Home Remedies for Burns

Tea bags

The tannic acid found in black tea helps to draw heat from a burn. Place 2-3 tea bags under a spout of cool water and collect the tea in a small bowl. Dab the liquid gently onto the burn site. Alternatively, use 3-4 tea bags, 2 cups fresh mint leaves and 4 cups boiling water. Strain liquid into a jar and allow to cool. Dab mixture on burned skin with cotton or wash cloth.

Vinegar

This works as an astringent and antiseptic on minor burns and helps to prevent infection. Dilute vinegar with equal parts water and rinse the burn site with the solution.

Salt

Relieve mouth burns by rinsing with brine, every hour till better. Make brine with ½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces water.

Honey

Honey will draw out fluids from the tissues, effectively cleaning a minor burn wound. The honey can be applied to a gauze bandage, which is less sticky than a direct application. Place a dollop of honey on a piece of sterilised gauze material and apply directly to the burn site. Change the dressing 3-4 times daily.

Ice

This is better for a burned tongue than cold water. Instead of drinking cool water when your tongue is burned, suck on an ice cube. Rinse the ice cube with water first so it doesn’t stick to lips or tongue.

Cool Water

Ice can restrict blood flow if applied directly to a burn site on the skin, and further damage delicate tissues. Gently run cool water or place a cool compress over the burn site for about 10 minutes. Do this within seconds of receiving the burn, it will soothe the area and prevent the burn from spreading.

Milk

Soak a minor burn site in milk for 15 minutes. Alternatively, use a cloth dampened with milk to cover the area. Repeat every few hours to relieve pain. Wash cloth properly after use, or it will become sour quickly.

A sore throat or as it is known pharyngitis is characterized by any inflammation of the throat or pharynx. It is typically painful and may last for a relatively long time. It is usually caused by a viral infection in a large percentage of cases or it may be triggered by a bacterial or fungal infection or other irritants like certain chemicals or pollutants. For viral infections treatment will involve treating only the symptoms while with bacterial and fungal infections antibiotics or anti-fungals may be used to neutralize the infection. The conventional method of treatment involves taking pain reducers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin and/or taking lozenges. Both methods will help to alleviate the associated symptoms fairly effectively. However if you prefer a more natural method of relief you may try a few of the following home remedies that are listed below. It is wise to consult a doctor if you believe that your throat condition may be more serious than a regular sore throat, this could indicate the presence of streptococcal bacteria (strep throat) or possible tonsillitis.

Remedies

• The first type of natural remedy that may be used consists of gargling with salt water. This water should be warmed either on a stove top or in a microwave, do not boil the water because this will make it inappropriate for use as a gargling solution. Once the water is warmed dissolve the salt in it and gargle with the solution. This will generally have the welcoming effect of easing the pain and lessening the inflammation.
• You may also create a gargling solution from mango bark. Use about 10 ml of the fluid extract and combine with 125 ml of water. This is considered a very favourable method to use in treating a sore throat.
• It is also suggested that drinking a tea made from the blossoms of dried chamomile will alleviate the symptoms. It may be drank every 2-4 hours while symptoms persist.
• You may use honey and lemon to lessen the effects of a sore throat. First boil some water and then add some honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the water. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes and then sip the mixture. The honey will have the wonderful effect of coating and soothing the throat while the lemon will reduce the mucus present in the throat area. You will need to take this treatment while symptoms persist, possibly every few hours.
• Try to speak a lot less than normal to give your throat time to heal. Shouting or speaking too loudly or too much will aggravate a sore throat.
• Drink a lot of fluids; this will ensure that you will not dehydrate as a result of loss fluid during mucus production. Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine that may also have a dehydrating effect.
• You may also make a garlic tea as a natural home remedy for the condition.. Boil some water and then add a few cloves of garlic. Sip this like you would any ordinary tea. This will relieve some of the symptoms and help fight the existing infection.

A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small amounts in the vagina. The acidic environment in the vagina helps the growth of this fungus. It is when the acidic level drops down due a variety of factors ranging from menstruation, intake of antibiotics, steroids, and diabetes, that the fungus start multiplying and cause a vaginal infection. Improper personal hygiene too is a primary cause of vaginal yeast infection. It is rarely a serious condition but can be very uncomfortable.

Home Remedies for Treating Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection can either be cured orally or by vaginal insertion. Most of these home remedies have been tried and tested for their efficacy. You can usually cure yourself in the privacy of your home without the need to visit your gynecologist.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a known natural antifungal. Pour a few drops of undiluted tea tree oil on a tampon and insert into vagina. Do this morning and night. A couple of days should be sufficient.

Garlic

Make a paste of garlic pods and apply to skin around the vagina. It may burn a bit, but is very effective. This paste can be used for yeast infection in other parts of the body too. Another way to use garlic for the cure of vaginal yeast infection is to cut a few garlic pods fine and wrap it in cheesecloth. Insert into vagina for about 20 minutes leaving part of cheesecloth hanging out for easy removal.

