Monday, October 26, 2009

What is the best natural treatment for colds ?

Natural cold remedies can reduce the effects of the cold and help your body fight it off in a completely natural way. The common cold is the most common ailment in the world.

Children in school are more prone to the common cold because of their proximity to each other and families that have children in school are more apt to have the condition make its way through every member of the family.

Low Immune System

When your immune system is low you are even more likely to catch one of the many cold viruses.
Health nutrition , eating a well balanced and healthy , is a great way to make sure that your immune system is able to fight off the viruses that are the causes of a cold.

Herbal Treatments

There are a number of natural cold remedies and herbs that can be used to treat the symptoms of a cold that are very beneficial and can help you to feel better in a short period of time. Home cold remedies and herbal treatments are a wonderful alternative for many people because there is generally a lack of side effects with these treatments. Many commercial common cold remedies will leave you feeling drowsy when you take them to fight the symptoms of a cold. Natural herbal remedies used in the treatment for colds are not as likely to cause these effects.

These natural common cold remedies and teas can be very effective at eliminating the body aches that accompany colds and will work to restore your immune system so that it is better able to fight off the virus that is causing all of your symptoms.

There are also Preventive Steps you can Take to Avoid Colds:

Hand Washing is a simple habit, something most people do without thinking. However, hand washing, when done properly, is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. If you don't wash your hands frequently enough, you can affect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose and mouth or by touching surfaces that they also touch, such as door knobs.

Properly washing your hand with soap and water for 15 - 20 seconds has a great impact on keeping the infection away. When soap and water are not available, then the next best alternative is an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand washing does not take much time and becomes more of a habit over time, but it offers great reward in terms of preventing illness.

Using Water and herbal teas. Drink lots of liquids, at least 8 - 12 cups per day.You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevent dehydration. Keeping the body well hydrated helps the immune system work better and flushes our systems of bacteria and viruses.

Cold Remedy - using Saltwater gargle. Add a 1/2 teaspoonful of salt to a 8-ounce glass of warm water stir until salt dissolves. This will temporarily comfort a sore or scratchy throat.

Cold Remedy - using Garlic is one of the more favorite home cures for colds. Many cultures have a home remedy for the cold using garlic, whether it’s chicken soup with lots of garlic, a drink made with raw crushed garlic, or if it just involves eating raw garlic. Garlic has lots of immune boosting capabilities.

Garlic remedy

Squirt a dab of honey onto a teaspoon
Press one garlic clove on top of the honey
Cover with another dab of honey.
This may be hard on your stomach at first. The garlic adds a bit of bitterness, but the honey does a great job lessening the bitterness.


Avoid Sugary drinks and caffeinated sodas should be avoided. A high sugar intake decreases the ability of the white blood cells to kill bacteria.

Contaminated toothbrush When you are recovering from illness, it is a good time to change your toothbrush. Your toothbrush can hide the germs you have just been fighting off.

Sunday, September 06, 2009

How to avoid Flu this season

Along with the beauty of fall days there also comes the need to get ready for winter. Time to get the long underwear and the warm socks.

Time to nourish your immune systems so cold days won't be days of colds and flu.

No matter what your situation, now is a good time to give yourself the tools you need to help prevent -- and deal with -- the flu.


These flu preventers are quite safe. And you don't have to be rich to use them.

Herbal remedies are supported by both tradition and science.


Herbalists through the centuries have kept themselves and their families and others safe from contagious diseases through knowledge of which herbs are best used for which illnesses.

And science has found good reasons for their effectiveness. I hope these tips will help you face winter's ills with confidence, and good health.

Beat the Flu

The best way to prevent the flu is to build a powerful immune system.

This is because your immune system is your body's internal army which fights against invaders, like colds and flu, illness and disease.

Nourishing herbs are the basis of great nourishment for the immune system and the entire body.


They are full of antioxidant vitamins, minerals, proteins, phytoestrogens, and hundreds of protective phytochemicals that work to help you ward off the flu and colds too.

Winter is Coming

Herbs may not seem strong enough to prevent or counter the flu, but they are.


When we use herbs to maintain and regain health, we not only take a big step toward health independence but a small step toward peace on our planet.

Instead of making war on weeds, we use them.

More Tips to Avoid the Flu

Wash your hands. Besides using herbs, this is the single best way to avoid the flu.


Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand.

Viral particles are easily passed from hands to eyes and nose even if you use a tissue.

