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Browsing Tag: Asthma

May – Pain Management

As I have said often and with emphasis over many years, “All drugs have side effects!”

As an introduction to this section on Alternative Pain Management, I am including parts of an “FDA Drug Safety Communication” issued on July 9, 2015. If you wish to read the entire communication (with pages of additional information for patients and consumers and even more information for Health Care Professionals along with a comprehensive Data Summary) I am providing the link to the FDA announcement itself on the U.S Food & Drug Administration’s web page.
This statement certainly is true of the drugs used for pain management, as is illustrated by these statements taken from the FDA website itself. The use of herbs, essential oils, and Blessed Water or Homeopathic remedies is an effective and safe way to manage pain.

The double-indented paragraphs below are taken directly from the FDA web page. Bold italics, in order to emphasize specific points are my addition.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is strengthening an existing label warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. Based on our comprehensive review of new safety information, we are requiring updates to the drug labels of all prescription NSAIDs.

Patients taking NSAIDs should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, weakness in one part or side of their body, or slurred speech.

NSAIDs are widely used to treat pain and fever from many different long- and short-term medical conditions such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, colds, and the flu. NSAIDs are available by prescription and OTC. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib (see Table 1 for a list of NSAIDs).

(Table 1 also informs us that “There are many over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain this medicine” referring to NSAIDs that are easily available without a doctor’s prescription but are just as dangerous.)

The risk of heart attack and stroke with NSAIDs, either of which can lead to death, was first described in 2005 in the Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions sections of the prescription drug labels. Since then, we have reviewed a variety of new safety information on prescription and OTC NSAIDs, including observational studies, a large combined analysis of clinical trials, and other scientific publications.

Based on our review and the advisory committees’ recommendations, the prescription NSAID labels will be revised to reflect the following information:

    • The risk of heart attack or stroke can occur as early as the first weeks of using an NSAID. The risk may increase with longer use of the NSAID. The risk appears greater at higher doses.
    • NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with or without heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. A large number of studies support this finding, with varying estimates of how much the risk is increased, depending on the drugs and the doses studied
    • In general, patients with heart disease or risk factors for it have a greater likelihood of heart attack or stroke following NSAID use than patients without these risk factors because they have a higher risk at baseline.
    • Patients treated with NSAIDs following a first heart attack were more likely to die in the first year after the heart attack compared to patients who were not treated with NSAIDs after their first heart attack.
    • There is an increased risk of heart failure with NSAID use.

We will request similar updates to the existing heart attack and stroke risk information in the Drug Facts labels of OTC non-aspirin NSAIDs.

Patients and health care professionals should remain alert for heart-related side effects the entire time that NSAIDs are being taken.

Additional information for Patients and Consumers

Non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke, either of which can lead to death. There are a large number of studies that support this finding, with varying estimates of how much the risk is increased, depending on the drugs and the doses studied. These serious side effects can occur as early as the first weeks of using an NSAID and the risk may increase the longer you are taking an NSAID.
The risk appears greater at higher doses; use the lowest effective amount for the shortest possible time.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as:

    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
    • Sudden weakness or numbness in one part or side of the body
    • Sudden slurred speech
    • Many medicines contain NSAIDs, including those used for colds, flu, and sleep, so it is important to read the labels and avoid taking multiple medicines that contain NSAIDs.
    • Patients who take low-dose aspirin for protection against heart attack and stroke should know that some NSAIDs, including those in over-the-counter (OTC) products such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can interfere with that protective effect.
    • Read the patient Medication Guide you receive with your NSAID prescription. It explains the risks associated with the use of the medicine. You may access Medication Guides by clicking on this link.
    • Read the Drug Facts label before taking an OTC NSAID. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about NSAIDs or which medicines contain them.

See the full list of topics.

March – Allergies

An allergy is an inappropriate response by the body to a substance that is not harmful to most people. The immune system, which is supposed to protect us from toxins and pathogens, wrongly identifies a substance as harmful to us and goes into action. The response can be anywhere from mildly annoying to symptoms severe enough to create anaphylactic shock. These types of allergies may begin with only mild symptoms but grow worse with each reaction; they are NOT something that a person typically grows out of.

When I saw this month’s topic I got very excited. Allergies can be devastating and have a nasty effect on trying to live life and enjoy it! I had so many allergies—an unbelievable number and to a wide variety of substances—during my childhood and early adulthood. If it blew on the wind, if it was meant to be consumed in a raw or natural state such as watermelon or nearly every kind of vegetable or fruit, or if it was a drug of any sort—even such things as antibiotics, dental deadening, and mouthwashes—I was going to react to it in some uncomfortable or dangerous way. Oh, the list could go on and on! I spent my life either in misery from one allergy or another or I was sleepy from the allergy pills I was taking. Trips to the dentist’s office became scary for me and for the dentist! Eventually, I even started to react to allergy pills of every variety.

