Home Remedies for Ear Infections

Ear infections are a common problem afflicting a number of people around the world. A sensory organ that aids in the process of hearing and also helps in maintaining body balance the ear consists of three parts, namely the outer ear, middle ear and the inner ear. While the other parts are just as susceptible to infections, it is the middle ear that is often invaded by viruses and bacteria which in turn causes ear inflammation. Middle ear infections also known as otitis media is often seen in babies and younger children. In fact almost all children suffer from ear infections before they are around five years of age.

Other than middle ear infections, inflammation of the external ear also known as otitis externa and inner ear also known as otitis interna is also quite common and often results in hearing problems and the loss of balance. While others may get ear infections regularly it is seen that often people with weak immune systems like newborns and toddlers are prone to suffering from recurrent ear infections owing to their weak immune system and short ear canal. Moreover a cold can cause a blockage in the ear tube and lead to ear infections signs and symptoms.

How to Recognize a Ear Infection in Children and Adults

A baby affected with ear infection is often extremely irritable and can seen pulling his or her ears constantly. In older children and adults ear infection may cause pain, difficulty in sleeping, reduced appetite, headaches, hearing loss and a loss of balance accompanied by dizziness and nausea. If the ear infection is mild then it will resolve on its own easily without the need of any external intervention.

However for persistent symptoms it is best to get medical aid as soon as possible. The doctor may recommend antibiotics like Suprax, Pediazole or Amoxicillin to clear up the infection. If you cannot get medical aid immediately, then using simple home remedies can help in temporary relief from the signs and symptoms of ear infections.

Remedies for Ear Infections

Warm Compresses to Relieve Ear Pain

Using warm compresses is a great way of dealing with the pain and inflammation caused by infections in the ear. Dip a clean cloth in a bowl of warm water and then remove and wring out the water properly. Press the cloth against the swollen and inflamed ear. Once the cloth is cold again, repeat the above mentioned steps again. Pressing a warm bag filled with salt or a hot water bag against the ear also has the desired effect of reducing ear infection pain and swelling.

Use Garlic

In addition to warm compresses you can also use garlic to clear ear infection and reduce the inflammation. A natural antibiotic and antiseptic, garlic is an excellent home remedy for ear infections. Peel three to four cloves of garlic and heat it in linseed or mustard oil. Once the garlic cloves are fried, remove from heat and allow the oil to cool. Pour two to three drops of oil into the ears to lessen the pain and clear the infection.

Oils to Reduce Ear Infection

Using natural essential oils can also help in reducing ear infections and providing relief from the symptoms. In a bowl add a tablespoon of almond oil and then add two to three drops of essential oils like chamomile oil, eucalyptus oil and lavender oil. Stir and heat the solution till it is slightly warm. Do not heat the oil too much or you might end up burning your ears. Now using a dropper pour in two to three drops of this healing oil into the affected ear. Another oil that is quite helpful in reducing ear infection is olive oil. Warm this oil and pour a few drops into your ear to relieve ear ache.

Home Treatment using Colloidal Silver

Using two to three drops of anti microbial colloidal silver is also known to relive the symptoms associated with ear infection. Lie down with your affected ear facing upwards and then add a few drops of colloidal silver to your ears. Place a cotton ball over the ears and wait for four to five minutes till the silver seeps down into your ears and relives the pain and swelling caused by ear infections.

Onion Juice for Ear Infections

The potent antibiotic properties make onion juice a great remedy for infections in the ear. Use a dropper to pour in two to three drops of onion juice into the ear that is infected.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Two to three drops of hydrogen peroxide can work wonders for ear infections. The acid helps in reducing ear wax and cures the symptoms of ear infection.

In addition to these cures, a healthy diet with sufficient intake of immune boosting Vitamin C foods and zinc intake can help in preventing recurrence of ear infections. Infants should be fed breast milk as this helps in building up their immune system and helps them ward off infections. Keeping the ears clean, reducing environmental pollutants like cigarette smoke and staying away from the factors that may allow them to catch a cold can also help a mother in safeguarding her child against ear infections.

In adults, keeping your ears dry especially while swimming and using antihistamines to treat ear infections that is caused by weak sinuses is recommended. People suffering from ear infections should ideally reduce the consumption of dairy products as they have been found to increase the infection. Avoid fatty hydrogenated foods and instead stick to a healthy diet to clear infections faster. Washing your hands regularly and not touching your ears and nose can help in preventing the spread of infection.

