Natural Remedies for Upset Stomach

Natural remedies for upset stomach due to indigestion are banana, ginger ale and mint tea. You should also make sure that you drink plenty of water.

An upset stomach could be due to a variety of reasons. Some of the common reasons are indigestion, motion sickness, food poisoning and heartburn. Indigestion could be due to greasy or oily food. Heartburn can also cause indigestion.

• You have to identify the cause of upset stomach. If a certain food is causing stomach upset you have to stop eating it.

• If the cause of upset stomach is indigestion then ginger candy, ginger ale or ginger tea would be a very effective cure.

• If it is due to heartburn then antacids can be taken.

• Take half a glass of water and add half tea spoon of baking soda and stir it well. Drink it two to three times at an interval 2-3 hours.

• Banana is a very good natural remedy for upset stomach.

• Mint tea is also a very good remedy.

• If the upset stomach is due to stress or emotional disturbance then take a hot bath and go to sleep.

• Another effective remedy is drinking butter milk with two teaspoons of amla powder added to it.

• Light exercises like walking is also good for the problem.

Food poisoning can cause upset stomach. Contaminated and unhygienic food could be the problem. If you are suffering from diarrhea, fluid intake has to be increased. If the fluid lost is not replaced it may cause dehydration.

Things that have to be avoided when you have an upset stomach are aspirin alcohol and cigarettes. Eat as little as possible. If you are hungry eat fruits and vegetables. They can be digested easily as the have fibers. Avoid all diary products including milk.

These are some of the natural remedies for upset stomach

Home Remedies for Conjunctivitis

Home remedies for conjunctivitis will reduce the pain and bring down the inflammation. Conjunctivitis is a very common eye disorder. This can affect adults as well as children. The condition causes the inflammation of the thin mucous membrane covering the white portion of the eyes called conjunctiva. One of the main causes of such a condition is bacteria. The other causes are allergens and viruses. The infection causes the expansion of the small blood vessels in the eyes. This results in red, swollen eyes. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. It also causes a white discharge from the eyes. The affected eye will experience itching and burning sensation.

Conjunctivitis Precautions

Several precautions have to be taken to stop the disease from spreading. Infected persons should not touch their eyes. They should wash their hands frequently. Conjunctivitis could be accompanied by watery eyes and runny nose. It has to be treated by a doctor. The eyes can be wiped with moist warm cloth to remove the gum like residue from the eyes. Avoid going to work or school till the disease is cured. Towels and handkerchiefs should not be shared. Through away tissues are preferable. It is also advisable to disinfect countertops, door knobs and sinks to stop conjunctivitis from spreading.

Conjunctivitis Treatment

A variety of remedies have been used to cure conjunctivitis over the years. Several home remedies are also used to treat conjunctivitis.

Antibiotics

If the disease is due to bacterial infection then antibiotics is the best solution.  The doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics, drops or ointment.

Anti Allergy Eye Drops

If conjunctivitis has been caused by allergens then anti allergy eye drops are used. At times steroid creams are also used to reduce inflammation.

Saline Eye drops

At times dust and dirt can get into the eyes and cause conjunctivitis. Saline eye drops are quite effective in such circumstances.

Home Remedies

1.  Keeping a cold bread slice over the eyes will help remove the excess fluid and reduce the itching.

2. Cold moist sterilized cotton can be used as cold compress to reduce itching and remove the discharge

3. Add a few drops of chamomile or lavender oil to warm water and use it as a warm compress. Use a clean cloth for the compress. The cloth can be sterilized using a pressure cooker. The cloth has to be used only once. 

4. Add a few drops of baby shampoo to water and wash your eyes with it

5. Cold chamomile tea bags can be kept on the eyes for immediate relief.

Home remedies for conjunctivitis will help to provide immediate relief and reduce the symptoms.

Uses of Neem Plant

Neem plant has several uses. Both neem oil and leaves have medicinal properties  

Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree. A majority of the Ayurvedic remedies contain neem oil. It is being used for its insecticidal and medicinal properties for thousands of years in India. It also has wide ranging uses in medicine and cosmetics.

Neem  Plant

            Source: Wikimedia Commons:  Thamizhpparithi Maari                          

Chicken pox and Warts

Neem leaves are used in the treatment of chicken pox and warts. It is made into a paste and directly applied to the skin. Water soaked with neem leaves is used for bathing. 

