How to Use Sesame Oil for Skin Lightening

What is sesame oil?

Sesame oil is widely recognized as the edible oil that is originated from sesame seeds. It is not only used as oil but also it is used as a flavor enhancer in many cuisines, which has a very nutty aroma and wonderful taste. This sesame oil is popular in Asian cooking varieties. The dishes are also made using sesame seeds in different ways.

Mostly Chinese, Indian, Japanese, middle east, south Indian cuisines use sesame seeds in dishes in different ways. Sesame oil is of two types where light sesame oil is used as cooking oil and toasted sesame oil is used for flavoring in sauces and soups.

Sesame oil has a flavor that is neutral and blends with all types of dishes easily. It adds better taste and good aroma to the dish in which sesame oil is used.

This oil also has several health benefits on consuming but at the same time it is also a common allergen, where many people are allergic to sesame seeds the same happens with oil too. Though seeds are present in oil it affects the person who is allergic to sesame seeds.

Not only for cooking the sesame oil is also used for many beauty reasons. It helps in skin lightening upon daily application on the face. If you are looking for some instant brightening skin try using sesame oil.

Sesame oil benefits for the face:

Let us know some of the benefits of using sesame oil on skin:

Sesame oil has many original properties that help to make it a most beneficial oil which can be used on the skin.

Sesame oil is packed full of antioxidants which means that the oil has the ability to fight the damage that is caused by free radicals which can cause harm to the skin.

It is antimicrobial means that it has the power of killing microorganisms and in some cases, oil can stop the growth of microorganisms.

This oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and swelling.

Sesame oil upon using on your face won’t clog any pores and it was determined in a research conducted in 1989. Oil is a good option for all skin types. Having said that the oil does not clog pores so it can even work well on acne-prone skin too.

Not only the above-given data but there are several things to be noted about the usage of sesame oil.

The application of sesame oil can reduce oxidative stress, which can cause cell damage if ignored. This oil is also helpful in healing second-degree burn wounds. If a person is suffering from limb trauma apply sesame oil and massage it sometimes which gives instant relief in case of emergency.

Nutrients present in sesame oil:

Sesame oil contains vitamin E, as this vitamin helps in protecting skin cells from damage that is caused by environmental factors such as pollution and toxins present in the air while we go out.

This oil contains essential fatty acids that are effective moisturizers that can help in keeping your skin supple, soft, and hydrated.

sesame seeds oil for skin lightening

Many people may think that edible is safe for use on the skin. Here we say that using sesame oil on the skin is safe for most people. As we may not know what substance can cause a reaction on the skin. So, a patch is recommended before you use it directly on the skin.

Several steps included in doing a patch test:

  • Wash and pat dry part of the inner arm which is near the elbow.
  • Take a small amount of sesame oil and apply to the dried area with the use of a cotton ball.
  • Try covering it with a gauze pad for 24 hours.
  • If you feel any irritation, tingling, or itching sensation at the applied part remove the pad and it is not safe for you to use the oil further.
  • If you don’t notice any sensation it is safe for you to use the oil.
  • Leave it on for 24 hours and then clean after the desired time.
  • The skin looks clearer, this is the sign that you can use oil-free and your skin is not allergic or not sensitive to your skin.

These are the steps that are needed to follow while you go for a sesame oil patch test.

When in doubt about what to use on your face for glowing skin. No doubt, go with sesame oil which helps in rejuvenating your skin.

Sesame oil also has some health benefits which help to protect us from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and arthritis as such. Not only this oil is used for cooking it can also be used for skin and hair and many people have been using this oil for skin and hair for more than thousands of years now.

Sesame oil for skin brightening:

The sesame plant is often referred to as the Queen of oilseeds for its wide range of benefits that will help you to deal with all kinds of skin issues and makes you achieve the perfect skin which is naturally radiant.

Here are some of the tips on how sesame oil will give you flawless and glowing skin.

This oil helps in cleansing and exfoliating the skin clear by removing all the dirt and dead cells present on the face.

Having said that the sesame oil is very sure in that it won’t clog pores on your skin rather it keeps the pores clear by removing all the dirt present in it.

It is naturally rich in fatty acids and some fat-soluble vitamins, which can be a great alternative for your moisturizer keeping the skin plump, hydrated, and healthy glowing.

This oil is absorbed into the skin very easily, nourishes the skin from deep layers thus leaving it a silky smooth appearance.

All the antioxidants combinedly helps in fighting the damage that is caused on skin due to external factors. This oil is very essential in keeping your signs of aging at bay making the skin to rejuvenate the skin faster than ever. It helps in getting rid of wrinkles and fine lines on face.

Sesame oil comes with extraordinary skills that can heal dryness, infections, rashes, swelling, and reduces inflammation. This oil is suitable for all types of skins and the oil can be used as a cleanser, moisturizer, sun protector, anti-aging agent, and an acne fighter.

Oil can be used in many different ways. Try with the best combinations using the oil that helps your skin in healing.

many people may not prefer using oil directly on the skin or face then you can mix the oil with other items that you are comfortable with and apply it and leave it on the skin overnight.

At night the skin is free of dust and pollution which is the best time to heal the skin and make it feel alive. If you are not comfortable using the oil on your face at night use it when you are free from duties.

This is how the sesame oil comes with the great benefits of helping in skin and hair issues. After all, everyone cares about their beauty when it comes to a matter of looks. Try out each and every possibility to make your skin look beautiful.

Wishing you glowing skin and happiness for a lifetime.

Stay safe!! Stay healthy!!

Home Remedies: How to Reduce Sugar Level

A frequent rise in your blood sugar level is not good for your health at all. It can affect different body parts and components, including blood vessels, nerves, blood, and various organs. If left uncontrolled, high blood sugar may lead to some severe health conditions.

Different medications and synthetic insulin are used for regulating high blood-sugar levels. But there are some easy ways to regulate minutely high blood sugar with some natural treatments. These home remedies for hyperglycaemia are effective as well as safe and are suitable for diabetic and non-diabetic people of any age. In this guide, we will try to learn how to lower high blood sugar at home.

Also, we will discuss some essential aspects of high blood sugar; it’s causes, different blood-sugar levels chart and a lot more. Let’s find out what is high blood sugar first.

What is high blood sugar?

Also known as “hyperglycaemia”, high blood pressure is the most prominent characteristic of all types of diabetes. An average blood sugar level depends on various factors including age, sex, and lifestyle etc. The blood sugar level is raised when your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin, or your body’s cells have somehow become resistant to insulin.

When your body’s blood sugar level is more than 130 mg/dL before a meal or more than 180 mg/dL after the first bite of your meal, however, most of the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure remain dormant until the blood-sugar level is more than 250 mg/dl. But a few symptoms are known to have a rapid onset.

Hyperglycaemia can be both acute or chronic. Acute hyperglycaemia affects your body briefly and is usually due to meals highly rich in carbohydrates, stress, a missed dose of medicine, medicinal reaction, or other illness etc.

Chronic hyperglycaemia is a condition characterized by long-term elevated blood glucose. It is usually a result of ignored or untreated diabetes or due to improper diabetes treatment regimen. Chronic one is undoubtedly more dangerous and can be life-threatening at times as well. A long-term increased blood-sugar level can have a toxic effect on your tissues and may lead to a plethora of other complications.

What are the causes of high blood sugar?

Underlining a single cause for high blood sugar is a bit tough. However, there are various risk factors associated with diabetes, including:

  • Excessive eating, especially too much snacking between meals
  • Prolonged illness or infection
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Prolonged mental stress
  • Overtreatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
  • Excessive intake of medicines like steroids

What causes blood sugar to rise in non-diabetics?

Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia is a condition in which your blood sugar level increases even if you don’t have diabetes. A major or prolonged illness is usually the most common cause of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia. Here are the conditions that are typically associated with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia:

  • Medical condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or Cushing syndrome
  • Infections like urinary tract infection or pneumonia
  • Trauma such as severe injury or burn
  • Nutrition through IV or feeding tube
  • Prolonged lack of physical activities
  • A family history of gestational diabetes
  • Overdose of certain medications like diuretics or steroids

What causes blood sugar to rise without eating?

Sometimes, your blood sugar level may elevate even without eating! Yes, some astounding factors can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar level

  • Artificial sweeteners – Some studies suggest that overuse of artificial sweeteners can also cause a hike in blood sugar levels.
  • Coffee – People who are sensitive to coffee can have an elevated blood-sugar level even without adding sugar to it.
  • Sunburn – The pain due to sunburn causes stress, which is a common causative factor for an increased blood sugar
  • Loss of Sleep – Insufficient sleep of even one night can be responsible for stress and hence, non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.
  • Skipping Breakfast – Leaving breakfast can also cause increased blood sugar, especially after lunch and dinner.
  • Dawn Phenomenon – Having a surge of hormones in the morning irrespective of being diabetic or not is also seen as a causative factor for higher blood sugar in both diabetics and non-diabetics.
  • Nasal Spray – Some nasal sprays contain chemicals that may trigger your liver to cause a surge in blood sugar levels.
  • Dehydration – Reduced water intake is also associated with a higher concentration of sugar in the blood.
  • Gum Disease – One of the common complications responsible for a hike in blood glucose in both diabetics and non-diabetics.

We recommend you to watch out for these factors if you are having a surge in blood-sugar level even after having a balanced diet and avoiding overeating. These factors elevate blood-sugar levels, usually for a limited period, and you should not be worried much. However, a constant or frequent surge should not be taken lightly, and you should see a licensed medical practitioner.

Can stress cause high blood sugar levels in non-diabetics?

Yes, work stress, emotional stress, very scary movies, a trauma, or a sudden lousy news etc. all can force your liver to release already stored glucose to ensure a better response to these triggers.

On the other hand, sometimes, stress disrupts the release of insulin from the pancreas and causes a pile-up of glucose in your blood. If you have long-term mental stress, the build-up of glucose will only increase. Stress-induced hyperglycaemia in non-diabetics is usually harmless and can be managed very effectively with physical exercises, meditation, counselling etc.

What level of blood sugar is dangerous?

You should start taking a lot of precautions and proper treatment if your blood sugar level is more than 150 mg/dL while fasting and 200 mg/dL after a meal. You may start developing symptoms once the blood-sugar level is more than 300 mg/dl. You may have one or more symptoms, including:

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Excessive thirst
  • Excessive urination
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Tiredness throughout the day

Blood-sugar level of anything more than 400 mg/dl can be dangerous, and very high blood sugar, i.e. 600 mg/dl or higher can cause coma and even death.

High blood sugar levels chart?

A blood-glucose chart is convenient to identify ideal and healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day, including fasting and after meals. While checking for blood-sugar, you should also keep in mind the low blood sugar. It is not very common but can be very harmful to your health, even life-threatening at times. Here is a blood-sugar chart along-with recommendation.

