Natural Remedies to Counter Depression

The following natural remedies may be used to help you overcome the consequences of depression.

• St John’s Wort: You may take the herb, St John’s Wort. In studies it has been found to alleviate mild to moderate depression. However, for more severe cases you may wish to seek the advice of a trained professional.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Consuming omega-3 fatty acids are a good way to help overcome any symptoms of depression. Studies have found that countries which have diets rich in fish have ten times lower rates of depression than countries where meat is preferred over fish. Omega 3 may be found in sardines, salmon and anchovies. Having said that, because of the possibly high levels of mercury that may be found in fish it is perhaps better to take a fish oil supplement. Additionally, using omega-3 fatty acids in combination with a prescribed anti-depressant may have a much greater effect.
• Folic Acid: Too little folic acid may be a indirect cause of your depression. Studies have shown that there is often a folic acid deficiency in people who suffer from depression. You may derive folic acid from green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans and safflower seeds. You may also take it in the form of a supplement if you do not readily consume foods high in folic acid. Like Omega-3 fatty acids, this will work best in conjunction with an anti-depressant.
• Dietary changes: You should also consider making small changes to your diet. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine and sweets will be of great benefit to you. All these substances have the ability to give you the transient feeling of relief but, in reality, they only worsen your mood, once their effect wears off.
• Exercise routine: You should consider doing more exercise. It has been theorized that exercise increases certain mood-elevating neurotransmitters within the brain which will often help alleviate the symptoms of depression. It is best to do aerobic exercises which will have the most desired effect.
• Yoga: Try yoga which has been proven to be a great technique that can naturally better your mood. Because yoga incorporates breathing techniques it is likely to help you relax and give you a greater sense of well-being.

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There are several types of boils which usually occur on the skin, they are

• Furuncle or carbuncle: abscesses in the skin caused by bacteria. Furuncles can have more than one openings onto the skin and is sometimes associated with a fever or chills.
• Cystic acne: is a type of abscess that is formed when oil ducts are clogged and infected. It affects deeper skin tissues than more superficial inflammation from other types of acne. Cystic acne is typically found on the face and occurs during adolescence.
• Hidradenitis suppurativa: is a condition where multiple abscesses are formed under the armpits and often in the groin area, as a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands. This form of infection is difficult to treat with antibiotics alone and typically requires surgical procedure to remove the involved sweat glands to eradicate the inflammation.

Natural Home Remedies for Boils

1. Egg whites of hard boiled eggs can be used for treating boils; after boiling and peeling an egg, wet the white and apply it directly to the boil. Cover it with a clean cloth.
2. Milk heat a cup of milk and gradually add 3 teaspoons of salt; simmer the milk for ten minutes then add flour or breadcrumbs to thicken the mixture. Divide the mixture into 4 poultices and apply one to the boil every half an hour.
3. Nutmeg stimulates circulation in the body which helps it to fight bacterial infections in the boil. Stir ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg into a cup of hot water and drink.
4. Onion has antiseptic chemicals and acts as an antimicrobial and irritant to draw blood and heat out of the boil. Cut a thick slice of the onion and place it on the boil. Wrap the area with a clean cloth; ensure you change the poultice 3 to 4 hours daily until the boil comes to a head and drains.
5. Bacon has a high fat and salt content, and this is believed to promote the healing of boils. Roll some salted pork or bacon in salt and place the meat between two pieces of clean, dry cloth. Apply the cloth to the boil. Repeat throughout the day until the boil come to a head and drains. This will be messy so prepare to clean it properly with sterile instruments, and antibacterial substances.
6. Remember not to squeeze or break open the boil, no matter how tempting it is to do so. Allow the boil time to come to head and rupture on its own. If you squeeze it yourself, you risk spreading the infection and creating more painful problems.

• medications and illnesses
• pregnancy related nausea
• gastroenteritis
• food poisoning
• motion sickness
• indigestion
• stress

Nausea is an uneasy feeling that can cause a great deal of discomfort. However, the good news is that it can be alleviated using some simple yet effective home remedies.

Natural Home Remedies for Nausea

There are several household kitchen staples and herbs that can help to curb the effects of nausea. Herbal mixtures, teas and natural juices all have the potential of alleviating nausea.

