Health Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint is a herb that is native to the Mediterranean region and has a distinct flavor and medicinal properties. A long time ago the leaves of the herb was used to crown luminaries in ancient Greece and Rome. It is good at treating tension headaches, indigestion, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, muscle pain, upset stomach, reducing heartburn, dissolving and preventing gallstones, fighting bad breath, clearing congestion and cough related to cold and allergies, reducing stress, and controlling mild asthma.

Peppermint is good at dispelling gas, bloating, and intestinal cramps in the digestive system. It can have a temporary pain-relieving effect on muscles and organs that are cramped or spasming. It can be used topically for cooling and relaxing the skin.

Peppermint has B vitamins that improve concentration and performance in the brain and nerves. Peppermint tea can be prepared by blending 1/2 ounce of peppermint leaves and 1/4 ounce of camellia leaves together. Use one teaspoon of the mixture per each cup of tea. Blend the mixture and boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes and then strain.

Health Benefits of Licorice

Licorice is a flavorful herb that has been used for food and medicinal purposes for thousands of years to treat several illness from the common cold to liver disease. It grows wild in some parts of Europe and Asia and usually grows 3 to 7 feet high. Licorice roots are brown on the outside and yellow on the inside and contain a compound that is nearly 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice supplements are made from the roots and underground stems of the plant. Licorice candy that is commonly sold in stores is flavored with licorice root extract and is considered a healthier snack choice because it contains almost no fat per serving.

Licorice is considered a demulcent because of its soothing and coating properties. It is considered an expectorant because it can remove phlegm and mucous from the respiratory tract. It is commonly used by health care professionals to relieve respiratory ailments, allergies, bronchitis, colds, sore throat, tuberculosis, stomach problems, heartburn from reflux, inflammatory disorders, skin diseases, stress relief, hepatitis, and liver problems.

Natural Ways to Treat Allergies

There are many natural ways to reduce and prevent allergy symptoms without the use of medications. There are vitamins, herbs, foods, drinks, and easy common things that you can do at home so that you don't have to suffer from allergies.

There are several vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies that are good at relieving allergy symptoms and strengthening the immune system. Vitamin B5, vitamin A, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help to relieve allergy symptoms, such as congestion, coughs, and runny nose. Quercetin is a plant compound that can be found in foods, such as onions, apples, and citrus fruits, that can prevent the secretion of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that the body produces during an allergic reaction that causes sneezing and other symptoms. Butterbur is a herb that is good at relieving hay fever symptoms. Licorice root, astragalus, and capsicum are also good at curing allergy symptoms.

There are foods and drinks that can be used to easy allergy symptoms. Spicy foods, such as hot ginger, cayenne pepper, onion, and garlic, can help to reduce mucous secretion, which can help to clear nasal passages. Honey can be used to help allergies. Taking 1 or 2 teaspoons of locally grown natural honey before the allergy season starts helps the body to get used to pollen before the allergy season is full blown and helps the immune system. Teas such as green tea and Mint Medley herbal tea work well to ease congestion.

There are easy things that can done at home that can help allergies. Cleaning carpets, bedsheets, floors, and curtains at least once a week reduces pollen and allergy in your home. Dust mites are another cause of allergies that are commonly found in bedding, carpets, and pet dander. It is good to wash bedding in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer to kill dust mites. It is also a good idea to enclose mattresses, box springs, and pillows in airtight zipped plastic or special allergy proof plastic. Using an air conditioner can help to clean, recirculate, and dehumidify the air.

Giving pets a regular bath can help to reduce allergies. Washing your hair regularly can help to reduce allergies because hair can hold a lot of pollen when you go outside. Wearing sunglasses when you go outside can reduce the amount of pollen entering the eyes. Nasal Rinses are very effective at removing the pollen stuck in the nasal passages. Doing a nasal rise will drain out some bacteria and mucous and help to reduce allergies.

Global Warming Increases Allergy Problems

It is found that climate change due to global warming can affect allergies. Global warming and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from burning fossil fuels can increase the levels of pollen that cause allergies. The effect of global warming and increased carbon dioxide levels on allergies are currently being studied by government agencies, scientists, and doctors. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Environmental Protection Agency have both cited increased allergic reactions due to climate change as a growing concern for the public in 2007 reports.

Allergies Causing Depression

It is found that tree pollen can cause symptoms of depression. A psychologist at the Mood and Anxiety Program of the University of Maryland and School of Medicine analyzed surveys of 845 men and women and found that two thirds of the people surveyed reported mood difficulties during the spring season, which is when pollen levels are very high. It is believed that airborne allergens produce inflammation in the respiratory airways and the inflammation causes symptoms of depression in some people.

Another study was done on patients with mood disorders that found that increased allergy symptoms during times of high levels of pollen were connected with depression symptoms that were more severe. This study fits with earlier evidence that suicide rates increase during late spring and a family history of allergies affects depression in women.

How to Stop Nosebleed Problems

If you are having problems with nosebleeds it is a good idea to use a humidifier to keep the nasal passages moist. Nosebleeds are very common during cold weather because indoor heat can make the tiny blood vessels inside the nose dry up and crack. If a person has allergies or a deviated septum, where the ridge of the cartilage between the nostrils isn’t aligned properly, the person could have nosebleeds more often due to restricted nostril airflow, which dries up the blood vessels even more.

To stop a nosebleed it is recommended to sit upright with your head tilted slightly back and pinch the tip of the nose for five to ten minutes. If this doesn’t help, it s a good idea to go to an otolarngologist to check for other problems that are getting in the way of stopping the bleeding. Having high blood pressure and taking anticoagulants, such as aspirins, can influence whether a nosebleed can be stopped. High blood pressure prevents bleeding vessels from sealing up and anticoagulants stop the blood from clotting.