Gall Stones

Gall Bladder Stones Definition

Gall- stones are concretions that for in the biliary tract. Most of them are in the gall bladder. Gallstones and cholecystitis are usually associated together and so they are discussed here together.

Causes

Acute inflammation of gall blades always due to gallstones. They usually occur in fat, fertile, flatulent, females between forty and fifty. Vitiated Pitta becomes dry due to increasing Vata and forms stones.

Gall Bladder Stones Symptoms

In acute attack of cholecystitis, there is severe colicy pain in abdomen, associated with nausea and vomiting. Sometimes there may be abdominal distention, with pain radiating the back. There may be fever with chills in the beginning. In chronic condition, there is dull aching pain in the right hypochondrium with distention. Dyspepsia is predominant symptom. When gall bladder stones are formed, in acute attack the pain is very severe often radiating to the back with nausea and vomiting. Due to obstruction of bile duct, jaundice appears with itching on the skin and tenderness in the right hypochondrium.

Gall Bladder Stones Treatment

Cholegauge herbs, which increase secretions from the lives, like kutki picroriza kurroa, berberis aristata, phyllanthus, tephrosia purpura, and eclipta –alba, tinospor cordifolia, and swertia chirata are indicated. Any of these herbs can be gives in dose of 1 to 2 gms. A day for 15 days.

Since it is Pitta disorder, bitter purgatives like rhubarb should also b use for purification of Pitta. Avipattikara Powder 1 gm. Should be given with tab. Arogyavardhini 25 mgm, twice a day for15 days. For scraping of gallstones use of copper oxide in doses 50 milligram, 2 or 3 times daily f 2 months.

Western herbs like aloe vera, gention, golden seal are also useful.

Do’s and Don’ts

In acute cases, anti-pitta diet shoud be used. Ask the patient to avoid oily and fatty fods. The best home remedy to get rid of stones in gall bladder is drinking 100 cc of juice of papaya fruit with its outer skin and seeds early in the morning every day two hours before breakfast. This mixture is bitter in taste, but if taken regularly for 7 days, has proven helpful.

The most obviously painful of the conditions associated with the liver and the gall bladder, gallstones are first recognized by sharp pains in the side and chest, a feeling of distention and discomfort, general queasiness and a tendency to biliousness. There is no doubt that if you have these symptoms you will seek professional advice and there is no doubt that if you are fat, female and over 40 you will be diagnosed as having gallstones. It therefore comes as something of a relief to know that this chauvinistic attitude is now considered misplaced but nevertheless a poor diet leading to excess weight, little exercise and a disposition to harbor ill will or to become stressed do encourage the formation of gallstones. Those phrases which trip off the tongue – ‘it galls me’, ‘as bitter as gall’ – all relate to an unhappy frame of mind and these negative emotions have a physical result in that they stop the bile flowing freely. The old-fashioned cure for this was for the victim to drink a ½ pint of olive oil at one intake thus stimulating the gall bladder to secrete bile which would take small stones with it. It also kept your mind on other things!

Diet

A regular intake of artichokes, asparagus, kelp and barley water is to be preferred to the remedy which might have been used a century or less ago of nine lice eaten on bread. These were supposed to make their way straight to the gall bladder where they set to work on the problem. As it was firmly believed that gallstones were caused by fright and would be dispelled by fright, this latter solution must surely have been successful.

Do not take strong purgatives but keep the bowels open by eating plenty of prunes and figs.

Home Remedies for Gall Stones

* Olive oil and pure lemon juice Take 1 tablespoon of each every 15 minutes until 200 ml (8 fl oz) of oil and several lemons have been consumed. Good home remedy for gall stones.

* Pack the painful area with warm compresses, poultices or a hot-water bottle. Use Epsom salts in a bath to ease pain.

* Essential oils of rosemary, nutmeg, lemon, camphor, hyssop and eucalyptus These can all be used in a carrier oil, to rub the aching area or the soles of the feet. This will relieve stress. Many of the liniments to be found under Aches and pains will also bring relief and warmth.

* Horseradish Make the leaves into a tea. Couch grass was also recommended to break up both gallstones and kidney stones.

Home Remedies for Earwax And Fatigue

The inside of you ears are filled with tiny, delicate instruments that make it possible for you to enjoy everything from the crash of cymbals to the soft murmur of a mountain steam. To protect his sensitive area, the ears having tiny glands that produce wax that line the ear canal. Earwax, along with small hair follicles, traps dust and debris before it reaches the inner ear. The wax then migrates to the outer ear where it’s easy to remove with the tip of a handkerchief.

Some people, however, produce more earwax than the ear can easily get rid of. Over time the wax begins to accumulate. If the opening leading to the eardrum gets blocked, you may lose some of your hearing. Too much earwax also can be painful because it can cause pressure changes inside the inner ear. It’s usually not difficult to get earwax under control.

Here’s what you need to do.

Soften it up. When your body is producing a lot of earwax, it can get nearly rock-hard, making it difficult to remove. To soften the wax, put a few drops of mineral oil, baby oil, or glycerin in your ear with an eyedropper, then roll your head around to let the oil soak in. if you do this twice a day for several days, the wax will get much softer and will start moving toward the outside of the ear, where it’s easier to remove.

Bubble it away. Another way to soften earwax is to fill an eyedropper with hydrogen peroxide and squirt it into your ears. Let it sit and bubble for a few minutes, then drain your ear by tilting your head to the side. The bubbles will help dislodge small practice of wax, which will drain out with the fluid.

Add a little heat. Just like wax in a candle, earwax melts when it gets warm. Resting your ear on top of a hot water bottle or a heating pad (set to a comfortable temperature) will warm up the ear canal and soften or even melt the wax. Keep your head titled down, which will allow the wax to flow toward the outside of your ear.

Give your ears a good washing. Once you’ve loosened the earwax, fill a three-once rubber bulb syringe with water that’s about body temperature (98.6F) with your head tilted down, pull your outer ear outer a little to straighten the ear canal. Then gently squirt some water into the canal. The water will help breakup earwax and float it along the canal toward the outside of your ear. When you’re done, dry your ear with a towel and squirt a little bit of rubbing alcohol inside. Then tilt your head so the fluid drains out. The rubbing alcohol will help dry the ear canal, reducing the risk of infection.

Clean your ears with care. When earwax starts building up, many people go after it with a cotton swab – and inadvertently push the wax deeper inside. Eventually it can form a hard little plug that can be almost impossible to get out. Doctors recommend cleaning the outside of your ears only, not with a cotton swab, but with the tip of a wash-cloth that’s been moistened. This will keep your ears clean without pushing additional wax where it isn’t meant to go.

May be you’re fighting to keep your eyes open even before lunch time. Or perhaps you’re going to bed earlier each night but are still waking up feeling like you haven’t had enough sleep. Or may be you simply don’t have the energy to do the things you’d like to do.

Welcome to modern life. Doctors agree that our hectic pace – the endless meetings, rushing home to care for the children, and staying up a little too late at night – is taking its toll. People are filling more tired than ever before, and there doesn’t seem to be any relief in sight.

You can’t turn the clock back to a simpler time, of course but there are ways you can boost your energy and restore your enjoyment of life.

Here’s what experts recommend.

Make sure the well doesn’t run dry. When you’re busy all day it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. When you don’t get enough fluids, cells throughout your body, including the brain, begin to run dry, which can sap your energy. Don’t wait until you’re feeling thirsty, because your body’s “the thirst-sensor” doesn’t always work efficiently. Doctors say to drink at least eight glasses a day.

Incidentally, don’t count coffee or cola toward your daily total. These drinks contain caffeine, which is a diuretic – meaning it removes more fluids from your body than it puts in. If you do drink coffee or other beverages with caffeine, you need to drink even more water to keep yourself hydrated.

See the light. When winter arrives and days get shorter, many people start feeling tired and fatigued. Studies have shown, however, that you can give your energy a boost by getting more sunlight. Even if you only get outside for an hour or two a day, the extra light may help put extra zip in your mood.

Shake things up. Sometimes it seems like every day is the same. We go to work, go home, cook dinner, go to bed. It’s no wonder that we sometimes feel a little tired and unmotivated. Doctors agree that one of the best things you can do to fight fatigue is to put more variety into your life. Going for walks, taking adult education classes, or simply reading some new books will help you feel more motivated and energized by life.

Add some color to your life. Studies have shown that people who spend their time in dark houses with dull, muted colors tend to have less energy than those who are surrounded by visual “zip” – bright reds, soothing greens, or vibrant yellows. Even if you don’t feel like painting your house. It’s a good idea to liven up your surroundings.

Eat for energy. Many people have been known to make themselves feel stronger and more energetic simply by eating a better diet. Unlike foods that are high in fat, which are hard to digest and tend to sap your energy, fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates can help you feel more energized.

Ban in the big meals. If you work in an office you know that the lowest energy time of day is right after lunch, when just about everyone is nodding off. This is due in part to the body’s natural need for rest. But studies have shown that people who eat four or five small meals a day tend to have more energy than those who eat two or three big meals. Try to eat a good sized breakfast, one or two healthful snacks during the day (but not a big lunch), and a good meal at supper. Eating frequent smaller meals helps keep your metabolism burning steadily, rather than working hard all at once. And eating regularly helps keep blood-sugar levels steady, which can be very powerful in fighting fatigue.

Get as much exercise as you can. Even when your energy is so low you don’t want to lace your tennis shoes, it’s worth making yourself stay active. Exercise helps burn off your stress and frustration, while at the same time increases the amount of energizing chemicals in your body. Studies have shown that people, who exercise regularly report feeling more ambitious, optimistic, and energetic.

Put relaxation on your calendar. Relieving stress is a skill that should be taught in school. Most of us have difficulty making time for rest for relaxation – and we pay for it in lost energy. One of the best ways to recharge your batteries is to put aside a little time each day to do something you truly enjoy – playing with your dog, shopping, or even getting a massage. Taking a break from life’s stresses gives your body and mind time to recover, this will help you feel stronger the rest of the time

Get to bed earlier. Its obvious advice, but a lot of us walk around like zombies simply because we try to squeeze too much out of each day. Going to bed and hour or two earlier on a regular basis will help ensure that you get the sleep you need – the sleep you’re probably not getting enough of now.’

Fever

Definition

Increased body temperature due to vitiated Pitta is called Fever or “Jwara.” Usually pachaka Pitta is vitiated and it then affect rasa dhatu and Rasavaha channel. Low digestive fire is almost always associated with this disorder.

Types and Causative factors

Ayurveda has classified ths disease into Vata type Pitta type, and Kapha type due to vitiation of all doshas. Tridoshic type has further been divided into 13 types by Charaka. It also has been dvided into 8 diferent types due to vitiation of doshas and tissues.

Some major types are newly developed chronic fevers. Thy can be due to internal or external causes (virus and bacteria), or can be from mild causes like dosha vitiation of Vata and Kapha type, to extreme vitiation of Pitta, with toxins and without toxins.

* Fevers with rashes: chicken pox, small pox, rubella, measles, scarlet fever, and erysipelas.

* Fevers with neurological disorders: meningitis, polio myletis.

* Viral fevers; dengue fever, flu, or influenza.

* Bacterial fevers: tuberculosis, typhoid, pneumonia, pleurisy, and syphilis. In various malignant disorders, malaria, and diseases of kidney, heart fever can be one of the symptoms.

FEVERS DUE TO VITIATION OF DOSHAS

The common treatment for all the fevers described below is fasting to destroy Ama or toxin I the system, slight internal fomentation with herbs having hot potency, and biter herbs.

Pitta Type

Symptoms

Sudden rise of temperature during afternoon, during digestion of food, or during midnight is common. It is accompanied with bitter taste in mouth, vertigo, yellowish discoloration of skin, diarrhea, or vomiting pitta from the stomach. There may be restlessness with irritability and disturbance in sleep.

Treatment

In acute condition when gigh fever is present, sponge the entire body with cold water and immediately dry the body. This should be carried out repeatedly until the temperature comes down to normal. In Ayurveda godanti oxide, a special mineral is used to bring down the temperature. In Chinese medicine, the mineral gypsum is used for the same purpose. Ideal herbs are swertia chirata, fumaria fficinalis, erythrina indica, katuki-picrorhiza kuroa and ocimum sanctum. Decoction of these herbs should be given.

In ama stage, tab. Sootashekhara 250 mgm, 3 to 4 times a day for 5 days is ideal.

In nirama stage, tab. Kamadugha 250 mgm, 3 times a day for 4 days is indicated. If they are not available, give western cooling diaphoretic herbs like boneset, catnip, chamomile, and chrysanthemum are useful in dose of 1 gm. twice a day for 7 days.

Kapha Type

Symptoms

Low grade fever with lethargy, nausea, vomiting sensation, indigestion, low digestive fire, cough, and cold are common symptoms.

Treatment

Herbs of choice are trikatu, katuki, and neem, root of piper longum and aconitum heterophyllum. In ama stage, tab. Kapha chintamani rasa (RSS) 50 mgm, 3 times a day with chaturbhuja rasa 50 mgm. 2 times a day for 7 days is ideal. In nirama stage, tab. Ananda bhairava rasa (RSS) 250 mgm, 3 times a day for 5 days r heating diaphoretic herbs like basil, angelica, camphor, cloves should be used.

