Sinus and Hayfever

Hayfever is an allergy which is triggered in some people by seasonal plants, airborn chemicals and dust particles and is characterised by sneezing, itchy eyes or runny nose.

Sinusitis occurs in some people when the paranasal sinuses become inflamed due to infection, bacterial, allergic or autoimmune issues. Sinusitis is often linked with hayfever.

Vitamins for Sinus and Hayfever

The following vitamins are said to be useful in the prevention or treatment of sinus and hayfever:

• Garlic
• Horseradish
• Cod Liver Oil
• Vitamin C

Garlic

Garlic is said to have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties and is often used to support minor respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis. It is also a good source of quercetin, a natural antihistamine.

The average daily dosage of garlic is 1g of fresh bulb

Horseradish

Horseradish is said to have antibiotic properties and is believed to facilitate the drainage of the nasal mucous membranes and sinuses to clear the respiratory passages.

The average daily dosage of horseradish is 1g of dry root.

Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is derived from the liver of fish cod. It's high in vitamin A and vitamin D as well as Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that promotes the health of all the body's cells and tissues. It is a powerful antioxidant that assists your immune system.

The average daily dosage of cod liver oil is 1000mg.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body absorb iron from food. It helps build and repair red blood cells, bones and tissues, protects against bruising, keeps the walls of blood vessels firm and helps protect from infection by keeping the immune system healthy.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin C is 75mg. (higher dosages may be required for therapeutic action)

Disclaimer

Healthy Comparisons does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so. You should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this fact sheet. The information contained in this fact sheet does not take into account the physical state, medical status or health requirements of any particular individual which are relevant to the proper diagnosis and treatment of any problem, condition or disorder. You should never use or act upon this information without first properly consulting, and seeking proper information and advice from, a qualified healthcare professional. Healthy Comparisons, its related companies and its licensors expressly disclaim all responsibility for and liability in respect of the accuracy of the information provided in the website, its improper application and the consequences of anyone's failure to obtain a proper medical examination and advice from a qualified healthcare professional in the relevant circumstances.

© HealthyComparisons.com.au 2008

Summer Health Tips

by: Debbie Cotton, Ad.Dip.Nat

So the summer has finally arrived The time of BBQs, lounging in the park with friends and unfortunately for some, the itchy, puffy, swollen eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat that are all associated with hayfever. How can you help yourself to get through this trying time? We asked CNM Naturopath Debbie Cotton to give some advice.

Inhaled and ingested irritants can add together to create that lovely hay-fever effect in the body. The mucous production that your nose and eyes creates is only to protect the body from a perceived threat. So in turn the body is only doing its job, buts its being a bit hyper vigilant about it. The trick is to find out why.

One of the biggest tools that we have as Naturopaths in reducing and alleviating hay-fever is looking at diet. Removing irritants from someone's diet takes a lot of stress off the body, and it slows down the hyper immune reaction. Wheat and diary are often highly implicated for being irritants to the mucosal membranes in the gut wall, which in turn affects the mucous membranes in the nose and eyes, but every person is different so you may need to find out what food is slightly irritant to you. Once you have worked out what it is in the diet that is affecting you, try removing it for a while to give your body a break and see the difference. To do this you may want to see a Naturopathic Nutritionist to tailor a diet for your needs.

Probiotics (acidophilus and bifidus) have been shown to reduce the immune response in the gut wall by mediating certain inflammatory pathways and chemical messenger release in the body. Taking a course of probiotics in a good dose range may help to get the immune reaction down.

The contingent nutrients Rutin and Quercertin along with Vitamin C have been shown to have a regulatory effect on inflammation and histamine release. Supplementing with these may also help to alleviate some of the nasty symptoms associated with hay-fever, and regulate the immune and inflammatory response.

There are many herbs that can help minimise the immune reaction of hay-fever, but it is always best to get a herb prescribed for your specific needs. Homeopathic remedies also often have great results in clearing up hay-fever. There are many complexes available at health food stores, but these sometimes might be a bit 'hit and miss' in their actions, as they are not formulated for you personally.

Alleviating some of the symptoms of hay-fever this summer may still be possible if you get on top of it now. Otherwise, start a plan now with the long term goal of having a hay-fever free summer next year!

