Showing posts with label fungus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fungus. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Toenail Fungus - Treating Yourself is Best

By John B. Hansson


Having a toenail fungus might not appear like a huge deal at initial, but should you let it go, it can turn into a long-term scenario. Seeing a white spot on your nail, or even yellow toenails is undoubtedly no trigger for alarm. When your toenail is pulling away from the nail bed, is oozing pus or bleeding, you may have a various opinion.

As with most infections, early detection and treatment will be the best way to go. Starting treatment at the first sign will not only make the treatment much faster, it can be also safer and less painful. Employing an over-the-counter high quality cream to cure toenail fungus is the easiest approach to get rid of an outbreak.

When you have had an episode you may discover yourself more susceptible. Keeping the antifungal on hand as a preventive measure will save a lot of hassle. At the very first white dot on your nail apply the cream and keep applying until the dot is totally gone. If left untended, the fungus grows and spreads. Getting rid of it really is that a lot harder, takes a whole lot a lot more time and you could end up having to go to the physician.

The oral prescription medication that your physician will give you can come with some pretty hefty side effects. Men and women with any kind of liver disease really should not take the pills as they may well cause far more liver harm. If the nail fungus infection is severe sufficient, your doctor might suggest surgery. Your nail will probably be removed, to allow direct access to the fungus. You are going to also want to make use of a cream or the oral medication to get rid of it entirely. The whole process will probably be much more costly, take a lot more time, and be far more painful than having treated proper way having a cream.

When you've had nail fungus you might be far more likely to contract it again. If you have poor circulation issues, or diabetes you should also be on the look-out for the symptoms. Be wary of public showers; wear some kind of foot covering. Buy and wear socks that absorb moisture, keeping your feet dry. Precautionary measures may possibly take some time to turn into routine, but they are not near the frustration of having to get rid of an infection. Keep your toenails short and clean, let your feet air out while in bed, and treat having a cream at the first sign and you should not have any difficulties.

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Friday, May 1, 2009

What are Your Options on Cure for Toenail Fungus?

By Rashel Dan

If you're looking for cure for toenail fungus, there are several options. It's only natural to want to get rid of the condition. Having toenail fungus is very embarrassing. Infected nails are very unsightly, and may throw people off. People with extreme cases of toenail fungus can't help but lose their self-esteem, as they won't be confident enough to show their toenails in public. Fortunately, there are different types of treatment one can get for toenail fungus. Although efficiency varies, it still counts to try out the various options and see what works best.

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is known as Onychomycosis in the medical field. It describes both fungus and yeast infections in the nail. The fungus thrives underneath the nail, where it is dark, warm and moist. It occurs twice as often in men than in women. There are several risk factors for catching toenail fungus. This includes the increasing age, gender, sweaty feet, nail trauma, poor hygiene, poor circulation, foot fungus and a weakened immune system.

Where and how you can develop toenail fungus?

Fungus thrive on moisture. Showering facilities, spas, saunas, and public swimming pools are some of the places where you can pick up toenail fungus. Also, if your feet are damp and moist, you are more likely to become infected. Having closed shoes that offer no ventilation and wearing socks that do not absorb moisture may also bring about toenail fungus. Frequent nail trauma may also increase the chance of infection.

How you can spot toenail fungus?

It's easy to spot the condition. Infected nails are discolored, developing into a yellowish or brownish color. In some cases, it could turn black. Little white spots can also be noticed in other cases. The toenails may emit a foul smell. Growth and texture of nails are irregular. The nails become brittle and crumbly. If left untreated, it could bring discomfort and pain especially when walking and running.

What are your cure options for toenail fungus?

Luckily, as previously mentioned, you can find several forms of cure for toenail fungus. There are home remedies that you can use to treat toenail fungus. The common ones include using vinegar, mouthwash, and toothpaste. Others apply diluted bleach to the affected toenails and soak them in seawater or rum. Vitamin E could also be used by rubbing it into the affected nails. However, all these are ineffective in eliminating toenail fungus. It could even irritate your skin, such as by using bleach.

