Bronchial AsthmaInformation on Bronchial Asthma

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Bronchial AsthmaInformation on Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is caused from the afflictions of the stomach and the gastro-intestinal tract. That is why in the preliminary stage of the disease or just before its onset, the patient complains of indigestion, constipation, or diarrhoea. The attack of asthma may come without warning because of the hypersensitivity of the patient to certain substances like pollen, dust, emanations from certain animals like dogs and cats, certain foods to which the person is allergic and, of course, certain bacteria.

Most people with asthma have wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Some patients have long-term shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Still, in others, a cough may be the main symptom. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted.. Asthma symptoms can also be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, stress, food, or drug allergies. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) provoke asthma in some patients.

Asthma is a disease of the airways of the lungs which is characterized by increased sensitivity of the airways to a variety of triggers. It is generally an episodic disease, i.e., acute attacks followed by symptom free periods. Though most attacks are generally short lived, sometimes serious conditions occur in which severe Asthma is unrelieved for many hours or even days, like in status asthmatics.

Most people with asthma have wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Some patients have long-term shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Still, in others, a cough may be the main symptom. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted.

Allergies are strongly linked to bronchial asthma and to other respiratory diseases such as chronic sinusitis, middle ear infections, and nasal polyps. Most interestingly, a recent analysis of people with asthma showed that those who had both allergies and asthma were much more likely to have nighttime awakening due to asthma, miss work because of asthma, and require more powerful medications to control their symptoms.

Acupuncture doesn't deal with asthma as an allergic manifestation. Rather, it deals with it as a disease. Thus, asthma is curable under acupuncture. It is said allergens also aggravate the problem. So asthma is caused by exogenous factors, an improper diet, and emotional injury or overstrains which strain the interior phlegm, causing it to rise and obstruct the bronchi.

Bronchial asthma is a disease of the lungs in which an obstructive ventilation disturbance of the respiratory passages evokes a feeling of shortness of breath. The cause is a sharply elevated resistance to airflow in the airways. Despite its most strenuous efforts, the respiratory musculature is unable to provide sufficient gas exchange. The result is a characteristic asthma attacks, with spasms of the bronchial musculature, edematous swelling of the bronchial wall and increased mucus secretion. In the initial stage, the patient can be totally symptom-free for long periods of time in the intervals between the attacks.

Bronchial asthma originates from affliction of the stomach and the gastro intestinal track. So before the onset of the disease patient complaint of indigestion, constipation on diarrhoea.The attack of asthma can be sudden due to sensitivity of the patient to certain substances like pollen, dust, perfume and certain allergic foods. Asthma causes difficulty in breathing, sense of tightness, constriction around the chest, whistling sound while breathing and difficulty in inspiration and expiration.

Brief Insights on the Effectiveness of Echinacea Tea Against Cough, Colds and Infection

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Brief Insights on the Effectiveness of Echinacea Tea Against Cough, Colds and Infection

Echinacea tea is an herbal remedy that many find to be quite effective in fighting off colds, cough and flu. A lot of people take echinacea tea as they believe it helps prevent and even stop these ailments. After all, the herb has long been known as an immunostimulant that helps strengthen the immune system and ward off infections.

But are there enough scientific bases for this belief?

The echinacea is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants that belong to the daisy family. The genus has nine different species and these are commonly called purple coneflowers. The plants are typically found in eastern and central parts of North America, where they are seen growing in rolling prairies and open wooded areas. They have large, showy heads of composite flowers, and are in full bloom during the summer.

Various parts of the echinacea plant, most notably the roots, leaves, flowers and stems, are dried and then made into teas, juices, tonics, tinctures, extracts, tablets and capsules.

The early Americans swore by the power and strength of echinacea tea in fighting off infections. They even used it in the treatment of poisonous snake bites and insect bites. In the 1800s, echinacea was an important player in United States pharmacopoeia where it was considered a potent antibiotic. Subsequently, echinacea was also used by the Germans for many medical purposes. Its use then dropped off over the years as new antibiotics were discovered. However, it seems to have encountered a renaissance in recent years as interest in natural health grew by leaps and bounds.

