Natural Allergy Remedies

What is the best natural treatment for colds ?

2009-10-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

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.

How to avoid Flu this season

2009-09-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-07-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

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 ! “

How to relieve Hay Fever naturally

2009-07-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

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 ! “

Allergy Relief - Top 4 ways to fortify your immune system

2009-06-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Diet and Hay fever

2009-06-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Natural Remedies for the common Cold and Flu

2009-05-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Don't let Hay Fever get up your nose !

2009-05-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

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.

Are you still suffering from Sinusitis ? Don't settle for living with it, get rid of it !

2008-11-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

Sinusitis simply means inflammation of the sinuses, but this gives little indication of the misery and pain this condition can cause.

Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness and tiredness, a cough that may be more severe at night, and runny nose or nasal congestion.

In addition, drainage of mucus from the sinuses down the back of the throat (postnasal drip) can cause a sore throat.

However, by eating a few foods and herbs containing certain vitamin groups, we can lessen our chances of becoming afflicted with this painful and bothersome malady.

Citrus fruits
Red berries
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Brussels sprouts
Red and green bell peppers
Cabbage
spinach

Those foods are all excellent dietary sources of vitamin C, which helps promote a healthy immune system.

The B-complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and folic acid (B9), and are essential for a healthy nervous system, processing carbohydrates for energy, and the creation of red blood cells.

Beans
Whole grain cereals
Oatmeal
Potatoes
Salmon
Bananas
Spinach

Those foods are only a few of the many food members of the vitamin B group with high levels of this group of nutrients.

Vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals are common food sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant that acts to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of energy metabolism.

Free radicals can damage cells and may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Vitamin E has also been shown to play a positive role in immune function.

A person susceptible to sinus disorders, particularly one who also is allergic, should avoid cigarette smoke and other air pollutants.

Inflammation in the nose caused by allergies predisposes a patient to a strong reaction to all irritants.

Drinking alcohol also causes the nasal-sinus membranes to swell.
Try to avoid too many dairy products when you can , as they stimulate your body to produce more mucus.

Time Tested Herbal Skin Care Tips

2008-10-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

Glowing and healthy skin is an asset, it’s about beauty and it’s also about health.

Skin care has been important since the dawn of humans. In ancient times, herbal skin care was the only way to take care of skin.

So what are the ways herbal skin care helps your skin ?

Aloe vera, which is an extract from the Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of an herbal skin care product.

Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin.

It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns. This I know this from personal experience when I had a serious sunburn.

Aloe is an amazing skin healer.

A number of herbs are known to possess cleansing properties.

Dandelion, chamomile, lime flowers and rosemary herbs, are a few examples of such cleansers.

Their herbal skin care properties are enhanced when they are combined with other herbs like tea.

Antiseptics are another important part of Herbal skin care.

Lavender, marigold, thyme and fennel are good examples of herbs that are known to possess antiseptic properties.

Lavender water and rose water also form good toners.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care.
Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation.

Oils prepared from herbal extracts present another means of herbal skin care.

Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care.

Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix).

Homeopathic treatments and aromatherapies also come under the umbrella of herbal skin care remedies.

Herbal skin care is good not only for the routine nourishing of skin but also for treatment of itchy skin and skin disorders like eczema and psorasis.

Most herbal skin care products don’t have any side effects. (one of the most important reason for preferring them over synthetic products)

Moreover, herbal skin care products can be easily made at home, hence making them even more attractive.

Try the healing power of herbal skin care, it will help keep it youthful and healthful.

And if you suffer from a skin condition, it will get you on the road to recovery.

What is Natural Skin Care ?

2008-10-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Put simply, ‘natural skin care’ is caring for your skin in a natural and chemical-free way.

Natural skin care advocates enabling the skin to take care of itself .(without any assistance from synthetic materials/ chemicals).

Natural skin care is about good habits in the way you lead your day to day life. A lot of natural skin care measures are actually the same as those for body care in general.

