Adolescence

Swine Flu

 
Swine Influenza / Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. For example, an outbreak of apparent swine flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient.
 
In the case of swine flu and other infectious diseases, a single germ can wreak havoc on the health and well-being of society. Once it begins transmitting itself among humans through bodily fluids, water, soil, or other means, it can quickly become an epidemic.
 
As frightening as that may be, experts say it is reassuring to know that our bodies have the power to fight back through our immune system. This is what detects harmful viruses, bacteria and toxins that enter the body, and then it will attack the invaders before they have a chance to reproduce and spread. Beating the flu is "a matter of perspective and taking control of your health," he said.
 
 
Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
 
There is no Natural or Herbal remedy to cure Swine Flu. We are however concentrating on the   prevention rather than cure.
 
Natural Remedies
1. The most obvious way to strengthen immunity is through the foods we eat. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of nutrients to keep the body functioning properly. 
2. Vitamin C is a known immunity builder and oranges, pears, cranberries, broccoli, sweet potatoes, bok choy and turnips contain high amounts. Other sources include leafy green vegetables, as well as fruits that are orange or red.
3. Another nutrient that helps to keep our defences high is Vitamin A. It is found in carrots, watercress, lettuce, kale, kumquat and pomegranates. Vitamins A and C, as well as E, are all antioxidants.
4. Eat lot of Elderberries in form of fruit, jam, juice. It is helpful to protect from both Type-A & Type-B of human and animal types
5. Olive leaf has been shown to be an excellent antibacterial. This herbal supplement fights bacterial and viral infections. Dosage: 500-1000 milligrams every few hours or two capsules four times a day.
6. Grapefruit Leaf: This is best taken in capsules as it can be bitter. Research has shown grapefruit leaves to be effective as an antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-parasitic.
7. Echinacea has powerful antiviral and immunity-boosting effects. It is used to rev up the immune system at the first sign of a cold. Echinacea has been found to work better before you get sick, to build up immunity. It has not been found as effective for treating a cold or flu. Dosage: take daily according to manufacturers instructions. Take daily during the fall and winter months.
8. NAC is an amino acid that naturally stimulates glutathione, an antioxidant enzyme. People who have autoimmune problems are often deficient in glutathione. NAC has been used to raise immunity to the flu, and also to treat chronic respiratory problems. A recent study was conducted in which most of the subjects were over 65. Results showed that only 29 percent of those taking NAC developed flu symptoms, compared to 51 percent of those who took the placebo. Dosage: 300 mg. per day.
9. Zinc inhibits the reproduction of rhinovirus, and has been found to be especially good for treating viral sore throats. A recent study on the effectiveness of zinc showed that taking a zinc lozenge every 2-3 hours, shortened the duration of cold symptoms. Overdosing with zinc can have side effects, such as an effect on the uptake of iron. Dosage: one lozenge every 2-3 hours for duration of the cold or flu. Keep in the mouth for 5-10 minutes. Or 30 to 50 milligrams a day.
10. Ginseng: The patients who received ginseng had a lower incidence of influenza and colds, higher antibody titters, and higher natural killer cell activity levels. Also know as an adaptogen (a substance that helps the body fight stress) it has been shown to shorten the duration of a cold. One study used 200 mg of ginseng extract a day for four months and found a reduction in the length of symptoms. Another study found that ginseng may prevent influenza-caused acute respiratory illness (ARI) in elderly patients. Dosage: Extract -200 mg per day of extract, or dry root (tea) up to 2 mg per day.
11. Astragalus membranaceus or milk vetch has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to strengthen the immune and respiratory systems and to fight the flu. Astragalus belongs to a class of herbs called adaptogens, and helps the body handle stress. Astragalus also fights pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Dosage: one dropper of tincture of Astragalus (standardized to 15 percent polysaccharides) to a hot liquid like tea or soup three times a day. As tablets, take 350 to 400 milligrams three times a day.
 
Herbal Medicines
1. Tulsi leaves in the form of infusion are highly effective or Tulsi leaves' juice can also be used in doses of 1 teaspoonful with 1 teaspoon of Honey twice a day. This is a good remedy for 'flu' and cold. This can be taken as a preventive also when there is 'flu epidemic' in your city.
2. Similarly black pepper & Dry Ginger tea is also useful. This is generally prepared in Indian houses, during the prevalence of 'flu' and cold.
3. Eat one Amla twice a day. It is a rich source of vitamin C and strengthens the respiratory immunity.
4. Take one glass plain water, add one tsp sugar and two tsp fresh lime juice. Take this delicious preparation and when you want. You can keep this in ready form stored in refrigerator in a glass bowl or Jug.
5. 1 Tsp of pure turmeric powder or paste should be mixed in warm milk and can be taken 3 times a day. Turmeric clears the lungs, relieves constipation and activates the liver thereby speeding up recovery.
6. Fried GARLIC paste is another useful home remedy to cure flu. Cook garlic paste like curry and eat with Chapatti, as Sauce on breads etc.
7. Take two garlic cloves in morning with 1 glass warm milk.
 