College of Naturopathic Medicine | info@naturopathy-uk.com

Allergies can respond to natural therapies

Garlic - Nutrition & Environmental Medicine Fact File

Dr Greg Emerson is the Founder and Medical Director of the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre which opened in October 2005. He is a consultant in Nutritional and Environmental medicine. He is also a senior specialist in Emergency Medicine and in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. For 18 years he practiced in several large public hospitals including a period of time as an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at a major trauma hospital in Canada and as the Director of a leading Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Unit. He is a lecturer, examiner and current board member for the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine and a past-examiner for the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine. A long personal battle with illness led him on a profound exploration of healing processes and the prevention of illness. He reappraised both his medical focus and the way he approached health care delivery.

He believes in the intrinsic ability of the body to heal itself if the underlying cause of the illness is addressed. His practice revolves around three core principles, in the belief that almost all non-traumatic illnesses will respond to these principles:

• Elimination of food and chemical sensitivities
• Alkalinisation and detoxification
• Balancing of hormones

Dr Emerson regularly lectures both within Australia and internationally on Nutritional and Environmental medicine. He also runs his own successful international medical conference. His mission is to provide people with the knowledge, tools and motivation to live a life of extraordinary health, vitality and longevity.

Allergy Supplements

If you have allergies you know about allergy supplements, no doubt. If not, you don't know what could possibly be helping your situation. Anyone who has ever had an allergy attack or reaction can tell you how awful it can be. And, you like everyone else, deserves a chance to make your situation better.

What would you say to something that can help alleviate your pain and suffering from those pesky allergies? Wait no more! Call your allergist and ask if there is an allergy supplement that will help your particular allergy problem.

What Kinds of Supplements are Available?

Allergy supplements will vary by the type of allergy you have. If allergic to milk and milk products, your allergist might recommend that you take a lactose intolerance pill and that may be the entire allergy supplement you would need. Other allergies may require a different pill or medication for relief.

Any product that helps to alleviate or stop an attack or symptoms is called an allergy supplement. Your doctor can further explain the benefits of the allergy supplements to you and he will base it on your exact allergy history.

Get Tested Today

When you are tested for allergies by your allergist, they will determine exactly the source of your allergies. That isn't quite that easy. Sneezing constantly in your house? You are obviously allergic to something, but what? It can be most anything.

You may have developed an allergy to your household pet, or the pollen in the air around you. It could be these things, or something else. It could also be a combination of many sources.

Your allergist is the one who can determine the exact cause of your malady. What are you allergic to, he can tell you. And the nice thing is, when he has determined the culprit, then he can offer you some allergy supplements to help with your case. Thus, you can be on the way to a better lifestyle without those attacks and reactions you have had in the past.

Please don't overlook the possible help that allergy supplements may offer you. Your doctor, allergist, or person supervising your health should be trusted to help you with this new source of relief. These supplements may be just the thing you have been searching for to help you have a better quality of life, free of allergy attacks and allergic reactions.

If you enjoyed this quality information about Allergy Supplements, then you may also want to learn more about Allergy. You can always visit bestallergyinfo.com where some very informative articles are being featured.

A Whiff of Garlic

Garlic belongs to the onion family and has been widely used since ancient times as an aphrodisiac, a plague repellent and an antidote to ward off demons and vampires. However, I feel that its best use is as a powerful vegetable antibiotic.
It is fantastic for any disease with 'itis' tacked on the end: tonsillitis, sinusitis, cystitis, bronchitis, vaginitis, gastritis, colitis and many others.
 
One fresh clove of garlic is equivalent to about four capsules of garlic oil in its effect.
Garlic can be used preventively in regular small doses or in much larger doses to clear infective diseases of a more serious nature. The quantity of garlic needed will depend on the severity of the condition.

Phew… Many people are put off by garlic's odour, but its health-giving and preventative properties make it well worth suffering the effects.
In fact, if you or your partner reeks of garlic it is a sure sign that more garlic is needed. The smell that is emitted is the sulphur working on the bacteria in your system and is always an indicator that you definitely need more garlic. So pump up the dose and feel comfort in the knowledge that your body is being thoroughly cleansed. (Chew on some parsley to help with the odour—the high iron content of parsley will add power to the bacteria burnout process.)

The sulphur content in odourless garlic preparations is reduced and therefore these garlic preparations are significantly less effective than the pure garlic oil.

