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.

Constipation Home Remedies

Constipation Home Remedies

A drink of a lemon juice or lime, or salted tomato may do the trick. It is recommended that this must be taken in the morning or prior to any meal. Also, to achieve a better bowel movement, the simplest home remedy for constipation is a regular intake of considerable amount of fibrous foods, to cleanse the stomach of unnecessary digestive tract materials. In the absence of fiber, herbal tea may also do the job. It works in the same process as with fiber.

Normal Bowel Movements or Not, You May Still Be Needing A Home Remedy for Constipation.

Constipation is generally characterized by difficulty in bowel movement following the symptoms of becoming sluggish, bloated and uncomfortable. This is the condition for which dry and small bowel movements are released for less than thrice a week. However, there are no specific times of bowel movements to determine if a person is constipated or having regular bowel movements. Depending on the person, normal bowel movements may be thrice a day or a week. Additionally, there are individuals who have naturally firmer stool.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition felt by 2 million Americans . Yet a larger number of sufferers no longer seek medical health and resolve in treating themselves by means of a home remedy for constipation.

To further understand how constipation occurs, it is best to know how does the larger intestine (colon) works. Water is absorbed when the food passes through the colon. This then forms the stool. Contraction on the colon muscles will move the stool, towards the rectum. Once the stool reaches the rectum, water has already been absorbed, thus drier and semi-liquid stool is produced. Firmer waste products may result for some; this is due to too much absorption of water or sluggish muscle contractions in the colon. Ultimately resulting to constipation.

Moreover, constipation is a resultant of the following factors:

1.  Not having enough fiber in the diet
2. Lack of essential liquids
3. Absence or lack of exercise
4.  Medications
5. Laxatives
6. Delaying bowel movements
7. Colon, rectum and intestinal problems
8. Result of specific disease

Having said that, home remedies for constipation can be better determined through resolving these
symptoms.

A simple home remedy for constipation is to eat fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables (i.e. kiwi, orange, papaya, cabbage, beans, asparagus) and whole grains and wheat. Primarily, fiber aids in preventing the formation of dry and hard stools.

Another home remedy for constipation is the regular drinking of eight to ten glasses of water, as most medical books suggest. This will help in adding liquids in the colon, thus bulk in stool, producing softer bowel movements. Constipation patients may add lemon juice to their drinks, or soluble fiber, this practice is generally adopted as a home remedy for constipation. Liquids that contain high content of caffeine have dehydrating effects. Constipated people must avoid consumption of drinks like coffee, alcohol and soft drinks.

In addition to these, constipation may be a result of lack in exercise. A person who has experienced accident or illness recently and cannot move from their bed normally gets constipated. This may not sound like a home remedy for constipation but exercising may act like one.

People with spastic colon or Irritable Bowel Syndrome can greatly affect the bowel movements as this condition may bring along diarrhea, gassiness, abdominal cramping, and irregular bowel movements. In this, a home remedy for constipation may employ the use of laxatives or enemas, but only for a limited duration of time. These are available in tablet, gel, liquid, gum and granule forms.

People experiencing mild cases need not use laxatives as a home remedy for constipation. This are usually unnecessary and may lead to abuse of the product. Also, this can be habit forming as the body may rely on the effects of the laxatives before bringing about regular bowel movement. Moreover, over use of this item may cause the nerve cells to damage and may obstruct the capacity to normally contract.

HOME REMEDIES TO ARREST THE SECRETION OF MILK

HOME REMEDIES TO ARREST THE SECRETION OF MILK

In cases where the mother suffers from certain illnesses that can be transferable to the child through breast milk, it is better to put t he child off breast milk. Arresting the secretion of milk in such a mother is of prime importance. The following are some of the measures that can be used:

1. To check  excessive secretion of milk, apply a paste of turmeric and dhatoora (thorn apple) leaves for thirty minutes over the breasts.

2. Apply layers of hot betel leaves over the breasts for 10-15 minutes twice a day for a few weeks.

HOME REMEDIES TO IMPROVE THE FLOW OF MILK

HOME REMEDIES TO IMPROVE THE FLOW OF MILK

The usual causes of decreased milk secretion are-stress, emotional disturbances, worries, lack of sleep, etc. The following are some of the home remedies that help to promote the secretion of milk from the mammary glands in a nursing mother:

1. Alfalfa-Alfalfa is taken as sprouts or in tea or the juice of fresh leaves of alfalfa is taken with carrot juice, half cup daily in the morning.

2. Almonds-Eating four almonds in the morning that have been soaked overnight helps to improve the flow.

3. Amaranth -Mix amaranth , black gram dal (urad dal) and parsley, 25 gms each, soak them in water for a couple of hours and grind the mixture into a paste. Have one tablespoonful of this paste daily to increase the flow.

4. Aniseed-Aniseed, also known as velaiti saunf or anisi is taken on an empty stomach. Soak 10 gms of anisi in a glass of water overnight. Have this water along with the seeds the next morning.

5. Bitter gourd (karela)-Prepare a paste from leaves of bitter gourd (karela) and apply it over the breasts overnight, or, if possible, throughout the day. Use fresh leaves every day.

6. Brewer's yeast-This is an excellent milk -producing food and is also a rich source of high-quality protein.

7. Cottage cheese (paneer)-Cottage cheese, especially the homemade ones, and fresh milk is also a rich source of protein and calcium.  This enhances the production of high quality breast milk.

8. Dill leaves (sowa bhaji) / Dill seeds (anethum sowa)-A handful of leaves or seeds are boiled in two cups of barley (jau) water and drunk daily.

9. Long pepper (lindi peepar)-Hot milk with half teaspoonful of both powdered long pepper (pipli) and powdered black pepper is given at bedtime.

10. Muskmelon (kharbooja/shakkar teti)-Have half a muskmelon daily with lunch.

11. Papaya-Eat half raw papaya daily with breakfast.

12. Potato-Whole potatoes, baked or roasted in their skins should be included in the daily diet.

13. Sesame seeds (til)-These are a potential source of calcium, thus useful for lactation.

14. Eat plenty of whole-grain cereals, fruits and fruit juices (especially apple and grape juice), dark leafy vegetables like turnip, dandelion and collard greens,  endive, watercress (jalkumb), Brussel sprouts, broccoli and carrots, all these are useful when taken by the nursing mother.

