It’s Entirely Natural - Articles

Goldenseal, Latin name Hydrastis canadensis, is one of the most popular herbs used in herbal remedies today. Goldenseal has traditionally operated as a traditional healing herb of Native Americans, but it has entered the European herbal cabinet with of late.

Traditionally, the Cherokee used goldenseal as an herbal treatment for indigestion, local inflammations, and to improve appetite. The Iroquois used Goldenseal to treat heart problems, liver disorders, whooping cough and to treat fevers.

Goldenseal reached European shores by 1760. During the nineteenth century, Goldenseal had become a popular favorite with practitioners of the Eclectic and Thomsonian schools of medicine. In 1926, Goldenseal was included in the list of United States medicinal ingredients in the Pharmacopoeia.

The character of Goldenseal has alternately been described as bitter, dry, astringent, and cold. The plants constituents are described as resins, volatile oils, and alkaloids. Herbalists traditionally describe the actions of Goldenseal as astringent, a digestive and bile stimulant, a tonic, and a laxative. Goldenseal has also been used to reduce phlegm, to heal gastric mucous membranes, and to raise blood pressure.

The part of the Goldenseal plant that is most commonly used is the rhizome. The rhizome is traditionally harvested in the fall, and it is the main ingredient in many herbal remedies. Many traditional herbalists recommend the rhizome of the Goldenseal plant as an excellent drying and mucus-reducing remedy that works well for the gastric, upper respiratory tract. It is also used for the vaginal mucous membranes. The rhizome of the Goldenseal plant is also used to treat conditions involving the spastic colon (mucous colitis), nasal inflammations, and ear infections.

In essence, Goldenseal is very much an herbal remedy for ear, nose and throat problems. But it has many other applications as well. The Goldenseal plant is often used as an herbal remedy to treat gynecological problems. It can help reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms, and it has been known to ease the pain associated with premenstrual symptoms, especially symptoms linked to stagnation. The rhizome of the Goldenseal plant can often be found in commercial herbal remedies as a tonic.

Even though Goldenseal has proven itself to be a very effective healing herb, there are some cautions you use take when ingesting herbal remedies that feature Goldenseal as one of its main ingredients. For instance, Goldenseal is well known as a powerful uterine stimulant, so its use should be avoided women who are pregnant. Goldenseal is also well known as a hypertensive, so it should be avoided in known cases of high blood pressure.

Also, you should not use herbal remedies containing Goldenseal for an ear infection if you know that there is a risk that an eardrum is perforated. Another caveat: avoid ingesting fresh Goldenseal plant. Eating fresh Golden seal plant has been known to cause ulceration of the mucous membranes. It is a very potent plant. Also, if you suffer from digestive complaints, many herbalists recommend that you take barberry for these types of complaints because Goldenseal has recently become endangered in the wild.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: Anger, blood pressure, cold, goldenseal, Herbal Remedies

If every person had the exact same body type and exact same body chemistry, then it would be very easy to have one diet plan that would fit all people. Indeed, it would seem no diets would be needed at all. Because each person is different, not every diet is beneficial to every person. Food allergies, existing health problems, and other conditions all help predetermine what diets will work and what diets should be avoided. This also applies to low carb diets. There are many variations of low carb diets available, but they all have the same target of reducing carbohydrate intake.

In order to determine if the low carb approach is safe for you, it is best to see your doctor. If the doctor you see does not have your family health history and yours, then you will need to collect as much information as possible before going to your visit. Your doctor will make his/her assessment based on your past health condition, and also the conditions that your family is predisposed to having.

Surprisingly enough, you inherit some of your carbohydrate utilization and storage tendencies, along with many other health traits. When you are collecting family history, you will want to start with your immediate family. Every disease and surgery should be recorded, as well as any chronic diseases. If there is a personal or family history of diabetes, this should be very carefully noted. Diabetes affects more than 15 million Americans and can be very dangerous in combination with a low carb diet.

Once you have collected health history information about your immediate family, then move on to extended family, like aunts, uncles, and grandparents. The more information that you provide to your family doctor the better he or she will be able to determine if a low carb diet is safe for you.

