Category: Home Remedies

An infection caused by a virus in the respiratory system, immune system and skin is known as Measles or morbilli or rubeola. It is an airborne disease and symptoms generally appear 7-14 days after contact with an infected person. High fever, spots or rashes on the mouth and throughout body, loss of appetite, hacking cough, runny nose and red eyes are its common symptoms.

Measles usually spread through respiration i.e through contact with fluids from the infected persons nose or mouth directly or through the air. It is one among highly contagious diseases.

After infection, there is a 10-14 day period of incubation. You never know that you have been infected or you do not even show any symptoms. For the next 2-3 days you might start feeling mild fever, runny nose, cough, inflamed eyes, sore throat, etc. Then for the next few days you can find rashes that keep spreading all over the body. Also, you can see the temperature of fever rising at this time.

Measles is a common problem in children and these days due to vaccination, it is prevented up to a great extent. Improper eating habits, weaker immune system, malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency are some of the common causes for Measles.

According to Ayurveda, measles is due to the aggravation of kapha and pitta doshas. It is known as Romantika in Ayurveda. Apart from fever, measles is accompanied by diarrhea and if the condition worsens, an individual can have pneumonia, bronchitis, abscesses in the ear. There are simple Ayurvedic home remedies that help or give better relief from Measles.

Ayurvedic home remedies for Measles.

• Extract 2 teaspoon juice of basil leaves and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to it. Mix them well and have it 2 times a day.
• Take 2 tablespoon fenugreek seeds and soak them in 1 glass water for 2 hours. Drink 3 teaspoon of this water every 30 mins.
• Take 120 mg each of Kasturi Bhairava, swarnamakshika bhasma, Shringa bhasma, and 240 mg of saubhagya Vati with the juice of bitter gourd and honey. Mix this well and take it 4 times daily.
• Prepare herbal tea of chamomile and drink it.
• Neem leaves are very effective as they are antiviral and antibacterial. They prevent spreading of diseases. Add neem leaves to the bathing water.
• Take some fresh podina leaves and pound them well to form a paste. Now apply this paste on rashes for relief.
• Khus or Indian grass is antipyretic which can reduce fever.
• Take a sandalwood stick and rub on a stone to form a paste. Now apply this paste on rashes for relief.
• Try wearing warm clothes.
• Take some licorice root powder with honey.
• Drink lots of fresh fruit juices to keep the body well hydrated.
• Apply Kesar on the rashes for soothing relief.
• Clove oil has skin toning and pain killing property. Apply it on itchy rashes for quick relief.
• Henna has cooling properties and hence can be applied on itchy rashes.
• Eat lots of oranges or drink orange juice twice to keep the body well hydrated.
• Take 15-25 ml of lemon juice that is diluted with water very often.
• Take raw roots of turmeric that is dried in the sun and grind them well to form a fine powder. Take 1/2 teaspoon of this powder and mix it with a few drops of honey and juice extracted from bitter gourd leaves.
• Take barley water sweetened with newly drawn oil of sweet almonds frequently to get relief from cough.
• Take 1/2 to 1 gram of eggplant seeds daily for 3 days to help develop immunity against measles for 1 year.
• Take equal quantity of tamarind seeds and turmeric. Grind them well to form a fine powder. Take 300-400 g of this mixture 3 times a day.

Try to have a balanced diet and avoid eating spicy, oily and junk food. If you have measles, try to isolate from others as it can spread very easily. Maintain a good hygiene, take a good amount of rest, and drink lots of fruit juices. Eat papaya or carrots that are good sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to build immunity in the body. Eat foods like parsley that help in quick healing process. All fruit diet for the first 3 days of measles is very effective in providing the required water content to the body. The above mentioned home remedies are simple and can be tried at home for treatment of measles.

It is funny to see someone while having Hiccups. However is it really funny for the person who has it? Well, if the Hiccups stop very soon, you probably won’t mind. If it prolongs, then it is a tough time and you will need a help.

What is a Hiccup?

Hiccup is caused due to involuntary or uncontrollable contraction of the diaphragm that can repeat many times per minute. The diaphragm is the muscle between our chest and abdomen.

