How Essential Oils Work   Doctors continue to diagnose increasing number of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They most often turn to medication that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) to treat ADHD symptoms. Yet, ADHD drugs can be quite detrimental to children’s health. Some even call them dangerous. As a result, we very much need alternative treatments. Researchers have shown that essential oils may be one such potential treatment. ADHD Diagnosis and Medication Although many people question if ADHD is an actual medical diagnosis, versus just a list of symptoms, the fact remains that many children have difficulty concentrating and controlling their behavior. In response, parents seek help from the medical establishment, which seems to favor CNS stimulants as the primary treatment. Unfortunately, CNS drugs can have some dangerous side-effects especially in children. Lack of scientific testing to diagnose ADHD also means many doctors may use ADHD as a scapegoat for behavioral issues or environmental conflicts. Thus, some children are taking ADHD medication although they don’t really need it. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that about 11% of U.S. children (or 6.4 million) ages 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. In January 2017, the CDC reported the rate at which doctors (mostly pediatricians and psychiatrists) recommend CNS stimulating medication during ADHD visits: CNS stimulant medications were mentioned (i.e., provided, prescribed, or continued) at 80% of ADHD visits by children aged 4–12 years and 81% of ADHD visits by children aged 13–17 years. Clearly, parents have the choice to refuse medication. Yet, these statistics show that the medical professional leans on CNS drugs versus exploring the true reason behind disruptive behavior. Doctors do recommend alternative treatments, such as behavioral therapy and social skills training, but typically in addition to medication. As a result, the real underlying reasons for a child’s ADHD-like behavior are overlooked. Many children start taking medications unnecessarily. A large share fall victim to common side-effects such as sleep problems, loss of appetite, and depression. In addition, behavioral side effects include “psychosis, mania, drug abuse, and addiction.” (source) This is why alternative treatment options such as essential oils are much needed. How Essential Oils Work Essential oils are aromatic, volatile liquids made up of resin and plant extracts. People make oils out of the most powerful part of a plant, such as the seeds, flowers, bark, or roots. The book Essential Oils Desk Reference claims that when a person inhales essential oils, chemical compounds in the oils have the ability to produce physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. People have been using essential oils for these purposes for many centuries. Dr. Terry S. Friedmann, a physician associated with the American Board of Hospital Medicine, examined how different essential oils affect the body. He explains why essential oils work: When the essential oil is inhaled, the micro droplets are carried to the limbic system of the brain, which is that portion that is the processing center for reason, emotion, and smell, [...]

Learn Why Texting Can Be Dangerous to Your Health   Texting can create so much neck stress, it’s like carrying four adult-size bowling balls on the cervical spine, reveals a report published in Surgical Technology International. Written by a spine surgeon, the study shows that tilting your head forward makes the head seem much heavier than it really is. This can have lasting degenerative effects on the neck. Neck Stress from Texting Adults spend on average 700 to 1,400 hours per year reading and texting on their smartphone. This jumps up to about 5,000 hours for an average teenager. All of this looking down at the smartphone results in hours upon hours of bad posture with lots of undue neck stress. How much stress? Kenneth Hansraj, MD and Chief of Spine Surgery at the New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, asked just that. Through a series of calculations, he found that the typical texting position can increase the weight of the head by 5 times. The average head weighs about 10-12 pounds in the neutral position. But when we text, we do not hold our head in neutral. Typically, when we’re texting, the head starts tilting forward, and the shoulders slump forward, as well. A 15-degree tilt of the head creates 27 pounds of stress on the neck. Increase this to 30 degrees, and this jumps up to 40 pounds. When the head is tilted down 60 degrees, it creates 60 pounds of stress on the spine. This is the equivalent to an average 8-year-old! Or four adult-size bowling balls. The implications of this type of posture can be significant. Dr. Hansraj writes: Loss of the natural curve of the cervical spine leads to incrementally increased stresses about the cervical spine. These stresses may lead to early wear, tear, degeneration, and possibly surgeries. Some of this “wear and tear” can manifest itself into a common condition called text neck. The symptoms include severe and constant pain in the neck, upper back and shoulders. Here’s Dr. Hansraj’s advice: … individuals should make an effort to look at their phones with a neutral spine and to avoid spending hours each day hunched over. Other Dangers of Smartphone Overuse There is a growing body of scientists and researchers who believe that electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from cellphones and other wireless devices can be quite hazardous to human health. The evidence for this is so significant that the World Health Organization categorizes cellphones a Group 2B “possible carcinogen.” Shop Aires Tech for scientifically-proven devices you can attach to your smartphone to reduce radiation emissions. (ad) Additionally, many independent studies have discovered that a possible link between cellphone overuse and cancer exist. On the other hand, the wireless industry has funded its own research. These companies claim that cellphone technology is safe for everyone to use, even children. Here’s Dr. Mercola’s take on this: If you have been told EMFs are safe and not a danger to humans, you [...]

