What is Sinusitisand Sings & Symptoms..Herbal Medicines

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammatory condition of the mucous membrane lining the sinuses - the bone cavities leading from the nose. It usually follows a common cold, flu or other infections. Infecting germs sometimes enter the sinuses or chambers on either side of the nasal passage, causing sinus problems.
Causes
The sinuses generally contain nothing but air, but if there is a great deal of catarrh in the nose, the holes connecting the sinuses to it can get blocked and filled with mucous, which may then become infected. This is called 'sinusitis'.
Some people are more prone to sinusitis, than others. This is because they tend to get a lot of catarrh due to nasal allergy or it may be that the holes draining the sinuses are smaller than usual and so more liable to get blocked. Chronic rhinitis or a cold may bring on sinusitis.

Sings & Symptoms
Excessive or constant sneezing, a running nose, blockage of one or both nostrils, headaches and pressure around the head, eyes and face are experienced. The face is very tender to touch, but not usually swollen.
Herbal Medicines
Garlic: The fresh juice of 3 to 4 garlic cloves, with 2 teaspoonfuls of honey, should be taken twice a day. It is a proven antibacterial, and analgesic.
Onion: Fresh juice of onion, well mixed in honey is also of great help in sinusitis.
Black pepper: 5gms of black pepper should be powdered finely, and this, well mixed in a cup of warm milk, if taken regularly, prevents recurrent attacks. It is a good anti-infective.
Steam inhalation is very good for sinusitis.
Ayurvedic Remedies 

Maha Laxmi Vilas Ras (SIRO) : 1 tablet twice a day with Triphala quatha is a good remedy for this painful condition.
Chitraka Hareetaki available in lehya form is a proven remedy. 2 teaspoons of this medicine should be mixed in a glass of warm milk, and taken twice a day.
Nasal inhalation of steam for 5 minutes gives good relief. A few drops of Jeevandhara (a mixture of camphor, menthol, ,etc.) should be added to the hot water, after which the steam should be inhaled twice a day.
Septilin (Himalaya Drugs) tablet 1 to 2 tablets twice daily for 4 to 6 weeks.
Laxmi Vilas Ras (Nardia) 1 tab, thrice daily for the same period.
Shad Bindu Taila can be used for inhalation 1 to 2 drops twice a day.
Do's & Don'ts
Diet: Fried, refrigerated and starchy foods should be avoided. The patient should also avoid use of perfumes, scented oils etc.

Acne and Pimples

Acne and Pimples

Acne is a very common problem affecting teenagers. It is a skin complaint in which spots, blackheads and pimples appear on the face, neck and body.

Healing Hints

Wash frequently with soap and water.
Do not prick or squeeze the pimples with bare fingers.
Use a special blackhead-extractor.
Avoid excessive fatty & oily food stuff.
Sandalwood,. turmeric, aloe, and neem are the best home remedies.
Causes

At the root of the problem are the sebaceous glands, which secrete an oily fluid known as sebum. During teenage, the hormonal changes taking place stimulate these glands to produce larger quantities of sebum than before, thus making the skin greasier.

The problem erupts if the exit to the gland (in the hair follicle) becomes blocked. The sebum begins to "back-up" in the gland, causing it to swell slightly, and this plug at exit may turn black on contact with air, so causing a blackhead. This is not due to dirt but is due to a chemical process known as Oxidation. If bacteria and sebum are trapped inside the gland by the plug, the tissues become inflamed and form a pimple.

Herbal Medicines

The paste made of Jeera (cumin seeds) applied over the pimples gives relief. For a single application, 5gm of Jeera is sufficient to prepare the paste. After one hour, the application can be removed.
The paste of 5gm each of red sandalwood (Rakta Chandan) and turmeric made with milk is a very efficacious local application.
Cumin seeds popularly known as ajwain are also useful in this condition. Prepare the paste of 5gm ajwain, duly adding required quantity of water and apply on the face.
Kumari pulp (known as Aloe vera) should be taken internally. Extracted juice of Aloe vera (half a cup) should be taken internally twice a day.
Fresh juice of tender tulsi leaves (Ocimum basilicum) is to be applied externally daily.
The paste of jatiphal (nutmeg) made with water is also very useful.
Ayurvedic Remedies

Kumkumadi Lepam, an ointment for application over the face, after duly washing the face can be used daily until pimples disappear.
Some herbal blood purifying drugs may also be taken for better results. Saribadyasava 15 to 30ml taken after meals with equal quantity of water, twice a day helps in the cure of acne vulgaris.
RS Forte syrup (DAP) is a good oral liquid for this condition. 20ml of syrup well mixed with 20ml of cold water should be taken orally twice a day for 40 days for good results.
Skinelle tablets (Charak Pharma) taken orally along with Skinelle ointment applied externally produce very good results in just two weeks.
Acnenil capsules (Uttam Pharma) in the dose of one capsule thrice daily after meals for a fortnight is a useful home remedy for acne.
Jeevan Amrit (Neem oil) capsules taken once daily on an empty stomach help in curing acne and blackheads.
Rasana Forte capsules (Shilpa Chem), an extract of garlic should be taken orally twice daily for 20 to 30 days.
Trifala churna taken 5 to 10 gm daily helps in purifying the blood thus helping in the cure of acne.
Clean-N-Clear syrup (Dabur) should be taken 1 teaspoonful thrice daily after meals for a month.
Do's & Don'ts

Constipation, if presem should be tackled effectively. For this 5gm/ 1 tsp of Swadista Virechana Churna should be taken at bed time along with a glass of water. This ensures safe bowel movement.
Associated dandruff should be treated.

