Native to South America, pau d’arco (Tabebuia spp.) is found in various parts of the tropical/subtropical world. Its range includes areas of southern Florida and northern Mexico to northern Argentina, including the Caribbean Islands. Also known as tahibo or trumpet tree, the pau d’arco grows from 16 to 160 feet tall, depending on the species. Some species are deciduous and some are evergreen and they produce flowers from 1-4 inches in a variety of bright colors. However, it is the inner bark of the Tebebuia impetiginosa species of this complex tree that interests us.

The inner bark of pau d’arco brews a tea that tastes a bit like teaberries with a pleasant aroma and reddish color. Because of the benefits of the two phytochemicals lapachol and beta-lapachone found in this bark, taking the tea or tincture is prescribed by herbalists for a variety of ailments and benefits. Let’s look at a few here.

Anti-fungal

One of the most popular uses for pau d’arco is yeast infections. Often a result of using broad-spectrum antibiotics, vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, or rashes in moist places occur from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in our bodies. Fortunately, phytochemicals found in pau d’arco have an anti-yeast action comparable to some prescription anti-yeast medications. To treat a yeast infection with pau d’arco, drink the tea liberally, add the powdered bark to a salve, or cook up a concentrated decoction and apply frequently. You may also use these treatments for other fungal issues like ringworm, athlete’s foot, or nail fungus.

Immune Booster

According to James A. Duke, PhD, in his book The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, low doses of isolated formulations of the two phytochemicals, lapachol and beta-lapachone, will boost the body’s immune system. This, coupled with its antiviral properties, makes it appropriate for use with influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mononucleosis.

Anti-inflammatory

Another active constituent found in pau d’arco is quercitin. Quercitin is a plant-derived flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Herbalists and physicians alike frequently prescribe quercitin for inflammatory conditions. According to The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH, “Lapacho reduces and relieves inflammatory problems, especially in the stomach and intestines.” This action would make it an appropriate herb for colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Other uses include treatment for fibromyalgia and rheumatism.

Like many herbs used widely in the past, pau d’arco is now under scrutiny and its use is controversial. Known side-effects include nausea and gastro-intestinal distress. Although the toxicity of Tabebuia impetiginosa is relatively low, often other species are found in over-the-counter products. According to Dr. Duke, “The whole bark presents no known threat of serious side effects, although some people might get nauseous. Isolated lapachol and beta-lapachone do pose grim risks.” Pau d’arco also has blood-thinning properties. So if you take anticoagulant medication or use any other anticoagulant herbs like garlic, I would find an alternative. If using this herb interests you, proceed cautiously or consult a natural health care provider.

Photo by Zero-X

With spring comes soft rain, daffodils, and a renewed outlook on life. Unfortunately, for some it brings the fear and intimidation of poison ivy. But with a few natural remedies for Poison Ivy, you don’t need to feel sentenced to the indoors while all your friends enjoy the community barbeque.

The constituent in poison ivy that irritates the skin is urushiol. When coming into contact with this essential oil, a person’s skin breaks out in an itchy, painful, blistering rash. Although an estimated 350,000 Americans suffer from the effects of this invasive plant each year, I’ve never experienced an outbreak of poison ivy. In fact, because I could not get anyone to volunteer to test a home remedy I once made, I attempted to test it myself. I took a poison ivy leaf and rubbed it along the inside of my forearm. I never got a reaction. However, this aggressive plant makes my sons miserable every summer. So I know what works.

Rhus Tox

Our first line of defense each spring is the tiny Poison Ivy Pill. Manufactured by Washington Homeopathic Products, Inc., this little pill works wonders at keeping a poison ivy rash at bay. Following the homeopathic principle that “like cures like,” this formula will prevent an outbreak when taken as a preventative before exposure. If taken after exposure, it will shorten the duration of the outbreak. Introduced in 1816 by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, Rhus toxicodendren relieves about 85% of those suffering from not only poison ivy, but poison oak and sumac reactions as well. We purchase Poison Ivy Pills from our local pharmacy.

