healthy body tips

Recently, I have been hearing a lot about neem oil as a natural treatment for severe skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Our Healthy Being Stores carries TheraNeem skin products and I decided to start using them in my natural skin care routine. I've been amazed by the texture and look of my skin and decided to find out the significant benefits behind this obscure product that reaches beyond skin care.

I've gotten more and more involved in Ayurvedic Medicne and Healing and Neem is deeply rooted in this practice. The antibacterial, antifungal & blood purifying properties of Neem are useful in skin disorders, dental health, diabetes management, immune support and even fighting cancer.

BENEFITS OF NEEM

• Useful as a tonic and astringent that promotes wound healing
• Has detoxifying benefits that help maintain healthy circulatory, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems
• Extract possesses anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties
• Beneficial in treating malarial fever and cutaneous diseases

All the parts of the plant and active principles and extracts possess a lot of significant pharmacological properties. Neem is bitter and alterative. It is used as a poultice in boils, is antiseptic, demulcent, a tonic in catarrhal affections, stomachic, stimulant. It is useful in snake bite, scorpion sting, hypoglycemic, in rheumatism, as an analgesic, antipyretic, sedative, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anthelmintic and in skin diseases. The tree stem, root and bark possess astringent, tonic, and antiperiodic properties. The bark is beneficial in malarial fever and useful in cutaneous diseases.

NEEM USES:

Psoriasis:

Sheryll Zenganeh the publisher of "Empress Press", a national newsletter for people with psoriasis and other serious skin conditions, has promoted the effectiveness of Neem. Sheryll suffered from Psoriasis for seventeen years before she came in contact with Neem. She stated in her newsletter that "today, thanks to Neem, my psoriasis is virtually gone and I now has soft, supple, youthful, gorgeous skin."

In clinical studies Neem extracts and oil were found to be as effective as coal tar and cortisone in treating psoriasis. However there were none of the usual side effects accompanying the use of Neem as there was with Coal tar and cortisone. When applied to the skin, Neem extracts and oil removed the redness and itching while improving the condition of the skin for the duration of the treatment.

Eczema:

In the case of eczema clinical studies demonstrate that even the application of weaker Neem leaf extracts effectively cured acute conditions of eczema, what to speak of the fresh cold pressed oil with its high concentration of active ingredients. Using a Soap or shampoo containing Neem oil can easily relieve the itching and redness of eczema. For specific areas of intensity on your skin apply Neem cream after bathing and/or shampooing with Neem oil products.

Acne:

Neem effectively kills the bacteria that cause Acne and studies prove that Neem will reduce inflammation, even the inflammation produced by Acne.

Skin problems in general:

Dry Skin, Wrinkles, Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, Skin Ulcers and Warts are other conditions that can be effectively resolved by the use of soaps, lotions, and creams, containing Neem leaf extracts and oil.

Neem's effectiveness against Periodontal Disease

Throughout India and South East Asia hundreds of millions of village people use Neem twigs and leaves to brush their teeth, and keep their gums free of disease and infection even though they have limited access to modern dental care. The ancient Ayurvedic practice of using Neem to heal and rejuvenate gum tissue and to prevent cavities and gum disease is verified in modern clinical studies.

Studies showed that Neem bark is more active then the leaves against certain bacteria and that Neem based tooth pastes and mouth washes significantly improved Pyorrhea, at various stages, in 70 patients. In another study Neem toothpaste prevented and even reversed gingivitis.

Neem’s effects on the immune system

I just mentioned how millions of people in India and Southeast Asia maintain excellent oral hygiene standards by brushing with Neem Twigs on a daily basis, there is however, another reason why these people brush with Neem twigs every morning. According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda the bark of the Neem tree will strengthen an individuals resistance to disease. Modern clinical studies have identified a number of compounds in the Neem tree that effectively regulate immune system functions.

Neem’s effects on degenerative disease’s

Neem touches the daily life of almost every Indian, from the poorest peasant who snaps off a twig to use as a toothbrush, to wealthier individuals who purchase manufactured neem-based toothpastes, soaps and medicines. Therefore, when manufacturers in India applied for government approval of a new neem capsule to be used to treat diabetes, it was granted in under 24 hours. After almost 4,500 years of almost continuous use, even the Indian equivalent of the FDA apparently believes that "anything from neem has to be good" (Larson, 1993).

