Thursday, December 13, 2007

AMNESIA!!

Amnesia refers to partial or complete loss of memory. Different types and degrees of amnesia occur in old age and in some mental disorders.

Amnesia symptoms
Person forgets words or names
The most common form of this disease is verbal amnesia. In this condition, the patient forgets words or names. An uncommon form of amnesia is temporary loss of memory, in which a person even forgets his own identity, including his name, age, family background, and any recollection of the past.

Causes of Amnesia
Impairment of brain cells by diseases
The main cause of amnesia is the impairment of brain cells by diseases which affect them directly or indirectly, due to a poor blood supply caused by circulatory diseases.
Psychological causes, weakness of the brain
Poor memory also results from dullness of intellect and weakness of the brain. Many cases are, however, largely psychological in origin. They are caused by anxiety neurosis, resulting from attention-seeking in persons obsessed with their own problems. Temporary loss of memory may result from an injury.

Home Remedies for Amnesia
Amnesia treatment using Rosemary
The most remarkable remedy for loss of memory or forgetfulness is the use of the herb rosemary, botanically known as Romarinus officinalis. Rosemary has long been regarded as a herb for remembrance. In ancient times, the Greeks and the Romans prepared fragrant distilled water from the flowers of this plant and inhaled the odour so that 'the evils were destroyed from the mind and the memory no longer played tricks.' Rosemary is considered to be an antidote for mental fatigue and forgetfulness. A tea made from this herb, taken once or twice a day, is a refreshing drink and an effective natural remedy for enhancing mental agility.
Amnesia treatment using Brahmi Booti
Another herb useful in amnesia is brahmi booti, botanically known as Bacopa scrophulariaceae. About seven grams of this herb should be dried in the shade and ground in water, along with seven kernels of almonds and half a gram of pepper. This mixture should be strained and sweetened with twenty-five gm of sugar. It should be drunk every morning for a fortnight on an empty stomach.
Amnesia treatment using Sage
The herb sage has also been found beneficial in the treatment of a weak memory or loss of memory. It acts on the cortex of the brain, mitigates mental exhaustion and strengthens the ability to concentrate. A tea prepared from dried sage leaves can be used regularly for this purpose.
Amnesia treatment using Almonds
Almonds are very valuable for restoring a poor memory caused by brain weakness. They contain unique properties to remove brain debility and to strengthen the brain. Almonds preserve the vitality of the brain and cure ailments originating from nervous disorders. Ten to twelve almonds should be immersed in water overnight and their outer skin removed. They should then be made into a fine paste and taken, mixed with one teaspoonful of butter or even alone. Inhaling ten to fifteen drops of almond oil through the nose, morning and evening, is also beneficial in the treatment of brain weakness.
Amnesia treatment using Walnuts
Walnut is another unique dry fruit valuable in countering brain weakness. About twenty grams of walnuts should be taken every day. The value of walnuts is enhanced if they are taken with figs or raisins in a proportion of ten gram each, everyday.
Amnesia treatment using Apples
Apples are useful in amnesia. The various chemical substances contained in this fruit such as vitamin B1, phosphorus, and potassium help in the synthesis of glutamic acid. This acid controls the wear and tear of nerve cells. Eating an apple a day with one tea-spoon of honey and one cup of milk is beneficial in the treatment of loss of memory and mental irritability. It acts as an effective nerve tonic and recharges the nerves with new energy and life.
Amnesia treatment using Other Fruits
All fruits which are rich in phosphorus are valuable mitigators of amnesia, as they invigorate the brain cells and tissues. Apart from apples, almonds, and walnuts, which have been discussed earlier, other phosphorus-rich fruits are figs, grapes, oranges, and dates. Their intake is highly beneficial in loss of memory due to brain debility.
Amnesia treatment using Cumin Seeds
The use of cumin seeds is another valuable remedy for amnesia or dullness of memory. Three grams of black cumin seeds should be mixed with two teaspoonfuls of pure honey and taken once a day, preferably, in the morning.
Amnesia treatment using Black Pepper
Five seeds of finely ground black pepper, mixed with one teaspoon of honey are also beneficial in the treatment of this condition. This preparation should be taken both in the morning and evening.