Fasting blood sugar level Risk-level and suggested action
50 mg/dl or under Dangerously low: Immediate medical attention is very important
70 – 90 mg/dl Usually very low: Consuming sugar while having symptoms. If not improved, get medical attention
90 – 120 mg/dl Normal range
120-160 mg/dl Medium: Lifestyle changes under the guidance of a doctor is usually enough to manage
160-240 mg/dl Too high: Immediate actions are required to control and reduce bloodsugar levels
240-300 mg/dl Much too high: Can be a sign of improper glucose management, seeing a doctor is strongly recommended
300 mg/dl or high Very high: Immediate medical attention is advised
600 mg/dl or high Too high, the patient may go to coma. Can be life-threatening also.

Blood sugar levels chart by age

Average blood sugar level varies according to different factors; age being the most common one. Here is a chart for your reference, so that you can understand the optimum blood sugar level for other age groups

Kids Under 6

  • Fasting – 80 to 180 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 100 to 180 mg/dl
  • After a meal (1-1 ½ hour) – about 180 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 110 – 200 mg/dl

Age 6-12

  • Fasting – 80 to 180 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 90 to 180 mg/dl
  • Before exercise – At least 150 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 100 to 180 mg/dl

Age 13-19

  • Fasting – 70 to 150 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 90 to 130 mg/dl
  • Before exercise – At least 150 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 90 to 150 mg/dl

Age 20+

  • Fasting – Less than 100 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 70 to 130 mg/dl
  • After a meal (1-2 hours) – Less than 180 mg/dl
  • Before exercise – *If taking insulin – 100 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 100 to 140 mg/dl

What to do when blood sugar is high? – Self-management of hyperglycaemia

If you are noticing early signs of high blood sugar, you should test your blood sugar with the help of your doctor. If the level is not very high, here are a few effective ways to control it.

  • Drink a lot of water: Water can be helpful to remove extra sugar from the blood through urine, and also aids you to avoid dehydration.
  • Change your diet and eating habits: “Don’t eat anything”. Avoid sugary or starchy foods from your diet. Reduce or stop sugar intake, especially that of refined sugar. Also, make some adjustments to the timing of your meals. Avoid eating late at night, so that your body can get enough time to digest and process the foods.
  • Exercise, a lot more, but with caution: Exercises and workouts can also help you to reduce high blood pressure. But specific activities are also known for causing a spike. So, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise. If you have diabetes and the blood sugar level is high, you should check for ketones in your urine. Don’t exercise if you find ketones.

How to reduce sugar level? – Home Remedies

Yes, treatment, particularly insulin intake, is necessary to keep your blood sugar level intact. But you can also try some home remedies to reduce high blood sugar, especially if it is just above the normal range.

  • Control Your Carb Intake:

Your body breaks carbohydrate down into healthy sugars, and then insulin helps sugars to move into the cells. When your body gets too much carb, the insulin factor is unable to function correctly, and the blood glucose level is raised unhealthily.

Hence, you should control your carb intake by having a track of what you are eating. These days, tracking your meals is very easy, thanks to some very innovative mobile applications, smartwatches, and gadgets. Lean meats, fishes, eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds etc. are some healthy, low-carb foods you can add to your diet.

  • Increase Fibre Intake:

Fibres are known for slowing down the digestion of carbs and absorption of sugar. So, increasing your fibre intake can help to keep your blood sugar level in check. Your body requires both soluble and insoluble fibres; soluble fibre is particularly effective to lower blood sugar levels. Some excellent sources of fibre are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes etc.

  • Manage Your Stress

At times, stress management alone can have surprising effects, especially if fluctuated hormones are causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Exercises, mindfulness, meditation, consulting a psychiatrist, talking to your family and friend etc. can help you to overcome stress.

  • Get proper, quality sleep

Insomnia, stress, hypertension, raised blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure, lethargies, irritability, obesity etc. all are very much linked with each other. At least one of them accompany further complication. And if you are struggling with insomnia, there are very high chances that you have mental stress. And finding out the exact cause, and managing it properly can help you to work your sleep cycle properly.

Practising mindfulness, bringing discipline to your life, and enjoying some time with family and friends etc. all can help you to feel relaxed while going to bed. And once you start getting proper, quality sleep, you will start getting rid of a lot of problems, including hyperglycaemia.

  • Lose Some Weight

If you are overweight or obese (See the difference), you should stop feeling very relaxed, because you are moving towards disaster. Obesity is very harmful to your body in a lot of ways and can be one of the major causes of high blood sugar.Hence, controlling your body weight can also be very useful to reduce blood sugar levels, and again, reduce your risk of getting diabetes.

Losing weight is not as straightforward as a lot of people think. However, if you are determined enough, you can shed a few kilos with a combination of a healthy diet, exercises, and workout etc.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to high blood sugar level, people assume straightaway that they have diabetes. However, that’s not the case. You may get a spike in your blood sugar levels even if you are non-diabatic. And managing acute hyperglycaemia is usually not very challenging. Hopefully, we were successful in trying to help you with different aspects of high blood sugar. It has become a pervasive health problem, and we recommend you to meet your doctor as soon as you get even a few symptoms.

References:

https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/high-blood-sugar/#:~:text=Blood%20glucose%20is%20commonly%20considered,higher%20than%20250%20mg%2Fdl.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-sugar-hyperglycaemia/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/15-ways-to-lower-blood-sugar#TOC_TITLE_HDR_16

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/diabetes-hyperglycemia

https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/high-blood-sugar/#:~:text=Blood%20glucose%20is%20commonly%20considered,higher%20than%20250%20mg%2Fdl.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451#:~:text=A%20blood%20sugar%20level%20less,mmol%2FL)%20indicates%20prediabetes.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-sugar-hyperglycaemia/

https://www.drugs.com/cg/nondiabetic-hyperglycemia.html

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/blood-sugar.html#:~:text=Some%20people’s%20blood%20sugar%20is,after%20both%20lunch%20and%20dinner.

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/qa/can-stress-cause-high-blood-sugar-levels

https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_health/aha_high_blood_sugar/#:~:text=Very%20high%20blood%20sugar%E2%80%94that,at%20your%20healthcare%20provider’s%20office.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317536#interpreting-the-results

https://www.srlworld.com/blog/blood-sugar-levels-normal-high-low-ranges/

Throat Cancer: Early Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Prognosis

What is throat cancer? What are the symptoms? How can you detect throat cancer with some early signs? What are the different causes? Is there any way to prevent throat cancer? Stage 4 throat cancer: how long to live?

There are so many different questions that can strike your mind when you hear about throat cancer. There are various types of throat cancer, and each of them is named according to the affected part of the throat. You may have cancer of the larynx (part of the throat containing voice box), the hypopharynx, the oropharynx, or the nasopharynx.

Fortunately, throat cancer is among rare types of cancer. If you fear developing throat cancer, or you have suddenly started to think about it due to certain complications. Here’s everything you should know about throat cancer before finally concluding.

How Common is Throat Cancer?

According to the National Cancer institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), roughly 13,000 people had laryngeal cancer in 2018. Fifty-one thousand five hundred forty people will be suffering from the pharynx and oral cavity cancers by the end of 2020. There is a 78 percent survival rate of a throat cancer patient after diagnosis. Around half of all laryngeal cancer cases are diagnosed before spreading to other body parts.

How is Throat Cancer Staged?

The staging system for throat cancer plays a vital role in deciding how good or bad the prognosis is. The stage is determined according to the TNM staging system in which T refers to the primary tumor, N refers to the spread of cancer to lymph nodes, and M is for the spreading phase of the tumor.

There are five different throat cancer stages from stage 0 (probable progression of abnormal cells to cancerous ones) to stage 4 (spread of cancer is confirmed). The approach to treatment is decided according to the stage of throat cancer. Here is a brief discussion of different stages.

  • Stage 0: Also known as “carcinoma in situ,” reflects the beginning of the scale. It is characterized by the abnormal cell in the throat lining that can become cancerous.
  • Stage 1: The very early stage of throat cancer. The tumor size is not more than two centimeters, and the lymph nodes are not affected.
  • Stage 2:The tumor is more than 2 centimeters in size but less than four centimeters. Lymph nodes are not affected yet.
  • Stage 3 throat cancer: how long to live? The tumor is usually larger than four centimeters or has affected the lymph nodes of the compromised side. When it comes to the survival rate, almost 60 percent of affected people survive five years or more after the diagnosis.
  • Stage 4 throat cancer how long to live? It is called the “final stage” or “the most advanced stage” Irrespective of the size of the tumor, it may be spread to nearby tissue including the neck, thyroid, trachea, jaw, esophagus, mouth, or other nearby locations.
  • One large lymph node on the same affected side of the throat, multiple lymph nodes of different sizes on the same affected side, or a single lymph node irrelevant to size on the opposite side of the affected part.
  • In very severe cases, even distant body parts like lungs are affected.

When it is about survival, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the five-year survival rate after the diagnosis of the fourth stage of throat cancer is only 39.1 percent.

Possible Causes of Throat Cancer

The exact cause of throat cancer is still not clear; the cancerous cells developing thanks to the genetic mutations keep growing uncontrollably, and they start forming multiple tumors that may even spread to other body parts.

Some of the factors that can start genetic mutations in the cell are cigarette smoking (particularly chain-smoking), alcohol, exposure to toxic substances like asbestos, infection due to the human papillomavirus (HPV), etc.

throat cancer symptoms

Risk Factors Associated with Throat Cancer

Risk factors associated with throat cancer are usually related to lifestyle. For example, smoking, tobacco chewing, betel nuts chewing, deplorable dental hygiene, etc. can increase throat cancer risk. Chain-smoking for years is considered the leading cause of throat cancer.

Symptoms of Throat Cancer

The symptoms of throat cancer may vary from person to person. And the worst thing is, nonspecific symptoms are usually the most common ones. Not every patient will develop similar symptoms. But some symptoms are present in almost every patient with throat cancer. They are:

  • Hoarseness of the voice
  • Chronic sore throat
  • Chronic cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Constant pain in or around the throat
  • Constant production of phlegm
  • Uncomfortable and painful movement of the tongue
  • Painful opening of the mouth, especially in patients habitual of tobacco chewing
  • Nosebleeds and throbbing headaches

Early Signs of Throat Cancer

The prognosis and treatment may get better if throat cancer is identified at the early stages. These early signs also vary from person to person. However, like apparent symptoms, there are some common early signs too.

