Monday, June 25, 2007

Home Remedy for Ear Ache

Home Remedy For Ear Ache Plus How to Avoid this from Happening

Ear ache is associated with many things: allergies, sinus infections, fluid or ear wax build up, middle ear infection, colds, and ear injuries. It can also be caused by pressure or altitude changes like those people on board a plane. Teething could also be a cause of ear ache as well as swimming on polluted waters. Another cause of ear ache is infection. Since the middle ear contains air, it is the best area where other liquid harmful to the ear gets trapped. Mucus as an example can go to the middle ear. Mucus contains bacteria thus infecting the ear that leads to pain.

When ear ache occurs, here are some of the home remedies you can use:

  • On a small jar of olive oil, put peeled and finely chopped garlic and a mullein leaf. Seal the jar and leave it in sunlight for 10 days. Strain the oil it produced and put it on a smaller container. Put several oil drops on the ear when aching occurs. But if you cannot wait for another 10 days to ease your pain…
  • Try juice extract with some grinded holy basil. Put a couple of drop inside the ear.
  • Place a woolen cloth on the ear. The cloth should contain mashed garlic cloves with small amount of salt. Garlic contains natural antibiotic that relieves the pain away from the ear.
  • Grapefruit seed extract is another great home remedy for an aching ear. Apply 3 drops of it inside the aching ear.
  • If altitude is the cause of your aching ear, get a hair dyer, set it on a warm not hot, and place it near or into the aching ear.
  • Another home remedy you can use to ease the ear ache is dipping a cotton swab with astringent. Swab it inside your ear carefully. Take note, cotton swab can stuck to your ear so you have to be extra careful in doing this.
To prevent this from happening, simple rules can be followed.
  • Do not blow your nose too hard. This will cause your ear to plug air. Blow your nose gently.
  • Putting on earplugs when swimming on dirty waters can eliminate the risk of having ear ache.
  • As much as possible, avoid putting bobby pins, cotton swabs or your fingers inside your ear. Doing this might cause eardrum damage and will increase the risk of getting stuck inside your ear.
  • If you are on a plane, do not sleep during ascend and descend. Chew a gum to help open and keep you Eustachian tubes drained.
  • To soften the ear wax that causes to ease the pain of your ear, take a hot shower.
These home remedies are guaranteed effective, but if continues pain occurs, try to seek for professional help and let them check your ear.

Moreover, if at an early age your child is experiencing recurring ear ache, diagnose him/her. See if your child has fluid or excess ear wax running out of the ears or if he/she grows a fever, or if he/she is having trouble on hearing. If these incidents are present on your child he/she might have more than ear ache, he/she might have an ear infection. Consult a doctor to check on the situation of your child.

Remember that home remedies are the best way to beat ear aches but if it does not work, you have to seek for another alternative, which is going to the doctor.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

How Cough Starts and What are the Home Remedies for it

Little do we know that coughing is a good sign that the body is functioning properly. It is the way the body reacts and defends itself from irritation originating from the lungs, throat, or the connecting passages between them. However, coughing can also be a sign that the respiratory track, both upper and lower, has infections. These infections may come in the form of flu, colds, sinus infections, bronchitis, measles, croup, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia. And when these infections subside, cough soon followed.

The respiratory track has several hair cells or cilia. The cilia keep the track moist and clean. In the event that these cilia are damaged caused by infection, the body responds by coughing to move the mucus up and down the track.

For children, regular cough can be a sign of asthma. Diagnosis is critical at the early stage so that preventive measures can be applied.

Moreover, cough can be caused by allergies. This can be chronic sinusitis, GE reflux, inhaled foreign bodies, pertussis, tuberculosis, irritation from little air particles, smoke, or even habit. There are also times when cough is caused by swimmer's ear.

The bad news is, everyone can be a victim of cough that is why there is a need to be informed of the ways to cure it. But before you storm the local drug store in search for cough syrups, consider your kitchen first for it might have products that can cure cough.