Even with all your valiant efforts of trying to reduce ear infections at home, it is possible that the symptoms might persist. In that case it is essential to contact an ENT specialist as soon as possible. Persistent symptoms of ear infections may lead to permanent hearing loss and other problems in both children as well as in adults

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Treat Kidney Stone Naturally With Effective Home Remedies

The pain experienced due to kidney stone can often be quite distressing. The symptoms that are often witnessed in a person suffering from kidney stones include back pain, chills and fever, nausea, aching genitalia and groin, bloody urine, body weakness, and abdominal pain.

If these traumatizing symptoms are not treated right away, then the patient can suffer from an extremely intense pain lasting from several months to few years. Also, not treating the symptoms on time can result in the need to undergo costly surgical procedures for removing the stones present in the kidney.

The good news is that there is no need to go for expensive treatments to treat kidney stones, when there are a number of easy and effective remedies which can help you dissolve as well as eliminate these dreaded stones naturally.

Searching on Internet can help you find a plethora of information about various natural and cost-effective treatments for kidney stones available in market. Here are few great home remedies to get rid of kidney stones naturally.

Water therapy

One of the most effective and yet the most inexpensive method of treating the most dreaded condition of kidney stones is water therapy. You must be aware that kidney stones are built up in the body when the urine fails to have the right balance of fluids and the right combination of acids and minerals.

When the urine comprises of crystal forming substance in a much larger quantity than what the fluids can dilute, it is possible for the crystals to be formed inside the kidney. Drinking abundant amounts of water, a minimum of 10 glasses in a day, can keep the body well-hydrated. Not only this, it will help to protect your body and rid it of all toxins that enter the body through the foods we eat.

Citric Acid

You must be aware that lemons are full of citric acid. According to a large number of experts, the citric acid contained in lemon are quite effective in dissolving hard materials such as stones present in the body.

Adding a few drops of lemon juice in your drinking water helps eliminate kidney stones from the body to a great extent. Lemon leaf is also quite effective for the same purpose as it strengthens the stomach functions as well as promotes healthy actions. Therefore, whenever you go for grocery shopping the next time, remember to pick up a few lemons.

Cranberry juice

Cranberry juice is also quite effective to treat the condition and prevent the formation of stones in the kidney. Besides this, you can also go for ginger extracts that have been proven to be extremely effective for dissolving kidney stone.

The most natural means to rid yourself off the toxins present in the body is perspiration. Exercising regularly can give thousands of benefits to the body including good overall health, healthy weight, as well as flushing of the kidneys to help prevent and eliminate kidney stones.

Follow the above mentioned natural home remedies for the treatment of kidney stones in the most effective, easy, and cost-effective manner.

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Get Rid Of Vaginal Yeast Infection With Home Remedies

There are millions of bacteria and fungi that thrive on the human body. These microorganisms are responsible for the well being of the host. However, any imbalance in the number of the microbes can lead to severe infection in the human body.

A very common infection is the vaginal yeast infection in women. Candida albicans is the fungus responsible for causing infection in the vagina.

Vaginal yeast infection mainly occurs in women who are of child bearing age and are sexually active. The infection is characterized by severe itching in and around the vagina. The itch turns into a burning sensation in the vagina. The skin in and around the vagina becomes reddish in color and has an inflamed appearance.

The area also becomes sore upon scratching. A white cottage cheese-like discharge comes from the vagina. This vaginal discharge gives out a foul odor. Some women might also experience light fever and mild chills. The need to urinate is felt after every few minutes although the bladder is empty. Urination causes burning in the genitals.

Vaginal yeast infection is a common disorder that affects all women at one time or the other. It is not a cause of major concern unless there is bleeding during urination. In any case, the condition should be treated whether mild or otherwise. The infection can be treated at home using common ingredients. If the methods fail you can seek medical help.

Get simple yoghurt (without any additives like flavor, color etc) and eat it in plenty. Yoghurt is prepared by ‘good’ bacteria which are responsible for killing the growth of infection causing fungi.

Direct application of yoghurt on the infected vagina can also be tried. Use a tampon or two fingers to put the yoghurt inside the vagina. This yoghurt should also be in pure form and not diluted. Take care to wash the areas surrounding the vagina (especially the urethra) to wipe out any yoghurt there.

Fill a bath tub with water and add apple cider vinegar to it. Remove your clothes and lie in the tub keeping your legs wide apart. This will ensure that the therapeutic effects of the apple cider vinegar reach the vagina. Soaking in the vinegar bath will help reduce the inflammation and provide some relief from intense itching of the vagina. Add five cups of apple cider vinegar to one liter of water.

A solution made from white vinegar and water is also known to help bring down the inflammation caused by the infection. Make solution combining three parts water with one part white vinegar. Use this solution to clean the infected area throughout the day. Also clean yourself with this solution each time after urination. Prepare a fresh batch of this concoction every day and continue using till the infection goes away completely.

