DIY REMEDIES

Radiant Wellness: Empowering Your Health and Beauty

Health Remedies

Home Remedies to Treat Arthritis using Apple Cider Vinegar

By Leave a Comment

Sometimes your daily activities like lifting heavy weights, exercises can be the reason for  joint swelling and stiffness of hands & legs. Don’t worry, It might be a sign of arthritis. Firstly, get awareness about arthritis, causes and symptoms by reading this complete article which can be curable by following simple home remedies.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is often referred as a joint disorder that occurs due to the inflammation. It mainly occurs due to weak immune, your daily activities and genetic factors. It is seen in different age  group people- children,  adults, men, women and elders that can be sudden or gradual.

Though there are 100’s of arthritis, most common type of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis that cause inflammation & dislocation of joint cartilage.

Symptoms for Arthritis

Here are few symptoms and signs that associates with arthritis are given below.

  • Fever
  • Limping
  • Stiffness
  • Weakness
  • Joint swelling
  • Warmness at joints
  • Feeling of tiredness
  • Decrease in RBC count
  • Redness of skin around joints
  • Decreased range of motion of the affected joints

Causes for Arthritis

Here are some reasons for causing arthritis.

  • Genetic factors.
  • Weak immune system.
  • Your daily activities.

Here in this article I come up with a solution to your problem. I suggest you to drink 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar solution daily.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) solution is a traditional home remedy for treating arthritis. It is very simple and inexpensive home remedy taken hot or cold at anytime of the day. Though you cannot drink the solution directly mix with flavored juices for sweet taste. Acetic acid in vinegar also helps to treat several problems like diabetes, obesity and digestive problems.

Scroll down to know how to use Apple Cider Vinegar for Arthritis problem.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Arthritis

Given below are the most effective home remedies of using apple cider vinegar to relieve severe arthritis pain and stiffness. Try any of these methods till you find the best that works for you.

Remedy-1 (ACV and Cherry Juice)

Red color cherries are a great source of Anthocyanins and Antioxidants that fights against Inflammations. These cherries relieve arthritis strongly when added with vinegar solution in require amounts.  A simple procedure to make use of ACV and cherry juice for arthritis is given below.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider Vinegar- 1 tbsp
  • Cherry Juice- 200 ml or a glass

Process

  • Take ACV and cherry juice as per the require amounts.
  • Mix well using a spoon or fork.
  • Drink this juice twice a day to relieve from arthritis problem.
  • Repeat the process daily for a month or so till you see the changes in joints.

Remedy-2 (ACV, Honey and Cinnamon)

ACV is rich in potassium helps to cut down the cramps overnight easily. It is combined with cinnamon (flavor and aroma) that has sufficient amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and low fats. This wonderful natural remedy is being used over the years as Traditional medicine in many parts of the world to treat arthritis, diabetes and bronchitis.

Ingredients

  • Honey- 1 tbsp
  • Cinnamon powder- 1 tbsp
  • Apple Cider Vinegar- 1 tbsp
  • Water- 1 glass or 200 ml

Process

  • Firstly, take 200 ml of water and boil it for 5 minutes.
  • Now add 1 tbsp of ACV, 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tbsp of cinnamon powder to the hot water.
  • Stir well and drink the solution 1 hour before you eat the food.
  • Repeat the process 2-3 times a day for better results.

Remedy-3 (ACV, Water and Honey)

If you don’t find any other ingredient useful except apple cider, then you can make use of it as a simple home remedy. As cider vinegar solution is highly concentrated it is diluted by adding water in require amounts. Here I have explained about the blending process and how much you should take throughout a day.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider Vinegar- 1 tbsp
  • Organic Honey- 2tbsp
  • Water- 200 ml

Process

  • Pour all the ingredients i.e. ACV, honey and water in a glass and blend well.
  • Water is added to make the concentrated ACV to dilute form and honey for sweetness.
  • Drink this ACV solution 3 times a day before you take meals helps to consume less food and cures other external pain.

Remedy-4 (ACV and Baking Soda)

Baking soda is an effective remedy for balancing the body pH levels. It neutralizes the body acidic state and helps to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation. Baking soda along with apple cider vinegar on joints give instant results when applied. Here are few steps to make this duo-combination work well for arthritis problem when you make as a part of your diet.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider Vinegar-2 tbsp
  • Baking Soda- ½ tbsp
  • Honey- 1tbsp
  • Water- a glass or 200 ml

Process

  • Take 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar solution and ½ tbsp of baking soda.
  • Now take a tumbler full of water and boil for 5 minutes.
  • Add baking soda and
  • to the glass of warm water.
  • If you don’t like to have bitterness in your healthy drink then add 1 tbsp of honey to the solution.
  • Stir well and drink immediately without any hesitation.
  • Repeat the process twice a day to heal arthritis quickly.

Remedy-5 (ACV and Coconut Oil)

This duo-combination works well for joint pains. Coconut oil is high in fats, vitamins and minerals. When coconut oil is mixed with apple cider, the Lauric acid and Myristoleic acid present in the coconut oil helps to relieve arthritis (hands and legs) problem quickly.  An easy procedure using ACV and Coconut oil is given below.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider Vinegar- 1 tbsp
  • Coconut oil- 2 tbsp

Process

  • Take both the ingredients in  a small bowl of required amounts.
  • Allow the mixture to warm for 5-10 minutes.
  • Pour the mixture (ACV+ Coconut oil) on arthritic joints and other painful areas.
  • Massage with the oil using your fingers or cotton balls smoothly in a circular motion for 10 minutes and leave.
  • Repeat the process daily at night times for faster pain relief.

