Stress is almost tangible in today’s world. We see and feel it in the events that occur everyday, the deadlines to meet, people to please, plans to organize, relationships to balance and problems to face. The demands for one’s time and effort are almost too much for one person to bear. Stress can overwhelm people which may cause them to loses the ability of being able to cope.

Stress can manifest in the body in several ways. Searing pain in the temples, the overall tiredness in the body, being vulnerable to emotions. When the level of stress goes higher and higher and its symptoms are ignored, stress becomes, in a way, a monster that eats you up.

Just like stress, depression is something that we all are familiar with. There varying levels of depression but each equally serious. There’s a lot to be considered when somebody tells you they are clinically depressed, as matters like that aren’t something to be taken lightly. To make matters more complex, there are several cases that show how stress and depression go hand in hand. Most start off feeling stressed from various outside factors and it gradually progresses and eventually they become depressed individuals.

NATURAL TREATMENT
Most of the anti-depressants and anti-stress drugs in leading pharmacies and drugstores are the popular choice. Doctors may recommend Prozac, Paxil, or Celexa to name a few. The problem here lies in the fact that these drugs are incredibly expensive, and the fact that there are serious negative side effects. There is credible evidence showing that the high-grade drugs may be the ones responsible for upsets in the body. Side effects range form mild upset stomachs, nausea and dizziness, to more severe ones which may include excessive vomiting, insomnia or difficulty sleeping, chronic headaches, and other serious ailments.

That’s why there’s now deeper research being done into the study of all-natural and botanical treatments for illnesses and disease. The good news is that the study is venturing in the realm of the treatment for both depression and stress. There are already known natural remedies to stress like St. John’s Wort, but other holistic treatments are yet to be discovered. We just have to tap into that resource to enjoy its full benefits.

INTRODUCING RHODIOLA ROSEA
One of the most expansive supplements when it comes to anti-depressant properties and being lowering stress levels is the herb called Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea) or more affectionately known as “Golden Root”.

It has been found that this specific herb is a level higher than Asia’s ginkgo and ginseng root when it comes to energy release and anti-stress capabilities. It is a potent adaptogen, as its primary duty is to increase overall resistance and strengthen the body without disturbing the natural and normal biological function. This adaptogenic herb is rated even higher compared to the popular St. John’s Wort, which is a good sign that this does the job of helping the body cope with stress.

BENEFITS OF RHODIOLA
A deeper study into Rhodiola rosea reveals it works by increasing tenfold the ability of each cell in the body to manufacture, store and use cell fuel as efficiently as possible. In this way, the body’s function is normalized despite a stress trigger or a heightened depressive state. This is why the body functions normally despite an imbalance in the central nervous systems, as the adaptogens does what it does best: generating a certain higher degree of adaptation for the body to handle the stress, extreme low spirits or a hyper increase in anxiety.

There are many more benefits to Rhodiola. Therapeutic claims abound for this herb against all other “Asthenic Conditions”, namely chronic headaches, poor physical performance, sleep disturbances and general body fatigue. Rhodiola also increases both Adenosine Triphosphate and Creatine Phosphate, which makes Rhodiola an energy-releasing herb. With the increase of ATP and CP, the muscles have more energy to use, that’s why there’s heightened performance and stamina when one takes Rhodiola supplements. The increase in energy also affects the brain, helping the memory and concentration. Both mental and physical performances are enhanced and maximized.

You can see how Rhodiola can make a big impact in our lives, and it doesn’t even take much to get the benefits of it. The standard dosage is one or two 100mg supplement that comes in a tablet or capsule, which contains a 3:1 ratio between rosavins (phytochemical) and salidroside (anti-depressant property) respectively.

With these amazing benefits, good health is in your hands—Learn to use it!

Elderberries have been around for a long time. It is one of nature’s “treasure chest” when it comes to health and wellness benefits. Dating back to the earliest centuries, the fruits, leaves, trunks, and roots have been used for healing and wellness. Throughout the years, its extracts have been found in multiple curative products and even in our daily consumables as well.

