Natural Cures for Common Illnesses

Archive for October, 2011

Home Remedies and Symptoms and Natural Treatment for Acne

October 29th 2011 Posted at Other
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What is acne?

Acne is an infection of the oil glands resulting from clogged skin pores. The skin naturally expels dirt and impurities on their own. However, too much oil makes it difficult for the skin to remove dirt and the results of these breakouts.

Acne treatment is to help the skin in removing grease and dirt that is clogging the pores. It is necessary to keep the skin as clean as possible by washing at least twice a day with water and a mild skin cleanser. When suffering from acne should avoid using make-up as necessary to keep the pores clean and free of contaminants, also the chemical content of some makeup products can irritate and worsen acne.

Acne or acne vulgaris is a skin condition that primarily affects very common for adolescents and is usually a consequence of increased male hormones present in both sexes. Oil and dead cells get trapped in the pores of the creation of black dots, which in turn become infected and inflamed, creating pimples and acne.

At least 96% of the adolescent population is affected by this condition at some time or another, that usually appears on the face, but may also be present in the upper chest and back, or anywhere where skin has a thick density of sebaceous follicles. It is characterized by a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, red scaly patches, pimples, scars and often.

The degree of acne severity and duration varies for each individual. Usually, though, as a condition that decreases or disappears after adolescence, however, can last until the twenties, and sometimes even in the thirties and forties.

Pimples, whiteheads and blackheads are forms of acne. Acne is perhaps the most common skin disease that mainly affects men and women equally in the age group 12 to 24 years. Many people are of the view that the presence of pimples on the face, especially the cheeks and forehead could affect its aesthetic. Therefore, seeking to break the grain as soon as it appears on the face.

How to Get Rid of Acne: Acne Treatment

1. Apply ripe tomatoes pulp or cucumber in acne or pimples and keep up to 1 hour after washing.

2. Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples disappear without leaving a mark with regular applications. Garlic kills bacteria that cause acne.

3. Apply some garlic juice in the face for an hour once a week to get rid of acne. Do not store for long, as it may aggravate sensitive skin.

4. Make a paste of neem leaves with turmeric powder. Apply on affected area. Wash after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water. This is a good remedy for acne.

5. Zinc, vitamin A, B and E, echinacea, thyme and tea tree oil can cure acne. B vitamins may improve acne dramatically. Taking vitamin B tablet, you should see results within weeks.

Top 5 Natural Remedies for Hypertension

October 26th 2011 Posted at Hypertension
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Hypertension is a direct out come of high blood-pressure, and one of the main causes of high blood pressure is obesity. The most effective way to control blood pressure is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise to shed those extra pounds. Since obesity is one of the base causes for hypertension, losing weight is one of the most effective methods which have a dramatic effect on high BP and hypertension.

Normally blood pressure should be 120 by 80. If this exceeds the limit of 140 by 90, then you are a patient of hypertension. If you are able to maintain healthy blood pressure levels then you are safe from heart attacks and strokes. Foods like vegetables, garlic and fruits help in maintaining proper pressure. Inclusion of these items in the diet helps to reduce and maintain pressure and acts as effective natural cure for hypertensions.

• Garlic: Inclusion of garlic in your diet helps a lot to maintain BP and acts as an effective remedy for high BP. It is a natural cure for hyper tension as garlic helps to dilate muscles that regulate blood vessels and in turn maintains proper blood pressure rather than lower it. Garlic contains a compound named adenosine. This compound helps in the dilation of the vascular tissue and also helps in relaxation of the muscles. Garlic both in the cooked and raw form helps in this regard. However, raw garlic is more effective than cooked garlic and works faster. Garlic helps in abating cholesterol by interfering in blood clotting. And it reduces the chance of cancer in colon, stomach and gastro-intestinal problems. So a person is advised to take in 3 or 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic along with a glass of warm water regularly to benefit from its properties. You can also squeeze out juice from garlic cloves and ingest it.

• Fruits and vegetables: Vegetables and fruits have a lot of effect on BP. They contain potassium and vitamin C, which helps to control BP. It is often said that a vegetarian diet helps in this regard. You must regularly have fruits as an integral part of your diet so that you get your daily requirement of vitamin C and other vital nutrients.

• Potassium: Potassium is an effective and important element in controlling blood pressure. If you have a balanced potassium level in blood then should not be difficult. However, those who suffer from potassium deficiency often suffer. Low potassium levels and high salt intake also increases BP.

