Introduction:

Many of the Home remedies have come to us from generations. Some of them are also called as grandmother’s remedies. Often times these remedies have a lot of hidden scientific sense.

 Summer boils are a very tricky problem and there are several home remedies of great repute and are extremely efficacious.

Warm compresses:

One of the time tested methods is to give frequent application of warm compresses and this helps boils heal without requiring a visit to the doctor. The idea here is scientific and it helps increase the blood supply to the area. Once the boil ruptured and emptied itself of infectious waste, the sore can began to heal.

Garlic with onion:

A mixture of garlic juice together with onion juice in equal quantity, it is very efficacious and when applied on the boils, it helps ripen them and then break them to expel the pus.

Cumin seeds:

A paste of cumin seeds with water when applies on boils has an anti-septic action and gets rid of the boils.

Bitter gourd:

Bitter gourd can also be a very effective remedy for boils. Take 1 cup bitter gourd juice, add one teaspoon of lime juice. Sip it slowly on an empty stomach. It is a cleansing agent and helps in curing boils.

Ginger:

 Is one of the most common boil home remedies. Grate fresh ginger and pack on top of the boil. This increases the blood flow to the boil and helps them burst. Ginger may turn your skin red and this is normal.

Egg whites:

Spread beaten egg whites on the boil and cover with a bandage. This definitely speeds up drying and healing of the boil.

I would like to caution readers that if the boils do not burst or if they become worse, a qualified doctor must be consulted without wasting time.

Introduction:

Menstrual cramps in adolescent girls can be quite incapacitating and it results in a lot of loss of school hours. In our Ayurvedic tradition there are many excellent concoctions for the same and these grandmother remedies are very efficacious and do have a scientific basis.

A Brew:

A brew of the following is quite effective and unnecessary allopathic medications can often be avoided.  

Basil leaves.

Basil leaves (Tulsi) can relieve some of the normal pain associated with menstruation because it contains caffeic acid, which has an analgesic, or pain-killing effect.

Cinnamon powder:

This has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties and can be mixed with Basil leaves and heated in water to form a brew.

Fennel.

This was another sure shot cramp cure.  This spice is said to promote better circulation to the ovaries. Crush fennel seeds into a powder. Add to 1 cup boiling water, keep for five minutes, strain, and drink hot.

Ginger.

This is a cramp reliever, and as an added bonus it sometimes can make irregular periods regular. It can be added to the brew however, put 1/2 teaspoon in 1 cup boiling water, and drink three times a day.

Mint.

 Either peppermint or wintergreen can relieve cramps. Steep into a tea and drink a cup or two a day. Mint in a candy form can also be useful.

Mustard.

Add a tablespoon or two of powdered mustard to the brew and this definitely helps relieve the cramps.

Conclusion:

Finally a word of friendly caution, please consult a Gynecologist if the symptoms do not come down in a few days.

Introduction:

For growing adolescents, especially girls, pimples are catastrophic events. The health care industry preys on this fear and pimples are a billion dollar industry. It is not necessary to invest in such expensive products and many grandmother remedies work wonderfully in getting rid of pimples and giving a glowing complexion…

Natural Remedies:

Sandalwood   Turmeric

Wood sorrel

Leebeck tree flower

Take some sandal wood, and turmeric, wood sorrel and lebbeck tree flower (Lebbeck marattiṉ pū in Tamil) and grind all these ingredients and apply the paste on the pimples.

Quassia indica leaves

You may also add Quassia indica leaves (called as Nibam in Tamil). These leaves have potent antibacterial properties and have ether and ethanol extracts that exhibit antibiotic properties against several skin pathogens

Dry Ginger:

Dry ginger powder cab mixed with water and can applied it on our pimples.

Basil leaves and Camphor:

Grind Basil leaves and camphor and apply it on our pimples. Basil leaves contain volatile oils that have therapeutic effects against pimples.

Basil leaves Camphor

Spinach Leaves(Kerrai in Tamil):

 Sesbania grandiflora

In stubborn pimples, spinach leaves (Sesbania grandiflora)(called Keerai in Tamil)can be ground into paste with water and applies on the pimples.

Abutilon leaves

Mix a dash of black pepper, garlic and abutilon leaves with castor oil and make a paste and apply on the pimples. Abutilon leaves are called as Paniyaratutti in Tamil.

Conclusion:

A note of caution: If the pimples are severe and if there is a flare up (which is extremely rare) after using these home remedies, please contact your dermatologist immediately.

Introduction:

Magnesium is mostly found in the bones, while the rest is in the muscles, soft tissues, and fluids. Every cell in your body needs magnesium to function. The role of Magnesium is to act like a helper molecule in the biochemical reactions performed by enzymes; Magnesium is involved in energy creation, protein formation, gene maintenance, muscle movements and nervous system regulation.

