Home is a our clearinghouse, the place from which we go forth lessoned and disciplined, and ready for life. It is a place where we grow up wanting to leave and grow old wanting to get back to. "LOVE BEGINS AT HOME, AND IT IS NOT HOW MUCH WE DO... BUT HOW MUCH LOVE WE PUT IN THAT ACTION." - Mother Teresa

Showing posts with label Natural Health Remedies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Natural Health Remedies. Show all posts

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Sore Eyes: Symptoms, Remedies and Preventions.


What is Sore Eyes?

Sore eyes, like Pink eye is a common term used for Conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the thin covering of the eyeball and inner eyelid. The inflammation is brought on by a viral, bacterial or allergy infection, however, sore eyes is generally due to a viral infection.

Extremely contagious, it spreads easily by eye to hand to eye contact, a runny nose or cough, or when people come into contact with a contaminated surface or object. If severe enough or long lasting, it can eventually lead to corneal scarring that can lead to glare and decreased vision. Experts say if you have sore eyes or symptoms of sore eyes, not to go to work or school until symptoms are relieved and treatment is successful.

Sore Eye Symptoms

There are many different symptoms you will encounter if you are suffering from sore eyes. Signs and symptoms generally peak within 3-4 days and last up to 14 days. These symptoms include:

* Redness of the eyes
* Discomfort
* Burning
* Gritty sensation
* Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
* Pain
* Difficulty opening eyes after sleeping
* Eyelids stuck together after sleeping
* Water-like discharge
* Soreness

Other signs and symptoms that are accompanied by the sore eyes include:

* Runny nose
* Sore throat
* Lymph glands are sore (lymph glands are your body’s defensive filter, they are located behind the ears)


How does sore eyes spread?

Sore eyes can spread by contact of contaminated hands with the eyes (hand-to-eye contact) or through touching of eyes with hands, which got into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. It can also spread through droplets from a person with sore eyes, who also has a runny nose or cough.

How long does sore eyes last?

Signs and symptoms of sore eyes will peak in three to four days, and patient will be relieved and recover in about 10 to 14 days.

What are the complications of sore eyes?

After a severe and prolonged infection there can be corneal scarring that can result in glare and decreased vision.

Is there a treatment for sore eyes?

Sore eyes, which is of viral origin, is self-limiting. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be used upon the advice of a health professional. To relieve the discomfort, warm compress may be applied to the eye 5 to 10 minutes three times a day.

How do you prevent sore eyes?

* Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

* Do not touch your eyes and face without washing your hands.

* Do not share towels, eyeglasses/ shades and make up.

* Do not reuse handkerchiefs (using a tissue is best).

* Used make-up must be thrown away if the patient has been diagnosed with infectious conjunctivitis.

* Be careful that tips of eye drops or ointments do not touch the eyes or eyelashes.

* Don’t swim (some bacteria and viruses can be spread in the water).

* Avoid shaking hands.

* Disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, counters, elevator buttons, hand rails with dilute bleach solution.

Clothes, towels, pillow cases and anything else which may have come in contact with an infected person should be washed.

What should patients with sore eyes do?

* Frequently wash hands with soap and water.

* Use clean tissue to remove discharge from eyes and wash hands afterwards.

* Dispose used tissue in garbage bins. If the latter is not available, keep tissue in a small plastic bag then discard it as soon as you find a garbage bin.

* To prevent irritation of the eye and possible scarring, do not use contact lens while one has sore eyes.

* Do not wear eye make-up until the problem has been resolved.

* Warm compress may be helpful to relieve discomfort and remove "crust."

* Use antibiotic or antiviral medication only upon prescription by the doctor.

* If drops or an ointment is prescribed, the applicator tip and infected eye must never come in contact with each other.

* Especially for persons with sore eyes with runny nose or cough, stay in a separate room or away from other family members or co-workers.

Should I report for work if I have sore eyes?

As much as possible, do not report for work. If circumstances require you to report for work, especially if you have sore eyes accompanied by runny nose and/or cough, stay in a separate room or away from other employees. In workplaces where you mingle or work closely with other employees, it is best to stay at home.

Should I go to school and attend classes if I have sore eyes?

Spread of sore eyes can be hastened by crowding and close contact with other persons thus, those with sore eyes are advised not report to school.

