Dandruff

The term dandruff generally refers to the condition of the skin wherein shiny, silvery scales separate from the scalp and collect amidst the hair. The condition can become troublesome when the skin gets infected.

The term dandruff includes several different conditions of the scalp. There is scaling in which the entire scalp may be covered with loose dry scales. When the hair is combed or brushed, or when the scalp is scratched, these scales fall like snow on the shoulders. Often there is itching, as well, and the scalp may be red from scratching.

If the scalp is covered with greasy scales, wash the hair thoroughly every day, using some good soap or medicated shampoo. Frequent washing will not harm the hair.

Itching lesions of the scalp are often due toneurodermatitis especially when it occurs on the back of the head.

Keep the hair and scalp clean by frequent shampoo. Clean your comb and brush after each use.

Mild dandruff is the result of excessive oiliness of the skin and not due to dryness of the scalp. Chronic dandruff may occur due to psoriasis of the scalp. Dandruff can occur to anybody at any age. It should not be left untreated.

The most important point in the treatment of dandruff is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to decrease the accumulation of dead cells. The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. Massage the scalp daily using one-finger tips and working systematically over the head. This should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff and helps in the hair growth.

People should avoid spicy and greasy food because it helps dandruff to increase and spread. People should add more vegetables and fruits on the diet. It is very essential to take fresh foods avoid taking tinned and canned foods add more green vegetables and fruits.

Strong tea and coffee, processed foods should be avoided for the dandruff.
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.
Itching is there and scalp may become red
Often there is itching as well and the scalp may become red from scratching.
Dandruff Causes
Impairment of general health, wrong food intake, constipation
The main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of a toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases.
Emotional tension, harsh shampoos, general exhaustion
Other factors contributing to this disorder are emotional tension, harsh shampoos, exposure to cold, and general exhaustion.

Home Remedies for Dandruff
Dandruff treatment using Fenugreek Seeds
The use of fenugreek seeds is one of the most important remedies in the treatment of dandruff. Two tablespoons of these seeds should be soaked overnight in water and ground into a fine paste in the morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for half an hour. The hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or shikakai.
Dandruff treatment using Lime
The use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is another useful remedy. This not only leaves the hair glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff.
Dandruff treatment using Green Gram Powder
A valuable prescription for removal of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. The hair should be washed twice a week with two tablespoons of this powder mixed with half a cup of curd.
Dandruff treatment using Beet
Beets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night. White beet is better for this purpose.
Dandruff treatment using Snake Gourd
The juice of snake gourd has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. The juice should be rubbed over the scalp for this purpose.
Dandruff treatment using Other Remedies
Dandruff can be removed by massaging the hair for half an hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days, or with a few drops of lime juice mixed with amla juice every night, before going to bed. Another measure which helps to counteract dandruff is to dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool inbetween shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.

Prepare a mixture by adding two tablespoons of cosmetic vinegar and six tablespoons of hot water. Apply it all over the scalp, parting the hair with a comb. Preferably it should be used at bedtime. Tie a scarf over the hair to avoid staining the pillow. Next morning wash the hair with shampoo. This should be done twice a week for three months. This is very useful home remedy for dandruff.
Massage hot oil into the scalp at bedtime. Next morning an hour before bath, rub lemon juice mixed with cosmetic vinegar (mix 1:2 ratio) into the scalp. Wash the hair with an egg shampoo. A hot steam bath can be an effective remedy. Massage hot oil with a hot damp towel and leave it on the head so that the steam can fight dandruff. Two towels can be used for this purpose. Boil five teaspoons of dried used tealeaves in limewater and use it after shampoo. This gives the hair a lustrous shine and provides nourishment too.
Make a solution of 1 ounce each of fresh or dried rosemary and sage in 2 cups of water. Let steep for 24 hours, then use daily as a hair wash. This is also very useful home remedy for dandruff.
Boil 5 Tbsp dried thyme in 2 cups water for 10 minutes. Strain and cool. Pour 1/2 mixture over clean, damp hair. Massage into scalp, do not wash. Use second half of solution another day. Massage your hair with warm coconut oil and apply the juice of 2 lemons, steam your hair and leave the oil on for about 2 hours. Wash with a mild shampoo. Repeat 2-3 times a week. For dandruff treatment boil a handful of neem leaves in 4 teacups of water. After cooling and filtering, use for washing hair. Massage baking soda into the hair and scalp to absorb oil and to loosen dead skin on scalp. Wash thoroughly, use no other shampoos. Initially the hair may seem dry, after several weeks, dandruff will be gone and hair will be smooth and shiny. Boil: 1-cup water, 1-cup apple cider vinegar, 1 handful of fresh mint leaves. Strain and pour into a container. With fingertips, massage solution into the scalp, let dry without washing out. For dandruff treatment take 1 part almond oil, 1 part pure sulphur powder, 2 parts 'surgical spirit' and 4 parts distilled water or rose water and mix well. Rub on the scalp. Take 2 cup water, add 4-5 tablespoons dried thyme and boil for 10 minutes. Cool, strain, and use the mixture to massage scalp. Keep for half an hour. Dissolve 2 aspirins in any dandruff shampoo . Leave the mixture on your scalp for two minutes. Rinse and wash properly to remove the aspirin particles completely from the scalp. Make a solution by adding equal parts of dried rosemary, comfrey, witch hazel leaves and nettles to make about 1/2 cup. Add to 2 cups of water in a covered pot. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep overnight. Strain. Shampoo and wash hair then use this again for final wash to relieve itchy, flaky scalp. For dandruff treatment rub a lot of aloe Vera gel into scalp about 10-15 minutes before you wash your hair,. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and shampoo your hair like you regularly do. This will help to get rid of dandruff within a few weeks. Soak 2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning grind into a fine paste. Apply all over scalp and leave for ½ an hour. Wash with mild shampoo. Prepare a mixture of olive oil with the almond oil. Leave it on about 5 min.s after it starts to burn. Wash well to clear dandruff. Make a solution by mixing 100 g each of amla (Indian goose berry), reetha, and shikakai, and boil in two litre of water until the liquid reduces to half. Use this shampoo for one month. Dandruff will go away and your hair will become thick. Massage the hair for half an hour with curd, which has been kept in the open for three days, or mix a few drops of lime and amla juice every night before going to bed. A useful remedy for removal of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. The hair should be washed twice a week with two tablespoons of this powder mixed with half a cup of curd. Beets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the fingertips every night. White beet is better for this purpose. The juice of snake gourd has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. The juice should be rubbed over the scalp for this purpose. Beat two eggs and add two tablespoons of water to it. Wet the hair and apply the egg mixture over the hair. Now massage your scalp and let the mixture on for ten minutes to fifteen minutes. Then wash the hair with lukewarm water. This helps to prevent hair fall and dandruff. Boil bhangra leaves in sesame oil for 15 minutes. Let it stand for an hour then strain it. Massage this oil in your head. Leave it for an hour then shampoo your hair.

Dietaries for Dandruff
All-fruit diet with three meala a day of juicy fruits
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff. To begin with, the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about five days and take three meals a day of juicy fruits.
Avoid citrus fruits, bananas, tinned fruits
Citrus fruits, bananas, dried, stewed, or tinned fruits should not be taken.
Well-balanced diet
After the all-fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Further short periods of an all-fruit diet for three days or so may be necessary at monthly intervals till the skin's condition improves.
Avoid strong tea/coffee, pickles, refined and processed foods
Meats, sugar, white flour, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should all be avoided.

Other Dandruff treatments
Keep hair and scalp clean to avoid accumulation of dead cells
The foremost consideration in the treatment of this disorder is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to minimise the accumulation of dead cells.
Hair should be brushed daily to improve circulation
The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground, and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged everyday, using one's finger tips and working systematically over the head. This should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff, and encourages hair growth. Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun is also a useful measure in the treatment of dandruff.
Warm-water enema
During the first five days of the treatment when the patient takes an all-fruit diet, a warm-water enema should be taken daily to cleanse the bowels. Simultaneously, an attempt should be made to keep the body in good health.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Dehydration

Sudden loss of fluids from the body due to different reasons lead to dehydration. The patient suffers from intense thirst. His tongue is white and dry. His skin is wrinkled, the eyeballs sunken, cheeks hollow, and breathing is labored and difficult. Because of the lack of fluids in the body, the blood pressure falls, and the temperature may be subnormal although the pulse rate may be rapid. Dehydration is dangerous. It is the single leading cause of childhood death around the world.
Children with vomiting or diarrhea are most likely to become dehydrated. Both can increase the fluid losses and may decrease fluid intake. Children become dehydrated much more rapidly than adults. Children with mild to moderate dehydration may have dry mouths, fewer tears when they cry, darker urine, and a sunken soft spot. They become less active than usual.

