Most allergic reactions occur quickly but some may take up to a few hours, and do not usually occur after twenty-four hours from exposure. Allergic reactions tend to be more severe when exposure to allergen is repeated on different occasions, and each time it requires smaller and smaller amounts of the allergen to cause symptoms. In most cases of environmental and pet allergies, simply taking an antihistamine such as Benadryl, and/or a decongestant will relieve symptoms, and some people also may also require immunotherapy and asthma treatment in addition to other medications as well. Substances like shellfish, poison ivy, peanuts, and bee stings should be avoided whenever possible, because more severe reactions usually result when exposure occurs. Some adults and children who have experienced severe allergic reactions in the past, must carry an Epi-Pen in case of accidental exposure. The Epi-Pen contains epinephrine and comes in a pre-filled syringe ready for emergency administration. Simply pull off the needle guard and inject into a large muscle, such as the thigh. The Epi-Pen can be administered right through clothing so there is no need to waste valuable time trying to remove clothing.

After an allergic reaction has begun it is very important to monitor the person. If symptoms do not subside within five minutes and they continue to worsen even after administration of an Epi-Pen, emergency treatment should be sought immediately. Visit the National Library of Health and National Institutes of Health at www.nlm.nih.gov for more information on allergic reactions and answers to other health related questions. Allergic reactions are quite common and it is important that people know what to do in the event one occurs to themselves or someone else – it could be a matter of life or death.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, which are natural, high-quality, pure oils derived from the distillation of plants. The oils are named for the plant from which they are derived, such as bergamot, rose, ginger. They are highly concentrated: between fifty and several thousand pounds of plant material is required to make one pound of essential oil, depending on the plant. At least forty essential oils are used in aromatherapy. Each is categorized according to its effects on the body, mind, and diseases it is said to treat. Oils from various plants maybe used individually or in combinations.

Aromatherapy is delivered to patients in several ways. Oils can be applied directly to the skin through massage. For skin application, the oils are combined with a carrier medium, usually a vegetable oil, because the amount of essential oil required is so small. The oils also may be inhaled with steaming water containing a few drops of an essence, or by using diffusers to spread steam containing an oil throughout a room. Because they are highly concentrated and therefore potentially toxic, the oils should not be taken internally.

Aromatherapy is said to reduce stress, which is achieved through the personal use of aromatic oils or by combining aromatherapy with other stress reduction activities, such as soaking in a hot bath treated with scented oil or receiving a massage accompanied by aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy can balance and increase the well-being of both body and mind, thus decreasing the likelihood of developing disease. Aromatherapy is also used to treat physical and mental ailments. For instance, lavender is used to treat anxiety, mild depression, and insomnia. Below are other popular Aromatherapies and results claimed for them:

• Lemon is believed to detoxify; stimulate immune system and liver.
• Rosemary is believed to relieve pain; relaxes muscles.
• Peppermint is believed to provide pain and digestive relief; decreases inflammation.
• Chamomile is believed to serve as sedative, relaxant, and antiallergen.
• Eucalyptus is believed to eliminate infection.
• Rose is believed to regulate female hormones.

Conditions that practitioners believe to be aided by aromatherapy include acne, anxiety, cold and flu, skin disorders, headaches, indigestion, premenstrual syndrome, muscle tension, and pain. Some aromatherapy advocates use body applications to treat physical problems, and inhalation methods to treat emotional problems.

Aromatherapy is based on the sense of smell, which is extremely acute in humans and other animals. The sense of smell has been studied extensively for its role in communication and memory.

There is an unproven belief that essential oils used in aromatherapy can affect the body’s health. Substantial research evidence exists about the olfactory system (the sense of smell). For example, a single waft of an odor can trigger memories from decades back. In addition, scientists have found substances called pheromones in almost all organisms. These chemicals are emitted by the body and sensed by the olfactory system. In mammals, pheromones play a role in sexual attraction and mating. In other organisms, they facilitate not only mating, but also the attraction of prey and forms of communication. Pheromones are responsible for a phenomenon called menstrual synchrony, where the menstrual cycles of women who live in close proximity often become similar, or synchronize with one another.

Some studies implicate the sense of smell in illness and relaxation. One researcher found that certain odors could trigger migraines in some individuals and, alternatively, that the fragrance of green apples may heighten feelings of relaxation. However, although smell and the olfactory system have multiple functions, there is no scientific evidence indicating that aromatherapy can aid in preventing or alleviating disease. The medical literature contains no research on the effects of aromatherapy as a medical treatment.

Aromatherapy may reduce stress, enhance pleasure, and improve quality of life. However, no evidence in the medical literature that supports claims that aromatherapy can help prevent or heal disease. Evidence is lacking even in the case of those minor and self-limiting conditions, such as headaches and colds, that advocates say can be alleviated by aromatherapy.

Used as a strictly complementary technique, however, aromatherapy is a pleasant addition to baths and massages. Scented candles or aroma sprays, for those who enjoy the fragrance, contribute to a sense of relaxation and help create a calming atmosphere.

Acceptance – Whatever we resist will persist. Try not to see yourself as fighting your anxiety. Instead, see yourself as moving toward your goal of relaxation.

Talk to someone – Many anxiety sufferers feel better almost immediately when they have a supportive person to talk with.

Knowledge – The more you know about your condition, the better equipped you’ll be. Things work better when we understand why we are doing them.

Breathing Techniques – Practice belly breathing. Breathe in to the count of 3 and out to the count of 4.

Meditation – Listen to guided meditation tapes or CDs.

Journal – Keep a notebook handy during the day, and when you recognize a “what if this happens?” thought forming, write it down. Review it later, when you are more relaxed. Ask the trigger question again, as if it were true. What would you do? Keeping a journal helps you discover possible hidden issues.

Take a nightly news vacation – Before bed, listen to relaxing music or read a book. If your habit is to watch the nightly news, try watching it first thing in the morning instead. Learning to relax with anxiety will command your daily dedication. Be sure and celebrate even minor improvements. They are likely to be permanent ones!

Although these things can be helpful, people should not discount other, less conventional methods of reducing anxiety, such as meditation. Meditation is a foreign concept to a lot of people, and many believe that it is something that must be learned and studied for a long period of time before it can be beneficial. The fact is, meditation is simply calming the body and mind and practicing focused relaxation techniques. This can be done by anyone, and the benefits of meditation can have an effect on anxiety in a very short time.

Meditation requires a peaceful and undisturbed setting, and a comfortable place to lie or sit. It can be accompanied by music or soothing sounds, such as a recording of ocean waves, or you can meditate in complete quiet. A key to effective meditation is finding
what works best for you.

Once you have established your preference as far as the right atmosphere for meditation, try to set aside time each day to practice. Close your eyes and take several deep, slow breaths. Allow your body and mind to relax. One way to do this is to imagine yourself in a pleasant, peaceful place, such as by the ocean or in a meadow. Picture yourself in this place using as much detail as possible. This type of focusing can help your mind stop racing – stressful thoughts can be replaced with relaxing images. Let your thoughts wander,

but try to always picture yourself in your peaceful setting. The longer you practice this, the more accomplished you will become at reducing your anxiety. Anxiety becomes a bad habit that we must break, and to break this habit we have to replace it with a better one. When you learn the habit of relaxation through meditation, it will help you feel less anxious in any situation.