P >> Palpitations, Peptic ulcer, Pneumonia, Premature greying of hair, Prostrate enlargement, Psoriasis, Pyorrhoea, PCOS (Poly cistic ovarian Syndrome)
Palpitations - Irregular Heartbeat
Palpitation, a common problem, is a state in which the heart beats forcibly and, maybe, irregularly. It enables the person to become aware of the action of his heart. It is a distressing condition but is not always serious.
Causes and Symptoms of Palpitation
The main symptom of palpitation of the heart is a kind of 'thumping' feeling in the chest The patient feels a real discomfort in the front of the chest. The pulse rate may become faster than normal.
Palpitation of the heart may occur due to a variety of factors, most of which may not be related to the heart itself. Anything which increases the work load of the heart may bring on this condition. Some persons may experience palpitations when lying on the left side, because the heart is nearer the chest wall in that position. Many nervous persons suffer from this condition. Although palpitations do occur among other symptoms in serious heart disease, the vast majority of cases are due to anxiety and have no direct connection with heart disease whatsoever. Other causes contributing to this condition are an overfull stomach, flatulence, and constipation. Excessive smoking may also give rise to this disorder.
Herbal Remedies for Palpitations
Grapes:
Grapes are one of the most effective home remedies for palpitation of the heart. The patient should take the juice of this fruit at frequent intervals. This will relieve the condition.
Guava:
The use of guava is another effective home remedy for palpitation of the heart. The patient should eat a ripe guava daily on an empty stomach. It is especially beneficial if this disorder caused by nervousness and anaemia.
Snake Gourd Leaves:
The leaves of snake gourd have been found beneficial in the treatment of palpitation of the heart. The juice of these leaves should be extracted and given in doses of one to two tablespoons thrice daily.
Honey: Honey has proved valuable in overcoming this condition. Honey is considered to be an excellent food for the heart, being easily digested and assimilated. The patient should take a glass of water, mixed with a tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon, before going to bed.
Indian Spikenard:
The herb Indian spikenard is also beneficial in the treatment of palpitation of the heart. It stimulates the action of the heart. It should be taken in doses of two to three grams with the addition of a pinch of camphor and cinnamon. It can also be taken as an infusion in doses of 30 to 60 ml, three times a day.
Aniseed and Dry Coriander:
A mixture of powdered aniseed, dry coriander, and jaggery can also be used beneficially in the treatment of this condition. Equal quantities of each of these three substances should be powdered. About six grams of this mixed powder should be taken after each meal by the patient suffering from palpitation of the heart.
Dietary Considerations in Palpitations
The patient suffering from palpitation of the heart should take a simple diet of natural foods, with emphasis on fresh fruits, and raw or lightly cooked vegetables. He should avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, soft drinks, all white flour products, sugar, food colourings, chemical additives, white rice, and strong condiments. He should restrict his diet to three meals a day. He should take fruits, milk, and a handful of nuts or seeds for breakfast in the morning; steamed vegetables, whole wheat chapatis and a glass of buttermilk for lunch in the afternoon; and fresh green vegetable salad, sprouts of alfalfa seeds and mung, and cottage cheese or a glass of buttermilk for dinner.
Other Measures in Palpitation
The patient must learn the art of meditation and relaxation. Shavasana is ideal for this purpose. The patient should also undertake some form of active exercise such as brisk walks, swimming, skipping, and cycling.
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Peptic Ulcer - Stomach Ulcer
A peptic ulcer refers to an eroded lesion in the inner lining of the stomach and the adjoining intestinal tract called the duodenum. The ulcer located in the stomach is known as a gastric ulcer, and located in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer. Usually, both are grouped together and termed as peptic ulcer.
Causes and Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer
The symptoms of peptic ulcer are sharp and severe pain and discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen. Gastric ulcer pain usually occurs an hour after meals and rarely at night. Duodenal ulcer pain usually occurs between meals when the stomach is empty. The pain is relieved by food, especially milk. As the disease progresses, there is distension of the stomach due to excessive flatulence, mental tension, insomnia, and gradual weakening of the body. Blood may also be detected in the stool.
A peptic ulcer is the result of hyperacidity, which is caused by an increase in the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This strongI acid, secreted by the cells lining the stomach, erodes the inner lining of the stomach. Dietetic indiscretion such as overeating, taking of heavy meals or highly spiced foods, coffee, alcohol, and smoking are the main factors contributing to this condition. Other causes are the ingestion of certain drugs, food poisoning, certain infections, gout, emotional disturbances, stress, and nervous tension.
Herbal Remedies for Peptic Ulcer
Banana:
Banana is one of the most effective home remedies fur the treatment of a peptic ulcer. This fruit is said to contain an unidentified compound, perhaps jokingly called vitamin U (against ulcers). Banana neutralises the over-acidity of the gastric juices and reduces the irritation of the ulcer by coating the lining of the stomach. Patients who are in an advanced state of the disease should take a diet consisting only of two bananas with a glass of milk, three or four times a day.
Wood Apple: An infusion of the leaves of wood apple is another effective remedy for this disease. Fifteen grams of leaves should be soaked overnight in 250 ml of water. In the morning this water should be strained and taken as a drink. The pain and discomfort \\-ill be relieved when this treatment is continued for a few weeks. Bael leaves are rich in tannins which reduce inflammation and help in the healing of ulcers. The bael fruit taken in the form of a beverage also has great healing properties on account of its mucilage content. This substance forms a coating on the stomach mucosa and thus helps in the healing of ulcers.
Lime:
Lime is valuable in peptic ulcers. The citric acid in this fruit, together with the mineral salts present in the juice, help in digestion.
Cabbage: Cabbage is regarded as another useful home remedy for a peptic ulcer: 250 gm should be boiled in 500 ml of water till it is reduced to half; this water should be allowed to cool, and taken twice daily. The juice extracted from raw cabbage is also a valuable medicine for a peptic ulcer. However, as this juice is very strong, it should be taken in combination with carrot juice, in quantities of 125 ml each.
Fenugreek Seeds:
A tea made from fenugreek seeds is yet another useful remedy for peptic ulcers. The seeds, when moistened with water, are slightly mucilaginous. The tea helps in the healing of ulcers as the mild coating of mucilaginous material deposited by fenugreek, passes through the stomach and intestines, providing protective shell for the ulcers.
Drumstick:The leaves of the kalyana murangal tree, which is a variety of drumstick found in South India, have also proved helpful in the healing of ulcers. Ten grams of the leaves of this tree should be ground into a paste, mixed with half a cup of yoghurt, and taken daily.
Vegetable Juices:
The juices of raw vegetables, particularly carrot and cabbage, are beneficial in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Carrot juice may be taken either alone or in combination with spinach, or beet and cucumber. The formula proportions in case of the first combination are 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice; and in case of the second combination, 300 ml of carrot juice and 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juice to make 500 ml of juice.
Almond Milk:Milk prepared from blanched almonds in a blender is very useful as a treatment for peptic ulcers. It binds the excess of acid in the stomach and supplies high quality protein.
Goat's Milk:
Goat's milk is also highly beneficial in the treatment of this disease. It actually helps to heal peptic ulcers. For better results, a glass of goat's milk should be taken in a raw state, three times daily.
Diet for Peptic Ulcer
The diet of the patient suffering from a peptic ulcer should be so planned as to provide adequate nutrition, while affording rest to the disturbed organs, maintaining continuous neutralisation of the gastric acid, inhibiting the production of acid, and reducing mechanical and chemical irritation. Milk, cream, butter, fruits, fresh raw and boiled vegetables, natural foods, and natural vitamin supplements constitute the best diet for three or four weeks. The tiny seeds of the fruit possess an excellent quality of stimulating peristaltic movements of the intestines. This facilitates easy evacuation of faeces and keeps the alimentary canal clean. The pressure on the anus thus being relieved, the hemorrhoids also contract.
Mango Seeds:
Mango seeds are an effective remedy for bleeding piles. The seeds should be collected during the mango season, dried in the shade, powdered, and kept stored for use as medicine. This powder should be given in doses of about one and a half to two grams with or without honey, twice daily.
Jambul Fruit:
The jambul fruit is another effective remedy for bleeding piles. The fruit should be taken with salt every morning for two or three months during its season. The use of the fruit in this manner during every season will effect a complete cure and save the user from bleeding piles for his entire life.
