Herbal Remedies and Medications

Herbal Remedies and Medications.
I am 'big' on natural remedies...and I usually, at least, try these first.
But..one thing you must consider, before jumping into herbal remedies, is whether or not you are currently taking any medications that could be directly affected by consuming herbal products.

Herbal products and supplements may not be safe if you have certain health problems or if you are elderly. So, it would be advisable to talk to your doctor before taking herbal products if you have any of the following health problems:

Blood clotting problems
Cancer
Diabetes
An enlarged prostate gland
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Immune system problems
Psychiatric problems
Parkinson’s disease
Liver problems
Stroke
Thyroid problems

A little relief from colds and allergies

Colds and Allergies

Bronchitis: For mild bronchitis symptoms, use a vaporizer, take a steamy shower or turn the hot water on in the sink and cover your head and the sink with a towel (kind of a quick and easy sauna) to ease your discomfort and open up your chest.

Congestion: Red pepper, jalapenos and hot salsa will temporarily open up your nasal passages and break up congestion.

Echinacea: I drink echinacea tea at the very first sign of a cold. A favorite...Echinacea and Elderberry..mmmm!

Green tea: Green tea is a natural antihistamine, which helps both allergies and coldsSaline nose drops: Make your own nose drops by sprinking some salt in boiled water (about 1/4 cup) to break up congestion and help you breathe. (Or you can get it already bottled and ready to use at the local drug store.)

Salt water Gargle: To help a sore throat, gargle salt water several times daily.Thyme: Make a tea with thyme or add a little to your recipes when you cook to break up congestion and relieve stuffy noses.

Vicks Up: Rub a little Vick's Vapor Rub or another menthol salve on the upper chest, then rub what is left on your fingers under your nose, this can break up congestion and help you breathe more easily.

Vitamin C and Colds: Taking Vitamin C, even if you're already sick can shorten the average cycle of your cold.Vitamin C and Allergies: Taking Vitamin C also helps allergies, because of its ability to counteract the inflammation responses that are part of hay fever and asthma.