Cherry Juice - A Natural Pain remedy

information about cherry juice: a natural painkiller

Cherry Juice Reduces Muscle Pain
June 22, 2006 -- Cherry juice might not be the most common juice selection out there, but new information about the benefits of the juice and exercise suggest maybe it should be.

According to researchers from the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT, cherry juice can reduce muscle pain and damage induced by exercise. The authors say there have been many attempts to solve the dual muscle problem in the past, but few have been effective.

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The study was comprised of 14 volunteers. They were asked to drink fresh cherry juice blended with commercial apple juice twice a day for three days before exercise and four days afterward, or to drink a mixture containing no cherry juice.

When the study was complete, there was a significant difference in the degree of muscle strength loss between those drinking the cherry juice blend and those taking the random mixture without Cherry Juice in it.

The authors conclude, "These results have important practical applications for athletes, as performance after damaging exercise bouts is primarily affected by strength loss and pain."

SOURCE: British Journal of Sports Medicine, published online June 22, 2006

Cherry Juice Concentrate was front and center in a NewsWeek article on the health benefits of consuming certain foods that are rich in anthocyanins. The focus of the story was on how scientists are trying to clinically prove some of the folk remedies that have been around for years. One particular folk remedy is that cherries will help relieve the pain associated with arthritis and gout. Some of this clinical work is being done at Michigan State University (MSU) National Food Safety and Toxicology Center. At MSU, scientists have discovered that the anthocyanins in tart cherries give ten times the anti-inflammatory relief of aspirin.

Natural Painkillers And Strong Antioxidants Found in Tart Cherries

The Chemicals that give tart cherries their red color may relieve pain better than aspirin and may provide antioxidant protection comparable to commercially available supplements like vitamin E, according to a Michigan State University researchers. The new findings "suggest that the consumption of cherries may have the potential to reduce cardiovascular or chronic diseases in humans (such as arthritis and gout)." write the scientists.

The research will be published in the January 28th web edition of the peer-reviewed Journal of Natural Products, published by the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society. It will appear in the journal's February print edition.

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While cautioning that studies have not yet been conducted with human subjects, lead author Muralee G. Nair, Ph.D., says their laboratory assay results suggest that a person eating about 20 tart cherries could realize antioxidant or anti-inflammatory benefits. That number of cherries contains 12-25 milligrams of the active compounds, called anthocyanins, according to the authors.

In the study, anthocyanins were found to prevent oxidative damage, caused by oxygen or free radicals, about as well as compounds in commercial antioxidants. They also inhibited enzymes called cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, the targets of anti-inflammatory drugs, at doses more than ten times lower than aspirin. "It is as good as ibuprofen and some of the nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs," says Nair.

"Daily consumption of cherries has the potential to reduce pain related to inflammation, arthritis and gout," added Nair. While reiterating the need for human studies, he says a market may one day exist for putting the anthocyanins in pill form:"Then people can pop a pill instead of eating a whole bowl full of sour cherries. That's pretty hard to do."

Date: 2/1/1999
Source: American Chemical Society
A nonprofit organization with a membership of nearly 159,000 chemists and chemical engineers, the American Chemical Society publishes scientific journals and databases, convenes major research conferences, and provides education, science policy, and career programs in chemistry. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C. and Columbus, Ohio


Tart Cherry juice is an all-natural alternative for those who suffer from arthritis and other chronic joint pain. Recent research has shown that tart cherries contain powerful antioxidants that may help relieve the pain of arthritis and gout and also protect the body against cardiovascular disease and inhibit cancer tumors.

Researchers believe that the pain relief may not come from a specific antioxidant in cherries, but may come from the synergistic effect of all the natural compounds in cherries. Tart cherries are well known to contain antioxidants including melatonin. In addition, cherries contain at least 17 natural compounds. Antioxidants are known to increase immune function and possibly decrease risk of infection and cancer by helping to prevent or repair damage to the body's cells.

The Healing Powers of Honey

Honey, used in tea or hot water in Canada for generations to soothe sore throats, could soon be substituted for antibiotics in fighting stubborn ear, nose and throat infections, according to a new study.

Ottawa University doctors found in tests that ordinary honey kills bacteria that cause sinus infections, and does it better in most cases than antibiotics.


