Home Remedies for Bipolar Disorder

Some of the most effective home remedies for bipolar disorder include the use of St. John’s Wort, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, black cohosh, fish oil, valerian root, lithium, flaxseed oil, and magnesium, as well as behavioral remedies like massage therapy, restful sleep, and stress reduction.

Bipolar Disorder
One of the most complex and misunderstood mental disorders is bipolar disorder, and it affects 1-3% of the global population at one point in their life or another, although the rates are significantly higher in western countries. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression, because it is characterized by unpredictable and seemingly uncontrollable swings between periods of good moods and depression. While many people focus on the negative (depression) side of this disorder, the heightened mood is often a state of mania, which can even include psychosis. Sufferers report periods of elation and hyper awareness, followed by depressive periods where poor self-esteem, inability to socially engage, and suicidal thoughts are common. When bipolar disorder is particularly pronounced, it can even require hospitalization to protect the patients from harming others, and themselves.

While the disorder remains a puzzle in some ways for researchers, studies have identified environmental, physiological, neurological, and genetic causes for the condition. Family history, traumatic childhood experiences, improper diet and self-care, or brain structure abnormalities can all result in this challenging and painful condition. There are different classifications of bipolar disorder, which are defined by the type and volume of bipolar episodes, and formal treatment varies depending on the diagnosis. Typical treatments include the use of psychotherapy, which is commonly combined with anti-psychotic, anticonvulsant, and mood stabilizing drugs, such as benzodiazepine. Given the side effects and potentially addictive qualities of current bipolar disorder treatments, many turn to alternative and natural remedies for this disorder. Let’s take a closer look at the home remedies for bipolar disorder.

Home Remedies for Bipolar Disorder
Ginseng: Depression is often associated with fatigue, lethargy, or exhaustion, which can make it difficult to maintain a normal quality of life, hold down a job, or engage in social interactions. Ginseng has been known as an energy-boosting substance for centuries, and the supplemental form of this key herb is readily available across the world. When your energy is boosted, you feel more able to do things, get out of the house, and engage normally.

Ginkgo Biloba: The neurological effects of Ginkgo are still up for some debate, but it has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain and protect against cognitive impairment in the case of Alzheimer’s and dementia. This herb is commonly recommended for those suffering from bipolarity as a way to balance mood and properly regulate chemical pathways that affect the brain.

Fish Oil: It seems that omega-3 fatty acids are praised for countless health benefits these days, and bipolar disorder is no exception. Fish oil supplements are popular recommendations for bipolar disorder, despite the exact pathway remaining unclear. Studies have shown that populations consuming higher concentrations of fish and possessing higher levels of omega-3 in their bloodstream less commonly exhibit signs of bipolar disorder. For example, Japan has one of the lowest reported bipolar disorder rates in the world, and one of the highest rates of fish consumption.

St. John’s Wort: This is one of the standard natural treatments for depression of any kind, and is therefore highly effective for bipolar disorder. By acting as a nervine agent (something that calms/regulates the nervous system), St. John’s Wort can ease depressive tendencies and balance mood, much like pharmaceutical mood stabilizers, but without the dangerously addictive side effects. Note: St. John’s Wort can complicate other medications being taken for bipolar disorder, so medical consultation is recommended.

Valerian Root: This readily available herb is also closely connected with bipolar disorder, as it can act as a powerful sedative, ensuring healthy sleep and rest for sufferers of this disorder. Valerian root is also linked to reduced rates of anxiety and stress, which are major contributors to bipolar disorder. By treating the symptoms, this type of alternative treatment can often eliminate the disorder entirely.

Lithium: In the past, lithium was often prescribed by doctors to lessen the effects of bipolar disorder, but dosage and diagnosis mistakes were often made. However, you can benefit from naturally occurring lithium in various foods, including mustard, kelp, pistachios, and dairy products. Lithium has been shown to reduce the manic episodes of those suffering from bipolar disorder, but is considered healthier when accessed naturally.

Black Cohosh: This well-known herb, also known as black snakeroot, has long been known to suppress the nervous system and prevent manic episodes. Commonly used as a sedative, in regulated quantities, it can help to balance the mood swings and behavioral/social issues that bipolar disorder patients regularly experience.