Vata Type

Symptoms

Fever is present in the early morning hours or in the evening It is with various types of pain in the body like pricking, splitting. The pattern of ever is very irregular with anxiety, insomnia or sense of stiffness in the body. There may be body ache and pain in joints. Fever can be with chills and constipation.

Treatment

Herbs of choice are bhunimba (swertia chirata), musta (cyperus rotundus), guduchi (tinospora cordifolia), dry ginger and aconitum ferox.

In nirama stage, give decoctons of these herbs in dose of 15 ml. 3 to 4 times a day. In ama stage, tab. Tribhuvan kirti rasa, 250 mgm, 3 to 4 times a day for 7 days is indicated. Western heating diaphoretic herbs like eucalyptus, sage, thyme, wild ginger can be given.

Fever with ama

When toxins are present the rise in temperature is very quick and signs like delirium, coated white tongue, constipation, a sense of heaviness in the body, and a sense that organs are not functioning properly is presen.

Tab. Jwarankusha rasa 125 mgm, twice a day or tab tribhuvan kirti 250 mgm, 3 times a day for 5 days is ideal.

Fever due to Tuberculosis

The symptoms ae similar to disease called “Rajayakshma.”Low grade fever usually having evening rise of temperature with cough is present in initial stage. Later on there may be and wasting. Although it is due to all doshas, low digestive and tissue fire, obstruction in channels and ama production is always there with Kapha predominant symptoms.

Treatment

Tonification should be done but care must be taken that Kapha should not be increased too much. Herbs of choice are sida cordifolia, ashwagandha, shatavari and marshmallow. There are various refuvenating preparations, which are herbal as well as mineral like chyvanaprasha jelly or other compounds containing purified gold oxides.

Tab. Laghu malini vasant 250 mgm, twice a day for 1 month or tab. Laxmivilas rasa 125 mgm, twice a day for 1 month is indicated.

Fever due to Pleurisy

Symptoms

This is called “parshvashoola” In Ayurveda. When vitiated Vata brings Pitta and Kapha into the respiratory system this disease is formed. It is of two types; due to vitiation of Vata, and due to vitiation of Pitta and Kapha. Usually this is due to tubercular infection. But it can be due to extension of inflammation from the adjoining organs or due to cancer. In initial stage there is catching type of pain during respiration. This is dry stage. When fluid starts accumulating in the pleural cavity, pain disappears. Low-grade fever is present from the beginning

Treatment

Herbs of choice in this condition are inula racemosus, adhatoda vasika, cyperous, acoitum- ferox and aconitum heterophyllum. Medicines indicated during dry stage are rasasindura 50 mgm. With vata kulantaka rasa 125 mgm. Twice a day for 15 days.

While talisadi 1 part, oxide of mruga shringa 1/8 part, rasasindura 1/8 part and mica oxide ¼ part in mixture – 1 gm. 2 times a day for 1month, are indicated for absorption of fluid from the pleural cavity.

Valnerary herbs are useful like marshmallow, selfheal, slippery elm, are also useful.

Fever due to Upper Respiratory Tract

This is also high Pitta condition affecting upper respiratory tract. It can be due to some indication. Usually it is due to inflammation of pharynx, larynx or throat.

Treatment

Herbs of choice are trikatu, triphala, guduchi, curcuma, and cyperus. Tab. Guduchi 500 mgm, 3 times a day and tab. Gandhaka rasayana or tab. Guduchi Ghana gives good results

Fever due to Laryngitis

Fever is present with pain in the throat region and dysphagia or hoarsness of voice.

Gargling with hot water and pinch of salt and curcuma, 2 to 3 times a day is helpful. Tab. Guduchi 500 mgm, 3 times a day is indicated.

Fever due to Maleria

Symptoms

It is known as ‘vishama jeara.’ Ayurveda has classified this disease in four types: fever occurring twice every day, fever occurring on every second day, fever occurring on every third day, and fever occurring on every fourth day.

Treatment

Herbs of choice are aconite, cyperus, vasa, neem and swertia chirata and tinospora cordifolia. Popular Ayurvedic medicine is tab. Mahasudarshan 250 mgm, 3 times a day or tab. Samshamani 500 mgm, twice a day with amrutarishta 15 ml. 3 times a day for 15 days is ideal.

Similarly tab. Panchatikta ghanavati 250 mgm, or mahamruyunjaya rasa 150 mgm, twice a day is also useful. The latest research has shown that, artemisnin from Chinese Artemisia annua in dose of 50 mgm. 3 times a day for 15 days is very much useful for treating P. falciparum cases of malaria.

Fever due to unknown origin

This is called “ jeerna jwara.” When low grade fever lasts for more than 3 weeks, it is also called as pyrexia of unknown origin. When Pitta vitiation is present for long time, Pitta becomes more dry, hot and penetrating quality, this causes Vata aggravation, the digestive fire becomes very low and all tissue formation gets impaired.

Treatment

For treating such type of chronic fever condition I is always better to use bitter herbs having antipyretic action with some oleating substance like ghee. Medicated ghee prepared with tinospora cordifolia, and azadirechta indica are the best. Thiscan be given in ose of 1 teaspon, twice a day for 1 month.

Similarly, mahatikta ghrit (SYS) or panchatikta ghrit (BR) should be given 1 rea – spon twice a day for 1 month.

Tab. Samshamani bati (SYS) 250 mgm, 4 times a day for 1 month is ideal, or tab. Neem 500 mgm, twice a day for 1 month, or tab. Suvarn malini vasanta 50 mgm, twice a day for 1 month is ideal in this condition.

Western herbs like golden seal, gentian are also useful to treat this condition. Once the fever is under control, tonification treatment with chyanprasha jam 1 teaspoon twice a day or tab. Shatavari 500 mgm, twice a day for 1 month can be given.

Typhoid fever

This is also called as “Santata jwara” because it is continuous type of fever lasting for 5 7, 10 days without coming to normal. All doshas and all tissues in the body are vitiated. Other than fever, there might be slight gastric disturbance and pink rash on the skin. If not properly treated, there is danger of perforation of small intestine. Patient should not be therefore given any strong purgative until the inflammation in intestine is subsided.

Treatment

Plenty of rest and a light diet is utmost essential, since all the tissue in the body is involved and the intestines are very weak. To control the infection and to achieve equilibrium of doshas and for giving energy to all tissues herbs having action of antibiotic nature like isatis, barberry, gentian, katuka should be used. Any of these can be used in dose of 1 gm. Twice a day for 15 days. Chines herbs like forsythia, scute, Echinacea are useful. Western herbs like phellodendron and golden seal have good effects as well.

Influenza fever

It is Vata Kapha type of fever and is usually associated with symptoms like fever with chills, cold, running of nose, cough and headache. It can be due to exposure to cold air or wind, very cold and mucous forming foods and drinks or due to viral infection. It can occur in epidemics.

Treatment

Typical Ayurvedic herbs are nyctanthus arbortristis, basil, clove, mint, pippali and vasa. Any two in equal parts should be given 1 gm. twice a day for 15 days. Spicy herbal tea containing ginger, basil, and clove should be taken. Chinese decoction formula, which includes, ma- huang is also very effective. Tab. Tribhuvan kirti rasa (YR) 250 mgm, 3 times a day, or tab. Parijataka vati 250 mgm, 3 times a day for 7 days with hot water, are the medicines of choice.

Anti-Kapha and anti-ama diet should be prescribed. Fasting for at least 1 to 2 days with only light soup of vegetables or green gram. Drinking warm water treted with ginger, piper longum and piper nigrum or warm water with lemon juice and honey is useful. Vegetable soup or steamed vegetables are advised. Lemon and ginger juice with honey is lso good. Avoid all kapha forming diet like dairy and heavy, oily foods.

Fever due to Infection

Infection can be in any organ, hence before starting the treatment, try to find out the focus of infection and then treat that particular organ. It may be due to some boil, abscess or infection in any organ. High fever is common symptom due to vitiated Pitta.

Treatment

For acute infectious fevers, rasasindura is special type of medicine (cooked in glass shell) are useful. For treating chronic infectious fevers, use of bitter herbs e.g. tinospora cordifolia, adhatoda vasika, azadirechta indica are indicated. Tab.Guduchi Ghana (prepared by boiling decoction of guduchi, till it becomes hard) 125 mgm, twice a day or tab. Ananda bhairava rasa (RSS) 250 mgm. 3 times a day for 7 days should be used.

Fever due to Pneumonia

It is Kapha-Pitta type of fever affecting respiratory system. Sudden high fever with dyspnoea, cough, pain in chest is very common. In some types these symptoms are present without apparent fever in the beginning. Later on high fever appeara. This can be due to infection from different types or bacilli or virus.

Treatment

Herbs that are useful are inula racemosus and vasa. To bring down the temperature immediately, use godanti oxide 50 mgm, 3 to 4 times a day or gypsum ash 50 mgm, with rasasindura 25 mgm. 3 times a day, or deerhorn ash (mruga shrunga) 25 mgm, 3 times a day.

Tab. Shlemakalanala rasa (RSS 125 mgm, twice a day with juice of ginger is also very effective

Use mixture of sitopaladi or talisadi powder 500 Mgm. Each and rasasindura and mica oxide 50 mgm, each, twice a day.

Western herbs like comfrey root, slippery elm and dandelion are also useful.

Fever or a very high temperature is the necessary manner in which the body rids itself of infection and as it is usually the result of an already diagnosed illness it should not be suppressed. If however there does not appear to be a reason for it occurring and particularly if the patient is a child, professional advice should be sought. As soon as it becomes apparent that a state of general malaise, loss of appetite, tummy trouble and aches and pains is progressing into a shivery fever the victim should be put to bed in a warm, well – aired room, covered with a lot of bed clothes, given well – covered hot water bottles to hug if necessary and left to sweat the infection out through the pores of the body.

‘Breaking a fever’ means helping a patient past the point at which their temperature reaches a peak and then drops, after which the body should be working towards recovery. During this time good nursing can achieve wonderful results and create a strong bond of confidence between patient and nurse. Caring for a sick person in the throes of a high fever can be a grim and frightening affair and in the past, without the reassuring presence of a doctor, it must have been truly appalling. Sponging the face and body of a patient with cool flannels, changing sweat – soaked bedclothes and nightwear when necessary, administering plenty of cooling sips of liquid and presenting a comforting appearance all do a great deal to aid recovery, especially in the case of a child in whom fever – induced hallucinations and nightmares can create terrible fears.

Home Remedies for Fever

Cooling Lotions and Soothing Oils

Some of the least pleasant remedies suggested for breaking a fever were to poultice the stomach well with a combination of onions and vinegar or to warp a hefty bracelet of shepherd’s purse, plantain and vinegar around the wrists.

Although bathing a patient in milk used to be the recommended method of soothing and cooling an overheated body, much to be preferred is a ‘blanket bath’ with a soft sponge soaked in water perfumed with lavender or rose petal vinegar .- vinegar will restore the pH balance to the skin and prevent it from irritating and flaking whilst the fragrance takes away the sour smell of feverishness. The water in which barley has been boiled was used in country districts and although it is a little sticky it does deep the skin smooth and cool.

The best lotion however is borage lotion which is made by simmering a good handful of the fresh, hairy leaves of borage in 1 litre (1.75 pints) of water for three minutes and then leaving it to stand until cool for a further 15 minutes. When it is strained it gives a lovely silky, soothing liquid to bathe a body with. The mucilageanous liquid also makes a very healing gargle and tea.

* Foot massage Rubbing the soles of the feet with lotus oil was the way in which the Pharaohs had their fevers eased but more prosaically and most aromatically rubbing the soles of the feet with a healing blend of essential oils in a carrier of almond oil will calm the patient a great deal. I always think that the feet are the keys to the soul and whenever I am unwell I find that I feel immeasurably better for having my feet massaged. The best combination of oils to use is a few drops each of thyme, eucalyptus, sage and lavender.

* Lilac oil When the patient’s fever has abated but they are still full of aches and pains rub their afflicted limbs with this unguent which should be made in the early days of summer. Cram 100g (4oz) of the most headily scented fresh lilac blossoms you can find into a glass jar and fill with 600 ml (1 pint) of olive oil. Cover with a gauze or paper lid and leave on a windowsill to macerate in the warmth of the sun for two weeks or so. Press through a fine sieve and rebottle. One of the good home remedies for fever.

Potions to Reduce a Fever

* Lilac leaves An infusion of 1 teaspoon of lilac leaves in one cup of boiling water taken two or three times daily was a very ancient alternative to quinine in the cure of malarial, fever. Quinine was the old – fashioned standby for fever and is still used to prevent and remedy malaria, but before it was discovered the most commonly used country remedies included birch, ash bark, herb bennet, olive leaves, tincture of box and sorrel or purslane juice (the cooling green leaves of purslane were also laid upon the brow). These brews were taken at the first sign of those fevers which a patient might suffer from intermittently such as malaria and the following delicious infusion, which was frequently used in an effort to reduce the racking ague of malaria, can still be used today to ease the discomfort of a raging temperature. One of the effective home remedies for fever.