In order to further determine the safety of a low carb diet for you, your doctor will want to run some basic tests. These include checking your blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels (both HDL and LDL). Since different people metabolize carbohydrates in different ways, what may be a safe level for you (and therefore not need changing at all), may need curbing in someone else.

As effective a tool as low carb diets are in the weight loss arsenal, they are not suited for every person. Certain people have personal or genetic health factors that would make trying low carb diets dangerous. Therefore, you will need to see your doctor before starting this type of diet. You will also need to learn as much as you can about your family health history, and assemble a profile of your past and current health conditions.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Nutrition & Health.

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Tags: Anger, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, diet, low carb diets, Nutrition & Health

Thai medicine, which is comprised of diet, medicinal treatment and manipulation techniques, is very effective in treating sickness and disease. Thai massage, like traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on treating the whole person by correcting the imbalance of the body’s energy flow.

Thai massage is made up of four techniques including a therapy similar to shiatsu. The focus is to stimulate energy channels, referred to as “Sen” in Thailand and meridians in ancient Chinese medicine. Shiatsu and Thai massage are very similar, however the main difference is that Thai massage uses pressure along energy channels in both directions, whereas shiatsu only moves in one direction.

Reflexology, another technique used in Thai massage therapy, is based on the belief that applying pressure to reflexes on the feet and hands can effectively treat the entire body. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, reflexology stimulates blood flow and eliminates toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. Reflexology is a beneficial tool for promoting relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; chronic fatigue, fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

The third technique used in ancient Thai massage is blood stopping. I know, it sounds a little weird, but according to theory, cutting off a major source of circulation for up to one minute will result in increased pressure at first. This will make the heart slow down contractions in order to bring down the blood pressure. Then, when the pressure on the artery is released, a fresh supply of blood is rushed to the area, allowing for revitalization and relaxation.

And lastly, Thai massage involves passive stretching exercises. If you are not familiar with passive stretching, this means that the therapist does all of the work. It is done in short intervals, gradually working up to a full range of motion. By stretching and extending your range of motion you ultimately increase blood flow throughout the body.

Far Eastern cultures have been using alternative treatments for thousands of years. Furthermore, in most places of the world, natural medicine is the first line of defense against sickness and disease. Even the most technically advanced countries such as China and Japan, appreciate the effectiveness and simplicity of natural medicine. In fact, we could stand to take some of their knowledge to heart these days. In our society today, one that relies heavily on chemically laden prescription drugs, psychotherapy and surgical procedures to “heal” the sick, there has never been a better time to look into such alternatives. Where conventional medicine has failed, natural medicine can make a real difference. If you are new to alternative medicine, reflexology treatment is a good place to start. It is extremely beneficial; often results are felt after just one treatment. Furthermore, if you opt to learn it yourself, it is free medicine!

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Massage Therapy.

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Tags: blood pressure, chronic fatigue, Fertility, Massage Therapy, Menopause, Reflexology, stress, thai massage therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine

For over 5,000 years, garlic has been thought of as the king of the healing herbs. The most useful part of the garlic plant is the bulb, which develops a series of partitions, or cloves. Although we think of garlic mainly as a food seasoning, many other cultures used it to cure everything from warts to witchcraft. In modern times, researchers are finding that the chemicals in garlic can, indeed, treat a wide variety of ailments. As an example, there is exciting new research that indicates garlic may be able to prevent certain cancers. Garlic has been known to have positive effects on the cardiovascular and digestive systems. It is also a powerful antibiotic that can cure yeast infections wherever they occur on the body.

While many people cannot tolerate the smell of garlic, it is this odor which gives away some of its most powerful ingredients - sulfur compounds. Many of the first antibiotics were based on sulfur, and are still in use today. Thus, it should come as no surprise that garlic can heal many infections. It works well for any infection that is bacterial or fungal in origin. This includes yeast infections and chest infections. For the most part, garlic is a safe remedy for a wide range of illnesses. However, garlic can interfere with anti-coagulants. It is also not recommended at therapeutic levels for pregnant women and those that are breastfeeding.

