11 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

11 Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

                                   

Few things are more annoying than the itching and scratching that accompanies a fat, juicy mosquito bite. When a mosquito bites us, we itch due to the residual saliva left behind from the insect’s feasting on our blood! Fortunately, just as Mother Nature has honored us with the presence of these buzzing nuisances, she has provided us with some great natural remedies for treating mosquito bites when we do get bit.


Here are some of my favorite and most-effective natural ways for relieving and treating painful and itchy mosquito bites. I’ve been using these remedies for years, as the mosquitos can get really bad here in Texas. In fact, you may be surprised to find that most of these remedies are common things that you can easily find in your home.

1. Vinegar

When you first notice the itchy bite, try applying a small amount of vinegar directly to the bump. If you have many bites, you may want to take a very hot bath in a tub filled with water and 2 1/2 cups of vinegar. I would personally recommend using organic apple cider vinegar.

                                    

2. Aloe

Aloe vera is another excellent remedy for mosquito bites, as well as many other conditions. Not only will it help ease the itching and swelling from the bit, but it will also aid in healing the wound. You can use fresh gel directly from an aloe plant or organic aloe juice. They both work well at providing relief. 

3. A Dry Bar of Soap

Another remedy for mosquito bits is to rub a bar of dry soap directly on the bite. This will help provide temporary relief to the itching. Remember to wash it off throughly after the itch fades away. I personally use e3 live peppermint soap, and it works well. 

4. Baking Soda & Water

Another simple remedy for mosquito bites is to make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Then apply this paste generously to the affected area. You should feel the swelling and itching subside shortly afterwards. 

5. Onion

Other than making you produce tears, a fresh slice of onion can also help take the sting out of a bite. Simply place a fresh slice on the affected area for several minutes until the itching subsides. Be sure to wash the area thoroughly afterwards.

6. Toothpaste

For quick relief from mosquito bites, try applying a small amount of all-natural peppermint or neem-based toothpaste. Allow the paste to dry and leave for as long as desired. 

7. Raw Honey

Simply, take a small amount of honey and apply directly to the bite. Honey also has anti-microbial properties that can help prevent infection. I would personally recommend using local raw honey.

                             
8. Lime and/or Lemons

I usually apply a small amount of lime juice directly to the bites. Lemon juice also works well. I have also heard that rubbing the bite with the lemon or lime peel helps, but I usually prefer to use the juice. This also helps in keeping the wound from becoming infected from the grit and grime of fingernails. 

9. Essential oils
There are many essential oil that can help provide temporary relief for mosquito bites. My favorites are tea tree, rosemary, neem, lavender, witch hazel and cedar oil. Take a small amount and dilute it with water, then apply directly to the bite. 

10. Salt Paste

Take finely ground salt and mix with a small amount of water until you have a thick paste. Apply this salt paste directly to bite. I personally use Himalayan salt and find it works best, but iodized salt will also work. The important thing is to make sure it’s finely ground. 

11. Garlic

                                

Try rubbing a piece of raw garlic on the wound. It is possible that you will feel a small amount of mild burning, but you should feel some major relief afterwards. This is not one that I use with my children, and is wise for to use caution when using this natural remedy. The smell of garlic (and neem) will also help repel the mosquitoes from biting you more later.

Diabetes (symptoms, treatment)

During digestion most foods are converted into a sugar called glucose.  Glucose is a simple sugar that is the main fuel source for the body.  Once food has been converted into glucose, it moves into the bloodstream where it is circulated around the body.  It then passes into the body's cells to be used as energy. 

 

For glucose to pass from the bloodstream into the cells, insulin is required.  Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas - a large gland that sits behind the stomach.  Specialised cells in the pancreas, called beta cells, automatically produce the correct amounts of insulin to move the glucose into the cells. Insulin production rises and falls throughout the day in response to the body's needs.  However in people with diabetes, there is a problem with the production of insulin or with the body's ability to use the insulin.

 

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, which means a problem with the process by which food is digested and used as energy by the body.  It is a chronic (long-term) condition characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia).  If not treated it can cause long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, stroke, circulatory problems and damaged vision.

 

Signs and symptoms

 

The onset of symptoms in Type 1 diabetes is typically quite sudden and symptoms can be severe.  However the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes tend to manifest gradually, so much so that they may go unnoticed.

