The immune system is the first line of defense against any sort of disease or illness. Keeping this system in the best condition is vital under any circumstances, but can be especially important as flu season approaches. Before flu strikes is the best time to start boosting your immune system. One herb that is famous for its ability to build up the immune system is American coneflower (echinacea purpurea). Coneflower actually causes the number of macrophages in your blood and boosts the levels of your interferon. These, and other immune factors that have been increased, act as a first line of defense against invading flu viruses. Another natural product that increases the numbers of T-cells is African potato extract. You can also rely upon goldenrod and buchu to help keep your immune system at its peak and ready to fight off flu.

Maintaining a good circulation will assist in keeping your healthy during flu season. As so many of us lead sedentary lives, herbs that will keep our blood moving are important not only in building a healthy, strong immune system, but also in ridding our bodies of toxins and infective agents. Hawthorn is just such a natural remedy to keep up circulatory health, and strengthen the heart as well. The tonic effects of two herbs, milk-vetch and wu-wei-zi will not only improve circulation, but will also keep the immune system working well and support such organs as the liver and kidneys.

There are immune system elements in our bodies called phagocytes that actually surround and destroy viruses and bacteria when they invade. Keeping these phagocytes strong and helping their numbers grow is important in flu season, and it has been found that olive leaf extract will do this for you. Propolis is often added to an immune system boosting regimen because of its ability to strengthen your immunity to disease.

Sometimes, when the immune system has not been strengthened sufficiently, you and your family can become sick with flu. Generally, one or two weeks will pass before you are free of this disease. The symptoms of fever, chills, cough, runny nose, and sneezing can make those days miserable. Complications can also set in, such as throat or lung infections, laryngitis, or a sinus infection. Treating the symptoms as quickly as possible will not only help you to feel better fast, but will also lessen the chances of secondary infections.

Lowering a fever naturally is easy with gelsemium. The most common symptoms of flu, besides fever, are respiratory ones. A runny nose can be dealt with effectively with horehound and hyssop. These herbs will help to open the respiratory systems as well as assist the immune system to fight off the influenza virus. Licorice root has long been valued for its ability to soothe an irritated respiratory system. The cough that usually accompanies flu is annoying and can prevent the patient from getting the rest they need. Belladonna has been found to be able to control a throat cough very effectively, and can also help with headache.

Keeping the immune systems of your family and yourself in top order can help to keep flu away, and using homeopathic natural remedies is an ideal way to do this. And, if flu does strike, there are many natural remedies available to promote a return to full health as quickly as possible.

Arthritis causes joint pain and discomfort primarily in people over 60 years of age, although it can actually afflict anyone. People suffering from arthritis are deprived of a chance of the normal enjoyment of life by chronic pain and the inability to sometimes perform the simplest tasks. When stricken with arthritis, freedom of movement is often impaired, adding to the misery of pain and inflammation. The two major forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system of the body begins attacking the cartilage of the joints, such as the knees, elbows, spine, or shoulders. Osteoarthritis results from a lifetime of wear on these joints. However, regardless of the cause, the results are the same – pain, inflammation, and restricted movement.

Most people will try to rely upon prescription or over-the-counter remedies to help treat their arthritis, but the best of these will do no more than provide a temporary relief from the symptoms. Another approach is to rely on the natural world to help to control arthritis. There are quite a few products available that can help anyone restore their health. In fact, glucosamine is found in our own bodies, and adding this element to your treatment of arthritis can help to build up the connective tissue in the joints. When arthritis hits, our bodies just cannot manufacture enough glucosamine to replace the cartilage that has been lost. Adding more glucosamine can help to keep joints healthy and mobile.

Indian frankincense has been shown to keep blood circulation to the joints at a high level, enabling the connective tissue and cartilage to remain healthy. When cold and damp weather has made the pain of arthritis worse, dulcamara can often help to alleviate the symptoms. Another herbal that can help to ease the pain of arthritis, especially that in the hips or knees, is devil’s claw. Knowledge of the properties of this plant have been known to the native people of the Kalahari Desert where it grows, and its value is just beginning to be appreciated by Western medicine.

Although a good deal of arthritis pain is of the steady, persistent kind, some of it is sharp, stabbing pains that occur when the person moves. For this kind of pain, berberis and bryonia are excellent.

Helping to keep the joints healthy and repairing damage to them is every bit as important as dealing with actual pain. The healthier the joints are, the less chance there is of experiencing pain or stiffness. Besides glucosamine, there are some other natural products that can help to keep the joints well nourished and strong. Symphytum and arnica are two herbals that can impact the joints positively. And, the benefits of nux vomica can also make the difference between discomfort and normal movement. Nus vomica has the ability to alleviate the ripping kind of pain that often accompanies arthritis, and can also help soothe the muscle spasms that can occur along with the pain.

