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goetiae · 1 year

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In the Green Witch arc, Sebastian presents a rather interesting book to Sieglinde when she requests to have something to read. The book is called The Family Physician, and it is in fact replicating a real medicinal work of the Victorian era.

The Family Physician: A Manual Of Domestic Medicine was published in London, England, by Cassell & Company in the year 1883. It is one of many books of this kind as at the time family manuals of medicine were becoming more and more popular. Of course, books were still rather expensive to print and were majorly available to the rich. As many were living in estates outside of the city centers and some traveled abroad, physicians were not always readily available. With that, more and more rich Victorians would rather have a book of medicinal remedies at home to "replace" a visit from a doctor.

The book Sebastian is showing in the arc is one of the later editions by the physicians of the London hospitals. The special edition Family Physician featured in the manga consists of four volumes and includes a diverse list of treatments for many types of illnesses.

Now, Yana does include two supposed remedies used in that book but only one of them is found on the pages: opium tincture. Laudanum was prescribed for various illnesses. As for the bacon, it is a real medical practice of the Victorian era but one recorded in The Successful Housekeeper (1888), not in this manual.

Sebastian has previously stated that he would get familiar with the medicinal treatment options of the time to assist Ciel with his health problems. We can safely assume that this handbook manual is used by him rather often to help young Lord during his various instances of sickness.

This book consists of multiple categories of illnesses that would take a long time to cover fully, but here are those that Ciel canonically either goes through or is likely to go through due to his known chronic condition (asthma):

Night Terrors

Asthma

Cold

Cough

Fever

The sort of treatment that Sebastian would put Ciel through, were he to truly follow the book, is bizarre.

Do not follow these instructions. They are highly outdated and do not follow any medical requirements. Herbs, plants, and chemicals mentioned in this post are highly toxic and should not be ingested or inhaled.

Night Terrors

Night terrors are recognized by Victorians as recurrent and relatively safe, as they are "rarely precursors of fits or epilepsy", though they may be hard to handle, especially in younger children.

In case that a Victorian child was suffering from nightmares, or night terrors as they equated the two, physicians recommended rhubarb and soda also known as Gregory's powder. Combined with a light and digestible meal, this mixture, which is currently regarded as a laxative, was to ensure that the sleep of the child is undisturbed through the night.

Asthma

During the Victorian era, asthma was not recognized as an obstructive disease of lungs, but rather as a neurological condition. Physicians of the time were seemingly very well-aware that asthma was a difficult and longterm condition even if they did not precisely understand its nature; sometimes referring to it as psychosomatic.

Within the treatments that Ciel would have realistically gotten were he, as a Victorian child, to have the kind of asthma attacks that he has had in the manga are:

I. Tobacco, which was believed to relieve paroxysms - sudden asthma attacks. The book Sebastian has provided us with says that tobacco would be especially beneficial for non-smokers who have not established tolerance to cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Even though individuals who used this method would grow "pallid" and "damp with prespiration" after the process, their asthma attack would be "prevented". It is possible to assume that with the repeated, consistent smoking pattern Victorian asthmatics tried to balance out their breathing rhythm.

II. Lobelia inflata, also known as puke weed, is another type of tobacco recommended for asthma, though this time it is to be consumed by ingestion in a form of a tincture mixed with water. It was believed that this tobacco helped with asthma "related to indigestion". The book does state that its authors are unsure whether the plant is very effective as some patients have fallen sick after the use; which is no surprise to the modern reader as lobelia inflata has been discovered to be a toxic plant.

III. Stramonium, also known as thorn-apple, is a kind of medicine recommended by the Victorian physicians when smoking tobacco was not enough. The leaves of the plant, which is highly toxic due to multiple alkaloids within it, would be crushed and smoked. Smoking stramonium before sleep for prophylactic reasons or at the beginning of an asthma attack was generally considered an effective treatment that worked "like magic".

IV. Cigares de Joy, "anti-asthma" cigarettes created by a Frenchman, are highly regarded by the authors of the book. Like many other medicinal treatments of the Victorian era, they were, of course, bad for your health as they contained stramonium and arsenic.

V. Coffee is probably the only non-toxic method of treating asthma that Victorian doctors suggest. However, even with coffee one can't hope to have much satisfaction from the treatment: it is to be given very hot, black (pure cafe noir), without any milk, and on an empty stomach in small quantities. Bigger dosages are advised against while taking coffee with a meal is cosidered to be a cause of asthma attacks.

VI. Nitre-papers are, practically, papers with potassium nitrate. The papers were meant to be burned so the fumes fill the room. The chemical compound of nitre-papers is an irritant and causes damage to the lungs, though Victorian doctors describe multiple cases of children and adults alike "peacefully" falling asleep around ten minutes into the paper burning. The latter is probably no surprise as potassium nitrate fumes have an adverse effect on the human body, causing nausea and dizziness.

VII. Nitrite of amyl is one more nitric chemical compound that is recommended by the Victorian doctors to inhale in order to treat asthma. Now, this chemical is highly toxic in all forms and especially so in direct inhalation and ingestion; it can cause blindness, brain damage, lung scarring, and death.

VIII. Chloroform is yet another questionable way of managing asthma in the Victorian era. While the authors of the book can be given credit for mentioning that overdoing chloroform is never the aim, and even provide a story of a man who died doing so, they do still praise the method greatly. According to the manual, chloroform is to be applied in a few drops on a handkerchief one can press to the nose and inhale through. It is rather clear here that Victorians truly did see asthma as a disturbance within the nervous system and provided methods of sedating the patient.

IX. Ipecacuanha, an imported plant native to Brazil, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, and Colombia, is a remedy that the authors seem rather perplexed about. They do recommend it as an effective method of asthma treatment but they do not specify how it is to be applied. We are left wondering how exactly Victorians used this plant. Ipecacuanha, or ipecac as it is known within the medical field now, is highly toxic in all its forms and is especially dangerous to ingest. Brain damage and organ failure are only some side effects of ignoring safety precautions.

X. Potassium iodide is a medication recommended for ingesting directly in the amount of two tablespoons three times a day. Praised for postponing or even fully stopping asthma attacks, this medicinal treatment was highly regarded by the Victorian doctors. It is worth mentioning that potassium iodide has adverse side effects and is an allergen for many people. However, it is a recognized medical supplement that should be taken only, if ever, upon doctor's prescription.

Cold

Victorians recognized that cold was a rather complicated condition as it could either be a simple cold of a precursor to other, more serious, diseases: bronchitis, pneumonia, quinsy, consumption (tuberculosis), pleurisy, rheumatism, neuralgia, and more.

Doctors seemed to believe that the main cause of a common cold was dampness rather than anything else: a damp bed, a damp seat, a damp house or room, a damp robe, and more. Bathing for a prolonged amount of time was discouraged as it "caused colds".

The physiological nature of a cold was that it was seen as an inflammation of a mucuous membrane within the air-passages.

Victorians recommended that one who has caught a cold should stay quiet and not talk much, not eat too much food though drink plenty of water. The most jarring thing is, they recommend - within the book in Sebastian's possession - that colds are to be immediately treated with an aconite tincture. Needless to say, aconite is toxic in all forms and causes nausea and dizziness, vomiting, heart and lung problems, as well as death.

Out of safery reasons, we will abstain from providing any sort of recipes here. Aside from aconite, or when aconite was simply not enough, Victorian doctors suggest the following remedies:

Camphor

Phosphorus

Belladonna

Bryony

Nux vomica

Ipecacuanha

Bismuth

Arsenic

All of these ingredients are highly toxic and their effect on the human body greatly varies. Regardless, these should not be taken in absolutely any form.

Cough

Victorians recognize multiple varieties of a cough and state that there's no universal panacea for all of them. Still, they do recommend a few home remedies that are mixtures made of rather unusual components.

One suggests mixing a Paregoric elixir, which is a highly toxic substance containing deadly hydrogen cyanide, with oxymel, cascarilla, and chloric ether. Another proposes a method to treat dry cough: mixing morphia, hydrogen cyanide, and chloric ether together before ingestion.

