| Germany Approves Echinacea as Natural Skin Care Treatment
Although very common in both Europe and the U.S. for treatment and prevention of colds and flu, the topical uses of Echinacea are not yet widely known in the It has been approved by the German government for treatment of minor skin wounds, but studies and anecdotal evidence have shown it to be an effective treatment for a number of skin disorders and it is proving to be a versatile addition to your basic daily natural skin care routine. Echinacea is a flowering plant grown mainly in Europe and North America. There are several species, each of which has slightly different properties. Each type has been proven to be beneficial to the immune system, but the most commonly used are the root of the Echinacea pallida plant, and the leaf of Echinacea purpurea. has led the way in approving both types for treatment of colds, flu and chronic infections of the respiratory system and urinary tract.
Avoiding swimmer's ear
Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is one of the most common infections in Essex County this time of year. Our beautiful landscape of beaches, ocean, rivers and ponds (not to mention backyard swimming pools), combined with warm summer weather predisposes us all to this type of infection. In short, if you swim, shower or otherwise get wet, you too can get swimmer's ear. Swimmer's ear is different from other types of ear infections. Typically, when we say ear infection, especially in children, we mean a middle ear infection, or otitis media. This type of bacterial infection happens after a cold virus or a change in altitude blocks the eustacian tube and bacteria take over. Swimmer's ear happens when fungus or bacteria grow in the outer ear or the ear canal. The fungi that typically causes this type of infection are aspergillus, candida or the dermatophytes, the same types that cause athlete's foot or jock itch.
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