I came upon this article while searching for some good pain relief remedies for a friend with CTS.

This article takes a look at natural cures for carpal tunnel syndrome - using vitamins, herbs, and other nutritional supplements to help alleviate the numbness in hand and fingers.


Natural Cures For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Natural Cures For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
By Hazel Ketko

Carpal tunnel is a very small, narrow opening just below the base of the wrist, between the arm and the hand. It allows a main nerve (the median nerve) to pass from the bones and the muscles of the forearm to the palm, the thumb, and the fingers. Since it is bound by bones and ligaments, the carpal tunnel protects the median nerve and nine tendons that bend the fingers.

Because the opening of the tunnel is very small, it is vulnerable to pressure and swelling. Pressure placed on the nerve causes pain and numbness in the fingers, resulting in "carpal tunnel syndrome" (CTS).

CTS afflicts people who use their hands in a repetitive motion - musicians, writers, assembly-line workers, etc. In the last decade or so, many people who use computers have CTS. It is estimated that about 10 percent of people who work at computers suffer from this syndrome.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The cause of CTS is pressure on the median nerve. Anything that reduces the small space in the tunnel can cause pressure on the nerve. Some common causes are:

• Repetitive Use or Injury



• Hormonal Changes



• Arthritis

CTS typically starts gradually with a mild tingling and vague aching in your wrist that can extend to your hand or forearm. The tingling and painful feeling is usually worse in the morning or the evening. Other common symptoms include:

• Numbness in the thumb and the first three fingers.



• Weakness of the thumb and the first three fingers and a tendency to drop things.



• Pain may radiate and extend from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm or fingers.



• Inability to make a fist.

Natural carpal tunnel cures can help to relieve the pain resulting from CTS. Natural remedies such as herbs, aromatherapy, and nutritional supplements can be used to:

• Alleviate or remove the source of pain if possible



• Improve circulation



• Reduce swelling

Some vitamins and minerals that are effective natural carpal tunnel cures include Vitamin B6; Bromelain; Calcium and Magnesium.

Essential oils that are anti-inflammatory and can be used to massage the affected areas to reduce pain and inflammation. Try the following recipe for CTS:

• 10 drops of Lavender



• 10 drops of Eucalyptus



• 10 drops of Marjoram

Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The best way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is to prevent it from happening! If you use your wrist and fingers a lot, take the following precautions:

Exercise your wrists

Try the following exercise:

• Shake out your wrists gently for about 10 seconds.



• Rotate your wrists gently - 5 times clockwise, 5 times counter-clockwise.



• Hold your arm straight in front of you, palm facing outward. Use the other hand to gently pull back your fingertips. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat with the other arm.

Take Frequent Breaks

Give your hands and wrists frequent breaks. Alternate tasks when possible. If you use equipment that vibrates or that requires you to exert a great amount of force, taking breaks is even more important.

Use a Wrist Rest

If you work on a computer, maintaining a good posture and using a wrist rest can reduce the risk of developing CTS.

Keep Warm

Try to keep your work environment warm and dry as cool and humid conditions tend to cause hand pain and stiffness to develop.

For more detailed information about using natural cures for carpal tunnel syndrome, visit Natural Carpal Tunnel Cures.

Learn more about how to use herbs and other natural remedies for your health: Natural Health Remedies 4U.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hazel_Ketko
http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Cures-For-Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome&id=2519331

The Value of Detoxifying Your Body: Ridding Your Body of Toxins
With hazardous chemicals being found in everything from children's toys to food at the grocery store, it seems nothing we interact with is healthy anymore.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/697609/the_value_of_detoxifying_your_body.html

For those of you who are not familiar with the terms Tincture, Infusion, Compress, or Poultice I'm posting a very basic explanation of each term and what you do to make them.

I can not give exact amounts or times as it will depend on the tincture your making, what ingredients your using (herbs), and how strong you need it.

These are just basic little outlines to give you an idea of how to create each one of these herbal Remedy Methods.

Tinctures

Tinctures are a liquid extract of an herb prepared by steeping the herb in an alcohol. Usually vodka and most always 100 proof although some use 80 proof. The brand of vodka really doesn't matter, the proof does. You will be drinking this though so you may want to go with a step up from cheapest brand.


Typically you would use between 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup dried or fresh herbs in a sterile glass jar with an air tight lid.

You would then cover the herbs with 100 proof vodka.

Be sure to leave a little room in the jar for shaking as you shake most tincture daily to stir up the ingredients.

You then let your tincture set for a specified amount of time. The time frame can be very short (around two weeks) or very long (6 weeks for some). It depends on the strength of the tincture you making. The stronger you want or need it, the longer you let it set. It is not always a good idea to make your tinctures set for the strongest strength. You could accidentally 'overdose' yourself on the herb.

