Friday, December 16, 2011

Endometriosis

Are you haunted by pelvic pain or infertility? Of course you shouldn’t take chances. Trust me you’ll be better off visiting your friendly gynaecologist to seek for medical opinion. Unfortunately, you might just be diagnosed with endometriosis, thereafter. What’s more alarming is that such health condition has got no cure to date. That is why you should learn more about this gynaecological problem to better understand its nature, causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Endometriosis happens to be a health condition characterized by abnormal growth of cells specifically endometrial cells. Instead of growing in the uterus, these cells grow outside the uterine cavity in the case of endometriosis. Nonetheless, endometrial cells are essential in preparing the uterus for possible implant of fertilized egg.

Specific causes of such gynaecological abnormality are still unknown although expert assumptions have been made. For instance, some specialists argue that the condition is brought about by retrograde menstruation whereas blood rebounds back into the fallopian tube up to the pelvis. Certain studies also contend that immune system dysfunction might have triggered the abnormal state of reproductive health, not to mention hormone imbalance.

Various risk factors are ascribed to Endometriosis such as genes, environment, and aging. Since hormonal imbalance may be hereditary, women with a family history of this medical condition are likely at risk to the same health culprit. Based on a study conducted by The Endometriosis Association, exposure to dioxin found in microwave plastic containers may trigger development of the disease. Reduced fertility attributed to aging comprises another risk factor, too. That explains why ladies aging 25 to 35 are prone to Endometriosis.

Of course you can expect red flags leading to a valid suspicion that you might carry the disease. Pelvic pain, among others, happens to be the most dominant symptom. Most likely, 80% of women encountering chronic pain, around the pelvic region down to the lower abdomen, are likely to be carriers of the gynaecological disorder. In the same way, 20-50% of infertile females are susceptible to Endometriosis. Other signs and symptoms may include menstrual cramps, painful menstrual period, and painful bowel movement.

Medical diagnosis is paramount over typical signs and symptoms. More often than not, the patient shall undergo pelvic exam to assess any abnormality in the pelvic area such as nodules, tenderness, vaginal lesions, and displaced or enlarged ovaries. Laparoscopy may also be performed by inserting laparoscope into the abdominal area to see whether or not endometrial cells are found in the pelvis region. Imaging test coupled by C-125 marker may also come handy.

Although treatments are available, these are only intended to control unlikely signs and symptoms. Pain medication in the likes of ibuprofen and naproxen are prescribed for inflammation along with paracetamol and codeine for pain management. Hormonal treatment may also be administered to control high oestrogen levels that trigger development of endometrial cells. Surgery may also be performed to remove displaced endometrial cells in the pelvis region. Common surgical procedures are hysterectomy, laparotomy, and laparoscopic surgery.

Now that you know better about Endometriosis, sure you can better assess whether or not you should pay a visit to your gynaecologist.

Ginseng Pills


Feel free to get a dose of Ginseng pills to make the most of your health. Thanks to the generous health advantage offered by this herb. This time, you need not keep a pot of Ginseng herbs in your backyard only to get a share of health and wellness benefits exclusive to this herbal wonder. All it takes is to grab yourself a bottle of Ginseng supplements.

Speaking for itself, Ginseng happens to be an English term coined after its Chinese counterpart that literally means “man roots.” Most likely, it is ascribed to the herb’s roots that resemble the legs of a man. Nonetheless, its genus name “Panax” is equally significant being of Greek origin literally translated to “all-heal.” 

Ginseng is an herbal plant that grows exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere. The herb breeds on lands with cool climates such as China, Siberia, Vietnam, and North America. Consequently, these breeding spots correspond to the three Ginseng varieties such as Oriental Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, and American Ginseng. These varieties, in turn, are used in making Ginseng pills of various herbal properties. 

Over the counter Ginseng supplements are likely differentiated by the particular variety of herb used in the product. For instance, Oriental Ginseng is well renowned for revitalizing your body by strengthening the “Qi” or vital force. The American Ginseng, on the other hand, is well-renowned for fortifying the Yin force by boosting body fluids. Siberian Ginseng, though it contains weak herbal properties, may generate moderate vital energy, too. Nonetheless, all of these varieties are regarded as adaptogenic by virtue of ginsenoside contents.

As an adaptogen, Ginseng fortifies the body’s resistance against anxiety, fatigue, stress, and trauma. That is made possible by active ingredients found in the herb called ginsenoside. Such compound, in particular, is the main ingredient of Ginseng pills extracted from the herb. The same is commonly found in every inch of the herb from roots to leaves. More often than not, it is highly concentrated in the leaves although the roots are widely used to extract ginsenoside. 

