Heat as a therapy, has been known to man since pre-historic times. There are many references in the writings of Ayurvedic physicians, Arabs, Greeks and many physicians from ancient civilizations about the value of heat.

How does Heat help?

 Heat therapy is based on the principle that warmth relaxes the muscles, dulls the pain and reduces the inflammatory process in the body.  Heat also promotes the discharges of boils and abscesses.  Heat can be applied to relieve stomach cramps during periods or due to digestive upsets.  Heat also helps alleviating the aches caused by sudden muscular spasms or in arthritis.

Heat works by relieving relaxing the muscles.  Heat helps by increasing the blood flow to the injured or inflamed part and this increases the oxygen supply to the part and promotes healing.  Heat has probably a direct effect on injured nerves and may act by releasing certain chemicals called as prostaglandins, which inhibit the pain.

How can heat be applied?

• As a hot water bag, pack, poultice or through electrical heat pads.
• Infrared lamps.
• Hot spoon bathing (here a wooden spoon is heated in water and after the drops of water are shaken off, the spoon is applied on the affected part.
• Short wave diathermy and other methods in Physiotherapy.
• Along with balsams in combination with massage therapy.

Heat should not be used in:

• In patients taking anti-blood clotting medications, as this may cause more bleeding.
• In patients having a blood clot in the muscles, as this clot may be dislodged and may travel to the brain or the heart and cause sudden death.
• It should never be applied over the abdomen of pregnant women.
• In cases where a tumor is suspected.  Application of heat will allow the tumor to spread.
• In cases of burns, after radiation therapy in cancer patients.

Conclusion:

Heat therapy has come from Naturopaths; it is a safe home remedy, which is suitable in minor sports injuries and ordinary aches and pains.  The most important thing about Heat therapy is not WHEN? BUT WHEN NOT TO APPLY IT.

Introduction:

A large egg contains about 6 grams of protein. Eggs also are a good source of other nutrients, including vitamin D, which aids bone health and the immune system and choline, which helps metabolism and liver function, as well as fetal brain development.

One large egg also contains:

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin):

9% of the RDAVitamin B2 (riboflavin):

15% of the RDAVitamin A:

6% of the RDAVitamin B5 (pantothenic acid):

7% of the RDASelenium: 22% of the RDA

Eggs actually reduce the risk of Coronary heart disease:

Studies show that eggs actually improve the cholesterol profile. They raise HDL (good) cholesterol and increase the size of LDL particles, which should lower the risk of heart disease.

Eggs Are Loaded With Choline, an Important Nutrient for the Brain:

Choline is an essential nutrient for human health and is needed for various processes in the body.  It is required to synthesize the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and is also a component of cell membranes. Choline is an essential nutrient that few people get enough of. Egg yolks are an excellent source of choline.

Eggs Contain High-Quality Proteins with a Perfect Amino Acid Profile

Proteins are the main building blocks of the body and serve both structural and functional purposes.  They consist of amino acids that are linked together, kind of like beads on a string, and then folded into complex shapes. There are about 21 amino acids that your body uses to build its proteins. Nine of these cannot be produced by the body and have to be obtained from the diet. They are known as essential amino acids.  Eggs are an excellent source of protein, with all the essential amino acids in the right ratios.

Eggs for Breakfast Can Help You Lose Body Fat:

Eggs contain only trace amounts of carbohydrates, but plenty of protein and fat.  They score very high on a scale called the satiety index, which is a measure of how much foods contribute to satiety. For this reason, it is not surprising to see studies showing that eating eggs for breakfast may lead to fat loss.  Eggs are very satiating. As a result, eating eggs for breakfast may reduce calorie intake later in the day and promote fat loss.

Conclusion:

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods you can find, providing virtually all the vitamins and minerals you need. To top things off, eggs are cheap, taste awesome and go with almost any food. They really are an exceptional super food.

Introduction:

There are many herbs that are effective in combating bacterial, fungal and viral infections. They boost the immunity of the body and help maintain positive health.

