Friday, March 7, 2008

Reduce Your Diabetes Through Herbs

Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a outcome of inability of pancreas to make insulin or to use it in a proper way thus resulting in extreme quantity of sugar in blood and urine. It is well-known by symptoms like excessive thirst; frequent urination accompanied by weight loss and is infamously known as "silent killer". Worldwide it affects 240 million people and US alone has 7% of this share of people suffering from diabetes.

Diabetes can be generally classified into type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes requires regular direction of insulin and is generally found in people suffering from plumpness or with family diabetic history. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in people above 40 yrs though there is making of insulin but the body cells become insensitive towards this. If untreated diabetes can lead to various complications like hypoglycemia, renal failure, nervous damage and can even lead to impotence.

Apart from laying stress on consuming raw and natural food and reducing processed food intake to a certain extent there are also some natural diabetes herbs helpful in the treatment of diabetes.

1. Bitter Gourd- It is very wealthy in insulin that is available in natural form devoid of side effects. It lowers blood sugar level in a natural way with no side effects .Its juice should be taken twice a day on empty stomach to gain maximum benefits.

2. Garlic- Apart from dropping cholesterol level it also decrease blood sugar levels. 3-4 grams of garlic that is freshly crushed should be taken daily with water to lower blood sugar levels.

3. Neem- Its leaves though bitter in taste are known for its remedial properties that have great medicinal value. A daily intake of a Neem tablets or Neem extracts is very beneficial in reducing blood sugar content.

4. Fenugreek- It is a valuable herb used for controlling blood sugar level. It can be taken in powdered form or can be used as an additive while cooking vegetables.

5. Turmeric- This herb has the influence to energize the pancreatic cells to produce more insulin. It should be consumed in powder form with warm water.

6. Cinnamon- Although it does not lift insulin production by pancreas but it greatly assist in reducing blood sugar level. It can be taken as a tasty additive in almost everything a person eats.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment - Do You Need Your Doctor

Your urinary tract infection treatment is typically antibiotics approved by your doctor. Many women still, purchase their antibiotics online, and they do so without their doctor’s help. This can be risky to their health in the fact that they buy the off beam antibiotics, and they don't know how long to take the antibiotics for. If you're going to treat your UTI with no doctors help you can use a safe, and effective cure that doesn't carry any risks like using antibiotics does.

Because antibiotics are so simply accessible now more women are putting their health at risk because of what the antibiotics are doing to their bodies. Antibiotics are the biggest cause of regular UTI's and yeast infections. The reason is, the antibiotics are not getting used properly, and they're now getting used too frequently.

Each time you end a course of antibiotics you leave your body more open to future infections because the weaken your immune system, and they kill your helpful bacteria that lives in and on your body to defend you from infection causing bacteria and fungus.

If you're going to use a urinary tract infection medicine without the aid of your doctor you'll be much better off using a home remedy. A home remedy for your UTI is safer, and it carries no risk of any side effects. Your immune system is given a enhance because it's an all natural cure, and your intestinal beneficial bacteria is unaffected so you have no chance of getting a yeast disease due to the healing.

A home remedy also works a lot faster than a course of antibiotics. You can be taking antibiotics for 3 to 7 days as long as they cure your disease first time. Natural urinary tract infection treatment eliminates the E coli bacteria from your body in 12 hours.

40% of bladder infections want a second course of antibiotics, and every course makes the E coli more resistant, and boosts the chances of a reoccurrence of the infection.

UTI home cures have a hit rate around the 98% mark because they work another way to antibiotics. They don't kill the E coli over a period of time, they form an environment that they would like to get left from so then they are easily flushed out of your urethra and bladder.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Natural Breast Enlargement Tips and Techniques

Natural breast enhancement is becoming more and more popular these days as more and more women decide to avoid surgery to get better the size and shape of their breasts. The causes for avoiding surgery are numerous one of which is the worry over problems during and after the procedure.

It has been identified that implants can rupture which can origin a painful experience. It is also known that these implants can become hard over time. further than that there is also the face of scarring. Many women also report displeasure with the results after the surgery.

When it comes to natural breast enhancement the mainly well-liked way to attain results is by taking herbal supplements. There are varied results when applying this technique some women report success and others report disappointment.

The returns of taking herbal supplements over operation are many. The main advantage is the cost. At least if it fails you can in mainly cases get your cash back for the supplements that did not work for you.

