HOW TO RELIEVE SEASONAL ALLERGIES NATURALLY

If you are one of the 35 million Americans that suffers from allergies and hay fever, you know that relief is sometimes hard to find. Prescription drugs are always an option, but sometimes have side effects like drowsiness. But, experts say, there are natural ways to relieve allergy symptoms. Here are some of the options.

Allergies and hay fever generally start at the change of the seasons. Pollen from plants and flowers gets into the air when it changes from winter to spring and summer to fall. Sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and itchy, red, watery eyes are some of the symptoms and can cause a great deal of stress if severe. Experts recommend trying natural treatments at least three weeks before the change of season begins. 

Recent studies have shown that a European herb called butterbur may be one of the most effective natural treatments in aiding to relieve allergy symptoms. Studies have shown that one tablet of butterbur four times daily is as or more effective than leading prescription drugs, and is safer if the correct dosage is taken. This natural herb doesn't give the common side effect of drowsiness that you may get with allergy prescription drugs, or even over the counter allergy medications.

Other natural remedies that have so far shown to be effective are freeze-fried nettles or goldenseal, coupled with a saline nasal spray. The saline helps to clear nasal passages and thin the mucous lining. Others are grape seed extract and the flavonoid compound, quercetin, coupled with a healthy dose of Vitamin C. 

Some experts recommend eating spicy foods. They say the spicier the food, the more it will thin the mucous lining in your nasal passages. Also suggested is the limiting of foods that contain high amounts of echinacea, which include melon, bananas, cucumber and chamomile products. Echinacea is known to make allergy symptoms worse.

Another alternative to prescription allergy medicines is the practice of the ancient Chinese medical procedure known as acupuncture. This process is thought to stimulate internal functions by stimulating points outside of the body. An acupuncture study done on participants that suffered from allergies showed reduced symptoms in all of the patients. Experts say that if you suffer from multiple allergies, acupuncture can be useful because it targets the immune system where allergies stem from.

Though, if you suffer from severe allergies, it is a good idea to talk to your physician. If you are prescribed an allergy medication, talk with the doctor first before trying any natural treatments. Some natural herbs contain the same properties as prescription medicines, and over dosage can occur. Make sure that the natural remedies you want to try won't harmfully mix with any other medication you're taking.

THE ART OF MEDITATION: KICK STRESS TO THE CURB

In this day and age, time moves at warp speed, and consequently, so do we. Most never have the time or want the time to sit down and take a break, but then we wonder why we feel stressed and depressed. People that have high stress levels are more prone to anger, depression, and long-term effects like the possibility of memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. We blurt comments without thinking when we are stressed, we get more irritated in traffic, and people around us suffer. So how do we annihilate stress? Try meditation - here's how.

When most hear the word "meditation" they think of Buddhist cultures and other religions that follow the practice. However, thinking that only certain people can meditate is a myth. Meditation is an art of relaxation, and anyone can do it. You do not have to wear a robe, burn incense, or a candle. Though religions do follow it obediently, it is open to anyone who might be interested.

Another myth surrounding meditation is that you have to strictly follow certain seated positions. Many consistent meditators do prefer to sit in a cross-legged position on the floor, but again, it is all about relaxing your mind and body, so sit or rest in any position that is comfortable to you.

Other myths include believing you have to make your mind blank, needing a mantra and thoughts of falling into a trance. These are all false. The human brain constantly processes thoughts, but when you meditate, you don't follow them. You let them drift away. A mantra isn't necessary, unless you want one, because the main focus of meditation is to concentrate not on thoughts, but on relaxing and breathing. Finally, you do not go into a trance while you meditate. The practice actually makes you more focused and alert.

While you don't need any special supplies to meditate, there are helpful tapes, CD's, books and classes that can be useful tools if you want to start or sustain the practice.

Now, how do you meditate?

One of the most important parts of meditation is concentration. Find a quiet spot away from distractions that you can use every day. Using the same area will also help to stay focused on continuing the art of meditation. Once you have found a special place, the only real item it needs is a timer. 

Start with a realistic time frame. If you are antsy, start with five minutes. Working your way up to 45 minutes per day is ideal to achieve maximum success. Find a comfortable position that keeps your back straight. The best options, I feel, are sitting in a chair, sitting cross-legged on the floor, or lying on your back with your knees bent.

Once you are settled in a position and your timer is set, close your eyes and relax your muscles. Make yourself feel like Jell-O, let the tension release from your body and drift away. Tune into sounds around you, hearing them, as you relax your body. Take some normal breaths, and notice where in your body you feel your inhalations the most. If you find yourself not able to concentrate on breathing, say "In" when you inhale, and "Out" when you exhale. Work up to deeper breaths, but do not over-strain yourself or your lungs. If your mind wanders, don't analyze any thoughts that enter. Instead, let the thought drift away, and actively concentrate on your breathing. Feel your breath, how deeply it goes, let it out slowly, and stay relaxed and focused on every breath you take. Continue this until your timer dings. In this time you set aside for yourself, all that matters are your relaxed body and the breaths you draw in.

It can be extremely effective to practice meditating every day, and it has been shown in studies to reduce healing time in some, stress levels in others, and everything in between. More research is being done all the time to prove the healing and stress-relieving properties of meditation. Anyone could use a little less stress and a little more tranquility, so give it a shot today.  See sponsored links for more information.