 

When hyperglycaemia occurs, the body tries to get rid of the excess glucose by excreting it in the urine.  This increases urine output and can lead to dehydration.  At the same time the body's cells are starved of the glucose energy they need. The combination of these factors produces the common symptoms of diabetes.  These may include:

 

• Weight loss
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Yeast infections
• Blurry vision
• Skin wounds or infections that are slow to heal
• Numbness and tingling in the feet.

Treatment

 

While diabetes cannot be cured, it can be controlled.  The aim of treatment is to maintain healthy blood glucose levels (ie: between 4.0 mmol/L and 8.0 mmol/L) and to prevent diabetic complications.  This will normally involve balancing lifestyle factors (eg: diet and exercise) and medications.

 

In order for a person to effectively control the diabetes, it is important that they are treated and monitored by a doctor.  Usually this is the person's GP, however other healthcare professionals will be included in a wider "diabetes management" team to assist with ongoing education, monitoring and treatment.  This team may include a diabetes specialist (endocrinologist), diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, foot care specialist (podiatrist) and an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).

 

Health promotion, early detection, knowledge of the condition and effective monitoring of blood glucose levels are also considered to be important.  Therefore, as part of the nation-wide management of diabetes all people in New Zealandwith the condition are entitled to a free diabetes check with their GP or practice nurse once a year.

 

Ashwagandha an awesome medicie in Ayurveda

Ashwagandha an awesome Ayurveda 

medicine

Uses & Benefits of Ashwagandha

• Ashwagandha is beneficial in stress related disorders, like arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general debility, etc.
• It works as a rasayan that helps in preventing early aging and rejuvenates the whole body.
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• The herb is considered as an adaptogen that stimulates the immune system and improves the memory.
• Ashwagandha increases the white blood cell count and prepares the body to produce antigens against different infections and allergies.
• Since it has excellent healing properties, it is greatly effective in healing wounds and injuries.
• Due to its good penetrating powers, the herb promotes calmness and mental satisfaction.
• Ashwagandha helps in increasing the number and quality of sperms.
• It revitalizes the body and decreases untimely fatigue that is caused due to weak body strength, which results from accumulation of negative energies in the body.
• Due to presence of vata-suppressant properties, ashwagandha relieves stress and helps in nurturing nervous system.
• It provides nourishment to the brain for better functioning and greater ability to work.
• Since the herb is a powerful aphrodisiac, it assists in enhancing sexual powers and promotes long-lasting endurance.
• Ashwagandha seeds are used to thicken milk in India.
• It helps in improving mental ability and mental concentration, gaining retaining power and increasing the production of bone marrow.
• The herb works as a powerful immune booster that helps in fighting any foreign invasion in the body.
• Since ashwagandha possesses the properties that suppress kapha, the plant gives good results in leucorrhoea.
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• It is used as a liver tonic and anti-inflammatory agent that treats asthma, ulcers, insomnia and senile dementia.
• Incorporation of the herb in the diet prevents or decreases the growth of tumors in humans.
• The use of ashwagandha is significant in anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation and Parkinson’s disease.

Caution

Do not take ashwagandha, if you are suffering from congestion.

In case you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use the herb, as the complications are unknown.

Cysts - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A cyst is a closed and sac like structure that contains gas, fluid, or semi-solid material and is not a regular part of the person's tissue where it is located.

Cysts are common and may occur anywhere on a person's body, at any age. Cysts can vary in size and might be detectable only underneath a microscope. Cysts may also grow large enough to displace a person's tisues and organs. The outer wall of a cyst is referred to as its, 'capsule.'

Pilanidal cysts occur at the base of a person's tailbone, or coccyx. A doctor may use the term, 'pilonidal disease,' in reference to a range of ussues that may affect this area of a person's body. In more simple cases, a small and solitary cyst-like area containing fluid can occur without evidence of an infection. At other times, the area might become infected and fill with pus, creating something called a, 'pilonidal abscess.' When the condition becomes severe the infection may spread and create multiple abscesses and sinus tracts. The term, 'cyst,' is commonly used in this instance and is actually a misnomer because true cysts present a characteristic cellular lining that is lacking in the majority of cases of pilonidal disease.