In general, elderberry is beneficial because of its antioxidant properties, immuno-boosting capacity, and benefits to our cardiovascular system. It is truly a “treasure chest” when it comes to helping the body prevent the onset of various illnesses and diseases – plus it is known to improve vision and lessen the body’s vulnerability to infection.

WHAT IS IN ELDERBERRY?
For one thing, elderberry has bioflavonoids, minerals, and proteins that have the ability to attack and neutralize the viruses that infect the cells in our body, thus rendering the start of cold and flu useless before it even spreads.

It is one of the few potent agents against influenza. One of the most famous cases that elderberry is known for is for the treatment of a flu epidemic in 1995 that happened in Panama. There were hundreds of infected with the H3N1 virus which began spreading in the middle of the year. The patients were given elderberry extracts in capsules and other medicinal treatments.

The dark, purple berries have been used as an alternative form of remedy for so many years as it is known for its health and medicinal benefits:

1. Boosts immune system – The elderberry has a wide array of vitamins A, B, and C. as well as nutrients like amino acids, flavonoids (antioxidant properties) and tannin among others. Elderberries help strengthen the body’s immunity against the flu and cold. It is a known booster as it has anti-viral properties that help the immune system deal with bacteria and other viruses that invade the body.

2. Prevents cardiovascular problems – Over time, plaque builds up in our arteries, causing blockage and bad circulation of the blood. Elderberry reduces and deactivates the oxidation activity of LDL or the bad cholesterol that is a chronic enemy of the cardiovascular system.

3. The anthocyanins are also responsible for the potent antioxidant activity that Elderberry is praised for. The cells are protected and with gradual use, each cell is renewed.

4. Elderberry juice has been reported to provide relief for pain for people with arthritis and rheumatism. The anti-inflammatory property of Elderberry extracts have known to treat sinus congestion, sore throat and tonsillitis.

5. Elderberry has been used as a sleep aid in many night time syrups.

CONSUMING ELDERBERRY
10-15 ounces of elderberry extract juice is a great way to stock up on the benefits that this amazing fruit offers. For those who like elderberry as a medicine, or prefer it in supplement form, they can also try the Elderberry supplements that come in 200-50mg capsule forms. For other uses, elderberries are often use as garnish in various foods as it is also used for cooking. Always ask your doctor first before adding elderberry in your diet, as unguided use can also be bad for your health. Drinking more than 20 ounces of elderberry juice can result to diarrhea. Additionally, when eating elderberries in raw form it can result in vomiting and dizziness.

Aloe vera is one of nature’s most used plants when it comes to treatment and healing. For centuries, Aloe vera extracts have been made as balms for medicinal purposes, especially to heal wounds and burns, treat skin problems like acne and other milder forms of rosea, as well as used in shampoos to strengthen and polish dry hair. In the past, aloe vera was just a simple home remedy. Now, Aloe vera takes a whole new form.

Drink Aloe Vera Juice Daily
In the past, aloe vera used to be something that was applied like a topical ointment, a general external application for skin and hair problems. But now, the discovery of how people can benefit from aloe vera juice has been received with much praise from both individuals and health care professionals.

In general, aloe vera juice proves to be beneficent in the circulatory, muscular, and skeletal system; plus it even helps in strengthening the immune system, too. Aloe vera helps improve blood circulation and keeps blood pressure at an acceptably normal rate. The muscle and bones benefit from it as the vitamins and minerals promote the healing of bones, joints, and muscles alike.

Detoxify and Cleanse
There are regular drinkers of aloe vera juice, and there are those that drink it only when they want to cleanse and detoxify their body. Most experts’ advice focuses on drinking two to three glasses of aloe vera juice a day to get the most out of it.

Aloe vera juice is known to have amazing benefits when it comes to curing constipation and for other bowel problems. It makes the bowel discharge easier, especially those that sticking to the lining of the large intestines.

An extract of aloe vera, namely the Carrisyn, have been consistent in studies and lab examinations when it comes to strengthening the immune system. Carrisyn acts by stimulating the production of blood cells that helps fight infection and disease.

