10 Uses For Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Essential Oil is one of the world’s most popular essential oils. It is made from the leaves of the “Tea tree” – Melaleuca alternifolia – which is native to Australia. (Note that the Tea Tree has nothing to do with the drink tea, which is made from the leaves of a completely different plant, Camellia sinensis).

Tea tree oil has been in use since ancient times by the indigenous Australians, who inhaled vapor from the crushed leaves to help with coughs and colds, and used the leaves as antiseptic for wounds or skin conditions. It was not until the 1970s that large scale production of tea tree essential oil began and its scientific investigation is somewhat recent.

In modern times, tea tree oil is one of those “indispensable” essential oils that has a whole host of uses. It has even been called “a medicine cabinet in a bottle” owing to its reported antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities.

Tea Tree should in general not be used undiluted on skin – and should never be consumed! It is often used in combination with lavender essential oil, which has some complimentary qualities, and diluted with a base oil. More safety notes at the foot of the article.

Tea Tree Oil Top 10 Uses

Recent studies support a role for the topical application of tea tree oil in skin care and for the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions:

1. Antiviral. This is in line with the use by indigenous peoples against colds / coughs: A few drops added to a bath or steam may possibly assist against colds and flu. Some support from science: Tea tree has shown some activity against influenza in the lab: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21095205

2. Herpes / Cold Sores. A mix of one tablespoon of coconut oil, with 5 drops of tea tree mixed in, can be applied (using a Q-tip or cotton swab) carefully to a cold sore several times per day. If this is commenced at the earliest sign of cold sore (tingling sensation) it may be able to stop it in its tracks. Be careful never to ingest tea tree oil, it is toxic when taken internally. There has been some support from science suggesting that Tea Tree oil may have an action against the Herpes simplex virus when applied topically as soon after the onset of the cold sore as possible: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11338678 http://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/48/3/450.full

3. Head lice. A 2008 study of in vitro toxicity showed a tea tree oil preparation (“Tea Tree Gel”) was more effective against head lice than permethrin, a popular pharmaceutical insecticide remedy. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18816275 This study is especially significant as permethrin is known to be toxic and is now classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a likely human carcinogen: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permethrin#Toxicology_and_safety

4. Acne Tea tree oil, in a topical 5% gel application, is possibly as effective against acne as 5% benzoyl peroxide – although results took a little longer. Patients who use tea tree oil have been also found to experience fewer side effects than those that use benzoyl peroxide treatments: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2145499

5. Athletes Foot. Tea tree oil can be blended with coconut oil (4 parts coconut oil, 1 part tea tree) and applied to the affected area twice a day to clear athlete’s foot. It is also possible to add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a foot bath (together with a small cup of sea salt or epsom salt). And don’t forget to change those socks at least once per day!

6. Dandruff. Shampoo which contains 5% tea tree oil has demonstrated effective against dandruff due to its ability to treat Malassezia furfur, a type of fungus which is the most common cause of the condition. Tea tree oil is a known antifungal agent, effective in vitro against multiple dermatophytes found on the skin. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12451368

7. Toenail Fungus. A drop of pure tea tree applied (i.e. via Q-tip) to an infected toenail twice per day has been suggested as a toenail fungus remedy. One clinical study found that 100% tea tree oil administered topically was comparable to clotrimazole in effectiveness against onychomycosis, the most frequent cause of nail disease. It was not as effective at lower concentrations. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8195735

8. Bedbugs and mites. One study has shown a 5% tea tree oil solution to be more effective than commercial medications against the scabies mite in an in vitro situation. ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15148100 ) Other “promising” essential oils against scabies include turmeric and neem ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15148100 ) 2 teaspoons can also be added to laundry, using a very hot water setting, to kill mites, bedbugs. A few drops of oil can also be added to a spray bottle and used as an ant deterrent – used to clean cupboards and places where ants enter the home.

