Since heart disease is a cluster of different heart-health related problems, your doctor will treat your condition based on the specific symptoms you display. For example, statins are prescribed if you have high cholesterol. This is a class of drug that actually inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver. This medication works by blocking the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for the production of the fat.

Statins are used for both the prevention and the treatment of atherosclerosis that causes chest pain, heart attacks, strokes and intermittent palpitations. The problem in prescribing this class of drugs is that it’s very often not clear which effect of the drug is responsible for the benefits. Therefore, very often, the goal of statin treatment is not just the reduction of cholesterol levels. It is frequently used as a preventative tool for heart attacks and strokes. The medical establishment considers this as a valuable option.

Statins differ in several ways, the most obvious of which is in how well they reduce cholesterol. Right now, atorvastatin, which goes by the brand name of Lipitor along with rosuvastatin, sold under the brand name of Crestor are the most powerful. Fluvastatin sold under the name of Lescol is the least potent of the group.

Another drug your doctor may prescribe you is in a class called ACE inhibitors. These are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. If you have already had a heart attack, you may also be taking this. While ace inhibitors are usually free from harsh side effects, some people do develop problems taking these. They may develop a cough, get an elevated blood potassium level, feel dizzy, develop headaches, weakness or even feel drowsy after taking these drugs.

Unfortunately, once you get off of this medication, it may take an additional month for the cough to subside. If you’re taking any of the following, your taking an ACE inhibitor: captopril (Capoten), benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, or Zestril) fosinopril (Monoril) ramipril (Altace), perindopril (Aceon) quinapril (Accupril), moexipril (Univasc) and trandolapril (Mavik).

Your physician may also prescribe a blood-thinning medication, especially if you’re at high risk for a stroke or heart attack. These medications are called anticoagulants. These drugs are especially helpful for those who are at risk at developing blood clots.

In addition to thinning the blood, these drugs also reduce the ability of the blood to clot. If you take herbal supplements for your health and wellness, it’s extremely important to know what each herb does within your body if you’re also taking prescription heart medications. Some herbs for instance, may counteraffect what your prescription medications are meant to do, while others may enhance the effects of the medications instead.

Reference: Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease

Stress is the archetypical mind-body disease. Your mind’s perceptions cause your body to malfunction. It’s well known that stress suppresses and weakens your immune system — your first line of defense against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Your reaction to stress lowers your body’s white blood cell count which reduces your system’s ability to heal itself. Genetically, some individuals are born with disadvantaged metabolic function or have a tendency towards biochemical imbalances.

Although some do not believe in divorce, it has been shown that children who experience trauma and stress in the home have permanent changes to brain chemistry and brain structure for life. Biophysical stressors in the environment will accumulate and contribute to chemical imbalances. Many children living in a stressful environment will complain of stomach problems. This is partly because a large part of your immune system is in your stomach.

Without a doubt, the most widely researched effects of stress on the body deal with the heart. It has been widely publicized that more heart attacks occur at the beginning of the work week than any other day of the week. As an interesting side note, many of those occur in the parking lot of the person’s place of employment in the morning.

Other common biophysical stressors are poor diet and the stored stress-effect. If you are stressed and eating a poor diet, your body chemistry will become even more imbalanced and problems in function will be more apparent. The stored stress-effect throws off the endocrine system and causes gastrointestinal weakness. The brain, nervous system, and endocrine system are hit hardest by poor nutrition.

Did you know stress can make you fat? A chronic state of stress and anxiety results in higher than normal levels of cortisol in the bloodstream that can cause poor cognitive performance, poor thyroid function, hyperglycemia, excess abdominal fat, high blood pressure, and lowered immunity to name a few deficits.

Although cortisol is a hormone found naturally in the human body, our bodies manufacture more cortisol as part of the ‘fight or flight’ reaction to stress. Small increases of cortisol have some positive effects such as giving us a quick burst of energy and insensitivity to pain, however, it doesn’t outweigh the negative aspects.

