Lungs And Respiratory Health - Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products https://www.dherbs.com/tag/respiratory-health/ Buy the best herbal supplements, natural remedies, and herbal remedies from Dherbs. We're the #1 alternative medicine store online. ✓ Visit and shop now! Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:17:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 The Best Fall Essential Oil Blends For Your Diffuser https://www.dherbs.com/articles/the-best-fall-essential-oil-blends-for-your-diffuser/ Tue, 01 Oct 2024 08:50:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=131062

Cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and everything nice! Freshen up your home like the crisp fall air with these essential oil blends for your diffuser.

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There’s something to be said about a home that has an enchanting smell. You walk in the door and a pleasant aroma greets your nostrils. All of a sudden, you feel a little pep in your step. Perhaps the aroma livens your senses, boosts your mood, or reminds you of a happy memory. This is the power of essential oils!

The fall season invites many pleasant aromas, from warm delectable pies to floral teas and falling leaves. Many scents like cinnamon, allspice, pumpkin, orange blossom, clove, and cypress come in essential oil form. Adding one or a blend of these oils to a diffuser can make your home smell like fall. Some of these oils exhibit powerful health benefits that may reduce headaches, relieve stress, and even boost mood. It’s also possible for some oils to help promote clearer breathing and decongestion.

Use A Cold Air Diffuser

If you have a diffuser that you enjoy, you don’t have to rush out and purchase a cold air diffuser. The reason that cold air diffusers are beneficial is that they don’t heat the oils. Because of this, essential oils remain intact and can still offer therapeutic benefits, which diminish after heating. Using a cold air diffuser, then, can allow you to reap the potential antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties from various oils. Use the following diffuser blends to make your home smell like fall. 

Apple Pie

We don’t encourage the consumption of unhealthy baked goods during the holidays, but there’s nothing wrong with smelling them. Warm apple pie may be one of the best scents on the planet! Since there is no apple pie essential oil, you have use essential oils that offer warming scents. After inhaling this aroma blend, you’ll feel warm and fuzzy. 

Diffuser Blend: 

  • 2 drops clove essential oil
  • 1 drop nutmeg essential oil
  • 2 drops ginger essential oil
  • 2 drops cinnamon essential oil

Into The Woods

The brisk autumn weather and shorter days makes the indoors more appealing. Fall isn’t just about drinking hot chocolate or pumpkin spice lattes, though. It’s wonderful to take a walk in nature, admiring the changing leaves that paint the landscape beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows. Some of the best essential oils that are reminiscent of the outdoors include sandalwood, white fir, and cypress. These refreshing oils may even help to clear your sinuses!

Diffuser Blend:

  • 4 drops cypress essential oil
  • 2 drops white fir essential oil
  • 2 drops sandalwood essential oil

Mulled Cider

Do you want to feel like you are bathing in a warm cup of mulled cider? If yes, this is the perfect diffuser blend for you! Break out this blend of oils for chilly days because the aroma is very warming and toasty. The combination of orange, cinnamon, and clove essential oils create a harmonious marriage of enchanting scents. If you aren’t a cider fan, then this blend is not for you. 

Diffuser Blend:

  • 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
  • 2 drops orange essential oil
  • 1 drop clove essential oil

Cold Relief

Autumn is synonymous with cold and flu season, and more people spend time inside because of the colder weather. If one person amongst the crowd is sick or carrying a virus, it’s easy for them to spread it indoors. If you feel congested or need relief from a cold or flu, this blend can help you breathe easy. It contains powerful essential oils that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. 

Diffuser Blend:

  • 1 drop each eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, and orange essential oils

Pumpkin Pie

Can fall exist without pumpkin pie? The answer is “no” in case you were unaware. You may not like to eat pumpkin pie, but you may enjoy the aroma. If that describes how you feel about pumpkin pie, this diffuser blend is for you. Let your home smell like a bakery when you add cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg essential oils to your diffuser. 

