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- Benefits of Health Care at Home
 Home
remedies and natural cures or medicines made at home from natural
ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, herbs are catching a lot of
attention due to its very nature of cure: simple, no side effects, no
chemicals, inexpensive, plus the pleasure of being able to cure yourself!.
Read on for how all this is useful and how people are using these home made
methods in their day to day lives to stay fit and healthy.
For natural home remedies, the kitchen is a great place to start. It has
almost all the medicines you would possible need at least, to deal with
common ailments. All this at no or negligible cost, purity, without side
effects and dollops of TLC (tender, loving care)! Sounds too good to be
true? Well, it is just a little awareness and understanding that you need to
make the best out of it. Read-up a bit on natural remedies to equip yourself
to treat a toddler cranky with colic or diarrhea.
In home based remedies, the idea is to use the chemicals naturally present
in the herbs, spices and other foods to tackle the offending foreign element
in the body that is causing the pain or infection instead of flushing the
body with hundreds of milligrams of strong chemicals in the form of
antibiotics. Though essential for chronic conditions, antibiotics are not
always necessary and are best avoided, especially for a lot of minor
ailments.
- Angina
Angina attack is an acute chest pain or discomfort felt around the chest
area on account of reduced blood flow to heart due to narrowing of the
arteries of the heart. Angina could also be caused due to increased demand
of blood supply for the heart, blockage of artery, or thickening of heart
muscles. Supplying more blood through narrow arteries causes discomfort,
sudden pressure, tightness, heaviness or squeezing pain in the chest area
which leads to Angina. Angina is also called angina pectoris is broadly
classified into three types:
- Stable angina or chronic stable angina
- Unstable angina – known to initiate a heart attack
- Variant angina or Prinzmetal's angina - a rare type caused by coronary
artery spasm
Angina is a symptom of the most common heart disease known as Coronary
Artery Disease (CAD) and is relatively common considering more than 6
million people in US have angina.
Symptoms of Angina:
Common symptoms associated with Angina.
- Pain and discomfort in the chest area.
- Pressure, tightening, squeezing or burning sensation in the chest area.
- Pain may also be experienced in the arms, shoulders, throat, neck, jaw or
back regions.
- May appear like indigestion and consequent discomfort
Other symptoms include:
Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Weakness, Fatigue, Excessive
sweating or nausea
Causes of Angina:
- Difference between blood demand and supply. Though demand is normal,
supply of blood to the heart decreases due to narrowing of arteries or
obstructive coronary vascular disease.
- Fatty deposits on the blood vessels of the heart causing restriction of
regular or required blood flow to the heart causing reduced blood supply to
the heart.
- Formation of blood clots that may partially or fully block the artery.
- Other causes include: uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, poly
cythemia, heavy smoking or use of cocaine, heavy meals, physical exertion,
emotional stress, diseases related to thyroid glands and other types of
heart diseases.
Remedies for Angina:
The common remedies and preventive care associated with angina.
- Initiating lifestyle modifications such as: eating healthy and well
balanced meals, quitting smoking, exercising regularly and being physically
active. It is also advisable to lose weight incase of obesity.
- Treating existing disorders that may lead to angina such as: high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and other heart related
conditions.
- Medicines and other options in surgery are also available to treat angina
in serious cases.
Diet for Angina:
Following are the suggested diet remedies.
- Avoid eating cholesterol rich food and consuming light and preferably
vegetarian foods.
- Boost intake of Vitamin A, C and E rich foods to prevent and control the
onset of angina.
- Intake of vegetables, fruits and whole grains ensure your body receives
the required nutrients.
Suggestions for Angina:
Other suggestions and Tips.
- A regular exercise program as supervised or indicated by the doctor.
- Follow a weight-loss program for over-weight or obese persons.
- Regular check to maintain levels of blood pressure, cholesterol and
diabetes.
- Avoid stress and ensure a relaxed sleep.
- Eat a well balanced, cholesterol free meal.
- Anorexia
Anorexia means loss of appetite. It is a symptom of disturbed digestion and
common in all diseases which lead to general weakness. This condition
results from failure of the activity of the stomach and secretion of gastric
juices due to low vitality which, in turn, can be due to various causes.
Anorexia Symptoms:
- Refuse to eat and suffers from insomnia
- Persons suffering from anorexia may refuse to eat and suffer from
insomnia. In course of time, emaciation becomes severe.
Anorexia Causes:
- People suffer from anorexia when they habitually take a faulty diet and
hardly do any physical work.
