Health Tips: Keep Your Heart Strong and Healthy

In United States Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death. As of 2007, it is the leading cause of death in the United States, UK, Canada, killing one person every 34 seconds in the United States alone.

Every year millions of people suffer from this disease, and one of the main reasons behind it is an improper diet. Although you might know eating certain foods can increase your heart disease risk, it’s often tough to change your eating habits.

As such, it is very important for us to be aware of the correct diet to be followed in order to avoid being a victim of heart disease.

We need to cut down on foods having a high content of saturated and trans fat as they help in increasing the cholesterol level in our body which in turn leads to heart disease and a condition called as atherosclerosis which causes heart attack and strokes. In order to do this, we need to consume less solid fats such as butter, margarine, lard, bacon, gravy, cream sauce, non dairy creamers, cocoa butter, shortening, cookies, crackers and chips. We can use products like low fat yogurt and salsa as substitutes.

For cooking, we need to use mono saturated fats such as olive oil and canola oil instead of coconut, palm, cotton seed and palm-kernel oils.

We should get our daily proteins from low fat sources rather than high fat ones. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes such as peas, beans and lentils, skim or low fat milk, low fat yogurt, skinless poultry and soy beans and soy products are all excellent sources of proteins. We need to avoid full fat milk, organ meats, egg yolks, fatty meats, cold cuts, fried or canned meats and sausages.

Vegetables and fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals and can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and as such we should learn to include a good amount of fruits and vegetables in our everyday diet. However, we should avoid vegetables with creamy sauces, fried or breaded vegetables and canned fruits. Whole grains also are a good source of fibers and nutrients and also help in regulating the heart pressure. We need to eat foods like whole wheat flour, whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain pasta , oatmeal and ground flaxseed to lower our cholesterol and avoid foods like muffins, waffles, corn bread, dough nuts, biscuits, quick breads, granola bars, cakes, pies, egg noodles, cakes and pies.

People who eat a lot of salt are prone to high blood pressure which is one of the symptoms of heart disease. The American Heart Association suggests that adults should eat less than 2,300 milligrams of salt on a daily basis. We need to reduce the amount of salt that we use in cooking and also stop eating canned or processed foods which contain a lot of salt. We should also not use tomato ketchups and sauces and substitute them with herbs, spices and reduced salt versions of condiments.

Thus, based on the above mentioned foods that need to be consumed for a healthy heart, we need to prepare a chart indicating the foods we need to consume on a daily basis and follow it properly. We should never eat more than required and exercise everyday to stay fit and have a healthy heart.

Eating a special diet called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan also can help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help protect your heart. Legumes, low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish can also reduce risk of heart disease.

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Source: articleflix.com

Yoga For Beginners - Five Things You Need to Know Before You Start Your First Yoga Class

By Ntathu Allen

People have many reasons for thinking about starting yoga. Maybe like me, you were advised by your midwife to take-up yoga as a form of relaxation during pregnancy.

Perhaps you are overweight, have a stress-related medical condition and been advised by your doctor to "exercise and relax more." Or you may have seen an article in your favourite magazine featuring Madonna practicing yoga.

Maybe you are a parent and have to juggle the demands of parenting with a hectic work schedule. This can be exhausting and leave you with little time to care for yourself, relax and, recharge your batteries.

Yoga is the ideal form of exercise to help you relax, strengthen and nurture your body and calm your mind. To the novice student, it can be quite bewildering to know where to begin when want to start practicing yoga.

Types of Yoga
There are various styles and different approaches to yoga. In essence, postures (known as asanas) breathing exercises, relaxation and in some cases meditation and chanting form the basis of all yoga styles.

However, different schools of yoga place difference emphasis on these aspects. Some yoga teachers, may focus more on breathing techniques (known as pranayama ), whilst another may pay more attention on the alignment of the body in the poses.

Yoga classes can be taught in rooms which are heated more than 100F (Bikram Yoga, as developed by Bikram Choudury) or more traditionally, classes can take place in your local leisure centre or yoga studio. You can even have private 1-2-1 yoga lessons in the comfort and convenience of your home.

Given the array of styles and classes, how do you choose which style/class is "right for you?" How do you know what qualities to look for, what questions to ask when enquiring about a particular class?

So before you pick up the phone, or click on a prospective teacher's website email address for further information, make sure you have this list to hand as a guide to help you chose your style of yoga.

Five Things You Need To Know Before You Start Your First Yoga Class.

One: It is always best to learn yoga from a qualified yoga teacher. Ask your prospective teacher where they trained, how long their course lasted and what subject areas where covered. Also, find out how long your prospective teacher has been practicing yoga and who inspires her to continue with her practice.

Two: Enquire whether your prospective yoga teacher or yoga studio runs classes specifically for beginners'. A beginners' class will be tailored to ensure you learn the foundations of yoga in a safe manner.

Three: Check out the average number of people who attend the class. As a beginner, look for a class that isn't too crowded - between seven to fifteen students - this allows the teacher to get to know you, observe your practice and make appropriate adjustments to your technique.

Four: The class needs to be at a time and venue which is convenient for you. Maybe you prefer to take a class on the way to or from work, or a class which is near your home. Anything too far, difficult to reach or held at an inconvenient time for you, makes it harder for you to start and integrate the class into your daily routine.

Five: Talk with your prospective yoga teacher. This gives you the opportunity to see how comfortable you feel working with the teacher. By talking, you will also find out more about their particular style of teaching, experience and to share any health related matters you may have.

It may take you time and energy to find a class or yoga teacher suited to your individual needs. Preserve. Once you start, you will feel lighter, calmer and glad you took the time to find a class and teacher suited to you.

Courtesy: ezinearticles.com

Single Greatest Way to Increase Flexibility & Decrease Body Pains

By Dan Boyle

I wanted to comment further about Yoga because I have been doing it for almost a week... twice a day and already feel a lot better about my progress. Although I still feel stiff and wake up stiff, I instantly get a loose feeling when I start a 15 minute workout.

I feel like I don't have to worry about the majority of the women because they are probably already into yoga or would really like to be. The majority of the guys on the other hand probably think this is a waste of time and to feminine for them...

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The benefits of yoga are 3 fold -

1. Flexibility
This is obvious isn't it. But this has to be talked about again... I know a little redundant. Flexibility will really benefit your body and weight training.

Let's just put it this way. When I wake up in the morning and start my yoga routine, I bend over for the first time to touch my toes and the stiffness is incredible. I cannot wait for the morning when I bend down and with the ease of rubber band just flop right down.

That image and feeling that I dream of in my mind keeps me going big time. I am also really excited to see if this might be the missing step in my person weight training.

The greatest thing about flexibility and yoga is it is by far the greatest range of motion increaser out there. Whatever you may read, muscle down get longer... then just get back to moving the way they were meant to move.

We are all dysfunctional and yoga will cure this!

2. Breathing
I would easily consider this to be one of the most under appreciated techniques in fitness. Breathing can make the difference between getting that one extra rep or saving your head from blood pressure headaches.

Yoga is really cool in that sense because it teaches your to concentrate and control your breathing. It will actually a lot harder to do at first. Concentrating on breathing out and breathing in on direction is hard... especially when you are tired and start to break faster.

However in both yoga and weight training, breathing makes your body feel less restricted. It helps to relax your muscles and make them easier to move.

Learn to breathe and don't underestimate the importance of it.

3. Mental Power
The ability to concentrate and keep your mind focused is huge. Focus will improve your performance not only in yoga but in weight training. Yoga is so great because if forces you to focus.

I can't even imagine how I would let me mind wander during the routine. I am so present trying to make the different positions effective that I am always there. That is a good habit to form.

In the gym focusing on your exercise can make the difference between getting results and just going through the motions. Concentrating on the movements will actually help your muscle perform them better.

The power of the mind!

So don't let the zen like image of yoga scare you away, or make you feel like you are going to be laughed at... once you practice it and improve you will become a preacher of yoga! The benefits are great for your weight training and just the range of motion increases are going to be out of this world.

Dan Boyle is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer. He specializes in weight training, however realizes that Yoga and flexibility play a major role in creating the body you want.

Courtesy: ezinearticles.com

The Seven Chakras of Human Body

The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven basic energy centers in the body. Each of these centers correlates to major nerve ganglia branching forth from the spinal column. In addition the chakras also correlate to levels of consciousness, archetypal elements, developmental stages of life, colors, sounds, body functions, and much, much more. Below is a brief description of each chakra.

Chakra Seven: Crown Thought, Universal identity, oriented to self-knowledge This is the crown chakra that relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, spaceless place of all-knowing. When developed, this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, and bliss. Chakra Six: Third Eye Light, Archetypal identity, oriented to self-reflection This chakra is known as the brow chakra or third eye center. It is related to the act of seeing, both physically and intuitively. As such it opens our psychic faculties and our understanding of archetypal levels. When healthy it allows us to see clearly, in effect, letting us "see the big picture."