Ayurvedic Remedies
Those sold over the counter for 'flu' and common cold are:
1. Trishun Tablets: 1 tab. thrice a day with a cup of tea or warm water for 7 days is a sure remedy. It is a safe formulation.
2. Trikatu Churna is a cheaper version of Trishun available in the powder form. ½ Tsp to 1 Tsp with hot tea. or water helps in checking the 'flu'.
3. Tribhuvan Kirti Ras is the drug of choice for flu in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets crushed and mixed with Honey taken 3 to 4 times daily.
 
Do's & Don'ts
1. Avoid heavy food, sour things including curd, exposure to cold wind and water.
2. Take light food like milk, bread, kanji etc.
 
 

Tooth Ache

 

 
Tooth Ache
Good teeth are the indication of good health, but often these are prone to infections, as these are overused and exposed to a variety of food and drinks. Toothache is a most common complaint.
 
Causes
The chief cause of tooth-ache is decay of teeth, resulting from bad eating habits like over-indulgence in sweets, ice creams, soft drinks, sour tHings and sugar items. Bacteria present in the mouth cavity break sugar down into acids, which interact with the calcium in the enamel to cause decay or erosion.
 
Signs & Symptoms
Tooth-ache may be constant throughout the day and night or it may occur now and then for a short period depending on the degree of dental damage. The character of the pain may be dull, sharp, shooting or radiating towards ears, and head. Severe headache may also follow.
 
Herbal Medicines
1. Clove Oil is the standard home remedy. A few drops should be applied twice or thrice a day with the help of sterilized cotton swabs.
2. An antiseptic lotion for gargling can also be used as required. This can be prepared by mixing 5ml each of clove oil and eucalyptus oil, some menthol and sufficient water.
3. Garlic is an effective home remedy for toothache. A paste prepared from one or two garlic cloves and a little bit of salt should be applied on the affected tooth. Garlic is a good pain-killer, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent.
4. Onion also contains the above properties, and a small piece of onion can be placed in the affected area.
5. Daily Massage of teeth & gums by common salt shall keep your teeth fit for ages.
 
Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Triphala Churna - 10 grams of the powder should be soaked in a glass full of hot water for some time. Once this solution becomes lukewarm it should be used for gargling purpose. If used regularly, it not only reduces the pain but also prevents further decay of teeth.
2. Kanchanara Guggul, in doses of 2 pills twice a day, gives relief from inflammation.
3. 'Gum tone' tooth powder, if used regularly, prevents dental problems.
4. lrimedadi Taila is the specific Ayurvedic remedy for dental problems. This should be applied externally on the affected teeth.
 
Do’s & Don’ts
1. The items enumerated as causative factors above, should be avoided.
2. Apply a hot water bag or ice bag to the side of the face - whichever gives most relief.
 

 

Premature Ejaculation

 


Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is a condition in which a man passes out semen either before or soon after entering his female partner during sexual intercourse.
 
This is a common phenomenon occuring in most men at some point or other, but is more common in very young men and can have a demoralising effect on both partners.
 
Causes
1. The chief causative factor in many instances - man is worried about how he is likely to perform.
2. When Man tries to make love too hurriedly.
3. Psychological causes, like stress, emotion also play a key role.
 
Signs & Symptoms
Ejaculating before or very soon after penetration is the main symptom, causing embarrassment to both the partners.
 
Herbal Medicines
1. Glass full of warm milk before going to bed, mixed with small Ellaichi & sugar is very effective in curing PE.
2. Drink warm water mixed with lemon and rock salt for seven days. During this therapy no cold water , alcohol & soft drinks to be consumed. This therapy can be repeated until benefits are found.
 
Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Ayurvedic system of medicine offers a wider line of treatment covering psychosomatic-sexual axis. There are rich and highly effective drugs available which should be used under supervision of an Ayurvedic Physician. These are known as Stambhaka drug measures which delay ejaculation.
2. Ashwagandha Churna in doses of 5gms twice a day with milk helps in this condition.
3. Jatiphala (Myristica Fragrans) pasted with milk is also an effective remedy, when used in doses of 3-5 gms twice a day.
4. Speman tablet (Himalaya Drugs) 1 to 2 tablets taken twice a day after meals, is a useful remedy for premature ejaculation.
5. Tentex Forte tablet (Himalaya Drugs) in the above doses is another useful treatment for premature ejaculation.
 
