What are the Causes of Dry Skin: Natural Remedies

There are several causes of dry skin. Dry skin could cause itchiness and irritation. Other factors include aging, overall heath condition and heredity. In the winter, low temperatures and humidity cause dry skin. Several natural remedies are available to cure the condition. 

Causes of Dry Skin

Bathing

Bathing results in removal of oils from the skin which may cause dryness. If you feel that your skin is tight after the bath it could be due to the excessive removal of natural skin oils. 

Harsh Soaps

One of the major reasons of dry skin is the frequent application of harsh soaps. Soap acts as an emulsifier and removes the natural oils from the skin. More oil is removed from the skin, if you take bath more frequently. This results in dry skin. 

Drugs

Certain drugs for hypertension, allergies and asthma may cause dry skin. Diseases like eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriases and hyperthyroidism are the other reasons.

Inadequate use of moisturizers and certain types of clothing may also result in dry skin. Synthetic materials and wool are the main culprits. 

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol without drinking enough water can cause dry skin. Alcohol is a diuretic which drains the body of its water content. 

Remedies for Dry Skin

- It is essential to keep the body hydrated. Drink lots of water. It is advisable to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.

- Add a teaspoon of almond oil to a glass of water and drink it before going to bed.

- Honey is a very good natural moisturizer. Apply honey all over your body and take bath after 15 minutes.              

- Cleopatra used to take bath in donkey’s milk. As donkey’s milk may not be available, apply cow’s milk generously all over your body and let it soak for a while, before taking bath.

- Petroleum jelly (vaseline)is a very good moisturizer. You can apply it to your face, hands and feet. 

Vaseline:Wikimedia Commons

- Glycerin is one of the best known moisturizers. 3-4 tbsp of glycerin can mixed with water in the bathtub. 

- Avocado oil is also a very good remedy. You can even make avocado paste and apply it all over your body. 

- Use mild soaps. Glycerin soaps would be better. 

- Hot water dries up the skin. So take bath in warm water.

- Omega 3 fatty acids are very good for moisturizing the skin. Include a fish like salmon which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids in your diet.

- Apply mashed banana all over your body and take bath after 15 minutes. It can also be used as a face pack. 

- For cracked heels banana skin is a very good remedy. 

These are some of the causes and natural remedies for dry skin. 

Natural Remedies for Throat Infection

Throat infection is caused by virus or bacteria. Viral throat infection which is caused by a virus as the name itself suggests is more contagious. The most common types of bacterial throat infections are strep throat and mycoplasma. Strep throat is caused by bacteria called streptococcus. It infects the oral pharynx and tonsils. Symptoms of throat infection are

• Pain or irritation of the throat
• Low grade fever
• Difficulty in swallowing food and liquids
• Throat redness
• Cough

Treatment of Throat Infection


Throat infection is generally treated with antibiotics. However antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infection. The most commonly used antibiotics to treat strep throat are amoxicillin and clindamycin. Some pain killers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are also used. Viral throat infection should not be treated with antibiotics. 


Some of these medications can lead to side effects. A variety of home remedies exist for throat infection which are equally effective but would not cause any side effects. These natural remedies for throat infection stimulate the immune system to fight bacteria. 


Throat Infection Precautions


When you have throat infection it is necessary take rest and keep yourself hydrated. You have to keep away from tobacco smoke and alcohol vapors which may irritate the throat and lungs.

Herbal Remedies for Throat Infection


Several natural remedies can help to get rid of sore throat

• Different types of herbal tea can provide relief from the symptoms of sore throat. Licorice and chamomile tea provide relief from throat irritation. Chamomile tea has analgesic properties. It also prevents dehydration.

• Take a glass of warm water. Add some honey and lemon juice to it. Drinking this mixture will provide relief from the throat pain and irritation.

• Add cumin seeds and a few pieces of garlic to a glass of water and boil it. Drink it when it is lukewarm. 

• Cinnamon is a very effective remedy for sore throat. Take a glass of hot water and add a teaspoon each of cinnamon, honey and black pepper. Consume small sips of the liquid at regular intervals. 

• Sage is a herb used to treat pharyngitis and other types of sore throat in the form of tincture. It reduces the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat.

• To reduce the discomfort you can drink a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric added to it. 

• Apple cider vinegar helps to treat the bacterial infection and reduce the inflammation. Add a tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey to warm water. Drink it at regular intervals, holding is as long as possible in the throat before swallowing it. 

• Cut a ginger root to small pieces and boil it in a cup of water. Add two teaspoons of honey and sip it slowly. 

• Goldenseal root will provide relief from throat inflammation. Add a teaspoon of goldenseal root to half liter of water and boil it. Drink the mixture at regular intervals.

Gargle For Throat Infection

• One of the most commonly used remedies is salt water gargle. 

• Add some fenugreek seeds to water and boil it for some time. This can be used to gargle when it cools down. 

• Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to water and boil it. Gargling this will not only provide relief but also cure the inflammation

• Wheatgrass juice is quite effective in treating throat infection. It contains chlorophyll which helps to reduce the inflammation and pain. 

These are some of the natural remedies for throat infection which will help to cure the disease without any side effects.