Why You Should Know About How To Get Rid Of Cold Sores

June 13, 2010 by  
Filed under Skin Care

One of the most common skin problems for some people is cold sores. For those that have frequent break outs, the first signs of getting a cold sore will have them running for some kind of relief. The burning, itching and tingling of the skin around the mouth and nose is just the beginning of potential weeks of wanting to hide from the rest of the world. To learn how to get rid of cold sores, those people have talked to doctors and done their research.

The typical cold sore, not to be confused with canker sores, is caused by a virus in the body known as herpes simplex. When the virus enters the body, usually from being in contact with others with the virus, it will stay in the body, never to be cured. Herpes simplex virus is very contagious and can be spread by touching the sores when they are present.

Cold sores often look like a pimple, except they last a little longer and become a cluster of sores because they tend to spread in the area. When they are touched by hands that are not sanitized, it can spread the virus to other parts of the face or to other people.

After the cold sore appears, it takes caution to keep from spreading the virus and help to heal the sore quickly. Without taking precaution, the sore can often last for a couple of weeks, getting very sore and developing scabs before it finally heals. To help heal the sore quickly, it is suggested that antibacterial soap is used in combination with a hot towel.

Another way of helping the sore to heal is by using some type of germ killing petroleum jelly. There are over the counter medications that can help speed the healing time and help kill any excess bacteria. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying medication to the cold sore. Not doing so will spread the germs and cause even more break outs.

If you are in need of assistance to control the break outs, be sure to consult your doctor or do a little research on line.

We can help discover how to get rid of cold sores by using the most effective and safe treatments online. Read our various products review and discover which one is best for you. Start here and read our Herpaflor review, one of our most recommended treatment against cold sores

Medical Researchers Looking At Sandalwood

January 7, 2010 by  
Filed under Skin Care

Overview

Sandalwood has been praised for centuries for its medicinal properties and ceremonial significance, as well as for its yellowish heartwood (middle of the tree). Taxonomically included in the Santalaceae family and the genus Santalum, this semiparasitic plant (partially use nutrients from other plants; sandalwood seedlings must first become attached to the roots of other plants) is distributed throughout southeastern Asia and the islands of the South Pacific. The most notable members of this group are Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) and Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum). Other plant species are sometimes substituted for sandalwoods, such as red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus in the pea family) but are not of the true genus and are of inferior quality. An authentic sandalwood tree grows to a height of about 10 meters (33 feet) and has leathery leaves in pairs, each opposite the other on the branch. Both tree and roots contain yellow aromatic oil; the scent of sandalwood oil persists in the wood for years and used for ornamental boxes and statues. The extracted essential oil is highly prized in Southeast Asia, Saudi Arabia and now the United States.

True sandalwood contains aromatic heartwood (middle) and roots which when harvested are used for furniture items as well as distilled for its highly prized essential oil. Plantations have been set aside in both India and Australia to meet growing demand for Santalum essential oil. Sandalwood harvesting and manufacturing of incense sticks, furniture and essential oil provides great employment for many in India, especially in southern India. The value of sandalwood in India cannot be overstated. Besides its ceremonial significance, sandalwood is used extensively in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. The harvest and processing of sandalwood is strictly regulated and private ownership of the trees is not permitted. Since 1792 trees have been considered of Indian royalty and thus well guarded and protected. These valued trees take decades to develop their rich aromatic wood and are not considered commercially viable until at least forty years of age, but trees have been harvested at thirty to meet rising requests for its processed products.

Much of the valuable wood is found in the roots of sandalwood and thus harvested by uprooting the entire tree versus cutting it at the trunk. In the last few years alone, the price of sandalwood has skyrocketed, mainly due to rising demand and limited supply. Increased demand has mainly come from the perfume and aromatherapy industry. Sandalwood essential oil and paste is used in Indian and Chinese medicine and of course aromatherapy botanical medicine. The perfume industry covets this oil for its ability to blend well with other perfume oils; hence, it is used extensively in hundreds of cosmetic products.

Over the centuries, the use of sandalwood and its products have been an integral part of several religious cultures. It scent, either as an essential oil or ground as incense, is thought to bring one closer to the Divine. Hindus burn incense made from sandalwood oil in burial pyres and at funerals. It’s also used in temples to remind people of the heavenly realms. Yogis in India use the oil to anoint each other during ceremonies and before meditation as well deity statues often made of sandalwood itself.

