| ||||||||||||||
|
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Matthew 12:14-21 | Jacob Jordaens | The Pharisees began to discuss how to destroy Jesus
Top 6 Natural Alternatives To Aspirin
Aspirin is a common over the counter pain reliever used to treat mild to moderate pain caused by toothaches, colds, and headaches. It also has a noticeable anti-inflammatory effect which makes it useful for reducing the swelling seen inarthritis. [1] Despite its ubiquitous availability, it does have some serious drawbacks. Aspirin has been associated with peptic ulcer formation when taken for prolonged periods or high doses. [2] This can lead to perforation and can cause internal bleeding when not managed correctly. In some people, it can even be a strong trigger for asthma episodes. [3] This syndrome is referred to as aspirin-induced asthma. Although rare, there are reports that since Aspirin is also a blood thinner, it can increase the likelihood of a person developing a hemorrhagic stroke. [4]
If you feel like using aspirin may be too much of a risk to your health, there are natural alternatives available. However, the herbs mentioned in this list are intended to replace aspirin as a pain reliever and not as a blood thinner or antipyretic. As with any medication, it is important to consult your doctor before using herbal medicines. With that being said, here are 6 natural alternatives to aspirin that have been found valuable for pain.
1. Ginger
Ginger is a popular root crop that has been used for centuries as an ingredient in both Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. Fast forward to today, ginger is still used as an herbal analgesic. Researchers from the University of Georgia were able to test how effective ginger was in easing muscle pain. In their study, as little as two grams of raw ginger a day were able to reduce exercise-induced muscle pain by as much as 25 percent. [5] Add to this the fact that ginger also has anti-ulcer properties not seen in your typical aspirin tablet. [6]
2. Turmeric
A staple of Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used for centuries to treat various ailments ranging from skin disorders to pain. Turmeric has found a place in modern herbalism as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Its principal active component is Curcumin. Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient that works in similar fashion to the drug Celebrex but with a better safety profile. [7]
3. Clove Oil
Traditionally used for toothaches, clove oil is rich in a compound called eugenol. Eugenol, when used topically, can help numb the area due to its mild anesthetic properties. This is the reason why clove oil is a common ingredient used in tooth drops. However, studies have shown that its anesthetic effect can even rival those seen with the topical anesthetic benzocaine. [8]
4. Peppermint
When we think about peppermint, we automatically associate it with candied treats and/or tea, but in the field of herbal medicine, peppermint is more than just a menthol flavoring. It has been used successfully in treating the pain associated with tension headaches and has been approved for the topical treatment of muscle and nerve pain. [9][10]
5. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a flowering herb with light green leaves used traditionally by those living in the Mediterranean region. When the seeds are powdered and consumed, it is said to have a potent analgesic effect specific to menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea. This property of Fenugreek was even reported in the Journal of Reproduction and Infertility to improve the other symptoms of dysmenorrhea like fatigue, headache, and nausea without a report of side effects. [11]
6. Feverfew
Feverfew has long been used as a potent anti-inflammatory both as an herbal medicine and as a skin care ingredient. Due to its calming effects, it has been found to be effective in blocking the inflammation caused by the protein called IkappaB Kinase, which in turn alleviates inflammation and pain. [12] It is also a popular herbal treatment for migraines since it is considered capable of preventing an episode. [13]
References:
[1] Aspirin Tablet. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1082-3/aspirin-oral/aspirin-oral/details
[2] Gender differences of low-dose aspirin-associated gastroduodenal ulcer in Japanese patients. (2010).https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v16/i15/1896.htm
[3] Aspirin and Asthma. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/405963
[4] Can you take aspirin if you regularly take ibuprofen or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for another condition? http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/daily-aspirin-therapy/art-20046797?pg=2
[5] Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Reduces Muscle Pain Caused by Eccentric Exercise. (2010). http://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(09)00915-8/fulltext
[6] Gastroprotective Effect of Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale) Extract: Role of Gallic Acid and Cinnamic Acid in H+, K+-ATPase/H. pylori Inhibition and Anti-Oxidative Mechanism. (2011). https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2011/249487/
[7] Curcumin: a new paradigm and therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of osteoarthritis: curcumin for osteoarthritis management. (2013). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3591524/
[8] The effect of clove and benzocaine versus placebo as topical anesthetics. (2006).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16530911
[9] Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type. (1996).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8805113
[10] A Review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L). (2006).https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7015287_A_Review_of_the_bioactivity_and_potential_health_benefits_of_pep…/
[11] Effects of fenugreek seed on the severity and systemic symptoms of dysmenorrhea. (2014).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24695380
[12] The anti-inflammatory natural product parthenolide from the medicinal herb Feverfew directly binds to and inhibits IkappaB kinase. (2001). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11514225
[13] Usefulness of nutraceuticals in migraine prophylaxis. (2017). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28527067
http://www.herbs-info.com/blog/top-6-natural-alternatives-to-aspirin/?c=d
Dealing with the Malice of Others
Saint Camillus de Lellis, Priest—USA Optional Memorial
(Celebrated July 14 outside the United States)
(Celebrated July 14 outside the United States)
The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. Matthew 12:14
If you really sit and think about this, it’s shocking, sad and even scandalous. Here, the religious leaders of the time were actively, intentionally and calculatedly plotting to kill the Savior of the world. The very One whom they were supposed to be preparing for and hoping for became their object of malice, hatred and ultimate persecution.
