DANDRUFF REMEDIES

The term dandruff generally refers to the condition of the skin wherein shiny, silvery scales separate from the scalp and collect amidst the hair. Seborrheic dermatitis is quite a common skin condition that affects the scalp causing an itchy scalp and scaly or flaky skin and stubborn dandruff. The condition can become troublesome when the skin gets infected. There are two main types of dandruff, namely dry dandruff and oily dandruff. Those with an oily skin tend to suffer from oily dandruff while those with dry skin suffer from dry dandruff.

Dandruff Symptoms

The Scales from the Scalp Fall

When the hair is combed or brushed, or when the scalp is scratched, the scales from the scalp fall like snowflakes and settle on the eye brows, shoulders, and clothes. These scales sometimes appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp. This is most commonly seen when the individual is suffering from dry dandruff. However, people with oily dandruff will observe different dandruff symptoms as compared to those with dry dandruff. People with oily dandruff will not have loose scales of skin as the scales mix with the sebum from their scalp and this forms a thick greasy covering over their scalp. While it may not be as easy to detect this type of dandruff, it will still be apparent while combing your hair as the greasy mixture of dandruff and sebum will coat the teeth of a comb. Dandruff control measures are equally important, no matter the type of dandruff one is suffering from. You can use more than one type of dandruff home remedy method to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. You can separate the various dandruff cures according to how they are used. You can use one dandruff home remedy as a hair tonic for dandruff and use another as part of a deep scalp cleansing process.

kidney stones

the kidneys are one of our vital organs, performing the important job of filtering impurities from the blood and eliminating wastes from the body in the form of urine. The kidneys also play the important role of regulating electrolyte levels in the body, a task that is vital for proper bodily functioning. Urine that is produced is eliminated from the body through the ureters, which is a narrow tube that drains from the kidneys into the bladder. As urine accumulates in the bladder and the bladder gets filled you experience the urge to urinate and the urine is then emptied from the bladder through the urethra. The urethra is a much wider tube as compared to the ureter. Kidney stones can pose a serious problem impairing the kidney functions and obstructing the elimination of urine.



The problem of kidney stones arises because of the crystallization of certain chemicals or minerals in the urine giving rise to different types of kidney stones like uric acid kidney stones or calcium stones. At the time of formation these kidney stones are actually miniscule, smaller than a grain of sand, and may cause no visible symptoms at all. But they tend to grow larger over time reaching up to a tenth of an inch or even larger. The size of the kidney stones however is not always as much of a concern as would be the location of the kidney stones. If stones develop or are present in the urinary tract the condition is referred to as urolithiasis, while the presence of stones in the kidneys is referred to as nephrolithiasis, and stones lodged in the ureter are referred to as ureterolithiasis. If the stone is located in such a position as to cause a blockage or obstruction of urine flow, then it could be problematic. 

High cholestrol

Cholesterol, a yellowish fatty substance, is one of the essential ingredients of the body. Although it is essential to life, it has a bad reputation, being a major villain in heart disease. Every person with high blood cholesterol is regarded as a potential candidate for heart attack or a stroke. Most of the cholesterol found in the body is produced in the liver. However, about twenty to thirty per cent generally comes from the food we eat. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per 100 millimetres of blood. The normal level of cholesterol varies between 150 - 200 mg per 100 ml. In blood, cholesterol occurs in combination with certain lipids (fats), hence, known as lipoptroteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins: a low density one (LDL) and a high density one (HDL). The low density lipoprotein is the one which is considered harmful and is associated with cholesterol deposits in blood vessels. The higher the ratio of LDL to the total cholesterol, the greater will be the risk of arterial damage and heart disease. HDL, on the other hand, plays a salutory role by helping remove cholesterol from circulation and thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

High Blood Cholesterol Causes

Hypercholesterolaemia or increase in cholesterol is mainly a hereditary disorder.Hereditary

Excessive consumption of rich foods

It is also caused by taking rich foods and fried foods: excessive consumption of milk and its products like clarified butter, butter, and cream; white flour, sugar, cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, and ice cream; and non-vegetarian foods like meat, fish, and eggs.

