home remedies Archives - Page 3 of 10

Gout can make life difficult for people who want to live an active and happier life. Gout is a type of arthritis characterised by joint pain and swelling. It is due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout can occur in joints, tendon sheaths (membranes surrounding tendons; tendons are tissues that connect bones and muscles), kidneys, and bursae (cushion-like sacs between bones and connected soft tissues). Many people get the first flare of gout on their big toes. Gout is a common phenomenon, especially in middle age. Men are more prone to gout than women. Women develop gout usually after menopause. Gout is a rare occurrence in the younger population. The gout pain often fares up at night and sometimes becomes painful enough to wake people up¹. Gout has no cure, but it is possible to treat and manage the symptoms with self-management strategies².

It is essential to relieve gout pain and swelling for people to live a comfortable life. These home remedies might help you with that.

What Causes Gout?

Too much uric acid or urate in the body forms crystals. These crystals get accumulated in the joints, causing symptoms like swelling, stiffness, and pain. The factors listed below may increase your chances of developing gout:

Symptoms of Gout

Gout can make life difficult for people. If you are suffering from gout, you might experience symptoms like:

Suggested Home Remedies for Gout

Gout is a painful condition that can make life difficult. It affects several aspects of everyday life, including leisure and work activities. However, you can use these home remedies to manage gout symptoms and lead a comfortable life.

1. Agastya

Agastya is a plant known as West Indian pea or august flower in English. It has anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation) and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. You can use the root and bark of the Agastya plant to make a paste. You can apply this paste externally to relieve the pain and swelling associated with gout⁴.

2. Castor

Castor leaves, or Arand is a herbal remedy effective in many health conditions. You can also use Castor leaves to relieve swelling and pain in the joints. To use castor leaves, make a paste using mature leaves. To this paste, add a little amount of crystal salt. Warm this mixture. Apply this mixture (lukewarm) over the joints. It can help reduce the pain and swelling of the joints⁴.

2. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, is a potent herb with many health benefits. Ashwagandha intake can help you increase your energy and strength. The benefits of ashwagandha might help you manage gout. To use asvagandha, you can mix asvagandha powder with kapikacchu and black sesame seeds. Mix it thoroughly and take this mixture with a glass of milk to manage problems such as arthritis⁴.

3. Alsi

Alsi or linseed seeds have many medicinal benefits. Alsi seeds possess pain-relieving properties when applied topically to the skin. Soak some alsi seeds in buttermilk through the night. Use these soaked seeds to make a fine paste the following day. You can apply this paste to the affected joints when required. Applying this paste can help you relieve joint pain⁴.

4. Healthy Diet

Following a more nutritious diet plan can help you live a better life. Eating foods rich in purines may trigger a gout flare. You can avoid foods such as organ meat, red meat, and seafood. You also need to avoid alcohol intake, especially hard liquor and beer².

5. Physical Exercise

To manage arthritis, it is recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week. Every minute of physical activity is valuable. The exercises recommended are moderate to low impact, for example, walking, biking, and swimming. Doing regular physical exercise will also help you avoid the risk of other health conditions like diabetes, stroke, and heart diseases².

6. Maintaining Healthy Body Weight

If you are overweight or obese, losing weight will help reduce the pressure on your joints, especially hip and knee joints. You can try maintaining a healthy body weight to improve your symptoms. Healthy body weight will relieve pain, improve overall functioning, and lower the disease progression².

7. Protect From Injury

Getting joint injury while you have gout will worsen your condition. Try engaging in activities that do not put much pressure on the joints. Engaging in easier activities like cycling, walking, and swimming can help you prevent the worsening of your symptoms and prevent further damage. These activities have a low impact on your joints and lower risk².

When to Seek Medical Help?

You can contact your healthcare provider or doctor if you experience severe kind of joint pain and your joints feel warm and swollen³.

Conclusion

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of crystals of uric acid in the joints. It is characterised by swelling and pain in joints. It can severely affect people’s day-to-day activities. Work as well as leisure activities of people get affected. Although there is a lack of specific treatment for gout, you can manage the symptoms and lead a comfortable life with some lifestyle and diet changes.

You can also use herbs like Asvagandha, Alsi, Castor, and Agastya to relieve gout symptoms at home. Gout is a severe condition of the joints that requires proper medical diagnosis and intervention. You need to get in touch with your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain in your joints accompanied by swelling and heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the natural remedies for gout to use at home?

You can use natural remedies like Asvagandha powder, Alsi seeds, Castor leaves, and the bark of Agastya to manage gout symptoms at home. You can use these herbs to relieve the symptoms of gout⁴. You can also manage the gout symptoms at home by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Also, protecting the affected area from injuries is important. Getting injured when you have gout will worsen the condition and prevent the healing².

Can I prevent gout?

With some lifestyle and diet changes, you can prevent gout. Lifestyle changes include drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly to maintain a healthy body weight. You can also make the following diet changes to avoid gout. You must avoid: Organ meat and red meat
Alcohol
Shellfish
Foods and drinks with high fructose
Protein sourced from animal origins³

Can obesity lead to gout?

Yes, obesity is one of the significant risk factors for gout. Being overweight or obese puts excessive pressure on your joints¹.

How to diagnose gout?

If you are experiencing severe joint pain, and think you might have gout, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. Your doctor will perform a physical examination. Besides a physical examination, your doctor can also ask you to get diagnostic tests like X-rays and laboratory tests done. Gout is mainly diagnosed during a gout flare, during which the joint is painful, swollen, and hot to touch².

Can gout cause any other complications?

Gout has other complications as well. Gout can turn into its long-term form, chronic gout, where people suffer from frequent attacks. Many people who suffer from chronic gout can also develop tiny white lumps beneath the skin surface. These bumps are called tophi, which usually appear on fingers, ears, and elbows. Gout is the result of a high amount of uric acid crystals in the blood. These crystals can get accumulated in the kidneys and lead to kidney stones.

Is it possible to control gout?

Yes, you can control the symptoms with proper diet and lifestyle changes. Gout is a controllable form of arthritis¹.You also need to contact your healthcare provider and get the necessary treatment. It will help you prevent the condition from worsening.

References

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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Natural Home Remedies for Arthritis

Introduction

If you or someone around you is suffering from arthritis, you are already familiar with the repercussions it can have on the daily lives of people.

The term arthritis means ”joint inflammation”. It refers to the group of conditions that affect the joints. It is a common condition that causes swelling and pain in the joints. A joint is nothing but the junction where two bones connect.

Arthritis can occur in men, women, and children of all age groups. Arthritis can be of different kinds; while it primarily affects joints, it can also occur in organs like your heart, eyes, and skin. The symptoms can range from mild to severe¹^,².

An early diagnosis can help you start the treatment early, which will help you prevent the condition from worsening or causing permanent joint damage. In addition, there are plenty of home remedies that you can use to manage your symptoms and live a less painful life. Some of the remedies are discussed below.

What Causes Arthritis?

There are different types of arthritis, and for most of them, the causes are not fully known. You might develop arthritis if you

Types of Arthritis

Symptoms of Arthritis

The symptoms of arthritis vary with the type of arthritis. However, there are some symptoms come to any arthritis. Common symptoms of arthritis are:

Suggested Home Remedies for Arthritis

You can use these home remedies to manage and relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Some of the herbs mentioned below can be used as homemade remedies for arthritis.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric or haldi is a household remedy used for many health conditions in the country. It is an effective remedy to reduce the swelling of the joints due to its potent anti-inflammatory activity. Curcumin is the active component responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. Turmeric is also an effective pain-relieving remedy. It is one of the most recommended remedies to relieve rheumatoid arthritis³. You can simply add a pinch of turmeric in your dishes. For example, it can be added to soups, vegetables, lentils, and other food preparations. Typically, it is used in most dishes in almost every Indian household.

2. Ginger

Ginger is an effective ayurvedic medicine used for thousands of years for many ailments. It is also frequently used in other traditional systems of medicine. It helps by reducing swelling and providing pain relief. You can use ginger in various soups, salads, and sauces³. Ginger has active compounds like gingerol and shogaol, responsible for the anti-inflammatory benefits⁴.

3. Boswellia

Boswellia is a herbal medicine used since thousands of years in Ayurveda for arthritis. Boswellia might help relieve swelling and pain of arthritis because of its active compound called Boswellic acid³. Boswellia is available in the form of topical creams and tablets. You must consult your healthcare provider before starting with any such health supplements.

4. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng in English, is a potent medicinal herb with many health benefits. To relieve arthritis, mix equal amounts of ashwagandha powder, sesame, and kapikachu seeds. Mix it thoroughly. You can take this mixture with warm milk can help relieve problems like arthritis. It helps relieve tiredness and fatigue in people with arthritis because of its rejuvenating property⁵.

5. Alsi

Alsi or linseed seeds can be used to ease arthritis. To use alsi seeds, soak them in buttermilk. Let them rest through the night. You can make a paste using the soaked seeds the next day. Apply this paste over the joints. Applying this paste regularly can help relieve joint pain⁵.

6. Guduchi

Guduchi or Indian Tinospora has numerous health benefits in conditions like diabetes, fever, and stomach illnesses. It is also a beneficial remedy for arthritis. You can drink guduchi juice regularly to relieve symptoms of arthritis⁵. The anti-inflammatory benefits of guduchi help reduce the swelling in the joints.

7. Masha

Masha or black grams offer many health benefits. You can make a paste using black gram powder and sesame oil. Mix these ingredients to make a fine paste. The paste can be applied to the joints to relieve the pain and inflammation that accompanies arthritis. It is a valuable remedy for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis⁵.

8. Diet changes

Eating healthy will help you maintain the right weight for your age and height and reduce unnecessary pressure on your joints. Less pressure can relieve some pain associated with arthritis⁵. You can follow a healthy diet plan by involving the following in your diet practice

9. Exercise

One of the most effective ways to manage arthritis is regular exercise. It is important to find the exercise that works best for you, one which you enjoy doing, so that you regular with it. The type of arthritis can help you find suitable physical activity. Regular exercise can help you by

When you start any exercise program, you might experience some pain. Some amount of pain is normal. However, if you are experiencing pain lasting for more than two hours, you need to consult your physiotherapist or doctor before continuing with further exercise⁵.

When to Seek Medical Help?

You must consult with your doctor if you experience joint pain and stiffness for no apparent reason, which lasts for more than a few days and results in swelling, stiffness, and warmth at the joints. If you contact your healthcare provider on the first onset of symptoms, you can prevent the condition from worsening and prevent long-term damage⁶.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a severe yet common condition that can present with severe or mild symptoms. It can affect all age groups but is typically seen in the elderly. Arthritis has many types and different symptoms depending on the variant. If you or someone around you suffering from arthritis, you are aware of the loss of quality of life. However, it is possible to make some lifestyle changes and live a comfortable life. You can use herbs like Turmeric, Ginger, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Alsi, and Boswellia to manage the symptoms of arthritis at home. In addition, exercise and diet changes can help you improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the natural remedies for arthritis at home?

Natural remedies for arthritis are turmeric, ginger, boswellia, ashwagandha, alsi, masha (black gram), and guduchi. You can use these herbs at home to relieve the symptoms of arthritis³^,⁵.

What is arthritis home treatment?

Home treatments for arthritis are exercising regularly under the guidance of a physiotherapist, losing weight if you are overweight and making suitable diet changes to maintain your height-appropriate weight. You can also use herbs like turmeric, ginger, and ashwagandha in your diet to help with arthritis³^,⁵.

Can arthritis cause other complications?

Complications of arthritis include reduced quality of life due to pain and immobility, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Some types of arthritis can increase your risk of developing heart diseases, lung diseases, and diabetes. The loss of physical activity due to arthritis may lead to social isolation, dependence, and loss of function⁶.

Can I prevent arthritis?

You can reduce the risk of developing arthritis if you
Do regular, low impact exercise
Reduce joint injuries
Maintain a healthy body weight
Avoid tobacco and tobacco-related products¹

Is running a feasible exercise for people with arthritis?

Running may be difficult for people with arthritis. You can try brisk walking instead. You can consult your doctor before starting with any exercise; they will be able to suggest an exercise that works best for you⁶.

Are there risk factors for arthritis?

There are many risk factors that increase the chances of arthritis, which are
Age: Older people are more prone to arthritis.
Weight: Obesity can put stress on your joints.
Lifestyle: Lack of exercising and smoking increase the risk of arthritis.
Sex: Women are more prone to arthritis than men¹.

References

2. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. What is Arthritis & What Causes it? [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jun 2]. Available from: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis

3. Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Mofid MR. Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity: Review of Current Evidence. International Journal of Preventive Medicine [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2022 Jun 10];4(Suppl 1):S36. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23717767/

5. Patgiri B, Umretia BL, Vaishnav PU, Prajapati PK, Shukla VJ, Ravishankar B. Anti-inflammatory activity of Guduchi Ghana (aqueous extract of Tinospora Cordifolia Miers.). Ayu [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2022 Jun 10];35(1):108. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25364210/

7. Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019 Jan;44(1):1-9. PMID: 30666070; PMCID: PMC6330525. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6330525/

Best Home Remedies for Sunburn

Introduction

You might want to go out for a picnic or a quick swim to break the summer heat. These activities are all fun and games till you get sunburns.

Skin damage due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays present in sunlight is called sunburn. You can also get sunburns from artificial sources of UV light, such as tanning beds. Sunburn is instead a radiation burn¹. You can notice a sunburn within 11 minutes of exposure. The skin will start turning red within two to six hours. Your skin will continue to develop sunburn for the next few days. Depending on the severity of your sunburn, it might take a few days or weeks for the skin to heal.

If you have a mild sunburn, you can take care of it at home. However, a severe and blistered sunburn requires immediate medical attention. Getting a sunburn repeatedly can cause premature skin wrinkling and skin cancer in the long run². So, it’s best to take necessary precautions and avoid sunburns.

What Causes Sunburn?

Sunburns occur because of overexposure to UV radiation. You can develop sunburn when the UV exposure overpowers melanin’s ability to protect the skin. If you have light skin colour, you may develop a sunburn within 15 minutes of sun exposure. People with dusky skin tones tolerate sun exposure for hours without developing a sunburn³.

Sunburns are categorised into three types depending on the severity of skin damage. Common types of sunburn include:

In rare circumstances, people may develop a third-degree sunburn. This type of damage can cause severe damage to all skin layers and destroy nerves. This requires emergency medical care and treatment.

Symptoms of Sunburn

Second-degree burns might be accompanied by heat illness. Symptoms of heat illness include:

Suggested Home Remedies for Sunburn

Below are some remedies that you can use to care for sunburned skin at home. Although these home remedies can be used for minor sunburns, you need to reach out to your healthcare professional and receive help if you have a severe form of sunburn.

1. Stay Hydrated

You need to drink more water to stay hydrated when dealing with a sunburn. Sunburns draw the water from the body to the skin surface, rendering the person dehydrated. Drinking excess water can help you prevent dehydration caused by sunburns⁴.

2. Use Moisturiser

You can apply a good moisturiser to the affected area if your skin is not too painful to touch. Using a moisturiser that contains aloe vera or soy can help you soothe the sunburned skin. Moisturiser will help boost the moisture content of the skin. Avoid using butter on the sunburned skin. If you use butter or petroleum jelly, or any other oil-based product on the affected skin, it might block the skin pores and lead to an infection²^,⁴.

3. Shower Often

You can try taking cool baths or showers frequently. It will help you reduce the pain. Pat yourself dry after coming out of the shower but remember to leave some water on the skin. Applying a good moisturiser straight after the shower will help you retain the moisture in the skin⁴.

4. Protect the Skin

You need to protect the sunburned skin as it heals. Before venturing out, wear clothes that cover your skin. Wear clothes made of tightly woven fabrics. A tightly woven fabric does not allow light to come through when you hold it against a bright light. You can also try wearing loose cotton clothing³^,⁴.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an essential natural ingredient for dealing with many skin conditions. You can use aloe vera to relieve sunburns. It can also get rid of itching and help heal the blisters. It also provides a soothing sensation to the skin due to vitamin C and vitamin B. You can use aloe vera gel to aid in healing sunburned skin. Aloe vera gel can be rubbed directly on the affected area⁵.

6. Black Tea

Tea is an ingredient that most people have in their kitchens. It is a common home remedy used to relieve sunburns. You can apply cooled black tea directly to the sunburned skin. Certain compounds present in black tea help remove the heat from the sunburned skin. Black tea might help repair skin damage and prevent cancer⁶.

7. Green Tea

Green tea has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to deal with adverse reactions on the skin, like sunburn after UV exposure. It can help reduce skin redness and skin damage. Green tea can be applied to the sunburned area to relieve skin damage⁶.

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a popular ingredient found in many sunscreen products. Tea tree oil can help manage sunburn by improving the blood flow to the skin’s blood vessels, bringing essential nutrients to the damaged skin⁶. To use tea tree oil, dilute it with some carrier oils like coconut, almond, or olive. Avoid using pure tea tree oil directly on the affected skin.

When to Seek Medical Help?

If you notice any of the signs mentioned below, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Sunburn is nothing but skin damage due to overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Depending on the severity of sunburn, it can take a few days to a few weeks to heal completely. Getting sunburned frequently can increase your risk of skin cancer. Sunburns can be taken care of at home. You can use some at-home remedies to relieve sunburns and their symptoms. For example, ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, and tea tree oil can be used to relieve sunburns. If your sunburn is minor, which is a first-degree sunburn, it might heal on its own after some time. In case of severe sunburn, you need to contact your healthcare provider and receive timely treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the natural home remedies for sunburn?

Herbal home remedies for relieving sunburn include aloe vera gel, green tea, black tea, and tea tree oil. Other home remedies for sunburn are moisturising, avoiding dehydration, taking cool showers, and protecting the sunburned area from further damage. Minor sunburns can heal at home on their own, but if your sunburn is severe, you need to seek medical help⁴^,⁶.

How to prevent sunburn?

You can prevent yourself from getting sunburned if you:
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply enough sunscreen to cover the exposed skin completely. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours.
Wear a lip balm that offers sun protection.
Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.
Stay indoors when the solar radiation is the strongest, between 10 AM to 4 PM.
Wear a hat with a brim.
Wear protective clothing in lighter shades³.

Can I use aloe vera gel to treat sunburns?

You can use aloe vera gel to relieve sunburns. Aloe vera gel can be used directly on sunburned skin. It helps soothe the skin and heal blisters. Aloe vera gel can also help in getting rid of the itching⁵.

How to use tea tree oil for sunburns?

Tea tree oil improves the flow of blood in the blood vessels of the skin, which helps bring nutrients to the skin and promotes the healing of the sunburned skin⁶. To use tea tree oil, you can dilute it with some carrier oils like almond, olive, or coconut. Apply the diluted oil to the skin to heal the sunburned skin.

Can sunburns be cured instantly?

There is no instant cure for sunburns. The healing time of sunburns depends on the severity of the skin damage. It can take a few days to some weeks for sunburned skin to heal. First-degree sunburns, which are minor ones, can take a few days to weeks to heal completely. Whereas second-degree sunburns need several weeks to heal¹.

References

5. January A ·, Qadir MI. Medicinal and cosmetological importance of Aloe vera. International Journal of Natural Therapy. 2009;2:21–6. Available from: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/233818204

Effective Home Remedies for Scabies

Introduction

Do you have a rash that is so itchy it wakes you up from sleep? Or is your child crankier than usual from lack of sleep at night due to itching? If yes, you should look for rashes with small bumps on the body as they might indicate scabies. If one of the family members has it, you should look for it in others, as it spreads from one person to another when in close contact.

Scabies, also known as Sarcoptes mange, is a condition caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. It mainly occurs in tropical areas and crowded places. Your pets can also get scabies as this condition also affects animals, but the causative mite is different. The one affecting animals can cause an allergic reaction in humans, but cannot cause scabies as they cannot adapt and live on humans¹.

What Causes Scabies?

A tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis causes scabies. The tiny mites make burrows or tunnels under the skin, leading to small itchy bumps on the skin¹. Scabies can affect anyone. However, people are more prone to scabies in the following conditions:

Symptoms of Scabies

Early symptoms of scabies (rash and bumps) can appear on the skin four to six weeks after being infected. The rash develops slowly over weeks to months¹. Some of the symptoms by which you can recognise scabies are as follows:

Suggested Home Remedies for Scabies

The intense itch associated with scabies might leave you scouring for home remedies for scabies all over the internet. We have a few possible home remedies for scabies that might help soothe the irritation. You can try a few of these natural home remedies for scabies and choose the one that best suits you.

1. Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil may act as an inflammation-reducing agent. It may improve the skin barrier function and protect the skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation by forming a coat on the skin. Therefore, it may be useful in many inflammatory skin conditions too, such as xerosis (abnormally dry skin) and atopic dermatitis (itchy skin inflammation) to soothe skin irritation².

The use of virgin coconut oil for scabies does not have proper scientific backing, yet it is being used by many people as a home remedy for scabies. For a natural home remedy for scabies, coconut oil, preferably virgin coconut oil, must be applied gently to the rashes with a cotton swab.

2. Tea Tree Oil

A study showed that tea tree oil was more effective in killing the scabies mites (scabicidal properties) than other commonly used agents. Moreover, it also showed minimum side effects during the trial³.

You may use tea tree oil as a natural home remedy for scabies by applying a tiny bit of this oil to your rashes. For example, use a cotton swab and gently dab the tea tree oil onto the rashes.

You can also dilute some tea tree oil in coconut oil and apply it to your rashes as a scabies home remedy. However, if you experience any allergic reactions, discontinue its use and reach out to your healthcare provider for accurate treatment.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been used for topical application to manage various skin issues such as scabies and eczema (skin inflammation). It may help to relieve different skin problems such as wounds and burns⁴. You can use aloe vera gel as one of the natural home remedies for scabies. First, you have to take an aloe vera leaf, wash it thoroughly, slice the leaf open using a knife and extract the aloe vera gel. Then, you can mix this gel with coconut oil and apply it to your rashes as soothing agent for scabies. Alternatively, you can also use aloe vera gels and creams available in the market. However, these are not a replacement for proper scabies treatment.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric has medicinal value and is widely used for its therapeutic properties in herbal and traditional medicine. It is used to manage skin diseases associated with inflammation⁵. It might also be used as one of the home remedies for scabies and may prove effective. You can make a turmeric paste by adding coconut oil or water to turmeric powder and applying this paste to the rashes. It might help to be a good home remedy for scabies.

5. Neem

Since ancient times, the neem tree’s fruits, leaves, flowers and bark have been used for medicinal purposes. It is used to manage skin diseases and eczema. In folk medicine, neem has been used for conditions caused by insects for its insecticidal properties⁶. Therefore, neem might be used to manage symptoms of scabies at home. There is inadequate evidence to prove the efficacy of neem for scabies, yet it is often suggested as one of the home remedies for scabies. You can use neem leaves, make a paste by crushing them with some water and then apply it to the rashes as a herbal paste for scabies.

6. Kundaruki-Bel (Bimbi)

Kundaruki-Bel is the Hindi name of Ivy gourd. In Ayurveda, the leaves of kundaruki-bel might be used as a home remedy for scabies. It might naturally have the potential to provide relief from itching and scabies. However, more studies are required to ascertain such potential uses.

For use as a natural aid for scabies, you have to take a few kundaruki-bel leaves, soak them in coconut oil and leave them in sunlight for a few days. After a few days, you can apply this oil and might get relief from your rashes as well as itching and scabies⁷.

7. Chitraka

The scientific name of Chitraka is Plumbago zeylanica and it belongs to the family Plumbaginaceae. It is popularly known as Lead war in English and Chitra in Hindi. Ayurveda offers this plant as a natural home remedy for scabies. It might be helpful for various skin infections, carbuncles, ulcers and also in diseases such as scabies. However, more research is required to confirm such effects. You can use the oil obtained from this plant, known as Chitraka Mula tailam, as one of the home remedies for scabies⁷. You can gently apply this oil to all the skin areas with rashes.

8. Parisha (Kapitana)

Parisha is commonly known as the Portia tree or the umbrella tree in English. It belongs to the family Malvaceae. The flowers of Parisha may be used as home remedies for scabies. It might be helpful for skin diseases like scabies and pruritis (skin diseases associated with itching of skin). You have to take the flowers of this tree and make a paste of it by crushing them with water. Then, apply this paste to affected skin regions as a natural home remedy for scabies and you might see some symptomatic relief⁷.

Though there are studies that show the benefits of these herbs and home remedies for the management of scabies, these are insufficient. There is a need for large scale human studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these home remedies on human health. Thus, these should only be taken with caution and never as a substitute for medical treatment.

When to Seek Medical Help?

The correct management and course of action for scabies will be explained to you by your doctor. However, the following signs indicate that there is a need for course correction and you should revisit your doctor in case:

You must not rely on home remedies alone for the management of scabies and should consult a qualified doctor for any advice for scabies if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies.

Conclusion

The reason behind your intense itch causing sleepless nights might be scabies. Scabies is a condition that occurs when a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis makes small tunnels under your skin. It causes rashes to develop, which appear as small bumps or pimples. It is a common condition in tropical and crowded regions. One might get infested with scabies, causing mites from another person through close contact. A doctor will devise a management plan for scabies and explain it. However, many home remedies for scabies such as tea tree oil, turmeric, neem leaves and coconut oil can also help relieve itching. You can try a few or all of these ways as natural home remedies for scabies and choose the one you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is vinegar beneficial as a home remedy for scabies?

No. There is no adequate scientific evidence regarding vinegar as a home remedy for scabies.

What can be used for home remedies for scabies?

There are several home remedies for scabies such as coconut oil, tea tree oil, aloe vera, turmeric, neem, Kundaruki-bel, Parisha and Chitraka^2,7. However, you are advised not to solely rely on these home remedies for scabies. If the symptoms don’t improve, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Can we use coconut oil as a home remedy for scabies?

Yes. Coconut oil is one of the home remedies for scabies. Virgin coconut oil has been shown to alleviate inflammation and improve skin barrier function in studies. Therefore, it might help relieve symptoms of scabies. You can use it as a home remedy for scabies by gently applying it to your rashes². Also, avoid relying on home remedies alone to alleviate your symptoms, you should reach out to your healthcare provider and get treatment if the symptoms don’t improve.

Is it beneficial to use apple cider vinegar for scabies?

No. There is no concrete scientific evidence stating the beneficial effects of apple cider vinegar for scabies. There is a need for more studies in this area. You are advised not to use any herb or remedy without consulting your doctor.

Can Parisha be used as an herbal remedy for scabies?

Yes. You can use Parisha as a herbal remedy for scabies. You can use the flowers to make a paste and apply it to your rashes to reap its beneficial effects⁷. However, if your symptoms don’t improve, reach out to a doctor or healthcare provider.

Is scabies a viral disease?

No. Scabies is a disease caused by a tiny mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. It is not a viral disease¹.

References

2. Varma SR, Sivaprakasam TO, Arumugam I, Dilip N, Raghuraman M, Pavan KB, et al. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil. J Tradit Complement Med. 2019 Jan 1;9(1):5-14. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335493/

3. Thomas J, Carson CF, Peterson GM, Walton SF, Hammer KA, Naunton M, et al. Therapeutic Potential of Tea Tree Oil for Scabies. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2016 Feb 3;94(2):258-66. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4751955/

4. Zheng GH, Yang L, Chen HY, Chu JF, Mei L. Aloe vera for prevention and treatment of infusion phlebitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Jun 1;2014(6):CD009162. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464352/

5. Vollono L, Falconi M, Gaziano R, Iacovelli F, Dika E, Terracciano C, et al. Potential of Curcumin in Skin Disorders. Nutrients. 2019 Sep 1;11(9):2169. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770633/

6. National Research Council (US) Panel on Neem. Neem: A Tree For Solving Global Problems. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1992. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234637/

Simple Home Remedies For Puffy Eyes

Introduction

Waking up in the morning to find puffed-up eyes is probably not the best way to start the day, but it is sometimes unavoidable. It makes us wonder about all the things that could’ve been the reason for it and regret some of our decisions, like eating salty food. Multiple other reasons can also be the cause of your puffy eye, so you shouldn’t get stuck up at that and move on to find a solution. Usually, the swelling in the eyes goes away in a day, but it can still be annoying, and you might want to relieve the swelling¹. However, sometimes the swelling may be due to a medical condition that you might be unaware of, and it would be best to get it checked by a doctor and get the required puffy eye treatment.

What Causes Puffy Eyes?

There can be many reasons that cause puffiness of the eyes some of them are as follows:

Symptoms of Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes can occur due to many reasons, as stated above. You can say that you have swelling by looking at your eye. If you notice swelling in your upper or lower eyelid or beneath your eyes, it means that you have puffy eyes. Eye puffiness occurs when there’s a fluid build-up in the surrounding tissues of the eye. Eye puffing usually resolves on its own in a day or two, and if it doesn’t, it can indicate that you have a serious problem and should consult a doctor¹.

Suggested Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes

Swelling or puffing of eyes can be an annoyance that you want to get rid of quickly. It might pose as a hindrance to your daily activities. Are you looking for home remedies for puffy eyes? Here are a few home remedies on how to reduce puffy eyes that you might find useful.

1. Washing or Rinsing

As already discussed, eye swelling can be caused due to an allergy or an irritant. In such a case, washing or rinsing the eye can be a puffy eyes home remedy and provide some relief. Rinsing eyes with plain water seems to be a good idea, especially when there’s a discharge from your eyes. Washing or rinsing the eyes with cool water may also prove to be one of the soothing home remedies for eye swelling that occurs due to allergies¹.

2. Tea Bags

A tea bag is one of the popular home remedies for swollen eyes. This may be because tea contains caffeine that causes narrowing of blood vessels. This action of tea bags can be beneficial for puffy eyes². This remedy is easy to use you can use either green tea bags on your eyes or black tea bags to make tea by dipping them in warm water. Then, you can remove these tea bags and chill them in the fridge for some time. After a while, you can take them out of the refrigerator and put them on your closed eyes. You might be able to see the difference in some time.

3. Chilled Spoons

Chilled spoons can prove to be a valuable remedy for puffy eyes by acting as a cold compress for puffy eyes. Cooling the area reduces the blood flow, thus alleviating inflammation and swelling². This is another straightforward home remedy that you can make use of when your eyes become puffy. All you have to do is take a couple of spoons and chill them in the freezer for some time until they become cool. Then, take the chilled spoons and place them over your puffed-up eyes. Doing this might soothe your eyes and act as one of the easiest home remedies for puffy eyes.

4. Cucumber

Cooled cucumber acts as a cold compress and might help reduce swelling of the eyes². You might have seen cucumber being used in spas and salons to cover the eyes. It looks so relaxing! Well, this is one of the home remedies for puffy eyes that is as simple and relaxing as that. You just have to take a few cucumber slices and chill them in your freezer for a while. Then you can just put them on your eyes, sit back and relax. After a while, you might be able to notice decreased puffiness of your eyes.

5. Coffee

As mentioned earlier, caffeine narrows the blood vessels, thus reducing the blood flow to the area, leading to decreased swelling². You can use coffee as one of the natural home remedies for puffy eyes. For this, you have to take a little bit of ground coffee powder, mix a little bit of coconut oil into it and make a paste-like consistency. Apply this mixture under your eyes carefully, ensuring that you don’t put it inside your eyes. Leave it on for some time and wash it off with cold water.

6. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has a variety of therapeutic uses³. It might have potential beneficial effects for managing swelling of the eyes due to ageing thus, it can be used as one of the home remedies for puffy eyes or eye bags. You can mix freshly acquired aloe vera gel with a little bit of lemon juice or olive and apply it under your eyes to get rid of swelling. Various creams containing aloe vera gel are also available in the market, and you can use them as one of the home remedies for puffy eyes.

7. Potatoes

Potatoes are highly beneficial for the skin therefore, they are used to prepare homemade face packs. Potato is used to ward off dark circles, clear up the skin’s blemishes, get rid of wrinkles, lighten the skin tone, and reduce swelling⁴. It might be beneficial in relieving swelling under the eyes as well. You can use sliced and cooled potatoes to apply around your eyes as one of the most popular home remedies for bags under the eyes. You can also use the juice of potato and apply it to the skin around your eyes.

8. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is good for the skin as it helps produce collagen and prevents collagen destruction. It also has activity against viruses and fungi⁵. These properties can be beneficial in reducing the swelling of the eyes. As one of the natural home remedies for eye bags, you can take a little bit of coconut oil and apply it to your face, especially under your eyes, for eye swelling treatment at home. It might take a little longer, but you might be able to see its beneficial effects with constant usage.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Didn’t find a solution for how to cure swollen eyes yet, you should visit an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) if the puffiness of your eyes does not go away in one or two days or if you notice any of the following symptoms that might indicate a more severe problem:

Conclusion

Anyone can have puffy eyes, and it can hinder daily activities. It can be caused due to excessive salt intake, old age, thyroid problems or eye infections. The causes range widely, but the solutions are equally wide-ranging. You can try home remedies for puffy eyes like tea bags, coffee, cucumber, coconut oil etc. and see what suits you best. However, if the swelling doesn’t go away in a couple of days or you notice decreased vision, blurry vision or pain in your eyes or are seeing floaters, then you should visit an ophthalmologist and get yourself checked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can swelling in the eyes be due to salty food?

Yes, intake of food containing a high amount of salt can cause swelling of the eyes².

Does puffiness of the eye means that I have cancer?

There is a rare chance of puffy eyes being an indicator of cancer. Puffy eyes mostly occur due to ageing, genes, high salt intake, eye infections, etc^1,2

Does a tea bag help in reducing puffy eyes?

Yes, tea bags contain caffeine, and they can help reduce the puffiness of the eyes by constricting the blood vessels. You can use chilled green tea bags or black tea bags on your eyes as one of the home remedies for puffy eyes².

Can we apply ginger powder under the eyes for puffy eyes?

No. There is no evidence stating the use of ginger powder as one of the home remedies for puffy eyes.

Can lack of sleep cause puffy eyes?

Yes, inadequate sleep can lead to fluid retention and blood vessel dilation, resulting in puffy eyes. Prioritizing good sleep can help prevent this.

What foods can cause puffy eyes?

High-sodium foods, processed snacks and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to fluid retention and exacerbate puffy eyes.

How can I get rid of puffy eyes quickly?

Applying cold spoons, chilled cucumber slices or aloe vera gel can provide quick relief by soothing and constricting blood vessels.

References

5. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci [Internet]. 2018;19(1). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/

Natural Home Remedies For Good Sleep

Introduction

Could not sleep well last night and woke up feeling all cranky? We have all suffered from not getting enough sleep or insufficient sleep quality. As a result, people often search for ways to improve their sleep quality.

Adults need, on average, seven hours of uninterrupted good quality sleep each night. Quality of sleep is as essential as sleep duration. Good quality of sleep is the need of the hour. People need to get enough good sleep to live a healthy life; it should not be considered a luxury. Not getting sufficient sleep can make you more prone to many diseases and conditions¹^,².

If you face difficulty in falling asleep or wake up tired even after getting plenty of sleep, you need to contact your healthcare provider and get the necessary diagnosis. Meanwhile, you can follow the home remedies mentioned below to improve your sleep quality.

What Causes Poor Sleep?

Many factors can hinder your sleep and affect your sleep quality. These causes are:

Symptoms of Poor Sleep

Loss of sleep itself can be a symptom of some sleep disorders. It can have many effects on your health. It can also impact your immunity, nervous system, hormones and the heart³. Poor quality of sleep or getting insufficient sleep can:

If you have trouble falling asleep regularly, you might be suffering from certain sleep disorders. Common symptoms of sleep disorders are given as follows:

Home Remedies for Good Sleep

You can follow the home remedies mentioned below to help you sleep better. In addition, some of these natural remedies for sleep can be taken with a glass of milk before bed.

1. Warm Milk

This is an easily available product. Drinking a glass of warm milk before bed may be an effective way to improve sleep quality. Milk helps to promote good sleep. So, drinking warm milk might help induce sleep⁴.

2. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a herbal tea with many health benefits. The flavonoids present in chamomile tea might have various therapeutic activities. Flavonoids can interact with specific receptors in the brain and induce sleep, and hence chamomile tea is considered one of the natural remedies for deep sleep. You can drink some warm chamomile tea to help you sleep better⁴.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is present in a standard kitchen in Indian households. It is mainly used as a spice and added to various foods and dishes. This spice might be good for your health. You mix the cinnamon powder in a glass of warm milk. You can also add some honey for taste. Drinking this milk before going to bed might help you get a good sleep⁵.

4. Indian Ginseng

Indian ginseng or ashwagandha is a potent medicinal herb with many valuable properties for health. Ashwagandha is widely considered one of the home remedies for sleeplessness and might be beneficial in relieving insomnia. Before going to bed, take some ashwagandha root powder with a cup of milk. You can also put some sugar for taste. Taking this mixture may help you sleep better⁵.

5. Liquorice

Liquorice is also known as Mulethi in Hindi. Liquorice root is a potent medicinal ingredient which might offer several health advantages. Liquorice might also be effective for dealing with insomnia. You can take liquorice root powder with a glass of warm milk before bed. It may help you have a good sleep⁵.

6. Almonds

Almonds are commonly known as Badam in Hindi. They are often used in Indian cooking and are added to various desserts. They may be valuable for health and the brain. They might have a calming and soothing effect on the mind and may also help induce sleep⁵. You can crush a few almonds to make powder. Take this powder with a glass of warm milk before going to bed.

7. Develop a Sleep Pattern

Developing a sleep cycle may help your body make a healthy sleep routine and rest properly. It might also enhance the quality of your sleep. You can create a sleep pattern by waking up and going to bed at about the same time every day⁶.

8. Limit Your Screen Time

Exposure to computer screens, television screens, or mobile screens before bed can cause sleep disruption. Therefore, it is advised that you limit your screen time before bed. Your mind should relate being in bed to sleeping and not using a computer or watching TV. Also, avoid staying in bed if you feel awake⁶.

9. Try Relaxation Techniques Before Bed

Dedicate a specific time before going to bed to relax. During this time, avoid thinking about tomorrow or solving any problem. Try a few relaxation techniques. Find a method that suits you. Also, refrain from using cell phones or computers during this period⁶.

10. Do Not Nap During the Day

If you have a habit of napping during the daytime, it can make it difficult to fall asleep at night. If you genuinely need to take a good nap, limit the duration to not more than half an hour. Also, avoid taking naps four hours before your designated bedtime⁶.

Apart from the home remedies, here are some things that you can follow to get good quality sleep:

Though there are studies that show the benefits of the given herbs and home remedies in getting good sleep, these are insufficient. There is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these herbs and home remedies on human health. Thus, these should be taken with caution and never as a substitute for medical treatment.

When to Seek Medical Help?

You must not rely on home remedies alone to get a good sleep. You should consult a doctor for any advice on getting good sleep if the symptoms don’t improve.

Conclusion

To stay healthy and fit, an adult requires seven hours of quality sleep daily. Unfortunately, a busy life can make it hard for you to get enough quality sleep. But, you can follow specific tips on how to get sleep naturally and use some home remedies to improve your sleep quality. For example, making a sleep schedule and limiting your screen time before bed are some habits that may help you sleep better. Also, herbal ingredients such as Indian ginseng, liquorice, chamomile, cinnamon and almonds can be taken with a glass of warm milk to help improve sleep quality.

However, if your sleep problems interfere with your daily activities and affect how you function, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. Also, if you face difficulty falling asleep daily, you might be suffering from some sleep disorder. In such cases, contact your doctor to get the necessary diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the home remedies for insomnia?

You can follow various home remedies such as ashwagandha, chamomile tea, liquorice, almonds and cinnamon that might help you sleep better. These can be taken with warm milk before bed to improve sleep quality⁴^,⁵.

I experience trouble falling asleep. Do I need to contact a doctor?

A lot of people experience trouble falling asleep on some days, but if you face this difficulty regularly and the sleep problems have started interfering with your day-to-day activities, you must contact your healthcare provider¹.

Why do I feel sleepy and tired during the day?

Not getting enough sleep or poor sleep quality can make you feel tired and sleepy throughout the day. Try improving your sleep quality or getting sufficient sleep at night. If you experience these problems daily, contact your doctor and get medical help¹.

Can I use chamomile to improve sleep quality?

Yes. Chamomile is valuable in improving the quality of sleep. It contains flavonoids that interact with specific brain receptors and may induce sleep. Sipping some warm chamomile tea before bed might help you sleep better⁴.

What essential oils are known to promote sleep?

Essential oils like lavender, chamomile and bergamot are popular for their potential relaxing and calming properties. Diffusing them in the bedroom or adding a few drops to a bath may create a serene environment conducive to sleep.

How does exercise affect sleep, and what are the best exercises for good sleep?

Regular exercise can promote better sleep by improving overall health and reducing stress. Gentle exercises like yoga or tai chi in the evening can be particularly calming. However, intense exercise too close to bedtime might be stimulating for some individuals.

Is it advisable to use electronic devices before sleep?

Many experts recommend avoiding screens from phones, tablets or computers before bed, as the blue light emitted can interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Consider adopting a screen-free routine an hour or more before bedtime to help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

What bedroom environment is conducive to good sleep?

Creating a calming bedroom environment can significantly impact sleep quality. Consider using blackout curtains, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature, using soft and supportive bedding and eliminating noise with white noise machines or earplugs.

References

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Sleep and Sleep Disorders; 2020 Apr 15 [cited 2022 Jun 10]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/index.html

3. NCBI Bookshelf [Internet]. Extent and Health Consequences of Chronic Sleep Loss and Sleep Disorders – Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation; [cited 2022 Jun 10]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19961/

Best Home Remedies For Thick Eyebrows

Introduction

Eyebrows are like the crowns of our eyes. They are not accessories; they play an important role in preventing sweat from trickling down into our eyes. In addition, they also protect the bony ridges above the eyes and play a crucial part in facial expressions. The hair of eyebrows is usually narrower than scalp hair in Asians, while in Caucasians, the scalp hair is thinner¹. Even though we are grateful to our eyebrows for all they do for us and appreciate the way they are, sometimes we might wonder how to get thick eyebrows? Do you also wonder how to grow eyebrows thicker? If yes, then read along and find out.

What Causes Thin Eyebrows?

You might want to know how to grow thick eyebrows because you have thin eyebrows naturally, have over-plucked them, or you’re experiencing a loss of eyebrow hair. The term used for loss of eyebrows is madarosis. The definition of the madarosis was widened to include the loss of eyebrows, too; initially, it was used to describe the loss of eyelashes only. Madarosis can be a sign of many medical conditions. The following causes can lead to madarosis (loss of eyebrows).

Symptoms of Thin Eyebrows

As mentioned above, the thinning of eyebrows can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions, or you could also have thin eyebrows naturally. You might notice a generally decreased thickness of eyebrow hair or increased loss of eyebrow hair; it is especially noticeable in the lateral (away from the middle) part of the eyebrow¹. In addition, it might be associated with other symptoms in the body like loss of scalp hair, rashes or dryness of the skin, etc.; together, they can indicate certain conditions. Therefore, you should note other symptoms and inform your doctor about them to help in the diagnosis of the condition, if any.

Home Remedies for Thick Eyebrows

If you wonder how to get thick eyebrows, here are a few home remedies for thick eyebrows that you can try. These are natural methods that might help you grow thicker and fuller eyebrows. Try them out and see what suits you best.

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil may help hair grow and remain healthy. It is also good for the re-growth of hair. It might be one of the best natural nutrients for hair. It may be used as one of the home remedies for thick eyebrows². You can take a tiny amount of coconut oil and massage it in a circular pattern in the areas of your eyebrows. Doing this at night, keeping the oil overnight, and then washing it the next morning may be good for growing thicker eyebrows.

2. Olive Oil

Studies on animals have shown that applying olive oil can stimulate hair growth. Therefore, it shows that olive oil is a potential hair growth agent³. Moreover, it is valuable for thick and bushy eyebrows. You can take a cotton swab and dip it in olive oil. Using this swab, massage your eyebrow region thoroughly. Leaving it overnight may also be beneficial. You might be able to see a visible difference in your eyebrows if you follow this routine diligently.

3. Peppermint Oil

In animal studies, it was found that peppermint oil promotes the growth of hair by improving blood circulation to the hair follicles. It has the potential to be used as a hair loss prevention agent and also a therapeutic agent⁴. There is a need for further human studies to prove its efficiency, yet it is being used as a home remedy for hair growth. You may use it as a remedy to obtain thick eyebrows by taking a few drops of peppermint oil in a cotton swab and gently massaging it in a circular motion on your eyebrows. Leaving it overnight and washing it the next day may show visible beneficial effects.

4. Aloe Vera

It was seen in a study that aloe vera helps hair growth and has hair and follicle strengthening effects⁵. It is used for multiple purposes due to its therapeutic effects. It is valuable for getting thicker eyebrows. You can take a fresh aloe vera leaf and cut it open to obtain the gel. Then, mix this gel with a small amount of coconut oil and apply it to your eyebrows until it gets absorbed. You can leave it for some time and then wash it off. Doing it regularly might help you grow fuller eyebrows.

5. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary essential oil is valuable for promoting hair growth. When applied externally, rosemary might stimulate the hair follicles, thus helping hair growth⁶. It is good for obtaining dense eyebrows. You can use this as one of the home remedies for thick eyebrows by mixing rosemary oil in coconut oil and applying it on your eyebrows at night, then washing it off the next day.

6. Lavender Oil

Animal studies showed that lavender oil promotes hair growth⁷. There is a need for more studies on humans to ensure its effects of lavender oil on humans. However, lavender oil is valuable as a home remedy for thick eyebrows. You may use lavender oil to help grow thicker and darker eyebrows by taking a few drops of lavender oil and massaging it gently onto your eyebrows, then leaving it overnight. Wash it the next morning. Using this remedy consistently might help your eyebrow hair grow.

7. Onion

Onion promotes hair growth. It contains many minerals (mainly iron) which help hair grow by providing oxygen to the follicles⁶. As a remedy for obtaining thicker eyebrows, you can mix the juice of onion with honey and apply it over the eyebrow area. Using this method may prove to be beneficial for growing thick, dense and bushy eyebrows.

8. Unripe Banana

It was found in an animal study that unripe banana has hair growth-promoting activity⁸. Though there is a need for further human studies, it is good for growing thicker and fuller eyebrows. You can take an unripe banana, peel it, and mash the banana. Mix honey to this and apply it to your eyebrow area. Leave it on for a while, and then rinse it off with cool water. You might find this remedy useful for gaining thicker eyebrows by using it regularly.

Though there are studies that show the benefits of the given herbs and home remedies for getting thick eyebrows, these are insufficient. There is a need for large-scale human studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these home remedies on human health. Thus, these should only be taken with caution and never as a substitute for medical treatment.

When to Seek Medical Help?

You should seek medical help if you notice the following symptoms as it could indicate a more severe problem:

You must not rely on home remedies alone for thick eyebrows and should consult a qualified doctor for any advice if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies.

Conclusion

Looking at many others, you might want thicker and bushier eyebrows. However, your eyebrows might not grow exactly as you want them to, leaving you wondering how to make your eyebrows thicker? You might notice a decreased thickness, thinning or loss of eyebrow hair. This might be due to a few conditions like alopecia areata, hormonal disturbances, etc., or you might have naturally thin eyebrows. Nonetheless, there are a few home remedies for thick eyebrows for you to try, such as onion, lavender oil, coconut oil, etc. However, thin eyebrows or loss of eyebrows can be a sign of a medical condition, so you should consult a dermatologist (hair and skin doctor) if you see scales on your skin, notice thinning of scalp hair and have eye problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to make eyebrows thicker?

You can try to make eyebrows thicker by trying out a few home remedies like coconut oil, olive oil, rosemary oil, onion, aloe vera, etc^2,8. They are natural and might help you grow thick eyebrows.

Can eyebrows become thicker if we apply eyeliner daily to them?

No, there are no reports of thickening of eyebrows on the daily application of eyeliner. However, you can try a few home remedies for thick eyebrows like aloe vera, lavender oil, coconut oil, etc^2,8.

Does the thinning of eyebrows mean that I have a disease?

Thinning of eyebrows is known as madarosis. It can occur in various diseases like hypothyroidism, Graham-little syndrome, Alopecia, blepharitis, etc¹. You should consult a doctor to get it checked out if you notice any other symptoms along with it.

How to get thick eyebrows naturally using bananas?

Studies have shown that an unripe banana is good for hair growth⁸. You can take a peeled unripe banana, make a paste of it, mix honey and apply it to your eyebrows. Leave it for some time, then rinse it. It may help you get fuller eyebrows.

How to make eyebrows thicker using chalk?

There is no evidence of chalk being beneficial for making eyebrows thicker.

References

2. Sursinh Vala G, Vala GS, Kapadiya PK. Medicinal Benefits of Coconut Oil (A Review paper). Print) Int J Life Sci Res [Internet]. 2014;2:124–6. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280574942

3. Tong T, Kim N, Park T. Topical application of oleuropein induces anagen hair growth in telogen mouse skin. PLoS One [Internet]. 2015;10(6):1–17. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462586/

6. Patel S, Sharma V, Chauhan N, Thakur M, Dixit VK. Hair Growth: Focus on Herbal Therapeutic Agent. Curr Drug Discov Technol [Internet]. 2015 Aug 4 [cited 2022 Mar 29];12(1):21–42. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26058803/

7. Lee BH, Lee JS, Kim YC. Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice. Toxicol Res [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2022 Mar 29];32(2):103. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4843973/

Best Home Remedies for Oily Scalp and Hair

Introduction

Are you worried about oily and greasy-looking hair? Here are some remedies that can be used at home to keep your hair oil-free and clean. Oily scalp and hair are common problems many people face at some point in their lives. Oily and greasy-looking hair can make people self-conscious. The scalp has more number of sebaceous (oil) glands present, which can contribute to the oiliness of the scalp and hair. Sebaceous glands present on the scalp produce a large amount of sebum (oil), giving you an oily scalp and hair¹. Keeping the scalp clean is essential for getting healthy hair. If the presence of excessive oil on the hair and scalp makes you uncomfortable or self-conscious, you can contact your healthcare provider and get the necessary treatment. Do inform them of any past allergies from medications or any treatment that you may have taken. You can also use these remedies to help you eliminate the excess oil on the hair and scalp.

What Causes Oily Scalp and Hair?

Oil glands are the glands present beneath the skin surface. These glands are more abundant on the scalp and face. Oil glands are formed alongside a hair follicle. Oil glands produce oil, which imparts oiliness to the hair and scalp¹.

Symptoms of Oily Scalp and Hair

Signs of oily scalp and hair are the oily and glossy appearance of hair. Other serious symptoms of oily hair and scalp are given below.

Home Remedies for Oily Scalp and Hair

Here are some remedies that you can make use of to take care of excessive oiliness of the hair and scalp.

1. Tulsi

Tulsi leaf paste can be applied to the scalp to clean the hair roots and scalp. It may also soothe the scalp, improve blood circulation, and reduce irritation and dandruff. Irritated and damaged skin produces more oil. It is valuable for keeping the scalp healthy and promoting the growth of hair³. You can use fresh leaves of tulsi to make a paste. Apply this paste to hair and scalp evenly and wash it off with water after some time. Washing the hair and scalp with tulsi paste may help you get rid of oil from the hair and scalp.

2. Shikakai

Shikakai is often used as a natural cleanser. It has been used traditionally to make herbal shampoos. Shikakai is used as an ingredient in herbal shampoos. It is valuable for hair³. You can use shikakai powder to wash hair and remove the oil from the hair and scalp. Shikakai powder can be used to wash the hair. You can also make shikakai powder to make a hair pack. Mix shikakai powder with some yoghurt to make a paste. Apply this paste as a hair pack. Use this hair pack once a week to get rid of excess oil from hair and scalp.

3. Neem

You can use neem leaves as a cleanser while washing the hair. Neem might help open the clogged pores on the scalp and promote hair growth. Neem is also effective against problems like dandruff, which can be caused by an oily scalp. You can use neem leaf powder to wash your hair³. Take some neem leaf powder and mix water to make a grainy paste. Apply this paste evenly to the scalp and hair. Let it be for some time. Wash it off using cold water to get clean hair and scalp.

4. Reetha

Reetha or soapnuts have good cleansing properties. It may also impart soothing effects on the scalp and make the scalp healthy³. Mix some reetha powder with water to make a smooth paste. Massage this paste on hair and scalp, leave for some time, and then wash it with water. It might help remove the dirt and oil from the scalp. Use this reetha paste as a hair mask whenever needed.

5. Fuller’s Earth

Fuller’s earth, known as Multani mitti in Hindi, is an excellent absorbent. It might quickly absorb oil and dirt from the scalp. To use fuller’s earth, you can make a paste by mixing fullers earth with water. This paste can be applied to hair and scalp to remove oil and dirt. The paste can be rinsed off using water afterwards⁴. You can use fuller’s earth as a hair mask whenever needed to get rid of excess oil from the hair and scalp.

6. Hair Wash

You can start washing your hair more often to remove all the accumulated oil and dirt. The frequency of hair wash depends upon how much oil is produced on your scalp. If your hair is too oily, you need to wash it at least once every day. For older people, frequent hair washing is not necessary as the scalp produces lesser oil⁵. You can make a herbal cleanser at home using herbs like amla, reetha, and shikakai and boiling them in water. Use the water after straining to wash the hair. You can also use Multani Mitti or fuller’s earth to wash your hair.

How to Shampoo the Scalp?

The scalp is where the oil gets accumulated and is transferred to the hair afterwards. Use more shampoo for cleaning the scalp. Using excessive shampoo on your entire hair might make it dull and course⁵. Choose a shampoo that suits your hair the best and does not cause damage by everyday use.

Condition the Tips

Avoid applying conditioner on the scalp or on the entire hair length. Using conditioners can make the hair and scalp greasier. If you need to use conditioner after shampoo, apply it to the hair tips and wash it properly afterwards⁵. You can use the conditioner of your choice.

Though there are studies that show the benefits of the given herbs and home remedies for dealing with oily scalp and hair, these are insufficient. There is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these herbs and home remedies on human health. Thus, these should be taken with caution and never as a substitute for medical treatment.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Oily hair and scalp are common problems people encounter at various points in their lives. It usually does not require medical intervention. However, some people may feel self-conscious because of excessive oil on their hair and scalp. You can seek medical help if:

You must not rely on home remedies alone for the management of oily scalp and hair. Neither should you self-medicate. You should consult a qualified doctor for any advice for oily scalp and hair if the symptoms don’t improve.

Conclusion

The skin of the scalp is rich in oil glands, which are present along with the hair follicles. Sebum production on the scalp makes it oily. This oil is carried to the entire hair length. You may quickly get rid of oil from your hair and scalp by washing it frequently and taking proper care of your hair. There are many herbal ingredients that you can use to keep the hair and scalp free of oil. Herbs like shikakai, reetha, neem, and tulsi may be used to wash the hair and scalp to make it healthy and shiny.

You contact your skin and hair doctor (dermatologist) if the oiliness makes you uncomfortable and the home remedies don’t work out. If you are also affected by other hair problems like dandruff, itchiness or other medicinal allergies, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to get rid of the oily scalp?

You can get rid of the oily scalp by washing your hair frequently. If your scalp produces excessive oil, you need to wash your hair at least once a day to get rid of that oil⁵. You can use shampoo as well as natural herbs like tulsi, reetha and shikakai to wash your hair. These herbal remedies might help you get rid of oil and dirt from hair and scalp and also make the hair healthy³.

What are the home remedies for oily hair?

Herbal remedies that you may use to help get rid of oil from your hair and scalp are amla (Indian gooseberry), tulsi (holy basil), reetha (soapnut), and neem. These ingredients can be used to wash the hair and remove oil from the scalp and hair. You can use Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) to absorb the excess oil and dirt from the scalp and leave the hair fresh and clean^3,4.

Can I use Multani mitti for greasy hair?

Yes, you can use Multani mitti to help remove oil and grease from the scalp. Mix Multani mitti with water and make a smooth paste. This paste can be applied as a hair mask. Apply it evenly on hair and scalp, leave for some time, and then wash it thoroughly with water. Multani mitti might absorb all the oil from the scalp^3,4.

Can oily scalp cause dandruff?

Yes, if you have an oily scalp, it can also lead to dandruff. The scalp becomes oily due to excessive sebum production. The presence of sebum on the scalp creates an ideal environment for the growth of Malassezia (a fungus), which is responsible for causing dandruff².

How to use reetha to get rid of the oily scalp?

Reetha is a natural cleanser that may be used to keep the hair clean³. You can use reetha powder to make a hair mask. Mix reetha powder with water and make a paste. Apply it evenly to the scalp and hair. Leave the paste for some time, then wash it off with water.

References

1. Sakuma TH, Maibach HI. Oily skin: an overview. Skin Pharmacol Physiol [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2022 May 17];25(5):227–35. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22722766/

2. Lourith N, Kanlayavattanakul M, Nualsri C. Development and clinical evaluation of green tea hair tonic for greasy scalp treatment. Journal of Cosmetic Science [Internet]. 2016;67:161–6. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308149951

4. Madnani N, Khan K. Hair cosmetics. In: Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2013. p. 654–67. Available from: https://ijdvl.com/hair-cosmetics/

Best Home Remedies for Appendicitis Recovery

Introduction

Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes swollen and infected. It affects about 5% of the population across the globe. Appendicitis can be caused by a blockage within the appendix, which causes blood flow issues, inflammation, infection and pressure. The appendix can rupture if not treated in time¹. The pain caused by appendicitis should not be ignored, as a delay in seeking medical help can lead to the bursting of the appendix, which is a life-threatening complication of appendicitis. Home remedies are of no help in treating this condition. However, you may follow some home remedies for a smooth recovery after an Appendicectomy ( a surgical procedure to remove the appendix).

What is Appendicitis

The appendix is a small finger-shaped organ connected to the large intestine on the right side of the abdomen. Its exact function is unknown, and it is possible to live without one. Appendicitis is a condition that causes the appendix to swell, become inflamed and fill with pus. This can result in a lot of discomfort. Appendicitis can occur at any age, but it is most common in people in their teens and twenties. An inflamed appendix can cause slow and dull pain in the abdomen. If left untreated, a ruptured appendix can spread bacteria throughout the abdominal cavity. These bacteria cause peritonitis, a potentially fatal infection that can result in death.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

The most common symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain that begins near the belly button, progressing lower and to the right. Other symptoms may include²:

Appendicitis in children may generally not show typical symptoms. A person may also have a frequent and urgent need to urinate, though this is extremely uncommon. Anyone experiencing progressively worsening abdominal pain should seek medical attention. Symptoms of other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, may be similar. Nonetheless, all of these conditions necessitate immediate medical attention to avoid any fatal complications.

Causes of Appendicitis

The exact cause of appendicitis is unknown in many cases. It is believed to develop when a section of the appendix becomes obstructed or blocked. Many things can obstruct your appendix, including:

Anyone can get appendicitis. However, some people may be more prone to developing this condition than others. Appendicitis risk factors include:

Complications

Appendicitis can lead to serious complications if your appendix ruptures, allowing faeces and bacteria to enter your abdominal cavity. A ruptured appendix can cause a variety of painful and potentially fatal infections, including:

To manage and prevent complications, it is best to speak to a healthcare specialist.

Home Remedies for Appendicitis

Appendicitis starts with a dull pain in the abdominal cavity and then wreaks havoc on the whole body as days pass. Consult a doctor and follow the treatment advised. You will most likely have to undergo immediate surgery. Appendix surgeries are safe, and your doctor will recommend medicines, rest and a proper diet that will help you recover fast after the surgery. Adhere to your doctor’s instructions and you can also discuss with them about following a list of home remedies that have been shown to be effective for patients recovering from appendix surgery.

1. Nutritious Diet

It may take some time to return to your pre-appendicectomy diet. Eating smaller portions more frequently, such as 6 to 8 small meals throughout the day, can aid in the gradual return to the regular diet. It is critical to drink plenty of water and caffeine-free fluids after an appendectomy to avoid constipation and bowel problems. Include foods that contain bromelain, an enzyme that aids in pain relief and wound healing³. Zinc deficiency in the diet can interfere with the body’s natural healing mechanism. Choose food that is healthy and easy to digest.

2. Eat More Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Clinical studies⁴ have shown that vitamin C plays an important role in all aspects of wound healing, from neutrophil clearance to scab formation. To ensure a speedy recovery from internal wounds, a vitamin C-rich diet is essential. The highest sources of ascorbic acid or vitamin C are amlas, strawberries, limes, kiwi fruits, red capsicum, guavas, oranges, grapefruit and cauliflower.

3. Consume Green Gram

Mung beans or green grams contain antibacterial agents, which make them an ideal post-surgery recovery food. They are regarded as stomach-cooling food. Doctors and practitioners recommend eating one tablespoon of rinsed and soaked green gram every day, either raw, steamed or lightly microwaved. For best results, consume it three times per day.

4. Increase Your Activities Gradually

Rest is essential after appendix surgery, but so is light activity. When you’re ready, gradually increase your activity level. Short walks, even around the house, are a great place to start and can help prevent pneumonia and blood clots. An added benefit is that being active encourages your digestive system to return to normalcy sooner. Constipation can be excruciating, so include some doctor-approved exercise in your daily routine, drink plenty of fluids and take stool softeners if your doctor recommends them.

5. Post-Surgery Bed Exercises

If you recently had an appendectomy, you will most likely be in bed for an extended period of time. Before attempting any exercises while in bed, consult your doctor. If your doctor approves, begin with simple leg pumps and lifts to improve blood flow and circulation in the lower parts of your body. Furthermore, performing bed exercises can help reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming in your lower extremities. Perform these exercises every hour while lying in bed.

6. Gentle Abdominal Exercises at Home

After a few weeks of rest, begin gentle walking and avoid strengthening exercises. Begin by sitting on the edge of a bed with your feet hanging off the edge. Lift your legs up until they are parallel to the floor, keeping your back straight and core tight. Hold for a few seconds before slowly lowering your legs back to their original position. Repeat until you’re exhausted.

7. Post-Appendectomy Massage at Home

A person may experience severe pain following surgery. Massage alleviates acute pain by promoting recovery and relieving tension. It causes friction between the skin and the fingers, which increases blood flow to the area. A post-appendectomy massage at home can be very relaxing and help to relieve tension. Make sure you consult your doctor about the recovery and get a massage once allowed.

8. Get Plenty of Rest

When a person undergoes surgery, the body’s natural response is to halt normal activity so that it can focus on uninterrupted healing. That means you’ll be sleeping a lot more than usual for at least the first week or so after surgery. This period of reduced physical activity is critical, especially after abdominal surgery, either open or laparoscopic. This is because your surgeon had to cut through the visible external muscles and the innermost layer of the abdominal wall, which holds your internal organs in place. If you resume your normal activities before the inner layer has healed, you may develop a hernia, in which part of your intestine squeezes out of the abdominal cavity.

Appendicitis is a serious condition and a surgery might be needed as soon as possible. The post-surgery recovery stage is equally important as the body needs to heal itself. During this period, make sure that you get plenty of rest, eat well and slowly incorporate your daily activities back into your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What triggers appendicitis?

Appendicitis can be caused by infections in your digestive tract, such as viruses, bacteria or parasites. It could also happen if the tube connecting your large intestine and appendix becomes blocked or trapped by stool or worms. Tumours can occasionally cause appendicitis. The appendix becomes painful and swollen as a result.

What can make your appendix worse?

Appendicitis usually begins with a pain in the middle of your stomach (abdomen) that comes and goes. Within hours, the pain spreads to the lower right side of the abdomen, where the appendix is usually found and becomes constant and severe. Pressing on this area, coughing or walking may aggravate the pain.

What kind of food causes appendicitis?

Some of the fruit seeds consumed are naturally excreted from the body, while others can cause appendicitis. Appendicitis has been linked to the seeds of vegetables and fruits such as cacao, orange, melon, barley, oat, fig, grape, date, cumin and nut.

What is the best treatment for appendicitis?

Surgery to remove the appendix is the standard treatment for appendicitis. This procedure is known as an Appendicectomy. Antibiotics are sometimes used while the diagnosis is being made, but most doctors agree that antibiotics cannot cure appendicitis.

References

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Best Home Remedies for Cracked Heel

Introduction

Do the heels of your feet crack often? Does it feel like your heels are always cracking at the smallest inconvenience, and it is pretty challenging to maintain them? Don’t worry we’ve got all the information you’ll need about them that can help. Your heels might be cracking due to a number of different reasons, the dry climate being one. Cracked heels are also referred to as heel fissures. It can be a simple cosmetic problem that feels like a nuance but can lead to serious medical problems as well. Cracked heels are a common problem faced by many individuals; it is also known as xerosis or dry skin. When the skin around the rim of the heel thickens, it is known as a callus. The symptoms of a cracked heel might be worse if a callus is formed¹.

What Causes Cracked Heels?

Drying of the heel, leading to its cracking, can be caused by multiple reasons. Some of the factors that cause cracked heels are:

Symptoms of Cracked Heels

A cracked heel is a symptom and can occur due to various reasons, as stated above. Some of the features of a cracked heel that will help you identify it are:

Suggested Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

You can try natural ingredients to care for your heels and get smooth heels. A few home remedies for cracked heels that you can try are listed below. You can try a few of these home remedies, which might be the solution to your question of ‘how to get rid of cracked heels?

1. Washing Feet

This is a pretty straightforward remedy and might just be what you need. It might seem like a small thing, but it can make a world of difference if done correctly. Make sure that you wash your feet with water that’s not too hot or too cold. Use lukewarm water and mild soap to wash your feet. This can prove to be a good home remedy for a cracked heel. While it’s alright to soak your feet in water for a few minutes before washing them, make sure not to scrub your feet. Soaking feet in water for too long risks weakening the skin barrier, resulting in excessive moisture loss².

2. Moisturisation

You should moisturize your skin after you wash and dry them properly. You can use mild lotions and creams and apply them generously to your skin and feet. It takes a few minutes for the moisturizer to seep into your skin. So after a few minutes, you should apply a sealant cream or occlusive ointment that seals the moisture in².

3. Wearing Socks

There is another way that can help you seal the moisture into your feet, i.e. wearing socks. Wearing socks to bed, right after you wash your feet, moisturize and lock the moisture in, can be a good idea. Even if you’re not interested in wearing socks throughout the day, you can try wearing socks to bed. It can be beneficial for your cracked heel. Wearing cotton socks helps in locking the moisture better and might be one of the easiest home remedies for cracked heels to follow².

4. Shea Butter

Shea butter can be beneficial in healing cracked heels. It is used in body lotions and creams. It has the property of softening and moisturizing the skin. Shea butter is obtained from the nut of the African Shea tree. It has been recommended for soothing dry skin caused by dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). It is also recommended as a moisturizer for hands and feet³. Therefore, it can be used as one of the home remedies for the cracked heel as well. You can apply it directly onto your cracked heel, or you can dilute it with an oil of your choice before applying it.

5. Honey

Honey is one ingredient that can be easily found in kitchens across the world. It is being used traditionally to manage multiple skin conditions, cuts and wounds as well. In studies, it was found that honey can also be used to manage skin conditions that can be caused due to faults in the immune system, like atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis⁴. Therefore, it can also be used as a home remedy for dealing with cracked heels. To use honey, you can directly apply it to your feet, keep it for a few minutes and wash it off. You can also mix a little bit of rice flour and lemon juice with honey and apply it as a pack to your cracked heels. Washing it off with water might give you smooth heels, and it might prove to be the home remedy that you’ve been looking for.

6. Kokum Butter

The seed of kokum is used to obtain kokum butter. Kokum butter is widely used for making soaps and lotions. It has the property of moisturizing the skin and is used for managing fissures and extremely dry skin. It can be used as a moisturizer for hands and feet⁵. Therefore, it can be used for healing cracked heels. You can make use of kokum butter directly or use an oil of your choice to dilute it and apply it to your feet as one of the home remedies for cracked heels. You can moisturize your feet with kokum butter and then wear cotton socks to get more benefits.

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil can also prove to be helpful in healing cracked heels. It is known to have properties such as acceleration of tissue repair and facilitation of removal of dead skin⁶. Therefore, olive oil can be used for application on foot. Direct application of olive oil can be helpful. You can also mix olive oil along with sesame oil and honey for beneficial effects. As this cracked heel remedy combines more than one of the ingredients that help in managing heel cracks, it might be one of the best remedies for cracked heels.

8. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is obtained from the pulp of coconut. It has been extensively used as a moisturizer for mild to moderately dry skin. Thus, it can also be used for cracked heels. It is mineral oil and is safe to use. Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil, promotes faster growth of new skin cells, thus promoting the healing of wounds⁶. You can apply either coconut oil or virgin coconut oil onto your heels as a home remedy for a cracked heel.

When to Seek Medical Help?

If you have tried taking care of your cracked heels and they still do not get better, then you should visit a dermatologist (skin and hair doctor). A dermatologist will thoroughly examine your feet to find the root of the problem. If you are already aware that you have an underlying medical condition like diabetes, then you should definitely consult your doctor for skin dryness, especially dryness of the feet. So, make an appointment and get your heels checked if self-care doesn’t lead to improvement of your heel cracks².

Conclusion

Heels can be difficult to maintain, especially if you live in a dry climate, as they tend to crack. There might be other reasons like nutritional deficiencies, diabetes or atopic dermatitis, due to which there may be cracked heels. When your feet get dry, the borders and bottom of your feet may feel hardened and flaky. These signs of cracked skin can soon disappear if you take good care of them just by washing, moisturising and wearing socks. You can try a few home remedies for cracked heels like shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil and honey to get smooth heels. However, if these self-care options do not work for you, you should visit a doctor and seek their advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can feet crack due to dry weather?

Yes, feet can crack due to dry weather. Cracked heels can also occur if you do not take proper care of your feet or as a result of age changes².

Can we wear socks when our heels are cracked?

Yes, you can wear cotton socks after washing and moisturising your feet to lock in the moisture and prevent heels from cracking. It acts as a home remedy for cracked heels².

Is coconut oil good for cracked heels?

Yes, coconut oil is good for healing cracked heels. It is used as a moisturiser for dry skin. You can use coconut oil directly on the cracked heels as a home remedy⁶.

Is shea butter good for healing cracked feet?

Yes, shea butter is good for healing cracked feet. It is used for moisturising hands and feet³. You can use it directly or dilute it in oil to use it as a remedy for the cracked heel.

Can feet be washed with hot water for cracked heels?

No. Feet should not be washed with water that is too hot or too cold. You should use lukewarm water to wash your feet. You should not soak them in water for too long or scrub them. Use only mild soaps to wash cracked heels².

References

6. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci [Internet]. 2018;19(1). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/

PharmEasy Blog

Best Home Remedies For Gout

Introduction

What Causes Gout?

Symptoms of Gout

Suggested Home Remedies for Gout

1. Agastya

2. Castor

2. Ashwagandha

3. Alsi

4. Healthy Diet

5. Physical Exercise

6. Maintaining Healthy Body Weight

7. Protect From Injury

When to Seek Medical Help?

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

Natural Home Remedies for Arthritis

Introduction

What Causes Arthritis?

Types of Arthritis

Symptoms of Arthritis

Suggested Home Remedies for Arthritis

1. Turmeric

2. Ginger

3. Boswellia

4. Ashwagandha

5. Alsi

6. Guduchi

7. Masha

8. Diet changes

9. Exercise

When to Seek Medical Help?

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

Best Home Remedies for Sunburn

Introduction

What Causes Sunburn?

Symptoms of Sunburn

Suggested Home Remedies for Sunburn

1. Stay Hydrated

2. Use Moisturiser

3. Shower Often

4. Protect the Skin

5. Aloe Vera

6. Black Tea

7. Green Tea

8. Tea Tree Oil

When to Seek Medical Help?

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

Effective Home Remedies for Scabies

Introduction

What Causes Scabies?

Symptoms of Scabies

Suggested Home Remedies for Scabies

1. Virgin Coconut Oil

2. Tea Tree Oil

3. Aloe Vera

4. Turmeric

5. Neem

6. Kundaruki-Bel (Bimbi)

7. Chitraka

8. Parisha (Kapitana)

When to Seek Medical Help?

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

Simple Home Remedies For Puffy Eyes

Introduction

What Causes Puffy Eyes?

Symptoms of Puffy Eyes

Suggested Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes

1. Washing or Rinsing

2. Tea Bags

3. Chilled Spoons

4. Cucumber