Of course, you can also opt for prescription treatment. However, there are disadvantages that come along with it. The cost of such treatments can be very high. It could go as high as a hundred dollars per week. And, it could cause side effects that may affect the liver and kidney, among others.

Lastly, you can try a topical solution. This is the better choice since it is effective and safe. It gets rid of toenail fungus fast and promotes healthier looking nails in a small amount of time. Choose one that uses the power of natural oils from plants such as tea tree oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and other all natural ingredients. Because it is natural, you are assured that it is safe and does not produce side effects. Those are some options on cure for toenail fungus. Remember, prevention is still the best cure, so take some preventive measures to avoid developing toenail fungus.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The Connection between Asthma and Thrush

Whatever most of us think about yeast infections, we typically consider vaginal yeast infections that many women get on a regular basis. Although this is a common area where yeast tends to grow, it may happen in any number of areas in our body, including on the skin and in the mouth. Thrush is a common type of yeast infection which occurs inside of the oral cavity but what is it that causes us to have a problem in this area when other people don't? It might actually be because you are also suffering from another problem, asthma.

One of the main reasons why people get thrush is because they do have asthma and they use an oral inhaler on a regular basis. These inhalers contain a lot of different chemicals, including steroids and whenever they are taken regularly, they promote the overgrowth of yeast. This yeast is typically present in our mouth and in other areas of our body but it is usually kept under control by healthy bacteria that also exists there. Because of the steroids that are in the inhaler, the healthy bacteria is reduced and we typically get an overgrowth of yeast which is difficult to control.

Unfortunately, those of us that use inhalers regularly may not have an option of not using them as a result of our asthma. We may be able to reduce the amount that we are using them, however, by avoiding things that typically cause us to use them in the first place. There is also something else that you may be able to do that can reduce your asthma to almost nothing within a week. This same cure has also how many people to overcome yeast infections in various areas of their body.

Believe it or not, it is as simple as drinking water regularly. Many of us are dehydrated and because of the dehydration that we have been experiencing, perhaps for years, our body is sending us signals to do something about it. These signals include asthma, yeast infections and a number of other maladies that we may be experiencing. By simply increasing our water intake and drinking eight to 10 glasses of water every day, we may be able to help ourselves immensely with these problems. Give it a try and see if your condition doesn't improve within a week's time.

Find out all about Yeast Infection No More. Bai Zijian's website talks more about Natural Cure For Yeast Infection in detail and has tips on how to handle with it at http://www.curesforyeastinfection.com



Friday, December 12, 2008

Vinegar Nail Fungus Home Remedy

The reason why many people are now resorting to natural home remedies is in order to counter the harmful effects of hospital-based nail fungus treatment which leaves the patients with many side effects besides not bringing a long-term solution to the problem. The orally administered anti-fungal drugs are the most hazardous because they expose the user to the risk of liver damage. For pregnant and lactating mothers, the home remedy is an attractive option since all hospital-based treatment procedures for nail fungus infections are dangerous to the baby.

One of the most common ways of identifying those nail disorders which are due to fungal infections is to look at any signs of whitish yellow spots at the tip of the toe after which the whole toe becomes discolored and generally appears swollen. The type of treatment which follows is associated with the type of fungus called onychomycosis.

Apple vinegar is a naturally occurring antifungal drug which is easy to prepare at home. It is generally a good treatment and control remedy for nail fungus infections. Since fungi are microscopic organisms which are found in moist areas they quickly thrive inside the toes where there is enough dead matter for them to feast on. A viable home remedy has to put into consideration all the nail fungus treatment facts.

All that is needed for you to harbor fungus between your nails is have a cut on your toe or a space between your toe and the flesh. Since this is almost unavoidable, you ought to be aware of the most effective home-based nail fungus treatment procedures. For instance, fungus, like all other microorganisms, can't thrive in sunlight. You have to keep your toes dry and clean. Vinegar, as used in treating nail fungus infection, is acidic and fungus finds it hard surviving in an acidic environment. The acidity of vinegar is at a level that is mild enough to be harmless to the body but strong enough to kill any form of nail fungus infection.

