L >> Leucoderma, Leucorrhea, Loss of hair, Low blood pressure, Low blood sugar (hypoglyceamia)
Leucoderma-White Patches on the Skin- Vitiligo
Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of the pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion. The condition does not cause any organic harm. This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious.
Causes and Symptoms
The problem usually starts with a small white spot which later develops into patches. These patches are pale in the beginning, but become whiter ,and whiter as time passes by due to loss of pigment As the spots enlarge, they merge into each other and, in course of time, form a very broad patch. In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.
The main causes of leucoderma are said to be excessive mental worry, chronic or acute gastric disorders, impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal, typhoid, a defective perspiratory mechanism, and bum injuries. Heredity is also a well - recognized causative factor.
Herbal Remedies
Psoralea:
The best-known home remedy for leucoderma is the use of seeds of psoralea (babchi). These seeds should be steeped in the juice of ginger for three days. The fluid should be renewed every day. The seeds should then be rubbed with the hands to remove the husks, dried in the shade and powdered. One gram of this powder should be taken every day with one cup of fresh milk for' forty days continuously. The ground seeds should also be applied to the white spots.
Babchi seeds, combined with tamarind (imli) seeds, are also useful. An equal quantity of both the seeds should be steeped in water for three to four days. They should then be shelled and dried in the shade. They should be ground into paste and applied to the white patches for a week. If the application of this paste causes itching, or the white spots become red and a fluid begins to ooze out., this treatment should be discontinued.
Red Clay:
Another useful remedy for leucoderma is red clay found by the river side or on hill slopes. The clay should be mixed in ginger juice in a ratio of 1: 1, and applied over the white spots once a day. The copper contained in the clay seems to bring back skin pigmentation. Ginger juice also serves as a mild stimulant., facilitating increased blood flow to the spots. Drinking water kept overnight in a copper vessel will also help.
Radish:
A paste made from the seeds of the radish is valuable in treating leucoderma. About thirty-five grams of these seeds should be powdered in two teaspoons of vinegar and applied on the white patches.
Goose Foot: The use of goose foot is beneficial in the treatment of this disease. This vegetable should be taken twice daily, in the morning as well as in the evening, for two months continuously. Simultaneously, the juice of the leaves should be applied over the patches of leucoderma.
Turmeric:
Turmeric mixed with mustard oil has also proved useful in leucoderma. About 500 gm of turmeric should be pounded and soaked in 8 litres of water at night It should be boiled in the morning till only one litre of water is left, and then be strained and mixed with 500 ml of mustard oil. This mixture should be heated till only the oil is left It should then be strained and preserved in a bottle. The mixture should be applied on the white patches every morning and evening for a few months.
Neem:
Neem is an excellent remedy for all skin ailments. It also gives excellent results in Leucoderma.
Diet in Leucoderma
Constitutional measures should be adopted to cleanse the system of accumulated toxins. To begin with, the patient should undertake a fast of juices for about a week. After the juice fast, the patient may adopt a restricted diet consisting of fresh fruits, raw or steamed vegetables, and whole meal bread or chapatis. Curd and milk may be added to this diet after a few days. The patient may, thereafter, gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. This diet may be supplemented with cold-pressed vegetable oils, honey, and yeast Juice fasting may be repeated at intervals of two months or so. The patient should avoid tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, all condiments and highly flavoured dishes, sugar, white flour products, denatured cereals like polished rice and pearled barley, and tinned or bottled foods.
Other Remedies in Leucoderma
During the initial one-week juice fast, the bowels should be cleansed daily with a lukewarm-water enema.
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Leucorrhea-While Vaginal Discharge
leucorrhea, commonly known as whites, refers to a whitish discharge from the female genitals. It is an abnormal disease condition of the reproductive organs of women. The condition may continue for weeks or months at a time. If not treated properly in the initial stages, it may become chronic.
Causes and Symptoms of Leucorrhea
In addition to the whitish discharge from the vagina, the patient feels weak and tired. She also suffers from pain in the lumbar region and the calves, and experiences a dragging sensation in the abdomen. Other symptoms are constipation, frequent headaches, and intense itching. In the chronic form, the patient feels irritable and develops black patches under the eyes.
leucorrhea denotes a generally devitalised and toxic condition of the system, caused by wrong feeding habits. Whenever the body is loaded with toxins and the eliminative organs such as the skin, bowels, lungs, and kidneys are unable to eliminate them, the body in women establishes profuse discharge or elimination through the mucous membrane of the uterus and vagina in the form of leucorrhea. In young women, leucorrhea may occur during inter-menstrual periods due to the thickening of the mucous membrane in the reproductive organs. During the child-bearing years from adolescence to the mid-forties, infection may sometimes follow the birth of a child due to damage of the cervix during delivery of the baby. The other common causes of leucorrhea are displacement of the womb and unhygienic conditions which attract the bacteria to the genital organs.