Until when should one be absent from work or school?

Until the symptoms have resolved and until there is no discharge from the eyes.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Insomnia - Causes, Symptoms, Remedies and Preventions

Insomnia - Causes, Symptoms, Remedies and Preventions

What causes Insomnia? There are some known causes of insomnia, like chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, nocturnal disturbances, too much coffee, and the like. But, today, mental stress is one of the main culprits for this problem. Worries and tensions keep the mind engaged at night, keeping you wide awake.

If you're stressed only for a few times, you can cope with sleeplessness. But, if you're a chronic worrier, chances are you're an insomniac too.

Fewer hours of sleep and greater levels of sleep disturbance have become very common in present society. Competition levels at working places and high aspirations and ambitions has resulted in longer working hours. Sleep researchers say that we all sleep less then we used to - form average of 9 hours a night in the 1960s to around 7 hours now.

Disturbed sleep could be hazardous. Proper sleep enhance the quality of life and control co-morbid conditions like diabetes hypertension, ischemic heart diseases, strokes and sudden deaths. Snoring is another kind of sleep disturbance, which leads to day-time sleepiness, forgetfulness, fatigue and even sexual dysfunction.

Our internal body clocks (caricadian rhythms) are the patterns of repeated activity associated with the environment cycles of day and night. People who have trouble sleeping may have internal clock that has gone out of sync with day - night cycle.
The amount of sleeping hours varies depending on the individual. If you do not wake up feeling refreshed and feel sleepier then you are not getting enough sleep.

Insomnia Symptoms

Symptoms of insomnia can be different for each individual, and people with insomnia might experience a variety of symptoms. People who have insomnia do not start the day refreshed from a good night's sleep. They are tired. They may have difficulty falling asleep, and commonly lie in bed tossing and turning for hours. Or the individual may go to sleep without a problem but wakes in the early hours of the morning and is either unable to go back to sleep, or drifts into a restless unsatisfying sleep.

This is a common symptom in the elderly and in those suffering from depression. Sometimes sleep patterns are reversed and the individual has difficulty staying awake during the day and takes frequent naps. The sleep at night is fitful and frequently interrupted.

Insomnia Home remedies

Insomnia treatment using Thiamine

Of the various food elements, thiamine or vitamin B is of special significance in the treatment of insomnia. It is vital for strong, healthy nerves. A body starved of thiamine over a long period will be unable to relax and fall asleep naturally. Valuable sources of this vitamin are whole grain cereals, pulses, and nuts.

Insomnia treatment using Lettuce

Lettuce is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia as it contains a sleep-inducing substance, called 'lectucarium'. The juice of this plant has been likened in effect to the sedative action of opium without the accompanying excitement. Lettuce seeds taken in a decoction are also useful in insomnia. One tablespoon of seeds should be boiled in half a liter of water, till it is reduced by one-third.

Insomnia treatment using Milk

Milk is very valuable in insomnia. A glass of milk, sweetened with honey, should be taken every night before going to bed in treating this condition. It acts as a tonic and a tranquillizer. Massaging the milk over the soles of the feet has also been found effective.

Insomnia treatment using Curd

Curd is also useful in insomnia. The patient should take plenty of curd and massage it on the head. This will induce sleep.

Insomnia treatment using Bottle Gourd

The mixture of bottle gourd juice and sesame oil in 50:50 ratio acts as an effective medicine for insomnia. It should be massaged over the scalp every night. The cooked leaves of bottle gourd taken as a vegetable are also beneficial in the treatment of this disease.

Insomnia treatment using Aniseed

A tea made from aniseed is valuable in sleeplessness. This tea is prepared by boiling about 375 ml of water in a vessel and adding a teaspoon of aniseed. The water should be covered with a lid and allowed to simmer for fifteen minutes. It should then be strained and drunk hot or warm. The tea may be sweetened with honey, and hot milk may also be added to it. This tea should be taken after meals or before going to bed.

Insomnia treatment using Honey

Honey is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. It has a hypnotic action and induces a sound sleep. It should be taken with water, before going to bed, in doses of two teaspoons in a large cup of water. Babies generally fall asleep after taking honey.

