How to Make Peppermint Herbal Honey For Cold and Flu Symptoms

Peppermint is a cooling herb to cool down a fever or sore throat and aids in healing you from other symptoms of the cold and flu. Peppermint herbal honey is a tasty and delicious way to add this herb to your cold and flu herbal remedy arsenal.

Peppermint honey has been used by traditions around the world for thousands of years to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu like sore throat, congestion, headaches, coughs and pneumonia. Peppermint is well known for settling stomach nausea and spasms also.

Menthol is one of peppermints volatile oils and is antibacterial. It fights infections, kills germs and relieves infections in the nose, sinus and chest. It loosens up the congestion and gets the mucous flowing, taking the virus out of your body with it.

Peppermint is rich in magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin, calcium, iron, niacin, potassium and vitamins A and C. All of these minerals and vitamins aid your immune system to fight the infections.

To make peppermint herbal honey, just fill a small canning jar with the leaves torn into bits. Pour raw honey over the leaves and stir gently to soak them. Fill the jar with raw honey, cap it tightly and set it on your counter to infuse for 2-6 weeks. Stir or turn the jar over every day. You can start using it within a day or two, but as it infuses over time it will become more medicinal. To use it, just put 1 tablespoon of the honey in a cup and pour boiling water over to make a delicious tea.

©2009 Shanna Ohmes

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Fatty Liver - Symptoms and Treatment

Fatty liver is a very insidious disease. A third of all Americans suffer from this disease (known among the medical community as steatosis) and don't even know about it. In fact, liver symptoms are very broad and are often attributed to bad genetics or bad luck, but once you know them it is easy to recognize liver disease.

Fatty liver symptoms

Mild liver damage doesn't show on liver tests. However, even in its mild form it can wreak havoc in your metabolism and drug clearing systems, both dependant on the liver.

The most important manifestation of liver disease are diseases resulting from it: obesity (especially the one hard to get rid of due to low metabolism), diabetes, high cholesterol, immune system deregulations, such as frequent cold, rashes, or allergies.

However, more subtle symptoms may be the only indication of fatty liver: bad breath, coated tongue, dizziness, tiredness, circles under the eyes, headaches, and feeling bloated all the time are common liver damage symptoms that are often ignored.

Fatty liver treatment

Once you know you have fatty liver, the next logical step is wanting to treat it. Treatment can be done in four simple steps and an optional step:

The first step is removing the causes of liver damage. This can be any form of drugs, including alcohol, caffeine, doctor prescribed drugs (talk with your doctor before removing them), homeopathic remedies, and recreational drugs. You can find out more causes of liver damage below.
The second step is adjusting your diet. A diet rich in vegetables and fruit and poor in animal products reverses liver damage all by itself and all the other methods only serve to accelerate the process or for advanced cases.
The third step is exercising. This will signal your liver it is time to start burning fat and the first fat it burns is the fat inside its cells.
The fourth step is taking certain herbal supplements that cause liver regeneration. These are turmeric, milk thistle, artichoke, and ginger, among others. You can also learn more about this below.
The fifth and optional step is to go on a liver detox for a week once a year. This will not do much on its own, but it can really kick-start a liver healing program.

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Cardiac Arrhythmias - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Cardiac arrhythmia is a group of conditions in which the electrical activity of the heart is irregular or is faster or slower than normal. Cardiac arrhythmias comprise any abnormality or pertubation in the normal activation sequence of the myocardium. Arrhythmias stem from several causes. The heart's natural timekeeper--a small mass of special cells called the sinus node--can malfunction and develop an abnormal electrical impulse rate. CPR can prolong the survival of the brain in the lack of a normal pulse, but defibrillation is the intervention which is most likely to restore a more healthy heart rhythm. A slow rhythm, known as bradycardia (less than 60 beats/min), is usually not life threatening, but may cause symptoms. When it causes symptoms implantation of a permanent pacemaker may be needed. Either dysrhythmia requires medical attention to evaluate the risks associated with the arrhythmia. The signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias can range from completely asymptomatic to loss of consciousness or sudden cardiac death.

Complaints such as lightheadedness, dizziness, quivering, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, heart fluttering or pounding, and forceful or painful extra beats are commonly reported with a variety of arrhythmias. Beats are generated by electrical impulses in the atria (top chambers of the heart) and are then conducted to the ventricles, where they produce the powerful muscle contraction that pumps blood. People may have allergies or idiosyncratic reactions to many other foods and beverages that cause transitory arrhythmias. Long-term nicotine exposure and any cocaine exposure can cause much more serious arrhythmias. Oxidative stress is a common feature of ischemic-reperfusion injuries, which occur when the heart is temporarily deprived of oxygenated blood (a state known as ischemia), followed by the reintroduction of oxygenated blood (reperfusion). The development of arrhythmias include congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure (hypertension).

