Holistic Health Benefits of Oregano

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Oregano is an aromatic herb that belongs to the mint family that is cultivated around the world. Its leaves and oils are medicinally used. Origanum Marjoram is the common oregano used for cooking. Origanum Vulgare is the wild oregano used for making oregano oil, which contain two powerful compounds that provide health benefits: carvacrol and thymol.

Studies have demonstrated that these two compounds have a significant systemic effect on keeping the body healthy via inhibiting the growth of bacteria, virus and fungi, which are the precipitating factors in most chronic diseases and illnesses.

Health Benefits of Oregano Oil:

  • Antiviral and antibacterial properties help destroy organisms that contribute to infections.
  • Antiparisitic properties are helpful in digestive problems.
  • Strengthens the immune system by eliminating microbes.
  • Oregano oil is an excellent chronic bladder infection remedy.
  • Increase joint and muscles flexibility by eliminating inflammation.
  • Improves chronic respiratory conditions.
  • Applied topically, it can help treat skin infections, itchy skin and irritated gums.
  • Thymol and carvacrol help calm stomachs upsets and aids digestion.
  • Antioxidant properties in oregano oil exceeds apples and blueberries.

Cautions:

  • Pregnant women are advised not to take Oil of Oregano regularly as the oil when used regularily may reduce the ability to absorb iron.
  • Oregano oil comes from the same family as thyme, basil, sage and mint, so fi you have allergies to those, you may also react to oregano.
  • When taking oregano oil internally, use a diluted dose as the highly concentrated oil may be harmful to your organs.
  • Oil of oregano, topically may be moderately irritating to skin and can cause in some cases mucous membrane irritant. The oil should not be applied topically to mucous membranes in greater than a 1% concentration solution. In addition, children under the age of two years old as well as people with damaged or very sensitive skin should not use the oil topically.

This powerfully healing plant, as with so many herbs, whem used appropriately can bring rapid healing changes to even the most chronic conditions.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna
Copyright 2010 GDonadio

Alcohol May Reduce Dementia

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Once again alcohol is in the news as a health benefit. A study at the University of Bari, Italy which involved 1,445 people between the ages of 65 and 85 suggests that one drink per day may reduce the onset of dementia in elderly people and slow down the progress of cognitive impairment for seniors. 

Study participants, who routinely drank one alcoholic beverage per day,developed dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at a slower rate than those who did not. Of the study participants that were in the “drinking group” only 121 developed mild memory issues, cognitive impairment or mental problems.

The study group in this Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging were followed for three and a half years. While the specific mode of action regarding how the small alcohol consumption protects against dementia is not clear, researchers believe it is possible that alcohol improves circulation and thus may slow hardening of arteries that supply the brain.

In spite of this study many experts still believe that alcohol use alone won’t stop the onset of dementia, but that adopting a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, and social stimulation is the best way of protecting yourself against the loss of cognitive brain function.

Other alcohol studies have already shown that wine contains natural compounds that have an antioxidant effect, such as resveratrol, which is good for healthy circulation.

Alzheimer’s organizations and scientists continue to investigate the possible benefits of fruit juice, red wine, and oily fish in efforts to determine ways to help offset the expected numbers of people who may develop dementia in the coming years.

 In studies over the past twenty years, moderate alcohol consumption (one or two glasses of wine, or other alchoholic drinks, per day) has shown a long and consistent association with a reduced risk of morbidity and mortality from a number of common chronic diseases. In addition to antioxidants in wine, stress reduction by alcohol, may be the common denominator behind these benefits.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

An Ironic Upside to Cell Phones

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For many years, there has been much discussion on the dangers of cell phone radiation on brain cancer, tumors and overall brain health. A recent study now suggests that there could be beneficial effects of cell phone radiation.

In the January, 2009, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, a study was published that was conducted by scientists from medical centers and universities around the world. The scientists identified the possibility that cell phone radiation appeared to possibly prevent Alzheimers’ disease, but in addition cell phone radiation might also reverse memory damage.

This international collaboration appears to re-assure the average cell phone user that the radiation from their cell phone could be helpful in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. But, as we know with studies, what one study might prove one year can be challanged very quickly with another study showing the opposite outcomes.

The international study conducted experiments that exposed genetically pre-disposed mice to doses of electromagnetic radiation that is similarly emitted by cell phones. The mice were exposed to one hour of radiation per day for up to nine months.

