: Depression Natural Remedy

 What is Depression?

 Common Causes of Depression

 Home Remedy for Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is a serious illness that involves both physical and mental states. It affects a person with feelings of extreme sadness that can last for weeks or months together. It disrupts the normal life of a person, with an overall change in attitude and behavior both internally and externally. Most of the suicides committed worldwide are attributed to depression. The person who is affected cannot get better themselves. But with appropriate diagnosis and treatment depression can be treated effectively.

Common Causes of Depression

• • Inheritance
• • Changes in brain structures or brain function
• • Pessimistic attitude
• • Stress (home, work or school)
• • Major diseases (cancer, heart attack etc.)
• • Hormonal disorders
• • Relationship problems
• • Financial problems
• • Menstrual cycle changes
• • Menopause
• • Bereavement
  

Home Remedies for depression

Tip 1:
An Apple eaten with milk and honey is very good to uplift a mood.

Tip 2:
Powder the seeds of 2 green cardamoms. Add to 1 cup of boiling water, add sugar and drink this tea 2 times a day.

Tip 3:
Add a handful of fresh Rose petals to a cup of boiling water. Add sugar and drink as and when a feeling of depression sets in.

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: Insomnia Home Remedy

 What is Insomnia?
 Common Causes of Insomnia
 Home Remedy for Insomnia

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is when a person cannot sleep properly, which results in daytime fatigue and poor performance caused by insufficient sleep. Insomnia can be Transient, where it lasts for few days, Short-term where it lasts for two or three weeks or Chronic where insomnia lasts for more than a month or longer. People with sleep disorder may experience one of the following:

• • Inability to sleep despite being tired
• • Waking in the night
• • Insufficient sleep 
• • Waking up too early
• • Not feeling refreshed after sleep
  

Common Causes of Insomnia

• • Physical - Pain, arthritis, headaches, itching, restless leg syndrome 
• • Physiological - Disruptions in the sleeping environment, including light, noise, jet lag, reading heavy books etc.
• • Psychological - Anxieties, depression, dementia, work related worries, relationship problems or death of closer ones
  

Home Remedies for Insomnia

Tip 1:

Eat at least 3 cups of curds daily.

Tip 2:

Mix 2 tsp of honey to 1 glass of warm water. Drink just before sleeping. Give half the amount to babies; it will help put them to sleep.

Tip 3: 

Drink warm milk with honey.

Tip 4:

1 tsp juice of celery leaves with stalks and 1 tsp of honey.

Tip 5:

Have raw onion salad.

Tip 6: 

2 tsp of fenugreek leaf juice with 1 tsp of honey at bedtime daily

Home Remedies for Hiccups

What are Hiccups?
Hiccups are a reflex action, which means that we do not have any control over them. Hiccups are a sudden, involuntary squeezing of the diaphragm, the main breathing muscle under the lungs, which results in sucking the air quickly into the lungs thereby snapping and shutting glottis above the voice-box (larynx). This snapping makes the sound of a hiccup. Hiccups will usually stop on their own. Continuous hiccups lasting for more than a day or two may indicate a cause of an underlying disease, which needs medical intervention.

Common Causes of Hiccups

• Stretching of the stomach after eating or drinking
• Sudden emotional excitement
• Sudden change of air temperature (eg. cool shower)
• Very hot/cold food or drink
• Alcohol or excess smoking


• Heartburn or acid reflux

Other serious conditions may include: 

• Irritation of the diaphragm by infection
• Hiatus hernia
• Brain infection or tumor
• Severe kidney failure


• Infections such as malaria
• Multiple sclerosis

Home Remedies for Hiccups

Tip 1:

Have a teaspoon of sugar and allow it to dissolve slowly in your mouth without chewing it. This remedy is especially for toddlers and children who are unable to follow detailed instructions on breathing pattern.


Tip 2:

Mix one cup of yogurt with a teaspoon of salt, stir it thoroughly until the salt dissolves completely. Have the yogurt slowly, this will help stop your hiccups


Tip 3:

Cardamom powder is an effective remedy for hiccups. Boil 1 ½ cups of water and add a teaspoon of freshly ground cardamom powder in it. Allow the liquid to cool and then strain the liquid and drink. This remedy helps the muscles of the diaphragm to relax and this will stop your hiccups.

Tip 4:

Peel a small piece of fresh ginger and chew on it slowly to get rid of your hiccups.


