Vanilla

Naturopathic Essentials for Camping

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TentAside from the camping essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, first aid kit, etc., there are also some naturopathic essentials that can aid you while you are camping. I have outlined a couple of items that can help with camping through their diversity – meaning they can be used in multiple ways and in multiple situations. One should keep in mind that these items do not replace the need to seek medical attention in the event of experiencing signs and symptoms of any dysfunction.

  1. Coconut water – coconut water acts as a great electrolyte which can be beneficial for those who are quite active while camping. It can help to nourish muscles and keep you hydrated – and hopefully prevent some muscle cramping. In addition, it can help those experiencing diarrhea, due to the potential to become dehydrated.
  1. Essential oils – everyone has their own preference for which essential oils they like, but I will recommend several of my favourites. Citronella and vanilla essential oils can both be beneficial as bug repellents. Using a couple of drops on your neck, wrist or ankles may help to ward off these pests. Keeping in mind that your sleep may be impacted while camping, having some lavender essential oil on hand may be helpful to encourage you to sleep.
  1. Homeopathics – Homeopathics can be quite useful for a variety of different concerns. In particular, I would most likely recommend at least Arnica and Apis – for trauma and bee stings respectively. If you are interested in knowing the top 5 homeopathic remedies to keep at home, visit my previous blog: https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/top-5-homeopathics-to-keep-at-home/
  1. Peppermint tea – Peppermint tea is a powerful therapeutic tool, because it can help with so many potential problems that could happen with camping. It can help to encourage sleep, settle upset stomachs, encourage movement with constipation, and fight infections. For more information on peppermint as a therapeutic herb, look to my previous blog: https://www.plattsvilledoctor.ca/health-benefits-of-peppermint/
  1. Coconut oil – Coconut oil and coconut water are quite different. Though they have similar constituents, they can help in different ways. Coconut oil can act as a great fungal infection fighter. In addition, using coconut oil for oil pulling can be beneficial if you cannot use toothpaste while camping. Oil pulling involves swishing some coconut oil around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. This helps to keep your breath nice and fresh. It also has an SPF between 4 and 6, and can help moisten dry skin.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Does Citronella Really Work as Bug Repellant?

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Summer means longer days, warmer weather, and having to deal with mosquitos. Recently, I decided to explore whether the plant Citronella really does work. Before we explore the evidence, it is important to also discuss why people are turning to this plant as opposed to your typical chemical bug sprays.

Health Concerns of DEET

Within recent years, DEET – based mosquito repellents have gotten a bad – rap for the potential harm that they may cause. Of note are the different case reports that exist where individuals may have been harmed from their use. The harmful effects range from mild irritation to death. Ingestion could cause death; and dermal exposure has caused death in 8 cases over 40 years, psychological effects (hallucinations, severe agitation, weakness, and incoherency), and heart problems to infants born to pregnant women who used DEET – based bug repellant.

Though the above studies were case reports only, and do not necessarily apply to all individuals, they are still important to consider. In 2001, a study was done among pregnant women who used DEET versus those who did not. In the study, they found that the DEET did cross over the placenta, but no adverse effects were seen at birth or at 1 year of age.

Does Citronella Work?

Upon reviewing several studies, each had a varied time that they noted that citronella was effective for. In general, citronella could last from 1-8 hours. Citronella alone was far less effective than citronella in combination with vanilla. In addition to adding vanilla, it was noted that citronella in combination with thyme, basil, and vanilla; was just as effective as DEET based bug repellants, lasting approximately 8 hours in total.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Elisha Cook via the contact portion of this website.

Source:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02781.x/full

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/consultations/deet/health-effects.html

Essential Oils to Spice-up your Love Life

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Love: At SunsetWhat is an aphrodisiac? What does it do?

An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire. Aphrodisiacs are assumed to work one of two ways: one is by impacting the mind, and the other is through affecting specific body parts. According to the FDA however, aphrodisiacs do not have enough research to suggest that they actually work, and rather the theory of their use is based on myth. On the other hand, individuals have reported experiencing benefit from their use, both currently and traditionally, making their use of potential interest.

Aphrodisiac Essential Oils

The following is a list of essential oils that have been used traditionally as aphrodisiacs in various cultures:

  • Jasmine
  • Lavender
  • Vanilla
  • Ginger
  • Cardamon

As suggested above, some of these essential oils have had impact based on their impact on the mind (i.e. the scent causes increased “interest”), while other essential oils have their impact through their physical impact.

Ways to use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used in a number of ways in order to obtain their aphrodisiac quality. Before using the essential oil, they should be tested on skin, sheets, etc. in a small quantity in case there is a reaction to them. Once you have tested the essential oil, it can be used in various ways including: spraying them on sheets, spraying them in the air, using several drops in a bath, dabbing a small amount on the skin.

Caution with Essential Oils

Please use caution with essential oils. As mentioned above, you should always do a test strip on skin, material, or in the air before using it as some individuals may be sensitive to it. Essential oils should not be used in quantities more than 3-5 drops or as otherwise recommended by your health care provider. In this case, if you were using the essential oil as a spray, you should not exceed 3 – 5 drops in water, for example.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC (416-498-9763), and let me help you achieve your health goals.