Category: Blog

COPD is an abbreviation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a chronic lung disease that causes narrowing of the respiratory system and shortness of breath.

COPD is a group of conditions that lead to chronic inflammation and blockage of the airways in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe in and out.

The two most common types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which causes increased mucus production and coughing. Emphysema results in damage and loss of lung tissue, causing the lungs to lose their elasticity and normal function.

The most common causes of COPD are long-term smoking, environmental pollution, exposure to chemical irritants and genetic predisposition. Symptoms of the disease include shortness of breath, coughing, excessive saliva production, chest pain and lack of energy.

COPD cannot be cured, but it can be treated. The treatment plan usually focuses on relieving symptoms, improving breathing and slowing the progression of the disease. Treatment may include medication, respiratory therapy, oxygen therapy and lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and a healthy diet.

Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Dyspnoea: Dyspnoea is one of the most common symptoms of this condition. At first it may be difficult to breathe, especially during physical activity, but as the disease progresses, shortness of breath may occur even at rest.

Coughing: Chronic cough is also a common symptom in people with COPD. Coughing can be dry or productive, i.e. it can be accompanied by the production of phlegm.

Excessive drool production: many people with COPD produce excessive amounts of drool in their lungs, which they try to clear by coughing. This is caused by blocked airways.

Chest pain or discomfort: COPD can cause chest pain or discomfort in the respiratory system, especially due to damage to the bronchial tubes and lung tissue.

Weight loss and muscle weakness: as the disease progresses, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing can lead to a loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss. In addition, lack of oxygen can cause muscle weakness.

Recurrent respiratory tract infections: due to a weakened respiratory system, COPD patients may be more prone to respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Fatigue and low energy levels: shortness of breath and chronic oxygen deprivation can often leave patients feeling tired and with low energy levels.

Inhalation therapy is one of the key treatments for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Inhalation therapy offers a more effective treatment with fewer side effects compared to oral medication.

Faster effect: inhaled medicines can reach the lungs and airways more quickly, leading to faster relief of COPD symptoms such as breathlessness and cough.

Reduced side effects: inhalation therapy can reduce the risk of side effects from medications because the active ingredients are delivered directly to the target area, the lungs, and less of the medication is released into the bloodstream, reducing the likelihood of systemic side effects.

Use of small doses: inhaled medicines can be used in small doses, which can be effective while minimising unnecessary drug intake and possible overexposure.

Specific treatment options: inhaled therapy allows the doctor to tailor the treatment depending on the severity of the disease and the individual needs of the patient. Inhaled medications can be anti-inflammatories, bronchodilators or combination products, all of which can help relieve COPD symptoms in different ways.

Easier to adhere to: inhaled therapy is easy to administer and adhere to as there is no need for injections or oral tablets. This can increase patients’ compliance with treatment, which can improve their long-term condition.

Lifestyle changes play an important role in managing COPD and improving the condition.

Stopping smoking: if you have COPD and smoke, the most important step is to stop smoking immediately. Tobacco smoke irritates the lungs and makes COPD symptoms worse. Stopping smoking will help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

Avoid environmental irritants: Try to minimise or avoid air pollution and exposure to environmental irritants such as airborne dust, chemicals and strong odours. Use an air filter in your home and try to keep the air as clean as possible.

Controls infections: upper respiratory infections, such as flu and colds, can worsen COPD symptoms. Get flu and pneumococcal vaccinations, and make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and prevent infections.

Proper nutrition: a healthy diet can help boost the immune system and improve energy levels. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Try to avoid foods that trigger bloating or acid reflux.

Weight control: being a higher-weight person can put strain on the lungs and increase breathlessness. Maintaining a healthy weight or losing excess weight can improve the condition of COPD patients.

Regular exercise: proper exercise can help strengthen muscles and increase lung capacity. Get advice from your doctor about what type and amount of exercise is right for your condition. Respiratory therapy can also help to increase the effectiveness of exercise.

Oxygen therapy: oxygen therapy may be necessary, especially for those with low oxygen levels. Oxygen therapy may help maintain oxygen levels in the right range by controlling oxygen levels.

