Menopause Natural Alternatives

Menopause is the end of fertility and the menstrual cycle. Women are thought to have reached menopause 12 months after their last period. Menopause is not a disease, but a natural process due to aging. There are both physical and emotional symptoms which affect every woman differently. During menopause a woman may have night sweats, hot flashes, sleep problems and mood changes. There are home remedies that have a history of working for menopausal women and relieving some or all of the symptoms.

Exercise More

The Mayo Clinic suggests regular exercise for relief of menopause symptoms. Exercise offers many benefits. It can help to reduce stress, which may trigger menopausal symptoms. Doing 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days can help with "cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other conditions associated with aging," reports the Mayo Clinic. Any type of physical activity is helpful. Yoga is also a good choice. The Mayo Clinic reports that early studies show that yoga can help relieve hot flashes in premenopausal women. Also try Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor (see Resources). According to the Mayo Clinic, these types of exercises can help with urinary incontinence, one of the symptoms experienced by some menopausal women.

Relax the Body

The best ways to alleviate sleep disorders are to exercise and reduce or eliminate caffeine. Learn deep breathing, meditation, guided visualization or progressive muscle relaxation exercises to relax the whole body before bedtime. Also don't exercise right before bed. There are books as well as audio- and videotapes that can help a woman to learn these relaxation techniques.

Improve Your Diet

Eat a balanced diet every day. To get healthier add a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet. This increases your chances of getting all the nutrients your body needs. Also eat plenty of fiber. The Mayo Clinic suggests 20 to 35 g of fiber each day. Drinking lots of fluids every day is also important. Avoid or reduce your intake of high fat foods, alcohol, junk food and caffeine.

VItamins and Minerals

The Mayo Clinic also suggests eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D for the treatment of menopause symptoms. If this is not possible, take supplements. "Aim for 1,200 to 1,500 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D a day," suggests the Mayo Clinic. Some women have had success with taking vitamin E supplements in relieving hot flashes. Take 400 IU per day.

Using Herbs

There are other supplements that have helped alleviate menopause symptoms. Black cohosh is often recommended as a good treatment for menopause. Flaxseed oil is also a popular remedy for menopausal women due to its omega-3 fatty acid and phytoestrogen content; phytoestrogens are natural compounds found in foods that act like estrogen in the body.

How to Make a Garlic paste: Natural remedy for yeast infection

Garlic has been used by ancient races to treat diseases because of its medicinal properties. Some races are so used to using garlic as a way to spice up their dishes and rarely do they encounter yeast infection problems. The only downside to habitually eating garlic is its pungent aroma. However, this can be remedied by eating it at least twice or thrice a week only, just to prevent the future return of yeast symptoms.

Instructions

1

First, peel the garlic. To make this easy, chop off the end parts of the garlic (the root part and the opposite end). Then whack it with a mortar just to squeeze the garlic and separate it from its peel. Now, you can start peeling the garlic easily.

2

After peeling the garlic, put them in the pestle and start to make a paste out of it. Though, it will not really become smooth and consistent but its juice will be utterly squeezed out, which is what we will be using and is important in treating vaginal infection. Once, the garlic is already mushy, you can transfer it to an air tight container for safe keeping because you won't be able to use it all up in one treatment.

3

Lastly, apply the garlic mush inside the vulva first, as deep as you can (try not to use the garlic parts that are still too big, but that depends on you. For me, I only use the liquid and mushy parts). Then, slowly twist your fingers around as id swabbing the entire vulva as you withdraw your fingers. Finally, you can also wipe the lips of your vagina with the paste.

4

If you want to prevent further recurrence of yeast infection, you can also incorporate garlic to your diet. Asians, always use garlic to sautee their meat, chicken and fish. Maybe you can also do this. If you don't want to smell garlic-y then don't use too much garlic like a clove of garlic in one cooking...

Manuka Honey Cures

Manuka honey, a type of honey derived from New Zealand's native Manuka plant, is an ancient treatment for infected wounds. Numerous scientific studies have been done regarding its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. New research suggests that preparations containing Manuka honey may be effective at controlling periodontal disease. The only condition that has been scientifically proven to be cured by the use of Manuka honey is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infections.

MRSA

Manuka honey is scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for MRSA infected wounds. The treatment of using Manuka honey has been extensively clinically studied and has been effective for complete eradication of the MRSA bacteria in every study found. One of the studies, done by the University of Wales College of Medicine, included an immunosuppressed patient with leg ulcers colonized with MRSA. A Manuka honey dressing fully eradicated MRSA from the ulcer. In addition, wound healing was increased.

Periodontal Disease

Current research indicates that Manuka honey as sweetner may reduce gingivitis and resulting periodontal disease. Although the study was done with a small group of volunteers, there was a highly significant statistical difference between the two groups tested. While currently not a cure for gingivitis and periodontal disease, future studies with varying concentrations may prove that using Manuka honey as a sweetener is beneficial as an adjunctive therapy to reduce periodontal disease.

