Women Health Care Experience » Beneficial Effects

The Mayo Clinic is using Tramadol before and after surgery

admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 17:06:13 +0000

Confidence is a strange creature. It lives somewhere deep in the woods of all our fears and insecurities, and only emerges when we are absolutely certain everything is going to be alright. So, when it comes to the idea of surgery, where some surgeon is going to be standing over us with his or her arms inside our bodies with a saw, most of us prefer total unconsciousness from well before the operation until well after it. No-one in the West would accept the practice of acupuncture where, with a few needles sticking in our head and left big toe, we are able to chat with the surgeon about the latest episode of “Lost”. General anesthetic is the desired norm. For some reason, our culture prefers to protect the mind from all conscious knowledge of what is going on during the procedure and from the pain caused by the surgery. The latter is usually produced by the intravenous administration of one of the strongest painkillers. The problem with this approach is that the combination of general anesthesia with intravenous drugs is most likely to produce nausea and vomiting. If the use of painkillers goes on for any length of time, it also causes the bowels to slow down and grow uncomfortable.

For the last ten years, the Mayo Clinic has been pioneering a different approach for hip or knee replacement surgery. Rather than simply knocking people out, surgeons now start by administering painkillers for a day or more before the operation. Using pills to build up the concentration of painkiller in the blood stream before the operation has two beneficial effects: patients feel less pain during the surgery and have none of the side effects associated with intravenous administration after surgery. Secondly, the patients are given sedatives before the operation. This calms the mind and reduces the need for a general anesthetic. Indeed, most surgery is now performed either using a nerve block which numbs the immediate area around the hip or knee joint, or regional anesthetic which only affects the lower half of the body. The majority of patients report less pain following localized anesthetic and only require the use of milder painkillers like tramadol during the recovery phase. People are also able to regain mobility more quickly, getting out of bed one or two days earlier than following a general anesthetic. This approach also expands the number of people able to undergo surgery. Many people who are either overweight or older are refused general anesthetic because their breathing or heart action is weak.

In some senses, this is dramatic news. Instead of that awful feeling of disorientation and nausea following a general anesthetic, people are recovering faster and going into physical therapy earlier to get their limbs moving again. This is a significant improvement. Indeed, just consider the difference in the choice of painkillers. Under the old protocol, the strongest painkillers would be administered intravenously. Today, people are going through the whole procedure and only buy tramadol. This is not to deny the use of the stronger opiate drugs. But it gives patients a choice and avoids any potential problems with dependence. Whether this new approach will roll out across the whole of the hospital service is speculative. People can be talked into this because they have greater confidence in the Mayo Clinic. Whether their confidence will be so high in a local hospital is more difficult to predict. All we can say is that fear of pain is a big motivator.

Black Cohash and Weight Loss

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:37:51 +0000

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause and PMS can seriously interfere with weight loss efforts. As a personal trainer, I have heard several stories where clients raided the refrigerator during PMS, only to regret it the next day. For a women, certain times can make or break weight loss targets. The solution may exist in a natural herb called ‘black cohash’. This herb has been known for centuries as a powerful natural medicine. The word ‘black’ is derived from the colour of the root, and ‘cohosh’ means ‘rough’. The root contains a rich and powerful array of natural chemicals, some as effective as the most modern pharmaceuticals.

So what does it do? What makes it so effective for women trying to lose weight? There are several ways that this herb helps women deal with the symptoms of hormonal change. Black cohash is especially beneficial for women as it has been known to reduce menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. Some claim that it helps ease menstrual pain and other difficulties, such as premenstrual syndrome.

These beneficial effects enable the user to focus more on weight loss, and minimizes the tendency to cheat or lose track. The user is more relaxed, mentally focussed and pain-free. The herb has been shown to be very effective in assisting weight loss in this indirect manner, in certain women. The effects will vary from one person to another, but tend to be more pronounced in women with marked hormonal fluctuations.