As dehydration worsens, children usually become more irritable and lethargic. The pulse grows faster and weaker. The eyes will be very sunken and the lips and mucus membranes very dry. The skin may wrinkle. Urine decreases even further. The hands and feet may become cold or blue. Muscle cramps are common.

Dehydration will last until fluid and electrolyte intake surpasses what is being lost, and fluid and electrolyte reserves have been restored.

HOME REMEDIES FOR DEHYDRATION

* Drink lots of water by adding some water or salt to it.
* Avoid Fruit juices, apricots, peas, pears, peaches, plums, prunes, etc.
* Take yogurt, buttermilk, mint, apple, pomegranate, papaya, banana, carrot, potato, etc.
* Add a few drops of pudin hara to half of cup of water and drink 3-4 times.
* Drink a mixture of 1 tsp mint juice, 1/2 tsp ginger juice, and 1 tsp honey.
* Grind a lemon along with seeds and make a paste. Add some salt. Take 1 tsp of this paste 2-3 times.
* Drink 1/2 tsp of dry ginger (saunth powder in 1 cup buttermilk (chhachh) 3 - 4 times a day. This is an effective home remedy for dehydration.
* Chew a few pieces of the inner lining of pomegranate with salt, and/or drink pomegranate juice.
* Prepare a mixture by ading 1 Tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tsp edible gum, 1 tsp cardamom powder, 1/2 tsp nutmeg ( jaiphal) powder, and2 tbs sugar, and grind to a powder. Take this powder every 2 hours.
* Prepare a mixture by adding 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp ginger juice, and 1/4 tsp pepper powder and drink it.
* For dehydration treatment, mix 5-6 chopped basil ( tulsi) leaves, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and some black pepper in 3 Tbsp of curd, and eat it. Repeat this 4 times a day for one week.
* Roast 1/2 tsp cumin (jeera) seeds and 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds (dana methi). Mix and powder it, add to 4 tsp of yogurt ( curd). Take thrice a day. This is also an effective home remedy for dehydration.
* Grate one raw papaya. Add 3 cups water, boil for 10 mins, strain and finish the water in one day.
* Apply ginger juice around the navel area of a child.
* Stew 1 apple with 2 pinches of nutmeg powder and 1 tsp sugar. Give your child to eat it.
* Avoid alcohol and caffeine during dehydration.
* Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
* Hot weather is another common cause of dehydration in the elderly. Always use an air conditioner or fans in hot weather.
* Apply heat to the abdomen to help relieve pain, cramps, and tenderness. Electric heating pads, moist heat wraps, and water bottles can all be used as needed.
* The leaves and fruit of blueberries and bilberries will help to naturally stop diarrhea.
* Chamomile is a natural pain reliever, which will help to rid your body of cramps and inflammation.
* For dehydration treatment, eat one green banana every two to four hours until symptoms subside.
* Small, frequent feeds of energy-rich local foods familiar to the child should be given. A little vegetable oil can be added to foods such as millet or rice to increase the energy content.
* Foods high in potassium are important to restore the body's essential stores depleted during diarrhea. Such foods include lentils, bananas, mangoes, pineapples, pawpaw, coconut milk and citrus fruits.
* The patient may have ice chips by mouth or sips of water frequently.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Jetlag

Jet Lag can mean: Fatigue, Disorientation, Lack of concentration and motivation, Broken sleep after travel, Dehydration, Discomfort of legs and feet. Jet lag is the curse of modern jet travel, resulting in decrease in working efficiency and holiday enjoyment, often for days after arrival.

The most important cause of jet lag is rapid change across world time zones. The time difference disturbs our body clock (circadian rhythm). This in turn affects body temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure and physiological patterns, leading to disorientation and mental and physical fatigue. It appears that the secretion of an amino-acid derivative hormone, Melatonin, influences the body�s clock. Melatonin is manufactured in the brain during periods of darkness to promote sleep.

Sitting idle for long periods in flight causes discomfort and possible swelling of the legs and feet, and the dry atmosphere in airliner cabins can cause body dehydration. Altitude and pressure changes at each landing and takeoff also upset body systems, and although airliner cabins are pressurized, these changes are a significant cause of jet lag.

The effects of jet lag may be made worse by excessive eating and consumption of alcohol in flight, by loss of sleep, and also by being tired but these are not specifically causes of jet lag. Children under three don't seem to suffer jet lag badly, as they are more adaptive and less set in their ways. Adults who adjust readily to changes of routine also seem less susceptible to jet lag. Those who are slaves to a fixed daily routine are often the worst sufferers.

Most of the time, our body's clock corresponds to our daily schedule - which is why we wake up at the start of the day and go to sleep at the end. When we travel across time zones, however, all of a sudden our body's clock and the "external" clocks are out of order. When we fly from New Delhi to Los Angels, for example, the clock in our hotel may say it's 7 p.m., but our body thinks that it's midnight and time to be sleeping.

Jet lag usually is worse when you're traveling west to east, since you're 'losing' time due to the way the time zones are." So flying from Japan to New York may be even harder than the New York to Japan flight. Jet lag can make you tired and forgetful. It disturbs your sleep schedule, so you may have trouble falling asleep or wake up too early. In some cases, people who have jet lag feel irritable, lose their appetites, or even have digestive problems such as heartburn or indigestion.

Some of the common symptoms of jetlag includes Common symptoms of Jet lag include fatigue and general tiredness, Inability to sleep at night, Loss of concentration, headaches and general malaise.
Causes
Flying for long distances, especially through several time zones, is very stressing to the body. The plane's environment will probably be lower in oxygen than the regular atmosphere and also quite dry, which may cause you to become dehydrated . Those travelers who drink alcoholic beverages will worsen the dehydration problem. In addition, radiation will cause free radical activity.
Quite possibly because the level of the hormone melatonin decreases with age, people over the age of 50 are more susceptible to jet lag.


HOME REMEDIES FOR JETLAG

* To help your body prevent from jetlag, try to arrange your flights so that you land sometime in mid evening. That gives you enough time to unwind, eat a good meal and get to bed by 11:00 P.M
* Maintain a consistent sleep pattern before the flight.
* Airplane cabins are dry, and a lengthy trip can cause dehydration. Dehydration worsens jet lag, and alcohol consumption worsens dehydration. "Alcohol is one of the most potent dehydrators. So avoid taking alcohol while traveling in plane.
* Try to sit on the side of the airplane that's exposed to the most amount of sunshine.
* Three days before departure have a relatively high-protein breakfast and lunch and a supper high in complex carbohydrates to stimulate the body's daily cycle of activity and inactivity.
* Drink lots of water on any flight - a generous cup of water every hour would be ideal.
* Get a hot moist towel immediately start breathing through it - this brings wonderful warm moist air into your lungs and helps rehydrate that part of you as well.
* Before taking your trip, take vitamins A, C, E, and the mineral selenium. This will help protect you against free radical damage caused by radiation during the flight.
* Adjust your sleep routine to the new time zone before you leave home.
* Take up to 8 mg of melatonin at bedtime at your destination. This is very useful for jetlag.
* Before flight do not exhaust yourself or do not exercise with full stomach.
* Getting extra sleep before traveling can help a long way toward helping you feel refreshed when you arrive.
* It's not exactly easy to move around on the plane, but keeping active will help you stay energized and refreshed.
* Spending sometime outdoors in the sunlight when you arrive at your new destination will help your body clock adjust more quickly to the change.


Play Make-Believe

* As soon as you board the plane, pretend it's whatever time it actually is at your destination. In other words, if you board the plane at 7 pm in New York, and you're headed for London where it's 1 am, pull down your window shade or wear dark glasses and, if possible, go to sleep.

If you board a plane late that night and it's already daylight at your destination, force yourself to stay awake during the flight. Making believe that you're in the new time zone at the very start of your trip should help you acclimate more quickly.

