We acquired our first rocking chair when I was pregnant with our first child. After all, who can have a baby without a rocker? Babies and rockers seem to go together. In fact, studies have proven that the rocking motion calms babies, helping them to sleep. And when a baby sleeps, the entire family can sleep. But there are many other health benefits to rocking chairs—ones seldom discussed—that may interest you.

Learning Disabilities

Sensory Integration is the neurological course the brain uses to process multiple sensory input and utilize it to perform a response. Sometimes problems exist in the process and that condition is referred to as Sensory Integration Dysfunction. SID may be found in individuals with autism, traumatic brain injury, those with cochlear implants, and various other learning disabilities. The act of rocking has shown to improve SID. In fact, studies have shown that rocking chairs placed in classrooms help to calm children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, thereby facilitating their concentration and focus on the subject at hand.

Treating Varicose Veins

Because of the stimulation to the circulatory system, and exercise to the leg muscles, rocking in a rocking chair is recommended to prevent and treat varicose veins. This is especially helpful for the elderly or shut-in who cannot walk or swim.

Dementia

A study published in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia discussed the use of rocking chairs with nursing home residents with dementia. This study found that “there were improvements in depression/anxiety and reductions in PRN pain medication significantly related to amount of rocking.” Those residents that enjoyed the program and wanted to continue rocking past the six weeks of the study “demonstrated significant improvements in balance as measured by center of gravity.”

Postoperative Healing

Typically, after any abdominal surgery there is a certain degree of decreased motor activity of the gastro-intestinal tract. This condition, referred to as postoperative ileus or POI, causes the patient pain. According to a dissertation by Dr. Robert Lee Massey, “rocking chair motion is effective in postoperative abdominal surgery cancer patients reducing the duration of postoperative ileus.

Childbirth Recovery

According to an article at Mothering.com, a rocking chair is a must for any new mother. It not only soothes a fussy baby and sleep deprived mommy, but “rocking assists an infant’s biological development and promotes the baby’s ability to be alert and attentive.” Since rocking reduces the amount of postoperative ileus, it promotes healing after a cesarean section. And, since the act of rocking burns about 150 calories an hour, it helps mom to lose her pregnancy weight gain faster.

Have you ever used a rocking chair for therapeutic purposes? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.

References:

RockingChairTherapy.org

AM J ALZHEIMERS DIS OTHER DEMEN November/December 1998 vol. 13 no. 6 296-308

http://etd.utmb.edu/theses/available/etd-06292007-111418/unrestricted/DissertationMasseyFinal07.pdf

 Photo by 1Sock

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Compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the forearm causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a space in the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments that hold the bones together. Running up this tunnel is the median nerve and the tendons responsible for flexing the fingers. Often caused by lifestyle habits, carpal tunnel syndrome can manifest itself in different ways. However, the treatment measures for this debilitating condition are the same, no matter what the cause.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Numbness of the thumb and three fingers that worsens at night
• Pain in the wrist or hand
• Weakness or loss of strength in the hand

Who Is at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The median nerve may be compressed by a subluxation of the bones, scar tissue, enlargement of the tendons, or fluid retention. Most often, these anomalies are caused by repetitive movements and strain from them. Occupations that require repetitive hand movements or awkward hand positions, excessive or prolonged gripping, or frequent vibrations put one at greater risk. Hairdressers or barbers, typists or computer operators, cashiers, meat processors that de-bone or cut meat assembly-line fashion, farmers that milk by hand or bakers kneading bread are all at risk for CTS.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Prevention is the key to CTS whether you are at risk from your occupation or a hobby like knitting. Here are some things to consider:

• Take a break a few minutes every hour from the task that puts you at risk
• Do strengthening exercises three times a day
• Perform a few stretching exercises prior to engaging in repetitive activities
• Check your posture making sure to sit up straight, keep wrists straight, and elbows bent

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you already suffer from the signs of CTS, there are a few ways to manage the pain and numbness and prevent it from worsening.

