Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Traditional Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

High Blood PressureHigh blood pressure (Hypertension) is a medical condition in which the arterial blood pressure is elevated. Due to this the heart has to work harder than normal to circulate blood through the blood vessels. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

The common factors that lead to high blood pressure are chaotic lifestyle, lack of physical activity, obesity, tobacco consumption, excessive alcohol intake, prolonged periods of stress and anxiety, excessive sodium and/or low potassium intake in the diet, or a family history of high blood pressure. Hypertension can also be caused by kidney disease, hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, adrenal gland disease, and the use of oral contraceptives.

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

In this post, let's learn about some of the beneficial traditional home remedies that can be used efficiently and safely to treat high blood pressure!
     High Blood Pressure
  • Prepare a mixture of powdered fennel seeds along with cumin seeds. Add sugar to taste & administer a tsp to lower blood pressure.
  • Having a tsp of powdered fenugreek seeds with water empty stomach in the morning is said to be beneficial in curing high blood pressure
  • Prepare a mixture of powdered melon seeds and dried poppy (Khaskhas) seeds in equal proportions. Have a tsp of the mixture with water twice daily.
  • To treat hypertension, have about ½ tsp of powdered Rauvolfia serpentina roots thrice daily with water or milk.
  • Roast a few garlic cloves in a tbsp of clarified butter. Take about 2g of the same twice daily. Also, a paste of garlic cloves taken with butter milk is said to be helpful in keeping a check on hypertension.
  • Consuming fresh basil and neem leaves on an empty stomach everyday is helpful in controlling hypertension.
  • Another useful remedy for high BP is to prepare a decoction of the arjuna bark in water & administer 25-30 ml twice daily.
  • Drinking a cup of fresh orange juice twice a day is effective for patients suffering from hypertension.
  • To control high blood pressure, take 2 tbsp of onion juice with honey daily.

Diet and Exercise 

Those suffering from high blood pressure must cut down on diet rich in salt and sugar content, trans-fatty acids & hydrogenated oils. Excessive consumption of fatty dairy products, deep fried foods & sweets should be controlled. Consume foods high in green vegetables and fresh fruits, & minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc.

Regular exercises like brisk walking or yogic breathing exercises should be made a part of life to control the disease. Patient should reduce tobacco and alcohol intake to lower blood pressure levels. One must take adequate sleep & make it a habit to manage day-to-day stress levels & avoid anxiety and anger.

Life is Beautiful!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Traditional Home Remedies for Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is the inflammation (swelling) of the lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They normally help to filter out bacteria and other germs to prevent infection in the body. Tonsillitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Strep throat is a common cause. The symptoms of tonsillitis are difficulty in swallowing, ear ache, fever, chills, sometimes headache and sore throat. The lymph nodes in the jaw and neck may be swollen and tender to touch.

Traditional Home Remedies for Tonsillitis
  1. Prepare a decoction by boiling a 5-6 leaves of basil with ginger rhizome and 2-3 cloves. Take 20 ml of the same with honey thrice daily.
  2. To get relief from the symptoms of tonsillitis, chamomile tea along with honey and lemon is a great remedy.
  3. Dissolve powdered alum (phitkari) in water and use the same as a gargle.
  4. Mix 1 tsp each of vacha (Acorus calamus) & mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) powder with honey and take thrice daily.
  5. Prepare a paste by boiling figs in water and apply externally on the throat area to provide a soothing effect.
  6. Boil approx 12-15 g of banafsha (Viola odorata) flowers in 50 ml milk. Take warm twice a day. The filtered residue can be heated and tied around the throat as a poultice at night.
  7. Prepare black tea and add some salt to it. Use it as a gargle to get relief from the ailment.
  8. Take honey regularly for preventing as well as curing tonsillitis. It can also be taken with a glass of warm milk to soothe the throat.
  9. Prepare a gargle by simmering 2 tbsp of fenugreek seeds for half an hour in a litre of water. For beneficial results use it for gargle twice daily.
  10. The milk from raw papaya can be applied on the inflamed tonsils to get relief.
  11. Gargle with decoction prepared by boiling the bark of the acacia tree.
  12. To get relief from tonsilitis, gargle with warm water boiled with some basil leaves .

