How is apple cider vinegar made?
This tasty cider is created using a two step process. Step one involves crushing the apples and exposing them to yeast. This process ferments the naturally occurring sugar found in apples and turns it into alcohol.
Next, bacteria are added to the alcoholic cider and allowed to ferment once again. During this second fermentation, acetic acid is formed. Acetic acid is the compound that gives vinegar its unique flavor and strong smell. This acid along with the friendly bacteria, enzymes, and proteins found in unfiltered apple cider vinegar is believed to be responsible for the plethora of health benefits that ACV offers.
Cancer prevention
ACV has been shown to improve your overall health and even prevent cancer. Because there are so many factors surrounding cancer, researchers are unsure how exactly this beneficial vinegar inhibits tumor and cancer growth; however, it has been proven to work. Although ACV should not be used to replace conventional cancer treatments, it can be used along with healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Destroy harmful bacteria
Vinegar has been shown to kill a variety of pathogens, including harmful bacteria. For years, ACD has been used to clean and disinfect wounds, clear ear infections, help relieve nail fungus, and remove warts. Additionally, it has been used as a food preservative and inhibits the development of bacteria that can cause food to spoil.
The friendly bacteria found in ACV help support gut health naturally. Taking an ACV supplement along with a probiotic supplement can help improve your digestion and relieve many of your digestive woes, including heartburn, bloating, and gas.
Lower blood pressure
Apple cider vinegar also helps reduce blood pressure readings by controlling a hormone produced by your kidneys called renin. Renin is used by the body to constrict and dilate your blood vessels. When your blood vessels constrict, your blood pressure increases. By keeping blood vessels relaxed, your blood pressure will not rise.
Improve cholesterol
Apple cider vinegar helps improve cholesterol readings. First, taking ACV before meals reduces the bad cholesterol, or LDL along with triglycerides in the bloodstream. High LDL and triglyceride levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.
In addition to lowering the bad forms of cholesterol, ACV has been shown to increase HDL, or good cholesterol. HDL is used by the body to remove the dangerous form of cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Sore throat
ACV has been used for centuries to help relieve a sore throat. Although there are many different recipes for relieving a dry, scratchy, and painful throat. Most of the recipes call for cider vinegar, honey, cayenne pepper, and warm water. Mix the ingredients together and gargle. The ACV offers germ fighting properties while the capsaicin helps to scramble pain signals and relieve your sore throat naturally.
Improve skin health
Apple cider vinegar is a great topical natural remedy for a number of skin conditions. It helps relieve eczema, dry skin, and acne, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pH balancing properties. ACV also helps soothe sunburns and provides anti-aging protection.
If you are applying the ACV topically to delicate skin like the face and neck, it should be diluted and then used as a toner or face wash. Using it in this manner allows you to spot treat and kill any bacteria on the skin that may be contributing to acne breakouts.
Healthy hair
Apple cider vinegar can improve your hair health. First, it seals the hair cuticle, helping your hair to retain its moisture levels. It also balances your scalp's pH levels, thus helping to eliminate dandruff and flakes.
One great way to incorporate ACV into your hair care routine is to mix a small amount of the vinegar into your favorite shampoo and conditioner. This method helps to remove excess buildup in your hair, reduce hair frizz, and combat tangles.
Balance skin's pH levels and reduce body odor
ACV can help keep underarms and smell feet in check. First, this type of vinegar balances the pH level of the skin, making it inhospitable for the bacteria that cause odor. In addition to this, the beneficial bacteria in apple cider vinegar kill odor causing bacteria.
To freshen your underarms and feet, dilute the vinegar with water and then wipe your skin. Allow the skin to air dry before putting on clothing/socks. Don't worry about the scent, it will dissipate and fully disappear as the vinegar evaporates.
Manage your diabetes with apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works in two different ways when it comes to diabetes. First, if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, drinking ACV can decrease the risk of developing diabetes.
Secondly, cider vinegar helps manage diabetes by reducing glucose levels when an individual is fasting, which can help those who have difficulty regulating the blood glucose levels. Because ACV can cause your potassium levels to drop, always talk to your doctor before beginning to use this vinegar for blood glucose regulation.
