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Emergency Preparedness – High Blood Pressure

Emergency Preparedness – High Blood Pressure


This is my third 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 won't bore you and repeat all  I previously wrote so I encourage you to go back to my previous posts and read them. ( Some things on this post are a repeat but I felt some things needed to be repeated) My other posts cover  anxiety & 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:

#2 High Blood Pressure medications are some of the most prescribed drugs in our country

 According to CDC, it is estimated that 68 millions of Americans high blood pressure.  High blood pressure increases the risk for stroke and heart disease, the leading causes of death in America. Instead of treating high blood pressure with dietary and lifestyle changes most Americans choose to take medication for their high blood pressure. 

High Blood Pressure according to Experts
  • Avoid all alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.
  • According to Battaglia, use garlic, onions and ginger in your cooking. He says garlic has been shown to decrease the systolic pressure by 20-30 mm Hg, and the diastolic by 10-20 mm Hg.
  • According to Dr.Mercola, cut back on the fructose. "Fructose is a major promoter of hypertension - far more so than salt the connecting link between fructose consumption and hypertension lies in the uric acid produced. Uric acid is a byproduct of fructose metabolism, and increased uric acid levels drive up your blood pressure" Mercola
  • Cutting out fructose and grains from your diet effectively eliminates one of the underlying causes of a number of health problems, including hypertension. (Mercola) 
  • Make sure that the carbohydrates come primarily from vegetables. (Mercola)
  • Normalize your omega 3-6 ratio. Most are getting way too much of the omega 6 in their diet but not enough omega 3. (Mercola)
  • Start an exercise regimen.
Time for the oils:

According to Battaglia, essential oils will alleviate hypertension by their:
  • Hypotensive effect
  • Sedating and calming effect
  • Detoxifying effect
Battaglia thinks the most important oils for lowering blood pressure are lavender, ylang ylang and sweet marjoram. 
Battaglia also recommends to use a selection of sedative, uplifting and antidepressant oils such as frankincense, Roman chamomile, bergamot, and neroli. 


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.

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!



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. 

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

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
The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing

 Photo credit

 This post is linked to:
Simple Lives Thursday


9:33 PM | Read more...
Mama's Milk

Mama's Milk


There's no doubt that breastfeeding is the best choice for a newborn baby. However,  it is not always easy for new mother to provide for her newborn and problems such as lack of flow or engorged breasts can occur. Sometimes the baby is not strong enough to stimulate the flow of milk. Many times these problems can be solved, but it is very stressful for both mother and baby. La Leche League,  an organization that helps mothers with nursing difficulties, can be found in most areas today.

 Here are some suggestions that has historically been used when the supply of milk is insufficient:
  • According to Gary Young, mix geranium, fennel, and/or sage 50-50 with massage oil and massage over breast. Keep in mind that fennel should not be used longer than 10 days at a time. The oils have historically been applied above the breast on the lymph area, and  2-3 drops have historically been applied on the spine, about heart level. I suggest that you wait a while to let the oils absorb, or wash them off before you nurse. Give them time to be absorbed first though.
  • You may consider diffusing mood lifting oils such as bergamot, ylang ylang, rosewood, geranium, and rose as well.

 I wasn't able to breastfeed my oldest son, and there are times when we can't nurse and we have to accept it. I wish I would have known more about health back then so I at least  could have made my own formula.  Here is a recipe for homemade formula from the Weston Price Foundation if you cannot breastfeed.

 This post was about using essential oils, but there are also herbs that historically have been used to increase the breast milk. Alfalfa, blessed thistle, and marshmallow are some of them. What kind of remedies have you used to increase your milk supply?

 Source:
Essential Oils - Intergrative Medical Guide by Gary Young, ND

This information is for educational purposes only and  is not meant to prescribe. Essential oils are safe to use as long as contraindications have been researched prior to use. As always, consult with your health care practitioner if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from any medical conditions. Some oils are contraindicated in certain conditions, so check out this essential oil safety page to make sure the oils are safe for you. 
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. 

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

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.








Green & Natural Mama Thursday @ I Thought I Knew Mama
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