What Is Angina?

Angina (angina pectoris) is severe chest pain due to lack of blood (i.e., oxygen) in the heart muscle. The main cause is a coronary artery disease called atherosclerosis, or a clogging of the arteries. Angina typically feels like the chest is being strangled. Severity of symptoms may or may not be associated with fatal heart attacks.

Four types of mainstream prescription drugs are available to treat angina: beta-blockers, nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin), calcium antagonists, and antiplatelet drugs. Herbal medicine also offers solutions for treating angina. Below is a summary of the top herbs and herb ingredients based on scientific research.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes from the stems of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). Bromelain is widely used as a component of digestive enzyme supplements and as an anti-inflammatory and fibrinolytic systemic enzyme for treating arterial blockages.

Study: Experimental dosages of 1000-1400 mg daily led to disappearance of symptoms angina in human patients within 4-90 days, depending on severity of blockage. Symptoms returned when bromelain treatment was discontinued. (Source: Acta Med. Empirica)

Hawthorn (Crataegus species)

Extracts from berries, flowering tops, and leaves are widely used in Europe and Asia for their benefits to heart health. Effects are due to substances called flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).

Study: Crataegus extracts given orally to rats (2 percent of the diet) significantly reduced damage to myocardial cells. (Source: Arzneim. Forsch.)

Study: The main flavonoids from Crataegus led to improved coronary flow, heart rate, left ventricular pressure, and speed of contraction and relaxation in perfused isolated guinea pig hearts. (Source: Arzneim. Forsch.)

Study: Crataegus extract (3.3 percent OPCs) diminished accumulation of lactic acid, thereby improving oxygen utilization, in perfused isolated rat hearts. (Source: Arzneim. Forsch.)

Study: 46 patients were given either a tablet with 100 mg of Crataegus leaves or a placebo. Results were that 46 percent of the Crataegus group showed improved EKG readings within 4 weeks, whereby the control group showed 3 percent improved readings. (Source: J. Tradit. Chin. Med.)

Study: Crataegus leaf extract led to decreased oxygen consumption and improved oxygen utilization and heart function when given to dogs. (Source: J. Tradit. Chin. Med.)

Study: 60 patients with mild stable forms of angina were given either a tablet with Crataegus extract (brand: Crategutt novo) or a placebo 3 times daily. EKG readings under exertion improved significantly in the treated group vs. the control group. (Source: Therapiewoche)

Other Angina Treatment Herbs

Additional research has also shown the beneficial effects for treating angina with the following:

Khella (Ammi visnaga): Commercial supplements are widely available for healthcare professionals. Effects are less than those reported for hawthorn. Active ingredients may have toxic effects at clinical doses.

Astragalus membranaceus (currently correct name: Astragalus propinquus): Widely available in supplement form. Better known as an herb for boosting the immune system. One major Chinese study showed significant benefits in treating heart disease in humans. However, treatment was not with any available oral form.

Terminalia arjuna: Important cardiotonic herb in Ayurvedic medicine. One small clinical study (10 patients) showed significant improvement in several indicators of heart health, including lower frequency of angina.

Dr. Dennis Clark is a retired university professor and research scientist who has studied the biochemistry of plant natural products for more than 35 years. He provides his scientific views on the most important herbs for human health. Get his top recommendations for the best herbs and supplements for daily use in his report, “The Five Pillars of Basic Nutrition.” Download your free copy at http://herbscientist.com.

Influenza is commonly referred to as the flu, is a highly contagious disease caused because of the RNA viruses. Flu is an infection of nose, mouth, ears, throat and lungs that at times may also lead to death. Every year about 35,000 deaths occur just because of flu. The most common symptoms of flu are shivering, high fever, sore throat, body pain, muscle pain, severe headache, cough, weakness, tiredness, nausea and uneasiness. When flu symptoms worsen it causes Pneumonia, especially in young kids, elders and chronically ill individuals. A flu infected child may feel nostalgic and fatigue.

Flu infection is spread through the air. It enters into the body of a person through the nose, eyes or mouth. Flu is transmitted from one person to another while coughing, sneezing or by sharing infected objects. The flu virus is more active in winters, so it is necessary to keep yourself fit and boost up your immune system during this time. Sunlight and disinfectant can inactivate the flu virus.

Causes of flu

Flu is divided into three groups

1. Influenza A

2. Influenza B

3. Influenza C

These three types of Influenza virus are responsible for flu symptoms. The flu virus is transmitted from one person to another by coughing, sneezing and by sharing contaminated objects. Recovering from flu takes almost two weeks with or without antibiotics.

General Measures

A sick child must get plenty of rest; children must sleep well, get plenty of water and eat a healthy and immune boosting diet. Children should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water ever day. It helps in hydrating the mucus membrane. A nebulizer can help children to breathe comfortably and you must also keep their nose clean with saline nose drops.

Flu Remedies

Fever can be seen as a healthy sign of the body’s immune system. High temperature can weaken and kill flu virus and bacteria in the body by its self defense system. To support your immune system herbs play a great role. A tincture along with herbs like Echinacea, garlic, lemon balm, elder blossoms or thyme supports the immune system in your body.

Over-the-counter Flu remedies

You can give your child decongestants, nasal sprays, cough drops, cough syrup and pain relievers, so that the child can get some relief from the harsh effects of the flu. You should never give asprin to children that have symptoms of flu, especially when they are suffering from high fever.

