The widespread belief that families affected by autism have a divorce rate as high as 80 percent has been around for years and was often cited by both major publications and autism organizations. The figure, which was more than twice as high as the general American divorce rate, alarmed many families. The high figure discouraged many parents struggling to create healthy family environments while building strong marriages.

The original source for the 80 percent autism divorce rate figure is unclear, which made the Kennedy Krieger Institute question its credibility. The fact that an unsubstantiated figure was so popular within the autism community led to the 2010 study to find out how autism affects marriages.

Brian Freedman, PhD, head of the study and clinical director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Kennedy Krieger Institute, had worked with many families with autistic children that believed the 80 percent divorce rate figure. In a May 2010 Science Daily interview, Freedman said that parents affected by autism “don’t know what the future holds for their child, and feel as sense of hopelessness about the future of their marriage as well–almost like getting a diagnosis of autism and a diagnosis of divorce at the same time.”

Freedman acknowledged that previous studies that discussed the stress parenting a child with autism may cause. One of these studies, a 2007 University of North Carolina study, found that mothers of children with autism may be prone to depression. Yet no study had investigated any role that autism may play in a divorce. Freedman and his research team wanted to examine whether there is any scientific evidence that indicates a high incidence of divorce with autism diagnosis.

Researchers had a challenge because there was hardly any empirical or epidemiological research about the degree of separation and divorce among parents with autistic children. The research team used data from the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health, which allowed them to evaluate 77,911 children between the ages of 3 and 17.

The Kennedy Krieger Institute researchers examined the National Survey of Children’s Health data and identified factors in both families affected by autism and nonautistic families that can strain a marriage. Although parenting a child with autism can cause stress, there was not sufficient evidence to suggest that autism contributes to divorce any more than other unrelated factors that can affect a marriage. The researchers found that parenting a child with autism is not a divorce risk. In fact, majority of parents with autistic children in the study were married and living together.

The Kennedy Krieger study demonstrated that the higher incidence of divorce with autism diagnosis is a myth. Freedman and the researchers see the study as a demonstration that marriages can survive an autism diagnosis and calls for more research into ways two-parent families with autistic children deal with stress and keep their marriage strong.

One way families can learn to deal with daily life with autism is to use autism support services. Parents who participate in local support autism support groups and services for the whole family may find it easier to manage stress and create a healthy family environment. It is easy for parents with a child with autism to focus most of their daily attention on finding an effective treatment plan for the child and not have time for each other. Autism family support groups bring people together who share the experience of living with a loved one with autism. The exchange of ideas and moral support can help couples figure out how to care for their child and nurture their marriages. A good place to search for local autism support groups is the Autism Society of America website.

Edema

Edema, or swelling, occurs when water builds up under the fatty tissue directly under the skin. If you notice foot swelling, press your finger into the swollen area for a second. When the depression remains after you remove your finger, chances are it’s simple edema.

Causes of edema include common problems, such as too much salt in the diet, improperly fitting shoes, or monthly hormonal changes. However, edema can also be caused by more serious ailments. It’s important to see your doctor if you notice edema in your feet and ankles, as this can be an early warning sign of heart, circulatory, and kidney problems. Your doctor can rule out serious problems and consult with you on your treatment for swollen feet.

Some Herbs for Swollen Feet

Parsley

Yes, that green garnish on your plate next to the steak is actually a useful medicinal herb. Parsley (Petroselinum crispus) acts as a powerful diuretic. Parsley also contains minerals, vitamins and chlorophyll, all vital for good health and nutrition. You can grow your own parsley with a simple pot of soil, seeds, and bright sunlight. Incorporate fresh parsley into salads or meals for an easy way to consume this useful herb.

Dandelion

You may think of dandelions as annoying weeds ruining a perfect lawn, but herbalists see dandelions in a different light. The lowly dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) provides excellent relief for water retention. The natural diuretic action flushes excess water from the body, relieving swollen feet caused by fluid retention. Used since ancient times by Arabian, Persian and European healers, dandelion is also an excellent liver and kidney tonic. Dandelion may be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. Ginkgo improves circulation, which in turn reduces water retention to the feet and legs. Always consult an herbalist or natural health practitioner if you have underlying circulatory problems before taking ginkgo.

