Symptoms accompanying hemorrhoids vary per person. Some people have no symptoms while others may see bright red blood when they pass stool; this can be in the stool itself, the toilet or on the toilet paper. Other symptoms more associated with external hemorrhoids include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. Further irritation will result from excessive straining, rubbing or cleaning around the anus. Hemorrhoid symptoms are usually short-term lasting for just a few days.

Remedies for Hemorrhoids

1. Eat foods natural in fibers (vegetables, fruits, whole grain) and drink a lot of fluids such as water and juices to soften stools and relieve the pressure and straining of constipation.
2. Herbal remedies like Witch Hazel and Horse Chestnut can be used to treat hemorrhoids. Witch hazel has astringent and antiseptic properties and can be applied as a compress or cream to the anal area to help sooth and shrink hemorrhoids. Horse chestnut has medicinal properties that can be used to treat inflammation, fever, arthritis and other ailments. It main ingredient Aescin, has been found to close the small pores in the walls of the veins and reduce leakage of fluid into the surrounding tissues. It can be taken as a tea or applied topically.
3. Apply hot and cold compresses to the vein to soothe the irritated area.
4. Apple cider vinegar taken orally can help to stop bleeding hemorrhoids. Mix two teaspoons apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and take with meals. Apply apple cider vinegar topically to the affected areas to stop itching and burning. Its astringent qualities will also help shrink swollen blood vessels.
5. Sulfur has antibacterial properties that will help in healing hemorrhoids. Mix one teaspoonful of Flowers of Sulfur with one tablespoonful of Vaseline. Apply two or three times a day.
6. A mixture of sulfur and cream of tartar is said to be effective in reducing hemorrhoidal swelling and relieving hemorrhoidal symptoms.
7. Use a sitz bath for therapeutic treatment of hemorrhoids. Immerse the hips and buttocks in warm water for up to 15 minutes several times a day. Ensure the water is warm and not hot as this will cause further injury to the tissues. The moist heat will give great relief of hemorrhoidal discomfort.
8. Use Aloe, Apis Mellifica, and Calendula as homeopathic treatments for hemorrhoids. Aloe helps in soothing a sore, bleeding or hot anus; apis soothes external burning and itching; while calendula is a healing agent that promotes rapid healing.
9. A good home remedy is to keep the anus dry. If the anal A moist anal area is prone to irritation and infection of the skin. Sprinkle the anus with cornstarch or baby powder to absorb any moisture. A large cotton fluff, torn from a commercially available “roll of cotton,” should be placed between the buttocks to absorb excessive moisture.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

The following include some of the symptoms of pink eye:

• When a person is afflicted with pink eye his / her eyelids become puffy, the eyes take on a pinkish tinge (hence, the name, ‘pink eye’) and the eyes feel heavy and sticky. The stickiness is particularly obvious after waking up from sleep.
• The symptomatic aspect of pink eye varies depending on the underlying cause. For example, when conjunctivitis is caused by an allergen, both eyes are likely to be affected. Itching, redness and excessive production of tears may be present.
• When a viral infection is the underlying cause, pink eye may be localised to one eye and may be evidenced by excessive watering and redness.The patient may have a whitish discharge from the eyes.
• Bacterial infections are likely to affect both eyes and a grayish or yellowish colored discharge may  also be present.

Other symptoms include:

• excessive sensitivity to light
• persistent production of tears
• pain in the eyes
• formation of a crust near the eye / eyes that has / have been infected

Remedies for Pink Eye

Home treatments will promote the reduction of the symptoms associated with pink eye. The following are some valuable remedies for treating pink eye:

