Showing posts with label Natural Remedies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Natural Remedies. Show all posts

Thursday, 23 April 2015

Mysterious Honey Destroys All Bacteria It Touches

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Australian researchers rediscovered an immaculate cure for bacterial disease that seems to only exist in the New Zealand/Australia corner of the world; Manuka Honey.
Manuka Honey was available in health shops around the area for a while before now, but recently it leaked into the mainstream just how effective this honey is at treating pathogens. The honey was used by indigenous people as medicine for who knows how long before this rediscovery.
Honey from bees native to other areas is medicinal too of course, but Australian researchers recently found that this particular honey functions better to treat bacterial infections better than all known antibiotics. It literally kills any bacteria  or pathogens it touches. It can be applied externally to basically any infection.
Not only that, but the bacteria were reported to get zero immunity to the honey over time. That means these ‘superbugs’ engineered by the repeated use of antibiotics could be killed by this special Manuka Honey.
The bees that produce this honey feed on tea trees local to Australia and New Zealand. This honey can only come from bees who fed on pollen from these trees, says Professor Dee Carter, of The University of Sydney’s School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences.
She also said “Honey sounds very homey and unscientific, which is why we needed the science to validate the claims made for it,”
and “Most bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one antibiotic, and there is an urgent need for new ways to treat and control surface infections, ” “New antibiotics tend to have short shelf lives, as the bacteria they attack quickly become resistant. Many large pharmaceutical companies have abandoned antibiotic production because of the difficulty of recovering costs. Developing effective alternatives could therefore save many lives. ”
She also said “a compound in the honey called methylglyoxal combined in unknown ways with other unidentified compounds in the honey to cause multi-system failure in the bacteria.”
The full report was published in this month’s edition of the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
Please share this with as many people as possible, because as this professor said people need to hear the science behind natural cures to validate the claims made for them. This is perfect evidence of the effectiveness of this natural cure.
- See more at: http://massreport.com/mysterious-honey-destroys-all-bacteria-it-touches/

10 Interesting Things About Honey You Might Not Know 
Aside from being delicious, honey offers a great deal of benefits. Honey can be used to treat wounds, soothe sore throats and coughs, and antibiotic resistant bacteria. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and great source of energy.

Like most things, honey consumption should be respectively moderated. But there won’t be much point in that if you end up buying fake honey. In a study published in 2011, it was found that more than 75% of the honey sold in grocery stores was just synthetic imitations of honey that didn’t have pollen in it whatsoever.

In addition to the medicinal value, here are a few things that make honey so interesting.

1. Honey was used by the Ancient Egyptians to embalm the dead. They also often offered honey to Min the fertility god.

2. Humans use of honey dates back for millennia. Cave paintings dated back 13,000 years show beekeeping. You can find the worlds oldest beehive in Israel, sitting intact at 3,000 years old.

3. The oldest honey, found in Georgia, was estimated to be 5,000 years old. And it was still good to eat.

4. Honey is the only food that doesn’t every spoil. Organisms can’t survive in honey due to low moisture and high acidity.

5. It is believed that Alexander the Great was entombed in a coffin of honey.

6. Honey is used to make mead, a sweet alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey, water, and yeast.

7. In 2012, China, Turkey, and Ukraine were the world’s top suppliers of honey.

8. The honeybee is the only insect that produces human food.

9. Beekeeping is illegal in several U.S. cities. It became legal in NYC in 2010.

10. A honeyguide is a species of small bird that lead honey badgers to beehives to they can feed on the leftover beeswax when the honey badger is done feasting.


- See more at: http://massreport.com/mysterious-honey-destroys-all-bacteria-it-touches/#sthash.VyaEulEh.dpuf

Monday, 13 April 2015

Cancer Survivor Shared A Recipe That Saved Her Life

Author: 

A Bosnian woman, cancer survivor, shared her recipe with the world in order to help all the people in need of a remedy for the horrid disease, cancer.
House of (13)

Here is the famous recipe that helped her to heal herself without operation or chemotherapy:
Ingredients:– 2 large roots of ginger
– 6 cups raw organic honey
Preparation: 
Peel the ginger and grind it. Then mix the ginger into the honey. Put this mixture in an airtight container.