• Wear wrist splints, especially when sleeping. Most people sleep with their wrists in a flexed position and wearing the splints will keep them straight. Wearing the splints when performing repetitive activity will also help.
• Take the following supplements on a daily basis: B-complex, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
• Include anti-inflammatory herbs in your diet. Bromelain with quercitin works wonders on inflammation; as well as butcher’s broom, and capsicum.
• Use a topical agent like CT Cream or Penetrex to reduce inflammation.

There is one last thing to consider before succumbing to drastic, surgical procedures. Carpal tunnel syndrome has become a catch-all diagnosis for a collection of maladies involving the hand and wrist. Unless exact testing of the nerves is done, one would benefit from evaluation of various trigger points in the shoulder and forearm muscles. Consultation with a member of the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Body Workers, who specializes in CTS, is highly recommended.

References:

Balch, James F., and Phyllis A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing a Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements. New York, NY: Avery Group, 2000. Print.

Chaitow, Leon, and Judith W. Delany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, V.1: The Upper Body. Great Britain: Churchill Livingstone, UK, 2000. Print.

“OSH Answers: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.” CCOHS: Canada’s National Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Information. Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, 15 Oct. 2008. Web. 31 Dec. 2011.

Photo by Mysterious Photographer

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Candida. Yeast infection. Jock itch. Athlete’s foot. Thrush. Ringworm. Different words for the same beast—fungus. We’ve all been affected. But what do we do about it? A quick search through that big superstore we all love to avoid shows products up to $18 a tube. But do they really work? And what are the possible side effects of using them? Not to worry. There are some herbal alternatives.

Garlic

Studies have shown that the chemical constituent ajoene found in garlic (Allium sativum) is effective against several strains of fungi. Not only does it work to take garlic orally to treat systemic yeast infections such as Candida albicans, but it is even more effective when applied topically to skin and nail fungus.

I would suggest caution here and advice you to use the oil from a garlic capsule (which is diluted) rather than a garlic clove. Many years ago, as a young mother studying herbal medicine, I sent my babies to bed with smashed garlic cloves taped to the soles of their feet. It was supposed to be absorbed into their blood streams and fight their colds. It only caused blisters to form which made shoes impossible and walking painful—for days.

Teatree Oil

Teatree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been shown to inhibit the growth of over 50 fungus strains. Applying a few drops of the oil, mixed with an equal amount of vegetable oil, directly to the affected area two to three times a day, has shown to eradicate infections better than some over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Taking Teatree oil internally can be fatal.

Black Walnut

Unripe hulls of the black walnut (Juglans nigra) have been used as a folk remedy for topical fungal infections, especially ringworm, for centuries. The active constituent in the hull that contains the antifungal properties is juglone. According to one study, juglone has “moderate antifungal activity” and is as effective as some commercially prepared products.

Black walnut hulls can be powdered and added to an antifungal powder mix. You can add them to your infused oils when making salves and ointments or you can make a black walnut tincture. To reap the antifungal properties, however, it is recommended for topical use.

Pau-d’arco

The bark from a tree found in the Amazon rainforest, Pau-d’arco (Tabebuia ssp.) contains three anti-yeast compounds and is effective in treating Candida albicans and other fungi. You can purchase Pau’d-arco in capsules or loose. It makes a mild and tasty infusion so herbalists frequently recommend drinking several cups of the tea each day.

Of course, herbs working synergistically together in a formula are more effective than those used singly.  When I used to make a salve for diaper rash, I would add several of the anti-fungal herbs to the mix. James A. Duke, PhD supports this in his book The Green Pharmacy, “In one test of ten plant species whose oils were antifungal, researchers noted that ‘combinations of the antifungal essential oils increased their activity remarkably.’”
 

Resources:

Duke, J. A.  (2000). The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. Rodale Books.