As with most other herbs, garlic is best used when fresh. It has been shown that ‘deodorized’ or “pearl capsules” have less healing potential than the natural form. Garlic cloves can be applied topically to treat a variety of skin disorders, including acne. For the treatment of skin infections, corns, warts, or acne, mash fresh garlic cloves and apply to the afflicted area. Eating garlic cloves regularly is also recommended for protecting against any number of infections.

Garlic cloves have also been successfully used as a viable long-term treatment for cardiovascular problems. This herb has been shown to effectively reduce cholesterol, and the plaques which cause atherosclerosis. Garlic has also been shown to dilate peripheral blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of thrombosis. Recent clinical trials have shown that 2 grams of garlic powder taken daily can prevent heart attacks in individuals who have already suffered one.

Garlic cloves have also been shown to regulate blood sugar levels, and may prove particularly effective in the treatment of adult-onset diabetes. While garlic can solve numerous digestive problems, it can irritate sensitive stomachs. For the treatment of severe digestive disorders, including dysentery, worms, and gastroenteritis, the consumption of 3-6 crushed cloves daily is recommended. For the treatment of intestinal parasites, maceration is recommended. Simply seep 3-4 garlic cloves in water or milk overnight and drink the next day. Garlic can also be easily consumed in capsule form; however, the powdered versions seem to work better.

some people think of garlic as a simple bulb that may smell bad when being cooked, but do wonderful things for the flavoring of food dishes. Other people may have noticed dietary supplements, or garlic capsules, and tried them to see if they would do any good. Across time, Garlic has proven its title as the “King of Herbs” because of its efficacy in treating a wide range of diseases safely and effectively.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: antibiotic, blood pressure, cholesterol, garlic, Herbal Remedies

Are you approaching menopause? There are so many changes that happen to a woman as she nears this phase of her life.

In order to deal with these changes, it is important for a you to change your her diet to cope with the changes to your body. As we get older, our bodies require different foods. While this does not mean that you can no longer enjoy the foods you once did, you must learn how to incorporate foods with the necessary nutrients into your diet.

There are even some foods that can help you deal with your menopause symptoms. For example, choosing foods with high potassium content, like bananas, will help you balance water and salt retention issues. Dried fruits like figs and apricots can do the same thing. You may also want to add dark, leafy green vegetables to your diet like cabbage, broccoli, kale, spinach and collard greens. Try to increase the amount of “right” whole grains in your diet, like soy beans, brown rice, wheat germ, and lentils.

In addition to adding these foods to your life, you may also want to increase your consumption of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines, trout, tuna, salmon, and herring are just a few examples of foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Studies have also shown that eating soy products can be quite beneficial to women going through menopause. Yogurt, tofu, soybeans, and soy milk can help in this area. Nuts work well with your new nutritional needs, so throw in some sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds.

Choosing the right kinds of oil is an important part of your diet planning: include flaxseed and canola oils.

Try seaweed—it’s great on rice or as an additional vegetable. Kimbu, Arame, Nori, and Wakame (available at your local health market in the seaweed section) are other helpful choices since they have naturally occurring chemicals and hormones that are very good at combating natural menopause symptoms.

These foods are not only helpful for menopause; they are part of an overall healthier diet. As we age, blood pressure rises, as does the risk of higher cholesterol levels. These diet changes can help us to improve our overall health. Instead of fighting with the side effects of prescription drugs, you can handle these risks by eating well and maintaining your ideal body weight, which can help your heart deal with its age as well. Remember that you don’t have to strictly hew to your new diet—just a tendency in these directions can improve your overall health.

There is little reason why you can’t have a slice of your birthday cake, or sneak a cookie in with your afternoon coffee once in a while. You might even try learning to bake with different kinds of ingredients. As you start working on your diet, you may not even notice the sheer number of things that have changed as you will be changing, too. You may feel better, have more energy, and have more concentration. These diet changes will help you to have fewer hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, and other menopause symptoms.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Nutrition & Health.

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Tags: blood pressure, cholesterol, coffee, Menopause, Nutrition & Health, omega 3 fatty acids, sunflower seeds, whole grains

Fruits are great cures for what ails you. There are many fruits that you can use; this article takes a look at only a few of them.

