Archives for September 2021

Rashes and Hives

What are Rashes and Hives?

Hives are a common skin condition that occurs when you have itchy, raised, red skin rashes. These rashes are mostly caused by a reaction to food, medication, or other aggravations. This is a very minor skin disorder that goes away without any treatments. But in some severe cases, medications may be needed.

What are the Symptoms of Rashes and Hives?

There are some typical symptoms of Hives and rashes. The most common symptoms are discussed below:
  • Hives are itchy. The itch can be severe or moderate, ongoing or of short time. Frequently, the bruises produced by hives will be led by itching skin. Other times, the bruises and itchiness will occur at the same time.
  • Hives typically happen in groups, which can explode anywhere on the body. Hives might be as small as pin dots or much, much bigger. Their dimension and structure can also shift.
  • In some cases, hives may mutate altogether, affecting sizable, irritated areas of skin. The skin surrounding the area where hives happen may appear red, inflamed, or irritated.

What are the Causes of Rashes and Hives?

There are some common causes of Hives. This condition may occur when your immune system releases too much histamine into your body due to an allergic reaction. Allergies are the primary cause of hives. So, eating or drinking anything you are allergic to will trigger this condition. However, some other factors may cause hives. The further causes of hives include:
  • Some medication
  • Outside temperature
  • Too much exposure to the Sunlight
  • Nervousness and apprehension may also lead to this condition.
  • Some bacterial or viral contaminants such as strep and UTI can trigger Hives.

When to see a Doctor?

  • Hives and rashes are not serious health conditions and in most cases, they can be treated and cured without medications or with over-the-counter medicines. However, if someone is suffering from serious symptoms, such as trouble breathing, itchy throat, extreme pain in the affected areas, severe headache, inflammation of the face, lips or throat, etc. you need to visit a doctor immediately to get it checked.
  • Also, in case you are suffering from hives and rashes for a long time, you should talk to a doctor.

Lifestyle Prevention of Rashes and Hives

  • Minimal adjustments to your everyday life might be capable of assisting you to prevent hives from reoccurring in the future. If you have allergies and you know which ingredients possibly trigger an allergic reaction, your doctor will recommend that you stay away from any potential exposure to these circumstances. Allergy shots are an additional choice that can assist you to lessen the possibility of suffering hives once again.
  • Avoid staying in high-moisture areas or dressed in tight apparel if you have lately got a hives outbreak.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Rashes and Hives

Hives and rashes can be treated with Ayurvedic remedies. Using some of the herbs and spices is very useful on Rashes and Hives. Daruharidra, Tulsi, Neem, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Chirata, etc are used in treating hives and rashes.
  • Daruharidra: This herb is very effective in removing extra pitta and amatoxins from your body and treats skin allergies. Make a paste with ghee and apply it to the affected areas.
  • Neem: Neem is known to be one of the natural antiseptics. It helps in calming the pitta dosha. Wash your impacted spots with neem water or apply neem leaf paste made with ghee or coconut oil.
  • Tulsi: Tulsi has an anti-inflammatory property and heals skin allergies. It also has antiviral properties which soothes kapha Dosha. Make a paste of tulsi leaves and honey and apply on the impacted areas.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known

Peptic Ulcers

What are Peptic Ulcers?

Peptic Ulcer is a serious health condition that occurs when stomach acid damages the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The most widespread triggers of peptic ulcers are contamination with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori). However, there are many other causes of peptic ulcers. A person with this condition may suffer from several symptoms including heartburn, nausea, severe stomach aches, back and shoulder pain, etc.

What are the Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers?

There are many symptoms of Peptic Ulcers. The symptoms vary based on the severity. Some of the most common symptoms are:
  • A person suffers from burning pain in the stomach after meals or at night. In most cases, the pain is located in the middle or upper side of the stomach.
  • There are instances when the pain momentarily vanishes if you consume food or take an antacid.
  • Most people with this condition suffer from heartburn and bloating. They also experience nausea and vomiting.

What are the Causes of Peptic Ulcers?

There are two main causes of Peptic Ulcers:
  1. If you get infected with the bacterium helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori)
  2. Also, if you happen to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen for the long term you might get Peptic Ulcers. This happens because NSAIDs block or reduce the enzymes in your body. The chemical from enzymes protects the stomach lining from stomach acid. So, when it is reduced or blocked it causes Peptic Ulcers.
In very rare cases, some uncommon cancerous and noncancerous tumors in the stomach, pancreas, or duodenum can cause Peptic Ulcers.

When to see a Doctor?