Respiratory techniques and rehabilitation: you may also have access to respiratory therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation, which can help improve your breathing and physical fitness.

How can balms help with COPD?

In the case of COPD, a balm can help relieve these symptoms in some ways, although it is important to understand that a balm alone will not cure COPD and is not a substitute for specialist treatment or medication.

Breathing relief: inhaling certain balms (such as those based on eucalyptus or menthol) can help to dilate the airways and relax the throat, which can relieve breathing difficulties. These balms may also have a cooling effect to freshen the airways and help ease breathing.

Cough relief: certain ingredients in balms may be able to relieve coughing and throat irritation. Some ingredients in these balms can help reduce the frequency and intensity of coughing.

The natural herbal extracts and essential oils in PulmoFresh balm can help ease breathing, soothe coughs and relieve the unpleasant symptoms of colds.

The use of PulmoFresh herbal balm is recommended in case of colds, coughs and cold complaints!

Instructions for use

For massage, rubbing

Recommended to use 3-5 times a day, using a finger-sized amount. The balm should be applied to the chest and back area, then thoroughly massaged and rubbed in. It is more effective before going to bed, as the essential oils released by the balm, when inhaled, promote a restful sleep

For inhalation

Add 1 teaspoon of PulmoFresh balm to half a litre of hot water and mix well. This will create a vapour which should be inhaled for about 20 minutes.

You should know that a bruise is usually harmless, but it is true that it is very painful. A bruise cream can be sold in this case.

In this case, the injury will swell and turn purple and will be very sensitive to the touch, so even a small bruise can be treated with cream.

Most often, bruises develop as a result of sports injuries or accidents, precisely because of collisions or falls. Most of the time, this injury occurs in small children, when children are more clumsy and often fall, but it is also common in old age, as the skin thins and can be caused by a minor blow. During the bruise, blood can leak into the tissues from the cracks in the capillaries under the skin, which is why it will be purple in color.

The aim of the treatment of the bruise is to reduce the swelling and bruising and to start the regeneration as soon as possible. The most common fall protection injuries are bruises to the hands, arms or palms. In these cases, of course, you want to heal as soon as possible, since you use your hands every day.

Creams recommended for bruises can be divided into 2 groups. There are also synthetic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams and traditional herbal preparations. Skin discoloration typical of bruises can be treated very well with a balm containing black evening primrose or horse chestnut. Due to their combined composition, herbal preparations reduce inflammation, stimulate circulation, cool the painful skin surface, care for the skin and, of course, relieve bruising. The best and most well-known herbs for bruises are horse chestnut, arnica, medicinal sorrel and black nightshade, but there are also lesser-known but effective herbs. In addition to synthetic anti-inflammatory and pain relievers, there are also natural substances. There are herbs that contain methyl salicylic, such as creeping hawthorn and violet. There are also herbs that increase local circulation, such as rosemary, lavender oil, and pine needle oil. These stimulate the microcirculation of the damaged area and thus it will heal much faster.

The best anti-inflammatory herbal agents and plants are:

– orange oil

– seeded oil

– chamomile

– aloe vera

– calendula

– thyme

– wintergreen oil

– sea buckthorn oil

Not only do they alleviate the inflammatory symptoms of the skin surface, but by penetrating the tissues, they help the bruise heal as soon as possible. Cooling creams containing menthol and camphor also soothe pain, reduce swelling and bruising. They cause a cooling sensation and thus exert their effect.

What is the best cream for bruises?

Of course, this would be difficult to determine, since we are different, so different creams can help us. If you are looking for the best one to treat bruises, you should choose the black nightshade.

Among all the herbs, black nightshade is the most recommended as it has an extremely strong anti-inflammatory and bone regenerating effect and helps tissue regeneration, it is also one of the best herbs for wound healing. It can also be used as an ointment for bruises. If you want to experience the extraordinary effects of the black comfrey, then try the HillVital black comfrey balm, because the content of the black comfrey is a great pain-relieving cream for bruises!

Bruise cream for children?

The black comfrey balm can also help with this. This is a great ointment for bruises as it has no side effects. The painful area should be massaged with a pea-sized amount three times a day. IMPORTANT! Do not apply to an open wound! Pregnant mothers are not allowed to use it!

