Alternative Therapies and Health News

Treat the wounds and cuts immediately before it gets infected. Before trying out any of these home remedies, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and remove the dirt and all foreign matters from the wound.

• Wash the wound well, apply ground ginger on it and bandage the wound.
• Apply garlic on the wound or cut. The allicin in garlic speeds up the healing process.
• If your skin has bruised, apply a cold compress for half an hour. After applying a cold compress, the next day, apply heat pads on the affected area to improve blood circulation.
• If the cut is deep or large, raise the injured part above the level of the heart to reduce the bleeding. Use a sterile gauze pad and apply pressure to stop bleeding.
• Apply turmeric powder over the wound and dress it with a bandage. Turmeric powder will stop the bleeding.
• Chamomile flower reduces swelling and prevents infection.
• Yarrow speeds up the clotting of blood in cuts.
• Include high amounts of garlic and onions in your diet.
• Avoid dairy products, sugar and white flour.
• Smoking interferes with blood supply and collagen metabolism thereby delaying the healing process. So avoid smoking.
• Apply apple cider vinegar and cold water on the bruise.
• Applying raw egg on the bruise also helps.

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HIC HIC HICCUPS? Well, it is nothing to worry about - only a reaction of your irritated diaphragm. Even if you do not intervene, it will subside on itself.

But if you are at a social gathering or attending an important meeting, you would definitely want to put a cork on it immediately. Here are some tips to stop the hiccups from troubling you too much.

• Put fingers into your ears; but not so far that it would damage your ears drums.
• Scaring or surprising the vagus nerve can also stop the hiccups.
• Hold your nose and close your mouth until the hiccups are gone.
• Sip some ice water quickly.
• Eat ice-cream.
• Swallow a teaspoon of sugar to stop hiccups in a jiffy.
• Tickle the roof of your mouth with a cotton swab.
• Count in reverse from hundred down.
• Swallow a teaspoon of vinegar in one gulp.
• Breathe deeply through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth.
• Exhale air into a paper bag and then re-inhale it.
• Bite a slice of lemon and swallow the juice.
• Smell black pepper.

Sometimes, the hiccup may last for days or weeks and this might be due to some medical problem. In such case, it is advisable to get medical supervision.

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Red tide is the result of an overgrowth of a certain type of algae. This algae that bloom off the coast of Florida is considered to aggravate the symptoms of asthma in people who are susceptible to it. Just being exposed to the algae for one hour can tamper with the working of the lungs and can take almost five days to bring the condition of your lungs to normal.

When tested, the asthma patients showed a decrease in lung function to almost 10 percent on being exposed to the red algae while walking on the beach. So asthma patients are advised to stay away from the beaches during red tides.

These algae produce airborne toxins called brevetoxins that first leaks into the water from ruptured algal cells and then gets into the air. As a result, the beach visitors start showing symptoms like dry cough and teary eyes. Scientific data collected from the local community also confirmed the anecdotal reports.

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People often opt for alternative medicine and other holistic approaches to prevent and treat several ailments. But some of these useful natural herbal remedies might prove harmful on certain stages like pregnancy.

Though there are some herbs that are useful and completely safe during pregnancy, there are others that are unsafe and hence should be avoided during pregnancy. Herbs like Bilberry, Chamomile, Blue Cohosh, Echinacea, Burdock Root, Ginger Root, Lobelia, Nettles, Peppermint, Red Raspberry and Wild yam are completely safe to be consumed during pregnancy.

The herbs that are harmful and which should be completely avoided are:

1. Avoid coffee as it contains caffeine, which when taken in excess amount can cause premature birth or miscarriage in women who are sensitive to caffeine.
2. Eucalyptus oil is difficult to get eliminated through the kidneys and hence need to be avoided.
3. Angelica, Lovge, Golden seal, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Tansy, Wild Ginger and Warmwood are some of the herbs that can cause uterine contractions.
4. Pennyroyal, Rue and Yarrow can cause abortion.
5. Cinchona has oxytocic effects; it can promote menstruation and so should be avoided during pregnancy.
6. Ma Huang has antihistamine effect and increases the pulse rate and blood pressure; so this herb should be avoided during pregnancy.
7. The cooking herbs that should be avoided are: Basil, Caraway Seeds, Celery Seeds, Ginger, Horseradish, Savory, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Parsley, Tarragon, Thyme, Watercress, Carrot Seed and Licorice Hops.
8. Anthraquinone laxatives should be avoided during pregnancy as they stimulate muscles, including the uterus, possibly causing miscarriage. Aloe, Buckthorn, Cascara, Sagrada, Docks, Meadow Saffron and Senna are laxatives.
9. Essential oils Calamus, Cayenne, Fennel, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Oregano, Passion Flower, Rosemary, Sage, Thuja, Thyme and Yarrow should be avoided as it affects both the pregnant woman and the growing fetus.