How to Incorporate Ayurvedic Mind-Body Practices Into Your Routine   Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing that originated in the Indian Vedic culture. It is one of the oldest healing modalities that is still practiced today. Ayurvedic home remedies are very practical for people looking to address anxiety and stress. Moreover, Ayurvedic practices can improve mental clarity, sleep, pain, stiffness, hair, skin, and more. Ayurvedic Medicine 101 Ayurvedic medicine is based on the premise of the existence of the three energies, called doshas, that circulate through the body. Furthermore, the system proposes that illness originates from an imbalance of these three energies. The body’s three energies are named Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The main goal of Ayurvedic remedies is to create balance in these energies. As a result, the individual can expect their body to function better, making Ayurveda once of the best preventative modalities. You Might Also Like: 5 Essential Ayurvedic Remedies for Healing & Living Disease-Free As with all holistic treatments, seeing a license practitioner is the best way to get the full benefit of Ayurvedic medicine. A practitioner will be able to assess your individual constitution and identify your dominant dosha. By identifying how you are out of balance, a practitioner can prescribe an Ayurvedic remedy that will benefit your individual needs. Identifying Your Dominant Dosha Although seeing a practitioner is ideal, you can do some self-assessment at home to identify your dominant dosha. Banyan Botanicals defines the doshas as follows: The primary qualities of vata are dry, light, cool, rough, subtle and mobile. The primary qualities of pitta are oily, sharp, hot, light, fleshy-smelling, spreading and liquid. The main qualities of kapha are oily, cool, heavy, slow, smooth, soft and static. Understanding your dominant dosha may help you decide which Ayurvedic home remedy you may want to try or practice. Ayurvedic Mind-Body Practices Nothing can take the place of a highly-skilled Ayurvedic practitioner. Nevertheless, there are several very common Ayurvedic home remedies used by thousands, if not millions, throughout the world. The primary Ayurvedic practice that’s become widely popular in the Western world is yoga. The second is meditation. Both practices prompt changes in the human body that benefit both physical and mental health. Specially, research has shown that both help lessen stress and anxiety and support immune system function. For example, research from Coventry University’s Centre for Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement shows that meditation and yoga affect us on a molecular level. Lead investigator in this study, Ivana Buric, states: Millions of people around the world already enjoy the health benefits of mind-body interventions like yoga or meditation, but what they perhaps don’t realise is that these benefits begin at a molecular level and can change the way our genetic code goes about its business. These activities are leaving what we call a molecular signature in our cells, which reverses the effect that stress or anxiety would have on the body by changing how our genes are expressed. [...]