Radish:
White radish is considered highly valuable in piles; 100 mg of grated radish mixed with a teaspoon of honey may be taken twice daily in treating this condition. This vegetable can also be taken in the form of juice mixed with a pinch of salt. It should be given in doses of 60 to 90 ml, morning and evening. White radish, well ground into a paste in milk, can also be applied over inflamed pile masses to relieve pain and swelling.
Turnip:
The leaves of turnip have been found useful in this disease. The juice of these leaves should be extracted and 150 ml given to the patient. It is, however, necessary to take a proper diet of raw fruits and vegetables while taking this juice. For better results, 50 ml of the juice should be mixed with equal quantities of juices of watercress, spinach, and carrots.
Bitter Gourd:
The juice of the fresh leaves of bitter gourd is also valuable in piles. Three teaspoons of the leaf juice, mixed with a glass of buttermilk, should be taken every morning for treating this condition. A paste of the roots of the bitter gourd plant can also be applied over piles with beneficial results.
Ginger:
Ginger is also useful in this disease. Half a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with one teaspoon each of fresh lime juice and fresh mint juice, and a tablespoon of honey, constitutes an effective medicine for piles.
Onion:
Onions are valuable in bleeding piles. About thirty grams of this vegetable should be finely rubbed in water and sixty grams of sugar added to it. It should be taken twice daily by the patient It will bring relief within a few days. Onion is also useful in the treatment of dry piles. A crushed onion, skinned and roasted in aches, may be applied with beneficial results.
Rice: Rice has a very low fibre content and is, therefore, extremely soothing to the digestive system. A thick gruel of rice, mixed with a glass of buttermilk and a ripe banana, given twice a day, is a very nutritious diet for a patient with piles.
Wheat Grass:
Wheat grass juice used as an enema helps detoxify the walls of the piles. The general procedure is to give an enema with lukewarm or neem water. After waiting for twenty minutes, 90 to 120 ml of the wheat grass juice enema is given. This should be retained for fifteen minutes.
Sesame Seeds:
Sesame seeds are also valuable in piles. They can be taken in the form of a decoction by boiling twenty grams of seeds in 500 ml of water tin it is reduced by one-third, or as sweetmeats. Ground to paste with water, they can be given with butter for bleeding piles.
Chebulic Myroblan:
The herb chebulic myroblan is a popular remedy for piles. It is very effective as a laxative and is highly astringent. The fruit should be roasted to a brown colour in cluster oil, and then powdered and stored. Half a teaspoon of this powder at bedtime will bring about normal bowel movements in the morning, and the astringent property of the fruit win heal the pile masses. A decoction of the herb prepared by boiling six to seven dry fruits in half a litre of water should be used for washing bleeding piles. The paste of the fruit mixed in a bland oil is good as an external application.
Dietary Considerations
The treatment of the basic cause, namely, chronic constipation, is the only way to get rid of the trouble. To begin with, the entire digestive tract must be given a complete rest for a few days and the intestines thoroughly cleansed. For this purpose, the patient should adopt an an-fruit diet for, at least, seven days. Thereafter he may adopt a diet of natural foods aimed at securing soft stools.
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Pneumonia-Inflammation of the Lungs
Pneumonia refers to the inflammation of the lungs. It is one of the most serious infectious diseases. The disease assumes alarming proportions if both the lungs are affected; this condition is called double pneumonia in common parlance.
Causes and Symptoms of Pneumonia
Most cases of pneumonia begin with a cold in the head or throat. The patient generally feels a chill, shivering fever, difficulty in breathing, and sharp pain in the chest. This may be followed by a cough with pinkish sputum, which may later become brownish. In young children, the disease may cause delirium and convulsions. The temperature may rise to 4O.6°C and the pulse may go upto 150 beats per minute. A common complication of pneumonia is pleurisy.
Pneumonia is caused by various types of germs such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pneumococcus. At times, certain viruses are also responsible for this disease. Other causes are fungal infections, irritation by worms, inhaling foreign matter, irritant dust, or noxious gases. The real cause of pneumonia, however, is a constitution weakened by the presence of toxins in the body, especially in the lungs and air passages. The accumulation of toxins is due to wrong feeding habits and a faulty lifestyle.
Remedies:
Fenugreek:
During the early acute stage of pneumonia, a tea made from fenugreek seeds will help the body to produce perspiration, dispel toxicity, and shorten the period of fever. Upto four cups of the tea can be taken daily. The quantity can be reduced as the condition improves. To improve the flavour of the tea, a few drops of lemon juice may be added. During this treatment, no other food or nourishment should be taken, as fasting and fenugreek will allow the body to correct these respiratory problems in a few days.
Garlic: Garlic is a marvellous remedy for pneumonia, if given in sufficient quantities. It brings down the temperature, as well as the pulse and respiration within forty-eight hours. A paste of garlic can also be applied externally on the chest with beneficial results as it is an irritant and rubefacient.
Sesame Seeds:
Sesame seeds are valuable in pneumonia. An infusion of the seeds can be made by steeping 15 gm of seeds in 250 ml of water. This infusion, mixed with a tablespoon of linseed, a pinch of common salt, and a dessertspoon of honey, should be given in the treatment of this disease. This will help remove catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes.
Parsnip Juice:
The juice of parsnip, a root vegetable botanically known as Pastinaca sativa, has been found beneficial in the treatment of pneumonia. The juice of the leaves and root of this plant possess high therapeutic value. The phosphorus and chlorine elements contained therein are of particular benefit to the lungs and the bronchial system, thus making the juice an excellent home remedy for pneumonia. The patient should take 250 ml of juice daily. It is, however, essential that only the juice of the cultivated parsnip plant should be used for this purpose. The wild variety must not be used in juices as it contains some poisonous ingredients.
Other Vegetable Juices:
The juice of carrots, in combination either with spinach juice, or beet and cucumber juices, has also been found useful in pneumonia. In these combinations, 200 ml of spinach juice or 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices should be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a litre of combined juice.
Turpentine Oil:
The pain of pneumonia can be relieved by rubbing oil of turpentine over the rib cage and wrapping warmed cotton wool over it.
Dietary Considerations
At the beginning of the treatment, the patient should be kept on a diet of raw juices for five to ten days, depending on the severity of the disease. He should take a glass of fruit or vegetable juice, diluted with warm water, every two or three hours. After a diet of raw juices, when the fever subsides, the patient should spent three or four days on an exclusive fresh fruit diet, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits. Thereafter, he may gradually adopt a well-balanced diet of natural foods, with emphasis on fresh fruits and raw vegetables.
Other Measures
The patient should be given a warm-water enema daily to cleanse the bowels during the period of raw juice therapy and the all-fruit diet, and thereafter when necessary. To reduce temperature during the course of the fever, the procedure outlined on Malaria should be followed.
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Premature Greying of Hair - Loss of Black Pigment of Hair
The hair has a tendency to lose its natural colour with advancing age and turn grey, but premature greying is a morbid condition and it makes even the young look older.
The hair is an appendage of the skin. It is composed of the same kinds of cells as are found in the outer layer of the skin, which is known as the epidermis. Hair grows from hair follicles which are deep recesses in the epidermis. The sebaceous glands of the scalp secrete an oily substance called sebum, which is the source of nutrition, luster, and blackness of the hair. The hair cannot be fed externally, for such nourishment, as the scalp requires, must come to it from the bloodstream.
Causes of Premature Graying of Hair
A faulty diet and mental worries are the two primary causes of premature greying of hair. Lack of some of the B vitamins, iron, copper, and iodine in the daily diet is said to be a contributory factor. Mental worries produce extraordinary tension in .the skin of the scalp; this interferes with the supply of vital nutrition necessary for the health of the hair. Other causes of premature greying of hair are an unclean condition of the scalp, washing the hair with hot water, drying it with an electric dryer, and use of hair dyes. Heredity is also a predisposing factor.
Herbal Remedies for Premature Graying of Hair and Hair Loss
Indian Gooseberry: ( Amla Juice)
The use of Indian gooseberry is the foremost among the home remedies found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of premature greying of hair. This is a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth and hair pigmentation. The fruit, cut into pieces, should be dried, preferably in the shade. These pieces should be boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes like charred dust. This darkish oil is very useful against premature greying.
The water in which dried amla pieces have been soaked overnight is also nourishing for the hair. This water should be used for the last rinse while washing the hair. Massaging the scalp every night with a teaspoonful of amla juice, mixed with a teaspoon of almond oil and a few drops of lime juice, also proves beneficial in the prevention and treatment of premature greying of hair.
