Hollistic Health Cures

Cervical Spondylosis and Homeopathic Treatment:

2013-07-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

Cervical Spondylosis and Homeopathic Treatment:

Neck pain is a common illness from which almost all of us suffer at least once in a lifetime. We often hear complains of neck pain from our colleagues, friends, relatives, etc. in our daily life. Neck pain has been known by a medical term “cervical spondylosis”. This mainly occurs due to the degeneration of joints in our neck. As we grow older the bones in our body starts degenerating and that’s why cervical spondylosis is common in people with over 60 years of age. Cervical spondylosis is basically a form of arthritis, but it rarely leads to disability.

Cervical spondylosis results more in women than in men. There is no specific cause of neck pain known, until now, but it occurs due to one or more disorders or diseases that exist in the structures of the neck. Though it’s hard to eliminate neck pain, homeopathy can work for you. Homeopathy has been a great way to cure cervical spondylosis as the treatment is dependent on amounts of degenerative change that took place in the bones and the disk. The recovery time depends on the extent to which your spinal cord has damaged. The homeopathic treatment is more effective in cases where the damage is mild.

Homeopathy is a symptom based treatment procedure. Some generally used homeopathic medicines for neck stiffness and pain are Guaicum, lachnanthes, and Rhus Tox.

If you’re suffering from arm numbness associated with cervical pain then Paris Quadrifolia and Kalmia latifolia works best.

To dissolve the bony outgrowths of the vertebrae, you can take Calcarea Flour. These homeopathic medicines work as wonders for cervical spondylosis

What is Homeopathy?

2013-07-28T02:24:00.003-07:00

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a system of medical therapy that uses very small doses of medicines, or remedies. These remedies are prepared from substances found in nature.

The homeopathic doctor chooses the proper remedy by following a special rule of nature called theLaw of Similars. This law states "like cures like," or that a medicine can cure a sick person if it can cause similar sickness in a healthy person. For instance, if you peel an onion, your eyes burn, itch and water. You might also have a runny nose and begin to sneeze. If you had similar symptoms during a cold or allergy attack, such as a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing, a homeopathic micro-dose of the remedy Allium cepa (red onion) would help your body heal itself.

What are Homeopathic Remedies?

Any plant, mineral or animal substance can be used as a remedy. The original substance is diluted in liquid repeatedly, and vigorously shaken with each dilution. Unusual as it sounds, these very small amounts of remedies can act very strongly when used properly. Also, because the remedies are very diluted, they are extremely safe. The clinical experience of homeopathy shows that the micro-dose is effective:.

What to expect during a visit to a homeopathic practitioner?

You will be asked to describe all your problems in detail as well as a complete description of everything that characterizes you, especially your feelings, sensations, sensitivity, psyche, and all that concerns your organism in terms of energy, sleep, appetite, digestion, etc. This thorough and initial interview requires approximately half to one hour. The better the homeopath understands the patient and his or her problems, the better they can individualize to find the specific and most similar remedy for the patient's condition.

Which diseases can be treated with homeopathy?

This may sound strange but in homeopathy we do not treat diseases, but treat the person who is sick. Whether a person has a chronic or an acute disease, all of their symptoms, whether physical, mental or emotional form a whole representing a state of imbalance very specific to this individual. The goal of the homeopath is to recognize through the unique expression of symptoms of a patient the pattern of disturbed energy and identify among the great number of remedies available the one most homeopathic, or most similar to, the patient's disease.

What can homeopathy treat

Allergies, asthma, skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives) etc, women problems like irregular menses, infertility, white discharge, infections, polycystic ovarian syndrome etc, arthritis, urinary tract infections,hairfall, IBS, ear infections, nasal polyps, sinusitis,migraine, poor immunity,thyroid, weight gain, hypertension, diabetes etc

Homeopathic Remedies for Allergic Colds

2012-10-13T04:46:00.003-07:00

Acute attacks of hay fever often respond to homeopathic remedies. Allergies are usually deep-seated problems, and are often best addressed with a constitutional remedy and the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

Allium cepa: Indications for this remedy include watery eyes and a clear nasal discharge that irritates the upper lip, along with sneezing and a tickling cough. The person usually is thirsty, and feels worse indoors and when rooms are warm, and better in fresh air.

Arsenicum album: A burning, watery, runny nose with a stuffy, tickling feeling during allergy attacks suggests a need for this remedy. Swelling below the eyes and a wheezy cough are common. The person may feel chilly, restless, anxious, and is often very tired.

Euphrasia: This remedy can be helpful if the eyes are swollen and irritated with acrid tears or pus. The nose also runs, but with a blander discharge. Symptoms are often worse in the daytime and worse from warmth, and the eyes may hurt from too much light. The person can also have a cough in the daytime, which improves at night.

Ferrum phosphoricum: This is a very useful remedy in the early stages of any inflammation. Taken when allergy symptoms start, it often slows or stops an episode. Symptoms include runny eyes with a burning or gritty feeling, facial flushing, watery nose, and short, hard, tickling cough.

Gelsemium: A tired, droopy feeling during allergies with a flushed and heavy-feeling face suggest a need for this remedy. A sensation of dryness or of swollen membranes may be felt inside the nose—or the nose may run with irritating watery discharge, with the person sneezing frequently. Aching in the back of the head and neck, a trembling feeling, and chills along the spine are often seen when a person needs Gelsemium.

Natrum muriaticum: Allergy attacks with sneezing, watery eyes, clear nasal discharge that resembles egg white, and a loss of taste and smell will all suggest a need for this remedy. The person may have dark circles under the eyes, be thirsty, feel withdrawn and sad, and act irritable if comforted.

Nux vomica: If the nose is alternately stuffed up (especially outdoors or at night) and running (indoors and in the daytime), this remedy may bring relief. Other symptoms include a teasing cough, a scraped or tickly feeling in the throat, and headache. A person who needs this remedy often feels impatient, irritable, and chilly.

Sabadilla: Long paroxysms of sneezing, itching in the nose with irritating runny discharge, a feeling of a lump in the throat, and watery eyes will all suggest a need for this remedy. The person may feel nervous during allergy attacks, and trying to concentrate can bring on drowsiness or headache.

Wyethia: Intolerable itching felt on the roof of the mouth and behind the nose—sometimes extending into the throat and ears—strongly suggests the use of this remedy. Everything in the person’s head feels dry and irritated, but the nose may still be runny.

The Homeopathic Treatment of Allergies

2012-10-13T04:45:00.000-07:00

Homeopathy is highly effective in the treatment of allergies and fully capable of stimulating the organism to heal to the point of complete relief from all allergy symptoms.

Many of us have suffered from allergies at one time in our life, and usually the best treatment offered was symptomatic relief through avoidance of the allergen or through medication. Homeopathy, on the other hand, addresses the cause of the sensitivity to allergens at the deepest possible level; avoiding the allergen (the substance responsible for the allergic response) or resorting to suppression of symptoms through ongoing symptomatic treatment becomes unnecessary once this sensitivity has been eliminated.

1. The many types of allergy

There are many common substances to which people may develop an allergic response, including:

Foods such as wheat (gluten), milk and dairy, seafood (shellfish), alcohol, soy, eggs, peanuts, and certain vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants).
Common environmental factors such as dust, pollen, mold, animal fur (from dogs, cats, or other pets), dust mites, and sunlight.
Various natural or synthetic substances such as latex, nickel, pesticides, medications (penicillin, sulfa drugs, and many more), venom from relatively harmless animal stings (bees, wasps).

Symptoms of allergy manifest at the interface between the external world and internal environment: on the skin and in mucus membranes of the respiratory tract, the digestive tract, and the eyes. The inflammation that results causes the various allergy symptoms that many of us are familiar with from personal experience or through someone we know.

It should be noted that some of the above substances may cause trouble to many otherwise healthy people. If this is the case and the substance is synthetic or strongly modified from its natural form (medications, commerical wheat, genetically modified soy, etc.) then it may indeed be the substance rather than personal sensitivity that should be viewed as the true cause, and avoidance may well be the most appropriate solution in such cases.

Indeed, there are many substances encountered in modern life to which we are not physiologically adapted. These are a frequent cause of intolerancesymptoms such as mental fogginess, tiredness, poor digestion, skin rashes, and diarrhea. Intolerance should be distinguished from allergy by its lesser specificity and intensity of symptoms, and the term may also refer to certain hereditary conditions in which the body is unable to handle specific food components or environmental conditions for reasons that have nothing to do with the immune system. From the therapeutic point of view intolerance (except of the hereditary type) is approached similarly to allergy, although frequently with more emphasis on avoidance.

In addition, some forms of asthma are allergic in nature, seasonal allergies are frequently referred to as hay fever, and a skin allergy usually manifests itself as hives.

Whatever the exact terminology applied, the goal of homeopathic allergy treatment is the strengthening of the organism at its spiritual core, leading to increased resilience of the organism. A resilient person is able to withstand a wide variety of environments by responding appropriately to each situation without suffering chronic ill effects.

2. The conventional approach to allergy

The conventional approach to allergy incorporates the strategy of environmental control, whereby the patient avoids exposure to the allergen as much as possible. In contrast, from the homeopathic perspective the identity of the allergen is not nearly as important as each individual’s specific pattern of response to it, both at the physical and at the psychological level.

The former approach is effective in principle but has two limitations. First, avoiding the allergen completely may be difficult in highly sensitive individuals for whom even trace amounts of allergen produce a full-blown, or even life-threatening, allergic response.

Second, the avoidance approach doesn’t address the true cause of the allergy, which is not the allergen but the person’s sensitivity to it. Avoidance can eliminate symptoms but it doesn’t amount to true healing, at least not by the stringent homeopathic standards: health is freedom in facing external challenges with few limitations, whereas avoidance restrictsthe individual’s freedom.

There are two classes of medication generally in use for the symptomatic control of allergies: antihistamines and corticosteroids. Of these, corticosteroids are the more disruptive because they paralyze the immune system at its root, whereas antihistamines interrupt the allergic response without fundamentally altering immune function.

A second-line approach to more severe allergies is immunotherapy (‘allergy shots’), which involves regular injections of small amounts of the relevant allergen(s) over a long period (several months to several years); this leads to a gradual desensitization of the body to them. This approach happens to be based on a simplified version of the homeopathic principle calledisopathy, and because of this it does not disrupt homeopathic treatment (beyond making it difficult to determine which of the two treatments should be credited with the improvement). This approach is suitable for many, but falls short of the more global therapeutic improvement attainable through the homeopathic approach.

3. The homeopathic diagnostic approach

The homeopathic treatment of allergies begins with the physical symptoms but doesn’t end there. Important clues to the homeopathic pattern and prescription can be found in:

life circumstances around the time of onset of the allergy symptoms;
situations which cause an exacerbation of the allergy symptoms;
situations which lead to a relief from allergy symptoms;
feelings aroused by the allergy symptoms, or the person’s unique experience of the condition;
how the allergy symptoms disrupt normal living, or what the person is thereby prevented from doing.

Again, it is important to understand that the specific allergy symptoms are not in themselves a disease but merely represent the underlying spiritual imbalance that is the root of all disease. Whether a person will develop allergies, skin problems, joint problems, or organ problems is largely dependent on hereditary factors as well as on the degree of suppression of symptoms from past medical treatment.

In the case of severe allergies and asthma it is important never to reduce or discontinue the use of medications until the allergic tendency has clearly and permanently been eliminated, and even then always in consultation with the treating physician. Likewise it is important to maintain access to emergency facilities in case of a dangerous exacerbation throughout treatment, and to continue carrying antihistamines, inhalers, an EpiPen adrenaline injector, etc. whenever away from home for use in case of a severe reaction.

4. The rationale behind the homeopathic approach to allergies

What is the advantage of comprehensive allergy treatment with homeopathy over other natural approaches?

On the one hand clean diets such as the raw food diet I discussed recently have many beneficial effects. For example, many people do better without wheat: they typically feel more clear-headed than otherwise, among other subtle benefits. So even people who do not complain of any symptoms indicative of allergy or intolerance might do well to avoid certain foods, and likewise to breath fresher air, drink cleaner water, and so on.

But eliminating the allergen should only be seen as the first step of a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses also the person’s allergic sensitivity. This can be achieved through treatment which strengthens the overall functioning of the organism and repairs the immune system.

If dietary measures are used, they should go beyond avoidance of specific foods, aiming to heal the gut and address the excessive intestinal permeability (also known as leaky gut syndrome) that frequently underlies food-based allergies.

True healing, however, is largely independent of dietary considerations: the healthy person should not only feel extra-healthy on a perfect diet, but also remain symptom-free when consuming a somewhat imperfect diet. To begin, it helps that healthy individuals are naturally attracted to healthy foods. But living in our society involves the occasional birthday or cocktail party or movie outing, and we should not be punished for sporadic indulgence. Yet many people who base their health maintenance on dietary measures alone remain sensitive to deviations from a strict diet, and some even becomemore rather than less sensitive — and therefore more restricted — over time.