Herbal Remedies for Leucorrhea
Amaranth Root:
(Cuscuta reflexa) Amaranth is considered an excellent home remedy for leucorrhea. The rind of the root of this plant should be rubbed in 25 ml of water. It should then be strained and given to the patient daily in the morning as well as in the evening. The root of this plant is, however, very susceptible to moths. Hence, care should be taken to see that it is not moth-eaten. In case the root is not available, its leaves and branches may be similarly processed and used.
Lady's Fingers:
The use of lady's fingers is another effective home remedy for this disease. A decoction of this vegetable is prepared by boiling 100 gm of the fresh vegetable, cut transversely, in half a litre of water for twenty minutes. It should then be strained and sweetened. This decoction, given in doses of 60 to 90 ml frequently, is beneficial in all irritable conditions of genitor -urinary organs, including leucorrhea.
Fenugreek Seeds:
Fenugreek seeds are valuable in leucorrhea. They should be taken internally in the form of tea and also used as a douche. For a douche, the solution should be much stronger than tea. Two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be put into a litre of cold water and allowed to simmer for half an hour over a low flame. The decoction should then be strained and used as a douche.
Guava Leaves: The tender leaves of guava are beneficial in the treatment of this disease. An infusion of the leaves should be used as a douche. It acts as a powerful vaginal astringent.
Mango Seed:Mango seeds are valuable in leucorrhea. A teaspoon of the paste of the decorticated kernel of mango can be applied inside the vagina with beneficial results.
Walnut Leaves:
The leaves of the walnut tree contain astringent chemicals. A decoction of the fresh leaves can be beneficially used as a douche in the treatment of leucorrhea.
Diet in Leucorrhea
To begin with, the patient should fast for three or four days on fruit juices for the elimination of the morbid matter. After a short juice fast, she may adopt an all-fruit diet for about a week, taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits. The patient may, thereafter', gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on whole grain cereals, fresh fruits, and raw and steamed vegetables. She should avoid all forms of white flour, white sugar, fried and greasy foods, condiments, preserves, tea, and coffee.
Other Natural Remedies
Water treatment is extremely beneficial in curing leucorrhea. A cold hip bath taken twice a day, for ten minutes at a time, will help relieve congestion in the pelvic region and facilitate quick elimination of morbid matter. A warm vaginal douche at 30°C to 40°C is beneficial for general cleaning and elimination of the purulent discharge. The procedure is to fill the douche can with one and a half litres of warm water and hang it at a level of three feet above the body. The patient should lie with the hips &lightly raised above the body level, and the special nozzle applied for this purpose should be oiled and inserted slowly into the vagina. The flow can be regulated by the small valve of the nozzle. In severe cases, the douche should be taken daily.
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Loss of Hair-Baldness
Although hair is not essential to life, it is of sufficient cosmetic concern to provoke anxiety in anyone when it starts thinning, falling, or disappearing. To a woman, the sight of a comb or brush covered with lost hair can cause intense mental strain.
Hair is formed in minute pockets in the skin called follicles. An up growth at the base of the follicle, called the papilla, actually produces hair when a special group of cells turn amino acids into keratin, a type of protein of which hair is made. The rate of production of these protein 'building blocks' determines hair growth. The average growth rate is about 1.2 cm per month, growing fastest on women between fifteen to thirty years of age.
Causes and Symptoms of Hair Loss
The most important cause of loss of hair is inadequate nutrition. Even a partial lack of almost any nutrient may cause hair to fall. Persons lacking in vitamin B6 lose their hair and those deficient in folic acid often become completely bald. But the hair grows normally after the liberal intake of these vitamins. Other important causes of loss of hair are stress such as worry, anxiety, and sudden shock; general debility caused by severe or long standing illnesses like typhoid, syphilis, chronic cold, influenza, and anemia, an unclean condition of the scalp which weakens the hair roots by blocking the pores with the collected dirt; and heredity.
Herbal and Natural Remedies for Hair Loss
Rubbing of Scalp:
A vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water is one of the most effective among the several home remedies for the prevention and treatment of loss of hair. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. It will activate the sebaceous glands and energies the circulation of blood in the affected area, making the hair grow healthy.
Amla Oil:Amla oil, prepared by boiling the dry pieces of amla in coconut oil, is considered a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth. A mixture of an equal quantity of fresh amla juice and lime juice, used as a shampoo, also stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.
Lettuce:
Lettuce is useful in preventing hair loss. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is believed to help the growth of hair if taken to the extent to half a litre a day.
Amaranth:
Amaranth is another valuable remedy for loss of hair. Its fresh leaf juice should be applied to the hair. It will help the growth of the hair and keep it soft.
Alfalfa:
The juice of alfalfa, in combination with equal quantities of carrot and lettuce juices, taken daily, also helps the growth of hair to a remarkable extent. The combination of these juices is rich in elements which are particularly useful for the growth of hair. While preparing alfalfa juice, the leaves of the plant may be used when they can be obtained fresh.
