Congested? Get Steamy


Updated 04/14/10 3:05 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Steam With Essential Oils to Relieve Congestion

I am dealing with a late-season cold, and the congestion is overwhelming. While hanging out, sipping tea, and blowing my nose frequently at a friend's house, my host surprised me with a bowl of fragrant steamy liquid. I was told I needed to steam. My friend and budding herbalist added essential oils to the hot water to help open my nasal passages and I must say, it worked! I have read in a number Read more

Sage Tea to Ward Off a Cough


Updated 03/10/10 12:30 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Sage Tea Recipe to Ease Coughing

Some of you might remember that my aunt has a thing for conjuring up herbal remedies, like her cold-fighting ginger tea. So when I got hit with a nasty fever last week, I called dear ol' auntie first. After I described my ailment, she said one word: sage. I was skeptical, mostly because I have never been a huge fan of the pungent, peppery herb. But since sage has been a longstanding healing Read more

Fight Seasonal Allergies With Heat


Updated 06/11/09 2:19 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Fight Seasonal Allergies With Heat

If seasonal allergies are preventing you from breathing through your nose, you can take decongestants, but they'll end up drying you up everywhere, even your lady business. Plus they can make you feel kind of spaced out and tired. A natural alternative I've found that relieves congestion is to raise your body temperature through exercise. Choose heart-pumping activities such as running, biking, Read more

Cold and Flu Tip: Neti Pot Instead of Decongestants


Updated 09/22/10 5:39 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 36 comments

Cold and Flu Tip: Neti Pot Instead of Decongestants

It's cold and flu season and just about everyone I know is sniffling, sneezing, and all stuffed up. To deal with these nasal symptoms, you can pop decongestants like Sudafed, but they'll cause annoying side effects like dry mouth, sore throat, and headaches, and can lead to sinusitis. Plus if you think about it, your body creates all that mucus to help flush the germs out. So why would you want Read more

Milk, Mucus, and You: The Congestion Connection


Updated 11/03/11 7:12 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 27 comments

Milk, Mucus, and You: The Congestion Connection

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, and your symptoms involve nasal and sinus congestion 24-7, you may want to take a look at the dairy in your diet. Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream may be making your allergy symptoms worse. Casein, the naturally occurring protein in dairy products, can promote the formation of mucus. It can also make existing mucus thicker in your Read more

Got Allergies? Don't Get Mad - Get HOT


Updated 05/07/07 7:36 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Got Allergies?  Don't Get Mad - Get HOT

Spring has bloomed all over and when I went to pick up my allergy medicine from the pharmacy yesterday, they were actually all out! You know that's because tons of people are suffering and reaching for drugs to deal with their symptoms. Allergies affect people differently, so if you get a stuffy nose, congestion in your sinuses and fluid in your lungs, you could take decongestants, but they'll Read more

Antihistamines or Decongestants: Which Does What?


Updated 04/04/07 4:53 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Antihistamines or Decongestants:  Which Does What?

So it's officially Spring (yippee!!) and the snow is melting away. The trees and grass and flowers will begin to grow and bud, and for people with seasonal allergies, this time of year can be a nightmare. When someone has seasonal allergies, his or her immune system sees pollen as an invader. As a defense mechanism, their body produces histamine, an inflammatory chemical that attaches to the Read more

How to Kick a Nighttime Cough Naturally


Updated 02/03/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Natural Remedies For Nighttime Coughing

Whether it's because of a cold or allergies, coughing at night is not only annoying, it prevents you from getting the sleep you need to stay healthy. Before you down cough medicine (which often just masks the cough), you might want to relieve your nighttime cough with one of these natural remedies. Steam up: Before hitting the hay, create a steam room in the bathroom. Shut the door, don't turn Read more

Skip the Benadryl! Natural Ways to Relieve Congestion


Updated 12/20/11 9:55 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Natural Ways to Relieve Congestion

Whether it's allergies or a nasty cold, being congested sucks. It's hard to breathe, the sinus pressure is painful, and it can even affect your hearing. Blowing your nose offers some relief, but in cases where you're really stuffed up, it can be pretty futile. OTC medicines help dry out mucus but leave users feeling loopy, sleepy, and spaced out. What's left to do? The next time you're feeling Read more