What Causes Acne?

There is a thick, oily substance called sebum that our bodies produce as a natural lubricant.  An overproduction of sebum causes pores to become blocked.  One of the main reasons why our bodies increase production of this substance is the fluctuation of hormones during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy.  Birth control pills have also been linked to an increase in sebum production.

Other culprits that can trigger acne are stress, clothing rubbing against the face, chest or back and even genetics.  Fortunately, there are simple, effective home acne remedies out there.  Here’s a few:

The Most Effective Over The Counter Acne Treatments

Benzoyl Peroxide

• Benzoyl Perozide mildly irritates the skin, which helps dying skin to flake off, which in turn aids in reopening clogged pores.

• Also great at killing off that bacteria that infects congested pores.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

• Alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, keeps pores unclogged by sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells.

• Creams, lotions and gels that contain 8% glycolic acid will be the most effective in treating acne and preventing new pimples from forming.

Aspirin

• Believe it or not, one or two aspirins taken 4 times a day will reduce the inflammation that comes with an acne outbreak.

The Most Effective Natural Acne Remedies

• Use a cotton ball to dab  a little vinegar or lemon juice on acne.  They both have acids in them that will flush out those clogged pores.

• Use Aloe Vera on pimples.   Did you know that a study proved that Aloe makes 90% of pimples disappear within 5 days?!

• Got blackheads?  Mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt, 3 drops of iodine and ½ cup of water.  Bring it to a boil.  Once cool, use it on a cotton ball to really clean those pores.

An Ounce of Acne Prevention…

• It makes sense to think that keeping your skin free of all of that dirt and oil in the first place will provide an excellent defense against flare-ups.  The truth is, over cleaning will cause the glands to produce more oil, thus causing pimples.

• Don’t reuse washcloths.  Not only are they abrasive to sensitive skin, but whatever bacteria they’re harboring will be transferred to your skin.

• For men, dip your razor in a little alcohol after shaving to ward off any bacteria.

When To Call The Doctor

Usually a pimple every once in a while just comes with the territory, however, if pimples do not respond to over the counter treatments or home acne remedies within 3 months, then you may want to see a dermatologist.  Also, if your skin becomes seriously inflamed, with painful fluid-filled lumps accompanied by a reddish or purplish cast, something more serious may be going on.

Home Remedies For Boils

Dry It Up

Benzoyl Peroxide

Oftentimes, a boil will heal up if you just dry it out. To speed it along, dab the boil with an acne medicine that contains the ingredient benzoyl peroxide. Why’s it work? Benzoyl peroxide will not only dry it up, but also kill all of the bacteria that caused the boil in the first place.

Tea-tree Oil

An alternative to using benzoyl peroxide is using tea-tree oil. Why’s it work? Tea-tree oil is an antiseptic that will kill the bacteria. It will also make the boil heal faster.

Heat It Up

Moist Heat

Applying a very hot compress will help to bring the boil to a head. Here’s how to make one: Run a washcloth under the hottest water that you can stand. Wring out the washcloth and apply it directly to the boil for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process several times a day until the boil bursts open. Why’s it work? This helps to dramatically accelerate the healing process.

Thyme or Chamomile Tea

Instead of using plain water for the compress, use thyme or chamomile tea. Why’s it work? Thyme contains thymol, which will prevent infection. The chamomile works because of the chamazulene it contains, which is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Tea Bag

Instead of using a washcloth, use a plain, warm, wet tea bag. Why’s it work? The warmth will bring the boil to a head and the tannins in the tea will act as a natural antibacterial.

A Hot Bath

If you’re experiencing a boil in an area that’s just out of reach, soak in a nice, hot bath for 15-20 minutes. For this remedy for boils to be most effective, make sure that you keep adding hot water as the bath water cools down.

