Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Classifying your eczema

Eczema is a type of chronic skin condition in which areas of your skin can become inflamed, itchy, and sore. While doctors have yet to unlock the deep secrets regarding the reasons behind eczema, they have plenty of good information that can help calm eczema flare-ups and prevent future ones.

Before you can begin treating your eczema, however, you must know what type you have. Though your skin is one large organ, different areas of your body may acquire eczema, and each one can be different from another.

It is important for you to know what type your eczema is classified as and where it can be found before you start treating it. Having all the information possible can help you get the most out of your treatments and free you as much as possible from the annoyances of eczema.

Adult Seborrheic Eczema. If you are between 20 and 40, you can become affected by this type of eczema. Some specialists think this can be caused by yeast. It can begin as mild dandruff, but can spread to other areas such as your face, chest, or ears.

You may find your skin becoming red, inflamed, flakey, and you may also find patches of skin that are scaly, and yellow. You may have also heard this type referred to as seborrheic dermatitis.

Varicose Eczema. If your legs have poor circulation, you could acquire this form of eczema. Late in life you may find itchy and inflamed areas on your lower legs and ankles that appear dappled. It has also been referred to as stasis eczema.

Discoid Eczema. Found in adults, this form of eczema has also been called nummular eczema or gravitational eczema. Patches of skin that can appear almost anywhere on the body, but usually on the torso and lower legs. It appears in disc-shaped itchy spots that can potentially exude fluid.

Dyshidrotic Eczema. This form appears on the hands, fingers, and feet and will arise as blisters that are particularly itchy. Though the cause is not known, there is some speculation on various reasons, and it is believed that stress assists in aggravating the condition further. It can become more serious and lead to fluid seepage and cracking in the skin.

Contact Eczema. Dry flaky and itchy areas can appear due to constant contact with items that continuously irritate your skin or if you happen to be allergic to the item. Chemicals and latex are two possible allergens that can affect people. Avoiding prolonged contact with items that bother your skin can help you recover from this form of eczema.

Light Sensitive Eczema. This is a rare form of eczema that affects a person's hands, arms, and face. Though caused by sunlight, some products such as soaps, creams, and medications can act as catalysts to eczema appearances in sunlight.

Juvenile Plantar Eczema. A form that is more common in males and caused by constant irritation on the soles of feet due to footwear that is not fitting correctly. You may find that the sole of your foot has become sore, red, feels hot, and has a glazed appearance to it. Switch your footwear to make sure feet do not rub against the inside of the shoe to help clear up any problems, wear cotton socks to aid in further prevention, and if necessary, put ointments or other soothing products on feet.

Eczema Craquele. People who are older tend to develop this form of eczema as their skin is thinner and more prone to becoming dried out. It is also known as asteatotic eczema and creates large itchy scales on the skin, sometimes produced because of lingering soap from a shower or bath.

Eczema Herpeticum. When a person already has a form of eczema and he or she becomes infected with the herpes simplex virus, they can develop eczema herpeticum. Small groups of blisters or ulcers appear on the skin and can occur anywhere on the body. If left untreated and allowed to spread, this form of eczema can become fatal.

Atopic Eczema. This is the most common form of eczema and believed to be caused by allergens and other various skin irritants. It can be hereditary and affect both children and adults and appears as itchy, flaky patches of skin that are inflamed, red, and when scratched too often can lead to fluid seepage.

Remember, it is important for you to completely understand your particular form of eczema in order to give yourself the best treatment. The more you know, the closer you are to steering clear of problems now and in the future.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Some home remedies for Eczema

Eczema is the skin disease typified by redness, oozing, cracking and scaling of the skin. Eczema is caused by exposure to extremes of heat, cold and emotional stress. Patients with eczema suffer from itching and burning of skin especially at night. Patches may appear on different parts of the body but especially occurs on hands, feet, ears and legs. Any one can have eczema at any age irrespective of sex. Eczema can also cause by local irritation of chemicals, thermal and mechanical agents in individuals who are hypersensitive to any of these factors.

