Showing posts with label congestion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label congestion. Show all posts

April 6, 2010

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.

December 22, 2009

Health Benefits of Eucalyptus

The Eucalyptus tree is native to Australia but it can also be found growing in subtropical regions around the world. Its medicinal properties come from its oil, which can be extracted from the fresh leaves, branch tips, and dried leaves. It was commonly used by Australian aborigines to cure and relieve fevers. It is commonly sold as a supplement or an ingredient in over-the-counter products. It has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, and warming properties that makes it good at treating runny nose, asthma, sinusitis, burns, cuts, abrasions, scrapes, boils, wounds, sores, cavities, dental plaque, gingivitis, dental infections, cough, bronchitis, rheumatism, minor muscle aches and pains, nasal congestion, cold, flu, throat problems, pneumonia, respiratory infections, sore throat, and ulcers. It is very safe to use when taken in moderation but it is not wise for people suffering from kidney or liver problems or women who are pregnant to use it.

The supplements are good at treating cough, bronchitis, and rheumatism. When used as an ingredient in over-the-counter drugs, it is good at treating minor muscle aches and pains and for temporary relief of nasal congestion and coughs associated with cold. Tea prepared from Eucalyptus leaves can ease a sore throat when used as a gargle. When the oil is massaged into the chest, it can treat congestion and cough.

February 7, 2008

Cure Sinus Infections Without Antibiotics

There are natural remedies that can help clear up sinus infections. The remedies can ease painful congestion, decrease healing time, and prevent new infections from happening.

Sinuses can be helped by vaporization. The steam and hot water can help sinuses to drain and relieve pressure. You can do this by boiling a pot of water on the stove, removing the pot from the stove, and then inhaling the vapor for 10 minutes while covering your head with a towel. It can also help to put hot, wet compresses on the face several times a day, irrigate nasal passages with warm salt water twice a day, and drink lots of fluid to keep the body hydrated and to help break up mucus.

Avoiding dairy foods can help sinus problems. Cow’s milk and other dairy products can thicken nasal secretions and block sinuses.

Eating more garlic can help sinuses. Garlic has antibacterial properties that could help fight off infections. A person could also try using astragalus. Astragalus is an herb that boosts the immune system and could help prevent infections.

Acupuncture could help sinuses. It is an effective treatment for an acute sinus infection and could ease congestion and pain very fast.