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.

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.