Having hyperuricemia doesn’t mean that gout will occur, however if uric acid crystals form, a painful gout attack can occur at any time. Gout is associated with arthritis as it can cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness, and swelling in a joint. The attacks are usually recurring if treatment isn’t administered. Chronic gout can also lead to deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints and may cause joint destruction, decreased kidney function, and kidney stones.

The most common symptom of gout is a nighttime attack of swelling, tenderness, redness, warmth, and sharp pain in the joint of the big toe. Gout attacks can also occur in the ankles, knees, instep, wrists, fingers, and elbows. Rarely, the shoulders, hips, or spine may be affected. The disease is more common in men than women, usually occurring just after puberty; in women gout is more likely to develop after menopause.

Home and Natural Remedies for Gout

1. Persons that have gout attacks should ensure they get plenty of bed rest when they are experiencing attack, up to a day afterward.
2. An easy but effective home remedy is to apply ice pack to the affected joints.
3. Incorporate a low-purine diet by avoiding foods that are high in purines to help in managing uric acid levels in the body. Avoid alcohol, coffee, fried foods, ice-cream and rich desserts. Eat foods that are high in potassium and fiber. A high fiber diet aids in removing uric acid by absorbing bile acids formed in the liver.
4. A study done in Spain in 2003 revealed that orange juice is an effective remedy in lowering uric acid levels. Two glasses of orange juice resulting in at least 250mg of vitamin C per day is the recommended dosage. Lemon juice prevents gout attacks by stimulating the formation of calcium carbonate in the body. Calcium carbonate neutralizes acids in the body, including uric acid that triggers gout attacks. Drink lemon juice with a glass of water after each meal.
5. Vitamin C is said to lower uric acid levels by stimulating the kidneys to excrete more uric acid.
6. Take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with meals to prevent gout attacks. Bicarbonate of soda is an alkalizing agent that works by making uric acids more soluble and thus easier to remove from the body. As baking soda is high in sodium consult with a medical professional before trying this gout remedy.
7. Celery is a diuretic, which means it elevates the rate of urination and by extension helps in removing uric acid from the body. Celery can be consumed by eating the stalks or seed extracts.
8. Research done in 1950 showed that cherries are one of the most popular natural remedies for gout. They contain a sub class of flavonoids called anthocyanidins that are high in antioxidant and are anti-inflammatory which can both block pain and reduce levels of uric acid. This is possible because their anthocyanidins inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the production of uric acid.

• 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.

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.

Although exact causes have not yet been identified, research shows that “heredity makes the largest contribution to the expression of the disorder in the population”. Difficulties during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, premature delivery, significantly low birth weight, excessively high body lead levels, and postnatal injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain have all been found to contribute to the risk for AD/HD to varying degrees. ADHD may also occur from environmental factors, brain injuries, sugar, and food additives.
Natural Remedies for ADHD

1. Sugar consumption may cause aggressive and restless behavior in ADHD patients. Sugar should therefore be avoided and a natural remedy to the condition. Other foods to avoid include soft drinks which may exaggerate muscle activities, caffeine and other stimulants.
2. Chamomile is mild sedative, used customarily in mild sleep disorders, particularly in children. It helps digestion and nervous stomach, soothes upper respiratory tract, is also antibacterial and promotes wound healing. Chamomile is known to relax and tone the nervous system, consume as a tea to calm ADHD symptoms.
3. Fresh lemon balm is an aromatic herb with a distinctly spicy, lemony taste. It has antispasmodic properties and its treatments include nervous problems, insomnia, headaches and is recognized for counter acting hyperactivity in children.
4. Vitamin B complex taken daily nourishes the nervous system and calcium magnesium is extremely important for neurotransmitter function.
5. Skullcap is a herb popular for its effectiveness as a nerve tonic. It is known to help produce calmness and balance in the mind as well as a healthy attitude. The active ingredients in skullcap have been shown in clinical studies to enhance a sense of calm, relaxed focus.
6. Ginkgo Biloba is well-known herb that is frequently found in natural remedies. Ginkgo Biloba increases the flow of blood to the brain, as well as it helps to increase neurotransmitter levels, all of which have a positive effect on a person’s ability to focus. One of the most helpful qualities of Ginkgo is the tendency of its positive effects to become permanent, even after its use is discontinued.
7. Apply stress management skills, meditation and deep relaxation techniques to combat stress associated with ADHD and its other symptoms.

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.

Home Remedies for Heat Rash

If the condition is not too intense, the following home remedies maybe used to provide some relief from the discomfort caused by heat rashes.

