by: Ethan A. Huff
Researchers recently completed a study revealing that the increasingly popular supplement S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) is an effective treatment for people with depression. The substance, which occurs naturally in the body, exerts influence on the brain in ways that improve brain function, alleviate stress and feelings of depression and reduce inflammation.

For the study, scientists administered either 1,600 milligrams (mg) of SAMe or a placebo on top of participants’ existing medication regimens for six weeks. Following this period, the team found that those participants taking SAMe experienced better relief from depression that did those simply taking conventional antidepressants.

And since SAMe is naturally produced in the body, there are no negative side effects from taking it like there are from taking chemical antidepressant drugs.

According to Dr. George Papakostas, author of the study and psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, the results are “exciting because [SAMe] works differently than what we have now — it doesn’t seem to be associated with the kind of side effects that FDA-approved treatments for this niche have.”

And this is good news for many who have experienced devastating side effects from taking antidepressants. SAMe is not only a viable alternative to these pharmaceutical drugs, but it exerts many other positive changes within the body as well.

“SAMe is a naturally occurring molecule present in all living cells, and is made in the body by a reaction between methionine and another compound called adenosyntriphosphate (ATP). It has many incredible benefits, including a positive effect on depression and arthritis pain…it helps the liver to replenish important substances, notably the all-important glutathione,” explains Johny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.

Tired and sore eyes can be a problem for computer users. Given the full day that many of us have, it’s no wonder our eyes sometimes suffer. And they are the first place to show the effects of tiredness and stress.

Here is a list of the top 6 vitamins, herbs, and phytonutrients to help alleviate the problem of sore, dry eyes, and maintain good vision:

1. Bilberry – is a herb used for eye health. The active ingredients are called anthocyanosides, which are a type of flavanoid. Anthocyanosides are antioxidants that help improve the flow of blood through the capillaries in eyes. They help eyes adjust quickly to changes in light, and improve sharpness of vision. Bilberry has also been shown to be effective in stopping the progression of cataracts when taken with vitamin E. It’s also used to treat diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

2. Vitamin A – is important for good night vision, and may play a role in preventing cataracts.

3. Grapeseed – is good for the peripheral circulation in our eyes. It also strengthens the capillaries.

4. Eyebright – is often used to cleanse and nutritionally strengthen the eyes due to its volatile oil and tannin content. It is best known for its use in conditions of the eye, where it is helpful in acute or chronic inflammations, stinging and weeping eyes as well as over-sensitivity to light.

5. Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Research from Harvard Medical school has found that taking omega 3 oils reduces the chance of getting dry eyes. Try taking 3 to 6 grams of a good quality fish oil supplement daily.

6. Lutein – is found in very high concentrations in the macula of the eye. Lutein is used to help prevent macular degeneration, which is a big problem for people over 40 years of age. Macular degeneration can lead to blindness. Lutein is thought to work as an antioxidant in this capacity.

What causes anxiety to be so debilitating it becomes a disorder? Doctors aren’t sure, but speculate that it is an imbalance in neurotransmitters that sets the stage for most anxiety disorders.

Sufferers of anxiety-related disorders are thought to have an imbalance or improperly working neurotransmitter system within the brain. Short or long-term stress, traumatic incidents, or a genetic predisposition creates conditions in which anxiety disorders thrive. Common neurotransmitters related to anxiety include serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin and adrenaline.

Anxiety crops up during everyday stressors, such as waiting for a phone call about a job offer, anticipating a trip to the dentist, or waiting to hear the outcome of a loved one’s surgery. Sufferers of more serious forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder, often feel edgy and tired. Anxiety frequently accompanies depression, and many herbs used to alleviate depression also reduce anxiety.

Whether your anxiety stems from an easily identifiable and transient source or is more serious and long-lasting, herbs for anxiety can help.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) provides long-term treatment of many anxiety disorders. Medicinal use of St.John’s Wort traces back to ancient Greece, where physicians recorded using the plant to treat anxiety, depression and nerve pain. Today, many people rave about its pleasing effects.

St. John’s Wort is taken as a tincture, or in pill or capsule form. Teas may also be brewed from the dried flowers. Users must be patient, as St. John’s Wort can take several weeks to have any effect.

St. John’s Wort treats minor depression and anxiety, but may not be able to alleviate severe depression. Always seek qualified medical or psychiatric advice if you suffer from sever depression; untreated depression may lead to severe illness.

St. John’s Wort causes photosensitivity, or sensitivity to sunlight, in some patients. If taking St. John’s Wort, be sure to use sun block or cover up with loose clothing when outdoors. Even people who normally tan may find themselves burning, and sunburned skin adds to one’s skin cancer risk.