Chakra Five: Throat Sound, Creative identity, oriented to self-expression This is the chakra located in the throat and is thus related to communication and creativity. Here we experience the world symbolically through vibration, such as the vibration of sound representing language.

Chakra Four: Heart Air, Social identity, oriented to self-acceptance This chakra is called the heart chakra and is the middle chakra in a system of seven. It is related to love and is the integrator of opposites in the psyche: mind and body, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity. A healthy fourth chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, have a deep sense of peace and centeredness.

Chakra Three: Solar Plexus Fire, Ego identity, oriented to self-definition This chakra is known as the power chakra, located in the solar plexus. It rules our personal power, will, and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When healthy, this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, and non-dominating power.

Chakra Two: Spleen/Sacral Water, Emotional identity, oriented to self-gratification The second chakra, located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs, is related to the element water, and to emotions and sexuality. It connects us to others through feeling, desire, sensation, and movement. Ideally this chakra brings us fluidity and grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment, and the ability to accept change.

Chakra One: Root Earth, Physical identity, oriented to self-preservation Located at the base of the spine, this chakra forms our foundation. It represents the element earth, and is therefore related to our survival instincts, and to our sense of grounding and connection to our bodies and the physical plane. Ideally this chakra brings us health, prosperity, security, and dynamic presence.

Chakras 9 x 12" hand colored print on 1800's paper ma-011 Available at MeditationArt.com

About the Author
Anodea Judith is considered one of the country's foremost experts on the combination of chakras and therapeutic issues and on the interpretation of the Chakra System for the Western lifestyle. She is best known for the chakra classic, Wheels of Life: A User's Guide to the Chakra System, (Llewellyn, 1987), an illustrated 540 page manual that has come to be considered the definitive work on the subject. Her most recent written book is the ground-breaking: Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self, released by Celestial Arts in February 1997.

Courtesy: rapunzelgifts.com

Improving Yoga Flexibility & Stretching Ability

Stretching is usually overlooked as a beneficial aspect of exercising. Stretching plays a very important role in keeping the muscles supple and safe from any injury. This is the reason why stretching is an important aspect of warming up before an exercise regimen and cooling down after it. An ideal routine should do a workout of each of the major muscle groups. A flexibility regimen need not take much time. Five to ten minutes daily is enough. The exercises should be done three to five times a week and can help you to get rid of your stress. If you do a few minutes of stretches everyday, you can get rid of the stress that plagues you and focus on your activity.

Flexibility is useful for preventing injury as well as in treatment of injury. When done in a proper manner, stretching reduces the risk of injury and also increases the flexibility of the body. When muscle tendons are used actively, they have less of wear and tear in them. Stretching also improves recovery and is known to improve athletic performance. There is improved biomechanical efficiency. There may be also the fact that the increased flexibility of the neck, shoulders and upper back may lead to improved respiratory function. The benefits of flexibility are therefore far reaching.

There are three methods of stretching: static, ballistic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.The static is mostly recommended for most athletes and the ballistic and PNF stretching is reserved for the few who are familiar with their use. If you want to get the greatest benefit from stretching, it should be done after warm up exercises. The increased blood flow because of stretching is beneficial in injury prevention. This is another benefit of stretching. Static exercises are done by slowly moving a joint towards its end range of motion. There is a gentle pulling sensation in the muscle that is being extended. The position is maintained for 15 to 20 seconds.

The stretching should not be done beyond a certain point where the one doing it feels pain. There is also no need to bounce as this can lead to injury. The act of stretching leads to the fact that each muscle seems to give increasingly more flexibility. A set of 3 to 5 exercises is enough to get the best out of the routine. The right stretching routine will interchange between agonist and antagonist muscle groups and alternate sides. An example of the agonist muscle group is quadriceps and an example of the antagonist muscle group is the hamstrings.

Another good idea is to begin with the neck and advance down to the feet. The post-workout stretch is believed to help in the recovery process. It is a boon for those who are undergoing recovery after injury. Stretching should be done gradually over a long period and then the flow maintained to realize the full benefits.

Double your flexibility in 28 days using YOGABODY Naturals Flexibility Kit. Yoga stretching flexibility exercises & yoga poses are not enough... you need Gravity Poses and 6 specific nutrients to improve your stretching flexibility fast! http://www.yogabodynaturals.com

Courtesy: EzineArticles.com

Yoga for Acidity and other Stomach Problems

The ultimate goal of yoga, "is not just a better body, but also a better state of being. Today we give you two exercises to improve acidity and other stomach problems.

Shalabhasana

- Lie on the ground with your face downwards.

- Rest arms alongside the body with palms facing upward.

- Slide your hands under your thighs, Press palms properly against top of your thighs.

- Inhale slowly and raise the head, chest, and legs upto 12 to 15 inches off the floor or as high as possible.

- Angle your head as far back as possible. Keep your feet, knees, and thighs pressed together and stretched backward.

- Breathe normally and hold the pose for a few seconds. Then slowly release legs and head - coming back to the original resting position.

- You may repeat this asana four to five times.

Benefits:

- Helps release accumulated gas.

- Improves the digestive system and helps in better motion. Improves upset stomach and constipation by stimulating the abdominal region.

- Activates liver, intestines, pancreas, kidneys and lungs.

Precautions:

- # Make sure you do not try to lift the legs too high.

- # People suffering from back problems, and hernia should be careful while doing this asana.


Makar Asana - The Sanskrit word 'makar', means crocodile.

Technique:

- Lie straight on the abdomen with face touching the ground.

- Keep both feet close to each other with the soles of the feet facing upwards. Extend both hands straight above the head with arms touching the ears.

- Forehead and nose should touch the ground.

- Let the palm and fingers of one hand touch the floor and put the palm and fingers of the other hand over it.

- Close your eyes and breathe normally while concentrating.

- Hold this posture as long as you can.

Benefits:

- Improves digestion and respiration.

- Its practise controls anger.

- Benefits the person suffering from epilepsy.

- This asana is totally harmless and can be practiced by any body.

Source : experiencefestival.com

Health - Important Notice

Reduce the amount of TEA you consume
Do not eat bread which has only JUST been toasted
Keep your distance from hand phone CHARGERS
Drink more WATER in the morning, less at night
Do not drink coffee TWICE a day
Reduce the amount of OILY food you consume
Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning
Do not have HUGE meals after 5pm
Do not take alcohol more than one glass/cup/serving a day
Do not take pills with COOL water
Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine before sleeping
Getting LESS than 8 hours of sleep affects your health
People used to napping will not get old easily
When battery is down to the LAST grid/bar, do not answer the phone
The radiation is 1000 times
Answer the phone by LEFT ear
It'll spoil your brain directly by using right ear
Do not use headphones/earphone for LONG period of time
Rest your ear awhile after 1 hour

Home Remedies for RUBELLA ::: GERMAN MEASLES

RUBELLA (German Measles)


Commonly called German measles, rubella is an acute, mildly contagious viral disease that produces a distinctive rash and lymphadenopathy.

Rubella and measles are both contagious viral infections best known by the distinctive red rash that may appear on the skin of those who contract either illness. However, rubella is neither as infectious nor usually as severe as measles, which is why rubella is also called three-day measles. There is one important exception: If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, especially during her first trimester, the virus can cause death or serious birth defects in the developing fetus.

The incubation period is 18 days with a duration of 12 to 23 days. The disease is self-limiting and the prognosis is excellent, except for congenital rubella, which can have disastrous consequences.
Causes
The rubella virus, a toga virus, is transmitted through contact with the blood, urine, stools, or nasopharyngeal secretions of infected people. It's communicable from about 10 days before until 5 days after the rash appears. Rubella can also be transmitted transplacentally. Humans are the only known hosts for the virus.
Signs and symptoms
Low-grade fever (102 F or lower)
Headache
General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise)
Runny nose
Inflammation of the eyes (bloodshot eyes)
Rash with skin redness or inflammation
Muscle or joint pain
Encephalitis (rare)
Bruising (from low platelet count, rare)
Diagnostic tests
Clinical signs and symptoms usually are sufficient to make a diagnosis, so laboratory tests seldom are done. Cell cultures of the throat, blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, along with convalescent serum that shows a fourfold increase in antibody titers, confirm the diagnosis. Rubella-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody also can be determined by laboratory testing.
Treatment
Because the rubella rash is self-limiting and only mildly pruritic, it doesn't require topical or systemic medication. Treatment consists of antipyretics and analgesics for fever and joint pain. Bed rest isn't necessary, but the patient should be isolated until the rash disappears.

