Ylang- Ylang "Flower of Flowers

History of Aromatic medicine & Aromatherapy

In the ancient world of prehistory, aromatic plants and herbs were most probably used as food or added to food as well as being burnt during fire rituals to gain favours with the local spirits.

As civilizations developed and forms of religion evolved, it seemed common practice to use specially made incense to communicate with god to gain favour in this world and in the after- World.

People also used aromatic plants' scents for medicine to cure the sick and purify the mind, body or soul. In ancient Egypt and in Persia personal perfumes were used as aphrodisiacs, to increase personal attraction and cover up body odours.

Incense and herbs were used to cleanse the air, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases (specially where sanitation and hygiene were limited) and to cover up bad smells that floated around.

Prehistory

Pre-historic Man already made use of Aromatic plants and this was verified when Archaeologists dug into sacred burial mounds in Eastern Europe and Iraq. The discovery of bodies covered with earth with dried aromatic plants and seeds placed alongside them indicated that these inclusions in the burial ground was designed to help the souls of the deceased on their journey into the next world.

Such tribal rituals and shamanistic practices were common in ancient times as people made use of the scented smoke from burning aromatic woods or other similar materials to reach the spirits and bring favour to the departed.

The Ancient Worlds

The Sumerians (4000 BC) use aromatic plants such as Fennel, Galbanum and Pine and this was found written on clay tablets discovered In Syria (in 1973), which also held the first written formula for plant remedies.

In China, the use of medicinal plants and acupuncture was recorded in 2800 BC, some of the plants named as remedies were: Aniseed, Cinnamon and Ginger.

In India, Ayurveda (Brahma's sacred book on plants) names aromatic plants as part of the secret for eternal youth. It also quotes how it is possible to anaesthetise with the help of some of these plants and gives advice on how to maintain good hygiene and health, using aromatic plants.

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, around 3000 BC, it was common practice to treat Body, Mind and Soul with aromatic plants.Ancient Egyptians are best known for embalming mummies and large amount of aromatic material and complicated procedures were involved in preserving the body of the dead.

Some of the many aromatic plants used in Ancient Egypt were: Ferula (Galbanum), Terebenth, Aniseed, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cumin, Frankincense, Mastic, Bay, Mint and Myrrh.

The Hebrews

The Hebrews whom also had their own traditional knowledge of use of aromatic plants for health and cleansing rituals inherited some of the Ancient Egyptian practices whilst living there and gave a lot of importance to the hygiene of the body.

Moses ordered his people, while fleeing from Egypt, to burn aromatic substances such as Myrrh, Cinnamon, etc., in order to prevent the plague from spreading amongst the living. Some of the ingredients composing Moses’ favourite incense were galbanum, coriander, angelica, fennel and olibanum.

King Solomon received from the Queen of Sheba, some seven tons of gold and vast quantities of aromatic plants and incense. The practice of anointment made used of macerated oils.

Ancient Greece

The Greeks of course also made their own contributions and rationalised medicine, the great physcian Hippocrates was very keen to eradicate superstitious practices from medicine.

Hippocrates is remembered today as the physician who develop a strict code of conduct for other physician and the 'hyppocratic oath' is still applicable to physicians of today and he is often called the' Father of Medicine'

He is also remembered for saving Athens from the plague by ordering the inhabitants of the city to burn large urns of aromatic plants throughout the streets, effectively fumigating the whole city.

Pline, the elder in his Natural history, mention 22 different types of perfume oils concocted with, Marjoram, Cypress, Cystus, Iris, Nard, Myrtle, Laurel, Lemon and Rose. A century later, another very famous physician, Galen, made a definite advance by establishing certain rules in regard to preparing remedies.

Aristotle was the first physician to approach scented vapours and perfumes in a scientific manner he attempted to describe evaporation and volatility and suggest a method of extraction to obtain essential oils. Following on his track Theophratus wrote a traitise on odours. He is said to be the 'father of Botany'.