  • Persistent soreness of throat: One of the most common as well as classic symptoms of throat cancer.
  • Difficulty Swallowing: Some people with possible throat cancer development may experience a pain or burning sensation mainly while swallowing. Sometimes, the sufferer may feel the food is stuck in the throat.
  • Sudden voice changes: A quieter and huskier sound is another early sign of throat cancer. You may find it difficult while pronouncing certain words or may develop a slurred speech.
  • A lump on the neck: This is usually due to a swollen lymph node. A lump, possibly on the affected side, is also considered an early sign of throat cancer.

How to check for throat cancer at home?

Although it’s not the best idea, there are a few steps you can follow to check for throat cancer. Let’s look at a self-exam for the cancer of the head, neck, or throat (applies on all three).

Also Read: Oral Thrush – All You Need to Know

Both prevention and diagnosis require proper and regular oral pathology exams. But it’s also good to perform a self-exam from time to time to rule out any possible cancerous development. Here are the steps you can follow for the self-assessment.

Step 1: Know what you are checking: Signs of throat cancer may include

  • A sudden change in skin color in a particular area
  • A change in the texture of the skin
  • Lumps around throat or neck (mostly if it wasn’t there before)
  • Lesions

Step 2: Hold a bright light such as a torch or flashlight and look in a mirror and check for the following:

  • Cheek walls
  • Back of throat
  • Tongue
  • Lips
  • Top and bottom of the mouth

Now, let’s discuss how to check throat cancer at home

Step 1: Place your hands on the back of both sides of the jaw right under your ears. Open and close your jaws repeatedly while feeling for any bumps.

Step 2:Bring your hands down the neck without removing them.

Step 3: Rotate your head to the right side and feel for the left-side neck muscles. Now, rotate to the left side and feel for the right-side neck muscles.

Step 4: Try grabbing and swallowing your gullet.

Step 5: Bring your chin downwards, place your palms away from your face, and use fingers to feel the underside of the jaw.

That’s how you can check for superficial signs and symptoms of throat cancer. Proper physical examination with laboratory investigation is critical for an accurate diagnosis. So, you should not conclude without consulting an experienced physician.

Is there any home remedy for throat cancer?

No, there is no home remedy or cure for throat cancer. You should not consider them as first-line treatment. However, a few home remedies are useful to improve some of the symptoms of throat cancer.

  • Dietary supplements like vitamins and foods rich in vitamin C and folate
  • Herbs like garlic and green tea
  • Acupuncture
  • Hydrotherapy like cold and/or hot compressors
  • Physical therapy
  • Lifestyle adjustments like exercises, change in diet, and avoidance of alcohol and smoking, etc.

NOTE: Don’t use any of these remedies without talking to your doctor

How is Throat Cancer Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals take the proper and complete history of the patients for the correct diagnosis of throat cancer. The doctor will ask you a few critical questions related to signs, symptoms, and complications to conclude. Your doctor will only diagnose after finding various information. After a detailed physical examination, your doctor may suggest additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Imaging tests like CT, MRI, PET scan, etc. are usually considered

Other tests like chest X-rays, barium swallowing, laryngoscopy, etc. are useful for cancerous cells’ correct location.

Biopsy of the tumor, endoscopic biopsy, and fine-needle aspiration of the tumor are definitive diagnosis methods.

How is Throat Cancer Treated?

Treatment of throat cancer mainly depends on cancer, the seriousness of symptoms, and the extent of affected cells. The treatment is usually tailored for different patients to ensure the best chances of a successful outcome. Treatment focuses on preserving the patient’s ability to speak, eat, and lead an everyday life. Doctors follow one or more treatment techniques, including radiation therapy, surgery, proton therapy, targeted therapies, and other clinical trials. Here is a brief discussion on the significant components of the treatment of throat cancer.

  • Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs are administered to kill cancerous cells after radiation or surgical treatment. Chemotherapy, like cetuximab (Erbitux), is usually used with various suitable combinations.
  • Surgery: Different types of surgical procedures, including transoral laser microsurgery, minimally invasive, laser, robotic, tumor excision surgery, etc. are performed to improve speech and swallowing.
  • Radiation Therapy: Radioactive beads are placed close to the tumor. 3-D radiation beam therapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy are tailored according to the tumor’s size and shape. Often, radiation is also considered as a first-line treatment of throat cancer.
  • Targeted Therapies: Several drugs are inferred with proteins and/or other cell receptors on cancerous cells.
  • Proton Therapy: Radiation is used with pencil beam technology targeting the cancerous cells and preserving nearby healthy tissues.
  • Cancer Clinical Trials: Experimental drugs or other suitable methods are used to enhance the chances of improving clinical symptoms of throat cancer.

Prevention of Throat Cancer – Is it Possible?

Although general screening of throat cancer is still not available, individuals at high risks should regularly consult their doctors if signs and symptoms are noticed. Individuals who smoke or drink periodically or those exposed to asbestos, HPV, sulfuric acid fumes, nickel, etc. are usually at high risk of developing throat cancer. Avoiding such situations can reduce the risk, but the prevention is not guaranteed at all. However, the HPV vaccine is one of the most effective preventive measures to minimize throat cancer chances, especially in young males and females.

What Kind of Specialists Treat Throat Cancer?

Most hospitals and cancer institutes go with the team approach to each patient affected with throat cancer. Usually, depending on the extent of cancer, a team of specialists for treating throat cancer may include:

  • Oncologists
  • Plastic Surgeons
  • Radiation Oncologists
  • Dentists
  • Swallowing Experts
  • Speech Pathologists
  • Dietitians
  • Therapists

The involvement of multiple doctors and specialists is the best way of treating and improving the survival rate. These specialists are also very good at identifying local support groups that can encourage patients and family members to deal positively with cancer and follow a healthy lifestyle.

Final Words

Throat cancer or any cancer is not easy at all to deal with. But the standard of medical science all around the world has improved a lot. And it is now easier than ever to overcome cancer, especially if diagnosed at an early stage. Keeping track of local signs and complications can play a critical role in identifying first throat cancer symptoms. You must consult a health professional without wasting any time to get proper treatment.

References

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/throat/throat-cancer-diagnosis/throat-cancer-stages

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/laryngeal-cancer/survival#:~:text=Stage%203, fixed%20and%20can’t%20move.

https://www.healthline.com/health/stage-4-throat-cancer-life-expectancy#:~:text=This%20means%20the%20cancer%20has,throat%20cancer%20is%2039.1%20percent.

https://www.medicinenet.com/larynx_cancer/article.htm#what_are_the_risk_factors_for_throat_cancer

https://www.murfreesborooralsurgery.com/blog/head-neck-cancer-self-exam-how-to/

Yellow Cuticles

Yellow cuticles are also known as yellow nail syndrome that is a rare condition caused by malformations which mostly affects finger nails and toe nails. These conditions may affect the lungs, swelling can be observed in some parts of body.

This yellow cuticle usually seen in adults who are older. This is the condition seen on nails the yellow coloured, thickened, and curved nails which almost stopped their growth. Loss of strip on skin at base or on sides of fingernail this condition may occur.

This syndrome is associated with accumulation of fluid in the membranes that are surrounded with lungs and also the lining of chest cavity. The lining of chest cavity is also known as pleural effusion. This effusion can cause shortness of breath, pain in chest, and cough related issues.

There may be may health issues occurring just because of the yellow cuticles the main issues are chronic infection, inflammation sensation while breathing and may also cause infection in lungs.

The one who are suffering from this yellow nail syndrome can have a back ground of respiratory problems before you observe any characteristics on nail findings. They may also notice swelling of arms and legs due to the accumulation of some fluids in the body which is known as lymph.

With this syndrome mainly legs are affected. The set of lymphedema may occur while you hit puberty. The areas on the body which are affected by lymphedema may feel heavy or tight at times. The cause of syndrome is not exactly known, in most cases they may occur for no reason. Some of the sources say that yellow nail syndrome is a genetic disorder.

Yellow skin around nails:

There are so many reasons to turn your nails into yellow colour making it look like a yellow nail paint. But that may be an infection or any underlying disease that made to turn your nails yellow.

Any changes can be noticed to your nails where it isn’t obvious like colour changes, crumbling, and thickening that should be get clarified by any dermatologist in case you feel like there is a need of it.

The sooner you notice the nails and figure out the cause of it, the sooner you can get back your fresh nails and your health back on the track.

There are several possible reasons to notice that yellow tint on your nails which dermatologists may share when you visit clinic. We are gonna share some of them here:

Wearing nail polish regularly can make your nails turn yellow. The dye that is used in the nail paint may interact with the keratin present in the nails which causes yellow discoloration and brittleness on your nails. Acetone present in the nail polish remover makes the condition even worse.

The upper part of your nail only gets affected so to get rid of this avoid nail polish and let your nails breathe for some time. In mean while the stained part will grow out. To prevent the yellow nails, apply a clear base coat before you apply any nail polish make sure you don’t always choose a dark coloured one.

The other reason to turn your nails is that fungal infection where fungus occupies the nail and thickens the nail by accumulation of debris under nail which makes to look yellow. Doctors can examine your nails and determine what type of fungus it is and treats you accordingly.

Also Read: Home Remedies for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea

Yellow fingernails vitamin deficiency:

The major reason for the cause of yellow nails is vitamin deficiency. Malnutrition affects the growth of nails and leads to yellow discoloration of nails. Blood tests helps in finding which vitamin deficiency are you suffering from. After it is known then use of required supplements for several weeks or months helps to overcome the vitamin deficiency.

Yellow Cuticles

The yellow nail syndrome is very rare condition and it can randomly happen to anyone and run in families. Along with yellow tinted nails one may also experience breathing problems, sinusitis and swelling in legs. This syndrome can be generally seen in middle aged people.

Thyroid disease may also lead to some nail issues like yellowing and thickening at the edge of nails. If a person is suffering from Diabetics, they are likely to have yellow nails as they tend to develop fungus in nails easily because of their compromised immune system.

If you suffering from any of the above problems you need to get checked them immediately with some blood tests done. While constant monitoring of these diseases the appearance of nails may improve in time.

If there is any vitamin deficiency or suffering from any health issues get medical help immediately as they may lead to several huge health issues in future. Visit clinic to get the tests done and determine from what your are suffering and use medications properly as advised by the doctor.

What causes nails to turn yellow:

As we have seen a lot of possibilities above that can cause your nails to turn yellow without any prior information. So, if you are doing any of the above-mentioned things or suffering from any disease you are likely to notice yellow tint on your nails to indicate the signs that something is happening with your body.

One of the most common things to cause yellow nails is fungal infection. At initial stages, if you don’t identify the infection this situation becomes worsen leading to yellow nails cause the nail bed may retract causing them to thicken and crumble. In some rare cases, yellow nails indicate the most serious situation like thyroid disease, lung disease, and diabetics.

If you notice yellow nails try curing them from the beginning itself because as time is passing the situation may become even worsen.

