Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses, caused by inflammation of the sinus cavities and surrounding area. Symptoms can include pain and pressure around one or both eyes, the forehead, the cheek or top jaw (sometimes confused for a toothache from the pressure and resulting pain behind the back tooth), as well as foul smelling breath, sinus congestion and nasal discharge, sometimes thick and yellow or green in appearance. Treating Sinusitis can be a challenge.

However, we’re not perfect and may catch it regardless, so let’s examine some common ways that we can treat the symptoms of Sinusitis. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylpherine are good temporary remedies that help drain the sinuses. Prescribed inhalers, while not decongestants, assist in healing the sinus membranes. Over-the-counter nasal sprays like Dristan and Afrin are basically ‘spray’ versions of decongestants and can be used for a few days or so. Humidifiers or sprays that contain salt water in them will ‘melt’ the infected sinuses away (so to speak).

Treating Sinusitis and treating the pain that can be a symptom of sinusitis can be two different matters. Sinus pain can be severe and in some cases even temporarily debilitating. Methods of treating this pain include over-the-counter pain relievers (especially NSAIDS, as they act as an anti inflammatory as well as a pain reliever), heat applied to the area, steam and facial massage.

A natural remedy to help reduce nasal inflammation is to use hot towels and ginger compresses on the face. These can also help to open the nasal passages and decrease the congestion connected to sinusitis. The best way to do this is to heat the towel in the microwave and put ginger in the folds before applying it to your face. This can be a very effective measure in reducing your symptoms.

You know the answer to the question What is sinusitis?, but did you also know the answer to a cure may already be in your kitchen? Certain spicy or pungent foods, like garlic, cayenne peppers, and horseradish, are known to contain the same chemicals found in sinusitis-fighting drugs and decongestants. Oranges are a milder alternative, as the Vitamin C found in the fruit is known to minimize sinus congestion.

Treating Sinusitis naturally may be possible with a new product called SINUVIL. SINUVIL is a natural remedy, made from a medicinal plant native to South Africa, called the Pelargonium. SINUVIL claims to have the ability to naturally drain your sinuses, relieving pressure and pain, boost your immune system, enabling you to better fight off infections in the future, prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in your sinus cavities, preventing infection, and soothe inflamed and swollen tissues. SINUVIL is also recommended for those with weakened immune systems, such as people suffering from a chronic disease, as well as the elderly.

Learn more about Symptoms And Causes Of Sinusitis – Part Two. Stop by our site where you can find out all about Dealing With Sinusitis.

Centuries ago, before there were chemically manufactured products, apothecary owners would learn the properties of various herbs, plants, and other organic matter to help people soothe and treat common ailments like headaches, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, joint pain, and a myriad of other complaints. Today, the use of natural, plant-based remedies for similar complaints has seen a resurgence. People are gravitating towards products that are natural and revisiting the properties of those specific ingredients exclusive to nature. Topical balms containing natural ingredients are as effective at treating common aches and pains as they were hundreds of years ago.

Combining the principals of aromatherapy and herbal properties, balms and lotions that can be applied to the skin are soothing and healing; they can actually improve the appearance of skin as well. With ingredients like lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, sandalwood, pepper extracts, cardamom, and many others readily available, there are an array of body balms that do more than just moisturize and heal dry skin. Not to mention, the combination of aromatic ingredients with healing herbals means modern-day balms are not only pleasant to use, but pleasant to smell.

Common ailments that can be helped with the use of healing balms include headaches, sore muscles, tired painful joints, and even insomnia. Many natural ingredients have remarkable healing powers, like Cayenne pepper extract as a natural anti-inflammatory and camphor as a natural muscle tension reliever. Combine these properties with essential oils chosen for their aromatic properties – like calming lavender – and you have the perfect blend of soothing ingredients.