Dioscorides classified and described many plants and remedies and is said to be the 'Father of Pharmacy'

Cleopatra

Cleopatra holds a special place in the history of perfumes, as she is famous for her great beauty and her own vast use of aromatic plants. She is said to have bathed in special aromatic milk everyday to preserve her skin from ageing. In her era people also made use of aromatic perfumes as aphrodisiacs, in fumigations to induce clairvoyance and enter the dream world to obtain divine guidance and for magical powers.

Ancient Rome & the Romans

As the Greek Empire began to decline many of the famous Greek physicians settled down in Rome where their services were very appreciated and well rewarded.

The Ancient Romans were also very very hungry for herbs and fragrance and used vast amount of aromatic incense and plants. Nero the notorious Roman Emperor, burned incredible amounts of incense a the funeral of his wife and had every house in his city oozing out fragrant fumigations.

The Christian World

When Jesus was born, the Magi (three wise men) came to visit him and when they saw him and as they felt his holy presence they fell in awe and gave him gifts of Frankincense (burned to honour God), Myrrh ( to honour humankind) and Gold to honour his greatness and his direct connection to God.

The Bible quotes Jesus as having instructed people to make special healing unguents with aromatic substances in order to cure various ills and requested the same when he was about to restore the life of Lazarus.

When Jesus was on the cross he was offered a wine containing Myrrh to ease his pain which he declined (Myrrh is known to have antiseptic and anaesthetic properties and has been and is still used in dentistry).

This began the Christian tradition of 'laying on of hands' to heal the sick while using scented ointments made of perfumes plants.

Middle Ages

One has to wait until nearer to the middle ages to see any further progress in Medical advances in Western Europe, as it had regressed into the obscurity of the Dark Ages. Violence appears to have been the norm and culture particularly the written word, practically disappeared.

This does not mean that there was no knowledge of medicine and plants on the contrary, this was now the almost exclusive task and privilege of friars and monks of the Christian Church and was usually safegarded in texts written in Latin.

Crusades & Pre-renaissance period

It is more than probable that oral initiation of folk remedies still went on and the first millenium onwards, Europe finally saw a renaissance in the philosophy of life and with it medicine and a new era of learning began.

The renaissance period cames the results of the crusades in the MIddle East where culture and medicine flourished. Ssoldiers and knights returned fromt the crusades and brought back many treasures of knowledge that helped Western Europe move forwards in matters of the written word and medicine.

Arabic Medicine & Avicenna

Avicenna (Ib’n Sina 11th century), famous Physician, Philosopher, Astrologer and Alchemist, contributed much to medicine by writing his famous 'Cannon of Medicine'. He established himself as an authority on medical matters at the age of 18 and his work was to be treated like the Bible up until near the 18th century. He is attributed the invention of the the still, making it possible to obtain purer forms of essential oils (11/12century).

By then the quest for turning 'lead into gold' was raging and alchemists were busy everwhere purifying and distilling the essence of `everything' to obtain the secret of eternity. This actually helped turn the focus of medicine and remedies on chemistry and physicians of the days renewed their effort to try understand active constituents used in medicinal remedies.

Above article is an extract. For a complete one, click here

Cancer Deaths-Fact Sheet

CANCER MILESTONE

Cancer deaths in United States fall for first time in over 70 years.

556,902 died from cancer in 2003; down 369 from 2002.

Death rate has been falling, but population keeps rising.

THE EXPLANATION

Smoking on decline; cancer spotted earlier and treated better.

MOST COMMON CANCERS (2003)

Lung: men, 89,964; women, 68,122

Colon, rectum: men, 28,007; women, 27,951.

Breast: men, 380; women, 41,620.

Prostate: men, 29,554.

SIGNIFICANCE

Half-million still die every year, but drop encouraging.

Total deaths may rise again because of aging population.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics

Cell Phones Don't Cause Cancer, Study Says

WASHINGTON -- A huge study from Denmark offers the latest reassurance that cell phones don't trigger cancer.

Scientists tracked 420,000 Danish cell phone users, including 52,000 who had gabbed on the gadgets for 10 years or more, and some who started using them 21 years ago.

They matched phone records to the famed Danish Cancer Registry that records every citizen who gets the disease - and reported Tuesday that cell-phone callers are no more likely than anyone else to suffer a range of cancer types.