Immunization with the live rubella virus vaccine (RA 27/3), the only rubella vaccine available in the United States, is necessary for prevention. The vaccine should be given with measles and mumps vaccines at age 15 months and a second dose during childhood.
Home Treatment
Rubella is usually a mild illness, especially in children and typically requires little special care at home. Monitor your child's temperature, and call your child's doctor if the fever climbs too high.

To relieve minor discomfort, you can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid giving aspirin to a child who has a viral illness because the use of aspirin in such cases has been associated with the development of Reye syndrome , which can lead to liver failure and death.
Prevention
Since the introduction of rubella vaccine, the incidence of rubella has decreased by more than 99 percent. Most cases today occur in adults who have not been vaccinated. The rubella vaccine is usually given in combination with the measles and mumps vaccine. It is called the MMR vaccine. It is usually given when the child is 12 to 15 months old, and then again between 4 to 6 years of age.
Other ways to prevent the spread of rubella:
Children should not attend school for seven days after the onset of the rash.
Children who are born with rubella are considered contagious for the first year of life.
Assure that all of your child's contacts have been properly immunized.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

Home Remedies for SKIN ALLERGIES

SKIN ALLERGIES



Clear skin is free from germs. But an irritated skin is a cause of trouble. Chafing of the skin is more likely to occur where two moist areas meet, such as in the groins or buttocks, or under the arms. Skin reactions are more common today due to many new fabrics in use. Babies often develop skin rashes because of irritation from the coloring materials in these fabrics.

Allergies are abnormal or hypersensitive responses of the Immune System to relatively harmless environmental antigens (substance which causes the allergy).

Diaper rash usually arises from some chemical irritation due to certain germs present in the baby’s stool. These germs break down the urea into ammonia, which irritates the skin.

Allergic conditions, such as Hay fever and sinusitis are also greatly aggravated by the presence of the germs within the tissues of the nose and throat. The most common allergens are grass and tree pollens, mold spores, dust mites, and animal dander. Eating certain foods and food additives and being stung by insects can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Such common disorders as eczema, hives, hay fever and asthma are often attributed to allergic reactions.

The most common cause of the skin allergies is impairment in the immune sysytem, which increases the risk of allergic reactions. This occurs due to stress on the immune system due to excess of the toxins.

Other causes of the skin allergies are the nutritional deficiencies, imbalanced diet, chemicals in the food chain due to preservatives and chronic intestinal yeast overgrowth.

Researchers have found that digestion also plays some role in the allergies. These are not just caused by the food. Proper digestion helps to remove toxins from our body. When digestion is disturbed, large amount of toxins get accumulated in the body and our body becomes over loaded with the toxins. This is what leads to allergies.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation, which we try to relieve by scratching. A certain amount of mild itching is normal for every one. Only if it is persistent and troublesome it becomes serious. Persistent scratching may produce swellings in the skin with deep scratch marks and small ulcers into which germs have found their way, causing much more trouble.

HOME REMEDIES FOR SKIN ALLERGIES


Grind 1 tbls of poppy seeds with 1-teaspoon water. Add 1-teaspoon limejuice. Apply to affected area for relief from skin allergies.
Add 1-teaspoon limejuice with sandalwood paste. Apply to affected skin allergy area
Avoid the foods, plants, animals, drugs, dust, or other substances that trigger an allergic reaction.
Smoking exacerbates allergic reactions. Those who are allergic to MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) should avoid smoking.
Vitamin C is very helpful in fighting with the allergic reactions.
Avoid white sugar, and everything made with it. The process of chemically whitening sugar is toxic.
Avoid bleached flours, and everything made with it.
Avoid all processed foods, including the frozen pre-packaged types.
Avoid the processes meat.
Thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables in warm water
Eat whole foods, and prepare your meals at home using fresh, natural products.
Prepare an eating schedule. It may be that 3 large meals per day or 4 or 5 smaller ones will be better.
Regularly practice juice fasting. This will cleanse your system of toxins and residues.
Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Heavy coffee consumption is to be avoided ( 1 or 2 regular cups per day is not considered harmful )
Avoid fried foods and foods cooked in oil to prevent skin allergies. When oil is heated to cooking temperatures it begins to break down and has been identified as a carcinogen.
Regularly try to do regiment of moderate exercise, such as walking, biking or swimming and strive to live in harmonious surroundings that contribute to inner peace.
Rub an ice cube gently over the affected area. This cools the skin, reduces inflammation and soothes the itch immediately.
Pour boiling water over a bowl of oats. Cover the bowl and leave for 10 minutes.
Strain the oats away and pour the liquid into an ice cube tray. Freeze the oat liquid to form oat cubes. To relieve itch, rub and frozen oat cube gently over the affected area.
Apply aloe Vera gel on the affected areas. It will sooth the areas and gives a cooling effect.
Take 2 cups water, ½ teaspoon each Echinacea root and marshmallow root,
1 teaspoon chamomile flowers, ½ teaspoon peppermint leaf and ¼ teaspoon ginger rhizome. Combine water and Echinacea and marshmallow roots in a saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Steep for 15 minutes, then strain out herbs. For a 50-pound child, give 1 to 2 cups daily.This is an effective home remedy for skin allergy.
Take 1 cup boiling water,1 teaspoon each calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, Echinacea root, elder flowers and yarrow flowers, 3 tablespoons baking soda. Pour boiling water over herbs and steep for 15 minutes, then strain out herbs. Stir in baking soda. Apply to irritated skin with a soft cloth or a sponge until itching is reduced. This is also an effective home remedy for skin allergy.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
References:
Milam, Larry J., D.I.HOM, Allergies: How to Avoid Them, 2000.

Ullman, Dana, Discovering Homeopathy, North Atlantic Books, 1988, 1991.

Materia Medica, B. Jain Publishers, Pahargani, New Deli, 1992.

Hass, MD, Dr. Elson M., Staying Healthy with Nutrition, Celestial Arts Pub., 1992.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

Home Remedies for Scurvy

SCURVY


Scurvy is, perhaps, the oldest known deficiency disease. However, its specific relationship to ascorbic acid was not recognized until the 20th century. 'The disease is common among children and is often mistaken for rheumatism, rickets, or paralysis. Scurvy was widely prevalent in the 19th century among sailors on long voyages. They often subsisted for long periods on salt, fish, meats, and breadstuffs, and were entirely deprived of any fresh food. Later, limes and lemons were included in the supplies, since they were found to he anti-scorbutic, that is, they prevented scurvy


Symptoms of scurvy
Lack of vitamin C or ascorbic acid
Scurvy is caused by lack of vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Inadequate intake of fresh fruit and vegetables can lead to this condition

Exhaustion and general weakness
The onset of scurvy is gradual. The first signs of the disease are exhaustion and general weakness. At the later stages, there is bleeding of the gums, because the lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) makes the capillaries fragile and their rupture is common. This may lead to extensive haemorrhaging.

Loosening of Teeth: It is a commonest symptom of scurvy. If not treated earlier, it may be lead to chronic condition.
Tiredness : In the deficiency of vitamin-c, there is a feeling of tiredness.
Irritability
Aches and pains : Due to the deficiency of vitamin-c, there would be pain in different parts of body.
Weak capillaries: The blood capillaries become fragile in the deficiency of vitamin-c.
Bleeding from old scars
Internal bleeding occurs in the affected area of the body.
Fatigue
Anemia: Due to the deficiency of ascorbic acid, there will be shortage of blood in the body.
Common cold/sore throat
Heart attack
joint pain
black-and-blue marks on the skin
poor healing of bruises
gum disease
spongy gums
thin hair
Causes of Scurvy
Lack of vitamin C or ascorbic acid
Scurvy is caused by lack of vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Inadequate intake of fresh fruit and vegetables can lead to this condition.
Inadequate diet : Scurvy develops when the diet lacks adequate amounts of vitamin C. Certain conditions increase the body's demand for vitamin C and therefore increase the risk of deficiency. These conditions include pregnancy, breastfeeding, diarrhea, inflammatory diseases, burns, surgery, and exposure to intense heat or cold.
Alcoholism : Scurvy is most oftenly found in alcoholic peoples.
Stress
Another important cause of scurvy is stress which increases the utilization of ascorbic acid


Home Remedies for Scurvy
Scurvy treatment using Indian Gooseberry(amla)
The Indian gooseberry is one of the most effective home remedies for scurvy. It is the richest source of vitamin C. Dry amla should be powdered with an equal quantity of sugar. This powder should be given in doses of one teaspoon, three times daily, with milk
Scurvy treatment using Lime and Lemon
The use of lime and lemon is highly beneficial in the prevention and treatment of scurvy. Being rich sources of vitamin C, lime and lemon are regarded as foods of exceptional therapeutic value. They have saved the lives of innumerable crews of ocean-going vessels from scurvy. The juice of one lime or lemon mixed in a glass of water, with a teaspoon of honey, should be taken for treating this condition
Scurvy treatment using Mango Powder
Another effective remedy for scurvy is the use of aamchur, a popular article of diet in Indian houses, consisting of green mangoes - skinned, stoned, cut into pieces, dried in the sun and powdered. Fifteen grams of aamchur are believed to be equivalent to thirty grams of good lime on account of its citric content
Scurvy treatment using Potato
Potato is regarded as an excellent food remedy for scurvy. It contains up to 17 mg of vitamin C, can be found in 100 mg of potatoes. It has been noted that scurvy in Europe has become more and more uncommon with the progress of potato cultivation and it makes its appearance only when the crop fails
Scurvy treatment using Jaundice Berry (Daruharidra (Sanskrit name)
Jaundice berry is a valuable herbal remedy fur scurvy. The leaves of the plant are anti-scorbutic or anti-scurvy. A decoction of the leaves can be prepared by boiling 15 gm of dried leaves in 500 ml of water till it is reduced by one-third. About 150 to 175 ml of the decoction can be taken at a time. The juice of the berry is also beneficial and can be taken in doses of 2 to 4 ml.