Consumption:
Consume 4 tablespoons of the mixture everyday, but make sure that you avoid using metal spoon. (Use a wooden spoon instead)
Improvement is felt around the third day of the therapy.

Monday, 16 March 2015

What are the Natural Treatments for Sciatic Pain?

How to Treat Sciatic Pain

Feeling a stabbing pain in your lower back hips and thighs? If yes, congratulations-you’re one of those 40% of people who suffer from sciatica. For those not familiar with it, it’s the nerve that spans on the either side of the lower spine through the pelvis and buttocks, running along the back of each upper leg, later dividing at the knee into branches that proceed to the feet.
Sciatica is caused by physical damage or inflammation in the sciatic nerve. There are several reasons for sciatic nerve pain: contraction of the spinal column, piriformis syndrome (short or convulsing piriformis muscle), herniated or enlarged disc, inflammation in the surrounding areas etc.
Sciatica symptoms include a burning, sharp feeling; a feeling of numbness, weariness or light prickling sensation; enormous discomfort on the back of the thigh or buttock. Luckily, most of the sciatic pain occurrences end within 6 weeks, although a few develop chronic sciatica.
Treating Sciatica with Natural Means
1. Herbs and oils – there’s a number of herbs that can help you combat the inflammation and pain, like Turmeric, Kratom, Willow, Jamaican dogwood, Devil’s claw, Willow, Arnica, John’s wort, Skullcap, Roman chamomile, Clary sage, Lavender, Mullein root, Milky oats tops, Licorice and Linden flower
2. Acupuncture helps in dealing with sciatica, starting even with the first session, although 12 sessions are needed for any effective result to be achieved. Acupuncture “programs” the muscles to relax, which helps in healing the body. Relieving any tension in the fascia and surrounding tissue around the muscles is practiced in Chinese massage (tui na). It is strongly advised to maintain your back in shape with stretching, after the pain has been removed.
3. Sleep is crucial for the body to heal, balance its metabolism and relax. Hence the connection with any nerve sickness if you have lack of sleep. So, be sure to always make time for sleep because it regenerates and relaxes your nerves.
4. Yoga – although not effective as other means for relieving sciatic pain it does improve your muscle flexibility and strength, so in the end, those that suffer from sciatic pain function and move better with yoga.
5. Ice or Heat – although they may not calm the inflammation in your buttock due to its depth, they do help out with lowering the pain. You could use an ice bundle or a heating pad for 15 minutes.
6. Massage – for treating sciatica trigger-point massage would be the most effective, where the therapist pressurizes inflamed and irritated sections of the piriformis muscle (the muscle which is above the sciatic nerve) and also the gluteus and muscles in the lower back, decreasing the pain.
http://www.dailynutritionnews.com/what-are-the-natural-treatments-for-sciatic-pain/

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

3 natural pain relievers that are as powerful as drugs, without the side effects

by: Derek Henry

pain

(NaturalNews) Unfortunately, acute or chronic pain is something that everyone in their life experiences at one time or another. Even though this is a powerful reminder from the body that something is either healing or going terribly wrong, a way to manage the pain is often required in order to live a functional lifestyle.

The first resort to manage this type of pain has typically been prescriptions or over the counter drugs. These medications do have side effects, however, and people are beginning to realize there are more natural solutions that can be as effective or more powerful than drugs. Here are 3 of them.

Boswellia

Often called Indian Frankincense, boswellia originates in the dry areas of India, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It is a remarkable plant and is becoming better known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the root of chronic pain. The unique acids (boswellic acids) block the overproduction of cytokinetic activity in damaged tissues while enhancing blood flow to the joints. This combination has also been shown to increase joint mobility and loosen stiff joints.

Boswellia has shown great success at reducing inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, and other painful conditions. Many studies have shown that it is as effective as NSAID's, which are the most commonly prescribed drug for issues related to inflammation and chronic pain.