When a person can feel well only on a customized, restrictive diet this indicates an imbalance at a deeper level. This imbalance is addressable partly through lifestyle measures such as exercise and meditation; but, again, one’s health shouldn’t be highly dependent on a strict regimen of daily exercise and meditation.

The way I see it, the ultimate goal in the healing of allergic symptoms involves eliminating sensitivity while increasing freedom. This is achievable through constitutional treatment primarily through comprehensive systems such as Chinese medicine and homeopathy.

Constitutional treatment is the long-term strengthening of the spiritual core of the organism. (See my article on length of homeopathic treatment for information on how long this might take.) Clinically it is known that such treatment tends to increase the natural resilience of the organism to environmental stressors.

We are all familiar with the image of a spiritually strong person as a Zen master who remains unperturbed when faced with interpersonal conflict or life circumstances that would overwhelm a normal being. With respect to allergies, the spiritually healthy person will prefer a allergen-free environment, but will remain healthy even when exposed to unhealthy environmental influences.

ASTHMA AND HOMEOPATHY

2012-10-12T07:26:00.002-07:00

People suffering from asthma often have allergic tendencies; a genetic predisposition is common. Constitutional homeopathic care (with the guidance of an experienced professional) can help to improve a person’s general health on deeper levels and possibly reduce the tendency toward asthma. Correctly-chosen remedies can help reduce distress during asthma attacks; however, emergency medical care must be sought in any serious attack. If a person has great difficulty breathing, looks very pale, has bluish lips, or seems to be very weak or in danger of losing consciousness, seek a doctor’s help immediately.

Arsenicum album: A person needing this remedy can feel exhausted, yet be very restless and anxious. Breathing problems tend to be worse while lying down, better when sitting up, and may begin, or be the most intense, between midnight and two a.m. Dry wheezing may progress to a cough that brings up frothy whitish fluid. The person can be thirsty, taking frequent tiny sips. General chilliness is usually seen, with burning pains in the chest and heat in the head. Warmth often brings improvement.

Carbo vegetabilis: This remedy may be indicated when a person feels weak or faint with a hollow sensation in the chest. Coughing jags can lead to gagging. The person may be very cold (especially hands and feet), yet feel a need for moving air, wanting to sit beside a fan or open window. Gas and digestive upset are also likely, and sitting up and burping offers some relief. Feeling worse in the evening, and worse from talking, eating, or lying down are other indications for this remedy.

Chamomilla: Asthma with a dry, hard, irritating cough that starts after being exposed to moving air, or after becoming overexcited and angry, may be helped with this remedy. The cough is often worse around nine p.m., and may continue into the night. The person seems hypersensitive and may be extremely irritable and agitated. (Children may even shriek and hit, though they often calm down if someone carries them.)

Ipecacuanha: Coughing spasms that lead to retching or vomiting strongly indicate this remedy. Wheezing can come on suddenly with a feeling of suffocation and heaviness in the chest. Mucus collects in breathing tubes, but the person has difficulty coughing much out. The person may sweat a lot and feel clammy or nauseous, be worse from motion, and sometimes worse from warmth.

Natrum sulphuricum: This remedy is sometimes indicated when asthma attacks are brought on by exposure to mold and dampness. The person may hold the chest while coughing, because it feels so weak. Wheezing and breathing difficulties are aggravated by exertion, and episodes tend to be worse in the very early morning.

Nux vomica: Indications for this remedy include a tense, constricted feeling in the chest during asthma attacks, with pressure in the stomach. Problems are often worse in the morning. Overindulgence in stimulants, alcohol, sweets, or strong spicy food can bring on or aggravate an episode. Both physical effort and mental exertion can make things worse, and warmth and sleep often bring relief. A person needing this remedy is typically very irritable and impatient, with a general feeling of chilliness.

Pulsatilla: Wheezing that starts when a person gets too warm (especially in a stuffy room), or after eating rich food, can indicate this remedy. Coughing brings up yellow-colored mucus, with gagging and choking. Tightness in the chest tends to be worse in the evening and at night, and is relieved by cool fresh air. A person who needs this remedy is likely to be changeable and emotional, wanting a lot of attention and comforting. (Pulsatilla is often useful in children’s illnesses.)

Spongia tosta: A hard or “barking” cough during an asthma attack is a strong indication for this remedy. Breathing can be labored, with a sawing sound, and not much mucus is produced. The person may feel best when sitting up and tilting the head back, or when leaning forward. Warm drinks may be helpful. The problems often start while the person is asleep (typically before midnight). Spongia is often used in croup, as well.

Antimonium Tartaricum

This is a good asthma remedy for children and the elderly particularly when the asthma has been caused by an infection such as bronchitis or obstructive pulmonary disease. The cough will sound wet and there will be coarse rattling in the chest on both inspiration and expiration. The patient will be worse lying down and at night generally.They may be irritable and want to be left alone.

Apis Mellifica

Use Apis for an asthma attack in an acute allergic reaction. Breath feels tight and painful with dry wheezing. The patient will feel better in open air and much worse for heat or hot drinks.

Carbo Vegetalis

Severe acute attacks of wheezing with significant belching and flatus. patient feel very weak and may collapse.

Arsenicum Album

Short, dry asthmatic cough with a wheeze.

Phosphorus

use this medicine when every infection goes to the chest with a wheeze and cough. Worse in the morning, at twilight and especially at 10pm or with sudden changes in temperature. Better for lying on the right side.

Pulsatilla

This patient has both forms of asthma: wet acute infections with greeny discharges and also allergic asthma (often hayfever related). In both cases the patient must sit up during the asthma crisis and is better for fresh air. Even fanning may help them feel better.

Natrum Sulph

Asthma worse in damp conditions often with morning diarrohea.

Like eczema, asthma is an inflammatory disease. In asthma the airways become constricted by swelling, making breathing difficult. In developed countries 1 in 4 children have asthma as opposed to 1 in 18 people 40 years ago. Corticosteroids such as Flixotide and Pulmicort in the form of puffers are widely used to treat asthma but these pharmaceutical drugs do nothing to change the progression of the disease. A broader, nutritional and environmental approach is required, and when combining this approach with Homeopathy, significant improvements or cures can be achieved.

Homeopathic medicines can be a viable alternative to steroid medications. They can be given as an acute treatment in place of puffers but more importantly, Homeopathic professional treatment working with the whole person can cure asthma entirely.

Homeopathy and Depression

2012-09-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

Homeopathy and Depression Dr Samir Chaukkar MD(Hom)

Depression is one of the most common health conditions in the world. Depression isn't a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply "snap out of." Depression, formally called major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a medical illness that involves the mind and body. It affects how you think and behave and can cause a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may not be able to go about your usual daily activities, and depression may make you feel as if life just isn't worth living anymore.

Effective diagnosis and treatment can help reduce even severe depression symptoms. And with effective treatment, most people with depression feel better, often within weeks, and can return to the daily activities they previously enjoyed.

Causes of Depression

Depression has no single cause; often, it results from a combination of things. You may have no idea why depression has struck you.

Whatever its cause, depression is not just a state of mind. It is related to physical changes in the brain, and connected to an imbalance of a type of chemical that carries signals in your brain and nerves. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters.

Some of the more common factors involved in depression are:

· Family history. Genetics play an important part in depression. It can run in families for generations.

· Trauma and stress. Things like financial problems, the breakup of a relationship, or the death of a loved one can bring on depression. You can become depressed after changes in your life, like starting a new job, graduating from school, or getting married.

· Pessimistic personality. People who have low self-esteem and a negative outlook are at higher risk of becoming depressed. These traits may actually be caused by low-level depression (called dysthymia).

· Physical conditions. Serious medical conditions like heart disease, cancer, and HIV can contribute to depression, partly because of the physical weakness and stress they bring on. Depression can make medical conditions worse, since it weakens the immune system and can make pain harder to bear. In some cases, depression can be caused by medications used to treat medical conditions.

· Other psychological disorders. Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and (especially) substance abuse often appear along with depression.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

· Depression of mood is the primary symptom. There may be a diurnal variation of mood, depression being most distressing early in the morning or at the end of the day.

· Loss of pleasure in life (anhedonia)

· Loss of interest in oneself and others

· Low self esteem

· Self blame

· Hopelessness

· Suicidal thinking

· Feeling of guilt and worthlessness

· Sleep disturbance (initial insomnia, early morning wakening or hypersomnia)

· Poor concentration

· Fatigue

· Headache and other pains

· Anorexia (loss of appetite)

· Weight changes

· Constipation

· Reduced libido

How to manage Depression

Try to identify the root cause of your depression. Causes of depression can be psychological, emotional, physical or spiritual. The homeopathic treatments you use will vary depending on the cause, so it is necessary to pinpoint where your depression stems from before you can treat it.

When did your depression begin, and what was going on in your life at that time? This is one of the first questions your homeopath will ask when you’re seeking help for depression.

The answers are as diverse and colourful as the patients themselves. Perhaps you have felt depressed all your life due to hereditary factors. Maybe it began after a major and traumatic event in your life, such as divorce, abuse, death of a loved one, or loss of employment. Or possibly you became depressed as a result of hormonal imbalance, which is common during puberty, after childbirth and during menopause. The answer to the origins of your depression provides an important clue to finding your individual homeopathic remedy. At the same time, regardless of the triggering event of your depression, homeopathy can help you get unblocked, turn the corner, and set you on the path to recovery.

Each individual suffering from depression expresses it quite differently; with different feelings, behaviours and symptoms. As a result, 10 people diagnosed with depression will probably receive 10 different homeopathic remedies.

For example, a patient who had been depressed his entire life, who had feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and had difficulties expressing his feelings, made great progress with the remedy Natrum Muriaticum. While another patient suffering with life-long depression, who was a perfectionist, was unable to tolerate mediocrity, had rage and suicidal thoughts, made great improvement with the remedy Aurum Metallicum. Two recent cases of depression involving hormonal imbalance received the remedies Lilium Tigrinum and Sepia. In another case, the remedy Tuberculinumhelped the recovery of a patient who became severely depressed after separating from her husband. And Arsenicum Album created a spark of optimism for a young woman who had been depressed since a childhood occurrence of sexual abuse.

Homeopathy offers very good treatment possibilities for depression with good results. There are large number of medicines which can be used and the selection of medicine depends not just on the symptoms but also on the cause. Depression is a manifestation of the disorder and to treat the manifestation it is necessary to find the cause. The success of treatment in such cases often depends on the ability of a homeopath to find the cause. The selection of medicine depends a lot on it.

There are various triggers or stressors which lead to depression and they are well represented in the complete repertory as Ailments from

Ailments from disappointment in love- Nat mur, Ignatia

Ailments from ambition deceived- Nux vom

Ailments from bad news- Gelsemium

Ailments from business failure- Ambra Grisea

Ailments from death of child- Ignatia

Ailments from domination by others- Lycopodium

Ailments from friendship deceived- Magnesium

Ailments from honor wounded- Staphysagria

Ailments from reputation loss of- Aurum met

Ailments from reversal of fortune- Lachesis

And many more……..

After taking the indicated homeopathic remedy, patients will start noticing changes within a few hours to several days. Most people experience increased energy and motivation. This becomes the catalyst for positive changes in their lives. People adopt a more positive outlook on life. Depressed patients once again begin engaging in their favourite activities. Since homeopathy treats the person and not the disease, the process of cure will take the same path regardless of your initial complaint.
The length of time needed to cure depression (or any disease) depends on the severity and the length of time you’ve had it. So it is not realistic to assess how long treatment should take until your response to the remedies becomes apparent over a period of time. While long-standing conditions may take months or years to heal, there will be improvement quite soon.

Not only can the correct homeopathic remedy restore your health, but prolonged homeopathic treatment can even eliminate predisposition to certain diseases. If eliminating the root cause of your depression is your goal, then homeopathy is the medicine of choice.

Homeopathic Remedies for Depression

Arsenicum album: Anxious, insecure, and perfectionistic people who need this remedy may set high standards for themselves and others and become depressed if their expectations are not met. Worry about material security sometimes borders on despair. When feeling ill, these people can be demanding and dependent, even suspicious of others, fearing their condition could be serious.

Aurum metallicum: This remedy can be helpful to serious people, strongly focused on work and achievement, who become depressed if they feel they have failed in some way. Discouragement, self-reproach, humiliation, and anger can lead to feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. The person may feel worse at night, with nightmares or insomnia.

Calcarea carbonica: A dependable, industrious person who becomes overwhelmed from too much worry, work, or physical illness may benefit from this remedy. Anxiety, fatigue, confusion, discouragement, self-pity, and a dread of disaster may develop. A person who needs this remedy often feels chilly and sluggish and easily tires on exertion.

