Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Essential Oils
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tawne_Bachus]Tawne Bachus
Often and unfortunately, ulcers on the feet become a common result of diabetes. Once an open wound is present on the foot, it also becomes prone to complications that may rise from infection.
Prevention of infection may be achieved through the use of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral essential oils like Tea Tree oil. Tea Tree oil is also a commonly recommended essential oil that has historically assisted with the recovery of foot ulcers for several reasons.
First, Tea Tree oil has an unusually high concentration of terpinen-4-ol, an alcohol, which constitutes up to 35% of the finest quality Tea Tree oils. Research indicates the Terpinen-4-ol, successfully helps the body achieve normal inflammation levels, as indicated in a November, 2003, Australian study. Inflammation naturally occurs any time the body responds to trauma within the body. Inflammation results in redness, swelling, increased body temperature and pain. Thus, reducing inflammation may result in a reduction of the discomforts associated with the ulcer. Additionally, Tea Tree oil is used on foot ulcers is, because Tea Tree oil contains a unique blend of constituents that cannot be found in this combination anywhere else in nature. In 1978, G. Swords and G. L. K. Hunter authored an article titled: 'Composition of Australian Tea-Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)' in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry (vol. 26, 1978, pp. 734-9). This article pointed out that Tea Tree contains viridiflorene, present at I %, B- terpineol (0.24%) 1-terpineol (trace amounts) and allyl hexanoate (trace amounts).
Second, Tea Tree oil has been reported to have strong antiseptic properties. An antiseptic is defined as an anti-microbial substance that is applied to living tissue or skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis (defined below), or putrefaction (defined below).
Sepsis is defined as a serious medical issue, resulting from the immune response to a severe infection, where by harmful bacteria enters the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream the entire body may be under attack. In severe cases organ failure and death may result. According to www.sepsis.com, "early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly improve survival rates." Unfortunately, "since November 21, 2001, it is estimated that 4,804,000 people have developed severe sepsis, and 1,377,000 are estimated to have died."
A completely different issue that many people with foot ulcers sometimes face, is the strong, piercing, foul odor that can be produced by foot ulcers. Putrefaction describes this and is defined as the decomposition of animal proteins, speed up by bacteria that feeds on that protein, allowing flesh to rot or decompose, sometimes resulting in a putrid odor.
A small list of additional essential oils has also been noted to assist with ulcers: Frankincense (Boswell carteri), Rose (Rosa dmascena), Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea), Lemon (Citrus limonum) and Bergamot (Citrus bergamia).
Two processes are suggested for the application of essential oils to an open wound. First, you may choose to put one or two drops of the essential oil directly onto a cotton ball or a cotton swab. Then simply dab the ulcer with the cotton ball. Second, you may choose to make a compress. A compress can either be hot or cold. Typically, a cold compress is used in the presence of a fever, acute pain or swelling. You may choose to alternate between a hot and cold compress until you are able to determine which one produces the best results. You may even find that a combination of a hot and cold compress used at alternating times, is the best option.
To make a compress, place 6 drops of essential oil into a small bowl of water. Then soak a piece of absorbent material in the mixture. The material can literally be anything the holds the liquid, such as a towel or washcloth. Do not remove the piece of material until it cannot hold one more drop of the liquid mixture. Then remove the material and twist it until the excess liquid is drained out of the material. This is done simply to prevent excessive spillage. After draining the extra liquid, the cloth may be applied to the open wound. The compress should remain on the wound for at least 2 hours. However, leaving the compress on the wound overnight, may be even more beneficial.
In summary, Tea Tree oil is a noted antiseptic and may work extremely well to reduce the microbial invaders that try to attack the body through the open soar of a foot ulcer. Tea Tree oil may establish a barrier so strong that it is able to keep bacterial and viral invaders out of the blood stream. This anti-microbial function of Tea Tree oil may also be the necessary component that results in a reduction or total elimination of the distracting odor that diabetic foot ulcers sometimes produce. In addition to these benefits, Tea Tree oil is also believed to possess qualities that may be able to assist the body with inflammation created by the body in reaction to the trauma of the ulcer. This benefits the body as the pain and the swelling associated with the inflammation is normalized or reduced.