The fuzzy brown exterior of the kiwi fruit gives way to a bright green interior which is an excellent cancer fighter. Kiwis contain a lot of vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C is believed to play an integral role in preventing cataracts.

Grapes are a tremendous source of boron, which is a type of mineral that may be connected to a lower risk of osteoporosis. Grapes when turned into red grape juice are full of not just boron but also something known as reservatrol. Reservatrol is a chemical that is believed to be able to ward off heart disease by inhibiting the clumping action of blood cells.

Mangoes are full of vitamin C and beta-carotene, both of which are considered to be anticancer antioxidants. This fruit is also full of copper and vitamin B6. The USDA research into the importance of vitamin C to the body has found that this essential vitamin is beneficial at lowering blood pressure.

Oranges and oranges made into orange juice are filled with vitamin C and folic acid. Folic acid is beneficial for preventing a number of birth defects such as spina bifida and encephalitis. Folic acid is believed to help reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

There are other types of citrus fruits besides orange juice that are full of limonoids which are substances that can help the body to detoxify itself and by so doing can decrease the risk of cancer. Be aware that smokers need twice the daily intake of vitamin C as non-smokers and should therefore drink double the quantity of orange juice.

Pears are not only delicious but they are also an excellent source of fiber. Fiber has a great deal of benefits but when combined with a diet low in fat it is able to decrease the chance that a person will develop polyps in the colon which can lead to the development of cancer. Pears are not just full of fiber but also they contain plenty of vitamin C, boron (which is also prevalent in grapes), and potassium (which is also prevalent in bananas).

Prunes are the recommended fruit for relief of constipation, however some people prefer to drink prune juice instead. Prunes are good for this purpose because they are full of fiber. Prunes they have a natural sugar called sorbitol. Prunes are excellent for the bones and like grapes contain boron as well as plenty of vitamins A and E.

Berries in general contain plenty of fiber and strawberries are a perfect example of this. Strawberries have more fiber as well as more vitamin C in them than the majority of other fruits. Strawberries contain a substance called ellagic acid, which is a natural chemical that is excellent at fighting cancer. Studies of ellagic acid have discovered that it very potent as an inhibitor of carcinogens that the body takes in, particularly for smokers, including nitrosamines and tobacco smoke.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: acid folic, antioxidants, beta carotene, blood pressure, constipation, Fiber, Food Cures, grapes, kiwi fruit, prunes, strawberries

All fruits are healthy to the human body in specific ways. A combination of fruits in your diet can help to keep you healthy, and cure certain diseases as well. There is a huge variety of fruits that can help you, including apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, kiwi fruit, lemon/limes and oranges. Other healing fruits include papaya, pears, pineapple, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries and watermelon. Here we take a look at a variety of the healing properties of a selection of fruits.

Amaranth is a food that not everyone is familiar with. While technically a fruit, amaranth is commonly used as a type of grain that is found in many different types of breads, muffins, pasta and other foods that are as an adjunct to flour. The seeds of amaranth are extremely high in protein that builds muscle. Amaranth is much richer in protein than most grains. Amaranth seeds are also excellent at building up the immune system because they are high in zinc, copper and magnesium.

Apricots are excellent antioxidants. They are chock-full of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Research studies have yielded the fact that beta carotene is beneficial at protecting the body against lung cancer. Apricots are great sources of fiber. Apricots are more nutritious if you buy them fresh as opposed to canned.

Bananas are full of potassium, and therefore great at reducing blood pressure. Bananas are full of vitamin B6, which is good for encouraging the strength of the immune system. Bananas are particularly good to start off the day. Eat a banana with a glass of low fat milk and a piece of whole wheat bread (or toast) with peanut butter for breakfast and it will give you plenty of energy. For a change of pace whip up a banana shake in the blender and drink your start to a good day!

Cantaloupe is full of plenty of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, potassium and fiber. Research studies have shown that beta-carotene is particularly helpful at fighting cancers that originate in the lungs but more recent studies have shown that it is also worthwhile for fighting other types of cancers such as cancer of the cervix, uterine cancer, stomach cancer and oral forms of cancers. Evidence also supports that vitamin C decreases the incidence of mouth cancers, throat cancers, pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer.

