Natural Remedies For Growing Hair Back

December 6, 2009

Natural remedies for growing hair back can avoid some of the complications of transplants and other processes. Hair loss is something that happens to most men and many women but the process can be prevented, slowed or even reversed in some cases.

While transplants are the quickest way to replace lost hair, they do have some disadvantages. One is that they do not stop further hair loss. So for example a man with a round balding patch at the crown who has transplants, will later probably develop a bald ring around the transplanted area as the hair loss spreads. The other main disadvantage is that unless you have a series of many treatments, people are likely to notice that you suddenly have more hair. They may think it is a hairpiece, toupee or wig.

Natural hair loss remedies come in various forms and the best results are likely to come from using more than one.

Massage

Scalp massage can stimulate hair growth where the loss is temporary or not severe, and can help to prevent further loss of hair. Gently massage the full scalp with your fingertips for about three minutes each day. Be careful not to scratch the scalp with your nails or damage any growing hair.

Massage with jojoba oil will provide the scalp with B and E vitamins plus many minerals that will give hair a boost. Jojoba oil is particularly effective if you have a tendency to skin problems such as dandruff, eczema and psoriasis, or oily hair.

A Chinese form of massage said to stimulate the follicles involves tapping the scalp with the fingers of both hands. Beginning in the middle of the base of the skull at the back, tap about 20 times then move the tapping slowly upward and outward around the ears. Then begin again at the back a little higher than where you started before. Repeat until you have covered the whole scalp, finishing at the front.

Nutrition and Vitamins

The hair requires a full balance of vitamins and minerals to grow healthily. Most of us do not get all that we need from our diets. Increasing your intake of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables to around 10 varied portions a day will go a long way toward rectifying any deficiencies.

Make sure that you are getting enough of these nutrients in particular:

Vitamin A
All B vitamins, especially B6 and B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Iron
Copper
Iodine
Essential fatty acids

You can track all of the nutrients in your diet with a free computer program such as the Cron-o-meter available from http://spaz.ca/cronometer

If any of the above nutrients are deficient in your diet you can either look for foods that contain more of them (best option) or take supplements, except for vitamin A which should always be supplied from food. The best food sources of vitamin A are orange and red vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, red pepper etc or dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach.

Men should pay particular attention to the amount of zinc in their diet because it is very important for the prostate. It is vital to have enough, but too much can cause problems.

Herbal Remedies

Men may find the herbal treatment Saw Palmetto useful in treating hair loss. This is believed to have an action on the prostate which is involved in typical male pattern baldness. Be careful not to take too much because if the male hormones that lead to hair loss are reduced too far, breast tissue can develop.

Saw Palmetto may be useful for some women too but must not be taken with hormone therapy, oral contraceptives or any other medication that contains hormones.

Reduce Stress

Stress can cause hair loss and therefore anything you can do to reduce stress or anxiety in your life is likely to have a beneficial effect on your hair. Try meditation or practice relaxation techniques for 10 minutes each morning, preferably after exercise. Regular exercise will both reduce stress and create a healthier skin and scalp.

These solutions may help in cases for male pattern baldness and age-related hair loss in women. They do not constitute a health treatment or cure. If your hair loss is related to health problems or medication or has an unknown cause, it is best not to rely on natural remedies for growing hair back and you should see your doctor.

Natural Remedies and Children: The Pros and Cons

October 30, 2009

Are you a parent? If you are, there may come a point in time where your child may be faced with a minor medical issue. This minor medical issue can include something such as head lice, the chicken pox, a severe headache, or a toothache. While many parents wouldn’t think twice about taking their child to a professional in the medical field, you may want to do so. Did you know that there are a large number of natural remedies that can be used to treat a wide range of minor medical problems, such as headaches, toothaches, head lice, or the chicken pox?

As nice as it is to hear that there are a number of natural remedies that may be perfect for children suffering from minor medical problems, many parents are still unsure. After all, parents want what is best for their children. That is why many parents, especially those who are unfamiliar with home remedies and natural remedies, are a little bit leery. Of course, natural remedies have their advantages and disadvantages, but so does just about everything else in the world. With that being said, you may still be wondering if natural remedies are right for your child. To help you come up with the conclusive answer that is best for your own family, please continue reading on.

As previously stated, natural remedies have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. For the advantages, you will find that there are a large number of them. For example, natural remedies are safe. In fact, they are much safer than most over-the-counter products, as these products are often stocked full of chemicals that many of us cannot even pronounce.

The ease of use and implementation is another advantage or plus side to using natural remedies as a way to treat minor medical problems in a child. One of the reasons why natural remedies are also commonly referred to as home remedies is because many of the needed ingredients can already be found inside most homes. This makes treating a child with home remedies easy and convenient. It is also important to mention the saved time and money. Home remedies eliminate travel and costly trips to the doctor’s office or drug store.

Although most home and natural remedies are regarded as being safe, there are still a number of steps that you will want to take when using a home remedy on your child. For starters, be sure to follow all directions. Next, never give your child a home remedy that has an ingredient that they may be allergic to or have a reaction with, such as dairy foods. It is also important to discuss the process with your child. For example, if you are using mayonnaise to kill head lice, be sure to tell your child not to touch the mayonnaise, let alone eat it. Generally speaking, using your best judgment as a parent is one of the easiest ways for you and your child to see success with a home remedy.

If you are interested in examining what all of your options are, in terms of natural remedies, you can perform a standard internet search online. When doing so, it may be best to search for the specific home remedy that you are looking for. For example, if you are interested in getting rid of your child’s head lice, search with the phrase “natural head lice remedy.” In addition to using the internet to your advantage, you can also purchase your own printed natural remedy manual, many of which are available for sale both on and offline.

As you can see, there are number of advantages to using home remedies and natural remedies as a way to treat your child when they are dealing with a minor medical problem, such as head lice, the chicken pox, a headache, or a toothache. Whether your family is uninsured or if your child just has a fear of the doctors office, consider giving a natural remedy a try first. Both you and your child may be pleased with the results.

Natural Remedies for Hangovers

September 10, 2009

So, you had a fun night out on the town last night with your romantic partner or a few close friends. Although you may have had a great time the night before, you may be feeling a little bit “weird,” the next day, especially if you consumed alcohol. If alcohol was consumed, you may be experiencing the ever so dreaded hangover.

Anyone who has every experienced a hangover before knows the feeling of just wanting it all to go away. Unfortunately, many individuals believe that there is no “cure,” for a hangover. Although cure may not be the best word used to describe seeking treatment, there are a number of natural remedies which many claim do provide hangover relief. You are looking to relieve yourself from a hangover, please continue reading on as a few of these natural remedies, as well as tips for your next alcohol drinking outing are highlighted below.

Water is a natural remedy for hangovers. Before heading to sleep, after a night of drinking, drinking a lot of water can assist with your hangover the next morning. Alcohol, especially when consumed in large amounts, can impact a body’s hydration, which can result in unpleasant feelings the next morning. That is why a glass or two of water before bed is a great idea. The next morning, as soon as you wake, start drinking even more water. In addition to helping to treat a hangover, drinking water before you starting consuming alcohol also has a number of benefits.

Eating can also help with a hangover from too much alcohol consumption. Eating should be done before, during, and after alcohol consumption. Most importantly, it is important not to consume large amounts of alcohol on an empty stomach. This increase a drinker’s likelihood of becoming intoxicated or drunk, and it also increases the chances of a hangover the next morning. Eating before, during, or after alcohol consumption can slow down the rate in which alcohol is absorbed into the body and bloodstream.

As for vitamins, which many individuals turn to when looking for a natural remedy, vitamin C and B is recommended for hangover relief. It has been claimed that vitamin B helps to shorten the length of a hangover. As for vitamin C, it can help to breakdown the alcohol in your body, also assisting with a hangover, namely by preventing one, shortening its length, or reducing symptoms.

When it comes to a headache associated with a hangover, there are many individuals who take pain relievers. Of course, this approach will work for many, but it is not natural. If you are concerned with that you are putting in your body, you may be looking for a more natural way to relieve the headaches often associated with hangovers. A natural way to relieve a headache associated with a hangover is to place a cold pack on the head; however, a ziplock bag filled with ice will also do. Depending on the activities that you have planned for the day, consider getting extra rest, preferably with an ice pack on your head or neck.

An extra tip to help reduce the likelihood of a hangover involves limiting alcohol consumption. Many professionals recommend pacing yourself with one alcoholic drink an hour, as anything else increases the chances of a hangover. As previously stated, eating before, during, and after alcohol consumption can help with hangovers, as you aren’t drinking on an empty stomach. Eating, even just snacking, while drinking will reduce the amount of alcohol consumed, as you are doing something other than just drinking. Also, some mixed drinks, especially those that are tasty, fruity, or sugary, should be avoided, as it is hard for some drinkers to gauge the amount of alcohol they are actually consuming.

The above mentioned natural remedies are just a few of the many that you can use to relieve the symptoms of a hangover. Also, the tips mentioned above can also reduce your chances of having a hangover following the consumption of alcohol.

Asafoetida

February 24, 2009

Asafoetida has been also referred to as the “Food of the Gods.” The main part of this plant that is used is the resin which makes up a volatile oil. The history of this herb is amazing as it was used frequently back in time by Alexander the Great for flavoring. That was back in 4 B.C. still in early times, Asafoetida was used to treat gas and the bloating associated with it. Carrying through time the resin gum is used often for vegetarian dishes that are prepared in India. Today, it is one of the main flavorings in Worcestershire sauce.

