My Journey My Dandelion Miracle....

You know after everything I'd been told my body needed to take, to mask the pain to help me cope I found something that really helps me and when I say it helps me... it helps me in more ways than one.

What if you could take something that comes from your own backyard?  If you don't feel like growing it you don't have to they now supply this at your local health food store in both bulk, capsules and tea.  With this simple plant based supplement I have been able to manage my endometriosis and knee pain, lose water weight, forget about cramps, reduced my headaches,  regulate my sugars, flush my kidney and support my liver functions.

What could this miracle be?  Dandelion root!  I started taking Dandelion root sometime in April of 2010 and somewhere after a month or so I noticed my chronic knee pain was gone, then the pains I generally felt from my endometriosis were gone as well.  I have since made Dandelion root a very crucial part of my day and take a tablespoon in the am and a second one in the pm religiously.

Here are some more reasons you might want to consider Dandelion root in your diet:

Traditionally, dandelion has been used to cure breast illnesses, bloating, disorders of the gastrointestinal system, aching joints, and skin conditions. The leaves have large amounts of numerous vitamins, including A, C, D, and B-complexes, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon.

General Information

For many people, dandelions are simply a yard pest. However, dandelions are very rich in nutrients. Traditionally, the roots and leaves of the plant have been used as medicines for breast maladies, bloating, digestive disorders, aching joints, fevers, and skin disorders. The leaves of the plant are very rich in vitamins, including A, C, D, and B-complex. They also have high levels of minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon. The most active ingredient in dandelions, eudesmanolide and germacranolide, are found only in dandelions.

Dandelion Uses and Health Benefits

The leaves of the plant are very nutrient-rich, and so they make good supplements for women who are pregnant or elderly women. Dandelion can also be used as a gentle diuretic and can decrease serum cholesterol in some people. The root can be an appetite stimulant and it can treat some digestive disorders. Today, many herbal doctors use dandelion to purify the liver and gallbladder of toxins. Research indicates that dandelions can treat pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders. Dandelion can improve general health, and is beneficial to the kidneys, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and other organs. Dandelion is also recommended for the treatment of tinnitus, tonsillitis, osteoporosis, abscesses, anemia, boils, mammary tumors, cirrhosis, water retention, hepatitis, jaundice, rheumatism, and warts. Dandelion may also be effective in eliminating or averting age spots. Some people also use toasted dandelion root as a healthier alternative to coffee.

Dandelion Benefits also include:

1)It is a gentle diuretic, helping to gently remove excess fluid from your body while maintaining your potassium needs.

2)It can purify the bloodstream and liver, and it can stimulate the manufacture of bile

3)It can decrease the amounts of serum cholesterol and uric acid

4)It can maximize the performance of the kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and stomach

5)It is very beneficial to menopausal women

6)It is effective in treating abscesses, anemia, boils, breast tumors, and cirrhosis of the liver

7)It may avert the development of age spots or breast cancer

8)It can regulate blood pressure

9)It can stabilize blood sugar levels

10)It can assist with the management of osteoporosis and arthritis.

11)It is great for people and pets

Dandelion Nutritional Content

Lactupicrine, a bitter principle, tannin, inulin and a latexlike substance, polysaccharides, carotene

Side Effects/Interactions

Some individuals experience stomach pain because of hyperacidity. It is safe to use with other drugs.

For information on how and where to find Dandelion Root visit our "Health First Store"




















Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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The Benefits of Omega 3-6-9

What is Omega-3 Fatty Acid?

Omega-3 fatty acid (Alpha-linolenic acid) is an essential fatty acid that plays an important role in brain function and may aid in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends a diet in which fatty fish, like salmon, herring, sardines and tuna are recommended natural sources.  Supplementation can be found in Carlson's products of fish oils and it is suggested that taking twice daily can be very beneficial.
Carlson Super Omega-3, 100 + 30 Softgels
Carlson Labs Norwegian Natural Vitamin E Cod Liver Oil, Lemon, 500ml
Carlson Lightly Lemon Cod Liver Oil 1000mg, 300 Softgels
Carlson Super 1000mg Cod Liver Oil, 100 Softgels
Carlson Laboratories - Kid's Norwegian Cod Liver Oil Lemon, 8 fl oz liquid
Carlson Kids Liquid Vitamin D Drops 400 IU .34 fl oz (10 ml)
Carlson Carlson For Kids Chew. DHA Orange, 120 Softgels

Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Research on the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid have shown that it may be useful for supporting the following conditions.