Home Remedies for Eczema

Various medicines are available to treat eczema. But some individuals do not respond to these medicines. For such patient's lot of home remedies for Eczema are also available.
Myristica Fragrans or Nutmeg Paste

2-3 times daily application of nutmeg paste in water on sores is very effective to reduce patches.

Camphor and Sandal Powder Paste

Camphor and sandal powder paste is also a good home remedy for eczema. Take Equal amount of both mix them and make paste. Apply this paste on infected area twice a day for one week.

Aloe Vera
Drinking Aloe Vera juice and application of Aloe Vera gel on effected area is also considered as beneficial to treat skin rashes of eczema.

Musk Melon and Mangoes
Boiled pulp of mango in water and juice of musk melon is very excellent home remedy for eczema. Peel off mango boiled in water let it cool and then apply this paste over eczema rash for 10 to 15 days. In the same way application of musk melon's juice over patches also helpful to treat eczema.

Vegetables and Fruit Pastes
Regular application of paste of certain vegetables and fruits effectively reduce the itching, kill germs and also dry wound. These vegetables and fruits include raw beans, pumpkin, cranberry, finger millet juice, paste or slice of potatoes and plain cabbage leaf. Strawberry paste is also use to treat eczema. Apply strawberry paste and cover the patch with clean cotton cloth or thick band aid. Strawberry paste is recommended to use 3 to 4 times a day for 1-2 weeks. These vegetable and fruit pastes are considered as very effective home remedies for eczema. Other than these pastes it is also suggested to wash wounds with turmeric solution and with boiled Neem leaves in water. Turmeric solution can prepare by adding 2-3 teaspoons of turmeric in boiling water at low flame.

Diet as Home Remedy for Eczema
Diet can also act as effective home remedy for eczema. Patients with eczema are suggested to use diet that is rich in vitamins (A, D, E and B complex) and minerals (zinc and iron). Patients are advised to consume fruits and vegetables with negative calories. Fruits and vegetables include carrot, cabbage, beet root, tomato, apple, papaya, lemon, mango, orange and grapes. Use of such fruits and vegetables clean the bowel from toxic material that can cause itching and skin diseases. During diet treatment patient is suggested to use only orange juice and water 3-4 times a day for one week. After one week patient may take other food items like milk. When patient is getting improved he/she is advised to take diet that includes gram, cereals, green vegetables, salads and whole wheat flour bread. Oily and spicy food is completely avoided during the treatment.

Castor Oil
Castor oil is also use to treat eczema. 4 to 5 drops of castor oil in plain water or in any juice is advised to take early in the morning without having any thing. Basically it is an Indian home remedy.

Honey and Vinegar
One table spoon of honey and vinegar mixed with instant tea is suggested to use 2 times for one week is effective remedy for eczema.

Easy and Quick Home Remedies for Eczema

Following are some easy and quick remedies for Eczema.
" Coconut oil is also effective to clear eczema.
" Sun bath is also helpful to cure eczema.
" Use of water based paste of freshly picked almond leaves over wounds stops growth of eczema.
" Papaya seed paste also reduces itching.
" Witch hazel is a very common herb use to treat inflammatory conditions of the skin can also use to treat eczema.
" Take ground basil, one tablespoon of olive oil, two garlic cloves and some salt and peeper. Mix them all and spread it over eczema patches. It will also give you relief.
" Drench your feet in the mixture of vinegar and hot water with 1:4 ratios for 20 min twice a day is also a good home remedy for eczema.
" Garlic paste with honey in equal ratio is also applied over wounds and wraps it with nylon bandage when going to bed. When remove bandage clean it with alcohol do not use water over it.
" Fill the tub with warm water and add walnut leaves in it. Sitting in this water for short duration is also helpful to treat eczema.
" Mix red Henna in boiling water until u get mixture of it. Allow it to cool and then spread over lesions. Leave it for 30 min and then wash it with water. You can repeat this after every 3-4 hours if you required. You can do it frequently after 3 or days if you think you need it.
" Wear sandals in lace of shoes. If you use socks change you socks on daily basis. Another most important tip is to keep your feet dry. It is suggested to dry your feet with hair dryer.
These are some home remedies for eczema. You can use any suitable home remedy for eczema to treat your own eczema. As all these home remedies are natural and herbal based there are no side effects reported to these treatments. But it does not mean that you stop using doctor's prescribed medicines. There is no harm to use these home remedies in combination with medicines.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Eczema

