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Article 1: Emu Oil for Eczema, by the Emu Oil Institute

Article 2: Emu Oil for Psoriasis, by Emu Oil Institute

Article 3: Benefits of Organic Goldenseal (Hydrastis), by Sleepy Hollow Farm

Article 4: Massage - What Have You Done for You Lately?, by Lisa Erawoc

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin disorder. When it is flaring up - which can be weekly or monthly for some - it is characterized by red, itchy skin. This condition usually occurs in people with a personal or family history of atopy (allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, or food allergies).

To aid in the relief of this disease you need to identify and reduce those factors in your life that exacerbate the disease. These are different for each person, so no one therapy is appropriate for all eczema sufferers.

Irritants: Environmental factors can have a big effect on eczema. To prevent irritation, minimize the use of soaps, solvents, and other drying compounds. If soaps are to be used they should have minimal defatting activity and a neutral pH. Non-soap cleansing agents are also available. Since residual laundry detergent in clothes may also be irritating, a second rinse cycle would be beneficial. Changing detergents may also help.

For hand dermatitis, it is important to avoid irritant contact with solvents, soaps and detergents. If you wash your hands frequently, it is important to apply emollients after every washing. Pure Emu oil and emu oil based lotions are an excellent method of re-hydrating the skin after washing. Wearing appropriate gloves when using potential irritants is also important.

Allergens: Allergens in the air and in food are often triggers for a flare-up of this disorder. Allergy testing is helpful in determining what allergens to avoid. Occasionally, using an electrostatic air purifier can help reduce aeroallergen exposure at home or in the workplace.

Dietary management of atopic dermatitis continues to be a controversial subject among doctors. The most common allergens appear to be eggs, cow's milk, soy, wheat, nuts and fish.

Infections: If you get a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, it may cause a flare-up of eczema. If eczema is weeping or oozing, if it is crusted, or if it has small bumps, have your doctor test for the presence of bacterial infection.

Athletes foot (tineas pedis) can occur in older children and adults in addition to foot dermatitis. When standard topical therapy for foot dermatitis fails, you doctor may test for this fungus.

Helpful Hints for Eczema

Hydration: Your skin is dry, not because it lacks grease or oil, but because it fails to retain water. Therefore, to correct dryness, water is added to the skin, followed by a grease or oil-containing substance to hold the water in. This can be done by soaking the affected area in a basin of water, in the bath or in the shower, for 20 minutes using warm water. Pat the skin with a soft towel to remove excess water, and immediately apply Emu oil. You should bathe and lubricate at least once a day or more for optimum hydration. Many folks find additional applications (2 or 3 times a day) of agents like Emu oil that hydrate the skin, help keep their skin moist.

Although eczema can be difficult to live with, we hope the above suggestions will help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with it. Remember: no two cases are exactly alike and each person may have different needs.

This document is informational only. Medical advice and treatment should be obtained from your family physician. 

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Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disorder that most commonly appears as inflamed swollen skin lesions covered with silvery white scale. The most common type of psoriasis is called "plaque psoriasis".

No one knows what causes psoriasis, though it is generally accepted that it has a genetic component, and a recent study has established that it is an autoimmune skin disorder. Scientists believe that a person is born genetically predisposed to psoriasis.

Whether a person actually develops psoriasis may depend on something "triggering" its appearance. Examples of "trigger factors" include systemic infections such as strep throat, injury to the skin, vaccinations, certain medications, and intra-muscular injections or oral steroid medications. Once something triggers a person's genetic tendency to develop psoriasis, it is thought that in turn, the immune system triggers the excessive skin cell reproduction.

Skin cells are programmed to follow two possible programs: normal growth or wound healing. In a normal growth pattern, skin cells are created in the basal cell layer, and then move up through the epidermis to the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. Dead cells are shed from the skin at about the same rate as new cells are produced, maintaining a balance. This normal process takes about 28 days from cell birth to death.