Weight loss
One of the main reasons individuals use ACV is weight loss. This potent weight loss aid works without making any other dietary changes. How? The vinegar increases your satiety, which allows you to cut down on the amount of food you are consuming. For best results, take the ACV about 30 minutes before your meal so you will feel fuller faster and stay full longer.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a topical application to cleanse and disinfect wounds, control blood sugar, and boost energy levels. It also helps reduce the risk of several diseases including high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, and digestive woes. Finally, the bacteria in this type of vinegar provides both anti-inflammatory protection and antibacterial protection, which helps improve the condition of your skin and hair.
Apple cider vinegar supplements provide you with the benefits of unfiltered apple cider without the taste. If using unfiltered ACV in liquid form, you should always dilute it as it can erode your teeth and cause digestive upset if drank at full strength. As with any supplement, speak with your doctor before beginning as individuals with certain health conditions like low potassium levels, Barret's esophagus, ulcers, and a hiatal hernia should avoid apple cider.
]]>Aroma Diffusers and Essential Oils
Aromatherapy can take a number of forms including inhalation therapy using a aroma diffuser or direct inhalation, absorption through pressure points on the skin and massage. When you inhale the aroma of the right combination of essential oils, your olfactory system is stimulated sending your limbic system a message of calm and relaxation. In this state, meditative work and memory work are easy, and overall relaxation and healing can be accomplished.
What are the different methods of aromatherapy?
When aromatherapy is applied by inhalation with an aroma diffuser, oils are dispersed evenly into the air. This provides a pleasant, relaxing fragrance and - depending upon the type of essential oil chosen - can provide health benefits and disinfect the air. Direct inhalation of strong essential oils such as tea tree, peppermint, spearmint or eucalyptus may be used to help with congestion. The aroma of relaxing oils such as lavender may also be directly inhaled for a calming effect. This method is helpful in treating insomnia, headaches and stress, among other things.
Essential oils applied topically via massage or pressure point application provide the same benefits as those applied by inhalation. Added benefits include relief from aches and pains and treatment of circulatory problems and skin conditions. Adding essential oils to a very warm bath will also provide these benefits along with intensified inhalation benefits. Use of an aroma diffuser makes it easy to enjoy aromatherapy benefits while going about your daily tasks.
Variety of essential oils and some benefits
Can anyone use aromatherapy?
Before using aromatherapy, you should consult with an aroma therapist. Because essential oils are strong and effective, they may affect people who are taking certain medications or who have pre-existing conditions such as epilepsy, respiratory conditions, high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis and other potential complications. Additionally, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use aromatherapy without consulting a professional.
Once you have the go-ahead from your health care professional, you can reap many health and well-being benefits from the use of aromatherapy. Exploring your aromatherapy options is a fun and interesting pastime and hobby. The easiest way to add aromatherapy benefits to your life is by selecting the right aroma diffuser for your home. Choices abound from nebulizing diffusers that kill germs in your environment to cool mist diffusers for your nursery and silent and safe aroma stones for personal use. Select from a variety of affordable, high quality aroma diffusers from Vita Living.
]]>Methods to Stop a Cold in Its Tracks
There are numerous methods that can help shorten the duration of a cold and get you back on your feet quickly. The most important things to do is improve the immune system, moisturize the nasal passages, soothe an irritated throat and reduce inflammation.
Colds cause a number of symptoms, such as a sore throat, a stuffy nose, coughing or sneezing. WebMD describes a cold as a viral infection that can cause a runny nose, scratchy throat, watery eyes, stuffy nose and nonstop sneezing. Most colds last between a week and 10 days. If your symptoms last longer than this, contact your physician to ensure a bacterial infection has not occurred.
]]>Homeopathy has been practiced for thousands of years and used globally. If you are looking for a all natural remedy, homeopathy may be a good avenue for you to explore.
Is Homeopathy Safe?
Homeopathic products are usually safe. They are very dilute and rarely produce side effects or drug interactions. They act by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms. They are an excellent choice for mothers and children, as well as adults and animals.
Homeopathic products can be used with other drugs. However, a homeopathic practitioner should be consulted before combining homeopathic products with conventional western drugs as some interactions have been described. Talk with your integrative practitioner before combining medications.
What is Anti-doting?
Some strong odors such as camphor, coffee and mint are antidotes which render homeopathic products ineffective. The best way to avoid antidoting is if you notice a return of your symptoms after being exposed to a strong odor, re-administer the remedy and avoid exposure to the offending odor in the future. Also, make sure to mention this to your doctor if you are using homeopathic products under the supervision of an integrative practitioner.