Vinegar: Vinegar is very effective for the treatment of scurvy.
Aspirin: If there is pain in your body due to the deficiency of ascorbic acid, take 1 tab after meal.
Tomato: The presence of vitamin C in tomatoes helps it to fight diseases like scurvy. By drinking tomato juice everyday you can see the difference.

Herbal Remedies for Scurvy

Sharpunkha: This herb is very effective for the treatment of scurvy.
Arjuna : It helps to fulfil the requirement of vitamin-c in the body.
Pitpada : It is used for the healing purpose due to the deficiency of vitamin-c.


Dietaries for Scurvy
Mother's milk
The most important factor in the prevention and treatment of scurvy is proper feeding. After birth, all children should be breast-fed wherever possible. Mother's milk is pure and fresh and contains, in correct proportions, most of the nutrients necessary for the growth and development of the baby. If, for any reason, it is not possible to breast-feed the baby, he or she should be fed either on cow's milk or commercially available milk formulas
Well-balanced diet
After the age of one year, the child may be given fruits and vegetable juices, besides milk and occasional intake of wholemeal bread. After the age of two years, the child can be gradually allowed to embark upon a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on fruits, steamed vegetables, wholegrain cereals, and milk. Diet also plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of scurvy in adults. The patient should take a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruit. This diet should be supplemented with certain special foods such as milk, vegetable oils, and honey. The patient should be given liberal quantities of foods rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is found in fresh fruits and vegetables. The daily requirement of this vitamin is between 1O-20 mg daily. It can be taken in tablet form, if necessary


Other Scurvy treatments
Outdoor exercises and fresh air exposure
The patient should also undertake outdoor exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling. He should sleep in a wellventilated room, and spend as much time as possible in the fresh air.



Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Home Remedies for Rheumatism

RHEUMATISM


The word rheumatism is derived from the Greek word 'rheuma', which means a swelling. It refers to an acute or chronic illness which is characterized by pain and swelling of the muscles, ligaments and tendons, or the joints


Rheumatism symptoms
Fever, pain, intense soreness and stiffness
The onset of the acute variety of rheumatism is characterized by fever, intense soreness, and pain. In the acute muscular type, the area becomes so sensitive that even the weight of bed clothing aggravates the pain. It may settle into a chronic state under a wrong mode of treatment. If the disease is not treated properly in the acute stage, it may become chronic. The symptoms of chronic muscular rheumatism are pain and stiffness of the affected muscles. In the case of chronic articular rheumatism (pain in the joints), pain and stiffness are felt in one or more joints of the body, with swelling in most cases


Rheumatism causes
Toxic waste products in the blood
The chief cause of rheumatism is the presence of toxic waste products in the blood. The liberal consumption of meat, white bread, sugar, and refined cereals leaves a large residue of toxic wastes in the system. When the vitality is low, the toxic wastes are concentrated around the joints and bony structure, where they form the basis of rheumatism
Infection of teeth, tonsils and gall-bladder
In certain cases, infection from the teeth, tonsils, and gall-bladder may produce rheumatism. The disease is aggravated by exposure to cold water.

An infective lesion, especially tonsillitis.
Endemic and epidemic influences.
Hereditary influences.
It occurs mostly in cities of the temperate latitudes.
Age 15 to 35; sex, more frequently in men than in women, and worse in February, March and April.
Overcrowding, malnutrition, and dampness often play some part.
Small outbreaks of rheumatic fever may occur in army barracks.

Home Remedies for Rheumatism
Rheumatism treatment using Potato Juice
The juice of raw potato is regarded as an excellent remedy fur rheumatism. One or two teaspoons of the juice, taken out by pressing mashed raw potatoes, should be taken before meals. This will help to eliminate the toxic condition and relieve rheumatism. The skin of the potato is also an excellent remedy fur rheumatism. The skin is exceptionally rich in vital mineral salts, and the water in which the peelings are boiled is one of the best medicines for ailments caused by excess toxic matter in the system. Approximately thirty grams of the potato peelings should be thoroughly washed and boiled in half a litre of water till it is reduced to half. The decoction should then be strained and a glass of the same should be taken three or four times daily
Rheumatism treatment using Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd is considered beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism. A cup of juice, extracted from the vegetable, should be mixed with a teaspoon of honey, and taken daily for treating this condition. This treatment should be continued for at least three months to provide relief
Rheumatism treatment using Celery(Amjod.. dhanya type)
Celery is another effective remedy for rheumatism. A fluid extract of the seeds is more powerful than the raw vegetable. This also has a tonic action on the stomach and kidneys. Five to ten drops of this fluid should be taken in hot water before meals. Powdered seeds can be used as a condiment
Rheumatism treatment using Lemon
Lemons are beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism. The patient should take the juice of two or three lemons each day. This will bring good results
Rheumatism treatment using Walnuts
Walnuts are valuable in rheumatism. They should, however, be thoroughly masticated to achieve beneficial results. Half a dozen can be taken daily in the treatment of this condition
Rheumatism treatment using Rhubarb
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The herb rhubarb has been found valuable in rheumatism. The green stalks of this herb should be pounded with an equal quantity of sugar. A teaspoonful should be taken three or four times a day. This remedy seldom fails.
To get relief from pain and inflammation soak in a hot bath a little rosemary.
To reduce the soreness take willow and wintergreen.
Massage garlic oil, lobelia, or comfrey, hops, or horseradish tea into sore areas to get relief from pain and inflammation.
Take calcium, magnesium, and vitamins C and E to promote healing.
Take alfalfa, chaparral, and parsley in capsule form to reduce inflammation and cleanse the body of deposits.
Drink red raspberry tea to fasten the healing process.
To get relief take a tablespoon of fruit pectin in a small glass of cranberry juice every morning.
For rheumatism treatment, 0avoid sugar, white flour, macaroni, pie, cake, and sweet drinks from diet.
Prepare a drink by adding four raw finely sliced beets soaked in a quart of berry wine for one day. Drink one small glass before meals, three times a day.
Dissolve 4 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses in one quart of cranberry juice and drink one glass everyday.
Dissolve100 aspirins in a pint of rubbing alcohol to get relief from sore joints.
Take equal parts of Epsom salts, cream of tartar and ground rhubarb root, mixes, fills gelatin capsules, and takes one after each meal.
Take two parts pure olive oil and one part kerosene. Take a bath with this oil.
Add one-tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink before going to bed.
For cure for rheumatism, rub the aching joints with hot vinegar before going to bed.
Take 2 tablespoons mullein, 3 of granulated slippery elm bark, one of lobelia, 1-teaspoon cayenne. Mix thoroughly. Use boiling water to make paste. Spread on cloth and place on swollen joints.
Take two teaspoons apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey. Dissolve in a small glass of warm water. Take once or twice a day to get relief.
Steep six ounces of sassafras root in fifth of whiskey for 24 hours. Take one tablespoon three times a day before meals.
Another very effective home remedy for rheumatism is - Steep 1-cup alfalfa seed in 1/2 gallon boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain, put in jar, and take small glassful three times a day.
Mix camphor, methyl salicylate. eucalyptus oil and menthol to make a rubbing mixture for aches and pains.
Mix fresh carrot juice with equal parts of lemon juice. Take one large spoonful everyday.
Drinking sarsaparilla tea is also good for joint pains.
Take one tablespoon of fresh limejuice in two tablespoons of water nights and mornings.
Prepare a mixture by adding 1 oz. of oil of wintergreen, 3 oz. chloroform, and 12 oz. of rubbing alcohol.
After heat treatment, rub down the sore sports with a mixture of 1/2 cup of wintergreen mixed with 1-1/2 cups camphor and soap liniment.
Mix equal parts of the following herbs: black cohosh, gentian root, angelica, Colombo, scull cap, valerian, rue and buckthorn bark, and take one heaping teaspoon in a cup of boiling water. Let steep, and drink three 1/2 cups per day.
Drink plenty of water to keep the body clean. Keep an optimistic outlook. Avoid depressive thoughts and nervous tension. A healthy body and mind resist diseases.
Sunshine, sunbaths, and deep breathing of fresh air are very important for rheumatism treatment.
Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, but exercise moderation when eating highly acid fruits.
Avoid cocktails, coffee, and tea. Drink plenty of fresh water instead. Select wholesome foods, eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
Moderation in eating, avoiding overweight, and thorough elimination are excellent prevention practices.
Good living habits, an optimistic attitude, avoiding tension, strain, and stress are good preventative practices.
Cooked apricots without sugar are very helpful in curing the affected joints.
Eating too much meat, which contains uric acid, is very bad for joints.
Avoid fat foods, fried foods, pork, uric acid, starches, sugar, sweets, carbonated drinks, salt, pepper, spices, hot sausage, hot peppers, pickled meats, alcohol and strong acid drinks. Use acid fruits moderately.
Get plenty of rest, have the right kind of posture mattress, cover with warm comfortable blankets, get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Take deep breathing exercises and walk often for exercise and good health.
Cod liver oil is the best old time remedy for joints.
Take 3 wild cherry roots, 3 burdock roots, 3 Oregon grape roots, wash them, chops, covers with a gallon of water, simmers for 30 minutes, strains liquid into bottle and take a half glass every morning before breakfast. This is very effective home remedy for rheumatism.
A good rub is made from 2 oz. each of eucalyptus oil, oil of wintergreen, rubbing alcohol and witch hazel. Mix, shake, and rub on affected joints.
Drinking 2 tblspns of raw Potato juice before meals to get relief.
5-6 Walnuts can be eaten daily. Take care to chew the Walnuts really well.
Make a powder of Celery seeds (Ajwain). Add 1 tspn to a cup of hot water and drink before meals.
The juice of raw potato is regarded as excellent remedy fur rheumatism. One or two teaspoons of the juice, taken out by pressing mashed raw potatoes, should be taken before meals.
Wash thirty grams of the potato peelings and boil in half a litre of water till it is reduced to half. The decoction should then be strained and a glass of the same should be taken three or four times daily.
Bitter gourd is considered beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism. A cup of juice, extracted from the vegetable, should be mixed with a teaspoon of honey, and taken daily for treating this condition.
Celery is another effective remedy for rheumatism. A fluidextract of the seeds is more powerful than the raw vegetable.
Lemons are very effective in the treatment of rheumatism. The patient should take the juice of two or three lemons each day. This will bring good results
The herb rhubarb has been found valuable in rheumatism. The green stalks of this herb should be pounded with an equal quantity of sugar. A teaspoonful should be taken three or four times a day.
Take 3 oranges, 3 lemons, 3 grapefruit, 3 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 tablespoon, and Epsom salt, 1-quart boiling water. Cut the fruit up and let stand in a large jar for 24 hours. Add cream of tartar, Epsom salt, and boiling water, then let stand for another 24 hours. Squeeze the mixture with your hands. Press through a coarse sieve. Take a wine glass full before each meal. This is very effective home remedy for rheumatism.


