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Plantain Salve To Relieve Itchy Bug Bites

Vincent Stevens — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:17:00 +0000

How great is it that you get to enjoy the beautiful summer months? The sun rises early, sets late, and you get to enjoy hiking, gardening, beach or lake days, and backyard barbecues. As incredible as all that sounds, the bugs, depending on where you live, can be relentless. From mosquitos and ticks to chiggers and spiders, summertime can be a brutal time for bug bites. Fortunately, you can be ready to soothe that itchiness with a homemade plantain salve.

What Is Plantain?

Let us first clarify one thing regarding the name of this herb. Despite sharing the same name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit. With a long history as a healing plant, plantain is widely known in the herbalist community as “nature’s band-aid.” Plantain (Plantago major), grows naturally in many yards and fields all over the United States. It only came to the U.S. by way of new settlers from other countries. Natives in both America and New Zealand referred to plantain as “Englishman’s foot” or “white man’s foot.”

Believe it or not, you can find plantain weed in most yards and fields across the U.S., and it will take over unless you control it. It grows as a rosette with leaves that surround the stem at the base. The leaves are more oval and somewhat large, with the stems standing above them with seeds at the top. No matter the variety of plantain weed, all of them work interchangeably, so you don’t have to worry about which one is more potent for your DIY salve.

Plantain Benefits

Plantain weed has a long list of benefits for both internal and external uses. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on plantain’s benefits for the skin. Exhibiting antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, plantain may help relieve a variety of common skin ailments and bug bites. Historically, plantain leaves were used to help heal minor wounds, scrapes, cuts, bumps, infections, bruises, and burns.

On its own, plantain weed is a complete medicine, meaning you don’t need to add anything to it to create an effective herbal remedy. At the same time, you can incorporate other herbs or ingredients to incorporate other soothing benefits, which is especially beneficial for relieving bug bites. Typically, it isn’t the actual bite that causes the itch; rather, it is an anesthetic that the bug injects you with as it drinks your blood! If you are allergic to that anesthetic, the body attacks the substance with white blood cells, causing the area to become inflamed and red.

The salve in this article calls for you to infuse dried plantain leaves into a carrier oil of your choice. We listed sweet almond oil, but you can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil if you prefer. Once you infuse the oil, you will melt beeswax and mix in the infused oil with it before allowing it to solidify at room temperature. The beeswax helps moisturize and protect the skin, which may help relieve itching. It also creates a barrier on the skin that protects the bite to promote healing.

DIY Plantain Salve

Ingredients:

1 cup dried plantain leaves
1.5 cups sweet almond oil (or carrier oil of choice)
1 ounce beeswax

Instructions:

Put the dried plantain leaves into a glass pint jar and pour the oil in to cover the leaves.
Screw on the lid and allow the oil to infuse for about four to six weeks. Ideally, place the jar in a cool spot away from direct sunlight.
Once the oil has infused, strain the leaves from the oil through a fine mesh sieve and make sure to press out any remaining oil from the leaves.
Pour one cup of the plantain infused oil into the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat and add the beeswax. Stir occasionally until the beeswax is fully melted.
Remove from heat and stir more to combine. Pour the mixture into several small tins or jars and allow the salve to set at room temperature (this will take a couple hours).
The plantain salve is ready to use once it is solidified. The salve will keep fresh for a year if kept in a cool, dry place.

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Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Berberine

Vincent Stevens — Wed, 21 May 2025 09:35:00 +0000

Berberine is a naturally occurring compound in many plants. For thousands of years, it has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and other medicinal traditions to treat digestive disorders, inflammatory conditions, and infections. Some research indicates that it may offer protection against high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, among other conditions.

What Is Berberine?

Extracted from several plants, berberine is a bioactive compound that belongs to the alkaloid class. It is yellow and typically used as a dye, despite its long history in traditional medicinal applications. Modern evidence suggests that it exhibits impressive health benefits that may address chronic conditions. As of now, limited human research indicates that berberine may lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. This is of great interest to the health experts because these are reversible risk factors for heart disease. Although it appears to be safe and only causes a few mild side effects, you may want to consult a healthcare professional if you are interested in taking it.