• There are hundreds of types of cysts
• Cysts can be located in all areas of the body
• Superficial cysts may be felt as an abnormal lump
• Cysts of internal organs may not be noticed and may or may not produce symptoms
• Cysts are common, closed saclike structures containing fluid, gas, or semisolid material
• The majority of cysts are benign, but certain cases can be associated with malignant tumors
• A number of different processes can result in cyst formation, including blockage of the flow of fluids, infection, trauma, tumors, congenital defects, and chronic inflammatory conditions

Types of Cysts

There are hundreds of types of cysts that can arise in a person's body. Some of the more well-known types of cysts include the folling:

• Epidermal cysts of the skin
• Baker cyst behind the knee
• Cysts within the thyroid gland
• Cysts of the glands within the eyelid
• Ovarian cysts, including dermoid cysts
• Ganglion cysts of the joints and tendons
• Sebaceous cysts of the small glands in the skin
• Pineal cysts, cysts within the pineal gland of the brain
• Tarlov cysts, also known as meningeal or perineural cysts
• Pancreatic cysts are collections of fluid within the pancreas
• Cysts in the breast which are part of benign proliferative disease
• Bartholin cysts, enlargement of small glands near the vaginal opening
• Pancreatic cysts are pseudocysts and do not contain specialized lining cells
• Polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition in which the kidneys contain multiple cysts

Most cysts are benign, although some can produce symptoms because of their size or location. On rare occasion, cysts may be associated with malignant tumors, or serious infections. A doctor can address any concerns you may hgave about a lump or swelling, possibly recommending tests to determine if a cyst is present and the cause. Additional types of cysts include:

Endometriomas: Endometriomas can develop in women who have endometriosis if the tissue from the lining of their uterus grows outside of their uterus. The tissue can attach to their ovary and potentially form a growth. The resulting cysts may be painful during sexual intercourse, as well as during menstruation.

Cystadenomas: Cystadenomas can develop from cells on the outer surface of a woman's ovary. The cysts are many times filled with a thick and sticky gel, or watery fluid. The cysts may become large, causing the woman pain.

Dermoid cysts: Dermatoid cysts in a woman's ovary have the ability to make teeth, hair and additional growing tissues that become a part of a forming ovarian cyst. The cysts may become large and cause the woman pain.

Polycystic ovaries: Polycystic ovaries happen when eggs mature within follicles, or sacs, yet the sac does not break and release the egg. The cycle then repeats, and follicles continue to grow inside the woman's ovary – cysts then form.

Causes of Cysts

Cysts can occur because of a number of processes in a person's body. These processes may include the following:

• Tumors
• Infections
• Genetic conditions
• Chronic inflammatory conditions
• Defects in developing organs in the embryo
• Wear and tear, or simple obstructions to the flow of fluid

The majority of cysts occur because of the types of conditions presented above. Cysts are only preventable to the extent the underlying cause is preventable.

Signs and Symptoms of a Cyst

At times a person may feel a cyst themselves when they feel an abnormal, 'lump.' For example, skin cysts, or tissues beneath a person's skin, are often noticeable. Cysts in a woman's mammary glands are also many times noticeable. Cysts of internal organs, such as the liver or kidney, might not present symptoms or be detectable by the person. These cysts are often first discovered through imaging studies such as ultrasound, X-rays, CAT scans, or MRI's. Cysts may or may not cause symptoms depending upon their size and location.

Small pilonidal cysts might not cause symptoms if they do not become infectyed. Symptoms and signs of a pilonidal cyst or abscess can include pain, swelling, redeness at the base of the person's spine, or a localized bump. Pilonidal abscesses usually cause pain and redness that is more noticeable; the person may also have a fever.

Medical experts believe that cysts occur because of trauma to the area resulting from ingrown hairs. Pilonidal cysts many time have hair when they are excised, although hair follicles haven't been demonstrated in them; something that suggests the hair might have been introduced from outside the cyst itself. Pilonidal disease was a common issue among military personnel during World War II, and was believed to be caused by mechanical trauma from riding in trucks, jeeps, and tanks.

Women with ovarian cysts may not experience any symptoms whatsoever. The cyst can cause the following:

• Weight gain
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Dull ache in the lower back and thighs
• Painful menstrual periods and abnormal bleeding
• Pressure, bloating, fullness, or pain in the abdomen
• Problems passing urine completely or urinary urgency

Diagnosing Cysts

The fact that ovarian cysts might not cause a woman to experience symptoms finds them many times being discovered during a pelvic examination. During the exam, a doctor might be able to feel the swelling of the cyst on the woman's ovary. Once the cyst has been discovered, an ultrasound is indicated to visualize the shape of the cyst, as well as its location and size, and whether or not it is solid, fluid-filled, or both. A pregancy test is also indicated. Hormone levels, such as follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and estradiol, might also be assessed.