While various combinations of natural ingredients can be used to promote healing of many common ailments, body balms are unequivocally the best type of skin product for soothing dry, cracked, and itchy skin. Better absorbed than water-based lotions, body balms with natural moisturizers can be used on the most sensitive of skin and still heal even the toughest, driest body parts. Dry or cracked lips, hands, feet, knees and elbows can feel soft and supple again with the use of body balms.

For moisturizing purposes, look for balms containing olive oil and beeswax. Olive oil is a wonderful ingredient for treating dry skin, dry hair, and dry, cracked cuticles. Beeswax helps soothe, heal and protect the skin by sealing in the body’s natural moisture. All natural and organic products ensure you aren’t using any harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients that simply mask problems and further dry the skin.

Natural body balms can also be used for children. Many children suffer from chapped lips and cheeks, especially in the winter as exposure to cold, dry air is maximized. The problem is magnified by the tendencies of children to lick their lips and wipe their little noses with their hands which spreads more moisture about the face and hastens chapping. You can treat this problem with body balm. By using balm with natural ingredients, you don’t have to worry about your child ingesting small quantities by continued licking or chewing.

Lavender is another practical herb that has been used in pediatric aromatherapy for decades. Lavender is naturally calming and promotes relaxation and sleep. You’ve probably seen major national brands of baby shampoos, washes, and lotions that contain lavender for use at night. There is real science behind this concept, as well as the use of eucalyptus as a relief from sore, stuffy noses.

For grown ups, balms can serve as muscle and joint pain relief but rather than smelling of camphor alone, why not use a body balm infused with sandalwood, lemongrass, or other aromatic ingredient so as not to offend the olfactory senses? For the purpose of soothing sore muscles and joints, look for body balms that also contain pepper extracts, arnica or peppermint. Some balms are designed to provide penetrating heat, while others, especially those containing camphor or eucalyptus, are designed to soothe by cooling. Alternate both varieties for improved relief.

Whether looking for a product to soothe, heal and protect dry skin or a product that will simultaneously moisturizer and soothe aches and pains, body balms are a terrific product choice. There are many different varieties – some all natural, others all natural and certified organic – but body balms containing any of the aforementioned ingredients are an excellent addition to your bath and body collection as well as your home remedy cache.

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Would you like to get into a fitter and sounder you but are too busy to hit the gym?

If you are, I am sure that you are in a dilemma of finding a diet that will make you look better and feel better. Fasting is always an option but a complete water fast will just make you even more tired and feeling grumpy.

But there is a way to lose all that weight and eliminate all the toxins that you have accumulated throughout all the years.

This diet has been on for a long time already and is one of the most tried there is. It is called the Master Cleanse diet.

Dieters who attempt the Master Cleanse diet will have to go through a period of 10 days without solid food, only the lemonade. You will be required to create a concoction of lemonade, maple syrup and cayenne pepper to start with this diet.

For this reason, the Master Cleanse Diet is also known as the Lemonade Diet.

The lemonade will be your only form of nourishment throughout the diet period. But before you begin the diet per se you will have to go through an ease in period first to prepare your body and mind for what is to come ahead.

Usually this includes you having to slowly stop taking in solid foods from your diet and start including juice and other foods rich in fiber like fruits and vegetables.

Once you have finished with the ease in, you can start doing the main diet. To prepare your lemonade you will need to mix 14 tbsp of lemon juice, 14 tbsp of maple syrup and tsp of cayenne pepper in 2 liters of water.

You can start chugging on that the entire day. If you feel hungry in any time of the day, drink as much as you can or until the hunger pang disappears.

Finally, you will have to take in tea laxatives and have a salt water flush. A salt water flush is accomplished by taking in a liter of water mixed in with a tsp of salt.

Because the concoction cannot be digested by the body, it will be excreted together with the wastes that have been stored inside your body. After you have gone to the bathroom, you will feel a sense of rejuvenation and feeling of being cleansed.

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One of my favorite things about the HCG diet experience is learning to appreciate good healthy foods and part of that is finding just the right recipes that work and are clear in their direction. After all, we need as much direction as we can get when on this diet especially when that direction is given by people who have made this work.

