Tips for Pneumonia

The children are more prone to pneumonia. It is better to get acquainted with the ways and means to save the children from the onslaught of pneumonia. The disease could be checked with medicines, nutritious food, clean environment and vaccination.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

The respiratory problem, harsh sound in breathing, chest and stomach pain, bluish nails, nausea, vomiting and tiredness.

Home Remedies

1. Keep the body covered as pneumonia is caused when the body catches cold. The cold enters through feet and head, so keep the entire body covered.

2. Give almonds and munaka or raisin or corinth or currant to the child to increase the immune system to fight the disease.

3. Honey is very beneficial to save the children from pneumonia. Give honey with the oil of kalonji or nigella stevia.

4. The olive oil is of hot characteristic. Massage the head of thechild with olive oil at night before going to bed. It will keep the child warm and save the child from pneumonia.

5. Take care of the diet of the child. Give enough nutrients to increase the immune system.

Benefits of Indian Gooseberries Juice

It is a fact that health is wealth. The beginning of the day with a glass of the juice of Indian gooseberry keeps fresh and energetic throughout the day. The intake of juice in an empty stomach gives relief from several health problems.

Indian Gooseberry or Amla
Wikimedia Commons by Gladstone Machado

1. Acidity and Gastric

The problem of acidity is very common due to the intake of spicy and junk food. The Indian gooseberry juice can provide relief from these problems due to the presence of powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in it. It also helps to reduce the toxic levels of the digestive system to provide relief from stomach pain and other problems. 

2. Cold and Flu

Indian gooseberries have several medicinal properties and it helps in giving relief in cold and flu.

3. Growth of Black Hair

The regular intake of the juice of Indian Gooseberries is a boon for hair. It helps in speedy growth of strong and black hair.

4. Controls Diabetes

Indian gooseberries contain rich amounts of gallic acid, Gallo tannin, Ellagic acid, and corilagin which reduce the levels of blood glucose. Therefore don’t forget to take a glass of the juice of Indian gooseberries in the morning.

5. Mouth Ulcers

The Indian gooseberry juice helps to give relief in mouth ulcers.

6. Glowing Skin

The presence of antioxidants in Indian gooseberries helps to retard the effects of growing age and keeps the skin wrinkle free, glowing and supple.

7. Helps in Cancer

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Indian gooseberries together with the presence of vitamin C in it helps to reduce the risks of several types of cancer.

8. Controls Cholesterol

A glass of the juice of Indian gooseberries helps to reduce the levels of increased cholesterol in the body. But the regular intake of juice increases the cholesterol.

The Health Benefits of Curry Leaves

The curry leaves have several health benefits. It is being used in Indian foods since centuries. The curry leaves are generally used for its flavor and display of food items.

Curry Leaves
Wikimedia Commons by Suchitra kumari

The 100 gram of curry leaves contain 66.3 % moisture, 6.1 % proteins, 1% fats, 16% carbohydrates, 6.4 % fiber and 4.2 % minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron and rich amounts of vitamin C.

Curry leaves have several benefits.

1. It is very beneficial for the stomach and helps in digestion.

2. The intake of curry leaves with lemon juice and sugar helps in nausea, vomiting and indigestion. 3. Grind the curry leaves and take it in empty stomach with buttermilk to get relief from constipation and other stomach disorders. 

4.  The intake of curry leaves with honey gives relief in dysentery, diarrhea and piles.
5. The roots of curry leaves have several health benefits and are very useful in kidney diseases.

6. The application of the paste of fresh curry leaves on wounds and burns is very helpful for healing.
7. The juice of fresh curry leaves is very beneficial as eye drops. 

8. The hair remains black and do not become prematurely white by the regular intake of curry leaves.

9. Boil the curry leaves in coconut oil till the leaves become black. Filter the extract and apply the oil on the roots of the hair to get soft silky and long hair.

10. Eat 8-10 curry leaves in the morning regularly for 3-4 months to control the diabetes. 

The Health Benefits of Green Chilies

The red chilies have several health benefits but the green chilies are more useful. The proper intake of green chilies acts as a medicine. 

Green Chillies
Wikimedia Commons by Adityamadhav83

The intake of green chilies in summer saves from sunstroke.

The deficiency of hemoglobin in blood could be checked in few days by the regular intake of green chilies.

The green chilies contain amino acids, folic acid, citric acid, glyceric acid, ascorbic acid and maleic acid which are beneficial for the body and the health of the skin.

It helps in obesity as it stops the desire of overeating or eating again and again.

Home Remedies for Back Ache or Waist Pain

The problem of back ache has become very common and equally affects all including the young and the aged. The chief reasons of back ache are haphazard life styles and lack of physical labor. The problem of back ache increases with age and results in the difficulty to do day to day works. 

Lifting Technique
Wikimedia Commons by Taiwania Justo

Most of the people report back ache in the lower or central part of the waist. The pain may spread to both sides of the waist and lower parts of the hips. 
Here are few home remedies and the tips to change the lifestyle in order to get relief from back ache.   

Reasons of Back Ache
1. Wrong sitting posture.
2. Extra stress on muscles. 
3. Obesity.
4. Wearing high heeled shoes and sandals. 
5. Lifting heavy loads in wrong position or posture. 
5. Sleeping on soft mattresses. 
6. Prolonged illness. 
7. Surgical delivery.
8. Wearing high heels.
9. Deficiency of estrogen hormone which causes osteoporosis and deficiency of calcium at menopause stage. 
10. Extra fats around waist. 

Home Remedies
One can get rid of back pain with the help of following tips.

1. Put 3-4 fruits of garlic in coconut oil and heat till the garlic become black. Massage the back with this oil on cooling in the morning.
2. Soak the towel in hot salty water and place tit on the affected area. 
3. Heat about 50 to 60 gram of salt in a pan, wrap it in a opiece of cloth and put it on the affected area of the back.
4. Heat the thyme seeds or ajwain in moderate heat and swallow it after chewing. The regular intake of thyme seeds gives relief in waist pain. 
5. Do not sit in the same position for longer durations. Leave the chair after every half and hour and walk for few minutes. 
6. Avoid sleeping of soft mattresses and the hard beds are the best for the peole with waist pain.
7. The yoga postures like cobra posture (Bhujangasana), lotus posture (Shalabhasana), plough posture (Halasana), frog posure (Utanamundakasana) etc. give relief from waist pain.  
8. The deficiency of calcium makes the bones weak. So eat calcium rich foods. 
9. Exercises help in waist pain. So go for walking, swimming, cycling etc. Swimming reduces the weight and is a very good exercise for the waist. Keep the baxk straignt during cycling. These activities strengthen the muscles and help in weight loss. 
10. Instead of back it is better to bend the knees while lifting some heavy weight from the floor. 
11. The driving seat of the car should not be soft. Sit erect in proper posture and use seat belt. 
12. Do not sit in the office or on chair by taking the support of the back. The back should remain erect on the chair. A folded towel could be used behind the neck to maintain the erect position. 

Acidity- The Home and Herbal Remedies

It is necessary that the foods we eat should be properly digested. The stomach releases hydrochloric acid during digestion which helps in the proper digestion of the food. But sometimes this acid is released in excess and causes inflammation in stomach and leads to the pain or irritation in the path between pharynx and stomach. The situation is known as acidity or acid peptic problem.

Cavalry of the Sick
Wikimedia Commons by AdaLuCaMmI

Reasons for Acidity
The chief reasons of acidity include irregular eating habits, eating food without chewing and insufficient intake of water. The intake of spicy and junk food also causes acidity. Other reasons are hasty eating or eating under stress, smoking, ulcer and the intake of alcohol. The intake of heavy food alleviates the effect of acidity. Remaining hungry for longer durations and skipping the breakfast also causes acidity. 

Symptoms
The symptoms of acidity are dyspepsia, feeling of nausea, belches, stomach and chest inflammation and the loss of interest in eating.

Herbal or Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Take black salt and carom seed or thyme or ajwain in warm water for the swelling of the stomach in gastric problem. 
2. The leaves of fenugreek help in stomach inflammation and dysplasia.
3. The intake of aniseed of saunf is very effective in acidity especially for children.  It and helps in digestion too. 
4. The green cardamom alleviates inflammation of stomach and acidity. 
5. The intake of myrobalan or hurd gives relief from acidity and chest inflammation.
6. The intake of gentiana or swertia chirayita helps in diarrhea and gives relief in several from stomach disorders. 
7. Chamomile or babuna alleviates the inflammation of stomach and acidity. 
8. The intake of sandalwood powder helps in acidity and gastric. It is an age old remedy. 
9. The intake of garlic gives relief in acidity and is very effective in stomach disorders. 
10. The intake of ginger juice with honey gives instant relief in acidity. 
11. The intake of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) helps to increase the appetite and alleviates the stomach inflammation. 

Home remedies
1. Regularly take mint in any form.
2. Do not drink anything after the meals. 
3. The intake of almonds gives relief from chest inflammation caused due to acidity.
4. Add the vegetables containing vitamin B and vitamin E to the regular diet. 
5 Go for regular exercises and physical labor. 
6. Take cucumber, musk melon and water melon to get relief in acidity. 
7. The basil leaves give relief from acidity and nausea. 
8. Take coconut water. 
9. Add few drops of lemon juice to drinking water to get relief from acidity and chest inflammation. 

Home Remedies to Control Vomiting and Nausea

The forceful expulsion of the contents of stomach through mouth is called vomiting.Vomiting occurs due to several reasons like eating stale or polluted food, illness, pregnancy, drinking, bacterial infection, stomach infection, brain tumor, head injury, etc.

Wikimedia Commons by Landii

The feeling of vomiting is known as nausea and it is the symptom not the reason.

Home Remedies

1. Add equal amount of honey and basil juice and drink it for nausea or vomiting.

2. Taking a tablespoon of mint juice 5-6 times a day stops vomiting.

3. The intake of 1-2 tablespoons of the carbonated free drink is best for vomiting. It relieves the digestive system as such syrups contain carbohydrates which sooth the stomach.

4. Another best option is the root of ginger. Either take the ginger tea or ginger capsules. Ginger strengthens the digestive system and stops the ejection of HCl from the stomach walls which irritate the food pipe and cause vomiting.  

5. Sprinkle black salt on a piece of lemon and put it in the mouth to terminate the feeling of vomiting.

6. It is better to eat bread crumbs or popcorns in case of vomiting due to drinking, as these things absorb the residual alcohol in the stomach.

7. Do not eat any solid food upto 12 hours after vomiting. Rather take sufficient water and fruit juice, to reduce the risks of dehydration.

8. Always drink simple water in such cases and avoid the intake of carbonated drinks, as they increase inflammation in stomach and intestines. 

9. Avoid the intake of oily, greasy, heavy, spicy foods which are difficult to be digested and support the process of vomiting.

10. The intake of a tablespoon of onion juice after small intervals is also beneficial.

11. Do not sleep immediately after taking food.

12. Sleep towards right or on right arm as it will stop the flow of stomach material towards the mouth.

13. Add honey to a glass of drinking water to get relief in vomiting.

14. The intake of peppermint also helps in nausea. Peppermint could be taken with betel leaf too.

15. The intake of a tablespoon of the powder of jeera or cumin seeds give complete relief in vomiting.

16. The intake of boiled rice water taken after the cooking of rice is a very old home remedy for vomiting.  

17.  Put 1-2 cloves in the mouth or as an alternative go for dalchini (cinnamon) or green elaichi (cardamom). These spices act as anti vomiting herbs and are very effective.

18. Licking a pinch of the powder of hurd or myrobalan is also beneficial.

19. The syrup of ajwain or carom or thyme seeds with peppermint and camphor immediately stops the vomitings.


20. It is advisable to put 2-3 fingers in the mouth upto the throat so that the nausea causing substances are ejected from out of the stomach.  

The Health Benefits of Eating in Leaf Plates

The traditional knowledge of nature cure of the use of more than 2000 species of herbs is available in India. But just 5-6 species are used by the people in their daily life.

Generally the food in Indian villages is served in the plates of banana leaves. In modern age it would be better to switch to the use of leaf trays or leaf plates. It would help to save the environment, energy, water and the time used in dishwashing. 

Leaf Plate
Wikimedia Commons by Nirmal Dulal

The extract of the leaves leech or ooze out from the plates and get mixed up into the food.

1. Banana is very beneficial for health and eating in banana leaves helps in digestion.

2. Eating in the trays of the leaves of Palash or Butea monosperma is very beneficial in the diseases caused by the impurity of the blood. It is also good for the digestive system. The leaves of palash with white flowers are better than that of red ones. The leaf trays of white flowered palash are very useful in piles. The leaves of palash are joined together by small stubs to make the palate of desired size.   

3. The intake of food in the plates made from the leaves of Karanj or Indian beech is very beneficial for arthritis.  The fresh leaves arer more useful than the old ones.

4. The plates made from the leaves of Cassia or Amaltas is very useful in paralysis. 

The Health Benefits of Pears in Menopause and Diabetes

Pears contain several vitamins and minerals and the regular intake of pears replenishes several deficiencies in the body. It is best for the health of the heart and prevents the effects of arthritis. It also controls the uric acid and prevents the onslaught of cancer. 

It controls acne and reduces the effects of ageing by controlling the fine lines of wrinkles. 

Pears
Wikimedia Commons by Keith Weller

Menopause

The regular intake of pear reduces the risks of cancer in women after menopause. The rich amount of vitamin C and antioxidants in pears have been found to save the cells from the onslaught of cancer. The presence of copper, antioxidants and vitamin C in pears improves the immune system of the body.

Osteoporosis

It is good in osteoporosis, as it contains rich amounts of boron which maintains the presence of calcium in bones.

Bowel Movement and Digestion

It helps in bowel movement and could be easily digested. It contains hydrocyanic acid which reduces the risks of peptic ulcer. The fiber in it helps to stop the spreading of stomach cancer and keeps the large intestine healthy. The carbohydrates in pears help in digestive system. The intake of pears helps in constipation and makes the large intestine healthy.

Vitamin C in pears helps in repairs of tissues and strengthens the general metabolism of the body.

Heart Problems

The presence of the soluble compound pactine in pear controls the levels of blood cholesterol and cellulose. The antioxidants and glutathione in pears helps to reduce the risks of heart stroke and high blood pressure.  The trace amounts of cholesterol saves from several heart diseases and diabetes.

Diabetes

The rich fiber contents in pears help to control diabetes. The body slowly absorbs the glucose present in pears as the fiber in it regulates the blood sugar levels. It satisfies the desire of diabetic patients to eat something sweet.

Nervous System

The potassium in pears helps in contraction of muscles and proper functioning of the nervous system.

Give Instant Energy

The juice of pears is a rich source of energy as it contains sufficient amounts of glucose and fructose.

Other Benefits

The juice also helps in fever.

The juice of pears reduces the swelling of body.

The intake of the juice of pears cleans the throat.

The intake of pears is very beneficial in pregnancy.

The pear gives instant energy, quenches the thirst.

It helps in several infections like cough, cold, etc., and speeds up the healing of the wounds.

Caution 

Certain side effects of allergic reactions may appear in some pople.

Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

The ulcers of the mouth are very common. They make the life difficult as it becomes hard to drink or eat anything. But the remedies of mouth ulcers are available at home. The mouth ulcers appear inside the mouth and may affect the tongue. They occur due to improper diet and the intake of spicy foods. They are very painful, but there are several home remedies to get rid of mouth ulcers.

 Cassia fistula, or Amaltas or  Indian Laburnum also known 

as Golden Shower Tree or Golden Shower Cassia,

Wikimedia Commons by J.M. Garg

1. Chew and slowly suck the white inner core of coconut with a teaspoon of Nigel sativa or chiraunji to get relief in mouth ulcers.

2. Take fresh leaves of guava and chew it with little Katha or catechu or an extract of acacia trees to get relief in mouth ulcers.

3. Prepare the extract of the bark of Kachnar or Phanera/Bauhinia variegata or orchid tree with Kattha or Catechu which is an extract of acacia tree and apply on mouth ulcers.

4. Apply paste of the powder of mulethi or Liquorice root with honey on affected area and let the saliva come out of the mouth. Repeat the remedy 2-3 times a day.

5. Chew 2-3 leaves of adusa or Malabar nut or Justicia adhatoda and let the juice remain in the mouth for some time.

6. Apply the paste of the powder of mulethi or Liquorice with honey and Kattha/Catechu/an extract of acacia tree on affected area 2-3 times a day to get relief in mouth ulcers.

7. Grind the kernel of the bean of Cassia fistula which is a golden shower tree of Fabaceae family known as Amaltas or Indian laburnum with the seeds of and put it in the mouth with Kattha or Catechu, an extract of acacia tree to get relief from mouth ulcers. 

Blurred Vision in Adolescent Age

Mos of the people believe that the spectacles are used by the people who are either old or nerds. But this is a misconception. But in the present age of pollution, several dust particles and different chemicals existing in the environment cause sever damages to the eyesight.

Scheme of keratoconus compared to normal cornea

Wikimedia Commons by Madhero88  

It is advisable to get the eyes checked, even if a little difficulty appears in vision. It could be due to the presence a problem known as keratoconus.

Several changes like pimples, voice change, acne etc., appear in adolescent age. But very few people know that the vision too changes during this time. Sometimes the spherical cornea becomes weak and starts inflating to the the shape of a cone. 

This situation is called keratoconus or kerato cornea or conus cone.

It is not a type of blindness, but here the vision becomes a unpleasant. For a very long time it was believed that this problem has no treatment, but the things have changed now.

The conical bulge caused by Keratoconus

Wikimedia Commons byIndiana University 

School of Medicine

This problem causes several damages to the eyesight like the simultaneous vision of multiple images, intolerance to light and blurred vision.

This problem decreases the reading ability of the person if both the eyes get affected.

It is better to consult an expert ophthalmologist who could examine the symptoms and observe the cornea under microscope with the help of slit lamp. 

In corneal topography, the shape and circumference of the cornea is measured by pentacam, an instrument which helps to cure keratoconus in the very beginning. 

In such a situation the vision is improved by the use of contact lenses or spectacles.

Other specific treatments could be needed, if the problem of keratoconus becomes severe. 

Tinospora Cordifolia or Giloy for Anemia

With the change of the season several petty ailments afflict the people. So it is better to take care of the health and spare a little time for ourselves so that these ailments may not turn into serious diseases.

The leaves of Tinospora Cordifolia or Giloy
Wikimedia Commons by Tmd 

In traditional system of medicines several herbs and plants were used even for severe problems, but now the drugs and chemicals have replaced them.

One of such herb is giloy or tinospora cordifolia, the leaves of which are very beneficial for obesity and other diseases.  This vine is native to India and is also foiund in Sri Lanka and Mayanmar. It is also known as heart-leaves moonseed belonging to the family of Menispermaceae. The stem, roots and leaves of tinospora cordifolia are used in Ayurvedic system of medicines.  

The leaves of tinospora cordifolia contain rich amounts of calcium, proteins and phosphorus, while its stem contains enough starch. It has antiviral and antibiotic properties which protects the body from several diseases.