This is a serious health condition and if it is left untreated, it might cause several other health complications. So, visit your doctor in case you experience the following symptoms:
  • In case you are feeling weakness or fatigue or may feel like fainting, you should immediately call your doctor.
  • If you notice any blood in your stool or vomit, that may be a cause of concern and need urgent medical intervention.
  • If you are experiencing trouble breathing or have intense pain in your stomach, you should not delay and need to visit your doctor immediately.

Lifestyle Prevention of Peptic Ulcers

As we know the main triggers of Peptic ulcers, it is possible to prevent them. So, let us understand some of the preventive measures of Peptic Ulcers.
  • The most important preventive measure is to be careful with your pain reliever. As we have already discussed, NSAIDs are one of the major causes of Peptic Ulcers. So try to use the lowest possible dose in case you can’t avoid it completely. Also, try to avoid alcohol during this medication.
  • Smoking and drinking alcohol are the two major causes of the peptic ulcer as they both thin the mucus lining that safeguards your stomach from acid. That may lead to peptic ulcers. So, stop smoking and drinking.
  • Try to manage your stress. So, stress may trigger and worsen the symptoms of peptic ulcers. Meditation, eating clean, etc. will help you manage stress.
  • If the cause of your disease is H. Pylori, then it is less likely to be prevented as this bacterium lives inside our gut. However, H. Pylori doesn’t harm unless you have more of them which makes your good bacteria hard to fight H. Pylori. This bacteria can spread from person to person so, following some measures will decrease your possibility of getting the infection.
  • Try to wash your hands frequently. Particularly before eating. Cook fish and meat all the way through. Try to avoid drinking water which you think is not clear.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Peptic Ulcers

There are numerous Ayurvedic remedies that can cure peptic ulcers. Some of the herbs and spices such as, Brahmi, Jatamansi, Yashti Madhu, Shankhpushpi , Shatavari, garlic, Cayenne pepper, Chamomile, etc. are very effective on Peptic Ulcers.
  • Yashtimadhu: Yashtimadhu is very effective on any type of ulcers. Take a quarter teaspoon of Yastimadhu powder and mix it with a teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of melted ghee. Take this twice daily for a few weeks.
  • Garlic: Drinking garlic milk is very useful in treating Peptic ulcer. Antioxidant property of garlic helps in fighting bacteria. Use 6 to 8 cloves of smashed garlic cloves and boil it with 60 mil of milk. For about 15 minutes and then strain the milk and drink.
  • Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is known to be a great healer for any type of infection. Made from 3 g dried flowers in 1 cup of water, twice or thrice a day.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known

Teeth and Gums—Ayurvedic Care

What is Teeth and Gums—Ayurvedic Care?

In Ayurveda, one’s regular health and cleanliness routine is described as dinacaryā, or ‘daily practice’ in Sanskrit. Ayurveda considers general teeth ailments like cavities and thinning gums as the signs of inequality of a Kapha subtype. As plaque & germs are likely to gather in your mouth overnight and cause smelly “morning breath”, it is crucial to focus on this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Therefore, the mouth will be fresh, the breath refreshing, and the sense of taste alive for the day.

What are the Symptoms of Teeth and Gums Problems?

The symptoms of Teeth and Gums Problems are widespread. Let us discuss what are some common symptoms of this condition.
You may notice boils, sores, or sensitive regions in the mouth that won’t cure after a week or two. Also bleeding gums and swollen gums after brushing is another major symptom of this condition. A persistent bad breath may be an indication of ailing gums or teeth. Toothache is an obvious symptom of tooth or gums problem. You may also suffer from pain when chewing or biting. Another very common symptom is sensitivity to cold or hot beverages.

What are the Causes of Teeth and Gums Problems?

There can be many causes of Teeth and gum problems. Some of the major triggers of this condition are as follows:
  • Smoking is a major cause of the gums or teeth problems. If you are frequently snacking sugary foods or beverages, you have a high chance to face gums and teeth problems. Some hormonal changes in women may cause these problems. Health conditions like diabetes or HIV may lead to gums and teeth problems. If you are taking medicines that are causing you to reduce saliva in the mouth, you may have gums and teeth problems. In some rare cases, frequent incidents of acid reflux may cause these issues.

When to see a Doctor?

If you encounter any of the cautionary symptoms of dental health problems, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as quickly as you can.
Regular screening: Adults above the age of 20 must get a diagnosis every three years but individuals above 40 have to have yearly screenings.

Lifestyle Prevention of Teeth and Gums—Ayurvedic Care

Preventing Teeth and Gums Problems is very much possible just by following some measures.
  • Mouth hygiene is the key. Try to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. This is going to help you to have much stronger teeth and a cleaner mouth. Flossing once a day is also one of the effective practices to maintain mouth hygiene. Quitting smoking and avoiding any tobacco products is very important to avoid any problems with your teeth and gums. Try to restrict your sugary snacks and beverage intake.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Teeth and Gums—Ayurvedic Care

Some Ayurvedic remedies are very effective in maintaining healthy teeth and gum and providing mouth hygiene. Herbs and spices such as Triphala, Yashtimadhu, Garlic, Aloe Vera, neem, etc. are very effective in curing and preventing Teeth and gum problems.
  • Chewing a Neem stick: Neem holds antibacterial properties. Chewing it circulates its antimicrobial agents that mix up with saliva. This additionally kills the toxic bacteria in the mouth and stops the build-up of microbes on the teeth. Take a neem stick about the thickness of your finger and start chewing it from one corner. Keep spitting the saliva and continue this process for about 10 to 15 minutes daily.
  • Oil Pulling: Whooshing oil in the mouth is known as oil pulling. The procedure assists in the elimination of bacteria from the gums and teeth. It benefits in relieving mouth ulcers. It also exercises the muscles of the mouth, thus boosting and harmonizing them. Use coconut oil or sesame oil. Whoosh it in the mouth for about 20 minutes and spit out.
  • Herbal mouthwash: An extraction of Triphala or Yashtimadhu provides an exceptional mouthwash. The procedure in adding to keeping oral sanitation improves in relieving mouth ulcers. Heat Triphala or Yashtimadhu in water till the water decreases to half the quantity. Let it cool down. Wash once it is tepid
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Trinphala | Yashtimadhu I Anar/Dalima | Datiwan | Grita Kumari | Jasmine | Garlic | Aloe Vera | Neem | Amla | Clove | Turmeric | Tulsi | Kantakari | Nimbu | Amra/Mango | Mukhjali | Nilgiri | Orange | Guduchi | Gotu Kola | Rumi mastagi/mastic gum | Tila/Sesame
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known

Prostate Problems

What is Prostate Problems?

Prostate problems is a medical condition male medical condition that occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged. This condition can lead to many complicated and difficult symptoms. For instance, the man may have a sudden urge to urinate during the night which makes him wake up several times to pass urine, he can also have trouble urinating, frequent urge to urinate throughout the day, sluggish flow of urinating, etc.

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Problems?

There are some typical symptoms of prostate problems, such as recurrent need to urinate, need to get up several times in the night to urinate, blood in the urine, burning sensation while urinating, pain while urinating, painful ejaculation, urine may dribble at the end, etc. In some cases, you can also experience back or hips pain.

What are the Causes of Prostate Problems?

The exact triggers of prostate problems may not be determined yet by the doctors, however, as per the research, this disorder may be caused by two primary factors:
  1. Prostatitis and
  2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  • Prostatitis is an inflammation or an infection of the prostate and most common is young to middle aged men and BPH is growth of the prostate gland to an unhealthy size. It is also called enlarged prostate and the possibility of getting this condition goes up with age.
  • However, other than these two main causes, prostate problems may be caused by Prostate cancer as well.

When to see a Doctor?

Prostate problems should not be ignored as they may lead to several illnesses. Whenever you are experiencing any symptoms of prostate problems seek medical help. You may need to visit your doctor urgently in case you are suffering from fever, chills, or pain in adding up to other prostate symptoms. In most cases the prostate problems can be cured with antibiotics.

Lifestyle Prevention of Prostate Problems

Preventing prostate problems is not always possible. However, some preventive measures may help to maintain a healthy prostate and reduce the possibility of prostate problems:
  • Diet plays an important role in preventing prostate problems. Try to add green veggies and fruits to your daily diet. Also lessen the fat intake, particularly trans fats and saturated fats. Also, try to avoid charred meat. Green tea and soy are very effective for maintaining a healthy prostate.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
  • Daily working out is also very important.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Prostate Problems

There are some great Ayurvedic remedies for treating Prostate problems. Some herbs and spices such as Punarnava, Shilajit, Gokshura, Shatavari, Turmeric, Ashwagandha, etc. are very effective on prostate problems.
  • Herbal Formula: This herbal formula is an excellent way to manage the symptoms of Prostate Problems. Take 2 parts of Punarnava, 1/8 part of Shilajit, and 2 parts of Gokshura. Mix them well and take a quarter tsp of this mixture twice daily after meal.
  • Herbal Mixture: Take an equal amount of Ashwagandha, hibiscus, and horsetail tea and make a mixture. Then add one tsp of this mixture to one cup of hot water, steep it for about 7 to 8 minutes, and drink this. This is a very effective herbal remedy for prostate problems.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Punarnava | Shilajit | Gokshura | Shatavari | Turmeric | Ashwagandha
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known

Hearing Loss

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a medical condition that occurs when any portion of your auditory structure is not working the typical way. In case your ear is unable to meet the hearing threshold of 20 dB or more, you lose the ability to hear anything. In most instances this happens due to nerve damage. However, there are many other reasons for hearing loss.