Remedies from the refrigerator

1. Heat 1 cup milk until it is hot but do not boil it. Pour into a bowl. Take a piece of slightly buttered toast and crumble it into the milk. Eat slowly.
2. Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Dip your finger into the mixture and lick it. This is to ensure that you take the prepared liquid gradually.
3. It is always advised to avoid solid foods when experiencing persistent nausea with vomiting. However, you still need fluids to maintain your body’s healthy balance. Cranberry juice is ideal for this period of fasting as it is full of antioxidants and vitamin C. It is also good for your digestive tract.
4. To stop nausea or vomiting with immediacy, mix 1 cup water, 10 drops lime juice and ½ teaspoon sugar. Add ¼ teaspoon baking soda and drink.

Herbal Remedies

1. Brew a cup of clove tea using 1 teaspoon clove powder in a teacup with boiling water. Strain the residual cloves and drink as required.
2. Steep ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder in 1 cup boiling water, strain and sip. Do not use this remedy if pregnant.
3. Steep a cup of tea with 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and a pinch of nutmeg to soothe an upset stomach.
4. Crush 1 tablespoon fennel seeds and steep for 10 minutes in 1 cup boiling water. Sweeten to taste with honey and sip as required.
5. Brew aniseed into a cup of tea by putting ¼ teaspoon in ½ cup boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and drink once daily. Alternatively, sprinkle aniseed on mild vegetables like carrot or pumpkin. If you can manage to eat fruits, try aniseed on baked apples or pears.
6. Ginger and ginger root are perhaps the best cures for nausea and vomiting. Ginger consumed in any form, will relieve nausea. Try taking ginger tea, gingerbread or gingersnaps. Ginger ales can also be used if they contain real ginger content. Much of the ginger ales in the market today are absent of curative ginger.
7. Mint tea is as effective as ginger. Steep about 1 tablespoon dry leaves in 1 pint hot water for 30 minutes.  Strain and drink. Do not throw the remaining leaves out. Instead, eat them. Eating boiled mint leaves also helps to cure nausea.

Other Natural Home Remedies

Smelling vomit usually induces more vomiting or causes prolonged nausea. After vomiting, rinse the remaining particles from your mouth with ¼ cup vinegar in a 4-ounce glass. Ensure you only use the mixture to rinse your mouth. Do not gargle. This should also help to freshen your breath.

Nuasea can cause a great deal of discomfort and annoyance. The above mentioned tips will be useful to alleviate this problem and since they are made using easily available resources, you can easily try these home remedies at home.

Remedies for Candidiasis

Lifestyle changes

candida occurs naturally in healthy human beings, therefore when candidiasis occurs it is only because there has been a shift in the body’s biological balance. Factors contributing to a disruption of the balance are: an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, excessive consumption of food loaded with sugar and refined carbohydrates.
The constant use of antibiotic medication, cortisone and contraceptive medication are also contributors.
To prevent the occurrence of candidiasis, and keep candida under control, incorporate a balanced diet into your lifestyle and exclude certain foods that are loaded with simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, from it. This will create an environment within your body that will not promote the overgrowth of the candida fungus.
A diet aimed at controlling candida and preventing candidiasis would include the following food:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Meat
• Rye bread (no yeast or wheat)
• Rice cakes
• Sunflower/ olive oil
• Rice, potato or rye flour
• Corn or soy flour
• All vegetables fresh or frozen–no canned vegetables.
• Oats
• Cornmeal
• Dairy and cheese
• Potatoes
• Brown rice
• Onions and garlic
• Home made popcorn
• Herbal teas etc.

Foods to avoid include

• Anything with yeast
• Pickled, smoked or processed meat or fish including cold meats, and vacuum packed foods
• Breads
• White flour or pastry flour
• Gluten flour
• Flake cereals
• Semolina
• Cream of wheat
• White pasta
• All types of vinegar and vinegar products
• Fermented or processed cheese
• All forms of alcohol
• Honey and other natural sweeteners
• Mushrooms
• Peanuts, peanut butter and pistachio
• All teas and coffee except herbal teas
• All fruit juices etc.

Herbal Remedies for Candidiasis

• Aloe; use fresh aloe juice to boost white blood cells; white blood cells kill yeast cells.
• Cinnamon; use a cinnamon decoction to treat thrush; hold it in the mouth for a few moments then spit it out.
• Garlic; if used liberally in meals, garlic will provide anti fungal properties.
• Lavender; use for skin infections–add to bath water or apply topically.
• Olive leaf; take capsules or tinctures–provides powerful antimicrobial properties.
• Peppermint Oil; anti fungal when used as an infusion. Oil is available in capsules.
• Pau D’ Arco; antibiotic with anti fungal properties used internally to boost immune system.
• Echinacea; used to stimulate macrophages which kill yeast cells.