Friday, May 31, 2013

Home Remedies for Cramps

muscular cramps
Cramps are the painful and spasmodic contractions of the muscles.  Most often people get cramps in the calf muscles; however, one can also get them in thighs, feet or just about any muscle of the body. 

Cramps can be caused due to overexertion, stress, dehydration, or sometimes when the affected part of the body has remained frozen in one position for a long time! Less common causes include diabetes, hypoglycemia, anemia, Parkinson's disease, thyroid & endocrine disorders, and use of some medications. 

Try these traditional home remedies to ease the muscular cramps:
  • Take 5g of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) roots powder with milk daily. This works as a nerve tonic & treats cramps.
  • A massage with mustard oil on the affected part is beneficial to cure cramps.
  • Before retiring to bed, drinking a glass of warm milk of with 1/4th tsp dried ginger powder and 1 tsp of turmeric powder is said to give relief from cramps.
  • Prepare a mixture of wintergreen oil (1 tbsp) with 4 tbsp of vegetable oil and massage over the affected area to relieve pain & stimulate blood flow.
  • Taking a tsp of castor oil with milk at bed time is another useful remedy for cramps.
  • Massage sesame oil into the muscle cramp for relief.
  • Boil 1 tsp of sesame seeds in milk and take it warm at bedtime.  
  • Applying a hot fomentation on the affected area with a bag of salt is also effective in providing relief from cramps.
  • Taking a tsp of fennel seeds or carom seeds after meals with lukewarm water prevents the occurrence of cramps by stimulating digestion, and treating flatulence & bloating.
  • Take a hot shower or apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle.
When we don't have enough fluid in our body system, it leads to an electrolytic imbalance that causes muscles to cramp up. Eating a diet rich in minerals like sodium, potassium and calcium regulate muscle contractions & help in curing cramps. Including Vitamin E rich food in the diet is said to improve blood flow through the arteries, and hence, treat cramps. Also, drink plenty of water daily to avoid dehydration. Stretching exercises of the limbs are beneficial.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Home Remedies to Revitalize Memory Power!

improve memory
Herbs and herbal products can be promising in improving the memory power, without any side effects! Memory boosting herbs can be helpful in reducing anxiety & depression, improving intelligence, relieving learning incapability and by enhancing over all cerebral & cognitive balance. 

Learn in this post about such herbal formulations to boost up memory power-


  • Mix equal amounts of brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) powder with ashoka (Saraca indica) bark powder. Taking 5g of this formulation daily is said to be effective in improving intelligence and memory recall. Another remedy is to prepare brahmi tea by soaking it in hot water. Steep for some time, filter and drink when cold, on an empty stomach daily.
  • To enhance memory power, crush about 5g of mandukparni (Centella asiatica) leaves powder, 5g shankhpushpi (Evolvulus alsinoides) powder, 2 almond (Prunus amygdalus) seeds and 1 elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum). Boil the mixture in a glass of milk and take it for 4-6 months for enhancing memory.
  • Having half cooked dana methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum) curry is said to be beneficial in improving memory power.
  • A handful of walnut consumed daily with about 10 g of figs or raisins work as a beneficial remedy for weak memory.
  • Soak 4-5 almonds in water overnight, remove the skin, grind, & boil in a glass of milk. Add a tsp of clarified butter & sugar to taste. Take this formulation for about a month or two.
  • Seeds of ashoka (Saraca indica) should be chewed with betel (Piper betel) leaf for 2-3 weeks for improving intelligence.
  • Administering 1 tsp of satavari (Asparagus recemosus) root powder with milk daily is useful for enhancing memory.
  • Ground 4-5 black pepper seeds & make a paste in a tsp of honey. Consume this daily to help improve memory and concentration.
  • Take equal proportions of powdered jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) whole plant, ghodavach (Acorus calamus) rhizome & mandukparni leaves and mix. Take ½ tsp of this formulation with honey to strengthen memory.
  • Mix about 1/4th tsp of cinnamon powder with honey and administer daily.
Improve memory

Remember, Herbal remedies won't help alone! One has to follow a proper dietary regime for attaining the maximum mental and physical health benefits! Green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits should be included in the diet. Phosphorus rich fruits such as grapes, oranges, apples, figs and dates are considered to be best remedy for weak memory. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for development of the brain and eyes and are found in fish, walnuts, flax seed oil, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, etc.