There have been a number of scientific studies on echinacea, most of them examining the active constituents of the plant and how these act on the human system. The actions of echinacea herb and tea are believed to be due to polysaccharide compounds called fructofuranosides such as heteroxylan, arabinogalactan, alkylamides and echinacosides.

Many of the compounds in echinacea tea are believed to help stimulate various aspects of the immune system including macrophage and lymphocyte function. The activity of the body's natural killer cells is increased and there may be an increase in interferon production and phagocytosis. These studies have shown that these increase the number of white blood cells and boost the activity of other immune cells.

Indeed, there had been studies conducted that seemed to support the immune system-boosting capabilities of echinacea. In September 2006, researchers led by Dr. Sachin A. Shah of the University of Connecticut reported that the use of echinacea before the onset of full-blown symptoms of the common cold lowers the incidence by more than 60% and its duration cut by almost two full days. In 2007, Dr. Craig Coleman of the same institution conducted a meta-analysis on 1,600 individuals which found that echinacea may reduce the incidence of a cold.

However, a study published in 2005 in the New England Journal of Medicine found that echinacea was no more effective than a placebo in preventing colds. It also did not decrease the harshness of the cold symptoms.

Two studies funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine also did not find any benefit from echinacea for the common cold in either children or adults. A 2004 study, for instance, found that taking 300 milligrams of echinacea per day at the first sign of a cold appeared to do little to reduce symptoms or speed up recovery.

However, this may be explained by the fact that there are many existing variables in analyzing echinacea tea and herb for the common cold. Different studies have centered on different types and strengths of the echinacea herbs, as well as different parts of the plant. These disparities make it hard to compare the results and come up with an overarching conclusion. It may be possible that some formulations may have been better made than others. It may likewise be possible that the herb and tea may help fight against some viruses that bring about colds but not others.

And while a lot of people swear by the effectiveness of echinacea herb and tea, there have been studies to suggest that people with multiple sclerosis, white blood cell disorders, collagen disorders, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, or tuberculosis may be at risk if they use this. Individuals with plant allergies, are on steroids and other medications or herbal remedies, may also want to use caution before taking this. Pregnant and nursing women, as well as children are also advised to stay away from echinacea tea and herb.

So while the results of various studies have yielded mixed results, it is quite hard to ignore the body of testimonial evidence passed on through the centuries that support the effectiveness of echinacea tea and herb in fighting off colds, cough, flu and other infections. It does look likely that echinacea tea will continue to remain a trusted home remedy for a lot of people for cough, colds, flu and infections even if health authorities and conventional medicine practitioners hold their approval in abeyance.

Break the Sinus Curse!

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Break the Sinus Curse!

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Blu Cig Review - The Advantages of Smoking Electronic Cigarette

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Blu Cig Review - The Advantages of Smoking Electronic Cigarette

Modern technology has given smokers all over the world an alternative to smoking regular cigarettes. The Blu Cig Review introduces you to the brand of Blu electronic cigarette. This brand of ecig has come to stay and is quickly gaining acceptance by "smart smokers" across the country.

Here are some of the differences of electronic cigarettes (ecig) and the traditional cigarette.

Health

The traditional cigarettes have long been associated with causing lung cancer, chronic cough and other illnesses. Conventional cigarettes are also known for turning the teeth yellow, causing bad breath, offensive odor, premature aging and so on. Second hand smoke from conventional cigarettes also affects non smokers too - this is why many laws are being made in order to help protect non smokers.

Blu Cig does not contain thousands of harmful chemicals like the conventional cigarettes and they come highly recommended by medical experts. The blu cig review also emphasizes the fact that electronic cigarette does not also contain harmful addictives such as carcinogens and tar.

Smoking in Public

There are many places where you will not be allowed to smoke because of non smoking laws that are gradually becoming very common. There are places where you will be immediately harassed if or when you light up for a quick puff. There are even offices where you have to work far away from the building before you can smoke - standing on your feet of course.

