Home Remedy for Gout

What is Gout?

Gout is a disease created by a buildup of uric acid. In this condition, uric acid crystals are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues due to elevated concentrations of uric acid in the bloodstream. This provokes an inflammatory reaction of these tissues.

Gout is characterized by excruciating, sudden, unexpected, burning pain, as well as swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness in the affected joint.

Gout symptoms

Skin becomes swollen, tender and sore if it is even slightly touched.
The big toe is the most commonly attacked (usually in 75% of the cases).
Crystals of Uric acid may get deposited in the helix of the ear.

Picture of Gout

Gout Remedies

The home remedies would include:

1. Apply ice. If the affected joint is not too tender to touch, try applying a crushed-ice pack. Place the pack on the painful joint and leave it for about 10 minutes. Cushion it with a towel or sponge. Reapply as needed.

2. Drink lots of water. Large amounts of fluid can help flush excess uric acid from your system before it can do any harm.

3. Avoid high-purine foods. Check below for the list of high purine foods

4. Avoid alcohol

5. Consider herbal teas. Another good way to take in sufficient liquid is with herb teas. They're free of both caffeine and calories, so large amounts won't make you jittery or pile on unwanted pounds.

6. Make a mixture of one tablespoon of pepper, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 glass of water. Boil it and apply it on the affected area.

Gout diet

Food to Avoid

Avoid high purine food. Foods very high in purines include:

hearts
herring
mussels
yeast
smelt
sardines
sweetbreads
Anchovies, sardines in oil, fish roes, herring.
Yeast.
Organ meat (liver, kidneys, sweetbreads)
Legumes (dried beans, peas)
Meat extracts, consomme, gravies.
Mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower.

Avoid alcohol or drink alcohol in moderation


Recommended Foods To Eat

Fresh cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and other red-blue berries
Bananas
Celery
Tomatoes
Vegetables including kale, cabbage, parsley, green-leafy vegetables
Foods high in bromelain (pineapple)
Foods high in vitamin C (red cabbage, red bell peppers, tangerines, mandarins, oranges, potatoes)
Drink fruit juices and purified water (8 glasses of water per day)
Low-fat dairy products
Complex carbohydrates (breads, cereals, pasta, rice, as well as aforementioned vegetables and fruits)
Chocolate, cocoa
Coffee, tea
Carbonated beverages
Essential fatty acids (tuna and salmon, flaxseed, nuts, seeds)
Tofu, although a legume and made from soybeans, may be a better choice than meat

Cough Remedies

Here are a few home remedies for cough:

1. Mix half a teaspoon of lemon juice with the same amount of honey and have this twice a day. Honey helps cure itchiness by adding moisture to the throat passage.

2. Make a paste of almonds (soaked overnight) with sugar and butter. Consuming this can help curing dry cough.

3. Salwater gargling is an effective way to remove bacteria at the back of your throat and it could help with cough.

4. Crush onions to extract their juice, mix it with honey and consume this two to three times a day. This acts as an excellent cough syrup.

5. Cut a lemon slice and fill it with black pepper powder and salt. Suck on this can help reduce cough.


Please note that cough may often be a symptom rather than the disease itself. So if it persists for a long duration it is always safer to consult your doctor. The above remedies will just provide relief from cough and will not treat the underlying ailment if any.

Top Health Applications for the iPhone

An iPod... a Phone... an Internet Communications Device...
And now Health Freak's gadget..?

Here are some of the top health application that you can have running on the new iPhone:

1. Epocrates: Epocrates is a mobile clinical practice suite that includes integrated drug, disease, and diagnostic guides, ICD-9 and CPT coding reference, and a robust medical dictionary. In short it is a pocket reference for the health care professional that could assist him greatly.

2. iPharmacy: Lost your prescription? Use this Web Application to view common dosages and directions for thousands of prescription drugs. A generic and name brand drug database that lets you browse thousands of drug descriptions, dosage, symptoms, side effects, and more, all from the palm of your hand. Great for medical practitioners who need quick access to drug information.

3. Unbound MEDLINE: Get access to more than 17 million medical journal articles anytime, anywhere. Plus, Unbound's unique Best Evidence search defines search parameters to retrieve evidence-based journal articles.

4. Quitter: Do you want to quit smoking? Again? Try out quitter. It shows you how long it has been since you last smoked and how much you have saved since then.

