Allergies can be awfully irritating; however, Ayurveda is an ancient herbal system that provides many natural treatments for conquering such problems. These remedies are both effective and safe, tried and true throughout Ayurveda's more than 5,000 years of history. Allergic conditions are caused by the body's overreaction to foreign elements- Ayurvedic herbs rebalance the body and soothe consequential ailments.

Many substances can cause allergies in differing degrees for different people (each allergic condition is varied in reaction and severity). Many people do not have allergies at all, yet others suffer greatly from foods and exposure to environmental elements. It is not only physically uncomfortable or dangerous, but also emotionally unsettling. After all, who wants to have to avoid eating delicious foods or skip out on outdoor activities with their friends?

Certain people have such severe allergies that they cannot be exposed to the allergen at all. Allergic reactions can be so bad as causing coma or even fatality. This is a terrible circumstance, because the individual will often live in fear whenever they are near any threatening substance or environment.

Any substance is virtually considered an allergen and this makes it hard for some people to avoid those because, at first they don't even know that they're allergic to these allergens. One of the most common symptoms of allergic reactions is itching and if you constantly fear that you will break into itching at the onset of eating new foods please ensure that you take proper medication prior to consumption.

Fortunately, there are many Ayurvedic allergy herbs which are known to be effective as treatment to itching. These herbs are all natural and safe for prolonged use. These herbs should be tried by everyone prior to the consumption of conventional and commercial medication.

One of the herbs used to treat itching is babul. The bark of this plant is very effective in controlling severe itching of the skin that may be caused by allergies. It is also a good treatment for other related skin problems which makes it an all-around great medicinal herb. Another native plant that is effective in treating the itch is the butea. The seeds of this herb have been used for many years as an effective treatment in controlling itchiness due to allergies as well as due to a variety of skin diseases. Skin problems that are treated with the butea seeds include ringworm, eczema and scabies among many other things.

Of course, there are a plethora of herbs available that treat itchiness related to allergic reactions. These therapeutic herbs include cassia leaves, madhuca, linseed, and holy basil leaves.

AlgrCare is potentially the best Ayurvedic allergy treatment available; this powerful herbal formula includes Kantkari, Ardusi, Tulsi, Yastimadhu, Haridra, Mari, Piperimul, Vansakapur, Laving, Taj, and Elaichi. These ancient herbs are effective and safe and can be used sparingly to finally remove the itchiness caused by allergies as well as many other related symptoms including fever, watery eyes, and inflammation. There are also no side-effects with AlgrCare, making it a relieving alternative for the many people who suffer from using allergy medications.

Nicole Kerala has been studying Ayurveda and alternative medicine for over 10 years. Nicole has found that using ayurvedic herbal remedies has helped countless people to enhance their quality of life. More information about Ayurvedic herbal treatments can be seen here: Natural Ayurvedic Care

categories: allergies,herbal remedies,alternative medicine,natural cures,natural medicine,herbal products,herbs,organic,health and wellness,medicine

Posted under Allergies

Medicinal mushrooms have been immensely popular in Asia for millennia. Today, Americans are waking up to these powerful nutraceuticals. In the wake of this new awareness follow issues of product quality claims made by competing brands.

All species of medicinal mushrooms appear haunted by this issue. Particularly so, it seems, is red reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), the oldest medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Please note, however, that the information in this article applies generally to all medicinal mushroom species.

First off, stay clear of cheap, mass-produced medicinal mushrooms. If they are just dried and pulverized, then the medicinal compounds are still inaccessible behind the mushrooms' cell-walls. You'll be wasting your money on inert matter.

There are many real therapeutic brands on the market, though. But even among them, there are significant differences. They all claim to be the best, naturally, because they all want to sell their particular brand. So let's sift the data, get the facts straight, and clear up misleading information that is out there.

Following are the three primary ways of creating reishi extracts. Each method yields different medicinal compounds, all of which are shown in scientific studies to have important properties.

1. Hot Water Extraction (polysaccharides, etc.)

2. Alcohol/Ethanol Extraction (triterpenoids, etc.)

3. Fermenting (arabinoxylanes, etc.)

The water soluble compounds, primarily polysaccharides, are powerful anti-tumor agents, immune enhancers and strong antioxidants. [1]

Through alcohol extraction, we get triterpenoids, a large group of lipids with many sub-groups. Research shows triterpenoids help regulate clotting, blood pressure and cholesterol. More importantly, they are the anti-inflammatory compounds that are the reason why reishi often gets recommended for arthritis, asthma and allergies. [1]

Finally, by fermenting the red reishi, the original medicinal compounds break down to form new compounds with unique healing properties. These "secondary metabolites" have among other things been shown to be immune enhancing and help regulate blood sugar, as well as having unique anti-tumor properties. [2]

This article is intended to give general guidelines to help you choose an effective reishi product, not to recommend any particular brand. But there are at least two reishi companies on the market which both state only hot water extract is useful while alcohol extracts are of no value.