Rheumatism diet
Orange juice and water
In the case of acute rheumatism, the patient should be put on a short fast of orange juice and water for three or four days. After the juice fast, the patient should be placed on a restricted diet for fourteen days. In this regimen, orange or grapefruit may be taken for breakfast; lunch may consist of raw salad of seasonal vegetables with raisins, prunes, figs, or dates; and dinner may comprise of one or two steamed vegetables
Well-balanced diet
Thereafter, the patient may gradually adopt a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. In case of chronic rheumatism, the patient may be placed on an all-fruit diet for four or five days. He may, thereafter, gradually adopt a well-balanced diet. The patient should take ripe fruits, fresh vegetables, and buttermilk in abundance
Avoid meat, indigestible and highly-seasoned foods
He should avoid all meat and fish; white bread, sugar, and refined cereals; rich, indigestible and highly-seasoned foods; tea and coffee; alcohol; sauces, pickles, and condiments


Other Rheumatism treatment
Warm-water enema
In the case of acute rheumatism, the bowels should be cleansed daily with a warm-water enema during the first three or four days of the juice fast
Appply heat and hot packs to the affected parts
Other helpful methods in the treatment of rheumatism are application of heat and hot packs to the affected parts, a hot tub bath, a cabinet steam bath, dry friction, and a sponge bath
Hot Epsom salts bath
Hot Epsom salts baths are also beneficial and should be taken twice a week for three months in case of chronic rheumatism and once weekly thereafter. The affected parts should also be bathed twice daily in hot water containing Epsom salts, after which some olive oil should be applied
Fresh air exposure and light outdoor exercises
Fresh air, deep breathing, and light outdoor exercises are also beneficial
Avoid dampness and cold
Dampness and cold should be avoided.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Home Remedies for SKIN ALLERGY

SKIN ALLERGY

Clear skin is free from germs. But an irritated skin is a cause of trouble. Chafing of the skin is more likely to occur where two moist areas meet, such as in the groins or buttocks, or under the arms. Skin reactions are more common today due to many new fabrics in use. Babies often develop skin rashes because of irritation from the coloring materials in these fabrics.

Allergies are abnormal or hypersensitive responses of the Immune System to relatively harmless environmental antigens (substance which causes the allergy).

Diaper rash usually arises from some chemical irritation due to certain germs present in the baby’s stool. These germs break down the urea into ammonia, which irritates the skin.

Allergic conditions, such as Hay fever and sinusitis are also greatly aggravated by the presence of the germs within the tissues of the nose and throat. The most common allergens are grass and tree pollens, mold spores, dust mites, and animal dander. Eating certain foods and food additives and being stung by insects can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Such common disorders as eczema, hives, hay fever and asthma are often attributed to allergic reactions.

The most common cause of the skin allergies is impairment in the immune sysytem, which increases the risk of allergic reactions. This occurs due to stress on the immune system due to excess of the toxins.

Other causes of the skin allergies are the nutritional deficiencies, imbalanced diet, chemicals in the food chain due to preservatives and chronic intestinal yeast overgrowth.

Researchers have found that digestion also plays some role in the allergies. These are not just caused by the food. Proper digestion helps to remove toxins from our body. When digestion is disturbed, large amount of toxins get accumulated in the body and our body becomes over loaded with the toxins. This is what leads to allergies.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation, which we try to relieve by scratching. A certain amount of mild itching is normal for every one. Only if it is persistent and troublesome it becomes serious. Persistent scratching may produce swellings in the skin with deep scratch marks and small ulcers into which germs have found their way, causing much more trouble.

Allergies in general are defined as hypersensitivity to some foreign particle or the other. Different people have different kinds of tolerances for foreign bodies. When some people cannot adjust with certain elements in their surroundings, they may suffer from certain skin problems that are commonly referred to as skin allergies.

There is a sure way of determining whether your skin affliction is an allergy or not. If you have got a skin problem due to a cause that has affected no one else, then it is an allergic reaction. For example, several people may be exposed to dust. But if it affects you in a strong way, then you are allergic to dust.

Skin allergies could be in the form of itching, dry and scaly skin, eruptions, rashes, boils, etc. There are three main types of problems that are associated with skin allergies.

These types are as follows:-

(i) Dermatitis – This is the skin allergy which is caused due to contact with some substances. It is shown as an inflammation.

(ii) Hives – Hives is a fluid accumulation in the skin which shows up as a swelling. This is a temporary condition and heals with treatment. Hives are also known as urticaria.

(iii) Prickly Heat – This is a red rash which occurs on the body. Prickly heat is generally caused due to excessive perspiration due to hot and humid climates.

All skin problems are vata dosha disorders. Vata dosha controls the air element of the human body. Hence, when the vata dosha is vitiated, there are skin reactions. In different people, there are different degrees of the vata dosha. In some people, the vata may be weak and get easily vitiated due to external factors. Such people are more specific to skin allergies than others.

In this article, we see how to treat various skin allergies with an Ayurvedic point of view.

