Your immune system is an incredible bodyguard.

Cancer, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease. These chronic illnesses will touch the lives of at least one out of every three people. Each of these diseases has been related to a problem with the immune system. In fact, nearly all disease is caused by a malfunction of the immune system.

Your immune system is an incredibly complex and remarkable bodyguard. Its job is to protect all the cells in your body from cancer, viruses, bacteria, and other intruders in your environment. Basically, it wages an ongoing war against invasion. It does this by using an army of white blood cells or leukocytes. These white blood cells originate in your bone marrow and rush to the site of any infection or damaging intruder.

There are two divisions of white blood cells - phagocytes and lymphocytes. The phagocytes are like big Pac-Man cells; they go around the body and eat up all foreign substances like bacteria and pollen. Think of them as the armored unit of your immune system.

The lymphocytes are a more specialized group that attacks specific problems. Some bacteria and all viruses can hide from the phagocytes. They take cover inside the body’s own cells, acting like enemy troops in friendly uniforms. This situation requires action by the Special Forces, the immune commandos - the lymphocytes. With names like Natural Killer cells, it’s easy to picture these troops waging a battle inside you against the foreign invaders that seek to disrupt and control your body.

The combat troops are armed with weapons called antibodies, the guided missiles of the immune system. Antibodies are targeted for each specific type of invader. The quartermaster for the immune system is the lymph system. This is the fluid that surrounds every cell in your body. The lymph system transports nutrients into the cell and moves wastes out of the cell. Unlike your circulatory system, the lymph system has no pump. It only moves through muscle movement and deep breathing. Therefore, it is extremely important to get enough exercise to help promote the flow of lymph fluid. Practicing deep breathing techniques assists the lymph flow as well as increasing the amount of oxygen in your cells. This additional oxygen provides another boost to the immune system.

In recent years, testing has shown an overall decrease in immune system function nationwide. By measuring Natural Killer cells, your body’s first line of defense, scientists have determined that our immune systems have dropped by 29% since 1981. The rate of decline was 10% between 1981 and 1991. It got worse from 1991 to 1997 when immune function decreased by 19%, almost doubling the loss in little over half the time. This deterioration of your defenses is pretty frightening stuff but it is reversible if you take the right steps.

Reducing your exposure to toxins such as herbicides, pesticides, radiation, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceutical, and recreational drugs is an excellent way to start. Many of these toxins assault your body daily, placing a constant demand on your immune system. Go outside more if possible because the concentration of these poisons is 3-5 times higher in your home than it is outdoors.

Certain natural supplements have been found to be extremely helpful in boosting immune system function. A six-year study of over 450 natural products done at UC-Irvine showed the following to be beneficial to your immune system: Glyconutrients, Garlic, Aloe Vera, Echinacea, Astragalus, Siberian or Korean Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Schizandra, Licorice Root, Lapacho, Melatonin, and Phytochemicals.

These supplements come prepared in a variety of methods. Some are powders; some are capsules; some can be made into tinctures or teas. The amounts used vary according to the product and the individual. It is advisable to consult your physician and someone knowledgeable in herbs before beginning any supplement program. Remember that ‘Natural’ does not always mean ‘Safe’. Some herbal supplements have serious side effects when used improperly and some can cause reactions with your medications if not monitored.

If you would like more information on anything discussed in this article, you can contact me at DoctorRyan@JerryRyanPhD.com.

By: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D.

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Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. is a Natural Health Coach who teaches individuals and group classes on the scientifically documented benefits of natural health techniques. He is also an internationally published author and has been a guest speaker at such places as NIKE World Headquarters. For more information, his website is www.JerryRyanPhD.com.

If you have asthma and are considering becoming pregnant...

What asthma drugs are safe to use during pregnancy? If you have asthma and are considering becoming pregnant, shouldn't you know the answer?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that is characterized by a difficulty in breathing. People with asthma have extra sensitive and/or hyper-responsive airways. Usually during an asthma attack, the airways become irritated and react by narrowing and constructing, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of air to and from the lungs.

Here is short overview of the main medicines used in asthma.