Some of the lesser known physical symptoms of stress reveal themselves in some of the most unlikely places, like the ears, the lungs and even in the hair. Those racing hormones which give us the ability to react more quickly to our perceived danger also heighten our sense of hearing. While this may sound like a benefit, in reality, it can be a danger. Research conducted at Cornell University revealed that even a moderate amount of noise is capable of elevating stress hormones.

You shouldn’t be surprised that under conditions of continual stress you discover that your hair is dry and brittle. In fact, you may even discover that you’re losing some of your hair. It’s part of your body’s very real reaction to tension

The immune system is a wonderful network of activities designed over millions of years to protect us from viruses, bacteria, parasites, molds, dust, pollen, and malignant cells. It is the responsibility of the immune system to detect the intrusion, or invasion, of these entities and to mount a defense in order to eliminate them. A healthy immune system is capable of resisting most intruders, and a very healthy system may be able to resist invasions that many other people’s system cannot.

The body’s immune system can be affected by many things, and it’s responsible for many things as well. When the immune system is weakened either from particular diseases, poor health, or poor nutrition and eating habits, many health problems can occur. There are a variety of diseases, conditions and syndromes with names these days, which can all be traced back to some sort of problem with the immune system. Some of these conditions are said to be caused by the immune system overreacting, but there may be more to it than just that.

The human body does not act sporadically or randomly. There is always a purpose with what it does, and usually the primary purpose is to try and keep the body alive – at all costs. So when the immune system starts doing things that seem like it’s overreacting, it may actually be acting to other stimulus or problems deeper within, and all we’re seeing are some of the results of what it’s trying to do.

This can work, if you’re supplying your body with proper nutrition in some way. This is why juice fasts can help people lose weight. If you simply try to starve yourself though, and drink just water or tea but take no nutrition of any kind, your body will stubbornly hold on to every ounce of weight it can. Why? Because it thinks you’re in starvation mode, so it’s trying to keep you alive until the famine passes.

Another example is similar, but it happens with lack of water. Your body will conserve water – even at the expense of you getting kidney stones and kidney infections – if you’re not drinking as much as it needs every day. The body assumes that since you’re not getting enough, you must not have a readily available source of it, thus it needs to conserve as much as it can to keep you alive.

Yet another example focuses on the bodies immune system itself. There are many skin conditions which millions of people have. These are chronic conditions which often cause problems all throughout a person’s life. Conditions such as psoriasis and eczema for instance, all look as if the body’s immune system is simply overreacting to some kind of trigger. So the body starts producing skin cells at much faster rates than normal.

Herbal and natural remedy specialists however, have found that by treating the entire body as if there’s an illness or disease deep inside, and cleansing the internal organs and waste disposal systems, help the body’s immune system to get back into balance, and this in turn stops the skin related problems.

References: Top 100 Immunity Boosters

If you have no experience of sea herbs and vegetables, you are missing out on one of nature’s greatest sources of health and nutrition. Many people are unaware of the value of sea herbs and vegetables, but herbalists value them for their nutritional value as well as their ability to detoxify the body of heavy metals.

The sea is a great source of nutrition and health. If all the crops in the world failed, people could live and make medicine just from the sea’s resources. Cultures that have sea-based diets tend to be very healthy and long lived such as the Inuit of the Bering Strait or the Japanese. Excluding sea herbs or sea vegetables from your diet leaves out a great source of nutrition, medicine, and detoxification.

Seaweed is the generic term given to thousands of types of marine plants that range from microscopic algae to kelp which can be several hundred feet in size. There are many kinds of edible and nutritious seaweed.

Seaweed has the unique ability to remove radioactivity from the body. At both Nagasaki and Chernobyl, seaweed (kelp) was used extensively to remove radiation from people and the environment. Seaweed contains a natural salt–sodium alginate–that binds with toxins such as radiation, mercury, or pharmaceuticals, and transforms them so the body can eliminate them as harmless salts in the urine.