More than that, aloe vera juice has 18 kinds of high-level amino acids, molybdenum, and methionine aside from over twenty minerals and vitamins. All of them help fight to metabolize carbohydrates and fats. It also oversees and prevents fat in the liver and plaque build-up in the arteries. There is also a proven laxative property of aloe very juice. It is the all-natural colon-cleanser!

Aid in Weight Loss
Health-conscious people can find relief in aloe vera juice as a nutritional and weight-loss drink! Aloe vera assists in speeding up the metabolic rate, which is crucial for those who are trying to lose weight by exercise and calorie-controlled diets. What it does specifically is to stimulate the liver cells to burn more energy, thus amplifying and boosting our body’s metabolism.

It is a safe supplement for weigh loss as it contains collagen protein, forcing the body to spend more energy in helping assimilate the collagen protein in the body and spread it all throughout the body’s system.

Aloe vera juice is easily incorporated into anyone’s diet as it is all-natural and has almost no side effects. Just be sure to talk with your physician and determine the right dosage or amount of aloe vera juice you need daily. The usual amount of aloe vera juice is around four to five ounces a day. With just that much, you’re well on your way to a healthier you!

Throughout the century, herbs and various kinds of spices have proved to be indispensable when it comes to preparing food and drinks, and more importantly, when added as ingredients in medicinal mixtures used to treat a variety of illnesses and diseases.

One of those important spices is Turmeric, one of Asia’s most popular herbs to date. In India, it is central to the culture as it is used for food preparation, in cultural and religious events, and even in their Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric is found in curry, mustard and is also used in some cheeses and cheese spreads to give it a favorable deep and creamy golden yellow color. Not only in India is the spice used widely, but it is also present in Chinese and Thai traditional medicine.

Medical Uses of Turmeric
Turmeric is one of most effective of Ayurvedic remedies against digestive problems and liver processes. The reason behind this is that Turmeric contains curcumin, which 20th century studies have shown is responsible for almost all the biological activity of turmeric. The curcumin stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which in turn helps emulsify fats and promote enzyme action, both helping in the absorption process of the small intestines; it helps activate the protective action on intestines.

Turmeric is also an antioxidant, and a powerful one at that. As what any antioxidant does, it provides a neutralizing effect to free radicals in the body and protects the cell membranes from damage. Another popular use of turmeric is for people with poor blood circulation and hemorrhages. Curcumin in the turmeric also does anti-inflammatory work by lowering the levels of COX-2 and LOX enzymes. According to Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Turmeric purifies the blood and helps stimulate the creation of new blood tissues. It even reduces the number of platelets grouping sticking together and forming blood clots inside the body because turmeric has anti-coagulant properties.

Recommended Dosage
Though turmeric nowadays is primarily used in food preparation in Oriental and Indian exotic cuisine, it is added sparingly to the food. Too much turmeric can ruin the dish as it is, in its raw form, a very pungent and a terribly bitter spice.

The dosage level to reap the benefits of turmeric depends on the case and the gravity of the body’s condition. It also varies according to illness and the age of the patient, but most would recommend 400 – 600 milligrams of turmeric daily.

What is Naturopathy and Naturopathic medicine? Should you see a Naturopath?

Naturopathy is an alternative medical system that emphasizes a holistic and natural approach and plays a big role in the cure and treatment of a whole range of illnesses and diseases. As more and more people are turning to natural methods of treatment and cures, naturopathy is expanding and gaining popularity.

We are mainly relying on today’s modern medicine when it comes to curative methods, from simple fevers to more complex diseases. The downsides of modern medicine are consistently raising reactions from individuals or concerned groups. Prices of medicine tablets, syrups, capsules, and sprays are soaring, much credit going to the big medicine companies and elite branding. Cheap generics are even attacked, declaring them less suitable compared to the more expensive and “quality” brand name medicine. Another downside is that all kinds of medicine are formulated with high-grade chemical compounds, thus producing negative side effects such as temporary nausea, vomiting, soreness in the body, etc.