Sandalwood Used to Fight Anti-microbial Bacteria

In late December of 2009 a length article by the Associated Press entitled “Pressure Rises to Stop Antibiotics in Agriculture” reported on rapidly emerging bacteria that are resistant to current antibiotics from supposed misuse of antibiotics in the agriculture industry. It was all over the internet in a matter of days. The article provides quotes from professors, researchers as well as government agencies all expressing deep concern and even alarm at the rate of microbial resistance to standard treatment. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) web page includes recent studies regarding antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA) (both of which cause great harm to humans and animals alike) linked to heavy uses in food agriculture. This scientifically sound web site also provided a press conference statement (way back in 2001) by Margaret Mellon, Ph.D., director of UCS Food and Environment Program stating that 70% of total antibiotic production is devoted to non-therapeutic uses in the cattle, swine and poultry industry. It seems plausible that over the last nine years since this press release, microbes have developed an armor of resistance to antibiotic treatments.

Concern for antibiotic-resistant microbes is worldwide. A need to find alternatives to conventional antibiotic treatment is rising. Essential oils have been gaining attention by research scientists for their antimicrobial properties. A collaborative study of researchers in Austria and Germany (Flavor and Fragrance Journal 2006 May/Jun; 21(3): 465-468) found that santalols of sandalwood (the main chemical components of sandalwood) in medium and/or high concentrations showed significant antimicrobial potential against the yeast Candida albicans, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Additional Applications

The Australian and Indian Santalum species, found to be similar in chemical composition, are known by aromatherapists to have such therapeutic properties as anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic (reduces fever), antiseptic (as mentioned above), antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms), astringent, carminative (relieves flatulence), demulcent (reduces irritation), diuretic (soft and soothing to skin), emollient, expectorant, as a sedative and general tonic. Their principle chemical constituents are alpha-santalol and beta-santalol. According to a study conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and South Dakota University (Anticancer Research 2007 Jul-Aug; 27(4B): 2185-8) application of the chemical compound alpha-santalol prevents UVB-induced skin tumor development in mice. Sandalwood is also thought to help alleviate the symptoms of depression as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center (www.umm.edu).

Conclusion

The value of sandalwood in some cultures goes back centuries – from burning the fragrant incense in temples to using the oil in sacred ceremonies. In the commerce of today, sandalwood is highly prized by the perfume industry as well as those in aromatherapy. Recent science studies indicate that sandalwood and its principle component alpha-santalol have antiseptic as well antitumor capabilities. With the growing concern of antibiotic-resistant bacteria of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida in both hospital and public environments, serious investigation into the possible uses to of alternative therapies is well underway. Consideration of essential oils, and in this case Santalum album and Santalum spicatum are prime candidates for meeting modern medical needs.

The author believes flower essences are an excellent companion to essential oils. Learn more about flower essences, essential oils and botanical medicine online.

Genital Wart Remover – Its Time To Remove Those Embarrassing Warts

December 13, 2009 by  
Filed under Skin Care

I know you don’t want to spread your warts around, who does? So why not just get them removed? It can be done painlessly and naturally, with no chemicals involved. Right now, without treatment, all those warts are doing is growing deeper, and eventually will have to be removed with surgery. However, all hope is not loss, as there are natural genital wart removers that can get rid of them in no time flat.

Genital warts are very easily passed on to someone else, which is natural for warts., as they are classified as a virus. And just like all warts, they will grow deeper, and root themselves in you, making it harder for removal.They will also continue to spread around your genital area, and even beyond. That would be pretty embarrassing don’t you think?

Yes it can be embarrassing to talk to your doctors or anyone else for that matter about having HPV, especially down there. However, you do not have to go to a doctor to talk about it, or even get them removed, all you need to know is how to do it in the comfort of your own home.

You may not be a where of the simple natural ways to remove these painful things, besides what your doctor might mention, such as surgery, nitrogen removal, even laser surgery. All of which is quite painful indeed.

The natural way does not involve self surgery, or duct tape, or any other crazy wives tale remedy. It is all natural, less painful, and away from the embarrasment of prying eyes.

Do you want a life without genital warts? You can have complete freedom from warts, and eliminate the fear and embarrassment for good. Its time to try some home remedies for genital wart removal that have been medically, and scientifically proven. Get your step by step guide at this site right now http://www.howtoremovewartsandtags.info