Month: June 2006

Abnormal development of cells leads to the growth of tumor, when tumor is malignant in nature they are termed as cancer. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women today. Around the world breast cancer statistics shows that after lung cancer breast cancer is the second most death-causing factor in people who develops cancer.

The risk factor of developing breast cancer increases with the age, it does not only relate to women, figures show that out of every 100 women there is one male who is diagnosed of breast cancer. Breast cancer does not mean a specific category of disease rather it is the different types of cancer generally found in breast is collectively termed as breast cancer. Though the most common understanding suggests that, abnormal growth of cells in the breast causes breast cancer.

Causes of Breast Cancer

The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown and there are no fixed causes for breast cancer. Myths in identifying the causes of breast cancer are more prevalent than the real cause.

Some of the causes that have been collectively associated with breast cancer are:

• The chances of breast cancer depends on age, as the person gets older the chances of it are more
• Family history of close relative like mother, sister and daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer increases the risk factor
• Early start onset of menses and early menopause are also associated with breast cancer
• Exposure to radioactive rays are carcinogenic and increases the chances of breast cancer
• Using hormone replacement therapy might also cause it
• Exposure to harmful chemicals (working in a chemical factory that uses harmful chemicals like Organochlorines)
• Late childbearing

Why would someone Choose Natural Allergy Remedies?

Many allergy sufferers do not like the physical side effects associated with the regular use of antihistamines and decongestants. These drugs tend to make the user feel sleepy and groggy. With this reduced alert state the individual’s ability to concentrate and to operate machinery is compromised. Both agents also tend to dry out the body and to cause dehydration. Natural remedies can often be as effective as prescriptions without the unwanted side effects these medications cause.

What are some of the Natural Remedies Available?

An herbal remedy for allergy is normally an agent that has the ability to relieve congestion and to loosen mucus. Many are also anti-inflammatory agents that sooth irritated mucus membranes. Many such remedies also seek to strengthen the immune system to make it more able to fend off irritation from outside elements.

EUCALYPTUS

As a natural allergy cure, eucalyptus effectively calms coughs and relieves nasal congestion and is often found in cough and cold remedies, chest rubs, and various oils and liniments to relieve pain. It is both an antiseptic and a stimulant with expectorant and antibiotic properties. The powerful vapor from eucalyptus clears congestion and loosens mucus. It is especially effective when used in conjunction with steam treatments. In lozenge form, eucalyptus increases the production of saliva to reduce the urge to cough. Given these properties, eucalyptus is considered to be one of the best natural allergy remedies.

RED CLOVER

Red Clover is a traditional remedy for asthma when taken in the form of a tea and as allergies and asthma may be associated, can be used as an allergy remedy. It has antispasmodic and expectorant qualities and dried has even been used in “anti-asthma” cigarettes. It is not uncommon today to find red clover wine which makes an excellent cough remedy.

ALFALFA

Alfalfa is thought to improve the runny nose, sneezing and itching present in allergic rhinitis which is often called “hay fever.” Additionally, alfalfa is believed to nourish the nervous system and to calm the immune system thus allowing irritated mucus membranes to return to normal. (Some people have reported allergic reactions to alfalfa itself and the use of the herb should be discontinued if your symptoms seem to worsen.)

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider vinegar contains many healing properties and is often used to ease the symptoms of sinus infection as well as to treat allergies developed from exposure to pets, foods, and various environmental agents. In addition to being rich in vitamins E, A, B1, B2 and B6, apple cider vinegar contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It reduces the amount of mucus in the sinus cavities, soothes sore throats, and will shorten the duration of colds when used with a chest compress.

LICORICE ROOT

Powdered licorice root has been used since ancient times as a cough remedy and is often present in modern cough syrups. Beyond its helpful qualities, licorice is sweet to the taste and thus more pleasant as a “medicine.” It should be used with caution by anyone prone to high blood pressure as excessive use of licorice will make hypertension worse.

Herbal dietary supplements contain herbs (a type of herb on its own or in a mixture), used for therapeutic therapies and remedies. Just because the ingredient of a dietary supplement is herbal, this does not mean that all herbal dietary supplements are safe herbal supplements. This article will enlighten you on the facts about herbal supplements.

Why Herbal Dietary Supplements

More and more people are turning to herbal dietary supplements as a holistic and natural way of treating and healing the body is more popular nowadays. People are encouraged to draw their own conclusions and opt for over the counter herbal remedies. There are herbal remedies available for nearly any condition nowadays. A few examples of the most popular herbal supplements are:

Astralagus

Astralagus root is said to enhance and stimulate the immune system, making it less likely for you to catch a cold or virus. Claiming to help people with a poor appetite and weight loss, fatigue and feverish chills. Relieving anxiety and insomnia this is one of the most popular herbal supplements.

Dong Quai

One of the moist important Chinese herbs for herbal medicine is the Dong Quai root. Powdered and dried the dong quai herb is used to clean the blood and regulate the menstrual cycle. The supplement is mainly used to balance the female hormones and helps to balance symptoms caused by Pre Menstrual Tension (PMT) and the menopause.

Evening Primrose

Evening primrose oil is another very popular herbal remedy offering relief (when taken daily) for symptoms and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, breast pain, hot flashes, premenstrual syndrome, eczema, and other skin problems to diabetic neuropathy, cancer, high blood cholesterol levels, and heart disease. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, balancing hormonal disturbances in the body. Some people suffering from diabetes, Multiple sclerosis or cancer have trouble producing this acid in their own bodies. They might benefit from taking these supplements too.

Flax Seed

Flax seed is a much-used herbal remedy for many ailments and flax seed oil benefits are widely known nowadays. The oil in flax seed, called alpha linolenic acid, is a fat of the omega 3 fatty acid type (and can for example also be found in fish such as salmon). Flax seed lowers cholesterol levels in the body and is beneficial to people suffering from high blood pressure. The oil keeps the platelets in the blood from ticking and clotting and thus reduces the risk of a heart attack.

Rhodiola

A tonic made from rhodiola extract used as a remedy against fatigue and stress and as an antioxidant to keep the blood clean and to promote a healthy heart. This remedy originates from China and it has gained importance now in the west

Calming Herbal Supplements

There are certain herbal supplements, which help to produce calmness in you when you are finding yourself impatient or not relaxed.

Kava Kava

The kava root produces a syrup (or powder that can be made into capsules) aiding relaxation, promote sleep and apparently increases sociability by making people more relaxed. The herb stems from the South Pacific region.

Valerian

Valerian is used to relieve anxiety and helps to relax enough to have good nights sleep. Valerian root also helps women coping with bad menstrual cramps to relax. Valerian comes in different treatment options, the dried herb can be used as a tea, and there are capsules and sugar coated tablets.

Herbs to Boost Immunity

The well known herb Echinacea helps to prevent the common cold and its symptoms like a sore throat or a blocked nose. Echinacea is a tested and safe herbal supplement and can even be taken once the first symptoms of a cold appear, this herb will stop you from developing a full-blown cold.

Goldenseal

This herb helps to prevent infections when the bodies’ immune system is low, and will keep a common cold from developing into an inflammation of the mucus membranes in the nose and throat. This herb also reduces the time that the cold will take before it disappears.

Kombucha

The kombucha mushroom is in effect not a mushroom but a fungus of which a tea is brewed, the tea boosts the immune system and help to upgrade your energy levels by allowing helpful bacteria and antioxidants to enter the body.