Tips to manage the seasonal flu at home

The monsoon has begun, and while it brings relief from summer heat it also brings perils of humidity. With the rain showers comes the risk of being exposed to viruses, necessitating measures to manage the six most important seasonal flu symptoms– breathing difficulty, body ache, cough, blocked nose, headache and muscular stiffness early on.

Dr. Kunal Manek, Ayurveda Consultant, and Panchakarma Physician shares a few tips on how you can build your immunity and respiratory health at home.
Consume Haldi Milk

Haldi or turmeric as we all know is one of the most powerful spices hidden in your kitchen. A staple in Indian cooking, it is also a go-to fix for an array of health issues. For centuries Ayurvedic medicine has been using Curcumin, the active component in turmeric for its antioxidant properties. This is why consuming a warm glass of turmeric milk is advised. The anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal agents present in turmeric help strengthen our immune system from the inside
Practice Steam Inhalation

Steam therapy is one of the widely used home remedies to build better respiratory health by soothing common cough and cold that our body often catches during this seasonal transition. You can make this more effective by adding ayurvedic ingredients like Pudina (Mint) leaves and Ajwain (Caraway seeds) that helps in aiding dry cough and sore throat. You can also add one to two teaspoons of a medicated rub in a bowl of hot water (not boiling), which contains Pudina, Ajwain, Kapoor & Nilgiri for faster relief of cough and cold symptoms. These rubs are easily available at any chemist shop/at nearby chemist shop and are safe to use for adults and kids aged six years and above. It is advisable that one reads the label before using and if symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.
Eat a Balanced Diet

A nutrient-rich balanced diet rich is an essential and more so during the flu season as it is an important way to help your body fight symptoms. One need to strengthen immunity through immunity boosting foods and supplements. Boost your body with vitamins, minerals and fiber from fruits, vegetables and grains which support your immune system and make it stronger.
Stay Active

A sedentary lifestyle weakens your immune system making it prone to illnesses. Therefore, take out time for some physical exercise to improve your overall health, but also relax your muscles and mind. Yoga is a great way to give your body the energy. A few asanas or just the Surya Namaskar in the morning will strengthen your core, make your body strong and more importantly, improve your respiratory health

The Ministry of AYUSH had recently issued self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health. The guidelines included doing regular steam inhalations with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) once in a day to help in decongestion, consuming Haldi milk, which contains an antioxidant, and practicing Yoga to maintain overall health.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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Best Home Remedies For Headaches, Stomach Ache And Sore Throat

Stomach ache, headache and sore throat are ailments that you may get anytime, anywhere. Before resorting to medicines, try these age-old tried and tested home remedies. They can heal you naturally and may provide immediate relief!

Sore throat, stomach aches and headaches are common ailments faced by a lot of people. Before resorting to taking medicines, it is important to try some home remedies as some of them can actually be effective in not just treating these but also providing you with some amazing health benefits. 

Talking about these common ailments and their remedies is lifestyle coach on Facebook. In a live session, he talks about some effective home remedies for sore throat, stomach aches and headaches. Keep reading to know about them.

Sore throat home remedies
1. Salt water gargle: Add a pinch of rock salt in lukewarm water, and gargle with it multiple times in a day when you have sore throat. It is one effective home remedy which will give you positive results. Make sure that the water is not too hot and do not swallow the water while gargling.

2. Steam inhalation: This is a generations-old home remedy for cough, cold, congestion and sore throat. It helps in softening the mucous which gets blocked in the lining of your sinuses. Take a deep pan and boil water. Put a towel over your head and inhale the hot fumes. Make sure you don't get hurt.

3. Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain which is anti-inflammatory. It can be an effective home remedy for sore throat. Chew pieces of pineapple whenever you are struggling with a sore throat.
Pineapple is an effective home remedy for sore throat.

Stomach ache home remedies

1. Ginger tea: Take a piece of ginger (1 inch preferably), peel it, mash it and boil it in water. This ginger water can help in calming down an upset stomach. Ginger is also good for treating nausea.


2. Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is free of caffeine and can be an effective home remedy for stomach ache. Try to get access to good chamomile tea to treat stomach aches at home.

3. Peppermint tea: Peppermint is commonly used as a digestive aid. Like chamomile, peppermint tea too is easily available and can be used as an effective home remedy for stomach ache. Peppermint tea can also help you get rid of nausea.