Smoking, Drinking and Stress

Other causes of increase in cholesterol are irregularity in habits, smoking and drinking alcohol. Stress has also been found to be a major cause of increased level of cholesterol.

home remedies for back pain

Back pain is of many types and can be a symptom of a number of different problems, ranging from a minor injury like a strained muscle to a major injury like a slipped disc, and even a few serious conditions such as cancer. Known medically as dorsalgia, although the term is hardly ever used, back pain is extremely common, and affects everyone at some time or the other.

Back pain causes are varied

There are several different causes of back pain, some of which are the result of temporary stress or trauma, and some indicating a structural problem or a degenerative condition.

Back pain causes can mainly be described as follows:
- Strains: The most common causes of back pain are things such as maintaining an awkward position for too long, making sudden awkward movements, overusing the back muscles, bad posture, lifting heavy weights improperly. All of these can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back, causing pain that lasts till the affected parts have recovered.
- Injury or cumulative damage: One common cause of back pain is conditions such as a “slipped disc”, in which part of an intervertebral disc bulges out from the spine, compressing nerves and causing terrible pain. This is usually the result of suddenly lifting things with the back bent. In addition, like any other bone, the bones in the spine can also get fractured as a result of trauma.
- Degenerative conditions: Conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis affect the bones and/or joints, and the spine is no exception.
- Psychological problems: It may be surprising to know that depression and stress can sometimes cause back pain even in cases where no other problem can be detected.
- Other causes: In rare cases, cancer can affect the spine or the nerves in the spine. Infection can also occur, causing inflammation and other problems. 

Back Pain Remedies

Home Remedies for Back Pain Relief

The treatment for back pain depends on the cause. In general however, you can use the following home remedies for back pain:
- Apply a hot or cold compress using a hot water bottle or an ice pack.
- A hot bath also usually helps. If possible, you should sit in a warm tub for a few minutes.
- Exercise in order to strengthen the back muscles. Simple stretching exercises are also useful, both when you have a back ache and on a regular basis.
- Try to relax and get enough rest to avoid both mental stress and physical strain on your back.
- If possible, get a massage. This does not have to be by a professional - a family member can do it equally well as long as they do not use excessive force. Preferably this should be done using a massage oil such as eucalyptus oil. Another excellent oil is mustard oil in which a little garlic has been fried.
- Vitamin C and calcium supplements may help, but consult your doctor before doing this.
- Cut slices of raw potato and place them on the affected area.

Back Pain Diet

There are not many specific dietary recommendations for back pain, except perhaps if you are overweight. Obesity can of course strain an already bad back. It is therefore important to cut down on unhealthy fats and also limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Eat more fruits and vegetables, in particular cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuce. Your diet should also give you all the necessary minerals and vitamins, but in particular the following are important: calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Dairy products along with fruits and vegetables should provide you with the required amount of these substances. In addition, eating more proteins and complex carbohydrates is a good diet for back pain. The proteins are necessary in order to build up your back muscles and the carbohydrates provide the efficient source of energy that your muscles need when you exercise.Weight loss in obese and overweight people is beneficial

Back Pain - Other Suggestions

Back problems - alternative therapy and medical solutions

There are many different kinds of treatment for chronic back pain, depending on the cause of the pain. The options available include various kinds of medication, ranging from painkillers to anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy with a trained therapist, and in very serious cases, even surgery. If home remedies do not work, you should ask your doctor about these options. You can also try alternative treatments such as acupressure and acupuncture.

Yoga treatment as an alternative therapy for back pain

Yoga can be highly beneficial for the treatment of back pain. Various stretching exercises rejuvenate the muscles of the body and provide great support to the spine and the back. It relieves the muscles of the chronic pain and provides greater flexibility to the body. Various bending exercises like wheel pose, semi wheel pose, fish pose provide appropriate stretch to the muscles of the back and work as the best alternative yoga therapy for back pain. Yoga strengthens the spine and increases mobility. Yoga can help people with slip disk and relieves the body of any acute pain.