Misconceptions

There are claims that Manuka honey is a cure for a large range of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. However, the only extensively studied use for Manuka honey as a true cure has been in relation to MRSA. When considering to use Manuka honey as a treatment or cure for any condition, be sure to look for actual facts to back up the information. New studies are reaching completion on a regular basis, so studies on related uses of Manuka honey may be available in the future. However, Manuka honey is not the only honey that has curative properties. Some types of honey contain enzymes that are more effective at controlling different pathogens than the enzymes in Manuka honey. When researching honey as a cure, be sure to pay attention to which type of honey was used in the study.

Warning

The information in this article is not intended to be medical advice. If you choose to use Manuka honey as a wound dressing or to treat bacterial or viral infections, you should continue to stay in touch with your doctor. While numerous studies have shown that Manuka honey can control bacterial infections, including MRSA, a physician should be consulted regarding the treatment chosen for any skin infection.

Potential

Many scientists agree that additional large-scale studies should be done regarding the therapeutic value of Manuka honey. However, the current scientific findings indicate that Manuka honey is an effective cure, control and/or adjunctive therapy for numerous bacterial, fungal and viral infections. In the future, with proper testing for potency, the use of Manuka honey will likely become more widespread as an antibiotic treatment to prevent and control infections with microbials that have become antibiotic resistant.

Guided Imagery Ideas

Guided imagery is a system of guided thought. Scripts based on visualizing a specific problem being solved or describing a relaxing environment are read aloud to the recipient of the treatment. The recipient enters into a relaxed meditative state and inwardly visualizes the scene being described.

Uses

This therapeutic treatment is used for a wide range of purposes from relieving general anxiety to aiding the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The meditative quality of guided imagery makes it a natural stress reducer. It is believed by many that visualizing the immune system in action boosts its effectiveness, making guided imagery a positive addition to healing regimens.

Products

Purchasing guided imagery sessions is an easy way to get started. People new to the practice may benefit from premade imagery recordings. This takes the guesswork out of the equation. Ask to hear recordings before buying them. The voices on recordings will vary in gender, pitch, and tone, and not every voice will be appealing. Guided Imagery Inc. currently offers sample recordings.

Techniques

Individuality is an advantage when creating guided imagery. Create imagery that fits personal values and lifestyle. Do not worry about "doing it right"---guided imagery is highly subjective. Create a scene that has personal meaning. When using guided imagery for relaxation, choose scenery that is appealing to you. Some people connect with water settings, while others will connect better with a forest setting or sky setting. Create imagery that is very specific to healing purposes. For instance, cancer patients often visualize blood cells attacking and defeating cancerous growths.

Write down imagery instructions and read them aloud, recording them to be played during sessions. Alternatively, have a friend read the instructions aloud. When writing a script for another to speak, be sure to indicate where each pause should occur and how long each pause should be.

Music

The use of music is a personal choice. Certain types of music can intensify the experience for some people. Popular genres for background music include Celtic, Native American, New Age, and Classical. Try nature sound compilations for imagery focusing on nature.

Benefits

Autonomy is important to mental well-being. Everyone has an inherent need to feel in control of his or her existence. Guided imagery provides a venue that gives individuals complete control over what happens next. Enjoy that control and the creative potential that goes with it. Even with guided imagery products that prepare the mental landscape for the listener, the individual mind will take control by adding its own touch to each component that makes up the scenery. The wonderful thing about guided imagery is that, with a little tweaking, it can be made relevant to any disease, stressor or disorder.

Bentonite Clay Poultice Recipe

Bentonite clay is a type of clay that's commonly used for detoxification because its electrical charge pulls toxins out of the body. Proponents use it to clean their skin and hair, and if eaten, the clay cleanses colons. One of the most common uses of the clay, found in most health-food stores, is as a poultice.

How Bentonite Clay Works

Bentonite clay is typically found in the Great Plains of the United States and is considered the best clay for detoxification because of its unique swelling properties. Once in contact with water, bentonite clay swells up like a sponge. The electric platelets in the clay draw out the toxins and bind them to the clay's porous surface. Because the clay is luring toxins to the skin's surface, your skin may look visibly worse before it begins to look better after several treatments.

Stings, Rashes, Bites

For bee stings and other common skin problems, use bentonite clay with distilled water. Mix the two together, using only enough water to form a thick paste, and slather it on the problem area. Let the clay dry for about 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.

Stronger Body Poultice

For a more powerful poultice, you'll need the clay and apple cider vinegar. Mix equal parts of bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar until it forms a creamy paste, then slather it on the problem area. Let the clay set on the body for about 45 minutes, then rinse off to pull out any toxins. Be sure not to use any metal objects such as bowls or silverware when mixing this recipe, because the clay can react badly with metal.