Part 1
Identifying whether you have eczema
The first step to controlling eczema is being able to determine whether or not your skin condition is actually eczema.
Eczema is a chronic skin condition which is triggered when your immune system has an over reaction to something in your environment, or when there is emotional stress. The skin may become dry, inflamed, scaly and itchy. In some persons there is a wet form of eczema, where there are watery boils that may weep and leave the skin soggy.
There are several types of eczema. These are as follows:
• Atopic Eczema- Atopic eczema causes dry, itchy, irritated skin. Most people with atopic eczema develop it before age five. This skin condition tends to run in families. People who get atopic eczema usually have family members who have eczema, asthma, or hay fever. The skin can swell, crack, ooze, crust, and scale. The patches may be raised, scaly, dry and red. The skin may become thick with constant scratching.
• Contact Eczema -Contact with everyday objects causes this very common type of eczema. When the contact leads to irritated skin, the eczema is called irritant contact eczema. If an allergic reaction develops on the skin after exposure, it is called allergic contact eczema.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema-This occurs only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet. There is burning, an itching sensation and a blistering rash.
• Seborrheic Eczema- Usually beginning on the scalp as oily, waxy patches, this common type of eczema sometimes spreads to the face and beyond. A severe case, while rare, produces widespread lesions. Like most types of eczema, seborrheic eczema tends to flare in cold, dry weather.
• Nummular Eczema- Often appearing after a skin injury, such as a burn, abrasion, or insect bite, the hallmark of this common eczema is unique, coin-shaped (nummular) or oval lesions. One or many patches can develop that may last for weeks or months.
• Neuroeczema- develops when nerve endings in the skin become irritated, triggering a severe itch-scratch-itch cycle. Common causes of nerve irritation include an insect bite and emotional stress. The itch is intense and is usually worse when the person is resting or relaxing.
Part 2
Understanding what triggers Eczema flare ups
What are Eczema triggers- these are things that cause eczema to develop or get worse.
• The triggers can be internal or external. Internal triggers are usually associated with things we ingest such as foods or inhale.
• External triggers are things that come into contact with the skin, or environmental factors.
• These ranges from Physical and chemical irritants, extremes of temperature, humidity, perfumes, to different types of fabrics, and even detergents used to wash any clothing or linen that comes in contact with the skin.
• Stressful situations can also lead to flare ups of eczema in those so predisposed.
• Our genetic make up, may make us more prone to developing eczema.
• Specific types of exposures are related to the development of the different types of eczema.
• Atopic Eczema -A complex array of factors are thought to contribute to the development of atopic eczema. These include genetics, the home environment, breakdown of the outer skin layer and a malfunctioning immune system.
• Contact eczema-occurs after frequent exposure to a mild irritant, such as dish washing liquid, and after brief exposure to a strong irritant, such as a strong acid.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema- This occurs only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet. The cause is generally unknown. However, believe that a person's reaction to events occurring within the body (e.g., having another medical condition) and factors occurring outside the body (e.g., the weather) play a role. Excessive sweating does not cause Dyshidrotic eczema.
