Nurture Your Own

I wish I had read this article by writer cum health reporter, Janet Simpson, many years ago when I first discovered the skin rashes on my legs was eczema. I probably would have freed myself from the excruciating itch and pain. She said these are the first few steps a sufferer should take to make life easier:

1. Stopped eating all dairy products. Some people will find their skin itch even more after taking cheese, milk, yoghurt and cream products.

2. Eat at least one meal that consisted of 65% raw foods. Basically a huge salad that contained bean sprouts, pumpkins seeds, vegetables, salads and a healthy salad dressing. After a short you should feel and see the difference in your skin.

3. Drink at least two large raw vegetable juices every day. This could be organic spinach, carrots, celery, ginger and cucumber. The objective is to cleanse and rejuvenate your body on a regular basis.

4 . Eat a lot more bean sprouts as they contain skin healthy, vital enzymes. They are easy to germinate or you can buy them from any good health store. (Click the link to find out a list of sprouts)

5. Eat healthy fats like Avocados and Flax Seeds amongst other. (Click the link to find out more on healthy fats)

These 2 experts shared their views on eczema. Evelyn Lim even compile an eczema diet book which you might want to refer on top of what Janet Simpson has recommended here.

• “Cure Your Eczema in 14 Days” by Janet Simpson
• Eczema Diet Secrets by Evelyn Lim

“People who overly take care of their health are like misers. They hoard up a treasure which they never enjoy.”

by Laurence Sterne (1713-1768), British writer.

I mentioned that there are 5 Healthy Fats to Combat Eczema in my last post. Today, I’ll like to share what a list of 5 raw herbs that John Crawford mentioned.

Of all, I’m only aware of the medicinal benefits of Flos lonicerae, commonly referred as Jing Yin Hua by the Asians. Over the years, I had use Jing Yin Hua plus some other herbs to make into a brew to ease cold and cough.

The five raw herbs used are listed below.

1. The Flos lonicerae (Japanese honeysuckle) flower is of high medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is called rn dMng téng (literally “Winter enduring vine”) or Jing Yin Hua (literally “gold silver flower”). It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and is used (often in combination with Forsythia suspensa) to dispel heat and remove toxins, including carbuncles, fevers, influenza and ulcers. It is, however, of cold and yin nature, and should not be taken by anyone with a weak and “cold” digestive system. In Korean, it is called geumeunhwa. The dried leaves are also used in traditional Chinese medicine.

2. Cortex moutan (root bark of peony tree), is a woody species of peony, named after Joseph Rock. It is native to the mountains of western China, mainly in Jiangsu and adjoining provinces. This tree peony is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is very frost hardy and resistant to fungal diseases, and is grown in Europe, particularly in northern countries, such as Sweden and Finland. In Germany it is the most hardy tree peony species. Like Paeonia lactiflora, another Chinese peony species, it is used as a herbal remedy in traditional Chinese medicine.

3. Peppermint is sometimes regarded as ‘the world’s oldest medicine’, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago. Peppermint has a high menthol content, and is often used as a flavouring in tea, ice cream, confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste. The oil also contains menthone and menthyl esters. It is the oldest and most popular flavour of mint-flavoured confectionery. Peppermint can also be found in some shampoos and soaps, which give the hair a minty scent and produce a cooling sensation on the skin.

Peppermint, like many spices and herbs, is believed to have medicinal properties when consumed. It is said that it helps against upset stomachs, inhibits the growth of certain bacteria, and can help soothe and relax muscles when inhaled or applied to the skin. Other health benefits are attributed to the high manganese, vitamin C and vitamin A content; as well as trace amounts of various other nutrients such as fibre, iron, calcium, folate, potassium, tryptophan, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin, and copper.

4.The Cortex phellodendri is resistant to drought and insects, and it can thrive in a variety of soils. It is hardy to zone 4 and it is easy to maintain, sometimes to the point of being invasive. One drawback is that the drupes fall and scatter, which may be undesirable on a formal lawn.The bark in some species is thick, resembling that of the Cork Oak, but is not thick enough for commercial cork production. It has been used to produce a yellow dye.

5. Atractylodes Rhizome are considered very important to the treatment of digestive disorders and problems of moisture accumulation. The herb helps move moisture from the digestive tract to the blood that reduces diarrhea, gas and bloating. Atractylodes is rarely ever used by itself. It is usually included into tonic prescriptions

If you are suffering from eczema, you can check out some home remedy treatments or other experts’ views.

