Home Remedies: rosemary

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Friday, January 10, 2014

Home Remedies for Migraines

What is a Migraine?

The word ‘migraine’ is derived from a Greek word which translates into English as half-skull. A migraine headache is a chronic neurological disorder. Symptoms are marked by:

Recurring, moderate to severe headaches
Often along with autonomic nervous system symptoms

Migraines can be produced by the body’s neurological responses to certain triggers:

Hormonal changes
Flashing lights
Chemicals, or additives such as MSG, in foods and medications.

Typically a migraine will affect one-half of the head and may pulsate from 2-72 hours. You may have nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and/or sound, and the pain may be increased by activity; some people perceive an aura. Migraines are believed to be a neurovascular disorder that affects about 15% of the global population at some point in life.

Types of Migraines and Other Headaches

Tension headaches

Tension headaches, or stress headaches, are the most common headache for adults, characterized by mild to moderate band of pain, tightness or pressure in the forehead or back of the neck and head. They are nearly always triggered by an environmental or internal stress. Severity of these headaches often increases with frequency and can last from one-half hour to numerous days.

Home remedies for a tension headache include:

Adequate rest and sleep
Good posture
Reduction of stress and depression
Adequate nutritious diet
Not overexerting your body and mind
Holding a pencil between your teeth to ease the muscles in the temple area

Sinus Headaches

More than 4 out of 5 people who presume they have a sinus headache are actually suffering from a migraine headache. Sinus and migraine headaches have some symptoms in common. Sinus headaches are normally caused by an infection/inflammation of nasal passages leading to congestion, which causes both pressure and pain.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are a neurological disorder distinguished by recurrent and severe headaches on one side of the head, usually near the eye. A person suffering from cluster headaches may have swelling of one eye. If you have a cluster headache, your doctor may prescribe very strong prescription anti-inflammatory medication. In the meantime, rest, follow a regular sleep schedule, and avoid alcohol.

Ocular Migraine

These headaches are most commonly associated with migraines, but can cause vision loss or blindness lasting less than an hour, plus the pain of the headache. They are at times called monocular, one-eye or retinal headaches. These headaches are, as of yet, poorly understood.

They are usually caused by one or more of three things:

Being overtired
Following cataract surgery
Migraine headaches

Vision problems that affect the one eye include:

Flashing lights
Blind spots in vision
Blindness of the eye

The headaches may last anywhere from four to 72 hours:

Affecting one side of the head
Be moderately to severely painful
Pulsate
Become worse when you are more active
Possible nausea/vomiting/sensitivity to light or sound

Home remedies for ocular migraines include:

Curcumin

Applying cold compresses to reduce both swelling and the headache
Close your eyes or go into a darkened room
Remove all stimuli
Lie down
Drink lots of water at room temperature
Use an over the counter (OTC) homeopathic lubricating eye drop
Take a supplement that encourages blood flow such a natural product containing rutin and white willow bark
An herbal complex that will help with inflammation and blood flow may contain turmeric and Chai Hu (Bupleurum root)
Curcumin (Turmeric) - use as a supplement to reduce inflammation, or add turmeric to food

Home Remedies for Migraines

While different types of headaches are covered in this article, many of these remedies can help ease the pain of a headache regardless of what type it is. Some home remedies that may help to relieve the pain are:

Muscle relaxation exercises, possibly mediation and yoga
Go to bed and wake up at regular times–get enough rest
Rest/relax in a dark, quiet room if you feel a migraine coming on
Place a wrapped ice-pack on the back of your neck while hands and feet are submerged in as hot a water as you can tolerate
Apply gentle pressure to painful locations on the scalp
Vick's VapoRub - apply to the forehead, temples, wherever the pain is most intense.
Keep a headache diary to see what triggers the migraines; also which treatment is the most effective

Supplements and herbs that help to ease a migraine include:

Peppermint oil - applying to the forehead and temples may bring relief for some people
Butterbur - take only in supplement form - 100 mg every 3 hours, to a maximum of 300 mg per 24-hr period.
Feverfew - eat a few leaves a day, make into a tea, or take 0.2 percent parthenolides concentration in 100 - 150 milligram tablets daily
Willow bark - make into a tea, or take capsules as directed by the manufacturer
Ginger - make a tea with boiling water, fresh, grated ginger root; add honey and lemon
Caffeine- drink in the form of coffee, black or green tea
Valerian - is available in various forms: tablets, capsules, tea, liquid, drops and also cut and sifted valerian root. Side effects and precautions include: headaches, dizziness, itching, stomach problems, unsteadiness, low body temperature, excitability and uneasiness. If valerian is used for more than two months it may actually cause sleep difficulties. Many of valerian’s compounds tend to relax people, which may lead to migraine relief.
Coriander Seed - pour boiling water over the seeds and inhale the steam
Dong Quai - has not been studied enough to actually be recommended for migraines; however, modern medicine often mixes with other herbs to relieve headaches
Lavender Oil - breathe in the oil or apply a diluted solution to the temple area; it can be toxic at a certain dosage level and can also irritate the skin if not diluted enough
Rosemary - the oil can be diluted and applied on the skin or inhaled; leaves can be dried and ground for use in capsules and for teas, tinctures, and liquid extracts I have used a tea for a migraine made with 1 tsp ground rosemary, 1½ tsp. of xylitol (natural sweetener), juice of ½ lemon plus 1 cup of BOILING WATER. Let steep for about 5 minutes; drink while hot. I found it quite effective.
Linden - pour boiling water over it and make into a tea
Raw potato cuttings - folk medicine uses raw potato cuttings wrapped in thin cloth either wound around the head or placed on the temples
Horseradish - the simplest method of using horseradish is as a condiment; it stimulates blood flow and can help in digestion and elimination that could be the source of the headache
Honeysuckle - more research is needed for the relation between honeysuckle and migraines but it is thought to relieve inflammation. Check out the various forms at your health food store.
Mullein - tinctures of this plant are used in homeopathy for migraine headaches
Yarrow - comes in a wide variety of forms including capsules and tinctures; it has anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve a migraine headache
Tea Berry - can be made into teas, tinctures, oils or extracts; it is a potential migraine treatment
Common Hops - use 1-2 teaspoons of the flowers per cup of boiling water—steep for five minutes; drink 1 cup at bedtime or 1-2 cups during the day—may help relieve migraine
Betony - the leaves may be used as a juice, poultice or ointment; its mildly sedative properties help to relieve a headache
Evodia - is used for headache relief. Check with your health food store concerning the availability and forms obtainable that may be used for migraine headaches
Magnesium 12 - adding this supplement to your daily regimen can prevent migraines and constipation, and may even help prevent asthma attacks
Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) - add this supplement to you vitamins to treat and prevent migraines
Riboflavin (also known as B2) - available in yeast extract spread, liver, dried herbs, spices and peppers; almonds; dried roasted soybeans (Edamame); Roquefort, Brie and Limburger cheese plus many others; wheat bran; fish—particularly trout, mackerel and Atlantic salmon; sesame seeds and sun-dried tomatoes; also available as a supplement

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://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/CON-20026358

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/12/natural-migraine-relief_n_1666726.html
http://www.migrainetrust.org/factsheet-supplements-and-herbs-for-migraine-the-evidence-10897
http://www.healthline.com/health/migraine-herbal-home-remedies-from-around-the-world#5
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/migraine-or-sinus-headache
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cluster-headache/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/CON-20031706
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/tension-headaches
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/ocular-migraine-basics
http://www.totalhealthmagazine.com/articles/brain-health/ocular-migraines-eye-migraines.html

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:

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.