Natural Remedies for a Burn

Burns are very common. Certain natural remedies can help to heal a burn fast. You may burn your fingers when you’re cooking. First degree burns are generally superficial. They affect only the top layer of the skin (epidermis). This may cause blisters, swelling and redness of the skin. Second degree burns will penetrate to the dermis, the second layer of the skin. Third degree burns will destroy the skin completely and may damage the underlying muscles. It can result in scarring.

Aloe Vera Plant

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Erin Silversmith

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy for burns. Just cut a aloe vera leaf with a knife and squeeze the gel to the affected skin. It will reduce the pain and the burning sensation. According to the New York Times, a group of surgeons studied the effects of Aloe Vera on burns. They concluded that aloe vera could make a difference when applied to first degree burns.  However second and third degree burns require medical attention.

How to Treat Burns

The burnt area should be washed with cold water. Don’t use ice, as it may aggravate the problem

Open a capsule of vitamin E and apply the oil on the affected area. Consuming vitamin A and vitamin E can also heal the burn quickly.

Potato Skin

Potato skin can replace bandages in treating burns. Dr. Narayana a plastic surgeon of Jubilee Medical College in Kerala (India) says that potato skin is not sticky and heals the wound fast. It helps to keep the wound moist and can be peeled of easily. Water evaporates from the burn wound quickly, making it dry. Potato peel helps to prevent this. The ability of the potato peel to keep the wound moist, helps to heal the burn wounds faster.

Bandage

It is advisable to put burn wounds under cold water for about 5 minutes. Then the skin can be covered with sterile bandage. This can help to reduce the pain and irritation. You can also take pain killers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

It is necessary to keep the wound as clean as possible to prevent infection. Several OTC creams for burns are available. One of these can be applied to the affected area.

Alternately you can apply an antibiotic cream on the burn wound to prevent infection. You should use a non stick cotton bandage to cover the wound. It is necessary to change the bandage every day. Blisters should not be broken as they prevent infection.

Don’t apply butter, oil or Vaseline on the burn, as the burn requires moisture to heal.

Vinegar

Dilute vinegar can be applied on minor burns. As vinegar is acidic it helps prevent infection. After the application of vinegar, cover the wound with a sterile cloth.

To Treat Burn Scars

Aloe vera gel is quite useful in minimizing scarring due to burn. Apply aloe vera gel on the scar 3-4 times every day.

Papaya is also effective in minimizing the scars. Rub ripe papaya fruit chunk on the affected skin several times a day.

Paste made from Fuller’s earth helps to fade the scars. Add a tbsp of lemon juice and some rose water to make a paste. Apply the paste and wash it off after ten minutes. Repeat the process 3-4 times a day. 

If the burn is serious consult a doctor immediately. It is extremely important to prevent infection.

Home Remedies for Hangover

Get Rid of Hangover Fast -  Several home remedies for hangover are available. Heavy breakfast, honey and peppermint tea are some of the remedies

It is better to prevent a hangover than cure it. Excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks should be avoided. Here are home remedies for hangover.

Ways to Prevent a Hangover

Hangover is the result of dehydration which may cause dry mouth and headache. Drink generous quantities of water between your drinks. If you had a peg or two more, drink a glass of water before you go to bed. A large glass of lemonade is even better as vitamin C is a very good cure for hangover.

Source:Wikimedia Commons: Tomas er

Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Make sure that you have a few snacks before you start to drink. Some snacks along with the drinks would also be of help.

Shower for Hangover

Take a shower as soon as you wake up. Warm water on the head will help you to get over the after effects of your drinks.

Banana for Hangover

Banana is an excellent home remedy for a hangover. It neutralizes the diuretic effect of alcohol by replenishing the lost potassium. As banana contains 75% water it also replenishes the water lost. It also contains vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Vitamins help to neutralize the effect of alcohol and prevent liver damage.

Gin and Vodka

Clear alcoholic drinks like gin and vodka are less likely to cause a hangover than colored drinks like whiskey, red wine, rum and bourbon. Stick to the same alcoholic drink always. Mixing them or changing them often is not advisable. The body adapts more easily to a single drink.

The major reason for hangover besides alcoholic dehydration is late nights. Getting plenty of sleep will help you to recover from the after effects.

Some people believe drinking more alcohol will help to prevent a hangover. But greater levels of alcohol in the blood will prolong the problem.