Turmeric

Another powerful anti-inflammatory food with exceptional pain relief properties, turmeric is an ancient spice commonly used in Indian and Asian cuisine. Turmeric has shown to work better than many other pain-killing drugs at relieving arthritis, joint pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and other chronic pain conditions.

A natural painkiller and COX-2 inhibitor, turmeric has been shown to be a safe and effective remedy due to its ability to not only stop inflammation, but to suppress nerve related pain as well. This makes it exceptional for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin (asta-zan-thin) is a deep red coloured phytonutrient synthesized by microalgae called Haematococcus, and is also known as the "King of Carotenoids". It's grown in fresh water using sophisticated techniques that encourage the algae to grow its own powerful medicines protecting it from oxidation, UV radiation, and other environmental stressors.

Even though astaxanthin may not be as powerful as leading pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories, it is found to be one of the strongest ones in nature. Several double blind, placebo controlled animal and clinical trials shows that astaxanthin naturally inhibits many of the known inflammation mediators, which eases inflammation and pain without side effects.

It has been used effectively for joint pain, muscle recovery, and other painful conditions. Since astaxanthin is fat soluble (unlike most antioxidants) it gets carried by fat molecules directly to your muscles, tissues, and organs where it is needed most, like your brain, breast tissue, prostate tissue, skeletal muscles, and retina.

Of course, the effectiveness of these remedies relies on several factors, including the individual's current lifestyle and dietary habits. To learn from someone who has recovered from debilitating pain naturally with a completely holistic approach (who now enjoys radiant health on a daily basis), check out Advice from a Survivor - How To Live A Healthy Life. If you're looking for to eliminate the source of pain, the first step is almost always to Balance Your Inner Ecosystem.

Sources:

http://www.healingthebody.ca

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com 

http://truthwiki.org/turmeric

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.naturalnews.com


Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047725_pain_relievers_natural_remedies_fibromyalgia.html#ixzz3KA4nOc5u

Wednesday, 12 November 2014

10 Best Home Remedies for Arthritis

10 Best Home Remedies for Arthritis

If you have been experiencing pain and swelling in your joints of fingers, wrists, arms or legs and if the pain gets severe in the morning, it might be a case of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). If you can also hear a cracking noise while moving any of your joint and have constant stiffness in it, you may be suffering from Osteoarthritis. When your own immune system becomes your enemy and attacks your body tissues, you get rheumatoid arthritis. Thus it is an auto immune disease. On the other hand, when the cartilage or the cushion between your bones and joints gets damaged and increases the friction between the bones, you get osteoarthritis. While there is no permanent cure for arthritis (except, of course, joint replacement surgeries), there are many herbal and home remedies to manage the symptoms of arthritis including pain and stiffness. Proper diet, lifestyle changes and these home remedies can save you from becoming immobile and lead a normal life.

Home Remedies for Arthritis

Green Gram Remedy for Arthritis

Green gram or green moong dal (pulse) is a very good remedy for arthritis due to its many beneficial components like vitamin A, B, C and E, iron, calcium, and potassium. It also helps in weight loss, which is one of the pre-requisites for curing arthritis, as it is a low fat food rich in protein and fibers. If you regularly take green gram moong dal, your can reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve the flexibility of your arteries and veins apart from regulating your blood pressure. So, it seems a good deal to have green gram to manage arthritis and to get added benefits for free!

You will need:

  • Green gram- 3 tbsp
  • Water- 250 ml
  • Garlic cloves- 2
  • Salt (optional)- a pinch
  • Pepper (optional)- a pinch

Directions:

  • Soak green gram in the water overnight.
  • In the morning, take out the soaked green gram from the water.
  • Crush the garlic.
  • Add the garlic to green gram.
  • Have a handful of this green gram-garlic mix twice a day.
  • If you want to make it a little tasty, add salt and pepper to it.
You should have the green moong for at least 2-3 months daily.