Here are some home remedies you can use whenever you or your children have a cough:

Among all the products you can look around your kitchen in search for ginger, garlic, honey, lemon, vinegar, pepper, cayenne, and of course water. Garlic has been an all time favorite as a home remedy for several infections and ailments such as bursitis and arthritis aside from cough. Ginger contains a natural anti-inflammatory which can be found on several medicines for nausea and motion sickness. Garlic also has several different natural components that are very good for the health. Cayenne on the other hand eases pain. Vinegar and honey have many healthy contributions

Home remedy for cough #1

Combine 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp water. Take a couple of teaspoons of the mixture and an instant cure can be experienced.

Home remedy for cough #2

Create a tea by boiling water with grated or sliced ginger, a clove of garlic, and fresh lemon in a saucepan. After 20 minutes, strain the tea on a mug and add honey and drink it. This will surely sooth the throat. The heat will open nasal passages and the chest that will make you feel much better. Plus the vitamins lemon contains will help you even further to eliminate the cough.

Home remedy for cough #3

Place a small pan on heat and put butter in it. Add of black pepper corn and let it boil. Remove from the flame and let it cool down. Chew the black pepper. Follow it up with a glass of milk and your cough will surely go.

Home remedy for cough #4

The simplest and the easiest: drink a lot of fluid.

These four home remedies will ease your suffering from cough. But if it had no effect and the cough continues to persist, might as well consult a physician.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Home Remedy for Constipation

Normal Bowel Movements or Not, You May Still Be Needing A Home Remedy for Constipation

Constipation is generally characterized by difficulty in bowel movement following the symptoms of becoming sluggish, bloated and uncomfortable. This is the condition for which dry and small bowel movements are released for less than thrice a week. However, there are no specific times of bowel movements to determine if a person is constipated or having regular bowel movements.

Depending on the person, normal bowel movements may be thrice a day or a week. Additionally, there are individuals who have naturally firmer stool.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition felt by 2 million Americans (this figure is according to the number of patients visiting doctors for medication). Yet a larger number of sufferers no longer seek medical health and resolve in treating themselves by means of a home remedy for constipation.

To further understand how constipation occurs, it is best to know how does the larger intestine (colon) works. Water is absorbed when the food passes through the colon. This then forms the stool. Contraction on the colon muscles will move the stool, towards the rectum. Once the stool reaches the rectum, water has already been absorbed, thus drier and semi-liquid stool is produced. Firmer waste products may result for some; this is due to too much absorption of water or sluggish muscle contractions in the colon. Ultimately resulting to constipation.

Moreover, constipation is a resultant of the following factors:

  • Not having enough fiber in the diet
  • Lack of essential liquids
  • Absence or lack of exercise
  • Medications
  • Laxatives
  • Delaying bowel movements
  • Colon, rectum and intestinal problems
  • Result of specific disease
Having said that, home remedies for constipation can be better determined through resolving these symptoms.

A simple home remedy for constipation is to eat fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables (i.e. kiwi, orange, papaya, cabbage, beans, asparagus) and whole grains and wheat. Primarily, fiber aids in preventing the formation of dry and hard stools.

Another home remedy for constipation is the regular drinking of eight to ten glasses of water, as most medical books suggest. This will help in adding liquids in the colon, thus bulk in stool, producing softer bowel movements. Constipation patients may add lemon juice to their drinks, or soluble fiber, this practice is generally adopted as a home remedy for constipation. Liquids that contain high content of caffeine have dehydrating effects. Constipated people must avoid consumption of drinks like coffee, alcohol and soft drinks.

In addition to these, constipation may be a result of lack in exercise. A person who has experienced accident or illness recently and cannot move from their bed normally gets constipated. This may not sound like a home remedy for constipation but exercising may act like one.

People with spastic colon or Irritable Bowel Syndrome can greatly affect the bowel movements as this condition may bring along diarrhea, gassiness, abdominal cramping, and irregular bowel movements. In this, a home remedy for constipation may employ the use of laxatives or enemas, but only for a limited duration of time. These are available in tablet, gel, liquid, gum and granule forms.

