Showing posts with label sea salt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sea salt. Show all posts

Monday, January 27, 2014

Home Remedies for Allergies

Allergies are the result of an overactive immune system, which mistakes things such as dust and pollen for germs, then attacks them. Your body then releases histamines—chemical compounds involved in the immune inflammatory response.

Allergic rhinitis is a group of symptoms that affect the nose. Avoid exposure to as many allergens as possible; when you have problems there are some home remedies for allergies that allow a measure of relief. Allergy symptoms can involve the airways--sinuses and nasal passages, your skin and also the digestive system; they may include frequent sneezing, varied levels of difficulty breathing (including asthma), cramps, vomiting, rashes, hives, Pink Eye, runny nose, congestion, constant coughing and many others.


Home Remedies for Allergies: 

  • Irrigating your nose with a saline solution (salt in water) will sometimes soothe upper respiratory allergies. The irrigation can dislodge irritants that have settled in the nasal area, which could cause inflammation. The solution may also erase some of the inflammatory cells. You can make your own saline solution by adding one teaspoon of salt to a pint of warm, distilled water and approximately 1/16 teaspoon (a pinch) of baking soda. You can use a dropper to put it in your nose or sniff the saline solution up out of your hand into one nostril at a time; allow it to drain out through the nose or mouth. You may also buy a prepared solution at the pharmacy. It’s alright to irrigate twice a day, but is recommended that you check with your physician first if you have asthma. For more information on sinus irrigation, please refer to Home Remedies for Sinus Infections. 
  • If you must be outside for any time—sunglasses may help to protect your eyes from allergens, particularly ones with side shields; once inside take a shower and shampoo to wash all the pollens off of your body
  • If you suspect that air pollution triggers an allergic reaction, stay inside as much as possible on days that are smoggy; keep windows closed and operate air purifiers. Airborne toxins can actually cause allergies in certain people
  • Home Remedies for Allergies - Peppermint Tea
    Peppermint Tea
    The oils in peppermint tea act as a decongestant; also certain substances in it contain anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial properties. Buy an herbal tea or put one-half ounce of dried peppermint leaves into a quart jar of boiling water and fill it two-thirds full with boiling water; steep for at least five minutes. Be careful giving the tea to small children; the menthol in peppermint may choke them
  • Breathing steam will often help to ease the pain in your sinuses. Pour boiling water into a large dish, lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and breathe the steam. (When we had colds as children, Mom would add a teaspoon of Vicks VapoRub to the boiling water—you may need to shut your eyes due to the fumes but it brings breathing relief)
  • Dip a washcloth in warm water and hold to your sinuses to help them drain; this method can be used as many times a day as you are comfortable with
  • If you are a pet owner and allergic to fur, wash your pet frequently; wash your hands after contact with your furry child! Also, keeping your pet indoors (or at least out of weeds and grass), will limit your exposure to those allergens and reduce the reactions you have to your pet.
  • Studies show that bedrooms (where you spend approximately one-third of your time) with carpets harbor more dust mites than any other room in the house. If possible, get rid of all carpeting!  If you do not have the option of removing the carpet, such as living in a rental, then vacuum frequently with a vacuum that has a built-in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Another alternative is to attach a filter to the exhaust port if you own a canister vacuum; upright vacuums usually do not have an exhaust port. If you own your home and dust is a major factor in your allergy problem, you may choose to invest in an industrial-strength vacuuming system (a recommended brand by many allergists is one called Nilfisk). If you remove the carpeting, put in a floor covering that can be washed frequently—preferably damped mopped daily; twice daily if possible. (There are carpets in our rented apartment; we covered them with two layers of 6-milliliter sheet plastic stapled to the baseboards. It may not be pretty but it is safer for allergies than carpet, it is serviceable (minus pets in the house) and can be damp mopped as often as you like)
  • Dust mites thrive in a humid environment. Keep humidity to a minimum by using the fan in the shower; also recommended is a dehumidifier or air conditioner. The dehumidifier will also help to prevent mold, a dangerous allergen, from growing in your home. If your kitchen exhaust fan is truly vented to the outside, use it while cooking. (We live in an apartment where the microwave is directly above the range. The range vent is on the bottom of the microwave, which sucks the steam / odors from cooking up into the fan and blows them out the vent at the top--all over the kitchen; a lovely feature when you've burned something!!! Moving soon!)
  • Horseradish or Wasabi (a Japanese plant that tastes similar to strong horseradish) promotes the flow of mucus, allowing some relief from allergies; you can also buy grated horseradish--use one-quarter teaspoon
  • Homeopathy, created in 1796, is a system of alternative medicine based on ‘like cures like.’ The substance that creates the symptoms of disease in a healthy person will also cure similar symptoms in a sick person. Homeopathic remedies may help some in the acute stage to relieve some of the symptoms of allergies. Check with your local health food store for the best remedies for your symptoms
  • Carry Benadryl with you at all times. It can save a life.

