Retrograde amnesia refers to the inability to recall information about events that occurred in one’s past, such as the details of childhood events or data that was previously recallable from memory “on demand.” As a general rule, those with retrograde amnesia will be able to form memories of more recent events but will not be able to recall many past events. On the other hand, those with anterograde amnesia will have relatively little difficulty with recalling information of past events but will have problems storing and retrieving more recent data. In practical terms, “pure” retrograde or anterograde amnesia is rare and memory loss usually involves features of both conditions.

The actual processes by which memory is obtained, and then later recalled, is still poorly understood. In broad terms, any disease process that disrupts or impairs the normal function of the brain’s nerve cells such as such as trauma, stroke, or brain infection, is capable of producing either temporary or permanent amnesia. As examples, the intemperate use of alcohol can lead to a “blackout” period from which the drinker can recall nothing or a person with head trauma may be unable to recall what happened immediately before and after a motorcycle accident. However, the process that is most commonly associated with memory loss is aging.

Age-related memory loss, sometimes called “senile dementia,” can be associated with a number of disease processes such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, or even Parkinson’s and/or Alzheimer’s diseases. Regardless of the underlying causes, given the fact that the members of society as a whole are living longer, there has been considerable interest in any therapies that may slow down or even prevent such memory loss. Since many prescription medications that deal with memory impairment have undesirable side effects, the remainder of this article will review several natural agents that may show promise in memory issues involving older individuals.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are an essential component of the membranes surrounding all the body’s cells, including those of the brain. It has been long-known that ethnic groups whose traditional diets include several servings of fish per week have fewer problems with age-related health issues, including memory loss. The fatty acids of the Omega-3 family (“fish oil”) have been demonstrated to be effective in restoring the integrity of cell membranes that have been damaged by a number of disease processes commonly associated. As an additional benefit, Omega-3s are known to help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and thus help reduce the severity of atherosclerosis (“hardening of the arteries”).

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and both properties are known to improve cellular health. However, recent medical studies have suggested that the family of vitamin E known as the tocotrienols may possess even better benefits than the more commercially-available vitamin E products. In fact, some studies have suggested that the tocotrienols may slow the progression of some forms of age-related memory loss.

Other Vitamin and Minerals

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly of the B-complex vitamins and the minerals zinc and magnesium, are known to adversely affect memory and other vital nerve and brain functions. A growing body of evidence suggests that such deficiencies may be far more common that previously thought.

Tryptophan and Tyrosine

Tryptophan and tyrosine are amino acids that are the precursors (“building blocks”) of several vital brain chemicals, low level of which may be associated with memory disorders, depression, and disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease. Intensive medical research into the potential value of dietary supplements in this diseases is ongoing at this time.

In summary, this article has described memory loss as an important issue in public health and as an area of extensive medical research and has further presented a brief introduction to several nutritional supplements that may be of value in treating this condition.

In folk and traditional cultures, elderberries have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. Colds, viruses, breathing difficulties, heart problems, constipation and sinus congestion have all been treated with elderberries. The use of these flavorful berries has spanned Europe, North America, Northern Africa and parts of Western Asia, where the shrub is a native species.

In the last few decades this folk cure has begun to be studied scientifically, with promising results. A study conducted in Israel has shown that an elderberry extract named Sambucol is at least as effective as pharmaceutical medications in treating flu and its symptoms. Because the flavonoids and other substances in elderberries boost the immune system, they are also being studied in the treatment of cancer and AIDS in Israel.

One study using elderberry extract and a placebo found that those taking elderberry extract recovered in two to three days, while those taking the placebo took on average six days to recover from the flu. Most patients had type A flu, but a few had type B flu instead. Other studies have shown that elderberry is also effective against type B and H1N1 flus. The test subjects were started on treatment within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms.