* Fever tea Take 10g (1/2oz) of lavender and 5g (1/4oz) each of heart’s ease or pansy, borage, marigold and broom. Mix together and use 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of boiling water.

The bark of white willow and a tea made from meadowsweet were favourite tisanes to be taken in a crisis. Other healing ‘fever teas’ to be drunk at the first manifestations are elderflower, peppermint, catnip, lemon balm, vervain, yarrow and feverfew. Singly or mixed, as you prefer, all of these teas are soothing and will promote a certain amount of perspiration but nothing compared to the ‘cold sweat.’ Which breaks out at the very thought of the ancient remedy which extols the virtues of powdered mint taken with the newly sloughed skin of an asp.

* Hibiscus tea This looks lovely and tastes delicious and older children will love a combination of rose hip tea and hibiscus tea (use the tea bags) which can be served warm or iced with lemon.

* Basil tea A tea made with 1 teaspoon of dried basil to 600ml (1 pint) of boiling water will be made more potent and pungent with the addition of the crushed seeds from 1 cardamom pod and ½ teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and brown sugar.

* Blackcurrant leaf tea Soak 50g (20z) of the dried or fresh leaves in cold water for 1 hour then bring to the boil and infuse for 15 minutes. Take three or four cups a day. One of the best home remedies for fever.

* Sage tea When made by the following method sage tea has a slightly meaty taste and is excellent. Take 25g(1oz) of fresh sage leaves, 50g (2oz) of clear honey and 3 tablespoons of pure fresh lemon juice. Put all the ingredients into a heatproof container and cover with 1 litre (1.75 pints) of boiling water. Cover and leave to stand until quite cold. Strain and serve cold or reheated.

* Gilly flower syrup The gilly flower was the name given to any flower which had the scent of cloves, hence the confusion arising in old gardening manuals or herbals within whose pages pinks, carnations and wallflowers are to be found masquerading under the same title. The gilly flower referred to in this recipe however is the dark, dusky petalled pink perfumed with the heady fragrance of cloves. Take 100 g (4oz0 of petals and place them in a china bowl. Cover them with 750 ml (1.75 pints) of boiling water, cover and leave to infuse for six hours. Press gently into a fine sieve to extract all the perfumed water. Heat the liquid in a bain – marie adding unrefined cane sugar, a little at a time until the mixture has the consistency of syrup. Pour into dry sterilized jars and seal tightly. Take 1 tablespoon at a time to 1 cup of warm water or herbal tea.

Drink and Diet

When nursing a patient with a high fever one of the most important things to ensure is that they drink plenty in order to pass the infection out of their system. At the first ominous signs of an impending crisis administer lemon juice and honey or apple cider vinegar and honey diluted in plenty of warm water. Drinks tamarind water made by soaking 25g (1oz) of tamarind pulp in 1 litre (1.75 pints) of boiling water for several hours. When strained it can be drunk by the ½ cup diluted with warm water. Taken every two hours or so it appears to refresh and to reduce temperature.

Lemon juice, lemon barley water, barley water, fresh unsweetened fruit juices especially pineapple and grape and a lot of good clear water, bottled if necessary, will all ensure a quick recovery. Very few feverish patients feel like eating but a few slices of fresh fruit or some grapes will usually prove acceptable.

Tiny Tots

Small children and babies can spring a raging temperature upon you without warning and it is usually as the result of an already diagnosed illness or teething troubles. Babies are very vulnerable so if you cannot identity the cause call for immediate professional advice.

Balm Melissa, catnip, vervain and chamomile tea, taken with a little honey and lemon juice on the tip of a spoon or in a small bottle, will help to calm a fractions child whilst plenty of warm fruit drinks or warm boiled water reduce theist and aid recovery.

A few drops of essential oil of lavender or chamomile can be dropped into warm water and used to wipe their hands and face which will make them more comfortable. When sponging infants down make sure that they are not in a draught and that they are dressed immediately afterwards. Do not leave a small child with a high temperature alone for any length of time.

Feeding a fever

No body especially children, wants to eat when they are ill with a high temperature but as they begin to feel better it is essential that they eat a little of those foods which are not only palatable but nourishing. The recipes below are easily swallowed and can also feed the rest of the family, if necessary, without them feeling that they are being palmed off with invalid food.

Oatmeal porridge and porridge oats contain vitamin B6 and porridge oats contain vitamin B6 and when made properly are very good for you. Porridge is a nice smooth breakfast food which is easier to eat than ‘crispy crunchy corn thingamajigs’ despite any protestations to the contrary.

* To make a true oatmeal porridge Put 4 tablespoons of coarse oatmeal in a large basin and gradually add 300ml (1/2 pint) of milk. Stir this briskly into 300ml (1/2 pint). Of boiling water and add a pinch of salt. Boil until it thickens, stirring continuously. Remove from the heat, cover and leave to stand for several minutes before serving with milk and honey or brown sugar. One of the useful home remedies for fever.

* Porridge using porridge oats Use organic or conservation grade oats. Pour ½ cup of oats and a pinch of salt into 1.5 cups of water or milk, mixing well. Bring to the boil and simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally, Cover and leave to stand for a moment or two before serving.

Put the milk in a saucepan with the lemon zest. Bring to the boil and remove from the heat. Cover and leave to get cold then strain. Put the milk back on to the heat and bring nearly to boiling point. Mix the arrowroot to a paste with a little cold water, pour enough of the hot milk into the paste to make it smooth then return it to the pan stirring continuously. Add the sugar and salt and let the mixture boil once. Pour into moulds. If you have the time you could make the blancmange even more tempting by decorating it with little faces made from lemon slices.

Orange tonic Into a jug put 25g (1oz) of orange peel pared finely from well washed oranges, 25g (1oz) chamomile flowers and a few cloves. Cover with 600ml (1pint) of boiling water. Allow to become quite cold and strain before using. Exquisitely refreshing.

Minimizing the Risks

Bed sheets should always be kept taut and free from crumbs and the patient should be carefully moved as frequently as possible. Don’t drag the patient as this can cause tender skin to break. Try to lift them without damaging yourself. If you have to do this frequently over a prolonged period of time seek professional advice on how it should be done. Place a pillow between the patient’s knees and ankles to relieve pressure and to stop them rubbing together. You can also buy sheepskin heel or elbow covers and under sheets which are comfortable if a little too warm.

* Massage Massaging limbs regularly will ensure that the circulation is improved thus avoiding the problem of cramp and it will be doubly effective if a few drops of essential oil of thyme, sage or lavender, diluted in an eggcupful of sunflower oil, are used. Some of the rubs suggested under Cramp are also very useful.

* Rubbing alcohol Gently rubbing the most vulnerable parts or the body with surgical spirit will minimize the risk of bed sores occurring. You could make up your own version of Hungary water to provide a really pleasant smelling and therapeutic version of rubbing alcohol. Pack a large jar with rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme and elderflowers and fill it up with surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol. Stand it on a warm windowsill, shake daily and leave to macerate for several weeks. Strain well through muslin before using.

* Hypericum oil or calendula ointment Either of these should be soothed into chapped skin whilst white petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is equally useful on skin that has become dry and cracked.

A Healthy Atmosphere

Fresh bunches of lavender or eucalyptus will sweeten the air and keep insects away but the most effective method is to keep a small pan of water to which you have added a handful of the crushed herb or leaf simmering on a hob in those rooms in which there is sickness. Not only does it disinfect but it creates a lovely atmosphere far more pleasant than that achieved with commercial sprays. The Greeks and Romans burned their herbs and spices in censers, keeping them in their rooms and carrying them in the streets to ward off infection. Myrrh, frankincense and balsam were popular spices then as were the other Oriental favorites, musk and sandalwood. The smell was probably very similar to joss sticks which are still lit in many households as a happy alternative to air fresheners.

Stopping Infection Spreading

Humorous though the idea may sound the juice of onions and garlic or the water or vinegar in which they had been boiled or macerated were used as very powerful bactericides which could still be used today except for the perfume which leaves much to be desired. Perhaps it was this very odor which also provoked their reputation of scaring off snakes and witches.

* Oil of lavender A few drops mixed into liquid furniture polish or a little almond oil can be used on those wooden surfaces which you would rather not clean with disinfectant and it does make the house smell delightful.

* Fly paper Flies are irritating and dirty but many people consider commercial fly papers to be even more unpleasant so make your own by spreading strips of paper thinly with molasses to which you can add a little essential oil of pine, although the stickiness alone is enough to attract and entrap them.

* Eucalyptus spray Put 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil B.P. and 10 drops each of essential oil of lavender and lemon balm into 1 litre (1.75 pints) of cold water. Pour into a spray container and shake well. This is a good pleasant – smelling, antiseptic solution to squirt liberally about the house. It also discourages those nasty pests which attach house plants.

* Lavender and sweet cicely water Use on a damp cloth to cool a fevered brow and hot hands and to wipe surfaces.

They don’t feel good, but fevers are your body’s tool for waging war on bacteria and other germs. These microorganisms are able to thrive only at certain temperatures. When you’re sick with a cold, the flu, or another kind of infection, your body turns up the thermostat. As you get hotter, the germs are no longer able to reproduce – which means you get better faster.

Of course, knowing that a fever is good for you doesn’t make you feel any better. (Root canals are also good for you, and you know how much you look forward to them) But it’s helpful to realize that most fevers don’t last very long, and by the time your temperature starts dropping you’re well on the road to recovery.

For mild fevers, doctors usually recommend letting them run their course, although you may want to take aspirin or acetaminophen, which will lower your temperature a bit and make you feel more comfortable. (Children with fever should never be given aspirin because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a serious neurological disorder.)

Here are a few additional ways to turn the temperature down.

Drink plenty of fluids. Just as your car’s radiator may burn off extra water when it’s running hot, people with fevers also burn more water. To replace the fluids that fevers take out, it’s important to drink at least eight to twelve glasses of water a day. You may want to drink spots drinks like Gatorade, as well. These drinks contain electrolytes – minerals that can help your body work more efficiently. Electrolyte drinks are also available in your local pharmacy.

Take a long soak. Just because you’re hot on the inside doesn’t mean you have to be hot and sweaty on the outside. When you feel a fever coming on, fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and settle in for a long soak. it will help lower your body temperature so you feel a bit more comfortable. Don’t soak in cold water. However. That can cool you off too much and may make you worse.

Spend some time in a bed. A fever means that your body is using up a lot of energy fighting an infection. Getting extra rest will help ensure that your body has enough energy left over to do what’s important – stimulating the immune system to help you recover.

Home Remedies for Edema and Erysipelas

Erysipelas Definition

It is particular type of skin disease, which spreads fast like a serpent. Hence in Ayurveda it is called “Visarpa.”

Erysipelas Causes

It is fast spreading inflammatory edema of the skin due to vitiation of all doshas, especially of pitta. It then vitiates blood, skin, and the muscles. According to dosha predominance it has been divided into 8 types.

Erysipelas Symptoms

When disease starts spreading the skin becomes rd hot. Very soon the pustules are formed on the skin. They may break open and form ulcers on the skin. High feve, thirst, vertigo, and darhoea are common symptoms.

Vata type- The inflamed skin is edematous, blackishin color, very dry and wih lot of scratches. Severe pain, burning sensation over the skin, fainting, tremors, constpation are common

Pitta type- high fever thirsts, vomiting with or without nausea, vertigo, and giddiness. The inflamed skin is reddish, bluish, and blackish in color.

Kapa type– Fever with chills, heaviness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, vomiting and usea. The inflamed skin is whitish pale in color.

Agni visarpa (Vata – Pitta) – This is a serious condition and ismany tims fatal. The toxins are in blood, which produces of boils like pustules on the skin. They are very similar to tat of burns. The condition is associated with high fever and delirium.

Granthi visarpa (kaph – Vata) – The affected skin is with lot of different types of glandular swelling which causes severe pain. The patient suffers from dyspnoea, cough, vertigo and fainting. This is also a very serious condition.

Kardam visarpa (kapha – Pitta) – The affected skin is with painful, red swellings and yellowish colored pustules with edema.

Erysipelas Treatment

The general treatment is fasting, cooling type of alternative herbs, medicated purgation and medcated blood letting. There is tendency to form ulcers rapidly, if it is not trated properly.

Herbs of choice are amalaki, antalam album, inospora cordiolia, adhatoda vasika, jitasaya, lotus, patola, sandalwood and swertia chirta. Mixture of any two herbs in dose of 1 mg. each twice a day for 1 month is indicated.

Medicated ghee with these herbs should be used. Common Ayurvedic formula is panchtika ghee, medicated ghee with five best bitter herbs, or guduchi ghee in dose of 1 tea spoon wice a day for 1 month. Estern bitter herbs can be use to prepare medicated ghe. This also gives good results.

Tab. Ameer rasa 50 gm, twice a day or tab. Rasamanikya 50 mgm, twice a day for 1 month is useful. These can be supplemented wih maha – manjishthadyaishta 15ml. 3 times a day for 1 moth.

If these are not available, Westrn cooling alterativeslike aloe vera, burdock, Echinacea, and pokeroot should be used.

