infection – Allendale Acupuncture & Nutrition Clinic

Lemon, Ginger, Honey Syrup

Posted by susannaeunon December 18, 2016January 5, 2017in Cold/Flu & Sinus Relief

Enhance your Immune System with Lemon, Ginger, Honey Syrup

To fight off any infection before any cold/flu overtakes your body, it is critical to boost your immune system. One of the best natural remedies you can take before cold/flu weakens your immune system is: taking a daily teaspoon of a syrup made from lemon, ginger and honey. The health benefits of these ingredients for treating respiratory problems are unmatched.

Lemon: This citrus fruit is high in vitamin C and reduced inflammation and swelling, and reduce mucus production. As well, lemons have antioxidant properties which are vital to a strong immune system. Lemons also neutralize the activity of free radicals in the body.

Ginger: This medicinal root is helpful for settling upset stomachs, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and cold sweating. Promotes a healthy sweating that aids in the detoxification of the body, which is often helpful when you have a cold or flu.

Honey: This is one of the best ways to soothe coughs and sore throats. Honey acts as a medium for transmitting the benefits of herbs such as ginger to the body. Honey may also boost the body’s immune system by aiding in the production of white blood cells. This improves the body’s ability to fight infection and decreases the risk of fevers. Honey also assists in drawing out the citrus juice. Pay attention to the type of honey you purchase for this. Since most honey contains corn syrup, ensure that you use only the purest form of honey. Raw honey or manuka honey are the best choice and have the most medicinal benefits.

Sinusitis Causes and Symptoms

Posted by susannaeunon November 16, 2015January 7, 2017in Cold/Flu & Sinus Relief

Sinusitis is caused by one of four main factors: an infection, allergic rhinitis, formation of nasal polyps, or a deviated septum. While sinusitis simply refers to inflammation of the nasal passages, the symptoms and treatments can prove more complex. An acute case of sinusitis (recently occurring) becomes chronic when medical treatments fail to cure the problem after eight weeks.

The symptoms of sinusitis vary depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic. Many of the symptoms for either case are the same, though there are slight variations. With chronic sinusitis, in particular, symptoms last for eight weeks or more and may include facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, trouble breathing through the nose, congestion, cough, fever, fatigue, bad breath, headache, ear pain, sore throat, or nausea. If a case of severe sinusitis develops, symptoms such as confusion, double-vision, stiff neck, swollen forehead, and shortness of breath may happen as well.

Chronic Dry Skin

Posted by susannaeunon August 20, 2015in Uncategorized

When the superficial layer of skin becomes dehydrated due to changes in weather, allergic reaction, and certain medications or bathing/showering, it may develop fine flakes and dry patches. The medical term for this condition is called xerodermia or xerosis, and it may be temporary or respond well to moisturizers.

Unfortunately for some, this condition becomes chronic and causes uncomfortable symptoms that require professional treatment.

If chronic dry skin goes untreated, there is a higher risk of secondary conditions like tears in the skin that lead to infection, rashes, eczema, cellulitis or thickening and darkening patches.

The Neijing, a highly regarded Chinese medicine text, states that “the lung has a natural aversion to dryness.” Not only is the lung vulnerable to dry conditions, but when affected, it can cause conditions of dryness in other areas of the body. Therefore, a practitioner may diagnose a patient exhibiting symptoms of chronic dry skin as having a lung imbalance.

Reduce Your Risk of Getting Food Poisoning

Posted by susannaeunon March 4, 2015in Uncategorized

Four simple steps to reducing the occurrence of food poisoning are to clean, separate, cook and chill.

Clean: Wash hands, surfaces, utensils and platters often. Rinse all produce in cold running water before peeling, cutting or eating.

Separate: Keep foods that won’t be cooked separate from raw meat and poultry. Don’t use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meats and poultry.

Cook: Cook food to a safe minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria.

Chill: Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in shallow containers.

If you are ill with diarrhea or vomiting, do not prepare food for others, especially infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems since they are more vulnerable to infection.