Insomnia treatment using Rauwolfia

The herb rauwolfia is a valuable medicine for insomnia because of its indisputable efficacy as a sedative. The hypnotic action of the drug appears to have been known since ancient times. The very first dose of rauwolfia will enable a patient with a phlegmatic and gouty nature to go to sleep. The powder of the root in a quantity of 0.25 gm to 0.5 gm should be mixed with some scented substance like cardamom and given to the patient The patient will have a sound sleep during the entire night. If the disease is chronic, the patient should take O.25 gm twice a day, in the morning as well as at night before retiring.

Sleep Count

• One must sleep for at least 6-8 hours
• Working professionals require more quality sleep as they have to remain alert and focused to optimize their performance. They should sleep for minimum 6-7 hours
• Software professionals require maximum sleep of 8 hours as they spend most hours in front of PC screen and this effects their eyes, which in turn leads to headache and other problems.
• Media professionals should have minimum 5 to 6 hours of sleep to have a healthy mind.
• Elderly people require maximum five hours of sound sleep

Insomnia Prevention

Expert Advice

Researchers say that those who are gaining weight, sleep more, and those who are shedding pounds sleep less. It has also been seen that people who lose weight rapidly often experi¬ence sleeplessness. But the most common cause of insomnia is mental tension, overexcitement, suppressed feeling of resentment, over-eating at night, excessive intake of foods, like starches, tea, coffee and going to bed hungry. And. of course, often worrying about falling asleep is enough to keep one awake.

Studies show that women are particularly prone to insomnia from calcium deficiency 10 to 14 days before their periods. This is the time when the calcium blood levels drop. If you used to a midnight snack and are now on a diet you would probably experience sleeplessness. The use by all means have a low-calorie snack before going to bed, preferably carbohydrate-based wheat or Bran biscuits, or 1 cup of warm skimmed milk. Many diets urge the dieter to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Those who are used to a lesser intake often feel the need to urinate at night thereby disturbing their sleep pattern.

I suggest you watch your diet if you feel you are not sleeping well as it forms an important part of the treatment.

If you have been on a very low calorie diet then it is possible that you are deficient in B complex Vitamin, calcium, magnesium, and zinc and the sleep mechanism is unable to function efficiently in the absence of these nutrients. These vitamins are found in whole grain cereals, nuts. Fruits are a rich source of potassium and could cause severe cramps in the legs, making it impossible to sleep. White flour (maida) is lacking in the B-vitamins and hence should be avoided on any diet To regain the lost vitamins and in effect normalise your sleep pattern, eat at least 6-8 fruits a day along with two cups of curd and approximately 50 gm of dryfruit for 3-4 days.

Along 'with this you could eat one salad based meal and another protein based consisting of fish/chicken or sprouts along with whole wheat bread 2-3 slices or 2 chappatis. A cup of hot milk at night also helps induce sleep as it contains tryplophan (an amino acid) which helps in increasing the serotomin levels in the brain. Serotomin is known to be a canning factor.

Try not to take any fluids within 2 hours before bedtime. The stimulating effects of caffeine are felt more.

On an empty stomach, extending to 2-4 hours after it is taken. Therefore those who have a trouble sleeping should not drink coffee within 4-6 hours of bedtime.

Then there are those who exercise at night. Usually exercise, is better for sleep than no exercise at all but it should be done in the morning or"' late afternoon. If done after dinner (like a brisk walk) then it might keep you awake at night as it pumps in enough adrenaline 'to keep you active and awake.

If you've had a rollicking time at a party and then you come home and dash into bed, in all probability you won't get sleep. Watch tele¬vision or try to read something. It will help you take your mind off the excitement and make you sleep, better.

Take some low calorie snacks like fruit or some millet biscuits or 1 cup skimmed milk if you can't sleep due to hunger. If you suffer from leg cramps take your calcium tablet at night before going to bed. Never take a" B Complex before bedtime as it keeps- you active.

Taking oily meals late in the night also leads to sleeplessness. Dinner should be consumed at least 2 hours before going to bed, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Preventions

- Learn to use physical and mental relaxation techniques. Exercise regularly during the day. Especially do exercises before dinner. A low point in energy occurs a few hours after exercise; sleep will then come more easily. Exercising close to bedtime, however, may increase alertness. Take a hot bath about an hour and a half to two hours before bedtime. This alters the body's core temperature rhythm and helps people fall asleep more easily and more continuously. (Taking a bath shortly before bed increases alertness.) Do something relaxing in the half-hour before bedtime. Reading, meditation, and a leisurely walk are all appropriate activities.