9. Disinfectant. Tea tree can be diluted and use as a disinfectant for toilet seats, door handles, faucets, light switches (with care!), and so on. Laundry soap containing tea tree oil may be effective at decontaminating clothing and bedding, especially if hot water and heavy soil cycles are used. Some studies have indicated that tea tree may be more effective than chemical disinfectants against serious bugs such as MRSA. Other essential oils showing “promising efficacy” include lemongrass,eucalyptus ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23199627 ), thyme, clove and cinnamon ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21941919 ).

10. Aquarium Fish Care. Diluted solutions of tea tree oil are often applied as a remedy to common bacterial and fungal infections in aquarium fish such as bettas. The tea tree acts as a disinfectant and is most commonly used to promote fin and tissue regrowth, but is also considered effectiveagainst conditions such as fin rot or “velvet”. Tea tree based remedies are used mostly on betta fish, but can also be used with other aquarium fish, other than goldfish.

But wait, there’s more: Tea tree has also been reported useful against toothache, candida ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9848442 ), for use against mold in the home (1 teaspoon to a cup of water used to clean the mold area), and has shown “rapid” direct anti-cancer effects in subcutaneous tumours in mice

Source: herbs-info.com

The Dangerous Side Dish

Today we're going to show you a very common restaurant "side dish" that almost everyone eats a couple times a week, yet this side dish has been proven in a New Zealand study to CAUSE immediate heart attacks in some people!

This is a very serious topic and unfortunately, most people have no clue how risky this food is to eat. It's actually FAR more risky than cigarettes. You'll find out in the article below what that "side dish" is and exactly WHY it's so dangerous.

You'll also discover in the new article below why foods such as whole wheat bread, canola oil, soy milk, and even energy bars are KILLING you slowly...and causing diabetes, body fat, heart disease and even cancer.

This is an important article to pay close attention to, so do NOT skip this one...

==> The "side dish" that causes heart attacks & 7 other common foods KILLING you

You can still enjoy amazingly delicious and rich foods on a daily basis, but there are particular foods that you MUST stay away from at least 95% of the time, because they are simply THAT dangerous to your health.

Source: truthaboutabs.com

Honey

It's happening in small, private clinics...

And it's happening in the largest, most respected hospitals in the world...

A rising tide of doctors and health care providers are now urging their patients eat this "life-giving" sugar every single day.

They're not just recommending it to give a "slightly better alternative" to other sweeteners either. They're prescribing it to treat life-threatening diseases, heal chronic conditions, and keep people looking and feeling their very best.

If you guessed honey, then you're absolutely right. For we've all heard about how honey is a remarkable substance. We've heard about how it "doesn't go bad". Or about how archaeologists found unspoiled, 2000-year-old honey in an Egyptian tomb.

For example, honey was the most popular ancient Egyptian healing remedy (and was mentioned over 500 times in 900 remedies.)

Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine) used honey as a treatment for pain, dehydration, and fever. And this isn't just some "folk remedy" discredited by modern science either. Researchers (in thousands of peer-reviewed papers) continue to uncover just how healing honey can be.

I still remember how one patient, Rachel, just stood there, staring at me with her mouth open.

"Hold on. Let me get this straight." she said. "Did I really just hear my doctor tell me to give my seven-year-old son honey?!?"

I nodded. "Just a spoonful before he goes to bed. The cough will clear up in no time."

Her son, Kevin, had just recovered from the flu. And while the fever and nausea had faded, his cough hadn't.

Overcome by a fit of coughing every five minutes, he couldn't sleep at night (which made him cranky and miserable all day.)

Rachel was at her wit's end. The sleepless nights left her exhausted. And she'd done everything she could think of to help her son... Lots of water... Cough syrup... Even antibiotics.

And here I was, a physician, prescribing something you'd normally drizzle over oatmeal or spread on toast.

Truth be told though, I could sympathize with her skepticism. For when I first heard about honey's life-giving properties...

The 7 Most Dangerous Prescription Drugs

A damning Harvard University report has advised that according to the European Commission, about 328,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe die from prescription drugs each year – making prescription drugs the 4th highest cause of death, on a par with stroke.

