frankincense oil Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Reviving the Ancient Healing Wisdom of Frankincense (Boswellia)

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:11:06 +0000

News Editors via Natural News – Frankincense oil may receive most of the fame and glory, but the humble Boswellia tree from which it is derived, can also create another powerful natural medicine. Oil and extracts of Boswellia have been used for thousands of years to treat numerous health conditions. (Article republished from GreenMedInfo.com) While many of us are familiar with the meditative, cleansing, and enchanting aromas of incense, the very word itself contains the powerful natural medicine from which it is derived. Frankincense, meaning “true incense” is a resin that comes from any tree species that belongs to the genus Boswellia. Spreading their branches through the Middle East, Africa, and India, this tree’s roots run deep in ancient usage and text. While all Boswellia species can produce frankincense, Boswellia serrata is the supernal species that is adorned in traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Unani for producing exceptional extracts. Boswellia has a documented history of usage that dates back thousands of years Boswellia has a documented history of usage that dates back thousands of years, but it is quite possible this radical resin shared an evolutionary history with humans that greatly precludes our current estimates and archived paleoanthropological data. Just as fashion follows a circular cycle, with skinny jeans now the “newest rage”, so too is it time for a Boswellia revival and resurgence. Currently, there are 30 clinical studies on pubmed.gov, and 28 of those studies used B. serrata (the other 2 studies did not list a specific Boswellia species in their abstract). With a strong modern-day scientific backing, coupled with traditional use, Boswellia is a bright beacon pushing contemporary usage of natural medicines onward and upward. A few of its best-known therapeutic roles today include treating chronic health conditions like asthma, arthritis, cancer, and gastrointestinal issues. It has also been shown to reduce edema (swelling) from brain tumors after patients underwent radiotherapy [Kirste, 2011]. “RESULTS: Compared with baseline and if measured immediately after the end of radiotherapy and BS/placebo treatment, a reduction of cerebral edema of >75% was found in 60% of patients receiving BS and in 26% of patients receiving placebo (P = .023). These findings may be based on an additional antitumor effect. There were no severe adverse events in either group.” [Kirste, 2011] According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in just 8 years (from 2001-2009), the prevalence of asthma jumped from 20 million people to 25 million people. That trend only seems to be increasing and if we extrapolate the data to 2017 there will be 30 million people with asthma, which is almost 10% of the population. Commonly used drugs, like inhaled corticosteroids or oral steroids may be effective, but at what cost? Serious long-term health consequences such as osteoporosis, cataracts, behavioral and mood changes, plus immunosuppression, are just to name a few [Dahl, 2006]. One of the reasons asthma is difficult to treat is because it involves an inflammatory enzyme pathway called the 5-LOX (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase). Through a series of biochemical reactions, this enzyme produces substances called leukotrienes from the oxidation of lipid substrates, predominantly from arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid [Safayhi, 2000]]. When leukotrienes are overly expressed, our immune system is excessively activated, and we enter a state of chronic inflammation, which can manifest as chronic diseases like asthma. One of the beautiful mechanisms by which Boswellia exhibits its benefits is through the prevention of degradation and oxidation to these fatty acids, thus reducing the inflammatory changes in the first place. Boswellia has also proven to be efficacious in other chronic illnesses like inflammatory bowel diseases. Collagenous colitis, which falls under the IBD umbrella, is characterized by chronic diarrhea and is typically treated with a polypharmacy approach. In a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical study, B. serrata extract (BSE) was found to be superior in remission rates (63.6%) versus placebo (26.7%) after a six-week treatment [Madisch, 2007]. In a clinical study on chronic colitis, the remission rates were thirty percent higher in the Boswellia group (14 out of 20 patients) versus the anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drug sulfasalazine (4 out of 10 patients) [Gupta, 2001]. In a clinical study on breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, a Boswellia cream was found to significantly reduce the skin-damaging side effects [Togni, 2015]. Radiotherapy can cause extreme irritation, inflammation, itching, pain, and redness, which can severely alter a patient’s quality of life [Shaitelman, 2015]. Managing these disruptive side effects is