Amaranth:
Amaranth is another effective home remedy for hair disorders. Application of the fresh juice of the leaves of this vegetable helps the hair to retain its black colour and prevents it from premature grayness. It also helps the growth of the hair and keeps it soft.
Curry Leaves:
Liberal intake of curry leaves is considered beneficial in preventing premature greying of hair. These leaves have the property of providing vitality and strength to hair roots. New hair roots that grow are healthier and contain a normal pigment. The leaves can be used in the form of a chutney. or may be squeezed in butte milk. When the leaves are boiled in coconut oil, the oil forms an excellent hair tonic to stimulate hair growth and bring back hair pigmentation.
Ribbed Gourd: Ribbed gourd boiled in coconut oil is also an effective remedy for premature greying of hair. Pieces of this vegetable should be dried in the shade. These dried pieces should be soaked in coconut oil and kept aside for three or four days. The oil should then be boiled till the solid is reduced to a blackened residue. This oil should be massaged into the scalp. It will help enrich the hair roots and restore pigment to the hair.
Butter:
The butter made from cow's milk has the property of preventing premature greying of hair. A small roll may be taken internally and a little quantity may be massaged into the hair roots twice a week.
Vitamins:The vitamins considered useful in guarding against premature greying of hair are pantothenic acid, para -aminobenzoic acid (paba), inositol. The minimum daily requirement of these vitamins appears to be 10 mg of pantothenic acid, 100 mg of paraaminobenzoic acid, and 2 gm of inositol. To obtain satisfactory results, all three of these vitamins belonging to the B group should be supplied at one time, preferably in a form which supplies all the B vitamins, such as yeast and liver. The three anti-greying-hair vitamins can also be produced in the intestinal tract by bacteria. Thus, taking a sufficient quantity of yoghurt daily and a tablespoonful of yeast before each meal is an excellent remedy for the prevention and treatment of premature greying of hair. If one wishes to take tablets of calcium pantothenate and para-aminobenzoic acid (paba), they should be taken in addition to the yeast and yoghurt, and not as a substitute for them.
Diet to prevent Premature Graying of Hair and Hair Loss
Diet is of utmost importance in the prevention and treatment of premature greying of hair and persons suffering from this disorder should take a diet rich in all essential nutrients. Devitalising foods such as white flour, refined sugar and all products made from them, soft drinks, pastries, jams and jellies should be avoided. These foods take away energy, cause wrinkles, unattractive skin, grey hair, and premature old age.
Other Measures to Prevent Hair loss and Premature Graying of Hair
Massage of the scalp with almond oil is recommended.
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Prostate Enlargement
A large percentage of men over fifty years of age suffer from prostate troubles of one form or other. The prostate gland is a male gland, comparable in shape and size to a large chestnut. It is situated at the base of the urinary bladder and around the commencement of the urethra. There are various types of prostate disorders, the more important being hypertrophy or enlargement of the prostate gland, and prostatitis or inflammation in the prostate gland.
Causes and Symptoms of Enlarged prostate Gland - BPH There are two warning signals to indicate the possibility of prostate disorders. The first is the interference with the passage of urine, and the second is the need to void the urine frequently during the night's sleep. Other symptoms are a dull aching pain in the lower back and pain in the hips, legs, and feet. .
The position of the prostate gland makes it liable to congestion and other disorders. In an erect position, pressure falls on the pelvic region just where the prostate gland is situated. With ageing, the body gets heavier and loses its flexibility. This puts greater pressure on the pelvis and increases the vulnerability of the prostate gland. Prolonged periods of sitting, as in certain occupations, also increase the pressure on the pelvic region, resulting in congestion of the tissues in and around the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis may also result from exposure to cold and chill, and from infectious diseases. Chronic prostatis is an after-effect of the acute condition. It may also be caused by continual irritation of the gland due to excessive sexual excitement. Another important cause of prostate disorders is constipation, when the faeces become hardened and the rectum or lower bowel is overloaded, causing undue pressure on the prostate gland.
More herbal remedies for enlarged Prostate -Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Pumpkin Seeds:
Pumpkin seeds are an effective home remedy for prostate problems and many patients have been helped by their use. These seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids which are essential to the health of the prostate. Persons beyond the age of fifty, who have any signs of prostate trouble; or those who suffer from urinary disorders of some kind, namely, burning or difficulty in passing urine freely, should take sixty to ninety grams of pumpkin seeds per day. The seeds may be taken in the form of powder sprinkled over cooked vegetables or mixed with wheat flour to make chapatis. They can also be taken in the form of a paste made with honey, or as a drink mixed with diluted milk and sugar to taste.
Vegetable Juices: The use of vegetable juices has been found beneficial in the treatment of prostate problems, including prostate enlargement. The juice of carrots, taken separately in a 500 ml quantity, or in combination with spinach juice, is specially valuable. In the case of combined juices, 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a litre of combined juices.
Zinc:The use of zinc has been found valuable in cases of prostate disorders especially prostate enlargement. About thirty milligrams of this mineral should be taken daily in the treatment of these diseases.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E has proved to be an important factor for prostate health. The patient should therefore use vitamin E-rich foods liberally or take 600 IU of this vitamin daily. Vitamin E-rich foods are wholegrain products, green leafy vegetables, eggs, milk, and all raw or sprouted seeds.
Dietary restrictions:
To begin with, the patient should forego all solid foods and subsist on water, mixed with a little lemon juice, for two or three Gays. The water may be taken cold or hot and it should be taken every hour or so during waking hours. This will greatly increase the flow of urine. After the short fast, the patient may adopt an all-fruit diet, consisting of juicy fruits, for the next three days. This should be followed by a diet consisting of two meals of fruits and one of cooked vegetables for seven days. Thereafter, the patient may adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. Heavy starches, sweet stimulants, and highly seasoned foods are entirely forbidden, as they are said to cause direct irritation to the prostate gland and bladder. The diet should also exclude spices, condiments, salt in excess, sauces, red meats, cheese, asparagus, watercress, greasy or fried foods, alcohol, tobacco, and too much of tea or coffee. The patient should avoid hurried meals and must chew his food thoroughly and slowly. Water should be taken between meals and not at meal times.
During the initial water fast for two to three days, an enema may be taken once a day to clear the lower bowel of accumulations.
Hot and cold applications are highly beneficial in the treatment of prostate disorders. After a thorough cleansing of the bowels through a warm-water enema, hot and cold applications may be used directly on the prostate gland and its surrounding parts. The heat will relieve the tissues and a brief cold immersion will tone them up. The patient should take alternate hot and cold hip baths. These are of great value in relieving pain and reducing congestion.
A wet girdle pack is another valuable remedy in the realm of hydrotherapy which provides great relief in prostatitis and prostate enlargement. For this mode of treatment, thin cotton underwear and thick or woolen underwear are required. The thin underwear should be wrung in cold water and worn by the patient. The thick dry underwear should be worn above the wet underwear. This treatment should be continued for ninety minutes regularly every night. If the patient feels chilly, he should be covered with a blanket.
The patient should avoid sexual excess, irregularities in eating and drinking, long periods of sitting, and vigorous exercise. All efforts should be made to tone up the general condition of the body.
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Psoriasis
There are natural herbs and blood cleansing natural remedies which can prove as very useful alternative treatment for psoriasis. Psoriasis is one of the most stubborn skin diseases. It is a chronic disease, characterised by thick, red, silvery, scaled patches of the skin. This disease affects both sexes equally, and is more common during the first fifteen to thirty years, although it may appear at any age. Psoriasis is not contagious.
Causes and Symptoms of Psoriasis
Generally, the skin of the person suffering from this disease appears red and irritated and may be covered with bright silvery scales. Sometimes there is also a little itching. The areas usually involved are the elbows, knees, the skin behind the ears, the trunk, and the scalp. The disease may also affect the underarms and genital areas. The lesions vary in size from minute papules to sheets covering large parts of the body. Quite often, they are discs from half an inch to several inches in size. The lesions are always dry and rarely become infected.
Recent studies have shown that psoriasis involves an abnormality in the mechanism in which the skin grows and replaces itself. The abnormality is related to the metabolism of amino acids, the nature's basic building blocks for the reproduction of cell tissues. Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis as it tends to occur in families. The factors that aggravate and precipitate the outbreak of this disease are physical and emotional stress, infections, and use of certain medicines for the treatment of other diseases.
