Headache Natural Home Remedies

Headache Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is a headache?
A Headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.

What are the Different Types of Headaches?
Common headache types are:

• Tension-Type Headache
• Migraine Headache
• Cluster Headache
• Hormone Headache

Tension Headache

-are the most common type of primary headache. Up to 90% of adults have had or will have tension headaches. Tension headaches occur more commonly among women than men.

Symptoms
pain description: dull pressure or tightness
location: both sides of head & sometimes neck
duration: 30min to a full week
frequency: infrequent to daily
other common symptoms: fatigue, sensation of a rigid band circling and pressing on the head.

Migraine Headache-

are the second most common type of primary headache. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more women than men are affected. It is estimated that 6% of men and up to 18% of women will experience a migraine headache in their lifetime.

Symptoms
pain description: moderate to severe throbbing
location: 60% on one side, 40% on both sides
duration: four to seventy two hours
frequency: recurrent, with widely variable frequency
other common symptoms: nausea, vomiting, light, sound and smell sensitivity, increasing pain with routine physical activities.

Cluster Headache-

are a rare type of primary headache affecting 0.1% of the population (1 in a 1,000 people). It more commonly affects men in their late 20s though women and children can also suffer these types of headache.

Symptoms
pain description: sharp, boring, severe pain developing rapidly over minutes.
location: one sided, usually around or behind the eye
duration: 15 to 180 minutes
frequency: one or more daily during “clusters”
other common symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nostril, tearing on one side, redness of eye, a feeling of agitation.

What Causes Headache?

Headaches are caused due to imbalances & aggravation of three different doshas. Common causes are:
- Sinusitis, Hypertension, Fever
- Over work, Mental stress, Sleeplessness
- Constipation, Indigestion, Acidity
- Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, aspirin or nicotine is also known to contribute to headache
- Nervous weakness
- Anemia, Deficiency of oxygen in the blood
- Sitting too close to the television, Reading with insufficient light, Reading in a moving train or car.

Common Home Remedies for Headache

Take clove, cinnamon and almond in equal quantities (around 1 teaspoon each) and grind together with a little water to make a paste. Apply paste on the forehead. A paste made of sandalwood powder can also be applied on the forehead.

Henna: The flowers of henna have been found valuable in curing headaches caused by hot sun. The flowers should be rubbed in vinegar and applied over the forehead. This remedy will soon provide relief.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is useful in headaches caused by exposure to cold air. A fine paste of this spice should be prepared by mixing it with water and it should be applied over the temples and forehead to obtain relief.

Marjoram: The herb marjoram is beneficial in the treatment of a nervous headache. An infusion of the leaves is taken as a tea in the treatment of this disorder.

Rosemary: The herb rosemary has been found valuable in headaches resulting from cold. A handful of this herb should be boiled in a litre of water and put in a mug. The head should be covered with a towel and the steam inhaled for as long as the patient can bear. This should be repeated till the headache is relieved.

Ghee: Take a few drops of ghee (clarified butter) on your palm. Mix 3 or 4 pieces of saffron in it, and rub it for two minutes. The saffron does not dissolve in the ghee, but its qualities are absorbed. Remove saffron and put two drops of this ghee in each nostril. · Dosage: Follow procedure twice a day.

Oil Massage: Oil massage on the scalp also relieves tension and headache. Sesame oil, almond oil, mustard oil or ghee (clarified butter) can be used for massage.

Enema: cleansing enema with water temperature at 37 degree C, a cold throat pack, frequent applications of towels wrung out from very hot water to the back of the neck , a cold compress at 4.4 degree C to 15.6 degree C applied to the head and face, or an alternate spinal compress. Hot fomentations over the abdominal region just before retiring relieve headaches caused by stomach and liver upsets.

Hot Foot Bath: Hot foot baths are also beneficial in the treatment of chronic headaches. The patient should keep his legs in a tub or bucket filled with hot water at a temperature of 40 degree C to 45 degree C for fifteen minutes every night before retiring. This treatment should be continued for two or three weeks.

Ice Packs: Apply an ice pack to the painful area of your head. Try placing it on your forehead, temples, or the back of your neck.

Accupressure: Apply gentle, steady rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your index finger and/or thumb. Maintain pressure for seven to 15 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed.

