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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Resources

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Natural Remedies for ADD

The following list includes some simple methods that can be employed to combat ADD.

• diet: Those experiencing symptoms of ADD, or who have been diagnosed with the disorder, should pay very close attention to their lifestyle choices, especially their diet and nutrition intake. Their diet should be supplemented with nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and essential fatty or amino acids. There should be little to no intake of sugary, junk foods which contain high levels of refined sugar, artificial colours, MSG, yeast and preservatives.
  Phosphate additives may be responsible for hyperkinesis which is characterised by exaggerated muscle activity. Thus, carbonated drinks, like soda, should be avoided as they are loaded with phosphates. High levels of phosphorus and very low calcium and magnesium levels can indicate a potential for hyperactivity and seizures. Meat and fat are very high in phosphorus and so the intake of both should be minimal. The perfect diet for a victim of ADD symptoms is one that is rich in protein, iron, vitamins, especially B group vitamins and minerals. The diet should be free of simple sugars, phosphates and excess fats. In other words, ADD patients have to avoid the consumption of simple carbohydrates such as candy, sugar, corn syrup, honey and so on. Instead, their diet should include more complex carbohydrates such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, it is beneficial to have a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna and other cold water white fish.

• managing stress: Studies and research have showed that one of the natural remedies to tackle ADD includes learning to handle stress. A conscious effort to relax is said to help in reducing restlessness and hyperactivity. People with ADD become more focused and less fidgety when they channelize their attention to some activity that motivates them to calm down and relax. These could be anything from listening to music, playing a musical instrument to yoga and meditation.

• listol: Unlike Ritalin, the popular drug prescribed for ADD and ADHD, listol is an all natural supplement designed to work with the body against ADD. Listol replenishes nutrients that, if lacking, will cause the symptoms of ADD. The natural ingredients contained in Listol includes vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, GABA powder, glycine, huperzine A extract, di-methyl glycine and phosphatidylserine. These ingredients have been found to help in alleviating the effects of ADD.
• avoiding certain foods: It has been noticed that ADD maybe related to the consumption of certain allergic foods such as food products that use food dyes in the colors of red, blue and yellow. Cow’s milk, peanuts, tomatoes and citrus food have also found to be among the common allergens.

ADD is a problem that can be tackled by making the above mentioned lifestyle changes. Apart from having a well-balanced diet, it is also important to have a regular exercise routine to combat the effects of ADD. It is also important to have quality nutrition during the time of pregnancy and in the first years of the child’s life. This is also said to aid in preventing ADD. Elimination of processed foods, artificial flavors, preservatives and sugars will assist in reducing the effect of hyperactivity, which is one of the afflictions of ADD.

Home Remedies for Herpes

1. Baking soda; use a cotton ball to dab baking soda on the affected areas. This will dry out the sores and decrease the itching. Beware, to not double dip cotton balls, or you will only contaminate the unused baking soda.
2. Cornstarch works similarly to baking soda, it dries out the sore and reduces itching. Dust a cotton ball with cornstarch and duct it onto sores.
3. Peppermint tea will help to ease pain and fever associated with herpes.
4. Change in diet will positively affect herpes treatment if immunity boosting foods are added in large amounts to the diet.
5. Ice when applied to sores will reduce pain and itching. Fill a plastic bag with crushed ice; wrap the bag in material the thickness of a sheet and apply to the affected areas for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process several times daily, taking care not to give prolonged exposure as this can cause tissue damage.
6. Milk will provide pain relief and promote healing. Soak cotton balls in milk and apply to the affected areas.

Additional Advice for those Infected with Herpes

1. Do not depend on a condom to protect you or your partner–they may not provide sufficient coverage even though wearing a condom does help. Viral shedding may also occur in the infected area, allowing the disease to spread easily to a sexual partner whether protection is used or not. Use vinyl or latex condoms between outbreaks.
2. Refrain from using tight fitting pants or underwear.
3. Do not take baths where you soak in the water; take showers as shedding virus can escape into the water.

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.

