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- EARTH TO AILMENT #3
EARTH TO AILMENT #3
Earth to Ailment: Unveiling Nature's Remedies - Harness the Power of Earth's Bounty for Holistic Health
Mj Harrison
April 15, 2024
Timmins-based company Black River Foraging Co. produces a range of herbal remedies made from locally foraged and grown ingredients. The products, including spruce pitch salve and calendula cream, were initially created by co-owner Rachel Lachance for her own family's use, but due to high demand, she decided to turn her passion into a viable business. Lachance and her husband now own and manage 115 acres of land in Timmins, where they offer workshops in regenerative land management practices, lead ecotourism experiences, grow seasonal vegetables and wild mushrooms, and produce and sell their herbal remedies. Their foraging activities and garden management require careful planning to ensure that the plants they use are harvested at their optimum ripeness. The family also has plans to expand their enterprise this year, including adding meat chickens, building a pavilion, and offering accommodations for visitors.
Bunions can cause pain and discomfort, but there are effective at-home treatments that can help manage the symptoms. According to podiatrists, these treatments include bunion correctors, toe spacers, gel cushioning, and wide-toe box shoes. Some highly recommended products include the Caretras Bunion Corrector, Zentoes Gel Toe Separators, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel, Hoka Clifton 9 shoes, and Nike Motiva walking shoes. While these treatments may not provide a permanent solution or correct the underlying cause of the bunions, they can offer temporary relief and help alleviate pain and inflammation. It's important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments may vary depending on each individual's bunion deformity and other factors. Surgery is the only way to properly correct bunions, but at-home treatments can provide much-needed relief in the meantime.
The integration of plant-based medicine into sustainable healthcare can help reduce waste, pollution, and energy usage associated with traditional healthcare procedures. Medicinal plants have been used in healthcare for millennia and provide crucial elements of the healthcare system for around 80% of the world's population. The market value of plant-based medicines is over $100 billion annually worldwide. Plant-based remedies can be effective in treating various conditions and are often less expensive than conventional drugs. However, there are challenges to implementing plant-based medicine, such as the loss of biodiversity and inadequate regulation. Governments need to address these issues to promote the use of plant-based medicine in healthcare. Collaboration between countries and raising public awareness about the benefits of plant-based medicine are also important steps towards achieving sustainable healthcare and preserving natural resources.
Turmeric may have potential benefits for overactive bladder (OAB), according to a 2023 article that discovered that curcumin, found in turmeric, may help manage OAB symptoms. The quantities of turmeric typically used in cooking are unlikely to have substantial health benefits, according to a 2020 review. The article also highlights other natural remedies for OAB such as pumpkin seed oil, gosha-jinki-gan, and cranberry. Other treatments for OAB include lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and supplements such as antimuscarinics or beta-3 agonists. Curcumin may also have benefits for other health conditions such as arthritis and metabolic syndrome. People may consider avoiding certain foods and drinks, practicing kegel exercises, or trying biofeedback to help calm down an overactive bladder. Ultimately, individuals should consult a healthcare professional for the best treatment options.
Functional food companies are attempting to meet the growing demand for holistic wellness by offering food and beverages that not only provide nutrition but also help support mental wellbeing. Some highlights from the article include:
• The global functional food ingredient market is experiencing significant growth due to the high demand for personalized nutrition plans and dietary solutions.
• Probiotics are becoming a popular ingredient, with companies incorporating them into their products to promote digestive wellness and immunity. Yakult, a Japanese beverage company, has experienced success in the probiotic dairy beverage industry and plans to expand its sales overseas.
• Functional mushrooms, such as lion's mane, are gaining traction for their stress-reducing benefits. Seattle-based start-up Forij is using lion's mane in its granola products.
• Chocolate is being infused with functional ingredients to target consumers seeking stress relief and mood elevation. Ontario-based JOYÀ introduced Functional Chocolates with different variants that promote immune function, reduced stress, concentration, and support for immunity.
• The concepts of healthy and organic food are becoming mainstream as consumers prioritize preventive healthcare and a healthy lifestyle. As the demand for functional food continues to rise, companies are expected to innovate and launch novel products.