Other cold treatments include:

Aconite [☠]

Alum [☠]

Asafoetida [!]

Belladonna [☠]

Chamomile oil

Chloroform [☠]

Coltsfoot [!]

Drosera

Gelsemium [!]

Ipecacuanha [☠]

Nitric acid [☠]

Sulphur [!]

Tartar emetic [☠]

☠ - toxic, deadly! - unsafe, may cause health problems for some people

Fever

The last condition that we can see Ciel canonically go through is a fever, which he seems to catch during the events of the Book of Circus arc. Now, treatment of a simple fever in Victorian times was rather unique as the doctors suggested using aconite or belladonna tincture to reduce the fever.

If it happened so that a patient's fever has not gone down after a long while, arsenic mixture is used. If nothing else helped and the fever is accompanied by shooting pain, highly toxic bryony is applied.

Thankfully, during the cases of remittent fever lasting for many days none of these mixtures were applied. Instead, the patient would be given ice to suck, cold water to drink, or some lemonade. Vomiting was to be calmed down with application of chloroform or ipecacuanha. Quinine, which has many dangerous side effects, would also be given. The most the patient would get aside from such dangerous medicine is nutritious meals and a lot of water.

Overall, it seems like using The Family Physician for treatment of many conditions that boys like Ciel would go through in real life Britain would cause more disadvantages than benefits for the patient. Over-reliance on toxic stimulants and deadly chemical substances could not possibly be good for anyone whose health was compromised.

Edits of the manga pages are made by us. Please, do not use them.

#༺♚༻ 𝕬nima e 𝕮uore ༺♞༻#༺☤༻ 𝕸𝔢𝔡𝔦𝔠𝔦𝔫𝔞 ༺☤༻#black butler #kuroshitsuji #sebastian michaelis #ciel phantomhive #sieglinde sullivan #victorian era #victorian history #medical history #historyblr

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nye-the-ravenclaw · 2 months

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Hogwarts Legacy (Modern Medical AU)

(I’m currently watching medical dramas now and I just needed to get it out of my system - I’m sorry Medical Professionals and Nursing Dept if its inaccurate. It’s lengthy so more under the cut.)

MC / Protagonist : Emergency Medicine / Trauma Surgery - Caring for illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention (ER) as well as a history in conducting surgery for trauma wounds (stab, car crashes, crushes, falls, 3rd degree burns, gunshot wounds)

Definitely someone that jumps into action and the jackknife of medicine. Able to perform under high pressure and maintaining her cool. She works alongside Head Nurse (ER) Everett Clopton who is just as high-strung, reactive and able to keep up with her. Pages medical specialists for various patients, so she sees her colleagues periodically. Ominis Gaunt does come by to discuss certain patients’ care when required but the ER is frankly too noisy and fast-paced for him. In extreme situations where there is no medical posts or other specialists available, she is able to perform trauma surgery or provide assistance.

Sebastian Sallow also likes dropping by often to check in on her unannounced (though he also secretly enjoys the heated atmosphere of the ER).

Sebastian Sallow : Cardiothorasic Surgeon - Performing surgery on organs in the chest, such as heart, lungs and esophagus

Smart, fast, performs well with the adrenaline that comes with high pressure heart and lung surgery. Withstands long hours of precision surgery, able to perform bedside manner with respect and care. His need to jump with an action that is risky and yields the most results with success makes him prime for this department as nothing can be more dangerous than taking someone’s heart out and resetting it a hair away from death if done by the untrained and the weak-hearted. And Sebastian is none of those things.

Ominis Gaunt : Public Health / Health Policy - Researching evidence-based medicine and working with physicians to improve guidelines for treatment of conditions

The blind son of the Gaunt family, a renowned powerhouse and stronghold of medicine in the country. Ominis chooses to work at their least affiliated and poorest hospital (coincidentally also the furthest). His job is purely desk-bound, assisted by Anne Sallow as they work together to improve policies and garner funds for the hospital in the name of public health. Though nothing will stop them from heading out into the field to handle cases that they prefer to approach hands on.

Anne Sallow : Infectious Diseases Specialist - Diagnosing, treating and preventing infections in patients

An expert on Infectious Diseases and was a surgeon-in-training. After she had been diagnosed with cancer, she had to give up her studies to be a surgeon. She decided on helping others instead at a higher level with Ominis. Shrewd, confident and charismatic, she and Ominis make sure the hospital is run to a t while dealing with insurance companies, philanthropists and the Gaunt family board members. She is in remission.

Natsai Onai : General Surgery - Performing surgery, treating diseases of abdomen, breast, head, neck, blood vessels, digestive tract, injured and deformed patients

The best surgeon this hospital has. She transferred over from Uagadou and with her experience, she is able to accomplish any surgery easily. With her strong need to help people, she has amassed extreme knowledge and drive to learn as many possible ways to carry out surgery on different ailments. She also allows the hospital direct affiliation with her mother hospital in Uagadou for resources and second opinions on abnormal cases.

Garreth Weasley : Pediatrics - Medical care of infants, children and adolescents

Family and children have always been a pillar of Garreth’s life. A cheerful and positive doctor, Garreth is a natural with children and has a hand in his family’s pharmaceutical company for manufacturing the branch of vitamin-based supplement chewables that are friendly for children. He is definitely an advocate of wearing a mask in his clinic as children really are the melting pot of diseases. He occasionally organises parties where he makes a lot of mind-numbing drinks for the other doctors, but those are rare as everyone never stops working and no one is willing to work hungover. He works alongside Poppy Sweeting often as their departments intersect. In a pinch, he is also able to deliver babies.

Poppy Sweeting : Obstetrician Gynaecologist - Treatment of pregnant woman, delivery of babies and the care of women’s reproductive organs and health

A firm but comforting presence in the OB/GYN unit, Poppy follows her patients from advisory stage and into the delivery room. When facing complications, she is able to keep her cool and remains a strong pillar of support for starting families. Poppy’s grandmother was an OB/GYN as well and Poppy decided to follow in her footsteps.

Leander Prewett : Oncology - Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer

With family and history in medicine, Leander follows after the footsteps of his parents who are prolific doctors, gleaning their expertise and knowledge as pioneers in Oncology. While it is a study that is rife with morbidity, Leander possesses the tenacity and drive to keep a cool head and determine the best treatment and clinical trials for his patients.

After Anne was diagnosed with cancer, Sebastian stopped by Oncology way more often than he should for Prewett’s liking as he is akin to a fireball. But after working with him, Leander finds himself open to accepting newer, and riskier forms of clinical trials with an improved set of guidelines he formulated with Sallow’s opinion. In the past, he had low confidence in himself and believed that Sebastian was better suited for Oncology than he was, but after taking on Anne as his patient and seeing Sebastian’s reactions - it cements Leander’s confidence that only those with his measured temperament can do his job.

Imelda Reyes : Neurosurgery - Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders that affect the nervous system, brain, spinal column, spinal cord and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system

Extremely intelligent, precise, determined and focused, Imelda possesses an eye and expertise for the human brain like no other. She does not tolerate nonsense in her office and in her operating room as one wrong move throws a patient into brain damage for life, a fate she decrees worse than death. She plays chess and sports in her spare time, her chess skills equal to being a grandmaster.

Amit Thakkar : Pharmacy - Dispensing and advising medical practitioners, patients, and nurses on safe, effective and efficient use

While it seems like a job with little excitement, it is the clear attention to detail and memory of every drug and pill in his storage that separates Amit from the rest. On top of dispensing medicine, he is also adept at chasing away unwanted abusers of his counter and is currently an advisory to procuring, discerning and looking for new drugs that could speed up patient recovery with lesser side effects.

Everett Clopton : Head Nurse with MC in Emergency Department - Directs nursing service activities in the emergency room

Everett is a trusted second-in-command to MC, and is able to handle, support her orders, and keep track of all patients and their welfare in the room. His main forte is dealing with all chains of command and patients in the chaos with a smile on his face and a sliver of veiled threats to keep them in line. He also takes time to make sure that MC is not overloading herself as she has a penchant for taking on more work than she should.

