Monday, July 1, 2013

Home Remedies for Uterine Adenomyosis: Natural Treatment and Yoga

 Adenomyosis is vastly different from endometriosis (a disorder wherein the endometrial lining of the uterus gets implanted outside the uterus). On the other hand, those having adenomyosis often have endometriosis. Adenomyosis is characterized by severe menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding; and usually disappears after menopause. Although most doctors recommend hysterectomy, there are a host of natural cures and home remedies that help alleviate the symptoms successfully.

What is Uterine Adenomyosis?



Uterine Adenomyosis
Image
Adenomyosis develops when the endometrial tissue, normally lining the uterus, is present inside and grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. By and large, adenomyosis develops late in the childbearing years after having children.
The cause is not yet known. Probable etiological factors include:
  • Experts suppose that adenomyosis occurs due to an infiltration of the endometrial cells from the uterine surface into the muscle of the uterine wall. Incisions made during a surgery such as a cesarean section is known to encourage invasion of the endometrial cells into the muscle wall.
  • Some hypothesize that adenomyosis may originate in the uterine muscle from endometrial tissue that may have got deposited when the uterus developed within the fetus.
  • Inflammation of the lining of the uterus during the post-partum phase can trigger a breach in the normal border of cells that line the uterus.
Adenomyosis depends up on the presence of the hormone estrogen in the body. At menopause, when the production of the hormone reduces, adenomyosis tends to go away.
 
Adenomyosis Symptoms
 
Adenomyosis is typified by:
  • Severe, agonizing and excruciating menstrual cramps. Cramps tend to worsen with age
  • Pain during intercourse
  • You may notice that the lower abdomen feels bulky or feels tender
  • Occasionally, adenomyosis may be asymptomatic
Risk factors associated with adenomyosis are:
  • Childbirth
  • Having had a uterine surgery, such as a Caesarean section 
  • Middle age
Natural Treatment and Yoga for Adenomyosis



Yoga Helps Manage
Uterine Adenomyosis

There are some natural treatment options for the management of adenomyosis of the uterus,
  • Soak in a warm bath before and during the period; heat will help allay the menstrual cramps significantly.
  • Use a heating pad on the abdomen.
  • Aromatherapy is excellent for the management of the distressing menstrual cramps. Marjoram essential oil and Clary Sage essential oil are beneficial for the pain and discomfort associated with adenomyosis. Use repeated hot compresses of these essential oils over the abdomen.
Furthermore, experts also advise exercising on a regular basis; exercise can help suppress and decrease the symptoms of adenomyosis to a very great extent. Yoga Asanas such as Bhujangasana, Adho Mukhasana Supta Badhha Konasana and Utthita Anguli Sukhasana have been recommended time and again for severe menstrual cramps. Practice these everyday for 20 minutes; do not practice during your periods.

Home Remedies to Treat Uterine Adenomyosis
 
There are certain home remedies that can be useful in management of uterine adenomyosis,
  1.  Ginger:have a glass of ginger tea one week before your period and during the period. Ginger is packed with compounds known as gingerols; gingerols are powerful anti oxidants that help decrease inflammation and consequently, help manage the pain. Boil about 1 inch of ginger in a glass of water and consume.
  2. Turmeric:turmeric too is an excellent anti inflammatory food. Turmeric has curcumin that works as a potent anti inflammatory agent. Boil 1 spoon of powdered turmeric in a glass of milk and consume every morning during your menses.
  3. Calcium and magnesium: ensure that you take these supplements at least thrice a week; higher doses must be administered only during the menses. Calcium and magnesium ease the pain of cramps appreciably. However, do confer with your health care professional before embarking on to supplementation.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Natural Remedies for Scabies Itch Treatment in Humans

Scabies is a skin condition that is caused by tiny mites and affects individuals belonging to all races and social classes. There are two basic forms of itch mites that affect humans, namely crusted and non-crusted. While, both the forms are equally virulent, crusted scabies are more contagious and often affects individuals with poor immunity. Though the most commonly prescribed lotion Permethrin (5%) is effective in the management of the condition, there are certain natural remedies and home based treatments that are equally potent and associated with fewer risks.

                       
What is Scabies Itch?
 
Images of Scabies
Scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabieiis extremely contagious and spreads rapidly via close physical contact. Since scabies is exceedingly transmittable, doctors advocate treatment for the entire family or contact groups to eradicate the mite completely.
There are two basic types of scabies- non crusted which is more prevalent in the regular population and crusted scabies, which affects high-risk groups, such as, those who have a chronic health condition that weakens the immune system, people in hospitals and old people. While experts suggest that both the forms are equally virulent, crusted scabies usually has a more severe manifestation and spreads rapidly.
 