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Natural herbs for curing menopausal symptoms have become very popular because of its safe nature and also because of its effectiveness in providing relief. Here are some commonly used natural herbs to deal with the symptoms of menopause.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

This is one of the most popular herbs used during menopause. It reduces and gives relief from hot flashes, mood swings, depression and memory loss. It also reduces cramps and congestions, and improves the thickness and elasticity of vaginal tissues. The dried root of this herb is used.

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Chasteberry is widely used to bring the hormonal fluctuations (experienced during menopause) to control. Dried fruit of this tree is used.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

During menopause, because of hormonal imbalance, your liver might get under trouble. Dandelion is an excellent herb for your liver. Leaves, roots and tops of Dandelion are used.

Sage

The cooking herb sage is very good for hot flashes. It helps eliminating night sweats. Fresh or dried leaves of the herb are used.

Valerian

Insomnia is a common symptom during menopause. Valerian easily helps you drift into deep sleep.

St. John’s Wort

Mood swings during menopause can also be cured by St. John’s Wort. Fresh or dried flowering plant is used.

Dong quai

Roots of the herb Dong quai helps in reducing the symptoms of estrogen deficiency.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Leaves of Gingko bilobia give relief from symptoms of fatigue, depression and memory problems.

Raspberry

Raspberry acts directly on the muscles of the uterus and tones the weakened muscles. Fresh or dried leaves and fruit of the herb are used.

Wild yam (Dioscarea villosa)

This estrogenic herb is helpful in giving relief from menopausal arthritis. It also helps reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. Dried roots and rhizomes of the herb are used.

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If you are suffering from painful, swollen, red, bleeding gums, then try out some of these simple home remedies to get instant relief.

• Prepare a saline solution by mixing salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution in the morning and evening.
• Flossing after every meal also helps.
• Use a soft brush; and brush after every meal.
• Take vitamin C supplements or consume citrus fruits. Deficiency of vitamin C can cause bleeding gums.
• Use mouthwash containing sage oil, peppermint oil, menthol or chamomile.
• Using Listerine mouthwash regularly can also help cure gingivitis.
• Rub some clove oil on your gums.
• Consume food items containing low saturated fats.
• Avoid sugar, fruit juices, white flour and soft drinks.
• Rub a solution of baking soda and water on your gums and then brush your teeth. Baking soda neutralizes the activity of bacteria in your mouth.
• You can also use aloe on your teeth and gum. It has excellent healing properties.
• Gargle 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide with water for three times a week.
• Take extra dose of calcium either as supplements or naturally as food.
• Add a drop of Tea Tree Oil to your toothpaste to prevent gum disease.
• Smoking and alcoholism can also cause gingivitis.

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Toenail fungus or onychomycosis is an infection caused by fungi that grow in a moist environment. The fungus eats up the protein on the surface of the toenails, especially the big toe and the little toe. Many of those who wear shoes in warm climates are attacked by this infection. It will destroy your nails, cause discoloration, nails become thick, feel an stinging pain and smell starts emanating from under the toenails.

There are certain popular home remedies that can be very effective in emanating this fungal infection.

1. Use a medicated nail polish containing either amorolfine (Loceryl) or ciclopirox (Loprox).
2. Mix apple cider vinegar in water in equal proportions and soak the infected feet in that solution. Instead of vinegar you can also use Hydrogen Peroxide. You could either soak your feet in the solution or else, apply hydrogen peroxide in the affected area using a cotton ball.
3. Soak the affected toenails in rubbing alcohol (available in any pharmacy) for about 20 minutes twice daily.
4. You could also soak the toenails in Listerine mouthwash (diluted in water) for around 20 minutes daily to stop fungal growth.
5. To prevent fungal nail infection,

• Clean your feet regularly and keep them dry.
• Change your shoes and socks regularly.
• Reduce the intake of sugar and carbohydrates in your diet.
• Use candidate drops to control fungal infection.
• Try to avoid public showers and bathrooms which are popular places from where you can get infected by the fungus.
• Trim your nails regularly. If you are getting your nails clipped from a salon, then see to it that the clipper is disinfected.