The Blu Cig can be smoked anytime and anywhere without anyone being any the wiser. With the electronic cigarette, smokers no longer have to stand outside of their office building in order to have a quick smoke.

Saving Money

Smoking conventional cigarettes can be a pretty expensive in comparison to smoking a Blu e-cig. Electronic cigarettes are re-usable which makes it a pretty good deal in the long run. You no longer have to worry about buying a lighter every now and then, or carrying an ash tray with you every time.

Protecting the Environment

Conventional cigarettes can be harmful to the environment, most smokers do not know this but many people who smoke feel that the cigarette smoke is so little that it cannot possibly harm the environment - well, think again. The smoke produced from conventional cigarettes from all over the world adds up and damages the environment over a period of time.

According to unbiased Blu Cig review, electronic cigarettes are not harmful to the environment. So if you are a smoker and want to help protect the environment, then you can start by smoking environmental friendly cigarettes like Blu cig.

Safety Concerns

Conventional cigarettes have been responsible for burning down whole buildings and homes but the electronic cigarette is way safer to smoke indoors than the conventional cigarettes.

With e-cigarettes, smokers no longer have worry about how bad their breath smell or whether their hair and clothes smell like smoke. Modern technology has made it possible for smokers and non smokers to stay in the same room without any problem.

Blu Cig is also available in the following flavors:
* Java Jolt
* Cherry Crush
* Magnificent Menthol
* Vivid Vanilla
*Classic Tobacco

Beware Of the Monster High Cholesterol

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Beware Of the Monster High Cholesterol

High carbohydrates are like a nasty monster which is always in a freaking out effort to make you sick and unhealthy. Nonetheless it is up to you to make your lifestyle healthy but at times no matter how much you try to keep yourself hale and hearty, the bodily systems tend to defy the norms and you become sick. Having high fever or cough and cold does not always mean that you are sick there are some unseen problems that stays in your body like parasite to make you suffer day by day and that is the high cholesterol. It is what the average person calls it the medical term is hypercholesterolemia, no signs and symptoms are visible until it becomes significant. Most of the cholesterol found in the body is produced in the liver and the thirty percent of the comes from the food we eat, kind of life style we lead, age and gender, diabetes and heredity. Too much cholesterol in the blood or high cholesterol can be serious, but it effects do not occur after days, week or month but poses problem in the long run. There are four types of cholesterol- low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins, triglycerides.

There are some specific and fatal side effects of high cholesterol which include the Angina, heart arrhythmias, peripheral artery disease, high blood pressure and heart attack. Affecting men, women and child, heart disease refers to conditions that affect the function of then heart such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure. It is a serious ailment that can lead to premature death so one has to be careful with the causes that are responsible and it follows the same reason as of high cholesterol. Stressful situations raise your heart rate and blood pressure, increasing your hearts need for oxygen and during stress the nervous system releases extra hormone which can injure the lining of the arteries. Smoking and consuming alcohol is the other reason for the increase level of heart disease. It is never too late or too early to think about your health, there are some risk factors that can be taken care of, by changing your dreadful lifestyle and you can eliminate the risk factors you greatly reduce the peril of heart disease.

Still there comes a state of affairs when you dont have a way out but you have to undergo the life saving procedure of cardiac surgery. More than half of the million heart surgery is dine each year for a variety of heart problems, for the heart to work right blood must flow in only one direction. Heart surgery is done to fix the leaflets that dont open as wide as they should, this happens when they become too stiff or fuse together. There are different types of the cardiac surgery like the open heart surgery and the other is minimally invasive heart surgery. Before you go through the cardiac surgery the medical test are done to find out more about your heart problem and what type of surgery you need.

Best 10 Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

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Best 10 Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the body when it comes into contact with a foreign substance. The hypersensitive response comes from the natural immune system and ranges from a slightly uncomfortable feeling to a fatal anaphylaxis. Seasonal allergies are quite common. They are often characterised by a runny nose, red eyes, and itchiness.