Scabies Itch Causes
 
Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, an 8 legged mite. The female burrows underneath the skin and produces a tunnel where she deposits the eggs. The eggs hatch within 3 - 4 days, and the larvae come to the surface of the skin, where they mature and spread to other areas of the body and to other people. Close physical contact and sharing bedding and clothes with an infected person causes a spread.
 
Since the female burrows through the tunnels at night, the symptoms are typically aggravated at night.
 
Symptoms of Scabies in Humans
 
Common sites include: armpits, between fingers, inside of the wrists, inner elbow, around the waist, soles of the feet, buttocks, knees, around the breasts, scalp, and genitals. Here are some of the common symptoms associated with scabies or itch mites
  • Itching is the chief symptom; it is usually intense at night. Itching occurs due to the body’s allergic response to the mites, the eggs and their waste products.
  • Irregular and thin burrows made up of small blisters are present. The burrows appear in the folds of the skin.
  • Severe itching may result in scratching of the skin resulting in petechia or blood spots. These sites are prone to secondary infections due to exposure.

Natural Treatment for Scabies Itch
  
The treatment comprises of eliminating the infestation with medicines. A number of lotions and creams are available which have to be applied all over the body, and left on for eight hours. Your health care professional will recommend - Permethrin 5 percent, Lindane and Crotamiton; these contain chemicals which destroy the scabies mites and their eggs. Confer with your doctor to understand what is safe for you. These drugs kill the mites rapidly; however, you may find that the itching does not stop for several weeks,
Essential Oils Help Allay
Itching Significantly
  • Recent studies have shown that local application of tea tree oil is equally effective in elimination of these mites. Tea tree oil is considered to be a potent antimicrobial agent and should be applied at night, just prior to going to bed. Warm water bath with a few drops of tea tree oil can also be beneficial. Blend 5 drops of Lavender essential oil with 10 drops of tea tree oil and apply to the affected area. Lavender helps ease the itching significantly, whilst Tea tree is effective in the eradication of most infectious conditions.
  • Also maintain optimum skin hygiene, as this is considered to be the leading cause for the condition.
  • It is essential to treat clothes and bedding of the infected individual to kill live mites as soon as medicines are administered. Wash everything in hot water and dry them well. Items that can’t be washed or dry-cleaned should be placed in a closed plastic bag for a week. In case of crusted Norwegian scabies, wash the bedding every day, also, wash the floors, walls and furniture.
 
Home Remedies to Stop Scabies in Humans
 
While treatment options are available, there are certain home remedies that can help boost the natural immunity and help deal with the condition promptly,
  1. Apply a cool, wet cloth to the irritated areas of your skin; it will help reduce the discomfort and itching successfully.
  2. Vitamin C supplements: consult your doctor and start a Vitamin C supplements it will help boost the working of the immune system and expedite healing.
  3. Local application of turmeric powder and paste of garlic can help alleviate the inflammation and irritation. Apply the mixture to the affected site and the symptoms will get alleviated promptly. 

Friday, August 10, 2012

Scleroderma and Acid Reflux: Home Remedies and Natural Treatment for Systemic Sclerosis


Scleroderma Affects
the Working of the GI Tract
Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition with an annual incidence of 19 million cases. The condition, also referred to as systemic sclerosis, is three times more prevalent in females, though significantly higher in middle aged females. The prevalence is higher in specific races like African Americans and Native Americans.  The condition has several subsets and prognosis can be predicted only after the specific subset manifestations are clear. Home remedies and Natural treatments can provide palliation.
 What is Scleroderma?
The disease is characterized by tightening and hardening of the skin and connective tissues of the body, which is attributed to injuries to the small arteries. There are two basic forms,
·        Localized or limited scleroderma affects only the skin and prognosis is typically good.
·        Diffused scleroderma tends to impairs internal viscera, such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, and digestive tract.
 