Asthma [1] Diabetes [2] Arthritis [3] Osteoporosis [4] Some Cancers [5] Skin Disorders [6]

High Cholesterol [7] High Blood Pressure [8] Attention Disorders [9] Depressive Disorders [10] Macular Degeneration [6] Digestive Difficulties [11]

Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in:

Grains Spirulina Brazil Nuts Hempseed Oil Mustard Seeds Pumpkin Seeds

Chia Seed Oil Wheat Germ Oil Canola Oil (Rapeseed) Green Leafy Vegetables Raw Walnuts & Walnut Oil Flaxseeds or Flaxseed Oil

(I personally recommend using only organic sources)

What is Omega-6 Fatty Acid?

Omega-6 fatty acid (Linoleic Acid) combined with omega-3 fatty acid produces many of the health benefits described above, but the trickiest part about playing the fatty acid game is that it is best to eat them in the right amounts.

You should be eating about twice as much omega-6 as omega-3, so that your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is 2:1, but in today’s world of fast food, frozen entrees, and high calorie snacks, it is not uncommon for most people to actually be getting about 15 times more omega-6 than omega-3. Washington DC’s center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health suggest that eating omega-6 and omega-3 in the wrong proportions may actually negate the health benefits.

The best sources of omega-6 are seeds, nuts and grains and green leafy vegetables, like lettuce, broccoli, purslane and kale, and in certain raw vegetable oils. Care should be taken to use raw cold pressed vegetable oils because cooking destroys the benefits of the fatty acids.

Additionally, great supplements for Omega 6 can be found in: 

Omega-6 fatty acids are also found naturally in:

Olive Oil Wheatgerm Grapeseeds Pistachios Sesame Oil Hempseed Oil

Pumpkin Seeds Chia Seed Oil Safflower Oil Sunflower Oil Cottonseed Oil Raw Nuts & Seeds

What is Omega-9 Fatty Acid?

Omega-9, or monounsaturated oleic and stearic acid, is a non essential fatty acid produced naturally by the body whenever there is enough of either Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids.

However, if you do not have enough omega 3 and omega 6, then you must get omega 9 from your diet.

This fatty acid plays a role in preventing heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. Other benefits of omega 9 are that it reduces hardening of the arteries and improves immune function.

Omega-9 fatty acids are also found naturally in:

Avocados Pecans Cashews

Almonds Hazelnuts Pistachios

Macadamia Nuts Chia Seed Oil Olives & Olive Oil

Great Sources for OMEGA 9:

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is EPA and DHA?

Within the body omega-3 fatty acids are converted to DHA and EPA (docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, respectively). DHA and EPA are highly unsaturated fats that play very important roles in the vision development and brain function of infants.

One study found significantly lower amounts of EPA in the cells of patients who had attempted suicide, suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids may actually play a role in suicide prevention. A lack of DHA has been associated with Alzheimer disease, attention disorders, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis and other diseases.

Blue green algae is a good source of EPA and DHA.


ONE MORE GREAT SOURCE OF ALL 3 is HEMP OIL:

Hemp plants produce seeds that are rich in pure oil.  The oil contains about 75 to 80% polyunsaturated fatty acid (the good fat) and only 9 to 11% of the lesser desired saturated fatty acids.   Hemp seed oil is a rich source of  both Omega 6 and Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFA's), and Vitamin E.  It also contains small amounts of the following polyunsaturated fats:  Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), Oleic acid, and Stearidonic acid.  

Omega 6 and Omega 3 EFA's are required more in our diet than any other vitamin, and yet our bodies do not produce them naturally.  These oils must be ingested in their pure form, as they can not be metabolized from other food sources.  These healing enzymes can be absorbed directly into the skin to replenish missing oils, so they are ideally suited for many cosmetics and skin care products.  Hemp oil also provides an ample supply of carotene, phytosterols, and phospholipids, in addition to a large number of minerals including: calcium, sulfur, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.  It is also a good source of chlorophyll.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HEMP OIL 

(click here)














DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. Global Healing Center does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. We design and recommend individual nutritional programs and supplements that allow the body to rebuild and heal itself. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Global Healing Center are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition, see your physician of choice. This Web site contains links to Web sites operated by other parties. Such links are provided for your convenience and reference only. We are not responsible for the content or products of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Alkaline Vs Acidic Foods - The Alkalinity Chart

Adopting a diet that allows for closer to 80% Alkaline foods and 20% Acid foods can help you regain PH balance as well as help address a number of health related issues.