Figs are beneficial to health and that is the case regardless of whether you choose to eat figs fresh or in their dried form. Figs have plenty of vitamin C, fiber, magnesium and potassium in them. Figs contain a type of fruit fiber that is able to decrease blood pressure, and in particular, systolic blood pressure, which is the top number of the blood pressure reading which in turn, calculates the pressure of the contractions of the heart. Fiber in general is connected to decreasing the bottom number of the blood pressure equation, which is the diastolic blood pressure. The diastolic blood pressure stands for the pressure of the heart when it is resting between its contracting action.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: antioxidants, beta carotene, blood pressure, blueberries, cranberries, Food Cures, grapes, immune system, kiwi fruit, limes, magnesium, prunes, strawberries, vitamins, vitamins minerals, whole wheat

There are a great number of foods that are healing in nature to the human body. Many of these foods may surprise you. This article will deal with a number of these foods, and discuss how they help the body.

Take the time to learn what foods are the most healing. If you already eat a vast array of healing foods then good for you- keep on doing what you are doing. If on the other hand your body could use a larger dose of healing foods then revamp your daily diet with some foods that can help to support health. These foods can also benefit you when you fall ill.

Artichokes are helpful in several ways. Artichokes can lower cholesterol, improve digestion and protect your heart from diseases. Artichokes can also help to protect your liver from being invaded by disease and they can stabilize your blood sugar if it tends to be on the high side.

Chili peppers are worth including in your diet if your throat is sore and achy and your sinuses are bothering you. Chili peppers certainly have a bite to them, but they are excellent for digestion and they help to fight cancer before they start. Chili peppers are extremely beneficial in boosting the function of the immune system.

Sometimes nuts are just what the doctor ordered. Peanuts help to protect against diseases of the heart, as they lower cholesterol levels and encourage weight loss. Peanuts are especially good for men as they help to combat prostrate cancer. Chestnuts are not just a Christmas time treat; they can be eaten all year long for their healing properties. Chestnuts are very protective of the heart they also combat a variety of cancers. These nuts also help to lower cholesterol and control blood pressure. Chestnuts are beneficial as well for individuals who are attempting to lose some weight.

If you enjoy walnuts then you are in luck! Walnuts have many healing properties. Walnuts help to combat a variety of cancers and they lower cholesterol and protect the heart against disease. Walnuts also aid in a sharp, clear memory and they are an instant mood-lifter.

Prunes are known to be good at preventing constipation, but they are also excellent at protecting the heart from disease, lowering cholesterol and boosting a person’s ability to remember these. Prunes are also believed to play an integral role in slowing down the process of aging, which is enough to make anyone smile.

Green tea is very therapeutic to the human body. This type of tea protects the heart, helps to prevent the onset of strokes and is excellent at combating cancer. As well green tea is an effective bacteria killer and it is helpful when it comes to losing weight.

If you like to take honey in your tea, or if you enjoy putting one of nature’s purest foods on toast, then you are being very smart. Honey is beneficial for the digestive process. It protects against the development of ulcers and encourages the healing of wounds. Honey is also effective at fighting a variety of allergies and it is an excellent energy booster.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: artichokes, blood pressure, blood sugar, chestnuts, chili peppers, cholesterol, constipation, digestion, Food Cures, healing foods, honey, immune system, nuts, peanuts, prunes, walnuts, weight loss

Anger is an emotional response to someone or something that may have caused us to be anxious. If we don’t manage our anger it may become habitual, and we may experience difficult times stemming from consequences of our bouts of anger.

Usually when we suffer from bouts of uncontrolled anger, we know it. Being out of control can frighten us and those around us. We can learn how to deal with anger; understanding why we get angry and what makes us angry helps us to deal with it better.

If we struggle with anger management, we are not alone. One of five Americans has difficulty managing their anger. Those who cannot control their anger can cause scenes of rage that escalate into real physical conflict that damages property and even other people. Uncontrolled anger hurts everyone involved, even the person who is angry. Uncontrolled anger hurts people and things. It can affect our ability to function properly at work and, in extreme cases, lead to our dismissal.