The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, is the largest yet to find no bad news about the safety of cell phones and the radiofrequency energy they emit.

But even the lead researcher doubts it will end the debate. "There's really no biological basis for you to be concerned about radio waves," said John Boice, a Vanderbilt University professor and scientific director of the International Epidemiology Institute in Rockville, Md. "Nonetheless, people are."

So Boice and colleagues at Copenhagen's Danish Cancer Society plan to continue tracking the Danish callers until at least some have used the phones for 30 years. This so-called Danish cohort "is probably the strongest study out there because of the outstanding registries they keep," said Joshua Muscat of Pennsylvania State University, who also has studied cell phones and cancer. "As the body of evidence accumulates, people can become more reassured that these devices are safe, but the final word is not there yet," Muscat added.

Cell phones beam radiofrequency energy that can penetrate the brain's outer edge, raising questions about cancers of the head and neck, brain tumors or leukemia. Most research has found no risk, but a few studies have raised questions. And while U.S. health officials insist the evidence shows no real reason for concern, they don't give the phones a definitive clean bill of health, either, pending long-term data on slow-growing cancers.

For the latest study, personal identification numbers assigned to each Dane at birth allowed researchers to match people who began using cell phones between 1982 and 1995 with cancer records.

Among 420,000 callers tracked through 2002, there were 14,249 cancers diagnosed - fewer than the 15,001 predicted from national cancer rates. Nor did the study find increased risks for any specific tumor type.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Acne

What is acne?

Acne is not just a problem for teenagers, it can affect people from ages 10 through 40. It is not unusual for women, in particular, to develop acne in their mid-to-late 20’s, even if they have not had breakouts in years (or ever). Acne can appear as any of the following;

* congested pores,
* whiteheads,
* blackheads,
* pimples,
* pustules, or
* cysts (deep pimples).

These blemishes occur wherever there are many oil (sebaceous) glands, mainly on the face, chest, and back.

You can do a lot to treat your acne using products available at a drugstore or cosmetic counter, that do not require a prescription. However, for tougher cases of acne, you should consult a physician.

What causes acne?

No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria, (which live in everyone's skin and generally cause no problems), to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed.

If the inflammation is right near the surface, you get a pustule; if it's deeper, a papule (pimple); deeper still and it's a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface, the result is a "whitehead." If the oil becomes oxidized (that is, acted on by oxygen in the air), the oil changes from white to black, and the result is a "blackhead."

Some factors that don’t usually cause acne, at least by themselves are:

* Heredity: With the exception of very severe acne, most people do not have the problem exactly as their parents did. Almost everyone has some acne at some point in their life.
* Food: All over the world, parents tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse.
* Dirt: Some individuals have more "oily" skin than others (as mentioned above, "Blackheads" are oxidized oil, not dirt). Sweat does not cause acne, therefore, it is not necessary to shower instantly after exercise for fear that sweat will clog pores. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.
* Stress: Some people get so upset by their pimples that they pick at them and make them last longer. Stress, however, does not play much of a direct role in causing acne.
* Hormones: Some women break out cyclically, but most women (and men) don't. Some oral contraceptive pills may help relieve acne, but unless a woman has abnormal menstrual periods and excessive hair growth, it’s unlikely that hormones play much of a role in causing acne.
* Cosmetics: Most cosmetic and skin care products are not pore-clogging (“comedogenic.”) Of the many available brands, those which are listed as “water-based” or “oil-free” are generally a better choice.

In occasional patients, contributing factors may be:

* Pressure: In some patients, pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, and the like can aggravate acne.
* Drugs: Some medications may cause or worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids (either the medically prescribed prednisone or the steroids bodybuilders or athletes take.) Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.
* Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to industrial products like cutting oils may produce acne.

What other skin conditions can mimic acne?