Food Allergies

Food Allergies show up as a reaction due to ingestion of certain foods, the most common being:
  • Dairy 
  • Wheat 
  • Peanuts 
  • Shellfish 
  • Meat 
  • Sugar 
  • Gluten

Reactions to food allergies could involve many symptoms; some are:
  • Rashes 
  • Nausea 
  • Irritation 
  • Fever 
  • Sneezing 
  • Wheezing 
  • Anaphylaxis

Home Remedies for Food Allergies Include:
  • Banana tends to stop stomach pain and skin rashes 
  • A five day juice fast to restore normal immune system functioning 
  • 5 drops of castor oil in 4oz of water on an empty stomach every morning 
  • Half of a lime squeezed into a glass of warm water with 1 teaspoon of local, raw honey stirred in helps to flush the toxins out of the body 
  • Vitamin E 
  • Acupuncture 
  • Yoga 
  • Carrot juice mixed with beet or cucumber juice 
  • If you are allergic to soft-cooked eggs, cook the egg completely--destroying the allergen 
  • If you are allergic to dairy there are now numerous substitutes; I find coconut milk to be one of the most agreeable in taste and it has a long shelf life when unopened 
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine drinks, preserved foods, bakery products and peanuts 
  • If in doubt at a restaurant or social gathering just say “no thanks” 
  • Carry Benadryl with you if you or your child are known to have anaphylactic reactions. Benadryl can make the difference between life & death if you don't have an epi-pen on hand. Benadryl is different from other medications, so even if you take Allegra, Zyrtec, or Claritin, still carry Benadryl.

If you are suspicious of a particular allergen, read all food labels and keep a food diary. Notice particularly if any part of your body itches or tingles, your skin flushes or if you break out in hives or eczema.


Gluten

All grains contain protein that is theoretically gluten, however, people with celiac disease and most other ‘gluten allergies’ react to the form of gluten found in wheat, including spelt, kamut, triticale and all variations of wheat, barley, and rye.

The term gluten allergy can refer to one of four different circumstances: celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, dermatitis herpetiformis or gluten ataxia—none of these are true allergies.  Sometimes when a person refers to a gluten allergy, they actually have a wheat allergy. Wheat has numerous components that include fat, starches and proteins. Not every person that has a true wheat allergy is reacting to the same part of the plant--27 different wheat allergens have already been identified with the protein ‘gluten’ being one of them. If you have an actual wheat allergy you suffer almost immediate—or only slightly delayed—symptoms after a meal made with wheat products—watery eyes, wheezing, nose stuffed up, or in more serious cases difficulty breathing and shock.

Some of the most common foods made with wheat are:
  • Bread (unless a label states otherwise)
  • Baked goods such as cookies, cakes, pastries
  • Pasta
  • Pizza
  •  Breaded and battered foods such as fish sticks  and vegetables
  • Cereals
  • Canned soups often have wheat flour to thicken them; also true of soup packets and restaurant soups
  • Vegetables- frozen or canned made in a sauce likely contain stabilizers made from wheat
  • Most commercially prepared sauces contain some wheat
  • Dips and gravy mixes contain wheat for thickening
  • Ground spices, at least curry powder, Cajun spices, Thai spices and pie spices contain wheat
  • Instant coffee, tea and cocoa powder all have wheat in them; also powdered, malted and chocolate milk; nearly all malted drinks contain wheat
  • Commercial deserts like ice cream, sherbet, icings, puddings, etc. usually contain wheat although may be labeled as a ’stabilizer’ instead of the word ‘wheat’
  • Condiments (commercial ones like ketchup, mayo, mustard, etc) contain wheat [[Ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard are all easy recipes to make up at home – no wheat involved]]
  • Most commercial salad dressings use a wheat enriched stabilizer or emulsifier
  • Meat – sausages, luncheon meats and prepared burgers may contain wheat
  • Wheat starches are often used in imitation and synthetic cheeses
  • Beer is usually made from barley, but wheat may be widely used an s beer ingredient
  • Many sweets have wheat as an ingredient—chocolate, candy made with cereal in it or using a cereal extract, also gum

·    Read labels to make sure there has been no cross contamination such as in oats, which is naturally gluten-free but there is a lot of cross contamination at factories, e.g., wheat flour can remain suspended in the air for as long as 24 hours

Trying to avoid a wheat ingredient in your diet may take some dedicated effort at first—learning to know how labels are legally able to be written and what regulations are behind them; learning what words/terms are used and what various ingredients accomplish that goal, such as:

  • Colors (improve visual appeal) 
  • Flavorings (improve taste) 
  • Oils (improve taste and provide texture) 
  • Preservatives (maintain or improve safety and freshness) 
  • Stabilizers (provide texture) 
  • Sweeteners (improve taste) 
  • Thickeners (provide texture)

Keep a log of your allergies and what seems to affect them. If you have food allergies, keep track of everything that goes into your mouth and the reactions, if any. Take your food diary/allergy log with you when you shop and go to the doctors’ offices. Keep your allergist tuned in on your allergy symptoms and the list of home remedies used.



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Some of the world’s strangest allergies include:

  • Allergic to your new-born child--pemphigoid gestitionis
  • Allergic to water-- aquagenic urticaria
  • Allergic to sex--human seminal plasma hypersensitivity
  • Allergic to wood
  • Allergic to exercise (Exercise-induced anaphylaxis [EIA])
  • Allergic to apples eaten near a birch tree (bizarre food allergy--young girl goes into severe shock)
  • Allergic to the sun (Solar urticaria [SU])
  • Allergic to modern living/technology-- electromagnetic field (emf) or 'smog' created by computers, mobile phones, microwave ovens and even some cars
  • Allergic to kissing
  • Allergic to specific fabrics in undergarments (my personal opinion is more that it is a lack of air in undergarments, nylon, spandex and polyester are synthetics and do not make ‘healthy’ underwear. If your clothing doesn’t breathe you often become overheated and sweat in intimate parts of the body—this may cause itching and scratching but not necessarily an allergy))
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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.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/10-home-remedies-for-
allergies3.htm 
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/antihistamines-for-allergies 
http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/commoncomplicationsofcd/f/Wheat-Allergy-vs-Gluten-Allergy.htm 
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-pain-pressure-11/sinus-tips 
http://www.3fatchicks.com/20-common-foods-containing-wheat/ 
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4488/10-Unexpected-Gluten-Culprits-in-Common-Foods.html 
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/06/27/how-to-not-get-scammed-by-food-labels-plus-were-hiring/ 
http://www.foodinsight.org/Default.aspx?tabid=60&EntryId=720 
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/06/27/how-to-not-get-scammed-by-food-labels-plus-were-hiring/ 
http://saramoulton.com/2013/01/grains-which-grains-contain-gluten/ 
http://www.oddee.com/item_96791.aspx 
http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/






















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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:

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.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/sore-throat-cold-strep-throat-tonsillitis
http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/Images/Sore%20Throat%20and%20Strep%20Throat_tcm28-195298.pdf
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/get-to-the-bottom-of-your-sore-throat
http://www.healing-oceans-family-wellness-center.com/salt-water-gargle.html
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-sore-throat.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403
http://www.activebeat.co/your-health/11-potential-causes-for-your-sore-throat-plus-symptoms-for-each/?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=adwords&utm_medium=cpc&utm_keyword=what%20causes%20a%20sore%20throat&gclid=COas_p6R-rsCFcNgfgodYzsApQ
http://www.divinecaroline.com/self/ease-sore-throat-gargling-salt-water-say-what
http://www.healthline.com/health/sore-throat?toptoctest=expand
https://www.google.com/#q=symptoms+of+strep+throat%3F%27
http://www.homeopathic.com/Articles/Using_homeopathy_for_ailments/Homeopathic_Medicines_for_Sore_Throat.html
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20640098_9,00.html










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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 










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    Friday, December 13, 2013

    Home Remedies for Back Pain

    Back pain can be caused by numerous physical problems. Some of the most common causes of back pain can be attributed to a herniated or slipped disc, strain, spinal stenosis, sciatica and arthritis. Sciatica is a symptom, not a condition; possibly the result of a pinched nerve affecting one or more of the lower spinal nerves and causing lower back pain. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in our bodies and the pain is often noticed from the lower back to behind the thigh and travelling on down below the knee. Sciatica can be caused by a herniated disc—the most common cause; piriformis syndrome--when a muscle deep inside the buttocks spasms or tightens; spinal stenosis—a narrowing of the spinal canal putting pressure on the nerves; spondylolisthesis—slippage of a vertebrae making it out of line with the next one above making the opening smaller where the nerve exits. Sciatica is usually diagnosed by a physician taking your complete medical history and a physical examination to determine the cause. Further testing could include:
    • X-rays
    • MRI/CT scan
    • Nerve conduction velocity studies/evoked potential testing, electromyography
    • Myelogram—dye injected between the vertebrae to see if a disc or vertebra is causing the discomfort

    Back Exercises

    Although there are pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs to give relief, physical exercise is probably one of the most effective home remedies for back pain (often sciatic pain); finding back stretches that improve flexibility of the tense muscles in your back, legs and abdomen--aerobic exercise such as walking is often recommended. Here are some good exercises for relief of lower back pain:

    • stand with one leg crossed in front of the other and bend forward from the waist slowly, stretching gently toward the floor as far as you can go. Hold the position for as long as is comfortable; switch legs and repeat as needed.
    • lie flat on your back on a floor or other firm surface with your legs together and knees pointed toward the ceiling. Slowly push your spine flat into the floor while exhaling. Inhale slowly and arch your back. Repeat 5 - 10 times.


    Sciatic Nerve Pain

    Sciatic nerve pain usually occurs in the lower back, and normally responds to self-care steps, such as:
    • Avoid what triggered the initial pain
    • Rest to provide relief but do not go into prolonged inactivity; it could get worse
    • Try a cold pack on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day
    • After 2-3 days use heat on the painful areas; if the pain continues alternate hot/cold packs
    • Stretching the lower back may relieve nerve root compression; hold the stretch for 30 seconds if possible and avoid unusual movements during the stretch
    • OTC medications sometimes bring a measure of relief

    Shoulder Pain

    Shoulder Pain is often due to an injury or a disease in the area of the three bones that comprise the shoulder:
    • the upper arm bone (humerus)
    • shoulder blade (scapula)
    • collarbone (clavicle)
    The muscles and tendons that keep the arm bone centered in the socket are known as the rotator cuff. Most shoulder problems and pain fall into four classes:
    • tendon inflammation
    • instability
    • arthritis
    • fracture

    Home Remedies for Shoulder Pain

    Inflamed tendons, often from overuse; sometimes called pitcher’s or swimmer’s shoulder, can normally be treated with physical therapy, OTC medications, hot and cold packs and resting the arm involved. If you have a problem with shoulder instability there are various methods of relocating the joint by stretching, rotating, raising the arm above your head, relocating the shoulder with gravity, your knee, or the help of a friend. Eighty percent of shoulder fractures are non-displaced, needing only a sling to keep the arm immobile while the bone heals. Home remedies for arthritis in a shoulder include trying to avoid being outside when it is cold or wet; if you must go out dress warmly. 
    • Use warm olive oil to massage the shoulder; lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is mildly analgesic—add a few drops to the olive oil; also, the scent helps to relax your body. 
    • A warm bath with a cup of sea salt may also relieve the shoulder pain. 

    Neck Pain

    Neck pain can be the result of injury or a disease but the highest percentage of neck pain is due to muscle tension–jobs that require long hours of leaning over a work surface; poor posture and often a non-supportive mattress for hours of sleep, as well as poor sleeping positions. When our muscles tense, the blood supply to the muscles decreases; this causes more pain and the muscles to tense further. The best home remedy for pain management is to get rid of the stressor as well as treating the muscles.

    Upper Back Pain

    Upper back pain s not usually a common spinal disorder; although disc injuries are possible, the usual reasons for upper back pain are muscular irritation and joint dysfunction. The upper back or thoracic spine has stability and limited movement, therefore small chance of injury or degeneration to that part of the body. If your back is hurting rest briefly, use OTC pain medications as necessary; use a heating pad or ice pack; practice excellent posture; obtain an exercise program from your doctor; learn ways to reduce stress, and see a counselor to see how thoughts and behaviors can control your pain.
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