• Seborrheic Eczema- While the exact cause is not known, researchers believe that a number of factors interact to cause seborrhoea eczema. These factors include the genes we inherit, yeast that normally live on human skin, stress, climate, and overall general health.
• Nummular Eczema-Heightened sensitivity to some specific substances is thought to cause this type of eczema. Common triggers are nickel, mercury, rubber and formaldehyde.
• Neuroeczema- The specific cause is unknown, but certain specific things are thought to trigger neuroeczema. These in clued but are not limited to:
1. Clothing worn tightly and made of synthetic fabric or wool
2. Dry skin
3. Period of intense stress or emotional trauma
4. Poor blood flow
5. Scar, especially a keloid-type scar
Part 3
How to identify the triggers of your Eczema
• The easiest way to do this is to keep a diary of all foods you ingest each day, places that you go which are associated with specific exposure, products you use on your skin, cleaning agent used in your environment and on the clothing you wear.
• It is important to be very detailed in itemizing your exposures.
• Do not forget to record any stressful events or situations, as stress can trigger flare ups.
• You should then record the dates of any flare-ups of your eczema.
• After reviewing this over a period of time you will come to notice what exposures preceded flare-ups of your eczema condition.
• After you think you have identified the possible triggers, the next step is to use a process of elimination to see if you can identify the specific trigger.
• Remove one item from your diet/environment at a time and check to see if there is any improvement in your eczema after about 4 weeks.
• If there is no improvement in your eczema, add back in the item that you had taken out, and then remove a second item.
• Repeat the process over and over until you have identified you specific trigger.
• Sometimes this process may not identify your specific trigger.
Part 4
Remove the trigger
• If possible eliminate the trigger identified from the process you carried out in part 3 from your diet/environment.
• This can be difficult depending on the trigger.
• If the trigger is a food, eliminating this food from your diet is easier than if it is the pollen from a particular plant that grows in the area where you live.
• When the trigger is an integral part of your environment, you may need to remove yourself from the trigger.
• When you have been unable to identify your specific trigger, it is wise to try to avoid triggers known to be associated with your specific type of eczema.
Part 5
Care of your Skin.
• Dry skin contributes to eczema and can cause it to become worse.
• Cleanse the skin with gentle moisturising cleansers.
• Avoid the use of soap, and skin products with fragrances.
• Use tepid water for your baths, avoid hot water.
• Avoid frequent baths.
• Keep cool, but if possible avoid air conditioners which dry the skin.
• Drink plenty of water to moisturise the skin from the inside.
• Avoid synthetic fabrics next to the skin, use natural cotton garments instead.
• Use natural moisturisers frequently to keep the skin moist. Examples are body butters containing shea, almond, coconut, avocado and mango among others.
• Be gentle with your skin. Don't scratch it. Although eczema causes the skin to itch in the affected areas, scratching makes it worse.
• Scratching can cause the skin to become thick, darker and it can cause it to crack and bleed.
• Take precautions to try to minimize your scratching. Keep your fingernails cut short. If necessary, wear gloves at night to prevent scratching in your sleep.
• If the skin is broken or infected, or you suffer from wet eczema you should consult your doctor.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Understandig Eczema