CBC Can Treat Depression, Anxiety and Stress   There’s definitely no lack of anecdotal stories about the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical compound in the cannabis plant. As a result, companies are flocking to offer hemp-derived CBD products to help with ailments such as pain, addiction, stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, there’s still only few human clinical studies that confirm CBD benefits us in many way. Therefore, it’s exciting to hear medical professionals share their opinions about the effectiveness of CBD on actual people. What Doctors Say About CBD Benefits: It’s a Potential Treatment for Nicotine Addiction A small clinical trial occurred in England a few years ago. The study looked at the affect that CBD had on 24 smokers. Some of the smokers used an inhaler with CBD and others a placebo. The study lasted one week. Scientists C.J. Morgan et al from the University College London wrote: Over the treatment week, placebo treated smokers showed no differences in number of cigarettes smoked. In contrast, those treated with CBD significantly reduced the number of cigarettes smoked by ~40% during treatment. Of course, a longer-term study with a larger sample size is much needed. Yet, for a heavy smoker, this potential CBD effect may be a ray of hope. Tobacco addiction is so deadly that the Center for Disease Control claims it is accountable for 1 in 5 deaths in the U.S. It’s an Effective Pain Reliever Pain relief is likely the most common benefit people attribute to CBDs and medical cannabis. This is where products like a CBD salve play an important role. Daniel Clauw, M.D. and Director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, believes that CBD may offer true relief to patients suffering from chronic pain. He bases his opinion on a clinical double-blind, randomized trial with 320 participants. This trial tested how 4.2% CBD gel affected pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee. Based on his observations, Dr. Clauw states: I don’t think we have that many good drugs for pain, and we know that CBD has fewer side effects than opioids or even nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can cause bleeding and cardiovascular problems. If I have an elderly patient with arthritis and a little bit of CBD can make their knees feel better, I’d prefer they take that than some other drugs. It Could Treat Depression, Anxiety and Stress Poor mental health is a massive issue. For example, the World Health Organization claims that depression is the primary cause of ill health globally. It affects an estimated 322 million people worldwide, of which more than 16 million are Americans. These staggering statistics clearly show that we desperately need safe treatments for mental illness. This is where CBD steps in. The substance interacts directly with certain serotonin receptors in the human brain. These receptors have regulatory control over anxiety and depression, as well as certain addictive behaviors. As a result, producers are making CBD-infused products that strive to help with anxiety [...]

It may come as a surprise that your fragrant body wash, baby’s diapers, or lovely scented candles are actually filled with toxic petrochemicals. These include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, phthalates, and countless others. Many are potentially carcinogenic, some disrupt hormone production, and some haven’t been tested to ascertain their safety. The Environmental Protection Agency even lists some petrochemicals on its hazardous waste list.   The personal care industry is one that most deviously sneaks pertrochemicals into their products under the label of”fragrance.” The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reported: A rose may be a rose. But that rose-like fragrance in your perfume may be something else entirely, concocted from any number of the fragrance industry’s 3,100 stock chemical ingredients, the blend of which is almost always kept hidden from the consumer. Laboratory tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and analyzed by the EWG revealed the following: The average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. Many substances have not been assessed for safety in personal care products. Researchers associated some of the chemicals with hormone disruption and allergic reactions. The research identified several chemicals with troubling hazardous properties. Legal Loophole Keeping Consumers in the Dark Historically, manufacturers of personal products needed to protect their secret formulas for each particularfragrance product. They typically made these fragrances from flowers and oils, but today, manufacturers are using the same reasoning to hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals under this one ingredient. “Fragrance secrecy is legal due to a giant loophole in the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973, which requires companies to list cosmetics ingredients on the product labels but explicitly exempts fragrance,” reports EWG. It is difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about what they are buying due to lack of proper disclosure and education. As a result, we are inhaling, ingesting and absorbing these chemicals on a daily basis. How to Avoid Petrochemicals   In addition to fragrant personal care products, many household items contain petrochemicals. These include most cleaning supplies, detergents, food packaging, carpeting, even bedding and mattresses. In addition, they are found in toys, plastics, paint, building materials, and more. Although not all petrochemicals are toxic, some certainly are. Hence, it is best to avoid them whenever you can. Here are some strategies to reduce your exposure to petrochemicals. First and foremost, buy as much organic as you can. This includes organic produce instead of packaged foods, to reduce the amount of packaging you buy. As well, there are now many organic personal care products, organic pillows, organic mattresses, and all sorts of organic cotton products. Another way to avoid toxic chemicals is to make your own personal care products. For some simple DIY beauty products, check out: Simple Aloe Vera DIY Recipes for Hair and Face Care; and Avoid Toxic Chemicals on Your Hair and Skin with These 3 Easy DIY Recipes. When it comes to household cleaners and detergents, you check the quality of your [...]