The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine cautions users that St. Johns Wort interferes with many prescription medications, including: Antidepressants, Birth control pills, Cyclosporine (used by organ transplant patients to guard against rejection), Digoxin (heart medication), Wafarin and other anticoagulant drugs.

Always discuss herbal medicines with your Doctor and Naturopath, especially if you have a serious health condition.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) reduces anxiety while promoting relaxation. South Pacific natives used Kava as a ceremonial beverage for many centuries, enjoying its relaxing properties. If your anxiety makes you feel jittery and causes insomnia, Kava provides relief.

Users consume Kava as a beverage, tea, tincture or pill. Never use Kava for long-term therapy.

Use Kava with caution. Kava Kava may cause side effects. The FDA issued warnings on Kava after some users exhibited signs of liver damage. Kava also interacts with many prescription medications, particularly those used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Since Kava induces sleepiness, do not take Kava before driving or operating machinery.

Valerian

Valerian (Valerian officianalis) completes the list of major herbs to reduce anxiety. The shrubby perennial sports pink or white lacey flowers with a distinctive, sweet scent. Our ancestors grew Valerian as an ornamental flower, perfume, and medicinal herb. Hippocrates and Galen, two well-known ancient Greek physicians, wrote extensively about the powers of Valerian.

Valerian roots and rhizomes are dried and crushed into teas, tinctures, powders and pills. Valerian’s primary activity is as a sedative, causing sleepiness and reducing anxiety. Scientific research indicates that Valerian acts upon GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with anxiety and depression. Users may feel Valerian’s sedative action immediately or need to take it for a week or more before experiencing relief.

Compared to other herbs for anxiety, Valerian appears have the fewest side effects. Few adverse reactions occur, the most common being excessive sleepiness. To be safe, follow general precautions as with all herbal medicines, and consult your Naturopath or Health expert before taking Valerian.

Author: Jeanne Grunert
Contributors: Kathleen Roberts

It is normal to shed hair each day but sometimes hair loss may be exacerbated by stress, a poor diet or illness. Hereditary hair loss is known as alopecia, which affects men more often than women. Many men turn to cures that promise amazing results in preventing hair loss, but usually these are nothing more than expensive scams that can damage health over time. There are, however, homeopathic and herbal treatments available that can slow down hair loss and encourage hair to grow naturally.

Causes of Hair Loss and Baldness

Baldness, or alopecia, is total or partial loss of hair. This is often a hereditary condition that occurs more frequently in males than females because it depends on the influence of the male hormone testosterone. Pattern baldness is the most prevalent instance of hair loss in men.

Sudden, temporary hair loss sometimes occurs as a result of stress, flu, pneumonia or typhoid fever. Temporary baldness can also be the result of exposure to nuclear radiation, X-rays, anti-cancer drugs or a severe nutritional deficiency.

Natural Treatments for Hair Loss

Herbal and homeopathic treatments can stimulate and encourage hair growth, as well as support good blood circulation, hormonal balance and correct thyroid functioning.

Homeopathic – A homeopath may prescribe Aurum metallicum for an individual who is losing hair and also suffers from headaches and/or boils on the scalp. Phosphoric acid is generally recommended for hair loss following grief and exhaustion. Selenium is said to help an individual with a painful scalp combined with loss of hair. Visit a qualified homeopath to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Herbal – An herbalist / Naturopath may suggest a daily intake of rosemary tea or nettle tea. Equisetum arvense (horsetail), Avena sativa (oats) and Echinacea are effective in combating hair loss and nourishing hair follicles.  The herb Saw Palmato is also known to reduce hair loss in men and women. Visit your health food store and ask an expert about some of these formulas.

Aromatherapy – A scalp massage with essential oils such as fenugreek, ginger, cypress, lavender and rosemary are suggested to help with hair loss. Blend 2 drops of essential oil to 15ml (1 tablespoon) of carrier oil, such as jojoba, hemp seed or rosehip.

Vitamins and Minerals – Vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, choline and inositol should be taken regularly by men whose hair is receding or falling out.

Cutting down on alcohol and sugar and eliminating nutritionally deficient junk food from the diet can slow down hair loss. Stick to a natural, healthy diet that includes good fats, protein, whole grains and plenty of organically grown fruits and vegetables in order to prevent hair loss or thinning hair.

Fleur Hupston

Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt contains the full spectrum of 84 minerals and trace elements just like Mother Earth intended. It is an unrefined, unprocessed “raw” salt that’s hand-mined from abundant salt caves that were formed 250 million years ago as ocean salt settled in certain geologic pockets around the earth.