• cold or warm compress: Both cold and warm compress can be used to provide some relief from pink eye. If allergens are the problem, cold compress may feel more soothing. If the pink eye is caused by an infection, a warm, moist compress will soothe the eyes and help to reduce redness and inflammation. Be sure to use separate compresses for each eye as warm, moist compresses can spread infection from one eye to the other. Ensure the compress is clean.
• cleaning eyes: The person afflicted with pink eye should carefully wipe from the inside, next to the nose, toward the outside. The clean surface of a cloth should be used for each wipe so that the discharge from the eye is cleaned properly. The discharge must not rubbed across the eye again. The patient should not leave used tissues or wipes lying around and should dispose them properly. While using a washcloth, the patient should be careful and make sure that it is not touched or used by others. To prevent pink eye from spreading, the patient should wash his / her hands with an antibacterial soap, every time he / she wipes the eyes.
• honey: To provide some relief from the pain and inflammation caused by pink eye, another option is to use honey. 1 teaspoon of honey should be added to half a cup of water. Two drops of this solution can be put in the infected eye. This may cause some stinging but it is an effective home remedy for pink eye. The process can be repeated several times in the day to provide relief.
• homeopathic remedies: Homeopathic remedies that can be designed to treat pink eye include Pulsatilla, Belladonna and eyebright. Homeopathic eye drops and eye washes can be made from eyebright or camomile also.
• castor oil: A drop of castor oil in the infected eye once a day is said to aid in healing the infection quickly.
• Boric acid: Boric acid can be used as an eyewash to relieve the discomfort associated with pink eye. It does this by cleaning and soothing the infected eye, providing similar results as a warm compress.
• tea bags: Tea bags can be dampened and placed on the eyes to ease the discomfort of conjunctivitis caused by allergens. Boil the tea bags and allow them to cool before placing them on the infected eye.
• eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis): Add a few drops of eyebright tincture to boiled and cooled water. Soak cotton balls in the mixture and apply it to the infected eyes. This is an effective way to cure pink eye.
• salt water: Cotton balls can be soaked in boiled salt water and placed on the eyelids of the affected eyes to kill the infection.

Being afflicted with pink eye or conjunctivitis can be quite annoying and cause a great deal of discomfort and pain. The above mentioned home remedies can help to ease at least some of the discomfiture and provide relief from the pain, itching and inflammation.

Home Remedies for Toothache

The following home remedies can be used to alleviate pain caused due to toothache.

1. Garlic cloves with a pinch of rock salt can be placed on the affected tooth to help get some relief from the pain. Chewing a clove of garlic on a daily basis may also keep teeth healthy.
2. Chewing onion daily can help teeth fight against bacteria in the mouth and can also assist with toothache.
3. Lime is a rich source of vitamin C and it is useful in maintaining the health of the teeth and other bones of the body. It prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache and bleeding of the gums.
4. Limiting sugar in the diet can help keep tooth healthy and keep toothache away.
5. Rinse the mouth with warm water and put maximum strength sensodyne toothpaste in the cavity for as long as possible. Avoid fluids as this will wash away the toothpaste. In a few minutes the pain will subside and relief could last for a few hours.
6. If throbbing pain is experienced with a toothache, placing the hand connected to the opposite side of body in iced water will provide instant relief. For example, if the toothache occurs on the right side of the face, place the left hand in the water and gently massage the v-shaped area between the thumb and index finger. This remedy is based on reflexology where the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body and are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset the body’s equilibrium.
7. Gargle with hydrogen peroxide and follow with a hot water rinse to treat tooth pain.
8. Place 2 – 3 drops of vanilla extract on the tooth that is aching to provide instant pain relief.
9. Put an ice cube on the aching tooth or place an ice pack on the cheek of the affected tooth for 15-20 minutes at least 3 / 4 times a day.
10. Gargle with lime juice daily to prevent decay, loosening of the teeth, dental cavities, toothache and bleeding of the gums.
11. Clove and clove oil can be used to get some relief from toothache. 1 / 2 cloves can be places on the affected tooth or clove oil can be used to soothe and reduce pain. Clove has astringent as well as antiseptic properties that can be used to fight germs in the cavities.
12. Black pepper is also a useful ingredient that can assist in effectively fighting toothache. Make a paste of pepper, add a pinch of salt to it and add a little water. Applying this paste on the affected area will help reduce toothache, fight bad breath and bad gums.