• Calcium: According to medical opinion calcium deficiency is an important factor affecting BP.A low calcium level leads to hypertension even more than excess sodium levels. You should have food items that are high in calcium like spinach, green vegetables, milk and other dairy products to maintain your calcium levels in order to maintain pressure.

• Fish: Fish forms a healthy part of the diet and fish oils help to maintain BP and act as a natural cure for hypertension.

Health Insurance Issues in Hypertension

Hypertension can lead to various other illnesses including cardiac problems, liver problems etc. If things get out of hand and hospitalization becomes the only option, then you must find out your health insurance options and also make yourself aware of the rules under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This is because although hypertension will seldom be featured in the list of ailments covered by your insurance, even though cardiac disorder or liver problems will probably appear.

3 Herbs to Boost Your Mood Naturally

October 20th 2011 Posted at Mental Health
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Do you know a misery merchant? Just like your bank manager, a misery merchant always knows just how to bring you down. They’re the sort of person that no matter what happens, always feels down, unhappy or blue?

While it is natural to have days when you’re feeling a little out of sorts, regular problems with moods can really make life, well miserable… pardon the pun!

The long term solution for mood disorders and anxiety is to correct underlying nutritional deficiencies. Unfortunately, this is not always a quick process. This is where herbal medicine can help you to obtain short-term relief.

Sage – More Than Just Sore Throats

Sage is probably not the first herb that springs to mind for mood disorders; even most folk herbal remedies use sage more as a natural antiseptic in the treatment of sore throats and coughs. Sage though, has far more to offer than just this. Research is only now uncovering what the Chinese have known for centuries and sage is taking its rightful place as a powerful herb to support mood and nervous system function.

What really makes sage stand out from the crowd is its rapid action. Studies have shown reductions in stress and improvements in mood as quickly as one hour after taking the powdered form of the herb. Other mood boosting herbs require several days of consistent use and even then, only make their effects known gradually.

If you’ve ever tried sage tea, you will know it doesn’t make the nicest brew. This taste though can easily be masked by the addition of other strong flavours such as peppermint or liquorice. Alternatively, some health food stores stock powdered sage in capsules that can make this herb a little easier on the stomach.

The use of sage oil internally and strong sage preparations should be avoided during pregnancy. It may also exacerbate some gastric disorders and complaints.

Passion flower – Beautiful & Effective

Passion flower has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and not just in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety. It has been suggested that the early North Americans used passion flower in the treatment of epilepsy; and like a lot of other herbs in human history, it didn’t take long for us to figure out it could be smoked.

Research has shown passion flower’s effectiveness on mood is not just folklore. Studies comparing passion flower extract with common pharmaceutical drugs used in mood disorders, have found it to offer similar results without the risk of addiction found in pharmaceutical medications. Anxiety, insomnia, and stress symptoms all responded equally well and results can be obtained in as little as two weeks of use.

Passion flower is readily available in most health food stores as either capsule or a loose leaf tea. Capsule and tablet forms are most effective for stress and anxiety, while the tea, particularly when prepared with valerian, is a great way to prepare for bed.

Guarana – Not Just a Quick Hit

Not just in energy drinks any more, guarana is increasingly found in herbal mood and anxiety formulas.

Most people are probably familiar with guarana as the healthy form of an energy drink. Did you know that in addition to giving a quick energy boost, guarana can also be beneficial for mood? It’s not just a caffeine boost either, as lower doses have been shown to be more affective than higher doses.

The use of guarana in the treatment of mood can be controversial due to its stimulatory effect which can worsen symptoms for those that are already highly strung. It can however be useful where mood disorders are accompanied by high levels of fatigue or low energy and lethargy.

Make Sure to Consult a Naturopath

If you’re affected by mood disorders or anxiety, it’s important to consult with your Naturopath. While herbal remedies can provide short-term relief, lasting mood improvements will only come from addressing underlying nutritional deficiencies.

It is also important to ensure that your mood disorder, isn’t related to a more complex condition requiring treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or counsellor.

How to Reverse Heart Disease Naturally

October 12th 2011 Posted at Natural Remedies
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No one ever thinks it can happen to them. There is a reason why it is the number one killer. If you survived a heart attack you now have been given a second chance on life to now reverse heart disease. Definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting the same results. If you have had a heart attack, chest pain or some form of cardiovascular disease you can reverse heart disease but this does take an immense amount of work.

Many times a cardiologist will talk to you about your options after a heart attack or upon diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Heart medications along with having a stent or bypass surgery can be options to treat this disease, but this will not reverse heart disease.

There are four components you should know but it is important to first understand your anatomy.