Instead of coconut oil, you can also use  almond, castor or olive oil as a substitute that not only treats arthritis, but also boosts the immune system and restores the damaged tissues.

Remedy-6 (ACV and Peppermint)

Peppermint tea is a delicious, fast refreshing and soothing ailments that helps to boost your health by reducing inflammations, controls body, mind and improves digestion. Apple Cider Vinegar solution has the same properties as that of mint leaves. It will be a crazy stuff when you mix both the ingredients for treating arthritis problem.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider Vinegar- 1 tbsp
  • Peppermint leaves- ¼ cup
  • Water- 2 cups

Process

  • Firstly, prepare peppermint tea using ¼ cup of mint leaves and 2 cups of water.
  • Warm the water for 5 minutes using Heater or Boiler and add mint leaves into it.
  • Allow it to boil for some more time until the solution becomes exactly half of Initial quantity.
  • Now separate the mint leaves from the tea using Strainer.
  • Pour the tea in a glass and add 1 tbsp of ACV solution to it.
  • Blend well and enjoy the flavored mint tea when it is too hot.

Remedy-7 (ACV and Grape Juice)

Grape juice is extracted by crushing and blending of grapes in fluid form. It is rich in carbohydrates, vitamin C and vitamin B6 that helps to cure several problems like aging, skin diseases and boosts immune system. When you mix ACV solution with grape juice gives tremendous results by treating arthritis in short time.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider Vinegar-1 tbsp
  • Grape Juice- a glass or 200 ml

Process

  • Mix 1 tbsp of apple cider solution in a glass containing grape juice.
  • Blend well and drink the grape juice once a day.
  • If you are a great lover of grape juice then you can consume twice a day.
  • Repeat the process daily for a month until you notice the changes in joint pains.

Not only the grape juice, you can also consume the flavored smoothies like oranges, strawberries, litchi and guava added with a tbsp of ACV solution for stunning results in a short time.

Remedy-8 (ACV and Hot Water)

If you do not find such essential ingredients at home, make use of vinegar and hot water. This process is very easy to implement as you don’t need much effort to prepare the solution.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider Vinegar- 2 tbsp
  • Water- 8-10 cups

 Process

  • Take 8-10 cups of water and boil it on medium flame for 15 minutes.
  • Now add 2 tbsp of ACV solution to the hot water.
  • Soak the painful joints of hands and legs into the solution for 30 minutes.
  • Use this wonderful solution whenever you have severe pain.

Remedy-9 (ACV and Cayenne Pepper)

Cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper used in dishes for flavoring. It is high in vitamin A, riboflavin and potassium that help to energize the body and for weight loss. This duo-combination i.e. ACV solution and cayenne pepper do best for middle aged groups especially to treat joint pains. Here is the simple procedure to make use of this wonderful natural ingredients for pain relief.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider Vinegar- 2 tbsp
  • Cayenne Pepper- 1 tbsp
  • Water-1 cup

Process

  • Take a cup of water and boil it for 5 minutes.
  • Now add 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar solution and 1 tbsp of cayenne power to the hot water.
  • Stir well and pour the solution into a glass.
  • Drink this solution when it is warm as it can also relieve severe throat and stomachache problems.

Remedy-10 (ACV and Molasses)

Molasses is a viscous liquid obtained by refining sugar cane. The sweet aroma of black strap aroma is useful in food flavoring for its significant amounts of vitamin B6, calcium, iron and magnesium. It regulates the nerve impulses in the body and relieves joint pains.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider Vinegar- 1 tbsp
  • Blackstrap Molasses- 1 tbsp
  • Hot Water-1 glass or 200 ml

 Process

  • Take a glass (200 ml) of warm water and add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar solution to it.
  • Also add 1 tbsp of black strap molasses to the solution and stir well.
  • Drink the solution 2 times a day i.e. morning and night for good results.
  • Repeat the process for a month or so until you observe the changes in your body pains.

Precautions and Tips

Given below are few tips and precautions everyone should when they you apple cider vinegar solution for arthritis.

  • Apple cider vinegar can also be used to treat skin, acne, burns and dandruff problem.
  • It is not recommended to drink for children and pregnant women for its high acetic levels.
  • Make apple cider solution as a part of healthy diet to prevent from joint pains and stiffness.
  • Regular intake of apple cider vinegar solution can cause severe burns, throat and stomach pain.
  • ACV solution can be added to the fruit salad dressing, smoothies and herbal teas.
  • Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and drink plenty of water (3-5 liters) daily to prevent from arthritis.
  • Consult a doctor before you take ACV as it may result in some side effects without proper dosage.
  • Do not drink ACV solution (concentrated) directly, make it in diluted form by adding natural home ingredients.
  • After consuming ACV solution, rinse your mouth immediately with water to prevent from enamel damage.
  • When you intake apple cider, there are less chances to experience allergic reactions on your body. If so stop taking the solution immediately.
  • If you are beginner to use apple vinegar, start with small amounts and increase gradually to a maximum of 2 tbsp per day.
  • You must not take vinegar solution if you are suffering from kidney diseases and pharyngitis.

