Vaginal Discharge : Causes and Home Remedies

Vaginal discharge is term given to biological fluids contained within or expelled from the vagina. Most women experience vaginal discharge at some point over the course of their lives. Some types of discharge are caused by normal bodily processes, while others can be a sign of infection. Abnormal vaginal discharge can generally be recognized by a change in color or consistency that makes it look different from the normal discharge a woman is used to seeing.

Causes

Hormonal changes can cause vaginal discharge dryness and irritation in older women. You may need a prescription cream if the symptoms bother you. Any change in the balance of normal bacteria in the vagina can affect the smell, color, or texture of the discharge. These are a few of the things that can upset that balance:

.antibiotic or steroid use
.bacterial vaginosis, which is a bacterial infection more common in pregnant women or women who .have multiple sexual partners
.birth control pills
.cervical cancer
.chlamydia or gonorrhea, which are sexually transmitted infections
.diabetes
.douches, scented soaps or lotions, bubble bath
.pelvic infection after surgery
.pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
.trichomoniasis, which is a parasitic infection typically caused by having unprotected sex
.vaginal atrophy, which is thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during menopause
.vaginitis, which is irritation in or around the vagina
yeast infections


Home Remedies

You should consult your gynecologist for the right cause of vaginal discharge. Once you are aware of the cause, you can plan to go for home remedies that can help cure various vaginal problems.

. Keep the vagina clean by washing regularly with a gentle soap and warm water.

. Take a tampon and dip it in yogurt. Insert in the vagina, twice a day. Continue this remedy for an extra day after your symptoms go away.

. Crush an aloe leaf and extract two tablespoons of the juice. Have it thrice a day with honey for two weeks after the periods are over.

. The recommended way to consume raspberry leaf is to pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 to 2 tsp. of the raspberry herb and steep it for 10 to 15 minutes.

. Dong quai can be taken orally by consuming powdered or dried root/root slices, fluid extracts, tinctures and dried leaf preparations.

. The recommended amount of fenugreek is 20mg taken three times a day with meals.fenugreek helps to relieve excessive vaginal discharge by stimulating the uterus and balancing out hormones

. Add a tablespoon of apple-cider vinegar, with honey to taste, to a glass of hot water. Drink it first thing in the morning.

. Insert 1 or 2 capsules of boric acid into the vagina and keep it there overnight for several nights. For some women the boric acid may cause burning and discomfort for the first few days.

. Take a tablespoonful of the dried rind of pomegranate. Boil it in half a liter of water. Strain and use as a vaginal douche.

. A few drops of tea tree oil poured on a tampon and inserted in the vagina can provide some relief.

. Dissolve 1 tbsp of potassium sorbate in 1 cup water. Insert a tampon into the vagina and pour this solution inside to be absorbed by the tampon. Keep it there overnight. Repeat this for several nights.

. Mix the juice of basil leaves and honey in equal proportion and take it in the morning and evening for two weeks.

. Boil a few guava leaves in one litre of water till the water is reduced to half. Cool it and strain it. Use the water for vaginal douches twice a day.



~sources : webmd.com/home-remedies-for-you.com~

Knee Pain : Causes and Home Remedies

Knee pain is a common complaint for many people. There are several factors that can cause knee pain. The knees are the largest and among the most complicated joints of our body. It is also a highly vulnerable joint which is prone to injuries and even overuse. Knees are weight bearing joints which help us in everything right from standing up to running and walking. They twist, turn and roll in order to accommodate our movements.

Causes

There are many different factors that could lead to mild, moderate or even severe knee pain. Given below are some of the most common causes for knee pain:

• Injuries:  Some of the most common types of injuries that are known to affect the knee include Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), knee bursitis, torn meniscus and patellar tendinitis.

• Mechanical Problems: Some of the common mechanical knee problems include dislocated kneecaps, knee locking and pain in the hips. At times, a bone or cartilage may get degenerated, break off and float about in the joint space, causing excruciating pain in the knees.

• Arthritis: There are different types of arthritis that have been known to affect the elderly. Some of the knee pain-causing arthritic conditions include gout, pseudo-gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and septic arthritis.

• Obesity: You are at a much higher risk of suffering from knee problems, in case you are overweight. Excess weight increases the amount of pressure applied on to knee joints.

• Other Health Conditions: Some of the most common conditions include Osteochondritis dissecans, chondromalacia patellae and Osgood-Schlatter disease, to name a few.


Home Remedies

Fortunately, there are many ways by which you can gain relief from knee pain. While there are quite a few over the counter and prescription painkillers easily available in the market, many individuals choose to opt for home remedies for knee pain, mainly because they want to avoid the adverse side effects associated with most medications.
There are many home remedies too, through which knee pain can be alleviated for a while. Given below are some of the most common remedies for knee pain:

• Wrap a couple of ice cubes in a towel and apply it on to your knee for around 15 minutes or so. However never apply ice to a particular spot for more than 20 minutes, as it could damage the skin and the nerves in that area

• Heat therapy is as effective in dealing with pain, as cold therapy is. You could sit in a steamy bathtub so that your knee soaks up the warmth from the water, which is excellent for alleviating the pain. Alternately, you could apply a hot water bag on your knee too.

• Gently massage your knee area with some warm olive oil around two or three times a day. Make sure that the massage lasts for at least 5 to 10 minutes at each time.

• Resting is one of the most important, yet commonly overlooked factors. However, it is absolutely essential that you refrain from putting too much pressure on your knees at all times.

• You could reduce the swelling in your knee by keeping it raised. Prop your affected leg on a couple of pillows, or sit on a recliner chair, which allows you to keep your legs elevated.

. Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder and apply it on the knee. This mixture is very warm and may burn the skin if left for long. Remove it the moment you start feeling uncomfortable.

. One spoon of mustard oil should be mixed with a spoon of olive oil and the knee should be massaged gently for some time.

. Organic vinegar when applied at night before going to sleep directly on the knees can be very beneficial for treating pain.

. Powdered seeds of omum can be mixed with water and drunk twice a day for instant pain relief from knee pain.

. You can also make a warm paste by using wheat flour, castor oil and turmeric mixed in goat's milk or ghee on the affected area.

. Fenugreek seeds soaked in mustard seed oil are a great remedy for knee pain. Smear these seeds on the knees and allow them to dry for some time.

. Take higher quantities of vitamin D, E and B3. Cod liver oil, peanuts and flaxseed oils are excellent. Glucosamine sulfate and niacinamide are some of the other nutritional supplements that can help in the slowing down of the degeneration of the knees.

. Swimming, biking, and rowing helps to shed extra weight, without affecting the knees.

. Mix coconut oil with clove oil and rub this gently over the affected knee muscle to get relief from knee pains.

. Include liberal amounts of ginger in your daily diet as it has excellent pain killing properties.

. Applying wintergreen lotion to the knee can work great in relieving pain. What it does is
produces heat which eases the affected area.

. Sit on a chair with the foot resting on another chair. Lift the foot slowly and hold it for 10 seconds. Then, resume resting position.



~source:home-remedies-for-you.com~

Jock Itch : Symptoms, Prevention and Home Remedies

Jock itch, also called tinea cruris or ringworm of the groin, is an infection of the groin area caused by fungus. Jock itch occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and spreads in the groin area. Jock itch occurs mostly in adult men and adolescent boys. It can sometimes accompany athlete's foot and ringworm. The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist areas.

Jock itch can be triggered by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness in the groin area, such as from sweating. It may be contagious. It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing.


Symptoms

Symptoms of jock itch include the following:

.Itching in groin, thigh skin folds, or anus

.Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze -- The patches often have sharply-defined edges and are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center

.Abnormally dark or light skin.


Prevention

.Keep the groin area clean and dry.

.Don't wear clothing that rubs and irritates the area. Avoid tight-fitting and rough-textured clothing.

.Wear loose-fitting underwear.

.Wash athletic supporters frequently.

.After bathing, apply antifungal or drying powders if you are susceptible to jock itch.


Home Remedies

Most of the time, jock itch is something that can be taken care of with home remedies. Do keep in mind that, most of the time, the jock itch home remedies can also be used to keep jock itch from coming about in the first place.

. The best home remedies for jock itch include bathing daily. Although this sounds simple, some people forget to do it.

. Keep moist and warm areas of the body clean and dry. Change your undergarments daily.

. Lather the affected area with dandruff shampoo leaving for 15 minutes then rinsing.

. Apply tea tree oil on the infected skin, it is a natural antifungal.

. Dust on some antifungal powder before donning any clothing.

. Include good quantity of garlic in your food. Garlic has antifungal qualities.

. Apply honey and garlic alternatively on the infected skin.

. Soak a washcloth in 2 tablespoons of bleach diluted in 16 ounces of hot water. Apply this to the affected area 3-4 times a day.

. Simply fill up the tub with hot water and add a large amount of salt. Soak yourself in the water for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the salt to dry out the blisters and soaking up excess moisture from the area. Repeat this twice daily for three days.