Margosa: (Neem)
The leaves of the margosa tree are also beneficial in the treatment of loss of hair. IT the hair has been falling or has ceased to grow, it should be washed with the decoction of neem leaves. This will stop the hair from falling and stabilize its blackness. It will also make the hair longer and kill lice and other infesting insects.
Mustard Oil and Henna Leaves:
Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is useful for healthy growth of hair. About 250 ml of mustard oil should be boiled in a tin basin. About sixty grams of henna leaves should be gradually put in this oil till they are burnt in the oil. The oil should then be filtered through a cloth and stored well in a bottle. Regular massage of the head with this oil will produce abundant hair.
Coconut Milk:
The application of coconut milk allover the scalp and massaging it into the hair roots is also beneficial in the treatment of loss of hair. It nourishes the hair and promotes hair growth. Coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut and squeezing / grinding it well.
Lime-Pepper Seeds:
Certain home remedies have also been found beneficial in the treatment of patchy baldness. The most valuable of these remedies is the seeds of lime and black pepper, ground together to get a fine paste. This paste applied on the patches, has a mildly irritant action. This increases blood circulation to the affected area and stimulates hair growth The paste should be applied twice a day, for a few weeks.
Liquorice:
The paste of liquorice, made by grinding the pieces in milk with a pinch of saffron, is another valuable remedy for patchy baldness. This paste should be applied over the bald patches at night before going to bed.
Onion:
Onion has also been found beneficial in patchy baldness. The affected part should be rubbed with onions morning and evening till it is red. It should be rubbed with honey afterwards.
Pigeon Pea:
A fine paste made from pigeon pea or red gram can also be applied regularly on bald patches for beneficial results.
Other Remedies:
Daily application of refined coconut oil, mixed with lime water and lime juice, on the hair, prevents loss of hair and lengthens it Application of the juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also considered beneficial. Washing the hair with a paste of cooked black gram (urad dal) and fenugreek (methi) lengthens the hair. Regular use of castor oil as hair oil helps the luxuriant growth of the hair.
Dietary Considerations
The healthy condition of the hair depends, to a very large extent, on the intake of sufficient amounts of essential nutrients in the daily diet. Persons with a tendency to lose hair should take a well-balanced and correct diet, made up of foods which, in combination, should supply all the essential nutrients. It has been found that a diet which contains liberal quantities of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits would provide adequate amounts of. all the essential nutrients. Each food group should roughly form the bulk of one of the three principal meals. These foods should, however, be supplemented with certain special foods such as milk, vegetable oils, honey, wheat germ, yeast, and liver.
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Low Blood Pressure-Hypotension
Low blood pressure Or hypotension refers to the fall in blood pressure below normal. It is a condition in which the action of the heart, in forcing the blood through the arteries, is weak. This is a direct outcome of a weakened and devitalised system.
Causes and Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
The patient with chronic low blood pressure may complain of lethargy, weakness, fatigue, and dizziness. The patient may faint especially if arterial pressure is lowered further when he assumes an erect position. These symptoms are presumably due to a decrease in perfusion of blood to the brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and other organs.
The most important cause of low blood pressure is faulty nutrition. It makes the tissues forming the walls of the blood vessels over-relaxed, and flabby or stretched. This results in less supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Malnutrition can result from a diet deficient In calories, proteins, vitamin C, or almost anyone of the B vitamins.
Sometimes the blood pressure falls rapidly because of loss of blood. Low blood pressure may also develop gradually because of slow bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, or bladder. Emotional problems are a far more frequent cause of low blood pressure. To a lesser degree, prolonged disappointment and frustration may result in a subnormal blood pressure.
Herbal Remedies
Beetroot:
The juice of raw beetroot is one of. the most effective home remedies for low blood pressure. The patient should drink a cup of this juice twice daily for treating this condition. Considerable improvement will be noticeable within a week.
Indian Spikenard: The herb Indian spikenard is another effective home remedy for low blood pressure. It should be taken in doses of thirty to forty grains with a pinch of a little camphor and cinnamon (dalchini). An infusion can also be prepared by steeping 15 to 20 gm of the herb in 250 ml of boiling water, and taking it thrice a day.
Nutrients:
Protein, vitamin C, and all vitamins of the B group have been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of low blood pressure. Of these, pantothenic acid is of particular importance. Liberal use of this vitamin alone often helps in raising the blood pressure. A diet which, contains adequate quantities of complete proteins, B vitamins and, particularly, the nutrients that stimulate adrenal production, quickly normalizes low blood pressure.
Salt: The use of salt is valuable in low blood pressure. Until the blood pressure reaches normal levels through proper dietary and other remedies, it is essential that the patient should take salty foods and half a teaspoon of salt in water daily.