———————

(I know I’m missing some friends but they should be reserved for other areas such as anathesiologists, radiology, psychology, that sort. I might add on the Professors as well, but that is another post.)

Extra

Lucan Brattleby is definitely an intern with a flair for surgery but for which department? If anything I know he definitely idolises Sebastian and has a minor crush on MC.

#hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy headcanons #hogwarts legacy fanfic #ravenclaw mc #sebastian sallow #ominis gaunt #anne sallow #garreth weasley #natsai onai #poppy sweeting #leander prewett #imelda reyes #amit thakkar #everett clopton #Hogwarts legacy medical fic headcanons #if i have time i might write something for it #lucan brattleby

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ivandurak · 8 months

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Two of the published clinical reports of yeast infection say more about human desperation than the tendency of the fungus to cause disease. Both concern instances of self-inflicted Saccharomyces infection. The first, from Columbia, Missouri, in the 1970s, involved a sixty-eight-year-old man with an unusual diet. He was a health food enthusiast who medicated himself with vitamins and, in a vein unrelated to his belief in dietary supplements, drank a full pint of vodka every day. Then he began developing symptoms of influenza and was admitted to a hospital. Nothing in the case history alarmed his physicians until the patient admitted to swallowing massive quantities of brewer’s yeast. The clinical report says that he consumed up to three kilograms of dried yeast per day, which is equivalent to hundreds of the little sachets used in bread-making. There is likely a typo in the transcript. He would have needed much more than a pint of vodka to wash that down. In any case, this gentleman developed fungemia that was misdiagnosed initially as a bacterial infection. His condition improved when he “was instructed to discontinue use of brewer’s yeast.” The second case is more bizarre. It involved Vietnamese refugees in a Hong Kong detention center who injected themselves with yeast precisely in order to induce infections, and therefore to be admitted a hospital. One of the patients was a teenage boy admitted to hospital with convulsions. The other was a woman suffering from shock who presented with a serious abscess in her breast, presumably at the injection site. Once they were admitted to hospital they absconded. In the column of the table reserved for clinical outcome, the report says, “Seen running away.” One hopes that these victims survived. Concern about Saccharomyces infections has grown with reports that they are associated with the use of yeast as a probiotic, as was the case with the vodka drinker. Probiotics are microorganisms whose ingestion is thought to bestow health benefits. Probiotic yeast is sold in capsules as a treatment for a wide range of digestive disorders, and as a daily supplement to maintain a healthy bowel function. The capsules contain a freeze-dried preparation of Saccharomyces boulardii, which is probably a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, rather than a separate species. Nonetheless, it behaves quite differently from the strains of the sugar fungus used to brew beer and leaven bread. The association between the use of boulardii as a probiotic and development of yeast infections should not concern the majority of people who have benefited from the probiotic.

Nicholas P. Money. The Rise of Yeast: How the Sugar Fungus Shaped Civilization.

#fungi #yeast #nicholas p. money #the rise of yeast #saccharomyces #biology #medicine

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madamlaydebug · 3 months

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•{Lemon Water & Sea Salt}•

Many of us have morning routines that are wonderful health practices — a morning meditation, a few yoga poses, a brisk walk around the neighborhood, or a delicious fruit-infused smoothie. Daily routines are vital to health and happiness, and this is especially true at the start of the day.

How about a quick and simple glass of warm lemon water with Himalayan salt? This simple drink can boost your morning health and wellness regimen — and it’s so easy to make. There are a number of professional athletes and Olympians who start their morning with lemon and salt water, which may say something about its effectiveness.

A 10-ounce glass of warm #lemon water with Himalayan salt in the morning can increase your immune function, decrease uric acid to fight inflammation, improve digestion, and balance your body. These benefits can be attributed to the vitamin C content of the lemon juice as well as the essential minerals contained in #Himalayansalt. This simple morning drink promotes vitality, health, and overall wellness, and may even improve your sex drive!

•Lemons are excellent for fighting inflammation. Lemons can help dissolve the uric acid in your joints, and also have been found to help build and repair tendons, ligaments, and bone. This anti-inflammatory property may be especially beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, according to an American College of Physicians study on osteoarthritis, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2000).

•Aids in proper food and water absorption. A daily glass of lemon water with Himalayan salt may provide a better overall mineral balance, which promotes proper food and water absorption in your body, allowing essential nutrients to get where they need to be.

•Balances your body’s acidity (pH). The alkalizing effects of lemon and natural salt are highly useful for managing your body’s delicate pH balance, which is crucial for optimal functioning of the body’s systems.

•Boosts immune function. One lemon serves up 139 percent of your daily value (DV) for vitamin C. Squeezing one lemon into your morning is a natural alternative to that vitamin C supplement you may be taking.

•It’s a detox for your cells. The all-natural Himalayan salt mixed with lemon juice and water helps to pull toxins from your cells, reducing cellular toxicity. This may reduce your risk for various chronic diseases, as well as make you feel generally awesome!

•Reduces problematic cellulite. Natural salts like Himalayan salt have been used for centuries for skin care. Interestingly, most spa treatments for cellulitis contain some form of salt and/or citrus blend. A few daily gulps of lemon and salt water in the morning may firm up a few of those unsightly areas.

•Clears up skin and adds a fresh glow.Using natural salt for skin problems, such as psoriasis and eczema, dates back to ancient Roman times. Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius’ doctor, Galen from Pergamum, used sea salt for skin diseases, according to Science Tribune (1999).

•Useful for allergy season. It has been suggested that the combination of lemon and salt, specifically mixed into warm water, acts as a natural antihistamine for allergies. It may be the perfect alternative to those pink pills that leave you feeling drowsy.

•Paves the way for better sleep. The natural hormone-balancing properties of lemon and Himalayan salt can be more than useful when it comes to bedtime. Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential for physical health, mental health, productivity, and much more. This hormone-balancing beverage can make an effective nightcap.

•Helps controls blood sugar. The fiber content of lemons helps to balance blood glucose levels, which is useful for type 2 diabetes patients and prediabetics alike, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2000).

•Lemons may help detoxify your liver.Vitamin C is essential for producing glutathione, which plays a foundational role in detoxifying the liver. It also has antiseptic properties that are useful for liver function, as well.

•Freshens breath! Lemon and Himalayan salt may not be the first things that come to mind when you think of fresh breath. However, the lemon and salt in this simple morning drink help kill the bad breath bacteria that build up while you’re sleeping.

•May help you chill out. When you get stressed out, do not be so quick to reach for those prescription pills. You may be able to chill out and return to that state of Zen by boosting your vitamin C levels first thing in the morning.

•Useful for reducing blood pressure.Lemons are not all about vitamin C and fiber. They also boast potassium, which is vital for flushing excessive sodium from the body.

•Boost your libido! The vitamin C content and hormone-balancing properties of this morning beverage can help lift your mood. This might be all it takes to boost your libido, without the need for that little blue pill.

•Gets you hydrated right out of the gate. Many people forget how important hydration is, especially after a seven or eight-hour sleep period with no water. Start your morning off right and get hydrated. The water, salt and zesty lemon will get your day off to the perfect start.

•An antioxidant powerhouse vital for, well, everything! Lemon offers up a wealth of vitamins and minerals, while Himalayan salt boosts your mineral and trace mineral levels even more. The antioxidant and detoxifying properties of lemon saltwater pack a powerful, free radical knockout punch.

•May improve your heart health.Lemons and real salt are both exceptional for increasing heart health on their own. However, when you combine the two into one vibrant morning drink, you get even more vital heart-thumping health benefits.

Natural salt supports electrochemical reactions in the body, while negative ions assist in healthy heart rhythm. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is, “associated with lower endothelial dysfunction in men with no history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes,” according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006).

•Promotes digestive health. A glass of warm lemon water with Himalayan salt before breakfast, or any meal, helps signal your liver to produce the essential bile needed to clean out harmful gut bacteria. The fiber content and natural salt will also promote digestion.