Psoriasis Herbal Remedies
Psoriasis is a pitta-kapha disease. So the patient suffering from psoriasis shoudl avoid diet which has sour taste. All citrus fruits, oranges, lemons are not recommended. Tomatoes can be used occassionally but it's good if the person does not eat them. Ananas ( Pineapple), yogurt, Strawberries are also not recommended. Sweets are not recommended too. Also avoid softdrinks and alcohol. Try to avoid combining Sweet and sour tastes.hot and cold food.Sleep early in the night.
Coconut water is good, bitters are good, vegetables, salads (spinach, cucumbers and gourds are all good). Breathing exercises like Pranayama (Bhastrika Pranayama ) are excellent. Kapal Bhati is also excellent pranayama for psoriasis.
Cabbage Leaves: Cabbage leaves have been successfully used in the form of compresses in the treatment of psoriasis. The thickest and greenest outer leaves are most effective for use as compresses. They should be thoroughly washed in warm water and dried with a towel. The leaves should be flattened, softened and smoothed out by rolling them with a rolling pin after removing the thick veins. They should be warmed and then applied smoothly to the affected part in an overlapping manner. A pad of soft woolen cloth should be put over them. The whole compress should then be secured with an elastic bandage.
Bitter Gourd: Bitter gourd is a valuable remedy for psoriasis. A cup of fresh juice of this vegetable, mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice, should be taken sip by sip, on an empty stomach daily for four to six months.
Avocado Oil: The oil of avocado has been found beneficial in the treatment of this disease. It should be applied gently to the affected parts.
Cashewnut Oil: The oil extracted from the outer shell of the cashew nut is acrid and rubefacient. It can be applied beneficially on the affected area.
Buttermilk: The use of curd in the form of buttermilk has proved useful in psoriasis and the patient should drink it in liberal quantities. The application of buttermilk compresses over the affected parts will also be useful in treating this condition.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E therapy has been found effective in the treatment of psoriasis. The patient should take this vitamin in therapeutic doses of 400 mg a day. It will help reduce itching and scab formation.
Lecithin: Lecithin is also considered a remarkable remedy for psoriasis. The patient may take six to nine lecithin capsules a day-two or three capsules before or after each meal. If taken in the form of granules, four tablespoonfuls may be taken daily for two months. The dosage may be reduced thereafter to two tablespoons.
Diet in Psoriasis Since psoriasis is a metabolic disease, a cleansing juice fast for a week is always desirable at the beginning of the treatment Carrots, beets, cucumbers, and grapes may be used for juices. After the juice fast, the patient should adopt a well-balanced diet, consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. Emphasis should be placed on raw seeds and nuts, especially sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and plenty of organically grown raw vegetables and fruits. All animal fats, including milk, butter, eggs; refined or processed foods; foods containing hydrogenated fats or white sugar; all condiments; and tea and coffee should be avoided. When there is a substantial improvement, goat's milk, yoghurt, and home-made cottage cheese may be added to the diet. The juice fast may be repeated after a month or so.
Other Measures in Psoriasis
During the initial juice fast, a warm-water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowels. Frequent baths should be avoided. Soap should not be used. Regular sea-water baths and application of sea water externally over the affected parts once a day are beneficial. Hot Epsom salts baths also prove valuable in psoriasis. After an Epsom salts bath, a little olive oil may be applied. The skin should be kept absolutely clean by dry friction or daily sponging.
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Pyorrhoea- Pus in the Gums
Pyorrhoea, or periodontal disease, to give it a proper medical term, is a disease of the gums. It is one of the most widely prevalent diseases. It affects the membrane surrounding the roots of the teeth and leads to loosening of the teeth, pus formation, and shrinkage of the gum. This disease is the primary cause for tooth loss among adults.
Causes and Symptoms of Pyorrhoea
The gums become tender, and on pressing, pus oozes out along the margin of the teeth. Pus from the cavities continually finds its way into the stomach. When the disease is far advanced, the gums become swollen, and the stomach, being dosed with increasing quantities of pus, does not function properly. A sepsis may appear in various forms; digestion gets disturbed, liver trouble sets in, and the whole system is adversely affected.
Pyorrhoea is triggered by bacterial activity. A thin layer of harmful bacteria is continuously building up on our teeth. If it is not removed by tooth-cleansing, especially after meals, it forms an organised mass on the tooth surface in a short time. This is referred to as a 'bacterial plaque'. When accumulated, bacteria in plaque produce many toxins which irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed, tender, and prone to bleeding easily. The bacterial activity is, however, facilitated by the lowered vitality of the system. Other factors contributing to the development of pyorrhoea include injury to the gums and supporting structures by physical and chemical irritants in the mouth, incorrect brushing, stagnation of food particles, and improper use of tooth picks.
Herbal Remedies for Pyorrhoea
Guava:
Chewing unripe guava is an excellent tonic for the teeth and gums. It stops the bleeding from the gums due to its styptic effect and richness in vitamin C. Chewing the tender leaves of the guava tree also helps in curing bleeding from the gums and keeps the teeth healthy. A decoction of root-bark can also be beneficially used as a mouthwash for swollen gums.
Lemon and Lime:
The regular use of lemon and lime is useful in pyorrhoea due to their high vitamin C content. They strengthen the gums and teeth, and are very effective in preventing and curing acute inflammations of the gum margins.
Orange:
The use of orange has also been found beneficial in the treatment of pyorrhoea. This fruit should be eaten regularly and its skin rubbed over the teeth and gums. This will improve the condition.
Pomegranate Rind:Powder of the dry rind of pomegranate, mixed with pepper and common salt, can be applied as a very good dentifrice. Its regular application strengthens the gums, stops bleeding, and prevents pyorrhoea.
Spinach Juice:
The juice of raw spinach is another valuable remedy for the prevention and treatment of pyorrhoea because of its beneficial effect on the teeth and gums. This effect is greatly enhanced if spinach juice is taken in combination with carrot juice. Both spinach juice and carrot juice should be taken in quantities of 125 ml each daily. A permanent aid for this affliction has been found in the use of natural raw foods, and in drinking an' ample quantity of carrot and spinach juice.
Lettuce: Lettuce has proved useful in preventing pyorrhoea. The leaves of this vegetable should be chewed everyday immediately after meals for this purpose.
Wheat:Wheat is especially valuable in the prevention and treatment of pyorrhoea. Wheat chapatis are usually taken with other foods, and hence, the other food also gets chewed properly. This not only provides the needed exercise for the teeth and gum but also aids in digestion.
Diet in Pyorrhoea
The patient should begin the treatment with a short juice fast for three to five days. Oranges and carrots should be used for juices. After the juice fast, the patient should spend the next three to five days on an exclusive fresh fruit diet, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits. Thereafter he may gradually embark upon a balanced diet, with emphasis on fresh fruits, green salads, whole meal bread, properly cooked vegetables, cheese, nuts, and milk. White bread, white sugar, and all refined and tinned foods must be completely given up. Condiments, sauces, alcohol, coffee, and strong tea, as well as meat and other fresh foods should also be avoided.
Other Measures in Pyorrhoea
During the juice fast, the bowels should be cleansed daily with a warm-water enema. Daily dry friction and a hip bath, as well as breathing and other exercises, should form a part of the morning routine. A hot Epsom salts bath taken twice weekly will also be beneficial.
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PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is the condition where multiple cyst formation occurs in the ovaries. PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual cycle, excessive facial and body hair growth and. weight gain. An adult female suffering from PCOS may have problem in conceiving the child and it is one of the major reasons for infertility in women. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is also known as Stein- Leventhal Syndrome.
PCOS is mainly a lifestyle related disorder and thus can be improved by taking balanced diet and doing regular exercise.
HOME REMEDIES FOR PCOS
Tip 1: It’s very important for a female suffering from PCOS to maintain the low waist size as their body is susceptible to store more fats due to the inability to metabolize carbohydrates. A kind of insulin resistance develops in a patient of PCOS.
Tip 2: Foods that are low in glycemic index (low carbs) should be taken .For example: green leafy vegetables, pumpkin, Soya, mushroom, beans, apple, pear, plum, berries, apricot etc.
Tip 3: High glycemic index foods ( high carbs) should be avoided as potato, peas, carrots, lentils, mango, banana, grapes, melons, corn, milk and its products, rice, Maida, Suzy etc
Tip 4: Junk food should be avoided. High fiber diet should be taken
Tip 5: Flax seeds are very useful in PCOS as they contain omega 3 fatty acids.
Tip 6: Nuts as walnuts, almonds are also helpful.
Tip 7: Fats should be taken in restricted quantity.
Tip 8: Avoid overeating and takes smaller but frequent meals.