Headache home remedies

1. Lavender oil: You can boil lavender leaves in water and drink lavender tea to reduce headaches. Lavender oil can be applied to your temples and you can also inhale lavender oil to reduce headaches. Lavender can also be used as a diffuser to get rid of headaches effectively.

2. Ice: Take a cube of ice, hold it with the help of cloth or handkerchief and rub it all over your face till the ice cube melts. You can take breaks in between if required. It may offer you immediate relief from headaches.

Rubbing ice on your face can help in reducing headaches effectively

Before you go ahead with taking medicines, try these home remedies. They can heal you naturally and provide you with health benefits you can bank on.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement 

The Best Home Remedies For Sinus Infection

I was talking to my friend the other day, who complained of yet another sinus infection. Runny nose, facial pain, difficulties breathing, headaches and fatigue were marking her days as of late. Why do I get them? She pondered. The reasons stretch from air pollution, stress (the omnipresent cause of uncountable health problems) and weather changes, to a lowered immune system contracting a viral or bacterial infection.

Sometimes a lifestyle change is required to eliminate the substances and factors that cause the infection, such as not using chemical cleaning products or starting to meditate. My friend sighed. She needed an answer: how to get rid of the nuisance.

The antibiotics work (with side effects) only if the cause is bacterial, but not if it’s viral. So I told her about garlic, honey and apple cider vinegar – the three natural remedies I found to be the cure to almost everything.

Let’s have a look at how these wonderful products can help you cure uncomfortable, repetitive, tiring, suffocating, embarrassing 
Steam Inhalation With Garlic

If the infection is not fully blown yet, inhalations should be your first course of action to alleviate discomfort. Boil a pot of water and then add minced fresh garlic to it (3 to 4 cloves should do). Get yourself comfy, cover your head and pot with a towel and start inhaling.

It might be uncomfortable at first, but it will help. The steam alone is an amazing decongestant and helps to clear the breathing pathways. When you add other healing ingredients, the positive effects multiply. Garlic is an extremely potent natural antibiotic, and is antiviral and antifungal. See also my article on how to make garlic syrup for chest infections.

Steam Inhalation with Apple Cider Vinegar

Instead of fresh garlic, you can also use apple cider vinegar. A 1:1 proportion with steaming water will create a powerful mix. Apple cider vinegar thins the annoying mucus.

Steam Inhalation with Tea Tree Oil

Some swear by adding tea tree oil (a few drops will suffice), as the oil is another strong natural antibiotic and antifungal. By inhaling it, you deliver the antibiotic directly to your suffering nasal membranes (this may hurt at first, and you may feel a burning sensation).

Also eucalyptus essential oil helps clear nasal and chest congestion caused by colds and sinus infections, so you can use it instead or with tea tree essential oil.

Neti Pot / Sinus Irrigation
One of the most popular treatments using a salt and water solution to flush out the nasal passages is the neti pot. This is a small ceramic pot that you fill with a mixture of ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt to each 16 ounces (two cups) of warm water. Some prefer to add an additional ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, per cup, to the mixture to adjust the pH of the irrigating solution to that of the body. You need to use previously boiled water to prepare the solution. Don’t use tap water.

Once you’ve filled the neti pot, tilt your head over the sink at about a 45 degree angle. Place the spout into your top nostril, and gently pour the saline water into that nostril. The saline water will flow through your nasal cavity and out the other nostril. Blow your nose to get rid of any remaining water, then refill the neti pot and repeat the process on the other side.

The basic explanation of how the Neti pot works is that it thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages. People suffering from daily sinus symptoms found relief from using the neti pot on a daily basis. Once the symptoms subsided, you can reduce it to three times a week.

You can also use a special bottle to rinse your sinus. I’ve used a bottle called NeliMed Sinus Rinse to rinse my sinuses and I found it extremely easy to use. You need to fill the bottle with the same water solution that I mentioned above, tilt your head over the sink at about a 45 degree angle. Put the nozzle tip snugly against one of your nostrils. Squeeze the bottle and repeat the same process for the other nostril.

Eat Horseradish
Not many people know that when treating certain conditions, horseradish is just as effective as chemically-synthesized antibiotics and it can sometimes even be superior to over-the-counter drugs.