Preparations from the leaves or oils of the tree are used as general antiseptics, according to a report of The National Research Council's Ad Hoc Panel of the Board on Science and Technology for International Development. Neem's function as a fungicide depends on the compounds gedunin and nimbidol in its leaf.

Diabetes:

Diabetes is still on the increase but effective management through diet and exercise is fast becoming the first line of treatment. In the ancient system of Ayurveda when an excess of one taste causes a disease the opposite taste is introduced into the diet with herbs and food to reduce the imbalance. Diabetes is a disease of excess sweetness so bitter herbs and foods must be used to counteract the imbalance. Neem being very bitter was often used to treat diabetes in Ayurveda. Modern clinical studies reveal that Neem has been effective in treating and preventing Diabetes.

Whether drinking a simple cup of tea out of the leaves or taking extracts of the Neem leaf, Neem significantly and consistently reduced insulin requirements for nonkeytonic, insulin fast, and insulin sensitive forms of Diabetes. Because of the numerous and successful clinical studies with Neem on Diabetes and it's long history of successful use in Ayurveda for the same purpose, the Indian equivalent of the FDA has approved the manufacture and sale of Neem tablets, by Pharmaceutical companies, for the treatment of Diabetes.

Arthritis:

Traditionally Ayurveda has recommended the use of Neem leaf, seed, and bark, for reducing arthritic pain and inflammation and for halting the progression of the disease as well. The use of Neem for these purposes has been confirmed by modern clinical studies.

The pain, inflammation, and swelling of the joints in arthritis can be greatly reduced by different compounds in Neem. In numerous clinical studies the polysaccharides and other compounds of Neem leaf extract have produced a reduction in the inflammation caused by arthritis. One of the major components in Neem seed, which has demonstrated a significant effect against arthritis, is nimbidin. Other components that possess anti-inflammatory properties are limonoids and catechin.

There are several reasons why the compounds in Neem work so well. It appears that these compounds make a number of adjustments to various mechanisms in the body, which explains their anti-inflammatory effects. There is an inhibition in the release of mediators of acute inflammation, an antihistaminic effect, and a modification in the functioning of the immune system response. This last effect is extremely important. Neem's ability to change the way the immune system responds to arthritis, by reducing the generation of inflammation producing chemicals, may also be the reason why it halts the progress of the disease and why it may hold the promise of an actual cure.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects there are several leaf compounds like the above mentioned polysaccharides, catechin, and limonoids, which are clinically proven to be more potent than aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in decreasing prostaglandin synthetase and the pain it causes.

Rheumatism:

Rheumatism or Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause serious pain and inflammation. Modern medicine uses strong drugs like phenyl butazone and cortisone to relive the pain and inflammation of Rheumatism, however these drugs can cause many uncomfortable side effects. Clinical studies have conclusively demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activities of various compounds in Neem leaves are equally as effective as phenyl butazone and cortisone.

In addition to relieving pain and inflammation the active constituents in Neem leaves are clinically proven to inhibit the prostaglandin mechanism, that causes pain, more effectively than aspirin. In the same study Neem significantly reduced acute paw edema as well. The consumption of Neem Leaf capsules and the topical application of slightly warmed Neem cream can help to alleviate the pain and inflammation of this condition.

Chronic Fatigue:

There are two schools of thought on what causes of Chronic Fatigue.

Some are convinced that it is related to the Epstein Barr virus others believe that it is related to the candida albicans fungus. In either case Neem extracts have been proven clinically effective against both the virus and the fungus that are the suspected causes of Chronic Fatigue. Because the immune system becomes compromised in Chronic Fatigue Neem’s ability to enhance the immune response on a cellular level enhances its usefulness for this condition.

Cancer:

For centuries in India and Southeast Asia Ayurvedic practitioners and herbalists have successfully used Neem to reduce tumors. Clinical research performed in Europe and India using the polysaccharides and limonoids found in Neem bark, leaves, and seeds demonstrated some remarkable effects against cancers. These compounds not only reduced tumors and cancers but were also effective against lymphocytic leukemia. An amazing reduction in tumor size was reported when Neem extracts were injected around the tumors.

