Propolis Boosts Wound Healing

The protective power of propolis instantly boosts wound healing capacities, boosts the immune system and delivers antioxidant, anti-viral, antibacterial properties due to its naturally-occurring bioflavonoid compounds. Propolis Anti-Inflammatory Action Boosts Wound Healing Effect of Propolis on Mast Cells in Wound HealingInflammopharmacology, 2011 Dec 17Wound healing is divided into three phases: inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling. Mast cells participate in all these phases.The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of propolis on the population of mast cells in oral surgical wounds in comparison to the results...

Ring in the New Year with Bitters (They're Good for You)

BY ACHS Instructor Scott Stuart, L.Ac., B.S., M.A.O.M.Did you know that the flavor of an herb has a specific action(s) on the energetic state of the body? Herbs have one or more flavors, each of which has a different action on the body. For example, there is a lot that can be said about the flavor “bitter”.In his book, The Male Herbal, James Green notes, “It is my opinion that the nearly complete lack of bitter flavored foods in the overall U.S. and Canadian diet is a major contributor to common cultural health imbalances such as PMS, other female and male sexual organ dysfunctions, hormonal imbalances, migraine headaches, indigestion, liver...

Natural Medicine Cabinet: How Healthy Eating Supports Brain Health

Did you know that the human brain shrinks and becomes less "nimble" in old age? Though not entirely avoidable, we may be able to slow the process, according to a new Oregon study. How? Healthy food!A study from Oregon Health Science University and Oregon State University has, "identified mixtures of nutrients that seem to protect the brain, and other food ingredients that may worsen brain shrinkage and cognitive decline," as reported in the December 28 Oregonian article"Some diets protect aging brains, others accelerate harm, Oregon study suggests."[1]Diets high in trans fats (in general, foods high in trans fats can include baked goods, chips,...

Herb Spotlight: Plai ( Zingiber cassumunar) may be a useful support for pain relief

BY Allen Akiu, ACHS Diploma in Aromatherapy StudentPharmaceutical companies have long sought a solution for the millions of Americans suffering from pain and inflammation, arthritis in particular. Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) inhibitors bought the needed relief for the masses with acute and chronic pain. Celebrex is the only remaining Cox-2 inhibiting drug available in the U.S. Vioxx and Bextra were pulled off the market by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for their high risks of stroke, heart attack, and to a lesser extent, gastrointestinal bleeding (from ulcers) [1]. Celebrex still carries the same but lower risks and is significantly weaker...

Royal Jelly Anti-Tumor Effect Studied

Royal Jelly posseses very important components. One in particular, the amazing 10H2DA, is currently being studied to stop cancer cells from growing, modulate Estrogen and treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The natural wonders of the beehive, known as Apitherapy, have real therapeutic value.Inhibition of Interferon-γ-Induced Nitric Oxide Production by 10-Hydroxy-Trans-2-Decenoic Acid Through Inhibition of Interferon Regulatory Factor-8 InductionCellular Immunology, 2011 Dec10-Hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid (10H2DA) is a major lipid component of royal jelly, a honey bee secretion used to nourish the queen bee and young larvae. In this...

Propolis Demonstrates Anti-Parasitic Capacity

Though Sandflies may not be a problem for some, one bite can induce Leishmaniasis, a potentially fatal disease, as stated in Wikipedia. Fortunately, researchers are exploring the anti-parasitic properties of Propolis, yet another of it's amazing qualities. Thanks to Apitherapy, these discoveries are essentiel for emerging nations lacking in medicinal or financial solutions.The Effect of Propolis on CCL5 and IFN-γ Expression by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Leishmaniasis PatientsJ Pharmacy Pharmacology, 2011 Nov 18Objectives Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is associated with a strong Th1 immune response to Leishmania, which modulates chemokines...

Propolis Exhibits Cytotoxic Effect on Cervical Tumor Cells

Propolis always thrives in protecting the mucuous linings of the body from bacteria, viruses, fungi, inflammation and even tumor cell growth...Chemical composition of the ethanolic propolis extracts and its effect on HeLa cells.Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2011, Jun 1ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It is widely used in traditional medicine and is reported to have a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects (antibacterial, antihepatoxic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, etc.). Thus the aim of this study was to assess cytotoxic effect of various ethanol...

Mexican Honeys Prove Antioxidant, Antibacterial Action

It's reassuring to see Mexican researchers contributing to the body of science confirming the antibacterial and antioxidant properties in honey. Nutritionally speaking, I've often found Mexican Honey to be very flavorful, aromatic and with lots of tropical notes.  Quality Parameters and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Some Mexican HoneysJ Food Science, 2011 Dec 2A total of 14 Mexican honeys were screened for quality parameters including color, moisture, proline, and acidity. Antioxidant properties of complete honey and its methanolic extracts were evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. In addition, the antimicrobial activity...

