Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata L.) has a rich history of use here in the West. Not only has it been used by Native American tribes, early European settlers, and African American slaves, but its uses have varied over time, especially as the Eclectic physicians of the 19th and 20th centuries began to use it more and then again as modern scientific research has given additional insight into this plant.

Passionflower is a well-known nervine effective for calming and soothing the nervous system, and it has antispasmodic, hypnotic, anodyne, anxiolytic, and sedative actions as well. This gives passionflower a wide variety of uses—some of which you may not have considered before.

By pulling from traditional and modern sources, we can take a look at some of the lesser known ways to use passionflower. You may be surprised at how many different ways this one herb can be and has been used!

 

1. Did You Know…
Did you know that passionflower was traditionally used by some Native American tribes as a poultice to reduce the inflammation of boils and wounds (Hamel & Chiltoskey, 1975)? In modern times, most people use passionflower mainly for its nervine and sedative properties, but we mustn’t forget that there is much more to this plant than these properties only.

2. Did You Know…
Did you know that passionflower was once used by African American slave midwives to terminate pregnancies (Gaspar & Hine, 1996)? While passionflower itself does not contain abortifacient properties, it seems that its use was primarily for its antispasmodic and sedative effects “for easing the fear, tension, anxiety, and pain of terminating a pregnancy” (Herbal Academy, n.d., Uses para. 3). Its antispasmodic properties were valued by Eclectic physicians of the 19th century regularly who recommended it for female reproductive issues (Felter & Lloyd, 1898).

3. Did You Know…
Speaking of the Eclectics, did you know that passionflower was often called upon during times of strong muscle spasms, particularly those associated with respiratory ailments such as croup, whooping cough, and asthma, but also in cases of childhood epilepsy or severe digestive cramping (Felter & Lloyd, 1898)? Perhaps the herbs strong sedative properties along with its calming action on the nervous system helped to ease many symptoms associated with these illnesses.

4. Did You Know…
Passionflower was traditionally thought to be best suited for weakened or debilitated individuals (Felter & Lloyd, 1898; Ellingwood, 1819). Modern herbalists share the observation that persons with long-term chronic illness, or those who are weak, fragile, and/or exhausted are thought to be most apt to benefit from passionflower’s restorative properties (Bergner, 2001).

5. Did You Know…
Did you know that a 2005 clinical trial showed the use of passionflower for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was a promising natural alternative to common stimulants given for this disorder (Akhondzadeh et al., 2005)? It’s thought that passionflower’s ability to calm internal chatter can help one to better focus and hold attention for longer (Wood, 2009).

6. Did You Know…
Did you know that passionflower was a common herb used in the 19th century to ease feelings of extreme anxiety? Passionflower has the ability to slow breathing, allowing for deeper respirations while at the same time lowering the pulse and decreasing the blood pressure—three things that are common symptoms during panic attacks (Ellingwood, 1919).

7. Did You Know…
Did you know that passionflower is an excellent herb to assist in drug addiction and withdrawal symptoms, specifically with opioid and benzodiazepine addictions? This is thought to be due to passionflower’s ability to bind with the same receptor sites these drugs bind with (Wolfman et al., 1994; Dhawan et al., 2001; Nassiri-Asl et al., 2007), easing withdrawal symptoms, facilitating a good night’s rest, and and calming anxious feelings.

So whether you’re looking to get a good night’s rest, aiming to soothe respiratory, digestive, or reproductive system spasms, focus on the job at hand, or help you to reduce your dependency on a substance that has a hold on you—passionflower may be just the herbal ally you’re looking for!

 

 

What’s not to be happy about city-living? Everything you need is at arm’s reach – great food, entertainment, shopping malls, the list goes on. You will never get bored. But a recent study suggests that people residing in rural areas are in fact happier because of their simpler life.

A team of researchers from Vancouver School of Economics and McGill University conducted a study which aimed to find out the happiness levels of 400,000 Canadians. Using the responses and by cross-referencing them with other survey data, they were able to identify which factors actually bring happiness to people.

Results were quite surprising as it showed that people living in rural towns are eight times happier than those who reside in urban areas. This was measured using responses from the participants when they were asked to rate “how satisfied” they are with their lives. On a scale of one to 10, the average score ranged from 7.04 to 8.94.

Furthermore, it appeared that some factors expected to largely affect a person’s happy disposition in life weren’t really as relevant; these include higher salaries, higher education, and great jobs. Meanwhile, the research found that simpler factors have more bearing on what makes people happy. In both communities, rural and urban, results showed that Canadians care more about the following things:

Commuting for shorter periods of time.

Spending less than 30 percent of their income on housing.

Living in the same place for at least five years.

Capacity to attend church regularly.

Having a sense of belonging within the community.

According to the study’s authors, the findings made it obvious that “Life is significantly less happy in urban areas.” This is mostly due to the fact that living in busy cities may also mean it’s more difficult to connect with family and friends. (Read: Children raised in rural environments and surrounded by animals develop stronger immune systems.)