Causticum: A person who feels depressed because of grief and loss (either recent or over time) may benefit from this remedy. Frequent crying or a feeling of mental dullness and forgetfulness (with anxious checking to see if the door is locked, if the stove is off, etc.) are other indications. People who need this remedy are often deeply sympathetic toward others and, having a strong sense of justice, can be deeply discouraged or angry about the world.

Cimicifuga: A person who needs this remedy can be energetic and talkative when feeling well, but upset and gloomy when depressed—with exaggerated fears (of insanity, of being attacked, of disaster). Painful menstrual periods and headaches that involve the neck are often seen when this remedy is needed.

Ignatia amara: Sensitive people who suffer grief or disappointment and try to keep the hurt inside may benefit from this remedy. Wanting not to cry or appear too vulnerable to others, they may seem guarded, defensive, and moody. They may also burst out laughing, or into tears, for no apparent reason. A feeling of a lump in the throat and heaviness in the chest with frequent sighing or yawning are strong indications for Ignatia. Insomnia (or excessive sleeping), headaches, and cramping pains in the abdomen and back are also often seen.

Kali phosphoricum: If a person feels depressed after working too hard, being physically ill, or going through prolonged emotional stress or excitement, this remedy can be helpful. Exhausted, nervous, and jumpy, they may have difficulty working or concentrating—and become discouraged and lose confidence. Headaches from mental effort, easy perspiration, sensitivity to cold, anemia, insomnia, and indigestion are often seen when this remedy is needed.

Natrum carbonicum: Individuals who need this remedy are usually mild, gentle, and selfless—making an effort to be cheerful and helpful, and avoiding conflict whenever possible. After being hurt or disappointed, they can become depressed, but keep their feelings to themselves. Even when feeling lonely, they withdraw to rest or listen to sad music, which can isolate them even more. Nervous and physically sensitive (to sun, to weather changes, and to many foods, especially milk), they may also get depressed when feeling weak or ill.

Natrum muriaticum: People who need this remedy seem reserved, responsible, and private—yet have strong inner feelings (grief, romantic attachment, anger, or fear of misfortune) that they rarely show. Even though they want other people to feel for them, they can act affronted or angry if someone tries to console them, and need to be alone to cry. Anxiety, brooding about past grievances, migraines, back pain, and insomnia can also be experienced when the person is depressed. A craving for salt and tiredness from sun exposure are other indications for this remedy.

Pulsatilla: People who needs this remedy have a childlike softness and sensitivity—and can also be whiny, jealous, and moody. When depressed, they are sad and tearful, wanting a lot of attention and comforting. Crying, fresh air, and gentle exercise usually improve their mood. Getting too warm or being in a stuffy room can increase anxiety. Depression around the time of hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual periods, or menopause) can often be helped with Pulsatilla.

Sepia: People who feel weary, irritable, and indifferent to family members, and worn out by the demands of everyday life may respond to this remedy. They want to be left alone and may respond in an angry or cutting way if anyone bothers them. They often feel better from crying, but would rather have others keep their distance and not try to console them or cheer them up. Menstrual problems, a sagging feeling in internal organs, sluggish digestion, and improvement from vigorous exercise are other indications for this remedy.

Staphysagria: Quiet, sensitive, emotional people who have difficulty standing up for themselves may benefit from this remedy. Hurt feelings, shame, resentment, and suppressed emotions can lead them to depression. If under too much pressure, they can sometimes lose their natural inhibition and fly into rages or throw things. A person who needs this remedy may also have insomnia (feeling sleepy all day, but unable to sleep at night), toothaches, headaches, stomachaches, or bladder infections that are stress-related.

Flower remedies are useful in dealing with a number of conditions often associated with mild depression.

Agrimony is recommended if you tend to maintain a smiling appearance while suffering inner anguish and despair.

Centaury is helpful for depression accompanied by feelings of intimidation.

Cherry Plum relieves feelings of fearfulness, whether of things real or imagined.

Gorse may be chosen for a sense of hopelessness

Honey- suckle for those whose thoughts dwell on happier times past

Mustard is the remedy for sadness and feelings of ineffectuality

Rescue Remedy is the first choice to ease acute anxiety.

Sweet chestnut for bleak despair

Walnut is useful for depression that results from difficulty in adjusting to change.

Wild Rose is more beneficial for people who have lost interest in life, who have become apathetic and have stopped caring about anything-something many mildly depressed people experience.

Willow for depression caused by resentment

A person going through a period of mild sadness or depression may find relief through homeopathy. The guidance of an experienced homeopath is often valuable, to choose a remedy that fits the situation best.

5 Unusual Causes Of Hairfall

2012-07-10T07:53:00.003-07:00

There are more than a hundred causes of hairfall. It can be a wide range of things like pollution, stress etc. If you want to stop your hair from thinning, then you have to know the cause of hairfall first. Some of the reasons for hair loss are very obvious and yet we miss them completely. These are some peculiar habits we have that are not hair healthy.

To have shinning brilliant hair, you must understand these reasons and try to correct them.

5 Unusual Reasons For Hairfall:

1. Hot Water Bath: Most scientists now feel, that a cold water bath is much more healthier than hot water baths. Some experts argue against this too. However, when it comes to your hair, hot water is very damaging. Steaming hot water opens up the pours of your hair follicles and leads to hairfall.

2. Helmets: Helmets are an essential safety gear while driving bikes but it is true that they do lead to hair loss. Wearing helmets for a long period of time makes sweat accumulate in your scalp and weakens the roots of your hair. That is why, hair loss happens among young men who drive long distances regularly.

3. Forceful Combing: The wrong methods of combing can cause a tremendous amount of hair fall. You need to apply pressure while combing hair but only after the entire length of your hair is free from knots. If you try to comb through tangles forcefully (which you do out of instinct), then you will only end up with a bunch of torn out hair.

4. Combing Wet Hair: When your hair is wet, it is weak. But, most of us comb our wet hair out of habit. Some people believe that it helps you set the hair. Well, this is a huge cause of hairfall among all age groups. It is an obvious reason why hair loss happens and yet we rarely notice it.

5. Tying Your Hair Tight: It might be a classic hairstyle to 'pull back' our hair into a tight bun. But, its one of the many unknown reasons of hairfall. Tying your hair protects it but tying it too tight can make the brittle hair break at the ends. Moreover, combing your hair back can lead to a receding hairline if you already have thin hair.

Untimely hair loss is a big problem for the youth today. If you want to prevent it, be wary of these unusual causes of hairfall.

Olive oil for manageable hair

2012-07-10T07:34:00.001-07:00

There is no end to the goodness of olive oil.
Every beauty and health expert worth their salt will advise you to use olive oil for cooking as well as for beautifying oneself. Olive oil has been hailed as the ultimate when it comes to health. It is as beneficial and effective as a beauty aid as it is when consumed.
Here's how you can use olive oil to get silky shiny hair.
- Pour around half a cup of olive oil into a vessel and heat it. The oil shouldn't be too hot or you will end up with burnt fingers. Warm the oil only so much that you can comfortably touch the oil.
- Cover your shoulders with a towel to avoid staining your clothes.
- Take a little oil in your palms and massage it into your hair. Concentrate on massaging the scalp if you have a dry, itchy scalp. However, if you have an oily scalp then avoid applying oil your scalp. Oil only your hair and leave an inch and a half from the roots unoiled. Massage with your fingertips and not your nails. You might end up with a bruised scalp. Massaging with the fingertips also stimulates the hair follicles. This also propagates hair growth. Which is why you must massage your hair at least once a week.
- Pile your hair on the top and cover it completely with a shower cap or plastic wrap. Covering hair helps the oil to penetrate deeply. You can also wrap your hair with a warm towel.
- Keep the oil on your hair for at least half an hour and not more than one hour. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

Haircare tips for the monsoon

2012-07-10T07:07:00.001-07:00

Slicked down wet hair may look sexy on a bikini-clad babe in a Bollywood flick, but the truth is that constant drenching in the monsoon and high levels of humidity spell bad news for your mane. We can fall prey to a number of scalp problems and bad hair days during the rainy season and diligent hair care is needed to maintain the heath and good looks of your locks.

Certain scalp diseases become more prevalent in the monsoon -- exposure to dirty rainwater and consequent warm, humid conditions encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi on the scalp. Painful pus-filled boils due to bacterial infections are fairly common in this season, not to mention severely itchy, flaking patches of fungal infection, which result in hair loss in the affected area (most often seen in children).

Much as we hate to admit it, lice infestations are also way too common in the rains; lice breed during this season. And what's more, such infestations are not just a poor man's problem -- well-to-do, hygiene-conscious people can also be easily infected. The person travelling next to you on the train or your domestic help can easily pass them on to you.

For some, dandruff worsens as the fungus responsible for causing it flourishes in humid weather. Non-specific itchiness of the scalp and irritation are also common.

To prevent these problems, frequent shampooing and keeping your hair dry as far as possible is a must in the monsoons. Contrary to popular belief, frequent washing does not lead to hair loss -- you can even wash your hair daily with a mild shampoo if your hair is exposed to rain every day.

For boils on the scalp try Betadine AD shampoo twice a week; for fungal infections and dandruff you can try ketoconazole-based shampoos like Nizral, KZ etc. For lice, apply Perlice, leave on for a couple of hours and wash off. If the problem is not resolved in a few days or become very severe, please do consult a dermatologist immediately.

You must also dry your hair after shampooing thoroughly. Use a hair dryer with a diffuser attached and keep it six to eight inches away from your hair to avoid singeing/ burning. If you're caught unawares in a rain shower and don't have a hair dryer (say at the office or a cinema hall) flip your hair under the hand dryer in the bathroom and run your fingers through it till dry.

Conditioning is very important in the monsoon as excess humidity in the environment tends to frizz your hair. A good conditioner neutralises this frizzing and smoothens out the hair, making it manageable. Severe frizziness in curled or permed hair can be tackled with anti-frizz serums available in the market (TIGI, Schwarzkopf etc). If you're planning to colour your hair or perm it, it's advisable to wait till the rains are over as such treatments don't always give their best results in highly humid conditions.

Keep your nourishment levels up with a high protein diet and plenty of whole grains and nuts, which are rich in biotin (the vitamin that helps hair growth). You can also try protein-rich hair packs. Blend an egg white, olive oil, soaked and crushed fenugreek (methi) seeds and yoghurt and coat sections of your hair with it using a pack brush. Leave on for half an hour and shampoo out thoroughly with lukewarm water. Severe hair loss or breakage should be tackled by a dermatologist to determine the exact cause and to institute effective treatment for the same.

And here's the golden rule for healthy hair in the monsoons -- keep hairstyles short and simple and your scalp clean and dry.

Hair Care this Monsoon!

2012-07-10T05:13:00.000-07:00

You have had your fill of the sun and can’t wait for the fat droplets of rain to fall over your head and help you cool down. With the appearance of every dark cloud, you find your hopes rising… finally it rains!

After having thoroughly enjoyed the first rain, you suddenly realize that you forgot to cover your hair! And while you panic, we would just like to remind you that, these being the monsoons your hair will regularly get drenched whether you like it or not.

But all’s not lost yet as here are answers to some of the most common questions regarding hair care in the monsoons.

Should I regularly wash my hair during monsoons?
We Say: Yes! You should because …

Monsoons in India though consistent in their timing in the year are also very erratic with light drizzles usually turning into heavy downpour, within the blink of an eye. With no guarantee of a dry hair, you must make it a point to wash your hair every 2-3 days to keep it clean, plus this will also help in preventing the buildup of dust and grime in the hair.
It is also advisable to use a mild shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair in the monsoon. During rainy season, tap water contains more chlorine and hence one must make use of mild shampoos and conditioners to maintain the texture of their hair.

Remember to wash your hair gently as hair drenched in rain often ends up in a tangled mess. After washing do not towel your hair vigorously as this will weaken your hair roots and cause split ends, instead opt for the gentle pat and dry routine whenever you have to dry your hair.

Should I oil my hair during monsoons?
We Say: Yes, only if …
Oiling your hair in the monsoons is a topic that is always up for debate! With oil enthusiasts vouching for the liquid’s ‘hair conditioning’ ability while skeptics shouting themselves hoarse about the liquids’ properties of attracting dust and grime that lead to dandruff; the answer lies in moderation.
Oiling your hair during monsoons requires moderation in terms of time, which in simple lay man’s terms means - do not leave oil on your hair for too long in rainy season! Oiling your hair an hour or two before you wash your hair is greatly beneficial, as it helps in conditioning your hair and prevents them from becoming frizzy and dry after a wash.

