COMMON COLD - HOME REMEDIES

COMMON COLD - HOME REMEDIES

Common cold also called as "influenza  or  coryza" is one of the most common seasonal upper respiratory tract disorder that is usually caused by any of the 200 viruses, usually a rhinovirus. It is a self-limiting disease, which resolves within five to ten days on its own. The symptoms usually include sneezing, coughing, congestion, a running nose, watery eyes and feeling out-of-sorts. A low-grade fever, sore throat, chills, muscle aches and laryngitis may also develop. Flu and cold symptoms are indications of the body's efforts to fight off the viruses. E.g.-A running nose guards against further invasion. Fever and inflammation of the nasal passages help to control the spread of infection. So you do not need to worry too much. 

Take a hot, steamy shower for relieving the body ache and it also acts as a vaporizer and thus helps reduce the severity of the illness. It is necessary for the patient to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water and take complete bed rest for atleast three days. 

In cases where the person complains of sore throat, salt-water gargles should be done several times in a day. 

SOME HOME REMEDIES

1. Avoid taking curd, banana, fried things and drinks added with ice are to be strictly avoided.

2. Make a mixture of one teaspoonful of ginger juice, one tablespoonful of lemon juice and two teaspoonfuls of honey and take this two to three times a day. Prepare a fresh mixture daily.

3. Garlic has got antibiotic properties and can help kill the germs and clear the cold symptoms rapidly. Garlic soup is an age-old remedy to decrease the severity of the cold.

4. About ten cloves of garlic can be fried in butter or ghee and taken internally.

5. One teaspoonful of turmeric powder is added to a cup of sweetened milk and given to the patient thrice daily.

6. About 100 grams of ladyfingers should be cut into pieces and boiled down in half a litre of water to make a decoction, which should be taken twice daily. The steam issuing from this decoction may also be inhaled to relieve throat irritation and dry cough.

7. Half a teaspoonful of powdered cayenne (black) pepper taken in hot honey-sweetened water  or milk is a good remedy for colds. Also making a mixture from some curd, jaggery (gur) and some powdered black pepper and taken twice daily helps.

8. Sipping a cup of hot soup (especially chicken soup) can help loosen the clogged nasal passages.

9. A quarter teaspoon of cinnamon (tuj) powder in a little hot, sweetened lemon, taken every hour is very useful for influenza.

10. The leaves of holy basil (tulsi) tree when mixed with an equal quantity of dried ginger powder forms an excellent substitute for tea in this condition. Milk and sugar can be added in this tea and is useful when taken thrice daily.

11. White radish juice should be taken daily after sweetening it with some honey for preventing and curing colds.

12. Slices of onions when sniffed will sometimes cure a cold in the initial stages. Also when taken in the cooked form they help. Equal amounts of onion juice and honey should be mixed and three to four teaspoonfuls of this mixture should be taken daily.

13. Ajwain has a remarkable power to open up clogged and congested nasal passages. Roast a tablespoonful of ajwain and tie it in a cloth and use it for inhaling. Also, fomentation with ajwain is useful.

14. Tamarind (imli) leaf juice and tamarind-pepper rasam is good for colds.

15. Eucalyptus oil is a soothing external application for colds. Also bathing in hot water in which two tablespoonfuls of eucalyptus oil is added is useful.

16. After the onset of fever, it is better to keep the patient without food or with light food for at least two meal times. He should be given barley (jau) water or sago boiled with milk and sugar. Bread, biscuits, meat soup and vegetable soup can also be given to the patient. Green ginger is useful when added to the soup or vegetables. Avoid taking meat, chicken, fish, eggs, rice, wheat chappati, fried items and sour things including
curd.

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ADDICTION TO ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

ADDICTION TO ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

Dependence on anything becomes a habit when followed or practiced repeatedly. The habit of being dependent, at one stage, becomes impossible to break, making it an addiction. The more a person tries to break that habit, the weaker he becomes in will and the more dependent he becomes on that habit.

BAD EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL 

It corrodes the linings of the liver, intestines and stomach.
It weakens the memory, lowers the intellectual and reasoning powers.
It reduces the ability to do ordinary work and decreases muscular power, depressing the heart and circulation.
Prolonged alcohol intake also causes impotency in a few cases.

BAD EFFECTS OF SMOKING/TOBACCO

Patients who tend to smoke a lot or take a lot of tobacco are prone to:
Cardiovascular problems like Ischaemic Heart Disease.
Respiratory troubles like Chronic Bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Vascular disease like Thromboangitis Obliterans.
Dental staining and decay.
Oral and Bronchiogenic Carcinoma.
Impotency.

SOME MEASURES AND HOME REMEDIES TO BE TAKEN TO OVERCOME ALCOHOL ADDICTION 

Angelica herb -This herb is taken in the form of tea or in tincture form, thrice daily, after meals. This helps reduce craving for alcohol.

Apple - Have two to three apples a day to reduce the craving for wine and other intoxicating liquors. It is also useful to reduce any intoxicated feeling caused by alcoholic beverages.

Date (khajoor)- The person should drink half a glass of water in which four to five dates have been crushed. Do this twice daily for a few months.

Fruit juice - The best drink as a substitute for alcohol is a glass of fresh fruit juice. The patient or the alcoholic should drink lots of juices and eat a candy or other snacks whenever he has a craving for alcohol.