Are you ready to commit to this simple and health-promoting morning drink? I have been drinking warm lemon water with a little bit of Himalayan salt every morning for months, and I absolutely love it. My energy levels are up, and I feel as cool as a cucumber throughout the day.

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xtruss · 2 months

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Credit: Dana Smith

Understanding The Sudden Rise of Type 2 Diabetes In Children

The Metabolic Disorder Was Long Known as a Disease of Adulthood. Now, It’s Spiking in Kids and Teens, With Worrisome Consequences.

— By Charlotte Huff | July 31, 2024

The appearance of type 2 diabetes in children and teens puzzled physicians from the start. Fida Bacha recalls working as a pediatric endocrinology fellow in Pittsburgh shortly after 2000 when young, overweight and obese patients began to arrive at the clinic, some describing increased thirst, more frequent trips to the bathroom and other symptoms of what was then called adult-onset diabetes.

“It was a new realization that we are dealing with a disease that used to be only an adult disease that is now becoming a disease of childhood,” says Bacha, who practices at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

More than two decades later, physicians and researchers are still trying to unravel what’s driving the emergence and proliferation of youth-onset disease, particularly among marginalized communities including Hispanics/Latinos. The increasing prevalence of obesity among young people is clearly one contributor, but researchers are also scrutinizing the potential influence of other lifestyle and environmental factors — everything from exposure to chronic stress and air pollution to sugar-rich diets. Along with physiological factors, such as where they carry excess fat, youths from lower socioeconomic levels may be vulnerable due to aspects of daily life beyond their control, such as more limited access to healthy food and opportunities to safely exercise in less-polluted neighborhoods.

As researchers try to sort out the interplay among genetics, metabolic factors and environmental influences in Hispanic and other populations, their goal is to answer this key question: Why do some seemingly at-risk adolescents progress to diabetes while others do not?

Long-term, the challenges and health stakes are significant. When type 2 diabetes first emerged in youths, clinicians initially thought its progression would mirror that in adults and thus could be treated accordingly. That hasn’t panned out, says Barbara Linder, a pediatric endocrinologist and senior advisor for childhood diabetes research at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). For instance, researchers have determined that metformin, a commonly prescribed oral antidiabetic medication in adults, doesn’t work as well in young people.

“We know that the disease is very aggressive in youth and very difficult to treat,” Linder says. “So it’s really imperative that we develop effective approaches to prevention. And to do this we obviously need to be able to effectively identify which youth are at the highest risk.”

Even with treatment, young people develop other medical problems related to diabetes faster than adults, according to a study that followed 500 youths, more than one-third of them Hispanic. Sixty percent developed at least one complication within about 15 years after diagnosis, when just in their 20s.

“It’s really alarming,” says Luisa Rodriguez, a pediatric endocrinologist who studies type 2 diabetes and obesity in children at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. For every 10 adolescents with youth-onset diabetes, she points out, “six of them, within a decade span, are going to develop a significant comorbidity that will highly impact their lifespan and quality of life.”

Complications of diabetes appear more quickly in young people than in older adults. Researchers studied 500 overweight adolescents, aged 10 to 17, who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Within 15 years of their diagnosis, 60 percent of the participants had developed at least one medical complication of diabetes, and 28 percent had developed two or more.

Insulin Resistance

In type 2 diabetes, the body struggles to use insulin effectively. This vital hormone, made by beta cells in the pancreas, helps glucose in the bloodstream enter cells in muscle, fat and the liver, where it’s used for energy. But sometimes those cells gradually lose their ability to respond to insulin, forcing the beta cells to pump out more and more of it. If the beta cells can’t keep up, blood glucose levels will begin to rise, leading to a diagnosis of prediabetes and, eventually, diabetes.

In the past, type 2 diabetes typically didn’t arise until well into adulthood. But now, cases in US youths ages 10 to 19 are rising fast. Since 2002-2003, overall diagnoses have doubled from 9 per 100,000 youths to 17.9 per 100,000 in 2017-2018, particularly among Asians, Pacific Islanders, Blacks and Hispanics. If those rising rates persist, the number of type 2 diabetes cases in young people is projected to skyrocket from 28,000 in 2017 to 220,000 by 2060.

Various factors have been linked to insulin resistance in childhood or adolescence, including obesity, inactivity and genetics, according to a review of the causes of type 2 diabetes in youths published in the 2022 Annual Review of Medicine. The disease tends to run in families regardless of race or ethnicity, which suggests that genes matter. Among US Hispanics, adults of Mexican or Puerto Rican heritage are most likely to be diagnosed, followed by Central and South Americans and Cubans.

Obesity is also a contributing factor: Slightly more than one-fourth of Hispanic youths are obese, a higher percentage than for any other major racial or ethnic group. Children also are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if their mother has the disease or developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy. One theory is that fetal exposure to maternal diabetes while in the womb can spur metabolic changes following birth.

Puberty is also highly influential — most cases are diagnosed after its onset. During puberty, youths temporarily experience insulin resistance, due in large part to an increase in hormones, Linder says. Most youths offset that transient resistance by secreting more insulin, she says. But for reasons that are still unclear, a subpopulation of adolescents does not. “When they’re faced with this stress test of puberty, they can’t increase their insulin secretion enough to compensate,” Linder says. “And that’s probably why they develop type 2 diabetes.”

One analysis, which looked at type 2 diabetes trends from 2002 to 2018, identified the peak age for diagnosis as 16 years in boys and girls. The sole exception involved Black youths, in whom diagnoses peaked at 13 years, and possibly earlier among Black girls, which may be linked to an earlier start of menstruation.

American Diabetes Association guidelines recommend that clinicians screen overweight or obese youths for the disease starting at age 10 or once puberty starts, whichever is earlier, if they have one or more risk factors. These include a family history of the disease, signs of insulin resistance or affiliation with certain racial/ethnic groups, including Hispanic/Latino.

During checkups, clinicians can look for a visible sign of insulin resistance, an associated skin condition called acanthosis nigricans, says Paulina Cruz Bravo, a physician and diabetes researcher at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The skin changes tend to appear in the neck area or along folds in the skin, including in the armpits and on the elbows and knees, she says. “The top layer of the skin gets thickened. It’s described as a velvety appearance of the skin — it’s darker compared to the skin in other places.”

The thickened, darker, velvety skin shown here, known as acanthosis nigricans, is a potential warning sign of developing type 2 diabetes. The condition is likely to appear on the neck, elbows, knees and other areas where the skin folds. People who notice acanthosis nigricans on themselves or their children should bring it to a doctor’s attention. Credit: S. Dulebohn/Statpearls 2024

Where an adolescent carries any excess pounds also matters, as insulin resistance has been associated with a type of fat called visceral fat, says Alaina Vidmar, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Unlike the more common type of fat, called subcutaneous and felt by pinching around the waistline, visceral fat surrounds the liver and other vital organs, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and other conditions.

“You really need the liver to process glucose to be able to utilize your insulin well,” Vidmar says. “And if it is full of fat, you are unable to do that.” Fatty liver disease, which has been associated both with obesity and type 2 diabetes, is most common in Hispanic adults, followed by white adults and Black adults, according to a meta-analysis looking at 34 studies.

Imaging scans would be the ideal way to identify the extent and location of visceral fat in adolescents, Vidmar says. But given that routine scanning would be costly, clinicians can instead measure an adolescent’s waist circumference, “a great surrogate marker,” she says.

Diabetes risk depends not just on how much fat you carry, but where you carry it. People with an “apple” body shape, with much of their fat in the abdomen, are at higher risk of diabetes than those with a “pear” body shape, who carry their fat under the skin, especially on the hips.

Still, obesity accounts for only a portion of the type 2 risk profile, reflecting the complexities involved in understanding the pathophysiology of youth-onset disease. Roughly one-fourth of youths with type 2 diabetes are not obese, according to a meta-analysis published in 2022 in JAMA Network Open. Asian youths are least likely to be obese; roughly one-third don’t meet the criteria for obesity.