Tip 9: Avoid caffeinated drinks, smoking and alcohol.
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Palpitations - Irregular Heartbeat
Palpitation, a common problem, is a state in which the heart beats forcibly and, maybe, irregularly. It enables the person to become aware of the action of his heart. It is a distressing condition but is not always serious.
Causes and Symptoms of Palpitation
The main symptom of palpitation of the heart is a kind of 'thumping' feeling in the chest The patient feels a real discomfort in the front of the chest. The pulse rate may become faster than normal.
Palpitation of the heart may occur due to a variety of factors, most of which may not be related to the heart itself. Anything which increases the work load of the heart may bring on this condition. Some persons may experience palpitations when lying on the left side, because the heart is nearer the chest wall in that position. Many nervous persons suffer from this condition. Although palpitations do occur among other symptoms in serious heart disease, the vast majority of cases are due to anxiety and have no direct connection with heart disease whatsoever. Other causes contributing to this condition are an overfull stomach, flatulence, and constipation. Excessive smoking may also give rise to this disorder.
Herbal Remedies for Palpitations
Grapes:
Grapes are one of the most effective home remedies for palpitation of the heart. The patient should take the juice of this fruit at frequent intervals. This will relieve the condition.
Guava:
The use of guava is another effective home remedy for palpitation of the heart. The patient should eat a ripe guava daily on an empty stomach. It is especially beneficial if this disorder caused by nervousness and anaemia.
Snake Gourd Leaves:
The leaves of snake gourd have been found beneficial in the treatment of palpitation of the heart. The juice of these leaves should be extracted and given in doses of one to two tablespoons thrice daily.
Honey: Honey has proved valuable in overcoming this condition. Honey is considered to be an excellent food for the heart, being easily digested and assimilated. The patient should take a glass of water, mixed with a tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon, before going to bed.
Indian Spikenard:
The herb Indian spikenard is also beneficial in the treatment of palpitation of the heart. It stimulates the action of the heart. It should be taken in doses of two to three grams with the addition of a pinch of camphor and cinnamon. It can also be taken as an infusion in doses of 30 to 60 ml, three times a day.
Aniseed and Dry Coriander:
A mixture of powdered aniseed, dry coriander, and jaggery can also be used beneficially in the treatment of this condition. Equal quantities of each of these three substances should be powdered. About six grams of this mixed powder should be taken after each meal by the patient suffering from palpitation of the heart.
Dietary Considerations in Palpitations
The patient suffering from palpitation of the heart should take a simple diet of natural foods, with emphasis on fresh fruits, and raw or lightly cooked vegetables. He should avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, soft drinks, all white flour products, sugar, food colourings, chemical additives, white rice, and strong condiments. He should restrict his diet to three meals a day. He should take fruits, milk, and a handful of nuts or seeds for breakfast in the morning; steamed vegetables, whole wheat chapatis and a glass of buttermilk for lunch in the afternoon; and fresh green vegetable salad, sprouts of alfalfa seeds and mung, and cottage cheese or a glass of buttermilk for dinner.
Other Measures in Palpitation
The patient must learn the art of meditation and relaxation. Shavasana is ideal for this purpose. The patient should also undertake some form of active exercise such as brisk walks, swimming, skipping, and cycling.
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Peptic Ulcer - Stomach Ulcer
A peptic ulcer refers to an eroded lesion in the inner lining of the stomach and the adjoining intestinal tract called the duodenum. The ulcer located in the stomach is known as a gastric ulcer, and located in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer. Usually, both are grouped together and termed as peptic ulcer.
Causes and Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer
The symptoms of peptic ulcer are sharp and severe pain and discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen. Gastric ulcer pain usually occurs an hour after meals and rarely at night. Duodenal ulcer pain usually occurs between meals when the stomach is empty. The pain is relieved by food, especially milk. As the disease progresses, there is distension of the stomach due to excessive flatulence, mental tension, insomnia, and gradual weakening of the body. Blood may also be detected in the stool.
A peptic ulcer is the result of hyperacidity, which is caused by an increase in the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This strongI acid, secreted by the cells lining the stomach, erodes the inner lining of the stomach. Dietetic indiscretion such as overeating, taking of heavy meals or highly spiced foods, coffee, alcohol, and smoking are the main factors contributing to this condition. Other causes are the ingestion of certain drugs, food poisoning, certain infections, gout, emotional disturbances, stress, and nervous tension.
Herbal Remedies for Peptic Ulcer
Banana:
Banana is one of the most effective home remedies fur the treatment of a peptic ulcer. This fruit is said to contain an unidentified compound, perhaps jokingly called vitamin U (against ulcers). Banana neutralises the over-acidity of the gastric juices and reduces the irritation of the ulcer by coating the lining of the stomach. Patients who are in an advanced state of the disease should take a diet consisting only of two bananas with a glass of milk, three or four times a day.
Wood Apple: An infusion of the leaves of wood apple is another effective remedy for this disease. Fifteen grams of leaves should be soaked overnight in 250 ml of water. In the morning this water should be strained and taken as a drink. The pain and discomfort \\-ill be relieved when this treatment is continued for a few weeks. Bael leaves are rich in tannins which reduce inflammation and help in the healing of ulcers. The bael fruit taken in the form of a beverage also has great healing properties on account of its mucilage content. This substance forms a coating on the stomach mucosa and thus helps in the healing of ulcers.
Lime:
Lime is valuable in peptic ulcers. The citric acid in this fruit, together with the mineral salts present in the juice, help in digestion.
Cabbage: Cabbage is regarded as another useful home remedy for a peptic ulcer: 250 gm should be boiled in 500 ml of water till it is reduced to half; this water should be allowed to cool, and taken twice daily. The juice extracted from raw cabbage is also a valuable medicine for a peptic ulcer. However, as this juice is very strong, it should be taken in combination with carrot juice, in quantities of 125 ml each.
Fenugreek Seeds:
A tea made from fenugreek seeds is yet another useful remedy for peptic ulcers. The seeds, when moistened with water, are slightly mucilaginous. The tea helps in the healing of ulcers as the mild coating of mucilaginous material deposited by fenugreek, passes through the stomach and intestines, providing protective shell for the ulcers.
Drumstick:The leaves of the kalyana murangal tree, which is a variety of drumstick found in South India, have also proved helpful in the healing of ulcers. Ten grams of the leaves of this tree should be ground into a paste, mixed with half a cup of yoghurt, and taken daily.
Vegetable Juices:
The juices of raw vegetables, particularly carrot and cabbage, are beneficial in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Carrot juice may be taken either alone or in combination with spinach, or beet and cucumber. The formula proportions in case of the first combination are 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice; and in case of the second combination, 300 ml of carrot juice and 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juice to make 500 ml of juice.
Almond Milk:Milk prepared from blanched almonds in a blender is very useful as a treatment for peptic ulcers. It binds the excess of acid in the stomach and supplies high quality protein.
Goat's Milk:
Goat's milk is also highly beneficial in the treatment of this disease. It actually helps to heal peptic ulcers. For better results, a glass of goat's milk should be taken in a raw state, three times daily.
Diet for Peptic Ulcer
The diet of the patient suffering from a peptic ulcer should be so planned as to provide adequate nutrition, while affording rest to the disturbed organs, maintaining continuous neutralisation of the gastric acid, inhibiting the production of acid, and reducing mechanical and chemical irritation. Milk, cream, butter, fruits, fresh raw and boiled vegetables, natural foods, and natural vitamin supplements constitute the best diet for three or four weeks. The tiny seeds of the fruit possess an excellent quality of stimulating peristaltic movements of the intestines. This facilitates easy evacuation of faeces and keeps the alimentary canal clean. The pressure on the anus thus being relieved, the hemorrhoids also contract.
Mango Seeds:
Mango seeds are an effective remedy for bleeding piles. The seeds should be collected during the mango season, dried in the shade, powdered, and kept stored for use as medicine. This powder should be given in doses of about one and a half to two grams with or without honey, twice daily.
Jambul Fruit:
The jambul fruit is another effective remedy for bleeding piles. The fruit should be taken with salt every morning for two or three months during its season. The use of the fruit in this manner during every season will effect a complete cure and save the user from bleeding piles for his entire life.
Radish:
White radish is considered highly valuable in piles; 100 mg of grated radish mixed with a teaspoon of honey may be taken twice daily in treating this condition. This vegetable can also be taken in the form of juice mixed with a pinch of salt. It should be given in doses of 60 to 90 ml, morning and evening. White radish, well ground into a paste in milk, can also be applied over inflamed pile masses to relieve pain and swelling.