Toothache can often cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Use the above mentioned home remedies to fight toothache and get some relief from the nagging pain.

Natural Home Remedies for Treating Bad Breath

1. Drink Tea; preliminary studies suggest that both green and black tea contains compounds called polyphenols. These may stop the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath.
2. Mouthwash; try to use mouthwash containing zinc ions. Zinc is thought to directly neutralise malodorous sulphur compounds and improve breath. This type of mouthwash should be available in several health food stores. An alternative is using mouthwash with essential oils contained in them. Studies suggest that essential oils may help to reduce bad breath. It is preferable to use a commercially prepared product, possibly available in your nearest health food store, rather than buying essential oils and mixing them with mouthwash to create your own concoction. If in doubt, always consult your dentist for advice. Avoid mouthwash that contain high levels of alcohol. Alcohol creates dry mouth, and this contributes to halitosis.
3. Drinking fluids; fluids help to keep the mouth cavity moist, thus eliminating dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to promote this. Also, note that halitosis is often the result of excess heat in the stomach–water, soup and watery fruits and vegetables such as cucumber may help to rebalance the body.
4. Herbs; chew on a small sprig of fresh rosemary, parsley, spearmint or tarragon for a minute to reduce bad breath.
5. Minimise stress; sometimes halitosis occurs and no substantial cause can be identified. One small preliminary study found that, in healthy young men with good oral hygiene and general health, stress increased the production of volatile sulphur compounds in the mouth. Therefore, participating in stress free and relaxing activities to combat the stresses of life may be a valuable consideration.
6. Tongue scraper; when used, this will help to remove dead cells, food particles and bacteria from the tongue. This special plastic instrument should easily be found in drug stores and some health food stores, and are relatively inexpensive. Tongue scraping is recommended as a daily regimen, just like teeth brushing and flossing, however, if you cannot obtain a tongue scraper, use a toothbrush to clean your tongue.

Lice and their eggs are unable to burrow into the scalp. They feed on small amounts of blood drawn from the scalp. Lice are sometimes referred to as cooties, eggs as nits and infested people as lousy. The infestation by head or body lice is termed pediculiasis, and the associated “disease” pediculosis. Delousing or lousing consists of any method for eliminating an infestation. Chemical treatments directed against lice are pediculicides. Those that kill adult and nymphal lice are sometimes called lousicides; those that kill the developing embryo within the egg are ovicides.

Lice are not known to be dangerous and they do not spread disease. The bites from lice may cause itchiness and inflammation and persistent scratching may lead to skin irritation, small red bumps or sores and even infection.

Remedies for Head Lice

Home Remedies

1. Neem oil is known as a natural insecticide and will kill the lice and nits (lice eggs). Neem oil can be bought at health food or natural stores. Combine 3 tablespoon in carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil and apply to hair and scalp. Wrap hair in plastic for a few minutes, rinse and comb out hair. Follow up with Neem oil shampoo for a few weeks.
2. Persons who do not wish to use any chemicals on the head can remove the nits and live lice by using a lice comb and tweezers (as recommended by the National Pediculosis Association). Repeat process for several days until all signs of lice and nits are gone.
3. White vinegar can be used to remove head lice and is an effective home remedy. It helps by loosening the lice and nits from the hair and scalp. Soak the hair with white vinegar and place plastic cap over hair for 30 minutes. Remove cap and comb through with lice comb to remove lice and nits. Do not use vinegar when using prescribed lice products.
4. Saturate the hair in oil based treatments overnight (cover head with plastic cap, if using mayo let it remain for a few hours only). Treatments include mayonnaise, Vaseline, or olive oil. Remove cap and comb through hair using nit comb and repeat for several days. Heat can also be applied to the hair using a blow dryer to help kill lice. Oil substances make it difficult for lice to breathe. Dishwashing liquid can be used to help in removing the oil from the hair prior to shampooing.
5. Add Tea tree oil to non-oil shampoo and apply to hair and scalp. Lather for 30 minutes before rinsing.
6. Mix shampoo with 3 tablespoons of Olive Oil, 1 teaspoon of Tea Tree Oil and 1 teaspoon of Eucalyptus Oil. Apply this combination into the hair. Wear a tight-fitting shower cap. Wash off after an hour. This combination will kill head lice.
7. Garlic and Lemon Juice paste is very effective in getting rid of head lice. Garlic is scientifically called as Allium sativum. Lemon Juice is a universal remedy for many disorders.