Yeast Infection Cure

The American Tinnitus Association reports that over 50 million Americans may be affected by tinnitus, of which are about 12 million severe cases. There is also a significant number of persons that suffer from serious debilitation where they are unable to function normally. The exact physiological cause or causes of tinnitus are not known. There are, however factors which are known to trigger or worsen tinnitus, these include: noise-induced hearing loss, wax build-up in the ear canal, certain medications, and ear or sinus infections or other disorders.

Exposure to loud noises can permanently damage and kill hair cells, called cilia, in the inner ear resulting in hearing loss. Approximately 90 percent of all tinnitus patients have some level of hearing loss. The condition can affect anyone and at any age though its more common in adults.

Remedies for Tinnitus

1. Ginkgo Biloba is an herbal remedy effective in easing the symptoms of tinnitus. It works by dilating the blood vessels and improving the circulation of blood to the ears especially the inner ear. Improved blood flow will help to control the ringing heard and also do away with dizziness.
2. Vitamin B is a popular tinnitus remedy as is A, E and zinc. Vitamins are essential to fighting deficiencies in the body.
3. Curb certain habits as a natural remedy for tinnitus. Stay away from excessive amounts of caffeine, smoking and alcohol. avoid foods like saturated fats, dairy products, sugar, salt, processed foods and so on because all these food items tend to aggravate the condition.
4. Avoid loud noises, which can aggravate tinnitus. Wear earplugs or headphones to tone down noise and protect the ears.
5. Stress was found to make tinnitus worse. So, relaxation and stress management techniques are natural tinnitus remedies. Deep, slow breathing is one safe way to ease tension; however there are countless techniques available to reduce stress.
6. Massage the affected ear area to increase blood flow. A hot compress can also the applied to the neck before retiring to bed.
7. Tinnitus masking is a natural remedy that can be applied. It works by using music or other soothing sound such as the flow of water as in a shower to mask the tinnitus sound in the ear.
8. Persons can have tinnitus relief with alternative treatments such as acupuncture, sacral therapy, magnets, hyperbaric oxygen, or hypnosis.
9. An effective home remedy is to mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of glycerin in 1 pint of warm water and apply solution to each nostril using a spray bottle; the solution should drain into the back of the throat. Use thrice daily for three days.

Remedies for Acid Reflux

Home and Natural Remedies

1. Apple cider vinegar – studies reveal that apple cider vinegar can help to relieve the symptoms of occasional heartburn or acid reflux. There are several underlying theories as to how apple cider vinegar aids in acid reflux, but despite the variations all conclude that this natural home remedy really works. Take one tablespoon of Apple cider vinegar prior to each meal; this dose can be continued even after symptoms go away.
2. Baking soda – the sodium bicarbonate found in baking soda acts as an acid neutralizer in the stomach and regulates the flow of acid. Use half a teaspoon to a teaspoon of baking soda to 1-3 ounces of water. Ensure the mixture is completely dissolved before drinking.
3. Apple – the consumption of apples is one of the easiest and most natural remedies for acid reflex particularly when eaten before retiring to bed.
4. Ginger tea – visit your nearest health food store and purchase organic ginger tea or ginger root capsules. Take before or immediately following a meal.
5. Aloe Vera juice – the Aloe plant originates from Africa. The long, green leaves contain aloe gel and a sticky yellow residue called latex. The gel is the part of the aloe plant used most commonly, both topically and orally. Take 1/4 cup of aloe Vera juice approximately 20 minutes before a meal to help soothe an irritated esophagus.
6. Diet – eat smaller meals, avoid spicy, carbonated and caffeinated drinks and foods, and avoid acidic foods such as grapefruit and oranges.
7. Garlic – chew fresh garlic or juice in a drink convert the allicin (compound with antibacterial and antifungal properties) in the garlic to its active ingredient.

Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation or infection of one or more of the paranasal sinuses caused by bacteria that has traveled from the nasal passages. Sinusitis can result in headaches or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area or on one side of the head. It can also cause coughing, fever, bad breath and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions.
Sinusitis is categorized as acute or chronic which is the most common type. Acute sinusitis will last eight weeks or less or occur for a maximum of three times per year with each episode lasting no longer than 10 days. Acute sinusitis may be caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, or from allergies.
Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year with symptoms usually lasting for more than 20 days. Bacteria and fungi (especially in persons with a weakened immune system) are involved in chronic sinusitis.

