Did You Know About These Natural Herbs to Heal Scars?

Christina Helen Brown — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 10:28:47 +0000

Any break in the skin is considered to be a wound, whether it occurs as the result of cutting yourself accidentally or from a surgical procedure. As part of the healing process, your skin knits together to form a scar; how you scar depends on several factors, including heredity, age, ethnicity, skin type and depth of the wound. Scars are permanent, being bright red at first and then fading over time.

Bromelain

Bromelain is extracted from the flesh and stems of the pineapple plant, however, the stems hold it in the highest concentration. It is a protease enzyme, meaning it helps digest certain proteins, making it a natural anti-inflammatant. Bromelain is often used following surgery to reduce tissue swelling, allowing wound healing and scar formation to occur. It is also used to treat post-surgical hematomas, or blood clots, that can form under the wound. Blood clots increase healing time by impeding wound healing and scar formation.

Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant is native to tropical and subtropical areas and has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The gel from the aloe vera plant contains substances that decrease pain and swelling while promoting healing, skin growth and skin repair. Aloe can be obtained as a fresh gel from the plant or in a commercial gel, cream or ointment.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola is an ancient herb, being used for centuries in parts of Asia to encourage wound healing. Its stems and leaves are collected for use in herbal medications. Gotu kola contains active compounds called triterpenoids, which appear to strengthen the skin, and increase blood supply and antioxidant activity around a wound or surgical incision. Triterpenoids also act to minimize scar formation and is beneficial for reducing keloid scars.

Calendula

Calendula, or the pot marigold, is a bright yellow-gold flowering herb whose blossoms are collected for medicinal use. It can be applied topically as a cream or poultice made from a tea to stimulate production of collagen in wounds and surgical incisions. Calendula has the added benefit of providing some antibacterial activity, which helps prevent infection.

Fun Family Fitness

Christina Helen Brown — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 11:03:39 +0000

Regular exercise promotes a healthy weight and cuts the risk of many health problems, so getting up and getting going is vital for the health of your whole family. If dragging your family off the couch is difficult, choosing fun exercises might be just what you need to get everyone moving.

Some Simple Ideas:

Set up stations in your basement or family room. One station might be sit ups, another push ups and another jumping jacks. Turn on the radio and have each family member go to one station and perform the exercise until the music stops, then have each person move on to the next station. Use music to inspire dancing, which is an enjoyable and easy way to exercise together. Have a dance contest while dinner cooks or when you’re having a lazy afternoon at home. Put on a dance show!

When the weather is nice, going outside is a simple way to get your family moving. Run relay races in the backyard or have a contest to see who can jump rope or maybe a match of football and tennis. Write down activities, such as walking like a bear or jumping like a kangaroo on slips of paper and put them into a jar. Your kids will be having so much fun, they won’t realize they’re exercising.

If you don’t have a backyard or it’s too small to move around in, head to the park instead. With all the space, you can play a family game of football for sure. Head to the basketball courts for a quick game. Throw a Frisbee back and forth or play a game of disc golf. Younger kids get plenty of exercise by climbing all over the playground. Take a nature walk together or ride your bikes on a trail. You’ll all be getting a work out while spending time together.

Sticking to the same routine all the time isn’t likely to hold your family’s interest for long. Changing things up now and then and incorporating new and unique ways to exercise keeps it fresh and fun. Sign your family up for a charity run, even if you’ll end up walking the whole course. Plant and tend a garden together, which is an effective way to burn calories and work your muscles at the same time as well as enjoying eating them delicious strawberry’s they’ve just picked. Try out new hiking trails near your home or test out the waters at a variety of outdoor and indoor swimming pools.

Trainer » family health

Did You Know About These Natural Herbs to Heal Scars?

Fun Family Fitness

Indoor Exercises

Outdoor Exercises

Park Activities

Creative Activities