How Does Berberine Work?

There have been hundreds of studies on berberine’s effects on the body. According to animal studies, one of berberine’s primary actions is to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme inside cells. Found in cells throughout the body, AMPK has an active role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. Berberine also has an effect on other molecules inside cells, potentially affecting which genes are turned on or off. That may help protect against many chronic health conditions, but more research is necessary on this matter. Continue reading to learn more about berberine’s health benefits.

May Protect Against Bacterial Infections

A 2022 study found that berberine helped prevent the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Researchers note that this bacterial strain can cause sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and a range of skin conditions. Another study found that berberine exhibited an ability to damage the DNA and protein of certain bacteria, due to its antimicrobial activity.

It Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels

According to many studies, berberine can significantly lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In 2008, study authors monitored a group of 116 participants who took one gram of berberine per day. The results indicated that berberine lowered fasting blood sugar by 20%, and it also lowered hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by 12%. Additionally, berberine improved blood lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Researchers note that berberine seems to work in several ways to aid these processes:

Decreases sugar production in the liver
Reduces insulin resistance to make insulin more effective
Increases the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut
Slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut
Increases glycolysis, which helps the body break down sugars inside cells

May Aid Weight Loss

There is a lot of attention on berberine because it may be a viable weight loss supplement. An older 12-week study involved people with obesity who took 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine three times daily. At the end of the study, participants experienced five pounds of weight loss, on average, with a 3.6% reduction in body fat. A review of 12 studies noted that supplementing with berberine led to significant reductionist body weight, belly fat, and body mass index. It was also effective at decreasing C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. Other research found that berberine works to inhibit the growth of fat cells at a molecular level, which may promote weight loss. Although existing research is promising, more research is necessary to determine berberine’s weight loss effects.

It Helps Lower Cholesterol

If you have high levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, you have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Some research suggests that berberine may help lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. One review of both animal and human studies found that berberine exhibits cholesterol lowering effects. Researchers believe that berberine’s effects are similar to drugs that reduce high cholesterol. The only difference is that berberine does not cause the same side effects.

May Benefit People With Obesity

There is an obesity epidemic in the United States, and it increases a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. One review found that people who took 750 mg of berberine twice daily for three months experienced significant weight loss. Another double-blind study monitored people with metabolic syndrome who took 200 mg of berberine three times daily. Participants experience decreases in their body mass index scores. Finally, some research suggests that berberine works similarly to metformin, a drug that doctors typically prescribe people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, berberine works to alter gut bacteria, which may benefit people with diabetes and obesity.

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The Top 5 Health Benefits Of Zinc

Vincent Stevens — Wed, 07 May 2025 09:12:00 +0000

Unless you’re trying to get rid of cold or flu symptoms, zinc is probably not the first nutrient on your mind. Zinc is more than a mineral that can help you recover from the common cold or other illnesses. It is an essential mineral that you should consume in small amounts every day. The reason for that is because the body cannot produce or store it, so consuming zinc daily can contribute to overall health and wellness. Read on to learn about the top five health benefits of zinc.

The body needs zinc for various processes in the body. Behind iron, zinc is the second-most abundant mineral in the body. Zinc is involved with immune function, DNA synthesis, gene expression, growth and development, protein synthesis, wound healing, and enzymatic reactions. Zinc exists in a wide variety of plant and animal foods, but it is also available in supplement form. Because of its role in immune function, zinc is often included in lozenges, cold medication, and other cold treatments. Should you want to start supplementing with zinc, consider speaking with your healthcare provider to determine the right dosage.

It Contributes To Healthy Immune Function

Zinc works to control inflammation and prevent elevated inflammatory responses, including the release of cytokines. It aids the body during an immune response, but it also helps it return to homeostasis, the state of equilibrium between interdependent elements. According to research, zinc may help with the development of immune cells and interfere with the molecular process that causes mucus and bacteria to accumulate in nasal passages. A 2020 review of clinical trials found that when healthy adults with cold symptoms took zinc supplements, the duration of symptoms was significantly reduced by about 2.25 days.

