8 Natural Ways to Treat Chronic Migraine
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. Have you ever had a headache so severe that it completely knocks you off your feet? Well, try coupling that with other symptoms such as light and sound sensitivity, aura, nausea, vomiting brain fog, and dizziness and you will know what it feels like to have a migraine attack. Currently, The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) estimates that at least 39 million Americans live with migraine, but because many people do not get a diagnosis or the treatment they need, the actual number is probably higher.With so many people suffering from symptoms of migraine every day, it’s important for patients to find the right treatment options for their toolkits. For some, that might look like medication, but it’s not uncommon for people to want to also try a natural approach. That is why we are sharing “8 Natural Ways to Treat Chronic Migraine” on our blog for Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.1. Magnesium SupplementIt’s no secret in the migraine community that migraine attacks might stem from the depletion of magnesium in their diets. After all, magnesium helps with muscle, nerve, and energy functions in the body. According to AMF, it’s believed that magnesium can prevent the brain signaling that causes visual and sensory changes associated with aura, a majorly disrupting symptom of migraine. If you haven’t already, discuss taking a magnesium supplement with your doctor.2. Light Blocking GlassesAnother common trigger for many with migraine are lights. If you find yourself feeling nauseous, dizzy or in pain from bright lights, consider purchasing a pair of migraine glasses or blue light blocking glasses to combat symptoms.3. Ginger for NauseaIf nausea tends to be one of your worst symptoms, think about consuming some ginger. Ginger is an ancient herb used widely in history for its many natural medicinal properties and is known to be an effective and inexpensive treatment for nausea and vomiting. Try drinking a ginger tea or sucking on a ginger candy.4. Reduce StressMany find that they are more likely to have an attack if they are under a lot of stress. Therapies such as massages, acupuncture, meditation, etc. can all have a lasting effect on the body and mind. By promoting relaxation, it can help bring a person’s threshold down and reduce the number of migraine attacks.If you need a little help with calming your brain, give our natural “Calm Mood” remedy a try!5. DietDid you know that a migraine attack can be triggered by what you eat? That’s right, many people are triggered by food. The Heal Your Headache elimination diet is a great way to see what foods are causing an attack and looks at eliminating common migraine culprits such as chocolate, red wine, aged cheese and meats, caffeine, nuts and various fruits and veggies.6. Getting A Good Night’s RestSleep is crucial for your health for many reasons, but especially for someone who suffers from chronic migraine. Sleep and migraine are often linked and too little of sleep is commonly known to cause headaches and possibly migraine attacks.Need help getting to sleep and staying asleep, try our natural Sleep Well product and wake up rested, not groggy.7. ExerciseAs with most things, exercise is a good habit to have in your daily routine. Exercise helps with improving your mental state and reduces stress, a common migraine attack trigger. While all exercise is great, yoga has been found to be a great option for migraine prevention and treatment.Not only does it reduce stress with the various breathing exercises, but the movements and poses help loosen tight areas such as the neck, head, and shoulders. All which can become more irritated and inflamed during a migraine attack.8. Natural Migraine MedicationOur natural migraine roll-on medication is another great option to combat an attack. This treatment will quickly ease the severe throbbing pain sensation, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound that is triggered by migraine.By directly applying it to your forehead, our migraine pain management relief oil alleviates the four stages of migraines: prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. Give it a try today and watch as your symptoms begin to disappear.
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Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Everything You Need to Know
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. The thought of aging can be scary for a lot of people, especially when it comes to your brain and memory. Our brains are powerful yet sensitive organs that even the slightest change can cause a new ailment to appear – such as dementia. At some point in your life, you probably have known someone who suffers from some form of dementia and have seen firsthand how it can affect even the brightest individual.Sadly, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, so it’s important to be aware of the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and how you can potentially combat this cruel disease.June is “Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month” which is why we want to share this guide with you.Dementia vs Alzheimer’sYou have probably heard the terms, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, tossed around when describing an elderly loved-one who may have trouble remembering various details or seems confused. So, what’s the difference between the two?Well, first, it’s important to know that dementia isn’t a single disease. It’s an umbrella term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. There are multiple forms of dementia that include Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal and Huntington’s Disease. In some cases, someone can also suffer from “mixed dementia,” which is the symptoms of dementia from more than one cause.These various forms of dementia are caused by abnormal brain changes and brain damage that results in declined thinking skills and cognitive abilities that can impact someone’s life and ability to function independently.As far as Alzheimer’s disease goes, high levels of specific proteins inside and outside of brain cells make it hard for them to stay healthy and communicate with one another. In the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, is typically where brain cells are often first known to be damaged. Therefore, memory loss tends to be one of the earliest symptoms.What Are the Risk Factors?If Alzheimer’s disease can come as a result of brain damage and not necessarily just getting older, how do you know if you’re at risk?Well, first off, we hate to say it, but age is still a factor. Most people are more at risk after the age of 65. In fact 80 percent of those living with Alzheimer’s disease are 75 years and older, but it’s important to know that age isn’t completely a deciding factor.You’re also more likely to be at risk if you have family history associated with the disease, are female, have had a head injury, experience high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.Warning Signs of Alzheimer’sNow that you’re aware that Alzheimer’s causes a slow decline in the memory and thinking skills, how can you look out for the warning signs? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these are the warning sings to look out for if you’re concerned.Memory LossAs we discussed above, memory loss that affects daily life tends to be the first warning sign. That tends to look like forgetting simple information such as important dates and events, repeating the same questions frequently and needing more support to handle relatively easy tasks.Problem SolvingProblem solving can become a problem when the individual experiencing a cognitive delay can no longer follow a plan or solve basic problems, like budgeting their finances. It may be a sign of Alzheimer’s when they are no longer able to concentrate for long periods and can’t complete a task after reading directions.General ConfusionYes, as we get older, confusion can happen, but when is it a problem? With Alzheimer’s, it’s concerning if a person becomes confused on how they may have arrived to a certain place, or are confused by the time of year, etc.Language ProblemsIf someone is developing Alzheimer’s, they may have trouble becoming engaged in a conversation. You might notice that they begin to ramble, struggle with basic vocabulary, or have a hard time remembering the name of a common object or family member.Misplacing ObjectsAs the memory declines, so does the ability to recall where you may have placed a common household object. A warning sign typically is when the individual has set an object down and can’t go back through their memory on how to trace it. This can sometimes result in the individual making accusations of theft as the disease progresses.Poor Decision MakingYou may notice that someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s begins to make poor judgement calls, such as neglecting to clean themselves and their house, leaves out groceries that need to be refrigerated, etc.Personality ChangesAnd sadly, personality changes. Someone suffering from Alzheimer’s may begin to act confused, paranoid, suspicious and anxious. Especially when they are pulled away from their comfort zone.(Note: If you have noticed any of the above in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to notify your doctor as soon as possible.)How To Fight ItUnfortunately, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments that can change the disease’s progression and that treat symptoms. Therefore, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as you notice something cognitively “off.”However, it doesn’t hurt to start working to stay mentally and socially active now to keep your brain working. By taking care of and challenging our brain and memory, you can potentially slow the rate of dementia.Family And SupportNothing is harder than watching a family member become something besides what they once were prior to Alzheimer’s decline. Many family members find themselves grieving and mourning, which is completely okay. If you do find yourself in this situation, be sure to take care of yourself while being there for your loved-one. There are many support groups to help through this difficult time.If you believe that a loved-one is showing symptoms, do your research before approaching them. Make sure that you have eliminated any other possible health conditions that can cause memory loss.If you have narrowed down that the confusion is coming from Alzheimer’s, try to approach it in a loving manner and find a place to address it where the individual feels comfortable. Also, think about offering to go to the doctor with them as another form of support.Alzheimer’s and dementia are very difficult to cope with for everyone involved, so know that you’re not alone. For more information on Alzheimer’s and how to cope, click here.
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What is Inula helenium?
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D.What is it?Inula helenium, also known as elecampane, is a soothing herb with a long list of potential health benefits. It’s a sunflower-like plant from the daisy family that is native to Europe and northern Asia. Its roots and rhizomes are rich in flavonoids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, and other healthful compounds.What is its history?This herb is the stuff that legends are made of…literally. Folklore suggests that Helen of Troy wore this flower in her hair as she was abducted from her homeland and that this plant grew wherever Helen's tears fell during this time. Its genus name, Helenium, refers to Helen of Troy.How is it used? The list of potential health benefits associated with the roots and rhizomes of Inula helenium is a lengthy one. It has been used to treat coughing associated with bronchitis, asthma, and even whooping cough.How is it taken?Inula helenium is available in teas, tinctures, medicinal honey, syrup, capsules, extracts, or drops such as in Forces of Nature’s Allergy Maximum Strength. Health benefits aside, the root is also used to give absinthe its bitter flavor.How does it work?It’s rich in mucilage which helps thin the mucus that can trigger coughing. (Sometimes mucus is produced in response to irritation from an allergen.) A study in the journal Antioxidants showed that elecampane has anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs, which can also help ease coughing and congestion. This herb is also rich in the prebiotic soluble fiber inulin. Prebiotics help to encourage a healthy and well-balanced gut. Inulin has other positive effects too. It can slow metabolism and reduce blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes.Thinking of giving elecampane a try?Forces of Nature’s Allergy Maximum Strength contains Inula helenium along with other all-natural herbs such as stinging nettle, marshmallow, and Scots pines to reduce vexing allergy symptoms. Place 5 to 10 drops under your tongue at first signs of sniffling, sneezing, cough or other allergy symptoms. Repeat this every 15 minutes until symptoms subside. You can also add three to six drops in water and drink throughout the day.Where can I learn more?Interested in learning more about Inula helenium? Check out these articles: Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine. Elecampane Monograph. https://www.eclecticschoolofherbalmedicine.com/elecampane-monograph/ Missouri Botanical Garden. Inula helenium. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277211