Copyright © 2007 Tawne Bachus
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not provided by a medical professional and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.
Tawne Bachus is the current Vice President of [http://essential-dynamics.com]Essential Dynamics, Inc. a leading provider of undenatured whey protein, essential oils and other products for essential living. For more information on these three subjects, please visit the [http://blog.essential-dynamics.com]Essential Dynamics Blog Home Page or to purchase these products online, please visit [http://shop.essential-dynamics.com]Essential Dynamics Online Shopping Cart
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tawne_Bachus http://EzineArticles.com/?Diabetic-Foot-Ulcers-and-Essential-Oils&id=618128
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Ways Of Birth Control After Pregnancy
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Apurva_Jain]Apurva Jain
Practicing birth control immediately after your pregnancy period is a good idea if you want to lead a healthy life and have a happy family. It is important that you continue being on the alert once your pregnancy gets over. There are various ways of birth control to opt from but it is best to read journals, magazines, websites etc. and gather as much information as you can before you decide the method most effective for you.
It is normal for a woman to not feel sexually inclined soon after her pregnancy period. Nonetheless, the vagina heals within two weeks of giving birth putting you at the risk of becoming pregnant while still nursing. Beware of this when getting involved in sex after pregnancy. You must avoid getting pregnant at such an early stage which can be done by exercising birth control while breastfeeding. This method of birth control after pregnancy is called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) and is said to be helpful in postponing fertility simply by feeding your baby. Following are the conditions required for this method to work:
You have to feed your baby from both breasts every four hours during the day and every six hours during the night
You must not have had a period since your child’s birth
You can use this method only for six months from your baby’s birth
There are other methods of controlling birth after pregnancy that you can choose from while you are still nursing. Two of them are:
Barrier Methods
IUDs: IntraUterine Devices
Barrier methods of birth control post pregnancy include condoms, female condoms, and sponges and help in making sex after pregnancy safe. Some are even spermicidal. Spermicidal methods should be used only when the vagina has healed completely. Prescription barrier methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, and shields require waiting for six to eight weeks after delivery. While using IUDs is a method of birth control while breastfeeding that will not have any change on your breast milk, thus neither on your infant. You cannot conceive as long as an IUD is inserted in you by a professional. Wearing a ring, using a patch and taking a combination of hormonal treatment are best avoided while you are in the process of feeding your baby.
Another method of birth control after pregnancy is to be aware of your menstrual cycle after pregnancy and refrain from sex on days that are “unsafe”. Once you have had your first period post delivery, you can keep a track of your fertility with the aid of a doctor and avoid sex on the days your body is more receptive to sperms.
The above mentioned methods are used before intercourse. But once you have had sex and a pregnancy kit tests you positive, you can turn to the Emergency Contraceptive pill for an urgent rescue! It can be used within 120 hours of intercourse but the sooner it is used, the better. Even if it does seem like the last resort, it is effective in birth control after pregnancy.
You should consider different facts and measures related to [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/pregnancybirthcontrol.html]birth control after pregnancy before you consider and start sex after pregnancy. Some exerts believe that birth control while [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/benefits_of_breastfeeding.html]breastfeeding helps you to maintain a healthy gap between your children. One method of birth control after pregnancy is to be aware of your menstrual cycle after pregnancy and to avoid sex on unsafe days. For more information visit [http://www.pregnancy-period.com]Pregnancy Period
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Apurva_Jain http://EzineArticles.com/?Ways-Of-Birth-Control-After-Pregnancy&id=611646
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Apurva_Jain]Apurva Jain
Practicing birth control immediately after your pregnancy period is a good idea if you want to lead a healthy life and have a happy family. It is important that you continue being on the alert once your pregnancy gets over. There are various ways of birth control to opt from but it is best to read journals, magazines, websites etc. and gather as much information as you can before you decide the method most effective for you.