Draining A Boil

After the boil comes to a head (whether you’ve helped it along or not), you can lance it and get immediate relief. Here’s how:

1. First, sterilize a needle by putting it over an open flame. A word to the wise…remember to protect your fingers, so as not to burn them.
2. Use the sterilized needle to lightly prick the layer of skin that’s covering the boil’s head. A word of warning: Do not drain the boil if you see any signs of infection, such as, redness or streaking.

Keep It Clean

• Once you’ve lanced the boil (or if it has burst on its own), you need to avoid infection by keeping it clean.

• As it continues to drain, use an antibacterial soap to wash both the boil and the skin surrounding it.

• Using a Q-tip, apply an antibacterial ointment to keep infection at bay.

When To Call The Doctor

Seek a doctor’s treatment and advice when dealing with boils on the face, armpits or groin. Also, a boil that is larger than ½ inch or so in size may need to be checked out. If you find yourself getting boils of any size quite often, consult your doctor just to make sure that diabetes or an immune-system malfunction isn’t to blame.

Eat More Fiber

I’m sure that you’ve heard this before, but one of the leading constipation causes is not getting enough fiber in your diet.  Adults should be taking in between 20-35 grams a day.  Are you?  If not, here’s some easy ways to get it in:

High-Fiber Bran Cereal

Want to know how to relieve constipation?  Start your morning off right with a bowl of high-fiber cereal.  Some cereals can provide as much as 14 grams of fiber.  That’s half of the fiber that you’ll need for the day.  Why’s it work?  Insoluble fiber bulks up the stool and causes it to move a bit faster through your system.  However, if you’re not used to eating this much fiber in one sitting, then start off with a ½ serving of the cereal.  Unfortunately, this constipation remedy may cause some gas, bloating and cramps for those not accustomed to fiber-rich foods.

Dried Beans, Figs, Oatmeal & Pears

The importance of these foods are that they are rich in soluble fiber.  While insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool, soluble fiber makes stool soft, allowing it to pass quickly and fluidly through your digestive tract.

Prunes

This is one of the oldest home remedies for constipation out there.  It has stood the test of time because it works.  Not only are prunes loaded with fiber, but they also contain dihydroxyphenyl isatin, which stimulates intestinal contractions.

Raisins

Again, these guys are high in fiber, but an added benefit is that they are rich in tartaric acid, which acts as a natural laxative.  Did you know that a recent study showed that eating 1 small box of raisins a day will cause your food to hit your digestive tract twice as fast?  Raisins are not only a great constipation remedy, but also a preventative.

Flax Seeds

Powdered flax seeds used to only be found in health food stores, but word has spread about the benefits of these ground seeds and now they’re available almost everywhere.  Taking a tablespoon 2-3 times a day is an effective constipation remedy.  Why’s it work?  Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fats and very high in fiber.

As you take in more fiber, it’s extremely important to take in more water, as well.  Fiber absorbs the water in your system and not replacing it will cause your stool to become hard and difficult to pass.  Be sure to drink at least 8 glasses a day.

Sip Your Way To Constipation Relief

Caffeine

Most coffee drinkers know the power of a hot cup of coffee in the morning to help move things along.  If you’re feeling constipated, try a cup.  Why’s it work?  The caffeine in coffee will loosen your bowels.  By stimulating the colon and loosening the bowels, a strong cup of coffee is one of the quickest and most effective constipation treatments.  A word to the wise:  Don’t overdo it.  Caffeine is also a diuretic, which will cause fluid loss.

Lemon

Lemon is a natural laxative, so if you don’t like the taste of coffee, add some lemon juice to hot water and sip a cup first thing in the morning to help get back on schedule.

More Constipation Remedies

Move It To Move It

Get up and get moving!  Why’s it work?  Exercise helps your food move through your bowel more quickly.  Go for a brisk walk when constipation has you down.

Acupressure

Believe it or not, there’s an acupressure point on your body that aids in and stimulates digestion.  Here’s what to do to relieve constipation:  On the back of your forearm, find the point that is 4 finger-widths above your wrist.  Using your thumb, apply pressure for 2 minutes every day.