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Generally found growing in the vicinity of poison ivy, this wildflower is also known by the names of Spotted Jewelweed and Spotted Touch-Me-Not . Here’s how it works. The chemical urushiol binds to skin cells and triggers a rash. However, the chemical lawsone, found in jewelweed, binds to the same molecular sites on the skin. So, if you apply the juice from the jewelweed quick enough (or before exposure) the lawsone will bind to the skin cells faster than the urushiol and prevent it from doing its damage. To get the most concentration from the jewelweed plant, crush the little red knobs near the ground level of the stems and apply this juice to your skin. If you cannot do this before being exposed, do it as soon after as possible.

Rubbing Alcohol

After being exposed to poison ivy our guys immediately wash their skin with rubbing alcohol, drop their clothing into the washer, and take a hot shower with lots of soap. The rubbing alcohol cuts the plant oils, making it easier to wash away.

Ivarest

With little children, you may never know of poison ivy exposure until it’s too late. That is when we use Ivarest. This ointment contains an antihistamine that stops the reaction and an analgesic that soothes the itch and pain. It also has a skin protectant that dries up the blisters, thus speeding healing.

What’s been your experience with poison ivy? If you have any other remedies, we’d love to hear about them in the comments.

References:

http://www.homeopathyworks.com/jshop/product.php?xProd=3095

The Green Pharmacy by James A. Duke, Ph.D., Rodale Press, 1997

Photo by  mullica

I remember having frequent stomach aches as a small child. Looking back, I believe they probably came from stress and poor diet.

As a teen and young adult, I could eat anything. Seriously. And in large quantities. I lived for a pot of chili, hotter than my family could stand. My friends never understood how I stayed so thin.

Then it happened—pregnancy. Carrying an extra 40 pounds just below my stomach did me in. I couldn’t eat a quantity of anything; and definitely not chili. Subsequent pregnancies—five to be exact—and a couple bouts with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have left my stomach health wanting. However, with proper management and a healthy diet I can, once again, enjoy an occasional bowl of chili.

Before I tell you how I treat my digestive problems, let me say this: chronic heartburn is a symptom that something is wrong. Uncontrolled, it can lead to the burning of the lining of the esophagus, stomach ulcers, or cancer. If you cannot get it under control, see a healthcare professional.

Know your trigger foods—This was the key with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Yes, it is initially caused from stress, but then certain foods will aggravate it. I always thought it was my mother, then I realized we always had spaghetti when I asked her to dinner. Turns out tomato sauce, coffee, carbonated beverages, and baked potatoes are my worst triggers. The best way to figure this out is to keep a food diary. When you find yourself having to run to the bathroom before you can finish eating, take note of what’s on the plate.

Eat fermented foods—The enzymes found in things like sauerkraut, pickles, kombucha, and other fermented foods and drinks act as digestive aids in your stomach. Before refrigeration, fermentation was a way to keep foods through the winter. In some cultures, serving these foods at every meal was a way to keep the digestive system healthy.

Take pro-biotics—Many of us are missing the natural flora that should be found in the digestive tract due to antibiotic use. The way to replace that is to take some type of pro-biotic supplement or to eat cultured milk products such as yogurt. Pro-biotic supplements require refrigeration, so don’t waste your money buying them at WalMart or your pharmacy. Go straight to the refrigerator in your local health food store for a quality product.

Take DGL—Studies have shown deglycyrrhizinated licorice as effective, or more so, than prescription drug products in treating peptic ulcers. Taken on an empty stomach about 20 minutes before a meal, the DGL coats the lining of the stomach and promotes healing of the mucosa. If I could only choose one item to treat my stomach, it would be DGL.

Eat small meals—Don’t eat until you are stuffed. When you start to feel full, stop. It is better to eat 4-5 small meals a day than 3 large ones. Also, give your stomach time to digest your food before lying down. That means taking your supper earlier and forgoing that bedtime snack. (This tactic will also help you shed a few pounds.)

Drink apple cider vinegar—Another way I treat my stomach is to drink an apple cider vinegar beverage with my meals. In a cup of warm water, add 2 teaspoons of the vinegar and 2 teaspoons of raw honey.  The vinegar acts as a digestive aid and the honey, while anti-biotic in nature, makes the vinegar more palatable. This combination really does have a pleasant taste.