Garlic Facts

• Worm Preventative: Garlic can be used for animals (and humans) as a worm preventative and you can help keep animals healthy by adding chopped, fresh garlic to their daily food.
• Blood Sugar: The medical journal, Lancet, has noted that garlic and onions are quite good at lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics.
• Lowers Serum Cholesterol: Garlic and onion raise blood levels of good cholesterol, which in turn clean out the arteries of bad cholesterol.
• Travellers: In foreign countries, diarrhoea can be helped by chewing some raw garlic or take up to ten garlic capsules daily to kill bacteria.
• Blood Clot Prevention: Both onion and garlic prevent proteins from massing to form harmful blood clots, so always accompany meals of greasy or fatty foods with a generous dose of garlic.
• Longevity: The two foods that stood out to the National Institute of Ageing to increase longevity were garlic and onion.
• To grow garlic plant the outer cloves of a corm of garlic about 25 centimeters apart. They should be ready for harvest in approximately 12 months, however if you leave them in for a second year or even longer the pungency of the corms will be much greater. Garlic also conditions the soil in which it is grown because of its antibiotic and anti-parasitic qualities. These same anti-parasitic properties are proving to be extremely beneficial to cancer patients and researchers are now trying to isolate and identify the anti-tumour and immune stimulating components of garlic.

Tonic
The following tonic is fabulous for increasing vitality and protecting yourself from infection. In a large jar put five crushed cloves of garlic and three cups of red wine.
Seal and sit on a windowsill so it is exposed to plenty of sunlight for 14 days. Shake every so often, strain and re-bottle in a dark glass bottle. Take two drops the first day, four the second and six on the third and so on until you reach 24 then reverse the procedure until you arrive back at two again.

Garlic Syrup
This syrup will relieve bronchitis and lung infections. Peel and chop six to eight cloves of garlic. Place the garlic in a jar and cover with eight tablespoons of honey. Let it stand for several days. This garlic-infused honey can be given by the teaspoonful (one for children and four for adults) to boost the immune system and treat infections. For winter colds and flus you can add lemon peel, ginger and some cayenne pepper to the same recipe and increase the honey.

Chest Rub
Garlic-infused oil can be used as a chest rub for respiratory or digestive ailments. You can also use five to seven drops of warm oil in the ear to reduce inflammation. Soak a peeled, chopped onion and three peeled, minced garlic cloves in one cup of olive oil for 10 days. You could also add garlic and/or ginger into your Vicks Vapour Rub, value- adding to the chest rub results.
If Garlic makes you cough more, pump it up—you need to keep taking it until all the phlegm and yellow or greenish mucous debris is removed.

Insect Repellent
Rubbing exposed skin with garlic oil keeps away mosquitos and other bugs and also works well on household pets to help rid them of fleas and ticks.

For the Veggie Garden
Soak lots of finely minced garlic in mineral oil for at least 24 hours. Add two teaspoons of the oil to about a pint of water in which two tablespoons of soap has been dissolved. This is a very effective spray to protect your garden. Alternatively, you can just boil up the garlic and water with a little soap and use that in water to spray.

A Vaginal Douche
Four chopped garlic cloves steeped in three cups of hot water for 30 minutes is great for treating yeast infections. Garlic can also be added to melted cocoa butter then poured into small moulds, which when hardened, can be inserted into the vagina or even the anus (during the evening) to help with infections or haemorrhoids.

A Word of Caution

If garlic gives you diarrhoea, you will be experiencing a purifying, eliminating, getting-rid-of-rubbish process. Just continue with a slightly lower dosage to slow the elimination process down to a comfortable level.
The only people who should not take garlic medicinally—or in any form—are those with degenerative or diseased conditions of the liver, gall bladder, bile duct or pancreas. One action garlic has in the body is to stir the bile flow, and all this churning about of the bile fluids can make such a person feel quite nauseated. If this is happening to you it may be wise to seek advice so that steps can be taken to strengthen those organs. Also anyone with low blood sugar would be wise to avoid garlic as it lowers blood sugar levels.

Amazing!
A little known fact is that garlic will kill off tuberculosis when placed next to a test tube of the bacteria.

As you can see garlic is an extremely valuable supplement to one's diet for overall good health, vitality and wellbeing!

By Lynn Max www.signatureherbals.com.au

Allergies, adrenal exhaustion, fatigue and gut permeability; How it all fits together

Allergies have become one of the most prevalent problems of our modern age; most people seem to have some form of allergy.  What exactly is an allergy how is it manifest, what causes it and what can we do about it?

What is an allergy?

To most people allergy is hay fever, or some symptom experienced after eating some specific food. Allergies can be of two types, environmental such as hay fever, usually a reaction to pollen, or a food allergy, a reaction to a food item. Reactions can vary from itchy eyes, running nose to anaphaxtic shock which can involve the swelling of the airways which can be life threatening.

What cause an allergy or food sensitivity?

Gut Permeability.