How to get rid of yellow nails:

There are several home remedies available that you can use for making your yellow nails to turn whiten at home.

You can use denture cleaners to get rid of stain on your nails by soaking them in the denture cleanser as it contains dilute sodium hypochlorite which is mild beach so, it works on any surface to remove stains.

You can also soak your nails in hydrogen peroxide combined with baking soda. This mixture works wonders as stain remover. Dip your nails into this solution for 10 mins then wash your hands with clean water by using soap after that pat dry your nails and apply mild moisturizer to make look them soften.

At times lemon juice can also work wonders on your nails along with soapy water to get rid of stains. The acidic properties in the lemon juice will start dissolving the stain particles from nails. Soak your nails in this solution for 5 mins and wash your hands with clean water later on, apply a mild moisturizer.

Use white vinegar to get rid of stains on your nails. Coloured vinegars may even stain the nails so try using white vinegar. As the mild acid present in vinegar reacts against the stains and help in getting rid of them. Soak your nails in vinegar for 8 to 10 minutes and them wash with clean water dab on some moisturizer.

Scrub your nails very often to get rid of all the dirt particles present on the nails or under the cuticles. You can do this once in every week for good results.

The above is some of the most commonly used home-made remedies to get rid of the yellow stains on nails. As many people don’t tend to show interest on the yellow stained nails as they don’t always look nicer.

This yellow nail syndrome may equally affect both males and females in same numbers. More and more are being reported every year with this medical condition. While this condition is popularly occurring in older aged adults as they have several health issues in their old ages.

How to get diagnosed?

The diagnosis of this yellow nail syndrome can be done based on the clinical evaluation making a way to detailed patient history of previous health problems and identification of several characteristics leading to cause yellow nails.

To get treated in proper there is a need to find the symptoms causing the yellow coloured nails that are noticed in each individual. Treatment may include several different types of therapies whereas antibiotic therapies is recommended for respiratory infections. These yellow coloured nails can also be improved without any medications or doctor’s therapy where these changes may be permanent in some cases.

Vitamin E plays a very important role in getting rid of the yellow nail syndrome. Do not use any medications on your own get a suggestion from your doctor before using any of the medications as they may cause side effects.

Always get tested and determine the cause of changes happening in your body at early stages to avoid any serious health conditions causing in long run. Focus on your health majorly than any other thing.

There is no need to panic about any health disease if you can notice any health issue in early stage. Every disease is curable in its starting stages of life. After all, health is the most important thing that is to be taken care of.

Have a good life!

Eat healthy to stay healthy!!

Rosemary Oil for Grey Hair

Rosemary is an herb that has strong and pungent like fragrance. This plant is native to Mediterranean region. This can be used in preparation of oils, fragrances, body perfumes as it comes with many health benefits. Rosemary is generally coming from a mint family. This herb can be used in many dishes for flavoring purposes that is good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6.

Rosemary is very popular herb as it has been hailed since many years famous for its medicinal properties. It was used in getting rid of muscle pain, to improve memory, boost the immune system. Where as the rosemary oil helps in promoting hair growth and also helps in getting rid of grey hair.

As we know that rosemary is a perennial plant which lives for more than 2 years its leaves can be directly used for cooking purposes. Consuming high dosage of this herb may also lead to vomiting, and sometimes coma.

The biggest nightmare for teenagers is grey hair. Aging is a part  life, but premature aging signs like grey hair aren’t acceptable. Fortunately, you are able to get back that black color hair by using regularly rosemary oil for grey hair.

Everyone dreamsof look younger, but there is literally nothing one can do to stop the natural aging process. Your skin and hair are the only two important factors that remind you about your age. Grey hair commences when you’re about to celebrate your 40th birthday.

Sadly, due to unhealthy diet and alarming pollutants around us, you may expect a strand of grey hair in early 30’s or 20’s. It’s really a heart touchingexperience to see the first grey hair on your head. Thanks to natural remedies you can now at-least prevent further graying of hair.

Before knowing on how to use rosemary oil to reduce or prevent grey hair, let’s know what are the actual causes of grey hair.

Like your skin, hair also gets its color from a pigment that is called as melanin. More your body produces melanin that darker the hair color you’ll have. When you start aging, melanin production in the body naturally slows down which is resulting in grey hair. Genes affect production of melanin. So, if any of your parents have grey hair at their early age, the chances of you getting grey hair is higher.

Rosemary oil:

To refresh, to stimulate and to strengthen are the three major benefits of this natural rosemary oil. There are some many health benefits and uses of this oil which are listed below:

This oil is helpful in preventing the respiratory issues and can also be used as decongestant in an excellent way. It acts as a super power and works wonders on you scalp and hair to condition your roots deeply. With regular use this oil in shampoo not only improves the circulation but also improves hair growth.

rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is helpful in relieving stress, prevents blood circulation related problems, best conditioner for hair and scalp. These oils can be very helpful when diluted in bath and blended with massage usage. It is a great remedy for oily skin, scalp, acne and hair care. But there is a thing to remember that it is not suggested to use rosemary oil during pregnancy and also not suitable for people who are suffering from high blood pressure.

Also, this oil comes with many benefits but it has some concerns that are to be noted when you wanted to use rosemary oil. It is great source of several vitamins and minerals. Choose the one that best suits your needs and use it regularly for better results and to reduce grey hairs rosemary oil can be one of the best solution.

Rosemary is well known to help your grey hairs to be darkened over a period of time although not obvious for a long time and it is measured to be nourishment for the roots and also to the scalp. There are many peoples who are trying to help and encourage their hair to grow longer or better swear by a variety of rosemary infused recipes. If you are having long hairs with some hints of the gray, then you may want to avoid his using commercial dyes or some of the colours to protect the health of your hair. Over an extended period of time rosemary rinses and the oils are supposed to smoothly and softly darken your gray hairs easily.

Rosemary can also eliminate the dryness and it will acts as an excellent conditioner. Moreover, being whispered to the help for growing hair faster and to prevent untimely (no specific evidence to that at this point) it is also very good for the knock outing of dandruff from your scalp. If you are having blonde or light-colored then, better not to use this oil as it may darken your hair.

Rosemary is an essential oil may also be essential in treating the premature greying of your hair pigment. It is believed that rosemary oil can be helping you to promote the pigmentation of the process of the hair, thus it is helping you to prevent greys before they appears.

In some of the cases it has also reported that the rosemary oil has helped to turn grey hair into black with sustained required amount of vitamin supplements.

This is not widely used because rosemary oil is extremely strong and it may induce side effects if it is applied directly to the hair. For better results you may also add rosemary oil in your conditioners or shampoo bottle for gentle relevance every time you wash with it.

Rosemary essential oil has a light, approximately weightless texture, so it will leaves your hair fresh and clean without weighting down. When used it on daily basis, oil does not block up the pores like many other vegetable oils. Individual’s bigotry of the rosemary is extremely rare, so its domestic use for the cosmetic purposes is almost limitless, though essential oil is hypoallergenic and non-toxic. It is not recommended for the pregnant women’s.

Other factors like unhealthy diet, hormonal imbalance and lifestyle may cause graying to hair.

How to Use Rosemary Oil for Grey Hair?

Rosemary oil is extracted from the herb called Rosmarinus coronium which can also be identified as incenses. This oil consists of refreshing feel and also ejects clear smell of herbs. It consists of camphor and limonene as the main chemical constituents of oil. This oil has a soothing and refreshing smell. Rosemary oil not only does good to your hair but also has many medicinal properties in it.

According to some research and surveys it has been proven that rosemary oil is benefits of minimizing in harshness of grey hair. Add half cup of rosemary leaves to boiled water and take it after 30 mins doing this can be great for preventing gray hair. To fore see better results, apply rosemary oil regularly to scalp and hair which can eventually turn your gray hair into black hair.

Apply the oil and massage you scalp for few minutes as it helps in opening the pores and helps to achieve great results. On regular use of this oil you hair can be gloriously conditioned and shiny.

Healing benefits and sacredness of rosemary oil are documented in ancient books. This woody smelled oil is basically used for medical and cooking purposes. For thousands of years this rosemary oil had widely used to improve memory, functioning of digestive tract and relieve pain in muscles.

grey hair

Antioxidants present in this oil can restrain free radicals that may cause greying of hair. Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity of this oil can help to cure ailments related to health, hair and skin.

Research show that assorted properties in rosemary oil can thwart cancer cells and stimulate hair growth. Recent reports shows that regular use of rosemary oil will help in decreasing baldness, slows graying of your hair and can treat dandruff.

Other benefits of this oil could include increasing in memory power, detoxifies liver, reduce stress, heals prostate, reduce joint pains, reduce head ache and cough.

Rosemary and Sage Oil for Grey Hair

You may also use rosemary oil  to get rid of grey hair. Put 5 drops of the essential oil and massage slowly. The aromatic smell of rosemary oil will reduce stress and nutritional agents residing in it will penetrate deep into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

Apart from oil, experts advice to take dried rosemary and sage leaves. Steep the ingredients in water, when the mixture is cooled apply it over scalp and hair.

This mixture helps to enhance pigmentation process of hair, by turning them to natural color of your hair. Hair problems like dandruff and itchy scalp can be treated by applying this oil.

Not only these methods but also there are several ways of applying rosemary oil to hair you can use 4 drops of grapeseed combined with a few drops of rosemary oil. Apply this combination of oil and massage it with your fingers on scalp and hair.

Not only rosemary oil there are so many combinations that can be combined with oil and can be used. Choose from the wide range of oils that will best suit your hair know the benefits of the particular oil you wanted to use purchase it from the best seller as some stores may not contain the original spice.

Oiling hair regularly with any oil that is available can prevent hairs from greying. Follow the perfect diet include foods that are rich in iron to turn all your grey hairs into black ones.

Aloe Vera for Dandruff: Is it Really an Effective Way of Treating Dandruff?

Taking care of your hair is not the easiest thing, especially if your scalp is prone to dandruff. You always find yourself in a mess while styling your hair. Yes, there are plenty of natural and home remedies to get rid of dandruff and give your hair a clean and shiny look.

You suddenly got to know about some benefits of using aloe vera for hair. And now, you are wondering, “can I use aloe vera gel on my hair every day?” Don’t worry; we got you covered again! 

Dandruff is a very common scalp condition affecting millions and billions of people around the world. It seems almost everyone finds it difficult to successfully get rid of dandruff. If you have dandruff for a long time, you must be habitual of noticing little white flakes on your hair and clothes. Dandruff can also make your scalp itchy at times. 

In short, it can be immensely frustrating to live with chronic dandruff. Although there are no serious side effects of dandruff, it’s more than enough to make your life very, very uncomfortable, and even embarrassing at times. 