The first component is exercise. Exercise is medicine, specifically aerobic exercise. See your heart experts to ensure you are exercising safely and effectively. If you want to reverse this disease you have to get your daily sweat. There is no magic pill other than discipline.

The next component is eating heart healthy. Yes we all know what to eat, but are we? Nutrition is so important to reverse heart disease. Foods high in antioxidants and that help inflammation are the ones that are not advertising to us in the grocery store.

The third component is controlling stress. Everyone has stress it is just so important to have good coping strategies to combat stress. Yoga, tai chi, and meditation are so important if you want to reverse this disease.

The last component is smoking and second hand smoking. You want to stay away and adopt a smoke free lifestyle. Yes it is an addiction but it will get you back in the hospital so quick. You have to find ways to quit and there are many. Talk to your heart experts to find a strategy to help you reverse heart disease. online pharmacy viagra uk

Many cardiologists and physician lack the time and availability to really promote the reversal of this disease. Medications are important however they are not the answer to reverse heart disease. You are 100% responsible for your heart health. Not your spouse not your doctor. Take charge of your heart health.

Using Sarapin As Natural Treatment for Sprain and Strain

October 11th 2011 Posted at Natural Remedies
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Sprains and strains are common injuries that can affect anyone, but are more likely to occur in individuals who are involved with sports, repetitive activities, and activities with high risk for accidents. When injured, a ligament, muscle, or a tendon may be damaged. Usually, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or corticosteroids are being used to treat inflammation, however, they can cause side effects that may lead to another problem or may worsen the current condition. Sarapin is a natural solution derived from a pitcher plant that can be used as an alternative for conventional anti-inflammatory treatments. It is effective in minimizing inflammation without causing major side effects. Sarapin may be combined with other alternative treatment methods such as physical therapy and chiropractic care to maximize results.

Sprain

A sprain refers to an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are slightly elastic bands of tissue that connect bones at a joint, keeping the bones in place while permitting movement. In this condition, one or more ligaments is stretched or torn. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and being unable to move your joint. A pop or tear may be felt when the injury happens.

Strain

A strain refers to an injury to a muscle or a tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. In this condition, a muscle or a tendon is stretched. It can happen suddenly or develop over time. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, swelling and difficulty moving the muscle.

Causes of Sprain and Strain

A sprain usually occurs when you land on an outstretched arm, slide into a base, jump and land on the side of the foot, or run on an uneven surface. Direct or indirect trauma that knocks the joint out of position, and overstretched, and in severe cases, ruptures the supporting ligaments can be a cause of the problem.

– Chronic strains are the result of overuse of muscles and tendons. Inadequate rest breaks during intensive training leads to strain.
– Acute strains are caused by a direct trauma, overstretching, or excessive muscle contraction.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of sprains and strains include:

  • Poor conditioning – Lack of conditioning can cause your muscles to get weak and become more susceptible to injury.
  • Fatigue – Your joints are less likely to receive support if your muscles are tired. When your body is tired, it is more likely to succumb to forces that could stress a joint or overextend a muscle.
  • Improper warm up – Not enough warm-ups before doing intensive physical activity leaves your muscles tight and prone to trauma and tears.

Athletes, professional and amateur alike, are at high risk of sustaining these injuries. Also, those who have a history of sprains and strains, those who are overweight, and those who are in poor physical condition are at risk for sprains and strains.

Natural Treatment

Individuals who are inflicted with sprains and strains are usually given RICE treatment. RICE refers to rest, ice, compression, elevation. This can reduce pain and swelling when applied to the affected part. To reduce inflammation, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or corticosteroids such as cortisone are usually given. However, NSAIDs can cause side effects such as changes in kidney and liver function, reduction of the ability of blood to clot, and stomach ulcers.

Corticosteroids, on the other hand, do not have long-lasting effects and should not be injected for more than three times. Frequent repeated injections can actually increase joint damage rather than decrease it.

Sarapin can be used as an alternative to NSAIDs and corticosteroids. Using it as an anti-inflammatory treatment has more advantages over conventional anti-inflammatory treatment like corticosteroids and NSAIDs. These include the following:

  • Sarapin is natural
  • It does not accumulate in any organ such as the liver
  • It is water-soluble, thus it can be excreted by the body without being processed by the liver
  • There are no gastrointestinal side effects

Rehabilitation may also be recommended for proper healing. Depending on the injury, you will do specific exercises to improve the range of motion of your joint, and prevent stiffness and scarring upon healing. Regular exercises may also be needed to increase muscle strength to support the joint.

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