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Well, miracles do happen but the flame at one end of a wax cone simply cannot remove the wax inside your ear by sucking it out. Don’t get carried away by such claims of the candle manufacturers who would assure you that such miracles do happen.

This is how the ear candles actually work. The smoke and heat from the ear candle enters your outer ear canal while the candle is lit, thereby loosening the ear wax. This stimulates the body’s natural excretion of wax. The wax falls out of the ear within 5 days.

Its claims of curing conditions like hearing loss and other diseases of the ear are simply not true. On the contrary, several ear injuries have been identified in people who have used ear candles.

FDA warns that the practice of ear candling can be very risky as it can cause burns or other injuries to the ear and surrounding area. In Canada, selling of ear candles is illegal considering its dangerous effects.

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If eyes are windows to the soul, then here are some easy ways to keep the windows clean and clear for a good vision.

• Use home made eyewash to clean your eyes. Eyewash recipe:

1. Make eye wash at home using one tablespoon each of comfrey root, fennel seeds and goldenseal powder. Mix comfrey root and fennel seeds in a cup of water and boil for few minutes. Cool it in refrigerator and then use. Add goldenseal powder to make it stronger.
2. Here’s another eyewash recipe: mix one cup of rose petal and four tablespoon of raspberry leaves in four cups of boiling water. After it cools, strain and use as eyewash.

• To avoid sport related injuries, or if you are working in a workshop or mowing the lawn, use protective eyewear like safety glasses or full face shields to prevent debris from entering your eye and causing eye injury. Use glasses made of polycarbonate or another sturdy plastic.
• Consume food items rich in vitamin A for improving and maintaining healthy vision. Eat lots of spinach as it contains carotenoid needed for retina and eye tissue. If vitamin A is taken as a supplement, then take 25,000 IU of vitamin A daily.
• To cure retinopathy in diabetic patients, take ginkgo biloba. It increases the oxygen and nutrient supply to the eye and clears toxins.
• Place thin slices of potatoes on your eyes.
• To cool your eyes and increase blood supply, splash plain cold water over your eyes several times and then rub briskly for a minute with a clean towel.
• Mix half a teaspoon of liquorice powder with an equal quantity of honey and ghee. Mix this preparation in a cup of milk and consume in empty stomach twice daily.
• Face the sun with your eyes closed. Sway sideways several times. Open the eyes and blink for 10 minutes.

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Hair loss and baldness can be caused due to several reasons. If it is hereditary, it cannot be prevented. But otherwise, hair loss is usually caused due to lack of proper nutrition, anxiety, depression, side effect of drugs, prolonged illness, unclean conditions, lack of proper blood circulation etc.

• Grind coconut shavings and squeeze them. Apply the coconut milk obtained on your scalp and massage well. Coconut milk nourishes your hair and promotes hair growth.
• Boil mustard oil and then add henna to it. Keep the oil burning till the henna is burnt. Massage your hair with this oil regularly.
• With onion, rub the part of the hair where there is too much hair loss two times a day. Later, rub the same portion with honey.
• Apply refined coconut oil mixed with juice of lemon. Let it remain for an hour and then shampoo your hair.
• Prepare shampoo by mixing equal quantities of fresh gooseberry juice with lemon juice. This prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth.
• Daily in the morning eat a handful of white sesame seeds.
• Having a diet rich in silica, calcium and iron will help prevent hair loss. Since hair is comprised mostly of protein, having protein rich diet is also very essential for healthy hair.
• Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar and sage tea helps in hair growth.
• A mixture of alfalfa, lettuce and carrot juice taken daily helps in the growth of hair.
• Boil rosemary leaves in water and use this water while washing your hair daily.
• Rub your scalp vigorously with your fingers after washing your hair with cold water.

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People who include less amount of salt in their diet have reduced risk of developing diseases related to the heart. Reports state that can reduce death related to cardiovascular diseases by a fifth. So it is recommended to have only 6 grams of salt, which is almost equivalent to one teaspoon.

High levels of salt increases the blood pressure thereby increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The salt intake recommended by the Food Standards Agency depending on the age groups are: for 1-3 yrs, 2grams a day; for 4-6 yrs 3 grams a day, 7-10 yrs 5 grams a day; 11 and above 6 grams a day. The food manufacturers are also advised to limit the amount of salt in their products. To know the amount of salt content in a product, just multiply the amount of sodium by 2.5.

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Bronchitis is the inflammation of the air tubes bronchi. It is usually a viral infection that affects the nose, sinus and throat. Bronchitis might be acute or chronic. In bronchitis, large quantities of mucus get secreted as phlegm.

Bronchitis is often left to take its own course. But certain easy and natural home remedies can give instant relief and help bronchitis cure faster.

• Drink warm fluid as it helps the mucus loosen and become watery. Breathing in warm moist air also helps vaporize the mucus.
• Stop smoking completely to recover from bronchitis. Excessive smoking slows the resistance of the bronchial tubes.
• Add half teaspoon of turmeric powder in a warm glass of milk and drink twice daily (if possible in empty stomach).
• Prepare tea by adding ginger, pepper and cloves and drink twice daily.
• Drinking cabbage juice everyday is very effective.
• Having raw onion juice in the morning prevents the formation of phlegm.
• Mix powdered almond kernels in a cup of orange or lemon juice. Take the mixture daily at night.
• Gargling with salt water will give great relief to your throat.
• Slice onion in to a bowl and cover it with honey. Let it remain like that overnight. Remove the onion in the morning and drink a teaspoon of honey 4 times a day.

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High blood pressure can be controlled with some natural remedies and by taking proper care of diet and life style. Some effective home remedies to lower blood pressure are:

1. Yoga, exercise, meditation and pranayama can be very helpful in combating high blood pressure.
2. Garlic is very effective in lowering blood pressure. Consume few cloves of garlic every day and reduce the pulse rate and high blood pressure.
3. Have a teaspoon of gooseberry juice mixed with honey every morning.
4. Lemon juice and grape fruit is very helpful in reducing blood pressure.
5. Carrot and spinach juices taken separately or in combination are very helpful in lowering blood pressure.
6. Drink tea made with celery leaves every day.
7. Have fresh fruits and vegetables like banana, grape, orange, cabbage, celery, carrot, nut wheat germ and soy, milk and dairy products to raise the level of minerals like calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium.  These minerals are very helpful in lowering blood pressure.
8. Avoid too much of salt in your diet.

High blood pressure patients should also have a balanced diet, good sleep and plenty of exercise. 

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Almost 80 percent of the Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their life. To get instant relief from the symptoms of back pain people often opt for drugs that mask the symptoms and gives temporary relief.

• Use ice compress to reduce pain and inflammation in the injured area. Do not use ice for more than 5 minutes. After compression with ice, switch over to heat.
• Applying raw potato is an excellent remedy for back pain. It reduces pain in the lower back.
• Take 2-3 cloves of garlic every morning. For best results, rub oil prepared from garlic on your back. The oil is prepared by adding 10-15 cloves of garlic to boiling mustard oil or coconut oil. Allow the oil to remain for 3-4 hours and then bathe in warm water.
• Lemon juice mixed with salt taken twice daily will give great relief from back pain.
• Prepare tea with ginger, pepper and clove and drink at least twice a day.
• Sleep on your back on a firm mattress.
• In the morning drink glucose or honey in warm water.
• Vitamin C is very helpful in curing severe backaches.
• While sitting or lying down, change your positions as often a possible.
• Massaging the back with turpentine oil is also beneficial.
• Boil cabbage leaves in milk, when a jelly is formed, spread on a cloth and apply hot on the back and leave overnight.

There are certain yogasanas also that are very helpful in the treatment of back pain. 

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Follow these tips to remove ear wax safely at home:

1. Take some baby oil, mineral oil or olive oil in a spoon and warm it slightly. Lie on your side and put few drops of oil in your ear canal. Allow the oil to remain for few seconds so that the wax will melt. Then lean your head to one side so that the oil will flow out naturally from your ear.
2. You can also use ear drops available in the pharmacy to melt and remove ear wax.
3. Put 2-3 drops of warm onion juice in each ear.
4. Put few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in each ear for 10 minutes. 
5. Vitamin C will help reduce the chances of ear infection.
6. One drop of alcohol after bathing can also prevent excessive earwax.
7. Do not remove ear wax using pen or any other stick like object.

Our body produces ear wax to trap the dirt from outside. So it is not advised to remove ear wax unless it becomes too excessive, creates problem in hearing or causes ear infection.
 

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Spice for thought? Consuming spicy food is considered to improve your memory and the cognitive functions of your brain.  Certain spices help in boosting up and preserving the functioning of your brain even as you age.

Turmeric, a popular ingredient in curry, is found to be very effective in reducing the effects of certain common neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. it inhibits the formation of  amyloid plaques in people suffering from Alzheimer’s. The functioning of the nerve cells usually decline due to the effects of oxidation. Curcumin, which forms a part of turmeric, is an antioxidant that defends your brain from the harmful effects of oxidation.