HOME REMEDIES FOR SKIN ALLERGIES

Grind 1 tbls of poppy seeds with 1-teaspoon water. Add 1-teaspoon limejuice. Apply to affected area for relief from skin allergies.
Add 1-teaspoon limejuice with sandalwood paste. Apply to affected skin allergy area
Avoid the foods, plants, animals, drugs, dust, or other substances that trigger an allergic reaction.
Smoking exacerbates allergic reactions. Those who are allergic to MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) should avoid smoking.
Vitamin C is very helpful in fighting with the allergic reactions.
Avoid white sugar, and everything made with it. The process of chemically whitening sugar is toxic.
Avoid bleached flours, and everything made with it.
Avoid all processed foods, including the frozen pre-packaged types.
Avoid the processes meat.
Thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables in warm water
Eat whole foods, and prepare your meals at home using fresh, natural products.
Prepare an eating schedule. It may be that 3 large meals per day or 4 or 5 smaller ones will be better.
Regularly practice juice fasting. This will cleanse your system of toxins and residues.
Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Heavy coffee consumption is to be avoided ( 1 or 2 regular cups per day is not considered harmful )
Avoid fried foods and foods cooked in oil to prevent skin allergies. When oil is heated to cooking temperatures it begins to break down and has been identified as a carcinogen.
Regularly try to do regiment of moderate exercise, such as walking, biking or swimming and strive to live in harmonious surroundings that contribute to inner peace.
Rub an ice cube gently over the affected area. This cools the skin, reduces inflammation and soothes the itch immediately.
Pour boiling water over a bowl of oats. Cover the bowl and leave for 10 minutes.
Strain the oats away and pour the liquid into an ice cube tray. Freeze the oat liquid to form oat cubes. To relieve itch, rub and frozen oat cube gently over the affected area.
Apply aloe Vera gel on the affected areas. It will sooth the areas and gives a cooling effect.
Take 2 cups water, ½ teaspoon each Echinacea root and marshmallow root,
1 teaspoon chamomile flowers, ½ teaspoon peppermint leaf and ¼ teaspoon ginger rhizome. Combine water and Echinacea and marshmallow roots in a saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Steep for 15 minutes, then strain out herbs. For a 50-pound child, give 1 to 2 cups daily.This is an effective home remedy for skin allergy.
Take 1 cup boiling water,1 teaspoon each calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, Echinacea root, elder flowers and yarrow flowers, 3 tablespoons baking soda. Pour boiling water over herbs and steep for 15 minutes, then strain out herbs. Stir in baking soda. Apply to irritated skin with a soft cloth or a sponge until itching is reduced. This is also an effective home remedy for skin allergy.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
- Take about 30 milliliters of the juice of the leaves of wood apple (Feronia limonida) and mix some cumin powder in it. Take this twice daily. This is a very good treatment for urticaria or hives.
- Extract the juice of the jambula (Indian Plum) and mix some soda in it. Apply this in case of prickly heat.
- In hot seasons, drink a glass of lemon juice twice everyday. This will supplement the vitamin C content of the body lost due to perspiration and will prevent the outburst of prickly heat.
- Chomping on sugarcane several times in the hot season is also a good method of preventing prickly heat.
- If the area on the skin is exceptionally itchy, then mash a papaya and spread the paste of the papaya on it. This will reduce the itch and also make the skin healthier.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Skin Allergies

- Cassia (Cassia fistula)
Cassia is used effectively in the treatment of several irritations on the skin caused due to allergies. A paste of the cassia leaves can be applied on the skin in case of inflammation of the hands and feet caused due to extreme cold, and also swellings caused due to accumulation of fluids under the skin, as in hives.

- Henna (Lawsonia inermis)
Henna is an excellent remedy for several skin allergies. It can be used in case of hives, swellings, boils and other kinds of inflammation. Applying henna on the skin cools the skin and removes the symptom of the allergy.

- Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) (tulasi)
The holy basil is venerated in Indian tradition as the tulsi. It has an almost maternal status for the Hindus. This plant is venerated for its many medicinal properties. Among the other advantages, tulsi is also used for healing skin problems. In case of itches and rashes, the juice of the tulsi leaves is applied on the skin. This is a very quick treatment for allergic skin problems.

- Madhuca (Madhuca indica)
Madhuca is used as a treatment for skin itch problems. The leaves are made into a paste and applied onto the skin in skin infections due to allergy.

- Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)
Rauwolfia is known as sarpagandha in Ayurveda. It is a very good remedy for skin problems. In case of hives, the juice of its leaves is applied on the swollen parts to reduce itching. Relief is almost immediate.

- Sandalwood (Santalum alba)
Sandalwood is a traditional remedy for all kinds of itch problems on the skin. It is made into a paste and applied on the skin. It smoothes the skin and prevents it from allergies. Itches are immediately resolved by applying sandalwood paste on the skin. Permanent relief can be obtained by keeping the paste smeared on the skin for half an hour before washing it off. Sandalwood oil is also used in the treatment of diseases such as erysipelas (an eruptive allergic skin disease) and prurigo (an itchy skin eruption).

Dietary Guidelines for Treatment of Skin Allergies
You must take a lot of water to prevent all kinds of skin allergies. These include fresh fruits and vegetables that have high water content in them. In the summer season, take cooling drinks such as lemon juices and sherbets.
Do not consume sour foods if you have skin allergy problems often. This can vitiate the vata dosha further.

Home Remedies for ACIDITY

Acidity may be defined as sour or burning sensation in the chest, which is caused by regurgitation of the excessive acid secretion into the upper end of the esophagus.

It is advisable to chew the food properly and drink lot of water for proper digestion and absorption. Pregnant women suffer from heartburn as the uterus presses on the digestive tract as the fetus grows.

Normally the stomach secretes an acid, which is essential for the digestion. This acid helps in the breakdown of the food. When there is excessive secretion of this acid by the stomach it results in acidity. Its common symptoms are dyspepsia, heartburn and formation of the ulcers. It is more common in emotional and nervous individuals.


This is caused due to excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid, either from an increased quantity of the gastric juice or increased concentration of hydrochloric acid in it.

Other reason for this may be fermentation of organic acids such as lactic acid, acetic acid and butyric acid. Increased acidity with regurgitation causes some amount of oesophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), which increases the sensitiveness. Acidity causes reflex increased secretion of alkaline saliva, which accumulates in the esophagus and is rushed into the mouth without any sensation of vomiting. This is commonly associated with duodenal ulcer.

Causes of hyperacidity are gastro duodenal (peptic) ulcer; reflex pylorospasm from any cause and sometimes-excessive smoking can also lead to severe acidity. The amount of free hydrochloric acid in the stomach does not gives the measure of the total acidity of gastric secretions i.e. amount of total chlorides indicates the better.

Most acidity problems occur after meals, when doing some heavy exercise and applying pressure in the intra-abdominal region or at night when lying down.
What is ACIDITY?
The stomach normally secretes acid that is essential in the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down the food during digestion. When there is excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach, it results in the condition known as acidity. Dyspepsia, heartburn and the formation of ulcers are some of the symptoms. It is more common in highly emotional and nervous individuals.


Common Causes of Acidity
Consumption of Alcohol
Highly spicy foodstuffs
Non-vegetarian diets
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's)

Most acidity problems occur
After meals
When lifting weight or straining and applying pressure in the intra-abdominal area.
At night when lying down.
Ulcers also occur as a result of over secretion of acid.


Home Remedies for Acidity

Tip 1:

After all three meals, take a small piece of jaggery and keep it in your mouth and suck. Voilá no more acidity.

Tip 2:

Boil one cup of water. To this add 1 tsp of Aniseed (Saunf). Cover and leave overnight. Strain the water in the morning, add 1 tsp of honey. When this is taken 3 times a day it prevents acidity.

Tip 3:

To 1 ½ liters of water add 1 tsp Caraway seeds (shah jeera). Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Sip while warm. Have the concoction 2-3 times a day for 5-6 days.

Tip 4:

Powder one clove and one cardamom; use the powder as a mouth freshener after every meal. No more acidity and no more bad breath.

--------------------

Other home remedies for acidity:

Drinking milk or eating milk products are helpful in relieving symptoms of acidity.

Foods such as pickles, vinegar, fried foods, hot spicy foods, chocolate, pastries, and raw salad vegetables like onion, radish, cabbage, and peppers should be avoided.

Clove also helps to relieve the symptoms of acidity. Suck one piece of clove slowly to relieve the symptoms. It also helps to reduce the onset of disease that arises due to acidity.

A cup of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk also helps to get relieve heartburn and acidity within minutes.

Almonds are also a good source for relieving the heartburn and acidity. Eat several almonds when heartburn symptoms persist.

Lemons also help to prevent heartburn. Cut a lemon into thin strips and dip in salt. Eat before meals to prevent heartburn.

Take some mint leaves and chop these and then boil in a cup of water and sip slowly after meals. If a person drinks Fresh mint juice every day he will never experience acidity.

Jaggery or gur taken after every meal also helps to reduce the acidity. Keep a piece of gur in the mouth and slowly suck it till acidity decreases.

Eating bananas is also helpful in preventing the symptoms of acidity and heartburn. To prevent acidity it is advised to eat a banana daily.

A mixture of 2 tsp of natural apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp raw honey in a glass of water before meals fights with acidity.