Preventers:

* Cromoglycate (Intal, Lomudal, Cromolyn etc.) and Nedocromil (Tilade, Tilarin, etc.)
These asthma preventers are not steroids. Their safety record is very good. No harmful effects on fetuses have been recorded though they have been in widespread use since 1968. They are excellent medicines for people in whom they prove sufficient.

* Steroid Inhalers based on Becotide (beclomethasone dipropionate, now a common drug under other names, too) and Pulmicort (budesonide).
These steroids have been used for decades and on a large scale, including a vast amount of use by women who were pregnant. There have been no evidence of harmful effects. In fact, in small doses these steroids are thought to offer additional protection from lack of oxygen to the baby.

* Theophylline (many trade names)
Unlike inhaled drugs, theophylline is taken orally, usually as tablets, and, unlike the inhaled steroids, it is not broken down slowly by the liver. Despite its widespread use, no harmful effects on unborn children have been described.

Relievers (bronchodilators):

* Salbutamol (Ventolin, many other brand names)
Salbutamol has been widely use since the 1960s. When given in large doses by infusion or injection near the baby's due date, it can delay birth, and in fact it has been used for this purpose. In doses in which it is inhaled for asthma it is harmless throughout pregnancy.

* Terbutaline (Bricanyl) is very similar to salbutamol. All the conclusions for salbutamol apply.

Long-Acting Relievers:

These work in the same way as the ordinary relievers such as salbutamol and terbutaline, with the difference that they stick to the cells in the body on which they act, and work for much longer. The side-effects are the same, namely increased pulse rate, tremor, and palpitations (being able to feel your heart beating). They were introduced much more recently, but no hazards in pregnancy are known.

* Eformoterol (Foradil)
No harmful effects during pregnancy are known.

* Salmeterol xinafoate (Serevent)
No harmful effects during pregnancy are known.

Steroid Tablets or Injections:

You should only need these for emergencies, such as a sudden bad asthma attack, or if your asthma is so bad all the time that you are one of the few people who does need them regularly. If so, your baby would be much worse off than if you did not take them. Such strong steroids do affect the unborn child, but current knowledge of the effects seems to be that they are remarkably mild.

Always discuss the use of any treatment or medicine with your doctor, whether you are pregnant or not. Especially consider talking to an asthma specialist if you are using some of the drugs with more serious potential effects on your pregnancy.

By: David Williams -

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David Williams writes for several well-known online magazines, on family health tips, fitness and wellness, and Canadian pharmaceuticals subjects.

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developing an asthma treatment plan

There are certain important factors to consider when developing an asthma treatment plan. None of those factors are more important than having the medications on hand when you need them. Nothing is more alarming when away from home than to realize the drugs needed to end an asthma attack are safely back at home on the kitchen counter.

With the recent advancements in medications and knowledge concerning asthma over the last few decades, many people have become comfortable living with the illness. This no doubt is caused by having an effective asthma treatment plan that has limited the number and severity of the attacks.

At this point, it may be almost second nature to assume that an asthma attack will not happen. This is a dangerous assumption especially when the person with asthma is a young child. He simply never know when they may come in contact with something in the environment that may cause an attack.

The statement that you didn't think that they would need their medicine rings hollow at best while your son or daughter is gasping for air. Children count on us to be proactive with their care and this is especially true if they are suffering from asthma.

It's important to keep your doctor updated on the effects of living with asthma and how effective the current asthma treatment program is working. Issues such as the severity of the attacks is important to determine if the treatment plan needs adjusted.

Another important consideration is the number and duration of attacks experienced. Try to keep a journal or log that will explain the details of each attack. These details should include

1. Duration of the attack. How long would you estimate the asthma attack to have lasted.
Was the attack minutes, seconds, etc.

2. Severity of the attack. How difficult was the attack on the asthma patient. I realize this is subjective but a severe attack is different than one that starts and is quickly controlled using available medicines, etc.

3. Treatment. What if anything was done to address the asthma attack? What actions were taken to control the situation? This can be important in fine tuning a treatment plan.

4. Causation. Was there any specific trigger that might have brought on an attack? It may not be clear but details may give some indication of the cause. A cold and windy day may bring on an asthma attack.

