Relax & Reclaim

Most people have dealt with at least one bad sunburn, and it’s not just about red skin or feeling sore.  There’s a deeper process going on underneath.  A sunburn is your skin’s reaction to intense ultraviolet (UV) rays, usually from the sun. The damage begins even before the redness shows up, and the full effects can take several hours—or even longer—to develop. Sometimes you’re only in the sun for 10 or 15 minutes and don’t think much of it. But later that day, your skin starts stinging, burning, or peeling. That’s because UVB rays break down skin cells and DNA, triggering the body’s immune system to respond by sending in inflammatory chemicals. sunglasses left on a beach  What you see and feel—redness, heat, swelling, tenderness—is all part of the healing process. In mild cases, it’s uncomfortable but manageable. In more serious situations, it can cause dehydration, fever, or even medical complications.  And in every case, treating it quickly and gently can make a big d...

Are you suffering from allergies?  Need some tips for relief? This new series can help you: Discover what causes allergies. Which foods and herbs are good to minimize the effects of allergies. Find out why some allergies do not easily go away. Perhaps even learn how to cure your allergies. How Allergies Happen Allergies are caused when your immune system defensively reacts to environmental agents such as: pollen, ragweed, mold and pet dander. Some foods like eggs, various fruits, nuts, and milk can all contribute to allergic reactions. Substances which cause allergies are called allergens. When the body's immune system identifies these foreign invaders, it sends out antibodies to drive them out.  Under normal circumstances, your immune system sends out antibodies proportionate to allergens that are present.  Allergies occur when the body overcompensates and sends too many antibodies. These antibodies may even attack your body's own tissues to extermin...

It’s a question that sounds simple—but the answer isn’t. Depending on who you ask, alternative medicine is either a valuable extension of modern healthcare… or a collection of treatments that don’t quite hold up under scrutiny. So when a longtime reader named Tabitha asked me: “… what in the hell is alternative medicine, anyway ?” I realized she had a point. It’s a term people use all the time—but rarely stop to clearly define. So let’s break it down. A Brief (and Honest) Explanation At its core, alternative medicine refers to health practices that fall outside what we typically consider conventional or mainstream medical care. Here’s where it gets more nuanced. Today, most experts use two related terms: Alternative medicine: used instead of conventional treatment Complementary medicine: used alongside conventional treatment You’ll often hear both grouped together as CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). And the range is wide. It includes everything from acupuncture and herbal ...

What is an allergic reaction? Essentially, this is when the body reacts defensively to a perceived threat and fights the allergens in the same way it does a viral infection. Eating foods "out of season and region" may also contribute to allergic reactions . You may ask, "What's wrong with eating an apple in June?" Nothing. Unless, of course, you have a food allergy .... woman sneezing from allergies Most produce is transported worldwide by trucks & trains for hundreds (or in some cases thousands of miles if by boat) in partially opened containers. Based on the time of year, the container may come in contact with in-season allergens like mold, poison ivy, poison oak, various types of pollen. These allergens are constantly in the environment, but may be more prevalent in some regions during certain times of the year. This can be partially remedied by washing the produce thoroughly before consumption. However, in cases of extreme allergic reacti...

What if there was no allergic rhinitis (hay fever)? What would your life be like without this condition? Did you know that at least 20% of the population in North America are affected by this condition each year? Once, long ago, it was rare to find someone with seasonal affected allergies... Steps to allergy relief The first step toward getting relief from allergic reactions (or overreactions) is to find the causes of your allergy and then make every effort to avoid them. However, even under the most ideal scenarios, this can be nearly impossible . Multiple allergens may have the potential to affect a person in the same manner (sneezing, coughing, itchiness, etc). You could literally be hunting down allergens for months to try isolating a single catalyst.  One approach is to tackle the allergens simultaneously by using inhibitors to stop the symptoms. This would require the use of either physician-prescribed or OTC (over the counter) medications. There are man...

Sure, you might think of basil as that delicious herb that takes your pasta and salads up a notch.  But basil does a lot more than just make your food taste great – it's packed with health benefits, some of which might surprise you! Acne and Clear Skin For anyone who’s dealt with acne, here’s something cool: basil has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help keep your skin clear.  In fact, research shows that African wild basil oil can reduce acne lesions even more effectively than traditional treatments like benzoyl peroxide.  So, whether you use it as an essential oil or in skincare products, basil can be a secret weapon against acne. Stress Relief and Mood Boost Feeling frazzled? Basil has long been known as a natural mood booster. In ancient practices, people would chew a few basil leaves twice a day to help calm their minds and relieve stress.  You can try it too, either by sipping basil tea or using it as an aromatherapy oil. Some ...