Naturally, the reason they say so is because they want to sell their own brand. However, those statements are scientifically untrue. Hot water and alcohol extractions both contain critical compounds.

To find the best red reishi products, look for those brands that use at least the first two extraction methods in combination: Hot Water Extraction and Alcohol Extraction. Better yet would be brands that incorporate all three extraction methods, including Fermentation.

As a last point, when you look for the best reishi extract, one thing to look at is the form it comes in. For example, any reishi extract that fully dissolves in a water-based liquid such as coffee probably only contains hot water extracted reishi. So while reishi/ganoderma coffee certainly makes for a superbly delicious and healthy cup loaded with polysaccharides, it won't include the important anti-inflammatory triterpenoids.

On the other hand, alcohol tinctures can actually contain both water soluble polysaccharides and alcohol soluble triterpenoids. The way you know is that the polysaccharides will fall out of solution because of the alcohol, and will make the tincture cloudy. That's alright though; you just need to shake before you take. Capsules and tablets may be one or the other or both. The only way to know is ask the manufacturer or read their information.

[1] Boh B, Berovic M, Zhang J, Zhi-Bin L, 2007. "Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds." Biotechnology Annu Rev 13:265-301.

[2] Tang YJ, Zhang W, Zhong JJ. "Performance analyses of a pH-shift and DOT-shift integrated fed-batch fermentation process for the production of ganoderic acid and Ganoderma polysaccharides by medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum." Bioresour Technol. 2009 Mar;100(5):1852-9.

Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since the 1990's, recently focusing on medicinal mushrooms. He partners with Davida Sara on premium reishi extract and cordyceps extract plus the newly popular mesima mushroom and more.

categories: herbs,herbal,supplements,wellness,nutrition,medicine,allergy,arthritis,asthma,diabetes,blood pressure,cancer,disease,self help

Posted under Allergies

ACNE 101 The term "acne" refers to the presence of pustules and papules. Pimples, blemishes, spots, and zits are the most universal acne injuries. It is paramount to know which areas you are presenting your skin to. You may be exposing most of your skin into it without your direct awareness. Are you too stressed? Are you eating way too much unhealthy stuff? There may be certain foods that cause eruptions in your skin. Or is it a mixture of so many detrimental factors?

Beware. Your cosmetics have been defined as "acne Catch-22". Some examples like mineral oil, petroleum and sunflower oil do not soak into the pores. Again, dead skin cells will mix with oil and choke your pores, then trap bacteria inside. The duration of acne's disappearance (if any) is erratic. For most people's cases, acne diminishes over time and tends to dissapate or at the very least decrease after one reaches one's early twenties.

ACNE CAUSES The cause of acne in pre adults is generally an increase in male sex hormones which people of both genders collect during puberty. Severe acne is inflammatory; However, it can conceal itself in non-inflammatory form too. The Journal of American Medical Association published an article which says "Diet plays no role in acne treatment in most patients. Big amounts of certain foods have not clinically increased acne. That doesn't mean that you should eat foods high in sugar or fat.

SOME COMMON MEDICATIONS There are many common OTC medications used for the treatment of acne, and not one of the following is a natural acne medicine because they include one or more of the following ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. Each of these ingredients works a little differently. These non natural acne correctives can be obtained in many forms, such as soaps, gels, pads, lotions, or creams.

HOW ABOUT POPPING? Never, ever attempt to pop you acne. Working on a pimple abrasion that's not ready to pop can lead to skin blemish, so better leave the pimple which is not yet ready to pop. Let it be, if it doesn't want to pop. If you believe you have to do something, with a gentle movement and a down-and-in motion, press from both sides.

HOW TO FACE THE PROBLEM IF YOUR FACE IS THE PROBLEM Can you imagine how your closeness would never be hindered? No more phobias. This program would take care of your body's hormonal level to prevent your acne. It would help you to stop missing out and to meet your full potential. Don't let a bunch of small inflamed lumps take over your life. Come on, there are a lot of things to achieve. This acne remedy might solve it all, so that you wont miss the adventure in your life!

Posted under Allergies

Allergy is one of the diseases which modern medicine cannot cure. The only thing allergologists can do is to diagnose the patient, to determine the allergens, then to prescribe medication for making the symptoms disappear. Curing is not possible in such cases.