People experiencing mild cases need not use laxatives as a home remedy for constipation. This are usually unnecessary and may lead to abuse of the product. Also, this can be habit forming as the body may rely on the effects of the laxatives before bringing about regular bowel movement. Moreover, over use of this item may cause the nerve cells to damage and may obstruct the capacity to normally contract.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Home Remedy for Stubborn Cold Sore

The virus Herpes simplex primarily causes cold sore or the fever blisters. This virus is known to be naturally present in human bodies but will infect it if some elements may trigger this condition. This disease is characterized by the eruption of tiny blisters around the mouth when a person has a fever or colds. Cold sore is most prevalent during winter and cold weather. Many patients claim that this is the resultant of stress however, no scientific studies have yet established this view. Yet, this remains true for some sufferers.

Also, other known causes of cold sores are excessive fatigue, menstruation in women, and too much exposure to sunlight and a number of respiratory infections. Calcium and Vitamin B12 are also pointed out as one of the main cause of cold sores eruption, which in effect leads to poor vitamin intake and diet. Legumes, cereals, whole grain products and other food items with high arganine contents are known to trigger the production of herpes virus in the body. It is essential that a cold sore sufferer must avoid the intake of such foods.

Cold sore is a transmittable disease, this is why it is important that the disease is treated right away as to prevent the infection of the individuals surrounding the patient.

Home remedy for cold sore must be first applied on the prodome (tingling) stage of the disease. The actions taken in this period will determine the outcome and the duration of the sore. It is important that it is in her that effective measure be employed.

If you are sufferer, change your toothbrush frequently. This is not a home remedy for cold sores but may prove effective in lessening the chances of more severe infections.

In addition to this, some cold sores patient recommend that use of nail polish remover. This may seem a bit farfetched but has proven effectivity on some. This home remedy for cold sore works by applying small amount of nail polisher remover on the affected area. This will smell and burn a bit but after leaving the polisher on your lips for ten minutes, the swelling will subside and so does the soreness. This method must be combined with Nyquil as this product soothes the skin after the immediate effects of the nail polish remover.

If nail polish remover don't appeal to you, you may apply toothpaste, ice cubes or abreeva as alternative solutions. These have the same effect of eliminating the virus on the sores. Once you were not able to prevent the blisters from forming, you can count on the possibility that your sold sores will complete its full cycle. From macule form to papule form, inflamed stage and bump stage respectively.

A housewife related that her cold sores usually occur when she feels that something stressful will arise. She specifically gave the example- not being able to find her family for hours. When she feels the initial symptoms of the cold sore, she immediately applies ice around her mouth. This she claims is effective in preventing the cold sore bigger. After quite some time, she would apply carmax on the affected area. She recommends that it is not wise to apply moisturizer on the lips as this may bring about several little cold sores the following day. This is a simple home remedy for cold sores she use herself.

Friday, June 8, 2007

Simple and Effective Home Remedies for Cold

In the event you experience sneezing, mild fever, watery eyes, coughing, sore throat, runny nose or achiness, you probably have colds.

Colds are viral infections that took effect when the resistance of the body is low that targets the upper respiratory track. It is often the result of stress, fatigue or nutritional deficiencies.

To avoid this, there are several home remedies you can do:

A hot liquid can lessen the symptoms of colds. Hot chicken soup is most recommended.

Since cold patients experience head and sinuses congestion, hot bath is most advisable. Soak the body on a bath tub with lukewarm water. Add it with at least ½ kilo of salt. Drink hot tea. After the bath, go straight to the bed and cover the whole body with blanket. This will let the body sweat as a respond to the heat.

Taking long rest on a warm bed also soothes cold. The idea is to release the heat and to mild the fever.

If there is nasal blockage, create a mixture of salt and water and place it to a nasal spray bottle. Spray it on each nosetril for at least 3 times. Do this procedure 5 times a day. Mint leaves, eucalyptus, thyme, and clove can aid the clearance of blacked nasal passage. On boiled water, put one of the said leaves. Inhale it with a towel or a cloth covering your face.

Gargling with warm water-salt solution once every two hours will ease sore throat.

Drinking ginger tea is one of the best ways to attach the cold directly. To do this: boil fresh ginger root on water. Use honey instead of sugar to sweeten the tea. Chewing fresh ginger is another effective way in targeting cold.