Diffuser Blend:

  • 5 drops cinnamon essential oil
  • 1 drop clove essential oil
  • 1 drop nutmeg essential oil

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Can Tuberculosis Kill You? https://www.dherbs.com/dhtv/street-interview/can-tuberculosis-kill-you/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:47:16 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/uncategorized/can-tuberculosis-kill-you/

Most people don't have symptoms so the only way to tell you have tuberculosis is with a positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test or TB blood test.

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Most people don’t have symptoms so the only way to tell you have tuberculosis is with a positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test or TB blood test.

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Who Should Be Screened For Lung Cancer? https://www.dherbs.com/dhtv/street-interview/who-should-be-screened-for-lung-cancer/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 01:00:27 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/uncategorized/who-should-be-screened-for-lung-cancer/

While breast cancer is more common, there's more ways to screen for it and catch it early enough before it becomes more fatal.

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While breast cancer is more common, there’s more ways to screen for it and catch it early enough before it becomes more fatal. You should consider getting screened for lung cancer if you’re 50 to 80 years old, and have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years.

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Swimming Pools Might Cause Heart and Lung Issues https://www.dherbs.com/dhtv/the-shocking-truth/swimming-pools-might-cause-heart-and-lung-issues/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 09:00:16 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/uncategorized/swimming-pools-might-cause-heart-and-lung-issues/

The chemical that turns the water blue, is a toxic compound that can harm organs like the lungs, heart, and central nervous system.

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The chemical that turns the water blue, is a toxic compound that can harm organs like the lungs, heart, and central nervous system.

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Why Spring Cleaning Is Beneficial For Your Health https://www.dherbs.com/articles/why-spring-cleaning-is-beneficial-for-your-health/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:15:04 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=125729

Why should you clean in the spring? Not only does spring cleaning improve productivity, but it also enhances indoor air quality.

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Winter is almost a distant memory that fades more and more with the arrival of warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. The fresher air makes you want to open the windows and invite the beautiful scents and warmth into the home. Even though it may look fresh and less gloomy outside, the inside of your home may be in shambles. Invite the opportunity and seasonal change into your life with a cleaner home. In fact, this is a long-standing tradition in many cultures. 

Why Do People Deep Clean In Spring?

Spring cleaning stems from several cultures, including Iranian, Chinese, and Jewish. The arrival of the spring equinox on the solar-based calendar is a classic indicator of spring. For Iranians, the spring equinox marks the new year, which consists of festivals and celebrations that symbolize a time of renewal. This theme of “renewal” is common in many cultures, in regards to the new year. It’s a chance to reinvigorate life and start anew. In the two weeks leading up to the new year, Iranians practice “shaking the house.” This involves buying new clothes, getting rid of old clothes, cleaning everything in sight, and ensuring everything in the house is clean for the new year.

In similar fashion, the Chinese clean their homes in anticipation of the new year’s arrival. The belief is that cleaning the house gets rid of any possible bad luck, inviting positive energy into the house when the new year comes. In Jewish culture, Passover commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Jewish slaves ate unleavened bread, which they adopted as a reminder of overcoming such hard times. In traditional Jewish culture, keeping leavened bread in the house during Passover is an insult to God. It has become tradition to scour the home for any possible crumbs, cleaning it meticulously before Passover, which comes right after spring. 

While your motivation to clean may not be cultural, there are serious health benefits to deep cleaning the home. Continue reading to learn how spring cleaning can improve your health

Reduces The Presence Of Allergens

When you clean the home, your indoor air quality is likely to improve. Clutter, mess, and neglecting to regularly clean results in an accumulation of dust. There are chemicals in dust that trigger allergic reactions, so cleaning the home can reduce the presence of harmful allergens. The home is insulated without opening the windows all winter, so the cleaning and fresh spring air can improve breathing and overall respiratory health.