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Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Guide to Seeking Treatment for Joint Pain
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. As we age, it’s natural for our joints and muscles to tighten and crack more than they did when we were young. Our muscles lose strength and endurance while our joints become stiffer and less flexible. The latter is usually due to the decrease in cartilage between joints and our ligaments shortening. So, how do you tell the difference between general wear and tear on the body and something more serious such as Rheumatoid Arthritis?First off, it’s important to understand more about this autoimmune disease.What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?Unlike osteoarthritis, the most common arthritis affecting millions worldwide, Rheumatoid Arthritis isn’t a result of over working your joints from sports, obesity, genetic deformities, or the like. It’s actually an autoimmune disease that results from your immune system attacking your body’s own tissues. Beyond your joints, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect body parts such as your eyes, mouth, and lungs.The symptoms can range from swollen and tender joints, joint stiffness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The symptoms can vary in severity and may even come and go with periods of flare-ups and remission.While Rheumatoid Arthritis can begin at any age, you’re more likely to develop this condition in your sixties. You’re also more at risk if you’re a woman, smoke, are obese, or have a genetic/inherited trait that can cause for your arthritis to be worse.So, how do you know if you’re developing Rheumatoid Arthritis?The Four Stages of Rheumatoid ArthritisWhen diagnosing your Rheumatoid Arthritis, you will need to know what stage you’re currently in. Those four stages are as follows:Stage 1: In the early stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis, your body will begin to mistakenly attack your own joint tissue causing the membranes to swell. Those symptoms will include mild joint pain and stiffness commonly in your hands, fingers, ankles, and knees.Stage 2:During this stage, your body is alerted that something is going awry. At this point, the body has begun developing antibodies that has caused your joints to increase in swelling. This inflammation and swelling have now led to the thinning of the cartilage between your joints. As you use your hands and no longer have the padding in terms of cartilage, you will feel more stiffness as you use your extremities and joint damage can begin to occur.Stage 3:At this point, you should be very aware something isn’t right – in fact, your symptoms will be incredibly visible. Now that the joints are damaged, they will begin to fuse with connective tissue that limits range of motion. It will cause them to become bent and deformed, making fingers look crooked. This can also cause your joints to press on your nerves causing nerve pain.Stage 4:If your Rheumatoid Arthritis still hasn’t been treated by stage 4, you will no longer have a joint remaining. Your bones will have now fused together. The pain will have likely ceased, but you will lack the ability to move your joints as you did previously.If you are experiencing any of the symptoms in the stage above, please contact your doctor to seek treatment.However, we would like to give you some peace of mind by knowing that it’s now less common to see people reach the later stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis because there are effective treatments options. Especially if you’re proactive.Coping With an Autoimmune DiseaseWith any autoimmune disease, it can be hard to cope at first. You might be asking yourself why this happened to you or be so frustrated by flare-ups, everyday pain and how it affects your day-to-day. The silver lining is that 80% of sufferers can lead a normal life with the aid of medication and treatment.How To Treat ItDepending on the severity of your Rheumatoid Arthritis and what stage you might be in, there are various ways to treat your pain. Medication options can include NSAIDS, steroids, conventional DMARDs, biologic agents and targeted synthetic DMARDS. Physical therapy and surgery are also options depending on the level of damage on the joint and fusing that has taken place.And if none of those options speak to you, there is also the natural approach to relieve pain.Our natural joint pain relief will quickly alleviate minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Natural analgesics in our formula works with your body over time so you can regain healthy joint mobility and get back to the things you love. Give this natural treatment option a try today!
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Ex-Competitive Surfer Siren Williams Shares her Journey with Melanoma
By Siren Williams The Dark Freckle"I'm sure I have skin cancer somewhere", I'd say. "The sun will be the death of me", I'd joke. I knew there was truth in what I was saying, I just didn't realize it would happen as quickly as it did, and I always felt like it was safe to procrastinate on getting looked over by a dermatologist because we all know the signs of melanoma, right? I couldn't have been more wrong.It all started with having an impacted wisdom tooth removed and a round of antibiotics. A week later, I'd developed a rare bacterium, re-did the surgery, and did another round of antibiotics. These two rounds of antibiotics started the spiral that eventually led to a year of what was likely an autoimmune problem, combined with simply recovering from multiple rounds of antibiotics, which inevitably led to the discovery of a melanoma on my right arm.After the oral surgeries, I loaded up on probiotics hoping to cure the slump I was in after nuking my body, but I started to show signs of an autoimmune problem. I broke out into blisters and staph infections all over my body, which took three more rounds of antibiotics to remedy, while also being referred to a dermatologist to see if they could give some insight into what might be happening, while my blood tests were showing a potential for an autoimmune disease.Being a new patient with the dermatologist, a