Epsom Salts Bath:
Hot Epsom salts baths are one of the simplest remedies for low blood pressure. An Epsom salts bath is prepared by dissolving one to one and a half kg of commercial Epsom salts in an ordinary bath of hot water. The patient should remain immersed in the bath for ten to twenty minutes. This bath should be taken just before retiring to bed, and care should be exercised not to catch a chili afterwards.
Dietary Considerations
The treatment for low blood pressure should aim at rejuvenation of the whole system. To begin with, the patient should adopt an exclusive fresh fruit diet for about five days, taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits at five-hourly intervals. Thereafter, he may adopt a fruit and milk diet for two or three weeks. After the fruit and milk diet, the patient may gradually embark upon a well balanced diet, consisting of seeds, nuts, and grains, with emphasis on fresh fruits and raw vegetables. Further periods of an all-fruit diet followed by a milk and fruit diet may be necessary every two or three months in some cases, depending on the progress being made.
Other Measures
A warm-water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowels during the first few days of the treatment, and afterwards, if necessary. Those who are habitually constipated should take all possible steps for its eradication.
Daily dry friction and sponging should be undertaken by those suffering from low blood pressure. They should also undertake breathing and other light exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling. The patient should take sun and air baths and spend as much time as possible in the fresh air.
All living habits which tend to enervate the system, such. as overwork, excesses of all kinds, needless worry, and negative thinking must be eliminated as far as possible.
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Low Blood Sugar- Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is a disorder of blood sugar metabolism.
Causes and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar
A craving for sweets and starch in excessive amounts between meals is the first sign of a low blood sugar level. When the blood sugar level falls much below normal, symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, fatigue, depression, disturbed vision, and headaches appear. Other symptoms are sweating, trembling, numbness, absentmindedness, dizziness, palpitations of the heart, and some sexual disturbances. Most hypoglycemia patients feel hungry and eat frequently to get over the feeling of weakness and emotional irritability. They feel tense if they have to go without food for several hours. Low blood sugar can compound into an emergency condition. In such an eventuality, medical help should be sought immediately. However, when the patient experiences any symptoms that indicate a fall in blood sugar, he should immediately take a heaped teaspoonful of sugar and then seek medical help.
Low blood sugar is usually caused by an excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods. These substances cause the pancreas, the adrenal glands, and the liver to lose their ability to handle the sugar properly. Other causes of low blood sugar are a tumour; or a disturbed functioning of the liver, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands. Stress intensifies this condition.
Natural Home Remedies for Low Blood Sugar or Hypoglycemia
Vitamins:
Certain vitamins have been found effective in the treatment of low blood sugar. These are vitamins C, E, and B complex. Foods rich in these vitamins are therefore valuable in low blood sugar. Vitamins C and B increase tolerance of sugar and carbohydrates, and help normalise sugar metabolism. Pantothenic acid and vitamin B6 help to build up adrenals which are generally exhausted in persons with low blood sugar. Vitamin E improves glycogen storage in the muscles and tissues. The patient should take vitamin C in large doses from 2,000 to 5,000 mg, B6 - 50 mg, and vitamin E up to 1,600 IU daily.
Apple:
Apples are considered valuable in low blood sugar. Two small apples with their peels should be taken after each meal for treating this condition.
Molasses:
The use of molasses has been found very useful in low blood sugar. When blood sugar becomes abnormally low as a result of over exertion or under-nutrition, a glass of sherbet made of molasses will serve as a tonic and prevent the feeling of faintness. It serves the same purpose in the body as glucose.
Dietary Considerations in Hypoglycemia
The ideal diet for low blood sugar should be based un three basic food groups, namely, grains, seeds and nuts, vegetables and fruits; supplemented by milk and milk products, and vegetable oils. Seeds, nuts, and grains should be the main constituents of the diet Seeds and nuts should be taken in their raw form. Grains, in the form of cereals, should be cooked. Cooked grains are digested slowly and release sugar into the blood gradually, six to eight hours after meals. This will keep the blood sugar level normal and constant for a long period.
Persons suffering from a low blood sugar should take six to eight meals a day instead of two or three large ones. Eating raw nuts and seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or drinking milk, buttermilk, or fruit juices between meals will be beneficial. All refined and processed foods, white sugar, white flour and all their by-products should be completely eliminated from the diet Coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks should also be avoided. The consumption of salt should be reduced as an excessive intake of salt causes loss of blood potassium, which causes blood sugar to drop.
Other Measures in Hypoglycemia
Proper rest is essential for those suffering from low blood sugar. A tranquil mind is of utmost importance in this condition. Nervous strain and anxiety should be relieved by simple methods of meditation and relaxation. Yogasanas like vakrasana, blmjangasana, halasana, sarvangasana; and pranayama like kapalbhati and anulornaviloma will be beneficial. A prolonged bath at room temperature will also be helpful in relieving mental tension.