"It's astonishing," researcher Joseph Marson said of bees' unexplained ability to combine the nectar of flowers into a seemingly potent medicine.


The preliminary tests were conducted in laboratory dishes, not in live patients, but included the "superbug" methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA, which is highly resistant to antibiotics.


In upcoming human trials, a "honey rinse" would be used to "flush out the goo from sinus cavities," said Marson in an interview with AFP.


The researchers have so far tested manuka honey from New Zealand, and sidr honey from Yemen.


The two killed all floating bacteria in liquid, and 63-91 percent of biofilms -- microorganisms that sometimes form a protective layer in sinus cavities, urinary tracts, catheters, and heart valves, protecting bacteria from normal drug treatments and often leading to chronic infections.


The most effective antibiotic, rifampin, killed just 18 percent of the biofilm samples in the tests.


"As of today, nobody is sure what in the honey kills the bacteria," Marson said, noting that "not all honeys have the same potency" and calling for more research to determine the mechanism behind the healing.


Canada's clover and buckwheat honey did not work at all.


Previous studies have shown honey's healing properties on infected wounds.


The results of the study were presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, in Chicago.

VAPORIZER Extraction of THC Offers Hope for MS Suffer's

I know what many people start to think as soon as they hear someone flapping their gums about the benefits of Marijuana and THC. The thing, is, THC is an active ingredient in modern medicine. Take for example how it is used in the treatment of Glaucoma and Nausea. Now the modern medical community has added another use - MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AKA MS. Yes, THC has shown promise in helping to eliviate the suffering of MS Patients.

Of course smoking Marijuana, just like smoking cigarrettes does add other health concerns such as lung cancer. The thing is, there is a product on the Market called a VAPORIZER. This engenous little device super heats the Marijuana and basically VAPORIZES the THC, thus providing a much cleaner source of THC.

VAPORIZERS. So what is a VAPORIZER you might ask. No, it is not the typical gizmo that heats up vicks vapo rub and makes your chest feel all better. Although it does make you feel better and a VAPORIZER operates in a similar manner.

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Designed for CANNABIS CULTURE, the VAPORIZER will super heat the MARIJUANA in essence VAPORIZING the THC and leaving behind the harmful junk.

THC has several proven medicinal benefits including PAIN RELIEF for chronic pain suffers, NAUSEA RELIEF for those going through Kemo Therapy, and more recently THC has been proven to help sufferers of MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)

Here is the article on Multiple Sclerosis and THC

There are few diseases as baffling and scary as multiple sclerosis (MS). You know this if you have it, or know someone who does -- and, since this is Canada, you probably do.

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Our place on the globe is an MS hot zone. Around the world there is a noticeable "latitudinal gradient" in the incidence of MS; it is most common in Scandinavia, Iceland, Scotland and here. And even within countries like Italy, Australia and the United States, it becomes more common as you move north. (A recent study confirmed the existence of an equally weird "calendar gradient" among Brits, Canadians, Danes and Swedes; if you were born in November, your MS risk is almost 20% lower than if you were born in May.)

But despite such powerful clues, theories about the disease's cause remain tenuous. Is it environmental? Dietary? Genetic? Viral? There is no conclusive answer. Acting with a keen consciousness of medicine's helplessness, Health Canada announced on April 13 that it is extending conditional approval to a new drug for the treatment of chronic pain in MS patients. But the new drug has a familiar face. The active ingredients in GW Pharmaceuticals' Sativex are THC and cannibidiol -- which also happen to be the main active ingredients in marijuana.

One can only admire the lightning speed with which this U.K.-based firm has moved to capitalize on our national doublethink about cannabis. Canada is the first jurisdiction to approve the product, an oral spray said to taste a little like Guinness. (The price has not yet been set, but Sativex is expected to go on sale in June.) We were targeted first, it seems, because of our high MS incidence and our relative openness to using VAPORIZERS to "smoke" marijuana.

Then again, if marijuana were actually legal here, there might not be such a sizable market for a new form of the stuff. Thousands of Canadian MS sufferers are already smoking pot on the sly, and will attest to the pain-relieving powers of THC.