One of my favorite things to eat is soup regardless of the HCG diet or not. I love all kinds of it and could eat it at every meal. When I first got on the HCG diet I quickly wanted to learn if there were any soups out there I could eat and found that there were a few of them and I was scared to try them. I wasn’t thinking very positively during this time but I thought I would go ahead and give them a try and I was glad I did.

I’m including 2 HCG recipes that can be found on our website but they deserve attention in an article:

French Onion Soup

Ingredients

1 Vidalia onion
1 cup beef broth
1tsp. garlic powder
1tsp. onion salt
1tsp. pepper
2 Melba toast

Directions

Slice onion with an apple slicer to make wedges and to open up the onion. Season the onion and place it on top of a foil sheet. Add 1⁄4 cup beef broth, and wrap it up tightly. Place in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Make sure the onion is not too soft; you want it a little firm. Serve in a bowl with 2 cups of beef broth and 2 Melba toast. *Makes 1 vegetable serving*

The reason I love this so much is because it has lots of flavor. I love onions and I love garlic and this provided a ton of flavor for me that satisfied my taste and hunger levels while acting as a vegetable serving.

Green Onion Soup

Ingredients

10 green onions
2 cups vegetable broth
1-2 tsp. liquid aminos
1 tsp. parsley
4 drops or 1 packet Stevia
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dill
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. cayenne or red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp. celery seed

Directions

Briefly steam the green onions until tender. Preheat saucepan over MED heat. Chop steamed green onions. In a saucepan, saut? the green onions in a small amount of vegetable broth for a couple of minutes. Add the parsley, Stevia, paprika, salt, dill, thyme, celery seed, and cayenne. Saut? 1-2 minutes more. Add remaining vegetable broth, reduce heat, cover and simmer 20-30 minutes. Makes a great side dish on the hCG Diet. *Makes 2 vegetable servings*

The Green Onion Soup from the HCG diet recipes is another great great soup with a lot of flavor to it. I love strong flavors while on the hCG diet because you hear a lot of things about the 500 calorie a day protocol, but this wasn’t a soup that felt like I was struggling to get through. I was very impressed. Don’t be afraid to try out HCG diet recipes and find which ones you like and which one you don’t. Experiment with what works for your body and then go with it. The experience of being on the hCG diet should be about learning and improving your habits and finding the right recipes goes along with that.

For more information about the HCG diet, visit http://www.hcgcompletediet.com

Brian J. Schofield
http://www.hcgcompletediet.com

Are herbs “dilute forms of drugs” – and therefore dangerous? Or are they “natural” – and therefore safe? If you sell herbs, you probably hear these questions often. What is the “right” answer? It depends on the herb! These thoughts on herbs will help you explain to your customers (and yourself) how safe – or dangerous – any herb might be.

To prevent problems when selling or using herbs:

Be certain you have the correct plant. Use simples. Understand that different preparations of the same herb can work differently. Use nourishing, tonifying, stimulating, and potentially poisonous herbs wisely.
BE CERTAIN YOU HAVE THE CORRECT PLANT

One of the easiest ways to get into trouble with an herb is to use the “wrong” one. How could that happen? Common names for herbs overlap, causing confusion as to the proper identity. Herbs that are labeled correctly may contain extraneous material from another, more dangerous, herb. Herbs may be picked at the wrong stage of growth or handled incorrectly after harvesting, causing them to develop detrimental qualities.

Protect yourself and your customers with these simple steps:

Buy herbs only from reputable suppliers. Only buy herbs that are labeled with their botanical name. Botanical names are specific, but the same common names can refer to several different plants. “Marigold” can be Calendula officinalis, a medicinal herb, or Tagetes, an annual used as a bedding plant. If you grow the herbs you sell, be meticulous about keeping different plants separate when you harvest and dry them, and obsessive about labeling.
USE SIMPLES

A simple is one herb. For optimum safety, I prepare, buy, sell, teach about and use herbal simples, that is: preparations containing only one herb. (Occasionally I will add some mint to flavor a remedy.)