. Blend two cloves of garlic with one cup of olive oil. Dip some paper towels into this mixture and apply to the infected area.

. Apply freshly squeezed aloe gel from the aloe vera plant to the affected area to find relief from itching and burning, as well as to prevent further spreading of the rash.

. Apply a thin layer of tea tree oil, a germ- and fungus-fighting antiseptic, to affected area twice daily.

. Put 10 drops of tea tree oil into 2 tablespoons of Calendula cream and apply this mixture twice a day.

. Stir 2 teaspoons of fresh or dried thyme leaves into 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 20 minutes. Apply cooled thyme tea to affected area twice daily with a cotton ball.

. Stir 6 teaspoons of licorice powder into 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 20 minutes, cool and apply to affected area. Store remainder to use daily.

. Apply Listerine mouth wash to a jock itch with a cotton ball twice a day.

. Soak a teaspoon of sliced ginger root and a teaspoon of dried thyme in a cup of warm water. Keep it aside for a few minutes. When it cools down, apply on the infected area using a cotton ball.

. Simply add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water, and mix well. With the use of a clean washcloth dipped in the solution, gently dab the area with this vinegar mixture.

. Mix 2-3 drops of coconut oil with 4-5 drops if olive oil. Apply this over the affected area. It will work great combat fungal infection.



~source:primehealthchannel.com~

Home Remedies To Quit Smoking : How To Stop Smoking Naturally

Cigarette smoking is like an addiction that has affected thousands of men, women and even teenagers across the globe. After a while, some people do realize the ill effects of the habit on their health. The risks of several health problems, especially cancer and respiratory problems increase because of cigarette smoking, or even passive smoking.

It is never to late to enjoy the benefits of quitting cigarettes, which include an improvement in health, boost in immunity, lower risks of several diseases, better memory, and so on. However, it is not very easy to quit the habit, as the absence of nicotine can lead to several withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety, nervousness, stress, irritability, mood swings and so on.

Many people may find it difficult to quit the habit in spite of undergoing treatment and therefore, it is important to find the right combination. However, studies indicate that most people first prefer to try out natural ways to quit smoking. People can choose a quit smoking home remedies from the list given below:

. Take 200 mg. twice a day of coenzyme Q10 this is a powerful antioxidant that protects the lungs, the heart and increases oxygen to the brain.

. Drink grape juice every time you feel like you need a cigarette. This will help the need for a cigarette disappear.

. Smoking breaks down vitamin C therefore it is very important to take 5,000-20,000 mg. of vitamin C a day.

. Vitamin E is a very important antioxidant needed to repair cell damage cause by smoke.

. Vitamin A helps repair the mucus membranes which are damaged by smoking.

. For cravings take cayenne desensitizes the respiratory linings to tobacco and chemical irritants. It's an antioxidant that stabilizes lung membranes preventing damage. The warm peppery taste reduces cigarette cravings.

. Ginger and lobelia prevent nausea and helps quitting reduces anxiety ginger produces perspiration which helps to shed toxins generated from smoking.

. Oats reduce or eliminate tobacco cravings, also, they reduce number of cigarettes desired even in those people not trying to quit.

. Every time you want to smoke,chew 1-2 slices of dried pineapple with half teaspoon of honey.

. Lick a little salt with the tip of your tongue whenever you feel the urge to smoke. This is said to break the habit within one month.

. Mix grated fresh radish with 2 tsps. of honey and drink it like juice.

. Chewing licorice sticks is safe to break the smoking habit. The licorice stick is a safe substitute for a cigarette.

. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. Drink this concoction with every meal in an attempt to lessen your urge to light up a cigarette after eating.

. You should also consume a cup of grape seed extract on an empty stomach every morning. This would not only help you quit smoking, but it can also provide cure for damaged lungs.

. Drinking orange juice twice a day can also prevent addiction to smoking. This vitamin C rich food is considered and accepted to be halting for addictions to tobacco and cigarettes.

. Chew on sugarcane stubs as a substitute for cigarettes. Sugarcane stubs are very harmless, and their sweet taste helps to reduce the urge for smoking.

. When you have an urge, sit down in a calm place. Take ten slow and deep breaths. By doing so, you are stimulating your respiratory system. This will slowly help your urge for smoking to subside.

. You may also sip a small cup of peppermint tea every time you feel like smoking.

. Consuming a tablespoon of honey twice every day also helps you resist the temptation to smoke.

. You may drink jasmine tea or green tea to help you stop smoking. These teas are also considered detoxification teas that can help remove many of the toxins that contribute to your cravings for tobacco.

. Taking valerian root can help ease the nervousness associated with quitting smoking. Valerian root has a mild sedative effect, which can help make the withdrawal process easier.

. Consuming a mixture of honey, with limejuice and gooseberry is another beneficial natural home remedy for smoking.

. Take two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds into a cup of boiling water;steep,strain and drink.

. Add 3 drops of black pepper oil to a tissue and inhale it to stop cravings.

. Drink at least ten glasses of water a day the first week. Taking a drink helps to reduce the craving for tobacco. This is an effective home remedy for smoking.



~source:possumsal.com~

Home Remedies to Decrease Appetite : How to Decrease Appetite Naturally : Natural Ways to Reduce Appetite

The appetite, or psychological desire to eat, is a learned sensation that depends on emotions and memories and can be influenced by external forces. Many people who are trying to loose weight want to decrease their appetite, which means they would have a reduced desire to eat. A sensation of hunger can lead to overeating and undermine the good intentions of a weight loss diet. Taking the edge off hunger can help make it easier to choose smaller portions of healthier foods instead of grabbing whatever is handy.

Many of the natural remedies to decrease appetite also have a lot to do with basic health and mental happiness. Home remedies to decrease appetite can give dieters a quick, safe and inexpensive boost in their weight loss efforts.

. Water is a powerful appetite suppressant. Drink an 8-ounce glass of water when you first start feeling hungry. It helps to suppress your appetite within about 10 minutes.

. Eat foods that decrease appetite. Foods like broccoli, cabbage, oranges, strawberries, turnips, zucchini and garlic will help decrease appetite.

. One of the best ways to decrease your appetite is to add fiber to your diet. Adding fiber means that you will feel full, eat fewer calories, and the fiber helps your body eliminate waste which also adds to losing weight.

. Make sure you get organic vegetable or chicken broth that is free of excitotoxins. Warm up the broth and have at it. If you drink a quart of this broth it is less than 20 calories and you will definitely feel full.

. Chewing gum helps to decrease the appetite. While chewing any flavor gum helps suppress appetite, fruit-flavored chewing gum is more effective than mint-flavored gums.

. Eat fenugreek seeds in food or as a dietary supplement suppresses appetite, as the concentration of fiber creates a sensation of satiety and fullness.

. Drinking green tea regularly suppresses the appetite. It helps to remove excessive body weight and fat, and then keep the unhealthy weight off over time.

. Drink coffee. Coffee is a popular pick-me-up for busy mornings and can also help suppress your appetite by reducing your desire to eat for a brief time.

. Drinking skim milk before lunch helped people feel full and eat an average 226 fewer calories during the meal itself. The lactose content in the milk might help reduce appetite as well.

. Season dishes with powdered or chopped cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper powder can also be stirred into tea, juice, milk and soups. Cayenne, also known as capsaicin, helps to suppress hunger and increases feeling of fullness.

. Pour 1 teaspoon of psyllium seeds into 8 ounces of warm water. Quickly mix the water and seeds together for several seconds and then consume. You will need to drink this solution immediately, as the psyllium rapidly thickens when introduced to water. Consume at least 30 minutes prior to a meal.

. Whenever you get a craving to eat more than you should or need to stop what you are doing and take ten long slow breaths. When you take these breaths, make them as deep as your body will allow. After you have finished doing this approach; you will notice that your cravings have gone away.

. Chickweed (Stellaria media) is great for shedding weight. You can eat it raw in salads. Alternately, you can steam it and eat it like a vegetable.

. Bring water to a boil, pour in about an ounce of dried burdock root, gently simmer for ten to twenty minutes, and allow to cool. Drink between meals. Burdock improves fat metabolism and acts as a diuretic.

. Drink nettle tea. Nettle tea is used to curb appetite and cravings and assist in weight loss.

. Drink fennel seed tea. Prepare fennel seed tea by adding 4 tsp. of seeds in 2 pints of boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, keep the container covered, and allow to stand for 15 minutes, then strain. 1 cup 3 or 4 times per day, cool or heated.

. Cinnamon creates a thermogenic burn. Cinnamon can be used in its powdered or stick form, adding it to drinks and foods, or as a supplement.

. Evening Primrose has been shown to be effective as a natural alternative to help reduce cholesterol levels and help people who do not process fats correctly loose weight.

. Seaweed is a good natural source of trace mineral and is a natural thyroid stimulant. It is widely available in capsule or tablets forms at many health food stores.