Cooking 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 cup of molasses and 2 tablespoon of white vinegar could also give you a great home remedy for cold. Take 1 tablespoon each hour for best result.

Basil (fresh or dry basil leaves are good) tea is another way to cure cold. Add cinnamon to provide aroma and to ease and soothe the fever. The tea will bring perspiration.

A cup of tamarind pulp that is mixed with one liter of boiling water to make tamarind tea can cure cold. Boil it covered and leave for two hours. Remove the tamarind fruit by straining the tea. Drink ½ cup every four hours. Add honey to sweeten the tea.

Combination of cinnamon, dried thymes, cloves on boiling water can produce an effective drink to ease the cold. After boiling, let it rest for 3 minutes. Strain and drink.

Another home remedy is eucalyptus and honey mixture. Place 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil on a hot water. Mix desired amount of honey and you have a tea that can cure your cold.

Lemon matching with honey can be used to ease cold. On a hot cup of water, dilute lemon and add honey. Even cinnamon, cayenne, ginger or cloves is also good in curing cold.

If you don't like the taste of leaves boiled with water, try the mixture of cinnamon, milk and honey. Or as a substitute to the milk, use chocolate. Add ginger, garlic or ghee for medicinal purposes.

Most of these drinks taste bad, but if you want the natural and effective way to cure your cold, this is the best option.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Canker Sore: Causes, Symptoms and Home remedy

What is Canker Sore and the Home Remedies for It

Canker sore and fever blister are two different things but often mistaken as the same. Fever blister or cold sore usually appears around the mouth, lips, or gums while canker sore appears inside the lips, under the tongue, and inside the cheeks. Canker sore is painful white shallow sore inside the mouth that usually last for 2 weeks.

There are no exact reasons why canker sore appear but it very much associated with stress, genetic factors, food allergies, injury, menstruation, and nutritional deficiencies. Canker sore can appear to anybody but women at the age of 15-30 have greater tendencies to acquire it.

What are the symptoms of canker sore?

If you feel a burning or tingling sensation inside your mouth, canker sore might appear afterwards. It will start with a small whitish sore somewhat like a wound with red edges around it. Either it will appear under your tongue, inside your cheeks or on your tongue, canker sore starts with the same sensation and appearance. Other symptoms like swelling of lymph nodes, fever and listlessness could also be experienced though not related to canker sore.

What to do if canker sore appears?

Canker sore can go away without treatment. But if you want to relieve the pain, try the following remedies you can do at home:

Applying hydrogen peroxide is one of the best remedies you can do to canker sore. Combine hydrogen peroxide with water. The ratio is 1:1. Use it with cotton and dab it to the canker sore. Afterwards, apply a little milk of magnesia to the affected area for 3-4 times a day. This would help the healing but not soothing.

Before going to bed, apply a small amount of powdered alum on the affected area. If you prefer to use small cotton balls to secure the alum, do so. Avoid mixing alum to your saliva; it tastes bad. Repeat this every evening until the canker sore is completely gone.

Another way to treat it is to gargle with warm water and apple cider vinegar solution. Gargle a mixture or thin buttermilk and harir paste is also effective remedy for canker sore. Eating live yogurt and garlic perler everyday can shorten the duration of canker sore.

Gargling with coconut milk is another way to treat canker sore. Use grated coconut and squeeze the milk from it.

Crushed sesame seeds made into paste and applying it directly to the canker sore is effective way to treat it.

If you have canker sore avoid eating spicy foods. This aggravates pain.

How to avoid canker sore?

Good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid canker sore. Brush your teeth regularly, at least 2 times a day. Use soft bristle toothbrush to avoid hurting your gums. Use toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS. Gargle with mixture of warm water and salt regularly. Do not expose your mouth to sharp objects like blade and needle. A small contact with it would trigger canker sore. If you are on braces, avoid any activity that could hurt your mouth.

If canker sore does not heal 3 weeks after it first appears or if there is no sign of healing rather is becomes bigger or if canker sores appear more than 3 times a year, it is advisable to seek for medical treatment.