Part 1
Identifying whether you have eczema
The first step to controlling eczema is being able to determine whether or not your skin condition is actually eczema.
Eczema is a chronic skin condition which is triggered when your immune system has an over reaction to something in your environment, or when there is emotional stress. The skin may become dry, inflamed, scaly and itchy. In some persons there is a wet form of eczema, where there are watery boils that may weep and leave the skin soggy.
There are several types of eczema. These are as follows:
• Atopic Eczema- Atopic eczema causes dry, itchy, irritated skin. Most people with atopic eczema develop it before age five. This skin condition tends to run in families. People who get atopic eczema usually have family members who have eczema, asthma, or hay fever. The skin can swell, crack, ooze, crust, and scale. The patches may be raised, scaly, dry and red. The skin may become thick with constant scratching.
• Contact Eczema -Contact with everyday objects causes this very common type of eczema. When the contact leads to irritated skin, the eczema is called irritant contact eczema. If an allergic reaction develops on the skin after exposure, it is called allergic contact eczema.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema-This occurs only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet. There is burning, an itching sensation and a blistering rash.
• Seborrheic Eczema- Usually beginning on the scalp as oily, waxy patches, this common type of eczema sometimes spreads to the face and beyond. A severe case, while rare, produces widespread lesions. Like most types of eczema, seborrheic eczema tends to flare in cold, dry weather.
• Nummular Eczema- Often appearing after a skin injury, such as a burn, abrasion, or insect bite, the hallmark of this common eczema is unique, coin-shaped (nummular) or oval lesions. One or many patches can develop that may last for weeks or months.
• Neuroeczema- develops when nerve endings in the skin become irritated, triggering a severe itch-scratch-itch cycle. Common causes of nerve irritation include an insect bite and emotional stress. The itch is intense and is usually worse when the person is resting or relaxing.
Part 2
Understanding what triggers Eczema flare ups
What are Eczema triggers- these are things that cause eczema to develop or get worse.
• The triggers can be internal or external. Internal triggers are usually associated with things we ingest such as foods or inhale.
• External triggers are things that come into contact with the skin, or environmental factors.
• These ranges from Physical and chemical irritants, extremes of temperature, humidity, perfumes, to different types of fabrics, and even detergents used to wash any clothing or linen that comes in contact with the skin.
• Stressful situations can also lead to flare ups of eczema in those so predisposed.
• Our genetic make up, may make us more prone to developing eczema.
• Specific types of exposures are related to the development of the different types of eczema.
• Atopic Eczema -A complex array of factors are thought to contribute to the development of atopic eczema. These include genetics, the home environment, breakdown of the outer skin layer and a malfunctioning immune system.
• Contact eczema-occurs after frequent exposure to a mild irritant, such as dish washing liquid, and after brief exposure to a strong irritant, such as a strong acid.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema- This occurs only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet. The cause is generally unknown. However, believe that a person's reaction to events occurring within the body (e.g., having another medical condition) and factors occurring outside the body (e.g., the weather) play a role. Excessive sweating does not cause Dyshidrotic eczema.
• Seborrheic Eczema- While the exact cause is not known, researchers believe that a number of factors interact to cause seborrhoea eczema. These factors include the genes we inherit, yeast that normally live on human skin, stress, climate, and overall general health.
• Nummular Eczema-Heightened sensitivity to some specific substances is thought to cause this type of eczema. Common triggers are nickel, mercury, rubber and formaldehyde.
• Neuroeczema- The specific cause is unknown, but certain specific things are thought to trigger neuroeczema. These in clued but are not limited to:
1. Clothing worn tightly and made of synthetic fabric or wool
2. Dry skin
3. Period of intense stress or emotional trauma
4. Poor blood flow
5. Scar, especially a keloid-type scar
Part 3
How to identify the triggers of your Eczema
• The easiest way to do this is to keep a diary of all foods you ingest each day, places that you go which are associated with specific exposure, products you use on your skin, cleaning agent used in your environment and on the clothing you wear.
• It is important to be very detailed in itemizing your exposures.
• Do not forget to record any stressful events or situations, as stress can trigger flare ups.
• You should then record the dates of any flare-ups of your eczema.
• After reviewing this over a period of time you will come to notice what exposures preceded flare-ups of your eczema condition.
• After you think you have identified the possible triggers, the next step is to use a process of elimination to see if you can identify the specific trigger.
• Remove one item from your diet/environment at a time and check to see if there is any improvement in your eczema after about 4 weeks.
• If there is no improvement in your eczema, add back in the item that you had taken out, and then remove a second item.
• Repeat the process over and over until you have identified you specific trigger.
• Sometimes this process may not identify your specific trigger.
Part 4
Remove the trigger
• If possible eliminate the trigger identified from the process you carried out in part 3 from your diet/environment.
• This can be difficult depending on the trigger.
• If the trigger is a food, eliminating this food from your diet is easier than if it is the pollen from a particular plant that grows in the area where you live.
• When the trigger is an integral part of your environment, you may need to remove yourself from the trigger.
• When you have been unable to identify your specific trigger, it is wise to try to avoid triggers known to be associated with your specific type of eczema.
Part 5
Care of your Skin.
• Dry skin contributes to eczema and can cause it to become worse.
• Cleanse the skin with gentle moisturising cleansers.
• Avoid the use of soap, and skin products with fragrances.
• Use tepid water for your baths, avoid hot water.
• Avoid frequent baths.
• Keep cool, but if possible avoid air conditioners which dry the skin.
• Drink plenty of water to moisturise the skin from the inside.
• Avoid synthetic fabrics next to the skin, use natural cotton garments instead.
• Use natural moisturisers frequently to keep the skin moist. Examples are body butters containing shea, almond, coconut, avocado and mango among others.
• Be gentle with your skin. Don't scratch it. Although eczema causes the skin to itch in the affected areas, scratching makes it worse.
• Scratching can cause the skin to become thick, darker and it can cause it to crack and bleed.
• Take precautions to try to minimize your scratching. Keep your fingernails cut short. If necessary, wear gloves at night to prevent scratching in your sleep.
• If the skin is broken or infected, or you suffer from wet eczema you should consult your doctor