Turmeric for Arthritis

Many researches have supported the belief that turmeric reduces pain and inflammation including tenderness and swelling of joints. There is also no side effects of having turmeric. You just need to add a dash of turmeric powder in your gravies and curries to get the benefits. In fact, if you are not allergic to having milk, you must boil a glass of milk with ¼ tsp of turmeric powder and have it before going to bed. If you don’t want to have milk, use water and boil some turmeric with it and have it. Remember, you need to boil turmeric with milk or water and not just add the spice to warm drinks!

Black cumin for Arthritis

Loaded with flavonoids and antioxidants, black cumin can be a perfect anti-inflammatory spice. The salicylic acid in it relieves you from pain too. Use it like below.
  • Add 2 tsp of black cumin in a glass of water.
  • Boil this mixture until it reduces to ¾ of its original quantity.
  • Let it cool down,
  • Drink this daily before going to bed and in the morning after waking up.

Fennel for Arthritis

The phytonutrients present in fennel makes it a super spice having antioxidant properties. Anethole, which is the primary component of fennel’s volatile oil, helps in reducing inflammation. Vitamin C in it neutralizes free radicals which in turn prevents pain as well as deterioration of joints seen in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C also helps in proper functioning of the immune system. Including this spice in your dishes can give you more health benefits that you can imagine. Make fennel tea yourself and enjoy its good taste while eliminating pain and swelling that you get from arthritis.
  • Take 1 tsp of fennel seeds and crush them in a mortar and pestle.
  • Heat a cup of water (don’t boil it).
  • Place the crushed fennel seeds in a cup and pour hot water over it.
  • Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
  • Have this aromatic tea. You don’t need any added sweetener as fennel seeds are naturally sweet (though only a little sweet).
You may have this tea twice or thrice a day.

Fenugreek Seeds for Arthritis

Fenugreek seeds which are high in fiber and protein have various other beneficial components including iron, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin C, phosphates, flavonoids, saponins, trigonelline, and other alkaloids. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties these seeds have been traditionally used to get relief from pain due to arthritis and gout too. There are more than one way to have fenugreek seeds for arthritis.
  • Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning, discard the water and chew the seeds. You will feel the bitterness first but gradually you’ll adapt to its taste.
  • If you can’t stand the bitter taste of fenugreek seeds while chewing, swallow the seeds with water.
  • You can also use fenugreek seeds powder. Mix one tsp of this powder to a cup lukewarm water and have this in the morning on an empty stomach everyday for about 2-3 months.
  • You can also use fenugreek powder or seeds in your gravies and curries.
Natural Remedies for Arthritis

Ginger for Arthritis

Ginger root is one herb that can be called a superfood. Many ancient medicine systems including Chinese, Indian and Arabic herbal medicines have used ginger to not only treat arthritis pain but also for many other medical conditions like diarrhea, nausea, colic, and heart conditions. In one of the studies conducted with 261 people having osteoarthritis in knee, the patients were given ginger extract twice daily and they reported less pain as well as needed fewer pain-killing medications. So, you can, without worry, add ginger to your daily menu. Use it for gravies, teas or chew it raw with some salt. Ayurveda, in fact, recommends a mixture of certain spices with ginger to cure arthritis.

You will need:

  • Ginger powder- 50 g
  • Fenugreek seeds powder- 50 g
  • Turmeric- 50 g

Directions:

  • Mix all the three ingredients- fenugreek, turmeric and ginger powder.
  • Store it in an airtight container.
  • Every morning and evening, take one tsp of this mixture. You can mix it with warm water and have it.

Mustard Oil- Camphor Massage for Arthritis

Massaging aching and swollen joints with herbal oils is one of the ancient ways to manage arthritis. Here is a recipe for such oil.

You will need:

  • Mustard oil- 1 cup
  • Camphor- 10 g

Directions:

  • Take mustard oil in a pan.
  • Add camphor to this oil.
  • Heat the oil till the camphor gets completely dissolved.
  • Let it cool down a little till it gets lukewarm.
  • Massage your joints gently with this lukewarm oil.

Sesame Seeds for Arthritis

Chinese traditional medicine recommends eating sesame seeds for arthritis relief. Sesame seeds are rich in fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, and copper that help in reducing inflammation and pain.
  • Sprinkle a little sesame seeds powder on your choice of dishes and have it during lunch and dinner.
  • Soak black sesame seeds in a cup of water overnight. Have this water along with the seeds in the morning.

Juice Remedy for Arthritis

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should try to have certain juices on daily basis. The juices that you have must be high in anti-inflammatory components like beta-carotene which is found in parsley, broccoli and spinach; copper which is found in carrots, apples and ginger; pineapple which is rich in the enzyme bromelain. If you have osteoarthritis, you should avoid citrus fruits and certain vegetable juices like those made with potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. Here are some suggestion for juices that you may have.
  • Carrot, celery, and cabbage Juice having a dash of Parsley.
  • Potato juice (only for Rheumatoid Arthritis). Soak thin slices of potatoes with peel in a glass of water overnight. Have this water in the morning.
  • Cherry juice.
  • Carrot, beet, and cucumber juice
  • Radish and garlic juice

Diet Remedy for Arthritis

Proper diet is of utmost importance when you talk about home remedies for arthritis because here you take some food that affects your joints and body inflammation in a negative way, there you’ll lose all the benefits from the herbs and spices you use for getting relief from arthritis. Thus, have a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet having complex carbohydrates from vegetables and grains. This kind of diet helps in reducing the fat in your tiny arteries that supply blood to your joints. This means your joints will get more oxygen, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that you take through various herbs and foods for your arthritis. Here are some diet rules for you to follow.
  1. To detox your body, first of all take 2 tea spoons of lemon juice mixed in a glass of warm water with 1 tea spoon of honey. Have it twice, in morning and evening.
  2. Avoid foods that produce gas and lead to bloating. These include cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, lady’s fingers and potatoes.
  3. Have vegetable juices and soups that are made with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. For example, juices of carrot, beat root and cucumber mixed together is good for you.
  4. Have green salad with a simple dressing of lemon juice and a little salt.
  5. Have fruits like apples, oranges, grapes, papaya etc.
  6. Have vegetables like squash, zucchini, pumpkin.
  7. Use such spices as cumin, coriander, ginger, asafetida, garlic, fennel and turmeric while cooking and also as seasoning for salads, yogurt etc.
  8. Avoid hot and spicy as well as fried foods, and
  9. Avoid excessive tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate, cocoa, smoking.
Proper diet, certain exercises and herbs as well spices mentioned above can go a long way to give you relief from arthritis.

Friday, 17 October 2014

Get Rid Of a Headache And Lower High Blood Pressure With This Simple Natural Remedy

If you have strong and unbearable headache or high blood pressure, try this natural remedy that will eliminate the pain in just 20 minutes.

You need some gauze or fine cotton fabric that you will later use as a compress. Fold the gauze in 8 layers, and the compress should match your forehead.

 get-rid-of-a-headache-and-lower-high-blood-pressure-with-this-simple-natural-remedy1

Dissolve 2 level teaspoons of salt in 8.5 oz/ 250 ml of hot water (60-70°C). Now you have 8% salt solution.

Headache is often caused by the food you eat, like diet soda, alcohol and others.

Wash your forehead, ears and neck with some warm water. Soak the gauzes in the salt solution, squeeze out the excess and apply the compresses on your forehead, neck and around the ears. It is better if you lay down while the compresses do their job.

You will soon feel some relieve, but leave the compresses for a while. Lay for another 20 minutes. After you remove the compresses, rinse your neck, ears and forehead.

High salt intake often causes swelling and high blood pressure, but salt compresses have the opposite effect. They affect your health condition through the skin and stimulate the elimination of excess fluids from the body. You can treat swollen feet in the similar way.
http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/get-rid-of-a-headache-and-lower-high-blood-pressure-with-this-simple-natural-remedy/

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

Home #Remedies for Phlegm

Phlegm often accompanies colds and other upper respiratory infections. While not a serious health problem, if phlegm is not treated timely, it can clog and irritate the bronchial tubes and in turn cause a secondary upper respiratory infection.
The presence of phlegm is usually indicated by a constant need for throat clearingconstant cough,runny nose, difficulty breathing, feeling weak and, in some cases, fever. Phlegm tends to collect and congest in the chest and throat and is usually expelled through coughing.
Phlegm contains the bacteria, virus or inflammatory cells produced in response to an infection. In addition to infections such as the common coldflu and bronchitis, phlegm can be caused by an allergic reaction to irritants such as in asthma and hay fever, damaged vocal cords, and excessive smoking.
Dealing with phlegm can be incredibly frustrating and seemingly never ending. But there are effective, natural home remedies that work quickly and without causing side effects.
home remedies for phlegm
Here are the top 10 home remedies for phlegm.

1. Steam

Steam inhalation is the best and the simplest way to get rid of phlegm. Inhaling steam into the nasal passages helps keep phlegm in liquid form so it is easier to eliminate from your system.
  • Take a steam shower twice daily. Turn your shower to full heat and stay in the closed bathroom for 10 minutes to help break up the mucus. Be sure to moisturize your body after, as warm water robs your skin of essential oils and moisture.
  • Alternatively, pour hot boiling water in a large bowl. Hold a towel over your head and inhale the steam for five to 10 minutes. This will help loosen the secretions in your lungs. You can use this simple remedy several times a day.

2. Salt Water

Gargling with warm salt water is another easy way to treat phlegm. While warm water is soothing for an irritated throat, salt helps destroy bacteria that may be causing your infection and therefore reduces production of phlegm.
  1. Mix one-fourth teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
  2. Gargle with the solution.
  3. Repeat this remedy several times a day.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon is a great ingredient for loosening mucus and phlegm. Plus, lemon’s antibacterial property and high vitamin C content improves the body’s resistance to infections.
Phlegm Home Remedy
  • Add two teaspoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey to a glass of hot water. Drink this at least three times a day to soothe your throat and reduce phlegm production.
  • Another simple option is to cut a slice of lemon, sprinkle a little bit of salt and pepper on it and then suck on the lemon slice. It will help force the phlegm out of your throat. Do this two or three times a day.

4. Ginger

Ginger is a natural decongestant and has been used to fight off throat and respiratory tract infections for ages. Also, the antiviral, antibacterial and expectorant properties present in ginger ease congestion in the throat and chest to help you breathe easier.
  • Add one tablespoon of fresh ginger slices to one cup of boiled water. Steep for a few minutes and then add two teaspoons of honey. Drink this soothing ginger tea several times throughout the day.
  • Alternatively, chew raw ginger slices several times a day and add ginger to your dishes.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric has strong antiseptic properties that help reduce phlegm by killing the bacteria that cause excessive mucus production. Also, turmeric helps strengthen the immune system.
phlegm-home-remedy-turmeric
  • Add one teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of hot milk. Drink it once in the morning and again before going to bed.
  • Swallow one-half teaspoon of turmeric with a glass of water two or three times a day.
  • Add one tablespoon of turmeric and a pinch of salt to a glass of hot water. Use it to gargle several times a day.

6. Chicken Soup

Warm chicken soup can also help treat phlegm. Hot chicken soup will help moisturize the airways and thin the consistency of the phlegm. It will also soothe an irritated throat and induce relaxation.
Have some chicken soup at least two or three times a day to clear phlegm from your throat. For increased benefits, add ginger and garlic to the soup. Homemade soup is often more effective than canned soup, which has preservatives.

7. Cayenne Pepper

cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper helps the body release mucus built up in the nasal passages and throat. The warm and stimulating nature of cayenne pepper also helps reduce pain in your chest and soothes an irritated throat.
  1. Mix the following ingredients: one-fourth teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and grated fresh ginger, one tablespoon each of honey and apple cider vinegar, and two tablespoons of water.
  2. Drink this mixture two or three times a day to help reduce phlegm production.
Note: Also include cayenne pepper in cooking your dishes.