Tooth Paste 

In the earlier days neem twigs were used as tooth brush in India. Now neem toothpaste is available in the market. It is very useful in combating tooth decay. 

Fertilizer and Pesticide

The residual cake that remains after extracting oil from the seeds is used as a fertilizer and pesticide. It is an excellent organic fertilizer. It is also a very good insecticide. 

Neem Oil

Neem oil is used to prevent hair loss

  

It is also good for the scalp. 

It is used as a moisturizer. 

It is an excellent antiseptic. 

When applied to insect and bug bites it helps to reduce the pain. 

It has a very strong odor and used as a mosquito repellent

It is used in the manufacture of soaps and shampoos.

Ointments containing neem oil are used for lice, scabies, ring worm and athletes foot. 

A combination of hair oil with neem oil is very good for the hair as it kills bacteria. It also helps to get rid of dandruff and is good for itchy scalp

It is used to cure scalp infections.

Neem Leaves

Eating raw neem leaves is good for diabetes. Fresh neem leaf paste is used in the treatment of acne. 

Neem leaf soap has anti fungal and anti parasitic properties. It is also good for treating acne. Neem leaves are boiled in water. Then the water is cooled and applied on acne. 

Capsules made from leaf extract are helpful in purifying blood. 

Neem leaf paste is used as face mask to cure pimples and acne

Dried neem leaf powder helps to keep the insects away from cupboards and bookshelves. 

Neem leaf is used as a natural eczema remedy. Its anti fungal and anti bacterial properties keep the bacteria from entering the skin.

These are some of the uses of neem plant

Improve Vision Naturally With Eye Exercises

It is possible to improve your vision naturally. Eye exercises to improve your vision are an effective method and produce quick results. 

Many people go through life resigned to wearing glasses and contact lenses. Very few people know that it is possible to improve vision naturally with eye exercises

Exercise 1

Rub both your palms to generate heat. Keep your eyes shut and cover it with your palms. But do not apply any pressure on the eye balls. The fingers should be close together, so that no light is allowed through. Repeat this eye exercise several times a day. This will help because darkness helps the eyes to relax.

Exercise 2

Staring constantly at the TV screen or computer, you may not blink often. Eyes have to be kept moist always. Eyes can be kept moist by blinking frequently. This helps the eyes to relax. Blinking often is one of the important eye exercises.

Exercise 3

Sit on a chair and look straight ahead. Move your eyeballs slowly upwards and bring it down. Repeat this eye exercise few times. Then move the eyeballs from left to right similarly.

Exercise 4

Hold a small object like pencil at a distance of two feet from the eyes. Keep looking at it constantly. Then bring it near your brow. Repeat this eye exercise several times.

Exercise 5

Hold your eyes shut for a minute and open it. Repeat this eye exercise several times.

Exercise 6

Focus your vision on a distant object. Then bring it back to a nearby object. Repeat this eye exercise several times.

Exercise 7

Bring your focus to the center of your eye brows. Then bring it down slowly. Repeat this eye exercise several times.

Following the above routine it is possible to improve vision naturally with eye exercises.

Bright lights damage your vision. Use dim lights as and when possible. Reduce the brightness of your TV and computer screens to the minimum. Foods like carrots, blueberries, apricots, and green vegetables are good for the eyes. Fish contains omega 3 fatty acids. Cold water fishes like tuna, salmon and haddock are beneficial to the eyes.

Improve Eyesight with Food: Carrots

It is possible to improve vision with food. Carrots, garlic and spinach are some of the important foods That can help to improve eyesight.  
                                                                                                                                              Generally people try to improve their vision using corrective glasses or contact lens. Several foods help to improve your vision naturally. These foods are easily available in the grocery stores. Including them in your diet will help to improve your eyesight.  Carrots are an important example of a food to improve eyesight. Even certain eye exercises help to improve vision and help you to get rid of glasses permanently in certain cases. 

Carrots for Eyesight

It is very well known that carrots are anti-oxidants and contain beta carotenes. They reduce the chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Carrots are known to regenerate eye cells and improve eyesight. Beta carotene is converted to Vitamin A by the liver. Vitamin A is very good for eyesight. It improves night vision. 

Garlic

If the eyesight is affected by poor blood circulation, garlic helps to improve the circulation. Garlic is a natural blood thinner. Garlic also contains sulfur which strengthens the eye lenses and keeps them resilient. It is recommended to eat fresh garlic as is more potent before it is cooked.