Yogurt

Dip a tampon in yogurt and insert in vagina. Do this twice a day, once in the morning and at night till symptoms go away. Another way is to take a tablespoon of yogurt and inset into vagina. This is best done at night just before going to bed. Regular douching with yogurt has proved effective

Honey

This is probably the stickiest and uncomfortable way of curing vaginal yeast infection, but it is said to work wonders. Take half a cup of honey into the bathroom. Pour a liberal amount of honey on all affected portions, while sitting on the toilet seat. Be seated this way for about 20 minutes. After this you can have a bath with warm water. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. You will feel much better. Do this twice a day, morning and just before going to bed at night.

Vinegar

Vinegar is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Fill a bathtub with warm water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar. Soak in this bath solution for about 20 minutes. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. Any vinegar will do, but the best results have been found using apple cider vinegar.

A changed lifestyle can be a natural cure for the pains and discomforts that go along with acid reflux. Avoiding foods that irritate the symptoms is the perfect beginning towards an acid reflux cure.
The very next step can be other lifestyle changes like giving up smoking and beer and alcohol, avoiding coffee and eating too much. For an overweight person, losing fat and shedding pounds is a first duty for a reflux cure. In prostrate (lying down) position during one’s sleeping, GERD may deteriorate.
One can employ a pillow or go to sleep with the higher body raised by at least 6 inches for helping with the symptoms of the disease. Other lifestyle changes for a natural angina cure may include homeopathic as well as natural help like herbal teas. Fresh fruits like grapes and pineapples also provide relief. Apple cider vinegar is also made claims to be an acid reflux home remedy but such alternative drugs are not commended without medical advice.

Natural Remedies for heart burn

• Dissolve some baking soda in water and drink it. This method works because baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a substance that can neutralize the gastric acid that causes heartburn. However, this method will not work for people who have chronic conditions of heartburn.
• Aloe vera is a commonly used remedy. Chew some leaves of the aloe vera herb if you have complaints of heartburn. However, refrain from using commercially available aloe vera gels that might have laxative substances added to it which may compound the problem.
• Both marshmallow and slippery elm have been used since long for the treatment of heartburn. These herbs can tone down and smoothen the inner lining of the esophageal tract and hence reduce the condition of the heartburn.

Medicines, like usual antacids and H2 blockers that cure heartburn disease are found often as over the counter drugs. A person may be inclined to medicines only after an acid reflux home remedy by everyday changes have not produced the desired result with the symptoms still persisting.

Remedies

• Many individuals believe that drinking less fluids will reduce the frequent need to use the bathroom hence they avoid drinking altogether. However you will be doing more harm than good. By reducing the amount of fluid you will inadvertently increase the bacteria population. Bacteria multiply rapidly once in suitable conditions. Hence by drinking more fluids you will help flush out the bacteria within the urinary tract and bladder. Drinking more fluids especially water will also lessen the odds that you will contract a bladder infection. It will keep your urinary tract clear and free from bacteria.
• Take aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.
• If you are female, to avoid getting a bladder infection wipe from front to back, urinate before and after sexual intercourse, use pads instead of tampons and avoid using a diaphragm which has been shown to increase the risk of urinary tract infection.
• You may take a 1000mg dose of vitamin C. However while this amount is not toxic it is suggested that you first get the approval of your doctor especially if you are suffering from any other medical conditions.
• It has been found that cranberry juice has some beneficial properties that may help decrease the bacteria found in the urinary track. Aside from being a fluid that will help flush out bacteria cranberry juice also has hippuric acid which will acidify the urine and make it more difficult for bacteria to stick to the walls of the urinary tract. When drinking cranberry juice for this purpose ensure that it is 100% cranberry juice and not simply made from concentrate.

Runny Nose Remedies

1. Brine Solution; this is a simple, if not the simplest, solution to clear out toxins that cause a runny nose. To make the brine solution, dissolve a tablespoon of table salt into 8 ounces of warm water. Use a dropper to draw some of the mixture; insert the tip of the dropper into one nostril and inhale deeply to draw in the solution further. Use a few drops per nostril until you experience some positive difference. Blow your nose to clear out any excess water and nasal discharge.
2. Mustard Oil; heat a little of the oil until it is barely warm. Drip a small amount into one nostril, using a dropper. Give it a couple minutes to be absorbed, then repeat for the other nostril.
3. Turmeric; soak dry, ground turmeric in linseed oil–pure linseed oil can usually be found at health food stores. Hold the turmeric over a heat source until it begins to smoulder. Inhale the smoke carefully, through your nose.
4. Antihistamine; runny noses due to allergens cause the release of histamine in the body. An antihistamine will block the histamine from interfering with the tissue in the nose, and thus lessen the presence of a runny nose. The downside of antihistamine medication is the side effect of drowsiness; the best time to take an antihistamine is right before going to bed at night.
5. Blowing your nose; sometimes this offers effective relief. Use a very soft cloth or tissue when blowing your nose, and do this several times daily. Using rough materials to aid in blowing your nose will result in irritation of the skin around the nose, including redness, sores and dryness. If this does result, despite your efforts to prevent it, place a bit of petroleum jelly on the affected areas.
6. Thyme; finely crush a tablespoon of dry thyme until it’s powdery. Gently inhale the resulting powder in the same way as the mustard oil previously mentioned. A mortar and pestle will work perfectly to crush the thyme, but if you are without one, the back of a spoon is an appropriate alternative.
7. Propping Up Your Head; to help the nasal discharge drain out instead of running down your throat and causing a persistent cough or ear infection, prop your head up with a pillow while you sleep.