It is shocking and, therefore, we should have a deep sorrow at their actions. But sorrow at their actions does not mean we need to fall into an irrational anger, despair or a mindset of revenge. Sorrow at the malicious actions of the Pharisees is actually a form of love toward them in that a deep sorrow at their actions is a way of calling them to repent.
Sure, this happened many years ago and the actual Pharisees who acted in this calculated and malicious way are no longer with us. Nonetheless, Jesus continues to be persecuted in numerous ways, and sometimes this persecution is even found among those who claim the name Christian and even those who act in leadership within our Church and world.
Practically speaking, we all may be able to identify in some way with the plotting and planning of Jesus’ persecution. It would be highly unlikely that we experience this malice to the extent that Jesus did, but all of us have most likely experienced it to one extent or another.
Sadly, when we radically commit ourselves to Christ and His mission, we often become a target of the evil one. And very often, we experience the arrows of the evil one from those who should be our greatest supporters. Therefore, if this is your experience in some way, do not be scandalized or overly shaken. It’s appropriate to be saddened by it, but don’t give in to irrationality as a result. Persecution is a part of following Christ. It happened to Jesus and we should, therefore, expect it to happen to us.
Reflect, today, upon how you deal with the hurt and malice of others. You are not the one who is given the right to judge or condemn them. But you are called to experience the same sorrow that Jesus did. This sorrow is a holy sorrow which is spoken of in the Beatitudes. It’s a sorrow which will enable you to reject the errors you encounter and grow in patience and endurance.
Lord, when I feel ridiculed or persecuted by others, help me to stand strong in my faith and, especially, in my charity. Help me to allow a holy sorrow to strengthen me to have hope and to move forward in the mission You have given me. Jesus, I trust in You.
Ads by cleanmedia.net
Friday, July 17, 2020
Condemning the Innocent
|
|
|
|
|
|
I DESIRE MERCY
_-_James_Tissot_-_overall.jpg)
“If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men.” Matthew 12:7
The Apostles of Jesus were hungry and they picked heads of grain as they walk along to satisfy their hunger. As a result, the Pharisees condemned the Apostles for doing what they claimed was “unlawful” on the Sabbath. They claimed that picking heads of grain as they walked along was considered “work” and, thus, they violated the law requiring rest on the Sabbath.
Really? Did the Pharisees seriously think that the Apostles sinned by picking grain as they walked along to satisfy their hunger? Hopefully it’s not hard for us to see the absurdity and irrationality of this condemnation. The Apostles did nothing wrong but were condemned nonetheless. They were “innocent men” as Jesus points out.
Jesus responds to the irrationality of the Pharisees by reminding them of the Scripture, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” And He points out that the Apostles were wrongly condemned because the Pharisees do not understand this passage and this command from God for mercy.
