Start your own thread named "[Name's] Book of Shadows" and add spells, rituals, correspondences, music, videos, etc. that you would like to keep for future use or share with others. Use as many posts as you'd like. It's not private, but at least your family won't see it. You can also get ideas from other people's Books of Shadows.
A Bone of an Ibis: Buckthorn
Adders Tongue: Dogstooth Violet
A Titan's Blood: Wild Lettuce
A Lion's Hairs: Tongue of a Turnip [i.e., the leaves of the taproot]
A Man's Bile: Turnip Sap
A Pig's Tail: Leopard's Bane
A Hawk's Heart: Heart of Wormwood
An Eagle: Wild Garlic
Ass's Foot or Bull's Foot: Coltsfoot
Blood: Elder sap or another tree sap
Blood of Hephaistos: Wormwood
Burning Bush: White Dittany
Bread and Cheese Tree: Hawthorne
Blood from a Head: Lupine
Bird's Eye: Germander Speedwell
Blood of Ares: Purslane
Blood of a Goose: A Mulberry Tree's Milk
Bloodwort: Yarrow
Blood of Hestia: Camomile
Blood of an Eye: Tamarisk Gall
Blood from a Shoulder: Bear's Breach
Bat's Wings: Holly
Black Sampson: Echinacea
Bull's Blood or Seed of Horus: Horehound
Bear's Foot: Lady's Mantle
Calf's Snout: Snapdragon
Cat's Foot: Canada Snake Root and/or Ground Ivy
Candelmas Maiden: Snowdrop.
Capon's Tail: Valerian.
Christ's Ladder: Centaury
Cheeses: Marsh Mallow
Chocolate Flower: Wild Geranium
Christ's Eye: Vervain Sage
Clear-eye: Clary Sage
Click: Goosegrass
Cucumber Tree: Magnolia
Clot: Great Mullein
Corpse Plant: Indian pipe.
Crowdy Kit: Figwort
Cuddy's Lungs: Great Mullein
Crow Foot: Cranesbill
Cuckoo's Bread: Common Plantain
Clear Eye: Clary Sage
Crow's Foot: Wild Geranium
Devils Dung: Asafoetida
Dragon's Blood: Calamus
Dog's Mouth: Snap Dragon
Daphne: Laurel/Bay
Devil's Plaything: Yarrow
Dove's Foot: Wild Geranium
Dew of the Sea: Rosemary
Dragon Wort: Bistort
Earth Smoke: Fumitory
Eye of Christ: Germander Speedwell
Elf's Wort: Elecampane
Enchanter's Plant: Vervain
Englishman's Foot: Common Plantain
Erba Santa Maria: Spearmint
Everlasting Friendship: Goosegrass
Eye of the Day: Common Daisy
Eye of the Star: Horehound
Eye Root: Goldenseal
Eyes: Aster, Daisy, Eyebright
Frog's Foot: Bulbous Buttercup
From the Loins: Camomile
Fat from a Head: Spurge
Fairy Smoke: Indian pipe
Felon Herb: Mugwort
From the Belly: Earth-apple
From the Foot: Houseleek
Five Fingers: Cinquefoil
Fox's Clote: Burdock
Graveyard Dust: Mullein
Goat's Foot: Ash Weed
God's Hair: Hart's Tongue Fern
Golden Star: Avens
Gosling Wing: Goosegrass
Graveyard Dust: Mullein
Great Ox-eye: Ox-eye Daisy
Hairs of a Hamadryas Baboon: Dill Seed
Hair of Venus: Maidenhair Fern
Hag's Taper: Great Mullein
Hagthorn: Hawthorn
Hare's Beard: Great Mullein
Herb of Grace: Vervain
Hind's Tongue: Hart's Tongue Fern
Holy Herb: Yerba Santa
Holy Rope: Hemp Agrimony
Hook and Arn: Yerba Santa
Horse Tongue: Hart's Tongue Fern
Horse Hoof: Coltsfoot
Hundred Eyes: Periwinkle
Innocense: Bluets
Jacob's Staff: Great Mullein
Joy of the Mountain: Marjoram
Jupiter's Staff: Great Mullein
King's Crown: Black Haw
Knight's Milfoil: Yarrow
Kronos' Blood: of Cedar
Lady's Glove: Foxglove aka Witches' Gloves
Lion's Tooth: Dandelion aka Priest's Crown
Lad's Love: Southernwood
Lamb's Ears: Betony
Little Dragon: Tarragon
Love in Idleness: Pansy
Love Leaves: Burdock
Love Lies Bleeding: Amaranth or Anemone
Love Man: Goosegrass
Love Parsley: Lovage
Love Root: Orris Root
Man's Health: Ginseng
Maiden's Ruin: Southernwood
Master of the Woods: Woodruff
May: Black Haw
May Lily: Lily of the Valley
May Rose: Black Haw
Maypops: Passion Flower
Mistress of the Night: Tuberose
Mutton Chops: Goosegrass
Nose Bleed: Yarrow
Old-Maid's-Nightcap: Wild Geranium
Old Man's Flannel: Great Mullein
Old Man's Pepper: Yarrow
Oliver: Olive
Password: Primrose
Pucha-pat: Patchouli
Peter's Staff: Great Mullein
Priest's Crown: Dandelion leaves
Poor Man's Treacle: Garlic
Queen of the Night: Vanilla Cactus
Queen of the Meadow: Meadowsweet
Queen of the Meadow Root: Gravelroot
Ram's Head: American Valerian
Red Cockscomb: Amaranth
Ring-o-bells: Bluebells
Robin-run-in-the-grass: Goosegrass
Semen of Helios: White Hellebore
Semen of Herakles: Mustard-rocket
Semen of Hermes: Dill
Semen of Hephaistos: This is Fleabane
Semen of Ammon: Houseleek
Semen of Ares: Clover
Seed of Horus: Horehound
Sparrow's Tongue: Knotweed
Soapwort: Comfrey or Daisy
Shepherd's Heart: Shepherd's Purse
Swine's Snout: Dandelion leaves
Shameface: Wild Geranium
See Bright: Clary Sage
Scaldhead: Blackberry
Seven Year's Love: Yarrow
Silver Bells: Black Haw
Sorcerer's Violet: Periwinkle
St. John's Herb: Hemp Agrimony. (this is not St. John's Wort)
St. John's Plant: Mugwort
Star Flower: Borage
Star of the Earth: Avens
Starweed: Chickweed
Sweethearts: Goosegrass
Tarragon: Mugwort
Tartar Root: Ginseng
Thousand Weed: Yarrow
Thunder Plant: House Leek
Tanner's Bark: Common Oak
Toad: Toadflax
Torches: Great Mullein
Tongue of dog: hounds tongue
Tears of a Hamadryas Baboon: Dill Juice
Unicorn Root: Ague Root
Unicorn's Horn: False Unicorn:Helonias Dioica
Unicorn Horn: True Unicorn Root
Wax Dolls: Fumitory
Weazel Snout: Yellow Dead Nettles/Yellow Archangel
White: Ox-eye Daisy
White Wood: White Cinnamon
Witch's Asprin: White Willow/Willow Bark
Witch's Brier: Brier Hips
Weasel Snout: Yellow Archangel
Wolf Foot: Bugle Weed
Wolf Claw: Club Moss
Wolf's Milk: Euphorbia
Weed: Ox-Eye Daisy
White Man's Foot: Common Plantain
White Wood: White Cinnamon
Witchs Asprin: White Willow/Willow Bark
Witchs Brier: Brier Hips
Worms: Gnarled, thin roots of a local tree
1. Mindfulness, also called ‘Vipassana’, comes from the Buddhist tradition. I’d say mindfulness is the most popular form of meditation in the western world. It’s all about ‘being present’, letting your mind run, and accepting whatever thoughts come up, while practicing detachment from each thought. Mindfulness is taught along with an awareness on the breath, though the breathing is often considered to be just one sensation among many others, not a particular focus. There is no attempt to change the breathing pattern, which limits this practice and makes it observational rather than active. Changing your breathing changes the energy; just watching what your breathing is doing (particularly if your breathing is shallow, as it generally is) means you are stuck in a low-energy state.
Zazen comes from the Japanese Buddhist tradition
2. Zazen is the generic term for seated meditation in the Buddhist tradition, but in the modern Zen tradition, it is often referred to as ‘just sitting’. It is a minimal kind of meditation, done for long periods of time, with little instruction beyond the basics of posture (sit with your back straight). There is no particular attention to the breath, nor an attempt to change the breath. Zazen is the ‘anti-method’ approach to meditation, but it is often done in conjunction with a concentration on a certain aspect of Buddhist scripture, or a paradoxical sentence, story or question, called a koan. Zazen is very difficult to learn, and it is very difficult to make progress with this method, because of the lack of guidance on how to do the practice. Also, it was developed for a monastic setting, making it difficult to adapt to an active life in the world.
TM comes from the Hindu tradition
3. Transcendental Meditation is a simplified practice that emerges from Vedanta, the meditative tradition within Hinduism. In TM, you sit with your back straight (ideally in the Lotus or half-Lotus posture), and use a mantra, a sacred word that is repeated. Your focus is on rising above all that is impermanent. TM is a more involved method than either mindfulness or zazen. At the more advanced levels, TM focuses on the breath and changes the breath to change one’s state of being. TM often leads to leaving the body (indeed, that is the aim of the practice). That is problematic because the energy of the body (and the mind) can be disrupted. Also, the practice is not focused on your life and your purpose, and indeed the philosophy that goes with it is harmful to the heart, considering desires to be ‘egoic’ and materialistic.
Kundalini Yoga comes from the Hindu tradition
4. Kundalini is another practice that comes from Vedanta. Kundalini is the name for the rising stream of energy that exists in a human being (there is also a downward stream, not emphasized in Kundalini). The aim of Kundalini meditation is to become aware of that rising stream, and to ride the stream to infinity. The practitioner concentrates on their breath flowing through each of the energy centers of the body, always moving upward, toward the energy center just above the top of the head. Kundalini makes active use of the breath, using breath to move energy upward. Like TM, Kundalini is not heart-based in either its method or philosophy, and it can have unpleasant side-effects, which happen often enough to have been given a name: Kundalini syndrome.
Qi gong comes from the Taoist tradition
5. Qi gong is a form of Taoist meditation that uses the breath to circulate energy through the organs and energy centers of the body in a oval pattern called the ‘microcosmic orbit’. Attention is focused on the breath and the circulation of energy (called ‘qi’ or ‘chi’). Attention is also focused on the three major centers used in Taoist meditation: a point about two inches below the navel, the center of the chest, and the center of the forehead. Qi gong uses the breath to direct energy, and circulate energy in the body and spirit, but it is not heart-based. There is little sense of how the heart changes and develops, and no connection between the circulation of energy and emotional states, and no core set of teachings on how to work with emotion.
Guided visualization doesn't come from an established tradition
6. Guided visualization is a popular form of meditation that involves concentration upon an image or imaginary environment. It is usually done while listening to a recording. An example would be to imagine you are in a grassy field, with a clear sky overhead. There is sometimes a focus on the breath, but generally no attempt to use or control the breath, and because the sensation is imaginary, and the impetus for it comes from outside, the practice tends to be rather passive. This kind of meditation does not come from an established meditative tradition like the others listed above, and so it is untested as a method of spiritual development. Not every recorded meditation is an example of guided visualization; the key is whether it contains elements of hypnotic suggestion or the creation of fantasies under the guidance of someone else. If you are listening to a recording where the guide lays out a method for you to do yourself, or calls attention to sensation and energy already occurring within you, that is not guided visualization, but rather meditation instruction. The key is whether you are practicing a method that will enable you to do a practice by yourself or not.
Hypnosis produces a trance state
7. Trance-based practices. This is my category for a whole set of reflective practices that generate a trance state. The hallmarks of a trance are: awareness of the self and the environment is limited, conscious control of the experience is absent, rational thinking is absent, and memory of the experience is very limited. Often these kinds of practices involve drugs, music, shallow, rapid breathing (which produces an intoxicating effect), or a form of hypnotic suggestion. Because self-control is so limited, and because of the passivity involved in having a state induced by someone else, a trance state is both potentially dangerous and not helpful for spiritual development. I could’ve easily not included this as meditation, because it isn’t really meditation, but I included it because these kinds of practices are commonly thought to be meditation. The idea that meditation involves a trance-state is actually a common myth about meditation.
Heart-based meditation focuses your attention on your heart and emotions
8. Heart Rhythm Meditation focuses on the breath and heartbeat, making the breath full, deep, rich, rhythmic, and balanced. Attention is focused on the heart as the center of the energetic system. One tries to identify oneself with the heart. By focusing on the breath, you make your breath powerful. And then learning to direct the breath, to feel the circulation of breath as your pulse in different parts of your body, then on your magnetic field, you learn to direct and circulate energy. You are in control of yourself at all times, and you become both more powerful and more sensitive. Further, your power and sensitivity are always in service of your heart, so you become compassionate. (An excellent way to learn Heart Rhythm Meditation is to take our 8-week online course 101.)
So as this list shows, there are some basic differences between meditative methods. I could get into these differences at length, but this is intended just to establish that there are differences and briefly sketch them. It’s important not to denigrate any traditions or practices; each meditative tradition has been developed through the dedication of many thousands of hours, lifetimes of accumulated experience. I have deep respect for all these traditions. This post merely seeks to illuminate some of the differences so that you can have a better understanding of the kinds of meditation that exist in relation to heart-based forms of meditation like HRM.
Because HRM directs your full, deep, rhythmic breath toward your heart, it has all kinds of positive health effects. HRM is also an incredibly powerful and rapid way of healing the wounds of your heart. HRM is also a powerful way of accessing the state of unity, which is the goal of every kind of meditation. When you meditate on your heartbeat, you access the state of unity in a very unique way: you feel that your heartbeat is the universal heartbeat, the heartbeat of the all life, the heartbeat of God.
I like this video for raising positive energy. A lot of what he has to say is common sense stuff but sometimes you just "forget" about it. I;m sure some people would think he was odd but I consider him to be colorful.
This Fourfold Breath technique should be practiced while you are composed in a basic posture or Asana, counting slowly or quickly until you obtain a suitable rhythm. This simple technique will help to still the body and quiet the mind.
Empty the lungs and remain thus while counting to four.
Inhale, counting to four so that you feel filled with breath to the throat.
Hold this breath while counting to four.
Exhale, counting to four till the lungs are empty.
Three part breath:
You can practice Three-Part Breath in any comfortable position in which your spine is straight and your abdomen is not compressed. Some options include:
An upright seated position, such as Easy Pose (Sukhasana).
A seated position on a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
Lying down fully extended in Corpse Pose (Savasana), or in Modified or Supported Corpse Pose with your knees bent or with a bolster under your knees.
Lying in Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana), with your feet pressing together and knees dropped open.
1 Close your eyes. Relax your face and body, and breathe naturally through your nose.
2 Place your left hand on your low abdomen, a few inches below your belly button, and place your right hand on the outer right edge of your rib cage.
3 Begin to focus your awareness on your breath as it moves in and out of your body through your nose.
4 On your inhalations, feel the natural lift of your belly, followed by the expansion of your ribs.
5 On your exhalations, feel the slight compression of your ribs, followed by the drop of your belly. Exhale completely, pressing very gently on your abdomen to help expel air.
6 Next, bring your left hand to your chest, placing it in the center, just below your collarbone.
7 As you inhale, breathe all the way into this area and allow your chest to rise slightly. Then, exhale completely.
8 As you continue to breathe, keep your awareness on this three-part movement. As you inhale, your belly lifts, your ribs expand, and your chest rises. As you exhale, your chest drops, your ribs contract, and your belly softens and lowers.
9 Continue at your own pace, gradually letting the three parts of the breath flow smoothly without pausing.
10 Release your arms and focus your mind on your breath, continuing the three-part breath with full and complete inhalations and exhalations.
11 Continue for up to five minutes, or for as long as you feel comfortable.
Breath of Fire:
This breathing method rapidly oxygenates the blood, bringing a heightened state of awareness. After completing this exercise you will find that your body is vibrant and full of energy. Be sure to use caution when practicing this technique. You may feel light headed after doing this breath for a minute or two, so please remain seated after engaging in the Breath of Fire.
Begin the practice by finding a comfortable place to sit. Be sure that you head and neck are straight, just as in sitting meditation. Take a few relaxed belly breaths before beginning this technique.
Rapidly inhale and exhale with shallow breaths - This technique differs from most in that the breath is not drawn deep into the lungs. Instead the breath is kept very shallow, reaching only to the uppermost part of the lungs.
Both the inhalation and exhalation should last about the same amount of time, less than 1 second each. You can equate the speed of this breath, to that of a light panting. If you have heard a dog breath after a run, then you will know what this should sound like.
Allow yourself time to adjust to the rhythm - It's easy to become out of breath quickly with this technique. So you may have to try several times to establish your rhythm. In between attempts, be sure to take natural breaths to maintain a normal level of oxygen. Don't get so caught up in trying to master this technique that you lose awareness of your state of mind. This technique will benefit you greatly if you slowly take the time to learn how to properly implement this method.
New Year’s Day: January 1. Any traditional food for luck, health, and prosperity is welcome at this celebration. Try at least one completely new food.
Handsel Monday (Scotland): First Monday in January. A time to commemorate those who and to renew promises. Have a feast with your partner or dear friend, and send off some cookies to a favorite person just to say thanks.
Festival of Saravati (Hindu): January 12. Power of wisdom, music, and the written word. Try making alphabet or runic potato slices and writing a poem.
Feast of the Kitchen God (China): January 20. Here, the virtue of the home is venerated. Cleanse and bless your sacred hearth, and give the divine presence the night off. Eat out.
Planting Festival (Rome): January 27. This holiday honored bother Ceres, the earth mother, and Tellus, a land god. If you plan to have a garden, now is the time to consecrate your seed. Buy new spices for your magical pantry.
Candlemas: February 2. A quiet but lovely holiday full of lights; the idea here is to help the sun on its journey. Therefore, prepare yellow, red and orange foods, visualizing this color reaching the heavens.
Valentine’s Day: February 14. The spirit of romance with a flourish. Try a strawberry guava pie for your true love and anything chocolate. Aphrodisiacs and love inducing foods.
Festival of Mihr (Armenia): February 26. A time for magic of prosperity and fertility. Think in terms of greens and golds.
Festival of Ishtar (Babylonia): March 8. Another image of the Earth goddess. Try foods which grow near the soil such as potatoes, mushrooms, spinach, any root vegetable, etc
Hore (India): March 16. Spring fire festival dedicated to celebrating the passing of winter and good fortune. Anything with curry, tons of garlic, or traditional spices is fitting.
Spring Equinox: About March 23. Food for joy, life, harmony and productivity; the rebirth of the Earth. All egg dishes are welcome.
Smell the Breeze Day (Japan) March 27. A festival of luck, health, vitality, the air element, and simple pleasures. A good day to consider your first spring outing and picnic.
Borrowed Days (Scotland): March 31. Time to focus on internalizing magic for prosperity and providence, and pay your debts. Anything green and leafy is a good choice for eating, accented with a side dish of dilled rice.
April fool’s Day: April 1. Fun, frivolity, and regaining a sense of humor/perspective. Eat joyfully; try finger foods and fun dishes (maybe a dirt cup)
Home remedies have become increasingly popular as the expense and hassle of conventional medicine continues to rise. Beyond the convenience, home remedies have found favor with a public that wants to take a more holistic approach to its ailments.
The home remedies that we have collected aren't risky alternative therapies practiced against your doctor's objections. Rather they are safe, practical actions that you can utilize to help treat more than 100 common health problems, ranging from the minor ailments like ingrown hairs and athlete's foot to serious diseases like asthma and diabetes.
Just remember that these home remedies don't provide miracle cures and aren't meant to take the place of the advice and treatments prescribed by your health-care professional. You should continue to work and consult with your doctor about your health problems.
Nevertheless, the information we present can enhance your overall health. Our home remedies offer detailed, easy-to-follow steps using items you probably already have in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. It's time to take your health care into your own hands.
Acne
Anemia
Anemia during pregnancy
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete’s foot
Back Pain
Black heads
Bleeding Gums/ Gingivitis
Blisters
Breast Tenderness
Breastfeeding Problems
Bruises
Chest Pain
Chicken pox
Cold sores
Common cold
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Dandruff
Dark circles
Diarrhea
Dry skin
Fatigue
Food Poisoning
Foot Care
Fungal Infections
Gas
Hair Loss
Headache
Heat rash
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Insomnia
Kidney stones
Motion sickness
Mouth Ulcers
Nail fungus
Oily skin
PMS
Restless Leg Syndrome
Rosacea
Sinusitis
Styes
Sun Burn
Teething problems
Urinary Tract Infections
Varicose veins
Vertigo
Water retention
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Acne vulgaris (acne) is a common human skin condition, characterized by scaly red skin, blackheads and whiteheads, papules, pimples, nodules (large papules) and possibly scarring. These growths are commonly called pimples or ‘zits’. Acne mostly affects skin on the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back.
o Applying a drop of tea-tree oil on the pimples or blemishes may provide relief to a great extent. Apply it thrice a day to reduce infection and speed up the healing process.
o One to two cups of chaste-berry tea regulates female hormone and reduces the sudden flaring up of pimple before menstrual cycle.
o Apply a mixture of nutmeg powder and honey on the affected area for 20 minutes. Honey has been used for its antiseptic qualities. It may not subside acne, but it will definitely reduce the inflammation of skin.
o Aloe Vera is a sure shot remedy for any skin infection, eruption or irritation. It heals nearly 90% of all skin sores within five days. Cut a fresh leaf from an aloe vera plant commonly found in the gardens. Cut the leaf vertically, remove the gel and apply it on the blemishes.
o Lemon juice and vinegar contain acids which flush out all the dirt from the skin pores and clean it, thus reducing the chances of acne.
o Tried and tested formula is of applying toothpaste on the outbreak of pimple before going to bed. It subsides it and prevents the further growth of the pimple or boil.
o Irregular digestive system can be one of the reasons for acne. Drinking a glass of warm water daily in the morning would help to keep the bowels and digestive system clean and trouble-free.
o Drinking wheat-grass juice may prevent acne.
o Applying ground orange peel on the affected skin can heal acne problems.
o Turmeric is well known for its antiseptic qualities. Make a paste of turmeric mixed with mint juice. Apply it for 30 minutes and rinse it off.
o Applying a mixture of rose water and lime juice and wiping it off with a cotton ball can work as astringent/ cleanser for your skin. Repeat it daily, before going to bed.
However, none of the home remedies promises to work with immediate effects. And it is important to follow a particular remedy on daily basis. Starting from day one, give your skin at least a month to heal and cure of acne troubles. All the home remedies mentioned above will take at least a month or more (depending upon your skin type) to show its results.
Anemia
Anemia occurs when the concentration of red blood cells or hemoglobin decreases in the body. Hemoglobin carries blood to tissues of different parts of the body. But, when the hemoglobin is less, and the oxygen circulated in the tissues decreases, anemia causes health problems like tiredness, unconsciousness, and dizziness.
o Eat 2-3 apples daily or prepare apple juice mixed with honey or sugar. Have it once a day to improve your hemoglobin level.
o Honey has all the necessary components like iron, manganese and copper, which are required for curing anemia and improving hemoglobin.
o You should consume food rich in vitamin B12, folic acid and iron to cure anemia. Hence, milk and green leafy vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, broccoli, lettuce etc. are proven great for the same.
o Soya beans and almonds are high in iron and copper, and considered great for the synthesis of hemoglobin.
o Beet is a sure shot therapy to overcome the condition of anemia as it contains all the vital nutrients that are essential for the body. And it has worked miraculously where other remedies have failed. Eat raw beet in salads, or boil a cup of beet, crush it and have it in the form of juice. Consume beet on daily basis and experience the difference within a month.
o Prepare a paste of black sesame seeds by soaking few seeds for few hours and grinding it. Mix the paste with milk, add some honey or jiggery to sweeten it, and drink it on daily basis to cure anemia.
o Jaggery is a rich source of iron. Include it in your diet on a regular basis. If possible, try to take it with ‘ghee’ and chapatti – an age old home remedy.
o Sunbath is beneficial for anemic patients as it stimulates the production of red blood cells.
o Exercises like light breathing and walking should be practiced on regular basis. These exercises are effective in curing anemia.
o Along with improving your diet, and taking necessary supplements, you should practice yoga and meditation on regular basis to rapid recovery from anemia.
o Avoid drinks like tea and coffee. They are believed to hinder proper absorption of iron, which may take time to cure the anemic condition.
Anemia during Pregnancy
It has been found that blood volume increases by approximately 20-30 per cent during pregnancy. Hence, the supply of iron and vitamins too needs to be increased so that our body can make hemoglobin. Many women lack this extra amount of iron required during pregnancy, and this causes dilution of blood, making the hemoglobin concentration fall. Mild anemia is quite common and normal during pregnancy. However, more severe anemia can put the baby at higher risk of suffering from anemia during infancy. Also, if the woman is significantly anemic during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, she is at greater risk of having a premature delivery or an underweight baby.
Hence, it is very important to take adequate care and follow the recommended diet in order to avoid anemia during pregnancy.
Here are a few diet tips and home remedies that can help you to prevent anemia during pregnancy.
o Maintain a diet that is rich in iron. Make sure you include foods like beef, chicken, fortified cereals, oatmeal, beans, dark leafy vegetables, dry fruits, broccoli, beet, in your diet, as they are rich in iron.
o Make sure you also eat foods rich in vitamin C as well. Vitamin C helps the body to absorb more iron. Thus, increase your intake of citrus fruits such as oranges and sweet-limes.
o Anemia might cause a dry mouth and a red and sore tongue. Rinse your mouth, especially after meals, with warm water. You can add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with it, 3 to 4 times a day.
o In most cases anemia is not just due to deficiency of iron but caused due to lack of nutrients and vitamins. So, apart from a wholesome diet, taking multivitamins can help to cure anemia during pregnancy.
o Avoid beverages like tea and coffee, as they contain caffeine, which hinders the capacity of bones to absorb iron.
o Food items like tomatoes, spinach and chocolates should be avoided. These food items are rich in oxalic acid, and they hinder the absorption of iron in the body.
o You may consider taking extra iron supplements but iron supplements can often cause constipation. Drinking adequate amount of water will help avoid constipation.
o The risk of anemia increases with alcohol consumption and smoking. A pregnant woman should, thus, stay away from alcohol and cigarettes
Arthritis
Arthritis is a form of joint disorder, which includes inflammation, swelling or stiffness of joints leading to ache in joints. There are various types of arthritis out of which osteoarthritis is the most common type. The pain is the result of wear and tear of cartilage, the gel-like shock absorbing material between joints.
Arthritis is a common problem faced by men and women over 45 years of age, while osteoarthritis is commonly seen in women in the same age group.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be a more serious form of arthritis. It occurs when the immune system attacks the body, rather than defending it. It causes joint pain, swelling, fatigue, poor circulation, anemia and even eye problems.
o Although anti-inflammatory and over-the-counter drugs can ease the pain and provide temporary relief, there are plenty of other remedies you can take for easy-moving joints and pain-free days.
o Applying heat and cold treatments on the painful joints can provide significant relief. Use electric blankets or hand-warmers, heating pads or hot packs, as they work well on the affected joints. Warm the joints that pain for at least 20 minutes and repeat at regular intervals.
o Take a hot bath with eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils. It helps to ease the painful and stiff joints. Add five drops of each oil to lukewarm or hot water and soak the aching joint for around 15 minutes.
o If you feel inflammation in your joints, cold treatments work the best. Wrap ice-cubes in a towel and hold against the sore joint. You can also use a bag of frozen peas as an alternative for ice-cubes.
o Researchers say that ginger roots help to reduce the pain in the joints caused by arthritis. This may be due to its ability to increase blood circulation. Include half teaspoon of ginger powder or about 35 gms of fresh ginger in your daily diet.
o If you suffer from arthritis, you may frequently have stiff, swollen hands in the morning. Try wearing a snug-fitting pair of gloves when you go to bed. They may keep the swelling under check and even reduce it to some extent. In case you observe that the stiffness gets worse by wearing gloves, don’t practice this remedy.
o A regular oil massage on the joints is a sure-shot remedy for all those who suffer from arthritis.
o Rubbing or massaging of eucalyptus oil can help to cure the achy joints. Put few drops and massage it carefully on the affected area. However, avoid it using along with the heating pad or hot compress, as the oil can cause irritation of the skin.
o Turmeric reduces the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In Ayurveda, it has been used to treat arthritis due to its antioxidant activity.
o Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a supplement that may help to improve joint flexibility and reduce inflammation.
o If you are a non-vegetarian, include more oily fish in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout discourage the inflammation in the body and reduce or lessen the stiffness of joints.
o According to a research, omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can slow and may even reverse the destruction of cartilage that leads to osteoarthritis. For this, you are required to take 2000mg of an omega-3 supplement three times a day, with meals.
o If you are averse to taking fish oil, take one tablespoon of flaxseed (linseed) oil a day. Mix it with orange juice or use it as a salad dressing.
o Nuts, too, contain beneficial oil and are considered as a great home remedy for the patients of arthritis.
o A regular exercise regime can help to reduce the severity of arthritis. Walking, swimming, cycling or yoga can help to ease the movement of your joints, making them more flexible. The better your physical condition, the less pain and stiffness you’ll have. If you have arthritis in a leg joint, take help of a walking stick to stabilize the joints.
o If you suffer from arthritis in the hip or knee joint, ask your doctor to measure the length of your legs. One in five people with arthritis in these joints has one leg that is slightly longer than the other. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a podiatrist to have corrective shoes made for you.
o Being overweight can cause arthritis of knees, as the knees have to bear the entire body weight. Maintain a healthy weight to help prevent osteoarthritis.
o Acupuncture may reduce the requirements for conventional pain-killers. A series of treatments by a qualified acupuncturist is definitely one way of seeking relief for paining joints.
o Mind-body therapies like yoga, meditation and visualization have all been proved to have a great benefit in helping people with arthritis deal with chronic pain.
o Good walking shoes lessen the impacts and jerks on your foot, ankle, and knee and hip joints. Invest in good shoes, which are flat and have a good grip.
o In case you suffer from severe arthritis, consult a physiotherapist. He may show you various exercises like shoulder stretch, knee exercise, finger exercise, ankle exercise to make the movement of your joints more flexible.
o People with arthritis have long worn copper bracelets to ‘draw out of pain’. Researchers in Australia have found that people who wear copper bracelets and also take aspirin experience less pain than people who treat their pain with aspirin alone.
It becomes necessary to discuss your physical condition with your doctor in case of joint stiffness, swelling, pain or redness. If you have already been diagnosed with arthritis, see your doctor in case of any adverse effect of remedies or a new development in the achy joints.
Asthma
When an irritant or allergic substance like smoke, dry air, pollen, cold air, and mold or dust mites meets a pair of sensitive lungs, it leads to an attack of asthma. Other reasons like hormonal fluctuations, stress and anger too can cause an asthma attack. Difficulty in breathing occurs because the bronchioles or air passages in the lungs go into spasms, which can cause coughing and tightness of chest. These spasms release chemicals like histamine that cause inflammation and production on mucus, eventually clogging the airways.
Doctors often prescribe a preventer inhaler. If so, you should continue to use it, as it may reduce the risk and frequency of having an asthma attack.
Asthma is a disease which cannot be cured. However, the frequency of the attacks can be reduced by practicing the following home remedies given below:
o First and foremost, try to ease the breathing during an asthma attack. Panic can only make the situation worse, so stay calm.
o Try to work out the visualization trick. Close your eyes and inhale. See your lungs expand and fill with white light and feel your breathing become easier. Repeat this exercise twice or till the time your feel better. Then open your eyes.
o During an emergency, drink a cup of strong coffee, cola or Red Bull – all of which are high in caffeine. Caffeine helps to open the airways as it is chemically related to theophylline, a medication for asthma.
o Various health supplements too help to combat the constriction. Ginkgo is a herb widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat asthma. Try taking supplements that contain standardized extract of ginkgo flavones.
o According to a research, magnesium relaxes the airways and reduces cardiovascular risk. The dose is 270 mg per day for women and 300 mg for men.
o Omega – 3 fatty acids, usually found in fish such as tuna, salmon and trout work much like a class of asthma drugs called leukotriene inhibitors. These drugs stop the actions of body compounds that cause inflammation in the airways.
o Take 1000mg of evening primrose oil thrice a day. It is rich in an essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid., which is converted by the body into anti-inflammatory substance.
o Bioflavonoids are responsible for giving fruits and vegetables their bright colours. They also have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties that may provide relief from frequent attacks of asthma. Quercentin is one of the best-known bioflavonoids and inhibits the release of histamine. Take 500mg of quercetin thrice a day, 20 minutes before meals.
o Turmeric, a common Indian spice is yet another powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Mix 1 tea-spoon of turmeric powder in a cup of warm milk and drink it three times a day to prevent the severe consequences of asthma.
o If you are suffering from the symptoms of asthma, maintain a note of everything you eat, at least for a month. Although rare, there are chances of food allergies connected to your asthma attacks. Check your record against the symptoms to see if anything you eat increases the frequency or severity of your attacks.
o Not for nothing people say that prevention is better than cure. To reduce problems of asthma attacks, quit smoking if you do, and stay away from people who do, as passive smoking too aggravates the problem. Tobacco smoke irritates the airways.
o Don’t roam around a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
o In winters, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to help warm up chilly air before you inhale it.
o Keep the window of the kitchen open when you are cooking especially food with onions and garlic. Highly scented foods or strongly perfumed sample strips too trigger asthma attacks. So, try to avoid them all.
o Try eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid eating just before your go to bed. The upward migration of stomach acids can cause heartburn or acidity, eventually causing asthma attacks.
o About 5% of people with asthma are allergic to anti-inflammatory drugs, pain killers or pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin and it can lead to asthma attack. Instead, you can try taking aspirin-free pain reliever like paracetamol.
o Simple deep breathing exercises too can help to reduce the severity and frequency of asthma attacks.
o Lie on your back on the carpet and place a book on your stomach. Inhale gently and deeply. Don’t expand your chest.
Instead, expand your stomach/ abdomen. Keep an eye on your book. It would rise if you are breathing the right way. Just when you think you have reached the full capacity, take in a little more air. See if you can raise the books a little higher. Exhale gradually and slowly counting till five. The more you exhale, the more you will relax. Repeat at least five times for best results.
When you experience an asthma attack for the first time, you should not delay seeing your doctor. The common symptoms of asthma are gasping for breath, development of a bluish cast on your face or lips, difficulty in breathing or becoming confused or exhausted. If you are already taking treatment, consult your doctor at regular intervals and take medications as prescribed.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot has nothing to do with athletes. It is a communicable disease caused by a parasitic fungus of the genus Trichophyton. It is typically transmitted in moist environments where people walk barefoot, such as showers, bath houses, and locker rooms. It can also be transmitted by sharing footwear with an infected person, or less commonly, by sharing towels with an infected person.
Skin conditions such as athlete’s foot can be treated at home, especially if it’s at an early stage. And surprisingly, most of these remedies can be found either in/ on kitchen platforms or home herb garden.
o Apply plain yoghurt on cuts and infected areas of your feet. Fresh yoghurt contains acidophilus bacteria, which is an instant remedy for athlete’s foot. These micro-organisms are considered friendly, and keep fungus under check.
o For about half an hour, soak your feet in water containing few drops of mustard oil or a little mustard powder. Mustard has its own medicinal value, and works wonders in killing fungus.
o Rubbing a mixture of olive oil and tea-tree oil twice a day works wonders for people who are suffering from this condition. Olive oil softens the skin that has hardened due to athlete’s foot. And tea-tree oil has antiseptic qualities, which when absorbed by the skin, helps in speeding up the healing process.
o Mix three parts of tea-tree oil and one part of aloe gel. Rub this ointment-like mixture on the infected area. After doing this on a daily basis, you will surely see good results within six to eight weeks.
o Lavender oil owing to its anti-fungal properties can be a good healer for athlete’s foot. Mix it with any other carrier oil, and massage it near the infection, at least twice a day for best results.
o Calendula is considered excellent for healing skin infections of this sort. Owing to its herbal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be valuable in treating any skin trouble. You can use its ready-to-use ointment available at pharmacies to heal athlete’s foot. You can also make an anti-fungal foot soak by adding around 4-5 tablespoons of dried calendula flowers into boiling water. Allow the water to cool down a bit, add a cup full of apple cider vinegar and soak your feet. Both the contents in this foot soak have the power to fight fungus and cure athlete’s foot.
o Then there are some traditional tried and tested remedies for curing athlete’s foot – applying either garlic powder, surgical spirit, apple cider vinegar, hair spray or honey on the infection, three to four times a day can alleviate athlete’s foot symptoms.
o Applying a paste of soda bicarbonate and corn flour can reduce the itching and burning sensation between the toes and on the feet.
o The tea that we drink every morning contains tannic acid, which works as a natural astringent and helps to dry sweaty feet, and avoid fungus. Make a tea soak by boiling around 5 tea bags in one liter water. After the temperature become bearable for your feet, soak your feet for 30 minutes. Repeat this tip daily for best results.
Though athlete’s foot almost always responds well to self-care, it may come back. To prevent future infections, follow the steps listed below.
o Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes.
o Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water and dry the area very carefully and completely. Try to do this at least twice a day.
o Wear clean, cotton socks and change your socks and shoes as often as necessary to keep your feet dry.
The above mentioned home remedies are effective, if they are followed on regular basis, and can effectively cut short your trips to a doctor. However, severe, ongoing infections that don’t respond to 2 – 4 weeks of self-care or frequently recurring athlete’s foot, may require further treatment by your doctor. Prescription antifungal medications may be needed. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat secondary bacterial infections that occur in addition to the fungus (for example, from scratching).
Back Pain
Affecting around 8 out of 10 people at least once during their lives, back pain is one of the most common health problems. A stressful job, pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, strenuous physical exercise, etc. can lead to back pain. Back pain can be really painful, and may even affect your working capacity and productivity.
o For immediate relief from back pain in a particular region, use ice packs. The pack works as a pain reliever, giving immediate relief. You can use ice or a frozen-peas bag on the area that hurts, and repeat this during the day. Ice packs are considered to give best results especially if the back pain is a result of strenuous physical activity or exercise.
o Although ice packs provide immediate pain relief, after about 2 days of using ice pack, it is advisable to switch to warm and moist heating technique, which stimulates blood flow and reduces painful spasms. Soak a towel in warm water, wring out the excess water, fold it and place it on the affected area of your back. Now, cover it with a plastic wrap. Keep a heating pad on top of this plastic wrap, and relax while you leave it for around 20 minutes.
o Keep a pillow between your knees while sleeping on one side. If you are lying down on your back, place the pillow under your knees. These positions may provide some comfort to the aching back.
o If you have a back pain accompanied by a sore and stiff back, the best way to get some relief is by soaking yourself in a warm bath. Add Epsom salts and essential oil of your choice in a bath tub filled with warm water, and lie down for at least half an hour. Epsom salts help to reduce swelling while essential oils like rosemary can soothe the stiff back and help you relax. Adding marjoram is apt for a warm and relaxing soak.
o A mustard poultice is an excellent remedy for back pain. Mix powdered mustard with flour (1 part mustard +2 parts flour), and add water to make a paste. Now, spread it on a tea towel, and compress the folded tea towel onto your back. Some people might experience a burning sensation on the skin due to mustard; in this case it is advisable to stop using the compress immediately. Apply petroleum jelly before applying the mustard poultice in order to avoid the burning sensation.
o It is important to make conscious efforts to stand, sit and sleep in the correct posture. Proper posture will help you to work more efficiently without getting tired or giving strain to your back or body.
Some yoga asanaas also help in relieving back pain. To name a few, the Tadasana, which helps to stretch the spinal cord and is good for the muscles of the arms, shoulders and the neck, the Matsyasana, which relieves stiffness in the neck, and the savasana, which takes away physical and mental stress and strain are recommended.
Blackheads
Blackheads, also known as ‘open comedomes’, are caused due to excess oil secretion by the sebaceous glands in our skin. Blackheads usually appear on the forehead, nose, jawline, lower chin, armpits and back, where the number of sebaceous glands is high. Often, the oil secreted by these glands accumulates in the pores of the skin and gets sealed with hardened oil or sebum. This hardened sebum, when it comes in contact with the atmosphere, gets oxidised and looks like a small raised black spot on the skin, which is known as a blackhead. Trying to remove these blackheads by squeezing them can cause bruises, open pores, and infection, thus leaving your skin damaged.
o First and foremost you need to control your consumption of fatty and oily food.
o Exposure to dirt and pollution, excessive sweating and dandruff are some of the key factors that cause blackheads. Hence, wash your face and neck with a mild face wash at regular intervals to wash off all the dirt and grime and to keep open comedomes from appearing.
o Take a piece of soggy glycerin soap and add a pinch of salt to it. Rub this on to your blackheads. Follow this remedy for a week for desired results.
o Prepare a scrub by mixing salt, lemon and honey in equal proportions and adding yoghurt to it. It is an effective remedy.
o Prepare a paste from fresh leaves of fenugreek (methi) and apply on the affected skin. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, and wash off with lukewarm water. Do so every day before you go to bed.
o Put 3 to 4 cups of water to boil and add 2 teaspoon soda bicarbonate to it. As soon as the water starts producing steam, hold a clean towel over the steam and then place it on the area affected by blackheads. Repeat this 5 to 6 times. Now mix properly a spoonful of curd and rice, and rub the mixture on your blackhead affected skin. Clean the skin with cold water.
o The combination of 1 tablespoon Epsom salt and 4 drops of iodine added to 1/4th cup of hot water works as a sure shot remedy for blackheads. Let this solution cool down and then apply it over the affected area and let it dry. Wipe off with a clean piece of cloth.
o Boil some basil leaves in a cup of water. Let it steep for 10-20 minutes. When it cools down moderately, apply on the affected skin with a cotton ball.
o Honey has several benefits, and especially good for your skin. Apply some warm honey on your blackheads and let it be for about 10 to 15 minutes. Wash it off. It helps to get rid of the ‘open comedomes’ and also nourishes your skin.
o Mix ½ teaspoon turmeric powder in a spoonful of fresh coriander juice and apply it on your blackheads before you sleep. Wash off in the morning. Continue this remedy for a week.
o Here’s another remedy that resembles the one mentioned above. Take lemon juice and finely powdered cinnamon in equal quantities (1 teaspoon each) and mix well. Apply this before going to bed. Rinse off in the morning.
o Egg whites are considered to possess properties that help to get rid of blackheads. Beat the white portion of an egg and apply it on the affected area. Wash with water and wipe off, scrubbing lightly with a towel.
o Prepare a paste by mixing equal quantities of sandalwood and turmeric in milk. Apply this on your skin and let it dry. Rinse off. It is an effective remedy for blackheads.
o Roast some pomegranate skin, grind it into a fine powder, and add some fresh lime juice to it. Apply this over your blackheads. It not only removes your blackheads but is also a good solution for other skin problems like pimples, white heads and boils.
Bleeding Gums/ Gingivitis
Ideally, you need to visit a dentist on a regular basis, and brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. This will not let the plaque get formed on the teeth and gums. But when you fail to maintain a daily oral hygiene routine, you may encounter some problems. These problems can become really irritating and painful if they are not treated on time. For instant pain relief, you can buy a tube of topical anesthetic, which is easily available in the market. Rub the pain away
o Gently massage your gums. It will boost blood circulation and speed up the healing process.
o Massage with coconut oil, it will effectively soothe sore gums.
o A soft wooden dental stimulator, which is available at pharmacy stores, can be used as a pain reliever.
o A tried and tested healer, calendula may help reduce the inflammation. Rub calendula cream or ointment on the gums directly.
o It may be expensive, but an electronic toothbrush can work wonders for you. It is surely a good buy, as it’s small, spinning head can remove food particles from the back of your mouth and save from a lot of pain.
Numb your gums
o Mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this glass of water for 30 seconds, it’ll give relief in pain and reduce swelling in the gums.
o An icepack works as a local an aesthetic and reduces pain and swelling. Wrap an icepack in a cloth, and put it on your cheek near the painful gum.
o Apply a paste of bicarbonate soda over the affected area. Bicarb kills germs that are causing pain and helps neutralize the acids they secrete. However, don’t use too much of it; overuse can damage gum tissues.
o Tea has tannic acid, which is a strong astringent that shrinks swollen tissues and helps increase blood circulation in the affected area. So, put a wet tea bag on the painful part for some relief from the pain.
o Rinse your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide. Use water to dilute it. Hydrogen peroxide will reduce the pain and kill harmful bacteria.
o Gargle and rinse
o Sage is an antiseptic and natural product that helps relieve inflammation of gums. Rinse your mouth with a solution of sage tea for a speedy recovery and prevention of gum diseases.
o Choose a mouthwash that contains cetylpyridinium chloride and gargle with it. These over-the-counter mouthwashes can heal your gums. These are alcohol based liquids, so their prolonged usage may increase the risk of oral cancer.
o Rinse you mouth with chamomile tea, it is highly effective against gingivitis.
Prevention
Calcium is responsible for strong teeth. Eat calcium rich food such as dairy products, almonds, salmon (with bones) etc. or calcium supplements. Gum problems are often the precursors of periodontal osteoporosis that may result in loss of bone in the jaw and teeth. Adding calcium rich foods to your diet will help to prevent a gum disease.
Take 200ml of warm water, add 10 drops of myrrh extract and gargle with it every day. Since myrrh has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it protects the gums and prevents recurrence of a problem.
Blisters (Boils)
Excessive friction and moist skin accumulates clear fluid in a pocket between the layers of the skin, forming a blister. Sometimes a small vessel in the area is damaged and the fluid becomes tinged with blood. Such blisters are usually found on hands and feet. Other reasons for blisters include sunburn and other burns, eczema and various other skin conditions.
These blisters may be painful, they may be itchy and may even swell sometimes, and however, the best way to treat them is by not interfering with the natural healing process. They are less likely to become infected if you leave the natural covering of skin intact and give the area time to form new skin under its protective cushion of fluid.
These tips would help you to reduce the itching and swelling, and relieve the pain. They will also help you to speed up the healing.
o It is necessary to leave the blister as it is, intact. Let it heal on its own. Keep it clean with soap and water. If you want, you can dab some petroleum jelly on it to make it soft and minimize further friction on the skin.
o Whether to cover the blister or not depends upon the site. If you think that it may get knocked out, it is important to cover it with an adhesive plaster and change it at least once a day. If it is not likely to get knocked and burst open, it’s best to leave it open to the air.
o Moleskin or gauge piece can be used for protecting the blister. Leave it for two days and remove carefully. Make sure the fragile skin does not come out.
o Expose the affected area to the air during the night to quicken the healing process. However, if the blister is in a vulnerable area, and if you feel that it may rub on the bed-cover, keep it covered.
o Calendula cream is considered to be a great soothing wound healer. Apply the cream on the wound and cover it with an adhesive tape or gauze piece to keep the affected area free from infection.
o You can even use aloe vera gel as an alternative to calendula cream. But, make sure you use the pure extract from the aloe vera leaf, rather than the gel available in the market. Cut the leaf and squeeze the gel and apply it directly on the blister. Besides having a cooling property, it is also excellent for skin problems.
o To relieve the pain, itching and swelling caused by the blister, soak a napkin in cold water, squeeze the extra water and lay it over the blister.
o There are chances that the blister may pop out by accident. In such a situation, wash it with soap and water. Apply a healing cream or gel and cover it with clean dressing. Change the dressing four to five times a day and treat the raw area with a drop or two of tea-tree oil. The tea-tree oil will kill the bacteria and will also prevent an infection from developing further.
o After a blister breaks, apply a healing cream, pawpaw ointment or chickweed cream.
o It is very important to practice the right way of draining the fluid from the blister. Do not drain it unless it becomes very necessary or the pain gets intolerable.
o Sterilize a needle; use a pair of tweezers to hold the needle over a naked flame for few seconds until it glows red. Let it cool. Clean the blister with surgical spirit or an antiseptic cleanser like Betadine. Open a sterilize gauze piece and put it on the blister. Pierce the edge of the blister by slowly sliding the needle. Gently squeeze the liquid out by pressing down on the gauze piece. Make sure you don’t tear or remove that top layer of skin holding the fluid in as it’s protecting an extremely sensitive circle of skin beneath.
o Apply an antiseptic cream or liquid and cover it with a clean dressing. Change the dressing twice a day.
o In case the blister refills, you may repeat the entire process. Apply a mixture of Vitamin E and calendula cream to quickly heal your damaged skin.
o Blisters can be easily prevented by practicing few measures. Make sure new shoes are roomy in the toe area. When you are standing up, approximately there should be a space of about thumb width between your toe and shoe.
o If you are going for long walks or trekking, try to wear two pairs of socks to reduce friction. The inner pair should be of a thin fabric that draws out sweat.
o Dry feet are less likely to develop blisters. Use an antiperspirant so that it will keep the skin of your feet dry.
o Treat your feet with daily powdering. If you have a tendency of sweating profusely, apply baby powder on your feet before putting on socks. Besides causing less friction, powder will soak the sweat from the skin, reducing the chances of friction and hence, blisters.
o Cover blister prone spots or areas with a lubricant like petroleum jelly before you go for a long walk or jogging.
In normal cases, these remedies will surely help you to heal the blister and soothe the skin and affected area. However, if the blister is very large and covers more than 5 cm of area of your skin, there is a need to see your doctor. If you suffer more pain by the day, increase in body temperature, redness that extends beyond borders of the blister or when the fluid coming out of the blister is not watery but thick or has unpleasant smell, these are serious symptoms and medical guidance is advisable. Blister caused by diseases like chickenpox, eczema and impetigo may also require medical care.
Breast Tenderness
The fluctuation in the normal levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone leads to growth of tissues and fluid retention in the breasts. This leads to pain in the breasts, and may also cause formation of lumps. This is referred to as breast tenderness. Medically, the condition is known as mastalgia. Breast tenderness may make the breasts extremely sensitive, so much so that it hurts or pains even on a gentle touch or pressure. It may affect either one or both breast/s at a time.
Studies suggest that around 50% of women under 50 years of age suffer from breast tenderness at some or other point in life. Pain in the breasts is most noticeable just before the onset of menstruation and also during pregnancy.
Chief reasons for breast tenderness
o Premenstrual syndrome
o During pregnancy
o Hormonal fluctuation
o Menopause
o While you are taking a shower, apply soap on your breasts and massage gently from the center of your chest towards the armpits. This will increase the blood circulation.
o Taking cold-pack treatment would help to relieve pain due to breast tenderness. Take 8-10 ice cubes in a big napkin and make a cold pack. Put this pack on each of the breasts for about 10 minutes. This would reduce the swelling and ease the pain.
o Evening primrose oil is a tried and tested herbal remedy for premenstrual symptom. Take 1000 mg of oil in a capsule form, thrice a day. Take it for 10 days during the premenstrual cycle. This helps to balance women’s hormones and ease the cyclical tenderness.
o Intake of Vitamin E and B6 helps to prevent breast tenderness. Thus, you can increase the intake of wheat-germ, vegetable oil, whole grains, nuts, seeds, avocados, fish, banana, lean meats, poultry and spinach.
o Cut down on excess intake of sodium, as it leads to water retention, causing breasts to swell.
o Using cabbage leaves too is an affective home remedy. Keep raw cabbage leaves on the breasts and cover them with towel. This will ease the tenderness and relieve the pain within three hours.
o Flaxseed too helps a lot during breast tenderness. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed in your food or drink, once or twice a day.
o Soya beans are a sure shot way to reduce breast tenderness, as they contain isoflavons. It reduces estrogens related problems like breast pain, breast tenderness and menopausal symptoms.
o Herbs like dandelion and herbal tea are natural diuretic. They help to ease the breast pain by removing excess fluid from the body.
o According to a study in the US it has been found that women on high fiber diet excreted more estrogen, and thus are less prone to breast tenderness.
If you come across lumps in your breasts or near your armpits for a prolonged period, it may become necessary to see your doctor, as these lumps are possible signs of breast cancer. However, there are times when breast tenderness is a side-effect of consuming stomach acid suppressant. So, in case you visit your doctor, inform him if you are on any such medication. In normal cases, the above mentioned home remedies shall do the needful.
Breastfeeding Problems
Feeding an infant with milk directly from human breasts is termed as breastfeeding. All newborn babies have an inbuilt sucking reflex that enable them to suck and swallow milk. Breast milk is considered to be the healthiest milk for the babies. It is recommended that mothers breastfeed for six months or more, without the addition of infant formula or solid food.
Home remedies for problems related to breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding, a seemingly natural process, may not necessarily be easy. Most new mothers have problems related to it during the initial stages. Sore or tender nipples, increased pressure in the breasts, blockage in the milk ducts, etc., just to name a few. One may contract breast infection called Mastitis, caused by bacteria; as a result of cracked nipples. To tackle these problems and help you enjoy happy motherhood, here are few household remedies that will ensure healthy breasts, smooth production of milk and event-less breastfeeding.
o If your nipples become tender or cracked due to repeated feeding, allow them dry in the air after the feed. Your own milk works as a great healer. Express a drop of it by pressing the nipple gently and apply it on the affected area.
o Vitamin E oil, olive oil and sweet almond oil too help to heal the cracks, tears and chapped nipples. However, make sure to wipe off the oil before you breastfeed the next time.
o Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected area. It heals the cracked and chapped nipples while providing a soothing sensation.
o Garlic affects the flavor of mother’s milk in a way that appeals to babies. According to one US study, babies stayed on the breasts for a longer time and took more milk, if mothers ate a clove of garlic few hours before feeding. Garlic has other beneficial effects too!
o If you note a tender red lump in your breast, do not fret. It is a blocked milk duct, a common problem. Apply soap to the affected area while y1ou shower and slowly massage it with a wide-toothed comb. This will help stimulate milk flow and clear the blockage.
o Place a warm napkin on the breasts and massage it gently. This increases blood circulation and makes breastfeeding less troublesome.
o If your breasts feel constricted due to excessive accumulation of milk, express a little milk by pressing the nipples. This reduces pressure and the baby will be able to attach to the breasts more easily. Breast pumps too can help you to pump off some milk and relieve tension. Even a napkin soaked in hot water and kept on your breasts for few minutes helps ease the pressure off your breasts.
o Apply a paste made out of ground cumin seed on the breasts. This promotes milk production and kill germs in case of infection. The same can be done with the paste made of roasted turmeric powder. Eating carotene-rich (a type of protein present in foods like carrots) foods help nursing mothers a lot.
o Chamomile is an excellent remedy for inflamed breasts. It helps control the inflammation.
o In case of any infection in the breasts, apply bitter gourd extract or pulp on the breasts. This helps kill the germs, soothe the skin and eventually relieve purulence.
However, if the problems persist, consult your physician at the earliest. It may affect your baby’s feeds; and your own comfort too. Let nothing hinder the joys of motherhood.
Bruises
A bruise occurs when capillaries and venules (the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to tissues near the skin) are damaged by a blunt impact, causing blood seepage into the surrounding interstitial tissues. The clotted, pooled or jammed blood causes a blue, black, purple, green or red mark on the skin. Bruises can involve capillaries at the level of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, or bone.
o Normally bruises fade within 10-15 days. However, remedies definitely help ease the pain, making the discoloration fade and curing it faster. There are several home remedies that can come to your rescue when you are black and blue due to bruises:
o Applying an ice pack as soon as possible will cool the blood vessels near the damaged area. It stems the leakage of blood. Ready-made gel-filled ice packs that are available in the market for this purpose. In case, you do not have one, a pack of frozen peas wrapped in towel would suffice.
o You can soak a napkin in chilled water, and keep it on the bruise for about 10 minutes. Repeat the same after about 20 minutes to avoid over-chilling.
o Cool the area for 24 hours and then start applying heat to bring more circulation to the affected area. This helps clear the pooled blood. You can use heating pad or hot water bottles on frequent intervals for the same.
o Wrap an elastic bandage around the bruised area. By squeezing the tissue, bandage acts as a tourniquet and helps prevent further damage to the area by stopping the damages blood vessels from leaking.
o Comfrey, an herb has several medicinal uses. It has properties that reduce swelling and increase the growth of new cells and it also prevents discoloration. Add few leaves of comfrey into boiling water and leave it for about 10 minutes, let it cool. Soak a napkin in the solution and apply it to the bruise and skin around it for an hour. Do not drink the solution or apply on the broken skin.
o Take a couple of parsley leaves, crush them and spread them over the bruise. Lightly wrap a bandage on it. Parsley leaves, rich in vitamins have a great healing power besides decreasing inflammation and reducing pain.
o Mixing vinegar in warm water and applying on the bruised area quickens the healing process. Vinegar helps to increase the blood flow near the skin’s surface and clears the pooled occult blood near the bruise.
o Aloe Vera, brings relief to the bruise due to its cooling properties. You can apply it even on skin broken skin.
o In case of deep bruise or broken skin, sprinkle turmeric powder on the wound. It helps to stop bleeding and its antiseptic properties prevent infection.
o Heavy intake of fluids, diet rich in vitamin C and garlic helps in curing the bruises faster.
o Supplements like magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E are highly recommended to replace damaged tissues and skin, at the earliest.
Sometimes bruises can be serious, leading to more life-threatening hematoma when associated with serious injuries, including fractures and more severe internal bleeding. In injuries to sensitive parts like head resulting in a bruise it is advisable to call a doctor immediately. In normal cases, the above mentioned home remedies shall ease your pain and cure your malady.
Chest Pain (Angina)
When your heart does not receive enough oxygen rich blood, you experience severe pain in your chest, it is angina, which is often mistaken as a heart attack. This pain is mainly the result of build-up of fatty substance called plaque, which is blocking the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Initially, the angina pain is often experienced below the breast-bone and radiates to the shoulder, arm or jaw. You may even come across few common symptoms like shortness of breath, temporary nausea, light-headedness, irregular heartbeat and anxiety.
Anyone who suffers from angina is prescribed glyceryl trinitrate. It can either be in the form of tablets or in the form of spray to be used under the tongue. Glyceryl trinitrate helps people to deal with the chest pain and tightness during the initial phase of heart troubles. It increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Apart from medication, there are several other ways that can help your to cope with angina attacks, reduce their frequency or even prevent them from happening at all. Given below are a few home remedies or initial measures to keep in mind if you have experienced angina attacks.
o First and foremost, try to maintain a healthy body weight. If possible, eat good quantity of fruits and vegetables every day. Also, include plenty of wholegrain cereals. Cut down on fatty foods, fried foods, junk food, biscuits and milk chocolates. If you are a non-vegetarian, include fish and lean meat in your diet twice a week. Opt often for olive oil in cooking as well as salad dressing as it is good for your health, both
o If you feel severe pain in the heart, or an attack occurs while standing walking, or exercising, sit down, relax and take rest for few minutes.
o If you feel a mild attack in lying down position, change your position by sitting or standing up for some time. That would take the pressure off the nerve in your heart that is signalling the pain. Angina, if it occurs when you are resting, shows that you are at much higher risk of a heart attack. See your doctor without any delay.
o Don’t get emotionally excited or anxious. Physical and mental stress can increase your heart’s demand for oxygen. Stay calm and practice yoga, tai chi, meditation or some other stress relieving technique for better circulation of blood and oxygen.
o Foods and supplements are a good way to supply necessary nutrients that can eventually help to reduce the effects of angina.
o Omega-3 fatty acids protect the heart and blood vessels. It is usually found in fish oil capsules and oily fish such as trout, salmon or sardines. A regular dose of this, twice a week is advisable. Check with your doctor before taking fish oil supplements to make sure they would not interact with any other medications you may be taking for angina.
o According to several studies and researches, a clove of garlic a day can lower high cholesterol, and it also reduces the tendency of blood to clot – another advantage for heart patients. For optimum benefits, gulp a raw clove of garlic in the morning. You can even crush it and use it as a salad dressing. In case you cannot stand the smell of garlic, there are garlic capsules available in the market. Thus, garlic is beneficial for all those who suffer from angina or other heart troubles.
o Folic acid and vitamin B12 are vitamins that lower raised levels of homocysteine, a substance in the blood that may increase the risk of heart diseases. To get vitamin B12, eat plenty of meat, fish or eggs and for folic acid, consume lots of leafy vegetables and citrus fruits.
o An exercise regime, under your doctor’s guidance can help to ward off angina pain.
o If you are a smoker, quit smoking. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which constricts the arteries, triggering angina. Also, try to stay away from passive smoking or polluted environment.
o If you want to reduce the risk of heart diseases or angina, cut down on caffeine. Give up coffee. In several studies, coffee intake has been linked to raise homocysteine levels, which can increase the risk of angina attacks.
o When you consume a heavy meal, the body diverts extra blood flow to the digestive system and digestive tract to make the process of digestion easier. Because of this, the heart receives less oxygen and so more vulnerable to an attack. Thus, don’t engage yourself in rigorous activities after meal, instead prefer to relax, rest or do a quiet activity.
o Don’t stay outdoors in cold weather. Cold air stimulates muscular reflexes that can cause angina.
o Avoid heart troubles by avoid sudden physical exertion like running to catch a bus or train or lifting heavy objects.
Angina is often mistaken as a heart attack, especially for people who experience it for the first time. The different between angina and an attack is that former does not completely block the flow of blood to the heart, while the latter does. Angina comes as a warning, which should not be ignored. If you have chest pain that lasts for more than 15 minutes or is accompanied by shortness of breath and nausea, see your doctor immediately. During emergencies, take 300mg of aspirin to relieve the pain.
Chicken Pox (Varicella)
Chicken pox is a highly contagious illness, generally affecting children in the age group of five to nine years. It is caused by the virus named varicella zoster. It begins in the form of a rash or a boil on a particular part of the body and gradually spreads to other parts. These boils turn into blisters within a week and either break or dry at the time of cure.
As soon as one spots a red boil, one should start taking treatment or practicing home remedies to avoid the infection from spreading further. The number of children suffering from chicken pox has gone down heavily, as most of them are vaccinated against it. However, there are few who suffer from this illness for a week or two despite vaccination or due to lack of it.
In rare cases, chicken pox may result in meningitis – inflammation of protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Home Remedies for Chicken Pox
It is difficult to control the spread of chicken pox but as soon as you spot the symptoms, practice these home remedies. These are sure shot folk remedies to reduce itching and inflammation, and get some relief to the ailing body.
o Applying calamine lotion on the affected areas is one of the most common and effective remedies.
o It is important to calm the skin with cool cotton and soothe the inflammation due to chicken pox. Cotton is a soft fabric. Make sure that the patient wears full sleeves cotton shirt and pajamas. This would prevent the patient from scratching.
o In case of chicken pox boils in the mouth, gargling with salt-water solution is the best remedy. This solution would help to suppress the boils and keep the infection at bay.
o According to doctor’s recommendation, it is advisable to take bland food during this time. Rice, pudding, porridge, soups, banana or jelly are few food items that can be taken if a person is suffering from chicken pox.
o As far as possible, keep the patient in a cool place. High temperatures may only aggravate itching, making the situation worse.
o The patient should be given a bath in lukewarm water at regular intervals. The person should soak in for about 20 minutes every time. Avoid using soap; instead one should add half a cup of sodium bicarbonate or finely ground oatmeal in the water. It would reduce the itching sensation.
o Another useful home remedy for chicken pox is brown vinegar. Add half a cup of brown vinegar to bathing water. This will relieve the irritation and heal the boils/ lesions.
o Neem leaves, too, help to relieve irritation and rashes on the skin. Add neem leaves to water, boil it and take a bath with this water.
o Scratching can lead to scarring and infection. One more remedy to avoid scratching is pressing a wet, cool napkin against the affected, itchy area. Clip the nails or wear mittens/ gloves at night.
o Smearing honey on the affected area will bring respite to irritable skin.
o Keep the utensils and clothes of the patient separate to avoid spreading of chicken pox in the family.
Remember this:
If you see any symptoms of chicken-pox in your child or s/he has been recently exposed to someone who is already suffering from chicken pox, keep your child away from sun’s exposure. Sunshine or sun rays may make the boils or blisters even worse. The person who has just recovered from chicken pox would remain sensitive to the sun for about a year. Wear full-sleeves T-shirts or apply sunscreen at the time of going out during day time.
Practicing above mentioned remedies should cure the disease between 10 and 14 days. However, if you find severe symptoms like high fever, vomiting, headache, convulsion, disorientation, neck pain or blisters suggesting infection, see your doctor immediately.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are also commonly known as fever blisters and medically known as Herpes Simplex. It is a classic misnomer. Cold sores have nothing to do with either cold or fever. They are in fact tiny painful blisters filled with fluid, usually occurring near lips, mouth or nose. Cold sores are caused by a highly infectious virus called Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
The blister caused by cold sore may burst, ooze fluid, crust and fade eventually within 7 to 10 days. However, before the ordeal is over one may have to withstand the burning pain right from day one of the outbreak. Here are a few easy home remedies to get some relief from the pain and inflammation.
o Rub an ice cube as soon as you feel the tingle. Rub it directly on the cold sore to reduce the pain and inflammation. Repeat it every 10-15 minutes for about an hour.
o Dip a ball of cotton wool in vinegar and apply on and around the blister. It helps to create an acidic environment, which is unfavorable for the viruses.
o Lysine, a known amino acid helps to heal cold sores. It has a property to prevent the replication of herpes virus.
o Use tincture of myrrh; soak it in cotton wool and dab it on the sore. Commonly found in food shops, myrrh directly attacks the virus causing cold sores.
o Prepare a mixture of tea-tree oil, olive oil and eucalyptus oil. In case, you do not have all the three, use the one that is available. Tea-tree oil is considered to be highly powerful natural antiseptic, while eucalyptus oil acts affectively against cold sores. Applying it or the mixture twice or thrice a day to gives very good results in cold sores.
o The herb Calendula or pot marigold has antiviral properties. It reduces the severity of cold sore or may even stop the eruption. Make a tea by boiling 3-4 Calendula petals. Let it steep for about 15 minutes and strain. Soak the tea in a cotton wool and dab it on the blister. It will surely provide you some respite.
o Scratching the blister only makes the situation worse. Reduce itching by applying Vitamin E oil on the cold sore.
o Whole milk is a trustworthy treatment for cold sore or blisters. Take a piece of cloth or a gauze and soak it with whole milk at room temperature. Compress it onto the cold sore for about 10 minutes. Repeat the procedure twice or thrice a day.
o Fresh extract of Aloe Vera leaf can be soothing if applied on the blister. It will ease the pain.
o Avoid using cosmetic products or concealers on the sores. It will aggravate the problem.
o If cold sores recur frequently, replace your toothbrush and keep it in dry and airy place to avoid viruses brooding on it.
o Put cold or damp tea bags on the cold sores. They contain soothing bergamot oil and tannins. It will ease the pain and inflammation. Repeat it every 10 to 15 minutes at least thrice or four times a day.
o Camphor spirit too is an effective remedy to cure cold sores.
o A paste made of fresh Neem leaves is known to have healing properties. Apply it on the sores.
o If you are suffering from cold sores in the mouth, mix salt in lukewarm water and gargle with. This will help to subside the blister as quickly as possible.
o Herbal healers like lemon balm can prevent the outbreak of cold sore. It is usually available in the form of ointment at medical stores.
Severe symptoms of cold sore may cause fever, swollen-glands or flu-like symptoms. If you develop pain in the eyes or of your eyes become sensitive to light it indicates the virus has spread to your eyes. Seek your doctor’s appointment. If your cold sore takes more than two weeks to heal or are recurrent, like 4 times an year, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Common Cold (Influenza)
Common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract – nose, throat, ears and sinuses. It leads to blockage of nasal passage due to mucus formation and infection in the sinuses, thereby causing irritation in throat and difficulty in breathing. It is the most frequent infectious disease in humans with the average adult contracting two to four infections a year. One usually catches cold in the months of winter. However, one can even catch cold and suffer from flu in summers. Collectively, colds, influenza, and other upper respiratory tract infections with similar symptoms are included in the diagnosis of influenza-like illness.
o Sore throats are common during cold and flu. Take a glass of water and dissolve a teaspoonful of salt in it. Gargling with this at regular intervals soothes the pain.
o Make a paste of turmeric powder, a pinch of salt and water. Take it on regular intervals to get relief from sore throat.
o Echinacea taken in its original herbal form helps boost your resistance and build immunity against the infection.
o Supplements rich in Vitamin C are advisable, as they help fight the infection and the keep viruses at bay. They also bolster your immune system.
o Squeeze a lemon in a glass of warm water and have it to create a non-friendly atmosphere for the bacteria and viruses. It will help cure cold at the earliest.
o Use a spoonful of honey to sweeten all the hot beverages that you have. Honey has anti-bacterial qualities and help to reduce the irritation and itchiness in the throat.
o One of the most effective remedies is having hot chicken soup. It is known to dilute the mucus more effectively than hot water or steam; giving an easy way out to the unwanted mucus.
o Garlic too can work wonders as a remedy for people with severe cold and flu. Increase your garlic intake. It is known to fight infection and promote healing. In short, it acts as a natural antiseptic and a germ fighter. Peel a clove of garlic and or chew it. Swallow the juice while inhaling the pungent fumes. If it stings sharply, swallow it with water. You can also consume garlic capsules that are available over-the-counter to avoid eating raw garlic.
o Use a Hair dryer! Well… this may surprise you. Turn on your hair dryer and put it on the warm mode. Hold it 6 to 8inches from your face and inhale the hot air deeply for 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat this about 5-6 times. This helps control cold maladies.
o Consuming hot ginger tea is a sure shot way to beat the cold. Add half a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to boiling water to make a cup of tea. It contains gingerols, a natural cough suppressant. It also helps de-congest the choked nose and sinuses.
o Rubbing eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, sweet almond oil on the chest and the back before going to bed has a warming effect. It provides relief and works as decongestant. You can also add these oils in a pan of boiling water and inhale the steam. This opens up the blocked nasal passages and enable you to breathe easily.
o Hot seasonings like chili flakes, tabasco pepper sauce, Wasabi or Japanese horseradish, act as great decongestants. Add a pinch of flakes, or a drop of sauce, to any soup or food you eat when you are suffering from cold and flu for a sure shot relief.
o Blood circulation can help you to relieve congestion. Soak your feet in hot water which has a teaspoonful of mustard added to it. Mustard is known to draw blood to the feet and help in quick recovery.
o Stay away from drugs, which dry the mucus and avoid dairy products and sugary items for they increase the mucus.
o Last, but not the least, take proper rest in case you are suffering from severe flu and running temperature.
Factoids:
Remember, when blowing nose, do it one nostril at a time and do it gently. Otherwise you may create reverse pressure sending viruses back into the sinuses.
Give a fillip to your love life and keep cold and flu at bay. Making love at least once a week, keeps you fit, physically and mentally. According to a study, men and women who were sexually active than often had higher immunity power.
Regularly having 20-30 drops of elderberry tincture three to four times a day serves as an effective remedy for flu.
Prevention:
Prevention is the best medication. Protect yourself before the flu season starts. Consider taking flu vaccine every year to bolster your immune system, especially if you 65 years of age or above and /or are suffering from chronic heart of kidney disease.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that lines the inner eyelids and protects the globe of the eye. Inflammation of conjunctiva is called as Conjunctivitis. It can cause your eyes to run profusely, burn or itch and become very sensitive to light. It is typically characterized by reddening of the eyes, irritation and release of a sticky secretion hence it is also referred as ‘red-eye’ or ‘pink-eye’.
Conjunctivitis can be either because of a viral or bacterial infection, or an allergic reaction to pollen, contact lenses or its solution, cosmetics and or similar substances that may be foreign to the eyes.
o In case you contract conjunctivitis, use antibiotic or steroid drops prescribed by the doctor. However, here are few tried and tested home remedies that help relieve the irritation and inflammation caused by red eye.
o Hot and cold compresses help reduce the irritation caused by conjunctivitis. Take a napkin and dip it into warm water. Keep it on the closed lid. Use the compress to prevent the sticky secretions from drying on your eye-lashes. On the other hand, the same process repeated with cold water helps you reduce the pain, swelling & itching.
o Prepare a salt solution by boiling 250ml of water with a teaspoon of salt. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes and then cool it. Apply it near the lashes with the help of an eye-dropper. Sterilize the eye-dropper after each use.
o Chamomile compress too works wonders in this situation. Boil the chamomile tea-bag for 2-3 minutes. Drain the excess liquid and place the tea bag on the sore eye for at-least 10 minutes. Dispose off the bag after use. Repeat the treatment three to four times a day, with a new tea-bag every time. Use a separate tea-bag for each eye.
o A similar compress can be made by Calendula petals. It soothes the eye, helps to fight the infection with its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
o A pulp of mashed coriander leaves is one of the best remedies for pink-eye. Take a few coriander leaves, rinse them thoroughly and then mash them with a mortar and a pestle. Apply the pulp on the closed eyes. Leave it for few minutes and wipe it off.
Some Tips:
Avoid using any eye make-up or wearing contact lenses until your eyes are completely cured.
Wash your hands with soap or disinfectant in case you happen to touch your eyes during the infection.
Wash the towels and pillow-covers once you recover from the infection so that you leave no chance of reinfection your eyes.
Even after following the home remedies, if the symptoms persist, call on your doctor immediately. Mild cases of conjunctivitis are expected to go away within a week, however, there are chances that prolonged severity may leave your eyes damaged. In such cases, quick treatment with topical antibiotics will prevent further complications.
Constipation
Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. Severe constipation includes obstipation or failure to pass stools or gas and fecal impaction. Constipation is common; in the general population incidence of constipation varies from 2 to 30%.
o The best way to regularize the nature’s call is by increasing your fiber intake – Consume about 25 to 30 gms of fiber a day. Fiber absorbs water & makes stool softer & bulkier, helping speed up digestion and excretion.
o Have a lot of dried beans, prunes, nuts, pears, figs and oats. All of these are considered to be good sources of soluble fiber.
o Flaxseed are rich in fiber content. In addition to this it also contains omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for heart & circulatory system. Have a tablespoon of ground seeds, 2-3 times a day to aid digestion.
o Psyllium seed husk, also known as isabgol, works wonders for constipation. They are soluble in water, expanding and becoming mucilaginous when wet. Ayurveda recommends its use for colon cleansing. Psyllium seed husks are indigestible in human beings and are often used as a source of dietary fiber. Mix 1-2 spoons in a cup of hot water. Let it infuse for two hours; add lemon & honey for taste, and have it.
o If you increase the intake of fiber, make sure you drink lots of water as fiberK is extremely absorbent. If you don’t drink enough water, it will only aggravate the problem of constipation as the stool may become small, hard & painful.
o Caffeine in coffee has a bowel-loosening effect. It induces a bowel movement by stimulating the colon.
o If you are regularly constipate, cultivate a habit of having hot drink first thing in the morning. Herbal tea, a cup of hot water with lemon juice or honey may stimulate the colon as well. Lemon juice is a natural laxative and may ease constipation to a great extent.
o Add morning walk or exercise to your daily activities. With exercise, you also help the process of digestion and help to move food through bowel.
o Use acupressure to solve your bowel problem. Apply pressure with your thumb and forefinger to the fleshy web between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand. Try this for two minutes daily.
o Intake of wrinkled fruits is very good for digestion. Prune is one of the oldest home remedies for constipation. It helps to stimulate intestinal contractions to open up the bowels.
o Never ignore nature’s call or it will only aggravate the problem of constipation.
o Keep an eye on what you eat as there are some foods that may have constipating effect on some people. For instance, dairy products can cause havoc with people who cannot digest the sugar lactose.
o Never try to force a bowel movement as it may result in formation of piles or anal fissures.
Constipation usually does not create serious problems. However, it can sometimes signal a serious underlying condition such as presence of colorectal cancer or a bowel obstruction. If constipation lasts for more than two weeks, you must see a doctor. You may have to undergo medication in case you pass blood in your stool, constipation is accompanied by fever, severe abdominal pain and or weight loss.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population at the pre-pubertal age and of any gender and ethnicity. As the outer layer of skin continually replaces itself, cells are pushed outward where they eventually die and flake off. In most people, these flakes of skin are too small to be visible. However, certain conditions cause cell turnover to be unusually rapid, especially in the scalp. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large, oily clumps, which appear as white or greyish patches on the scalp, skin and clothes.
o Goldenseal is considered to be an effective remedy for dandruff. It contains berberine, which has strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. To get the optimal benefits, chop goldenseal root and put it in a cup of boiling water. After it cools down, use it as a rinse your scalp after you have shampooed your hair. In case you are not able to find goldenseal root, add few drops of goldenseal tincture to shampoo. It help to relieve the irritation and itching of scalp.
o Rosemary actively fights fungi and bacteria. Boil some rosemary in a cup of water and cool it to prepare a Rosemary rinse. Pour it on your scalp and leave it for 10 minutes. Use it once a day. If it does not suit your skin, try another remedy.
o Bay leaves too, are great for anti-dandruff treatments. Add a handful of crushed bay leaves into a bowl of boiling water and allow it to steep for about 20 minutes. Strain the leaves after the water cools down. Apply the concoction on your hair. Leave it for about an hour to let the anti-bacterial properties work on your scalp, thus treating the dandruff.
o When it comes to anti-dandruff home remedies, apple cider vinegar is highly recommended. Prepare a rinse by mixing one part of water with one part of apple cider vinegar. Apply it on your scalp and hair.
o Lemon and gooseberries (Amla) too are a boon for people suffering from dandruff. Squeeze 2-3 lemons or take a cup of crushed gooseberry juice and apply it on the scalp. Leave it for about an hour and rinse it. The Vitamin C in it will help to nourish the flaked skin.
o The anti fungal properties of tea-tree oil are quite popular. Add 6-7 drops of tea-tree oil in a tablespoon of any carrier oil. Apply it to your scalp and leave it overnight. Next day wash it off with a shampoo containing tea-tree oil.
o Yoghurt works wonders for dandruff. Apply fresh yoghurt, and leave it on the scalp for half an hour before rinsing. Yoghurt contains friendly bacteria that keep the yeast in check. That’s the reason it is considered to be a traditional remedy for all yeast infections.
o Flaxseed oil contains essential fatty acids, which helps to cure itchy skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It is also believed to cure dandruff. Taking 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil may help one in the long run. However, there have been instances where it has not shown desired results. Nevertheless, flaxseed oil is a good supplement as it also helps guard against cardiac diseases.
o Use anti-dandruff shampoos that contain Selenium Sulphide, Zinc Pyrithione or Tar. Anti-dandruff shampoos will give results only when you leave them on the scalp for 5-7 minutes. People with a severe dandruff problem may leave it for even longer.
Follow up with a doctor, in case the condition worsens. In case of mild dandruff though, aforementioned home remedies and over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos work quite effectively. However, allow minimum of two weeks’ time before expecting good results. On the other hand, if you fail to observe any improvement or you have persistent itching along with an irritated scalp, check with your doctor/ dermatologist as these may be the symptoms of some other skin infection or disease.
Dark Circles
It is said that the way to a woman’s heart is through her eyes. A lot of importance is given to the eyes when it comes to defining a woman’s beauty. However, dark circles can make the eyes look dull and lifeless. Using concealers can definitely hide the dark circles but it is important to uproot the problem rather than conceal it.
o Gently massage around your eyes with almond oil. Make sure you do not touch your eyes while massaging. This remedy also helps to aid blood circulation around the eyes and gradually lightens the dark circles.
o Sleep deprivation or lack of sleep is one of the prime reasons for the cause of dark circles and various other health issues. Set a regular sleep routine and follow it religiously. One must take at least 6 – 8 hours of sleep, every day.
o Cut out two thin slices of a cucumber, and place them on your eyes. Cucumber soaks in the heat, reduce under eye puffiness, and help in lightening dark circles. Instead of cucumber slices you can also use cotton pads dipped in cucumber juice. Lie down and rest with these slices of cotton pads on for 15 minutes; this not only works on the dark patches of skin but also makes you feel relaxed.
o Peel and grind two almonds soaked overnight. Add a few drops of lime juice to this and apply for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Follow this routine regularly. You will start noticing the difference in about 2 weeks.
o Take a spoonful of tomato pulp and add a pinch of turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon lime juice and one spoon gram flour to it. Mix well to form a paste. Gently apply on the darkened skin, making sure that the paste does not touch the eyes. Leave it for 30 minutes. Remove gently with a moist cotton pad.
o Tea bags can be of great use when it comes to curing dark circles. Close your eyes and place cool used tea bags over them. Caffeine content in tea helps to reduces under eye puffiness and its antioxidant properties help to reduce dark circles.
o Exposure to sunlight can cause dark circles; whenever you have to go out in the sun, make sure you wear sunglasses.
o Crush a handful of mint leaves to form a paste. Apply this under and around the eyes to reduce dark circles.
o Add milk to a teaspoonful of nutmeg powder to prepare a paste like consistency. Applying this paste helps to lighten the dark circles.
o Mix equal quantities of potato juice and cucumber juice. Soak cotton pads in this mixture, and place them on your eyes for around 20 minutes. Wash with cold water.
o Make sure you eat foods rich in Vitamin A and E. Also, include a lot of green leafy vegetables in your diet.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea also spelt as diarrhea, is defined by the WHO as the condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day, or, as having more stools than is normal for that person. Severe diarrhea leads to fluid loss, and may be life-threatening, particularly in young children and people who are malnourished or have impaired immunity.
o In the case of fire, your aim is two-fold: Control the damage and put out the fire. Similarly, here you have to stem dehydration and stop the toilet runs. Now, here are a few tested remedies that help stave off dehydration and avoid further complications.
o Cleanliness first. Keep the cooking and dining area clean and free from things that encourage growth of bacteria. Wash your hands with a disinfectant soap before cooking and eating.
o Rehydrate frequently. Diarrhea also leads to dehydration as the body rids of plenty of fluid. Drink water frequently to keep dehydration at bay.
o Tannins are good for diarrhea. Drink lot of black tea with sugar. Tea, while is known to rehydrate the body and also contains astringent tannins that help reduce intestinal inflammation. It also blocks the absorption of toxins. Sugar in the tea promotes absorption of sodium and water, thus keeping away dehydration.
o Replace your body’s supply of water and electrolytes – essentially sodium, potassium and chloride. Prepare an electrolyte drink by mixing half a teaspoon of salt and 4 teaspoons of sugar into one liter of water. Perk it up a little some orange juice or lemon juice for potassium. Have this, a liter a day, to keep dehydration at bay.
o Blackberries, rich in tannins, have been used effectively used since a long time for diarrhea. Boil 1.5 grams of blackberry leaves in one cup of water. Leave it for 10 minutes and strain the contents. Have this tea two to three times a day till you get all right.
o Tea made from raspberry leaves is highly recommended. It is rich in minerals and some vitamins.
o Try having capsules of goldenseal root to ease the sufferings. These capsules can help rid you of the bacteria – E. coli, which cause diarrhea. The active compound ‘berberine’ is so effective that goldenseal is also referred as ‘herbal antibiotic’. However, avoid goldenseal in case of pregnancy or presence of high blood pressure.
o Stick to the BRAT diet – banana, rice, apple puree and toast. Besides being bland and soothing, banana and apple puree contain pectin. Pectin absorbs excess fluid in the intestine, binds loose stools and slows down the passage of stool.
o To rehydrate you may have fruit juices moderately, because it contains large amount of fructose. Many find it difficult to digest fructose even when they have a healthy digestive system.
o Like apple and banana, carrots too are a soothing source of pectin. Cook carrots until they becomes soft, blend it after mixing some water and make puree. Have 1-2 tablespoons of it every hour.
o Increase your intake of fluids to avoid dehydration. Eat foods like vegetable stock, chicken stock or jelly that does not have solid content.
o Banish foods like beans, cabbage, lettuce and sprouts for a while. These foods are rich in roughage and are hard to digest. They also create wind and bloating that may only worsen your condition when you are suffering from diarrhea.
o Then there’s this Chinese remedy: mix two teaspoons of brown sugar to the paste of two cloves of garlic. Boil it in a cup of water and drink it 2-3 times a day. Garlic, a known anti-bacterial may rid the bacteria that cause diarrhea.
o In case of children, it is good to feed them with banana for few days and avoid milk and milk products. However, yoghurt is exceptional; as it contains beneficial bacteria that can help you to recover.
o If you are a frequent traveler and want to avoid being a victim of diarrhea / dehydration in a foreign land, consume only packaged water or other drinks. Prefer freshly cooked and piping hot food. If you can, have a glass of wine with meals. Going by the lab experiments, wine kills the bacteria that cause traveler’s diarrhea
Dry Skin
The skin glands produce sebum, which keeps the skin moisturized. But your skin is exposed to weather changes, pollution and harmful rays of the sun on a daily basis. It may, thus, lose its moisture and softness, and become dry and sensitive. This problem is aggravated when you shower a lot or use deodorant soaps that cause dry, itchy skin. Hence, it is important to give your skin a little pampering and rejuvenation every now and then.
o Melt 2 tablespoons of lanolin and a teaspoon of white bees wax in a double boiler. To this add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, a tablespoonful of aloe vera gel, and 2 tablespoons of rose water and let it cool. Pamper yourself with this moisturizer to overcome the problem.
o Nothing can be more nourishing and enriching for your skin than a milk bath. Milk contains lactic acid, which helps in dry skin exfoliation and increases the skin’s ability to hold moisture.
o In case there is a particular patch on your skin, which is exceptionally dry, cover it with a face washer soaked in milk. Keep it covered for at least five minutes, and then rinse it off very gently, so that the lactic acid stays on the skin.
o Fill your bath tub with warm water and add 2 cups of Epsom salts to it. Soak yourself in the tub for a few minutes. You can also rub in a handful of Epsom salt on the dry skin. Epsom salts help to exfoliate and soften rough and patchy skin. Adding some dried seaweed to the bath helps to boost the softening effect.
o Oats can work wonders when it comes to maintaining a smooth and soft skin, as they have a soothing effect on itchy and dry skin. Add 200 gm of powdered oats to your bath. You can also add ½ cup bicarbonate of soda to your oat bath. Bicarbs aid in removing the dead skin cells.
o Application of aloe vera gel is like a boon for dry skin. Cut off an aloe vera leaf and scrape out some gel. Apply this on your dry skin. Aloe vera contains acids that eat up the dead skin cells, and promote quick healing, giving you a smooth, supple and soft skin.
o Apply avocado purée on your face or on the patch of dry skin; this acts as a moisturizing mask. Avocado contains oil, which acts as an emollient and vitamin E, which is extremely beneficial.
o Herbal teas and juices are recommended, as they help to keep your skin moist and soft. Avoid drinks containing caffeine, as they have a diuretic effect on your body and result in dry skin.
o Include foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Munching on a few walnuts and avocados between meals. These foods are good for the skin.
o Mix two tablespoons of flax seed oil to your cereal or salad. Flax seed oil is also a good source of fatty acids, and a great remedy for dry skin.
o A dry environment can also rob your skin of moisture, making it dry. Keeping plants at home not only makes your home look good but also retains the moisture in the environment.
These remedies will surely help you regain soft skin, but if you make sure to eat healthy and nutritious food, you will never face the problem of dry skin, as a balanced diet is the key to overall good health.
Fatigue
Feeling fatigued and tired just when your energy level should be on a high is disheartening, demoralizing and highly frustrating. But, you are not alone. People complain of feeling drained and exhausted so often that doctors call fatigue the number one health complaint. Often fatigue is accompanied by lack of motivation, lack of creativity and enthusiasm and low sex drive. Many medical conditions and lifestyle issues can contribute to fatigue including lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition, flu, obesity, allergies, anemia, infections, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and AIDS.
If fatigue is hampering your daily activities and is killing your enthusiasm, all you need to do is change your lifestyle – change the way you eat, drink and exercise. Mentioned below are a few home remedies and quick ways to bid a permanent goodbye to fatigue.
o To feel fresh and rejuvenated after a long day, put two drops of peppermint oil on a tissue or handkerchief and breathe deeply after holding to your nose. You can also add two drops of the oil to the bathwater along with four drops of rosemary oil for an invigorating soak.
o Going by the India yoga method, lie on your back and use pillows to alleviate your feet, in a level higher than your feet. This is the way how yogis fight fatigue as it encourages blood flow to the brain, which is thought to boost alertness.
o To bid fatigue a warm goodbye, cut down on your intake of carbohydrates – white sugar, white flour or rice. These foods make your blood sugar rise rapidly, and then crash quickly. French bread, pasta, spaghetti and cake are not your best choices. You may feel tired and weak.
o Include high-fiber foods in your diet, like wholegrain cereals, whole meal bread and vegetables. They are rich in complex carbohydrates and help to stabilize blood sugar.
o If fatigue troubles you frequently, cut down on fatty foods. To improve adrenal gland function, which influences metabolism of nutrients, limit the saturated fat in your diet to ten percent.
o Cut a washed, unpeeled potato into slices and leave the pieces to soak in water overnight. In the morning, drink the juice for a natural tonic rich in potassium. Your body needs this mineral for transmitting nerve impulses and making muscles move, along with other vital functions. As a matter of fact, some natural healers maintain that deficiency in potassium are common in people who suffer from chronic fatigue.
o Good breakfast is a must, followed by small, healthy meals throughout the day. This is better than having two to three large meals.
o Ginseng is an age old cure for that run-down feeling. If fatigue is a frequent problem, look for supplements that contain extracts standardized for ginsenoside content or one gram of the dried root, and take as per instructions. This remedy stimulates your nervous system and will help you to protect your body from fatigue and stress. Avoid applying this remedy, if you have high blood sugar.
o 150 mg of magnesium (citrate) is advisable twice a day. This mineral is involved in hundreds of chemical reactions in the body. The important role that it plays is that of changing protein, fat and carbohydrates into energy sources. A mild deficiency may be cause of fatigue in some people.
o Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain. Thus, making you more alert and active, and less fatigued.
o Increase your water intake. Sip water all throughout the day – nearly eight glasses. Even a little dehydration can make you feel tired and fatigued, so don’t wait till you are thirsty.
o Drinks that contain caffeine like coffee and some colas can give you a short-term burst of energy, but this rush often results into crash making you more fatigued, tired and drained out. So, keep caffeinated drinks to a minimum.
o Include 30 minutes of exercise or aerobics in your daily activities. Apart from shedding unwanted kilos, it gives you an extra boost of energy. This will also improve your sleep pattern.
o Try taking up yoga or tai chi. These ancient forms of exercise allow you to get physical activity, but they also include relaxation components that can be reinvigorating.
o We usually love to sleep more during the weekends. However, try and make a habit of getting up at the same time, even on weekends. By doing this your body will get the hand of a regular sleep routine.
o If you feel fatigued, go to bed earlier than normal to get some extra sleep. As long as you are getting up at the same time every morning, it’s fine to have a flexible going-to-bed schedule.
o Keep your naps short. If you snooze for more than half an hour during the day, your body will want more and you will feel groggy when you wake up.
o If you feel your diet does not have the necessary nutrients in required quantity, take a daily multivitamin to ensure that you meet the requirements of your body. Deficiencies can deplete your energy stores.
o Eating spinach once a day is a time-honored remedy for relieving fatigue. Spinach contains potassium as well as many B vitamins, all of which are important to energy metabolism.
If you feel tired and fatigued all the time, even after taking proper measures and above mentioned home remedies, it’s time to see your doctor. Fatigue can be a symptom of thyroid, problems, depression, diabetes, anemia and many other conditions. If you have fatigue along with the sudden onset of abdominal pain, shortness of breath or severe headache, you require immediate medical attention.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning or gastroenteritis is caused by drinking or eating food contaminated with micro-organisms or by the toxic substances produced by them. Its symptoms – vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach ache take the condition from bad to worse. Frequent visits to the bathroom during the day understandably make you dehydrated and tired. These tiring visits strongly make you realize that you have eaten something which you shouldn’t have. It is difficult to identify which food item has caused food poisoning, because it could be anything that you’ve eaten a week ago to an hour earlier. What you need, at the earliest, is relief and recovery. Follow these tips to feel better, and make sure you don’t go through the nightmare again.
Keep yourself hydrated
o It’s one of those remedies your grandma might have told you about. Drink plenty of fluids. If you’re vomiting, make sure you take fluids sip-by-sip rather than gulping down a glassful.
o Take a couple of oranges, squeeze out the juice, add two teaspoon honey and a half teaspoon salt, and mix it in 500ml water. This will replace salt and sugars that are lost from the body through diarrhea and vomiting.
o You can also buy oral hydration sachets, such as Hydralyte and Gastrolyte, which are available at a medical store.
o Herbal teas can help a great deal in relieving stomach cramps. Drink chamomile, thyme, peppermint, ginger, or fennel tea, as they are mildly antiseptic.
Comfort is the key
o Massage your stomach with warm soothing body oils such as tea-tree oil, peppermint, geranium, sandalwood oil, or sweet almond oil. Massage your stomach or ask a loved one to massage your stomach in a smooth but firm circular motion till you feel comfortable.
o Take a warm water bath regularly. Put three drops of geranium and ginger oils, two drops of peppermint oil in the bath tub. Stay in the tub for about twenty minutes and add warm water, if needed.
o Ginger – it can work wonders
o Ginger can give your stomach the much needed relief, as it has elements that counter vomiting and nausea. If you can manage to chew a piece of fresh root ginger, nothing like it. But if it is too hot for you to chew, drink ginger tea or simply take ginger tablets. However, if you’re taking blood-thinning medication or have gall-stones, do not take large amounts of ginger.
Recovering from the nightmare
o Rice is the ideal food item for your stomach. Once you start feeling a little better, eat simple boiled rice, it will help bind your bowel content.
o Once your stomach’s capacity to hold down rice is improved, start eating other bland foods. Chicken stock, plain toast, and apple purée are suitable for your stomach.
o Eat fresh yoghurt every day, as it helps restore the balance of micro-organisms in your stomach.
o Make sure you have vitamin and mineral rich food or food-supplements in your diet.
How can you avoid recurrence of food poisoning?
o First and foremost, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after cooking food, and after using the toilet.
o Keep pets away from food items.
o Rinse foods, such as vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating them. If they are not fresh or clean, do not eat them.
o Store all perishable food items in the refrigerator.
o Keep kitchen work surfaces, refrigerator, chopping boards, can-openers clean.
o Disinfect kitchen sponges, dish-washing brushes, and dish-wipes regularly.
o Cook raw meat thoroughly to make sure that all the bacteria are killed.
o Do not use any food item past its use-before date, or which smells bad or has fungus growing on it.
Foot care
When it comes to grooming and beauty care, we happily ignore our feet. But, very few may be aware of the hard-work our feet do the whole day. They carry the burden of our body, get exposed to rough surfaces, dust and unfavorable weather, and often take the pain of sharp objects that may poke them. However, it is important to know that over-negligence can ruin the health of your feet, and this can be highly painful. Going by this, our feet deserve maximum attention. In fact, the health of your feet may help to create an impression about you. Cracked-feet often depict lethargy, ignorance and lack of time, while healthy feet are a sign of beauty and a well-groomed person.
o Make it a point to wash your feet with lukewarm water before going to bed. Dry thoroughly and rub foot cream or any vegetable oil on your feet till the lubricant is totally absorbed by the skin. Repeat this act on daily basis for healthy, crack-free feet.
o Scrub your feet at least thrice in a week with a foot scraper or pumice stone. This will help to remove the dirt and layer of dead skin.
o Trim your toe-nails on regular basis, and wash and dry the area between the toes to avoid fungal infection.
o Wear shoes and socks that can soak the sweat and keep your feet dry.
o Make a mixture of half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of sea salt. Dissolve it in hot/lukewarm water (temperature you can stand). Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes in the water. This will not only help to relax your feet, but will help to ex-foliate and heal the cracks. Salt in the water has healing, anti-bacterial properties and the baking soda has skin softening properties.
o Prepare a foot soak by adding vinegar and lemon to the water. These acidic foods can heal any fungal infection, and remove bacteria easily.
o Keep your feet moisturized by adding few drops of olive oil to any foot soak. Dry feet are the main cause of itching and cracked heels.
o Petroleum jelly is considered to be a sure shot way to cure problems caused by dry skin. Its oily nature saves your heels and toes from getting cracks, fights eczema and keeps your feet moisturized. However, make sure to wear socks after applying it as it can attract dust, which again may not be good for your health. Petroleum jelly can give you the healthy feet you want.
o Turnip has always been proven great for the feet. Boil few pieces of turnip, mash it and make its paste. Apply it on cracked heels, and leave it for one to two hours. Repeat this remedy for one week.
o Take olive oil and apple cider vinegar in equally quantity, and mix them well. Apply it every night before going to bed. Wear socks to make the remedy more effective. This solution is known to smoothen the skin and remove the tan.
o You can also make solution with small parts of lemon juice, rose water and glycerine to apply it on your feet. Glycerine being a natural moisturiser can work wonders on cracked heels. In fact, this remedy can prove great during winters.
o Make a scrub with gram flour, rice flour and multani mitti. Apply it on wet feet and scrub for few minutes. This natural, home-made scrub helps to remove dead skin and dead cells, making the feet feel fresh. Apply moisturiser at the end of the process.
Fungal Infections
Without causing any discomforts fungus/yeasts exist on the skin surface, especially in the moist areas. But sometimes due to one or the other reason the yeast cells start to multiply and cause an infection of the skin. Such fungal infections like vaginal yeast infection, ringworm, athlete’s foot etc. spread very easily and nobody is immune against them. There are anti-fungal creams and oral drugs are available in the market. It is important to treat such an infection but it is equally important to take preventive measures and avoid recurrence.
Dealing with fungal infection
• Take two tablespoons of white vinegar, mix it in a liter of water, and douche this mixture twice a day for two days in a row on the vaginal area. This is a mild acidic solution that creates an unfavorable environment for the fungus. But use this solution ONLY when you have a vaginal infection, otherwise you’ll rinse out good bacteria that keep the population of fungus under check.
• Apply yoghurt on the affected area, it will relieve pain and discomfort.
• Over-the-counter creams are also effective against fungus.
• Fill your bathtub with warm water and put a cup of sea salt in it. Stir the water around till the salt is completely dissolved. Soak yourself in such a bath tub for a long time. It will help relieve itching and pain. Rinsing mouth with salt water helps treat oral fungal infections.
• Garlic has anti-fungal properties, so try to eat a few cloves of it every day. Garlic is most effective when consumed raw, so crush some cloves, add them to a salad dressing or stir it into pasta sauce or use it the way you think suits you the best.
• Plain yoghurt is rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. Eat a cup of such unsweetened yoghurt every day, as the researches show that it reduces fungal overgrowth to a great extent.
Prevent a fungal infection
• Proper air circulation and dryness are necessary to keep a fungal infection at bay, especially in the private parts because fungus grows in a moist environment. Therefore, make sure you don’t wear tight pants and sleep without an underwear at night and in day (as and when possible). Choose cotton underwear rather than synthetic ones.
• If you swim, change into dry clothes instead of staying in a wet swimming costume once you come out of the pool.
• Don’t use hot water or soap to clean or avoid a vaginal infection. Using such measures may rinse out healthy natural skin barriers that provide protection against fungus.
• Before and after a sexual intercourse, go to the toilet. Semen creates a friendly environment for the fungus to grow, but passing urine will reduce the possibility of an infectious growth.
Ringworm
• Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams are pretty effective against ringworm. Applying them twice a day is generally enough. But to make sure the infection is completely removed, use it twice a day for minimum eight weeks.
• Take 250 ml of apple cider vinegar, mix two tea-spoons tea-tree oil to it, and apply it over the affected area thrice a day.
• If the fungus starts to form a blister, apply moist compressors. This will be a very uncomfortable situation, but DON’T poke the blisters. Go to the doctor at the earliest.
Prevention
• Do not share clothes and hairbrushes with somebody who has a ringworm.
• Wash clothes, towels, napkins etc. that may have come in contact with the fungus infected area thoroughly.
• Don’t share shoes and used towels with others irrespective of the other person having such a skin infection.
• Anti-fungal powders are available in the market. Sprinkle such a powder in your shoes or your groin area, as fungus easily grow in these areas.
• Ringworm can be transferred to human beings, if an animal with ringworm comes in contact with them. If you spot a hairless patch on your pet’s body, take it to the vet at the earliest.
Gas
When you eat or drink, especially quickly or under stress, you tend to swallow air, which combined with gases like sulphur dioxide produced when food is being digested in the body, causes flatulence. This is then passed out as a burp through the mouth, or as wind from the other end of the digestive tract. Just so much as a mention of wind or flatulence can cause people to get embarrassed, and make others snigger, but when it’s you who has his system full of wind it doesn’t exactly seem like an idea of a good joke. So in order to prevent embarrassment caused by flatulence, you would do well to munch some caraway or other wind-relieving seeds after a meal, which will help your body digest food more efficiently. Constipation and lactose intolerance, a condition in which you cannot digest milk and dairy products properly, contribute in a major way to the build-up of flatulence.
Take care of your diet
o Reduce intake of all wind-producing foods, which include beans, cabbage, bran, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, prunes and some sprouts. The yoke of an egg, which contains sulphur, also can contribute to flatulence.
o To prevent flatulence, cook beans and pulses in such a way that it removes gas. Soak them overnight, and discard the old water before cooking, and use fresh water for boiling them. Cooking them in a pressure cooker is even better.
o Refrain from sugar-free sweets and chewing gum which contain sweeteners like sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol to control flatulence. It is difficult to digest these substances and when they reach the colon, bacteria tend to feed on them and create gas.
o Avoid, as far as possible, consuming fructose contained in honey, fruits and fruit juices, as this too has the same effect as the sweeteners mentioned above. You need not avoid eating whole fruit, but reduce consumption of honey and fruit juices.
o If you want to add more fiber to your diet, do it gradually. Fiber is excellent for digestion and good health, but consuming too much of it suddenly can increase wind.
o Be careful when it comes to dairy products
It could be that your system cannot tolerate lactose, if it is producing too much wind. Experiment by completely cutting out on dairy products temporarily to see if it reduces flatulence.
If you do find that your system is indeed lactose intolerant, it would mean a deficiency of the enzyme lactase which is needed to digest lactose. Your system would still probably be able to tolerate curd and buttermilk, and besides try finding products labelled as low-lactose or switch to soya substitutes.
Herbal remedies
o Ginger is a good gas-buster. It comes in many forms, you may try some of them to see which suits you. You can also take tablets or capsules as per manufacturer’s instructions to ease flatulence. Try some ginger tea after a meal. Grate some fresh ginger and steep it in a cup of boiling water for five minutes, let it cool down and then drink. It will help in good digestion and restrict flatulence.
o Having cardamom tea with meals can also restrict wind formation by helping your system digest the food better. Put one teaspoon of cardamom in 250 ml water and let it simmer for 10 minutes, and your cardamom tea is ready to drink.
o Fennel seeds not only have a pleasant licorice fragrance, but have been used for ages to reduce wind and improve digestion. Caraway, anise and celery seeds have a similar effect. Chewing half a teaspoon of these seeds after a meal will help expel wind from the intestinal tract.
Hair Loss (Alopecia)
If you are shedding a few strands of hair every day, it is normal. However, excessive shedding of hair can be termed as hair-fall or hair loss and may lead to premature balding. Hair loss or premature balding may prove highly depressing, as hair is treated as the crown of a human body. Hence, it becomes highly important to take necessary steps to prevent hair fall. Although there are several cosmetic hair products available in the market, they may or may not suit you. These products already contain too many chemicals that may anyway damage your hair.
Few of the easiest and best ways to protect your hair are available at your home. Ask you grandma or your mother, and they will give you a long list of home remedies to improve your health growth.
o The main cause of hair loss is lack of nutrition. So, increase your daily intake of vitamins and minerals. You can take it either in the form of fruits and vegetables or as dietary supplements.
o Apply paste of fenugreek seeds on the scalp after soaking and grinding the whole fenugreek. Apply it for a month and see the difference.
o Take a bowlful of curd, mix it with honey and lemon juice. Apply it on your scalp and leave it for an hour. This will help to improve the health and texture of your hair.
o Similarly, the mixture of egg yolk and honey too will work wonders on your hair.
o Amla is the richest source of vitamin C. Hence, make maximum use of amla for treating any problems related to hair.
o Mix amla juice and lemon juice, and massage it on the scalp for few minutes. Leave it for an hour and rinse it. It make the roots of your hair stronger, thereby reducing hair loss.
o Boil few pieces of amla with coconut oil. Applying this mixture acts as a hair tonic, which strengthens the hair from the roots.
o Rub your scalp with fingers vigorously after washing it with cold water. Keep rubbing it till it tingles with heat. This will activate the sebaceous glands and increase the blood circulation in the scalp. Hence, it is considered to be one of the most effective home remedies and treatment for hair loss.
o Coconut milk is considered to be great for nourishing the tissues. Application of coconut milk on the scalp and hair roots helps to nourish the hair thereby increasing the growth.
o If you are suffering from patchy baldness, onion can save you from further damage. Rub onion rigorously on the bald area till it become red. Repeat the act twice a day. Once you are done with applying onion, apply honey on the same area. This remedy can be highly effective for curing baldness.
o Massage you scalp with olive oil and leave it overnight. Olive oil is believed to improve the overall quality of your hair be it texture, length or strength.
o Apply castor oil on the scalp and the roots of hair. Wrap it with a cloth and leave it overnight. Wash it in the morning. Repeat this act once a week for at least three months to reduce hair loss.
o Dry to have aloe vera juice and wheat grass juice on regular basis. They are great for people who have a tendency of hair loss on regular basis.
These are few ways through which you can make your own hair loss curing medicines. All the ingredients your require are quickly available at home, and thus the remedies can be used on regular basis for quick results.
Headache (Cephalgia)
The most common medical complaint, and the most common reason for taking a day off from work in the United States, is headache. Headaches are of three different kinds – those happening due to tension, migraine and the third one is classified as cluster headache.
Headache due to tension is the most common, while the other two have definite symptoms and reasons.
o If you are suffering from chronic headaches, take an apple, peel it and chop it. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top of it, and eat it in the morning. Repeat it on daily basis, and notice the difference in the frequency of your headache; it will decrease after a time.
o Take 4-5 cloves, cinnamon and almond. Grind them together to make a paste. Apply it on the forehead whenever you have a headache. You can even massage your head with rosemary oil.
o If the headache is due to cough, cold or sinusitis, taking herbal tea will bring some respite to headache. Take few tulsi leaves, peppercorns, and ginger. Boil it together for sometime, and drink it at regular intervals.
o Massage your head with almond oil, sesame oil or mustard oil to get quick relief from headache.
o Take one tablespoon of milk, and mix it with some ginger juice or ginger powder. Put two drops in each nostril twice a day.
o Take one teaspoon of almond oil and heat it. Put two drops of the oil in each nostril after it cools down. It is an effective home remedy for headache.
o Avoid fried, spicy and sour food. Refrain from eating yoghurt especially at night.
o Stay away from bright lights, loud music, and crowdy and noisy places.
o Avoid intake of alcohol. An overdose of alcohol, hangovers and lack of sleep are common reasons for causing headache.
o Avoid stress and tension.
o If your headache does not go even after repeated home remedies, get your eye sight checked. It is a very common cause for headache.
o Rub the affected area with a little pressure for few minutes. Or pull your hair in the affected area.
o If you have a headache by exposing yourself to heat, lemon’s is a tried and tested therapy. Crush lemon along with its rind to form paste. Apply it on your forehead, as it is very beneficial and instantly cures your headache.
o One more effective home remedy if you are suffering from headache due to heat. Take few flowers of henna, dip them into vinegar, and apply it on the forehead.
o Use essential oils – peppermint, lavender, sandalwood or eucalyptus. Apply it directly on the forehead, put few drops in your bathing water, or on your pillow while going off to sleep; this will surely work.
Heat Rash
Skin protects the body from the scorching sun and many a times faces the brunt, literally. In case your skin is severely affected by heat, the first thing you need to do is cool down your skin. Not going out in the sun for some days will help you a great deal. If possible stay in an air conditioned room as much as you can. Your skin may cool down from a heat rash on its own, but it is advisable to apply some home remedies for a faster healing process.
Ice packs
o Put an icepack or cool compress on the heat rash every hour for 10 minutes. This will help to reduce the swelling and itching immediately.
Coolers and soothers
o It is a tried and successfully tested formula. Cool down your skin and relieve itchiness by applying aloe vera gel on the heat rash. Wash your skin and apply the gel, which you will get from a freshly cut leaf or a product in the market. Repeat this two to three times a day.
o Add 5 drops of lavender and 5 drops of peppermint to a basin of cool water, dip in a soft cloth, wring out the excess liquid, and wipe down the irritated skin with this cloth. Lavender is anti-inflammatory and peppermint relieves itching. So, a combination of both will certainly cool off your heat rash.
o Calamine lotion, which is easily available at a pharmaceutical store is a traditional remedy for a heat rash. Apply this lotion on the affected area, it will give relief from itching and inflammation.
Power of powder
o Add a handful of bicarbonate soda to a bathtub and lie down in it for a long time. The water can either be warm or cooler than that, but make sure you don’t use very hot water. The bicarb will help relieve itching and discomfort caused by the heat rash.
o You can also directly apply corn flour or bicarbonate of soda to the heat rash, as it will work as an absorbent and save you from further sweat and moisture. You can reapply them multiple times in a day, but make sure you apply them on clean and dry skin.
Prevention
o As far as possible, avoid going out in the scorching afternoon sun.
o Take more than one bath a day with tepid water rather than cold water. It will cool down the body temperature. If you take a cold water bath, it will close down skin blood vessels to conserve heat and increase the body temperature from within.
o Keep your skin dry. And, for that, wear loose cotton or linen clothes instead of tight and synthetic ones.
o When you go to a beach, sit under the shade of an umbrella. A place in the shade is definitely cooler than a seat in the sun.
o Apply a non or less greasy sunscreen that protects your skin from UVA and UVB light. Don’t use products that contain cocoa butter, they will be very greasy.
o Include food items that are high on fatty acids in your diet. Salmon, trout, tuna, and other oily fish, flaxseed oil etc. help you inhibit inflammation in the body and you will not get heat rashes easily.
o Overweight people are more prone to heat rash than others, because they sweat more and generate more body heat. So, if your weighing scale is indicating warning signals, you better lose some weight.
Hemorrhoids (Piles)
Pain, itching, and occasional bleeding in or around the anus due to swollen veins is called hemorrhoids. There are two types of hemorrhoids, a) internal hemorrhoids, which is the most common type, and b) external hemorrhoids. While the internal hemorrhoids develops inside the anus and causes painless bleeding, the external one is painful and may cause bleeding. Hemorrhoids are a common problem, but people feel embarrassed to talk about it and feel shy to seek help. Although there are creams, pads, suppositories, and ointments available in the market, it is advisable to use them as per the doctor’s advice. If you feel shy to talk about it, try these home remedies.
Change the way you sit
o If you’re in a sedentary job, make sure you sit on a doughnut-shaped cushion. It will relieve pressure from anus.
o Take a plastic bag, put a lot of ice cubes or crushed ice in it, wrap this plastic bag in a thin cloth – and sit on it. Sitting on this icepack for about 20 to 25 minutes will provide you a lot of relief as the cold will shrink the swollen veins. You may repeat this as many times as you want to, but make sure there is a gap of about 10 minutes between two applications. Try hot and cold packs one after another, it may also be helpful.
Warmth – the comforter
o Fill a bathtub with warm water and lie down in it with knees raised. This will allow maximum exposure of the anus to the warm water, shrink swollen veins, and eventually, give you relief from pain and discomfort.
o If you don’t have a bathtub or filling a bathtub means a lengthy process and wastage of water, you can use a plastic tub, which is already there in your home or buy a ‘sitz bath’ available in the medical stores. These sitz tubs are designed specifically for sitting in.
o Add a handful of Epsom salts into a warm water tub, stir well to dissolve it in the water and then sit in this tub.
o Tea has tannic acid, which helps reduce pain and swelling, promote blood clotting and stop bleeding. So, for external hemorrhoids, apply a warm and wet tea bag on the anus. It will soothe the pain.
To get relief from the discomfort
o Take a cotton wool ball, put it in liquid vitamin E and wheat germ oil, and apply it few times a day on the anus.
o Ointment that contains comfrey and calendula will soothe the pain and promote healing. You will be able to find such an ointment in a medical store. Dab some amount of it on the anus.
o Dabbing Vaseline may also help soothe the discomfort and pain caused by hemorrhoids.
o Yarrow, a flowering plant, has mild astringent properties. Dab some cotton in a cooled, strained brew of yarrow and apply it on the hemorrhoids. It will shrink the swollen veins and soothe inflammation of the anus.
Limit lifting and sitting
o When you lift anything heavy, you put pressure on the anus. So, whenever you need to lift a heavy object, ask others to give you a hand rather than lifting it all by yourself.
o If you need to sit for a long time at a stretch, make sure you take a 5-minute breaks every hour and walk around. This will prevent hemorrhoids, as every time you get up, you ease the rectal pressure that often leads to hemorrhoids
Bathroom policy
o Do go to the latrine whenever you need to go; don’t avoid it. If you do, you tend to put more pressure on the anus when you do go. It may cause constipation and may make the matter worse. All of these may lead to hemorrhoids.
o After a bowel movement, use a white, plain, and unscented toilet paper to wipe the anal area. Colored, scented toilet papers are also available but the additional flavor and chemical may cause irritation.
Indigestion covers a whole range of distasteful symptoms, which mostly result from food not smoothly passing through your digestive system. Victims may suffer from nausea or heartburn, with stomach acid rising up into the oesophagus. Abdominal pain or bloating of stomach may also be seen. Some causes of indigestion are eating too much too fast, eating foods that are not agreeable with your system, having excess or dearth of stomach acid, and even wearing clothes that fit tightly around the middle.
Traditional remedies
o One of the oldest spice used for soothing a bout of indigestion is ginger. How it works has not quite been understood, but it is proven that it improves digestion and has antispasmodic properties, which make it useful even for stomach cramps. You can either take an easily available ginger capsule after meals, or drink a cup of tummy-warming ginger tea. To prepare the tea, grate some ginger and steep it in boiling water for 10 minutes, and then drink.
o Another traditional treatment for indigestion is chamomile herb. It is best taken in the form of a tea. Drink three cups a day before meals.
o Peppermint oil relieves pain caused by stomach cramps and also stomach bloating. Take 1-2 peppermint capsules, available in health food shops, three times a day after meals. However, if you have heartburn, peppermint is not the ideal cure, as it can cause reflux of the acid, so avoid taking indigestion remedies at the same time as you take peppermint.
o Chew and swallow a spoon of fennel or caraway seeds when you suffer from indigestion, or after eating a large, spicy meal that may cause indigestion. They contain oils that relieve stomach spasms, nausea and also help in controlling flatulence.
o The Greeks in ancient times relied on licorice to relieve pains cause by indigestion. Besides, this herb has a range of other benefits, and is even used in the treatment of menstrual problems and respiratory infections.
o You can also drink a glass of water mixed with bicarbonate of soda to neutralize acid in your gut, and relieve painful wind. Since it can also produce gas, experts recommend that you add a few drops of lemon juice to it.
o Some practitioners of ancient medicine claim that drinking a simple cup of hot water can relieve indigestion as well as any other remedy.
o Be cautious when it comes to fruit juices and dairy products
o Though they are considered healthy, fruit juices can cause gas and abdominal pain from indigestion. So if you wish to have fruit juice, limit the intake to 150 ml at a time, and drink it with food so it gets digested better.
o If you feel that dairy products produce gas and make your stomach bloated, it may be because your stomach is intolerant of lactose, a sugar contained in milk. If such is the case, avoid dairy foods or get yourself some lactose-free products.
o Eat slowly, chew properly
o Don’t eat too fast or swallow big pieces of food without chewing them properly, as it can cause flatulence or bloating. Besides, when you eat very fast, food does not get mixed with saliva and this inhibits the digestive process.
o Your last big meal of the day should be eaten at least three hours before going to bed, as the digestive system functions optimally when you are awake.
Insomnia
Insomnia, the inability to sleep properly at nights, is mostly caused by emotional stress or depression, but other reasons may be pain, illness, medications that interfere with sleep, going to bed too soon after eating, or drinking caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime. Insomnia can become a real terror, and it impairs your ability to function optimally the following day. People who have tried counting sheep to help them fall asleep say it really works. You might try to make changes to your lifestyle, perhaps have a relaxing herbal tea, or fix a strict time to go to bed and wake up, or any of the various tactics listed below to sleep soundly.
Bedtime snacks
o Having a little bit of turkey or chicken or a banana before going to sleep can help since these foods contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body needs to produce serotonin, which is a brain chemical that aids sleep.
o Have a glass of warm milk, as it contains tryptophan, and a biscuit before going to bed to help overcome insomnia.
o Avoid eating a heavy meal too late in the evening or too close to bedtime as the body needs 3-4 hours to digest it.
o Having foods that are too spicy or sugary at dinnertime is not such a good idea if you suffer from insomnia, as they can cause irritation in the stomach.
Herbs that help
o Valerian is an awful smelling herb, but it helps you fall asleep by working on the brain in about the same way that valium does. Take a standardized capsule or tablet one hour before going to sleep.
o Have some passionflower tea. Take a spoonful of the dried herb and put it in a cup of boiling water, let it infuse for 5-10 minutes, and drink before bedtime.
o Have chamomile tea. It calms the nervous system and promotes sound sleep.
o Some other herbs that might help curb insomnia are Californian poppy, lemon verbena and lime flower.
Setting up a rigid routine
o Perhaps the best way to overcome insomnia is to fix your waking up time, and not to deviate from it, regardless of how little sleep you managed in the night. Don’t wake up late at the weekend either.
o Take a walk in the morning, it need not be too long, but it needs to be outdoors as natural light signals that it is time to be awake. Your body clock will start responding better when it comes to bedtime.
o Avoid taking naps during the day. For people who are not suffering from insomnia, an afternoon nap may actually be beneficial, but for those suffering from insomnia it can disrupt the body clock and is best avoided.
What not to do
o Don’t exercise during the last four hours before going to sleep because it stimulates your entire body. The exceptions to this thumb-rule are some yoga exercises which are designed to calm your body and mind. Yoga can actually help you overcome insomnia.
o If you can’t avoid watching TV altogether before bedtime, at least don’t watch any violent or action-packed shows because they only stimulate your brain.
o Stay away from drinks that contain caffeine, as they stimulate the body and cause sleep disorders.
o Avoid consuming alcoholic drinks. Though these drinks may help you fall asleep faster, the effect wears off soon and may result in fitful and restless sleep.
o Don’t smoke during the last four hours before bedtime, it is a major cause of insomnia as it stimulates the central nervous system.
o It might be a good idea to turn towards your partner and have some great sex. It is a pleasurable way to relax, and it also helps the production of hormones that promote sound sleep.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are generally made of calcium compounds that separate from the urine and get built up on the inner surface of the kidney. These stones try to exit from the body through the ureter, which empties the bladder. The problem, however, is that the ureter is a very thin tube and cannot pass the stone through it if the stone is big. And therefore, what follows next is unbearable pain. In fact, the pain of passing a kidney stone is so intolerable that it is said to be as bad as the labor pain. The kidney stones may take a few hours or a few days to pass, and every time they try to go through the tube, the pain shoots up. However, you can follow some remedial measures, which may speed up the process and make it less painful.
Get it out of your system
o This is an age old remedy. Drink plenty of water. Ideally, you should drink at least three liters of water. This will help the body flush the stone out of the bladder.
o Herbal teas can help you a great deal. Drink two to three cups of buchu tea a day, as this herb has diuretic properties that flush out kidney stones. The tea is available in the market in sachets and in loose packing as well.
o Dandelion tea is another herbal tea that can give you relief during an attack. Dandelion tea stimulates blood circulation through kidneys, increases urine, and helps the body get rid of the problem.
o If there’s a history of kidney stones in the family or you tend to have them frequently, you must have marshmallow tea regularly. The tea will have a soothing effect on the inflamed urinary track, which will help flush out kidney stones particles via urine easily.
Walk around
When you’re suffering from kidney stones, moving around will be a tough task because it will cause a lot of pain. But, walk around a little. It’ll may move the stones a little and they may pass through the tube quickly. Try this, it is worth the pain.
Prevention
o Drink at least two liters of water every day. Include plenty of fruit juices, soups, milk shakes, ice tea etc. in your diet.
o Have 500ml of cranberry juice daily. It will help reduce the amount of calcium in your urine.
o If you’re not too fond of cranberry juice, have a glass of orange juice or home-made lemonade during every meal. The citric acid in these juices will stop new stones from forming.
o Limit your salt intake, it will reduce calcium content in your urine. For starters, stop having processed food such as takeaway food items, tinned soups etc. Ideally, you should have less than 6g of salt a day.
o Eat mineral rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, wheat-germ and seafood. These food items are rich in magnesium that can prevent all types of kidney stones.
o Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in potassium. If you increase these items in your diet, you’ll reduce your chances of having kidney stones by 50%. Potassium supplements are also available in the market, but ask a doctor whether you should take them or not.
o Whenever you feel lazy or dull, take a walk around or splash some water on your face to feel fresh rather than sipping a cup of coffee. This is because coffee contains caffeine, which increases calcium in the urine and puts you at a higher risk of forming kidney stones.
o If the urine test indicates that your kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate, cut down on food items like spinach, rhubarb, chocolate, strawberries, nuts, raspberries, and tea. These items are rich in calcium oxalate.
o Calcium combines with oxalate in the intestine, which prevents absorption of pure oxalate. Therefore, eating calcium rich foods, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, green leafy vegetables, soya products, nuts etc. may help prevent calcium oxalate stones. You may also take calcium supplements after each meal. But don’t take them while you’re having your meal, otherwise you’ll increase your chances of suffering from kidney stones.
o If you have had uric-acid stones in the past, avoid foods that raise acid levels. Don’t eat more than 100gms or more than one serving of tuna, ham, porridge, or spinach in a day to avoid a recurrence of kidney stone formation.
Motion Sickness
Many people experience motion sickness while travelling either by road, rail, air or ship. They experience nausea, vomiting, sweating and headaches. It generally happens when different sense organs receive different external signals. For example, if you are reading a book on a journey, your eyes make you feel that things are still, while your inner ear and joint receptors are telling you that things are moving. This mismatch in sense perceptions is more common among children, and reduces as you grow older. So if you are about to embark upon a journey and are aware of your motion sickness, you can try taking some of the following steps to prevent, or ameliorate it.
Take a suitable seat
o If you are an adult travelling by car, it would be better for you to sit in the front seat, or even drive. Motion sickness does not affect a car’s driver. But children would be advised to sit in the back-seat as it is much safer.
o If you are taking a flight, request the airline staff to give you a seat by the window near the wing, where movement is felt the least.
o While travelling by ship or a boat, try to stay close to the center of the vessel where the effect of any swell is least.
o Avoid sitting in rear-facing seats while travelling by train. Sitting in front-facing seats can prevent nausea.
Other precautions
o Anyone with motion sickness can tell you that fresh air can bring a lot of relief. Open the car window to let the fresh air in; if you are in a boat, go up on the deck instead of staying in the stuffy atmosphere of your cabin; on a plane, use your personal overhead vent.
o Gazing straight ahead when in a car, or at the horizon while at sea can also help.
o To limit visual stimulation, keep your head still while travelling.
o Avoid reading or indulging in any activity that requires you to focus on nearby objects.
o If your child is prone to motion sickness, don’t talk about it, or you will end up increasing his/her anxiety and nausea.
o Don’t stuff yourself with food before embarking on a journey. If you already have motion sickness, a full stomach can cause nausea.
o Fried, fatty and salty foods can make nausea worse, so avoid them on a journey.
o The fragrance of essential oils can ease sensations of nausea while travelling. So just pour a few drops of lavender essential oil on your handkerchief and hold it to your nose whenever you feel an attack of nausea coming up.
o Chewing on fresh ginger or having a ginger tea two hours before travel can prevent a bout of motion sickness.
Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are small sores that crop up on the inner sides of the lips, cheeks, on the gums, and even on the tongue. These ulcers are white or yellowish with a reddish surrounding and vary in size. The exact causes of mouth ulcers have not been established, but it is believed that an immune-system malfunction may lead to the condition. Eating certain foods can also cause these ulcers. They can cause a lot of pain, but usually heal within a couple of weeks. The following methods may be used to make them heal faster.
Healing the ulcers
o There are several pastes or gels available over the counter which you can be used to make the ulcers in the mouth heal faster. They form a protective coating over the sores and these help in the healing process.
o Aloe vera sap can also give relief. Squeeze some of the fluid out of the aloe vera leaf and dab it on the ulcer after having dried it. Repeat as many times as you wish.
o Buy some vitamin E capsules, cut open one and apply some of the oil on the sore several times during the course of the day.
o The nagging pain of the sores is caused by acids and digestive enzymes in them, so you can use antacid tablets to neutralize them. Just put the tablet on the sore and let it dissolve, but don’t exceed the recommended doses.
o Milk of magnesia can be used as a mouthwash three to four times a day.
o Hold a damp tea bag against the sore for about five minutes. Tea is alkaline, and it neutralizes acid in the ulcer. It is also an astringent, which relieves the pain.
o Zinc can help these sores heal faster. The moment you notice an ulcer in your mouth, chew on a lozenge that contains zinc. Continue taking it at regular intervals until the ulcer clears, but do not exceed a dose of 25 mg a day, because too much zinc can be toxic.
Preventing mouth ulcers
o You need to cut down on ulcer-causing foods that include whole wheat, rye, barley, shellfish, citrus fruits, figs, chocolate, tomatoes, green capsicums, strawberries. First stop eating these foods, and then gradually reintroduce them, one after the other, to check if any of them are responsible. Once you have identified the causative agent, you can avoid that particular foodstuff to prevent such sores from occurring.
o When you buy your toothpaste, check the label to see if it contains an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulphate, or simply SLS. This is a foaming agent which can cause mouth ulcers in some people, so avoid such toothpastes if you are prone to the condition.
o Small cuts and grazes in your mouth, caused by eating sharp-edged foods such as chips or crusty bread may develop into ulcers. Also, use a soft toothbrush to prevent hurting your gums.
o You may be surprised to know that even stress can cause mouth ulcers, because when you are stressed the body’s immune system overreacts to the bacteria even normally present in the mouth. In such cases, you need to go in for some relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation or even some aerobic exercises.
Nail Fungus
A nail fungus infection is caused when parasitic fungi enter through a weakened nail, a small cut or an abrasion in or around the nail. The fungi grow and spread easily, as the nail provides protection to them. The infection may start with a white or a yellow spot, and slowly develop and discolor the whole nail. The fungi feed on the tough keratin, causing the nail to chip, peel, and become weak.
The fungus can develop either in the nails of the fingers or toes. But as the fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist environment to which our toes are continually exposed, toe nail fungus infections are more common.
o Before you go to bed, wash and dry your nails thoroughly. After cleaning them apply Vicks vapor rub. If toe nails are infected, wear clean socks after application. Make sure that your toe nails are dry, lest the moisture gets trapped under the applied balm and further aggravates the problem.
o Prepare a vinegar water solution. Soak your nails in this solution for half an hour every night before you go to bed. Vinegar reduces the PH value and the fungus can no longer survive in this environment. This treatment takes a while to work, but if you religiously follow this regime for a few months, the results will start showing.
o Moisture promotes fungal growth, so keep your toe nails dry and do not re-use your socks without washing.
o As far as possible, avoid wearing socks and shoes; open toed footwear should be preferred. If you need to wear socks, use ones made of 100% cotton, as they soak the sweat and do not let the fungus grow.
o File the affected area of the nail, and apply pure orange oil mixed with some alcohol; this is an effective remedy.
o If your nails have become thick and yellow, they need intense treatment. First of all, wash and dry them thoroughly. File them till most of the infected part has been removed. Soak a cotton swab in tea tree oil and put it over the infected nails. Cover them with a band aid. Change these cotton swabs 3-4 times during the day.
o Over the counter anti-fungal creams like clotrimazole can also be used. First clean and dry the nails and then apply the cream by rubbing it into the cuticles. Follow this routine every morning and night.
o Mix olive oil and lemon juice in equal proportion. Gently massage this mixture over the affected part. Olive oil softens the nails and surrounding skin, while lemon juice prevents growth of fungus.
o Prepare a paste of coarsely-ground rice and apple cider vinegar. Massage your nails with this paste.
o You can also apply a mixture of lavender oil and tea tree oil. Lavender oil possesses antiseptic properties while tea tree oil has antibiotic properties.
o Peel an onion and cut it into slices, and rub these slices over the infected part. This remedy is quite beneficial.
o Soak your nails in a hydrogen peroxide solution for 20 minutes, every day. Dry the nails with a super absorbent paper towel after the soak.
o Sanitize you nail filer and other tools before re-using them, so that the nail fungus infection doesn’t spread.
o Do not apply nail color on your finger nails and toe nails unless and until you get rid of the infection completely. Nail color seals the fungus inside, and thus provides good breeding conditions.
Oily Skin
If your skin gets too oily, then it means your sebaceous glands are producing too much sebum, the oily substance that protects your skin. Excess of it can even lead to acne. It can be hereditary, but other causes may include stress and changes in hormonal activity. The positive side is that skin which is oily ages better and develops lesser wrinkles than dry or normal skin as time goes by, though it also needs more caring as you will have to keep cleaning the over-productive pores. Scrub your oily skin gently, as you need to wash off dead skin cells, dirt and excess oil. If you overdo the scrubbing, your oily skin will end up producing more oil and aggravate the problem.
Keeping your skin clean
o While washing your face use only warm water, because it dissolves oil better than cool water.
o Select your cleanser wisely. Stay away from creamy products, whether you use soap bars or liquid soap. Simple soaps are perfectly okay, but you might try some soaps specially made for oily skin.
o Some steam treatment also can do the trick. Mix two tablespoons of dried rosemary and peppermint in a bowl of boiling water. Drape a towel over your head and bend over the vessel, and stay that way for 10 minutes. Afterwards, cleanse and tone your face.
Home-made toners
o After washing your face, dab some witch hazel all over it with some cotton. Do it twice a day for about three weeks, and after that apply it only once a day. Witch hazel has an astringent effect and tightens up the pores as they dry.
o You can make a toner out of the herbs yarrow, sage or peppermint as they too have an astringent effect on your oily face. Take a tablespoon of one of these herbs and mix it into a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 30 minutes. Strain the fluid after it cools and dab it on your face. You can store the liquid for three days at room temperature and for five days in a refrigerator.
o A mixture of lavender water and neroli essential oil is an excellent cleanser and toner. Take some lavender water and pour it into a spray bottle with a few drops of neroli oil added to it. Spray it on your oily face as many times a day as you wish.
Massage treatment
o Use buttermilk to massage your face every other day. Wash your face and then massage some buttermilk into your face, as it contains acids that can clean away dirt and also tightens pores. Rinse it off after a few minutes.
Oil-busting face masks
o Mud packs and clay masks help reduce the oiliness and also draws out dirt from it. These masks are available in pharmacies or superstores.
o Make a paste out of egg-white, honey and a little flour and apply it to your face. The egg-white will soak up the oil and firm up the skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.
Painful Menstrual Periods/ Menstrual problems
The problems that women experience just before or on the first couple of days of their menstrual periods are cramps, bloating, backache, nausea, headache, fatigue, anxiety, depression and irritability. For some women these problems may be mild and well within tolerable limits, but for others, these symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can severely disrupt the sufferer’s ability to function normally. The hormonal imbalance experienced just before the onset of the periods can even result in mood swings, breast pain and weight gain. Fortunately, there are a lot many things you can do to control PMS symptoms the next time round.
Counter the cramps
o Let the first indications of cramps serve you as a warning that you need to get into action. Start some exercise, even mild ones like taking a walk or a jog can help, and try to sustain it consistently. Any kind of physical activity raises the production of pain-killing endorphins, and besides, exercising can also relieve bloating.
o Lie down in a in a hot bath tub, it relaxes the cramps in the uterus. If you add one cup of Epsom salts, it will have a soothing effect on your nerves and will relax your muscles. You can even lie down and keep a hot-water bottle on your abdomen for relief.
o Homoeopathy has some proven remedies for cramps related to PMS. Experts recommend Mag phos (phosphate of magnesia). You need to take five 6C or 12C pills every hour. If five doses of this don’t relieve your cramps, you might try the same dosage of Pulsatilla or Nux vomica, the latter is particularly helpful for PMS cramps that are accompanied by constipation and irritability.
o Drink three cups of tepid red raspberry leaf tea. The leaves contain a substance called fragrine that tones up the uterus and eases cramps, and also controls excessive bleeding.
o Drink ginger tea, it is a proven remedy for PMS cramps.
o Reduce the intake of salt in your diet and add vitamin B6 supplements during your periods. Cut back on salty processed foods and snacks.
o Diuretic foods like asparagus, celery, garlic, watercress and parsley can help in easing PMS.
o Daily in the morning and evening take 500 mg of both vitamin C and bioflavonoids to control excessive bleeding. Both work by strengthening the walls of the blood vessels. Grape skins, blackberries, blueberries and citrus fruits are rich sources of bioflavonoids.
o Chasteberry can also regulate your periods by balancing the levels of sex hormones. (In men it decreases libido, and hence in the days of yore it was given to priests.) It lightens heavy flow. You can take its tablets or capsules as per manufacturer’s instructions.
Preventing PMS
o If you are susceptible to PMS, avoid caffeine. Studies have linked caffeine to increased risk of menstrual problems.
o Take divided doses of 1000 mg of calcium citrate with food daily, it helps in relieving PMS cramps. But avoid calcium supplements that have high lead content. If you are taking a calcium supplement, you need to take half its dose of magnesium too.
o Women who are prone to PMS have shown a deficiency of zinc in their blood. Consuming 50 mg of zinc every day may take care of the problem.
o Practice meditation, deep breathing and other relaxation exercises, as these mind-body therapies reduce stress, and they also mitigate the severity of cramps.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which your legs feel very uncomfortable while you’re sitting or lying down. Those suffering from this syndrome usually feel unpleasant sensations in the legs like tingling, aching and itching. It makes you feel like getting up and moving around. When you do so, the unpleasant feeling of RLS temporarily goes away. RLS can begin at any age and generally worsens as you grow older. Women are more likely than men to develop this condition. It can often disrupt sleep and lead to other sleep-related disorders. Research seems to indicate that mineral imbalance could be the cause of RLS, so taking supplements may help. But some simple self-care techniques and lifestyle changes too can help you.
Taking the right supplements
• A shortage of the minerals calcium and magnesium are known to cause the twitching sensation in the legs, so try taking a supplement of say 500 mg calcium and 250 mg magnesium. Over a period you may increase the dose marginally if you see it has a positive effect on your RLS, but remember that these two minerals need to be taken in a 2:1 ratio.
• Drink mineral water which contains magnesium. The ideal magnesium content per liter of water is 100 mg.
• Increase your consumption of vitamin B folic acid, which helps in the formation of red blood cells, which in turn help in circulating oxygen in the body. This can really benefit as RLS is often associated with a dip in the level of oxygen in blood. Good natural sources of folic acid are green leafy vegetables, orange juice, whole gram and beans.
• Dark green vegetables, liver, wheatgerm, kidney beans are also rich sources of iron, which is a vital component of myoglobin molecule, which is a protein that stores oxygen in the muscles until it is needed. If you have a deficiency of iron, myoglobin can’t store enough oxygen and that can lead to RLS.
Stretching the leg muscles
• When you feel the symptoms of RLS coming on, stretch out your legs full length and point your toes. These movements will send a signal to your brain that can relieve the uneasy, twitchy feelings. If you get cramps, stop the stretching as it would indicate a deficiency of magnesium.
• Some good massage therapy to your calf muscles can also relieve the condition. But if it doesn’t work, get up and take a walk. Walking indoors will do, but take long strides and bend your legs sufficiently so that they get stretched properly.
Before going to bed
• Dip your legs in comfortably hot water for 10 to 15 minutes before you go to bed.
• Alternatively, apply a cold pack to your legs before going to sleep.
• You can even combine both the hot and cold treatments one after the other for a minute or two several times before you go to sleep.
Preventive measures
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the evenings, as they tend to stimulate the muscles and nerves in your legs, which may cause RLS.
• Smokers are more prone to the condition than non-smokers, according to some studies; so if you smoke, quit.
• Cold and sinus remedies also need to be avoided, as they are known to aggravate the symptoms of RLS.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a severe skin ailment involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. It may manifest as redness in the face, prominent blood vessels, swelling, or skin eruptions similar to acne. Causes, incidence, and risk factors associated with rosacea are not clearly established, but rosacea is more likely to manifest if you are fair-skinned, if you blush easily, if you are a woman (though men with the condition are normally more severely affected), and it strikes mostly between the ages 30 and 50.
Keep your skin cool
• Your first instinct when your face begins to feel hot is to cool it down, and it is the right one. Soak a face-washer in ice-cold water and lay it on the reddening area for about 10 minutes. It not only cools your skin but tightens blood vessels if they are swelling.
• When chamomile tea is applied to the skin, it has an anti-inflammatory effect. But don’t use the concentrated oil, it can cause irritation in the skin. Instead, take three of its tea bags, steep in boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and let the tea cool down. Dip a cloth in the tea when your face is flushed, and apply to the affected area.
• Other substances that have cooling and healing properties are green tea, aloe vera juice and lavender oil. Take one cup of green tea, one spoon of aloe vera juice and 2-3 drops of lavender oil and pour it into a bottle with a pump spray and refrigerate it. When you experience face flushes, apply the chilled mixture to your face. Discard the remaining blend when it is two weeks old.
Use only mild soaps
• Avoid using harsh, irritating soaps. Instead, use a mild, unscented, moisturizing soap designed for sensitive skin whenever you wash your face, and use lukewarm water.
• Don’t use acne cleansers or ex-foliating skin washes; they contain harsh substances, and besides, acne treatments can actually aggravate rosacea.
• Stay away from cleansers that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or alcohol, as these can worsen rosacea.
Direct sunlight is a bane
• When you suffer from rosacea, you need to keep out of the sun as far as possible, as sunlight can lead to a flare-up of the condition. It not only heats up the skin, but also dilates the blood vessels in your face.
• If you can’t avoid going out into the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your ears and face.
• Apply plenty of sunscreen throughout the year. The best sunscreens for those suffering from rosacea are the ones containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Shaving safely
• Men who suffer from rosacea need to be extra careful while shaving, so as not to irritate the skin on the face. Instead of razor blades, it would be a better idea to use an electric shaver.
• Avoid aftershave lotions which contain alcohol, witch hazel or menthol.
Keep that anger in control
You need to remember that when you get angry, it affects your blood vessels and can lead to a bout of rosacea. The best way to keep the emotion in check is to count to 10, take a deep breath and count to 10 again. After repeating a few times, you will be able to handle the situation more calmly.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses that occurs in case of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the head (behind the forehead, nasal bones, cheeks, and eyes) and are lined with mucus membranes. Healthy sinuses contain no bacteria or other germs. Usually, mucus is able to drain out and air is able to circulate. When the sinus openings become blocked or too much mucus builds up, bacteria and other germs can grow more easily, causing sinusitis. If your sinusitis has been caused by a bacterial infection, you will need antibiotics to cure it, but otherwise you don’t have to go running to your doctor each time your sinuses swell. There are many other ways to relieve your discomfort caused by the blocked passages.
Tips on getting rid of sinusitis
• You can breathe in some steam to relieve your sinusitis. Inhale the steam when you take a hot shower, then you could snort and swallow the hot water, it will clear your sinusitis.
• Put some eucalyptus oil or Vicks Vaporub into a vessel full of boiling water. Then drape a towel over your head and bend over the vessel so that your face is about 45 cm away from the water. Inhale the vapors deeply through your nose, it will give you immense relief. The mucus will loosen and you can blow it out.
• Make a saline solution by mixing one-third of a teaspoon of table salt and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda in a cup of warm water. Tilt your head back, press one nostril and squirt the solution into the other nostril as you sniff. Then blow your nostril gently to get rid of mucus, and repeat the process with the other nostril.
• Mix grated horseradish and lemon juice in equal amounts, and eat a teaspoon of the mixture one hour before breakfast and another teaspoon one hour before dinner, it should ease the discomfort caused by mucus blocking your sinuses.
• Have fresh chilies with your meals, as they contain capsaicin, an ingredient that loosens congestion and helps in draining out the mucus.
• Garlic contains a substance called allicin, which has anti-bacterial properties. You may crush a clove of garlic and mix it in four teaspoons of water. Use an eye-dropper to put 10 drops in each nostril twice a day. You should get remarkable relief from sinusitis after three days.
• Drinking some hot tea also helps in thinning the nasal mucus. Chamomile tea is an ancient remedy for sinusitis. Drink as many cups in a day as you can, and sniff the steam while you drink the tea to loosen the mucus.
• Get enough rest, and make sure you lie down with a pillow below your head to help the mucus drain out.
• Gently massage the facial muscles around your nose and between your eyebrows to ease the pain caused by sinusitis, it will also help in loosening the mucus.
• Two herbs that can boost immunity and help get rid of bacteria and viruses are Echinacea and astragalus. Take tablets or capsules as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Reduce your intake of alcohol, as it is known to cause swelling of nasal and sinus membranes.
• In divided doses, take up to 1000 mg of vitamin C daily, it reduces histamine levels in the body, which are often associated with sinusitis.
• Don’t take a swim in a pool filled with chlorinated water, because chlorine tends to irritate the inner lining of the nose and the sinuses.
Sties
A bacterial infection on the edge of the eyelid, affecting the hair follicle of an eyelash is called an eye sty. It looks much like a boil or a pimple. This infection leads to the hair follicles getting blocked and swollen, resulting in pain and itching. It usually spreads from one hair shaft to another, when you rub your eye to relieve the itching. A sty takes 3 to 7 days to develop. While it may block vision, it does not impair sight. The early symptoms of a sty are pain, inflammation of the eye or eyelid, difficulty in blinking, light sensitivity, blurred vision accompanied by redness of the eye. Normally, a sty begins as a small pimple. In the next few days, it gets filled with pus and consequently bursts and heals on its own as the pus drains out.
When you have a sty, it is almost impossible to resist the temptation to rub your eyes because the itching sensation is so strong. But rubbing can only cause more harm,
Try some of these techniques:
• Place a warm compress over the affected eye for 10-15 minutes four times a day for 2-3 days. You can use a clean cotton cloth or a gauze pad for the compress. As you get used to the warmth, you can wet the compress again with a little warmer water. The heat will help the sty ripen and rupture faster. Make sure you dispose the compressor wash it with hot water if you want to reuse it.
• You can soak the compress in a tea made from calendula flowers to give it some infection-fighting powers. Tea-tree oil also has bacteria-fighting properties. Take 3-5 drops of the oil and mix it in hot water, then soak the compress in it and place on the sty.
• Microwave a potato, cut it in two pieces, wrap it in a cloth and place it on the sty. It stays warm long enough so you can lie back and relax, but make sure you test the hot potato over another area of your skin to check whether you can tolerate the heat over your eyes.
• Try taking 200 mg of Echinacea 3 or 4 times a day till the sty heals. It also has effective bacteria-fighting properties and boosts your immune system,.
• Eating a clove of garlic is also a good idea because it has wonderful anti-bacterial properties. Having it raw gives the best results, so grate it over a salad or mix it into a dressing.
• If you are excessively prone to sties, you need to take extra care in order to keep your eyes clean. Make sure you wash your eyes properly every morning. Maybe you could use some baby shampoo with warm water for washing your eye.
• Apply a warm compress to your eye every few days to prevent sties. It will prevent oil glands in the eyelid from becoming blocked.
• If you get sties frequently it could indicate a deficiency of vitamin A, so you might need to increase your intake of foods such as egg yolks, butter, and yellow, red, orange or dark green vegetables.
Sun Burn
Overexposure to ultraviolet rays in the sunlight can cause the outer layers of your skin to become inflamed, a condition which is called sunburn. These burns are mostly of the first-degree type, and can be linked to heat strokes too. The person who suffers a sunburn, experiences intense pain about four hours after exposure, and it lasts for 2-3 days. After about a week, the skin begins to peel off. Frequent sunburns make your skin age faster and increases your risk of contracting skin cancer. People with a fair skin are more prone to sunburn, though some medications also increase sensitivity to sunlight. Such medications include antibiotics, tranquilizers, diuretics, contraceptive pills and oral diabetes drugs.
Cool it
• The first thing to do when you suffer a sunburn is to cool it down. Soak the affected body part in cold water for 15 minutes, or apply an ice pack or a cold compress. It will reduce swelling and soak up the heat.
• If the sunburn has affected large portions of your body, then add some oatmeal to a cool bath and soak yourself in it. You should finely grind a cup of porridge oats in a grinder and use it.
• Put a cup of bicarbonate of soda in a cool bath and stir the water thoroughly so that the soda dissolves completely. Soak yourself in it for 15 minutes, the soda will draw out the heat and soothe any inflammation.
• Peppermint too can be used to soothe a sunburn. You can prepare a peppermint tea, or alternatively, mix two drops of peppermint oil in a cup of lukewarm water. Chill the mixture and gently apply with a soft cloth to the affected areas.
Kitchen remedies
• On affected spots which are too painful, gently rub sliced cucumber, tomato or potato. They all have coolant properties and will also reduce swelling.
• Vinegar too soothes a sunburn. It can ease the pain, itching and inflammation. Dip a paper napkin in white vinegar or cider vinegar and spread it on the affected area till the paper dries. You can repeat as often as you like.
• Split open a vitamin E capsule and apply it on the affected area.
• If you have an itching sunburn, pour two cups of vinegar to your bathwater and soak yourself in it.
• Make a mixture of egg-white, honey and witch hazel and apply to the affected area of the skin.
• Wipe the affected skin with ordinary cooled tea.
• Toothpaste is known to relieve the pain of a burn and can also prevent blisters from forming.
• Apply a coat of aloe vera to the burnt skin, or use some aloe vera gel available in medical shops, it will have a soothing effect.
Preventive measures
• Always put on a sunscreen lotion which contains a sun protection factor of 15 or higher before going out into the sun to prevent sunburn.
• Stay away from the sunlight during noontime as much as you can. If you can’t avoid it, cover yourself up properly in trousers, full sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• It is believed that the lycopene in tomatoes helps protect the skin against the ultraviolet rays of the sun. You could consider eating tomatoes or its paste before going out in the sun.
Teething Problems
When the first teeth begin to grow, between the age of four and eight months, a baby may experience a lot of discomfort; the gums may redden, become tender and swollen. Some babies will sail smoothly through this phase of teething, but others may experience teething problems, like becoming fussy and irritable and may even develop sleeping problems. When babies have teething problems, they tend to suck on their thumbs. The condition is most common for the first 2-4 teeth, but may occur when other teeth emerge too, and this can go on till the age of three. Teething gels and painkilling syrups for babies can give relief. But you can also try some of the home remedies listed below.
Apart from giving the baby love and cuddling and being patient during the teething phase, some of the following remedies can be of great help:
• Let the baby suck on a water-filled soother that has been chilled in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will have a soothing effect by numbing the gums and giving relief from pain.
• Take an ice cube and wrap it in clean muslin cloth, then apply it gently to the baby’s gums. Make sure the ice does not directly touch the gums, and keep it moving so that no one area becomes too cold.
• Apply the rounded part of a spoon chilled in the fridge – not in the freezer – to the part of the gums where a baby’s teeth is breaking out. It will numb the area and give relief from pain.
• Let your baby chew on a frozen peeled banana. It will thaw quickly, and relieve teething pain in the gums, but make sure you take away the banana when it becomes too mushy.
• Giving your baby extra affection, like cuddling or carrying the baby around wherever you go, as it can give relief from the pain, and have the additional benefit of distracting the baby it he/she is feeling uncomfortable.
• Gently massaging the baby’s gums with a clean finger can also relieve the pain.
• Mix two drops of clove oil in one tablespoon of vegetable oil, and rub it on the baby’s gums to soothe them. But first check it on your own gums to see that it’s not too strong; if it is, mix some more vegetable oil.
• You can buy some anaesthetizing teething gel from a medical store that can help in giving relief from the pain or swelling in the gums. You need to make sure the gel is alcohol-free and is specifically recommended for babies.
• Soon after the teething phase begins, start brushing them to keep them clean. You can begin with an ultra-soft toothbrush or alternatively rub the gums gently with a clean muslin face washer.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTI), also known as cystitis, are far more common among women than in men. The reason for this is that the urethra in women is much shorter than in men, and also because it is situated very close to the anus and vagina, making it easier for bacteria to invade. The most common symptoms of UTI are a burning sensation while urinating, a feeling of heaviness in the bladder, the urge to pass urine frequently, and sometimes there may also be a fever. Among men, UTI manifests when a swollen prostate gland impedes the flow of urine. It may be noted that similar symptoms can occur due to mechanical or chemical irritation, after sex or due to allergies, poor hygiene or even certain medications. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure you complete the course. You might also like to try out some of the following home remedies for quick relief.
Home remedies
• When you notice the first sign of UTI, prepare a drink of bicarbonate of soda by dissolving one-fourths of a teaspoon in 125 ml of water, and drink it after first drinking two glasses of plain water. It will make your urine less acidic, reducing the burning sensation when you urinate.
• Drink as much water as you possibly can, as flooding your urinary tract with water will flush out the bacteria when you pass urine. It will also make your urine more dilute and consequently less irritating.
• Stay away from citrus drinks, tomato juice, coffee and alcohol, because they make passing urine more painful.
• Prepare and drink a cup of garlic tea. Take a couple of garlic cloves, mash, and steep in warm water for five minutes, and drink. Garlic contains potent bacteria-killing compounds that help in overcoming UTI.
• Prepare a tea of lovage (from the carrot family). Take two teaspoons of minced and dried lovage and steep in boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and drink. The herb has anti-inflammatory properties and kills the bacteria causing UTI. It is also a known diuretic and flushes the system clean when you pass urine.
• If you are a vegetarian and develop UTI, your urine is likely to be alkaline. In such cases an herb called uva ursi is particularly useful. Non-vegetarians can also use this remedy, provided they maintain a strict diet of plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid meat as far as possible. This is a herb that has been used for hundreds of years to treat UTI because it has antiseptic properties. It is available in tablet and capsule forms, and you may take it according to manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t take vitamin C at the same time as it will make your urine more acetic and neutralize the effects of the uva ursi. Do not take the herb if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Prevention is better than cure
• Pass urine regularly, at least once every four hours, and make sure to empty the bladder completely. When you think you are done, wait (women need to stand up) and try again one more time.
• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids guard your bladder against bacteria that tend to cling on to its lining, thus preventing UTI. You may take 1000 mg of vitamin C and 600 mg of bioflavonoids daily to prevent UTI.
• If you are using a spermicidal gel or a diaphragm, try some other contraceptive, as these can alter the bacteria in the vagina, which can then get into the urethra and infect it.
• Use only gentle, non-perfumed soaps and avoid scented bath oils.
• Avoid foods like asparagus, spinach, beetroot, raw carrots, tomatoes, citrus fruits, strawberries, red meat and milk, as all of these can worsen UTI.
• Always wash your genitals before having sex, and pass urine afterwards, as the urine will flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during intercourse.
• To prevent UTI, wear only loose, cotton underwear, and not the synthetic ones which keep the genital area warm and damp and make it ideal for bacteria to breed.
• Do not douche your vagina. Simple regular bathing and hygiene make douching completely unnecessary. If the smell of your vaginal discharge worries you, shower twice a day and wear clean underwear after bathing.
Varicose Veins
Veins are blood vessels that take de-oxygenated blood from all parts of the body back to the heart. When these veins become excessively thick, contorted or enlarged, they are called varicose veins. It is the veins in the legs and thighs that have a greater tendency to develop the condition of varicose veins, though it is known to occur anywhere in the body. Varicose veins can be inherited, and become more pronounced as the person grows older. These bluish, swollen varicose veins not only look awkward, but can hurt and cause itching too. Simple surgical methods can treat varicose veins quite effectively, but there are less drastic measures that can alleviate the condition and prevent it from getting worse, starting with increasing your intake of dietary fiber.
• Lie down with your legs raised slightly above the level of your body, as this will enable the blood in your legs to drain back towards the heart. Varicose veins result from too much blood pooling in your veins. So even if you are at work, every once in a while you could lean back in your chair and raise your legs up and rest them on some support for 5-10 minutes.
• An ancient herbal remedy for varicose veins is horse chestnut. Try its tablets or capsules for about 90 days. It improves the resilience of blood vessels and also strengthens the valves in the veins. The tablet or capsule should contain 50 mg aescin, the main ingredient in horse chestnut. Be patient, as the results may manifest only after three months.
• Gotu kola is another herb which strengthens the walls of the blood vessels and the tissues that surround them. Take 200 mg of the herb’s extract three times a day to ease varicose veins. Try also to get a cream that contains gotu kola, as studies have proved that it promotes tissue repair and hastens wound healing. Pregnant women should not use it.
• Take some lemon peel and add it to citrus juices or to your tea and drink. It contains an ingredient called rutin, which is a kind of flavonoid which helps prevent leakage from small blood vessels.
• You need to take vitamin C and flavonoids every day. Vitamin C helps by strengthening the connective tissues around your blood vessels, and flavonoids help your body to assimilate vitamin C. Consume 500 mg of vitamin C and 250 mg of flavonoids twice daily, but if you develop symptoms of diarrhea, you will have to reduce the amount of vitamin C that you take.
• While sitting, don’t cross your legs, as this puts extra pressure on your blood vessels, and impedes the movement of blood back towards the heart.
• Do 20 minutes of aerobic exercises at least three times a week to avoid varicose veins. It will not only help to keep you in shape, but also reduce weight if you are on the plumper side. Simple walking is a very good exercise for healing varicose veins, because the rhythmic contraction of your leg muscles helps in pumping blood back to the heart.
• In half a cup of cool water, mix 10 drops each of cypress and yellow essential oils and two spoons of aloe vera juice. Soak a cloth compress in the blend and apply to the affected areas. Aloe vera helps with tissue repair and the oils will soothe inflammation.
• If you suffer from constipation, eat more high-fiber foodstuffs like bran breakfast, cereals, oranges, pears, beans and whole grains, because straining while passing stools puts pressure on the blood vessels in your legs and impedes blood flow back to the heart.
Vertigo
Vertigo is a Latin word meaning whirling around. The condition is associated with malfunctioning of the vestibular system in the inner ear. People suffering from vertigo experience light headedness and dizziness. They also have a problem in maintaining balance and often feel nausea.
• It is very important that you keep your body hydrated. Increase your intake of liquids, juices and water. At least 10 glasses of water should be consumed, daily.
• Rest is extremely essential in order to avoid nausea and dizziness. Sleep deprivation can further aggravate the problem, and lead to sudden bouts of vertigo. So make sure you get enough sleep. If you feel nausea or light headedness, lie down, let your body relax and try to sleep.
• While getting up from bed, make sure you get up slowly in order to avoid jerks. Sudden movements can result in imbalance thus causing nausea and dizziness.
• The muscles are under a lot of stress and tension in this condition, so gently massage the back of your neck to relieve the stress.
• People suffering from vertigo should avoid coffee. Drinking coffee causes imbalance in the blood pressure.
• Being hooked on to your cell phones, computers and latest consoles aggravates the problem. Reduce the amount of time you spend playing on mobile phones and other gadgets.
• Eat ripe strawberries or mix them with yoghurt and then have them to relieve the problems associated with vertigo.
• Medicinal properties of ginger are well known. Chew a piece of ginger, add it to your cup of tea or consume it in powdered form. It helps to keep your blood pressure under control and thus wards off symptoms like light headedness and nausea.
• Vertigo might leave you exhausted and cause fatigue. Mix some almonds in the form of a powder to a glass of warm milk, and drink. It will make you feel energetic and healthy.
• Add 2 tablespoon soaked wheat grain, 8 almonds, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (khus khus) and 8 water melon seeds, grind together to make a paste. Heat a spoonful of ghee to a pan and fry 2 cloves in it. Add the prepared paste and milk into it, and drink. Consume this every day for about a week for relief from vertigo.
• A bout of vertigo begins with a feeling of nausea. Whenever you feel nausea or light headedness, add some salt, black pepper and lemon juice to a glass of water, and drink this to prevent a bout of vertigo.
• Soak some coriander (dhania) seeds and Indian gooseberry (amla) powder in water. Leave overnight. Strain the infusion in the morning, add some sugar to it, and drink.
• You can also take the ayurvedic medicine called ‘sutshekhar rasa’ along with amla juice and honey. It is highly beneficial for people suffering from vertigo.
Water Retention
When fluid that ought to pass through blood vessels and lymph channels seeps into cells and the small spaces between them and collects there it is called water retention. Consuming too much salt can cause the retention, but so can wearing socks with a tight elastic around the top, standing for a long time, or a sedentary job. When water retention occurs in the days before the start of your menstrual period, the cause can be hormonal fluctuations. The condition can also be related to kidney or liver diseases. Doctors may prescribe diuretic drugs to drain out excess fluids, but some simple self-help remedies like changing your diet, drinking herbal teas and taking long walks can be equally beneficial.
Fighting like with like
It is ironic, but the most recommended remedy for getting rid of water retention is to drink more water. The reason is that when you are dehydrated, your body saves up fluids for the dry spell. Besides, when you drink more water, you will urinate more, thus getting rid of excess fluids and also salts. Make sure you drink at least two liters of water every day.
Balancing the salts
• Reduce your salt intake. A substantial amount of salt that we eat comes from processed foods, like soups, sauces, packaged snacks and even ready-made bread. Instead, switch to unprocessed foods like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains that are not packaged. Bake your own bread, if you can.
• The correct balance of sodium and potassium in the body is imperative for regulating fluid levels, but mostly people get more sodium than potassium, so you need to set that right by making sure you get more potassium. Fruits and vegetables like bananas, avocados, potatoes, and oranges are high in potassium, as are meat, poultry products, milk and yoghurt.
• Make sure you get enough magnesium. Studies have proved that women who suffer from water retention related to PMS, experience relief from this condition when they supplement their diet with magnesium, as it reduces menstrual abdominal bloating. The recommended dose is 200-400 mg per day.
Controlling the swelling
• Exercising regularly can relieve water retention to a great extent. Fluids flow down in the body, towards the legs and ankles which become swollen, due to gravity, and therefore when you exercise you put pressure on your calf and other muscles in the legs which helps in pumping the fluids back up. You can do 20-30 minutes of walking, jogging, cycling or any other leg-pumping exercise every day to alleviate retention of fluids.
• You could try squeezing the fluids upward by gently massaging your calf muscles by performing the squeeze-and-release motions, first downwards and then upwards, one by one on both legs.
• If you find your legs swollen after returning home from work, lie down with your legs raised higher than the level of your body, so that the water drains down towards your kidneys and passes out through urine. If possible, try to keep your feet raised for 1-2 hours daily.
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Kitchen Witchery:
The term "Kitchen Witch" brings up many different images to people, but the most common idea is that of a Witch who practices her art mainly through cooking and common household skills. Another image is that of one who uses common everyday items in her art, drawing up memories of the Burning Times, when it was necessary to hide your working tools from those who would persecute you for their possession.
While both of these images are certainly true ones, Kitchen Witchery goes far beyond magical cooking or using ordinary items as magical tools. One Kitchen Witch, Mama Rose, defines Kitchen Witchery in the following way:
"My spirituality and my priestesshood and my magick are based around the concept that my home is my temple, all in it are consecrated and holy, and each action that I do is a portion of the ritual of my life."
Kitchen Witchery is a talent for finding the sacred and magical in everyday tasks, a philosophy which "practices the presence of the Goddess" in daily devotion through ordinary actions. The Kitchen Witch makes the ordinary, extraordinary, the mundane magickal and by doing so, acknowledges the presence of the Divine in all things.
Most are familiar, of course, with the act of cooking magickally or setting up household altars. But it doesn't stop there. Some Kitchen Witches may clean magically, turning every act of cleaning into a psychic clearing as well. Others may tend magical gardens, care for familiars or raise their children within a magickal world.
Kitchen Witchery can extend into actions as mundane and simple as stirring one's coffee clockwise to bless it or remembering to recycle as an act of daily devotion. Not to say that being a Kitchen Witch is restricted to the home! Oh, no! Kitchen Witchery can be practiced anywhere that a Kitchen Witch travels. It can extend to her car, her work and her play, since it acknowledges the divine all around us. Thus, keeping a magickal office can be as much an act of Kitchen Witchery as cooking a magickal meal. Wherever the Divine exists, a Kitchen Witch will find and acknowledge it.
Barbara Ardinger, in her book A Woman's Book of Rituals and Celebrations discusses the concept of "practicing the presence of the Goddess". She describes this practice as a type of mysticism.' In her words;
"Mysticism is not a matter of doing anything special; it's a way of life. It's recognizing that we're related to everone else, even those who don't look like us or talk like us...
Mysticism in the tradition of the Goddess is living an ordinary life, not acting spacy or sanctimonious or as if we were specially 'chosen'. It's making a living, making car payments, disciplining our kids. It's doing regular things but doing them in an attitude that some call mindfulness. This means being aware of what we're doing, reflecting on our thoughts. It's living with raised consciousness."
I would expand on that to say that it is also changing your everyday actions when your conscience requires that you do so.
Regardless of what type of personal artistic expression she uses, the Kitchen Witch's goal is to reach this level of 'mindfulness'. To reach the point where "As we live each day on earth, we become more aware each day of the ways She is present in our lives." In leading a mindful life, the Kitchen Witch becomes sensitized to the presence of the Goddess both within and without and interacts with that presence.
Becoming More 'Mindful'.
Cooking is probably the most commonly recognized type of "kitchen witchery". Anytime that you feed people, you are performing a magickal act, nourishing the body and soul. This is why so many of our holiday observances are centered around food. Learning to create magickal foods and to cook magickally simply enhances this experience.
Remember, it doesn't need to be a ritual meal to be a Sacred Feast. You could also create a weekly sacred meal for your family. Use the time to help you and your family connect to each other and to be mindful of the food that you eat, the value of your family, your special actions to nurture each other,etc. It really makes this activity special if the whole family gets involved in preparing the meal, each member adding their own energy to the feast.
Being a Kitchen Witch involves more than cooking. In the broadest sense, it means living a life which is mindful, becoming conscious of your actions and how they connect or disconnect you with the world around you and the Divine, both within and without. Being a Kitchen Witch is not as much about what you do, but instead about how and why you do it and about doing everything that you do with an aware conscience. It's not as much about doing something special, as about doing things in a way which are special to you and in recognizing the "special"ness (or sacredness) in all that you do.
Many practitioners new to the magical arts believe that before casting a spell or performing a ritual, one must drive across town to the occult supply store and spend money getting just the right ingredients. In reality, the ingredients to many successful spells, rituals, and other magical practices may be right there already--in your own kitchen!
Always stir in a clockwise motion.
Before you chop veggies, offer thanks.
Cut mindfully, gratefully.
Do all preparations in a loving spirit.
Energize food with good thoughts.
Feast gratefully.
Give & share what you can spare.
Home & hearth are sacred.
Invoke blessings of Goddess on all food.
Join hands with friends often.
Kindness shows in serving food.
Love goes into every dish.
Mindfully gather ingredients.
No wasting - recycle, compost, feed animals.
Open your senses, enjoy your surroundings.
Play as well as work.
Quench thirst, thinking of clear clean rivers.
Resolve to be grateful & waste not.
Salivate as you smell fragrance & anticipate flavors.
Thank the Universe & Goddess for health.
Use utensils carefully, then clean up.
Value time spent with loved ones.
When possible grow & harvest your food.
Xtra food is for creative recombining.
Yearly rituals & feasts build traditions.
Zestful living in every area is our goal.
Water. Agua. Eau.
It is the great giver of life, the washer of dirt, the slow and steady drip of time. Without water, life on this planet would not exist.
Unfortunately, with water, life in your homemade creations may exist where you don’t want it to. Whether you’re DIYing your own beauty concoctions or edibles, there’s one important thing you need to be aware of when you use the effervescent aqueous essence.
Early in my DIY escapades, I learned a valuable lesson: Anything that contains water can potentially spoil, mold, or grow bacteria. I learned this by putting fresh mint into oil and keeping that oil on a counter top. Within a week, the oil had turned rancid, the mint was muddy brown, and the whole thing stank to high heaven.
This is DIY 101 about water for several reasons:
Putting Water In Your Homemade Creations
Before we begin, I want to apologize. This is a difficult reality to face, this water awareness situation, because SO many homemade creations would be much easier if we could just add water and forget it.
“Homemade is supposed to be easier! Water is the easiest thing on the planet! Shut up, lady, and quit harshing my buzz.”
Trust me, though. The sooner you accept that you have to be more careful with your water-based creations, the easier everything will become in the future.
Remember when I was all, “Oooh oooh, fancy schmancy words about water and how it’s the bringer of life”? Well, the quickest way to come to terms with this water situation is to remember that water is the bringer of life, including bacterial and fungal life. Anything you add water to could potentially sprout an entire world that you don’t particularly care for.
Everything needs water to grow. Including, but not limited to, yucky stuff.
Might not be yucky, but the water's bringing it more life.
We Don’t Live In Sterilized Labs
Here’s the good news: We live gorgeously messy lives.
And the bad news: Because we live our normal, every day life in the same place we indulge in our creative, genius sides, we don’t have the luxury of a sterilized lab, controlled levels of preservatives, and the purest of ingredients. Nothing we make is going to last forever.
On one hand, this is good. Diversity is the magic of nature, and by creating our concoctions using plants and oils and fruits and roots, we have the opportunity to harness all of that diversity in myriad ways. And when you think about it, the things like synthetic preservatives that inhibit life completely may not be exactly what’s right for our living bodies.
However, we do need to remember that a modicum of care should be taken when adding water – or using any water-containing ingredients – so that we keep out the bad stuff as much as humanly possible.
I say all of that to make one simple, salient point: Because we are the creator of these things, and no two recipes will ever be exactly alike, it’s difficult to add the “perfect amount” of preservative or predict the “perfect length” of shelf life to any recipe made with water.
So, instead, we have to use common sense. Here’s how.
DIY 101: Tips For Using Water and Water-Containing Ingredients Safely
• Always, always use distilled or filtered and boiled water. What comes out of your tap contains bacteria. It does. To some degree. Some of the bacteria is good, but some could harbor a stinky, growing mess if you use it in a recipe that you let sit for a long while. Using distilled or filtered (and we’re talking high-quality Berkey-type filter, not, say, Brita) and then boiled water really cuts down on the chance that you’re introducing a contaminant to your recipe.
• BOIL EVERYTHING. Anything you’re working with – be it a bottle, a spoon, a lid or a measuring cup – needs to be as sterilized as you can possibly get it. In a large pot, boil all the things you’ll be working with for at least 10 minutes to kill any invisible monsters, so you don’t contaminate while you’re creating.
• Use containers that don’t require “double dipping.” For instance, if you’re making a water-based lotion (which will likely also include some sort of preservative), store it in a squeeze bottle or a pump bottle. Anything that doesn’t require dipping your hands in over and over and over. And always keep the lid closed when not in use.
• Make VERY small batches at a time. If you’ve decided, say, that you want to try making a homemade cooking oil spray (which, by the way, by the looks of all the recipes I’ve stumbled on recently, is just a mixture of oil and water), MAKE A SMALL BATCH. Especially when it comes to mixing oil with water; these two things LOVE to grow bacteria together. So if you stick to a small batch that lasts you, maybe, a week, you’ll be in better shape. Just don’t expect to make water-based concoctions that last for months – or even weeks – at a time.
• Remember that store-bought products include preservatives that are formulated for their original water content. Now, I cannot say for scientific certainty that the preservatives in the original product aren’t enough to protect bacterial growth if you add water. In fact, I’m pretty (again unscientifically) certain they do to some extent. Just keep in mind that they may not for very long. If you’re adding small amounts of water to things like soap or shampoo or even castile, consider adding a natural preservative (hold on, we’re getting there) and changing out the product every month or so.
• Whenever the recipe has room for it, add a natural preservative to extend shelf life. Yes, nature does come with its own built-in preservatives, although they’re not going to be as long-lasting as store-bought products will be. Remember: THIS IS GOOD. Here are some natural preservatives (reminder: these are not broad-spectrum preservatives, but they do offer a good deal of protection when used properly):
• Vinegar
• Alcohol (rubbing or spirits like vodka or brandy)
• Rosemary essential oil
• Grapefruit seed extract (not to be confused with grapefruit essential oil, which is slightly preservative in nature, but not as effective)
• Vitamin E
• Citric or ascorbic acid
• Salt or even sugar
• Borax
Remember, these things will not extend shelf life indefinitely when you’re making a water-based recipe (or using, say, fresh herbs), but they will help keep your concoction stable longer than if you didn’t use them. Some of these things are more potent than others, and none of them have “exact measurements,” because all your recipes are going to be different (and it would take a CRAPLOAD of scientific studies to determine exactly what amount would work perfectly in what recipe).
And nothing is going to keep a fresh apple completely fresh once you cut it open, except removing the water – and then it’s not fresh, it’s dried. So if you’re making a beauty recipe with a piece of fresh fruits or veggies, absolutely follow the next rule.
• Store your water-based concoctions in the fridge or freezer as much as humanly possible. I trust you’ll use your common sense especially with this one. If you’re using a vinegar hair rinse in the shower every few days (that includes water), it’s probably okay to keep it there for a week or more. But if you’ve made a product that uses fresh fruits or veggies, or a good deal of water and little preservative, STORE THAT DARNED STUFF IN THE FRIDGE if you plan on keeping it for more than a day. When in doubt, chill it. The cold temperatures keep the bad stuff from growing as quickly. But, as we all know, even the fridge doesn’t stop things like mold. So toss anything that seems even slightly questionable.
Also, quick rule of thumb: Anything that uses fruits or veggies should be used/consumed within 2-5 days, and always kept refrigerated. And if it looks weird, don’t use it.
A Pool of Information, Not a River of Fear
I say all this not to instill fear in any of you, but just to remind you to be vigilant with your homemade concoctions.
And we are NOT making “store-bought” items that are loaded with preservatives and synthetics so they’ll last for years without spoiling. And that’s okay. THAT is not our goal. If it was, we wouldn’t care about what we put on our skin or in our mouths.
We just need to remember that what we make has a much shorter shelf life, especially when it includes water or water-containing materials. (You wouldn’t expect your chicken salad to keep for three months, would you?)
Just use your knowledge, use your common sense, and be aware of what you’re doing. After that, it’s all fun and games. And no one needs to get hurt.
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When adding herbs into some of the beauty crafts that keep for months I like to use dry herbs over fresh herbs because the moisture from the herbs can make things mold faster. If it's only made to last a few days, then fresh herbs are great.
keep a notebook to keep a record of your recipes or experiences with them and any problems or tweaking to do to them.
Label everything with what ingredients were used and what date you made them.
In a lot of skincare recipes, you will mix water into a blend of wax and oil. To keep the oil and water from separating, make sure the wax/oil and water are at the same temperature before you blend them.
To help keep creams and lotion from going rancid it's best to refrigerate them.
In my humble opinion, a lot of beauty products can be made into magickal products depending on what essential oils, products, empowering, etc you do to them. Glamour magick anyone?
Almond Milk: Contains all the great vitamins from almonds and is a wonderful skin softener
Almond Oil: Contains a variety of vitamin and minerals, including vitamins D and E- Both good for improving the complexion. It's an anti-aging, anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory skin tonic that good for all skin types.
Aloe Vera Gel: heals and repairs skin tissue. It also moisturizes and improves the skin's elasticity
Apples: Are toning and softening. Contain iron, which makes skin glow.
Apple cider vinegar: helps maintain your skins optimal pH balance and is also great for dandruff and getting rid of buildup. But it can strip hair dye coloring from hair
Apple juice: contains malic acid, which is an excellent exfoliator
Apricots: known for hydrating and revitalizing properties. High in iron, they are great at fixing troubled skin spots.
Apricot Kernel Oil: Helps skin retains elasticity, clarity, and suppleness. It is good for prematurely aged, dry, or irritated skin
Aspirin: Has beta hydroxy acid, which helps exfoliate skin and clear pores
Avocados: Abundant in essential oils and B-Complex vitamins that nourish skin inside and out. Vitamin B is important for healthy skin.
Baking soda: is alkaline, so it neutralizes skin's acidity
Banana: rich in vitamin A and potassium and loved by dry skin
Barley: purifies and rejuvenates
Basil: Can ease headaches and migraines, improve concentration and clear the mind
Beer: contains hops, which add elasticity to your skin. Hops are also known to have a relaxing and cleansing effect on skin and hair.
Beets: are high in fiber, vitamin C, and minerals. They are perfect for a tender digestive tract.
Black currents: nourish and protect the skin, preventing dryness and maintaining healthy skin cells
Black tea: helps tone the skin and reduces fine lines and puffiness
blueberries: are one of the best antioxidant fruits
Bread crumbs: Help exfoliate the skin
Brewer's yeast: is a natural source of B vitamins, which tighten skin and enhance skin tone
Butter: rejuvenates the skin and is an excellent moisturizer
Buttermilk: has a natural, gentle alpha hydroxy acid
Cabbage: is rich in sulfur, copper, calcium,, and vitamin C. Its leaves are soothing and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Cantaloupe: is loaded with beta-carotene, high in vitamin C and a good source of potassium and folate
Carrots: contain all the great vitamins and minerals your skin needs to stay healthy and beautiful. They offer protection from the elements and as a bonus, their beta-carotene adds a hint of color to women with paler complexions- if used consistently.
Castor oil: is a deep moisturizer for dry skin and can be used for various skin irritations
Chamomile: contains bisabolol, which has a number of anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties
Chardonnay: helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines by evening out your skin tone and protecting against damage by free radicals.
Cherries: are an antiaging fruit. They have been proven effective in fighting heart disease and inflammatory conditions
Chocolate: helps to keep the skin clean and smooth
Cinnamon: is strongly stimulation to the skin and warms the body
Cocoa butter: is a great emollient. It smoothes wrinkles and helps the thin skin around your eyes remain flexible and well moisturized.
Coconut: Helps to remove age spots and acne scars
Coconut milk: strengthens and restores elasticity
Coconut oil/cream: softens, protects, and promotes healing, giving your skin a youthful appearance.
Coffee grounds can increase blood flow and circulation when rubbed on the skin. This is said to facilitate the breakdown of fats beneath the skin, eliminating cellulite.
Cognac: tightens pores and stimulates blood flow
Corn oil: soothes and softens
cornstarch: Calms and neutralizes redness in skin
Corn syrup: helps keep the skin hydrated and fresh
Cottage cheese: Contains amino acids, which help to bleach uneven skin tone