Acne on the chin is a common problem, and there are five ways to deal with it effectively, according to a leading dermatologist. And that is good news because acne is becoming increasingly prevalent among adults. Hormones and genetics play a role, with women developing acne on the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks, known as the "U-zone." This occurs in the second half of the menstrual cycle when oil glands are larger and result in more blocked pores and spots. Other causes include poor sleep, coming off the pill, stress, and scarves that trap skin oils and leads to bacterial growth. To treat chin acne, cleanse twice a day with a gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. Retinol-based products can also help.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has instructed e-commerce websites to remove all drinks, including Bournvita, from the category of "health drink" on their platforms. This decision comes after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights found that there is no official definition for health drink under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The Ministry's notification advises e-commerce companies to remove these beverages from their sites. This move follows the recent instruction from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to not label dairy-based, cereal-based, or malt-based beverages as "health drinks" or "energy drinks" as these terms are not defined in the country's food laws. The FSSAI highlighted that the use of incorrect terms can mislead consumers. The Indian energy drink and sports drink market is currently valued at $4.7 billion and is projected to have a CAGR of 5.71% by 2028.
Actress and producer Marsai Martin shared her go-to acne treatment on Instagram Stories: white vinegar. This natural remedy, which costs under $3, is a well-known method for treating pimples, as it acts as an antiseptic and kills bacteria on the skin. It also tightens pores and dries out pimples, leading to a faster resolution. However, caution should be used when applying vinegar to the face and it should only be used on active breakouts. It may not work for everyone, especially people with cystic acne, so it's always best to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment for your specific needs.
Highlights:
• Marsai Martin uses white vinegar as a natural remedy for acne
• White vinegar is a well-known method for treating pimples
• It acts as an antiseptic, kills bacteria on the skin, tightens pores, and dries out pimples
• Caution should be used when applying vinegar to the face
• Vinegar may not work for everyone, especially people with cystic acne
• It's best to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment for your specific needs
A pilot study conducted by researchers from the University of Auckland suggests that castor oil could be an effective natural treatment for dry eye disease. Dry eye disease is a common condition that causes inflammation in the eyes and affects approximately 20 million people in the U.S. Some highlights from the article include:
• The study involved participants applying castor oil to their eyelids, which proved beneficial for them.
• The researchers are conducting another study to investigate the potential benefits of mixing castor oil with manuka and kanuka oils.
• Dry eye disease can occur for various reasons, including environmental factors, allergies, and certain diseases.
• Symptoms of dry eye disease include burning or stinging in the eyes, watery or teary eyes, and sensitivity to light.
• Treatments for dry eye disease include over-the-counter remedies, vitamin A supplements, and prescription eye drops.
• Castor oil is a vegetable oil that has been used for its moisturizing and cleansing properties in skincare.
• Participants in the study saw an overall improvement in their dry eye symptoms, including lessened crusting and improved eyelid thickening.
Overall, the study suggests that castor oil may hold promise as a natural treatment for dry eye disease, and further research is underway to explore its potential benefits.
In this article, the author explores the benefits, precautions, and various uses of birch as a natural remedy. They explain that birch, particularly its sap, buds, and leaves, is known for its detoxifying and rejuvenating properties. Here are some highlights from the article:
• Birch sap is recognized by the European Medicines Agency for its diuretic properties and is often consumed as a detoxifying beverage in health stores during the spring.
• Birch buds contain growth phytohormones that help purify the body and reduce the risk of various health issues, such as rheumatism, gout, and kidney stones. They are typically consumed as a glycerin macerate in three-week cycles.
• Birch leaves are loaded with flavonoids and potassium, offering diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. They can be prepared as tea or juice and taken in three-week cycles.
• Birch sap, also known as birch water, is alkalizing and rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silicon. It helps with joint comfort, excess uric acid, and has diuretic and antispasmodic properties.
• Precautions should be taken, such as checking for allergies and consulting a doctor, before starting a birch cure. Birch is not recommended for certain individuals, including children under 12, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with specific medical conditions.