place I obviously didn't go, it took several months to get an appointment. Of course, once I got in, the blisters and staph were long gone, but the dermatologist wanted to look me over anyway since I spend so much time in the sun. "I don't like that one", she said, looking at the dark freckle on my arm. It had always been there, just lighter. One day I looked down and it was darker, and I told myself to have it looked at, but it would be over a year later before it was actually seen. She removed several spots around my body for biopsy and I waited a couple of weeks for the lab results.I got the call from the dermatologist’s office one afternoon saying they had the results. I was immediately nervous because the next words out of this guy’s mouth were, "We've scheduled your surgery for tomorrow at 10am to remove a melanoma."It was real. It was happening. I had no choice, no option, no way to back-peddle and put on sunscreen...The surgery was absolutely horrible. They simply numb the area, then make a 4" slice in your arm while you're going into shock and trying not to look, then they remove a huge chunk of your arm, bandage you up, and send you home overnight to wait for the lab results. The lab determines whether or not they were effective in removing all of it, or if they need to remove more. The next day we waited anxiously all morning for a call saying we could come in the afternoon to get stitched up and that they had successfully removed all of the cancer. This melanoma was still "in situ", which means it hadn't yet spread past the skin. This means that I caught it just in time, as melanoma can progress past this point and become deadly in just a few weeks.Since then, I've gone back for routine check-ups, we've done multiple biopsies, and have removed a few other pre-melanomas. I learned that I am prone to a specific type of mole (even though each one has looked completely different) called dysplastic nevus, which can turn to melanoma, and in my case, it does it often. Some were freckles that I'd had forever that just turned a darker brown, while others were flesh colored moles that I noticed were suddenly a little larger. They vary greatly, and I felt really misguided by the traditional thought that melanoma is a "mole" that starts to change colors or turns black. None of mine have fallen under the description I felt I was so commonly given to look for.The scars from the surgeries are just battle wounds, but I still loaded up on scar creams and products to help them heal and become more subtle. The scar on my arm was 4" long and deep purple-red for months, and the Forces of Nature Scar Treatment assisted in lightening that scar. My arm is somewhat deformed since they removed so much skin and then stretched it tight to stitch it back, but that's something I can live with! From this entire experience, I've learned a few things that made me realize just how lucky I am, as well as some general information that every person with skin needs to know. First, it's important to note that melanoma isn't always that classic internet photo of a wonky mole with brown and black spots. It can literally be a dark freckle or a flesh-colored mole, and it may have other faces I've not yet seen. It's important to take some mental notes or even photos of your current moles and larger, stand-alone freckles to monitor them in case they do change colors or grow. You should also check your fingernails for dark stripes which could be cancer and have your eye doctor check your eyes for melanoma. Skin cancers can also take off when you go through a period of having a weakened immune system, and in my case, this made sense. I also learned that you don't actually need to be a sun worshiper to get skin cancer! Anyone can get it, even in areas that don't see the sun. Genetics can play a huge part in cancers in general, and this is where I get flashbacks of my grandpa burning them off of his arms with cigarettes when I was a kid.The most important thing that everyone should know is that melanoma can become life threatening in as little as six weeks. You cannot procrastinate, and you may not even realize you have it. If I hadn't had that wisdom tooth removed, it's very likely that I wouldn't be here writing this article today. Wear sunscreen, utilize the shade, and GET CHECKED!You can learn more about Siren Williams by visiting her instagram here.
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All About Asthma: How To Keep It Under Control
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. If you suffer from asthma, you may be having a harder time breathing lately due to allergies. If you are, know you’re not alone. The spring is peak season for people with allergies, which is why May is known as “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.”To raise awareness around this disease that affects 25 million people in the United States, (20 million adults and 5 million children) we wanted to help provide tips to keep your asthma under control this allergy season.What Causes Asthma?Although Asthma is a more commonly known illness, you may be wondering what causes flareups. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects your bronchial tubes (i.e. the airway in your lungs.) Those who suffer from this disease airways will narrow, swell and produce extra mucus when triggered which makes breathing difficult and causes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.But to be honest, it’s uncertain what actually “causes” asthma. What the medical community does know is that there are many factors that play into what might cause someone to have an asthma attack. Whether that be genetics and asthma runs in the family, to allergens, respiratory infections, and other environmental factors.For some, asthma is only a minor inconvenience and flares up a few times a year, however 5 to 10 percent of asthmatics have it far more severe and feel the impacts of their disease in their everyday life. Not to mention, many may have life-threatening asthma attacks. Unfortunately, asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled.Tips To Keep It Under ControlKnow Your TriggersAs we stated above, asthma can be triggered by many ailments so it’s important to know what the cause of your asthma attacks might be. For many, common triggers include cold air, humidity, exercise, allergens like pollen and dander and the effects of dealing with a cold.Keep FitWhile some might find that exercise can cause them to use their inhaler more frequently, working out is known to dramatically improve asthma symptoms. And by combining exercise with the proper