Breakfast for Hangover

Heavy breakfast is an excellent home remedy for hangover. Eating a heavy breakfast next morning will help you to get rid of the hangover. Fatty and greasy foods like grilled cheese sandwich, bacon, and eggs will be of great help. 

Honey for Hangover

Honey is a very good home remedy for hangover. Take 2 tsp of honey as soon as you wake up. Repeat it every half an hour. Honey contains fructose which helps to metabolize alcohol quickly.

Peppermint Tea

Add 2 tsp of peppermint herb to boiling water and steep it for 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink it.

Exercise for Hangover

Exercise is a very good neutralizer for hangover. Drink two full glasses of water and take a walk.  You can even go for swimming, cycling or jogging.

Don’ts

-      Don’t drink coffee as caffeine may aggravate the problem.

-      Aspirin, ibuprofen and Tylenol may multiply the problem several fold.

These are some of the home remedies hangover

Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Methods to Get Rid of Throat Pain    
                                                                                                                                                                         Salt water gargle, apple cider vinegar, ginger and honey are some of the home remedies for sore throat.
                                                                                                                                                               

When you have a sore throat you feel extremely uncomfortable. You experience throat pain and difficulty to swallow. Some of the major causes of sore throat are virus, bacteria or fungus. A variety of illnesses like laryngitis, pharyingitis, and tonsillitis can also cause sore throat. It is a very common problem. Several home remedies for sore throat are available.

Salt Water Gargle

Salt water gargle very common home remedy for sore throat. Add a tbsp of common salt to a glass of warm water. Gargle this once every two hours. Salt is a disinfectant and warm water helps to get rid of phlegm in the throat.

Turmeric and Milk

Turmeric and milk is another good home remedy for sore throat. You can add a tbsp of turmeric and honey to hot water and drink it quickly. The water should be sufficiently hot but should not singe your throat. You can drink this 3-4 times a day.

Licorice Root

Tea made from licorice root has been used as home remedy for sore throat for a long time. Add 5 gm of licorice root to a glass water and boil it. Drink it several times a day. Licorice root helps to soothe the mucous membranes of the throat. It also has the properties of an expectorant and helps ease the symptoms of cough and congestion.

Cinnamon and Milk

Take a glass of milk and add

1 tsp of honey

1 tbsp of sugar

2 pinches of baking soda

Boil the mixture. And drink it when it is hot but not hot enough scald to your throat.

Instead of baking soda Cinnamon can be added to the combination of milk, sugar and honey. It is also very effective in providing relief.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Take a glass of water. Heat it till it become warm. Add

1 tsp Powdered black pepper

2 tsp Honey

2 tsp Apple cider vinegar

You can gargle with this liquid once every 2 hours till you get rid of the sore throat.

Ginger tea

Ginger is a very good remedy for sore throat. Take a glass of water. Add

4 slices of fresh ginger

1 tbsp of honey

1 tsp of lemon juice

Boil the water. You can drink the concoction several times a day or use it for gargling.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm bark is another good home remedy for sore throat. Slippery elm is a tree that grows in North America. The bark of the tree can be powdered and added to water.  Drinking this liquid helps to soothe the inflammation of the mucous membranes.

All these remedies are quite safe and effective. Avoid smoking when you have sore throat. Also avoid cold food and drinks. You should have plenty of rest which helps to fight infection. Even if you are on antibiotics these home remedies will help to speed up the healing process.

These are some of the home remedies for sore throat. 

How to Dissolve Kidney Stones Naturally

Kidney stones are generally made up of a substance called calcium oxalate.  Certain other types of kidney stones also exist. They are cystine, uric acid and struvite. They are hard and have a sharp crystalline structure. They could be small or even grow up to the size of a golf ball. Small stones may pass out of the urinary tract unnoticed. But the larger stones can cause excruciating pain. They can even block the passage of urine. Several methods are available to dissolve the kidney stones naturally.

Reasons for the Formation of Kidney Stones

There are several reasons for the formation of the kidney stones. Some of the  common reasons are

- Not drinking enough water. The uric acid in the kidney gets concentrated leading to the formation of kidney stones

- Certain diseases like hyperthyroidism, Crohn’s disease, renal tuberculosis and urinary tract infections can cause the formation of kidney stones.

- Hereditary factors

- Diet can also be a reason for the formation of kidney stones.

- Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, spices, sugar products, meat and condiments

Symptoms  of kidney stones

- Severe pain in the groin

- Passing blood in the urine

- Pus cells in the urine

- Reduction in the amount of urine

- Burning sensation while urinating

Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones

Water kidney stones

It is essential to drink at least two liters of water a day. This helps to dilute the levels of uric acid and prevent the formation of kidney stones.  Drinking coconut water also helps to flush out small stones from the kidney

Lemon kidney stones

Squeeze two fresh lemons in a liter of water. Add two tbsp of raw honey. You can mix it well in a blender. Consume small quantities of the liquid at regular intervals. You can also drink this early in the morning on empty stomach. A tsp of olive oil can be added to this. Lemon dissolves the kidney stones and reduces their size. Olive oil lubricates the stones and makes their passage out of the system easier.

Watermelon kidney stones

Watermelon has a very high water content. It also contains potassium salts. It is a diuretic which helps to increase the quantity of urine. Even water melon seeds have properties of a diuretic. Boil water melon seeds in hot water. Strain it and drink it at regular intervals. This not only flushes out the kidney stones but also prevents further formation.

Pomegranate Juice kidney stones

Pomegranate has several health benefits. It is considered to be a diuretic. Pomegranate can be eaten raw or taken in the form of juice. It will help to decrease the acidity of the urine. It also helps to dissolve the small stones.

Basil Juice kidney stones

Basil juice acts as a tonic for the kidney and is very good for its heath. Take a tsp of basil juice with a tsp of raw honey daily for six months.  This will help to dissolve and expel the kidney stones.

These are some of the methods to dissolve the kidney stones naturally and expel them. 

Related Articles

Kidney Stones: Causes and Remedies

Tomato juice is a very good natural remedy for kidney stones. Boiling figs in water and drinking it regularly also helps to get rid of them. 

Stopping Diarrhea Naturally

Diarrhea is caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites and even by medications. It is possible to stop diarrhea naturally. The symptoms of diarrhea are frequent watery bowel movements. Certain illnesses like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease could also cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause abdominal pain, stomach cramps and blood in the stools. Several natural diarrhea remedies for quick relief are available.

Drinking Water for Diarrhea

When you are suffering from diarrhea, your body loses water and electrolytes. It is necessary to drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day to replenish the loss. Drink oral re-hydration solutions that contain salts and electrolytes that are sold in the pharmaceutical shops.

Banana for Diarrhea

Banana is a very effective remedy for diarrhea. Banana is rich in potassium and pectin. The loss of electrolytes from the body can be made up by the fruit. Potassium helps the stomach to relax. Intestine has certain beneficial bacteria. Banana contains a soluble fiber called in inulin. It helps to promote the beneficial bacteria in the intestine.

      Psyllium Seed Husk

          Source:  Wikimedia Commons: Bastique 

Psyllium Seed Husk for Diarrhea

Psyllium seed husk is used as dietary fiber. It is rich in soluble fiber and absorbs lots of water and makes the stools firmer. It is a very good intestinal cleanser. It is good for a variety of intestinal disorders. It helps to stabilize the bowel movements.

Brown Rice for Diarrhea

Brown rice is a good natural diarrhea remedy. It is rich in dietary fibers. Whole wheat toast is also a very good remedy. Toast and rice are low carbohydrate foods and help to get rid of the symptoms.

Apple Sauce for Diarrhea

Apple sauce is a very effective remedy for diarrhea. It helps to firm up the liquid bowel movements.

Chamomile Tea for Diarrhea

Chamomile tea is made from the flowers of the plant. It helps to reduce the intestinal inflammation and provide relief.

Peppermint Teafor Diarrhea

Peppermint tea soothes the gastrointestinal system and helps to provide relief from the spasms.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Diarrhea

Apple cider vinegar has a high pectin content which soothes lining of the colon, acting as protective coat. Add three tsp of apple cider vinegar to water and drink it three times a day.

Diet for Diarrhea

When you are suffering from diarrhea you should take foods which are easily digestible. Properly cooked carrots can be included in the diet. You can include bananas, white rice, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, white toast, yogurt, blueberries and steamed chicken. If your are allergic to certain foods they have to be avoided.

Foods to Avoid for Diarrhea

Certain fruit juices and soft drinks have to be avoided as they are hard to digest. Also avoid apple and pear juice. You should abstain from drinking coffee and alcohol. Oil rich and spicy foods should also be avoided.

These are some of the natural diarrhea remedies for quick relief.