Seasonal Aromatherapy: How to Use Essential Oil of Juniper

Looking for that quintessential herbaceous winter smell without the aid of synthetic room sprays? Look no further! Essential oil of juniper (Juniper communis), distilled from the plant's berries, has a fresh, balsamic aroma reminiscent of holiday greens. Blend with oils like cedar, citrus, cypress, lavender, and pine for a natural, aromatic room spray.To prepare an aromatic room spray, first create your essential oil blend (also called an aroma concentrate). Then, add 10 drops of your blend to 10 ml of alcohol, Everclear, or vodka. Blend together in a bottle and shake. It's great for freshening potpourri, diffusing throughout your home, or using...

Honey Recommended by Dr Weil

Though it's a good thing Dr. Weil recommends eating honey, it's about time! Apparently someone hasn't seen the latest research. There's no question it's better than refined sugar and artificial sweeteners simply due to its rich mineral content. Besides it's nutritional value, the therapeutic factors are even greater... Is Honey Healthier than Sugar?Dr. Weil's Daily Tip, 2011, DecIf you are trying to reduce your intake of refined sugar, honey is one alternative. Honey has some health benefits over sugar, as it: Is sweeter than refined sugar, so you can use less.Contains trace enzymes; minerals, including calcium, magnesium and potassium;...

The Scoop on Plastic: 5 Surprise Things You Can Recycle

Most of us have a Recycling 101 education. We know to separate the paper from the glass and to check the bottom of containers for the recyclable triangle and its number. In general, the lower the number, the easier an item is to recycle (you should always check to see what can and can't be recycled in your area).But what about all those plastic items that don't come from kitchen consumption? Here are 5 plastic things you should recycle, but perhaps didn't know you could[1]:Glasses: Local organizations, like the Lions Club, collect glasses for people in need. Packaging: Some pack-and-ship stores accept donations of packing peanuts and bubble wrap.Telephones:...

Royal Jelly May Help Treat Menopausal Syndrome

Hormonal influences from Royal Jelly are consistently showing up in studies with women and men. And it's frequently found to provide regulatory action -- auto-pilot to the rescue with an apiphytotherapy blend. Effectiveness of a Herbal Formula in Women with Menopausal SyndromeForschKomplementmed (Research in Comp Med) 2011, Oct Background: Lady 4 is a combination of 4 natural components (evening primrose oil, damiana, ginseng, royal jelly) with a known history of traditional use for menopausal symptoms. Objective:To study efficacy and safety of Lady 4 in women suffering from menopausal syndrome. Methods:120 women with menopausal...

Propolis Extract May Prevent Prostate Cancer

The anti-inflammatory action of Propolis is incredibly effective. You'll find it improving respiratory ailments, stimulating immune systems and Propolis is incredible. You'll find it improving respiratory ailments, stimulating immune systems and eliminating viruses or fungi. It can be safely applied to any part of the body of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Best of all, it's truly a complementary addition to any protocol...  Effect of Turkish Propolis Extracts on Proteome of Prostate Cancer Cell LineProteome Science 2011, Published: 2011, 7-DecemberBackground:Propolis is a natural, resinous hive product that has several...

Exquisite Collection Of Bridal Sarees And Bridal Lehengas

Marriage is the most important occasion in a woman’s life, and lovely silk or bridal collection of sarees play an equally important role in that wondrous period. This is very true as far as Asian countries like India, Bangladesh and Srilanka are concerned.Traders and businessmen dealing in ethnic wedding sarees and bridal lehengas do good business in these parts. Nowadays, wedding attires like exclusively crafted Indian lehengas and kanjeevaram or silk sarees are sold all over the world! Such rapid progress is mainly possible due to use of latest technology and communicative methods like the Internet.Bridal sarees are a great rage among the higher...

MS Gets Stung by Bee Venom Therapy

There are numerous studies being conducted worldwide on Bee Venom Therapy (BVT) for its therapeutic effects, ranging from Alzheimer's Disease and Arthritis to Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. To better understand BVT,  it's best to contact an Apitherapy association. Visit www.apitherapy.com for a global listing.Multiple Sclerosis with Bee Venom Therapywww.altmeds.com, 2011, DecBee Venom therapy, sometimes called Bee Sting therapy, is a form of Apitherapy that may be a helpful treatment for those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.What is Multiple Sclerosis?Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is characterized by destruction...

ACHS President Dorene Petersen Interviews Aromatherapy Certificate Graduate Julie Hockley

Love aromatherapy? Wondering how best to use your aromatherapy training? Working one-on-one with clients can be very rewarding, but it's just one direction your career path can take. Have you considered opening a store, preparing products for farmer's markets, or integrating your aromatherapy training with a business or career you're already working at?Check out this video with American College President Dorene Petersen and Aromatherapy Certificate Graduate Julie Hockley -- Julie shares a lot of great information about how she plans to use her aromatherapy training to meet her goals (and the benefits of studying online!):Have questions for Dorene or Julie? Feel free to post them here! We look forward to reading your comments.You can learn more about the ACHS Certificate in Aromatherapy online...