* Rosacea: This condition is characterized by pimples in the middle third of the face, along with redness, flushing, and superficial blood vessels. It generally affects people in their 30’s and 40’s and older. There is sometimes no "line" separating acne from rosacea, however, there are no blackheads or whiteheads in rosacea. For more, please read the Rosacea article.
* Pseudofolliculitis: This is sometimes called "razor bumps" or "razor rash." When cut close to the skin, curly neck hairs bend under the skin and produce pimples. This is a mechanical problem, not a bacterial one, and treatment involves shaving less (growing a beard, laser hair removal.) Pseudofolliculitis can, of course, occur in patients who have acne too.

When should you start to treat acne?

Since everyone gets acne at some time, there is no "correct" time to treat it. The best advice is to take action when you think it is out of control. This can be when severe acne flares suddenly, mild acne that just won't go away, or even when a single pimple decides to show up the week before your prom or wedding. The decision is yours.

What can you do about acne on your own?

Think back to the three basic causes of acne, and you can understand why the focus of both home treatment and prescription therapy is to: (1) unclog pores; (2) kill bacteria; and (3) minimize oil. But first a word about . . .

Lifestyle: Moderation and regularity are good things, but not everyone can sleep eight hours, eat three good meals, and drink eight glasses of water a day. You can, however, still control your acne even if your routine is frantic and unpredictable. Probably the most useful lifestyle change you can make is to apply hot compresses to pustules and cysts, to get facials (see below), and never to pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with pimples, no matter how careful and clean you are, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer. People often refer to redness as “scarring,” but fortunately it usually isn’t, in the permanent sense. It's just a mark that takes months to fade if left entirely alone.

Open the pores

Cleansing and skin care: Despite what you read in popular style and fashion magazines, there is no magic product or regimen that is right for every person and situation.

* Mild cleansers: Washing once or twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid (for example, Dove, Neutrogena, Basis, Purpose, and Cetaphil are all inexpensive and popular) will keep the skin clean and minimize sensitivity and irritation.
* Exfoliating cleansers and masques: A variety of mild scrubs, exfoliants, and masques can be used. These products contain either fine granules or salicylic acid in a concentration that makes it a very mild peeling agent. These products remove the outer layer of the skin, and thus open pores.
* Retinol: Not to be confused with the prescription medication, Retin-A, this derivative of Vitamin A can help promote skin peeling.

Kill the bacteria

* Antibacterial cleansers: The most popular ingredient in over-the-counter antibacterial cleansers is benzoyl peroxide.
* Topical (external) applications: These products come in the form of gels, creams, and lotions, which are applied to the affected area. The active ingredients that kill surface bacteria include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and resorcinol. Some brands promoted on the Internet and cable TV are more costly, but not really any better than ones you can buy in the drugstore.

Benzoyl peroxide causes red and scaly allergic skin in a small number of people, which goes away as soon as you stop using the product. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide is a bleach, so do not let products containing benzoyl peroxide get on your good colored clothes, shirts, or towels.

Reduce the oil

You cannot stop your oil glands from producing oil (unless you mess with your hormones or metabolism in ways you shouldn't.). Even isotretinoin (Accutane -- see below) only slows down oil glands for a while, they come back to life later. What you can do is to get rid of oil on the surface of the skin, and reduce the embarrassing shine.

* Use a gentle astringent/toner to wipe away oil. (There are many brands available in pharmacies, as well as from manufacturers of cosmetic lines.)
* Products containing glycolic acid or one of the other alpha-hydroxy acids are also mildly helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel (exfoliate).
* Masques containing sulfur and other ingredients draw out facial oil.
* Antibacterial pads containing benzoyl peroxide have the additional benefit of helping you wipe away oil.

What are other things you can do for acne?

* Cosmetics: Don't be afraid to hide blemishes with flesh-tinted cover-ups or even foundation, as long at it is water-based or oil-free. There are many quality products available.
* Facials: While not absolutely essential, steaming and "deep-cleaning" pores is useful, both alone and in addition to medical treatment, especially for people with "whiteheads" or "blackheads." Having these pores unclogged by a professional also reduces the temptation to do it yourself.
* Pore Strips: Pharmacies now carry, under a variety of brand names, strips which you put on your nose, forehead, chin, etc. to "pull out" oil from your pores. These are, in effect, a do-it-yourself facial. They are inexpensive and safe, and work reasonably well if used properly.

