infections
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Ear infections
Ear infections were the number one illness responsible for nearly 7% of all pediatric visits in 2007 between January and September. (1) In a recent clinical study researchers found that antibiotics are effective in most cases of ear infections caused by bacteria. But only 1 out of 5 children with ear infections needs antibiotics to clear an ear infection. In 4 out of 5 children, ear infections clear on their own.(2)
WebMD states that antibiotics will not be effective if the ear infection is caused by a virus. Waiting before starting an antibiotic can save your child from taking medicine that he or she doesn’t need. (3)
The American Academy of Pediatrics is also suggesting the watchful waiting approach – where the parent keeps an eye on the child in case of worsening while treating the illness at home.(4)
To read more about ear infections in general, visit the NIDCD site.
Herbal home remedies for ear infections
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Tags: AOM, echinacea, flu, garlic, Garlic Mullein Oil, Herbal Conference, Hot Salt Mitten, infections, inflammation, Lavender Oil, Mimi Hernandez, MS, NIDCD, Pediatric News, Southeast Women, Traci Picard, Traci Picard Ear
I was lucky enough to meet and learn from Julie James in person a few days ago. I wanted to share one of her recipes to boost immunity and prevent the common illnesses of the coming winter season – cold, flu and other frequent respiratory infections. You may have heard about Fire Cider or Cyclone Cider, this is her version of this famous remedy.
Fire Cider for immunity
“Fire Cider” Recipe
Grab equal amounts of the following, all fresh:
- Ginger
- Onion
- Horseradish
- Garlic
- Lemon
Roughly chop them up and pack into a canning jar, leaving a few inches at the top. You may also add some Cayenne pepper and/or Turmeric. Cover with organic raw Apple Cider Vinegar. Cover the top of the jar with a square of waxed paper before placing lid on, then seal. This is to stop the acid in the vinegar corroding the metal lid.
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Tags: apple cider vinegar, cold, cyclonic cider, Fire Cider, flu, garlic, herbal flu shot alternative, immune support, infections, Julie James, spices to boost immunity
Antibiotic resistance has become a global problem. We are encountering more and more cases of “superbugs” (bacteria that are very resistant to treatment) than ever before. Because of these bacteria’s resistance, new illnesses and infections are on the rise, and making them extremely difficult to treat. We can however, lower our chances of running into antibiotic resistance. Becoming informed on antibiotics, and their uses, are the first place to start in reducing our consumption and ultimately reducing the chance of antibiotic resistant illnesses.
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Tags: cold, common cold, flu, food, immune system, infections
Over a century ago, American farmers noted that when their livestock munched on pumpkin seeds, they seemed to urinate more often. They weren’t the first to notice the seeds’ effects. The Iroquois had long used pumpkin seed as a diuretic, and the Cherokee gave it to children to control bed-wetting, since it seemed to help empty the bladder before falling asleep.
The many uses of Pumpkin Seed (Cucurbita Pepo): from Arthritis to Prostate Health
More recently, Europeans began using the bright green oil from crushed pumpkin seeds for prostate health, and in Germany today, the oil is an approved over-the-counter treatment for enlarged prostate glands. In the U.S. too, the oil is one of the top ingredients in herbal blends for prostate health, says Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council, a nonprofit group based in Austin, Texas, and backed by herbal supplement makers.
Subtly sweet and nutty with a malleable, chewy texture, the roasted seeds from inside your Halloween pumpkin are one of the most nutritious and flavorful seeds around. While pumpkin seeds are available year round, they are the freshest in the fall when pumpkins are in season.
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Tags: arthritis, bedwetting, Benign prostate enlargement, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH, depression, Depression Treatment, expel intestinal worms, infections, prostate health, puminary ailments
Maria Treben is often referenced to in my posts, I will keep myself to this old tradition, because her experiences are well documented and I like her insights on the different herbs. She describes calendula as a noteworthy herb to use against several ailments.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis, Marigold)
Chemical Profile of Calendula
It contains up to 0.8% flavonoids (O-glycosides of quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) as well as bisdesmosidic and monodesmosidic saponins, hydroxylated and esterified triterpenes (taraxasterol, faradiol, helianthriol), while the essential oil contains mainly sesquiterpenoids such as cardinol, a-ionone and b-ionone.
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Tags: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiscrofulous, astringent, athlete's foot, Calendula Salve, cancer, Cholagogue, cold sore, Depurative, diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, herpes, infections, inflammation, skin cancer, strawberry mark, ulcers, UTI, yeast infection
Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees collect from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from buds and exudates of certain trees and plants, and stored inside their hives. It has been used in folk medicine from ancient times to treat various ailments. It has been revealed that Propolis possesses various biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
Propolis - A natural antibiotic
The name “Propolis” comes from two Greek words: “pro” meaning “before” or “for” and “polis” meaning “city”-as bees are using Propolis in order to protect their city. In the hive Propolis is used as a kind of cement or clay in order to cover small holes in the walls, protecting both from intruders and from temperature variability and, most important, as Propolis is a very efficient antiseptic, it is used for protection against infections.
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Tags: anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antiseptic, Bee Pollen, cancer, Greece, infections, inflamed tooth, natural antibiotic, ulcers in mouth, UTI
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has been used from time immemorial by the North American Indians as a yellow dye and as a bitter tonic.
Goldenseal
“The Indians dye their bright yellow with the root of a plant which might very well be called radix flava Americana. This root is generally from one to three inches long, and about one-half an inch in diameter, and sends out a great number of small filaments in every direction except upward; these filaments re as yellow as the body of the root itself, From the root there grows up a stalk about a foot from the ground, and at the top is one broad leaf. A red berry, in shape and size resembling a raspberry, but of a deeper red, grows on the top of the leaf. This berry is ripe in July. ”
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Tags: antipasmodic, antiseptic, bites, colitis, cuts, gastric inflammation, hemorrhoids, immune support, infections, Medicinal Properties, nasal congestion, stings, stomach, stomach upset, ulcers, urinary tract infection, UTI, wound healing, wounds
Cranberry
I’ve been suffering from cystitis for a couple of years during my mid-twenties so I did my homework researching natural remedies that were suggested for UTI. I’ve tried many things, Cranberry juice was one of them.
Cranberries have moderate levels of vitamin C, dietary fiber and the essential dietary mineral, manganese, as well as a balanced profile of other essential micronutrients. (More info about its nutrients)
Thanks to Prof. Itzhak Ofek, a researcher at Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine, the world now knows that science supports the folklore. His research on Cranberry over the past two decades shows that its juice indeed combats urinary tract infections.
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Tags: anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, Cranberry Sauce Recipe, gastric ulcers, infections, urinary tract, urinary tract infection, UTI
Echinecea
Yes, modern research confirms that Echinacea may prevent cold and boost the immune system!
“Researchers, led by Dr Craig Coleman from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, combined the results of 14 different studies on Echinacea’s anti-cold properties.
In one of the 14 studies the researchers reviewed, echinacea was taken alongside vitamin C. This combination reduced cold incidence by 86%.” (source)
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Tags: cold, cold prevention, echinacea, immune boost, immune support, infections, Possible Interactions