Science is just beginning to uncover the myriad benefits and countless applications of various herbs and herbal extracts in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle. As the benefits of herbal supplements are becoming more widely known and accepted, more and more people are turning to these natural remedies to improve their health and promote general well-being.
Herbal products are an integral part of eastern medicine, and their benefits have been known for centuries. Herbal products can promote general health and well-being by aiding in digestion, providing antioxidant protection, boost energy, supplement the immune system, support memory and neural processes, reduce stress and improve vision. Herbal products can also be used to enhance sexual libido and promote tranquility and general sense of well being.
Precautions with herbal products
Herbal products are generally safe, but some interact with each other. It is important to talk to your physician before you combine herbs or take herbs with conventional western medications. Herbal products such as aloe vera, bitter orange, milk thistle, ginger root, gingko biloba, green tea, black cohosh, and dong quai are well known for their power in fighting disease. Natural food stores and vitamin shop’s shelves are lined with herbs.
The problem with the increased popularity of herbal medicine comes with their regulation, or lack thereof. Herbal nutritional supplements are not strictly regulated in the United States. For many products, there is no guarantee of the quantity or quality of the herb included.
Working with an integrative physician or holistic medicine doctor can help you sort out what herbs you need and also about the quality of these herbal products.
Types of Herbal Medicine
The use of herbs to treat disease is almost universal in eastern culture. A number of traditions came to dominate the practice of herbal medicine at the end of the twentieth century:
• The "classical" herbal medicine system, based on Greek and Roman sources
• The Siddha and Ayurvedic medicine systems from various South Asian Countries
• Chinese herbal medicine (Chinese herbology) (zhongyào)
• Unani-Tibb medicine
• Shamanic herbalism: a catch-all phrase for information mostly supplied from South America and the Himalayas
Role of herbal products in modern society
The use of, and search for, drugs and dietary supplements derived from plants have accelerated in recent years. Pharmacologists, microbiologists, botanists, and natural-products chemists are combing the earth for phytochemicals and leads that could be developed for treatment of various diseases.
• Three quarters of plants that provide active ingredients for prescription drugs came to the attention of researchers because of their use in traditional medicine.
• Among the 120 active compounds currently isolated from the higher plants and widely used in modern medicine today, 80 percent show a positive correlation between their modern therapeutic use and the traditional use of the plants from which they are derived.
• More than two thirds of the world's plant species - at least 35,000 of which are estimated to have medicinal value - come from the developing countries.
• At least 7,000 medical compounds in the modern pharmacopoeia are derived from plants
Hemp oil has helped millions of Americans manage their pain and improve their quality of life. Many people are baffled about the difference between marijuana and hemp. Although both of these come from the same plant, cannabis, they are quite different.
The cannabis plant contains a mind-altering substance called THC along with cannabidiol, which is responsible for pain relief. Hemp oil contains cannabidiol; however, it only contains trace amounts of THC, which means you can enjoy the benefits of hemp oil without having to worry about the psychoactive properties found in marijuana.
Hemp oil is manufactured using raw hemp seeds. This natural formula is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, tocopherols, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients work together to detoxify the body and decrease inflammation in the body, making it an excellent solution for those who are suffering from chronic conditions, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and muscular pain.
Hemp oil for arthritis sufferers
Arthritis cause inflammation in the joints, especially the knees, hands, and feet. Hemp oil reduces inflammation by preventing cytokine formation. When cytokine formation is reduced, swelling, inflammation, and pain are minimized. Hemp oil has helped many people with arthritis regain their mobility and independence.
Hemp oil for chemotherapy pain
Chemotherapy causes a number of unpleasant symptoms. Patients often experience weakness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. In addition to this, many chemotherapy patients experience body aches. Hemp oil helps to relieve many of these symptoms and help patients get better rest.
Hemp oil for chronic pain sufferers
Chronic pain impacts a person’s physical and mental health. Hemp oil contains natural pain killers and increases the cannabinoid receptors in the body to reduce inflammation. Hemp oil targets the source of pain and can help relieve muscle, nerve, and joint pain.
Hemp oil for fibromyalgia sufferers
Fibromyalgia causes pain in the muscles and bones, as well as extreme fatigue and debilitating headaches. It can be difficult to perform day to day activities when you have fibromyalgia. Hemp oil reduces stiff joints, muscle pains, and headaches. Furthermore, it promotes relaxation to improve sleep, which helps combat fatigue.