Follow our home remedies at home using Apple Cider Vinegar to treat Arthritis problem. If you have know another remedy using ACV, Please share your experience with us in the comment section given below.

DIY Natural Homemade Ginger Ale

By Leave a Comment

Ginger ale is a natural fermented and frizzy drink that has many beneficial enzymes and probiotics which help to boost up your health.

Ginger is a wonderful spice that has amazing medicinal properties which are widely used to treat many health problems. You can also grab those benefits by taking ginger in the form of ginger ale. Let’s have a look at some of those benefits below.

  • Ginger soothes your digestive system and clears the disturbances like stomach ache, upset stomach, nausea, acid reflux, bloating and gas.
  • Calm down your cold, cough and other respiratory problems.
  • Heals muscle aches and body pains.
  • Reduces your fever and strengthen your immunity.
  • Enhance proper blood circulatory system.
  • Works for lowering your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and also reduces the risk of getting cancer.
  • Relieves you from stress and anxiety.

Now let’s have a look on few methods of preparing ginger ale (also called ginger beer) naturally at your home with detailed step by step process.

Method – 1: (Ginger Ale using Ginger Bug)

Ginger bug is a culture of beneficial bacteria that prepared by adding ginger root and sugar in water on the daily basis for a week, which is similar to a kombucha scoby for making kombucha. It is a natural base for making many homemade sodas and tonics. Let’s see how to prepare ginger ale using a ginger bug.

  • Pour 3 cups of water, 2-inch minced fresh ginger root, 1/2 cup of organic sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt in a saucepan.
  • Place it on the heat and bring it to a boil for few minutes.
  • Simmer it for another 5 – 7 minutes until sugar dissolves completely and the mix smells like ginger.
  • Turn off the heat and add 5 cups of water to cool the mix.
  • Then add 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup of ginger bug to it.
  • Transfer all this mix into 2-quart glass mason jar and stir well.
  • Place its air tight lid and keep it aside for 2 – 3 days till carbonated but make sure to mix it well for once daily.
  • The final mix should bubble and should hiss like a soda when opened. It should smell like ginger and slightly of fermentation/yeast.
  • Strain the ginger ale and store it in a refrigerator.
  • Enjoy this frizzy ginger ale drink.

Note: Or use whey instead of ginger bug for quick fermentation.

Method – 2: (Ginger Ale using Chilled Seltzer or Club Soda)

  • Pour 1 ½ cups of peeled and chopped ginger in a small saucepan.
  • Then add 2 cups of water in it and cook at a low heat by covering partially for 45 minutes.
  • Now remove it from heat and let it steep for another 20 minutes.
  • Strain the mix and pour this liquid into a saucepan.
  • Pour 3/4 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt to the mix and boil it over a medium heat.
  • Stir it till the sugar has dissolved and turn off the heat.
  • Let it cool for few minutes and then mix 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and 1 quart of chilled seltzer or club soda.
  • Stir well and drink ginger ale and refrigerate the remaining ale.

Method – 3: (Ginger Ale using Active Yeast)

  • Pour 1 ½ ounces of finely grated fresh ginger, 6 ounces of sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan.
  • Place it over medium-high heat and stir well till the sugar dissolves completely.
  • Then remove the heat and cover it.
  • Let it steep for an hour and strain the mix finely and refrigerate it.
  • Now pour this syrup in a 2-liter plastic bottle and add 1/8 teaspoon of yeast, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 7 cups of water in it.
  • Place its cap and shake it gently to mix all these ingredients.
  • Leave the bottle at room temperature for 48 hours and check it once for carbonation.
  • Finally, store the ginger ale in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks by opening the bottle for once a day.

Note: Or mix 1 ½ tablespoons of fresh grated ginger, juice of 1 lemon, 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of active dry yeast in a 2 little soda bottle. Stir well all these ingredients by adding the rest of the bottle with water. Leave it at room temperature till the bottle is hard to squeeze for 2 – 3 days to make ginger ale.

These are some of the ways of preparing ginger ale in your home. Try them and share your experience with us.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Snoring

By Leave a Comment

Home Remedies to get rid of Snoring

Do you know that nearly 90 million men and women in the United States are suffering from snoring? This sleeping disorder not only disrupts your sleep but also your partner’s sleep.

Everyone thinks that snoring is a natural occurrence due to the relaxed state of the throat moving into during the sleep but if it reaches severe state then it disrupts the sleeping patterns and thereby causes insomnia and sleep apnea.

This sleep centric disorder can be an indication of the sleep apnea (caused by a breathing obstruction) and if you’re suffering from extreme fatigue, sleepiness and exhaustion during daytime then you should get checked with your doctor.

Snoring can be of 4 different types like mouth shut snorer (snoring while shutting your mouth means a problem with tongue and nasal passageways), mouth wide open snorer (snoring with mouth wide open means the tissue in the throat is partially obstructed), back snorer (sleeping on your back makes you to breathe through the mouth and thereby causes snoring) and a snorer no matter what (snoring in any position is a serious problem).