The major source of toxic material is via the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT). The intestinal wall is covered with mucus which protects if from attack. If there is damage to the intestinal and/or food is not properly digested, incompletely digested food will enter the bloodstream. This condition is called Gut permeability, or leaky Gut syndrome. What amounts to microscopic "holes" develop in the GIT wall allowing incompletely digested particles into the bloodstream. All the blood from the GIT goes to the liver first where special immune cells called Kupper cells destroy the foreign material. When a person is eating more than 2 or 3 meals a day (snacking) the Kupper cells cannot cope and the liver is overloaded resulting in an overflow into the main blood stream. The immune system will identifies it as an enemy and the immunes system is called into action. This is seen in live Blood Analysis. This requires large amounts of energy resulting in tiredness and sleepiness after a meal. Over time the immune system becomes "allergic" to the substances and histamine is released producing the all too well know symptoms of an allergy.  Eventually the nervous system is affected resulting in depression and other nervous system symptoms. The Adrenals become exhausted and the brain is affected with symptoms like poor memory. The Hormones slowly become unbalanced. Women will often show some signs of hormone imbalance. Excess toxic material produced has to be neutralized by the liver requiring large amounts of vitamins, minerals and amino acids (from protein), and have to be eliminated via the skin, bowel, and kidneys. Nutritional deficiencies result and toxins accumulate causing joint and muscle conditions. So you can see every body system is affected.

The Digestive System is the key.

Many people do not realize that about 70% of the immune system actually exists in the GIT. Poor digestion causes incomplete breakdown of food. Just like on a production line, you need to have the material from one stage properly processed before it goes to the next stage. If digestion has not started in the mouth by proper chewing, the stomach has a hard time dealing with the food. If the stomach has not done it's job properly because we have been stressed while eating, the Intestines have poorly digested food come in and so it goes. The mucus lining may be removed or thinned because of low calcium (a component of mucus). So nutrition comes into it. Chemicals in our food will damage the lining, so can the wrong bacteria. Good bacteria protect the lining. Antibiotics will kill them, and these drugs are mycotoxin, meaning toxins produced by fungi. Not all the fungi can be removed during the processing of the drug resulting in a fungal infection developing.

Allergies in Children

Acidophilus bacteria consumed by the infant from the birth canal during the natural birth process sets up residence in the immature intestines, and Bifidus Bacteria from the mother's breast milk in the colon, protecting the lining. Caesarean birth, formula feeding, and chemical ingestion means these essential organisms are not as prevalent as they should be. 

Detecting GIT damage

GIT Inflammation and Gut Permeability that results from it can be seen in both live and dried blood (HLB), as can other effects of histamine such as increased immune activity. Liver stress is evident. Fungal infections are also common, causing damage to the GIT and overloading the liver and immune system.

What can we do about it?

It is common to use herbs to suppress the immune system so that less histamine is produced. This can help the symptoms, but is only a band aid treatment. The naturopathic way is to identify and remove the cause. Every system of the body is stressed and needs relief, repair and rebuilding.

As we have discussed, allergies are caused by gut permeability which affects every system of the body. A program must be implemented which will kill off any infections such as fungal infections, and rebuild the damage to the body, especially the digestion and elimination channels.  This requires a properly qualified health professional who understands the above issues.

There are things you can do:

1. Improve your digestion.
• Eat slower, chew more and eat in a relaxed environment.
• Do not eat while stressed.
• Do not drink with, just after, and before meals (1/4 glass of water to take supplements is OK). To prevent dilution of digestive juices.
• Do not do heavy exercise just after a meal. A relaxing walk is very beneficial for digestion.
• Use herbs called bitters to stimulate digestive secretions
• Take acidophilus and Bifidus, friendly bacteria to increase the good guys.
• Use vegetable based digestive enzymes Achieve and maintain good elimination to Reduce toxic load
2. • Make sure that bowels are working well to prevent taking toxins back into the bloodstream. Proper elimination consists of a good easy bowel movement after every meal.
   • The quickest way to stop a reaction is to take an enema to reduce the toxic load.
   • Drink at least 2litre of purified water per day.
3. Reduce the load by finding out what you are allergic to and avoiding them.

Ian Ridgeway ND

Vist  our online clinic at:  www.alnaturalhealth.com.au  Book an appointment, Naturopathic health assessment, or FIR detox saunas at :  http://www.ntpages.com.au/therapist/8690
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Sinus Home Remedies

Let me summarize here a wide range of sinus infection home remedies and give the best natural cures for sinus infection. Inflammation of the sinuses, sinus infection, sinus congestion, sinus pain, sinus pressure and blocked sinuses are common and often recurring problem for some people.