Hemp oil for menstrual pain
Hemp oil can relieve many of the symptoms of PMS, including body aches, cramping, and bloating. The muscle relaxant properties of hemp oil soothe muscles to relieve back and breast aches and stabilize the mood. Hemp oil may help to ease irritability and the other symptoms associated with PMS.
Hemp oil form multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis causes painful muscle spasms that can cause stiffness in the body and limit mobility. Hemp oil helps to reduce muscle spasm by relaxing the muscles. Many multiple sclerosis patients who experience limited ability to walk or stand have reported improved mobility with hemp oil.
The CDC reported that in 2016, approximately 20.4 percent of American adults suffered from chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting for more than twelve weeks. Pain may be dull or sharp; chronic pain can be intermittent or steady. It can cause aching or burning sensations, and it can occur in almost any area of the body.
Sufferers may experience mobility issues that can interfere with their daily activities. Chronic pain can cause limitations in social, recreational, self-care, and work activities. Those who experience chronic pain are at an increased risk of experiencing anxiety and depression. Their overall quality of life diminishes and the risk of opioid dependence increases.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse reports that between 21 and 29 percent of chronic pain patients who are prescribed opioids misuse them. Furthermore, approximately 80 percent of heroin users were addicted to opioids before switching to heroin.
Say no to your aches and pains with hemp oil. This all-natural, non-addicting pain reliever helps to soothe your tired muscles, reduce your muscle spasms, and relieve your pain. Avoid the risk of an opioid addiction and begin using hemp oil today.
]]>On this note, let us consider Ayurvedic detoxification.There is a certain amount of trust that everybody is able to associate with Ayurveda. This is probably because of the fact that this traditional approach to health and medicine is primarily based on everything natural and harmless. The methods used in Ayurveda are known not to have any kind of side-effects unlike modern medicine. You’ll come across a lot of detox tips here and there but the following ones are time-tested and expert-suggested.
1. Drink warm lemon water
Drinking warm water mixed with the juice of a lemon is a detox tip that has an array of benefits. It helps in cleaning your digestive tract. It is said that it also helps in getting rid of the extra unwanted fat in the body. The ideal time for doing this is early in the morning.
2. Follow a kitchari diet
Kitchari is prepared using the simplest of ingredients but the benefits of having it far exceed the simplicity of preparation. It is made using rice, yellow lentils, clarified butter,a few spices and vegetables as per the season or one’s taste needs. It helps in cleansing the body of systemic toxins and it’s easily digestible as well.
3. Avoid junk food
The food that we eat has a huge impact on our health and body. Everybody knows that in spite of being tasty, junk food is never the healthiest. Avoiding these kind of foods helps in reducing weight as well as reducing the amount of toxins present in the body. This detox tip is one of the most essential in maintaining good health.
4. Practice yoga
Certain yoga postures have proven to purge the body of its toxins. The Downward Dog, Legs up the wall and Marichi’s Twist are some of the yoga postures that help in stimulating the digestive organs, better blood circulation and detoxification.
5. Seek professional Ayurvedic help
Apart from the above detox tips, it might be a bit more of a trouble to get in touch with the professionals in this field. But most of the people who’ve sought professional Ayurvedic help from the right places say they’re worth the time and the money. They will even be able to give you custom solutions to your detoxifying needs. Try them and see for yourself!
]]>Fiction – you can get high from hemp
Fact – THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive compound that is responsible for the high people experience when they ingest or smoke marijuana. There is less than 0.3 percent THC in hemp. Instead, hemp contains a number of cannabinoids which are processed by the body differently. In fact, one of the cannabinoids, cannabidiol, inhibits the euphoric effects of THC, which means using hemp will counteract any trace amounts of THC found in hemp.
Cannabinoids are similar to the flavonoids found in vegetables and fruits. Cannabinoids offer numerous healing properties. One of the cannabinoids found in hemp is CBD. CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory that can decrease systemic inflammation, promote health, and reduce oxidative stress.
Fiction – hemp is illegal
Fact – In 2018, the US Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and use of hemp. Hemp is a legal product used for medicinal, commercial, and industrial purposes, including rope, clothing, bioplastics, food, paper, insulation, biofuel, and shoes. However, there are certain states who have laws on their books that conflict the latest federal laws concerning the cultivation and use of hemp.