~source:livestrong.com~

Breast Pain in Women : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

Breast pain or breast tenderness is a common complaint among women. You might describe your breast pain as chronic tenderness, sharp burning or tightness in your breast tissue. The pain may be constant or it may occur only occasionally.

Some women have severe breast pain, occurring more than five days a month, Severe breast pain may even persist throughout the menstrual cycle. Postmenopausal women sometimes have breast pain, but the symptom is more common in younger, premenopausal women and perimenopausal women.

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

.You have breast pain that persists daily for more than a couple of weeks
.Your breast pain is localized to one specific area of your breast
.Your breast pain seems to be getting worse over time
.Your breast pain interferes with daily activities


Symptoms of Breast Pain

The most common symptoms include related pain in the breast and surrounding area. The other symptoms might include lumps and cyst or blockage ok nipples which would eventually result in pain. Some times breast pain also occurs due to fullness of breast with milk, when the milk produces is not feed to taken out accordingly. The common symptoms are

·Pain
·Sensitivity is increased when touched, or pressure is applied
·Aching feelings
·Discomfort when accompanied by movement
·Soreness in breasts
·Swelling of breasts
·Heaviness
·Discomfort when accompanied by movement


Causes of Breast Pain

Many things can cause pain or tenderness in your breasts. Here are some of them:

.Hormone changes during your period
.Water retention, which may happen during your period
.Injury to your breast
.Pregnancy
.Breast-feeding (nursing)
.An infection in the breast
.Breast cancer (not a usual cause of breast pain)

If you have breast pain that lasts for a long time or keeps coming back, it's probably a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.


Treatments and Home Remedies for Breast Pain

Even though there is little formal research to show the efficacy of these self-care remedies, they help many women manage their breast pain. Some may be worth a try:

. Wear a firm support bra, fitted by a professional if possible.

. Wear a sports bra during exercise and while sleeping, especially when your breasts may be more sensitive.

. Experiment with relaxation therapy, which can help control the high levels of anxiety associated with severe breast pain.

. Limit or eliminate caffeine.

. Decrease the fat in your diet to less than 20 percent of total calories, which may improve breast pain by altering the fatty acid balance.

. Use a pain reliever (analgesic), such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), to alleviate breast pain.

. Watch your intake of sodium. Sodium increases water retention, which causes your breasts to swell. Be especially careful to keep a cap on your salt consumption starting about two weeks before your period.

. Include soy food such as soybeans, soy milk, soy burgers and other soy products in your diet.

. Fish eating specially the ones with omega 3 fats like the Solomon fish, trout and sardines are highly recommended.

. Mix together cod liver oil, vitamin E, ground bark of white oak and garlic tempered oil to a pasty consistency and apply on sore nipples. This paste will help reduce any inflammation in the breast region.

. Stuff your bra with leaves from the head of a cabbage when your breasts feel tender and painful.

. Brew some tea from red raspberry, and drink it everyday. Red raspberry tea is rich in anti-oxidants and helps prevent cancer.

. Apply warm castor oil on pain effected area, by applying it with a cloth soaked in it and placed on the breast.

. Primrose oil gentle massage has been useful in relieving the breast pain. Rub it in and around the breast, it helps to reduce pain.

. Take flaxseeds with yogurt ( 2-3 spoons) is also very helpful.

. Apply a warm compress for 15-20 minutes on your breast, by using a heated towel or a heating pad to get relief from breast tenderness.

. Take a bag of ice, crushed ice is best, wrap the bag of ice in a towel and place on your breasts.

. Take dandelion in capsule form, or make a tea using powdered dandelion root. Simmer two to three teaspoons of the powder in a cup of water for 15 minutes. Drink three cups a day.

. Use ground flaxseed in your food or drink. Add about 1 tsp. of the ground flaxseed in anything you eat or drink.

. Apply Vitamin E oil to the breasts daily to ease the pain.

. Ginkgo biloba reduces breast pain because it reduces inflammation and increases circulation. It can be taken as a daily supplement.

. You can also take calcium supplements 1200mg per day. This helps in easing breast tenderness.

If you experience severe breast tenderness and soreness, see a doctor immediately. This could be cause for alarm because you may have fibro cysts or breast cancer.



~source:mayoclinic.com~

Dark Patches on Face : Causes and Home Remedies

Dark patches occur when your body experiences an increase in the production of melanin, the pigment that colors your skin. This darkening can occur on any part of your body, including your face, and in any size. Many causes are behind these blotches, leading people to try several treatment methods before a response is noted. Understanding the cause of your dark patches can help you and your physician reach a method of treatment sooner.

Causes of Dark Patches

.Excessive exposure to the sun is the leading cause of melasma or dark patches on the face.

.Hormonal activities in women patients can cause these dark patches to appear. This is especially true during pregnancy, when taking birth control pills, or those who undergo HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy.

.Genetic Predisposition.

.Anti-seizure medications and other kinds of medications that expose patients to ultraviolet light.

.Race.

.Diseases in the thyroid glands like hypothyroidism.

.Allergic reactions to certain medications and facial cosmetics.

.Trauma. Injuries to the face can cause melasma suprarenale which in turn causes melasma.

.Stress can cause excessive production of the melanocyte –stimulating hormone which can cause outbreaks of melasma.


Home Remedies for Dark Patches on Face

There are several useful home remedies that can help you lighten and get rid of dark patches on the face.

. A mixture of lime and tomato juice in equal amounts can be rubbed on the affected. This mixture should be left on the face overnight and washed with lukewarm water.

. Raw potatoes that have been grated and made into a mask can help lighten the dark patches. This should be placed on the affected area for at least ten minutes in a daily basis.

. Take one tablespoon fuller's earth, add one teaspoon of lime juice and enough rosewater to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste all over the face, rubbing it in gently. Leave it to dry and then apply again on the dark patches or spots. Leave it on for a further 5-7 minutes then wash and rinse with cold water.

. Take a few mint leaves and crush them.Tie in a piece of muslim and extract its juice. Use this pure mint juice all over the face.

. Take 2-3 slices of a ripe papaya and extract the pulp. Add to it one teaspoon of turmeric powder and one tablespoon of fuller's earth. Mash together to form a paste. Apply generously on the patches and dark areas of the skin. Leave it to dry. Then rinse it off. Regular use, maybe thrice a week, helps to even out the patches.

. Take a cucumber and grate it after peeling. To this add juice of one lime. Mix well and put it into a blender to make a fine paste. Apply this paste all over the face and let it dry. Wash off.

. Take 2 tablespoons of vinegar and add one tablespoon of rosewater. Now add the juice of one cucumber. Stir well to form a lotion. Dab this lotion all over the face and let it dry. Repeat this procedure twice or thrice till the complete lotion has been used up.

. Take one tablespoon of fuller's earth and add to it half teaspoon camphor powder and one tablespoon lime juice. Blend well to form a smooth paste. Apply all over the face, rubbing it in gently. Leave it to dry. Rinse and wash off.

. Take 2-3 carrots and grate them after peeling. Boil the grated carrots in very little water till the water dries up. Cool and mash. Apply this pack all over the face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes; gently rub it in before rinsing off.

. Take a ripe banana, peel and mash to a pulp. Apply al over the face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash off and see your skin come out sparkling clean and nourished.

. Take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and add to it one teaspoon of camphor powder. Rub thoroughly into the burn mark or scar at least 10 minutes before your bath. Use regularly for quick results.

. Take a few dried orange peels and powder them. Add 2 tablespoons of curd to make a thick paste. Apply all over the face, leaving aside the eye area. Let it dry. then wash thoroughly with cold water.

. Mix sour milk or cream and honey and apply this paste on the face every day. Honey is a natural moisturizing agent while the lactic acid in sour milk lightens the complexion of the skin without irritating it.

. Massage your skin with aloe vera juice or gel every night before going to bed.

. You could also crush some horseradish root and mix this with a little vinegar and rub the dark spots with a piece of cotton wool soaked in this mixture. After the juices dry, wash your face with lukewarm water.

. Rubbing the skin gently with the peel of a watermelon also helps reduce dark patches.

. Mix together one tablespoon each of oatmeal, yoghurt and sour cream and add a few drops of lime juice to this mixture. Massage your face with this paste and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it away with water.

. Slice a potato thinly and place the slices on your face for 15 minutes in order to bleach the spots naturally.



~source:ehow.com~

Sprain : Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies for Sprain

Muscles sprains can be really painful. They might cause you terrible discomfort and they might also prevent you from performing certain activities. A ligament is a band of elastic connective tissue in the body that connects a bone to a bone in a joint. The ligament works to keep the bones in place. A sprain is an injury to a ligament. The injury may include a stretching of the ligament or a tear to the tissue. An ankle is a common joint in the body to experience a sprain. Wrists, knees, ankle and neck are some of the most susceptible joints which suffer from sprains.