If the flu is active in your area, avoid public places.


Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Eczema - miserable, red and itchy. What are the natural remedies ?

When your skin can’t tolerate particular substances, reactions can occur when in the presence of those substances.

The reaction can sometimes result in hives or Eczema ,which causes your skin to feel miserable, red and itchy.

The allergy can be due to foods, cosmetics, drinks, jewelry, clothes, detergents, medicines,vegetables, plants and chemicals.

Reaction can take few hours to few days in developing. In some people, reaction develops even with minute substances .

Skin allergies: Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis develops when your skin comes in contact with something you are allergic to. A reaction can cause redness, swelling, itching, burning, stinging or blisters.

Skin allergies: Hives

Hives or urticarias are temporary swellings of the skin which is caused by fluid collection in the dermis due to its leakage from blood vessels. Hives can result from food allergies, pollen, changes in temperature, infections and emotional problems.

In some people, hives recur. But, in many people it usually gets better over a period of time

Skin allergies: Eczema

Eczema, a skin disease, is a rough red rash which comes in patches. Anyone can develop eczema.

If your skin comes in contact with certain substances, eczema can occur. The substances can be vegetables, medicines, plants and metals.


Certain foods can also cause eczema. The most common foods that cause skin allergies are dairy products and eggs.

Eczema is not contagious but it can recur. With proper treatment with the correct medicinal herbs, it can be controlled.

There are effective medicinal herbs not included in this article, for hay fever, eczema and other allergies, check out my ebook “ How to Blast Your Allergies Away Forever ! “

Thursday, July 09, 2009

How to relieve Hay Fever naturally


If you're like millions of people around the country plagued with seasonal allergies, the return of summer can literally bring tears to your eyes.

Instead of being outdoors and smelling the roses, allergy sufferers have already retreated indoors to battle a war of sneezing fits, scratchy eyes, runny noses and the dreaded post-nasal drip.

The culprit, commonly known as hay fever, attacks when your body's immune system over-reacts to dust, pollens, grasses and other allergens in the air.

Traditionally, people with seasonal allergies have sought temporary relief from over-the-counter medications in the form of antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays.


But chronic sufferers have become all too aware that allergy medicines can cause annoying and sometimes even dangerous side effects.

There are other effective healing approaches such as medicinal herbs that are available, and in general, are much safer with fewer side effects.

The herbal method in treating allergies involves naturally strengthening the immune system, providing support for the adrenal glands and using the right combination of herbs.


So if you're sick and tired of your allergies, fed up with annoying side effects that can rival the allergies themselves ,check out these natural remedies and get on the road to healing.

First, let’s look at a natural approach that is based on Chinese medicine philosophy.


It’s a natural juice fasting method that is a blood purification and cleansing diet to promote a strong immune system and good digestion.

Health experts recommend a juice using raw carrots, celery and apple juice.

Magnesium-rich foods are also believed to help prevent allergies.
Lima beans, white and red beans, millet, or bananas.
You can add sprouts, green, leafy vegetables, root vegetables, and yellow fruit and vegetables to the diet and occasionally eat brown rice.

Studies show that vitamins, minerals and herbs enhance the immune system without weakening the body's defences in the long term.


Here are just a few examples :

* Vitamin C - A natural antihistamine, improves adrenal function


* Grape seed extract - An immune booster

* Magnesium - Relieves brochospasm

* Vitamin B12 - Reduces inflammatory response

* Vitamin A - An anti-inflammatory, improves immune system


There are even more effective medicinal herbs not included in this article, for hay fever, eczema and other allergies, check out my ebook “ How to Blast Your Allergies Away Forever ! “

Monday, June 22, 2009

Allergy Relief - Top 4 ways to fortify your immune system


Intruder alert! Intruder alert! Unknown attacker has breached the perimeter.

Histamines, the foot soldiers of your body's immune system, rush to the front lines, desperate to keep you safe.


They gather in your throat, tightening its muscles in order to block entry.

They gather in your eyes, trying to wash the intruder away in a flood of tears. And they gather in your sinuses, prepared to forcibly expel the attacker with a tremendous sneeze.

Your body doesn't understand that this is a false alarm. Harmless substances such as pet dander, dust, and pollen are viewed as a threat because you have an immune system disorder.


Your body is being maddeningly overprotective.

This overprotective dynamic is created because your immune system is weak and therefore feels vulnerable.