Once Hiccup starts, the reflex causes strong contraction of the diaphragm followed by closing of vocal cords, producing a ‘Hic’ sound and in a relatively constant or rhythmic way. Hiccups can cause tightening of the chest and abdomen, leading to uneasiness.

It is not possible to define a time or period for Hiccups. It starts and ends suddenly. Digestive disorder or high toxin levels in the body due to kidney failure can also be the underlying cause for Hiccups.

Hiccups stops in a short period of time and if it doesn’t stop or disturbs your eating, sleeping routine, it is better to consult a doctor. You can also try with some simple home remedies mentioned below for effective result.

Some reasons for Hiccups include eating too quickly, drinking or eating too much, diseases that affect the nerve controlling diaphragm, abdominal surgery, stroke or brain tumors, intake of alcohol or aerated drinks, smoking, eating spicy food, stress, etc.

In Ayurveda, Hiccup is called Hikka Roga. It is a common problem in humans and even unborn fetus can have Hiccups. According to Ayurveda, aggravation of vata dosha causes Hiccups.

Following are some simple home remedies to get rid of Hiccups instantly.

• Take 1 glass of boiling water and mix 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder to it. After 15 min, strain the water and drink it lukewarm.
• Take 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds and add it to 1/2 teaspoon clarified butter. Mix them well and swallow it for quick relief.
• Take 1 teaspoon asafoetida powder and add 1 teaspoon clarified butter to it. Mix them well and swallow it for quick relief.
• Take 1 teaspoon sugar and eat it slowly.
• Take some black pepper powder and inhale it. Inhaling black pepper powder can make an individual to sneeze. Sneezing can stop hiccups.
• For acute hiccups, Mayurpichcha Mashi is given along with ginger and honey. Mayurpichcha mashi is the ash out of burnt peacock feathers. Lick the mixture every few minutes to stop Hiccups.
• For persistent or continual Hiccups take chitrakadi vati. Take 250 mg of chitrakadi vati thrice every day for two weeks.
• Somnath Rasa is also very effective.
• Diverting the mind of a person who has Hiccups can instantly stop it.
• Fast gulping of water is effective.
• Try massaging back of the neck. Massaging the nerves can trigger the nerves to stop Hiccups.
• Take 1 spoonful of peanut butter or honey and ask the kid to swallow it at once.
• Give 1 spoonful of sweetened curd to kid for instant relief.
• Ask the kid to hold some sugar under their tongue and then make them drink 1 glass of water.
• Take a small piece of fresh ginger and chew it slowly.
• Swallowing or gargling water can help stop Hiccups.
• Take a deep breath and hold it as long as possible without allowing air to pass out and then exhale gently. Repeat this several times.
• Take some crushed ice and suck them for instant relief.
• Close your ears by placing your fingers blocking the airway. This provides instant relief.
• Take 1-2 pinches of katuki powder and mix it well with little honey. Eat this paste 3-4 times a day after food for 2-3 days.
• Sucking a piece of lemon or 1 teaspoon vinegar can amazingly stop Hiccups.
• Take 1 spoonful of powdered chocolate and eat it.
• Kulatta is a beneficial herb that is very effective for Hiccups. Prepare juice or soup or dal using this herb.
• Surya Namaskar and pranayama are two yoga exercises very helpful for relief from Hiccups.
• Lying on the back for some time can provide some relief.
• Pulling hard on your tongue can stop Hiccups.
• Try smelling salt.

Take a diet that is rich in fibers as indigestion or digestion disorders can also be a reason for Hiccups. Avoid spicy, oily food, red meat, alcohol and smoking. Drink lots of water and fresh fruit juices. If along with Hiccups you have abdominal pain, fever, breathing problems, vomiting or coughing up blood, please consult a doctor immediately for a thorough examination. The simple home remedies mentioned above can provide quick relief from Hiccups.

Do you often have a cough or have rough voice? Not able to breathe properly or pain in the chest or abdominal area? All these symptoms may point out to a condition known as Bronchitis!

The irritation or inflammation of the bronchi which is the passage through which air reaches lungs is known as Bronchitis. Bronchitis is a respiratory disease that is characterized by inflammation of the mucus membrane in the lungs bronchial passages. People with Bronchitis have thickened mucus while they cough. There are two types of Bronchitis known as acute and chronic Bronchitis.

