Arthritis is an auto-immune disease which causes stiffness and pain in your joints due to inflammation. It can occur due to a variety of reasons and is uncurable. Arthritis worsens with age and decreased immunity. You can, however, take measures to prevent it. Additionally, the symptoms can be reduced with certain home remedies, treatments, and diets. Here are some natural home remedies that can reduce the effects of arthritis are: Exercise It might be hard to exercise, but it can have a highly positive effect on your health and body. Exercising can reduce the swelling caused by arthritis. Aerobics, balance moves, strength training, etc, are some of the best types of exercises to help you with joint pain caused by arthritis. Heat treatment Heat treatments through heating pads or warm towels help ease the pain. However, make sure the temperature is not too high, as that might burn your skin. Hot tubs are an alternative to soothe and relax stiff muscles. Heat treatment encourages blood flow and soothes the pain in your joints. If you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, make sure you consult your doctor before using this method Cold treatment An ice pack is pressed on to the affected area to reduce inflammation and stiffness. But one should not overdo it and take intervals every half an hour in order to avoid any complications. Magnets You can indulge in magnet therapy by using multiple methods like pads, disks, necklaces, and bracelets. However, this method is more efficient to treat osteoarthritis. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine which uses fine needles to stimulate energy along the meridians of your body. The idea is to correct the body’s energy imbalances. It has been proven to lower the production of chemicals that cause inflammation and reduce the pain caused by arthritis.

Though the human body’s immune system is strong enough to keep malicious agents at bay, it sometimes fails in protecting the body from an onset of ailments caused by bacteria and viruses. Many times, people develop allergies to certain things that, though harmless, can incite severe reactions from people. One such relatively harmless by-product of nature are pollens, but the number of people allergic to pollen is quite high. Around 30% of the total adults and 40% of the child population in the US are allergic to pollen. What is pollen allergy? Pollen allergy is an airborne infection that triggers symptoms such as continuous sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, etc. Pollen is a harmless powder that is produced by trees, flowers, plants, grasses, weeds, etc. Its purpose is to fertilize other plants of the same species. Even though these pollens are considered harmless, when they come in contact with the body’s immune system, it mistakes it for lethal invaders and produces chemicals that fight these pollens. This allergic reaction triggered by the overdrive of the immune system indicates that the person is allergic to pollen. Home remedies for people allergic to pollen Certain medications help in reducing the severity of pollen allergy. However, if the individual isn’t keen on taking medications, they can always opt for home remedies that treat pollen allergy. Here are some effective home remedies that can aid people who are allergic to pollen. Butterbur Butterbur is one of the most effective methods used to treat people who are allergic to pollen. Butterbur is a traditional herb that is known to cure a variety of ailments, such as fever, ulcers, stomach pain, cough, hay fever, etc. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it can provide a cure for those allergic to pollen. Butterbur extract helps to keep pollen allergy at bay by controlling the symptoms of pollen allergy.

Toe nail fungus is commonly caused by a fungus known as dermatophyte, and sometimes, it is caused by certain types of yeast or molds. If you notice that one or more of your toe nails have become thick, have a yellow or whitish discoloration, smell foul or has developed a dark color due to debris building up in the nail bed, your toe nails have been infected by fungus. You can get toe nail fungus if your feet are regularly confined within shoes for a prolonged period of time. The fungus grows in a warm and moist environment. Due to sweat, your feet are susceptible to toe nail fungus infection, especially when the shoes are not properly cleaned or aired out, or if you do not change your socks daily. Toe nail fungus is also caused due to the use of unhygienic tools for a pedicure in salons. People over the age of 65 years are more susceptible to toe nail infection among adults. It has been observed more among men than among women. Children rarely have toe nail fungal infection. The symptoms of toe nail fungal infection are quite common with other infection that affect the nail. So, a lab analysis or just checking a scraping of your toenail under the microscope can tell your doctor whether you have toe nail fungus. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal oral medication to treat your toenail fungus infection. Despite this, toe nail fungus tends to return. You can follow a few hygienic routines and home remedies to curb the infection. Here are some home-based toe nail fungus remedies: Keep your shoe socks clean: People who were closed shoes for long hours every day are more prone to toe nail fungus infection. This becomes there is no free flow of air, and the sweat from your feet does not dry out.

Though we try to lead a healthy lifestyle by making the necessary amends, some defect in the bodily functions, caused due to some ailment or the process of aging, can cause us great pain and unease. Though a majority of these diseases are curable, they cause immense discomfort and excruciating pain while they last. Gout is one such disease that affects a person’s ability to move around freely. The individual suffering from gout can experience a gout attack anytime, and the only saving grace is to opt for home remedies that would give quick gout relief. The following sections will help increase your awareness about gout. What is gout? Gout is a form of arthritis that usually affects the feet, especially the big toe. It is characterized by a sudden onset of stiffness, sudden excruciating pain, and swelling in joints, especially the big toe. Gout arthritis is known to cause severe damage to the tendons, joints, and tissues if it is left untreated over a long period. Gout attacks can cause severe pain, and it renders the person unable to move around. Gout shows all the symptoms that accompany all types of arthritis. What causes gout? Gout arthritis is the result of high level of uric acid in the blood. People usually have uric acid in their blood, and it is harmless. However, high levels of uric acid in the blood results in the crystallization of the same, and it settles in the joints. These uric acid crystals are the sole cause of the excruciating pain an individual has to suffer when he suffers from gout. Gout attacks subside if one adheres to quick gout relief treatments that can thwart the pain from spreading. What are the home remedies for quick gout relief? There are various medications available for providing relief from the pain caused by gout, but people are often hesitant because of the side-effects caused by the same.

Atopic dermatitis is an unusual skin condition which causes strong itching and leads to the formation of red rashes. In some cases, these red rashes form bumps which look much similar to blisters. It can be a long-term chronic skin problem for some people and requires a combination of treatments. When infants suffer from this problem, it affects their cheeks, front portion of knees, and the back of their elbow. Atopic dermatitis is also known as eczema or atopic eczema. For atopic dermatitis, treatment varies as per the condition and usually depends on the kind of rash that a person has. People who have mild cases of atopic dermatitis can be treated at home and can use skin barrier repair moisturizers. When used on a regular basis, these moisturizers help in controlling the itching in a span of three-weeks. Serious rashes including oozing rashes which have fluid-filled sores that cause fluids to ooze out might require medical intervention. This kind of rash indicates the presence of skin infection and adequate treatment might be needed. Similarly, scaly dry and itchy rashes might also need medical help. If severe rashes persist, doctor’s intervention might be needed, and the patient would be required to use bleach bath and wet wraps. If medical treatment is sought at an early stage, it will help the situation from turning worse. In case the rashes do not get better with time, it requires some medical intervention, and the treatment might include the following: – Use of topical corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids is advised. These can be used in situations when rashes cover a large area of the body. Similarly, these can also be used in the case of serious skin infections. – Another treatment option is to use a bandage or dressing which is usually wrapped around the skin that has been affected.

A research suggests that there are more than 30 million cases of eczema across the country. Eczema as a whole is not a single condition. It involves a group of conditions that includes atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema which is sometimes also referred to as hand eczema. Here are some of the popular home remedies to get eczema relief: Turmeric Turmeric helps in reducing the inflammation which is one of the main symptoms of eczema. Turmeric has curcumin and other free radicals which help in reducing the inflammation caused due to eczema thus providing relief. Apple cider vinegar One of the most common ingredient found in every household. Also a disinfectant, apple cider vinegar helps in soothing the inflammation and burns caused due to eczema. Apply vinegar topically on the scaly skin using cotton balls. To cover a larger part, use a clean paper towel soaked in 1 part vinegar and 1 part water. Strictly do not use this method if the affected skin is cracked and is bleeding as it might cause severe irritation. Tea tree oil An Australian remedy, this can be used for reducing itching due to eczema, thus providing relief. This home remedy can be used for mild cases. Add a few drops of tea tree oil diluted with olive oil so that it spreads evenly on the affected skin. Flaxseeds One of the most common eczema relief remedies, flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that help block a chemical called arachidonic which causes inflammation in the body. Include a few tablespoons of flaxseeds in your daily diet. Aloe vera Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and healing chemical components that provide relief from itching caused due to itching. Extract aloe vera gel straight from the leaf to get the best results. Aloe vera gel can also be found in drug stores and other food health stores.

Are you experiencing pain in your big toe? The pain is accompanied by burning or swelling! Well, this can be a symptom of gout. An arthritis pain caused due to faulty metabolism process, gout mostly affects the big toe of patients. Apart from causing pain and stiffness, it may also lead to swelling of the affected area. People affected with gout problems not just have to experience difficulty during movement, pain, and stiffness often awaken them in the middle of the night. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout or have been diagnosed with the condition, you need to act intelligently. Once diagnosed gout becomes a chronic condition, yet there is no need to get disheartened. With a little care, you can certainly control the pain and live comfortably. Here are some of the popular and best gout treatments you can do at home: Take adequate rest: As your toes and feet are worst affected by gout pain, it will be better for you to reduce further stress in these parts. Take bed rest as much as possible to heal the swelling and get back to normal life. Also avoid covering the affected areas with clothes, as this increases the discomfort. Footwear is also not recommended for this condition. Applying cold compress: This is one of the best gout treatments that is a simple yet effective way to deal with the pain and discomfort related to gout. Take some ice in an ice-pack or get a dry ice-pack from a medicine store and apply in the affected area to ease the pain. However, do not apply ice directly on your skin. Keep your body hydrated: Drinking sufficient water is important for everyone, yet it is more important for people with gout problems and is perhaps one of the most effective and best gout treatments.

When nasal mucosa produces mucus in excess, it causes PND or post-nasal drip. It is a common problem under such circumstances. All the glands in the lining of your throat, nose, and airways produce mucus continually. These glands work toward cleaning and moistening the nasal membranes, clears and traps inhaled foreign particles, humidifies the air in the airways, and fights with infections. You do not realize its presence, but you swallow it unconsciously all through the day. However, when mucus production happens in abundance, it starts dripping from the back of your nose thereby causing post-nasal drip. The symptoms of post-nasal drip include coughing, sore throat, congestion, feeling weak, and difficulty in swallowing. A lot of things can trigger post-nasal drip. These include flu, common cold, sinus infection, allergies, excessively dry air, cold temperature, medications, spicy food, hormonal changes, perfumes, chemical fumes, smoke, cleaning products, and other similar irritants. You can treat most cases of post-nasal drip with home remedies. You would find all the ingredients in your kitchen to get rid of it. Following are certain ways of treating post-nasal drip: Salt water gargle The best way to relieve the uneasiness caused due to post-nasal drip is gargling with salt water. It thins out the mucus that lets you get rid of the same. It also flushes out the irritants from the nasal passages. Process for this treatment option for post-nasal drip: – Mix ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of warm water together – Keep stirring until the salt dissolves – Gargle a couple of times daily with this solution for 2–3 days Steam inhalation You can use steam post-nasal drip treatment with or without essential oils to prevent the production of mucus in excess which causes post-nasal drip. The process of steam inhalation: – Boil water and transfer it to a bowl – Add a few drops of essential oil if you have any – Cover your head with a towel and hold your face over the bowl of hot water – Inhale the steam deeply for around 10 minutes and then blow your nose – Follow this process a couple of times till you completely recover Taking a warm shower also helps in breaking up the mucus.

Dry eye syndrome is a condition characterized by the tear glands not producing adequate fluid to keep the eyes lubricated. This condition can lead to symptoms such as scratchy eyes, eye fatigue, heavy eyelids, pain, light sensitivity, and even blurred vision. These can disrupt one’s daily schedule and be very painful, causing further distress. This article shares some home remedies that one can try to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. 5 Tips and Home Remedies to Manage Dry Eye Syndrome Use warm compresses Warm compresses basically stimulate the tear glands to promote the production of tears. This can be a regular practice and can provide great relief when done every day. Have a good night’s sleep Lack of sleep can instigate dry eyes and eye fatigue in people who would not have the condition otherwise. It is recommended to take short breaks between screen time and get some shut-eye. Use a humidifier People who reside in a region that is dominated by dry and cold weather must invest in a humidifier for it retains the moisture in the air and helps relieve the discomfort caused by the dry weather. Stay hydrated An adequate intake of water is essential for everyone, but it’s especially important for patients with dry eye syndrome. Having enough water can further help to keep the eyes lubricated, which helps in soothing the dry eye symptoms. Use eye drops or ointments Any over-the-counter eye drops available can help soothe the dry eye syndrome and provide temporary relief. You can also opt for eye drops that induce artificial tears to lubricate the eyes; however, remember to buy the ones without preservatives. Foods to Have for Dry Eye Syndrome Foods that are a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids significantly help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes when eaten over a period of time.

If you have a dog at home, you’d be familiar with a flea infestation in the house. Flea infestations can get out of control and can be difficult to contain. But there are some home remedies that can get rid of fleas and provide anti-itch relief for dogs. The best part about these remedies is that they are natural and free from chemicals. So, here’s a list of home remedies that are super-effective at treating flea infestations. Boric acid : The use of boric acid in powder form is an ideal way to get rid of fleas from your home and furniture. You can easily spread this powder over the carpets, under the furniture, and also on the furniture. It is not toxic and does not leave any residue either. Moreover, it can help provide anti-itch relief for dogs. It has antiseptic properties that provide relief to itchy skin and skin problems in dogs. Natural flea collars : A natural flea collar can be used to prevent dog fleas. These collars can be made at home or purchased from the market. For a DIY natural flea collar, you can buy a nylon collar or a cotton dog collar. A teaspoon of vodka mixed with a drop of geranium or cedarwood oil can be applied on the collar. One can also mix vodka with one drop of eucalyptus oil, one drop of thyme oil, and one drop of lemongrass oil, and apply this mixture to the collar. You should reuse the collar by adding the oils again on a weekly basis or once the smell fades. Apple cider vinegar : When applied topically or given orally, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a highly effective home remedy to treat a flea infestation in dogs. Spraying unfiltered apple cider mixed with water on your pet’s coat keeps fleas away.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in strands. Mold could be present in homes all year round. The most common molds found in homes are as follows. Cladosporium Penicillium Alternaria Aspergillus Stachybotrys chartarum Stachybotrys chartarum is the greenish-black mold that is sometimes found indoors. It grows on surfaces rich in cellulose content, such as wood, fiberboard, paper, and dust. Molds reproduce by forming spores. These spores could travel through air and are invisible to the naked eye. Once mold spores form, they are hard to get rid of and could survive even in dry or harsh conditions. Molds travel with the wind and may grow when they come across a moist environment. Outdoor molds aid in the decomposition process of leaves and compost piles. These are most often found in damp and dark environments. The environments most suitable for growth of molds are as follows. Damp Warm Humid The mold found indoors could affect the surface where it grows and could lead to health issues as well. In homes, molds are most likely to be found in the following places. Bathrooms and basements Drywall Ceiling tiles Carpets Furniture Ductwork Roofing Wallpapers Mold spores enter homes through the following locations. Open doors Windows Vents Attached to shoes Through pets Molds may grow on foodstuff But not all molds are bad. Molds help in making some cheeses such as Brie Gorgonzola Stilton Molds involved with food manufacturing processes are safe and free from health risks. Health Risks Associated with Molds Molds produce allergens. Molds also produce mycotoxins. Presence of mold doesn’t imply that toxins are being produced. It may not imply a high health risk as well. Allergies are most common reactions caused by molds. But molds could lead to some other health problems, though these are rarer. Allergic Reactions to Molds Allergic reactions are the single most common problem associated with molds.

Having pets is not all fun and games; it comes with a great sense of responsibility. We respect working adults and parents who are brave to take on the additional responsibility of adopting or rescuing pets. And in the bid to help some pet parents out, we have compiled the easiest remedies to rid their pets and house of the most unwanted guests – fleas and ticks. We hope these simple home remedies help you out. Use essential oils Rubbing some diluted essential oils on our pets’ coats is one of the best remedies to get rid of fleas and ticks from troubling our pooch. Use the essential oil that suits your pet, something that you may have tested on them before. It is advised to do a patch test and remember only to use diluted versions, as essential oils are strong and could easily irritate their skin. Keep the home squeaky clean No one’s saying your home isn’t clean, but let’s face it, with babies and pets around the house, the parents have to be extra careful. Like we would keep the floor vacuumed and dry at all times if we had a baby in the house, pet parents need to ensure their floors, couches, and bedding are well-vacuumed. Because if there’s any dirt or moisture in these nooks, they can easily catch infestation. It won’t be long before you see signs of fleas and ticks on your furry friend. Use natural flea treatment product If you don’t like using any chemicals on your pets, there are many home recipes to make a solution to get rid of fleas and ticks. To make this treatment solution, you will need distilled white vinegar, water, and essential oil. Use 1 cup of vinegar, mix it with 1 quart of water, and a few drops of essential oil to store it in a spray bottle.