On the other hand this is not normally the case with surgery as doctors have to be paid to do the process in the first place and as a result you have to pay for it.

When taking supplements - to decrease your risk of side effects make confident that the ingredients are in general regarded as safe. You can do this by checking the FDA's gras list. In the occurrence you are on any medications you should ask to your doctor regarding the ingredients of the supplements.

To finish make sure and have a word with a real human being and do not be anxious to ask questions so that you can make sure you will get the service you need to succeed.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Best Ways to Burn Fat Fast

It is a query many want answering and the good news is that there are some answers to the question that could help you. Healthy eating and work out are of course the methods you will here mentioned the most but Is there anything that can make it occur faster?

Something you may not have attempted earlier is adding particular products to your diet which can help your body to digest food faster and boost your metabolism and thus help to reduce your weight. Coconut oil, flax seeds and apple cider vinegar can all do this and are also highly nutritious.

Using these 3 foods often will therefore lower the amount of time it takes for your body to get rid of belly fat. If used appropriately you can start seeing results from adding these simple goods within a month and the outcome will also be lasting ones. They all also have health benefits.

To truly proceed the level at which you get rid of belly fat there is also a diet which gets great results and fast. The diet is called calorie shifting and it works by rising the level at which your metabolism works. The best thing about the method is that it is very simple to stick with and at no point involves almost starving yourself.

In its place it works by manipulating your metabolism by eating special calorie values for each meal and each day plus eating 4 meals a day to keep it working at all times. Generally your body gets used to a routine and slows or speeds up your metabolism accordingly which is why many diets suddenly grind to a halt.

The other methods that are in lime light are herbal weight loss products. The benefit of herbal products is it has no side-effects that mean it will give some good thing to you without taking anything from you. If you actually wish for the best ways to burn fat fast then you won't find better ways than the ones in this article.

Natural Fast Weight Loss

Have you arrive to a position in your life when you don't want to come across the mirrors already because you don't want to see your fat or flabby self? Well, if you have, there's no point in mulling above in depression and worry. There's always a answer to each problem and in this case, there's only one solid solution to your problem: drop weight now! But how?

First of all, you have to keep in mind that every person has his or her own metabolic rate which critically affects the speed of their weight loss. Therefore, if you want to lose weight now, try not to evaluate the speed of your weight loss with other people since you have dissimilar rates of metabolism.

One more thing to keep in mind in the procedure of losing weight is that you don't have to go hungry yourself, go on crash diets or undergo excessive exercises because all your hard work will just end up in vain.

For you to be capable to lose weight effectively, you must consume the right kinds and amount of food at the appropriate intervals. There is no such thing as winning crash diets because the only thing that crash diets bring about is harm to a person's health.

In a nutshell, too much dieting or exercising will very soon bring more hurt than good. In the game of annoying to become slimmer and leaner, always keep in mind that stability is the key and there is no need to penalize and push one's self to the limits just to lose weight now.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Natural Penis Enlargement Exercises

Natural penis enlargement exercises means the end to the tiny penis jokes, I've listen to them all and then some; small penis jokes are as hurtful as being hit in the face. Yes there are people in the world who get great joy in pointing out the fact that you're not as well capable as they are, it seems to be their way of pleasing their own insecurities. I can pretty much assurance that a person who is mocking you about the size of your penis has a far more awkward secret which they are hiding behind.

Having a small penis is not a disability although for the owner of one, it may seem as though it is. I went through childhood, puberty and my adult life wondering when (if ever) the rest of my penis would grow in. seriously I actually thought for many years that I was probably just a late developer.

A few months back I decided to go for natural penis enlargement exercises; I had attempted most other things without getting any results. That's the one thing about having a small penis; you will try anything to increase some length.

There is a odd reaction which washes over you when you realize that you are actually growing, ok it may not be over night but even so, it still sense great. I started the exercises with a little bit of doubt, I didn't believe that something so easy and comparatively ancient could actually work. I had read so many articles about penis enlargement oil that I had overlooked natural techniques all together.

Before you go for any kind of penis enlargement method you have to realize that it's not going to happen over night or in some cases not for the first few weeks, but you have got to fix with it. The exercises should be treated as an every day habit just like eating, drinking and brushing your teeth, it really is important to get into and stick to the routine. 95% of people who speak that something doesn't work have either not actually tried or they have given up before anything has happening to show.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Natural Breast Enlargement

Is natural breast enlargement feasible, without having to go under the knife? The reply is yes. Because of new natural techniques available, women to not have to choice to getting expensive, cosmetic surgery done from a clinic by a plastic surgeon any longer.