Encourages A Healthy Lifestyle

When you inhabit a messy space, there’s a higher percentage of being unhealthier. Statistically, people who clean up their houses tend to clean up other areas of their lives. This can lead to better sleep, healthier eating habits, and improved sleep. There’s a link between decluttering, organizing, and cleaning the home and prioritizing your health and overall well-being. You may be surprised how much a good cleaning session inspires you. 

Reduces Stress

Some people will argue that a messy house inspires the chaotic freedom that inspires their creative thoughts. There’s not time for that nonsense. The act of cleaning and inviting organization into your life helps to relieve stress. A messy house can cause stress because you can easily misplace things or purchase things that you already have, but are hiding in the mess. Clutter in the home can also lead to higher anxiety, and cleaning it all up brings about a calmer feeling

Less Mess = Less Fatigue

You may not know it until your home is organized and clean, but clutter wears you down. It’s exhausting to have anything and everything occupy your space, be it your workspace or living space. All of the disorganization gathers dust and grime. Take the time to shed the non-essential items in your life. You don’t have to purge your house, but a solid spring cleaning can lift an incredible weight off your shoulders and help you feel lighter, emotionally speaking. Less brings about more happiness, more energy, and more positivity in your life. 

Increases Productivity

The warmer weather often excites people and inspires them to get more done in each day. Shorter days tend to have the opposite effect on people, hence why there is more clutter and dirt in the home during winter. You may notice that you feel the urge to clean as spring gets closer and closer. Now, we don’t advise cleaning the house in a single day because that is exhausting. Take at least one to two weeks to spring clean the entire house, tackling a room or problem area every day. 

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RSV: Can You Get It More Than Once? https://www.dherbs.com/articles/rsv-can-you-get-it-more-than-once/ Sat, 25 Feb 2023 09:09:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=153444

According to recent data, you’re likely to get RSV multiple times throughout your lifetime, although later infections are less serious.

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The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that affects breathing passages and the lungs. Health experts state that most children contract the virus by the age of two, but any person can get infected at any age. The symptoms are very similar to those of the common cold and it’s possible to recover within a week or so. Those who are high risk may get very sick, developing pneumonia or bronchiolitis in some instances. 

In the late months of 2022, cases of RSV soared in the United States. The RSV isn’t new and cases tend to peak during fall and winter, although they can continue through spring. According to data, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among children younger than age one. Because of the increase in cases, especially across people of all ages, you may be wondering if, like COVID-19 or the flu, you can get RSV more than once. If you can, is it possible to get it twice in the same season? Read on to find out. 

Can You Get RSV More Than Once?

The body does not produce long-term immunity against RSV, which is why the virus is so common, and why you can get it more than once. Influenza, for example, and other similar viruses have different genetic strains that change from year to year. That makes reinfection more common, but that isn’t the case for RSV. There are different strains, but RSV is genetically stable, so to speak. 

It’s unclear to experts why immunity from RSV doesn’t last very long. A strong theory is that the virus may interfere with immune response, a process called immunomodulation. The first infection tends to provide a certain degree of immunity, but it is short-lived and partial. It is possible to contract the virus later in life, but it may not affect you the same way. A 2016 study found that 35% of children already had a second infection before their third birthday. 

How Soon After Having RSV Can You Get It Again?

Although you can get RSV twice in the same season, the chances of this happening are very low. A 2021 review of studies found that a person’s risk for contracting RSV again after initial infection is about 70% lower within the first six months. Other research indicates that the body develops an immune response to RSV within five to 10 days after infection. This persists in the blood for one to three months, however, some studies detected antibodies for at least one year after infection. Research from 2019 found that up to 36% of people may experience reinfection at least once each season. 

Are RSV Symptoms The Same During A Repeat Infection?

