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Archive for May, 2011

Allergy season is a miserable time for millions of sufferers of watery eyes, sneezing, sniffling and itching. It’s a time for many to resort to medications of various types in the hopes of reducing these symptoms from exposure to allergens. If you’re looking for alternatives to the prescription or over-the-counter options in your fight against allergies, read on. The following are 10 home remedies against allergies.

1. Dehumidify – Dust mites are a common source of allergens in the home, and don’t do well in a dry climate. Try using a dehumidifier to rid your home of these pests.
2. Launder Linens in Hot Water – A water temperature of at least 130 degrees will kill any dust mites that have taken up residency in your bedding.
3. Spice it Up – Spices in your diet can help keep air passages clear, which can become congested by allergens. Try adding some horseradish, hot mustard, chili peppers to your food.
4. Add some Lime – A solution of a half-lime and some honey in warm water will flush toxins out of your system. It will also act as an anti-toxin to prevent allergens from gaining a foothold in your system. Drink a glass daily beginning just before allergy season.
5. SLIT – a therapeutic technique begun in Europe, Sublingual Immunotherapy has shown to be an effective means of combating allergies. SLIT therapy involves placing a small dosage of the allergen under the tongue, then swallowing it. By way of introducing the allergen to the body daily, in very small doses – on the order of about one part per thousand water dilution – it acts as a sort of immunization to the ill effects.
6. Castor Oil – For allergies of the skin, nasal passages or digestive tract, try a mix of castor oil in water or fruit juice. A few drops in a half cup dilution can flush out those allergens.
7. Baking Soda – For hives, add a half-cup of baking soda to a warm bath, and soak for 30 minutes.
8. Tea Time – Drinking hot tea not only helps keep nasal passages open, but certain types of tea act as anti-inflammatories and ant-bacterials. Peppermint tea, for instance, contains essential oils that work as a decongestant. Green tea also will work to resist the effects of allergens in your body.
9. Butterbur – This herb has been shown to work as an antihistamine when taken. More common in Europe, butterbur (Petasites hybridus) can alleviate allergies without the side effect of drowsiness that traditional antihistamines can cause. It is taken in tablet form 3 times daily.
10. Keep it Clean – Much of the battle with allergens can be won with some basic cleaning measures such as using bleach in a water solution on hard surfaces to kill mold; removing carpet in favor of hard floors or area rugs to limit breeding areas for dust mites and mildew.

Allergies don’t have to spoil the season for you, and fighting them doesn’t have to mean taking a lot of medication. A few common sense cleaning tips and a handful of natural or household items is all you need to say good-bye to those allergy symptoms.

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If you have a back yard large enough to plant a fruit tree, then it is time to look at the choices to fit your own situation. When choosing a tree you may want to base it on the type of fruit you like the most. However, if you haven’t thought in terms of a specific kind, but are wanting the joy of trying this for the first time, then you can pick from one of several options. Each will give you fresh fruit, and not require any more care than any other tree. The place you buy the tree will be able to provide any details about its care and upkeep. Here are ten fruit-bearing trees you should consider when looking for that first purchase.

1. Apricot. The fruit provides a great source for Vitamin A. It also includes minerals like calcium, manganese, iron and also sodium. The fruit doesn’t store well for long times and is best when eaten right after it is picked. Its tree does best in soil that is moderately fertile and drains easily.
2. Apple. There are so many varieties of apples that you can easily find one you will enjoy, whether it is the Granny Smith or the Fuji, or another variety.  Most apple trees will grow to between 10 and 20 feet when mature.
3. Cherry. With this fruit, you can plant either sweet or sour versions.  They do best in Northern and Southern regions.  It is a self pollinating fruit whose tree will grow from 12 to 25 feet in height.
4. Pear. There are more than 3,000 types of pears you can plant.  They do well in the same climates where apples are grown.  The tree can be between 15 and 30 feet in height.
5. Peach. A tasty ripened peach, just picked off the tree, is a very amazing experience. They grow best in Northern and Southern climates with mild temperatures.  A peach tree’s height can vary between 4 and 30 feet.
6. Plum. This is a soft and very juicy fruit. Its tree will do best in warmer climates when they bear Japanese plums. With the American versions, they will do better in colder winter climates.  Plum trees will rise between 10 and 25 feet when mature.
7. Nectarine. These do best when planted where there is full exposure to the sun.  They do well in the same climates as peaches. This is a fruit that is primarily grown in California. The trees vary in height from 4 to 20 feet.
8. Pomegranate. The fruit of this tree is relatively pest free, and does best in full sun. It thrives well in warmer climates.  Although it is very popular to eat it when first picked, it does do well when stored.  The trees can grow between 12 and 30 feet.
9. Mandarin. This tree does best in full sun and well drained soil.  Its blossoms are very fragrant, and it has beautiful foliage.  Mandarin trees grow to a height between 8 and 25 feet.
10. Lemon. The lemon tree has a fragrance that rivals many flowers for how it fills the air.  It is best to plant this tree where there is no frost.  Lemon trees grow to a height of between 4 and 30 feet.

Fruit trees can truly add a special quality to any house.  They are easy to plant and maintain with limited instructions.  Adding one to your yard can give it wonderful fragrances in the springtime.

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