HOME REMEDIES FOR BURNS

Symptoms of First Degree, Second Degree and Third Degree Burns

Burn symptoms depend upon its severity. A mild burn of first degree will only cause red skin and a mild pain. It takes about three to six days to heal. 

Second-degree burns may cause swelling, blisters and peel the skin. 

Third-degree burns are very severe; they may cause white or black charred skin. As they damage the nerves there may be no pain initially. They damage the skin layers beneath the top layer. 

The word is often used to caution small children from hot things. The very first thing that the word “burn” brings to our mind is touching of hot things or burns due to fire. But burn need not be only caused due to touching hot things or fire. It may be caused due to electric appliances or live wire, over exposure to sun etc. What ever the cause may be, it only gives you the pain. Small children experience more severe pain due to their sensitive skin.Burns are caused not just by touching hot objects or fire, it can be caused by many other things

Precautionary measures and exercising some degree of caution is essential as it can help avert not just minor burns and injuries but also life threatening injuries resulting from third degree burns. Burns are caused when the skin is subjected to intense high temperatures, typically above 140 degrees Fahrenheit or 60 degrees Celsius. Burns can be caused by a variety of substances like fire, steam or hot liquids. Another common cause for minor burns at home is from picking up hot metal, glass or other objects, like utensils or dishes. Electrical burns can also be very severe, depending quite naturally on the current. Chemical burns on the skin are another common problem and burns from radiation such as from x-rays or radiation therapy are also not uncommon. Burns from over exposure to sunlight, or sunburn, are probably the most common.

Reduce the Temperature of the Burnt Area

After a burn, the very first thing that you should do is to reduce the temperature of the burnt area. Put lots of chilled water or dip that body part into chilled water for 15 to 30 minutes.

Apply honey to the wound once you have washed the wound properly. It will prevent infection and will heal the wound.

Papaya contains enzymes that help to remove dead cells from the wound.

Aloe Vera is good for treating burns. Cut some fresh aloe Vera leaves and put it on the burnt area.Once the wound starts healing, break a capsule of vitamin E and pour the liquid on it. This will prevent scarring.

Applying lavender oil is also found to be effective for burns.

Burn Remedy

The emergency care or first aid that is provided to a burn victim is absolutely vital to the outcome. Prompt treatment with first aid can help restrict the extent of the burn in first or second degree burns and may also help prevent permanent damage and scarring. Home remedies for burn scar removal and treatment may be helpful, but it is not advisable to attempt administering burn remedies like toothpaste, honey or mustard as some of these home remedies simply amount to quackery and may complicate the problem if dealing with severe burns. For any surface skin burn treatment or mild burn treatment at home it would be best to use over the counter applications to minimize any risk of scarring or infection.

Diet plays a very important role in the healing process. To speed up the recovery, burns patients must consume a high protein and calorie diet. Skin burn causes a loss of substantial percentage of micronutrients, such as copper, selenium, and zinc. This slows the healing process and also increases the risk of infection. High Protein, High Calorie Diet Rich in Vitamins and minerals is Useful for Recovery

Some of the vitamins important for the recovery are Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Glutamine, Arginine, copper, zinc, Selenium etc.

Other factors you need to know for burns

Once the preliminary treatment for the burn is done, don’t get careless. Take your medicines on time and do not keep the wound open.

Dark skin can be a bane for people who crave a fair complexion. Though a lot of people have naturally dark skin, darkening of skin could also be due to hyperpigmentation and various other reasons. A dark colored skin has more of skin pigment Melanin, as compared to a fair skin. Unfortunately, increased quantity of melanin can cause the skin to look blemished and patchy




Dark Skin Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet

Dark Skin Causes

The causes for a dark skin or complexion could be many. Some of the most common ones are -

Heredity - People who have a dark skin often have children who are dark-skinned too. The genes seem to pass on from generation to generation.

Hyperpigmentation - In this condition the skin produces too much of the pigment melanin, causing the skin to become darker than usual.

Skin disorders - Conditions such as Lichen Simplex Chronicus is a skin disorder that causes severe itching that leaves the skin thick, dark and patchy.