- Eat light meals and schedule dinner four to five hours before bedtime. A light snack before bedtime can help sleep, but a large meal may have the opposite effect.

- Avoid fluids just before bedtime so that sleep is not disturbed by the need to urinate.

- Avoid caffeine, and other stimulants, especially late in the day. Eliminate smoking. It has a detrimental effect on the lungs, heart, sinuses, and circulation, and it also interferes significantly with sleep, as nicotine is a stimulant that prevents the brain from resting. Cutting back on cigarette smoking may lead to nicotine withdrawal in the middle of the night, which can awaken you, so it is important to stop smoking completely. Avoid alcohol. Even if it helps you fall asleep quicker, it actually worsens insomnia by causing shallow, un-refreshing sleep.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Acne: Causes, Prevention, Natural Remedies

Home remedy for acne, Acne cures, Acne Scar Treatment

Excessive secretion of oils from the glands combine with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block the hair follicles. Acne is caused due to excessive of oil in human body. Generally people those who eat a lot of oil foodstuff suffer from this problem. Due to Acne some parts of human body are affected. Some of them are face, arms etc.

Oil secretions build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria to multiply uncontrolled. In response, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion (acne). Rashes are occurred on the body, face, chest, back and upper arms are especially affected by acne.

Main Causes of Acne


Constipation
Not cleansing the face thoroughly
To much consumption of coca-cola, tea, coffee
Less consumption of water
Late nights

Hormonal imbalance

The typical lesions of acne are: small whitish or skin-colored bumps (whiteheads) or blackish elevations (blackheads). More inflamed rashes take the form of pus-filled or reddish bumps, even boil-like tender swellings. After resolution of the lesions, prominent unsightly acne scars may remain.
The acne condition is common in puberty as a result of an abnormal response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. Acne is occurred when the hormones are increased due to excess of oil in the body. There is however no way to predict how long acne will take to disappear completely or that it will ever recur again.
Acne affects a large percentage of humans at some stage in life. Aside from scarring its main effects are psychological, such as reduced selfesteem and depression.

Acne Symptoms

There are two main types of acne: non-inflammatory and inflammatory.
In non-inflammatory acne, there are usually just a few whiteheads and blackheads on the face. A relatively mild type of acne, it can often be treated effectively with nonprescription medicines. The majority of people with acne have this type of acne.
With inflammatory acne, the whiteheads become inflamed, and red pimples and pustules develop. In its most severe form, inflammatory acne can cause disfiguring cysts and deep, pitting scars of the face, neck, back, chest and groin. Prescription drugs and sometimes surgery are needed to treat inflammatory acne.

Acne Home remedies

- Take the cream from fresh milk, add few drops of lemon and apply on the face to remove pimples and acne.

- Grind 30 gm of thymol seeds (ajwain) in 25 gm of curd and apply on pimples and acne. Wash the face the next morning. This remove pimples.

- Take equal quantities of holy basil leaves and lemon juice and apply on the pigmentation marks, dark circles or pimples. This is an effective medicine.
Add glycerin four times the quantity of lemon juice and rub the face to get rid of pimples. Massage the whole body to get the silky and soft effect.

- Soak lentil dal in sufficient water so that the entire water is absorbed. Grind it and add it in milk. Apply this paste on the face twice daily. This removes pigmentation marks and pimples.

- Grind the dried orange peels in water and apply the paste on the face. This removes pigmentation marks and pimple.

- Rub Jaiphal in milk and apply on pimples and pigmentation marks. This gives glowing skin.

- Boil cumin seeds and wash the face with that water. This gets rid of pigmentation marks, dark circles etc and enhances the beauty.

- Grind Jaiphal and black pepper in raw milk and apply on the face at bedtime. This cures pimples and removes pigmentation marks and makes the face beautiful.

- Take one spoon lentil dal, half spoon rapeseeds and two almonds - grind it nicely and add lemon juice. Apply this paste on the face. Wash the face when dry.

- Take equal quantities of alum and black pepper and apply on pimples and acne.

- Grind guava and banana and apply the paste on face.

- Apply cucumber juice on face to remove pigmentation marks and pimples.