What about you? What do you do to treat your heartburn and digestive problems? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

 Photo by Leo Reynolds

When someone says “First Aid Kit” the first thing to come to mind is band-aids. But there is more to being prepared than having those convenient little adhesive bandages on hand. Previously, we discussed essential oils to keep in a first aid kit and using them for emergencies. In this post, I’d like to discuss a few conventional items to have, as well has some herbal preparations.

The Basics

The following items are things no first aid kit should be without.

• Adhesive bandages
• 4×4 gauze squares
• Medical tape
• Peroxide
• Anti-bacterial salve

I would also consider ditching the typical, petroleum-based antibacterial salve for something natural. If you tried making your own salve as instructed in last week’s post, use that. I have made ointments that worked more effectively than the highly recommended brand name.

The Herbals

Raw Honey—Honey has been used since ancient times for healing wounds. One of the active constituents in honey, inhibine, reacts with the glucose in our bodies to produce hydrogen peroxide, making honey an antibacterial treatment. For more information, I suggest reading The Healing Hand: Man and Wound in the Ancient World by the late Dr. Guido Majno.

Arnica— Using arnica immediately after a fall or injury virtually eliminates bruising. We like to keep several arnica preparations on hand—the homeopathic tablets to take orally, and the oil or ointment to apply topically. When our children were toddlers and prone to falling and bumping heads, arnica tablets soothed them faster than anything. We had a lot less “goose eggs” when the arnica tablets were on hand.

Rhus tox—This homeopathic preparation has prevented many outbreaks of poison ivy in our family. Take the tablets before being exposed and after your outing to fight the effects of the toxic oils in the plant.

Cayenne powder—Cayenne is a powerful styptic. When applied to a bleeding wound, the bleeding will immediately stop. I often wondered if this were true, and if the person would have to suffer burning in exchange, so I tested it. Treating an ingrown toenail on my daughter required that I cut away a piece of skin that was preventing the toenail from extracting. Realizing that it would bleed, I poured a little cayenne powder out of my spice cabinet onto a piece of paper before beginning. As soon as the incision was made, I poured the cayenne on and the bleeding immediately stopped. My daughter didn’t even know what it was because it did not burn at all.

Apple cider vinegar—In his book Folk Medicine, Dr. D.C. Jarvis shares how apple cider vinegar prevents the unpleasant effects of food poisoning. He recommends that after eating suspicious foods (like the wedding buffet that has sat out for hours in the garden) you put one teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Take one teaspoon of this liquid every five minutes until gone. If you develop symptoms, prepare a second glass and take two teaspoons every hour.

I could go on with treatments for flu, fever, or headache, but then I would be going out of the scope of the first aid kit and getting into the medicine chest. What about you? What are your favorite herbal remedies for an emergency situation? Please share in the comments.

Photo by Neal Edgeworth Photography

Many years ago I had a son with chapped lips gone awry. No matter what he did or used, they continued to worsen. Needing to take the matter in hand, I went out to the back yard and picked a basketful of leaves. I then went into the house and concocted a salve that brought instant relief and healing. Let me share with you what I did.

The Herbs

Comfrey—Although not recommended for use on broken skin, you have to judge for yourself.* The allantoin in comfrey promotes the proliferation of skin cells, thus regenerating damaged tissue.

Plantain—This herb quickly stops bleeding and promotes healing. The flavonoid Apigenin found in plantain is anti-inflammatory.

Chickweed—Chickweed has anti-inflammatory properties as well. It is also known to help the body absorb whatever is applied topically, thus increasing the medicinal effects of the other herbs.

The Other Ingredients

• Olive Oil
• Beeswax
• Vitamin E oil as preservative

Step by Step

Assemble your supplies:

• Stainless steel pot and spoon
• Funnel
• Cup with spout for pouring
• Piece of clean muslin
• Cheese grater (if you need to grate the wax)
• Ingredients