There are, of course, so many different treatments for dandruff, but treating it with aloe vera can be effective, safe, as well as affordable. In this article, we are trying to look at how aloe vera can solve this annoying problem. We will also discuss some various effective ways of using aloe vera for dandruff. Let’s find out. 

Why You get Dandruff Too Often?

Different people can have dandruff due to some completely different causes. But there are some common causes of dandruff, including:

  • Not taking proper care of hair
  • Using different types of shampoo
  • Naturally oily skin 
  • Using low-quality personal care products including hair oils 

Some rare or less-common causes of chronic dandruff are:

  • Prolonged scalp dermatitis 
  • Parkinson’s disease 
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection 
  • Gonorrhea 

Symptoms of Dandruff

Some very common signs and symptoms of dandruff include:

  • Itchy scalp 
  • White, scaly flakes on hair, shoulders, clothes, and severe cases, even on beard and or mustache. 
  • Crusty, scaly scalp, especially the infants wearing cradle caps. 

Is Aloe Vera good for dandruff?

Aloe vera is usually not a first-line treatment when it comes to dandruff. But it can be very effective if you have tried various other home remedies without much success. It can be effective against certain conditions causing dandruff, including seborrheic dermatitis. 

According to a small study, people who used aloe vera for seborrheic dermatitis got significant relief from scaliness, itchiness, and the size of patches affected with dandruff. 

Based on some scientific evidence, thanks to its various unique properties, aloe vera can improve dandruff due to its:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties, especially if dandruff, is accompanied by irritation. 
  • Moisturizing effect to fight excessive dryness, especially in conditions like scalp eczema. 
  • Enzymes content can help reducing inflammation and can increase the healing process.
  • Ability to prevent cell damage due to excellent antioxidant properties.

As already said, aloe vera may not be the best option for typical dandruff, but if your scalp is inflamed or dandruff has become severe due to other conditions, you can try it as a handy alternative.

Different ways of Using Aloe Vera for Dandruff

There are a lot of different ways of using aloe vera for dandruff. We are helping you with some quick, but very effective home remedies

aloe vera gel on my hair

1. Aloe Vera with Castor Oil 

Castor oil is very well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help treat dandruff, especially if caused by seborrheic dermatitis. Also, thanks to its moisturizing prowess, castor oil can reduce dryness and flakiness of the scalp. Using castor oil with aloe vera can protect your hair from dandruff, boost hair growth, and give you luscious, long hair. 

  • Add two tbsp castor oil to one cup of fresh aloe vera gel 
  • Mix well and apply on hair roots to tips 
  • Leave overnight and wash off in the morning 
  • Repeat these steps once every week to get excellent results. 

2. Aloe Vera and Olive Oil 

This combination can also be an effective home treatment for dandruff. Olive oil works as a wonderful natural hair conditioner and can reduce flakes and scales from your scalp. Massaging your scalp with olive oil can also reduce itching and pain in chronic inflammation of the scalp. And combining it with aloe vera can only increase its potency. 

  • Add a few drops of olive oil to one cup of fresh aloe vera gel. 
  • Mix well and cover your hair properly. 
  • Wash after 20 odd minutes and cover with a towel. 

3. Aloe Vera and Egg

The egg is a very good remedy for various hair problems, including dandruff. In particular, egg yolk is an excellent source of fat and proteins and work as a superb conditioner. Egg also contains some essential nutrients required for proper, healthy hair growth. Using egg with aloe vera can heal your scalp affected with thick layers of dandruff.

  • Add one egg yolk to a half cup of aloe vera gel and mix thoroughly. 
  • Apply the mixture appropriately on your hair with special attention to hair roots. 
  • Go for the shower after an hour and finish with a mild conditioner. 

4. Aloe Vera and Fenugreek 

Fenugreek, also known as “Methi” in the Indian subcontinent, is also one of dandruff’s decent home remedies. It is packed with hormone antecedents known for promoting hair growth and reducing your scalp’s proneness to dandruff. Adding Methi to aloe vera can be a very smart idea, as the mixture can serve excellent nourishment to your hair. 

  • Soak a cup of Methi seeds in enough water, and leave overnight
  • Prepare a fine paste by grinding soaked seeds, and add two tbsp aloe vera gel to it
  • Mix thoroughly and apply evenly on your hair and scalp. 
  • Shield your hair with a shower cap and leave for about one hour. 
  • Flush your hair with cold water using mild, chemical-free shampoo. 

5. Aloe Vera and Lemon Juice

Lemon is another potent natural remedy for dandruff. However, it is acidic and can aggravate itching and irritation of the scalp. But you can balance the acidity by mixing it with aloe vera gel. A mixture of both makes an effective remedy for dandruff. 

  • Mix two tbsp lemon juice with half cup aloe vera gel 
  • Apply the mixture properly on the scalp and leave for half an hour 
  • Clean your hair with lukewarm water and follow with a gentle shampoo. 

5. Aloe Vera and Curd 

Combining aloe vera with curd is another excellent way of treating dandruff. Thanks to its amazing moisturizing effects, curd can soothe an itchy and scaly scalp. Curd can also control fungal growth and excess production of sebum. Hence, you can also try aloe vera with curd to get rid of dandruff. Here is how:

  • Add 2 tbsp aloe vera gel to one cup curd 
  • Apply the combination on your scalp and hair, like a mask 
  • Wash with lukewarm water and finish with a mild shampoo. 

7. Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil alone is used as a very effective natural remedy for dandruff. It gives your scalp the required nourishment and improves symptoms like itching and flakiness. Yeast infection is also one of dandruff’s causes, and due to its anti-microbial properties, coconut oil can control the infection. Being a very gentle cleanser, coconut oil can also make a decent protective layer for your scalp. And you can increase its potency by adding some aloe vera gel to it. 

  • Combine one cup of coconut oil with two tbsp aloe vera gel 
  • Massage the oil thoroughly on your scalp
  • Wash with lukewarm water after one and a half hours. 
  • Follow this process twice a week for desired results. 

8. Aloe Vera and Onion Juice

Onion is rich in sulfur and can nourish hair follicles and also reduce hair thinning. Thanks to its antibacterial nature, onion juice can treat symptoms of dandruff some other scalp infections. Hence, you can try adding onion juice to aloe vera gel to finally overcome dandruff. 

  • Take two to three large onions and prepare a puree in a blender. 
  • Extract the juice by using cheesecloth. 
  • Now, add a half cup of fresh aloe vera juice and mix well. 
  • Massage the mixture thoroughly on your scalp and work through hair length. 
  • Wear the mixture for about an hour before washing with a mild shampoo. 

9. Aloe Vera and Green Tea

Green tea can be an excellent rinse to fight dandruff and stimulate hair growth. It provides the much-needed nourishment to your scalp and protects against bacteria, fungus, sun damage as well as dandruff. Also, contain antioxidants and heals damage to the scalp. 

  • Brew half a cup of green tea and add an equal quantity of fresh aloe vera gel. 
  • Mix well and massage on the scalp to ensure your hair is completely saturated. 
  • Leave for about ten minutes and wash off with cold water. 

10. Aloe Vera and Amla 

Also known as Indian Gooseberry, amla is also one of the widely used home remedies to eliminate dandruff. It is packed with various antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, as well as vitamin C. In addition to reducing dandruff, amla can also control premature hair greying and hence becomes a potent option to use with aloe vera. 

  • Add one tbsp crushed amla pulp to one tbsp aloe vera gel. 
  • Mix using a fork and apply thoroughly to your scalp. 
  • Cover with a shower cap and leave for about forty minutes. 
  • Use cold water and a mild shampoo as hair cleansers. 
  • Repeat these steps three to four times a week to see the difference. 

11. Olive Oil and Cayenne Pepper 

Cayenne pepper embodies capsaicin, which is known for stimulating healthy hair growth. Capsaicin also improves blood circulation to the hair follicles, positively affects overall nutrition to your scalp. Cayenne pepper’s topical use can get rid of dandruff and leave soft, shiny, and easy to manage hair. 

  • Combine one tbsp cayenne pepper and half cup fresh aloe vera gel. 
  • Mix well to prepare a smooth, thin paste. 
  • Massage your scalp with about one tbsp of the mixture (You can keep the remaining mixture in a jar for later use). 
  • Leave it on your scalp for about ten minutes. 
  • Wash with cold water and follow with a mild shampoo and conditioner. 

Can aloe vera be left in hair?

Yes, leaving aloe vera gel on hair for a few hours is not harmful at all. It gives aloe vera the required time to work on your scalp and hair. However, the “excess of anything is dangerous” formula works here as well. There is no need to leave aloe vera on hair for days. You may have some adverse effects on your hair. Yes, aloe vera is a very good treatment for various hair and scalp problems, but it is not required to leave it for so long. 

The best way of using aloe vera on hair is to apply it on your hair while going to sleep and wash off in the morning.  

Final Words

Aloe vera can surely be a solution for dandruff, especially if certain skin conditions cause it. It heals your scalp, reduces inflammation, itching, and also controls flakiness. However, if you have dandruff accompanied by excessive itching, burning, or scalp pain, we recommend you to get in touch with a dermatologist.

You might be suffering from some more serious skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. There is no way to treat such conditions at home. Yes, you can have some relief by applying aloe vera. But for proper treatment, you will have to talk to your dermatologist. 

Aloe vera is very gentle and doesn’t usually cause any skin irritation. However, if you are allergic to some very mild natural remedies, we suggest you go for an allergy test before finally using aloe vera for dandruff.

References:

https://www.urbancompany.com/blog/beauty/aloe-vera-for-hair-growth-and-dandruff/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/castor-oil#:~:text=Due%20to%20castor%20oil’s%20ability,and%20may%20help%20reduce%20flaking.

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/olive-oil-hair-care#more-uses

https://www.healthline.com/health/egg-white-for-hair#treatment

https://www.news18.com/news/indiwo/wellness-3-ways-to-use-onion-juice-as-serum-massage-oil-and-hair-mask-1553913.html#:~:text=Take%202%20tablespoons%20of%20onion,and%20soak%20a%20cotton%20ball.&text=The%20rich%20sulphur%20content%20in,reverse%20premature%20graying%20of%20hair.

https://maneaddicts.com/3-tea-rinses-that-will-transform-your-hair/#:~:text=Green%20tea%20is%20an%20excellent,a%20fab%20face%20wash%20too!)&text=Green%20tea%20also%20nourishes%20your,2%20cups%20of%20boiling%20water.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/amla-oil-for-hair-89404#:~:text=It%20is%20high%20in%20vitamin,prevent%20the%20graying%20of%20hair.