- Add radish juice in curd and apply on face to get rid of pimples, acne and pigmentation marks.

-Add honey in onion juice and apply on the face, this cures both the problems
Take enema of hot water with lemon juice.

- Take boiled gourd or torai in meals. Eat the chapattis made with whole wheat.
Pat the face with water while taking bath.

- Apply multani mati on face and peel it when dry. Wash the face with cold water.

- Eat boiled vegetables or drink their juice.

- Add Triphala and Moolhati and take 3 to 4 gm daily to cure constipation and get rid of pimples and acne.

- Grind black pepper and apply on pimples.

- Add gram flour in castor oil and apply on face, this is very beneficial.

- Add lemon juice and rose water in equal quantities and apply on face. Wash the face after half hour with fresh water. The pimples are cured within 10 to 15 days. This gets rid of pigmentation marks and dark spots.

- Rub the lemon peels on the body before taking bath and wash the face with lukewarm water, this is effective to get rid of pimples.

* Never pinch the pimples and try to break them. This spreads the pimples faster and causes permanent scars on the face. Take hot steam before applying any, pack for immediate results.

- Apply olive oil regularly to cure different types of pimples and boils. This is also effective for curing pigmentation marks and spots.

- Rub the inner portion of neem bark in water like sandal and apply on pimples.
Extract 1 teaspoon each juice of Tulsa leaves and Abel flowers. Add 1 teaspoon honey. Take twice every day.

- Tea made by boiling 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (met hi dana), taken twice When you have blackheads wash the face quite often, say 4-5 times in a day with water.

Acne reducing masks

~ Mix fuller's earth (multani mitti) with rosewater. Add a little Glyco-A (12%) cream (Rs 95, available at all chemists) and apply all over your face for 30 minutes. This mask not only controls acne, but also helps to get rid of marks left by old acne lesions.

~ Two teaspoons of besan mixed with 1 teaspoon lime juice, teaspoon turmeric and 3-4 teaspoons cucumber juice makes a great acne pack. It removes excess oil and acts as an antiseptic against acne causing bacteria.

Tips for Day to Day Acne Care

- Wash the affected area twice a day with mild soap. Use soap such as Dove, or one that contains benzoyl peroxide, such as Oxy-5. Wash as often necessary to keep the area clean. Do not scrub.

- Shampoo the hair regularly.

- Keep long hair off the face and shoulders and wash it daily.
Avoid shaving as much as possible; while shaving take care to avoid nicking the pimples.

- Use a fresh shaving blade to minimize the chance of spreading the infection.
Avoid use of make-up or cosmetics in areas prone to acne. If you have to wear make-up, use only the hypoallergenic or fragrance free kind. Don't pop, pick, scratch, or squeeze your pimples. This may cause infection and scarring.

You may use an over-the-counter treatment that contain substances such
as benzoyl peroxide (gel or cream) or salicyclic acid. Start with the lowest strength and apply once a day about half an hour after washing. Never use more than 5 percent strength without consulting a physician.

Food and Nutrition Recommendations for Acne:

Some doctors believe that acne is not a food related problem. Some alternate practitioners use diet as a basis for their treatment of acne. They recommend that acne patients should eat foods high in beta-carotene, such as carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe and other yellow-orange fruits and vegetables. They should also avoid fatty foods. Acnezine controls the oil secretion in your body to protect your skin from getting acne prone.

Vitamin Therapy for Acne:Nutritionists generally suggest:Chromium supplements - Chromium helps boosts the body's ability to break down glucose.Vitamin A - reduces sebum and keratin production. (Caution: taking mega doses of Vitamin A can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pain and other side effects. Consult a qualified practitioner before taking mega supplements).Vitamin E - an antioxidant (200 to 400 IU a day).Vitamin B-6 50 mg per day.

Combat All Types of Acne Scars

Scars caused by acne are much more common than doctors once believed; most people will have acne scars that are mild. However, some will have scars that look significant even to others. The best approach is prevention and to treat acne right away as sometimes even mild acne can cause scarring, this can minimize the risk of permanent acne scars.

Acne scars result from two types of tissue response to the inflammation of acne: (1) increased tissue formation, and (2) loss of tissue.
Increased Tissue FormationThe scars caused by increased tissue formation are called keloids or hypertrophic scars. The word hypertrophy means "enlargement" or "overgrowth." Both hypertrophic and keloid scars are associated with excessive amounts of the cell substance collagen. Overproduction of collagen is a response of skin cells to injury.