You need to strengthen your immune system to, in essence, build its confidence. Once it's confident, your immune system will be better equipped to take those allergens in stride.


The allergens will become more of an annoyance than a full-blown threat. The histamine foot soldiers will always be at the ready - - but you can take them out of red alert status.

Top 4 tips for natural ways of strengthening your immune system:

* Get plenty of vitamin C. Our bodies can't produce vitamin C on their own, and yet, we rely on this hardworking vitamin to stimulate the production of the white blood cells that are so vital in our fight against disease.


That means we have to get our vitamin C from dietary sources such as citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables.

* Exercise regularly, doing something you enjoy. You don't have to go out and run a marathon. You don't have to lift weights . Do something fun, and do it often.

* Sleep 7-9 hours per night. In today's rush-rush world, a full night of sleep is a rare and precious commodity for many people.


Allergy sufferers in particular should prioritize sleep for its rejuvenating properties. Think you're on edge if you haven't gotten enough sleep?

Imagine how that histamine foot soldier on the front line feels. Trigger happy, ready to jump at the slightest shadow.

* Drink lots of water. In addition to keeping your body lubricated, water literally flushes impurities out of your system.


That means there's less work for your immune system to do, and a relaxed immune system is a healthy immune system.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Diet and Hay fever

Diet Tips for Hay Fever

Your diet may hold the key

There is evidence that your diet may hold the key to hay fever in considerably easing the symptoms.

Diet can have a huge effect on your body’s ability to combat and deal with hay fever.

Lets take a look at some of them :

Nutrition :

To reduce allergy symptoms, eat a moderately low-fat, high-complex-carbohydrate diet.

Include a lot of the following foods in the diet:

Dark green, leafy vegetables,
Deep yellow and orange vegetables,
Nettles, bamboo shoots, cabbage, beet tops, beets, carrots, yams
Onions, garlic, ginger, cayenne, horseradish,


Carotenoids and Vitamin A Carotenoids

The substances in plants that give them the wonderful red, orange and yellow colors, can be converted in your body to Vitamin A an essential nutrient for the health of the respiratory system.


They are also found in spinach, kale, and collard greens.

* Eat plenty of carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, apricots, mangoes and green leafy vegetables.

* Eat in abundance citrus fruits , first of all lemons.
You can make a lemonade

(squeezed lemon + water + honey) and drink in the morning first.

Or you can make the following lozenge: Chop up the peels and white inner rinds of organic lemons.


Place in a pot and barely cover with water, simmer covered for ten minutes.

Sweeten the mixture to taste with honey and eat one teaspoon 3 times a day.

* Eat plenty of onion, garlic, pineapple, horseradish and local honey. Season with turmeric.


* Drink in abundance lemon, orange and pineapple juice. Increase your fluid intake to maintain the water content of the mucus membranes.


Supplements

Bioflavonoids (e.g., quercetin, catechin, and hesperidin).

Bioflavonoids are natural antihistamines and strongly anti-allergenic. Bromelain and vitamin C can enhance the action of bioflavonoids. Combination products are available.
  • Flaxseed oil.

Other tips

With hay fever, you need to reduce the tendency for the body to form histamine by boosting your diet with foods rich in calcium, magnesium and flavonoids.


Have loads of onions, cabbage, blackberries and apples, including their peel.

Large amounts of Vitamin C are useful - it's a natural anti-histamine, and quercetin [a yellow pigment found in plants] is helpful too.


Quercetin appears to reduce the release of histamine from cells and is also believed to stabilise cell membranes so they are less reactive to allergens such as pollen.


FOODS TO EAT

* Soya products (if you want to replace dairy).
* Fish: high in omega 3 fatty acids which have an anti-inflammatory effect.
* Vegetables
* Fruits
* Garlic and onion.
* Honey, maple syrup,

* brown rice syrup or barley malt as sweeteners if required.
* Beans,

* lentils and tofu.
* Herbal teas.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Natural Remedies for the common Cold and Flu

The reasons many of us get winter colds and flu are numerous. Viruses causing most respiratory infections are always mutating, and our immune systems have trouble handling these ever-changing germs.

Viruses can survive on non-porous surfaces for hours. If you turn a door handle recently touched by a sneezing, sniffling person, then lift a hand to your nose, you’ve infected yourself. some respiratory viruses, notably influenza, become airborne when someone coughs. You only need to inhale three tiny viruses to become sick.

The symptoms are usually runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough.