Anger is normal. Everyone from time to time becomes angry. Anger can even protect us in times of danger. It can be healthy for us to feel angry about a situation in which we were abused, or ripped off, or mistreated. Expressing our feelings of anger at being treated poorly is healthy and normal. It is good to be able to vent occasionally.

When anger becomes unhealthy is when it destroys things and hurts our relationships with others. Uncontrolled anger is frightening to those around us, and even to ourselves as we seem unable to control our feelings. Anger creates fear in those who are victims of uncontrolled outbursts, and it alienates the aggressor from those who may have been willing to be supportive otherwise.

Anger is an emotion that can vary in intensity depending on what causes it. While we are angry, certain physical symptoms can occur. While angry a person’s blood pressure may rise, their heart rate may increase and certain levels of stress hormones, including adrenaline and noradrenaline increase. These hormones stimulate us to action in a ‘fight or flight’ response: this is what allows a mother who witnesses who child being threatened to be able to have more strength than she normally has to combat a kidnapper, or other assailant.

Anger can be stimulated by internal or external sources. Some common triggers include: a coworker, supervisor, another driver, stalled traffic, a personal situation, memories, a traumatic event, or overhearing racial slurs.

Expressing anger is a natural instinct for when we are threatened or under attack. Being able to express anger can help save our lives when used in appropriate situations. Expressing anger in a violent manner, when other methods of dealing with a situation, event or person that is not threatening us directly is called uncontrolled anger. Situations that do not call for a physical response might be; like when someone cuts in front of us in line, or someone we pass in the hallway uses a racial slur not directed at us. These things may be unpleasant and we have the right to feel angry, but expressing our anger in physical ways that cause damage is not an appropriate reaction to an external, non-confrontational stimulus. It simply is not wise to respond by using violence or fly into a rage every time something displeases us.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Anger Management.

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Tags: aging, Anger Management, blood pressure, stress

There are many reasons for you to feel anger. If you want to get out of the vicious cycle of anger, you need to first understand where the feelings are coming from, and what to do about it. In other words, before you can control your feelings of anger, you have to understand what causes them.

Some of the most common causes of anger are frustration, hurt, becoming annoyed, harassment, feelings of disappointment or of being threatened. When these feelings occur adrenaline is released into the bloodstream. This adrenalin reinforces your feelings of anger because your heart pumps faster and your blood courses through your system. Your blood pressure will increase and your muscles may feel tense. Basically, your body is gearing up for action in a ‘flight or fight’ response.

Understanding how to express your anger in a non-threatening manner can actually allow you to use your energy in a constructive way.

You have to remember that ignoring anger will not make it go away. If you don’t effectively deal with your anger, you can develop chronic tension and health problems. Accidents and personal problems can stem from your anger, and can create problems with loved ones and on your job. If left unchecked, your anger can lead to abuse, violent behavior and even crime. You need to recognize that you are angry, you need to determine what caused the immediate anger and decide what steps need to be taken to eliminate the cause.

You should never try to resolve your problem through discussion when you are angry, especially if you’re angry at someone. Calm down before discussing the problem and do not shout. Shouting only makes the problem worse and increases your anger.

Instead, understand why you are angry. Are you just trying to beat the other person in a competitive sense, or does a real problem exist that needs to be ironed out? You should never get person when discussing a situation that caused the anger. Put your energy into solving the problem that caused the anger, not the person. Getting personal in an argument will only make things worse.

You should listen to what the other person has to say before jumping to conclusions. Do not resort to name calling and insults, which will only extend the anger. It is OK to be assertive and to express your side without yelling and screaming. You also should not pout; no one likes an adult acting like a child when they are angry.

Don’t waste time and energy on a situation that is unavoidable. Use humor. Find something funny within the situation to help defuse a potentially explosive situation. Physical activity can help dissipate some of that adrenaline flowing through your blood. Walk, run or perform some other physical action that can take your mind off your anger. Make sure you get adequate rest as when people are tired, little things tend to annoy them, which is one of the causes of anger. Remember, even taking a time-out to calm down before an angry confrontation makes a bad situation worsen. Do not approach the problem until you have had time to think through both sides of the situation.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Anger Management.

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Tags: Anger Management, blood pressure