May Reduce The Risk Of Certain Age-Related Illnesses

Pneumonia, infection, and age-related macular degeneration are all examples of age-related illnesses. Researchers believe that zinc may reduce your chances of developing these types of illnesses. Older studies confirmed that older adults who supplemented with zinc improved influenza vaccination response. They also experienced a boost in mental performance and a reduced risk of pneumonia. A study from 2007 determined that taking 45 milligrams (mg) of elemental zinc per day may decrease the risk of infection in older adults by 66%. Additionally, other research confirmed that taking 80 mg of zinc per day, alongside vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, decreased vision loss.

It Helps Maintain Heart Health

The body needs zinc to maintain healthy cells within the cardiovascular system. Zinc also works to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of oxidative stress. The endothelium, the thin layer of cells that lines blood vessels, is slightly reliant on adequate intake of zinc. Zinc also assists the heart by supporting optimal circulation. Researchers note that zinc may aid with high blood pressure and cholesterol levels from damages or clogged arteries. One meta-analysis determined that adults with heart failure had lower levels of zinc than people with healthier hearts.

May Help Treat Acne

According to several studies, people with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc than those with clearer skin. Acne, a common skin disorder, affects about 9.4% of the global population. It is most common in teens, but it can affect adults as well. It is driven by the obstruction of oil-producing glands, inflammation, and bacteria. Various studies suggest that both oral and topical zinc treatments can effectively treat acne by inhibiting the growth of P. acnes bacteria. Zinc also works to suppress oil gland activity and reduce inflammation on the skin.

It Helps With Muscle Growth And Repair

Zinc is involved in normal cell growth and division, which means that it assists muscle growth and repair. How does it do this? Well, it makes it possible for the body to heal itself and maintain strength in the body’s muscular and skeletal systems. Zinc also works to promote the growth of muscle mass by increasing the amount of testosterone the body is able to produce post-exercise. This is especially true after a session of weight training or high-intensity interval training. Regarding testosterone, zinc aids with the body’s release of that hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), both of which are necessary for muscle mass and metabolism.

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6 Natural Remedies To Treat An Ear Infection

Vincent Stevens — Sat, 03 May 2025 09:13:00 +0000

Tugging at your ear again because of muffled hearing, pressure, or general pain? Perhaps your child is going through the same thing. No matter who has an ear infection, one thing is for certain: it is one of those things that will have you searching for any type of relief. The good news is that most ear infections clear up on their own, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a little intervention is necessary to relieve the discomfort.

How To Treat An Ear Infection At Home

A nagging pain in your ear can be quite uncomfortable, to say the least. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help relieve that pain and get you back to feeling yourself again. Continue reading to learn about a few different natural remedies that may come in handy the next time you experience an ear infection.

Apply A Hot Or Cold Compress

A lot of people swear by heat, as it helps them manage the pain, but some people feel the same way about cold compresses. Heat works to encourage the muscles surrounding your ears canals to relax, allowing fluids to flow more easily. Cold helps numb the pain (to an extent) and reduce inflammation. If you want to experience the most relief, try alternating between cold and warm compresses every 30 minutes. Just make sure that the warm compress is not so hot that it burns you, and make sure to wrap a cold compress in a towel to keep the intensity down.

Olive Oil

No need to dress a salad with this natural remedy! According to research, olive oil exhibits antibacterial properties that may help soothe pain within the ear canal. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support this anecdotal claim. If you want to experiment with this method, consider discussing it with your healthcare professional first, especially if you are using it on children. If you do try it, make sure that the olive oil is no warmer than body temperature, as that will help you avoid burning the eardrum.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a common natural remedy to treat earaches, especially if wax buildup is the cause. In order to do this treatment correctly, place several drops of hydrogen peroxide into the affected ear. Before you do this, make sure to tilt your head to the side so that the peroxide can remain in the affected ear. Allow it to fizzle in your ear for a couple minutes before tilting your head the other way to drain into the sink. Rinse your ear with clean, distilled water.