Most of the natural goods to increase breast size are goods made up of herbal supplements that boost the production of estrogen and other female related hormones within the female body.

Since these herbs are natural and have to pass pharmaceutical regulative standards, these herbs are normally measured as secure. You should not have to be worried with any major side effects associated to these supplemental products on the market.

From where to find these breast enlargement products? If you were to go online and Google in the keyword, "Natural breast enlargement", you would hit upon many resources to look into.

Lots of these breast enhancement products are sold through the health and wellness industry. Many of these business that offer natural solutions for women to enlarge their breast size have pure reputations for offering natural products that do what they claim.

Most companies that present a natural solution to breast enlargement will have the background information available, as well as testimonials on record that can be demonstrated for truthfulness.

Check for information connecting to how long the company has been in business and other comprehensive information about the company that can be checked out and confirmed as accurate.

When you get the time to look into one of these companies' resource information, you can be in a place to make better informed choice about what you are looking for.

Before make a judgment on cosmetic surgery, don't you owe it to yourself to look at a natural method of doing things? After all, it is your body!

Friday, February 1, 2008

Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure, as the name suggests, is a force of blood that is felt on blood vessels’ walls. The heart is a pump that pumps blood into the blood-vessels (arteries) that are carrier of the blood to the cells and so to the organs throughout the body. High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is troublesome condition since it makes the heart pumping harder and as a result of that, heart muscles get tired and then there would be chances of getting cardiac problems. High blood pressure can also damage the micro-structures of the vital organs such as kidneys, brain, liver etc.

Normal blood pressure is about 120/80mmHg (millimeter of mercury). However, you many not have exact 120/80 figure since it may differ little bit from person to person (about 110-130/70-90 mmHg). There are many people who live happily with 130/90mmHg without any symptoms. But if your normal blood pressure shoots up or varies more than 20mmHg, it needs attention. Generally 140-159/90-99mmHg is considered as stage-I hypertension and 160 and above/100 and above is considered as stage II. Whatever the stage you have, high blood pressure is to be controlled.

Triphala – a perfect combination

Triphala, as its name is tri-phala (three fruits). It is the most popular Ayurvedic herbal combination in India since ages. This is because triphala has high nutritional values, it is an effective colon cleanser and it uniquely purifies the body by removing toxins at the deepest organic levels without disturbing any other system of the body. It is the combination of three myrobalans like trees namely; Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis)

Ayurvedic approach to high blood pressure and role of Triphala

According to Ayurveda, hypertension includes all the bodily humors (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). In high blood pressure, there would be signs and symptoms of derangement of Vata dosha (an air ailment) mainly that of 'Vyana vayu' (A type of Air element that is present throughout the body). Anti-hypertensive treatment is to restore disturbed and vitiated bodily humors, especially Vata Dosha.

However, Ayurveda describes that a person with Pitta (another body humor) and Vata predominant constitution are more susceptible to get high blood pressure as compared to any other. According to the science, anger, frustration, distress, anxiety, shock and fear can also lead the condition. Modern science too agrees that such emotional changes leads to mal-adaptation of the endocrine system that ultimately leads to conditions like high blood pressure.

Triphala works well in hypertension. The powder of 'Triphala' is to be taken regularly before going to bed preferably with lukewarm water. This helps maintaining bowel movements they remain clean. You can make a concentration by soaking 15-20gm of black raisins for 5-6 hr in about one glass (approximately 200 ml) of water. Add the black raisins in the same water and keep it on fire (medium) for boiling till it is reduced to about 50ml. This medicated solution is taken with 3-5gm of Triphala powder at night before retiring to bed. Triphala is a soothing agent and also possesses mild but effective purgative action. According to Ayurveda, Triphala is one of the best rasayanas (rejuvenating agent) that can restore all the bodily hormones and enzymes. There are many researches that show Triphala as effective herbal remedy for high blood pressure.

The Vaginal Discharge

The basic function of the vagina is to link an opening of the vagina to the uterus and so other internal reproductive organs. Apart from delivering the child, vagina plays important role in getting pleasure while the woman is having it off. There are many parts in the vagina stimulating them, the woman feels heavenly. But then when the vaginal function gets disturbed and if there is any problem with this sexual organ, it is equally troublesome and disgusting.