Application of himsagar oil to the affected skin is useful.

Edema Definition

It is a condition of painless swelling due to water accumulation. It is the disorder affecting water- carrying system in which all three doshas are vitiated. In Ayurveda it is known as ‘Shotha.” However Kapha vitiation produces solid or nonpitting edema mostly due to lymph stasis while Vata vitiation produces pitting edema of venous origin with pain, and that of Pitta is responsible for inflammatory type of edema. In all types ama and obstruction in channels is common factor.

Edema Causative factors

Edema of venous origin is due to excess intake of salts or steroids. Other causes are Vitamin B12 deficiency, pregnancy, anemia, and portal obstruction. It can be due to cardiac and renal origin. Lymphoedema is due to filariasis, allergic, post thromboflebitic, post traumatic or due to idiopathic origin.

Edema Treatment

Kapha type- In long standing edema of lymphatic origin, medicated emesis is advised. Herbs indicated are punarnava, plant alkalies like punarnava kahara, apamarga kshara ginger, triphala and shilajatu. Decoction of punarnva or triphala with shilajatu rasayana, dashamoola haritaki.

Tab. Chandraprabha 250 mgm, 3 times day with punarnavasava 15 ml. 3 times day or kumari asava 15 ml. 3 times day for 1 month are best. Tab. Dugdha bati (shotha) (BR) 250 mgm, 3 times a day for 1 month is indicated.

For external application, use paste of dashanga.

Western diuretics of heating type should be used. They are cubebs, juniper berries, Mormon tea, parsley and wild carrot.

To reduce the tendency of after retention , herbs for regulating kidney function and diuretics should be given like punarnava or gokshura in dose of 1 to 2 gms twice a day for 15 days, along with anti-Kapha diet. Tab. Punarnava guggulu or tab. Yogaraj guggulu in dose of 500 milligram 3 times day can be given. Dry massage with calamus should be done with sauna at least 3 times a week.

Western diuretics like parsley, wild can be given. Reduce sugars and salt intake. Avoid all dairy products and meat. Sleeping during the day should also be avoided.

Pitta type- for allergic or inflammatory condition use ipomoea turpethum, amalaki, cassia fistula, cyndon dactylon, curcuma and berberis aristata. Western cooling type of diuretics like asparagus, coriander, cornsilk, dandelion, fennel ad gravel root are useful. Guduchi Ghana 250 mgm, twice a day with decoction of patola or punarnava 30 ml. 3 times a day for 1 month is useful.Similarly, punarnavadi mandura, 125 mgm, twice a day for 15 days is also useful. Externally application of red sandalwood or curcuma is ideal. Avoid red meat and fried substances. Take plenty of green vegetables preferably bitter in nature. Herbs of choice are aloe, barberry, and turmeric.

Vata type- Avoid complex carbohydrates. Spices like cayenne and trikatu 125 mgm, twice a day for 15 day should e given with triphala gugulu 250 mgm, twice a day with warm water if given for 3 weeks is also useful. Or tab. Mahayogaraj guggulu 125 mgm, twice a day for 15 days is also useful. Light massage with fomentation should be given.

Give mixture of jaggery with fresh ginger in 1 to ¼ ratios, before meals twice every day. Start with 5 grams of jaggery and when increase the dose until 10 grams. This simple remedy is effective in many cases. Western warming diuretics like cinnamon and parsley should e given. Ayurvedic herbs like punarnava or gokshur 1gm. A day can be supplemented with this therapy.

Edema Diet

Avoid curds, sour foods, excess salt, cheese, fermented foods and drinks, foods with preservatives.

Eczema

Introduction to Eczema

The exact terminology for the disease eczema in Ayurveda varies from text to text and author to author. However, the eczema is taken as skin disease having skin rashes. This could be considered an inflammatory condition of the skin. Eczema gives more trouble to neonates and infants children and adults also have this disease but not as frequent as the previous ones.

Ayurveda believes this condition to be quote under the ‘kushtha roga’ or ‘twak roga’. The skin is said to be the seat of mainly Pitta Dosha and rest being supporting it. This is the situation when one has itching rashes and redness all over the skin. They are less likely to be painful.

Definition of Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory reaction of the skin in which, there are formation of vesicles, minute blister appearing like a raised area. Later they become into Erythema i.e. redness along with swelling. The condition is then followed by papules and crusting of the skin. The entire situation ends with the thickening or also called as lichenification and scaling of the skin.

However, the eczema looks different from sufferer to sufferer. It is more commonly known as red, dry and extremely itchy patch over the skin. It is well known saying that the rashes that itch is nothing but eczema. This could be reverse as if one scratches the skin duet to the itch; it is surely going to be turned in rash.

Eczema can occur in any part of the body. In infants, it generally happens on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, scalp and neck. In children and adults, this may seat on face, inside the elbows, neck, ankles, knees etc. In some cases, eczema may ooze. Apart from all these, the symptoms may appear as more scaly, dry and red. Intense scratching the localized site, takes on the leathery texture. This could be due to the skin gets thickened as aforesaid.

Ayurveda considers that when the vitiated doshas spoil the skin, blood, muscles and lymph, the condition is occurred known as twak roga i.e. skin disease in general.

Causes of Eczema

This can be caused in many ways. The exact cause is unknown but it is believed that certain allergic reaction may cause this situation. Certain things like belts, buckles, fabrics, certain foods or beverages, clothes etc can irritate the skin and may cause the rash i.e. eczema. Reaction of several allopathic drugs may give rise to this condition. There are certain diseases like varicose veins can also bring the eczema to an individual.

The itching is first and foremost symptoms of eczema. It is considered that coarse or rough material that comes into the contact with the skin can bring the itching. In certain cases, soaps, detergents, juices from fresh fruits or meats, detergents, disinfectants, animal dander, dusts may trigger the itching. Upper respiratory infections caused by virus and stress may also shoot up the itching in an individual as reported by latest researches.

Ayurveda states that if one follows the diet and factors that increase the Pitta Dosha in the body invites the eczema. Certain diet that is stale, spicy, too oily, sour and decayed food may be also causative factors for eczema.

Types and symptoms of Eczema

These are some types of eczema and in each type, there is different symptom. They are categorized as follow.

Atopic Eczema

This is one of the commonest forms of eczema that can affect to all age groups. However, it is common among children and infants. This is featured by intense itching of patchy and skin which is dry. It appears like red rashes.

The eczema can be controlled with non-steroidal treatment, moisturizing and daily cleaning of the affected area. Once when the condition has turned bad, flaring a topical herbal cream helps overcoming the swelling and also brings the texture of the skin back. Like with all types of dermatitis and eczema daily usage of moisturizing helps in treating and preventing the atopic eczema.

Allergic contact dermatitis

This type of eczema looks like a rash and if often itchy. This appears very quickly as a result of the contact with specific substance. Some people react to some metals like nickel that is found in belt buckles or earrings and hence, to be avoided if you have such a sensitive skin. The reaction may occur to synthetic or rubber products such as dyes and perfumes. Emollient creams and moisturizers can help getting rid of this trouble but though it is best to avoid such irritants.

Infantile seborrhoeic eczema

This is also called as ‘cradle cap’. It is commonly seen among babies. This appears like dry flaking skin on the nappy area or on the head i.e. scalp. This can spread very quickly and generally it is not itchy. Infantile seborrhoeic eczema is cleared within few months if there is regular application of gentle cleansing moisturizers and different medicated bath oils.

Varicose eczema

This generally affects the lower legs of old aged persons. This can be due to the poor blood circulation in that area. Itchy, dry skin is around ankles or shins are hallmarks for this type of eczema. This should be taken constant care with emollients to avoid it from turning into ulcer formation.

Irritant contact dermatitis

Triggers like detergents or chemicals can be causative factor for the itching and redness of the skin. The commonest site for this is hands. Any suspected irritant is hence to be avoided or gloves can be worn while handling them. We can find this condition as common factor among the women who washes the dishes and clothes with bare hands using the irritant detergent powder or soap. The quality of the soap or detergent is therefore to be checked or tested by taking little part of it on hand.

Adult seborrhoeic eczema

As the name suggest, this affects the adults and appears as mild dandruff. This may start from the scalp of the adults and can then spread to the ears, chest or face. Generally this is treated with the antifungal herbal cream.

Discoid eczema

A typical condition that can be found in adults resembling like a small red patch on the lower legs or the trunk is known as the discoid eczema.

In Ayurveda, there are common symptoms like patches could be dry or could be wet secreting the purulent discharge of fluids. Redness and swelling with not clearly defined margin of the pustules or patches are commonly seen. There could be appearance of papules, vesicles and sometimes these may sometimes even appear like large blisters. Scaling, cracking and exudation of the skin is very commonly seen. There will be pigmentation and scratch marks at particular area where the disease has attack.

Prevention of eczema

There are lots many ways to prevent this type of condition. Some of them are mentioned below.

Controlling those that produce irritation (allergens)

Allergens are main causative factor that can bring itching. One should avoid these allergens that trigger the eczema. The problem one faces is, it is quite difficult to identify the allergens. Allergens do not have perfect shape; it could be anything such as pet dander, pollen, soap, dust, rubbers, metal, perfumes etc. If one can identify this then it is better to prevent into coming contact with them. This is best and always works.

The best way to get rid is to use vacuum cleaner instead of dust-mop or broom. Mattress and pillow wraps may help you to reduce the contact with dust particles. There is another way to do that is replacing the carpet with linoleum, other flooring or wood.

Bathing

Soak yourself in a steaming hot baths is one of the best ways to unwind and relax. But unfortunately this can be done of the reason of itching if you have eczema. Bathing in hot water does make your skin dehydrated. Body produces the natural oils and they are lost during this procedure. This further goes more down when one rubs towel vigorously to clean up the body.

One can take quick lukewarm shower than to long hot baths in tubs. It should be done for about 15 minutes. Chemical soaps and shampoos are to be avoided as much as possible. Pat yourself dry when the shower is finished. Don’t rub the body vigorously but it is gently to be wipe-out. Once this is done, one should apply the herbal moisturizer or gentle body cream or body lotion.

Excessive sweating and skin rashes

Excessive perspiration can also increase the eczema especially skin rashes under the breasts and near the joints. In short, it happens more where there are skin folds in the body. A person who is obese or fat is at high risk of having this. The weight loss in this way may help the eczema.

Children and eczema

A survey states that 10-20% of early age children/kids suffer from the infant eczema. Infant eczema rashes go off and fade with age in many cases. Half of them continue with some type of eczema. Little children are likely to scratch itchy rashes and grown up child may have to face the teasing for their visible eczema patch.

Young children generally find difficult to resist the itching. The most important is making it sure, that child should never have big nails. This is because if they have it, and if the scratch the itchy portion, there are chances to spread infection. Nails carry dirt and dirt carries microorganisms. Having nails cut all the time is also best for general hygiene and so the health.

Miscellaneous tips

* The low humidity may also cause the skin to become dry and hence to crack. This may result in the patch. One can avoid this by using herbal humidifiers in the room.

* Laundry soap leaves residue on clothes. These residues aggravate the condition of eczema. One should look for the laundry soap designed for sensitive skin. Make sure that the clothes are rinsed properly before wearing those.

* This can be prevented if you avoid the exposure to the extreme temperature and dry air. Certain make-up material including hard soap and chemical packs are to be avoided. Wear the clothes made up by cotton instead of synthetics like polyester.

* One should be care of choosing the moisturizing cream after having a bath. Eczema is considered contagious disease so avoid the contact with a person who has this.

* Avoid irritating chemicals, plants, animal dander, jewelry etc that may trigger this disease. Proper washing and bathing is must.

* One should keep that area dry where he or she has eczema patch. Sweating and moisture may worsen the case. For this, one can go for herbal dusting powder, which can be moisture absorbent.

* Ayurveda believes that the factors aggravating Pitta Dosha should be avoided. This include sour tasted food items, stale items, fermented food items. Oily, spicy and canned food having preservatives are best to be avoided.

* Incompatible foods like radish with honey or milk, fish with milk, lemon with milk etc are dangerous as they may cause skin disease including eczema. So it is better to avoid them.

* Some people have allergy towards eggs, so for them, eggs are to be avoided.

* Leave alcohol, smoking and non-vegetarian diet for a while till you get fully corrected from the eczema.

Diet for eczema

Some foods work as triggering factors for eczema and allergic condition and hence, are to be avoided. These are listed below…

* Tree nuts
* Eggs
* Peanuts
* Soya
* Some of the gluten containing cereals i.e. wheat, rye, barley
* Some of the seeds like sesame seeds.
* Fish and shellfish
* Cow’s milk to some people

Ayurveda believes that Pitta aggravator factors such as various pulses, grams, curds, buttermilk etc are strictly avoided.

Eczema is most usually caused by an allergic reaction to any one of the substances referred to under Allergic reactions. Man-made fibers, cheap, jewellery, metal zippers, nickel, zinc, aluminum, lanolin and specific plants such as poison ivy, hellebore, hog weed and primrose are particularly likely to bring on this condition which can vary from a mild red irritation to small but extremely unpleasant blisters which join up to form large weeping patches which then crust over and flake again.