Treat Cold Symptoms

Earaches or ear infections tend to come at the tail end of a cold or respiratory infection. The reason for this is because contagious illnesses can irritate the ear canals, or eustachian tubes. Swelling and fluid buildup can occur in the ears, which leads to that uncomfortable pressure and pain. Managing cold and cough symptoms, then, can go a long way in relieving the pain of an ear infection. To manage your symptoms, consider the following home remedies:

Drink plenty of fluids
Use a humidifier
Drink warm herbal tea
Prioritize rest
Irrigate the sinuses with a neti pot, or other device

Change Your Sleeping Position

First of all, rest is paramount if you want to manage any illness. An ear infection is not exempt from that rule, but how you sleep can either reduce or enhance the pain. If the pain is limited to one ear, try propping your head up on two or more pillows, ensuring that the affected ear is higher than the rest of your body. Gravity helps the fluid to drain. If both ears are in pain, sleeping on your back may be more comfortable.

Naturopathic Drops

If over-the-counter (OTC) medicine is something you want to avoid, naturopathic drops may be right for you. Made from herbal extracts, they are just as effective (if not more) than traditional OTC ear drops. An old study from 2001 found that using naturopathic drops could improve the level of ear pain experienced during an ear infection. However, a recent study from 2019 suggests that naturopathic drops may not help relieve an ear infection. It may vary from person to person, but more research is necessary to get a better understanding.

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Health Problems That Are Linked To Insufficient Sleep

Vincent Stevens — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:09:00 +0000

Is there anything better than a good night’s sleep? You wake up in a good mood and when you sit up and get out of bed, it’s as though your body thanks you for that rest. Contrast to the mornings when you wake up after a minimal amount of sleep. You don’t feel like yourself and you usually see dark circles under your eyes. You feel sluggish and would give anything for a few more hours of sleep.

Growing evidence indicates that sleep is necessary for maintaining long-term health. The body can typically handle a few nights with minimal sleep, but it is not sustainable over time. There will be a price you pay if you continually get insufficient sleep, according to health experts. In this article, we’ll detail some of the health problems linked to sleep deprivation.

Type 2 Diabetes

People who experience minimal sleep or poor quality sleep tend to have poorer blood sugar control, especially in people with diabetes. Additionally, sleep deprivation can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to some studies. In a group of middle-aged Caucasians, researchers observed a strong connection between poor sleep quality and metabolic syndrome, fasting blood duster levels, insulin levels, and insulin resistance, a precursor for type 2 diabetes.

Kidney Issues

Unfortunately, the link between insufficient sleep and kidney health has not been as firmly established as the link between poor sleep and other health conditions. Researchers note that people with chronic kidney disease tend to have sleep disorders, including restless leg syndrome and insomnia related to their condition. Some evidence shows that poor sleep quality may increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Researchers believe that the link could be related to disruptions to the circadian rhythm.

Depression And Anxiety

According to research, people who have chronic insomnia have a higher rate of depression and anxiety. An estimated 40% of people with insomnia have clinical depression. The relationship between your mood and sleep is complex and bidirectional. That means that depression or anxiety can negatively impact sleep and lack of sleep can negatively affect your mood. Sleep experts consider insomnia to be an independent risk factor for developing mental health disorders, such as depression. You may need to address your sleep problems and anxiety or depression separately in order to improve your overall health.

A Less Healthy Gut

The gut microbiome is a complex system of trillions of microorganisms found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Experts believe that the more diverse the microbiome, the better a person’s overall health is. Some studies suggest that altered sleep patterns, such as those consistent with night shift workers, may impact gut health. One study used Mendelian randomization, a method that looks at genetic variation to study the effects of different health variables. This study found that sleep issues may alter the abundance of bacteria in the gut.

Hypertension, Stroke, And Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the smallest changes in sleep have been linked to heart issues. After the clocks change in March, there are 24% more heart attacks for the first three to four days. When the clocks “fall back” in November, the AHA estimates a 21% reduction in heart attacks because people gain an hour of sleep. Sleeping for five hours or less per night on a regular basis has been associated with a two to three times greater risk of coronary artery buildup. That decreases the flow of blood to your heart, so sleep deprivation may increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

Reduced Immune Function

Sleep experts suggest that insufficient sleep or poor sleep quality can harm immune function. Evidence shows that poor sleep increases your susceptibility to various infections and illnesses. Studies show that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are three times more likely to develop the common cold compared with people who get eight hours or more of sleep per night.