Asafoetida is an herbal plant that has many diverse uses such as an aid for digestion, a remedy for headaches, an antidote, and an expectorant. Asafoetida has been known to be used on some mental impairment but not very often has it been shown to make any significant difference except for mild anxiety. Therefore it focuses primarily on bodily functions where it can do greater good.

As mentioned earlier, it works on gas and the bloating associated with it but further it also eases indigestion, rids stomach cramps, and helps with constipation, which is Asafoetida’s contribution in the digestion department. When it comes to headaches, when Asafoetida is mixed with water it is showing great promise for the treatment of migraines and tension headaches. As an antidote, it works great for snake bites and an insect repellant when it is mixed with garlic.

As an expectorant the Asafoetida oil helps to rid the body of excess mucus and eases the respiratory system. Many use it for whooping cough, asthma, and bronchitis. Where expectoration is a problem asafetida helps in expelling accumulated cough. Some mixtures that seem to blend together well for coughs and as expectorants are roasted fresh resinous gum powder with real ghee or a mixture of asafetida powder with honey, white onion juice, betel nut juice and dry ginger.

Asafoetida has a very unpleasant odor to it, so bad that many call it the “Devil’s Dung.” The foul odor comes from the resin that is removed from the plant’s stem and root. Asafoetida is a species of the fennel plant but a relative to the carrot. The wicked odor is formed from the organic sulfur compound found as part of the essential oils. When it comes to the value of the Asafoetida tree, the older, the better and trees less than four years of age are virtually worthless.

When buying Asafoetida in the marketplace it will likely be available in three different forms, one is called tears which are commonly sold in Chinese pharmacies and characteristically may have fragments of root and earth. It is also sold in a paste which is very commonly used as a condiment for flavoring such dishes as curry, to flavor beans, sauces, pickles, and many use it as a substitute for garlic.

A few other unique things that Asafoetida is used for is that if used in recipes regularly it has been suggested that it may increase the chances of male fertility. Often it is used for toothaches as well.

Natural Remedies for Menopause

January 17, 2009

Do you believe that you are suffering from menopause? If you are, you should know that you are not alone. As uncomfortable and as life altering as many of the menopause symptoms can be, it is a natural occurrence that many women experience, typically around the age of forty. As hard as it can be for some women to associate menopause with good news, there is. That good news is that it is relatively easy for you and other women to treat the symptoms of menopause and you can do so with many natural remedies, also commonly referred to as home remedies.

Eating properly is an ideal way to relieve many of the common symptoms of menopause. For some women, it can be difficult to change their eating habits at this point in their lives, but many are pleased with the results. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are recommended. Although vitamin supplements can be taken, many menopause sufferers find the best success when adding additional calcium rich foods, such as milk and cheese, into their diets. Lots of water should be consumed and caffeine consumption should be limited.

Beet juice is also effective in providing those suffering from menopause with relief. This natural remedy for menopause has been proven successful on a number of occasions. Although you will find some variances when researching beet juice and menopause, most recommend consuming around sixty milliliters a day, two to three times daily. Sugar can be added for taste, although this additional step is optional.

Soy is also an ideal and natural way to reduce or treat menopause symptoms. Soy is an ideal method of treatment for many, as it comes in a number of different formats. For example, soy foods, such as soy milk can be purchased. Drink mixes are also available for purchase both on and offline.

As for natural herbs, black cohosh is recommended for those suffering from the symptoms of menopause. Black cohosh, like many other natural remedies for menopause has been proven effective in many studies; however, other additional studies have had inconclusive results. With that being said, many claim that black cohosh can help to reduce hot flashes. Hot flashes are one of the most common symptom complaints from menopause sufferers. In addition to hot flashes, black cohosh has also reportedly helps with sweating, another common menopause symptom.

Another natural way to relieve the symptoms of menopause involves getting proper exercise. Aerobic exercises have been proven in numerous studies to help with hot flashes. Although aerobic exercises are recommended, it is important not to underestimate the important activity of walking. In keeping with exercises, many women suffering from menopause have seen success with yoga. Although there are many disputes associated with the claim of yoga, there are a number of yoga postures which claims state that they specifically target many menopause symptoms, including hot flashes.

In addition to hot flashes, insomnia is another complaint made by those suffering from menopause. If you are finding it difficult to fall asleep at night and if you are suffering from menopause, there are a numbers of steps that you can take to see relief, steps which should make it easier for you to fall asleep at night. These simple steps involve creating a nighttime routine for yourself, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and sleeping pills, as well as keeping your bedroom at a cool and comfortable temperature. Although not as natural as the above mentioned natural remedies for menopause, these steps may be able to help you get a good nights sleep, even when suffering from menopause.

The above mentioned steps and natural remedies for menopause are just a few of the many that you may want to try, if you find that your menopause symptoms are unbearable. As a reminder, although these natural and home remedies have proven successful for many, there are no guarantees that they will provide you with relief. However, since these remedies are natural, typically no harm can from giving them a try, as long as you keep your allergies, should you have any, in mind.