Living With Hypothyroidism – Essential Tips To Live A Normal Life In A Crazy World
Living With Hypothyroidism – Essential Tips To Live A Normal Life In A Crazy World
Living with and controlling hypothyroidism can be a life long commitment. Living with any chronic disease is alike a marriage; sometimes things are good, and sometimes things are rocky. The good news is you can enjoy your life, live a full life, and not have to sacrifice your life just because you have a diagnosis of thyroid disease. In fact, many patients with thyroid disease go on to live full and productive lives despite their diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
If you want to succeed in living a full life you first have to recognize your disease must be cared for, much like a newborn baby. You must learn to love your life and learn everything you can about hypothyroidism so you know how to care for your body in the best way possible.
Caring For Hypothyroidism To Make The Best Life Possible
Hypothyroid disease is a disease your healthcare provider can work with you, to treat easily and without much expense in most cases. Typically a healthcare provider can diagnose hypothyroidism by using a simple blood test which will measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. This will provide your health provider with information about levels of TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone and other circulating thyroid hormones in the blood.
Some other thyroid hormones your doctor or healthcare provider may want to monitor may include thyroid antibodies, free T3, free T3, reverse T3 and related hormones.
Often if one or more of these hormones is elevated or decreased, your health provider will recommend supplementation with a synthetic or natural thyroid hormone. In other cases your health provider will recommend that you make changes to your lifestyle and to your diet.
These changes may include supplementation with iodine for example. Some people have thyroid disease because of an iodine deficiency. While this is not as common in first world countries, it is seen more often in third world countries or for people that have other underlying conditions that cause hypothyroidism, including malabsorption syndromes.
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Your doctor will often recommend daily treatment that continues over the course of your life, which is why if you choose the orthodox approach, thyroid treatment takes permanent commitment.
Should You Stop Therapy When You Feel Better?
Many patients realize that symptoms of hypothyroidism begin to diminish shortly after therapy begins. They may feel the need to continue therapy decreases with time. Some symptoms may disappear completely. You should not discontinue taking any pharmaceutical treatments recommended by your health provider just because your symptoms disappear, because your disease may return.
Remember thyroid hormones are a replacement for hormones that your body is no longer able to produce. If your thyroid is damaged for example, you will need supplementation for a lifetime.
Over time the dose of therapy you require may change, so your doctor may need to monitor your symptoms and test results and then change your therapy or dosage accordingly.
Here are some things you can do to improve your relationship with your body and your health provider or therapist:
- Pay attention to how you feel. Keep a daily journal and make note of any recurring symptoms. For example, symptoms of thyroid disease may occur if your need for thyroid hormone increases. Sometimes a dose of thyroid hormone becomes insufficient with time. That means some symptoms that went away may return. Make note of them.
- Look for changes in symptoms including fatigue, a slowing heart beat, inability to tolerate cold, or symptoms like constipation. If these return or become worse, write them down and bring your journal to your doctor or health provider to discuss at your next appointment.
- If you notice other symptoms including irritability or an increase heart rate, or an intolerance to heat, you may be taking too much medicine, and your health provider may need to lower your dose. Make sure you notice this as well.
- Make a note of any exercise you are undertaking, as this is part of your total body health plan as well. You can also make note of your sleep patterns and how many total hours of sleep you get each night.
- Don’t forget to note when you feel well too, because your health provider will want to know that you are succeeding at living a fulfilling life!
Remember to make a note of any other medications you may be taking so your health provider can look for possible interactions and protect you from any possible unnecessary side effects. Health is a total body process.
If you do not like the idea of taking pharmaceutical medication for the rest of your life you will be relieved to know that hypothyroidism can also be treated with natural therapies. There are a variety of herbs and nutrients that not only improve your thyroid hormones but also help improve thyroid function. Unlike pharmaceutical medication it may not be necessary to take natural remedies for long periods of time. When combined with exercise and the appropriate diet it is possible to permanently heal your thyroid.
For more information on living with hypothyroidism, or how you can boost your thyroid function naturally, please visit www.HypothyroidismSecrets.com where you can grab a FREE copy of Duncan Capicchiano’s hypothyroidism secrets mini-course. Duncan Capicchiano N.D. is a fully qualified Naturopath, Author, and Medical researcher specializing in hypothyroidism.
BackAche Treatments with herbs and Essential Oils
BackAche Treatments with herbs and Essential Oils
BACKACHE Treatment
By Jeanne Rose
INTRODUCTION:
Years ago I had chronic back pain. At times I was unable to walk correctly as my leg would buckle from the pain that radiated down my back. At that time, during the days that I lived in Big Sur, surgery was recommended to fuse some vertebrae to alleviate the pain. Eventually, with the help of others who suffered back pain, I devised a formula to treat backache. In all cases where it was consistently used, the pain and disabling effects disappeared.