Can I use Chemical products to keep my hair looking great in monsoons?
We Say: No, because …

The rainy season brings a humid atmosphere along with it. This in itself spells disaster for those with chemically treated hair, as hair being hydroscopic – absorbs the moisture from the atmosphere and this nullifies the effect of any chemical treatment or product used on the hair.
Moreover dust, grime and other pollutants stick to these chemicals, which again contribute to the tangling and knotting of your hair during monsoons.

Should I tie my hair during monsoons?
We Say: No, because …

Hair tends to get wet during monsoons and tying up the hair will only lead to the rain water being trapped in your hair. With a humid atmosphere, drying of the hair becomes a problem and a damp skin of the head is breeding ground for fungal infections,dandruff and lice on the scalp. While tying up your hair is not advised during monsoon, nor is leaving it open advisable. Leaving the hair open will expose it to the humidity making the hair either frizzy in case of curly or wavy hair, or limp in case of straight and silky hair. The best solution would be a loose bun or a loose ponytail as these do not trap much water and also protect your hair from direct exposure to the humidity.

How should I comb my hair during monsoons?
We Say: Use wide toothed combs instead of brushes because …

Combing your hair during monsoons is a bit tricky, as wet hair when combed with a brush can result in split ends and breakage, especially curly and wavy hair.
Combing hair when its wet is not a good idea”. Hair should only be combed when it is dried or semi dry, because wet hair being combed gets stretched and reaches its breaking point quite easily”. It’s best to use the gentle pat and dry routine with a towel to dry hair before finger combing it to get rid of the tangles during the monsoons.
Also remember to use a wide toothed comb for combing your hair during monsoons, as it will not pull on hair ends like a brush, thus preventing breakage and will also help get rid of the tangles and knots easily.

While these are just answers to some common queries regarding monsoons and hair care in India, we decided to go ahead and simplify things a bit more with the help of some good old Do’s and Don’ts for hair care during monsoons.

Some Do’s and Don’ts for the Monsoons:

Do’s:

Wash your hair with a mild shampoo every time it gets wet
Oil your hair an hour or two prior to a wash
Have a diet rich in Vitamin E for strong and healthy hair

Don’ts:

Don't tie your hair when it’s wet
Don't use a brush to comb your wet hair
Don't use a blow-dryer to dry your hair

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, get wet and enjoy the rains, just don’t forget to wash your hair afterwards!

How to lose weight by breakfast...

2012-03-02T23:08:00.002-08:00

Here are some of the ways that regularly eating a healthy breakfast may help you lose excess weight and maintain your weight loss:
• Reduced hunger. Eating breakfast may reduce your hunger later in the day, which may make it easier to avoid overeating. When you skip breakfast, you may feel ravenous later and be tempted to reach for a quick fix — such as vending machine candy or doughnuts at the o...ffice. In addition, the prolonged fasting that occurs when you skip breakfast can increase your body's insulin response, which in turn increases fat storage and weight gain. In fact, skipping breakfast actually increases your risk of obesity.
• Healthy choices. Eating breakfast may get you on track to make healthy choices all day. When you eat breakfast, you tend to eat a healthier overall diet, one that is more nutritious and lower in fat. When you skip breakfast, you're more likely to skip fruits and vegetables the rest of the day, too.
• More energy. Eating breakfast may give you energy, increasing your physical activity during the day. A healthy breakfast refuels your body and replenishes the glycogen stores that supply your muscles with immediate energy. Skipping breakfast is associated with decreased physical activity.
So, if you skip breakfast — whether you're trying to save time or cut calories — you may want to reconsider, especially if you're trying tSkipping breakfast is a common strategy for people who are trying to lose weight, but it's usually not a successful one. Your body (or maybe your brain) expects to be refueled a few times each day, so when you skip meals you may feel so hungry that when lunch time comes, you over-eat or maybe you choose foods that are not the healthiest choices.
Actually, eating breakfast may be good for losing weight. People who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. Some experts believe eating breakfast keeps your metabolism running because skipping meals causes the body to kick into 'starvation' mode. This really isn't the case, however, because it takes three or for days of not eating for the body to start gearing down. It's more likely that people who regularly eat breakfast also make good dietary choices the rest of the day.
Eating a Healthy Breakfast
While any breakfast may be better than no breakfast, there are some foods you might want to avoid because they're high in sugars, sodium, saturated fats and calories. Cut back on sugary cereals (over 5.0 grams per serving), high-calorie pastries, and meats like bacon and sausage that are high in saturated fat and sodium.
Breakfast should include protein and plenty of fiber; the combination will help satisfy your hunger and will keep you feeling full until lunch time. The protein can come from low-fat meat, eggs, nuts or dairy products. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A healthy breakfast doesn't need to be extravagant or take a long time to prepare. Try something simple like a hard boiled egg, whole grain toast and 100% fruit juice. And there's nothing wrong with a bowl of whole-grain cereal with berries and low-fat milk.
If you really don't like to eat breakfast, you can split it up into two smaller meals. Eat a hard boiled egg at home, and an hour or two later, take a break from work and snack on an apple and a handful of healthy nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Except for weekends, breakfast is often the meal that either gets ignored or rushed through — does grabbing a banana as you head out the door sound familiar? With such busy schedules nowadays, breakfast often becomes an afterthought, when it really should be a top priority in morning routines.
We always hear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day — but why is this true? In a way, breakfast is "breaking the fast" because after sleeping for eight hours and being without food during the night, our brain and muscles need energy and fuel to function. And the glucose in food (as well as the vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and protein) is how we get this energy. With this rush of nutrients and glucose to our brains, we are better able to concentrate, focus, be productive, and be in better spirits — no waking up on the wrong side of the bed!
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of breakfast time.
• Eat breakfast early. Aim to enjoy breakfast shortly after you wake up. If you're not into eating early, have your first meal within an hour of waking up. If you're working out first thing, make sure to eat something small like a piece of toast with almond butter or a hard-boiled egg. Then eat something a little more substantial after your workout.
• Eat a breakfast consisting of healthy carbs, protein, and fiber. For your carbs, why not start the day with steel cut Irish Oatmeal? The night before bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add one cup of oats, add some cinnamon, cover and turn off the heat. The next morning turn the heat on keeping the lid on for a few minutes. Take the lid off and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes.
• Sit down and eat breakfast. Try to take at least half an hour each morning to sit down and eat. This way you can step back, savor your meal, and focus on your upcoming day.

• The consumption of an early morning snack increases the metabolic rate (how fast you burn calories) and kick starts your body into gear, telling it what to expect the rest of the day. If breakfast isn't had, your body doesn't process your next meal as quickly and tries to hold onto those nutrients. Since it didn't get any morning fuel, it tries to hold onto the afternoon meal as long as possible — instead of burning it right away.
• Studies have shown that weight loss can be more difficult and weight gain more prevalent in folks who opt out on the morning meal. Those who skip breakfast have a tendency to consume more food than usual the next chance they get to grab a bite to eat and also have a higher tendency to snack on high-calorie foods to keep hunger at bay until then.

Home remedies for obesity

2011-09-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

Obesity treatment using Lime Juice-Honey
Fasting on lime juice-honey water is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity. In this mode of treatment, one teaspoon of fresh honey should be mixed with the juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water and taken at regular intervals.

Obesity treatment using Trifala
Trifala, an herbal combination of amalaki, bibbitaki, and haritaki is good for losing weight.

Obesity treatment using Jujube
The leaves of jujube or Indian plum are another valuable remedy for obesity. A handful of leaves should be soaked overnight in water and this water should be taken in the morning, preferably on an empty stumach. This treatment should be continued for at least one month to achieve beneficial results.

Obesity treatment using Cabbage
Cabbage is considered to be an excellent home remedy for obesity. Recent research has revealed that a valuable chemical called tartaric acid is present in this vegetable which inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction. Substituting a meal with cabbage salad would be the simplest way to stay slim.

Obesity treatment using Tomato
One or two ripe tomatoes taken early morning as a substitute for breakfast, for a couple of months, are considered a safe method of weight reduction. They also supply the food elements essential to preserve health.

Obesity treatment using Finger Millet
Finger millet is an ideal food for the obese, because its digestion is slow and due to this, the carbohydrates take a longer time to get absorbed. By eating preparations made of finger millet, the constant desire to eat is curbed, thus reducing the daily calorie intake. At the same time, finger millet supplies an abundant quantity of calcium, phosphorus, iron, Vitamin B1 and B2 and prevents malnutrition in spite of restricted food.

Here are some simple and dos and don’ts that one can adhere to:

Do’s
- Increase the quantity of fruits and vegetables and low calorie foods.
- Eat tomato in the morning and in salad. Make it a regular habit.
- Mint is very beneficial in losing weight. Have some salads, vegetables with it.
- Have raw or cooked cabbage as it inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat.
- Include a source of vitamin B-12 in your diet.
- Use vegetable oil instead of butter or stick margarine.
- Prefer eating steam, boiled, microwave vegetables
- Eat less salty foods, alcohol, dairy products, sugar, margarine
- Replace whole milk with skim or low fat milk for your preparation
- Roast, bake or boil meat, fish, to destroy all the fat present

Don’ts
- Avoid intake of too much salt as it may be a factor for increasing body weight.
- All kinds of milk products-cheese, butter, and non-vegetarian foods should be avoided as they are rich in fat. Be sufficient with twice a glass of milk.
- Avoid rice and potato, which contain a lot of carbohydrates. Among cereals wheat is good.
- Avoid high calorie foods like chocolates, ice cream, sweets, butter, heavy refined foods which have high calories.
- Avoid meals when under stress or tension.
- Stop taking bread prepared with wheat alone as the key ingredient. An ideal mixture must consist of whole grams flour and soyabeans.

Do not skip any meal
Eat three regular meals a day. Avoid skipping any meal.
Small frequent well-spaced meals are desirable
Instead of eating only 2 more meals during the day like lunch, dinner, it is advisable to eat 4-5 more small mini-meals spaced between 2-3 hours apart during the day.
Drink plenty of water
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to avoid fluid retention.
- Drink a glass of boiled water daily after every meal.
Other Obesity Treatment
Exercise and perspirational activities
Exercise is an important part of any weight reduction plan. A workout for at least 30 minutes to an hour every morning is beneficial.
Walking is the best exercise to begin with. Other exercises include swimming, bicycling, trekking and so on.
Curb negative emotions and develop positive outlook
Above all, obese persons should make every effort to avoid negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, hostility, and insecurity, and develop a positive outlook on life.

Do keep in mind:
Regular walk after the meal.
Regular exercise.
Diet control
Home Remedies
Walking is the best exercise to begin with.
As soon as you wake up in the morning workout for at least 30min to an hour.

5 Super Fruits for Heart Health.

2011-07-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

Many health experts agree that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve heart health and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Furthermore it can reverse heart related problems such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Juicing fruits is an excellent way to get a densely packed amount of beneficial nutrients. So which fruits are best for fighting heart disease?

Research has shown these 5 fruits are powerful protectors for your ticker:

POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate has an abundance of antioxidants gaining a lot of attention in the past few years as a super fruit for the heart. Punicalagins is one of the well researched cardio-protective antioxidants found in pomegranate. It can reduce inflammatory damage of arteries and reduce oxidative stress. Other antioxidants in pomegranate include vitamin C, catechins, isoflavones and anthocyanins. All of which have protective qualities for the heart.

Juicer recipes tip: Cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh for juicing. Use only the flesh in your juice. The rind and skin will make the juice sour.

RED and PURPLE GRAPES
Resveratrol is the antioxidant found in red and purple grapes and consequently red wine. The French Paradox is the observation that even though the French eat lots of saturated fat and red meat with a high percentage of smokers, they also have a much lower risk of heart disease in comparison to countries like the USA! This is due to their regular intake of red wine. The health benefits of taking resveratrol include reducing the risk of blood clotting, thinning the blood, lowering LDL “bad” cholesterol, preventing damage to blood vessels in the heart and helping to keep blood pressure at a good range.

Juicer recipes tip: when juicing grapes at home you will find the juice looks cloudy. This is not a problem because commercial juices are filtered to look good. The cloudiness simply means there is more nutrition in the juice. Enjoy!

BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries, like pomegranates, are a super fruit loaded with antioxidants. Blueberries contain some resveratrol, but also contain a newly discovered antioxidant called pterostilbene. So far pterostilbene appears to have the same chemo-preventative qualities as resveratrol. A super fruit! Also high in vitamin C.

Juicer recipes tip: You will need a lot of blueberries to make one juice. Four or five cups will do it! Just think how much antioxidant power will be in one single juice!

RED GRAPEFRUIT
A was published in 2006 by the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. It found that giving one grapefruit a day for 30 days to patients with high blood cholesterol actually lowered their cholesterol levels. In this study red grapefruits were found to be more effective than white grapefruit. It is thought that undiscovered antioxidants in the red grapefruit are responsible for its heart healthy effects.