As with all true allergies, the reactions to many of my ‘triggers’ got worse with time—much worse, involving my heart in scary ways!

Who am I today as far as allergies are concerned? I have none and haven’t had for many years! I eat whatever I want. Do you have any idea how enjoyable a piece of watermelon or a raw carrot tastes these days? Or how fun it is to be outdoors. I don’t even worry about bee stings these days! If I feel the slightest itch in my throat or eyes or any other allergic-type reaction I simply go back to the things I know. Many of those things will be talked about in this article.

Side Note: Having had some scary reactions to antibiotics and other types of drugs in the past and having lived so many years without them, I can’t really say for sure whether they are still a problem or not. I suspect those allergies have also gone away. I took 2 antibiotic pills and 1 painkiller a while ago (the first of either in 40 years) after some extensive dental work. No reaction at all!

 See the full list of topics.

July – Summer Preparedness

Are you ready for some summer fun? There are so many fun things to do and places to go. Are you traveling, camping, or just getting out in the sun? Summer can be full of bugs, sun, scrapes, and bruises so we are focusing this month’s blog on some of our favorite Herbs, Essential Oils, and Blessed Waters that help us to be PREPARED for the fun of SUMMER. There are some amazing products you need to know about and then we will talk about things for Sun Safety, Building Immunity, Camping and First Aid, and Traveling.

April – Aches, Pains & Sprains

This is the time of year that I am aching to get out in my yard and get started. Spring cleanup and all the activities of spring can leave you with lots of aches and pains and that is why I decided to focus this month’s blog on aches, pains, and sprains. This is an area where herbs, essential oils, and homeopathics really shine. Some of the things we are going to talk about have been used in my family for over 40 years. These are staples in my home and I hope learning to use them will be a blessing in yours. Thanks for reading.
See the full list of topics.

October – Respiratory and Flu

 In October we will be talking about Respiratory and Flu. The flu season is already upon us so it is a good time to review the best essential oils, blessed waters, and herbal remedies to use when you are in the trenches of the flu. I am also excited to announce that there is a new product, Elderberry Nighttime, that I am sure you will love. Elderberry is well known for use with fevers and for strengthening the immune system. We have seen amazing results so far with Elderberry Nighttime helping people to sleep. Please take a few minutes and review what may help you and your family through the flu this year. See the full list of topics.

July – Dehydration & Minerals

In July, we will be talking about DEHYDRATION and MINERALS.  We are all aware that when you are extremely dehydrated, it is a serious situation.  However, most of us do not realize how important it is to avoid being even slightly dehydrated.  We also don’t really grasp how minerals work to help us stay hydrated.  Water is only part of staying hydrated.  Join us as we talk about the importance of minerals, and electrolytes.  We will also talk about essential oils, herbs, and blessed waters. See the full list of topics.

June – Sunburns, Camping & Heat Exhaustion

In June, we will be talking about SUNBURNS, CAMPING & HEAT EXHAUSTION.  I love summer and all the fun that comes with it.  Cuts, scrapes, sunburns, etc. are inevitable and I am so glad that I have my natural remedies to help my body and my children to heal faster and avoid infected cuts and scrapes.  Join me and learn about my favorite Oils, Salves, and Blessed Waters for summer. See the full list of topics.

May – Kids & Essential Oils

In May, we will be talking about KIDS AND ESSENTIAL OILS.  Essential Oils are such a blessing in the lives of children — and in the lives of those who care for and love them!   I can’t imagine raising my family without the blessings of essential oils and other natural remedies.  This month we will be talking about some of my favorite oils, herbs, blessed waters, and more. See the full list of topics.

March – Allergies & Energy Protection

In March, our topics are ALLERGIES and ENERGY PROTECTION.  Allergies are no fun and can even be dangerous.  There are several things we can do this time of year to help our bodies be more prepared for the allergens that come with spring.

Energy Protection is something we should all learn about.  Have you ever known someone that after they leave you just feel drained?  Protecting your energy can help prevent this and a wide variety of health issues. See the full list of topics.

October 2022 – Respiratory/Flu

In October we will be talking about RESPIRATORY and FLU.  As we head into the cold and flu season we thought it was important to review some go-to oils, herbs, and homeopathic that are worth having around this time of year. We have all been in the trenches of the flu ourselves and with our kids. I hope this blog makes any sickness that comes your way this season shorter and less intense.   Please see the index at the bottom of the blog for a complete list of topics.