Grapes - Grapes contain the purest form of alcohol and are a healthy substitute for alcohol. Alcoholics should take fresh grapes or grape juice at five-hourly interval, i.e. three times a day. Eating a few raisins daily for a few months also helps in reducing the craving for alcohol.

Milk - Drink two large cups of milk daily.

Orange- Eating two to three oranges or drinking one glass of orange juice just before breakfast helps to lessen the craving for alcohol.

Water and alcohol - Add eight parts of pure water to one part of alcohol  and drink it in gulps. Do not sip it. Then drink two or more glasses of water after it. If you tend to vomit, it is excellent. This will help the alcoholic to break the habit of drinking.


WAYS TO OVERCOME THE EFFECTS OF DRUNKENNESS

To reduce the toxic effects of alcohol, a tablespoonful of honey is given to the patient thrice daily.

Drink cold water frequently.

Application of a cloth dipped in cold water around the head, abdomen and loins reduces the effects of intoxication.

Three teaspoonfuls of juice of leaves of bitter gourd (karela) should be mixed with a glass of buttermilk and taken every morning for a month. This is an effective antidote for alcoholic intoxication.

Have two to three apples to overcome the complications due to chronic alcoholism.

Half a glass of juice of raw celery leaves mixed with an equal quantity of water should be taken once daily, for a month. This acts as an effective antidote to alcohol  intoxication and helps reduce damage done  by alcohol to liver and pancreas.

In cases of vomiting and retching following alcohol intake, give hot black coffee to the person as much as he can take.

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“OATsTAnDing” BREAkfAsT CEREAL

“OATsTAnDing” BREAkfAsT CEREAL

There’s a super grain that most households already have stocked in their cupboards…oatmeal.  Oats contain soluble fiber, which has been shown to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, help control blood sugar levels and control appetite.  new research has found oats have unique antioxidants that may play a role in maintaining artery health.  flavonoids found in oats may protect LDL from oxidation, which is thought to possibly lead to hardening of the arteries.  In addition, other studies have found flavonoids in oats have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce plaque build-up in the walls of arteries.An oatmeal bar is a great way to provide a breakfast to suit everyone’s taste.  Offer a variety of toppings to customize a bowl of oatmeal to personal preferences and tastes.  Because cook time for steel-cut oats is longer, cooking in a slow cooker is ideal.

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Almond milk - A nuTriTiously “nuTTy” BeverAGe

Almond milk - A nuTriTiously “nuTTy” BeverAGe

Almond milk is a non-dairy beverage made from real almonds.  This smooth and creamy beverage offers a hint of almond flavor and contains a starting lineup of powerful nutrients and nutritional benefits. Almond milk, just like coconut milk, is a great alternative for vegans. Almond milk is a good source for proteins; it is also low in calories unlike cow's milk. This milk contains vitamin E, magnesium, monounsaturated fats, manganese, copper and ribloflavin. Boost your energy and lower heart diseases with almond milk Trim the Waistline.  At only 40 calories per eight-ounce serving and low in fat, unsweetened almond milk offers a low calorie beverage option to enhance any meal or snack.

1. Bone-Building Beverage.  Almond milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, which work together to build and maintain strong bones in men, women and children.

2. Healthy Glow.  One serving of almond milk contains 50% of the daily recommendation of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that plays a role in healthy skin and hair.

3. Heart-Health Benefits.  Almond milk is free of cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat, and filled with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Allergen-Friendly.  You don’t have to have a food allergy or intolerance, such as lactose intolerance, to enjoy this beverage; but if you do, you’re in for a treat.

Commercial almond milk products come in plain, vanilla, chocolate or unsweetened flavors. Look for almond milk in cartons, either on the shelves or in the refrigerated section of your local HealthMarket department.

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FEVER - HOME REMEDIES

FEVER - HOME REMEDIES

Fever is the body's natural defense mechanism and a good sign to indicate that the body is fighting against invading organisms, but it can also occur from overexposure to heat or cold. When the body temperature goes over the normal level (which is 98.6 degrees F in the mouth and 97.6 degrees F in the armpit), it is termed as "fever". Some of the other symptoms which indicate that a person is suffering from fever are-hot, dry or flushed skin, chilliness, shivering, a  rapid or slow pulse, malaise, bodyache, decreased appetite, thirst, headache, cold and cough etc.

If the one feels hot and sweaty, taking a lukewarm bath will help the body to cool off slowly. Consult your doctor, if the fever lasts for more than three days or if the temperature is more than 101 degrees F or if the fever is associated with severe headache, stiff neck, rash, confusion, back pain, excessive vomiting, excessive diarrhea, painful urination or in cases where the patient becomes vague or comatose along with the fever.

HOME REMEDIES 

1. Eat minimum if required, but drink more fluids. Light coffee and tea are useful beverages to bring down the fever and increase the perspiration, because of the caffeine content in it. Give more of warm soups (preferably vegetable and onion juice), ginger ale and diluted fresh fruit juices (especially ones made from apples, oranges, grapes, cherries and pineapple).