The main reason behind Acute Bronchitis is usually cold or influenza. In this condition, an individual suffers from cough or small sensation in the back of the throat. It is mostly due to virus or bacterial infection.

Chronic Bronchitis is mainly caused due to allergens like air pollution and cigarette smoking. Individual sufferings from Chronic Bronchitis have too much cough that lasts longer like months or years sometimes.

The common symptoms of Bronchitis include slight fever, cough with or without mucus, pain in chest, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, etc. If proper medications are not taken, Chronic Bronchitis can lead to death.

According to Ayurveda, Bronchitis is called kasa roga which is mainly caused due to improper digestion. Improper digestion is due to imbalance of three doshas. The imbalance of pitta dosha generally leads to Bronchitis.

In Ayurveda, the main causes for Bronchitis are lack of nutrition, improper digestion, toxins accumulated in tissues and improper circulation due to blockage, physical and mental stress, decreasing natural resistance and immunity, imbalance of the nervous system, etc.

There are some simple and effective home remedies for Bronchitis.

• Take 1 glass of warm milk and mix 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder to it. Mix them well and drink this milk 2 times everyday.
• Take 1 glass of water and add 1/2 teaspoon of licorice root powder into it. Allow the water to heat up for 15 min and then filter this water. Once cooled, drink this water 2 times every day for 1 week.
• Take some fresh holy basil leaves and chew them everyday.
• Take some fresh Malabar nut tree leaves and chew them everyday or take 2 teaspoons of liquid extract of these leaves with little honey 3 times daily.
• Take a mixture of black pepper, long pepper and dried ginger in equal proportion every day. This helps to strengthen the body’s immune system.
• Take umcka which is an herbal extract everyday for effective result.
• Proper posture and deep breathing exercises of yoga are proven to be beneficial.
• Practice meditation as it helps to strengthen lungs and helps to relax our mind and body.
• Some Ayurvedic medicines like honey, rasa Sindur, Pravala Pisthi, sitopaladi Churna, kaphachintamani, Kaphaketu, Shringyadi Churna, etc. are very effective.
• Infuse spinach leaves in water and add a little honey, ammonium chloride to it. Drink this to loosen mucus and reduce chest pain.
• Take some almonds and grind them well to form a fine powder. Add little almond powder to 1 glass of orange juice. Mix them well and drink every night before going to bed.
• Take powder of the dry chicory root mixed with honey thrice daily.
• Gargle with warm salt water for some relief.
• Take sufficient rest.
• In a tub of hot water add some Epsom salt. Immerse in this water for 20 min every night before going to bed.
• Alternate placing of hot and cold towels over chest helps to reduce chest pain and loosen mucus.
• Avoid smoking and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
• Take 1 piece of garlic and smash them. Swallow it either with milk or tea twice everyday.
• Take 5 cloves of garlic and pound them well. Now add this to 1 liter water and allow it to boil. Filter the water and give 1 teaspoon of it to children below 3 years every 3 hours. Give 1 tablespoon of this water every 3 hours to children above 3 years for good relief.
• Undergo maharishi rejuvenation therapy to remove toxins from the body.
• Herbal oil massages are also very effective.
• Eat nutritious food, do stress management, change your lifestyle and maintain a proper routine.
• Ayurvedic treatments like Vamana and virechana therapy are very effective.

A simple change in day to day activities, the food we take and our lifestyle can prove to be a life saver at times. Less nutritional food, no proper exercise or a sedentary lifestyle can cause our body to lose immunity. It is thus important to take a diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, freshly prepared food, less spicy or oily food, etc. Water also helps in removing toxins from the body and so it is very important to drink plenty of water everyday. Along with some simple tips, follow any of the above home remedies to treat Bronchitis. For any reason, if you still find the symptoms to remain, kindly consult a doctor for thorough examination.

The lifestyle of a person can prove to be one of the major reasons for many diseases. For example, there are people who have an inactive life, loves eating spicy, oily, salty and minerals rich food, does not drink much water or fluids, and avoids going to bathroom till the last minute. These are people who unknowingly invite a disease by name Kidney Stone or Stones in Urinary Tract.

Urinary Tract consists of kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethra. Stones are usually formed in the urinary tract. Calcium, phosphates or oxalates are the key ingredients for the formation of urinary stones.