What is the best way to bruise?

The best natural solutions for treating bruises include cold therapy, rest, and compression stockings. Cold therapy helps reduce swelling and pain, while rest helps prevent further injury. Wrapping helps reduce swelling, while compression stockings help maintain blood flow to the injured area.

What poultice is best for bruises?

The best poultice to treat bruises is the aforementioned cold therapy, which helps reduce swelling and pain. Cold therapy is most often performed with a compress made of ice or cold water. The compress should be applied for at least 20 minutes and the compress should be changed at least every 2-3 hours. If the compress is done with ice, a towel should be placed on the skin to avoid ice burns.

It is also important not to use a warm compress when the affected area is swollen, as this can increase blood flow to the injured area, which increases the swelling.

Compressing inflamed varicose veins can also help in the treatment of varicose veins. Varicose veins can be treated in many ways at home. We present some effective methods.

Cold water compresses can be excellent for feet. However, this is due to the cold water rather than the poultice itself.

Cold water compresses contract the muscles of the vein walls, thus promoting their emptying. As an antidote, we definitely avoid soaking in warm water, taking a long bath, and applying warm water compresses. It’s no coincidence that varicose veins get worse in the summer. In this case, due to the heat, the varicose veins expand and congestion increases. With this in mind, use only cold water for compresses on varicose veins.

Calendula can also be a great poultice for varicose veins.

Calendula is very popular in our country, with a high content of vitamin C and flavonoids. This plant is an excellent disinfectant, wound healer and anti-inflammatory.

Treating inflamed varicose veins at home can even be done with apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar poultices can also be effective for varicose veins.

Apple cider vinegar reduces inflammation, relieves pain and improves blood flow and cleans blood vessels. When making the poultice, the dilution ratio can vary, but the apple cider vinegar must be diluted! It is recommended to fill at least 2/3 with water.

What can we do to prevent varicose veins?

The first and perhaps most important thing is to pay attention to exercise. Among the sports, water sports have an outstandingly good effect. Swimming or water exercises have a positive effect on varicose veins. During swimming, due to the pressure of the water on the body, the blood is squeezed out of the lower limbs, thanks to which the full veins are emptied. Thanks to the cold water, the walls of the veins contract, which also promotes the emptying of the veins. The rhythmic leg movement during swimming activates the muscle pump, and thanks to the horizontal body position, the weight on the legs is less.

In addition to swimming, cycling is also recommended.

However, let’s be careful not to perform a strenuous, exhausting exercise with constant jumping. Weights are also avoided as a countermeasure.

Exercises can also be done at home.

In the case of the lower limbs, anti-stagnation exercises play a role. In the supine position, moving the ankles and feet, raising them towards the level of the heart, helps empty the veins. It should also be noted that when sitting, the legs should be placed on a lower chair or stool. It is also advisable to put your feet up when sleeping.

Particular emphasis should be placed on excess weight, as this means that the lower limbs have to bear extra weight. It is also recommended to use various creams, which, thanks to their varicose vein tightening properties, refresh tired, heavy varicose legs. HillVital Varikoflex is such a cream. VARIKOFLEX varicose vein cream contains 20 special, special herbs, based on the recipe of our grandmothers, combined with the technology of the modern age. Thanks to its constituent elements, it is recommended for the treatment of varicose veins.

Rheumatism can make everyday life hell for many people.

But what is rheumatism?

The word rheumatism is an ancient term of Greek origin, which is still used as a collective term. Galen, one of the great doctors of old, believed that the deterioration of body fluids is the cause of all diseases of the body, including locomotor diseases.

It is a misconception that rheumatic diseases only affect the elderly! Such complaints can also occur among young people.

In essence, rheumatism is a collective term referring to painful diseases of the joints, tendons, muscles, bones, and nerves.

Rheumatic or rheumatic diseases are very common. According to estimates, almost all people have some kind of musculoskeletal complaint during their lifetime. At general practitioner appointments, approximately every fifth person presents with locomotor complaints. These complaints can usually be cured by the patient or the doctor. These include twitches, muscle strains, mild back or neck pain, as well as trauma. However, in the case of more serious and long-lasting complaints, patients usually have to consult a rheumatologist.