2. The juice of half a lemon and a tablespoonful of honey when mixed with some warm water provide energy to the person.

3. Orange juice is the ideal liquid food in fevers, since it provides energy, increases the urine output and thus helps to flush out the toxins from the body naturally. In the start of the fever it is useful to keep the patient only on  warm orange juice, given every two hours for a period of twelve hours and then slowly start giving the patient all kinds of fruits for a day or two, followed gradually by a well-balanced food diet.

4. Half a glass of fresh grapefruit (chakotra) juice should be taken with an equal quantity of water twice daily. It not only quenches thirst but will also remove the burning sensation produced by the fever.

5. Soak about twenty-five raisins in half a cup of water and then crush them in the same water. They are then strained and the skin discarded. The raisin-water thus prepared becomes a tonic, to which half a teaspoonful of lime juice is added to enhance its taste and usefulness. This should be taken twice daily.

6. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and take it twice daily.

7. Tea made from fenugreek (methi) seeds is to be taken twice daily. It acts as a useful cleanser and is a soothing drink during fever.

8. Coriander seed (dhania) decoction with little milk and sugar is also useful.

9. Chew a few garlic cloves or have a little bit of garlic juice three to four times daily to decrease the fever.

10. Cumin seeds (jeera), preferably in the powdered form, in combination with old jaggery are given in the form of small pills at bedtime to induce perspiration.

11. Mix a quarter teaspoonful of pepper powder with a teaspoonful of honey and a teaspoon of ginger juice and give it to the patient three to four times daily.

12. The juice of holy basil (tulsi) leaves mixed with some ginger juice should be taken twice daily for  relief. Adding crushed ginger to tea during its preparation also helps.

13. Mix a few teaspoonfuls of onion juice and honey in equal quantities, and add a pinch of black pepper to it and take it thrice daily.

14. A liberal intake of rice starch (liquid) acts as a diuretic and thus reduces the fever after increasing the urination.

15. The juice of tender leaves of tamarind (imli) tree is useful. 

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ABORTION

ABORTION

Soviet poster circa 1925, warning against midwives performing abortions. Title translation: "Abortions performed by either trained or self-taught midwives not only maim the woman, they also often lead to death."
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Expulsion of the products of conception before the pregnancy has come to full term is termed as "abortion or miscarriage". About three-fourth of all miscarriages occur within the first twelve weeks and most of them occur due to some injury or fall during pregnancy; in cases of sudden shock, fear, joy or sorrow; in cases of mothers who are smoking, drinking alcohol or suffering from malnutrition; in cases where certain drugs are taken by the mother-taken for prolonged period or even once or twice (e.g. oral contraceptive pills) before or during the pregnancy; exposure of the expectant mother to radiation or toxic chemicals; due to some genetic abnormality of the embryo; some hormonal imbalance or due to improper implantation of the embryo.

HOME REMEDIES

1. Calcium-rich food-Eat lots of calcium-rich food like dairy products and green, leafy vegetables.

2. Cereals-Eat plenty of whole grain cereals such as bread, rice and pasta.

3. Cinnamon-In cases where there is bleeding in a pregnant woman following a  false  step, overlifting or over-reaching, chew on a piece of cinnamon (tuj) and take a little sugar.

4. Fruits and vegetables-Have plenty of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables daily.

5. Lotus root=Juice of lotus root is an age-old remedy for miscarriage.

6. Pomegranate (anar)-Pomegranate  leaves given with powder of sandalwood, curds and honey helps prevent a miscarriage.

7. Protein-rich food-Eat lots of protein-rich food like beans, eggs, fish, nuts, peas, poultry, seeds, etc.

8. Sesame  seeds (til)-Mixture of equal  parts of  sesame seeds, powdered barley (jau) and sugar with some honey stabilizes the embryo when there is a danger of spontaneous abortion or miscarriage.

9. Turmeric-Mix two teaspoonfuls of turmeric powder in one glass of 200 ml of water and drink 50 ml of this water every two hourly till the bleeding stops.

10. Vitamins E and B complex-Grains, seeds and nuts are rich in Vitamin E and B complex and so should be taken liberally.

USEFUL DIETARY HINTS TO AVOID ABORTION 

*Avoid caffeine products (like coffee, chocolate, tea, cola), alcohol and cigarettes.

*Mint leaves should not be taken in large quantities.

*Papaya and its sap should be avoided.

*Excessive pineapple in any form is harmful during pregnancy as it causes premature uterine contractions.

*Poppy seeds should be avoided by pregnant and breast-feeding women.

*Sesame seeds should not be consumed. 

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What Is Black Soap ?

What Is Black Soap ?

Black soap, or African black soap, also known as Alata Samina or Alata Soap originates fromWest Africa. It has been used for centuries in Ghana. Its methods and secrets have been passed down from generation to generation to keep the soap close to Mother Nature and avoid exploitation and imitation. Many have tried to create their version of Black soap with all kinds of ingredients. Ghana's Alata soap is the best quality black soap, because it is all ORIGIONAL.

For centuries, Ghanaians had used Black Soap to help relieve acne, oily skin, clear blemishes in various other skin uses. African black soap has also been used to achieve beautiful skin. Africans of also use this natural soap for bathing and washing their hair. It's great for removing makeup. Black soap will leave your skin soft, clear and smelling delicious. This soap is not scented.