Here is a video on that:


5. Absolute Fitness:A fitness app that helps you track your food intake with its built-in nutritional database. You can log exercises as well.

Here is a video:


6. iPhone Emergency Card: It can store your health, contact and blood type information which can be used in case of emergencies. Moreover it gives users to access maps to nearby hospitals.

7. The Pocket First Aid Guide: You never know when you might need it, the Pocket First Aid Guide for the iPhone will help you treat anything from bee stings to eye injuries.

Home remedies for sinus infection

Here are some home remedies for sinus infection.

Here are a few home remedies for curing sinus infection

1. Hot steam inhalation: Steam inhalation is a good natural remedy to relieve sinus congestion and reduce the sinus pressure. Steam inhalation helps in thinning the mucus so that it can be expelled through the nose.

2. Using hot compresses in the sinus area is a home remedy for sinus pain pressure

3. Using nasal irrigators can help opening up the nasal cavities. You can get these nasal irrigators at a drug store. (Try a NeilMed Sinus Rinse or Neti Pot) People may initially find nasal irrigation something that needs to be get used to. But just follow the instruction that comes with the irrigators and you will do well.

4. Mix 1 tablespoon of Apple Cedar Vinegar in a glass of apple juice. Gulp the mixture down. You should feel relief within an hour.

5. You can make a paste of cinnamon and water and apply it on the forehead.

Additional Tips

Sleeping with your head in a slightly elevated position can help encourage drainage during the night. Also avoid blowing in your nose too hard when you are having sinusitis. It will only lead to pushing the blockage furhter up the cavities.

Home Remedy for Herpes

Here are a few home remedies for Herpes

1. Set on the "cool" setting, a hairdryer can give instant cooling relief to painful sores.

2. Use Ice cubes on the sore, this can give relief.

3. Cold tea bags applied to the infected area every hour may be beneficial. This is because tea bags contain tannic acid which is thought to have antiviral properties, best used at the first sign of an outbreak.

4. Slightly dampen a cotton ball or tissue, dip it in Baking Soda (also called Bi-Carbonate Soda) and coat the infected area. Leave on the sore to dry out the infection and to help relieve itching.

5. Apply Vitamin E oil on the skin

6. Apply Aloe Vera gel on the sores.

Home Remedy for Anxiety

Here are some home tips for controlling anxiety:

1. Exercise Regularly atleast for half an hour 3 times a week.

2. Sleep 6-8 hours each day

3. Ensure that you are on a balanced diet and take adequate calcium, magnesium, and b-complex vitamin supplements

4. Avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates, and instead eat foods low in sugar and containing whole grains

5. Avoid coffee, tea, and cola sodas (or any other drinks with caffeine)

6. Avoid alcohol and drugs, as these tend to use up your bodies supply of important vitamins and minerals when your body metabolizes them

7. Get yourself a massage

8. Try finding a hobby or something that keeps you engaged

The Best Children Hospitals in America

Here is a review on the best hospitals in Pediatrics in the US.

http://www.usnews.com/directories/hospitals/index_html/specialty+ihqpeds

The following criterion were used for ranking them:

Reputation. A total of 1,100 pediatricians were surveyed by mail and asked to name up to five centers they believe to be most successful with difficult cases in their specialty. They were chosen at random from the database of the American Board of Medical Specialties, 200 for general pediatrics and 150 for each of the six specialties. In cancer, for example, only pediatric oncologists and hematologists were surveyed. Slightly more than half responded. Depending on specialty, reputation counted for 50 or 60 percent of the final score.

Outcome. Inpatient death rate is employed in heart and heart surgery and in neurology and neurosurgery. It does not work for specialties that focus on outpatients—cancer, digestive disorders, and respiratory disorders. Neonatal measures are in progress. Where available, outcome counted for 10 percent of the final score.

Care-related measures. Examples include nurse staffing, the availability of important technologies, and patient volume. These measures counted for 40 percent of a hospital's score.

Does your mode affect how fat you become?

A brain chemical related to mood and appetite may also directly affect fat gain, suggests a US study.

They said levels of serotonin, the nerve-signaling chemical targeted by many antidepressants, may also direct the body to put down fat regardless of how much food is eaten.

"It may be one reason diets fail," metabolism expert Kaveh Ashrafi of the University of California, San Francisco, who led the study, said in a telephone interview.