Most of the western world thinks of salt as sodium chloride, which is a highly refined, processed white substance that’s devoid of nutrients. Salt is so devoid of nutrients, in fact, that in the early 20th century, doctors noticed that people who ate white table salt started to suffer chronic degenerative diseases such as goiter. This was caused by the lack of iodine in the salt. Now what’s really interesting about processed table salt is that it’s missing over 80 minerals. But they only put ONE mineral back in — iodine. That’s because iodine is the one mineral that causes the most obvious disease. Iodine is a naturally occurring mineral in the ocean. It’s abundant in seafood and in real sea salt, but it’s completely missing from refined white table salt.

Now iodine is added to table salt, creating “iodized salt.”

Why would you want to eat salt that’s been artificially enriched with ONE mineral when you could be eating salt that naturally contains eighty-four minerals?

You may notice a lot of processed salt companies now claiming to offer “sea salt.” The truth is, virtually all salt is sea salt because it all came from the sea at one time or another in the Earth’s history.

The term “sea salt” is essentially meaningless. White processed salt can still be called “sea salt” even though it is devoid of full-spectrum sea minerals.

The way to tell if your salt is really full-spectrum salt is to look at the color. If it’s pure white, it’s not full-spectrum. White salt is just like white sugar: It’s missing the key supporting minerals and nutrients your body needs.

Full-spectrum salt always has a non-white color. Celtic Sea Salt, for example (which is really good salt) has a brownish sandy color. Pink Himalayan salt is a sort of sandy rose color. All the truly natural full-spectrum salts are sandy or brownish in color.

Where it comes from

Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt comes from the Himalayan Region of the Karakoram mountain range located 400 miles from the Hunza Valley in Pakistan.

These salt deposits are roughly 250 million years old, meaning they were deposited long before the earth became polluted with heavy metals, pesticides and PCBs. While there is really no such thing as “organic” salt, this is probably the most pristine salt you’ll find anywhere on the planet. Eating this salt is a lot like going back in time and consuming minerals from pre-industrial Earth.

Note: If you have high blood pressure or eat a lot of salty processed foods, then obviously don’t add more salt to your diet. Instead, replace the junky processed salt in your diet with Himalayan pink crystal salt.

Quinoa (pronounce keen-wah) is perhaps one of the most perfect non-animal sources of protein on the planet. What makes quinoa unique is that it is the only plant source of complete protein. “Complete” means that it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids that are crucial to human function and health.

How Do You Cook Quinoa?

You cook quinoa exactly as you would cook brown rice. The measurements are two parts water to one part quinoa. For instance, if you were cooking 1 cup of dry quinoa, you would cook it in 2 liquid cups of water. It usually takes about 12-15 minutes to fully cook once the water comes to a boil. You want to be careful not to overcook it, as it can become soft and lose its shape if cooked for too long. When cooked, it has a wonderful nutty sort of flavor and is noted for the fine white string-like casing that is visible only when fully cooked.

Health Benefits of Quinoa?

Osteoporosis
It is a good source of calcium, which is extremely important for the growth of healthy teeth,   bones and skin.

Migraines & Headaches
The seed has a good source of magnesium, which provides relief from migraine headaches, relaxes blood vessels, and decreases the risk of high blood pressure. Riboflavin present in quinoa reduces the frequency of migraine attacks, by producing energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells

Heart Disease
Quinoa is known to prevent the clogging of arteries and veins which in turn helps to relieve stresses on the heart. The fat in Quinoa is good fat in that is low in cholesterol and can help reduce blood pressure thanks to the presence of potassium and magnesium. In other words it is a good source of protein without the drawbacks of too much saturated fat and cholesterol.

Candidia
Quinoa is considered to be an excellent alternative to other grain foods that contribute to the growth of candida. Candida is a “bad bacteria” that causes or contributes to a range of health problems, most notably digestion and elimination issues in the human body. Quinoa is thought to be a “good bacteria” for the gut, the intestines and the colon.

Celiac Disease & Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)
The grain is a boon for people who are allergic to wheat and are suffering from Celiac disease, as it is gluten free. Quinoa is a wonderful source of fiber for the body, which aids easy elimination and toning of colon.

Type 2 Diabetes
Quinoa is rich in magnesium which is a mineral that is essential in the body’s ability to deal with glucose and insulin. Yet again there is evidence that Quinoa, as part of a whole food diets aids in the digestion of foods. It is also known to increase Insulin sensitivity while reducing triglycerides (blood fats which need to be kept low in diabetics).