Health Canada's approval of Sativex is based on one paltry four-week study, and is contingent on further research by GW. The drug was approved only because there are no other MS-specific pain drugs on the market. And it was passed despite a high incidence -- nearly 90% -- of "adverse events" in the GW study. The punchline is that most of these adverse events fell into two categories: mild pain or irritation in the mouth, which is attributable to the delivery method, and "intoxication," which is attributable to, uh, the fact that it's weed.

Sativex is billed by its maker as pot for squares: GW spokesman Mark Rogerson told the Edmonton Journal that "With Sativex you don't need to get high to manage your symptoms." It's being left to MS patients to set their own dosage, on the premise that they will gradually find an amount that relieves pain without getting them high. On the other hand, if they want to get high, there certainly won't be anything stopping them. (Moreover, what kind of sadist would begrudge them the relaxation?)

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The genius of Sativex is that it takes moral pressure off the physician. Ever since the Liberals began to contemplate medical licensing of smokeable marijuana, the Canadian Medical Association and individual MDs have occasionally complained about being asked to prescribe a "poorly understood" substance in a non-titrated form. The complaint is partly valid, since black-market marijuana varies widely in strength. And partly, it has an unstated basis: Doctors don't want to become society's sole legitimate conduit for a recreational drug that is widely tolerated and used, but officially illegal.

Still, there are thousands of studies of marijuana in the medical literature, and it has millions of habitual users. Drugs are prescribed every day which are understood 1% as well as THC and other cannabinoids. The truth is that most doctors understand marijuana to be fairly harmless (which is why the CMA's journal of record officially supports decriminalization).

Sativex is literally just marijuana without the smoke, and while it may liberate doctors from the burden of cannabis hypocrisy, it will intensify it for the rest of us. The availability of licensed, patented pseudopot alternatives shouldn't open the door for renewed crackdowns on "compassion clubs" -- which would mean taking traditional marijuana away from patients, and replacing a naturally occurring substance with expensive simulacra that might be therapeutically inferior. Above all, it's not pot smoke that we need to eliminate, but cloudy thinking.


One of the healthiest ways to extract the Elixir THC from the Marijuana is with a VAPORIZER. In my experience, the Best bang for your VAPORIZER Buck is through a Canadian company called RXDirect2U. These guys have done some serious research into the most effective and safe way to extract the beneficial THC leaving behind the unhealthy and potentially dangerous garbage.

Tolosa Hunt Syndrome(THS)

Introduction

Tolosa Hunt Syndrome(THS) is a painful opthalmoplegia caused by idiopathic granulomatous inflammation of cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure. It is a diagnosis of exclusion with an estimated annual incidence of one case per million per year(1U). We present a patient who presented with isolated 6th nerve palsy and was diagnosed for THS.



Case Report

A 50 year old Hispanic female with no relevant medical history presented with isolated pain in the left eye since 2 weeks and diplopia of sudden onset. She denied fever, trauma, recent surgery or travel. On examination, patient had lateral gaze paralysis , decreased visual acuity due to poor gaze fixation and diplopia. She did not have any other cranial nerve deficits. The rest of the systemic examination including the nervous system was unremarkable. MRI brain did not show any focal lesions. Lumbar puncture, Antibody assays for Connective Tissue Disorders, Lyme’s Disease ,Serum Protein Electrophoresis and other laboratory examinations failed to reveal any abnormality. After consultation with neurology and ophthalmology and their thorough investigation, patient was diagnosed for THS. She was started on prednisone 1mg/kg dose daily with resolution of symptoms in a few days.



Discussion

THS is described as “episodic orbital pain associated with paralysis of one or more of the third, fourth, and/or sixth cranial nerves”(6U). It is seen at almost any age without any gender or race discrimination. MRI shows changes in 44% of case only. In most cases it is diagnosed when all other vascular, neoplastic and inflammatory causes of painful opthalmoplegia are ruled out. Orbital pseudotumor is an important differential diagnosis as it differs only in relation to anatomic localization. Remission is possible in 40% of cases with ipsilateral, bilateral or contralateral involvement. Steroids are the mainstay for treatment. Initially given high dose upto 80mg daily, gradually the doses are tapered off. If need be other immunosuppresants like methotrexate, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofentil and azathioprine can be tried. Usually the radiological improvement lags behind the clinical response to therapy. Though essentially a benign disease, neurological deficits are possible requiring long term immunosuppresion. The purpose of this case report is to reinforce the fact that THS can be a severely debilitating disease with dangerous consequences but at the same time if diagnosed appropriately, it can completely cure the patient. Thus THS should be at the back of the mind of all internists when a patient presents with similar signs and symptoms.