Oregano

This herb is better than some antibiotics, without the harmful side effects. That’s because oregano contains two powerful compounds, carvacrol and thymol, that have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s the carvacrol that reverses viral infections, as well as allergies, tumors, parasites and disease-causing inflammation.

Olive Leaf

has antiviral properties, giving it the ability to treat the common cold and dangerous viruses, including Candida symptoms, meningitis, pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea and tuberculosis; it also treats dental, ear and urinary tract infections and is a natural treatment for shingles.

Research shows that olive leaf extracts effectively fight against a number of disease-causing microbes, including some viruses that cause influenza and other respiratory infections. The powerful compounds found in olive leaves destroy invading organisms and don’t allow viruses to replicate and cause an infection.

Licorice Root

Licorice is emerging as a prominent player in the search for treatment and prevention for diseases like hepatitis C, HIV and influenza. The Chinese Journal of Virology published a review that confirms the antiviral activity of licorice root due to its triterpenoid content. It is useful in many conditions

Sore throat remedy for fast relief

Cough natural remedy

Protection against leaky gut signs and symptoms

Heals adrenal fatiguePain relief

Ginger

Ayurvedic medicine has praised ginger’s ability to boost the immune system before recorded history. It believes that because ginger is so effective at warming the body, it can help break down the accumulation of toxins in your organs. It’s also known to cleanse the lymphatic system, our body’s sewage system.

Ginger prevents the accumulation of toxins that make you susceptible to viral, fungal and bacterial infections. Medicinal ginger health benefitsalso include working asa natural remedy for nausea, pain alleviation, anti-inflammatory properties and improving diabetes.

Cat’s Claw

The bark and root of cat’s claw have been used by South Americans for centuries to treat health problems including fevers, stomach ulcers, digestive conditions and dysentery. Cat’s claw works as a natural arthritis remedy and treats peptic ulcers as well.

This powerful herb is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. It’s used to treat digestive problems such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and leaky gut. The best way to consume cat’s claw regularly is by making an herbal tea with a tablespoon of the herb in eight ounces of water.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus root, another powerful antiviral herb, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and its main use is to boost the body’s immune system. Scientific studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent common cold and flu.

Garlic

Experiments have shown that garlic — or specific chemical compounds found in garlic — is highly effective at killing countless microorganisms responsible for some of the most common and rarest infections, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, thrush and herpes. Because of its antiviral properties, garlic can be used to treat eye infections and as a natural ear infection remedy.

Calendula

The flower petals of the calendula plant, which is sometimes called pot marigold, have been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 12th century. This antiviral herb has high amounts of flavonoids, which are plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from being damaged by free radicals; it also fights viruses, inflammation and bacteria. The dried petals of the plant are used in tinctures, ointments and wash to treat infections, burns, wounds and heal cuts fast.

Echinacea

Echinacea has become one of the top-selling herbs of all time; that’s because regular use of Echinacea is beneficial for immune support and overall health. There is considerable evidence suggesting that phytochemicals in Echinacea have the capacity to reduce viral infections. This powerful herb contains a compound called Echinacea that inhibits bacteria and viruses from penetrating healthy cells. This greatly reduces the chances of contracting any type of infection while consuming Echinacea.

Elderberry

Elderberry has a long, rich history of use for medicinal benefits by numerous cultures. It fights infections including influenza, herpes, viral infections and bacterial infections. Most every part of the elderberry can be used — the flowers, bark, roots and leaves are often used for their amazing health benefits.

Conclusion:

Since ancient times, herbs have been used as natural treatments for various illnesses, including viral infections.  Due to their concentration of potent plant compounds, many herbs help fight viruses and are favored by practitioners of natural medicine. At the same time, the benefits of some herbs are only supported by limited human research, so you should take them with a grain of salt.

Introduction:

Backache is such a common problem and sufferers generally resort to OTC pain killers such as Ibuprofen. Some of these pain killers kill the pain and also slowly kill the patient in the process. There are many safer options in alternative medicine which should be considered.

