How to get rid of allergies

July 13, 2010 by  
Filed under Allergy

Pollen from a variety of common plants: sunflo...
Image via Wikipedia

An “allergy” is a sensitivity to something that normally do not rise any health problems. When the body
attempt to escape “allergen (foreign substance), experience the sensation of sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, rhinorrhea and itching. Classical allergens include animal dandruff, pollen, dust mites and molds.

The medical term for symptoms of nasal allergies is “allergic rhinitis (“rhinitis”comes from the word ” Rhine “, from Ancient Greek, meaning nose, and “itis”meaning inflammation).

Seasonal allergic rhinitis describes nasal allergies that change with the seasons because of plant pollen. In these people, symptoms come and go depending on the pollen of certain trees and weeds. Their pollen levels can vary from day to day, depending on factors including weather.

Tips to cope with allergies

* Try to stay inside your house between 5 am and 10 am.
* After you’ve been outside, change your clothes and make a quick shower.
* Keep windows closed.
* Use air conditioning and change filters often.
* Do not smoke in the house. Cigarette smoke is irritating and may intensify symptoms of allergies.
* When driving, keep windows closed and use air conditioning (set to recirculation) to reduce exposure to pollen.

How to cope mold

You can reduce exposure to mold by monitoring the level of increase in house, avoiding places where they grow and reducing activities that can arouse their spores. Here’s what to do to reduce exposure to mold allergens:

Outside:

* Avoid areas such as – basements, garages, barns, stacks of wood.
* In the garden, avoid activities that increase exposure to pollens and molds, such as mowing, digging … If you must do these things, wear a filter pollens and molds mask.

Inside:

* Keep humidity in the house at a lower level of 50% to discourage mold growth. If humidity is high, use air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Also consider installing a dehumidifier in the basement or other closed areas.
* Do not leave wet laundry in the washer sit for long
* Clean the fridge regularly
* Clean shower curtain with substance to destroy and prevent mold.
* Reduce the number of houseplants as soil encourages mold growth.
* Open curtains to allow sunlight to enter the house.
* Avoid using pillows, mattresses and furniture filled with foam, as sweat can mold them. Choose objects labeled “hypoallergenic”
* If you use a humidifier, follow manufacturer’s instructions closely and carefully clean on a regular basis. If the humidifier has traces of mold, mold spores can spread into the air we breathe.

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Natural Alternatives for Traditional Skin Medication

July 9, 2010 by  
Filed under Natural Medicine

St John's wort
Image via Wikipedia

Medicinal herbs are a great natural alternative for traditional skin medication; they are also beneficial to your skin and offer a different kind of botanical and herb that is like any other. You should be aware that concentrated fragrances that contain ingredients such as linalool are not recommended since such plant chemicals have been known to cause allergic reactions.

If you add any fragrance, you may have an allergic reaction since any concentrated plant fragrances are likely to contain a high level of artificial preservatives.  The most effective and safest choice you can use for your skin is by choosing a fragrance free product.

Some examples of natural herbs that can improve your skin conditions:

Botanical extract is natural occurring and can also be used in order to maintain your skin as well as treat any existing skin problems.  You can also use botanicals and herbs in order to reduce the signs of aging.   Nettles, Arnica, Marigolds and Saint John’s Wort have been known to have anti aging, skin care and mental health benefits.

Even though these herbal and botanical skin care products may benefit your skin, you should be aware that there are some side effects that may come with using either one or all of these herbs for your skin:

1.Nettles: These are medicinal herbs that can be used to relieve itching of your skin, however some people have been known to complain about the stinging that can arise from using nettles. If you would like to relieve skin itching, you can use Babassu palm oil in order to eliminate inflammation, dryness and eczema without the side effects.

2.Marigold: This herb can be used in order to treat any acne, soothe irritation and inflammation. With marigold, you will not have that many side effects.  If you would like to treat your acne, you should try honey, since honey has been known to have antibacterial properties, which is an essential part of healing blemishes.

3.Arnica: This is a toxic plant, however its roots do have an effective antioxidant and fungicide property, which acts as an ant inflammatory agent. There is a side effect to Arnica since its roots can be harmful due to the fact that the roots contain Thymol and when Thymol is absorbed with your skin, it may lead to internal bleeding.

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