Turnip:
The leaves of turnip have been found useful in this disease. The juice of these leaves should be extracted and 150 ml given to the patient. It is, however, necessary to take a proper diet of raw fruits and vegetables while taking this juice. For better results, 50 ml of the juice should be mixed with equal quantities of juices of watercress, spinach, and carrots.
Bitter Gourd:
The juice of the fresh leaves of bitter gourd is also valuable in piles. Three teaspoons of the leaf juice, mixed with a glass of buttermilk, should be taken every morning for treating this condition. A paste of the roots of the bitter gourd plant can also be applied over piles with beneficial results.
Ginger:
Ginger is also useful in this disease. Half a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with one teaspoon each of fresh lime juice and fresh mint juice, and a tablespoon of honey, constitutes an effective medicine for piles.
Onion:
Onions are valuable in bleeding piles. About thirty grams of this vegetable should be finely rubbed in water and sixty grams of sugar added to it. It should be taken twice daily by the patient It will bring relief within a few days. Onion is also useful in the treatment of dry piles. A crushed onion, skinned and roasted in aches, may be applied with beneficial results.
Rice: Rice has a very low fibre content and is, therefore, extremely soothing to the digestive system. A thick gruel of rice, mixed with a glass of buttermilk and a ripe banana, given twice a day, is a very nutritious diet for a patient with piles.
Wheat Grass:
Wheat grass juice used as an enema helps detoxify the walls of the piles. The general procedure is to give an enema with lukewarm or neem water. After waiting for twenty minutes, 90 to 120 ml of the wheat grass juice enema is given. This should be retained for fifteen minutes.
Sesame Seeds:
Sesame seeds are also valuable in piles. They can be taken in the form of a decoction by boiling twenty grams of seeds in 500 ml of water tin it is reduced by one-third, or as sweetmeats. Ground to paste with water, they can be given with butter for bleeding piles.
Chebulic Myroblan:
The herb chebulic myroblan is a popular remedy for piles. It is very effective as a laxative and is highly astringent. The fruit should be roasted to a brown colour in cluster oil, and then powdered and stored. Half a teaspoon of this powder at bedtime will bring about normal bowel movements in the morning, and the astringent property of the fruit win heal the pile masses. A decoction of the herb prepared by boiling six to seven dry fruits in half a litre of water should be used for washing bleeding piles. The paste of the fruit mixed in a bland oil is good as an external application.
Dietary Considerations
The treatment of the basic cause, namely, chronic constipation, is the only way to get rid of the trouble. To begin with, the entire digestive tract must be given a complete rest for a few days and the intestines thoroughly cleansed. For this purpose, the patient should adopt an an-fruit diet for, at least, seven days. Thereafter he may adopt a diet of natural foods aimed at securing soft stools.
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Pneumonia-Inflammation of the Lungs
Pneumonia refers to the inflammation of the lungs. It is one of the most serious infectious diseases. The disease assumes alarming proportions if both the lungs are affected; this condition is called double pneumonia in common parlance.
Causes and Symptoms of Pneumonia
Most cases of pneumonia begin with a cold in the head or throat. The patient generally feels a chill, shivering fever, difficulty in breathing, and sharp pain in the chest. This may be followed by a cough with pinkish sputum, which may later become brownish. In young children, the disease may cause delirium and convulsions. The temperature may rise to 4O.6°C and the pulse may go upto 150 beats per minute. A common complication of pneumonia is pleurisy.
Pneumonia is caused by various types of germs such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pneumococcus. At times, certain viruses are also responsible for this disease. Other causes are fungal infections, irritation by worms, inhaling foreign matter, irritant dust, or noxious gases. The real cause of pneumonia, however, is a constitution weakened by the presence of toxins in the body, especially in the lungs and air passages. The accumulation of toxins is due to wrong feeding habits and a faulty lifestyle.
Remedies:
Fenugreek:
During the early acute stage of pneumonia, a tea made from fenugreek seeds will help the body to produce perspiration, dispel toxicity, and shorten the period of fever. Upto four cups of the tea can be taken daily. The quantity can be reduced as the condition improves. To improve the flavour of the tea, a few drops of lemon juice may be added. During this treatment, no other food or nourishment should be taken, as fasting and fenugreek will allow the body to correct these respiratory problems in a few days.
Garlic: Garlic is a marvellous remedy for pneumonia, if given in sufficient quantities. It brings down the temperature, as well as the pulse and respiration within forty-eight hours. A paste of garlic can also be applied externally on the chest with beneficial results as it is an irritant and rubefacient.
Sesame Seeds:
Sesame seeds are valuable in pneumonia. An infusion of the seeds can be made by steeping 15 gm of seeds in 250 ml of water. This infusion, mixed with a tablespoon of linseed, a pinch of common salt, and a dessertspoon of honey, should be given in the treatment of this disease. This will help remove catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes.
Parsnip Juice:
The juice of parsnip, a root vegetable botanically known as Pastinaca sativa, has been found beneficial in the treatment of pneumonia. The juice of the leaves and root of this plant possess high therapeutic value. The phosphorus and chlorine elements contained therein are of particular benefit to the lungs and the bronchial system, thus making the juice an excellent home remedy for pneumonia. The patient should take 250 ml of juice daily. It is, however, essential that only the juice of the cultivated parsnip plant should be used for this purpose. The wild variety must not be used in juices as it contains some poisonous ingredients.
Other Vegetable Juices:
The juice of carrots, in combination either with spinach juice, or beet and cucumber juices, has also been found useful in pneumonia. In these combinations, 200 ml of spinach juice or 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices should be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a litre of combined juice.
Turpentine Oil:
The pain of pneumonia can be relieved by rubbing oil of turpentine over the rib cage and wrapping warmed cotton wool over it.
Dietary Considerations
At the beginning of the treatment, the patient should be kept on a diet of raw juices for five to ten days, depending on the severity of the disease. He should take a glass of fruit or vegetable juice, diluted with warm water, every two or three hours. After a diet of raw juices, when the fever subsides, the patient should spent three or four days on an exclusive fresh fruit diet, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits. Thereafter, he may gradually adopt a well-balanced diet of natural foods, with emphasis on fresh fruits and raw vegetables.
Other Measures
The patient should be given a warm-water enema daily to cleanse the bowels during the period of raw juice therapy and the all-fruit diet, and thereafter when necessary. To reduce temperature during the course of the fever, the procedure outlined on Malaria should be followed.
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Premature Greying of Hair - Loss of Black Pigment of Hair
The hair has a tendency to lose its natural colour with advancing age and turn grey, but premature greying is a morbid condition and it makes even the young look older.
The hair is an appendage of the skin. It is composed of the same kinds of cells as are found in the outer layer of the skin, which is known as the epidermis. Hair grows from hair follicles which are deep recesses in the epidermis. The sebaceous glands of the scalp secrete an oily substance called sebum, which is the source of nutrition, luster, and blackness of the hair. The hair cannot be fed externally, for such nourishment, as the scalp requires, must come to it from the bloodstream.
Causes of Premature Graying of Hair
A faulty diet and mental worries are the two primary causes of premature greying of hair. Lack of some of the B vitamins, iron, copper, and iodine in the daily diet is said to be a contributory factor. Mental worries produce extraordinary tension in .the skin of the scalp; this interferes with the supply of vital nutrition necessary for the health of the hair. Other causes of premature greying of hair are an unclean condition of the scalp, washing the hair with hot water, drying it with an electric dryer, and use of hair dyes. Heredity is also a predisposing factor.
Herbal Remedies for Premature Graying of Hair and Hair Loss
Indian Gooseberry: ( Amla Juice)
The use of Indian gooseberry is the foremost among the home remedies found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of premature greying of hair. This is a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth and hair pigmentation. The fruit, cut into pieces, should be dried, preferably in the shade. These pieces should be boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes like charred dust. This darkish oil is very useful against premature greying.
The water in which dried amla pieces have been soaked overnight is also nourishing for the hair. This water should be used for the last rinse while washing the hair. Massaging the scalp every night with a teaspoonful of amla juice, mixed with a teaspoon of almond oil and a few drops of lime juice, also proves beneficial in the prevention and treatment of premature greying of hair.
Amaranth:
Amaranth is another effective home remedy for hair disorders. Application of the fresh juice of the leaves of this vegetable helps the hair to retain its black colour and prevents it from premature grayness. It also helps the growth of the hair and keeps it soft.