Yogasanas: Yogic kriyas like jalneti and kunjal; pranayamas like anulomaviloma, shitali and sitkari; and asanas such as uttanpadasana, sarvangasana, paschimottanasana, halasana, and shavasana are also beneficial in the treatment of headaches.

Other useful tips to relieve headache

• Peppermint Tea can calm you and ease the pain
• Listen to relaxing music while you lie down
• B6 or B complex vitamins can prevent headaches or lessen their severity
• Chamomile tea can also calm you, so you can sleep which will help your headache

Common Cold Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Home Remedies

Common Cold Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Home Remedies

Introduction
A common cold, is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by infection with common cold viruses and occurs more often than any other disease. A person may suffer from a common fold several times in a year. A cold usually lasts from three to ten days. The patient feels miserable for the first three days or so. A common cold is caused by a variety of viral infections and it is the most common of all infections that we suffer from.

As per ayurveda, the aggravation of kapha due to the intake of cold food, drinks and fried stuff etc causes cough. Seasonal changes is also one of the reasons for cough Improper digestion of food transforms into a mucus toxin (Ama) and this circulates through the body and reaches the respiratory system, where it causes colds and coughs.

The common cold is highly contagious but those with a strong immunity have some protection against most outbreaks. This said, no matter how healthy you might be, you are likely to suffer a common cold from time to time. Generally the symptoms of a common cold infection appear within a day or two after exposure to the virus.

Common Cold Symptoms

• Soreness of Throat, Congestion of Nasal Passages
• Running Nose, Sneezing, Headache, Chill
• Low fever with body pain, Lethargy, Insomnia
• Loss of appetite

Common Cold Home Remedies

Lemon: Lemon is beneficial in all types of cold with fever. Vitamin C-rich lemon juice increases body resistance, decreases toxicity and reduces the duration of the illness. One lemon should be diluted in a glass of warm water, and a teaspoon of honey should be added to it. This should be taken once or twice daily.

Garlic: Garlic soup is an old remedy to reduce the severity of a cold, and should be taken once daily. The soup can be prepared by boiling three or four cloves of chopped garlic in a cup of water. Garlic contains antiseptic and antispasmodic properties, besides several other medicinal virtues. The oil contained in this vegetable helps to open up the respiratory passages. In soup form, it flushes out all toxins from the system and thus helps bring down fever. Five drops of garlic oil combined with a teaspoon of onion juice, and diluted in a cup of water, should be drunk two to three times a day. This has also been found to be very effective in the treatment of common cold..

Ginger: Ginger is another excellent remedy for colds and coughs. About ten grams of ginger should be cut into small pieces and boiled in a cup of water. It should then be strained and half a teaspoon of sugar added to it. This decoction should be drunk when hot. Ginger tea, prepared by adding a few pieces of ginger into boiled water before adding the tea leaves, is also an effective remedy for colds and for fevers resulting from cold. It may be taken twice daily. Also take half a teaspoon of ginger juice with half a teaspoon of honey, three times a day (morning, noon and night). In winter, warm the mixture by mixing a teaspoon of warm water in it.

In cases of dry cough (especially during the night), peel a small piece of fresh ginger. Sprinkle some salt on it and chew.

Clove or Cardamoms or Raisins: In cases of sore throat, a clove or two cardamoms or a few raisins can be chewed. Gargling with warm salty water two to three times a day is also beneficial.

Turmeric: Turmeric is an effective remedy for colds and throat irritations. Half a teaspoon of fresh turmeric powder mixed in 30 ml of warm milk, and taken once or twice daily, is a useful prescription for these conditions. Turmeric powder should be put into a hot ladle. Milk should then be poured in it and boiled over a slow fire. This mixture should then be drunk by the patient. In case of a running cold, smoke from the burning turmeric should be inhaled. It will increase the discharge from the nose and provide quick relief.

Tamarind and Pepper: Tamarind-pepper rasam is also considered an effective home remedy for a cold in South India. Dilute 50 mg tamarind in 250 ml of water. Boil the diluted tamarind water for a few minutes with a teaspoon of hot clarified butter and half a teaspoon of black pepper powder. This steaming hot rasam has a flushing effect, and should be taken three times a day. As one takes it, the nose and eyes water and the nasal blockage is cleared.