Additional research states that insufficient sleep can make it more difficult for the body to produce disease-fighting antibodies, specifically after receiving flu, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines. Participants who only slept four hours per night in the days before and following vaccination developed lower levels of antibodies compared to those who had great sleep.

Weight Gain

Unfortunately, there is a strong connection between sleep issues and being overweight or having obesity. Failure to get enough sleep every night can cause a hormonal imbalance, and these are the hormones that regulate appetite. Ghrelin makes you feel hungry and leptin helps you feel full. Leptin levels tend to rise during sleep, so the theory is that insufficient sleep causes a decrease in those levels. That makes you feel hungrier, which leads to unnecessary eating. Additionally, sleep disturbances of any kind can increase the production of ghrelin, which increases appetite. Studies suggest that insufficient sleep can make people burn 100 more calories per day. While that sounds wonderful, the extra wake time increases how much people eat or drink by more than 250 calories per day. Over time, that can cause people to gain weight.

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How Long Is The Flu Contagious?

Vincent Stevens — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:56:00 +0000

The flu, much like a wildfire, spreads very easily. All it needs is a little bit of wind, right? According to a 2023 study that involved the 2021 to 2022 flu season, you had a 50% chance of contracting the virus. If you or someone you know is sick, then, how long does the contagious period last? Although this is a difficult question to answer precisely, health experts have several guidelines that may help stop the spread.

How Does The Flu Spread?

The flu is a viral respiratory illness that primarily spreads via close contact with an infected person. Infected flu patients expel germ-filled droplets when they cough, sneeze, or talk. When those droplets land in the mouth or nose of another person, that person is at risk of becoming infected. The droplets can also land on surfaces, such as doorknobs, TV remotes, or keyboards, which a healthy person can touch and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose, thereby causing infection.

You cannot always avoid these droplets when you are around someone with the flu. You can, however, take cautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following tips to avoid spreading the flu:

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw that tissues away
Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated (especially high-touch surfaces)
Avoid close contact with sick people, and limit contact with others when you are sick
Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides
Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth as much as possible
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you don’t have access to soap and water

How Long Does The Flu Last?

Infected with the flu? Well, it can last a few days or a couple weeks. More often than not, people who decided to get a flu shot will get over infection quicker than people who did not get vaccinated. Flu symptoms, such as body aches, fever, or chills, typically come on quickly and subside slowly. According to health experts, the average time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms is two days.

Statistically, days two through four are the worst, regarding severity of symptoms. You will know that you are nearing the end of your flu when your fever is down and you no longer feel body aches. At that point, the virus is controlled, but coughing, runny nose, and fatigue can stick around for a little while after that. You may even experience some flu dizziness that can last for a couple days or weeks, depending on the cause.

How Long Is The Flu Contagious?

Typically, you are most contagious during the first three days of sickness, according to the CDC. That said, you are likely contagious for a day before the onset of symptoms and several more once they subside. That means an infected person can spread the flu one day before they experience symptoms. You can spread it and not know it, especially if you did not know that the person you encountered was infected with the flu.

You are the most contagious when your symptoms peak, which is days two through four. It’s possible that you can continue to spread the virus until symptoms go away completely, though. Basically, you are no longer contagious once your symptoms are gone entirely. You can expedite your recovery through various alternative remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) flu medications. Just keep in mind that those OTCs that only lower fever will not help you get over your sickness faster or make you less contagious. They only make you more comfortable and able to deal with symptoms.

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8 Natural Remedies For A Sore Throat

Vincent Stevens — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:12:00 +0000

A sore throat can be very uncomfortable and, more than anything, you want it to go away before the symptoms start to get worse. The primary symptoms of a sore throat are pain and irritation, especially when swallowing. When the immune system encounters bacteria or viruses, it inflames the mucous membranes in the throat.

What Causes A Sore Throat?