1.  If necessary, rinse the leaves you have collected outside and dry thoroughly. If you are using dried herbs, that is unnecessary. Fresh leaves need to be macerated. Generally, I fill the pan about half with fresh herbs. When using dried, I will use a few tablespoons of each.
2. Add enough olive oil to the pan to just cover the herbs. Heat on low until the fresh herbs are wilted or the dried herbs are crisp. This will take about 15 to 20 minutes. Do not rush it. If your oil smokes, you overheated it and must start over. Take every precaution as hot oil is extremely dangerous. Do not have children and pets underfoot.
3. After the herbs are infused, strain them through a funnel lined with muslin. Once it has stopped dripping, squeeze it as tightly as possible to extract as much of the oil as possible. If you have access to a hydraulic press, you will be amazed how much more oil you can extract using it.
4. Return the oil to the pot and add the grated wax. Warm on low to melt the wax. The more wax you add, the firmer the end product. Start with ¼ cup of wax to a cup of oil and go from there. If your salve is too firm, you can return it to the heat and add more oil to soften. If it is not firm enough, you can add more wax. You will get the hang of it with practice.
5. Once the wax melts, remove from the heat and add the vitamin E as a preservative. Pour the liquid into your containers and allow to harden.

Variations

Other ingredients can be added to your salves. If I want anti-bacterial properties, I will add burdock root or honey. St. John’s wort relieves pain. Myrrh and black walnut hulls provide antifungal properties that would be nice for a diaper rash ointment. Lavender, chamomile, and calendula are other skin soothing herbs popular in salves.

Ever make your own salve? I’d love to hear your experiences.

*The use of comfrey is a controversial topic. Although widely used in the past, studies have found traces of alkaloids linked to liver disease in the plant. Herbalist now recommend it for topical use only, on unbroken skin.

 Photo by Clover_1

People often confuse essential oils and flower essences. Although both essential oils and flower essences have therapeutic benefits they are, in fact, different commodities. They are extracted in different ways and are also used in different ways. This article outlines the differences and similarities between these two popular natural products – and when you should each one.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural oils that are extracted from plants. They are used in aromatherapy for therapeutic purposes for common conditions such as asthma, arthritis, back pain and stress. Essential oils are extracted from the hairs, glands or sacs of plants and plant parts such as bark, roots, leaves, flowers, grasses and seeds. The two most common extraction methods for essential oils are distillation and cold expression. Most citrus essential oils are cold expressed in comparison to other types of oils. Examples of essential oils include lemon, lavender, orange, rose, peppermint, rosemary, cypress, clary sage and eucalyptus.

Flower Essences

Dr. Edward Bach (1886 – 1936) is the most well known name accredited with the discovery of the therapeutic benefits of flower essences. However, in addition to The Bach Flower Remedies, there are also other types of flower essences in practice today such as the Australian Bush Flower Essences. Flower essences correspond to a virtue, or emotional imbalance, in the body that causes dis-harmonization; a suitable flower essence is chosen to address and re-balance the body (source: The Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy, Mechhthild Scheffer). Although essences are referred to in general as flower essences, the essences do include trees too; examples of flower essences include rock rose, elm, impatiens, walnut, mustard, honeysuckle, heather and oak.

Plant material is collected from the plant, placed in a bowl of water and allowed to infuse the natural elements of the sun (or other heat source) and air. Once the plants have been infused for a period of time, the water infusion is bottled and stored, ready for use. Flower essences also contain alcohol (usually brandy) as a natural preservative for the infusion. Flower essences contain the vibration, or energy, of the plant which is used to heal the imbalances in your body.

Therapeutic Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils are used to treat both physical and emotional ailments. However, essential oils are predominately applied to the outside of the body and are not recommended for internal use without a comprehensive and lengthy training and understanding of the oils from a qualified and experienced practitioner. Use essential oils in skin care, for muscle pain, digestive problems, respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, for circulatory problems, and to boost your immune system. Essential oils possess many different therapeutic properties, depending upon the oil; common properties of essential oils are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calming, digestive, anti-viral and bactericidal (source: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Julia Lawless).

Therapeutic Benefits of Flower Essences

Use flower essences to treat emotional problems such as fear, loneliness, uncertainty, despair, insufficient interest in present circumstances, over-sensitivity and over-care (source: The Essential Writings of Dr Edward Bach. Dr Edward Bach). Different essences are used for different imbalances; for example, honeysuckle flower essence can help with transitions from the past to the present and elm flower essence can help build confidence.

Use of Essential Oils and Flower Essences

Always dilute an essential oil in a carrier oil or lotion before use before applying it externally to your body. In addition, pay attention to any contra-indications for certain groups of people such as in pregnancy or with the elderly or children. Be aware that some essential oils might interact with certain types of medication or other therapies, such as homeopathy or high blood pressure. Consult a trained aromatherapist for advice on how to use essential oils for a specific problem.