Tip 5:

Swallowing or gargling water may interrupt the hiccup cycle, which can quiet the nerves and get rid of your hiccups.

Tip 6:

A spoon of peanut butter is a great remedy that could help stop continuous hiccups.


Tip 7:

Draw a deep breath and try to hold it as long as possible without letting any air out and exhale gently in a controlled way. This action often helps get rid of hiccups. Keep repeating this procedure a couple of times.

Tip 8:

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds with 1/2 teaspoon of pure ghee and swallow the mixture. This will reduce your hiccups.

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: Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are one of the most painful disorders that affect humans. Kidney stones are solid masses of mineral salt deposits that are normally filtered through the kidney and emptied via urine. Urine has a natural substance, which dissolves these minerals, thereby preventing them into becoming solids or calculi. Sometimes due to dehydration, these salts don’t get dissolved and crystallization takes place. It grows large enough to obstruct the renal ducts or get stuck in the ureter, causing sharp and severe pain in the urinary tract. Untreated, kidney stones can cause renal failure.

Common Causes of Kidney Stones

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Overdoses of vitamin D
• Mineral imbalance
• Kidney disease
• Dehydration
• Gout
• Diet

Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

Basil Leaves Good for Kidney Health:

Basil leaves (Tulsi) are good for the overall health of kidneys. Mix 1 teaspoon of juice from basil leaves with 1 teaspoon of honey and have it daily in the morning. You can also chew two to three basil leaves in order to remove the stones from the urinary tract.

Watermelon Juice Helps Flush Out Kidney Stones:

The water and potassium content present in watermelon are essential nutrients for a healthy kidney. It helps in regulating and maintaining the level of acid present in the urine. Eating watermelon or drinking its juice everyday will help in flushing out stones from the kidney.

Figs for Dissolving Kidney Stones:

Boil two figs in a cup of water and drink it on an empty stomach early in the morning.


Celery Can Prevent Kidney Stone Formation:

Regular intake of celery helps in clearing the toxins that cause the formation of stones in the kidney.

Tomato Juice Helps Dissolve Mineral Salt Deposits:

Drink a glass of tomato juice with a pinch of salt and pepper every morning. This helps dissolve the mineral salt deposits in the kidney.

Whole Wheat Bread Helps Lower Risk of Kidney Stones:

Whole wheat bread is a rich source of fiber, nutrients and proteins along with magnesium. Having two to three slices of whole wheat bread daily will help a lot in lowering the risk of kidney stone.

Kidney Beans - Natural Remedy for Kidney Stones: Kidney beans are another effective remedy for treating kidney stones or any kind of bladder problems. You can simply remove the seeds from the pods and slice the pods in the water; allow the water to boil on low flame for an hour until the pods become soft and tender. Strain the liquid and leave till it cools. Drink it several times throughout the day to get relief from kidney stones.

Drinking Water Helps Prevent Kidney Stones:

Drinking plenty of water daily will produce clear urine each time you urinate. This will eventually help the kidney stones to pass.


Lemon Juice - Kidney Cleansing Drink:

Lemon juice contains citric acid that helps break down the calcium-based kidney stones. Drink two to three glasses of lemon juice daily. This will help increase the volume of urination, which is really good for those having kidney stones.

Kidney Friendly Diet:

A proper diet is essential in keeping the kidney healthy and prevent formation of kidney stones. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids or liquids daily will help prevent most types of kidney stones. Consuming too much of calcium rich foods such as spinach, beet, cauliflower, carrots, almonds, sweet breads, coconut, turnip, bengal gram, peas, whole-wheat flour and organ meats like liver and kidney can lead to kidney stones. One should also know to choose a diet that is low in salt and animal proteins. Keep away from condiments such as pickle, alcohol drinks, sauce, cucumber, radish, tomato, asparagus, onion, cabbage, meat and gravies as well as carbonated water.

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Home Remedies For Headche

What is Headache?

Headache is among the most common medical complaints. The majority of them are not life threatening. They can be classified into three main categories, namely:

• Tension headaches
• Migraine headache
• Cluster headaches

Tension Headaches are the most common type of headaches. Migraines have well-defined attacks with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to lights and sounds. Cluster headaches are repetitive ones that occur for weeks to months at a time, followed by periods of remission.

Common Causes of Headache

A variety of factors can trigger headaches-

• Prolonged stress or tension


• Several physiologic changes in the head and brain
• Dilation and constriction of blood vessels
• Abnormal activity of certain neurons
• Genetic factors may be a cause for migraines
• Smoking and alcohol may cause cluster headaches

Home Remedies for Headache

Tip 1

Roast some caraway seeds dry. Tie in a soft handkerchief or muslin cloth and sniff to get a relief from headaches.