History

Patients present with usually severe retro-orbital or periorbital pain of acute onset. This pain may be described as constant and "boring" in nature.
Diplopia related to ophthalmoparesis follows the onset of pain (in rare cases, the ophthalmoparesis precedes the pain, sometimes by several days).
Patients may report visual loss. This is noted if the inflammation extends into the orbit to affect the optic nerve, and it is not a factor in disease limited to the cavernous sinus.
Paresthesias along the forehead may be described if the first division of the trigeminal nerve is involved.
THS is most often unilateral, although bilateral cases have been described.
THS frequently mimics other conditions; a single characteristic that is pathognomonic for this process does not exist. As such, realizing that this is a diagnosis of exclusion becomes even more important. Many of the processes that are found within the differential diagnosis of THS can have significant associated morbidity if not diagnosed and treated appropriately.

Physical

Painful ophthalmoparesis or ophthalmoplegia is the hallmark of this syndrome.
In addition to the optic and trigeminal nerves (V1, rarely V2 distribution), any of the ocular motor nerves may be involved. The oculomotor and abducens nerves are most commonly affected. Evidence of incomplete third nerve palsy with or without pupillary sparing may be present. Conversely, inflammatory involvement of the sympathetic nerves passing through the interior of the cavernous sinus may produce Horner syndrome with miosis. The combination of unilateral oculomotor palsy and Horner syndrome increases the localization specificity for the cavernous sinus.
Ptosis may be observed related to oculomotor palsy. Lid swelling is more likely to occur with orbital disease rather than inflammation limited to the cavernous sinus.
Mild proptosis and/or optic disc edema may be noted if the orbit is involved.
Evidence of trigeminal nerve involvement is suggested by loss of the ipsilateral corneal reflex.

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The International Headache Society criteria for THS include the following:

Episode(s) of unilateral orbital pain for an average of 8 weeks if left untreated
Associated paresis of the third, forth, or sixth cranial nerves, which may coincide with onset of pain or follow it by a period of up to 2 weeks
Pain that is relieved within 48 hours of steroid therapy initiation Exclusion of other conditions by neuroimaging and (not compulsory) angiography

Causes
The cause of THS is unknown (idiopathic).

Relaxation - key to better health

Relaxation has long been known as one of the best ways to improve your health. Many experts cite stress as the number one killer in the world today.
August 15th is national relaxation day. So here are some tips to help you along the way.


Cheers

HTBW Editor

History
To relax is to become less tense, rigid, or firm. Sounds simple enough, but how difficult it seems to truly achieve a relaxed state, considering the fast pace of daily life and the many extensive obligations that people build up throughout the course of their lives. What is casually refereed to as stress are the physical and mental symptoms caused by persistent conflicts and specific problems, which are easily caused when one's energy is stifled from being over-worked, over-tired, and otherwise over-extended. Unwinding from time to time is vital to maintaining your health as stress diminishes productivity, motivation, and concentration, can result in chronic physical manifestations and be a negative factor in more serious illness. Instead of sapping your own energy by staying stressed out, take National Relaxation Day to heart and relax!

Tradition
Let go of your daily hang-ups by setting up a relaxing outlet for the negative energy they can create. That may mean taking some time alone with a journal, engaging yourself in a creative or physical activity such as painting or yoga, or learning some meditation techniques. All you really need to confront your anxieties and release stress is a bit of privacy, and a resolved mind, body, and spirit. Identifying the precise issues that are causing you frustration or pain, for example relationship anxiety, work-related pressures, or having too many simultaneous commitments, is a step in effectively dealing with those stress factors. By getting to the root of those specific problems, you can literally dismantle the stress that you experience bit by bit. Then you'll have the freedom to concentrate on cleansing your space and person of the destructive energy and feel your body and mind truly relax. Begin that relaxation process in honor of National Relaxation Day and every day!