Here are some natural alternatives worth considering:

1. Arnica: A study found that arnica, applied topically, was as effective as ibuprofen for relieving symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the wrist, and with fewer side effects.
2. Ginger: a study  found that ginger was effective as ibuprofen for pain symptoms associated with difficult menstrual cycles
3. Thyme: A study found that an extract of thyme was as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain and spasm symptoms associated with difficult menstrual cycles.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids: A study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with fish oil helped neurosurgery patients reduce their need for medications, and experienced results consistent with previous research indicating palliative effects at least as effective as ibuprofen.
5. Cinnamon: a 2015 study found that cinnamon was as effective as ibuprofen for pain associated with difficult menstrual cycles
6. Mindfulness meditation. Several studies have showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction improved back pain. Mindfulness involves being aware of what the body is doing and using meditation techniques to assist with the pain.
7. Deep breathing. Taking deep breaths in and out for several minutes can calm the body’s stress response.
8. Progressive muscle relaxation. This involves tensing and relaxing muscles in the body, focusing on one muscle group at a time. Lying on their back, a person can start with their feet and gradually move up to the shoulders.
9. Guided imagery. This involves focusing on specific mental images to bring about a feeling of relaxation. One study found guided imagery and music helpful in chronic backache.
10. Yoga. Yoga focuses on particular poses and breathing and can help with relaxation, and relieve chronic backaches.
11.  Good sleep. An uncomfortable mattress, pillows that are the wrong size or simply not getting adequate sleep could trigger back pain. When practiced regularly.
12. Wearing shoes that do not fit or that offer no support could cause muscle strains in the back, legs, and even neck.
13. Touching the toes: In addition to stretching the hamstrings, bending forward to reach your toes will help loosen the muscles in the lower back.
14. Cobra Pose: Lying on your stomach, with your hands face down beside the shoulders, gently lift your chest up so that the top of your head points toward the ceiling.
15. Cat-Cow Pose: Beginning on your hands and knees, slowly alternate between arching your back toward the ceiling and dipping it toward the floor.
16. Child’s Pose: Sitting on the heels with your knees hip-width apart, lean forward to place your head on the floor, stretching your arms out in front of your head.
17. Ice packs are most beneficial when a person uses them directly after an injury, such as a strain. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel directly to the back can reduce inflammation.
18. A heating pad can relieve stiff or achy muscles. People should be sure to read and follow the instructions on any heating pad and test the temperature carefully to ensure it is not too hot.

Conclusion:

People can often treat back pain with home remedies and some patience. However, a person should speak to a doctor about chronic or severe back pain.

Introduction:

As we continue on our series of ancient remedies, let us explore more amazing remedies that are used in households even today.

Homemade Cough Syrup

If you want to make a good cough syrup from the ingredients of your pantry, mix together ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a few spoons of water. Mix it all together, and have 1-3 teaspoons to ease coughing symptoms.

Cloves for toothache

 While garlic won’t cure the underlying issue, chewing on garlic at night, particularly chewing whole cloves in the affected area, will ease pain tremendously.

Put on Wet Socks to Treat a Cold

Soak a pair of your socks in ice water. Put the socks on your feet, cover them up with a pair of wool socks, and then go to bed. As you sleep with these horribly cold feet, the blood vessels will constrict, pushing nutrients up into your body to push out the infection.

For Dry Skin

To soften dry skin, break down two bananas and mix them with a bit of honey. Apply this paste to the skin, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then wash it off, and your skin should feel softer.

Teabags for Burns

Get a cool-temperature, wet teabag, of any tea, and place it directly on the burned area. This won’t fix the burn, but it will relieve the pain almost immediately.

 Oil Pulling

Basically, enhance your dental routine by taking a spoonful of coconut oil – though other oils work as well – and swishing it in your mouth for five minutes a day, specifically pulling it through the teeth, and then spit it out into the toilet. The oil will “pull” all of the toxins out of the mouth, allowing you to spit them out in one go. When used in addition to standard brushing and flossing, oil pulling will help digestion, reduce gingivitis, prevent receding gums, get rid of bad breath, strengthen teeth, and much, much more.