Having this information at your next doctor's appointment will go a long way in determining if the asthma treatment program currently being used, is effective or needs to be adjusted. It's only by having consistent information and feedback can your doctor fine tune your personal asthma treatment plan.

By: Abigail Franks

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Abigail Franks has done extensive research into Asthma,Allergies, and their triggers. Visit the Asthma site for more information on Asthma Treatments and Asthma Triggers

Sinuses are very important elements so...

A sinus infection is an acute or chronic disease which affects the integrity of the nasal sinuses. Sinuses are very important elements and their role is to protect the brain against impacts, to reduce the weight of the skull and to improve the resonance of the voice.

Sinusitis appears when the nasal membrane gets affected by pollutants, cold or dry air and becomes inflamed. Secondary the cilia will slow down their movements, and mucus will be mass produced in order to eliminate the accumulated bacteria. Because cilia are not working properly the mucus will be trapped in the sinuses and cause a local infection. Sometimes even the fact that the secretions are thick can cause sinusitis. In rare cases a tumor can block the sinuses causing a local obstruction.

The infection of the sinuses can last a month and it is known as acute sinusitis or can last more than three months and then it is known as chronic sinusitis. The sub acute sinusitis is situated somewhere in between, meaning that is lasts from one month to less than three months.

There are people who are exposed at this affection due to their profession. Those who work in conditions which expose them to infections like health care personnel, those who work with irritants like smoke, petrol and pain fumes, perfumes and different sprays are also at risk of developing sinusitis.

Those who smoke a lot and who have a weakened immune system are more exposed to sinusitis and infections than others.

A person who has fever, headaches, facial pain and pressure, colored nasal discharge, and even problems with the vision for more than 10 days must go to the doctor and ask for a treatment because left untreated, sinusitis can cause pneumonia, ear infection, bronchitis and even bone infections.

The doctor will try to see if there is redness and swelling of the nasal passages, tenderness at percussion and swelling in the eye area. With the help of a rhinoscope the doctor will want to see if the sinuses are obstructed or not. Sometimes he might even perform an aspiration to collect samples of the material that blocks the sinus and see what kind of bacteria populates this material.

The therapy consists out of medical treatment and home care remedies. They are meant to clear up the infection, open and drainage the sinuses, and reduce as possible the intensity of the symptoms while reassuring prevention to recurrences of the infection.

At home the patient is recommended to drink warm fluids, to apply wet bandages on the face and to make steam inhalations. The doctor will prescribe the patient oral decongestants, and mucus thinning agents. Besides this anti-biotherapy is needed in order to stop the infection that has caused sinusitis. The doctor might try more types of antibiotics until he finds the right one as he can not know which bacteria has caused your infection. Also, cortisone sprays might be helpful as they improve the drainage of the sinuses. Treatment must be followed at least 10 days otherwise the sinus infection might come back after a few days.

For those in whom the treatment is not effective surgery is the last option. This surgery lasts two or three hours and it consists out of straightening the septum, and opening the sinuses in order to improve the drainage. Hospitalization is needed a day or two and the recovery period might last up to two weeks. Even if you have had surgery this does not mean you can not have sinusitis again, but the advantage is that if you develop it again you will be able to treat it more easily.

The easier thing is to prevent sinusitis, not to treat it. You can prevent sinusitis by giving up smoking, by treating any colds as soon as they install, by cleaning up the nose gently when needed and by drinking a lot of warm liquids.

By: Groshan Fabiola

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You can visit www.sinus-infection-guide.com or www.sinus-infection-guide.com/sinus-infection-treatment.htm for more sinus infection treatment information

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Analyzing The severity of asthma

There are certain elements in the environment that can provoke or worsen the symptoms of asthma. But these factors are different from one person to another. It is not compulsions for one of these triggers that affect a person to have the same effect on others. The severity of asthma in certain people is also dictated by the sensitivity of their lungs to these factors or by the degree in which they worsen the symptoms of their eyes and nose.