Alata Samina or Anago Samina is the term used in the local dialect called Twi to refer to black soap or African Black Soap. Alata or Anago is a reference to the people of the northern region of Ghana, mainly the Hausa tribe. Alata Samina is now used all over Ghana.

Glaxo or African black soap comes from plantain skin. It is a natural source of vitamin A and E and iron. Plantain is a popular food in Africa, South Africa and other parts of the world. They can be found in ethnic or international grocery stores such as Latino, Caribbean for African. It looks like banana but much bigger. It does not taste like banana and has to be cooked before eating. The skin of the plantain is gingerly dried to
precise texture under the hot African sun. It is then roasted in a clay oven. The heat must be constant in order to achieve a particular color, texture and fragrance. In some recipes, Cocoa Pod is used instead of Plantain skin. Cocoa pod is the shell of the cocoa fruit. The cocoa beans are used for making chocolate or cocoa butter, among other things.

The next process is very delicate, and if it is not done properly, with the right ingredients, there will be no soap. The roasted plantain skin is mixed with palm oil, palm kernel oil from the soap. The roasting of the plantain skin determines the color of the soap. The longer the plantain skins are roasted, the dark of the soap. African black soap is generations old and has numerous benefits and is not scented. It can be used by anyone who wishes to improve quality of their skin.

BUYERS BEWARE: Fake black soap is hard. It is died black. It does not contain any traditional ingredients. Instead, it is loaded with cheap vegetable oil and stains your wash cloth. This soap is chemically processed.

Source: http://www.sheabutterr.com/nasabbnew/blacksoap.htm

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HEADACHE - HOME REMEDIES

HEADACHE - HOME REMEDIES

Pain in the head area due to a variety of intracranial or extracranial disorders or due to psychogenic causes is termed as a headache. According to the International Headache Society there are twelve categories of headache including tension headaches, migraine headaches, cluster headaches, sinus headaches and headaches due to raised intracranial pressure.

About 70-80% of all headaches are classified as muscle contractions or more commonly 'tension headaches', which are not always caused by emotional tension but can also be caused by muscle strain, poor posture and from too much of eye strain. The pain is usually constant and generalized but often radiates forward from the occipital region and is described as a dull, tight or a band-like sensation around the head. They rarely cause serious long-term problems unlike migraine and cluster headaches.

Migraines and cluster headaches are called 'vascular headaches'. In this type of headache there is initially an intense spasm or constriction of the blood vessels in the brain that reduces the blood flow to the brain resulting in the migraine 'aura' -nausea, dizziness and altered vision – which precedes the attacks of migraine. This is then followed by vasodilatation of the same arteries resulting in an excessive blood flow to the head, causing the throbbing headache.

Seventy percent of the migraine sufferers are females. 'Cluster headaches' are short-lived, lasting less than an hour, unlike migraines. They occur in predictable'clusters', three to eight week periods during which they may strike several times a day.Many food items can trigger off migraines- it is known that chocolate or the food
additive monosodium glutamate (MSG) stimulates an attack. MSG is found not only in Chinese food but also in frozen foods, canned foods and dry soups and many other processed foods as well. Chemicals like nitrites, which are used to preserve meats and smoked fish, can also trigger migraines even if present in small amounts. Foods such as cheddar cheese, pickled herring and red wine contain tyramine, which is a chemical
compound that cause headache. Other foods, which may trigger headaches, are peas and fresh bread.

Avoid exposure to excessive heat, cold or rain. Avoid washing head in cold water. The person should be kept free from emotional factors like anxiety, anger and worry and get more involved in doing yoga and exercises like brisk walking, swimming, aerobics, etc.

Get yourself involved in different hobbies or activities that you like to help you to relax and thus automatically help to decrease the headaches.

HOME REMEDIES 

1. Avoid taking fried and spicy food, chocolates, white flour products, rich cakes, pastries, sweets, refined and preserved food items, curd and other sour things. The patient should take a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits. The diet should be supplemented with milk, yogurt, buttermilk, vegetable oils and honey.

2. Cut an apple into half and sprinkle a pinch of common salt on it and have it the first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, for atleast a week.

3. The juice of ripe grapes is an effective remedy for migraines.

4. For chronic headaches, mix equal quantities of carrot, beetroot and spinach (palak) juices to make one full glass and take it during breakfast for a month.

5. The juice of a lemon should be squeezed in a cup of tea and taken by the patient to get immediate relief. Also lemon crusts when pounded into a fine paste in a mortar and applied as a plaster on the forehead gives relief.

6. Mix juice of one lemon, one tablespoonful of ginger juice and one tablespoonful of honey in half a glass of warm water and this is to be sipped very slowly.

7. The Vitamin Niacin (B3) has proved useful for the treatment of migraine. The sources of this vitamin are beans, beef, broccoli, carrots, chicken, corn flour, dry fruits, eggs, fish, fully sprouted grains, green leafy vegetables, lemon, liver, milk, nuts, peanuts, peas, pork, potatoes, soyabean, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, whole wheat and yeast.

8. Paste of coriander seeds (dhania) is applied on the forehead for a quick relief; failing which; a paste of ginger with water or a paste of cloves (lavang) with water is applied.

9. A mixture of saffron and ghee is applied on the forehead in cases of a headache.

10. A paste of coriander seeds (dhania), ginger, cloves (lavang), cinnamon (tuj) or nutmeg (jaipher) with water is applied over the forehead.