The excess collagen becomes piled up in fibrous masses, resulting in a characteristic firm, smooth, usually rregularly-shaped scar. Keloids tend to "run in the family"—that is, there is a genetic predisposition to form keloids after tissue injury. African-Americans often have a predisposition to keloid formation. Some families also tend to form hypertrophic acne scars or thickened acne scars.

Acne Scars Resulting From Loss of TissuesAcne scars resulting from loss of tissue are more common than scars resulting from increased tissue formation. There are several types:Ice-pick acne scars get their name from their appearance. They may be superficial or deep, are usually small in diameter and have steep sides like an ice-pick wound. They may be hard or soft to the touch; the soft acne scars are usually more superficial and the hard scars deeper. The base of hard scars under the skin may be wider than the scar at the surface of the skin. Depressed fibrotic acne scars are usually large scars that have sharp margins and steep sides. They are similar in appearance to deep chicken pox scars.Superficial and deep soft acne scars are variable in size, and have sloping edges that merge with normal skin.

Follicular macular atrophy is more likely to occur on the chest or back of a person with acne. These are small, white, soft lesions, often barely raised above the surface of the skin—somewhat like whiteheads that didn’t fully develop. This condition is sometimes also called "perifollicular elastolysis." The lesions may persist for months to years.

Pimples Ance Prevention

Acne Prevention - Tip 1: Don't over-wash. Since dirt is not causing your acne, excessive scrubbing and washing won't make it go away. Try to limit yourself to two washings per day — anything more than that can leave your healthy skin dry, and your acne-prone areas irritated. Habitual over-washing may also stimulate extra oil production, which could result in more breakouts.

Acne Prevention - Tip 2: Skip harsh scrubs. It's okay to exfoliate, but be sure to use a gentle formula with small, smooth grains. Avoid products
with almond or apricot shell fragments; they can irritate or even tear your
skin and further aggravate your acne.

Acne Prevention - Tip 3: Say no to alcohol. If you use a toner, avoid products with high concentrations of isopropyl alcohol, or common rubbing alcohol. A strong astringent, alcohol strips the top layer of your skin, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. The result? Dry, red skin — and possibly more blemishes.

Acne Prevention - Tip 4: Don't squeeze or pick. Squeezing or picking your blemishes — with fingernails, pins or anything else — can force bacteria deeper into the skin, causing greater inflammation and infection. You'll also increase the damage to the surrounding skin, so the blemish is more likely to leave a permanent acne scar.

Acne Prevention - Tip 5: Hands off! Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria that causes breakouts) is a normal resident of your skin; it doesn't lead to acne until it gets trapped inside the hair follicle. Excessive touching of your face, including rubbing or even resting your chin in your hands, can drive bacteria into your pores — where it can begin its dirtywork.

Acne Prevention - Tip 6: Work out, wash off. When you exercise, your movement generates heat; clothing and equipment cause friction. Until you shower off, heat and moisture are trapped against your skin, creating an ideal breeding ground for the spread of bacteria. So whenever you can, shower off immediately after exercising.

Acne Prevention Treatment - Find a regimen and stick with it. Most cases of mild acne can be improved with "over-the-counter" products, or products that don't require a prescription from your doctor. There is a wide range of treatments available, and there’s a good chance one of them will work for you. If you start treatment before your acne gets severe, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding physical and emotional problems down the road. But if your acne gets worse or lasts more than a couple of weeks, see a dermatologist.

Body Odor

BODY ODOR - Causes, Remedies and Preventions

Human sweat itself is largely odorless. The principal cause of body odor are bacteria thriving in hot, humid environments such as the human underarm, which has a high density of sweat glands and is relatively occluded. The armpits are among the consistently warmest areas on the surface of the human body, and sweat glands provide moisture.

Armpit hair adds to the odor because of the increased surface area.
Hot drinks, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can all cause excessive sweating. Since sweat and bacteria equate body odor

Body Odor Home remedies :

If your body odor persists despite good hygiene, your problem may be clogged pores. When your skin can't properly eliminate body wastes, bad body odor can result. Gently dry-brushing your skin just before every shower exfoliates the dead skin that traps those odor-causing wastes. You'll find body brushes in most drugstores. If you brush with long, gentle strokes moving toward your heart, you'll also improve circulation, which will help your body detoxify more efficiently.