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/cayenne-pepper-help-in-hair-growth/

https://www.bebeautiful.in/all-things-hair/everyday/aloe-vera-gel-for-hair-growth#:~:text=It%20is%20totally%20safe%20to,it%20also%20possesses%20cooling%20properties.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850

https://www.healthline.com/health/aloe-vera-for-dandruff#safety

Use Corn Flour Face Mask

From delicious dishes to cleaning blood stains, corn flour has a bunch of benefits for daily use. Interestingly you can use cornflour face masks to have an attractive look.

Corn flour is obtained from maize grain and is extensively used in making sauce, soups, syrups, and chicken nuggets. Proteins and vitamins in cornflour make it a great remedy for brightening skin.

Due to our stressful lives and the pollution that we bear, we face a lot of problems with dust and skin. Mainly when it comes to stress and pollution, we should assume that we will be attacked by facial skin problems likewise sunlight tan, acne, uneven skin tone, etc.,

I’ve seen people who’re after expensive cosmetic creams because they claim to give glowing skin. Failing, they jump to the next newly launched product.

Beauty products include refined and chemical ingredients that have less nutritional value. They use chemicals to increase the shelf-life of the product. So why not just try a simple home available face mask to see how it works.

corn flour mask

Benefits of Corn Flour Face Mask

Nutrients in this face mask help to enhance collagen production, which improves skin’s elasticity and prevents aging signs.

Vitamin A has antioxidants that fight free radicals, fade brown spots, and reduce wrinkles.

Cleansing the property of this face mask, removes dead cells, impurities, and excess oil off the skin.

Vitamin E protects your skin from harmful UV rays and prevents dryness.

Vitamin B1 and B2 hydrate your dry skin and stimulate the healthy functioning of the skin.

The bleaching activity of this face mask lightens the appearance of dark patches and improves your skin tone.

It effectively absorbs excess oil preventing acne blemishes.

Assorted vitamins and amino acids in cornflour make your skin supple and healthy.

1. Corn flour for skin whitening

As mentioned impurities and prolonged exposure to sun rays result in dark patches. The cleansing property of this face mask will wipe them off and the bleaching effect helps to obtain glowing skin.

Take 2 tablespoons of cornflour, 1 tablespoon of raw honey, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 egg white in a clean bowl. Mix thoroughly and apply the mask over the prewashed face.

You can apply this mask regularly or twice per week. If your skin becomes dry, apply jojoba oil to it.

2. Corn flour face scrub

Your skin sheds millions of dead cells. Along with pollutants it gets accumulated over the skin blocking skin pores. Using cornflour face scrub you can exfoliate them and make a clear complexion.

Mix 1 tbsp of cornflour, 1 tbsp of coffee powder, 1 tbsp of finely grounded oats, and 3 tbsp of coconut oil in a bowl. Wash your face with lukewarm water and apply this face scrub evenly, massage gently in a circular motion.

After 15-20 minutes rinse it off using a wet cloth.

3. Corn flour face mask for glowing skin

Dark spots, acne scars, dry skin, freckles, and other skin issues ruin your physical appearance. Natural remedies penetrate deep into the skin and remove the root cause of the problem.

Blend 2 tbsp of lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric powder, 1 tbsp of cornflour, a few drops of rose water, and 1 tsp of baking soda. Mix thoroughly to form a thick paste. Wash your face with water and apply the mixed face mask evenly all over the face. Rinse it off after 15-20 minutes.

Optionally apply moisturizer to hydrate the skin. I recommend applying lavender oil, as its aroma will lift your mood.

4. Corn Flour face mask for blackheads

Blackheads are types of acne that are black or dark. These are formed due to the clogging of hair follicles. This will spoil our physical appearance as well as these can be identified as dirt. Therefore, with the help of cornflour, blackheads can be reduced.

vinegar will help in removing blackheads as it helps in healing sunburns, flaky skin, etc. Because the acid contained in the vinegar helps in maintaining the pH of the skin and will not let the skin dry or to become oily.

Take 1 spoon of cornflour, 2 spoons of vinegar and make it as smooth paste. Apply it on your face as a face mask with a thick consistency, mainly concentrate on blackhead parts. Leave it for 15 minutes and clean it with cold water. Repeat this process three times a week. This will help in losing blackheads.

5. Corn Flour face mask for skin lightening

To lighten the skin tone, we can use cornflour combined with papaya and banana. Papaya has papain that will help in lightening skin and nourishing. Banana helps in avoiding itchy, flaky, and dry skin and produces bright skin by nourishing it from deep.

To prepare a facemask, take 1 ripe banana and ripe papaya. Smash them together in a bowl making sure that no lumps should be found. After smashing add cornflour to it two tablespoons. Mix them all together and make it into a smooth paste. Apply it on the face as a face mask and also remember to avoid it keeping near sensitive places like under the eyes. Leave it for 20 minutes and then clean it with the help of cold water. If you want to get good results, you should use it twice a week.

6. Corn Flour face pack for skin lightening

To make this face pack, we use rice powder as the main ingredient. Rice powder has been given importance from ancient times because of its skin whitening skills. It is suggested mostly for people who suffer from oily skin and acne. Because by absorbing oil, it also makes skin brighter for immature skin tone too. It is suggested to use rice powder to utilize these benefits.

To prepare this face pack, take 2 tablespoons of cornflour, 2 tablespoons of rice powder, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl and mix all of these into a paste. Apply this face pack after cleaning your face. Keep it until it dries. Then, clean the face pack with cold water.

Conclusion:

As cornflour has oil-absorbing agents as well as reducing sunburns, it is advised to use it for the face to get glowing skin. It nourishes the skin if it is immature skin and makes the skin in an even tone. Not only for the face, it can reduce sunburns for skin rashes as well as it is used in sweating places to reduce dry skin and also used as a deodorant for underarms. It can be used by combining with additional items in the use of it.

Other than using for making food, corn starch is used for face and skin in this process so that it has abilities to reduce skin burns, itching, and rashes. As well as removes skin tan and makes skin tone even. Therefore cornflour is preferred.

Intolerance to Eggs – What it is? What Are the Symptoms and Treatment?

If you have an intolerance to eggs, you may find it difficult to digest them. You may suffer from various complaints, including stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bloating, and abdominal cramps, etc. It is surely not a serious complication but can make your day bothersome and uncomfortable. Then, how to get rid of stomach pain after eating eggs?

We will answer then and more in this article. We will try to cover what an intolerance to eggs is, why you have it, what are various symptoms of egg intolerance, and how to treat these symptoms at home when to see a doctor, and much more. Let’s uncover a bit more about intolerance to eggs.

What is Egg Intolerance?

You may develop intolerance to any food and at any stage of your life. As we know, different foods contain different components. There are very high chances that your body is unable to digest whites or yolks or both. It is an adverse response to your body when you consume eggs. The intolerance to eggs can last for very long, even for years.

When you have an intolerance to eggs, you may experience digestive troubles including abdominal bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting, etc.

How is Egg Intolerance Different from Egg Allergy?

As we said, intolerance to eggs means that your body reacts abysmally to components of egg, like albumen, proteins, minerals, or carbohydrates. In such a case, you may find it difficult to digest various other foods like dairy foods, gluten, and soy, etc.

Egg intolerance is completely different from an egg allergy, which is usually caused by an abnormal immune response to egg proteins.

People with an intolerance to eggs are unable to digest egg whites, yolks, or both and may develop various digestive complaints. On the other hand, with an egg allergy, the immune system treats egg an invader and starts releasing some powerful chemicals whenever your body gets in contact with eggs.

Egg intolerance is not as serious a problem as an egg allergy. Egg allergy can cause some severe and at times, life-threatening symptoms which usually appear within half an hour of exposure to eggs.

With an egg allergy, a person may notice some weird responses from the body. And may suffer from a wide range of problems including severe vomiting, the sudden appearance of rashes on the skin, etc. Severe allergy to eggs can be very dangerous, as the immune response may trigger even from touching the eggs or inhaling or smalling egg particles.

Egg tolerance is very common and especially notices in people with a weak digestive system. But an egg allergy is not as common.

What Are the Symptoms of Egg Intolerance?

Intolerance of eggs is more about your gastrointestinal tracts than any other organ. And hence, egg intolerance symptoms are very similar to common GIT problems, and they are:

  • Abdominal pain, cramping and bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and Vomiting

In some cases, people also get a headache, or very rarely a sense of fogginess. Symptoms of egg allergy are immediate, and those of intolerance may take several hours and even days to develop.

Also Read: Home Remedies for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea

Why do eggs give me diarrhea?

If you usually get diarrhea after eating eggs, there may be some other underlying condition, or maybe, your body is not getting some required nutrients from foods. You may suffer from diarrhea due to eggs if you are not getting enough fiber from your diet. As there are almost no carbohydrates in eggs, a diet low in fiber can cause intolerance to eggs, and you may suffer from diarrhea.

An infection from salmonella can also be a reason why you get diarrhea from eating eggs. Contaminated foods, including eggs, can cause salmonella infection.

What’s the solution? You should try adding more fiber to your diet. And some great sources of fibers are potatoes, breads, oatmeal, nuts, and barley, etc. Always ensure washing eggs properly before cooking.

How is Egg Intolerance Diagnosed?

It is pretty easy to diagnose allergies thanks to the availability of a wide range of allergy tests like skin prick tests and blood tests.

Doctors try to find the antibodies in your blood to successfully make the diagnosis of egg intolerance. But right now, there is no approved test to diagnose egg intolerance successfully.

You can try to diagnose intolerance to eggs by tracking your symptoms after eating eggs. And writing a diary is the best way to do it. You may have to wait for symptoms to appear, as they are not always immediate. You may have to write down the appearance of symptoms, and how long they remain. Also, keep an eye on other foods as well. You might be wrong with your observation about intolerance to egg. Noting down your symptoms regularly is not only very affordable but is more accurate as well.

Your doctor can make a conclusion based on when the symptoms and how long they remain. It will take a few weeks to finally find if you have an egg intolerance.

What Are the Treatment Options for Egg Intolerance?

Avoiding eggs completely is the best and most effective treatment of egg intolerance.

Your doctor may ask you to follow an “elimination diet” to essentially avoid eggs completely for six to eight weeks. Tracking your symptoms over the course, and bringing back eggs very slowly to your diet will help you to find whether you are still intolerant to eggs.

Not only the egg whites, but you may also have to eliminate egg yolks for a few weeks. Your doctor may suggest avoiding dishes that are cooked with eggs like cakes, pancakes, biscuits, and other bakery items prepared with eggs.

Identifying egg products is one of the most important aspects of treating egg intolerance. You should develop a habit of reading the labels of food packages before purchasing them. Here are some common food ingredients that usually contain eggs.