Development of Ginseng pills is no surprise given the long tradition of using the herb for its medicinal components. Ginseng has been popularly known for its aphrodisiac properties. As a matter of fact, a study conducted by Southern Illinois University in 2002 revealed that Oriental Ginseng and American Ginseng successfully enhanced libido as well as reproductive performance of laboratory animals.

Favourable reproductive health advantage of Ginseng supplement is likely ascribed to stimulant properties of Ginseng. The herb stimulates the nervous system thereby increasing your heartbeat. Such physiological event, in turn, boosts blood circulation ideal to reach active reproductive state especially in men. No wonder, it is likely to cure male impotence, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.

Other health benefits of Ginseng pills include cancer prevention, diabetes treatment, memory enhancement, pain relief, and many more. Although it seems to deliver one huge health package, the efficacy of Ginseng pills depend on the Ginseng content. Unfortunately, less than 50% of Ginseng supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab contain sufficient amount of herbs specified on the label. 

As a word of caution, Ginseng pills, like any other supplement, should be taken in moderation to prevent unlikely side effects such as headache, palpitation, vomiting, and the like.

Azuki Bean

Get yourself some nutritious treats with Azuki beans. Although beans are haunted by the reputation of causing too much stomach gas, sure you’ll forget about the rumours once you’ve got a share of these healthy provisions. Feel free to make the most of your meals by dashing a couple of beans for optimum nutrition, not to mention natural therapy. 

Also known as red bean in many Asian countries, the azuki bean comes with red outer covering although some varieties may also appear in black, grey, or white. This sort of bean originated in Korean Peninsula prior to its introduction in Japan. The same was also known to have been cultivated in the Himalayas.

Azuki bean may speak for itself since the phrase “azuki bean” literally means “small bean” in Japanese language. Fair enough, the little bean only measures approximately 5mm but compact with nutritional elements. That explains why the bean happens to be one of the most popular legumes in Japan. 

Small but terrible, the azuki bean comes loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Other than the key nutrient protein, it is also stuffed with niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, iron, manganese, and zinc. What is even more interesting is that the bean is rich in soluble fibre less sodium and less calorie contents.

Besides the nutritional advantage, the azuki bean is well renowned for its therapeutic properties. As a matter of fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine revealed that azuki beans can provide treatment for bladder, kidney, and urinary problems. Most likely, that is ascribed to the diuretic elements found in beans according to Wendy Esko of the Kushi Institute. 

Azuki beans may come in many different culinary delights to warm your kidneys as well as adrenals. For instance, you may prepare an azuki bean soup coupled by complementary ingredients such as cumin known to counteract flatulence. Azuki bean tea may also be prepared by boiling the beans for a refreshing hot cup. Since this type of legume already contains natural sugar, you should be watchful in adding some sweeteners. After all, sugar tends to weaken your kidneys.

Of course there are bonus health treats aside from renal health courtesy of azuki beans. Since it contains less sodium and fewer calories, this legume is known to promote cardiovascular health by lowering blood cholesterol. In the same way, it favours weight reduction ascribed to more protein and less calorie content. 

As a natural detoxifier, azuki beans are rich in soluble fibre to flush out unlikely toxins in the body. Fibre is also beneficial for thorough digestion and excretion processes, not to mention nutrient absorption. As a result, you can expect healthy bowel movement for regular body waste elimination. 

Saving the best for last, you can get a share of anti-cancer treatment from azuki beans, too. Thanks to the phytoestrogen contents of this legume ideal to fight breast cancer. According to Dr. Erika Schwartz, phytoestrogen tricks the female body to believe that the system generates real oestrogen. This natural technique works best in breast cancer prevention.
This time I bet you won’t pass up for an azuki bean treat filled with health and wellness.

Homeopathy

Care to get a big sigh of relief from any discomfort? This time you can readily say goodbye from any distress brought about by illnesses and diseases. Thanks to the advent of homeopathy that promises relieving effect in no time. Learn more about this alternative medicine to see whether or not the remedies best suit you.

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine that claims treatment of diseases using highly diluted substances. In the late 18th century, it was introduced by Samuel Hahnemann. The technique is grounded on the “law of similars” that contends “like cures like,” observed by Hippocrates and Paracelsus in the past, too.  Nonetheless, it is Hahnemann who officially developed underlying principles therein.

Law of similars is not foreign to Hahnemann after having discovered the physiological effects of some substances. For instance, he found out that ingesting the bark of cinchona yield the same symptoms of malaria. That explains why he concluded that the substance can also heal malaria by virtue of the concept, “like cures like.” Later on, he tried out many other substances to identify corresponding signs and symptoms for possible curative effects on resembling illnesses and diseases.