More on it here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080603/hl_nm/obesity_eating_dc;_ylt=AlbugmF_k3AiUjiSJAK.iSDVJRIF

Home Remedy for Back Ache

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 home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers
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.

Eczema Home Remedy

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. These include dryness and recurring skin rashes which are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin edema, itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration may appear and are sometimes due to healed lesions, although scarring is rare.

Pictures of eczema

Eczema symptoms

Symptoms of Eczema may include Itching, Redness on skin, Dry and flaky skin, Itchy blisters, Inflammation on skin, Small bumps on forehead, neck and cheek, Rough and thickened skin. Symptoms of eczema are more severe on the folds.

Eczema Home Remedies

Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

Soaps and harsh detergents should not be used on affected skin because they can strip natural skin oils and lead to excessive dryness. Instead, the use of moisturizing body wash, or an emollient like aqueous cream, will maintain natural skin oils and may reduce some of the need to moisturize the skin.

Dermatological recommendations in choosing a soap generally include:
Avoid harsh detergents or drying soaps
Choose a soap that has an oil or fat base; a "superfatted" goat milk soap is best
Use an unscented soap
Patch test your soap choice, by using it only on a small area until you are sure of its results
Use a non-soap based cleanser
Use plain yogurt instead of soap
,
Another option is to try bathing using colloidal oatmeal bath treatments.

In addition to avoiding soap, other products that may dry the skin such as powders or perfume should also be avoided.


Turmeric (the stuff in curry spice) is an incredible anti-inflammatory and will help all eczema sufferers. It is proven as effective as steriods/corticosteriods, but don't let the pharmaceutical companies know that.

Avoid sweets, gluten, dairy or foods with fungus to balance out your intenstinal flora. Find out slowly how much sweets, etc you can safely eat w/o showing symptoms.

Home Remedy for Bad Breath

Causes of Bad Breath

Diseased gums, dental decay

The most common cause of bad breath is diseased gums. Dental decay at the roots of the teeth may result in abscesses in the gums with foul-smelling pus, giving an objectionable odour to the breath. Even small holes in the teeth may provide a place where germs can multiply and release foul odours.

Conditions of nose, throat and Respiratory tract

Other causes of bad breath are conditions of the nose, throat, respiratory tract, or stomach which are associated with chronic infection or local upsets of one sort or another, such as chronic tonsillitis, lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis, chronic gastritis, and sinusitis which causes a discharge at the back of the throat. Many cases of bad breath, however, are caused by gastro-intestinal disorders, intestinal sluggishness and particularly by chronic constipation.

Cures for Bad Breath

Bad Breath treatment using Fenugreek

Among the several home remedies for halitosis, the use of fenugreek has proved most effective. A tea made from the seeds of this vegetable should be taken regularly for correcting the condition. This tea is prepared by putting one teaspoon of seeds in half a litre of cold water and allowing it to simmer for fifteen minutes over a low flame. It should then be strained and used as tea.

Bad Breath treatment using Avocado

Another effective remedy for bad breath is avocado, which is far superior to any mouth lotion or remedies for this condition. It effectively removes intestinal putrefaction or decomposition which is one of the most important causes of bad breath.

Bad Breath treatment using Guava

Unripe guava is useful in halitosis. It is rich in tannic, malic, oxalic, and phosphoric acids as well as calcium, oxalate, and manganese. Chewing it is an excellent tonic for the teeth and gums. It helps cure bleeding from gums and stops bad breath. Chewing tender leaves of guava tree also stops bleeding from gums and bad breath.

Bad Breath treatment using Parsley

Parsley is a valuable Cure for bad breath. Two cups of water should be boiled and several sprigs of parsley, coarsely chopped, should be steeped in this water along with two or three whole cloves or a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves. This mixture should be stirred occasionally while cooling. It should then be strained and used as a mouthwash or gargle several times a day.

Bad Breath treatment using Raw Juices

All fruit and vegetable juices are beneficial in the treatment of halitosis and should be taken liberally by those suffering from this disorder. Juices from green vegetables are especially valuable.

Home Remedy for Boils

A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin.

What causes boils

Most boils are caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus. This germ enters the body through tiny breaks in the skin or by traveling down a hair to the follicle.

Conditions like diabetes,problems with the immune system,poor nutrition,poor hygiene, and exposure to harsh chemicals may also cause boils.