These factors are divided into two types:

* - Allergens
* - Non allergens – mostly irritants

Once the nose and eyes are irritated by the one of these factors, the allergen will have the same effect on each contact. The bronchial tubes may get in this situation also because of exercises inflammations or irritating elements,

These are the most frequent triggers:

Allergens:

* - Certain aliments: peanuts, milk, soy, egg or fish
* - Additives like the sulfites
* - Factors related to work, like latex
* - Seasonal pollen
* - Pets, insets, molds or dust

These allergic occur in 80% asthmatic children and 50% of asthmatic adults.

Irritants:

* - Drugs, such as beta-blockers, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug or even aspirin
* - The smoke of cigarettes
* - Colds, bronchitis, sinusitis and other affections that attack the respiratory system
* - Pollution, smog or changes of weather
* - Domestic irritating agents, such as detergents, perfumes and other chemicals
* - The gastro-esophageal reflex disorder (GERD)
* - Nighttime
* - Elements related to the work environment: dust, chemical substances, metal, gas
* - Exercises and physical efforts
* - Emotional factors: stress, yelling, laughing, crying
* - The factors related to hormonal activity.

Winter: No Fun For Those With Weakened Immune Systems

Wintertime is a fun time for many people. Some look forward to participating in fun activities, such as skiing, ice skating and sledding. Some simply enjoy cold, brisk air instead of the hot, muggy days of summer. Although the winter months bring lots of fun for some people, it is also the season when people are more susceptible to illnesses such as influenza, common cold, and bronchitis.

Babies, especially newborns, are more vulnerable to colds and other viruses and bacteria because their immune systems haven’t yet become fully developed. This is why doctors often advise new parents against taking their newborns out in crowded stores and other public places, unless absolutely necessary. In large crowds, there are bound to be some sick individuals, coughing, sneezing, and spreading their germs throughout the area. Actually, there don’t even have to be sick people around in order to infect other people.

They can simply carry the virus or bacteria in their body, and when they touch certain surfaces, they transfer them, making them available for those with weakened immune systems to touch them, and subsequently become ill. This is especially easy for people who don’t practice good hygiene, such as hand washing. And babies are notorious for placing their hands and everything else into their mouths, which is of course an easy way for bacteria and viruses to be transmitted. Some places where people can really get sick are: Day care centers, air ports, doctor’s offices, shopping malls and hospitals. So, if these places can be avoided then a person will lessen their likelihood of becoming ill, but who can stay at home all the time? Not many people do, unless they are bedridden. Even babies must get out with their parents, when their parents have errands to run.

In fact, instead of going out less in the winter, many people go out more often. With shopping that needs to be done for Thanksgiving, and especially Christmas, there is no way for individuals to lessen the amount of time that they spend in the above-mentioned places—or is there? Actually, people can complete a great deal, if not all of their holiday shopping online. Many people have already discovered the ease of shopping this way. One particularly good website, which offers coupons in almost every category you could think of, is links attached below. This cool site also provides convenient links to various sites, and gives you the opportunity to save lots of money.

By: Stacey Day -

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Stacey Day writes about BargainCrazy coupon, Espritshop Savings code and Best Coupons UK

Children are more at risk of developing acute bronchitis

The first thing to know is what is bronchitis. When the airways become swollen or irritated, you have acute bronchitis. This condition, bronchitis almost always causes coughing and a few other respiratory problems. People mostly refer to bronchitis as a chest cold. This condition is most frequent in the winter time. Because this season is mostly known for colds or for the flue, this is the reason why acute bronchitis is common in the winter. Bronchitis first start when at first you have had an upper respiratory problem. Children are more at risk of developing acute bronchitis than adults are. The illness, either flu or the cold starts to spread from the nose and your throat to the airways, thus causing bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is not a very serious illness, unlike chronic bronchitis. The maximum period that one can have acute bronchitis is about two weeks and the minimum is as less as five days. However, short the period of time that you can have bronchitis, coughing, which is the trade mark for
bronchitis can last even after the illness has been cured.