A sore throat involves scratchiness, pain, or irritation in the throat. It is usually attributed to a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, and it usually resolves on its own. Strep throat, however, is a less common type of sore throat that requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent serious complications. Typically, bacterial infections do not cause sore throats as much as viral infections do.

This article details eight natural remedies that may help reduce pain associated with sore throat. Possible remedies include honey, lemon water, peppermint tea, herbs, and more. Continue reading to see which remedy is best for you.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed a combo of honey and apple cider vinegar, oxymel, to help treat flu symptoms, including sore throat. Apple cider vinegar is a natural health tonic that is a common ingredient in various alternative medicinal remedies. The active ingredient is acetic acid, which works to fight bacteria. Drink one cup of warm water mixed with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Don’t just take shots of apple cider vinegar, as that can lead to acid reflux.

Gargle With Salt Water

Gargling with salt water is a classic remedy for relieving sore throat pain. The salt works to pull water out of the throat tissues, which may help reduce swelling. It may also help to kill harmful microbes in the throat. Combine one cup of warm water with one teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve before gargling. Try to gargle for 30 seconds once per hour.

Licorice Root

Licorice root exhibits similar properties to aspirin in that it may help reduce sore throat pain. It also offers antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. At this time, there isn’t a lot of research about how licorice root may relieve sore throat pain. One older study, however, found that gargling with licorice water before surgery reduced the risk of getting a sore throat by 50%, compared to gargling with standard sugar water.

Ginger Tea

Ginger is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory spice that works to soothe an upset stomach and relieve throat pain. Some laboratory studies found that ginger extract may kill certain viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory illnesses. Ginger may also reduce inflammation in tuberculosis patients. Although ginger tea is readily available in most grocery stores, you can easily make your own with boiling water, raw ginger root, a squeeze of lemon, and some honey for sweetness.

Marshmallow Root

Throughout history, people have used extracts from the marshmallow plant to treat sore throats. The root contains mucilage, a gelatin-like substance that lubricates and coats the throat after you swallow it. According to research, lozenges containing marshmallow root were effective at soothing dry cough in animals. You can make marshmallow root-infused water by placing one ounce of marshmallow root in a cheesecloth inside a bottle with one liter of cold water.

Honey

Typically used to sweeten herbal teas, honey may help soothe a sore throat on its own. Honey contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that may help combat viruses or bacteria. It is especially effective when you combine it with warm water and apple cider vinegar. For the best results, opt for raw organic honey or Manuka honey, as those are the purest forms.

Coconut Oil

What is this popular skin and hair care ingredient doing on a list of ingredients that help remedy sore throat? Well, some studies suggest that coconut oil may fight infection and reduce inflammation in exposed areas. Coconut oil works to lubricate mucous membranes in the throat, which may provide mild relief from irritation. Add a spoonful of coconut oil to hot tea, soup, or put a spoonful in your mouth and allow it to melt and coat the throat.

Lemon Water

Not only is lemon water a refreshing beverage, but it may also reduce throat pain that occurs during a cold or flu. Lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which work to fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Lemon also helps to increase the amount of saliva that the body produces, which can help keep the throat lubricated. Maximize the benefits of lemon water by combining lemon with warm water and a little honey.

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Watch Out For These Types Of Common Colds

Vincent Stevens — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 08:49:00 +0000

The common cold is an upper respiratory infection that causes symptoms that plague the nose and throat. Typically, most colds are harmless and you may only develop a few mild symptoms. Colds, more than anything, are very annoying and you just want to feel better to leave the sickness behind you.

Common symptoms of a cold include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, mild headache, sneezing, coughing, or low-grade fever. These symptoms usually last for about one week, but they can last longer in older adults, young children, or people with weakened immune systems. It is very common for adults to get two to three colds yearly, while children get them more frequently.

It is very easy for a cold to spread. An infected person can sneeze or cough in your vicinity and you inhale microscopic droplets that contain the bacteria or virus. You can also touch a contaminated surface before touching your face and develop a cold that way. Given that there are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold, catching one is relatively easy. The rhinovirus is the most common, but enteroviruses, human parainfluenza (HPIV), adenovirus, and coronavirus (the common cold version) can all cause common cold. Continue reading to learn more about the types of common colds.