What causes it and what are its symptoms?

During our lives, almost everyone experiences back pain or some kind of joint pain. Only a very small proportion of people with rheumatic diseases suffer from long-term pain or become disabled to some extent. The diagnosis of the disease is very important!

A specialist is best suited to establish a diagnosis, who will then help treat the symptoms.

Basically, rheumatic diseases can be divided into two parts. Inflammatory and degenerate.

The root cause of inflammatory rheumatic disease is some pathogen that causes inflammation.

Degenerative, on the other hand, is the result of pathological changes. This most often occurs when it primarily affects the articular ligament system and later the structure of the surrounding bones.

The disease is not hereditary, but the tendency to it is. In addition to genes, its development is also closely related to lifestyle and environment. In the case of physical stress (e.g. sports or heavy physical work), the disease appears only years later. Nutrition also plays a role in its development. In addition to proper nutrition, body weight cannot be neglected either. If you are overweight, the joints are exposed to a much greater load.

Symptoms of rheumatic disease can be the following:

-lack of appetite

-fever

-swelling accompanied by redness

-joint stiffness that usually occurs in the morning

-intense night sweats

-unjustified joint and muscle pains

-deformation of joints

The most common types of rheumatic diseases

Poor posture: Among the most common causes of back and neck pain are increased physical strain on the spine, excess weight, and poor posture.

Arthritis: Refers to inflammation within a joint that causes pain and stiffness. If left untreated, the joints can be gradually damaged.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Joints become swollen and deformed. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is currently unknown, however, many risk factors can lead to the development of the disease. Among them, aging, female sex, infections, inheritance of disease-prone genes, and long-term cigarette smoking can be mentioned.

Osteoarthritis: The surface of the articular cartilage becomes uneven, then loses its ability to absorb external influences and wears out. It usually develops in joints that bear a lot of weight or are repeatedly subjected to a lot of stress. Based on this, the spine, knees, hips and hands can also be classified here.

Gout: Gout is usually caused by a build-up of uric acid. Its symptoms include sudden, severe pain associated with swelling of the joints.

Natural treatment of rheumatism

1. Exercise:

In order to protect the joints and the spine, lower intensity forms of exercise are recommended. Examples include yoga, pilates, body shaping, the ancient Chinese movement culture of Thai-chi, brisk walking, and swimming. All of these forms move the body, improve oxygen supply, and have a stress-relieving effect, without burdening the joints. However, before starting regular exercise, it is worth consulting with our doctor or physiotherapist to be on the safe side.

Exercising in water is especially beneficial.

The warm spa usually has a very good effect, as it helps to loosen the stiffness of the joints, and it is also easier to move in water, so the joints are less stressed.

Nevertheless, don’t just get started on your own, ask your doctor about it first. Because in order to be able to perform this form of exercise safely, a medical examination is often essential. This is necessary because if some other disease exists in addition to rheumatism, such as varicose veins, high blood pressure, heart failure, then bathing in warm water can easily harm you.

If there are no contraindications, then exercising in water has a particularly good effect on rheumatic diseases.

However, there are also forms of movement that are strongly recommended to be avoided.

Examples include aerobic training, climbing stairs, running, tennis, and soccer. Essentially, all forms of movement that may include running or jumping.

In an acute inflammatory state, during flare-ups, the joint must be rested!

In this case, exercise is prohibited! In such cases, rest is part of the treatment. Bed rest can contribute to tolerating the pain associated with the most intense inflammation.

However, if the acute inflammation has stopped, then active and passive movement of the joints and physiotherapy should be started. This is important in order to prevent complete stiffness of the joint and possible narrowing of its range of motion. In addition, the aim of the treatment is to strengthen the muscles around the load-bearing joint, thus helping the joint work. The exercises assigned by our physiotherapist can be performed even at home.

2. Lifestyle change:

Improper nutrition and excess weight greatly contribute to the increase in rheumatic complaints. Rheumatism can be treated at home by changing your lifestyle. Thanks to proper nutrition and exercise, we can not only supply our body with valuable nutrients and minerals, but also contribute to weight loss.