Help Eczema with an Oatmeal Bath

You can hugely reduce the itchiness by following your grandmother’s old advice taking a bath of oatmeal. There’s a reason that so many lotions and pharmaceutical eczema treatments contain oatmeal as an ingredient: it really works! For a home solution, just make a bath for yourself, fill it with colloidal oatmeal, and then soak for a while.

Stop Your Snoring

Is your snoring annoying your wife or husband? Try drinking a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric powder added to it before bed, and hear your partner’s relief.

Basil Leaves and Ginger for Fever

Crush some ginger and basil leaves together into  paste, then add a teaspoon of honey. Squeeze out the liquid, and then take a drink ever four hours or so.

 Vinegar works in cuticle infections

If you have done too much manicuring and if the cuticles all torn up and infected; make a glass of vinegar and warm water, then put your fingers in it for about 15 minutes. Repeat this procedure once a day and the infection fades away.

Introduction:

Continuing on our series of ancient home remedies, let us explore some more home remedies.

Garlic for Allergies

Garlic contains a lot of the antioxidant quercetin, which eases allergy symptoms. Even onions work as well.

Buttermilk and Ginger for Diarrhea

If you don’t have cumin on hand, another weird-but-effective home remedy for diarrhea is to mix half of a teaspoon of dry ginger into a cup of buttermilk, and drink it. It is a magical home remedy for diarrhea.

Use garlic to drive away mosquitoes

For protection against mosquito bites, rub garlic oil on your skin.

Yams for Menopause

Yams contain vitamin A, lower your cholesterol, and are rich in antioxidants incorporate yams into your regular daily diet. This will help with common menopause symptoms.

Try Vodka for stinky feet

Having trouble with foot odor?  Just soak a thin cloth in some vodka, swipe your foot down, and feel the smell go away. Magically.

Cumin, Honey, Cinnamon and Ginger for Diarrhea

Use a tea made of cumin seeds, honey, cinnamon and ginger and it cures diarrhea like magic. 

Lemons for an Earache

Pain in the ears can be soothed by the application of freshly-squeezed lemons. Just squeeze a lemon onto a Q-tip, and delicately rub this just inside the ear to restore pH balance.

Stinging Nettle for Hair Loss

For hair fall, use stinging nettle, an herb often used for tea. Drinking stinging nettle tea a few times a day should help, and you can also massage stinging nettle itself in your scalp.

Cure Nausea with Olives

Eating olives can cure nausea. This is due to the tannin inside them.

Introduction:

Continuing from our previous article. Let us examine some more amazing home remedies that our elders used.

Use Licorice to Eliminate Corns

 If you soak some licorice with oil, apply it all to the corn and wrap it tight under plastic wrap for 6-8 hours—for instance, overnight—this will cause the licorice to soften the corn.

For your Hangover use Apple Cider Vinegar

Drinking might be fun, but hangovers aren’t fun for anyone. Apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels in your stomach after a little too much alcohol throws it off. Just gulp down a teaspoon of this vinegar, or a small shot-glass. If you can’t take it straight, dilute it with some water. This takes care of all hangovers adequately.

Use beets for constipation

The human body needs to eliminate waste. One home solution you may have heard from your grandparents was to eat some fresh-steamed beets, then drink the water they were steamed in. This should clear out your colon like magic.

Potatoes for Spider Bites

If a spider managed to sink its teeth into you, ease the itching and swelling by shredding a potato, wrapping the pieces in cloth, and applying to the bite area. For a more deadly spider bite, such as a black widow, seek immediate medical attention.

Pine syrup.

Pine needles, along with most other conifer needles, are high in vitamin C and can be used as an expectorant for coughs and for relieving chest congestion. When pine needle tea is combined with honey to make syrup, it is highly beneficial for soothing a dry and scratchy throat and helping to tame coughs.

Apples Help the Bowels

Apples are high in pectin, a naturally occurring fiber that both bulks up and softens stools. This means that apples are an effective treatment for both diarrhea and constipation.

Banana Peel for Poison Ivy

While bananas won’t prevent you from getting the allergic rash that 85% of the population contracts from touching poison ivy, they can help. Rub the inside of a banana peel against poison ivy rash for relief from the pain and itchiness.

Honey for Acid Reflux

As soon as the symptoms of acid reflux begin affecting you, swallow three spoons of honey, and it should help you achieve better digestion.

Blackstrap molasses for Constipation

If you suffer from frequent constipation, try injecting a little blackstrap molasses into your diet, whether as a coffee additive or an extra ingredient in cookies. This molasses should ease constipation.

Raw Honey for Chapped Lips

If your lips are chapped, you can simply apply honey to the affected area—rub it on, just as you would Chap Stick—and it will do the job nicely, and taste better to boot. Just make sure the honey is both raw and organic.

Introduction:

Our elders used homemade ingredients for various common ailments and some of them are efficacious to this day. But many such home remedies work better than the synthetic pharmaceuticals that so many people stuff their bodies with today.

Some useful home remedies:

Garlic and Olive Oil for Athlete’s Foot

Just shred some garlic cloves, mix them with natural olive oil and then use a bit of cotton to rub this mixture on to the affected area between the toes. It is extremely efficacious in athlete’s foot.

 Vinegar cures a Swimmer’s Ear

Put vinegar in your ears after a swim in the sea. The acidic properties of vinegar can kill off the swimmer’s ear bacteria, leaving you feeling like yourself again. Just take out some white vinegar, dilute it with distilled water, and put three drops into the problematic ear, three times a day, until the problem fades.

Olive Oil for Eczema

Eczema can make anyone grow crazy. But olive oil, which is full of antioxidants and often used as an ingredient in professional skin creams, isn’t just good for athlete’s foot: it can ease the symptoms of eczema as well. Simply rub some olive oil onto the eczema-affected areas of your skin, and it should help greatly to ameliorate the itching in eczema.

 Fix Hiccups with a Spoonful of Sugar

 “Hiccups” are actually just spasms of your diaphragm, so having a spoon of dry sugar will throw off the nerve muscles and cure their agitation.

Get rid of warts with duct tape

 After cleaning a wart off, just apply a strip of the tape to the affected area, and then keep it there for three days. After that, remove, and rub the wart area with a pumice stone, and then apply new tape.  Continue this process every three days until the wart disappears.

Use Coconut Oil for acne

In addition to many other uses, coconut oil is an effective treatment for acne, since its antibiotic properties prevent further breakouts. Just apply coconut oil to the skin, maybe mixing it with a little raw honey.

Have a Little Yogurt for That Bad Breath

Bad breath is known as halitosis.  But the cure for it is right there in your fridge: yogurt. At least two servings a day of this pro-biotic wonder, changes the landscape of your tongue so that it won’t breed any more the bad bacteria that produces that distinctive stink.

For bug bites by use toothpaste

Tooth paste contains peppermint oil inside: if you have the pure peppermint oil itself, that’s even more effective. Either way, applying peppermint oil to a bug bite—even if it’s just through dabbing on a little toothpaste – will immediately reduce the raw itchiness which occurs after a bed bug bite.

Soak Golden Raisins in Gin for Arthritis

If there’s one thing that afflicted so many of our grandparents, it was the terrible swelling pains of arthritis. But they had a home remedy that still works today. Get some golden raisins, soak them in gin, and let it sit overnight until all of the gin has been soaked up. After this is done, eat about ten raisins a day. While this won’t fix the underlying problems of arthritis, it will greatly ease the symptoms.

 Potato Slices in Headaches

For Headaches and migraines; use potato slices.   Just cut a few slices from a raw potato, soak them in a very thin cloth, and apply them to your forehead or directly to the temples.

