Home Remedies: Szechuan Buttons

Showing posts with label Szechuan Buttons. Show all posts

Monday, January 13, 2014

Sore Throat Home Remedy

A sore throat, which is inflammation of the fauces and pharynx, can accompany many illnesses and is a common symptom that something is wrong; it can be caused by many things including a virus or a bacteria. It can be the beginning of a ‘common’ cold, normally caused by one of 100 plus viruses; viral infections that may cause a sore throat include mononucleosis, measles, chicken pox and croup. Bacterial infections that cause a sore throat include streptococcal sore throat (commonly called strep throat), streptococcal pharyngitis or streptococcal tonsillitis. Other bacterial illnesses that could bring on a sore throat include whooping cough and diphtheria.

Throat Infection / Strep Throat Symptoms

One of the most common forms of throat infection is strep throat. This type of sore throat is more severe and usually lasts longer than with a cold. Symptoms of strep throat are:

Sudden and severe sore throat with coughing, sneezing or any cold symptoms
Severe pain when swallowing
A fever of 101 degrees or higher
Swollen, red tonsils, possibly with white patches or streaks of pus in them
Headache
Tiny red spots on the palate
Headache
Nausea / vomiting
Swollen lymph nodes in neck
Achy body
Possible rash

If you suspect you have strep throat, you should consult a doctor and have a swab test done. Strep throat is contagious and can be dangerous if left untreated. See a health professional for adequate strep throat treatment.

Throat Irritation

A sore throat could also be from cheering too long and loud at the game last night; it may be allergies, smoking, air pollution, low humidity or breathing through your mouth while sleeping.

Sore Throat From a Cold

If you have a sore throat from a cold, the actual sore throat should clear up by itself in a day or two; the cold should be completely gone in ten days. If it is a cold, you will probably have:

Sore throat
Coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Congestion
Possible headache
Possible body ache
Possible fever (usually not above 102 degrees)
Maybe painful muscles and joints

Apparently the ‘zinc as a cold remedy’ studies are flawed, with the highest level of randomized trials usually showing that zinc has no benefit in this arena! The FDA has issued a warning against certain nasal cold remedies containing zinc since they have been associated with a loss of smell.

Currently, there is no cure for a viral cold; antibiotics are beneficial only against bacteria. There are, however, numerous home remedies that may bring comfort for any type of sore throat:

Sore Throat Home Remedies:

Warm Mist Humidifier

If you are yelling too much or singing too loudly, give your throat a break. We can hear you!
If you do not smoke but must be around other smokers or where there are ground fires or other air pollution, wear a mask to limit your exposure to pollutants
To help prevent ending up with a sore throat from sleeping with your mouth open there are way to help stop mouth breathing, particularly at bedtime: you can wear a nasal strip from the drugstore; wear a chin strap; use a nasal spray and/or elevate your head for sleeping

Get a humidifier if the air is too dry; keep it cleaned regularly and change water daily. Unclean humidifiers are notorious for adding mold, fungi and bacteria to the air
If you have allergies keep a diary and try to pinpoint and avoid the cause
Drink plenty of fluids; hot tea with honey in it (do not give honey to infants); clear broth, warm water with lemon; and yes! Chicken soup! According to the Mayo Clinic, the liquids help to loosen the congestion and also prevent your body from dehydrating; chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of the immune system cells (neutrophils), which take part in the body’s inflammatory response. Chicken soup also speeds up the movement of mucus, probably aiding in congestion relief and limiting the amount of time that the viruses are in contact with the lining of your nose.
Eat a nutritious, balanced diet to boost your immune system
Use throat lozenges
Over the counter (OTC) throat sprays
Cough syrups
Gargle with a few drops of clove oil added to warm water. The clove oil will have a numbing effect on your throat.
Szechuan Buttons (AKA Toothache Plant) - this plant has numbing properties and is beneficial for toothache and high blood pressure. Eat pieces of it, or make a tea with it and drink or gargle with the tea.
Gargle with hydrogen peroxide (follow the instructions on the bottle)
Add honey to tea -- honey has antibiotic properties and is soothing to a sore throat
Dark chocolate may benefit a sore throat. As well as having no milk and not a lot of sugar, dark chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins hormones in your brain--a natural painkiller.
Sap from the marshmallow plant has been used for centuries, usually in tea form, to treat sore throats. The plant bears little relation to what we call marshmallows, however, our campfire treat is said to ease sore throat pain, possibly because the gelatin coats and soothes.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses; keep your body rested so that the immune system can fight off the infection
Make a tea of Slippery Elm and drink it to soothe your throat
Use Vitamin C and antioxidants to boost your immune system
Use OTC cough medications and pain relievers for older children and adults (Be aware that acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage or failure if taken in doses higher than recommended; if you are taking Tylenol for pain, remember that some flu medications also contain acetaminophen. Read labels and calculate carefully)
A salt water gargle may give some relief to any sore throat; it also washes away the germs. Use ¾ of a teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of the purest water available, preferably warm. A sore throat is the result of swollen, inflamed mucus membranes and too much mucus; gargling with salt water can help to alleviate both symptoms. The main purpose of a salt gargle is to help decrease swelling. Salt is known for drawing out moisture, and gargling with salt water absorbs excess fluid from swollen tissues, temporarily reducing their size and making them less painful. It also helps to dry out bacteria in the throat. Gargle at least twice a day; if you have post-nasal drip gargle more often to prevent irritation of the throat
If your baby has a cold or is stuffed up, possibly also with a sore throat, try sitting in a steamy bathroom with him/her for a few minutes before a nap, particularly at bedtime
There are potassium broth recipes online that may be of benefit
Always remember to wash your hands when you are ill, handling a patient, after using the bathroom, etc. Good personal hygiene is critical in the prevention of spreading germs, disease and illness. Wet your hands with clean, running water

Lather your hands with soap; take care to get the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds

Rinse well under clean, running water

Dry on a clean towel or air dry

Homeopathic Remedies for a Sore Throat:

There are numerous homeopathic remedies for sore throat; many of them available in a health food store or online. Read the labels carefully and discuss their uses with a homoeopathist. Some of the common remedies include:

Aconitum
Apis
Arsenicum
Belladonna
Ferrum phos
Ignatia
Lachesis
Lycopodium
Mercurius
Phytolacca
Rhus Tox
Sambucol gives quick relief for a sore throat; it is available in health food stores, drugstores and many grocery stores. It is a food supplement made from Black Elderberries that have naturally occurring flavonoids; twice the natural antioxidant capability of blueberries and in excess of 50% that of cranberries. It dissolves quickly in your mouth without a drink; tastes good; safe for the whole family; non-drowsy; non-habit forming; no known side effects or drug interactions.
Sulphur
Wyethia

Links for Other Conditions:

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Home Remedy for Toothache

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can be painful when eating or drinking items that are hot/cold, sweet or sour; brushing and flossing may cause discomfort, and depending on where you live, breathing in extremely cold air can cause pain. Some reasons that your teeth may cause discomfort can be:

Too much brushing or brushing too hard. It is possible to wear the enamel off or damage the gum and expose the nerve
A cracked or chipped tooth could fill with bacteria causing inflammation
Grinding or clenching your teeth can wear the enamel away
Gum disease eventually leads to cavities and can lead to an infection, at times possibly attacking the tooth roots or causing the gum line to recede
Tooth whitening with products using baking soda or hydrogen peroxide can irritate exposed roots or dentin (the hard tissue forming most of the tooth beneath the enamel)
Various studies have been done that show tooth sensitivity occurs most often in people age 25-30 years old
You may also have sensitive teeth following normal dental procedures; this should stop within about 4 weeks

Toothache

Toothache or tooth pain can be caused by:

Tooth decay
A tooth abscess (can be in the tooth or the root; it is pus from a bacterial infection enclosed by tissue in the jaw bone)
A cracked tooth
A damaged filling
Gums that are infected
Too many repetitive motions such as grinding your teeth or chewing gum too often
There could be throbbing, sharp or constant pain with the possibility of swelling around the aching tooth
Headache
Sinus Infection
Fever
Bad-tasting drainage from the problem tooth

Toothache relief or tooth pain relief may come in many forms including:

Medications that kill the pain and the infection
A filling
A tooth extraction
A root canal
Temporary relief using home toothache remedies

Home Remedies for Toothache

Home Remedies for Toothache are often only a temporary measure, but usually bring some measure of comfort, such as:

Vanilla Extract

A pressure point remedy—rub an ice cube for 5-7 minutes into the V-shaped area where the thumb and forefinger meet
A mixture of powdered cloves and olive oil dabbed onto the aching tooth with a Q-tip
Place a whole clove (of Cloves) in the cavity
Orajel is a time-honored OTC pain reliever for teeth
Use 2-3 drops of vanilla extract on the aching tooth
A piece of raw potato on the sore tooth is said to bring relief
A hot tea bag pressed on the offending tooth should give almost immediate relief
If desperate and no other possibilities are available, try placing an aspirin in the cavity briefly – I understand you can burn the nerve if you leave it there too long
Rub Vicks VapoRub on the side of the face where the pain is; the skin absorbs the Vicks and brings relief from the toothache
Chew a clove of fresh garlic with rock salt on it--be aware that garlic can blister the skin—if you put it in a cavity do not leave it there for long
Another toothache remedy is 1-2 tablespoons of salt dissolved in hot water; when it has cooled enough to use, swish it around the sore tooth—the warmth and salt will often bring quick relief from a toothache
Wheat grass juice is a good mouthwash for tooth decay; it will stop a toothache as well. It draws out poisons from the gums and at least slows the bacterial growth in the mouth
Asafoetida (a Eurasian plant of the parsley family) ground in lemon juice cures toothache; heat the solution, soak a cotton swab and place it in the cavity of the tooth for quick relief of tooth pain
A paste made from the bark of bay berry mixed with vinegar and applied on the affected area will ease the pain and strengthen the gums
Oil of oregano on the sore tooth is almost as effective as clove oil
Chewing leaves of the guava tree will give some relief from tooth pain
Put a pinch of black pepper mixed with clove oil in the cavity to relieve the toothache
Put an ice cube on the aching tooth or on the nearest cheek for 15 minutes 3 or 4 times a day
Place a cotton ball soaked in brandy against the affected tooth to numb the pain
Take a mouthful of whiskey and hold it over the problem tooth
If the pain is caused by trapped food, rinse vigorously with water to dislodge the food particles
Floss your teeth gently to remove tiny bits of food
Try gargling with Listerine antiseptic
Gargle with a glassful of water with 1 tsp of salt after each meal and at bedtime
Chewing raw onion for approximately 3 minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth and ensure protection from numerous tooth disorders
Limes help to prevent decay, loosening of the teeth, dental cavities, toothache and bleeding gums
A pinch of pepper and ¼ tsp of common salt used regularly prevents dental cavities, bad breath, bleeding or painful gums, and toothaches
Cough Remedies such as Halls Cough Drops have a minute amount of anesthetic in them; try 2 at once as a toothache remedy to lessen the pain
Chew some Szechuan Buttons (AKA Toothache Plant--see Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure)

Make a point of eating foods which have no added sugar or are naturally low in sugar. Five foods reputed to improve your dental health include:

Dairy products--low in acidity and sugar; rich in calcium
Fruit--choose fruits rich in Vitamin C; a lack of Vitamin C can make gums more susceptible to disease
Vegetables
Protein such as beef, chicken, eggs and turkey--rich in phosphorus; our teeth are made up of calcium, phosphorous and Vitamin D
Water

A Root Canal is a naturally occurring space within the root of a tooth; there is also a dental procedure by the same name. The dental procedure by that name is a treatment used to repair and attempt to save a tooth that is badly decayed and/or infected. The endodontist (sometimes an oral surgeon) will remove the nerve and the pulp, clean out the inside of the tooth and then seal it. People speak of root canal pain; I have never found them to be as painful as the toothache!