Olden-day psychologists believed that the area of the eruption was preordained by inner problems; on the face betokened overweening vanity, around the mouth meant that you had been speaking ill of someone, itchy feet showed a desire to run away, on the hands meant overwork and anxiety, whilst on the neck it denoted a longing for pretty things. This diagnosis was not too difficult to work out really, and such were the yardsticks by which witches were hounded to death. Never the less, eczema is considered to be the outer manifestation of emotional and physical problems not yet come to light. Diet should be examined and refined as for asthma and hayfever and highly spiced food, pickles and alcohol should be avoided. Constipation and problems with the kidneys are also thought to be contributory factors in eczema.

Children, particularly bottle-fed babies, occasionally suffer from a milk allergy which causes eczema. Some authorities suggest that ½ a teaspoon of sunflower oil a day will cure the problem and are adamant that cow’s milk is the cause. Others suggest rubbing a little oil of evening primrose into the affected area to help it heal quickly. If eczema is diagnosed, safe infusions suitable for a baby’s bath water are marigold and chamomile. Use a few drops of a prepared tincture or an essential oil. If the condition persists consult your health visitor again. Old-fashioned remedies, of which there are many, vary from the moderate starch poultice or strips of linen soaked in olive oil to reduce scabbing, to starch and talcum powder or tar ointment in Vaseline to dress and soothe. The less humane remedies included strapping children’s arms to their sides so that they could not scratch! Two eminently sensible and safe ideas are to wash in water and oatmeal (which cleanses without irritation0 and to dress the itchy areas with calamine lotion.

Two-way Remedies

* Marigold, sage or chamomile These three healing herbs can either be drunk several times a day to soothe the beleaguered spirit or used as an infusion to bathe the irritated area. Essential oil of chamomile diluted in almond oil may be rubbed into the skin to promote healing.

* Cabbage The juice may be drunk daily or take the sell-pulped leaves of a fresh, green Savoy.

* Carrots Eaten raw in salads they will do much to promote a healthy body, as will the juice. A poultice made of raw grated carrots is a very oil remedy for skin complaints which even today is still used in some beauty parlors

* Bilberries Settlers traveling to new countries made sure that they took a good supply of bilberries with them for they were an indispensable part of country medicine. Drink the juice or chew a few dried berries at a time to clear the skin of blemishes. Or make the following strong decoction to drink in the quantities of 1 shall g LASS HOURLY. Place 50g (20z) of dried bilberries in a stainless steel pan with 900 ml (1.5 pints) of lukewarm water and leave to stand for 1 hour. Bring slowly to the boil and boil for 20 minutes then remove from th heat and leave until soft. Strain and use as needed. It may also be used as a healing skin cleanser.

* Slippery elm slippery elm soap was used to replace soaps which contained damaging animal fats and chemicals. A little of the powdered bark mixed with warm water will give a healing paste which can be used on the hands and other sore places at night, whilst an emollient glass of slippery elm and honey taken each morning before breakfast may prove to be a necessary laxative; 1 dessertspoon of each. Whisked into hot water and seasoned with a pinch of cayenne. Both English elm (Ulmus campestris) and American elm (Ulmus fulva) are almost endangered species since the plague of Dutch elm disease and are, thankfully, being left at present to regenerate.

* Birch leaves Simmer 50g (2oz) of birch leaves in 1 litre (1.75 pints0 of water for three minutes. Leave until hand hot then add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. Allow to cool for several hours before using as a useful disinfectant wash and a therapeutic daily drink.

* Watercress Eat regularly and use the juice to wash the affected areas. The juice can be either expressed fresh or extracted by placing in cold water, bringing to the boil and gently simmering for 10 minutes. Leave to cool.

Remedies to Take

Try the famous ‘green cocktail’ (see under Body Odour) but include also some beetroot and parsley.

* Nettle or dandelion Drink the tea of either plant. Alternatively eat the nettles in a nourishing soup, and chop the well-washed dandelion leaves into a salad of cucumber and watercress, which are also expressly recommended to alleviate eczema.

* Horehound For many years the chopped leaves of horehound were added to the diet in order to clear the blood of impurities when a skin disease was in evidence. However, as the generic term Murrubium from the Hebrew word for ‘bitter’ makes clear, the leaves taste unpleasant as well as being hairy. Horehound tea well sweetened with honey is a better idea.

* Goat’s milk This can be a valuable addition to the diet for anyone suffering from an allergy.

* Evening primrose oil Amongst many other things this remarkable cure-all reduces tension and stress.

* Burdock An infusion of burdock can be used to bathe damaged skin and burdock and chamomile drink will strengthen the body against skin irritations if a small cup is drunk four times a day for two weeks.

* Daisy infusion Place 25g(1oz) of daisies in 1 litre (1.75pints) of water and bring gently to the boil. Boil for two minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day between meals. Could this be the same daily wine once recommended for concussion.

* Red clover and heart’s ease Use the two together, with or without marigold, to make a gentle infusion for alleviating stress.

Soothing Lotions and Potions

* Walnut leaves Use an infusion of 15g 91/2oz) of fresh leaves to 600ml (1pint) water to bathe the affected area daily.

* Speedwell An infusion of 1 teaspoon of the dried herb to 1 cup of water can be used to bathe the afflicted part morning and night.

* Flax (linseed) Add it to the bath water to soften the skin and act as a tranquillizer. Boil 50g (2oz) of linseed in 1 litre (1.75 pints) of water for just two minutes. Strain and use the liquid.

* Essential oil of rose Added to the bath water this has the same effect as flax (above) with the extra attraction of a delightful fragrance.

* Wheatgerm and vitamin E oils These are now used extensively to heal damaged skin.

* Milk whey This will reduce irritation when used to clean dry skin.

* Lavender oil fill a glass jar ¾ full of lavender flowers and pour in enough virgin olive oil to practically fill the jar. Put in a double boiler and heat gently for two hours. Cool in the pan then filter. Store in small bottles in a dark place and use regularly on sore spots.

Eye Problem

In terms of eyestrain, our ancestors had it easy. Today, we spend hours everyday starting into computer monitors or TV screens, squinting through dirty windshields, or simply opening our eyes ever morning in a world that’s full of smoke and smog. As a result, our eyes often are tired and dry.

To give your eyes, a break while keeping them moist and lubricated, here’s what doctors advise.

Bat your eyelids. Your eyelids are like windshield wipers. Every time you blink they spread a soothing layer of lubrication across the surface of the eyes. When your eyes are getting tired, blinking them several times will give quick relief. As a bonus, blinking helps remove dust or gift from the eyes before it causes irritation.

Cover your eyes. To soothe the eyes, do what some professional message therapists do: Rub your hands together to warm them up, then place the heels of your palms over your eyes for a few seconds. The warmth from your hands will quickly penetrate into the eyes, making them feel rested and relaxed.

Give nature a hand. When your eyes are unusually dry, put in a few drops of artificial tears. Sold in pharmacies, these “re-wetting drops” will help remove debris while providing soothing relief. You can use artificial tears whenever your eyes are feeling dry and tried.

Keep them cool. Many people have found that putting slices of cool cucumber over the eyes can be very soothing. Or you can simply cover your eyes with a cool compress. Wet a towel in cool water, wring it out, and place it over your eyes for about five minutes.

Give your eyes a break. Most eyestrain is caused by overuse – from starting at the computer screen, for example, or driving long distances. Doctors recommend taking a “vision break” once an hour or so. You don’t have to stop what you’re doing – just focus on something else for a few minutes, preferably something in the distance. Then close your eyes and relax for a moment. Simply resting your eyes now and then will make a big difference in stopping strain and soreness.

A-Eye Vision

Eyes are related to Alochaka Pitta. Pitta constitution people are very sensitive to strong light. They also suffer from various inflammatory disorders of the eye. The soles of the feet are predominant of tejas element. There is relation between eyes and the sole of the feet. Ayurveda therefore advises massage f the sole of the fee by castor oil or coconut oil as preventive against diseases of eye in which pitta is vitiated.

Causative factors

Cstant reading, working with computers, watching television, reading in poor light, nd aging can cause various vision problems. Myopia or nearsightedness is a disorder foud mainly in children, where they can see nearby objects but are unable to see distant objects. In this condition, the eyeball becomes elongated; hence the parallel rays from the distant objects converge and fall in front of the retina. Use of a concave lens corrects this defect.

Hyperopia or far-sightedness is a disorder found in perns mostly after the age of 40. These individuals can see distant objects but are unable to see near objecs, because the divergent rays from the near object come to focus behind the retina. Use of a convex lens removes this defect.

Treatmet

Terminalia chebula is the herb of choice. Triphala powder should be given with honey and ghee. Every day before going to bed at least for 3 moths. The dose of triphala should be adjusted in such a way that it will not have any laxative action, and ghee an honey should not be in equal quantity. This medicine can prevent thse abnormalities and to certain extent are usefl for myopia also.Medicated triphala ghee 1 tea spoon, every da at night for 1 month, is also useful in condition of hyperopia.

B- Burning Eyes

Constant strain on eyes, walking barefoot in the Sun, or working near heat for long time causes burning of eyes.

Tretment

The best remedy for this is application of castor oil, to the sole of the feet and then massaging the same with bottom of any coppe vessel, every night for one week. Put gauze soaked in milk over the eyes for 15 minutes every day before going to sleep. Use oolig Pitta palliative herbs internally like sandalwood, vetivert, rose, coral and coral oxide.

C- Cataract

As the age advances, the lens in eye can become opaque known as cataract. Usually this happens after 50 but in certain diseases like diabetes and in some congenital disorders, this can happen in earlier age.

Treatment

Use of natural calcim like pearl an coral in purified form 50 milligram every day for 3 months can prevent the opacity of lens.

D- Stye

It is small papule, which appears on the upper or lower eyelid. This occurs at any age but is very common in adults and is usually associated with uncorrected errors of efraction and constipation.

Treatment

Errors of refraction if any should be corrected: This is also pitta disorder. Use herbs like turmeric, dandelion and bayberry.

Tab. Guduchi 500 mgm, with tab. Tribhuvana kirti 250 mgm. 3 times a day for 15 days is ideal.

E-Conjunctivitis

Definition

It is the inflammation of conjunctiva of eye.

Causative factors and types

Various types of conjunctivitis like acute catarrh or mucopurulant, or acute purulent or membranous do occur due to vitiation of Alochaka pitta. It ay be due to the result of various bacterial and viral infections.

Sympoms

Eye becomes red and painful. There is itching, with purulent discharge and photophobia.

Treatment

Eye-wash should be given with decoction of triphala or licorice. Similarly washing the eyes with rose water, or chamomile or chrysanthemum water is very much beneficial. Ask the patient to wash the eye with tse solutions 3 to 4 times a day.

Intrnally coral oxide in dose of 50 milligram three times a day along with Tab. Gudch 250 mgm, is indicated. Triphala ghee in dose of 1 teaspoon twice a day is also useful to prevent the recurrenc.

Chalazion

Definition

It is also called as tarsal cyst or mebomias cyst. Usually it appears oneither lower or upper eyelid.

Causate factors

Usually they are the results or refractive errors.But occasionally they occur due to infection. They are more common in adults than children.

Treatment

First apply paste of curcuma mixed with water externally and carry out light fomentation. Application of paste of multnisoil or paste of seed of dates is also useful.

Tab. Guduchi 500 mgm, or tab. Arogyavardhini 250 mgm, 3 times a day is indicatedfor 3 weeks. They should be given with warm water 3 to 4 times a day.

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye which can be caused by an allergy, hay fevers, and a foreign body in the eye or an infection. The eye becomes red and feels gritty and tired. It will water and the lids will irritate and become swollen and flaky. There is occasionally also an unpleasant discharge. To reduce the chance of this occurring takes scrupulous care to wash the hands before and after touching the eyes.

Always keep cosmetic brushes, pencils and sponges immaculately clean and do not use eye make-up if you have an eye infection. If you use an eyebath sterilize it after each eye has been bathed. Use separate compresses of cotton wool for cleaning and soothing one eye at a time and discard immediately after using preferably burn them. If suffering from conjunctivitis or pink eye it is sensible to seek professional advice, especially in the case of children.

Sties are similar to a slowly developing boil on the upper lid or lower rim of the eye and are often a sign of general debility or, in old-fashioned parlance, being run down. They are incredibly painful and can make you feel very low indeed. For a long-term improvement in health look to the diet and eat plenty of fresh green salads, fruit and strong green vegetables such as spinach.

An infusion of eyebright in milk was used to bathe sore eyes but it is better applied in a lotion of 2 drops of tincture of eyebright (euphrasia0 to 2 table spoons of rose water and 1 tablespoon of plain warm boiled water. Although this makes a soothing eyebath it is more effective when soaked into a cotton wool compress. A poultice of fresh steamed cabbage leaves or grated raw potato were two old-fashioned remedies calculated to bring about the speedy dispersal of a sty and so was a bread and milk poultice – in other words, any warm fomentation which would have a drawing effect upon the sty and bring it to a head.

