Propolis contains up to 10% essential oils, more in quantity than most aromatic plants. This could explain why each time we smell propolis or air from the beehive, we experience a nice, relaxing sensation...
TherapeuticEffects of Propolis Essential Oil on Anxiety of Restraint-Stressed Mice
Propolishas a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, whether its essentialoils have neuroprotective effects is unknown.
In thisstudy, we found that propolis essential oil (PEO) could significantly reverse theanxiety-like behavior of restraint-stressed mice, and has no effect onlocomotor activity. Furthermore, PEO significantly decreased the plasma levelsof cortisol (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and malondialdehyde(MDA), whereas it increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) inrestraint-stressed mice.
Theseresults strongly suggest that PEO has therapeutic effects on anxiety throughantagonizing the hyperfunction of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis andimproving the ability of antioxidation in brain tissue.
Great news ... the October 4 article "Demand drives more hospitals to offer alternative therapies" from American Medical News reports that CAM (complementary alternative medicine) use in hospitals has tripled since 2000. As a result of patient demand, 42% of the 714 hospitals surveyed now offer some form of CAM therapy- including massage, meditation, and Reiki.
What about aromatherapy, (say, some lavender essential oil), shown to be effective with anxiety?[1] Hospital execs say they are making the change because the CAM therapies are "clinically effective" and to ensure patient satisfaction - so, be sure to ask your hospital for some aromatherapy while you wait for your procedure!
Have you asked your local hospital or primary care physician to offer more CAM alternatives? This is a fantastic opportunity to effect change in your community! Which CAM therapy would you most like to see your local hospital offer?
[1] Natural Standard. (2011 May). Aromatherapy for Anxiety. [Online exclusive]. Retrieved from http://naturalstandard.com/news/news201105016.asp
World AIDS Day is December 1 and this year’s theme is Universal Access and Human Rights. More than 25 million people have died from AIDS since its first discovery in 1981 and by the end of 2006, women accounted for 48% of all living adults with HIV. There are currently 2.1 million children that are living their lives with HIV.
HIV is not just a disease of the past and should not be forgotten. Each and every day there are approximately 6,000 young people worldwide between the ages of 15-24 being diagnosed with HIV. Sadly, for these people, every day is AIDS Day.
First and foremost, a holistic approach to AIDS education is needed to remove the stigma of shame that surrounds those who have contracted HIV. The body’s immune system becomes compromised from the disease. Then other diseases step in and ravage the body. Stress and worry can escalate the entire process.
Taking a holistic approach may improve quality of life. Providing access to holistic medical care, that includes diet education, relaxation and training in meditation techniques may also help to slow the advances of AIDS and support reduced stress and anxiety.
Universal access to education and support by respecting all human rights is holistic in its inception and principal. For those of us, who are working and interested in the holistic approach to our lives now is the time to educate ourselves, our clients, friends and family to the truths regarding AIDS. There is no known cure for AIDS and the number of new cases continues to rise.
Take the opportunity to educate yourself about AIDS Day and help support the year-round fight to stop the spread of HIV. There are many resources available on the web. To get started, you may want to check out the World AIDS Day website (http://www.worldaidsday.org) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website (http://nccam.nih.gov) for more information about current research into using CAM protocols with AIDS.
Reference: Ironson G, Hayward H. (2008). Do positive psychosocial factors predict disease progression in HIV-1? A review of the evidence. Psychosom Med, 70(5):546-54.
Hello and welcome again Today we will speak about anxiety. Anxiety disorders are a category of neurotic disorders with anxiety as a prominent or the prominent symptom...
Classification of anxiety
1. Phobic anxiety disorder: Agoraphobia (with or without panic disorder) Social phobias Specific (isolated) phobias
2. Other anxiety disorders include: Panic disorder Generalised anxiety disorder Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder
3. Obsessive compulsive disorder: But exactly what do you feel with Anxiety? You will feel fearfulness and unwanted and distressing physical symptoms. It is a normal and appropriate response to stress ( have you ever been in immediate danger? the normal response is a rapid heart beat, sweating, pupil dilation, etc ) but becomes pathological when it is disproportionate to the severity of the stress, continues after the stressor has gone, or occurs in the absence of any external stressor. Most of anxiety nowadays is very chronic and is pathological.
What to do?
Get a friend! Talk it out! If that doesn't work, you will need professional support... pills? Maybe, counseling? ALWAYS! You need to get into counseling but do not ever think that it will be up to your psychologist or LCSW to make you better. You are the only one that can get better. Acupuncture and massage are great too. Do not forget the power of meditation and deep breathing! Pills for this condition are several and one piece of advise: STAY AWAY from benzodiazepines such as ativan and xanax. They are addictive if taken for prolonged time. Some antidepressants do have anti anxiety properties ( so don't be shocked if your doctor asks you to take one of these pills ), these are way safer than "benzos". A more healthy alternative for anxiety is a medication that is not addictive called BUSPAR. Ok, time to leave... do take care!
Alternative Medicine Herbs for Anxiety
Consider the following options:
1. Start Kava. One of the best Kava is the one sold online by http://www.konakava.com/. Their 83% concentrated capsule delivers thae maximum allowed amount of Kava a day. Take 2 caps a day.
2. Bach Flowers: These are on the homeopathic realm. They need to be away from electric appliances and radiation. There is a list with well over 20 Bach Flower remedies that are case specific for the multiple types of anxiety people have.
These sites should give you the names of the bach flower herbs you need. USe 4 drops below the tongue 3 to 4 times a day of all the ones that apply to you. If you don't wish to go through all the " figuring out", do Rescue Remedy: 4 drops either sublingually or in ½ cup water. Three times a day.
3. Valerian caps at night to sleep or Valerian tea. You might also consider chamomille instead of coffee.
4. Limit coffee, tea, and sodas before sleep.
5. Get the TV out of the room.
6. 5-HTP and GABA supplements if you are not taking an antidepressant.
If you want you can take a look at this video which is a part of a series of informative videos I got from Expert Village of what anxiety is, and how to cope with it.