S Yoshida, S Kasuga, N Hayashi, T Ushiroguchi, H Matsuura and S Nakagawa, Antifungal activity of ajoene derived from garlic. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. March 1987 vol. 53 no. 3 615-617

Nenoff P, Haustein U-F, Brandt W:
Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) against Pathogenic Fungi in vitro.
Skin Pharmacol 1996;9:388-394 (DOI: 10.1159/000211450)

Clark, A. M., Jurgens, T. M. and Hufford, C. D. (1990), Antimicrobial activity of juglone. Phytotherapy Research, 4: 11–14. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2650040104

Photo by LensAlive

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There are several different types of anxiety disorders but many have similar symptoms; the overwhelming similarity between all types of anxiety disorders is that they can totally disrupt your life to the point that you are afraid to go anywhere or do anything because of the fears associated with your condition. Although prescribed medication may help, it can become addictive and it can also present a whole new range of symptoms and side effects. If you want to try and cope with your anxiety disorder in a natural way, try some of these suggestions.

Types of Anxiety Disorders and Their Symptoms

Anxiety disorders are a serious mental illness that many people do not understand; because there are no visible physical symptoms, as in the case of a broken leg for example, people think that there is nothing wrong. However, for someone suffering from an serious anxiety disorder, the simple act of keeping a social engagement can present a whole minefield of emotions and “what ifs”; sometimes it just becomes easier to avoid the situation, even if this means missing out on a friend’s birthday or a family wedding.

Types of anxiety disorders include:

• panic attacks – symptoms of panic attacks include chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, unrational fear, nausea, dizziness, headaches, feeling that you are going to faint.

• social anxiety disorder – over-worrying of every day situations and what others may think of you in social settings.

• post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – PTSD usually occurs after a trauma or life changing event; these include rape, assault, unexpected death of a loved one, serious car accident, a natural disaster or another major personal life changing event.

• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – if you suffer from OCD you believe that if you don’t perform a certain set of actions (rituals) in a certain way, something terrible will happen, for example constant hand washing.

(source: Mayo Clinic and WebMD)

If you suffer from some of the more serious anxiety disorders (such as PTSD and OCD), you should consult a medical practitioner for additional advice.

Counseling for Anxiety Disorders

You might find help with some types of anxiety disorders through counseling. In addition, a support group for people who suffer from anxiety disorders and/or panic attacks might provide you with peer support from others who are experiencing the same feelings as you – and understand what you are going through.

Yoga for Anxiety Disorders

Yoga is reputed to be one of the best forms of exercise to help with conditions such as anxiety disorders; yoga focuses on how you breath, in addition to physical exercise, and breathing “incorrectly” is one of the main features of anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks. In addition, according to the Yoga Journal, scientific studies have shown that breathing through your left nostril can reduce symptoms of OCD (source). You can either practice on your own, with a personal instructor or join a local group, depending on your degree of comfort.

Hypnotherapy and Relaxation Exercises for Anxiety Disorders

Hypnotherapy is an altered state of consciousness and is another way in which you can try to alleviate your anxiety disorder. Hypnotherapy both induces a state of relaxation, in addition to getting you to focus on the cause of your anxiety (source). Make sure that you consult a qualified practitioner in this area of expertise. In addition, a series of relaxation exercises might help your condition.

Bach Flower Remedies and Aromatherapy for Anxiety Disorders

If you are looking for a natural solution to manage your anxiety disorder, you might want to consider either Bach flower remedies or aromatherapy. One of the most popular Bach flower remedies is the Bach rescue remedy which can be used as a tool for shock and anxiety. Take Bach rescue remedy before a job interview, a flight or an important meeting to help you manage your anxiety levels. It is a completely natural remedy, made up of flower essences, that helps to restore your emotional balance.

Aromatherapy is another tool that you might wish to consider using for anxiety. Aromatherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses the aromas (essential oils) of plants to help with certain health problems. Suitable essential oils for anxiety include neroil, ylang ylang, lavender, rose, sandalwood, frankincense, benzoin and jasmine. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner for further advice on how to use essential oils for anxiety.