Some of the benefits of tinospora cordifolia are listed hereunder.

Anemia

The leaves of tinospora cordifolia increase the haemoglobin and strengthen the immune system. The leaves are taken with butter oil or honey to get the desired results.

Jaundice

The intake of tinospora cordifolia is very beneficial in jaundice. The intake of a tablespoon of the powder of tinospora cordifolia with black pepper and triphla or three fruits viz. Indian gooes berry, myrobalan and terminalia belericas (amla, hurd and behra) helps in jaundice.  

Inflammation of Feet

Tinospora cordifolia is very beneficial for the inflammation of the feet. Boil the juice of the leaves of Tinospora cordifolia with Indian gooseberry and the leaves of mergosa tree and prepare the extract. Take of 1-2 tablespoons of the extract thrice day, to get relief from the inflammation of the feet. 

Health Care by Proper Foods in Summer

It is very necessary to take care of the overall health as the weather is changing and the summer season is approaching. It is in this season that several diseases appear and slight carelessness can damage our health. 

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Emerika

It is in the changing season that the physicians advise the people to be extra vigilant about their health. According to medical sciences the changing weather directly affects the overall health. Allopathic, homeopathic and Ayurvedic system of medical sciences stress that several diseases appear in the changing weather.

It is in this season that the numbers of patients visiting the hospitals for treatment become large. The weather is becoming hot and the diseases have begun showing their effect on the common people.  The people are starting to suffer from diarrhea, jaundice, nausea, queasiness etc.

The changing weather affects our immune system and the dangers of allergic and viral infections increase. The mosquito and house fly aggravate the problem by spreading several diseases and the presence of increased bacteria too spoil the foods including milk, curd and fruits. 

The Diseases in Summer

The problems like heat exhaustion, sunburn, nausea, diarrhoea, malaria, dengue, low blood pressure, typhoid etc., become more prevalent in summer. The people become ill due to irregular routine.

The excess sweating in summer leads to deficiency of salt in the body. It causes low blood pressure.

The cold weather in the mornings and evenings and the heat during the day time increase the risks of cold, flu, cough and fever.

In such a situation it is better to take liquid diet like lemon juice, butter milk, juice of fruits and vegetables and sufficient water. They help to wash out the toxins from the body.

Take nutritious diet and avoid eating out in summer.

Do not remain empty stomach for longer as it affects the immune system and increases the risks of becoming ill.

The people already under some medical prescription should remain extra vigilant.

Do not eat the stale food or the food which has been cooked a long while ago.

Do not allow the animals and insects to enter the kitchen.

Eat warm and fresh foods.

Properly wash the hands before eating anything.

What to Eat in Summer Season

The digestive system becomes weaker during summer as compared to winter. The fried and spicy foods should not be taken in summer as they badly affect the digestive system and may cause food poisoning. The lighter and easily digestible food should be taken in summer and avoid eating rich foods.

The body badly needs water in summer and it is advisable to always carry the water bottle so that few droughts could be taken now and then.

Eat Fresh

Avoid eating stale food in summer and always prefer fresh food.The vegetables and other cooked items soon become rancid in summer and the intake of such foods spoil the digestive system and may cause food poisoning.

Don‘t go Without Food

It is better not to keep the stomach empty in summer as it may cause the deficiency of several nutrients in the body. Take lighter meals after small intervals instead of takin heavy one in a single stretch.

Fruits

The seasonal and water rich fruits like melons, mango, grapes, oranges etc., should also be taken as they maintain the required water levels in the body and supply the needed nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The fruits keep the body freah and healthy.

Reduce the Intake of Tea and Coffee

The intake of liquid diet is necessary in summer, but it is advisable to reduce the consumption of tea and coffee. These drinks are hot and are not suitable for the summer season. It is better to take lemon water, milk, butter milk, juice of fruits and vegetables etc.