Generally, the natural acidic environment of the vagina prevents infections since it is toxic enough for those harmful microorganisms. When the vagina is healthy, the organ keeps itself clean and healthy. This healthy state is maintained by productions of different secretions within the vagina called vaginal discharge. It is important to know that the woman experiences some amount of vaginal discharge all the time, however, goes out of the knowledge.

Glands present in the vaginal tract and cervix generate little amounts of fluid that gets downwards and then out of the body through vagina. Vaginal discharge, if normal, can help cleaning the vaginal track and also keeps it lubricated and free from infections and other germs. The vaginal discharge that is normal does not carry any offensive odor and generally is colorless. It often appears clear or milky when it dries on any cloth; from time to time one may notice white spots or a normal vaginal discharge, which is thin and stringy looking.

The woman will have some amount of vaginal discharge, which is normal, especially if she belongs to childbearing age. However, these secretions may turn little yellow when exposed to the air but still can be considered as normal variations. The amounts of discharge produced by the internal glands differ throughout the menstrual cycle. This is quite normal and generally depends upon the amount of estrogen hormone that circulates in the body.

The attention to be drawn when the vaginal discharge suddenly changes in color, odor, and consistency or when it just increases or decreases in amount noticeably. This is because such discharge may indicate some underlying problem like an infection. If there is an abnormal vaginal discharge because of any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), your sexual partner/partners will also seek treatment.

Here are some of the well known factors that give raise to vaginal discharge in the woman –

· Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - Bacteria that generally live in the vagina will overgrow. This will cause a grey discharge with fishy odor that worsens after sexual intercourse. However, BV is not sexually transmitted diseases.

· Any cancerous conditions such as cervical cancer (rarely a cause of excess discharge)

· Chlamydia infections

· In case when any tampon or foreign body is left inside vaginal tract

· Gonorrhea (one of the common causes)

· Other infections and sexually transmitted diseases

· Trichomonas or vaginal yeast infection

There are few factors that can make changes in the appearance or consistency of the vaginal discharge. These factors include:

  • The menstrual cycle
  • Any kind of emotional stress
  • Pregnancy
  • Any prescribed medications or OTC products that is taken including hormones such as in the form of any pills
  • Sexual excitement
  • Breastfeeding
  • Ovulation
  • The diet that includes filthy, fermented, highly spiced, refined flour products, sugary items etc.

The treatment for vaginal discharge depends upon the causes. If it due to any infection, antibiotics are preferred and if it is local, local applications are prescribed. Whatever the cause is, vaginal hygiene is very important.

Slim Fast

Slim fast simply means you lose the body weight quickly. Losing weight, nowadays, is become many people’s obsession and with innocent reason that we all want to look our best. We do it for our health and we do it to look arousing and attractive to the people who we like a lot. No doubt that the diet pills from the giant pharmaceutical companies may or may not work, but there are certain techniques that can reduce your weight naturally

Here are few of those tips that can make you slim fast. Follow them and stick to your schedule; have a confidence and willpower to pave your way towards healthy living

Understand the calories: This is quite simple; over a given period, you can lose weight if you lose calories. For this, you should burn more calories than what you take into the body. Unfortunately, some people have a naturally low metabolic rate (metabolism is the process that converts foods into the energy so that energy is used by the body to perform various tasks; if the calories are more or the metabolism is slow, the foods turn into fatty layers). This is the reason you might have slimmer friends who eat twice as much as you eat but do not gain even a pound. The more calories you eat, greater are the chances that you store them as fats. So rule number one is cut-down the calorie intake. Avoid sugary foods, refined flour items, dairy products, junk food, canned/packed food, foods with preservatives etc.

Go for plenty of water: Water is the natural flusher for our intestines and blood. It can cleanse the entire body system. Removing toxins form the body can accelerate the enzyme production and metabolism that again can help you reducing body weight. Water will also help with basic cellular functioning and most importantly restoring the overall metabolic process of the body.

Physical Workout: Now you have calories in your mind. Remember that you need to lose calories anyhow. There are many ways to lose calories, physical activities, being the major one. You can perform various physical activities such as physical exercises. Physical exercises help burning calories in a safer way. For instance, Treadmill, brisk walking, swimming, skipping rope, light aerobics and messing with health equipments can drastically make you down in calories. You can burn about 500-1500 calories by an hour. You can take an advice from your gym master.