Some of the causes of sprain may be listed as follows:

.Rapid fall
.A forceful blow to the body
.Twisting
.Stepping on a rough surface
.Lifting heavy substances
.Over stretching of the ligaments

Home remedies for muscle sprain usually focus on reducing the pain and the swelling and on accelerating the recovery process. There are several home remedies which can help treat muscle sprain.

. Apply an ice pack over the affected muscle. This will make it numb and pain won't be felt that badly. You can also apply a cold compress and secure it with a bandage.

. Prepare a hot bath and add Epsom salt to it, according to the instructions. Soak the affected muscle in the water and keep it there for 10-15 minutes. Once the bath is over, bandage the muscle.

. Heat some sesame oil mixed with one teaspoon of black pepper powder. Let the mixture cool of and then massage it on the affected body part.

. Soak the outer leaves of a cabbage in water. Apply these leaves on the sprained area and let it stay there for 10 to 15 minutes.

. Heat some water till it is warm. Pour it in a bowl and add a few drops of lavender oil to it. Soak the sprained area in this water.

. Heat clove oil and allow it to cool down. Then apply over the affected area. It gives a speedy recovery.

. Prepare a mixture of almond oil and garlic oil at home. Massage the injured are with this mixture. After a day or two, one can start applying hot compresses over the sprained region.

. Eating pineapple will help you heal faster. Pineapples contain an enzyme which helps healing.

. Chop an onion into small pieces. Tie this in a thin cloth and place over the sprain. This will help bring down the swelling.

. Five drops of thyme oil diluted either in bathwater or some other oil can be used as a compress to get rid of swelling.

. Soak the sprain area in warm water with few drops of violet oil. Good home remedy for sprain.

. Smear olive oil around the sprain, take an egg yolk and stir it, then apply on the olive oil. Wrap with cotton wool pads, bandage for 2 days. Can repeat after 2 days, but make sure to wash first.

. Soak licorice roots in water overnight and apply this infusion on the affected area.

. Turmeric is made into a paste and is mixed with lime and salt. This is applied on the sprained muscles with very good results.

. Straighten the muscle and flex it upwards. If you have a sprain in the calf muscle, then sit down on a chair and pull your leg as much away from your body as you can.

. Apply the paste made from lime leaves and butter on the affected area.

. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to 1 teaspoon of raw lime powder, and mix them well. Apply the mixture on the sprain.

. Rub ginger paste on the sprained part. It is an effective herbal remedy for sprain.

. In a cup of sunflower oil, mix 1 tsp of camphor oil. Massage the affected area with this oil mixture. It would provide immense relief from the pain.

. Mix 2 tbsp sunflower oil with 1 tbsp turpentine oil. Store this mixture in a glass jar and massage the sprained area with it, on a daily basis.

. Make a paste with fenugreek leaves and lemon juice and apply it on the sprained area as it is a good home remedy for treating sprains.



~source:livestrong.com~

Menstrual Cramps Home Remedies|Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps|How to Reduce Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps are pains in the belly and pelvic areas that are experienced by a woman as a result of her menstrual period. Menstrual cramps are not the same as the discomfort felt during premenstrual syndrome (PMS), although the symptoms of both disorders can sometimes be experienced as a continual process. Many women suffer from both PMS and menstrual cramps.

Menstrual cramps can range from mild to quite severe. Mild menstrual cramps may be barely noticeable and of short duration sometimes felt just as a sense of light heaviness in the belly. Severe menstrual cramps can be so painful that they interfere with a woman's regular activities for several days.

Some of the factors that increase the chances of suffering from menstrual cramps include:

• Reaching puberty at an early age, - 11 or younger
• Metrorrhagia, more commonly known as irregular menstrual bleeding
• Genetic factors, like a family history of dysmenorrhea
• Being below the age of 20 or never having been through childbirth
• Menorrhagia or heavy bleeding during periods
• Unhealthy habits like smoking, leading a sedentary lifestyle, consuming excess alcohol and taking illegal drugs


Menstrual cramps will affect most women at some point in their lives. The symptoms can annoyingly make your day unpleasant or become so severe that your regular routine is disrupted. To ease the pain and discomfort associated with this condition, consider the following home remedies for menstrual cramps:

. Do some mild exercise. Walk around the neighborhood, run on the treadmill, go ride your bike, or any other exercises you enjoy. This will increase blood flow which will help the cramps go away.

. Lie on your back with your bottom touching a wall and your feet resting above. Relax in this position when you have painful cramps and they will be alleviated.

. Try placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen. This helps ease your muscles. A hot wash cloth or even just a warm blanket can also help.

. Try taking a hot bath or hot shower.

. Relieve your cramps with peppermint or wintergreen, especially when added to a tea. Drink one to two cups per day.

. Drink hot herbal tea or hot lemon when your pelvic region feels congested and cramped. It will increase your blood flow and relax your muscles.

. Blend and drink 75 milliliters of parsley, beet, carrot, and cucumber juice to treats painful cramping.

. Pound a piece of ginger and boil it in a cup of water for a couple of minutes. Sweeten the infusion with a little sugar and drink three times daily after meals.

. Take a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement, especially one that provides the body with calcium. Choose supplements that deliver small doses so that you can take one after each meal.

. Taking a magnesium supplement before and during your period will help your body effectively absorb more calcium.

. Add two tablespoons of basil leaves to one pint of boiling water. Cover tightly and allow the blend to cool at room temperature. Drink half to one cup of the basil tea every hour to ease your cramps.

. Sprinkle cinnamon on your breakfast foods or add to a tea. Cinnamon can ease the symptoms of menstrual cramping.

. Crush one teaspoon of fennel seeds to make a powder. Then, add one cup of boiling water. Let it steep for five minutes. Strain it and then drink it while it is still hot.

. Sprinkle ground flax seed over your salad, morning cereal, a cup of yogurt or in a smoothie. Women are usually advised to consume between one and two tablespoons of flax seed during the menstrual cycle.

. Make a simple mixture by taking about 2 tablespoons of some chamomile flowers and adding to a cup of water. This should be boiling water and the chamomile flowers should be allowed to steep in it for a few minutes. Add some honey to this mixture for added relief.

. Take 1 teaspoon of fenugreek powder with 1/2 cup water at the interval of every 3 hours till cramps subside.

. Take evening primrose oil in the form of capsules and the usual dose is 3,000 to 6,000 mg a day. This oil contains a substance that prevents uterine contractions and cramps.

. Drink red raspberry leaf tea at least once a day for 2-3 days before your period is about to start, and during menstruation. This is a great natural cure to muscle cramps and stress relief.

. Take 1-2 teaspoon of sesame seeds in a glass of water and boil it. Allow to stand for some time,then strain the mixture. Drink it 1-2 times a day.

. Eat unripe papaya. The unripe papaya helps the contractions of the muscle fibres of the uterus and is thus helpful in securing a proper menstrual flow.

. Eat a banana as soon as you feel the onset of menstrual cramps. Bananas contain both vitamin K and potassium which will help alleviate muscle cramping.

. Drinking dong quai tea or taking the herbal extract is also an effective remedy in the treatment for menstrual cramps.

. Drink a couple of cups of the juice from a coconut each day you are on your period (and eat the meat from the coconut as well).



~source:mayoclinic.com~

Mosquito Bites Itch : Home Remedies for Itchy Mosquito Bites : Natural Remedies to Stop Mosquito Bites Itching

Most people experience a skin reaction when bitten by a mosquito. For some, the persistent itchiness of a mosquito bite can be maddening. Scratching an insect bite can create an opening for infection. The cause of the itch is basically the saliva of the mosquito that is injected into your blood.
If you get large swellings like welts or swelling in your throat you must contact your pharmacist or doctor immediately as you may have developed an allergy to the bite. Otherwise you can use some of the following home remedies listed below, they work wonders not to mention giving you a relief from the itchiness.

. Put a piece of Scotch tape or similar onto the bite. Wash the area with rubbing alcohol or ammonia first. Leaving it there will make the itch almost entirely go away. After a few hours, remove it.

. Use the common plantain. Either roll leaves of common plantain between fingers to extract juice, or chew on common plantain leaves a little bit, then rub the juicy leaf over mosquito bite. The itch goes away in less than a minute.

. Rub aloe vera gel or broken leaf from an aloe vera plant on the bite area to relieve itching.

. Make a paste of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) mixed with warm water. One tablespoon to one pint of water is a good ratio to use. Gently apply to the affected area. Leave on for a few minutes, then wash off with warm water.

. Cut lemon or lime into pieces and rub gently on the affected area, or just squirt a bit juice on it. Citric acid has some itch-relieving properties.

. Rub a basil leaf on mosquito bites to stops itching.

. Crush aspirin and mix with a smidge of water to make a paste. Dab right on mosquito bite and leave to dry.

. Try mouthwash. Simply dab over the affected area and leave to dry.

. Mix a few drops of household cleaning ammonia with baking soda to form a paste. Apply gently to the affected area and allow to dry. This should relieve the itching. Remove with warm water.

. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar. Place the soaked cotton ball over the mosquito bites. If you don't want to hold it, tape it in place. Leave there for a few minutes.

. Make a thick paste of cornflour and apple cider vinegar. Gently apply the paste to the affected area. Allow to dry. It will alleviate the itching by the time it has dried. Wash off using warm water.

. Try adding some distilled witch hazel to calamine lotion as an effective pain relief and itch soother for mosquito bites.

. If you're near the sea, take a dip in sea water. Or add salt to hot water to make salt water.

. Dip a wash cloth into hot water, but not so hot that it burns your skin. Press the wet part of the cloth against the bite. Hold it there until you feel the bite tingle. Repeat once or twice.

. Apply an ice pack or ice cubes to the bites.

. Dab some toothpaste over the bite area. This can work like a charm to relieve itching.

. Rub some underarm deodorant on the bite area.

. Rub a bar of dry or wet soap over the itchy area.

. Dabbing small amounts of lavender oil direct to the affected area can relieve the itching quickly.

. Use melaleuca or tea tree oil. This oil is known as a cure-all for many problems and it can also alleviate the itching from mosquito bites.

. Try Vicks Vaporub®. Keep applying Vicks® to the area, especially if it rubs off.

. Use nail polish (preferably clear). Be sure that the bite is not raw from scratching. This keeps it from itching and acts as a seal to protect it.

. Rub the inside of a banana skin (peel) onto the bite.

. Rub the sap of an onion over the bite.

. Make a small paste of breakfast oatmeal and apply to the bite area. Allow to dry, then wash off.

. Add a little meat tenderizer to the bite area. Mix a little bit in water first, then apply.

. Place your own saliva on the bites. Leave it to soak in; for some people this relieves the itching.

. Break a raw egg and put only the white over your itch. Make sure there is no open wound over your itch.

. Mix equal parts of dettol and baby oil together, and apply with a cotton swab. Will relieve itching for abour 2-3 hours.

. Make a cup of green tea, put the wet tea bag on your mosquito bites.



~source:everydayhealth.com~

Dry Peeling Lips : Causes, Treatments and Home Remedies

Peeling lips is a common feature in the season of spring/summer. While in other parts of the body has 16 layers of skin, lips have 3-4 layers and thus are prone to cuts, bruises and seasonal changes. During the spring/summer season, the wind tends to dry the lips by making it devoid of moisture. It is worse for people who have dry lips naturally. It not only makes your lips look bad but also if ignored makes them black.


Causes of Peeling Lips

Those who have the habit of pulling out the dry and dead skin end up having an even uglier look. It may also result in bleeding. Though it generally occurs because of lack of moisture during the winter season, it may also occur due to other reasons.

.Nutritional deficiency such as vitamin B deficiency
.Overexposure to the sun
.Dehydration
.Cold and dry weather
.Frequent licking of the lips. Saliva ‘œdigests’ the thin membrane in our lips causing it to dry and peel.
.Allergic reaction to cosmetics and makeup
.Infections


Treatments and Home Remedies

In a great number of cases, peeling lips can not be healed easily and the skin loss happens in a repetitive manner. Home remedies have worked better to heal peeling lips than the usual medicine. Here are some home remedies of peeling lips:

. Take half of a lemon and put some sugar into it. Rub it gently in a circular motion on your lips. Do it for 10 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.

. Take spoon of olive oil and mix it with cayenne pepper. Apply it on your lips and wash it off after some times.

. Water intake must be regular and sufficient because dehydration or the loss of moisture in the lips is the primary cause of peeling in the lips.

. Apply cocoa butter to your dry peeling lips several times a day.

. Never lick or bite your lips as they can contribute to dehydration, drying up, and cracking up of lips.

. Take a ripe papaya and mash it. Apply this on your dry lips and wash it off after 15 minutes.

. Apply a layer of honey on your lips while indoors to prevent peeling.

. A paste made with 1 teaspoon of gram flour, 1 teaspoon of milk cream and a pinch of turmeric powder is also beneficial in the treatment of chapped lips. Apply this mixture on your lips and allow it to dry completely. Once dry, gently rub it off.

. Rubbing the lips with a mixture of equal parts of glycerin and lemon juice is also beneficial in the treatment of dry peeling lips.

. Apply petroleum jelly thinly to your dry peeling lips several times a day. Exfoliate your lips by rubbing them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a soft washcloth.

. Mix sugar and honey. Scrub well for 3 minutes, then rinse an apply moisterizing chapstick. For best results, repeat once a week.

. Make lip balm by using 2 tsp of coconut oil, lemon juice, 3 drops of lemon oil and 1 tsp of bee wax. You should warm these ingredients till they melt and mix together. Store this home-made lip balm in a small bottle and apply it regularly on your lips to keep them moisturized.

. Mix 5 ml of lime juice with glycerin of the same amount and with some water. Apply this mixture to the lips. It should stay for some time. You can keep the mixture for future use. You can use it for three days at a time.

. Take some petals of rose and drench them in raw like for say one or two hours. Once done, make a paste of that mixture and then apply it on your lips.

. Cucumber slice when rubbed on the dry lips also helps to cure dry peeling lips.

. Apply vitamin E to your dry peeling lips several times a day to cure dry peeling lips.




~source:mdecg.com~

Home Remedies for Dry Flaky Scalp : How to Treat Dry Flaky Scalp : How to Get Rid of Dry Flaky Scalp

A flaky scalp can be annoying and embarrassing. Dry skin is the number one reason for flakiness of the scalp, reports the Mayo Clinic. Flakiness and itchy also is a common sign of dandruff. A dry, flaky scalp is caused by overuse of shampoo and conditioners as well as styling products, like hairspray, that build up on the scalp. The scalp becomes itchy and begins to flake off, causing embarrassing dandruff.

While a dry and flaky scalp can be uncomfortable and irritating for many people, there are numerous home remedies that can help. Try using these natural home remedies to treat and get rid of a dry, flaky scalp.

. Mix 2 tbsp. of soft bean curd, 2 tbsp. of honey and 4 tbsp. of lemon juice in a small container. Gently massage a small amount of the mixture into the scalp and roots of the hair for five minutes. Wrap a towel around your shoulders and leave the mixture in your hair for 20 to 25 minutes. Rinse your hair with cool water to get rid of the mixture, then shampoo with a gentle shampoo. This process can be repeated daily unless there is irritation to the scalp or skin.

. Gently massage 2 tbsp. of pure, raw coconut oil into the scalp and roots of the hair for five minutes. Leave the mixture in your hair for 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Shampoo your hair with a gentle conditioner and let your hair dry naturally instead of using a towel or hair dryer.

. Mix 2 tbsp. of freshly-squeezed lime juice with 3 tbsp. of olive oil in a small container. Gently massage the mixture into the scalp and roots of the hair for six to eight minutes before rinsing the hair with cool water. Shampoo with a gentle shampoo and condition with a moisturizing conditioner.

. Dip your fingers into olive oil. Apply the oil to your scalp, using gentle circular motions. Cover the entire scalp, but not the length of the hair. Once the scalp is covered with oil, cover the head with plastic wrap or a shower cap and leave on for 45 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water, then shampoo as usual.

. Rub a thick coating of the aloe vera onto your scalp and keep it there overnight. Rinse it out with your shampoo application in the morning.

. Create a mixture of apple cider vinegar that is diluted by 50 percent water. Rinse this into your scalp and allow it to dry without rinsing it out.

. You can also pour two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a cup and directly apply it without dilution. This method requires that you leave the apple cider vinegar on your scalp for 15 minutes to three hours before you shampoo.

. Create a tea using sage or burdock. Use this as your rinse directly after the completion of shampooing.

. Create a rinse that requires you to boil four large teaspoons of dried thyme. Place this into two cups of water for a period of 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool before applying. You will directly apply this into your clean and slightly damp hair. There is not a need to rinse this out.

. Combine two tbsp. of olive oil, an egg, a tbsp. of lemon juice and a tsp. of apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Beat all the ingredients together with a fork or hand blender. Apply the mixture on your scalp like a shampoo and rinse with cool water.

. Mix the egg white from one egg with five tsp. of whole-fat yogurt. After a bath, apply the mixture to your damp hair and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water.

. Apply tea tree oil on your scalp and leave it on for a few hours. It is best to do this at night, before you go to bed. Wash off the oil from your hair in the morning with a mild shampoo.

. Cut an avocado in half and remove its pulp. Apply the avocado pulp on your hair and leave it on for about 10 minutes after you take a shower. Wash off the avocado pulp with lukewarm water.

. Dip your fingers into a bowl of warm coconut milk. With your moistened fingers, apply the coconut milk into the hair and scalp until your hair and scalp is wet. Massage your scalp gently using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb for about 15 minutes. Cover your hair with a shower cap for at least an hour. Shampoo hair twice to remove the oil, then rinse thoroughly. Let it dry.



