Jo's Health Corner: emergency preparedness

Emergency Preparedness – Heartburn

This is my seventh post in my Emergency Preparedness series where I address an important issue such as lack of access to medicine and medical care in case of emergencies.

What if access to medication and medical care is denied?
In my first post, Emergency Preparedness I was wondering how people on prescribed medications would handle an emergency situation if access to medication and medical care is denied. I encourage you to go back to my previous posts and read them. My other posts cover high blood pressure, a nxiety & depression, pain , diabetes and allergy.

I urge you to take charge of your own health so you're better prepared for any situation where you might not be able to fill your prescription or use any medical facilities.

Natural solutions
Below are some natural solutions to the most prescribed drugs in America today.

Why essential oils?

You can stockpile essential oils, and they have no expiration date if they are stored correctly. Herbs also lose their potency over time.
They are small enough so they can be put in a pocket if needed.
They are more potent so less amount is needed for healing. You have to drink 26 cups of peppermint tea in order to get the same healing effect as one drop of therapeutic peppermint essential oil.

Treat the body holistically
It is important to remember to take a holistic approach to healing and not only rely on natural remedies. Dietary changes, living a toxin free life, exercise, sufficient rest and sleep, and incorporating other healing therapies into your life should also be considered.

Okay, here we go:

#4 Heartburn medications are some of the most prescribed drugs in our country

The most commonly prescribed drugs for heartburn and acid reflux block the stomach's ability to produce acid. It is not always the best approach for the problems since typically the stomach is producing too little acid. According to Mitchell Katz, the director of San Francisco Department of Public Health, Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec are misused and overprescribed and hurt more than they help. These medications are designed to treat bleeding ulcers, infection with the ulcer-causing bacteria Helicobacter pylori, and severe acid reflux when it is confirmed that the esophagus is damaged. According to Katz these drugs were never intended for people with heartburn. 60-70% of people on these drugs only have mild heartburn and should not be on them. These drugs can also cause side effects such as pneumonia, bone loss, and hip fractures.

According to Mercola, 95% of the heartburn cases are caused by too little stomach acid and not too much. By reducing the stomach acid you eliminate the primary defense mechanism for food-born infections so the risk of food poisoning will increase.

Consult with your physician before you quit any of these medications since you gradually need to wean yourself off them.

Dr. Mercola's tips:

Eliminate food triggers since food allergies can be a problem. Eliminate things such as nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine.
Consume enough raw material to encourage the body to make enough hydrochloric acid. (Remember, the problem is typically too little acid)
Use high quality sea salt such as Himalayan salt since it will provide chloride needed to make hydrochloric acid. It also contains over 80 trace minerals so your body can perform optimally.
Take a betaine hydrochloric supplements, this will help you digest your food better, help kill the helicobacter and help normalize the symptoms.
Large amount of sugars and processed foods will upset the bacterial balance in the stomach and intestine so opt for a lot of veggies and locally grown foods.
Vitamin D is essential for this condition due to the fact that a infectious component is likely causing the problem. Optimized vitamin D levels will also optimize the production of 200 antimicrobial peptides, these will help eradicate any infections in the body that shouldn't be there.

Other tips from experts:

Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup of water and drink after each meal. It is said to bring digestive relief and calm stomach troubles.
Eat fresh or dried bananas.
Basil leaves are said to relieve heartburn.
It is said tea made of crushed cinnamon or cardamon can cool the heat of the heartburn.
A tea made from fennel, anise or caraway seed can ease the burn of heartburn according to herbalists.
One of the oldest remedies for heartburn is ginger. Mix 1 tablespoon ginger and lemon juice with raw honey in a cup of warm water. Drink when you start feeling the heartburn.

Time for the oils
Or should I say oil? Peppermint is one of the most effective essential oils for the digestive system. According to Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide, peppermint can be used for heartburn. I've also had great success using peppermint for heartburn. Other oils suggested by the Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide are lemon, spearmint, ginger.

Remember

Never quit any prescribed medication on your own since it may be dangerous. Some medications needs to be weaned of slowly. Consult with your doctor first.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Sources:

Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health
Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

Julie Behling (2011). Medical Preparedness for Adults E-book

Photo credit

This post is linked to:
Sunday School Blog Carnival, Mop It Up Monday, Natural Living Monday, Fat Tuesday, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Natural Living Thursday, The Homeacre Hop

10:56 AM | Read more...

Emergency Preparedness – Diabetes

This is my sixth post in my Emergency Preparedness series where I address an important issue such as lack of access to medicine and medical care in case of emergencies.

What if access to medication and medical care is denied?
In my first post, Emergency Preparedness I was wondering how people on prescribed medications would handle an emergency situation if access to medication and medical care is denied. I encourage you to go back to my previous posts and read them. My previous posts cover high blood pressure, a nxiety & depression, pain and allergy.

I urge you to take charge of your own health so you're better prepared for any situation where you might not be able to fill your prescription or use any medical facilities.

Natural solutions
Below are some natural solutions to the most prescribed drugs in America today.

Why essential oils?

You can stockpile essential oils, and they have no expiration date if they are stored correctly. Herbs also lose their potency over time.
They are small enough so they can be put in a pocket if needed.
They are more potent so less amount is needed for healing. You have to drink 26 cups of peppermint tea in order to get the same healing effect as one drop of therapeutic peppermint essential oil.

It is said that at least 17 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Most of them have type 2 diabetes, also known as adult- onset diabetes. In type 2 diabetes the body doesn't produce enough insulin, or the cells ignore insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Dietary changes, maintain a healthy weight, and increasing the level of physical activity.

Type 2 diabetics need to address the root of the problem, which is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is caused by faulty leptin and insulin signaling, which is due to lack of exercise and incorrect diet. Dr. Mercola says that to correct and restore the insulin/leptin signaling in the body, most sugar and carbs need to be cut out from the diet, this also means cutting out alcohol which equates sugar, and increase the protein intake, along with regular exercise.

Dr. Mercola's guidelines to preventing and reversing diabetes:

Eliminate or severely limit grains and sugar from your diet. This also includes sweetened drink, only one drink a day can increase the diabetes risk by 25%. Also avoid processed foods with fructose, even fruits may need to be eliminated until your blood sugar is under control.
Exercise is needed if you want to get diabetes under control. Include high intensity sprint-type exercises since they boost fat loss, promote muscle building, and triggers your body to produce human growth hormon naturally. Until your blood sugar is under control you'll need large amounts of exercise.
Trans fats will worsen the insulin resistance so avoid.
Eat saturated fat such as avocados, grass-fed organic meat, and coconut oil. They provide building blocks for cell membranes and a variety of hormones and hormon-like substances. They also provide a concentrated source of energy and act as carriers for vitamin A,D,E, and K.
Add omega-3 fats from a good quality animal source.
Make sure you monitor your fasting insulin level. It is just as important the fasting blood sugar. The fasting insulin level should be between 2-4, the higher level the worse your insulin receptor sensitivity is.
Make sure you get enough quality sleep every night.
Make sure you get sufficient amount of vitamin D, according to Mercola, levels around 60-80 ng/ml can significantly help control blood sugar.
Address any underlying emotional issues and stress.

Dr. Mercola says if you're willing to make the lifestyle changes stated above, nearly 100% of type 2 diabetes can successfully be treated, meaning eliminating the symptoms of diabetes, or the high risk of developing health complications.

Other tips from experts

Wolfberry balances the pancreas and is also a detoxifier and cleanser.
Chromium has shown to help people metabolize blood sugar properly.
Substituting sugar for real stevia leaf extract may help rebuild glucose tolerance and normalize blood sugar.

Time for the oils
Even though we try to make the necessary lifestyle changes, it may take a time to achieve the desired results.

According to the Essential Oils Reference, ocotea lowers insulin needs for diabetics and reduces blood sugar fluctuations and is said to be the best options.
Coriander is another option, it has been researched at Cairo University for its effect in lowering glucose and insulin levels, and for supporting pancreatic function. It has also been studied for its effect in strengthening the pancreas.

The Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide written by Gary Young, suggests the following oils:
coriander ~ Coriandrum sativum
cinnamon ~ Cinnamonmum verum
fennel ~ Foeniculum vulgare
dill ~ Anethum graveolens
cypress ~ Cupressus sempervirens
clove ~ Syzygium aromaticum

Watch your insulin intake carefully, you may have to cut down.

If you have Type 1 diabetes, talk to your physician and see if it is possible to stockpile insulin.

Remember
Never quit any prescribed medication on your own since it may be dangerous. Some medications needs to be weaned of slowly. Consult with your doctor first.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources:

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

Julie Behling (2011). Medical Preparedness for Adults E-book

Photo credit

This post is linked to:
Party Wave Wednesday, Homemaking Link Up, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Adorn From Above, Natural Living Link Up, Simple Lives Thursday, The Homeacre Hop, Fight Back Friday, Small Footprint Friday, Sunday School Blog Carnival, Natural Living Monday, Mostly Homemade Mondays, Mop it Up Monday, Fat Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Domestically Divine, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Healthy 2day Wednesday, WFMW, The Mommy Club, Homemaking Link UP

2:43 PM | Read more...

Emergency Preparedness – Allergies

This is my fifth post in my Emergency Preparedness series where I address an important issue such as lack of access to medicine and medical care in case of emergencies.

What if access to medication and medical care is denied?

In my first post, Emergency Preparedness, I was wondering how people on prescribed medications would handle an emergency situation if access to medication and medical care is denied. I encourage you to go back to my previous posts and read them. My previous posts cover high blood pressure, a nxiety & depression, pain ,and diabetes

I urge you to take charge of your own health so you're better prepared for any situation where you might not be able to fill your prescription or use any medical facilities.

Natural solutions
Below are some natural solutions to the most prescribed drugs in America today.

Why essential oils?

You can stockpile essential oils, and they have no expiration date if they are stored correctly. Herbs also lose their potency over time.
They are small enough so they can be put in a pocket if needed.
They are more potent so less amount is needed for healing. You have to drink 26 cups of peppermint tea in order to get the same healing effect as one drop of therapeutic peppermint essential oil.

A German study found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids decreased the allergy symptoms. A Swedish study found that children who regularly ate fish prior to the age of one had much lower allergies by the time they were four. Omega-3 fatty acids sources are eggs, krill oil, and grass fed meat.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to allergies and more severe asthma in children.
Horseradish, hot chili peppers, and hot mustards are natural decongestants.
Locally produced honey which contains pollen spores, may act as a "natural allergy vaccine" according to many. They introduce a small amount of allergen by eating the honey and the immune system is activated, over time can build up the immune system against it.
Historically, quercetin rich food such as red grapes, red onions, capers, black tea, and apples have been used to prevent a histamine release, meaning they are natural antihistamines.
According to Steven Horne, the body needs to be purged from toxins and the immune system needs to be stimulated. All processed food with artificial chemicals add to the toxic burden of your body. Refined products are mucus forming and they don't do anything to relieve your allergies.
Increase wholesome food, dark leafy vegetables, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices in your diet.
According to Steven Horne, other nutrients that may be beneficial are selenium, zinc, pantothenic acid, and antioxidants.
Other things that may play an important role in allergies are adrenal insufficiency, liver problems and leaky gut syndrome according to Steven Horne.

Time for the oils:
It is said that lavender has anti-histamine properties. Studies also show that luteoln-7-orutinoside in peppermint has antihistamine properties. Gary Young says frankincense may help with allergies and Battaglia says it may be helpful for asthma. . Read my post, Essential Oils & Allergies for more detailed information.