Lifestyle modification: To become slim fast, you should change your lifestyle. Leave sedentary lifestyle and try to include those all works that require physical movements. For instance, you can climb stairs instead of taking elevators to reach at office or at residence. Park your vehicle few meters far from the destination so that will make you walk and ultimately losing calories making you slim fast. Keep a considerable gap between two large meals (about 8 hours) and never sleep straightaway after having meals. Instead of two heave meals, try to eat small meals at regular intervals.

Osteoarthritis - OA

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis. The condition is very well known as arthritis across the world and probably no one is unaware of this term. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in joints wears down over certain period. It can get into any joint in the body, though generally the joints of hands, hips, knees and spine are affected. The condition typically involves one joint, though in some people, as in fingers, more than one joint can also be affected.

Osteoarthritis generally worsens with time if left untreated and on later stage, in worse condition, it can even deform the joints and fingers and toes may bend like bows. Nevertheless, its treatments can relieve the pain and help remaining active.

Causes of osteoarthritis (OA)

There is no one particular factor that can give raise to osteoarthritis. Many health experts believe that heredity may play a role in the disease. Researches are going on to study several genes, which may be connected to osteoarthritis. Other factors such as obesity or being overweight can also put you at risk for heart problems and also arthritic condition. This is because the major joints like knees and hips already catch the brunt of the entire body's weight as we perform our daily activities.

Some of the ancient medical sciences such as Ayurveda believe that a person who takes dry foods, who moves quickly and/or is exposed to cold atmosphere (such as air conditioned room) gets arthritis.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA)

Typical symptoms of the condition include pain in a joint. There will be tenderness in the joint though you apply lightest pressure Stiffness in a joint also not uncommon. This is typically noticed when someone wakes up in the morning or after some period of inactivity. Osteoarthritis decreases the flexibility and it may become difficult to rotate the joint. There will be grating feeling whenever the joint has to perform its function. Bone spurs that appear as hard lumps can capture the affected joint. Swelling and redness can also appear onto affected areas.

Types of osteoarthritis (OA)

However, arthritis and osteoarthritis are oftentimes considered as similar conditions, here are few of its types –

  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Vasculitis
  • Scleroderma

Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA)

The treatment of osteoarthritis involves curing the causative factors known if any. For instance, weight control will be primarily focused matter if a person is obese and has OA. Proper exercises also play significant role and physiotherapy is good for it. Some of the naturopaths believe that heat and cold therapy (alternate packs of hot poultice and icepacks) also help curing OA. In modern science analgesics, painkillers are generally prescribed that relieves pain but cannot cure the diseases as a whole. Latest researches reveal that stress control works relieving OA up to considerable extent. Injections into the joint and surgeries remain as last option for advanced and stubborn cases.

Holistic science such as Ayurveda markedly describes treatment for OA. Various therapies such as ‘Panchkarma’ are very effective. Some of the herbs such as Guggulu, Sallaki, Shunthi (ginger), Pippali (Piper) etc are very effective in treating OA conditions.

Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar


The blood sugar is medically known as blood glucose. It is generally measured in levels. Blood sugar level is the amount of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream that carry significant role in determining overall health of the body. It is also called as serum glucose level and is expressed as milimoles per liter (mmol/l).


Generally, blood sugar levels remain within narrow limits throughout the day i.e. about 4-8mmol/l but after meals, they go high and they remain lowest in the morning. The blood sugar provides energy and without which, a cell may not function properly. The blood glucose, especially for the brain cells, is very essential. If the levels of this important component in the body get disturbed, there would be various health problems.

One of the most known conditions is diabetes. In diabetes, the blood sugar level shoots up its normal limits until treated and the higher levels of blood sugar can be found in blood as well as in urine. Blood sugar is utilized by body cells with the help of the hormone called as insulin that is secreted by beta cells of pancreas. Lack of insulin will raise blood glucose levels and hence, in the treatment of diabetes, either OHD – oral hypoglycemic drug or insulin injection is to be given to the patient in order to control blood glucose levels.

The condition of diabetes may remain undiagnosed because of many reasons. The symptoms high blood sugar produces include fatigue, excess hunger, excess micturition etc. they often ignored and hence, high levels of blood glucose remain in the body for years. If the condition remains same or even though diabetes is detected but goes out of control, high blood sugar can damage the minute structures of the body including blood vessels. This, in turn, increases the risks of developing complications like –

  • Retinopathy (disease related to eye)
  • Nephropathy (diseases related to kidneys)
  • Neuropathy (diseases related to nerves)
  • Cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, cardiac failure, strokes and problem because of poor circulation like gangrene in the worst cases.