Exercise is the key. However, wait until back pain subsides before beginning your exercise program. The stomach muscles must be strengthened in order to support the weak back. Many excellent exercise books describe the exercises to strengthen a back. The simplest is one in which you lie upon a firm surface with your back pressed flat against the surface, knees bent. Draw one knee up to the chest, turn the leg, knee to the outside and lay it flat as possible alongside the body and slowly straighten the leg until both legs are parallel. Do this ten times on each side twice a day. Walk as much as possible – use comfortable appropriate shoes. Sitting is the worst thing you can do. If your job requires lots of sitting, get up, stretch at least every thirty minutes, and always keep knees higher than hips. Never place feet flat on floor – use a stool for feet to raise your knees.
HERBAL Treatments include herbal Supplements which should consists of various herbs such as Comfrey leaf (Use only Symphytum officinale ), Alfalfa sprouts, Oat straw, and Rosemary leaf in the form of capsules, tablets, tea or extract. These will provide micronutrients that are helpful. These herbs can be further examined by reading Herbs & Things by Jeanne Rose
External Herbal Compresses of Kings Fern, Ginger root, Rosemary leaf and Comfrey root (Use only Symphytum officinale) will ease pain and stimulate circulation.
Antispasmodic Herbal Mixtures can be taken as a tea. Michael Tierra recommends a combination of Prince’s Pine (Chimaphila umbellate), Valerian, Lobelia, and Ginger root and Marshmallow root. Simmer two ounces of the herbs in two pints of water for thirty minutes and then take one cup at a time at least three times a day until relief is obtained.
AROMATHERAPY Treatments
HYDROSOLS: Any of the hydrosols can be added to the bath for treatment, especially Rosemary hydrosol and Lavender, which are both stimulating to the muscles but relaxing to the mind.
ESSENTIAL OILS: Aromatherapy for Mind/Body — 7 Simple Oils to Know and use the– Stress Kit by Jeanne Rose© www.JeanneRose.net. Other oils include Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Conifers, Geranium, Lavender, Orange Peel, and Rosemary.
CEDARWOOD: Cedrus atlantica. Fam. Pinaceae. The tree originated from the Lebanon Cedar mentioned in the Bible. The wood was macerated/decocted in water and the steam collected in woolen cloth, which was then wrung out to capture the essence. It is a wonderful fixative essential oil, sweet, fruity and woody. It is excellent for respiratory congestion, to aid in deep breathing, for use in seasonal rituals.
CINNAMON: (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Fam. Lauraceae. It is Native to Indonesia and was traded along the ancient Arabic trade routes. Mentioned in Exodus as part of holy anointing oil and a traditional holiday scent. Used in Victorian England in potpourris, as a powdered substance in which clove-studded Oranges was immersed. It is inhaled to tap into the psychic mind. The essential oil is used to eliminate warts.
Historical Uses: Respiratory aide and for the elimination of parasites. And by Inhalation: bactericide, disinfectant, stimulant, expectorant, calming, and uplifting. Emotional Uses (AP or IN) by Inhalation: Sudden fatigue and exhaustion, grounding, anxiety, stress, [and deep healing for the dark side of the male, or active, principle.]
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Inhalation the conifer oils assist the lungs in clearing bronchitis, asthma, and for weak and debilitated conditions. The true conifer oils are excellent when used as an air freshener.
[Hormone-like, possibly stimulating the thymus gland, cortisone-like properties that affect the HPA axis]
GERANIUM Skin care: Used externally on acne, bruises, as a tonic astringent application for broken capillaries, burns, couperose (reddened) skin, cuts, all types of skin conditions, externally for hemorrhoids, in products for oily or mature skin. Used externally in massage for cellulite, breast engorgement, edema, or poor circulation. Used by inhalation for menopausal symptoms or PMS, nervous tension, or stress. It has been used extensively in the skin-care industry for all types of cosmetic problem. As an inhalant the ESSENTIAL OIL is considered to balance the glands. This oil has properties that are considered to be anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal (Spikenard is better), anti-inflammatory, relaxing, and anti-spasmodic.
The hydrosol is excellent as a spray tonic for the skin, to reduce stress, relieve all sorts of menstrual or menopausal symptoms. Used internally by ingestion for the liver and pancreas (with the assistance of a health care provider).