The results surprised the scientists. The adult mice did not show signs of memory loss. This finding could imply that the radiation provided a form of protection from the disease. Additionally the older mice in the study who were already demonstrating signs of the disease were able to perform similarly with older mice who were not demonstrating signs of Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, mice that were “normal” – without symptoms – that were exposed to the radiation demonstrated above average performance on memory skills.

A Professor from the University of South Florida claimed, “It surprised us to find that cell phone exposure, begun in early adulthood, protects the memory of mice otherwise destined to develop Alzheimer’s symptoms.”

The researchers could only theorize about  how or why the radiation exposure effected the Alzheiner’s outcome, but they were specific about their findings. “The cognitive benefits of long-term electromagnetic exposure are real, because we saw them in both protection- and treatment-based experiments involving Alzheimer’s mice, as well as in normal mice.”

Conclusion: Until more conclusive research on cell phone use and brain function is completed, phone chat at your own risk.

All the best,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G.Donadio

Dealing With Controlling Personalities – Part II

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Some strategies for taking charge of your relationships:

 Start by being honest with yourself about how you feel when these situations happen, when your friends or family act in a controlling and disrespecting manner. Decide how you would like to change the situation and the make a goals list of how you can achieve that outcome.

 An example would be to admit that your boyfriend’s lateness really drives you crazy and is underminding your relationship with him and causing you resentment and stress. Then, imagine a solution you can apply to change the usual outcome. Try discussing this strategy with others and see how explaining it either confirms or alters your strategy.

1. Be Specific: Be very specific about what is important to you in terms of what you are determined to change about your experience. It is important to be committed to your goals no matter how small or large they may be.

2. Express Your Opinions:If you are determined to transform a relationship, and important action step to take is not to allow yourself to stifle your opinions or preferences. Telling others of your goals and preferences anchors them into a deeper commitment. If your friend or boyfriend cannot be on time, then let them know if you are willing to leave without them the next time they are late for an event. 

3. Don’t Back Down – Let Go of Expectations: Be absolutely firm about your commitment to change your toxic friendship or relationship and under no circumstances allow others to make you change your mind about achieving that goal. At the same time, don’t be afraid to let go of expectations in the relationship. Often when we let go of our expectations, things have a way of working out on their own.

It is important to take control over negative or toxic relationships. Only you can empower yourself and take control over your life and your feelings. It takes effort and time, but it’s worth it.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

Dealing With Controlling Personalities

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In each of our lives we run across or have relationships with individuals who want, and often demand, they get their way. They have strong personalities, strong wills and often strong egos that make them controlling, often narcissistic and manipulative.

They might be a friend, spouse, relative or even a boss, but people of this description often try to suppress us from voicing our opinions. When we are dealing with family members who have a history of being demanding and go all out to get their way, it is easy to become manipulated by them, sometimes to keep the peace or because other family members go along with their demands.

Unlike with family, we can choose to have relationships with friends or not. But, even elective friendships become toxic when one individual disregards the needs and feeling of the other person and is all about getting their way.

These situations are not only frustrating but can also have an affect on our health and our morale. When others manipulate us we can feel unheard, unseen and not valued. This can lead to anger and a feeling of powerlessness when this becomes a pattern of relationships with particular individuals.

These types of relationships take their toll on us physically, emotionally and even spiritually. They can become the source of continued anxiety and frustration, creating stress that can become physically debilitating if it goes on long enough. These types of relationship stressors have been shown to cause chronic conditions, such as skin problems, asthma and stomach or bowel issues.

With emotional relationships like these in our lives we can lose our sense of self and self worth. The only way we can avoid these types of relationships and the negative feelings they engender is to empower ourselves and take control over the quality and tone of our relationships.

To appreciate an actual situation, let’s discuss dealing with a friend who is never on time for scheduled meetings and appointments. This makes you feel disrespected and not valued. In addition, his being late also has ramifications for you, causing you to be late for appointments as well.

With this scenario in mind, let’s review some steps you can take to take back control of your time, your feelings and your relationship.

Part II – Steps to TakeWith all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

Dealing with Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain in the tissues, which are highly sensitive to pressure. Other symptoms can also accompany the tissue pain such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, joint pain and more.