Elderberries have a number of substances that boost the immune system and have other positive effects on the human body. They are high in antioxidant flavonoids, tannin and vitamins A, B and C. Elderberries also contain compounds called anthocyanins. One German study conducted at Bundesforschungsanstalt Research Center proved that anthocyanins in elderberries have more antioxidant ability than vitamins C and E. Anthocyanins have been shown to decrease inflammation, which helps with the body aches and pains typically suffered by flu victims.

Unlike pharmaceutical flu treatments, there are no harsh side effects from elderberry extract. They do act as a mild diuretic and laxative, and can cause some sweating. However, because there are no potentially fatal side effects, elderberries can be safely used to treat flu and other viruses in children, the elderly and those with impaired immune systems.

Although the flowers, berries and other parts were traditionally used to treat many illnesses, the scientific studies were conducted only with elderberry extract. It is likely, but unproven, that using the berries in their natural state will also have the same positive effects. Jams, wines and other foods prepared with elderberries may not show the same usefulness as treatment for flu or other illnesses. Further research is needed to show whether consuming elderberries or plant parts have the same protective effects.

The more popular the act of juicing becomes, the more the general public is learning about the positive effects of doing this. Since the beginning of time, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables have been a great source of nutrients and enzymes. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and nutrients and the more that are consumed, the better off a person will be.

To get the most from juicing, it needs to be done on a regular basis. Juicing can be done in addition to a healthy diet or juicing can be done as the sole means of nutrition. For people who are looking to add more nutrients and more nutrition to their regular routine, one or two juice drinks a day is the normal way. For people who are not living a healthy lifestyle and want to restart and rejuvenate their bodies, doing a juice cleanse may be for them.

Doing a juice cleanse can be very tough and can be very trying for anyone. To do a true juice cleanse, all solid foods are eliminated from the diet and only fresh fruits and fresh vegetables in a juice form will be consumed. People who have done a juice cleanse have noted an improvement in their overall look and dramatic changes in their health as a whole. There are many studies all over the internet showing before and after of doing a complete juice cleanse.

Juicing is very powerful due to what is in the fruits and vegetables that are being consumed. For a beginner, the juices that are created can be very simple and basic. Most juices will be of a single item or maybe two items. Once a person gets the hang of juicing, they can get creative and there are countless combinations that can be created.

Oranges are a great source for Vitamin C. Carrot juice is a great source for Vitamin A. Fruit juices are great for iron, copper, potassium, sodium iodine and magnesium. Juicing allows all of the enzymes in the fruit to be brought out and consumed. Very few of the nutrients and enzymes are consumed in traditional eating. Juicing brings all of the nutrients out and allows for them to be consumed.

Juicing also eliminates the pasteurization process. When an item is pasteurized, the item is heated and the majority of the enzymes are killed off. By not pasteurizing an item, more enzymes will enter the body. These enzymes help the body to perform all of the chemical reactions that take place every day. Some of these reactions are digestion, food absorption and energy production.

Juicing is something that can benefit anyone who wishes to try it out. The nutrients and vitamins found in fresh fruits and vegetables are beneficial to all people. It may take some time to get the hang of juicing but the benefits will be worth the wait.

Health:

When people use the term health they mean that the body is free of disease. Health is applied to the physical and mental state of the individual and simply states that in the present time the person is free of any ailments.

Health is a term that is used to describe the current condition of the body and mind. It does not imply that the state of the body or mind will continue to remain free of disease in the future or has been free of disease for an extended period in the past.

When using health in a sentence, the meaning is simply that the current state of an individual’s body or mind is free of any problems. A healthy individual is someone who currently does not have problems, but is not necessarily a person who will remain well in the next day or two.

Wellness:

Wellness is more encompassing than health. Wellness refers to an individual’s overall balance in every aspect of life and refers to a longer period of time than health. Those who strive for wellness are looking for balance in their whole life experience. The term means that the individual balanced mental, physical, spiritual, environmental and occupational health.