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Leucoderma-White Patches on the Skin- Vitiligo
Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of the pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion. The condition does not cause any organic harm. This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious.
Causes and Symptoms
The problem usually starts with a small white spot which later develops into patches. These patches are pale in the beginning, but become whiter ,and whiter as time passes by due to loss of pigment As the spots enlarge, they merge into each other and, in course of time, form a very broad patch. In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.
The main causes of leucoderma are said to be excessive mental worry, chronic or acute gastric disorders, impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal, typhoid, a defective perspiratory mechanism, and bum injuries. Heredity is also a well - recognized causative factor.
Herbal Remedies
Psoralea:
The best-known home remedy for leucoderma is the use of seeds of psoralea (babchi). These seeds should be steeped in the juice of ginger for three days. The fluid should be renewed every day. The seeds should then be rubbed with the hands to remove the husks, dried in the shade and powdered. One gram of this powder should be taken every day with one cup of fresh milk for' forty days continuously. The ground seeds should also be applied to the white spots.
Babchi seeds, combined with tamarind (imli) seeds, are also useful. An equal quantity of both the seeds should be steeped in water for three to four days. They should then be shelled and dried in the shade. They should be ground into paste and applied to the white patches for a week. If the application of this paste causes itching, or the white spots become red and a fluid begins to ooze out., this treatment should be discontinued.
Red Clay:
Another useful remedy for leucoderma is red clay found by the river side or on hill slopes. The clay should be mixed in ginger juice in a ratio of 1: 1, and applied over the white spots once a day. The copper contained in the clay seems to bring back skin pigmentation. Ginger juice also serves as a mild stimulant., facilitating increased blood flow to the spots. Drinking water kept overnight in a copper vessel will also help.
Radish:
A paste made from the seeds of the radish is valuable in treating leucoderma. About thirty-five grams of these seeds should be powdered in two teaspoons of vinegar and applied on the white patches.
Goose Foot: The use of goose foot is beneficial in the treatment of this disease. This vegetable should be taken twice daily, in the morning as well as in the evening, for two months continuously. Simultaneously, the juice of the leaves should be applied over the patches of leucoderma.
Turmeric:
Turmeric mixed with mustard oil has also proved useful in leucoderma. About 500 gm of turmeric should be pounded and soaked in 8 litres of water at night It should be boiled in the morning till only one litre of water is left, and then be strained and mixed with 500 ml of mustard oil. This mixture should be heated till only the oil is left It should then be strained and preserved in a bottle. The mixture should be applied on the white patches every morning and evening for a few months.
Neem:
Neem is an excellent remedy for all skin ailments. It also gives excellent results in Leucoderma.
Diet in Leucoderma
Constitutional measures should be adopted to cleanse the system of accumulated toxins. To begin with, the patient should undertake a fast of juices for about a week. After the juice fast, the patient may adopt a restricted diet consisting of fresh fruits, raw or steamed vegetables, and whole meal bread or chapatis. Curd and milk may be added to this diet after a few days. The patient may, thereafter, gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits. This diet may be supplemented with cold-pressed vegetable oils, honey, and yeast Juice fasting may be repeated at intervals of two months or so. The patient should avoid tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, all condiments and highly flavoured dishes, sugar, white flour products, denatured cereals like polished rice and pearled barley, and tinned or bottled foods.
Other Remedies in Leucoderma
During the initial one-week juice fast, the bowels should be cleansed daily with a lukewarm-water enema.
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Leucorrhea-While Vaginal Discharge
leucorrhea, commonly known as whites, refers to a whitish discharge from the female genitals. It is an abnormal disease condition of the reproductive organs of women. The condition may continue for weeks or months at a time. If not treated properly in the initial stages, it may become chronic.
Causes and Symptoms of Leucorrhea
In addition to the whitish discharge from the vagina, the patient feels weak and tired. She also suffers from pain in the lumbar region and the calves, and experiences a dragging sensation in the abdomen. Other symptoms are constipation, frequent headaches, and intense itching. In the chronic form, the patient feels irritable and develops black patches under the eyes.
leucorrhea denotes a generally devitalised and toxic condition of the system, caused by wrong feeding habits. Whenever the body is loaded with toxins and the eliminative organs such as the skin, bowels, lungs, and kidneys are unable to eliminate them, the body in women establishes profuse discharge or elimination through the mucous membrane of the uterus and vagina in the form of leucorrhea. In young women, leucorrhea may occur during inter-menstrual periods due to the thickening of the mucous membrane in the reproductive organs. During the child-bearing years from adolescence to the mid-forties, infection may sometimes follow the birth of a child due to damage of the cervix during delivery of the baby. The other common causes of leucorrhea are displacement of the womb and unhygienic conditions which attract the bacteria to the genital organs.