It is normal for a woman to not feel sexually inclined soon after her pregnancy period. Nonetheless, the vagina heals within two weeks of giving birth putting you at the risk of becoming pregnant while still nursing. Beware of this when getting involved in sex after pregnancy. You must avoid getting pregnant at such an early stage which can be done by exercising birth control while breastfeeding. This method of birth control after pregnancy is called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) and is said to be helpful in postponing fertility simply by feeding your baby. Following are the conditions required for this method to work:
You have to feed your baby from both breasts every four hours during the day and every six hours during the night
You must not have had a period since your child’s birth
You can use this method only for six months from your baby’s birth
There are other methods of controlling birth after pregnancy that you can choose from while you are still nursing. Two of them are:
Barrier Methods
IUDs: IntraUterine Devices
Barrier methods of birth control post pregnancy include condoms, female condoms, and sponges and help in making sex after pregnancy safe. Some are even spermicidal. Spermicidal methods should be used only when the vagina has healed completely. Prescription barrier methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, and shields require waiting for six to eight weeks after delivery. While using IUDs is a method of birth control while breastfeeding that will not have any change on your breast milk, thus neither on your infant. You cannot conceive as long as an IUD is inserted in you by a professional. Wearing a ring, using a patch and taking a combination of hormonal treatment are best avoided while you are in the process of feeding your baby.
Another method of birth control after pregnancy is to be aware of your menstrual cycle after pregnancy and refrain from sex on days that are “unsafe”. Once you have had your first period post delivery, you can keep a track of your fertility with the aid of a doctor and avoid sex on the days your body is more receptive to sperms.
The above mentioned methods are used before intercourse. But once you have had sex and a pregnancy kit tests you positive, you can turn to the Emergency Contraceptive pill for an urgent rescue! It can be used within 120 hours of intercourse but the sooner it is used, the better. Even if it does seem like the last resort, it is effective in birth control after pregnancy.
You should consider different facts and measures related to [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/pregnancybirthcontrol.html]birth control after pregnancy before you consider and start sex after pregnancy. Some exerts believe that birth control while [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/benefits_of_breastfeeding.html]breastfeeding helps you to maintain a healthy gap between your children. One method of birth control after pregnancy is to be aware of your menstrual cycle after pregnancy and to avoid sex on unsafe days. For more information visit [http://www.pregnancy-period.com]Pregnancy Period
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Apurva_Jain http://EzineArticles.com/?Ways-Of-Birth-Control-After-Pregnancy&id=611646
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
pregnancy-ectopic
Understanding and Recognizing an Ectopic Pregnancy Symptom
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Elliott]Kenneth Elliott
An ectopic pregnancy is an intensely dangerous subject which is extremely important to your baby. That is why is is extremely important to understand and recognize the symptoms of what an ectopic pregnancy. Especially if a planned pregnancy is initiated.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy and what are the symptoms?
The definition of a Ectopic Pregnancy is in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tubes. The symptoms of at Ectopic Pregnancy include:
* Abdominal or pelvic pain
* A missed period
* Signs of early pregnancy
* Vaginal bleeding not caused by menstruation
* Dizziness or fainting.
* Low blood pressure when bleeding is severe
All of these are very serious and should not be taken lightly. If you have any of these symptoms be sure to talk to a physician immediately. In the doctors exam he/she will want to perform a pelvic exam to determine if your uterus is enlarged. The physician will also try to feel for a mass in the area of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is usually where indications of a Ectopic pregnancy is discovered.
What can happen if these symptoms are ignored?
Ignoring these symptoms is not a good idea. Prolonged and mistreated symptoms will get worse. This could cause:
* Severe sharp and sudden pain in the lower abdominal area
* Feeling faint or actually fainting
* Referred pain to the shoulder and surrounding area.