When skin is wounded, a wound healing program is triggered, also known as regenerative maturation. Cells are produced at a much faster rate, theoretically to replace and repair the wound. There is also an increased blood supply and localized inflammation. In many ways, psoriatic skin is similar to skin healing from a wound or reacting to a stimulus such as infection. Lesional psoriasis is characterized by cell growth in the alternate growth program. Although there is no wound at a psoriatic lesion, skin cells behave as if there is. These cells switch from the normal growth program to regenerative maturation. Cells are created and pushed to the surface in as little as 2-4 days, and the skin cannot shed the cells fast enough. The excessive skin cells build up and form elevated, scaly lesions. The white scale ("plaque") that usually covers the lesion is composed of dead skin cells, and the redness of the lesion is caused by increased blood supply to the area of rapidly dividing skin cells.

Various kinds of temporary relief are available, and they work with varying degrees of success. Treatments and medications are often time consuming and expensive. They can be cosmetically unpleasant and pose additional health risks. Psoriasis does not follow a predictable course. Each individual case breaks its own trail.

It takes experimentation and persistence to discover effective treatments for an individual. No claims are made that Emu Oil can "cure" or "treat" any disease, but many consumers have reported gaining relief of the dry, itchy skin associated with psoriasis, by using Emu Oil and psoriasis aid creams that contain Emu Oil as part of their regimen. Emu Oil is a "tissue nutrient", and may help in the "normal growth" skin cell program, perhaps over-riding the alternate growth program which causes lesional psoriasis. While some folks have reported tremendous relief by using Emu Oil, others have found no relief. It is not possible to predict the effectiveness of many products for everyone. Each persons' body is different, and each person must try Emu Oil themselves to discover its effectiveness. Consumer reports are very positive!

This document is informational only. Medical advice and treatment should be obtained from your family physician. 

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Goldenseal, Natural Remedy For A Wide Range Of Ailments.

The medicinal benefits of goldenseal have been known for hundreds of years. Goldenseal helps the body to rid itself of toxins and has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Goldenseal provides support to the body's healing processes in many ways. It boosts the immune system by stimulating the flow of blood to the spleen and directly attacking many bacteria and fungi.

Goldenseal also:

• Assists the Body to Cleanse and Detoxify itself from unwanted toxins
• Relieves Cold & Flu Symptoms
• Aids in cases of Constipation and Indigestion
• Reduces Skin Inflammations such as Eczema
• Combats Vaginal Infections when used as a Douche
• Effective Against Several Internal Parasites such as Giardia
• Helps Prevent and Aids Healing of Oral Diseases such as Mouth Ulcers & Canker Sores

Mouth Ulcers and Canker Sores can be extremely painful and difficult to heal. Native Americans were the first to discover the wonderful benefits of adding goldenseal to their diets. By simply chewing the rhizome they found their mouth ulcers and canker sores healed much quicker, their food digested better, and they were generally much healthier. Since fresh goldenseal is not always available we have made it easier for you to experience its benefits through our goldenseal extract. Simply place a few drops directly in the mouth or mix the extract in a small amount of water and swish around the mouth and swallow.

Modern research suggests that goldenseal's effectiveness in assisting the body to heal mouth ulcers and canker sores as well as fungal infections of the skin, mouth, and vagina is due to the antimicrobial properties of berberine, a major component. A rational basis for the traditional antimicrobial use of goldenseal was reported in a 2001 study entitled Antibacterial Activity of Hydrastis canadensis [goldenseal] Extract and its Major Alkaloids, published in Planta Medica, volume 67, pages 562-564. Effectiveness was demonstrated against several lines of Staph, Strep, and E. Coli. This latest study was a confirmation of several earlier studies which reported effectiveness against these pathogens as well as Candida (also known as yeast and the cause of oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections), several Bacillus species (of which Anthrax is a member), and more than 15 others. In many cases the whole extract was shown to be more effective than the isolated alkaloids. It was suggested that the greater inhibitory activity of the whole extract was due to the combined effects of the more than 20 alkaloids normally present in goldenseal as well as other pharmacologically active constituents not yet identified. Through our on-going research at Clemson University, and the University of Illinois, Chicago, Sleepy Hollow Farm is working to establish scientific support for many of goldenseal's traditional uses including various digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome plus mouth ulcers, canker sores, gingivitis, and oral thrush. Goldenseal is also effective against a wide variety of internal parasites including Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Entamoeba histolytica as well as diarrhea caused by bacteria such as E. Coli.