Although it is often referred to as a “medically unexplained syndrome”, the American College of Rheumatology defines the condition as one which has a history of widespread pain in the connective tissues that persist for more over 12 weeks, and which affects both sides of the body and includes above and below the waist.

The medical approach to treating fibromyalgia is centered on anti-depressant, anti-seizure and muscle relaxant drugs. These medications target the nervous system function to reduce pain but can also cause great lethargy and fatigue. When an Integrated treatment approach is utilized which incorporate medication, patient education, aerobic exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy it has been shown to be effective in alleviating the pain and other fibromyalgia-related symptoms.

To take better control over this syndrome, understanding how connective tissue and muscle fibers function in both normal conditions as well as in  fibromyalgia states is helpful.

For muscles to move, energy must be produced in each muscle cell to allow the collective bundle of muscle fibers to move. When energy is produced through the Krebs Cycle which takes place inside each cell, crystal like acids are produced as a by-product of energy production.

Lactic and pyruvic acids can build up in the spaces between the muscle fibers if there is a lack of proper blood flow or if the muscles are so tensed that these by-products cannot be removed with normal circulatory function.

The more tense the muscle, the more diminished the circulation, the greater the tissue build up of these highly irritating acids. If this tension persists over time, the surrounding tissues can become highly inflamed and a chronic, painful syndrome is established.

The most effect approaches to treating fibromyalgia include:

  • movement or aerobic exercise to assist in flushing out the tissue
  • behavior focused therapy to assist in reducing tension in the body
  • mild relaxants that do not cause secondary symptoms
  • information and education that can offer options for individual to choose from

Fibromyalgia is viewed as a stress-fueled condition. Therefore any approach or techniques directed at reducing stress and muscle tension are highly effective.

Giving Thanks Heals the Heart

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What a wonderful gift Thanksgiving, a day for giving and expressing thanks, is for all of us. Anyone and everyone can participate in this day of gathering family and friends to share food and well wishes, taking time to reflect on the things we have been blessed with and are thankful for.

Giving thanks is a healing and healthy act that many of us have sadly reserved for this one special time of the year. Ignatius, the renown scholar and saint, offers us a powerful insight into the nature of why we suffer – and as it happens, it relates to giving thanks.

Ignatius said that “all suffering starts with ingratitude” – that when we lose our appreciation for all that we have and the many blessings each of our lives is bestowed with, we begin to seek, want and covet what others have been blessed with. We put our own gifts aside, much like children do when they see their friend’s or sibling’s shiney new toy.

Gratitude opens the heart and removes “stress” that comes from fear of not having:

> all that we want

> all that we think we need

> what we see others have

> what we think is due us

> what we believe will make us happy 

> what we believe will make us important or loved

Giving thanks for what we have, rather than wanting and longing for things we do not have, is a simple act of love that fills us with the humble pleasure of realizing how the universe cares for us – and is taking care of us.

Even when things are difficult and we are suffering, when we take the time to reflect on all the good things we also have in our lives, we suffer less, worry less and feel happier.

Perhaps Ignatius is on to something very holistic when he encourages us to remember the biblical wisdom found in I Thessalonians 5: 18 that recommends to us – “in all things give thanks”, for in this we will find our hearts full and our fears dissolved.

Happy Thanksgiving Holiday Season,

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G.Donadio

Holistic Approach to Diabetes – Part VI

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Spiritual/World View

It is said that there is only one disease: the disease which comes from separating oneself from the awareness that we are one tribe, one family. When we lose our connectedness to one another, competition becomes commonplace.

Competition creates isolation, and isolation leads to dis-ease. The spiritual challenge presented by hypoglycemia and diabetes appears to involve our need to belong to the tribe, and how we choose to behave towards ourselves and others.

The drama that is creating the one-up or one-down dynamics of our highly competitive, materialistic society can lead to the self-soothing and behavioral issues which contribute to the development of mature onset diabetes.

The renowned anthropologist and writer, Joseph Campbell, stated that, “all human beings have three essential questions they seek answers to: Why am I here? What is the purpose of my life? Where do I go when I die?” Our attempts to answer these questions form our worldview, our spirituality or faith in the unknown.

Faith requires trust in the unseen and provides us with a tool that puts order in our universe and allows us to  formulate purpose and meaning for our lives. How do we learn to trust in this mysterious order of the universe? Various ancient spiritual teachings suggest we can achieve this state through trusting the order of our inner universe.