Moreover, while obesity and insulin resistance boost the risk of developing diabetes, those factors alone don’t predict whether an adolescent is eventually diagnosed with the disease, according to the authors of the Annual Review of Medicine overview. Instead, they point to the role of impaired beta cell function.

In one study involving 699 youths with type 2 diabetes, the standard antidiabetic drug metformin controlled blood glucose levels in only about half the participants. (The medication was least effective among Black youths, for reasons that are unclear, according to the researchers.) Another analysis of the same study population identified a 20 percent to 35 percent decline in beta function each year in diabetic youths, compared with prior studies showing about a 7 percent to 11 percent annual decline in diabetic adults.

“What we see in the youth is that beta cell function fails very rapidly,” Linder says, adding that the beta cell decline tends to correlate with the lack of response to metformin.

It’s unknown whether specific racial or ethnic groups are more vulnerable to loss of beta cell function, says Linder, who hopes that a new large-scale NIDDK study launching this summer will identify any such physiological and other differences among populations. The study, called Discovery of Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Youth Consortium, aims to enroll 3,600 overweight or obese adolescent boys and girls, 36 percent of them Hispanic. Bacha and other investigators on the project plan to follow the youths through puberty, looking at genetic and physiological markers such as insulin resistance and beta cell function. Their goal is to track who develops type 2 diabetes and what factors precipitate the disease.

In addition, researchers will learn about the participants’ mental health, lifestyles and social determinants of health, Linder says. To that end, families will be asked to share details about nutrition, physical activity and sleep, as well as food insecurity, exposure to racism and other stressors.

“Stress induces certain hormones that antagonize insulin, so they create more insulin resistance,” Linder says. “Stress also is associated with chronic inflammation in the body, which affects the ability of the body to respond normally.”

Young people experience many of the risk factors that predispose people to type 2 diabetes, such as prenatal exposures, junk food, sedentary lifestyles and high levels of stress.

Zooming in on Risk Factors in Hispanic Kids

Already, researchers who have studied at-risk Hispanic youths and their families have begun to flesh out environmental and other influences rooted in daily life that can boost the likelihood of obesity or diabetes. Michael Goran, a child obesity researcher at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, has led a research project called the Study of Latino Adolescents at Risk (SOLAR), which tracked 328 Hispanic/Latino youths considered at highest risk of youth-onset diabetes based on their body mass index and family history of the disease. The participants, recruited in two waves between 2000 and 2015, completed health questionnaires and underwent annual exams, including imaging scans and other measurements.

One analysis found that Hispanic youths who lived in neighborhoods with higher levels of air pollution were more likely to experience a breakdown in beta cell function. “Which we weren’t necessarily expecting — we don’t know the mechanism of that,” says Goran, who coauthored a close look at pediatric insulin resistance in the 2005 Annual Review of Nutrition.

In more recent years, he’s turned his attention to studying nutrition shortly after birth, with a focus on infant formulas that contain corn syrup. Those formulas are more likely to spike blood sugar than are lactose-based formulas, he says. “If you’re spiking blood glucose with corn syrup in babies,” he says, “you can see how that would be problematic for long-term control of blood sugars.”

In one study, Goran and colleagues looked at obesity trends in 15,246 children who received formula through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Babies who consumed any formula with corn syrup were 10 percent more likely to be obese by age 2 than babies who didn’t. Nearly 90 percent of the study’s participants were Hispanic.

In other research, epidemiologist Carmen Isasi of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York helped lead the Study of Latinos (SOL) Youth study, which delved into the extent to which a child’s family circumstances contribute to obesity and metabolic changes that may boost risk of youth-onset diabetes. Isasi and colleagues found chronic stress to be pervasive. Three-quarters of parents and caregivers reported stress and 29 percent detailed three or more stressors related to health, work or relationships. The higher the number of parental stressors, the more likely the child was to be obese.

Isasi also has looked at the relationship between food insecurity and metabolic health. Hispanic youths raised in households with the highest levels of food insecurity had significantly worse metabolic results, including elevated blood glucose and triglycerides, a type of cholesterol. Families dealing with food insecurity, Isasi says, probably have a lower-quality diet and skimp on costlier protein and fresh produce.

Preventing diabetes has proved challenging. A review paper looking at diet-related and other lifestyle initiatives targeting Hispanic youths found few studies to date that have shown improvements in body mass index or blood glucose levels.

Adolescents of lower socioeconomic status may also shoulder responsibilities that can undercut efforts to stay healthy, says Erica Soltero, a behavioral scientist at Houston’s Baylor College of Medicine, who works with Hispanic youths. For instance, older teens may struggle to attend an exercise class if they have an after-school job or must pick up younger siblings or start dinner. Technology, Soltero says, may be a better way to reach busy Hispanic teens; she’s piloting a study that will provide text-based lifestyle guidance to Hispanic teens with obesity.

Approved medication options remain limited for children and teens. If metformin doesn’t work, the alternative is insulin, and parents may resist giving injections because of the difficulties involved, Rodriguez says. She’s involved with an ongoing study in youths with type 2 diabetes to study the effectiveness of oral semaglutide, one of the newer diabetes drugs that also has achieved notable weight loss. Rodriguez estimates the results will be available by 2026.

The new NIDDK study won’t assess medication treatments, as it’s an observational study. But researchers involved are bullish that study-related insights could lead to better prevention and treatment approaches. “If someone is predisposed to beta cell dysfunction, should we be much more aggressive in treating their overweight/obesity,” Bacha says, “so that this beta cell function is preserved for a longer period of time?” Doctors could, for example, decide to start treatment earlier, she says.

Neither are researchers like Soltero deterred by the long-standing difficulties involved with revamping lifestyle habits. Soltero, who has worked with overweight and obese Hispanic adolescents to improve exercise and make dietary changes, describes them as often highly motivated given the damage they’ve seen the disease inflict on their own families.

“A lot of times they’ll have a touch point with a relative who’s on dialysis and maybe had a digit amputated,” Soltero says. Or “they’ll say, ‘I don’t want to prick myself every day like my Uncle So-and-So.’ Or ‘I don’t want to be on medicine for the rest of my life like my grandma.’ ”

#Knowable Magazine #Diabetes #Type-2 Diabetes #Charlotte Huff #Children #Metabolic Disorder #Disease of Adulthood #Spikining Diabetes | Kids | Teens #Epedemiology #Food | Environment #Health & Disease #Nutrition #Public Health #Society

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soniez · 2 months

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Choosing the Right Gastrointestinal Tract Drug – Factors to Consider

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a complex system responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Given its critical function, disorders affecting the GI tract can significantly impact overall health and quality of life. Selecting the right medication to treat these conditions is essential for effective management and recovery. Centurion HealthCare, a leading gastrointestinal tract drugs supplier in India, offers a range of high-quality medications designed to address various GI disorders. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when choosing the right gastrointestinal tract drug, and why Centurion HealthCare stands out in the best pharmaceutical industry in India.

Understanding Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders

GI tract disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting different parts of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Common GI disorders include:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Hepatitis

Pancreatitis

Each condition requires specific treatment strategies and medications to manage symptoms, promote healing, and prevent complications.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gastrointestinal Tract Drug

Choosing the right drug for treating GI disorders involves multiple factors, including the specific condition, the patient’s medical history, and potential side effects. Here are key considerations:

1. Accurate Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis is the first step in selecting the appropriate medication. Physicians use various diagnostic tools such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to identify the specific GI disorder. Understanding the underlying cause and severity of the condition is crucial for effective treatment.

2. Mechanism of Action

Different gastrointestinal tract drugs work through various mechanisms to achieve therapeutic effects. Understanding how a drug works helps in selecting the most suitable option. Common mechanisms include:

Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid, providing quick relief from heartburn and indigestion.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce the production of stomach acid, effective in treating GERD and peptic ulcers.

H2 Receptor Antagonists: Decrease acid production by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach lining.

Prokinetics: Enhance gut motility, useful in conditions like gastroparesis.