The main reason that one develops acute bronchitis is because of an infection. Almost all infections that then lead to acute bronchitis are caused by a virus. Acute bronchitis can also be caused by bacteria or a fungus, but these are very rare cases of bronchitis infection. Furthermore, you can also develop acute bronchitis if you are exposed daily to chemicals that get into your body through air. Smoke, dust or vapors can also cause acute bronchitis. If you live in an area that is polluted, the risk of developing acute bronchitis is higher and you are also more at risk of recurrence of bronchitis. There is also another problem if the child or person lives around people that smoke, his/ her chances of developing acute bronchitis are much higher.

Your child is also more at risk of developing acute bronchitis, if she/ he also suffers from other medical problems. The main problems that one can have and thus increase the risk of bronchitis are allergies, asthma, heart problems and recurring problems with tonsils. Children who are born early, premature babies also have an increased risk of developing acute bronchitis. vaccinations against germs may be a helpful way to decrease the risk of developing acute bronchitis, especially in children. Be also very careful not to smoke around the child.

By: Groshan Fabiola

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For more resources about bronchitis or especially about bronchitis symptoms please visit www.bronchitis-guide.com/bronchitis-symptoms.htm

there are plenty of reasons to give up smoking...

If you want to quit smoking but can't seem to find the motivation, there are plenty of reasons to give up. And if you can't draw any inspiration from the social and financial issues, just take a look at the physical effects of smoking;

1) Life Span

If you smoke, you'll reduce your life expectancy by an estimated seven to eight years. That may not sound too serious, especially if you happen to be under 30, but if we break it down further, every cigarette you smoke will shorten your life by approximately 10 minutes.

And if you want a truly shocking figure, try this; Every day, more people under the age of 70 die from smoking related diseases than the combined total of deaths through road traffic accidents, drug addiction, breast cancer and AIDS.

2) General Health

It's no secret that the general health of smokers is much lower than that of non-smokers.

Medical studies have shown that smokers are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, which lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. And it's not just older people who are affected. Many of these studies have questioned smokers in their twenties and thirties.

But that's not all. People who smoke are likely to have poor quality skin. Due to the lower level of oxygen that reaches their skin they develop a pale, sallow complexion. And then there's the issue with wrinkles. If you smoke, any wrinkles that you develop will be up to ten times worse than those developed by non smokers of your age.

In fact, it has been shown that smokers with noticeable wrinkles are much more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema.

3) Major Illnesses

Smoking also increases your chances of developing a whole host of major illnesses. This includes;

a) Conditions that affect the respiratory system; asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

b) Cancers, especially of the mouth, throat and lungs.

c) High blood pressure and high cholesterol which leads to an increased risk of strokes and heart disease. In fact, smokers are two to three times more likely to die from a heart attack than non-smokers.

4) Viruses

Recent research has shown that due to the effect of smoking on the immune system, smokers have a higher chance of becoming infected with HIV.

5) Infections

If you smoke you're at greater risk of respiratory infections because the smoke that you draw into your nose and throat damages that beneficial bacteria that lives in your respiratory system. This allows disease causing bacteria to enter your body.

6) Infertility

Smoking causes lower infertility levels in both men and women. Male smokers tend to have a lower sperm count, and may suffer from various mutations to their sperm. And due to the gradual blocking of arteries male smokers are more likely to become impotent.

Women who smoke are also less likely to conceive. And women who smoke during their pregnancy are more likely to experience a range of problems, including ectopic pregnancies, miscarriage, premature birth, lower birth weight and birth defects.

7) Mental Health

Studies have shown that smokers are twice as likely to suffer from depression than non-smokers.

By: Hannah Garcia -

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If you want to quit smoking, Hannah Garcia can help. Visit www.ICanHelpYouQuitSmoking.com for advice and motivation on how to kick the habit.

curative properties of ashwagandha

General Description

Ashwagandha is an indigenous Indian herb, which is popular in the west as the Winter Cherry. The Indian name of the herb literally means ‘horse smell’ (ashwa = horse, gandha = smell). It is called so because its root smells like horse’s urine when wet. Ashwagandha is a small to medium sized herb, growing up to 1.5 meters at a maximum with small green flowers growing in clusters of about 25 in number. This herb is found in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, apart from India.

