Relax & Reclaim

Cayenne peppers are no joke.  I'm going to break down for you a few reasons as to why this pepper is absolutely one of the most powerful tools you can use to maintain your health. Don't go anywhere, alright? Just What IS Cayenne Pepper ? Cayenne pepper (Capsicum) is a food and also a natural remedy component that is highly effective in aiding colonic peristalsis (digestive tract movement) which assists in digestion. It may be consumed regularly with every meal and when needed for relief from constipation. Cayenne peppers have substantial amounts of vitamin A and beta carotene (two highly important immunity boosters). Most colds don't stand a chance against these mighty red wonders. Cayenne peppers laid out on a table Capsaicin is the active ingredient found in various hot peppers, such as cayennes. This is what makes the peppers spicy hot. It's also a primary ingredient of pepper spray aerosol which is commonly used by law enforcement and average citizens t...

Elie Metchnikoff (1845–1916) Russian Nobel Prize–winning biologist Elie Metchnikoff (1845–1916) is often credited with the saying “ Death begins in the colon .” Whether he meant it literally or not, it’s a phrase that stuck and for good reason.  As you all know, we do our best to bring you timely information on the benefits and warnings about health and wellness . Occasionally, we run across new data that changes how we all should approach our overall health. It's all for the good. Gut health truly plays an essential role in how we feel, especially as we get older. We've been asked plenty of times about colon cleansing: Is it safe? Does it really detox the body? Can it help with weight loss?  We're going to take a look at what research says today, and what that means for those of us that have gut health concerns. * Please be advised that the topics being discussed on this website are solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical ad...

You ever have the feeling like life’s coming at you from every direction and you're just barely keeping up?  You’re far from alone.  These days, with everything moving at lightning speed, it’s no wonder so many of us feel drained and stretched to the edge. The constant juggle between work, family, and everyday chaos can take a serious toll. I don't know about you, but I love juggling acts in circus performances only. And I prefer to not become a part of the act. And let’s be real, stress isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s downright harmful.  It’s tied to everything from burnout to heart issues and mental health struggles . That’s why learning how to manage it isn’t just a luxury, it’s key to feeling like you again. Here’s the good news! Nature’s been quietly working on the solution for centuries.  A trained medical professional should always be consulted before starting any alternative health therapies. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the reader and not with th...

We named our blog "Relax and Reclaim" for a reason. Definition: Relax ( your mind ) and Reclaim ( your time ). If you've been an adult for a while you know that it's common to feel overwhelmed by the burdens of here, now, and yesterday .  It's a part of life. We also know that when we let those worries pile up, they can quickly turn our stress levels up several notches. In order to stop this buildup, it's important to release the baggage of the past and focus on the here and now. Easier said than done, right? Stress Relieving Strategies  But, we have four effective strategies that have been proven to help most people with managing stress: Stress-Relief Strategy #1:  Embrace Mindfulness in the Present Decide right now to let go of yesterday's thoughts. Be entirely present—just this thought, this breath, this moment. Start with three deep breaths, releasing each one slowly. Picture every concern, problem, or unresolved issue melting away with each exhale....

This is a very different article from what you're probably used to seeing here on Relax & Reclaim. As you all know, this blog is all about natural and alternative treatment methods for health maintenance and remedies. So, before you start assuming that there's been a change in policy around here, keep in mind that balance is also just as important. As a result, this post is to inform you about  the dangers  associated with fake or low quality remedies and treatments. It even covers the tried-and-true remedies and methodologies many of you are familiar with. Not every remedy is good for everyone. With that said let's get into this discussion! Herbal remedies have a reputation for being safe and natural, but it’s important to approach them with care. Nature offers powerful tools for improving health , but these tools can be unpredictable. If you’re thinking about incorporating herbs into your routine, here are some essential points to consider. "herbal" lab w...

I'm kicking off this series with a fun overview for all of you curious-minded folks out there who might be wondering how some alternative methods can sometimes outshine those “accepted treatment options." Now, let’s not forget, while scientific discoveries do a lot to boost our healthcare protocols, they often end up pointing us back to those quirky "alternative methods." It's like a game of hide and seek, where the alternatives are always the last ones found!  various herbs and plants The Usual Way Here's how it usually goes:  When you’re feeling under the weather, the first stop is usually the doctor’s office—get a diagnosis, grab a prescription, and hope for the best!  But wait, if new symptoms pop up, you’ll get more meds for that. Each little issue comes with its own pill, and if they start creating their own issues, well, you see where this is going.  It’s like a never-ending game of medical whack-a-mole! Suggesting garden herbs and roots instead? You m...

People want to be healthy and (hopefully) stay that way, but global healthcare costs are soaring. This has created a staggering number of people desperately seeking low-cost alternative treatment options. Alternative medicine has generated controversy in many medical academic circles.  mad scientist mixing concoction The Alternative Treatment Debate For some people, the very word "alternative" conjures up images of risky, unproven experimental treatments that are potentially hazardous to the general public. The most common methods of alternative or complementary therapies include herbs, supplements, and fringe therapies found outside of conventional medical applications.  Unusual concoctions come with the territory of "alternative treatments". However, some alternative methods unintentionally raise questions regarding their safety and effectiveness. Homeopathic techniques like acupressure, herbal tea methods , meditation , plant extract therapies  a...

Those of you that follow this blog regularly will probably recall my original "Basics Series".  I brought that series out for the benefit of my new readers who may have been unfamiliar with herbal therapies. The other parts, of course, are available via archives, table of contents (TOC), and internal blog search. Feel free to read and share them.  This brings me to my newest series which is simply titled "The Basics 2". My previous series was in three parts. I'm not sure if I'll make this series quite that long (or longer), but I wanted to provide you with some additional content on the subject. Once again, feel free to share and read.... Over the years, numerous medical professionals have come to recognize the therapeutic capabilities of commonly-used herbs to treat and prevent various illnesses. At one time, this was considered "fringe medicine" by a majority of medical professionals and was rejected in many scientific circles. Despite m...

We need to get a clearer understanding of the differences between current medical science versus traditional or "folk medicine". This guide is written to give you the chance to weigh your options regarding health and nutrition. ( Please be advised that the information available on this website is solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a replacement for professional healthcare consultation.  It is your obligation to adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines concerning the acquisition, ownership, and utilization of prescription or alternative medications and treatments. ) Physicians and other medical professionals are very beneficial to society as a whole, but what happens when medically accepted treatments don't work?  herbs used for alternative medicine  Modern Medicine vs Traditional Methods It is a known fact that antibiotics have saved many lives over the years. However, a recent resurgence of fam...