Kidney stones are nothing but mineral salt deposits which are filtered by the kidney and removed from the body through urine. Urine has a natural ingredient which helps in dissolving these minerals. At times, due to dehydration, the deposited minerals don’t get dissolved and leads to crystallization. This grows large causing obstruction in urine flow through the ureter leading to sharp and severe pain in urinary tract.

The formation of stones is usually in the kidney and it can remain there without any trouble for quite some time. The size of these stones varies from the size of a pin head to that of a grape. These stones that are smaller in size generally dissolve and pass through urine unnoticed. It starts becoming a problem when the size increases and causes obstruction in the path of urine flow.

This is one of the most common problems in men and in Ayurveda it is called Vrukka ashmari. The aggravation of three doshas due to improper diet and lifestyle leads to formation of toxins called ama. This Ama, when travels to urinary tract cause crystallization and formation of kidney stones.

Kidney stones can have either smooth texture or rough and cutting edges. These rough and cutting edge stones can cause excruciating pain when they pass through the urinary tract.

The common symptoms of kidney stones include pain in lumbar region of the kidney, back pain, pain towards genital regions, fever, nausea, vomiting, brown or red color urine due to the presence of blood, urge for frequent urination, insomnia, loss of appetite, pain during urination, etc. If kidney stones are not treating it can lead to kidney failure.

There are some very useful home remedies that can help to treat stones in the urinary tract.

• Take 60 gms kidney beans and add it to a vessel with 4 liters of water. Heat this for 4-5 hours and then strain the liquid using a muslin cloth. Once the liquid has cooled, drink 1 glass of this liquid every 2 hours in a day. Repeat this for 1 week. Prepare fresh liquid every day.
• Take 1 cup horse gram and add it to 1/2 liter water in a vessel. Heat this mixture till water level reduces to 1/5^th. Now strain the liquid and add 2 teaspoons of crushed pomegranate to it. Mix them well and drink it once every day.
• Take 10-15 fresh basil leaves and grind them well to form a paste. Extract 1 teaspoon of basil leaves juice from the paste and add 1 teaspoon honey to it. Mix them well and drink it everyday.
• Drinking 1 glass apple juice everyday is very useful.
• Take 2 figs and 1 glass water in a vessel and allow it to boil. Drink this water every morning empty stomach.
• Chewing 2-3 basil leaves everyday is also beneficial.
• Eat watermelon or try to drink watermelon juice every day as watermelon helps to remove stones from the kidney.
• It is very good to take celery everyday as it helps in removing toxins that can lead to the formation of stones.
• Take 1 glass tomato juice and add a little pepper and salt to it. Drink this every morning to dissolve mineral deposits in the kidney.
• Drink plenty of water as water can help to clear out stones from the kidney.
• Eat whole wheat bread every day to reduce the risk of stone formation.
• Drink 2-3 glasses of lemon juice everyday. Lemon contains citric acid and this helps to dissolve calcium based stones.
• Extract the juice from the stem of banana plants and drink it everyday.
• Prepare a decoction using the bark of the henna plant and drink it.
• Prepare a decoction from the leaves and seeds of radish and drink it.
• Drink plenty of coconut water and barley water everyday.
• Reduce the intake of spicy, salty food, green leafy vegetables, and calcium rich food.
• Avoid milk products, tea, coffee, cold drinks, alcohol, pickles, fish, poultry, meat, chocolate, heavy and dry food.
• After every meal, try to take a short walk or lie down.
• Orange, sugarcane and pineapple juice is also very useful.
• Take 1 teaspoonful of pashanabheda powder 3 times a day or you can prepare a decoction in a dose of 30 ml 3 times a day.
• Boil the bark of Varuna trees in water to prepare a decoction. Take 30 ml of this decoction 3 times a day.
• Gokshuradi Guggulu is very helpful as gokshura has diuretic property and Guggulu helps in relief from Vayu. This herbal medicine helps in curing and preventing stone formation.
• In Ayurveda, Panchakarma therapy is very useful to clean body internally to get back strength.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by adapting to the proper balanced diet, intake of good amount of water, proper exercise to the body, yoga, meditation, etc. Follow the home remedies mentioned above for effective results. In case the symptoms still exist, kindly consult a doctor for thorough examination.