What is a good basic skin regimen?

These are all good basic skin regimens that may help with the acne battle:

1. Cleanse twice daily with a 5% benzoyl peroxide wash. An alternative for those who are allergic to benzoyl peroxide is 2% salicylic acid.
2. Apply a gel or cream containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, an alternative is sulfur or resorcinol.
3. At night, apply a spot cream containing sulfur to the affected areas.
4. Use a light skin moisturizer and oil-free makeup.

What can the doctor do for acne?

If you haven't been able to control your acne adequately, you may want to consult a primary care physician or dermatologist. Here are some of the things they can assist with:

* Topical (externally applied) antibiotics and antibacterials: These include erythromycin, clindamycin (Benzaclin), sulfacetamide (Klaron), and azelaic acid (Azelex).

* Retinoids: Retin-A (tretinoin) has been around for years, and has become milder and gentler while still maintaining its effectiveness. Newer retinoids include adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac). These medications are especially helpful for unclogging pores. Side effects may include irritation and mild increase in sensitivity to the sun. Wit proper sun protection, however, they can be used even during sunny periods. For more, please read the Sunburn and Sun-Sensitizing Drugs article.

* Oral antibiotics: Most doctors start treatment with tetracycline or one of the related "cyclines," such as doxycycline and minocycline. Other oral antibiotics that are useful for treating acne are cefadroxil, amoxicillin, and the sulfa drugs.

o Problems with these drugs can include allergic reactions (especially sulfa), gastrointestinal upset, and increased sun sensitivity. Doxycycline, in particular, is generally safe but can sometime cause esophagitis (irritation of the esophagus, producing discomfort when swallowing) and an increased tendency to sunburn.
o Despite many people’s concerns about using oral antibiotics for several months or longer, such use does not “weaken the immune system” and make them more susceptible to infections, or unable to use other antibiotics when necessary.
o Recently published reports that long-term antibiotic use may increase the risk of breast cancer will require further study, but at present are not substantiated. In general, doctors prescribe oral antibiotic therapy for acne only when necessary and for as short a time as possible.

* Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives, which are low in estrogen to promote safety, have little effect on acne one way or the other. Some contraceptive pills have been to shown to have modest effectiveness in treating acne.

* Cortisone Injections: To make large pimples and cysts flatten out fast, doctors inject them with a form of cortisone.

* Isotretinoin: (Accutane was the original brand name; there are now several generic versions in common use.) Isotretinoin is a wonderful treatment for severe, resistant acne, used on millions of patients since it was introduced in 1982. It should be used for patients with severe acne, chiefly of the cystic variety, which has been unresponsive to conventional therapies like those listed above.
o Used properly, isotretinoin is safe and produces few side effects beyond dry lips and occasional muscle aches. This drug is prescribed for 5-6 months. Fasting blood tests are monitored monthly to check liver function and the level of triglycerides, relatives of cholesterol which often rise a bit during treatment, but rarely to the point where treatment has to be modified or stopped.
o Even though isotretinoin does not remain the body after therapy is stopped, improvement is often long-lasting. It is safe to take two or three courses of the drug if unresponsive acne makes a comeback. It is, however, best to wait at least several months and to try other methods before using isotretinoin again.
o Isotretinoin has a high risk of inducing birth defects if taken by pregnant women. Women of childbearing age who take isotretinoin need two negative pregnancy tests (blood or urine) before starting the drug, monthly tests while they take it, and another after they are done. Those who are sexually active must use two forms of contraception, one of which is usually the oral contraceptive pill. Isotretinoin leaves the body completely when treatment is done; women must be sure to avoid pregnancy for one month after therapy is stopped. There is, however, no risk to childbearing after that time.
o Another concern, much discussed in the popular press, is the risk of depression and suicide in patients taking isotretinoin. Government oversight has resulted in a highly-publicized and very burdensome national registration system for those taking the drug. This has reinforced the understandable, but unfortunate and inaccurate, sense many patients and their families have that isotretinoin is dangerous. In fact, large-scale studies have shown no increased risk for depression and suicide in those taking isotretinoin compared with the general population. Although it is important for those taking this drug to report mood changes (or any other symptoms) to their doctors, even patients who are being treated for depression are not barred from taking isotretinoin, whose striking success often improves the mood and outlook of patients who have suffered and been scarred from acne for years.