To use bentonite clay as a poultice for the entire body, stir a pound of clay with a pint of apple cider vinegar. This time, make sure to add some water to thin out and dilute the mixture slightly so that the higher quantities of clay and vinegar do not aggravate the skin. Apply a thin layer of the mixture to your body. Leave it on for only about 20 minutes, then rinse off. This recipe offers enough clay mixture for two people.

If the clay and vinegar mixture is too drying for your skin, particularly if you're using it to treat acne, follow the treatment with a moisturizer.

Clay Bath

Pouring bentonite clay into your bathwater can offer the same detoxifying effects as a poultice. The Family Hope Center, which aids children with special needs, recommends pouring two cups of clay into your bathwater twice a week for five weeks to get the same results that you would get from a poultice.

Gallbladder Home Remedy

Excessive sugar intake, fatty foods, recurring constipation and intestinal problems can lead to gall bladder problems. Symptoms include nausea, fever and abdominal aches. While there are many drugs and procedures that help in the treatment of gall bladder problems, there are quite a few home remedies that are quite effective as well.

Beets and Pears

One of the most vital home remedies for gall bladder problems involves beets. Grind two medium-sized beets and strain the juice. Mix with 100 milliliters each of carrot and cucumber juices and drink it once before breakfast and another time again before dinnertime. This addresses all gall bladder complaints and provides relief. Gall stones also are effectively rectified with pear juice. Take a whole pear or juice of one fruit at least once a day for relief from your problems.

Chicory and Dandelion

You can mix the seeds, roots and flowers of the chicory plant with about 60 milliliters of water for relief from gall bladder problems. This plant has substances that promote bile secretion and is a potent ingredient for natural gall bladder treatment. You could also take 125 milliliters each of the juices of dandelion and watercress two times every day. While you are being treated with this juice combination, eat only vegetarian foods and cut down your starch and sugar intake to regularize your faulty gall bladder.

Other Natural Remedies

A tea made with a handful of anise seeds in a quart of water and plenty of turmeric will help cure your gall bladder stones and bring the organ and its functions back to normal. If you are in the first stage of any gall bladder ailment, you could also go on a fast for about three days, followed by three more days of consuming only fruit and vegetable juices. Oils like sunflower and olive, in the natural form, form potent gall bladder natural cures, too. Have 30 milliliters of either of these oils before breakfast every morning, followed immediately with 120 milliliters of juice of the grapefruit or lemon. If you perform this routine for a couple of months, you will get relief from gall bladder problems.

Dietary Remedies

Have lots of juices of fruits and vegetables like carrots, beets, grapes, limes and pears. After the first few initial days, a well balanced nutritive diet is crucial. Consume as much as you can of fresh and raw greens, seeds and fruits. Make certain to include cheese, olive oil and yogurt in your daily meal plan to help you recover better from gall bladder problems. Avoid meats, eggs, refined foods and spicy dishes.

Homemade Tips for Skin Whitening

Skin whitening is a way to reduce or eliminate scars, age spots, port wine stains, freckles and other skin discolorations. In reality, the skin is not whitened. Skin-whitening products bleach the hyper-pigmented areas of skin to achieve a more even complexion. Skin-whitening products go by other names, such as fade creams, bleaching creams or skin lighteners. But they all perform essentially the same function. The main difference is the ingredients. Some are natural and others are manufactured chemicals. The safest and least expensive products are made from natural ingredients.

Use Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has been a folk remedy for treating age spots and freckles for a long time. This homemade skin whitener is safe and natural. The citric acid in lemons act as a mild acid that exfoliates or removes the epidermis or top skin layer. By removing the dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt, the lemon juice can better penetrate the skin and fade the discolored areas. The skin renews itself faster after the surface of the epidermis is removed. When the new skin reaches the surface, it is less discolored. Squeeze a fresh lemon or buy a bottle of the juice. Apply the lemon juice to the hyper-pigmented areas with a cotton ball. You can apply lemon juice a few times a day. Results will be seen within a few weeks.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a popular bleaching substance. Many hair coloring kits and teeth-whitening products have hydrogen peroxide as one of the main ingredients. Hydrogen peroxide has many uses (such as a disinfectant) so many homes already have a bottle of peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide sold in drug stores is in a dark-colored bottle because sunlight and artificial light lessens its potency. Use a cotton ball to apply a small amount of the peroxide to the areas you want to lighten in color. As with lemon juice, you can apply hydrogen peroxide a few times a day.

Use Buttermilk

Buttermilk is also recommended to fade discolored areas and lighten skin. The lactic acid in buttermilk works in a way similar to citric acid. The lactic acid exfoliates the epidermis and helps to fade the age spots or scars. Buttermilk can be applied to the skin and used as a facial. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm mater. You can have a buttermilk facial a few times a week.