Hemp extract is used for medicinal purposes including anti-inflammatory protection, antioxidant protection, and nutrition. Therapeutic hemp contains less than 0.03 percent THC, which means it is safe for usage without the worry of addiction, or intoxication.
Fiction – hemp is addictive
Fact – Hemp is nonaddictive, non-psychoactive herbal remedy that does not cause a high. The body does not metabolize hemp in the same way that it metabolizes marijuana. The phytocannabinoids in hemp support your body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system assists with homeostasis and a variety of bodily processes, including metabolism, immune function, stress, memory, mood, pain, reproductive function, and appetite.
Manufacturers extract hemp that removes all psychoactive compounds that naturally occur in hemp. This leaves the healthy cannabinoids, including CBD, CBD-A, CBN, and CBG. The cannabinoids act as antioxidants that scrub free radicals from the body and relieve oxidative stress. The cannabinoids also help to reduce systemic inflammation in the body to promote healing and wellness.
Fiction – hemp and marijuana are the same plants
Fact – Hemp is made from the species Cannabis ruderalis and contains less than 0.3 percent THC. This species of the cannabis plant is used for its medicinal purposes. Hemp extract and hemp oil are prized for its numerous medicinal purposes without the side effects experienced with many conventional medicines.
Conversely, marijuana is from the species Cannabis sativa. This species of the cannabis plant contains higher levels of THC. Marijuana is illegal in most states and is often prized for its psychoactive effects. Marijuana is used recreationally; however, in certain states, medical marijuana is legal.
Fiction – CBD oil and hemp extracts are the same thing
Fact – CBD is one of the many phytocannabinoids known for its medicinal properties. In full-spectrum hemp extract, you will receive the benefits of CBD as well as a variety of phytocannabinoids and terpenes. These work together synergistically and provide more health benefits than CBD alone.
Fiction – higher doses of hemp extract work better than lower doses of hemp extract
Although CBD must be given at a higher dose than hemp oil to be as effective, CBD does not offer the same benefits as hemp extract. Whole plant extract contains a more extensive array of phytocannabinoids, which support health, even at low doses.
The myths surrounding hemp begun in the 1900s when hemp become a competitor with other crops, including cotton. Furthermore, botanist of that time period lumped the plant in with marijuana when classifying plants.
This confusion led to hemp being considered the same plant as marijuana and was labeled as a narcotic. Governments, the general populations, and politicians continued to believe that hemp contained the same psychoactive components as marijuana and passed legislation making hemp production illegal.
The myths surrounding hemp are beginning to fade as more and more research is done on the benefits that hemp extracts offer. Now, the US government has made it lawful to grow hemp for industrial, commercial, and medical purposes.
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Healthy Skin
Turmeric has natural antibacterial properties. This natural antiseptic is often used to disinfect and aid in the healing of cuts and burns. It helps wounds to heal faster. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis, may show improvement when turmeric is applied topically.
Turmeric powder can help clear up ringworm. Simply combine turmeric with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area for 10 minutes, then rinse. Within a few days, the ringworm will be dried up.
Cancer Fighter
Patients who are battling cancer often use turmeric. Additionally, those with a family history of cancer may benefit from a daily dose of turmeric to help prevent the formation of certain types of cancer.
Researchers are continuing to learn how turmeric can positively affect cancer patients. Studies have shown that turmeric can halt the development of blood vessels in both malignant and benign tumors. Additionally, studies are underway on how turmeric can help patients battling multiple myelomas and pancreatic cancer.
Pain Relief
Numerous studies have shown that turmeric helps to alleviate pain naturally. This potent anti-inflammatory may help those suffering from arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, turmeric does not cause side effects that may be associated with some anti-inflammatory drugs.
Liver Detoxifier
Turmeric helps to detoxify the liver naturally. Preliminary research shows that turmeric may delay liver damage, including cirrhosis.
Benefits the Brain
Studies have found that turmeric may help remove plaque buildup in patient’s brains. This potent spice may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease or even slow down the progression of this disease.
For centuries, Chinese medicine has been using turmeric to help with depression. Turmeric may enhance nerve growth in both the hippocampal area and frontal cortex of the brain.
Weight Loss
Turmeric may help those who are overweight to obtain a desirable weight. Turmeric assists in fat metabolism by increasing bile. Turmeric also helps to fight insulin resistance, the leading cause of diabetes.
Turmeric offers a host of medicinal benefits. This spice boosts the immune system, provides anti-inflammatory benefits and helps to naturally detoxify the body.
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