ALKALIZING FOODS
VEGETABLES Garlic Asparagus Fermented Veggies Watercress Beets Broccoli Brussel sprouts Cabbage Carrot Cauliflower Celery Chard Chlorella Collard Greens Cucumber Eggplant Kale Kohlrabi Lettuce Mushrooms Mustard Greens Dulce Dandelions Edible Flowers Onions Parsnips (high glycemic) Peas Peppers Pumpkin Rutabaga Sea Veggies Spirulina Sprouts Squashes Alfalfa Barley Grass Wheat Grass Wild Greens Nightshade Veggies	FRUITS Apple (sf) Apricot (sf) Avocado Banana (high glycemic) Cantaloupe (sf) Cherries (sf) Currants (sf) Dates/Figs (sf) Grapes (sf) Grapefruit Lime Honeydew Melon (sf) Nectarine (sf) Orange (sf) Lemon Peach (sf) Pear (sf) Pineapple (sf) All Berries Tangerine (sf) Tomato (sf) Tropical Fruits (sf) Watermelon (sf) PROTEIN Whey Protein Powder Almonds Chestnuts Tofu (fermented) Flax Seeds Pumpkin Seeds Tempeh (fermented) Squash Seeds Sunflower Seeds Millet Sprouted Seeds Nuts	OTHER Apple Cider Vinegar Bee Pollen Lecithin Granules Probiotic Cultures Green Juices Veggies Juices Fresh Fruit Juice Organic Milk(unpasteurized) Mineral Water Alkaline Antioxidant Water Green Tea Herbal Tea Dandelion Tea Ginseng Tea Banchi Tea Kombucha SWEETENERS Stevia SPICES/SEASONINGS Cinnamon Curry Ginger Mustard Chili Pepper Sea Salt Miso Tamari All Herbs ORIENTAL VEGETABLES Maitake Daikon Dandelion Root Shitake Kombu Reishi Nori Umeboshi Wakame Sea Veggies

ACIDIFYING FOODS
FATS & OILS Avocado Oil Canola Oil Corn Oil Hemp Seed Oil Flax Oil Lard Olive Oil Safflower Oil Sesame Oil Sunflower Oil FRUITS Cranberries GRAINS (Avoid) Rice Cakes Wheat Cakes Amaranth Barley Buckwheat Corn Oats (rolled) Quinoi Rice (all) Rye Spelt Kamut Wheat Hemp Seed Flour DAIRY(Avoid) Cheese, Cow Cheese, Goat Cheese, Processed Cheese, Sheep Milk                            Butter Yogurt	NUTS & BUTTERS Cashews Brazil Nuts Peanuts Peanut Butter Pecans Tahini Walnuts ANIMAL PROTEIN Beef (Free Range) Chicken Breast Carp (Wild Caught) ClamsEggs Fish (Wild Caught) Lamb Lobster Mussels Oyster Pork (Avoid) Rabbit Salmon Shrimp Scallops Tuna Turkey Venison PASTA (WHITE)(Avoid) Noodles Macaroni Spaghetti OTHER Distilled Vinegar Wheat Germ Potatoes	DRUGS & CHEMICALS    Chemicals Drugs, Medicinal Drugs, Psychedelic Pesticides Herbicides ALCOHOL Beer Spirits Hard Liquor Wine BEANS & LEGUMES (Avoid) Black Beans Chick Peas Green Peas Kidney Beans Lentils Lima Beans Pinto Beans Red Beans Soy Beans Soy Milk White Beans Rice Milk Almond Milk

Some great sites and resources that I have found to help me in creating an optimal daily menu are:


Mercola
Dr. Axe
Marks Daily Apple - Paleo Diet

This Week in Paleo

To hear about how going Paleo helped me on my journey
"CLICK HERE" 
Alkalinity is a crucial key to reclaiming your health.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Why buy organic

Organic vs. conventional grown vegetables - Why buy organic?It has never been easier to shop for organic food, and there has never been so many choices. Every food category now has an organic alternative. It's also common sense; organic food is good food. Good to eat, good for the environment, good for the small-scale farmers and the farm workers who produce it.

• Chefs across the country are committed to using organic ingredients because plants from healthy soils and organically fed livestock provide us with more flavorful food. 

• Organic foods allow true flavor to shine through unlike other non-organic foods that look and taste good but are often full of E numbers and artificial flavorings and ingredients. 

• By supporting local, sustainable and organic farms in your local community you also support the larger community of which we are all a part. 

• By eating organic food you are providing the healthiest choice for your family and supporting the farms that provide us with healthy and ecological neighborhoods. 

Locally the food movement is flourishing - over 15% of people buy organic food locally and this number continues to rise as the number of farmer's markets, box schemes, cafes and restaurants serving organic food increase.

Help secure our nutritional future by buying organic.  It sometimes costs more, but I have been very successful at buying foods that are reasonably priced or on sale.  If it cost too much, well then it's not on the menu that week.