LAVENDER: Lavandula angustifolia). The Lavender we most often consider is the one that we use every day. Depending on where and how it is grown it can be very high in linalool that in moderation is a soothing sedative and high in linalyl acetate that is used in skin care for healing and relaxation. By inhalation this oil is calming, tonic, analgesic, antidepressant, and restorative.
Lavandula x intermedia is of many sorts depending upon where and how it is grown. It can be relaxing in massage
ORANGE (Citrus [many varieties]) Fam. Rutaceae. The fruit contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Thought to originate in China. The essential oil is used to flavor drinks and many liqueurs, such as Curaçao. The scent is sweet and evocative of Christmas, holiday cooking and happiness, and relieves anxiety. Inhalation of Orange peel oil (contains limonene and linalool) is useful as a calming with sedative like tonic properties; it is refreshing and uplifting.
ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis). Like Lavender there are many types of Rosemary oil. Some are refreshing and uplifting and others more stimulating. Use in massage oils to reduce muscular pain.
SPIKENARD: (Nardostachys jatamansi) Fam. Valerianaceae. The Women’s Oil. A deep, powerful aroma. For serious skin conditions and to regulate heartbeat. A cooling, fever-reducing oil that is balancing, soothing, harmonizing and ancient.
EXTERNAL MASSAGE: Once per week or as often as possible. Use skin care oils like Calendula infused oil and add essential oils that will help modify any physical condition that you may have.
For back ache use the Sports Relief Oils from Jeanne Rose Aromatherapy of Blue Sage, Sage, Juniper, Cypress, Rosemary CT cineol, warming Basil and astringent Lemon. These essential oils can be mixed together or used separately — 10-20 drops per ounce of carrier oil. Use several times per day on your aching back or joints.
(To learn how to make a beautiful Calendula infused oil, read pages 249-250 in Jeanne Rose’s book, The Aromatherapy Book, Applications & Inhalations available online and at her website, www.jeannerose.net.
DIET: Dietary Changes are probably necessary and will include reducing red meat eating, eating more vegetables, eat more raw foods, less mixing of foods [that is, eat fruits for one meal, carbohydrates at another and protein at a third], do not eat preserved foods or packaged foods [they probably contain preservatives]. These changes are necessary to create a simple harmonious interior environment to allow the body the space and time necessary to heal itself.
SUPPLEMENTS:
HERBS: Comfrey leaf (Use only Symphytum officinale ), Alfalfa sprouts, Oat straw, and Rosemary leaf in the form of capsules, tablets, tea or extract. Drink 2 cups of tea per day. [1/4 oz of mixed herbs, infused in 1-quart just off the boil water for 20 minutes, strained, placed in a thermos, and drunk in 4-ounce portions 4 times per day.] This mixture is enough for a two-day supply.
VITAMINS: Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation are necessary. These may include a complete B-vitamin, extra B6 and niacin amide, bone meal, and vitamin C and zinc.
HYDROTHERAPY/SPA:
Hydrotherapy. [Water therapy in general] or Balneotherapy [using Mineral Springs Baths] or Sea therapy [bathing in the sea or ocean] At least three times per week, take a long, hot soak Epsom salt bath to relax your muscles. To encourage blood circulation, follow the bath with alternating hot and cold showers. The steamy hot water should be needling into the weak area of the back for three minutes. Immediately turn the water to as cold as possible and let the cold water flow onto the same area for one minute. The total is three minutes hot and one minute cold repeated three times for a total of twelve minutes after your bath. After your hot and cold showers cover your back warmly until you regain your normal temperature.
EMOTIONS OR Other Complementary Treatments
Acupuncture. Find a competent acupuncturist and succumb to the treatments and dietary advice. Remember, you will need at least five treatments before any significant good occurs.
Guided Imagery “The soul never thinks without a picture.” … —Aristotle
Imagery provides a way to communicate with your subconscious mind. When you “see” an image in your mind it is a collaboration between your conscious and subconscious. The image you see will always be different from what others see because it is formed from your own memories and experiences. Imagery is like a personalized, guided dream with emotions.
ALWAYS USE baths, essential oils, hydrosols, dietary supplements and anything that you can possibly think of that will help with your condition. Read! Magazines, books and only the best common sense info.
Health is Personal – Personalize It!
Source List: The herbs can be purchased at an herb store and infusions made at home. For directions to making infusions or compresses, just purchase any of Jeanne Rose Books http://www.jeannerose.net for directions. Don’t think you can buy pre-made things. Make them yourself –it is really easy. Go to some place like Vitamin Express – they have a knowledgeable staff and will assist you with supplements. For hydrosols, try the Source list at the Aromatic Plant Project. For salt baths, buy salt, scent the salt with your own pure oils and herbs. Don’t purchase little pre-packaged salt baths at the store – it is too expensive. Making salt baths are really easy. Our Herbal Body Book or the SPA book has recipes for your own salt baths. Start taking responsibility for your own health. Your health will improve and you will save money as well.
