Colic in Infants
Colic is a very common problem among infants, in fact about 10 to 30% of infants have this problem. When a baby has colic it keeps crying ceaselessly for hours. These endless crying sessions can drag on for over 3 hours a day for up to an entire week. This behavior is harmless, but it usually tends to take its toll on the infant’s parents. Infant boys and girls are both affected equally by this condition. The condition generally begins in the third and sixth week post delivery and could continue till the child is 3 months old. If the condition persists for over three month then it can be a health related problem. What causes this condition in infants is, as of now, unknown. However some of the possibilities have been listed as; stomach aches, sensitivity to certain foods, change in place, over eating, rapid eating, swallowing too much of air, inability to burp and so on. Common symptoms of colic are crying, moody and fussy behavior, uncomfortable pain, loss of energy, unwillingness to eat and at times vomiting.
Colic Home Remedies
Here are some home remedies that can help treat this condition. Basil contains sedative and antispasmodic properties, which will work very well in treating colic. Take 1-1 ½ teaspoons of dried basil leaves in a cup and pour boiling water over them. Now cover the cup and keep it aside for a few minutes. Strain the water, once it has cooled to room temperature, into a bottle. This can be given to the baby a few spoons at a time.
Similarly mint also contains antispasmodic properties and hence can prove to be useful for treating colic. Put about a teaspoon full of dried mint leaves in a bowl and then pour boiling water into the bowl. This should be left aside for 10 minutes and once cooled strained into a bottle. This decoction can be given to the baby to reduce the symptoms of colic.
Chamomile tea also works well on colic. Fill a bowl with a teaspoon of chamomile flowers, after which you should pour boiling water over them. After the water has cooled, the tea has to be strained into a bottle and then be fed to the baby. Chamomile will also work, as this too contains sedative and antispasmodic properties. Please bear in mind that is very important for all parents to consult the child’s pediatrician, if they notice colic like symptoms. This is primarily to rule out the possibility of any other problem.
Contraception - Birth Control
Birth control is basically a term used to describe measures that stop a woman from getting pregnant. This is where contraceptives come into play. A contraceptive works by preventing the male sperm from fertilizing the female egg. Contraceptives fall into 2 broad categories, namely; the barrier method- this involves physically preventing the sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing the female egg, and the second being the hormonal method- this alters the hormonal cycle in a woman in order to prevent fertilization.
Barrier contraceptive methods include the male condom. This method of contraception is the only one that men can use and is basically just a simple rubber tube worn over the penis. The female condom, in appearance, is very similar to the male condom, only slightly bigger and is to be inserted in the vagina. Spermicides too come under the barrier method as they contain a chemical agent which kills the sperm and also prevents it from entering the cervix. These come in various forms such as gels, foam and foaming tablets. This option however is not very effective in preventing a pregnancy when used on its own. The spermicide and male condom when used together can prove be an excellent combination, to prevent pregnancy as well as reduce the possibility of contracting STD’s
Contraception Hormonal
The hormonal methods of contraception can also be categorized into 2 slots, one being the injectable hormonal contraceptive and the other being the very commonly used contraceptive pill. The pill is an oral contraceptive that contains chemicals known as hormones. The combined pill is one type of pill that contains 2 hormones, estrogen and Progestogen. This pill stops the egg from being released every month, without stopping the periods. The other type of pill contains only 1 hormone, Progestogen. When this pill is taken the mucous lining in the vagina is altered to make it thicker. When this is done, the sperm is unable to get through and thus cannot fertilize the egg. Another type of pill, known as the emergency contraceptive pill can be taken up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex. However, this pill is meant for single use emergency situations and is not recommended on a regular basis. Again, oral contraceptives can prevent a woman from getting pregnant, but cannot provide protection from contracting STD’s. With the injectable hormonal contraceptive, the woman has to take an injection once in 12 weeks. This injection consists of the Progestogen hormone and thus works in the same way as the second pill (Progestogen only pill) discussed above.