Others:

Heart Disease:Including high blood pressure, blood clots, cholesterol, and Arrhythmia/rapid heart beat.
Blood Disorders: Including poor circulation, blood poisoning, and kidney problems.
Digestive Disorders: Including heartburn/indigestion, peptic/duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and hemorrhoids.
Nervous Disorders: Including anxiety, epilepsy, and hives.

Tuberculosis, Bronchitis, Conjunctivitis, Allergies, Bad Breath, Hangover, Stress, Insomnia, Smoking, and on and on.

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Have a question about using neem in your daily routine?

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While eating my breakfast this morning, Good Morning America had a special on natural remedies in our homes. One of the items they featured was aloe. When I was growing up- my mom used aloe for just about every problem I had. It helped me ease a sunburn, sooth my upset stomach, heal skin from acne and regulate my menstrual cycle.

The Aloe plant is one of the richest kitchen garden plants in healing properties and has been even been nicknamed named the “first-aid” plant. It has moisturizing and emollient properties and is used in cosmetic creams, shaving creams, sun screens and facial masks.

Many Cosmetologists utilize aloe as a key natural beauty ingredient with several other herb. The best tip I can suggest is to grow your own aloe plant. They are very reliable plants and you can then use the fresh gel. This is much more effective than bottled gel,as it is fresh, natural and more potent. It is the only plant whose extract is applied directly from plant to face in its natural and purest form.

VARYING USES OF ALOE IN HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Aloe as after-shave
Fresh aloe gel should be rubbed on after shaving. Razor burns diminish and cuts heal quickly without scarring.

Aloe for a glowing skin
Spread aloe gel on your face. Within minutes, it works by clearing blemishes and giving you a fresh, soft baby look, which other chemicals and concoctions fail to do. Drinking 10 ml aloe juice daily also helps cleanse your skin.

Aloe for a wrinkle-free skin
Aloe is known to combat wrinkles and defies ageing. Cosmetologists have hailed it as the “water of youth”. Aloe Vera gel penetrates quickly & deeply and it is retained by the skin 3 to 4 times faster than water. Its enzymes remove dead cells, grow new ones, provide moisture and nutrition, get rid of dryness and restore the skin’s elasticity.

Aloe for acne
Aloe, the wonder herb clears acne by removing the dead cells, thereby opening the skin pores and discarding the blocked oil. The scars left by acne also should be treated similarly using aloe.

Aloe as sunscreen
Aloe provides an effective sunscreen against both types of ultraviolet rays (UV-A which causes premature ageing & UV-B which causes sunburn and skin darkening) of the sun. The pulp of aloe juice along with turmeric removes sunburn & reduces oiliness.

Aloe for burning sensation in the eyes
Sometimes there is a strong burning sensation and redness in the eyes due to factors like long hours in the hot sun, too much eye-strain due to computer usage etc. Here the pulp of the aloe juice placed on each eye can help cool the eyes and rid them of this sensation

Aloe for radiant hair
Mix fresh aloe gel mixed with curds (for very oil hair you can add multani mitti (fuller’s earth) also) and apply it to the hair ½ an hour before bath. It will make your hair bouncy & lustrous.

Aloe for dandruff
You can directly use Aloe Vera gel to remove excess dandruff. Apply the gel on your scalp 10-15 minutes before you plan to wash your hair. Regular use of the gel before shampooing will keep down the growth of dandruff.

Aloe for menstrual irregularities
Menstrual irregularities are frequent among woman. Prepare an extract of aloe juice & boil it with sugar to make syrup. Intake of this aloe syrup one week before the due date of menses is a good remedy for delayed menses. Papaya is also useful in delayed periods.

Aloe for painful menses
Some women have painful menses. The same syrup as mentioned above should be used during menses. It improves pelvic circulation and removes spasm. This will help to ease pain caused during menses.

Aloe for osteoarthritis
The use of aloe is indicated in many geriatric problems such as neuromuscular weakness and osteoarthritis. Intake of 10 gm of aloe with half a gram of turmeric powder acts as an effective blood purifier.