typically done with steroids to reduce the immune response, but why risk the consequences when Boswellia is a much safer alternative? While Boswellia extract may be a formidable force, so too are the volatile oils (essential oils) derived from the gummy resin. There are four main species of Boswellia There are four main species of Boswellia from which high-quality frankincense oils are extracted: B. sacra, B. carteri, B. frereana, and B. serrata. While the chemical constituents may vary by species, in general, frankincense oil contains beneficial terpene compounds (limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphene, myrcene) [Woolley, 2012]. Human data may currently be limited on essential oil applications, but animal and cellular studies have elucidated some of the mechanisms responsible for these anti-cancer properties. Frankincense oil has demonstrated cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-proliferative properties against various cancer cell lines, including pancreatic cancer (which generally has an overall survival rate in humans of less than five years) [Ni, 2012]. Without applying reductionist principles to the innate wisdom of this plant, Boswellia probably has countless ways by which it improves health and restore balance. Whether you prefer a Boswellia extract or frankincense essential oil – caveat emptor (buyer beware) – as the purity and efficacy of products can vary greatly. Make sure to do your research and work with a company you know and trust. Read more at: GreenMedInfo.com To read the original article, click here

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Homemade Eye Cream with 4 Healing Ingredients

AHA Publisher — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 08:00:05 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Because we cannot see inside the body, the skin often provides the first obvious marks of the passing time and aging. It is a known fact that as we age, our skin becomes less resilient, resulting in dry skin and wrinkles. Often, the first place this is visible is not only the face, but around the eyes. Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded crow’s feet. Now, diet is a huge component in how our skin looks and feels; however, there are ways to positively affect the skin and create a beautiful glow and fewer wrinkles, including less visible crow’s feet, using natural remedies, including this homemade eye cream with four ingredients that help delicate skin. Why We Develop Dreaded Crow’s Feet While is seems that the best solution is to simply replace the oils that we lose due to aging and free radicals found in environmental toxins, it simply isn’t that easy. As reported by the journal Dermato Endocrinology, skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by a combination of factors, such as genetics, cellular metabolism, hormone and metabolic processes as well as chronic light exposure, pollution, ionizing radiation, chemicals and toxins. These factors together lead to the progressive changes in each skin layer as well as changes in the appearance of the skin, especially on the sun-exposed skin areas. Finely wrinkled and dry aged skin, especially in the eye region, is very common due to years of abuse. This happens because of gradual loss of skin elasticity, which is part of the cause of slower healing in older adults. What specifically can help reduce wrinkles around the eyes? Reduced collagen type VII, often caused by sun-exposed aged skin, may contribute to wrinkles by weakening the bond between the dermis and epidermis as we get older. And because of a loss of collagen, older skin begins to look irregular and disorganized by increasing the number of wrinkles and less firm areas of the skin, in particular on the face and around the eyes. The overall collagen content per unit area of the skin surface is known to decline approximately 1 percent per year. Three primary structural components of the dermis — collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) —have been the focus of most anti-aging research pertaining to the skin to include anti-wrinkle creams and various filling agents that you may find at the dermatologist. Therefore, I strongly advise that you use a collagen supplement (powder or capsule/tablet) to boost your collagen levels, and one of the first places you’ll notice improvement will be your crow’s feet. In addition, to achieve healthy, smooth, blemish-free, translucent and resilient skin, consider making a homemade eye cream. 