Social isolation, as per a separate study, can have adverse effects on the brain. It can actually make a person feel fear and aggression. Moreover, a Toronto therapist, Lesli Musicar, confirmed that people who live in urban areas feel less safe than those in rural towns.

“There isn’t the same feeling of safety. People are generally less trusting. There’s a heterogeneous population, it’s not a homogeneous population, it’s not like in a small town where there is a lot more commonality, ” she added.

Benefits of choosing to live in a rural town

Granted, we all have our preferences. On one hand, some people love walking in busy streets, being in crowded places, and being surrounded by loud sounds. On the other hand, some enjoy the quiet and less-hectic lifestyle.

But in case you’re wondering why some people still choose to stay in less developed areas, here are three benefits that rural dwellers get:

Cheaper cost of living for a bigger space – Bigger and more spacious houses are offered at lower rates since the real estate value in rural areas is not as expensive as in the city. Aside from cutting housing cost, you get to enjoy being close to nature and having your own yard. As a bonus, you can see the stars in the night sky, instead of tall buildings.

Less amount of stress – We’re talking about not having to tolerate traffic jams, high crime rates, and long queues all the time. Everything can be done at your own pace when you live in rural places.

A sense of community – Just like what the study above identified, people – whether consciously or not – long for a sense of belonging. Since those who live in rural towns have more time in their hands to get to know their neighbors, communities are more friendly.

 L-carnitine  Let’s face it: Amino acids are crucial to pretty much every aspect of health. These compounds are the building blocks of proteins, which make up our skin, hair and muscles and perform a variety of functions in the body. When it comes to health, though, some amino acids, like L-carnitine and glycine, stand out from the rest.

Found only in small amounts in certain foods like beef, fish and chicken, it’s safe to say that many of us aren’t getting enough L-carnitine in our diets. Fortunately, it’s also available in capsule, liquid or injectable form to help supply a quick and concentrated dose of carnitine.

This superstar supplement has been shown to do everything from enhance athletic performance to bring fat burning to the next level. Here’s what you need to know about this important amino acid and what it can do for you.

What Is L-Carnitine?

Carnitine is a type of amino acid that benefits energy levels by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be burned up and used as fuel. For this reason, many take carnitine as a weight loss supplement to help bump up fat burning.

Carnitine occurs in two forms, or isomers: L-carnitine and D-carnitine. L-carnitine is the active form that plays a role in energy metabolism and production. It is produced within the body, but it can also be taken as a supplement or found in many different protein foods as well. In supplement form, it’s available as a capsule, liquid or even injectable.

A deficiency in carnitine can be caused by an inadequate intake, excess loss through diarrhea or dialysis, liver disorders, the use of certain medications, and some genetic disorders. Additionally, because it is primarily found in animal products, vegans and vegetarians are at a higher risk of deficiency.

Although many people take L-carnitine as a way to speed up weight loss and fat burning, carnitine benefits include enhancing brain function, preventing muscle damage, regulating blood sugar and increasing endurance as well.

L-Carnitine Benefits

1. Increases Endurance
2. Enhances Weight Loss
3. Prevents Muscle Damage
4. Amps Up Fat Burning
5. Boosts Brain Function
6. Regulates Blood Sugar

1. Increases Endurance

Because L-carnitine plays a central role in energy production, many athletes begin taking it as a way to enhance endurance and boost athletic performance. Both human and animal studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of this amino acid on endurance levels.

In one study out of Turkey published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, giving professional soccer players three to four grams of L-carnitine before exercise was found to prolong the time it took to reach exhaustion.  Similarly, an animal study out of India published in the journal Wilderness & Environmental Medicine showed that giving rats L-carnitine improved exercise endurance.

For this reason, supplementing with this amino acid may especially benefit endurance athletes, such as long-distance runners, swimmers or cyclists.

2. Enhances Weight Loss

Many people look to L-carnitine as a way to help shed unwanted pounds and lose weight fast. When combined with diet and exercise, some studies have found that supplementing with it can, in fact, be an effective way to enhance weight loss.

One analysis of research out of Iran looked at the results of nine studies and found that supplementing with carnitine led to a significantly greater amount of weight loss as well as a larger drop in body mass index compared to a control group.

However, L-carnitine weight loss results may vary, and other studies have turned up mixed results. In a study out of Australia published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, for instance, 36 obese women took either L-carnitine or a placebo and completed eight weeks of aerobic training. At the end of the study, researchers concluded that L-carnitine had no impact on either total body mass or fat mass.

While L-carnitine may work for some people, it shouldn’t be considered a quick fix. Pair it with regular exercise and a healthy diet to see maximum results.

3. Prevents Muscle Damage

Besides increasing endurance and amping up weight loss, this amino acid also makes a useful supplement for athletes looking to prevent and protect against muscle damage.

