If you have lower back, hip or thigh pain it may be caused by sciatica. Sciatica is the name used for pain caused by your sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve runs from your spinal cord, to your buttocks and all the way down your legs to your feet. Your lower back pain can be caused by a herniated disk that is applying a constant pressure on your sciatic nerve. It can cause your muscles to have spasms, numbness, sharp stinging pain, and sometimes loss of movement of your legs. It can be quite painful if you suffer from any of the listed pains. Simple everyday tasks from walking to sitting can greatly alter the pain you feel.

Although as the sciatic nerve continues down the back, it branches off into both legs, it is common for only one leg to be much more symptomatic. Patients have described a sensation that is similar to feeling as though their leg is on fire. A painful sciatic nerve can create discomfort that ranges from being mildly inconvenient to becoming almost intolerable in nature. The basis of the symptoms that develop as a result of an inflamed sciatic nerve are primarily attributed to some kind of irritation to the nerve, or of the nerve being pinched or impinged upon. With even a slight injury, the sciatic nerve can become inflamed, swelling can result, thus the nerve tends to become pressed and pain results. The problem with having sciatic nerve pain can become so exacerbated that the nerves and muscles that control a persons bowel and bladder functions may become affected. In such cases, the patient should immediately seek medical attention.  Read more...

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes of the lungs. The bronchi are airway passages in the lungs that form a tree-like system, each getting narrower as they descend into the lungs. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection that inflames these passages, causing them to narrow and secrete mucus. Common viruses that can cause acute bronchitis are the rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza. Symptoms are often a loose productive cough, a runny nose, nasal congestion and a sore throat. Antibiotics are generally not effective in treating acute bronchitis.

During the day you can do an herbal steam that will help you to cough up any mucous. Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding herbs that are expectorants. Good expectorants include eucalyptus, thyme, peppermint, and rosemary. Take the pot to a table and put it on a trivet or pot holder. Using a big, heavy towel, lean over the pot and put the towel over your head and the pot, breathe in the steam. This is a very effective bronchitis cure, and will help with a cold too.  Read more...