Many people faced with the problem of wrinkles join the search for the best wrinkle treatment each day. Growing numbers of health and beauty conscious men and women are looking for the right treatment to help reduce and remove their wrinkles that are brought on by aging, stress and dry skin. They often have a hard time choosing from the many hundreds of available treatments for wrinkles, from creams to oils to injections.

Of the many anti-wrinkle treatments that are available commercially, many are formulated using a combination of natural ingredients and synthetic substances. These treatments are often viewed as being unnatural as they contain artificial ingredients and some people are unwilling to use such treatments. They prefer to use natural treatments instead. One of these natural treatments that is worth considering is the use of castor oil as an anti-wrinkle treatment.

Castor oil, which is produced from the seed of the castor plant, is usually taken as a health supplement. However, many people do not realize that it can be an effective form of wrinkle treatment as well. By simply applying castor oil to your skin, you help to soothe your skin, restoring its natural youthful appearance and helping to diminish unsightly wrinkles.

One of the properties of castor oil that makes it an effective form of anti-wrinkle treatment is that it is very effective at moisturizing your skin. Castor oil has many antioxidant properties and helps defend your skin against oxidizing agents. It also cleanses and heals your skin even as it hydrates your skin. Also, castor oil does not leave an oily feeling on your skin after you use it. Simply wash it off with some warm water or even some gentle facial cleanser and it will leave your skin feeling smooth and supple. People with dry skin will benefit greatly from the application of castor oil to areas of the skin affected by wrinkles.

Castor oil also helps increase the flow of blood to the skin that it is applied to. Increased blood flow means that the skin receives more nutrients and oxygen, making skin healthier and fuller, helping to erase wrinkles and fine lines. Even heavy wrinkles respond well to the increased circulation of blood and lessen or fade.

Many people who use castor oil on their skin on a regular basis report that the treatment leaves them feeling younger and their skin looking healthier. Castor oil also has a positive effect on wrinkles and fine lines, reducing the severity of wrinkling and also giving skin a natural healthy glow. While it must be said that no treatment available today can completely eliminate wrinkles, regular treatment with castor oil will help to keep wrinkles at bay, and to help reduce the formation of wrinkles, keeping you looking younger, longer.

By Ryan English

Allergic rhinitis results when allergies like dust, pet dander, pollen, smoke attack your immune system and cause congestion, stuffy/runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. It also involves itchy eyes and nose. Treatment involves easing the symptoms and avoiding exposure to irritants and allergens. It is a very common problem in pollen season and that's why is often referred to as 'hay fever'. People having chronic / perennial allergic rhinitis suffer these symptoms throughout the year. Mild cases can be treated with antihistamines available over the counter. However if the symptoms are severe then allergy shots may be prescribed.
Prevention
In most countries, allergic rhinitis is at its peak and very common during pollen season. Hence it is advisable to be cautious and begin the required medication and treatment before the beginning of the season and prepare yourself. Most important is to fortify your immune system for which most important is vitamin C. Have vitamin C rich foods in your daily diet such as freshly squeezed orange juice, pineapples, tomato soup. Vitamin A is also very important for strengthening mucus membranes. Include carrots in your daily diet.
Avoid inflammation aggravating foods such as dairy products, meat, wheat, sugar and lots of salt. And have foods that are anti-inflammatory and have antioxidants including beans, vegetables and fruits.
9 home remedies for allergic rhinitis
1. It is vital to avoid exposure to allergens and to create allergen free environment.
2. Your room, furniture, sofas, mattresses, carpets, rugs should be dusted and cleaned regularly.
3. Place air purifiers and humidifiers/dehumidifiers in your room. The correct humidity level of 45% - 50% should be maintained inside. Too much humidity and too less are both bad for this condition and aggravate symptoms.
4. Use saline nasal wash to keep your nasal passage moist and to clear mucus.
5. Steam inhalation has been used for hundreds of years to clear nasal passage and loosen mucus. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint to the steaming water and inhale the vapors.
6. Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, 6-8 glasses of room temperature water, soups, broth.
7. Having freshly produced unfiltered honey relieves allergic rhinitis.
8. Make a mixture of 1 tablespoon each of honey and lemon and briefly heat it. Have 1 teaspoon of this mixture three times daily to treat your hay fever.
9. Consult a practitioner before having any supplements. For instance probiotic supplements are known to ease the severity of the condition. Herbal preparation such as biminne has been known to effectively relieve symptoms. Indian gooseberry and Echinacea pills available over the counter are also known to naturally strengthen immune system. But it is recommended to consult your physician before doing self medication.
Hence you can effectively address allergic rhinitis through a natural course of therapy including lifestyle changes, dietary plans and alternative medicine which can relieve symptoms and build a stronger immune system to fight against allergens.