DISCLAIMER: This work is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. Dosages are often not given, as that is a matter between you and your health care provider. The author is neither a chemist nor a medical doctor. The content herein is the product of research and some personal and practical experience. Institute of Aromatic & Herbal Studies &#; Jeanne Rose©
Author Bio: Jeanne Rose is the President Emeritus of Naha, current Executive Director of the Aromatic Plant Project which encourages the production and use of organically grown plants for essential oil and hydrosol, founder of the www.JeanneRose.net which contains dozens of articles on the use of essential oils and hydrosols and is the education arm of the APP. She has written over 20 books on herbs, aromatherapy and distillation including a complete Herbal Studies Course and Aromatherapy Studies Course. Visit her site for Seminars and educational materials.
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Three Essential Herbs for Menopause
Three Essential Herbs for Menopause
Menopause is a normal period in our lives that is best treated naturally. There are benefits of clinical treatment but one can never really be sure as to what additional chemicals could do when they are introduced in our bodies. We all understand that besides the irritation, the thing that affects us the most is the decrease in the quality of our lives caused by emotional turbulence or mood swings. These types of mood swings stem from an imbalance within the levels of estrogen in our bodies. If we were to introduce artificially manufactured chemical substances in our bodies, there are chemical reactions that might cause certain side effects from developing. If you have ever had any kind of doubts about chemically manufactured remedies for menopause, now is the best to pause and consider herbs for menopause.
An example of a beneficial and natural herb is the black cohosh root or the Cimicifuga racemosa. Study on the relief of menopause symptoms that the black cohosh root can offer has been extensive. Europeans have been knowledgeable about the qualities of this herb for a very long time. One will need to take note however, that people with current liver problems should exercise prudence as well as consult a medical professional prior to taking it.
One additional herbal remedy that’s been put to medical applications is the Soy seed. It has natural estrogen called phytoestrogens which can balance the estrogen levels in women. One should note that different women have mood swings because they either have too much estrogen or too little of it. Phytoestrogens, which are weaker kinds of estrogens by the way, attach themselves to the body’s estrogen receptor sites. They are suitably compatible with human estrogen because they are less potent. However, chemically induced estrogen production or control is challenging in that the female human body has various estrogen requirements that overproduction or serious inhibition could ultimately prove to be more dangerous.
Mention the word “aphrodisiac” and you usually get a reaction that borders on quackery and mythology. Suffice to say that the Damaiana leaf is not an aphrodisiac, but rather herbs for menopause that helps alleviate anxiety and can bring about relaxation. Now, whether decreased levels of anxiety, tension and increased levels of relaxation can bring about an increase in sexual desire is a matter that’s best left for setting the mood.
Interestingly, all of these herbs for menopause are found in Menozac, a natural and herbal formulation. The good news is that you can obtain this product on a trial basis to see for yourself what it has to offer. Visit http://perimenopausetreatment.org for a free trial.
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The Essential Herbs for Diabetics
The Essential Herbs for Diabetics
India has one of the lowest rates of diabetes and much has to do with the type of food, particularly the spices used in cooking such as turmeric, curry and chili powder. In fact it has been shown that these spices can help diabetics regulate their blood sugar.
Here is a list of essential herbs which you should take to help you lower your blood sugar, control your cholesterol and may even help you lose weight:
Gymnema Sylvestre is one herb that has been used in India for centuries to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. It grows in the Southern tropical regions in India. In one study 400 mg of Gymnema extract was given to 22 type 2 diabetic patients along with their oral medications. All of them experienced improved blood glucose control and 5 of them were able to discontinue their drug use. Direct application of this herb to the tongue helps people eat fewer calories at a meal. It enhances the action of insulin. Recommended dosage is 200 mg two times a day.
Bitter Melon as the name implies is not easy to take. It’s a cucumber like plant that grows in Asia, South America and Africa. It’s strength lies in its ability to lower blood sugar. Just 2 ounces of the juice was shown to improve glucose levels in 73% of type 2 diabetics.
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Fenugreek seeds were often used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. 15 to 50 grams taken twice daily helps to lower blood sugar. The active ingredient is the soluble fiber along with the alkaloid trigonelline. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetics can benefit. Considering its bitterness, it’s not very palatable to swallow in capsule form. Use is as a condiment or as a spice like the East Indians use.
Salt Bush is native to the Middle East. Just 3 grams taken daily has shown to provide improved blood sugar regulation in type 2 diabetes.