Also, making your own garden helps greatly to ensure you know exactly what you are eating.  Buy non-hybrid seeds, work on creating an optimal growing environment, whether you make a green house, a box or a full outside garden, having your own vegetables and herbs can greatly cut your food costs.

By buying non-hybrid seeds and organic foods you are telling the system that you do not want GMO's in your food.  That you want food that maintains it's nutritional value naturally.

Another option is sprouting, sprouting is a great way to garden and ensure that you will have ample food supplies that can keep up with your family's needs.

Our bodies depend on vitamins, minerals and nutrients we can only get from live food.  And our live food needs to contain all of these nutrients naturally, otherwise, in the long run the damage from eating foods that are modified could alter our health as well.

Benefits of Organic Farming:

• Organic farming severely restricts the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides. 
• Instead, organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops. 
• Animals are reared without the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers common in intensive livestock farming. 

Synthetic dyes and ingredients such as Sudan1 were in the national news in February and can cause cancer. See www.food.gov.uk for further details. Genetically modified (GMO's) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic standards.

For more options of  non-hybrid seeds, sprouting and more please visit our Store for more recommended sources.


Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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What's in my First Aid Kit..

What's in my first aid kit...

When I first began on this journey of understanding and education I found out that there are some really great NATURAL remedies that can help in everyday life.  I wish I had known of these earlier, and am greatful to share them with you now.  These NATURAL remedies should not replace the times for emergency care and if you feel you need medical attention you should absolutely investigate your options.

1)  Tea Tree Oil -

Tea tree has a long history of traditional use. Australian aboriginals used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area. 

Tea tree oil contains consituents called terpenoids, which have been found to have antiseptic and antifungal activity. The compound terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant and is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil's antimicrobial activity.

People use tea tree oil for the following conditions:

Acne

Athlete's foot

Dandruff

Vaginitis

Thrush

Periodontal disease

As an antiseptic

Boils

Lice

Eczema

Psoriasis

Yeast infection 

Sources of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is most commonly found as a pure essential oil. It is also an ingredient in creams, ointments, lotions, soaps, and shampoos.

Tea tree oil should not be confused with Chinese tea oil, cajeput oil, kanuka oil, manuka oil, ti tree oil, and niauouli oil.

More about Tea Tree Oil.....  
Acne - Dandruff - Athletes Foot - Insect Bites
 

2) Activated Charcoal

Activated Charcoal is another item no first aid kit should be without. it is wonderful to have on hand for your animals in case they ever get hold of something poison, but also keep it on hand for me.

Healthcare professionals utilize the special properties of activated charcoal to address:

• Elimination of toxins that can contribute to anemia in cancer patients.
• Filtering of toxins from blood, in cases of liver or kidney disease.
• Effective deodorizing and disinfectant for wounds.

Activated Charcoal can also help cut down on the odors some lleostomy and colostomy patients deal with, purify the blood, treat overdoses of aspirin, and treat some forms of dysentery, diarrhea, dyspepsia, etc. as well as to absorb toxic substances such as aconite, amitriptyline hydrochloride, amphetamine, arsenic, barbiturates, Ben-Gay, camphor, chlordane, chlorpromazine, cocaine, darvon, diazepam, digitalis, doxepin, elavil, gasoline, kerosene, penicillin, pesticides, radioactive substances and many, many more toxic substances. Activated charcoal is also excellent for simple indigestion.

Some instances where charcoal might be good to have around, certainly not as a substitute for needed medical attention but as something that could help until you can get to the doctor:

• food poisoning
• accidental ingestion of poisons
• poisonous spider
• snake or bug bites

More about Activated Charcoal....


3) Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver has shown in various studies to be able to kill over 650 micro-organisms.  Please be aware, that this does not mean that taking colloidal silver will cure diseases that can be caused by such germs - the human body is a very complex system which works within a number of different environments and systems.

Nonetheless, it has been reported to be effective in fighting against: acne, AIDS, allergies, arthritis, athletes foot, boils, burns, candida, cystitis, diabetes, eczema, hay fever, indigestion, parasitic infections, psoriasis, ringworm, warts and yeast infections.

It can be used either orally or topically. When taken orally you can either place droplets directly under the tongue or it can be put into water and drunk. Silver is often used topically by spraying onto cuts, burns, skin infections or acne. 

