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Popular Desi Home Remedies
Popular Desi Home Remedies
Desi remedies to treat ailments and personal hygiene problems are very popular amongst South Asian communities. We look at some of the common health problems many of us have and what Desi remedies are used to cure them.
Most of the remedies use natural ingredients
Home remedies in the South Asian home are a strong part of culture and heritage. Particularly, amongst the older generations who have used these methods to address ailments through time. Most of us are bound to remember the use of traditional medicine in one form or other, perhaps when prescribed medication did not provide the antidote.
Many of these ‘desi’ home remedies work and are very effective. Most of the remedies use natural ingredients. A lot of the remedies have been passed down through family generations. For South Asians originating from rural environments in South Asia, these kind of remedies were the only form of medication available, due to lack of doctors or facilities in such areas.
We bring you some of the popular desi remedies known to Asian families and ones that can be used to help with certain health issues and personal hygiene problems.
Toothache
Toothache is a very painful experience. It occurs from inflammation of the central portion of the tooth called the pulp. The pulp contains nerve endings that are very sensitive to pain. Toothaches can be the result of a poor diet and poor dental hygiene, a symptom of a serious dental problem, or a symptom of a serious health problem elsewhere in the body.
Here are desi tips to help combat toothache pain.
- Keep a clove in your mouth in between the aching teeth and suck on it. You can even apply clove oil on the affected tooth.
- Place a clove of garlic clove on the aching tooth and let its juice be absorbed for relief.
- A pinch of pepper powder mixed with common salt works well on the aching tooth. It’s especially effective against the increased sensitiveness of the teeth.
Body Odor
Perspiration or sweat doesn’t cause odor but the bacteria that gets accumulated on the skin releases unpleasant smelling chemicals. The body odor is strongly associated with the emission from our sweat glands. The armpits and genitals perspire more as compare to any other parts of the body. Body odor can be a very embarrassing and personal nightmare for those who find it difficult to manage.
Here are desi tips to treat body odor.
- Drinking a cup of sage tea daily will reduce the activity of sweat glands and ultimately will minimise the odor and acts as body odor remedy.
- Unpleasant armpit odor can be addressed by applying cider vinegar to the armpits.
- In the bathing water, add a few cups of tomato juice and soak yourself in water for about 15 minutes.
Coughs
A cough is the body’s way of cleaning its airways and many times it is a reflex that cannot be controlled. Coughs come in many forms and they can be irritable mostly at night-time. They are usually caused by throat or chest infections. A cough is classified by how long it lasts: an acute cough lasts up to three weeks; 3-8 weeks is sub-acute; more than 8 weeks is considered chronic.
Here are desi remedies for coughs.
- Take one glass of warm water and pour some lime juice and a teaspoon of honey in it and consume it once or twice on a daily basis.
- Take 1 tablespoon of Pepper powder and boil it in a cup of milk. Also add on a pinch of turmeric to it. Put some sugar for taste. Drink it once in a day for about three days.
- Use unadulterated licourice root and boil for 20 minutes to make a decoction. Use about 1 cup of water for a four-inch piece of root. Or if you have powdered licourice root, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon in 1 cup hot water. Add honey as desired and drink.
Ear Ache
Earaches are a common occurrence in our lives, especially in children. A very common cause of the earache is due to plugged ‘Eustachian’ tubes (the tube that comes from the back of your throat and connects to your middle ear). When your Eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid will gather resulting in a painful earache, bringing with it the possibility of bacteria buildup or infection.
Here are desi tips to reduce the pain from earaches.
- Boil 3-4 cloves of Garlic in some water. Mash them and add a pinch of salt. Wrap this poultice in a flannel or woolen cloth and place on the aching ear.
- Heat a little extra virgin olive oil, and 2 whole cloves garlic. Strain the oil and use a dropper and put about 3-5 drops in the paining ear and close with cotton wool.
- Squeeze some onion juice from an onion. Warm it up put few drops with a dropper in the paining ear.
Heartburn
Most people suffer from heartburn usually after a meal. Your esophagus is the food tube that carries what you swallow down to your stomach. Stomach acid are used for digestion but when the acid reacts strongly to certain foods during digestion, Heartburn occurs, and the acid enters the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the stomach and chest areas.
Here are desi tips to reduce the pain from earaches.
- Boil 3-4 cloves of Garlic in some water. Mash them and add a pinch of salt. Wrap this poultice in a flannel or woolen cloth and place on the aching ear.
- Heat a little extra virgin olive oil, and 2 whole cloves garlic. Strain the oil and use a dropper and put about 3-5 drops in the paining ear and close with cotton wool.
- Squeeze some onion juice from an onion. Warm it up put few drops with a dropper in the paining ear.
Diarrhoea
The condition of Diarrhoea occurs when stools are frequent, loose and watery, often accompanied by abdominal cramps. It is an effective way for the body to get rid of an undesirable substance. It can be caused by food poisoning; bacteria in food or water; food allergies; or a virus. Also, excess alcohol consumption; laxatives; caffeine are known to cause diarrhea.
Here are desi tips to help address symptoms of Diarrhoea.
- Take a ripe banana and mash it properly. Add 1 teaspoon of tamarind pulp and a pinch of salt to it. Consume this mixture two times a day.
- Consume a paste made of 15-20 fresh curry leaves mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey.
- Roast 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1/2 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds. Mix and make it into powder. Add to 4 teaspoons of yogurt. Take this mixture three times in a day.
Common Cold
Cold symptoms develop over a few days. Sore throat, sneezing and a blocked nose are generally present with a cold, while they are not so common with the flu. It is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by infection with common cold viruses. It is highly contagious. It is very common in infants and adults having low resistance or immunity power.
Here are desi tips for treating a common cold.
- Prepare tea by adding 1 tablespoon of pepper powder in a cup of milk along with a pinch of turmeric and little sugar. Drink it once in a day for about three days.
- Take one glass of warm water and pour some lime juice and a teaspoon of honey in it and consume it once or twice on a daily basis.
- Squeeze 3-4 teaspoons of juice from an onion. Add 3-4 teaspoons of Honey and mix well before consuming.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a condition of the scalp. It is when skin flakes come out of the scalp. There are basically two types of dandruff – dry dandruff and waxy dandruff. Dry dandruff causes itchiness. Waxy dandruff remains stuck to the scalp in patches. Causes of dandruff include bad diet, dry atomspheres, deficiency of zinc and high use of alkaline soaps and shampoos.
Here are desi tips for treating dandruff.
- Add a few drops of vinegar and ginger juice to some beetroot juice. Mix the juice and lightly massage it into the scalp.
- Apply warm coconut oil mixed with lemon juice to scalp and leave on for about an hour. Then steam your hair for 10 minutes and wash . You can also use Olive oil instead of coconut oil. Use this treatment twice a week.
- Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek (methi) seeds overnight in water and grind into a fine paste . Apply this to your scalp and leave to absorb into scalp, and then wash after half an hour.
There are many more remedies for these ailments and some will also vary from the above, depending on the region of origin. With most of them being natural ingredients, it will be a case of trying them to see if they help and ease your problem, although the taste and smells may be interesting!
Please be advised that these are remedies are well known amongst South Asian cultures and do not guarantee results. If in doubt, you should consult a physician for any problems that you feel need professional help.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Pakistan has a rich tradition of herbal folk medicine. An ancient system called Unani Tibb -- literally, " Greek medicine" -- is still used today. Based on Hippocratic theories, Unani Tibb aims to promote health and treat disease by restoring the body's balance of the four bodily humors: blood, phlegm, bile, and black bile. To aid in weight loss, a Unani Tibb practitioner -- or hakeem -- might recommend natural herbal substances such as licorice root or fenugreek. Before embarking on any herbal or supplementary regimen for weight loss, consult your doctor.
Fenugreek Features
Fenugreek -- botanically known as Trigonella foenum-graecum -- is prized in both Ayurveda and the Unani medical systems, where it is known as methi. Utilized for centuries by Asian and European cooks as a flavoring spice, fenugreek is also a traditional remedy for boils, cellulitis, tuberculosis, diabetes and obesity. According to Herbal Powers, fenugreek contains glucomannins, which bind to dietary fat and reduce its absorption into the body. Although clinical studies showing weight-reducing effects are lacking, Drugs.com credits fenugreek with many beneficial and therapeutic properties, including the ability to lower blood glucose levels, harmful LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. High in protein and beneficial dietary fiber, fenugreek seeds may help to promote weight loss.
Dosage and Precautions
The usual herbal medicinal dosage of fenugreek is 5 grams daily of the seeds, or 1 gram daily of a hydroalcoholic extract. Side effects of indigestion and abdominal distension have been reported, but are usually mild. Drugs.com reports that excessive amounts of fenugreek can cause hypoglycemia, and adds that fenugreek can interact with prescription drugs. Consult your physician before using fenugreek for weight loss, and don't use it if you are pregnant or nursing.
Licorice Root
Licorice root -- botanically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra and also called sweet root -- is a staple of the Unani healing system, where it is known as mulethi and employed to treat myriad conditions, including ulcers, canker sores and indigestion. It has demulcent -- or soothing -- effects, as well as having expectorant properties. Herbalists have long recommended licorice for weight loss, and there is some scientific evidence supporting this use. In a clinical study published in the July 2005 issue of "Steroids," researchers found that topical applications of a cream containing glycyrrhetinic acid significantly reduced the thickness of the superficial fat layer in the thighs of female patients, leading them to conclude that the extract could be effective in reducing areas of unwanted body fat.
Dosage and Precautions
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 1 gram to 5 grams of licorice root can be boiled and taken as a decoction three times a day. Licorice root is also available as an extract standardized to 20 percent glycyrrhizinic acid; the usual dosage is 250 milligrams to 500 milligrams three times a day. UMMC notes that the glycyrrhizin in licorice can have serious side effects, and recommends the use of deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL. With prolonged use, licorice can cause a condition called pseudoaldosteronism, indicated by headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure and even heart attacks. Consult your physician before using licorice for weight control, and only use it under his supervision. Don't take licorice if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart, liver or kidney disease.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
- Top 5 Herbs for Weight Loss
Coconut oil, Cocos nucifera : tree : Coconut oil works wonders for dry and damaged skin, cuts, bruises, and speeds the healing while it fights infection. Coconut oil is different from other saturated fats because it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, MCFAs.... 
Coleus Forskohlii, Plectranthus barbatus : Forskolin, Indian Coleus, False Boldo tropical perennial plant : Traditional Ayurevedic medicinal plant used to treat high blood pressure, help in losing weight, improving digestion and nutrient absorption, fighting cancer, and immune system support.... 
Eleuthero Root, Eleutherococcus senticosus : Siberian ginseng, Ci-wu-jia, Wu Jia Shen Jing herb : Eleuthero is used to increase energy and vitality and to treat respiratory and other infections. In traditional Chinese medicine, eleuthero is considered good for vital chi ... 
Garcinia Fruit, Garcinia cambogia : Brindleberry, Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA), Gambooge Tropical tree : Both Garcinia cambogia and the extracted acid HCA are widely used in weight control formulas. HCA inhibits the formation of fatty acids and therefore less fat is available to the cells to be stored by the body.... - Top 5 Herbs for Arthritis
Cayenne Pepper, Capsicum minimum : Capsicum ,African Pepper, Chillies, Bird Pepper Tender perennial shrub : Capsicum, an extract from cayenne and other peppers, can dramatically reduce chronic nerve pain, and is effective against chronic pain like arthritis and neuralgia... 
Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus : Eucalyptus tree : Eucalyptus is one of the best known cold and congestion remedies. Eucalyptus oil is also a good pain reliever for sore muscles and arthritis pain.... 
Ginger Root, Zingiber officinale : Luyang Dilaw Perennial Monocot reed : Ginger combines well with many herbs, improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream while adding a spicy, hot zest to your favorite dishes.... 
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis : Woody perennial herb : Amazing, versatile rosemary is valued by cooks, herbalists, aromatherapists, and gardeners alike. Rosemary oil combats mental fatigue, increasing concentration and memory... 
Turmeric, Curcuma longa L. : Curcuma, Indian saffron herbaceous perennial plant : Turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant used in the manufacture of curry powders and mustards.The curcumin in turmeric has recently been shown effective in the fight against breast cancer, Alzheimer's and arthritis... - Top 5 Herbs for Diabetes
Bitter Melon, Momordica charantia : balsam pear, bitter gourd, Karela Gourd : The gourd-like fruit has a long history as a treatment for diabetes. Bitter melon improves the body's ability to use blood sugar and improves glucose tolerances. ... 
Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia : Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon Evergreen Tropical Tree : Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar.... 
Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum : Annual Herb : Fenugreek is a medicinal food plant that has the beneficial effect of lowering blood sugar.... 
Jambul, Eugenia Jambolana : evergreen tropical tree : Practitioners of Ayurveda in India value jambul for lowering blood sugar and researchers are investigating its potential as a male contraceptive.... 
Stevia, Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) : Sweet leaf Perennial Herbaceous Shrub : Stevia is a herbal sweetener that is good for you, stevia leaf adds no calories, and has no harmful side effects. The sweet leaves of this plant are a pleasant and guilt free alternative to sugar. The active photochemical in stevia leaves, ste... - Top 5 Herbs for Anxiety
California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica : Gold Poppy Tender Perennial : The above ground parts and roots of this wildflower show promise in the treatment of insomnia without the side effects and dependency risks of sleep aids.... 
Chamomile, Matricaria recutita : Camomile, Chamomilla, German chamomile Annual herb : Chamomile is an excellent remedy for any emotional disorders that involve stress, anxiety, and tension. The apple-like aroma relaxes and calms and the tea is used home remedies.... 
Kava-Kava, Piper methysticum : Ava. Intoxicating Peper shrub : Kava kava can be used as a mild sedative for nervous tension and stress. The active constituents in the roots, kava lactones, have relaxing and intoxicating properties.... 
Motherwort, Leonurus caridica L. : Lion's tail, lion's ear Perennial herb : The use of motherwort is an old one, the ancient Greeks and Romans honored it for a remedy for both physical and emotional heart troubles, especially when associated with anxiety... 
Passion Flower, Passiflora incarnata : Perennial Vine : Herbalists have a high regard for the soothing properties of passionflower and recommend it as a general nerve tonic. Passionflower is often combined with other sedative herbs.... - Top 5 Herbs for Allergies
Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus : Eucalyptus tree : Eucalyptus is one of the best known cold and congestion remedies. Eucalyptus oil is also a good pain reliever for sore muscles and arthritis pain.... 
Eyebright, Euphrasia, various species : Annual herbaceous flowering plant : Eyebright is often used as an eyewash or in a compress to treat sore, itchy eyes. Eyebright infusions can be taken as a tea, or used as an eyewash or compress... 
Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgo biloba L. : Tree : Allergies and asthma improve with ginkgo. The leaves contains anti-inflammatory chemicals and natural antihistamines... 
Reishi Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum : Ling-zhi, ling chih, ling chi mushroom Fungus : Reishi, or Ling zhi mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines for thousands of years, who place it in the highest class of tonic medicines, those who benefit the vital life energy or Qi. ... 
Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica : Nettle, Common Nettle herbaceous perennial : Nettles are a potent herb with a long history of use. Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages... - Source http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php
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