Ginkgo is perhaps one of the most-studied herbs in the natural pharmacopeia. Even the Mayo Clinic, one of the most respected medical authorities in the United Sates, gives Ginkgo a grade of “A” in relieving circulatory problems associated with painful legs.

Peppermint

Rounding out the top three herbs for swollen feet is peppermint (Mentha piperita). If you love the refreshing scent of peppermint, enjoy this herb in a footbath to relieve tired, swollen feet. Peppermint energizes, refreshes, and makes a welcome addition to treatments for edema.

The recipe for this alleged miraculous weight loss aid is very simple. Combine one teaspoon honey with one-half teaspoon cinnamon powder  and boil in one cup of water. After the mixture has boiled, filter it into another cup. Divide the mixture into two half-cup quantities to be consumed one-half hour before breakfast and one-half hour before going to sleep at night. Some proponents recommend adding raw honey after the water has boiled to retain nutrients and thus the benefits.

By following this regimen, it is suggested that a dieter may easily lose three to five pounds within one week without changing anything else within his or her diet. Differences in results may be due to the cinnamon used. There are three types of cinnamon:

* Ceylon cinnamon
* Indonesian cinnamon
* Cassia cinnamon

The Effect It Has on the Body

According to materials and articles recommending this diet aid, this mixture of cinnamon powder and honey stops the body from accumulating fat.

Other explanations include the fact that honey is an antioxidant and does all kinds of good things for the body.

Cinnamon is said to influence blood sugar and the way it’s processed, giving your body a better chance to break it down in such a way that it doesn’t turn to fat. It is said that abdominal weight is more sensitive to cinnamon’s effects than other body weight.

Other Uses of Honey and Cinnamon

Experts across the world have researched the effects of honey and cinnamon on the human body. They have discovered several uses and applications that help cure common discomforts and diseases.

Heart Disease

A paste of honey and cinnamon powder eaten on bread regularly for breakfast can help cure or reduce the impact of heart disease. The mixture lessens the cholesterol produced and found in the arteries, helping stave off a heart attack. Additionally, residential care facilities across the United States and Canada have found that a diet including honey and cinnamon helps strengthen patient’s arteries and veins.

Arthritis

It’s reported that a paste made of one part honey to two parts of lukewarm water with a teaspoon of cinnamon will help reduce pain when rubbed into the affected area. Also, experts suggest taking one tablespoon honey and a half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast. This is said to reduce pain and help with flexibility.

Hair Loss

To help stimulate hair growth, apply a paste of one tablespoon of honey, hot olive oil and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before taking a bath or shower. Effects are said to be experienced with even five minutes worth of application, although 15 minutes are recommended.

Bladder Infections

Germs are destroyed in the bladder when two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey are mixed and consumed.

Toothache

An ailing tooth can be benefited by applying a paste of one teaspoon cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey. This should be applied three times per day until pain is gone.

Additional Uses

There are several other potential uses for this combination of ingredients. Experts indicate that the common cold, infertility, upset stomach, gas, immune system complications, indigestion, influenza, longevity, pimples, skin infections, cancer, fatigue, bad breath and hearing loss are all positively impacted by the use of mixtures with honey and cinnamon powder as primary ingredients.

While this may sound like a terrific solution to your weight loss problem, it’s not the only cure. Nor is it the long-term cure. Nobody can attain permanent weight loss without a proper balance between healthy diet and exercise. One should eat a variety of food groups, limit junk food and consume appropriate portions. Additionally, exercise that includes both cardio and strength-training should be a regular part of your exercise plan. By combining exercise, healthy diet and the cinnamon and honey trick, your weight loss success should be guaranteed. When someone asks you how to lose weight using cinnamon powder and honey, let them know there are other elements necessary to succeed, as well.

* Carrying low means that the baby bump, the part of the belly that protrudes the most, is settled close to the hips.
* Carrying high means that the baby bump rests high in the abdominal area. She may be carrying the baby close to the ribs rather than closer to the hips.
* Narrow refers to the shape of the uterus when it protrudes outward, toward the front.
* Wide refers to the shape of the uterus when it settles to the sides.

According to the belly test for baby’s gender, a woman can tell the sex of her baby by observing the position and shape of her belly.

1. Carrying low and narrow, the baby is a boy
2. Carrying high and wide, the baby is a girl

This can be more difficult to detect than it seems since the way a woman gains weight is thought to measure into the equation. Women who have bellies that are prominent with extra weight in front are carrying boys while women who carry extra weight in the rear and hips are carrying girls.

