Smooth out eye wrinkles with these homeopathic and herbal treatments

Laugh lines are not funny. Nobody wants crows feet. But because of the sensitive nature of the skin around the eye, daily activities like squinting, laughing and rubbing lead to the eventual occurrence of fine lines around the eyes. While there may not be any avoiding them altogether, you can postpone and minimize them by maintaining the health of the under eye area.


There are many natural remedies that can diminish fine lines, and help keep the skin moisturized and supple. Organic ingredients do not have severe chemicals, and so do not have side-effects, making them safe and gentle on the sensitive eye area (http://www.ecogreen4us.com).

Homeopathic and herbal remedies

Taking care of the delicate skin around the eye is the name of the game. You already know to protect your face with organic sunscreen and sunglasses. In addition to getting enough water and rest, what you eat matters. You need a good diet, and good digestion, to have clear skin.


Certain antioxidants and vitamins are very good for the skin around the eye, so look for products with these ingredients - both internal and external products:


• Antioxidants are key: acai berry, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), pomegranate, resveratrol, sage, and rosemary, among others. Rivers from Livestrong says antioxidants decrease signs of aging and may promote new collagen production (http://www.livestrong.com).


• Vitamins to consider include vitamin A (in creams, look for the word retinoids), vitamin C, and DMAE.


• Silica is good for the kinds of cells we have in our hair, skin, nails. You can take homeopathic silicon (silicea 30C) or herbs such as horsetail and dulse.


• Tone and strengthen the skin with herbs - horsetail, rosemary.


• Homeopathic remedies and food for eye wrinkle treatments include nat mur (30C) (diluted table salt) to help maintain the body's water balance and kali sulf (30C) to nourish skin cells on the cellular level (http://www.ecogreen4us.com).


• Other helpful herbs include: spirulina for reducing scarring and fine lines, dandelion to naturally detox the skin and purify the blood, and alfalfa for its variety of nutrients.


• From your kitchen: use cucumber slices, tea bags, egg whites, coconut oil to reduce swelling, tighten skin (http://www.wholeliving.com/134994/diy-eye-soothers.

Products to use

Clean and moisturize daily.


• Avoid products with synthetic ingredients, harsh chemicals, and parabens. For however they may help, they will also hinder with the toxins they carry.


• Wash your face daily, especially before going to sleep so your eyes will feel fresh in the morning. This will help you to not rub them so much, which is not good for the elasticity.


• Choose a natural exfoliating wash with natural ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids from milk, fruits, or sugar cane. This removes dead skin that may enhance the appearance of wrinkles.


• Apply a natural eye cream, with your ring or pinkie finger, twice daily for best results. Look for ingredients such as those listed above.


• You need vitamin D so let your face get some sun, early or late in the day for 20 minutes or so. Some studies also suggest that we need our eyes uncovered to trigger the mechanism that converts sunlight to vitamin D, so you may even go without the sunglasses for those same 20 minutes. Yet, anytime following, be sure to wear sunscreen with organic ingredients and sunglasses.


Our eyes and our faces reflect our health. Take good care of your self inside to look good outside: diet, rest, exercise, water, and you can age slowly and gracefully.


Sources for the article include:


http://www.ecogreen4us.com


http://www.wholeliving.com/134994/diy-eye-soothers


http://www.naturalnews.com/036028_coconu_oil_health_solutions.html


Articles on homeopathy and natural treatments for eye health:


http://health.hpathy.com/eyes-symptoms-treatment-cure.asp


http://drshreya.blogspot.com

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/036060_eye_wrinkles_homeopathic_herbal_remedies.html#ixzz1wr0xrGch

Dandelion gets scientific acceptance as an antioxidant and "novel" cancer therapy

Dandelion is the bane of immaculate lawn enthusiasts, but holds healing secrets that few people realize. Dandelion is a delicious super-food to add to salads and soups. It contains substantial vitamins and a host of plant-based minerals, especially potassium. The herb stimulates the flow of bile from the liver into the gall bladder, making dandelion a key ingredient in liver cleanse formulas. It helps to break down liver fats and is an effective diuretic. The scientific community has been frenetically studying dandelion recently, due to encouraging evidence that dandelion suppresses the growth and invasive behavior in several types of cancer.