To prepare vinegar for use at home is very easy. All you need is white vinegar which is distilled. Keep pouring on the nails two times a day. Continue for as long as it takes to rid you of all the nail fungus infection. This way you will have discovered one of the best-known nail fungus treatment procedures of all time, and, one which you can conduct in the comfort of your home. You have to allow the infected nail to grow long enough to avoid spaces which harbor more nail fungus, posing a threat to the otherwise effective home-based programme of treating nail fungus.

Consistency of vinegar application is often emphasized to avoid re-infection of the edges of the nails. When the tail has increased in size and has grown out of the body, you may discontinue the vinegar application. All you need to do is take prevention measures such as avoiding cotton socks which don't keep moisture off your legs, otherwise the nail fungus treatment may have to begin all over again.

If you're interested in finding some easy and safe cures for your fungus I found this great resource that goes over the different types of toenail fungus remedies people use. http://www.hbreviews.com/nail-fungus-treatment/



Sunday, December 7, 2008

Need to Kill a Fungus? Turn to Nature!

If you are one of the more than 35 million people in the United States who gets nail fungus, then you know how irritating it can be!

Nail fungus can creep up in the toenails and fingernails, and leave you with itching, bleeding fingers and toes when you least expect it.

There are certain practical guidelines you can follow to keep your nails fungus-free; keep your nails trimmed regularly, soak them in salt water, and wear clean socks. However, sometimes (especially in more humid parts of the world) fungus can be a pesky thing to get rid of and even the best attempts don't seem to keep it at bay.

Thankfully, Mother Nature has provided some fast-acting, easy cures for nail fungus. Australian tea tree oil and Indian neem oil are some all-natural treatments that quickly heal and prevent nail fungus.

The Tea Tree Solution:

Tea tree oil from Australia is one of the best proven ways to prevent nail fungus. Tea tree oil is steam extracted from the Australian tea tree. It has clinically proven antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Additionally, tea tree oil is able to quickly penetrate the thick layers of an infected nail to reach and act on the fungus. This is something that many prescription treatments for nail fungus have not been able to do, which in turn makes the treatment process much longer, and much more costly!

To use tea tree oil: Simply apply a few drops to the affected area(s) three times a day. Tea tree oil does double duty by also strengthening your nails, and preventing further infection with regular use.

Want to get more out of tea tree oil? If you get acne breakouts, tea tree oil is a fast way to clear up your skin. Soak a cotton ball in water and use a drop of tea tree oil on it. Apply on acne breakouts before bed and leave it on overnight.

The Neem Solution:

Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of the neem tree in India . It is highly medicinal and naturally antifungal.

Neem has been found to be deadly to 14 different common fungi including those that can cause infection of the fingernails, toenails, and hands.

To use neem oil: Coat the nail fungus and the end of the fingers or toes with the oil. This should be done twice a day.

If you are sensitive to the smell of neem oil then you may want to use it under a scented lotion. To do this, apply the neem oil and then allow 30 minutes for the neem oil to be absorbed by the skin. Afterwards you can apply a scented lotion to the area.

In Conclusion:

If you or someone you know is dealing with nail fungus, then give these natural solutions a try! Most people will notice results within a few days to a week.

Other preventative measures include exposing your toes to air, wearing cotton socks, avoiding wearing others shoes, and wearing shower shoes whenever you are using communal showers or bathing facilities.

Some other treatment options that can be used alongside these natural treatments include soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash (this really works!), eating plenty of yogurt, and cutting down on sugar.

Wayne Kiltz is the president of Africa Imports http://www.africaimports.com
Find related articles, photos and more at http://www.blog.africaimports.com/wordpress
Africa Imports assists African craftspeople and African orphanages through its network of local sales distributors in the US.