For a strong memory, give your brain a workout by indulging in some brain exercises, like learning a new language, instrument, or sport, or tackling a crossword or puzzles. Yogic exercises, such as pranayam and meditation help a lot to enhance memory naturally. Also, try and avoid the use of sleep inducing drugs as these have an adverse effect on the overall health.  Cut down on alcohol and tobacco consumption. Learn to cope up with day-to-day stress and anxiety.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Herbal Remedies for Constipation



constipation
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal complaint which refers to the infrequent bowel movements that are difficult to pass. The problem may occur due to  reasons such as stress, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, artificial sweeteners, age factor, hormonal disorders, less intake of fluids and low fiber diet. Diseases primarily of other parts of the body may also affect colon and cause constipation. 
Learn in this post, about some of the beneficial natural remedies to treat constipation-

  • Mix in a glass of hot milk, a tsp of clarified butter and have it before going to bed.
  • Drink a juice prepared from mixing equal proportions of carrot and spinach at bed time to cure constipation.
  • Have a tsp of mulaithi powder with jaggery at bed time to cure constipation.
  • Add a tsp of fennel seeds to a glass of lukewarm water and drink the same mixture before going to bed. Fennel seeds can also be chewed after meals to improve digestion and ease the bowel movements.
  • Soak some black raisins  in hot water, mash and take it at bedtime.
  • Drinking ½ cup of cabbage juice twice daily is said to be beneficial in treating constipation.
  • A tsp of triphala powder (a mixture of Emblica officinalisBelleric myrobalan & Chebulic myrobalan) should be taken with honey twice daily.
  • To cure constipation, administer a tsp of castor oil with 1/4th tsp ginger powder in warm water at bedtime.
  • Taking a tsp of honey in lukewarm water is said to be a beneficial natural remedy for treating constipation. This should be taken on an empty stomach.
  • Administering equal quantities of turmeric rhizome powder and black salt with warm water after meals, is also an effective remedy for constipation.
  • Powdered harad (about 3-5 g) can be taken with warm milk before bed time. For kids suffering from gas and constipation, make them lick a pinch of harad powder with honey.
  • Soak a few dates in milk, mash and take it with milk for a week for treating constipation.
constipation
Include a high fiber diet containing lots of whole grain cereals, lentils, green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits. Cut down on starchy and fatty foods, spices, excessive salt, white flour, bread, pulses, cakes, biscuits, cheese and white sugar. Drink 3-4 liters of water every day to keep body hydrated and improve bowel movement. One should cut down on the intake of alcohol, tea, & coffee as these make the problem of constipation worse!

Regular physical exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles are useful in maintaining normal bowel movement. Yogasanas, brisk walk, running, swimming, cycling, are all good for overall health of our body & to keep constipation at bay.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Traditional Home Remedies with Black Pepper!


Black pepper (Piper nigrum, family Piperaceae) is cultivated in India, Egypt and Madagascar. It occupies a prominent place in Indian kitchens owing to its aromatic, culinary & medicinal properties. Black pepper is rich in iron, manganese & dietary fiber. Piperine, a principle alkaloid found in black pepper helps in promoting brain functions, inhibits metabolism of nutrients present in body, improves digestion and reduces the incidence of stomach ulcers and colon cancer. It also acts as an anti-depressant. The fruits are widely used as an active ingredient in various home remedies for a variety of illnesses such as colic, tooth decay, liver problems, lung disease, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea and urinary disorders. 