  • Egg whites, egg yolks, dried or powdered eggs
  • Apovitellin
  • Albumin
  • Globulin
  • Lysozyme
  • Livetin
  • Ovoglobulin
  • Ovalbumin
  • Ovomucoid
  • Ovomucin
  • Ovo vitellin
  • Ovovitelia
  • Simplesse
  • Vitellin
  • Siliciabuminate

You can avoid problems from egg intolerance if you can look for certified vegan products. Vegan products don’t contain eggs or any other product from animal sources.

What Are Some Healthy Egg Alternatives?

If you have some certain egg intolerance symptoms, and you need to avoid eggs completely, you can include these alternatives to your diet.

  • Tofu

Tofu is made from soybeans and is one of the greatest sources of proteins. You can replace eggs with tofu and can use for breakfast, sandwiches, blending, or scrambling with smoothies. The Internet is flooded with a lot of tasty and healthy tofu dishes. Find out some and try to add in your diet.

  • Chia or Flax Seeds

Flax or chia seeds with water can be another healthy alternative to eggs for baking purposes.  You can replace one egg with one tbsp of seeds with 2.5 tbsp of water, and add in your recipes to make them fluffy, and tasty.

  • Applesauce and Pureed Fruits

Applesauce and other pureed fruits like banana can also be a very good alternative to eggs for baking purposes. Fruits contain pectin, which is a very healthy replacement of animal fats and is used as a stabilizer, thickener, filler, and gelling agent.

You can prepare different types of cakes, breads, buns, and other bakery items with unsweetened applesauce.

  • Aquafaba

If you are confirmed about egg intolerance, you can try aquafaba, especially as a replacement for egg whites. Aquafaba is a liquid you get from cooking different legumes, including chickpeas.

  • Vegan egg replacers

There are various egg replacers made from nuts, seeds, plant-based starches, and soy available in the market.

How to get rid of stomach pain after eating eggs?

If you get stomach pain after eating eggs, you can try these home remedies to get quick relief

  • Chamomile Tea: It works as an anti-inflammatory agent, and can ease stomach pain by relaxing smooth stomach muscles
  • Mint: Mint can also relax stomach muscles. In addition, it can soothe the irritated and inflamed stomach and improves digestion.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Thanks to its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory nature, ACV can also improve stomach ache.
  • Lime: Due to its acidic nature, lime effectively stimulates the digestive system, bile juices, and other acids. And hence, improves stomach aches and cramps.
  • Heat Pad: You can place a heating pad or hot pack on your abdomen to feel better when down with stomach ache after eating eggs. A warm bath can also be an effective way of treating stomach aches.

Intolerance to eggs is not a serious condition and can be managed easily at home. Hopefully, you are now very well aware of this condition and are in good space to understand the difference between egg intolerance and egg allergy. While these tips may help you to feel better, you should get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. You might be getting stomach aches due to some other reasons as well. If the intolerance to eggs is confirmed, avoiding eggs for a few weeks is recommended.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/egg-intolerance#alternatives

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-safety/egg-intolerance#symptoms

https://www.quora.com/Why-do-eggs-cause-diarrhea

Oral Thrush – All You Need to Know

Also called “oral candidiasis”, oral thrush is an infection caused by the genus Candida and affects the mucous membrane of your mouth. How do you get oral thrush? Fungi like Candida Albicans, Candida Tropicalis, and Candida Glabrata are responsible for the infection

Oral thrush is usually not a serious condition and improves within a few days with simple home remedies. The outcome is generally very good too! However, people with a weak immune system can have very severe signs and symptoms of candida infection. It tends to reappear in people who are habitual of alcohol consumption and smoking.

In this write-up, we will let you know everything about oral thrush, including various causes, symptoms, and treatment, etc.

Some Facts You Should Know About Oral Thrush

  • Oral thrush is a very common condition and doesn’t usually cause major complications.
  • People having a weak immune system can get affected very easily, and develop severe symptoms.
  • Recurrence of oral thrush is common after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • Factors like wearing dentures, using steroids, and having diabetes are commonly linked with oral thrush.
  • A creamy, white-colored layer in the mouth is one of the most obvious symptoms of oral thrush.

What causes oral thrush in adults?

Your body is a house in very tiny quantities of a different genus of Candida Fungi. They survive in different parts of your body including the stomach, mouth, skin, and digestive tract, etc. without causing any problem whatsoever. However, people with a weak immune system, under certain medications, certain diseases, are prone to the Candida infection when they grow uncontrollably.

What Are Different Symptoms of Candida Infections?

Thick, creamy deposits on the tongue and the mucous membrane of the mouth is the major symptom of infection.

Some other accompanying symptoms are:

  • Slightly red, a swollen mucous membrane with raised patches accompanied by burning.
  • Bleeding when the deposits are scraped.
  • Change in the size, area and color of the deposits.
  • Redness and soreness of tongue and gums, especially in people who wear dentures regularly.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush in Infants:

  • Oral thrush in infants is usually mistaken for milk curds. The patches of oral thrush stick to the tongue and mouth and are not removable easily.
  • Soreness of mouth with difficulty swallowing
  • Diaper rash, as the infection-causing fungi will be in baby’s stool as well.
  • The baby is unable to eat due to excessive soreness of the mouth and throat. Sometimes, it is mistaken for the lack of hunger or poor supply of mother’s milk.

Classification of Oral Thrush Based on Appearance

  • Pseudomembranous – The classic, and most common type of oral thrush appearing as there is a new layer of the membrane inside the mouth.
  • Erythematous –Red and raw appearance of the mucous membrane
  • Hyperplastic – The least common variant, suggesting serious infection. It is also known as “plaque-like candidiasis” or “nodular candidiasis” and is due to the accumulation of solid white plaque which becomes hard with time.

How long does oral thrush last without treatment?

Usually, the cases of oral thrush are mild and go away with antifungal mouth rinse or lozenges. Very mild cases of infection are improved within a couple of weeks without treatment. However, you may have to take an oral antifungal medicine in the second week itself to improve the symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms don’t go away in several weeks even after treatment.

Also Read: Home Remedies for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea

If the infection is not treated for a few weeks, it may start affecting other parts of the body, including oesophagus, throat, skin, and even vagina and anus in very rare and severe cases.

Recurrence of oral thrush is seen in people who:

  • Use corticosteroids to treat asthma
  • Take antibiotics for a very long time
  • Have a weak immune system
  • Have artificial teeth

Is oral thrush contagious?

No, it is not contagious. Yes, the yeast or fungi can spread from person to person, but if you get in touch with someone having oral thrush, you won’t get the infection only by coming into contact.

Oral Thrush and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can also be one of the rare cases of oral thrush. Candida infection can affect any part of your body, including breasts and nipples. But the infection can’t develop until you have an infection on the skin. You can identify the candida infection if there are more redness and soreness than usual.

If your nipples or breasts are infected, especially during breastfeeding, the fungi may transmit to your baby. Your baby may not necessarily get the infection through breastfeeding. However, if your baby already has excessive yeast in the mouth, the risk of developing oral thrush is increased.

And similarly, if your baby is affected with oral thrush, you may get fungus from the baby’s mouth to your nipples. And, again, it doesn’t mean, you will develop an infection unless you have a very weak immune system.

So, breastfeeding is usually completely safe whether you or your baby have oral thrush.

Home remedies to get rid of oral thrush

You can treat mild cases of oral thrush with home remedies, and without visiting a doctor. The following are some effective home remedies for mild oral thrush. Don’t rely only on these remedies if the condition doesn’t improve in a week or so.

1. Baking Soda

Washing your mouth with sodium carbonate may help you to get rid of oral thrush. Although baking soda is not among the best natural disinfectants, it can be a safe and viable natural alternative.

To use:

  • Add half tbsp of baking soda to one cup of warm water and dissolve properly.
  • Take a sip of the solution and swish in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting out.

2. Saltwater

Saltwater contains cleansing, antiseptic, and soothing properties, and can be a very effective home remedy for a wide range of oral complaints.

Rinsing your mouth with salt water can be helpful to improve the symptoms of oral thrush

To Use:

  • Add half tbsp of salt to one cup of warm water and dissolve.
  • Swish salt water in your mouth and spit out after a few seconds.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the best sources of “good” bacteria and can easily be among the best home remedies to get rid of oral thrush.

Bacteria cultures in yogurt don’t necessarily kill Candida but can stop the growth and control infection. It can also maintain a decent balance of good bacteria in your mouth. Yogurt is very soft, and can also be a good food option if you are having difficulty swallowing due to infection.

To Improve Symptoms

  • Add a bowl of yogurt to your diet, preferably to breakfast when you get early signs of oral thrush.
  • Probiotic supplements are good alternatives for those who don’t like yogurt or have allergies to it.

4. Lemon Juice

Thanks to its antiseptic and antifungal prowess, lemon juice can get rid of infection-causing fungi

  • Add the juice of half a lemon to one cup of water.
  • Add honey as a taste enhancer and drink or use to rinse your mouth.

5. Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract can be effective against various ailments. And due to its antifungal properties, it becomes one of the potent home remedies to get rid of oral thrush. Regular usage of the grape seed extract can also boost your immune system and prevent the chances of recurrence of fungal infections.

  • Get 250 mg grape seed extract supplement from a nearby medical or grocery store.
  • Consume this thrice daily until you notice positive results.

6. Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice is not only refreshing and tangy; it can control the growth of fungus in your mouth thanks to its acidic nature. It contains bromelain and hence is effective in breaking down the debris and thick white layer formed inside the mouth.

  • Cut a few slices of pineapples into small pieces
  • Chew the pieces numerous times a day to give quick relief to oral thrush symptoms.
Natural remedies for oral thrush in babies:

Babies are usually susceptible to the infection mainly due to a weak immune system, and you need to give some special treatment if your baby got oral thrush. Here are some effective remedies for oral thrush in babies.

You can use mild natural remedies like coconut oil, saltwater, and yogurt, etc. to help your baby overcome Candida infection. Instead of giving them for drinking or eating, you should apply these home remedies to affected areas using a cotton swab. That’s the most effective way of easing mild oral thrushes in babies.

If the condition doesn’t improve within a few days, you should not waste any time and visit pediatrics for proper antifungal treatment.

Oral thrush is not a serious complication until it is managed in the early days. If goes untreated, it can spread to other internal body parts, mainly the esophagus, and cause some very severe symptoms. We tried to discuss everything about oral thrush, including some very effective natural remedies. Hopefully, you are now very well on how to get rid of oral thrush when it is in an early stage. If the infection becomes moderate from mild, you may have to get some antifungal and even antibiotic medications. And hence, proper treatment under medical supervision is advised.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/is-thrush-contagious

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178864

https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/hw/medical-topics/thrush-hw139068#hw139112

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/oral-thrush-in-adults#:~:text=Oral%20thrush%20is%20a%20fungal,group%20of%20yeasts%20called%20Candida.

https://www.parents.com/baby/health/thrush/home-remedies-for-thrush-in-babies/#:~:text=Diluted%20baking%20soda%20(sodium%20bicarbonate,the%20mother’s%20nipples%20before%20breastfeeding.