Saturday, December 6, 2008

Natural Cures For Nail Fungus

By Jennifer King

Have you always found your nail fungus to be an embarrassment? Have you ever thought you could treat it on your own? You don't have to use prescription anti fingal drugs from your doctro if you don't want to. You will however need to pay your doctor a visit for a proper diagnosis

Nail ringworm has never been found to be critical to anyone's health, but is known to be an annoying problem for quite a few people. Its beginning can be as non-conspicuous as a tiny line on your toe. This may soon transmit to other toes, and then become a larger problem. Prescription treatments can be hazardous, costly, and you need to take them orally for up to a year.

Here a selection of easy to follow natural remedies for your nail fungus:

You can soak your infected nails for approximately quarter of an hour every day in tepid water and equal amounts of apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar aids in restoring the natural PH balance to the skin. This makes your nails more resistant to fungal infections. After you have soaked your nails for 15 minutes make sure to dry the whole area of the infection completely. Use your blow dryer (on low heat), if necessary. Drying the infected area out completely will prevent any moisture to remain between your toes, and keep nail the fungus at bay. Moisture is one of the main reasons for the occurrence of nail fungus.

Tea tree oil is readily available at health food stores. Use a swab to put some on and underneath the edge of the infected nail. Use small amount of tea tree oil as you can on each nail as it is very powerful and if it touches your skin, there is a chance that your skin can peel off. Be very careful not to let it touch your skin every time you use it. If your goal is to achieve fungus free nails then this is a great treatment.

Lapacha tea is yet another home cure that is easily found in any health food store. It's as simple as making the tea and then bathing the affected nails. If you do this twice a day your infection will clear.

There are some other moderate substances that can treat nail fungus, such as Vicks Vaporub, oil of oregano and olive leaf extract. Using something more oily will kill the fungus head on and protects the area completely.

Be consistent with any of these home cures till your nail ringworm has gone. Nail ringworm commonly roots itself deep in your nail bed, and that's why it's important to be consistent with the home remedy you have opted for until your nail grows out, and aids in the nail ringworm going completely.

Preventing your nail fungus from appearing in the first place is far better than curing yourself every time you're infected

Change your socks often as your socks can also invite nail ringworm to reside under your nails. Wash your socks on the hottest temperature that the socks will allow so none of the infecting fungus lives. Also clean your socks with a detergent that has the least amount of fragrances and chemicals in as possible. These can throw out your skins natural PH balance, and this puts it in favor of the ringworm.

It is imperative to air your feet as often as possible. The nail ringworm loves feet that are warm and moist. Letting them breath stops the fungus from infecting you.

Wearing relaxed fitting shoes will help prevent moisture from appearing. Tight footwear creates a moister, warmer foot that the fungus loves. Take your shoes off any occasion you can to aid in the air circulation of your feet.

Remember to purchase new shoes once you have cured your nail fungus. The last thing you need is any surviving fungus to start the infection again.

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Thursday, November 20, 2008

Killing Toenail Fungus Quickly and Safely

By Miley N.

Killing toenail fungus can be quite difficult and anyone who has it knows that already. If you do find a way to kill it, you have to be extremely careful to ensure it doesn't come back.

One of the major issues with toenail fungus is that it is highly contagious and that is why you need to take certain precautions to avoid getting it in the first place. In addition to being contagious, it has the ability to live for a long time in exfoliated skin and on contaminated surfaces.

If you do manage to contract toenail fungus, you want to keep your feet clean and dry because the fungus thrives in damp, moist places, and sweaty shoes are the ideal environment for its growth. In addition to keeping on top of your foot hygiene, there are several natural ingredients that might help you in killing the fungus.

Non-Pharmaceutical Undecylenic Acid

Undecylenic Acid is basically an organic unsaturated fatty acid that is produced from natural castor oil. The acid is obtained by cracking castor oil under pressure and is known as a natural fungicide. It is FDA approved for various over the counter medications.