Pregnancy
Quinoa is known to be an endurance food which gives energy. It is also known to be a good source of Iron which pregnant mums are always advised to increase in their diet. It is good for tissue repair and development of teeth and bones. Along with the other benefits of Quinoa, it is a useful source of goodness that forming babies will demand in plenty as they grow. It is also good for Mums when they are feeding as it will improve the quality of milk for new-born infants.

Cataracts
Quinoa is thought to help prevent cataracts and may aid those with the condition. Studies have shown that people who absorb about 99 grams of protein were only half as likely to develop nuclear cataracts(light is difficult to pass through the centre of the eye) while those with the greater polyunsaturated fats about 17 grams a day were 30 percent likely not to develop problems with the outer lens(corticular cataracts).

Gallstones
This is another surprising area where Quinoa is known to be useful. It may not get rid of gallstones but it can help protect their development. Indeed this is another case where a wholesome diet rich in fiber can aid in the digestion of foodstuffs. As it is a soluble fiber it speeds through the intestines and reduces the need of increased bile production. Too much bile production helps to develop gallstones so this is another natural remedy for our bodies.

Immune system
Quinoa is also rich in lysine. Lysine is one of the essential amino acids of the nine, and it plays an important role in the absorption of calcium and the formation of collagen. It is also thought to be useful for the prevention of herpes breakouts, cold sores and boosting the immune system.

Bad breath (or halitosis) can have many causes, including bacteria in the mouth, stomach and intestine problems, sluggish bowels, sinus or throat infections, certain foods, tobacco and alcohol. Fortunately there are many safe and natural ways to help eliminate the causes of bad breath and freshen breath. Begin by eliminating the causes of bad breath and by taking steps to include dietary, lifestyle and other practices which lead to fresher breath.

An improper diet can lead to stomach problems and a deficiency in good intestinal flora which can cause bad breath. The best diet to help prevent bad breath is one consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits, with emphasis on raw and cooked vegetables, and fruits. Take steps to eliminate constipation when present and avoid refined carbohydrate foods, such as white sugar, and bleached white flour.

Coffee, beer, wine and whiskey are at the top of the list of liquid offenders. Each leaves a residue that can attach to the plaque in your mouth and infiltrate your digestive system. Each breath you take spews traces back into the air.Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, strong cheeses and certain spices are frequently cited as causes for a person’s bad breath. Since some of these same foods may have significant health benefits, rinsing and brushing immediately after eating and using other remedies for bad breath may be preferable to eliminating the food items.

Dental problems, especially gum disease and tooth abscesses, are often the cause of bad breath. Practice good oral hygiene to keep the mouth, tongue, teeth, and gums clean and healthy. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and clean your gums to remove bacterial buildup. Including baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in cleansing can greatly help eliminate bad breath. Use a tongue scraper to help get rid of bacteria on the tongue which may cause bad breath. Rinse thoroughly after cleansing as well as after any meal or snack.

Avoid stress, which can affect the digestive system and lead to bad breath. Also, supplement as needed to avoid deficiencies in vitamin B, Vitamin C, Zinc and digestive enzymes – all of which can also lead to bad breath.

Following are some effective natural remedies for bad breath:

Parsley may be the king of natural breath fresheners. Parsley is rich in chlorophyll, a green plant compound that kills bacteria that cause odor. Nibble on a sprig or chew some leaves after eating foods that may cause sour breath.

Put a few drops of tea tree oil on your toothbrush along with your toothpaste and/or put just enough in your un-waxed dental floss container to coat all the dental floss.

Make a mouthwash from equal parts of extracts of sage, calendula, and myrrh and gargle four times daily with the mixture. Keep the mouthwash in a tightly sealed jar.

Cardamom seeds or fenugreek seeds can both help sweeten your breath. Both may either be chewed or made into teas.

Avocado is another effective remedy for bad breath. It helps eliminate intestinal putrefaction which can lead to bad breath.

Milk intolerance often is the cause of bad breath. If you suspect milk intolerance, eliminate all dairy products to see if it makes a difference.

by Tony Isaacs

Sometimes it is the simple things in life that make all the difference in maintaining good health. A recent study published in the European Heart Journal revealed that people who are happy and have a positive outlook on life are less likely to develop heart disease than those who tend to be anxious and depressed.

Researchers evaluated 1,700 people over the course of ten years for the study. Each participant’s emotions were rated categorically on a scale from one to five; these included feelings like hostility, joy, anxiety, enthusiasm, and contentment. At the completion of the study, less than one in ten participants developed heart disease, but for each increase on the “happiness scale”, participants were 22 percent less likely to develop heart disease.