Headache Remedies

One of the primary causes of a migraine headache is several days of a toothache. Most headaches and toothaches are detected by the trigeminal nerve—one of the largest nerves in the head--and because of this connection, toothaches can often be the direct cause of a headache. Seek help for a toothache since it can lead to much larger problems!

Wisdom Teeth Pain

Wisdom teeth pain is felt at the back of the mouth behind your molars. While some people experience constant pain, others may have pain only when eating or touching the gum line around the teeth. The teeth usually appear between 17-25 years of age and you may produce four wisdom teeth, fewer than four or more than four! (The extras are known to dentists as supernumerary teeth.) Wisdom teeth can grow in very crooked, pushing other teeth, overcrowding your mouth and causing misalignment of your pearly whites! Pain may be a sign that they are impacted, which means that the wisdom teeth have been prevented by other teeth or by the jaw bone from emerging through the gum. Other signs that they may be impacted are:

jaw pain and tenderness
redness and swelling of the gums
bad breath (halitosis)
bad taste when you chew your food

Wisdom Tooth Pain can also be caused by cysts or tumors that form around the tooth; these can result in permanent damage to your jaw bone and other teeth. If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, see your dentist, endodontist or oral surgeon immediately.

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A little boy was taken to the dentist. It was discovered that he had a cavity that would have to be filled. "Now, young man," asked the dentist, "what kind of filling would you like for that tooth?"

"Chocolate, please," replied the youngster.

*************************************************************************************

Links for Other Conditions:

Rashes and Allergies:

Home Remedies For Eczema
Home Remedies For Allergies

Respiratory Conditions / Colds and Flu

Home Remedies for a Cough Related to Asthma or Colds
Home Remedies For Flu
Home Remedies For Sinus Infections

Cardiovascular / Gastric Conditions

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure
Home Remedy For Heartburn
Home Remedies For Bloating
Sore Throat Remedies

Pain

Home Remedies For Back Pain
Home Remedies For Arthritis
Home Remedies For Migraines Home Remedy For Toothache

Miscellaneous

Home Remedy For Hair Loss

Sources and Citations

Read about Tooth Remineralization at: Wellnessmama

http://www.sesamecommunications.com/wp-content/PPNarticles/2011/01/sensitiveteeth.html

http://www.myhomeremedies.com/topic.cgi?topicid=205

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothaches

http://www.burgpediatricdentistry.com/2012/11/5-foods-to-grow-your-teeth-big-and-strong/ https://www.google.com/#q=will+toothache+sometimes+cause+a+headache%3F

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/root-canals

http://www.disabled-world.com/medical/alternative/homeremedies/toothache-remedy.php

http://www.crestprohealth.com/dental-hygiene-topics/wisdom-teeth/wisdom-teeth-pain.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom_tooth

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

HYPERTENSION is also known as high blood pressure, a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure (BP) in the arteries is high; requiring the heart to function harder than it should to keep blood circulating. There are two measurements for blood pressure, systolic (top reading), when the heart muscle is contracting, and diastolic (bottom reading), when it is relaxed between beats. The American Heart Association blood pressure chart lists a normal blood pressure reading as follows: Systolic less than 120/Diastolic less than 80.

Doctors normally do not get concerned over low blood pressure unless there are signs and symptoms, such as:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting
Dehydration and unusual thirst
Lack of concentration
Blurred vision
Nausea
Cold, clammy, pale skin
Rapid short breaths
Fatigue
Depression

High blood pressure symptoms for most people are non-existent unless their blood pressure is extremely high, and then there may be a severe headache, fatigue and/or confusion. Hypertension is often called ‘the silent killer.’

How to lower blood pressure:

Home Remedied for High Blood Pressure - Avocados

Avacados

Although there are numerous medications prescribed for this health problem there are also home remedies that may help you to combat high blood pressure (HBP), among them eating healthy foods. Limit your salt intake or try no salt or use other spices; foods in excess of 250mg of salt/per serving are considered ‘high salt foods. Eat lots of healthy foods including fruits and vegetables; limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. Regular physical exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. If you smoke, the carbon monoxide replaces some of the oxygen in your blood forcing your BP higher—therefore making your heart increase its effort to maintain a supply of needed oxygen. Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and Aleve (naproxen sodium). Such medications are self-defeating since you may retain sodium, putting your kidneys under strain and possibly raising your BP.

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure:

There are various home remedies for high bloodpressure, including: a diet rich in fruit and vegetables combined with physical exercise

Drink water: Using the number of pounds you weigh as a guide, divide it by half – that is the number of ounces of water you should drink daily to help keep your system flushed and your blood pressure lower
Avocados – Eat them regularly. There are 2 essential fatty acids in avocados that help to maintain normal blood pressure
Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – take 2 teaspoons of raw, organic, unpasteurized, unfiltered ACV in water or juice to help prevent hypertension. ACV is also a home remedy for hair loss, a home remedy for heartburn, one of many home remedies for arthritis, and a yeast infection home remedy
Astragalus Root – Easiest to buy a bottle of pills at the health food store. Follow instructions on the label. Astragalus Root is also one of the home remedies for flu.
Garlic – Eat raw cloves added to food or take capsules. Garlic is also an effective sore throat home remedy.
Celery – juiced or eat seeds - it naturally helps to lower blood pressure
Cinnamon – use of cinnamon can greatly reduce blood pressure
Cayenne – may be one of the quickest ways to keep blood pressure readings down. Stir one teaspoon of cayenne into 1/2 cup of lukewarm water and drink. Be cautious, as it is very spicy-hot. Cayenne is also one of the home remedies for back pain and can also be used as one of the home remedies for sinus infections.
Chamomile – Has calming properties and can help relieve stress, it is also a home remedy for migraines and a home remedy for bloating one of many home remedies for eczema. If you are allergic to ragweed, be cautious of chamomile
Fennel – Lowers blood pressure and is a home remedy for heartburn, home remedy for bloating, and listed among home remedies for a cough,
Hawthorn berries – lower blood pressure, protect heart and circulatory system, and a home remedy for insomnia
Parsley – According to Natural News:

"Parsley is also known as a powerful diuretic that reduces blood pressure and enhances kidney function. In particular, parsley increases sodium and water excretion through urine and increases potassium reabsorption into the kidneys."

Parsley is also one of the home remedies for allergies

Magnesium - will lower blood pressure readings. Take supplements as recommended by your doctor or the manufacturer.
Vitamin C – is critical to reducing blood pressure
Szechuan Buttons (AKA Toothache Plant) - This plant contains vasodilators that help lower blood pressure. It is also a great home remedy for toothache...I bet you'd never have guessed that! This video shows a person's reaction to tasting it:

WebMD offers an extended list of common natural remedies (and reviews) often used to treat the symptoms of high blood pressure; I have found potassium and magnesium to be effective.

Read Labels and Avoid:

salt (salt raises your blood pressure)
monosodium glutamate (MSG)
baking soda
most canned vegetables
commercially prepared meals/foods
diet soft drinks
mold inhibitors
meat tenderizers
most sugar substitutes (Xylitol is said to be a safe substitute and helps to build the immune system)
soft water
sauces such as soy sauce
Rosemary

Buy a Blood Pressure Monitor:

The best way to know what your blood pressure is, and whether your efforts to lower it are effective is to use a blood pressure monitor to track it. Blood pressure readings are often taken in both arms if the patient is at risk of cardiovascular disease. It is a good idea to log your daily blood pressure readings and take them with you to your doctor.