When to Consult a Qualified Medical Practitioner

Although all of the above suggestions are reputable, natural ways that may help you cope with your anxiety disorder, you should still consult a medical practitioner if your disorder is chronic, worsens or presents more serious symptoms. Choose a medical practitioner that understands the complexity of anxiety disorders and the debilitating consequences that anxiety presents. There are alternatives to prescribed medication to cope with your anxiety disorder, depending on the level of anxiety that you suffer from, and you don’t always have to suffer the side effects of a prescribed medication to live a life free from a disabling condition such as anxiety.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 26 million Americans have diabetes. They also predict that if current trends continue, 1 in 3 Americans will have diabetes by 2050.  In light of these staggering statistics, I’d like to share five sure-fire ways to help lower your sugar—for those who feel they’ve tried everything.

Lose weight

A friend recently went for his yearly check-up with his physician. His sugar was borderline. Concerned, he asked the doctor if he needed to go on a special diet. “No. Just lose 20 pounds and you’ll be fine,” the doctor said.

Whatever that means for you, drop any excess weight that you carry around—and I don’t mean the big purse on your shoulder. Being overweight prevents your body from making and using insulin properly. Having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 puts you at a much higher risk of type-2 diabetes than your lighter friends. To figure your BMI, use this National Institutes of Health calculator.

Exercise

Physical activity helps to improve your body’s use of insulin, thereby controlling your blood glucose levels. Most Americans lead a sedentary lifestyle, which puts them at risk for diabetes. If you work a sedentary job, getting moderate exercise such as walking briskly, mowing the lawn, riding a bicycle, or swimming at least 30 minutes five times per week, will greatly lower that risk. It is also important to do something physically active every day. Better 10 minutes of exercise every day, than one hour once a week. Physical activity not only helps to control your blood glucose, but also helps you to lose weight, and lower your blood pressure.

Senior citizens, or anyone with pre-existing health issues, should consult their family physician before beginning a regular exercise program. However, they should not hesitate to just move—walk around the block, park at the far end of a parking lot, or pull the weeds in the flower bed.

Stop smoking

Smoking cigarettes not only increases your risk of diabetes, the activity brings with it a tremendous boatload of issues. Stopping smoking just makes sense no matter what physical condition you are in. If you sincerely desire to stop and need help, see your doctor. He can prescribe medications to help you wean yourself off nicotine. Or, at least you can try the over-the-counter patches on the market. Just do it.

Make dietary changes

Giving up Cokes and Snickers bars is not enough to tackle something like diabetes. If you want to see some real changes, consider the following:

• Eat your food as close to the way as God made it as possible. That means rather than eating apple pie, eat apple sauce; and rather than eating apple sauce, eat an apple.
• Eat smaller meals with some form of protein throughout the day. Choose beans, peas, and nuts as your protein sources over meat and dairy.
• Eat the rainbow. That means white (sugar, flour, pasta, and rice) is out.
• Add plenty of whole grains to your diet—brown rice, old-fashioned oats, and whole wheat bread products.
• Discover a variety of fruits and vegetables and eat freely of them. Ditch the banana and potato routine. French fries do not count as a vegetable.
• Stop eating out—especially fast food. Just don’t do it.
• Give up the boxes. Cook your food from scratch. You never know, what triggers a rise in your blood sugar just might be the additives in that box of factory food you had for dinner last night.

Try a few supplements

Dr. Andrew Weil, founder of the integrative approach to medicine, recommends four different supplements for those with type-2 diabetes:

• Chromium improves a person’s glucose tolerance and works to balance blood sugar levels. Take 1000 mcg of GTF (glucose tolerance factor) chromium daily.
• Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that enhances the body’s glucose uptake. It also helps to promote and maintain eye and nerve health. Start with 100 mg a day.
• Magnesium helps to promote healthy insulin production. Four hundred milligrams daily is recommended.
• Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that maintains a healthy cardiac function. Because diabetics are prone to heart disease, take 60-100 mg with a meal.

Several herbalists also recommend the use of cinnamon for diabetes. Studies have shown it to improve the body’s utilization of insulin. You can purchase this common kitchen spice in capsule form for this reason. However, caution must be used if combining cinnamon with other supplements that lower blood sugar, such as chromium and alpha-lipoic acid. Also, those with liver damage must use caution with large amounts of cinnamon as it can increase liver problems. Taking cinnamon with drugs that affect the liver (such as acetaminophen) can increase its risk.  If you take any medication, consult your physician before taking any alternative treatments.