Doses are very important. Try starting out with the lowest dose possible, evaluate the results, and adjust accordingly. A few drops daily is average. I strongly recommend you search out typical doses for the tincture you making.

Tincture can usually be stored for varied amounts of time. Usually 6 months to 1 year. Seek out proper storage information for your tinctures.


Infusions:

An infusion is steeping or soaking herbs in liquid, usually water or oil, to extract the herbs health properties. Tea is an infusion.

Infusions are much quicker than tinctures but not near as concentrated, or strong. Since infusions are made using water or oil they are also easier to take for some people, especially older children obviously.

Typically you use 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh herb and cover with 1 cup boiling water. You adjust those measurements based on how much of an infusion you will need and how strong you need it to be.

You will let the herb steep for usually 10-15 minutes, then strain, and drink.

Typically dose are usually drinking 1 cup 3 times a day.

Search out typical doses for the specific infusion you are making.

It is best to make an infusion as you need it.


Compress:

A compress is usually used to treat external wounds, or bruises. You make a compress much the same way you make an infusion except you don't drink the infusion. Instead you soak a cloth in the infusion and apply the compress you the affected area. Repeating as often as necessary.


Poultice:

A poultice is a pack of dried or fresh herbs, enclosed in a muslin cloth, cheese cloth, or wrapped in a thick linen. The poultice is then warmed by soaking it in boiling water and applying it to the affected area of the body like a compress.

Ease an Upset Stomach and Vomiting: At-Home Care Dos and Don'ts
While its true that juice and tea are great for an upset stomach, orange juice is not, contrary to what most people believe. In fact, drinking orange juice while your stomach is upset may be the cause of your sudden attack of vomiting.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/697557/ease_an_upset_stomach_and_vomiting.html

Static free, Fresh - Clean Scent, Quick and Easy, Cheaper, and No Chemicals!

Take a muslin bag or cheese cloth.
Fill full with lavender buds. Dry or fresh.
Sew or tie shut. (If you tie it shut, tie it well!)
Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil directly to the bag.
Place the bag into the dryer with your load of clothes and that's it!

Bag will last for about 4-6 dryer cycles.
After that, sprinkle on your carpet and vacuum up.

(They actually sell these at Trader Joe's grocery store for about $10, I think, for 2 bags. You can buy muslin bags for about 20 cents each and lavender is about $2-3 per 1/4 pound. That is what www.herbco.com charges me. Plus shipping of course. My point, you can really make a LOT of these bags for the cost of 2 bags from Trader Joe's.)

Recipes for Natural Cleaning products.

Replace those chemicals!


Window & glass cleaner
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol


Bleach Alternative:
1/4 cup Lemon Juice
12 drops Lavender essential oil
1/4 cup Baking soda
1/4 cup vinegar

Put ingredients into a large jug, and shake well.
Next time you wash a load of white use this in place of the bleach.


Floor Cleaner:
1/8 cup liquid castile soap
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water
5-10 drops tea tree oil or lavender oil


Furniture Polish:
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice

Place on a rag and rub down furniture. Use a clean rag to polish.


Non-abrasive degreaser:
Warm water
baking soda
drops of orange essential oil

Soft Scrub:
Use this for tubs, showers, and toilet bowls
1/2 cup baking soda
castile soap (Enough to make a "Soft but thick" consistency)
5-10 drops peppermint essential oil

All Purpose Cleaner:
1/3 cup Salt
1 cup Vinegar
1 cup Warm Water
1/2 Baking Soda

Put into a spray bottle.




* Castile Soap is an all natural soap made of oil olive or vegetable oil rather than animal fats and chemicals. You can buy castile soap in flakes or liquid form, check online or (maybe!) a local health store might have it.

Please do not use any herbal remedies if you are currently taking anti-depressants or any other medications without first talking to your doctor. Herbal remedies are generally considered safe however, when paired with prescription drugs, can have negative interactions.

Fibromyalgia affects the muscles and soft tissue. Fibromyalgia patients usually suffer from chronic pain in the muscles, fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points in parts of the body.

In order to effectively treat all symptoms of Fibromyalgia you would need multiple remedies. Here are just a few remedies you could try to help reduce suffering for some of the worst symptoms of Fibromyalgia.


Chronic Pain:

St. John's Wort has Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory,and anti-depressant properties making it ideal for nerves, pain relief, and of course depression symptoms. St. John's Wort can be taken in capsule form, liquid extract, infusion, or tincture form. You can purchase all of these either online or at a health store.

To make a tincture of St. John's Wort:

You will need a large jar with an air tight lid - canning jars work great.