The author concludes by encouraging readers to try the birch cure and share their experiences, highlighting the importance of staying curious and exploring natural health trends.
World Homeopathy Day, celebrated on April 10th, highlights the benefits of homeopathy in healthcare. Homeopathy is a natural and non-invasive approach that focuses on the whole person, including the mind and spirit, not just the body. It aims to help the body heal itself naturally and addresses the underlying cause of illnesses. Some key points from the article include:
• Homeopathy offers a 100% natural and non-invasive approach to healthcare, providing secure and efficient treatment options.
• Homeopathy contributes to the field of medicine by targeting the underlying imbalances in the body's vital force and restoring equilibrium.
• It plays a crucial role in chronic disease management, offering effective solutions for allergies, arthritis, and digestive disorders.
• Unlike conventional medicines, homeopathy is non-invasive and can be very effective, making it preferred by those seeking gentle, natural treatments.
• Padmashree Dr. Mukesh Batra, a leading homeopath, has written a book called "Heal with Homeopathy" to extend the benefits of homeopathy to a broader audience.
Overall, homeopathy offers a holistic and personalized approach to healthcare, enabling individuals to take control of their well-being and promoting a more balanced and integrated approach to medicine.
Coughs and colds can be bothersome, but there are effective home remedies that can provide relief and healing. Here are 5 natural remedies to manage cough and cold:
• Saltwater gargle: Gargling with warm saltwater can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
• Honey, tulsi, and long pepper paste: A paste made from honey, tulsi leaves, and long pepper can ease coughing and boost the immune system.
• Ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric drink: Boiling slices of ginger with cinnamon and turmeric can relieve congestion and promote healing.
• Chicken soup: Chicken soup is not just a grandma's remedy, but it also has healing benefits for coughs and colds.
• Essential oil: Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint, have decongestant and antimicrobial properties that can alleviate cough and cold symptoms.
These home remedies provide natural and accessible ways to manage cough and cold symptoms without relying solely on over-the-counter medications.
VegNews editors attended the Natural Products Expo West to discover the best new vegan products launching this year. They found a wide range of innovative plant-based options, including:
• Harken Sweets candy bars: Indulgent oat milk chocolate bars with salted date caramel, nougat, peanuts, and pretzel bits.
• Umaro Foods plant-based breakfast sandwiches: New York-style bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches made with Just Egg patty and seaweed-based bacon.
• House Party cheesy dips: Creamy cheese sauces made primarily from carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, jalapeños, and nutritional yeast.
• Califia Farms cookies and crème creamer: Limited-edition almond creamer infused with real pieces of chocolate sandwich cookies.
• Sobo Foods dumplings: Plant-based Asian-inspired dumplings in flavors like pork and chive, potato curry, and kimchi and mushroom.
• MyForest Foods mycelium bacon: Sustainable mushroom-based bacon that is chewy, crispy, and smoky.
• Elmhurst ready-to-drink lattes: Dairy-free lattes in four flavors, including brown sugar oat and caramel cashew.
• OmniFoods lion's mane mushroom steak: Juicy, meaty whole-cut mushroom steak alternative with all the nutritional benefits of mushrooms.
• Konscious Foods kimbap: Korean veggie rice rolls packed with seasoned rice, mushroom protein, cucumber, carrots, and sesame seeds.
• Blue Zones Kitchen frozen meals: Vegan, ready-to-heat meals inspired by the eating habits of the world's longest-lived populations.
• Holi Scoops cookie dough-wrapped ice cream bonbons: Ice cream bonbons featuring velvety ice cream wrapped in supple cookie dough, available in flavors like vanilla snickerdoodle and peanut butter cup.
• UMYUM artisanal cheeses: Vegan cheese wheels reimagined, including sheep's milk Roquefort blue cheese and coffee ground-encrusted options.
These new products showcase the continued growth and innovation in the vegan food market, with options that appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Bloating is a common discomfort that many people experience, but there are several home remedies that can help alleviate it. Here are six effective remedies:
• Peppermint tea: Drinking a cup of peppermint tea after meals can relax the muscles of the digestive tract and reduce gas and bloating.
