Home Remedies: Vitamin C

Showing posts with label Vitamin C. 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:

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Home Remedy for Hair Loss

Numerous situations cause hair loss such as nutritional deficiencies, medications, a change in hormones, surgery and various diseases, particularly thyroid, anemia and diabetes. Dermatologists say that we lose approximately 50 to 100 hairs daily on average. When hair loss is great enough to leave noticeably thinner hair or bald patches on the scalp-- ‘baldness’--we call the condition alopecia. People often begin having hair loss sometime during their 30’s due to hormonal change or stress, and particularly so if on an unhealthy diet.

Alopecia Areata

Caused by an autoimmune disorder, Alopecia Areata can affect both male and female gender but rarely before the age of 3 years old. The condition involves scalp hair loss--normally at least one patch; it may resolve itself within a few months but the loss of hair is sometimes a permanent thing.

Hair Loss in Women

Women are as likely to lose or have thinning hair as men, although often caused by different reasons such as medication, illness, infection or hair chemicals. Men’s hair loss often begins by receding from the hairline or the crown; hair loss in women usually begins on the top of the scalp. If you are concerned about hair loss for you or a loved one, there are various ways to make a medical diagnosis, and blood work is usually done to make sure that there isn’t an autoimmune disease or the thyroid gland at fault.

Vitamins for Hair Growth

Healthy hair requires a balanced amount of protein: lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, beans and soy are good sources; also eat complex carbs and foods that provide vitamins and minerals for hair growth, including iron, zinc, Vitamin C, B vitamins, also Vitamins A, D, E and K. Healthy fats are imperative for hair growth; be sure to consume unsaturated fats, also fatty acids like Omega 3.

Hair Growth Tips

Do not wash your hair too often; daily washing strips the necessary oils. Use a clarifying shampoo only once a month; too often only creates more problems causing your hair to produce more oil. Vinegar is a good final rinse as it clears the pores, encouraging new growth, and the smell does not linger after your hair has dried. Minimize stress in your life and learn how to deal with emotional stress; your body can be stressed to the point where it will shut down hair production and growth. It usually takes several months to rectify hair thinning or hair loss created by stress; learn how to relax and you will be more apt to promote quicker hair growth. If you have a hair growth problem, possibly caused by a medical condition, consult a physician before starting a hair growth process; at times medications are the culprit. Have your scalp checked for an infection. Steer clear of highly restrictive diets, which can often cause slow growth or hair loss. Hormonal fluctuations or imbalances can create hair problems, but remember that natural hormonal changes related to your age causes slower growth; a nutritious diet is the safest treatment. Other simple hair growth tips--certain styling techniques may cause damage to your tresses – avoid chemical treatments or mechanical stresses that cause increased hair breakage or loss; dry your hair naturally--brush or comb infrequently. Rubber bands or tight hair styles can cause breakage, possibly damaging the hair at the root. Choose products for your hair cautiously; follow proper hair hygiene, reducing breakage and loss. Keep split ends at a minimum by having them trimmed every 10-12 weeks.

Herbal Hair Loss Remedies

There are herbal remedies that seem to help with hair loss treatment:

Onion and garlic are rich sources of sulfur which have been used for years in medications for regrowing hair. Run the onion through a juicer and apply to the scalp for 15 minutes, then rinse with a mild shampoo. Next, crush a few garlic cloves, add about a tablespoon of coconut oil and boil gently for a few minutes; when it is cool enough to touch, massage it into the scalp. Repeat this treatment 2-3 times per week.

Coconut milk has proteins, potassium and iron; drinking it daily will help to minimize hair breakage. Coconut oil has the same rich ingredients as the milk; massaging the scalp with it helps to protect against hair loss.

Henna combined with mustard oil helps to strengthen hair.

Rosemary, when combined with thyme, lavendar and cedarwood and applied to the scalp, has been shown to improve hair growth after 7 months of use by 44% of people who try it.

Castor Oil from the castor bean acts as a natural antifungal and antibacterial, which may prevent and also treat infections that cause you to lose your hair. Castor oil draws moisture into the hair strengthening it; the omega-9 fatty acids in it nourish the hair and scalp. If castor oil is applied to the ends of the hair it helps to avoid split ends and repair the current damage.

Bragg's ACV

Acids and enzymes in raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) kill the bacteria that are one of the causes for many scalp and hair conditions like dandruff, itchy scalp, hair loss and very often baldness. The bacteria, known as bottle bacillus, clogs the hair follicles; this allows dry crusts to form, which can both itch and flake off onto your clothing. The ACV unclogs the hair follicles, thus allowing new hair to grow.

Hair Transplant

Hair transplants have been used in the USA since the 1950’s. It is surgery where a strip of hair-bearing scalp is taken from the back of the head and placed where there is little or no hair growth on the scalp; a local anesthesia is used. The procedure takes about 4-8 hours. Pain medications may be needed for a few days; people generally can return to work in 2-5 days. Shortly after surgery the transplanted hair falls out but new growth should begin within a few months, with the highest percentage of people having 60% of new hair growth within 6-9 months.

Biotin Hair Growth

Biotin is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids and the metabolism of fats and amino acids; it also assists in metabolic reactions involving the transfer of carbon dioxide, according to Wikipedia. It may help to maintain a steady blood sugar level and is often recommended for strengthening nails and hair. Numerous doctors agree that they do not know what role biotin plays for sure; it does seem to improve the basic protein that makes up our hair, skin and nails. A biotin deficiency is not common on this continent.

Hair Loss Cure

While many doctors agree that there is no hair loss cure as of yet, a team of scientists report that they have successfully grown human hairs from dermal papilla (structure at the base of the hair follicle) cells removed from the inside of donor hair follicles.

Baldness Cure

Scientists in the US and Britain have been able to generate new hair follicles that grow human hair—a mega leap in finding a baldness cure.

In 2007 the US Food and Drug Administration approved a laser comb to combat baldness. The testing was done by 123 men who used the light-emitting comb three times weekly. Ninety percent of the men reported fewer hairs lost, others saw new hair growth.

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

http://health.india.com/beauty/home-remedies-for-hair-loss-that-actually-work/

http://blackgirllonghair.com/2012/01/6-ways-to-use-apple-cider-vinegar/

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hairloss/a/hairloss.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/alopecia_areata/article.htm

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Hair-Grow-Faster

http://www.lhj.com/style/hair/hair-care/6-superfoods-for-healthy-hair/

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/hair-transplants

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/features/women-hair-loss-causes

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267732.php

http://beautysupply.about.com/od/hairtreatments/p/Biotin-For-Hair-Growth.htm

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-154-ROSEMARY.aspx?activeIngredientId=154&activeIngredientName=ROSEMARY

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.