Are Natural Remedies Safe for Children?

Are Natural Remedies Safe for Children?
From Health Articles Unlimited

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 for children 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 for children are also commonly referred to as homeopathic remedies is because the ingredients can be found outdoors in gardens.  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 natural remedies for children 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 children


Tips for Using Natural Remedies

Tips for Using Natural Remedies
From Health Articles Unlimited

Are you interested in using a natural remedy to seek relief from a minor medical problem, such as a headache, migraine, or a toothache?  If you are, you are not alone.  A large number of individuals use natural remedies or natural herbal remedies, also commonly referred to as home remedies.  With that being said, if this is the first time that you will be trying a natural remedy, you may be looking for some guidance.  If that is the case, please continue reading on, as a few helpful and important natural remedy tips are touched on below.

Although natural remedies do work in most cases, it is important to know that you may see a variance.  For example, there are some individuals who claim that drinking grape juice, namely the juice directly from ripe grapes, is a great way to relieve the pain associated with a headache or a migraine.  Yes, this approach may work for others, but that does not necessarily mean that that same natural remedy will work for you.  The good news though is that there are multiple home remedies for different medical problems.  For example, a fresh apple each morning, a cabbage compress, and a cold compress are other natural ways that can provide relief from a headache or a migraine.  This means that even if you can’t find relief right away, there should be another remedy out there that can provide you with relief.

Since there should be a number of natural remedies for you to choose from, you will want to examine each of the available remedies.  What you will then want to do to is choose the remedy that is most convenient for you.  For example, natural remedies that are effective at removing warts include castor oil, ripe pineapples, onions, and potatoes.  What you will want to do is choose the item that you already have in your home.  For example, if you have a bag of potatoes in your cupboard slice up a potato and rub it on your wart.  Doing so each night for a couple of weeks will help to remove your wart.  This method will also prevent you from having to make a trip to the grocery store, as you chose a natural remedy that involved an item in which you already had in your home.

Safety should also be touched on when looking to use a natural remedy to cure a minor medical issue, such as a headache, migraine, or a toothache.  If you rely on herbal remedies or vitamins to provide you with relief are you also taking prescribed medication?  If so, you may want to place a quick telephone call to your doctor or pharmacist.  Most times, you will be okay, but there are a small number of prescribed medications that should not be taken with herbal supplements or vitamins.  Even though the chance of a dangerous combination happening is very small, there is still no harm in checking first.

In keeping with safety, it is important to know what you are allergic to.  For example, if you are allergic to an ingredient that may be listed in a natural remedy, you are advised against using that remedy.  Even if the ingredient that you may have a bad reaction to is only a small component, it is still best if you avoid that particular remedy.  With that being said, it was stated above how most minor medical issues can be treated with a number of different natural remedies.  That is why you should never put yourself at risk for an allergic reaction, especially when you should have a number of other natural and safe remedies to choose from.

Last, natural remedies and natural herbal remedies are a safe and effective way to seek relief or treat a large number of minor medical issues, but you are still advised to proceed with caution.  Seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you take prescribed medication and never use a natural remedy that contains an ingredient which you are allergic to or known to have a reaction with.

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homeopathic remedies

Natural Remedies for Hangovers

Natural Remedies for Hangovers
From Health Articles Unlimited

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 for hangovers 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.

natural remedies for hangovers


Common Cold Children Natural Remedies

Common Cold Children Natural Remedies
From Health Articles Unlimited

Common Cold is caused because of upper respiratory system infection due to cold virus. This infection affects parts such as ears, nose and throat. Common cold children natural remedies may help relieve symptoms.

There are about two hundred known viruses which are responsible for common cold, out of which rhinovirus is the most common. Because of this great number of viruses, there isn’t any shot or vaccination available which helps in preventing cold. The best solution to the cold is human body immune system. Majority of a child’s visit to the doctor will be because of cold. According to an estimate, a child catches cold nearly eight times in a year and each time it last up to a week or so. 