Advances in medicine and technology have created new treatment options for cardiac arrhythmia (commonly known as heart rhythm disturbances). Cardioversion is the application of electrical current across the chest wall to the heart and it is used for treatment of supraventricular or pulsed ventricular tachycardia. Defibrillation differs in that it is used for ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and more electricity is delivered with defibrillation than with cardioversion. Arrhythmias may involve medications (anti-arrhythmic therapy), catheter ablations, and implantation of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or CRT-D (CRT with defibrillator therapy) is an innovative therapeutic option for patients with refractory HF. Defibrillation differs in that it is used for ventricular fibrillation and more electricity is delivered with defibrillation than with cardioversion. Antiarrhythmic medications help to change the electrical signals within the heart to suppress or prevent the arrhythmia.

Treatment for Cardiac Arrhythmias Tips

1. Using a small, battery-powered generator to deliver timed, electrical impulses to the heart muscle through tiny wire leads.

2. The treatment for some patients is a technique called cardiac ablation.

3. Magnetic Guidance in the Heart While transcatheter ablation is very effective, it can be difficult.

4. Stereotaxis Niobe Magnetic Navigation System uses two superconductive magnets, a magnetic-tipped guide wire and advanced computer imaging techniques.

5. Atrial fibrillation can also be treated through a procedure, e.g. pulmonary vein isolation.

6. Fibrillation differs in that it is used for ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

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Tamiflu - How Does Tamiflu Compare To Other Anti Flu Medications?

There are hardly any medicines that are available for treating flu. Among these Tamiflu is the only medication that is good in treating flu. Here I will be covering some of the symptoms of the flu. So this will tell you when you should take Tamiflu and what other medications are available for the flu.

Flu Symptoms

The symptoms for the flu are a sore throat. This is the beginning of the chapter called the flu. This may be either the common flu or the on set of the bird flu. But the sore throat will worsen to a condition where by you will know this is not just a sore throat but something worse than that. It is cobbled in the second chapter by high fever ranging to temperatures above a hundred degree Fahrenheit. And along with this as a sub section to the second chapter of the flu you will be having muscular pains, weakness, loss of appetite and a pain in the chest.

Introduction of Flu shot

This was how it was when the Spanish Influenza struck in the 1918's. It took with it a number of people. The estimated loss of life was about 20 million all over the world. The flu shot was introduced. This is a vaccine against the common flu. People lost their lives not just due to the flu. The flu developed in to the pneumonia and this became a bacterial infection. It caused havoc and the result was that what we faced in the 1918's. But a vaccine when the flu is on you will not be much of an effect. It had to be taken well before you are affected by the flu. The tablets available around that time were Amantadine and Rimantdine. Both these drugs had to be consumed as tablets. These drugs acted like this. They could stop the flu virus from duplicating itself after it had been inside the human cells. They could not mutate and form a group with which they could attack the body. But there were limitations for the drugs Amantadine and Rimantdine. They were effective against only Type 'A' influenza causing viruses. They were ineffective against the type "B" influenza virus. For this an alternative medicine was to be conjured.

New drugs: Tamiflu and Relenza

It was at the turn of this century that new drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza were formulated. They were effective against both the type "A" and the type "B" influenza causing viruses. They belonged to a separate class of medicines called the neuraminidase inhibitors. Tamiflu contained the drug Oseltamivir and Relenza was made of Zanamivir. Both these drugs worked in a similar way. They too could stop the particles of the virus from being released in to the human cells. This limited the spread of the infection.

The medicine Tamiflu is taken as a pill. It comes in the form of a capsule, a yellow grey capsule with seventy five milligram of the drug encompassed in it. There is another form also in which Tamiflu s supplied, it is the suspension form. This suspension form is for children. They are given the medication as per their weight. For a child weighing less than 33 pounds he / she are given thirty milligrams of the medication. All weight categories the medication is given in proper proportions.

Relenza is a drug that required an inhaler to take the drug. This drug is directly inhaled into the lungs. This drug was approved by the FDA at around the same time Tamiflu was approved. However, people who suffered from asthma and other respiratory related diseases faced fatalities after inhaling this drug. Experts in the field have weighed the options against the risk involved when taking this inhalation prescription drug. They have justified the risk involved against the risk of infection.

Tamiflu has been considered too expensive against the older drugs.

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Tick-Bite Symptoms

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Tick bites occur when a tick attaches itself to a host and feeds on it. Not all tick bites cause diseases. In fact, a majority of tick bites are harmless. However, if a tick is found attached to the skin, it must be removed immediately.

Tick bite symptoms include rash, muscle pain, headache, and swelling. These symptoms can emerge anytime between one day and several weeks following the tick bite, depending upon the infection passed on by the tick.

Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the United States, and its symptoms emerge within two to thirty days after a tick bite. Warning signs of the disease include a circular red rash on the bite area, headache, slight fever, muscle or joint pain, and weakness. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is another tick-borne disease. Its symptoms include rash and fever that emerge within three to twelve days after a tick bite. Relapsing fever, as the name suggests, involves intermittent spells of fever. The symptoms of this disease emerge within three to ten days after a tick bite. This disease is characterized by high fever, headache, and joint pain. This lasts for two to three days, followed by days with no fever or related problems. After a few days, however, the fever and other flu-like symptoms reappear. Symptoms of the Colorado Tick Fever appear within three to fourteen days and include flu and rash. Tick paralysis is a severe, although rare, disease caused by tick bite. It generally occurs within a week of the bite due to weakening of muscles.

