Are You Gambling With Your Life By Self Medicating?Written by David Oliver
Many people self-medicate because they feel they can't afford medications that are commonly used to treat bipolar disorder; however, in nearly all cases there is aid available to those with mental illness who need reduced price or free medications.Others who are bipolar may self-medicate after years of medical care because of frustration stemming from need to periodically readjust medications - they may feel that since doctors can't seem to get it right, they can probably "experiment" with it just as well themselves. This is extremely dangerous, though, because even small changes in drugs like Lithium and other drugs can lead to serious episodes or worse. With Lithium, small changes in dosage can lead to hallucinations, severe illness and even death. For this reason Lithium use should always be carefully monitored by a doctor with regular blood tests. If you self medicate incorrectly, you risk your life and you risk your health. Others "self medicate" by using alcohol or drugs as a way to temporarily relieve their symptoms when they are in grips of an episode of either mania or depression. Both of these are common responses that can have dangerous or fatal results. When using drugs or alcohol while suffering a manic or depressive episode, you may temporarily feel better or at least feel like you are "numbing" yourself, but this is only an illusion. In reality you are blurring your sense of reality even further and inhibiting your ability to react properly to world around even more. Your judgment is severely damaged. Combine this with lack of common sense found in mania or sorrow and lack of self-preservation found in depression and you have a recipe for disaster. In fact, many people who have bipolar disorder aren't diagnosed for years because they are too busy self-medicating with alcohol or drugs and don't seek medical advice. In meantime, since they aren't being properly regulated, their manic phases aren't being controlled. They are medicating themselves with booze and pills and still going into episodes of wild spending, promiscuous sexual activity and bizarre, risky behavior. They may lose spouses, friends, jobs and their life savings.
| | Aromatherapy Spotlight on Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Written by Lisa Maliga
Ylang ylang, pronounced ee-lung ee-lung, is as exotic sounding as tropical regions from where these fragrant flowers originate. The name means, “flower of flowers” and abundantly sweet flowers are prettily colored pink, mauve or yellow, colors frequently seen during sunrise and sunset. These trees flourish in tropics; islands of South Pacific [Philippines, Guam, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook and Marquesas]. Additionally, ylang ylang trees have been planted in Hawaii and New Caledonia. Near coast of southeast Africa, some of finest ylang ylang producing trees flourish in Comoro Islands and Madagascar. As this distinctively named flower hails from warmer parts of world, [botanical name Cananga Odorata var. genuina] can also warm up your love life. Indonesian newlyweds discover their bed covered in highly scented blossoms as according to “The Essential Oils Book” by Colleen K. Dodt, ylang ylang: “…. is believed to be antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, calming, euphoric…It has been found effective in reducing sexual difficulties resulting from anxiety, stress, and depression.” Before you run out and purchase some ylang ylang, you should be aware of fact that this is an aromatic plant that needs to be used sparingly. Too much ylang ylang and you’ll get a headache. The aroma is annoying to some, but to many it’s very soothing and calming. Ylang ylang is reminiscent of another tropical floral star in aromatherapy, namely jasmine. It has been dubbed “poor man’s jasmine” as lower grades of ylang ylang are priced in single or double digits. The botanical name is derived from Malaysian word, “kenanga” which is vernacular for genus. “Odorata” simply means fragrant. Grades of Ylang Ylang: As with any essential oil, higher price higher quality. And Ylang ylang, unlike many other essential oils, has several different grades [or fractions] ranging from costly Ylang Ylang Superior Extra down to least expensive, Ylang Ylang III. Ylang Ylang Superior Extra – This is an extraordinary form of ylang ylang which is considered by experts to represent finest notes of this lovely floral. Found on Mayotte Island off coast of Madagascar, this grade of oil is from certified organically grown flowers. Ylang Ylang Complete – This grade is comprised of all fractions of ylang ylang essential oil from Extra to Grades I, II, and III. Ylang Ylang Extra – The most floral smelling of grades. This grade is recommended for perfumers as it is most full-bodied and has spicy background notes. It is taken from initial distillation where petals are only distilled for one hour. Ylang Ylang I – A very nice floral and perfect introduction to this flower essential oil. This is first distillation, obtained during second to third hour of distillation. Ylang Ylang II - This is second distillation, obtained during third to fourth hour of distillation Ylang Ylang III – Having been distilled for at least a day, resulting grade of ylang ylang is heaviest in scent. This grade is best used for aromatherapy beginners on a budget or to scent soap, candles and other bath and body products. Ylang Ylang CO2 – Distilled by CO2 [carbon dioxide], when a certain amount of pressure is applied gas changes to liquid; thus, this is one of safest ways to extract oils. Most ylang ylang extracted in this manner is quite expensive. Ylang Ylang Absolute – This method of extraction is done by alcohol washing of concrete obtained from ylang ylang petals. Done primarily in France from Comoro Islands flowers, pale yellow oil has a balsamic undertone. Absolutes are outstanding for perfumery due to their long-lasting aroma.
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