8. Honey

honey
Honey has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that make it a great home remedy for soothing an irritated throat and eliminating phlegm. Plus, it has antiseptic properties that help boost the immune system to fight off infections faster.
  • Add a pinch of white or black pepper powder to one tablespoon of honey. Pepper will help treat a throat infection, while the honey will soothe the mucous membranes. Have this mixture twice a day for a week.
  • Add one tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm water. Drink this several times a day. You’ll get the benefits from honey’s medicinal properties and the water will help thin the mucus.

9. Onion

onions
Onion has excellent antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help relax your throat and get rid of phlegm. Also, onion helps boost the immune system and speed up the healing process. You can make a tonic with onion and sugar to increase the fluidity of the phlegm so it is easier to expel.
  1. Wash and finely chop a small onion.
  2. Toss the onion with two tablespoons of sugar and set it aside for half an hour. The mixture will develop a liquid texture.
  3. Take one tablespoon of this tonic every two to three hours or when needed.
You can store the extra tonic in the refrigerator for one to two days.

10. Carrots

carrot
Carrots have been found to be very effective in treating phlegm and other similar conditions. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and builds resistance to various kinds of infections. Plus, carrots are packed with many nutrients and vitamins that help reduce cough symptoms as well as phlegm.
  1. Extract the juice from four to five fresh carrots.
  2. Add a little water to dilute the juice. Then add two to three teaspoons of honey and mix it well.
  3. Drink this juice throughout the day to clear phlegm from your throat.
Try these simple remedies the next time you are suffering from the annoying problem of phlegm. However, if you notice blood in the phlegm or you cough up phlegm that is yellow or green, consult a doctor.

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

How to Combat Computer Eye Strain

  • Dr. Michael Greger
What happens to our eyesight when we sit in front of a computer all day?

How to Combat Computer Eye StrainAs researchers from the SUNY College of Optometry note, the rise in computer screens “has led to an increase in ocular and visual problems, including eye discomfort, blurring of distant objects, eye strain, and asthenopia (visual fatigue).” This has caused so-called “nearwork-induced transient myopia.” That’s when after staring at a computer screen for a while we look out the window and things start out all blurry. Our vision becomes blurred because our poor little ciliary muscles pulling at our lens are locked in this constant state of contraction to keep that near focus. Over time, this may have long-term adverse consequences.

How to Combat Computer Eye Strain

Experts in the field recommend taking 4-12 minute breaks staring out the window every hour.

We can also aid our vision with our diet. A double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study, for example, found a significant improvement in refractive values and eyestrain symptoms when subjects ate black currants compared to a placebo.

However, what passes for currants in the U.S. are usually champagne grape raisins, not actual black currants, which were banned in the U.S. a century ago at the behest of the lumber industry. The lumber industry feared that they might spread a plant disease that affects white pine (which we hardly even harvest any more). Black currants are, however, currently making a comeback (and the ban has been lifted in some states), though any anthocyanin-rich berry might have similar benefits (such as bilberries, blueberries, cranberries, black raspberries and red raspberries).

Foods vs. Supplements

Why bother with whole bilberries or black currants when we could just take powder capsules? Because, as we’ve seen over and over again, when we test supplements, we’re lucky if they actually contain what is listed on the label. Furthermore, even for products containing bilberries, one study found that labeling was often uninformative, misleading, or both, something or which the herbal supplement market is infamous. The largest study to date found that it appears most herbal supplement labels lie.

A Brief History of Bilberries

Bilberries gained notoriety during World War II when it was said that pilots in the British Royal Air Force “were eating bilberry jam to improve their night vision.” It turns out this may have been a story concocted to fool the Germans. The real reason the Brits were able to suddenly target Nazi bombers in the middle of the night before the bombers even made it to the English channel was likely not because of bilberries, but because of a top secret new invention the British needed to keep quiet: radar.

For best results when it comes to computer eye strain, stick to whole berries with blue and red pigments, and don’t forget to give your eyes a break each hour.

For other videos on protecting our vision, check out Greens vs. Glaucoma, where I listed the best foods to help prevent glaucoma; in Dietary Prevention of Age-Related Macular Degeneration I did the same for age-related macular degeneration. I’ve also addressed the Dietary Treatment of Glaucoma.