Eggs

Eggs also contain sulfur, omega-3 fatty acids and lutein which helps to strengthen optic nerves. They protect the eye lenses as they are anti-oxidants. Whether you like eggs boiled or scrambled they help to protect your eyesight. They help to delay macular degeneration. Regular consumption of eggs is known to prevent cataract. They also contain zinc and vitamin B which are essential for overall health of the eyes and eyesight.

Papaya

Papaya contains vitamin A, vitamin C which are very helpful for the overall health of the eyes as they prevent age related macular degeneration. Regular eating of papaya helps to improve eyesight.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits contain vitamin C which is essential to prevent macular degeneration. They also protect the eyes from cataracts, infections and hence are good for the eyesight.


Tomatoes

Whether you like raw tomatoes or tomato soap it will help to improve your eyesight. Tomatoes are known to contain beta carotene and lutein that help to prevent macular degeneration.

Salmon

Salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains vitamin A and vitamin D in abundance. Servings of salmon 2-3 times a week is very good for the health of the eyes.

Dark chocolates

Dark chocolates are excellent anti-oxidants. They contain flavanoids which are helpful in protecting eye blood vessels and hence the cornea and the lens. Antioxidants are very good for eyesight.

Leafy green vegetables

Leafy green vegetables broccoli and spinach are very good for the eyes as they are very good anti-oxidants. They also have an abundance of vitamins and minerals which are essential for the overall health of the eyes.
All these foods are good for the heath of the eyes and improvement of eyesight.

Ways of Reducing High Blood Pressure with Diet

Besides medication diet can help to reduce high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables should be an important part of diet.

People suffering from hypertension need to be cautious about what they eat. Sodium content in the food has to be reduced as it tends to clog up the arteries and adds strain to the heart. There are several high blood pressure diet plans. 

Breakfast 

Fruits such as banana, apple and pineapple are ideal for breakfast and snacks. Some of the other foods that can be taken at the breakfast are oats, bread, low fat milk and tea. Fruits contain vitamins and are well known anti oxidants. Some people drink carrot juice early in the morning. It contains beta carotene and regulates heart function and kidneys. It also has a high content of potassium which is good for the heart. Lemon juice is very good to contain hypertension. Papaya eaten on empty stomach every morning is likely to bring down blood pressure. 

Lunch

Whole wheat Tortilla, steamed vegetables and brown rice are recommended for lunch. Ayurveda recommends eggs and meat should be completely avoided. Pickles should be avoided at all costs as it contains salt. Hydrogenated oils should also be avoided. 

Dinner 

Salad of raw vegetables and green gram sprouts are recommended for dinner. Vegetable soup is also good. High calorie foods like chips and cookies have to be replaced with fruits for snacks.

Saffron is an expensive spice. It is extensively used in Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine to treat heart medicines and digestive disorders. It has chemical called crocetin which helps to reduce hypertension. A pinch of saffron mixed to the food would be beneficial.

Things to avoid for High Blood Pressure

Alcohol

Alcohol in limited quantities can help to reduce the risk developing high blood pressure. But people already suffering from high blood pressure should avoid alcohol.  

Saturated Fats 

Saturated fats are bad for the heart and blood vessels. They also increase the blood. Very small amounts of fat should be included in a blood pressure diet.

These are some of the ways of reducing high blood pressure with diet. 

Natural Sleep Remedies for Good Sleep

There are several natural remedies for good sleep. Exercise, aromatherapy and music are some of the important remedies. 
  
Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia) is a major problem. A good sleep is one of the best ways to rejuvenate the body and mind. Six hours of sleep are absolutely essential every day. Failure to get good sleep may cause health and psychological problems. One major factor that influences sleeplessness is stress. Regular habits can serve as natural sleep remedies for good sleep.

- Go to bed and getup at from the bed at a regular time

- Don’t go to bed unless you feel sleepy

- Don’t keep the TV in your bedroom

- Don’t use the bedroom for activities like reading and eating

- Don’t take short naps during the day

- Don’t eat heavily before you go to sleep   Don’t drink alcohol or coffee at least 3 hours before you go to sleep

- Keep the bedroom dark

- Remove all the sources of light and distracting noise

- Remove all sources of electronic devices and computers and electric blankets

-Ensure good air circulation in the room

- Keep the bed and blankets clean

Rhythmic drumming is said to create hypnotic effect and induce sleep. Yoga and relaxing music are also known to aid sleep. Regular exercises, aroma therapy and certain herbal teas help to serve as natural sleep remedies for good sleep.

