The FastDay Forum

Hi Pen@PennyForthemGreat to see you
Good idea to save yrself any and all stresses that you can x
I too went thru menopause without a single symptom..how fortunate we were x

Thank you PF, I was aware I was sitting this evening with my shoulders up round my ears with tension, for no discernable reason. I made a conscious effort to relax!
Having been a shopkeeper (in the distant past) I know how difficult it is to judge stock quantities of limited shelf life produce, and it is very hard on the producer reliant on those shops.
Let's keep our lives simple at this stage, we've earned it :0)

But@PennyForthem STOP referring to 65 as OLD

@azureblue. Of the more bizarre things I tried, this actually worked. Give it 10 days and wear it all the time. http://www.ladycaremenopause.com/

Thought us oldtimers might find this/ some of this useful x....


16 of NATURE'S BEST NATURAL PAIN KILLERS

~ Christina Sarich | Natural Society
www.naturalsociety.com - Sept. 28, 2014

Are you in pain? You don’t have to reach for over-the -counter pain killers, or even the heavy pharmaceutical hitters prescribed by your doctor; there are literally hundreds of natural pain killers waiting for you in the abundance of nature. You can count on plants and herbs to alleviate everything from arthritis pain, to headaches, to burns – read on to find out more.

Many pharmaceutical pain medications, while effective and useful at times, can be downright dangerous, but there is another solution to your pain problem. “Almost always, if we find pharmaceuticals doing the trick, we’ll find a plant doing the same trick—and doing it more safely,” remarks botanist James A. Duke, PhD, author of The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods.

James N. Dillard, MD, author of The Chronic Pain Solution says:

“No matter how well you prescribe medication, chronic sufferers don’t get complete relief. It’s an enormous problem, and the medical community is doing a bad job solving it.”

Before you do anything else though, you have to ‘quit the junk food that riles up the body’s pain system.’ The modern Western diet comprised of highly refined foods, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, while devoid of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc., is going to block the ability of other non-pharmaceutical remedies to halt pain.

Once you’ve done that, you can turn to the many herbs that truly deliver. There are also over 60 different essential oils for pain that have analgesic properties. Analgesic means that a substance has shown to relieve or reduce pain. So many plants have pain-relieving properties.

Here are just a few natural pain killers.

15 NATURAL PAIN KILLERS

1., 2., and 3. Ginger, Turmeric, & Holy Basil

This set of herbs forms a sort of trinity in Ayurvedic medicine. All of them have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric (a curry ingredient) contains curcumins which ease inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, according to the Methodist Research Institute in Indianapolis. “Each herb has its own scientific database of evidence,” says James Dillard, MD, author of The Chronic Pain Solution.

4. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

This ominous sounding herb is actually great for treating numerous health conditions, among them are liver problems and heart burn. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce pain from arthritis, headaches, and low back discomfort. The University of Maryland Medical Center has published several studies that had great success treating Osteoarthritis with Devil’s Claw.

5. Birch Leaf (Betula Lenta)

The leaves from the Birch tree act much like cortisone, a prescription drug used to treat endocrine disorders, arthritis, lupus, skin disease, autoimmune disorders, and more. A main chemical compound found in Birch leaves is methyl salicylate, similar to salicylic acid used in aspirin. It is anti-spasmodic, analgesic, astringent, antifungal, diuretic, detoxifying, reduces oxidative damage to skin (stopping wrinkles), and enhances circulation. It also promotes enzymatic secretions in the body. It is truly one of the first powerful pain-relievers ever used.

6. Wintergreen Essential Oil

Also among natural pain relievers, Wintergreen Essential Oil contains 85-99% of methyl salicylate, the same component of aspirin.

7. White Willow Bark (Salix alba)

The active ingredient in white willow is salicin, which the body converts into salicylic acid. This tree’s covering lowers the body’s levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds that can cause aches, pain, and inflammation. What’s more, white willow bark doesn’t upset the stomach or cause internal bleeding like many over-the-counter aspirins. Turn to this herb for relief from menstrual cramps, muscle pains, arthritis, or after knee or hip surgery as it promotes blood flow and reduces swelling.

8. Capsaicin (Capsicum)

Found in hot chile peppers, this natural remedy does wonders for pain. Capsaicin, the active pain-reducing ingredient, temporarily desensitizes nerve receptors called C-fibers which cause the pain response. Capsaicin also diminishes soreness for 3 to 5 weeks while the C-fibers regain sensation. A single 60-min application in patients with neuropathic pain produced effective pain relief for up to 12 weeks. Patients at the New England Center for Headache decreased their migraine and cluster headache intensity by applying capsaicin cream to their nasal passages.

9. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

GLA can be found in numerous seed oils. According to University of Maryland, people who consume these essential fatty acids are able to reduce nerve pain associated with diabetic conditions.

10. Cherries

Due to the presence of compounds called anthocyanins—the same phytonutrients that give cherries their rich ruby hue – you can count on cherries to tamp down pain. Muraleedharan Nair, PhD, says, “They block inflammation and they inhibit pain enzymes, just like aspirin, naproxen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.” Cherries are said to have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food, making them great for remedying issues such as arthritis.

