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

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.

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.

There are some people that are prone to excessive feelings of anxiety and panic attacks. These attacks may sometimes be triggered by certain stressful situations. People who feel anxious all the time should try to visit a professional who may be able to discern the root cause of anxiety. The feelings may stem from an actual medical condition that induces anxiety or likewise from some form of mental instability. In extreme cases a person may be said to suffer from GAD or generalized anxiety disorder. However for some persons who are not ill or do not suffer from any underlying conditions, feeling anxious can be a perfectly natural phenomenon. A person may become anxious when he or she is consumed with a substantial amount of stress. To deal with anxiety issues it will take a great effort on the part of the individual. There are a few things you may do on your own that should make you feel less anxious. These will include some of the following methods listed below.

Remedies

• You may consider certain relaxation techniques like meditation. These types of techniques will help you to settle your thoughts and relax your overworked mind. Find a quite place to start using any of these techniques. If you are using meditation try to sit up and keep good form and posture, inhale deeply and focus on your breathing. Continue doing this until you have achieved a deeper sense of relaxation. Focus your thoughts on all the good things in your life and take a well needed break from worrying about your current problems. Try to do this at least once per day, especially when you feel most anxious.
• Drink chamomile tea; it has been found to relax most people and may also help you to fall asleep at night.
• You can also use aromatherapy oils. You can sprinkle some of these essential oils in key areas to infuse the room with a much needed sense of inspiration. A better way to have the scent of the oils dispersed throughout the room is with a diffuser. Simply place a tea light candle in the diffuser and tip a bit of oil and water in the area specified for liquids and allow it to burn. Many of these oils promote much needed relaxation. Alternatively, you can place these oils in your bath water and allow the scents to intrigue you. This is especially beneficial when done after a particularly stressful day.
• Try to allot more time for sleep by taking natural herbal remedies like Valerian which will help you fall asleep more quickly. When your body is well rested you will feel less anxious.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to stay health but also a wonderful way to improve your general attitude and mental state. You will feel less tense when you start doing a regular routine. Jogging, especially if you have access to a nice outdoor area is a highly recommended exercise as it will improve circulation and make you feel better. Yoga is also another great form of exercise that will help you feel less tense. It involves some mediation like postures and focuses on the benefits of proper breathing techniques and stretching.

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.

• blackheads that appear on the skin’s surface
• whiteheads that remain under the skin’s surface
• pustules that are red at the bottom and contain visible amounts of pus on top
• nodules that are large and painful and that are found deep in the skin, solid to the touch
• cysts that are painful and filled with pus and that are deeply seeded, causing scarring

Any of the listed pimples may appear on the face, neck, shoulder, back or chest. Some factors that are associated with the formation and increase of pimples include:

• hormones: Fluctuation of hormones may occur during adolescence, the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The increase is responsible for higher incidence of clogged oil glands, which cause pimple outbreaks.
• medication: Some prescription medication and birth control pills can cause pimples to form on the face, neck and back as a side effect.
• cosmetic products: Cosmetic products clog pores and lead to acne breakout. So, it is best to select cosmetics that are hypoallergenic as well as non-greasy beauty products. Also, try to buy cosmetics with water listed as their first ingredient rather than some sort of oil.
• heredity factors: Heredity plays a major part in promoting the development of pimples. If your parents have severe cases of pimples and acne, chances are you will have them too.

Simple Home Remedies for Pimples

The following simple home remedies can be employed to try and tackle pimples.

1. Vitamins: Pimples will positively react to niacin, vitamins A and E, when taken as supplements, once daily.
2. Lemon: Apply lemon juice to pimples to reduce their size and intensity.
3. Garlic: Rubbing raw garlic on problem areas several times daily can help in clearing up of skin. In addition, eat three pods of raw garlic, once daily for a month, and take note of the positive results.
4. Orange peel: Pound orange peels and combine them with water to create an effective mixture for pimple treatment. Apply the mixture to the affected areas to experience positive results.
5. Fenugreek: Make a paste with fenugreek leaves and apply it to the entire face every night, before retiring to bed. Each morning, wash the paste away with warm water. This remedy is especially effectively for blackheads.
6. Coriander juice and turmeric: Mix a teaspoon of coriander juice, combined with a pinch of turmeric powder. After washing the face thoroughly with water, apply the mixture to the face for effective treatment. Mint juice may replace coriander in this remedy.
7. Cucumber: Grate cucumber and rub it all over the affected areas on neck, face and over eyes for the treatment of pimples and blackheads. Leave it for up to 20 minutes and then, wash with warm water. Next, splash with cold water to close pores.
8. Epsom salts: Hot Epsom salt baths taken twice weekly should ease all cases of acne.

The above mentioned simple home remedies can be used to tackle the bothersome problems posed by pimples.

Home Remedies for Toothache

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

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

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

Remedies for Sunburn

1. Cold water: use cold water straight from the faucet or add a few ice cubes to it. Soak a cloth with the cold water and lay it over the burn. Repeat every few minutes as the cloth becomes warm. Apply several times daily, for up to 15 minutes each time.
2. Aspirin: take a 650 mg dose of aspirin if you’ve been in the sun for a prolonged period. Anticipate the burn and the pain that will result, and treat it to prevent the redness and pain to result. Repeat every 4 hours for up to six doses.
3. Skim milk: milk protein is very soothing. Mix 1 cup skim milk with 4 cups water and add a few ice cubes to make a cool and refreshing liquid for the skin. Soak compress in the mixture and apply the compress to the burn for up to 20 minutes. Repeat the process every 2 to 4 hours.
4. Oatmeal: wrap dry oatmeal in gaze material or cheesecloth. Run cool water through it and then discard the oatmeal. Soak the compress in the liquid and apply every 2-4 hours for up to 20 minutes.
5. Witch hazel: moisten a cloth with witch hazel and apply to the affected areas for temporary relief. For smaller areas, use a cotton ball to dip into the witch hazel and gently stroke the mixture onto skin.
6. For larger areas, like the whole body, an alternative to compresses, as listed above is a cool bath. Add enough liquid as usually needed for a bath keeping the water at room temperature. Put any of the following ingredients into the water, and soak yourself in it. When you finish, pat your skin dry with a clean towel–this should reduce pain, itching and inflammation.
7. Vinegar: mix 1 cup of vinegar into a tub of cool water.
8. Aveeno powder: use pre measured packets or add ½ cup of Aveeno Bath Treatment, which is made from oatmeal, to a tub of cool water. Soak for up to 20 minutes.
9. Minimise the use of bath soaps with fragrance as they can dry out skin and irritate burned skin. If you must use soap, use one that is mild and rinse it off well with cool water. Never soak in soap water, and stay away from bubble baths.

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

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

Remedies for Head Lice

Home Remedies

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