There is also the recent medical issue of iatrogenic diseases. Iatrogenic diseases are the illnesses that are caused by the medications that were taken. Though it is argued that the iatrogenic illnesses are less severe than the disease the medication is supposed to treat, the thought that you are getting sick from the medicine that you are taking seem to be ironic and disheartening.

This is why naturopathy is a popular alternative nowadays. Naturopathy is the earliest known system of curative methods and healing. It is concerned not only with curing the diagnosed illness, but also the totality of the health of the person and how the illness affects the body, whether it is physical, mental or spiritual. This is why Naturopathy is called a “Holistic Treatment”.

Naturopathic medicine can be a mix of natural food substances, plant extracts and water, as well as a whole range of herbs. This is something familiar for all of us. We might remember home remedies that our parents or grandparents handed down from one generation to the next. Most of them are a combination of herbs and extracts, mostly found in nature. Naturopathy also includes massages, acupuncture, and other physical therapies to alleviate pain and revitalize the body.

When it comes to general acceptance, Naturopathy comes in many different forms so there is a wide audience. Even in countries that mainly rely and practice modern medicine, like the U.S.A, Canada, U.K, and more. Naturopathy is guided by various principles and standard regulations. In the US and Canada, there is a designation called an ND, or a Naturopathic Doctor, for those that completed a four-year program at accredited schools and have passed the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners.

Adopting Naturopathic system of treatment doesn’t mean one should totally reject the idea of modern medicine. This is not Naturopathy vs. Allopathy debate. In fact, it seems that one should take what advantages modern medicine offers and make it a supplement to help in concentrating treatment on the area that needs it, while Naturopathic treatments concentrate on the deeper needs of the body to heal and regenerate itself.

When we think of skin care, we think of high-end brands of creams and lotions that adorn our drawers and bureaus, promising fast acne eradication, minimized pores, and clear skin with state of the art chemical compounds. It’s a known fact that more than 1/3 of all the popular skin care products in the market today contain items and elements that are known to have grave side effects.

Think about how long the lists of ingredients are in just one face cream. Even the basic moisturizers have around 5-10 complex-sounding ingredients that are mostly foreign to us. The terrible thing about it is when you have skin problems like acne, medication creams and anti-acne toners actually list harsher chemicals than usual. How could you let those chemical ingredients get absorbed into your face? You may think that companies would never be allowed to produce something detrimental to your skin – but, how sure is that assertion?

The number of people concerned with products that prove to have negative effects on the skin, especially from popular skin care, is growing. Due to the harsh chemicals and possible carcinogenic properties contained in these products, the skin gets worse and acne doesn’t get treated, and instead, inflammation surges over the face, neck, chest area and back. That’s why there’s a strong campaign for skin care using all natural and “pro-skin” products made from natural ingredients. A highly recommended natural ingredient is Neem Oil.

Neem as a Natural Treatment for Skin Problems

When it comes to mild to severe acne, bouts of eczema, psoriasis, ringworm and other fungal skin infection, neem is nothing short of a miracle. It’s not an unfounded claim either, as there are studies and scientific research on this specific oil that have found how neem boosts lymphocyte activity, thereby making the cells less vulnerable to infection.

Neem oil has properties that recognize skin trauma, lesions, inflammation and even the smallest irritated zone. There have been medical experiments conducted to examine the effectivity of products with neem in them. The results show that neem oil is up to par with prescription cortisone in treating fungal skin infection and psoriasis. Neem oil can even treat eczema when taken orally in neem-based medicine capsules.

For the dreaded acne, neem is an antibacterial substance; it is also a strong inhibitor against the Propionibacteium Acne pathogen, which is one of the main players in speeding up onset of common acne. What neem does is to prevent the activity of inflammatory mediators. Users primarily use a swipe of neem oil 2-3 times a day for 2-4 weeks to keep acne inflammation low.