Lightly crush five pods of garlic and put them in a little cotton ball.  Wrap medical gauze around the cotton ball. Insert this wrapped cotton ball with garlic into your vagina.  Let a small piece of gauze hang down for easy removal. Change the suppository after every four hours but do not sleep with it. Garlic has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties which help fight the infection.

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Home Remedies For Gout

Caused by excessive uric acid deposits in the joints, gout is a painful type of arthritis that can lead to excessive pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints. Uric acid is formed by the purine breakdown in the body.

The kidneys then process the uric acid and pass it out of the body in the form of urine. However excess production of uric acid result in high concentration of uric acid in the blood and the formation of uric acid crystals around the joints and the surrounding tissues.

Gout usually affects the big toe joints apart from other body parts such as ankles, heels, wrists and elbows. A gout attack usually lasts for around six to ten days causing excruciating pain. Eating too much of high purine foods, alcohol, surgery, joint injuries and even stress can trigger off this problem

Apart from medications and regular exercises, gout can be treated by using simple home remedies. Since gout is caused by the intake of purine rich foods such as organ meat, red meat, mushrooms and seafood, these foods should be removed from the diet.

Instead the high protein and fats should be replaced by high carbohydrates and other healthy foods such as milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables and yogurt. Other high purine foods that should be avoided include cauliflower, radish, tomato, spinach and sorrel.

An effective home remedy for gout is cherries. You can eat them as fruits or consume cherry juice to dissolve the uric acid crystals and relive the joint pain. Safflower or dandelion pills mixed with honey can eliminate the toxic salts from the body and provide relief from joint pain.

Another way to cleanse your stomach and joints while providing relief from gout pain is by using potato water. Wash and boil potatoes with the skin on. Drink a glass of this potato water to cleanse the system of the harmful uric acid. Drinking lemon juice which is a rich source of Vitamin C or other fruit juices daily also helps in dissolving the uric acid crystals.

Soak the affected joint in ginger paste mixed with water to reduce the pain and severity of the gout attacks. While these home remedies can alleviate the pain for some time, it can by no means substitute medical supervision. Gout should be treated immediately by a qualified physician to avoid other problems like kidney stones, deformation of joints and high blood pressure.

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Home Remedies For Acid Reflux

A common problem that affects a number of people, acid reflux is caused by the back flow of the hydrochloric acid from the stomach back into the esophagus or the food pipe.

This results in heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest, a bitter taste in the mouth, shortness of breath, dry coughing, bad breath, bloating and nausea.

Eating large meals, stress, alcohol, smoking, elevated hormonal levels especially during pregnancy are some of the common causes of acid reflux and heartburn. Infants and toddlers can also develop acid reflux either due to foremilk and hindmilk imbalance while breastfeeding or due to formula food while bottle feeding.

While popping antacids is the common solution opted by people, acid reflux can be easily cured using simple home remedies. These remedies are not only quite simple but also do not have any side effects attached to them.

A simple home remedy for acid reflux is water. Drink plenty of water especially after meals and in between to wash down and dilute the hydrochloric acid. To avoid the formation of gas inside the stomach you can also add a pinch of cumin to the water. Sipping a solution of apple cider vinegar or baking soda with water is also excellent for treating acid reflux.

Ginger root is excellent for digestion and curing problems associated with acid reflux. You can either use ginger root capsules or mix the extracts of ginger with some honey for treating problems related to upset stomach, heartburn and acid reflux.

Chewing fennel seeds is considered to be excellent for digestion. Containing anethole, these seeds help in reducing the stomach ache and reduce the symptoms associated with acid reflux.

Sipping delicious chamomile or lavender and anise tea is also considered to be excellent for treating acid reflux. They not only get rid of the acid reflux problems but also help in treating irritation in the esophagus and heartburn. Using a tincture of lemon balm also has a soothing effect on the stomach.

Avoiding processed, fried foods and eating smaller meals at regular intervals can help you avoid acid reflux and heartburn. Eating just before going to bed should be avoided

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Get Quick Relief From Mastitis With Home Remedies

Pregnancy is a time when you go through a medley of problems. Once the joys of motherhood subside and you are pulled back to reality, you will begin to see other problems that need to be addressed. Mastitis or clogged milk duct is a common problem that many lactating and nursing mothers face every day. Mastitis can be a very painful condition and if left untreated will result in grave conditions like an abscess which requires surgical intervention and draining.

Mastitis symptoms can be relieved at home if you identify the condition at the beginning stage itself. This will avoid a lot of pain and complications in lactating mothers.