The term means that the individual is healthy in every area of life and strives to maintain good health for an extended period of time. Wellness is not limited to the current, but is a term used to imply that the individual has been free of disease or ailments for several years and will continue to remain in the best of health.

Best State to Strive For:

Since health is only about the present, it is better to work toward improving overall wellness. Individuals who strive for wellness are seeking a healthy body, mind, work environment, home environment, family life and emotional life. Without working on every area of life, the individual is not working toward wellness.

Health is not a statement of habits, lifestyle or working toward continuing to remain free of illness. It is a display of the current state of the body and mind. It does not factor in the environment, stress from work, current lifestyle trends or habits that might lead to poor health in the future.

Wellness shows a continued state of health in every area of life. It is about balanced, maintenance and improvement that ensures continued health in the future. Wellness works on a lifestyle that promotes improvements to the body and mind while also ensuring that other areas of life are not forgotten. It is about getting life in order and maintaining that level of responsibility for personal health in the future.

Striving for wellness is the best solution because it is not about current figures and facts. Remaining free of illness, disease and chronic problems requires lifestyle changes that encourage wellness for the entire lifetime. That means working toward improvements and constantly making changes that ensure the body, mind, spirit and intellect are in the best possible shape. It also means challenging the mind, body and spirit so that improvements remain steady, strength gradually improves and the ability to remain in a healthy state is at the best possible level.

Health and wellness are different. It is not a synonymous term because the words have different definitions and meanings. Implying that an individual is healthy does not necessarily mean that he or she works on wellness. The best way to ensure a life, healthy life is striving for balance via lifestyle changes.

The easiest way to experience the fulfillment of making something out of nothing is to grow your own herb garden specifically for the purpose of making your own delicious herb teas. You do not need a green thumb at all, as many common herbs are among the easiest to grow. You also do not need a large plot of land. You can start with something as simple as a single small flower pot, some nice organic compost, a few herb seeds, and a pattern of loving attention.

There are many herbs that make for outstanding teas. You can start out with the herbs that most people recognize as great for tea, such as mint or chamomile. These herbs are both easy to grow and make for delightful hot and cold teas. Both are delicate flavors that you are sure to love. Mints in particular come in a whole range of subtle flavors, and each has its own special characteristics. There are tea drinkers who find such variety in the world of mint that they can spend years simply enjoying the subtle nuances in different varieties of this one herb.

If you would like to dabble in herbal flavors that are a little different, then consider growing herbs for more exotic flavors. Herbs such as lemon grass, anise, ginger, dandelion, and rosehip will give you flavor sensations that you can rarely find anywhere in the traditional grocery store beverage aisle.

Once your herbs are ready to use, brewing your tea is not only a fun experience, but it can also be a sensory experience that you will come to crave as a part of your daily routine. In ancient Asian cultures, the brewing and serving of tea was so important that the process itself often became somewhat of an art form. Treat your daily cup (or pot) of herbal tea as if it were important, and you will find that it will taste so much better than you could imagine.

Many herbs can be enjoyed either fresh or dried, depending on the herb itself and your particular tastes. If your plants do well, however, you may find that you have an abundance of delicious greenery that you want to dry for future use. The best way to dry your herbs is to lightly bundle them in such a way that permits the flow of air. Be sure to hang them upside down to dry, with the top of the plant hanging downward. This allows the essential oils to settle in the leaves of the plant instead of in the stem, resulting in a much more flavorful dried product.

Do not settle for any ordinary pot for your brewing. Visit a store that deals in high quality brewing devices and get yourself a beautiful piece of pottery for brewing your special herbs. Most stores that sell kitchen implements carry a variety of tea infusers that are specially designed for the brewing of both dried as well as fresh herbs. Do not serve your tea in any old cup–serve it in a beautiful one that has real meaning to you.

Take a hint from the ancients and turn tea time into a moment of relaxation and reflection instead of a rushed moment. Afterall, we are growing herbs and drinking tea because we want to SLOW DOWN for a moment. Why not always make that moment a meaningful one?