Bunions

Bunions

What are bunions?

The common bunion is a localized area of enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe. The enlargement actually represents additional bone formation, often in combination with a misalignment of the big toe. The misalignment causes the big toe to move outward (medically termed hallux valgus deformity). The normal position of the big toe (straight forward) becomes outward-directed toward the smaller toes. The enlarged joint at the base of the big toe (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint) can become inflamed with redness, tenderness, and pain. A small fluid-filled sac (bursa) adjacent to the joint can also become inflamed (bursitis), leading to additional swelling, redness, and pain.

A less common bunion is located at the joint at the base of the smallest (fifth) toe. This bunion is sometimes referred to as a tailor's bunion.

What can you do for your bunions?

· Wearing wide-toe shoes allows more space for the toes, reducing constriction around the big toe. Also try going barefoot when the option is available.

· Use a spacer at night while you sleep to separate the big toe from the second toe to prevent pressure while you sleep.

· Soak your feet in a bowl of hot water with a couple tablespoons of Epsom Salts and soak for 10-15 minutes. It will soothe the pain, reduce inflammation, and reduce any stiffness in the joint.

· Chamomile, eucalyptus, cajuput, peppermint, ginger, cypress and juniper essential oils are recommended for helping various joint problems due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

· Arnica and Calendula have been used medicinally for centuries. They both have anti-inflammatory properties so may help reduce the pain and inflammation around the toe joint.

· Apply an ice pack 2-3 times per day to relieve swelling and painful inflammation.

· Cayenne pepper packs or salves can draw out inflammation and improve circulation to the area.

· Take 500 mg of bromelain 3 times a day to reduce inflammation of the joint.

· White willow also relieves pain on bunions.

· Hypericum (St. Johns Wort) eases shooting pains and tenderness in the foot. St. Johns Wort oil can also be applied topically. Dandelion tea is a natural diuretic that flushes away excess water from the body, relieving your swollen feet. Dandelion tea can potentially decrease uric acid build up resulting in less pain and discomfort.

Evening Primrose Oil

The previous posting referred to EFAs (essential fatty acids) found in fish oils and the benefits the body gains from them. This posting will continue that line of thinking as it discusses another product richly supplying essential fatty acids.

The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content of evening primrose oil is the most active omega-6 fatty acid. It assists immune function, inflammatory conditions, brain function, nerve impulses, protects against heart and vascular disease, and increases metabolims in those with obesity.

Essential fatty acids are not made by the body, and therefore must be consumed in the diet. They are necessary for the production and balance of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances which regulate all body systems and functions. A deficiency in EFAs can lead to a number of chronic disorders, such as allergies, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and various other illnesses.

If you struggle with high blood pressure, cholesterol, irregular body temperature, low energy, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, candida, asthma, hair and skin problems, hangovers or alcoholism, headaches, hyperactivity, inflammatory conditions, and others, then perhaps supplementing with essential fatty acids would be a benefit.

Specifically, GLA supplementation in diabetics has been shown to enhance nerve function and hyperactivity. It has been shown to increase metabolism which enhances weight reduction. It can help lower cholesterol and been used to provide relief to sufferers of circulatory problems.

*NOTE*
It is not recommended to take Evening Primrose Oil if suffering from epilepsy.

*Informational resource: Herb Allure, HART resource book for Natures Sunshine Products

Fish Oil

The word "fat" conjures up some pretty ugly mental images for most people, even when it is attached to words like essential. We hear that word and suddenly feel our blood pressure rise and our scale groan. It's sad that we associate such terrible things with the word "fat" because in reality, our bodies REQUIRE it. Fat actually serves as a protection to our vital organs and cells and it also insulates us from cold temperatures, which is another protection.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are exactly that, ESSENTIAL. They are considered essential because they are necessary for health and cannot be produced by the body. We simply must consume them through our diet. You can get them through leafy green vegetables and flax seeds and chia seeds and some meats and eggs (providing the animals were fed well) and fish and some algae (these are Omega-3). You can get EFAs from safflower oil, sunflower oil, cereals and grains and some meats (these are Omega-6). But do we really eat enough of these things (unadulterated) to get the essential needs from them? Sadly, the standard American diet is lacking greatly in the amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 needed to avoid certain health difficulties, particularly inflammatory conditions like arthritis, allergies, atherosclerosis, IBD, and PMS.
Consider your diet. Are you consuming equal amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6? Do you have other factors that prohibit your absorption and utilization of these essential nutrients, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, age, vitamin deficiency? This where your consideration of supplementing with a fish oil comes in.
Researchers have found that fish oil supplementation greatly improves joint pain for many people, as well as supporting overall cardiovascular health. The presence of DHA also improves brain function.