Conclusion: Do not drink any alcoholic beverages while airborne. Instead, try to drink lots of water and juice-as much as possible. If you have to keep going to the lavatory, good. Walking up and down the aisles will help refresh and prepare you for your new time zone.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Bombay Toast

Bread slices, cut each piece into half 3
Eggs 3
Onion finely chopped 1
Green chili, finely chopped 1
Butter or oil 4 tbsp
Salt and pepper powder to taste


Break the eggs into a bowl, add salt, pepper, chopped onions and chili and beat well with a fork. Divide the egg mixture into two parts and keep aside.Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a frying pan, dip three bread slices into one part of the egg batter, coat well on both sides of the bread slices with the egg mixture and fry on both sides until brown and crispy.Repeat with the other three slices of bread and the remaining egg mixture
Serve with any soup or ketchup

Moong Dal Dahi Vada

Moong daal 2 cups
Dahi (curd) 2 cups
Cumin powder 1 tsp
Green chillies 2
Salt to taste
Soda-bicarb pinch
Corainder leaves few


Soak moong daal for 4 hours.Grind it with green chillies ,salt, soda-bicarb and hing. Heat oil in a frying pan. Wet your palms and take little batter into your palm. Make a small hole in the center of the vada and deep fry them.Take out from oil and soak these Vadas in water for few minutes.Then squeeze the vadas and keep aside.In a bowl mix dahi and salt and put the vadas . Slightly mix and pour some tamarind chutney and garnish with coriander leaves.
Serve chilled.

Poha Upma

Potato, boiled & cubed 1
Onion, chopped finely 1/2 cup
Green chilies, chopped finely 2
Dry red chilies 2
Salt to taste
Turmeric powder 1 tsp
Coriander leaves for garnishing

For Seasoning:

Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Urad dal 1 tsp
Channa dal 1 tsp
Curry leaves 1 tsp
Oil 1 tbsp


Wash the poha and soak in 1/2 cup of water for about 5 to 7 minutes.In a pan heat the oil. Add all the seasoning ingredients and fry for 3 minutes. Then add the chopped onions, green chilies, red chilies and sauté until onions are golden brown.
Then add the boiled potatoes, turmeric powder, salt and mix well.Finally, add the soaked poha and mix well. Keep on low heat for about 5 minutes.
Garnished with coriander leaves and serve hot

Spicy Sprouts Sandwich

8 slices whole wheat bread
½ cup onions, sliced
4 teaspoons low fat butter to cook

For the sprouts

1 cup mixed sprouts, boiled
½ cup potatoes, boiled and mashed
½ cup onions, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
1 green chilli, finely chopped
2 teaspoons pav bhaji masala
2 teaspoons coriander-cumin seed (dhania-jeera) powder
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
½ teaspoon black salt (sanchal)
1½ cups tomatoes, finely chopped
2 teaspoons oil
salt to taste

Heat the oil in a non-stick pan, add the onions and sauté till the onions turn translucent.Add the ginger-garlic paste, green chilli and sauté for another 1 minute.
Add the pav bhaji masala, coriander-cumin seed powder, turmeric powder, black salt, tomatoes and salt and cook for 5 minutes.Add the sprouts and potatoes and mix well. Keep aside.

Divide the sprouts mixture into 4 equal portions.Place one portion on one slice of bread. Top with an onion slice and sandwich using another slice of bread.Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 3 more sandwiches.Pre-heat the griller and grill the sandwiches, using a little low fat butter to cook.
Serve hot.

Stir Fry Salad

1 cup capsicum, cut into thin strips
1 cup paneer (cottage cheese), cut into thin strips
1 spring onion, sliced
1/2 cup baby corn,sliced
1/2 cucumber,sliced
1/2 cup broccoli florets
1/4 cup bean sprouts
1 small tomato, deseeded and sliced
1 teaspoon onion seeds (kalonji)
1 teaspoon oil
salt to taste


Heat the oil and add the onion seeds.Add all the vegetables and salt and saute on a high flame till the vegetables are tender. Add the paneer and sauté for another minute.Remove from the flame and serve immediately.
You can add 3 colours of capsicum (yellow, red and green).

Garlic Vegetable Soup

1 cup mixed vegetables (corn kernels, green peas, broccoli, carrots, asparagus), finely chopped
2 tsp garlic, finely chopped
¼ cup onions, finely chopped
2 cups low fat milk
2 tbsp quick cooking rolled oats
1 tsp oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped coriander


Heat the oil in a pan, add the onions and garlic and sauté till the onions are translucent.Add the vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.Add the milk, salt and pepper. Allow it to come to a boil and simmer till the vegetables are tender.
Add the oats and simmer for another 5 minutes.Serve hot garnished with the coriander

Banana Apple Porridge

¼ cup broken wheat
¼ cup quick cooking rolled oats
1 cup low fat milk
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon (dalchini) powder
1½ cups apple, diced
3 cups bananas, sliced
4 teaspoons low fat butter



Clean, wash and drain the broken wheat.Heat the butter in a pressure cooker, add the broken wheat and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the oats and cook for 2 minutes. Add the milk and 1 cup of water and pressure cook for 2 whistles. Mix in the sugar and cinnamon powder. Cool in the refrigerator.Add the apples and bananas. Mix well. Serve chilled

THE REIKI PRECEPTS

Taking responsibility for your own life and your own healing is a vital part of the Reiki philosophy. The five precepts of Reiki were taught by Dr. Usui as reminders to help people aid their self-healing by adopting a positive mental attitude. He developed the precepts after he observed that the beggars he had treated had returned to living on the streets of Kyoto. This made him realize that people need to be more than simply passive recipients of a healing process if it is to have long-term results.


A RECIPE FOR POSITIVE LIVING


The five precepts of Reiki are vital components of a fulfilled life and each one is intended to be followed on a daily basis. They encourage us to believe that even small steps can make a difference to our happiness and well-being. The precepts are produced here in the form of affirmations or reminders:



1. Just for today, stop worrying: just for today, my mind is easy.
2. Just for today, do not get angry: just for today, I am at peace.
3. Earn an honest living: I earn my living honestly, doing no harm to anyone, or
anything, nor harming the environment.
4. Honor everyone you meet: I honor my parents, elders, teachers, children,
friends and myself.
5. Show gratitude to every living thing: I give thanks to all living things and
all situations, whatever they may be, for their valuable lessons in growth and
understanding.


FIRST PRECEPT


DO NOT WORRY


To release yourself from worry or anxiety is the first precept. Worry and anxiety are understandable

Human responses to various situations, but it is a fact that worry never improved any situation or exerted a positive influence over its outcome. Worry brings with it fear and blocks your emotions as well as your hopes for the future. It is helpful to think about what you can do, rather than what you can’t. if you release yourself from even some of your worries, you will notice a growing sense of calm..


THE EFFECTS OF WORRY


When we are worried or anxious, our bodies produce a rush of adrenaline. This provides the energy for the basic survival acts of flight or fight. However, the way we live today means that we rarely need to use this energy, and it can do our bodies more harm than good. The short- and long-term effects of worry and anxiety include breathlessness, headaches, chronic stress, back pain, fatigue, digestive problems, and blocked arteries.

SKIN RASHES / INFLAMMATION

What are Common Skin Rashes?
Common rashes are often called dermatitis, meaning inflammation of the skin; they involve changes in the color or texture of the skin including skin redness or inflammation. Common rashes are also known as skin lesions, Rubor and Erythema.

Causes of Common Rashes
Causes of common rashes are as varied as the rashes themselves and can often be determined from the visible characteristics and other symptoms of the rash.

The most common rashes and their causes:

* Contact Rashes - are common rashes often caused by dyes and chemicals in clothing, rubber, latex and elastic, cosmetics, soaps, detergents and plants like Poison Oak, Poison Ivy and Poison Sumac.
* Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitus - are common rashes associated with age, stress, fatigue, weather extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampooing and alcohol-based lotions.
* Other common rashes include Eczema (often associated with allergies or asthma), Psoriasis, Impetigo, Shingles and rashes caused by a host of childhood diseases like chickenpox, measles and scarlet fever. Medications can cause rashes as well as insect bites and stings.

Natural Alternatives to Cortisone
Cortisone is often used to decrease local inflammation, swelling, burning and itching often associated with common rashes. A common side effect to using strong cortisones ointments and creams to treat rashes is permanent thinning of the skin, especially when applied to skin-folds such as under the breast, the armpit, and the groin.

There are natural alternatives to cortisone cream treatment for rashes. For example Eczema is often treated with cortisone cream to combat the itching. There is, unfortunately, no known cure for Eczema, but natural medicines can help reduce the symptoms of Eczema without the harmful side effects associated with cortisones and other pharmaceutical medications.

