25% of people have reported disorders of sleep. Sleep disorders and sleeplessness have an enormous impact upon quality of life. The medical, economic and personal toll of sleep disorders and sleeplessness is huge. From industrial acidents to car accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel of a car or lorry. From the elderly engaged in nightime wandering to the child failing at school due to lack of sleep.
Insomnia refers to the perception of inadequate or non restorative sleep. Almost everyone experiences occasional nights of insomnia / sleeplessness or sleep disorders that can severely impact upon their ability to function the next day. About one in three adults are reported to have, at one time or another, suffered from insomnia, sleeplessness or sleep disorders. Insomnia, sleeplessness or sleep disorders become more prevalent amongst the elderly and women are more likely to suffer insomnia, sleeplessness and or sleep disorders than men.
Causes of insomnia and sleeplessness and sleep disorders vary and include chronic medical problems, poor sleep routines, stress and lifechanging cicumstances. Severe insomnia, sleeplessness and sleep disorders can be a symptom of many mental and physical illnesses.
Despite the fact that insomnia, sleeplessness or sleep disorders are such a common problem the evidence suggests that it is poorly treated. A survey of doctors showed that two thirds of doctors would prescribe sleeping pills to an elderly patient who suffered from pain, did not exercise, was under stress, woke up too early and drank coffee before going to bed, despite the fact that the sleeping tablet would not deal with any of the underlying problems caused by sleeplessness and sleep disorders.

Lutein and Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) how it may help improve eyesight
AMD, Age related Macular Degeneration occurs when the fragile centre of the retina, the macula deteriorates from a lifetime of slow but steady damage. The macula is a small area of the retina responsible for central vision, and high visual acuity. Poor macular health can cause oxidative stress within the retina, leading to a loss of central vision causing eyesight problems.
AMD, Age related Macular Degeneration the more common and milder form of AMD, accounts for 85% to 90% of all cases. It develops gradually over time and usually causes only mild loss of vision and eyesight problems. One key identifier for AMD (Age related Macular Degeneration) is the collection of small, round, white-yellow, fatty deposits in the central part of the retina. The amount of vision loss is related to the location and amount of macular thinning caused by these fatty deposits. It is important for individuals with dry AMD to have their eyes examined regularly to prevent eyesight problems and poor eyesight. There is some hope that at the early stages of macular degeneration, dietary intervention could improve eyesight.
Although the wet form of AMD accounts for only 10 – 15% of all AMD, the chance for severe sight loss is much greater and the hope to improve eyesight is diminished. It is responsible for 90% of severe vision loss associated with AMD. Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels, under the central part of the retina, the macula. These abnormal vessels leak fluid and blood into the tissue at the back of the eye, causing a blister to form in the retina. This progression leads to scar tissue, distortion and a loss of central vision. Wet AMD can rapidly damage the macula and result in a very quick loss of central vision and severe eyesight problems.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula, providing a yellow colour known as the macular pigment. The macular pigment protects the macula from the damaging photo-oxidative effects of blue light and hence the preservation of good eyesight, even possibly to improve eyesight and the avoidance of eyesight problems.
Research has suggested a minimum of 6-10 mg per day of lutein is necessary to improve eyesight and avoid eyesight problems. One such benefit is lutein’s role in eye health, specifically its role in reducing the risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Of the 600 or so carotenoids present in nature, only a handful are present in human serum. Of those, nature has chosen only lutein and zeaxanthin to be present in the macula. These facts alone suggest that lutein plays a critical role in improving eyesight. Anyone with an eyesight problem should read the available data on Lutein and its role to improve eyesight.
There is a wealth of data available supporting a role for lutein in reducing the risk of AMD and its ability to improve eyesight. There are a number of observational studies showing the association between lutein intake, serum levels, macular pigment and improving eyesight.
Controlled intervention studies in humans are needed to establish causality. In terms of eyesight problems, more and more studies investigating the direct effect of dietary lutein and lutein supplementation on macular pigment density are now being published. This fact in conjunction with the many anecdotal reports from users of Lutein with eyesight problems to improve eyesight gives hope to AMD sufferers.
Researchers agree that it is the body of evidence that must be evaluated collectively in order to determine the merits of a given nutrient, and any conclusions based on a single study are premature. The body of evidence appears to support a beneficial role for lutein to improve eyesight and avoid eyesight problems.

Tamanu oil has the incredible capacity to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin. This process is known as cicatrization.. It is a widely used to treat cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and stings, abrasions, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, diabetic sores, anal fissures, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, eczema, herpes sores, and to reduce foot and body odor. Tamanu oil is also massaged into the skin for natural skin care to maintain healthy skin. Tamanu oil is employed by Polynesian women to promote, clear, blemish-free healthy skin.
Tamanu Oil distribution
Calophyllum inophyllum is indigenous to Southeast Asia, and is abundant in Polynesia. The tree grows up to 25 or even 30 meters in height, with long, spreading limbs. The tree trunk is typically thick with dark, cracked bark. The tamanu branches are covered with shiny, dark green oval leaves, and small white flowers with yellow centres. The blossoms give off a pleasant, sweet perfume. The fruit of the tree, has a large nut hull inside.
The tamanu nut is a botanical oddity. When the fruits of the tree are collected and cracked open, the blond nut kernel inside contains no apparent oil. When the kernel dries for a month or so, it turns a deep, chocolate brown, and becomes sticky with a rich, pleasant-smelling oil., The oil is squeezed from the kernels. The resulting oil of tamanu is dark green and luxurious. Though oil of tamanu is thick and rich, once it is applied to skin it is readily and completely absorbed, leaving no oily residue making ideal for natural healthy skin care.
Tamanu Oil for natural Skin Care and Healthy Skin
In 1918, researchers began research into tamanu oil for topical and subcutaneous use. The researchers quickly became impressed by tamanu’s cicatrizing properties. In the French medical literature on tamanu oil, several instances of its successful use in cases of severe skin conditions have been reported. In one remarkable instance, a woman was admitted to a Hospital in Paris with a large gangrenous ulcer on her leg which would not heal. Though doctors were sure that amputation was inevitable, she was given regular dressings of tamanu oil. The wound healed completely, leaving a smooth, flat scar and healthy skin.
Natural Constituents in Tamanu Oil for natural skin care
Oil of tamanu contains three basic classes of lipids, neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. The oil also contains a unique fatty acid called calophyllic acid, and a novel antibiotic lactone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent called calophyllolide. These and other components of tamanu oil, including anti-inflammatory coumarins, account for some of the oil’s beneficial activity and its widespread usage for natural skin care and healthy skin.
Based on the known activity of known constituents, it is clear that oil of tamanu possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The unique cicatrizing properties of tamanu oil are not yet explained in existing scientific literature, though this activity is established and accepted. Tamanu oil is well documented for its role in natural skin care and its maintenance of healthy skin.
Tamanu Oil Applications
Oil of tamanu is suitable for natural skin care and cosmetic purposes. The oil’s unusual absorption, its mild and pleasant aroma, and its luxurious feel make it ideal for use in lotions, creams, ointments and other cosmetic products. Tamanu is an effective healing agent with proven benefits for natural skin care and the maintenance of healthy skin, it is only a matter of time before tamanu assumes a position among other successful topical and cosmetic ingredients for natural skin care and for people to benefit from its ability to maintain healthy skin.