Enterovirus

Enteroviruses belong to a group of over 300 viruses, including echoviruses, polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and rhinoviruses. These viruses can cause a range of illnesses, but the rhinovirus is the most common cold-causing virus. Other enteroviruses, including enterovirus D68 and coxsackievirus, can cause respiratory symptoms. There are non-respiratory enterovirus illnesses that can cause conditions such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, or aseptic meningitis. Common symptoms of enterovirus include cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, or pneumonia.

Rhinovirus

Rhinoviruses account for about 50% of common cold cases. Although they can spread throughout the year, rhinoviruses are most active in the spring and early fall. They spread easily in crowded places, such as offices, schools, and public transportation. Symptoms, which can include cough, mild sore throat, sneezing, mild fever, or runny nose, tend to go away in seven to 10 days. Rhinoviruses can also cause other problems, such as ear infections, breathing issues, or sinus infections, especially in people with allergies or asthma.

Adenovirus

Adenovirus can cause cold symptoms that last for longer than symptoms that result from the rhinovirus. In fact, some people can experience these symptoms for weeks, or months. This virus is more common in the early spring and winter, although it can occur year round. Common colds caused by the adenovirus can spread easily in hospitals, schools, daycares, and military barracks. Symptoms can include cough, runny nose, fever, and sore throat. That said, adenovirus is also known to cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) and bladder infections or diarrhea.

Coronavirus (Common Cold Version)

Before anyone even knew about COVID-19, coronaviruses were a typical cause of common colds. In fact, coronaviruses account for nearly 15% of seasonal colds, usually peaking in the winter. Coronavirus colds are usually mild and tend to last for one week, but they can lead to more serious issues, including pneumonia, for people with weaker immune systems. The common cold coronavirus is different from the coronaviruses that cause COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 virus, however, you can test for your own safety and the safety of others. Common symptoms of coronavirus colds include sneezing, runny nose, stomach problems (not too common), mild cough, and occasional low-grade fever.

Human Parainfluenza Virus

Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) can cause infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract. That can affect airways in children under five years old, immunocompromised adults, and elderly people. There are four types of HPIV, with types one and two being the most common in fall. Type three occurs annually and is most common in spring and early summer, while type four tends to affect people year round. Symptoms of HPIV include fever, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, cough, or chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Determining which virus is behind your cold can be a little tricky, but certain patterns can clue you in to some degree. A barking cough usually indicates croup from HPIV, while a cold with pink eye comes from adenovirus. Your healthcare provider may want to run tests to detect the virus, depending on the severity of symptoms.

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9 Cranberry Recipes To Make During Fall

Vincent Stevens — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:15:00 +0000

Cranberries are not only reserved for cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving. You can impart the sweet-tart cranberry flavor into myriad recipes! From snacks and appetizers to entrees, desserts, and more, cranberries find their way into unique fall and winter favorites. Since they are only available for a short while, get your hands on them to make some of the recipes in this article.

Cranberries primarily consist of carbs and fiber, but they are also 90% water. They are some of the best sources of antioxidants, which work to fight free radicals. The most common health benefit associated with cranberries is the fact that they may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). A-type proanthocyanidins prevent the binding of E. coli in the bladder, a common first step in getting an infection. If you usually develop UTIs, you may want to incorporate fresh cranberries, or fresh cranberry juice, into your diet. This is an excellent proactive approach to living a healthier lifestyle.

The same A-type proanthocyanidins, which only exist in cranberries, that reduce the risk of UTIs also reduce bad bacteria in the gut. More research is necessary, but preliminary research shows that cranberries promote optimal digestive health. Lastly, and then we will provide you with the recipes, the certain antioxidant compounds in cranberries may exhibit anti-cancer properties. Needless to say, cranberries are superfoods that deserve a featured spot in your diet.

Cranberry Persimmon Pomegranate Smoothie

Embrace some of fall’s most nutritionally diverse ingredients when you enjoy this refreshing cranberry persimmon pomegranate smoothie.