Sun rays - Over exposure to sun causes the skin to tan. This is a natural mechanism, wherein to protect itself from the harmful UV rays of the sun, the skin produces more of the pigment melanin which shields the penetration of UV rays into the skin.

Home Remedies for Dark Skin

Here are some simple home remedies that you can do to lighten the skin tone and get a lighter complexion. However, they must be done regularly and best results are obtained if they are inculcated as a part of daily routine.

Mix 1 tsp of milk powder, 1 tsp of honey, 1 tsp of lemon juice, and ½ tsp of almond oil. Apply on face and wash off after 10-15 minutes. This pack helps bring shine to the skin and also removes tan.

Mix oatmeal with curd and tomato juice and apply on the face. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. It helps remove the tan and lightens the skin.

Place sliced raw potato on the face. It helps reduce blemishes and other marks.

Applying turmeric powder along with lime juice removes the tan. Lime juice is a natural bleach.

Dried orange peels mixed with curd also help reduce blemishes and scars. Wash off this mixture with cold water after 15 minutes.

Soak 4 almonds overnight. Grind into a fine paste using milk. Apply on face and neck and leave it overnight. Wash with cold water in the morning. Do this daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.

A tbsp of gram flour mixed with 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice works well for lightening dark skin. Apply this mixture and leave it for 15 minutes before washing off. Repeat for 4 weeks and follow up with once a week.

Apply a paste of fresh ground mint leaves and leave it for about 20 minutes. Wash with cold water, continue for 15 days.

Apply a mixture of grated tomato with 2-3 drops of lime juice on the face. Leave it for 20 minutes before washing off. Do this twice a day for 15-20 days for best results.

Balanced Diet

Although there are no particular foods that will lighten your skin instantly, a balanced diet definitely helps by giving your skin a healthy glow. Drinking an optimum amount of water hydrates your skin and keeps it blemish free. Some recommendations regarding diet are as follows –

Avoid excessive consumption of heavy and oily foods.

Incorporate whole cereals, pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Drink at least 4-5 liters of water every day. Water washes out the toxins from the body.

Other suggestions for Dark Skin

Use a good quality sunscreen when going out in the sun to protect the skin from tanning as well as the sun's UV rays.

Be regular and persistent with the home remedies for skin lightening as suggested above.

Symptoms of Headache

Headache Symptoms

Tension or stress headaches usually cause pain that diffuses and is not concentrated in one identifiable spot. There is also likely to be tenderness in the surrounding areas and muscles. Here are some of the common symptoms associated with tension headaches. 



• Tension headaches tend to cause mild to moderate intensity pain. 



• Typically headaches like these do not develop suddenly, but there is a gradual build up of pain. There is however no warning or prodrome prior to the actual onset of the headache. 



• The pain could radiate from one side of the head or it may be present on both sides. It could cause an aching and squeezing sensation in the forehead or temples, or towards the back of the head. Headaches occurring towards the back of the head will generally radiate down towards the neck and the shoulders. There is a general feeling of tightness around the head. 



• The pain from a headache is usually constant, although there may fluctuations in the severity. 



• Tension headaches are usually not intensified with physical activity, nor is there any association with nausea or vomiting. 



• In some cases there may a slightly increased sensitivity to visual and audio stimuli. 



• You are also likely to experience a sensation of pressure behind the eyes. 



• Headaches of this type often come on during the day and progressively worsen, lasting for a few hours. 



Cluster headaches are characterized by excruciating pain that may be localized around one eye, producing a stabbing sensation. Tearing and nasal congestion are also likely to occur on the same side as the affected eye. Cluster headaches may just last for a quarter of an hour or for as long as four hours. There is also a high possibility of them recurring through the day. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is likely to influence or trigger cluster headaches. 



Migraines on the other hand cause an intense throbbing pain that may be felt on just one or both sides of the head. The pain from a migraine generally is accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Blurring of vision is another common symptom of headaches in a migraine attack. Light, sound and movement can cause the symptoms to be severely aggravated. Migraines may be brought on by specific triggers like red wine, chocolate, cheese, heat or other factors, often not easy to identify. For many women menstrual cycles may influence the pattern of migraines and they can also be brought on because of the influence of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. 