HOME REMEDIES FOR A SMOOTH, GLOWING SKIN

HOME REMEDIES FOR A SMOOTH, GLOWING SKIN

You can transform your dry skin into a super smooth, soft, supple, and glowing skin by using these home remedies.

Home Remedies
1. Mash a banana with milk and apply on face and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water to get a skin that will glow.

2. Apply honey on your face and neck for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water. Your skin will glow and become soft and smooth.

3. Mix egg white with honey and apply on the face for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water.

4. Make a paste of one teaspoon of walnut powder, honey and lemon juice. Scrub your face with this paste and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water.

5. Rub a piece of papaya on your face and neck for 15 minutes.

6. Make a paste by mixing 2 tablespoon turmeric (haldi) powder in orange juice. Scrub it on your face and
neck and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water.

7. A paste of the fresh fenugreek leaves, applied on the face, prevents pimples, blackheads, and dryness of the face and early appearance of wrinkles.

8. Make a paste by mixing mashed banana, honey, lemon juice and margarine. Apply on face for overnight. Smear on hands and feet, and wash off in the morning (wear gloves in hands and socks in feet).

9. Boil cabbage in water. Wash your face with this water.

10. Powder mango peels and mix 1 teaspoon milk powder and rub on face, neck, and hands. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

11. Mix one cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon / lime juice. While taking bath, lather your body and  face heavily with a soft soap like Dove. Scrub the whole body and face with the sugar mixture on the lather.

12. After a shower apply Vaseline over your entire body. Shower again after one hour. Repeat twice per month.

13. Mix corn  flour with egg white and apply on your face. When your face is dried completely in about 1/2 an hour, put your fingers in warm water and massage your face. Repeat daily for 10-15 days.

BRUISES - HOME REMEDIES

BRUISES - HOME REMEDIES

When a blow occurs, blood vessels under the skin tend to rupture and the blood seeps into the surrounding tissue and the seeped blood shows through the skin as a darkened blue and black discoloration and a possible swelling with soreness. Bruises are also common in older women whose skin is thinning with aging, because collagen, the connective tissue that cushions the skin, breaks down, leaving the underlying blood vessels more vulnerable. Elderly women, who are taking multiple medications for diseases, including blood thinners like aspirin, also have an increased risk of bruising.

Bruises should heal on its own in a few days, evolving through colors like reddish-blue, then purplish-black, then yellowish-green. Bruises on the legs are usually more severe and slower to heal since there is more blood pressure in the blood vessels of the leg and so they bleed more than the blood vessels in the arms. Following a bruise, apply ice or any chilled substance to the area to decrease the seepage of blood from the injured blood vessels to limit the size of the lump and the pain. Also raise the affected part to decrease the swelling and thus the pain. After 24 hours of applying ice, apply heat to the affected part to improve the blood circulation to sweep away the fluids and blood cells faster. Wrap an elastic bandage around the bruised area immediately (especially if its on the leg) to apply mild pressure to the broken blood vessels. The support might prevent the vessels from  leaking as much blood, thus minimizing the severity of the bruise. A cloth (preferably linen) is soaked in cold water and applied locally over the bruise, which should be replaced at regular intervals.

HOME REMEDIES

1. If you are prone to bruising, it's a good habit to eat more of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C like asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, green peppers, kale, snow peas and sweet potatoes; fruits such as cantaloupes, grapefruits (chakotra), guavas,  honeydew melons, Indian Gooseberry (amla), oranges, strawberries and tangerines.

2. Apply aloe vera gel over the bruise.

3. An ointment made out of pulp of unripe tamarind (imli) and sesame oil is a good application.

4. Bread blended with water or milk or a paste of arrowroot and water when bandaged over a bruise, hastens the healing process.

5. Poultice of leaves of Henna plant (mehndi) is boiled with sesame oil and bandaged over the bruised part.

6. Ten drops of the tincture of Myrrh shaken up in four ounces of distilled extract of Witch Hazel is a good application for sprains, bruises, sores and wounds.

7.  Cajuput oil is a useful application over the bruise or sprain.

FEVER - HOME REMEDIES

FEVER - HOME REMEDIES

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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 person 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 person only on  warm orange juice, given every two hours for a period of twelve hours and then slowly start giving the person 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  limejuice 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.

STYE - HOME REMEDIES

STYE - HOME REMEDIES

A 'stye' is a small, painful, red boil or abscess, which is the result of an inflamed and infected hair follicle or an infection of one or more of the sebaceous glands lining the edge of the eyelid. This condition can occur by itself or it can be associated with inflammation of the conjunctiva or the iris. The staphylococcus organism is the one of the most common causative factors for this condition.  

Plucking the infected eyelash or applying warm, moist compresses usually helps to break open the stye and drain out the pus. Avoid applying any eye makeup since that will hamper the healing process. The patient should give proper rest to his eyes and not remain awake for long at night. He should avoid reading and straining his eyes too much. 

HOME REMEDIES

1. Take a lot of fresh juicy fruits and raw  or  lightly cooked green vegetables and some nuts and dry fruits like walnuts, dates, raisins, figs (anjeer), etc.

2. Soak a few almonds overnight and then the next morning grind it into a paste and take this regularly after meals for a few days.

3. Adding a few drops of rose water in the eye proves to be soothing.

4. Make a poultice of black tea and place it moist over the eye especially at night on going off to sleep.

5. Applying a paste made from cloves (lavang) over the stye helps.

6. A paste made from red sandalwood known as raktachandan when applied locally over the stye, acts as an astringent and has a cooling effect.