This document is informational only. Medical advice and treatment should be obtained from your family physician. 

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Before I give someone a massage, I ask if they’ve ever had a massage, then I conduct a health assessment to make sure massage is not contraindicated. My next question is, “Do you get regular massages?” I’m always amazed how many people seem to have the same reasons for not getting regular massages. They're too busy with work, family, and other obligations to make the time for something so beneficial to their health.

Women especially are busy playing the roles of mother, wife and caretaker to so many that we forget our own needs. I am guilty of trying to balance it all and not having enough time to nurture myself spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally. Not only is massage something my body needs, it’s also a requirement for longevity in my profession. I cannot give away what I don’t have to give; my health has to be a top priority in order to constantly give my heart and soul to my work.

Many people think of massage as a luxury and only indulge on special occasions such as vacation, anniversaries, birthdays or weddings. But in many cultures massage is a way of life. Touch is so important because it lets us know we are cared for and loved.

Many of us think about our health only when we're sick or the doctor gives us an unfavorable diagnosis. My heart has been broken lately for so many people who cross my path with all kinds of diseases.

Many people I love live with cancer, diabetes, arthritis and other diseases. I want to reach out to them and make it all better. I try to help by alleviating their symptoms with aromatic oils, but I wish I had a miracle potion to cure their diseases. Although I don't have that potion, I do have the touch of massage, which allows me to reach out in a different way.

If you can’t afford a massage on a regular basis, I urge you to find other ways to take care of yourself that allow you to escape the stress of daily life. Meditation, reading, yoga or a stroll in the country are other wonderful ways to unwind and do something for your health.

One of my favorite things to do is take a long walk by a river, lake, the ocean or on a trail. I find this to be very therapeutic and relaxing. It gives me time to reflect on where I've been, where I am now and where I want to be. I really connect with myself and it brings out my creativity.

We all owe it to ourselves to take care of this beautiful body we so often neglect. Make the choice today to do something for yourself and for your health. Give yourself the gift of massage, not because it’s a special occasion, but because your health is important.

Remember prevention, not treatment, is the key to good health and longevity. Besides, you deserve to be pampered and nurtured. Here’s to your health!

This document is informational only. Medical advice and treatment should be obtained from your family physician. 

Lisa Erawoc is a massage practitioner at Spa Minerale in Lansdowne, Virginia. She is also a freelance writer, and has a private practice in Leesburg, Virginia.

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Do ever wonder if most supplements are a hoax and just another way for someone else to take your hard earned money? Have you bought many different herbs over the years and felt little or no improvement? Do you have a health problem, but find that the side effects or costs, physically and financially, out weigh any benefit you may be receiving? Or, are you one of millions of people that are looking to be proactive with their health?  Could you benefit from someone who has spent the past 10 years researching hundreds of different supplements for clients, family and friends, and that's actually found herbs that really make a noticeable and obvious improvement in your health?

Yes, just like you, I have spent lots of money over the last ten plus years trying to find supplements for me, my family, friends and clients. That search motivated me to go to Naturopathic school and start this website. (I was already an active full time Nationally Certified Neuromuscular and Massage Therapist.)  I may have spent a lot of money and time, but I am glad I did because I can share my results to save you time and money finding herbs and supplements that actually work!

What you see on my website is 'the best of the best'. The ones that actually work. If I listed all of the ones that didn't work, I'd need another website, so we'll forget about them. To keep it simple, the products are divided into subcategories that give uses, descriptions, content and pricing.  The Articles offer free informative briefings about many of the supplements that I carry to better aid you in making your supplement choices. If I find a new supplement that's better, I'll replace it.  There are also client and product Testimonials to let you know how much these supplements have helped other people. I promise to keep researching and adding products, articles, and resources that are beneficial for you. I'd love to hear about your experiences too!

This document is informational only. Medical advice and treatment should be obtained from your family physician. 

Terri Phillips is a Traditional Naturopathic Doctor, Nationally Certified Neuromuscular and Massage Therapist, and an Ordained Minister. She has a private practice in Cartersville Georgia.
www.naturalhealingsanctuary.com

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