* Laser treatments: Recent years have brought reports of success in treating acne using lasers and similar devices, alone or in conjunction with photosensitizing dyes. It appears that these treatments are safe and can be effective. However, what isn’t clear at this time, is how long the effects will last. In addition, health insurers do not generally reimburse for these procedures, so they can be costly. At this point they are best thought of as adjuncts to conventional therapy, rather than as substitutes.

* Chemical peels: Whether the superficial peels (like glycolic acid) performed by Estheticians, or deeper ones performed in the doctor's office, chemical peels are of modest, supportive benefit only, and in general do not substitute for regular therapy.


How would you sum up current day treatment of acne?

Treating acne requires patience and perseverance. Any of the treatments listed above may take 2 or 3 months to start working (even isotretinoin.) Unless there are side effects such as dryness or allergy, it is important to give each regimen or drug enough time to work before giving up on it and moving on to other methods. Using modern methods, doctors can help clear up just about everyone.

Just hang in there. And don't pick. Please.



** READ OTHERS SIMILAR ARTICLES HERE :-

1) Karelma
2) Stopspots
3) Herbalremedies
4) Acne

Skin problems explained

Skin problems explained
By Tamara Sturtz-Filby | 24/07/2006

Changes in your skin, from spots to rashes, can be caused by a host of evils such as environment and pollution, stress, hormones and, most importantly, diet. But why is it when you start a new healthy eating plan - just when you thought your skin would be thanking you for all the good ingredients you're pumping into your body - it breaks out into an array of zits?

"When you change your diet for the better and stop eating fried food, too much salt, fat, and sugar, the body starts to clean itself out," explains naturopath Max Tomlinson.

Definition : A system or method of treating disease that employs no surgery or synthetic drugs but uses special diets, herbs, vitamins, massage, etc., to assist the natural healing processes. (italic is my additions) [Source : Dictionary.com]

"The body releases all the toxins into the lymphatic system which works rather like a vacuum cleaner, pumping them through the blood to the liver to be expelled. However, if the lymphatic system is sluggish and not working properly, usually due to lack of exercise, the body has to find another way of expelling these toxins."

Spotlight on spots
The skin is the body's largest organ of elimination, and if the lymphatic system isn't working well, the body uses the skin as a backup every time, usually resulting in spots. This also happens if the body is so overloaded with toxins due to a previous diet of takeout, processed foods and too much alcohol that the liver just can't cope.

However, not all spots and pimples are the same, and they all tell a different story about the state of your health.

Spots around the hairline and under the jaw line indicate a hormonal imbalance, which could be anything to do with your monthly cycle or even stress. But spots on the chin relate to the bowel, and those around the smile line (from the nose to the corners of the mouth) are connected to the liver. To keep the bowels functioning properly, include plenty of fibre in your diet, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. To keep the liver healthy, try the herbs milk thistle (aka St Mary's thistle), nettles or red clover in tea or tablet forms.

"You want to make sure your bowels are working properly," Tomlinson explains. "So drink plenty of fluids such as herbal teas and hot water with lemon, which is cleansing. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and do some regular exercise."

Painful under-the-skin spots that seldom rise to the surface but can be rife when you change your diet indicate the body is low in energy. If you haven't exercised for a while, start off with gentle walking, at least three times a week, taking the stairs instead of lift and if you take a bus, getting off one stop early and walking the rest of the way.

Treatment tips
To get rid of these spots, don't touch them. If you touch or squeeze them, you'll damage the skin, but if you leave them alone they'll go down much quicker. Try massaging your skin every day to keep everything moving through your lymphatic system. Using firm circular movements, massage for only five to 10 seconds while you're cleansing or moisturising, and any spots will go down much quicker, and you'll get fewer too.

There are also a host of mineral supplements that will help save your skin, including zinc, which is both anti-bacterial and healing, and selenium, which is important for the turnover of skin cells. Remember that minerals are stored in the body, so after taking these minerals for a month you should see an improvement for a number of months.

