September 23, 2009

Home Remedies For Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy is a poisonous shrub that grows in most of the Canadian Provinces and all the US states except Alaska, California and Hawaii. It is usually found in wooded areas around the perimeters or rocky exposed areas. In Mexico it can be found in mountainous areas. Poison ivy grows as a shrub in clusters and can reach up to 1.2 metres tall and is easily identified by its yellow flowers and white berries which are small, smooth and clustered. The leaves in young Poison Ivyare a reddish brown and come in various shapes and textures (thin, hairy, hairless, dull, shiny, toothed, not toothed).

Poison Ivy produces an alkaloid to use as a protection against foraging animals. This alkaloid known as urushiol is a skin irritant that is harmful to humans who come into direct contact with it. The reaction to Poison Ivy may not be immediate. Sometimes the symptoms don't appear until a week or so later.This makes it hard to detect especially in children.

A major symptom of coming into contact with Poison Ivy is severe itching. This itching doesn't cause the rash to spread even if the blisters ooze or become infected. The rash will appear only on the areas where the urushiol has been in direct contact with the skin. Some people develop the full blown rash whilst in others it may appear gradually and even look like a scratch or a bite at the onset.

The inflammation will turn into non-coloured bumps on the skin and then into red blisters that often run in straight lines or streaks from the point of contact, These blisters are caused by the affected blood vessels developing gaps that leak fluid through to the skin. If you come into direct contact with Poison Ivy at the first opportunity apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area then rinse with water. This should be followed by further washing with soap and water.

Calamine Lotion or Burrow's Solution has in the past been used to ease the discomfort and itching, although sometimes they are ineffective. In severe cases where the blisters ooze clear fluids, corticosteroids may be prescribed.

Dermatologist often look for natural remedies to ease the symptoms of Poison Ivy. Rapid redness or unusually high swellings are symptomatic of an allergic reaction to Poison. If this occurs consult your physician immediately and do not attempt any home remedies.

A poplar home remedy for Poison Ivy. Is oatmeal.Simply Mix the oat meal with water and bring to the boil, stirring continuously. Allow to thicken and cool down before applying a thick layer to the affected areas. Leave to dry and then apply additional layers. For extra relief from itching and oozing add a tablespoon of baking soda to the mixture.

Baking soda mixed to a thick paste in the ratio 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water can also be used to relief Poison Ivy symptoms. Apply to the rash and leave to dry.

White vinegar and apple cider vinegar appear to draw out the poison and give relief to Poison Ivy symptoms. when applied directly onto the rash and blisters

Of course prevention is always better than cure so if you are going into areas where Poison Ivy is likely to be found remain vigilant. Carry a small bottle of rubbing alcohol with you for immediate treatment, then wash off with any water. Do not use water alone as this may cause the poison to spread.

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By Steph Pemberton 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Remedies-For-Poison-Ivy&id=2973096 Home Remedies For Poison Ivy

September 21, 2009

Home Remedies For Bronchitis

Author: naturalremedies
Bronchitis is a condition defined as the inflammation of the bronchi which results in persistent cough that produces considerable quantities of sputum. A respiratory infection such as a cold is the initial stage of the development of bronchitis. Bronchitis usually disappears within a few days without lasting effects in most people, however the coughs due to bronchitis can continue for up to three weeks or more.

Types of Bronchitis:

There are two forms of bronchitis, the acute and the chronic bronchitis. The most common of the two is the acute bronchitis form. This is the result of an infection with a virus or bacteria. Acute bronchitis is in most of the cases a consequence of an infection in the upper respiratory system.

Symptoms of Bronchitis:

The symptoms of bronchitis infection are an expectorant cough, fever, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath and wheezing. The last two symptoms are as a result of the airways blocking as the phlegm piling up in them.

Causes of Bronchitis:

Treatment of bronchitis usually depends on the cause. The causes can be smoking, air pollution bacteria and viral pathogens. Viruses such as coronarvirus, adenovirus, or a rhinovirus, that attack the lining of the bronchial tree is one of the major causes of bronchitis.

Treatment of Bronchitis:

1] Aromatherapy is one of the widely used bronchitis natural remedy which involve inhaling the eucalyptus oil that provides some relief from the inflamed lungs.

2] Cayenne pepper is one of the other best bronchitis natural remedies which helps break up the congestion and help you get quicker relief.

3] One of the other natural remedies for bronchitis is a tea prepared by mixing both garlic and ginger which when taken for three to four times a day helps cure the symptoms effectively.

4] A tea made from an herb called creosote bush is one of the natural remedy for bronchitis widely used to cure bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

5] One of the other natural treatment for bronchitis that help soothe the throat and stop the muscle spasms that trigger coughs is a herb called mullien having expectorant properties.

6] Tulsi (Holy Basil Ocimum sanctum), adathoda (Adathoda vasika), linseed, etc are used in the treatment of bronchitis.

7] Use of turmeric powder is considered to be one of the most effective and helpful remedies for bronchitis symptoms.

8] Treatment of bronchitis symptoms can be done successfully with the help of ginger.

9] The treatment of bronchitis symptoms with onion has been regarded as an age-old remedy.

10] Bronchitis can be easily treated with spinach. Just mix about 50 grams of fresh spinach leaves in about 250 ml of water and mix some ammonium chloride and a teaspoonful of honey.