Nori is well known because of its use in sushi. Nori is a red sea plant with a sweet, meaty taste when dried. It contains almost 50 percent more digestible protein than any other sea plant. Nori’s high fiber content makes it a perfect sushi wrapper. Nori is also rich in all the carotenes, calcium, iodine, iron, and phosphorus.

Arame is one of the ocean’s richest sources of iodine. Herbalists use Arame to help reduce breast and uterine fibroids, and through its fat soluble vitamins and phytohormones, to normalize menopausal symptoms. Arame promotes soft, wrinkle free skin, enhances glossy hair and prevents hair loss.

Sea Palm, or American Arame, grows only on the Pacific Coast of North America. It has a sweet salty taste that goes especially well with vegetables and rice.

Kelp contains vitamins A, B, E, D and K, is an excellent source of vitamin C, and rich in minerals and proteins. A brown marine plant, kelp contains sodium alginate (algin), an element that helps remove radioactive particles and heavy metals from the body.

Kelp aids digestion, works as a blood purifier, relieves arthritis stiffness, and promotes adrenal, pituitary and thyroid health. It’s natural iodine can normalize thyroid-related disorders like overweight and lymph system congestions. It is a demulcent that helps eliminate herpes outbreaks.

Kombu (a brown kelp) has a long tradition in Japanese cuisine. It is a decongestant for excess mucous, and helps lower blood pressure. Kombu has abundant iodine, carotenes, vitamins B, C, D, and E, minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, iron, zinc, and the skin healing nutrient germanium. Kombu is a meaty high protein seaweed. It is higher in natural mineral salts than most other seaweeds. A strip of Kombu added to a pot of beans will reduce gas.

Hijiki is a mineral rich, high fiber, high protein seaweed that contains vitamin A, carotenes, and calcium. Hijiki has the most calcium of any sea green.

Wakame (a brown kelp) is high in protein, calcium seaweed, as well as carotenes, iron and vitamin C. Widely used in Asia for hair growth and skin tone.

Dulse, a red seaweed, is rich in iron, protein, and vitamin A. It is a balanced nutrient, with 300 times more iodine and 50 times more iron than wheat. Tests on Dulse show activity against the herpes virus. It has a purifying effect on the body, yet its doesn’t induce thirst.

Irish moss is full of electrolyte minerals, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Its mucilaginous compounds help detoxify, boost metabolism, and strengthen hair, skin, and nails. Its traditional use is for low sex drive.

Sea greens are tasty. Crush, chop, snip, or crumble any mix of dry sea greens you like into soups and sauces, pizzas, casseroles, rice, and salads. Roast them into anything you cook. If you add sea vegetables, no other salt is necessary. Sun dried, they are convenient to buy and store in a moisture proof container–keep them indefinitely.

Medicine Soup

• Fill up a pot with as much water as you want soup
• Soak your preferred seaweed(s) in the pot
• After they are soft, cut them up to bite size
• Add garlic, Shitake mushrooms, vegetables (carrots, onions, red onions, celery)
• Cook until carrots are as you like
• Take the pot off the stove and add fresh herbs to your taste (marjoram, cilantro, basil, etc.)
• Add nettle leaves
• Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. This allows the herbs to infuse instead of cook.
• Enjoy!

Please note that because seaweed is high in iodine, people with hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid glands) should not digest it. Also, if you are undergoing radiation therapy, you’ll want to wait two months after treatment before adding seaweed to your diet.

For years natural herbs have been used to stop toothache pain. Hundreds of years ago, herbs were the only way to stop the pain. Before modern dentististry, people depended on herbs and botanicals to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. Of course their diets had a lot less sugar, but teeth still got damaged.