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Facts

A person experiencing continual stress is more likely to smoke cigarettes, consume more than a casual amount of alcohol, overeat, or commit suicide. Stress also can be a significant factor in the development of heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and have negative impact on the immune system.

Kinesiology Tape... What is it, what does it do and how does it do it?

The Kinesiology Tape is most commonly used in the acute stage of rehabilitation. Correctional techniques include mechanical, lymphatic, ligament / tendon, fascia, space, and functional. Kinesiology Tape can be used in conjunction with other therapies, including cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and electrical stimulation. Kinesiology Tape affects the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. Your Ad Here The effect of Kinesiology Tape 1. Normalize Muscle Functions. It treats muscle pain due to overuse and troubles. The stressed muscles return to initial state from shoulder pain caused by holding heavy things, calf pain caused by walking too much, whole body pain due to long time exercise, cramp, etc. 2. Increase Circulation of Blood, Lymph, and Tissue Liquid. Itfs normally called bad blood circulation and examples are treating shoulder stiff and cold feeling disorder. When circulation of blood and lymph goes bad, it sticks to one place and as it becomes clot, it starts to put pressure on nerves. Through taping, it gives space between skin and organs which helps circulation and improve all kinds of illnesses. 3. Reduce Pain It stimulus skin and muscle which reduces neurologically. By nature, people themselves have function for reducing pain and it activates by attaching this tape. 4. Prevent from runoff of Articulation. When muscles pulls bone due to abnormal stress, articulation might run off By pasting the tape, movement of muscles goes normal state and it prevent from runoff of articulation.

St Johns Wort shows hope for West Nile

None of the information below has been verified

West Nile Virus, although new to the U.S., is well documented. The Centers for Disease Controlidentifies it as a flavivirus, a member of the Toga virus family. It is closely related to yellow fever and dengue fever. This is important because the Toga virus family are encapsulated viruses,i.e., they are covered with a lipid (fatty)coating.

This is exciting, because it means the virus isaccessible to treatment utilizing high quality St.John’s Wort (SJW). Several studies have been doneon a variety of encapsulated viruses, includingherpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, parainfluenzavirus, vaccinia virus, cytomegalovirus and severalretroviruses including HIV1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10.

Non-encapsulated viruses or “naked” viruses werealso studied for comparison purposes10,13.

SJW was a potent anti-viral agent across a variety ofencapsulated virus families, but showed noactivity against naked viruses.

Unlike a vaccine that is specific to eachorganism, SJW is active against encapsulated viruses by a variety of mechanisms, including light activation, interference with DNA transcription, impairing the assembly of intactviral particles and the lipophilic (fat-loving)nature of the ring structures (the quinone andphenolic groups)4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. These ring structures are critical to the biologic activity of SJW.

From these results, it is reasonable to use highquality, pharmaceutical grade SJW in combatingWest Nile Virus, since there are no effective pharmaceutical agents.

Quality is critical since the level of hypericin and pseudohypericin arekey. I can only recommend the SJW product produced by Medi-Herb, which is a pharmaceutical house in Australia, adhering to pharmaceutical manufacturing standards. The product isdistributed by Standard Process through alternative health care practitioners, including doctors of chiropractic, acupuncturists and veterinarians. SJW is quite unstable and theactive ingredients degrade on store shelves. An independent analysis of 3 products (all of whichwere certified to contain 0.3% hypericin) wereshown to be widely variant, with one product 25%below label claims. It is critically important that the phytochemical integrity of the wholeplant be preserved for maximum efficacy.16