Monday, August 13, 2012

Natural Healing for Eyes

Tired and sore eyes can be a problem for computer users. Given the full day that many of us have, it's no wonder our eyes sometimes suffer. And they are the first place to show the effects of tiredness and stress.
In a perfect world, we would get all of our vitamins from food. However, modern farming practices and the depletion of nutrients in soil often results in fruit and vegetables having significantly less minerals and vitamins than they used to, when everything was 'organic'. Foods labeled and sold as organic these days tend to have more vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, and less of the harmful nitrates and other residues from pesticides.
However, not everyone has ready access to organic food, or the money to buy it for the whole family. Thus, vitamin supplements are a good option to help us get our missing nutrients.
Here is a list of the top 6 vitamins, herbs, and phytonutrients to help alleviate the problem of sore, dry eyes, and maintain good vision:
1. Bilberry - Bilberry is a herb used for both gastrointestinal and eye health. The active ingredients are called anthocyanosides, which are a type of flavanoid. Anthocyanosides are antioxidants that help improve the flow of blood through the capillaries in eyes. They help eyes adjust quickly to changes in light, and improve sharpness of vision.
Bilberry has also been shown to be effective in stopping the progression of cataracts when taken with vitamin E. It's also used to treat diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
2. Vitamin A - Vitamin A is important for good night vision, and may play a role in preventing cataracts.
3. Grapeseed - Grapeseed is good for the peripheral circulation in our eyes. It also strengthens the capillaries.
4. Eyebright - Eyebright makes a great eye home remedy. Steep it in hot water to let the herb infuse, then remove the herb and cool the remaining liquid. You could put it in the freezer to cool it down quickly if you don't have any infused eyebright on hand in the fridge. Once its cool, use it as an eye bath, or a compress. It's great for sore eyes, and has an anti-inflammatory and soothing action.
5. Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Research from Harvard Medical school has found that taking omega 3 oils reduces the chance of getting dry eyes. Try taking 3 to 6 grams of a good quality fish oil supplement daily.
6. Lutein - Lutein is one example of a type of plant nutrient known as carotenoids. Better known examples include beta carotene and alpha carotene. Carotenoids are responsible for giving fruit and vegetables their distinctive colors, and the brightness of a fruit or vegetable is a good indicator of how much carotenoids it has in it. Those with a rich color have a higher concentration.
Lutein, beta, and alpha carotene are converted by the body into vitamin A. And lutein is found in very high concentrations in the macula of the eye. Lutein is used to help prevent macular degeneration, which is a big problem for people over 40 years of age. Macular degeneration can lead to blindness. Lutein is thought to work as an antioxidant in this capacity.
Other solutions for dry eyes include soaking chamomile tea bags and placing them on both eyes when they are cool. Chamomile helps reduce redness and swelling around the eye. Iced milk can also be used on a compress for sore eyes. Soak cotton wool or gauze pads with very cold milk (the coolness helps narrow blood vessels), and the fat in milk is very soothing for dry skin.