In animals, tick bites lead to various diseases that are characterized by weakness, swelling, vomiting, fever, and even paralysis.

Tick bites may cause serious diseases in humans and animals. Therefore, people in tick-prone areas must take adequate precautions to protect themselves and their pets from tick bites.

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H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine - What Are the Pros and Cons and What Are Your Options?

As of now, there are limited quantities of H1N1 vaccines available, but are increasing on a daily basis.  Both the Nasal Spray and injections are available.

What is interesting, and a little disconcerting, is that members of the medical community have opposing views as to whether or not you should rush to get vaccinated.

This is to say that there is only one H1N1 vaccine but it has 2 opposite views.

Some doctors are recommending that we get vaccinated against Swine Flu at the first opportunity while other doctors are currently against it.

CONS

Not enough information from the FDA.  To early to start using it. Some doctors are even going as far as to tell their pharmacies not to recommend it yet. The reason behind most of those opposed?

Production of the vaccine was started before the FDA had concluded their testing.  all of this was done to be certain that the vaccine would be available on time to distribute to the public.

There is even a FDA statement associated with the vaccine that states that "Clinical Studies are Ongoing"  according to some doctors this can only  mean that all of the evidence is not yet in.

Skeptics are telling us that this untested vaccine is potentially dangerous and unnecessary.

PROS

Immunize before it causes a major pandemic across the country.  They want to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible.

This was the only way they had to get the vaccine to the public in time for the flu season.

Some say that there "were no shortcuts" by the FDA inspectors.

Some doctors also tell us that even though the vaccine production was speeded up, the quality of the inspections were just as thorough.

The production of the normal seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine differ very slightly.

It should be given to the public ASAP because children especially are at a higher risk for the H1N1 Swine Flu virus.

Priority for the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine are being given to health care workers, children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years, adults who care for infants under 6 months, pregnant women and adults with conditions such as asthma or a compromised immune system that predispose them to complications from flu.

The CDC and H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccinations

When questioned about the safety and side effects of the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination, this was response of the CDC:

Will the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine be safe?

"We expect the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a very good safety track record. Over the years, hundreds of millions of Americans have received seasonal flu vaccines. The most common side effects following flu vaccinations are mild, such as soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing unexpected adverse events and we will work with state and local health officials to investigate any unusual events."

Are there any side effects to taking the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine?

"CDC expects that any side effects following vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine. Mild problems that may be experienced include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fainting (mainly adolescents), headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea. If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot is given.

After vaccination you should look for any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, swelling around the eyes or lips, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness. If any unusual condition occurs following vaccination, seek medical attention right away. Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form." 

No matter what facts you are presented with, either for or against, one must also be aware of possible misinformation by well meaning people.  And, this goes for those both for or against the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine.

You can speak to doctors on both sides of this issue but ultimately, it is only you and your family that can make this important decision.  

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Can Garlic Kill the Stomach Flu?

The term stomach flu is actually a misnomer.  The condition is actually gastroenteritis and can have many causes.  One of the causes could be viral, but it is not a type of influenza.

What happens in cases of stomach flu include irritation and inflammation of various parts of your gastrointestinal tract.  This can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other uncomfortable symptoms.  If you aren't able to take in enough fluids, it can also lead to dehydration.  This is particularly true of young children.

Because so many things can cause it, you should contact your doctor.  You will be given instructions about what to look for, what to do and when to come in for a check up.  The elderly and young children may need to be seen right away to avoid secondary problems such as dehydration.

Now, as to how to get over it.  In most cases, time is the only answer.  You may need supportive care, but most things you have to swallow will probably not stay in long enough to do any good.  This is especially true if nausea and vomiting are part of the equation.

You should ask your doctor in advance what to have on hand in case you or someone in your family develop this condition.  Most pediatricians recommend that parents keep oral rehydration fluids available at all times.  These are readily available without a prescription.

In the title of this article, the question was asked "can garlic kill the stomach flu."  In a word, no.  It would also be unwise to take garlic if you have any sort of gastrointestinal inflammation or inflammation, as it could make the situation worse.  Garlic may have some antiviral functions, but the irritation it causes after ingestion will be a hundred times worse.

There are a few things I keep around in case one of us develops this problem.  Oatmeal is one.  If there is no nausea or vomiting, try eating a bowl of plain oatmeal without milk or cream.  Do so slowly, as your body isn't going to want a lot of stuff hitting the stomach quickly.

Licorice is another possibility, but care has to be taken with it.  If you are diabetic, use DGL tablets, as there is a large quantity of sugar in this root.  Also, if you have high blood pressure, don't use it at all.  This remedy should not be given to young children.

Sports' drinks could be vital to preventing dehydration.  These were designed to give athletes an edge during sporting events and could help you keep your electrolytes balanced.  They usually contain a lot of sugar, so ask the doctor before beginning to use them.

It is a good idea to talk to your doctor or your child's pediatrician at the first sign of this condition.  Make sure the doctor knows of any pre-existing medical conditions as well as any medications/supplements you are on.  This can help you avoid any side effects or drug/herb interactions.

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