Know the Symptoms of Mastitis

Mastitis first appears as a small, lump inside the breast. This lump could be hard to touch and shifty.  The skin outside could be inflamed or red depending on the severity of the condition. Though some mastitis inflammations can repair on its own, there are others that persist and lead to complications. Persistent symptoms will be accompanied by throbbing or stinging pain inside the breast, fever with chills, lump under the armpits and dimpling and reddening of skin on the area in severe cases of infection.

Mastitis can be caused due to several reasons. The main reason for Mastitis is that the milk inside the ducts is not getting drained completely. This could be due to poor feeding positions, use of tight clothes that compress the breasts and lead to clogs, skipping feeding, bras that are too tight and breast pumps that are not designed properly. Other causes that result in Mastitis are under nourishment during lactation, stress, infections and colds.Depending on the severity of the case, Mastitis symptoms can be treated at home.

Home Remedies for Mastitis

Frequent Breastfeeding for Mastitis

Whether you have Mastitis or not, all breastfeeding mothers must ensure that the milk ducts are emptied frequently to prevent milk from getting accumulated and resulting in clogging of milk ducts. Frequent feeding will empty the milk ducts completely leaving no cause for Mastitis symptoms to develop. In case you feel a lump developing, make sure you continue milk feeding in order not to worsen the symptoms. Mastitis symptoms tend to subside on its own with continued breast feeding.

Massaging the Breasts for Relieving Mastitis

This too is something which every mother can do in order to prevent Mastitis from occurring. Massaging the breast every day will relieve any clogged ducts that could be present in the breast. After every feeding the breasts must be massaged to relieve clogged milk through the nipple. This will prevent infections from surfacing. Massaging can be done while feeding too to ensure proper flow of milk. Massaging must be started from the top of the breast and moved on to the nipple area.

If a lump has developed in the breast area, massage it thoroughly so that the pressure you exert will relieve the milk ducts off the block. Massaging the breasts every day while you take a warm water bath will relieve and also prevent the development of Mastitis. Make sure you allow hot water to flow on the lumpy area. This will soften the tissues and let out the milk that is accumulated inside the breast.

Hot Compressors for Relieving Mastitis

If you have developed symptoms of Mastitis. You must ensure that you apply wet compressors on your breast before you breastfeed. Hot compressors can be applied symptomatically and till the inflammation subsides. Hot compressors ensure that the ducts are open and the milk flows freely without causing any reason for developing clogs. Milk will be completely drained out while using hot compressors for relieving Mastitis symptoms. This can be done while taking as well. Hot water baths will have the same effect as a hot compressor. You can massage your breasts from top to down while allowing the water to flow on the affected area.

Importance of Feeding Position in Relieving Mastitis

Most first time mothers have difficulty in finding a feeding position that is convenient for the mother as well as the baby. Finding the right feeding position or positions are of utmost importance to prevent Mastitis or relive the condition permanently.  Try cradling the baby in varied positions to figure out the best positions that work for you and the baby.

If you have a sore point in your breast, you must make it a point to position the baby in such a way that the milk from the clogged pores are sucked out before symptoms worsen. Positioning the baby in such a way that its chin points towards the point where the clog is, will help in relieving the milk from the clogged ducts.  You must also massage the point where the sore is while feeding. This will help in removing the clog permanently.

Avoiding Tight Fitting Clothes for Relieving Mastitis

Lactating breasts must never be compressed in tight clothes. Avoiding this itself will prevent most of the occurrences or Mastitis and other infections. Wear snug fitting bras that let in air and also allow blood circulation. Clothes too must not be too tight as milk ducts can get blocked due to compressed breast tissues and milk ducts. It is important to leave the breasts open by wearing loose fitting clothes while you breastfeed. Lactating breasts are thriving grounds for bacteria and hence lactating mothers have to ensure good hygienic practices and observe caution while breastfeeding.

Treating Cracked Nipples for Relieving Mastitis

Cracked nipples must be immediately treated to avoid Mastitis. Bacteria can enter the ducts through cracked nipples and cause Mastitis. Using a good oil like coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil to treat cracked nipples will prevent cases of Mastitis.

Diet and Personal Hygiene

You must also practice good hygiene like changing clothes every day and wearing cotton clothes that have been dried under the sun during lactation to prevent bacterial infections that cause Mastitis. Herbs are known to remove blockages in the ducts. Hot herbal infusions of Echinacea and lecithin are good for pain relief associated with Mastitis. They also effectively relieve clogs. Vitamin C is known to relieve blockages and prevent Mastitis.

Mastitis that is persistent requires medical attention to prevent development of abscesses.