Tea Tree or Melaleuca Oil

Australia's Melaleuca tree is responsible for producing tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has powerful anti-fungal and anti-septic qualities and was used in world wars to help troops to battle infections.

Natural Clove Oil

Clove oil is another amazing natural ingredient that has been shown to be effective in killing toenail fungus. Although used initially by many Dentists to help with tooth pain, it is also known for its strong antifungal properties.

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Sunday, September 14, 2008

Oil of Oregano for Toe Nail Fungus and Natural Remedies

By Rashel Dan

One of the most common cure for the condition is oil of oregano for toe nail fungus infection. The reason is that although natural remedies still need to be scientifically validated, a lot of herbal experts seem to agree about the useful properties of oregano. There are also a host of other natural remedies that may be as good as oil of oregano. Here's what you need to know about oil of oregano and other natural solutions to toe nail fungus.

Oil of Oregano

Carvacrol is found in oil of oregano. This is believed to be the plant ingredient that can actively work against fungi. Oil of oregano has also been found to be antibacterial and antiseptic. Oil of oregano can be applied directly on the infected nail. Not all sources however agree on how much should be used and how often it should be applied. Some users simply use it twice a day for an unlimited number of days until the infection clears. Others however point out a prescriptive period of only a few weeks. Users are also cautioned about the use of oil of oregano. It may not be good for pregnant women or those who have an iron deficiency problem.

Oregano oil can also be mixed with other oils. Some common combinations include olive oil and tea tree oil. Again, different sources offer different application tips. Some alternative oils and remedies may be mixed with oil of oregano. Other sources however advise alternating the remedies separately.

Other Possible Remedies

You have other alternatives. Oil of oregano for toe nail fungus isn't your only hope. There are a couple of other possible remedies. These include:

- Household Vinegar- As some may now, vinegar is antiseptic. It can also work on a variety of infections including those caused by fungi. You can use apple cider or cane vinegar. You can apply this remedy without diluting it directly on the affected nail. An alternative would be to soak your nail on a basin with equal portions of vinegar and lukewarm water.Co

- The Tea Tree Oil- This natural remedy is as popular as oil of oregano. It also has strong antifungal and antiseptic properties. It is in fact so strong that concentrated amounts of tea tree oil may cause skin irritation. You should therefore settle for a diluted preparation. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the infected nail.

- Vicks Vapor Rub- This particular remedy isn't easy to explain. In fact, there are very few explanations on why Vicks can work well on nail fungus. It has been suggested that the natural components of Vicks Vapor Rub are possibly good toe nail fungus remedies.

Although there are other natural remedies, it is important to remember though that natural remedies rarely have standard instructions for application. You therefore have to try a remedy at your own risk.

Natural Treatment - An alternative to home made remedies would be natural products. There are a couple of products available online or in health stores that contain 100% natural ingredients. Manufacturers of these products offer some instructions for proper application.

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Saturday, August 30, 2008

Symptoms and Causes of Nail Fungus

By Tommy

A nail fungus infection is a very common phenomenon specifically in the spring and summer months. Visible as a yellowish discoloration of the infected nail, fungi based nail infections are found virtually everywhere, especially in the tropical regions.

Nail discoloration, burning, itching and occasional pain in severe cases are some symptoms of this highly contagious problem. Another defining attribute of a fungal nail infection is its recurrence and resistance to treatment despite the use of modern anti-fungal agents and over-the-counter treatments available today.

Nail Fungus Causes

Fungal nail infections are the result of, as is clear by the name, by a fungus - candida, molds, and dermatophytes (multiple kinds of them). Fungus usually grows in moist and dark conditions, which the nail bed provides, especially on the foot. The cause of this is that one's feet are usually enclosed in shoes and socks for a long time and because the feet have higher number of sweat glands.

Another consideration is that this type of fungus grows on the floors of locker rooms and changing rooms next to moist public places such as gyms and swimming pools. This usually results in a fungal nail infection on the feet that is very hard to eliminate, and is very communicable.