References:1Andersen DO, Weber ND, Wood SG et al. AntiviralRes 1991; 16(2): 185-196.2Lopez-Bazzocchi I, Hudson JB, Towers GHN.Photochem.Photopbiol. 1991; 54(1): 95-98.3Moraleda G, Wu TT, Jilbert AR et al. AntiviralRes 1993; 20: 235-247.4Tang J, Colacino JM, Larsen SH et al. AntiviralRes 1990; 13 (6): 313-325.5Hudson JB, Harris L, Towers GHN. Antiviral Res1993; 20 (2):173-178.6Lenard J, Rabson A, Vanderoef R. Proc Natl AcadSci USA 1993; 90 (1): 158-162.7Degar S, Prince AM, Pascual D et al. AIDS Res HumRetroviruses 1992; 8 (11): 1929-1936.8Carpenter S, Kraus GA. Photochem Photobiol 1991;53 (2): 169-174.9Lavie G, Valentine F, Levin B et al. Proc NatlAcad Sci USA 1989; 86 (15): 5963-5967.10Meruelo D, Lavie G, Lavie D et al. Proc NatlAcad Sci USA 1988; 85 (14): 5230-5234.11Kraus GA, Pratt D, Tossberg J et al. BiochemBiophys Res Commun 1990; 172 (1): 149-153.12Takahashi I, Nakanishi S, Kobayashi E et al.Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1989; 165 (3):1207-1212.13De Witte P, Agostinis P, Van Lint J et al.Biochem Pharmacol 1993; 46 (11): 1929-1936.14Panossian AG, Gabrielian E, Manvelian V et al.Phytomed 1996; 3 (1): 19-28.15Lavie G, Mazur Y, Lavie D et al. Transfusion1995; 35 (5): 392-400.16Constantine GH, Karchesy J. Variations inHypericin concentrations in Hypericum perforatum L. and commercial products. PharmaceuticalBiology 1998; 36 (5): 365-367.

Aspergers Syndrome - Some natural idea's

While there is no specific treatment or 'cure' for Asperger's Syndrome, there are many interventions that can significantly improve the functioning and quality of life of people and children with Asperger's. It is important to properly classify the condition and remember that it is not Asperger's disease, but rather a syndrome.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies can be viable alternatives to synthetic drugs and may be just as effective, with far fewer risks and side effects.

It is important that you only use natural remedies from a reliable source, as the quality of herbs used as well as methods of preparation may affect the strength and effectiveness of the remedy.

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Depending on the symptoms that need treatment, certain herbal ingredients such as St. John’s Wort, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora, and Chamomile, among others, may be recommended as part of a holistic treatment plan.

Natural remedies may often contain a combination of ingredients for best effect. A holistic treatment plan aims to address the underlying cause of the problem and does not just treat the symptoms in isolation. In this way, it provides an all-around approach to greater well-being.

Social Skills Training

This should be one of the most important components of a treatment program. Children with Asperger's Syndrome can be helped to learn social skills by an experienced psychologist.

Body language and nonverbal communication can be taught in much the same way as one would teach a foreign language. Children with Asperger's can learn to interpret nonverbal expressions of emotion and social interaction. This can assist them with social interaction, peer relationships, and prevent the isolation and depression that often occurs as they enter adolescence. In addition, recognizing that it is not Asperger's disease but rather a condition can go a long way in mentally accepting the characteristics associated with the syndrome.




Teenagers can sometimes benefit from group therapy and can be taught how to use the teenage 'slang' and language forms of their peer groups.

Educational Intervention

Because children with Asperger's Syndrome may differ widely in terms of IQ and ability levels, schools should learn to individualize educational programs for these children. Some of them may cope well in a mainstream class with additional support, while others may need to receive specialized education.

In all cases, teachers should be aware of the special needs of Asperger's children, who often need a great deal more support than first appears necessary.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapeutic approaches that focus on supportive therapy and the teaching of social skills and concrete behavioral techniques are more effective than approaches that concentrate on in-depth emotional therapy, which may be too uncomfortable and stressful for the person with Asperger's.

Children can benefit from play therapy and 'story' therapy aimed at raising awareness of nonverbal communication, development, teaching of empathy, and learning of social skills.

Diet

Although there is no conclusive evidence, there are strong suggestions that changes in diet may significantly reduce the symptoms in some children with Asperger's Disorder.

Many parents report that their children become much more manageable when certain classes of food are eliminated from the diet. These include dairy products, sugar, gluten, wheat, and some artificial colorants and preservatives like MSG and tartrazine.

It is worth consulting a trained nutritionist to assist with dietary intervention, as parents should not simply eliminate important foods from their children's diets without expert advice.

Psychopharmacological Interventions or Drug Therapy

Many children and adults with Asperger's Disorder do not need any form of medication, while others need to be treated symptomatically.