Tip 2
Add 2 teaspoons of powdered cinnamon to 1 ½ cup of milk and boil it for one or two minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey, mix and stir it thoroughly and drink it at least twice a day when suffering from a headache.


Tip 3

Eating a chopped apple sprinkled with salt every morning for at least a week will help cure chronic headaches.

Tip 4
Head massage with rosemary oil or a pain balm that contains menthol is an effective way to ease migraine pain.


Tip 5

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat headaches. Add tea leaves and ginger to 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it well and drain the water. Leave till it cools a bit and drink.

Tip 6
Peppermint oil is a soothing remedy for curing headaches and migraines. This fresh smelling oil helps regulate blood flow in the body.

Tip 7

Lavender oil is a useful home remedy for headaches and migraines. The oil can be either inhaled or applied on your head. For inhaling, add 2-4 drops of lavender oil to 3 cups of boiling water and inhale the oil vapors.


Tip 8

Basil is a strong-scented herb used for natural headache treatment. The oil works as a muscle relaxant and is helpful for headaches caused by tension and tight muscles.

Tip 9

Food items like chocolate, sour cream, nuts, peanut butter and caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea or cola, can trigger headaches. Avoid them if they give you a headache.


Tip 10

Mix ½ cup of apple cider vinegar with ½ cup of water. Boil the mixture in a covered saucepan. When it boils, remove from heat and leave for a minute. Lift the cover and slowly inhale the steam through your nose. This will provide instant relief from sinus headaches.

Tip 11

Make a warm soup and add some pepper in it. Warm soup will help you to get rid of nasal blockage and will cure headaches.

Tip 12

Fatigue and lack of sleep can contribute to headaches during pregnancy. Make sure you get enough sleep during pregnancy.


Tip 13

Drink plenty of water daily, as it is important to stay hydrated especially when you are pregnant as dehydration can be a big cause of headache.

Tip 14

Apply a hot or cold compress to your forehead and neck to get instant relief from headache.

Tip 15

Physical activity like exercising and daily walk can help prevent headaches during pregnancy.

Tip 16

Eat small regular meals and make sure that you are eating healthy organic food throughout the day. This will keep your blood sugar on an even level, which can prevent headaches.


Tip 17

Make sure that your kid is getting enough sleep as sleeping often resolves headache in children.

Tip 18

Give your child water, juice and other beverages that do not contain caffeine. This may help the headache go away faster.

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: Home Remedies for Common Cold

It is often heard that a common cold, whether treated or untreated, takes the same amount of time to be cured. For many, the use of decongestants and antihistamines, provide relief. Home remedies are popular due to the natural ingredients used, and the ease of administering these remedies. In general, home remedies are the same for people of all ages. Slight differences in ingredients or methods used, are observed within different groups, e.g., infants, toddlers, adults, and pregnant women. Following are the remedies for each group. The remedy has been elaborated, where the conditions differ between groups. 

What is Cold?

Cold is the most common illness that affects infants and elderly alike. Unlike the contrary belief cold weather is not the cause of colds. There are 200 types of viruses, which cause cold. The common cold is usually mild with symptoms of running nose, sneezing and throat sore. The symptoms may last for one or two weeks. Cold is common among the children and decline with age. On an average people may get 2 to 4 colds per year depending on their body immunity.

Common Causes of Cold

• Viruses (esp. rhinoviruses and corona viruses)


• Person to person (through cough, sneezing or hand contact)


• Psychological stress
• Allergic disorders
• Menstrual cycles

Home Remedies for Cold in Infants

1. Lots of rest - Resting conserves energy in the body. Infants, when allowed to sleep well, are able to activate their immune system to tackle the infection.

2. Drink lot of fluids - Babies younger than 6 months should drink breast milk/formula. No water should be given since it may create an electrolyte imbalance in the body. An oral electrolyte solution, designed for infants, may be given.


3. Saline nasal drops - A saline solution can be sprayed or used as drops in the nose to clear out the mucus in the nasal passages, and thus relieve congestion. (Homemade saline nasal drops: 1 cup of warm water + ½ tsp salt. Use within 24 hours to avoid bacterial contamination.)