- Stress and Strain
It may also result from stress and strain such as domestic worry, emotional
disturbances, difficult working conditions, and nervous disorders. General
body disorders and diseases also lead to this condition.
Home Remedies for Anorexia:
- Anorexia treatment using Oranges
Oranges are an extremely useful remedy for anorexia. They stimulate the flow
of digestive juices, thereby improving digestion and increasing appetite.
One or two oranges a day are advised.
- Anorexia treatment using Sour Grapes
Sour grapes are another effective remedy for anorexia. The juice of these
grapes should be used in kneading the flour before preparing chapattis.
Chapattis made in this manner should be eaten continuously for two to three
weeks. This remedy will tone up the stomach and improve the appetite.
- Anorexia treatment using Lime
Lime is also a valuable remedy for restoring a lost appetite. A preparation
made from this fruit and ginger has been found very effective in overcoming
this condition. About one teaspoon of the juice of lime should be mixed with
an equal quantity of the juice of ginger. One gram of rock salt should be
added to this mixture. It should then be placed in sunlight for three days.
A teaspoon taken after each meal will tone up the digestive system and
improve the appetite.
- Anorexia treatment using Apples
Apples are another variety of fruit useful in anorexia. They help digestion
by stimulating the flow of pepsin, a protein digesting enzyme, in the
stomach. The old adage, 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away', is certainly
a valuable one.
- Anorexia treatment using Garlic
Garlic possesses a special property to stimulate the digestive tone of the
system and improve appetite. A soup prepared from this vegetable can be of
immense help to a patient suffering from anorexia. Three or four cloves of
raw garlic should be boiled in a cup of water. This soup can be reinforced
with the juice of half a lemon and taken twice daily.
- Anorexia treatment using Ginger
The use of ginger is valuable in the loss of appetite. About five grams of
this vegetable should be ground and licked with a little salt once a day for
the treatment of this condition.
Anorexia diet:
- Orange juice and water
The only effective treatment for anorexia is a thorough cleansing of the
digestive tract, and adoption of a sensible diet thereafter, along with a
change in the style of living. To begin with, the patient should fast on
orange juice and water for three to five days. The procedure is to take the
juice of an orange in a glass of warm water, every two hours, from 8 a.m. to
8 p.m. Nothing else should be taken, as otherwise, the value of the fast
will be entirely lost. If orange juice does not agree with the system, only
water or half a glass of carrot juice mixed with an equal quantity of water
may be taken.
- All-fruit diet
After the juice fast, the patient may adopt an all-fruit diet for a further
five days, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits, such as apples, pears,
grapes, grape-fruit, oranges, pineapple, peaches, and melons, at five-hourly
intervals.
Restricted diet of cooked vegetables , juicy fruits etc Thereafter he may
adopt a restricted diet of easily-digestible foods, consisting of lightly
cooked vegetables, juicy fruits, and buttermilk for about ten days.
Other Anorexia Treatments:
- Warm-water enema
During the first three to five days of the juice fast, the bowels should be
cleansed with a warm-water enema each day. The poisonous matter will thus be
eliminated by this self cleansing process.
- Ice bag application on stomach
The application of an ice-bag over the stomach for half an hour before
meals, and a cool hip bath once or twice daily, will go a long way in curing
anorexia.
- Cool hip bath, Sun and cool air bath
Other measures beneficial in the treatment of this condition are sun and
cool air baths. An early morning sun bath, taken one day, should be
alternated with an early morning cool air bath the next day. An outdoor life
and abdominal massages are also advised.
Home Remedy for Anorexia:
Nutritional suggestions are great, but sufferers should get psychological
help, look into 12 step programs, etc. The food is a symptom, the roots lie
deeper. Don't give up! I recovered with medical, psychological and spiritual
help.
- Appendicitis
The appendix is a small outgrowth of tissue forming a tube-shaped sac
attached to the lower end of the large intestine. Inflammation of the
appendix presents itself in acute and chronic forms and affects both the
sexes equally. This disease accounts for about half the acute abdominal
emergencies occurring between the ages of ten and thirty.
Appendicitis symptoms:
Pain in centre of abdomen, discomfort in abdomen
Appendicitis usually begins with a sudden pain in the centre of the abdomen.
The pain may be preceded by general discomfort in the abdomen, indigestion,
diarrhea, or constipation. Gradually, the pain shifts to the lower right
side, and is usually accompanied by a fever varying from 38 C to 39C.