Signs Of A Nail Fungus

A noticeable odor, change in the color of the nail, and occasional burning/itching/pain are some ways of manifestation of a fungal infection of the nail. After a while, additional symptoms may be exhibited. For example - The nail may become brittle and easily break off. Also, the nail may dry out and start crumbling. Rapid progress of these symptoms can be prevented by applying lotions and creams topically. Yet, reversal of the symptoms is not possible without fully treating the underlying nail fungus.

How To Treat A Nail Fungus

Nail fungus treatment is usually very hard since the actual fungus is hard to reach underneath the nail for direct action. Even the modern treatments must have up to a year for removing all of the symptoms of fungal nail infections.

Research done to understand and measure the relative usefulness of various treatments has revealed that most of the currently used drugs are an expendable method of treatment that is fairly useless. As such, the current research and development for drugs to treat nail fungus is focused on discovering more potent anti-fungal agents .

There are available today home remedies for fungal nail infection that have been claimed to be very useful at healing the nail rapidly. Commonly used home remedies include green tea, grape-seed extract and grape-seed oil. It should be noted that there are not many studies that showing these to be effective. Alternatively, there are other home remedies, that when applied correctly, can treat nail fungus in under 20 days!

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Friday, August 29, 2008

Get Rid of Toenail Fungus: Its Causes, Prevention & Treatment

By Rashel Dan

It is not impossible to get rid of toenail fungus. Although it may take some time, it can be stopped with the application of proper treatment and a few changes in lifestyle.

Toenail fungus or Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails. This happens when fungus lives around and under the nails and feeds on the keratin that makes up the hard surface of the nails. Toenail fungus are harder to treat than fingernail fungus since it is more exposed to the dark, warm and damp environment caused by wearing socks and closed shoes.

How do we acquire the infection? You can pick fungus up while walking barefoot in public wet areas. Such places include public showers, saunas, spas and swimming pools. Having a manicure or pedicure in professional nail salons may also be one cause of toenail fungus, especially if they do not sterilize their tools regularly. Wearing enclosed shoes and nonabsorbent socks made of synthetic materials could also be another reason.

People with a weakened immune system are also more susceptible. Other health risk factors include a history of medical conditions like diabetes or poor circulation. Genetic vulnerability may also be another factor.

Nail trauma can also be another cause. Activities like running or playing sports can easily rupture a nail plate. The moisture that is trapped in shoes and socks can then make its way into the nail cracks, inviting the nail fungus in and making it even harder to treat.

Of course, poor hygiene can cause toenail fungus. Thoroughly drying your feet and toes is very important to prevent fungal growth in your toenails.

Prevention

Never go barefoot in communal wet areas. As much as possible, wear your own protective footwear such as sandals when using public showers, pools and other wet areas.

Remember to always dry your feet. After swimming, showering, or washing your feet, thoroughly dry your feet using a clean towel (your own, don't share). The spaces between your toes are where moisture is likely to be trapped so pay close attention to it.

Regularly trim your nails. Trim your nails straight across and refrain from digging too deep in the corners. Avoid wearing nail polish as it can seal in the fungus. Also, nail polish can prevent sunlight from penetrating under the nail, which makes the dark environment even more preferable to the fungus.

Use clean tools. If possible, do manicures and pedicures by yourself. If it can't be helped, at least use your own tools which you disinfect on a regular basis.

Treatment

You have many options but only a few works. Forgo the home remedies. They are generally ineffective. Oral prescription medication is a no-no since it produces negative side effects that could even lead to death in extreme cases. Topical solutions are safer and more effective to use. It is made of natural essential oils such as tea tree, almond, clove, and lavender, which are known to promote healthier looking nails. They are less expensive, easier to use, and has no known side effects. This is the choice for you if you want to get rid of toenail fungus faster and safer.