It works as to reduce inflammation and muscle pain. Since it helps relieve muscle spasms, it can alleviate menstrual cramps by increasing blood flow to the uterus and reducing the intensity of uterine contractions. Theoretically, the increase in blood flow to various muscles in the body ccould increase oxygen delivery to the muscles. Since fat burns in the presence of oxygen, it may be possible that increases blood flow leads to more fat burning. This makes it useful during labor and after childbirth. It has also been shown to act as a mild sedative. Owing to its anti-inflammatory capabilities, it is useful in treating nerve-related pain such as sciatica or neuralgia. Generally available in capsule / tablet form, it has also been distributed as a dried herb and in tea.

There are several things to keep in mind if you are considering this herb. It may interfere with hormonal medications (birth control pills or estrogen). Therefore, it must never be combined with hormone medications. Please consult with your doctor before you consider it. This means you must never use black cohosh while pregnant or breast-feeding. High doeses can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, reduced pulse rate, heavy perspiration, and headache.

Across the United States, black cohosh is a popular remedy for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other menopausal symptoms. It can be taken at any time of the day, but it is best consumed with meals to minimize the chances of an upset stomach. Many experts recommend a six-month limit on taking black cohosh, though recent studies show that longer use seems to be safe and free of significant side effects.

In summary, black cohash can aid in weight loss efforts by helping women cope better with the symptoms typically associated with hormonal changes.

Tramadol alternatives with a herbal character

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:08:51 +0000

Chronic inflammation is known to be the most common cause for serious painful conditions within the human body. The usual response of the body’s immune system can make the condition even worse if there are additional factors such as lack of physical activity, poor diet, additional health conditions or bad environment.

In case you have chronic pain conditions caused by an inflammatory process such as joint pain, arthritis or tendonitis, it would be helpful if you include certain herbs to your regimen in order to control these processes. Of course, expecting immediate relief like with ordinary painkiller medications is not the smartest thing to do, however you will surely notice beneficial effects over a longer period of time. And if combined with special techniques and exercises, herbal solutions could be a very effective alternative or addition to common medical treatments.

Still, bear in mind that herbs with anti-inflammatory action aren’t enough to treat the condition on their own. Moreover, taking the condition seriously and treating it effectively is very important for improving the overall health of your body, reducing the risk of developing such diseases as cancer, diabetes and heart problems.

And before you start taking any herbs, make sure to consult with your family doctor if they are safe for you. It all depends on the conditions you have, so don’t make the common mistake and ask your doctor first in order to avoid serious problems later.

Here are some of the most widely-used and effective herbs for pain relief you can use with inflammatory conditions. Of course, they can’t compete with drugs like Tramadol but you sure will get additional relief the natural way with them:

White Willow Bark

A 2008 clinical study has indicated that this herb can be very effective in cases of mild to severe knee and hip chronic pain problems, causing pain relief due to certain compounds contained by it that are similar to aspirin. White willow bark is also known to be beneficial in cases of back and joint pain, as well as osteoarthritis.

Boswellia

Compiled from frankincense tree bark resin, this herbal solution is known to be very effective in preventing and suppressing inflammation-causing chemical reactions. Those who employ ayurvedic medicine strongly use boswellia for treating arthritis, as well as helping those who have inflammatory bowel problems.

Devil’s Claw

Usually employed in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, this herbal solution is also known to be helpful in cases of osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and neck and back pains. A 2007 study of rheumatic condition patients has shown that 60% of participants have shifted from their usual painkiller medications (such as Tramadol) or lowered their dosage in eight weeks after starting the course of devil’s claw. It has also manifested an overall improvement of the life quality in those who were taking it.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme produced from pineapple stems, which is known for reducing the levels and activity of prostaglandins – the hormones responsible for inflammation processes. This herb can be very helpful to those who have arthritis or musculoskeletal tension conditions, as well as post-traumatic pains. Moreover, bromelain was observed to improve healing processes in muscles and connective tissues.

There are more herbs that can help you with pain relief, so ask your doctor about them before you buy Tramadol or any other medication. You can always use chemical preparations, but why putting your body through stress if you can help it with a natural product first?

Facial and Body Clay Masks -All You Ever Wanted to Know About Facial Clay Masks

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:13:00 +0000

Facial Clay Masks are part of a complete skin care regime and should be included at least twice a week in your daily skin care regime. There are however clays, and then there are high quality, premium cosmetic/beauty clays.

