Head Lice: Conditioner & Hair Comb Method

Head lice can be persistent and hard to get rid of, and many people are hesitant to repeatedly use pesticide-based commercial preparations. The conditioner-and-comb approach was designed for those who want to avoid using commercial preparations, and a British study from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has shown that it is four times more effective than using pesticides.

How It Works

According to the Department of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in Australia, common hair conditioners stun lice, slowing their movement for about 20 minutes. Conditioner also makes it harder for the lice to grab the hair shaft, making it easier to comb them out.

Benefits

Since most head lice cases involve children, using the conditioner-and-comb approach avoids the worry of using pesticides on your child's head. Hair conditioner is non-toxic and can be used as often as necessary.

Method

Place a towel around the shoulders and have tissues handy. Apply conditioner liberally to dry hair, making sure to fully soak the hair from scalp to ends. Comb through with a regular comb to untangle the hair, then immediately comb hair with a nit (egg) comb.

Comb through the hair in very small sections, starting at the roots. As each section is combed, pin it up, and move on to the next section. Keep the nit comb clean by wiping it with tissues. After all the hair has been combed, unpin it, and comb through the entire head again in small sections. Rinse hair and dry as usual. Dispose of all tissues in a sealed bag, as the stunned lice will begin moving again. Wash the towel in hot water and dry in a dryer--the heat will kill any lice that dropped onto the towel.

Continuing Treatment

Repeat this process every three days for two weeks. That way, any nits that were missed and have since hatched will be removed before they can lay eggs again.

Misconceptions

It is often said that lice spread by jumping from one head to another. In fact, lice cannot jump or fly; they only walk. Lice spread by head-to-head contact, or the sharing of hats, cellphones or sleeping areas. Head lice are not the result of dirty hair; they actually prefer clean hair.

Relief for Chest Congestion

Chest congestion occurs when excess mucus and fluid build up in the lungs. The common cold, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and air pollution are just a few reasons why you may feel congested. Medications and home remedies can help relieve your symptoms, but there are times when a doctor's healing touch is needed.

Drink More Liquids

By drinking liquids, such as water and juice, you help break up the mucus and clear the congestion. Hot liquids work even better, that's why your grandma may suggest a warm bowl of chicken soup when you're sick. The warm broth loosens the mucus, allowing you to breathe easier. Warm tea with honey and lemon is a great choice, because it soothes the throat.

Humidifiers and Steam

Humidifiers work wonders for chest congestion. Make sure to keep your bedroom door shut so you can build up a good amount of steam. You can still get the congestion-busting benefits of steam even if you don't have a humidifier. Simply go into the bathroom, shut the door, and turn on the shower. Make sure that the water is as hot as possible so the bathroom steams up quickly. You should feel your chest congestion breaking up in no time.

Medications

If home remedies don't work for you, it may be time to try some over-the-counter medications. Cough syrup will help thin out the mucus, giving you relief from your congestion. Avoid cough suppressants, because coughing is a natural reflex that helps you cough up the mucus. Many drugstores allow you to speak to the pharmacist. Ask him to recommend the best cough syrup for your congestion. Recurring chest congestion is not normal, so it is important that you see your doctor if your condition does not clear up. You may be experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, which can be deadly if left untreated. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure you take all of them even if you begin to feel better. If you don't finish the medication, your illness may not go away.

Good Hygiene

Hand-washing is important when you're sick because you don't want to re-infect yourself. Use disposable tissues when blowing your nose or coughing up mucus, and wash your hands after doing so. Use antibacterial hand soap whenever possible, and carry a pocket-sized bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you go out. Change your pillowcases every night when you are battling congestion, because a dirty pillowcase can aggravate your condition.

Castor Oil & Its Remedies

Castor oil can be used to treat various conditions ranging from corns and calluses on the feet to fibroids. Castor oil is widely available at most health food stores. Castor oil, made from castor beans, the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, is slightly yellow or colorless and has a horrible taste.

Constipation

Take 1 to 2 tsp. of castor oil on an empty stomach to treat constipation. Castor oil works in the small and large intestines by breaking down into a substance that improves movement through the digestive tract.

Corns and Callouses

Apply castor oil directly onto corns and callouses for relief. Surround the corn or callous with a piece of adhesive-backed corn pad (found at drugstores), place a drop of castor oil directly on the corn or callous and cover with silk tape. This softens the corn enough for removal with a pumice stone.

Fibroids

Treat fibroids by making a castor oil pack and placing it over the affected area of the abdomen. Take a piece of flannel cloth, saturate it with castor oil and make a compress. Place the compress over the fibroid area and cover it with plastic wrap, then a towel. Place a hot water bottle over the compress to relieve pain and discomfort associated with fibroids.

Bursitis

For bursitis, massage a few teaspoons of castor oil over the affected joint. Cover with a flannel cloth, then apply a heating pad and relax. This will help ease the discomfort and pain associated with bursitis.

Warning

As with any alternative remedy, consult with your physician if your symptoms don't improve. Castor oil is a strong alternative remedy supported by anecdotal evidence that has not been scientifically proven as a cure for disease.

Alternative Treatment for Second Degree Burns

Second-degree burns reach down to the dermis, the second layer of skin. They usually cause blisters that may ooze, as well as pain and redness. Burns compromise the skin's ability to protect the body from infection so proper treatment is important. Many natural therapies can help heal second-degree burns but you should not attempt to treat them on your own; seek out medical care for initial treatment. You should also consult a doctor about any natural therapies you want to use to be sure they are appropriate.