In general, you can use flower essences with other medications and other types of therapies such as homeopathy. You usually use flower essences internally via the mouth. Consult a qualified professional, trained in the use of flower essences, for advice on how to use for a specific problem.

Essential Oil or Flower Essence?

Both flower essences and essential oils are suitable for both people and animals (but be aware of any different reactions). They both have similar uses but there are differences in the way that they are administered, the safety issues regarding use and the types of plants (and methods) that they are extracted from. If you understand the basic differences between flower essences and essential oils, you can use both products to the best of your ability and knowledge.

Author is a trained and certified clinical aromatherapist with level 1 training in Bach Flower Remedies

Photo by Mike Gilbert Photography

I have studied herbal medicine for almost 20 years. In the beginning, I purchased small quantities of herbs at the local health food store. That is great if you just want a teaspoon of something; but not so cost effective if you want a pound. After further learning and wanting to use more herbal preparations for our family, I started buying our herbs in bulk through the mail.

An online search proves there are a lot of herb suppliers out there. How is one to know which are the best? I did a comparison of four companies to help you decide for yourself. For this project I chose:

• Mountain Rose Herbs in Eugene, Oregon
• San Francisco Herb Company in San Francisco, California
• The Bulk Herb Store in Lobelville, Tennessee and
• Blessed Herbs in Massachusetts

I chose these four for their popularity and their location. Two are on the west coast and two are on the east coast.

The Order

To compare these companies fairly, I made up an imaginary order before looking at any of their catalogs. This order would be typical for me. In fact, it includes two things I currently need plus what I would order if I were to make a batch of healing salve. I then shopped each one’s online store and proceeded to checkout to get a total cost, including shipping. I did each one three times—one with an east coast delivery zip code, one with a west coast zip, and one in between. When available, I chose organic or wildcrafted herbs. Here is my order:

• 2 pounds of nettle leaf
• 1 pound of green tea
• ½ pound plantain leaf
• ½ pound calendula flower
• ½ pound comfrey leaf
• ½ pound of beeswax

The Results

My findings were not what I expected. But I will discuss each company individually so you can see for yourself.

The Bulk Herb Store–was out of nettles. I’m sure that happens from time to time with any company but they offer to email a customer when a product is available, so that is nice. If nettles were available, the sub-total for my order would be $86.75. To make things easier, the Bulk Herb store has a flat rate for shipping to the 48 contiguous United States of $6.50. That brought my total to $93.25. Many of the herbs in the catalog were labeled as organic. Also, the store offers herbal formulas, tinctures, water purifiers, books, and other educational materials, as well as supplies for making your own home remedies. Their site is easy to use and includes educational articles and tidbits of information on every page. A print catalog is also available.

Mountain Rose Herbs–The only thing I had to alter on my order with Mountain Rose was the amount of beeswax. They only sell it in one-pound increments. The sub-total for my order (including the extra ½ pound of wax) was $63. To have it shipped to my home on the east coast would cost me an extra $18.02 for a total of $81.02. This surprised me. After paying three times the amount for shipping, the prices were so much lower than the Bulk Herb Store that my total was still $12.23 less. The shipping for a west coast zip was $12.35 and for a central location, $14.51. I have ordered herbs from Mountain Rose for many years and have always been happy with the quality of the products. Their catalog, which is also available in print, lists whether the product is organic, wildcrafted, and fair trade certified. They not only offer bulk herbs but herbal extracts, formulas, teas, accessories and supplies. They are also one of the few suppliers that sell containers like dropper bottles and tins. Mountain Rose’s site is easy to navigate and even sports a floating cart that is always in view so that you can keep track of how much you are spending.

Blessed Herbs–I could not submit an order with Blessed Herbs. They did not carry 3 of the 5 herbs I wanted. This disappointed me as I thought they were all pretty common. The green tea came only in a box of 16 teabags for $12.50. Also, the one pound of beeswax cost $29.50. I found Blessed Herbs’ website difficult to use. Rather than listing all of the bulk herbs on one page, they were listed 12 to a page and you had to flip back and forth to find what you wanted. Also, most of the herbs were sold in one-pound increments. Blessed Herbs does not sell any accessories for those of us that like to make our own herbal preparations or any books or educational materials. I could not find a paper catalog available for order on the site.