Remember
Never quit any prescribed medication on your own since it may be dangerous. Some medications needs to be weaned of slowly. Consult with your doctor first.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Sources:

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

Julie Behling (2011). Medical Preparedness for Adults E-book

Photo credit

This post is linked to:
Natural Living, Simple Lives Thursday, The Homeacre Hop, The Busy Bee, All Things Thursday, Hearts 4 Home, Fight Back Friday, Small FootPrint Fridays, Sunday School Blog Carnival, Homemade Mondays, Natural Living Monday, Mop it Up Monday, Fat Tuesday, Healthy Tuesday Hop, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesday, Domestically Divine, How to Tuesday, WFMW, The Mommy Club, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Healthy 2Day Wednesday, Wellness Wednesday, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Real Food Wednesday, Mama Moments Monday

1:56 PM | Read more...

Emergency Preparedness – Pain

This is my fourth post in my Emergency Preparedness series where I address an important issue as lack of access to medicine and medical care in case of emergencies.

What if access to medication and medical care is denied?

In my first post, Emergency Preparedness , I was wondering how people on prescribed medications would handle an emergency situation if access to medication and medical care is denied. I encourage you to go back to my previous posts and read them. My other posts cover high blood pressure, a nxiety & depression, diabetes and allergy.

I urge you to take charge of your own health so you're better prepared for any situation where you might not be able to fill your prescription or use any medical facilities.

Natural solutions
Below are some natural solutions to the most prescribed drugs in America today.

Why essential oils?

You can stockpile essential oils, and they have no expiration date if they are stored correctly. Herbs also lose their potency over time.
They are small enough so they can be put in a pocket if needed.
They are more potent so less amount is needed for healing. You have to drink 26 cups of peppermint tea in order to get the same healing effect as one drop of therapeutic peppermint essential oil.

It's not easy to discontinue the opiate prescription pain killers and can result in withdrawal symptoms such as chills, tremors, anxiousness, hallucination, sweating, confusion, flu-like symptoms, strong drug craving and more. It may even lead to seizures. Imagine how unpleasant if you run out of your medicine and cannot fill your prescription during an emergency.

Remember

Never quit any prescribed medication on your own since it may be dangerous. Some medications needs to be weaned of slowly. Consult with your doctor first.

Pain
In my post Essential Oils & Pain, I discussed that chronic pain sufferers should consider using essential oils that stimulate the thalamus and pituitary since it may increase the amount of endorphins and enkelphalins. You see, the body produces its own pain-killers called neurochemicals, and these opiate-like substances are called enkephalins and endorphins.

According to experts

Include fish oil in your diet, several studies have confirmed that omega 3 has anti-inflammatory properties.
Use ginger in your cooking since it is an anti-inflammatory and offers pain relief and stomach settling properties according to Dr. Mercola. Try fresh ginger as a tea steeped in hot water or grated in vegetable juice.
Include food such as onion, leek, chive and garlic since they provide sulfur for combating joint and muscle inflammation.
Include capsaicin in your diet since it is anti-inflammatory.
Eat unprocessed whole foods.
Balance your pH and make sure you are alkaline.
Include the top anti-inflammatory spice turmeric in your cooking.
Refined sugar, processed meat, most dairy, alcohol and cooking oil cause inflammation so avoid these or at least cut back.
Anthocyanins in cherries are powerful antioxidants that block inflammation and inhibit pain enzymes.

Time for the oils

According to Gary Young Peppermint has shown to block calcium channels and substance P, which are important in the transmission of pain signals. This is great news since peppermint is a fairly inexpensive and an easy to find essential oil.

According to Gary Young, other essential oils traditionally used for painful conditions are:

Helichrysum ~ Helichrysum italicum
Spruce ~ Picea mariana
Wintergreen or birch ~ Gaultheria procumbens or Betula alleghaniensis
Ginger ~ Zingiber officinalis
Clove ~ Syzygium aromaticum
Elemi ~ Canarium luzonicum
Douglas fir ~ Pseudotsuga menziesii
Balsam fir ~ Abies balsamea
Rosemary cineol ~ Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1,8 cineol

Thanks for reading and come back for my 4th part in this series to find out the solutions to the other medications on the list!

Emergency Preparedness - Part 1 - Introduction drugs in our country
Emergency Preparedness - Part 2 - Anxiety and depression
Emergency Preparedness - Part 3 - High Blood Pressure

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique