Stay up to date with Charmed Aromas http://www.charmedaromas.net/charmedaromasblog.php/rssfeed.xml Alternative Health and Aromatherapy 2009 Charmed Aromas en-us Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:03:33 -0500 webmaster@charmedaromas.net Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:53:50 -0500 webmaster@charmedaromas.net FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) unlicensed version http://www.feedforall.com . The Use of Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Supplements for Weight Loss Copyright (c) 2007-2009 Thor Sturluson Being overweight is a growing problem throughout the industrialized world. Although there are still countries with populations that are severely malnourished and under-fed, most of the developed countries are dealing with the opposite problem. There are over a billion overweight adults worldwide. Obesity rates around the world are reaching epidemic levels. Being overweight or obese may lead to many chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and even some forms of cancer. With these bleak statistics it is no wonder that people everywhere are seeking help with weight loss and weight control. The important point to remember is that there is no product, pharmaceutical or otherwise, that will make fat melt off the body without some effort on the part of the person using it. Exercise and sensible eating is the best long-term course of action for permanent weight loss. The use of herbal products may help boost metabolism and support weight loss efforts without many of the damaging side effects of drug treatments or surgical procedures. Increasing metabolism, converting fat to energy, and increasing overall energy expenditure is the mechanism employed by thermogenic and stimulant herbs to aid in weight loss. Cayenne is a hot pepper with capsaicin that stimulates the body's digestive process and boosts metabolic rates. It raises the core body temperature and helps improve circulation as well. Citrus Aurantium is another herb that may improve thermogenesis (the conversion of fat to energy.) Kola nut may also help mobilize fats for energy and acts as a stimulant as well. Cardamom is another thermogenic herb that may aid digestion too. Ginseng has long been touted for its stimulating effects and this may lead to an increase in metabolic rate. Green tea is another supplement that falls in this category. It serves as a stimulant, boosting the metabolic rate and overall energy expenditure. The caffeine in green tea acts as a stimulant, but the supporting minerals help to counter some of caffeine's negative effects. And finally, kelp, or seaweed, helps to regulate thyroid function which increases metabolism. Appetite control is another area important for weight loss. "Hoodia", Hoodia gordonii, is an African herb that has been used by bushmen there for hundreds of years. It is gaining popularity worldwide as science catches up with the bush-medicine. It acts as an appetite suppressant by acting on the brain centers that control hunger. Nettles also work to suppress hunger by feeding the cells at a deeper level and reducing cravings. Garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitrate which not only reduces hunger but has thermogenic effects as well. Flax seed also serves to reduce appetite by expanding upon consumption and the essential fats found in their oils have been found to have many beneficial properties. Fiber supplements are also helpful in controlling appetite as they add bulk to foods. Blood sugar control is another significant area in weight loss. Cinnamon is an important supplement in the control of blood sugar. Gymnema sylvestre also supports the body through blood sugar control, which helps lower cravings for sugar and reduces insulin insensitivity. The supplements mentioned above are generally safe in reasonable doses. Supplements to be avoided include ephedra (and supplements containing ephedra), herbal diuretics and laxatives. These herbal treatments are dangerous and the side effects include dehydration, malnutrition, dangerous arrythmias and even death. It is important to start with one or two herbs and evaluate their effectiveness before adding others. This also helps determine the culprit for any side effects. When using any herbal supplement for weight loss it is wise to consult your physician before beginning. ============================================================ Thor Sturluson is a biologist and an amateur herbalist living in Copenhagen Denmark. For further information on herbal supplements for weight loss and how to use medicinal herbs to lose weight please visit this link: http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/herbs-for-weight-loss.html ============================================================ http://www.charmedaromas.net/charmedaromas.php 7A4E66D3-9041-4AF6-8AA5-1CE899DCAA83 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:18:52 -0500 With all the talk on the news stations about the potential of the Swine Flu to wreck havoc on the health of Americans this winter, I decided it was time to share some information about the Swine Flu that not many people are talking about today. With all the talk on the news stations about the potential of the Swine Flu to wreck havoc on the health of Americans this winter, I decided it was time to share some information about the Swine Flu that not many people are talking about today. How Can I Prevent Swine Flu Infection? 1. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Scrub for at least 20 seconds and rinse thoroughly. 2. If soap and water are not available, wash your hands with an alcohol-based hand gel. Rub your hands together until the alcohol dries completely. 3. Avoid close contact -- that is, being within 6 feet -- with people who have flu-like symptoms. 4. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. That's not easy to do, so keep those hands clean. 5. If you have flu-like symptoms -- fever plus at least cough or sore throat or other flu symptoms -- stay home for seven days after symptoms begin or until you've been symptom-free for 24 hours -- whichever is longer. 6. Breastfeeding mothers with swine flu symptoms should express their breast milk, and the child should be fed by someone else. 7. Take IMMUNE BUILDER daily, as offered on the Institue For Better Health website, shown at the end of this article. A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM will improve your overall Health and help you to fight off Swine Flu, Colds, Flu, Allergies, Viruses, Infection, Disease, and Sickness. About The Immune System The Immune System is the primary defense against disease in the human body. The Immune System fights off invasion by infective organisms, bacteria, poisons, impurities and keeps the body on an even keel. Stress or damage to the Immune System will allow sickness and disease. For much of the last hundred years, science has been searching for a cure for cancer, arthritis, and even the common cold. Most of the research has been focused on finding a "magic bullet" in the form of an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory or vaccine. All the while, inside our own body lies the most powerful cure for what ails us, our immune system. The immune system is a person's primary defense against disease. Most of us today have a lot of stress, are overworked, get less sleep and are overall, just tired. All of these things assist in breaking down the immune system, making it weak and preventing it from fighting off sickness and disease. The immune system holds the key to your body's health. It protects our bodies against viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc. It is a complex network of organs that contain cells that recognize and destroy foreign invaders. Most people, because of age, chronic infection, poor nutrition, stress, unhealthy lifestyle, or environmental toxins have a weak immune system. The following nutritional supplement will enable you to build up the immune system, keeping it strong and preventing sickness and disease. Immune Builder is fantastic for fighting off Swine Flu, colds, allergies and any flu. Keeping the immune system strong is a must for healthy living. The immune system is a network of white blood cells and tiny clumps of tissue placed throughout our bodies. White blood cells circulate in our bloodstream and devour most of the bacteria, poisons and toxins that could cause harm to our bodies. Little clumps of immune tissue called lymph nodes filter out bacteria and viruses that could cause infection. We cannot be healthy unless our immune systems are healthy. If you want to stay healthy you will need to keep your immune system in top working order. Take charge of your Health, take Immune Builder daily, this a good start for preventing Swine Flu, allergies, colds and flu. The combination of a clean colon and a strong immune system is the best way to prevent Swine Flu and keep yourself healthy, and it will help your body to help prevent you becoming sick. Immune Builder's All Natural Ingredients include: Echinacea, vitamins A, C, B-6, zinc, selenium, and magnesium mixed with a herbal blend. (c) 1999-2009 Institute for Better Health. All Rights Reserved Worldwide IFBH in no way suggests that any product it sells is a cure for any disease or pathology. Additional Links of Interest http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swine_influenza http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/swine-flu-faq-1?page= 6#prevent ============================================================ Institute for Better Health James Kaylon McIntyre, President/CEO/ 1512 Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV 89101 I would like to introduce you to The Institute for Better Health. Through years of research, we have put together several programs for helping you to overcome common health problems, by helping you to build a strong immune system. Keep the Immune System Strong with Immune Builder and enjoy better health with Viraway. Learn more at: http://www.viraway.com/immunebuilder.shtml Toll Free: 1 866 858 3185 E-mail: betterhealth@lvcoxmail.com ============================================================ http://www.charmedaromas.net/charmedaromas.php 7A4E66D3-9041-4AF6-8AA5-1CE899DCAA83 Fri, 24 Nov 2009 07:18:52 -0500