Pictures of Boils

Home Remedies for Boils

Boils treatment using Garlic and Onion

Garlic and onions have proved most effective among the several home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of boils. The juice of garlic or onion may be applied externally on boils to help ripen them, break them, and evacuate the pus. An equal quantity of the juices of these two vegetables can also be applied with beneficial results. Eating of two to three pods of garlic during meals will also bring good results.

Boils treatment using Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd is another effective home remedy for blood-filled boils. A cupful of fresh juice of this vegetable, mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice, should be taken, sip by sip, on an empty stomach daily for a few months to treat this condition.
Boils treatment using Milk Cream

Milk cream is beneficial in the treatment of boils. One teaspoon of milk cream, mixed with half a tea spoon of vinegar, and a pinch of turmeric powder, makes an excellent poultice. It helps in ripening the blood boils and in their healing without allowing them to become septic.

Boils treatment using Betel Leaves

Betel leaves are a valuable remedy for boils. A leaf is gently warmed till it becomes soft. It is then coated with a layer of castor oil. The oiled leaf should be spread over the inflamed part. It should be replaced every few hours. After a few applications, the skin boil will rupture, draining out all the purulent matter.
Boils treatment using Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are beneficial in the treatment of boils. The seeds should be ground in water and made into a paste. This paste can be applied to boils with beneficial results.

Boils treatment using Margosa Leaves

The use of margosa leaves has proved effective in boils. They can be used as a poultice, decoction, or liniment with beneficial results. To make the decoction, 15 gm of margosa leaves should be boiled in 500 ml of water till it is reduced by one-third.

Home Remedy for Dandruff

Home Remedy for Dandruff

Dandruff (aka Pityriasis capitis) is caused due to excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp and this can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Dandruff is not an organism but it is just dead skin that accumulates in the scalp which in most cases can be easily treated with specialized shampoos. Though dandruff can cause irritation to scalp skin, it is unlikely to cause any hair loss or discoloration.

Causes for Dandruff

Some of the possible causes of dandruff may be:

1. Impairment of general health
2. Consuming improper foods.
3. Constipation
4. Low vitality due to infectious diseases.
5. Emotional tension or general exhaustion.
6. Harsh shampoos

Home Remedies for Dandruff

1. Use of Fenugreek seeds for dandruff treatment has been known to be effective. Soak about 2 tablespoons of Fenugreek seeds in water for about 8 hours. Now grind them to a paste and apply it on your scalp. Keep for half an hour. Now wash and clean the hair thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or shikakai.

2. Dandruff treatment using Lime : Use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair. This gives the hair a glow and also helps in removing the stickiness and prevents dandruff.


3. Dandruff treatment using Green Gram Powder: Another effective method for removal of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. Wash you hair twice a week with two tablespoons of Green Gram Powder mixed with half a cup of curd.

4. Dandruff treatment using White Beet: Boil the tops and roots of white beet in water and use this water in massaging your scalp.

5. Another possible method for Dandruff Treatment is the usage of curd (kept open for 3 days) to massage the scalp.

6. Dietary recommendations include following a well balanced diet with adequate non-citrus fruits and vegetables. It is also wise to avoid strong tea/coffee, pickles, refined and processed foods.

Home Remedies for Nail Fungus

Nail Fungus or 'Onychomycosis' is caused by an immune system deficiency, but it's aggravated by moisture.

Nail fungus, though not a painful or life threatening condition, can cause serious disfigurement of the toe nails.

Causes of Nail Fungus

Poor hygiene
Trauma
People with increased perspiration
Barefoot walking in public areas
Pedicures
Tight shoes
Diabetes
Patients on immunosuppressants

Nail Fungus Pictures

Home Remedies for Nail Fungus

1. Use a hair dryer: Set it to cool setting and blow dry air under, around and between your toes after bathing. This would help out to take out he moisture on your toes.

2. Apply an antiperspirant. Sweating produces moisture which is perfect for spreading nail fungus. Use of an antiperspirant prevents this. You could also use cotton socks as this absorbs sweat.

3. Wash your hands. Fungal infection can spread from your feet to your hands easily so keep your hands and feet clean.

4. Trim your toenails regularly and avoid using nail polish.

5. A good diet also helps to recover against nail fungus. Have a diet that includes more probiotics – good bacteria, in your diet. Yogurt, Olive leaf extract and Kefir are good sources of probiotics. Avoid intake of refined carbs like sugar, dairy products and vinegar.