MORE ABOUT COLLOIDAL SILVER

DISCLAIMER:

All information in this blog is meant to help educate about NATURAL ways of living and not meant to replace emergency care that may be necessary.  If you have an emergency please contact your doctor or call 911.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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More About Colloidal Silver

The History of Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver has long been the subject of hot debate in medical circles.  In the 19th Century, colloidal silver was used prominently to treat all manner of illness and disease ranging from skin infections to common colds.  This common use continued until 1983, when the FDA started its long and heavy oppression against the use of medicinal silver.  Arguably its disdain for silver's use in medicine came from the threat that it poses to the highly lucrative antibiotics industry.  Up until recently, any silver-based products had to be classified as a pre-1938 drug.  However, now that the FDA has begun to approve of medicinal silver, more and more products are emerging.  


Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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How Activated Charcoal Works

How Activated Charcoal Works

Activated charcoal exerts its effects by absorbing a wide variety of drugs and chemicals. Adsorption is a process in which atoms and molecules move from a bulk phase (such as a solid, liquid, or gas) onto a solid or liquid surface. In other words, the toxic substance attaches to the surface of the charcoal. Because charcoal is not "digested," it stays inside the GI tract and eliminates the toxin when the person has a bowel movement.

• This mechanism of action should not be confused with absorption. Absorption occurs when a substance passes into or through a tissue, like water passing into a sponge. Once the chemical or drug has been absorbed by the GI tract, activated charcoal can no longer retrieve the toxic ingestion. It will only attach to substances that are still inside the stomach or intestines.
  
  
• The charcoal is "activated" because it is produced to have a very fine particle size. This increases the overall surface area and adsorptive capacity of the charcoal. It is produced by adding acid and steam to carbonaceous materials such as wood, coal, rye starch, or coconut shells. To put this in perspective, one standard 50-gram dose of activated charcoal has the surface area of 10 football fields.
  
  
• Activated charcoal is often combined with sorbitol (a substance that stimulates the bowels to move, like a laxative) to shorten the amount of time to move through the system and reduce the possibility of constipation. However, to avoid adverse effects, sorbitol is not given with every dose of activated charcoal.
  
  
• All efforts should be made to reduce adsorption of severely toxic substances, as activated charcoal  does not bind as well with these substances:
  
  
  • Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), strong acids and bases, metals and inorganic minerals such as sodium, iron, lead, arsenic, iodine, fluorine, and boric acid.
    
    
  • Alcohol (such as ethanol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, glycols, and acetone)
    
    
  • Hydrocarbons (such as petroleum distillates and plant hydrocarbons such as pine oil)
  
  
• Activated charcoal does not irritate the mucous membranes of the GI system. In addition to adsorption of toxins, activated charcoal also adsorbs food nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. However, this short-term effect is not a concern when activated charcoal is used to treat poisoning.

How Activated Charcoal Is Given

Activated charcoal may be given by mouth to someone who is awake and alert. It is a black liquid drink.

• If the person vomits the drink, another dose will be given through a nasogastric or orogastric tube (a tube inserted through the nose or mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach).
  
  
• If the person is unconscious (or nearly so), an endotracheal intubation (a procedure in which a tube is inserted through the mouth down into the trachea) may be necessary. This will allow oxygen to be delivered and will help protect the airway and lungs from gastric content. This will minimize the risk of the person vomiting and choking.
  
  
•  In the United States, the direct line to the poison control center is 1-800-222-1222.
  
  
• The doctor also determines when and if additional doses are given by monitoring blood levels of the poison. Other symptoms the doctor monitors are nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and severe heart problems. Multiple doses of activated charcoal can be given if someone swallowed large doses of long-acting, sustained release medications.
  
  
• If blood levels of the poison remain too high, the doctor may recommend kidney dialysis. Dialysis is the best way to remove the toxin from the bloodstream.

When Not to Use Activated Charcoal

• Activated charcoal will not be given to people with an obstruction of the intestines or if the person swallowed a corrosive agent, such as a strong acid or alkali.
  
  
• Strong acids may "burn" through the lining of the GI tract. Doctors will need to look at the lining with an endoscope - a special instrument designed to look inside the stomach. Activated charcoal is not to be used with this type of poison because it is difficult to see the lining of the GI tract with the scope after charcoal is given.
  
  
• Activated charcoal can cause intestinal problems such as constipation, or it can create clumps of foreign material. This situation can be prevented by giving a laxative such as sorbitol to the patient, however, repeated doses with sorbitol may cause excessive diarrhea, dehydration, and chemical imbalance.
  
  
• If the patient is fructose intolerant, family members should notify the treating doctor, and sorbitol will not be given with the activated charcoal. Sorbitol is a sugar substitute that acts as a laxative to move the charcoal through the system. Babies younger than one year of age year should not be given sorbitol because it may cause excessive fluid losses.
  