Foods to Increase Metabolism

There are several foods to increase metabolism. Metabolism refers to the processes in our body which are required to maintain life. These processes lead to our growth and reproduction of cells. They are divided into two categories catabolism and anabolism.  Metabolism determines what food is nutritious to our body and what food is poisonous. Low metabolic rate could lead to ill health. The metabolic rate is extremely important for good health. 

Water to Increase Metabolism

One important natural metabolism booster is water. Water suppresses hunger and boosts the rate of metabolism. It is necessary to drink water at regular intervals right through the day.  Water also helps to flush out all the toxins from the body.  Drinking water also reduces the pangs of hunger. It is essential to drink at least two liters of water a day.

Vegetables boost Metabolism

Several vegetables help to boost metabolism and convert food to energy efficiently. Some of these vegetables are leafy greens like turnip greens, spinach, kale and collard greens. They help the blood cells to transport the nutrients right through the body.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has abundance of dietary fiber. Most of it is soluble fiber, which is more effective than insoluble fiber to boost metabolism. High fiber foods are more filling and curb appetite. Water soluble fibers lower the levels of insulin and help to breakdown fats more efficiently.   

Chilies

Eating spicy foods like chilies raises the body temperature. This helps to boost metabolism. Spicy foods also suppress appetite. Some peppers like jalapeno and cayenne contain capsaicin which helps to increase metabolism and burn more calories.

Fruits to Increase Metabolism

Most fruits contain abundant quantities of fiber. They contain natural sugar which is different from the sugar we use for coffee and cooking. Some of the fruits that help to increase metabolism are apples, oranges, plums, peaches, blackberries, apricots and melons.

Grape fruit has been considered to be a healthy food from a long time. It is fiber rich. Fiber is hard to breakdown and requires more calories to so. This results in weight loss. Grape fruit lowers the levels of insulin in the body. Higher levels of insulin induce the body to store fat. Grape fruit also contains folic acid, vitamin C and potassium. They provide a boost to the immune system.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids boost metabolism. Some important foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids are

• Fish
• Vegetable oils
• Eggs
• Meat
• Butter nuts
• Walnuts
• Pecan nuts
• Linseed oil

These are some of the natural foods to increase metabolism and help to reduce weight.

Lower Blood Pressure with Garlic and Other Herbs

It is possible to lower blood pressure with garlic and several other herbs. Regular intake of garlic for a month can lower blood pressure significantly.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a very serious condition.  It can lead to a variety of health problems. More than 30% of the people in the USA and other parts of the world suffer from it. There are several natural ways to overcome the problem.

High blood pressure may not show any symptoms. But it can lead to the damage of heart, kidneys, blood vessels and other parts of the body. The normal blood pressure is 120/80.

Reasons

There are several causes for the increase in blood pressure. One of them is obesity. Consuming excess calories contributes to the increase in weight and blood pressure. Strict dieting is necessary. The best foods to bring down weight are vegetables, fruits, chicken, fish and egg whites. 

Excess sodium can also contribute to the increase in blood pressure. Chips, pickles, crisps and sauces should be avoided. Alcohol and smoking also contribute to the increase. It also tends to increase with age.

Water

One of the most important ways to reduce blood pressure is to drink sufficient quantities of water.  Drinking water before breakfast or dinner is recommended. As your stomach feels fuller you are likely to eat less food. Water also helps to digest food easily.

Exercise

Cardio exercises like jogging, walking, and cycling not only help in maintain normal weight but also aid in reducing hypertension.  

Herbs

Garlic has been used for ages to cure a variety of ailments. Raw garlic acts on the cell membranes and makes the muscles to relax. It helps to reduce blood pressure. It can reduce both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Three cloves of fresh raw garlic should be cut to pieces and swallowed like a tablet. Garlic is a blood thinner and helps to prevent blood clots. It also helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. 

Hawthorn is a herb which is known to expand arteries and help to improve coronary blood flow. It helps to reduce hypertension.

Ginger is known to improve blood circulation and helps to reduce blood pressure. It helps to relax muscles around the blood vessels and reduces cholesterol.

Aswagandha  is very popular herb prescribed by ayurveda. It is grown in India. It is also helpful in reducing blood pressure.

Cinnamon reduces the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. It has anti-oxidant properties. It helps to keep the blood pressure in control.

Sleep

Good sleep is an absolute must for good health. Blood pressure comes down when we sleep. 8-9 hours of sleep is an absolute must for good health.


These are some of the methods to lower blood pressure