 Photo by chris.peplin

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The prostate gland is a small organ, located just below the bladder, which surrounds the urethra. Only men have prostate glands. In a young man, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. However, as a man ages the prostate enlarges. The two functions of the prostate are: help control urination and assist in sexual function. As the gland enlarges, both of these functions are hindered.

What is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH is the medical buzz word for an enlarged prostate gland. By age 40, 10% of men exhibit prostate enlargement to some degree. By age 50, that number increases to 50%. As the prostate grows, it pinches off the urethra and makes it difficult for a man to urinate forcefully enough to totally empty his bladder. Because the bladder does not totally empty, he may feel a need to urinate more frequently. The telltale symptom of BPH is getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. However, do not self diagnose. If you suspect that you may have an enlarged prostate, see your doctor to rule out prostate cancer before trying any home remedies.

What are the causes?

Though some would say that this is a natural part of aging for all men, those from more developed regions have a higher incidence of BPH than their counterparts in other parts of the world. Although experts believe that changing hormone levels (that come from aging) is the main contributing factor, other things can cause flair ups of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). The most frequent cause is stress. Others include unhealthy diet, sitting for prolonged periods, alcohol, caffeine, sedentary lifestyle, or sexually transmitted disease.

Do herbal remedies help?

Over a decade ago, noted herbalist and retired ethnobotanist for the USDA James A. Duke, made a public declaration in front of members of the FDA and the National Institutes of Health that he would bet his own prostate gland that his herbal treatment would produce the same results as the newly approved pharmaceutical Proscar. The recipe for his Prosnut Butter is below.

Dietary treatments

In her book, Family Herbal, Rosemary Gladstar recommends the following foods and supplements for a healthy prostate:

• Pumpkin seeds (1/4 to ½ cup or more daily)
• Cucumbers (2 to 3 daily)
• Calcium/magnesium (600 mg combined daily)
• Vitamin E (400 units daily)
• Zinc (20 to 50 mg daily)

She also recommends blending watermelon, with the seeds, and unsalted pumpkin seeds for a cleansing drink.

In addition to these recommendations, you may want to eliminate saturated and hydrogenated fats, sugar, processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine.

Herbal remedies

• Stinging nettles is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and diuretic that gives direct results for an enlarged prostate. Drink 3-4 cups of nettles tea daily.
• Saw palmetto is the herb of choice for the prostate. Take 320 milligrams of a standardized extract with 80-95% fatty acids each day.
• If you like to make your own remedies, mix equal parts nettles and saw palmetto for a tincture.
• James Duke’s Prosnut Butter: Mix in blender about ½ cup pumpkin seeds, the contents of one saw palmetto capsule and a few drops of licorice extract, until a smooth paste. Spread on crackers; eating a few tablespoons each day.
• Take 160 to 200 milligrams daily of a standardized extract of Pygeum. Look for one with 13% sterols.

In addition to these recommendations, many commercially prepared herbal formulas are available at your local health food store.

Sources:

Duke, P. J. (2000). The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. Rodale Books.

Gladstar, R. (2001). Family Herbal. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books.

Photo by Arty Smokes (deaf mute)

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Anxiety is a condition that is suffered by many people – and it is a condition that many people also seek help with; there are several ways to deal with anxiety, one of which is the use of synthetic prescription drugs such as valium (diazepam). However, there is a natural alternative to such drugs, including the use of herbs such as valerian. Learn why valerian and valium are not the same, even though they are commonly mistaken for each other.

A Description of Valium

Valium is not derived from nature; it is synthetically made in a laboratory by scientists. Valium belongs to a group of drugs known as benzodiazepines; benzodiazepines are anti-depressant drugs that are commonly prescribed to help you manage anxiety and associated symptoms, such as insomnia (source). However, benzodiazepines are often difficult to withdraw from and require a prolonged period of withdrawal to avoid a repeat of symptoms.