It is mainly caused by the obstruction in the free passage of air while breathing. The muscles or tissues in the mouth get relaxed and make the tongue falls back to obstruct the passage of air. This process will create harsh irritating sounds during your sleep.

Some other reasons include overweight or obesity, menopause or hormonal imbalance, aging, nasal or sinus, asthma or other respiratory problems, intake of alcohol and its beverages, smoking, use of certain medications, sleeping positions, etc. If left untreated then it results in raising the blood pressure levels, heart problems and other serious medical and social consequences.

So, how to stop this nasal sleep – disruptive sound? For curing any problem, it’s important to identify the exact reason why and how this snoring is occurring (Take the help of your partner to monitor your snoring) and thereby check out with your health care provider for the solutions to eliminate this snoring.

There are numerous products available in the market to treat snoring but the healing any problem in a natural way will definitely give long lasting relief from that problem.

Home Remedies to Stop Snoring:

Changing your diet and lifestyle will make a big difference in controlling your snoring. Have a look on the best natural remedies and some diet and lifestyle habits to get complete relief from the problem.

Let’s get started…

Remedy – 1: (Peppermint)

Peppermint is an excellent remedy for treating snoring that caused temporarily due to cold, dry air or allergy. It exhibits anti-inflammatory property to reduce swelling of the membranes in the lining of the throat and nostrils.

Here are few ways of using peppermint for snoring.

  • Stir 1 – 2 drops of peppermint oil in 1 glass of water and use it to gargle at night before bedtime. Never ever swallow this solution, you have to spit it out and continue this action once daily till you achieved the desired results.
  • If you’re experiencing snoring caused by dry air or congestion then simply add few drops of peppermint oil to your humidifier about 30 minutes before turning it on. Run the humidifier overnight to open up the airways and thereby to stop snoring.
  • Simply rub a drop of peppermint oil on the lower portions of each side of your nose before going to sleep for sound sleep without any snoring.

Remedy – 2: (Olive Oil)

The strong anti-inflammatory property of olive oil will help to ease your tissues all along the respiratory passages and thereby reduces the swelling and soreness. Regular follow up will reduce the vibrations in the throat and stops snoring.

Here are few ways of using olive oil for snoring.

  • Take 2 – 3 sips of olive oil and consume it before going to bed. Daily intake will help you in getting rid of snoring.
  • Mix 1/2 teaspoon each of olive oil and raw honey in a bowl. Stir well and consume it once daily before going to sleep to relax your muscles/tissues causing snoring.

Remedy – 3: (Steam)

Inhaling steam vapor will help you a lot in reducing nasal congestion and thereby snoring. It also opens up the nasal airway and clears respiratory tract.

  • Boil some hot water and pour it in a large bowl.
  • Then add 3 – 5 drops of eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil in this water.
  • Stir and hold a towel over the head and then start inhaling the steam slowly and deeply through the nose.
  • Continue this action for about 10 – 15 minutes at night before bedtime.
  • Repeat regularly to clear your congestion and thus stop snoring.

Remedy – 4: (Turmeric)

Being an effective antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric helps a lot in treating inflammation and thereby helps to reduce heavy snoring. The intake of turmeric milk will help to breathe freely and boost up your immune system.

  • Add 2 teaspoons of organic turmeric powder in 1 glass of warm milk.
  • Stir and drink this turmeric milk 30 minutes before going to sleep.
  • Continue drinking this turmeric milk for once daily to get relief from snoring.

Remedy – 5: (Lifestyle Changes)

Small changes in your lifestyle will make you live happily. So, try these small lifestyle changes to have a long lasting relationship without any sleeping disorders.

  • Change your position while sleeping – never lie on your back on the bed as it makes the base of the tongue and soft palate will get collapse to the back wall of the throat. So, sleep on your side and try a body pillow to maintain sleep on your side. Prefer to use tennis ball at the back of the shirt to prevent snoring.
  • Elevate your head while sleeping up to 4 – 6 inches by placing 2 additional pillows to open up the nasal airways and to have sound sleep with less or no snoring.
  • Overweight is another factor causing snoring. So, check whether you gained weight recently or not and if yes, then try to lose your excess weight as soon as possible by following a healthy diet and some exercises to get rid of many health issues, including snoring.
  • Practicing good sleeping hygiene will also affect your snoring. The dust accumulated on the pillows and bed sheet will affect your sleep. So, change them once a week and replace them for at least 9 months to keep away the dust and other allergies from you. Also, avoid pets to sleep on the bed to prevent snoring.
  • Lack of sleep and tiredness will cause snoring. So, get enough sleep to prevent overtiredness and thereby snoring.
  • Usage of neck brace while sleeping will prevent snoring, as it keeps the chin extended to make the throat not to bend and this will help the airways stay open. You can buy it at any drug stores.
  • Playing the didgeridoo will help to strengthen the soft palate and throat and thereby reduces snoring. It also reduces the daytime sleepiness and thus snoring and sleep apnea. So, play this instrument for about 20 – 25 minutes daily to get control over snoring.
  • You can wear a mouth guard at night before bedtime will function to keep the lower jaw push out and widen your airways to prevent snoring. Or simply buy OTC device called snore guard.
  • It’s always essential to keep your nasal passage clean and open for proper flow of air. So, take hot water shower or use neti pot solution to rinse your nasal or inhale the steam or use nasal strips to open your nasal passage and thereby to get rid of snoring.