Basil (tulsi) leaves helps to get relief from burning, nausea and gas. Chew some leaves of tulsi to decrease the acidity.

Coconut water 4-5 times a day decreases the symptoms of the acidity and the heartburn.

Harad (Terminalia chebula) if taken after every meal prevents the symptoms of the acidity.

1 tsp juice of chebulic myroblan mixed with 1 tsp of amla (Indian gooseberry) juice helps to prevent acidity and heartburn.

Another very effective home remedy for acidity is - Boil one cup of water. To this add 1 tsp of Aniseed (Saunf). Cover and leave overnight. Strain the water in the morning, add 1 tsp of honey. When this is taken 3 times a day it prevents acidity.

To 1 ½ liters of water add 1 tsp Caraway seeds (shah jeera). Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Sip while warm. Take this liquid 2-3 times a day for 5-6 days. This is also very effective home remedy for acidity.

Take a glass of water, add a pinch of baking soda and drink it. It gives immediate relief from acidity.

Take a glass of warm water, add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and have it every morning to prevent acidity.

Eat a serving of cucumber or watermelon 4-5 times in a day to fight against acidity.

Fennel helps to relieve abdominal pain, colon disorders, gas, and gastrointestinal tract spasms. It is an effective remedy for acidic stomach conditions (heartburn).

Ginger is very useful for digestive disorders. It help to relieve indigestion from rich foods.

Make a fine powder by adding equal amounts of ginger powder, black pepper, dried mint leaves, asafetida (hing), anise seeds, coriander seeds, cumin, fennel and common salt. Dosage: Take about 1 teaspoon of this powder with water, twice a day after meals.

It is advised to eat 8-10 glass to water daily. Drinking water gives immediate relief to symptoms like wind, distended stomach and acidity.

Chewing bubble-gum also disappears the acidity. This is an easy and best way to get rid of Acidity.

For heartburn drink a teaspoon of vinegar. It is because there is not sufficient acid in our stomach to digest food properly, thus gasses come back up and burn our stomach.
Calcium also helps to fight with the heartburn and acidity. Yoghurt or ice-cream gives immediate relief from acidity and heartburn.

1 tsp juice of chebulic myroblan mixed with 1 tsp of amla (Indian gooseberry) juice daily relieves acidity.

Powder one clove and one cardamom; use the powder as a mouth freshener after every meal. No more acidity and no more bad breathe.

After food maintain an upright posture to prevent the reflex and to prevent the symptoms of acidity.

Sleep with your head and shoulder on a high pillow for elevation.

Do not skip meals. Do not keep large gap between meals. This produces gas / wind.

Eat dinner 2-3 hours before going to bed.

Last but not the least stop smoking and cut down on alcohol.

Reference:
Clifford R. Anderson, M.D. : Your Guide To Health. Second edition.
Snow J. Monograph: Glycirrhiza glabra Leguminacae The Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine 1996;Winter:9-14.

Exercise: A Healthy Habit to Start and Keep

How much exercise do I need?

Talk to your doctor about how much exercise is right for you. A good goal for many people is to work up to exercising 4 to 6 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Remember, though, that exercise has so many benefits that any amount is better than none.

How do I get started?

Start by talking with your doctor. This is especially important if you haven't been active, if you have any health problems, or if you're pregnant or elderly.

Start out slowly. If you've been inactive for years, you can't run the Boston Marathon after 2 weeks of training. Begin with a 10-minute period of light exercise or a brisk walk every day and gradually increase how hard you exercise and for how long.

How do I stick with it?

Here are some tips that will help you start and stick with an exercise program:

Choose something you like to do. Make sure it suits you physically, too. For instance, swimming is easier on arthritic joints.
Get a partner. Exercising with someone else can make it more fun.
Vary your routine. You may be less likely to get bored or injured if you change your routine. Walk one day. Bicycle the next. Consider activities like dancing and racquet sports, and even chores like chopping wood.
Choose a comfortable time of day. Don't work out too soon after eating or when it's too hot or cold outside. Wait until later in the day if you're too stiff in the morning.
Don't get discouraged. It can take weeks or months before you notice some of the changes from exercise.
Forget "no pain, no gain." While a little soreness is normal after you first start exercising, pain isn't. Stop if you hurt.
Make exercise fun. Read, listen to music or watch TV while riding a stationary bicycle, for example. Find fun things to do, like taking a walk through the zoo. Go dancing. Learn how to play tennis.

Making exercise a habit

Stick to a regular time every day.
Sign a contract committing yourself to exercise.
Put "exercise appointments" on your calendar.
Keep a daily log or diary of your activities.
Check your progress. Can you walk a certain distance faster now than when you began? Or is your heart rate slower now?
Ask your doctor to write a prescription for your exercise program, such as what type of exercise to do, how often to exercise and for how long.
Think about joining a health club. The cost gives some people an incentive to exercise regularly.

How can I prevent injuries?

Start every workout with a warm-up. That will make your muscles and joints more flexible. Spend 5 to 10 minutes doing some light calisthenics and stretching exercises, and perhaps brisk walking. Do the same thing when you're done working out--until your heart rate returns to normal.

Pay attention to your body. Stop exercising if you feel very out of breath, dizzy, faint or nauseated, or have pain.

Benefits of regular exercise

Reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes and obesity
Keeps joints, tendons and ligaments flexible so it's easier to move around
Reduces some of the effects of aging
Contributes to your mental well-being and helps treat depression
Helps relieve stress and anxiety
Increases your energy and endurance
Helps you sleep better
Helps you maintain a normal weight by increasing your metabolism (the rate you burn calories)


What is a target heart rate?

Measuring your heart rate (beats per minute) can tell you how hard your heart is working. You can check your heart rate by counting your pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the beats by 4.

The chart to the right shows the target heart rates for people of different ages. When you're just beginning an exercise program, shoot for the lower target heart rate (60%). As your fitness improves, you can exercise harder to get your heart rate closer to the top number (85%).


What is aerobic exercise?

Aerobic exercise is the type that moves large muscle groups and causes you to breathe more deeply and your heart to work harder to pump blood. It's also called cardiovascular exercise. It improves the health of your heart and lungs.

Examples include walking, jogging, running, aerobic dance, bicycling, rowing, swimming and cross-country skiing.

What is weight-bearing exercise?

The term weight-bearing is used to describe exercises that work against the force of gravity. Weight-bearing exercise is important for building strong bones. Having strong bones helps prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures later in life.

Examples of weight-bearing exercises include walking, jogging, hiking, climbing stairs, dancing and weight training.

What about weight training?

Weight training, or strength training, builds strength and muscles. Calisthenics like push-ups are weight-training exercises too. Lifting weights is a weight-training exercise. If you have high blood pressure or other health problems, talk to your family doctor before beginning weight training.

What is the best exercise?

The best exercise is the one that you will do. Walking is considered one of the best choices because it's easy, safe and cheap. Brisk walking can burn as many calories as running, but is less likely than running or jogging to cause injuries. And it doesn't require any training or special equipment, except for good shoes.

Walking is an aerobic and weight-bearing exercise, so it is good for your heart and helps prevent osteoporosis.

More Information

Physical Activity

Exercise: How To Get Started
Nutrition & Exercise
Exercise & Seniors
For Teens: Why Exercise?
For Kids: Exercise is Cool

Other Organizations

Revolution Health Fitness Community

Source

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
American Academy of Family Physicians

Source : familydoctor.org

How to Deal with Depression - Four Steps You Need To Take

By Flor Serquina

Depression is a negative mental state, a kind of disease that when left untreated may lead to a chronic situation. For some people, depression is a passing state. But for others, it is a progressive mental disorder that can later lead to serious intent of ending one's life. Knowing how to deal with depression is therefore a very important skill to learn.

Accept Your Situation

Dealing with depression starts with first realizing and accepting that you are suffering from it. It will be helpful to know the symptoms that are manifested by a person suffering from it. You will know that you are depressed when you experience a couple of the following symptoms. You may think that these symptoms are normal and negligible but if they happen to you in combination and they are recurring, it is a sign that you are probably depressed.

Signs of Depression

Physical manifestations of depression include very low energy level and loss of appetite or excessive appetite. You may be losing significant weight or gaining too much. You may either suffer from insomnia or you sleep excessively.

Emotionally, you are always bored and you are no longer feel any pleasure from usual activities that you formerly enjoyed. You have lost sexual drive and the ability to concentrate.

You have the feeling of excessive guilt and extreme worthlessness. You are always indecisive and at worst, you are contemplating suicide or you have the strong desire to do it.

Realizing that you suffer from depression is the first step in dealing with it. You can not start on the path of recovery unless you recognize it and you accept it.

How to deal with depression now that you are aware of the symptoms and you accept that you suffer from it?

