Over-The-Counter Insult

During a recent visit with friends, I inadvertently sneezed [3 times] as we watched their energetic super-smart Weiner Dog playing with the youngster. The first two were met with the standard response ‘bless you’. However the third [and final] sneeze was the catalyst for the affront. “Do you want a Sudafed?” Mind you, there were no signs of a cold, cough, congestion, runny nose, soar throat, etc. - just sneezing.

In retrospect the assault was intended for me to enlighten my friends about the lethal effects of over-the-counter drugs. How dare they abuse their bodies with poisons! Detrimental to natural system functions, antihistamine interferes with the natural workings of the immune system and the extensive list of synthetic chemicals is filtered thru the kidneys. The abuse continues, as these chemicals affect other organs and systems of the body.

·    Histamine is a chemical released when the body is exposed to allergens. It’s the Immune System’s natural ability to rid body of allergens.  http://www.ehow.com/facts_5705045_histamine-release-symptoms.html

·    Antihistamine blocks histamine reception – temporarily relieve symptoms and traps allergens in the body – It stops the body’s natural ability to get rid of allergens. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywdk3BTjK2s.

Excerpt from: Barks Herbs Roots Twigs-The Earth Pharmacy©

      

Sudafed Contains:

Medicinal Ingredients: Each tablet contains: Ibuprofen, 200 mg Analgesic and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, 30 mg Decongestant

Non-medicinal Ingredients: Calcium stearate, candelilla wax, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, parabens, povidone, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol,
sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide. http://www.sudafed.ca/en/sudafed_sinus.asp

• Calcium stearate is a not-toxic white powdery substance. It is a calcium salt derived form stearic acid and is widely used in cosmetics, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Used as a plasticizer, stabilizer and surfactant. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-calcium-stearate.htm
• Titanium Dioxide can be widely used in many applications including the manufacturing of products such as pigments, paper, paint, plastic, porcelain and in self-cleaning or non- fogging glass (for its UV lacing resistance). www.whatistitaniumdioxide.com/  

What is Sudafed

Sudafed is a brand name and registered trademark for over the counter (OTC) decongestants manufactured by McNeil Laboratories (a division of Johnson & Johnson).  Prior to 2006, Sudafed was owned by Pfizer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudafed

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How does it work?

Sudafed non-drowsy formulas contain the active ingredient pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, which is a decongestant.

Pseudoephedrine works by acting on alpha receptors that are found in the walls of blood vessels in the linings of the nasal passages and sinuses. It causes these blood vessels to contract and narrow, thereby decreasing blood flow into the linings of the nose and sinuses. This reduces the feeling of congestion and also reduces the production of mucus. Pseudoephedrine can be used to relieve a blocked nose and sinus congestion associated with conditions such as allergies, colds and flu. http://www.sudafed.ca/en/sudafed_sinus.asp

Products containing phenylpropanolamine HCl are sold as alternatives to pseudoephedrine formulations; formulations containing phenylephrine are sold under various names (Sudafed Blocked Nose capsules, Sudafed Blocked Nose & Sinus capsules, Sudafed Mucus Relief Triple Action Cold & Flu tablets, Sudafed Sinus Pressure & Pain tablets, and Sudafed Day & Night capsules). In other countries the name "Sudafed PE" is used.

On November 6, 2000, FDA issued a public health advisory recommending that consumers not use any drug products containing phenylpropanolamine HCl because of the concern that phenylpropanolamine HCI increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The agency has requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing phenylpropanolamine HCI and is taking steps to remove phenylpropanolamine HCI as an ingredient in OTC and prescription drug products. http://odspracticum.od.nih.gov/2011/readinglists/dea_ephedrine_letter.pdf

Precautions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems, kidney or liver disease, lung disease, emphysema, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate, history of seizures. People with blood circulation problems such as Raynaud's disease http://www.flexyx.com/P/Pseudoephedrine%20Hcl.html

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… and pseudoephedrine, are amphetamine-like compounds that stimulate the cardiovascular and nervous systems of the body… and synthetically produced ephedrine alkaloids in salt form. Ephedrine alkaloids are also found in nature as constituents of several botanicals of the Ephedra and Pinella genera. Botanical ephedrine alkaloids exist in plants in free-base form, not salt form. http://odspracticum.od.nih.gov/2011/readinglists/dea_ephedrine_letter.pdf

Ephedra: Known in Chinese as ma huang, ephedra may be the world's oldest herb cultivated for medicinal purposes, dating back nearly 5,000 years. It's commonly used in cold formulas as a decongestant. http://www.all-natural.com/top-ten.html

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Herbal Alternatives: Tomato tea works to open the sinuses and give the body a much-needed boost of vitamin C to help improve the immune system. Garlic also [fortifies the immune system] works to help fight infection. The hot sauce works to open up the sinuses and reduce nasal congestion. [See recipe on site.]  http://www.naturalremedies.org/nasal-congestion/ 

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The TONIC Nutritional Garlic Supplement [garlic lemon apple cider vinegar] is made from the original centuries-old recipe first given to prevent colds and flu. Containing concentrated amounts of garlic formulated to deliver maximum benefits with absolutely no unpleasantness. Garlic is a scientifically proven panacea for the human body.

This is not medicine or medical advice. Consult physician for diagnoses and treatment of all health concerns.

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