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Monday, August 4, 2008

Sources of Resveratrol

By Denise Richards

Resveratrol is produced by certain plants to protect them from stress caused by the environment. It is a phytoalexin which is a byproduct of a plant's natural defense mechanism. Resveratrol is found in huge amounts in the skin of grapes and this antioxidant protects the grapes from extreme heat and fungal diseases. It is therefore found abundantly in cooler climates. Wine is understandably one of the largest sources of this powerful antioxidant.

This antioxidant does not allow fungal infections to affect the plant and also protects the plant from heat. Cooler climates can see more of resveratrol as it is here that there are more chances of fungus infecting the plants.

Although it is all at the experimental stage, resveratrol shows a huge potential in the treatment of coronary diseases and cancer. Research is being conducted extensively to find out how best this antioxidant can be used to fight these more common but deadly diseases.

As it has been proved time and again, consumption of wine or alcohol reduces the incidence of coronary diseases. This is true especially in case of red wine. Presence of resveratrol has been linked to this finding. Recent studies have proven that being a very effective antioxidant, resveratrol protects cells from lipid peroxidation.

Due to more fermentation period, red wine is a better source of this antioxidant than the white wine. Apart from grapes, blueberries are another excellent natural source of resveratrol. The Japanese Knotweed contains resveratrol in good quantities.

Resveratrol has found to inhibit formation of free radicals as it is a powerful antioxidant. This proves to be helpful during the initial stages of tumor formation. Resveratrol also shows potential in inhibition of cyclooxygenase - 1. Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme which promotes the formation of pro inflammatory substances by converting arachidonic acid. These substances are the root cause for stimulating the growth of tumor cells.

Resveratrol is also manufactured as diet supplements. It is available in the form of a transdermal patch and in liquid form. The transdermal patch resembles a nicotine patch. This antioxidant is also offered in powdered or tablet form.

Apart from these naturally occurring sources, resveratrol is also produced by companies as diet supplements. These supplements are made in the form of either powders or tablets and are derived from the natural sources like skins of grapes, seeds of grapes, Japanese knotweed, red wine, etc.

It is also not advisable to consume red wine in big quantities in a bid to prevent heart diseases and cancer. This will inevitably lead to other conditions like liver damage. It is prudent to wait for any outcome from research in the form of licensed drugs. Information and updates on resveratrol can be found on the internet.

There is no harm however in taking natural grapes, peanuts, blueberries and such known to contain resveratrol in reasonable quantities rather than taking supplements that contain resveratrol, or in powder and patch forms.

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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Benefits of tea tree oil

By Liani Widjaja

Tea tree essential oils is most commonly known for their skin applications, research has shown that tea tree oil can be used in many ways too, such as an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral property.

There are over 100 different components in the native tree from the Northeast coast of Australia. All of these components play an important factor in the healing properties of tea tree oil.

Tea Tree oil is one of the few essential oils that you don't have to dilute before applying to the skin. It is concentrate natural oil safe for most skin types but those with sensitive skin may prefer to dilute it.

Here are the benefits of tea tree oils :

Athletes Foot: Tea tree oil has been shown to treat a wide range of fungal infections and symptoms, including athlete's foot. Athletes foot is commonly known to grow in warm, moist areas between the toes and the sides and soles of feet. It is highly infectious and spreads quickly in locker and shower rooms. To eliminate athlete's foot, you can use tea tree oil as a topical application. Suggestion is three or more times a day applying pure tea tree oil to the infected area. Tea Tree oil uses includes topical treatment of skin infections such as ringworm.

Treat Cold and Flu: Tea tree oil can treated Cold and flu symptoms. For sore throats, it is recommends to add ten drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and gargle. Do this twice a day. This treatment will help clear mucus and kill bacteria.

Sinus: Add 5-10 drops to steaming hot water for an inhalant or put a few drops of tea tree oil in a steam bath. You can rub around sinuses. Using this treatment at the onset of symptoms will aid in killing germs and bacteria.

Gum infections: Using tea tree oil mouthwash diluted in water can help remedy and prevent gum disease and plaque. Be careful not to swallow it. Small amounts are not considered toxic, though the stomach might rebel.

