Natural Home Medicines - Simple alternative remedies

"Breathing exercize for energy - Freeing the diaphragm"

2011-10-11T22:29:00.001-07:00

This simple exercise will have you taking a deeper breath in under a minute. Enjoy the video

http://www.cristinasenergycenter.com/3.3.15.html

"Stomach Upset, ache, pain - natural home remedies"

2011-03-08T18:22:00.001-08:00

Upset stomachs can happen for a number of reasons. It can be caused by eating a food you are allergic to or it can be caused by food poisoning. You can have an upset stomach if you have the flu. Medication you may be taking can cause an upset stomach as well. Whatever the reason, you'll find all kinds upset stomach remedies being advised by different people. Before you try any upset stomach remedies you should try to discover the cause.

Eating bland foods. Try eating soups or broth and avoid spicy foods until your upset stomach goes away.
Baking soda and water. You can mix a half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and sip it slowly. This will help ease gas pains and upset stomach for a lot of people, especially heartburn and indigestion. You can use this mixture as a remedy every two hours up to 7 times in a 24 hour period.
People who have an upset stomach can try drinking spearmint or peppermint tea to ease an upset stomach. These herbs help sooth upset stomach.
Ginger root is a good herb for upset stomach. It has been used for 2000 years or more in China as an upset stomach remedy. You can make ginger out of ginger root and drink that for an upset stomach remedy. You can also buy a bottle of ginger ale in the store and drink that to relieve upset stomach. Eating candied ginger will also relieve nausea.
Catnip tea is also on the list of upset stomach remedies. This herb helps to calm nausea as well.
You can buy over the counter medicines like Pepto-Bismol for an upset stomach remedy. You can buy it in liquid form or chewable tablets. Pepto-Bismol helps sooth the entire digestive tract.
Milk of Magnesia can help relieve acid indigestion, heart burn and upset stomach.
Chewing Tums helps some people relieve upset stomach.
Avoid eating foods like coffee, onions, milk, cauliflower, chocolate, fried foods and baked beans which can cause upset stomach for some.
Eat a banana if you have upset stomach. Bananas are good to sooth the digestive tract and can neutralize stomach acids that may be causing upset stomach. Bananas are also good to use if you have upset stomach along with diarrhea.

"Natural Home remedy for Hemorrhoid treatment"

2011-02-20T00:49:00.000-08:00

A good portion of adults will experience Hemorrhoids at some point in their life. It happens when the veins in the anus or rectum become swollen and inflamed. They can be painful, itchy, and can cause blood to appear on your stools (on, not in) or on toilet paper after wiping. These Hemorrhoid can bulge and appear either internally or externally; when they are external, they get pushed to the outside and are visible.

Although hemorrhoids go away, usually within 7 days, they should not be ignored. There are treatments available, and one of those treatment options is to use a home remedy that involves completely natural remedies. However, before starting on any sort of supplement or medication, discuss the option with your doctor and be sure he or she is aware of all the medications you're taking.

Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids
Increasing fiber Intake. Fiber is the most consistently proven remedy of hemorrhoids, and it is also the easiest way to get rid of them. Fiber can relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids (pain, itching, discomfort, and bleeding). In addition, fiber softens the stool and makes it easier to have a bowel movement. Constipation + hemorrhoids = extreme pain. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans are excellent sources of fiber. Flaxseed is another good one that provides other health benefits as well. Make sure to drink plenty of water with all the fiber that you add to your diet.

Warm Sitz Bath. This bath consists of Epsom salt dissolved in warm water. The ratio should be ½ cup salt for every gallon of water. Relax and lay back in this tub so you aren't putting pressure on the hemorrhoid that will cause unnecessary pain; also, you want the water to reach the hemorrhoid(s). Do this for 15-20 minutes; pat dry well afterwards.

Witch Hazel. This topical solution can be found at any drug store; it comes as a liquid, ointment, or medicated pad. It should be applied to the anal area. Witch Hazel mostly works to stop the bleeding, but it may help relieve the pain, itching, and swelling as well.

Box Holly. This traditional plant has been used in the past to treat hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It has antiinflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling that comes with hemorrhoids and the pain associated with that. Sometimes known as Butcher's Broom, the herb can be added to tea.

Barberry. This is an herbal treatment for hemorrhoids because this plant promotes healthy intestinal microbial balance. A healthy intestine will allow for fewer problems with hemorrhoids.

Horse Chestnut. Horse chestnut is an extract that increases the strength and tone of the veins, also with anti-inflammatory qualities.