Remedy – 6: (Mouth Exercises)

The tongue will play a major role in causing snoring, as it falls back when the mouth muscles get relaxed and cause snoring. Here are few exercises mentioned to get rid of snoring caused by tongue relaxation.

  • Stick your tongue out as far as possible and relax it. Repeat the same for 10 times daily.
  • Stick your tongue and try to touch the chin. Hold this position for few seconds and relax your tongue. Continue this for 5 times and then try to touch your nose and hold for few seconds. Repeat it for 5 times on daily basis.
  • A smile is also an exercise for snoring. Smile as wide as possible and try to hold it for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat this wide smile exercise as many times as possible for you throughout the day.
  • Singing a song loudly by starting with la – la – la and hold each la for 3 seconds. Do it 5 times and then sing ka – ka – ka and now ma – ma – ma. Repeat each one for 5 times and continue this cycle as many times as possible to strengthen your throat and tighten your mouth tissues to prevent snoring.
  • Close your mouth and perform a chewing motion in such a way that molars on both sides move apart to touch again. Try to make a ‘mmmmm’ sound for added benefits. Do it for a minute or two.

Tips and Precautions:

  1. In general, men are more prone to snoring when compared to women. So, men should always check with their weight and take some extra precautions to get rid of snoring and other health complaints.
  2. Clarified butter (or ghee) helps to open up the blocked nasal passage and thereby help you to sleep better. Slightly warm the clarified butter and pour 2 – 3 drops of this lukewarm ghee in each nostril. Perform this action daily at night before bedtime and in the next morning.
  3. Cardamom acts as an expectorant and decongestant that helps to open up the blocked nasal passages and thus lessons you’re snoring. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder in 1 glass of warm water. Stir well and drink these 30 minutes before bed. Do it once daily to reduce the snoring.
  4. The intake of ginger tea, green tea, nettle tea, chamomile tea, etc. by adding little honey will help you in getting sound sleep along with clearing insomnia and snoring.
  5. Garlic reduces the buildup of mucus in the nasal passages and also reduces the inflammation in your respiratory system to clear snoring caused by sinus blockage. Simply chew 1 – 3 raw garlic cloves and then drink 1 glass of water at night before bedtime (or) use garlic while cooking your food.
  6. Try to have small meals for 3 – 4 times rather than 2 big meals. Also, complete your dinner at least 2 – 3 hours before going to bed. Reduce your caffeine, tea, soymilk and other dairy products, excess sweets, and carbonated drinks in the nighttime.
  7. Don’t take alcohols, sedatives or sleeping pills, as it will reduce the resting tone of the muscles in the back of the throat and makes your snoring even worse.
  8. Drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids to stay hydrated and healthy, as dehydration makes the nasal secretion dry and soft palate stickier.
  9. Consult your doctor or dentist if you’re suspecting snoring is due to any dental applications for proper diagnose and treatment.
  10. Run a humidifier to add moisture to the air and thereby prevent dry air to get relief from snoring sounds.

Try to change your lifestyle, diet plan and include these natural ways to get rid of snoring. Do you know any other successful home remedies for snoring? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

Natural Remedies for Lupus

By Leave a Comment

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory and an autoimmune disease that caused due to the attack of the immune system on the body’s own healthy tissues and organs (unable to distinguish its own tissues from foreign invaders).

The inflammation will affect different parts of the body like skin, joints, blood cells, heart, kidneys, brain, and lungs.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus. There is no exact cause for this lupus but some experts say that it can be a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Stress, chronic infections, sunlight and certain medications can also trigger lupus.

However, diagnosing lupus is very difficult why because it exhibits the symptoms which often mimic with other health ailments like fever, fatigue, joint pains and stiffness, photosensitivity, fingers turns to blue or white while exposed to cold or stress, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, headache, dry eyes, butterfly-shaped rashes on the face with wings that unfold the cheeks (distinctive symptom), etc.

The symptoms may vary from one to another and also there is no cure for lupus but we can control the symptoms like reducing pain, minimizing organ damage and prevent flare-ups.

Choose natural remedies to get control over lupus and its symptoms as an adjunct treatment but be sure to consult your doctor regularly for proper diagnose and treatment.

Home Remedies for Lupus:

Let’s know about the best natural remedies for lupus that help you to lead a normal life by relieving your symptoms and reducing the flare-ups and lessening the organ damage.

Remedy – 1: (Turmeric)

Curcumin in turmeric helps to treat this inflammatory autoimmune disease. It is said in a research that turmeric helps to reduce hematuria, proteinuria, and systolic blood pressure in the people suffering from refractory or relapsing lupus.

  • Add 1 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder in 1 cup of milk.
  • Stir well and boil it for few minutes and turn off the heat.
  • Then sweeten the turmeric milk with a little honey.
  • Stir and drink it once or twice daily to get relief from lupus symptoms.

Home Remedies for Lupus

Note:

  • Or consult your doctor to take turmeric herb into supplement form and the recommended dosage is 400 – 600 mg for 3 times a day.
  • Avoid turmeric if you’re suffering from gallbladder problems or using blood thinner medications.

Remedy – 2: (Ginger)

Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve you from certain symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and other arthritic symptoms.