There can be no denying that massaging the joint affected with arthritis can help to lessen the pain and increase mobility. To get the maximum benefit from massage, there are several oils that not only make massage easier, but also help the joint directly, in part because of their aromatic nature. Ginger essential oil is a very good choice for massaging arthritic joints – not only does it smell good, but it actually warms the area being massaged, and heat of any kind generally helps with arthritis pain. Circulation to the affected joint can also be increased with the use of peppermint oil and pine oil. Besides their direct medicinal benefits, these oils also impart a soothing odor, helping the sufferer to relax.

Taking advantage of natural and homeopathic treatments for arthritis can help anyone who suffers from this condition to lead a more normal and pain-free life.

Although nearly anyone can be afflicted with acne, it is most commonly seen in adolescents. Over 95% of teenagers will have acne at some time. It is one of the most distressing conditions that can occur during the teen years, when concern over appearance is so important. Acne during adolescence is caused by the fluxes in hormones seen at this time, and both young men and young women can be affected. The all-too-familiar pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules are the signs of an acne infection, and are a result of clogged and infected sebaceous (oil) glands in the hair follicles. While there are chemicals and prescriptions that will deal with acne, these medicines can have side affects and often do no real good, especially as they do nothing to treat the whole person. In order to keep the body more clean, many will turn to natural products to keep their acne under control.

Natural remedies for acne can be taken internally or used on the surface of the skin. By working with the body in a more holistic fashion, acne can be healed and controlled. Although most acne remedies deal with the surface of the skin, there are natural products that can be taken by mouth to help provide an internal remedy for acne. By helping the body to fight toxins and to restore the natural balance, carbo vegetabilis will fight against the infective agents that build up in the sebaceous glands, resulting in pimples and pustules.

Another very helpful natural ingredient to be used internally is hepar sulphuris calcareum, a very effective opener of abscesses and pustules. As the areas around these pimples are often tender and sore, helping to clean the pus out will reduce discomfort and lead to faster healing. Flushing the body of toxins and keeping it cleaner can be assisted by the astringent causticum hahnemanni. It is all too easy during adolescence to eat foods that clog up the natural functions of the body, but this astringent will help to clear these impurities out by increasing circulation.

Fighting acne should be a two fold project – steps should be taken to combat it on an internal level, but the skin itself should also be cared for and treated. Skin affected by acne is very sensitive and should be cared for topically on a daily basis. Lavender oil has proven to be very effective in soothing irritated skin. It also provides a mild numbing effect, which can give some relief from soreness around pustules and pimples. Another soothing natural product is neem, and this can be used in association with lavender oil.

The common burdock can also assist anyone who has acne with its anti-inflammatory properties. It encourages the health of the skin, as does bulbinella. Bulbinella also coats the skins with a protecting layer, keeping infective agents away from the sensitive and vulnerable pimples. As pimples are generally infected, tea tree oil can be an effective remedy against acne. Tea tree oil provides natural antibacterial action and is antiseptic, too. Any skin treatment that contains tea tree oil and burdock will definitely benefit those who use it.

Acne causes a great deal of damage to the skin. The infection caused by acne makes the skin tender and sensitive and scarring can occur. One way to help prevent damage to the skin while experiencing acne is to use a natural antioxidant topically. Applying a natural remedy that contains an antioxidant such as rooibos can help to make sure that the sensitive facial skin receives as little harm as possible. Normal cellular activity produces free radicals which damage cells. It is the antioxidant properties of rooibos that make it so valuable in fighting the hurt that can be done to the skin by these free radicals.

Nature has provided many natural remedies for acne. Some will be taken internally, while others will be applied to the skin. Unlike harsh chemicals and synthetic substances, these natural remedies will generally cause no adverse reactions and can help to get acne under control quickly and effectively.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube leading down into the stomach from the back of the throat. While the stomach it self is safe this acid because of its protective lining, this special protection is absent from the esophagus, leaving it vulnerable to reflux. Symptoms produced from acid reflux are distressing and damaging, causing heartburn and indigestion at the very least. If acid reflux is untreated, the stomach acid can eat away at the esophagus, causing ulcers. Acid reflux can develop into a chronic condition if left untreated. Supporting the health of every part of the digestive system is important in preventing this. While antacids may provide temporary relief, a holistic approach will assure that the entire body will be strengthened and be better able to return to normal.

A large meal, a lower esophageal sphincter that does not close properly, or even just lying down at night, when gravity will be unable to keep everything in its correct place are all causes of acid reflux. Fortunately, there are both natural herbal products and biochemic tissue salts that can help reduce or eliminate the incidence of acid reflux.