Aloe for wounds, bruises & abrasions
Aloe gel hardens into a natural bandage due to its antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties and is widely used for the external treatment or minor wound and inflammatory skin disorders, cuts, bruises and abrasions.

Aloe for burns
Aloe has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for burns-like first degree and second degree thermal burns, and to this effect, the plant is also called “burn plant”.

Aloe for gas trouble
Mixing a dish of aloe by roasting it in a small quantity of ghee and taking it once or twice a week with a meal is a common practice in rural India. This recipe is helpful in cases of chronic gas trouble and distension of abdomen.

Aloe for losing weight
There is good news for weight watchers. Aloin, the active principle of aloe, has been in anti-obesity preparations too.

Thinking about using aloe vera in your healthy and beauty regime? Have a question about natural health cures and remedies? For a free consultation feel free to email or call Melissa Gallagher at 727-954-8968

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Does your animal have a case of ear mites? Looking for a natural cure to treat your furry one's ears? These were the questions that were going through my head this weekend. It became apparent that my 6 yr old, indoor grey tort tabby cat has a case of ear mites. It was an alarming discovery as her ears are always meticulously clean. Perhaps it a result of the open windows and potential exposure from a few of the little mangy cats that hang around the house.

As I use natural treatments and remedies for my own health practices, I sought out a few potential solutions and today is day 4 and my cat's ears are looking pretty good.

The first step in helping your pet is to clean out the ear and try to relieve some of the discomfort. Use an eyedropper or syringe (without the needle) to insert some Vegetable or Olive Oil into the ear canal. While keeping your pets head still (as they will want to immediately shake the substance out) massage the ear thoroughly to loosen any deeply impacted mite dirt (you may be able to gently squeeze some of it up and out of the ear). Use cotton balls to clean the ears and only attempt to use q-tips very carefully being sure not to allow them to enter portions of the deeper ear canal. In order to relieve irritation caused by the mites, use a natural treatment of Psorinum or Sulphur.

In order to actually kill the mites there are a couple of natural remedies that you can make at home. The first one is a mixture of 9 drops of Yellow Dock Root Extract and 1 tablespoon of water. Use an eyedropper to insert the treatment into the pet’s ear, being sure to massage it well prior to the animal having the opportunity to shake it out. Administer the treatment once every three days for a period of six weeks.

The second treatment mixes ½ an ounce of Almond Oil with 400 IU’s of Vitamin E. Warm up the mixture to body temperature and apply ½ an eyedropper into each affected ear. Massage the mixture around in the ear and remove the excess with cotton balls. Administer the treatment for a period of six days, leave it for three days and then repeat.

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Thinking about your pet's health?

Have a question about your own health?

For a free health consultation feel free to email (wellness@healthybeingproducts.com) or call Meliss Gallagher at 727-954-8968.

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(University Heath Network) Turmeric has long been used in traditional eastern medicine to prevent scarring in healing wounds. A recent study published in the February Journal of Clinical Investigation entitled “Curcumin Prevents and Reverses Murine Cardiac Hypertrophy” shows that this folk remedy may have a strong foundation in science.

Curcumin, an ingredient in turmeric, has effects deep in the cell nucleus that go beyond what most herbal remedies are capable of. “Curcumin’s ability to shut off one of the major switches right at the chromosome source where the enlargement and scarring genes are being turned on is impressive,” says Dr. Peter Liu, cardiologist in the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Scientific Director at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Cardiac hypertrophy is a strong predictor of future cardiac problems, including heart attack and heart failure. Researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre of the Toronto General Hospital found that when curcumin was given orally to mice with enlarged hearts, it prevented and even reversed the hypertrophy. If the clinical trials prove that curcumin is effective in humans as well, it will offer the possibility of an inexpensive and safe treatment for millions of people.

While the results of the study are exciting, Dr. Liu advises a cautious and moderate approach. “Whether you are young or old; male or female; the larger your heart is, the higher your risk is for developing heart attacks or heart failure in the future. However, until clinical trials are done, we don’t recommend patients to take curcumin routinely. You are better off to take action today by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, exercising and healthy eating.”

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Have a question about your health?

Interested in using Turmeric in your daily supplement routine?

For a free health consultation feel free to email (wellness@healthybeingproducts.com) or call Melissa Gallagher at 727-954-8968.

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