treatment, improvement can be achieved.Conditions such as obesity cause asthma to be worse, which is why it’s important to stay healthy. By exercising, you strengthen your breathing muscles, improve your immune system, and keep a healthy body weight. However, be mindful on what types of exercise are best for you.Cardio is a great way to strengthen your lungs, but it’s also important to not overexert yourself to the point you can’t catch your breath either. If you can, try and avoid working out in cold air to prevent an attack.Don’t SmokeIf you smoke on the regular, or socially, it’s a good idea to think about quitting. Smoking can reduce the effectiveness of your asthma medication, not to mention the tobacco itself damages your airways causing more attacks.Secondhand smoke can also cause serious breathing issues. In fact, studies have shown a clear link between asthma in children because of secondhand smoke. More than 40 percent of children who go to the emergency room for asthma live with smokers and have more frequent asthma attacks.Pay Attention to Outside Air ConditionsThe weather and outside conditions can play a big part into asthma attacks. If you’re triggered by allergens such as pollen, be sure to pay attention to the pollen count outside, especially during the spring.If a fire is burning nearby, that will most likely also affect your asthma. By being aware of what’s happening outside of your house, you can plan and be prepared with the right medications.Keep Your House CleanSimilar to knowing the conditions outside, it’s also important to keep your house clean as well. If you’re triggered by animal dander or dust, you can reduce symptoms indoors by vacuuming and dusting regularly.Reduce StressAsthma attacks can be triggered by stress. Think about it, when put into a stressful situation, you might feel an overwhelming sense of panic that can cause an increase in breathing and heart rate that leads to shortness of breath and chest tightness.If you know that you have a stressful event coming up, try relaxing with massage therapy, a relaxing bath, exercise and even a good night’s rest.Take Care of Your HealthIf your asthma is severe, it can be affected greatly if you are faced with another ailment. Therefore, it’s so important to take care of yourself. If it’s cold and flu season, get your flu shot, inquire about a pneumonia shot, wash your hands, and wear a mask if in crowded places.Be Diligent with MedicationFinally, be proactive with your asthma attack plan and take your medication. Many preventive medications require you to take them daily, so don’t feel like you can skip out just because you’re currently feeling great.And don’t forget to keep your inhaler with you wherever you go. You never know what might trigger your asthma.
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What Is Arthritis and How Can You Treat It?
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. Have you noticed a recent stiffness or pain in your joints lately? While the pain you’re experiencing can come from various causes, it’s always smart to rule out if you are dealing with an ailment such as arthritis. But to be able get ahead of the pain, you first need to understand all there is about this debilitating disease. What Is Arthritis?Arthritis is a term most of us are somewhat familiar with and tend to associate with the older population. Yet strangely enough, most people who suffer from arthritis are under the age of 65. So, what causes it? Well, arthritis is actually the result of swelling and tenderness in one or more of your joints with symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. The term means joint inflammation but is used to describe around 200 conditions that affect joints, with the two most common types being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting millions worldwide. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage at the end of your bones wears down overtime. It can affect and damage any joint in your body but is most known to cause issues in your hands, knees, hips and spine. You are more likely to have osteoarthritis if you are older, female, obese, have experienced stress on the joint from sports or an accident, have a bone deformity or inherited genetically. Common symptoms are pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility and range of motion, a grating sensation (popping or crackling) when using the joint and swelling. While Osteoarthritis can be managed, it cannot be reversed. The best way to stay proactive and ahead of further damage is to stay active, maintain a healthy weight and the use of various treatments. RheumatoidIt’s important to know that rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis. Yes, it still affects your joints and causes pain and swelling but not from wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results from your immune system attacking your body’s own tissues. Beyond your joints, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect body parts as your eyes, mouth, and lungs and often starts in middle age but is more common if you’re older. Symptoms include swollen and tender joints, joint stiffness and fatigue and loss of appetite. These symptoms can vary in severity and may even come and go with periods of flare ups and remission. The disease typically starts with smaller joints in your fingers and hands and as it progresses, spreads to your wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. How To Treat Joint Pain Caused by ArthritisSo, there must be a treatment to all this pain and stiffness, right? Of course. Arthritis can be treated by physical therapy, with over-the-counter meds, steroids, creams, and ointments and in severe cases, surgery. And while many of these remedies can be great, the use of over-the-counter drugs long-term may not be the route you prefer. If you’re looking for a natural approach that works to relieve joint and arthritis pain, we have just the thing. Our natural joint pain relief will quickly alleviate minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis. We combined Horse Chestnut and Rue for their powerful therapeutic effects to quickly alleviate stiffness, swelling and inflammation while working with your body to naturally increase circulation. Natural analgesics in this natural joint pain relief formula work with your body over time to so you can regain healthy joint mobility and get back to the things you love. Give this natural treatment option a try today!
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Hay Fever or The Common Cold: What Is the Cause of Your Sniffles?