Castor Oil

There’s a reason why castor oil is known as a treatment for constipation.  It works.  Take it on an empty stomach and in about 8 hours, you should get some relief.  Why’s it work?  There’s a component in the oil that stimulates both the small and large intestine.

Senna

If all else fails, try this natural laxative that works by stimulating the intestinal tract.  It can cause cramps and diarrhea, but it will definitely get things moving.  You can find it in a number of over-the-counter laxatives at your local drug store or grocery.

When To Call The Doctor

Constipation usually clears up on it’s own.  However, if you’ve tried these constipation home remedies and after a couple of weeks, it still persists, you may need to call the doctor.  The constipation could just be a symptom of a more serious condition.  Also, if your constipation is accompanied by a fever, cramps and severe abdominal pain, then it’s time to make an appointment to see what’s going on.

Why Are You Itchy?

Well, anal itching can have any number of causes.  It could be the food you’re eating, a personal hygiene issue or brace yourself…you may have worms.  Fungal infections can also cause the rather indelicate itching of the anus.

Instant Itch Stoppers

Hydrocortisone Cream

If you suspect that the cause of the incessant itching is hemorrhoids or an anal fissure (a small tear in the skin lining the anus), then grab a tube of hydrocortisone cream at your local drug store.  Why’s it work?  It will not only relieve the itching, but it will help to bring down the swelling, which is usually the main reason for the discomfort in the first place.

Benozocaine Cream

While you’re at the drug store, pick up a tube of benzocaine cream, as well.  Why’s it work?  It has ingredients in it that numb the skin, which will ease the anal itching.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is great for 2 reasons.  First, it is an excellent cleanser and will strip away any irritants that are causing the itch.  Secondly, it’s astringent properties will reduce the swelling that comes with an irritated bottom.  Just soak a cotton ball in the witch hazel and apply to the area.

Baking Soda

Use baking soda to soak away the itchiness.  Just put 3-4 tablespoons into a warm sitz bath (a few inches of water) and sit for about 15 minutes.  For maximum effectiveness, make sure that you bring your knees up to your chest so that as much water as possible reaches the area in question.  This remedy works because the baking soda will ease the irritation.

Apply A Tea Bag

Apply a warm, wet tea bag to the area.  Just boil some water, add the tea bag, let it seep for a few minutes, then let it cool to a comfortable temperature.  Why’s it work?  Tea contains tannic acid, which will help to reduce the swelling and pain.  Also, the warmth of the tea bag will be soothing to your itchy bum.

An Ounce of Prevention…

• After using the bathroom, make sure that you’re wiping enough to get rid of all traces of stool.

• If you think that wiping too much is the culprit, switch over to a moisturizing baby wipe.

• Try not to overindulge in coffee and/or spicy foods.  Believe it or not, spicy foods and the oils in coffee beans both contain irritants that may cause itching when passing through our bodies.

• Get more fiber into your diet.  By consuming at least 30 grams of fiber a day, you will reduce your chances of getting anal fissures, which are caused by hardened stool.  These fissures are the most common reason for anal itching.

When To Call The Doctor

If you have any blood or discharge accompanying the itching, it may be time to see a doctor.

To Lighten Age Spots

Use Lemon

Put a little fresh lemon juice on the age spots 2-3 times a day.  Why’s it work?  The lemon juice is acidic and will slough off the skin’s outer layer.  That will lighten or remove the age spots completely.

Yogurt & Honey

Mix up 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey, then apply that to your age spots.  Let the mixture dry on the skin for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off.  Do this once daily and you should see some improvement.  Why’s it work?  Well, the honey and yogurt together make a natural bleach that has been known to lighten age spots.

Get Out The Aloe

There’s really not much that Aloe Vera can’t do!  If you don’t already own an Aloe Vera plant, get one today.  Use the gel that’s contained within it’s leaves on the age spots a couple of times a day.  Why’s it work?  The aloe plant contains chemicals that encourage the growth of new skin cells.  By sloughing off the old, dead skin and growing healthy, new cells, you’ll see a difference.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is an age spot remedy from way back.  The reason that this remedy works is because buttermilk contains lactic acid.  When applied directly to the spot, lactic acid gently exfoliates the skin, which will lighten the pigmented areas (age spots).