Let's see my collection of the most effective and safe external and internal sinus home remedies:

The best and may be the most simple natural cure for sinus infection is the old folk medicine:

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Mix 1-2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of water and gulp the mixture at once. Use it 3-4 times a day for 4-6 days. Improvement occurs often in 1 hour, latest in 1 day. If you don't notice any ease of the sinus infection after 2 days, stop taking the remedy.

Another simple possibility is opening the Apple Cider Vinegar bottle and just inhale (through your nose) the vapour coming out of it. It is able to open up the sinus passages immediately. Don't overuse it, the acidic vapour may damage the mucus membrane.

Most of the people desire warm onto the congested sinus area. You may use a hot-water bottle, an infrared lamp, a warm flannel or simple blow warm air from a hair-drier.

HOT COMPRESSES and POULTICES

To encourage drainage of mucus apply hot compresses or poultices to your sinuses. They are really old home remedies used by our grandmothers for sinus infection. You may use different aromatic oils (e.g.eucalyptus oil) in hot water, but the best natural cures are using GINGER (Zingiber officinalis) or black MUSTARD (Brassica nigra). Both stimulate the circulation strongly and help decongest stuffy nasal passages.

HOT STEAM INHALATION

Steam inhalation is an excellent natural cure to relieve sinus congestion and painful sinus pressure. It thins the mucus so that it can be expelled.

Christina Starkman is a medical doctor, a homeopathic doctor and an expert of home remedies.

http://www.christinas-home-remedies.com

You Can Avoid Sinusitis.

Imagine yourself not being able to appreciate the beauty of a new day…and being cranky enough not to get on well with your workmates' good-natured conversations…or not being able to join a special friend in a date --- All because of sinusitis!

But, it may only take proper understanding of what sinusitis is and how it is caused to chart up the right nourishment and other healthy exercises for you to end your misery.

There are different degrees of sinusitis, with different causes – acute sinusitis is often caused by viral or bacterial infections of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract, or from an underlying dental infection. Chronic sinusitis may be caused by growth inside the nose, injuries to nasal bones, smoking and other irritating fumes and smells. Meanwhile, allergic sinusitis can be caused by hay fever, food allergies or poor eating habits.

By knowing this types of sinusitis, we would also know what medicines we need to take, watch out our food intake and other activities that we could do in order to avoid getting sinusitis.

First and foremost, we need to remember what foods may cause or aggravate our sinus problems. Milk and other dairy products, sugars, fatty foods, lack of green vegetables are mucus-forming foods. You must learn to control intake of these food groups if you are already at the onset of serious sinus infections. Common food allergies like wheat, eggs, citrus, corn, and peanut butter may also cause sinus problems.

Natural nutritional approaches are also entailed. It's about time to drink plenty of liquids, especially water. A glass of lemon juice and water first thing in the morning may also help thin mucus.

Try Linda Rector Page's 3-day mucus cleansing liquid diet in Healthy Living. A short water fast or a very light diet – involving fruit and vegetable broth may also apply to you, as per recommendation of Burton Golberg Group in Alternative Medicine.

If you are more used on vitamin/mineral supplements, here are several recommendations for immune system support: Vitamin C: 500 mg every two hours; Bioflavonoids: 1000 mg per day ; Vitamin A: 5,000 IU per day; Beta-carotene: 25,000 IU per day; Vitamin E: 400 IU per day ; Zinc: 30-50mg per day.

Botanical medicines for sinus problems may also be taken like bromelain (250-500mg between meals). Effective herbs to clear sinuses include: comfrey/fenugreek compresses; fenugreek/thyme tea; ephedra tea as bronchodilator; lobelia extract, and horseradish. You may also try purple coneflower, elder flowers and poke root.

For overall immune function Echinacea, goldenseal, germanium and garlic can be helpful, Check out some health food stores that sell these pre-made herbal sinus preparations.

There are other enjoyable ways on relieving sinus problems, like taking a hot sauna for 20 minutes a day. Hot liquids and steaming face and head with eucalyptus may relieve congestion and sinus pressure.

About the author:

Lala B. is a 26 year-old Communication Arts graduate, with a major in Journalism. Right after graduating last 1999, she worked for one year as a clerk then became a Research, Publication and Documentation Program Director at a non-government organization, which focuses on the rights, interests and welfare of workers for about four years.

Book reading has always been her greatest passion -- mysteries, horrors, psycho-thrillers, historical documentaries and classics. She got hooked into it way back when she was but a shy kid.

Her writing prowess began as early as she was 10 years old in girlish diaries. With writing, she felt freedom – to express her viewpoints and assert it, to bring out all concerns -- imagined and observed, to bear witness.