Herbal Remedies for Leucorrhea
Amaranth Root:
(Cuscuta reflexa) Amaranth is considered an excellent home remedy for leucorrhea. The rind of the root of this plant should be rubbed in 25 ml of water. It should then be strained and given to the patient daily in the morning as well as in the evening. The root of this plant is, however, very susceptible to moths. Hence, care should be taken to see that it is not moth-eaten. In case the root is not available, its leaves and branches may be similarly processed and used.
Lady's Fingers:
The use of lady's fingers is another effective home remedy for this disease. A decoction of this vegetable is prepared by boiling 100 gm of the fresh vegetable, cut transversely, in half a litre of water for twenty minutes. It should then be strained and sweetened. This decoction, given in doses of 60 to 90 ml frequently, is beneficial in all irritable conditions of genitor -urinary organs, including leucorrhea.
Fenugreek Seeds:
Fenugreek seeds are valuable in leucorrhea. They should be taken internally in the form of tea and also used as a douche. For a douche, the solution should be much stronger than tea. Two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be put into a litre of cold water and allowed to simmer for half an hour over a low flame. The decoction should then be strained and used as a douche.
Guava Leaves: The tender leaves of guava are beneficial in the treatment of this disease. An infusion of the leaves should be used as a douche. It acts as a powerful vaginal astringent.
Mango Seed:Mango seeds are valuable in leucorrhea. A teaspoon of the paste of the decorticated kernel of mango can be applied inside the vagina with beneficial results.
Walnut Leaves:
The leaves of the walnut tree contain astringent chemicals. A decoction of the fresh leaves can be beneficially used as a douche in the treatment of leucorrhea.
Diet in Leucorrhea
To begin with, the patient should fast for three or four days on fruit juices for the elimination of the morbid matter. After a short juice fast, she may adopt an all-fruit diet for about a week, taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits. The patient may, thereafter', gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on whole grain cereals, fresh fruits, and raw and steamed vegetables. She should avoid all forms of white flour, white sugar, fried and greasy foods, condiments, preserves, tea, and coffee.
Other Natural Remedies
Water treatment is extremely beneficial in curing leucorrhea. A cold hip bath taken twice a day, for ten minutes at a time, will help relieve congestion in the pelvic region and facilitate quick elimination of morbid matter. A warm vaginal douche at 30°C to 40°C is beneficial for general cleaning and elimination of the purulent discharge. The procedure is to fill the douche can with one and a half litres of warm water and hang it at a level of three feet above the body. The patient should lie with the hips &lightly raised above the body level, and the special nozzle applied for this purpose should be oiled and inserted slowly into the vagina. The flow can be regulated by the small valve of the nozzle. In severe cases, the douche should be taken daily.
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Loss of Hair-Baldness
Although hair is not essential to life, it is of sufficient cosmetic concern to provoke anxiety in anyone when it starts thinning, falling, or disappearing. To a woman, the sight of a comb or brush covered with lost hair can cause intense mental strain.
Hair is formed in minute pockets in the skin called follicles. An up growth at the base of the follicle, called the papilla, actually produces hair when a special group of cells turn amino acids into keratin, a type of protein of which hair is made. The rate of production of these protein 'building blocks' determines hair growth. The average growth rate is about 1.2 cm per month, growing fastest on women between fifteen to thirty years of age.
Causes and Symptoms of Hair Loss
The most important cause of loss of hair is inadequate nutrition. Even a partial lack of almost any nutrient may cause hair to fall. Persons lacking in vitamin B6 lose their hair and those deficient in folic acid often become completely bald. But the hair grows normally after the liberal intake of these vitamins. Other important causes of loss of hair are stress such as worry, anxiety, and sudden shock; general debility caused by severe or long standing illnesses like typhoid, syphilis, chronic cold, influenza, and anemia, an unclean condition of the scalp which weakens the hair roots by blocking the pores with the collected dirt; and heredity.
Herbal and Natural Remedies for Hair Loss
Rubbing of Scalp:
A vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water is one of the most effective among the several home remedies for the prevention and treatment of loss of hair. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. It will activate the sebaceous glands and energies the circulation of blood in the affected area, making the hair grow healthy.
Amla Oil:Amla oil, prepared by boiling the dry pieces of amla in coconut oil, is considered a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth. A mixture of an equal quantity of fresh amla juice and lime juice, used as a shampoo, also stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.
Lettuce:
Lettuce is useful in preventing hair loss. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is believed to help the growth of hair if taken to the extent to half a litre a day.
Amaranth:
Amaranth is another valuable remedy for loss of hair. Its fresh leaf juice should be applied to the hair. It will help the growth of the hair and keep it soft.
Alfalfa:
The juice of alfalfa, in combination with equal quantities of carrot and lettuce juices, taken daily, also helps the growth of hair to a remarkable extent. The combination of these juices is rich in elements which are particularly useful for the growth of hair. While preparing alfalfa juice, the leaves of the plant may be used when they can be obtained fresh.