  
• If an antidote to a specific type of drug poisoning is given, then the doctor may not give activated charcoal because the drug given as treatment will also be adsorbed. A classic example is an acetaminophen (Tylenol overdose), in which there is a clearly established antidote with acetylcysteine (Mucomyst).

IF AN EMERGENCY PLEASE SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP BY CALLING 911 

or

 In the United States, the direct line to the poison control center is 1-800-222-1222.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Tea Tree Oil and Insect bites

INSECT BITES:

Tea tree oil is great for insect bites.  I have found that by taking the tree oil and applying it with a cotton ball or q-tip every couple of hours to the bite.. the itching goes away, the bite heals faster and I'm not scratching at it.









SPIDER BITES:

If you happen to get bit by a Brown Recluse or Black Widow mix the tea tree oil with some activated charcoal until it is a paste.   You can do this by applying the tea tree oil first, then add some activated charcoal and blend them together right on the bite site.

EXTERNALLY:

Apply to your wound and cover with a warm wash cloth you can use a heating pad over the top at a low setting as well.  Do this for 15 min.  Keep applying every two hours until the bite is gone. The combination of the two will actually pull the venom and toxins out of your skin.







INTERNALLY:

take Grapefruit Seed Extract 1 drop per every 10 pounds of body weight at least 4 times a day to help fight off infection.  












Add Chlorophyll 4 times a day to your diet as well this will help push the toxins out of your body and help purify the blood.  












Add Activated Charcoal capsules in the morning on an empty stomach to help your body internal pulls poisons out.

In the case of emergencies, nothing should ever be substituted for proper medical care.
This focus of this blog is to alert you to natural products that you can have on hand that can help you deal with most non-critical situations.

By having these products on hand in your first aid kit you will be well prepared for many conditions.  Should you feel you need emergency care please consult your physician, clinic or hospital for assistance.

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Tea Tree Oil and Dandruff

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a common scalp condition marked by white flakes on the scalp and itching.

It appears to be caused by a yeast-like fungus called malassezia, also known as pityrosporum. Malassezia is normally found on the scalp without causing problems, however, if it grows unchecked (possibly due to hormone imbalances, stress, immune suppression, infrequent shampooing, illness, or increased oil production), there is mild inflammation that produces dead skin cells. The dead cells mix with oil and clump together, making them appear white and flaky.

1) Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and anti-fungal agent. There are many tea tree oil shampoos available in health food stores and some drug stores, and many people report these products help with dandruff.

There haven’t been many research studies on tea tree oil for dandruff. One study involved 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff. They used either a five percent tea tree oil shampoo or a placebo daily for four weeks. At the end of the study, the tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduced dandruff. No adverse effects were reported. Although promising, this was not a double-blind study (which means that the researchers knew which participants were using tea tree oil and which were using the placebo), so it cannot be considered solid evidence that tea tree oil works. For more information about tea tree oil, read the Tea Tree Oil Fact Sheet.

2) Apple Cider Vinegar

A home remedy for dandruff is to mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water.

Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spritz it on to your hair and scalp, being careful to avoid the eye and ear area. Wrap your head in a towel.

After 15 minutes to an hour, remove the towel and wash your hair. This is generally done once to twice a week.

3) Biotin

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It is sold in supplement form and is also found naturally in foods.

Food sources of biotin are egg yolk, liver, milk, soy, barley, brewer's yeast, and royal jelly. Biotin is also produced naturally by bacteria in the intestines.

Eating raw egg whites and prolonged use of antibiotics are thought to be causes of biotin deficiency.


Sources
____________________

Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. J Am Acad Dermatol. 47.6 (2002): 852-855.



Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Tea Tree Oil and Athlete's Foot

What is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the skin also known as tinea pedis. The fungus thrives in warm, damp environments, such as the locker rooms, health clubs, public showers, and indoor swimming pools.

Athlete's Foot Symptoms


* Itching, burning, or stinging between the toes or on the soles of the feet.
* Scales, cracks, cuts, peeling skin or blisters between the toes or on the soles of the feet.
* Skin dryness on the sides or bottoms of the feet


If the infection spreads to under the toenails, causing thick, crumbly, discolored, or separated toenails, it is called onchomycosis and it can be very difficult to treat.
Home Remedies for Athlete's Foot


Although home remedies are widely used for athlete's foot, it's important to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis, because your symptoms may caused by another condition. See a doctor immediately if you notice swelling in your foot or leg, fever, or pus in the blisters or cracks in your skin.

1) Tea Tree Oil


The most common home remedy for athlete's foot is tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Tea tree oil has a long history of traditional use in Australia as a remedy for skin infections.