Fat is good or bad?

Over the years we have heard the rants concerning saturated fats from many health professionals, as well as many other medical study think tanks,  that saturated fats is what’s causing the overweight epidemic among the people in our western culture …. Are they right?
As a health nut and avid well read individual, my health concerns are more intense now than they were when I was younger, now that I’m in my baby boomer years versus before when I was wildly spontaneous  as well as being a relentless ambitious college student,  I ate just about everything that was put in front of me.  I also exercised almost every day for many years.

As a husband, father and enlightened individual with a more sedimentary lifestyle, what this basically means, not so much physical activity but still do my fair share of exercise.  It’s my mission to bring about all that is good about a healthy lifestyle.

Many of us are so preoccupied with making money, paying bills, etc. that stress levels among our population are at an all time high. No one can really blame them it’s just part of what we have come to expect as normal. So be it.

However, getting back to the healthy eating habits and concerns about the daily intake of saturated fats is a topic which has somewhat confused me since I still eat what many would consider saturated fats. But I have to say, it has done me no harm. Gracefully I am aging with more strength, a better healthy body, and to this moment feel no after affects from  all those saturated fats I have consumed over the span of 59 years plus.

Saturated fats can be found in meats, eggs, coconut oil, butter, dark chocolate, salmon, cashews,

All of these mentioned foods are no doubt considered healthy whole foods to eat.

Unsaturated fats can be found in avocados, nuts, vegetable oils and olive oil, these foods also are considered healthy and nutritious.

Research indicates that unsaturated fats are healthier for us, however, we should be aware of the moderation factor and we should only consume a small percentage as our daily intake.

Each fat category is comprised of various acids and each acid plays an important role in what constitutes good health nutrition. Most all foods contain saturated and unsaturated fats, however, food companies only describe and admit to one of these types of fats, depends on the marketing of the product.

So it’s best to calculate and monitor your fat intake with moderation, variety and overall good sense.

So with that being said, is saturated fat good or bad? Remember that neither is totally bad for you unless you over stuff yourself with bad choices. The one thing to remember is to stay away from Trans fats; these are overly refined oils like margarine, most processed foods like junk foods, etc. These types of bad fat sources cause inflammation of the arteries, something you won’t notice until it’s too late.

Health facts about headaches

Do you know anybody who gets headaches? Ever notice how some people seldom get any. Interestingly enough, studies indicate that headaches have to do with lifestyle and behavior. Did you know that sex can cause headaches?

Yahoo Health has a great article; it’s called, surprising facts about headaches written by Lisa Collier Cool… A Day in Health… she gives us the rundown on what to do to avoid them.

Let’s face it nobody likes headaches so by being aware of certain things associated with certain behavior you’ll be that much better off.

The article also contains useful information and research about remedies, cures, relief, and all good information to read and to learn what causes migraines and headaches.

Although the word headache is a general term referring to one particular event. It is described as a pain or discomfort in the head caused by a variety of symptoms, such as tension, stress, discomfort.

There are a few different types of headaches which are classified in types such as tension headaches, migraine, sinus and cluster headaches. All of which have distinct origins and causes.

If you suffer from headaches and can’t find a remedy, please consult with your doctor.

Living a healthy lifestyle not only encompasses eating and exercising, it also involves prevention and a proactive resolve to change our behavior for a healthier lifestyle.

While you’re there you might want to check out the health line and other related links that I’m sure will help you in the long run..

Benefits of Green Tea

According to history, tea has been around since the days of early Chinese Emperors. It first was originated from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Back in the day it was believed to help with ailments such as tumors, bladder conditions, fatigue.

Since then, new studies believe that its helps with weight loss, lowering cholesterol, certain diseases and a host of other ailments.

Overall there are many variations of teas; they all contain many of the same elements and the variations between white, black and green teas have to do with the way they are processed.

Green teas are considered more healthful than some Black Teas.

Tea consist mostly of catechins, this is a strong type of antioxidant also found in green, white and black teas, chocolate and cocoas, plant vegetables, fruits and wines.

Tea leaves also have a high content of flavonoids. Flavonoids are water soluble pigments, the scientific name is polyphenols. These are compounds that are found naturally in all plants.
Teas have the highest concentration of flavonoids as compared to other foods and beverages.

These are natural organic compounds found in the pigments of fruits, flowers, and are considered very useful in the quest for health benefits. They include numerous antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiviral properties which help in maintaining healthy blood vessels, connective tissue and possible cancer treatment alternatives.

Other instant types of ready to drink tea mixes, flavored teas, etc.  do not carry nearly as many health nutrients as freshly brewed green tea.