For additional medical tips about sinuses and related problems you may log on to http://www.sinusinfectionproblems.com

Ways to prevent sinus infections

"Prevention is better than cure", goes one of the famous clichés in medical society. This cliché has been proven a thousand times over from the very first physicians in history. Indeed, since you know your body well, if you begin to feel different and unlike your usual vitality, it's time for you to know what's wrong with you. Being aware of changes in your body helps to know the right steps to take in preventing whatever ailment is coming down upon you.

Now, are you prone to common colds and is allergic? Do you start feeling more sinus pressure in the mornings? Do you feel increased congestion? Are headaches bothering you? If you answer "yes", it may be that you are having the beginnings of a sinus infection and the cliché we've just given applies to you now …

Don't delay until your sinus gets to painful and a major sinus infection is in full bloom! Health buffs are great at identifying symptoms and immediately sets up their own prevention programs. These programs focus on whatever needs to be prohibited and controlled in their daily diets and routine to prevent serious illness. Now is the time for you to start a prevention program against serious sinus infections!

In starting up your own prevention program against sinus infection, here are several important things to consider:

• As you daily brush your teeth to prevent tooth decay, try doing daily nasal irrigation, too. There are new inventions on nasal irrigation – check out the Grossan Pulsatile Nasal Irrigation System.
• Keep your sinuses moist.
• Using a natural saline spray sever times daily may be added to your day-to-day routine.
• Ensure that you'll be getting enough moisture at night, use a humidifier in your bedroom if necessary.
• Prevent drinking iced drinks, including tea and soda.
• It's not the time for you to exert too much especially when you're already down with cold or having asthma attacks. Adequate rest is best prevention, too.
• Exercise, exercise, exercise! --- Outdoor types of exercise may help to increase your circulation.
• Reduce the swelling of your sinuses.
• Dissolving papaya enzymes in your mouth between your cheek and gum may be done 4x daily.
• Taking plenty of hot showers and inhaling steam may also help
• Using of hot compresses may also be done
• Prevent the attack of allergies which adds to the stress on your sinuses
• During allergy season, especially if you are an allergy sufferer, be aware that the peak time for allergens is between 5 – 10am.
• Be sure that your bedroom is allergen-free
• To keep allergens under control, try using hepa air filters, hepa vacuums and dust mite covers.

It's always recommended, too, to have that visit with your doctor to know definitely how you really are. There are stages in sinus infections you need to be aware of. So, start bringing out that health buff inside of you and do battle against full bloom sinus infection!

About the author:

Lala B. is a 26 year-old Communication Arts graduate, with a major in Journalism. Right after graduating last 1999, she worked for one year as a clerk then became a Research, Publication and Documentation Program Director at a non-government organization, which focuses on the rights, interests and welfare of workers for about four years.

Book reading has always been her greatest passion -- mysteries, horrors, psycho-thrillers, historical documentaries and classics. She got hooked into it way back when she was but a shy kid.

Her writing prowess began as early as she was 10 years old in girlish diaries. With writing, she felt freedom – to express her viewpoints and assert it, to bring out all concerns -- imagined and observed, to bear witness.

For additional medical tips about sinuses and related problems you may log on to http://www.sinusinfectionproblems.com

Sinus Infection Symptoms, Antibiotics, and Alternative Medicine

Modern Living, Complex Health Problems

In our post-modern industrial polluted stress-filled bad-diet culture, no one's health is simple. We are plagued by complex long-term illnesses like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, AIDS, even sinus problems... it may seem weird to you that I include sinus infections, but the root causes of sinus trouble can be quite complicated... Especially if they are long-term.

Antibiotic Overuse Problems

I hate to say it (because antibiotics are so great in some situations, and so popular overall), but antibiotics can complicate things even further - there are conditions that do not respond to them... and there are many situations in which they are not even indicated.

Physicians have over-prescribed antibiotics for years... they know it, there have been studies that show it, and as a profession they've moved away from that. But people still want to leave the doctor's office with a prescription, a magic-bullet. Of course, sometimes the issue is which antibiotic is the most appropriate one. They don't all work for everything.

Antibiotic Side Effects - When They're Wrong

If the sinusitis hasn't responded to antibiotics, then either the wrong ones were prescribed, or you need to try another kind of treatment. Chinese Herbal Medicine can address the full spectrum of complaints and causes; we often treat the conditions which are not responding to conventional treatments like antibiotics. A woman wrote me about how antibiotics weren't solving her diarrhea problem- this can happen when the disease is cold in nature. Antibiotics are cold and bitter; these qualities help it fight the dampness and heat of bacterial infections. But they are more of the same damage when the disease is cold or deficient in nature. Acupuncture and moxibustion (the warming of acupuncture points) can also be effective; some people respond very quickly... results vary depending upon a number of factors (the acupuncturist's education, accuracy of diagnosis, frequency of treatment, and patient compliance with diet and lifestyle suggestions).