Due to lack of long-term immunity after infection, reinfection is frequent. Because you develop partial immunity, a second infection won’t affect you as much. RSV tends to cause an infection in the lower respiratory tract the first time you get it. The lower respiratory tract includes the windpipe, airways in the lungs, and the air sacs in the lungs. Studies indicate that about 40% of people who contract RSV for the first time develop bronchiolitis, inflammation of the bronchioles. Rarely do people develop pneumonia, but it can happen as a result of RSV infection. That said, each time you get reinfected with RSV, your risk of lower respiratory tract infection is much lower. You may still experience upper respiratory tract infections when you get RSV as an adult, with symptoms affecting your throat, sinuses, mouth, nose, and voice box. 

The Takeaway

After you get RSV, the body can develop an immune response, but you aren’t completely immune. More than one-third of people get a second infection by the age of three, but partial immunity still helps, reducing the severity of symptoms after reinfection. You’re more likely to experience cold-like symptoms the third or fourth time you contract RSV.

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Are Clogged Gutters Affecting Your Health? https://www.dherbs.com/articles/are-clogged-gutters-affecting-your-health/ Sat, 08 Oct 2022 09:08:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=143550

Never clean your gutters? Experts say that clogged gutters around the home can seriously damage you and your family’s overall health.

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As the leaves fall and the rain arrives, you have to worry about the possible clogging of gutters around the home. It is a pain to get on a ladder and clean them, but health experts point out that this chore may be integral to your overall health. That’s right, folks, your health is not only dependent on what’s inside your home, but what’s outside as well. 

The main purpose of gutters is to divert rainwater away from your house. The gutters funnel it down downspouts and onto the ground. The falling leaves or debris from trees can accumulate in gutters and cause blockages. If water cannot flow out the downspouts, then it can seep into your home and begin the molding process. Not only does this ruin indoor air quality, but it also increases the risk of allergies and poor respiratory health

Because gutters help defend your home against water damage, it is your responsibility to make sure they are clean. Removing leaves and other debris can make it so that rainwater drains efficiently and keeps your home safe from leaks. The last thing you want is for clogged gutters to cause moisture build-up inside your home. 

Why Is Mold Bad?

Besides the fact that it is disgusting to look at, mold can irritate the respiratory system and worsen lung or breathing problems. Even if you aren’t allergic to mold, you can still develop allergy-like symptoms when exposed to it. The most common reactions to mold include itchy eyes, stuffy nose, wheezing, or irritated skin after inhalation. Reactions can be more serious for people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, including emphysema, COPD, asthma, or those with mold allergies. Common reactions for that group after mold exposure include shortness of breath, chest tightness, respiratory infections, and intense coughing. In some cases, mold may trigger the onset of new health issues. Inhaling or touching mold spores may also cause someone to become allergic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The Link Between Clogged Gutters And Mold Growth

First off, blocked or clogged gutters can create unnecessary strain on the gutters, putting them at risk for falling. Cleaning them two to three times per year is a great practice, but you may need to do it more often in the fall and winter, depending on where you live. Clogged gutters also invite dangerous pests to reside in them. Wasps, specifically, can build very large nests in clogged gutters and become a serious hazard quickly. 

In regards to your health, though, clogged gutters can hold the combination of stagnant water, decaying matter, and debris. When the sun cooks these three, it essentially bakes mildew and increases the risk for other disease-ridden residues. When mold seeps into the siding of your home, it can collect inside your interior. Not only does this cause respiratory problems, but it can also damage your home’s foundation. Plus, any moisture build-up leads to quicker mold growth! Because you spend a significant amount of time in your home, you want to make sure it is as healthy as it can be. Follow the tips below to avoid clogged gutters!

How To Clean Your Gutters

Keep water and mold growth out of your home by clearing debris and leaves from your gutters. There are a few rules you can follow to have the cleanest gutters ever:

  • Always check your gutters every one to two months for debris build-up. You may be able to get away with doing it less often, but this depends on where you live. It also depends if you have gutter guards, which can be very beneficial if you live near a lot of trees. 
  • You’ll need a ladder, tarp, and heavy-duty rubber gloves. Spread out the tarp before you head up the ladder. Make sure that the tarp covers the area under the ladder, so that it catches whatever debris you toss down. Things will get messy, so make sure you put on the rubber gloves. 
  • Remove all leaves, sticks, dirt, and other debris you see from the gutters and pull it out by hand. Toss it down onto the tarp and don’t try to push it down the downspout. 
  • Once you remove the majority of the clutter, use a garden hose to spray away any small leftover pieces.

