AIR SICKNESS: A Serious Problem

Air sickness is a serious problem to a lot of people when traveling by airplane.  This is usually caused by a disturbance in our inner ear due to repetitive motion, thus, making us feel uncomfortable. We seem to be moving and shaking when, in fact, we are just actually sitting down. One is undergoing air sickness when he or she feels dizziness, vomiting, nausea, sweating and the like.  These symptoms, however, can be prevented in some ways.

When traveling by airplane, first,  we have to bring medicines such as Dramamine, bonamine, paracetamol and other pain relievers.   In this way, anytime we feel dizzy or uncomfortable inside the airplane, we can easily take a medicine to prevent such a feeling from getting worse and worse.

Next, we also have to choose our seat.  It is better to select the front seats up to the center seats or to the seats near the wings of the plane.  We can feel the turbulence more in the back than at the front. So, if given the chance to choose, we have to make it sure to select the front seats or seats near the wings of the plane.  It is also best to stay in our respective seats while the plane is flying to avoid motion sickness.

We also have to avoid eating too much that could make our stomach full when it is about time for us to board the plane.  Avoid eating especially spicy and heavy foods rich in fat for it will also cause the air sickness worse.  It is also advisable to drink water or Gatorade for it has electrolytes that could avoid dehydration… Avoid drinking alcohol. Bring something to chew such as chewing gum, peppermint and the like.

Avoid reading magazines, newspapers or books while the airplane is flying because it can make us dizzy.  Instead, we may just listen to our mp5 player or music in our cellphone while closing our eyes.  In this way, we will feel relaxed and can avoid ourselves from thinking of getting air sickness.  Take deep breaths from time to time and do it by breathing in through our nose and out through our mouth.

When inside the airplane, try to avoid using a heavy dose of perfumes or colognes and avoid sitting next to someone with strong odors.  This may help to prevent nausea associated with air sickness. Also, avoid looking at someone who is sick because seeing or hearing someone getting sick could make us feel sick as well.

Following these basic and simple steps could prevent us from getting air sickness.  Thus, helps us enjoy and have some fun while traveling on an airplane.

Top 5 Herbal Pain Relievers

One of the more prevalent illnesses that plague mankind is pain, from headaches, to joint pains, to arthritis.  Understandably, pain relievers or medications that fight pain are one of the most used in the world.

Chemical medications, however, have a lot of contraindications and possible side effects that can do more harm than good.  A June 2007 report appearing in the Harvard Heart Letter even relates that commonly used pain medications can lead to a higher risk of having a heart attack or suffering from a stroke.

Further, Aspirin, widely considered to be a wonder drug, has been found to cause anti-clotting and stomach bleeding.

Surely, there is a safer way to manage pain.  If you suffer from pain and painful conditions like arthritis, your best bet for a safer, natural, more affordable and more effective pain relief medication might not be in your medicine cabinet, but in your garden.  Here are the top 5 natural or herbal pain relievers.

5. Kava.

Kava is one type of black pepper.  Kava has analgesic properties that can relieve headaches, rheumatism, gout and arthritis.  More than this, kava has been known to flush out waste products from arthritic and rheumatic joints, causing long term pain relief.  It is also a great muscle-relaxant.

Kava, however, is best known for its sedative properties.  It can fight off anxiety, depression and insomnia.  It is also effective as an aphrodisiac, increasing waning sex drives.

Mode of use: Kava is available in tablets and creams.

4. Cayenne.

Cayenne is a type of red chili pepper.  Not just used for adding zing and zest to your favorite dishes, cayenne has also been used for pain relief.  Cayenne, scientifically known as Capsicum annuum, has a substance called capsaicin that is said to hinder pain messages from reaching your brain.  In effect, capsaicin reduces pain and inflammation, migraines and headaches, post-operative pain, and arthritis.  Cayenne has also been used as a local analgesic and antibiotic.

Aside from pain relief, cayenne has also been found to be effective as an antimicrobial agent that fights infections.  It is also effective against skin diseases like psoriasis and herpes, and against food poisoning, problems with circulation, digestion, fever and obesity.

Mode of use: Cayenne creams are applied to affected areas causing the nerve endings to become numbed.

3. Pau d’ Arco

Pau d’ arco is an herb that comes from South America and is known to be effective against sore throat and peptic ulcers.

This herb has been known to fight cancer, has antibacterial properties and is said to be a cure for bacterial and viral infections, yeast infections, skin diseases and colds.

Mode of use: Pau d’ arco is available in capsule form, creams or as tea.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric has been known to ease premenstrual pain.  A July 13, 2009 article from Time Magazine describes how a patient with hip joint pains was helped by turmeric after anti-arthritis pain medications failed.  Turmeric lessens the joint inflammation, making it effective against arthritic pain.

A member of the ginger family and scientifically known as Curcuma longa, turmeric is also effective against liver problems, endometriosis, cataracts, indigestion, gallstones and other gallbladder problems, and eczema.  It also contains antioxidants and is said to be a cure for cancer and infections.

Mode of use: Turmeric is available in powder and tincture form.

1. Willow bark

Willow Bark is nature’s answer to aspirin.  Medical studies showed that the willow bark is a great analgesic that eases pain and fights inflammation.  It contains salicin, the same active ingredient found in aspirin.  In fact, willow bark has been known to treat a wide range of pain: from headaches, low back pain, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, tendonitis.

More than this, willow bark has high concentrations of anti-oxidants.  It can also be used as an antiseptic, while also fortifying your immune system and reduce fevers.

Willow bark, unlike aspirin, does not irritate or inflame the stomach lining.  Nor does it make the blood thinner.  Willow’s bark has been used as a substitute for aspirin, especially for patients who are allergic to it.

Mode of use: Willow’s bark is available in capsule or tablet form.

These natural herbal pain remedies may help you manage your pain, but they are not to be taken lightly.  Make sure that you consult your doctor if your pain persists, or if you are currently under a pain management plan (especially for arthritis patients).