This article will focused at complications of the digestive tract while kidney and heart symptoms are covered in separate sections.
 Systemic Sclerosis Causes
 
While there is no obvious cause linked with the condition, there are certain speculations which attempt to explain the onset of this condition,
·        Genetic predisposition is considered to be one of the leading explanations, explaining the specific high prevalence in certain races. Cytomegalovirus is also linked with the condition.
·        Some suggest an autoimmune mechanism which is triggered by circulating maternal blood in fetal cells, resulting in a foreign body reaction.
·        Certain chemotherapy agents and exposure to occupational solvents have also been linked with the onset of the disease.
Acid Reflux and Scleroderma
The clinical features of systemic sclerosis depend on the degree of internal and external involvement; it can badly affect the skin, blood vessels, GI tract, kidneys, and lungs. Here are some of the gastric symptoms of systemic sclerosis
·        Approximately 90 % of the patients diagnosed with scleroderma have some degree of gastro-intestinal involvement; with about half being symptomatic Acid reflux is a common manifesting symptom, which can damage the portion of the esophagus close to the stomach.
·        Additionally, some may develop a problem with absorption of nutrients if the muscles of the intestine do not move the food properly.
·        Severe GI problems are: malabsorption, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, diarrhea, constipation, decreased peristalsis, and bowel incontinence.
Home Remedies for Scleroderma Treatment
This article is specifically providing information on home remedies that can be beneficial in the treatment of GI symptoms associated with scleroderma,

Aloe Vera Juice
allays Acidity in
Scleroderma

1.       Mint soothes the lining of the GI tract. It is the best remedy for heartburn and acid reflux; and ameliorates acidity almost instantly. It is a carminative, expels gas and prevents crampy stomach pains. Make a decoction of 5 to 10 mint leaves and consume daily.
2.       Ginger is packed with a compound called gingerols. Gingerols are effective inflammation-fighting agents. They help allay inflammation, alleviate pain and discomfort and perk up digestion. Ginger tea, twice daily is an excellent medication for systemic sclerosis.
3.       Have ½ cup of aloe vera juice three times every day; aloe vera reduces acidity and stomach upsets successfully. It also helps manage constipation effectively and peps up the working of the alimentary canal.
4.       Having a bowl of yogurt everyday will help restore the GI functioning to normal. Yogurt is packed with beneficial bacteria; thus one bowl of yogurt will help reinstate the normal balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract and will effectively deal with both constipation as well as diarrhea.
Natural Treatment for Acid Reflux and Scleroderma
In addition to the home remedies, it is vital that you handle the stress that a chronic ailment such as scleroderma triggers.
·        Meditation and Yoga are very vital in dealing with stress and help enhance the ability to cope with the distressing symptoms of the condition.
·        Regular exercise like jogging, early morning walks, etc can also act as health boosters. Avoid heavy excercises like lifting weights as they may further aggravate the symptoms.
·        Nux vomica is a homeopathic drug which acts wonderfully on the gastro-intestinal system. It helps improve bowel movement, enhances digestion and absorption and effectively treats nausea, vomiting, heart burn and acidity. It is also useful for incontinence of the bowel. Frequent dosage is recommended, about 5 to 8 times daily. 

Monday, July 30, 2012

Natural Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Excercises and Home Remedies


The carpal tunnel syndrome is considered a disorder of the modern times, however it has been recognized since 1880s. Carpel tunnel syndrome signs and symptoms include pain in the wrist and tingling numbness. Carpel tunnel relief at home comprises of vitamin supplements and simple carpal tunnel exercises. This article provides information about carpel tunnel syndrome and its home treatment.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
 
The bones and ligaments in the wrist (carpus) form a passageway which is called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve that governs the movements and sensations of the hand, and tendons connecting the arm muscles pass through this tunnel. 
The tunnel may narrow due to swelling of the tendons or ligaments, fluid retention or dislocation of a bone. This narrowing may constrict the median nerve, and cause pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel ?

Here are some of the common causes that are associated with the development of symptoms associated with carpel tunnel,
  • This condition develops due to stress injury caused by long-drawn-out repetitive movements of the fingers and hands, such as, typing, playing musical instruments, knitting, etc. These tend to inflame the tendons and ligaments, making them swell and thereby compressing the median nerve.
  • Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause , taking contraceptive pills or Hormone replacement therapy can trigger or aggravate the condition.
  • Trauma or injury to the wrist is another important causative factor.
  • Diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and Raynaud’s disease may produce carpal tunnel syndrome as well.

The condition is characterized by:
  1. Shooting pain on the wrist and forearm; pain may radiate to the and shoulder and neck
  2. Tingling numbness in the thumb and first 3 fingers
  3. Weakness of the hand; difficulty in lifting objects
How to Treat Carpal Tunnel Naturally?  