It is therefore, advisable to keep the blood sugar level stable that can significantly reduce the risk of getting these complications. One can measure blood sugar levels simply and easily with a home blood sugar level testing kit. Nowadays, a latest device called as glucometer can be very helpful taking blood sample automatically and giving you results accurately.

In Ayurveda, blood sugar is known as ‘sharkara’ and it is major component to decide one’s health. Increased levels of blood sugar are called as ‘madhumeha’ or ‘prameha’. The condition brings lots of diseases and troublesome conditions. According to Ayurveda, the disease catches those people who are lazy, fatty, who eat excessive sweet or sugary items and those who eat lots of curds and jiggery. The condition can be under controlled but cannot be fully treated. Herbs like Guggulu, Indian gooseberry (amlaki), haridra (turmeric), gymnema etc are well known for their anti-diabetic property.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Stye

Definition:

Stye is a small boil that is caused by any bacterial infection. Usually, it erupts on the margins of the lower eyelid.

Causes:

  • Increased exposure to the infection, caused either due to other major eye diseases or due to organic diseases.
  • Excessive dryness of the eyes.
  • Injury or external trauma.

Symptoms:

  • Formation of a small boil on the margin of the eyelid.
  • Pain and irritation, that is associated with headache, in some cases.
  • Increased lacrimation, and photophobia.

Suggestions:

  • Local application of sandalwood paste on the affected eyelid.
  • Eye drops prepared from medicated pure ghee made from Vetiver grass and licorice should be put in the affected eye.
  • Regular eyewash with a cold infusion of three myrobalans (Triphala).
  • Three powdered myrobalans (Triphala), in a 1-gm dosage, daily, with a pinch of honey and pure ghee.

Treatment For Tuberculosis (TB)

Definition:

Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection, with the bacteria lying idle in the system for a long time, before causing any symptoms. Usually, it affects the lungs, but it can also affect any other part of the body.

Causes:

  • Poor hygienic conditions.
  • Malnourishment, associated with close contact with the infected person.
  • Excessive physical exertion, accompanied by irregular diet.

Symptoms:

  • Loss of appetite with severe weight loss in a short span. Mild fever, especially in the evenings, associated with little sweating.
  • General weakness and loss of immunity, causing further advancement of the disease. Cough and cold, associated with bloodstained spitting (caused due to scarring in the lungs).
  • Diarrhea and stomach upsets in case of intestinal tuberculosis.
  • Severe headache and vomiting in meningeal tuberculosis.

Do's & Don't :

  • Diet should include heavy and fattening foods (meat, lentils, pulses and fresh vegetables).
  • Regular and moderate intake of fats in the form of pure ghee and oils.
  • Diet should include nutrients and proteins to build up immunity.
  • Either an infusion of ginger and coriander seeds or pieces of ginger root soaked in lemon juice (good appetizer), before meals.
  • Cloves and cinnamon are also effective appetizers.

Suggestions:

Pure ghee, medicated with Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), in a 3-5-gm dosage, daily, with milk, is recommended, to eradicate the infection, increase weight and improve immunity Fresh juice or tablets of tinospora (Guduchi) in a 30-ml dosage, thrice, daily, is also recommended to improve immunity. A decoction of the roots of ten herbs (Dashamoola), fermented infusion of grapes and other ingredients (Drakshasava) or fresh juice of the leaves of Adhatoda vasaka, in a 30-ml dosage, thrice, daily. OTC products like Chyavanprasha, and the medicinal paste of embolic myrobalan (Amalakyavaleha) in a 4-8-gm dosage, daily, with milk.

Herbs Can Be Used :

  • Regular intake of vegetables and fruits like bottle gourd, custard apple, pineapple and banana.
  • A decoction of leaves of drumstick in a 30-ml dosage, twice, daily.

Tonsillitis Remedies

Definition:

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils (glands situated in the upper part of throat) and causes various symptoms like fever, cough, etc. It is very common during childhood, and may require surgical removal of the glands if recurrence is more than 6-7 times a year.

Causes:

  • Irregular diet and excessive intake of very cold food, cold drinks, and ice creams.
  • Neglect of nose and oral cavity infections.
  • Exposure to excessive cold weather.