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Sneaky Signs That You May Be Deficient In Vitamin A https://www.dherbs.com/articles/sneaky-signs-that-you-may-be-deficient-in-vitamin-a/ Wed, 18 May 2022 09:09:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=140327

Vitamin A deficiency may lead to dry eyes, night blindness, or dry skin. Learn about the other sneaky causes of low vitamin A levels.

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There are many nutrients that play pivotal roles, which keep the body functioning at an optimum level. Of those nutrients, many people focus on vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, and even vitamin D. As it turns out, vitamin A is necessary for many bodily functions, including a healthy immune system, metabolism, proper vision, good skin care, and more. It also exhibits antioxidant properties that may protect cells from damaging free radicals. 

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in two forms: performed vitamin A and provitamin A. The former is known as retinol and you can typically find it in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. The latter comes from carotenoids in plant foods, including red, green, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables, which the body converts to vitamin A. Although vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed countries, it is still possible for people to be deficient in this nutrient. Those at highest risk of deficiency are pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children. People with chronic diarrhea or cystic fibrosis may also experience vitamin A deficiency. The following signs may indicate if you are deficient in vitamin A.

Dry Eyes

One of the most common and first signs of vitamin A deficiency is dry eyes, or the inability to produce tears. A layer of fluid called tear film works to lubricate the eyes and keep the surface of the eyes clean. Tear film that is healthy is necessary for clear vision, while irregular tear film will scatter light after light hits the cornea. One study found that high doses of vitamin A decreased the prevalence of dry eyes by 63% among infants and children who supplemented for 16 months. 

Infertility And Trouble Conceiving

Vitamin A contributes to healthy reproductive function in both men and women. It also happens to be necessary for healthy development in infants. If you are having difficulty conceiving, low vitamin A levels may be the root of the problem, for either the man or the woman. Research suggests that infertile men may have a higher need for antioxidants because of higher levels of oxidative stress in the body. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant that works to combat oxidative stress and free radicals. Other studies found that female rats with vitamin A deficiency had difficulty getting pregnant and may have embryos with birth defects. 

Increase In Chest and Respiratory Infections

Research is still preliminary in this area, but the initial research shows that vitamin A deficiency may be associated with throat, respiratory tract, and chest infections. Don’t reach for supplements just yet, as over-supplementing can have pretty serious side effects if you aren’t deficient. Vitamin A does offer protective properties against excessive inflammation that contributes to colds and infections. Because of that, vitamin A may protect via regulation of inflammation. 

Dry Skin

Although vitamin A deficiency isn’t the primary reason for dry skin or other skin-related issues, it may play a role. Retinol is commonly on the ingredient lists of many skin care products, and retinol is a derived form of vitamin A. According to research, the skin has retinoid receptors and getting sufficient vitamin A can create healthier new skin cells. This works to reduce inflammation, prevent dryness, and may even reduce wrinkles or improve skin texture.

Night Blindness

This symptom will only happen with severe vitamin A deficiency. Several observational studies reported a high prevalence of night blindness in developing nations. Because of this existing data, health professionals examined the link between low vitamin A levels and a higher risk of night blindness. One study monitored women with night blindness who received vitamin A in the form of food or supplements. Both the supplements and vitamin A-rich foods were able to improve the condition. The women’s ability to adapt to darkness also increased by 50% over six weeks of treatment. 

Problems With Wound Healing

Vitamin A plays a unique role in moderating the body’s inflammatory response. Because of this, it may work to control excessive inflammation. If you have high levels of inflammation in the body, it may take longer for wounds to heal, or they may not heal properly. Vitamin A also works to nourish the skin, helping you avoid dryness and cracking. According to researchers, insufficient vitamin A in the body makes it difficult for wounds to heal properly.