Plant Profile of Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana fauriei) is a herb that belongs to the Valerianaceae plant family; it is a perennial plant that has highly aromatic roots. There are various species of valerian but common or garden valerian is of the most value medicinally. Valerian likes to grow in woody areas, or near water, and in partial sun/shade; it is commonly found in Europe and Western Asia (source: The Aromatherapy Garden, Julia Lawless). The roots of Valerian are used medicinally either as a herb or as an essential oil in aromatherapy.

Medicinal Use of Valerian

Valerian is not new to the medicinal world; it has been around since the second century A.D. It was extremely popular as a medicinal aid in Medieval times (source). Lawless writes that it was used during the First World War to treat shell-shock victims. In the West, valerian has been used for insomnia, migraine, rheumatism and as an analgesic; in the East, the Chinese used valerian for backache, menstrual problems and colds (source: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Julia Lawless).

How Valium and Valerian Work

The exact way in which both valerian and valium work is not recorded but the reason that many confuse the two as one and the same (apart from the similarity in names) is that both valerian and valium affect the body in similar ways. Valerian is believed to increase the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain which helps to regulate brain cells and reduce anxiety. Valium works in much the same way, although research shows that valerian does not have such a strong effect as valium (source).

Ways to Take Valerian

You can administer valerian in a number of ways; these include:

• as an essential oil in aromatherapy; do not use undiluted

• as a tea

• as a herbal extract

• as a tincture.

Consult a qualified aromatherapist, herbal practitioner or medical practitioner respectively for further advice before taking valerian in any of these ways, as your personal circumstances may dictate the suitability of the use of valerian for you.

Cautions for Using Valerian

Valerian is “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration. However, it is advisable to use valerian in moderation; do not combine it with any other prescribed medication. Do not take valerian if you are pregnant, nursing, whilst operating heavy machinery or driving; reduce your use of valerian gradually to avoid any unwanted side effects (although there is no recorded evidence of valerian dependency or adverse withdrawal symptoms).

Valium or Valerian?

Valerian is a natural alternative to valium in helping to deal with anxiety-related problems. Valerian and valium are not the same, although they do affect the body in nearly the same way. Valerian may be a natural choice for you in treating anxiety.

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I’ve often thought that I can pursue my career for as many years as I want because it is not physically strenuous. However, with several weeks of low back pain, I’ve found that there is something that can prevent me from sitting at a computer for more than five minutes at a time. Perhaps you, too, occasionally suffer from low back pain and would like to know of ways to alleviate it without resorting to pain killers. Following are five ways that just might work for you.

1. Massage therapy

Massage therapy is a great way to relax the muscles that may be tight, going into spasms, and causing you pain. A certified or licensed massage therapist is trained to assess the situation and apply the appropriate techniques for getting you back into your routine.

2. Proper posture

Sometimes discs may bulge in the low back simply because we do not sit up straight. Using a lumbar support will help this, as well as an ergonomically designed chair. But don’t go spend a lot of money for things you don’t need. “When sitting, the use of a small towel roll in the small of your back is extremely helpful, especially when driving,” shares LeAnn Wakeman, Registered Physical Therapist in the state of Idaho. “When lying on your side, placing a pillow between your knees takes strain off that area as a well.”

3. Movement

Often, the pain comes from remaining sedentary, or in the same position, for too long a period. If you work at a desk or computer, get up and walk around. If you have to stand in one place all day, keep a small stool at your station to rest your foot on occasionally. Also, whenever you can, leave your station and take a walk.

4. Exercise

If you are prone to back pain, it would benefit you to keep to a regimen of stretching and strengthening exercises. According to Wakeman, “Strengthening of abdominal muscles is key to good posture and low back pain prevention.” However, this must be done before experiencing any pain, or after healing takes place. She shares that the best exercise for this is the plank—not the curl-up or crunch.