4 Ingredients Because these four ingredients are pure and this eye cream recipe doesn’t contain toxic ingredients, they can be absorbed safely and effectively — helping your skin and the areas around your eyes retain moisture and, therefore, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It works by allowing the nutrients and proteins in these ingredients to encourage cell-regeneration. First ingredient is shea butter. It’s both moisturizing and very hydrating. When applied to the skin, it provides immediate softness and smoothness. But in addition, one study indicates that shea butter boosts collagen production, demonstrating some major anti-aging potential. Next is coconut oil, which is great for the skin, including around the eyes. Research reveals that virgin coconut oil improves the symptoms of skin disorders by moisturizing and soothing the skin. It also protects the skin by enhancing skin barrier function. Vitamin E oil may help improve fine lines and wrinkles by providing an antioxidant boost that protects from sun damage and encourages the healthy growth of new skin cells. When used both internally and externally, antioxidants are known for their ability to fight off free radicals and photo-induced skin aging, including wrinkles and dark spots. Lastly, several essential oils work well for the skin, but I consider frankincense oil the top choice. Benefits include the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes, and appearance as someone ages. It also may help tone and lift skin. How to Make DIY Eye Cream Put shea butter and coconut oil in a glass bowl, then place that bowl in a sauce pan that is filled with water. Make sure to not allow any water to get into the bowl. Place the saucepan with the bowl carefully on the stovetop. Heat to medium and mix oils together with a whisk. Whisk until completely melted. Remove the glass bowl from the stove and let it cool for 30 minutes. Add in vitamin E oil and frankincense essential oil and whisk again. Once mixed, put the bowl in the refrigerator for an hour or until solid. Remove from the fridge. With a regular mixer or hand mixer, beat the oils until they are whipped and fluffy. Fill a glass jar with the eye cream mixture and store at room temperature. Try to use within three months. Apply it morning and night around the eyes, after taking a shower or bath, or at least washing your face, when your skin is still wet. Homemade Eye Cream Recipe To help achieve the best results and to avoid toxic chemicals found in most commercial products, consider making a homemade eye cream. This DIY recipe includes four of the best ingredients for the delicate skin under the eyes. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons unrefined shea butter 2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil ½ teaspoon vitamin E 10 drops frankincense essential oil INSTRUCTIONS Put shea butter and coconut oil in a small glass bowl, then place that bowl in a sauce pan that is filled with water. Do not allow any water to get into the bowl. Place pan (and bowl) on a stovetop and heat to medium and mix oils together. Whisk until completely melted. Remove the glass bowl from the stove and let it cool for 30 minutes. Add the vitamin E oil and essential oil and whisk again. Once mixed, put in refrigerator for an hour or until solid. Remove from the fridge. With a regular mixer or hand mixer, beat the oils until they are whipped and fluffy. Fill a glass container with eye cream mixture and store at room temperature. Apply every morning and night around the eyes, after taking a shower or bath or at least washing your face, when your skin is still wet. Enjoy! To read the original article click here.

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12 Flu Natural Remedies, Including Best Foods

AHA Publisher — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 08:00:10 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Each season, the flu affects about 8 percent of the United States population, on average. And the numbers may be even higher for asymptomatic people. Children are most likely to become sick from the flu, or influenza, but people with a depressed immune system or nutrient deficiencies may also be more prone to catching the virus. Stress, lack of sleep and exposure to toxins can worsen flu symptoms. Fortunately, there are flu natural remedies that can help boost your immune system to fight off the flu or relieve symptoms. What Is the Flu? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. These viruses spread through the air from person to person. Signs and symptoms of flu may include: Fever Cough Runny nose Muscle or body aches Sore throat Headaches Fatigue Vomiting Diarrhea The CDC reports that although anyone can get the flu young children are affected by the virus most often. Pregnant women and adults 65 years old and older are at greater risk of developing serious flu-related complications because of their suppressed immune systems. Flu vs. the Common Cold The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the flu and a cold, but usually influenza symptoms are much more intense. With a cold, it’s common to experience mild cold symptoms, like a runny nose and congestion. The flu is more likely to cause body aches, fever and headache, and it may cause serious health problems, like bacterial infections, pneumonia and even hospitalization. 12 Natural Remedies So, how do you get rid of the flu naturally? Home remedies for the flu include vitamins C and D, herbal supplements, essential oils, probiotics and eating healthy. Try these flu natural remedies to help relieve your symptoms: 1. Vitamin C (1,000 mg 3–4x daily) Vitamin C helps with immune function and boosts white blood cells. Research shows that vitamin C has shortened the duration of colds and can decrease the number of colds in physically active people. Take 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily to ward off a cold or the flu and up to 4,000 milligrams daily when you are experiencing symptoms. For the most dietary vitamin C, eat whole fruits and vegetables. 