7. A paste made from red lead (sindoor) moistened with water should be applied locally on the stye.

8. Aloe Vera gel can be applied to the stye several times daily.

BED WETTING - HOME REMEDIES

BED WETTING - HOME REMEDIES

Bed-wetting or sleep wetting refers to involuntary passage of urine in sleep, which is usually at night and then is termed as 'nocturnal enuresis'. This is a common problem in children upto the age of five years, but it can occur in children upto the age of fifteen years or more. Women may become incontinent after hysterectomy or after numerous pregnancies (due to the weakened pelvic muscles). An enlarged prostate is often responsible for enuresis in the males. Bedwetting in a child occurs either because of genetic inheritance or because the nervous system is not yet mature enough to control the bladder; but the usual causes of bedwetting  in a child is some kind of fear, stress, anxiety or some other emotional or psychological disturbances. About 5-10% of the cases can result from some pathology like childhood diabetes, paralysis of the spine, epilepsy, urinary tract infections, threadworms, etc. Treating the cause of the enuresis is of utmost importance to stop the habit completely.

Reduce the amount of fluid just before the child goes to bed. Make the child urinate before he goes off to sleep and also wake him up in the middle of the night to urinate. Do not punish the child or be too overanxious about the problem. Whipping the child or punishing him is no solution to the problem. He should not be humiliated in front of other family members since that will only increase the problem. The child doesn't do it in purpose and has often no control over this problem. He should be shown affection and an atmosphere of friendship should be created amongst his brothers and sisters. The child should be talked to and taken for a walk by the parents every evening to help him overcome any fear if present and make him feel more secure and loved. In cases of bed wetting in elderly children, make them learn exercises and gymnastics to make their will stronger and to make them exercise better control over their bladder.


HOME REMEDIES 

1. The children should not be given food that can increase the quantity of urine, especially in the night; like asparagus, celery, cucumbers, watermelons, etc. Also avoid giving chocolates, tea, coffee, milk, soft drinks and spicy or sour food.

2. Give a small piece of jaggery or jaggery laddoos at bedtime to the child who bed wets.

3. Give a tablespoonful of pure, raw honey at bedtime regularly for a month.

4. Chewing cinnamon (tuj) sticks just before retiring is thought to have an astringent effect on the urinary system and thus prevents any bedwetting.

5. Make a powder from one tablespoonful of black sesame seeds (til) and one teaspoonful of aniseeds (saunf) and mix it with two tablespoonfuls of jaggery and give it to the child twice  daily. This helps to strengthen the bladder.

6. Make the child swallow half teaspoonful of gingelly with quarter teaspoonful of ajwain with a little water.

7. Give two walnuts (akhrot) and a few raisins daily to the child.

BOILS AND ABSCESS - HOME REMEDIES

BOILS AND ABSCESS - HOME REMEDIES

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A "boil" also called as furuncle is a red, painful, raised area of the skin surrounded by swollen inflamed tissue, usually the result of bacteria (especially staphylococcus variety) that invade through a microscopic break in the skin and infect a blocked sweat gland or hair follicle. When the white blood cells fight against the infection, the dead cells and killed bacteria accumulate as pus and lead to the formation of a localized collection of pus in the skin, which is called as an "abscess".

To bring a developing boil to a head, apply warm, moist compresses for twenty to thirty minutes, three to four times daily. Keep the skin around the boil or abscess clean. Recurrent boils could be a sign of inadequate diet or an early symptom of diabetes.

In cases where the boil or abscess does not resolve or is very slow to heal or if the person suffers from diabetes or a deficient immune system, a physician should be consulted to prevent any further complications.

HOME REMEDIES 
1. The person should be put on a diet consisting of fresh juicy fruits, whole grain cereals and raw vegetables. Avoid tea, coffee, white bread and starchy and sugary foods.

2. A few drinks of lemon juice taken daily will purify the blood and help to fasten the healing process.

3. Taking a clove of garlic daily acts as an effective antiseptic and helps to detoxify the body. Also the juice of garlic or onion may be applied externally on the boils to help ripen them, break them and evacuate the pus.

4. Heat the mixture of turmeric (haldi) powder, jaggery and wheat flour and then apply it to the boils when warm to speed up the healing process.

5. Eating a lot of oranges and grapefruit (chakotra) daily helps faster healing of the boil.

6. Sandalwood paste has got astringent and anti-inflammatory properties and also has got a refrigerating or a cooling effect on the skin. So it is a useful application over the boils.

7. Apply plain honey or mix it with an equal amount of cod liver oil and apply it directly over the boil and cover it with a sterile dressing.

8. Applying pieces of stale bread soaked in hot milk on the boil or a poultice of warm milk and flour with a tablespoon salt added to it is a useful remedy.

9. One teaspoonful of cream of milk, mixed with half a teaspoonful of vinegar and a pinch of turmeric powder, makes an excellent poultice. It helps in ripening the blood boils and in healing them without allowing them to become septic.

10. Drink a cupful of milk in which some figs (anjeer) are boiled for a few minutes and give it warm to the patient. Also placing a raw fig as a poultice helps to ripen it.

11. Boil parsley in water till it is soft and juicy and when it is comfortably hot, it should be wrapped in a clean muslin or linen clothe and applied over the boil as a poultice.

12. Drink a mixture made from one-third teaspoonful of freshly ground nutmeg (jaiphal), one teaspoonful honey and four to five ounces of hot water daily for five days continuously.

13. Cumin seeds (jeera) are ground in water and made into a paste and applied over the boils. Also in cases of small children suffering from summer boils, a fine powder of cumin mixed in coconut milk is useful.

14. A simple method to quicken the ripening of a boil in any part of the body is to apply a mixture of ash heated with melted butter or ghee. Ash, which is chemically soda potash, acts as an astringent to drain out the purulent matter from inside the boil. Warm ghee softens the top layer of the epithelial cells of the skin.

15. Lightly steamed cabbage leaves or tomato slices act as a useful poultice for the boil.

16. Scrape the inside of the ripe banana peel and spread it on a cloth and bandage the abscess or boil.

17. Applying mashed raw potato over the abscess also helps.

TOP TEN HOME REMEDIES FOR SEXUAL DEBILITY AND IMPOTENCE

TOP TEN HOME REMEDIES FOR SEXUAL DEBILITY AND IMPOTENCE

Sexual debility usually results in people who are stressed up emotionally and physically or in people who overindulge in sex since an early age, resulting in poor sexual performance, resulting in the person further feeling low and depressed. Impotence is a condition that involves a partial or complete failure of erection of the penis with a normal sexual desire. This may occasionally resolve on its own within a few days, but if it persists then consulting a doctor becomes necessary. Avoid eating a heavy meal late at night. Taking a cool bath before going to bed may help in certain cases. Avoid taking excessive alcohol and stop smoking.

Give yourself some time to relax and avoid talking of work at home. 

SOME HOME REMEDIES

#1. Those who are suffering from the above said condition are advised to take a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits. They should avoid tea, coffee and all kinds of processed, canned and refined foods.

#2. Two to three cloves of raw garlic should be taken daily.

#3. Lightly macerated mixture of equal parts of dried dates (seedless), blanched almonds, pistachios and sugar is pickled in thin ghee for a week and one ounce is given to the person every morning.

#4. Milk in which figs (anjeer), roots, bark and tender sprouts of Banyan tree (vata) have been boiled is given with honey and sugar.

#5. The dried roots of asparagus (safed musli), about fifteen grams boiled in one cup of milk should be taken twice daily.

#6. Ripe plantains are taken with some ghee twice daily.

#7. Cooked rice eaten  with some ghee and soup of kidney beans (rajmah) is good.

#8. Juice of white onions and fresh ginger is taken with honey daily for a few weeks.

#9. Black raisins should be boiled with milk and taken thrice daily.

#10. Ten drops of the fluid extract of Black Willow (Salix Nigra) in a little hot water before meals is useful for sexual weakness and neurasthenia.

ASTHMA-HOME REMEDIES

ASTHMA-HOME REMEDIES

"Asthma" is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways wherein the airways in the lower respiratory tract go into a spasm and they narrow down in response to a stimulus like an allergy, change of weather, air irritants, lung infection or stress. The air gets trapped in the lungs during expiration leading to a labored breathing and the narrowed bronchus will no longer be cleared effectively by coughing up the mucus formed and thus many of the bronchi become obstructed by mucus plugs. 

For details please refer to the following post:
http://healthtips-sastha.blogspot.com/2012/05/asthma.html
HOME REMEDIES
1. Strictly avoid curd, buttermilk, rice, sugar, lentils (masoor), banana, guava, sour things, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments, pickles, sauces, fried things, refined and processed foods.

2. Include figs  (anjeer), dry grapes, dates, papayas and apples daily in your breakfast. The juice of grapefruit (chakotra) is an age-old remedy in asthma.

3. Three to four dry figs (anjeer) should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight and should be taken on an empty stomach the next morning, along with the water in which it was soaked. This treatment should be continued for a period of about two months for good results.

4. Freshly prepared mixture of ginger juice, lime juice and honey, one teaspoonful of each should be taken up to three times daily. This will help to soothe the throat and decrease the cough.

5. Magnesium is the essential mineral that helps to relax the smooth muscles lining the airways. The rich sources of this mineral are whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.

6. Boiling cloves of garlic in an ounce of milk and taken daily in the morning helps in the early stages of asthma.

7. A teaspoonful of bitter gourd (karela) root paste mixed with an equal amount of honey  or  juice of honey basil leaves (tulsi), given once every night for a month acts as a good expectorant.

8. A paste made from long pepper (pipli), dates, black raisins, ghee, sugar and honey is an efficacious remedy in asthma.

9. Soup prepared from drumstick leaves (saijan ki phalli) and taken once daily is beneficial for the treatment of asthma.

10. Half a teaspoonful of powder of dry safflower seeds, mixed with a tablespoonful of honey, can be taken twice daily.

11. Carrot juice is of some good value in asthma.

12. A few cups of strong coffee make a beneficial effect for an asthmatic attack.

13. Make a paste from ajwain and jaggery and take this twice daily for a few months.

14. Massage the chest with a mixture of eucalyptus and mustard oils. Add two or five drops of eucalyptus oil to half cup of mustard oil.

15. Five drops of the tincture of the herb Squill or Sumbul (also known as the Musk Root) should be taken in warm, sweetened water thrice daily for a few weeks.

Tonsillitis - Home Remedies

Tonsillitis - Home Remedies

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, which are glands on either side of the back of the throat. The tonsils are part of the immune system, which protects and helps the body to fight infections. Tonsillitis is very common and can occur at any age. It is most common in children and young adults.

Tonsillitis is mostly caused by a virus and is often preceded by a cold (a runny nose, cough and sore eyes). Fewer cases (about one in seven) are caused by bacteria. The most common type of bacteria involved is streptococcus(also known as ‘strep’ throat).

The treatment of the tonsillitis on the lines of modern medical system by means of painting and spraying is both harmful and suppressive. It does not help to rid the system of the toxins, which are the root of the trouble. In fact it forces these toxins back into the system, which may cause more serious trouble later on. The correct way to treat the disease is to cleanse the system of toxic waste through proper dietary and other natural methods. 

To begin with, the patient should fast for three to five days by which time serious symptoms would subside. Nothing but water and orange juice should be taken during this time. The bowels should be cleansed daily with a warm water enema during the period of fasting. A cold pack should be applied to the throat at two-hourly interval during the day. The procedure is to wring out some linen material in cold water, wrap it two or three times around the throat and cover it with some flannelling. 

The throat may be gargled several times daily with neat lemon juice. Gargle made from the fenugreek seeds is very effective in severe cases. To make such a gargle, two tablespoonful of fenugreek seeds should be allowed to simmer for half an hour in a litre of water and then set aside to cool. The entire quantity should be used as a soothing gargle in a day with beneficial results. 

Get plenty of rest.

Eat soft, cool foods (such as jelly and ice cream). Do not worry if your child stops eating for a day or two. They will eat when they are feeling better. Offer your child fluids, little and often (such as water or diluted juice). Chicken soup and other soft, easy to eat foods may be beneficial. 

Some Home Remedies for Piles

Some Home Remedies for Piles

Piles is also known as Hemorrhoids. Piles is mainly caused by severe strain or pressure in the abdominal regional veins and muscles. The most common cause for this is constipation or accumulating of waste in the intestine region. Piles is caused by the most commonly by
digestive disorders and lack of proper diet with no proper fibers integrated into it .It is a condition wherein the veins inside or outside the anus or lower rectum gets inflamed or swollen. Symptoms of piles include feeling of soreness, irritation or pain while passing stool. As a person passes stool, piles get aggravated because of pressure on the rectal area. In some cases, when the condition is severe, bleeding can also occur.

Home remedy for  piles
(1)There is no local treatment to cure piles. The treatment of the basic cause, namely, chronic constipation, is the only way to get rid of the trouble.the best thing to do will be to include a diet rich in fibers , vegetables and fruits into your diet .

(2)It is advisable to have a short fast for four to five days before adopting fruits diet.

(3)Good mix of fruits and raw vegetables is to consumed.

(4)Onion juice provides a Home remedy relief for piles when taken every day.

(5) Dry figs is an excellent item for stimulating bowel movements and this helps in decreasing piles . Dry figs is definitely a must try against piles .

(6) Banana , Pappaya , musk melon should be the part of ones diet if you want to get rid of piles  .

(7) Boil the peel of pomegranate in some water. Strain and drink this water twice a day.

(8) To reduce the pain felt due to piles, drink buttermilk to which rock salt, ginger and peppercorns has been added. Have this twice a day.

(9) To seek relief from bleeding due to piles, powder a teaspoon of mustard seeds and mix it with half a cup of goat's milk, adding a little sugar. Drink this early in the morning on an empty stomach.

(10) Powder dried mango seeds. Mix two teaspoons of this powder with a little honey and eat this twice a day.

(11) Mix one teaspoon of ginger and lime juice along with mint leaves and honey. Have this two to three times a day.

(12) Turnip better known as shalgam, is another useful remedy. Prepare a mixture of 50 ml each of carrot, spinach and turnip leaves juice.

SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON ILLNESSES

SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON ILLNESSES

1. Home Remedy for Common Cold
Garlic soup helps reduce the harshness of a cold.
A glass of lemon juice a day would raise the body’s resistance.
Onion juice can also help avoid a cold.
Drink plenty of water, at least 6-8 glasses per day.

2. Home Remedy for Cough
Basil leaves and ginger are very effective in relieving an irritating dry cough. You can either chew basil leaves or take fresh ginger with hot water.
Eat grapes. Grapes when eaten regularly can also help get rid of severe coughs.
Drinking a few cups of hot water with salt can also help stop coughing.
Take a hot shower. Breathing in the steam can provide temporary relief.

3. Home Remedy for Fever Blisters
Apply petroleum jelly to the skin.
Apply cold compress on the affected area.
Avoid eating nuts and chocolate.

4. Home Remedy for Common Fever
Drink tea made with from saffron.
Eat oranges. Oranges give instant energy and helps the body fight unwanted infections.
A glass of milk also works wonders.

5. Home Remedy for Sore Throat
A mixture of Listerine mouth wash and Hydrogen Peroxide. Pour a little of each liquid into a cup (equal parts) and gargle.
Eat three to four marshmallows to soothe a sore throat. The gelatin in the marshmallows is what soothes the sore throat.
Drink hot water, lemon juice, and honey mixed together.

6. Home Remedy for Heartburn
Dissolve a tsp. of baking soda in 8 ounces (1 cup) of water and drink. Baking soda is a natural antacid.
Bananas act as a natural antacid in the body. You can eat either fresh or dried bananas.
Fresh ginger is one of the oldest remedies for heartburn. It can be added to food when its cooked, eaten raw, or consumed as ginger tea.

7. Other Simple Remedies
Use duct tape to remove warts.
Cure nail fungus with vapor rub.
Soothe eczema by using oatmeal.
Cure bad breath by eating yogurt.
A spoonful of sugar to cure the hiccups.
Bite a pencil to cure a headache.
Eat olives to help with motion sickness.

8. Common illnesses such as coughs and colds should not make you panic. There are a lot of home remedies that would help you get rid of these illnesses without taking any over-the counter drugs.

9. Rubbing a mixture of pepper and sesame oil under your nose can help clear your sinuses.
A face mask of aspirin and lemon juice will keep your skin looking flawless.
Chicken soup can help cure the common cold.
You can pour hydrogen peroxide directly into the ear to help ease an ear infection.
Mix plain yogurt, sunflower oil and a little lemon juice for a facial cleanser that will give you flawless skin.

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force put on the walls of the blood vessels with each heartbeat. Blood pressure helps move blood through your body. Often accompanied by excess weight, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and the leading killer  heart disease. If you are someone who has high blood pressure, the mainstream medical industry wants nothing more than your eternal business, buying their pharmaceutical drugs that never really cure anything. But instead of doing that, try utilizing one of these natural solutions.

1. Drink Coconut Water to Combat High Blood Pressure
Coconut water is a tasty and nutritious beverage which has also been shown to be effective at lowering blood pressure. In one study where authors investigated the effects of coconut water when regularly consumed, they found that coconut water was able to significantly lower blood pressure in 71 percent of the study participants. This refreshing beverage has also been shown to rise above sports drinks in hydration while causing not nearly as many stomach pains.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Effectively helping thousands of health ailments such as strep throat and acid reflux, apple cider vinegar is also a fantastic solution for high blood pressure. Just a few tablespoons a day for one month could have a dramatic impact. I have seen people’s blood pressure go from 150/80 to 130/80 in just a month while taking 2 tablespoons of ACV a day. Many others have experienced the same scenario, and blood pressure medications are often chucked. It could help you too.

3. Vitamin D
Research points out that vitamin D can be an effective solution to lower blood pressure, promote vascular health by helping blood vessels, and contribute to healthy arteries. While helping to lower blood pressure, this powerful cancer fighter can also protect you from the flu 800% better than any flu vaccine.

4. Aloe Vera, Hibiscus Tea, Cayenne Pepper
Aloe, cayenne pepper, honey, and tea are all fabulous for helping with a whole host of health problems. They are often used in combination to treat anything from strep throat to lowering insulin levels to boosting overall health. Not surprisingly, some individuals have also found this combination to effectively lower blood pressure.

5. Garlic supplements should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) similar to aspirin. Garlic may interact with many drugs and supplements such as the prescription "blood-thinners" drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Trental (pentoxifylline), aspirin, vitamin E, gingko. It is usually recommended that people taking garlic stop in the weeks before and after any type of surgery.

6. Hawthorn
The herb hawthorn is often used by traditional herbal practitioners for high blood pressure.

7. Ayurvedic Medicine
In Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, high blood pressure is treated according to each person’s dosha, or constitutional type.
The pitta type may have a flushed face, red eyes, headaches, light sensitivity, irritability, and nosebleeds.
The kapha type may have excess weight, water retention, high cholesterol, sluggishness.
The vata type may feel cold, have gas, bloating, or constipation, insomnia, or nervousness, worry, or anxiety.

8. Traditional Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, high blood pressure is often attributed to a problem with the circulation of vital energy (qi) in the body. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that depression, anger, obesity, and high intake of fatty foods are some of the causative factors.
A combination of acupuncture and herbs is often recommended. Foods thought to have medicinal properties that may help high blood pressure include water chestnut, turnip, honey, Chinese celery, hawthorn berries, and mung beans.

9. In addition to all of these solutions, living an overall healthy lifestyle with some exercise will also help greatly. This means avoiding fructose, which has been shown to up the risk of having blood pressure levels of  160/100 mmHg by 77 percent with the consumption of 74 grams (2.5 sugary drinks). Maintaining a healthy weight while reducing fructose intake to no more than 20g per day are excellent preventative measures.

10. Eat a Diet with Plenty of Fruits, Vegetables and Grains
Potassium and magnesium found in these foods may help control your blood pressure. Foods that are high in potassium include: bananas, catfish, orange juice, spinach, dried fruit, dried beans and potatoes. Food sources of magnesium include: whole grain breads and cereals, green leafy vegetables and beans.

MENOPAUSE - Home Remedies

MENOPAUSE - Home Remedies

"Menopause" also termed as "the change of life", is a perfectly normal process through which every female goes through but is yet a very dreaded time in a woman's life since most of the women feel that they have lost their femininity and attractiveness. As this period approaches, the menses start becoming irregular, both as regards to the time of their return and the quantity of the flow. During this period the ovaries stop ovulating and there are changes in the hormonal levels leading to disturbances in the menstrual cycle (irregular menses) and then after a few months or  years, there is a cessation of menses. It usually occurs during the late forties and fifties, depending upon when their mother or grandmother got their menopause.

Also during the menopausal phase the woman goes through a lot of emotional disturbances, mood swings, depression, poor concentration, increased irritability, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, dryness of hair, heart palpitations, osteoporosis, paleness, debility, insomnia, disturbances in calcium and zinc metabolism and other complaints like headache, vertigo, backache, osteoporosis, weight loss or weight gain, arthritis, etc. Avoid taking hormonal replacement therapy, since the side effects caused by them are many.

Regular exercising (like aerobics, walking, stretching, jogging, swimming, deep breathing exercises, etc.), relaxation techniques, performing yoga, keeping yourself busy in some occupation or hobby, etc. will help you to relax and divert you emotionally and consequently reduce your symptoms. Stop smoking since it directl y affects the production of estrogen and brings on the menopause earlier.

HOME REMEDIES

1. Some  herbs  useful for this condition are Mexican wild yam, passionflower, sarsaparilla, liferoot, golden seal, Lady's slipper, liquorice (mulethi), black  cohosh, alfalfa, blessed thistle, ginseng, red raspberry root, yarrow and false unicorn roots. All of these contain some natural estrogen and so can be used as natural supplements to the body during menopause  or  after hysterectomy. They reduce
the menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, etc. The best way to take herbs is as follows take a teaspoonful of the dried herbs or open and empty two to three of the herbal capsules in a cup and pour some boiling water over it. Allow it to stand for ten to fifteen minutes, strain it and then have it with a teaspoon of honey.

2. Drink a lot of liquids and eat a lot of whole grain cereals, peas, soybeans, legumes, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, either raw or  lightly cooked. Avoid alcohol, caffeine products (especially coffee and chocolate), sugar, spices and refined, tanned  or  processed foods.

3. The natural sources of Vitamin E are avocados, brown rice, cold-pressed vegetable oils, corn meal, dry beans, fresh vegetables (like asparagus, broccoli, cabbage,  carrot, green leaves, legumes, parsley, spinach, sweet potatoes and tomatoes), fruits (like apples, peaches and dried plums that are also called as prunes), homemade cottage cheese  (paneer), nuts, oatmeal, organ meats, peanuts, sprouted grains, sunflower seeds, unpasturised milk, wheat germ and its oil and whole-grain cereals; which should be taken liberally.

4. Increase your intake of calcium-rich food like almonds (unblanched), asparagus, beans, brewer's yeast, Brazil nuts, cereals fortified with calcium, citrus fruits, figs (anjeer), fish (like mackerel, salmon, sardines and shellfish), green leafy vegetables (like blackstrap molasses, broccoli, cabbage, chick-peas, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, etc.;  except  spinach), lime, low-fat milk and milk  products especially cheese, whey, cottage cheese  (paneer) and yogurt, oats, peanuts, peas, prunes (dried plums), sesame seeds, soybean, sunflower seeds, tofu, wheat and whole grain cereals.

5. Take in two to three cloves of garlic daily in the morning for a few months.

6. Soybean products contain natural estrogen and so it tends to decrease the menopausal symptoms.

7. Beetroot juice, taken in small quantities at a time, thrice daily helps.

8. Take a tablespoon of raw honey in a glass of warm water every morning.

9. A teaspoonful of carrot seeds are boiled in a glass of cow's milk for about ten minutes and then taken.

10. Take a bowl full of yogurt and a glassful of buttermilk twice daily for a few months.

Falling of Hair - Home Remedies

Falling of Hair - Home Remedies

Loss of hair at a very tender age has become a common disorder these days. It causes a great deal of concern to persons affected by loss of hair, especially Indian women who regard good hair growth with thick long hair as a sign of beauty.Hair is formed in minute pockets in the skin, called follicles. An upgrowth at the base of the folic, called the papilla, actually produces hair ; when a special group of cells turn amino acids into keratin, a type of protein of which hair is made. The rate of production of these protein " building blocks." determines hair growth. The average growth rate is about 1.2 cm per month , growing faster on women between the ages 15 and 30.

Causes
The most important cause of loss of hair is inadequate nutrition. Even a partial lack of almost any nutrient may cause hair to fall. Persons lacking vitamin B6 lose their hair and those deficient in folic acid often become completely bald. But the hair grows normally after the liberal intake of these vitamins.

Another important cause of falling of hair is stress such as worry, anxiety and sudden shock. Stress leads to a severe tension in the skin of the scalp. This adversely affects the supply of essential nutrition required for the healthy growth of the hair. It makes the roots of the hair weak, resulting in the falling of hair. Unclean condition of the scalp can also cause loss of hair. It weakens the hair roots by blocking the pores with the collected dirt. Heredity is another predisposing factor which may cause hair to fall.

The healthy condition of the hair depends, to a very large extent , on the intake of sufficient amounts of essential nutrients in the daily diet. Hair is made of protein and adequate protein is necessary for luxuriant hair. Women require 60 grams, men 80 to 90, adolescent boys and girls 80 to 100 grams of protein. It is supplied by milk, buttermilk, yogurt,soyabean, eggs, cheese, meat and fish. A lack of vitamin A may cause the hair to be caurse and ugly. A deficiency of some of the B vitamins, of iron, copper and iodine may cause hair disorders like falling of hair and premature greying.

Home Remedies
1. Several home remedies have been found useful in the prevention and treatment of the loss of the hair. The most effective among these remedies is a vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. It will activate the sebaceous glands and energise the circulation of blood in the affected area, making the hair grow healthy.

2. Amla oil, prepared by boiling dry pieces of amla in coconut oil, is considered a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth. A mixture of equal quantity of fresh amla juice and lime juice used as a shampoo stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.

3. Lettuce ( salad-ka-patta) is useful in preventing hair loss through deficiencies. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is said to help the growth of hair if it is drunk to the extent of half a litre a day. The juice of alfalfa ( lecerne) in combination with carrot and lettuce juice, taken daily also helps the growth of hair to a remarkable extent. The combination of these juices is rich in elements which are particularly useful for the growth of hair. While preparing alfalfa juice, the leaves of the plant only may be used when it can be obtained fresh.

4. Daily application of refined coconut oil mixed with limewater and lime juice on the hair, prevents loss of hair and lengthens them. Application of the juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also considered beneficial. Amaranth, known as chaulai-ka-saag in the vernacular, is another valuable remedy. Application of its fresh leaf-juice helps the growth of the hair and keeps them soft.

5. Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is useful in healthy growth of hair. About 250 grams of mustard oil should be boiled in tinned basin. A little quantity of henna leaves should be gradually put in this oil till about 60 grams of these leaves are thus burnt in the oil. The oil should then be filtered through a cloth and stored well in a bottle. A regular massage of the head with this oil will produce abundant hair.

6. Another effective home remedy for loss of hair is the application of coconut milk all over the scalp and massaging it into the hair loss. It will nourish the hair and promote hair growth. The coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut shavings and squeezing it well. Washing the hair with a paste of cooked black gram dal, (urad dal) and fenugreek ( methi) lengthens the hair. A fine paste made from pigeon pea or red gram ( arhar dal ) can also be applied regularly with beneficial results on bald patches. Regular use of castor oil as hair oil helps the luxuriant growth of the hair.

7. Certain home remedies have also been found useful in case of patchy loss of hair. The seeds of lime and black pepper seeds, ground to get a fine paste, is one of the valuable remedies. This paste applied on the patches, has mildly irritant action. This increases blood circulation in the affected area and stimulates hair growth. The paste should be applied twice a day for a few weeks.

8. Another useful remedy for patchy loss of hair is the paste of liquorice (mulethi) made by grinding the pieces in milk with a pinch of saffron. This paste should be applied over the bald patches in the night before going to bed.


9. Natural juices: You can rub your scalp with either garlic juice, onion juice or ginger juice. Leave it on overnight and wash it thoroughly in the morning.

10. Get a head massage: Massaging your scalp for a few minutes daily will help stimulate circulation. Good circulation in the scalp keeps hair follicles active. Circulation may be improved through massage by using a few drops of lavender or bay essential oil in an almond or sesame oil base.

11.  Antioxidants: Apply warm green tea (two bags brewed in one cup of water) on your scalp and leave this mixture on for an hour and then rinse. Green tea contains antioxidants which prevent hair loss and boost hair growth.

12.  Practice meditation: Believe it or not, most of the times, the root cause for hair loss is stress and tension. Meditation can help in reducing that and restore hormonal balance.

Hot Flashes - Home Remedies

Hot Flashes - Home Remedies

A hot flush is a sudden sensation of warmth spreading all over your body.Hot flashes are the most common bothersome symptom of menopause. Hot flashes may occur during the day or at night (also known as night sweats). Hot flashes may be mild and tolerable, moderate and troublesome, or severe and debilitating. Hot flashes get better with time. While most women have hot flashes for a few years, some women have them for decades. It is not known why some women have severe hot flashes for many years, while others have no hot flashes, or mild ones that resolve quickly. If your hot flashes are mild or moderate, you may find relief by changing your lifestyle. If you have severe hot flashes, you may still benefit from lifestyle changes, but also may choose to take a nonprescription remedy or a prescription medication, including hormones to help you manage your symptoms.

Lifestyle changes  
Researchers find that women with hot flashes have more sensitive thermostats in their brain, so are comfortable only in a small range of temperatures. Staying cool and reducing stress are the principal lifestyle changes to treat your hot flashes.  

1. Avoid warm rooms, hot drinks, hot foods, alcohol, caffeine, bright lights, excess stress, and cigarette smoking.  Wear layers of clothing made from light, breathable fabrics, removing a layer or two when you’re hot, and replacing them when you’re cooler. Cooling products, including sprays, gels, cooling bed linens, wicking sleepwear, and the Chillow pillow may be helpful.

2. To reduce stress and promote more restful sleep, exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime. Meditation, yoga, qigong, tai chi, biofeedback, acupuncture, or massage also will lower your stress levels.

3.  When a hot flash is starting, try “paced respiration” slow, deep, abdominal breathing, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe only 5-7 times per minute, much more slowly than usual.

4. Try different strategies to stay cool while sleeping. Dress in light, breathable nightclothes. Use layered bedding that can be easily removed during the night. Cool down with a bedside fan. Keep a frozen cold pack or bag of frozen peas under your pillow, and turn the pillow often so that your head is always resting on a cool surface. If you wake at night, sip cool water. Try different techniques for getting back to sleep, such as meditation, paced respiration, or getting out of bed and reading until you become sleepy.

5. Women who are overweight have more hot flashes, so maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to decrease bothersome hot flashes and improve your overall health.

6. Soy: Eat one or two servings of soy foods daily (containing isoflavones), such as low-fat varieties of tofu, tempeh, soymilk, or roasted soy nuts.

7. Herbs: Supplements containing certain herbs like black cohosh, such as Remifemin, decrease hot flashes in some studies.

8. Sleeping medications will not reduce your hot flashes but may help you sleep through them.

9. Deep breathing – breathing exercises can help relax you, body and mind.  Focus your mind on a peaceful image, breathe in and out, deeply and slowly.  Deep breathing helps increase the supply of oxygen to the body.

10. Cool yourself down by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, and go to bed with a glass of water near at hand, in case of a mid-night Hot Flush.

11. Green tea – Green tea has anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities, and can help build your defenses against flu.  Its anti-oxidants can help cardiovascular conditions, and it is linked with fewer negative menopausal symptoms, including less Hot Flushes.

INSOMNIA - HOME REMEDIES

INSOMNIA - HOME REMEDIES

"Insomnia" is a term referring to inadequate quantity  or  quality of sleep where there is difficulty in either "falling" asleep or in  "staying" asleep. The cause is often anxiety, depression, stress, emotional upsets and poor sleep habits; physical disorders such as pain, low blood sugar, sleep apnea or thyroid gland disturbances  or  reactions to prescribed medications. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to insomnia by inhibiting the normal fluctuations in body temperature and metabolism.

Thus, regular exercise should be a part of the daily schedule and an after-dinner stroll or gentle bending and stretching exercises before going to bed can help relax the tense muscles and facilitate the onset of sleep. The person is asked not to take a heavy meal in the night and also to avoid drinking any alcohol beverages and caffeine-containing drinks during the evening. Listen to some soft music for  half an hour before going to sleep. Also the person is asked not to take a nap during the daytime since that could throw the body clock off balance and result in loss of sleep at night.
Massaging of the feet, calves, nape of neck and shoulders helps to relax the body and thus lead to a good sleep.

SOME HOME REMEDIES
1. Eating the dinner just before sunset, followed two hours later by a bath in lukewarm water with a few drops of lavender oil can be very soothing to the nerves. This plus some soft and soothing  drone music will help the person to sleep.

2. A balanced diet should be taken and the following items should be avoided as far as possible tea, coffee, chocolate, cola drinks, alcohol, fatty foods, white flour products, sugar and its products, fried foods and foods containing additives and preservatives.

3. Rinse the eyes with rosewater and then add one drop of ghee to each eye and keep the eyes closed for some time. This will by itself lead to a peaceful sleep.

4. One tablespoonful of lettuce seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water, till it is reduced by one-third and this decoction is useful for insomnia. Also juice of the lettuce plant is also useful since it contains a sleep-inducing substance called as "lectucarium".

5. Honey is a good remedy for inducing sleep. A glass of milk, sweetened with honey, taken every night before going to bed is also useful.

6. Having raw or cooked onions helps ensure a good sleep.

7. Sesame oil (til) is mixed with bottle gourd juice in equal proportion and massaged over the scalp each night to induce sleep.

8. Cooked leaves of bottle gourd taken as a vegetable are also beneficial in the treatment of the disease.

9. Boiling about 375 ml of water and add a teaspoonful of aniseed (saunf) inside and cover the lid and allow to simmer for fifteen minutes. The tea may be sweetened with honey and hot milk may be added to it. This is then strained and drunk as a tea, after meals or before going to bed.

10. Roasted brinjals eaten with honey in the evening induces sleep.

11. Thiamine and Vitamin A is vital for strong, healthy nerves. A body starved of thiamine over a long period will be unable to relax and fall asleep naturally.

12. The rich sources of vitamin B1 are asparagus, brown rice, brussel sprouts, dried beans, dried plums (prunes), egg yolk, fenugreek (methi) seeds, fish, gingelly seeds (til), green leafy vegetables, lean meats, maize, milk and other dairy products, nuts, oats, organ meats, peas, peanuts with husk, plums, pork, potatoes, raisins, rice bran, rye, soybeans, sprouted wheat, unpolished rice, wheat germ and yeast.

13. The natural sources of vitamin A are alfalfa, animal livers, apricots, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cod liver oil, dandelion green, dates, egg yolk, fish, fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables (especially spinach, spirulina, turnip tops and green peas), garlic, kale, milk and milk products(especially butter), mustard, oranges, papayas, parsley, peaches, pumpkin, red pepper, soya beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watercress (Jalkumb) and whole cereals.

14. Curd when massaged on the head induces sleep.

15. An old German remedy is stirring a spoonful of honey into a cup of heated dark beer. Having small sips of wine before retiring to bed helps.

16. Some herbs like Serpentine, Avena sativa, Indian hemp, etc. prove to be beneficial.

17. Rosemary tea when taken at night, half an hour before sleep, is useful for insomnia.