* Extreme pain near and around the pelvic area
* Internal bleeding
* Going into shock
This is not something that you should play with.
Treatment for Ectopic pregnancy will depend on the location and region of your pregnancy. It will also depend on if you want to be pregnant again in the future. If caught early enough ectopic pregnancy can be treated with medication. More advanced pregnancies or if the pregnancy has returned, may require surgery. Before doctors would have to remove the fallopian tube if pregnancy was located their. Now, technology has afforded doctors a means to salvage the fallopian tube.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no known way to prevent ectopic pregnancy. The only known way to prevent is to not get pregnant by using condoms.
A pregnancy can be incredibly enjoyable. Be sure to be aware of any symptoms and alway have regular checkups with your physician.
Kenneth Elliott is the proud owner of [http://www.first-symptom-of-pregnancy.com]first symptom of pregnancy. A website the concentrates on the informing a new to become mother of the symptoms to look for when pregnant. Also see: [http://www.first-symptom-of-pregnancy.com/birth/Pregnancy-Body-Image-and-Expectant-Moms.aspx]Pregnancy Body Image, and [http://www.first-symptom-of-pregnancy.com/birth/Pregnancy-Pain-Control-Options.aspx]Pain Control Options.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Elliott http://EzineArticles.com/?Understanding-and-Recognizing-an-Ectopic-Pregnancy-Symptom&id=600681
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Elliott]Kenneth Elliott
An ectopic pregnancy is an intensely dangerous subject which is extremely important to your baby. That is why is is extremely important to understand and recognize the symptoms of what an ectopic pregnancy. Especially if a planned pregnancy is initiated.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy and what are the symptoms?
The definition of a Ectopic Pregnancy is in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tubes. The symptoms of at Ectopic Pregnancy include:
* Abdominal or pelvic pain
* A missed period
* Signs of early pregnancy
* Vaginal bleeding not caused by menstruation
* Dizziness or fainting.
* Low blood pressure when bleeding is severe
All of these are very serious and should not be taken lightly. If you have any of these symptoms be sure to talk to a physician immediately. In the doctors exam he/she will want to perform a pelvic exam to determine if your uterus is enlarged. The physician will also try to feel for a mass in the area of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is usually where indications of a Ectopic pregnancy is discovered.
What can happen if these symptoms are ignored?
Ignoring these symptoms is not a good idea. Prolonged and mistreated symptoms will get worse. This could cause:
* Severe sharp and sudden pain in the lower abdominal area
* Feeling faint or actually fainting
* Referred pain to the shoulder and surrounding area.
* Extreme pain near and around the pelvic area
* Internal bleeding
* Going into shock
This is not something that you should play with.
Treatment for Ectopic pregnancy will depend on the location and region of your pregnancy. It will also depend on if you want to be pregnant again in the future. If caught early enough ectopic pregnancy can be treated with medication. More advanced pregnancies or if the pregnancy has returned, may require surgery. Before doctors would have to remove the fallopian tube if pregnancy was located their. Now, technology has afforded doctors a means to salvage the fallopian tube.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no known way to prevent ectopic pregnancy. The only known way to prevent is to not get pregnant by using condoms.
A pregnancy can be incredibly enjoyable. Be sure to be aware of any symptoms and alway have regular checkups with your physician.
Kenneth Elliott is the proud owner of [http://www.first-symptom-of-pregnancy.com]first symptom of pregnancy. A website the concentrates on the informing a new to become mother of the symptoms to look for when pregnant. Also see: [http://www.first-symptom-of-pregnancy.com/birth/Pregnancy-Body-Image-and-Expectant-Moms.aspx]Pregnancy Body Image, and [http://www.first-symptom-of-pregnancy.com/birth/Pregnancy-Pain-Control-Options.aspx]Pain Control Options.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Elliott http://EzineArticles.com/?Understanding-and-Recognizing-an-Ectopic-Pregnancy-Symptom&id=600681
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