Many natural rash remedy creams that provide instant and long-term relief for Eczema and Dermatitis can also be helpful in treating common rashes like dry skin, itchy skin, vaginitis, cuts, insect bites, hives, cradle cap and diaper rash. Natural rash remedies can also be effective treatments for Psoriasis, Rosacea, Seborrhea and Acne.
Read about Ayurvedic Medicine - Ayuderme is a time tested composition of authentic herbal ingredients that provides nourishment to the body to help promote healthy skin and restore and balance the digestive and glandular system.
Common Rashes May Mask Other Problems
There are many different reasons why excess toxins may be present in the blood and skin. When there is an excess of toxins present in the body they may be deposited in the skin where the sweat glands are left to deal with them. This often results in inflammatory skin conditions characterized by frequent episodes of redness (including common rashes) and itching. Other symptoms may include thick, dry silvery scales or rough patches on the skin or superficial skin eruptions that are caused by the blocked skin pores.
Natural medicine has linked many common rashes with the functions of various excretory organs and the general health of the body. Unlike pharmaceutical remedies, many natural rash remedies also treat the whole body when a common rash is present in the system.

Nourish the Body to Treat Skin Rashes
Why would you take a pill to treat common rashes on your skin? In many of the natural remedies for common rashes, authentic herbal ingredients provide nourishment to the body to help combat rashes (from the inside out), promote healthy skin and restore and balance the digestive and glandular system.

Advanced remedies for common rashes traditionally address a variety of skin problems (such as Psoriasis) by improving digestion and supporting the function of the liver, colon and kidneys in eliminating bodily wastes and toxins.

Most natural rash remedies are free from the side effects typically associated with over-the-counter preparations commonly used to treat every day common rashes (e.g. acne, eczema, itching, psoriasis, etc.). Natural rash remedies are developed to provide nutrition and support for skin-related conditions including many of the common rashes.

Natural rash remedies can...

* Help cleanse and detoxify the body
* Help provide astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
* Support the function of the liver

Never Ignore Common Rashes
Common rashes can also be indicators of more serious medical conditions like Lupus and Arthritis so never ignore a persistent rash, however common it may appear.

PILES

Piles or haemorrhoids is one of the most common ailments today. It is a varicose and often inflamed condition of the veins, inside or just outside the rectum. In external piles, there is a lot of pain but not much bleeding. In the case of internal piles, there is discharge of dark blood. In some cases the veins burst and this results in what is known as bleeding piles.

Hemorrhoids/ Piles Definition
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed blood veins around the anus, rectal tunnel, or lower rectum. They can be internal or external and visible.
The hemorrhoids are caused from an increase in venous pressure by straining to have a bowel movement and cause itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding.

Piles Symptoms
Pain or irritation while passing stools, bleeding
Pain at passing stools, slight bleeding in the case of internal trouble, and feeling of soreness and irritation after passing a stool are the usual symptoms of piles. The patient cannot sit comfortably due to itching , discomfory, and pain in the rectal region.

Piles causes
Chronic constipation, bowel disorders
The primary cause of piles is chronic constipation and other bowel disorders. The straining in order to evacuate the constipated bowels, and the pressure thus caused on the surrounding veins leads to piles. Piles are more common during pregnancy and in conditions affecting the liver and upper bowel.
Other causes
Other causes are prolonged periods of standing or sitting , strenuous work, obesity, general weakness of the tissues of the body, mental tension, and heredity.

Piles home remedies

* Smear warm almonds oil on the hemorrhoids for relief.
* Apply some baking soda to help with the itch from the hemorrhoids.
* Mix sliced onion and honey, put some on a cotton wool pad and apply on the hemorrhoids for 3 hours.
* Chop onions and garlic cloves, put on a cotton wool pad and wait for 3 hours. Then apply on the hemorrhoids.
* Drink 1 spoon of olive oil every morning.
* Blanch 4gm of passion fruit to 1/4 cup of water, use a cloth to apply on the hemorrhoids.
* Use lemon regularly to treat hemorrhoids.
* Drink chamomile tea
* Yemeni med: Put one teaspoon of grind fenugreek seeds (Hilba) in a glass of boiling water, add sugar or honey and drink 3 times daily.
* Fill up a tub with potatoes flour or cornflour, sit in the tub and relax for a while.
* Grind carrot or beet, put in the refrigerator, when cool put in a big cloth and drain (leave some juice); put the cloth on the hemorrhoids.
* Mix 1 tablespoon of Vaseline with 1 teaspoon of Flowers of Sulfur and smear on the hemorrhoids 2-3 times a day.
* Sit on a warm stone for a few minutes or until you will feel a relief.
* Fill 1/4 jar with pomegranate peels, the rest fill up with olive oil. Wait 2 weeks and its ready. Apply on the hemorrhoids after you go to the bathroom and before you go to sleep.
* Apply witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding.


Piles treatment using Dry Figs
Three of four figs should be soaked overnight in water after being cleaned thoroughly in hot water. They should be taken first thing in the morning along with the water in which they were soaked. They should also be taken in evening in the similar manner. This treatment should be continued for three or four weeks. The tiny seeds of the fruit possess all excellent quality of stimulating peristaltic movement of the intestines. This facilitates easy evacuation of faeces and keeps the alimentary canal clean. The pressure on the anus thus being relieved, the hemorrhoids also contract.
Piles treatment using Mango Seeds
Mango seeds are an effective remedy for bleeding piles. The seeds should be collected during the mango season, dried in the shade, powdered, and kept stored for use as medicine. This powder should be given in doses of about one and a half to two grams with or without honey, twice daily
Piles treatment using Jambul Fruit
The jambul fruit is another effective remedy for bleeding piles. The fruit should be taken with salt every morning for two or three months during its season. The use of the fruit in this manner during every season will effect a complete cure and save the user from bleeding piles for his entire life.
Piles treatment using Radish
White radish is considered highly valuable in piles; 100 mg of grated radish mixed with a teaspoon of honey may be taken twice daily in treating this condition. This vegetable can also be taken in the form of juice mixed with a pinch of salt. It should be given in doses of 60 to 90 ml, morning and evening. White radish, well ground into a paste in milk. can also be applied over inflamed pile masses to relieve pain and swelling.
Piles treatment using Turnip
The leaves of turnip have been found useful in this disease. The juice of these leaves should be extracted and 150 ml given to the patient. It is, however, necessary to take a proper diet of raw fruits and vegetables while taking this juice. For better results, 50 ml of the juice should be mixed with equal quantities of juices of watercress, spinach, and carrots.
Piles treatment using Bitter Gourd
The juice of the fresh leaves of bitter gourd is also valuable in piles. Three teaspoons of the leaf juice, mixed with a glass of buttermilk, should be taken every morning for treating this condition. A paste of the roots of the bitter gourd plant can also be applied over piles with beneficial results.
Piles treatment using Ginger
Ginger is also useful in this disease. Half a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with one teaspoon each of fresh lime juice and fresh mint juice, and a tablespoon of honey, constitutes an effective medicine for piles.
Piles treatment using Onion
Onions are valuable in bleeding piles. About thirty grams of this vegetable should be finely rubbed in water and sixty grams of sugar added to it. It should be taken twice daily by the Patient. It will bring relief within a few days. Onion is also useful in the treatment of dry piles. A crushed onion, skinned and roasted in aches, may be applied with beneficial results.
Piles treatment using Wheat Grass
Wheat grass juice used as an enema helps detoxify the walls of the piles. The general procedure is to give an enema with lukewarm or neem water. After waiting for twenty minutes, 90 to 120 ml of the wheat grass juice enema is given. This should be retained for fifteen minutes.
Piles treatment using Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are also valuable in piles. They can be taken in the form of a decoction by boiling twenty grams of seeds in 500 ml of water till it is reduced by one-third, or as sweetmeats. Ground to paste with water, they can be given with butter for bleeding piles.
Piles treatment using Chebulic Myroblan
The herb chebulic myroblan is a popular remedy for piles. It is very effective as a laxative and is highly astringent. The fruit should be roasted to a brown colour in cluster oil, and then powdered and stored. Half a teaspoon of this powder at bedtime will bring about normal bowel movements in the morning, and the astringent property of the fruit will heal masses. A decoction of the herb prepared by boiling six 10 seven dry fruits in half a litre of water should be used for washing bleeding piles. The paste of the fruit mixed in a bland oil is good as an external application.

Piles diet
Fruit diet
The treatment of the basic cause, namely, chronic constipation, is the only way to get rid of the trouble. To begin with, the entire digestive tract must be given a complete rest for a few days and the intestines thoroughly cleansed. For this purpose, the patient should adopt an all-fruit diet for, at least, seven days. Thereafter he may adopt a diet of natural foods aimed at securing soft stools.