2. Vitamin D3 (2,000 IU daily) Vitamin D is produced in the body by sunlight and regulates the expression of over 2,000 genes, including those of the immune system. Unfortunately, up to 90 percent of people are deficient in vitamin D. Recent research suggeststhat low vitamin D levels are linked to higher rates of cold, flu and respiratory infections. Many physicians believe that current recommended daily amounts of vitamin D are far too low, and that 2,000 units rather than 200–400 units per day is a better choice. You can also order home testing kits to test your vitamin D levels. 3. Echinacea (1,000 mg 2–3x daily) This herb can help your body fight off infections, but it is best to take it at the first sign of illness. An extract of echinacea was tested in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in 2013. Researchers found that the echinacea effectively treated respiratory tract infections in the short- and long-term, and didn’t cause the same resistance as a popular flu medication, oseltamivir, often causes when treating this illness. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted in 2000 indicates that drinking five to six cups of echinacea tea per day as soon as upper respiratory symptoms developed, and reducing the number to one cup of tea over a 5-day period, was effective for relieving cold and flu symptoms. Echinacea acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce bronchial symptoms of cold and flu. It directly attacks yeast and other kinds of fungus. Different preparations have different concentrations of echinacea. Some common preparations and dosages include: Tablets containing 6.78 milligrams of echinacea extract, two tablets three times a day 900 milligrams of echinacea root tincture daily Five to six cups of echinacea tea on the first day of symptoms, and then 1 cup a day thereafter 4. Elderberry (10 mL daily) It is believed that this herb can deactivate the flu virus and naturally boost immunity. The flowers and berries of elderberry are said to boost the immunity, treat flu and relieve sinus pain. Elderberry does seem to attack flu viruses and reduce bronchial inflammation. A preliminary study found that when 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup was taken four times daily for a five-day period, it relieved symptoms of influenza an average of four days earlier than those taking a placebo. 5. Oregano Oil (500 mg 2x daily) Oregano oil has a powerful antiviral effect. I like to use oregano oil to fight viral infections and although there aren’t studies evaluating the efficacy of oregano on influenza specifically, there is research that indicates the powerful antiviral properties of the essential oil. 6. Zinc (50–100 mg daily) Zinc has shown to support immune function because of its antiviral effects. It works best when taken at the first sign of illness. Zinc may lessen the symptoms of the cold virus, but excessive amounts aren’t good for you. Zinc pills and sprays do not seem to be effective. Take 50–100 milligrams of zinc daily to ward off or treat cold and flu symptoms. 7. Brewer’s Yeast This popular supplement contains B vitamins, chromium and protein. Research in Science Direct describes that it’s used for cold, flu and other respiratory tract infections. In fish, brewer’s yeast stimulates immunity by positively influence the microbiome, which may also improve digestive function. Research conducted at the University of Michigan Medical Center found that a yeast supplement was able to reduce cold and flu symptom severity, and lead to significantly shorter duration of symptoms in patients. 8. Essential Oils for Flu Rubbing peppermint and frankincense essential oil into the neck and bottoms of the feet can naturally support the body’s natural defenses, as indicated in studies. I also like to use clove oil to protect my body against infection and speed recovery from the flu. Research confirms that clove oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. 9. Chiropractic Care for Flu Prevention During the 1918 flu epidemic, flu patients that received chiropractic care survived much more readily than those that didn’t. This is because chiropractic care focuses on the health of your nervous system, which can help to boost your immunity. A 2011 study showed some promise for chiropractic adjustments and their potential to help boost immunity. 10. Probiotics Restoring the beneficial bacteria in your gut can help boost your immune system considerably. A lab study conducted in 2017 showed that a particular strain of probiotics, Bacillus bacteria, demonstrated anti-influenza activity, with complete inhibition of the influenza virus. A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the immune response to the influenza vaccination. The results indicate that participants who took probiotics and prebiotics showed significant improvements in the H1N1 and H3N2 strain protection rates. This suggests that taking probiotics may elevate your immunity. 