• Mix equal quantities of glycerin and lemon juice.  Apply every night before going to bed.  This mixture can be made and stored in a glass bottle.
• Massage your feet with castor oil every night (in winters) for 2-3 minutes and then wear socks at night.
• Grind equal amounts of neem leaves and turmeric (haldi).  Apply on affected area.
• Finely grind a handful of henna (mehendi) leaves.  Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice and apply on the feet.
• Mix the juice of bottle gourd (lauki) and sesame oil (til ka tel) in the ratio 4:1 and heat till all the moisture has evaporated.  Bottle and use over craked skin.
• Mix 1 cup bottle gourd (lauki) juice with ¼ cup sesame oil (til ka tel) and heat till the water evaporates.  Massage regularly over chapped hands and heels.  To take out juice, grate the lauki and squeeze through a muslin cloth to get juice.
• To heal cracked feet, wear one size larger slippers than your feet, when at home.
• Apply a paste of sandalwood powder mixed with desi ghee

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1. Honey and Cinnamon

   The combination of honey and cinnamon powder is a good way to treat arthritis in hands due to their excellent healing properties. Honey has antiseptic qualities, while cinnamon has good antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. When both honey and cinnamon are used together it helps in relaxing the stiff muscles of the body. Those suffering from finger arthritis must take a mixture of one tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder on daily basis. It is advisable to eat this mixture every early morning on empty stomach.

2. Olive Oil

   There is a strong connection between olive oil and inflammation caused when suffering from arthritis. There is a special compound known as oleocanthal present in olive oil that helps in preventing the production of pro-inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. So, when olive oil is used for cooking food, it helps a lot in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. At the same time you can use olive oil to massage your hands and fingers. For massaging, make a mixture of warm olive oil and lavender oil and massage the hand with gentle strokes to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.

3. Epsom Salt

   Epsom salt is a rich source of magnesium that helps in improving the usage of oxygen and at the same time it prevents hardening of the arteries and blood clots. Simply soaking your hands in warm water mixed with Epsom salt for half an hour daily can help in reducing the inflammation and will give you much relief from muscle cramps and pain. At the same time you can also add two handfuls of Epsom salt and one handful of rock salt along with fennel oil and juniper oil in warm water to soak your hands for fifteen minutes daily. This remedy will also help a lot in reducing the stiffness, inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

4. Potato

   Potato has anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties that can help a lot to treat hand arthritis. You can prepare potato juice by cutting a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin and then put the potato slices in cold water overnight. Next morning strain the solution and drink the water on an empty stomach. When this raw potato juice is consumed daily, it will give you relief from pain and the joints will become more flexible. Else you can extract the juice of a medium sized potato and dilute it with some water before drinking it. This remedy is not for those suffering from diabetes.

5. Castor Oil

   Castor oil has powerful medicinal and curative powers. The medicinal component known as Ricinoleic Acid present in castor oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This is why castor oil helps a lot to get relief from arthritis pain. Take any castor oil and apply to the affected area and gently massage it twice a day in order to reduce the pain. Else boil two tablespoons of castor oil and then add it into a glass of fresh orange juice. Drink this juice before eating your breakfast daily and within weeks you can notice improvement in your condition.

6. Garlic

   Garlic is another effective ingredient that can be used in the treatment of arthritis in hands. It contains an anti-inflammatory property which helps in lot in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. At the same time garlic contains a substance known as allicin which helps the body to suppress the growth and reproduction of micro-organisms that can worsen the symptoms of arthritis. On regular basis, you can eat garlic, either in raw or cooked form as per you according to individual preference. Else take a few garlic cloves and heat them up with some mustard oil. Once the oil comes to room temperature apply it on your fingers and gently massage it. Repeat the process several times a day to get quick relief.

7. Hot Water

   For joint pain on fingers due to arthritis, you need to use warm compresses to get rid of the pain. A warm compress stimulates blood circulation, relaxes muscles and joints and reduces the stiffness. For this remedy soak a towel in hot water and after squeezing the excess water put it over your hands and fingers. Repeat the process several times a day. When warm compresses are applied on the affected fingers, there will be improvement in hand and finger movements. For better result, warm compresses should be combined with light exercise so that the stiffness on the hand and fingers can get reduced to a great extent.