In order to determine if a cyst may be cancerous, the person's CA-125 levels should be measured. The amount of the protein is higher if a woman has ovarian cancer. Some ovarian cancers; however, might not produce enough of the protein to be detectable through the test. Additionally, other noncancerous diseases such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis, may increase the levels of CA-125 in a person. Noncancerous causes of increased CA-125 are more common in women under the age of thirty-five, while ovarian cancer is very uncommon for women in this particular age group. Because of this, the CA-125 test is usually recommended for women over the age of thirty-five, who are at a higher risk for the disease, and have a cyst that is partially solid.

Treating Cysts

Treatment of a cyst is dependent upon the cause of the cyst, as well as its locatiopn. Cysts that are large and result in symptoms because of their size might be surgically removed. Sometimes the fluid within a cyst can be drained by inserting a catheter or needle into it and collapsing it. Radiologic imaging might be used for guidance in draining the cyst if it isn't readily accessible.

If a doctor suspect a cyst is cancerous, the cyst is commonly biopsied to rule out malignancy. The cyst is also commonly removed surgically. In some cases, aspirated fluid from a cyst is examined microscopically to determine of cancer cells are present. Should a cyst arise due to a chronic medical condition such as fibrocystic breast disease or polycystic ovary syndrome, treatment is aimed at the underlying condition.

Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Treatment

Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Treatment

Heat stroke is the 

most serious form of 

heat injury and is a 

medical emergency. If 

you suspect that 

someone has heat 

stroke -- also known 

as sunstroke -- you 

should call 911 

immediately and 

render first aid until 

paramedics arrive.

Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other 

internal organs. Although heat stroke mainly affects people 

over age 50, it also takes a toll on healthy young athletes.

Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-

related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope 

(fainting), and heat exhaustion. But it can strike even if you 

have no previous signs of heat injury.

Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high 

temperatures -- usually in combination with dehydration 

-- which leads to failure of the body's temperature control 

system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body 

temperature greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with 

complications involving the central nervous system that occur 

after exposure to high temperatures. Other common 

symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion,

 disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or 

coma.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• extremely high core temperature of up to 41°C (106°F)
• hot, red, dry skin
• rapid pulse
• rapid, shallow breathing
• headache
• confusion, strange behaviour
• possible loss of consciousness

Someone with heat stroke has stopped sweating, due to a failure in his or her heat control system.

High core temperatures damage the internal organs, especially the brain. The fluid loss can also produce dangerously low blood pressure. Most people who are killed by heat stroke die when their heart stops pumping effectively (circulatory failure). Even people who survive are likely to have permanent brain damage if their core temperature has been over 40.6°C (105°F) for more than an hour or two.

Treatment for  Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Learn to recognize the symptoms listed above and take the appropriate action. The heat stroke victim needs to see a doctor as soon as possible, but the first step is to get the core temperature under control.

If you suspect someone has heat stroke, begin treating them immediately while someone else calls 9-1-1. Everything must be done to cool the heat stroke victim immediately. The best solution is to remove them from the sun, immerse the body in cold water, such as a river, stream, or bathtub. Otherwise, remove most of their clothes, douse them with water, and fan them vigorously. Wrapping in wet sheets can help increase the rate of heat loss. If the person is conscious and alert, offer him or her water or other fluids. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks because they dehydrate you.

If the victim starts shivering, slow down the cooling treatment because shivering raises core temperature. Take the person's temperature every 10 minutes if you have a thermometer handy. You should not let the core temperature fall below 38°C (100°F), as this can result in an uncontrollable slide towards dangerously low temperatures (hypothermia). All the while you should be making arrangements to get the victim to an emergency room. Watch for signs of respiratory arrest (breathing failure) and be ready to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (rescue breathing).

The heat exhaustion victim should also be put in a cool place. Lay them down and give small gulps of liquid every few minutes. "Sports" drinks are best but water is often more readily available. You should watch carefully for signs of deterioration, but there's no need to rush to a hospital for a normal case of heat exhaustion.

The way to prevent these problems is to drink very large amounts of liquid during heat waves, especially if you're planning on working or exercising outdoors. If exercising, approximately 500 mL to 1.8 L of water should be consumed in the 3 hours before the activity with about 200 mL to 250 mL consumed every 20 minutes during the activity. Fluid loss continues after the activity is over, so it is important to continue to consume water for several hours after exercise. Some experts suggest continuing until urine is pale in colour.