Consumer feedback have also shown that using neem oil soap for chest and back acne problems also help eradicate zits and leftover scars all over those problem areas. It is great even for sensitive skin because neem soap has mild formulation, as long as the neem products you buy comes with no alcohol or any other added chemicals. That’s why it’s always important to choose the most natural and organic formula. It’s important though that anyone who uses this product should always take a skin test first by dabbing a bit of the product on the underside of your forearm, where skin is most sensitive.

Neem oil is as natural as they come. The benefit of neem oil for skin treatment far outweighs those commercially packaged treatment sets from popular companies. It is best for those who want to take a natural approach.

Sometimes natural treatments surprise us because we believe solutions have to be difficult rather than simple. We think that only complicated drugs and other prescription medicines are effective, and we don’t quite believe the level of effectivity of these “alternative” medicines. Even something as innocent as a glass of cherry juice can pack a punch when it comes to curing chronic headaches!

We all experiences headaches especially when we feel stressed, overworked, anxious or worried about something in our personal lives. More and more people are experiencing migraine and chronic headaches, mostly from their hectic lifestyle, bad diet, and personal problems.

HOW CHERRY HELPS CHRONIC HEADACHES
Right of the bat, cherries are full of Quercetin, a wholesome compound found in the fruit that is known to slow down or reduce prostaglandin production. What prostaglandin does is it sensitizes the body to pain as it acts as a chemical messenger, making it open for both inflammation and pain. What we can derive from this is the more Quercetin the less the prostaglandin levels, thereby lessening the pain and discomfort we get from migraines and chronic headaches. Quercetin is in itself a powerful antioxidant. It is also known to be a natural anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory flavonoid.

Many people have found cherry juice to be the best solution for their headaches, especially when they’re feeling the onset of pressure in the head. The cherry combats various head discomforts from hangovers to migraines. Just like how you would any painkillers, you take a higher dosage, or with cherry juice a couple of glasses more, adjusting it by preference or by the severity of the pain.

Research and studies focusing on “Black Tart” cherry juice, scientists have found them have a higher effectivity rate than aspirin when it comes to zooming in on the pain and inflammation in the body.

THE HEALTHY CHERRY JUICE
Cherry juice can be found in your local market’s juice section or natural food section. It usually comes in a ready-to-drink bottle and there are about 100-150 cherries in 8ozs. The juice comes in either clear juice or thick syrup and usually it is unsweetened and considered natural as it doesn’t have artificial food coloring and preservative.

Incorporating cherry juice in your daily diet also has its benefits (you don’t have to wait until your head is throbbing).

OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS
Cherry Juice, especially the tart cherry concentrate, has one of the highest antioxidants tested at Brunswick Laboratories. The cherry juice reflected a very high ORAC value, which makes cherry juice on par with the “super-antioxidant” acai berry. A daily dose of cherry juice will go far when it comes to neutralizing the free radicals that is present our body.
Increasing vitality of the body and helping us appear healthier.

For people who have gout, arthritis, or related joint pains, cherry juice is one of the best treatments there is for those conditions, as it is a source of anthocyanins. Many swear that cherry juice concentrate has had a huge effect on their joint pain.

Because cherry juice is anti-inflammatory, it is a great addition to the diet of people who put constant strain on their body, like those involved in manual labor and construction, or those who have a career in athletics. Drinking cherry juice helps relieve the discomfort from all the body pains fast.

What people should take away from this is that cherry juice for pain relief gives you a more natural and wholesome approach to treatment. Additionally, it avoids the negative side effects of various medicines and anti-inflammatory drugs. Try it for yourself!

Nobody likes acne on their face. Most people try to get rid of them as soon as possible. Over the counter medications in all forms, sizes and prices are selling like hotcakes in pharmacies and drugstores nationwide. The promise of clear, acne-free skin in a matter of days – and some brands even go as far as promising “overnight results.” With advertising like this is no wonder most people end up disappointed. What consumers also don’t know is that these acne medications contain high levels of chemicals which are harsh to sensitive skin, even with those that brand themselves as ‘made for sensitive skin’. It’s no surprise that the skin reacts to these chemical compounds, that’s why more and more users of these ointments report bad scarring, extreme redness, and spreading of acne to various areas on both face and neck.