8. Ice Pack

   Cold therapy is good for those suffering from hand arthritis. For this therapy you can use ice packs or a plastic bag filled with crushed ice or a bag of frozen greens. Put the ice pack on the affected area for a few seconds and again repeat the process. Apply the cold compress to only one or two joints at a time and sure to put a thin towel between the ice pack and the skin to prevent frostbite. Regular application of ice pack on the affected hands and fingers will lessen the irritation and reduce the soreness. However, it is important to bear in mind that different people may respond differently to cold therapy.

9. Turmeric

   Turmeric is another popular ingredient that can be used in the treatment in hand arthritis due to its anti inflammatory properties. At the same time turmeric has also got antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help in killing the bacteria behind the cause of arthritis as well as give protection to the infected finger from the attack of other micro-organisms. Add a teaspoon of turmeric into a glass of warm milk along with some honey and drink it. Else you can mix turmeric powder with warm water and drink it daily to get relief from the symptoms of arthritis. Another option is add a few drops of mustard oil to one teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it properly to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the swollen fingers and leave it for about half an hour. Finally wash the area with lukewarm water. This remedy will also give you relief from pain and inflammation.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

    Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties that help in reducing pain and stiffness in the hands from arthritis. Every day try to drink a glass of warm water mixed with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and some honey. Else you can make a paste by warming the apple cider vinegar and adding a small amount of cayenne pepper to it. Apply this warm paste to painful joints and leave it for ten minutes. Soon you will get relief from the pain as well as soreness and stiffness.

To conclude, along with these home remedies for arthritis in hands, you also need to follow the advices given by your doctor. At the same time never neglect exercises and physical therapies to enjoy better joint movements of your fingers and hands.

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74. Home care for Bell’s palsy

Bell’s palsy is the common name for a condition in which paralysis strikes the seventh cranial nerve, which controls much of the face. Only one side of the face is affected. Symptoms usually come on suddenly and painlessly, and are first noticed as a droop in one corner of the mouth and an inability to smile properly. Other symptoms may include drooling, an inability to close the eye on the same side, tearing, impairment of taste, and occasionally pain. While anyone can develop Bell’s palsy, it occurs most often in pregnant women and people who have diabetes, hypertension, or a respiratory infection.

Facial exercises. As the nerve in your face begins to work again, doing simple exercises-such as tightening and relaxing your facial muscles-may make those muscles stronger and help you recover more quickly. Massaging your forehead, cheeks, and lips with oil or cream may also help.

Eye care. If you can’t blink or close your eye fully, your eye may become dry. A dry eye can lead to sores and serious vision problems. To help protect the eye and keep it moist:

• Use your finger to close and open your eyelid often throughout the day.
• Use eyedrops (“artificial tears”) or ointment. Those that contain methylcellulose are a good choice and don’t require a prescription. You may want to use drops during the day and ointment at night while you sleep. Ask your doctor how often to use the drops.
• Wear an eye patch while you sleep, and wear glasses or goggles the rest of the time.

Mouth care. If you have no feeling and little saliva on one side of your tongue, food may get stuck there, leading to gum disease or tooth decay. Brush and floss your teeth often and well to help prevent these problems. To prevent swallowing problems, eat slowly and chew your food well. Eating soft, smooth foods, such as yogurt, may also help.

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What causes headaches in pregnancy?

Headaches are triggered by the hormonal changes that are happening in your body. They’re very common in early pregnancy.

The hormone progesterone helps to relax your uterus (womb) and blood vessels in your body, including those in your head and neck. Blood then pounds through these veins, causing you to have headaches.

Changes in your blood pressure may trigger tension headaches. If you often had headaches or migraines before you were pregnant, you may have them more often in early pregnancy. Though some women find that once they are pregnant, their headaches are less severe and less frequent.

Tiredness, hunger, dehydration, stress, lack of fresh air and not having enough exercise may all affect the frequency and intensity of your headaches. If you are trying to reduce your caffeine intake or quit smoking, headaches may be part of your withdrawal symptoms.

Sinus congestion may cause you to have a headache in the area behind your cheekbones. Your eyesight may be affected during pregnancy due to changes in the pressure around your eyes. Eye strain can lead to pain in and around your eyes, as well as around your head.

Headaches in later pregnancy are not as common and may indicate more serious problems such as high blood pressure. Tell your doctor or midwife if you have headaches in your third trimester, especially if they are at the front of your head or accompanied by flashing lights or sickness.

How can I prevent headaches?

Rest and relaxation

Get plenty of rest and consider taking time off work, if it helps. Try flexible working if it’s feasible. Get an early night every now and then, and ask for help with chores or childcare.

Find time for relaxation, exercise, fresh air, and a change from your usual routine. Try gentle walking, swimming or pregnancy exercise classes.

Eating well

Try to eat a healthy diet, though if you are suffering from pregnancy sickness this may be difficult. Eat regularly to maintain your blood sugar levels and have small but frequent meals if you can’t manage a larger one. Keep some snacks, such as dried apricots or almonds, handy for when you’re at work or on the move.

Eat a wide variety of foods of all types and colours to make sure you’re getting a good balance of all the essential nutrients. Stay hydrated by drinking eight glasses of water a day and cut down on how much caffeine and alcohol you have.

If you have sinusitis and congestion, try to have less cheese, milk and yoghurt. Dairy foods may cause you to produce extra mucus and make the problem worse. However, don’t cut out dairy produce from your diet without talking to your doctor or midwife first, as they are a valuable source of calcium.

What self-help tips can I try to ease a headache?

Once a headache develops, accept it and try to rest. A gentle walk in the fresh air or a nap may help.

Or place one of these over the area of your pain:

• a bag of frozen peas
• a tea towel compress that’s been soaked in warm water
• a herbal or wheat pillow, heated carefully in the microwave

Though not the nicest of prospects, a cold shower can stimulate your blood vessels and make them constrict, which may reduce the pain. You could try massaging your head, using a hair washing motion, to work directly on the blood vessels in your head. If your headache is focused in one spot, try pressing very firmly on that area.

3. Wash linens and other fabrics that collect dust in hot water. This will keep your dust mites in check and away from your sensitive nose.

4. Use shades instead of drapes and other cloth window coverings. These are common household collectors of dust. Shades are much easier to clean, especially if removing dust is your chief goal.

5. Clean floors and other surfaces with a damp mop. This will remove dust and other dirt from the primary dust collectors of your home.

6. Remove sources of dust and dust collectors. Things like stuffed animals, fabrics, curtains, and other items may be hidden collectors of dust. Get rid of them to manage your dust allergy symptoms.

7. Remove carpets and rugs from your home. Wooden floors and other surfaces are far better at keeping dust on the surface which is easily cleanable with a damp mop or cloth.

8. Keep humidity in your home at a lower level. Dust mites live and thrive in damp areas. By keeping the humidity levels at a lower level, you can stop them in their tracks.

9. Change pillow covers on a regular basis. Wash in hot water for best results. Throw out older pillows as needed.

10. Use dust mite covers for mattresses and other furniture. While it may cost you a little extra, these things really work. Use them liberally throughout your home.

Natural home remedy using carrot juice, beetroot juice and cucumber juice:
1. Take 250 ml carrot juice
2. Add 100 ml beetroot juice
3. Add 100 ml cucumber juice
4. Mix well
5. Have once everyday
6. This helps reduce allergic reaction and soothes existing allergies

Natural home remedy using lemon and honey:
Lemon helps flush toxins from the body. It is an antibiotic and has anti-allergic properties
1. Take 1 glass lukewarm water
2. Squeeze ½ lemon in it
3. Add 1 tsp honey
4. Mix well
5. Drink on an empty stomach

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77. Home remedies to increase Child Appetite

This is a very common question almost all parents ask a Pediatrician and normally the prescription is a mild carminative or digestive in the form of a tonic. Most of the time, children must be eating sufficient to their body requirements. But parents are eager to feed them more. However, in general, the following can be tried for a better appetite and digestion:

Give food that is fresh and tasty, light and easily digestible.

If possible give food every two hours and not in equal intervals like adults. Children like to eat often � little quantity. Children can easily get in digestion due to their Phlegmatic nature (Kapha Swabhava), so, if you really feel that child is eating far less than the normal quantity, then in that case some simple preparations of Ayurveda will be highly useful.

1. Rajanyadi Choorna (1 to 2 Gms) mix with honey into a paste and give to your child 5 to 6 times a day before or after the food at your own convenience.