~source:ehow.com~

Vaginal Dryness : Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and Home Remedies

Vaginal dryness is a common problem for women during and after menopause, although inadequate vaginal lubrication can occur at any age. Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) — thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a decline in estrogen. Along with vaginal dryness, you might also have itching and stinging around the vaginal opening and in the lower third of the vagina.

Vaginal dryness can make intercourse uncomfortable. Most vaginal lubrication consists of clear fluid that seeps through the walls of the blood vessels encircling the vagina. When you're sexually aroused, more blood flows to your pelvic organs, creating more lubricating vaginal fluid. But the hormonal changes of menopause, childbirth and breast-feeding may disrupt this process.


Symptoms

Vaginal dryness may be accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:

.Itching
.Burning
.Soreness
.Pain or light bleeding with sex
.Urinary frequency or urgency


Causes of Vaginal Dryness

There are many factors that may lead to vaginal dryness. Some of them are:

.Diaphragms
.Condoms
.Tampons
.Drying soaps
.Douches
.Medications (antihistamines/decongestants, antidepressants, antibiotics)
.Chemotherapy and radiation
.Allergens (for example the fragrances and dyes in toilet paper)

While all of these may cause problems with lubrication, the main cause of vaginal dryness remains low estrogen levels.


Treatments and Home Remedies

The diagnosis of the causes for vaginal dryness is necessary, but home remedies for vaginal dryness can relieve the condition while treating any significant disease or psychological issues. There are some treatments and effective home remedies for vaginal dryness which are mentioned ahead.

. To keep body hydrated drink at least 10 glasses of water. It will help to relieve the dryness.

. Apply Vaseline on the external and also within the lips of the vagina. It helps with the itching, dryness, and also a great lubricant.

. Vitamin E oil is good too. Apply the oil with your finger into the inside wall of your vagina.

. Aloe vera if consumed with saffron, winter cherry and milk at night is known to increase vaginal lubrication.

. Use a cotton pad and dip in sesame oil. Massage the vaginal walls daily to help in restoring vaginal lubrication.

. Including yogurt, rice, barley and corn in everyday meals is also known to reduce vaginal dryness.

. Apply around ½ tsp of comfrey salve to your vaginal area daily after taking a bath. Comfrey contains allantoin which helps in soothing the irritated tissues and stimulates the growth of new and healthy cells.

. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is very important for you to have these foods as they keep the cells healthy and naturally cure infection.

. Consume flax oil several times a day as a regular treatment for vaginal dryness. You can also substitute the oil for one to two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds.

. Applying wild yams to the affected area can give relief. Typically, this is done with creams that are made with wild yam. Wild yam is a natural source of estrogen, thus, increasing the estrogen levels in the vaginal area.

. Local application of turmeric or tea tree oil is considered beneficial. Both, turmeric and tea tree oil are considered to have strong anti-bacterial properties which in turn can improve the infection.

. Eat more soy-based foods, such as soymilk and tofu, into your diet, Valuable options include tofu, soymilk, soy yogurt, miso and boiled or steamed soybeans.

. Other good natural remedies for the treatment of vaginal dryness include taking Kudzu. A study showed that healthy postmenopausal women that took a Kudzu capsule daily for 24 weeks showed improvements in vaginal dryness.

. Take a glass of water and add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds and allow it to boil for 10-15 minutes.

. Herbs such as Dong Quai, a very well known Chinese herb helps to support balance of female hormones and to promote hormonal health. Available as a supplement at most natural health stores.

. Regularly drink fresh milk with 1 teaspoon of saffron in it. This will help to reduce vaginal dryness.

. Squeeze the oil of 6 vitamin E capsule into a cup. Add 5 teaspoon of black cohosh cream and mix. Apply it to the inside part as well outside of the vagina two or three times a day till relief.

. Take a cup of oat straw regularly to keeps the female reproductive organs in good condition and helps the skin glow.

. Try Kegel exercises since they may increase circulation to the pelvic area and thus help you keep vaginal tissue healthy and strong.



~source:mayoclinic.com~

Vaginal Itching : Causes, Home Remedies and Preventions

Vaginal itching is a tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin of the vagina and the surrounding area (vulva). The itching may cause a desire to scratch the affected area. Many women will experience vaginal itching at some point during their lives. It’s an unpleasant condition that needs proper care.


Causes

Common causes of vaginal itching include:

.Chemical irritants -- such as detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, ointments, creams, douches, and contraceptive foams or jellies.
.Menopause -- the drop in estrogen causes thinning of the vaginal wall and less lubrication.
.Stress -- may increase vaginal itching and make you more susceptible to infections.
.Vaginal yeast infection -- often includes a discharge that is white and curd-like. Vaginal yeast infections can be brought on by antibiotics, birth control pills, pregnancy, menstruation, condom use, sexual intercourse, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.
.Vaginitis -- inflammation, itching, discharge, and odor caused by other infections (including sexually transmitted diseases). Vaginitis in girls before puberty is common. If a young girl has a sexually transmitted vaginal infection, however, sexual abuse must be considered and addressed.

Other possible, but less common, causes of vaginal or vulvar itching include the presence of other skin conditions that may or may not be precancerous, and pinworms -- a condition that primarily infects children.


Home Remedies

The following are some commonly used home remedies are proven in most patients with vaginal itching. These home remedies have worked for many women with vaginal itching but the results can vary from person to person.

. Mix three tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar, in one quart of warm water and fill your douche bag. You can safely do this twice a day to make the itching go away.

. Regular consumption of ginseng may act as a replacement for lowered estrogen levels, and eliminate the dryness, itching and burning associated with menopause.

. Apply ice or a cold compress for immediate relief from the itching. This is especially effective at night when the itching is most intense.

. Fill a shallow tub or sitz bath with warm water and a half cup of salt. Stir until the salt dissolves, then sit in the water for 10 to 15 minutes.

. Eat 1 cup of yogurt a day. Make sure the yogurt doesn't contain any sugar and that it has live acidophilus cultures in it. Acidophilus helps control the fungus that causes yeast infections.

. Apply yogurt to the vulva to help relieve external itching.

. Rinse your vagina with warm water mixed with 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar twice a day for two days.

. Increase your intake of foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries and broccoli.

. Apply aloe vera gel liberally to the affected area. Repeat process until you get relief from itching.

. Drink 1-2 cups of nettle tea daily to get relief from this problem. Add 1 tabelspoon of dried nettle leaves to a cup of boiling water

. Apple cider vinegar mixed with yogurt and water can be dabbed on the irritated area with a washcloth. Wash with cool water if there is a stinging sensation.

. Buttermilk provides good results in stopping the growth of bacteria, which may cause the itching. Apply it to the vaginal area or drink it everyday.

. Garlic is also used for feminine itching due to its antifungal properties. Create a drink made from crushed whole garlic and water, and consume until itching is gone.

. Herbal extracts are ideal for home remedies, specifically extracts of olive leaves, grapefruit seed and slippery elm.

. Boil a tablespoon of the dried rind of pomegranate in 2 cups of water, strain and use as vaginal douche for the fishy smell and irritation.

. Boil 150 gm of lady finger in two cups of water, for about 15-20 minutes. Strain the water and add little sugar to taste. Take 50-100 ml of the decoction at frequent intervals to treat vaginal itching or vaginitis.

. Extract juice from fresh henna leaves and take a tablespoon twice a day. Take one on empty stomach in the morning, and another, 4-6 hours after lunch. Take this for ten days to cure symptoms of vaginitis.

. Add a sliced banana to a tablespoon each of honey and gooseberry juice, and eat it daily for a few days to get relief from vaginal itching.

. Juice some asparagus roots and take a tablespoon of it two times in a day for 2 weeks to treat vaginal itching.

. Boil a tablespoon of the dried rind of pomegranate in 2 cups of water, strain and use as vaginal douche for the fishy smell and itching.

. Boil 1 thread of saffron in ½ cup of water with a teaspoon of milk added to it. Boil until ¼ of the solution remains, and drink it daily to cure vaginal itching, discharges, burning, and irritations.


Preventions

Once your genital itching is relieved and remedied, you’ll want to take the proper steps to keep it from happening again. Assuming you’ve had a pelvic exam and have ruled out any sexually transmitted disease itching or symptoms (which may require antibiotics), you can follow these steps to prevent vaginal itching from occurring in the future.

- Use well washed under garments.
- Maintain good toilet hygiene.
- Always take a warm bath.
- Avoid irritants like scented tampons.
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Always keep vaginal area clean.
- Clean your vagina area thoroughly after having sex.
- Avoid tight clothes and wear cotton panties.
- Avoid douching as it disturbs the balance of the microorganisms within the vagina.
- Be sure to clean diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicide applicators after each use.
- Take care to clean the anal area from front to back to prevent the intestinal bacteria from spreading into the vagina.



~source:simple-remedies.com~

Vaginal Odor : Causes and Natural Home Remedies

Vaginal odor is any abnormal odor which originates from the vagina. An abnormal vaginal odor is often described as having a "fishy" smell. Abnormal vaginal odor is often associated with other symptoms such as vaginal itching or irritation and vaginal discharge. Left untreated, this condition may cause not only physiologic problems but also emotional (stress) and social problems (the person feels uncomfortable thinking the odor is detected by others.

The most common cause of vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is associated with an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina. Some of the causes of smelling vaginal include:-

* Douching
* Over washing
* Application fragranced articles on the affectionate areas
* Smoking
* Eating a bad diet
* Application an IUD
* Having unprotected sex
* Wearing panties fabricated from constructed bolt or deeply applicable trousers
* A vaginal infection
* Pelvic inflammatory disease

Many women wish to know of ways for reducing vaginal odor but do not whom to turn to. They are frustrated and embarrassed but prefer wincing from the problem. Usually, women are not very comfortable in discussing problems related to their private parts. You can get rid of foul vaginal odor and you can really do it right in the comfort of your own house. These natural remedies are designed to not only rid the smell, but to also kill the infection.

Natural Home Remedies for Vaginal Odor

. Wear cotton underwear. Cotton is a distinctive fabric in that it enables oxygen to pass by way of, but absolutely nothing else. Silk doesn’t have this identical top quality.

. Tea tree oil in your bath will help to eliminate bacteria that are getting the odor. Just a few drops in the tub are all it takes. Tea tree oil is antibacterial oil and it will fight off the unhealthy bacteria while leaving the healthy bacteria intact.

. Yogurt is one of the foods that a woman should eat everyday to make sure that there is a balance between the good bacteria and the bad bacteria in the body. Yogurt contains live finishes that will bring the body into balance.

. You can create a wash to use specifically for this area of the body with grapefruit oil and water. Make sure that the oil is diluted effectively.

. Put a cup of apple cider vinegar in the bath as this will do the trick to obviate vaginal odor. The apple cider vinegar is one of the home remedies for vaginal odor that is also used for bacterial vaginosis.

. Mix 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil to 5 to 6 ounces of water. The solution is to be applied to the vagina. Tea tree oil has antibacterial nature.

. Add 1 tablespoon of chlorophyll in 7 to 8 ounces of water and consume the mixture. Green plants produce chlorophyll. It acts like a natural deodorizer.

. Dip a tampon in yogurt and then insert it into the vagina. This would ensure that the healthy bacteria tackle the harmful ones successfully.

. Vitamins C which is ascorbic acid should be included in the diet. You should consume as many citrus fruits as you can as they are rich sources of this vitamin.

. Use a solution of vinegar, salt, and water to wash the vaginal area several times a day, another effective choice in home remedies for vaginal bacteriosis.

. Use baking soda solution to wash the vaginal area. Just a little baking soda and some water can do the trick. Baking soda is very alkaline and when you mix some thing really alkaline with some thing really acidic, you neutralize it.

. Use fresh garlic and make a paste that is applied to the outside area of the vagina at night and remove it the following morning. 

. Be sure and drink plenty of water. Water helps keep the vagina flushed of bacteria and other contaminants. It also helps flush away the sugars that act as fuel for yeast infections.

. Wash the vaginal area with an antiseptic solution made by mixing turmeric and water 1:5 ratio.

. Crush a clove of garlic in a cup, add half a cup of yogurt with 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and take this first thing empty stomach every morning for 6 weeks.




~source:bettermedicine.com~

Goitre : Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies

A goitre or goiter, is a swelling in the thyroid gland, which can lead to a swelling of the neck or larynx (voice box). Goitre rarely occurs when the thyroid gland is functioning properly. Over 90% cases of goitre are caused by iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland is in the lower part of the front of the neck. It lies just in front of the trachea (windpipe). It has a right and left lobe which are connected together by a narrower band of thyroid tissue. (It is roughly the shape of a butterfly.) You cannot usually see or feel a normal thyroid gland. If the thyroid enlarges it causes a swelling in the neck which is a goitre.

The common causes of goitre:

.Juvenile goitre due to congenital hypothyroidism

.High consumption of certain foods that neutralise iodine, such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Other foods, like soy, may also induce goitres.

.Puberty, pregnancy

.Dyshormonogenesis, a genetic enzyme deficiency that interferes with normal thyroid hormone synthesis.

.Benign or malignant tumours of the thyroid gland.

.Certain drugs, such as lithium and phenylbutazone


Some symptoms of goitre:

.Diminished power of concentration.

.Emotional upsets

.Depression

.Irritability

.Swelling of the thyroid gland.

.Breathing problems, if the goitre is large enough to press on the windpipe (trachea).

.Swallowing problems, if the goitre is large enough to press on the oesophagus.


Treatment always depends on the size and cause of the goiter swelling and whether it is causing other symptoms. Many of those who suffer from goitre will require lifelong medication treatments in addition to any other treatment used. Fortunately for those who are against modern drugs or simply cannot afford them, there are home remedies which one may utilize instead.

. All foods containing iodine should be taken liberally. These are lettuce, turnips, carrots, garlic, onions, oats, pineapples, whole rice, tomatoes, watercress, strawberries, guavas, citrus fruits, egg yolks, and sea foods.

. Watercress is one of the best sources of the element iodine. A paste made of this vegetable can also be applied beneficially over the affected parts. It helps to reduce swelling.

. A teaspoon of swamp cabbage juice with tea almonds should be given once or twice daily as a medicine.

. Kachnar, botanically known as Bauhinia variegata, has been used as a folk medicine for treatment of goitre in India. About 30 ml of the decoction of the bark should be given twice a day in the morning on an empty stomach.

. Dandelion has been found valuable in treating goitre. The leaves of this salad vegetable should be smeared with clarified butter, warmed and bandaged over the swollen parts for about two weeks.

. The flax seeds should be grounded in water, heated and applied over the affected parts. The leaves of the tree should then be bandaged over them.

. Do the neck stretches and exercises daily. These help stretch the muscles that are attached to the thyroid gland. Aerobics and jogging also help relieve a person suffering from goiter.

. Regularly intake of water nut (shingara) lotus reed, stem to the lotus tube of Plancuperous tuberosus and pineapple.

. Take equal parts of sorrel leaves and olive oil and mash them. Spread this paste on the goiter. It would help relieve a person suffering from goiter.

. Cucumber is a rich source of diet for goiter affected people. It should be included in the daily diet in the form of salads.

. Fluoride, chlorine and iodine are related with each other in the sense of chemistry. They block an entrance of iodine into thyroid. So try to avoid chlorinated water, fluoridated water and toothpaste containing the same.

. Vitamin A is necessary for iodine. Take enough of that to cure goiter.

. Vitamin B complexes nourish the thyroid gland and also help to utilize the iodine. Take enough Vitamin B complex to prevent thyroid malfunctioning.

. Another best way to get rid of thyroid malfunctioning is go for fasting. Keep yourself on fruits and vegetable juices. After couple of weeks, start with light but nutritious diet.

. Regularly drinking barley water is one of the easiest natural home remedies for goitre.

. Take tea almonds with one teaspoon of juice made from cabbage leaves.

. Drink pineapple juice on a daily basis for controlling all your thyroid related problems.

. Bananas and oats are also very effective in stimulating the thyroid.

. Pound few cloves of garlic,make a paste and tie the paste in cloth,use as poultice over neck.




~source:home-remedies-for-you.com~

Blocked Milk Duct : Symptoms, Causes and Natural Home Remedies

A blocked milk duct sometimes occurs in breast-feeding women. A blocked milk duct can cause a painful swollen area in a breast. The overlying skin is sometimes red and inflamed, but not so intense as with infective mastitis. When you feed your baby, the pain may increase due to the pressure of milk building up behind the blocked duct.

A blocked milk duct will usually clear within 1-2 days and symptoms will then go. However, in some cases a blocked milk duct becomes infected and develops into a mastitis. So, some cases of mastitis develop as a complication of a blocked milk duct, but some cases occur without a preceding blockage.


Symptoms of Blocked Milk Duct

.Tenderness or bruised feeling.
.Lumpiness in one area.
.Pain as your milk lets down.
.Redness. This is inflammation - may not be infection.


The most common causes for blocked milk duct are:

.A hurried feed or missing a feed.
.Baby having a cold, leading to difficulty feeding.
.Unusual food has made your milk taste different, and baby did not like it.
.Pressing your finger on the breast to allow air to baby’s nose.
.Tight bra, clothes, seat belts.
.Sleeping in a position that squashes the breast.
.Milk dried into one of the ducts in the nipple


While medical remedies are available for all these contingencies there are some home remedies also and these home remedies are time tested and they have been time and again proven to be effective.

. Make sure that you nurse your baby frequently. This practice is very necessary in order to empty the breast completely. Breast feeding the baby often, can help increase comfort and reduce inflammation of the breasts. It is one of the most natural remedies for treating blocked milk duct.

. Massage the sore area of breast frequently, especially after every feeding. To massage it effectively, start from the top of the breast and gently work towards the nipple area. Sometimes by hand pressing the breast, particularly while taking a warm shower, the clog tends to open up and dissolve so that the milk can flow freely. In some cases, it has been found that the combination of warm shower and massage helps to remove the dried milk lump lump that has blocked the nipple.

. Placing of warm compress, towel or heating pad on the nipple before breast feeding can also help the blocked milk ducts to open up and in the process allow milk to drain uninterruptedly.

. Holding your baby in different positions every time while breast feeding ensures that the milk ducts empty properly. When the breast is sore and milk duct is blocked, it is a very simple natural remedy to try positioning your baby in a way that the chin of the baby is pointing towards the sore point. This would direct the suction towards the clogged duct and improve the healing process.

. Avoid wearing tight bras and clothing as they aid in blocking the milk ducts. Under wired bras should also be avoided as they tend to cut the breasts and thereby cause infection. While nursing, your bra should be well fitting and should allow you to breathe easily.

. Massage the breasts with a comb. Use a wide-toothed comb, or one without sharp teeth; soap the blocked area, and ‘comb’ from the outside towards the nipple. This can help break up the blockage. Try not to leave soap on your nipple.

. Arm-swinging exercises encourage circulation: washing windows or cleaning the car.

. Check your nipples for a white ‘spot’ that may be dried milk. Gently squeeze or pick it out.

. A sufficient intake of vitamin C helps prevent clogging of milk ducts and at the same time promotes healing of clogged ducts.

. Drink hot herbal infusions of lecithin and Echinacea. These will help relieve the pain and unclogging the ducts.

. Soak your breasts in warm water with some Epsom salts added. (one handful of Epsoms with every 2L of water). Rinse your breasts afterwards just to remove the saltiness.

. Dangle feeding (breastfeed while leaning over baby) can be used in order for gravity to pull the blocked ducts open.

. Get one teaspoon of castor oil and gently massage the breast starting at the center of your chest side of your breast and work across toward the other side of your breast in the direction of your arm pit area. Be sure to include massaging around and underneath the nipple, and to the sides.

. A warm compress using a cabbage leaf is an excellent way to help loosen the blockage in a clogged milk duct. Simply microwave a cabbage leaf for a few seconds in the microwave and then place it on the breast for 2 to 3 minutes (make sure it is not too hot). Repeat this every hour throughout the day.

. Refrigerate a potato for a few hours, and then grate some of the potato. Apply the grated potato over the affected breast and cover with a clean wash cloth or towel for 5 minutes while lying down. Repeat this every hour throughout the day using some freshly grated potato.

. Two teaspoons of dried leaf of goat’s Rue put in boiled water if taken regularly, the quantity of secretion of breast milk will increase by almost 50% and it also clears the milk ducts of all types of clogging.

. Take some parsley and put it on a cotton diaper. Tie the ends securely and dip the diaper in boiling water for about 15 minutes. Cool the diaper to the required temperature and gently compress the breasts with the diaper.




~source:naturalhealthanswers.co.uk~

Asthma Remedies : Natural Cure For Asthma : Asthma Alternative Treatments

Asthma is a very common respiratory disease, it affects the trachea and bronchial tubes by becoming inflamed and plugged with mucus. This causes the airways to narrow, restricting the amount of air going to the lungs, and makes it very difficult to breathe. Asthma can occur in anyone but is very common in children and young adults.

Modern medicine can offer very little to children with asthma, most drugs can only produce a temporary effect. Natural cure for asthma can be very helpful, not only reducing attacks but also strengthening the lungs and immune system. Here are some popular alternative home remedies for asthma.

. Magnesium helps asthma patients to breathe more easily.  Most foods which are high in magnesium (green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts) will help to improve health in other ways as well.

. Take Vitamin B6 , Vitamin B12  and Vitamin C supplements as they are very important nutrients to treat asthma decreasing the inflammation in the lungs and to fight infection, increase the amount of oxygen and reduce inflammation.

. A study found that choline reduced inflammation in the lungs, reduced the production of mucus , and helped to prevent airway obstruction. Choline can be found in liver, muscle meats, fish, nuts, beans, peas, spinach, wheat germ, and eggs. Choline can also be taken as a supplement, in tablet form.

. Hold a jar of honey under the nose and inhales the air that comes into contact with it. This helps breathing easier and deeper.

. Dilute the juice of 1 lemon in a glass of water. Drink during meals. Lemon kills the germs, which are present in the mucus underlining the air vessels.

. Five grams of gooseberry mixed with one tablespoon of honey forms an effective medicinal tonic for the treatment of this disease. It should be taken every morning.

. Take ten garlic cloves, boil them in 30 ml of milk. This remedy is recommended once daily for the patient of asthma.

. Make an expectorant by mixing 1 teaspoon ginger juice, 1 cup decoction of fenugreek and honey as per your taste. You can also make by mixing 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds in 1 cup water. Drink twice a day.

. Add a pinch of turmeric paste in 1 glass of water. It makes a good medicine for reducing the mucous lining. It is most effective when taken in empty stomach.

. Half a teaspoon of Safflower dry seeds powder, mixed with one tablespoon of honey, can be taken 1 or 2 times in a day to treat asthma.

. Prepare a soup of the bunch of Drumstick leaves and 180ml water. After boiling for 5 minutes let it cool than add seasoning, pepper and lemon juice for extra flavour.

. Mix one teaspoon of the Bitter Gourd root paste with an equal amount of honey or juice of the holy basil leaves. Take it once every night for a month.

. Mullein oil is used to fight respiratory congestion, is very important to make it as a tea for faster results.

. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder with 1 teaspoon honey to consume before sleeping.

. Take 1 glass hot milk and add turmeric and lots of butter to cure cough and congestion.

. Eat salmon 3 times a week and take salmon oil capsules.

. Drink coffee and soft drinks with caffeine (colas), caffeine dilates the bronchial airways.

. Blend radish, honey and lemon juice together in a blender. Mix for 20 minutes and cook in small pan on less heat. Take one teaspoon of it in the morning daily. This is good asthma remedy.

. Boil 4-5 cloves in 125 ml of water. Add one teaspoonful of honey and drink the mixture twice or thrice a day. This is a good home remedy for asthma.

. 1-2 teaspoonfuls of Spiegel seed with warm water twice a day helps in minimizing asthma attacks and this is considered as effective asthma remedy.

. Soak dry grapes in water at night and keep in cold milk for half an hour and chew them. Good home remedy for asthma.

. Take fresh dry grapes with seeds and soak them in 150 grams of water at night. Remove the seeds in the morning and chew them slowly, one by one. In the remaining water add a little sugar and drink it. In a month the lungs will be strengthened and poisonous wastes will be removed from the body.

. Mix one gram of dry ginger powder and one gram of black pepper in one teaspoon of molasses of honey. This remedy is also considered as one of the effective and simple home remedies for asthma.

. Peel dry pomegranate and keep them in a jar. Boil two raisins and some part of the peel in 250 ml of milk. Drink this milk twice a day. This is one of the good asthma remedies.

. Steaming ginger tea with minced garlic cloves should be given twice a day (morning and evening). This asthma remedy is good natural remedy for asthma.

. Boil garlic cloves in thirty grams of milk and drink this daily. This is also a good home remedy for asthma.


Asthma Alternative Treatments

. Use your air conditioner. Air conditioning reduces the amount of airborne pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that finds its way indoors. Air conditioning also lowers indoor humidity and can reduce your exposure to dust mites. If you don’t have air conditioning, try to keep your windows closed during pollen season.

. Keep indoor air clean. Keep a check on your air conditioner and furnace. Change the filters in your furnace and air conditioner when its due. Also consider installing a small-particle filter in your ventilation system. If you use a humidifier, change the water daily.

. Maintain a proper hygiene is very important for asthma patients. One should always sleep in a clean bed. Use separate towel, bed sheets, pillows and other items of daily use. Avoid dust, insects, pets, plants and strong smell of perfumes, flowers or chemical sprays. Keeping yourself clean, bathing properly and avoiding catching cold are valuable tips for the patient to keep in mind.

. If you’re allergic to dander, avoid pets with fur or feathers. Having pets regularly bathed or groomed also may reduce the amount of dander in your surroundings.

. Eat proper diet. Diet should contain a limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins which are ‘acid-forming’ foods, and a liberal quantity of alkali-forming foods consisting of fresh fruits, green vegetables, sprouted seeds, and grains.

. Phlegm producing foods, such as rice, sugar, lentils, and yogurt should also be avoided. It is also recommended to avoid fried and other difficult to-digest foods, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments pickles, sauces and all refined and processed foods.

. Get regular exercise. Regular exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs, which helps relieve asthma signs and symptoms. Avoid exercising in cold weather, but if you do exercise in cold temperatures, wear a face mask to warm the air you breathe.




~source:natural-homeremedies.com~