Argiletz clays are amongst the best clays on the market today. They are free from any contaminants and have many beneficial effects on the skin, making them ideal clays to use for facial and body clay masks. But what exactly are these facial clay masks and what do they actually do to your skin that is so beneficial? In this article we will take a close up look at facial clay masks, how they work, what makes them an essential part of your skin care regime and how your skin benefits from their use.

What are clays?

Clays are naturally occurring substances containing minerals, trace elements and nutrients. Clay is a part of most soils and gardeners the world over are very familiar with the properties of clay rich soils.

In the beauty industry however, clays are used in different ways, however, the properties of the clays don’t change, their applications however, do.

Argiletz clays are high quality sun dried clays that come from Argiletz, a region in France, where they are extracted at specific depths in areas that are free from contamination. They are quarried under strict conditions to ensure that their mineral content and purity is retained.

Green Argiletz clay for example is a bio-mineral, which is naturally concentrated, containing various mineral salts and trace elements including: Silica, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt, manganese and many others.

What do facial clays do? and How do they Work on the skin?

These mineral salts, trace elements and other nutrients listed above have a detoxifying, nourishing, restoring and soothing effect on the skin.

Clay is naturally absorbent and draws toxins from deep in the skin’s tissues, thus cleansing and detoxifying the skin. Its slight grainy texture exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface layer of your skin, while the nutrients contained in the clay have a toning and firming effect on the skin.

By adding plant hydrosols such as Melissa, Niauoli, Rose and others, the natural benefits of the different facial/body clays can be further enhanced.

Types of Clays used in our Facial/Body Clay Masks

There are many clays and types of clay, however in this article I will focus on what are arguably the best quality clays on the market today. The different Argiletz clays used in Wildcrafted Herbal Products’ facial/body clay masks.

Green Clay

The most absorbing of the Clays, Green Clay is generally used as a Face Mask for tissue repair, drawing toxins from the skin and to normalise excessive secretions of oil or sweat. Applied as a Face or Body Mask, facial clay masks cleanse, exfoliate, smoothe and soften the skin. Green clay is especially good at drawing toxins out.

White Clay

White clay is a mild clay used for normal skin. It has similar properties as green clay and is suitable for Face and Body Masks for young and sensitive or mature and delicate skins. Applied as a powder, White Clay is an excellent body deodorant and a natural alternative to talcum powder. White Clay is the Clay of Choice for use as a Hand Mask to soothe and soften dry hands.

Red Clay

Red clay is high in iron oxide, hence its colour, and helpful for broken capillaries, bags under the eyes and sensitive skin types. It is used for toning the bust, thighs, stomach and upper arms. Red clay is an oily, mildly absorbent clay and is used for Face and Body Masks in cases of dry, sensitive or mature skin.

Pink Clay

This Clay is intended for use in a maintenance programme for the face and body. The softening effect of Pink Clay refines the skin’s texture while toning the epidermis (outer layer of the skin).

Yellow Clay

Yellow clay is used for normal skin and has similar properties as green clay. This clay is derived from the iron oxide, Xanthoria Parietina. Yellow Clay is generally used for Face and Body Masks, particularly in cases where the condition of the skin and body needs revitalising. Yellow Clay is recommended for most skin types to restore tired and neglected skin.

Note: Be careful of coloured clays, there are many manufacturers that add dies to clay to produce artificially coloured clays, which do not have the same properties of effects and may well do you more harm than good. So choose carefully

What are the effects of Natural Clays on the skin?

As indicated above, Argiletz Clays are pure, mineral-rich clays that help detoxify, cleanse, tone and revitalize your skin when used in masks and/or in body/face creams. They also have a nutritive effect on the skin. It is important to choose the right facial clay for your skin.

How to use the clays?

The Earth Medicine Facial Clays should be used once or twice a week, prior to toning and moisturising, as a special cleansing skin treatment. The gel based clay blends can be used as a gentle, conditioning exfoliant scrub, whilst the cream based clay blends can be used as a mask to nourish, moisturise and hydrate.

Masks

The Cream based clays are designed for use as masks. Apply sufficient Clay Crème to the face and neck and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off in warm water.

Facial Gel Wash

The Gel based facial clay washes are designed for use as gentle exfoliant and toning scrubs. Simply moisten the face and neck with warm water and apply a small amount of Clay Gel and massage into a light foam for 2 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.