Causes of Headache

The common causes of headaches are allergy, emotional stress, eye strain, high blood pressure, a hangover, infection, low blood sugar, nutritional deficiency, tension, and the presence of poisons and toxins in the body. Allergies are often the unsuspected cause of headaches. The foods to which some people are allergic and which can trigger headaches are milk and milk products, chocolate, chicken, liver, alcohol and strong cheese. Sneezing and diarrhoea are further indications of an allergy.Allergies, Stress, Eye Strain

Headache Cures and Remedies

Natural Headache Cure using Lemon

There are several natural remedies for various types or headaches. The juice of three or four slices of lemon should be squeezed in a cup of tea and taken by the patient for treating this condition. It gives immediate relief. The crust of lemon, which is generally thrown away, has been found useful in headaches caused by heat. Lemon crusts should be pounded into a fine paste in a mortar and applied as plaster on the forehead. Applying the yellow, freshly pared-off rind of a lemon to each temple will also give relief.

Cure Headaches Naturally using Apple

Apples are valuable in curing all types of headaches. After removing the upper rind and the inner hard portion of a ripe apple, it should be taken with a little salt every morning on an empty stomach in such cases. This should be continued for about a week.

Natural Headache Remedy using Henna

The flowers of henna have been found valuable in curing headaches caused by hot sun. The flowers should be rubbed in vinegar and applied over the forehead. This remedy will soon provide relief.

Headache Remedy using Cinnamon

Cinnamon is useful in headaches caused by exposure to cold air. A fine paste of this spice should be prepared by mixing it with water and it should be applied over the temples and forehead to obtain relief.

Headache Treatment using Marjoram

The herb marjoram is beneficial in the treatment of a nervous headache. An infusion of the leaves is taken as a tea in the treatment of this disorder.

Headache Treatment using Rosemary

The herb rosemary has been found valuable in headaches resulting from cold. A handful of this herb should be boiled in a litre of water and put in a mug. The head should be covered with a towel and the steam inhaled for as long as the patient can bear. This should be repeated till the headache is relieved.

Diet for Headaches

The best way to prevent headaches is to build up physical resistance through proper nutrition, physical exercise and positive thinking. As a first step, the patient should undertake a short fast, and take citrus fruit juices diluted with water every two hours from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. daily. Thereafter, he should plan his diet in such a way as to put the least possible strain on the digestion. Breakfast may consist of fruits, both fresh and dried. Lunch may consist of protein foods. Starchy foods such as wholewheat bread, cereals, rice, or potatoes should be taken at dinner along with raw salads. Spices, condiments, sour buttermilk, and oily foodstuffs should be avoided. Drinking a glass of water (warm water in winter and cool water in summer), mixed with a teaspoon of honey first thing in the morning, is also a good remedy. Copious drinking of water throughout the day is also advised.Proper Nutrition, Excercise, Positive Thinking

Other Headache Remedies

Water Treatment

Other helpful measures in the treatment of headaches are a cleansing enema with water temperature at 37 degree C, a cold throat pack, frequent applications of towels wrung out from very hot water to the back of the neck , a cold compress at 4.4 degree C to 15.6 degree C applied to the head and face, or an alternate spinal compress. Hot fomentations over the abdominal region just before retiring relieve headaches caused by stomach and liver upsets.

Hot Foot Bath

Hot foot baths are also beneficial in the treatment of chronic headaches. The patient should keep his legs in a tub or bucket filled with hot water at a temperature of 40 degree C to 45 degree C for fifteen minutes every night before retiring. This treatment should be continued for two or three weeks.

Yogasanas

Yogic kriyas like jalneti and kunjal; pranayamas like anulomaviloma, shitali and sitkari; and asanas such as uttanpadasana, sarvangasana, paschimottanasana, halasana, and shavasana are also beneficial in the treatment of headaches.