Keeping the proper balance of stomach acid is a first step to preventing acid reflux and this is where meadowsweet is invaluable. Not only does meadowsweet keep stomach acid at its proper level, it also supports all digestive secretions. Meadowsweet is also helpful in its ability to keep the mucous membranes in the digestive tract in top order. Part of the damage done by acid reflux can be traced to insufficient mucous in the esophagus. Along with maintaining stomach acid, it is also important to keep all the processes of digestion operating normally. An upset of any kind, anywhere in the stomach or intestines can result in acid reflux occurring. German chamomile, slippery elm, ginger, and peppermint will also aid in supporting a normal, healthy digestion.

Constipation can also contribute to acid reflux syndrome, as a backup of the products of digestion can cause stomach acid to be forced back up the esophagus. Ensuring that you maintain regular and healthy bowel movements will reduce the incidence of acid reflux. Red aloe is excellent in this regard and will help keep the body regular. The proper digestion of food is vital to completing the digestive process, and the liver and bile duct are necessary for this. Dandelion is essential in providing support for both these organs, and will make sure that they are both working as they should to help you avoid constipation in the first place.

Biochemic tissue salts are necessary for many of the basic functions of our bodies, and a lack or insufficient amount can have a profound effect on the development of acid reflux. It has been found that nat phos, taken on a daily basis, can help to prevent a build up of stomach acid. Nat phos can also be taken after a meal, especially a large one, to keep acid levels where they should be. A fluttery, nervous stomach contributes to acid reflux, and kali phos can not only help to settle just such a stomach, but can also help to calm the nerves in general.

When acid reflux strikes, gas is often present, adding to the misery. Helping to keep the level of gas at a reasonable level will result in less distress and should also reduce the severity of an attack of acid reflux. Many people enjoy a nap after a good meal, but lying down will often encourage acid reflux and gas. Carbo veg has been found to be instrumental in preventing gas formation in just such a situation, making an attack of acid reflux less likely. Fennel and ginger can also help to keep gas at bay, and burdock can not only reduce gas, but will also help to prevent constipation.

Constipation can affect almost everyone now and again. While persistent constipation will definitely require a visit to the doctor, occasional constipation is usually caused by a change in diet, not enough liquid, or insufficient fiber. But, even very infrequent constipation can cause discomfort and a heavy, clogged feeling. Normal digestion will be affected, and the proper absorption of food interfered with.

It is important to restore proper digestion and bowel movements as quickly as possible, and also as naturally as possible. Relying on chemical stimulants can lead to dependence on these. The aim of a holistic approach to constipation is to work with the body to restore normal bowel function. The common dandelion, so often despised in lawns, is valuable in helping to return bowel functions to normal. Bile, produced by the bile duct then used by the liver, is needed for proper digestion, and dandelion helps to maintain proper levels of bile and stimulate the liver.

An irritated colon can have trouble functioning normally. Soothing minor colon irritation is important, and it has been found that marshmallow will do just that. The colon is a mucous membrane, and is actually very sensitive. Marshmallow excels at calming down irritations that can occur there. Along with this soothing action, it has been found that passion flower (long valued for its calming effects on the nervous system) will also help with the muscles in the colon, helping them to relax and function more normally.

The more efficiently that your body digests its food, the less chance you will have of suffering from constipation. Red aloe has proven to be instrumental in keeping digestive function at its peak, thus encouraging regular, normal bowel movements. Sometimes, too, the natural peristaltic action of the colon can become somewhat lax, and the muscles just do not respond as they should, causing constipation. A natural stimulant to muscular action in the colon is cascara. Cascara was used by both Native Americans and European immigrants to deal with occasional constipation.

A veritable standby and foundation of helping to treat constipation are seed husks, also sometimes referred to as psyllium. These seed husks prove their value by providing needed fiber, which aids in the absorption of water in the large intestine, helping to keep the stools from becoming hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

Besides the herbs that can help to regulate bowel function, there are natural minerals that will keep the digestive system operating normally. Indigestion is a sign that something is amiss in the digestive system – it is probably the first indication that trouble lies ahead, further down. A very important mineral in fighting indigestion and helping to soothe all digestion functions is nat phos. Calc phos is another natural substance that has proven to be needed in order for your digestive system to work as it should. Lack of even one mineral can cause upsets that can result in constipation.

Besides being uncomfortable, constipation is also stressful. When you are nervous and agitated, you can be more prone to constipation. Being able to relax might be difficult when you are constipated, but here is where kali phos, a natural salt, can make a real difference. Long known for its calming effects, kali phos can soothe your entire nervous system, including those nerves associated with digestion and proper bowel movements.

Constipation can be dealt with naturally and holistically. Natural remedies are available that can provide you with relief and return digestion to normal. Certain herbs and mineral salts will restore that good, energized feeling to your life as constipation is alleviated.