While there are no specific 'Asperger's' drugs, psychiatric drugs can be used to treat some of the problems which may manifest or be associated with Asperger's, such as ADD/HD, depression, mood swings, temper tantrums, irritability, aggression, obsessions, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety.

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Many of the drugs used to treat the other pervasive developmental disorders like autism are also used to treat some of the associated symptoms of Asperger's. Like many psychiatric drugs, these often come with unwanted side effects and the risk of addiction. Their benefits should always be weighed against the potential harm they could cause, particularly in the case of children.

Mosquito Bite season is here - Check out these remedies

It’s mosquito season and I have buffalo sized ones zipping around the backyard as I type this.

Thanks to their first feast on my ankles tonight and an earlier comment from Kim, I was inspired to dig through every tip I had regarding mosquito bites and relief from the itching. Scritch Scratch.

I haven’t tried most of the suggestions below, but I’ll note which ones have worked for me.

Here are more than 40 mosquito bite itch relief tips organized in one neat file, each bullet tip is a single method:

Household Items:

Rub a bar of soap over the itch. I just tried this (Ivory soap) and the relief was near instant. I used a dry bar of soap directly on the skin, but I also have notes that you can spritz bite with water and then run bar of soap over area–or use a wet bar of soap.
Place a piece of scotch tape on the bite; or dab rubbing alcohol or ammonia on the bite first then stick on a piece of tape.
Hot water: Take a hot shower, or a hot bath, or apply a hot compress. As hot as you can stand it without burning you.
Ice cube, ice pack or very cold water
Dabbers: The quicker you can apply one of the remedies below, the faster the relief. These are topical suggestions, apply directly to the bite area.

Nail Polish
Strong tea mixed with rubbing alcohol
Toothpaste (works for me)
Mouthwash
Vinegar (apply directly to bite or take a hot bath with 2 cups of vinegar in the water)
Honey
Underarm deodorant (solid or roll-on) - apply directly to bite area
Rubbing Alcohol
Ammonia
Bleach
Tea: Use a hot tea bag or a cotton ball soaked in hot tea to dab on bite area
Pastes: Mix these fresh then apply to bite as soon as possible. The consistency should be nice and thick so it won’t run, yet will still stay in place on the affected area. You could also spritz bite with water then apply grains/powders directly (generously) and rub them in.

Baking Soda & Water (works for me)
Meat Tenderizer & Water
Salt & Water (works for me)
Epsom Salt & Water (could also do this as a foot soak if it’s the ankle/foot area affected)
Tums Tablets: crush and add a few drops of water
Aspirin: crush then add a few drops of water
Aspirin - crush then apply a few drops of rubbing alcohol
Commercial Product Lotions, Creams & Applications: Apply directly to bite area.

Calamine Lotion
Benadryl Cream
Orajel
Anbesol
Caladryl
Vicks VapoRub (works for me)
Preparation H (works for me)
Lucas Papaw Ointment
Tiger Balm
Bag Balm
Gold Bond Medicated Cream (or the Gold Bond Medicated Powder)
Mylanta (heartburn relief product)
After Bite
Essential Oils: Apply full strength directly to bite area. Edit: There are concerns about using essential oils on children and pre-teens, especially repeated use.

Tea Tree Oil
Lavender Oil
Witch Hazel (astringent)
Cedar Oil
Leaf Applications: Crush the fresh leaves roughly then apply to bite area

Basil
Plantains (Plantago)
Fruity Applications: Use fresh fruit & apply directly to bite

Lemon Juice
Lemon Slice
Lime Juice
Lime Slice
Banana Peel (rub inside of peel on bite)
Whew! Big List! If I’ve missed your favorite remedy for mosquito bites, please add them below.

If a remedy doesn’t provide fast relief, don’t despair. Give it another try, sometimes it will take 2 or 3 applications before it kicks in.

The itch from mosquito bites comes from the saliva of the mosquito that it injects into you as it feasts on your blood. There are several dozen different species of mosquitoes and you may react to some species bites more than others.

If large swelling occurs (like welts), contact a doctor or pharmacist for suggestions (especially if it’s a child with a strong reaction). It could be an allergy to the bite. It’s important to watch the throat for swelling and get treatment asap.