Candida Albicans Infections: As fungidal properties, tea tree can help clear vaginal thrush and is of value with commonly treating genital infections generally.

Acne: Soaked a cotton ball in straight or diluted tea tree oil and gently wipe the skin with it. This can help calm inflammation, diminish infection and prevent new acne sores from developing. It won't irritate troubled skin, while killing bacteria that aggravate skin eruptions. It can be used on the face, neck, chest and back. Mix a few drops with acne cleanser to boost its effectiveness.

Head Lice: Head lice can be treated by adding ten drops of tea tree oil to shampoo. The hair and scalp should be wet and lathered thoroughly. Use a fine toothed- comb before shampoo is rinsed off. Avoid direct contact with eyes when washing hair with tea tree oil. This method should be use several times along with treating the house and all of the infected bedding. Tea tree oil can be added to the wash when washing the sheets and bedding.

Insect Bites: A drop or two of tea tree oil can be applied directly onto an insect bite or sting to help alleviate swelling, itching and redness.

Skin Irritations and Sunburns Treatment: Using several drops of tea tree oil added to bath water can help reduce the swelling and itching from skin irritations. In addition the same method can be used to help the symptoms of minor sunburns.

Bug Repellent: Bugs seem to dislike tea tree oil. The oil can be used to deter ants, roaches and other pests. Put a few drops of the oil where the pests are coming from. You can also wipe pantries and cupboards with a mixture of water and tea tree oil and this will make the bugs leave. Rubbing the mattress with pure tea tree oil will help deter dust mites. A few drops of oil added directly into a vacuum cleaner bag or canister will help kill dust mites often found in carpeting.

As more and more studies are being done, the list of the benefits of tea tree oil grows even longer.

Find out What are Tea Tree Side Effects?

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How to Cure Toenail Fungus the Natural Way

By Rashel Dan

There are a lot of people who want to know how to cure toenail fungus the natural way. Why? Nail fungus affects about 35 million people in the United States alone. It is a very common problem and there are several treatments available for it.

Unfortunately, some treatments like oral anti-fungal prescription medication can be harmful. Although it is effective, it can exhibit possible adverse side effects that can cause complication to the heart and liver, among others. In extreme cases, it could even cause death. The Food and Drug Administration has already issued out a public health advisory regarding two famous oral prescription medication and its possible side effects.

Also, prescription treatment could interfere or interact with other prescription medications that you may be taking. Another downside is that it can be very expensive, with some treatments costing 1500 dollars for a full course of treatment, or about a hundred dollars per week.

Go Natural - Because of this, more people are turning to natural solutions. There are home remedies that promise to treat toenail fungus. Solutions like vinegar, bleach, mouthwash, tea tree and oregano essential oils are being used as home remedies. However, none of these solutions really work. They are ineffective and you could end up wasting a lot of time, which is enough for the fungus to spread and infect other nails, including your fingernails.

This infection can take time to treat. This is because the toes are more exposed to the dark, damp, and warm environment caused by wearing shoes and socks often. Fungus loves to thrive in this type of environment. Also, the fungus actually lives underneath the nail and is harder to reach, making it more difficult to treat.

However, there is one way you can treat toenail fungus easily. If you apply proper treatment as soon as you detect symptoms of toenail fungus, then the higher chances of getting rid of toenail fungus fast. Just remember to always have a professional diagnose your symptoms so can apply the proper treatment. Treatment varies with the type and severity of infection and professionals can help pinpoint the specific type of fungus and recommend you the suited treatment.

Natural Solutions - Using a topical solution is one answer to how to cure toenail fungus the natural way. It uses all natural essential oils from plants that are known to exhibit antifungal and antibacterial properties. Also, a topical solution contains oils like lavender and jojoba that promote softer and smoother skin. It can be bought over the counter and is very easy to use. Aside from it being very safe to use, it is also very effective. The oils penetrate and go deep down the nail to treat the underlying cause of unsightly nails.

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