Nausea and Vomiting:
Nausea is common and the patient may vomit once or twice. In the chronic
state of appendicitis, the patient may suffer from recurrent pain in the
right lower abdomen, constipation, loss of appetite, and mild nausea.
Causes of Appendicitis:
Appendicitis is initiated by the presence of an excessive amount of
poisonous waste material in the caecum. As a result, the appendix gets
irritated and inflamed. Inflammation and infection are caused by certain
germs which are usually present in the intestinal tract.
Home Remedies for Appendicitis:
- Appendicitis treatment using Green Gram
Green gram is a proven home remedy for acute appendicitis. An infusion of
green gram is an excellent medicine for treating this condition. It can be
taken in a small quantity of one tablespoon three times a day.
- Appendicitis treatment using Fenugreek Seeds
Regular use of tea made from fenugreek seeds has proved helpful in
preventing the appendix from becoming a dumping ground for excess mucus and
intestinal waste. This tea is prepared by putting one tablespoon of the
seeds in a liter of cold water and allowing it to simmer for half an hour
over a low flame and then strained it. It should be allowed to cool a little
before being drunk.
- Appendicitis treatment using Vegetable Juices
Certain vegetable juices have been found valuable in appendicitis. A
particularly good combination is that of 100 ml each of beet and cucumber
juices mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice. This combined juice can be taken
twice daily.
- Appendicitis treatment using Buttermilk
Buttermilk is beneficial in the treatment of chronic form of appendicitis.
One liter of buttermilk may be taken daily for this purpose.
- Appendicitis treatment using Whole Wheat
The consumption of whole wheat, which includes bran and wheat germ, has been
found beneficial in preventing several digestive disorders, including
appendicitis. The bran of wheat can be sterilized by baking after thorough
cleaning. This sterilized bran can be added to wheat flour in the proportion
of one to six by weight. Two or three chapattis mane from this flour can be
eaten daily for preventing this disease.
Appendicitis Diet:
- Fasting and nothing except water
At the first symptoms of severe pain, vomiting, and fever, the patient
should resort to fasting and nothing except water should enter the system.
- Fruit juices and All-fruit diet
Fruit juices may be given from the third day onwards for the next three
days. Thereafter the patient may adopt an all-fruit diet for a further four
or
five days.
- Well-balanced diet
After this tightly regulated regimen, he should adopt a well-balanced diet,
consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Other Appendicitis Treatments:
- Half liter of Warm-water enema
When the first symptoms of pain, vomiting, and fever occur, the patient must
be put to bed immediately, as rest is of the utmost importance. A low enema,
containing about half a liter of warm water, should be administered once
every day for the first three days to cleanse the lower bowel if it can be
tolerated with comfort.
- Hot compresses and abdominal packs of wet sheet strip
Hot compresses may be placed over the painful area several times daily.
Abdominal packs, made of a strip of wet sheet and covered by a dry flannel
cloth bound tightly around the abdomen, should be applied continuously until
all acute symptoms subside.
- Three liters of warm-water enema
When the acute symptoms subside by about the third day, the patient should
be given a full enema containing about three liters of warm water, and this
should be repeated daily until all inflammation and pain have subsided.
- Avoid constipation
In other words, the patient of appendicitis should adopt all measures to
eradicate constipation. Once the waste matter in the caecum has moved into
the colon and is then eliminated, the irritation and inflammation in the
appendix will subside and surgical removal of the appendix may not be
necessary.
- Arthritis
The word 'arthritis' means 'inflammation of the joints'. It is derived from
two Greek words: athron, meaning joints; and itis, meaning inflammation. It
is, generally, a chronic disease process. Arthritis occurs in various forms,
the most frequent being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which usually occurs in the
older age-group. Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease which affects not
only the joints of the fingers, wrists, hips, knees, and feet, but also the
muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body.
Arthritis symptoms:
- Pain and stiffness in the joints, anemia, colitis
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints.
The pain usually increases after exercise. Rheumatoid arthritis is often
called the 'cooked food disease'. lt usually develops gradually over several
months, with persistent pain and stiffness in one or more joints. Ultimately
the whole body is affected. Symptoms include anemia, colitis, constipation,
deformed hands and feet.
Cause of Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis results from structural changes in the articular cartilage
in the joints, usually those which are weight-bearing, such as the spine and
knees.
- Hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress
- Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an inflammation of the synovium or lining
of the joints. This is accompanied by swelling and eventually leads to
deformity. The condition may be caused by hormonal imbalance, physical and
emotional stress, infection, severe fright, shock, and injury.