Amnesia diet
Phosphorus-rich food and cow's milk
The diet of a patient suffering from amnesia should consist of phosphorus-rich foods like cereals, pulses, nuts, egg yolk, fruit juices, and milk. Cow's milk is specially beneficial and the patient should take as much of this milk as he can safely digest.

Other Amnesia treatments
Sufficient sleep and rest
Ensuring sufficient rest and sleep under conducive conditions is very necessary.
Relaxation and meditation
The patient must also learn the art of relaxation and meditation, which can go a long way in curing amnesia.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Home Remedies For Eye Problems!!

How very precious our eyes and vision are to each of us. Agreed? Agreed! Then what have you done for your eyes lately? Do you know there's eye food, eye-strengthening exercises, an acupressure eyestrain reliever, eyewashes to help brighten those baby blues, browns, grays or greens, and natural healing alternatives?

We once noticed a sign in an optometrist' s office that said-"If you don't see what you want, you're in the right place."

Likewise. So read the following eye care suggestions, or get someone to read them to you.

Bloodshot Eyes
If you don't drink in excess and you get enough sleep, but still have bloodshot eyes on a regular basis, you may be bothered by your contacts, allergic to the eye makeup you wear or you may be deficient in vitamin B2 (riboflavin) . Take 15 mg ofB2 daily. You might also want to have a tablespoon of brewer's yeast every day.

Use any of the eyewashes listed on page 80, and you might want to try the grated potato remedy listed under "Black Eyes" on page 29.

Cataracts
When the lens of your eye becomes opaque (cloudy)-which occurs from old age, injury or a systemic disease like diabetes-then you have a cataract.
There are revolutionary new methods of removing cataracts, where the patient walks in and out of the doctor's office within a few hours. Cataracts should definitely be treated and removed by a qualified health professional.

Natural Home remedies
While you're checking into today's modern techniques, you might want to try one or more of the following natural remedies to give you some relief until the cataract is professionally removed. . .

Mind Your Bs and Cs
Research scientists have found that a deficiency of vitamin B2(riboflavin) can cause cataracts. So it serves to reason that B2 supplements should help to prevent cataracts and may also clear up existing conditions.

Brewer's yeast is the richest source of riboflavin. Take 1 tablespoon a day and/or 15mg of vitamin B2. Along with a B2 vitamin, take a B-complex vitamin to avoid high urinary losses of B vitamins. Also, eat foods high in vitamin B 2-broccoli, salmon, beans, wheat germ, turnip tops and beets.

Vitamin C prevents damage in the watery portions of cells, particularly in the cornea and retina. A Tufts University study reported that women who supplemented their diets with 325 mg of vitamin C daily were 77% less likely to develop cataracts than women who did not supplement.

Take 1,000 mg of vitamin C every day or eat foods that contain it, such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits and bell peppers.

NOTE: To get the most benefit from eye drops, gently pull out your lower lid and let the liquid drop into the eye pocket. Then keep your eyes closed for about two minutes after putting in the drops. This will prevent the blinking process from pumping the drops out of your eyes.

For five minutes each day, massage the base of the index and middle (second and third) fingers, as well as the webs between those fingers. The right hand helps the right eye and the left hand helps the left eye.

Home Remedies For Eye Inflammation

Peel and slice an overripe apple. Put the pieces of pulp over your closed eyes, holding the pieces in place with a bandage or strip of cloth. Leave it on at least a half-hour to help alleviate irritation and inflammation.
A poultice of either grated raw potato, fresh mashed papaya pulp or mashed cooked beets is soothing and promotes healing. Apply the poultice for 15 minutes, twice a day.

Fashion Statement
Reuse steeped tea bags. Make sure they're moist and cool enough to apply to the closed eyelids for 15 minutes. (This remedy is a favorite for fashion models who wake up puffyeyed.) .
Crush a tablespoon of fennel seeds and add it to a pint of just-boiled water. Let it steep for 15 minutes, then dunk cotton pads in the liquid and place them over your eyelids for about 15 minutes.
Theres an herb called horsetail that is helpful for inflamed eyes.

Steep 1 teaspoon of dried horsetail in hot water for 10 minutes. Saturate cotton pads with it and apply the pads to your eyelids for 10 minutes. Redunk the pads in the liquid, then keep them on your eyes for another 10 minutes. Repeat again after half an hour, and the inflammation should start calming down.
Freshly sliced cucumber placed on eyelids for about 15 minutes is soothing and healing.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Toothache!!

Toothache home remedies is a commonly sought after information because tooth ache is a very common problem and can occur without a warning. Teeth are an amazing balance of form and function, aesthetic beauty and engineering. Good teeth are an important part of one's health and appearance.

Symptoms of Toothache
Toothache symptoms
A toothache may be sharp, throbbing, shooting, or constant. If the tooth is not properly treated, it will eventually have to be extracted.

Causes of Toothache
Tooth decay, consumption of soft drinks, refined carbohydrates and sugar
The main cause of toothache is tooth decay, which results from a faulty diet. Perhaps the greatest curse and cause of tooth decay is the consumption of candy, soft drinks, pastries, refined carbohydrates and sugar in all forms. Bacteria in the mouth breaks sugar down into acids, which combine with the calcium in the enamel to cause decay or erosion.

Home Remedies for Toothache
Remedies for Tooth ache using Garlic
Among the most effective home remedies for toothache is garlic. A clove of garlic with a little rock salt should be placed on the affected tooth. It will relieve the pain and, sometimes, may even cure it. A clove should also be chewed daily in the morning. It will make the cure teeth making it strong and healthy.
Toothache relief using Onion
Latest research has confirmed the bactericidal properties of onion. If a person consumes one raw onion every day by thorough mastication, he will be protected from host of tooth disorders. Chewing raw onion for three minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth. Toothache is often allayed by placing a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or gum.
Remedies for Tooth ache using Lime
Lime, as a rich source of vitamin C, 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
Toothache cure using Wheat Grass
The juice of wheat grass acts as an excellent mouthwash for tooth decay and cures toothaches. Wheat grass can be chewed with beneficial results. It draws out toxins from the gums and thus checks bacterial growth.
Toothache cure using Asafoetida
The use of asafoetida has been found useful in curing toothache. It should be pestled in lemon Juice and slightly heated. A cotton swab should be soaked in this lotion and placed in the cavity of the tooth. It will relieve pain quickly.
Toothache relief using Bay Berry
A paste of the bark of bay berry should be made with vinegar. This paste, applied on the affected tooth, will relieve the toothache. It can also be applied beneficially on the gums for strengthening them.
Toothache home remedy using Clove
Another home remedy for toothache is in the use of clove, which reduces pain. It also helps decrease infection due to its antiseptic properties. Clove oil, applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, also relieves toothache.
Remedies for Toothache using Pepper
A mixture of a pinch of pepper powder and a quarter teaspoon of common salt is an excellent dentrifice. Its daily use prevents dental cavities, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums, and toothaches. It cures the increased sensitiveness of the teeth. A pinch of pepper powder mixed with clove oil can be put on the cavities to alleviate the toothache.

Toothache Relief diet
Proper diet
Diet plays a vital role in dental health. The condition of the teeth after they are formed depends upon the foods one eats from day to day. Dental decay, the destruction of the bone around the teeth, and infection of the gums can be prevented with an appropriate diet. In fact, with a proper diet, the teeth and jaw bones can be made harder and healthier as the years go by.
Restrict sugar intake, include raw vegetables in diet
It is important to restrict one's sugar intake, and to ensure that the diet includes plenty of raw vegetables and wholewheat bread. Whole foods are ideal for the teeth. Fibreless refined foods allow particles to accumulate on the teeth in a sticky mass where they can do great harm. The gums need friction to keep them firm and whole foods also help remove plaque. They are therefore called 'detergent foods' by some dentists. In preventing tooth decay, what one eats is no doubt important but equally important is when one eats
Avoid frequent small snacks and sugar intake
Frequent small snacks are very harmful to teeth, as they produce an acid medium in which the bacteria thrive. The number of times one eats sugar is one of the most important factors in determining the rate of decay. For this reason, it is better to eat sweets at the end of a meal rather than between meals.

Other Toothache cure
Other toothache treatment
Proper cleaning of the teeth is very essential to prevent tooth decay and consequent toothache. There are many theories on how best to clean the teeth. The consensus of dental opinion however seems to back using a circular motion with the brush, so as to ensure that all dental surfaces are cleaned. One should not be afraid to touch the gums with the brush, as this gentle stimulation improves the blood circulation in the gums.

Migraine!!

Migraine Headaches are paroxysmal ailments, that are accompanied by a severe headache. The headache normally occurs on one side of the head. Migraine is associated with disorders of digestion, liver, and sight. Migraine headaches occur sometimes due to great mental tension and stress. Migraine headache patients are typically smart, inflexible, disciplined. Sudden migraine attacks may occur due to overworked muscles in the head and neck and due to continuous stress. The blood flow drops because these tight muscles squeeze the arteries. When the person suddenly relaxes these tight muscles expand and stretch the blood vessel walls. The blood pumped with each heartbeat then pushes the vessels further causing immense pain.

More information on regular headaches.

Migraine headache Symptoms
Pain on one side of the head
Migraine headaches have a certain pattern: Normally, the pain is on only one side of the head and often starts from behind the eye. The migraine attack is concentrated on the left side on once occasion and on another you have a headache on the right side.

A short period of depression, irritability and loss of appetite
Migraines and depression are sometimes related in some persons. The affected person may have a period of depression prior to a migraine attack. Migraine headaches also are sometimes preceded loss of appetite and irritability. Migraine attacks may occur every day in some people or may occur with a weeks gap or a month or may be over a year. There is no predictable migraine attack cycle that has been established yet.

Pounding pain, nausea, and vomiting
Symptoms of migraines include pounding pain, nausea and vomiting. You can feel the blood pulsating through the affected side of the head.

Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, or on one side of the face
Migraine pain may be preceded by numbness and weakness or an arm or a leg. The eye may start paining or one side of the face gets numb prior to a migraine headache. In some cases the entire face and tongue may get numb making the speech slurry. Digestive problems are experienced sometimes as the headache develops.

Common Migraine (without aura) symptoms
Irritability, laziness, stiff neck, yawning are signs of common migraine (migraine without aura). Confused thinking, weakness, difficulty in concentrating are some other signs.

Classical Migraine with aura symptoms
Migraines with aura may have all the symptoms of those without the aura. But has one additional symptom: a visual C shaped aura. A C shaped arc of flashing lights with the center as gray or blind and the colored lights at the end of the C. This migraine aura starts as a small dot and expands in about 30 minutes.

Cause for Migraine Headaches

Low blood sugar, allergy infection, excessive intake of certain drugs
Migraine headaches maybe caused by low blood sugar, allergy infection, excessive intake of certain drugs, nutritional deficiency, consistent overwork, improper sleep and rest, excessive smoking, drinking,and sexual indulgence.

Menstrual Migraine: Menstruation in women
Menstruation in women is also one of the important cause of migraine headache. Commonly known as menstrual migraine, this usually abates after menopause.

Herbal Remedies for migraines headaches

Migraine relief using Grapes
Migraine relief can be obtained from the juice of ripe grapes and is an effective home remedy. Grind fresh ripe grapes and drink without adding any water.

Migraine relief using Niacin
Niacin has proved helpful in relieving migraine pain. Valuable sources of this vitamin are yeast, whole wheat, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, nuts, sunflower seeds, liver and fish. Vitamin I complex tablets containing 100 mg of niacin can be taken for migraine treatment.

Relieving Migraine using Cabbage Leaf Compress
Cabbage leaf compress can help relieve the pain of a migraine headache. Crush a few cabbage leaves, place in a cloth and apply on the forehead for extended period of time. Use fresh leaves when the compressed leaves dry out.

Migraine treatment using Lemon Crust
Lemon crusts can cure migraine. Grind lemon crust and apply as a paste on the forehead. Migraine cures using this remedy has been found very effective and long lasting by many.

Natural Migraine headache treatment using Vegetable Juices
Carrot juice combined with spinach, beet and cucumber juices are good for migraine treatment. Use on the 2 following mixtures as migraine therapy:
1: Mix 200 ml of spinach juice with 300 ml of carrot juice.
2: Mix 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices with 300 ml of carrot juice.

Migraine relief diet

Fasting on orange juice and water
Cleansing the body of toxins is important for effective treatment of migraine headache. Fast for 2-3 days on orange juice and water. Alternatively, fast on juices of carrot, celery or cucumber.

Avoid foods like white flour products, sugar, tinned or preserved foods, etc
To prevent migraine avoid or reduce white flour products, sugar, confectionery, rich cakes, pastries, sweets, refined cereals, greasy foods, tinned or preserved foods, pickles, condiments and sauces.

All-fruit diet
3-4 fruit based meals for about 2-3 days after the juice diet could help relieve some of the migraine pain.

Well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts etc.
Adopt a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits.
Include milk, yoghurt, buttermilk, vegetable oils, and honey.
All fruit diet for a couple of days each month can keep your body cleansed as a migraine therapy.

Eat frequent small meals, Copious drinking of water is essential.
Drink water regularly and in good quantity. Eat frequent smaller meals than lesser large meals. This help your digestion process.

Other migraine treatment

Take warm-water enema to cleanse bowels
Cleanse the bowels by taking warm water enema during the fruit juice diet.

Hot bath, cold compress applied to head
A hot foot bath, fomentation over the stomach and spine, cold compress applied to the head, and towels wrung out of very hot water and frequently applied to the neck will go a long way in relieving migraine headaches.

Plenty of exercise and walk in fresh air is essential
Exercise regularly and frequent fresh air walks help relieve migraine tension.

Constipation:Mother of all Health Problems!!

Constipation is a common disturbance of the digestive tract. In this condition, the bowels do not move regularly, or are not completely emptied when they move. This condition is the chief cause of many diseases as it produces toxins which find their way into the bloodstream and are carried to all parts of the body. Appendicitis, rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure, cataract., and cancer are only a few of the diseases in which chronic constipation is an important predisposing factor.

Constipation Symptoms
Infrequency, irregularity in elimination of hard faecal matter
The most common symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or difficulty in elimination of the hard faecal matter.

Coated tongue, Foul breath, headache, depression , insomnia etc
The other symptoms include a coated tongue, foul breath, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, dark circles under the eyes, depression, nausea, pimples on the face, ulcer in the mouth, constant fullness in the abdomen, diarrhoea alternating with constipation, varicose veins, pain in the lumbar region, acidity, heart burn, and insomnia.
Causes of Constipation
Faulty diet and style of living
The most important causes of chronic constipation are a faulty diet and style of living.
Insufficient intake of water, strong tea and coffee etc
Intake of refined and rich foods lacking in vitamins and minerals, insufficient intake of water, consumption of meat in large quantities, excessive use of strong tea and coffee, insufficient chewing, overeating and wrong combination of foods, irregular habits of eating and drinking may all contribute to poor bowel function.
Irregular habit of defecation, lack of physical activity
Other causes include faulty and irregular habit of defecation, frequent use of purgatives, weakness of abdominal muscles due to sedentary habits, lack of physical activity, and emotional stress and strain.

Home Remedies for Constipation

Constipation treatment using Bael Fruit
Generally all fruits, except banana and jack fruit, are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Certain fruits are, however, more effective. Bael fruit is regarded as the best of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use for two or three months throws out even the old accumulated faecal matter. It should be preferably taken in its original form and before dinner. About sixty grams of the fruit are sufficient for an adult.
Constipation treatment using Pear
Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Patients suffering from chronic constipation should adopt an exclusive diet of this fruit or it's juice for a few days, but in ordinary cases, a medium-sized pear taken after dinner or with breakfast will have the desired effect.
Constipation treatment using Guava
Guava is another effective remedy for constipation. When eaten with seeds, it provides roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels. One or two guavas should be taken everyday.
Constipation treatment using Grapes
Grapes have proved very beneficial in overcoming constipation. The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes make them a laxative food. Their field of action is not limited to clearing the bowels only. They also tone up the stomach and intestines and relieve the most chronic constipation. One should take at least 350 gm of this fruit daily to achieve the desired results. When fresh grapes are not available, raisins, soaked in water, can be used. Raisins should be soaked for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. This will make them swell to the original size of the grapes. They should be eaten early in the morning, along with the water in which they have been soaked.
Constipation treatment using Orange
Orange is also beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Taking one or two oranges at bedtime and again on rising in the morning is an excellent way of stimulating the bowels. The general stimulating influence of orange juice excites peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon.
Constipation treatment using Papaya and Figs
Other fruits specific for constipation are papaya and figs. Half a medium-sized papaya should be eaten at breakfast for it to act as a laxative. Both fresh and dry figs have a laxative effect. Four or five dry figs should be soaked overnight in a little water and eaten in the morning.
Constipation treatment using Spinach
Among the vegetables, spinach has been considered to be the most vital food for the entire digestive tract from time immemorial. Raw spinach contains the finest organic material for the cleansing, reconstruction, and regeneration of the intestinal tract. Raw spinach juice-100 ml, mixed with an equal quantity of water and taken twice daily, will cure the most aggravated cases of constipation within a few days.
Constipation treatment using Other Remedies
Half a lime, squeezed is a glass of hot water, with half a teaspoon of salt is also an effective remedy for constipation. Drinking water which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel, first thing in the morning, brings good results. Linseed (alse) is extremely useful in difficult cases of constipation. A teaspoon of linseed swallowed with water before each meal provides both roughage and lubrication.

Constipation diet
Natural and simple diet consisting of unrefined foods
The most important factor in curing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of unrefined foods such as wholegrain cereals, bran, honey, lentils, green and leafy vegetables, fresh and dry fruits, and milk products in the form of butter, ghee, and cream. The diet alone is not enough.
Chew food properly, Avoid hurried meals and irregular meals
Food should be properly chewed. Hurried meals and meals at odd times should be avoided. Sugar and sugary foods should be strictly avoided. Foods which constipate are all products made of white flour, rice, bread, pulses, cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, fleshy foods, preserves, white sugar, and hard-boiled eggs.

Other Constipation treatments
Fresh air, outdoor games and exercise
Toning up the muscles also helps in the treatment of constipation. Fresh air, outdoor games, walking, swimming, and exercise play an important role in strengthening the muscles, and thereby preventing constipation.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Sleep:Balance is the Mantra!!

London: Getting too much or too little sleep could be harmful for health, suggests a new study conducted in Britain.

Jane Ferrie of the University College London Medical School here examined 10,308 participants between 35-55 years of age and found that a decrease in sleep duration among participants sleeping only for six, seven or eight hours was associated with a 110 percent excess risk of cardiovascular mortality.

However, an increase in sleep duration among those sleeping for seven or eight hours was associated with a 110 percent excess risk of non-cardiovascular mortality.

On an average, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested.

"In terms of prevention, our findings also indicate that consistently sleeping seven or eight hours per night is optimal for health," Ferrie was quoted as saying by the science portal EurekAlert.

The research is the first to show that both a decrease and an increase in sleep duration are associated with an elevated risk of mortality by cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular means, respectively.