So you've read through this information and thought to yourself "it sounds good, but I just really don't want to be burping up a fishy taste all day everyday!" I honestly don't blame you! ME EITHER! So if this is a concern to you, check out the product before you buy it. There are brands that incorporate an orange or lemon essence that improves that side effect dramatically, or even eliminates it totally. You also don't have to take it in a spoon. You can get it in gelatin capsules with an enteric coating that allows it break down once it has arrived in the right place, instead of breaking down early and sending yucky tastes back up the esophagus. See? We think like you!

Slippery Elm

Ever had a sore throat? Most of us have at some point. What did you do for it? There are several options in the herbal field to choose from, one of which is Slippery Elm.

Slippery Elm is a traditional Native American remedy for several things. Not only does it soothe the throat, but it soothes the digestive tract from the top to the bottom! This means not only can it be an aid to your heartburn symptoms, but can also soothe inflammatory bowel conditions.

Slippery Elm is a mucilaginous inner bark that is powdered up fine so as to be easily in tea or capsule or lozenge form. That mucilage is able to coat the tissues and provide protection from things that cause problems. By taking it as a tea or lozenge, it can coat and soothe the throat. As a capsule, it can coat and soothe the intestinal areas affected by Chrohn's Disease, ulcers, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, constipation, colitis and more.

Due to its mucilaginous texture, it is also good for external uses, such as chapped lips, burns and wounds, boils, abscesses and diaper rash.

Sounds like a good addition to a first-aid kit!

While slippery elm seems to cause no considerable adverse effects, it may interfere with the absorption of some medications.

It should also be noted that despite common health claims, slippery elm is not advised for the treatment for serious chronic conditions like cancer and bronchitis.

Fingernail Colors

Ever wondered about the signs you see displaying on your fingernails? If you are curious about some of these things, this post should give you some clues where to look.

COLORS

Yes, fingernails DO develop colors, and sometimes the colors can form in patterns! What do these things mean? They actually DO represent other health conditions or weaknesses that might be present in your body! Some examples are:

• White nails may indicate a circulation problem, anemia, liver or kidney problems.
• White spots on the nails can indicate a zinc deficiency or anemia.
• White lines across the nail may indicate a liver disease, possible heart disease high fever or arsenic poisoning.
• A half-white nail with dark spots on the tip may indicate a possible kidney disease.
• White nails with a dark band at the end may indicate a serious illness.
• White nails with pink tips may indicate liver problems.
• White square nails may indicate hormonal disorders.
• Pale nails usually indicates poor circulation or anemia.
• Yellow nails can indicate chronic bronchitis, problems with the lymph system, diabetes or liver disorders. Nail polish can also yellow nails.
• Green nails may indicate a bacterial infection.
• Deep blue nail beds may indicate pulmonary obstruction such as asthma or emphysema.
• Red skin at the bottom of the nail may indicate circulatory or connective tissue disorder.
• Red "splinters" in the nails may be tiny hemorrhages of the capillaries in the nail bed caused by liver trouble or psoriasis.
• Red-brown pitted spots and frayed and split ends usually indicate psoriasis; Vitamin C, folic acid, and protein are needed.
• Dark streaks across the nail may indicate an under-active adrenal gland.
• Pink half moons usually indicate Candida or parasites in the bowel.
• If the white moon area of the nail turns red, it may indicate heart problems; if it turns blue, then it usually indicates overexposure to silver or lung trouble.