Curry Leaves:
Liberal intake of curry leaves is considered beneficial in preventing premature greying of hair. These leaves have the property of providing vitality and strength to hair roots. New hair roots that grow are healthier and contain a normal pigment. The leaves can be used in the form of a chutney. or may be squeezed in butte milk. When the leaves are boiled in coconut oil, the oil forms an excellent hair tonic to stimulate hair growth and bring back hair pigmentation.
Ribbed Gourd: Ribbed gourd boiled in coconut oil is also an effective remedy for premature greying of hair. Pieces of this vegetable should be dried in the shade. These dried pieces should be soaked in coconut oil and kept aside for three or four days. The oil should then be boiled till the solid is reduced to a blackened residue. This oil should be massaged into the scalp. It will help enrich the hair roots and restore pigment to the hair.
Butter:
The butter made from cow's milk has the property of preventing premature greying of hair. A small roll may be taken internally and a little quantity may be massaged into the hair roots twice a week.
Vitamins:The vitamins considered useful in guarding against premature greying of hair are pantothenic acid, para -aminobenzoic acid (paba), inositol. The minimum daily requirement of these vitamins appears to be 10 mg of pantothenic acid, 100 mg of paraaminobenzoic acid, and 2 gm of inositol. To obtain satisfactory results, all three of these vitamins belonging to the B group should be supplied at one time, preferably in a form which supplies all the B vitamins, such as yeast and liver. The three anti-greying-hair vitamins can also be produced in the intestinal tract by bacteria. Thus, taking a sufficient quantity of yoghurt daily and a tablespoonful of yeast before each meal is an excellent remedy for the prevention and treatment of premature greying of hair. If one wishes to take tablets of calcium pantothenate and para-aminobenzoic acid (paba), they should be taken in addition to the yeast and yoghurt, and not as a substitute for them.
Diet to prevent Premature Graying of Hair and Hair Loss
Diet is of utmost importance in the prevention and treatment of premature greying of hair and persons suffering from this disorder should take a diet rich in all essential nutrients. Devitalising foods such as white flour, refined sugar and all products made from them, soft drinks, pastries, jams and jellies should be avoided. These foods take away energy, cause wrinkles, unattractive skin, grey hair, and premature old age.
Other Measures to Prevent Hair loss and Premature Graying of Hair
Massage of the scalp with almond oil is recommended.
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Prostate Enlargement
A large percentage of men over fifty years of age suffer from prostate troubles of one form or other. The prostate gland is a male gland, comparable in shape and size to a large chestnut. It is situated at the base of the urinary bladder and around the commencement of the urethra. There are various types of prostate disorders, the more important being hypertrophy or enlargement of the prostate gland, and prostatitis or inflammation in the prostate gland.
Causes and Symptoms of Enlarged prostate Gland - BPH There are two warning signals to indicate the possibility of prostate disorders. The first is the interference with the passage of urine, and the second is the need to void the urine frequently during the night's sleep. Other symptoms are a dull aching pain in the lower back and pain in the hips, legs, and feet. .
The position of the prostate gland makes it liable to congestion and other disorders. In an erect position, pressure falls on the pelvic region just where the prostate gland is situated. With ageing, the body gets heavier and loses its flexibility. This puts greater pressure on the pelvis and increases the vulnerability of the prostate gland. Prolonged periods of sitting, as in certain occupations, also increase the pressure on the pelvic region, resulting in congestion of the tissues in and around the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis may also result from exposure to cold and chill, and from infectious diseases. Chronic prostatis is an after-effect of the acute condition. It may also be caused by continual irritation of the gland due to excessive sexual excitement. Another important cause of prostate disorders is constipation, when the faeces become hardened and the rectum or lower bowel is overloaded, causing undue pressure on the prostate gland.
More herbal remedies for enlarged Prostate -Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Pumpkin Seeds:
Pumpkin seeds are an effective home remedy for prostate problems and many patients have been helped by their use. These seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids which are essential to the health of the prostate. Persons beyond the age of fifty, who have any signs of prostate trouble; or those who suffer from urinary disorders of some kind, namely, burning or difficulty in passing urine freely, should take sixty to ninety grams of pumpkin seeds per day. The seeds may be taken in the form of powder sprinkled over cooked vegetables or mixed with wheat flour to make chapatis. They can also be taken in the form of a paste made with honey, or as a drink mixed with diluted milk and sugar to taste.
Vegetable Juices: The use of vegetable juices has been found beneficial in the treatment of prostate problems, including prostate enlargement. The juice of carrots, taken separately in a 500 ml quantity, or in combination with spinach juice, is specially valuable. In the case of combined juices, 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a litre of combined juices.
Zinc:The use of zinc has been found valuable in cases of prostate disorders especially prostate enlargement. About thirty milligrams of this mineral should be taken daily in the treatment of these diseases.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E has proved to be an important factor for prostate health. The patient should therefore use vitamin E-rich foods liberally or take 600 IU of this vitamin daily. Vitamin E-rich foods are wholegrain products, green leafy vegetables, eggs, milk, and all raw or sprouted seeds.
Dietary restrictions:
To begin with, the patient should forego all solid foods and subsist on water, mixed with a little lemon juice, for two or three Gays. The water may be taken cold or hot and it should be taken every hour or so during waking hours. This will greatly increase the flow of urine. After the short fast, the patient may adopt an all-fruit diet, consisting of juicy fruits, for the next three days. This should be followed by a diet consisting of two meals of fruits and one of cooked vegetables for seven days. Thereafter, the patient may adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. Heavy starches, sweet stimulants, and highly seasoned foods are entirely forbidden, as they are said to cause direct irritation to the prostate gland and bladder. The diet should also exclude spices, condiments, salt in excess, sauces, red meats, cheese, asparagus, watercress, greasy or fried foods, alcohol, tobacco, and too much of tea or coffee. The patient should avoid hurried meals and must chew his food thoroughly and slowly. Water should be taken between meals and not at meal times.
During the initial water fast for two to three days, an enema may be taken once a day to clear the lower bowel of accumulations.
Hot and cold applications are highly beneficial in the treatment of prostate disorders. After a thorough cleansing of the bowels through a warm-water enema, hot and cold applications may be used directly on the prostate gland and its surrounding parts. The heat will relieve the tissues and a brief cold immersion will tone them up. The patient should take alternate hot and cold hip baths. These are of great value in relieving pain and reducing congestion.
A wet girdle pack is another valuable remedy in the realm of hydrotherapy which provides great relief in prostatitis and prostate enlargement. For this mode of treatment, thin cotton underwear and thick or woolen underwear are required. The thin underwear should be wrung in cold water and worn by the patient. The thick dry underwear should be worn above the wet underwear. This treatment should be continued for ninety minutes regularly every night. If the patient feels chilly, he should be covered with a blanket.
The patient should avoid sexual excess, irregularities in eating and drinking, long periods of sitting, and vigorous exercise. All efforts should be made to tone up the general condition of the body.
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Psoriasis
There are natural herbs and blood cleansing natural remedies which can prove as very useful alternative treatment for psoriasis. Psoriasis is one of the most stubborn skin diseases. It is a chronic disease, characterised by thick, red, silvery, scaled patches of the skin. This disease affects both sexes equally, and is more common during the first fifteen to thirty years, although it may appear at any age. Psoriasis is not contagious.
Causes and Symptoms of Psoriasis
Generally, the skin of the person suffering from this disease appears red and irritated and may be covered with bright silvery scales. Sometimes there is also a little itching. The areas usually involved are the elbows, knees, the skin behind the ears, the trunk, and the scalp. The disease may also affect the underarms and genital areas. The lesions vary in size from minute papules to sheets covering large parts of the body. Quite often, they are discs from half an inch to several inches in size. The lesions are always dry and rarely become infected.
Recent studies have shown that psoriasis involves an abnormality in the mechanism in which the skin grows and replaces itself. The abnormality is related to the metabolism of amino acids, the nature's basic building blocks for the reproduction of cell tissues. Heredity also plays a role in the development of psoriasis as it tends to occur in families. The factors that aggravate and precipitate the outbreak of this disease are physical and emotional stress, infections, and use of certain medicines for the treatment of other diseases.
Psoriasis Herbal Remedies
Psoriasis is a pitta-kapha disease. So the patient suffering from psoriasis shoudl avoid diet which has sour taste. All citrus fruits, oranges, lemons are not recommended. Tomatoes can be used occassionally but it's good if the person does not eat them. Ananas ( Pineapple), yogurt, Strawberries are also not recommended. Sweets are not recommended too. Also avoid softdrinks and alcohol. Try to avoid combining Sweet and sour tastes.hot and cold food.Sleep early in the night.