Natural Seasonal and Cold Supports for Kids

Seasonal bugs can be a real bummer, especially for kids on winter break. You want to do something to help them, but what?Here are some great ideas from American College adjunct instructor Deborah Halvorson, BA, Dip Aroma, RA, which appeared in one of our earlier blog posts, "How to Support Your Kid's Health Naturally."1. For cold or flu with a fever, Deborah recommends a combination of lemon (Citrus limonum) and marjoram (Origanum marjorana) essential oils. Lemon may help reduce the fever, and marjoram traditionally has been used for respiratory infections and to help with sleep. To use these essential oils, blend 10 drops of lemon with...

Propolis and Cranberries Prevent Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Propolis proves its worth, once  again as an ideal complementary therapy against resistant strains of bacteria. With the restorative effectiveness of Propolis in the mucous linings of the body and coupled with Cranberry PACs, this study also reveals how Propolis enhances the effects of other treatment protocols.Propolis Can Potentialise the Anti-Adhesion Activity of proanthocyanidins on Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in the Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract InfectionsBMC Research Notes, 2011, Nov 29Background:Escherichia coli, the main bacteria found in recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), is now frequently...

An Herbal Approach to Winter Wellness

This time of year, there are a lot of germs on the loose. To support your immune system naturally, there are several herbs that are beneficial as part of your herbal medicine cabinet.In addition to their flavorful and nutritious contributions to daily meals, herbs like garlic, ginger, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme contain essential oils, which have some antibacterial and antiviral activity.For example, garlic (Allium sativum) can be a useful support for infections and colds, while parsely (Petroselinum crispum) can be a useful support for healthy digestion; it also can be used as an expectorant. Expectorant herbs help loosen chest congestion.Here...

Propolis Alleviates Oxidative Stress from Carcinogens

Possessing anti-tumor, anti-carcinogenic properties, Propolis can help humans, mammals and even aquatic animals! Wikipedia states, "...chromium is recognized as a human carcinogen... exposure known to occur among workers who handle chromate-containing products as well as those who perform welding, grinding or brazing on stainless steel"...Antioxidant Effect of Propolis Against Exposure to Chromium in Cyprinus carpioEnvironmental Toxicology, 2011 Nov 4The aim of the present study was to investigate the ameliorative properties of propolis against the toxic effects of chromium (VI) by examining oxidative damage markers such as lipid peroxidation...

Royal Jelly Possesses Skin-Whitening, Therapeutic Properties

perhaps a correlation between the naturally, occuring Pantothenic Acid in Royal Jelly and its affect on skin cell development... Royal Jelly Reduces Melanin Synthesis Through Down-Regulation of Tyrosinase ExpressionAm J ChinMed, 2011, Vol. 39, Issue 6For cosmetic reasons, the demand for effective and safe skin-whitening agents is high. Since the key enzyme in the melanin synthetic pathway is tyrosinase, many depigmenting agents in the treatment of hyperpigmentation act as tyrosinase inhibitors. In this study, we have investigated the hypo-pigmentary mechanism of royal jelly in a mouse melanocyte cell line, B16F1. Treatment of B16F1 cells with...

Indian Packaging Industry, An Overview

The success of the business sector is often hard-pressed upon the marketing sector but in actual there are many other sub-sectors or segments which combine well to enhance the commercial aspects of any business. One such important segment is the packaging aspect. Any product irrespective of its capacity has a shelf life and this shelf life depends heavily on the packaging capacities. Packaging is the process of enclosing products for the purpose of protection during storage, distribution, sale and use.Be it the food products’ segment or the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) industry, the packaging companies and sector supports a good range of...

A Synopsis of Ophthalmic Instruments

The branch of medicine accommodating the study of all the aspects of the eye is known as ophthalmology. Hence, an ophthalmologist is a professional specialized in surgical and medical eye problems. Like any other science, the scope and capacity of ophthalmology also corresponds to the capability of a number of instruments, clubbed as ophthalmic instruments.There are many commonly used ophthalmic instruments which many of us can relate to, and there are many not-so-common instruments as well which come into play rarely during complex eye based surgeries. A list of all such instruments is mentioned as below:SpectaclesContact lensesTonometersMany...

Simple Tips for Seasonal Flu Prevention

BY Melissa Toye, ACHS Student, Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative MedicineEvery year, thousands of Americans become ill from the virus caused by influenza. Influenza is a respiratory virus that can affect individuals in any age group; the very young and very old are most susceptible.Each year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the influenza vaccine for every American over six-months of age; however, this vaccine will only protect an individual from three strains of the flu, and many individuals do not feel comfortable with vaccinations. With more than 30 types of influenza in the environment, how can the public better protect themselves? Luckily, there are some things that can easily be done to help keep families healthy.1. Contain the SpreadAccording to...

ACHS Graduate Kristi Rimkus Launches iApp and eBook Series Cooking Light Done Right

“I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction when people tell me they've tried a recipe and they were pleasantly surprised that ‘healthy’ food could taste good,” says Kristi Rimkus, American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) graduate. “It's even more fun when they tell me how they improved my recipe to meet the tastes of their family. To me, this means they are finding the fun in cooking, and that's what will keep them cooking at home, instead of heading through the local drive through.”Rimkus, who graduated from the ACHS Certificate in Holistic Nutrition Consulting and Certificate in Wellness Consulting programs, recently launched an iApp...