Why is Magnesium Deficiency so Widespread?

The soil is depleted and plants are deficient and this in turn results in low levels of magnesium in animals. Further, the use of chemicals, such as fluoride and chlorine, bind to magnesium, making the water supply low in the mineral.  Common substances such as sugar and caffeine deplete the body’s magnesium levels.  In addition stress drains out the endocrine system and causes magnesium depletion.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Calcification of the Arteries

Calcification of the arteries can occur from low magnesium levels. As a result, one can develop coronary problems, like heart attacks, heart failure, and heart disease.

Muscle Cramping

This is one of the most notable symptoms of being deficient in magnesium. It can cause stiffening of the arteries; it can cause stiffening of muscle tissue, as well. This can result in awful cramps and spasms.

Anxiety & Depression – Anxiety and depression affect millions of people and the culprit could be Magnesium deficiency.  

Hormone Imbalances

Premenstrual syndromewhere ladies experience crazy “ups” and “downs” before or after your period is thought to be due to deficiency in magnesium.  The higher the estrogen or progesterone levels in a woman’s body, the lower the magnesium. This is also why pregnant women experience more leg cramps.

 High Blood Pressure/Hypertension – 

 A high intake of magnesium results in normal blood pressures.

Pregnancy Discomfort

Low magnesium levels can adversely affect pregnant woman and their moods. Some women report less morning sickness during pregnancy when supplemented with magnesium. Magnesium can also reduce hypertension and muscle cramps during pregnancy. Supplementation can also help to ward off preterm labor and lessen headaches.

Low Energy

Low levels of Magnesium are associated with lack of drive and low energy at the cellular levels.

Bone Health

People regard calcium as the most important mineral for healthy bones. While it is important, magnesium may even be more so

In cases of magnesium deficiency, the bone suffers in the following ways:

1. Impairment of Vitamin D Absorption 
2. Magnesium is required to stimulate the hormone calcitonin which draws calcium out of the muscles and tissues and into the bones.

Sleep Problems

Magnesium is required for the proper function of the GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is the neurotransmitter which assists the brain to transition to a restful state.

Other Symptoms

 A number of vitamins and minerals work synergistically, and magnesium tops the list. It is needed for the proper utilization of calcium, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin D and other nutrients.

Foods Abundant in Magnesium

• Dark chocolate

• Nuts and seeds (specifically pumpkin seeds)

• Avocados

• Bananas

• Leafy greens (kale, spinach, and chard)

• Wild-caught fish

• Himalayan pink sea salt

• Sea vegetables

• Sprouts

• Grass-fed dairy (though controversial in certain dietary camps)

Conclusion:

Magnesium is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in the human body, and impacts blood pressure, metabolism and the immune function.

Magnesium deficiency is a relatively simple to correct though taking supplements and/or eating magnesium-rich foods. Increasing the level of this mineral in your body is thought to reduce your chances of experiencing the hardening of the arteries, and has been reported to enhance sleep along with helping to balance an individual’s mood.

Introduction:

The ‘Peepal tree’ is one of the revered trees in India. This tree is venerated, both by Hindus as well as by the Buddhists.  It is believed that Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree and it is also called as the ‘Bodhi tree’ or the tree of wisdom.  The Botanical name of this tree is FICUS RELIGIOSA.

The tree is found wild in the forests and in the lower slopes of the Himalayas, in Orissa and in Central India. It grows wild in most parts of India, especially on the banks of the rivers and lakes.

Medicinal uses:

Most Ayurvedic masters mention about this plant and concede that this plant has the power to arrest bleeding from the bowels, lungs, stomach, bladder and other parts of the body.

Bhavaprakasa, Charaka, Sushrutha, Viswakasha and many other Ayurvedic physicians of repute vouch for its anti-hemorrhagic property and find it useful in mouth ulcers when used as a paste mixed with honey.  It is also used as a powder in leucorrhoea and in dysentery. The main parts used are the bark, the leaves and the fruit of the plant.

The leaves of this tree are used as a dry powder taken internally to cure constipation. Peepal leaves warmed in Ghee are used as an external application to relieve the swelling and the pain in Mumps.

This remedy is also considered to be useful in Spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation and to prevent nocturnal emissions.

This remedy is also used in glandular enlargements, where a paste is made from the roots and applied on the enlarged glands.

The bark and the leaves of this plant are used by tribal people, for curing fevers, heart ailments, such as palpitation and cardiac weakness.

This remedy is also used by the tribal people for curing bruises and minor injuries.

Homoeopathic Uses:

It is useful in arresting bleeding disorders such as; bleeding from the lungs, uterus and stomach. This remedy is also useful in controlling dysentery, typhoid and piles.

Conclusion:

The Peepal plant is essentially popular among Ayurvedic and Homeopathic physicians and the tribal people of India.