Showing posts with label garlic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garlic. Show all posts

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.


    *************************************************************************************
    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.

    Sources and Citations

    Read about Tooth Remineralization at: Wellnessmama 










    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. 
    • 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. 
    Home Remedy for Hair Loss - Braggs ACV
    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.

    Sources and Citations







    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: 
    1. Osteoarthritis  (most common), a condition often seen as people age or have a joint  injury, and 
    2. 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


    Sources and Citations

    Thursday, November 28, 2013

    Home Remedies for Flu

    Symptoms of the Flu 

    According to http://www.flu.gov, all types of flu have the same basic symptoms, but some people get worse flu symptoms than others. The general signs to watch for are fatigue, weakness, headache or body aches, chills and / or fever, and a cough that may be accompanied by a sore throat. I've always had a hard time differentiating between common cold symptoms and the flu, but I now understand that the fatigue and weakness are more pronounced with the flu, whereas a runny or stuffy nose is more likely with a  cold.

    Types of Flu

    Some common types of Influenza are the H1N1 virus (aka Swine Flu) and H7N9 virus (aka Avian or Bird Flu) both of which fall under the Influenza A umbrella, and Influenza B includes the Seasonal Flu. Both Influenza A and Influenza B are included in the vaccine of the annual flu shot. The Swine Flu created quite an uproar a few years ago when officials predicted a pandemic, and while technically it was a pandemic and people did die from it, the effects were not as frightening as was portrayed by the media. Nevertheless Influenza should not be taken lightly, as it decimated the population of the world in 1918 during World War I. That strain was called The Spanish Flu.

    The Stomach Flu

    While symptoms of flu can include vomiting and diarrhea (mostly in children), the ubiquitous "stomach flu symptoms" are usually either caused by food poisoning or the norovirus, which is not related to influenza at all. Food poisoning symptoms can include gastrointestinal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, body aches, fever and chills, but can be identical to those of the norovirus since the norovirus can be transmitted through food. For more information on the norovirus, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus.

    Flu Remedies

    There are a number of home remedies for the flu, and homeopathic remedies for it as well. All of the remedies listed here are for general flu symptoms, but if you have specific symptoms that are bothersome, please look at the list of other conditions at the bottom of this page. Also, be sure to stay hydrated as dehydration is a potential complication of the flu.

    Baking Soda:

    Home Remedies for Flu - Baking Soda
    Bob's Aluminum-Free Baking Soda

    One remedy that is credited with saving lives in the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 is baking soda. If you plan to use this remedy, please only do so if you have normal to low blood pressure, as there is a risk that the sodium in baking soda might raise your blood pressure. The other important precautions are to take it at least an hour before lying down, and on an empty stomach. To use this remedy, mix 1/2 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water 6 times for the first day, 4 times the second day, and twice the third day. After that, continue taking it once every day. The premise of this remedy is that it makes your system alkaline and the flu virus cannot thrive in an alkaline system.

    If your blood pressure is high, you can substitute fresh lemon juice for the baking soda. Do not add sweetener.

    Elderberries:

    Home Remedies for Flu - Sambucol
    Sambucol for Flu
    Elderberries have the reputation of being great at treating the flu. There is a homeopathic treatment called Sambucol that comes in pill form and you can buy at the health food store. 

    If you're not keen on taking Sambucol, then elderberry tea is another viable option for treating the flu. There are ingredients in the tea that reduce inflammation to help with body aches, and others that boost the immune system. To make a tea either use a packaged variety or pour boiling water over the berries or leaves and let them steep about 5 minutes. I would recommend sweetening the tea with either honey or Xylitol (a natural sugar-alcohol that boosts the immune system).

    Astragalus Root:

    Home Remedies for Flu - Astragalus Root
    Astragalus Root
    Astragalus Root tends to be something of a wonder-herb. It has so many benefits to your body and immune system. When you have the flu, not only will it help your body fight the virus, but it can also help you regain strength after your body has eliminated the virus from your system. Astragalus root is also a home remedy for coughs, sinus infections, and helps to lower blood pressure. It comes in liquid pill form which I prefer, powdered capsules, tablets, and dried in bulk.

    Hydrogen peroxide 

    This was one remedy that I thought was very odd when I first heard of it, but after you think about it for a little while it makes sense. The premise is that most people have antibodies in their eyes, nose and mouth that can fight the flu virus and help prevent them from getting sick; but there is no protection in the ears. There is a theory that most people get the flu by touching a contaminated surface and then later sticking their fingers in their ears; therefore, if you swab your ears with hydrogen peroxide 2 - 3 times daily, you can kill the virus before it takes root in your body.

    Oscillococcinum

    Home Remedies for Flu - Oscillococcinum
    Oscillococcinum 
    I have used Oscillococcinum many times for flu and upper respiratory infections. I once heard it referred to as "homeopathic antibiotics". I have personally found it to be very effective if taken when you first start to get sick. The box comes with tiny vials filled with teeny sugary sweet pills. To take the medicine you simply empty the contents of a vial in your mouth as directed on the package. It's kind of expensive, but it is effective too. 


    Chicken soup

    I'm sure you've heard that chicken soup is a good remedy for colds and flu, but did you know that there is actually scientific data to back that up? Chicken soup can help move mucous out of your body and help boost your immune system. It is especially useful if you add garlic and cayenne to it to boost the immune-boosting properties.



    Sources and Citations