Other Piles treatment
Exercise
A patient with piles must make an all-out effort to tone up the entire system. Exercise plays an important corrective rule in this condition. Movements which exercise the abdominal muscles will improve circulation in the rectal region and relieve congestion.

Date Pancakes

for the pancakes.
rice flour - 1/4 cup
cornflour - 2 tbsp
low fat milk - 2 tbsp
sugar - 2 tsp
pinch of salt

stuffing.
deseeded and chopped dates - 1/4 cup
choppped raisins - 1 tbsp
chopped cashewnuts-1 tbsp
chopped walnuts - 1 tsp
nutmeg powder - pinch
cinnamon powder - pinch
clove powder - pinch

oil - 2 tsp

Mix all the ingredients together to make a batter
of pouring consistency. grease non stick pan with
little oil, pour a portion of the batter on it
and spread with ladle to make pancake of 5" diameter.
cook on both sides, using little oil till light
spots appear. keep aside.
place the pancake on the flat surface and put some
stuffing on it. fold to make a semi circle and serve
immediately.

Green Peas Soup

green peas - 1 cup
choopped spring onions - 1/4 cup
basil leaves or coriander - 10
pepper - 2 pinches
oil - 1 tsp
salt - 1/4 tsp

Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the spring onions and
fry till soft. add the green peas and 4 cups of water
and cook till the peas are tender. cool and add the
basil and blend in a blender till soft. pour into the
saucepan , add the salt and pepper and boil. serve hot.

Pumpkin Soup

roughly chopped pumpkin - 2 cups
roughly chopped carrot - 1 cup
roughly chopped onion - 1/2 cup
dill seeds (sabudana) - 1 tsp
low fat milk -1/4 cup
oil - 1 tsp
salt - 1/4 tsp

Heat oil in a pressure cooker. add the dill seeds
and saute for about 30 min.Add onion and saute
for a few min till they turn translucent. Add the
pumpkin and carrot and saute for few min more.
Add 4 cups of water and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
when cool, puree the mixture till smooth in a blender
pour into a saucepan, add the milk, salt and bring
to boil. Serve hot adding little pepper.

Poha Handwa

poha (beaten rice flakes) - 1 cup
low fat curds - 1/2 cup
grated white pumpkin - 1/2 cup
grated carrots - 1/2 cup
boiled green peas - 1/4 cup
green chillie-ginger paste - 1 tbsp
sugar - 1 tsp
mustard seeds - 1 tsp
sesame seeds - 2 sp
oil - 4 tsp
salt - 1/4 tsp

Clean , wash and soak the poha in curds mixture
for half an hr. Then add all teh remaining
ingredients and mix well. Heat the oil in a pan
and add mustard seeds. whey they crackle remove
from fire and add to the poha mixture and mix well.
Heat a non stick pan and grease it lightly with oil.
pour a ladle of poha mixture on it and spread it
evenly to make a thick handwa of approx..4" diameter
cook on both sides over a medium flame using a little
oil. taking care not to burn it. repeat with remaining
mixture..serve hot.

Wheat Seviyan Upma

wheat vermicelli - 2 1/2 cups
urad dal - 1 tsp
mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
finely chopped onions - 1/2 cup
green chillies chopped - 2
curry leaves - few
finely chopped carrots - 1/4 cup
green peas - 1/4 cup
lemon juice 1 tsp
oil - 1 1/2 tsp
salt - 1/4 tsp

Heat 1/2 tsp oil in a non stick pan and fry the
vermicelli till light brown in colour and keep
aside. heat the remaining oil in another pan and
put mustard seeds and urad dal. after they crackle
add onions,green chillies, curry leaves and fry
till they are soft . Add carrots, peas and fry for
two min more and add 1/4 cup water. cover and cook
till they are tender. Add vermicelli and 1/2 cup of
water. cover and cook for 2-3 minutes. add lemon
juice and salt and toss well. serve hot ..

Backache

Backache is one of the most common ailments prevalent today. Sedentary living habits, hazardous work patterns and psychological conditions associated with emotional stress, which bring about spasm of the muscles, cause backaches. As the back bears the weight of the entire body, overweight persons feel the strain on the back when they have to carry an extra load.

Symptoms of Backache or Back pain

Pain in the middle of back or lower down
In most cases of backache, the pain is usually felt either in the middle of the back or lower down. It may spread to both sides of the waist and the hips. In a condition of acute pain, the patient is unable to move and is bedridden.
People suffer from cervical and lumbar spondylosis
About ninety per cent of backache patients suffer from what is called cervical and lumbar spondylosis. It is a degenerative disorder in which the different vertebrae adhere to each other through bony unions. As a result of this, the spine loses its flexibility.

Causes of Backache
Muscular tension, straining of the joints, poor posture
The main causes of backache and spondylosis are muscular tension, straining of the joints, poor posture, and incorrect nutrition resulting from dietetic errors and lack of exercise.
Kidney or prostate problems, female disorders, influenza
Acute or chronic illnesses like kidney or prostate problems, female disorders, Influenza, and arthritis, may also lead to backache.
Sitting for a long time, high heels
Other causes include stress and strain resulting from sitting for a long time, improper lifting of weights, high heels, and emotional problems which may cause painful muscle cramping.

Home Remedies for Backache

Backache treatment using Garlic
The most important home remedy for backache is the use of garlic. Two or three cloves should be taken every morning to get results. An oil prepared from garlic and rubbed on the back will give great relief. This oil is prepared by frying ten cloves of garlic in 60 ml of oil in a frying pan. Any of the oils which are used as rubefacients, such as mustard oil. sesame oil, and coconut oil can be used according to one's choice. They should be fried on a slow fire till they are brown. After the oil has cooled, it should be applied vigorously on the back, and allowed to remain there for three hours. The patient may, thereafter, take a warm-water bath. This treatment should be continued for at least fifteen days.
Backache treatment using Lemon
Lemon is another useful remedy for backache. The juice of one lemon should be mixed with common salt and taken by the patient twice daily. It will give relief.
Backache treatment using Chebulic Myroblan
The use of chebulic myroblan is beneficial in the treatment of backache. A small piece of this fruit should be eaten after meals. This will give quick relief.
Backache treatment using Vitamin C
Vitamin C has proved valuable in case of severe backaches. About 2,000 mg of this vitamin should be taken daily for treating this condition. Considerable improvement will be noticeable within two days.
Backache treatment using Potato
Raw potato is an ancient home remedy for backache, characterised by incapacitating pain in the lumbar region, especially in the lower part of the back. Application of raw potato in the fom of a poultice has been found very effective in this condition.

Dietaries for Backache

Salad of raw vegetables, plenty of fruits
The diet of those suffering from backache should consist of a salad of raw vegetables such as tomato, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, radish, lettuce, and, at least two steamed or lightly cooked vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, spinach, and plenty of fruits, except bananas. The patient should have four meals daily. Fruit and milk are advised for breakfast, steamed vegetables and wholewheat chapatis for lunch; fresh fruit or fruit juice in the evening; and a bowl of raw salad and sprouts during dinner.
Avoid fatty, spicy fried foods and processed foods
The patient should avoid fatty, spicy, and fried foods; curd, sweetmeats and sugar; condiments; and tea and coffee. Foods that have been processed for preservation have few nutrients and should also be eliminated from the diet.

Other Backache treatments for back pains
Avoid smoking and tobacco intake
Smoking or taking tobacco in any from should be given up completely.
Hot fomentation and alternate sponging
Hot fomentation, alternate sponging, or application of heat to the back will also give immediate relief.
Yogic asanas are also useful

Yogic asanas which are beneficial in the treatment of backache are bhujangasana, shalabhasana, halasana, uttanpadasana and shavasana.

Constipation

Constipation is a common disturbance of the digestive tract. In this condition, the bowels do not move regularly, or are not completely emptied when they move. This condition is the chief cause of many diseases as it produces toxins which find their way into the bloodstream and are carried to all parts of the body. Appendicitis, rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure, cataract., and cancer are only a few of the diseases in which chronic constipation is an important predisposing factor.

Constipation Symptoms

Infrequency, irregularity in elimination of hard faecal matter
The most common symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or difficulty in elimination of the hard faecal matter.
Coated tongue, Foul breath, headache, depression , insomnia etc
The other symptoms include a coated tongue, foul breath, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, dark circles under the eyes, depression, nausea, pimples on the face, ulcer in the mouth, constant fullness in the abdomen, diarrhoea alternating with constipation, varicose veins, pain in the lumbar region, acidity, heart burn, and insomnia.