11. In cases of chronic headache, drinking a glass of water mixed with a teaspoonful of honey first thing in the morning is a good remedy.

12. Applying til oil regularly on the scalp helps one get rid of headaches.

13. A mixture of fresh juice of ginger and milk is applied locally over the forehead.

14. A cold vinegar compress when applied to the forehead will give relief in cases of headaches and even fever.

15. A few leaves of the vegetables cabbage should be crushed and then placed in a cloth and bound on the forehead at bedtime. The compress should be renewed when the leaves dry out. 

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MYOPIA or SHORTSIGHTEDNESS

MYOPIA or SHORTSIGHTEDNESS

Normal vision 

With Myopia

Myopia or shortsightedness refers to the inability to see or hazy or blurred vision on seeing things that are at a distance; e.g. the blackboard at school, the screen in a cinema hall or the TV screen may start looking blurred and the eyes of the sufferer may start watering due to the strain on the eyes. There may be itching and heaviness in the eyes and the patient may complain of a mild headache due to the eyestrain. Myopia may 

result especially in cases where the child or the person is reading in dim light,reading in moving vehicles or from watching too much of television. The other causes of myopia are mental strain, wrong food habits and improper blood and nerve supply. Mental strain correspondingly puts physical strain on the eyes, their muscles and nerves. 

SOME EXERCISES 

1. All eye muscle exercises should be performed while being seated comfortably and in a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Move the eyes up gently and slowly in a circle, then move them down in the reverse direction. Do this four times and then rest for a second or two and repeat the movement two to three times, using minimum effort. Do this a few times daily.

3. Rotate the neck in circles and semi-circles. Move the shoulder clockwise and anti-clockwise briskly, drawing them up as far as possible several times. Bend the head forwards and backwards as far as possible several times. Turn the head to the right and to the left as far as possible several times. These exercises help to loosen up and relax the contracted neck muscles that may restrict blood supply to the head.

4. Keep the head still and relaxed and gently move the eyes up and down six times. Repeat the same movement 2-3 times at two-second intervals. The eyes should move slowly and regularly as far down as possible and then as far up as possible.

5. Move the eyes from side to side as far as possible, without any force or jerky movements six times. Repeat this two to three times daily.

6. Sit on a bench facing the sun with your eyes closed and gently turn the head from side to side several times for about ten minutes. Then open the eyes and blink about ten times at the sun and then look at some greenery. This helps to relieve shortsightedness.

7. Hold the index finger of the right hand about eight inches in front of the eyes, then look from the finger to any other large object ten or more feet away (e.g. the door or  the window). Look from one to the other ten times. Do this exercise frequently throughout the day.

8. Splash plain, cold water several times on the eyes when closed. This helps to cool the eyes and boosts its blood supply.

HOME REMEDIES 

1. Natural, uncooked foods especially fresh fruits (like oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, cherries) and fresh green vegetables (like lettuce, cabbage, spinach and turnip tops), root vegetables (like potatoes, turnips, carrots, onions and beetroots), nuts, dry fruits and dairy products should be taken liberally. Jams, pastries, refined and processed products, white bread, tea, coffee, meat, fish and eggs are better to be avoided. Genuine wholemeal bread is useful.

2. Having a diet rich in vitamin A is of utmost importance. The rich sources of thisvitamin are raw spinach (palak), lettuce, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, turnip tops, green peas, soya beans, cod liver oil, fresh milk and its cream, cheese, butter, egg yolk, liver, wheat germ, oranges and dates. If the person wants to just take a supplement, 25,000 IU of Vitamin A is recommended.

3. Two glasses of carrot juice should be taken daily for a few months.

4. Instill two drops of black holy basil (tulsi) juice into the eyes daily at bedtime.

5. Bilberry is a well known herb for poor vision. It can be taken in the capsule form - one capsule thrice daily or 15-40 drops of the extract of the herb is taken in water or juice thrice daily.

6. Putting a few drops of castor oil (arandi) into each eye and rubbing some on the top of the scalp before bath helps.

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Simple Home Remedies For Acidity

Simple Home Remedies For Acidity

Acidity occurs when there is excess secretion of acids in the gastric glands of the stomach. When the secretion is more than usual, we feel, what is commonly known as heartburn, which is normally triggered off by consumption of spicy foods.

Top 10 home remedies to cure acidity

1. Cloves 
If you are suffering from gastritis, then clove acts as the wonder drug to get you rid of this sensation. Just chew say about two cloves and slightly bite them so that juices keep oozing out. Soon, the problem will vanish.

2. Cumin seeds 
Take say about a teaspoon of cumin seeds and then roast them. After roasting, crush them in such a manner that they don't become powder. Now, add this to a glass of water and have it with every meal you take. It does wonders.

3. Jaggery 
Jaggery can help a lot in treating heartburn and acidity. Consume a small lump and allow it to get dissolved in your mouth to get relief from acidity. But, this remedy should not be tried by people who have diabetes.

4. Raita 

Raita prepared with curd and added with ingredients like grated cucumber and coriander will surely aid in digestion and help eliminate acidity.