Influenza is not as common as colds. Two main types of influenza viruses — A and B — cause most cases of the flu. Influenza viruses spread in the air and via direct contact. Flu symptoms are usually dramatic, with sudden onset of chills, fever and muscle aches. Nasal congestion may not be as marked, but the cough can take weeks or even months to resolve.

Another thing to consider is that the flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

There are some natural herbal remedies which work against common cold and flu

Remedies for the common Cold and Flu:

Elderberry - Elderberry is a traditional herbal remedy for upper respiratory infections. It’s has been shown to reduce the severity and length of flu symptoms. The constituents in Elderberry have a specific action against flu viruses.

Echinacea: A natural remedy that is popular for boosting the immune system. Its antiviral and antioxidant properties make it popular for treating the common cold and flu.

Astragalus: A natural remedy that is widely used in China for boosting the immune system. It is traditionally used as an energy tonic but is popular for treating common colds, respiratory infections and the flu.

Goldenseal: A natural remedy with powerful anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and astringent properties. The root is used for reducing colds, flu, fevers and other respiratory problems.

Ginger: A natural remedy with powerful healing properties. It is used as a diaphoretic to fight off cold and flu. Ginger is well known for treating motion and morning sickness, migraines, nausea, arthritis, respiratory infections. Because of these features, it is popular for treating the flu.

Vitamin C: Eating food high in vitamin C or taking natural vitamin C supplement may help fight off the flu.

Vitamin D: Plays an important role for aiding the immune system to fight microorganisms. Some experts believed that the reason why people are more vulnerable to the flu during winter is because of the lack of sunlight. The shorter days equal to less sunlight which prevents the skin from producing sufficient levels of vitamin D. Taking natural vitamin D supplement during the winter time is recommended by many health experts.

Other ways to fight the flu:

Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu. Organic food such as fruit and vegetable are loaded with antioxidants, phytochemicals and many other nutrients that are designed to fight off bacteria and virus. No matter how deadly the microorganism, if you provide your body with the right nutrients, it has a very good chance of destroying it.

Drink herbal teas such as ginger and rosehip, add lemon juiceor cinnamon to give it an extra boost. These are high in antioxidants and full of antiviral properties.

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Being dehydrated can cause the mucous membranes around your eyes, mouth and nose to shrink which increases the chance of microorganisms getting through these barriers.

Your body needs about 8 hours of sleep per day. Getting enough rest will help boost your immune system.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Don't let Hay Fever get up your nose !

Hay fever is a pain in the nose!

Tired of spending a small fortune for hay fever relief ?

As anyone who has ever applied fresh aloe vera to a cut, burn or blister knows, nature's power to heal can be awesome. But while we're content to let eucalyptus and palm oil extracts do their work on our skin and hair, and embrace the health benefits of cooking with wild herbs, leaves and berries, when it comes to common ailments many of us don't even think to look to nature for help.

Because tablets or pills are available off the shelf ,we've forgotten that many of those tablets or pills began on a bush. The first hint of flu or a headache has people queueing in line for nasal sprays, syrups and pills.

But quite often, you end up with side effects that may be worse than the original symptoms !

And here are some of nature's secrets :

Packing your diet with fresh fruit and vegetables is essential . The more natural antioxidants you can get into your system the better. Vitamin C has natural antihistamine effects, so include lots of leafy greens, peppers, papaya, tomatoes and broccoli.

Foods as medicine: Increase onions and garlic for quercetin and sulfur levels.If you eat fish, now is a particularly good time to enjoy the natural anti-inflammatory properties as found in oily fish. Eat salmon as often as possible for the anti-inflammatory benefits of the Omega 3’s .

Quercetin: Stabilizes the “Mast Cells” of our immune system and prevents their cell membranes from degranulating and releasing histamine in to the system. Histamine is what makes us cough, sneeze, itch and have watery eyes.

Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and the functioning of quercetin.

Nettles Leaf: Has been shown to be extremely helpful during allergy season.

Beta Carotene plays a role in healthy mucous membranes and foods particularly rich in this include broccoli, asparagus and apricots. And remember to use lots of garlic in your cooking if it’s to your taste! It's another great immune system booster.

If there are any foods that you find you are sensitive to, try to avoid them during hayfever season to avoid placing any additional burden on your immune system. If you suffer from other environmental allergies, then it is helpful to avoid such foods

Having an alternative medicine plan in store during allergy season will save you time, medication, and misery in the long run.