- Heredity
Hereditary factors may also be responsible for the onset of this disease.
Home Remedies for Arthritis:
- Arthritis treatment using Potato Juice
The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful
biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. It has been
used in folk medicine for centuries. The traditional method of preparing
potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without
peeling the skin, and place the slices overnight in a large glass filled
with cold water. The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty
stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes. A medium-sized
potato should be diluted with a cup of water and drunk first thing in the
morning.
- Arthritis treatment using Other Raw Juices
One cup of green juice, extracted from any green leafy vegetable, mixed in
equal proportions with carrot, celery, and red beet juices is good for
arthritis. The alkaline action of raw juices dissolves the accumulation of
deposits around the joints and in other tissues. A cup of fresh pineapple
juice is also valuable, as the enzyme bromelain in fresh pineapple juice
reduces swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis.
- Arthritis treatment using Sesame Seeds
A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, soaked in a quarter cup of water and kept
overnight, has been found to be effective in preventing frequent joint
pains. The water in which the seeds are soaked should also be taken along
with the seeds first thing in the morning.
- Arthritis treatment using Copper
Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of
copper, which is said to strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or
bracelet is worn for the same reason.
- Arthritis treatment using Calcium
Studies have shown that calcium can help arthritis. Several patients have
discovered that joint pains have either been relieved or have disappeared
entirely after taking calcium. This mineral should be taken in the form of
calcium lactate. Two teaspoons of calcium lactate, each teaspoon providing
400 mg of absorbable calcium, may be taken three times daily in water,
before meals for at least four months.
- Arthritis treatment using Garlic
Garlic is another effective remedy for arthritis. It contains an
anti-inflammatory property which accounts for its effectiveness in the
treatment of this disease. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to
individual preference.
- Arthritis treatment using Bananas
Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B6, have proved useful in the
treatment of arthritis. A diet of only bananas for three or four days is
advised in treating this condition. The patient may eat eight or nine
bananas daily during this period and nothing else.
- Arthritis treatment using Lime
Lime has also been found beneficial as a home remedy for arthritis. The
citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary
cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water,
may be taken once a day, preferably first thing in the morning.
- Arthritis treatment using Alfalfa
A tea made from the herb alfalfa, especially from its seeds, has shown
beneficial results in the treatment of arthritis. One teaspoon of alfalfa
seeds may be added to one cup of water. Three to four cups of this tea
should be taken daily by arthritics for at least two weeks.
- Arthritis treatment using Green Gram Soup
Another home remedy found useful in relieving pains in the joints is the use
of green gram soup. This soup should be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of
green gram in a cup of water, with two crushed garlic cloves. It should be
taken twice a day.
- Arthritis treatment using Castor Oil
Treatment with castor oil has been found beneficial in arthritis. The
procedure, as prescribed by a Spanish doctor, is to boil two tablespoons of
castor oil over a stove burner. The oil should then be poured into a glass
of fresh orange juice and taken before breakfast daily till the disease is
cured. It was advised to patients to take it for three weeks, wait for
another three weeks and then repeat it again for another three weeks. It is,
however, essential that the patient must take an alkaline diet while
adopting this mode of treatment otherwise the value of the treatment will be
lost.
- Arthritis treatment using Coconut or Mustard Oil
Warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor
should be massaged on stiff and aching joints. It will increase blood
supply, and reduce inflammation and stiffness with the gentle warmth
produced while massaging. Camphorated oil is an ancient rubefacient used for
the purpose.
Arthritis diet:
- Take fruits and vegetables in the form of salads.
The diet of an arthritis patient should be planned so as to produce
alkalinity in the blood. It should include fruits and vegetables in the form
of salads, and, at least, two cooked vegetables. In severe cases, it would
be advisable to put the patient on raw vegetable juice therapy three times a
day, for about a week. Repeated juice fasts are recommended at intervals of
every two months.
Other Arthritis treatments:
- Keep body warm, don't bandage joints
The body should be kept warm at all times . Joints should not be bandaged
tightly as this limits movement and interferes with the free circulation of
blood.
- Take rest, should have plenty of indirect ventilation
There should be plenty of indirect ventilation in the bedroom. Rest is
advised when there is acute inflammation in the joints.