11. Get Fresh Air Indoor winter environments can be a source of concentrated toxins and germs. The dry air we inhale as we heat our homes during the winter makes airways more reactive and sensitive to viruses. An added bonus to time spent outdoors in the winter is the extra bit of sunlight you receive. 12. Get Enough Rest Studies highlight that sleep and immunity and linked. Sleep affects the body’s defense system and enhancing sleep while fighting an infection can promote your natural defense mechanisms and improve infection outcome. Plus, a stimulation of the immune system triggers a natural inflammatory response, which can induce an increase in sleep duration and intensity. Basically, your body needs the extra sleep to do its work. 13. Stay Hydrated Reports actually show that respiratory infections may not directly lead to dehydration, contrary to popular belief. However, even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches and weakness. Sometimes when we are sick and congested, we are less likely to ingest enough fluids. Fluid helps your body to flush bacteria and viruses from your system. Drink approximately half your body weight in ounces daily of either spring water or reverse osmosis filtered water. Warm water can also be soothing to your throat. Herbal teas, like green and black teas, are potent immune system boosters and antioxidants. Try to drink at least eight ounces every two hours. 14. Top Foods for Flu Recovery Also, these are the best foods to consume while you recover from the flu. Light, easy-to-digest foods: Include soups with bone broth, cooked vegetables or herbal teas to help with digestion. Don’t force yourself to eat. Water: Adequate hydration is the key to flushing out the virus from your system. Hot water with lemon, honey, and cinnamon: Honey and cinnamon helps prevent mucus buildup and keeps you hydrated. Ginger: Make a ginger tea and add raw honey. Garlic and onions: Both of these vegetable help boost immune function. Conventional Treatment Conventional flu treatment includes antiviral drugs and vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends injectable influenza vaccines for everyone over 6 months and older. Vaccine injections are available as an inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) and a recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV). There are a few things you should know about the flu vaccine ahead of time. For one thing, it doesn’t work right away, but takes about two weeks before it is effective. This is why the CDC recommends getting the vaccine in the fall, before the flu season is at its worst. Another thing you need to know is that you can still get the flu even though you’ve been vaccinated. The virus that’s used to make the vaccine does not always “match” the virus that is circulating the community. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from year to year because flu viruses are constantly changing, which is called antigenic drift, and experts do their best to pick the viruses to include in the vaccine many months before flu season begins. It’s not possible to be 100 percent sure which flu viruses will be most prominent in any given season, so the protection of a flu vaccine is not guaranteed. Reports indicate that the 2019-2020 flu vaccine was 45 percent effective against overall seasonal influenza A and B viruses. There are also side effects from getting the flu shot, such as soreness or swelling at the site of the injection, body aches and fever. The CDC recently made some additions to the 2007 guidelines on nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to protect oneself and others against the flu. Some of the recommendations for personal NPIs include: Staying home when you’re sick. Staying home if you’ve been exposed to a sick family or household member. Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer. Covering your nose or mouth with a mask or cloth if you are sick and have to be around others at a community gathering of people. Implementing these behaviors can help stop the spread of flu. Risks and Side Effects If you or a loved one experience complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, or have a high fever that won’t go down, contact your healthcare provider right away. If you catch the flu and you have a chronic condition, such as asthma, or you are pregnant, see your doctor. Also keep in mind that some symptoms of flu and Covid-19 are similar, which makes it hard to tell the difference between the two viruses. For this reason, it’s a good idea to call your healthcare provider and tell him or her about your symptoms over the phone. You will then be advised about what to do next. Most people recover from the flu within a few days to less than 2 weeks. If you’re still experiencing symptoms after 2 weeks, contact your healthcare provider. There is the risk of developing complications or a co-infection from the virus...

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