Allergy reliefs can be as specific as the human beings. Doctors say that there are no diseases but only patients, so you have to try and see what works best for your case. Then stick to the medication you saw the most benefits in.

Diagnosing allergic patients has been a challenge for doctors for many years now. This happened because allergy is tricky, disguising itself like a common cold. Many sufferers thought they were catching too many colds a year, without suspecting they might be suffering from something else.

Almost everything in nature or made by humans can be an allergen. Dust is well known to give skin reactions in many people, as well as molds and mildew. Foods can also initiate an allergic response from the human body. Pollens threaten many allergic persons lives each spring and fall. There is a potential allergen in everything.

A popular belief indicates nettles as the best natural remedy against allergy and many sufferers tend to give it a try. However, scientific tests have not been developed on this issue. Until then, allergic people should stick to their antihistamines medication as prescribed by their doctor.

Allergic reactions can manifest themselves in multiple ways: airborne allergens will rather give respiratory tract reactions like swelling, sneezing and cold-like symptoms. Contact allergies can give skin manifestations like urticaria, redness, itching or swelling of the limbs. All types of allergy can lead to death by chocking.

Epinephrine is the fastest remedy against allergic shocks. There are devices called epinephrine pens, which extremely allergic people should carry with them permanently. In case of getting in contact with the allergen, they need to be given the epinephrine shot within the first 3-4 minutes, so paramedics may simply not be fast enough to save the patient's life.

Posted under Allergies

When allergy strikes, in more than half of the cases it doesn't come alone, but together with allergic asthma. Being incurable diseases, the only hope for the sufferers is the symptomatic medication, like antihistamines, which helps them live a normal life and keep the ailment under control.

Are you diagnosed with allergy to something? Then you'd better stay away from those allergens that give you the naughty symptoms. The more you expose yourself, the more your symptoms will become more severe. Death is also possible, so don't ignore this piece of advice.

An efficient prevention requires that you know precisely what are the allergens your body's immune system reacts to. There are standard tests such as the Rast and the Eliza, which indicate accurately enough the most active allergens for your situation. Tests are not painful and they are rather cheap. Check with your doctor and maybe he'll tell you more about that.

Spring and fall are two seasons which are dangerous for allergic persons, especially if they have airborne allergies. Pollens are everywhere in these times of year, so sufferers should try to stay indoors as much as they can. If this is not possible, at least avoid getting out in the second part of the day.

Allergy to food is easy to keep under control: read the labels carefully and do not buy any product which contains the foods that cause you allergy symptoms. There are cases of people who got almost killed by peanut traces in chocolate.

People who are allergic to pet dander should be very careful with their pets. Do not groom your pet by yourself. Ask another member of your family to take care of the pet's hygiene for you. Give up carpets in your house and vacuum very often. Steam cleaning can be highly beneficial as well.

Posted under Allergies

Owning and caring for pets is a favorite pastime worldwide. Many people are as close to their pets as they are to the people they are living with in their daily lives. The choice of your pet may depend on where you live, and your own personal preference.

Pets range from many selections. They can be: snakes, rabbits, birds and lizards. However, the most common pets to have are cats and dogs.

Many, who would otherwise choose a cat, will not due to allergies. Cat allergies can vary from mild to severe. So it is most important to take care when you are around cats.

Coping with Cat Allergies

Up to 40 % of people who suffer from asthma also have some cat allergies and are more sensitive to these pets than they are to dogs. A protein in the cat skin and saliva is the element that creates the problem.

The problematic element for those with this allergy is a protein found in the skin of the cat and in the saliva of the cat. When the cat licks his fur while cleaning himself, he deposits this protein on his fur.

While there are no cats known to be hypoallergenic, male cats cause more allergic reactions than there female counterparts due to the testosterone increase in the cat's glands. The cat allergen is found primarily in homes of cats.

Male cats cause more allergic reactions than female cats due to the testosterone increasing in the cat's glands. This in turn increases the amount of protein. Cat allergens are found mostly in homes where the cats live. This has however also been found in offices and places where animals are not allowed. It is quite sticky and is transmitted by people getting it on their clothing and carrying it from place to place. The protein particles causing cat allergies remain in the air for long periods of time, and those who are sensitive are more likely to have an allergic reaction when entering a room where there are multiple cats.

Wheezing, the most common symptom of cat allergy, begins upon entrance to a room with cats. There are also more subtle, delayed reactions that can linger to up to a week or more. Chronic asthma can be an ongoing malady for those who are exposed often. Hives and eczema may also occur. Be safe, if allergic to cats, don't be in their presence. It is better to maintain good health and be aware of the symptoms of your allergy. By yourself a dog!

Posted under Allergies