The more herbs there are in a formula, the more likelihood there is of unwanted side-effects. Understandably, the public seeks combinations, hoping to get more for less. And many mistakenly believe that herbs must be used together to be effective (probably because potentially poisonous herbs are often combined with protective herbs to mitigate the damage they cause). But combining herbs with the same properties, such as goldenseal and echinacea, is counter-productive and more likely to cause trouble than a simple. A simple tincture of echinacea is more effective than any combination and much safer.

Different people have different reactions to substances, whether drugs, foods, or herbs. When herbs are mixed together in a formula and someone taking it has distressing side effects, there is no way to determine which herb is the cause. With simples, it’s easy to tell which herb is doing what. If there’s an adverse reaction, other herbs with similar properties can be tried. Limiting the number of herbs used in any one day (to no more than four) offers added protection.

Side effects from herbs are less common than side effects from drugs and usually less severe. If an herb disturbs the digestion, it may be that the body is learning to process it. Give it a few more tries before giving up. Stop taking any herb that causes nausea, dizziness, sharp stomach pains, diarrhea, headache, or blurred vision. (These effects will generally occur quite quickly.) Slippery elm is an excellent antidote to any type of poison.

If you are allergic to any foods or medicines, it is especially important to consult resources that list the side effects of herbs before you use them.

UNDERSTAND THAT DIFFERENT PREPARATIONS OF THE SAME HERB CAN WORK DIFFERENTLY

The safety of any herbal remedy is dependent on the way it is prepared and used.

Tinctures and extracts contain the alkaloids, or poisonous, parts of plants and need to be used with care and wisdom. Tinctures are as safe as the herb involved (see cautions below for tonifying, stimulating, sedating, or potentially poisonous herbs). Best used/sold as simples, not combinations, especially when strong herbs are being used. Dried herbs made into teas or infusions contain the nourishing aspects of the plants and are usually quite safe, especially when nourishing or tonifying herbs are used. Dried herbs in capsules are generally the least effective way to use herbs. They are poorly digested, poorly utilized, often stale or ineffective, and quite expensive. Infused herbal oils are available as is, or thickened into ointments. They are much safer than essential oils, which are highly concentrated and can be lethal if taken internally. Herbal vinegars are not only decorative but mineral-rich as well. A good medium for nourishing and tonifying herbs; not as strong as tinctures for stimulants/sedatives. Herbal glycerins are available for those who prefer to avoid alcohol but are usually weaker in action than tinctures.
USE NOURISHING, TONIFYING, STIMULATING, & POTENTIALLY POISONOUS HERBS WISELY

Herbs comprise a group of several thousand plants with widely varying actions. Some are nourishers, some tonifiers, some stimulants and sedatives, and some are potential poisons. To use them wisely and well, we need to understand each category, its uses, best manner of preparation, and usual dosage range.

Nourishing herbs are the safest of all herbs; side effects are rare. Nourishing herbs are taken in any quantity for any length of time. They are used as foods, just like spinach and kale. Nourishing herbs provide high levels of proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carotenes, and essential fatty acids.

Examples of nourishing herbs are: alfalfa, amaranth, astragalus, calendula flowers, chickweed, comfrey leaves, dandelion, fenugreek, flax seeds, honeysuckle flowers, lamb’s quarter, marshmallow, nettles, oatstraw, plantain (leaves/seeds), purslane, red clover blossoms, seaweed, Siberian ginseng, slippery elm, violet leaves, and wild mushrooms.

Tonifying herbs act slowly in the body and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. They build the functional ability of an organ (like the liver) or a system (like the immune system). Tonifying herbs are most beneficial when they are used in small quantities for extended periods of time. The more bitter the tonic tastes, the less you need to take. Bland tonics may be used in quantity, like nourishing herbs.

Side effects occasionally occur with tonics, but are usually quite short-term. Many older herbalists mistakenly equated stimulating herbs with tonifying herbs, leading to widespread misuse of many herbs, and severe side effects.

