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Gola Rainforest National Park – Designating the Gola Rainforest National Park was a couragous move by Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma offering a national network of protected areas for terrestrial and wetland ecosystems across the country.

Sierra Leone’s Gola Rainforest National Park is over 71,000-hectare and part of the Gola Forest which covers a 110km stretch of land on the international border with Liberia. It is within the seven Gola Forest chiefdoms of Malema, Gaura, Koya, Nomo, Tunkia, Barrie and Makpele –spread across Kailahun, Kenema and Pujehun Districts. The forest is bordered on the East by the Mano river, which also marks the international border with Liberia and on the west by the Moa river and Tiwai Island.

Stated on the Gola Rainforest website “Declaring the Gola Rainforest a National Park is something that Sierra Leone should be proud of and should do what it can to protect this national and global asset. These forests are becoming more and more threatened due to population growth, conversion to agriculture, mining concessions and plantations.”

The Sierra Leone Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security says in a statement that it is just the first step in protecting the Gola Rainforest which had been identified as a “Biodiversity hotspot.” The Gola Forest is a remnant of a once vast rainforest that stretched across West Africa -commonly referred to by conservationists and scientists as the Upper Guinea Forest. This forest type is one of the Global 25 Biological diversity hotspots – that is, if we want to protect the natural habitats of the world that best represent the world’s diversity then these 25 sites are the most important to protect first.

The Gola Rainforest Sierra Leone government action plan recommends creating a national network of protected areas for terrestrial and wetland ecosystems across the country. Many species of birds and mammals threatened by the encroachment of logging and mining will be protected under the designation. Hit this link for a list of the threatened or endangered mammals and bird species of the Gola Rainforest.

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Natural Herbs Pain Relief – Using natural herbs in cooking or tea can offer pain relief for everything from inflamation to headaches along with aching backs and joints.

Everyday easy to buy, natural herbs that may already be in your own kitchen can remedy pain that may be the result of he nausea, arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle soreness or simply because we’re not as young as we used to be!

1. Tame Pain With Turmeric – great replacement for salt and pepper, also sold as supplements online or in any healthfood store. Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its distinctive flavor and coloring, also has plenty of pain-relief benefits. Research has shown turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and also helps to improve circulation and prevent blood clotting. Turmeric has been used in traditional medicines for easing the pain of sprains, strains, bruises and joint inflammation, as well as for treating skin and digestive issues. The healing power of turmeric comes from its active ingredient – curcumin, which lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.
2.  Ginger Remedies Aches and Nausea – sold in any healthfood store. Ginger, a natural anti-inflammatory, has been used for thousands of years by the Chinese to cure pain. Ginger helps relieve nausea, arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps and muscle soreness. During colder days, ginger can help spice up your circulation, too! A perfect compliment to vegetables, marinades and sweets, ginger is also delicious in tea. To make fresh ginger tea, you can cut up the root, boil it for 10 minutes, then strain the water and sip as tea. In a pinch, you can use ginger tea bags. This herb can also relieve pain by using a ginger compress on the sore area. Grate the ginger root; wrap it in cheesecloth; place it in hot water for 30 seconds; let it cool and place on the affected area for 20 minutes.
3. Valerian Root Relaxes Pain – Available in health food stores. Often called nature’s tranquilizer, valerian has been used for centuries to regulate the nervous system and relieve insomnia, tension, irritability, stress, and anxiety. Valerian is also a natural pain reliever that reduces sensitivity of the nerves. Try a cup of valerian tea the next time you’re in need of pain relief!
4. Eucommia for Your Aching Back and Joints – available in supplement form online or in health food stores. Traditional Chinese medical practitioners use eucommia bark for back and joint pain, especially in the hips and knees, and also to strengthen bones, tendons and ligaments. Eucommia helps heal tissue that is slow to mend after an injury or that has been weakened through stress. Western studies with rats confirm that both the leaves and the bark of eucommia contain a compound that encourages the development of collagen, an important part of connective tissues such as skin, tendons and ligaments. Although it can be used alone, eucommia bark is most often used in combination with other supportive herbs. The only practical way to take eucommia is as a supplement from a licensed provider. Patients taking blood pressure medications should consult with their health-care provider before taking eucommia or formulas that contain it.

Although the use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease, always discuss with your doctor before treating any conditions with herbs and spices to avoid any adverse interactions. Two great examples of why this is a ‘word to the wise’ are turmeric and ginger. Both herbs have natural blood-thinning properties and individuals about to have surgery or those that take blood thinning medications should probably avoid these remedies.

Do you have a favorite herbal pain remedy? Leave a comment so we can publish your suggestion to our readers!

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Natural Remedies For Ailments – Check out these natural remedies for whatever ailments may be making your day a little more stressful or painful than it needs to be.

These remedies are a ‘green’ solution to everyday issues like sore muscles, upset stomach and headaches. No homeopathic remedy list would be complete without a recommendation for stress relief. Everyone seems to have their favorite, but our Bach Flower oil suggestion could be a new one which you may have not heard about!

1. Remedy for Stress: Bach Flowers (Rescue Remedy)  A compound of five flowers, this remedy, which has been around since the 1930s, is used to treat stress and anxiety. It may balance the limbic system, which helps regulate your mood. Dissolve 4 drops on the tongue or in a glass of water. Available online for about $14.
2. Remedy for Burns: Lavender Oil – Lavender oil is believed to slow down inflammation and accelerate the healing process of first-degree burns. Treat a burn properly before applying. Be sure to purchase 100% lavender oil, available at health food stores for about $9 a bottle.
3. Remedy for Bruises: Arnica Gel – If applied before a bruise forms, arnica gel, a homeopathic remedy, will decrease bruising. It also acts like a topical aesthesia agent. Available at drug stores for about $8.
4. Remedy for Sore Muscles: Epsom Salt Bath – Epsom salt is comprised of magnesium sulfate; when used in a bath, it’s absorbed into the skin and relaxes muscles. Available at drug stores for about $5.
5. Remedy for Headaches: Peppermint Oil – Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes the nerves. Rub into the temples and forehead when a headache starts and rub; repeat every 15-30 minutes for added relief. Available for $7 at health food stores.
6. Remedy for an Upset Stomach: Aloe Juice – Aloe juice helps stomach motility and protects the lining of the stomach. Drink half a cup for relief. Available at grocery stores for about $8.

Gather these items, they have an incredibly long shelf life and be prepared for those minor aches and pains which seem to come hand in hand with the winter months and holiday season. Jump on comments with your favorites and share with our readers.

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