Three main remedies which were used to cure a sty in our household were an eyebath of warm boracic lotion, a bearably hot cotton wool compress (over which we needlessly complained) and a perfectly magical unguent called Golden Eye ointment which was believed, also known as Pulsatilla.

Home Remedies for eye infection

* Tea bags Ordinary Indian tea, chamomile tea or red raspberry leaf tea bags are all very soothing if laid warm upon the closed lids. They will help relieve the pain of a sty and reduce under eye puffiness. If the tea bags are not easily obtainable saturate cotton wool pads in the tea. Rose hip tea bags and papaya tea bags are those most popularly recommended by beauticians to get rid of ‘bags under the eyes’. Another old favorite of the beauty parlor was to lay half a freshly cut fig on the offending sage and bags to magically remove them.

* Witch hazel Make cooling compresses with refrigerated witch hazel to lay on the eyelids but make sure that it is used only externally as it can smart very painfully if it infiltrates beneath the lid. Used under the eyes it will reduce puffiness. Good home remedy for eye infection.

* Honey Take 600 ml (1 pint) of boiling water, 1 handful of eyebright and 3 tablespoons of honey. Pour the water over the eyebright and leave until cool. Strain then dissolve the honey in the infusion. Soak cotton wool pads in this solution and leave them on the eyes for 20 minutes to relieve soreness. This remedy was also believed to improve the eyesight.

* Elderflower water, eyebright or fennel infusions Use one of these to bathe the lids when eyes are sore. They are particularly useful remedies if you have managed to burn your eyelids in the sun.

* Lavender One drop each of essential oils of lavender and lemon to 1 teaspoon of boiled water used to bathe the eye externally will ease conjunctivitis or pink eye, sties and inflamed eyelids. Useful home remedy for eye infection.

* Chickweed, tansy or watercress A handful of any one of these green goodies, simmered in a covered pan with 1 cupful of water or milk for five minutes then cooled, will make a healing lotion for external use on the eyelids. Strained of excess liquid and placed between muslin, all three herbs will also provide soothing warm or cold compresses for eyes tired from overwork, central heating or air conditioning – all of which create a feeling of dryness and tension.

* Potatoes Grated raw potato has been used a great deal to ease sore puffy eyelids and reduce under eye puffiness. Either strain the juice from a grated potato and saturate cotton wool pads with it or lay the grated vegetable on the eye between layers of muslin. Slices of raw potato or a compress of 1 tablespoon of crushed nasturtium seed added to 1 tablespoon of grated potato will soothe swollen eyelids and reduce swelling – this is a handy tip if you like to indulge in a good cry. A few tears are good for the eyes but we are told that too many will weaken them.

* Apples A sparkle can be brought back to lackluster eyes by the following method. Infuse 1 tablespoon of marigold petals in 125 ml (4 fl oz) of boiling water. Strain the liquid then simmer 1 peeled and finely chopped apple in it. When it is soft, drain the apple, allow to cool and when of a comfortable temperature lay it between two layers of gauze. Place on the eyes and leave for 10 minutes. Apple juice which is smooth, silky and rich in pectin can also be used to wipe sore eyes but it must be juice which has been extracted from cooked apple otherwise it will smart too much. A poultice of raw, grated apple has been considered the only method of reducing bruising caused by a blow in the eye.

* Carrots A lack of vitamin A can cause poor night vision and as carrots contain a goodly amount of carotene, which is converted to this vitamin in the liver, a large quantity of them in the diet was considered to be the definitive answer. A diet which also includes apricots, peaches, good dark green leafy vegetables, red peppers, cod liver oil, prunes, beetroot, egg yolk and butter is even healthier and more sensible. Many old-fashioned diets recommended that peaches and apricots were absolute necessities to improve failing vision associated with debility, and I feel sure such a diet would have been the prerogative of the fairly well to do and only obtainable in sun-soaked countries and it would seem likely that a winter spent in the sunshine would certainly perk up all one’s faculties. Most golden things were considered to be beneficial to the sight but one of the nicest thoughts is that to gaze upon the bright marigold each day would improve vision. It would undoubtedly make you feel more cheerful.

* Mint The juice from freshly crushed mint leaves will help eradicate dark shadows beneath the eyes.

* Castor oil A minute amount of perfectly fresh castor oil smeared along the lids will reduce flaky swelling and irritation but like all oils you should not get it into the eye for it will smart. One tablespoon of castor oil mixed with 2 tablespoons of almond oil is an excellent eye make-up remover. one of the useful home remedies for eye infection.

* Almond, apricot and coconut oils All of these are good for lubricating the delicate skin around the eyes. Frequent, gentle massage will help to arrest and disperse fine lines.

The Gentle Touch

Do not rub sore, tired and irritating eyes for not only might you damage them but they will become red and swollen and you will drag the surrounding soft skin. Try instead the following methods of relieving discomfort.

* Palming Press the base of the palms of the hands gently but firmly over the closed lids and maintain pressure for several minutes.

* Blinking blink the eyes several times in rapid succession. Close the eyes and go through the same blinking movements.

* Sunning A little but not too much sun on the eyelids helps to strengthen the eyes but never look into the sun.

* Massage Using a little fine oil and the tips of three fingers stroke gently from the bridge of the nose out across the eyes beneath and above the brow several times. With finger and thumb pinch the nose beneath the bridge and maintain the pressure for several seconds then using one finger make a stroking movement from the bridge of the nose, across the check, under the eyes to the temple.

These massage movements bring tremendous relief when sinus problems are causing the eyes to ache and when a headache is present. In this instance cold compresses on the region of the eyes and nose will also help to bring relief.

Earache

Many people get earaches when they have a head cold. The same congestion that makes it hard to breathe can also block the Eustachian tube – which runs from the back of the throat to the inner ear. When mucus or pus build up next to the eardrum they can cause excruciating pain. In addition, the insides of the ears provide a perfectly warm, moist environment for bacteria and other organisms to thrive. When you’ve been swimming or had a head cold, some germs can multiply in the inner ear, causing a painful infection. Your ears are constantly open to the environment, so it’s not always possible to prevent problems.

There are many ways to ease the ache so you can rest easily again. Here’s how.

Warm it up. The quickest way to ease an earache is to place a hot water bottle or a heating pad (set to a comfortable temperature) on top of your ear. Better yet, cover your ear with a towel that’s been moistened with warm water. The combination of heat and moisture can be very soothing. As a bonus, the heat will help melt earwax, which could be contributing to the congestion.

Put garlic to work. Recent evidence suggests that squeezing a clove of garlic and putting a few drops in your ear will help kill bacteria that are causing the pain, researchers suspect that garlic may be more effective than some prescription antibiotics.

Give it the oil treatment. Putting a few drops of mineral oil in your ear can help dissolve wax and ease the pain momentarily. Mineral oil will most effective when it’s warm, so heat a little oil in a tablespoon, let it cool to about body temperature before putting it in your ear.

Fight back with Echinacea. This traditional healing remedy, which is available at health food stores and some grocers, ahs been shown to stimulate the immune system so that it’s better able to fight the infection. Keep some Echinacea handy in your kitchen or bathroom cupboard, so that as soon as ear pain strikes, you can take them as needed. You can also buy Echinacea in tincture form, which is added to hot water to make tea. Echinacea also works well for colds, which could be the source of earaches.

Clear out the wax. It’s normal for the ears to produce a little wax, which helps trap grit and debris before they get into the inner ear. When you have too much earwax, on the other hand, it can change the pressure inside your ear, causing earaches. For helpful hints on getting rid of earwax, see the earwax chapter on page 86.

Try a decongestant. Because earaches often are caused by congestion, you may want to drop by the pharmacy and pick up a decongestant. These products will reduce congestion in the sinuses and throat, relieving pressure in the ears. Be sure to follow all label directions and warnings carefully.

Take flight precautions. Air travel is fast and convenient, but it isn’t without drawbacks. When you soar above sea level the pressure inside the ear changes, which often causes earaches. Flying can be especially uncomfortable if you already have a cold or congestion. To reduce the discomfort, bring along some gum. Chewing helps reduce the pressure that causes the pain.

Practice “sound” advice. The ears really aren’t designed to tolerate loud noise. Anything louder than normal conversation or heavy traffic can gradually damage the inner ear, which could cause hearing loss as well as pain. When you’re going to be in a noisy place – a rock concert, for example, wearing ear plugs will help prevent earaches and long-term damage.

Who amongst us has not at some time suffered from the sheer misery of ear ache and felt aching sympathy when our own child has ear-ache? I have to admit that it is one of the very few childhood ailments which, if I cannot clear it myself within a few hours with the application of warm oil and aspirin and it has become progressively more painful, I have absolutely no compunction in calling for professional advice, even in the middle of the night.

Ear – ache can be caused by many things: colds, catarrh , flu, enlarged adenoids, infection caused by swimming in polluted water (which may also be the cause of an abscess in the ear), teething and wisdom teeth. Apart from the nasty, nagging agony of ear-ache there may also be dizziness and deafness which can indicate too much wax in the ears. If after using a gentle home remedy the ear-ache is not getting any better, if the bone underneath the ear is painful and the skin behind it is red and tender (but do make sure that this is not caused by ill-fitting spectacles), or if the patient has a stiff neck and is feeling drowsy it would be wise to seek immediate professional advice.

Earache does usually disappear quite quickly once it is treated but if it persists or keeps recurring over a period of time it is best to see your doctor. Whilst there are some delightful remedies for ear – ache it is always wise to remember never to poke things into the ears, particularly garlic, onion or cotton wool buds on sticks. If an accident does occur and you realize that some foreign object has disappeared without trace into a small ear the Out Patient Department of you local hospital is the best place to deal with it. Do not try to remove it yourself.

The local hospital are also very good at removing moths and spiders which creep into the ear at night and create enough mayhem within your head to convince you that the cavalry has taken up residence. You can actually try to drown and float these intruders out with warm oil but this is difficult to achieve if you live alone. Most remedies for ear-ache are primarily based on warmth and oil but what lends such fascination to the subject is the quality and varieties of oils used throughout the world which have been tested and found satisfactory.

Most importantly, the one thing that the majority of them have in common is the fact that none of the greases or oils used hardens on cooling. In England one would have caught a hedgehog, shaved off his prickles and roasted him slowly over a fire, catching the fat in a small pan as it dripped. In Europe the dormouse was the fine layer of fat from the portly hippopotamus was greatly sought after. Castor oil, butter, goose grease and chicken fat were also used more in the manner of emergency measures, although roasting limpets to extract the liquid would have needed a certain amount of foresight.

Although many oil-fashioned suggestions feature the use of roasted onion or garlic it is never wise to put solid substances in the ear but crushing either bulb and steeping it for several hours in warm oil before straining well through a fine gauze will give a healing unguent which has been used for centuries without ill effect. Many oil encyclopedias recommended warm honey or warm honey and garlic oil for a boil in the ear but I would think that this could lead to sticky complications. Garlic oil was also used by old- fashioned medics to relieve noises in the ears.

Ear-ache is often caused by water getting trapped in the ear during swimming and diving and, whilst I do not advocate ‘head banging’ a good shake of the head or holding the ear down wards and applying a firm but gentle massage underneath should release it.

To Soothe and Warm

Warmth is one of the greatest possible soothers and the methods of applying it have varied from heating a quantity of salt and rolling it in a cloth which is then placed in a sock upon which the aching ear is laid to hot poultices of onions, figs or hollyhocks (depending upon the region in which you lived) to draw out the pain. Chamomile heads warmed by the fire, a fomentation of hot mustard leaf, hot pancakes and baked potatoes wrapped in wool have all been urged upon the unhappy sufferer, but the most sensible suggestions are those of a compress as hot as can be stood or a hot-water bottle well wrapped in a cover upon which to lay the painful ear whilst trying to sleep. Many people advocate another hot-water bottle at the feet no matter how warm the weather, presumably in an attempt to draw the pain as far from the ear as can be contrived! The most comforting warmth for any small child is mother’s bosom and the type of crooning cuddle which will hopefully distract attention from the sore ear. Ear-ache in young children is often associated with teething troubles.

Massage can bring a great deal of relief especially if the cause of the pain is not certain. Massaging the gums behind the back teeth with oil of clove and cinnamon (not the essential oils) will ease pain related to the back teeth coming through, particularly wisdom teeth. Dilute a few drops in almond oil for young children who may otherwise balk at the fieriness.

A gentle circular massage with the fingertips of the area of the face where it joins the ear will also ease ear – ache considerably, especially if one of the soothing, healing oil mentioned under Chest Infections is used. I have also found the magical Tiger balm to be an excellent emergency treatment.

* pleasant soothing herbal teas All herbal teas, but especially summer savory, will help to relax and soothe the victim of ear-ache whilst basil tea will also relieve congestion and calm the spirit. The leaves of basil chewed fresh have double the potency.

* Sweet almond oil This is the most commonly used oil to ease ear-ache. Warm a teaspoon by plunging it into hot water. Shake it dry and quarter fill it with the painful ear upwards and tilted slightly back then check that the oil is not too hot and pour it gently into the ear, ensuring that it goes right in and does not trickle down the face. Massage very gently under the ear where it joins the cheek. Plug it with a large piece of cotton wool (country folk used sheep’s wool because it was greasy and thick) to prevent the oil seeping out and to keep it warm. Olive oil can be used instead. One of the useful home remedies for earache.