2. Aravindasavam + Mustarishtam 5 ml. with 5 ml. of water 3 times a day after food.

These two preparations are very helpful in enhancing the appetite of the child and will also remove any indigestion in the system. (Aama). The medicines are easily available in all the Ayurvedic drug stores.

Regular body massage with appropriate oils as prescribed by a good Ayurvedic Physician or simply warm gingely (sesamum) oil and use it for body massage for your children. This process of Abhyanga (massage) activates the digestive organs of the body and enhances the appetite. Parents usually do not indulge into such type of activities these days. Child below seven should be given oil massage regularly twice a week. It promotes growth, increases digestion and improves skin texture and also helps in improving memory. Massage is really a wonderful practice especially for people living in tropical countries.

Also, for the food prepared for children, one should add always a little of Jeera, pepper and turmeric. These spices help in stimulating the digestive glands in the system and in-turn help in digestion.

These simple techniques may be tried at home to improve your child appetite

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78.Home Remedies for Weight Gain

If you want your child to gain weight, you can try out the following home remedies:

• Incorporate more of protein rich foods in your child’s diet.
• Alfalfa herb is a natural herb that helps in increasing weight. This herb helps in easy digestion, increased appetite and improved assimilation and you can see your child gaining weight.
• Add more of breads, butter, patsa, sea food and sugar in your child’s diet.
• Consume more of custards and marrow bone soups.
• Muskmelon is also an excellent source for weight gain.
• For about 2-3 months, feed your child with mango milk and see the amazing effects after 3 months. Mango is a very good source of sugar and milk adds the required amount of proteins and other essential nutrients.
• Over consumption of milk also leads to weight gain.
• Take 3-4 wigs and soak them in water. Consume the soaked fig 2-3 times a day.
• Raisins are also beneficial in supporting weight gain. About 30gms of raisins consumed daily helps to increase weight.
• Don’t get confuse between high calories and high fat foods. It’s not necessary that high fat foods give high calories and high energy. Even low calories foods can provide enough calories and energy for healthy weight gain. Let your child gain extra amount of calories through natural food sources that are healthy. Most popular of these healthy, low fat  and high calorie providing foods are breads, pastas, cottage cheese, cereals, skim milk, chicken, lean meat and fish.

• Have the child eat a small piece of jaggery after each meal.
• A handful of shelled pumpkin seeds for a week (two weeks to be on the safe side) works
  crush the seeds up and mixe them up in peanut butter,  sprinkled them over ice cream, etc. Anything to get  to eat them.

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• Bael fruit works wonders in treating constipation. Consume the fruit everyday for about 2-3 months.
• Consume a medium sized pear either with breakfast or else before dinner. It is the best home remedy for constipation as it aids in clearing the entire faecal matter.
• As a part of constipation home remedy treatment, it’s a great idea to eat guava with seeds, which provides adequate amount of fiber to the diet and aids in normal evacuation of the bowels. Consume about one or two guavas on a daily basis.
• Other effective laxatives are papaya, figs, grapes and orange. Consume about four or five dry figs soaked in water overnight.
• Spinach is a perfect vegetable oriented home remedy for constipation. The best is to eat it raw or else you can go in for 100 ml spinach juice mixed with an equal quantity of water and drink it twice in a day.

The extra layer of skin and fatty tissues located under your chin is known as double chin. A person gets double chin when there is deposition of excessive amount of fats under the skin which can be mostly due to excessive weight gain. Some other factors that can lead to a double chin are too much consumption of foods that are high in calories, ageing, lack of physical activity, and genetics.

The sagging skin under the chin looks unappealing and so many people look for ways to eliminate it. While there are surgical procedures that can help to eliminate a double chin, people generally avoid it as it can be an expensive procedure. To get rid of double chin, there are many simple home treatment options which are pocket friendly and painless and at the same time without any side effects.

Here are top 10 ways to get rid of a Double Chin.

1. Sugar Free Gum

   To get rid of double chin, it is essential to keep the muscles of the face toned and one of the best ways to do it is by chewing sugarless gum. A sugar free chewing gum will not give you toothache and it will give you healthier teeth and gums. At the same time the whole act of chewing sugar free gum will give the muscles of your jaw line a workout that can last for hours at a time. You can do this several times a day in order to reduce the double chin as quickly as possible.