Taking good care of your skin will go a long way towards preventing and/or soothing common skin conditions such as itchy skin and eczema and others.

So let’s see what these natural skin care measures are.

One thing to look for are natural skin care products which are available in the commercial market.

These are gentler on the skin and they include for example lavender oil, aloe vera etc., which don’t have any side effects.

Drink a lot of water !

Water helps in flushing out the toxins from the body, in a natural way. It helps in the overall upkeep of the body and promotes good health for all organs (not just skin).

General cleanliness is another way of natural skin care.

Daily shower, wearing clean clothes and sleeping on a clean mattress/pillow are all part of general cleanliness.
After all, clean skin is the key to keeping the skin disorders at bay.

Regular exercise is the next thing on the cards.

Exercise increases the flow of blood that helps in getting rid of body toxins and keeping you healthy. Exercise also helps in beating stress which is the worst enemy of good health.

Healthy food and eating habits are also recommended for natural skin care. Your diet should be a healthy mix of various nutrient providing foods.

Raw fruits and vegetables are known to provide freshness to your body and help in getting rid of body toxins.

A good sleep is also instrumental in maintaining good health and in beating stress.

As a natural skin care measure, a good sleep delays slacking of skin.

Beating stress is another natural skin care therapy.

Stress causes overall damage to body and health.

Drinking a lot of water, getting a sound sleep and exercise has already been mentioned as stress busters.

Indulging in a warm bubble bath, listening to music and playing your favourite sport are also good ways of beating stress.

Yoga is yet another way of beating stress.

Avoiding excessive exposure to sun (by wearing long sleeved clothes, hat and umbrella etc), is another natural skin care strategy.

Sunscreen lotions are also recommended as necessary.

A lot of traditional and home made natural skin care products/ measures are also very effective.

Such measures are not only natural and easy-to-follow, but also relatively inexpensive.

5000 Year-Old Medical Secret Unearthed!

2008-10-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

When you get sick, you go to the doctor. And the doctor will, of course, prescribe medicines. You will go and buy medicines. You take them, and hopefully, you get well.

This is how the health profession goes on nowadays – a cycle of diagnosis and prescription.

If anyone were to give you herbs for medicine, you might think that person was a quack.

But nowadays, more and more studies are being conducted to verify which natural medicines are effective and which ones are less so.

Natural medicine is the use of natural methods, herbal medicines, and traditional practices to heal ailments. Every culture has a form of natural medicine. In ancient cultures, village medicine men and women served as the doctors of the community, passing on medical knowledge to the apprentices that followed them.

Many categories of the healing methods fall under natural medicine. Among these are traditional medicine, complementary medicine, and alternative medicine.

Usually, natural medicine refers to medical practices that were in place before the advent of modern medicine.

This includes herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, which is prevalent in Chinese, Ayurvedic(or Indian), and Greek medicine.

Upon the advent of modern medicine, many professionals discarded the use of herbs in favor of man-made medicine. The fact that these treatments are based on the healing properties of some herbs, and that many man-made medicines are synthetic copies of healing herbs, was forgotten.

For example, opium, digitalis, quinine, and aspirin all originally came from natural medicine.

Natural medicine can be considered as a lost art. But this does not mean that it has lost its effectiveness.

In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine

Take herbal medicine for example. There are many well-documented and studied herbal remedies available.

remedies are sometimes superior to synthetic medicine. This is because herbal medicines are less likely to cause negative side effects.

Currently there are numerous organizations that study the effects and advocacy of natural medicine – among which is herbal medicine.

Some governments and health agencies openly advocate the use of natural methods since they are inexpensive and relatively risk-free.

As their studies compile, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines.

The practice of modern medicine revolves around diagnosing an illness and prescribing treatments for such.

Natural medicine is helpful because it suggests that treatment be not necessarily given only when sick.

Natural medicine strives to make each patient practice good health habits.