Horseradish is particularly potent in the treatment of sinusitis and it clears upper respiratory passages, which helps with cold, influenza and lung congestion. Read my detailed article about horseradish including how to use it and recipes to clear your sinuses.
Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) to Treat Sinus Infection
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE), which is made from the pulp and the seeds of the grapefruit, acts as a natural antibiotic. It has antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties and is a very versatile natural remedy.
You can take GSE in different forms: you can irrigate the nasal passages, take it in a capsule or tablet form or drink it mixed with water (or other fluid).

Add Honey

Using honey, and not just for eating, is one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health. Make sure to only use raw honey.

If filtered (often done for appearances’ sake), the honey loses most of its healing properties. We really have our priorities wrong these days!

Raw honey is a magnificent antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal bee creation, and boosts the immune system.

Followers of Ayurvedic medicine suggest starting the day with honey water. You simply mix a teaspoon of honey into a glass of warm (not hot!) water. Your body is then geared to start the day. Now, for maximum therapeutic kick to get over a tenacious sinus infection, you can try out this combination:

– a glass of warm water
– 1 teaspoon of honey
– 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
– 3 cloves of minced raw garlic

Mix well and drink to your sinuses’ health!

Or, if the abundance of tastes (or garlic breath), slightly scare you, just try mixing apple cider vinegar and raw honey, and consuming that 3 times a day (the combination of ACV and honey has amazing health benefits). Two tablespoons of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey will send your sinusitis packing.

Elderberry Infusion
The elderberry is a bush that can reach to a great height with small white flowers and dark purple sweet-sour fruit. You can also make an infusion from the flowers of the elderberry plant, which has been shown to prevent inflammation and infection in the respiratory system and is effective against winter ailments including sinusitis. Use 1 heaped teaspoon of dried flowers per 1 cup of boiling water. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Allow tea to cool, strain the tea and drink.

If you consume these beautiful gifts of nature regularly, your immune system bolstered, there is a fighting chance the sinus infection will stay clear of you for the foreseeable future. Good luck!

If you consume these beautiful gifts of nature regularly, your immune system bolstered, there is a fighting chance the sinus infection will stay clear of you for the foreseeable future. Good luck!

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement 

Flush Mucus From Your Body With 5 Highly Effective Home Treatments

Mucus buildups make you feel as if there’s something stuck in your throat. You feel an urge to clear your throat, and it’s really frustrating. This issue is usually caused by infections in the upper respiratory tract, but mucus buildups may be triggered by allergies, asthma, and heartburn.

Coughing doesn’t work all the tie, and there are some natural methods you should try. These include mullein tea, steam inhalation, raw honey and natural salt rinse.

The role of mucus

Mucus lines the respiratory and digestive tract in order to protect the system. Mucus prevents infections, and keeps bacteria and viruses away from the body. In other words, having mucus in your throat is a normal thing. The real problem occurs when mucus becomes thick and has unusual color, such as dark yellow, green and brown.

The production of mucus may be affected by heartburn or acid reflux. Stomach acids go through the weak lower esophaegal sphincter, giving you a burning sensation. The throat becomes irritated, and you feel the “lump” in your throat. 

This triggers the production of mucus, giving you cold-like symptoms, such as cough, post-nasal drip, sinus issues and sore throat. This problem goes undiagnosed mostly because it has the same symptoms as common colds and allergies.

The production of mucus may be increased by allergens. Pollen, dust, mites, animal dander and mold irritate your throat, and your body produces more mucus. Asthma is manifested through coughing and wheezing, but sufferers may also deal with excessive production of mucus.

In cases of bacterial and viral infections, the body produces excess mucus in order to trap the microorganisms. Sinusitis is a condition in which sinuses become inflamed and swollen. This infection also causes post-nasal drip and thick, dark mucus.

You can use a few simple and natural remedies to clear your throat.

7 natural remedies to eliminate excess throat mucus

1. Saltwater

Gargle salt water to eliminate throat mucus. Add half a teaspoon or a teaspoon of natural salt in a glass of warm water. Add a pinch of baking soda for optimal results. Gargle the solution several times a day.

2. Steam inhalation

Add therapeutic grade essential oils for better results. Use Eucalyptus Radiata, Ravintsara and Mild Thyme are some nice options. These also eliminate allergens from air, prevent flu, common colds, sinusitis and respiratory infections. 

Add a few drops of the oils to your hot steamy shower or your essential oil diffuser.

3. Ginger

Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory effect. A study released in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that hot ginger tea relieves respiratory infections. Steep a piece of ginger (1 inch) in a cup of boiling water. Steep for a few minutes, and drink your ginger tea 2-3 times a day. Add lemon juice, honey and cayenne to strengthen its effect.