Skin is made up of a thin outer layer called the epidermis, a fairly elastic one in the middle (the dermis), and the subcutaneous tissue which is a layer of fat and connective tissue that houses larger blood vessels and nerves at the deepest level. Each layer contains skin cells, water and fats, all of which help maintain and protect the condition of the skin. Severely damaged skin will try to heal by forming scar tissue which may be discolored or lose its pigment.

Healthy skin cells are plumped up with water, forming a protective barrier against damage and infection. Fats and oils in the skin help retain moisture, maintain body temperature and also prevent harmful substances or bacteria from entering the body.

Eczema also called as dermatitis, is a group of skin disorders. Persons with eczema will have skin that does not produce adequate fats and oils and will be less able to retain water. This will cause an insufficient protective barrier. Gaps open up between the skin cells because they are not sufficiently plumped up with water. Moisture is then lost from the deeper layers of the skin, allowing bacteria or irritants to pass through more easily. Substances such as soap, bubble bath and washing-up liquid will remove oil from the skin and contribute to its break down the skin; persons with eczema will experience irritated, cracked and inflamed skin because it is prone to drying out and easily damaged.

Remedies for Eczema

Home, Natural and Herbal Remedies

1. Peppermint oil is effective in providing relief of itching that accompanies eczema. Rub a drop of diluted peppermint oil over the affected area.
2. Patchouli is an essential oil that has antiseptic properties which help in controlling eczema outbreaks.
3. Tea tree oil is very popular due to its ability to clear up eczema patches, relieve the accompanying itch, and reduce the redness and swelling that result from an outbreak. This oil can be applied topically to the skin, or it can be used in creams, cleansers or lotions.
4. Prepare a warm bath with natural oatmeal to relieve constant itching, redness and dry skin. Ensure you soak the body in the oatmeal water; aloe vera gel can be applied after the bath.
5. A good home remedy for eczema is to apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon camphor and 1 teaspoon sandalwood paste on the rashes. The application of a nutmeg paste to the affected areas is also effective.
6. Put natural vitamin E on the affected skin to relieve itching. The lotion of blueberry leaves reduces inflammation.
7. Zinc taken orally and applied directly on the affected skin is an effective eczema remedy.
8. Coconut oil can be applied to the eczema to help sooth the skin and keep it soft.
9. Papaya seeds can be crushed and applied as a poultice to the eczema to prevent itching skin.

The swelling associated with hives appear as a pinkish or red rash and have a round or oval shape ranging from a few millimetres in diameter to several inches. The swellings may also be ringed with a red flare, and are extremely itchy. They appear in batches and are commonly found on the face, hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes. Usually, symptoms are present for not more than 8 to 12 hours, and rarely continue for more than 24 hours. Unfortunately, for some, the symptoms may continue for longer, lasting days or even months.

Remedies for Hives

1. Take an antihistamine; this is the most recommended remedy for hives. Antihistamines are available over the counter; they will cause drowsiness but since hives tend to be at their worst at nights, it is suitable to take the antihistamine nightly before you retire.
2. Wear gloves to bed; if you do not trust yourself to refrain from scratching in your sleep. Gloves or mittens will help to prevent damage if you do scratch while sleeping. Note that scratching with your fingers may feel good initially, but will only increase the local inflammation, or swelling, and even cause more hives to develop. It can tear the skin, creating a path for infection.
3. Use a milk compress; to cover the area affected with hives.
4. Wrap the infected area; with an elastic bandage.
5. Chill the itch; by holding an ice pack or some ice cubes in a thin towel on the skin’s affected areas for 5 minutes at a time, up to 4 times daily. Do not do this for longer as it can damage skin.
6. Identify the cause; to lessen your exposure to it. If it is a specific food, allergen or other external element, try to identify it so you will be able to avoid it and prevent the flare up of hives. Note that hives usually appear within half an hour of eating a food that causes it. So, if you break out in hives today, it is irrational to blame something you had for dinner the night before. If you already know what causes your hives, avoid it at all costs. Also, if you are prone to hives, stress will undoubtedly promote their flare up. So, it is ideal to develop ways of easing or managing stress.

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 hot but not boiling. 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 off–this is to ensure you take it in slowly.
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 out 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 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 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 contains real ginger content; much of the ginger ales on the market today is 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. Don’t throw the remaining leaves out–eat them. Eating boiled mint leaves cures nausea too.

Other Natural Home Remedies

1. Smelling vomit can usual serve to induce more vomiting or cause 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 freshen your breath.

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.