• It is suggested that anyone with a heat rash, ought to cool off for a few days. This means reducing your contact with very hot, humid conditions. If you are able to stay in an environment with an air conditioner or one that is well ventilated to allow good circulation of cooler air, you should realize that there is a lessening of visible bumps associated with the rash. However, if you work outdoors or live in a hotter environment, then this option is less likely to be feasible.
• Wear cotton or other breathable fabrics this will keep your skin cooler and prevent the associated warm and moist conditions from triggering a heat rash. It is also wise to wear loose fitting clothing to increase the effect of the lighter, more skin friendly fabric(s).
• Do not bathe with a harsh soap as this will aggravate the heat rash and cause it to worsen. Use gentle soothing soaps that contain very little chemicals. Try using a glycerine bar that will have far less irritants.
• Do not use certain types of ointments or moisturizers that may block the pores and provide a suitable environment for the rash to spread. If you must use any moisturizer, be sure that they are noncomedogenic and do not clog the sweat ducts.
• You may also use calamine lotion or one that contains dimethicone, as these help in reducing itching. These lotions are fairly easy to obtain and will help lessen the associated symptoms.
• You could apply the gel of aloe vera on the affected areas. This will aid in soothing the rash and will also help to speed up the healing process.
• You may use powders to keep yourself more sweat resistant and cooler. Use a medicated powder that has been designed for this purpose.
• After any activity that induces sweating, wash yourself thoroughly with a mild soap and sufficient amount of water.
• You could try using ice to combat the discomfort caused by the rash. Put some ice inside a plastic bag and wrap it in a clean cloth. Apply it to the affects areas and keep it there for 5-10 minutes. This can be repeated every 4-6 hours.

The above mentioned home remedies can be used to help soothe your skin from the discomfort and irritation caused by heat rash. However, if the condition persists or worsens, it is best to consult a professional medical practitioner.

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.

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.

Infections of the urinary tract are the second most common type of infection in the body and are more common in women than men for unexplained reasons. The bladder infections usually come with frequent urination including during the night, pain, fever and foul- smelling urine. Infection in the kidney will cause vomiting, abdominal pain, night sweats, fatigue and extreme thirst among other symptoms. An infection occurs when bacteria from the digestive tract, cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body; if the infection remains in the urethra it is referred to as urethritis.

Common risk factors for UTI are abnormalities in the urinary tract, an enlarged prostate gland, catheters and diabetes.

Remedies for UTI

Home Remedies

1. Drink plenty of water every day. Water increases urine flow and cleanses the body by diluting and flushing out unwanted substances. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
2. Mixture 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in eight ounce glass of water and consume at the first signs of urinary tract infection. The presence of baking soda in the system raises the acid-base balance of the acidic urine.
3. Cranberry juice prevents bacteria from clinging to the cells which line the urinary tract and is a great home remedy for fighting UTI, however if there is increased irritation dilute the cranberry juice to lower acidic levels. Fresh berry juice consumed as part of the daily diet can hinder UTI.
4. Do not procrastinate when you feel the urge to urinate.
5. Vitamin C prevents the bacterial growth due to the acidic environment created in the bladder and the urinary tract. Include a diet of milk, fruits and fresh vegetables to maintain alkaline content in the body. Avoid processed foods such as cheese, chocolate and dairy products and spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol.
6. You can make an essential oil by using equal parts of sandalwood, bergamot, tea tree, frankincense and juniper. Mix all these ingredients to make an oil to be rubbed over your bladder area. Continue this massaging technique for three to four days once the symptoms subside.
7. Place a warm or heated compress on the abdomen to ease the pain of UTI.
8. Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.
9. Take showers instead of tub baths.
10. Cleanse the genital area before sexual intercourse can help in preventing UTI; however sexual intercourse should be avoided when you have UTI as this will only aggravate the symptoms further.
11. Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches, which may irritate the urethra.
12. One of the simpler UTI home remedies is to avoid tight or close fitting under garments as these will cause further pain and discomfort as well as promoting bacterial activity.

Flu Symptoms and Remedies

Congestion

• Aromatic Steam; add two teaspoons chopped fresh ginger to a container filled with steaming water. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the steam; inhale for as long as you can then pause for air. Do this until relief is achieved. Alternatively, a few drops of eucalyptus oil can be used.
• Warm Shower; close the bathroom door and take a warm shower. The steamy bathroom will help to open airways and moisten and thin sinus mucus.
• Hydration; increase liquid intake. Keep your hydrated with water and drinks high in vitamins and antioxidants. Water will keep the respiratory system hydrated and contribute to the liquifying thick mucus that build up and cause respiratory infection. Liquids like coffee, alcohol and tea will cause dehydration.

Stuffy Nose

Saline Irrigation; this remedy effectively thins mucus, decreases postnasal drip, and adds moisture to dried mucus membranes. The saline rinse also contributes to the removal of virus particles and bacteria from the nasal passage. The home recipe is:

1. Mix ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water.
2. Lean over sink; press one nostril close with a finger and squirt the salt mixture into the other nostril with a bulb syringe. Allow it to drain; gently blow your nose.
3. Repeat 2-3 times, then treat the opposite nostril.

Coughing and throat irritation

• Honey and Lime Juice; mix about a tablespoon of honey with a couple teaspoons of lime juice. Take spoonfuls of the mixture and try to send it straight down your throat instead of taking it directly into your mouth first, before swallowing. This will soothe irritated throats and suppress mild coughing temporarily.
• Hot Chicken Soup; cook chicken soup loaded with pepper, pungent spices and garlic. This promotes the thinning of mucus along the mouth, throat and lung cavities. The hot chicken soup is said to improve the function of cilia in the nasal passages that protect the body from harmful viruses.

Body Aches and Muscle Pain

• Bed Rest; the most natural thing you can do while infected with the influenza virus, is rest. Your immune system will benefit from the rest and this will promote healing–it is in the deep stages of restful sleep that the body undergoes metabolic and tissue restoration.