Despite the best care, teeth can still chip or become damaged. When that happens, there are several herbs that can be used in the relief of toothache pain. Natural herbs such as cloves, calendula, tarragon, and yarrow can be used to help relieve th pain until you can get to the dentist. For many years, different cultures have counted on herbs to help get the pain of a toothache control and get temporary relief.

Native Americans for example, used the inner bark found in the butternut tree to their gums to get relief from toothaches. The butternut tree is found in North America, and is also the cousin of the black walnut tree. Butternut trees are found along rivers in well drained soil, rich woods, and even in back yards. Once the tree matures, it can reach heights of up to 60 feet, with the bark being light grey in color, and the leaves and the fruit resembling the black walnut tree. The bark of the tree can be applied to the gums, helping to alleviate toothache pain.

Yarrow on the other hand, can be found in Asia, Europe, and North America. It normally grows wild in meadows, fields, and in open wood lands. The root of yarrow, is what contains the anaesthetic effect. If you apply the fresh root of yarrow to your tooth or gums, it will help to stop the pain — until you can get an appointment with the dentist and get it taken care of.

The herb known as clove is an evergreen tree, native to tropical areas. These days however, it can be found throughout the world. As many already know, the dried flower bud of clove is what contains the medicine. The oil from clove, when used on a toothache, will help to stop the pain almost immediately. If you compare cloves to other natural toothache remedies, you’ll find clove to be the best.

Throughout the course of time, herbs have proven to be very effective with stopping toothache pain. If you are interested in herbs or have any questions about them, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your dentist his opinion. Dentists know herbs, and should be able to recommend natural remedies to you if you request them. The next time you experience the pain of a toothache — you should always remember that herbs are a great way to relieve the pain.

Resource: Natural Toothache Remedy | Dental Care Secrets Revealed

How many times an hour do you make the same hand and arm movements at work? Dozens at least. And you have a certain way that you sit, move the mouse and position yourself in front of the keyboard.

If your work position isn’t in proper alignment, then you are gradually creating a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). This kind of injury is caused by repeated movement of hands, arms and shoulders that can become a source of chronic, debilitating pain.

Over time the tendons move improperly against the ligaments and bones and become you know it, the tendons become inflamed and painful.

In a worse case, you might develop a pinched nerve in the neck or lower back. Day after day of repeating these movements turn a simple pain into a serious problem that might need surgery to correct.

The first signs of a Repetitive Stress Injury are aching muscles or cramped feeling in the arms, shoulders or wrist. Even when you stop typing or working, your muscles still feel tired.

You may also have a pain that seems to run up the arm to the shoulder like waves. Or you may feel a tingling sensation or numbness in one area. This is particularly awkward when your typing speed is impaired by numbness in the fingers.

As the pain increases, it does not stop even after you leave work. Anything you do around the house becomes painful. The numbness and pain waves can also interrupt your sleep. Gradually you stop doing things you enjoy, like cooking, sewing, woodworking or playing sports. What was a pain at work is now a pain all day long.

The time to deal with Repetitive Stress Injury is at the first sign of pain. Start by sitting up straight in your desk chair. Leaning or slouching is bad for your back and puts you out of alignment to the keyboard.

Arrange your keyboard height so that your elbows are bent and wrists are not bent as you type. Get a gel filled wrist rest at an office supply store to help keep you wrists in proper position.

You can even get a smaller gel wrist rest for your mouse. And please, don’t use your mouse on the desktop or anyplace that is higher than your typing position. That’s really rough on your shoulder joint.

When you aren’t typing, avoid hovering your hand over the mouse or keyboard. Take a minute at least once per hour, twice is better, to exercise your wrists. Move your hand up and down, than bend your elbow to move your arm up and down. You can find RSI exercises online.

If you don’t take quick action to change your posture and work position, Repetitive Stress Injury will get worse. Take this problem seriously before it becomes carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis or bursitis. RSI is more than a pain, it’s a leading cause of workplace disability that can be avoided or delayed.