Juicer recipes tip: Remove the outer skin, but keep the white pith for your juice. The pith contains healthy bioflavanoids.

KIWI
Kiwi has earned its wings as a heart healthy fruit. There is evidence that it reduces blood clotting, lowers LDL “bad” cholesterol levels and raises HDL “good” cholesterol levels. Kiwi is a great source of vitiamin C. Vitamin C is needed to create collagen to keep your arteries elastic and supple and to protect the arteries from free radical attacks.

Juicer recipes tip: Drink kiwi juice immediately after juicing. The longer it sits around the more vitamin C it loses.

The Amazing Cucumber!!!

2011-07-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one
cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5,
Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus,
Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and
pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and
Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for
hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing
a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide
a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in
a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long.
The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a
scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them
flee the area.

5 Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out
or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your
problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause
the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and
reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6.. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber
slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free.
Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish
essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium,
avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?
Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European
trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you
don 't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber
over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that
not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice
and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don 't have time for massage, facial or visit to
the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of
water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the
boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing,
relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and
college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don 't have gum or
mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth
with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the
photochemical will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for
causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless
steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to
clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the
shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or
fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and
slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and
markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

2011-07-25T04:31:00.000-07:00

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value.. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2.. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:

1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)

2. Gastric (10 days)

3. Diabetes (30 days)

4. Constipation (10 days)

5. Cancer (180 days)

6. TB (90 days)

7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.

It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.

Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food.. It will line the intestine.
Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

Autism

2011-07-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Autistic disorder, sometimes called autism or classical ASD, is the most severe form of ASD, while other conditions along the spectrum include a milder form known as Asperger syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Although ASD varies significantly in character and severity, it occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects every age group. Experts estimate that six children out of every 1,000 will have an ASD. Males are four times more likely to have an ASD than females.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research. There are probably a combination of factors that lead to autism.

Genetic factors seem to be important. For example, identical twins are much more likely than fraternal twins or siblings to both have autism. Similarly, language abnormalities are more common in relatives of autistic children. Chromosomal abnormalities and other nervous system (neurological) problems are also more common in families with autism.

A number of other possible causes have been suspected, but not proven. They involve:

Diet

Digestive tract changes

Mercury poisoning

The body's inability to properly use vitamins and minerals

Vaccine sensitivity

Core symptoms
The severity of symptoms varies greatly, but all people with autism have some core symptoms in the areas of:

Social interactions and relationships.
Symptoms may include:
Significant problems developing nonverbal communication skills, such as eye-to-eye gazing, facial expressions, and body posture.
Failure to establish friendships with children the same age.
Lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people.
Lack of empathy. People with autism may have difficulty understanding another person's feelings, such as pain or sorrow.

Verbal and nonverbal communication.
Symptoms may include:
Delay in, or lack of, learning to talk. As many as 40% of people with autism never speak.
Problems taking steps to start a conversation. Also, people with autism have difficulties continuing a conversation after it has begun.

Stereotyped and repetitive use of language.
People with autism often repeat over and over a phrase they have heard previously (echolalia).
Difficulty understanding their listener's perspective. For example, a person with autism may not understand that someone is using humor. They may interpret the communication word for word and fail to catch the implied meaning.
Limited interests in activities or play. Symptoms may include:
An unusual focus on pieces. Younger children with autism often focus on parts of toys, such as the wheels on a car, rather than playing with the entire toy.
Preoccupation with certain topics. For example, older children and adults may be fascinated by video games, trading cards, or license plates.
A need for sameness and routines. For example, a child with autism may always need to eat bread before salad and insist on driving the same route every day to school.

Signs and tests

All children should have routine developmental exams done by their pediatrician. Further testing may be needed if the doctor or parents are concerned. This is particularly true if a child fails to meet any of the following language milestones:

Babbling by 12 months

Gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye) by 12 months

Saying single words by 16 months

Saying two-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months (not just echoing)

Losing any language or social skills at any age

These children might receive a hearing evaluation, blood lead test, and screening test for autism (such as the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers [CHAT] or the Autism Screening Questionnaire).

A health care provider experienced in diagnosing and treating autism is usually needed to make the actual diagnosis. Because there is no biological test for autism, the diagnosis will often be based on very specific criteria from a book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV.

An evaluation of autism will often include a complete physical and nervous system (neurologic) examination. It may also include a specific screening tool, such as:

Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R)

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

Childhood Autism rating Scale (CARS)

Gilliam Autism Rating Scale

Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test - Stage 3

Children with known or suspected autism will often have genetic testing (looking for chromosome abnormalities) and may have metabolic testing.

Autism includes a broad spectrum of symptoms. Therefore, a single, brief evaluation cannot predict a child's true abilities. Ideally, a team of different specialists will evaluate the child. They might evaluate:

Communication

Language

Motor skills

Speech

Success at school

Thinking abilities

Sometimes people are reluctant to have a child diagnosed because of concerns about labeling the child. However, without a diagnosis the child may not get the necessary treatment and services.

How is autism treated?

There is no cure for ASDs. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement. The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that meet the specific needs of individual children. Most health care professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.

Educational/behavioral interventions: Therapists use highly structured and intensive skill-oriented training sessions to help children develop social and language skills, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis. Family counseling for the parents and siblings of children with an ASD often helps families cope with the particular challenges of living with a child with an ASD.

Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications for treatment of specific autism-related symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Antipsychotic medications are used to treat severe behavioral problems. Seizures can be treated with one or more anticonvulsant drugs. Medication used to treat people with attention deficit disorder can be used effectively to help decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Other therapies: There are a number of controversial therapies or interventions available, but few, if any, are supported by scientific studies. Parents should use caution before adopting any unproven treatments. Although dietary interventions have been helpful in some children, parents should be careful that their child’s nutritional status is carefully followed.

Homeopathic Treatment

Medicines are often used to treat behavior or emotional problems that people with autism may have, including:

Aggression

Anxiety

Attention problems

Extreme compulsions that the child cannot stop

Hyperactivity

Impulsiveness

Irritability

Mood swings

Outbursts

Sleep difficulty

Tantrums

DIET

Some children with autism appear to respond to a gluten-free or casein-free diet. Gluten is found in foods containing wheat, rye, and barley. Casein is found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Not all experts agree that dietary changes will make a difference, and not all studies of this method have shown positive results.

If you are considering these or other dietary changes, talk to both a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist) and a registered dietitian. You want to be sure that the child is still receiving enough calories, nutrients, and Ta balanced diet.

References

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-symptoms
http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/autism-and-asperger-syndrome-an-introduction/what-is-autism.aspx

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

2011-07-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

PCOS, which is short for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a relatively common disorder that can greatly interfere with a woman’s fertility. The causes of PCOS are known entirely, but there are some things that research has been able to determine that do contribute to the risk of PCOS.

The symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome tend to appear gradually. These symptoms of PCOS can include:

- irregular or missing periods
- irregular ovulation, or anovulation
- vaginal bleeding
- loss of hair on the head, and growth of hair in other places
- oily skin and acne
- Infertility
- Repeated miscarriages
- Hyperinsulinemia, or too much insulin
- Weight gain in the upper body
- Sleep apnea or other sleeping problems
- Chronic pelvic pain
- High blood pressure.

As with many other health concerns, genetics may be an important factor in PCOS. Some research suggests that the female children of a woman with PCOS have somewhere around a 50% chance of developing PCOS themselves. Frequently, a woman who has PCOS will have a mother or a sister who also has PCOS.

Other studies suggest an important link between PCOS and a variety of hormonal changes. These can include: – Androgens. Androgens are hormones that can cause a variety of problems, such as hair appearing in odd places and acne, and it can also interfere with the process of ovulation. – Ovarian hormones. The hormones that trigger ovulation are an important part of a woman’s cycle. If these hormones are not at the correct levels, the ovaries will not relapse an egg each month and ovulation will not occur. – Insulin and blood sugar. Roughly 50% of the women who suffer from PCOS will have difficulty with the way that there body uses insulin. This is known as insulin resistance. Insulin resistance causes their blood sugar levels to grow to dangerous levels. IN some instances, this can even lead to diabetes.

PCOS cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Possible treatment options include birth control pills, diabetes medications such as Metformin (also called Glucophage), fertility medications, medicine for increased hair growth or extra male hormones, and even surgery.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome And Homeopathy
Many women who have PCOS have had limited success with the traditional medical treatments available. Sometimes, traditional medicines and treatments are not enough. In some cases, such treatments are too invasive, or the medications are too difficult on a womans system, that she hopes to be able to treat her condition through other means, such as homeopathy.

Homeopathic treatment is based on some foundational principles. One of the core ideas is that a substance that produces a symptom when given in large doses will help to remove those symptoms if it is given in small or micro-doses. Homeopathy assumes a holistic approach, in which all of the symptoms are considered. Advocates of homeopathy suggest that the treatments are effective, safe, natural, not addictive, and have no side effects.

There are not any specific homeopathic remedies that are designed for the treatment of PCOS. However, there are homeopathic treatments that may help a woman with PCOS. The most common form of homeopathic treatments for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome include homeopathic treatments that address the general well-being of the person.

One of the homeopathic treatments for PCOS is Nat. Mur. Nat. Mur is proscribed for a variety of symptoms, such as eczema, vertigo, oral thrush, and premenstrual tension. Another treatment is Lycopodium. Lycopodium is used for vomiting, indigestion, bloating, constipation, anxiety, and insomnia. Sepia is also sometimes used. Sepia is generally used for a variety of female difficulties that center around the uterus, vagina, or ovaries. One of the more versatile homeopathic treatments, Lachesis, is also used for PCOS. Lachesis is used for blood poisoning, circulation, difficulties with menstruation, menopause, tonsillitis, and uterine problems.

An expert homeopath may be able to help you determine additional treatments for PCOS. As always, homeopathic remedies should be used under the care of a health care provider, and may be most effective when combined with traditional medical approaches, as well as specific lifestyle and behavioral remedies, such as diet and exercise.

Homeopathic Remedies for PCOS Symptoms

Some homeopathic remedies that may be administered to alleviate symptoms of PCOS include:

Caulophyllum, useful to women with a history of irregular periods, discomfort during periods and pain in the pelvic region.
Lachesis, which may be used to promote blood circulation to the reproductive organs, regulates menstruation cycles and correct uterine problems.
Lycodium, which may relieve sweet cravings, insatiable appetites, extended periods, bloating, indigestion, constipation, insomnia and anxiety.
Nat. Mur, which may reduce inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and vertigo, and may alleviate PMS.
Sepia, a general tonic for the female reproductive system, revitalizing the uterus, ovaries and vagina.

A professional homeopath will holistically consider your PCOS condition and devise an appropriate remedy for you. Please keep in mind that remedies are most effective when taken in conjunction with a good diet and exercise.

Dandruff- Seborrheic Dermatitis

2011-07-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

The term dandruff generally refers to the condition of the skin wherein shiny, silvery scales separate from the scalp and collect amidst the hair. Seborrheic dermatitis is quite a common skin condition that affects the scalp causing an itchy scalp and scaly or flaky skin and stubborn dandruff. The condition can become troublesome when the skin gets infected.

Dandruff is a harmless condition that involves an acceleration in the normal shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.This dead skin accumulates as white flakes in the hair and sometimes causes itching. The condition is most common in young adults

There are two main types of dandruff, namely dry dandruff and oily dandruff. Those with an oily skin tend to suffer from oily dandruff while those with dry skin suffer from dry dandruff. The type of dandruff home remedy that one chooses must therefore be decided according to the type of dandruff. Oily dandruff can be a little tougher to treat as it tends to recur quite easily while dry dandruff can be prevented quite easily. Nevertheless, with a suitable dandruff home remedy and a regular hair care regimen, you can get obtain permanent relief from this condition. While most people see dandruff as a purely cosmetic problem that can be embarrassing at times, dandruff can have several serious repercussions. Dandruff increases one’s risk of scalp infections, especially dry skin conditions, like psoriasis and it can also cause loss of hair which is generally temporary but which can be permanent. Dandruff can also cause itching on your forehead and face as it settles on your skin. This may explain why some people tend to confuse the itchiness and skin irritation symptoms of lice, or rather head lice with dandruff. A dandruff home remedy needs to be used for a prolonged period to ensure that the condition is successfully treated. Very often, people use home remedies for dandruff for just a week or so and as soon as the dandruff has seemed to have cleared, they stop the treatment. However, discontinuing treatment before the condition has cleared completely will cause the problem to resurface. A dandruff home remedy is usually made up of natural ingredients and can be used for at least two weeks or so as this will ensure permanent relief.

Causes of Dandruff

Many dermatologists think that dandruff is associated with a yeast fungus called Pityrosporum ovale (Pity ros' por um o va' le) or just simply P. ovale. This microscopic one-celled organism lives in the skin of everyone and usually causes no problem. It is only when it starts to proliferate that problems emerge.