We do this by setting boundaries — codes of conduct regarding how we are going to behave, eat, work, exercise and live. If we do not violate our own boundaries, we are less likely to violate others’ boundaries or to let anyone else violate ours.

Krishna’s ancient dictum — “The best way to help mankind is through the perfection of yourself” — gives us affirmation that when we heal ourselves we heal the world.

With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

A Holistic Approach to Diabetes – Part V

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Environmental: Internal & External

The environments that we work in, live in or pass through daily have a significant impact on the way we feel about ourselves and in our bodies. Dr. Maslow brilliantly pointed out that human beings are herd animals — interdependent beings who seek the safety and comfort of the tribe.

Belonging, being a part of a family or faith community are important needs of all human beings. When we are living or working in environments that do not value us, do not reflect back to us our contributions or embrace us as
belonging to the group, we suffer from alienation and a sense of loss which can in turn lead to self-soothing behaviors such as starchy carbohydrate over consumption, smoking,drugs or alcohol abuse.

Likewise, we must be able to slow down and listen to what our body’s internal environment is telling us, such as when we have eaten too much or too little of certain foods, when we need to rest, relax and take time for self-care. When we choose to ask questions about what might be the unconscious cause of our behaviors — either emotional or physical — we can process this information to liberate unwanted unconscious conditioning.

One of my patients recently had a transformational experience using this listening exercise. A devoted environmentalist, Linda would become angry and upset whenever she saw someone throwing away bottles or cans instead of placing them in available recycle bins. She would pick up the discarded container and boldly put it in the recycle bin, glaring at the offending stranger as she did this.

Unfortunately, her anger and frustration would leave her with an emotional and physical “hangover” — upset stomach,aching head and a strong desire for chocolates and anything starchy.

In facilitating Linda’s process of understanding her pattern, she was invited to explore the question, “What does it feel like when I see someone ignore recycling efforts?” The answer surprised Linda because what she felt was that she, personally, was not being valued or respected. She was able to trace the feelings back to having her “Earth Mother” values mocked in high school, not only by her peers but by her siblings as well.

She was then able to understand why she reached for chocolate, which contains phenylalanine, an amino acid our brains produce when we are feeling loved and satisfied. This is the reason chocolate has long been associated with Valentine’s Day, because of its biochemical mimicking of the “love protein.”

Next Installment: Part VI- Spiritual World View

With all good wishes,
Georgianna
Copyright 2010 G. Donadio

A Holistic Approach to Diabetes – Part IV

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The pancreas is one of the hardest working organs in our body. It is the
“end organ” of digestion, providing numerous enzymes and hormones that allow us to assimilate or “take in” the outside world on a very cellular level.

The pancreas is also a metaphor for our relationship with others and the world around us, as it literally allows us to take in, integrate and nourish ourselves from the macro to the micro level.

In this regard, problems related to the pancreas, or the third chakra, relate to our relationships with self and others and our sense of belonging — the real sweetness of life. The pancreas also correlates with psychologist Abraham Maslow’s third hierarchy, which is the need to belong that connects us with each other, our family and our community or tribal bonds.

Often when we build our diet around starchy, complex carbohydrates or find ourselves craving them, this can be a way of “self-medicating” our emotional needs by eating foods that lead to increased serotonin levels as compensation for the lack of loving relationships or connections in our lives.

Regardless of the emotional motivation, over time excess consumption of starchy complex carbohydrates and overeating can result in the pancreas not working as efficiently as it was designed to.

This can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar.) Paradoxically, if we are feeling the ups and downs of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, this may produce feelings of anxiety or apprehension that further undermines our emotional sense of well being, security and self-esteem.

The chronic anxiety that stems from these emotions often leads to more self soothing behaviors of overeating and elevated starchy carbohydrate consumption which eventually results in mature onset diabetes.

When our feelings of poor self-esteem, a fear of not belonging, or a need for approval and acceptance are dealt with by “medicating” with serotonin producing foods, we are simply treating the symptoms. This masks the underlying emotional cause of diabetes and allows the feeling/feeding cycle to continue.

Next Installment – Part V – Chemical and Nutritional
With all good wishes,
Georgianna

Copyright 2010 G. Donadio