For more information at changes in the nail surface, be sure to get signed up on our e-newsletter and look for the June issue to be sent! If you are not on our email list already, send your request to be added to robinsherbshop@gmail.com .

*Info is an excerpt from ©Footprints On the Path, 2009 edition.

Potassium

The human body needs potassium. The heart needs it, the kidneys need it, reproductive processes need it,... and yet, many of us do not get enough of it. If we all ate a healthy diet constantly, we would likely consume enough potassium to satisfy our needs. However, the call of the fast food industry and processed microwavable meals is frequently more temptation than a lot of people can resist.

What symptoms might be telling you to increase your potassium intake?

• Muscle cramps
• Muscle fatigue and weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Irritability
• Abnormally dry skin
• Insatiable thirst
• Chills
• Depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Periodic headaches
• Constipation
• Glucose intolerance
• Edema
• High cholesterol
• Impaired growth

The average adult needs approximately 4,700mg of potassium daily.

What foods can provide potassium?

• Bananas
• Avocados
• Nuts, like almonds and peanuts
• Citrus fruits
• Leafy, green vegetables
• Milk
• Potatoes

As good as these are, boiling and other cooking methods can actually destroy the potassium content, rendering the food "empty."

There are medications and habits/choices that actually deplete the body of potassium, too. Certain diuretics cause the body to lose potassium through fluid removal. Excessive use of laxatives can do this as well. Alcoholism, anorexia, cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, influenza, and many other conditions also can contribute to potassium deficiency symptoms.

It is wise to consult your doctor and become educated about your body's needs. Then look for a supplement or dietary change that can improve your personal situation and give you that healthy glow that just plain feels good!

Chlorophyll

Middle school children are taught in science class that plants produce chlorophyll using sunlight and water. This chlorophyll is what plants use to "feed" themselves, and it is also what makes the plants so green when they are healthy. Chlorophyll is the culprit that leaves behind grass stains on children's clothing and it's also what turns the water green when you boil green beans for supper. Our world is rich with chlorophyll even if we're not looking for it!

Let's switch gears a moment.
The human body was designed to gain nutrition from many plant sources. As children, many of us can remember parents and grandparents preparing a garden every spring and cooking most of our meals from what was grown in those gardens. Beans, peas, squashes, tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, okra, .... and when there were leftovers, that just meant we were having vegetable soup tomorrow! What I remember noticing back then was that the foods we got from the garden were so brightly colored. The same foods from a can were dull and lifeless and mushy. The canned ones had lost a lot of their nutritional value. Those vegetables and fruits from the garden were RICH in those nutrients, though!

Combining the two thoughts we've discussed here, it makes sense to say that we consume a lot of chlorophyll all the time. We likely got more of it when we were kids and fewer processed foods were available. Society in general was a lot healthier back then too! Did chlorophyll have something to do with that? Perhaps!

Today, we see a lot of people in the herb shop with various health concerns. During the summertime, when Georgia is so stifling hot, chlorophyll comes to the rescue and helps lower the body's internal temperature. Those who have days they can't seem to get their blood sugar to come down to earth, chlorophyll enhances the body's ability to utilize resources better and lower that blood sugar number. Some find that they struggle with anemia, and they opt to take their chlorophyll in a capsule form so they get a more regulated amount in their system. Not surprisingly, they see improvement in iron levels! With such a range of health benefits, it's no wonder that chlorophyll gets recommended to so many people.

So the next time you need help with:

• improving anemic condition
• counteracting toxins eaten
• cleansing and deodorizing bowel tissues
• purifying the liver
• improving hepatitis
• regulating menstruation
• improving hemophilia conditions
• improving blood sugar problems
• improving asthma
• increasing iron content in mothers milk
• healing sores faster
• eliminating body odors
• inflammation
• pyorrhea
• improving nasal drainage
• eliminating bad breath
• relieving sore throat
• inflamed tonsils
• soothing ulcers
• soothing painful hemorrhoids
• improving varicose veins

...then just stop by and see us at Robin's Herb Shop and we'll help you find chlorophyll!