Though unable to explain precisely why happier people are less likely to become ill, researchers arrived at a few notable hypotheses. Because happier people tend to sleep better and have better sleeping patterns, their bodies are subject to less stress and, thus, less physical strain. Happier people are also better able to move on after a negative experience than unhappy people who tend to dwell longer on bad experiences.

Dr. Karina Davidson, author of the study, recommends that people try to have a better outlook on life. She believes the study reveals that learning to be content and enjoy life on a day-to-day basis will help to improve health and well being. Rather than simply look forward to a yearly vacation or some other far-off event, people should take the things they enjoy doing and incorporate them into their daily lives.

Reading a book, listening to enjoyable music, and taking time each day to relax and do something positive, even if only for a few minutes, will do wonders for one’s health, according to the research team.

Previous studies have also found a link between happiness and health, but some researchers insist that not every person is capable of simply changing his or her outlook on life. Concerted effort can be taken to think positively, but they say that certain “natural levels of positivity” cannot be changed, no matter how hard a person tries.

Every person is capable of striving towards thinking more positively. Learning to be conscious of and grateful for life’s many blessings is a good place to start. Learning to be content with what you have is another important aspect of happiness.

By Ethan A. Huff

What are chia seeds?

What we know as chia seeds are the seeds from the Chia plant, which is a member of the mint family of plants. They do not have a minty taste, in fact they do not taste of much at all. The benefits of chia lie in its nutritional value as they are high in omega-3 fatty acid, has plenty of fiber, and is abundant in various other vitamins and minerals. It can be added to just about anything you want to eat: salad, smoothies, deserts or savory foods. And that’s not all, chia can actually help you lose weight.

How to lose weight with chia seeds?

All of the nutritional value in chia seeds will result in a healthier body, and therefore more supply you with more energy. Chia is abundant in omega-3 oils, protein, calcium, soluble and insoluble fiber and antioxidants. Adding Chia to your diet will feed your body with nutrients that it may otherwise lack. Better health equals more energy which equals more desire to expend energy.

Also, one of the unique things about chia is its ability to soak up water. If you mix one part chia seeds with nine parts water, and leave it for about fifteen minutes, you`ll get a mixture with a gel like consistency. It has little taste, but plenty of nutrients. It also is very filling because of the amount of expansion. Furthermore, the chia gel slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the system making you stay satisfied for longer  which will reduce any uncontrollable cravings. Feeling full for longer, without peaks and lows in energy, will certainly lead to weight loss.

Take the time to read the ingredients on a bottle of anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos usually contain harmful chemical substances that can have damaging effects on health. Instead, alleviate dandruff naturally by using herbs, essential oils, vitamins and minerals.

Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff occurs when the fine cells of the outer layer of skin on the scalp are shed at a faster rate than normal, causing flakes to fall and settle like snowflakes on one’s shoulders and face.

Dandruff is caused by a disorder of the sebaceous glands. If too little sebum is secreted, the hair is dry and dandruff appears as white flakes; if too much sebum is produced, the hair is greasy and the dandruff is a waxy yellow. Flaking occurs when the hair is brushed or combed, which loosens this dead skin.

Eczema, allergies to hair products and psoriasis may also cause dandruff.

Herbal Treatments for Dandruff

A herbalist may recommend rubbing rosemary-infused oil into the scalp before washing. Rinse greasy hair with rosemary vinegar or add a few drops of rosemary essential oil into rinsing water.

Take herbs such as burdock and kelp internally to improve the condition of the scalp.

Aromatherapy for Dandruff

In addition to rosemary essential oil, cedarwood, tea tree or patchouli can be massaged into the scalp. Blend a few drops of therapeutic grade essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba. Massage the scalp with a few drops of lavender oil and almond oil to eliminate dandruff.

Tissue Cell Salts to Combat Dandruff

Tissue Salt – Kali. Mur. White, flaky dandruff shows a need for this mineral salt, but it should be taken over a long period. Flakiness may increase initially. Foods rich in Kali. Mur. are green beans, carrots, beetroot, fresh corn, kale, asparagus, pineapples, lemons and plums.

Tissue Salt – Kali. Sulph. This is one of the most useful tissue salts for sticky, waxy dandruff; flaky, dry patches on the scalp as well as alopecia (hair loss). Eat plenty of parsley, linseed, mustard, watercress, salad burnet and lemon balm.

Tissue Salt No – Silica. This tissue salt treats dandruff and improves the condition of lusterless hair. It generally keeps the scalp healthy. Herbs and foods rich in silica are stinging nettle, dandelion, comfrey, wheat, maize, barley, oats, apples, guavas, spinach, chicory and celery.

Vitamins and Minerals

Increase intake of  silica, selenium, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B complex.

By Fleur Hupston