Causes of Constipation

Faulty diet and style of living
The most important causes of chronic constipation are a faulty diet and style of living.
Insufficient intake of water, strong tea and coffee etc
Intake of refined and rich foods lacking in vitamins and minerals, insufficient intake of water, consumption of meat in large quantities, excessive use of strong tea and coffee, insufficient chewing, overeating and wrong combination of foods, irregular habits of eating and drinking may all contribute to poor bowel function.
Irregular habit of defecation, lack of physical activity
Other causes include faulty and irregular habit of defecation, frequent use of purgatives, weakness of abdominal muscles due to sedentary habits, lack of physical activity, and emotional stress and strain.

Home Remedies for Constipation

Constipation treatment using Bael Fruit
Generally all fruits, except banana and jack fruit, are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Certain fruits are, however, more effective. Bael fruit is regarded as the best of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use for two or three months throws out even the old accumulated faecal matter. It should be preferably taken in its original form and before dinner. About sixty grams of the fruit are sufficient for an adult.
Constipation treatment using Pear
Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Patients suffering from chronic constipation should adopt an exclusive diet of this fruit or it's juice for a few days, but in ordinary cases, a medium-sized pear taken after dinner or with breakfast will have the desired effect.
Constipation treatment using Guava
Guava is another effective remedy for constipation. When eaten with seeds, it provides roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels. One or two guavas should be taken everyday.
Constipation treatment using Grapes
Grapes have proved very beneficial in overcoming constipation. The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes make them a laxative food. Their field of action is not limited to clearing the bowels only. They also tone up the stomach and intestines and relieve the most chronic constipation. One should take at least 350 gm of this fruit daily to achieve the desired results. When fresh grapes are not available, raisins, soaked in water, can be used. Raisins should be soaked for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. This will make them swell to the original size of the grapes. They should be eaten early in the morning, along with the water in which they have been soaked.
Constipation treatment using Orange
Orange is also beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Taking one or two oranges at bedtime and again on rising in the morning is an excellent way of stimulating the bowels. The general stimulating influence of orange juice excites peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon.
Constipation treatment using Papaya and Figs
Other fruits specific for constipation are papaya and figs. Half a medium-sized papaya should be eaten at breakfast for it to act as a laxative. Both fresh and dry figs have a laxative effect. Four or five dry figs should be soaked overnight in a little water and eaten in the morning.
Constipation treatment using Spinach
Among the vegetables, spinach has been considered to be the most vital food for the entire digestive tract from time immemorial. Raw spinach contains the finest organic material for the cleansing, reconstruction, and regeneration of the intestinal tract. Raw spinach juice-100 ml, mixed with an equal quantity of water and taken twice daily, will cure the most aggravated cases of constipation within a few days.
Constipation treatment using Other Remedies
Half a lime, squeezed is a glass of hot water, with half a teaspoon of salt is also an effective remedy for constipation. Drinking water which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel, first thing in the morning, brings good results. Linseed (alse) is extremely useful in difficult cases of constipation. A teaspoon of linseed swallowed with water before each meal provides both roughage and lubrication.

Constipation diet

Natural and simple diet consisting of unrefined foods
The most important factor in curing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of unrefined foods such as wholegrain cereals, bran, honey, lentils, green and leafy vegetables, fresh and dry fruits, and milk products in the form of butter, ghee, and cream. The diet alone is not enough.
Chew food properly, Avoid hurried meals and irregular meals
Food should be properly chewed. Hurried meals and meals at odd times should be avoided. Sugar and sugary foods should be strictly avoided. Foods which constipate are all products made of white flour, rice, bread, pulses, cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, fleshy foods, preserves, white sugar, and hard-boiled eggs.

Other Constipation treatments
Fresh air, outdoor games and exercise
Toning up the muscles also helps in the treatment of constipation. Fresh air, outdoor games, walking, swimming, and exercise play an important role in strengthening the muscles, and thereby preventing constipation.

Bad Breath

Bad Breath Definition

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a very common temporary condition caused by such things as oral dryness, stress, hunger (ketosis), eating certain foods such as garlic and onions, smoking, or poor oral hygiene.
Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When people don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in the mouth and between the teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make the breath smell.

Home Remedies For Bad Breath

How to Cure Bad Breath with Natural Treatments

* Chew peppermint or carnation for better breath smell.
* Swallow one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal.
* To lose the bad breath eat pumpkin daily
* Brush your teeth with baking soda.
* Blanch parsley and drink several times a day to help bad breath.
* Drink chamomile tea
* Lose the bad breath: blanch Thyme-Leaved Savory and gurgle.
* Gurgle salty water.

Home Remedies for Memory Problems

I keep misplacing my house keys, I can't remember anyone's name-I finally told my doctor that my memory has been getting terrible lately."
"What did the doctor do about it?"

"He made me pay in advance."

Sure, it's easy to make jokes, but we know how frustrating it is to feel like your memory is slipping. One remedy for remembering a familiar name, place or fact is to simply relax and forget that you can't remember. When you're not thinking about it, it will pop into your mind.

Neither of us believes a good or not-so­good memory is a matter of age. We think we're all victims of data overload.

The genius scientist and physicist Albert Einstein didn't believe in remembering anything he could look up. While that's not always practical, it is a tension-relieving thought.

Meanwhile, we have some remedies that may help you recreate a wonderful memory.
Natural home remedies

* Choline is used by our brains to make the important chemical acetylcholine, which is required for memory.

At a health food or vitamin store, buy choline chloride or choline hydrochloride­ not choline bitartrate. (The latter sometimes causes diarrhea.) Taking choline may improve your memory and your ability to learn. You should also notice a keener sense of mental organization.

Dose: Take 500 mg of choline twice a day. (Set your alarm clock so you won't forget to take it.)

* Here's a memory-improving drink-combine half a glass of carrot juice with half a glass of milk, and drink daily.
* Three prunes a day supposedly improves memory. It can also help prevent constipation, and since constipation paralyzes the thinking process, take three prunes a day.
* Daily doses of fresh ginger used in cooking and for tea may heighten memory.
* Add four cloves to a cup of sage tea. Sage and cloves have been said to strengthen memory. Drink a cup every day.

Try This Paraguay Punch

* Yerba mate (pronounced mah-tay) is a form of holly and is the national beverage of Paraguay, where it's grown. One of the many positive effects of the herb, according to South American medical authorities, is that it strengthens one's memory. Drink one cup early in the day. Yerba mate is available at health food stores.

NOTE: Be aware that yerba mate contains caffeine, although less than coffee or regular tea.

* Take 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of room-temperature water before each meal Not only is it said to be an excellent tonic for the memory, but it also curbs the appetite.
* Ah, the healing powers of almonds. Eat six raw almonds every day to help improve your memory.

Eye-Opening Discovery

* Our research led us to a Japanese doctor whose records show that he successfully treated more than 500 patients who were having memory problems. How? By recommending they take eyebright, an herb best known for treating eye disorders... until now.

Add ½ ounce of eyebright and 1 tablespoon of clover honey to 1½ cups of just-boiled water. When it's cool, strain the mixture and put it in a boule. Drink ¾ cup before lunch and ¾ cup before dinner.

* Two mustard seeds, taken as you would take pills, first thing every morning, are said to revive one's memory.
* Eat a handful of sunflower seeds daily. These seeds are beneficial in many ways, one being memory improvement.
* According to a gem therapist, wearing an amethyst helps strengthen one's memory. You just have to remember to wear the amethyst.

Walk This Way

* Walking increases oxygen flow to the brain ...and it's never too late! Researchers experimented on adults between the ages of 60 and 75. The group that walked briskly three days a week, starting with 15 minutes each day and working their way up to 45 minutes a day, had a 15% boost in mental functioning. That 15% could mean an end to the frustration of not remembering things.. .at any age.



* What's the most prevalent color in legal pads? In Post-Its? Notice a pattern forming here? According to color therapy research, yellow most stimulates the brain. Writing on yellow paper may help you better remember whatever it is you've written.

Toothache

Toothache home remedies is a commonly sought after information because tooth ache is a very common problem and can occur without a warning. Teeth are an amazing balance of form and function, aesthetic beauty and engineering. Good teeth are an important part of one's health and appearance.

Symptoms of Toothache

A toothache may be sharp, throbbing, shooting, or constant. If the tooth is not properly treated, it will eventually have to be extracted.

Causes of Toothache

Tooth decay, consumption of soft drinks, refined carbohydrates and sugar
The main cause of toothache is tooth decay, which results from a faulty diet. Perhaps the greatest curse and cause of tooth decay is the consumption of candy, soft drinks, pastries, refined carbohydrates and sugar in all forms. Bacteria in the mouth breaks sugar down into acids, which combine with the calcium in the enamel to cause decay or erosion.

