Natural Cough Relief

In many cases, coughing occurs as a symptom of a short-term illness, such as the common cold, bronchitis, or the flu.

Chronic coughs, on the other hand, may be caused by one of the following conditions:

•asthma
•allergies
•chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
•gastroesophageal reflux disease
Chronic cough may also result from smoking or from use of some medications.

If your cough lasts longer than two to three weeks, consult your physician to check for an underlying health problem.

Natural Cough Remedies:

Although they won't cure the condition causing your cough, the following may provide natural cough relief:

1) Honey

In a 2009 study, researchers found that honey may decrease the frequency and severity of cough more effectively than the over-the-counter cough-suppressing drug dextromethorphan. Try adding honey to tea, or taking a spoonful on its own.

2) Marshmallow

Compounds extracted from marshmallow (an herb said to soothe irritated tissue) may provide significant cough-suppressing benefits, according to an animal study published in 2007. Marshmallow can be taken in tea form.

3) Mullein

Available in lozenge, powder, and supplement form, mullein is a common weed that contains compounds said to act as demulcents (substances that relieve irritation or inflammation in the throat) and expectorants (agents for loosening mucus and making it easier to cough up). Although mullein hasn't been specifically studied for its effects on cough, it has long been used to treat coughs in herbal medicine.

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Nettle for Allergies

Also known as "stinging nettle" or "nettles," nettle (Urtica dioica) is an herbal remedy derived from the leaves or root of the stinging nettle bush

In herbal medicine, nettle has long been used to treat a number of health problems, including:

•muscle pain
•joint pain
•eczema
•arthritis
•gout
•anemia
•hay fever
•urinary tract infections
•tendonitis
•insect bites

Although research on nettle's health effects is limited, studies suggest that the herb may show promise in treatment of the following conditions:

1) Enlarged Prostate

A research review published in 2007 indicates that nettle may help relieve complaints associated with enlargement of the prostate gland (a condition also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia). However, the review authors note that more studies need to confirm the herb's beneficial effects before nettle can be recommended as a treatment option for men with enlarged prostate.

2) Allergies

A number of studies show that nettle may help manage allergies and ease symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching. In one study published in 2009, scientists discovered that nettle may help treat allergies by reducing inflammation.

3) Osteoarthritis

A small study (published in 2000) found that topically applied nettle may help ease osteoarthritis pain.

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Yoga and Cancer

Yoga is a mind-body exercise that originated in India more than 4,000 years ago. A fundamental component of ayurveda (the traditional medicine system of India), yoga combines precise postures, deep breathing, and meditation in order to promote physical and emotional health.

Yoga For People With Cancer

Studies suggest that yoga may offer many benefits for people coping with cancer. Here's a look at some key findings.

1) Relieving Anxiety

Yoga may help ease anxiety in breast cancer outpatients, according to a 2009 study of 98 outpatients assigned to receive either yoga training or a brief therapy session prior to undergoing surgery. The study also showed that daily yoga sessions helped manage treatment-related side effects.

2) Reducing Stress

Breast cancer outpatients who practice yoga may have lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than those who don't practice yoga, according to a study published in 2009.

3) Improving Quality of Life

In a pilot study published in 2006, researchers found that a seven-week yoga program significantly improved quality of life for cancer survivors. The researchers also observed a significant improvement in emotional function among the study's 20 yoga-practicing participants.

4) Enhancing Sleep Quality

A 2004 study of 39 lymphoma patients indicates that weekly yoga sessions may help reduce sleep disturbance, improve sleep quality, lengthen sleep duration, and reduce the use of sleep medications.

Vitalia Natural Medicine has all the resources you will need to get involved in yoga to help relieve symptoms of cancer! Choose Vitalia Natural Medicine for all your naturopathy needs!