• Pain or discomfort that is only eased by defecation
• Fluctuating in the frequency of bowel movements
• Change in the appearance of stools

Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

1. Peppermint Oil will ease the abdominal pain and bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome. It achieves this through restricting movement of calcium into muscle cells in the intestines, and easing excessive muscle contractions there. Peppermint, a carminative herb, will also work at eliminating excess gas from the intestines. Available in many forms, peppermint should only be used in enteric-coated capsules when treating irritable bowel syndrome. If it is used otherwise, the oil may relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and cause heartburn. Do not consume excessive doses of peppermint oil; side effects of excessive use include nausea, loss of appetite, heart complications, nervous system disorders, and possible death. Peppermint oil should not be taken internally by children or by pregnant or nursing women.
2. Probiotics are naturally occurring microbial organisms that live in the digestive tract. Probiotics promote heath by suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, improving the functions of the immune system, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract and helping to produce vitamin K. People with irritable bowel syndrome may be experiencing an imbalance with their normal intestinal bacteria, like probiotics, and an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria. Though there are many probiotic strains, some are more suitable for the effective treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Bifidobacterium infantis promotes greater reduction in abdominal pain, bloating, and difficulty in bowel movement than other strains of probiotics. If you are interested in this natural remedy, do research to identify more detailed facts on using and obtaining this treatment.
3. Changes in diet can help to ease irritable bowel syndrome. For many irritable bowel syndrome cases, it is intolerance for particular foods that play a major role in irritable bowel syndrome. The intolerance triggers immune responses in the gut, which lead to low grade inflammation and an imbalance of intestinal bacteria. Intolerance to dairy products and grains are commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome; to be sure of what your food intolerance may be, work with a trained practitioner who will supervise an elimination and challenge diet. Here, many foods are removed from the diet for a short time, then reintroduced sequentially to isolate the body’s reaction to the offending foods.

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.

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.

Hair loss is a concern for many men and women. It may occur because of the natural ageing process or prematurely from an underlying condition like: lupus or diabetes. Other reasons for hairloss may include stress, hormonal changes especially those observed after pregnancy and during menopause, over-active or under-active thyroid, taking certain types of medications and possible infections. Additionally an individual may lose hair because of improper care or wearing hairstyles that promote hair loss which may include ponytails and corn rows. In some cases of hair loss there may be some things that you can do to help stop hair loss and even regrow some or all of your hair. However natural home remedies do not necessarily work for all people and should be used with the foreknowledge that you may experience little or no results. Hair loss also has the potential to correct itself on its own without any form of intervention, but if you prefer to combat hair loss immediately then you may use any or all of the following natural remedies listed below.

Remedies

• You can make special hair tonics out of natural ingredients for example one such tonic in-cooperates coconut oil and alma oil. All you need to do is boil the oil and add a generous portion of alma oil. Remove the mixture when hot and use it when it has cooled sufficiently.
• It has been suggested that massaging the scalp may promote hair growth. By massaging the scalp carefully each day for a few minutes you may be able to stop hair loss and boost hair growth.
• You may also use almond oil on the scalp. When applying it massage it into the scalp for better coverage. It has been shown to stop hair loss and is also a good treatment to use in the hair regardless.
• You can use aloe vera as a natural hair treatment. The plant can be cut and then used directly. The slimy liquid should be placed on the hair and scalp. Allow it to penetrate well into the hair shaft by letting it remain in the hair for at least 30 minutes. You may use a steam cap for greater penetration.
• Mayonnaise can be applied directly to the hair as a natural protein treatment. This will help to sustain the strands that have not fallen out. It will also possibly promote more hair growth being protein based. However the main goal of using this treatment is to maintain the viability of your existing strands.
• If you have very thin hair wash your hair less often and alternate shampoo usage. Instead of religiously using shampoo on days where your hair is greasy opt to wash it using only warm water and conditioner, you may limit the use of shampoo to every 4-6 days. Washing your hair too much especially if processed may weaken your hair.
• You may also use jojoba oil which may not only help regrow hair but reduce any dandruff that is currently on the scalp.
• Another important natural method that should promote hair growth is changing your diet. By eating more healthily your entire body will function more effectively thus leading to better cell renewal and in fact much improved hair growth. Try to get adequate amounts of all the necessary nutrients by eating: avocados and nuts that will provide vitamin E; meats, poultry, fish and dairy which will provide the body with B vitamins, protein and sulphur; and leafy green vegetables, dates, liver and whole grain cereals which will give you much needed iron.

Some of the common triggers of dry skin include:

• taking very hot, long baths which will remove natural moisture from the skin
• using certain types of soaps
• some medications like antihistamines and diuretics
• using astringents or other products containing salicylic acid Benzoyl Peroxide and Resorcinol
• uncomfortable, itchy clothing
• environmental factors such as pollution, exposure to the sun for long durations, less humidity

There are things that you may do to prevent and treat excessive dryness of the skin at home. However, if these simple methods do not work it is best to visit a dermatologist who may be able to identify the true cause of your dry skin and give the appropriate treatment. If you have an underlying medical condition that is triggering your dry skin then it is imperative to consult your doctor who will be able to treat the actual disease / condition.

Simple Remedies to Soothe Dry Skin

Let us look at some possible home remedies that can help to soothe dry skin.

• oiling your thirsty skin: You may use certain types of natural oils such as olive oil, almond oil, castor oil and avocado oil to moisturize your skin. These oils may be massaged on the skin overnight to increase the moisturizing effect. Skin is more receptive to moisture when you are sleeping and so, applying these oils directly before bedtime is highly recommended. However, be careful not to put the oil on skin that is acne prone, for example on the face, neck, back and shoulders. These oils may clog the pores and cause more breakouts. If you are experiencing dryness of the skin associated with using topical acne treatments, it is best to buy a noncomedogenic moisturizer.
• what you eat matters: Ensure you eat a healthy diet that includes the vitamins A, B, C and E. These vitamins appear to have beneficial effects on the skin. Though some moisturizers may claim to have these added ingredients, the antioxidant effect is far greater when taken orally. It will not only improve your skin condition but it will also improve your overall health.

Dietary sources of these vitamins include:

• vitamin A: carrots, liver, egg and broccoli
• vitamin B: meat, potatoes and banana
• vitamin C: oranges and tomatoes
• vitamin E: egg, milk, avocado and wheat germ

If you are unable to fulfil your daily vitamin requirements through diet alone, consider taking supplements. It is best to consult a professional medical practitioner who can advice you best regarding which supplement to use and its intake.

• choose soaps with care: Avoid using soaps with harsh detergents. Use soaps that are mild or that specifically state that they are suitable for sensitive skin.
• avoiding long, hot baths: Avoid bathing in very hot baths for prolonged periods. As mentioned earlier, this will cause excessive dryness of the skin.
• moisturize your skin daily: Use a regular or sensitive skin lotion twice every day to add moisture to your dry skin.
• bathe less frequently: Bathe less frequently, if you find that your skin is overly dry. Bathe no more than twice daily as each bath will remove some of your body’s natural oils.
• fluid intake: Drink a lot of water as this should help improve skin’s natural moisture levels. Ensure that you drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day.
• using sunscreen: Remember to apply a quality sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 before you step out into the sun.
• reduce intake of caffeine and alcohol: The consumption of alcohol and caffeine should be reduced as these have a tendency to dry skin.
• ripe banana: Take a ripe banana and mash it well. Apply the same on your face and neck and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Wash your face and neck using lukewarm water.
• apricots: Take some apricots and mash them well. In warm olive oil, mix the mashed apricots.  Apply the fine paste on your face and neck and then leave it on for about 10-15 minutes. Wash your face and neck with lukewarm water.
• applying Aloe Vera: Apply the pulp of Aloe Vera on your dry skin. This is an excellent, natural moisturizer and it can help to restore the suppleness and smoothness of your skin. After applying the pulp, leave it one for a few minutes and then wash it off with warm water.