Vitamin C: Regular intake of vitamin C-75 mg for adults and 35 mg for children-will prevent the common cold. If, however, a cold has already appeared, large doses of this vitamin will relieve the symptoms and shorten its duration. One to two grams (1000 mg to 2000 mg) per day is approximately the optimum amount of this vitamin for this purpose. Swallow one or two 500mg tablets of vitamin C at the appearance of the first sign of the cold and continue the treatment by taking one to two 500 mg tablets daily.

Home Remedies for Stuffy Nose

Inhale turmeric fumes, for this tie some turmeric in a clean cloth and light it. Boil some water and allow it to cool, now add ¼ teaspoon table salt to it. Put 2 to 3 drops of this solution in your both the nostrils before meals and going to bed. Mix natural apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts. Boil this solution in a pan, when the fumes rises lean over the pan and inhale the fumes. Prepare a solution using 4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil and Pine Essential Oil, 3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil and 7 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Inhale vapors of this solution by putting it on a cotton ball or an aromatherapy diffuser.

Some important measures to treat Common Cold

• Abstain Solid Foods, Drink Fruit and Vegetable Juices
• Well-Balanced Diet of Seeds, Nuts
• Avoid Meat, Fish, Eggs and Starchy Foods
• Mild sunbath, fresh air, deep breathing, sound sleep etc
• The body should be kept warm - especially the feet, chest, throat and head. Sweating is very helpful.

Acne: Types of Acne, What causes Acne, How to get rid of Acne, Acne Home Remedies

Acne: Types of Acne, What causes Acne, How to get rid of Acne, Acne Home Remedies

Introduction

Effective home remedies for acne and Natural Acne Treatments to have clear and smooth skin permanently. Get rid of whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, nodules, cysts and more.

What Causes Acne

All acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, which is made up of a hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and a hair. These units are found everywhere on the body except on the palms, soles, top of the feet, and the lower lip. The number of pilosebaceous units is greatest on the face, upper neck, and chest. Sebaceous glands produce a substance called sebum, which is responsible for keeping the skin and hair moisturized. During adolescence sebaceous glands enlarge and produce more sebum under the influence of hormones, also called androgens. After about age 20, sebum production begins to decrease.

Acne & Bacteria

A bacteria, known as Propionibacterium acnes, is a normal inhabitant of the skin. It uses sebum as a nutrient for growth, therefore increases in follicles during puberty. People with acne have more Propionibacterium acnes in their follicles than people without acne. The presence of bacteria attracts white blood cells to the follicle. These white blood cells produce an enzyme that damages the wall of the follicle, allowing the contents of the follicle to enter the dermis. This process causes an inflammatory response seen as papules (red bumps), pustules, and nodules. The bacteria also cause the formation of free fatty acids, which are irritants, increasing the inflammatory process in the follicle.

Types of Acne

There are many variations of acne, ranging in severity from mild to severely disfiguring.

• Acne Vulgaris - mild/moderate
  Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne. Acne vulgaris lesions include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
• Acne Vulgaris - Severe
  Severe acne vulgaris is characterized by nodules and cysts
• Acne Rosacea
  Acne Rosacea can look similar to the aforementioned acne vulgaris, and the two types of acne are sometimes confused for one another.
• Severe forms of acne
  Severe forms of acne are rare, but they inflict great hardship to the people who experience them.
  
  
  1. Acne Conglobata: This is the most severe form of acne vulgaris and is more common in males. It is characterized by numerous large lesions, which are sometimes interconnected, along with widespread blackheads.
  2. Acne Fulminans: This is an abrupt onset of acne conglobata which normally afflicts young men. Symptoms of severe nodulocystic, often ulcerating acne are apparent.
  3. Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This condition is a bacterial infection characterized by pustules and cysts, possibly occurring as a complication resulting from a long term antibiotic treatment of acne vulgaris.
  4. Pyoderma Faciale (Rosacea Fulminans): This type of severe facial acne affects only females, usually between the ages of 20 to 40 years old, and is characterized by large painful nodules, pustules, and sores, all of which may scar.