Zingerone is the antioxidant present in ginger that functions like curcumin and defends the neurons from oxidation and protects your brain. Cinnamon is yet another spice that has shown brain-protective functions. A mere smell of this spice is enough to boost the brain activity and its cognitive functions.

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High altitudes, high blood pressure, cold, flu, sinuses, inflammation of the nose and excessive uses of analgesics are some of the causes of nose bleed.

1. Smell freshly cut onion to stop nose bleeding within seconds.
2. Apply ice packs around the nose area.
3. Juice of pomegranate flower should be inhaled deeply.
4. Snuff tea made of goldenseal several times during the day.
5. Heat oil with pepper and put few drops of it in your nose.
6. Drop lemon juice into the nostrils for relief.
7. Juice of fresh coriander leaves can also be used as nasal drops.
8. Consume food items rich in vitamin K. Nosebleed can be prevented by taking chlorophyll supplements and eating green leafy vegetables.
9. Cayenne, goldenseal and white oak are herbs that help reduce bleeding.

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Intestinal worms are caused due to contaminated water and food, raw and uncooked meat, and poor sanitation and personal hygiene.

1. Have a tablespoon of freshly ground coconut along with your breakfast. After 3 hours, consume 60 ml of castor oil with lukewarm water.
2. Garlic is very effective in treating intestinal worms. Chewing 3 cloves of garlic every morning also helps.
3. The juice of unripe papaya contains the digestive enzyme papain. Mix honey with juice of unripe papaya and consume it with warm water. After two hours drink castor oil mixed in lukewarm milk. Powder the seeds of papaya and mix one spoon of this powder in lukewarm milk and have it daily in the morning in empty stomach. Papaya seeds contain caricin which is very effective for treating roundworms.
4. Fry dried neem flowers in ghee and have it with rice.
5. The dry seeds of pumpkin are very effective in destroying intestinal worms. Take one teaspoon of crushed pumpkin seed with warm water and honey. Consume the mixture every two hours.
6. Have one cup of grated carrot in the morning before breakfast.
7. Consume crushed seeds of bitter guard with buttermilk daily.
8. Take 1 teaspoon raw turmeric (haldi) juice, mixed with a pinch of salt in empty stomach in the morning.

Apart from these home remedies, one must also be cautious about the kind of food that one consumes. Avoid consuming too much sugar. Have a well-balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables and milk. Avoid butter, cream, oil and meat.

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Asthma in children has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Although pollutants and contaminants are considered to be the key factors in causing this disease related to the respiratory system, there are studies which relate this increased rate in asthma to dismal dietary habits of children and adults. 

Several studies have established link between this disease and diet. Sometimes, it is a combination of dietary factors rather than a single diet that increases the risk.

1. Consume lots of vegetables and fruits (especially apple). Intake of grapes, oranges, apples, and fresh tomatoes defend from wheeze and nasal allergies.
2. Vitamin A, C and E, and plant compounds phytochemicals act as antioxidants and help reduce airway stress and thus prevent asthma.
3. Kids, with more calcium intake (milk, yoghurt, cheese) are shown to have reduced asthma risk.
4. Have food items that are rich in magnesium content. Milk is a great source of calcium and magnesium. Cereal, green vegetables, beans, fish and nuts are also rich in magnesium.
5. Selenium intake helps in the protection of lungs from respiratory diseases.
6. Increase in the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids reduces inflammation and irritation in the air passage. Whereas omega-6 fatty acid is considered to increase the risk of inflammation.  Consume fresh fish rich in omega 3 fatty acid. Fish like salmon, herring, and anchovies pack the most omega-3s.
7. Instead of vegetable oil or margarine, use olive oil as it helps calm your air passage.

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Autism is a neurological disorder classified as Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Around 1.5 million Americans including children sand adults are considered to be suffering from autism.

The most common symptom for autism is problem in social interaction. Other symptoms related to this are difficulty in maintaining eye contact, failure to develop peer relationships, problems in verbal and non-verbal communication, epileptic seizures, Tourette syndrome, learning disabilities, repetitive behavior, repetitive use of language, and attention deficit disorders.

Certain herbal remedies are as effective as synthetic drugs in curing autism, and act without causing any side effects.

1. A highly distressed patient can be given tranquilizing drugs.
2. An herbal formula called Pure Calm gives quick relief for children and adults suffering from autism.
3. Focus ADHD Formula is another herbal remedy for treating the symptoms of ADHD in patients suffering from autism.
4. St John’s Wort prevents the