The proliferation may be caused by an excessively oily scalp. P. ovale cannot synthesize the fatty acids they need to survive. They have to get these fatty acids from the oils secreted from the sebaceous glands adjacent to each hair follicle in the scalp. Scalps that are excessively oily are good breeding grounds for these one-celled organisms. In this oil-rich environment, they increase in number and probably contribute to rapid skin cycling and scaling.

The P. ovale theory of dandruff is convincing, but there may be factors other than yeast fungi that promote dandruff. Some of these factors are:

1. Cold, dry weather. Dandruff is much more common in the winter where the weather outside is frightful, but the dry indoor heating is even more frightful.

2. Bad hygienic habits. Infrequent shampooing, harsh shampoos, use of the wrong conditioners, and improper rinsing can all contribute to dandruff.

3. Too frequent coloring of the hair. Coloring and all the heat-related torture that women undergo in beauty parlors certainly do not promote a healthy scalp.

4. Long-term stress and anxiety. This is a low-probability cause of dandruff but it can't be ruled out.

5. Bad diet. A diet rich in saturated fats and trans-fatty oils causes the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum - the delicacy that P. ovale, as well as other flora, thrive on.

6. Hormonal changes. These changes, especially in a woman's body, can accelerate skin cell cycling.

Dandruff Symptoms

The Scales from the Scalp Fall

When the hair is combed or brushed, or when the scalp is scratched, the scales from the scalp fall like snowflakes and settle on the eye brows, shoulders, and clothes. These scales sometimes appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp. This is most commonly seen when the individual is suffering from dry dandruff. However, people with oily dandruff will observe different dandruff symptoms as compared to those with dry dandruff. People with oily dandruff will not have loose scales of skin as the scales mix with the sebum from their scalp and this forms a thick greasy covering over their scalp. While it may not be as easy to detect this type of dandruff, it will still be apparent while combing your hair as the greasy mixture of dandruff and sebum will coat the teeth of a comb. Dandruff control measures are equally important, no matter the type of dandruff one is suffering from. You can use more than one type of dandruff home remedy method to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. You can separate the various dandruff cures according to how they are used. You can use one dandruff home remedy as a hair tonic for dandruff and use another as part of a deep scalp cleansing process.

Itching is there and Scalp may Become Red

Often there is itching as well and the scalp may become red from scratching. In cases where itching and discomfort is intense, the individual may scratch his/her scalp so badly that small wounds and scabs appear. This is a serious problem as it drastically increases one’s chances of suffering from a secondary scalp infection. Constant scratching and aggravation could cause severe dandruff hair loss and so it is important to take additional steps to reduce the itching and discomfort. People with oily dandruff can get temporary relief from the discomfort by lightly dusting their scalp with a fine powder made out of dried and crushed Margosa leaves. This powder will help to absorb excess sebum and thus reduce itching and since Margosa leaves have strong antimicrobial properties, this powder will also help to prevent infection. People with dry dandruff can mix two drops of tea tree oil with half a spoon of olive oil as tea tree oil has potent antifungal properties. You can massage this blend of oils into your scalp after you wash your hair as it will help to protect and moisturize your scalp and prevent itching. It is important to keep in mind that this type of dandruff home remedy is meant to treat discomfort caused by dandruff and must be used in addition to a dandruff treatment method.

What Can Be Done?

If you have dandruff, the first thing I would suggest is to get a bottle of non-prescription 1% Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. (The prescription 2% Nizoral is for more severe cases of dandruff.) After you shampoo with your regular shampoo and rinse it off, pour a little Nizoral into the palm of your hand, and massage it into the scalp. Leave it on for three to five minutes before thoroughly rinsing it off.

Do this two or three times a week for a month. If this rids your scalp of the dandruff problem, use Nizoral only once every week after your regular shampoo to prevent the dandruff from returning. The effect of Nizoral is long-acting so it is a good preventive measure.

The active ingredient in Nizoral is ketoconazole (ke to co' na zole). This chemical is effective in keeping the yeast fungus P. ovale in check. Even though I don't have dandruff anymore, I still use Nizoral at least once a month - just in case. It has a good fragrance, and, as the company says, "It is pH balanced leaving the hair soft, healthy, and clean."

Many other anti-dandruff shampoos work by changing or normalizing the pH of the scalp thereby making it harder for P. ovale to proliferate. The pH of scalp skin should be relatively neutral. The pH scale goes from 0 to14 with 0 extreme acid and 14 extreme alkaline. Neutral is a pH of 7 on the scale. Pure water has a pH of 7. Even though many shampoos (Nizoral included) claim to balance or neutralize the pH of the scalp, it is mostly the quality of the water that determines your scalp's pH after a shower.

If the water quality in your area is too hard or soft, it is especially important to use a good conditioner. Experiment to find one that is suitable for your hair, preferably a conditioner separate from the shampoo. Try this for a cheap conditioner: one part apple cider vinegar to three parts warm water. Rinse your hair with this. There is a health food store in Santa Barbara that claims miracles for apple cider vinegar - it balances the pH of you scalp along with your bank account.

As for shampoos, select a mild one preferably without the harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate. It might also be best to avoid shampoos with plant oils in them. These plant oils promote the growth of P. ovale and could be allergenic. Jojoba oil is OK. If you use oil to groom your hair, just plain mineral oil is the least damaging to the skin and hair.

Be careful of the sun. New studies have indicated that UVA penetrates 165 to 250 micrometers into the skin and can damage it and the hair follicles as well. The tanning salons, by the way, use UVA.

Homeopathic Medicines
Mezereum 200: Five pills four times a day, helps in getting rid of dandruff. Indicated for dandruff when it is severe, the hair gets entangled and scabs are formed on the scalp.
Calcarea Sulph 200: Five pills four times a day has been found to be very effective, specifically indicated when dandruff is yellowish in colour.
Arnica 200: Five pills four times a day, is recommended for damaged cells, caused due to hard brushing, combing, pulling of hair, tight buns and resulting in dandruff.

HOME REMEDIES
1.While washing hair, apply fresh limejuice,as it removes stickiness and dandruff.
2. Sour curd (yogurt) applied on the scalp and washed after 30 min will help to do away with dandruff.
3. Wash hair with neem leaves in boiling water or weak salt water to check fall and dandruff.
4. Mix 8 tbsp of groundnut oil with lemon juice and rub the mixture on the scalp,leave for half an hour and then wash as usual.

PRECAUTIONS
Foods that should be avoided are starchy, meats sugar, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should be avoided. Refined carbohydrates in white flour or sugar should be avoided because they deplete the body of B vitamins. Sometimes an allergy to dairy products such as chocolate, nuts and shellfish may cause dandruff.

TREATMENT
There are many treatments available to manage and control dandruff. Nutritional supplements,take more green vegetables,salad, fruits,milk,curd and sprouted in the diet. Herbal oil and anti-dandruff shampoos offer new options but each of these treatments works differently for every individual.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Following homoeopathic medicines are useful, but for final selection of homoeopathic medicine consult the homoeopathic physician.

Ars.Alb. Scalp itches intolerably; circular patches of bare spots; rough, dirty, sensitive, and covered with dry scales; nightly burning and itching; dandruff. Scalp very sensitive; cannot brush hair.
Ammonium Mur. Hair falls out, with itching and dandruff.
Calcarea Sul. Dandruff on the scalp causing eruptions with thick yellow crusts; eczema; also pimples due to dandruff; falling of hair.
Carboneum Sul. Dandruff on the scalp; eruptions crusts; eczema; itching; moist scaly pimples, sore and painful.
Graphites. Herpetic dandruff (dandruff accompanied with eczema or other eruptions). Scalp scaly with distressing itching, humid. Falling of hair. Burning on vertex.
Kali Sul. Yellow dandruff, bald spot
Mezerium. Dandruff with great itching and loss of hair.
Nat Mur. White dandruff, alternating with catarrh or loss of smell.
Phosphorus. Itching of scalp, dandruff, falling of hair in large bunches.
Psorinum. Dandruff smells badly.Humid eruption on scalp; hair matted. Hair dry.
Sanicula. Scaly dandruff over the scalp, eye-brows and other hairy parts.
Sepia. Dandruff in circles, like ringworm. Moist scalp; hair falls out; pimples on forehead near hair.
Thuja. Falling of hair due to dry white scaly dandruff.

Premature greying of hair- Canites

2011-07-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Do you suffer from premature greying of your hair. Know how to turn grey or white hair into black hair.

You can stop premature greying of your hair by using the remedies given below.

Graying of hair is a natural process. Hair turns gradually grey due to a reduction in the production of melanin pigment in the hair bulb as the age increases. You will observe the first grey hairs usually near the temples, then to the crown and then at the back of your head. Premature greying is due to a rapid decline in melanin.

Premature Grey Hair Causes
The premature greying may be due to following reasons:

Premature greying of the hair is basically hereditary. So if your father's or grandfather's hair started early to turn grey there is a chance that your will also have premature greying of hair.
Excessive prolonged stress, anxiety and tension.
Severe illness like typhoid too can start greying of hair.
Excessive intake of tea, coffee and alcohol.
Excessive intake of fried and oily foods.
Excessive intake of spices.
Excessive intake of sour and acidic foods.
Deficiency of nutritients specially copper can reduce the production of melanin.

Premature Grey Hair Remedy
Eat protein rich foods. Proteins - Sources: sprouted whole grains, cereals, meat and soy in your diet.
Eat foods rich in iron, minerals and vitamin A and B.
Vitamin A - Sources: dark green vegetables & yellow fruits. Vitamin B - Sources: fresh green leafy vegetables, bananas, tomatoes, cauliflower, cereals, liver kidney, yogurt, yeast and wheat germ.
Minerals like zinc, iron and copper - Sources: zinc - red meat, chicken & green vegetables
iron - beef, dried apricots, red meat, parsley, eggs, wheat & sunflower seeds
copper - sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds, crabs and oysters, egg yolk & whole grains.
Eat foods rich in iodine such as banana, carrots and fish.
Drink butter milk with a 2 teaspoons each of yeast and wheat germ will prevent and cure premature greying of hair.
Rub Indian gooseberry (Amla) mixed in coconut oil into the scalp regularly. It can show wonderful results, your gray hair will turn black. Boil some dried amla pieces in coconut oil till it turns black. Apply this oil to prevent hair greying.
Grate some fresh ginger. Mix with honey and place it in a jar. Eat 1 teaspoon everyday.
Massage your hairs with coconut oil and lemon juice everyday.
Boil some dried ribbed gourd torai in coconut oil till it turns black. Massage this oil in scalp and hair roots should be massaged into the scalp.
Mix 1 tablespoon of table salt to a cup of strong black tea without milk. Massage this water on the scalp. Wash your hair after an hour.
Boil some curry leaves in coconut oil and apply in scalp and hair roots.
Make a paste of 2 tspn henna powder, 1 tspn yogurt, 1 tsp fenugreek (methi seed powder, 3 tspn coffee, 2 tspn basil juice and 3 tspn mint juice and apply to the hair. Wash hair with shampoo after 3 hours.
Massage your scalp and hair with butter made from cow milk twice a week.
To control premature graying of hair
Boil some water and add 4 tablespoon of dried sage. Let it stand for 2 hours. Cool and strain the water. To this, add about 25 ml glycerin and a few drops of vitamin E oil. Mix well and massage on your scalp and wash. Use it regularly.
To improve hair colour
Boil two cups of coconut oil and add a few drops of almond oil and some hibiscus leaves and one teaspoon of fenugreek powder (methi powder. Cool and strain and keep it in a glass jar. Apply 2-3 tiems a week to hair and scalp to enhance the colour of the hair.

Home remedies for treating grey hair:
Eat foods rich in iodine such as banana, carrots and fish.
Drink butter milk with a 2 teaspoons each of yeast and wheat germ will prevent and cure premature greying of hair.
Grate some fresh ginger. Mix with honey and place it in a jar. Eat 1 tea spoon everyday.
Rub oil made with Indian gooseberry ( Amla ) into the scalp regularly. It can show wonderful results, your gray hair will turn black.
Every morning take palak juice and eat 10 curry leaves which works excellently, even the existing grey hair turn black from the roots.
Eat foods rich in iron, minerals and vitamin A and B.
a) Vitamin A - vitamin A is necessary for promoting a healthy scalp and gives body and glow to your hair. Include dark green vegetables and orange & yellow fruits & vegetables in your diet.

b) Vitamin B - vitamin B regulates the secretion of oil, keeps hair healthy & moisturized. Eat more of fresh green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cauliflower, cereals, liver kidney, yogurt, bananas and green vegetables.

c) Minerals - minerals like zinc, iron & copper promote healthy hair. Food sources: zinc - red meat, chicken & green vegetables; iron - beef, dried apricots, red meat, parsley, eggs, wheat & sunflower seeds; copper - seafood, egg yolk & whole grains.

d) Proteins - consuming more of protein gives your hair natural shine and good texture. Include more of sprouted whole grains, cereals, meat and soy in your diet.