Psyllium. This is a laxative that can be used to treat constipation, IBS, diverticular disease, and hemorrhoids.

Aloe. This is beneficial to get rid of the soreness, bleeding, and heat related to a hemorrhoid.

"Diarrhea - Home medicines, Alternate remedies and Ayurvedic herbal solutions"

2011-02-12T23:13:00.001-08:00

Diarrhea is not the by-product of stomach ailments. In reality, it is a serious health problem in which the bowels become incapable to cope with fatty foods, causing imbalance and producing negative toxins.

However, there are several Ayurvedic remedies for diarrhea recommended to cure this affliction. These remedial measures focus on getting rid of negative toxins and effectively bring back the metabolic system in control.

A diarrhea patient should not digest solid foods for some time. Ayurvedic remedies say that such patients need to survive on liquid diet most of the time. Liquid diets like vegetable soups are recommended to provide wholesome nourishment for the body. If a child is suffering from diarrhea then Ayurvedic diet should primarily consist of goat milk or cow milk. Drinking milk strengthens the digestive system.

Other Home remedies in foods are carrot, potato, pomegranate, apple, mint, banana, buttermilk, curd and yogurt. Foods to avoid in diarrhea are prunes, plums, peaches, pears, peas, apricots and fruit juices because they contain acids. Even though these acids are vital in Ayurvedic remedies to get rid of afflictions, it will aggravate the condition for diarrhea patients. Papaya, basil, garlic and ginger are some Ayurvedic herbs which are useful for treating diarrhea.

These herbs, especially garlic, contain elements that help in destroying intestinal bacteria. The patient can consume these Ayurvedic herbal medicines either in form of supplementary capsules or they can be had raw as well.

According to Ayurvedic remedies for diarrhea, it is essential that the patient lives on liquid diet until the digestive and the bowel system is better.

"Bulimia or Anorexia - home treatment and remedies"

2011-01-29T01:26:00.001-08:00

If a person has a compulsion to eat, or not to eat - a compulsion that has a negative effect on his/her mental and physical health, he/she probably has an eating disorder. The two most common types of eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Some estimates say that approximately 5-7% of American females suffer from either disorder at some time during their lives.

Symptoms
There are very specific symptoms associated with bulimia: obsessive preoccupation with food, obsessive concern about body shape and weight, episodes of bingeing and purging following right after (happening at least twice a week for 3 months or longer), excessive exercise, self-criticism, depressed mood, feelings of shame or guilt during and after the bingeing/purging episodes. Another thing to pay attention to is the visible signs that appear over time: abdominal pain and bloating, irregular menstrual cycle, constipation, swollen cheeks, dental erosion/decay, overall weakness, swelling in general, swollen salivary glands, calluses/scabs on the back of the hands that are caused by constantly scraping them against the teeth to induce vomiting.

Treatment Options for Bulimia
Those affected by bulimia feel out of control and may not know what to do. Keep in mind that if you do suffer from bulimia, change is possible and, while it may seem difficult, treatment is easy to come by if you make the first steps to get it. There is treatment available, the love and support of family and friends, and even self-help strategies that help an individual overcome bulimia.

Weight restoration. If an individual has become underweight due to bulimia, the first goal of treatment is to restore the person's weight to a normal level. This can be done with the help of a dietitian; the dietitian will give you a healthy eating plan and information about a healthy weight.

Doctors and physicians. In any case, once the problem is identified (and accepted by the individual), seeing a doctor is a good idea to check for any health problems that have been caused by the bulimia; it is important to treat these problems as needed. A doctor can also be a good support person along the way.

Therapy. This involves talking about your condition and related issues with a mental health professional. Breaking the binge and purge cycle, changing unhealthy thoughts and eating patterns, and solving emotional issues are the main goals of therapy. There are different types of psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the individual identify negative feelings and thoughts and teaches them to replace these with positive feelings and thoughts. Family-based therapy is also effective in dealing with bulimia, particularly in children and adolescents; it basically implies that an individual is past the point of being able to make healthy decisions and needs the family to do that for him or her.

Medications:

Antidepressant medications can often help reduce the symptoms of bulimia; the only FDA approved medication specifically for this is Prozac. Doctors, however, are allowed to prescribe other antidepressants at his or her discretion. The antidepressants can treat feelings of depression and anxiety that can often cause bulimia.

Hospitalization. In most cases, bulimia can be treated without entering a hospital, but if an individual has severe medical complications resulting from the bulimia, hospitalization is necessary, either in a medical or psychiatric ward. There are specialized eating disorder clinics available.

Self-help. There are things that a person affected by bulimia can and should do on their own to keep up the treatment; it is important that an individual know everything about bulimia there is to know. First of all, stick to the treatment plan; do not skip out on therapy sessions or meals. Get the right nuttrition; most likely, with all the purging, your body isn't really getting all the nutrients it needs, so it may be necessary to go on vitamin and mineral supplements. Stay in touch with family and friends who care and support you. Do not overdo it on the exercise, and most importantly, stay true and kind to yourself.

"UTI - Urinary tract Infection - Natural home treatments and remedies"

2011-01-17T00:18:00.001-08:00

Having a urinary tract infection (UTI) is painful, uncomfortable and inconvenient. The condition is caused by bacteria in your urine which results in an infection. The most well known infection of this kind is probably cystitis. This is very uncomfortable and makes it painful to pass urine, however you often feel the need to go to toilet even though you can not pass anything.

Often, once you have contracted this condition, you become more susceptible to it and find yourself getting UTIs more regularly. You should consult your doctor for advice however there are also a great number of UTI natural treatment methods. These home remedies can help relieve symptoms, clear up the infection and prevent you from catching an infection again.

Cranberries are a must have UTI natural treatment. These are easy to fit into your treatment plan as you can have them in a number of ways. If you like the taste of cranberry juice then a simple glass of cranberry juice once a day will really help, or you could get fresh cranberry fruits to snack on or bake with. This however isn't to everyone's taste so health shops now stock cranberry tablets which give you the same benefits. Cranberries are high in acidity and fiber which makes them great for fighting a UTI.

Apple cider vinegar is also one of the little known UTI natural treatments. It actually works as a natural antibiotic which attacks E.coli. It is also packed full of enzymes and potassium which help fight off any infections. You should drink some of this each day mixed with a teaspoon of honey and around 8 ounces of warm water, which makes it a bit easier to drink.

There are also foods that can make the symptoms of a urinary infection worse and so should be avoided. These foods are ones that have a high acid content. Examples of these would be: chocolate; tea and coffee; fruits such as oranges, pineapple, strawberries and tomatoes; chicken and steak.

Increasing the amount of fiber in our diet is a great way of fighting off an infection and preventing one. You should have for foods that have at least 4gms of fiber per serving. Examples of some of these foods are:

Food (Fiber per serving)

Blackberries/Raspberries: 4 to 5gms

Sweet Corn: 5gms

Potatoes: 4-5gms

Green or Black Eyed Peas: 7-9gms

Carrots or Broccoli: 4-5gms

Bread (whole-wheat): 6-7

As you can see, the range of foods available is high means it is simple and easy to fit

If you keep up these natural treatments then you will stand the best chance of avoiding a UTI all together.

"Ayurvedic Viagra, remedy for Erectile dysfunction, Strong sexual desire"

2011-01-04T23:50:00.001-08:00

Impotency is a health problem in males whereby they experience inability to perform sexual act completely or suffer from premature ejaculation. Failure to reach orgasm is a cause of severe concern. There can be several causes for impotency. There are several conventional cures but a safer method will be Ayurveda. Ayurvedic remedies discuss in detail the medicines which enhance sexual desire. Some of the Ayurvedic remedies for impotency are given below:

There are several Ayurvedic herbs that help in cure such as Madanananda Modak, Shukra Vallabh Rasa, chandrodaya Rasa, Kamadeva chooran, Moosali Pak, Gokhru Pak, Mritsanjeevani Sura, Narsigha Choorna and Apatyakar Swaras. Latin names of the herbs and their mixture is not available for all. However, if you talk to an Ayurvedic practitioner, he/she will be able to suggest the dosage and duration of the herbal treatments.

Along with Ayurvedic herbal extracts, it is necessary to exercise dietary control. High protein diet should be consumed for long term benefit. Protein foods such as beets, soybean, crocodile eggs, fish, almond, mangoes, apples and many more.

Ayurvedic remedies also mention that control on sex is also required. Without control on sex, medicine consumption will prove futile. Sexual coupling should be restrained until you are in a position of vantage.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Impotency are safe, make sure that the herbal Ayurvedic remedies should not be taken for an excessively longer time because over dosage will have negative impact. Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to know in detail about each of the Ayurvedic herbs for impotency.

"Adenoid remedy - Home remedy for swollen and infected Adenoid glands"

2010-12-25T12:16:00.000-08:00

Infections of the adenoids are common as they are constantly in contact with microorganisms. When infected, the adenoids swell and the passage of the air through the nose reduces. When the adenoids become infected, the individual is likely to breathe through his mouth. Snoring during sleep, dryness and soreness of the throat and thick mucus discharge from the nose are also likely symptoms. The nasal passage becomes blocked and hence the tone of the person’s voice may change and he may have difficulty in pronouncing some consonants as well. Adenoid infections can lead to other complications as well. Since the adenoids are located near the eustachian tubes that connect the throat and middle ear, the infection could travel to the ears and result in infection of the middle ear. Enlarged adenoids can also prevent the normal drainage of mucus in the ear, thereby causing build-up of mucus which can affect hearing. The sinus cavities can also become infected. Chest infections are also more likely to occur when the adenoids become infected.

Honey is a very effective remedy for swollen adenoids. You can take a teaspoon of honey and swallow slowly so that is reaches the infected adenoids properly. You can also make a mixture of one teaspoon of honey and a quarter of a teaspoon of black pepper. A few drops of lemon juice can be added to this and taken daily for relief from infected adenoids. Many individuals have also obtained relief from adenoid infections through homeopathic treatment. A mixture of spinach and carrot juice in equal parts is known to be effective in treating swollen adenoids as well. One can also take a drink of water and orange juice mixed in equal proportions. In very severe cases, surgical removal of adenoids may be required.

"Pimples or Acne - Home Ayurvedic medicine"

2010-12-14T22:52:00.001-08:00

Pimples are common pus filled eruptions that occur on the face. It is seen mostly in teenagers and happens due to hormonal imbalance. The other causes of pimples are oily skin, clogged pores due to dirt and pollution, stress, lack of sleep, digestive disorder, improper medication etc. They are irritating; do not go away easily and sometimes hurt. Following are some ayurvedic remedies for pimples to help you out-

First and foremost, stop touching them. Your hands contain a lot of dirt and bacteria that can further aggravate the problem.
Stop squeezing them as it doesn't help at all and the pus infects the nearby areas and further eruptions occur.
Clean your skin after you return back from work. Make an ayurvedic mixture out of oatmeal, besan (chickpea flour), and coarse wheat flour. Mix it with a little water and scrub it all over your face and then rinse off.
Eat papayas for breakfast everyday. They act as a good laxative. If the digestive system is good your pimples will automatically disappear.
Add plain yogurt to your diet. Yogurt helps in digestion.
Another effective remedy is an ayurvedic face mask. This ayurvedic remedy works for all skin types and rejuvenates the skin. Make a paste out of neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), orange peel, turmeric and besan. Mix it well with water and apply on the face. Rinse it off after it gets dry.
Also drink a lot of water (around 8-10 large glasses) of water.

The above ayurvedic remedies for pimples are effective, natural and safe. You can find the mentioned ayurvedic products in any online ayurvedic store or any supermarket.

"What is South Beach Diet?", "Vegetarian supplements"

2010-12-06T22:57:00.001-08:00

Another, dare I say "fad," diet that had its own bout of significant popularity is the South Beach Diet, created by a cardiologist, Dr. Arthur Agatston. As a cardiologist he made a diet for his patients that would prevent, or reduce the effects of, heart disease. In no time, the diet's original plan was expanded and adopted by the weight loss industry and eager dieters. This diet focuses on incorporating "good" carbohydrates and fats, while eliminating "bad" carbohydrates and fats.

History of the Diet's Concepts

To understand the reason behind the basic concepts of this diet, it is important to understand two medical terms relating to the way food is used in the body. When glucose (sugar) enters the bloodstream, insulin is secreted by the pancreas that prompts cells to absorb this sugar. If insulin is not secreted properly, or not at all, the sugar gets left in the bloodstream. Another problem is if quick bursts of sugar are introduced into the bloodstream for consecutive years, the cells may become insulin resistant—this is the first of the two terms. At this point, since the blood sugar levels are so abnormally high, the pancreas is signaled to keep producing insulin that will supposedly do the job. Eventually, this excess insulin causes too low levels of sugar in the blood. This can result in a variety of serious problems, including Diabetes, and also causes cycles of hunger. Feelings of hunger lead to more sugar intake, starting the cycle all over again.

The second term is glycemic index. This is the measure of the effects that different carbohydrates have on the levels of sugar in the blood. Carbohydrates have a high glycemic index when they break down quickly during digestion, therefore releasing glucose much quicker. Carbohydrates that have a low glycemic index break down more slowly, releasing glucose in a more gradual manner. Low glycemic foods are certainly more healthful, cause less insulin resistance, and should be number one on the "good carbohydrates" list.

Good vs. Bad Carbs

Hunger cycles, which cause overeating, and not overeating necessarily healthy foods, are brought on by eating foods that are high on the glycemic index list. They cause quick spikes in blood sugar, leading to the problems discussed in the previous section. Therefore, low glycemic index carbohydrates are considered to be "good" for the purposes of this diet. Refined sugars and grains are all on the "no" list, while unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains are all on the "yes" list.

Good vs. Bad Fats

An additional component to this healthy eating program is watching fat intake. Typically, fats do not have any effect on the hunger cycle, but they certainly have an impact on heart health. Trans fats, which are eliminated while on this diet, and saturated fats, which are highly discouraged, both contribute to heart disease and high cholesterol. This diet focuses on the healthy fats, such as unsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids that can provide health benefits related to the heart and other bodily organs and functions.

Phases

Like many diets, the South Beach Diet is done in phases: kick-start, steady weight loss, and maintenance.

Phase 1, Kick-start: This phase lasts for only 2 weeks. It eliminates high glycemic index foods, including sugars, processed carbohydrates, fruits, and some vegetables. This part of the plan is supposed to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Phase 2, Steady Weight Loss: This phase primarily focuses on weight loss, and is ideal as a starting point for those who desire to lose 10 pounds or less. It can last for however long the dieter desires to lose weight, or however long it takes him or her to reach their ideal weight. It includes more good carbs, such as whole-grain breads, brown rice, fruits, sweet potatoes, and peas.

Phase 3, Maintenance: This phase begins once the healthy weight goal is reached, and it is designed to maintain this weight for the rest of the dieter's life. It incorporates phases 1 and 2, but allows for complete freedom of choice in the foods that are eaten. By this point, the dieter should be well aware of what constitutes good and healthy food choices.

Before Starting the Diet…

This diet may not be appropriate for, or may not work for, everyone. Talking this over with your healthcare provider is the best place to start. There has been some controversy as to the research behind these dieting principles in how they pertain to every person. Many people say that the phases only work for those who have blood sugar problems, or diabetics.

"Carpal Tunner Syndrome - symptoms and simple remedy"

2010-11-23T23:33:00.000-08:00

Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve -- the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel
If you experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, it is important to contact a doctor or physician before any permanent nerve or muscle damage can occur. This damage will happen if the problem is left untreated; it ought to be uncomfortable enough that you want it to get fixed. The first symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome is usually a vague aching in the wrist that extends to the hand and/or forearm. Other common symptoms include:

Tingling or numbness. This is evident in the fingers or hand, particularly in all fingers except the pinky (littlest) finger. The odd sensation occurs upon waking, or while holding a steering wheel, phone, or newspaper (because of the way those things are commonly held). In the beginning, it's just like trying to get rid of a foot falling asleep: shaking it out. However, as time goes by and the condition progresses, the numbness can become constant.
Pain. Pain can radiate or extend from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm and fingers. After a lot of forceful or repetitive use of these areas, the pain is more noticeable. Also, the pain is present most often on the palm side of the forearm.
Weakness. An individual affected by carpal tunnel syndrome may begin to feel weakness in the hands and have the tendency to drop objects that wouldn't normally be dropped.

Simple Treatment
Treatment varies per individual since everyone experiences a different degree of carpal tunnel syndrome. If the symptoms are only mild, taking frequent breaks to rest the hands or applying a cold pack can reduce the occasional swelling. In addition, there are non-surgical and surgical options.

"Swine Flu" - Home remedies for H1N1

2009-08-16T00:34:00.000-07:00

Found a TimesofIndia article on Home remedies for Swine Flu. Hope this is helpful to all.

10 home remedies to avoid swine flu

Are the rising swine flu casualties giving you jitters? Not sure how you can avoid falling prey to the growing epidemic? First and foremost, there is absolutely no need to panic.

Watching television to keep tabs on the progress of H1N1, particularly in the badly affected areas like Pune, is all right. But don't let the hysterical anchors get under your skin and start wearing a mask each time you step out of the house, unless you are visiting a very crowded area. Then too, the mask will protect you only for a specified period.

Without giving in to the swine flu panic and creating a stockpile of Tamiflu and N-95 masks at home and enriching pharma companies, there are a number of other measures you can take to ensure that the virus is not able to get you, irrespective of which part of the world you are in.

It is essential to remember that all kinds of viruses and bacteria can attack you when your immune system is weak, or they can weaken it easily. Hence, building your own defences would be a better, more practical, long-lasting and much more economical idea.

Here are some easy steps you can take to tackle a flu virus of any kind, including swine flu. It is not necessary to follow all the steps at once. You can pick and choose a combination of remedies that suit you best. However, if you are already suffering from flu, these measures can help only up to an extent. And, if you have been infected by H1N1, visiting a hospital and staying in solitary confinement is a must.

1. Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity.

2. Giloi (medicinal name Tinospora cordifolia) is a commonly available plant in many areas. Take a one-foot long branch of giloi, add five to six leaves of Tulsi and boil in water for 15-20 minutes or long enough to allow the water to extract its properties. Add black pepper and sendha (salt used during religious fasts), rock or black salt, or Misri (crystalised sugar like lumps to make it sweet) according to taste. Let it cool a bit and drink this kadha (concoction) while still warm. It will work wonders for your immunity. If giloi plant is not available, get processed giloi powder from Hamdard or others, and concoct a similar drink once a day.

3. A small piece of camphor (kapoor) approximately the size of a tablet should be taken once or twice a month. It can be swallowed with water by adults while children can take it along with mashed potatoes or banana because they will find it difficult to have it without any aides. Please remember camphor is not to be taken everyday, but only once each season, or once a month.

4. Those who can take garlic, must have two pods of raw garlic first thing in the morning. To be swallowed daily with lukewarm water. Garlic too strengthens immunity like the earlier measures mentioned.

5. Those not allergic to milk, must take a glass of hot or lukewarm milk every night with a small measure of haldi (turmeric).

6. Aloe vera (gwarpatha) too is a commonly available plant. Its thick and long, cactus-like leaves have an odourless gel. A teaspoon gel taken with water daily can work wonders for not only your skin and joint pains, but also boost immunity.

7. Take homeopathic medicines — Pyrogenium 200 and Inflenzium 200 in particular — five tablets three times a day, or two-three drops three times a day. While these are not specifically targeted at H1N1 either, these work well as preventive against common flu virus.

8. Do Pranayam daily (preferably under guidance if you are already not initiated into it) and go for morning jog/walk regularly to keep your throat and lungs in good condition and body in fine fettle. Even in small measures, it will work wonders for your body’s resistance against all such diseases which attack the nose, throat and lungs, besides keeping you fit.

9. Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another three to four months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays.

10. Last but not the least, wash your hands frequently every day with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds; especially before meals, or each time after touching a surface that you suspect could be contaminated with flu virus such as a door handle or a knob/handle, especially if you have returned from a public place or used public transport. Alcohol-based hand cleaners should be kept handy at all times and used until you can get soap and warm water.

(The author is an avid reader and follower of alternative therapies including spiritual healing, ayurveda, yoga and homeopathy)

Chicken guyna - Prevention is better than cure

2009-07-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an insect-borne virus, of the genus, Alphavirus, that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes. Originally from Australia, there have been recent outbreaks of CHIKV associated with severe morbidity. CHIKV causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever.

Chickengunya is a viral infection caused by biting of an infected mosquito.
The incubation period of Chikungunya disease is from two to four days. Symptoms of the disease include a fever up to 40 °C (104 °F), a petechial or maculopapular rash of the trunk and occasionally the limbs, and arthralgia or arthritis affecting multiple joints. Patients have complained of joint pains for much longer time periods depending on their age.

Infected mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti type transmit Chickengunya. It can act as a reservoir for the virus. The mosquito first bites any animal or human being who is infected. Thus the mosquito becomes infected and it bites another animals or human being and the spread of the disease continues. It can never spread from human to human, as this disease is not contagious.

Treatment of Chickenguniya:

So far there is no vaccine or a specific antiviral drug is available for chickengunya. So the treatment of chickengunya is more of a symptomatic treatment.

Patient is advised complete bed rest. Drugs like Ibuprofen, naproxen, paracetamol are given to control aches and pains. But aspirin is contraindicated.

Patient is advised to take lots of fluids orally. If this is not possible then IV fluids are given.

Some people have used homeopathic medicines with some success. I just found this information on Homeopathic medicine for Chickengunya on the Internet. Please definitely consult a doctor before using any of this:

I used Eupatorium 30 and 200 in 7 out of 8 cases and it helped to reduce the fever as well as the joint pains.It is indicated if the joint pains is like crushing of the bones along with the fever.

Pyrogen was used in 3 cases when fever went above 103 degree C.It brought down the fever below 100 successfully.

After the intensity of the attack passed and for lingering joint pains, first of all the potency of Eupatorium was raised to 200C from 30C.Then if still a little bit of pain remained.Rhus Tox 30 and then 200 was used.

Prevention is the best way to handle Chickengunya. Chickengunya is transmitted by mosquito bites so the most important thing is to avoid exposure to mosquitoes. This can be done by protecting the doors and windows by mosquito nets. Mosquito repellents containing DEET should be applied on the body. Person who is infected with chickengunya should remain indoors only so as to limit his own exposure to mosquito and thus preventing its spread to other people.

Stroke or Paralysis - Warning Signs

2009-06-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.

Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion or Sun Stroke - Simple remedies

2009-05-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

Heat stroke or Heat exhaustion occurs when you're in a warm environment and your body loses its ability to sweat and naturally cool itself down. It can become serious or even fatal if left untreated. There are natural remedies, however, that can effectively cool your body down. Follow these steps to naturally healing yourself.

The average normal body temperature is 98.6 degree Fahrenheit. Heatstroke is an outcome of the inability of the body to regulate its own temperature, and body temperature continues to rise. Heat stroke is a non scientific name for hyperthermia, a body temperature that is so far beyond normal that physiological developments are subjected to harm and dysfunction. The negative outcome of hyperthermia can be temporary or lifelong and can cause unexpected death. The higher the temperature and the longer the hyperthermia continues the further harm it causes. It is a consequence of prolonged, excessive exposure to sun, in which an individual does not perspire enough to lower body temperature.

Remedies for Heat Stroke
Drink plenty of water, stay away from the sun, and avoid taxing activity during hot weather conditions. If you start experiencing the warning signs, shift to a cool, sheltered area and gulp something cool.

Drink water. It's still the best beverage to turn to for hydration, says Dr. Keller. It should be taken a little at a time—not gulped down. The doctor adds, "Ideally, you would have loaded up on water ahead of time—before going out into the sun."
Eat more fruit and vegetables. "They have a fairly high water content and good salt balance," Dr. Keller says.

Drink diluted electrolyte drinks. Gatorade is the best-known example and is widely used by professional sports teams. Football teams, for instance, often have twice daily practices in July and August, and players who sweat heavily can lose a lot of potassium and sodium, says Bob Reese, head trainer for the New York Jets and president of the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society. "We have Gatorade and water available on the field at all times," he says.
Avoid salt tablets. Once routinely handed out to athletes and anyone else who wanted them, these pills now are considered bad medicine by most doctors. "They do the opposite of what they're supposed to do," says Larry Kenney, Ph.D., an assistant professor of applied physiology in the Laboratory for Human Performance Research at Pennsylvania State University. "The increased salt in the stomach keeps fluids there longer, which leaves less fluid available for necessary sweat production."

Avoid alcohol. Booze fast forwards dehydration, says Danny Wheat, an assistant trainer for the Texas Rangers baseball club. The team often plays in 100-degree-plus conditions in Arlington, Texas. "We stress to players that the night before a day game, they should limit their alcohol consumption," he says.

Avoid caffeine. Like alcohol, it speeds dehydration and "can make you sweat more than normal," says Dr. Keller.

Don't smoke. Smoking can constrict blood vessels, Dr. Keller says, and impair the smoker's ability to acclimate to heat.

Acclimate slowly. "You can't work and live in air conditioning all the time and then go out and be a weekend warrior," says Dr. Keller. "Starting early in the season, you should get some outdoor time every day and slowly build from there."

Go slower. Whatever you're doing outside, you should do it more slowly than usual when it's extremely hot, Dr. Keller suggests.

Pour a cold one—on yourself. Dousing your head and neck with cold water will help if it's hot and dry, says Dr. Kenney, because the water will evaporate and then cool you off. "In humid conditions," he says, "there's probably no benefit."

Be your own fan. Use a newspaper, a picnic tablecloth—whatever you have—to keep yourself in a cool breeze.

Erectile dysfunction or male libido - Herbal Cures

2009-04-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

According to a review of studies at Yale University, ginseng boosts the body's synthesis of nitric oxide. As NO increases, so does the likelihood of erection. In a report in the Journal of Urology, Korean researchers gave 45 men with erection impairment a placebo or ginseng (900 mg three times a day). Those taking the herb experienced significant erection improvement.

At the University of Rome, Italy, researchers gave ginseng (4 grams a day) to 30 men suffering from low sperm counts. Three months later, the subjects' counts almost doubled, from an average of 15 million/ml to 29 million/ml.

Fo-ti is also called he shou wu, which means "black-haired Mr. He" in Chinese. This name refers to a legend of an older villager named Mr. He who took fo-ti and restored his black hair, youthful appearance and sexual vitality.

This one is also credited to the Chinese and it was discovered when a Chinese goat herder noticed increased sexual activity in his flock after they ingested the weed. It is increasingly being used in treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Damiana is a plant native to Mexico and the southern United States. It has been widely used as an aphrodisiac in Mexico for men and women.

