Monday, 19 September 2011

Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure, as it is more commonly known, is regarded as a silent killer. It is a disease of the modern age. The fast pace of life and the mental and physical pressures caused by the increasingly industrialized and metropolitan environments have a role to play in the rise in blood pressure. The heart is responsible for pumping blood through the arteries to the various organs and parts of the body. The pressure that is exerted on the walls of the arteries with the passage of blood is what is defined as blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured with an instrument called sphygnomanometer in millimeters of mercury. The highest pressure reached during each heart beat is called systolic pressure, and the lowest between two beat is known as diastolic pressure. Most young adults have blood pressure around 120/80. It increases normally with age, even going upto 160/90.
High Blood Pressure Picture

Hypertension is commonly referred to in the media as the silent killer with good reason. The condition often causes no discernible symptoms, causing a large number of fatalities as it is often detected too late. While hypertension or high blood pressure may not be a direct cause of death it could lead to a number of complications and long term diseases that often prove fatal. High blood pressure can afflict anyone past the age of thirty, with the risk increasing as we age, although it could also afflict young adults at times. It is in fact estimated that up to sixty million Americans may suffer from high blood pressure. Awareness about the risk factors and the symptoms of high blood pressure is of great importance as the only effective way of managing high blood pressure is through preventive measures and early detection. Being able to recognize high blood pressure symptoms can literally make the difference between life and death.
High blood pressure can be treated effectively and controlled with medications and lifestyle modifications. Treating high blood pressure should not be taken lightly however and your doctor’s instructions should be followed meticulously. Attempts at controlling high blood pressure naturally are ill advised. High blood pressure cannot be cured permanently and a reduction of high blood pressure symptoms should not be taken as a sign to stop treating high blood pressure. Similarly, patients should not attempt self medication or high blood pressure treatment solely with natural treatments for high blood pressure and lifestyle changes. Medical attention is necessary and regular checkups are of great importance especially when detected with the condition. Uncontrolled or poorly treated high blood pressure can cause a variety of complications including heart attacks, kidney failure, strokes and peripheral artery disease among others. The risk of succumbing to a heart attack is in fact directly connected to high blood pressure. The higher your blood pressure the higher the risk.
Managing high blood pressure naturally with diet changes may be necessary during pregnancy if medications do pose a risk to the mother or child. This of course depends entirely on the advice of your doctor and should not be a decision you make single handedly.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Pain at the Back of the Head and Neck

The first symptom of hypertension may appear as a pain at the back of the head and neck on waking in the morning, which soon disappears.

Dizziness, Palpitations

Some of the other common symptoms are dizziness, palpitations, pain in the region of the heart, frequent urination, nervous tension, fatigue, and difficulty in breathing.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

There is no variation in high blood pressure symptoms in both men and women or even during pregnancy, and treatment solely with home remedies is always advised against. It cannot be stressed enough that high blood pressure symptoms may not always be apparent. Although common high blood pressure symptoms like headaches, dizziness and vision problems are likely to occur; most people do not notice or suffer any high blood pressure symptoms. The condition therefore often goes undiagnosed as most people lack the motivation to visit a doctor in the absence of any worrying symptoms. It should be kept in mind that irrespective of your health status, lifestyle and fitness regular checkups are advisable for anyone past the age of eighteen.


Causes of High Blood Pressure

Stress and Faulty Life Style

The main causes of high blood pressure are stress and a faulty style of living. Smoking and an excessive intake of intoxicants, tea, coffee, and refined foods destroy the natural pace of life and prevent the expulsion of waste and poisonous matter from the body. Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), obesity, and diabetes lead to hypertension.

Excessive Intake of Common Salt, and High Fat Diet

Other causes of high blood pressure are an excessive intake of common table salt, and eating a high fat and low fibre diet.

High Blood Pressure Causes

In most cases of high blood pressure causes of the condition remain unknown. Irrespective of the high blood pressure causes treatment can be provided to minimize the ill effects of high blood pressure and relieve high blood pressure symptoms like anxiety and headaches. Although there may not always be specific causes of high blood pressure it is undeniable that there are certain conditions that could contribute to or significantly increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. While not all of these factors are controllable, awareness about them does make us conscious of the existence of the risk of high blood pressure, and consequently keeps us alert to the warning signs. The practice of breathing exercises, switching to specific diet foods, and herbs or supplements can help lower blood pressure naturally.
Age: This is one of the biggest risk factors for elevated blood pressure levels and as you age the risk of developing high blood pressure keeps increasing. In the past the age group affected may have been higher, but with the changes to our lifestyle and increased stress levels, pollution and unhealthy diets high blood pressure has also begin to affect younger adults, which is why it is best to start going for annual checkups after the age of eighteen.
Diet: Diets with a high fat content are one of the major causes of high blood pressure. A high blood pressure diet plan or chart will always exclude foods like red meats, junk foods, and other fried or refined foods. There are plenty of healthy alternatives and you can prepare your own high blood pressure diet menu, with recipes for high blood pressure from internet resources. Most of the foods that cause high blood pressure are the ones that are high in sugar content, hydrogenated oils and trans fatty acids. Salty foods, fatty dairy products, greasy and deep fried foods and fatty meat products should all be avoided or eaten sparingly to avoid high blood pressure problems.
Stress: The relationship between stress and high blood pressure cannot be understated and its contribution to increased incidence of the condition in modern society is undeniable. Stress related disorders are on the rise because increasing levels of competitiveness and tremendous technological growth that has changed the urban and social landscape. This stress could either be emotional stress or even physical stress in the individual.
Racial Factors: African Americans are believed to be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure as compared to Caucasians and this is also likely to occur earlier in life and cause complications of greater severity.
Socio-Economic Status: Although high blood pressure may be uniformly prevalent across all sections of society, the less educated and lower socio-economic groups may be more affected because of a lack of awareness and also a lack of access to quality diets.
Heredity: This is another factor that cannot be controlled and people with a family history of high blood pressure are predisposed to developing the condition.
Gender: Men are generally thought to be a lot more likely to develop high blood pressure as compared to women, but this could vary in different populations. While all of these factors may be uncontrollable there are some things that we can control.
Body Weight: Obesity is known to be one of the biggest risk factors for developing high blood pressure because blood pressure rises with increasing weight. It is highly advisable for anyone who is overweight to attempt to reduce some weight through healthy methods like dieting and working out. Patterns of weight gain are also believed to indicate the risk of obesity to some extent as those who gain weight mainly around the abdominal area are at higher risk, while those who gain weight on the hips and thighs, although at risk would not be as susceptible.
Salt: Some individuals have greater sensitivity to sodium and the consumption of salt will therefore cause a rise in blood pressure. In such a scenario, simply cutting down on salt intake would lower blood pressure naturally. High blood pressure diets are typically low in salt.
Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption is also known to raise blood pressure levels, particularly in those sensitive to alcohol.
Medications and Contraceptives: Women who have been on contraceptive pills may be at increased risk of developing high blood pressure and the use of certain medications like diet pills or amphetamines could also contribute to the problem.

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Garlic

The relationship between garlic and high blood pressure has been investigated scientifically, and found to be quite sound. Garlic is regarded as an effective means of lowering blood pressure. It is said to reduce spasms of the small arteries. It also slows down the pulse rate and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath, and the formation of gas within the digestive tract. It may be taken in the form of raw cloves or two to three capsules a day.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry is another effective remedy for high blood pressure. A tablespoon each of fresh indian gooseberry juice and honey mixed together should be taken every morning in this condition.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Lemon

Lemon is also regarded as a valuable food to control high blood pressure. It is a rich source of vitamin P which is found both in the juice and peel of the fruit. This vitamin is essential for preventing capillary fragility.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Grapefruit

Grapefruit is useful in preventing high blood pressure. The vitamin P content in the fruit is helpful in toning up the arteries.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Watermelon

Watermelon is another valuable safeguard against high blood pressure. A substance extracted from watermelon seeds is said to have a definite action in dilating the blood vessels, which results in lowering the blood pressure. The seeds, dried and roasted, should be taken in liberal quantities.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Rice

Rice has a low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-salt content. It makes a perfect diet for those hypertensive persons who have been advised salt-restricted diets. Calcium in brown rice, in particular, soothes and relaxes the nervous system and helps relieve the symptoms of high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Potato

Potatoes, especially in boiled form, are a valuable food for lowering blood pressure. When boiled with their skin, they absorb very little salt. Thus they can form a useful addition to a salt-free diet recommended for patients with high blood pressure. Potatoes are rich in potassium but not in sodium salts. The magnesium present in the vegetable exercises beneficial effects in lowering blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Parsley

Parsley is very useful in high blood pressure. It contains elements, which help maintain the blood vessels, particularly, the capillaries. It keeps the arterial system in a healthy condition. It may be taken as a beverage by simmering 20 gm of fresh parsley leaves gently in 250 ml of water for a few minutes. This may be drunk several times daily.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Rauwolfia

Among the herbs, rauwolfia is the best remedy for high blood pressure. Alkaloids of this drug, which have a direct effect on hypertension, have been isolated and are being widely used by practitioners of modem medicine, but they have certain unpleasant side-effects which the drug, taken in raw form, does not have. Practitioners of the Indian system of medicine have, therefore, preferred to use the root of the drug in a powdered from. Half a teaspoon of this drug, taken thrice a day, is very effective in hypertension.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Vegetable Juice

Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot and spinach juices, taken separately or in combination, are also beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure. If taken in combination, 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed to make 500 ml or half a liter of the juice, and taken daily. If taken separately, one glass should be taken twice daily, morning and evening.

High Blood Pressure treatment using Dietary Calcium and Potassium

Recent studies have revealed an important link between dietary calcium and potassium and hypertension. Researchers have found that people who are on potassium-rich diets have a low incidence of hypertension even if they do not control their salt intake. They have also found that people with hypertension do not seem to get much calcium in the form of dairy products. These two essential nutrients seem to help the body secrete excess sodium and are involved in important functions which control the working of the vascular system. Potassium is found in abundance in fruits and vegetables, and calcium in dairy products.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Hawthorn

Many herbal practitioners use Hawthorn for reducing high blood pressure risks naturally. Hawthorn supplements or extracts can be taken consumed under medical supervision to control high blood pressure. This particular herb does not have any known negative interactions with other drugs used for high blood pressure. The Chinese Hawthorn fruit is also beneficial in improving heart function, repairing heart muscle damage and dilating the heart blood vessels to enhance blood flow. Diabetics who suffer from high blood pressure can take a daily dose of Hawthorn extract to reduce high blood pressure naturally.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Fish Oils

Fish oils supplements contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docohexaenoic acid (DHA) both of which can reduce high blood pressure naturally.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Daikon Seed Extract

Daikon seed extracts have been widely used in herbal medicine for a variety of purposes. Daikon seed extracts not only help in lowering high blood pressure risks but also help in maintaining overall cardiovascular health.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Holly Leaf

Holly leaf also known as Ilex aquifolium helps in enhancing blood circulation by expanding the blood vessels and also simultaneously reduces cholesterol in the body. Therefore this herbal remedy is great for controlling high blood pressure and also keeping the mind calm.

High Blood Pressure Treatment using Flaxseed

Flaxseed is very rich in fiber and therefore very effective in lowering LDL cholesterol and preserving HDL cholesterol. Flaxseeds should be consumed regularly along with soups, cereals and yogurt in order to reduce high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure Diet

High Blood Pressure Diet

Persons with high blood pressure should always follow a well-balanced routine of a proper diet, exercise, and rest. Diet is of primary importance. Meat and eggs, more than any other food, cause the blood pressure to rise. The pressure can be lowered and blood clotting diminished by increasing the consumption of fruits, reducing protein intake, and sticking to a vegetarian diet. A natural diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables instead of a traditional diet, helps to get rid of the toxins from the body. Salt should be avoided; in any case, it should not exceed more than three grams or about half a teaspoon per day. Supplements of minerals or vitamins for high blood pressure control may also be recommended.

Other High Blood Pressure Remedies

Other High Blood Pressure treatment

Persons suffering from hypertension must get at least eight hours of good sleep, because proper rest is a vital aspect of the treatment. Most important of all, the patient must avoid overstrain, worries, tension, anger, and haste. He or she must develop a calm and cheerful attitude and develop a contented frame of mind.

Natural Remedies:Boils

Boils are an infection of the skin caused most commonly by Staphylococcus. The hair follicles of the skin get infected. Boils are localized, inflamed, tender, pus-filled swellings in the skin surrounded by large red areas. Boils can either be an acute or a chronic skin ailment, depending on how long they last for. In an acute case, the boils are generally the result of a localized infection and can be treated with simple topical applications. Chronic boils on the other hand, last for much longer and are caused by severe infection and persistent infections. This type of an infection also requires stronger medication and may take a while to heal. It is important to treat an infection at the very onset of the symptoms to help reduce the recovery period and prevent scarring. Topical applications can be used in both types of infections as to help reduce the swelling and discomfort and promote healing. Boils are sometimes only symptoms of a more serious underlying health condition and so it is important to go for a complete physical examination if you suffer from boils on a regular basis. Sometimes, pimples and acne can be mistaken for boils and so it is important to determine the root cause and the exact nature of the skin condition before choosing a treatment method. Some types of boils are not contagious while others are extremely contagious and can even spread through the shared usage of personal items with an infected individual. It is better to avoid sharing personal items as a general rue to prevent skin problems. If you suffer from persistent outbreaks of boils, it would be advisable to talk to your doctor about what causes boils on the body or in specific areas such as on the inner thigh, the under arms, or on the buttocks, as this will help to prevent a recurrence of this problem.


Symptoms of Skin Boils

Painful Red Nodule Appears on the Skin

At the outset, a painful red nodule appears on the skin. The nodule grows bigger and then breaks down in the middle where pus collects. The boils patient experiences a lot of irritation and itching. The boil may appear as a single skin boil, or many boils in the same area or in different areas at or about the same time, or boils may come in successive crops. The swelling may either be limited to one hair follicle or extend to several follicles. When skin boils ripen, they give out a discharge. Fever may sometimes arise in a person with boils. Very often boils may appear to have a white spot at the center of the boil which is known as the “head”. The head of the boil is white in color as it is filled with pus which is nothing but the accumulation of the microbe causing the infection as well the white blood cells that converge on the area as part of the body’s immune system response to the infection. While there are some specialists who believe that it is fine to use a sterilized needle to break open the boil so that it can be drained there are many who believe that this can actually aggravate the problem. Most specialists however agree that one of the most effective and least invasive methods to treat a boil is to apply a warm moist compress to the boil for a prolonged period. The heat and moisture helps to increase the blood flow to the area which causes more pus to accumulate and the additional pressure results in the head popping. You may have to leave the warm compress on for a couple of hours before it pops but this would depend on how much pus is already present in the head of the boil. A severe boil infection will typically include symptoms such as the rapid spreading of the affected areas as well as a mild fever and pictures and images of various types of boil infections may help you narrow down and even pinpoint the probable cause of your infection. Treatment for boils on buttocks, on the inner thighs, under the armpits, and on the labia will require immediate care as these areas are very sensitive and ignoring the problem can result in a lot of pain and discomfort. Boils on the buttocks is a very common problem in children and there are several methods of naturally treating boils at home through the use of home remedies.



Causes of Boils

Staphylococcus Germs

Boils are caused mainly by staphylococcus germs. These enter sweat glands or hair follicles. The essential cause of boils is thus bacterial. However, there are several factors which predispose the growth of bacteria in hair follicles. People who suffer from diabetes, certain blood disorders, or obesity have a higher risk of suffering from this troublesome skin condition. Those who are anemic or have been on antibiotic medication for a prolonged period may also suffer from this problem. A small tear in the skin will increase the probability of suffering from boils in that area, especially if you do not wash the area immediately. Cleansing a scratch with running water and an antimicrobial soap will help to prevent boils. The bacteria that cause boils can be found on the surface of your skin and a boil forms only once the bacteria enter the sweat glands. In order to keep your skin free of boils and the resultant blemishes and scars, it is best to bathe regularly with a soap that is suited o your skin type. You should also use a moisturizer after your bath to protect your skin from infectious microbes. You can add a few drops of Margosa oil to your moisturizing lotion just before you apply it to your skin as this oil contains anti-microbial agents that will help to prevent boils and other minor skin problems. If you have large and painful boils on your face, on your legs, or on your buttocks, you will have to get a definite diagnosis before you start any treatment to ensure fast and lasting results. There are several home remedies for boils under the armpits, on the buttocks, on the inner thigh area, and on the groin that you can use to treat as well as prevent boils.

Toxic Condition in Blood Stream

The chief factor is a toxic condition in the blood stream. This arises due to a faulty diet and a frenetic pace of living. Boils generally appear when a person is in a run-down devitalised condition. You can use more than one natural Skin boils treatment as this will help to decrease the recovery period. In addition to using natural cures for boils, you will also have to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle schedule in order to get rid of this problem. In many cases, stress and anxiety can increase the severity of the problem in the same manner as a faulty and unbalanced diet. If you are unsure as to whether you are suffering from boils or carbuncles, you can research boils and carbuncles pictures, images, and treatment videos on the internet to help differentiate between these skin ailments as well as learn more about the various types of treatment options.

Boils  Picture

Home Remedies for Boils and Skin Boils

Boils treatment using Garlic and Onion

Garlic and Onions have been proved to be among the most effective home remedy for boils treatment among several other remedies. Onion juice or garlic juice may be applied on boils externally to ripen them, break and evacuate the pus. Juices of both these vegetables can be mixed in equal quantities and applied on the boil for beneficial results.

Boils treatment using Bitter Gourd

Bitter Gourd is also an effective home remedy for blood filled boils. To treat boils, a cupful of fresh bitter gourd juice can be mixed with 1 teaspoon of lime juice, sipped on slowly on an empty stomach everyday for a few days.

Boils treatment using Milk Cream

Milk cream remedy is useful in the treatment of boils. An excellent poultice for boils cure is, to apply a mixture of a teaspoon each of milk cream and vinegar with a pinch of turmeric powder. This helps to ripen the blood boils and heal them without letting them become septic.

Boils treatment using Betel Leaves

Betel Leaves treatment for boils is a valuable home remedy. A betel leaf is gently warmed till it softens. Coat it with a layer of castor oil. Spread the oiled leaf over the inflamed part. Replace this every few hours. After applying a few times, boil ruptures and drains out all the purulent matter.

Boils treatment using Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are beneficial in the treatment of boils. Cumin seeds are ground to a paste in water. This cumin seed paste is applied to boils for beneficial results.

Boils treatment using Margosa Leaves

Margosa leaves have proven effective in treating boils. They can be either used as a poultice, liniment or decoction with positive results. To make the decoction, boil 15 gm of margosa leaves in 500 ml water till it is reduced by one-third.

Boils treatment using Parsley

For boils treatment, steep parsley in boiled water till it becomes soft and juicy. When it is comfortably hot, wrap it in a clean muslin or linen cloth and apply it on the boils as a poultice.

Boils treatment using Turmeric

Applying turmeric powder on boils speeds healing process. In case of fresh boils, roast a few dry roots of turmeric, dissolve the ashes in a cupful of water and then apply over the affected areas. This solution aids boils to ripen and burst.

Diet For Patients With Skin Boils

Fast on Orange Juice with Water

Cleanse your system thoroughly for treatment of boils. Begin the fast with orange juice diluted in water on a 50:50 basis for three to four days, or go exclusively on fresh juicy fruits from five to seven days.

Well-Balanced Diet

After the short juice fast or the all-fruit diet, as the case may be, a good nutritious diet should be consumed. This can help the immune system fight the infection. Maintain an overall healthy diet. This includes using fresh and unprocessed foods as close to the natural state as possible. Eat whole grains, leafy green vegetables, fruit, proteins, with a minimum of animal fat as per the daily servings. Restrict intake of sugary and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice) to a minimum.

Avoid Tea/Coffee, Cakes, Pastries, Condiments and Sauces

Avoid tea, coffee, sugary starchy foods, especially chocolates, pastries, sweets, cakes, white sugar and white bread. Avoid all condiments, sauces and pickles.

Other Boils treatments

Warm-Water Enema

A warm water enema given daily helps to cleanse the bowels. This should be done during the initial juice fast or all fruit diet.

Warm Moist Compresses would be Applied

Apply warm moist compresses three to four times a day over tender areas. This helps to bring the boil to a head and promotes easy drainage.

Hot Epsom Salts Bath

A hot Epsom salt bath greatly benefits in boil treatment and should be used twice or thrice a week until boils persist and once in a week thereafter.

Dry Massage followed by Cold Sponge

A daily dry massage every morning followed by a cold water sponge is another helpful measure in the treatment of boils.

Breathing and Outdoor Exercises

Fresh air, outdoor exercises and breathing exercises are essential for toning up the system.

Avoid Constipation

If constipation occurs habitually, take all measures to overcome it. Chronic constipation can have a negative effect on your overall health and can also cause sallow unhealthy skin that is susceptible to boils. Increase your intake of fiber and fluids to help deal with this problem.

Natural Remedies

 For sometime now, I have been following keenly interesting natural remedies, many that have worked for me and other people.
I will put regular posts here on various ailments and their natural remedies.

Asthma Causes

Asthma Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet

Allergy caused by weather conditions

Asthma is caused by a variety of factors. It may be due to an allergy caused by weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants. Allergies to dust are the most common.

Asthma Cures

Asthma treatment using Honey

Honey is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.

Asthma treatment using Figs

Among fruits, figs have proved very valuable in asthma. They give comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm. Three or four dry figs should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked overnight.

Asthma treatment using Lemon

Lemon is another fruit found beneficial in the treatment of asthma. The juice of one lemon, diluted in a glass of water and taken with meals, will bring good results

Asthma treatment using Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry has also proved valuable in asthma. Five grams of gooseberry mixed with one tablespoon of honey forms an effective medicinal tonic for the treatment of this disease. It should be taken every morning

Asthma treatment using Bitter Gourd Roots

The roots of the bitter gourd plant have been used in folk medicine for asthma since ancient times. A teaspoon of the root paste, mixed with an equal amount of honey or juice of the holy basil leaves, given once every night for a month, acts as an excellent medicine for this disease.

Asthma treatment using Drumstick Leaves

A soup prepared from drumstick leaves, and taken once daily, has been found beneficial in the treatment of asthma. This soup is prepared by adding a handful of leaves to 180ml of water and boiling it for five minutes. After being allowed to cool, a little salt, pepper, and lime juice may be added to this soup.

Asthma treatment using Ginger

A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste, acts as an excellent expectorant in cases of asthma. The decoction of fenugreek can be made by mixing one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cupful of water. This remedy should be taken once in the morning and once in the evening.

Asthma treatment using Garlic

Garlic is another effective home remedy for asthma. Ten garlic cloves, boiled in 30 ml of milk, make an excellent medicine for the early stages of asthma. This mixture should he taken once daily by the patient. Steaming ginger tea with two minced garlic cloves in it, can also help to keep the problem under control, and should be taken in the morning and evening.

Asthma treatment using Bishop's Weed

The herb bishop's weed has been found valuable in asthma. Half a teaspoon of bishop's weed should be mixed in a glass of buttermilk and taken twice daily. It is an effective remedy for relieving difficult expectoration caused by dried-up phlegm. A hot poultice of the seeds should be used for dry fomentation to the chest twice daily. The. patient can also inhale steam twice a day from boiling water mixed with carom seeds. It will dilate the bronchial passages.

Asthma treatment using Safflower

Safflower seeds are beneficial in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Half a teaspoon of powder of the dry seeds, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, can be taken once or twice a day in treating this disease. This acts as an expectorant and reduces the spasms by liquefying the tenacious sputum. An infusion of five grams of flowers mixed with one tablespoon of honey, taken once daily, is also useful in this disease.

Diet for Asthma

Asthma : Home Remedies suggested by users

carbohydrates, fats and proteins

The patient should avoid common dietetic errors. Ideally, his diet should contain a limited quantity of carbohydrates, fats and proteins which are 'acid-forming' foods, and a liberal quantity of alkali-forming foods consisting of fresh fruits, green vegetables, sprouted seeds, and grains. The patient should avoid foods which tend to produce phlegm, such as rice, sugar, lentils, and yoghurt. He should also avoid fried and other difficult to-digest foods, strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, condiments pickles, sauces and all refined and processed foods.

Other Suggestions for Asthma

Fasting and exercises

The patient should also follow the other laws of nature. Air, sun, and water are great healing agents. Regular fasting once a week, an occasional enema, breathing exercises, fresh air, a dry climate, light exercises, and correct posture go a long way in treating the disease.