Pre-Mature Greying As A Sign Of Disease
Very often, premature greying can be a sign of disease wherein the greying is not hereditary but is caused by an underlying disease. It can occur with a number of conditions, including hyperthyroidism, hormonal imbalance, hypothyroidism and pernicious anemia (greying of hair along with symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath and possibly chest pains), genetic disorders, Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Werner’s syndrome and Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome are two such conditions, which can cause the hair to grey. Prematurely grey hair is often one of the earliest signs of Werner’s syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, which usually presents in persons at about 20 years of age, but sometimes appears as early as eight years.

Homeopathy treatment :
In homeopathic system, the following treatment is suggested for premature greying of hair :-
Acid phos 30
Lycopodium 30
The above two medicines are particularly given for patients suffering from premature grey hair. These medicines are to be taken on alternate days one each (i.e) on the first day take acid phos, on the second day take lycopodium, and on the third day acid phos again... in this manner take these medicines for 3 to 4 months.This is the best solution in homeopathy.

homeopathy is a sure cure for Grey hair
LYCOPODIUM 30
ACID PHOS 30
THYRODINUM 30
external application.............
jaborandi Q mixed with oil
take med 4 one year continuously

How to Cope With Allergy!

2011-05-09T05:20:00.000-07:00

Do seasonal allergy symptoms have your kids down for the count? The runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion can leave even the most even-tempered kid tired and out of sorts.
The next time seasonal allergic rhinitis -- the term allergists use for the symptoms we call hay fever -- has your children feeling bad, you’ve got the tools to make them feel better: These simple tips from allergists and others can help you soothe kids’ allergy symptoms in no time.

Perk up kids with these simple home treatments for seasonal allergies.

16 Tips to Help Kids Cope With Allergy Symptoms
Managing allergies starts with a medical assessment, says Rod Moser, PA, PhD. So before you treat symptoms you think are allergies, be sure that’s what they are with a visit to an allergist. Once you know seasonal allergies are what you’re child is dealing with, these quick tips can offer kids much-needed symptom relief.

Stay Inside. The best way to treat allergy symptoms is to avoid allergens to begin with, say the experts at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). So when pollen counts soar, keep kids indoors as much as possible. Pollen is usually at its peak mid-morning, early evening, and when the wind is blowing.

Use Saltwater. Nasal congestion can be one of the most exhausting symptoms for children with allergies. For relief, older children might want to try nasal irrigation with a saline solution, one of the “best home remedy of all,” says Alan Goldsobel, MD, a California physician and spokesman for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. You can buy saline at the drugstore or make your own by mixing in a squirt bottle eight ounces of water to one teaspoon non-iodized salt.

Stay Hydrated. All that sneezing and blowing can leave a child parched. Keep a water bottle full and close to hand and encourage your children to stay well-hydrated.

Warm It Up. A hot shower or bath seems to offer allergy symptom relief for some, says Asriani Chiu, MD, associate professor of pediatrics and medicine at the College of Wisconsin, so encourage kids to enjoy a little tub time.

Keep It Cool. To keep pollen out when the weather’s hot, air condition your car and home and keep windows closed.

Deal With Dry Air. A little moisture in the air makes breathing easier for most, so if you suspect the air in your house is dry, you may want to turn on a humidifier. But be careful: Humidity over 40% can encourage the growth of indoor allergens like mold and dust mites.

Go Cold. When itchy eyes are driving your kid crazy, try a cold compress, says Chiu, which may help reduce the itch and inflammation.

Keep Your Hands to Yourself. And encourage kids to avoid rubbing their itchy eyes. Rubbing will only irritate them -- and could make the itchiness even worse.

Spice It Up. If your kids enjoy spicy foods, a piquant dish made with cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek, onions, or garlic may help thin mucus and clear nasal passages.

Use Top Tissues. When kids’ allergies are at their peak, tender noses can get sore pretty fast. Look for tissues with lotion or other soothing additives.

Rub Jelly On It. And if your child’s nose is raw and red from blowing, you can soothe their sniffer with a dab of petroleum jelly.

Gargle to Relieve Sore Throats . If postnasal drip leaves your child with a sore throat, gargling with warm salt water made of 1-2 tablespoons of table salt in 8 ounces of water may ease the pain.

Drink Warm Tea . Drinking more fluids can also help sooth tender throats. Try a weak tea with honey and lemon. Bonus: The steam from a piping hot cup may relieve sinus congestion, too.

Get Face Time. Warm compresses applied to the face may also help soothe a child’s sinus pressure and pain.

Avoid Milk. Some folks may find milk can make mucus worse, though “that’s not a proven concept,” says Goldsobel. If in doubt, it may be a good idea to steer clear of milky goodies when kids are coping with allergy symptoms.

Avoid Certain Foods . If your child is allergic to ragweed, they may also have an allergic sensitivity to certain foods. Symptom-provoking foods to avoid may include bananas, melons, chamomile tea, sunflower seeds, and cucumbers.

10 Tips to Help Prevent Allergy Symptoms in Your Kids
The best allergy symptoms are the ones that never occur. Here are a few tips to help you prevent symptoms before they take hold.

Go Take a Shower! If the kids were outdoors, they almost certainly brought allergens back inside on their clothes and hair. That’s why it’s a great idea for them to take a shower or bath and change their clothes when they come back inside, suggests Chiu.

Wash Your Hands . If the kids pop in and out during high pollen days, the very least they should do is wash their hands often, suggests the ACAAI, a prime way to remove clinging pollen.

Protect the Eyes . Encourage your kids to wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to minimize pollen getting into their eyes.

Clean Up . We all track in allergens, on our shoes, clothes, hands, and hair. To keep them at bay, try to keep floors clean with a damp rag or mop rather than dry dusting or sweeping; vacuum rugs and carpets often; and change bedding frequently.

Get Better Bedding. To help control allergies, Goldsobel recommends looking into special bedding designed to be less permeable to allergens.

Keep Laundry Indoors. If you’ve got kids susceptible to outdoor allergens, don’t hang sheets or clothes outside to dry. They make excellent pollen and mold collectors.

Keep an Eye on Indoor Plants. An abundance of overwatered plants inside the house can encourage mold growth. So manage your green menagerie: avoid sopping wet soil and don’t collect too many plants.

Talk to Your Child’s Doctor . There are over-the-counter and prescription medications and eye drops to help treat children with allergies. Talk to your child’s allergist or pediatrician to find out which medicines are best for your child’s allergy symptoms.

Be Faithful -- and Smart -- With Medication . Don’t forget to encourage kids to take the medications prescribed by their doctor -- but remember more medicine doesn’t mean fewer symptoms. Take only as much as recommended.

Get Teary . If recommended by your child’s doctor, eye drops/artificial tears can help flush allergens out of kids’ eyes.

It’s not always easy, but with a little time and effort you can help your kids manage -- and avoid -- allergy symptoms all year, every year.

Beat the Heat!

2011-05-09T05:16:00.000-07:00

Summers have arrived and the sun seems to be depriving us of the moisture beneath our skin. During this period, we might commonly experience our body temperatures rise and suffer acidity, bloating and lethargy.
Our body adapts to the temperature outside. When it's hot, blood circulation towards the surface of the skin increases to dissipate body heat and make it cool down. In the process, you end up losing moisture.
So it is important to drink fluids to aid the body's cooling mechanisms. If the water intake is inadequate, body temperature can soar and even lead to a heat stroke.It'd also be wise to eat foods that keep the body cool. Reduce body heat

Foods that help you bring down the heat include:
*Sabza: Seeds of sabza are a natural cooling agent. They need to be soaked in water for half-an-hour after which they swell up and look gelatinous. They can be added to cold milk with rose syrup. It can cause water retention for some.

*Onions: Raw onions are great to cool the system. Have them as part of a vegetable salad or chutney.

* Mango: Raw mangoes are ideal to prevent sunstrokes and diarrhoea during summer. They are a source of Vitamin C and prevent the loss of excessive salts and iron from the body.

* Barley: Barley can be used to make gruels and porridges. First, make a healthy barley drink by boiling barley grains along with rock sugar and pandan leaf (a Thai aromatic leaf). Strain the liquid, cool and serve with slices of fresh lime.

*Spices: Spices such as poppy seeds, cardamom, sandalwood, fennel (saunf) and saffron are great cooling agents. A sandalwood drink enhanced with cardamom, saffron, saunf and rock salt is great.

*Raisins: Soaked black raisins are beneficial when had with an equal mix of cold milk and water.

*Gulkand: This cooling preserve made from rose petals and sugar fights fatigue, lethargy, muscular aches and heat-related conditions. be wary of the sugar though.

*Fuel up with fluids: Drink more than 8-10 glasses of water everyday. You can even have coconut water, fresh fruit juices, buttermilk or water flavoured with mint leaves.

*Fruits and vegetables: Most fruits and vegetables including cucumber, water melon, jackfruit, grapes and pineapple help hydrate.

* Drink two tsp of amla juice with half a glass of pomegranate juice.

*Try to follow a vegetarian diet.

* Eating too many mangoes increases body heat. Try to consume not more than one a day.

* Avoid using garam masala, methi seeds, mustard seeds, red chillies in your daily cooking as these aggravate heat symptoms. Steer clear of these

Maximise the benefits of cooling foods by avoiding these:
* Cut down on caffeinated beverages. Caffeine and alcohol make you urinate more, thereby dehydrating your body and increasing your susceptibility to heat strokes.

* Alcohol dissipates immense heat and must not be had during the summer season. Either avoid it completely or drink with plenty of water.

* Avoid sour, spicy and oily foods. Cut down on spices, cheese, fermented foods, vinegar and excess oil.

* Avoid mutton, chicken and fish gravy that appears greasy. Papaya, too, is known to heat up the body.

Change yourself A few such modifications in your lifestyle will save you from the onslaught of the sun:

* Restrict outdoor activities to early mornings or late evenings.

* Wear comfortable cotton clothes to aid absorption of sweat. Use an umbrella to cover your head when you go out.

Fish oil 'calms children better than Ritalin'

2011-03-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

A daily dose of fish oil is better at treating hyperactivity than Ritalin - the 'chemical cosh' linked to the deaths of children, stunning research has revealed.
Just six capsules a day of the naturally-occurring oil can vastly improve children's behaviour without any of the side-effects of Ritalin and related drugs.
The controversial drugs can cause heart problems, dizziness and insomnia and have been blamed for the deaths of nine children in the UK and dozens more in the US.
The new study provides a natural alternative - and gives fresh hope to the parents of the 30,000 British children prescribed Ritalin and similar medicines such as Concerta.

Last night, experts accused doctors of being too quick to boost the coffers of large drug companies by writing out prescriptions - and urged parents to look into the value of improving their child's diet.

Psychiatrist Dr Sami Timimi (CORR) said: 'It stands to reason that using a natural supplement that has few dangers or side-effects must be preferable to using drugs which have considerable dangers associated with them.

'This is a non-toxic way of doing something that might make a difference.'
Last year, a study by Durham Local Education Authority showed that omega 3 can improve the brainpower and concentration of hyperactive children.
The latest findings, from the University of Adelaide, are the first to show that omega 3 fish oil may be better than medication at treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The compound, which occurs naturally in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna, is responsible for a range of health benefits, from combating heart disease to boosting intelligence.

Despite this, most people eat just a fifth of the amount recommended for good health.
The Australian researchers looked at the effect of eye q (CORR) fish oil capsules on a group seven to 12-year-olds with ADHD.

Some were given the capsules, while others took a placebo or dummy capsule.
Within three months, the behaviour of those on the fish oils had dramatically improved and, by seven months, many of the children were less restless and doing better at school.
The most striking improvement was in concentration or attention, which improved by a third.
When those taking the dummy capsules switched to the fish oils, they also saw their behaviour improve.

Researcher Natalie Sinn (CORR) said: 'Many of those who had children who showed improvements commented that their children were calmer, were doing better at school and were able to concentrate longer and were therefore reading more.
'Overall, 30 to 40 per cent of children over 15 weeks and 40 to 50 per cent of children over 30 weeks had improvements.'

She added that week-on-week improvements were still being seen at the end of the study - suggesting the results of an even longer course of treatment, may be even more dramatic.
The researchers also compared their results to those from studies of Ritalin and Concerta and found fish oils are more effective, a Sydney conference on omega-3 will hear this week.

British experts said the research, which is to be published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (CORR), underlined the value of exploring alternative treatments to Ritalin.