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7 Useful Home Remedies For Warts

 

Warts are rough and gritty extensions on the skin that commonly appear on fingers, elbows, knees, face and the scalp. Warts that occur on the soled of the feet are referred to as plantar warts. With warts on the soles it becomes painful and impossible to walk.

Warts are caused due to HPV – a virus. There are more than 120 types of infection causing HPV known to medical science. Based on microscopic examination of the HPV a diagnosis can be done on the type of warts the person is likely to suffer from. The warts are generally classified depending on the part of the body they occur in; oral warts, vaginal warts, genital warts and plantar warts are the most common types of warts. There are other types of warts as well; seed warts, flat warts, periungal and filiform warts.

Formation of warts on hands and feet is a very common skin problem. However, many people tend to treat the problem at home by cutting them. The compulsion to remove the wart could be because of body image issues but cutting the warts is like chopping your nose off to spite your face. Warts keep recurring unless the virus causing them is not treated.

Medically, there are vaccines available to reduce the chances of development of warts. These HPV vaccines are also known to decrease the occurrence of cervical cancer in women. Warts can be treated at home using natural and herbal remedies. These remedies are effective and have been proven in helping deal with the problem of warts successfully.

Home Remedies for Warts

1. Treatment of Warts with Castor Oil

This is a very common and effective home remedy for treating warts. The treatment however requires time and patience. Warm castor oil and rub a generous quantity of the oil on the affected areas of the body. Do this every night before going to bed for 3-4 months. At the end of four months you will see a considerable improvement in the warts.

2. Treatment of warts with Figs

Take handful of fresh and ripe fig fruit. Extract the juice from the figs by crushing them using a rolling pin. Apply the juice of the figs on the warts and leave for 20 minutes. Wipe off using a wet towel. Repeat the treatment several times in the day for a period of two weeks. Alternatively, you could also crush the fig with your hands and rub it on the warts.

3. Treatment of Warts with Potatoes

Take a raw potato and peel off its skin. Cut the potato into medium sized pieces and rub the pieces on the warts several times in the day. Perform this treatment regularly for two weeks for noticeable results. You can also apply the pulp of a potato directly on the warts. Use a duct tape to hold the potato pulp securely in place. This treatment is best done at night when you can tape the potato pulp on the wart and go to sleep. Remove the tape in the morning and wash off the potato juices with cold water. In most cases the warts will fall off or at least lighten to a considerable extent.

4. Treatment of Warts with Onions

Onions are also believed to greatly help in reduction of warts from the skin. Rub onions on the warts every day and watch them disappear. The chemical components in the onion irritate the warts causing them to fall off. Cut onion into halves and rub the halves on the warts. You can also grind the onions and duct them on the warts overnight. In the morning wash off with medicated soap to get rid of the smell of onion. Onion is the best remedy for treating warts on the hands and feet. However, this remedy should not be used to treat the facial warts. The reason is that onion juices irritate the skin and facial skin is too sensitive and fragile to be smeared with strong onion juices. Rubbing onion on facial warts can have an adverse effect.

5. Treatment of with Indian Squill

Indian squill is a herb that is found mainly in India. However, if you do some research you are bound to find the herb in your local health foods store. Indian squill is a very powerful remedy for removal of warts. You can buy the herb in powder form and a paste of it using water. Apply the paste on the warts including facial warts. Do this treatment every day for a month to see the warts disappear completely.

6. Treatment of Warts with Dandelion

Dandelion is a flower but is also a herb with beneficial medicinal properties that are very useful in the treatment of warts. Take the stem of a dandelion and cut it. The stem will ooze out a milk-like substance which should be rubbed on the warts. Perform this treatment at least 2-3 times a day for fast results. Warts will fall off and never occur again. Dandelion treatment is especially used for treating facial warts as the milk of the dandelion is very gentle on the sensitive skin of the face.

7. Treatment of Warts with Marigold Flower

Marigold is a flower and a herb, which much like dandelion is used in the treatment of warts. In the case of marigold it is the leaf of the plant that is beneficial in the removal of warts. Simply crush the leaves of the marigold flower and apply them directly on the warts. Duct the leaves in place so that they don’t fall off and the skin receives maximum benefit. You can also prepare an infusion of marigold leaves by leaving them in hot water for 15-20 minutes. Take the leaves from the water and put them in an electric blender to prepare a thick paste. Apply the paste on all the affected parts of the body including the face. Let the paste remain on the warts for a couple of hours and then remove using cold water.  Repeat the remedy as many number of times as you want in a day to see quick results. The warts will not only fall off but the resulting skin will be clear and scar-free.

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