Friday, August 10, 2012

The uses of Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile is a perennial with a stem growing to a height of 30-40 centimeters. White or gray white blossoms are arranged in composite inflorescence with an average diameter of 12-20 millimeters.
Roman chamomile is a herb native to Mediterranean area. However, it is cultivated as ornamental and medical herb in many countries, including France, Great Britain, Hungary, Belgium, America and other. You should collect blossoms just before they are completely opened. It is due to the greatest amount of essential oil they contain during that period of time.
Roman chamomile blossoms contain essential oil, flavonoids, phenyl carbolic acids, catechin tannins, coumarins, phytosterols and other biologically active substances. Catechin tannins form when the blossoms become brown and if they are stored for a long time. The herb has sedative, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory action. In addition, it prevents menstrual disorders, nausea and digestive disorders. Essential oil the blossoms contain is said to have anti-inflammatory and sedative action. Flavonoids, in their turn, have local anti-inflammatory activity and antispasmodic action. The herb is used to deal with nausea and vomiting, stimulate appetite, as well as, prevent menstrual disorders. A decoction, dried blossoms and liquid extract are great remedies to prevent digestive disorders caused by mental stress. Mix the blossoms with mallow root, meadowsweet tops and comfrey root to get a great remedy to use in case of digestive diseases. Mix the blossoms with hop and use the remedy to deal with all types of pain and anxiety. You should use these remedies 3 times a day. In order to make the decoction, infuse 1-4 grams of dried blossoms with a glass of water and boil the tincture for some time. Afterwards, decant it and drink 3 times a day. The liquid extract should be made by infusing the blossoms with ethanol at 70 percent concentration (proportion 1:1). One dose of the extract should be 1-4 millilitres. Folk medicine uses roman chamomile externally, as well, for compress and rinse. In addition, you can use remedies made of the blossoms to wash fair hair.
The herb is included in various compound remedies. It is used in homeopathy to produce various remedies. Roman chamomile is widely used in various home-made cosmetic products.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Spice Up Your Food and Beat Arthritis Pain Naturally

Herbs for arthritis can be an important part of your relief plan. Unlike medications that just deaden pain, many plants have compounds in them that repair the damage of an injury or degenerative disease and provide relief. Some act as natural muscle relaxants and others as anti-spasmodics or anti-inflammatories. With arthritis, a comfrey ointment may help repair damaged and degenerating bone and anti-inflammatory herbs like willow, devil's claw or meadosweet may help relieve pain. There are also cleansing herbs that can detoxify the joints, like yellow dock or celery seed. The Chinese have been using herbs for arthritis for centuries, and they are generally classified as warming or cooling, depending on their actions inside the body and what "evils" (like heat, cold, or damp) they are counteracting.


The Europeans have been studying herbs for arthritis and other chronic conditions for years. In fact, in the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) for Herbal Medicines, many of the research on herbs and their effects are taking place in Germany. The Japanese are also doing a lot of research on native plants and fruits and publishing the results. There is much knowledge out there on plants that can help you. Here, I'll only discuss the top few that you can easily get in the United States (because that's where I'm located) and that have the best safety record.


Angelica - a good herb for arthritis that can be used topically in a compress, or added in a hot bath. It's a warming and stimulating herb, good for "cold" types of osteoarthritis (if you have circulation problems for example). It's available in tincture form (recommended) or you may purchase the dried leaves or root (not recommended).


To use, dilute the tincture in hot water and apply to a cloth to use as a compress. You may also dilute 10 drops of Angelica oil in 25 mL of almond or sunflower oil to use as massage oil for arthritic joints. For a bath, add 5 drops of the oil to the water in the tub.


Do NOT use Angelica during pregnancy.