• “Cure Your Eczema in 14 Days” by Janet Simpson
• Eczema Diet Secrets by Evelyn Lim

• Homemade Eczema Treatment(5): Mango Peels
• Homemade Eczema Treatment (4) - Watermelon & Coconut Oil
• Homemade Eczema Treatment (3) - Crisco
• Homemade Eczema Treatment (2) - Ice Therapy
• Homemade Eczema Treatment (1) - Oatmeal

“Of all the anti-social vested interests the worst is the vested interest in ill-health.”

by George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), Irish writer.

Here’s some new information I have dug up from Janet Simpson, a writer and health reporter, on ezcema treatments.

According to her, not all fats are bad. In fact, there are a few fats that work wonders on building strong immune systems and fighting off diseases including eczema. These good fats help create radiant and healthy skin. I found the information pretty interesting and I’m sure those who suffer from eczema will want to include more of good fats in their daily diet. I have started…

5 Healthy Fats to Combat Eczema

Avocados – the fruit creates stable energy and helps produce exceptional health. Avocado will help to eliminate your eczema if included in your diet regularly.

Flax Oil – Grind flax seeds bought from any local health store and pour the mixture is over soups, salads, added to stir fries, and anything you eat will help to improve eczema. Grinding your own flax seed will ensure you got the freshest oil possible. Take note that no more than six tablespoons of flax seed should be consumed on a daily basis. You can feel the softness of your skin almost immediately.

Hemp Oil – Hemp seeds are full to bursting in sulphur containing amino acids and have a perfect balance of essential fats

Coconut Oil – This oil great protects you from bacteria, yeast, fungal or any other micro organisms. Besides eczema, people who suffer with herpes, Candida and Giardia also use coconut oil to keep ailments to a minimum.

Extra Virgin oil – Extra Virgin Oil is an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It will sooth the skin, stop or reduce the itching and burning and it will also sooth away any inflammation.

Finding practical Information on Eczema is time consuming. If you are still searching, I suggest you look at the fats you are consuming whilst you continue to search. In the meantime, you may also want to check out more from Janet Simpson’s “Cure Your Eczema in 14 Days”. Another eczema expert, Evelyn Lim, compiled her research and experience into an Eczema Diet Secrets book.

Here’s to smooth, soft skin …

This is something I heard from my Indian friend. I asked if it is one of the famous Ayurvedic treatment but she wasn’t sure. She said it was passed down from her maternal grandmother who swore by mango peel being an effective home remedy..

According to the old lady, you are to

Peel off the mango skin, and boil the pulp in water. Allow it to cool and apply this paste over the infected area for 10-15 days.

Additional Reading:

• “Cure Your Eczema in 14 Days” by Janet Simpson
• Eczema Diet Secrets by Evelyn Lim

“A feeble body weakens the mind.”

by Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), Swiss political philosopher and essayist.

These are some common questions and I’m sure anyone who’s keen to have the answers will have to read several websites to get the answers. A reader of this site highlighted to us that HerpesLiving had summarized the answers to these 16 questions in it’s website.

1. What is herpes

2. What are the types?

3. What are the symptoms of herpes?

4. Does man and woman have the same infection pattern?

5. Is there any indication of a herpes outbreak?

6. Is herpes transmitted via sexual intercourse only?

7. How is herpes transmitted?

8. What will confirm a herpes infection?

9. After being infected with the herpes virus, how soon will the sores appear?

10. What causes herpes flare-ups or recurring outbreaks?

11. Does herpes make me prone to acquire other sexually transmitted diseases?

12. Do pregnant women with herpes transmit the virus to their baby?

13. What are the symptoms of herpes inflection of a newborn child?

14. Are there any cure?

15. When was herpes first known?

16. Are there herpes community that I can seek out friendship?

“He who enjoys good health is rich, though he knows it not.”

Italian proverb

“All excess is ill, but drunkenness is of the worst sort. It spoils health, dismounts the mind, and unmans men. It reveals secrets, is quarrelsome, lascivious, impudent, dangerous and bad.”

by William Penn (1644-1718), British religious leader.

“Health is my expected heaven.”

by John Keats (1795-1821), British poet.