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. It’s that time of year again, the season of new growth and beauty that is mixed with sniffles and watery eyes. If you have allergies consistently each year, you know which month tends to be a trigger for your sinuses. However, if you’ve recently moved to a new area, gotten a new pet, etc., you might be struggling to know if you’re experiencing allergies or a cold.WHAT CAUSES ALLERGIES?Well, for starters, it’s important to know that allergies are a reaction to a substance, not a virus. Allergic reactions can vary when your body comes into contact with a substance that it doesn’t agree with and results in the body trying to fight off harmful pathogens. These reactions can result in rashes, hives, nausea, and fatigue, or even severe anaphylactic shock.Most common allergies do include pollen, food, mold, dust, insects, and pet dander.SEASONAL ALLERGIES AND HAY FEVERAs we stated above, people who experience allergies regularly are pretty aware of what season can cause a flare up. In the spring, tree pollen and grass pollen are typically the culprits. They’re also the reason you may be dealing with cold-like signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure - also known as Hay Fever.Hay Fever (allergic rhinitis) is caused by your body’s response to allergens and is the fifth most common disease in the United States. Despite its name, hay is hardly the cause of the allergen, and people rarely experience a fever. It’s also important to pay attention to pollen count because when it’s high, your symptoms will be worse.If you find yourself with a runny nose immediately after being exposed to an allergen, and it is clear mucus, it’s safe to say it’s Hay Fever and not a cold. Also, if your symptoms last weeks rather than days, again it’s most likely Hay Fever.AVOIDING THE ALLERGENIf you have found yourself dealing with the sniffles and sneezing, it’s best to get it taken care of sooner than later to save yourself from the misery.First off, make sure that when the pollen count is high, you’re avoiding too much time outside. While it might seem like a beautiful, warm day and you want nothing more than to open your window, keep it closed. You want to avoid any extra pollen entering your house.Same goes for your body. If you find yourself having to be outside or leaving the house, be sure to shower as soon as you get home to remove any allergens that clung to your hair or clothes. (For more tips on how to combat allergies, check out our article: 5 Natural Ways To Combat Your Allergy Symptoms.)HOW TO TREAT HAY FEVERIf you discover that hay fever is, indeed, the cause of your sniffles, there are treatment options. Doctors offer various antihistamines, nasal and decongestant medications, allergy shots and eye drops. However, if you’re looking for a more natural approach, consider our maximum strength allergy medication.This treatment naturally relieves common indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms including hay fever, hives, watery eyes, a runny, stuffy nose, rhinitis, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat from pollen, ragweed, grasses, animal dander and mold. Our medication works to stop the inflammatory response that allergies cause while stimulating your body's natural healing response to desensitize your body to allergens over time.
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What is Coffea Cruda?
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D.Coffee may keep you up at night, but Coffea cruda promotes a good night's sleep and more. Confused? Don’t be. This is the guiding principle of homeopathy, a 200-plus-year-old medical system developed in Germany. In a nutshell, homeopathy posits that like cures like (as long as the strength is diluted…but more on that later).What is it: A popular homeopathic remedy, Coffea cruda comes from unroasted coffee beans. The beans are macerated (softened) in water or alcohol and filtered. After that, the liquid is repeatedly diluted and vigorously shaken (succession). This is how all homeopathic remedies are made. These remedies usually have an X or C next to their name on the label. An X means that a substance is diluted in a ratio of 1:10, and a C means that a substance is diluted in a ratio of 1:100.How is it taken? Coffea cruda can be taken as a pill, liquid, pellet, or drop. It can also be applied topically as it is with Force of Nature’s Sleep Well Remedy and Nerve Pain Treatment.How does it work? Homeopathic medicine operates under the premise that like cures like. Put another way: what ails you can also cure you as long as it's properly diluted. Coffee can lead to sleeplessness, which is why most health experts say to avoid caffeine starting in the early afternoon. Homeopathic Coffea cruda, however, may help relieve insomnia and sleeplessness. It may also help treat other conditions caused or worsened by excitability or hypersensitivity. Just like caffeine can give you the jitters, Coffea cruda can promote calmness.How well does it work? Coffea cruda is a mainstay in the homeopathic world. Its purported benefits include easing sleeplessness, insomnia, addictions, toothaches, headaches, fainting due to over excitement, labor pains, and other pains brought on and worsened by a nervous system on overdrive.There’s even a so-called 'Coffea cruda personality,' and people who fall into this camp tend to respond well to this homeopathic all-star. People with the Coffea cruda personality may be quick to anger, nervous, excitable, and/or overly sensitive. One study in a 2011 issue of Sleep Medicine showed that coffee cruda increased polysomnographic total sleep time (the total amount of sleep time scored during a recording) and non-rapid eye movement sleep or the stages before you start dreaming (REM sleep) among people with coffee-related insomnia habits.Is it safe? The best way to make sure that you get what you pay for is to choose a high-quality Coffea cruda product from a reputable company like Forces of Nature.Thinking of giving Coffea cruda a try?If you’re having trouble sleeping and have a ‘Coffea cruda personality,’ roll Sleep Well Remedy under your nose, on your forehead, upper chest, back of your neck, and feet upon early awakening to go back to sleep. If you are hypersensitive to pain or have nerve pain, roll Nerve Pain Treatment over the affected area, rub into the skin up to 3 to 4 times daily, as needed.Where can I learn more? Check out this article on Coffea cruda: National Center of Homeopathy. Coffea cruda. https://www.homeopathycenter.org/materia-medica/coffea-cruda/
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USDA Organic: What Does It Mean When Purchasing A Product?