Figure out the Cause of Depression

Deep and thorough soul-searching is the second step. Reach down to your deepest self and try to figure out what causes your depression. Depression is always a result of an experience that a person went through. This experience is ugly from his point of view and he does not like it. He hates it. Dig deep down yourself and try to see what this experience is.

Be Forgiving

After knowing the reason that causes you to be depressed, the third step on how to deal with depression would be forgiveness. Forgive yourself and forgive others. Forgive all the persons that have been part of that ugly experience that caused you to feel depressed.

This includes you. Forgive yourself and accept that you are only human, prone to make mistakes and to be a subject of other people's mistakes. You can not control everything and you can not be perfect. Forgive others and forgive yourself for whatever you have done. Accepting that you are only human and forgiving will set you free. It will liberate you from the experience and make you start living a normal life.

Have Fun

The fourth step on how to deal with depression is to have fun. After you realize what caused your depression and after you have forgiven all that needs to be forgiven, go out and have fun. Start living a normal life. Get involved with things that you enjoy and that bring you pleasure. Read a lot, see places, go to see movies and do many recreational things.

Most importantly, reach out to other people and talk to them a lot. You do not really have to tell them your experience although it will make you feel good if you can do it for even one time. You will have a broader concept about life and you will get to experience beautiful things. This is also a way to refresh your mind and free it from all the negative thoughts that haunt you.

If after the third step, you find that you are incapable of doing the fourth step, this is the time that you will need professional help. Seek a psychiatrist. You are already way too deep in your depression state and self-help may not be sufficient to lift you up. Psychiatrists have professional and clinical methods that can help on how to deal with depression.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Facts-About-Depression.com. She provides more information on topics such as how to deal with depression, anxiety depression treatment center and depression warning signs that you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Lose Weight Easy And Quick With Our 5 Top Tips

By Richard Ford

You can lose weight easy and quick with just a few simple tips. It really is not as hard as you might think once you know how.

1. Find someone who has already lost a lot of weight. This person will be able to share with you their tips on how to lose weight easy and quick. Not only that, but they will be able to give you important advice on how to cope psychologically with weight loss. There is plenty of this information that you can read, but when you hear it first hand from someone, it will give you an incredible boost that you simply cannot get from anywhere else.

2. Make a plan. Get a blank piece of paper and draw up a weight loss plan for between now and 3 months time. 3 months really is not a lot of time and will pass by quickly. Set a realistic target weight and work out how much you should be losing every two weeks. By regularly checking in on your progress as the weeks roll by, you will be more likely to lose weight easy and quick.

3. Don't associate food with happiness. Probably many of you are doing this and this is why you are overweight. Food should taste good - this is how nature works - food tastes good to encourage us to eat it. But don't eat food just because you are having an off day and do not feel happy. By realising why you used to eat too much, you can lose weight easy and quick and changing these habits for the rest of your life will make a huge difference in the long run.

4. Eat much more fibre. None of us get enough fibre in our diet and we need much more, especially to ensure good digestion and bowel movements. Fibre is also great because it won't get converted to fat in the gut. If you want to lose weight easy and quick then you must get a good dose of fibre in your diet. My recommendation is to eat something like unsweetened muesli or porridge for breakfast. This is a great way to get some good fibre into your diet.

5. Snack only on healthy food. Snacking is only bad for you if you eat chips, cakes and chocolates. If you carry on like this, you will never be able to lose weight easy and quick. If it is someone's birthday at work (isn't it always somebody's) then avoid eating any of the treats on offers. Remember, you eat healthily now and not the trash that everybody else eats. Instead, keep handy healthy food around such as apples, bananas and raisins. But don't eat too many of them - limit each snack to less than a fist sized portion of each, otherwise this is no longer a snack but a meal.

I hope you find these tips very useful. If you follow them to the letter then you should be able to lose weight easy and quick.

Looking for a way to incorporate weight loss tips into a full, easy to follow, tailored-for-you meal plan? Discover a secret new method at our website, Lose The Fat Quick.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Lose Weight Fast - You Too Lazy Top 10 Diet Tips and Facts That Burn Fat

By Norb Czufis

While it's true that many people seem to think that to lose weight fast, has to do with starving yourself or taking the newest diet pill; it's much more complex than that! Those who have tried desperately to get slim quick with these automated 'do nothing' methods will admit to their inefficient results.

The truth is, you need to eat! Even to lose weight quickly, you still need to consume a lot of food on a daily, however it's what you consume that will determine the difference between shedding fat or just adding to it! I'll tell you this: Low fat and low calorie diets don't work. Why? This method actually slows down your bodies fat burning engine, and once you lose that first bit of weight, all efforts will come to what 's known as the 'dieting plateau'. Low carb diets are also popular now, however these often come with very strict and hard to follow routines that the average person simply will not follow.

Weight loss programs usually take the 'slow and steady' approach, and you usually have to buy into meal plans, dietary supplements and again follow a routine that probably clashes with your day to day living to the point where you just give up! Isn't there anything out there that offers an accelerated fat burning diet without side-effects or crazy routines? Ehemm, actually.... there is.

Perhaps you've heard of this product that is making its way around the internet right now, and is eating up (no pun) all the competition WITHOUT the need to fill your head with insane promises or false claims. In fact, this plan boasts a very high success rate, and this is the reason for its continued growth among those that are just dying (again, no pun) to lose weight fast.

Very appropriately titled 'FatLoss4Idiots', this fat filer program takes you on a step by step of how our society eats, consumes the worst things our bodies can handle, and what the necessary course of action is to lose 9 lbs every 11 days. Yes you read that right, the average person that follows this plan actually loses more than 1.3 lbs day, but most importantly-IT'S SAFE! Not many accelerated fat burning diets offer these results without having to include its side-effects (don't you love those new commercials where the side-effects are rambled on for 10+ seconds and seem to outweigh the desired results from the pill/product?) because there are NO side-effects to this, and your weight WILL indeed stay off this time.

So? Do you already eat 3 times a day or more? Good you MUST eat, now let's focus on what you should/shouldn't be doing with those meals, and what to do before and after those meals to make sure you stay the course and achieve that slamming body you've been dying to have! Even Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers and the Atkins diet have nothing on the Fat Loss 4 Idiots plan. Why? Due to it's shear 'end results' that thousands can attest to (and that number is growing, while they are all shrinking!).

Stay the course, never give up, and don't wait another second to get your health and body to where it should be! Your future and family depend on it.

Norb Czufis is a Toronto based media producer and digital author for many publications, websites, and media of all kinds. He has worked with various fitness and model pros over the years developing their marketing and campaigning materials. "This has got to be one of the crappiest designed sites out there, however the content and weight loss plan is by far the best!"- I would recommend this to anyone, even my own mom (don't tell her I said that though!) please have a look - http://www.fatfiler.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Tips for getting to sleep faster and sleeping better

by Josh

For practically all my life I’ve had trouble going to sleep. I’m not an insomniac…I just think a lot. I’ll lie in bed thinking about what I want to do tomorrow or what I should have done today or how much I love eating cold pizza or how absurdly messy my desk is….you get the idea. And when I say I have trouble going to sleep…I’m not talking 20 or 30 minutes…I’m talking 2 or 3 hours. Because what will happen is after about 45 minutes to an hour of trying to go to sleep, I start thinking about how I’m not asleep but I should be…and thus the cycle begins.

Now, I may be a bit of an extreme case here, but I know for a fact that there are others out there who have trouble going to sleep. So, I’ve pieced together various bits of advice I’ve received over the past few months that have not only helps me get to sleep faster, but helps me get a better nights sleep.

1> Don’t watch TV or even so much as look at a computer screen atleast 30 minutes before you lie down. The light from both a television as well as a computer monitor mimic the same intensity of light as sunlight. This fools your body and brain into thinking it’s nowhere near time for sleep.

2> Drink milk. Milk has an amino acid in it called Tryptophan that increase the levels of serotonin and/or melatonin in the brain which slow down brain activity. It’s science folks.

3> Go to bed when you are tired. Different strokes for different folks here. Just because your wife goes to bed at 9PM doesn’t mean you are ready. You might only require seven and half hours of sleep while she might require ten. If you aren’t tired, do something low-key until you are, like read a book, play solitaire (NOT on your computer), or play with some legos.

4> Reserve the bed for bed things (ie sleep and sex). I for one don’t strictly follow this rule as I’ll read some before I go to sleep, but for some people this is a must.

5> Meditate. No, don’t cross your legs and hum, but focus on relaxing…if that makes sense. Take deep, long breaths. Tense each muscle one at a time from head to toe. Focusing on doing this takes your mind off of other things and you’ll be in lala land in no time.

6> Excercise during the day. I emphasize during the day. Excercising at night just gets everything going instead of shutting down for sleep. But excercising during the day tires the muscles out and makes for a solid nights sleep.

Source : to-done.com