Health Benefits of Sage

Sage is a herb that is native to the Mediterranean region and it is currently sold in most supermarkets. It can be used as an ingredient in dishes but it is mostly used in beverages. It is an antioxidant, which makes it good at helping the body fight off the effects of free radicals. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties and it is good at treating sore throat, inflammation and infection of the mouth and throat, gingivitis, profuse sweating, hot flashes associated with menopause, indigestion, fevers, nervous exhaustion, lactation, migraine headaches, and high blood sugar. It has memory enhancing benefits and it can be used to treat cold and flu. It is good at treating bronchitis because it can cause you to sweat, which can help to relieve the body of toxins.

Sage tea can be made by adding one teaspoon of sage to one cup of boiling water and letting it steep in a covered cup for 15 to 30 minutes. Adding honey can make the tea taste better. A compress scan be made out of sage tea by dipping a cloth into the tea and placing the cloth on the appropriate area, such as the forehead to treat migraine headaches, the abdominal area to treat cramps or other digestive problems, or over cuts or sores to make them heal faster and provide relief. For a sore throat or to clear up sinuses, make a cup of regular-strength sage tea.

Health Benefits of Thyme

Thyme is a herb that is native southern Europe and western Asia. It has many benefits and has been used for thousands of years to preserve food. It is now cultivated commercially in many parts of the world. Thyme contains an essential oil that is rich in thymol, which is a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, and strong antioxidant.

Thyme is good at treating colds and it is commonly used in cough drops. It is also used in mouthwashes to treat inflammation in the mouth and throat infections. It has expectorant and bronchial antispasmodic properties that make it good at treating acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

Thyme is also good at easing menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms. It is effective at treating wounds, ulcers, and abscesses. It can help digestion and remove mucus from the intestinal tract. Thyme teat can be made by adding one teaspoon of crushed thyme to a half cup of boiling water, letting it steep for 10 minutes, and then straining it. It can be sweetened by adding honey.

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.

Cure Colds with Echinacea

Echinacea is a herb that can reduce cold and flu symptoms, such as coughs, fever, and sore throat. It is good at shortening the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. It was commonly used by the North American Plains Indians for its general medicinal properties and has been used thought history to treat infections, wounds, scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisoning, and diphtheria. It works by stimulating the body's immune system to fight infections. A study done by the University of Connecticut has shown that it can cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half and cut the duration of a cold by 1.4 days. It is recommended to get 3 grams daily in tincture or capsule form starting at the first sign of symptoms.

Prevent Colds and Flu with Astragalus

Astragalus is a plant that is native to Asia and is considered to be one of the most important herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. The root of the plant is commonly used medicinally and it can be used to treat illness, such as colds, flu, night sweats, diarrhea, upper respiratory infections, chronic hepatitis, diabetes, and heart disease. It helps to prevent and treat colds and flu by increasing the production of immune cells and having mild antiviral and antibacterial properties. It can treat heart disease by relieving symptoms, lowering blood pressure, and improving heart function. It can help to treat chronic hepatitis by protecting the liver and it can be used ans an adjunctive therapy when it comes to cancer.

Astragalus also contains antioxidants, which can protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. It can be found in supplement form at some health food stores and may take 6 to 8 weeks to work best.

The Facts of Swine Flu

Swine flu is an influenza virus that usually only affects pigs but the virus mixed genes with another influenza virus to create a new type of virus that is also able to infect humans. The current swine flu virus is so different from other viruses that humans have been exposed to in the past that there is very little to none natural immunity to it. The body would have a hard time defending itself against the virus and there are no vaccines for the virus yet. The antiviral medicines Tamiflu and Relenza could help if the medicine is given within two days after symptoms begin. Health authorities are recommending the medicines mainly for people that have more severe symptoms. Most people who have caught the virus have recovered from it.

Common symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle pains, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, chills, headaches, weakness, and diarrhea. If you are having symptoms it is recommended to isolate yourself from everyone else and stay home to prevent spreading the disease. Get medical help immediately if the symptoms become severe.

The virus can be transmitted form person to person by sneezing, coughing, and physical contact, such as shaking hands, kissing, or any kind of touching. You can try to prevent contracting the disease and spreading it by washing your hands or using alcohol based cleansers frequently throughout the day, not shaking hands or having any physical contact with someone, and avoiding contact with people who have symptoms of the flu. Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes as much as possible. You cannot get the disease by eating pork.

Natural Cold Cures

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