Home Remedies No. 25 For Constipation

Constipation

Constipation Home Remedies Constipation is a common disturbance of the digestive tract. In this condition, the bowels do not move regularly, or are not completely emptied when they move. This condition is the chief cause of many diseases as it produces toxins which find their way into the bloodstream and are carried to all parts of the body. Appendicitis, rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure, cataract., and cancer are only a few of the diseases in which chronic constipation is an important predisposing factor.Constipation is one of the most common of all digestive disorders and it can affect people of all age groups, from toddlers to the aged. Before you get ahead of yourself keep in mind that our digestive systems function differently and while some people may consider the absence of bowel movements on a single day as constipation, for some regular bowel movements may occur daily. Disruptions or aberrations from your normal routine that cause discomfort should be a cause for attention however. Constipation refers to the inability to pass stools and could involve straining to empty the bowels or the presence of excessively hard stools, causing discomfort and possibly pain. The severity of constipation may vary greatly, but in most cases it is just a temporary phenomenon that will resolve naturally or with some intervention. Recurring bouts of constipation or chronic constipation can however be problematic and be indicative of other problems or a faulty diet. Chronic constipation in children, babies, toddlers and the elderly is not uncommon, and while it should not be neglected this is not a threatening condition if it responds to mild constipation treatments. The symptoms, causes, and treatment for chronic constipation in children would be different from the treatment given to an adult. Chronic constipation if neglected or simply addressed with short term measures can however cause the development of other complications over a long period of time. Constipation treatment in such a scenario should not simply be directed towards constipation relief but should be aimed at identify and rectifying the underlying cause. Long term chronic constipation when neglected can lead to conditions like fecal impaction, piles or hemorrhoids, anal fissures and fecal incontinence. The occasional bout of constipation should not be cause for worry, but acute constipation should again not be neglected as it could be caused by a serious underlying medical condition.  Constipation treatment is usually very effective and the main causes being dietary and lifestyle factors, simply making the required changes to these areas of your life can help prevent or even cure constipation. Constipation in children may be treated with suppositories, and although constipation relief for babies and children may be achieved with natural remedies or home treatments, they should only be applied upon consultation with your doctor. For mild constipation relief during pregnancy it would be best to avoid using tablets and instead try home treatments like specific foods or even suppositories. Constipation Symptoms Infrequency, Irregularity in Elimination of Hard Faecal Matter The most common symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or difficulty in elimination of the hard faecal matter.  Coated Tongue, Foul Breath, Headache, Depression , Insomnia etc The other symptoms include a coated tongue, foul breath, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, dark circles under the eyes, depression, nausea, pimples on the face, ulcer in the mouth, constant fullness in the abdomen, diarrhoea alternating with constipation, varicose veins, pain in the lumbar region, acidity, heart burn, and insomnia.  Discomfort In addition to changes in bowel movements constipation would also be likely to cause symptoms like abdominal cramps aches, and a very bloated feeling. Although you may feel hungry you feel full rapidly and there is a loss of appetite. Nausea may also be observed in some cases.  Constipation in Children In addition to constipation symptoms like irregular bowel movements children are also likely to display a loss of appetite and fatigue. Smaller children are very likely to display irritability and discontentment. Constipation in children is also most likely to cause severe abdominal pain and uneasiness and you would also notice particularly foul odor emanating from stools and flatulence. Constipation treatment for infants, babies and smaller children with natural or home remedies should be avoided as the treatment would require the medical expertise of a doctor. Age plays a large role in treating constipation newborn babies, toddlers, children, and adults.   Causes of Constipation Constipation Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet Faulty Diet and Style of Living The most important causes of chronic constipation are a faulty diet and style of living. It is common knowledge that a diet that is deficient in fiber will eventually lead to constipation. Most populations that follow fiber deficient diets are in fact plagued with a high incidence of chronic constipation. Simply including fiber rich foods like fresh fruits and cereals in your daily diet would help treating constipation. Insufficient Intake of Water, Strong Tea and Coffee etc Intake of refined and rich foods lacking in vitamins and minerals, insufficient intake of water, consumption of meat in large quantities, excessive use of strong tea and coffee, insufficient chewing, overeating and wrong combination of foods, irregular habits of eating and drinking may all contribute to poor bowel function. Irregular Habit of Defecation, Lack of Physical Activity Other causes include faulty and irregular habit of defecation, frequent use of purgatives, weakness of abdominal muscles due to sedentary habits, lack of physical activity, and emotional stress and strain. In addition to the above mentioned causes it should be pointed out that stress can also contribute to the problem, as do anxiety or depression. No matter what the cause treating constipation with laxatives will simply offer temporary relief, but not a permanent cure to the problem. Long term changes need to be made to your diet and lifestyle for any lasting solution to the problem. Keep in mind that constipation can also be caused by certain drugs and during pregnancy, and will resolve as soon as the medication is stopped or the child delivered. Certain medical conditions could also contribute to the development of constipation, which is why severe or chronic constipation that does not respond to natural treatments for constipation should be reported to a health care professional. Home Remedies for Constipation Constipation home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers  Constipation Treatment using Bael Fruit Generally all fruits, except banana and jack fruit, are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Certain fruits are, however, more effective. Bael fruit is regarded as the best of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use for two or three months throws out even the old accumulated faecal matter. It should be preferably taken in its original form and before dinner. About sixty grams of the fruit are sufficient for an adult. Constipation Treatment using Pear Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Patients suffering from chronic constipation should adopt an exclusive diet of this fruit or it's juice for a few days, but in ordinary cases, a medium-sized pear taken after dinner or with breakfast will have the desired effect. Constipation Treatment using Guava Guava is another effective remedy for constipation. When eaten with seeds, it provides roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels. One or two guavas should be taken everyday. Constipation Treatment using Grapes Grapes have proved very beneficial in overcoming constipation. The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes make them a laxative food. Their field of action is not limited to clearing the bowels only. They also tone up the stomach and intestines and relieve the most chronic constipation. One should take at least 350 gm of this fruit daily to achieve the desired results. When fresh grapes are not available, raisins, soaked in water, can be used. Raisins should be soaked for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. This will make them swell to the original size of the grapes. They should be eaten early in the morning, along with the water in which they have been soaked. Constipation Treatment using Orange Orange is also beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Taking one or two oranges at bedtime and again on rising in the morning is an excellent way of stimulating the bowels. The general stimulating influence of orange juice excites peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon. Constipation Treatment using Papaya and Figs Other fruits specific for constipation are papaya and figs. Half a medium-sized papaya should be eaten at breakfast for it to act as a laxative. Both fresh and dry figs have a laxative effect. Four or five dry figs should be soaked overnight in a little water and eaten in the morning. Constipation Treatment using Spinach Among the vegetables, spinach has been considered to be the most vital food for the entire digestive tract from time immemorial. Raw spinach contains the finest organic material for the cleansing, reconstruction, and regeneration of the intestinal tract. Raw spinach juice-100 ml, mixed with an equal quantity of water and taken twice daily, will cure the most aggravated cases of constipation within a few days. Constipation Treatment using Other Remedies Half a lime, squeezed is a glass of hot water, with half a teaspoon of salt is also an effective remedy for constipation. Drinking water which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel, first thing in the morning, brings good results. Linseed (alse) is extremely useful in difficult cases of constipation. A teaspoon of linseed swallowed with water before each meal provides both roughage and lubrication. Drinking a glass of hot water is also known to stimulate bowel movements but this may not suffice in severe cases of constipation. Physical activity is known to help reduce the risk of constipation and yoga is particularly noteworthy as a physical fitness regime in this regard. Yoga comprises of a variety of postures and movements, many of which stimulate and encourage the bowel functions. Practicing yoga can thereby enhance your digestive systems functioning and eliminate or at least reduce the occurrence of digestive disorders like constipation. Home Remedies For Constipation Although constipation treatment with over the counter medications may be extremely effective they are best avoided unless there is severe constipation. Laxatives sold over the counter may offer constipation relief but they don’t really address the cause of the problem. Treating constipation with natural remedies and home treatments should therefore be preferred. This is particularly true in the case of chronic or recurring constipation as repeated or frequent usage of laxatives can cause a host of other problems such as lazy colon syndrome, where defecation becomes impossible without the use of such artificial stimulants. Frequent or chronic constipation is best treated with home remedies and constipation home cures, while the use of pharmaceutical laxatives may be reserved for constipation relief in severe cases, where home treatments do not facilitate the passage of stools. The treatment or resolution of the problem is however not arrived at simply with evacuation of the bowels. The root cause of the problem needs to be identified and addressed, and this would almost always involve diet and lifestyle changes. Where the cause is due to some underlying medical condition, constipation