  • Chew ginger or drink ginger tea for 2 – 3 times a day.
  • Include ginger in your daily diet by using it in your cooking, fruit or vegetable juices, etc.
  • Take supplements of this ginger herb by consulting your doctor for proper dosage.

Remedy – 3: (Exercise)

Regular exercise is very beneficial for treating lupus for various reasons like strengthens bones, gives quality sleep, reduces stress and anxiety, lessens pains and swelling, keeps your lungs and heart strong, improves flexibility, reduces metabolic abnormalities, prevents fatigue and thus lowers the risk of complications.

  • Perform activities like swimming, brisk walking, aerobics, yoga, tai chi, cycling, stretching, gentle range of motion exercises, etc. for about 20 – 30 minutes to get relief from lupus and its symptoms.
  • But make sure to start these exercises slowly and check how your body is responding to these exercises and plan the best exercise routine by consulting your physical therapist to treat lupus.

[medianet2]

Remedy – 4: (Omega – 3 Fatty Acids)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in omega – 3 fatty acids will help to improve lupus symptoms with its anti-inflammatory property. It also improves the functioning of blood vessels and exhibits cardioprotective effects.

  • Intake of 3 Gms of omega – 3 fish oil supplements that have 1200 mg DHA and 1800 mg EPA will reduce the symptoms better than OTC medications.
  • Include omega – 3 fatty acids rich Foods like cold water fishes (salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, herring), chia seeds, walnuts, ground flaxseeds, etc. in your diet.
  • Also, consult your doctor to know the dosage of fish oil supplement as per your health condition for treating lupus.

Remedy – 5: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Some health practitioners say that people suffering from lupus may have a deficiency of hydrochloric acid. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for increasing the production of hydrochloric acid in the body and also improves nutritional absorption.

  • Mix 1 teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar and few drops of lemon juice in 1 glass of warm water.
  • Stir well and drink this mix 20 minutes before consuming your meals for 2 – 3 times daily.

Remedy – 6: (Holy Basil)

Basil acts as an adaptogenic herb that modulates your response to the stress and thus regulates the functioning of organs, enhances the sense of well-being and relieves you from the fatigue. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that heal your body pains.

  • Add few fresh basil leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves) in 1 cup of hot water.
  • Let it steep for about 7 – 10 minutes and strain it.
  • Then add some honey and drink it.
  • Regular intake of this drink for 2 – 3 times daily will help you to get relief from lupus.

Note: Or chewing few basil leaves daily will help you as well.

Remedy – 7: (Diet Plan)

Here is the best diet for the people suffering from lupus. Follow them regularly to get relief from the lupus and its symptoms.

  • Avoid certain foods like gluten (wheat, rye, flour-containing products), Trans fat or some saturated fats (fast foods, fried foods, packaged or processed foods), sugar, high sodium foods (salt), caffeine, alcohol and certain legumes (sprouts, peanuts, soybeans, green beans, alfalfa seeds, snow peas) which causes inflammation and results in the damage of other organs along with lupus.
  • Include raw vegetables, wild fish (salmon), bone broth, organic and unprocessed foods, antioxidant rich foods, avocado, coconut oil, vitamin E rich foods, cucumber, nuts and seeds, olive oil, melon, raw milk, plenty of water and herbal teas in your daily diet.
  • Vitamin D3 is essential to deal with autoimmune diseases like lupus. So, eat vitamin D rich foods like cereals, salmon, fortified milk, egg yolks, tofu, cheese, mushrooms and fatty fish. Also, take vitamin D3 supplements by consulting your doctor.
  • Probiotics enhance your immune system and thus reduces the flare-ups of lupus. So, consume cultured and fermented foods such as yogurt with live cultures, kefir, tempeh, miso, acidophilus milk, sauerkraut, etc. Also, take its supplements by consulting your doctor.
  • Consuming 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil daily will reduce negative immune response with its medium chain fatty acids. You can also use it in your cooking, smoothies or beverages.

Tips and Precautions:

  1. Avoid smoking or intake of tobacco products which damages the lungs and results in many complications.
  2. Reduce your stress levels, as research says that emotional stress and psychological stress can lead to lupus flare ups. Choose different stress relievers like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, spending most of the time in nature, breathing techniques, chatting with friends, reading, etc. also, know about the essential oils for stress and anxiety by consulting your therapist.
  3. Get enough of rest and sleep for at least of 7 – 8 hours daily to get rid of lupus symptoms like fatigue. For best results, always maintain proper sleeping schedules.
  4. Protect your sensitive skin from sun rays by avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours. Wear sunglasses along with a hat and also apply non – toxic sunscreen lotion before stepping out.
  5. Don’t wear perfumes, chemical based makeup, scented lotions and antiperspirants on your body. Try using some natural deodorants.
  6. Always use lukewarm water for the bath rather than hot showers. Also, go for some soothing baths like an oatmeal bath for extra moisture and Epsom salt bath for detoxifying your body.
  7. Consult your physician to know about essential oils and aromatherapy for treating your pain and inflammation. Also, get regular checkups with your doctor by maintaining a diary of your symptoms for proper diagnose.
  8. Try to identify the food which causing you food allergies and eliminate them from your diet list.

Follow these remedies and tips to get control over lupus and its symptoms. Do you know any other methods for treating lupus? Then share it with us.