Antispasmodics: Relieve intestinal cramps and spasms, often used in IBS treatment.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Reduce inflammation in the GI tract, essential for managing IBD.

3. Efficacy and Safety

The efficacy and safety profile of a drug are critical factors in the decision-making process. Clinical trials and real-world studies provide valuable information on a drug’s effectiveness and potential side effects. Physicians must weigh the benefits against the risks to ensure the chosen medication offers the best possible outcome for the patient.

4. Patient-Specific Factors

Each patient is unique, and various individual factors can influence drug selection. These include:

Age: Certain drugs may be more suitable for children, adults, or the elderly.

Medical History: Pre-existing conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, can affect drug metabolism and tolerance.

Allergies: Patients with known drug allergies must avoid medications that could trigger adverse reactions.

Concurrent Medications: Drug interactions can impact efficacy and safety, requiring careful consideration of all medications the patient is currently taking.

5. Route of Administration

The route of administration can affect the drug’s efficacy and patient compliance. Common routes for GI drugs include:

Oral: Tablets, capsules, and liquids are convenient for most patients.

Intravenous: Used in severe cases or when oral administration is not feasible.

Topical: Suppositories and enemas are used for localized treatment in the lower GI tract.

6. Cost and Availability

Cost can be a significant factor, especially for long-term treatments. Generic versions of drugs often offer the same efficacy as brand-name medications at a lower cost. Availability of the drug in the local market is also crucial to ensure uninterrupted treatment.

Centurion HealthCare: Leading the Way in GI Tract Drug Supply

Centurion HealthCare has established itself as a premier gastrointestinal tract drugs supplier in India, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and patient care. Here’s why Centurion HealthCare is a trusted name in the best pharmaceutical industry in India:

1. Comprehensive Product Range

Centurion HealthCare offers a wide range of gastrointestinal tract drugs, catering to various GI disorders. Their product portfolio includes antacids, PPIs, H2 receptor antagonists, prokinetics, antispasmodics, and anti-inflammatory medications, ensuring comprehensive treatment options for healthcare providers.

2. Quality Assurance

Quality is at the heart of Centurion HealthCare’s operations. The company adheres to stringent quality control measures, from raw material sourcing to final product testing, ensuring that every medication meets international standards for safety and efficacy.

3. Research and Development

Centurion HealthCare invests heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation. Their R&D team continuously works on developing new formulations and improving existing products to address emerging healthcare needs.

4. Patient-Centric Approach

Understanding that each patient is unique, Centurion HealthCare adopts a patient-centric approach in drug development and supply. Their medications are designed to provide maximum therapeutic benefit with minimal side effects, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

5. Global Reach

As a leading gastrointestinal tract drugs supplier, Centurion HealthCare has a robust distribution network that ensures their products are available not only across India but also in international markets. Their commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as a reliable partner for healthcare providers worldwide.

6. Affordability

Centurion HealthCare is dedicated to making high-quality medications accessible to all. Their cost-effective solutions, including generic versions of popular GI drugs, help reduce the financial burden on patients while maintaining high standards of care.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gastrointestinal tract drug involves careful consideration of various factors, including accurate diagnosis, mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, patient-specific factors, route of administration, and cost. Centurion HealthCare, as a leading gastrointestinal tract drugs supplier in India, excels in providing high-quality, effective medications that cater to the diverse needs of patients with GI disorders.

With a commitment to quality, innovation, and patient-centric care, Centurion HealthCare stands out in the best pharmaceutical industry in India. Their comprehensive product range, stringent quality assurance, advanced R&D, global reach, and affordability make them a trusted partner for healthcare providers seeking reliable solutions for GI tract disorders.

By choosing Centurion HealthCare, you can be confident in the quality and efficacy of the medications you are prescribing or consuming, ensuring the best possible outcomes for gastrointestinal health.

#Best Indian pharma industry 2024 #Best pharmaceutical industry in India #Gastrointestinal tract drugs supplier #Gastrointestinal tract drugs supplier in India

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archduchessofnowhere · 2 months

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Because of that random footnote I came across I ended up going down a rabbit hole about Madeira as a health resort, and now I don't understand why Hamann claimed it wasn't a popular destination? Her exact words: "Madeira, on the other hand, was not exactly famous as boasting a climate conducive to recovery from life-threatening pulmonary disease." (1986, p. 100)

Yet only a quick searchword of "Madeira" and "health" in the Archive made me come across with a couple of British medical books which discuss the effects of Madeira's weather on illnesses, particulary of pulmonary diseases. It seems that during the 19th century whether Madeira's climate was actually good or not for curing illnesses was a subject of discussion among doctors. The opinions seem to have been divided, but the fact there was a discussion in the first place means that people indeed were going to Madeira to try to improve their health.

Just to quote some exemples (all emphasis by me):

From The influence of climate in the prevention and cure of chronic diseases, more particularly of the chest and digestive organs (...) (the titles goes on and on but I'll spare you), by Sir James Clark, published in 1830:

From this comparative view of the climate of Madeira, it must be readily perceived, how great are the advantages which this island presents to certain invalids over the best climates on the continent of Europe.

(...) The foregoing evidence is quite sufficient, I think, to show that where climate is likely to be useful in consumption, that of Madeira is preferable to any in the South of Europe; and it has this important advantage over all other places frequented by invalids, as I have already remarked, that they may remain there during the whole year without suffering from oppressive heat, or being subjected to the inconvenience of a long journey.

From The sanative influence of climate: with an account of the best places of resort for invalids in England, the South of Europe, &c, (again) by Sir James Clark, published in 1841:

For such consumptive patients, therefore, as are likely to derive benefit from climate, I consider that of Madeira altogether the best. And this opinion does not rest merely on a consideration of the physical qualities of the climate, but is warranted by the experience of its effects. Madeira has also this advantage over all the places in the south of Europe, — that the patient may reside there during the whole year, and thus avoid the inconveniences, and even risks, attending a long journey, to which consumptive invalids, who pass the winter in Italy, are exposed.

From The climate and resources of Madeira: as regarding chiefly the necessities of consumption and the welfare of invalids, by Michael Comport Grabham, published in 1870:

From the North, Madeira is chiefly sought by those who suffer from pectoral diseases, and also by many who, from motives of precaution, shun the vicissitudes of winter. (...) Of the stages or degrees of consumption likely to be most benefited by the climate of Madeira, all physicians who have hitherto practised here agree in recommending its trial in a very early period of the disease, as that in which the greatest amount of good may be expected.

From The principal southern and Swiss health resorts: their climate and medical aspect, by William Marcet, published in 1883:

It is a great mistake to think that because consumptive persons may often fare better at other places than Madeira such a climate is therefore altogether useless to invalids. Now that locomotion by sea, as well as by land, is so much improved in speed and comfort, Madeira, as a health resort, should attract the amount of attention to which it is justly entitled.

From Health-seeking in Tenerife and Madeira, by Sir Morell Mackenzie, published in 1889

Lung disease, of course, occupies the foreground in all questions of climatic treatment, and with respect to that I do not know that there is much to choose between Madeira and Tenerife. Both seem to be equally beneficial with precisely the same limitations. No climate can cure a patient in an advanced stage of phthisis whose lungs are riddled with cavities and whose vital power is exhausted by hectic.

Hamann points out that within the empire there were plenty health resorts in mild climates to which Elisabeth could've gone. But even if Madeira wasn't a preferred destination for the habitants of the Austrian empire, people did go there for health treatments, like Elisabeth's Leuchtenberg cousins:

So while I do agree that Elisabeth purposefully chose a resort outside the empire, Madeira wasn't picked on a whim: it was a known health resort (even if its actual effectiveness was up to discussion by doctors) that had personal connections to Elisabeth's family.