These habits include

Good diet
Healthy living
the regular natural treatment

Yes, a healthy lifestyle will do no harm to our well-being. And this is the foundation of natural medicine – may it be massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy or others.

Science, in its quest for excellence, is studying the knowledge of the past.

This leads us to the remedies nature offers. The possibilities of finding remedies to everyday illnesses in natural medicine is very encouraging.

Top Skin Care Tips

2008-08-25T18:00:00.001-07:00

The skin contains many different cells and structures and it constantly changes as layers are shed and replaced by other layers.

Skin varies in thickness throughout the body and different people have different layers of thickness.

This article covers:

What is combination type of skin?

How can you make your skin healthy?

Know more about the skin layers.

This article provides top skin care tips, including tips for healthy skin, tips for facial skin problems and anti ageing tips.

Good skin care is important, as your skin has many functions within your body.

Two of the important things your skin does is it provides a protective barrier and helps with sensory perception.

Skin Anatomy

The skin contains many different cells and structures and it constantly changes as layers are shed and replaced by other layers.

Skin varies in thickness throughout the body and different people have different layers of thickness.

There are three layers of skin, the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue.

The epidermis is the outer layer of skin. The top layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) has dead skin cells which shed approximately every two weeks.

The dermis contains three types of tissue (collagen, elastic tissue and reticular fibers). The subcutaneous tissue is a layer of fat and connective tissue.

SKIN TYPES

There are four skin types. Different skin types may need different approaches to achieve healthy skin.

It is important to use the appropriate skin care tips for each skin type.

Normal skin has the proper balance between oil and moisture, so that it is not greasy or dry. It looks clear, supple and healthy. Normal skin still needs good skin care, but requires less treatment than other skin types.

Dry skin cannot retain moisture as well as normal skin. It may flake and it is prone to wrinkles and lines. Important skin care tips for dry skin include the regular use of a good moisturizer.

Oily skin has an over secretion of sebum. There is excess oil on the surface of the skin. Oily skin often develops spots and pimples. Important skin care tips for oily skin include regular and thorough cleansing.

Combination skin is a combination of both oily and dry skin. The forehead, nose and chin may be oily, and the cheeks and other areas may be dry. Each area should be given the right skin care that is needed for that skin type.

The secret power of Vitamin C, what are its benefits for Hay fever ?

2008-02-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

If you're suffering from hay fever you are probably familiar with antihistamine drugs.

The thing is that antihistamine drugs can cause drowsiness and are hard on the liver.

A liver which is already overloaded by the high histamine levels in the blood vessels. Not many know that something as simple as Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and a natural remedy to hay fever.

Chemists believe the vitamin works as follows:

During allergic attacks, such as hay fever, the vitamin-C level in the body goes down; at the same time, histamine in the blood goes up.

Histamine is the villain of allergy, for it is an irritating substance normally present in small amounts in the body but formed in large quantities whenever tissues are damaged — e.g., in the red area around a burn.

Injected under the skin, it produces a hivelike raised wheal with reddened skin around it.

If air is bubbled through a test tube, histamine and vitamin C react with each other, releasing ammonia and eliminating the irritating chemical.

As circulating blood contains dissolved oxygen, it is thought likely that the same reaction goes on in the body, and thus relieves wheezing and sneezing and other symptoms.

Vitamin C not only supports the immune system, but helps the body defend itself against the consequences of having too much histamine released. It can also help reduce the release of histamine.

Bioflavonoids are the substances that give fruits and vegetables their rich colours. They are synergistic with vitamin C, which means if you use the two together, you will get even more benefit.

The best bioflavonoid for hay fever is quercetin, which helps stabilise the cell membranes of those cells that would otherwise discharge their supply of histamine into the surrounding blood and tissue.

A natural antihistamine, it will work in the body to reduce any inflammation of the nasal passages, the bronchial airways, and the throat.

It is found naturally in red and yellow onions, shallots, squash, courgettes, and broccoli - however, sufferers cannot eat enough of these foods to get the full benefits.

Why it works:

Vitamin C has natural antihistamine properties, which can prevent inflammation of the airways, and alleviate many hay fever symptoms.
It also helps the immune system function more effectively.

How to use it:

Good food sources of vitamin C are guava, bell peppers, strawberries, kiwi, kale, cabbage and oranges.
Since the body simply sheds whatever vitamin C it doesn't need, it's difficult to get too much.

What to watch out for:

High doses of vitamin C may affect your stool.
If your bowel movements become loose or watery, back off your dosage.

Tips for Skin Allergies and Sensitive Skin Care

2007-08-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Hi ! It’s Raymond here with some information and help on caring for skin allergies and sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin care is more than just choosing the right sensitive skin care product.

Sensitive skin and skin which is prone to allergies has a low tolerance level to certain products or environmental conditions. People with skin allergies may react quickly to chemicals, heat or wind by developing red, blotchy and irritated skin. I will cover the following topics in this article:

Problems Faced by People with Skin Allergies

NATURAL METHODS

Herbal Remedies

Sensitive skin care is more than just choosing the right sensitive skin care product. To provide the best skin allergies care, you need an overall approach to providing the best possible care.

Sensitive skin has a low tolerance level to certain products or environmental conditions.

People with sensitive skin and skin allergies may react quickly to chemicals, heat or wind by developing red, blotchy and irritated skin. Different people have different levels of skin sensitivity.

Some people may react to a product, while for others it produces no effect. Similarly, some people may have a very severe allergic reaction, while others only have a mild reaction.

Problems Faced by People with Skin Allergies

People with skin allergies face many problems. The redness, irritation and blotchiness associated with sensitive skin can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

It can be annoying having to avoid everything that may cause sensitive skin to flare up. Providing the right sensitive skin care can be particularly difficult, as many skin products will have a negative effect.

Dealing with Skin Allergies

NATURAL METHODS

Natural skin care can be an effective way of treating sensitive skin and allergic skin. Natural products are less likely to trigger the reaction that other products may have on sensitive skin. Here are some of the best natural ways to treat sensitive skin.

Food Intake and Hydration

Diet can play a big part in sensitive skin break outs. A healthy diet (containing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables) will help skin look and be healthy. People with sensitive skin should pay attention to their diet and take note if any foods seem to trigger an allergic skin reaction.

Even some healthy foods may cause a reaction in some people, so do not discount these when you look at possible triggers. Hot and spicy foods are particularly likely to cause a negative effect.

People with sensitive skin should also drink lots of water, which will help keep their skin hydrated. When skin is adequately hydrated, it is healthier and better able to fight off skin irritations.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are very good for skin allergies and sensitive skin, because they are free from the harsh chemicals that can cause skin problems.

Generally, products that contain natural ingredients will be better for your skin and less likely to cause allergic skin reaction.

Try the following remedies for some special sensitive skin care.
Use almond or jojoba oil to cleanse your face.
Comfrey steeped in water can make a good toner.
Make a facial exfoliate by mixing grapefruit with oatmeal.
Make a face mask out of fruit.
Cucumber and yoghurt also makes a good face mask for sensitive skin.
Licorice is a good product for sensitive skin. Look for skin care products that contain licorice.
Aloe Vera can soothe skin that is red, irritated and blotchy. Apply directly to the skin.

Even when using natural products, people with sensitive skin need to be careful. As some sensitive skin reactions are caused by allergies, even organic products may cause an adverse reaction in someone.

Check every product on a small area of your skin first, and stop using a product if it seems to be triggering the symptoms associated with sensitive skin.

You can find all this information and more to protect you and your family in my ebook How to Blast Your Allergies Away Forever !

Good nutrition for allergies, hay fever

2006-04-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

What is Good nutrition for allergies, hay fever ?

It's hay fever season down here in Arizona now.
But I am very happy I don't have to suffer from it anymore.

Today, I want to talk about some of the good nutrition for hay fever. This is not my secret formula and you may need to take at least 3 months to get the result. But this also helps to keep your body healthy.

* Take Vitamin C and E

When your body doen't have enough Vitamin E, it is easy to get allergic reactions.

Vitamin E has power to calm some allergic reactions and
get rid of cholestorol, improve blood circulation, fix your hormonal balance, keep skin young,

You can take it from herbs or foods such as beans, nuts ( almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds).

The richest source of vitamin E is wheat germ. Other foods that contain vitamin E include liver, eggs, sunflower seeds; corn-oil margarine; mayonnaise; cold-pressed vegetable oils, including olive, corn, safflower, soybean, spinach and kale; greens (beet, collard, mustard, turnip) sweet potatoes; avocado, asparagus and yams

Vitamin C has power to get rid of your stress.
If you feel stressed out, take foods such as guava , kiwi, strawberry, orange, lemon, potatos ( but not fried potatos, French fries ) .

* Avoid to eat fast foods, instant foods,

Since instant foods and fast foods became popular and people started to eat these junk foods such as frozen pizza ( and many other frozen foods) , hamburgers, fried potatos, people have been getting allergic reactions, hay fever, eczema, itchy skin.

Because fresh foods and fresh herbs contain the best natural vitamins , it's good to eat while still fresh.

But If you are really serious to relieve your hay fever immediately, I recommend to use my secret formula.

How to blast your allergies away forever !

2006-03-04T01:02:00.000-08:00

Eczema, Itchy Skin

Characterised by extremely dry, inflamed and itchy skin, eczema is a very common problem that affects one in ten of us.

When eczema ( itchy skin) develops early in life, it is mainly referred to as atopic and usually runs in families with a history of allergies such as hayfever and asthma.

Certain household allergens such as dust, house-mites and animal danders seem to provoke flare-ups. Outbreaks of eczema can also be triggered by viral infections and stress.

Eczema (itchy skin) usually appears on the inner arms, especially elbows, backs of knees and wrists but in severe cases may affect the whole body.

Sometimes tiny itchy blisters appear and the skin can be weepy. Scratching itchy skin can allow germs to pass into the skin which leads to infection.

Eczema also occurs when the skin reacts to certain irritants such as nickel in jewellery, perfumes and plastics. This may also be referred to as contact dermatitis. Long-term use of hydro-cortisone creams makes the skin thinner and more easily damaged.

Here are some better natural alternatives :

Try applying a compress, made with an infusion of chamomile, to itchy skin and inflamed areas. Apply some aloe vera gel to the skin .

• The omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are particularly helpful for eczema sufferers. As well as moisturising skin from within, they also reduce inflammation. It is well worth supplementing your diet with a combination of cod liver oil and borage oil capsules. Zinc, vitamin C and B6 are also important nutrients for promoting skin healing.

• As stress aggravates eczema, finding a way to stay calm and composed helps keep flare-ups at bay. Be sure your diet is rich in anti-stress B vitamins.

• Chinese herbal medicine is often successful at treating skin problems such as eczema. Treatment is specially tailored to each individual.

• Reduce exposure to dust and house-mites as well as any known allergens. Investing in anti-dust-mite bedding often reduces eczema flare-ups.
Wear pure cotton, silk and soft natural fibres next to your skin – avoid prickly wool.

Food allergies can also trigger and exacerbate eczema.

The above remedies take a lot of patience and time.

There is a much faster and effective natural remedy for eczema ( itchy skin ) which is detailed in my book, How to Blast Your Allergies Away Forever !

2006-03-02T23:27:00.000-08:00

Beneficial Foods and Nutritional Supplements for
hay fever

By Raymond Entwistle

Hayfever sufferers should try to include more of the following foods in their everyday diet: Beta carotene rich foods, such as the red, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, are also rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C.

Hayfever sufferers require greater amounts of these nutrients.

Try to find good quality food, organic if possible - the vitamin levels will be higher and it will be free of synthetic pesticide residues.

Dark green foods are also helpful as they help to eliminate excess toxins in the body. They also contain large amounts of beta carotene.

Choose dark green leafy salads like watercress ; vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, freshly picked nettles, green beans and kale.

Seaweeds are also beneficial due to their high mineral content. Supplement your diet with spirulina, blue green algae, wheatgrass, or chlorella as well as including these foods in your diet.Sprouted seeds and bean sprouts are also very beneficial.
Add to salads and soups.

Garlic helps to reduce excess catarrh, eat two raw cloves a day (have on toast or stir into food at the end of cooking) or take a garlic supplement.

Oats feed and nourish the nervous system and contain significant quantities of B vitamins and minerals.

P.S. These supplements are good for many kinds of illness and they will keep your body healthy. However it will take a while and you have to be very patient.
If you want immideate relief from your hay fever , you can find out my amazing secret all natural remedies information in my book " How to blast your allergies away forever !"

2006-03-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

The Seasons for Hay Fever

By Raymond Entwistle

Trees, grasses and weeds have windborne pollen.
According to sensitivity, the "hay fever season" for a particular individual occurs when the plants that affect him or her pollinate.

Thus, in general, those sensitive to tree pollens (such as elm, maple, birch, poplar and others) suffer in the early spring.

Late spring and early summer is the time for the grasses , which affect nearly half of all hay fever sufferers. Weeds, such as ragweed, flourish and pollinate from mid-August to mid-fall.

Of people with hay fever, 75 per cent are sensitive to ragweed.

But an individual may react to one or more pollens in more than one of these groups, so that his own "season" may be from early spring to the first frost.

For that matter, a person sensitive to dust, to dog dander, or to some other airborne material from which he cannot easily escape may suffer all year round.

Mold and fungus spores (seeds), also airborne substances during the summer months, cause reactions in many people.

Frequently found around hay, straw and dead leaves, their growth is encouraged by humid weather and places with poor ventilation -- damp basements, for instance.

2006-03-02T23:18:00.000-08:00

How Hay Fever Occurs ?

Hay fever is caused by windborne substances like pollen and ragweed. The allergy is caused by an over reaction to these substances. Usually, the body sends out antibodies to fight off the offending invaders and the amount of antibodies sent is usually proportional to the amount of damage.

But if you have an allergy, the body sends out too many antibodies, which then attack the allergen and the body’s own tissue, causing the usual hay fever symptoms of runny nose, itchy eyes, sinus pressure.

In order to alleviate this problem it is best to avoid whatever is causing your allergy. Of course, this is not always possible.

The usual medications that are recommended only work for a short time. They only alleviate the symptoms, they don’t go to the core of the problem. Allergy shots are the same. They may work for one allergy season, but not for the next.

Natural remedies are much safer, and often go to the root of the problem, fixing the underlying cause of the body’s over reaction in the first place.

There are several herbs that help with hay fever.

Nettles has been a longtime favorite. It contains many vitamins and minerals that help the body overcome the allergy.

Leeks and green onions are also excellent. You can make leeks and green onion soup. This will go a long way toward helping alleviate your symptoms.

Cayenne pepper. This herb is very hot, and if you can tolerate it, is excellent for almost any allergy or illness. It contains many vitamins and minerals which are circulated throughout the blood stream.

One of the best ways to cool off after taking cayenne, is to drink a glass of cold milk.

Elder flowers is another herb that’s very helpful.

How to blast your allergies away forever !

2006-01-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

All the allergy cure didnt work for me !

I had been suffering for years from hay fever.

I had tried all the different over the counter medications.

None of them worked for me.

They all have side effects, some of them serious.

Most of them made me feel worse than the condition itself.
What was my experience ?
You know the feeling, your hay fever is acting up, so you take one of the common medications.
Next thing you know, you’re sleeping for like 24 hours, and when you wake up, you feel like you’ve been hit by a mack truck.

You’re still groggy.

Or, you take a medication that says it doesn’t cause drowsiness, and what do you get ?

Your heart starts racing.

What’s wrong with this picture ?

What about all the different allergy treatments ?

They are all too expensive.

They take too long, and often require complicated procedures.

You can get allergy shots. But they only work for one allergy season.

And who really wants to get shots, anyway ?

So I started looking into natural remedies.

I went to the library and researched herbal remedies.

After trying some, I started getting better results, but most of them were too slow.

And all the herbs that they said were for hay fever and allergies, didn’t work for me.

I got some pretty good results with a Chinese herbs formula ,but not quite strong enough.

I was still suffering with hay fever.

I was taking another herb that I had read about that seemed promising, but it also didn’t help with my hay fever.

But it did have one excellent side benefit.

It got rid of an annoying skin itch caused by the dry air of the Southwest, that had been plaguing me ever since I moved there.

So I continued taking it.

Then one day, I took that same herb, and completely by accident, I happened to take another herb I had read about soon after.

Within twenty minutes, my hay fever was gone !

It has never come back.

The funny thing is, if I take only one herb without the other, they don’t work.

If you took only one or the other of either of these herbs, you would never know either one of them is even remotely good for allergies and hay fever.

But taken together, what a powerhouse !!

Absolutely unbelievable !

Don’t waste your precious time and money on expensive medications !

Natural remedies hold the answers.

You just have to be patient, and find them.

Allergy Natural remedy

2005-12-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

Tips for natural allergy cures

Allergies are the immune system's exaggerated response to a foreign substance. Exposure to what is normally a harmless substance, such as pollen, causes the immune system to react as if the substance is harmful. Substances that cause allergies are called allergens.

Obtaining natural allergy cures by taking herbs and vitamins are the best route to take without incurring side effects

Environmental elements such as dust, pollen, and mold seep into your sinuses. Your body perceives these substances as harmful and reacts by producing histamines.

One of the most common sinus allergy afflictions is due to hay fever and ragweed. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to your environment

Hay fever is a chronic condition characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, runny and itching nose, ears and eyes.

Doctors call it allergic rhinitis. Most people know it as hay fever and if you've got it - - as 22 million Americans do - - you're likely to be plagued during the spring and fall seasons by such annoying symptoms as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy throat and red, watery eyes.
Hay fever is basically an allergic reaction to pollens from trees, weed and grasses.
Unlike garden flower pollen, which is carried by insects, the dry lightweight pollens which cause allergic rhinitis are generally spread by wind currents which make them difficult to avoid.

Signs and Symptoms of Hay Fever :

Itchy, red eyes
Clear discharge from the nose and eyes
Sneezing
Fatigue
Nervousness, irritability
Sleep loss

Nutritional Supplementation allergy cures:

Quercetin stabilizes the membranes of the cells that release histamine.

Echinacea is a natural health remedy to boost the immune system
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. Take daily, or as needed for symptoms.
Placing sliced cucumbers on the eyes will help relieve red, itchy eyes.
Nettle leaf reduces tissue swelling.
A steam inhalation treatment of basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, or pine can help ease congestion.
Tiger Balm (available in most stores) contains a blend of beneficial herbs in a wax base. Apply liberally to the chest and neck to help alleviate nasal congestion.

General Recommendations:

Stay indoors as much as possible during the "allergy season." Keep windows shut and use the air-conditioner when possible. Especially avoid going outdoors in the afternoon, as this is when allergens are at their worst.
Avoid tobacco smoke.
Shower and change when you come indoors after spending time outside. Pollen can stick to your hair and clothing.
Keep pets either inside or outside.
Try using an air purifier and filter in your home. Make sure and keep the filters to your heater/air conditioner clean (or replace them regularly).
A study at the University of California-Davis found that eating yogurt every day significantly reduced the incidence of hay fever attacks.

May these allergy cures and health insights help you to live a longer, healthy and happy life.