Health Benefits of Drinking Warm Water

By Leave a Comment

Health Benefits of Drinking Warm Water

Drinking water is essential for maintaining healthy bodily functions. Do you know that the human body is composed of 55 – 78% water (depends on body size)? Also, an adequate consumption of water will give numerous health benefits like treating headaches, improves mood, fights fatigue, helps digestion, treats constipation, etc.

Start your day with a glass of water will provide many health benefits but the only thing it differs is whether to choose drink cold or hot water.

Many health and skin experts suggest us to drink warm water in the morning, as most of us drink honey or lemon juice or both mixed with warm water in the morning with an empty stomach.

It is a good habit to improve your health but did you know that drinking warm water should not be limited to the morning time and it has to be taken at other times of the day to grab the health benefits.

Read on to find out how drinking warm water at other times of the day will be beneficial in preventing various ailments.

Improves Digestion:

Lukewarm water helps to break down the food in the stomach and thus stimulates the digestive gland to perform its function easily without much straining. It also helps to get rid of excess stomach acids to prevent acidity or acid reflux problems.

Drinking warm water will also reduce esophageal motility disorder (causes difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of food). So, you can replace a glass of cold water with warm water (especially after eating a meal) for proper digestion.

Nasal Congestion:

Warm water has the ability to cleanse the nasal cavities and thus bring quick relief while suffering from congestion. It loosens the buildup of mucus in the nasal cavity and respiratory tract and thereby prevents the growth of bacteria or virus.

It also helps to flush out those harmful microbes and toxins with its detoxification process. So, drink warm water daily to accelerate the healing process.

Weight Loss:

Drinking warm water rather than cold water will help to raise the core body temperature that helps to increase the metabolic rate, which is essential to burn more calories.

Regular drinking of warm water will break down the fat deposits and thus cut down your excess calories. It also helps your gastrointestinal tract and kidneys to function even better. Prefer to drink warm water mixed with lemon in the morning which helps to control food craving and burn body fat.

Constipation:

Lack if enough water in the intestine is the main cause for constipation, as it hardens the stools and makes it difficult to pass. Drinking warm water will help digest food easily and decompose any remnant food to make a smooth bowel movement.

It also reduces abdominal pain, bloating or other discomforts caused due to constipation. Drinking warm water in every morning on an empty stomach will help you to regulate bowel movement and aids in constipation.

Sore Throat:

Many of us know that drinking warm water will soothe a sore throat by relieving the pain and throat irritation that caused due to cold or flu.

Warm water is very effective in dissolving the thick mucus and thus it removes from your respiratory tract. So, drink lukewarm water for 3 – 4 times daily to get quick relief from a sore throat or the viral infections.

Detoxify the Body:

Drinking water will cleanse the body to flush out harmful toxins and drinking warm water will do this work more effectively. Warm water will rise your body temperature that in turn results in sweating which flushes out the toxins trapped in the body.

Regular consumption of warm water will help to detoxify and remove impurities from your body. It also helps to clear skin related ailments like breakouts and blemishes.

Improves Blood Circulation:

Warm water improves your blood circulation throughout the body to deliver nutrients and oxygen to all the tissues and organs. Drinking warm water will burn the fat deposits and flush out harmful toxins to improve blood circulation.

Premature Aging:

Removing toxins and other impurities from the body will help to prevent premature aging and enhance healthy skin. It also repairs and rejuvenates skin cells along with improving the skin’s elasticity.

Menstrual Cramps:

Warm water alleviates the painful menstrual cramps by relaxing the contracting muscles of your uterus. It provides you with an instant relief from the muscle spasms or cramps and also prevents bloating during menstruation.

So, the next time when you have menstrual cramps, drink 1 glass of warm water to get rid of these cramps and to ease your abdominal pain.

Sleeplessness:

Sipping a glass of warm water at night before bedtime will help you to get proper sleep, as it raises the internal body temperature which further relaxes your body and soothes your nerves to get calm and deep sleep.

It is also effective in preventing midnight cravings and thus results in a feeling of rejuvenation in the morning. So, people who are having difficulty in getting proper sleep can try drinking 1 glass of warm water at night before going to bed.

Tips:

  1. Make sure to drink tepid or lukewarm water but not hot or cold water. So, include warm water in your daily lifestyle to grab these benefits.
  2. Also, include some fresh lemon juice or honey in this warm water for getting additional benefits.

Started drinking warm water? Then share your experiences with us in the below comments box.

Home Remedies to Strengthen the Knee

By Leave a Comment

How to Strengthen the Knees

We all know that knee provides the stability and flexibility in your legs and thereby makes the whole body to stand, walk, run, jump, crouch and turn around. Knees become weak with the age.

Weak knees will affect the mobility and thus makes it difficult to carry out our daily activities. Other than age, there are many causes like any injury or strain on the knees, osteoarthritis, smoking, excess intake of sodium, sedentary lifestyle, drinking, nutritional deficiency, etc. that weaken your knees.

For a healthy living, we need to keep the knees strong and healthy. If you’re one among those people suffering from weak knees and pain then it’s time to make some lifestyle and dietary changes to strengthen your knees. In this article, we will learn how to keep the knees strong.

How to Strengthen the Knees:

Here are some knee strengthening exercises and remedies you have to follow regularly to maintain your knees strong and healthy.