What can acne-prone people do? One thing is for sure, that it’s better to rely on natural and organic products rather than depend on chemical mixtures to take care of our skin.

An all-natural cure to acne comes in a clear oil with antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is known as Melaleuca Oil, one of the best essential oils used for medicinal purposes. You might have heard of this substance, as it is more popularly known as Tea Tree Oil. International brands like The Body Shop, Johnson & Johnson, J/A/S/O/N, SkinFood (Asia), Aubrey Organics, Kiss My Face, Burt’s Bees and so many more have Tea Tree Oil lines for their anti-acne face creams and lotions.

For a more home-remedy type, an ordinary bottle of tea tree oil is enough. No need to shell out too much money for branded products at all. Tea tree oil diluted in water or another “carrier oil” such as natural baby oil, or better yet, emu oil, is highly regarded as an effective anti-acne treatment. In terms of acne eradication, it has been shown that a 5% mix of tea tree oil and a 5% benzyl peroxide have almost the same anti- acne properties. Tea tree oil is slow to take effect but your much better off than with a natural oil than depending on a benzyl peroxide.

There are also soaps and creams that contain tea tree oil that can be used for the body, because not only is it great for acne, but since it contains a anti-microbial properties, it helps in eradicating fungus that forms around the hidden corners of the body and removes bad body odor, too! Not only that, it helps your scalp when it’s flakey and helps scabs and scars. If you have body odor you’d like to get rid of or some fungal infection on your toes, hands, or back, then just find a product for the body with tea tree oil in it. Or you could just create a tea tree oil mix by yourself and apply it on the infected area with a cotton square.

Just remember though that pure 100% tea tree oil shouldn’t ever be put on your face as is because it is highly irritating. That’s why it’s important that you need to dilute it with water or some other unscented oil. Health departments all over the world have set the minimum content to be 15%-30%. A rule of thumb, mix 5% tea tree oil and 95% carrier oil or water.

One of the best things that you can do for your skin is stop using acne medications and rely on organic methods because the more natural, the better!

Day in and day out, we run the risk of contracting common illnesses, whether from contact with other people, from stress or unhealthy habits, and even from the pollutants in our surroundings that our immune system can’t handle. The fact of the matter is, we all get sick one way or another because that’s how we’re made! Even the best of computers get viruses, what more for us tender-fleshed and vulnerable humans.

Some of us take vitamins religiously to strengthen our immune system in their fight against viruses and bacteria. There are people who swear by Vitamin C, taking Ascorbic Acid and other related supplements to do the job. Let’s face it, sickness is always a nuisance: it prevents us from being with our loved ones for fear of them contracting it, we feel too weak to do the things we want to do, and we have lower productivity rate at work when we don’t feel too well. Our finances get tight too, from the high price of medicine and the expensive doctor’s check up. This is why people would do anything just to prevent being sick in the first place.

INFLUENZA VACCINE
What is commonly known as a “Flu Shot” is actually Influenza Vaccine. It is the method known to stop the body from contracting influenza during changes in season, specifically during winter and prevent the sever complications that might arise from said illness. It is given annually for people who choose to undergo this vaccination. Research have shown that there is about a 75% effectively rating in preventing influenza and its known complications.

We can see that it’s not perfect, but it has both a positive and negative aspect to it:

PROS:
• Influenza vaccine can lower the risk of respiratory illness
• Reduce trips to the doctor and hospitalization from influenza
• For working people, more productivity with less sick leaves.
• The elderly people who are about 60 years old can benefit from taking the flu shot as they can avoid suffering from effects of flu.
• Less chance of heart disease and stroke
• Flu shots are great for people with serious and long-term diseases in the lungs, liver, renal and heart.
• People who work in an environment where influenza can spread fast, like caring for sick patients, working in an enclosed and crowded environment, are protected from contracting and spreading the flu.
• Pregnant women can take the shot (with thorough pre-natal evaluation) to strengthen the weak immune system and protect the fetus from contracting the flu and suffering complications.