To do the Plank she says:

• Lie face down on a mat with the palms of your hands flat on the floor.
• Push up from the floor, raising up onto toes and resting on the elbows.
• Keep your back flat. You should remain as straight as a board from your head to heels.
• Tilt your pelvis and contract your stomach muscles to prevent your bottom from sticking up in the air or the middle of your back sagging like an old horse.
• Hold for 20 to 60 seconds, lower and repeat for 3-5 repetitions. Increase the time as your strength improves.

For a demonstration of this exercise, see here.

If you do use a massage or physical therapist, ask them to teach you a few stretching exercises to do every day. Also, if you cannot leave your work station, stretch where you are.

5. Non-pharmaceutical Pain Relievers

Icy Hot, Bio-Freeze, or Tiger Balm are all great analgesics that you can apply topically. Valerian root is a nervine herb which calms the nerves and relieves pain. It will make you drowsy so it is a good thing to take before going to bed. Also, a balanced calcium/magnesium supplement will feed your muscles and help them to relax. If the pain is acute, ice is another good treatment. “Inflammation is the body’s way of splinting an area that is hurt, to keep us from doing more than we should,” said Wakeman. Ice is a natural anti-inflammatory. Quercitin with bromelain is another.

Hopefully you won’t need these tips. But if you do, I hope they help.

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Several years ago, we bought a house in the middle of a hay field. Come summer, our son could barely function for the runny nose and eyes, sneezing and congestion. Diagnosis: Hay fever. Prescription: Claritin.

Before anyone in our home takes a pharmaceutical product, I look it up in the Physician’s Desk Reference. Not liking what it said, I started our son on a natural regime that worked.

Effective allergy treatment works to reduce the body’s over sensitivity to a stimulus. Herbal remedies can bring relief to certain symptoms and gradually reduce the allergic response. Because this process is gradual, you need to begin this natural hay fever remedy about 30 days before you normally experience any symptoms. So, first you need to know when your personal allergy season begins. Do your eyes and nose begin running with the first lawn mowing? Or do they wait for the pollen to blow?

Check the pollen count

During allergy season, most weather forecasts give this numerical value that indicates the concentration of pollen in the air. Pollen counts in late summer rank highest between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. They are lowest after the rain. This information can help you determine if you should be outdoors on any given day.

Practice self-defense

If you have no choice about being outside, however, you can wear a mask. My son would complain of it being hot and uncomfortable but it beat the alternative. You can also take extra supplements before and after you participate in any especially aggravating activities. Then, when the day is done, use a neti pot.

A neti pot is a small vessel used to wash the nasal passages. You can purchase one at your local health food store for around $15. Using a solution of two teaspoons sea salt to one pint of water, pour the solution into one nostril, while tipping the head, allowing it to drain out into the sink. This procedure washes out anything that can irritate or cause a reaction.

Take herbs and supplements

A person with seasonal hay fever can take herbs and supplements that will match or exceed the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals. This example is not a prescription. It is what our family does at home. Anyone wanting to try herbal therapy instead of their doctor’s prescription should consult their physician or a professional herbal therapist. We have used the following products with great success: freeze-dried nettle, quercitin with bromelain and effervescent vitamin C.

Well known for its sting, man has appreciated nettle for its medicinal uses since the first century. “Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories (including quercitin) that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages, making it a choice therapy for treating asthma and nasal allergies,” says Dr. James Duke in his book The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. No other herb eases hay fever symptoms like nettle.

From the last frost in spring until the first frost of fall, our son took a capsule of freeze-dried nettle three times a day between meals. Buying the traditionally dried herb will cost less but you will need more capsules to get the same result as the freeze-dried variety. Freeze-drying maintains the active constituents of the herb at their highest potency and action.  Stinging nettle has no reported side effects or contra-indications.

Beginning to take nettle about a month before you expect any symptoms keeps those symptoms at bay. But for our son, certain activities would cause flair-ups. At the first sign of trouble, he took a capsule of quercitin with bromelain*. Quercitin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid that maintains healthy histamine levels. And, according to Prescription for Natural Healing by Balch and Balch, bioflavonoids have an antibacterial effect and promote circulation, thus preventing a sinus infection. Bromelain, an enzyme found in the pineapple, acts as an anti-inflammatory. Quercitin and bromelain are more effective when taken together than separately and Vitamin C will enhance their absorption.