5. Basil leaves 
Basil leaves are popular for their medicinal properties. Chewing say around 5-6 basil leaves relieves acidity to a lot of extent. One can also make a blend of crushed basil leaves and dried leaves which can be consumed with water or tea or simply be swallowed.

6. Butter-milk 

Left-Milk,Right-Butter milk

A yet another simple and most easy homemade remedy to treat acidity is consuming butter milk mixed with a little say about ½ teaspoon of black pepper powder.

7. Mint 
It is also a good idea to drink fresh mint juice or chew raw mint leaves after meals everyday to keep acidity and indigestion away from you.

8. Ginger 
Ginger is considered as a cure-all herb as it helps in treating so many different kinds of conditions. Consume just the right amount of ginger about half an hour before each meal and feel the difference.

9. Milk 
Milk is a drink that consists of a large amount of calcium which helps in preventing build-up of stomach acid. So, drink a glass of milk after your meal to soothe your stomach after having a spicy meal.

10. Vanilla ice cream 
Yes, gorging a cup of your favourite vanilla ice cream not just savours your sweet tooth but also helps combat gastritis. This is an easy home remedy to fight acidity.

Some more remedies.
Eating water melon, banana and cucumber also reduces the acidity. 

Drinking the almond milk made from blanched almonds is very helpful as it supplies good quality protein and also binds the excess of acid in the stomach. This is another effective Home Remedy for Acidity.

Take tender coconut water 3- 4 times a day. 

By Eating sprinkle sugar and pepper on the piece of pineapple, you will get relief from acidity. 

You can also get relief from acidity, by drinking pumpkin juice and also adding sugar in it for better taste.

Drink carrot juice, it is also used to get relief from acidity.

Take 1 tablespoon of amla with 1 tablespoon of haritaki. It is an effective Home Remedy for Acidity.

Squeeze the juice of an orange and mix it with roasted cumin seeds. You can also add some rock salt to make taste good. This will give you an instant relief from acidity.

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PRICKLY HEAT-HOME REMEDIES

PRICKLY HEAT-HOME REMEDIES 

"Prickly heat" is especially seen in people who, unaccustomed to high temperatures, are exposed to extreme heat of the summer and is also seen in those wearing an excess of clothing in the summer. Perspiration is a mechanism that helps regulate the body temperature by cooling the skin as it evaporates; but in this condition the sweat gets trapped under the garment resulting in blockage of the sweat ducts and heating up of  the skin.complains of itching, burning, redness and inflammation of the skin in patches with formation of small red vesicular eruptions, about the size of a pin's head with an inflamed base. The areas usually affected are the ones where the sweat usually collects (armpits, chest, back, etc.) or where the skin repeatedly rubs against skin (e.g. inside of breasts, inside of elbows, armpits, buttocks, etc.).

Wear comfortable, loose fitting, cotton clothes and take cool showers or apply wet cold compresses to help decrease the complaint. When the skin is very red and angry-looking put some ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap it in a towel and apply it locally every few minutes till some relief is obtained.

HOME REMEDIES

1. Drink a lot of diluted limejuice, coconut water, buttermilk or lassi and water flavored with Khus grass roots. These decrease the overall heat in the body and thus prevent the prickly heat.

2. Almond and grapes (especially dry grapes) are very useful for these patients.

3. Increase your intake of Vitamin C by taking more of citrus fruits, black currents, green peppers, parsley, broccoli etc.

4. Fruit juice should be taken in plenty by these patients.

5. Application of sandalwood paste has a cooling effect and so heals the inflamed skin or  dried sandalwood powder and powdered coriander seeds (dhania) is mixed in rosewater and applied over the affected parts.

6. Aloe vera gel is a soothing itch controller.

7. Make an infusion out of chickweed and apply it locally over the patches.

8. Grated coconut is ground well with a teaspoonful of cumin seeds (jeera) and the coconut milk is extracted from it. This milk is applied over the body and after that a cold bath is taken.

9. The soft pulp of palm-fruit (Targola) also has a cooling effect and so is an effective remedy for prickly heat.

10. A paste of seeds of Jambul tree is applied locally.

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ZINC - DIETARY BENEFITS

ZINC - DIETARY BENEFITS

Zinc is vital in the absorption and action of many vitamins. It is essential for the maintenance of growth, development, cell division, protein and DNA synthesis. It is a component of insulin and is necessary for proper skin, nail and hair growth and appearance. Zinc is also very useful for the fast and healthy healing of cuts and burns because we need zinc in so many enzymatic activities in repair work.

Zinc supplements are needed in diabetes, hearing affections and brain functions. The sources of zinc are brewer's yeast, egg yolk, fish, lamb chops, legumes, lima beans, liver, meat, mushrooms, oysters, pecans, poultry, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seafood, soybeans and whole grains. Indications of deficiency include:

1. Fatigue. 

2. Prolonged healing of wounds. 

3. Smell and taste dysfunctions.  

4. Stretch marks on the skin. 

5. White spots on the fingernails. 

6. It causes dwarfism since it retards growth and maturity and produces anemia. 

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HYPOTENSION (LOW BLOOD PRESSURE) - HOME REMEDIES

HYPOTENSION (LOW BLOOD PRESSURE) - HOME REMEDIES

Blood pressure readings that are below the average range of 110/70 mmHg are termed as "low blood pressure or hypotension', but if it does not cause any trouble, it is considered to be quite normal. Low blood pressure becomes something to worry about when the blood flow to the brain is reduced so much so as to cause dizziness and fainting attacks. "Postural hypotension" is defined as a drop in the blood pressure of 20 mmHg in the systolic or 10 mmHg in the diastolic pressure on standing from a supine position and the person complains of dizziness on rising from a sitting or lying down posture. Certain drugs like antihypertensives and diuretics can exacerbate these attacks. 

Take in a lot of fluids and instead of taking two heavy meals, take small, frequent meals. Include extra salt in the diet for a hypotensive.  On rising in the morning do not get up with a jerk. Stretch-up before rising, contracting and relaxing the muscles in the body. Arm exercises are particularly effective at raising the blood pressure.

HOME REMEDIES AND PREVENTIONS 
1. Take a high-protein diet, which includes organ meat, potatoes, green leafy vegetables, soybeans and wheat germ.

2. A diet containing adequate quantities of proteins, B vitamins (especially pantothenic acid), vitamin C and the nutrients that stimulate adrenal production, quickly normalize the low pressure.

3. Take in atleast two glasses of raw beetroot juice daily.  Considerable improvement will be seen within a few days time.

4. Add cayenne pepper to all your food. Having ginger tea with a pinch of cayenne pepper thrice daily also helps.

5. Eat six dates daily in the morning.

6. Increase the intake of cucumbers, cabbage, sweet potatoes, peas, tomatoes, onions, dates, citrus fruits, raisins and whole grains.

7. Drink four to five glasses of fresh limejuice without any sugar and salt, daily.

8. Take in a lot of apricots and dark raisins throughout the day. 

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KIDNEY STONES - HOME REMEDIES

KIDNEY STONES - HOME REMEDIES

Kidney stones develop when the concentration of minerals in the urine like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, uric acid oxalate or xanthine becomes too high thus resulting in a build-up of their crystals (which are normally flushed out of the system during urination) in the urinary tract. The signs and symptoms differ according to the size, shape, consistency and position of the stone and there can be cases where the renal calculi may be present for years together without giving rise to any kind of symptoms or signs. But more commonly, the stone formation can lead to an obstruction in the flow of urine and the patient may complain of pain in the back or the loin, which radiates round the flank to the groin and sometimes into the testis and  is increased by any kind of movement. The patient also complains of a frequent desire to urinate, painful and scanty urination, nausea and vomiting, fever and occasionally red cells, white cells, proteins, sand or deposits in the urine. This is usually more common in males than females and heredity and a sedentary lifestyle plays an important causative factor. The person is asked to take strict bed rest and an application of warmth to the painful area is advised. The patient is advised to increase the consumption of water and other fluids, which helps in increasing the production of urine and thus help in flushing out of the stone and the bacteria.

HOME REMEDIES
1. Avoid excessive intake of calcium  or  oxalate  or  proteins in your diet (i.e. avoid  beef, cabbage, cashew nuts, cauliflower, cheese, chickoo, chocolate, cocoa, coffee, custard apple, eggs, figs, gelatin, herring, khus khus, kidney, liver, milk and milk products, molasses, paneer, pear, salmon, sardine, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, yeast, etc.).

2. Avoid taking beans and pulses in any form. Yellow variety of pumpkin, colocasia and lady's fingers are to be strictly avoided. White variety of pumpkin and gourd are useful for this condition.

3. Take in more of barley (jau) water, coconut water, fruit juices, limejuice etc.

4. Imbibing four to five bottles of strong, dark beer, heated almost to simmering, is a useful remedy for kidney stones.

5. Make a decoction of kidney beans (Rajmah) and consume within twenty-four hours.

6. Remove the beans from inside the pods, then slice the pods and put about sixty grams in four liters of hot water and boil them slowly for four hours. This liquid is then strained through fine muslin and then allowed to cool for about eight hours. Then the fluid should be poured through  another piece of muslin without stirring. A glass of this decoction should be given to the patient every two hours throughout the day for one day and thereafter it may be taken several times a week.

7. A few drinks of lemon juice daily will help reduce the uric acid stones.One teaspoonful each of holy basil (tulsi) leaf juice and honey should be taken daily for six months.

8. Take two glasses of cranberry juice daily.

9. Juice of watermelon should be taken daily for fifteen to twenty days since it is rich in potassium salts and is one of the safest and the best diuretics. Watermelon seeds are also useful for renal calculi.

10. A regular intake of celery  leaves  (ajwan-ka-patta) is necessary (especially in those prone to stone formation) to prevent further stone formation.

11. Aloe vera juice helps to reduce the size of the stone.

12. The juice of the fig fruit  or a decoction made out of figs (anjeer) helps to dissolve the stones.

13. Ripe fresh apples and grapes are useful for renal calculi.

14. Pieces of sugarcane chewed frequently help the stones to melt.

15. The seeds of both sour and sweet pomegranates (anar) are a useful medicine for kidney stones. A tablespoonful of the seeds are ground to a fine paste and is given along with a cup of horse gram (kulthi) soup (two tablespoonfuls of horse gram should be used for preparing the soup) to dissolve the kidney stones.

16. Chew two to three cloves of garlic daily in the morning.

17. Chew about two to three cardamoms (elaichi) thrice daily after meals.

18. Parsley, Red Clover, Uva Ursi, Pumpkin seeds and  Watermelon seeds are useful herbal remedies for dissolving kidney stones.

19. Take half a glass of radish juice daily for fifteen to twenty days in the morning.

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HAIRFALL AND EARLY GREYING OF HAIR

HAIRFALL AND EARLY GREYING OF HAIR

The hair root is encased in a follicle that is nourished by blood vessels. A youthful scalp contains approximately 100,000 to 200,000 hairs. Normally, an average person loses about 50-100 strands daily and the average hair grows only half an inch per month. Excessive loss or absence of hair is called as 'alopecia or balding'. Common causes of hairfall and early pecacu are-inadequate nutrition, heredity, stress, high fever, hormonal imbalance, side effect of some medication (cytotoxic agents, anticoagulants, antithyroid drug s and oral contraceptives) and certain illnesses (like anemia, thyroid disorders, autoimmune disorders, etc.). Alopecia areata appears as sharply defined non-inflamed bald patches on the scalp. Alopecia totalis is a condition where there is total or complete loss of the scalp hair and alopecia universalis signifies a complete loss of hair all over the body. Avoid massaging the scalp vigorously. Massage the scalp gently with the fingertips. This increases the circulation and thus helps provide proper nutrition (through a blood circulation) to the hair follicle. Comb or brush the hair when it is dry since grooming it when wet can lead to breaking of the hair. Do not blow-dry the hair on a high setting.

SOME HOME REMEDIES
1. Increase the intake of alfalfa sprouts, barley (jau) and oats, wheat germ, fish, meat, liver, cheese, milk, ghee, butter, eggs, fresh fruit (especially citrus fruits) or vegetable juices, green vegetables, parsley, broccoli, green pepper, peas, beans, prunes (dried plums), some berries and black currants. Avoid salt, spicy, hot and pungent food as far as possible. Taking a well -balanced diet with adequate proteins and iron, consisting especially of servings of seeds, nuts, grains, fresh vegetables, fish, chicken and fruits.

2. Washing the hair with a paste of cooked black gram (urad dal) and fenugreek (methi) lengthens the hair.

3. Applying aloe vera gel on the scalp is useful for hair growth.

4. Apply fresh coconut milk to the hair roots all over the scalp twice a week for increasing the hair growth. Coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut shavings and squeezing it well to remove the milk.

5. A mixture of lettuce and spinach (palak) juice, atleast half a litre daily helps to increase the growth of hair.

6. Lemon juice when taken internally or rubbed on the scalp at night proves to be useful to reduce the hairfall.

7. Drink a glass of water containing one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Also apply vinegar to the bald spots with the help of a toothbrush.

8. Grapefruit (chakotra) juice if taken daily gives some relief.

9. Make a mixture of half a cup of castor oil (arandi), one cup of olive oil and two cups of coconut oil. Heat this and then store it and apply it after it cools.

10. Apply a sliced onion over the bald spots in the evening and wash it the next morning.

11. Using Indian gooseberry (amla) oil, made by boiling the dry Indian gooseberry fruits in coconut oil, is an effective remedy for stimulating hair growth. A mixture of an equal quantity of fresh Indian gooseberry juice and limejuice, used as a shampoo, also stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.

12. Grind a few pieces of liquorice (mulethi) in milk with a pinch of saffron and this paste is then applied over the bald patches at night before going to bed.

13. A fine paste is made from pigeon pea (arhar dal) or red gram and applied regularly on bald patches.

14. Local application of til oil helps one get rid of early pecacu.

15. Fresh leaf juice of amaranth (chauli) when applied to the hair will promote hair growth and make the hair softer.

16. Massage a beaten egg  on the head and then rinse it out and shampoo it.

17. Washing the hair with a decoction of the leaves of the Margosa (Neem) tree will stop the hair from falling and stabilize its blackness. It will also kill the lice and make the hair longer.

18. Henna leaves (mehndi) are ground to a paste and this is then boiled in mustard oil and the darkish oil is then filtered and used to blacken grey hair. The paste is applied to the hair and washed away after a few hours to dye the hair.

19. Make a mixture from two tablespoons of vodka and one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of onion juice and apply it on the scalp daily.

20. The seeds of lime and black pepper seeds are ground and made into a paste by adding it to plain water or ginger juice. This paste is applied on the bald  patches once  or twice daily for a few weeks to encourage growth of new hair

21. Coconut milk is applied all over the scalp and massaged into the hair roots. Coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut shavings and squeezing them well.In pure coconut oil, the following ingredients are boiled-dry pieces of gooseberry, a few crushed capsules of Harir with red hibiscus flowers till the solid matter turns black. The oil is filtered and stored and is to be applied twice daily for a few months.

22. Crush raw fruit of Indian gooseberry (amla) and apply over the head and allow it to dry for a few hours and then wash it off. This is a useful method for preventing premature pecacu of hair.

23. Increase the intake of chutney made from curry leaves for hair growth since these leaves provide good strength and vitality to hair roots.

24. Wash the hair with concentrated tea extract twice a week. This will gradually change the hair color from brown to black.

25. In the olden days it was said that rubbing the nails of your palms with each other for three minutes continuously at least thrice daily helps hair growth.

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