• headache
• sensitivity to light and sound
• nausea
• diarrhea
• increased heart rate and blood pressure
• fatigue
• lethargy
• anxiety
• sometimes, depression
• thirst

Hypoglycemia (abnormal glucose levels), dehydration, acetaldehyde (product of alcohol metabolism) intoxication, and vitamin B12 deficiency are said to be the possible causes of getting a hangover.

An intoxicated person may lose their sense of judgement and will be unable to function normally. Intoxication can also alter emotions and moods. Some persons feel heightened excitement, anxiety or even depression. The severity of a hangover will depend on how much alcohol has been consumed by the person. Further complications will arise if the person was in poor health, hungry or tired prior to drinking, or if he / she was dehydrated before drinking.

It is always best to avoid a hangover than to have to deal with one. Drinking on an empty stomach is one sure way to run into problems. Always ensure that you have had a sufficient meal before consuming hard liquor. Foods that contain fats and carbohydrates slow down the absorption of alcohol and help in protecting the stomach from irritation. Another way to avoid getting a hangover is to keep drinking ample amounts of water (or sports drink if available) in between drinking, to keep the body hydrated and minimize the effects of the toxin.

Remedies for Hangover

The following list includes a few simple home remedies that can be used to combat the effects of having a hangover.

1. Take a dose of aspirin before retiring to bed and repeat in the morning.
2. Take multivitamins and eat a full breakfast, once you are awake. Keep replenishing the body with water (a natural hangover cure) and juices, especially those that are rich in vitamin C as these enzymes help in breaking down the alcohol in the body. Avoid any drink that contains caffeine.
3. Asparagus is a natural remedy for a hangover. It is reported that asparagus eaten before and after drinking excess amounts of alcohol will boost key enzymes that are responsible for breaking down the alcohol in the system.
4. B Vitamins play an essential role in cell metabolism and enhance the functions of the immune and nervous systems. Persons that have consumed large amounts of alcohol would have passed out essential vitamins in the urine. Replenish lost vitamins by consuming foods such as spinach and parsley and this will help in getting rid of a hangover.
5. Get plenty of rest (sleep) to combat the feelings of fatigue while allowing the body to recover.
6. The artichoke is a flowering plant that is said to have originated from North Africa. Artichokes improve the production of bile in the liver. Bile helps in the digestion of lipids which are used to store energy. Artichoke is said to counter-balance alcohol intake. Although controversy still surrounds this claim, there is no harm in trying this natural, home remedy to get rid of a hangover.
7. Combine ripe bananas with honey and milk and drink this milkshake to cure a hangover. The mixture will help to soothe the stomach and replenish blood sugar levels. The milk soothes the stomach and rehydrates the system.
8. Ginger tea is a great home remedy for hangover. It helps to soothe the stomach and reduces the feeling of nausea.
9. Another herbal remedy includes the use of Dandelion which can cool and calm the liver. It can be taken as a tincture, capsule or tea. Periwinkle increases blood flow to the brain (use as a tincture).
10. The body looses potassium salt while drinking and so, having a nice, hot bowl of chicken soup will be an excellent option. It will replenish the lost salt and potassium and be a source of comfort, while trying to fight the effects of a hangover.

Having a hangover can be quite unpleasant and irritating. The above mentioned home remedies can easily be employed to effectively combat the aftereffects of a night of heavy drinking.