Symptoms:

  • Pain in the throat, with difficulty in swallowing due to enlargement of the tonsils.
  • Mild to moderate fever, due to an infection.
  • Cough and irritability of the throat.
  • Pricking sensation in the throat.
  • Occasionally associated with nasal infection such as running nose and common cold.

Do's & Don't :

  • Avoid cold foods.
  • Avoid curd, yogurt and buttermilk. Include vegetable and lentil soups, and pulses in regular diet.
  • Add a dash of black pepper, ginger and long pepper to meals.
  • Avoid dusty and polluted areas as they can precipitate an attack of tonsillitis.

Suggestions:

  • Fresh juice of the stem of Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) in a 30-ml dosage, thrice, daily.
  • Powdered cardamom, cinnamon, sugar, Bamboosa manna and long pepper and honey in a 1-gm dosage, thrice, daily.
  • Powdered licorice with honey in a 2-3-gm dosage, once, daily.
  • A decoction of ginger, black pepper, long pepper and basil leaves in a 30-ml dosage, thrice, daily.

Herbs Can Be Used :

  • A decoction of banafsha flowers in milk in a 50-ml dosage, twice, daily.
  • Gargle regularly with a cold infusion of fenugreek (methi) seeds.
  • Sip on a mixture of lemon juice, honey and salt, at regular intervals.

Toothache Remedies

Definition:

A toothache is an acute or chronic pain in the tooth, caused by any deformity in the tooth or other disorders of the mouth or oral cavity.

Causes:

  • Dental caries expose the nerve ending of the tooth, which is very sensitive to temperature variations as well as touch. Therefore, either chewing with the caried tooth or drinking a hot or cold drink can cause severe pain in the tooth.
  • Infection of the gums (gingivitis). In some cases, either disorders of the mouth (like a painful ulcer in the internal mucus membrane of mouth), an infection of the salivary gland or an infection of the internal ear also cause pain.

Symptoms:

  • Inability to chew with the affected tooth in case of a mild toothache.
  • Moderate to severe pain in the affected tooth and the teeth surrounding the affected one, especially while chewing or drinking excessively hot or cold drinks.
  • In some cases, it is also associated with ether a headache or an earache.

Do's & Don't :

  • Avoid very hot and very cold foods and foods that are hard to chew on like toasts.Avoid spicy, pungent and sour foods as these can irritate the internal membrane of the oral cavity and produce ulcers.

Suggestions:

  • Local application of cotton dipped in clove oil over the affected tooth.
  • Local application of powdered Acacia catechu (Khadir).
  • Gargling with a hot decoction of Babul and clove is an effective pain reliever.
  • For a toothache caused by a gum infection, powdered chebulic myrobalan (Haritaki) should be applied on the gums as well as on the teeth.
  • This acts as an astringent and also strengthens the gums and teeth.

Herbs Can Be Used :

  • Chew on raw onions every day to prevent dental disorders.
  • Gargle with juice of wheat grass.
  • Apply either a paste of asafetida and limejuice or a paste of bay berry bark and vinegar on the affected tooth.

Urticaria Treatment

Definition:

Urticaria is itching of either one part of the body or the entire body and either chronic or acute in nature.

Following are the major causes of itching:

  • Allergy to medicines, food articles, and certain kinds of cloth or cosmetics.
  • Insect bites can cause moderate to severe itching all over the body.
  • In Ayurveda, ingestion of incompatible food items like curd and meat, milk and onions, etc, can cause urticaria.

Symptoms:


  • Moderate to severe itching over the affected area or entire body.
  • Areas of swelling and redness all over the skin. Burning sensation over the inflamed areas of skin.
  • Other signs of allergy, such as rhinitis (common cold), excessive watering of eyes, and swelling in throat.

Do's & Don’t:

  • Avoid foods (spicy, hot and pungent) that are known to vitiate Pitta Dosha.
  • Increase intake of 'cooling' foods like fruits, coconut water, green grams and embolic myrobalan and even pure ghee.

Suggestions:

  • Local application of cold infusion of fruits of garcinia (Kokam) is effective in reducing redness and itching.
  • Powdered black pepper and honey in a 2-3-gm dosage, thrice, daily.
  • For chronic cases, powdered turmeric, black pepper, long pepper and ginger, with a pinch of honey and pure ghee, in the 3-gm dosage, thrice, daily.
  • Tablets made from the extract of tinospora (Guduchi) in a 2-gm dosage, thrice, daily. Local application of pure ghee, medicated with licorice.
  • Local application of a paste of sandalwood, prepared in milk, to ease the burning sensation of skin.