Diagnosing a Cold

The first cold symptoms normally manifest themselves as feeling tired, sneezing, coughing and having a runny nose. A fever is not often present and if it is, it usually remains a low fever of just 1 or 2 degrees higher than usual.

While colds and flu can cause many of the same symptoms and are often confused, a cold is generally milder, while flu symptoms tends to be more severe and longer lasting. Nevertheless, both illnesses can cause children and adults alike to become miserable and grouchy.

Cold viruses usually spread by sneeze or cough from the infected person. The wet and slimy substance inside the nose, called mucus, is the carrier of the virus. When a person cough or sneeze, the mucus drops come out of the mouth and when other persons breaths in these droplets they catch cold. Cold can also spread by handling of contaminated stuffs like towel, door knobs, school desk, etc. If a person touches a contaminated towel and then touches his nose or eyes, there is a great chance of getting an infection. Therefore, it is a good habit to wash the hands regularly and keep them germ-free.

The cold viruses have docking points which helps it to stick to the interior of the nose. It then controls the nose’s cell lining and begins to multiply into more viruses. White cells are responsible to fight these viruses inside the nose. They even kill them and finally get victory after seven days. Sneeze and runny nose actually prevent the viruses to affect the rest of the body parts. A person sneezes when the nerves inside the nose detect irritation and take the help of the lungs to push them out by letting out a blast of air through the mouth and the nose. The air, while sneezing, comes out at the speed of hundred miles per hour faster than cars on the road.

Once the child contracts cold viruses, they take two to three days to develop and show symptoms. There are many symptoms of cold. The child becomes cranky. He will complain of headache, blocked nose, cough, sneeze, sore throat, muscle ache, nasal cavity congestion and will become exhausted. Low fever can also accompany, along with body chills. Medicines do not speed up the process of healing as the viruses complete their cycle irrespective of the intake. But they do suppress further growth and make the child feel better.

Children shouldn’t take any medicines on their own, thinking that it’s just a cold. Parents should supervise the dosage and medicine being taken. And in turn, the parents should follow a doctor’s prescription. Decongestants help to decrease the wise of the swollen nose lining, which makes breathing easier. Antihistamines help to dry the mucus and stops sneezes and runny noses. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be given if the child is experiencing headache and muscle ache.

At home, parents should give hot food and drink to the child as they help to soothe soar throats and coughs. The heat also clears up the mucus. Chicken soup is an age old remedy for common cold. Steamy showers are another good option as they help with stuffy nose. Itchy eyes, scratchy throat and stuffy throats can also be treated with humidifiers which spray cool and fine mist. They also loosen the mucus. The nose should be blown regularly to let the mucus out of the body. It is a good idea to use disposable tissues instead of regular handkerchiefs. Complete bed rest for a day or two is greatly suggested.

The best precaution that can be taken is eating healthy food and balanced diet so as to strengthen the immune system. The child must exercise regularly in order to stay fir and sleep adequately. Children who are stressed out more frequently are more prone to have cold. Therefore, it is good if the kid takes extra rest and goes to bed early on some days. And when the child is suffering from cold, he should relax and take bed rest as much as possible.

Common cold children natural remedies

Acupuncture Can Help You Quit Smoking

Acupuncture Can Help You Quit Smoking
From Health Articles Unlimited

Smoking is one hard habit to break. If nicotine patches and gum doesn’t work, you can try natural remedies to quit smoking or an alternative healthcare acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an ancient practice involving the use of needles. This instrument is inserted into the skin to allow you energy or Qi to start flowing freely around your body and thus help you quit smoking.

When you go find acupuncturist for the first time and tell him or her that you want to quit smoking, after answering some questions, the specialist will carry out an examination of your ears and search for areas where the energy is low.

Once these spots are identified, these sharp needles are then inserted. Usually 5 needles are placed in various acupoints.

The treatment is finished after an hour and when the needles are removed, you are advised to wear ear magnets so your session continues even when you leave the clinic.  While acupuncture itself is a painless procedure, some smokers have claimed that they felt a prick or get sleepy.

Most smokers will have to come to the clinic 4 to 6 times before seeing any significant results.  Just to give you an idea, one study shows that the respondents reported a decrease in the number of cravings to smoke just after one or two sessions. Seven out of 10 of the respondents were able to kick the habit after 5 or 6 sessions.

Because the number of test subjects is small, there are some who doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture.  This is because although there are positive signs with regards to the short term effects of this technique, its effects were not sustained. This is why some medical journals have stated that it is unclear what acupuncture can do in smoking cessation.

But you have to remember that acupuncture is not permanent. It merely starts something that you have to finish on your own. Some smokers who go 2 or 3 times a week to the clinic will need to come back for follow up sessions in the future.

At the same time, you have to find ways to prevent yourself from picking up a cigarette. You can do this by staying away from people who smoke since you will be tempted to ask for a stick. You can create your own personal mantra which you repeat to yourself every time you have an urge.

Remember that this craving is only short term and will last only for a few minutes. You have worked so hard to leave this behind so stick to the path and stay smoke free.

Acupuncture treatment for smokers should only be done by a license professional. You can do some research online to find out if they are accredited by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, ask how long they have been in the profession, find out how many smokers they have helped and how much will they charge.

Once you have found one, you have to commit yourself to the program because both you and the acupuncturist have to work together to give up this habit.

Acupuncture can help smokers in the same way that it has helped addicts and alcoholics quit their addictions. You just have to try it even if you may not believe in it.

natural remedies to quit smoking

Body Detox the Natural Way

Body Detox the Natural Way
From Health Articles Unlimited

You may wonder sometimes why your body seems to be heavy and you feel lazy to move, yet you are not sick. To feel more energetic you resort to eating a lot, gulp up cups of coffee and smoke, thinking that you will be lively after. For a while, you feel good and going. Unknowingly though, you are accumulating toxins in your body. A simple body detox the natural way may be the answer.

With our ever-dynamic world today, we want our bodies to be constantly active so we can move along with the fast paced lifestyles. Hence, we resort to body stimulants such as coffee, cigarettes, diet pills, drugs and a lot more thinking that they will help the body to stay up all the time, but they do otherwise. These stimulants cause immediate loss of energy and emotional symptoms such as headaches, sickness and depression. They are also considered as toxins in the body.

What are toxins? Toxins are agents that are able to cause body harm. There are two kinds of toxins, the Exogenous or external toxins and Endogenous or internal toxins. The Exogenous toxins come from external sources such as car fumes, tobacco smoke, drugs, factory pollution, etc. On the other hand, the Enogenous toxins come from viral or bacterial infection. Due to metabolism, the body creates its own toxin called Autogenous toxins.

These harmful substances are eliminated in the body in a process called detoxification. Detoxification is the removal of stored toxic products from the bowel, the blood, liver, and kidneys including the great amount of toxic substances stored in body fat to cure chronic diseases such as cancer. The easiest way to detoxify the body is the body detox through a natural diet. To detoxify the body naturally is a change in the diet from a poor to a healthy one. A healthy diet includes raw food diet, specifically, fruits and vegetables.

Naturally, the body detoxifies itself all day. The peak of detoxification occurs when the body is rested during sleep until noon. This is a way for the body to eliminate the toxins acquired from pollution, stimulants and nutrients.

For the ever busy people, you can substitute your stimulants with natural diet to acquire a healthy and active body. Detoxification can often begin in the mind. A decision to start fresh and with a clean slate is the first step towards full body detox.

Sometimes we need a little help from nature to replace the vitality that we seem to lose in day-to-day modern living. There are many herbal ingredients that may aid in a natural detoxification of the body. Dandelion and Fennel are just two herbs that have been used throughout history to cleanse and aid body detoxification, rejuvenate liver functioning, and kick-start the body back to life!


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