* Parsley Parsley oil or the juice from parsley applied on a substantial cotton wool plug is another old-fashioned remedy.

* Essential oil of peppermint, cloves or calendula (marigold) Add 1 drop of any one of these to 1 tablespoon of almond oil and use as above. Clove oil can also be used to clean the ears.

* St. john’s wort oil (red oil) This oil was one of the most important items on a wise woman’s inventory. Use as almond oil (above).

* Lemon juice or onion juice Applied to the offending ear on a plug of cotton wool, either of these should stop any infection immediately. One of the good home remedies for earache.

* Ground ivy An oil made from this delightful herb soothes ear-ache, cleans minor wounds and also makes an excellent rub on throat and neck when chesty colds are rampant. Take several good handfuls of the fresh, crushed plant and leave to stand in a jar filled with 600 ml (1 pint) of olive or sunflower oil. Macerate for one month on a sunny windowsill, shaking occasionally, then strain through fine muslin before using.

* Vitamin E oil or garlic capsules The capsules are an excellent method of transporting a healing oil abroad for use when ear-ache occurs on holiday which, because a lot of time is spent in the sea or swimming pools where water may be polluted, happens quite frequently. The great advantage is that the capsule can be pierced with a sterilized pin and the oil emptied directly into the ear if the teaspoon and hot water with which to warm it are not readily to hand.

Dyspepsia / Dandruff

Dyspepsia Definition

Impairment of the function of digestion, with gastric discomfort after meals means dyspepsia. In Ayurveda it is called “Agnimandya.”

Dyspepsia Causative factors and types

All causes responsible for impairment of digestive power can cause dyspepsia. According to Ayurveda, it has been classified into 5 types due to vitiation of single doshas and duel combination of dosha. Continuous overeating without taking into consideration of one’s own digestive capacity, eating uncooked and unripe foods, drinking too much water and psychological disturbance can cause this disease. Various other types, such as acid dyspepsia, is due to hyperacidity or due to cholelithic abnormality in gall bladder and liver, while catarrhal is due to inflammation of gastrointestinal tract and fermentative is due to foods which cause fermentation. Other types like functional, atonic, and nervous have also been described.

Dyspepsia Symptoms

Vata type- the digestion of food is very erratic, and is associated with gas in abdomen, colic type of pain.

Kapha type- the digestion is very slow and there may be nausea and sensation of heaviness in the abdomen.

Pitta type- is associated with burning sensation, vomiting with yellowish liquid.

Dyspepsia Treatment

The general line of treatment should be first to detoxify the toxins in gastrointestinal tract by giving detoxifying herbs (ama pachana) likeajwan, ginger, or cinnamon. Then deepana herbs to increase digestive power can be given like trikatu . In acute cases only, vitiated doshas have to be removed by purificatory procedures like medicated emesis.

In Vata type, heating ype of carminatives like asafetida, cloves should be given. Apply sesame oil to the abdomen and afterwards carry out fomentation. Panchkshara powder (SYS) or narayan powder (BR) 1 teaspoon 3 times a day with hot water has beneficial results.

In Kapha type, fist fasting should be done to reduce ama. Then give herbs like calamus, nutmeg, oregano, thyme, or juniper berries. Mixture of equal parts can be given in dose of ½ teaspoon 3 times a day for 15 days. Tab. Shankha – vati should be given with warm water. For both these types, jeerakadyarishta herbal wine of cumin dry ginger, clove, dhataki and jaggery should be given 15 ml. twice day after food for 3 weeks.

In Pitta type, if the dyspepsia is due to hyperacidity, give the treatment to reduce th acidity. Give tab. Shatavari 250 mgm, 3 times day, for 2 weeks.

Use herbs like emblica or plant alkalies.

Do’s and Don’ts

Diet should be anti-ama type. Patient must not eat If he is not hungry. When the appetite returns, start with light and warm diet like vegetable soup or rice with mung, and cooked vegetables.

Thanks to the zealous marketing ploys of shampoo manufacturers, dandruff is now seen as disease instead of the entirely natural process that it is.

Everyone gets a little dandruff sometimes. Your scalp, like the rest of your skin, is continually shedding old cells and replacing them with new ones. The life cycle of a skin cell is between two to four weeks, which means old, dead cells – dandruff – are always flaking off. Most of the time you don’t even notice them. In some cases, however, the body shed old skin cells faster than normal. That’s when you begin noticing little white flakes in your hair or on the shoulders of your blue blazer.

Doctors aren’t sure what causes this acceleration of flaking skin cells, although it may be related to overactive oil glands or possibly a mild fungal infection on the skin. Because the male hormone testosterone plays a role in oil production, dandruff tends to be more common in men than women. It isn’t dangerous and it isn’t a sign of illness. It can be unsightly, however, which is why people spend millions of dollars every year on products to get rid of the white flakes.

You can’t get rid of dandruff entirely, but there are ways to keep the unsightly flakes to a minimum.

Here’s what dermatologists advise

Try an oil treatment. When your skin is dry you produce more flaky skin cells than when it’s moist and lubricated. That’s why experts sometimes recommend massaging a little olive oil into your scalp and leaving it there for about half an hour before showering. The oil will help moisten the scalp and loosen old cells that are getting ready to flake off.

Lather up with a medicated shampoo. Washing your hair often is the best treatment for dandruff because it washes away old skin cells before they become noticeable. Doctors often recommend using medicated dandruff shampoos because they remove skin cells more efficiently than regular shampoos. Look for products containing salicylic acid, selenium, sulfur, or tar.

For dandruff shampoos to work most effectively, it’s important to give the medicated ingredients time to work. After lathering, allow the shampoo to stay in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing. This will allow the active ingredients to penetrate the upper layers of skin and will help remove old cells. Over the counter dandruff shampoos are gentle enough to use regularly, but you’ll probably only need to use them for a week or two to get dandruff under control.

Switch brands now and then. After a while your skin can become “immune” to the ingredients in a particular dandruff shampoo. Even if you have a favorite product, it’s a good idea to switch brands from time to time.

Go easy on the additives. A lot of hair-care products, like mousse, gel, and hair spray, can cause dandruff-like flaking. When you’re already having problems with dandruff, these extra flakes will only make the problem worse. It’s a good idea to use these products sparingly and not at all when your dandruff is heaviest.

Try the hat trick. Cold winter air can be extremely drying, which is why many people get more dandruff during the winter months. By wearing a hat you will help keep your skin cells moist and prevent some of the flaking.

Dental Problem / Diabetes

In 1990, the World Health Organizatin conducted a survey regarding the dental and oral hygiene of people in Asia and people in western countries. In this research, studies concluded that people of rural and rban cities in Asia, who use twigs from tender herbs and trees to clean their teeth, have better hygienic conditions than those who use chemical toothpaste’s. Until now, it was thought that tooghpaste’s containing substances lke chlorophyll or anti-tartarchemicals have better effects on dental hygiene. But this report revealed something different.

The research findings of World health organization are exactly according toAyurvedic principles of dental and oral hygiene. The mouth is place of kapha and to keep it clean requires bitter, pungen, and astringent tastes. These tastes have anti-kapha effect. Twigs of neem azadirechta indica, acasia Arabica, acasia catechu, barleria prionitis, and mimusops elangi have all these tastes. Chewing fresh and tender twigs of these herbs in the early morning not only benefits th teeth, but also the gums and mucous membrane of mouth. They have an excellent astringent and anti-kapha action on the mucous membrane of the mouth.

Western astringent hers like golden seal, marshmallow, nettle, white oak, yarrow can be used for this purpose.

B- Pyorrhoea

Improper dental hygiene associated with vitamin C deficiency and vitiated Pitta disorder is the main cause of this disease. There is pus formation in gums leading to bad odor.

Treatment

Apply mixture of honey and curcuma to the gums forrelief. Toothpaste ontaining pungent, bitter herbs like clove, golden seal, bayberry, and bark of pomegranate are bet to treat this condition. Patient should be asked to carry out gargles with the decoction of these herbs and should use viccovajradanti tooth powder or tootpaste for cleaning the teeth.

For the treatment of inflamd gums, tab. Triphala guggulu 250 mgm, with tab. Guduchi 500 mgm.should be given 3 times aday for 15 days. Vitamn C in natural forms like juices of lemon, oranges, with chyavanaprasha jam 1 teaspon, twice a day for 1 month is also useful.

C- Hypertrophied Gums

In this disorder the gums become thick.

Treatment

Use plenty of green leafy vegetables and sour fruits like lemon and oranges in the diet. Apply powder of triphala with honey to the gums or mixture of til oil with triphala, alum and catechu is also beneficial.

Tab. Triphala guggulu 250 mgm, 3 times a day, should be given with warm water for 1 month. Regular massage of the gums with jatyadi oil is useful.

D- Halitosis

Halitosis means bad breath. It is complaint due to improper dental hygiene. Causes include pocket formation in gums, cavities in teeth in which food debris gets lodged, inflammation in nasal sinuses. Other causes can be bad digestion and vary rarely inflammatory conditions of lungs may produce this condition. Vitiated pitta gives rise to halitosis.

Treatment

Treat the underlying cause first. Remove the plaque from the teeth and clean the teeth. Use heral toothpaste that has slightly bitter, atringent tste. Internally for pitta palliatonhes lik santalum album, cardamom, acasia catechu and clove should be used.

For refreshing the mouth, one can use tab. Hadiradi, tab. Eladi or tab. Lavangadi can be used fr chewing 3 to 4 times a day for 15 days. Give proper massage to the teeth by a mixture of honey and fine powderof charcoal. Correct the digestion and see that the bowels are moving properly.

Western herbs like mint, camphor and cinnamon can be used.

E- Gingivitis

Vitiated pitta and blood gives rise to this condition which results in halitosis, pain, bleeding gums, and burning sensation.

Tratment

Gargling should be done with mixture of decoction of triphala and cyperus. Apply paste of mixture of licorice in ghee and honey. Give tab. Gduch 250 mgm, 3 times a day with tab. Maukti kamadugha 125 mgm, twice a day for 15 days. Applicationof irimedadi oil twice a day for 1 month gives good results.

F-Hypersensitive Teeth

This is a common problem for the elderly. Due to increased pitta, it can be found in young age also. The teeth become so sensitive, that simple touch of cold or warm water or tastes like sour, salty anpungent are not tolerated at all.

Treatment

Gargling with a mixture of warm water and sesame oil twice every day is indicated Apply mixture of honey and curcuma to the teeth. Use herbal tooth powder of vicco vajrandati or its paste or any other good herbal toothpaste

G-Dental Caries, Toothache

Causative factors

This is common problem due to improper oral hygiene and not tking proper care of teeth. It is due to vitiation of all doshas, especially due to vitiation of Vata. Usually Vata constituton persons suffe from this disorder. When the enamel is destroyed, giving rise to black spots, discoloration, and appearance of holes or cavities in the teeth. Food material then accumulates in the cavities, in which germs proliferate. When ths process reaches nerve endings in the pulp of teeth, the patient suffers from severe pain.

Treatment

The best Ayurvedic herbs are calotropis procers, embelia ribes, lacifera lacca, acorus calaus, axadirechta indica, piper longum, curcuma, achryanthus aspera, vitex negundo, asafetida, and cloves. Prepare powder of equal parts with these herbs, which can be used as tooth powder.

For relieving pain, local application of powder of sesame oil, cloves, and ricius oil is best. Regular application of irimedadi oil is also useful.

H- Periodontosis

In this condition, the teeth become loose and he patient sffers from severe pain when eating.

Treatment

Gargling with medicated oil is very useful in this condition. Or one can use ahacharadi oil and dashmoola decoction or decoction of catechu for the same purposeGargling should be done at least twice a day for 1 month.

Application of clove oil to the affected tooth is helpful.

Diabetes is the condition in which the glucose level in the blood goes above the normal limit. It falls under metabolic disorder. Generally diabetes refers to diabetes mellitus and not the diabetes insipidus, which is rarely seen. Glucose is the main fuel for our body and body cells require this important element to work properly.

Glucose comes naturally with the foods that contain carbohydrate. Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas, the organ that is responsible for producing insulin is either unable to make insulin or the insulin produced by the gland is not properly used by the body cells. Whatever the cause, the result is glucose remains in the bloodstream and is not utilized by any of the body cells. The insulin is the key that is used by the cells to consume the glucose present in the blood. In diabetes, the insulin is of no use or the insulin is not produced in the wanted quantity so that the glucose remains in blood (high blood sugar) and creates condition called as diabetes mellitus.

There are mainly two types of diabetes.

Type One (called as IDDM – insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) and Type Two (NIDDM – noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus). Type one usually occurs in people, who are under thirty years of age but as rare case, can occur at any age. Type one diabetes is seen approximately 15% of people with diabetes. Here, the pancreas cannot produce the insulin and therefore, these patients need to depend on insulin that is supplied from outside.

On the other hand, Type two diabetes affects nearly about 85% of the people with diabetes and that makes it more common among all. The condition occurs when insulin is produced but not in an adequate amount. The production is not totally stopped and therefore, body does not need extra insulin supplements from outside. There are drugs called as OHD – oral hypoglycemic drug that an control the blood sugar in the body. The patient has to take these pills without fail to keep the blood sugar levels in control.

The people who are obese are susceptible to have diabetes. Moreover, the people with diabetes are at higher risk if they have below mentioned conditions –

1. High blood pressure
2. Heart Disease
3. Obese, overweight
4. Above 50 years of age
5. Have hereditary problem (family history of diabetes)
6. People with sedentary work
7. People who are lazy, sluggish and retired from work
8. Who eat or fond of sweets or any sugary item

The symptoms for diabetes includes…

1. Increased thirst (polydypsia)
2. Increased urination (frequency of urination increases)
3. Numbness all over the body especially fingers and toes
4. Delayed healing of wounds (a typical sign of diabetes)
5. Excessive sweating
6. Tired, lethargic and dull feelings

The management includes either insulin injections (for Type I) or OHD (for Type II). Along with these medications, strict diet, exercises and lifestyle changes are to be followed. Diabetes is to be controlled as the complications can create hazardous conditions and can target vital organs like kidney, eyes or heart.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of your body’s natural defenses. It rushes s things through the digestive tract that your body wants to get rid of. Knowing this won’t make you feel any better when you’re running for the bathroom every ten minutes, but it’s important to understand that diarrhea is very efficient at what it does. It’s so efficient, in fact, that it rarely lasts more than a day or two – and that definitely should make you feel better.

The bad news, of course, is that diarrhea often comes back – again and again. Most come from bacterial or viral infections, although diarrhea can also be caused by food allergies, stress, a sensitivity to milk or other dairy foods, or even as a side effect of medications.

Even though diarrhea may play a protective role, you don’t want it to last too long because it can rob your body of essential fluids and nutrients. Of course it just plain feels awful. Here are a few ways to speed it on its way.

Drink a lot of fluids. To stay healthy, it’s essential to replace all the fluids that diarrhea takes out of you. Doctors recommended drinking as much as you can hold –at least eight to twelve glasses of water a day. Sports drinks are even better than water because they contain many essential minerals; called electrolytes that you need to stay healthy. You can also purchase flavored electrolyte solution at your local pharmacy.

Give your system a break. It’s generally important to eat well to keep up your strength, but when you have diarrhea it’s better to eat less to give your digestive tract time to recover. Doctors recommend sticking to a “clear” diet by eating foods such as broth or gelatin. When you’re ready to start eating solid foods again, keep it bland for a few days are eating easy-to-digest foods such as rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast. Avoid acidic foods, such a s oranges and tomatoes, which are known to irritate the digestive tract.

Have a little yogurt. Yogurt can be very good for diarrhea if it contains “active” cultures – beneficial bacteria that help aid in digestion. The label will tell you.

Avoid high-fiber foods. When you have diarrhea it’s important to eat foods that are easy to digest. Dietary fiber, for all its benefits isn’t digested, which makes it harder for the digestive tract to do its job. Once the diarrhea has run its course you can start eating a high fiber diet again.

Take advantage of berries. Blueberries may be the perfect diarrhea-fighting food. They’re rich in protein, which your body needs when you’re feeling sick. Plus, they contain compounds that may help stop the bacteria that can cause diarrhea in the first place.

Take the Mary Poppins prescription. Even if you don’t need any help getting the medicine down, a spoonful of sugar can be very helpful when you’re fighting diarrhea. Sugar helps the body absorb – rather than eliminate – water, so it can help prevent dehydration.

Ask your doctor about diary. If you’re having diarrhea all the time, you could be sensitive to lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy foods. In fact, doctors believe that”lactose intolerance” is a very common cause of diarrhea. You may want to try giving up milk, cheese, and other dairy foods for a few days to see if the problem goes away. Or you can take supplements containing lactase – an enzyme that will help your body digest the lactose found in dairy foods.

Get quick relief at the pharmacy. Doctors usually recommend letting diarrhea run its course. But when you have to stop it fast – because you’re taking a business trip, for example – you may want to pick up some Imodium medication helps to prevent your intestines from contracting, which stops diarrhea.

Diarrhea is nothing but the condition in which, there will be frequent, loose, watery stools or an abnormal increase in the frequency and liquid content of the stools or defecation. All the stools or defecation contains little water but in the condition like diarrhea it has been increased.

Human intestines digest the food, absorb the nutrients from the food and finally leave the waste material that is expelled out of the body, known as stools or defecation. Generally large intestines absorbs the watery portion and makes the stools stiffs but not as hard as rock. Due to many reasons, the digestive system gets affected and it loses its functions. The intestines cannot digest the food properly and makes the stools watery.

There are many reasons that can cause the diarrhea. The first and most significant is infections. Any abdominal infections may bring diarrhea as a symptom. The microorganisms affect the intestines and then they cause the diarrhea. These infectious diseases include typhoid fever, cholera gastroenteritis etc. Other common causes include intolerance of any food or food allergy. The intestines get irritated and lose their functions. Any kind of food poisoning may also end up in diarrhea. There are certain medications that can cause diarrhea. For instance, some antibiotics (amoxicillin) can cause the diarrhea as its side effects.

Diarrhea can also be caused by virus and unfortunately there is no treatment available for virus except just supplying the water that is lost. These types of diarrheas generally subside by their own and they do not require specific treatment other than the re-hydration.

The symptoms for diarrhea is watery stools and some patients may experience abdominal cramps while defecation. The diarrhea may turn into life-threatening disease if the frequency of and quantity of losing water increases. This will cause dehydration and is fatal because the body loses its electrolytes and the tissues start dying. Diarrhea often turns into dehydration in children and therefore, children with diarrhea are never taken as light case of the disease.

In children, especially babies, the diarrhea should be controlled as early as possible. Their eyes and mouth become dry. The abdomen gets sunken and they stop playing and probably feeding too. These are the prime symptoms of having diarrhea and later on the dehydration. Diarrhea can be followed by vomiting, which makes the condition worse in children.

The treatment is re-hydration. The fluid that is lost during the diarrhea is to be replaced immediately. Certain cases require antibiotics to control the infection and then the symptoms are treated accordingly. The IV (intravenous fluids) play vital role in treating the diarrhea. The intravenous fluids contain vital electrolytes those are lost in the diarrhea.

WHO recommends ORS (oral rehydration solution) to start as soon as one starts suffering from diarrhea. This is very essential fluid for children. The ORS is specific condition of water, sugar and salt. The ORS is to be supplied as much as a child can drink. However, the case is to be seen by doctor earliest possible.

Judging by the number of ancient remedies which abound world-wide for this horrid affliction, diarrhea appears to have been a major problem since the beginning of time, presumably as a result of man eating things which he should not have eaten or which were either contaminated or had gone bad. Infection was also carried through inadequate water supplies and drainage systems whilst health and hygiene in the home was fairly scanty.

The long-term or chronic condition of diarrhea is usually found to be caused by one of the following: a poor or inadequate diet; consistently eating foodstuffs to which one is unknowingly allergic; cooking foods in aluminum pans over a long period of time; perpetual emotional dramas or stress. Those acute griping attacks which usually last for no longer than 24 hours may be caused by one of the following: an infection from contaminated food or water, in some cases by antibiotics, over eating, an excess of sugar, stress or fright (you have heard the expression ‘one’s bowels turning to water). Children, particularly babies, are also vulnerable to a change of diet or milk, teething and, strangely enough, sultry weather.

The majority of people who suffer from acute attacks of diarrhea usually do so abroad and this is borne out by the list of names given to the problem ranging from ‘Tangiers trot’ to ‘cruise blues’. Unaccustomed food, different water, too much sun, too much alcohol and quite frequently too much of everything else, including stress, leads to gyppy tummy. Egypt does seem to be the one place where no stomach is safe and the only person I know of who survived unscathed ate all the highly spiced foods but no salads, drank neat whisky and cleaned his teeth in gin. According to scientists, water does not have to be contaminated to make you ill : it is quite enough that it is different and that the body is unused to it.

Centuries ago men knew when and where not to gather certain foodstuffs. Wild rabbits were not caught at certain time of the year for the flesh would be contaminated by the plants they had eaten. Mussels were not picked from wood beneath the water but only from rocks. Smallholders never fed offal to their chickens or meat scraps to their pigs. Nuts, berries, fruit, vegetables, fish and meat were eaten only within their natural seasons, not only because they were unavailable at other times but to protect the supply and to ensure that the conditions were right in which to keep them for as long as possible without adverse effect. Nowadays, due to modern farming, collection and storage methods, we have overcome most of these barriers but in doing so have created many other problems.

Home Remedies for Diarrhea

Although the desire to stop a painful attach of diarrhea may appear to be of paramount importance it is better to allow the body to flush itself clean of the cause completely, which will usually take about 24 hours. However, if it continues over 48 hours professional advice should be sought. Do not delay with young children; if a gentle remedy has not been effective within 12 hours seek advice. The same applies to babies. If it is not the normal result expected due to teething, or the introduction of new foods or bottle feeding, for example, seek help as soon as possible. Eat very little when the tummy is badly upset, keeping the consumption down to bland, dry foods and lots of water. Eat only light meals during recovery and do not tempt providence. If it is a case of real emergency, such as traveling home from holiday and being confined to coach or plane or an important meeting which just cannot be put off, try either kaolin and morphine or J. Collis Brown’s Mixture. They are both patent medicines which are very old-fashioned and effective, but do refer to the instruction for dosage and suitability for children. Most of the old wives remedies are as useful today as they were yesterday but pity the poor sailor who had little choice between chewing tarred rope or his bottle of rum.

Long-Term Settlers

* Drink plenty Dehydration is the most acute problem arising from a severe attach of diarrhea so drink lots of fresh, clear water. If you are far from home buy a well known mineral water. Alternatively experts recommend making up quantities of the following; 1 litre (1.75 pints) of freshly boiled mineral water, 2 tablespoons of honey, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, ¼ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and a little fresh lemon juice. Adults should take a little every five minutes until at least 3 litres (5.25pints) have been consumed within a 24 hour period. Children will only need to drink 1 litre (1.75 pints) and the very young even less. This is an invaluable remedy if sickness strikes abroad but do use a reliable brand of water that has been ‘bottled at source’.

* Barley water The most reliable and old fashioned standby, make it up with or without lemon.

* Rice A good food for a child who is suffering is plain boiled white rice mashed up with bananas.

* Rice water Boil 25g (1oz) of rice gently in 1 litre (1.75 pints) of water for 1.30 hours. Strain and drink the liquid to soothe the irritated bowel . One of the best home remedies for diarrhea.

* Oats Make a thin gruel with oat meal or a handful of raw oats.

* Plain live yoghurt This will kill off unwanted bacteria.

* Leeks Cook 8 good-sized well washed leeks in 2 litres (3.5 pints) of water for three hours in a covered pan. A teaspoon of the resulting liquid drunk every five minutes will relieve diarrhea in children.

* Potato juice The juice of fresh potatoes mixed with carrot juice and honey clears the bowels of infection. However ‘green’ potatoes, which are those which have been exposed to light, are very dangerous when eaten raw. Potatoes which have been cooked and left for over 24 hours before eating are also a prime cause of illness, so do not keep them for bubble and squeak but throw them away.

* Pomegranate juice Crush the flesh to extract the juice and drink a spoonful at a time regularly throughout the day. This is a remedy from Egypt, where they know about such things!

* Grape juice If an allergic reaction to a food or drug is the cause of sickness and diarrhea drink 2 glasses of grape juice and water.

Quick Comforters

* Oil of peppermint Take a few drops in hot water.

* Warm water and honey a small cup is an ideal soother for small children.

* Port and brandy This mixture warms and settles the stomach and, provided you are not nauseous, makes you feel so much better.

* Cayenne pepper One teaspoon stirred into a glass of hot water and swallowed quickly is incredibly disinfectant, if you can bear to take it. So is hot curry but this may well have been the cause of your downfall in the first place. Good home remedy for diarrhea.

* Rose hip syrup Take in hot water after first making sure than an excess of vitamin C is not the original cause of the problem.

* Massage A gentle massage of the abdomen will reduce the ache caused by this type of tummy upset which children find particularly distressing. Use 1 tablespoon of warm sunflower oil with several drops of one of the following essential oils added to given extra benefit: geranium, lavender, peppermint, sage, clove or garlic.

* Warm compresses Another old-fashioned idea was to use a compress of leeks but 1 think that a much nicer idea is to use a warm compress of chamomile tea.

* Onion Peel and slice a large onion and leave to infuse in a covered bowl with 1 litre (1.75 pints) water. The liquid is then drunk by the cup. This is also an excellent remedy for babies and small children if it is sweetened with honey and given by the small teaspoonful. The juice from raw onion on the hands makes a first-class disinfectant when dealing with children who have diarrhea, especially when changing nappies or cleaning potties.

* Milky beverages A red-hot poker immersed for 30 seconds in a cup of boiling milk was believed to impart iron emanations to the drink. You may prefer a teaspoon of cinnamon or allspice in warm milk, both of which are warming and antiseptic.