Prevention with the help of flu remedies

Children, elders and those people who are suffering from a chronic disease should get yearly vaccines and antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs help you in decreasing tenure of the flu. Some basic flu remedies and habits that help in flu prevention

? Get a flu shot / vaccine.

? While coughing or sneezing cover your mouth and nose.

? Keep distance from people who sneeze and cough.

? Blow nose with a tissue and then throw away the tissue. Clean your hands thoroughly with antibiotic soap.

? Wash your hands every 2 hours with antibiotic soap and warm water. Dry your hands with fresh towel.

? Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands after touching any object.

? Use an alcohol based sanitizer to wash away germs from your hands. Alcohol based sanitizer helps in killing bacteria.

? Take sauna baths which will help you in killing the flu virus. It is not possible for the flu virus to stay alive in the sauna bath because the atmosphere there becomes very hot. A steamy bathroom helps in relaxing nasal passages as well.

? Drink lot of water which helps in keeping your mucous membranes well hydrated. Hot liquids help you a lot in relaxing your upper respiratory tract.

? Avoid crowded places if there is flu epidemic. The virus spreads very easily in crowded places.

? Avoid alcohol, tobacco and cigarette smoking during a flu epidemic or flu season. These are harmful for your body and at the same time they weaken your body’s immune system, making you more susceptible to the flu.

? Reduce stress because it can bring down your immune system.

? Sugar should be avoided when you are not healthy. Sugar damages your immune function, making you more and more prone to flu infection

? Stay away from exposure to dust, chemicals and polluted air in addition to unexpected, rapid and extreme temperature changes.

Caution

Take children immediately to the doctor when child has trouble breathing along with other symptoms like pale skin, not taking any liquids, extreme weakness, too much irritability, uneasiness, fever with rashes, cough and symptoms like high fever.

Do you want to learn about some flu remedies? Your not the only one out there. Searching for flu remedies can be done quickly online. Find your natural flu remedy today!

Do you get sick much? This is a crucial concern regarding your overall health. If you're simply not worried about it, you should be. How often you get sick has a lot to do with your immune system and how well it fights off germs. Fortunately there are methods of boosting immune system capabilities. Much of this has to do with what you consume and how well you live. So, what are you eating every day and how often do you exercise? The fact of the matter is if you expect to stay healthy and avoid sickness, then you have to work for it like anything else. Are you ready?

What do you know about boosting immune system? As you're probably already aware, the immune system is what keeps us protected. It fights off bacteria and germs so that we don't get ill. This is why HIV, the virus that causes AIDS is such a big deal. It destroys the immune system, therefore rendering us helpless. Those afflicted with this disease typically end up dying from something as simple as the flu. So, we've established the point that our immune systems are vital. Now, back to boosting immune system. There are a few simple ways you can go about this. First of all it is imperative to eat good foods. Now, when I say good, I'm not talking about a Whopper. I am referring to healthy meals and a balanced diet. These wonderful foods keep your body and immune system strong. Secondly, if you're trying to better your immune system, you must exercise and keep your body strong and fit. This does wonders for boosting immune system capabilities. A healthy body and mind are crucial. Another easy way to increase your immune system is by taking a daily vitamin. This adds essential vitamins and minerals to the equation that sometimes get lost.

In today's modern world of technology some new ways of boosting immune system abilities have come about. One of the more popular methods concerns whey protein. This is a contemporary protein that is now recommended over soy. It helps to build and repair muscle tissue while boosting immune system response. We could all use a little more of that. You can easily hop online and check out whey protein and other healthy supplements. Get that immune system up to par before winter hits.

It seems as if everyone is looking for products with boosting immune system qualities. While supplements and natural herbs can help we may find that the best approach to boosting the immune system involves lifestyle changes. I know that we love the idea of taking a pill to take care of our health but the core of the problem behind most illnesses is our environment.

Sleep is extremely important yet many of us do not get the recommended eight hours of rest our bodies require each night. Some people may not think that this really has an effect on our bodies but it really does. Sleep is effective in boosting immune systems in people of all ages.

The reason that this neglected aspect of our lives is left on the wayside when it comes to health is beyond me. Your body needs to sleep if it is working on boosting immune system functioning correctly. As you rest your body has a chance to build itself back up to full strength. It is just like exercising. If you work out too hard for too long, your body will collapse. If you do not rest your self your immune functioning may collapse as well.

Speaking of exercise, making sure that you get enough physical activity is crucial to boosting immune system health. Exercise can be as simple as a brisk walk around the neighborhood. You really don’t have to go to a gym or purchase exercise equipment to get enough physical activity to boost the immune system.

If you are going to exercise, chances are you are going to get thirsty. Before you reach for that sports-drink consider a nice, clear glass of water. Water is great for boosting immune system functioning because it washes away toxins in the body. If your body doesn’t have the toxins to contend with, it is more likely to focus on the immune system.

When it comes to food, choose items that are rich in antioxidants. Common choices are blueberries, broccoli and whole grains. As a general rule, keep foods as natural as possible. The more processing the less the foods are qualified in boosting immune system health.

Of course, if you are concerned about wellness and you feel that you really need more than natural remedies for boosting immune system health, make sure that you see your doctor. Chances are, you physician has the right answers for your questions and concerns.