An Ounce of Prevention…

The very best way to keep from having to lighten age spots is to prevent them from forming in the first place!  Here’s how:

• Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day.  In other words, try to stay indoors between 10am and 4pm during the summer and 10am to 2pm in the wintertime.
• If you must go out, always make sure that you have applied sunscreen.  Try to buy a sunscreen that contains at least an SPF15.  Reapply every 2 hours.
• Treat your clothes with products like Rit Sun Guard to keep those damaging sun rays from penetrating your clothing.
• Once you’ve returned indoors, use a little vitamin E oil on your skin.  It will the neutralize free radicals that are known to damage the skin.

When To Call The Doctor

Usually age spots are pretty harmless, but if they start to itch, tingle, change in size or color and/or start to bleed, it may be time to call a dermatologist.

Neutralize It:

The pain that comes from canker sores is caused by the acids and digestive enzymes that are in your mouth. Once they touch the open sore, ouch! Here are a few great acid neutralizers that will take away the sting:

From the Drugstore:

Tums, Rolaids and Pepto-Bismol

These chewables are designed for heartburn and acid indigestion and for that very reason they are great for cutting some of those acids that aggravate healing canker sores. To use, put the tablet directly onto the affected area and let it dissolve there.

Mylanta and Milk of Magnesia

Try these as mouth rinses to get some temporary relief.

From Your Kitchen:

Tea Bags

You can get some relief from the pain of canker sores by applying a damp tea bag directly to the sore for 5 minutes. Why’s it work? Because tea has astringent compunds which will reduce pain and also contains alkaline properties, which will neutralize those acids.

To Seal the Sore and Dull the Pain:

Over-the-Counter Canker Sores Treatment:

Zilactin-B Canker Sore Gel and Colgate Orabase Soothe-N-Seal are two over-the-counter canker sore treatments that are designed to add a protective coating over the open sore so that the pain is dulled and the healing is hastened.

Natural Canker Sore Remedies:

Aloe Vera

As usual, the Aloe Vera plant is going to make the list. The sap of the leaves of this common and mighty plant will add a protective barrier against the acids in your mouth and bring relief while waiting for the sore to go away completely. To use this canker sore home remedy, use a Q-tip to dry the sore and then use another to dab some of the plant’s sap onto the affected area.

Vitamin E

If you keep Vitamin E capsules on hand, try this remedy next time you find yourself dealing with a canker sore: Just break open a gel capsule of vitamin E, dry the sore and then apply the vitamin E with a cotton swab.

Numb It for Instant Canker Sore Pain Relief

They won’t speed up healing, but if you want instant canker sore pain relief, take a quick trip to your local drugstore and pick up any one of these numbing treatments:

Orajel
Anbesol
Chloraseptic Spray or lozenge

Speed Up Healing

Zinc

As soon as you feel the canker sore coming on, start using 30mg of zinc lozenges daily until the sore is gone completely. Studies have shown that this remedy dramatically cuts healing time.

Lysine

Experts are divided on what the cause of canker sores really is, but many think that a deficiency of Lysine caused by stress and fatigue could be to blame. Taking 500mg of Lysine twice a day while experiencing an outbreak has been shown to reduce the time it takes to fully heal. If you are prone to canker sore outbreaks, consider adding Lysine to your daily vitamin regimen all the time.

Echinacea

Commonly used as an immune system booster, Echinacea will also speed up healing if taken as soon as you feel the sore developing. 200mg of it 2-3 times daily should do the trick.

Myrrh

A less common canker sore remedy, but an effective one no less, is Myrrh. Found in health food stores as an herbal tincture, Myrrh works because it is rich in tannins, which repairs injured skin and dries out the sore. There are a couple of ways to use this remedy:

1. Apply a full dropper to a square of cotton gauze and apply it directly to the sore. Leave it in your mouth for 10-15 minutes to get the most benefit. Repeat up to 4 times daily.