The symptoms come on gradually or suddenly. Furthermore, the symptoms may last for a few days and disappear without any treatment or may persist for months needing medication. Consulting a doctor is essential in case you have an underlying disorder such as diabetes or hypothyroidism; there is excessive pain and stiffness; or you cannot day to day activities.

Here are some simple tips on how to treat the condition naturally,
  • You must take regular breaks if you are performing repetitive activity using the hands. Shake your hands frequently and flex your fingers.
  • When the pain comes on, apply ice for 15 minutes. Ice will alleviate the pain and diminish the swelling and inflammation.
  • When you lie down, elevate the wrist with a pillow.
  • Restrict your intake of salt. Salt causes water retention, which can set off swelling and worsen the condition to a great extent.

Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Treatment

There are certain home remedies and natural treatments that can help in the management of this condition at home,
Turmeric Reduces
 Inflammation
  1. Vitamin B complex: vitamin B helps manage the tingling numbness effectively; it is important in marinating a healthy nerve tissue, decreasing inflammation and enhancing circulation. A supplement thrice daily till the symptoms subside is advised.
  2. Turmeric: Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties and relives the pain significantly. Add 1 spoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk and have daily, until you see improvement.
  3. Ginger: is another powerful anti-inflammatory agent. The herb is packed with gingerols; gingerols reduce swelling and inflammation and thus help manage the pain. Add 1 spoon of dried ginger powder or an inch of grated fresh ginger to a glass of water and boil for 10 minutes. Have this decoction twice every day.


Stretching Exercise for
Carpal Tunnel
Hand Exercises and Simple Stretches

Certain exercises will help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel . They stretch and strengthen the muscles of the forearm, lessen the tension on the tendons that pass through the tunnel, ease the pressure on the median nerve, stretch the ligaments, and help blood flow out of the  tunnel, thus decreasing fluid pressure.


Confer with your physical therapist about the various exercises that will provide relief from the symptoms of carpal tunnel.



Friday, July 27, 2012

Treat Rosacea Naturally with Home Remedies and Supplements


A ruddy complexion of many fair skinned people may not be a healthy glow; it could be a sign of rosacea. Although there isn’t any cure, rosacea symptoms can be effectively controlled by following a rosacea diet and certain specific home remedies. Treatment for rosacea predominantly comprises of vitamin and mineral supplementation and good skin care.

What is Rosacea? 
Red Blotches of Rosacea
A skin condition that is relatively common and affects fair skinned people. It is typically characterized by redness of the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. The disorder is commoner in women than in men; however, the symptoms tend to be more severe in men. 

Rosacea Symptoms and Causes

Some of the commonly observed symptoms associated with this condition include the following, 
  • Recurrent patches of redness on the cheeks, chin, forehead and nose
  • Tiny blood vessels may be seen under the skin
  • You may feel as if the skin is pulled tight across the face.
  • Bumpiness and swelling
  • Eyes become red, blood shot and itchy
  • In severe cases, the nose may develop extra tissue
The condition occurs when the blood vessels in the skin lose their elasticity and dilate easily; sometimes permanently. This may occur due to genetic reasons or environmental factors. An abnormality in the blood is a possible cause as well. Hot and spicy foods and beverages, alcohol, stress, caffeine, nicotine, vigorous exercises and hormonal changes and certain medications are significant triggers.

Home Remedies and Supplements or Rosacea

Vitamin and mineral supplements are known to be of immense help in the effective management of the condition. Given that, it is a chronic condition, treatment needs to be continued indefinitely. Also, it can take up to a month before initial improvement is seen.
 
  • Vitamin A: vitamin A is very essential for a healthy skin. An insufficiency of the vitamin makes the skin cells hard and the protective effect of the mucus declines. 25000 I.U. per day is recommended for 2 months; thereafter reduce the dosage after conferring with your physician.
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin damage. It also strengthens the membranes that line the blood vessels and the connective tissue between skin cells. Vitamin C also reduces the release of histamine, which widens blood vessels in response to an allergen or an allergic reaction.1000mg thrice daily is advocated.
  • Vitamin B: vitamin B complex deficiency is very common in people having rosacea; thus supplementation is necessary.
  • Zinc: Zinc helps heal the top layer of the skin and regulates levels of vitamin A in the blood. 30 mg per day is advocated.
  • Flax seeds:  Flax seeds are packed with essential fatty acids that help decrease inflammation, and regulate prostaglandins, which stimulate contraction of blood vessels. Have 3 spoons of flax seeds daily.
Chamomile Tea Wash
Rosacea Natural Cures and Treatment

There are certain useful tips that can help prevent and alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the condition,
 
  • You must wear sunscreen when you leave the house. It helps protect the skin from sun damage and wards off inflammation.
  • Use grease-less and fragrance free make up and skin products. Do not use astringents on the face. Never rub your face after washing.
  • Chamomile and calendula tea is an effective home remedy .Make a strong tea using herbs chamomile and calendula and a cup of hot water. Let this tea sit for 20 minutes; then strain and cool. Use this as a face wash everyday.
  • Local application of tree tea oil is also vital in the management of the condition. While tree tea oil is more potent in management of acne vulgaris ( a relatively lesser severe version), it can provide short term relief.
     