By Stephanie Harper

The symptoms of bowel cancer and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often get confused by many - often leading one to think that a different disease may be present than actually is. However, the symptoms are clear between the diseases when properly understood by an individual who maybe suffering from one or another.
Bowel Cancer (colorectal cancer, or colon cancer) - is basically any form of cancer that affects the colon (large bowel), or rectum (back-passage) - usually very slow-growing (10 years) before metastasis (spread) becomes apparent, and often starts as benign (non-cancerous) growths (polyps) that are present on the bowel wall.
Polyps are small growth like spots on stalks (most produce no symptoms at all) that become more prevalent as an individual gets older (most polyps are non-cancerous; however, one type, an "adenoma" can become cancerous ([malignant] when left undetected, its cells can multiply to form a tumor in the bowel which causes pain and bleeding).
Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

• Abdominal pains (gripping, but usually not chronic).
• Anal bleeding and pain - loose stool (often containing blood [sometimes constipation - feeling the need to strain when not necessary]).
• A right-hand-sided lump in the back-passage or abdomen.
• Sensation of being bloated.
• Sickness.
• Weight-loss.

Further growth in the bowel wall and back-passage gives cancer cells the ability to travel into the bloodstream or the lymph node system - thus contaminating other organs in the body (the liver and lungs being the most common [metastasis]).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - is a digestive disorder that a large part of the population suffers from (estimated to be around 15%); however, because of it being such a delicate (embarrassing) illness - is little spoken of. Although, IBS offers similar symptoms to bowel cancer.
Symptoms of IBS may include:

• Chronic abdominal pains.
• Major disturbances within the functioning process of the bowel (diarrhea at a moments notice [up to 3-time a day] and often preceded by constipation), chronic constipation 3-times a week [sometimes alternating between the two], and mucus in the stool).
• Anxiety or depression.
• Back aches.
• Headaches.
• Heart fluttering (palpitations - sensations of heart beat-skips).
• Insomnia (problems getting to sleep).
• Sexual problems (pains during sex or a reduced sexual desire).
• Unpleasant tastes in the mouth.
• Urinary problems (a frequent or urgent need to urinate, trouble starting to urinate, or trouble emptying the bladder).

IBS involves the malfunction of how the intestinal system works (a functional disorder that does not show in any visible disease process or tissue damage [it is more of a bowel interference]).
Note: Symptoms given for both bowel cancer and IBS include possible secondary symptoms - and where both illnesses may affect an individual in different ways.

By Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt

If you suffer from muscle or joint pain you know how much it can impact your life. From not being able to play active sports to missing out on family fun - the effects can be far-reaching and upsetting. So, its natural that we search for pain remedies.
Almost everyone is familiar with pain relief formulas. Over 30 billion over-the- counter tablets and 70 million prescriptions are sold annually just in the USA. Known as 'Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs' (NSAIDs), a few commonly known names include Aspirin, Ibuprofin, Advil, and Motrin as well as prescription products like Celebrex and Vioxx. What most people might not know is that over 16,000 Americans die from NSAIDs a year and approximately 107,000 patients are hospitalized annually for NSAID related gastrointestinal complications.(1)
There is an alternative. Natural pain relief therapies can decrease inflammation and help repair tissues. The following are some starting points for investigating natural solutions further:
1. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night: During the deeper stages of sleep the human body produces growth hormone, which results in tissue healing and repair. Inadequate amounts of sleep contribute to pain. Natural sleep remedies that can help you get a deep and restorative sleep are Melatonin, Hydroxy L- tryptophan (5-HTP), Calcium, Mangesium and colloidal gold. You can also listen to relaxing music - try searching on iTunes for ocean sounds.
2.Take a green-lipped mussel oil supplement: If you suffer from pain, swelling or other symptoms commonly associated with arthritis, you may benefit from taking green-lipped mussel oil from New Zealand. In a clinical trial conducted at the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital in Glasgow, UK, preparations of green-lipped mussel extract were shown to benefit 76 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients and 70 percent of osteoarthritic patients (2) The omega-3s contained in green-lipped mussel oils (more potent than fish oils) cannot be manufactured by our body and decrease inflammation. The EPA and DHA essential fatty acids have been so effective that some people have been able to discontinue their use of other medications altogether.3. Take MSM, or "organic sulphur". It can lessen inflammation, pain, and stiffness due to arthritis, muscle, or back pain and helps to balance the blood chemistry in these conditions. MSM helps supply the sulfur amino acids needed for healing.
4. Massage a blend of essential oils of arnica, Calendula and St John's work into the affected painful area. Applying essential oils directly on the area nourishes cells and enables the body to metabolize waste and heal injuries more quickly. Herb Pharm makes a a blend called "Trauma Oil" which is very effective. Essential oils can help relax tense muscles and improve circulation.
5. Eat a whole food, mineral rich diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Vegetable juices and green chlorophyll-rich foods can help relieve muscle inflammations by promoting the elimination of toxins from the body. Cut back on the amount of meat containing large amounts of saturated fat, which impacts the effective functioning of the liver - possibly leading to inflammation and irritation. Animal fats also contain arachadonic acid which can stimulate inflammation.
6. Take Glucosamine sulfate: Glucosamine is a naturally occurring element in the body that plays a crucial role in the building and healing of cartilage. Glucosamine may be efficient in treating and even delaying the progression of osteoarthritis. Some studies have hinted that glucosamine may be as effective as NSAIDs in treating joint conditions, while having fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
7. Magnetic therapy: Magnetic therapy is a safe method of applying magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. It helps speed the healing process and improve quality of sleep without any adverse side effects. A study from the University of Virginia showed that that a magnetic field of moderate strength can result in significant reduction of swelling when applied immediately after an inflammatory injury. Dilation of blood vessels is a major cause of swelling, and it's thought that the magnets worked by limiting blood flow to the affected area. Individuals wearing magnetic jewelry have reported diminished muscle soreness and lessening of cramps. Try sleeping on a magnet mattress pad to help ease the pain of muscle soreness or apply magnet straps to sore muscle or tendonitis areas.
8. Take Vitamin D: Researched conducted by the University of Minnesota found that 93% of all subjects with non-specific musculoskeletal pain were vitamin D deficient. Taking Vitamin D and CoQ10 can help alleviate muscle pain caused by cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Vitamin D can also be synthesized naturally by the body upon exposure to sunlight.
9.Cayenne pepper: A teaspoon of cayenne shaken in 2 ounces of olive oil can be used as an ointment and rubbed directly into sore muscles. Cayenne contains capsaicin which eventually inhibits secretion of the neurotransmitter Substance P, that transmits pain to the brain, lessening muscle soreness, sprains and cramps.
10. Try an Epsom salt bath: The magnesium sulfate of Epsom Salt acts as a muscle relaxant, and by easing muscle pain it helps the body to eliminate harmful substances. Due to changes in agriculture in the past century, most Americans are deficient in Magnesium. Studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Epsom salt! Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin. Fill a bathtub with water as hot as you can stand. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts. The heat of the bath will increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
About Alchemy Radiant Health:(Alchemy Radiant Health offers services to help people achieve premium physical performance, mental clarity, and well-being through holistic wellness programs that promote radiant health and longevity. Our approach and philosophy is based on ancient Chinese nutrition combined with the latest developments in super-foods.
Sources Used in this article:
(1) July 1998 issue of The American Journal of Medicine
None of the statements in this article have been approved by the FDA. Any products or services referred to are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease or health condition.
All content in this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Alchemy Radiant Health assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this article indicates your agreement to these terms.