CONS:
• It has been much talked about that people who get flu shots are much more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s Disease
• People are getting more and more hesitant because of the ingredients and mixture that goes in the vaccine. Among the listed ingredients are Ethylene Glycol, which is known to be used for vehicles, along with Formaldehyde and Phenol which are known carcinogenic agents.
• Getting the flu shot gives you an after-effect like you’re getting sick. Expect mild fever, head and body aches, and some people have reported experiencing coughing and sneezing, too.

Because it’s your body, you call the shots. Talk to your doctor before getting one though, so you can determine if you have any allergies to the vaccine. Studies have shown that people with allergies to eggs (the vaccine is reported to have egg protein as well) should shy away from the influenza shot. If you’re pregnant or have a high-risk condition you should be cautious and talk extensively to your doctor as well.

Be warned that getting the influenza vaccine does not immediately mean that you are, from here on out, immunized against the virus itself. Influenza is constantly evolving and attaching itself to various viral forms, unlike polio or illnesses like the measles which are steady and non-changing.

What is Oil Pulling?
Alternative medicine is still popular in major cities in the world, from aromatherapy to yoga, people are still putting their faith into something other than traditional medicine to uplift the mind and keep the body healthy. Even if it means doing limb-twisting exercises, collecting exotic spices and fragrances to clear away negative energy, cleansing the body’s toxins with herbs and solutions, or other new age ideas to get the benefit of alternative medicine’s proven and perceived effect.

As unusual health practices go, many border the extreme and the downright weird but are considered by practicers and followers beneficial and effective. One of the recently popular ideas in body cleansing is what they call Oil Pulling or Oil Swishing.

Oil Pulling: An Ayurvedic Method of Cleansing
This discovery by Dr. F. Karach is catching on various places in the western world and has already been practiced for many years by many who follow the alternative treatment lifestyle. Oil pulling is an ayurvedic method to cleanse the body, and is considered safe, non-invasive and a simple enough to fit in any hectic lifestyle. Alternative medicine is now almost synonymous to Ayurveda, which is a system of Indian traditional medicine known for its wholesome treatments with the use of herbs, massage and other forms of therapy.

Oil Pulling is a simple procedure that requires cold-pressed oils. Popular choices would be oils from sesame and sunflower combined. It is known to have healing properties against illnesses and diseases.

What makes Oil Pulling appealing to people is its very simplicity where the promised results of the treatment can be theirs without surgery. Since only cold-pressed oils are used, users are sure to get less adverse reaction and avoid harmful effects to the body, unless the user is allergic to sesame/sunflower oil.

How to Do Oil Pulling
Oil Pulling is also commonly known as Oil Swishing, which pertains to the act of “swishing oil” inside one’s mouth.

1. It is best to do Oil Pulling before breakfast. All you need is a tablespoon or two of sesame or sunflower oil.

2. Swish the cold-pressed oil around your mouth for 20-30 minutes, much like how you would with mouthwash. Wash the walls of the mouth and pull the fluid between your teeth as well. Doing the entire routine like this will activate the enzymes, which in turn, makes the enzymes draw out the toxins. Constant swishing will also make your saliva flow faster.

3. Avoid swallowing the oil as much as possible, as the oil becomes filled with toxins with each swish.

4. After 20 minutes of swishing, the oil should become less viscous or thinner, and should turn into a whitish color. Spit a little of the oil out. If the oil still looks yellowish, you haven’t “pulled the oil” enough. Do it for another 10 minutes or until the oil turns white.

5. Rinse the whole mouth with water after doing oil pulling. Make sure to get even the farthest recess as it is essential to rinse the underside of the tongue and in between the teeth.

Who should practice Oil Pulling?
People who are open-minded about wholesome treatments and alternative medicine should inquire after oil pulling. This treatment is known to prevent illnesses and diseases but not necessarily to cure them. Another thing that followers of the Oil Pulling method love is that they don’t use potent drugs that have negative side effects to the body.

Another benefit to Oil Pulling is a higher metabolic rate and is an effective way to maintain and improve oral or dental health.