Fill the jar with 1/4 fresh or dried St. John's Wort.
Cover with 100 proof vodka to the top.
Leave a little room in the jar because you will need to shake this.
Screw on your air tight lid and keep in a cool dry place for about 2 weeks. Shake you tincture well every day.
After two weeks, strain out the herb and reserve the liquid into a new sterile jar with an air tight lid.

The dose is usually about 1 drop 3 times a day.

To make an infusion of St. John's Wort:

Place 1-2 teaspoons of dried or fresh herb into a large mug. Cover with 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink 1 cup of infusion 3 times a day.


Fatigue:

Drink a lot of water and get plenty of exercise to stimulate circulation and blood pressure.

Try making sage wine for an energy boost. Recipe found here.

You can try drinking teas with ginseng.

You can also buy ginseng capsules for a daily energy supplement. Start with a low dose as too much ginseng can cause insomnia.


Trouble Sleeping:

There are so many herbs for help Sleeping. Some of the most common ones are:

Skullcap
Valerian root
Chamomile
Hops
Lavender
Passion Flower

You can find all of these in capsule form, liquid extract form, tea form, or make your own tinctures & infusions. You can also try sleep pillows, or dream pillows. Read this post for easy to follow instructions.


Painful joints/Parts of the Body:

Turmeric capsules can be taken daily to eliminate pain and inflammation.

Make a Turmeric compress for pain in certain areas of the body:

In a bowl combine 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of ginger juice. Add 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes; dip a cloth into mixture and apply to affected area for 10 minutes. Repeat as necessary.

You can also try a camphor bath. Instructions available here.

You may try a Homemade Calendula Salve, recipe here , for on the go relief from pain. Rub the salve on the painful areas and relief should follow shortly. You can reapply this often if needed.

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent

Hawthorn Berry is know as "The Heart Herb". It strengthens tissue and eliminates inflammation making it great for the heart and vascular system. Hawthorn also aids in increasing circulation having a positive effect on blood pressure.

Taking Hawthorn Berry Extract everyday can help lower blood pressure.

Hawthorn can be taken in a few different ways:

Tea - Purchase Hawthorn Berry Tea and prepare according to tea box directions. This is the least expensive option but arguably the least effective too.

Liquid Extract - Hawthorn Berry Liquid Extract can be purchase at your local health store or online at vitamin & supplement stores. Typical dosage in 1-2 drops mixed a glass of water 3 times a day. This is the most expensive option for taking Hawthorn. You will pay around $8-$10 for a 1 ounce bottle of liquid extract but this should last a while since you take only a few drops a day.

Capsules - The easiest option unless you have a hard time swallowing pills. Hawthorn capsules can be found locally in stores like walmart for around $5 for 100 capsules. A typical dose is usually 1 capsule taken between 2 - 5 times daily. 100 capsules will usually last you anywhere from 20 - 50 days depending on your exact dose.

Warning:
Do not take Hawthorn if your pregnant, nursing, dizziness occurs, have colitis, or ulcers. If you are taking heart medications or have a known heart condition consult your doctor before taking Hawthorn Berry.

This is a great remedy for those of you who may have a hard time falling or staying asleep.

A Sleep Pillow can contain any herb that has a scent you find relaxing. They are quick and easy to make and you can give them out to friends & family or tuck into gift baskets.



Video credit to Nili Nathan of Expert Village. http://www.youtube.com/user/expertvillage

The herb Eyebright has astringent and antibacterial properties to drawl out infections such as pink eye and soothe eyes.

Make an infusion:
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried eyebright herb.
Steep for 10 minutes; Stain and allow to cool.

Now you can use this infusion in a few different ways.

You can use as an eyewash 3-4 times a day.

You can also use as a warm compress. Take a soft cloth and dip into infusion while still warm, gently ring out cloth and apply to eyes. Repeat as cloth cools. You may need to reheat your infusion. Leave the compress on the eyes for at least 10 minutes.

You can also purchase eyebright tincture already made from a herbal shop. Put three drops of eyebright tincture in a tablespoon of boiled water. When cool, use as an eyewash.

Wash your hand REALLY good after handling your eyes to stop the spread of pink eye.

This a very simple, quick, and easy to follow home remedy for cough syrup. All you need is ginger root and pure honey.

I would like to note that you can not use this remedy on infants. Pure honey contains bacterial spores that are harmless to older children and adults but can cause infant botulism in small children. Never give children snacks or remedies containing pure honey.









Credit for this is goes to LivingbyDesign1 http://www.youtube.com/user/LivingbyDesign1

Please visit her Youtube page for more great, easy to follow home remedy videos.

