problems such as digestion, circulation, arthritis? Have you found another natural herb that helps just as much?

We look forward to your comments.

Natural Pain Relief Supplements

Posted on 21/05/2013 by sbonham

So many of us are so caught up on the “Tylenol” marketing bandwagon, that we have been trained not to even think of possible alternative remedies when we have a headache, cramps or inflammation. Believe it or not, there are some great natural alternatives for your pain, if you ever want to avoid the litany of drugstore painkillers polluting our waterways. Here are a few your might want to consider:

White Willow Bark: This bark contains “salicin” which was originally used to make aspirin (of course today Aspirin is 100% synthesized- surprise, surprise). It is also known as an “herbal aspirin” and is really good for headaches, pain relief, muscle aches, cramps as well as lowering fever. Most children are not allowed to take antibiotics when sick (or doctors don’t give it out very readily), so this could even be a more diluted solution for when your little-one is sick.

Turmeric: Ever wonder what this spice is good for besides in “curry”??? Well it actually is considered an anti-carcinogenic root and can do incredible work reducing inflammation throughout your body. It is also a mild blood thinner and is currently being tested on everything from Alzheimer’s to HIV. You can even add black pepper to your turmeric in cooking to bump up its bio-availability thanks to the piperine in there. If you are like me at hate the taste of turmeric, you can buy a natural turmeric extract called BCM-95. What is great about BCM -95…maybe even eat this after you have sprinkled some black pepper on your breakfast to increase its absorption.

Capsaicin: Otherwise known as cayenne pepper cream desensitizes pain receptors called C-fibres and really helps to reduce nerve and muscle pain on contact. I warn you, though, to keep this cream away from your eyes and mucous membranes: it’ll burn a lot!

Have you heard of any natural supplements that work miracles for you? Eco-Savy would love to hear about them! Looking forward to hearing your comments.

Natural Weight Loss Secret: Spices

Posted on 10/05/2013 by sbonham

Next time you want a more natural, eco-friendly, healthy alternative to loosing a few pounds, forget buying weight-loss supplements or killing yourself at the gym.

New research in the journal called Flavour shows that breathing in strong aroma’s from spices such as rosemary and peppermind prior to eating can actually help you eat 5 to 10% less of a meal.

The author of the article, Dr. Rene de Wijk (Ph.D) from Wageningen University in the Netherlands says that “people may unconsciously take smaller bites to regulate the amount of flavour.”

PEPPERMINT was one of the first natural ingredients that was tested for weight loss in association with aroma. The best study I came across was conducted at the Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia by Bryan Raudenbush.

In another study involving peppermint, a scientist by the name of Bryan had asked 40 participants (large enough group to avoid bias) to sniff peppermint every two hours for five days. In the remaining five days a placebo was given to them. I am guessing the placebo was a scent very similar to peppermint, but lacked the distinct chemical makeup to be considered “peppermint”. The results were astounding. Overall, in the week that the participants sniffed peppermint, a total of 1,800 less calories were consumed.

“A large part of the reason that you feel full is your brain interpreting that you’ve smelled it and tasted it,” said Dr. Hirsch, a neurologist, psychiatrist and the founder of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago.

GRAPEFRUIT has also been extremely popular over the years for people trying to loose weight… AND now, there is scientific evidence that it does work. Researchers at Vanderbilt University have conducted a study investigating the effects of grapefruit on weight loss when the fruit is consumed as a “pre-load” before a meal. Grapefruit was selected for the study because of its reputation for facilitating weight loss. The study revealed that grapefruit, whether consumed in a solid or liquid form, demonstrated a measurable weight loss effect in participants, as well as providing other benefits.

Continue reading →

Nanoparticles and Doughnuts!

Posted on 05/05/2013 by sbonham

Trying to be more eco-friendly, sustainable and healthier can be hard in a world surrounded by so much temptation. No matter how healthy one tries to be, sometimes we have to cheat and grab a mouth-watering powdered donut filled with whatever our heart desires. But what if that doughnut had harmful chemicals that were one-billionth of a nanometer that could potentially be harmful to your health. Would you still want it then? Most definitely not!!!

Nanoparticles in Food

In a new report, As You Sow, an environmental health group found particle of titanium dioxide less than 10 nanometers in size in the powdered sugar coating on donuts from Dunkin’ and Hostess. The group argues that nanoparticles have no business in any kind of food until safety testing is done.

There is a huge lack of transparency occurring right now in the food industry about nano-particles in food and no one is willing to talk. Indeed, it is reported that nanotechnology is already being used in food and food related products, but again, due to lack of transparency on the issue, no one knows any details as to how much nano materials are being used.

What are nanoparticles?

I am sure you have heard of nanoparticles or nanotechnology by now. They are engineered, small particles that are roughly one-billionth of a meter in diameter (50 000 times smaller than the width of a human hair). We hear about these particles in the spotlight for medical technology, 3D printing and a wide array of technological advancements…but NOT IN OUR FOOD!

It is reported that nanotechnology is already being used in food and food related products but, due to the food industry’s lack of transparency on the issue, concrete information about whether, and how much, nanomaterials are being used in food products is difficult to obtain.

Nanoparticles and Health?

Many want to know how these particles if ingested will affect ones health. Their small size makes them more readily accepted into cells within our bodies, as well as allowing them to travel throughout of bloodstream faster than larger particles.

Currently noone knows the longterm effects of nanoparticles on our health. However, considering these particles have been ubiquitous in suscreens, lotions and other personal care products for a while and noone has raised serious concern, they are likely to pose a more longterm problems and are considered benign in the short-term.

With regards to titanium dioxide, the affect it has on our health hasn’t been studied long enough to have concrete answers, but one scientist found that the inhalation of highly insoluble titanium dioxide nanoparticles ~20 nanometers in diameter (note: the ones found in Dunkin Doughnuts were even SMALLER) resulted in significantly increased pulmonary inflammatory responses. With further investigation that same scientist found titanium dioxide nanoparticles were capable of penetrating through the skin and even into cellls, forming free radicals (often linked to cancer) and causing intracellular damage. Additionally, another sceintist by the name of Dr. Kreilgaard even suggested that very small titanium dioxide particles (~20 nm) could penetrate into skin and interact with the immune system.

So if you eat doughnuts frequently, maybe think of an alternative snack or get a doughnut that isn’t sprinkles with powder next time.

References

Oberdo¨ rster, G. (2001). Pulmonary effects of inhaled ultrafine particles. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 74, 1-8.