To be continued…

Introduction:

Our skin is the largest organ in the body. It is the first line of defense against injury, pathogens, toxins, air pollution, and overexposure to cold, heat and sun. Since it is the first organ in line to “take a hit” from every day environmental threats, and it is also the first to respond to these stressors with wrinkles, age spots, dryness, redness or pimples.

Some very special herbs and supplements which protect the skin:

Lavender oil has been shown to trigger the production of glutathione and superoxide dismutase –which are two undisputed antioxidants that offer skin protection.  In addition, it spurs the synthesis of collagen, one of the proteins responsible for skin’s elasticity. Lavender oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties and that essential oil of lavender can speed wound healing, while even treating infections resistant to conventional anti-fungal agents.

And another impressive study showed that lavender oil reduced swelling and inflammation as much as dexamethasone and reduced pain as much as tramadol which is an analgesic.   Lavender oil is not to be taken internally. Instead, it should be combined with carrier oil and applied topically.

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a close relative to the yellowish-orange marigolds found in annual plantings. It has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Calendula is a popular ingredient in homeopathic creams and ointments used to treat cuts, contact dermatitis, diaper rash and sunburn.

Tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, can promote the healing of minor wounds while helping to prevent infection.  Tea tree oil can reduce the severity of this common allergic reaction.

Collagen, a protein found in the body’s connective tissues, is essential for the flexibility and resilience of skin. Aging, air pollution, poor nutrition and smoking can all take a toll on collagen, leading to a loss of the ability of skin to “snap back” and triggering the onset of wrinkles and sagging. Studies suggest that oral supplementary collagen may be able to help. In restoring skin health and vitality.

Vitamin C, hibiscus extract and macqui berry extract caused a significant improvement in skin elasticity and firmness after four weeks. And, as you may know: the antioxidant vitamin C plays an important role in producing collagen.  Good dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers and strawberries.

Vitamin A helps to preserve collagen in the body. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is available in skincare creams and lotions. For best results, look for a formulation that contains vitamin C as well.

Conclusion:

Of course, before trying the supplements listed above, be sure to check first with your integrative healthcare provider or skin care specialist. The skin is a vital organ and has to be cared for. Always keep your skin moisturized. Apply a moisturizer soon after washing your skin to help seal in moisture. For good skin health get enough sleep.   Eat healthy for a glowing and skin and stay adequately hydrated.

Introduction:

HIFU treatments are ones that were specifically designed to help reduce localized fat and body flaccidity. HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. It is nothing more than a non-surgical procedure that utilizes technology available today along with medical aesthetic applications to help reduce localized body fat. It basically uses the energy of ultrasound by applying heat to the fat areas. It uses technology, so that temperatures as high as 70 degrees C can be applied to the desired areas.

These radio frequencies penetrate deep into the skin and destroy fat deposits. It is impressive that all of this can be done without damaging the skin, organs, or other parts of the body. It also allows for immediate contraction as well as regeneration of collagen and elasticity.

Uses of HIFU therapy:

Facial Rejuvenation – When this technology is applied to the face it can also stimulate facial elastin and collagen, reducing fine wrinkles around the mouth and nose, forehead, and eyes.

Reduction of Eye Bags – Fillers are extremely popular for dealing with eye bags, but you might be surprised to learn that HIFU treatments might be more effective. This technology not only has the power to reduce the appearance of dark circles and eye bags.

Hydrating the Skin – This technology can actually improve the skin’s natural hydration. This will prevent future wrinkles while also leaving the skin looking healthy and luminous in a dewy way.

Fighting Acne – Acne is a troubling and common skin condition that million find themselves battling daily. Well, you could potentially eliminate all your acne woes with the power of HIFU treatments. This technology has the power to reduce the size of pores and limit the number of impurities that clog up those pores.

Conclusion:

HIFU has many aesthetic benefits, including:

Wrinkle reduction

.tightening sagging skin on the neck (sometimes called turkey neck)

Lifting the cheeks, eyebrows, and eyelids.

Enhancing jaw line definition.

Tightening of the décolletage.Smoothing the skin.