4. Vapor rubs - May be used for massaging on the neck, back, and chest in infants older than 3 months. Baby-safe balms such as eucalyptus, petrolatum and other oils can be used for infants less than 2 years of age.

Home Remedies for Cold in Toddlers

1. Lots of rest

2. Drink lots of fluids - Warm milk, water, diluted juice


3. Saline nasal drops

4. Honey for cough - Honey can be given to children older than 12 months. Half a teaspoon can be given to children between 2 and 5 years of age, 1 tsp for children of 6-11 yrs of age, and 2 tsps. for children older than 12 yrs.


5. Resting with head elevated - This is done for children older than 12 months. When children sleep in a slightly, inclined, raised position, it clears the nasal passage by improving mucus drainage. Children can breathe easily and sleep better. Towels can be rolled up and placed below the mattress, to provide an incline.

6. Salt water gargling - Children, older than 4 yrs, can gargle with salt water as a remedy for sore throat. (Homemade salt water for gargling: 1 glass of warm water + ½ tsp salt. Squeezing a bit of lemon juice adds to the soothing effect.)

7. Nose blowing - This can be done in children, older than 2 yrs, to clear out the nasal passage. A bulb syringe may be used when the child is unable to blow on his/her own.

8. Use of humidifier/vaporizer/steamy bath - A humidifier or vaporizer creates humidity in a dry room. The nasal passages become moist and mucus starts to clear away, making breathing easier. Addition of menthol to a steamy bath has a similar effect. Children should be kept in a steamy bath for 15 minutes to experience the soothing effect on the nasal passages.

9. Vapor rubs - Camphor or menthol may be used in children older than 2 years of age. Natural vapor balms such as aloe, beeswax, herbal oils and other essential oils may be used.

10. Neti pot - Can be used in children older than 4 years. It is a ceramic or metal teapot or watering can, which is filled with saline solution and can be used to wash the nose. Liquid poured into one nostril will flow out from the other.

11. Soothing food for scratchy throat - Chicken soup, apple juice, mild lukewarm chamomile tea, popsicles, ice cream and puddings may provide a soothing effect on a sore throat. This can be given to children older than 6 months.

Home Remedies for Cold in Adults

1. Lots of rest

2. Steam inhalation

3. Vapor rubs

4. Neti pot

5. Honey for cough


6. Resting in reclining position

7. Nose blowing

8. Salt water gargling

9. Soothing food for scratchy throat


10. Drink lots of fluids - Herbal tea such as chamomile, peppermint, elder flowers, and rose hips.

11. Humidifier/steamy bath

12. Use of vitamins and supplements


Home Remedies for Cold in Pregnant Women

1. Lots of rest

2. Reclining position

3. Steam inhalation - Helps clear out the nasal passage.

4. Drink lots of fluids - Vitamin C juices (e.g., orange juice), decaffeinated liquids, broths, etc.


5. Salt water gargling - Very effective for sore throat. (Homemade salt water: 1tsp salt + 1 cup of warm water)

6. Prenatal vitamins - Zinc in vitamins fights germs while vitamin C stimulates the immune system. The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) recommends 40 mg of vitamin C per day.


7. Humidifiers

8. Use light clothes and covers

9. Eat fresh garlic - Garlic has anti-viral properties. Cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves have similar anti-viral properties and should be used in cooking.


Tips

Herbal Tea for Cold

Dried chrysanthemum (2 parts) should be added to boiling water. Pour the mix over peppermint (1 part), and steep for 5 minutes. Brown sugar is added for taste.


Ginger for common cold

Ginger cinnamon tea

1 cup boiling water + 3-4 half-inch slices of ginger + 1 stick of cinnamon + a squirt of lemon +brown sugar to taste. Should be consumed twice a day.


Steam inhalation for common cold

Homemade solution: 1 cup boiling water + a pinch of baking soda + ¼ tsp salt. Inhale the steam by bending over the container, and covering the head and the vessel with a towel, to prevent steam from escaping.

Red onion for common cold

Instant cough syrup:

1. Cover sliced red onion with sugar or honey and leave overnight. Drink 1 tsp juice 3-8 times a day.

2. Juice of a big red onion + 1 tsp honey. Drink small doses frequently. Avoid large doses.


Decongestant:

Saute minced onion in a little oil and mix in 1 cup vinegar. Add cornmeal to form a thick paste. Place in a muslin cloth, fold, and cover to retain the heat. Apply the warm pack to the throat/chest area. Cover with a towel or blanket and keep for 15 minutes.