We could get into legal trouble if we advised you to go against the recommendations of your doctor; however we can advise you to be as informed as possible about the risks involved in taking prescription meds.

According to the World Health Organization, the pharmaceutical industry is worth 300 billion dollars annually – with an additional hundred million expected to add to the value in the next three years. A third of this entire multi-billion-dollar market is controlled by ten of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. According to CMR International, a partner of Thomas Reuters, global pharmaceutical sales reached one trillion dollars in 2014 and will be booming to 1.3 trillion by 2018.

It goes without saying that this is big business – but like every big business, there is a dark side as well. Can we really trust the research – seeing as the same companies selling the pills are funding many of the medical journals? And then we have the issue of doctors receiving kickbacks for prescribing certain drugs, after being “educated” on the benefits of the drugs by pharma salesmen.

Take a look at this list of seven of the most dangerous prescription drug types and see how they can hurt you.

#1: Sleeping Pills (OTC and prescribed)

The use of sleeping pills has been associated with an increased risk factor for stroke. A study published by Petrov, et. al. in 2014 revealed that over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills increased a person’s risk for stroke, independently and beyond any of the other known risk factors like blood pressure, personal history of heart disease, and vices like smoking and drinking alcohol. Isn’t it worrying that compared to all other factors that place a person at risk for stroke, sleeping pills top that list?

#2: Cholesterol Drugs (Statins)

Did you know that deaths attributed to heart failure more than doubled from 1989 to 1997, while statins were first given pre-market approval in 1987? This is an alarming “coincidence” – to say the least. Interference with production of Co-Q10 by statin drugs has been proposed as the most likely explanation.

Drugs that are meant to control your cholesterol levels may also be damaging your liver. Hepatotoxicity is not completely absent among people who undergo statin therapy, but it is uncommon. However, several studies have discovered that statins cause severe liver damage, especially in in dosages higher than 50 milligrams per day – a scary thing to realize when statin dosages can climb up to 80 milligrams per day when a person has high or uncontrollable cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin, Simvastatin, Fluvastatin, Lovastatin, and Pravastatin have all been linked to liver injury.

#3: Blood Pressure Drugs (Beta-blockers, Calcium channel blockers)

Among the different drugs prescribed to manage hypertension, calcium channel blockers have been found to be the most common ones linked to adverse drugs reactions (ADRs). The most common ones linked to CCBs are bipedal edema, chest pain, hypersensitivity, and difficulty of breathing. A recent study published in 2014 discovered that immediate-release CCB use was positively associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. On the other hand, beta-blockers have been associated with several adverse side effects, such as increased incidence of post-operative dysrhythmia, troponin elevation, and heart failure, risk for hepatic failure, and small-for-gestational age births.

#4: Alzheimer’s Drugs

While the positive effects of psychotropic drugs have been well-documented, there have also been studies revealed their adverse effects. A study conducted on the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer’s disease found that antipsychotics increased a person’s risk for developing diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and stroke, and even overall mortality. The most popular drug prescribed for Alzheimer’s is Aricept or Donezepil and has been linked to nausea, diarrhea, malaise, dizziness, and insomnia.

#5: Arthritis Drugs (NSAIDs)

It is so easy to be prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for pain, and even easier to purchase one from the pharmacy. What most people fail to realize is that NSAIDs are one of the leading causes of drug-related morbidity, especially in elderly and immunocompromised people. They have been directly linked to gastrointestinal problems, destroying the inner lining of the stomach and increasing the risk for ulceration and internal bleeding. Renal effects have also been linked to NSAID use, causing fluid and sodium retention and hypertension (and eventual cardiovascular problems). In worse case scenarios, people with severe kidney problems might even require dialysis. This seemingly innocuous drug is one of if not the most dangerous ones on this list.