11] Mix about a teaspoon of sesame seeds with a teaspoon of linseed and a pinch of common salt and one teaspoon of honey.

12] When suffering from sickness due to bronchitis, you need to take an emulsion of almonds.

13] Chicory also known as endive is one of the most effective home remedies for bronchitis.

14] If you drink alcohol and coffee regularly, you should stop their consumption immediately.

15] You should also reduce smoking; if possible, completely abstain from it.

16] Your body needs a lot of energy in order to cure bronchitis. For this reason, you should take a complete bed rest so as to save all of your energy.

17] Treatment of bronchitis caused by bacteria can be done using antibiotics.

18] Epsom-salt baths are also recommended for those with bronchitis, especially of the acute variety.
Read About Home Remedies also Read about Home Remedies for Bone Spurs and Home Remedies for Bronchitis
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/home-remedies-for-bronchitis-783324.html
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September 19, 2009

Gentlest Home Remedies For Acne Scars

Author: MRochell
Which home remedies for acne scars actually work? And which acne home remedies are safe for sensitive skin? Here are some of the natural acne scar healing tips we have learned that are the gentlest and safest for sensitive skin.

Having acne is a terrible experience, and even worse are the scars that are left on your face long after the acne has healed. It can take many months for acne scars to disappear, and there are some things you can do to speed up the healing process.

Many people with sensitive skin cannot use traditional acne scar treatments such as dermabrasion or collagen injections, which are invasive and can cause irritation, rashes and other side effects.

Homemade acne treatments can be very effective, however for best results we recommend that you create a comprehensive, whole body acne treatment program which will help you clear out the root causes of your acne so that you can prevent your skin from developing more acne scars.

If you have very severe acne, you may want to consult a qualified natural health practitioner that can assist you with creating the dietary and lifestyle changes that will clear your skin and help your body heal the acne scars. They can also guide you to find acne scar treatments that are effective even for people with sensitive skin.

Tips for Using Acne Home Remedies

1. Skin test FIRST - Even the gentlest acne home remedy might not work for YOUR sensitive skin, so please be sure to do a skin test FIRST on the back of your arm or the inside of your ear, to see if these home remedies for acne scars will work for your skin.

2. Be consistent - choose a treatment, first doing a skin test as I have suggested, and if your sensitive skin does not react to the treatment, then use it faithfully for at least a week or two. See how your face looks and feels before making a final decision.

3. Find a good daily routine for your skin - Using gentle, fragrance free and hypoallergenic products will help you to cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin without triggering more acne outbreaks.

4. Treat your WHOLE body - home remedies for acne scars are not just something you dab on your pimples. You need to maximize your body's miraculous innate healing and rejuvenating capabilities by modifying your diet and lifestyle. I know, that's not so easy especially in today's busy world! In order to clear your skin, you need to drink enough pure water, exercise, eat fresh, whole foods, and eliminate foods and drinks that trigger acne outbreaks.

Simplest Acne Scar Home Remedies

Many acne home remedies also work for helping acne scars to heal. Here are a few of the most popular ones, which you can find in your kitchen or at the health food store!

Ice cubes calm the inflammation, reduce the size of pimples and reduce scarring. After icing, let your face air dry.

Baking soda and water, used as a facial mask can both clear acne outbreaks and reduce scarring.

Lemon or lime juice acts as a skin lightener and will lighten the scars. You can also use this to treat acne outbreaks.

Ground organic orange peel and water can reduce acne outbreaks and help the skin heal.

Tomato and cucumber slices, applied to your face regularly will help clear up acne and reduce scarring.

Olive oil can reduce the visibility of your acne scars and help to soften them.

Green tea contains many potent antioxidants which help the skin to heal and rejuvenate.

Lavender essential oil can help acne outbreaks to heal and also will help the scars to disappear.

Vitamin E helps the skin to heal from scarring. You can apply a little to your acne scars, and also take internally.

Vitamin C also helps the skin to rejuvenate and to produce more collagen. Some facial products with Vitamin C can cause burning, so choose a good hypoallergenic product line that works for sensitive skin.

A Comprehensive Home Facial Treatment for Acne Scar Healing

If you want to do a more comprehensive treatment program for your acne with natural ingredients, this simple and very affordable program will clean your skin, open your pores, moisturize and tone your skin and reduce irritation and acne inflammations.

* Steam your face over a pan of hot water for one to three minutes with a towel over your head. For best results, do this morning and night.

* Apply a paste of baking soda mixed with a little water to your face. Leave on for one to three minutes.

* Rinse with cool water.

* Gently pat your skin dry, then wait a few minutes until your face is completely dry.

* Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel, mixed with tea tree oil. If the tea tree oil is too intense for your sensitive skin, try lavender oil. If that doesn't work, simply use the aloe gel by itself.

These home remedies for acne scars are just the beginning. To completely clear up your skin, consider eating a more natural diet and drinking an abundance of pure, clean water. Recent research suggests that this can reduce your acne by 50% or more! Foods that have been known to cause acne outbreaks include processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and dairy products. It IS possible to completely clear up your acne and to heal your acne scars naturally!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/gentlest-home-remedies-for-acne-scars-1104068.html
About the Author
For more home remedies for acne scars, including a completely natural home acne treatment for improving acne and acne scars overnight, please visit the Acne Sensitive Skin department at http://www.MySensitiveSkinCare.com