Chronic Frontal Sinusitis - Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is condition that involves a persistent inflammation or infection of the nasal passages and one or more of the sinus spaces. This is a fairly common condition and usually develops after one has had a very acute sinus infection. The sinuses are tiny, air filled pockets situated within the forehead and cheekbones. The sinuses are primarily a natural defense mechanism of our body against any kind of foreign bacteria and virus. When there is any disruption caused to this mechanism it could permit bacteria and viruses to enter into the sinuses. These organisms could then get lodged within the lining cells, thus causing a sinus infection. This condition is basically of two types; acute sinusitis, when the infection develops over a few days and lasts for a short period of time, usually a week and the second is chronic sinusitis, when the infection is persistent and lasts for a period of more than 12 weeks.
Chronic Sinusitis Natural Remedies
Some of the reasons that can cause acute sinusitis, which may then progress into the chronic stage, are: cold or flu, dental infections, asthma, a suppressed immune system, cystic fibroids, nose allergies and smoking. There are a few home remedies that can be used to treat this condition. Ginger is one of the most common and oldest remedies for this condition. Slice a few pieces of ginger and then extract the juice. 2-3 teaspoons of this juice should be had on a daily basis. Garlic is also useful when it come to treating sinusitis on account of its antimicrobial properties. Soak 4-5 garlic pods in water for half an hour, after which mash them into a paste. Heat this along with a little water and the fumes from this should then be inhaled. It will help in loosening the mucus and encourage drainage.
Cinnamon can be used to gain relief from a sinus headache. Take a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and make a paste by adding a few drops of water. This past should then be applied onto the forehead and the nose. This treatment will have a very soothing effect. Boil a teaspoon of mustard seeds in 500 ml of water till the quantity of water is reduced to half. Once the solution cools, use a dropper to put 2-3 drops in each nostril. This will also clear the nasal passages and provide relief. Drinking a decoction prepared from 2-3 spoons of fenugreek seeds would also help. If none of these remedies work then, seeking help from medical professional would be highly recommended.
Dandruff Natural Remedies
Dandruff is a condition where the scalp goes dry, leading to itching and a lot of little scale-like crusts settling onto your eyebrows, shoulders and clothes every time you brush or comb your hair. Often the itching will lead you to go on scratching until your whole scalp goes red or burns from the scratching.
Dandruff can be caused due to a variety of reasons. Certain strains of yeast which grow on the scalp lead to the formation of dandruff. Other factors include hormonal imbalances, harsh shampoos, and irritations due to hypersensitive skin, pregnancy, stress, tension, exposure to extremely hot or cold weather conditions, infrequent shampooing, and dry indoor heating. It is also thought that intake of the wrong kinds of food, and infectious diseases leading to low vitality can cause dandruff.
It is first of all important to keep the scalp clean to avoid the accumulation of dead cells. Your hair should be washed with a gentle shampoo everyday. A shampoo containing tea tree oil or a mild baby shampoo with balanced pH levels helps. An herbal conditioner should also be used regularly. Adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your shampoo and leaving it on your scalp for half an hour also achieves surprising results. You should also brush your hair daily to improve the circulation and remove the flakes. Also massage your head daily. Massaging thoroughly with your fingertips stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff, and increases hair growth. Healthy exposure to sunlight also helps in controlling dandruff.
Natural Home Remedies for Dandruff
Besides this, there are several simple concoctions that you can prepare at home. 2 spoons of fenugreek seed soaked overnight in water should be juiced and applied to the scalp, and then left for at least half an hour. This is one of the most important remedies for controlling dandruff. A teaspoon of lime not also prevents dandruff, and in addition gives the hair a nice rich, glowing texture. Boiling the roots and tops of beets and using this water to massage the scalp is another option. While washing the hair, you can also give it a rinse with a solution of 2 tablespoons of vinegar and a cup of water. Rubbing a freshly cut onion on your scalp also makes a big difference in many cases. You can also massage your scalp with curd that has been kept in the open for a day. Keeping the curd on for half an hour before washing it.