Can these observations women uncover the gender of their babies relatively early in the pregnancy? Like any unscientific gender test, it’s accurate about half the time, but it is important to consider physical factors that determine the size and shape of a pregnant belly for a more realistic perspective.

Belly Shape and Size

Many things factor into the shape and size of the belly during pregnancy, though gender does not make the list as far as medical science is concerned. An explanation of different belly shapes is discussed by doctors from the Columbia University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in an article featured on Revolution Health. Their observations include:

* Good muscle tone may make the bump appear smaller
* Weaker muscle tone may make the bump appear larger
* Bigger babies make bigger bellies
* Multiples naturally lead to large bellies
* High level of amniotic fluid can cause the belly to bulge
* Natural shape of the woman’s uterus can dictate the shape of the bump
* The baby’s position changes the shape of the belly
* Shorter torso may translate into carrying wide
* Longer torso may translate into carrying narrow

Many different combinations can exist. A young woman with tight abdominal muscles who has a long torso may appear to be carrying a boy when she is carrying a girl. An older woman with a short torso and other pregnancies may appear to be carrying a girl when the baby is really a boy. Nevertheless, many believe that the belly test for gender of a baby is a reliable test.

How Does the Belly Predict Gender?

There is no real explanation of the reasoning behind the belly observation test. Some may hold on to the idea that infant males are larger than infant females are and this size difference would naturally lead to a protruding belly that rests low in women carrying males. Females who are smaller and lighter than males would be closer to the body and carried high.

Realistically, babies come in a variety of sizes, with some males being smaller than females. Factor this into the many different elements that feed into the size and shape of a pregnant woman’s belly, and the test falls short.

Some Exceptions

Of course, there are numerous exceptions that merit including multivitamins in one’s daily regimen, and sometimes people feel more comfortable with solids than fluids, or vice versa. If a person is diagnosed with a nutritional deficiency and a physician recommends nutritional supplements, the preferred format might factor in whether a patient has difficulty swallowing, gastrointestinal difficulties or allergies. That could dictate a very specific recommendation of a nutritional supplement that doesn’t conflict with the individual’s condition.

New Versus Old

Liquid vitamins are a newer type of nutritional supplement than solid capsules, tablets and pills, so drinkable formulas simply don’t have the same amount of reach as the older forms that consumers are more familiar with. There are only about 20 different fluid multivitamins on the market that come in ready-to-drink format, while solid types of nutritional supplements number in the thousands. That makes it easier for people to obtain, pills, tablets and capsules than anything in liquid form. The liquids tend to sell for higher prices than the solids, and that can perpetuate the difference in availability and popularity of the two.

Physicians give Vitamin B12 injections, also known as cobalamin or cyanocobalamin injections, to patients that are suffering from anemia, fatigue or other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Patients that have pernicious anemia require lifelong vitamin B12 injections and may want to consider dietary changes for B12 deficiency. These injections are sometimes very painful as they are given deep under the skin, known as a deep subcutaneous injection, or into a muscle, called an intramuscular injection.

Common Side Effects of Injections of Vitamin B12

There are many side effects that patients may experience from injections of vitamin B12. The more common side effects include:

• Mild diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• A feeling of pain and a warm sensation at the site of the injection
• A feeling, or a sense, of being swollen over the entire body
• Headache
• Joint pain

If any of these side effects become severe or troublesome, let your doctor know immediately.

Vitamin B12 Injections: Side Effects That are Uncommon and Serious

Vitamin B12 injections can result in serious side effects. Although this is a relatively rare occurrence, anyone taking vitamin B12 injections should be aware of the possibility. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects.

• A rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• A feeling of tightness in the chest
• Rapid weight gain
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle pain
• Muscle cramps
• A feeling of extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Leg pain
• A sense of confusion
• Numbness
• Dizziness
• A tingling sensation
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath with mild exertion or when lying down
• Unusual coughing
• Unusual wheezing
• A feeling of extreme tiredness or fatigue
• Swelling of the extremities including hands, arms, lower legs, feet or ankles
• Redness, pain or a feeling of warmth in one leg
• Tenderness or swelling in one leg
• A red skin color on the face
• A red skin color anywhere on the body
• Hives
• Itching
• Skin rash

Other vitamin B12 injections side effects may also occur. If you experience anything unusual while taking B12 injections let your doctor know as soon as possible.

