Shingles, scientifically named as ‘herpes zoster’, is a viral infection that causes rashes in small sections of the body along with immense pain and is sourced from the same virus that causes chickenpox which is known as varicella-zoster virus (VZV). If you had chicken pox in your childhood, then there is a chance that at later stages, you can develop shingles. The first symptom of shingles is the immense pain. After a couple of days, you will see rashes and fluid-filled blisters in small sections of your body, while some people also experience fever, fatigue, and sensitivity to light along with painful blisters. Shingles usually last from two to six weeks. Complications Although shingles isn’t a life-threatening disease, some people develop a more serious condition due to this, known as postherpetic neuralgia when the nerve fibers get damaged. This condition can cause shingles pain to last for weeks and months even after the rashes clears out. Although there is no perfect treatment for Shingles, antiviral medications prescribed by your doctor can help to reduce its symptoms and shorten the time span of shingles. Read on to know the various at-home treatment options for shingles. Top treatments for shingles Take healing baths One of the most effective and top treatments for shingles that prevents the rashes from spreading to different parts of the body is thoroughly cleansing the body on a daily basis. Taking a shower with cold water along with antiseptic soap can help you to soothe your skin and body as the coolness of the water will reduce the pain and itchiness of the shingles blisters. You can also prepare a healing bath for yourself which is considered to be one of the top 3 shingles treatments. To prepare a healing bath, you need to pour 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch into lukewarm water and leave it for 10-20 minutes before taking the bath.

An extremely common complaint, heel pain has several common causes. It is vital to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the symptoms in order to get appropriate and timely treatment that is directed at the exact cause of the problem. Once the source of the heel pain is clear, a more targeted treatment plan can help in a speedy recovery. Furthermore, knowing the right and the exact cause of the symptoms may help in taking steps to prevent the condition from reoccurring. Below is some information about the common causes of knee pain and the treatment and remedial options. Causes Heel pain can sometimes be caused by an injury like a fracture or a sprain. The most common causes of heel pain are caused by medical conditions like: Plantar Fasciitis – The plantar fascia is a large ligament in the foot that stretches from the heel bone to the balls of your toes. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of this ligament, causing pain in the underside of the heel. Achilles tendinitis – The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Overuse or stress of this muscle can cause wear and tear in this tendon, causing severe pain at the back of the heel. This condition can lead to a gradual degeneration of the Achilles tendon. Bursitis – Bursae are the fluid-filled sacs that surround the joints. Bursitis is a condition that causes inflammation in these sacs. The foot has 33 joints, so foot bursitis can cause severe pain. Stress fracture – A stress fracture is caused by heavy and rigorous activities involving the feet. Runners are prone to this condition. Continual stress to the feet weakens the muscles and their ability to act as shock absorbers. Eventually, the bones begin to feel the impacts directly, which can lead to tiny fractures.

The most common disorders of the nervous system are headaches—especially migraine headaches. Statistics show that nearly 15% of adults in the US experience severe headaches with an overwhelming majority of the people affected being women. One in four households has a person who is affected by a migraine. Americans who were surveyed reported that their migraine symptoms lasted between one to three days. It runs within the family genes and 90% of the migraineurs have a family history of the condition. Migraines are not just a headache It is a neurological condition with distinct debilitating neurological symptoms. Throbbing recurrent pain usually on one side of the head but both sides can be involved. Accompanying disabling symptoms include visual disturbances, heightened sensitivity to sound, smell, light, touch, numbness in limbs and face, weakness, nausea/vomiting, dizziness. Attacks may last between 4-72 hours. Impacts the quality of your life. Might be undiagnosed in children. Can cause depression, anxiety attacks, dependence on painkillers. A migraine as a disability The World Health Organization has classified severe migraine headaches as comparable to disabling illnesses like dementia, psychosis, and quadriplegia. Since it affects people largely in the age group of 18-55, the impact is on the productive years of a person’s life. 113 million workdays are lost due to a migraine and employers lose more than $13 billion annually. The annual economic burden for migraine sufferers in the US is approximately $78 billion. This means that chronic migraineurs must spend between $8500-9500 and episodic migraineurs must spend at least $2000 annually on medication, treatments, and healthcare. This figure also takes indirect costs into account such as—lost wages, productivity, etc. Treatments Mild attacks can be addressed with OTC pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc. Drugs like triptans are used specifically as remedies for migraines. Ergotamine/Caffeine combinations are also effective.

Headaches are very common these days. Long working hours on the laptop and an excessive use of gadgets often lead to a headache. Most people ignore headaches or get temporary relief by taking painkillers. But, do you know that a headache can be the first symptom of a deadly disease? Whether it’s just a tension headache or a sinus problem, ignoring a headache is never a bliss. Headaches are one of the most common chronic pains (second only to back troubles). A headache could be a symptom of some anguished, life-threatening illnesses or it could be as simple as anxiety. So how do you identify what category your problem fits in? Although not all headaches are the same, they all share at least one thing in common—they cause pain. Many headaches also cause other unwanted symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. This article highlights the symptoms of one of the most common types of headache, which is a tension headache and looks at the treatment options for the same. A tension headache One of the most common types of a headache, a tension headache causes pain or discomfort in the head, the neck, and the scalp. It is often associated with tightness of muscles in these areas. Tension headaches are of two types, namely, episodic tension headaches and chronic tension headaches. Symptoms People with tension headaches generally complain of the following symptoms: Episodic tension headaches (they occur for less than 15 days per month) Pain is mild to moderate, a constant band-like pain or pressure Pain affects the frontal, top, or sides of the head. Pain generally appears gradually and regularly develops in the middle of the day Pain may last from 30 minutes to several days Chronic tension headaches (they occur for more than 15 days per month) Pain may fluctuate in severity throughout the day but is roughly always present.

Many people wonder if there is any home remedy for colitis. If you are wondering the same thing, then you would be delighted to know that there are many home remedies available for colitis which you should not overlook. Colitis or ulcerative colitis can be a painful disease. But frankly speaking, there is no way that one can treat this disease completely. However, the home remedies that you will learn about in this article will surely help you to reduce the inflammation that happens because of colitis. Here are some of the colitis treatments at home that work effectively. Home remedies for colitis Fennel seeds The use of fennel seeds is quite useful for colitis treatment at home. For that, you need to soak the seed into lukewarm water for an entire night. Then you need to strain the seed in the morning. After that, you have to drink that water for the whole day whenever you feel inflammation in your colon. This seed water will provide you with the much needed soothing impact on your colon. Cod liver oil Cod liver oil is the source of many healing properties for colitis. It really helps to integrate the calcium and the minerals present in the body of an individual. Because of this integration, one can put up a decent fight against colitis. Cod liver oil also has anti-inflammatory properties which mean that it will also help you to reduce the inflammation of your colon significantly. Honey, drumstick, and coconut water mixture This is a mixture that has been used for many years to provide relief for colitis patients. The mixture of honey, drumstick, and coconut water is perhaps one of the most effective home remedies for colitis. First of all, you have to grind the drumstick. Then add that ground drumstick to a glass of coconut water and add one teaspoon of honey in that mixture.

Diabetes is often an inherited condition, but it may also be the result of faulty diet plans, emotional stress, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation, inadequate rest, and toxins in the body. Patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes usually opt for natural or herbal cures besides the conventional medications for treating this condition. However, it is important to have the right knowledge of home remedies to treat this disease. Some remedies for treating diabetes are given below: Bitter gourd is known to treat hyperglycemia as it contains at least three active substances with properties that help reduce blood sugar levels. Fenugreek has many health benefits, one of them being controlling diabetes and improving glucose tolerance. Consuming fresh mango leaves is also believed to be an effective home remedy for diabetes. Moringa Oleifera leaves, or drumstick is effective for maintaining optimum blood sugar levels. They boost energy levels, are rich in antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Foods which have a low GI or glycemic index are recommended for treating diabetes. When you include low GI foods in your diet, they can help lower blood sugar levels in the long run. Such foods include barley, oats, eggs, meat, seafood, lentils, beans, legumes, corn, yams, sweet potatoes, and non-starchy veggies. Apple cider vinegar can be added to salad dressings since it lowers blood glucose levels. It also influences your body’s response to glucose and boosts insulin sensitivity. Cinnamon has been recommended for improving insulin sensitivity and lowering insulin resistance in cells. According to reports, it can reduce blood sugar levels by almost 29%. It also slows carb breakdown during digestion, and this helps to control the rise in blood glucose levels post-meals. Eating more fiber in meals can lower blood sugar. The recommended fiber intake for adults with diabetes is about 30 grams a day.

Since ages, people all over the world have used a collection of home remedies to ease the symptoms of migraines. Many of these remedies have stood the test of time as they are safe, easily available, and effective in treating the painful and uncomfortable condition. While there are numerous over-the-counter medications available for treatment, there are also remedies to help you cope with this condition naturally: Use an ice pack Using cold therapy is an age-old method to get relief from migraine headaches. It is one of the most effective home remedies you can use for the treatment of this condition. Applying an ice pack can help lessen the throbbing pain. Studies have found that applying an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes can relieve discomfort and pain caused by migraine. Alternatively, you can wrap a few ice cubes in a piece of cloth and use it as a neck wrap to reduce the pain. Regardless of whether you are experiencing dull or intense pain, you can use this easy and safe home remedy to get relief. Use butterbur For ages, people have used butterbur root extract for the treatment of migraine. This traditional herbal remedy is believed to significantly lower the intensity of headaches, and this plant extract can reduce the frequency at which the headaches occur. You can consume 75 mg of butterbur root extract twice a day to get effective relief from the painful symptoms. Using this natural remedy for 3 to 4 months can help you cope with this neurological disorder. Essential oils Essential oils are renowned for the therapeutic properties that enable them to ease the pain caused by conditions like a migraine. These oils are often used for aromatherapy to reduce the severity of the pain and induce calmness and relaxation. Essential oils like peppermint and lavender oils are widely used for relieving migraine symptoms and to induce sleep.

Constipation, a problem faced by nearly one-fifth of the country, is characterized when a person has irregular bowel movements. Thankfully, there are many home remedies to treat constipation. Given below are some quick and easy remedies that can help find relief from constipation instantly. Increase fiber intake Fiber consumption is one of the best home remedies to treat constipation, as it ensures smooth bowel movements. It can prevent constipation and help treat someone who is already facing this problem. Dietary fiber can be obtained from soluble fiber sources like oatmeal, flaxseeds, carrot, and apples. Insoluble fiber is found in nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. Apart from dietary fiber, supplements help treat constipation too. Psyllium is one of the best supplements that have non-fermentable soluble fiber. Start your day with a hot cup A hot cup of coffee or tea is one of the best ways to loosen the bowels, thus helping in smooth bowel movements. Herbal tea made from hot water and lemon juice or hot water with mint and ginger can also be helpful. Keep fit Fitness is important for general health. Doing something as simple as taking a brisk walk can help in the process of digestion. Walking after meals is recommended to help in the process of digestion. Stay hydrated Keeping the body hydrated is a natural remedy to help the digestive system. Drinking eight glasses of water every day helps keep the body hydrated. It can be very helpful and provides great relief from constipation. Practice regular bowel movements Sticking to a schedule for bowel movements and following it every day can help ensure regular bowel movements. When you do not pass stools and avoid visiting the loo for any reason, it creates problems. Therefore, one should have a schedule to visit the bathroom to pass stools.

Asthma is a health issue that leads to difficulties in breathing. If you are facing an asthma attack, there are emergency home remedies to treat asthma that can be used to provide relief from symptoms. Asthma is a health problem that affects the lungs. An asthma attack can be scary and sometimes even life-threatening. It leads to inflammation in the airways, causing the airways to tighten. An Asthma Attack The tightening of airways leads to difficulty in breathing, causing gasps and wheezing. As a lot of mucus is produced by the lungs, the person coughs continuously to expel the mucus. Continous cough can extreme discomfort. In severe cases, you may even need hospitalization in case of an asthma attack. Certain home remedies treat asthma very well. These can be tried to relieve symptoms immediately and also prevent them from worsening. Eliminate the Trigger Most asthma patients have a trigger factor that causes an asthma attack. It could be a scent, cigarette smoke, a food product, wool, or dust. It is important to understand what is causing the asthma attack to ensure further attacks don’t take place. You need to move the asthmatic person from the vicinity of the trigger or remove the trigger factor from their immediate environment. Doing so can help to reduce symptoms and prevent them from worsening. Drink Hot Coffee It is no secret that home remedies treat asthma symptoms. Hot coffee is one such emergency home remedy that provides relief. The warmth of the drink and the caffeine work together to open up the airways, making breathing easier. Hot tea is similarly proven to be effective. Breathing Deeply You need to relax and sit comfortably. Don’t lie down and always sit upright to aid better breathing. You can take slow, deep breaths through your nose. A deep breath not only aids easy breathing but also helps you relax and prevents you from panicking.

There are several effective and easy-to-administer home remedies to prevent asthma. These home remedies can help relieve symptoms of asthma. They can also prevent a full-scale attack and help the sufferer to breathe comfortably. Asthma patients can try them out to prevent symptoms from worsening and leading to a full-blown attack. Some of these home remedies include: Fighting Inflammation There are many home remedies to fight inflammation, that is one of the prime causes of asthma. These remedies include Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like tuna and sardines. They are highly beneficial for asthma patients. They have properties that help in reducing inflammation and can provide relief. Turmeric Turmeric has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the release of COX-2, which is a hormone-like substance that causes inflammation. One spoon of turmeric powder mixed with warm milk can be very helpful in reducing inflammation. Onion and Garlic Both onion and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties. They can be eaten raw, or as a spice with food. Ginkgo Ginkgo is a remedy used in ancient Chinese medicine. Up to 250 mg of ginkgo herb extract can be consumed daily. It helps reduce spasms in the airway that causes breathing difficulties. Caffeine Hot coffee can be very helpful in preventing the onset of asthma. The caffeine works similarly to the medicine theophylline. It helps in opening up constricted airways, producing relief from asthma symptoms. Essential Oils There are several essential oils like lavender oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil that can be added to boiling water. You can inhale the steam generated. When the vapors of this oil are inhaled, it helps to clear congestion in the lungs and provide relief. Honey and Ginger Both honey and ginger are well known for being anti-inflammatory agents. They can be quite helpful in preventing an asthma attack by reducing cough.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) occurs when the antibodies present in the body mistakenly attacks the cells lining the joints. This leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. This is a chronic disease that affects over 1.3 million people in the country, as reported in 2018 by Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network. There is no specific cause of RA, and hence treatment is varied, and many rely on home remedies that give them some relief. Here are some remedies that can help you get rid of pain and stiffness caused in arthritis: Mustard oil, and camphor remedy Heat 1 cup of mustard oil and add 10 grams of camphor in it. Heat this together till the camphor dissolves completely. Wait till the oil is lukewarm, and then use this mixture to massage on the areas where you experience swelling. Mustard oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has historically been used to soothe aches and pain. Also, camphor has properties that relieve pain and inflammation. Olive oil and lavender essential oil remedy Take some warm olive oil in a small bowl and add 2 drops of lavender essential oil in it. Use this mixture to massage the affected areas to alleviate discomfort and inflammation. Olive oil has a special compound called oleocanthal, and oleic acid that reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body. Lavender essential oil is just for your own home spa experience. Turmeric milk Turmeric has a chemical called curcumin, it helps reduce the pain and brings down the swelling. Many Indian dishes use this as one of the main spices in cooking, but if you aren’t a fan of those recipes you can try turmeric milk. Take one glass of milk and add 1 tablespoon of turmeric. Mix this and consume it daily before going to bed. Consume apple cider vinegar & honey Take one glass of warm water Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar Add 1 tablespoon honey Mix this well, and drink this once daily Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the pain and stiffness caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Migraines are severe headaches that are recurring and can last for hours or even days. There is no specific cause known for migraines. As a result, no cure has been found yet. It is usually triggered by several factors like hormonal changes, emotional triggers (stress, anxiety, depression), environmental triggers (smoke or loud noises), and flickering screens. Sometimes, even certain foods or drinks can trigger migraine attacks. These include alcohol and caffeine. While triggers are different for each individual, there are some general home remedies that can help you manage your pain when a migraine comes knocking at your doorstep. Let’s look at some remedies that can help you manage migraine attacks better: Medicinal properties of ginger Ginger is known to be a medicinal herb and has been used as a home remedy for centuries now. Ginger root has anti-inflammatory properties that block out the prostaglandins which cause the pain during a migraine. You can use chopped ginger root in your food or you may also make ginger tea and consume it 2-3 times during the day. Cabbage paste Your simple kitchen ingredients are full of surprises. Cabbage has properties that reduce pain and swelling and can be used in the form of a paste to alleviate your migraine pain. All you need to do is take some fresh cabbage leaves and crush them until it leaves out some juices. Then, take a clean muslin cloth and apply this crushed cabbage paste on the cloth. You can then place this on your forehead until the paste dries out, and repeat as needed. Carrot and spinach juice It is studied that magnesium deficiency can trigger migraine attacks, so having a diet rich in magnesium can help avoid migraines. Dark leafy vegetables have magnesium and sodium. This organic sodium rehydrates the body, unlike the sodium associated with table salt, and helps in relieving pain.