2. Vitamin E

   Another way to get rid of double chin is to increase your daily intake of vitamin E. Vitamin E will reduce double chin and also increase elasticity and general health of the skin all over the body. Vitamin E is found naturally in many food sources such as green leafy vegetables, wheat germ oil, dairy products, brown rice, barley, rye, legumes, sweet corn, nuts, beans, apples, soy beans, peanuts, and liver. Try to include these food products as much as possible in your daily diet plan. You can also increase your daily intake of vitamin E by taking a daily supplement. To know about the dose it is better to consult a doctor first.

3. Cocoa Butter

   You can also rub your throat and chin with cocoa butter to solve the problem of double chin. Take a few tablespoons of cocoa butter and slightly warm it in the microwave and use this warm oil to massage your neck and double chin area as gently as possible. Make sure to massage for several minutes every night before going to bed and repeat the process again before taking a bath in the morning. When cocoa butter is used regularly it will improve the elasticity of your skin.

4. Wheat Germ Oil

   Regular neck massage with wheat germ oil is another effective way to get rid of a double chin. Wheat germ oil has the goodness of vitamin E oil which will give nourishment to the skin around the chin area and at the same time it will help to tighten the skin. Before going to bed, take some wheat germ oil and rub it gently near the chin area. Now gently massage upwards from the bottom of the neck to the chin for about ten to fifteen minutes. Leave the oil on your skin overnight. If done regularly, you will soon notice improvement in the appearance of double chin.

5. Milk

   Milk can aslo be used to tighten the skin around the chin area. You can use milk as a toner and apply it on your chin, massage for some time and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Another option is to make a face mask with milk and honey. Mix both the ingredients properly and then apply it over the chin area and allow it to sit for ten minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. This face mask will make the skin moist and smooth and help to reduce the double chin. Follow this remedy once daily to enjoy quicker and better result.

6. Egg White

   Egg white is also good for the overall health of the skin and you can definitely use it to get rid of double chin. You can make homemade facial mask to eliminate double chin fast with the help of egg whites. To make this facial mask, you need egg whites of two eggs, a tablespoon of milk, small amount of peppermint essential oil, one tablespoon of honey, and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk it properly. Now apply this mask to the skin around your chin and neck area and allow it to dry for about half an hour. Finally rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your skin. Do this once daily to enjoy quick result.

7. Melon

   Melon has many properties that can tone the skin and help to reduce the problem of double chin. Extract fresh melon juice and then with the help of a cotton ball apply it to the affected skin area around the chin and neck. Leave it for fifteen to twenty minutes and then clean the area with fresh water. For better result, combine melon juice with apple juice and then use it massage the soft tissue around your jaw line. At the same time you must increase the intake of melon as it is high in water content. This will help to flush out the unwanted toxins from your body and also help in weight loss.

8. Water

   To lose weight and reduce the appearance of double chin you must drink ample amount of water. It has been found that lack of water can add weight to your face and lead to double chin. So, try to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily. This will help to keep your body well hydrated and will help to flush out the unwanted toxins from inside your body. Along with water, you must also try to increase the intake of foods that are high in water content such as melon, cucumbers, lettuce and celery. At the same time, try to limit the consumption of coffee, alcohol, tea and carbonated drinks.

9. Glycerin

   You can also make a natural mask with glycerin to get rid of double chin. To make the mask, you will need one tablespoon of glycerin, half tablespoon of Epsom salts and a few drops of peppermint oil. Mix all the ingredients together and then with a cotton pad, apply it directly onto the neck and chin area. Leave it for several minutes so that all the nutrients get inside the skin properly. Finally wash the area thoroughly with cool water. Follow this remedy three to five times in a week to notice positive results.

10. Green Tea

    An increase in green tea intake is also an effective way to get rid of a double chin. Green tea contains potent antioxidants and various components that speed up your metabolism rate and help to burn extra calories. So, it is a good idea to drink green tea instead of caffeine drinks. Start your day with a cup of green tea and you can have several cups throughout the day. As green tea is available in different flavors, you can choose one that suits your taste bud.

To conclude, by following the above mentioned remedies you can easily get rid of the embarrassing and ugly skin problem of double chin. Just keep in mind to follow the tips regularly without any fail to get positive results.