Home Remedy for Ear Ache

Home Remedy for Ear Ache

If you get an ear ache, you will need to see a doctor as in most cases the ache itself is not the problem rather a symptom of the problem. You will need to identify the real cause for the ache and treat it. But before you get to the doctor, these remedies might help you out a bit:

Tips to Reduce Ear Ache

1. Sit up. Sitting upright a few minutes upright will decrease swelling and cause your eustachian tubes to drain. Swallowing will help ease the pain. If you can, try proping up your head slightly even while you sleep to get better drainage,

2. Use a hair dryer to blow some low warmth air into your ear. Keep the dryer at a distance of about 20 inches.

3. Try Yawning: Yawning moves the muscle that opens the eustachian tubes and cause your ears to open up

4. If you can’t get yourself to yawn, try chewing a wad of gum. This too can open up your ear by by opening the eustachian tubes.

5. Try out painkillers: Acetaminophen, Aspirin or Ibuprofen will usually buy you some time until you can get to a doctor, but remember they are by no means a permanent solution.

6. If you have to fly by air and you know your sinuses are going to block your ears, take a decongestant or apply nose drops an hour before you land.

7. Another caution you might want to take when you fly is to avoid dozing off while on the descent. This is because when you sleep you don’t swallow often and as a result so your ears won't keep up with pressure changes during descent and they may hurt.

Pink Eye Home Remedy

What is Pink Eye?

Conjunctivitis (commonly called "Pink Eye" or bloodshot eyes in the USA), "Red Eye" in the UK, and "Madras Eye" in India, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids). Pink eye usually is brought about by either bacterial, viral, or numerous allergic factors.

The conjunctiva usually reacts to bacteria, viruses, allergy causing medium, irritants, or diseases of other parts of the body. Viral Conjunctivitis is induced by viruses that spread from various ailments like colds, sore throats, respiratory infections and others. Bacterial Conjunctivitis is caused by certain bacteria that have made their way to the eye. Examples of bacteria include staphylococci and streptococci. Allergic Conjunctivitis is caused by allergic reactions to distinctive substances such as fumes, cosmetics, drugs, dust mites, air born chemicals, and many others. Conjunctivitis is usually more prone in people who have allergic conditions.

Pink Eye Symptoms

1. Reddish color covering the eye.


2. Irritation and itchiness of the eyes


3. Tearing of eyes


4. Yellow or Green discharge from the eyes is common for bacteril and viral conjunctivitis


5. Blurred vision and sensitivity to light

Pink Eye Pictures

How long is pink eye contagious ?

Someone with conjunctivitis may be contagious for seven to 14 days after signs and symptoms first appear. Infact, Pink eye is contagious until you get the drops. Then you must been using the drops for at least 24 hours, after which you are no longer contagious.

Pink Eye Prevention

Certain precautions can to taken to avoid the disease and stop its spread. Careful washing of the hands, the use of clean handkerchiefs, and avoiding contagious individuals are all helpful. Children frequently get conjunctivitis because of their poor hygiene.

If you or someone in your household has contracted conjunctivitis, follow these steps to prevent the spread of the infection:
Every time you touch your eyes or face, including when using medicine in your eye(s), wash your hands thoroughly.
Wash any clothing touched by infected eyes including clothes, towels and pillowcases.
Do not share make-up. If the infection is caused by bacteria or a virus, you must throw away your used make-up and buy new make-up.
Do not touch the infected eye because the infection will spread to the other eye.

Home Remedies for Pink Eye

If you have a viral or bacterial pink eye, it is better that you see a doctor.

You can soothe the discomfort of pink eye by applying warm compresses to your affected eye or eyes. To make a compress, soak a clean, lint-free cloth in warm water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids.

For allergic conjunctivitis, avoid rubbing your eyes so that you don't release more histamines. Instead, use cool compresses to soothe your eyes.

You might also try specially formulated over-the-counter eyedrops such as Naphcon-A or Opcon-A, which contain an antihistamine and an agent that constricts blood vessels.

Vegetable juices of spinach and carrot are considered good for Pink Eye. It is also recommeded to take foods rich in vitamin A and B2 like curd, butter, whole milk, pumpkin, almonds, tomatoes etc.