Bilberry, known as European blueberry, was used in France since 1945 to treat retinopathy, the deterioration of the retina in the eye, one of the many complications from diabetes. It protects the macula of the diabetic eye. Many diabetics have found improved vision using supplements from 80 to 16o mg 3 times a day.
Gingkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living trees that has survived over 200 million years. This tree is so adaptable that one survived the nuclear blast at Hiroshima. Over a thousand scientific studies have been done over the last 40 years showing the value of ginkgo biloba in effective treatment of diabetes. The extract is widely prescribed in Europe today. It’s an effective antioxidant. It improves the body’s circulation and expands the small capillaries that nourish the extremities in the eyes, hands and feet. It inhibits the stickiness of cells, and helps reduces inflammation and allergic responses. It improves overall circulation in the body.
Ginseng is one of the oldest herbs known. Not only does it lower blood pressure but it has the ability to raise it too. Just 3 grams before a meal can reduce blood sugar spikes in type 2 diabetics. American ginseng helps to stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas and thus increase the output of insulin. Native Americans used this herb extensively. Korean ginseng helps to increase insulin sensitivity in the cells of the body and thus lower blood sugar. One of its interesting side effect is the improvement of sexual function.
These are just some of the major herbs that can help you control your blood sugar. Consider using them to help you fight the disease and avoid the complications that often afflict many diabetics.
Mario Carini is a diabetic and has been treating his condition through natural means. In order to loswe weight he has used
Avatrim Green Tea Weight Loss. You can get it here: http://click-here-4.info/?i=145758
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Relieve Muscle Pain with Muscle Massage Essential Oil Blend
Relieve Muscle Pain with Muscle Massage Essential Oil Blend
Everyone experiences the pain associated with sore muscles from time to time. Whether it’s an injury or just a strenuous workout, it used to be that the only cure was time. But now Moriah Herbs has formulated a unique essential oil blend, which can help dramatically reduce the aches and pains of sore muscles.
This unique essential oil blend is an all natural product that is one hundred percent organic, it is very beneficial to use this massage oil for sports injuries, generalized sore muscles and therapeutic massage applications, this light oil blend is fast absorbing and opens the pores to absorb deep into the muscle tissues to provide quick relief of aches, pains, and muscle fatigue. It is also very beneficial to improving circulation to the affected area, and it is also very useful in try to reduce inflammation and thereby any minor swelling that may occur.
In addition to using this product as a means of pain management through therapeutic massage as a means of deliver but it is also quite effective and soothing when mixed with unscented bubble bath, bath oil or even Epsom salt, which can also be quite useful for muscle pain and inflammation, as a means of promoting muscle relaxation and a restful night sleep as well.
Muscle Massage is a very strong essential oil blend, so a mere few drops goes a very long way, for a therapeutic massage application massage a scant 20 drops (or less) into the affected area up to three times a day until pain and inflammation are diminished. For a therapeutic bath application only 5 drops of the essential oil blend should be used in you proffered delivery method is it bath bubbles, bath oil, or Epsom salt.
Aromatherapy has been studied for years and has been proven to be effective at treating a variety of conditions. It works by absorbing through the skin and thereby providing quick relief when applied at the site of pain. Muscle massage has a unique blend of the essential oils of lavender, basil, rosemary, cardamom, camphorated peppermint, and wintergreen oils. While basil, rosemary, and cardamom, oils are all stimulating to increase circulation to the area affected, they also poses a unique herbaceous quality that is cooling and soothing to muscle tissues that when combined with the camphorated peppermint and winter green oils is also cooling and soothing to help with inflammation and swelling. Lavender is also cooling and soothing to the skin it is also a very powerful nervine that helps to ease the pain associated with many muscle problems, like pain, swelling, inflammation and general fatigue.
These essential oils are combined in a carrier blend of almond oil which is fine high quality carrier oil for most skin types that is naturally high in vitamin a, which is vital for healthy skin cell production, and arnica oil. Arnica oil , is useful in any injury, blow fall and even surgery to help heal tissues, It is important to mention however that arnica is for external use only and should not be used on any injury in which there is broken skin or bleeding.
As with any healthcare product natural or otherwise, be sure to consult a physician or physical therapist prior to use to insure safe usage for your own health and personal medical situation. You don’t have to live with the pain of sore muscles any longer.
In 1995, Deborah Gez created Moriah Herbs, and brought more than 30 years of experience to the field of herbal medicine. Moriah Herbs is a leader in aromatherapy, essential oils and herbal healing.
Check out www.moriahherbs.com or www.moriahherbs.blogspot.com
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