In one 2014 study published in the Asian Journal of Sports Medicine, 21 male athletes were given either L-carnitine or a placebo daily for two weeks prior to an athletic test. Compared to the control group, those who took L-carnitine were found to have lower levels of certain markers that indicate muscle damage.

Other ways to aid in muscle recovery include eating lots of anti-inflammatory foods, loading up on fruits and vegetables, and getting enough protein in your diet.

 

4. Amps Up Fat Burning

Besides increasing weight loss, this amino acid also helps kick up fat burning as well. In one study conducted in Germany, overweight participants received a regular diet, either with or without the addition of L-carnitine. After 10 days, L-carnitine was found to significantly increase the breakdown of fat.

Another study published in the Journal of Physiology showed that increasing the amount of carnitine in the muscles helped prevent fat gain by increasing fat burning and energy expenditure during physical activity.

Other fat-burning foods include apple cider vinegar, bone broth, cayenne pepper and chia seeds.

 

5. Boosts Brain Function

L-carnitine isn’t just good for your body, but it’s good for your mind as well. In fact, promising research has found that it may positively impact brain function and cognition.

One study conducted by the University of Catania in Italy and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at the effects of daily L-carnitine supplementation on mental and physical fatigue in elderly participants over 100 years old. Not only was it found to reduce total fat mass and increase muscle mass, but it also helped decrease fatigue and improve cognitive function.

Other studies have even found that acetyl-L-carnitine, another form of L-carnitine, could help reverse cognitive decline and improve memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. (9, 10)

Avocados, beets, blueberries and broccoli are also brain foods that can help enhance your focus and memory.

 

6. Regulates Blood Sugar

Some promising research has shown that carnitine supplementation could aid in maintaining normal blood sugar levels and fighting insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the bloodstream to the cells where it can be used as fuel. Too much insulin can lead to insulin resistance, decreasing its effectiveness and resulting in high blood sugar.

A study out of Rome published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that infusing diabetic participants with L-carnitine improved insulin sensitivity and increased the uptake of sugar from the bloodstream.  Another small study in 2010 conducted at Sapienza University’s Department of Clinical Medicine in Rome found that combining L-carnitine with caloric restriction helped reduce insulin resistance and increase sensitivity.

Controlling your carb intake, including more fiber and protein foods in your diet, and using natural stress relievers can also help keep blood sugar in check.

 

QYResearch.us recently published a report entitled “United States Fruit Powder Market 2018” provides in-detailed Fruit Powder market overview of the industry. The Fruit Powder research report begins with the introduction of numerous features of Fruit Powder market related to business facts such as Fruit Powder market cost, value, CAGR, Fruit Powder market volume, consumption rate as well the Fruit Powder market growth during the forecast period.

The Fruit Powder market 2018 report identifies its major players through secondary research. Through primary and secondary research, the Fruit Powder market revenues of the major players are being determined. Geographically, this Fruit Powder research report has been segmented based on several key regions, that includes Fruit Powder production, consumption, Fruit Powder market share and revenue of Fruit Powder market in that particular region. The United States cover Fruit Powder market in New England, The Middle Atlantic, The South, The West, The Midwest and Southwest.

Fruit Powder Market Category by Product Type:

Orange Powder
Mango Powder
Apple Powder
Pineapple Powder
Lemon Powder
Banana Powder
Papaya Powder
Peel Powder
Others

Fruit Powder Market Category by End Users/Applications:

Nutraceutical Field
Food
Others

The Fruit Powder report evaluates an in-depth study of major Fruit Powder market players on the basis of their company profile, demand, sales margin, gross margin and Fruit Powder industry annual revenue to have a better share in Fruit Powder market of the United States. It also covers policies and plans for Fruit Powder market, Fruit Powder sociology, Fruit Powder economics and Fruit Powder technology, import/export details and demand to supply ratio. Fruit Powder market 2018 report particulars outgrowth inhibiting factors, evolution contingencies and investment feasibility of Fruit Powder industry along with the forecast period from 2018 to 2025.

Fruit Powder Market Report Highlights the Following Points:

This Fruit Powder research report highlights basic requirements of Fruit Powder industry key manufacturers such as product definition, Fruit Powder market segmentation, Fruit Powder applications, Fruit Powder classifications and price/cost of the Fruit Powder product.

Extensive study of Fruit Powder market covering all major regions of the United States.

Research outcomes say about Fruit Powder market knowledge supply, analysis findings, data sources, and appendix. United States Fruit Powder market research report is a complete bundle of information required to take decisive actions and know vital Fruit Powder market tendencies.

 

The United States Fruit Powder market 2018 report studies important aspects of the Fruit Powder industry, considering the current Fruit Powder market situation, various business techniques used by the Fruit Powder market players, growth scenario and Fruit Powder market requirements. While the factors involved in this Fruit Powder report will assist the readers in finding out the facts related to the development of the Fruit Powder industry as well company fundamentals. Fruit Powder market research report is a comprehensive report that holds end number of information required to take significant decisions and to understand the Fruit Powder market trends.