A study out of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California has demonstrated that the psychoactive compound in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), removes clumps of proteins from nerve cells which are believed to kick-start Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists continue to struggle when it comes to preventing and treating Alzheimer’s. The illness affects about 50 million people worldwide. It is believed to result from a build-up of two types of substances in the brain’s nerve tissue. The first are amyloid beta proteins that clump together between the neurons. The second are neurofibrillary tangles that form inside the neurons due to defective tau proteins that have clumped together. The recent medical study now offers hope for a possible treatment of Alzheimer’s patients. It reveals that THC aides in the removal of amyloid beta proteins that have accumulated between the neurons. “Although other studies have offered evidence that cannabinoids might be neuroprotective against the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, we believe our study is the first to demonstrate that cannabinoids affect both inflammation and amyloid beta accumulation in nerve cells.” ~ David Schubert, study researcher from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California Numerous studies have identified cannabis as a very beneficial plant with potential medicinal properties. Research has shown that cannabis components, such as THC, could be used to treat symptoms of chronic pain, epilepsy, HIV, chemotherapy, and other ailments. The list now includes Alzheimer’s. Back in 2006, researchers at the Scripps Research Institute found that THC inhibits the formation of amyloid plaques by blocking the enzyme in the brain that produces them, and now Schubert and his team have demonstrated that it can also eliminate a dangerous inflammatory response from the nerve cells, ensuring their survival. Currently there are no drugs that inhibit cell death associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Because of this, researchers have been looking to develop techniques to remove neurotoxic amyloid plaque, which is a common symptom of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. Another research effort out of Australia has come up with an approach that uses “a particular type of ultrasound called a focused therapeutic ultrasound, which non-invasively beams sound waves into the brain tissue.” Schubert and his colleagues conducted their study of THC and its effects on the human brain by using lab-grown human neurons that mimic the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. The next step for Schubert and his team is organizing a clinical trial to confirm that a link exists between THC and reduction of inflammation and plaque build-up in the brain. About the Author Anna Hunt is writer, yoga instructor, mother of three, and lover of healthy food. She’s the founder of Awareness Junkie, an online community paving the way for better health and personal transformation. She’s also the co-editor at Waking Times, where she writes about optimal health and wellness. Anna spent 6 years in Costa Rica as a teacher of Hatha and therapeutic yoga. She now teaches at Asheville Yoga Center and is pursuing her Yoga Therapy certification. During [...]