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. As you shop at the grocery store and decide between vegetables, you might notice that there is an area solely for organic produce. But what does that really mean? Aren’t most things that come from the earth technically organic?Understanding what makes a product classified as “organic” is important when making your next shopping decision, so let’s dive deeper. When something is classified as USDA organic, you can be assured that the product went through the verified steps between the farm and store that includes federal guidelines addressing several factors such as soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control and the use of additives.This is important to know because a lot of companies will slap “organic” on their products when they in fact haven’t been through the USDA Organic Certification process. The USDA seal cannot be used unless the product has followed the strict standards of production, handling, and labeling.The History of Organic FarmingIn 1940, a farmer by the name J.I Rodale, began providing information about “non-chemical” farming methods through his publication “Organic Farming and Gardening” magazine. He was heavily influential in the development of organic production methods.As time went on, awareness grew around the benefits of organic products and so did an increase in demand. In the 1970s, the rapid growth caused for the organic farming industry to experience a few growing pains, which caused for big players to come together to agree upon the right approach, standards, and regulations.While decisions were made from state to state on what defined “organic,” it was making it hard for consumers to understand what organic meant for their in-state goods vs out of state goods. This sparked a movement that allowed Congress to pass the “Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA)” in 1990 to become a national standard. Once passed, the USDA developed and wrote regulations that were eventually implemented in 2002.Those regulations also broke out USDA organic certification into multiple levels such as: 100% Organic: all ingredients and processing aids must be certified organic Organic: 95% of ingredients are certified Made with Organic: at least 70% of ingredients are certified organic, excluding salt and water. The remaining ingredients are not certified organic but are produced without specifically excluded methods such as genetically modified organisms (GMO), irradiation, or sewage sludge. Products with less than 70% organic ingredients have no USDA label but can list certified organic ingredients on their label. As the organic farming industry continued to grow, various organizations began to take life. The Non-GMO Project was created in 2007 by The Natural Grocery Company in Berkeley, California, and The Big Carrot Natural Food Market in Toronto, Ontario both of which had spent years working to provide their customers with more information about GMOs. After years of research and development, they combined their efforts into the “Non-GMO Project” and “verified butterfly label” with the goal of creating a standardized definition for non-GMO products in the North American food industry.And by 2010, their product verification program reached the marketplace with more than 3,000 verified brands and 50,000 verified products. Today, the Non-GMO Project verified products remain one of the fastest growing sectors in the marketplace and is the most trusted label for GMO avoidance in shoppers.The Difference Between Non-GMO And USDA OrganicWhile it’s clear both non-GMO and organic products certifications are filled with necessary regulations, how are they different?Non-GMONon-GMO is given to products that have not been genetically modified. However, it doesn’t mean that the product is free from over 700 chemicals used in conventional production.USDA OrganicUSDA Organic must demonstrate that they remain compliant with the regulations and certification process. The use of GMOS, ionizing radiation, sewage sludge, synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are prohibited from organic production.So, why is this important for consumers?As we stated before in what it takes for a product to become USDA Organic certified, it means that you can be confident knowing that it won’t include additives and harmful chemicals. It also means that certified organic products are created from plants and naturally occurring ingredients.Research also shows that organic farming practices are better for the environment in terms of soil health, improving water quality and conserving energy.As far as non-GMOs, when you see the Non-GMO Project butterfly certification mark, you can be assured the food you are eating is truly non-GMO. All-in-all, both labels are indications that the product has been tested and passed to meet these standards.
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What is Valerian officinalis?
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. Get to know more about the healing powers of Valerian Root. Commonly called Valerian Root, Valerina Officinalis is often used as a sleep aid, but that’s not this perennial plants only potential health benefit…not by a long shot.What is it: Valerina Officinalis is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia that also grows in North America. This plant can reach five feet tall and emits a strong odor. Its roots and underground stems treat insomnia, migraine, fatigue, and stomach cramps. Valerina Officinalis has been used to treat these conditions since ancient Greek and Roman times.How is it taken? Valerina Officinalis is sold as a supplement, liquid, or topical preparation. Dried roots can be prepared as teas or tinctures too. For added benefits, Valerina Officinalis may be combined with other calming herbs, including passionflower, hops, lemon balm, skullcap, and kava. Sleep Well Control, a topical roll-on product that promotes good quality sleep, comprises a blend of organic Valerian, Kava, and Lavender. Heartburn & Acid Reflux Relief includes Berberis Vulgaris, Iris versicolor, garlic, marigold, and ginger.How does it work?Exactly how Valerina Officinalis helps cure what ails you is not fully understood. Still, researchers believe that it increases the amount of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect. Stress exacerbates heartburn symptoms and causes sleep loss and other physical complaints.How well does it work? Some studies show that Valerina Officinalis helps people fall asleep faster and improves their sleep quality, so they wake up feeling more refreshed. Unlike many prescription sleeping pills, Valerina Officinalis doesn’t cause morning drowsiness. Valerina Officinalis may also help ease anxiety and depression and reduce menstrual and stomach cramps.Is it safe? Valerina Officinalis is generally regarded as safe when used for up to 28 days. Side effects may include headache, upset stomach, and brain fog, but these are mainly seen when Valerina Officinalis is taken as a pill or drink. Of note, Valerina Officinalis should not be taken with alcohol or sedatives as it may worsen drowsiness associated with both. There’s also not a lot known about the use of this herb in pregnancy, and during breastfeeding, so most doctors will tell you to avoid it during these times.Where can I learn more? Check out these websites for more information on Valerina Officinalis. University of Michigan Health. “Valerian.” National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. “Valerian Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.” The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Valerian. Ready to give Valerina Officinalis a try?If you’re having trouble sleeping, roll Sleep Well Remedy under your nose, on your forehead, upper chest, back of your neck, and feet upon early awakening to go back to sleep. If heartburn is causing your distress, place six to nine drops of Heartburn & Acid Reflux Relief under your tongue and repeat this every 15 minutes until symptoms improve.
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All About Memory: A Breakdown Of How Humans Store Information
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. Our brains are a powerful organ that most of don’t take the time to comprehend. It controls pretty much every component that regulates our body, motor skills, emotions, thoughts, and our memory. While each are all equally important, can you imagine what it would be like to not recall important events and experiences in your life or tasks your learned that help you achieve your goals?Memory is “the power or process of reproducing or recalling what has been learned and retained,” and it’s what connects us to every person and event in our lives. That said, how does our memory work?FOUR TYPES OF MEMORYThe human memory has four components: sensory, working, short-term and long-term memory. All of which help us recall tidbits of various information.Short-Term MemoryHave you ever had someone give you an account number or phone number while you’re searching for a pen to write it down? The ability to quickly recall those string of numbers in a matter of seconds is an indication of your short-term memory at work. Typically, those type of memories will disappear after about 30 seconds.Long-Term MemoryYour long-term memory is a bit more complex than short-term in the sense that there are subcategories of memorization divided into implicit and explicit memory. For example, when you’re able to recall memories of events, autobiographical facts like an election or personal facts about another person, it’s part of your explicit long-term memory.Implicit memories are memories that we don’t consciously think about doing. When we learn to do a task such as driving or walking, we initially learn it, but eventually, it’s something that we are just programmed to do. If you can recall something longer than 30 seconds, it’s a good chance it will be stored into your long-term memory.Sensory MemoryEveryday our senses are experiencing news smells, visuals, textures, sounds, etc. So much so that we don’t pay attention, and the memory is gone within seconds. However, if a sense has a hold on you and you process it, that’s when it can move from a short-term memory to long-term. This is an example of why a song or smell might bring you back to a place and time.Yet, for the most part, our sensory memories are short, and we quickly forget the sounds and smells from the day.Working Memory Working memory and short-term memory are very similar, however your working memory requires you to remember more details in a current working task.For example, if you are reading instructions to build a desk, your working memory allows you to remember the steps you completed prior to the nail you’re hammering into the wood.CHILDREN AND MEMORYNow that you understand how our brain categorizes memories, it’s important to know how our brains and memories develop. So, when do we have our first memories that we can recall?Children begin to form explicit memories around the age of 2. They can remember that you had pizza Friday night, but the excitement that they get passing a Pizza Hut (implicit memory) might take a few years to register.Researchers have found that around the age of 3, is when explicit memories begin to become more frequent and detailed like your memories. At around age 7, their memories should be similar to yours in what they can recall.OLD AGE AND MEMORYMany of us fear getting older and becoming forgetful. Our experiences are near and dear to our hearts, and most of us don’t want to lose happy memories from our youth. So, what happens to memory as we age? As we grow old, it’s normal for it to take time to recall a name or fact and have moments of forgetfulness. No matter your age, your brain is still capable of preserving memory functions such as performing everyday tasks, recalling events from years ago, and general knowledge.On the flip side, age does impact our ability to learn new information and can take longer to be able for you to recall the new information you may have recently learned. Does that mean you’re on your way to experiencing a serious brain disease? Not necessarily.Yes, it’s natural for most of us to worry about the potential of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia, but keep in mind that it’s not inevitable. Researchers have found that individuals in their 70s perform just as well on cognitive exams as those in their 20s.If forgetfulness is classified as normal, when should you worry? It’s one thing to forget your keys at home, but when you forget what keys are used for is when you might feel concern. Signs of Dementia is not a part of normal aging and should be a sign it’s time to see a professional.HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE MEMORY? With all of that said, is it possible to improve our memory and delay forgetfulness? Well, it doesn’t hurt to try as our brains are capable to adapting and change. There are many tips on how you can improve your memory that include, exercising not only your body, but your brain with activities such as crossword puzzles, chess, learning a new language or instrument, etc.Eating a healthy brain-boosting diet, such as foods with omega-3s and avoiding alcohol that can cause confusion and memory loss. Getting enough sleep at night so that your brain has time to consolidate memories from the day and keeping your mental health in a good spot by socializing.There are also natural remedies to help you recall information if you are experiencing brain fog and issues with your focus such as our natural brain boost, Focus More. It helps improve brain power by increasing your focus, enhancing positivity, creativity, and motivation all while reducing cognitive decline.And while there are certainly no quick fixes to improve our memory, living a healthy lifestyle and improving your ability to recall information can go a long way.
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