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Essential Oils To Help Relieve Cough And Cold https://www.dherbs.com/articles/essential-oils-to-help-relieve-cough-and-cold/ Mon, 09 May 2022 09:02:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=139747

Feeling congested and tired of coughing your way through the night? Use these essential oils to help relieve cough and cold symptoms.

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Essential oils have been used by generations of people across many different cultures for natural treatment of ailments. Historians say that herbal remedies date back as far as the Paleolithic period, 60,000 years ago. Some cultures used essential oils for wound healing, while others used them to fight off infections like the common cold. 

Unlike pharmaceuticals, a single plant, herb, fruit, or vegetable exhibits a multitude of health properties. Lavender, for example, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant properties. Like many natural remedies, essential oils have more anecdotal evidence than research-backed scientific evidence. Nevertheless, essential oils are very popular in the world of natural remedies and alternative medicine.

Many people incorporate essential oils into DIY health and beauty products, but inhaling their aroma via a diffuser may be great for relieving cough and cold symptoms. Next time you have a cough or experience congestion, consider experimenting with the following essential oils. There are even studies that support their abilities to relieve symptoms!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Exhibiting a forest-like scent, eucalyptus essential oil has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. For anyone who has been in a eucalyptus-scented steam room, breathing the aroma works to relieve chest congestion and aid breathing. The menthol in eucalyptus helps to warm the nasal cavity while causing an immune response, a combination that helps accelerate recovery. One study found that the antimicrobial properties may fight off bacteria that cause cough or cold symptoms. 

Lavender Essential Oil

There are many studies surrounding lavender essential oil. It may help to lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, improve mood, and relieve a hacking cough. Due to the antimicrobial properties, lavender essential oil works to fight bacteria and viruses responsible for respiratory infections. It’s best to inhale the aroma through a diffuser, but you can also put some under your pillow at night, which may promote relaxation in the process. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is great for boosting hair growth, but it is also known for its healing properties. Many aromatherapists use rosemary essential oil because it soothes the respiratory system by decreasing congestion and making it easier to breathe. Other studies confirm that rosemary essential oil works to break up mucus and reduce inflammation. Researchers attribute these abilities to the primary compound cineole, which is a natural monoterpene. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

According to a 2013 study, peppermint essential oil can be used to help relax the muscles of the windpipe, the bronchial muscles. Researchers believe this is why inhaling the oil’s aroma eases breathing in people with coughs. Peppermint essential oil also contains menthol, which provides a cooling sensation upon inhalation that can numb or soothe a sore throat. Menthol also works to fight off bacteria in the respiratory tract, while simultaneously opening the sinuses and reducing congestion. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most common essential oils in the world of natural beauty and alternative remedies. Several studies show that the anti-inflammatory properties may work well against cold-related symptoms, including sore throat and chest congestion. Inhaling tea tree oil’s aroma may protect against respiratory infections and seasonal allergies. One study found that tea tree oil exhibits antiviral properties, which may work to fight viruses or bacteria that lead to the common cold. 

Oregano Essential Oil

A tried and true remedy for coughs and colds, oregano essential oil acts as an expectorant to clear up chest and sinus congestion. If you have a respiratory tract infection, this is great news, as chest congestion can increase the pain of coughing. Oregano essential oil also has a warm and welcoming scent, which can promote better sleep. Adding a few drops to a diffuser or under your pillow can help you sleep better and breathe through the night. 

Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme essential oil contains thymol, which exhibits antibacterial activity that may be effective against respiratory ailments like asthma or bronchitis. The oil also has a high level of carvacrol, which may be helpful in protecting against viruses and bacteria. Next time you have a sore throat, put thyme essential oil in a diffuser to ease your cough and breathing. Similar to oregano essential oil, thyme essential oil exhibits an herbaceous scent that may improve sleep.