The number of hyperactive children on medication is soaring, with a staggering 330,000 prescriptions written out each year, or 6,350 a week.
Nine British children have died after taking the drugs. Two died of heart problems, while others suffered illnesses including strokes and swelling of the brain. Dr Timimi, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at Lincolnshire NHS Trust, said: 'Drugs like Ritalin have considerable dangers associated with them, including insomnia, changes in personality and cardiotoxicity - they are bad for the heart and can cause heart attacks, strokes and sudden death.
'It must be preferable to that.'
Nick Giovannelli(CORR), of the Hyperactive Children's Support Group, urged parents to consider using natural alternatives to Ritalin.
He said: 'GPs seem to be too quick to prescribe medication.
'This new study adds to the mounting evidence that nutrition is safer and more effective than stimulant medication.'
Dr Madeleine Portwood, the educational psychologist who led the Durham trial, said: 'This study shows once again that omega 3 can have a very beneficial effect for children with concentration and behaviour problems.'
The Royal College of Psychiatrists said the findings were 'promising' and warranted further research.
Other studies have shown that omega 3 is also effective in children without ADHD or learning difficulties, boosting their grasp of the three Rs and improving their GCSE grades.
Concerta's manufacturers, Buckinghamshire-based Janssen-Cilag (CORR), said the drug is part of a package of care which should include attention to diet.
Dr Tony Donovan, the firm's associated medical director, said Concerta had a good safety record but did not suit all children.
He advised parents considering switching their child to fish oil to consult their child's specialist.
'It is not a decision to make off your own bat,' he said. 'I would advise a parent to have a discussion with their specialist about the benefits or otherwise about changing medication before making any changes.'
The makers of Ritalin, Swiss-based Novartis, said the drug had a long record of being a safe and effective medication. A spokesman advised anyone concerned about side-effects to consult their doctor

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins

2011-03-18T04:33:00.000-07:00

AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY ('TRY', BEING THE KEY WORD) TO ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY .

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins:

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body.. These cancer
cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have
multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients
that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after
treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the
cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable
size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a
person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer
cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and
forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has
nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic,
but also to environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing
diet to eat more adequately and healthy, 4-5 times/day
and by including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing
cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells
in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can
cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7.. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars
and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often
reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of
chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor
destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from
chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either
compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb
to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to
mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy.
Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other
sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer
cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

*CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made
with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute
would be raisins, honey or molasses, but only in very small
amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in
color Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the
gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting
off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer
cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based
diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little other meat,
like chicken. Meat also contains livestock
antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all
harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole
grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into
an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked
food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live
enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to
cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance
growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building
healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most
vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw
vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at
temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C)..

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high
caffeine Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer
fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or
filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap
water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of
digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the
intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic
buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By
refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes
to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the
body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system
(IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals,
EFAs etc.) to enable the body’s own killer cells to destroy
cancer cells.. Other supplements like vitamin E are known
to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's
normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or
unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit.
A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior
be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put
the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to
have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy
life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated
environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to
get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen
therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer
cells.

1. No plastic containers in micro.

2. No water bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave..

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in your life

Cancer Treatment: EAT FRUIT on empty stomach

2011-03-18T04:23:00.000-07:00

Dr Stephen Mak told …..that he treats terminal cancer patients in an "un-orthodox" way, and many patients recovered. He explained, that before he uses solar energy to clear the illnesses of his patients, he believes on natural healing in the body against illnesses. It's one of the strategies to heal cancer. Lately, my success rate in curing cancer is about 80%. Cancer patients shouldn't die.. The cure for cancer has already been found, whether you believe it or not.
I am sorry for the hundreds of cancer patients who die under the conventional treatments. Very few live for 5 years under conventional treatments, and most live for only about 2 to 3 years... The conventional treatments don't make any difference, because most cancer patients also live for about 2 to 3 years without any treatment. It is difficult to cure cancer patients who've undergone chemo and radiotherapy, as their cells are toxic and weak. When there is a relapse, the cancer spreads very fast, as the resistance is poor.

EATING FRUIT

We all think eating fruit means just buying fruit, cutting it up and popping it into our mouths. It's not that easy. It's important to know how and when to eat fruit.

What's the correct way to eat fruit?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUIT AFTER A MEAL! FRUIT SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

Eating fruit like that plays a major role in detoxifying your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities..

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD.

Let's say you eat two slices of bread, then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it's prevented from doing so.

In the meantime, the whole meal rots and ferments, and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach, and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

Eat your fruit on an empty stomach, or before your meal! You've heard people complain: Every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, etc. This will not happen if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. Fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas. Hence, you bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes - all of these will NOT happen if you eat fruit on an empty stomach.

There's no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruit becomes alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruit, you have the Secret of Beauty, Longevity, Health, Energy, Happiness and normal weight.
When you need to drink fruit juice drink only freshfruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't drink juice that has been heated. Don't eat cooked fruit; you don't get the nutrients at all. You get only the taste... Cooking destroys all of the vitamins.

Eating a whole fruit is etter than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit-fast to cleanse your body. Eat fruit and drink fruit juice for just 3 days, and you will be surprised when your friends say how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty, and a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange!

AN APPLE a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C, thereby helping to lower the risk of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

EATING 2 - 4 ORANGES oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. Also a key source of lycopene, the cancer-fighting oxidant. Also found in watermelon: Vitamin C & Potassium..

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, good for your eyes..

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer!

Can u believe this? For those who like to drink cold water, this applies to you. It's nice to have a cold drink after a meal, however, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you've just consumed, which

slows digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer.. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

How to take care of your hair and skin in this Holi

2011-03-16T04:16:00.000-07:00

From among all the festivals of India, Holi is the most colorful festival. In fact, Holi is essentially the festival of colors. In ancient times, the festival of holi was welcomed by making a lots of natural holi colors with the help of flowers and household ingredients. With time, people became busy and also in want of permanent colors, started using chemical laden holi colors sold in markets. This had a negative health effect on people in form of skin rashes and allergies, dry brittle hair, eye injury etc. Whatever be the harms of playing with colors, people in India cannot let go the occasion of merrymaking with colors. So, play holi and use a lots of holi colors but take some precautions before holi and some measures after holi to keep your skin, hair, eye etc. intact from harmful effects of Holi. Here are some hair care and skin care tips for a safe holi this year.Holi colours, both dry and liquid, strip your hair off its natural sheen and lustrous quality, making it dry and frizzy. This causes permanent damage to your scalp resulting in hair loss and dandruff.

The synthetic colours available in the market comprise of toxic components such as lead oxide, engine oil, diesel, chromium iodine and copper sulphate which lead to rashes on the skin, allergies, pigmentation, frizzy hair and eye irritation. In extreme cases, it can cause serious skin diseases and clogging of hair cuticles resulting in severe hair damage.

Precautions

Follow these simple precautions to enjoy Holi:

1. Avoid synthetic colours and powdered dyes. Instead opt for skin-friendly vegetable or natural colours.

2. Apply a thick layer of moisturizer, petroleum jelly or coconut oil on your face and other exposed parts to prevent dyes and colours from coming into direct contact with your skin.

3. Oil your hair and scalp with olive, coconut or castor oil. Add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent dandruff and infection triggered by the chemical colours.

4. Wrap a bandanna around your head to prevent direct contact with the colours.

5. A mixture of jojoba and rosemary oil can also be applied to make the right base for your hair and prevent the harmful colours from settling down.

Use Herbal Holi Colors
Use only herbal holi colors. Its true that you can't tell people coming to your home to bring herbal colors. However, you can buy a lots of herbal holi colors and offer to play holi with them only with your guests. Remember, this may cost you a little more but your skin and hair will be safe. Moreover, the cost of dermatologist and other medical expenses resulting from use of chemical holi colors will be saved. When buying herbal holi colors, feel them. They should be soft and must feel powdery, like talc or refined flour (maida) and not grainy or gritty. For a cheaper option, you can even make natural colors by doing it yourself. Tips for making such DIY herbal holi colors are given in the last section of this article.

Apply Protective Lotions or Oils Before Playing Holi

Prepare yourself for the holi colors. Although its good to wear comfortable clothes but ensure that your clothes cover the maximum of your body. Apply some oil (best ones are coconut oil and mustard oil) all over the exposed skin of your body. Paint your nails with nail polish. Apply petroleum jelly under nails, behind ears, on lips- wherever, there is the possibility of colors getting stuck. If possible, use shower cap to cover your hair. Apply some hair oil (olive oil or coconut oil) on the scalp and hair length. Oil forms a layer on your skin and hair and prevents the color from going deep into skin or hair roots. Also the holi colors come off easily when washed later. Also apply sunscreen lotion on skin after letting the oil absorb for 15 minutes. This will prevent UV rays from doing harm to skin by mixing with colors.

Remove Holi Colors Gently After Playing Holi
Try to wash off the wet holi colors as soon as possible. For dry holi colors, just rub them off gently. If you can not remove the colors immediately, don't worry about it. Enjoy the Holi with herbal colors and use the following tips to remove the colors from your skin and hair.
• Wash off your hair first with plain water so that most of the color comes off. Then use a mild herbal shampoo or home made shampoo ( made with shikakai, reetha and amla or Indian gooseberry soaked overnight, boiled and strained in the morning). If you have taken hair care and had applied oil before, you will not have any difficulty in washing off the holi colors from your hair.
• For removing the holi colors from skin, first wash with cold water. Rub some lemon wedges over the skin (lemon is a natural bleaching agent that helps remove stains). Wash it off. Apply lots of moisturizer and leave it for at least 15 minutes. You can even use cleanser for the purpose. Put some drops of lemon juice in your lukewarm bathing water (not hot) and have a bath using a mild moisturizing soap. Take care to rub the skin gently.
• If the color doesn't come off, apply some warm olive oil. Rub the skin with a soft cloth gently. Apply curd or a herbal pack made with gram flour and milk afterwards. It will soften the skin. Use face pack made by mixing gram flour & curd till it becomes a smooth paste then apply it on face & massage gently to take out the traces of color left. Avoid bleaching, waxing or facial for a week after holi (even before holi).

Skin Care: The hazardous chemicals can cause skin discolouration, dermatitis, skin allergy or irritation of mucous membrane. To prevent this,
- Use natural/skin friendly and herbal colours or the ones made by reputed companies using natural products.
-Wear clothes that cover the maximum part of your body.
-Apply waterproof sunscreen on all exposed body parts.
- Trim your nail properly .Use a thick coat of nail paint on the nails and put Vaseline under the nail edges.
-After Holi, use warm water and moisturising soap to scrub the colours off. Use a baby oil to gently massage off the left over colour. Follow this up with lots of moisturiser, especially one that is meant for sensitive skin to correct dryness.

Eye Care: Eyes are extremely vulnerable to harmful chemicals in colors. Chemicals in concentrated form can lead to kerato-conjunctivitis and staining of the cornea. Water balloons can also injure eyeball, especially in children.
To avoid this,
-Make sure that colours do not get inside your eyes. If a colour comes in contact with the eye, one should immediately wash it with large amounts of water and in case irritation persists, medical aid should be sought immediately.
-Please ensure that your eyes remain protected at all times. You can use sunglasses to protect your eyes from colour filled balloons or water jets.

Hair care:
-If possible, cover your hair. Make use of hat or caps to protect your hair from being coloured with hard-to-rinse dyes.
-Use hair gel to counter the harmful effects as colours doesn't stick on your hair and can be washed off easily later. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo as early as possible but don’t keep on washing them again and again.

General Tips:
• Avoid running and jumping on wet floors, you can slip and injure yourself. Your bones are especially vulnerable.
• Avoid too much indulgence in bhang, alcohol or food to avoid a bad day ahead.
• Do not drive if you are high on alcohol or bhang for your and other road user’s safety.

A step-wise ways to make your skin supple and smooth & your hair shiny and healthy is detailed below:

Wash the Holi colour off using besan and malai instead of strong soaps and detergents.
Apply paste of besan and yoghurt pack as it is also highly effective in removing colour and revitalizing skin.
Follow it up by a deep moisturizing agent like almond oil or a moisturizing cream.
Use a mild shampoo to wash off hair colours and condition them using a pH balanced conditioner.
A hydrating and detanning facial is also a good option to pamper the damaged skin, post Holi.
Go in for a manicure and pedicure to cleanse the colours off the nails.
If possible visit a dermatologist post Holi to get a microdermabrasion or a peel treatment done to strip off the damaged layers followed by a hydrating mask to make the skin soft and supple.
Mesothreapy (Mesoglow) is another option to regain the lost charm of skin. In this therapy superficial injections of vitamins and other skin brightening agents are imbibed in the skin with a gunshot.

Keeping all these things in mind, let us make this Holi fun filled and safe for all of us.