Examples of tonifying herbs are: barberry bark, burdock root/seeds, chaste tree, crone(mug)wort, dandelion root, echinacea, elecampane, fennel, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, ground ivy, hawthorn berries, horsetail, lady’s mantle, lemon balm, milk thistle seeds, motherwort, mullein, pau d’arco, raspberry leaves, schisandra berries, St. Joan’s wort, turmeric root, usnea, wild yam, and yellow dock.

Sedating and stimulating herbs cause a variety of rapid reactions, some of which may be unwanted. Some parts of the person may be stressed in order to help other parts. Strong sedatives and stimulants, whether herbs or drugs, push us outside our normal ranges of activity and may cause strong side effects. If we rely on them and then try to function without them, we wind up more agitated (or depressed) than before we began. Habitual use of strong sedatives and stimulants – whether opium, rhubarb root, cayenne, or coffee – leads to loss of tone, impairment of functioning, and even physical dependency. The stronger the herb, the more moderate the dose needs to be, and the shorter the duration of its use.

Herbs that tonify and nourish while sedating/stimulating are some of my favorite herbs. I use them freely, as they do not cause dependency. Sedating/stimulating herbs that also tonify or nourish: boneset, catnip, citrus peel, cleavers, ginger, hops, lavender, marjoram, motherwort, oatstraw, passion flower, peppermint, rosemary, sage, skullcap.

Strongly sedating/stimulating herbs include: angelica, black pepper, blessed thistle root, cayenne, cinnamon, cloves, coffee, licorice, opium poppy, osha root, shepherd’s purse, sweet woodruff, turkey rhubarb root, uva ursu leaves, valerian root, wild lettuce sap, willow bark, and wintergreen leaves.

Potentially poisonous herbs are intense, potent medicines that are taken in tiny amounts and only for as long as needed. Side effects are common.

Examples of potentially poisonous herbs are: belladonna, blood-root, celandine, chaparral, foxglove, goldenseal, henbane, iris root, Jimson weed, lobelia, May apple (American mandrake), mistletoe, poke root, poison hemlock, stillingia root, turkey corn root, wild cucumber root.

In addition, consider these thoughts on using herbs safely:

Respect the power of plants to change the body and spirit in dramatic ways. Increase trust in the healing effectiveness of plants by trying remedies for minor or external problems before, or while, working with major and internal problems. Develop ongoing relationships with knowledgeable healers – in person or in books – who are interested in herbal medicine. Honor the uniqueness of every plant, every person, every situation. Remember that each person becomes whole and healed in their own unique way, at their own speed. People, plants, and animals can help in this process. But it is the body/spirit that does the healing. Don’t expect plants to be cure alls.Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Susun Weed, Copyright @ 2009 wisewoman@herbshealing.com

LEARN HOW TO PREVENT ILLNESS AND HEAL YOURSELF safely and easily the Wise Woman Way. Women’s health forum, FREE women’s forum, weblog, and email group. Topics include menopause, breast health, childbearing, fertility, disease prevention, nutritional advice, and cancer prevention. Visit the Wise Woman Web

For years people have been researching and trying new ways to find relief for sinus problems. Over the last decade more and more have turned to complementary and alternative medicine to find their answers. Most of these sinusitis remedies have been around for years, but it wasn’t until recently that high quality research has been conducted proving their benefits.

With over 15 billion doctors visits annually for sinusitis, thousands of sinusitis remedies have surfaced, each claiming superiority over the other.