#i'm aware this is a very superficial research i'm not claiming this is and in depth study of madeira as a health resort #there are likely a lot of complexities i'm missing - and hamann is probably right in that elisabeth could've just gone to italy #but madeira wasn't an ''eccentric'' choice! she literally stayed in the same quinta where amélie and maria amelia lived!#empress elisabeth of austria

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quex-your-local-witch · 1 year

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Herb Spotlight: Fleabane

Guess what bitches? It's ~Fleabane Season~

Fleabane is a "weed" (i.e., a wildflower in the Erigeron family) that is prevalent throughout North America, and grows like crazy if left to prosper in meadow-y areas. It looks very similar to domesticated daisies, albeit much smaller in flower size, more akin to German Chamomile. There are actually many different types of Fleabane, and the color of the petals can vary from white to yellow, or even a pinkish/purpley color. It's a composite flower, and it will have many flower heads per stem. Neat, huh?

Anyways, Fleabane had been used for thousands of years in North America by the indigenous peoples. It has both a variety of magickal and medicinal uses!

Magickal uses include:

Exorcism. Yes, like banishing-bad-sprits type of exorcism, along with banishment of negative energies. Burn it as you would any other herb bundle (sage, rosemary, cedar, etc) to exorcize a space of any negative entity or energy.

You can also use it to protect yourself by preventing bad spirits from arriving by hanging it around your home - either in bundles, or small sachets. Can be done in combination with St. John's Wort, wheat, and a few capers for best effect.

The seeds of the Fleabane flower tossed between the bedsheets promotes chastity. I guess if you really need someone (or yourself) to remain celibate for a time, this can come in handy - especially if the person co-sleeps with a partner.

Alignments of: feminine aspect, the planet Venus, and the element of Water.

Along with the metaphysical uses of Fleabane, there is a wide variety of medicinal uses for this plant (note: I am not a medical doctor. Do not take this as medical advice. Consult a physician or certified herbalist if you plan on taking it for any of these... ahem... more serious uses).

Medicinal uses include:

To reduce inflammation. Can be used in a poultice or a tea to treat inflammation about the body.

Wound ointment. Traditionally, the Cherokee made an ointment using the herb and tallow to made a balm or salve for cuts and scrapes, as it has astringent properties.

You can steep it in a Witch Hazel Extract solution to further enhance the astringent properties for use on skin.

The roots can be boiled in water to make a solution for "menstruation troubles" (i.e., to bring about a miscarriage. Dangerous. Do not do this).

Drinking a tea can also help break fevers and treat symptoms of the common cold

A diuretic, can help with certain kidney conditions (consult a doctor for this one to make sure no medications you are taking with interfere with its use. Do not use if you have a history of kidney disease) by breaking up any of the smaller particulates that would lead to kidney stones

Using the herb as an incense and inhaling the smoke can be used to treat head colds

Has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties from something called caffeic acid, which this plant has LOTS of!

Aids in digestion and can be used to treat diarrhea

May help with passive bleeding or minor hemorrhaging by being applied directly to the wound (don't take this advice, go to the fuckin ER)

Had been shown in some circumstances to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors (for the love of God, see a doctor for this, don't take the advice of a post on tumblr dot com to treat cancer)

Isn't this plant so cool? And you cloud have it growing in your yard right now! I know I do, because I harvested a fuck ton of it today, evidenced here:

I'm going to dry all of these bundles and process them into cut and shifted leaves/stems and flowerheads. The two small bundles in the middle will be hung from the ceiling to ward off negative spirits and energies.

Now for some fun facts!

Despite the name Fleabane and the association of repelling fleas and ticks, there is no proven evidence that this works... at least for the dried herbs. I haven't found any studies on this for live plants.

The entire plant is edible, and is high in vitamin C! It was used to treat scurvy, and the cooked leaves taste like spinach (you can eat them raw, but there's little hairs all over it, which are not pleasant to consume)

These plants are high in caffeine! If you make a tea out of the flower heads the same way you would Chamomile, you get a nice floral tea with a kick to start your day off right.

Remember kids! I am *not* a doctor, so don't be using this to treat some weird ailment or cancer. And please, for the love of God, do some research on herbs before you use them medicinally. But in terms of the metaphysical properties, go ham! Have a blast! Banish that weird ghost in your house that likes to watch you pee!

And as always, have fun with your craft!

Sources:

Department of Agriculture, United States. Erigeron Philadelphicus, L. USDA. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ERPH. Accessed April 17, 2023.

Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications, 1985.

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gimedicalservices · 1 year

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We offer reasonable pricing health care plans, insurance packages to clients.

Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life for those we serve by providing world-class gastrointestinal service and compassionate care.

#about gastrointestinal disease Staten Island #digestion doctor Staten Island #NY #digestion specialist doctor Staten Island #digestion specialist physicians Staten Island #digestive care doctor near me #digestive care hospital Staten Island

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beardedmrbean · 6 months

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People go to many extremes to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but generating green stool shouldn't be one of them.

Your morning trip to the bathrooom revealed you may have had one too many green beers last night. Do you need to be worried about green poop?

To find out all things green poop, we checked in with Mayo Clinic, UnityPoint Health, healthline.com and medicine.net.

Here's what you need to know:

Is it OK if your poop is green?

According to mayoclinic.org, all shades of brown and even green poop are considered to be normal. It is rare for the color of your poop to indicate a potentially serious intestinal condition.

Is green poop an infection?

Maybe, according to medicine.net. Many people experience green diarrhea and it will usually go away on its own.

If you're experiencing severe diarrhea symptoms when your poop is green, your stool may be an indication of something more serious and you should contact a physician.

Why is my poop green?

The color of one's poop is generally dictated by the food you consume combined with the amount of bile that exists in your poop, according to mayoclinic.org.

What is bile? It's a yellow-green fluid that digests fats.

Enzymes chemically alter bile pigments as they make their journey through the gastrointestinal tract. This is what changes the color of your poop from brown to green..

What does green poop mean?

According to mayoclinic.org, the bile doesn't have time to break down completely due to food moving through the large intestine too fast — such as diarrhea.

What causes green poop?

According to mayoclinic.org, there are few dietary items that bring about green poop:

Green food coloring (dyed beer, flavored drink mixes or ice pops).

Green leafy vegetables.

Iron supplements.

According to UnityHealth, other causes for green poop may include:

Bacterial or viral infections.

Gastrointestinal disorders − such as Crohn’s or celiac disease.

Why is my poop green, but I didn't eat anything green?

Foods using artificial or natural food coloring struggle with absorption while they pass through gastorintestinal system, according to healthline.com. This allows for blue and purple foods to leve behind a residue and that leaves poop green during the digestive process.

Such food tiems include:

Blue or purple ice pops.

Blue or purple icing.

Blueberries

Grape-flavored sodas

Red cabbage.

Does green poop mean a bad liver?

Bile is created in the liver, but green poop does not an indication that your liver is going bad, according to UnityHealth.

Why is my poop black?

According to mayoclinic.org, some dietary reasons for black poop include black licorice, iron supplements and bismuth subsalicylate — which is basically Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol. However, you shouldn't take black poop lightly.

What does black poop mean?

Black poop may be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract — such as the stomach — according to mayoclinic.org. Anyone who discovers black poop after a bowel movement should seek immediate medical attention.

#the more you know

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dissociacrip · 7 months

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the thing about hEDS is that yes it isn't rare yes it's fairly common actually but still not enough doctors know what hEDS even is. not enough doctors know how to recognize it. not enough doctors know that if their patient has a bunch of issues since birth like dysphagia, low muscle tone, hypermobility, spinal problems, etc. that have no explanation or diagnosis yet then that's probably indicative of a connective tissue disorder. not rheumatologists. not orthopedists. not just anyone can diagnose it through googling the information because it doesn't have a definitive biological marker or measure of any kind, it's based off of a clinical exam and professional opinion which is best done when the professional actually knows about the disease.

so i'm stuck here with fucking congenital hypotonia, subsequent generalized hypermobility with on-and-off joint issues, "mild" dysphagia because i haven't gotten a swallow study yet, lifelong GERD that's caused by the dysphagia in the first place but also making it worse, potential scoliosis that may or may not cause my episodes of awful enough back pain that i can't stand to be sitting down when it happens/other issues that seem back-related and are on my left side, weird nerve bullshit, POTS, digestive problems, etc. which is all stuff associated with hEDS and other connective tissue diseases, and even with all of that going on i'm more likely to get all of the "side-stuff" diagnosed before the underlying cause is ever determined, which means my physicians are not getting a full picture of how my body actually works and what my needs are in term of care. hell i don't even know if it's hEDS, but that seems like the most likely option.

i'm so tired.