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The Best Foods To Eat When You Have A Sinus Infection https://www.dherbs.com/articles/the-best-foods-to-eat-when-you-have-a-sinus-infection/ Wed, 12 Jan 2022 09:18:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=134458

Eating the right foods can help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and reduce congestion or headaches from sinus infection.

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Sinus problems are unpleasant, no matter what your symptoms are. Congestion, headaches, sinus pressure, or runny nose can be quite irritating, but you can help ease them by eating foods that support the immune system. 

Mucus tends to drain from your nose, but respiratory infections, colds, allergies, or nasal polyps can inflame or swell up nasal passages. By blocking the sinuses, which are pockets located along your eyes, nose, forehead, and cheekbones, they begin to fill up with bacteria-laden mucus. This accumulation can lead to a sinus infection, which you can typically fight with natural remedies or over-the-counter decongestants or cold medications. Drinking lots of fluids and eating healthy foods can also help the body fight off an infection.

Food alone may not be able to cure a sinus infection, but certain foods may help relieve symptoms. These foods contain antioxidants that may help ease breathing by decreasing inflammation in your system. Think of eating the right foods as putting the right kind of fuel in your car to ensure it runs well. Eating the wrong foods, such as processed foods, fried foods, and dairy products, can contribute to more inflammation. Give your body the nutrients it needs when you have a sinus infection. Continue reading to learn how these foods can benefit you.

Garlic

Garlic contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help fight against viruses. In order to help activate garlic’s properties, simply crush or chop it to release allicin, the active compound. The antibacterial properties of allicin may help relieve mucus build-up and promote sinus drainage. This may help alleviate pressure in the sinus, but more research is still necessary. 

Hot Peppers

From jalapeños to serranos, hot peppers can help clear your sinuses because they help to soften mucus. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in peppers that gives them their spice, but it also activates the immune system and reduces inflammation. Peppers won’t completely get rid of a sinus infection, but they may clear out mucus and relieve sinus pressure. 

Ginger

Whether you have a sore throat, sinus infection, or upset stomach, ginger can come to the rescue. According to a 2020 study, ginger may relieve congestion and runny nose. The small study monitored 80 people who took 500 milligrams (mg) of ginger extract daily. At the end of the study, the results indicated that the ginger extract was just as effective as taking 10 mg of loratadine (also known as Claritin). Ginger also exhibits antibacterial properties that may help fight viruses. 

Water

Some refer to water as the liquid of the gods, while others can’t seem to hydrate at all. One of the best things to do when you have a sinus infection is to drink more water than you would normally. Water helps to flush waste from the body, keep the tissues healthy, and regulate body temperature. Drinking plenty of water when you have a sinus infection can thin mucus and reduce congestion. You can also drink herbal teas, provided you don’t sweeten them with sugar. Use natural sweeteners like stevia or raw organic honey instead. 

Pineapple

Pineapples are naturally rich in antioxidants that help protect mucus membranes from damage. The enzymes in pineapple also help break down bacteria and mucus that build up within the sinuses. This can ultimately reduce inflammation and decrease the painful side effects that result from a sinus infection. 

Mint

Unlike pineapple, mint cannot fight bacteria and break down mucus in the nasal passages. Mint doesn’t eliminate congestion; rather, the menthol in it helps to stimulate nerve receptors in the nasal passages. This makes it feel as though more air is passing through, which can ease breathing. You can also add peppermint essential oil to a diffuser and inhale the vapor to promote better breathing. Drink a cup of peppermint tea as well!

Colorful Fruits And Vegetables

Eating the rainbow, which you can learn more about by clicking here, can increase your antioxidant intake. Colorful fruits and vegetables contain carotenoids and flavonoids, which may have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Some studies indicated that certain antioxidants in foods help defend against infection. Great colorful foods to eat include kale, strawberries, oranges, collard greens, cherries, spinach, tomatoes, blueberries, and beets.

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The post The Best Foods To Eat When You Have A Sinus Infection appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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