By Josse J. Ford 

If you suffer from bloating, you carefully examine all the foods you are eating but tend to overlook what you drink. Most popular drinks that you consume daily might just be the culprit in your no win bloating war.
Let's take a look which popular "health" drinks might contribute to your gas, bloating and indigestion symptoms.
1. Milk is the number one culprit for your bloated stomach that is ready to explode. Milk contains lactose that many people can't digest properly. Milk was initially intended for human and animal babies as a rich source for growth and nutrients; you will not see adult animals consuming milk anywhere in nature. Most individuals lose the ability to process milk with age triggering multiple allergies and sensitivities. If you favor chocolate milk on top of that, you supply your body with indigestible formula of lactose and sugar which adds to your indigestion problems.
2. Coffee contains large doses of caffeine and acid that irritates and over stimulates the stomach lining. Strong ingredients in coffee eventually cause intestinal spasms and colic. Instant coffee that is more popular in Europe but gaining popularity in America is even worse for your stomach than naturally brewed coffee.
3. Tea, especially strong black varieties, contains considerable amount of caffeine and similarly to coffee causes stomach sensitivities and indigestion.
4. Fruit juice is believed to be a health drink and is widely advertised by juice manufacturing companies to supply your body with essential nutrients and elements. However, once you rid a fruit of its vital fibers via a juicing process, you are likely to be left with a high concentration of water and sugar. High amounts of fructose can upset any stomach and trigger an acid indigestion or gas attack. Additionally, sugar is perfect food for Candida yeast to feed off.
5. Soda has to be the ultimate worst contributor to your bloated stomach causes due to high concentration of chemical ingredients. Sugar, artificial sweeteners, chemical additives and caffeine mixed together by the process of carbonation create a concoction that is so harmful to our bodies that no words can describe. Both diet and regular soda varieties are equally bad for you and can give you gas almost right away.
6. Energy drinks are among the worst killer brews for our health since they contain double sugar and double caffeine compared to sodas to give you the jolt of energy. However, the jolt of energy very often comes at a very high cost of your health, namely, poor digestion, gas and bloating.
7. Beer is one of the top contributors to gas and bloated belly along with many carbonated beverages. Additionally, it contains wheat and yeast remnants that some people do not tolerate very well.
8. Champagne usually accompanies many festive events and romantic occasions. However, the famous bubbly is going to give you the not so romantic flatulence and indigestion due to high concentration of bubbles and sugars.
9. Wine is a type of alcoholic drink manufactured by means of fermenting grape juice. The result is highly acidic and sugary composition that can irritate your digestive tract and result in gas. Some people are additionally allergic to sulfites that most wine manufactures use as wine preservative and an ingredient intended to stop further fermentation.
10. Heavy liquor is literally pure poison for any organ of your body and is a very strong stimulant wrecking havoc with your digestion. Consuming heavy alcoholic beverages is almost a sure way to give you bloating.