You shouldn't take salt tablets unless you're also drinking a lot of water. When in very hot environments, drink every hour whether you feel like it or not, since thirst is a late indicator of dehydration. To prevent heat stroke:

• Avoid heavy outdoor activities in the summer during the hottest times of the day.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes - light colours reflect more sunlight.
• Try to relax in the shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Avoid coffee and alcohol, especially beer, due to their fluid loss effect.
• Learn the technique of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Chickenpox symptoms and Treatment.

Chickenpox symptoms and Treatment.

Chickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops extremely itchy blisters all over the body. It used to be one of the classic childhood diseases. However, it has become much less common since the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine.

Symptoms 

Most children with chickenpox have the following symptoms before the rash appears:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stomach ache

The chickenpox rash occurs about 10 to 21 days after coming into contact with someone who had the disease. The average child develops 250 to 500 small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters over red spots on the skin.

• The blisters are usually first seen on the face, middle of the body, or scalp
• After a day or two, the blisters become cloudy and then scab. Meanwhile, new blisters form in groups. They often appear in the mouth, in the vagina, and on the eyelids.
• Children with skin problems such as eczema may get thousands of blisters.

Most pox will not leave scars unless they become infected with bacteria from scratching.

Some children who have had the vaccine will still develop a mild case of chickenpox. They usually recover much more quickly and have only a few pox (less than 30). These cases are often harder to diagnose. However, these children can still spread chieckenpox to others.

Treatment

Treatment involves keeping the person as comfortable as possible. Here are things to try:

• Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy areas. Keep fingernails short to avoid damaging the skin from scratching.
• Wear cool, light, loose bedclothes. Avoid wearing rough clothing, particularly wool, over an itchy area.
• Take lukewarm baths using little soap and rinse thoroughly. Try a skin-soothing oatmeal or cornstarch bath.
• Apply a soothing moisturizer after bathing to soften and cool the skin.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat and humidity.
• Try over-the-counter oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), but be aware of possible side effects such as drowsiness.
• Try over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on itchy areas.

Medications that fight the chickenpox virus are available but not given to everyone. To work well, the medicine usually must be started within the first 24 hours of the rash.

• Antiviral medication is not usually prescribe to otherwise healthy children who do not have severe symptoms. Adults and teens, who are at risk for more severe symptoms, may benefit from antiviral medication if it is given early.
• Antiviral medication may be very important in those who have skin conditions (such as eczema or recent sunburn), lung conditions (such as asthma), or who have recently taken steroids.
• Some doctors also give antiviral medicines to people in the same household who also develop chickenpox, because they will usually develop more severe symptoms.

DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN to someone who may have chickenpox. Use of aspirin has been associated with a serious condition called Reyes syndrome. Ibuprofen has been associated with more severe secondary infections. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used.

A child with chickenpox should not return to school or play with other children until all chickenpox sores have crusted over or dried out. Adults should follow this same rule when considering when to return to work or be around others.

Jaundice Symptoms and Treatment

Jaundice Symptoms and Treatment

Jaundice

Someone with jaundice is 

likely to have a yellow look to 

their

skin and the whites of the 

eyes.

Many newborn babies 

develop jaundice, but the 

condition can 

affect people of all ages. This 

article looks at older children 

and adults.

Jaundice is caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the blood and 

body tissue. That build-up is often due to conditions affecting 

the liver, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis orgallstones.

If someone shows signs of jaundice, doctors will look to treat 

the condition that's causing it rather than jaundice itself.

If you have signs of jaundice, seek medical advice.

Symptoms of jaundice

As well as the classic yellow tinge to the skin and whites of 

the eyes, someone with jaundice may also have yellowing of 

mucous membranes in the mouth and nose.

Stools (faeces or poo) can be pale in colour and urine dark in 

colour.

Some underlying conditions, which lead to jaundice, may feel 

like flu, and may also result in fever, chills, stomach pain,

 itching or weight-loss or be without an explanation such as a 

diet.

Jaundice treatment

The treatment given to someone with jaundice will depend on what 

type they have, how serious it is and what caused it.

It may include tackling an underlying condition such as malaria 

and bothersome symptoms, such as itching.

For genetic conditions that don't get better, like sickle cell 

anaemia, a blood transfusion may be given to replenish red blood 

cells in the body.

If the bile duct system is blocked, an operation may be needed to

 unblock it. During these procedures measures may be taken to 

help prevent further problems, such as removal of the gallbladder.

If the liver is found to be seriously damaged, a transplant may be

 an option.