The main medical constituent of ashwagandha is somniferine, an alkaloid which is present in all parts of the herb. The oil extracted from its roots is composed of two constituents – a water soluble part and a water insoluble part. The water soluble part contains some sugar, while the water insoluble part contains fatty acids among other vital substances. Besides that, ashwagandha oil is also rich in tannin, glucose, potassium nitrate and several alkaloids.

Properties

The following curative properties of ashwagandha are made use of in Ayurvedic medicine:-

(i) Ashwagandha is best known for its stimulating properties on the libido. It is used as an aphrodisiac in men. For this reason, ashwagandha is also referred to as the Indian ginseng.

(ii) Ashwagandha is a mild hypnotic. It can be used in allaying pains.

(iii) Ashwagandha is effective in treating urinary ailments. It can facilitate easy flow of urine. Also it helps in opening the sweat pores, which make it possible to expel liquid wastes through perspiration.

(iv) Ashwagandha is an antibiotic and an antibacterial agent.

Uses

Ashwagandha is indispensable in various constituents of Ayurvedic medicine. The following are some ways in which it is used in treatment of diseases.

(i) Common Cold

Ashwagandha is used in opening up the respiratory tract and treating diseases that originate in the chest cavity. If a person has a common cold, then the powdered root of ashwagandha is taken in quantities of three grams. Decoction of the ashwagandha root is also popularly used. In a similar fashion, the berries and seeds of the ashwagandha are also used for resolving chest complaints.

(ii) Conjunctivitis

The leaves of the ashwagandha are boiled in water and the steam is used to foment the eyes. This relieves the pain and the itchiness of sore eyes.

(iii) Digestive Disorders

Both dyspepsia and loss of appetite can be treated with ashwagandha. For this purpose, the roots of the herb are used. Ashwagandha pacifies the pitta dosha which is responsible for digestion and brings the body to a state of normalcy.

(iv) Insomnia

Due to its hypnotic properties, ashwagandha is prescribed to people who are not able to sleep soundly at nights.

(v) Loss of Libido in Men

Ashwagandha is an aphrodisiac, mostly for men. This is the curative property for which it is renowned all over the world. In order to increase sexual performance of men, Ayurvedic doctors prescribe taking three or four grams of the root with a vehicle like milk or ghee at least half an hour before performing the sexual act. For permanent treatment of these problems, a preparation of ashwagandha is made with sugar, honey, pepper and ghee. This is administered to the person once daily. In addition to increasing libido, ashwagandha can also treat male problems like spermatorrhea and premature ejaculation.

(vi) Rheumatism

Ashwagandha is taken in doses of three grams per day for the treatment of geriatric problems such as rheumatism. The root of the ashwagandha is used for this purpose.

(vii) Skin Problems

Ashwagandha has very effective properties in the treatment of problems of the skin. Its roots and leaves are ground into a paste and applied externally for the treatment of carbuncles, ulcers and swellings. In case of boils and swelling, its leaves are warmed in water and used to foment the affected parts. For bedsores and wounds, ashwagandha leaves are boiled in fat or ghee and applied.

(viii) Sterility in Women

Ashwagandha can treat sterility in women and help them conceive a child. Its roots are powdered and taken in quantities of six grams with milk. This is taken for a week continuously after menstruation.

(ix) Syphilis

Ashwagandha has antibacterial properties, which are made use of in the treatment of syphilis. A paste of its leaves is applied on the syphilitic sores continually. This relieves the itchiness of the sores and treats the disease eventually.

(x) Tuberculosis

In the treatment of tuberculosis, ashwagandha is used in the following manner. A decoction of its root is prepared with pepper and honey. This decoction is used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is found to be especially beneficial in the treatment of scrofula, which is a painful tuberculosis of the lymph glands that manifests itself in the neck region.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

The following are some Ayurvedic preparations in which ashwagandha is the main ingredient:-

(i) Ashwagandha lehya

Ashwagandha is made into a fine paste known as linctus. This is ashwagandha lehya which is taken for all the diseases that can be cured with the consumption of ashwagandha.

(ii) Ashwagandharishta

Ashwagandharishta is a very valuable extract of ashwagandha with several other herbs such as manjishta, yashti, arjuna, chandana, etc. It is used as a general tonic in several medical problems including debility, digestion problems and psychotic problems like hallucinations.