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Why we need Sun Protection: Home Remedies and Natural Treatments for Sun Damage Skin

As per a paper published in 2005 in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology,  approximately one-third of american adults suffer from sun burn each year and yet only one in every three practices sun protection guidelines. Further, sunburn is also linked with skin damage increasing the risk of premature aging and skin cancers.While using sunscreen and avoiding the sun are best recommended tips, there are certain home remedies and natural treatments that can help reduce the implications of post exposure damage.
Red, Inflamed, Sunburn Skin
Why do we need sun protection?

Sunburn is skin damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiations from the sun. In absence of melanin (a hormone providing protection against ultraviolet radiations), the high energy photons can trigger disruption of DNA bonds and result in damage to the DNA. However, melanin acts as a ‘photoprotectant’  and absorbs UV light preventing this direct DNA damage. However, free radicals are generated by these high energy photons which indirectly damage the DNA molecules.

The damage of the DNA molecules not only speeds up the process of aging, but also increases your risk of developing skin cancer.Experts say sunlight that is reflected off water, snow or sand; even on an overcast day can be as harmful as direct sunlight. The extent of sun damage depends up on one’s skin pigmentation, season, geographic location and the time of the day.
Sunburn is seen as reddening and inflammation of the skin due to overexposure to the sun. Sun related damage may be:
  1. Mild, with only redness and burning; 
  2. Moderate, with fluid-filled blisters; 
  3. Severe, with a deep red skin and blisters. In addition other systemic symptoms like fever, nausea and giddiness may also be present.  

 
Home Remedies for Sunburn Relief

Here are some simple home remedies that can be considered useful in the management of sun burn and protect the skin from sun damage, 
Aloe Vera Soothes
Sun related damage
speedily
  1. Aloe Vera gel: Aloe Vera is the best home remedy for sunburns; it soothes an inflamed and irritated skin, heals blisters and accelerates healing.
  2.  Flax seed oil: Flax seeds are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids that are essential for a healthy, damage-free skin. Applying flax seed oil reduces inflammation and swelling and reverses the sun damage appreciably.
  3.  Lavender oil: blend lavender essential oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil or avocado oil, and apply generously over the affected area. Lavender essential oil is calming, soothing and relaxing; it heals sunburns with incredible and speedy effectiveness.
Supplements cannot prevent sun related damage, but when taken orally, they can help reduce the discomfort and damage and hasten repair of the skin. 
  • Vitamin A: is a ‘skin vitamin’. It speeds up healing of the damaged skin and thwarts the appearance of wrinkles associated with sun exposure. Have 25000 I.U. daily for a fortnight.
  • Vitamin C: is another powerful ‘skin vitamin’ and a potent oxidant. Sun exposure releases free radicals that damage your skin, vitamin C fights free radical damage effectively. Have 1000 mg thrice daily for a week.
  •  Vitamin E: is a potent antioxidant as well, working as a free radical scavenger and destroyer. Have 400 I.U daily for a fortnight.
How to Treat Sunburn Naturally? 

Here are some simple tips that can help treat and protect the skin from sun damage,  
  • Use sun block daily. Your sunscreen must have at least SPF 15. Cover up with shades, scarves and hats, for added protection.
  • Also, it would be prudent to not step out between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest
  • For severe pain and burning, soak cotton napkins in cold milk and place over the affected area. It is soothing and quickly relieves the pain and discomfort.
  • Ground oatmeal with a little honey should be applied immediately over the sunburn area. Leave on for half an hour; then rinse with cold water. It will relieve the burning and itching successfully.
How To Reverse Sun related damage?
An effective tried and tested remedy is yogurt and lime. Mix 3 spoons of yogurt with a few drops of lime. The moment you get home, apply this blend all over your body (especially, the sun exposed parts) and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off. This therapy helps get rid of day-to-day sun damage effectively and efficiently fights of the ravages of aging.