Home Remedies for Toothache

Remedies for Tooth ache using Garlic
Among the most effective home remedies for toothache is garlic. A clove of garlic with a little rock salt should be placed on the affected tooth. It will relieve the pain and, sometimes, may even cure it. A clove should also be chewed daily in the morning. It will make the cure teeth making it strong and healthy.
Toothache relief using Onion
Latest research has confirmed the bactericidal properties of onion. If a person consumes one raw onion every day by thorough mastication, he will be protected from host of tooth disorders. Chewing raw onion for three minutes is sufficient to kill all the germs in the mouth. Toothache is often allayed by placing a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or gum.
Remedies for Tooth ache using Lime
Lime, as a rich source of vitamin C, is useful in maintaining the health of the teeth and other bones of the body. It prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache, and bleeding of the gums
Toothache cure using Wheat Grass
The juice of wheat grass acts as an excellent mouthwash for tooth decay and cures toothaches. Wheat grass can be chewed with beneficial results. It draws out toxins from the gums and thus checks bacterial growth.
Toothache cure using Asafoetida
The use of asafoetida has been found useful in curing toothache. It should be pestled in lemon Juice and slightly heated. A cotton swab should be soaked in this lotion and placed in the cavity of the tooth. It will relieve pain quickly.
Toothache relief using Bay Berry
A paste of the bark of bay berry should be made with vinegar. This paste, applied on the affected tooth, will relieve the toothache. It can also be applied beneficially on the gums for strengthening them.
Toothache home remedy using Clove
Another home remedy for toothache is in the use of clove, which reduces pain. It also helps decrease infection due to its antiseptic properties. Clove oil, applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, also relieves toothache.
Remedies for Toothache using Pepper
A mixture of a pinch of pepper powder and a quarter teaspoon of common salt is an excellent dentrifice. Its daily use prevents dental cavities, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums, and toothaches. It cures the increased sensitiveness of the teeth. A pinch of pepper powder mixed with clove oil can be put on the cavities to alleviate the toothache.

Toothache Relief diet

Proper diet
Diet plays a vital role in dental health. The condition of the teeth after they are formed depends upon the foods one eats from day to day. Dental decay, the destruction of the bone around the teeth, and infection of the gums can be prevented with an appropriate diet. In fact, with a proper diet, the teeth and jaw bones can be made harder and healthier as the years go by.
Restrict sugar intake, include raw vegetables in diet
It is important to restrict one's sugar intake, and to ensure that the diet includes plenty of raw vegetables and wholewheat bread. Whole foods are ideal for the teeth. Fibreless refined foods allow particles to accumulate on the teeth in a sticky mass where they can do great harm. The gums need friction to keep them firm and whole foods also help remove plaque. They are therefore called 'detergent foods' by some dentists. In preventing tooth decay, what one eats is no doubt important but equally important is when one eats
Avoid frequent small snacks and sugar intake
Frequent small snacks are very harmful to teeth, as they produce an acid medium in which the bacteria thrive. The number of times one eats sugar is one of the most important factors in determining the rate of decay. For this reason, it is better to eat sweets at the end of a meal rather than between meals.

Other Toothache cure

Other toothache treatment
Proper cleaning of the teeth is very essential to prevent tooth decay and consequent toothache. There are many theories on how best to clean the teeth. The consensus of dental opinion however seems to back using a circular motion with the brush, so as to ensure that all dental surfaces are cleaned. One should not be afraid to touch the gums with the brush, as this gentle stimulation improves the blood circulation in the gums.

Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure or hypotension refers to the fall in blood pressure below normal. It is a condition in which the action of the heart, in forcing the blood through the arteries, is weak. This is a direct outcome of a weakened and devitalised system.

Low blood pressure symptoms

Lethargy, weakness, dizziness
The patient with chronic low blood pressure may complain of lethargy, weakness, fatigue, and dizziness. The patient may faint, especially if arterial pressure is lowered further when he assumes an erect position. These symptoms are presumably due to a decrease in perfusion of blood to the brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and other organs.

Low blood pressure causes
Faulty nutrition, Malnutrition
The most important cause of low blood pressure is faulty nutrition. It makes the tissues forming the walls of the blood vessels over-relaxed, and flabby or streched. This results in less supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Malnutrition can result from a diet deficient in calories, proteins, vitamin C, or almost any one of the B vitamins.
Loss of blood, slow internal bleeding
Sometimes the blood pressure falls rapidly because of loss of blood. Low blood pressure may also develop gradually because of slow bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, or bladder.
Emotional instability
Emotional problems are a far more frequent cause of low blood pressure. To a lesser degree, prolonged disappointment and frustration may result in a subnormal blood pressure.

Low blood pressure home remedies

Low Blood Pressure treatment using Beetroot
The juice of raw beetroot is one of the most effective home remedies for low blood pressure. The patient should drink a cup of this juice twice daily for treating this condition Considerable improvement will be noticeable within a week.
Low Blood Pressure treatment using Indian Spikenard
The herb Indian spikenard is another effective home remedy for low blood pressure. It should be taken in doses of thirty to forty grains with a pinch of a little camphor and cinnamon (dalchini). An infusion can also be prepared by steeping 15 to 20 gm of the herb in 250 ml of boiling water, and taking it thrice a day.
Low Blood Pressure treatment using Epsom Salts Bath
Hot Epsom salt bath are one of the simplest remedy for low blood pressure. An Epsom salt bath is prepared by dissolving one to one and half kg of commercial Epsom Salt in an ordinary bath of hot water. The patient should remain immersed in the bath for ten to twenty minutes. This bath should be taken just before retiring to bed, and care should be exercised not to catch a chill afterwards.
Low Blood Pressure treatment using Nutrients
Protein, vitamin C, and all vitamins of the B group have been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of low blood pressure. Of these, pantothenic acid is of particular importance. Liberal use of this vitamin alone often helps in raising the blood pressure. A diet which contains adequate quantities of complete proteins, B vitamin and, particularly, the nutrients that stimulate adrenal production, quickly normalizes low blood pressure.
Low Blood Pressure treatment using Salt
The use of salt is valuable in low blood pressure. Until the blood pressure reaches normal levels through proper dietary and other remedies, it is essential that the patient should take salty foods and half a teaspoon of salt in water daily.

Low blood pressure diet

Exclusive fruit diet
The treatment for low blood pressure should aim at rejuvenation of the whole system. To begin with, the patient should adopt an exclusive fresh fruit diet for about five days, taking three meals a day of fresh fruity fruits at five-hourly intervals.
Milk and fruit diet
Thereafter he may adopt a fruit and milk diet for two or three weeks. After the fruit and milk diet the patient may gradually embark upon a well balanced diets consisting of seeds nuts and grains with emphasis on fresh fruit and raw vegetables. Further period of all fruit diet followed by a milk and fruit diet may be necessary every two or three months in some cases, depending on the progress being made.

Other Low blood pressure treatment

Warm-Water enema treatment
A warm-water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowels during the first few days of the treatment, and afterwards, if necessary. Those who are habitually constipated should take all the possible steps for its eradication. Daily dry friction and sponging should be undertaken by those suffering from low blood pressure.
Light walking, cycling, swimming and Breathing exercises
They should undertake breathing and other light exercises like walking , swimming and cycling. The patient should take sun and air baths and spend as much time as possible in the fresh air.
Avoid excessive work, anxiety
All living habits which tend to enervate the system, such as overwork, excesses of all kinds, needless worry, and negative thinking must be eliminated as far as possible.

Migraine - Headache

Migraine Headaches are paroxysmal ailments, that are accompanied by a severe headache. The headache normally occurs on one side of the head. Migraine is associated with disorders of digestion, liver, and sight. Migraine headaches occur sometimes due to great mental tension and stress. Migraine headache patients are typically smart, inflexible, disciplined. Sudden migraine attacks may occur due to overworked muscles in the head and neck and due to continuous stress. The blood flow drops because these tight muscles squeeze the arteries. When the person suddenly relaxes these tight muscles expand and stretch the blood vessel walls. The blood pumped with each heartbeat then pushes the vessels further causing immense pain. More information on regular headaches.

Migraine headache Symptoms

Pain on one side of the head
Migraine headaches have a certain pattern: Normally, the pain is on only one side of the head and often starts from behind the eye. The migraine attack is concentrated on the left side on once occasion and on another you have a headache on the right side.