By Caroline Hawthorn

When you are dealing with cancer it is not uncommon to wonder about natural kidney cancer cures. More and more people are starting to look for natural treatments to their cancer. This is because the chemicals in chemotherapy, a widely used treatment, destroy the cancer cells as well as healthy cells. If you have seen a loved one suffer through a battle with cancer using chemotherapy then you know just how devastating this treatment can be. If you have not then you should know that chemotherapy can cause hair loss, weight loss, nausea, fatigue, and many more side effects that are very unpleasant for the patient and their family. This is where the natural remedies come in to play.
Different Natural Cancer Cures
There are many different cures for cancer that are completely natural. You should know however that these treatments might be great for preventing and curing many other types of cancers as well. These are not necessarily specific to the kidney cancer alone.
One of the main stream natural ways of treating cancer is by the use of vitamins, herbs, and changes in your diet. There are many different vitamins and herbs that can be used in conjunction with others or that may be used by themselves to help treat cancer. Some of these are garlic, calcium, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin D. These however are only a few of the many different herbs or vitamins that you may use. As far as a diet goes it has been said that eating a diet that is high in fiber is a great way to cure cancer. One of the main foods that many have been using is brown rice. This is extremely high in fiber. In severe cases of cancer it might be recommend by a natural remedies' expert that you limit yourself strictly to brown rice for a period of time.
Living with Cancer
Though you may be struggling with the daily battle of cancer you should know that this battle does not have to be fought alone. You should also know that you do not have to go through the chemical treatments for cancer should you not want to. Though a decision like this should take a lot of time to make and you should certainly involve your medical professional in any decision like this. They may suggest that you try both treatments at the same time. This decision however is solely yours to make. So know there are many different options should you opt out of medical intervention or should medical intervention not cure you from this horrible illness called cancer. You have many options out there from herbal remedies to vitamins to other medical treatments like detoxification or oxygenation that are natural treatments that your doctor may offer. Detoxification can also be preformed by you using different products on the market should you be looking to not involve the medical profession with any of your treatments.

By Ty Daniel

When you get wrist pain, it can feel sad and frustrating. You start to worry about carpal tunnel syndrome. Will you need to wear a brace, or worse, get surgery? Luckily, there are some simple wrist exercises that can relieve your pain and your worries.

Muscle, bone and fascial restrictions.
Carpal tunnel symptoms develop from repetitive wrist movement, and keeping your hands in awkward positions. Over time, your forearm muscles become overworked. The bones in your hands and wrists shift positions. Your connective tissue, or fascia, becomes tight and restricted.

As these tissues change, they restrict blood-flow and nerve conduction. Your arms and wrists can get feelings of:

o muscle tension,
o sharp or shooting pains,
o dull aches or nagging soreness,
o numbness and tingling, and
o muscle weakness.

Movement and therapeutic exercises.
One common movement that causes these problems is wrist extension. Your arms are pointed down (toward a keyboard or desk, e.g.), while your hands stay lifted up. The angle of your wrist is compromised.

Holding your wrist in extension for long periods of time, like continuous workday hours without breaks, will quickly give you problems.

But if wrist extension is the root of your pain, then you can prevent these problems and give yourself immediate relief with a few exercises. These exercises will flex the wrists, giving your muscles the opposite workload and maintaining a balance.

Isometric resistance means you do not need weights, tubing, or any fitness equipment. Practice them throughout your day, as often as you need them.

1st Wrist Flexion exercise- Sit at a desk, stand by a countertop, or position yourself next to a flat surface. With your palm-side up and your wrist flat, press your fingertips against the under-side of the flat surface. Keep your fingers straight and flat so the focus is on the wrist. Press firmly against the surface. Hold for 10-20 seconds.

2nd Wrist Flexion exercise- Similar to the 1st exercise, find a flat surface where you can press on its under-side, like your desk, a countertop or a table. Instead of pressing your fingertips, you will press with the heels of your hands. Initiate the pressing from your palms, keeping your wrists straight or slightly-flexed. Again, hold for 10-20 seconds. You should feel this in your forearms more than the 1st exercise.

Feeling it.
You should feel these exercises in your forearm muscles and wrists. Check that your wrists and fingers are straight and flat. The intention of these exercises is wrist- and arm-strengthening, but not finger strength.

If you feel any sharp pains, reposition your arms and wrists so they are straight or slightly flexed. Avoid wrist extension, as described earlier in this article. If you still get pain while maintaining the proper position, try to use less force as you press up. Start gently and increase force as you practice.

If your wrist pain comes from work, then print this article and keep it handy during your workday so you can easily and properly follow these exercises for faster relief.

By Nina Schnipper