Remedies and Methods for Treating Gas

Gas or flatulence can be effectively treated using natural, home remedies. The following are a few of the tested methods and remedies for treating gas or flatulence:

1. Mix ½ teaspoon of dry ginger powder with a pinch of asafoetida and a pinch of rock salt in a cup of warm water. To relieve yourself of the gas, drink the mixture.
2. Before going to bed at night, mix 2 teaspoons of brandy with a cup of warm water, and drink it.
3. Obtain fresh ginger slices and soak them in lime juice. Chew on the slices after meals.
4. Immediately after consuming a meal, take a drop of dill oil in a teaspoon of honey; this should be a significant help.
5. Dry grind 1 teaspoon each of: pepper, dry ginger and green cardamom seeds. Add ½ teaspoon of this mixture to water and drink an hour after consuming a meal.
6. The oldest remedy in the book is to suck on a peppermint after meals. Peppermint contains menthol which soothes the digestive muscles, and thus helps in treating flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain that accompanies gas. For years now, peppermint oil combined with caraway oil has been used to treat abdominal discomfort caused by flatulence.

Adjusting Diet to Remedy Gas

1. Diet is a major factor that plays into flatulence. There are certain foods that inherently produce gas when consumed. If gas is a problem for you, it will help significantly to avoid those foods and remove them from your usual diet. Foods to avoid include:
   • Beans
   • Cabbage
   • Brussels sprouts
   • Cauliflower
   • Broccoli
   • Yeast containing foods such as breads and cheese
   • Carbonated drinks
   • Oats
   • Potatoes

Clearly, the foods listed are healthy foods that we all need to maintain a balanced diet. So if flatulence is not a major concern, lessening your consumption of these food, instead of removing them from your diet completely is rational measure.

1. Eating smaller meals is also an effective measure in reducing flatulence. Chew food slowly, and eat at a slow, regular pace. Wolfing down food will cause air to get trapped inside the gastrointestinal tract and promote the release of gas. Exercise regularly, or simply engage in more physical activity to keep the intestinal muscles in ship shape. Drink water and ensure a steady intake of fibre to promote regular bowel movements; this keeps the levels of gas producing bacteria low, thus resulting in less flatulence.

Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes

The best way to remedy hot flashes is through holistic approach. Studies show that medication is not always helpful, so before considering oestrogen therapy, consider less drastic, natural remedies first. This route is preferred, partly because oestrogen therapy is not known to be safe for women with a history of breast cancer, and also because you should always begin with the least aggressive approach to treating menopausal symptoms.

1. Changing Lifestyle; an increase in physical activity can reduce hot flashes and positively affect most symptomatic features of menopause, including: insomnia, mood swings, eroded self image, loss of libido, fatigue, elevated cholesterol levels, heart, bone, and muscle health. Exercise also increases endorphin levels, and thus increases the pain threshold.
2. Stress Reduction; combating stress is an issue at every stage of life. However, reducing stress around the time of menopause will significantly reduce the intensity of symptoms associated with it. To minimise stress, practise a few of the following: relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, meditation, massage, hypnosis and yoga.
3. Herbology; this is the act of cooking a variety of herbs together to make teas customised to your particular symptoms. Plant oestrogen that is effective in treating hot flashes have been found in: ginseng, evening primrose oil, liquorice root, red raspberry leaves, sarsaparilla, spearmint, damiana, motherwort, chasteberry, black cohosh, and wild yams. Use caution when using plant oestrogen; always inform your doctor that you’ll be trying them, and never attempt to self medicate.
4. Changing Your Diet; diets low in fat and cholesterol help some women with hot flashes. Though losing weight will help, losing too much weight and becoming too thin will worsen symptoms. In this instance, when making changes in diet, remember that natural is not equivalent with harmless. Herbal remedies and soy products may work because of their high plant oestrogen content, but do not assume that it is a wholly safe remedy.
5. Medication; if you’ve started out with the less drastic measures, and still no relief is felt, you may have to try stronger remedies that are only available through a medical doctor. Routes your MD might take in treating your symptoms include: use of antidepressants, mild sedatives, progesterone-like products and oestrogen therapy.