Spots that have come to the surface of the skin, or whiteheads, are a sign that the body is expelling the toxins, but that the lymphatic system and liver could do with a boost. Eating plenty of green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage and snowpeas, as they contain chlorophyll, which is also very cleansing.

Tomlinson's final piece of advice is to take it easy. "When you make a lifestyle change such as changing the way you eat, be patient with your body," he says. "Let your skin breath by getting plenty of fresh air, exfoliate regularly and don't touch your face with dirty hands. But most importantly, be kind to yourself."

Cancer Causing Agents

ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF CANCER

According to the Ministry of Health, 1 in 4 Malaysians will get cancer !!

Estimated 80-90% of cancers are cause by cancer-causing agents in the environments which includes

* Radiations
* Air Pollutants
* Chemical Toxins
* Pesticides
* Asbestos
* Toxins in food, water, drugs, cosmetics, household products, cigarettes



COMMONS CANCER CAUSING AGENTS

1) TOBACCO
- Causes cancer of lungs, bladder, esophagus, other organs

2) RADIATIONS
- Causes leukimia, lungs, breast, brains, other organs
- Thyriod cancer - related issues

3) ASBESTOS
- Causes lung cancer & maglinant mesothelioma
- From ceiling, roof, electric irons, toaster

4) PESTICIDES
- Causes breast cancer (esp Pesticide DDT)

5) BENZENE
- Causes leukimia & lymphoma
- Unleaded petrol contains 5% benzene which easily vaporised & inhale into our body

6) FORMALDEHYDE
- Causes lung cancer & nasal sinuses
- Used to preserved dead bodies, plywood, chipboards, other furnitures, carpets, curtains
- Used illegally to preserved fish

7) STERIODS
- Used to improves atheletic performances & illegals medicine

8) POLYCHLORINATED BIHHENYLS
- Causes liver cancer
- Used to manufacture electrical equipments

9) GLUES & SOLVENTS
- Causes leukemia
- Used in epoxies, airplane, instant glues which contains benzene


Adapted from an article of CAP Penang

Digestive Disorder

Digestion is the process by which food and drink are broken down into smaller parts so that the body can use them to build and nourish cells, and to provide energy.

What is included in the digestive system?
The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract and other organs that aid in digestion.

The digestive tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus, consisting of the following:

• mouth
• esophagus
• stomach
• small intestine
• large intestine
• rectum
• anus

Organs that help with digestion, but are not part of the digestive tract, include the following:

• tongue
• glands in the mouth that make saliva
• pancreas
• liver
• gallbladder

Parts of other organ systems, like nerves and blood, also play a major role in the digestive process.

How does food move through the digestive system?
In a wave-like movement called peristalsis, muscles propel food and liquid along the digestive tract. In general, there are six steps in the process of moving food and liquid through the digestive system:

1. The first major muscle movement is swallowing food or liquid. The start of swallowing is voluntary, but once it begins, the process becomes involuntary and continues under the control of the nerves.
2. The esophagus, which connects the throat above with the stomach below, is the first organ into which the swallowed food goes.
3. Where the esophagus and stomach join, there is a ringlike valve that closes the passage between the two organs. When food nears the closed ring, the surrounding muscles relax and allow the food to pass into the stomach, and then it closes again.
4. The food then enters the stomach, which completes three mechanical tasks: stores, mixes, and empties.

   First, the stomach stores the swallowed food and liquid, which requires the muscle of the upper part of the stomach to relax and accept large volumes of swallowed material.

   Second, the lower part of the stomach mixes up the food, liquid, and digestive juices produced by the stomach by muscle action.

   Third, the stomach empties the contents into the small intestine.

5. The food is digested in the small intestine and dissolved by the juices from the pancreas, liver, and intestine, and the contents of the intestine are mixed and pushed forward to allow further digestion.
6. Last, the digested nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal walls. The waste products, including undigested parts of the food, known as fiber, and older cells that have been shed from the mucosa, move into the colon. Waste products usually in the colon remain for a day or two until the feces are expelled by a bowel movement.