2. The above way is ideal, but if you’d prefer, add a dropper of the Myrrh tincture to a half a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse. Swirl it around your mouth for 5-10 seconds and try to repeat the process 4 times a day until the sore is gone.

An Ounce of Prevention…

Watch What You’re Doing

Many cold sore sufferers already know this, but those tiny little cuts and scrapes inside of the mouth that are caused by not paying attention while brushing your teeth and scraping the loose part of your gums or by eating sharp edged foods, like tortilla chips, for example, can cause a canker sore to present itself. Being mindful can go a long way when it comes to canker sore prevention.

Change Toothpaste Brands

Believe it or not, the type of toothpaste you use can cause more frequent canker sore outbreaks. Nearly all drugstore toothpastes contain an ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). This ingredient doesn’t actually do any cleaning, but instead helps the paste to foam. Switching to a toothpaste that doesn’t contain SLS, such as some found in health food stores and brands like Biotene or Arm & Hammer Tooth Powder can keep outbreaks at bay for those who are sensitive.

Supplement Your Diet

Many experts believe that canker sores are a result of a number of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In addition to the aforementioned Lysine, taking a Multivitamin and mineral supplement which contains Iron and another that contains B vitamins daily will help those who suffer from canker sores.

Have More Fun

For many cold sore sufferers, reducing stress also greatly reduces the number of canker sore outbreaks that they have to deal with. Add a little fun to your life by doing some activities you enjoy every day and not only will you feel less stressed and rid yourself of recurrent canker sores, but it will play an important part in disease prevention of all kinds.

What Is Anxiety?

Well, basically it is a primal reaction to some unseen or vague threat or danger.  Sometimes, you will find yourself just feeling worried without even knowing what is going on.  Other times, this anxiety will come on with overwhelming force and you may even experience a full-blown panic attack.  You can easily identify this because your heart will begin to race, your blood pressure will rise and you may even struggle to breathe.  Feeling like you may faint or are having a heart attack is not at all uncommon during this horrible period.  Take heart, you just have to remind yourself that there is an end in sight.  Stay calm and let it run its course.  However, there are some remedies that you may find great comfort in the next time you find yourself suffering from anxiety.

Remember To Breathe

One of the quickest, most fool-proof ways to get your anxiety under control is to learn how to regulate your breathing.  Here’s how:

1. Sit down.  Put your hand to your belly and take a deep breath until your stomach expands under your hand.  Make sure to be mindful of your shoulders at this time, ideally, you don’t want them to rise.  Hold this deep breath for 4-5 seconds and that slowly exhale.
2. Repeat this process until you feel calmer.  About 10 good, deep breaths should do the trick.

Sip Yourself Calm

Milk

Feeling anxious?  Sip a glass of warm milk.  Why’s it work?  Well, milk contains the amino acid tryptophan, which helps your brain to produce the feel good chemical serotonin.  Serotonin will enhance your feelings of well-being and elevate your mood.

Catnip

Catnip may make your cat act like a maniac, but it has quite the opposite effect on humans.  Get yourself some catnip teabags and sip your way to serenity in no time.  Why’s it work?  There’s some great chemicals in the dried herb that act as a sedative, therefore producing the much needed calming effect that will help to alleviate anxiety.

Hops

You can make some “anti-anxiety” tea by adding 2 tablespoons of the dried herb to a cup of hot water.  Why’s it work?  Yes, the hops we’re suggesting are the same one’s that give beer a bitter taste, but it also acts as a sedative.  Did you know that workers, who used to pick hops in the fields, would experience unusual sleepiness?  They called it hop-picker syndrome back in the day.