Here are the most common natural sleep aids:

• Melatonin
• Valerian
• 5-HTP

Natural Sleep Aids: Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in your brain. It regulates your biological clock and sleep-wake cycle. Just before going to sleep, melatonin levels typically spike in your blood. People who suffer from insomnia can benefit from taking melatonin as a supplement before bedtime to boost an increase in their melatonin blood levels.

Typically, melatonin is thought to decrease the time it takes to fall asleep. As such, it may help for those people who have trouble falling asleep. In addition, it helps you sleep longer.

Valerian for Chronic Insomnia

Valerian is a herbal extract and one of the most commonly used supplements to treat anxiety and insomnia. There is little data on the effectiveness of valerian, but it is believe to improve the quality of sleep while also reducing the time it takes to fall asleep.

A benefit of valerian is that most people do not experience grogginess in the morning after having taken valerian the night before. On the downside, there are mixed reports about the effectiveness of valerian. In some people it does not perform any better than a placebo. In addition, some people may be sensitive to valerian and experience nightmares when taking this supplement.

People who persistently have trouble sleeping could benefit from valerian when taking it over a longer period of time. It is believed to be more effective when taking it consecutively, instead of just on an occasional basis.

Valerian may not be right for you if you are normally a good sleeper, but have some occasional trouble. Instead, it shows better results in chronic insomniacs.

Although valerian is well-tolerated up to about six weeks, it should not be taken for longer than absolutely necessary. There is a chance it impairs thinking and can give users a headache.

Boosting Sleep with 5-HTP

5-HTP is a short form for the full name of this compound: 5-Hydroxytryptophan. It is, like melatonin, a naturally occurring amino-acid. This sleep aid is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan and a precursors of melatonin. As such, it can help your body regulate your sleep-cycle and facilitate falling asleep.

If you are thinking of taking 5-HTP, you should first discuss it with your doctor. It could interfere with other drugs.

Risks and Concerns

When looking for a natural product, keep in mind that natural products and supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. As a consequence, it is extremely difficult to determine if any particular natural product is safe, effective, and whether it has any side effects. Before trying any natural product, make sure you visit the Melatonin Forums and educate yourself about the product first.

Each one of these products is not fully tested for long-term use, and any natural remedy should not be taken for more than three months. Even natural supplements can cause side effects. Before taking a natural sleep remedy, make sure you inform your doctor or pharmacist to prevent taking a natural sleep aid that might interfere with any prescription drugs you are taking at the same time.

Natural Remedies

The “quick fix” is something every woman has chased after in her desire to achieve something better for her face, body or hair: Instant results are always preferred. Who hasn’t longed to achieve brighter skin, a more vibrant mane or a more svelte figure without doing all the work necessary to actually get there? The same applies to tightening aging skin. It’s a battle most women will confront at some point, but while some choose to fully accept the changes that accompany aging, others seek to retain a youthful appearance through various means.

The proof is in the burgeoning anti-aging market and the many surgical and non-surgical procedures designed to revitalize the skin’s surface, encourage a more youthful appearance and essentially “reverse” the aging process. Of course, there’s nothing that can actually reverse the effects of time, but many treatments are now being touted as effective in changing the face of aging as we all know it. Natural remedies in particular are desired, because they offer a painless solution to what might otherwise cost hundreds of dollars, require time off work and cause discomfort.

Making a Difference

Unfortunately, there’s nothing quick about making changes to the skin that themselves have developed over time. One might liken it to weight loss; it takes a fair amount of time to gain the weight and will likely take just as long to lose it. Similarly, treating skin problems is much the same. It takes time, effort and dedication. While aging cannot be considered a “problem,” per se, many individuals do treat it as such. The real challenge lies in finding a regimen that actually makes a visible difference.

How to Tighten Skin Naturally

Whether you just hope to avoid surgical procedures altogether (and who can blame you for that?) or you prefer to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, you can count on finding a number of anti-aging treatments that contain natural ingredients. You might also be intrigued by the benefits of using products found right in your kitchen. Natural remedies have long been recognized for their healing, soothing benefits, and there’s something spa-like and rejuvenating about concocting treatments within the comforts of home.

Natural Products

If time is of the essence and you aren’t exactly Julia Child in the kitchen, you might prefer an over-the-counter product formulated with natural ingredients. Among them are:

* Bieux Skin BioNaturals Power Lift and Repair Serum: Free of parabens, silicones and fragrances, this hypoallergenic product is formulated to combat crow’s feet, fine lines and wrinkles. It’s touted as a lifting treatment that offers near instantaneous results, and its high concentration of botanical ingredients is sure to please who seek natural regimens.

* Logona Age Protection Skin Firming Gel: Instant hydration can quell the visible signs of aging. This revitalizing gel is infused with green tea, organic horsetail, hops, algae and more, all formulated to tighten the contours of the face and stimulate cells. The result is a more youthful appearance – naturally, of course.

Natural Treatments

Granted, you don’t have to be much of a wiz in the kitchen to concoct natural skin care recipes. Most are quite simple and require very few ingredients. Here are a few designed to encourage your skin to firm up:

Cucumber and Avocado Mask

Cucumber is a terrific natural anti-aging food. It tightens the pores, nourishes the skin and exfoliates to reveal fresh skin. You’ll need:

* 1/2 cup cucumber (chopped and peeled)
* 1/2 cup avocado (chopped and peeled)
* 1 egg white
* 2 tsp. powdered milk

Simply blend these ingredients until they’re smooth, then refrigerate the concoction for an hour. After it has sufficiently chilled, apply it liberally to the face and neck. Allow the treatment to rest for half an hour before rinsing with warm water. Finish with a splash of cool water.

Peach and Honey Mask

Peaches are rich in alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), natural exfoliants that tighten, hydrate, smooth and reduce the appearance of age spots over time. You’ll need:

* 1 med. peach
* 1 tbsp. yogurt
* 1 tbsp. honey

Begin by boiling the peach to softness. In a bowl, mash it completely, then add the yogurt and honey and continue stirring. Apply liberally to the face and neck and allow it to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Finish with a splash of cool water.

Facial Exercises

Of course, nothing is cheaper or more natural than facial exercises, which require only the use of your hands. They work to tighten skin naturally by applying resistance to muscles that, over time, lose their vitality and tone. Exercising them allows greater blood supply to the area and encourages firmer skin and greater production of collagen and elastin.

* Tone the forehead by placing your index fingers above your eyes. Pull downward and raise your eyebrows at the same time – you should feel resistance. Repeat this process 10 times.
* Eliminate crow’s feet by placing your middle and ring fingers around the outer corners of the eyes. Pull the corners toward your hairline, hold and keep your eyes squeezed closed. Again, you should feel some resistance.
* Strengthen cheek muscles by placing your pointer, middle and index fingers on the apples of your cheeks. Push down while smiling hard. You should feel more resistance!

How Grapefruit Diets Work

The diets typically work much like the Atkins Diet, in that they restrict carbohydrates while encouraging a higher intake of protein. The Atkins Grapefruit Diet, in particular, focuses on the high protein, low-carb eating plan. When people do not eat enough carbohydrates, the body needs to use fat and muscle storage for energy.

All of the grapefruit related diets, in most cases, significantly restrict calories as well. While some allow for as much meat as the dieter would like during lunch and dinner, the caloric intake in most of the grapefruit weight loss plans are slashed. People can expect to lose weight whether they drink the juice or not.

Grapefruit Weight Loss

The fruit has naturally healthy properties that make it an ideal food for dieters. It is low in calories, is rich in antioxidants, and high in fiber. The generous nutrients combined with a small number of calories make the fruit a wonderful choice for dieters. The fruit may aid weight loss by:

* Reducing insulin levels
* Controlling appetite
* Provide nutrition

Some proclaim that grapefruit burns fat, but no studies appear to back this claim. Many other fruits and vegetables are equally as healthy and equally as effective in helping people to lose weight.

Sample Weight Loss Plans

The rapid weight loss plans can help dieters lose a significant number of pounds in very little time. Dieters can expect to lose between 10 and 30 pounds in just under two weeks, according to some Grapefruit Diet websites. The plans typically have very restrictive requirements to follow in order for dieters to succeed. Rules include:

* Cannot substitute any foods on the menu
* Must have juice at each meal
* Cannot deviate from the amount of juice you drink, neither more nor less
* No eating between meals
* Eat until you are very full
* Follow a 12-day on, 2-day off cycle
* One cup of coffee a day

The diet allows for one bedtime snack that consists of eight ounces of skim milk or tomato juice.