Home Remedies for Sinus

1. Eucalyptus oil can be used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion associated with colds and flu. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water in a large bowl. Place face a few inches from the bowl and cover with a towel. Inhale steam for 10 minutes or as desired.
2. Inhale steam using a hot shower, vaporizer or facial sauna to help relieve sinus congestion.
3. Use a salt water rinse to clear the nasal passage as an alternative sinus remedy. Mix together 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt, 8 ounces filtered room temperature water and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Using a bulb syringe, tilt the head down and place the syringe into one nostril. Give it a gentle squeeze so that the water comes out the other nostril. Repeat on the other side. Coughing may occur as fluid drain to the back of the throat.
4. Consume ample amounts of water throughout the day and especially at night before retiring to bed to help clear the airways.
5. Use medicated vapor rubs at night by applying to nose and other nasal areas. In the event of flu or cold, apply vapor rub to chest and back to help ease congestion and sinuses. For external use only!
6. Avoid irritants such as household chemicals and cigarette smoke that will make breathing more difficult.
7. Massage the sinuses by pressing thumbs firmly on both sides of the nose for 15 to 30 seconds, release and repeat. Massaging will temporarily relieve sinusitis because it brings a fresh supply of blood to the area.
8. Drink hot tea made from thyme, garlic or peppermint.

Weight loss is a struggle for many people and in some cases, people who actively seek to lose weight find themselves trying several weight loss methods that may or may not work. The key to losing weight is to ensure it is done in a healthy way, which includes not losing more that the required weight for your height. Persons who are keen about losing weight should be careful with the methods they use to reach their desired goal. Not every method suits the body and  lifestyle of everyone and so, one has to ensure that he / she chooses the best possible method to suit their individual  requirements.

Home Remedies for Weight Loss

The following are some home remedies that can be employed for losing weight.

1. apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for weight loss as it is known to increase metabolism which helps in burning calories. Prepare a mixture of 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar with 16oz water. Consume by taking a sip of the mixture throughout the day until it is finished.
2. grilling instead of frying: Try to grill meat instead of frying or baking it. Grilling foods allows the fat to drip away and you end up eating a healthier version of meat than its fried counterpart. Steam vegetables instead of frying or cooking them to cut calories. Avoid eating red meat altogether as they contain more fat.
3. reducing salt, sugar and fat: Reduce the intake of salt and sugar. Also, keep away from oily and fatty substances like clarified butter, cheese, white bread and butter. Try and eat foods that are rich in carbohydrates with moderation.
4. lemon and honey / rock salt: Squeeze a lemon into a glass of warm water, add rock salt to taste and drink it in the morning every day for two months to promote weight loss or drink a glass of lukewarm water mixed with lime juice and some honey, the first thing in the morning to dissolve excess fats.
5. drinking lots of water: Drink at least 8oz of water daily to help the body function properly.
6. drinking lukewarm water: Drink lukewarm water after meals as it is effective for proper digestion of food and burning of excessive fat.
7. green tea: Drink a cup of green tea three times daily to help burn excess weight.
8. pepper, lime juice and honey: Consume a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon of powdered black pepper, 3 teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of honey mixed in a cup of water for 3-4 months.
9. exercise regularly: Incorporate exercise into your daily routine to help burn unwanted fat and calories. Do brisk walking, jogging or biking for 30 minutes a day, also include weight training to help tone muscles and increase metabolism.
10. avoiding stress: A healthy mind will surely help you towards getting a healthy body. It is very important to avoid stress and learn to relax in order to succeed in reducing weight.

Weight loss can be quite a challenge but if you go about it with determination, it is certainly not a task that cannot be achieved. The above mentioned home remedies can aid you in overcoming this challenge.

Coughing can happen voluntarily as well as involuntarily and occurs as part of the body’s healing process. Conditions that usually come with chronic coughing are asthma, allergies, acid reflux, smoking and throat disorders among other causes.