Cold and Deficient

If the mucus is clear or white, then it is more likely cold in nature. That fits with a Spleen-system deficiency and dampness. That would fit with the pulse she felt. You would have lowered appetite, feel fatigued, have loose stool, and possibly feel cold easily. Antibiotics wouldn't help here, and could even make things worse.

Sinus Infection Symptoms

The classic acute sinusitis symptoms are nasal congestion, green nasal phlegm, facial/dental pain, eye pain, headache, and a cough at night. Some patients also complain of fever, feeling ill, bad breath and a sore throat. Chronic sinusitis is more difficult to diagnose. You can have the same symptoms above in a milder form. Chronic means long-term; it's not usually thought of as chronic unless it's been going on for 2 months or more.

Sinus Infection Causes

Sinus problems can be caused by many things- you have to think about environmental and food allergies (allergic sinusitis), chronic sinus infection, and chronic colds. Without more information, it's hard to be specific. Sinusitis often develops after colds, and can become a chronic problem. The sinuses are very small... one of our weak points, especially for people with weakened immune systems or in the presence of irritants (once again, pollution, allergens, etc.)... she probably asked about the farms and pesticides while she was thinking about the cause of your chronic sinusitis.

Mold, Fungus, and Sick Buildings

And we can't forget about mold! While some people appear to be more sensitive than others, fungus can cause fungal sinusitis. This gets into the whole 'sick-building' topic... Mold can grow in the walls of houses and offices, and is not always easy to detect.

Decongestant Side Effects

Decongestants are often prescribed. They work by drying you out. Unfortunately, they don't just dry the mucus. Long-term use of decongestants can lead to other problems, like the dry or heat types of sinus inflammation.

This is why, in Chinese Medicine, we always balance an herb with other herbs- if we are drying the phlegm, we also moisten at the same time. Moisture helps the sinuses drain- you remember that Crocodile-Dundee-put-your-head-under-the-steaming-pot-thing? Likewise, there are chinese herbs whose function it is to moisten and transform phlegm.

Serious Causes of Sinusitis, and Serious Solutions

For those with chronic sinusitis, tests need to be done to rule out the serious things. Sinusitis can be just a simple end-of-your-cold complication, but it can also show up as part of: nasal tumors, fungal infections, and HIV or other immunodeficiency. What about the sinusitis surgery? It works from 50-93% of the time... so it can be a great help if you're sick and tired of it, and nothing else has worked. but it's also a super-painful process! I would see an herbalist first.

About the author:

Brian Carter has been making herbs and acupuncture fun and easy to understand since 1999. He founded Pulse Media International (http://www.pulsemed.org), previously known as the Pulse of Oriental Medicine. He is the author of "Powerful Body, Peaceful Mind: How to Heal Yourself with Foods, Herbs, and Acupressure" (2004 - http://www.pulsemed.org/famous-author.htm)

Brian is a medical professor and public speaker. He writes articles, blogs (http://americas-acupuncturist.blogspot.com/), and speaks on radio across the country, and has been quoted and interviewed by publications like Real Simple, Glamour, and ESPN magazines.

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How to be Allergy Free in Spring

What are spring allergies? Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever as it’s more commonly known, is a condition caused by microscopic pollen from grasses, trees and flowers that are airborne around this time. Pollen – normally a harmless substance – is mistakenly identified by your body’s immune system as dangerous, leading to an inappropriate response. Antibodies respond to the pollen allergens, causing cells in the eyes and nose (known as mast cells) to release histamines. These histamines normally fight off foreign substances, but in the case of allergic rhinitis, inflame and irritate mucous membranes, resulting in congestion, sneezing, itchiness and all the other symptoms so typical of hay fever. Sometimes allergic rhinitis can last all year round. In these instances it is triggered by non seasonal allergens, such as dust mites, mould spores, pet dander and even cockroaches.

Preparing for the allergy season

Prevention is always better than cure and this step-by-step program will help prepare you for the allergy season.