Scientists "approve" dandelion extract as an effective oxidative stress inhibitor

Scientists at the University of Annunzio Chieti-Pasaca in Italy compared extracts of tumeric, dandelion, rosemary, and artichoke in a study released in 2010. The researchers acknowledged the positive effect that these herbs have on the liver and gallbladder, and wanted to compare their anti-proliferation (spreading), antioxidant (combating free radical activity), and protective effects. While tumeric had the greatest antioxidant effects, dandelion also had these qualities. The scientists confirmed that these herbs are useful healing aids in modern phytomedicine.

The oxidative stress-reducing effects of dandelion extract was tested on rats with liver damage from carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), a chemical used in fire extinguishers and refrigerants which is highly toxic to the liver. Water-based dandelion extract, or dandelion tea, was observed to significantly reduce the amount of oxidative stress and inflammation present in the livers of rats.

Medical researchers are enthusiastic about the effects of dandelion on various cancers

Medical science is finally beginning to accept the positive results from natural dietary supplements in healing cancer. Just in the past few years, clinical research has been published stating the benefits of herbal supplements such as dandelion for cancer. Here are a few studies:

The International Journal of Oncology published a 2008 clinical study showing the positive effects of dandelion leaf tea. Dandelion leaf tea decreased breast cancer cells, but dandelion root tea did not. Researchers went on to test prostate cancer cells and found similar results. The scientists concluded that dandelion extract may be considered a "novel" anti-cancer agent.

The Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a study in January 2011 which tested the effects of dandelion root tea on leukemia cells. The study showed that dandelion root tea killed leukemia cells through a process called apoptosis. It is believed that dandelion root tea signals a "kill switch" on leukemia cell receptors. Researchers found it "interesting" that dandelion root tea did not transmit the same "kill switch" signal to healthy cells. These scientists also believed that dandelion should be considered a "novel" non-toxic anti-cancer agent.

The International Journal of Oncology published a 2011 report that a dietary supplement containing dandelion as one ingredient suppresses the growth of prostate cancer cells.

In yet another 2011 study performed with dandelion, dandelion root extract was clinically proven to induce apoptosis in human drug-resistant melanoma cells without poisoning or damaging healthy cells. Once again, tests proved that dandelion root extract should be considered a "novel" and non-toxic therapy for even drug-resistant forms of cancer.

Sources for this article include:

Medline.gov. "Antiproliferative, protective and antioxidant effects of artichoke, dandelion, tumeric, and rosemary extracts and their formulation," L. Menghini, et al. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology April-June 2010; 23(2): 601-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20646355

Wiley Online Library.com. "Amelioration of oxidative stress by dandelion extract through CYP2E1 suppression against acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in Sprague-Dawley rats," Chung My Park, et al. Phytotherapy Research, September 2010; 24(9): 1347-1353. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.3121/abstract

Spandidos Publications.com. "Suppression of growth and invasive behavior of human prostate cancer cells by ProstaCaidTM: Mechanism of activity," J. Jang, et al. International Journal of Oncology. June 2011; 38(6): 1675-82. http://www.spandidos-publications.com/ijo/38/6/1675

Pubmed.gov. "Evaluation of aqueous extracts of Taraxacum officinale [dandelion] on growth and invasion of breast and prostate cancer cells," S.C. Sigstedt, et al. International Journal of Oncology, May 2008; 32(5): 1085-90. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18425335

Pubmed.gov. "Selective induction of apoptosis through activation of caspase-8 in human leukemia cells (Jurkat) by dandelion root extract," P. Ovadie, et al. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology. January 2011; 133(1): 86-91. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20849941

Pubmed.gov. "The efficacy of dandelion root extract in inducing apoptosis in drug-resistant human melanoma cells," S.J. Chatterjee, et al. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011; 2011: 129045. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21234313

About the author:
This article is provided courtesy of Donna Earnest Pravel, owner and senior editor of Heart of Texas Copywriting Solutions.com. Get free biweekly tips on natural healing and herbs by visiting her blog, Bluebonnet Natural Healing Therapy.