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/simple-home-remedies-for-oral-thrush/#LemonJuice

Home Remedies for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea

Indigestion is one of the most common health conditions and can affect anyone any day. You may suffer from indigestion, upset stomach, loose stools, and dyspepsia due to overeating, food poisoning, or eating excessively oily, junk foods.

Home remedies for upset stomach and diarrhea are very effective. The condition is usually not serious and can be managed very easily and successfully, even without visiting a health center.

All you need to do is modify your eating habits and diet slightly and get some help from easily available ingredients on your kitchen shelves. Here are some very good home remedies you can try very successfully to improve an upset stomach. But before moving ahead, let’s take a look at some common symptoms of an upset stomach:

  • Bloating
  • Excessive bowel gas
  • Frequent farting
  • Belching and sour breathing
  • Frequent watery stool with a very foul smell
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Hiccupping
  • Coughing

We are discussing some very popular natural and home remedies for indigestion. Let’s find out more about them.

1. Drink Enough Water

When you pass loose stools frequently, you may suffer from dehydration and start suffering from weakness. Nutrients from foods and beverages should be absorbed properly by your body for proper growth. And when you are dehydrated, digestion, and hence absorption of nutrients gets completely derailed.

According to the standard recommendation from the Health and Medicine Division (HMD),

Men should drink about 3.7 l water per day, and women should have 2.7 l water per day.

  • Your body gets around 20% of the required water from the foods and beverages you take. But you have to drink a minimum of 8 cups of water every day to keep your body healthy. Whenever you suffer from an upset stomach, increase your water intake slightly to avoid diarrhea symptoms getting worse.

2. Avoid Lying Down for a Long Time

When you lie down, your body gets into a horizontal position, and there is an increased likelihood of stomach acids traveling back towards the esophagus and causing excessive heartburn.

So, don’t lie down for long hours, even if you don’t feel better due to weakness. And if you feel better while lying down, get proper support from pillows to keep your head, neck, and upper chest at the recommended 30-degree angle.

3. Chew Fresh Mint Leaves

Menthol is the chief component in mint, which doesn’t only improve your breath and smell from the mouth, it also

  • Prevents diarrhea and vomiting
  • Relieves stomach ache
  • Reduces muscles pain and spasm in the intestines

Mint has been one of the traditional treatments for diarrhea and indigestion. You can consume raw as well as cooked mint leaves. Tea with cardamom and mint leaves is a very good taste enhances and mood booster and will improve your digestion for sure!

If you can’t find fresh mint leaves, packed mint juices and mint powder are easily available in most grocery stores. You can even suck some mint candies to feel better when you are down with an upset stomach.

4. Bring BRAT to Your Diet For A Few Days:

People with diarrhea find the BRAT diet very healthy and useful for them. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. All these foods are great sources of starch and are good to make your stools firmer. BRAT diet can ease diarrhea symptoms by decreasing the number of stools.

These foods are very soft and are without any irritants. Therefore, they heal your intestine tissues that are irritated from constant stools and vomiting. The BRAT diet is very good at quickly restoring potassium and magnesium you have lost through constant diarrhea.

5. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking – As Much as Possible

Both alcohol and smoking are harmful, even for a very healthy and fit person. And can be very hurtful for those suffering from diarrhea and upset stomach. Continuous smoking can trigger diarrhea and vomiting by irritating your intestine. On the other hand, alcohol is a mild toxic and is very difficult to digest. Hence, it can severely affect the stomach lining as well as the liver.

Also Read: Is It Really Possible to Remove Kidney Stones “Naturally”?

We recommend you to quit alcohol and smoking as soon as possible. And if you have diarrhea, do yourself a favor by quitting them and to recover quickly.

6. Add Lemon Juice and Baking Soda in Water

You can get relief from many diarrhea symptoms by adding a few drops of lemon juice with a pinch of baking soda to one glass of water.

The water-baking soda-lemon mixture makes carbonic acid, which is known for reducing bowel gas and easing indigestion. The mixture can also improve the movement of the intestine and secretion of digestive juices from the liver. The acidic nature of lemon can improve your body’s ability to digest fats and neutralize bile acids and reduce acidity and heartburn.

Add one tbsp fresh lemon juice and a pinch of baking soda to 8 ounces of freshwater and repeatedly consume throughout the day.

7. Bring Cinnamon to the Equation

Cinnamon is a great source of various antioxidants and can improve digestion. Also, cinnamon heals the irritation of the digestive tract lining. Camphor, cinnamaldehyde, Linalool, and Eugenol are prominent antioxidants and make cinnamon one of the most effective home remedies for upset stomach and diarrhea.

Add one tbsp good-quality cinnamon powder or an inch of cinnamon stick to your meals. Alternatively, prepare a healthy cinnamon tea by adding it to boiling water. Take cinnamon, either way, numerous times a day to improve the condition.

8. Add Cloves to Your Beverages

Clove contains various substances that are known for improving numerous stomach symptoms. Cloves can reduce stomach aches and cramping and can also improve digestion. What more? It can be very effective against nausea and vomiting.

  • Add one tbsp of powdered cloves with one tbsp honey to a boiling water cup, drink slowly twice a day to improve the symptoms.

9. Figs Are Good for Indigestion Too

Certain substances in figs work as laxatives and can ease constipation, diarrhea, and other upset stomach symptoms.

  • Eat fig fruit numerous times a day to get rid of diarrhea. Alternatively, make a cup of tea by brewing one or two tbsp of fig leaves.

10. Drink Aloe Vera Juice

There are various digestive benefits of cumin seeds, including:

  • They reduce excessive bowel gas
  • Heal inflammation of the intestine
  • Work as antimicrobial
  • Reduce excess stomach acids and indigestion

If you have an upset stomach, try adding one or two tbsp of powdered cumin seeds to your recipes. Alternatively, make a cup of tea with one or tbsp of cumin seeds.

You can also try chewing a couple of pinches of raw cumin seeds to relieve heartburn.

11. Drink Aloe Vera Juice

There is a long history of using aloe vera juice for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). And various preparations of aloe vera are used to treat upset stomach symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, loose, watery stools, heartburn, etc.

Aloe vera can help you by:

  • Reducing intestinal inflammation
  • Encouraging better bowel movements
  • Removing toxins from digestive juices
  • Maintaining a balance of digestive bacteria
  • Improving digestion of protein

Drinking aloe vera is also linked with improving several symptoms of gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), including

  • Regurgitation of acids and food
  • Belching and flatulence
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea and vomiting

12. Enjoy Basil Tea – Quite Regularly

Basil contains various digestive substances like camphor, methyl cinnamate, linalool, thymol, etc. and can effectively improve various diarrhea symptoms like excessive stomach acidity, stomach ache, cramping, regurgitation of food, nausea, and vomiting, etc.

People with stomach trouble should add one to two tbsp of dried basil leaves to their meals until the symptoms are eased. You can make a cup of basil tea by brewing one tbsp of fresh or dried leaves in boil water for even better results.

13. Ginger is Much More Than a Taste Enhancer

Yes, ginger is one of those natural remedies that come in handy for almost all types of health problems, and you can’t ignore it when you have stomach troubles.

Gingerols and shogaols are the main chemicals in ginger and are especially effective in stomach contractions. They can also improve bowel movement and hence, ease the symptoms of diarrhea.

If you are annoyed with an upset stomach, try adding a few slices of ginger to your diet. Or have ginger tea regularly throughout the day to improve the complications.

14. Start Your Day with Coconut Water

Coconut water is a very good source of magnesium and potassium – both of which effectively reduce stomach pain, cramps, muscle spasms, and several other symptoms of an upset stomach. Coconut water becomes even more effective when you suffer from dehydration as it is low in acidity, sugar, and calories.

  • Enjoy two glasses of refreshing coconut water early in the day to give some relief to your digestive system.

15. Apple Cider Vinegar – Can You Keep It Away from Your Kitchen?

Most probably, no! Because apple cider vinegar comes to your aid in a lot of health problems. And, it can be effective in treating an upset stomach as well! ACV contains several acids and can decrease starch digestion, helping starch keep healthy gut bacteria alive and work on the digestive tract.

  • Add one tbsp apple cider vinegar with one tbsp honey to a glass of water and enjoy.

Prevention and Conventional Treatment

Although diarrhea is not a serious problem, it can be, if not given, proper and timely attention. Sometimes, severe diarrhea can even become fatal. So, you can’t always take it very lightly. Here are some important tips for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea:

The following are some key measures for the treatment of diarrhea

  • Oral rehydration salts (ORS) solutions: A mixture recommended by the World Health Organization to restore the body’s hydration. It is very affordable, easily available, and considered one of the most effective diarrhea treatments, especially when characterized by excessive dehydration and weakness. ORS is easily absorbed by small intestine walls and compensates for the loss of electrolytes and fluids through stools and vomits.
  • : Diet plays a very important role in improving diarrhea symptoms, especially caused due to a lack of nutrition. So, improving nutrition intake through diet is recommended.
  • Zinc supplements can improve the condition by reducing the episodes and duration of diarrhea by 25% and volume of stools by 30%
  • Oily foods can make the condition worse. You should avoid them completely for a few weeks and even for months if you suffer from recurrent diarrhea.
  • Get Proper Medical Assistance: If you suffer from an upset stomach quite regularly, and home remedies are not as effective, you should not waste your time, and consult a licensed medical practitioner. Maybe, there is something very wrong with your immune or digestive system. Maybe, you are very vulnerable to infections due to foods and unhygienic conditions. You might need proper, prolonged medical supervision to find the exact cause(s) of recurrent diarrhea. So, get in touch with your doctor to properly treat diarrhea if it remains for a few weeks or comes back quite regularly.

As we said earlier, diarrhea is not very serious and can be managed with some dietary adjustments and home remedies. These are some very effective home remedies for upset stomach you can try without any hesitation. If the symptoms don’t improve after a few days, we recommend consulting a licensed medical practitioner. Loss of body fluid is one of the major complications of diarrhea, and if not controlled on time, can become life-threatening. Always maintain personal as well as food hygiene. Ensure getting a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet. Avoid regular intake of street foods. These very simple things are quite effective to keep diarrhea at bay.

NOTE: Diarrhea in children, especially infants, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. If an infant or child in your family suffers from diarrhea, we recommend talking to a doctor immediately.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322047#Twenty-one-home-remedies

https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/aloe-vera-juice-for-ibs#benefits

https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/natural-upset-stomach-remedies#peppermint

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease