Vitamin E+

Vitamin E is a vital nutrient for good health, and it’s found in a wide variety of foods and supplements. The best way to consume this vitamin is through a healthy diet. Vitamin E is a family of fat-soluble compounds. “It occurs naturally in eight different forms, including four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and four tocotrienols. Alpha tocopherol is the most common and most potent form of the vitamin,” said Elizabeth Somer, registered dietitian.

As a fat-soluble nutrient, vitamin E functions mainly as an antioxidant, which means it combines with oxygen and helps protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Aside from protecting cells, Vitamin E is vital to a functioning immune system. As a powerful antioxidant it helps cells fight off infection.

Vitamin E’s antioxidant role may actually go much further. There is significant evidence it can protect against heart disease. Vitamin E protects artery walls and keeps the “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from being oxidized. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol marks the beginning of clogged arteries.

Vitamin E may also be beneficial to people with diabetes. It enhances the action of insulin and improves blood glucose metabolism by reducing oxidative stress to cells and by improving liver function.

Vitamin E plays an important role in the production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which are responsible for regulating a variety of body processes, such as blood pressure and muscle contraction. In a 2015 study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that “vitamin E aids in muscle repair after exercise,” said Somer. Athletes need to get adequate amounts of vitamin E. The body’s own metabolism creates free radicals during excessive aerobic exercise. Vitamin E reserves makes sure these free radicals don’t get out of hand and cause trouble. Vitamin E therapy also treats claudication-pains in the calf muscles that occur at night or during exercise.

Good dietary sources of vitamin E include nuts, such as almonds, peanuts and hazelnuts, and vegetable oils, such as sunflower, wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). Sunflower seeds and green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli also contains vitamin E.

Country Health Formula #4 Vit. E+ is a natural, dry, virtually oil free capsule with chromium, selenium, and lecithin. This capsule quickly disintegrates and rapidly releases the formula. Dry Vitamin E has a better absorption rate than the oil forms. Use #4 when increased amounts of Vitamin E, chromium, selenium and lecithin are needed in the diet. Vitamin E needs Lecithin and other minerals to help the body use it. You will find this in our CHF #4 formula.

 

Scents You Should Know…

EO #60 Ravensara

Ravensara essential oil is a powerful oil from the mysterious island of Madagascar. Ravensara is a large rainforest tree native to Madagascar and its botanical name is Ravensara Aromatica. Some say that its much the same as tea tree oil.  Ravensara holds a place in the traditional medicine system of Madagascar and has been in use for centuries as a tonic and for fighting infections. Modern studies on this oil have revealed many other associated medicinal benefits.

Ravensara oil makes an effective remedy for many types of pain, including toothaches, headaches, muscular and joint pain, and earaches. This oil is also good for countering depression and giving a boost to positive thoughts and feelings of hope. It may help uplift your mood, relax your mind if your are stressed, having anxiety, or any type of tension, and other nervous problems you may have. Ravensara also has numerous other benefits. It can be used to treat improper blood  and lymph circulation, fatigue, pain in muscles and joints, edema, indigestion, shingles, and herpes. It also has a vulnerary property and helps heal wounds faster by protecting them from infections and crowding of leucocytes in the affected area.

 

The essential oil of Ravensara blends well with a number of essential oils, here are a few blends:

¨ A Natural Remedy for the Flu or Common Cold:

Add a few drops of Ravensara to a bath (or a footbath) when you feel a cold coming on — use it on its own or you can blend it with Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, or Thyme. Burn it in your aromatherapy burner during flu season to prevent infections.

¨ A Home remedy for Cold Sores:

Place a drop of  Ravensara on a cold sore (use a cotton swab or q-tip) — you can also blend it with Tea Tree oil for the same purpose.