Speed It Up

A little exercise goes a long way in fighting anxiety.  Try taking a brisk walk or even jogging in place.  I’m sure that when you have a racing heart, you won’t be thinking, “Jog”, but this anxiety remedy works because exercise releases endorphins and endorphins are fantastic, little chemicals that your body produces to ward off pain and elevate your mood.

An Ounce of Prevention…

Watch What You Drink

• Try to limit your caffeine intake to a single cup of coffee, tea or soda a day.  We know, we know, coffee keeps you going, but did you know that studies have shown that people that are prone to anxiety are unusually sensitive to the effects of caffeine?

• When it comes to wine, beer and all other alcoholic concoctions, you might want to cut down on these, too.  They may seem to bring your level of anxiety down, but studies have shown that when the effects of alcohol wear off, anxiety symptoms are actually worse!

Slow It Down

Just 15 minutes of meditative activity a few times a day can dramatically ease your anxiety symptoms.  Something as simple as gardening or watching your goldfish swim can help.  Learn to deeply focus your attention in the moment whenever possible.  It helps to keep your mind from straying to thoughts that trigger anxiety.

Take A Supplement

Valerian

This little, stinky herb is pretty powerful.  Research suggests that the active ingredients of this herb attach themselves to the same receptors in the brain as the prescribed drug, valium.  Try taking 250 milligrams of valerian twice a day and then another 250-500 milligrams at bedtime for a natural cure for anxiety.

B-Complex Multivitamins

B vitamins are natural stress reducers, so take a good B-complex multivitamin daily to bust anxiety.  Why’s it work?  One reason is that the body requires B6 to make serotonin, so studies show that not getting enough of that particular vitamin might contribute to greater feelings of anxiety.

When To Call The Doctor

If you find yourself anxious most of the time and the above remedies do not work, you may need to see the doctor.  Prolonged anxiety can have serious impacts on your health, especially if you find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol to alleviate the symptoms.

Millions of people suffer from the various forms of arthritis.  So many, that once you mention you have it, you’ll be getting advice from everyone!  Everybody has an arthritis remedy that may or may not work.  You may find some arthritis relief from the pain-relieving prescriptions your doctor gives you.  You may find that over-the-counter medicine works well for you.  Those don’t have to be the only options, though.  There are many natural remedies for arthritis that may be just the ticket to getting around like your old self again.

The Causes And Symptoms of Arthritis

Causes of Arthritis

To be able to get to the bottom of any problem, you must first know what you’re dealing with.  Arthritis is generally caused by the wearing away of your joint’s cartilage over time.  This cartilage acts as a shock-absorber, shielding your joints during motion.  Over time, the gel-like cartilage wears away, causing painful bone to bone contact every time you move.  Ouch!  The most common form of arthritis, Osteoarthritis, can occur at any age, but usually waits to rear it’s ugly head after we hit 45.

Symptoms of Arthritis

It’s usually pretty easy to tell when your joints are feeling arthritic.  Maybe you’re not hopping out of bed quite as quickly as you once did.  Perhaps you find that arthritis has attacked your hands and they are no longer nimble.  The most common symptoms of arthritis are swollen joints that are painfully stiff.  However, with rheumatoid arthritis,  a more serious form of arthritis, in addition to the painful, stiff joints, you may also experience fatigue, poor circulation, eye problems and anemia.

Arthritis-Natural Remedies

For Arthritis Pain Relief

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Taken together, these supplements can be very effective for people suffering with mild to moderate arthritis.  Why’s it work?  There are natural components in the supplements that will not only reduce pain, but slow the loss of cartilage.

Ginger

Ginger is known for its ability to relieve arthritis pain.  Start taking a ½ teaspoon of powdered ginger (or 6 teaspoons of fresh) every day.  Why’s it work?  Studies have shown that ginger increase blood circulation, which in turn moves the chemicals that cause inflammation away from the pained joints.

SAM-e

SAM-e is present in every single living cell in the body, but unfortunately, as we age, production in the body goes down.  Its role is critical in cartilage formation, which is why when our bodies slow production, our joints start to become stiff.  Start off by taking 800 milligrams a day.  If after 2 weeks, you are getting results, reduce the dose to 400 milligrams.  SAM-e has no known side effects and seems to be safe when taken with all prescription drugs.