Step 1: Improve your diet

Allergies were much more scarce two or three generations ago, and their prevalence today is often attributed to overly sanitized environments. Children are less exposed to germs, which means their immune systems are not properly programmed, hence the reaction to pollen. It’s also been suggested that the increase in allergies is due to our change in diet. We are now eating more foods that encourage inflammation and too few that prevent it. Eat more fruit and vegetables as these contain anti-oxidants such as vitamins E and C, flavonoids and carotenoids. These help to counter the free-radical molecules that stimulate inflammation. Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, dark salad greens, tomatoes, berries, apples and kiwi fruit are all good sources.
We are also eating too much omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 fatty acids. The former boost inflammation-promoting substances, such as prostaglandins, while the latter have anti-inflammatory properties. Increase your omega-3 fatty acid intake by eating more cold-water oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel and sardines) and nuts, while reducing saturated fat in your diet. Also, avoid dairy products like milk and cheese, as these increase mucus production. Some foods can exacerbate pollen allergies, for example eggs can intensify ragweed allergies and certain shellfish can aggravate dust allergies.

Step 2: Stay hydrated

Keep up a good fluid intake by aiming to drink two litres of water a day. Vitamin C acts as a natural and immediate antihistamine, blocking the response from the mast cells that cause the nasal passages to contract and then swell up, so fruit juices such as orange juice will also help. Fresh pineapple juice is also good as it contains the anti-inflamatory bromelain (see step 3). You can also drink teas made from helpful herbs such as stinging nettle, and andrographis (see steps 3 and 4).

Step 3: Prepare your nasal passages

Some compounds are particularly helpful for stabilising the mast cells inside the nose and preventing inflammation. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in apples, onions, garlic, turmeric and the pith of citrus fruits. It increases the effectiveness of vitamin C and also significantly lowers the release of histamines. Unlike vitamin C, bioflavonoids work best once they have begun to accumulate in your body, so quercetin supplements should be taken at least two weeks before the start of the hayfever season. Quercetin supplements are often combined with bromelain, the enzyme found in pineapples. Bromelain helps to reduce swelling. Stinging nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) has been used since ancient times as an antihistamine, and some older herbal texts referred to it as ‘an astringent to the mucous membranes’. A 1990 study confirmed its inflammation fighting properties, with 59 per cent of subjects saying it relieved allergic rhinitis symptoms more effectively than a placebo. As a preventative measure, stinging nettle needs to be taken at least two to four weeks before the allergy season.

Step 4: Strengthen your immune system

Certain herbs have been widely recognised for their immune-boosting properties. The most well-known is probably echinacea, which is frequently used to fight infections and improve the body’s resistance to colds and flu. Andrographis is another herb that is helpful for stimulating the immune system. Widely used in Indian herbal medicine to treat colds and flu, the recommended dose for building up immunity is 1200–3000 mg of the dried extract twice a day. Olive leaf extract has also been found to have immune supporting properties, as well as being an anti-oxidant and antibacterial. It is available in capsule or liquid extract form and needs to be taken for at least a month before its benefits become apparent.

Oleopeurin is the active component in olive leaf most responsible for its therapeutic benefits. You may find capsules preferable if you are not a fan of strong tasting herbal extracts. A combination of andrographis, Echinacea and olive leaf can be beneficial to help strengthen your immune system before the hay fever season starts.

Step 5: Avoid stress

When we function below optimal health, the body can easily become overwhelmed, causing inappropriate immune responses. Assess your lifestyle to eliminate stress inducing factors. Make time for activities you enjoy. Learn to relax by taking up yoga or meditation. Instead of ordering takeaway after work, cook a healthy meal. Start exercising regularly. Not getting enough sleep can weaken the immune system so have a few early nights every week. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol and quit smoking – these may seem like instant stress relievers but, in the long term, damage your health and do nothing to boost your immune system.

Step 6: Other handy tips

Wear a hat and sunglasses to prevent pollen from coming into contact with your eyes. On hot, dry and windy days when pollen counts are very high, stay indoors with the windows shut or spend time by the sea, where there is less pollen.

Avoid mowing grass or raking leaves. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth if you work outdoors. When you come inside wash your eyes with sterile saline solution, then change and shower as pollen collects on clothes and skin. For this reason, don’t hang washing outside – use an indoor drying rack instead. A dehumidifier in your bedroom at night will reduce mould spores. Avoid down-filled pillows and doonas, and cover mattresses with dust-mite proof covers. Avoid carpets, curtains and soft furnishings, such as rugs and cushions as these can trap allergens.

Brush and wash pets frequently, and don’t forget to wash their bedding. While these changes are all fairly minor in themselves, in combination with the right natural supplements, you can greatly reduce your allergy symptoms without having to regularly use antihistamines.

This story has been published with the permission of Herbs & Health Lifestyle Magazine - www.herbsandhealth.com.au