One in particularly is the use of medicinal oils form Ayurvedic medicine. This sinusitis remedy focuses on removing the damp conditions that cause mucus build up through increasing blood flow and heat to the sinus passages. The herbs infused in these medicinal oils consist of Ginger, Eucalyptus and Guggal; usually in a flaxseed oil base. It is rubbed nightly on the face over the sinus passages. Within minutes the area warms and mucus begins to drain through the back of the throat. Many patients that I have applied this technique to quickly go to the sink or trash can to spit out the draining mucus. This is a vital step in solving sinusitis, as the excessive mucus is the main culprit in the symptoms experienced. Once this mucus is removed, I use other sinusitis remedies to clear out the sinus passages of any allergens, bacteria or fungal irritations. Usually it takes 5-7 days of this medicinal oil to get rid of all the excessive mucus buildup, and once that is done clearing your sinuses forever is just a few steps away.

Another way of removing this mucus plug is the use of cayenne pepper. The idea is the same, increase blood flow and heat to the area that then “melts” mucus. A teaspoon of cayenne into a cup of hot water three times a day is the typically dosage. I don’t find this as effective as the direct application of the medicinal oils, but nonetheless it still is effective.

Thyme also has much research behind it as a sinusitis remedy, mainly as a natural drying herb. Remember to first focus on removing the excessive mucus so that you can gain access to the sinus passages. The reason why most experience consistent sinusitis is that they initial mucus buildup has never been removed and therefore the relief they found with other remedies was only temporary

Once this mucus build up has been relieved you can turn to other sinusitis remedies that really work. Steam inhalation and irrigation is on the top of my priority list. Many say they have tried these and saw no results. I will come back to the initial mucus removal. These techniques must be used after the initial mucus drainage. They are best at keeping sinusitis from coming back, not resolving it. Using the essential oil of Eucalyptus is great in your steam inhalation or a small amount of Vitamin C (500mg) in a netti pot. Using the netti pot in the morning and afternoon with the steam inhalation and Eucalyptus at night has been the best combination I’ve found with patients.

Clearing sinusitis is actually quite easy once you focus on some tried and true sinusitis remedies. But remember, focus on removing the excessive mucus buildup first, then you will a much better chance of success in clearing up your sinusitis troubles.

Dr Walter Johnson is a sinusitis expert. For more great tips on sinusitis remedies, visit http://www.curesinusproblems.com

The first thing you want to do for the occasional nosebleed is to gently blow your nose. It will help rid the nostrils of blood clots that may prevent a blood vessel from sealing. Then try any of the following remedies.

Sit or stand, do not lie down during a nosebleed. Also, do not put your head back as it will cause you to swallow blood.

Apply direct pressure. Grasp the nose at the bridge, move the fingers just above the fleshy part of your nose and squeeze, gently but firmly. Hold this position for 10 to 20 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes of direct pressure, get to the hospital.

A remedy from the Caribbean islands – take the pinkie finger of the hand opposite the bleeding nostril and tightly tie a string under the pinkie’s fingernail.

Cayenne pepper is known to stop the bleeding of a cut or gash. Try drinking 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne in a glass of warm water to help stop a nosebleed.

Gem therapists say that a nosebleed can be stopped by placing apiece of pure amber on top of the nose.

If you have been reading any of my other articles on natural remedies, here is an ingredient that comes in handy many times. Vinegar has been said to be helpful in stopping a nose bleed. Pour distilled white vinegar on a cloth and wash the neck, nose and temples. And, mix 2 teaspoons in half glass of warm water and drink it.

If you are prone to minor nosebleeds, take bioflavonoids. Eat at least one citrus fruit a day, being sure to include the white rubbery skin under the peel. the “pith” is extremely rich in biofavonoids. Also, take a vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids. Add LOTS of green leafy vegetables to your diet. They are rich in vitamin K which is needed for the production of prothrombin, necessary for blood clotting.

Recipe:

Garlicky Greens

1 bunch of kale (about 10 cups)
1 bunch of collard greens (about 10 cups)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large onion, cut into thin slices (2 cups)
1/2 cup garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon tamari

De-vein the kale and collards greens, cut into 1/2″ pieces. In a steamer basket, steam for about 2 minutes. In a large skillet, heat the oil, add onions, garlic and sea salt. Saute for 5 minutes or until the onions are well cooked. Add tamari. Add the cooked greens, toss with onions and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

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