Tag Archives: Holistic Living

Holistic Health Benefits of Oregano

Posted on by

 

Oregano is an aromatic herb that belongs to the mint family that is cultivated around the world. Its leaves and oils are medicinally used. Origanum Marjoram is the common oregano used for cooking. Origanum Vulgare is the wild oregano used for making oregano oil, which contain two powerful compounds that provide health benefits: carvacrol and thymol.

Studies have demonstrated that these two compounds have a significant systemic effect on keeping the body healthy via inhibiting the growth of bacteria, virus and fungi, which are the precipitating factors in most chronic diseases and illnesses.

Health Benefits of Oregano Oil:

  • Antiviral and antibacterial properties help destroy organisms that contribute to infections.
  • Antiparisitic properties are helpful in digestive problems.
  • Strengthens the immune system by eliminating microbes.
  • Oregano oil is an excellent chronic bladder infection remedy.
  • Increase joint and muscles flexibility by eliminating inflammation.
  • Improves chronic respiratory conditions.
  • Applied topically, it can help treat skin infections, itchy skin and irritated gums.
  • Thymol and carvacrol help calm stomachs upsets and aids digestion.
  • Antioxidant properties in oregano oil exceeds apples and blueberries.

Cautions:

  • Pregnant women are advised not to take Oil of Oregano regularly as the oil when used regularily may reduce the ability to absorb iron.
  • Oregano oil comes from the same family as thyme, basil, sage and mint, so fi you have allergies to those, you may also react to oregano.
  • When taking oregano oil internally, use a diluted dose as the highly concentrated oil may be harmful to your organs.
  • Oil of oregano, topically may be moderately irritating to skin and can cause in some cases mucous membrane irritant. The oil should not be applied topically to mucous membranes in greater than a 1% concentration solution. In addition, children under the age of two years old as well as people with damaged or very sensitive skin should not use the oil topically.

This powerfully healing plant, as with so many herbs, whem used appropriately can bring rapid healing changes to even the most chronic conditions.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna
Copyright 2010 GDonadio

Alcohol May Reduce Dementia

Posted on by

                                                                              

Once again alcohol is in the news as a health benefit. A study at the University of Bari, Italy which involved 1,445 people between the ages of 65 and 85 suggests that one drink per day may reduce the onset of dementia in elderly people and slow down the progress of cognitive impairment for seniors. 

Study participants, who routinely drank one alcoholic beverage per day,developed dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at a slower rate than those who did not. Of the study participants that were in the “drinking group” only 121 developed mild memory issues, cognitive impairment or mental problems.

The study group in this Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging were followed for three and a half years. While the specific mode of action regarding how the small alcohol consumption protects against dementia is not clear, researchers believe it is possible that alcohol improves circulation and thus may slow hardening of arteries that supply the brain.

In spite of this study many experts still believe that alcohol use alone won’t stop the onset of dementia, but that adopting a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, and social stimulation is the best way of protecting yourself against the loss of cognitive brain function.

Other alcohol studies have already shown that wine contains natural compounds that have an antioxidant effect, such as resveratrol, which is good for healthy circulation.

Alzheimer’s organizations and scientists continue to investigate the possible benefits of fruit juice, red wine, and oily fish in efforts to determine ways to help offset the expected numbers of people who may develop dementia in the coming years.

 In studies over the past twenty years, moderate alcohol consumption (one or two glasses of wine, or other alchoholic drinks, per day) has shown a long and consistent association with a reduced risk of morbidity and mortality from a number of common chronic diseases. In addition to antioxidants in wine, stress reduction by alcohol, may be the common denominator behind these benefits.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

An Ironic Upside to Cell Phones

Posted on by

                                                                                     

For many years, there has been much discussion on the dangers of cell phone radiation on brain cancer, tumors and overall brain health. A recent study now suggests that there could be beneficial effects of cell phone radiation.

In the January, 2009, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, a study was published that was conducted by scientists from medical centers and universities around the world. The scientists identified the possibility that cell phone radiation appeared to possibly prevent Alzheimers’ disease, but in addition cell phone radiation might also reverse memory damage.

This international collaboration appears to re-assure the average cell phone user that the radiation from their cell phone could be helpful in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. But, as we know with studies, what one study might prove one year can be challanged very quickly with another study showing the opposite outcomes.

The international study conducted experiments that exposed genetically pre-disposed mice to doses of electromagnetic radiation that is similarly emitted by cell phones. The mice were exposed to one hour of radiation per day for up to nine months.

The results surprised the scientists. The adult mice did not show signs of memory loss. This finding could imply that the radiation provided a form of protection from the disease. Additionally the older mice in the study who were already demonstrating signs of the disease were able to perform similarly with older mice who were not demonstrating signs of Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, mice that were “normal” – without symptoms – that were exposed to the radiation demonstrated above average performance on memory skills.

A Professor from the University of South Florida claimed, “It surprised us to find that cell phone exposure, begun in early adulthood, protects the memory of mice otherwise destined to develop Alzheimer’s symptoms.”

The researchers could only theorize about  how or why the radiation exposure effected the Alzheiner’s outcome, but they were specific about their findings. “The cognitive benefits of long-term electromagnetic exposure are real, because we saw them in both protection- and treatment-based experiments involving Alzheimer’s mice, as well as in normal mice.”

Conclusion: Until more conclusive research on cell phone use and brain function is completed, phone chat at your own risk.

All the best,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G.Donadio

Dealing With Controlling Personalities – Part II

Posted on by

Some strategies for taking charge of your relationships:

 Start by being honest with yourself about how you feel when these situations happen, when your friends or family act in a controlling and disrespecting manner. Decide how you would like to change the situation and the make a goals list of how you can achieve that outcome.

 An example would be to admit that your boyfriend’s lateness really drives you crazy and is underminding your relationship with him and causing you resentment and stress. Then, imagine a solution you can apply to change the usual outcome. Try discussing this strategy with others and see how explaining it either confirms or alters your strategy.

1. Be Specific: Be very specific about what is important to you in terms of what you are determined to change about your experience. It is important to be committed to your goals no matter how small or large they may be.

2. Express Your Opinions:If you are determined to transform a relationship, and important action step to take is not to allow yourself to stifle your opinions or preferences. Telling others of your goals and preferences anchors them into a deeper commitment. If your friend or boyfriend cannot be on time, then let them know if you are willing to leave without them the next time they are late for an event. 

3. Don’t Back Down – Let Go of Expectations: Be absolutely firm about your commitment to change your toxic friendship or relationship and under no circumstances allow others to make you change your mind about achieving that goal. At the same time, don’t be afraid to let go of expectations in the relationship. Often when we let go of our expectations, things have a way of working out on their own.

It is important to take control over negative or toxic relationships. Only you can empower yourself and take control over your life and your feelings. It takes effort and time, but it’s worth it.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio