Herbal Allergy Relief

Allergy is one of the common conditions that affect a great number of people these days. From any parts of the world, many people are afflicted by some forms of allergies, either minor or serious allergies. So to battle this worse condition, the herbal industry designed some forms of herbal allergy relief including some helpful formulas that will aid the peoples’ immune system to fight with the onset of allergy.

Notably, due to the massive causes of allergy that afflicted mankind, there are now hundreds of herbal allergy reliefs distributed in the market. Some of those come in the form of herbal supplements and some even come in the form of herb itself. Aside from that many people even formulated their own herbal allergy relief in their homes and so many people even self-medicate themselves with either self-prepared or bought herbal allergy relief.

In this article, I will mainly present two of the most trusted and widely visited sites on the web that offer some herbal allergy relief in the form of supplements, including herbal allergy relief formulas.

One of the great portals on the web that provide herbal allergy relief supplements and formulas is HerbalFitness.com. This site has recently provides their seasonal allergy and hay fever relief. It is maintained that the herbs contained in this certain formula are renowned to reinforce the body’s immune responses. Aside from that, this hay fever and herbal allergy relief is proven to soothe the over reaction of the immune system. Besides, it also soothes and lubricates the tissues in the lungs, dilates and bronchial tubes, and it is high in calcium. Calcium is included in this herbal allergy relief formula since calcium helps to fight allergies that are associated with calcium deficiency. So by taking this hay fever and herbal allergy relief, the red itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and some other symptoms of allergies will be relieved. However, one should know that taking more than the suggested dosage for this herbal allergy relief may lead to heart attack, stroke, seizure and even death. So, one should be wary about that.

The other remarkable home of herbal allergy relief is Viable-Herbal.com, which recently provides their botanical formulation that is intended for the symptomatic relief of hay fever and other forms of allergies. In particular, this herbal allergy relief formulation is greatly intended for those forms of allergies that surface as acute inflammation of the nasal, ocular, upper respiratory and throat membranes, which are often accompanied with sneezing, prolific watery secretion, and profuse flow of mucous.

All of the mentioned samples of herbal allergy relief are offered with some combinations of many herbs that are all proven to provide a great relief to those who are affected with allergy. And virtually, most the herbs contained in those formulations are demonstrated to aid distress caused by cough, infection, and inflammation.

Antioxidants

What are antioxidants? How antioxidants work? How much is enough? Questions like these are just so common for those who are experts in this field of study. The answer to those questions greatly varies for there is greatly vast information about antioxidants. To know some of those, read on.

Antioxidants are particularly nutrients that are located in the human body and in plants, like the fruits and vegetables. These nutrients are vital in the proper functioning of our body and so they help in maintaining health by slowing the destructive aging of cellular molecules. The antioxidants then act as cell protectors.

As the cells function normally in the body, they absolutely produce damaged molecules which are called free radicals. These free radicals are largely wobbly and steal components from the other cellular molecules like fat, protein, or DNA, which caused the spreading of the damage.

Since these damages will largely cause some other damages on the system, the antioxidants help prevent the widespread of the cellular destruction by means of willingly giving components to stabilize free radicals. Essentially, the antioxidants return to the surface level of the cell to steady rather than to cause some damages on the other cellular components. However, if those free radicals are left unchecked, they can cause heart damage, cancer, cataracts, and a weak immune system.

In addition, the antioxidants are important in improving the immune responses and vaccine recognition in dogs and cats. Many experts have considered that such may be especially serious for young animals that are being vaccinated while their immune system is still improving. And aside from that, antioxidants are significant that they can reverse the reduction in immune-cell function for the senior dogs and cats. It is then noted that a mix of many antioxidants in average amounts may be more likely to be effective than high levels of one antioxidant.

The antioxidants, as nutrients that are found in the body and in plants, come in different types. These include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and particular compounds that are known as carotenoids like the lutein and beta-carotene.

These nutrients are much beneficial in preventing heart disease for it prevents the spreading of the free radicals. In particular, vitamin E which is a common kind of antioxidants may protect against cardiovascular diseases by means of defending against the LDL oxidation and the artery-clogging plague development. Numerous studies also considered antioxidants to be helpful in lowering the risk of cancer. It is noted that the vitamin C intake will lower the rates of cancer, specifically the cancer of the mouth, larynx and esophagus.

The good sources for antioxidants are composed largely of fruits and vegetables. The highest concentration is said to be found in the most deeply and brightly pigmented vegetables and fruits like the spinach, carrots, red bells, and tomatoes.

However, even though antioxidants are considered a vital component for good health, still no one knows if the nutrients should be taken and how much is enough. Also, there is a very little information about the long term consequences of mega-doses antioxidants. Taking the chemicals without the aid of the experts or without the absolute comprehension of their effects may just damage such balance.

Flavonoids

You’ve probably heard of antioxidants before. Antioxidants act as cell protectors. The air we breathe contains Oxygen which is an essential element of life. However, Oxygen can also be damaging to our body. It creates by-products, called free radicals, which can be damaging during normal cellular metabolism. If left unchecked, free radicals may cause anything from heart damage, cataracts, and even cancer because they can weaken our body’s immune system. To counteract these free radicals before they can do damage to the cell, antioxidants bind with them.

Antioxidants come in several forms – Vitamin C, Vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids. Next to Vitamin C, flavonoids are the most important antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. But what exactly are flavonoids?

Flavonoids: An Introduction

In organic chemistry, flavonoids are described as polyphenolic compounds possessing 15 carbon atoms; two benzene rings joined by linear three carbon chain. So flavonoids are carbon-based elements. That means they’re organic. No wonder flavonoids constitute one of the most characteristic classes of compound sin higher plants. You can easily recognize many flavonoids as flower pigments in most angiosperm families or flowering plants. However, flavonoids do not only occur in flowers, but in all parts of the plant, namely, the fruit, stem, seeds, leaves, and even roots.

How are Flavonoids Good for You?

More and more researchers are beginning to probe into the once-hidden depths of foods and they’re discovering that vitamins and minerals aren’t all there is to it. Flavonoids, they discovered, or bioflavonoids as some like to refer to them, are perhaps one of the largest group of “other” nutrients Researchers have identified more than 4,000 of these organic substances in plants.

Like carotenes, flavonoids are plant pigments. They are the substances that give plants their various colors. And like carotenes, many flavonoids are antioxidants and they help protect plants from damaging free radicals. One distinct difference is that flavonoids are water soluble while carotenes are oil soluble.

Flavonoids and the French Paradox

If you still haven’t figured out how flavonoids can do for your health, then take the “French Paradox” as a clue. The paradox of the French is that they eat almost four times more butter and three times more lard than Americans do. This means that compared to Americans, the French have higher cholesterol levels and blood pressures. Yet, the French are 2.5 times less likely to die of coronary heart disease than the average American. Now why is that?

Many people have suggested that the answer lies in the French liberal consumption of red wine, a substance rich in beneficial antioxidants such as flavonoids that protect against coronary heart disease and apparently lowers down cholesterol levels. In addition, flavonoids in French red wine can also prevent abnormal blood clots, thus reducing the risk of heart angina or atherosclerosis. In fact, at least eight medical studies have found that a glass or two of wine daily protects against heart disease.

Flavonoids for Long Life

Ever wonder why Asians have apparently longer lifespan than Westerns? Most attribute it to the Asian’s propensity to drink tea. The Chinese especially are fond of herbal teas, such as the common green tea and black tea. Apparently, these two teas contains about 25-30 per cent flavonoids, including quercetin and gallic esters. Like those in grapes and other fruits and vegetables, they also protect against heart disease.

Herbal Pillows

The concept of herbal pillows existed since the olden days as the fragrance of herbs was captured in pillows and sweet bags for the purpose of purifying and scenting the home. For many ages, herbal pillows are known as the best aids for good health, as dream makers, beauty treatments, and as just about anything that you can think of.

Herbal pillows were renowned by European mothers who are concerned to entice their babies into a restful sleep, and by those who are looking for some relief from the onset of depression and headache, and by those loners who longed to find true love. The aromatic herbs were then sewn into pillows and placed at the head of the bed or even between the linens. Their smell would then be carried from where there is an open doorway or windows where they were usually hung.

In the medieval era, herbal pillows as well as some sachets were basically more than fanciful decorations. They are considered as somewhat a necessity that herbal pillows are developed to prevent the consequences brought by the poor sanitary conditions of that time.

Herbal pillows are greatly prepared by the lady of the house. There were times that they designed small pillows of fragrant herbs to scent their linen and fine article of clothing. They even placed it near their heads upon sleeping to protect from nightmares and assure a good night sleep. But today, herbal pillows are just but neglected as sleeping aids.

There are so many effective herbs to use in pillows. One of those is agrimony. This is in fact a well known herb since it was though to be soporific or sleep inducing. The dew collected from the leaves of the mantle (alchemilla vulgarus) is also known as one of the great sleeping aids, and so it was administered by means of sprinkling on the bed linens.

Essentially, herbal pillows are designed by means of sewing the dried herbs into a square of bag or cloth. However, it should be sewed with a fixative since without it, their fragrance is short lived. Fixatives in the herbal pillows are essential for preserving and enhancing the fragrant combination of herbs that is applied in making potpourri, which is the base stuff for designing herbal pillows.

And speaking of fixatives used for herbal pillows, the orris root and benzoin are among the suitable plant fixatives that are widely available anywhere in the world. In particular, the orris root is derived by means of sun-drying as well as by peeling the fresh root of an herb known as Iris florentina. Once the root is dried, it is then stored for two years to produce a delectable violet scent.

Herbal flu remedies

Herbal flu remedies can be used to prevent flu or if you have it, heal the condition. These herbal flu remedies are natural antibiotic herbs that do not destroy microorganism unlike the prescription drugs. These herbs are not harmful to the immune system too which is a possible side effect of prescription drugs. And they promote healthier bodies.

Among the herbal flu remedies are:

Echinacea:

This is one of the herbal flu remedies that increase levels of properdin, which activates part of the immune system increasing defense against virus attacks.

Garlic:

Is another of the herbal flu remedies that also boosts the immune system and fight virus attacks.

Ginger:

Is another herbal flu remedies that has antiviral compounds to fight flu.

Vitamin C:

Is one of the herbal flu remedies that provides relief for the flu symptoms and fights body infection. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits.

Goldenseal:

Is another one of the herbal flu remedies that has both antiseptic and immune stimulating properties. It also increases blood supply to the spleen. Berberine is one of its key ingredients that activate macrophages or special white blood cells which destroys bacteria, fungi, viruses and tumor cells.

Licorice:

Is one of the herbal flu remedies that contains anti-viral compounds that encourages the release of the bodies own anti-viral components known as interferon.

Sage:

Is another of the herbal flu remedies that soothe sore throats and has antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties.

Peppermints:

Is a herbal flu remedies that induce sweating and cool the body. It also contains painkiller properties for headaches and migraines.

Lemon balm:

Is one effective herbal flu remedies. It promotes sweating and expels toxins in the body.

Blackberry:

Contains vitamin C and used as a cleansing tea.

Borage:

Has expectorant properties and it induces sweating.

Catnip or catmint:

Encourages sweating and a hot infusion using catnip mixed with hot water is one of the effective herbal flu remedies.

Fenugreek:

Is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and has expectorant qualities and heals flu.

Juniper:

Helps relieves the accompanying congestion in colds, flu and coughs. Put a few drops of oil to hot water and inhale the steam by placing your face over the bowl then cover with towel.

Lemons:

Are rich vitamin C sources which are good herbal flu remedies.

Yarrow:

Contains anti-inflammatory components and it induces perspiration. It is often referred to by herbalists as one of the important herbal flu remedies. It is often combined with elderflower and peppermint for maximum effect. You can also infuse yarrow with chamomile and add it to warm bath.

Iodine

You are probably familiar with iodine from the periodic table and chemistry class. Iodine is a chemical element bearing the symbol “I” and the atomic number 53. It is a solid, insoluble that is required as a trace element for living organisms. Iodine is bluish-black in color. It is a lustrous solid that, when volatized, turns into a blue-violet gas with an irritating odor. It probably got its name from the Greek “iodes” which means “violet.”

Iodine was discovered by Courtois in 1811. He found that this halogen occurs sparingly in the form of iodides in sea water. The iodides are then assimilated by seaweeds, Chilean saltpeter, nitrate-bearing earth (known as caliche), brines from old sea deposits, and in brackish waters from oil and salt wells. Iodine may also be produced through a reaction between potassium iodide and copper sulfate.

Health Benefits

Vital for good thyroid function, iodine is the element used to treat goiter. It helps maintain and regulate the vital functions of the thyroid gland, thus making it a key element in maintaining health. Deficiency of iodine during pregnancy and early infancy can result in an irreversible mental retardation and severe motor impairment called cretinism.

Low or high iodine intake in adults can cause hypothyroidism. This condition manifests itself slowly and that’s why only very few people are aware of it until too late. Hypothyroidism is characterized by low energy levels, dry or scaly, yellowish skin, tingling and numbness in extremities, weight gain, forgetfulness, personality changes, depression, anaemia, and prolonged and heavy periods in women. As a result of this condition, the thyroid gland may swell resulting in goiter. In addition, hypothyroidism may cause carpal tunnel syndrome and Raynaud’s phenomenon, both of which are severe nerve disorders. Cholesterol and homocysteine levels are also said to increase due to hypothyroidism. In cases of high cholesterol levels, about 10 percent were said to have hypothyroidism. When the condition was corrected, 30% dropped their cholesterol levels and thus implicating how this condition can affect cholesterol levels in humans.

Iodine is notorious for having a relatively narrow range of intakes in order to reliably support good thyroid function. Too little iodine results in hypothyroidism which brings with it a whole array of other diseases. However, it is important to know that too much iodine intake is bad as well. In fact, over consumption of iodine may result in complex disruptive effects on the thyroid. It may cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in susceptible individuals, and even increase the risk of getting thyroid cancer.

Hyperthyroidism often occurs particularly in elderly people, due to long-term slight iodine deficiency, resulting in additional nodules on the thyroid. This condition is characterized by an enlarged thyroid (goiter), heart rate irregularities, tremor, sweating, palpitations, nervousness, and increased activity and eye abnormalities.

Special Tips

When speaking about the correct intake amount of iodine, 20 micrograms or less a day is considered severe deficiency. A moderate deficiency is 20-50 micrograms per day while 50-100 micrograms a day is considered only mild deficiency. The recommended dosage for iodine is about 150 micrograms per day.

If you’re using seaweeds as your source of iodine, make sure that you use those reported to have a fairly consistent iodine content. These are kelp (kombu) and hijiki. However, do not take kelp excessively in an effort to lose weight by overstimulating the thyroid. This is a dangerous practice.

Herbal body care

Total body care is a necessary regimen. It isn’t enough to take care of the face; the rest of the skin deserves some pampering too. There are a number of herbs which you can use for herbal body care. The body is composed largely of the skin organ. In order to take care of the boy, you need to take care of the skin. The herbal body care applied will essentially provide protection for the skin too.

Herbal body care for dry skin includes using body lotions, scrubs and bath oils. Refrain from using soap since it could dry your skin even more. For dry skin itches, add quarter-cup vinegar to bath. The herbs that could promote oil production and herbal body care in dry skin are: chamomile, fennel, rose, geranium, lavender, palmarosa, sandalwood and small amounts peppermint and rosemary. Frankincense, jasmine, neroli and rose although expensive are also beneficial.

Herbal body care for oily skin involves using herb that normalize overactive oil glands which include herbs such as sage, lemongrass, basil, eucalyptus, cedarwood, cypress, lemon, yarrow and ylang-ylang. Bathing could also help oily skin if used with Aromatic Bath Salts or Aromatic Batch Vinegar. Avoid high heat in saunas since it encourages skin to become oilier. Bath salts make bath water feel silky, remove body oils, perspiration and soften the skin.

Herbal body care for sun-damaged skin involves PABA (part of the B-complex vitamins) and cinoxate (cinanamic acid from cinnamon). These two herbal body cares are commonly used ingredients in sunscreens. Sesame oil is also believed to decrease the impact of the sun’s burning rays by 30 per cent. Olive, coconut, peanut oils and aloe vera are herbal body cares that block out 20 per cent of the rays. Using three to six percent dilution of extract of helichrysum also called immortelle is also an effective herbal body care that serves as sunscreen. Carrot-seed essential oil is very helpful to sun-damaged skin and is used to treat pre-cancerous conditions. The beta-carotene found in this oil is also effective herbal body care used in protecting against skin cancer induced by ultraviolet rays. The South American herb pau d’arco is also an effective herbal body care that is an antioxidant that helps treat skin cancer.

Do not use bergamot if you go out into the sun. This herb contains phototoxic compound called bergaptene which skin’s sensitivity to light and can cause skin discoloration or rashes.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a chemical substance contained in many dietary supplements. Found naturally in the body, it is nevertheless often is distributed by many pharmacological centers as a salt, including Glucosamine HCI, Glucosamine sulfate potassium, and Glucosamine sulfate sodium. Glucosamine is the main substance responsible for the stimulation, formation, and repair of ariticular cartilage. For this reason, the substance is marketed as a nutritional supplement used to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine and Arthritis

Numerous double-blind studies were conducted on the uses of Glucosamine. Using placebo as the controlling factor, scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine have found that Glucosamine sulfate exhibits positive effects on the rehabilitation of cartilage and reduction of the progression of osteoarthritis. Also, it was discovered that not only can it retard the development of arthritis but that it could also significantly lessen the pain that comes with the ailment.

According to documentations made on several studies, Glucosamine is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. About 26% of the amount of this substance we take in is absorbed by the body and incorporated into plasma proteins. Some prospective studies show that the substance exhibits properties that are equal to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory properties, making it a safe intramuscular anti-inflammatory supplemental treatment in osteoarthritis of the knee.

Other Studies

Glucosamine works primarily to stimulate joint function and repair. It is most effective in battling osteoarthritis. However, other studies have shown that Glucosamine may also be used to treat symptoms of other ailments as well. A 1982 open trial study conducted in Portugal provided good information on how the substance can affect obese patients. 252 doctors used 1,506 patients and gave them 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate three times a day. After 50 days, the results showed that 95% of the patients benefited from the supplement. The pain they experienced whether they were resting, standing, or exercising were significantly reduced.

What you need to know before you buy:

Before going off to the nearest drugstore and buying yourself a glucosamine supplement, you need to be armed first with the appropriate information to prevent any mistakes. When your pain relief and health is at stake, you need to learn how to choose between competing products and see beyond the marketing hype. During the decision process, there are five factors that you need to consider. These include the amount of glucosamine per daily dose, quality of ingredients, delivery system, synergistic ingredients, and price per day.

One of the most important of these factors is the system of delivery. From 1999 to 2001, a lot of the major companies supplied the market with glucosamine in pill or capsule form. It should be noted however that vitamins and supplements are absorbed better if they are in liquid form. Plus, liquid glucosamine are much more effective as a liquid than as a solid. In vitamin supplementation, absorption is a must. You simply cannot take in as many glucosamine as you want without absorbing them. That just defeats the whole purpose of providing relief for your pain.

Quality is also another issue. It is a well-known fact that the higher the quality of a product, the better its effects is going to be. The same goes for glucosamine. Many companies use medium grade glucosamine so be careful in choosing your product. If you want the fastest, fullest healing and relief, look for the highest quality supplement.

Herbal heat packs

Herbal heat packs are used for back pain, neck pain, eye strain and to give other forms of relaxation. Commercial herbal packs could cost some money anywhere between $18 and 35 per herbal pack. Herbal heat packs use all kinds of fillers where certain amounts of herbs are added. Fillers for herbal heat packs could be wheat or rice, husks of grains, buckwheat husks, cattails seeds, lavender and other herbs. The beauty of the commercial herbal heat packs is that they are reusable and can be reheated a number of times of times without losing their effectiveness. These herbal heat packs are safe to use. And the ingredients of these commercial herbal packs are entirely organic. On the other hand, making your own herbal heat packs especially if you have your own botanical can be another alternative. All you need to do is assemble different herbs freshly picked from your garden. You can discard them and change them once the effect has lessened.

Herbal heat packs are particularly effective when relaxing. To heat herbal pack, place the pack in the microwave oven for as little time as possible, usually less as a minute depending on the size of the pack. Herbs will lose their effectiveness if heated for a long time especially the mints. If the smell of mint has dissipated, you don’t need to make new herbal heat packs, just dab on essential oils in the pack. The same herbal heat pack can be put in the freezer and used as a cold herbal pack to treat inflammation. You can use the herb catnip as effective herbal heat packs or pillows for relaxation and to relieve congestion. Just hang the plants up to dry, put them into an old pillowslip and use them as a pillow to aid sleep. You can use other herbs for your herbal pillows. Lavender, hops or chamomile are good alternatives. You can use mints herbal pillows to relieve congestion.

Herbal heat packs usually contain the following ingredients:

For the base content: rice and lavender, buckwheat husks, popping corn, other grains, peas or beans and cherry pits.

For the herbal content: lavender which is for relaxation, catnip as sleep aid, peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus for congestion, garlic for severe congestion, yucca to treat inflammation and other herbal ingredients.

Herbal heat packs are used to treat and are effective for the following symptoms:

- General muscle fatigue
- Sciatic nerve
- Back pain
- Arthritic and rheumatic pain
- Tight, still muscles
- Sinus headaches, backaches, joint discomfort or inflammation
- Warming muscle before exercising
- Muscle spasms in neck or upper back
- Ease pain of migraines and TMJ problems

Herbal Skin Care Products

Herbal skin care products is what most of the skin-conscious people often look for. With the rapid increase in the number of people who embrace the herbal skin care products as the latest and at the same time the oldest fever in skin care, the herbal skin care products as plant derivatives are now found everywhere.

Due to the great benefits of herbs, most of the highly acclaimed manufacturers of skin care products have currently added herbs to their skin care lines, which greatly vary from cleansers to moisturizers and the whole lot in between. And still those who have not yet tried them may definitely be conscious about the level of safety and effectiveness of the herbal skin care products.

Historically, the application of herbal skin care products dates back to time immemorial. It is noted that as far back as 3000 BC, most of the Egyptians were administering herbs such as roses and fenugreek for the purpose of preventing wrinkles. In the place of the Greeks, some cosmetics containing mint were then favored by them from the period of the first Olympic Games. And virtually every ancient culture in fact has recorded the application of natural herbs for a beautiful and healthy-looking complexion.

For much interest, the modern science has evaluated and verified the healing, cleansing, and protective properties of some known herbs. Some of the studies in fact found out some valuable constituents in numerous herbs which greatly give them the potential for becoming one of the best herbal skin care products. For example, the herb known as rose geranium contains chemicals which make it a tested and proven antimicrobial herbal skin care product, making the plant effective for treating acne and other skin infections.

Unluckily, most of the claims on many herbal skin care products are still studied by the scientific community. And until now, due to the limited funds and time consuming process of examining the complicated herb specimens, trial and error is still the result. However, the trial and error lend some help to herbal skin care products. For instance, chamomile has been acclaimed for its soothing qualities since the Middle Ages and roses have been cherished for centuries for their skin benefits and also for their enchanting fragrance.

Today, there are a growing number of consumers who buy and even make some herbal skin care products and along with that, there have been many cosmetics containing herbs that are bought off store shelves at affordable rates as well some helpful books or guides on how to create homemade herbal skin care goods.

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