#6: Diabetes Drugs (Actos, Avanida, Byetta, Metformin)

Another class of drugs to watch out for are those prescribed to manage high blood sugar, a characteristic symptom of diabetes. Liver damage has been linked to metformin use. In a study focusing on different ADRs, metformin-induced hepatitis was seen in a case of a person taking 500 milligrams of Metformin three times a day and insulin glargine. Liver damage can manifest as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and discoloration of the urine and stool. Further liver damage can cause uncontrollable bleeding and insufficient clearing of toxins from the blood.
 
#7: Chemotherapy (Tamoxifen)

The one category of drug on the list that is universally regarded as harmful to a person’s health is chemotherapeutic drugs. When people diagnosed with cancer are advised to undergo chemotherapy, they are prepped for the side effects they will undoubtedly experience along with it. Chemotherapeutic drugs are strong enough to kill rapidly proliferating cancer cells – however there is collateral damage: Healthy cells are also killed and it’s the oft-repeated hope with chemotherapy that it “kills the cancer and doesn’t kill you”. Weakness, hair loss, and appetite loss, are the mildest of these side effects, with more serious ones involving blood in the urine or stool, high-grade fever, severe pain over the chemotherapy infusion site, vomiting and diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.  Chemotherapy is known to kill a significant number of cancer patients.

Alternatives:

If you are interested in alternatives, check out our Giant List Of Herbal Remedies For 50+ Conditions.

This article is not medical advice.

Source: herbs-info.com/blog

20 Weird Uses And Benefits Of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a fantastic spice that not only imparts a magnificent aroma to a wide variety of foods, but it also considered to have all kinds of fantastic healing benefits. Furthermore, as you will soon see, there are all kinds of ingenious alternative uses of cinnamon.

There is, however, a serious fly in the ointment as far as cinnamon is concerned – much of the cinnamon consumed in the world nowadays is not real cinnamon (aka Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum), it is cassia! This is a potential problem because cassia (also known as cassia cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon, Chinese cinnamon or Cinnamomum aromaticum) contains much higher levels of coumarins, substances that have strong anticoagulant properties and may also be harmful to the liver when consumed in quantity. It has been advised to go easy on cassia as it may not be good for your health.

If you are buying cinnamon powder, it is very difficult to tell the difference between the two – however if you are buying cinnamon sticks, it is easy to tell the difference when you know what you are looking at. Be prepared to be seeing a lot of cassia, though. You’ll be amazed how much of the so-called cinnamon around is actually Cassia.

Here is how to tell the difference:
1) True cinnamon is a paler tan brown color (see our pic), as opposed to the more reddish rust-brown of cassia.
2) True cinnamon has a thin, paper-textured bark that forms multiple thin layers when rolled up. Cassia bark is much thicker, forming only a few layers.
3) True cinnamon is way more fragile, and much more easily crumbled – with the ends often appearing more broken up. Cassia is much tougher and more difficult to grind.
4) True cinnamon has a delicate, sweeter aroma, whereas cassia is more pungent and full bodied.
5) True cinnamon is up to 10x more expensive and harder to obtain.

Another part of the problem is that during the harvesting and drying process, the thicker cassia is more prone to mold and so is typically treated more heavily with pesticides!

If you are using cinnamon, especially for its health benefits, it is very important to get the real stuff. And now, you are in the know! To see some pictures that illustrate this nicely, follow this link to a google images search result for “cinnamon vs cassia”.

This little point of safety out of the way, w can move on to today’s discovery: We found a great article listing 20 Weird Uses and Health Benefits of Cinnamon.

Source: ecosalon.com

Liberty Land, Memphis TN,

Libertyland on East Parkway at Tiger Lane was declared a historical site by the Shelby County Historical Commission. Honoring the nation's Bicentennial, the Libertyland theme park opened near this spot on the Mid South Fair grounds on July 4th, 1976. History buffs reveled in Colonial Land, Frontier Land, and Turn of the Century Land, and children of all ages enjoyed live shows, games and the dozen plus "mild to wild" rides. The park's signature features were the Dentzel Grand Carousel and Zippin Pippin roller coaster, both over 50 years old at the time of opening and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other popular features were the Revolution coaster and the Old Hickory flume ride, the children's playground on Tom Sawyer's Island, the dolphin show and the Memphis Liberty Bell. Libertyland was more than just a park. It provided first time jobs for hundreds of teens and pleasant memories for millions of visitors. It closed in 2005.