Some herbs like valerian are used as a remedy for insomnia. It is available as an OTC medication without prescription in several countries. English lavender is used as aromatherapy to induce sleep.

There are several sleeping aids that can be used as natural sleep remedies.   Sleep Phone is one such aid. Sleep Phone is a soft headband with built in headphones which provide soft music continuously when you sleep. The music acts like a lullaby to induce sleep.

Home Made Face Cleansers

Home made face cleansers are very soft on the skin. There are several recipes make natural face cleansers at home. It may take some time and effort to prepare them. But it is worth the trouble. They would not contain any of the chemicals that commercial products have. It would also be much cheaper to prepare them at home.  Even soap can be harsh on the skin as it removes the essential natural oils. 


Oatmeal Face Cleanser  
                                                                                                          Cooked oatmeal has to be mixed with yogurt to make a paste. This paste should be spread over the face except the eyes. It has to be washed of after 15 minutes. 2-3 tsp of honey can be mixed with this combination. Honey is a natural skin toner.


Milk Lime Face Cleanser


Milk, lime juice, orange juice, cucumber and pineapple can be mixed together and made into a paste. Sugar and water can be added to it. This mixture can be used effective every day as a face cleanser.


Banana Facial Cleanser


Mashed banana also makes very good cleanser. Put banana in a blender.  Add a tsp of honey and make a paste. This can be applied to the face and washed off after fifteen minutes.


Almond Oil Facial Cleanser
                        
Almond oil is an extremely effective face cleanser. It can used on any type of skin.  Almond oil has to be applied to the dry skin without wetting it. It would be good be take steam directly on the face after 15 minutes.  Otherwise the face can be wiped with a wet cloth. Almond oil mixed with sugar also makes an excellent facial scrub. It can also get rid of circles under the eye and crows feet. Almond oil is also very used for face massage. It removes the dead cells, prevents aging and is soothing and relaxing.


Avocado Facial Cleanser


A peeled avocado, a cup of coconut milk and a tea spoon of honey will have to be mixed in a blender. Apply it to the face. Wash the face after fifteen minutes. This is also very effective face cleanser.


These home made face cleansers can not only be prepared easily but also quite economical. Using these cleansers would definitely make your face glow. 

Nutrition Value of Banana and Health Benefits

Banana has a high nutrition value. Its health benefits are numerous. It is useful for skincare, hypertension and heartburn

Banana is a tropical weather fruit with high nutritional benefits. It is plucked when it is green and acquires a yellow color as it ripens and is a cheap high energy food. Banana is rich in digestible sugars which are released to the blood stream and helps to keep the energy levels high. It is a very good remedy for constipation, diarrhea and dysentery.

Banana  
                                        Source : Wikimedia Commons- Marlith                                          

Banana for Nutrition

Banana is rich in dietary fibers and easy to digest. It also helps keep blood sugar levels under check. It provides instant energy. Athletes and other sports persons use it to combat exhaustion and improve performance. It promotes calcium absorption and is very good for the health of the bones. It is rich in vitamin C and improves immunity of the body against diseases. It is also rich in minerals like copper, manganese and magnesium. It helps to improve the production of red blood cells. It is an antioxidant and slows down the aging process. It is one of the best sources of potassium.

Banana for Hypertension

Banana is rich in potassium and helps to reduce sodium levels in the body. As exercise reduces potassium levels in the body, banana helps to restore them. Enzyme contained in the fruit is said to reduce hypertension. It is also very good for gastritis, acidity and peptic ulcer. It stimulates mucus production by the stomach lining. Banana is iron rich and helps to fight iron deficiency.

Banana Face Pack

Banana is also used as a cosmetic. Hot honey combines with mashed banana to make a paste. The combination is used as a face pack. Another recipe for face pack is a paste made of mashed banana, honey, curds, yogurt and egg white. It keeps the skin soft glowing and healthy. Banana peel is also a very good remedy for a variety of skin conditions. It has a very soothing effect on the inflamed lesions of the dreadful skin disease psoriasis. It is used to treat acne. Only ripe banana has to be used for skincare

Banana for Teeth Whitening

Rubbing banana skin on the teeth makes them sparkling white. Banana contains potassium, magnesium are manganese are absorbed by the teeth to whiten them.

