The Healthy Blog for the Healthy People

Posts Tagged ‘natural health’

Ridding the Body of Unwanted Fungus

There is a growing interest in seeking alternatives to conventional treatments for fungal infections. Pharmaceutical treatment for fungal related illnesses is often accompanied with unwanted and even dangerous side-effects. A growing body of science literature supports the use of essential oils to supplement or replace conventional treatments of fungal related diseases.

So, What Actually Is Fungus?

Many of us associate fungus with mushrooms either growing on moist lawns or under a forest canopy. Yet fungus (known collectively as fungi) is a large group (in the Kingdom Fungi) of multi-cellar organisms that includes molds, yeasts and the familiar mushrooms. These organisms can infect human skin, nails and tissues ? causing unsightly, irritating and sometimes painful symptoms. Such infections are known as mycoses.

Ailments Associated with Fungal Infections

You might have experienced or know someone with a Candida infection. This troublesome yeast can cause irksome and often reoccurring vaginal infections in women and oral thrush in both adults and children. Those with compromised immune systems can develop systemic and sometimes fatal infections.

Other common fungal infections are known as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm and onychomycosis (the unsightly discoloration and cracking of toenails). One not so commonly recognized is aspergillosis ? an infection caused by Aspergillus species. This fungus, which is normally found growing on decaying vegetation, can cause allergic reactions in those with compromised immune systems. Inhaled spores can lead to restricted airways and severe bouts of coughing and even bleeding.

It is clear that fungal infections are not to be ignored. Some infections may only be an irritant while others may be fatal if left untreated. Below is a synopsis of recent science studies that have investigated the use of essential oils on various fungi, often with substantial results.

Stopping Candida Overgrowth

There is a large collection of recent science literature indicating that various essential oils and their constituents (such as clove oil, lemongrass, eucalyptus, thyme, juniper, cinnamon, and tea tree) have been shown to be effective (in vitro) at inhibiting the progression and spread of this fungus. In a 2007 study from the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India, scientists found that rosemary essential oil was effective against drug-resistant mutants of Candida albicans.

Combating Dermatophytes

Dermatophytes, a group of fungi that infect hair, skin and nails, feed on the nutrient-rich proteins of keratin. As they feed, they leave behind toxins which in turn cause inflammatory responses such as skin rashes and tenacious toe nail infections.

A study conducted by the Institute for Biological Research in Serbia (2008) found that the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was able to cure rats induced with dermatophyte infections. Their findings echo several other studies, concluding that certain essential oils demonstrate potential as a natural fungicide to control dermatophytic fungi.

Essential Oils in the Treatment of Aspergillosis

Although spores of Aspergillus are found in the air and on the ground, those that develop an infection from Aspergillus (aspergillosis) can develop severe reactions. Several research studies indicated that using essential oils to combat this potentially deadly fungus merit consideration in clinical use. A 2009 study from the University of Porto in Portugal found that clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) exhibited inhibitory activity against Aspergillus. They identified that the active compound found in clove oil (eugenol) caused extensive damage to the fungal cell membranes.

Conclusion

Whether we want to address the existence of fungal infections or not, organisms that cause such infections are most likely here to stay. Although certain species of Kingdom Fungi are commensals with humans and ubiquitous in the air and soil, they can nonetheless penetrate our immune defenses and cause mild to severe reactions. There is growing concern that conventional pharmaceutical treatments are neither completely effective nor safe. Science literature indicates that essential oils just might be a new alternative and a good candidate for clinical use.

The author is the owner of Ananda Aromatherapy, a source for world-class Bergamot and other essential oils and essential oil diffusers.

There are a lot of rosacea treatments currently available, though the finest rosacea natural treatment ought to address the actual underlying causes of rosacea. The actual problem using the majority of traditional medicines is they only treat the particular symptoms associated with rosacea, not the main cause.

In addition, many rosacea treatments include unpleasant ingredients like propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and benzyl alcohol!! Just how are supposed to cure rosacea with such toxic irritating ingredients. Additional ingredients claim to hydrate or moisturize the skin, but only contain pore clogging mineral oils. Therefore your skin might feel good for a very short time, yet over time, you end up causing a lot more damage to your skin and worsen your rosacea symptoms and condition.

For this purpose I strongly feel and recommend just natural remedies that truly work to control your condition and heal the skin. There are 2 easy steps for treating rosacea naturally……this consists of a topical and internal therapy. The 2nd part is usually what many people neglect - which is why these people do not get the results they hoped for. As a wellness advisor more than 30 years, I have seen much success using this two step process.

I have found that by using specific supplements and nutrients in a unique blend/dosage many people suffering from rosacea or just damaged, aging skin get great results…..sometimes after as little as 25 days. Actually, these nutrients assist with one of the most common symptoms associated with premature aging like:

skin thinning

broken blood vessels

uneven pigment, freckles, dark spots

dullness

That’s because specific nutrients which include; Alpha Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, and Vitamins A, C, and E are powerful antioxidants and are also recognized for their abilities to help fight off environmental stressors, promote healthy cell regeneration, and help promote a healthier complexion.

I have discovered that by following the two step rosacea strategy, like using a daily together with a natural organic topical product for treating rosacea has brought about amazing results for even the worst of rosacea cases. And talking about topical rosacea products….there are several things you need to look for when selecting your therapy.

1.The product should contain natural anti-inflammatory botanicals to help decrease visible flushing as well as redness by constricting blood vessels near the surface of your skin.

2. It ought to include natural bacteria battling agents to help kill any kind of causative bacteria on the surface of the skin to prevent the breakouts that often come with rosacea.

3. Last but not least it ought to contain natural collagen boosters. Why is this important? Simply because collagen networks within the skin in many cases are weakened in individuals who have problems with Rosacea. It is essential that your collagen networks are kept strong because they will naturally deteriorate as you age. So boosting them is essential in stopping flare-ups and making your skin heal more quickly.

To get more information on natural rosacea treatments and to see before and after pictures of rosacea suffers click here Natural Rosacea Cures and Treatments

Learn more about Natural Rosacea Cures and Treatments. Stop by Linda Robison’s site where you can find out all about Wrinkle Free Skin Tips & Tips For Healthy Skin and what it can do for you.