Precautions

Ashwagandha is a very beneficial herb, but it must never be prescribed to pregnant women. The various chemical constituents of ashwagandha can lead to abortion of the fetus. Though it is used to correct sterility itself, its use must be discontinued as soon as the woman conceives.

By: Dr John Anne

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Read more about the benefits of Ashwagandha herb and Ashwagandha Supplements at www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

Discussing more about sore throats

In most of the cases, sore throats are caused by infections, and infections appear due to viruses or bacteria. It is important to know that bacteria respond well to antibiotics, but when we are dealing with viruses, this treatment has no effect.

Especially in winter, there are a lot of sore throats that come in addition to a cold or flu. There can appear symptoms like sneezing, a stuffy-runny nose, and generalized aches and pains that accompany the sore throat. In about a week, the body is creating antibodies that destroy the virus.
A more severe infection , and which lasts for a longer period is the mononucleosis. The virus enters in the lymph system, causes enlargement of the tonsils, swollen glands in the neck, armpits and groin, and there results a severe sore throat. In some cases, there can appear serious breathing difficulties and the liver can be affected, leading to jaundice.
This illness can be transmitted by saliva, and that is the reason why it is also known under the name of the kissing disease. It is more severe in teenagers and young adults and less severe in childs.

A strep throat is a bacterial throat infection caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria. This infection can lead to complications, such as rheumatic fever, nephritis, and it can also cause scarlet fever, tonsillitis, pneumonia, sinusitis and ear infections. It is very important that a strep throat to be treated with antibiotics.
In order to determine if you have a strep throat, the doctor can perform a quick strep test , which can show the result in about 15 minutes, or the doctor may want to send for a culture, which will show the result after 2 days.
It is known that these tests might not detect some bacteria that can also cause severe sore throat. It is the case of severe and chronic cases of tonsillitis, diphtheria and infections from oral sexual contacts.

Tonsillitis, an infection of the lumpy tissues on each side of the throat toward the back affects usually childs. Frequent sore throats from tonsillitis suggest that the infection is not fully eliminated between episodes, and it was seen that childs that suffered because of those frequent sore throats from tonsillitis became healthier after their tonsils were surgically removed.
Sore throats can be also caused by infections in the nose and sinuses, because mucus from the nose drains down into the throat, and the infection is carried there.

Epiglottitis is one of the most dangerous infections for humans as it can affect the larynx and lead to its swelling, causing suffocation. This condition is an emergency and needs proper treatment. If you sense any difficulty when swallowing, a speech that is muffled, and difficulty in breathing you must immediately go to the doctor for a check-up.

Those who suffer of allergies are exposed to throat irritations during an allergy crisis. The allergens like pollen, dust and molds can cause irritation of the nose as well as of the throat.

Those who have an inefficient humidification system in the bedroom and who do not drink enough liquids are exposed during the winter months to a mild sore throat in the mornings due to the dry air inside the room.

People who have a problem with their stomach might have morning regurgitations of acid causing irritations upon their throats. These people should sleep with their head a little higher than their legs and should try not to eat or drink anything with two hours before bedtime. Also, taking antacid pills might help in some cases.

People who are smoking or who live in places where others smoke, are at risk of developing a sore throat if they do not take any measures of protecting themselves. Those who work with industrial pollutants and chemicals are also exposed to sore throat.

Shouting is not good for the throat either. Those who go on stadiums to watch football games for example are not protecting their throat membranes and will suffer the next day for sure. Artists and experienced public speakers are well trained to protect their throat muscles and will use the abdominal muscles more when singing or talking loud.

In some cases the sore throat is caused by a tumor situated on the tongue or larynx. These tumors are mostly caused by excessive smoking and alcohol drinking. The symptoms of such a tumor can be: pain when swallowing with a radiation towards the ear, hoarseness, a loss of weight and coughing with blood. Diagnosing a tumor can be made only by a specialized doctor in nose, ears, throat, and head with the help of telescopic instruments and small mirrors.

By: Groshan Fabiola

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