Safety
Tea tree oil, “when used topically and appropriately, is possibly safe during pregnancy and lactation.” This means there is some clinical evidence that indicates it is safe to use in the proper dilution and when applied correctly to the skin. There are special considerations during labor, based on a laboratory study in which scientists observed a decrease in the force of spontaneous contractions in samples of rat uterus exposed to tea tree oil. These findings “suggest caution in the use of these essential oils during childbirth, as cessation of contractions could put the baby, and mother, at risk.” It is unsafe for anyone to take tea tree oil by mouth. Like any undiluted essential oil, ingestion of tea tree oil can cause significant toxicity and lead to serious side effects.

Adverse Reactions
As mentioned above, tea tree and other essential oils can cause considerable toxicity if ingested. Effects range from confusion, inability to walk and disorientation, to full body skin inflammation (systemic contact dermatitis). Coma is rare, though possible, with at least one documented case following ingestion of 120 milliliters. Skin reactions to topical use can occur, and are probably related to the chemicals, eucalyptol and limonene, contained in the oil. Effects include irritation and inflammation at the site of application, as well as allergic contact eczema and dermatitis. Those using a tea tree oil product for acne may additionally experience local dryness, itching, stinging, burning or redness of the skin.

Proper Use
The only time tea tree oil is applied to the skin at 100 percent concentration is in the treatment of nail fungus. When the oil drops are applied twice daily, these difficult to treat infections resolve over 3 to 6 months in about 60 percent of cases. For athlete’s foot, topical application of 25 or 50 percent tea tree oil solution twice daily for one month is adequate, and is effective for roughly half of people who try it. Daily application of a 5 percent tea tree oil gel is all that is necessary for good results when treating acne.

Origin and Action
Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the plant by the same name. Volatile compounds contained within seem to kill bacteria and fungus while sparing normal skin flora, and also to reduce allergic skin reactions. In laboratory tests, tea tree oil has been found to inhibit growth of the yeast Candida albicans, and has shown in vitro activity against some drug-resistant strains of Enterococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Additional evidence suggests that tea tree oil reduces allergic skin inflammation by suppressing the over-production of certain inflammatory mediators by the immune system.

The Plant
The carob tree is native to the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Around the world, it has become a successful crop in a few specific regions where warm subtropical climates exist and annual rainfall is at least 15 inches. In the United States, this includes areas of Southern Florida, the Gulf States, New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California.

Properties
A member of the pea family, carob is also known as Locust Bean, St. John’s Bread and Sugar Pods. The pod consists of approximately 90% pulp and 10% seed. The seeds are composed of an antioxidant-rich shell, the endosperm and the embryo or germ. The main component of the endosperm is galactomannan carob bean gum, a polysaccaride similar to guar gum and a useful stabilizing and thickening agent.

Carob Pulp
Carob pulp is processed into flour that is similar to cocoa powder. This can be added to cold or heated milk for drinking, combined with wheat flour for making bread or pancakes, or made into confections. When coarsely ground and boiled in water, the pulp makes a thick, honey-like syrup.

Carob Seed
Carob bean gum is extracted from the seeds and used commercially as a stabilizer and thickener in food products such as baked goods, ice cream, salad dressings, sauces, cheese, salami, bologna, canned meats and fish, jelly and mustard. The leftover seed residue can be made into a starch and sugar-free flour that is high in protein and therefore useful for producing low-glycemic foods for people with diabetes.

Nutritional Values
Carob pulp nutrition is comparable to that of other cereal grains, like oats and barley. Its composition is approximately 50 percent sugars — specifically sucrose, glucose, fructose and maltose — 7 percent proteins and small amounts of minerals and vitamins. Minerals include potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc. Even though carob contains proteins, it is not typically considered a protein source. This is because it also has a high tannin and fiber content, both of which inhibit digestion of the proteins.

Read more at Livestrong.com

Breakfast
Skipping breakfast deprives a person of sustenance when it is most needed, following several hours of not eating. This almost always ensures overeating and poor food choices later in the day. One light breakfast option is plain yogurt mixed with fruit and a handful of walnuts. A whole wheat pita filled with one sliced, hard-boiled egg is another idea. Mayo Clinic staff recommend cooked oatmeal with fresh organic berries, a handful of ground almonds and skim milk, or whole grain pancakes with peanut butter. Sprouted grain toast drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with dried herbs is an option for those with smaller morning appetites. People who like fruit smoothies can blend in low fat yogurt and a spoonful of wheat germ. Egg-lovers might like two scrambled egg whites with onions, garlic, green peppers and mushrooms, sauteed in olive oil.

Lunch
By lunchtime, most people are pretty hungry. A small balanced meal with dense nutrition provides energy for continuing a productive day without spiking blood sugar and causing a subsequent afternoon slump. Chicken fajitas, including 4 ounces sauteed chicken, onions and bell peppers in Mexican seasonings, with guacamole, fresh salsa and two corn tortillas are filling and healthful. People who like salads can fill up on a mix of greens, vegetables, cooked grains, and protein, such as chicken, tofu, feta, or walnuts, tossed in olive oil or yogurt dressing. Low sodium noodle soup with white meat chicken is always a great way to recharge. Add sliced onion, cilantro, basil, bean sprouts and fresh lime wedges for health, and optional jalapeno slices for extra heat.

Dinner
Smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day provide needed fuel, while keeping blood sugar levels steady. For dinner, continue to select enjoyable options that don’t bring saturated fats and simple carbohydrates to the table. A serving of broiled salmon or halibut with quinoa and steamed broccoli, plus a mixed green salad tossed with sesame oil and lime juice packs in good flavor and nutrition. For people who like poultry, baked chicken breast with steamed greens and cauliflower drizzled in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, plus baked sweet potato, is a savory option. Broiled chicken breast with lightly buttered green beans, brown rice and arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice is another satisfying choice. For a vegetarian meal that provides complete nutrition, try mixed vegetables sauteed in olive oil and seasoned with herbs, over rice, with hummus and tabbouleh salad.

Read more at Livestrong.com

Overuse injuries have traditionally been treated as inflammatory conditions, even though they rarely show the signs generally present with inflammation, including swelling, heat, and redness of the surrounding tissues. Rather, the prevailing symptoms are pain, painful weakness, and decreased range of motion. One study that looked at surgeries for tendon pain found little evidence of inflammation, but obvious signs of frank tissue damage, including thin, frayed, and fragile tendon fibrils that were separated from one another. Current therapies for overuse syndromes recognize that these conditions have a non-inflammatory basis, and, for this reason, concentrate on supporting repair and overall physical condition of these tissues. Focused nutritional support has been shown to hasten the tissue repair process, expedite healing time, and prevent further injury. The following are recommendations for addressing connective tissue overuse injury.

Dietary

Ensure adequate hydration. Dehydration places additional stress on tissues, especially the collagen containing connective tissues, which are comprised of 60 to 80% water. Tension that is provided by water pressure in these structures enables them to be strong, somewhat flexible, and to function at full capacity. As a rule of thumb, the number of ounces of water taken in per day should be equal to 1/2 of your body weight. For example, a 120 pound person should drink about 60 ounces of water per day. Clear juices, teas and other beverages count towards this volume, as long as they are free of caffeine and alcohol.

Fish: 2-4 servings per week. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to boost the immune system, increase pain tolerance, and prevent overproduction of inflammatory chemicals. Avoid completely, or limit to one 8 oz. serving per month, large fish that tend to live longer and are known to contain high levels of mercury. These include canned white tuna, swordfish, shark, bass and brown trout. Fish with the highest concentrations of omega-3’s are salmon, mackerel, and anchovy. Remove the skin, and bake or broil the fish for best health benefit.

Flax seeds: 5-7 servings per week. A vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds can be found in a variety of breads, cereals, crackers and other grain products.

Supplementation

Daily Multivitamin that contains 100% RDA of most ingredients, particularly the antioxidants (A, C, E, and Selenium), those that support overall bone and muscle health (calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D), and vitamin B6 for promotion of collagen repair. Make sure to choose a natural vitamin with high bioavailability of the nutrients, such as those available at Whole Foods Market or Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy.

Fish or Flax Oil. Dose: 1 gel capsule or 1 tsp of oil, 2-3 times per day, as an alternative to adding these as foods to your diet. Both are available as straight oil that can be taken by the teaspoon, or in a gel capsule form. Cod liver oil is another good source of omega-3’s and is available in several flavors for increased palatability. Flax oil is available for use in salad dressings or as a dip for bread, but is not suitable for cooking. Be aware that most healthy fats, such as those present in fish and flax oil, turn rancid quickly, within about 6 weeks of pressing. To prevent spoilage, purchase only refrigerated flax oil stored in black containers, keep your flax oil in the refrigerator with the lid on tight, and minimize exposure to heat, light, and air. Allergic reactions to flaxseed have occasionally been reported, but are considered very uncommon. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with flaxseed oil.

References
1. Oregon Department of Human Services. Expectant Mother’s Guide to Eating Fish in Oregon. 2006.
2. Khan, K., et al., Time to abandon the “tendinitis” myth. BMJ, 2002. 324(7338): p. 626-627.
3. Laker, S. and W. Sullivan, Overuse Injury. eMedicine, WebMD, 2006.
4. Mindell, E. and V. Hopkins, Prescription Alternatives. Second ed. 1999, Los Angeles: Keats Publishing.
5. Oregon DHS Environmental Toxicology Program, Fish Advisories: Consumption Guidelines. 2006.
6. Souza, T., Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor. Third ed. 2005, Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.