How to Get Rid of Acne

Unclog your pores with salicylic acid. Acne begins to form when pores get clogged with a "plug" of keratin and sebum. Salicylic acid loosens the plug by softening the keratin (it's a keratolytic). Make sure you use sunblock simultaneously, however, because salicylic acid makes your skin more sensitive to UV light.

Use a gel, cream, or soap containing benzoyl peroxide twice a day. Benzoyl peroxide is a "bactericide" that's particularly effective against Propionibacterium acnes. The drawback is that it often irritates your skin, resulting in dryness and redness, so you should supplement this treatment with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. If your skin still gets irritated, use a product with a lower concentration. Also be careful when using it, as benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric and hair.

Look for products with triclosan or chlorhexidine gluconate, which also kill Propionibacterium acnes. They are less effective than benzoyl peroxide, but they are gentler on your skin.

Clove oil has also been shown to be effective against Propionibacterium acnes.

Be consistent and patient. Most acne treatments take time to work. It usually takes between two and eight weeks before you see any significant improvement, so you are going to have to maintain a routine.

Consult a dermatologist. There are many effective treatments which are only available with a prescription, since the side effects can be harmful. For example, mild antibiotics can help reduce acne but its overuse (taking antibiotics when you really don't need them or for something they don't treat) and misuse (not taking medication for the specified amount of time) can lead to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria (which translates into especially stubborn, untreatable acne).

Home Remedies for Acne

1. Make a thicker paste out of baking soda and water. Apply to face for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Follow up with a light moisturizer.
2. Make orange peel paste by grinding it in some water. Apply on and around pimples.
3. Rub garlic on and around pimples.
4. Pulverize 1/3 cup uncooked oats and then add ¼ cup of water. When it becomes the consistency of paste, add approximately 1/4 cup honey and mix thoroughly and allow to cool then apply on the pimples for 10-20 minutes. Do not leave it on too long or it will become difficult to remove. You can also try oatmeal, yogurt and sour cream with a few drops of lemon juice. These ingredients are mixed together and applied on affected areas for 15 minutes and then rinsed with water.
5. Mix equal parts lemon juice and rose water. Apply directly to skin. You might feel an initial sting from the lemon juice. Rinse after 15-30 minutes. Be careful of exposing your skin to direct sunlight if you have been using lemon juice on your face. Also, though a strong reaction is unlikely, do not continue this treatment if it irritates your skin.
6. For acne scars, “Tomato is known to remove acne scars”. You can easily get tomatoes from your kitchen and slice it. Apply the tomato slices to your scars. Regular application of tomato slices on your scars can visibly give you excellent results. Another technique frequently used to get rid of acne scars is rubbing ice cubes against the pimples to reduce inflammation and slowly erase the scars.
7. Aloevera for Acne
   There are hundreds of varieties of aloe that grow all over the world. Most have medicinal properties. However, it is aloe barbadensis that is known as aloe vera, the species with the most value as a natural remedy. Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, etc. Use aloe vera juice on the pimples daily morning and night or as long as necessary (perhaps five months or longer). It is also a natural antibiotic
8. Mint for Acne
   M. balsamea (peppermint) Peppermint is preferable to spearmint as a medicinal herb because it contains menthol which is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
   
   • Take a handful of mint (pudina) leaves and crush them thoroughly with a mortar and pestle.
   • Rub the leaves and juice on affected skin and leave for 5-10 minutes.
   • Rinse with cold water.
   • Repeat as often as desired to alleviate pain and inflammation.
9. Make a paste by mixing honey and cinnamon powder. Apply the paste while sleeping and wash the face next morning as this is a good natural remedy for acne.
10. Drink a glass of wheat grass juice daily to remove acne.
11. Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek leaves in water, keep it overnight and wash the face with warm water next morning.

Some Useful Tips

• Reduce the oiliness of the skin.
• Remove the blackheads regularly.
• Have a well-balanced, regular diet with lots of fresh fruit juices.
• Try to avoid chocolates, nuts, fried and fatty foods.
• Diet for Acne - Vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidants that rejuvenate the skin, so the diet rich in these vitamins should be included.
• Vitamin E is also important to prevent scarring from acne and removing old scars.
• The mineral zinc is also beneficial in the treatment of acne. It should be taken in a dose of 50 mg three times a day. The dose can be reduced with the improvement in the acne.