• Ginger: Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, including bloating. Its anti-inflammatory and carminative properties can help relax the digestive tract and reduce gas.
• Fennel seeds: Another traditional remedy for bloating, fennel seeds contain compounds that relax the muscles in the digestive tract, alleviating gas and bloating.
• Warm lemon water: Drinking warm lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach can stimulate digestion and prevent bloating throughout the day.
• Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas can regulate fluid balance in the body and prevent bloating caused by sodium retention. They also contain soluble fiber, which aids digestion and reduces bloating.
• Green tea: Packed with antioxidants, green tea promotes digestion and reduces bloating. Its catechins have anti-inflammatory and gas-reducing effects.
These home remedies can provide relief from bloating and help improve digestion. Stay tuned to Jagran English for more informative articles.
Animals are not just cuddly companions or pests, but they play a vital role in helping humans and the environment in various ways. Here are some ways animals assist humans:
• Working animals: Animals like horses and oxen assist humans by providing manual labor, such as pulling carts or carrying supplies.
• Guard animals: Dogs, donkeys, and even crocodiles have been used as guard animals to protect humans from danger.
• Service animals: Guide dogs, and other specially trained animals, assist people with disabilities in navigating the world and performing everyday tasks.
• Emotional support animals: These animals provide companionship and comfort to individuals with psychological conditions.
• Therapy animals: Similar to emotional support animals, therapy animals are brought to hospitals or schools to provide comfort and affection to anyone in need.
• Environmental allies: Many animals maintain Earth's ecosystem and help fight climate change by going about their natural lives.
• Pest control: Some animals, like cats, dogs, and rats, help humans by hunting and getting rid of unwanted pests.
• Companionship: Animals like dogs and cats enrich our lives by providing companionship and love.
• Miscellaneous help: Certain animals have specific skills that assist humans in various activities, such as truffle-sniffing pigs and landmine-detecting rats.
While all animals play a role in assisting humans in some way, dogs deserve a special mention as they have co-evolved with humans and can perform a wide range of tasks, including providing security, helping people with disabilities, and detecting illegal drugs. Other animals, like pigeons, elephants, leeches, goats, cats, whales, horses, bees, birds, and pigs, also contribute to human society and the environment in significant ways. Understanding and appreciating the contributions of animals can help us better protect and coexist with them.
If you're dealing with smelly armpits, fear not! There are some effective home remedies that can help combat the odor. Here are the highlights:
• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Solution: Mix equal parts of ACV and water and apply to clean, dry armpits. ACV has natural antibacterial properties and helps balance the skin's pH.
• Potato Slices: Rub thin slices of potato onto clean, dry armpits. Potatoes have enzymes that can neutralize odors and have a cooling effect on the skin.
• Coconut Oil: Massage organic, cold-pressed coconut oil onto clean, dry armpits. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and moisturizes the skin.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Apply fresh aloe vera gel to clean, dry armpits. Aloe vera has antibacterial properties and helps reduce inflammation.
• Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Paste: Mix equal parts of baking soda and lemon juice to create a paste and massage it onto clean, dry armpits. Baking soda absorbs odors while lemon juice has antibacterial properties.
• Tea Tree Oil: Dilute tea tree oil with water and apply it to clean, dry armpits. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.
• Epsom Salt Soak: Add Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 15 minutes. Epsom salt helps detoxify the skin, reduce inflammation, and kill odor-causing bacteria.
• Lemon Juice and Water Mixture: Mix lemon juice with water and apply it to clean, dry armpits. Lemon juice has natural antibacterial properties and helps balance the skin's pH.
• Diluted Lavender Oil Spray: Dilute lavender oil with water and spray it onto clean, dry armpits. Lavender oil has a pleasant scent and antibacterial properties.
• Tomato Juice and Lemon Juice Blend: Blend a fresh tomato, add lemon juice, and apply the mixture to clean, dry armpits. Tomatoes contain acids that neutralize odors while lemon juice has antibacterial properties.
So, if you're tired of dealing with smelly armpits, give these home remedies a try!