Studies have found tea tree oil is an antiseptic and has the ability to kill many bacteria and fungi. Two clinical trials suggest it may help people with athlete's foot.


One study examined the effectiveness of 10 percent tea tree oil cream compared with 1 percent tolnaftate (a medicated topical anti-fungal) and placebo creams in 104 people with athlete's foot.


The tea tree oil and tolnaftate groups showed improvement in scaling, inflammation, itching, and burning compared to the placebo group, however, only the tolnaftate eradicated the fungi more effectively than a placebo.


A second study used a stronger tea tree oil solution. The study compared the effectiveness and safety of a 25 percent tea tree oil solution, a 50 percent tea tree oil solution, and a placebo solution in 158 people with athlete's foot. People applied the solution twice daily to affected areas for four weeks.


There was a marked clinical improvement in 68 percent of people using the 50 percent tea tree oil solution and 72 percent in people using the 25 percent tea tree oil solution, compared to 39 percent in the placebo group. The fungi was eradicated in 64 percent in the 50 percent tea tree oil group, compared to 31 percent in the placebo group. Four people using tea tree oil developed moderate to severe dermatitis that improved when the tea tree oil was discontinued.


Tea tree oil can be found at the health food store.


Prevention


These are some tips on how to prevent reinfection:


* Keep your feet thoroughly dry, especially between your toes.
* Wear cotton socks. Be sure to wear a fresh pair each day.
* Avoid tight, closed-toe shoes. Moisture and heat cause the athlete's foot fungus to thrive.
* Don't go barefoot in public places. Wear flip-flops.
* Use a foot powder to keep feet dry.
* Wash socks in the hot water setting of the washing machine.

Sources
Herrera-Arellano A, Rodriguez-Soberanes A, de los Angeles Martinez-Rivera M, Martinez-Cruz E, Zamilpa A, Alvarez L, Tortoriello J. Effectiveness and tolerability of a standardized phytodrug derived from Solanum chrysotrichum on Tinea pedis: a controlled and randomized clinical trial. Planta Med. 69.5 (2003): 390-395.


Lozoya X, Navarro V, Garcia M, Zurita M. Solanum chrysotrichum (Schldl.) a plant used in Mexico for the treatment of skin mycosis. J Ethnopharmacol. 36.2 (1992): 127-132.


Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS. Treatment of interdigital tinea pedis with 25% and 50% tea tree oil solution: a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study. Australas J Dermatol. 43.3 (2002): 175-178.


Tong MM, Altman PM, Barnetson RS. Tea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis. Australas J Dermatol. 33.3 (1992): 145-149.


Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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Tea Tree Oil and Acne

Tea tree oil contains a constituent called terpinen-4-ol that is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil's antimicrobial activity. Because tea tree oil can kill bacteria, applying topical tea tree oil to acne lesions has been thought to kill Propionibacterium acnes, the skin-dwelling bacteria that is involved in causing acne.

In a study comparing tea tree oil gel to benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil had fewer side effects than the benzoyl peroxide, which was associated with itching, burning, stinging, and dryness.

What is the Evidence for Tea Tree Oil and Acne?

Although tea tree oil is a popular remedy for acne, there has only been one older study on tea tree oil and acne.

A single-blind randomized trial by the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia compared the effectiveness and tolerance of 5% tea tree oil gel with 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion in 124 people with mild to moderate acne. People in both groups had a significant reduction in inflamed and non-inflammed acne lesions (open and closed comedones) over the three month period, although tea tree oil was less effective than benzoyl peroxide.

Although the tea tree oil took longer to work initially, there were fewer side effects with tea tree oil. In the benzoyl peroxide group, 79% of people had side effects including itching, stinging, burning, and dryness. Researchers noted that there were far fewer side effects in the tea tree oil group.

Should Undiluted Tea Tree Oil be Applied to Acne Lesions?

Undiluted tea tree oil may cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, overdrying, and itching when applied directly to the skin.

The concentration used in the only study to date was a 5% tea tree oil gel, which was applied to acne prone areas.

A 5% tea tree oil solution can be made by mixing 5 parts tea tree oil to 95 parts water (e.g. 5 mL tea tree oil and 95 mL water).

What About Commercial Tea Tree Oil Products be Used?

There are a number of new topical acne products that contain tea tree oil. Have a look at the skin care aisle of the health food store.

Another place to look would be the drug store or a cosmetics store such as Sephora. DDF has a benzoyl peroxide gel with tea tree oil.

Sources
Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. (1990) 153 (8): 455-458


Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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To take the Flu Shot or Not to Take the Flu Shot.. That is the question.