#j #body log

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kemetic-dreams · 1 year

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Amanda America Dickson (November 20, 1849 – June 11, 1893) was an African-American socialite in Georgia who became known as one of the wealthiest African American women of the 19th century after inheriting a large estate from her white planter father.[1]: 360–61

Born into slavery, she was the child of David Dickson, a white planter, and Julia Frances Lewis (Dickson), a young enslaved woman of his who was thirteen when her daughter was born. Amanda was raised by Elizabeth Sholars Dickson, her white grandmother and legal mistress. She was educated and schooled in the social skills of her father's class, and he helped her to enjoy a life of privilege away from the harsh realities of slavery before emancipation following the Civil War. In her late 20s, Dickson attended the normal school of Atlanta University, a historically black college, from 1876 to 1878.

After her father's death in 1885, Amanda Dickson inherited his estate. His white relatives challenged the will but Dickson ultimately won a successful ruling in the case. His estate included 17,000 acres of land in Hancock and Washington counties in Georgia. She married twice: her first husband was white while her second husband was wealthy, educated, and mixed-race.

In June 1893, with the kidnapping drama (involving Mamie Toomer, Charles Dickson, and Charles Dickson's co-conspirators) behind them, Nathan and Amanda America purchased two first-class tickets from a sales representative of the Pullman Palace Car Company to transport them from Baltimore, Maryland back to Augusta, Georgia. Because of racial discrimination, they were denied their first-class accommodations and direct, unimpeded travel to Augusta.[1]: 120–121 The delayed travel to Augusta and the conditions in the Pullman car, most notably the rising temperature, became intolerable for Amanda America. As a result, her health quickly deteriorated.[1]: 120–121 Dr. F. D. Kendall, who examined her on the morning of June 9, 1893, noted that her heart and lungs appeared to be fine, but that she was obviously very nervous and anxious to return home. Dr. Kendall gave her anodyne, a pain-relieving medication.[1]: 122

Nathan and a very ill Amanda America arrived back at their home in Augusta, Georgia between four and five in the afternoon on June 9, 1893. She was quickly tended to by Dr. Eugene Foster, in place of their family physician, Thomas D. Coleman, who was out of town.[1]: 122 She was diagnosed with neurasthenia (general exhaustion of the nervous system), or Beard's disease. Symptoms of neurasthenia, as described by nineteenth-century physicians, include "sick headache, noises in the ear, atonic voice, deficient mental control, bad dreams, insomnia, nervous dyspepsia (disturbed digestion), heaviness of the loin and limb, flushing and fidgetiness, palpitations, vague pains and flying neuralgia (pain along a nerve), spinal irritation, uterine irritability, impotence, hopelessness, claustrophobia, and dread of contamination."[1]: 123 Amanda America Dickson Toomer died on June 11, 1893, with "complications of diseases" being the cause of death listed on her death certificate.[1]: 123

Amanda America Dickson Toomer's funeral took place at the Trinity Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in Augusta, Georgia.[1]: 123 Amanda America died without a will, which resulted in a legal battle after her death for control of her estate. Her mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, and her second husband, Nathan Toomer, both petitioned in court to be designated the temporary administrator of her estate.[1]: 127 Ultimately, Julia Dickson, Nathan Toomer, and Amanda America's younger son, Charles Dickson, settled the dispute over Amanda America's estate amicably out of court.[1]: 128

Nine months after Dickson's death, Nathan Toomer married Nina Pinchback, the daughter of P. B. S. Pinchback, the Reconstruction Era senator-elect from Louisiana. On December 26, 1894, they became parents to Jean Toomer. He became known as a Harlem Renaissance writer, noted for his modernist novel Cane (1923).

#amanda america dickson #augusta #augusta ga #african #kemetic dreams #africans #brownskin #afrakans #brown skin #afrakan

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theorganicnutritions · 8 months

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Finding Your Best IBS Treatment Plan

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder estimated to affect 10-15% of the entire population. Symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea can range from mild to completely debilitating.

While no medical cure exists for IBS, the good news is that many effective IBS treatment options are available to significantly ease symptoms. It simply requires working with your doctor to discover the best personalized treatment plan.

Getting Properly Diagnosed

Since IBS is what’s known as a diagnosis of exclusion, the first step is to rule out the possibility of other inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or Celiac with specific testing. These may include:

Stool tests check for underlying infections or other gut issues

Blood tests look for markers of inflammation indicating disease

Colonoscopy visually examines the large intestine

Food sensitivity testing reveals if certain foods worsen symptoms

Once other conditions are ruled out, your doctor will make an official IBS diagnosis, the details of which will guide your treatment plan.

IBS Treatment Plans Depend on Type

There are four types of IBS, classified by what digestive symptoms are most prominent:

IBS with Constipation (IBS-C): Hard, infrequent stools IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D): Frequent loose, watery stools.

IBS with Mixed Bowel Habits (IBS-M): Alternating constipation and diarrhea IBS Unspecified: Insufficient abnormality of stool consistency

Identifying your IBS type allows your doctor to select suitable therapies.

Lifestyle Treatments for IBS Relief

Certain at-home care strategies may significantly control IBS flare-ups including:

IBS Diet - Limiting intake of high FODMAP foods like dairy, beans, wheat, onions, cabbage, and artificial sweeteners can ease stool issues in 75% of IBS patients.

Stress Reduction - Stress dramatically exacerbates IBS problems, so relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, massage are key.

More Exercise – Moderate activity at least 30 minutes daily calms the nervous system tied to digestive function.

Probiotics - These healthy gut bacteria in supplement form have been shown in studies to reduce bloating and pain.

Peppermint Oil - Shown to reduce spasms and cramping pain. Use enteric-coated capsules.

Prescription IBS Medications

If lifestyle adjustments aren’t providing enough relief, many traditional and newer medications can be very effective, including:

Antispasmodics – Helps relax intestinal muscles to reduce painful cramping and spasms

Antidiarrheals – Slows motility and stool frequency for IBS-D

Laxatives – Helps alleviate constipation with IBS-C

Low-dose Antidepressants – Alters pain signaling pathways between the brain and digestive system

Newer Agents - Prescription medications acting on neurotransmitters recently approved specifically for IBS-C and IBS-D.

Last Resort: FMT for IBS

For patients failing standard IBS treatment, research shows great promise for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

This involves transplanting healthy donor stool containing balanced communities of gut bacteria into the patient’s colon via scope or enema.

Results demonstrating FMT eliminates IBS symptoms in many patients suggests disruptions to the gut microbiome play a key role in IBS development.

Finding Your Optimal Treatment Combination

Since IBS is multifactorial in cause, most experts recommend utilizing a combination approach tailored to your specific symptoms patterns.

This can mean exploring herbal supplements like peppermint capsules or artichoke leaf extract while also prioritizing daily stress-reduction practices and a modified FODMAP diet under the guidance of a registered dietician.

Your doctor may also suggest rotating various categories of medications every few months to achieve lasting relief without building tolerance.

Be patient and keep your physician informed of how you’re responding to each new IBS treatment addition or modification. It often requires tweaking strategies over several months before discovering your unique formula for success.

Hope for Life Without IBS Misery

If you feel like you’ve tried everything for your difficult-to-treat IBS with little success, don’t lose hope. The treatments options area is rapidly evolving!

Whether its emerging micobiome research showing fantastic success with FMT for stubborn IBS cases or newly approved medications targeting specific IBS symptom pathways, effective tools for relief are available.

Stay focused finding the right gastroenterologist who will personalize a therapy plan that finally quiet your symptoms for good. With a thoughtful multi-pronged approach, you can get your life back and start feeling like yourself again!

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