Some easy and useful home remedy to get rid of body odor:

Ingredients: Small piece of lemon, baking soda
Instructions: Pour a small amount of baking soda onto hands, then squeeze some lemon juice onto baking soda.
Rub mixture on underarms and Voila!! You can also use lemon for female private parts, and outer private parts in between thighs trust me ladies you will have no scent especially in summer weather.

Ingredients: Milk of Magnesia.
Instructions: After you take a bath, shake the bottle of milk of
magnesia and wet a cotton ball, or use your fingers, and just put it on your under arms. It is better than a deosodorant, and it works inmediatily.

Ingredients: Mineral salts
Instructions: . Its called "THAI CRYSTAL" deodorant stone. Wet it and put it on like deodorant! All it is is mineral salts, that kill the bacteria that cause odor. It istruly amazing how well it works!! This is available in deodorent store.

Ingredients: Peanut butter
Apply chunky peanut butter liberally on your under arms, every night before you go to bed, and no more body odour.

Ingredients: Vanilla
Instructions: soak cotton pads in vanilla. rub on where odor is works every time

Ingredients: Tawas (white stone)
Take a bath daily. After each bath, apply tawas (powedered or stone form) on your armpits. No bad odor plus whitens your skin too.

Ingredients: Tomato Juice
Start off by drinking 1 12oz can of tomato juice per day for 1wk. The next week slack down to maybe 1 can every 2 to 3 days. Once the odor has cleared drink this juice on an "as needed" basis. The salt in this juice evens out the PH balance. I had this problem all my life and fell into a deep depression for years as a result. There have been days when I'd forget to use deodorant and wasn't bothered with underarm odor any that day.

Ingredients: Ginger
Get one big piece of ginger and mash it up. Put it in a hankerchief or anything so you can squeeze it to get the water from it. After shower, apply it under your armpit with cotton. You will get rid of body odor in two weeks. Every time after you use it, save the ginger water in the refrigerator.

Body Odor Preventions

Never repeat unwashed clothes, especially undergarments during summer, it will aggravate the odor. Wax your armpits regularly. People who wear shoes for long time complain of foot odor. It is caused by rapid bacteria growth due to excess sweating of feet. To avoid foot odor wear cotton socks, never use socks repeatedly. Wash your feet properly. If possible wear open foot wear like leather sandals. All the above mentioned remedies for body odor can be used for preventing foot odor

Powder the offensive area. Sprinkling some baking soda, talc, baby powder or cornstarch under the arms or across the body will absorb and mask many of the odors produced.

Get the odor out of your clothes. Wash your clothes with an odor-fighting detergent. If necessary, take a change of clothes or underwear with you to work or school.

Rub on some alcohol. You may want to try directly applying a splash or two of some rubbing alcohol, witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide during the day just as some extra maintenance,. These substances help reduce the number of odor-causing bacteria. Aim your splash where bacteria hang out—under the arms, for instance.

Avoid spicy, pungent foods. Frequent consumption of foods containing garlic, curry and cumin can cause some overpowering odors to emanate from your pores—often up to 24 hours after consumption. Try cutting back on these spices and see if it helps.
Trim underarm and body hair. "Since men are the biggest offenders, they should follow the example of women and shave their armpits," says Dr. Targovnik. "The hairs trap a lot of the sweat and odor and provide hiding places for the bacteria."

To overcome the problem of unpleasant body odor, use antibacterial soap or deodorant soap while bathing.

During summers, it’s a good idea to wear cotton clothes that soak sweat.
Eating habits also tend to affect body odor. Avoid consuming refined foods; hydrogenated oils and other processed foods. Eat healthy food that contains loads of fiber, whole grains, wheat, soy products and green leafy veggies.
To combat the unpleasant armpit odor apply cider vinegar. It serves as the best body odor home remedy treatment.

Applying baking soda on the underarms helps to kill bacteria and also aids in absorbing sweat.

In the bathing water, add a few cups of tomato juice and soak yourself in water for about 15 minutes.

Reference:
http://www.home-remedytips.info/