Annual Flu Deaths:
The Big Lie

By Neil Z. Miller

The Flu Vaccine: Safety & Efficacy

Swine Flu and Swine Flu Vaccines

Does the Flu Vaccine Matter? (article)

Avian Flu: Quarantine vs. Vaccine

       Every year, just prior to the impending "flu season," the CDC and their acquiescent media pawns terrorize the American public with false claims regarding annual flu deaths. The CDC boldly asserts that 36,000 people die every year from the flu. Such scare tactics are calculated to increase flu vaccine sales. However, according to the CDC's own official records documented in National Vital Statistics Reports, only a few hundred people die from influenza (flu) on an average year. And many of these deaths occur in people with preexisting conditions, weakened immune systems, and the elderly. For example, in 2002, 753 people died from the flu. The year before, in 2001, just 257 people died from the flu. (Fifty-nine percent of these deaths occurred in people 75 years or older; 75 percent occurred in people 55 years or older.) To put these numbers in perspective, 3,454 Americans died from malnutrition in 2001 -- 13 times greater than the number of flu deaths! That same year, there were 4,269 deaths attributed to asthma, a condition some studies have linked to vaccines.

To rationalize this discrepancy between the true number of deaths caused by influenza every year (as documented in the CDC's own National Vital Statistics Reports) and the outrageously exaggerated bogus number of flu deaths promoted by the CDC, officials claim that flu often leads to pneumonia and that many deaths from pneumonia are really deaths caused by flu. Apparently the CDC has a secret formula for estimating how many pneumonia deaths (officially listed in the CDC's own National Vital Statistics Reports as deaths from pneumonia, not flu) are really deaths caused by flu. Adding to the confusion, influenza is caused by a virus; pneumonia is caused by bacteria. The CDC's own website takes great pains to emphasize their differences. More importantly, the CDC has a pneumonia vaccine. So why doesn't the CDC promote their pneumonia vaccine? In 2002, 65,231 people died from pneumonia; in 2001, 61,777 people died from pneumonia. If everyone took a pneumonia vaccine, especially the elderly and others most susceptible to the disease, wouldn't they be protected? Why is the CDC promoting a flu vaccine to protect against pneumonia, especially when one disease is caused by a virus and the other by bacteria? Also, how many people who died from pneumonia received a flu vaccine? How many received a pneumonia vaccine?
There are three main types of flu virus, and each type can mutate, or change, from year to year. Thus, there are literally thousands of possible strains. (Each strain is thoroughly analyzed and given a proper name, often a title associated with the place where it was initially discovered.) Every year health officials produce a new flu vaccine containing three mutated strains of flu virus. To determine which strains to use, officials travel to China at the beginning of the year to assess circulating flu viruses in that region of the world. They try to guess which strains will reach the United States by the end of the year. Production begins, and the new vaccine is usually available by October.
Flu "experts" often guess wrong. For example, in 1994 they predicted that Shangdong, Texas, and Panama strains would be prevalent that year, thus millions of people were vaccinated with a flu shot that contained these viruses. However, when winter arrived, the Johannesburg and Beijing strains of influenza circulated through society. The vaccine was ineffective. This happened again in 1996, and again in 1997. More recently, the vaccine created for the 2003-2004 flu season contained flu strains that did not circulate through society that year. Officials were once again forced to admit that millions of people were vaccinated with an ineffective vaccine. Yet, flu fatalities did not increase during these years. For example, in 1996, 857 people died from the flu; in 1997, 745 people died from the flu -- typical annual numbers.
In 2004, flu vaccine manufacturers were unable to produce enough flu shots to accommodate everyone who wanted a flu vaccine. (Several batches were contaminated and had to be destroyed.) Thus, only half of the population that is normally vaccinated against influenza (approximately 45 million people versus 90 million during an average year) received the vaccine. If influenza is truly a deadly disease, as officials claim, the 2004-2005 flu season should be catastrophic. If, as the CDC claims, 36,000 people die every year from the flu when 90 million people are vaccinated against the disease, how many more will die when only 45 million people are "protected?" I predict that flu fatalities will not increase. In fact, flu (and pneumonia?) fatalities may even decrease during this rare period when the American population is "under-vaccinated" against influenza.

Note: The article above was written in early 2005. On December 10, 2005, the British Medical Journal published a report acknowledging the veracity of this article by substantiating the claim that CDC flu death figures are completely bogus, hyper-inflated to scare the public and sell more flu vaccine.

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The most up-to-date information
on influenza and the flu vaccine
may be found in the book:
Vaccine Safety Manual

For more information about Vaccines please visit 

http://thinktwice.com

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of I'm Holistic, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experiences of I'm Holistic. I'm Holistic encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

Read More