Natural Ways to Control Summer Allergies Control
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arly summer brings waves of pollen to much of the United States. Ragweed, purple loosestrife and other plants bloom and fill the air with allergens, as they have for centuries. More recently, though, the severity and pervasiveness of strong allergic reactions in this country has increased according to a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. When experiencing allergens, the body releases histamines that can trigger sneezing excess mucus flow, congestion and swelling of membranes and tissues. Rather than using nasal sprays—many containing steroids or other synthetic chemicals—to attempt to prevent this response, a more natural spray can work instead. A decoction of herbs like yarrow leaf, horseradish root, elder flower and/or eye bright, when absorbed by the membranes of the nasal passageways, can enter the cells and cause them to produce their own antihistamines. This breaks the cycle of overt symptoms without the user becoming dependant on an unhealthy spray. The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine states that all these herbs along with calendula and aloe applied topically for soothing, can bring natural congestion relief. Another approach is to use a spray consisting of an enhanced aqueous silver colloid solution, which can constrict micro-capillaries and reduce bleeding. Shrinking nasal tissues reduce swelling and congestion while killing bacteria and fungus. This can support a beleaguered immune system and help prevent a sinus infection—a natural gift of health for the allergy season. Steven Frank, the founder of Nature’s Rite, is also an innovative herbalist. For more information, email SteveF@NaturesRiteRemedies.com or visit MyNaturesRite.com. See ad on page 4.
Mindfulness Meditation Reduces the Urge to Light Up
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indfulness meditation training may help people overcome addiction by activating the brain centers involved in self-control and addictive tendencies, suggests research from the psychology departments of Texas Tech University and the University of Oregon. Scientists led by Yi-Yuan Tang, Ph.D., studied 61 volunteers, including 27 smokers, randomly divided into groups that either received mindfulness meditation training or relaxation training. Two weeks later, after five hours of training, smoking among those in the meditative group decreased by 60 percent, while no significant reduction occurred in the relaxation group. Brain imaging scans determined that the mindfulness meditation training produced increased activity in the anterior cingulate and the prefrontal cortex; regions associated with self-control. Past research led by Tang showed that smokers and those with other addictions exhibited less activity in these areas than those free of addictions. The current study previously determined that myelin and brain cell matter in these two brain regions increases through mindfulness meditation.
Tapping Acupressure Points Heals Trauma in Vets
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motional Freedom Techniques (EFT) may be an effective treatment for veterans that have been diagnosed with clinical posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. EFT involves tapping on acupressure points while focusing on traumatic memories or painful emotions in order to release them. As part of the Veterans’ Stress Project, an anonymous clinical study comprising more than 2,000 participants, 59 veterans with PTSD were randomly assigned to either receive strictly standard care or also experience six, hour-long, EFT sessions. The psychological distress and PTSD symptoms showed significant reductions among veterans receiving the EFT sessions, with 90 percent matriculating out of the criteria for clinical PTSD. At a six-month follow-up, 80 percent of those participants still had symptoms below the clinical level for PTSD. According to Deb Tribbey, national coordinator for the Veterans’ Stress Project, PTSD symptoms that can be resolved with the combined therapy include insomnia, anger, grief, hyper-vigilance and pain. For more information, visit StressProject.org or EFTForVets.com.
natural awakenings
June 2014
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