What are the causes of Seasonal Allergies?

The substances present in the environment such as dust, pollen etc. are known as allergens. When allergens are inhaled, they cause excessive secretions in the respiratory organs, narrowing of bronchi, asthma attacks etc.

According to Ayurveda, weakened Vata dosha disrupts Kapha and Pitta. Aggravated Vata and Pitta doshas cause rashes, burning, watery eyes and fever whereas aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas cause blockages in the bronchi, excessive secretions, and asthma attacks.

Ayurveda focuses on certain diets, living patterns and risk factors with the different types of doshas. By following correct principles, avoiding unhealthy diet and lifestyle, one can avoid allergies.

Causes of Seasonal Allergies According to Ayurveda Include:

Low digestion strength.
Wrong food combinations.
Long-term intake of drugs like aspirin leading to depleted immunity and making the person prone to dust allergies
External factors such as dust, pollen etc.

What are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

Sneezing
Runny nose
Cough
Hoarseness of the voice
Headache
Tickling sensation and irritation in the nostrils.

Ayurvedic home remedies are effective in managing and treating seasonal allergies. These remedies not only provide relief but also strengthen the immune system. Allergic management through Ayurveda is not a new concept. This condition can be managed with the help of simple herbs present in one's kitchen.

Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Ginger: Ginger is a common ingredient in cough syrups because it possesses expectorant properties and helps in loosen the phlegm from the lungs. Ginger juice taken with honey is a home remedy for all types of seasonal allergies. Take fresh ginger slice and extract its juice. Take 1 tablespoon of ginger juice and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix ginger juice with honey and swallow it slowly.

Licorice root: Glycyrrhizin is the major component present in licorice that releases an enzyme which helps in regulating the access of glucocorticoid to steroid receipting hormones, which thereby slows down the transformation of cortisol to cortisone which helps in reducing the inflammation by increasing the effect of cortisol.

How to prepare licorice tea: Add dried licorice root by adding dried licorice root in a pan filled with hot water. Allow it to boil and steep for few minutes. Drink this herbal tea at least twice a day.

Thyme tea: Thyme is a great herb for treating seasonal allergies because of its anti-microbial properties. Thyme helps in relaxing the muscles of bronchi and trachea and helps in reopening the blocked airways. Lightly bruise the handful of thyme springs in mortar and pestle and then boil the seeds and steep it for around 15 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice and add sugar to taste. Drink this tea warm at least twice a day.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is effective in treating seasonal allergies as it helps in easing the pain of sore or dry throat. Add powdered cinnamon and few cloves in water and allow it to boil for few minutes. Strain the solution. When the liquid becomes lukewarm, add little honey and drink it.

Turmeric Milk: It is one of the best home remedies for seasonal allergies because turmeric is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent. Add a little turmeric to milk and boil it for few minutes. Drink this milk twice a day.

Black Pepper: Black Pepper contains a compound known as capsaicin which is similar to guaifenesin- an expectorant found in counter cough syrups. This compound found in long pepper helps in clearing the mucus and eases the running nose. Take 5-10 black pepper, 1- inch fresh ginger and tablespoon dried and powdered basil leaves. Add all these ingredients to milk and allow it to boil. Strain it and drink this herbal tea after sweetening with tablespoon of honey.

Mix teaspoon of Amla (Indian gooseberry) powder with 1 teaspoon of honey and take this mixture twice a day.

Triphala Powder: Triphala is an ancient Ayurvedic formula comprised of three fruits: Harad, Amla, and Bahera. It is known for its ability to gently cleanse and detoxify the digestive tract as digestive strength is intricately linked to the immune response, so taking Triphala powder is quite useful. Take -1 teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water once a day.

Gargling: If the throat is aggravated, gargling with 1 cup hot water and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of common salt or mineral salt is quite soothing and it clarifies the throat.