It increases the hemoglobin content in the body and is recommended for anemia. It can also reduce the chance of strokes. Rubbing banana skin on mosquito bites reduces the irritation. It is also helpful to get rid of warts.

Banana for Heartburn

A fully ripe banana can act as a barrier against stomach acid and is a remedy for heartburn. However unripe green banana can aggravate the problem.

Ripe mashed banana is used to treat wounds and reduces the chance of scars. It is a stress buster and has a soothing effect on the nervous system. As it is soft and smooth, it can be eaten safely by people having ulcers. Ripe bananas can be mashed and made into bread or cake.

Banana has a high nutritional value and provides immense health benefits.

Ways to Increase Your Metabolism

There are several ways to speed up metabolism and reduce weight.  Metabolism could be explained as the rate at which the body burns calories. Body burns calories 24 hours a day. Metabolism starts to slow down after the age of thirty. A combination of right foods, exercise and other activities help to keep up the metabolism rate.


Morning has to start with a good breakfast. Carbohydrates, bread and fruit will be ideal for the breakfast. In the morning as we start to work, we burn more calories. As the day progresses we need reduce the food intake. Eating small quantities of food at short intervals will help the digestive system to work more efficiently. Far less fat will be stored in the body. Drinking sufficient quantities of water is an absolute must to speed up your metabolism .


Some foods carry less calories and it takes the body more calories to burn them. Vegetables, fruits contain fiber that is easy to digest. A combination of fruits and cold yogurt would be excellent as the body burns up a quite few calories to bring it to its own temperature. Leafy vegetables also help digestion and carry fewer calories.


It would be better to split the exercise routine to three or four times a day. If you are walking for an hour daily, three 20 minute walks are preferable. Body fats are burnt long time after exercising. To burn off the existing additional fat in the body cardio vascular training and strength exercises are necessary. When the body needs energy it breaks the carbohydrates first, then fats and protein.


Green tea has fat burning properties. Many diet pills contain green tea. Eat 5-6 small meals a day instead of three times. This helps the body to burn energy better instead of storing it as fat. Reduce eating sweets and consuming sugary drinks.


These are some of the ways to increase your metabolism

How to Prevent Blood Clots Naturally

Certain foods can help to prevent blood clots naturally. Some of those foods that can prevent blood clots are garlic, ginger and salmon


Blood clots are the result of long periods of inactivity. People who travel by air or car for long periods are prone to blood clots. Blood clots can form in any part of the body and travel to the brain to cause a stroke. They can also cause heart attacks. Whenever we cut our skin blood oozes out. When we press and hold it blood coagulates and the bleeding stops. But the blood has to be in liquid form inside the body. Blood clot is also known as thrombus. Heredity is also an important factor in the formation of blood clots. Some people are more predisposed to blood clots than the others. People with varicose veins have greater chance of a blood clot than the others.


One of the precautions to be taken by people who are predisposed to have blood clots is that they have to keep their legs at a higher level when they sleep by raising the bottom posts of their beds or keeping pillows below their feet. Compressions stockings are a good blood clot remedy. They put pressure on the veins and help in reducing the chances of a blood clot. If a blood clot moves to lungs it is indicated by shortness of breath or pain. The drugs used in dissolving a blood clot are Heparin and Warfarin.


Garlic for Blood Clots


Garlic is a herb which is commonly used in Indian cooking. It has several medicinal properties. It contains two chemicals allicin, a natural antibiotic and ajoene. These two chemicals help to reduce the blood cholesterol levels. It is also a natural blood thinner which helps the prevention of clots. Three cloves of garlic should be taken every day.


Ginger for Blood Clots

Ginger is common herb which is used in Indian cooking. This has several medicinal properties. The root of the plant helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels. It also removes the plaque inside arteries, reducing the chances of a blood clot.


Omega-3 Fatty Acids


Fish like salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids. Including these foods in your diet, helps to prevent blood clots. Flax seed and walnuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids


Regular exercise and moderate diet are also recommended. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and other foods with high fiber content. Foods rich in vitamin C are also very useful. Quitting smoking and reducing obesity are also very important. Drinking plenty of water is a must.


Other blood clot remedies are foods which are rich in salcylates like cinnamon, dill, turmeric, licorice and peppermint. Fruits rich in salcylates are oranges, strawberries, blueberries, grapes and raisins also help to prevent clots.