Home Remedies for Coughs

1. If the cough is a result of acid reflux try raising the head of your bed about 4 inches and avoid eating or drinking for two hours before lying down since acid reflex usually occurs in this position.
2. Drink 8oz glasses of water to help ease a cough or inhale the steam from a hot shower, vaporizer or container with boiling water.
3. Avoid irritants that might cause allergies to flare. Do not smoke, and avoid other irritants such as chemicals as found in household cleaners, new carpeting, paneling and mattresses.
4. Eat hot or spicy foods or drink tea such as ginger to loosen mucus. Avoid foods such as dairy products, meat and fried foods which promote mucus.
5. Place hot/warm compress on the chest and throat for a soothing relief.
6. Prepare a mixture of a garlic glove with a tablespoon of honey and lemon juice. The combination of garlic and lemon juice will open up sinus passages and, along with the honey, breaks up phlegm.
7. Combine 2 tablespoon aloe juice and 2 tablespoon honey with a cup of boiling water to drink as a tea. The aloe and honey soothes and coats sore and irritated tissues.
8. Consume licorice tea to soothe and calm the throat while breaking up phlegm. Prepare 1 teaspoon powdered licorice root with one cup water, add honey to sweeten.
9. Soothe dry cough with an almond paste. Soak almonds overnight and remove their skin. Make a paste of the soaked almonds with little butter and sugar.
10. Mix 1 teaspoonful raw onion juice with 1 teaspoonful of honey. Keep it aside for 3 to 4 hours before drinking.
11. Combine a cup of grape juice and a teaspoon of honey. Mix well.
12. Make a shot of lemon juice mixed with black pepper and salt to minimize coughing.
13. Consume ample amounts of grapes for a few days to help build the lungs and breakup mucus, or combine honey with grape juice.
14. Gargle with warm spinach juice or warm salt water to help sooth the throat and eliminate dry cough.

Some Causes of Canker Sores

Canker sores maybe a consequence of the following factors:

• stress
• food allergies
• menstruation
• hormonal disorders
• bacterial infections
• poor nutrition

Canker sores should not be confused with cold sores also known as fever blisters. Cold sores occur on the outer lip, whereas canker sores are found inside the mouth. Cold sores are highly contagious and can spread when there is close contact with the person suffering from it. Canker sores, on the other hand, are not contagious.

Types of Canker Sores

Major canker sores consist of deep ulcers with severe pain, irregular margins and often last for three to six weeks. They tend to leave scars after healing. Minor canker sores are much lesser in diameter when compared to the major ones and last for a week or ten days. Herpetiform ulcerations are canker sores that occur in women and are quite serious, requiring medical assistance. They cause clusters of lesions and take about a month to heal. Canker sore are usually recurring.

Remedies for Canker Sores

Let us look at some possible home remedies for canker sores.

1. gargle with salt and water: Prepare a home remedy by adding a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Use this mixture as a mouth wash and rinse with it for 4-6 times a day.

2. Milk of Magnesia and Benadryl Allergy liquid mixture:  Mix equal amounts of Milk of Magnesia and Benadryl Allergy liquid and gargle with a teaspoonful every 4 to 6 hours to alleviate pain.

3. lozenges: Suck on zinc lozenges, vitamin C or vitamin B complex to help ease canker sore pain.

4. chamomile and sage: The healing properties of a sage and chamomile mouthwash or a lysine supplement helps canker sores heal faster. Chamomile has a soothing effect on mucous membranes (including the lining of the mouth) and sage has anti-inflammatory properties to help treat inflammations of the throat and mouth.

5. Aloe Vera juice: Rinse the mouth with Aloe Vera juice several times a day. A natural remedy, use 1-3 tablespoons of Aloe Vera juice as a mouthwash and then, swallow it.

6. baking powder in warm water: Mix a paste of baking powder and warm water and apply to the sores. This home remedy will help to reduce the bacteria.

7. yoghurt: Have a daily serving of yogurt. Active acidophilus in yogurt helps to heal and prevent the outbreak of canker sores.

8. avoiding certain foods: Avoid the following foods which may cause further irritation and pain to canker sores:

• coffee
• citrus fruits
• spicy and acidic foods
• hard foods like chips, wafers and nuts
• diary products
• salty foods
• sweet foods
• oily foods
• animal protein

9.  gargling with goldenseal tea: Try herbal remedies such as goldenseal tea. To prepare the tea, add a cup of boiling water to 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes and then,  gargle with it, 4 times daily. Goldenseal contains astringent and antiseptic chemicals that help to treat wounds and infections.

10. gargling with tea tree oil: Prepare a mouthwash of 3 drops of tea tree oil diluted in a glass of water or using a cotton swab, dab the infected area directly, twice daily, after brushing your teeth.