4. Spice

Hot peppers, wasabi and horseradish relieve congestion, reduce inflammation and prevent mucus buildups. Capsaicin and allyl isothiocyanate act as decongestant and relieve the symptoms of nasal discharge and inflammation.

5. Honey

Natural pollen, royal jelly and propolis give honey its incredible power. Honey reduces coughing. Canadian researchers found that a single dose of honey reduces the production of mucus and coughing. Take a tablespoon of honey 2-3 times a day until your condition improves. 

Hydrate your body

Drink a lot of water and herbal teas to reduce the production of mucus. Mullein leaf tea works best, and you can also use chamomile, ginger and turmeric to soothe your inflammation.

Avoid dangerous triggers

Avoid common irritants and allergens. Dairy products increase the production of mucus. You should also avoid processed flour, refined sugar and packaged food.

source- healthyfoodhouse.com 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                      FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                     https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

10 Remedies For Wheezing That You Can Try At Home

Being wheezy is never pleasant, but you’ll be happy to know that there are numerous remedies that you can try if you happen to be wheezing. They help to open up the airways, reduce the quantity of irritants or pollution that an individual breathes in, and some of them can even treat the underlying causes of the wheezing. Here are 10 home remedies for wheezing:

 

1. Steam inhalation

Inhaling warm, moisture-rich air is a great way of clearing the sinuses and opening up the airways. All you need to do is boil some water, pour it into a large bowl and breathe in the steam. Place a hot towel over your head to trap in more moisture, and try adding a few drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil to the water to make the steam more powerful. You can also benefit from a sauna room or hot shower to loosen the congestion if needed.

2. Hot drinks

Hot drinks are excellent for loosening up congestion in the airways. Add a teaspoon of honey to a hot drink to reap its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Eating just one tablespoon of honey twice a day can also help to relieve throat congestion. Peppermint and other menthol teas also work well. Try experimenting with these different things to see which works best for you.

3. Breathing exercises

Wheezing caused by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, bronchitis or allergies can be eased by doing breathing exercises. These include deep, regular inhalations and exhalations. A doctor or respiratory therapist can assist you in finding the most effective breathing techniques for you.

4. Humidifiers
There’s no denying that wheezing can get worse during the winter months, so consider investing in a humidifier. This will help to loosen congestion in the airways and reduce the severity of wheezing. You can even try adding peppermint or other oils into its water, however, you should check the instructions before adding anything other than water.

5. Air filters

Polluted air can contribute significantly to wheezing, as can allergens. A home air filter can reduce the presence of irritants that can cause wheezing and other breathing problems.

6. Identifying and removing triggers
Certain triggers, such as stress or allergens, can make chronic illnesses and asthma worse, so identifying and being in control of them is a great idea. For instance, individuals with chronic respiratory conditions might take allergy medication and avoid allergy triggers.

7. Allergy medications

Decongestants, corticosteroid tablets, and antihistamines can all help with keeping allergies under control. Nasal sprays can also help to relieve a tight chest, congestion, and inflammation. If you suffer from more severe allergies, note that you may require prescription allergy medication.

8. Allergy immunotherapy
Immunotherapy involves retraining the immune system to refrain from reacting to allergens. Allergy shots are the most common form of immunotherapy, and the technique can also be helpful for people with other chronic conditions such as COPD.

9. Bronchodilators

This type of medication is designed to relax the lungs and prevent the airways from narrowing, thus helping those with wheezing caused by COPD or asthma. Bronchodilators come in two forms, namely short-acting and long-acting. The former can halt an asthma or COPD attack, whereas the latter can relax the airways over the long-term.
10. Other medications
Wheezing caused by an underlying illness is often treatable with medication. Epinephrine or corticosteroids, for instance, can help individuals that experience wheezing due to a severe allergic reaction. Always discuss medications with your doctor prior to taking them, and also inform yourself on how various medications interact with one another.

When you should see a doctor
Diagnosing the cause of wheezing based on the symptoms alone can be quite difficult, so an individual should see a doctor if their wheezing is cause for concern. A trip to the emergency room is in order if:
•    An individual struggles with their breathing
•    Their wheezing comes on suddenly
•    It’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain
•    If the individual is showing signs of anaphylaxis                    

 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/    

                                                                                                                                                     FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/  

         

                   FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com