San Francisco Herb Company–A friend recommended this company for their prices. However, I could not complete my order with them, either. The comfrey was out of stock, and they do not carry plantain or beeswax. In fact, they carry few supplies for the home apothecary. I did find their prices very reasonable but they do not mention anywhere in the listings if the herbs are organic or wildcrafted. A thorough search of the site found this statement in the frequently asked questions, “We are not certified as a warehouse to offer organic products.  However, much of what we offer is grown in the wild (wildcrafted) or cultivated without the use of commercial pesticides and fertilizers.” To obtain a print catalog from San Francisco herbs you must download a PDF file and print it for yourself.

I hope you find this information helpful. I know I did, as I had not yet taken the time to compare herb suppliers for myself. If you have any other companies you’d like me to take a peek at, please let me know in the comments.

Photo by Chrissy Olson

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

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

Vegetable oils are great for restoring hair vitality and for adding gloss and shine to dry hair. The health of your hair is affected by a number of factors, such as diet, stress and the environment. Many store bought shampoos, conditioners and treatments contain a myriad of chemical ingredients that can sometimes leave your hair in a worse condition than when you started. Here are three natural vegetable oils that are popular for natural hair treatments.

About Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oils are used in aromatherapy in massage oils, skin care and beauty products, and hair treatments. Vegetable oils have natural therapeutic benefits, depending on the type of vegetable oil. However, you need to make sure that you use cold pressed vegetable oils in preference to oils that have been exposed to excess heat in the manufacturing process; excess heat destroys many of the original benefits of the plant from which the oil is extracted from (Source). Most store bought vegetable oils are not cold pressed; check with a reputable aromatherapy supplier for the best cold pressed vegetable oils.

1. Almond Oil for Hair

Sweet almond (Prunis dulcis) oil is extracted from the almond tree. It is a popular vegetable oil in aromatherapy because it is relatively cheap to buy and is not a heavy oil. Almond oil is pale yellow in color. It contains a high percentage of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, in addition to vitamins such as A, B1, B2, and E (Source).

2. Coconut Oil for Hair

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil is extracted from the fruit of the coconut tree. It has traditionally been used in hair applications in tropical regions where it is said that the use of coconut oil prevents hair from turning gray in color (Source). However, there is no concrete scientific evidence to support this theory. It is a popular ingredient in hair shampoos and treatments because of its lubricating properties.

3. Jojoba Oil for Hair

Jojoba (Simmondsia sinensis) oil is extracted from the jojoba plant, a native of southern California and Arizona (and north west Mexico). Jojoba oil is in fact a golden colored wax and will solidify in cold temperatures; it is composed of long chain fatty alcohols and esters formed from long chain fatty acids. It has a long shelf life but is currently in short supply, making it expensive to obtain. Jojoba oil is good for conditioning dry hair.

How to Make a Natural Hot Oil Treatment

You can add all of the above vegetable oils to natural shampoo and hair conditioning recipes. However, one of the best ways to enjoy the full benefits of these vegetable oils is as a hot oil treatment. Simply mix your chosen vegetable oil with complementary “hair” essential oils. An example of an aromatherapy hot oil treatment for dry hair is:

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 5 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 3 drops of chamomile essential oil
• 2 drops of ylang ylang essential oil.

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl, heat the bowl up in the microwave for 2 minutes and apply the hot oil directly to your hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes. Wash the oil out and shampoo as normal. After a couple of treatments, you should notice a difference in your hair.

Cautions

Consult a qualified aromatherapist for advice if you are unfamiliar with the properties of essential oils and how to use them. Never apply essential oils direct to the skin or scalp undiluted; adjust quantities for children, the elderly and pregnant women. You might have to experiment with various aromatherapy recipes before finding one that works well for your own hair but the above vegetable oils, in general, are suitable for hair treatments.

Using natural oils on your hair is a great alternative to store bought shampoos and hair conditioners. You can help restore your hair to it natural condition with only natural oils – meaning both you and your hair will be happier and healthier!

Photo by Kara Allyson