Herbal treatments prevent balding, stop hair loss and re-grow hair

Many people are deeply concerned about the condition of their hair, and will do almost anything to prevent further hair loss or to re-grow hair. There are a variety of pharmaceutical products that claim to promote hair growth and prevent thinning hair; however, they can cause dangerous side effects and often don't work. Herbal treatments have been used for centuries to treat the scalp and hair, and many are effective in the prevention of baldness and even in restoring hair pigment to its original color.

Much hair loss and baldness is related to genetics; however, other factors may play a role such as hormonal problems, poor nutrition, medication, chemotherapy and thyroid disease. Try some of these alternatives to help restore your hair and slow down the hair loss problem.

Ginkgo biloba

Rich in antioxidants, Ginkgo provides increased blood flow to the hair follicles in the scalp, strengthening and stimulating the hair shaft.

Polygonum Multiflorum

Also known as Fo-ti or He shou wu, Polygonum multiflorum is a Chinese herb used for centuries to slow hair loss, promote new hair growth, restore hair to its original color and to slow the aging process. The seemingly miraculous herb is often mixed in with other herbs to create a tonic that stimulates the scalp and hair growth. It's available from Asian markets and apothecaries that will mix formulas based on one's individual needs. Caution is advised because Polygonum multiflorum may cause liver problems in some sensitive people. If you develop symptoms, stop using it and contact your health professional for further guidelines.

Topical aromatherapy applications

Using aromatherapy mixtures topically on the scalp may help regrow hair in some cases. A mixture of essential oils including rosemary, cedarwood, lavender and thyme can be applied to the scalp to stimulate blood flow and hair growth. Never apply the essential oils directly to the skin; rather, first mix three to six drops of each oil in a base such as almond, jojoba or olive oil. Apply the oil mixture nightly to encourage an increase in blood flow and strengthen the existing hair shafts.

Reishi mushroom

Reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum is another well-known Chinese herb with many health benefits. It's referred to as the mushroom of mortality and is reputed to slow the aging process and strengthen the immune system. Reishi mushroom is often combined in hair tonics along with Fo-ti and other Chinese herbs to promote hair growth and prevent balding. Find it at Chinese herbal shops where you would also buy Fo-ti.

Additional thoughts

Certain herbal products like Ginkgo biloba can cause bleeding due to its ability to thin the blood. If you take blood thinners, speak to your health practitioner before using Ginkgo. In addition, check medications you may be using to see if hair loss is one of the side effects. If so, request that your physician change your medicine. Examine your diet to make sure you are getting adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. Good nutrition is necessary for healthy hair.

Sources for this article include:

"The Aromatherapy Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using Essential Oils"; Gill Farrer-Halls; 2005

University of Maryland Medical Center: Alopecia
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/alopecia-000004.htm

Vitaminsdiary.com: Information on Fo-Ti -- Polygonum Multiflorum
http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/herbs/fo-ti.htm

University of Maryland Medical Center: Hair Disorders
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hair-disorders-000071.htm

Ageless Herbs: Natural Hair Loss Remedy
http://www.agelessherbs.com/hairlossremedy.html

Alabama Corporate Extension System -- Metro News: A Reishi Mushroom a Day May Keep the Doctor Away
http://www.aces.edu/urban/metronews/vol3no4/Mushroom.html

About the author:
JB Bardot is trained in herbal medicine and homeopathy, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/034914_herbal_remedies_hair_loss_balding.html#ixzz1m6U8IDsW