Our final secret weapon against hay fever is an effervescent C product. Caught away from home, suffering from a severe attack after mowing grass all day, someone handed our son a packet of Emergen-C®. When asked how it worked, he said, “Aahh. Instant relief.” Master Herbalist Rachel Weaver, of Reinholds, PA, explains, “This product delivers a high dose of useable, liquid C that goes right into the cells. As with all liquids, i.e. tinctures and teas, it bypasses the digestion process where it would lose some of its value.”

*Bromelain acts as a blood thinner. Anyone taking prescription blood thinners, with a bleeding disorder, or facing surgery or childbirth needs to consult a physician before taking it regularly.

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When I read this story of Bruce Flett, I was shocked. This man spent the greater part of last year suffering with dementia as a result of an infection in his heart and a valve replacement. Flett was unable to dial the telephone, use the computer, talk clearly, or even take care of his own basic needs. The doctor had given him no hope of recovery. His wife had almost given up, but she just could not let him go. One day, while checking a new friend’s Facebook page, she found a video on the use of coconut oil and dementia. It immediately caught her attention.

Within hours of feeding Flett coconut oil, his faculties started to return. Within three months, he has recovered enough that he is now able to drive his car and take back former responsibilities. I’m still astonished that what once was labeled the “bad” fat by dieticians, and removed from all processed foods, actually is good for you. After hearing this story, my husband said, “Buy some. I want to start taking it.” What middle-aged person that is beginning to experience their first glimpses of senior moments wouldn’t want to take something now touted as a “brain food”?

Research done by Dr. Mary Newport of Spring Hill, Florida confirms Flett’s experience. Dr. Newport’s husband suffered with severe Alzheimer ’s disease before she discovered the healing properties of medium chain triglycerides (MCT oils) and ketone bodies (the end product of the metabolism of the MCT). MCT oil, she says, is derived from coconut and palm kernel oils, and “that coconut oil is 60% medium chain fatty acids, contains no cholesterol and also contains omega-6 fatty acids.”

After receiving our first tub of coconut oil from the food co-op we order from, my daughter tried a spoonful. “This is like eating shortening,” she said, “albeit, coconut flavored.”

“If that’s the case,” I thought, “how in the world am I going to be able to do this? I don’t even like coconut.” That thought led me on a quest to incorporate coconut oil into our foods—foods we would enjoy eating. Here are ways that we have come to eat coconut oil.

As a spread. The Fletts began mixing the coconut oil with butter and using it in its place. Once accustomed to the taste, they gradually went all coconut oil. My daughter, however, discovered that coconut oil tastes fantastic spread on graham crackers. My husband spreads it on toast with jam. I prefer it spread on crackers with Nutella®.

Recipe for  Snack Bars

Melt together: ½ cup butter, ½ cup coconut oil, 1 cup honey, and 1 cup chocolate chips. Once melted, add 1 cup ground flax seed, 1 cup whole wheat flour, ½ cup sesame seeds, 4 cups rolled oats, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Spread mixture in jelly-roll pan and freeze. Once hardened, cut into squares and enjoy.

As a Deep-fry Fat

The Fletts use coconut oil to deep-fry their potatoes and sweet potatoes. “It’s a whole new way of thinking,” Flett’s wife, Carol, shared. “Fries can actually be good for you, because you don’t get carcinogens like you would using other oils, you just get lots of coconut oil.  And they are so delicious done that way.”

In Smoothies

Unfortunately, my husband had to take several rounds of antibiotics this winter. In order to counteract the adverse effects of them, he has been sucking down the yogurt/berry smoothies. When the coconut oil arrived from the co-op, he began adding it to his morning smoothie. What a flavor it makes with strawberry, banana, and pineapple.

Whatever your reason for wanting to ingest more coconut oil, these recipes should get you started. Maybe after eating it hidden in these foods, you can do like the big boys and eat it off the spoon.

Photo by SingChan

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