 

 
 Liberty Land Ticket Entrance
 
The Copy Of The Liberty Bell 


The Historical Merry Go Round from the Fairgrounds 


Bell Tavern with the Zippen Pippen in the backgroung


Fairgrounds Park Plans 1926


Source: Shelby County Archives

Reasons You Should Try An Epsom Salt Bath

Ease stress:  When we are under stress our body is drained of magnesium and increases our levels of adrenaline. While some short-term stress is actually helpful to our body, long-term exposure can lead to a number of harmful conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, insomnia, blood sugar regulation problems etc. When Epsom salt is added to a warm bath, the body is ready re-supplied with magnesium. This helps with the production of serotonin, the mood-lifting chemical in the brain that promotes calmness and reduces anxiety. Bathing in Epsom salt at least three times a week will help reduce irritability as well.

Promote restful sleep: If you have a hard time sleeping, like millions of other people, an Epsom salt bath will help promote a restful night. Take a bath about 30 minutes before your bedtime and follow it up with a cup of chamomile tea to bring about relaxation. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bath for added relaxation.

Relieve inflammation and pain:  An Epsom salt bath can help not only relieve muscle tension but also reduce inflammation that causes pain. It is a useful way to reduce the pain from migraine headaches as well.

Detoxify:  We are exposed to over 21,000 toxins on a regular basis including medications, herbicides, pesticides and PCB’s.Over 80% of our food have genetically modified ingredients and more than 80,000 metric tons of carcinogens are released into the air each year in North America alone.  

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average US citizen has residues from over 400 toxic compounds in their body.Epsom salt contains sulfates that flush toxins and heavy metals from the body. What is even more staggering is that there are 82,000 chemicals in use today in the United States but only one-quarter of them have ever been tested for toxicity.

As mentioned, the skin is a highly porous membrane and when Epsom salt is added to a warm bath,  salt and toxins are pulled out by a process known as reverse osmosis. This also strengthens the immune system as it doesn’t have the burden of all of the toxins.

More benefits from taking an Epsom salt bath include:

1. Improved ability of the body to use insulin, reducing the chance of diabetes.
2. Improved heart health – preventing hardening of the arteries and reducing blood pressure.
3. Improved nerve function due to electrolyte regulation.
4. Improved oxygen use.
5. Better absorption of nutrients.

The best way to take an Epsom salt bath

Although you may like to have a bath in steaming hot water, a warm bath is best. Add two cups of Epsom salt (such as this Epsoak Epsom Salt) to your bath (standard size tub)  and soak for about fifteen minutes a few times a week for best results. If you tub is larger, use more salt.

If you don’t have time for a full bath, you can also make a shower paste. Simply add ¼ cup of organic olive oil and enough Epsom salt to make a paste. Use the scrub in the shower. Make a warm compress with Epsom salt to put on bruises or sore muscles.

More ways to use Epsom salt

• Foot soak – 1 cup Epsom salt to hot water and soak feet for twenty minutes.

• Hair mask –  Mix equal parts of your usual hair conditioner with epsom salt and leave on your hair for twenty minutes. Rinse with warm water.

• Sunburn or itchy skin relief – Dissolve 1 tablespoon Epsom salt in ½ cup water and let cool. Pour in small spray bottle and use when needed. You can also use this same mixture on bug bites or stings. It will reduce redness and inflammation.

• Remove splinters – Mix equal parts warm water and Epsom salt and soak for fifteen minutes to remove the splinter.

To explore more wonderful ways to use Epsom salt, read our popular article: 20 Mind-Blowing Reasons Why Epsom Salt Should Be In Every Home

If you want to look and feel your best, consider adding a bag or two of Epsom salt to your medicine cabinet.

Source: naturalliving.com