Herbs Can Be Used :

  • Apply a mixture of rose water and vinegar on the affected area.
  • Apply water medicated with alum all over the body.
  • Apply fresh juice of holy basil, mixed with sesame oil, over the affected area.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Varicose Veins Herbs

Definition:


Varicose veins are the tortuous (filled with excessive blood) veins of the calf region of the legs.

Causes:


  • Jobs that involve standing for a long duration of time. Hard physical labor.
  • Second and third trimester of pregnancy.

Symptoms:

  • Visible tortuous veins over the calf region of the legs.
  • In severe cases, they look like small swellings.
  • Moderate to severe pain over the calves, especially while walking or standing.

Do's & Don’t:

  • A combination of juices of both carrot and spinach in a 500-ml dosage, daily, at breakfast.

Suggestions:

  • Avoid standing for long hours, or try to take breaks in between. Preferably, tie a tight bandage over the affected legs to prevent further damage to the veins. Soak feet in a hot decoction of deodar bark or roots of ten herbs (Dashamoola) for 10-15 minutes, every night. Massage the affected legs with medicated oils, or mustard oil, to relieve pain. Three tablets of (myrobalans) and Triphala(myrobalans) and Gum guggul (Comiphora mukul) in a 1-gm dosage, thrice, daily. Whilst sleeping, try to rest the legs on a pillow and keep them raised throughout the night to drain out excess blood from the veins. Tablets made of Asparagus recemosus (Shatavari) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in a 1-gm dosage, daily.

Herbs Can Be Used :

  • Message legs with cream of Ringelbumen flowers (calendula officinalis).
  • Apply paste of marigold on the affected leg.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Herbs and Diabetes

Introduction

Diabetes is a condition wherein the pancreas fails producing adequate amount of the hormone insulin for the body (Type I) or when the body cells become resistant to the insulin and are unable to utilize much of it at one time (Type II). Diabetes is the diseases that can affect any person at any age. However, Type II diabetes is generally found in older adults, in those over age 40, and especially in adults who are obese.


Statistics and causes

Type II diabetes can be considered somewhat preventable if the patient fallows proper diet, exercise, and weight management program. People with a family history of diabetes and those who are native of African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Island, or Native American region are at higher risks for getting Type II diabetes. An overall preponderance of this disease in the general population is approximately 5.3%. Generally, an individual who is over 40 yr and one who weighs 20% more than an ideal weight or more is at greater risk of getting diabetes one or the other way.

Causes are not known perfectly. However, there are some of the strong factors that can give rise to diabetic condition include heredity, excessive sugary food intake, sedentary lifestyle and obesity.


Diabetes and diagnosis

Tests for diabetes are many; a simple blood glucose test is very useful and determining factor. However, diabetes may not be easily distinguished at first. This is because there are many symptoms that are often considered as common complaints for people who do not have diabetes. Due to this reason, diabetes may often remain undiagnosed for a period of time before it shows its serious features with its own. Urine sugar test is also one of the popular tests that is quite easy to perform and does not contain any puncture on the body.


Common symptoms

Frequent urination, particularly at night, is a common symptom of diabetes. However, this symptom alone may not necessarily confirm the disease. Other symptoms may include delayed healing of wound, perspiration, exhaustion even after little work, tying of hairs, body odor, lethargy, disturbed sleep pattern, polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyphagia (excessive hunger) etc. are some of the hallmark signs of the diseases. Difficulty in erections in men can also point towards diabetes.


Complications of diabetes

Diabetes is much known for its complications. This is the diseases that target vital organs of the body in later stages in case, the diseases goes out of control or poorly treated. Kidneys, eyes, heart and liver could be ‘on target’. A person suffering from diabetes may develop diabetic neuropathy (nervous disorders), nephropathy (kidney disorders) and retinopathy (eye disorder). Diabetic patient is also susceptible to develop hypertension, infertility and other metabolic disorders.


Treatment of diabetes

Treatment depends upon the type of diabetes. Where insulin is not at all produced, external supplements of insulin are given. For Type II, OHD – oral hypoglycemic drugs are preferred. They control the sugar by increasing peripheral intake of glucose in the body. Herbs such as Indian gooseberry, turmeric, Gymnema, bitter gourds etc are proven to stimulate beta cells of pancreas to produce enough and quality hormone – insulin.