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, an individually prepared diet is often prepared, as the energy content of the diet must be adapted to the nutritional status of the patient.

The protein intake should be 0.8-1 g/kg body weight, the larger part of which is made up of vegetable and the smaller part of animal proteins. Several studies have shown that by reducing the consumption of proteins of animal origin, the complaints of rheumatoid arthritis patients have improved.

For fats, 1-1.2 g/kg body weight is ideal. If possible, let’s get it into our body in an easily digestible form. Several studies have proven that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids has a beneficial effect on the disease. Thanks to this, we can safely consume sea fish and linseed oil.

Because of the possible development of osteoporosis, special attention must be paid to the intake of the appropriate amount of calcium. 1200-1500 mg per day.

It is worth creating a light, mixed diet, thanks to which we can choose from a wide range of raw materials and preparation methods.

Don’t forget about the daily minimum of 2 liters of liquid either!

3. Rheumatism creams:

Herbal creams can often be used for rheumatic complaints. Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated naturally, so it can also be done with herbs. However, when using creams, we should make sure that they do not contain steroids. It is true that steroid-containing creams are strong and effective, but they can also have very unpleasant side effects.

In general, such creams can only be used on a doctor’s prescription.

However, before we vote for such a decision, let’s try the creams with natural active ingredients. There are many over-the-counter creams, which are mostly made from some herbal extract. This can be the case with arnica, rosemary or horse chestnut.

In addition to the natural active ingredients, the HillVital Maximum balm can help relieve rheumatic complaints by using the power of 19 herbs.

The herbs found in it are: aloe vera, arnica, juniper, lemon oil, walnut leaves, pine, eucalyptus, black evening primrose, thyme, chamomile, calendula, turmeric, lavender, gooseberry, rosemary, horse chestnut, castor, mint, camphor. Other active ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin E.

Before applying the balm, clean the surface to be treated or use it after bathing. It is worth applying it at least twice a day. It is recommended in the morning and in the evening, but you can use it more than once. Do not just leave the balm on the surface, but also massage it well so that the active ingredients are absorbed.

4. Medicinal teas:

Herbal teas can be used for most rheumatic problems. Whether it is acute, chronic, or even joint swelling and redness affecting one or more joints.

Herbal teas that have an anti-inflammatory effect are primarily recommended. An example of this is the chamomile tea mix. Consume 1-3 cups of it daily between meals.

Horsetail promotes kidney function, and due to its connective tissue-strengthening effect, it can be used very well for rheumatic problems. It can be consumed as a tea or even used externally as a spa bath.

For tea, simply put a tablespoon of tea grass in 2.5 dl of water, then let it brew for about 2-3 minutes. After that, let it stand for at least 15 minutes, then filter it. Consume one cup every morning for six weeks, then take a 4-week break. If necessary, the course can be repeated.

However, if you use it as a spa, pour at least 3 liters of tea into the bath water, then leave it for at least 15-20 minutes. When we’re done, let’s dry off.

In the case of polyarthritis, it is recommended to drink the tea of meadow fan grass.

5. Alternative solutions:

Alternative solutions include alternate hot and cold water compresses used to relieve pain, as well as various baths. Among the baths, the sea water, seaweed and Epsom salt baths can be highlighted. We have already read about the beneficial effects of warm water and exercise, so it is not surprising that water appears several times between treatments.

Since some rheumatic complaints are caused by high uric acid levels in the body, it is recommended to follow a juice fast. The more different ingredients we have, the longer we can consume them. It is important not to consume smoothies made from only one type of vegetable or fruit! If we do this, our body can easily become weak.

The combination of honey and cinnamon can also be mentioned. Since honey disinfects and cinnamon has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, their combination can be very effective in case of hand arthritis. Mix a tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon, then consume it every morning on an empty stomach.

The anti-inflammatory and alkalizing effects of apple cider vinegar help relieve stiffness and pain. It is worth drinking a glass of warm water with a little apple cider vinegar and honey every day.

In addition to the mixture, you can even make a cream. Heat the apple cider vinegar, then add a little cayenne pepper. While it is still warm, gently apply it to the sore joints and leave it on the skin for about 10 minutes.