Margosa: (Neem)
The leaves of the margosa tree are also beneficial in the treatment of loss of hair. IT the hair has been falling or has ceased to grow, it should be washed with the decoction of neem leaves. This will stop the hair from falling and stabilize its blackness. It will also make the hair longer and kill lice and other infesting insects.
Mustard Oil and Henna Leaves:
Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is useful for healthy growth of hair. About 250 ml of mustard oil should be boiled in a tin basin. About sixty grams of henna leaves should be gradually put in this oil till they are burnt in the oil. The oil should then be filtered through a cloth and stored well in a bottle. Regular massage of the head with this oil will produce abundant hair.
Coconut Milk:
The application of coconut milk allover the scalp and massaging it into the hair roots is also beneficial in the treatment of loss of hair. It nourishes the hair and promotes hair growth. Coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut and squeezing / grinding it well.
Lime-Pepper Seeds:
Certain home remedies have also been found beneficial in the treatment of patchy baldness. The most valuable of these remedies is the seeds of lime and black pepper, ground together to get a fine paste. This paste applied on the patches, has a mildly irritant action. This increases blood circulation to the affected area and stimulates hair growth The paste should be applied twice a day, for a few weeks.
Liquorice:
The paste of liquorice, made by grinding the pieces in milk with a pinch of saffron, is another valuable remedy for patchy baldness. This paste should be applied over the bald patches at night before going to bed.
Onion:
Onion has also been found beneficial in patchy baldness. The affected part should be rubbed with onions morning and evening till it is red. It should be rubbed with honey afterwards.
Pigeon Pea:
A fine paste made from pigeon pea or red gram can also be applied regularly on bald patches for beneficial results.
Other Remedies:
Daily application of refined coconut oil, mixed with lime water and lime juice, on the hair, prevents loss of hair and lengthens it Application of the juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also considered beneficial. Washing the hair with a paste of cooked black gram (urad dal) and fenugreek (methi) lengthens the hair. Regular use of castor oil as hair oil helps the luxuriant growth of the hair.
Dietary Considerations
The healthy condition of the hair depends, to a very large extent, on the intake of sufficient amounts of essential nutrients in the daily diet. Persons with a tendency to lose hair should take a well-balanced and correct diet, made up of foods which, in combination, should supply all the essential nutrients. It has been found that a diet which contains liberal quantities of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits would provide adequate amounts of. all the essential nutrients. Each food group should roughly form the bulk of one of the three principal meals. These foods should, however, be supplemented with certain special foods such as milk, vegetable oils, honey, wheat germ, yeast, and liver.
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Low Blood Pressure-Hypotension
Low blood pressure Or hypotension refers to the fall in blood pressure below normal. It is a condition in which the action of the heart, in forcing the blood through the arteries, is weak. This is a direct outcome of a weakened and devitalised system.
Causes and Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
The patient with chronic low blood pressure may complain of lethargy, weakness, fatigue, and dizziness. The patient may faint especially if arterial pressure is lowered further when he assumes an erect position. These symptoms are presumably due to a decrease in perfusion of blood to the brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and other organs.
The most important cause of low blood pressure is faulty nutrition. It makes the tissues forming the walls of the blood vessels over-relaxed, and flabby or stretched. This results in less supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Malnutrition can result from a diet deficient In calories, proteins, vitamin C, or almost anyone of the B vitamins.
Sometimes the blood pressure falls rapidly because of loss of blood. Low blood pressure may also develop gradually because of slow bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, or bladder. Emotional problems are a far more frequent cause of low blood pressure. To a lesser degree, prolonged disappointment and frustration may result in a subnormal blood pressure.
Herbal Remedies
Beetroot:
The juice of raw beetroot is one of. the most effective home remedies for low blood pressure. The patient should drink a cup of this juice twice daily for treating this condition. Considerable improvement will be noticeable within a week.
Indian Spikenard: The herb Indian spikenard is another effective home remedy for low blood pressure. It should be taken in doses of thirty to forty grains with a pinch of a little camphor and cinnamon (dalchini). An infusion can also be prepared by steeping 15 to 20 gm of the herb in 250 ml of boiling water, and taking it thrice a day.
Nutrients:
Protein, vitamin C, and all vitamins of the B group have been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of low blood pressure. Of these, pantothenic acid is of particular importance. Liberal use of this vitamin alone often helps in raising the blood pressure. A diet which, contains adequate quantities of complete proteins, B vitamins and, particularly, the nutrients that stimulate adrenal production, quickly normalizes low blood pressure.
Salt: The use of salt is valuable in low blood pressure. Until the blood pressure reaches normal levels through proper dietary and other remedies, it is essential that the patient should take salty foods and half a teaspoon of salt in water daily.
