Home Remedies: Vitamin D

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Monday, December 16, 2013

Home Remedies for Eczema

Home Remedies for Eczema are varied since skin rashes in general are grouped under the term ‘eczema,’ and are usually caused by an irritant of some type. Certain skin rashes will clear up with a home remedy; other times medical help is required. After 12 years of age, rashes are usually caused by contact with something that irritates the skin (an allergen)-- it can be a chemical, a plant (even one used as a food), or one of many things with the rash normally beginning within 48 hours after contact. This is called contact dermatitis and may cause small itchy bumps, or with a more violent reaction, swelling, blisters and redness; some will weep, some will peel.

Common Causes of Contact Skin Rashes:

Common causes of rash by contact are:

Soaps, lotions, fragrances, cosmetics, powders, bleaches
Different fabrics (often wool)
Jewelry (nickel is a common problem)
Latex (natural rubber – can cause a severe reaction)
Industrial chemicals: solvents, acids and alkalis including cement
Cleaning products
Insulation materials
Poisonous plants like sumac, poison oak and poison ivy have an oil that is an allergen; it is in all parts of the plants; other plants include ranunculus, anemone, clematis, hellebore and mustards
Medications
Dust and soil
Food allergies
Inflammation

Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema Home Remedies

(Atopic Dermatitis is another name for Eczema)

Home remedies for eczema include:

Good skin care as a major component
Use a mild soap or soap substitute and moisturizer--I don't use soap at all, instead I use EO brand soap substitutes and rarely break out any more. Also, do not use soap on your face, just use gentle facial cleansers. I prefer Rodan + Fields Soothe formula.
Take short, warm showers
Make a major effort to reduce stress
Regular exercise
Relaxation time
Identify and avoid things that trigger inflammation; stay away from wool, harsh soaps and detergents, dyes and perfumes, some foods and medications can also cause inflammation.
Use mild laundry detergent, a dye-free / fragrance-free variety is usually the best option
Avoid scratching
Apply cool, damp compresses to relieve itching or take cool baths
A warm bath with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal (made for the tub). Be cautious with oatmeal because if you're allergic to it (or gluten) like I am, it can make the itching worse.
Rinse your whole body thoroughly after a shower or bath
Moisturize your skin
Use a humidifier
Wear smooth cotton clothing
Try to dress so as to prevent excess sweating
Use non-prescription anti-itch products such as Cortisone creams
Controlled light therapy may be a useful eczema treatment in specific cases
Black Tea bags: steep them and then let them cool to room temp. Then apply to rash and let it sit there until it begins to dry a little.

Psoriasis

Cold Pressed Olive Oil

Psoriasis is a multi-faceted, recurring autoimmune disorder; the telltale sign is red, flaky patches on the skin. As of yet no cure exists for psoriasis, but we continue to have hope for the future. Meanwhile, simple treatments include:

Dietary supplements of fish oil, Vitamin D, milk thistle and evening primrose oil have been known to help some folks
Fish oil applied directly to the skin
Use a humidifier to help prevent dry skin
Sensitive skin moisturizers
Steer clear of dyes and fragrances
Some people feel better if they eliminate red meats and fatty foods. The National Psoriasis Foundation names some foods for treatment, such as:

o   Soy
o   Nuts
o   Chocolate
o   Cranberries

Apply olive oil to scales and patches of psoriasis to lock moisture and nutrients in; massage your head with the oil also before your next shower
A lukewarm bath with Epsom salts, mineral oil or milk will soothe the itching and soften the scales and plaques; moisturize immediately after the bath
Taking a good quality probiotic product to improve gut health can drastically reduce symptoms of both psoriasis and eczema.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common skin disorder that usually affects the scalp. It normally does not affect your overall health but may be uncomfortable or embarrassing.

Home remedies and tips for seborrheic dermatitis are:

Shampoo using a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo
Use an OTC anti-fungal cream
Use an anti-itch lotion
Stay away from harsh detergents or soaps
Get rid of a beard or mustache
Don’t scratch!

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I'm finally up to scratch now on the best ways to relieve eczema!!

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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

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Home Remedies for Arthritis

Approximately 43 million Americans suffer with the pain of some form of arthritis. Merriam-Webster defines arthritis as: “a disease that causes the joints of the body to become swollen and painful.” Symptoms may vary depending on the type of arthritis; pain and stiffness of joints is common; swelling, redness and a decreased range of motion are also possible. An article I read online claims that there are more than 100 different types of arthritis with the two most often seen being:

Osteoarthritis (most common), a condition often seen as people age or have a joint injury, and
Rheumatoid arthritis that occurs when your body’s immune system goes amiss and misreads signals, then attacks the body.

Gout, another form of a potentially crippling type of arthritis occurs when there is too much uric acid in the system; it is an extremely painful form of arthritis commonly occurring in the big toe first. Gout can initiate stiff joints, pain, heat, swelling and redness of the affected part. As well as the large toe, it can affect your ankles, insteps, heels, wrists, fingers and elbows. These attacks can occur from having alcohol, drugs, an illness or sometimes stress. The first few attacks can improve within 3-10 days, possibly without treatment and you may not have any more attacks for possibly even years. Psoriatic arthritis is a joint problem that often occurs with a skin condition called psoriasis. Lupus is an extremely cruel form of arthritis with inflammation, swelling, and damage to joints, lungs, blood, skin, heart and kidneys

Arthritis Pain relief During Cold Weather

If you have any form of arthritis, dress warmly when the weather is cold—hat, gloves leg warmers, warm pants—whatever it takes to maintain a comfortable body temperature.

Exercise indoors
Swim in a heated pool
Take warm baths
Use Vitamin D as a supplement
Wear solid, supportive shoes if you live where it freezes
Try a glucosamine-chondroitin supplement (if you are allergic to shellfish, be cautious as many of these supplements are made from shellfish. Glucosamine by itself is safer if you have these allergies.)
Add Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil
Have a massage
Take NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.
Try acupuncture for pain

Home Remedies to Help Ease the Pain of Arthritis:

While there are currently no known cures for arthritis, there are some simple things you can do to ease the pain of many types of arthritis:

Cayenne Pepper has been found to have pain-relieving properties when eaten or used in a lotion or ointment and applied to sore muscles or joints. If you mix it into a lotion or ointment and apply it to a painful area of your body, be sure to use it sparingly. There are commercial products with Capsaicin (the pain-relieving ingredient in Cayenne Pepper) in them that I have tried, and when I put the cream on too thickly it burned my skin. Try it, but be cautious. Cayenne pepper can also be beneficial in treating high blood pressure and a cough.
Raw, unprocessed Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) can add essential nutrients to your diet such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. These nutrients can help relieve joint pain. The potassium in the ACV helps prevent calcium from building up in the joints; a condition associated with arthritis. Take 1 TBSP of ACV mixed in 8 Oz of water and sweetened with honey (if desired) before meals to aid digestion and relieve arthritis pain. It may also be used topically. Mix 2 TBSP of ACV with 1 TBSP of Coconut Oil or Olive Oil for a soothing joint rub.
Curcumin, found in turmeric, and resveratrol, found in grapes, wine, berries, peanuts, and chocolate are nutritional supplements that seem to benefit people with osteoarthritis of the knee. They have been used in traditional Hindu medicine for at least a thousand years for various health problems, including joint disorders and arthritis.
Omega-3 fatty acids also appear to be beneficial for cardio-protective effectiveness.
Leeks, scallions, shallots, garlic, onions and other members of the allium family help to prevent joint pain.
Dr. F. Batmanghelidjf, in his book, “You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty!”, says that dehydration is a major trigger for rheumatoid arthritis—drink LOTS of water!
Women who eat a lot of vegetables from the cabbage family (cruciferous vegetables) have a lower risk for early arthritis.
Exercise is important, but begin gently at first and keep communication lines open with your doctor concerning the type of exercise and how much to do.
Keeping your weight at a desirable limit is important; too much weight stresses the knee joint.
A warm shower may ease pain.
Keep up on current information regarding your condition. There are various websites that may give you information on arthritis; if you do not have a doctor and don’t know where to start, try contacting the Website: http://www.arthritis.org. The Mayo Clinic distributes a newsletter with tips to help you manage your arthritis symptoms