Forbidden and Permitted Foods

The plan forbids many foods including breads and desserts. Surprising restrictions include:

* White onions
* Potatoes
* Celery
* Starchy vegetables
* Fruit
* Low-fat / fat free or diet salad dressings

Equally as surprising are some of the foods that the diet allows:

* Mayonnaise (hence the term Mayo diet)
* Any cheese
* Hot dogs
* Regular salad dressing
* Red meat

Grapefruit Weight Loss Plan

A similar grapefruit diet plan promises dieters a loss of 10 pounds in 12 short days. Dieters can expect to eat no more than three meals each day, followed by a small bedtime snack, as appears to be the nom with these plans. This menu allows dieters to substitute juice for ½ of a grapefruit.

The meals are mundane, and though the weight loss is rapid, the plan can become tiresome very quickly.

* Breakfast
o Eggs
o Two slices of bacon
o Grapefruit

* Lunch
o Salad
o Unlimited meat
o Grapefruit

* Dinner
o Salad or cooked vegetables
o Meat or fish
o Coffee or tea
o Grapefruit

* Bedtime snack
o One cup skim milk

Fast Weight Loss

Many people find the guarantee of fast weight loss to be very appealing, and diets based on drinking grapefruit juice make substantial promises when it comes to rapid weight reduction. However, it is important to keep in mind that the weight lost during the duration of the plan is not likely to be fat. People who lose pounds very quickly typically lose fluids and possibly muscle.

Restrictive Menus

Be wary of any weight loss plan that severely restricts the types of foods you can eat. When a menu does not allow foods like celery and fruit but allows mayonnaise, hot dogs and cheese, it does not have your best interests in mind. While the Grapefruit Juice Diet can yield rapid results, it is likely that dieters will gain the weight back equally as fast once they return to their old eating habits.

Antioxidant Properties of Oregano

Oregano contains thymol and rosmarinic acid that work on the body to minimize the destructive effects of free radicals. According to researchers at the USDA’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland, a tablespoon of fresh oregano contains as much antioxidant power as a medium sized apple.

There is a lot of current medical interest in the ability of free radicals to help repair damage to the body on a cellular level and combat cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, macular degeneration and help slow geriatric muscle deterioration.

Anti-Fungal Properties of Oregano

Historically used as a food preservative, oregano has some impressive credentials as an anti-fungal. Fungal infections can be nasty customers and even fatal in some circumstances. Oregano has been used as both an internal and external preparation in treating fungal infections and has been tested successfully in inhibiting the growth of yeasts like Candida albicans.

Antibiotic Properties of Oregano

Oregano might just be the little herb that can. A phenol in oregano, carvacrol is generating interest for its powerful ability to kill bacteria. Preliminary tests conducted at Georgetown University suggest that oregano’s antibacterial muscle may rival that of streptomycin and penicillin.

Other Medicinal Uses of Oregano

If you plan on keeping oregano in your medicine cabinet, there are some other uses for this herb that you should know about. Oregano can be used as a digestive aid because it encourages salivation. It can soothe bee stings and treat venomous spider and snakebites. Oregano is also an efficient pain reliever.

Cautions when Using Oregano

Although herbs and spices may appear benign because they are used in cooking, concentrated doses can lead to problems. Oregano has many medicinal applications that can help you get and stay well, but consult your doctor before making any changes or additions to the medications you are taking. Oregano can cause skin irritations in some people, and should be avoided if you are pregnant or nursing.

Oregano Fast Facts

* Oregano contains: iron, vitamin E, vitamin C, copper, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamine and riboflavin.

* A native to the Mediterranean, Oregano is a perennial in the mint family. It is widely used as a seasoning in Italian dishes, including pizza sauce.

* Steep two tablespoons of fresh oregano in eight ounces of water for five minutes to create a refreshing antioxidant tea.

* Oregano is sometimes taken as a supplement to help avoid colds and flu.

* Oregano can be used to treat head lice.

* Oregano is a welcome addition to a long list of antioxidant rich herbs like garlic, thyme, peppermint and sage.

To derive the maximum benefit from supplements, use them within the first six months of purchase or less. Store supplements in a cool, dark place, and keep them away from moisture.