Sinusitus

Sinusitus is a growing concern in the modern world. More an more sinus surgeries are happening on a daily basis as this affliction grows. Here is some information which will hopefully help avoid surgery. Remember, if symptoms persist or get worse CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR

Sinusitis symptoms

Constant sneezing, headaches and low grade fever
The symptoms of sinusitis are excessive or constant sneezing ; a running nose; blockage of one or both nostrils; headaches and pressure around the head, eyes, and face. Sinus headaches are usually felt in the forehead and in the face just below the eyes.The patient may suffer from low grade fever, lack of appetite, and difficulty in breathing. Sinusitis results from the inflammation of the sinus passages and oversecretion of mucus by the membranes lining the nose and throat.

Home Remedies for Sinusitis

Sinusitis treatment using Mango
The liberal use of mangoes during the season is considered an effective remedy for prevention and treatment of sinusitis. Mangoes contribute towards formation of healthy epithelium, thereby preventing frequent attacks of common infections like sinusitis. This is attributable to a high concentration of vitamin A in the fruit

Sinusitis treatment using Garlic and Onion
The use of pungent foods like garlic and onion is one of the most effective remedies for sinus problems. One should begin with small mild doses and increase them gradually. Beneficial results can also be achieved by adding these herbs in moderate amounts to regular meals

Sinusitis treatment using Fenugreek
The seeds of fenugreek are another effective remedy for sinusitis. A tea prepared by boiling one teaspoon of seeds in 250 ml of water till it is reduced to half, will help the body to produce perspiration, dispel toxicity, and shorten the period of fever in the acute stage of the disease. Upto four cups should be taken daily. The quantity should be reduced as the condition improves

Sinusitis treatment using Cumin Seeds
A teaspoon of black cumin seeds tied in a thin cotton cloth can provide relief when inhaled. The condition can also be relieved by taking a mixture of 100 gm of roasted and ground cumin seeds and 200 gm of pure honey

Sinusitis treatment using Vegetable Juices
Carrot juice, taken separately or in combination with juices of beet and cucumber, or with spinach juice, has been found beneficial in the treatment of sinus trouble. In the case of combined juices, 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices, or 200 ml of spinach juice, should be mixed with 300ml of carrot juice to make 500 ml or half a litre of the mixed juice




Sinusitis treatment using Vitamins A and C
A diet rich in vitamin A is the best insurance against cold and sinus trouble. Vitamin A is the 'membrane conditioner' and it helps build healthy mucous membranes in the nose and throat. Some of the valuable sources of this vitamin are whole milk, curds, egg yolk, pumpkin, carrots, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, mangoes, and papaya. When the sinus trouble has already developed, relief can be obtained by taking vitamin A in large therapeutic doses of 25,000 IU per day. Vitamin C has also proved beneficial in the treatment of sinusitis and the patient should take one gram of this vitamin per day in two therapeutic doses of 500 mg each

Diet for Sinusitis

Fresh fruit and vegetable juices with water
In the acute stage of the disease, when fever is present, the patient should abstain from all solid foods and drink only fresh fruit and vegetable juices diluted with warm water on a 50:50 basis

Well-balanced diet
After the fever subsides, he may adopt a low-calorie, raw fruit and vegetable diet with plenty of raw juices. Once the acute symptoms are over, the patient may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. In persistent chronic conditions, repeated short juice fasts may be undertaken for a week or so at intervals of two months

Avoid fried and starchy food
The patient should avoid fried and starchy foods, white sugar, white floor, rice, macaroni products, pies, cakes, and candies

Other Sinusitis treatments
Hot and cold water application
A cold application over the sinus will give great relief, while alternate hot and cold applications also prove beneficial. Take pans of hot and cold water, bathe the whole face with hot water as hot as you can bear-and then apply cold water for a short duration

Inhalation of steam, proper sleep and adequate rest
Nasal inhalation of steam for five minutes every hour will also give relief. Plenty of sleep, adequate rest, and fresh air are essential in the treatment of sinus trouble




Avoid perfumes and scented hair oil
Patient should avoid the use of perfumes and strongly scented hair oil