Well, as much I like this old fashioned journal template, it is time for a change. I'll be testing out new themes for about an hour. Just in case you happen upon the blog while it is being edited I apologize and hopefully everything will be in order later today.

Comments on the new layout and theme will be greatly appreciated.

I wanted to share this article with you guys...


Household Uses for Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices can serve many purposes around the house besides cooking and remedies. They can be great for natural cleaning solutions, warding off summer time bugs, freshen linens, give your home a fresh clean scent with chemical air fresheners, and in many other ways.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/632591/household_uses_for_herbs_and_spices.html

Drop a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a small square of cloth.
Hang from rear view mirror or place near heating/AC vents in car.
The scent will fill the car and help you feel refreshed while driving for a long time.

To refresh the scent just add a few more drops when needed.


This is also helpful to remove "stale air" smells in cars.
Use a citrus oil, like bergamot, to clean the air.

Anise settles an upset stomach and relieves gas

Anise Tea recipe: Colic remedy

1. Crush or Crack 1 teaspoon Anise seeds, to release essential oil
2. Pour 1 cup boiling water over Anise seeds.
3. Steep for 10 minutes; Stain.
4. Dilute for infants, Add 1 cup of cool water to tea mixture.
5. Let tea set until luke warm, pour a few ounces into baby bottle, give when colic symptoms start.


*Note:
Talk with your obstetrician before giving any herbal remedy to infants & children.

Herbal remedy recipe:
1. Fill a bathtub with hot water.
2. In a small bowl, mix 3 drops chamomile essential oil, 3 drops lavender essential oil, and 3 drops of rosemary essential oil with 4 Tablespoons of honey.
3. Add to bathwater once the tub is full. Use your hands to mix the honey in well.
4. Soak in the bath for 20 minutes and breath the scent in deeply.

Some believe drinking this juice blend may protect against cancer

herbal recipe: (requires a juicer)
1. Juice 3 carrots, 1/2 apple, & handful of broccoli florets.
2. Drink within 2 minutes! Enzymes are lost after 2 minutes.

Soothe and treat diaper rash with this skin healing ointment thats gentle on baby's skin.

You will need:
1 ounce beeswax
3/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Cup dried Calendula flowers
1/4 Cup dried Chamomile flowers
2 drop pure essential lavender oil
A piece of muslin cloth or a strainer

Homemade herbal diaper rash ointment Recipe:

1. Infuse (soak) the Calendula flowers & Chamomile flowers in 3/4 cup olive oil for 14 days.
2. Strain the oil very well into a container.
3. Add 1 ounce of beeswax & 2 drops lavender pure essential oil to the oil mixture and mix well.
4. Once mixed you can divide the salve into a small jar with a lid.

Directions:

* Apply a thin layer to baby's bottom every time you change his/her diaper.

Combat fatigue

Herbal remedy recipe:
1. In 1 quart of red wine, place 4 ounces of sage leaves.
2. Let sit for 1 week in room temperature.
3. Strain; Take 2 tablespoons daily after a meal.

The essential oil in peppermint may calm many stomach problems. Peppermint stimulates the gallbladder, relieves gas, aids in digestion, and has antispasmodic properties which soothes & calms sore cramping muscles.

If you suffer from IBS talk to your doctor about taking small doses of peppermint each day to ease IBS symptoms.

8 quick & easy ways to add peppermint to your diet:

1. Drink peppermint tea.
2. Add fresh peppermint leaves to a glass of iced tea.
3. Add flavor by laying a couple fresh leaves on top of a cut of meat while baking.
3. Try making peppermint sauce to pour over ice cream for a dessert.
4. Finely mince fresh peppermint leaves and add to your favorite brownies recipe, fudge recipe, chocolate cookies, chocolate candies...the possibilities are endless!
5. Try cutting a leaf of peppermint in half and stirring it into a cup of hot cocoa.
6. Add a drop of peppermint extract to a pitcher of eggnog.
7. Make a batch of mashed potatoes. Add a 1/4 teaspoon finely minced fresh peppermint leaves. Also add sour cream, butter, salt & pepper, all to taste. This side dish goes great with a roast or steaks.
8. Add a unique twist to box mac n' cheese by sprinkling a pinch or two of minced peppermint into the finish pasta and stir well. Some of these are not the healthiest ways to add peppermint to your diet but, they are the ones that popped into my head while writing this. Who doesn't love peppermint with chocolate and other desserts? You can really add peppermint to almost anything or any recipe so just experiment, a little at a time, to find out how much you like & what you like it in.

Caution:

* Use peppermint oil in very small doses.
* Peppermint oil is toxic in high doses.
* Pure menthol is poison, never take pure menthol internally.
* Dilute peppermint tea when giving to children and never give peppermint to a baby.