Find in this post some useful natural remedies with black pepper that would help to deal with common health ailments.
  • For asthma, boil 8-10 black pepper, 2 clove buds & about 10 basil leaves in water for 15 minutes. Filter and add two tsp honey. Drink the same with milk. 
  • Take a cup of water and add to it ¼ tsp black pepper, 2 tsp lemon juice and honey. Drinking this preparation would help reduce weight.
  • To treat sexual debility, heat a tsp of clarified butter in a pan & add 3-4 black pepper to it, followed by a glass of milk. Now add 3-4 crushed almonds and let it come to a boil. Add sugar to taste. This formulation is beneficial when taken at bed time.
  • To keep a check on cholesterol level, add ¼ tsp black pepper powder in a glass of butter milk. Mix finely diced onion to it and drink.
  • To cure all kinds of cough, grind black pepper and add sugar to it. Take it with clarified butter.
  • Grind 5-6 black pepper & mix with honey. Lick this paste to relieve dry cough. This remedy is also effective as appetite stimulant.
  • To cure toothache, mix powdered black pepper in clove oil. Apply this paste on the affected part.
  • In case of indigestion, mix black pepper powder in ginger juice. Take this formulation after meals.
  • For curing skin allergies and eczema, prepare a paste by mixing black pepper powder in clarified butter. Topical application of this paste is said to be beneficial.
  • Take equal amounts of powdered black pepper, cinnamon, cumin & cardamom seeds.  Sniffing the same would induce sneezing and help treat blocked nose
  • While preparing tea, add 2-4 black pepper powder, ginger, a clove and few basil leaves. It works as anti-tussive and is also effective against cold.
  • Administrating powdered black pepper with jaggery is said to be effective in curing chronic cold.
  • Chewing 8-10 black pepper in betel leaf is known to help in gaining weight.

    Tuesday, February 12, 2013

    Traditional Home Remedies for Asthma!


    Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that inflames and narrows the airways leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing. The common triggers such as house dust mites, tobacco smoke, animal fur, pollen, cold air and chest infections can cause asthma. Heredity and environment are said to be the major reasons for asthma. 
    Let’s learn about some of the time-tested home remedies for treating asthma naturally:

    • Boil 2 clove buds and 4-5 black pepper & a few basil leaves. Filter & add add honey to taste. Administer the formulation to the patient twice daily.
    • Prepare a paste of 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder & black pepper in clarified butter (ghee). Massage it over the chest to get relief from congestion due to asthma.
    • Prepare a decoction by boiling a tbsp of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water. Add a tsp of ginger juice and take it twice daily with honey. 
    • Boil about a handful of drumstick leaves in 200 ml of water. When cool, add to it salt, black pepper and lemon juice to taste. Asthmatic patient should take this preparation once daily.
    • A teaspoonful of basil leaves juice taken with equal amounts of bitter gourd juice, taken for a month before going to bed is also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis.
    • Take about 5 ml of betel leaves juice. Mix it in a paste prepared from mint, basil and ginger. To it, add 2–3 powdered black pepper & administer ½ tsp with honey twice daily.
    • To cure bronchial asthma, burn asafetida  and inhale the smoke coming out of it for some time.
    • Prepare a mixture of powdered long pepper, ginger and black pepper. Take a tsp with warm water, twice daily to treat spasms due to asthma.
    • Mix 5 ml of ginger & mint leaves juice and have it with honey twice daily to get relief from phlegm due to asthma.
    • Boil about two cloves of garlic in a glass of milk and drink it hot once in a day.
    • Mix about ½ tsp of cinnamon powder with a tsp of honey. Take it before going to bed.
    • Boil about a tsp of carom seeds in water and inhale its fumes to relieve chest congestion. It is an effective remedy for those suffering from asthma.
    The diet of an asthma patient should comprise fresh green vegetables, fruits, sprouts and grains. Include in your diet foods rich in vitamin A (as in spinach, apricots, carrots, tomatoes, strawberries), vitamin C (citrus fruits, kiwi fruits,grapes, tomato, pineapple, watermelon, cauliflower, cabbage and spinach), and vitamin E (turnip, mustard, sunflower seeds). Consumption of these vitamins helps lower the risk of asthma attacks. 


    The patient should avoid all mucus-forming foods such as rice, lentils, bread, refined white flour, cakes, chocolates, milk & other dairy products. Food items that are known to produce an allergic reaction should be strictly avoided. Intake of excess salt, tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and all refined and processed foods should be controlled. Smoking and tobacco consumption should be avoided. Drink plenty of water everyday.

    Any form of mild exercise such as brisk walking and yogic breathing exercises is helpful in treating the ailment. With proper lifestyle and healthy diet, it is possible for people with asthma to lead normal and happy life!
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