Several factors can cause the hands to swell when hiking, but the most common causes are gravity and how the body distributes heat during exercise. As the core muscles heat up when hiking, the vascular system cools the body by releasing more fluid to our fingers, hands, and feet. When blood reaches the skin to dissipate the heat, fluids leak out of the vessels, causing swelling of the limbs. Medically known as exercise-induced peripheral edema, the problem is not serious and will disappear soon after you stop hiking. On a […]
Natural Remedies
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Insect repellent should do what it says – repel insects. That includes all the blood-sucking carnivores that frequent us in the outdoors, including mosquitoes, black flies, no-see-ums, fleas, midges, ticks, and chiggers. All bug sprays contain a proprietary formulation to mask our scent of carbon dioxide, and therefore, our blood as a food source. Several choices of repellents are proven to work. The one you already know: DEET. There are a number of effective, less toxic insect repellents available besides DEET. Here we discuss alternative options to DEET.
Food calories equate to more than energy, some contain powerful healing properties. Here we highlight three such foods: 1. Turmeric Turmeric contains curcumin, which is notable for its ability to reduce joint and muscle pain. It works much the same as an over the counter anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. Turmeric also shows positive results in preventing health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Although curcumin demonstrates promising results in treating numerous ailments, its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to poor absorption. To reap the most therapeutic benefit of turmeric, combine it […]
Ginger is a pungent rhizome (underground part of the stem) of the tropical herbaceous plant Zingiber officinale botanically related to turmeric. Like turmeric, ginger contains many active beneficial constituents. While ginger is most known for soothing an upset stomach, it is also a mild stimulant that promotes circulation and reduces pain. Ginger also contains blood-thinning actions, which can help prevent internal blood clots. Whether ginger is consumed fresh, or dried and powdered as a spice, it can heal. It is no wonder that ginger is such a powerful food. Ginger Health Benefits Pain […]
Did you just touch poison ivy, oak or sumac? How can you avoid a rash after touching them? What can you do to alleviate the itching if you develop a rash? Know what cures can be found growing in the wilderness!