Heat It Up

For significant, fast-acting, arthritis pain relief, apply heat.  Whether it’s heating pads or hot water bottles, using heat for 20 minutes will lessen the swelling and stiffness of those painful joints.

Cool It Down

Though it may seem contradictory, applying a cold treatment could very well be just as effective as applying heat to inflamed, swollen joints.

Oil It Up

By eating just a serving or two of cold water fish a week, many people have gotten significant arthritis relief.  Why’s it work?  Cold water fish, such as Salmon, contain Omega-3 fatty acids.  These substances are known to lessen pain and stiffness and also discourage inflammation.

Hate fish?  Take 2,000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) in capsule form 3 times a day.  Although safe for most, if you are on blood-thinning drugs, please run this supplement by your doctor first.

Don’t want to take fish oil?  Try flax seed oil instead.  You’ll receive the same benefits if you take a tablespoon a day.

Rub It In

Capsaicin creams are effective and can be found at your local drugstore or even grocery.  Why’s it work?  Capsaicin is the component of hot peppers that makes them hot.  Believe it or not, this remedy works by irritating your nerve endings, causing your brain to take the attention away from your arthritis pain.  Give this remedy a week or two to decide if it works for you.

Get The Forecast

It is commonly known that arthritis symptoms can be aggravated by changes in the weather.  That’s because sudden pressure drops or increasing humidity, will affect the way the blood flows to your joints.  Next time a storm is heading your way, try this:  Turn on your air conditioner to dry out the air.  If you have a dehumidifier, that works great, too.

When To Call The Doctor

If you’ve never been diagnosed with arthritis, you may want to see your doctor, if only to find out what specific type of arthritis you have.  Another good reason to go in for a visit is that the symptoms of arthritis can mimic other conditions, as well.

If you already know that you have arthritis, then please see the doctor, if you notice any new types of swelling in your joints.

Did you know that studies show that if both parents were bedwetters, there’s a 70% chance that their children will wet the bed, too?

Bedwetting Remedies

Restrict Fluid Intake

It may seem like a no-brainer, but you will greatly reduce bedwetting if you limit the amount of fluids your child takes in before bed.  Definitely cut out any drinks that contain caffeine.  Why?  Caffeine is known to irritate the bladder.

No More Milk

If you normally give your child a glass of milk before bed, stop and see if it makes a difference.  Why?  It has been discovered that an allergy to the casein and whey in milk can cause bedwetting.

Bedwetting Alarm

Use a bedwetting alarm.  Why?  These alarms are great tools because they condition your child to wake up when the need to urinate arises.

Damage Control

Make sure that your child urinates right before bed.  It’s probably not going to cure bedwetting, but there certainly will be a lot less urine to wet the bed.

Buy a plastic mattress cover for your child’s bed.  Not only will it help with the cleanup, but it keeps dust mites away, too.

When To Call The Doctor

If all else fails and your child doesn’t seem to be growing out of wetting the bed, there may be a medical explanation.  Research has shown that some children wet their beds as a result of an ADH deficiency.  This antidiuretic hormone (ADH) helps the kidneys retain water.  When there’s a deficiency, then more urine finds it way into the bladder, making “holding it” difficult.  Your child’s pediatrician can prescribe a synthetic version of ADH, in the form of a nasal spray.

What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?

The reason that even non-swimmers experience Otitis Externa is because it is caused by water getting trapped in your ears, which can easily happen by simply showering.  If the water is allowed to remain there, it makes a great breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and fungus.  To get rid of Swimmer’s Ear, one must dry out the outer ear canal so that it is a much less hospitable place for the bacteria to live.  Once that’s done, the infection (and the pain) will go away.