Scientists discover that listening to the song “Weightless” by Marconi Union can results in a striking 65 percent reduction in a person’s overall anxiety, and a 35 percent reduction in their usual physiological resting rates. The Anxiety Pandemic “Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” ~ Arthur Somers Roche Anxiety is a growing pandemic in our society. The mainstream solution is a trip to the psychiatrist and an indefinite prescription for pharmaceuticals. As a result, many anxiety sufferers find themselves dependent on psychotropic drugs but still searching for relief. Because of this, it begs the question if a pharmaceutical solution even works. Many believe that treating anxiety with a holistic approach may be more effective than expensive, addictive and sometimes even dangerous psychotropic drugs. Holistic alternatives range from treating anxiety with foods that fight inflammation, to exercise, yoga, and meditation. People also like to use age-old tricks for calming nerves, such as breath exercises. Music is Effective at Reducing Anxiety Music therapy is already an accepted alternative therapy for stress and pain management. It has also been shown to help improve immune support system function. Historically, indigenous cultures have used sound to enhance physical and mental well-being, as well as enrich spiritual experiences. Now, neuroimaging has proven that playing music can substantially reduce anxiety. Scientists in the UK have identified what can be called the most relaxing song on earth song. By playing the song “Weightless” by Manchester trio Marconi Union, these researchers reduced anxiety by 65 percent in individuals who participated in their clinical study. Have a listen: Science Discovers the Most Relaxing Song on Earth Researchers at Mindlab International, led by clinical psychologist Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson, were commissioned to find out which song is the most effective at helping someone to relax. They played songs by Enya, Mozart and Coldplay, among many others, to 40 participating women. The researchers discovered that the song “Weightless” resulted in a striking 65 percent reduction in participants’ overall anxiety, and a 35 percent reduction in their usual physiological resting rates. Dr. Lewis-Hodgson stated: “The results clearly show that the track induced the greatest relaxation – higher than any of the other music tested. “Brain imaging studies have shown that music works at a very deep level within the brain, stimulating not only those regions responsible for processing sound but also ones associated with emotions.” Sound therapist Lyz Cooper, founder of the British Academy of Sound Therapy, explains the process of how the song affects the body: “[The song] contains a sustaining rhythm that starts at 60 beats per minute and gradually slows to around 50. “While listening, your heart rate gradually comes to match that beat. “It is important that the song is eight minutes long because it takes about five minutes for this process, known as entrainment, to occur.” The study was conducted on participants who were asked to solve difficult puzzles, as quickly as possible, while connected [...]

Our modern world and medical establishment has taught us that the pharmacist will help you find a quick fix for every ailment, instead of addressing our approach to diet and lifestyle. We’ve gotten so accustomed to finding a quick pharmacological fix to any problem, regardless of the side-effects they are having on our bodies and how they are confusing the delicate biological balance of our bodies, that we often don’t realize there are natural solutions out there for many ailments, and many studies show they are just as effective as pharmaceutical drugs. Here are 10 ways to lessen your dependency on products sold by Big Pharma and help you to spend less time at the doctor’s office. 1. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is one of the most powerful foods you can add to your diet. In addition to being a strong anti-fungal, the overwhelming health benefits of coconut oil now include weight loss, metabolism, improved thyroid function, etc., many confirmed by human studies. Read more about coconut oil here: 10 Proven Health Benefits of Coconut Oil (No. 3 is Best) Top 25 Reasons to Use Coconut Oil The 50 Latest Coconut Oil Benefits Backed by Science 2. Superfoods Super-nutritious and life giving foods have been around since the beginning of time. From nutrient-rich seeds such as chia and hemp, to algae packed with protein, superfoods are finally starting to get the attention that they deserve, and for a good reason. They offer healthy fats, protein, fiber and lots of minerals and vitamins, making an ideal addition to your meals. Read more about superfoods here: 7 Super Seeds that Will Change Your Health Change Your Life With These Top Superfoods Superfoods with Strongest Immunity-boosting Power 3. Apple Cider Vinegar The question is not what apple cider vinegar can do, but what it CAN’T do. As a folk remedy, it has been credited with curing everything from the flu to warts or sunburn to dandruff. However, it also can help reverse serious illness, and aid in internal and external health, as well as help to keep the body alkalinized. Read more about ideas on how you can use apple cider vinegar here: 8 Reasons Apple Cider Vinegar Is One Of The Best Health Tonics Available 9 Amazing Uses For Apple Cider Vinegar 25 Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar 4. Probiotics and Probiotic-Rich Foods Billions of beneficial bacteria live in the human gut, and the cutting edge of medical research is placing more and more emphasis on the health of these tiny allies. These bacteria are a huge part of what keeps the body in balance in order to maintain overall good health, and an out-of-balance or unhealthy gut flora is even considered to the be the root of anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, we live in sterilized environments. We eat shelf-friendly, lifeless foods that have been pasteurized and denatured. We ingest antibiotics by consuming dairy and meats, and doctors often over-prescribe antibiotic medications, pushed by doctors and patients that demand a quick fix for every illness. As a [...]