Nutritional Supplements

Many natural supplements can help your body heal. Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish oil decrease inflammation, promote healing and strengthen immunity; take one to two capsules or one tbsp. twice a day. Vitamin C encourages the growth of new tissue and strengthens the skin; take 1,000 mg one to six times per day. Vitamin C tolerance is determined by diarrhea. If you experience diarrhea, lower the dose until you find one that does not cause it. Vitamin E at 400 to 800 IU daily encourages healing. Once the burn has healed and new skin has grown in, you can use it topically.

Herbal Therapy

Internally, turmeric supplements can treat pain and inflammation; take 300 mg three times a day.

Certain herbs can be applied externally but are not appropriate as the first line of treatment for a second-degree burn. You need to seek medical attention. These are best used after the healing process has begun and new skin has grown in. Aloe vera, either as a cream or gel, is soothing and helps the skin heal; apply three to four times a day. Calendula ointment has a long history of use in treating external skin conditions; use as directed on the product label. Gotu kola cream containing one percent of the herb can repair damaged tissue. Propolis, a substance used to build bee hives, has a long history of use for treating skin injuries; use as directed on the product label.

Homeopathy

A professional homeopath might recommend the following treatments for first and second-degree burns. Use as directed on the product label.

Hypericum perforatum, applied topically, treats burns accompanied by sharp, shooting pains. Urtica urens, taken orally, treats itching, stinging burns. Causticum, taken orally, alleviates pain accompanied by rawness of the skin.

Electro-Acupuncture

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can relieve the pain of burns, especially when the electrical stimulation is applied to acupuncture points on the ear.

Information on Kava Kava

Kava Kava is a root that is popular in Hawaii and other Pacific islands. Kava Kava is consumed both as a safe recreational alternative to alcohol, and as an alternative medication.

Harvesting

The Kava plant is a large shrub with heart-shaped leaves. It is grown for a few years, then the plant is harvested, the roots dried and ground into a powder. The powder is then combined with just a small amount of water.

Cultural Significance

Kava Kava is traditionally used in ceremonial practice as a celebratory drink for momentous occasions such as weddings and festivals.

Medicinal Uses

Kava Kava is used to reduce stress and anxiety, and in Polynesia is encouraged as a substitute for alcohol because it does not inspire aggressive behavior.

Warning

According to www.cherylsherbs.com, Kava Kava should not be consumed during pregnancy or if you suffer from depression. Kava Kava may increase the effects of alcohol and other drugs.

History

The Kava plant was domesticated 3,000 years ago in the Pacific islands of Vanuatu.

Kava Kava Benefits

Kava Kava comes from the root of the Kava plant, a shrub that is prevalent in the Pacific Islands. The plant was domesticated nearly 3,000 years ago, and the roots are dried, ground into a powder and turned into a beverage.

Stress and Anxiety

Kava Kava is used to reduce stress and anxiety because it does not cause the same side effects as prescription drugs such as Valium.

Alcohol Substitue

Kava Kava is a popular alcohol substitute because it creates a relaxing sensation without leading to anger or violence the way alcohol commonly does.

Safety

According to Kava.com. there are no recorded incidents of anyone getting sick or hurt from injecting Kava, and in fact it is believed to reduce alcohol consumption.

Pain Relief

Kava Kava is also known to relief back pain, neck pain, tension headaches and even menstrual pain.

Warnings

Kava is not suggested for use in people who are pregnant, depressed or taking certain medications. While there has been no direct proof, according to www.cherylsherbs.com, some studies have loosely linked Kava to liver problems.

Natural Cures for a Menstrual Migraine

Menstrual migraines are often triggered by fluctuating hormone levels, typically occurring right before your period, when estrogen and progesterone levels fall. Women may notice a correlation between the arrival of their periods, and the formation of a migraine. Natural cures for migraines can include herbs, relaxation therapy and temperature therapy.

Temperature Treatments

Use various hot and cold compresses, and packs on the body and forehead to ease the pain and pressure of migraines. Apply a cooling pack immediately to the forehead if you begin experiencing a migraine. According to the book, "Alternative Remedies for Common Ailments", ice packs work by constricting the blood vessels in the head, which reduces swelling that accompanies migraines.

Place a hot pad or hot moistened towel on sensitive and tired muscles to soothe aches and pains that can accompany a migraine. This can also help with menstrual cramping.

Relaxation Techniques

Try to relax if you feel a migraine coming on. For most people, emotional factors contribute to migraine pain. Mitigate these by meditating, visualizing a relaxing scene, and deep breathing. Progressive muscle relaxation is a useful tool to relax the body and ease symptoms of migraine headaches. Yoga, meditation tapes and books all provide useful tools in dealing with migraines.

Ginger and Feverfew

According to "The Doctors Book of Herbal Remedies", feverfew is a good choice when it comes to relieving the pain of migraines. It can be used as a preventive measure by taking 125 mg. a day. Along with helping to prevent migraines from occurring, feverfew also helps with symptoms once the migraine has started. It helps reduce nausea, vomiting and the sensitivity to light. It also has a pronounced anti-inflammatory action similar to aspirin, working as a vasodilator.

Ginger is useful for managing the nausea that often occurs with migraines. Make a simple ginger tea by combining one teaspoon of chopped up ginger with one cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink to soothe your stomach.

While herbal and natural treatments can work well in treating menstrual migraines, if you are continually plagued with migraines during your menstrual period, consult your physician for more treatment options.