Do’s & Don’ts
1. Reassurance is the best treatment.
2. It is a passing problem, and in most cases, is resolved in due course of time.
3. One should just try to forget about it and even laugh it off. This can do wonders.
4. If it becomes a long term problem, seek a doctor's opinion. He may suggest sexual counselling.

 

Diabetes

 


Diabetes
Diabetes has been recognised since ancient times and is of particular importance because of its wide prevalance. The name is derived from the sweet taste of urine from patients with this disorder (mellitus = Honey) due to the glycosuria resulting from elevated levels of blood glucose. In Ayurveda, it is known as "Madhu Meha" i.e., passing Honey-like urine.
 
Definition
Diabetes mellitus is a condition of impaired carbohydrate utilisation caused by an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. Following are two main types of diabetes:
1. Insulin Dependent Diabetes
This type occurs when the body produces virtually no insulin. This usually develops in the early teens though it can appear later. It usually develops very quickly, often over a few days. The child or young adult feels increasingly weak, becomes intensely thirsty, and passes large quantities of urine. She/he may lose weight rapidly because, unable to use or store its glucose, the body draws on its stores of fat or energy. There may also be confusion and sleepiness.
 
2. Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes
It is a milder form resulting when the body produces some insulin but not enough for its requirements. Most people in this group are over 40 years and over-weight. The initial symptoms of thirst and excessive urine usually come on over a period of months (gradual onset). Other symptoms like tiredness, a feeling of pins and needles and blurred vision may also occur. But it is very rare for the older diabetic to go into a coma.
 
Common problems that occur are:
Recurrent boils and carbuncles; thrush and itcHing in the genital regions because of high blood sugar levels in the urine, and the failure of cuts and other injuries to heal.
 
Causes
1. Diabetes is caused by a lack of the hormone insulin, which controls the way the body uses sugar. In diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to allow the glucose in the blood to be used. In some cases, no insulin at all is produced.
2. Heredity is also a large cause in this disease. Nearly one-third of diabetics have a family history of insulin deficiency.
3. Age can also cause the pancreas to become inefficient. Many of those who develop the disease in later life are over-weight.
 
Herbal Medicines
Though Herbal medicines are not replacement of regular treatments, but in few cases, if herbal treatments are taken at very early stage or even before diabetes is happened can cure or delay dependency on Insulin.
1. Amla (Indian gooseberry) fresh juice 10ml and 2 grams pure haldi (turmeric) powder well mixed and taken twice a day, effectively maintains the sugar level and imparts many side benefits like strength and vitality.
2. Bitter gourd, popularly known as karela possesses the well marked anti-diabetic activity - Ayurveda also recommends the daily use of this vegetable. The active principle of this "plant insulin" is useful in lowering the sugar levels in blood and urine.  
Fresh juice of two karelas (approximately 20ml) should be taken on empty stomach in the early morning daily. The regular practice of this gives enormous benefits to the diabetics.
3. Fenugreek seeds are highly effective in controlling diabetes. It is found to be effective in lowering the serum cholesterol and triglycerides apart from sugar. Therefore, this item should be added to chapatis, and eaten regularly, apprx. 25 gm of fenugreek seeds are needed daily.
4. Black Berry: also known as kala jamun is another home remedy for diabetes. It is extensively used in Ayurveda and other systems of medicine - its bark, fruits, seeds are useful. The inner bark of the jamun tree is used in the treatment.
5. Unboiled milk mixed with equal quantity of water taken early in the morning on empty stomach gives very good result.
6. Juice of satavar mixed with equal quantity of milk taken once daily is very helpful in controlling sugar level in blood.
 
Ayurvedic Remedies
1. Jambavasav an oral liquid prepared from this bark is available in the Ayurvedic stores. 15mL of this liquid with equal quantity of water should be taken twice daily ½ hour after meals. Useful Ayurvedic drugs available in the market are listed in the glossary of Ayurvedic drugs appended.
2. Pramch Mihir Tailam is very good for external massage in the abdominal region.
3. Jambulin tablets (Unjha) in the dose of 2 tablets twice daily with water or milk cures early cases of diabetes.
4. Diabecon tablets (Himalaya Drugs) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets twice daily can be given depending upon the patient.
5. Hyponidd tablets (Charak) can also be added to the existing allopathic medicines for diabetes.
6. Glucomap tablets (Maharishi Ayurved) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily is very useful in diabetes.
7. Madhumeharyog tablets (Baidyanath) produce good results in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets once or twice a day.
Do's & Don'ts
Exercise: It is a key factor in the management of diabetes. Briskwalks, jogging, light games and swimming are good toners of the body.
Yoga: Suitable Asanas are Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Sarvangasana etc. These should be performed under expert guidance.

 

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