- Sea bathing
Sea bathing has been found valuable in arthritis. The natural iodine in sea
water is said to relieve arthritis pain. As is well known, Iodine regulates
the acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues, helps to repair and
regenerate worn out tissues and nourishes the skeletal structure. It enters
into the thyroid gland's secretion. The hormone uses the iodine to cleanse
the internal toxins. If sea bathing is not possible, the patient should
relax for thirty minutes every night in a tub of warm water, in which a cup
of common salt has been mixed. The minerals in the salt, especially Iodine,
will be absorbed through the pores of the skin. This will help correct an
internal imbalance.
- Asthma
Asthma is an ancient Greek word meaning 'panting or short drawn breath'. It
is an allergic condition resulting from the reaction of the body to one or
more allergens, and is the most troublesome of respiratory diseases. An
asthma patient gets frequent attacks of breathlessness, in between which he
may even be completely normal.
Asthma Symptoms:
- Gasping for breath
Patients suffering from asthma appear to be gasping for breath. Actually,
they have more difficulty in breathing out than breathing in, and this is
caused by spasms or sudden involuntary muscular contractions of the smaller
air passages in the lungs.
Asthma Causes:
- Asthma is caused by a variety of factors. It may be due to an allergy
caused by weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants.
Allergies to dust are the most common.
Asthma Cures:
- Asthma treatment using Honey
Honey is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if
a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales
the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and
deeper.
- Asthma treatment using Figs
Among fruits, figs have proved very valuable in asthma. They give comfort to
the patient by draining off the phlegm. Three or four dry figs should be
cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight.
- Asthma treatment using Lemon
Lemon is another fruit found beneficial in the treatment of asthma. The
juice of one lemon, diluted in a glass of water and taken with meals, will
bring good results
- Asthma treatment using Bitter Gourd Roots
The roots of the bitter gourd plant have been used in folk medicine for
asthma since ancient times. A teaspoon of the root paste, mixed with an
equal amount of honey or juice of the tulsi leaves, given once every night
for a month, acts as an excellent medicine for this disease.
- Asthma treatment using Drumstick Leaves
A soup prepared from drumstick leaves, and taken once daily, has been found
beneficial in the treatment of asthma. This soup is prepared by adding a
handful of leaves to 180ml of water and boiling it for five minutes. After
being allowed to cool, a little salt, pepper, and lime juice may be added to
this soup.
- Asthma treatment using Ginger
A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction
and honey to taste, acts as an excellent expectorant in cases of asthma. The
decoction of fenugreek can be made by mixing one tablespoon of fenugreek
seeds in a cupful of water. This remedy should be taken once in the morning
and once in the evening.
- Asthma treatment using Garlic
Garlic is another effective home remedy for asthma. Ten garlic cloves,
boiled in 30 ml of milk, make an excellent medicine for the early stages of
asthma. This mixture should he taken once daily by the patient. Steaming
ginger tea with two minced garlic cloves in it, can also help to keep the
problem under control, and should be taken in the morning and evening.
- Asthma treatment using Bishop's Weed
The herb bishop's weed has been found valuable in asthma. Half a teaspoon of
bishop's weed should be mixed in a glass of buttermilk and taken twice
daily. It is an effective remedy for relieving difficult expectoration
caused by dried-up phlegm. A hot poultice of the seeds should be used for
dry fomentation to the chest twice daily. The. patient can also inhale steam
twice a day from boiling water mixed with ajwain. It will dilate the
bronchial passages.
- Asthma treatment using Safflower
Safflower seeds are beneficial in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Half a
teaspoon of powder of the dry seeds, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, can
be taken once or twice a day in treating this disease. This acts as an
expectorant and reduces the spasms by liquefying the tenacious sputum. An
infusion of five grams of flowers mixed with one tablespoon of honey, taken
once daily, is also useful in this disease.
Diet for Asthma:
- Carbohydrates, fats and proteins
The patient should avoid common dietetic errors. Ideally, his diet should
contain a limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins which are
'acid-forming' foods, and a liberal quantity of alkali-forming foods
consisting of fresh fruits, green vegetables, sprouted seeds, and grains.
The patient should avoid foods which tend to produce phlegm, such as rice,
sugar, lentils, and curds. He should also avoid fried and other difficult
to-digest foods, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments
pickles, sauces and all refined and processed foods.
Fasting and Exercises:
The patient should also follow the other laws of nature. Air, sun, and water
are great healing agents. Regular fasting once a week, an occasional enema,
breathing exercises, fresh air, a dry climate, light exercises, and correct
posture go a long way in treating the disease.
Courtesy: Rubina Kaleem |
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Rubina Kaleem