Saturday, March 27, 2010

KISS A GIRAFFE?

Did you know that a giraffe’s mouth is one of the cleanest of any mammal? Their saliva is actually anti-bacterial to help guard against infection from the many mouth wounds they get while snacking on the thorny Acacia trees. I learned this and more while visiting Giraffe Manor. And Laura, the resident mascot, was very willing to give all guests a big wet kiss!

But for those of us who can’t keep a giraffe in the backyard, Mother Nature has provided easier and more effective natural anti-bacterial agents. Both Tea Tree Oil and Oregano Oil are highly anti-bacterial and also anti-fungal. Even Bottom Line newsletter recommended carrying a bottle of Tea Tree Oil when traveling (try derma e® Tea Tree and E Oil). They suggest rubbing a small amount between the palms and then breathing in the vapors to ward off colds and flu.

Several studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil is as effective as over-the-counter remedies for eliminating fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s feet, jock itch, etc. Tea Tree Oil as an ingredient within a soothing moisturizing crème is the answer for preventing or relieving idiopathic dermatitis (dry, itchy irritated skin with no known cause).

So, even though Laura is lovable and pet-able, keeping a bottle of “Nature’s First Aid Oil” in the medicine cabinet is probably a better idea.

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE

Sunday, March 14, 2010

TEA TREE OIL PEDI-CURE

Volunteering as an Acupuncturist/Herbalist at MEND (Mend Each Need with Dignity, a non-profit poverty-relief agency), I see patients whose primary complaints usually include pain.

However, in the course of treatment I cannot help but notice that many suffer from nail fungus that is disfiguring their toes. I always give them a bottle of derma e® Skinbiotics® Oils, a blend of Tea Tree Oil and Oregano Oil, and tell them to soak their feet in warm water with ¼ teaspoon of the oil mixed into it, for about 15 minutes a day. Additionally, twice a day, I suggest they take a cotton swab soaked in the oil and dab the nail bed and under the nail as well. Do this for 10 to 14 days.

It is always personally satisfying to have my patients come back at the end of this time period and show me how good their toes look. The smiles on their faces are worth so much to me!

Healthy Wishes, Dr. Linda Miles D.O.M. SHARE