Treatment inspired by Homeopathy makes use of highly diluted substances called remedies. These are meticulously prepared drugs that have successfully undergone serial dilution using distilled water or alcohol. Dilution is followed by succession that involves forceful striking of the substance against an elastic body to intensify vital energy. The remedy, in turn, is likely to hold the healing energy although no molecule of the original substance is left as soon as the entire process, technically coined as potentization, is over.

Homeopathic treatment is intended to deliver cure by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Homeopaths believe that illnesses and diseases are caused by disruption of the life force. These practitioners, in particular, uphold the law of susceptibility contending that the body may develop certain signs and symptoms of a disease triggered by negative mental state. Restoring the balance of life force, in turn, is the best way to restore your health and fitness, too.

Prior to treatment, diagnosis is done by homeopaths by assessing physical and psychological conditions. As soon as initial assessment is through, the practitioner consults reference books also known as repertories. Remedy is prescribed once diagnosis has been made. For best results, it is highly recommended to seek treatment from homeopaths holding professional degree since the practice is highly regulated in Western countries.

Remedies come in two different forms such as oral and injectible drugs. Most likely, homeopathic pills are preferred over homeopathic shots since the latter is prone to contaminants. Either way, Hahnemann recommends intake of highly diluted homeopathic remedies for safety purposes. When prepared at lower dilution, these remedies may be highly toxic for one’s health. Rest assured that healing effects shall be retained regardless of high dilution. That is made possible by the concept of water memory that emphasizes the liquid’s ability to retain essential attributes of substance exposed therein.

In the early 19th century, there were more or less 100 remedies introduced. As of the moment though, there are approximately 3,000 homeopathic remedies available over the counter. Sure, you’ll find the best cure for your particular health condition.

Heartsease Tea


Cheers to health with a cup of Heartsease tea filled with organic wonders. Thanks to nutrients, vitamins, and minerals ascribed to the herbal ingredients infused in the beverage. Sure, you can expect healthier circulatory, excretory, and respiratory systems when you get a share of this special tea. Consequently, there is more health and wellness advantage in store for you courtesy of Heartsease tea.

Heartsease, the main ingredient of the Heartsease tea, happens to be a wild flower of European origin later introduced to North America popularly known as Johnny Jump Up. The flower commonly grows up to 15-20cm tall while creeping and ramping. Growth and survival of this botanical plant may last for, more or less, a year. Nonetheless, it can always self-reproduce with a little help from the humble bees.
Best described as the Viola Tricolor, the heartsease flower comes in three shades such as purple, white, or yellow. Heartsease flower, characterized by ear-like petals, grows in a symmetrical pattern towards the centre. When nighttime comes, the floral head droops in order to protect the face from moisture. Consequently, the same rule applies when the rain comes hitting the ground. 

Viola tricolor, other than its visual prowess, has been renowned for its herbal properties. As a matter of fact, it contains cyclotides bearing cytotoxic elements for effective cancer treatment. The same holds many other therapeutic components such as anthocyanin, carotenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannin, mucilage, citric acid, and Vitamin A, too. Consequently, it has long been used in herbalism to cure asthma, epilepsy, eczema, and skin diseases.

Herbal properties exclusive to Heartsease, most likely, are extended to the Heartsease tea rich in therapeutic elements. For instance, it works wonders in treating coughs and asthma made possible by the drink’s mucolytic properties. The herbal tea, in particular, dissolves mucus thereby clearing out the respiratory tract from phlegm. 
Feel free to get a big sigh of relief from rheumatism with a cup of Heartsease tea. This herbal drink contains blood cleansing properties to facilitate thorough blood circulation that works against pain. In the same way, it fights heart and nervous system problems such as arteriosclerosis and sleeplessness.

As a detoxifying agent, the heartsease tea is an excellent beverage to relieve kidney troubles. The herbal drink contains diuretic as well as antiseptic properties ideal to cleanse the renal system. Besides internal cleansing, it also combats external impurities ideal for cleaning wounds and cuts. Heartsease poultice is also effective for mild treatment of skin diseases such acne, boils, eczema, herpes, pimples, and psoriasis.

What’s most interesting is that you can prepare the heartsease cup, no sweat. All it takes is to boil some water along with heartsease herbs. For great-tasting results, you may boil 500ml of water per two teaspoons of herb. Wait for at least ten minutes for the mixture to infuse prior to filtration. As soon as the drink has been filtered, squeeze some lemon coupled with sugar or honey to come up with a flavourful cup.

Sure, you have learned more about this healthful and relieving drink.