Epsom Salts Bath:
Hot Epsom salts baths are one of the simplest remedies for low blood pressure. An Epsom salts bath is prepared by dissolving one to one and a half kg of commercial Epsom salts in an ordinary bath of hot water. The patient should remain immersed in the bath for ten to twenty minutes. This bath should be taken just before retiring to bed, and care should be exercised not to catch a chili afterwards.
Dietary Considerations
The treatment for low blood pressure should aim at rejuvenation of the whole system. To begin with, the patient should adopt an exclusive fresh fruit diet for about five days, taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits at five-hourly intervals. Thereafter, he may adopt a fruit and milk diet for two or three weeks. After the fruit and milk diet, the patient may gradually embark upon a well balanced diet, consisting of seeds, nuts, and grains, with emphasis on fresh fruits and raw vegetables. Further periods of an all-fruit diet followed by a milk and fruit diet may be necessary every two or three months in some cases, depending on the progress being made.
Other Measures
A warm-water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowels during the first few days of the treatment, and afterwards, if necessary. Those who are habitually constipated should take all possible steps for its eradication.
Daily dry friction and sponging should be undertaken by those suffering from low blood pressure. They should also undertake breathing and other light exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling. The patient should take sun and air baths and spend as much time as possible in the fresh air.
All living habits which tend to enervate the system, such. as overwork, excesses of all kinds, needless worry, and negative thinking must be eliminated as far as possible.
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Low Blood Sugar- Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is a disorder of blood sugar metabolism.
Causes and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar
A craving for sweets and starch in excessive amounts between meals is the first sign of a low blood sugar level. When the blood sugar level falls much below normal, symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, fatigue, depression, disturbed vision, and headaches appear. Other symptoms are sweating, trembling, numbness, absentmindedness, dizziness, palpitations of the heart, and some sexual disturbances. Most hypoglycemia patients feel hungry and eat frequently to get over the feeling of weakness and emotional irritability. They feel tense if they have to go without food for several hours. Low blood sugar can compound into an emergency condition. In such an eventuality, medical help should be sought immediately. However, when the patient experiences any symptoms that indicate a fall in blood sugar, he should immediately take a heaped teaspoonful of sugar and then seek medical help.
Low blood sugar is usually caused by an excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods. These substances cause the pancreas, the adrenal glands, and the liver to lose their ability to handle the sugar properly. Other causes of low blood sugar are a tumour; or a disturbed functioning of the liver, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands. Stress intensifies this condition.
Natural Home Remedies for Low Blood Sugar or Hypoglycemia
Vitamins:
Certain vitamins have been found effective in the treatment of low blood sugar. These are vitamins C, E, and B complex. Foods rich in these vitamins are therefore valuable in low blood sugar. Vitamins C and B increase tolerance of sugar and carbohydrates, and help normalise sugar metabolism. Pantothenic acid and vitamin B6 help to build up adrenals which are generally exhausted in persons with low blood sugar. Vitamin E improves glycogen storage in the muscles and tissues. The patient should take vitamin C in large doses from 2,000 to 5,000 mg, B6 - 50 mg, and vitamin E up to 1,600 IU daily.
Apple:
Apples are considered valuable in low blood sugar. Two small apples with their peels should be taken after each meal for treating this condition.
Molasses:
The use of molasses has been found very useful in low blood sugar. When blood sugar becomes abnormally low as a result of over exertion or under-nutrition, a glass of sherbet made of molasses will serve as a tonic and prevent the feeling of faintness. It serves the same purpose in the body as glucose.
Dietary Considerations in Hypoglycemia
The ideal diet for low blood sugar should be based un three basic food groups, namely, grains, seeds and nuts, vegetables and fruits; supplemented by milk and milk products, and vegetable oils. Seeds, nuts, and grains should be the main constituents of the diet Seeds and nuts should be taken in their raw form. Grains, in the form of cereals, should be cooked. Cooked grains are digested slowly and release sugar into the blood gradually, six to eight hours after meals. This will keep the blood sugar level normal and constant for a long period.
Persons suffering from a low blood sugar should take six to eight meals a day instead of two or three large ones. Eating raw nuts and seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or drinking milk, buttermilk, or fruit juices between meals will be beneficial. All refined and processed foods, white sugar, white flour and all their by-products should be completely eliminated from the diet Coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks should also be avoided. The consumption of salt should be reduced as an excessive intake of salt causes loss of blood potassium, which causes blood sugar to drop.
Other Measures in Hypoglycemia
Proper rest is essential for those suffering from low blood sugar. A tranquil mind is of utmost importance in this condition. Nervous strain and anxiety should be relieved by simple methods of meditation and relaxation. Yogasanas like vakrasana, blmjangasana, halasana, sarvangasana; and pranayama like kapalbhati and anulornaviloma will be beneficial. A prolonged bath at room temperature will also be helpful in relieving mental tension.
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