Tongkat Ali is a tree native to Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It was dubbed the "Asian Viagra" in a May 1999 report in the New Sunday Times.

Muira puama is one of the finest herbs to use for erectile dysfunction. This shrub came from Brazil and has long been used as an effective aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant in South American folk medicine. Its safety and effectiveness in improving libido and sexual function in patients has validated from clinical study.

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that grows in western Africa in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Congo and Gabon. Yohimbe bark extracts are widely promoted online and in health food stores as a natural aphrodisiac to increase libido and treat erectile dysfunction

According to folklore, ancient Incan warriors took maca before going off to battle to make them physically strong. However, they were later prohibited from taking it, in order to protect conquered women from their heightened libidos.

Dandruff removal from Scalp

2009-03-02T08:26:00.000-08:00

Dandruff is the dry, flaky skin on the scalp - is a common and annoying problem. The usual cause is a condition known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, which produces an itchy, scaly rash on the scalp. Sometimes other areas such as the eyebrows, beard, chest, back and even the groin are affected too, and the skin in these areas may look red and inflamed.

Both dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis are thought to be triggered by hypersensitivity to a yeast called pityrosporum. Everyone has small quantities of this yeast on their skin, but in people with scaly scalp problems, it may be present in large numbers.

You may also find it helpful to rub your scalp with a solution of seven drops of rosemary or tea tree essential oils diluted with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil, before washing your hair. A shampoo containing the anti-fungal drug, ketoconazole, is available over the counter and highly effective.

Dandruff treatment with Fenugreek Seeds (mentya in Kannada)

The use of fenugreek seeds is one of the most important remedies in the treatment of dandruff. Two tablespoons of these seeds should be soaked overnight in water and ground into a fine paste in the morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for half an hour. The hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or acacia concinna.

Dandruff treatment using Lime

The use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is another useful remedy. This not only leaves the hair glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff.

Dandruff treatment using Beet

Beets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night. White beet is better for this purpose.

Diet for Dandruff treatment

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff. To begin with, the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about five days and take three meals a day of juicy fruits.

After the all-fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Further short periods of an all-fruit diet for three days or so may be necessary at monthly intervals till the skin's condition improves.

Avoid strong tea/coffee, pickles, refined and processed foods:Meats, sugar, white flour, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should all be avoided.

Hair should be brushed daily to improve circulation:

The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground, and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged everyday, using one's finger tips and working systematically over the head. This should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff, and encourages hair growth. Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun is also a useful measure in the treatment of dandruff.

Dengue fever remedy from Papaya?

2009-02-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

Heard a lot that Papaya juice can help in remedying Dengue fever. Luckily, papaya trees are equally ubiquitous in tropical climates. Read on.

I have not tested this nor do I know if this helps or causes any harm. The following is an excerpt from an email that I received.

Papaya Juice - Cure for Dengue You may have heard this elsewhere but if not I am glad to inform you that papaya juice is a natural cure for dengue fever. As dengue fever is rampant now, I think it's good to share this with all.

A friend of mine had dengue last year. It was a very serious situation for her as her platelet count had dropped to 28,000 after 3 days in hospital and water has started to fill up her lung. She had difficulty in breathing. She was only 32-year old. Doctor says there's no cure for dengue. We just have to wait for her body immune system to build up resistance against dengue and fight its own battle. She already had 2 blood transfusion and all of us were praying very hard as her platelet continued to drop since the first day she was admitted.

Fortunately her mother-in-law heard that papaya juice would help to reduce the fever and got some papaya leaves, pounded them and squeeze the juice out for her. The next day, her platelet count started to increase, her fever subside. We continued to feed her with papaya juice and she recovered after 3 days!!! Amazing but it's true. It's believed one's body would be overheated when one is down with dengue and that also caused the patient to have fever. papaya juice has cooling effect.

Accordingly it is raw papaya leaves, 2pcs just cleaned and pound and squeeze with filter cloth. You will only get one tablespoon per leaf. So two tablespoon per serving once a day. Do not boil or cook or rinse with hot water, it will loose its strength. Only the leafy part and no stem or sap. It is very bitter and you have to swallow it like Won Low Kat. But it works.

Dry Cough & Sore throat - Use Honey

2009-01-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

Honey is used as medicine in India for a long time now. One of its main use during winter season is for treating sore throat or dry cough.

Take a spoon of honey and add a bit of freshly crushed black pepper on the honey. Take this thrice a day and this should help to relieve the cough.