Magnesium: As one of the essential minerals for human health, magnesium helps to promote restful sleep, while reducing anxiety and stress. During periods of excessive work, magnesium levels deplete, leading to insomnia and depression. Some of the best natural sources of magnesium include spinach, seeds, fish, avocados, and bananas.

Massage Therapy: The benefits of massage are manifold and well-known, and can help to reduce toxins in the body that cause anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness. Massage therapy has been shown to directly affect the function of neurotransmitters and the hormone levels of the body, which can impact bipolar episodes.

Restful Sleep: Exhaustion and anxiety are two of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder, so ensuring that your schedule includes enough time for a proper 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is crucial. By giving your mind time to work, in conjunction with the use of nervine agents and other behavioral approaches, bipolar disorder will have less “weak spots” to come through and negatively affect your quality of life.

A Final Word of Warning: Severe cases of bipolar disorder may require hospitalization and highly regulated treatment. While many of these home remedies may help reduce or prevent bipolar episodes and symptoms, consulting a medical or psychological professional is highly recommended.

Home Remedies for Osteoporosis

Some of the most effective home remedies for osteoporosis include the use of beans, vinegar, spinach, milk, pineapple juice, salmon, tofu, red clover, black cohosh, yogurt, and calcium supplements, as well as behavioral modifications, including quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and reducing protein intake.

Osteoporosis
As we get older, there are a few things that we simply learn to “accept” as a part of aging, and there is one condition that seems to plague more people than any other. While cognitive decline and arthritis are also major issues for elderly individuals, osteoporosis, where the bones of the body begin to weaken, affects tens of millions of people around the world. Osteoporosis comes from the Greek word meaning “porous bones”, which is precisely what happens when you suffer from this condition. Your calcium levels drop and your bone density and strength decline. This makes breaking a bone much easier, and when combined with unsteadiness and chronic inflammation of elderly people, falls become a major health concern.

Over 70% of people over 80 suffer from some form of osteoporosis, and the rates of broken hips, forearms, and backs increase dramatically in older populations. These can be crippling accidents, and often signal the “beginning” of osteoporosis. The areas where bones have been broken often remain significantly weakened, and sufferers may also experience chronic pain. This can lead to reduced mobility, pharmaceutical dependency, and increased weakness. This creates a vicious cycle for sufferers, making it difficult to “recover”. Prevention is what gets significant attention when it comes to osteoporosis, which includes a healthy lifestyle and a regulated diet. If you suffer from osteoporosis, there are medications that can help increase bone strength and treat chronic pain, but keeping your bones strong and unbroken through home remedies is a very popular option in adults and more elderly populations. Let’s take a closer look at some of the home remedies for osteoporosis.

Home Remedies for Osteoporosis
Vinegar: One of the best ways to ensure that your bones stay strong is to increase your mineral intake, particularly calcium. This essential components of our bones must be continually replenished, particularly as we age, and vinegar has been linked to increasing calcium levels. It is believed that vinegar helps to increase the efficiency of calcium uptake from the other foods we eat, so be sure to pour some on your next salad!

Tofu: Soy is one of the most interesting new frontiers in the treatment of osteoporosis, namely due to its high content of phytoestrogens. These compounds resemble estrogens needed for women to maintain normal hormonal balance, and may also help increase bone density in women. Women are at significantly greater risk of osteoporosis than men, so this is an important new area of research.

Stop Smoking: Behavioral alterations like quitting smoking are also important. Smoking floods the body with carcinogens and increases likelihood of chronic diseases. It also can speed up the arrival of menopause in women, which often marks a significant increase in the risk of osteoporosis. By quitting smoking, you can delay menopause and hold back the onset of osteoporosis symptoms.

Don’t Lose Too Much Weight: Obesity has long been associated with a high risk of other diseases, but there is nothing wrong with having a bit of extra fat on your body, as long as its not excessive. Extremely thin people, particularly those who have suffered from eating disorders in the past, have a much higher risk of premature bone degradation, so maintain a healthy weight in a healthy way to keep your bones strong!