Diet: Take light food and lukewarm water. Avoid fermented food, too hot or too cold food, sweets, fruits like bananas, bakery and dairy food products, ice creams and cold drinks. Late night heavy meals should be avoided. Dinner should be light and digestible. Avoid exposure to cold wind.

The following Combinations of Food should be Avoided.

Milk + Acidic foods.

Milk + fruits.

Consumption of hot honey.

Combination of honey and alcohol.

Combination of hot and cold foods at the same time. For example, coffee with ice.

Half cooked or not cooked whole foods especially non-vegetarian food.

Yoga Exercises for Seasonal Allergies Include:

Various yogic exercises such as jal neti and sutra neti reduce allergy symptoms.

Nadishodhana Pranayam helps to remove congestion or blockage of the Nadis thereby allow the free flow of Prana.

Anulom Vinolum Pranayam develops mental calmness and easy nasal congestion.

Beauty in Your Kitchen - Home Remedies for Younger Skin

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Beauty in Your Kitchen - Home Remedies for Younger Skin

Have you ever wondered whether there was another way of retaining that youthful glow of your skin without spending a fortune on all the anti-aging beauty products that are being advertised today? Well, there is, and it's in your kitchen. There are many effective, safe and inexpensive home remedies for younger-looking skin that can be made from the ingredients you normally have stocked in your kitchen. The following is just a small listing of the home remedies you can use for younger skin.

Honey and Almond Scrub. This gentle facial scrub is great for removing oils and dead skin cells. Mix a small amount of ground almonds with honey to make a paste. Massage the paste into your skin with a hot washcloth and then rinse with cool water.

Cornstarch. Cornstarch dries up oily patches. Mix 1-3 tablespoons of cornstarch with warm water to make a paste. Rub on your face, let dry, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Use it once a day for best results.

Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic). There are two ways to use apple cider vinegar for great skin. The first is using it externally to exfoliate your skin. Apply the vinegar to a cotton ball prior to bedtime and let dry for five to ten minutes. Then rinse with cool water. Be careful when first using apple cider vinegar on your skin as some people may have an allergic reaction to the acid on their skin. If using the vinegar straight is too strong for your skin, then dilute the vinegar with four parts of water.

The second way to use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for younger skin is to drink 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar in 16 ounces of water throughout the day. Again, be careful when using the vinegar as some people may have an unpleasant reaction to the acid in the vinegar.

Aloe Vera. Break open a leaf of an Aloe Vera plant (you do have one in your kitchen for burns, don't you?), scrape the gel out and smooth onto your skin. Let dry then rinse off.

Vitamin E. Prick a capsule of Vitamin E or wheat germ oil and smooth directly onto your skin. Vitamin E is said to slow down the aging process and wheat germ oil promotes skin elasticity.

Cucumber. For tired eyes, place cucumber slices over your eyes. Cucumber juice is also effective in bleaching out age spots. Combine one tablespoon of cucumber juice with 2 tablespoons of water and apply to affected areas twice daily.

Lemon. To lighten age spots, rub lemon directly onto your skin.

Egg Whites. Beat one egg white until frothy and stiff. Apply with soft brush or cloth around inner and outer eye areas and along cheekbones. Leave on for 10 minutes. Remove the mask by spraying areas with water and using cold water on a cotton ball or washcloth to remove. This works for reducing crow's feet as well.

Green or black tea. For puffy eyes, steep two bags of tea in hot water for 4-5 minutes. Let cool until the bags are comfortably warm. Lie down, close your eyes and put abag over each eye then cover with soft cloth.

Fruit Yogurt. Used as a wrinkle mask, add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/2 a ripe banana to the yogurt for an even better mask.

Watermelon. This is a great natural cleanser when crushed and smeared onto the skin. You can use it just by itself or you can mix it into your favorite fruit yogurt as a mask.

The above is just a brief listing of quick, inexpensive and effective home remedies for younger skin that you can create from things that can be found in your kitchen. As with anything new, test everything you are going to put on your face (or take internally) to see if you will have any type of unpleasant reaction to the treatment.