What are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss?

The symptoms of hearing loss can be many, but primarily someone with this condition suffers from hearing sound quieter than usual and gradually starts experiencing other symptoms as well. Some of the symptoms that are experienced by most people are:
  • Asking people to repeat themselves frequently.
  • You might also feel that other people talking to you are mumbling and you cannot understand the conversation.
  • You find it difficult to hear any high-pitched sounds. For example, birds singing or whistleblowing, etc.
  • You may also suffer from ear conditions such as tinnitus or earaches. In some severe cases, you might experience dizziness and find it difficult to balance yourself.

What are the Causes of Hearing Loss?

The most common cause of hearing loss is old age. When you become old, you tend to suffer from nerve damages that will lead to hearing loss. However, there are other numerous triggers for hearing loss.
  • Another major cause of hearing loss is noise exposure. Listening to high-volume noise for a long time may cause hearing difficulties and gradually you might lose your hearing ability.
  • In case you have an injury to your ear due to which you have ruptured the eardrum, you will lose your hearing ability. Not only do ear injuries cause hearing loss, but you may also suffer from this condition due to head injuries.
  • There are some underlying diseases or viruses that may cause hearing loss and medications to treat Illnesses such as cancers, infections, or any autoimmune disorders can trigger hearing loss as well.
  • In some rare cases, it is found that genetics also have a link to cause your hearing loss.

When to see a Doctor?

In case you are experiencing any of the symptoms of hearing loss for more than a week, you need to visit an ENT specialist. But, you should not wait in case your symptoms are severe, such as sudden onset or fast increasing hearing loss, severe, chronic or persistent incidents of vertigo, earaches, bleeding from an ear, etc.

Lifestyle Prevention of Hearing Loss

Some preventive measures may help you protect your hearing.
  • Try to keep yourself away from any source of loud noises, and in case you can’t avoid it then seek time off from the sound every 15 minutes.
  • In case you are into a profession where you have to work with loud noises all the time, then try to use hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs.
  • Quitting smoking and consumption of alcohol is important to improve hearing health.
  • Try to live a healthier life. Do meditation, yoga, and eat clean and healthy.
  • Try to clean your ear frequently to avoid building up the earwax.

Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Hearing Loss

  • YOGARAJ GUGGULU: This unique combination of Ayurvedic herbs soothes vata dosha and improves damaged nerves. Take 200 mg. of this mixture 2 or 3 daily with hot water next to each meal. Yogaraj guggulu can be bought in capsules from various suppliers of Ayurvedic herbs.
  • TRY GARLIC OIL: Pour out around 1 tablespoonful of sesame oil into a small pan, and into it put 1 clove of garlic, finely sliced. Fry till the garlic becomes brown, then let it cool down. While frying, push the garlic into the oil. This facilitates the healing properties of the garlic seeping out and saturating the oil. The subsequent blend, which has an outstanding aroma, is called garlic oil. Put 5 to 10 drops into the ear. This will enhance the hearing ability of the aural nerve.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:

Chargrilled Vegetable Bowl

Use a variety of seasonal root vegetables to make a colorful bowl. Make noodles out of them using a spiralizer or use a mandoline to make thin slices to add a fun element. If not just chop them into matchsticks.

Good for Vata & Kapha dosha.
For Kapha, serve with steamed greens and add red pepper flakes.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Serves: Make 2 Persons

Ingredients

  • ½ cup zucchini
  • ½ cup carrots
  • ½ cup bell peppers
  • ½ cup onions
  • ½ cup broccoli florets
  • 1 T ghee
  • Salt to taste (preferably Himalayan Salt)
  • ¼ t crushed black pepper powder
  • 1 T freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Few leaves of Basil

Method

  1. Gently scrub the vegetables. Slice them into thick chunks or into bite sized fingers.
  2. Melt ghee over a grill, and arrange the vegetables
  3. Grill them on both sides till they are cooked but not soggy
  4. Mix together in a bowl with salt and pepper
  5. Add a fresh squeeze of lime juice, garnish with basil and serve immediately.

Serving suggestions

Ideal for late Summer. In Autumn and Winter, serve with sautéed greens
You can serve this with a side of brown or white rice
Use seasonal vegetables for the best health benefits.

Check out the Ayurvedic benefits of ingredients used in this recipe