How to Identify Swimmer’s Ear:

Swimmer’s Ear symptoms come in stages.  At the beginning, the infected ear may just feel like it’s blocked and itchy.  If you put off treating the infection, it becomes worse and that little, triangle-shaped flap of skin that covers the opening of the ear canal (officially known as the ‘tragus’) will be very painful when touched or pushed.  Usually, this pain is accompanied by swelling and even some drainage of the trapped fluid.

Swimmer’s Ear can be very painful.  Thankfully, there are many effective ways to treat it.  Here’s some great Swimmer’s Ear treatments that can be found either in your local drugstore or even your kitchen’s pantry:

For Immediate Ear Pain Relief:

Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen: To dull the pain of Swimmer’s Ear, the easiest first step is taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as, aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Warm It Up: To soothe the pain quickly, get out your trusty heating pad.  Set it on low and place it against the affected ear for 20 minutes at a time.  The heat will be soothing, increase circulation to the ear and cut down some of the swelling.

Garlic: If you have garlic oil capsules on hand, use a pin to pierce the capsule and then drop the oil onto a cotton ball.  Place it in your ear (be careful not to push it in too far!) and leave it in for 1 hour during the day and all night as you sleep.  Why’s it work?  Garlic has amazing anti-bacterial powers and will kill off the bacteria that is causing the infection.

Lavender Oil: If you’re about to lose it because of how much your ear itches, try this:  Mix 1 teaspoon of olive oil with a few drops of lavender oil.  Rubbing some of the mixture in your outer ear will dramatically cut down on the itchiness.

Make Your Own Swimmer’s Ear Drops:

There are some great over-the-counter Swimmer’s Ear drops, such as the ones found on Amazon here: Swimmer’s Ear Drops, but there are a number of ways to make your own Swimmer’s Ear home remedy.  Here are some of the best we’ve found:

Alcohol & Vinegar: This remedy is perfect for those who have the itchiness of Swimmer’s Ear, but have yet to experience the pain.  To make these drops, mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and distilled white vinegar.  Using an eye dropper or clean cotton ball, drop a few drops into the infected ear.  Tilt your head to prevent the liquid from flowing out and keep it tilted for several minutes.  After a few minutes pass, cock your head towards your shoulder so that the excess liquid can runoff.  Make sure you have a tissue or washcloth handy to catch the drainage.  Why’s it work?  The vinegar creates an acidic environment, making it impossible for the infection-causing bacteria to thrive and the alcohol helps to dry out the ear canal because of it’s fast evaporation.

Vinegar: If you’re already experiencing pain, skip the alcohol.  Just mix distilled white vinegar and a couple of drops of water and follow the directions above for applying.

Mullein & Garlic: This home remedy requires a trip to the health food store, but it will not only get rid of the Otitis Externa, but relieve the pain while it’s at it.  To create the drops, add 2-3 drops of garlic oil (from garlic oil capsules) and 2-3 drops of mullein flower oil to a cotton ball.  Place the cotton ball in the ear and leave it in for 1 hour.  This process can be repeated every 3-4 hours or as needed. Note: If you’d rather not go to the health food store or mix up the drops yourself, you can buy drops such as these here: Mullein/Garlic Compound (Ear Drops) Why’s it work?  The garlic is great for killing bacteria and fungi and the mullein flower is will soothe the skin of the ear canal and reduce swelling, therefore reducing the pain.

How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear:

Earplugs: Next time you’re heading to the pool or to the shower, consider wearing earplugs.  Using silicon or even wax ear plugs will keep Swimmer’s Ear away simply by not allowing the water to get in the outer ear canal in the first place.

Shake it up: After leaving the shower or pool, give your head a good shake to get rid of the excess water.

Dry it out: Believe it or not, your hairdryer can be a great way to prevent Otitis Externa.  Just set the dryer on low, pull the targus back and let the warm air dry out the remaining water.

Ease up on Ear Wax Removal: Ear wax has a purpose.  It coats the ear canal in order to protect it from excess moisture.  Being obsessive when it comes to ear wax removal may actually do more harm than good.