The Sabbath commandment to rest was from God. But the commandment to rest was not a requirement for its own sake. This was not some legal requirement that somehow honored God just by strictly keeping it. The Sabbath rest was primarily a gift from God to humanity in that God knew we needed rest and rejuvenation. He knew we needed time each week to slow down, offer special worship to God and enjoy the company of others. But the Pharisees turned the Sabbath rest into a burden. They made it out to be a strict legalistic observance that did nothing to glorify God or refresh the human spirit.
One key truth we can learn from this passage is that God calls us to interpret His law through the eyes of mercy. Mercy always refreshes us, lifts us up and fills us with new energy. It motivates us to worship and fills us with hope. Mercy does not impose a heavy legalistic burden upon us; rather, God’s mercy and law together rejuvenates us and refreshes us.
Reflect, today, upon how you look at God’s commands and His law. Do you see it as a legalistic and burdensome requirement? Or do you see it as a blessing of God’s mercy meant to lighten your load?
Lord, help me to love Your law. Help me to truly see it in the light of Your mercy and grace. May I be refreshed by all You command and be lifted up by Your will. Jesus, I trust in You.
Ads by cleanmedia.net
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Laying Down Your Burdens
Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
This invitation from Jesus is one that we may need to hear far more often than we realize. It’s a gentle invitation to let our Lord lighten our daily burden, relieve our worries, our stress, our concerns and all that weighs us down. It’s an invitation of love and mercy and is one we should always accept.
What is it that burdens you? What is it that weighs you down and tempts you to fall into depression, sorrow or even despair? Is there something that you tend to think about obsessively? Is there some concern that you can’t seem to shake? Whatever it is that troubles your heart, Jesus wants to lift it.
Sometimes we can go through life with heavy burdens that we are afraid to let go of. We can be fearful of coming to Jesus and fearful of letting Him in. Coming to Jesus means we must face whatever it is that burdens us with honesty and openness and we must face these burdens in the presence of Jesus.
But the key thing we need to know is that Jesus is gentle, merciful and generous in forgiveness and grace. He longs to lift our burdens far more than we long to have them lifted. He sees the oppression many face and so deeply desires to have that oppression eliminated.
Reflect, today, upon that gentle invitation from Jesus: “Come to me.” Come to Him without fear and without hesitation. Turn everything over to Him and let Him sort things out. He loves you more than you know and will set your feet on the right path.
Lord, I do come to You and I do lay down my life and every burden before You. I give You my life, my hopes, my fears, my past, my future and everything that worries me. Jesus, I give You everything. Jesus, I trust in You.
Ads by cleanmedia.net
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Being Childlike
“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” Matthew 11:25
Life is complicated. Or is it? That’s a good question. At times things can seem very complicated. Situations we find ourselves in, relationships with family and friends, our future, our past, etc., can all seem burdensome and complicated at times. But the truth is that it doesn’t have to be. The truth is that God’s answers to the most “complex” questions in life are often simple enough for a child to understand.
In the passage above, Jesus affirms that the Father reveals His answers and wisdom to those who are childlike. Interestingly, He also states that the Father has “hidden these things from the wise and learned.” So this begs the question…is it better to be “wise and learned” or “childlike?” Obviously the answer is that it’s better to be childlike.
This may seem confusing at first. It can seem strange to say that it’s not good to be “wise and learned.” But what that means is that it’s not good to be a person who thinks they have it all figured out. It’s not good to be arrogant and a know-it-all. It’s not good to be so filled with pride that we think we have all the answers.
The ideal is to have certain characteristics of a child. In particular, it’s good to be one who is open, curious, and willing to learn. It’s good to look at life in the simplest of ways and to stick to the basics. Sure, it’s good to grow in wisdom and knowledge of the things of God. But true wisdom and knowledge always maintain a certain innocence and simplicity. They maintain a basic goodness and acceptance of right and wrong. Life does not have to be complicated, it needs to become exceptionally simple.
Reflect, today, upon how ready and willing you are to turn to God for the simple and clear answers to life’s most difficult questions. Reflect upon how willing you are to turn to God in trust and hope knowing that God has all the answers to your life.
Lord, once again I turn to You in trust. Help me to realize that all wisdom comes from You rather than myself. Help me to always turn to You as a child would and help my life to remain simple as You desire. Jesus, I trust in You.
Ads by cleanmedia.net
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)