11. Aquamin

Derived from red seaweed, aquamin is a powerful pain reducer, too. In a study published in Nutrition Journal, of 70 volunteers, Aquamin users reduced arthritis pain by 20% in a month and had less stiffness than patients taking a placebo. Helping to diminish inflammation and helps to build bone, aquamin is rich in both calcium and magnesium, too.

12. Arnica

An excellent herbal rub to use after intense sports, an acute injury, or even post surgery, arnica is a well-known natural pain killer among athletes and yogis. It is derived from a European flower, and has anti-inflammatory properties, although the true nature of its healing action is still unknown.

13. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint is most often used as a natural remedy for toothaches, discomfort from bloating and gas, joint conditions, skin irritations, headaches and muscle pain.

14. Boswellia

This herb is sourced from the frankincense tree. Its resin is used to thwart chemical reactions that cause inflammation, and thus pain. Ayurvedic scientists have used Boswellia for centuries to treat arthritic conditions, as well as inflammatory bowel disease.

15. Bromelain

This natural pain-reducer comes from the enzymes present in pineapple stems. Research shows that it reduces levels of prostaglandins, which are hormones that induce inflammation. Bromelain may benefit people with arthritis and conditions marked by musculoskeletal tension (like TMJ syndrome), in addition to those suffering trauma-related inflammation. The enzyme also promotes healing in muscles and connective tissues.

16. Cranberry Juice

Having a bout of ulceritis? Ulcers usually result from a pathogen called H. pylori which attacks the lining of the stomach and small intestines, but cranberry juice can kill it – reducing pain. Instead of turning to antibiotics, destroy the bacteria causing your ulcers and urinary tract infections with cranberries.

[carorees]

Some natural therapies are actually downright dangerous so I would definitely advise caution. The evidence for many if not most is poor.

This infographic is a great way of seeing at a glance which remedies are worth considering: http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/snake-oil-supplements/

What rain today, very welcome for our fields and gardens, not so good for the dozen groups of Morris dancers we were attempting to watch today. Retreated home to the ironing and then the sun came out. Those feisty dancers kept right on going, they were amazing.

Hi AB@azureblue pretty quiet on here today isnt it
One of those tumbleweed times!
Weather same here,torrential rain then some sun..
Off to bed now..hope it's a bit jolllier here tomozz! Xx

Some natural therapies are actually downright dangerous so I would definitely advise caution. The evidence for many if not most is poor.

This infographic is a great way of seeing at a glance which remedies are worth considering: http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/snake-oil-supplements/

Hey,@carorees. Very interesting chart. Do you know how well it was researched? And what on earth is a whole grains supplement? Or do they just mean whole grains, in which case aren't they proven to be good for all sorts of health issues?

[carorees]

Some natural therapies are actually downright dangerous so I would definitely advise caution. The evidence for many if not most is poor.

This infographic is a great way of seeing at a glance which remedies are worth considering: http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/snake-oil-supplements/

Hey,@carorees. Very interesting chart. Do you know how well it was researched? And what on earth is a whole grains supplement? Or do they just mean whole grains, in which case aren't they proven to be good for all sorts of health issues?

There is a table with a list of the studies used to support the infographic, so I would say it is well researched. Re whole grains I'm sure they mean just whole grains. If you click on the bubbles in the interactive version it shows you the main study that was used to support their ranking. For whole grains it is specifically their supposed benefit for diabetes (if you mouse-over the bubble it expands to tell you more in the interactive version). As whole grains are high in carbs it is no surprise that the evidence for benefit in diabetes is dodgy!

Those whole grains for diabetes studies, mostly funded by the grain industry compare a diet of whole grains to one of Fruit Loops and soda, and to no one's surprise find the grains raise blood sugar slightly less. Oddly, they never compare their diet full of whole grains to one made up largely of healthy fats and protein. If they did they would see the toxic effects of those grains on blood sugar.

Today we have been marvelling at Peterborough Autumn Show, a delight of country animals, fancy birds, angora rabbits, chickens of every size and pattern and so on. Lovely to wander around all the sheds and stalls, pat horses and sheep, watch kids on the merry go rounds having fun. Old fashioned perhaps, traditional definately.

That sounds lovely Azureblue
My OH & I went to a very enjoyable concert last week with the Russian State Philarmonic Orchestra who played with great energy & verve Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, & Stravinsky . Whilst I personally do have issues with recent Russian political actions I respect their excellence in playing music & performing ballet that are both meticulous in presentation & performance. Nearer to home we recently visited the Harry Potter Experience & have since then reverted to childhood in watching in order all the Harry Potter films, having seen the sound stages where they were filmed, & are just going to watch number seven! We have had a very lazy day eating roast chicken followed by home made plum crumble & custard

We're having a torrid time with grandchildren disasters just now, thumb nailed ripped off on 4yo, head bashed into corner of brick wall needing surgery with 3yo, appendicitis emergency surgery with 14yo. We fly from crest to adrenaline crest with traumatised parents! Half term will be upon us in a twinkling of an eye, can't say I'm looking forward to it ...

Oh how distressing for you & your family Azureblue! When others are hurt it makes one feel so helpless & in need of the magic wand to wave to make it all better again. Children are amazingly resilient & seem to have the ability to bounce back & quickly recover unlike those watching the events. I hope everyone feels better by half term & that it won't be as bad as you are anticipating. All we can do is try to appear strong & be there for our offspring!