Remedy – 1: (Knee Strengthening Exercise)

There are many knee exercises that like step – ups, single leg squats, lunges, hamstring stretches with thigh contractions, knee bends, straight leg raises, squats with a Swiss ball, etc. will help you to strengthen your knees.

Do such knee exercises for at least 30 minutes daily (or 4 – 5 times a week) to strengthen your muscles around the joints and keep the joints properly aligned and positioned.

If you’re experiencing any knee pain or stiffness, then stop doing them and consult your doctor/expert to learn some suitable exercises as per your health condition.

Remedy – 2: (Epsom Salt)

People suffering from certain health or joint problems like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis (caused due to low levels of magnesium) will have weak knees or suffer from knee pain.

Epsom salt is high in magnesium that reduces the inflammation around the knee joints. It also aids in proper functioning of muscles and better absorption of calcium to strengthen the knees.

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in 1/2 cup of warm water and stir well.
  • Then soak a clean washcloth in it and squeeze it to remove excess water.
  • Apply the cloth on the knees and let it sit for 15 – 20 minutes.
  • Rinse the knees with lukewarm water and repeat it regularly for once or twice a week.

Note: Or dissolve 1 cup of Epsom salt in a bathtub of warm water and soak yourself for 20 minutes will strengthen your knees. Do it regularly for once or twice a week.

Remedy – 3: (Massage)

Massage is another effective way to strengthen your knees and also clears the knee pain. In general, massage will help to improve the circulation and thereby provides essential nutrients to reach the weak joints and muscles to make it strong.

  • Warm slightly some natural oils like olive, coconut, almond or mustard oil.
  • Use this warm oil to massage the knees by using gentle yet firm strokes for 10 – 15 minutes.
  • Continue the massage in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions till the oil absorbed by the body.
  • Repeat the same process for twice daily till you get rid of weak knees and its pain.

Note: If you’re suffering from chronic knee pain then it’s time to consult some experienced massage therapist to get rid of the problem.

Remedy – 4: (Swimming)

Swimming is an aerobic exercise that put less pressure on the joints to relieve you from knee pain or arthritis. It effectively strengthens the muscles around the knee joints, reduces its stiffness and thus improves the overall fitness.

So, do 30 minutes of swimming for 5 days a week on regular basis will help to strengthen the knees. Try some strokes like front crawl, butterfly stroke and backstroke in swimming but avoid breaststroke as it puts more pressure on the knee joints.

Remedy – 5: (Diet)

Diet will play a major role in treating any health or beauty problem. Here is the diet list to be included for treating your knee pain and to strengthen them.

  • Calcium is essential for bone health and thereby strengthens your knees. So, include calcium rich foods like dark leafy greens, cheese, almonds, edamame, milk, calcium – fortified cereals, sardines, fortified orange juice or blackstrap molasses (or) consult your doctor to take its supplements.
  • Vitamin D is a threshold nutrient for preventing bone loss and increased risk of minimal trauma fractures. It is also essential for proper absorption of calcium by the body. Get exposure to the sunlight for 15 minutes (or) include fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, fortified cereals and dairy products in your diet (or) take its supplement after consulting your doctor.
  • Fish oil has EPA and DHA forms of omega – 3 fatty acids that strengthen your knees joints and reduce the knee pain and stiffness. Consume cold water fish (tuna, salmon or mackerel) for twice a week (or) take 2.6 grams of fish oil with 30% EPA/DHA for twice daily after consulting your doctor.
  • Vitamin C helps in collagen formation and synthesis required for knee cartilage and bone development. Consume berries, bell peppers, lemon, oranges, spinach, broccoli or cauliflower (or) consult your doctor to know about supplements of vitamin C and its dosage.
  • Include anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, ginger, flax seeds, olive oil, turmeric, walnuts, spinach, tart cherries, sweet potatoes, blueberries or avocados in your diet to prevent swelling and inflammation caused due to weak joints and knee pain.
  • Lessen the intake of inflammatory causing foods like white rice, sugary foods, white flour products, soda and other foods high in saturated fats from the diet.
  • Drink plenty of water and other healthy drinks like herbal teas, healthy fruit or vegetable juices, smoothies or soups to flush out the toxins, soften the cartilage and to enhance the body’s ability to absorb the essential nutrients from the body.
  • Avoid too much consumption of salt, as it contributes to calcium loss and thereby weakens the knee’s strength.

Tips and Precautions:

  1. Do some warm-ups before exercising to lubricate the joints and also to raise the body’s temperature.
  2. Regularly go for walking or cycling, which adds strength to your knees and avoid choosing sports that require a sudden start or stop or jump or twist, as it puts pressure on the knees.
  3. It’s best to stop doing certain activities, which cause pain in the knees.
  4. Choose acupuncture or yoga poses which help to heal the knee pain and strengthen your knees.
  5. Avoid standing or sitting for too long periods in the same position. Also, don’t wear high heel shoes, as it puts pressure on the knees and makes it weak.
  6. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol to strengthen the knees and prevent the bone loss.
  7. Consult your doctor if you’re suffering from chronic knee pain or knee problem for proper diagnose and treatment.

Try these natural ways to strengthen your knees. Do you know any other successful knee strengthening remedies? Then share it with us in the below comments box.