Coconut water is good, bitters are good, vegetables, salads (spinach, cucumbers and gourds are all good). Breathing exercises like Pranayama (Bhastrika Pranayama ) are excellent. Kapal Bhati is also excellent pranayama for psoriasis.
Cabbage Leaves: Cabbage leaves have been successfully used in the form of compresses in the treatment of psoriasis. The thickest and greenest outer leaves are most effective for use as compresses. They should be thoroughly washed in warm water and dried with a towel. The leaves should be flattened, softened and smoothed out by rolling them with a rolling pin after removing the thick veins. They should be warmed and then applied smoothly to the affected part in an overlapping manner. A pad of soft woolen cloth should be put over them. The whole compress should then be secured with an elastic bandage.
Bitter Gourd: Bitter gourd is a valuable remedy for psoriasis. A cup of fresh juice of this vegetable, mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice, should be taken sip by sip, on an empty stomach daily for four to six months.
Avocado Oil: The oil of avocado has been found beneficial in the treatment of this disease. It should be applied gently to the affected parts.
Cashewnut Oil: The oil extracted from the outer shell of the cashew nut is acrid and rubefacient. It can be applied beneficially on the affected area.
Buttermilk: The use of curd in the form of buttermilk has proved useful in psoriasis and the patient should drink it in liberal quantities. The application of buttermilk compresses over the affected parts will also be useful in treating this condition.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E therapy has been found effective in the treatment of psoriasis. The patient should take this vitamin in therapeutic doses of 400 mg a day. It will help reduce itching and scab formation.
Lecithin: Lecithin is also considered a remarkable remedy for psoriasis. The patient may take six to nine lecithin capsules a day-two or three capsules before or after each meal. If taken in the form of granules, four tablespoonfuls may be taken daily for two months. The dosage may be reduced thereafter to two tablespoons.
Diet in Psoriasis Since psoriasis is a metabolic disease, a cleansing juice fast for a week is always desirable at the beginning of the treatment Carrots, beets, cucumbers, and grapes may be used for juices. After the juice fast, the patient should adopt a well-balanced diet, consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. Emphasis should be placed on raw seeds and nuts, especially sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and plenty of organically grown raw vegetables and fruits. All animal fats, including milk, butter, eggs; refined or processed foods; foods containing hydrogenated fats or white sugar; all condiments; and tea and coffee should be avoided. When there is a substantial improvement, goat's milk, yoghurt, and home-made cottage cheese may be added to the diet. The juice fast may be repeated after a month or so.
Other Measures in Psoriasis
During the initial juice fast, a warm-water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowels. Frequent baths should be avoided. Soap should not be used. Regular sea-water baths and application of sea water externally over the affected parts once a day are beneficial. Hot Epsom salts baths also prove valuable in psoriasis. After an Epsom salts bath, a little olive oil may be applied. The skin should be kept absolutely clean by dry friction or daily sponging.
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Pyorrhoea- Pus in the Gums
Pyorrhoea, or periodontal disease, to give it a proper medical term, is a disease of the gums. It is one of the most widely prevalent diseases. It affects the membrane surrounding the roots of the teeth and leads to loosening of the teeth, pus formation, and shrinkage of the gum. This disease is the primary cause for tooth loss among adults.
Causes and Symptoms of Pyorrhoea
The gums become tender, and on pressing, pus oozes out along the margin of the teeth. Pus from the cavities continually finds its way into the stomach. When the disease is far advanced, the gums become swollen, and the stomach, being dosed with increasing quantities of pus, does not function properly. A sepsis may appear in various forms; digestion gets disturbed, liver trouble sets in, and the whole system is adversely affected.
Pyorrhoea is triggered by bacterial activity. A thin layer of harmful bacteria is continuously building up on our teeth. If it is not removed by tooth-cleansing, especially after meals, it forms an organised mass on the tooth surface in a short time. This is referred to as a 'bacterial plaque'. When accumulated, bacteria in plaque produce many toxins which irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed, tender, and prone to bleeding easily. The bacterial activity is, however, facilitated by the lowered vitality of the system. Other factors contributing to the development of pyorrhoea include injury to the gums and supporting structures by physical and chemical irritants in the mouth, incorrect brushing, stagnation of food particles, and improper use of tooth picks.
Herbal Remedies for Pyorrhoea
Guava:
Chewing unripe guava is an excellent tonic for the teeth and gums. It stops the bleeding from the gums due to its styptic effect and richness in vitamin C. Chewing the tender leaves of the guava tree also helps in curing bleeding from the gums and keeps the teeth healthy. A decoction of root-bark can also be beneficially used as a mouthwash for swollen gums.
Lemon and Lime:
The regular use of lemon and lime is useful in pyorrhoea due to their high vitamin C content. They strengthen the gums and teeth, and are very effective in preventing and curing acute inflammations of the gum margins.
Orange:
The use of orange has also been found beneficial in the treatment of pyorrhoea. This fruit should be eaten regularly and its skin rubbed over the teeth and gums. This will improve the condition.
Pomegranate Rind:Powder of the dry rind of pomegranate, mixed with pepper and common salt, can be applied as a very good dentifrice. Its regular application strengthens the gums, stops bleeding, and prevents pyorrhoea.
Spinach Juice:
The juice of raw spinach is another valuable remedy for the prevention and treatment of pyorrhoea because of its beneficial effect on the teeth and gums. This effect is greatly enhanced if spinach juice is taken in combination with carrot juice. Both spinach juice and carrot juice should be taken in quantities of 125 ml each daily. A permanent aid for this affliction has been found in the use of natural raw foods, and in drinking an' ample quantity of carrot and spinach juice.
Lettuce: Lettuce has proved useful in preventing pyorrhoea. The leaves of this vegetable should be chewed everyday immediately after meals for this purpose.
Wheat:Wheat is especially valuable in the prevention and treatment of pyorrhoea. Wheat chapatis are usually taken with other foods, and hence, the other food also gets chewed properly. This not only provides the needed exercise for the teeth and gum but also aids in digestion.
Diet in Pyorrhoea
The patient should begin the treatment with a short juice fast for three to five days. Oranges and carrots should be used for juices. After the juice fast, the patient should spend the next three to five days on an exclusive fresh fruit diet, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits. Thereafter he may gradually embark upon a balanced diet, with emphasis on fresh fruits, green salads, whole meal bread, properly cooked vegetables, cheese, nuts, and milk. White bread, white sugar, and all refined and tinned foods must be completely given up. Condiments, sauces, alcohol, coffee, and strong tea, as well as meat and other fresh foods should also be avoided.
Other Measures in Pyorrhoea
During the juice fast, the bowels should be cleansed daily with a warm-water enema. Daily dry friction and a hip bath, as well as breathing and other exercises, should form a part of the morning routine. A hot Epsom salts bath taken twice weekly will also be beneficial.
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PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is the condition where multiple cyst formation occurs in the ovaries. PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual cycle, excessive facial and body hair growth and. weight gain. An adult female suffering from PCOS may have problem in conceiving the child and it is one of the major reasons for infertility in women. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is also known as Stein- Leventhal Syndrome.
PCOS is mainly a lifestyle related disorder and thus can be improved by taking balanced diet and doing regular exercise.
HOME REMEDIES FOR PCOS
Tip 1: It’s very important for a female suffering from PCOS to maintain the low waist size as their body is susceptible to store more fats due to the inability to metabolize carbohydrates. A kind of insulin resistance develops in a patient of PCOS.
Tip 2: Foods that are low in glycemic index (low carbs) should be taken .For example: green leafy vegetables, pumpkin, Soya, mushroom, beans, apple, pear, plum, berries, apricot etc.
Tip 3: High glycemic index foods ( high carbs) should be avoided as potato, peas, carrots, lentils, mango, banana, grapes, melons, corn, milk and its products, rice, Maida, Suzy etc
Tip 4: Junk food should be avoided. High fiber diet should be taken
Tip 5: Flax seeds are very useful in PCOS as they contain omega 3 fatty acids.
Tip 6: Nuts as walnuts, almonds are also helpful.
Tip 7: Fats should be taken in restricted quantity.
Tip 8: Avoid overeating and takes smaller but frequent meals.
Tip 9: Avoid caffeinated drinks, smoking and alcohol.
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