A short period of depression, irritability and loss of appetite
Migraines and depression are sometimes related in some persons. The affected person may have a period of depression prior to a migraine attack. Migraine headaches also are sometimes preceded loss of appetite and irritability. Migraine attacks may occur every day in some people or may occur with a weeks gap or a month or may be over a year. There is no predictable migraine attack cycle that has been established yet.

Pounding pain, nausea, and vomiting
Symptoms of migraines include pounding pain, nausea and vomiting. You can feel the blood pulsating through the affected side of the head.

Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, or on one side of the face
Migraine pain may be preceded by numbness and weakness or an arm or a leg. The eye may start paining or one side of the face gets numb prior to a migraine headache. In some cases the entire face and tongue may get numb making the speech slurry. Digestive problems are experienced sometimes as the headache develops.



Common Migraine (without aura) symptoms
Irritability, laziness, stiff neck, yawning are signs of common migraine (migraine without aura). Confused thinking, weakness, difficulty in concentrating are some other signs.

Classical Migraine with aura symptoms
Migraines with aura may have all the symptoms of those without the aura. But has one additional symptom: a visual C shaped aura. A C shaped arc of flashing lights with the center as gray or blind and the colored lights at the end of the C. This migraine aura starts as a small dot and expands in about 30 minutes.

Cause for Migraine Headaches
Low blood sugar, allergy infection, excessive intake of certain drugs
Migraine headaches maybe caused by low blood sugar, allergy infection, excessive intake of certain drugs, nutritional deficiency, consistent overwork, improper sleep and rest, excessive smoking, drinking,and sexual indulgence.
Menstrual Migraine: Menstruation in women
Menstruation in women is also one of the important cause of migraine headache. Commonly known as menstrual migraine, this usually abates after menopause.


Herbal Remedies for migraines headaches

Migraine relief using Grapes
Migraine relief can be obtained from the juice of ripe grapes and is an effective home remedy. Grind fresh ripe grapes and drink without adding any water.
Migraine relief using Niacin
Niacin has proved helpful in relieving migraine pain. Valuable sources of this vitamin are yeast, whole wheat, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, nuts, sunflower seeds, liver and fish. Vitamin I complex tablets containing 100 mg of niacin can be taken for migraine treatment.
Relieving Migraine using Cabbage Leaf Compress
Cabbage leaf compress can help relieve the pain of a migraine headache. Crush a few cabbage leaves, place in a cloth and apply on the forehead for extended period of time. Use fresh leaves when the compressed leaves dry out.
Migraine treatment using Lemon Crust
Lemon crusts can cure migraine. Grind lemon crust and apply as a paste on the forehead. Migraine cures using this remedy has been found very effective and long lasting by many.
Natural Migraine headache treatment using Vegetable Juices
Carrot juice combined with spinach, beet and cucumber juices are good for migraine treatment. Use on the 2 following mixtures as migraine therapy:
1: Mix 200 ml of spinach juice with 300 ml of carrot juice.
2: Mix 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices with 300 ml of carrot juice.


Migraine relief diet
Fasting on orange juice and water
Cleansing the body of toxins is important for effective treatment of migraine headache. Fast for 2-3 days on orange juice and water. Alternatively, fast on juices of carrot, celery or cucumber.
Avoid foods like white flour products, sugar, tinned or preserved foods, etc
To prevent migraine avoid or reduce white flour products, sugar, confectionery, rich cakes, pastries, sweets, refined cereals, greasy foods, tinned or preserved foods, pickles, condiments and sauces.
All-fruit diet
3-4 fruit based meals for about 2-3 days after the juice diet could help relieve some of the migraine pain.
Well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts etc.
Adopt a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits.
Include milk, yoghurt, buttermilk, vegetable oils, and honey.
All fruit diet for a couple of days each month can keep your body cleansed as a migraine therapy.
Eat frequent small meals, Copious drinking of water is essential.
Drink water regularly and in good quantity. Eat frequent smaller meals than lesser large meals. This help your digestion process.

Other migraine treatment
Take warm-water enema to cleanse bowels
Cleanse the bowels by taking warm water enema during the fruit juice diet.
Hot bath, cold compress applied to head
A hot foot bath, fomentation over the stomach and spine, cold compress applied to the head, and towels wrung out of very hot water and frequently applied to the neck will go a long way in relieving migraine headaches.
Plenty of exercise and walk in fresh air is essential
Exercise regularly and frequent fresh air walks help relieve migraine tension.

How Reiki helps.-4

HOW REIKI HELPS

Reiki can provide a straight forward and simple way of healing long-term disorders and conditions. Reiki is said to be particularly useful for people suffering from medical conditions that orthodox medicine often can do little to cure, such as eczema, asthma, allergy, headaches, migraines, back pain, and arthritis.

All of these conditions are common and widespread, yet can be debilitating and depressing. Reiki practitioners believe that these conditions may simply be outer symptoms of an inner disease. They may indicate a lack of balance and blockages in the energy within the body that Reiki has the power to heal.

Reiki can also be used to provide instant and immediate aid in cases of shock. It may relieve the pain and symptoms of injury, such as bruising and help to promote quicker healing.

As well as helping to ease physical problems, practicing Reiki on yourself or receiving Reiki from a practitioner can promote a sense of mental well-being and help to relieve conditions arising from modern living such as stress.


A SENSE OF BELONGING


Reiki also works on the emotional and spiritual levels of our being, helping us to put right what is wrong in our lives. All of us need to acknowledge the different levels of existence and recognize that we are more than practical beings who exist simply to work, bring up children, and look after our homes. As part of human life, we need to engage in relationships within the family, with parents, friends, and acquaintances and with colleagues at work. We also may need or want to take part in the affairs and activities of our local community.

In order to be able to play a full role within life, we need to be and feel whole within ourselves. Reiki is said to be able to help with this, and this in its turn can also enable us to help others with their lives and be more compassionate towards those in difficulty or pain.

We all need love, security, balance, and a sense of belonging. Reiki practitioners and masters believe that Reiki can offer us this. At its best, Reiki can help us to find our place within the universe, helping us to foster a sense of trust and balance.


THE SIMPLICITY OF REIKI


Such is the accessibility of Reiki that everyone, no matter who they are, what they do, or what their state of health, can receive it, learn it, and practice it. Reiki is not an academic subject to learn, and you do not need any special equipment in order to give the healing. All you need is a sincere commitment to help others and to help yourself to progress and develop.


REIKI FOR EVERYONE


People who have learned Reiki include teachers, builders, doctors, computer operators, farm workers, engineers, therapists, and students.

Even children can learn to give Reiki and because the technique do not require any particular level of fitness or mobility, so too can the elderly and people who live with chronic illnesses.



THE REIKI DEGREES


Reiki teachings is generally divided into three main levels in order to help those who are learning the practice to access the energy at a responsible pace. Level 3 is sometimes split into two stages, and is described as level 3 and 4.

LEVEL 1

Level can be defined as hands-on healing for oneself or others


LEVEL 2


Level 2 is distant healing


LEVEL 3


Level 3, also known as Master’s I, focuses on spiritual deepening.


LEVEL 4


Level 4 is Master Teacher


Reiki proponents believe that it is important to assimilate fully the teachings of each level before going on to explore the next. The journey through the Reiki levels should be undertaken with guidance, care and joy, so that understanding and consciousness can be developed, deepened and strengthened gradually.


A LIFELONG COMMITMENT


The primary function of the first level of Reiki is self-healing and self-development. However, it is also possible to practice Reiki on others, such as family and friends, after just one weekend of training by a Reiki Master.


Reiki could be said to be not so much taught as experienced by the student. The teacher gives each student four attunements, placing the sacred symbols in a certain order and in a certain way to balance the appropriate chakras. This involves a sacred ritual which is said to allow people to contact their own inner truth and spiritual dimension.


As well as being attuned, students learn the hand positions for self-healing and treating others, and discuss the responsibilities of being a student of healing. After training, practitioners are asked to continue with their own self-development. This may include going to regular support and practice groups and studying. Practicing regular self-healing treatment after training helps to improve the flow of energy through the body, and is therefore thought to help students through the period of adjustment after the attunement.


Once students have assimilated and practiced the teachings of Reiki 1 for a length of time, may go on to learn Reiki 2, which enables them to give distant healing to others. They may also decide to develop Reiki further and become a Master. Ideally, one should undergo a lengthy apprenticeship before taking this step. Reiki Masters believe that becoming a Master involves a lifelong commitment because of the role a Master may play in helping others to change their lives.


Muhammed Ahmed