Red Clover: Similar to soy products, red clover is a powerful herb that also has certain estrogen-like effects. This can effectively prevent osteoporosis, but these compounds are also volatile and not fully understood, so it is important not to combine prescribed medicine with herbal remedies unless you speak with your doctor.

Salmon: Quite simply, this delicious variety of fish is particularly rich in calcium and vitamin D, as well as beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, so if you want to keep osteoporosis and other chronic conditions at bay, add salmon to your diet whenever possible!

Exercise Regularly: If you remain active, you will maintain muscle strength, which helps to boost bone strength and significantly lowers your risk of falling or accidentally breaking a bone. Remaining active will also keep energy levels up and prevent the onset of other age-related disorders.

Cut Back on Alcohol: Alcohol can actually improve calcium intake when consumed in moderation, but there is a clear line, and once your consumption is excessive, it has a sharp negative impact on bone strength and overall health, while also making you less steady on your feet and more likely to fall and possibly break something.

Spinach: One of the richest sources of calcium in the vegetable world, add a fresh spinach salad to your weekly health regimen (at least one!) and ensure a constant stream of bone-strengthening minerals to your system.

Milk: Arguably the most famous substance to help “build strong bones”, the calcium found in milk is a wonderful way to work a daily bone-boost into your diet and health regimen. A single glass of milk can represent one-quarter of the recommended daily amount!

Black Cohosh: Although research is still in its early stages, this herb has similar phytoestrogen compounds to soy, making it potentially beneficial for women who want to reduce their chances of developing osteoporosis as they age and experience menopause.

Pineapple Juice: One of the newest findings concerning osteoporosis has to do with manganese deficiency, so ensuring a high level of that mineral can seriously help fend off bone degradation. Freshly squeezed pineapple juice is a rich source of manganese – and a tasty one!

Lower Protein Intake: Research has suggested that human beings actually consume more protein than is necessary for a healthy life, and the excretion of protein often includes excreting calcium, which compounds the problems of osteoporosis. Speaking to a nutritionist about your protein intake can be a wise way to optimize your diet!

Calcium Supplements: You can find calcium supplements at almost every health food store and pharmacy. This is the most direct way to ensure a healthy calcium intake and prevent osteoporosis, or at least delay its onset.

A Final Word of Warning: Excessive consumption of calcium to prevent osteoporosis can cause other problems, like calcium deposition that leads to gout, gall stones etc. Be sure that you speak to a trained medical professional as you age to discuss your diet and lifestyle, and before adding any major home remedies for osteoporosis!

How to Care for Skin With Natural Home Treatments

Your skin is a mirror of your body's overall health. Taking care of your skin keeps you looking young and beautiful, and should be a part of your daily beauty ritual. Over-the-counter skin care treatments are often expensive and full of chemicals and artificial perfumes. If you want naturally beautiful skin, natural home treatments are healthy, economical and fun. Read on to learn how to care for skin with natural home treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Soft skin brush
• Castile soap
• Almond oil
• Lime
• Natural yogurt
• Cucumber

Tips

1. Exfoliate your skin before showering to remove dry, dead cells. Stand in the shower with the water off and gently brush your skin with a soft-bristle skin brush, moving in circular motions toward the heart. That is, begin at your feet working towards your abdomen, at your fingertips working towards your torso and at your back, working towards your stomach.

2. Wash your body with castile soap instead of harsh soaps that contain strong chemical perfumes, which can dry and damage your skin. Castile soap is usually made with either olive oil or vegetable oil and is scented with natural, healing essential oils, a much better alternative for natural skin care.

3. Moisturize your skin after your shower with natural almond oil, nature's best skin care remedy. Almond oil is used as a relaxing agent in aromatherapy, and a pain reliever in massage, but also soothes and softens the skin and can help improve complexion. A little almond oil goes a long way, so don't overdo it. Purchase small amounts of almond oil and store it in the refrigerator, as it goes bad faster than other oils.

4. Apply a weekly natural skin conditioner to help combat blemishes, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and deeply moisturize your skin. Place the juice of one whole lime, a quarter cup of whole yogurt and a half of a large cucumber in a blender, and blend until creamy. Apply the conditioner to your skin and allow to set for 20 minutes before rinsing in a lukewarm shower.