Devil's Claw - is a potent anti-inflammatory and its action has been compared to that of cortisone. It's better for degenerative arthritis than for RA. This herb is best taken internally, but do NOT take it if you have stomach or duodenal ulcers, as it increases gastric juices production.
Devil's Claw is supplied in capsules. Take between 1-3 grams per day in divided doses during flare ups. Capsules normally contain between 400-600 mg each.


It can also be made into an infusion by using 1 teaspoon (about 4.5 grams) in 300 mL of boiling water. Steep this for 8 hours and strain. It can then be taken up to 3 times a day or used as a compress.


Bogbean - is a "cooling" herb, so it's good for flare ups with hot, aching joints. This herb is used primarily in Europe for loss of appetite and and stomach discomfort, but it is also known an aid for gout and swelling; so I'm listing it here in herbs for arthritis.


In tincture form, you can take up to 8 mL three times a day. You may also use it as an infusion. To make a tea, pour boiling water over 0.5 to 1 gram of the finely chopped dried herb, let steep for 5-10 minutes and then strain. You may drink 1/2 cup, unsweetened, before each meal.


White Willow - is rich in salicylates (the active ingredient in aspirin) so it is well known as an anti-inflammatory. It's useful during flare ups and for associated muscle pain. It's available in powder and tincture form.


Take up to 5 mL tincuture three times a day. It may also be combined with other herbs for arthritis like angelica or yellow dock. To make an infusion, put 2-3 grams of finely chopped or powdered herb in cold water, bring to a boil, then turn off heat and steep for 5 minutes. Strain. You may drink 1 cup 3-5 times daily.


Caution should be used if you're already taking NSAID's or other salicylates (like aspirin). Do not take if you are on anti-platelet medication or any medicine that prolongs the PT time. White willow should NEVER be given to children with flu like symptoms due to the association between salicylates and Reye's syndrome.


Cooking with herbs for arthritis relief


Herbs and spices can be easily integrated in your meals to help ease arthritis pain, too. This is a great, easy way to get the healing properties of these plants into you. Spices are full of antioxidants and phytochemicals and some have anti-inflammatory effects. Here are some herbs for arthritis you probably have in your kitchen cupboards and can start using right away.


Turmeric - this comes from the curcumin plant and helps inflammation. A study in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism showed turmeric slowed down cartilage destruction, blocked inflammation and reduced swelling.


Eat dishes made with curry several times a week or take in capsule form.


Ginger - This spice is used in traditional Chinese medicines and inhibits inflammation. It's especially good for people whose symptoms get worse in cold weather since it increases blood flow.


Ginger can be drunk as a tea daily or you can take it in supplement form. The root is good grated and used in soups and stocks or even added to juices (but use it sparingly).


Rosemary - This herb contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and helps block pain.
You can use it in cooking as a dried or fresh herb or you can use essential oil in a bath or mixed with almond oil and massage it into your sore joints. Do NOT use rosemary during pregnancy.


Saffron - This herb is handpicked from crocus blossoms and is a powerful antioxidant. True saffron is expensive, but it doesn't take much in cooking to release it's scent and color.


Mix 1/2 teaspoon of saffron into boiling water and you can drink it as a tea. You can also mix saffron essential oil with some almond oil and rub it directly into your joints. It's also excellent when added to rice dishes and soups. You don't want to use more than 2 grams a day, though, as that might cause nausea.


Cayenne - Cayenne pepper is best known for the heat it adds to chilis and other spicy dishes. The active ingredient, capsaicin can block pain signals to the brain when used topically.


Use it as you would any pepper, but it doesn't take much to go from warm to burn your mouth hot, so be careful. It is sold in capsule form, but may cause nausea. Many over the counter pain relieving creams contain it, and you can use those on painful joints as directed.


If you make the switch to low glycemic eating (it's naturally anti-inflammatory) you may find that you'll want to use herbs and spices to flavor your food, especially if you've been eating a lot of processed foods. Boxed foods have salt and other food additives in them to make them taste good. If you eat a lot of these, your taste buds are used to the additives, and herbs and spices are a great way to boost flavor of natural, unprocessed, whole foods.


 



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