treatment would actually need to address the other condition to eliminate constipation. There are plenty of effective and fast home remedies for constipation that can help provide significant relief from the condition. While home remedies for gas, constipation and other digestive disorders may be extremely effective, none of them offer an instant cure or a permanent cure. There are no instant home remedies for constipation, but they do work rather rapidly, showing some quick results. Home treatment for chronic or frequent constipation however requires long term modifications and changes to diet and lifestyle for any lasting cure. Constipation remedies for infants can also be of great help as pharmaceutical products may be dangerous and too strong for babies, but it would be best to always consult your doctor when dealing with constipation or diarrhea in an infant. Constipation is not only caused by food and lifestyle habits however, but very often by some underlying health condition or due to some physical condition. Pregnancy is one such condition in which constipation is simply a symptom. Constipation remedies during pregnancy will help to relieve the discomfort and remedy the situation, but the problem will only resolve completely after delivery. Natural constipation remedies work just as effectively as constipation medicines nut natural remedies are highly preferable particularly when dealing with constipation during pregnancy or constipation after surgery. One of the dangers of overtly relying on constipation medications is a possible development of dependence on laxatives for passing stools or a condition called lazy bowel syndrome. In such situations and individual is incapable of passing any bowel movements without consuming laxatives. Natural but quick constipation remedies for swift relief may include eating papayas, bale fruit, or dates and figs that have been soaked overnight, but switching to a diet rich in high fiber foods is most crucial for a permanent cure. Constipation diet Constipation : Home Remedies suggested by users Natural and Simple Diet Consisting of Unrefined Foods The most important factor in curing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of unrefined foods such as wholegrain cereals, bran, honey, lentils, green and leafy vegetables, fresh and dry fruits, and milk products in the form of butter, clarified butter, and cream. The diet alone is not enough. While you are advised to include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and wholegrain cereals in your diet you should also be cautioned against the intake of certain foods. While it is not necessary to go on a restrictive diet it is important that you moderate your intake of low fiber and high fat foods like red meats, cheese, and other processed or refined foods. Likewise you need to keep yourself well hydrated with a good intake of water and fresh fruit juices, while steering clear of unhealthy artificial drinks and juices or alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Chew Food Properly, Avoid Hurried Meals and Irregular meals Food should be properly chewed. Hurried meals and meals at odd times should be avoided. Sugar and sugary foods should be strictly avoided. Foods which constipate are all products made of white flour, rice, bread, pulses, cakes, pastries, biscuits, cheese, fleshy foods, preserves, white sugar, and hard-boiled eggs. Other Constipation treatments Fresh air, outdoor games and exercise Toning up the muscles also helps in the treatment of constipation. Fresh air, outdoor games, walking, swimming, and exercise play an important role in strengthening the muscles, and thereby preventing constipation. Simple & Healthy to Treat Constipation. suggested by [unspecified] on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 So you have constipation, join the club. What you will need, - A Mug - Water - Honey - Lemon or Lime - Spoon - Yourself -My remedy consists of, wake up earlier then usual. - Make yourself a hot cup of water. If you have any honey, place a tea spoon full or more (depending on your taste buds). - Put a slice or drops of lemon or lime in your water. They are good with helping cleanse your bowels. - Drink it, sip it, your choice. - Also what is good after drinking it, is to sit in a squat position with good posture. This helps to straighten the rectum and other stuff to provide a better way of flowing. Ever know why those toilets on the floor in foreign countries are so popular :) If you can not squat, then sit down but elevate your feet so they are in tippy toe position, the lower the seat, the better for this. Then do some hand motions on your stomach, going in circles. Or lie on your back and do so. When you are in the bathroom, elevate your toes again -- or grab a stool and place under your feet, this helps straighten out rectum so you are not trapping the poop from coming out and straining. DON'T STRAIN (causes hemorrhoids). Get children to do this too!!! PUT A STOOL OR SOMETHING TO ELEVATE THERE LEGS HIGHER and sit up straight, maybe put a cute fun picture on the wall across them (high so they can look up and help with posture). Constipitation suggested by Naheer on Friday, April 25, 2008 Consume Two Tea Spoon full of VIRGIN COCONUT OIL before going to bed; this will also be a natural and organic remedy for reducing weight as well. constipation suggested by nazreena on Thursday, April 17, 2008 For severe constipate a cup of apple juice is good.  Also try fenugreek soak a handful overnight and have a tablespoon full it helps diabeties suggested by nazreena on Thursday, April 17, 2008 Please be warned strictly no dates my diabetic doctor professor kah yin from diabetics clinic. Do not give dates unless it is necessary. Sugar will rise, it is very dangerous. Source:  http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Constipation.html

Facts About Synthetic Estrogen Found in Ice Creams

While Americans love and enjoy their favorite sweet treat, the overwhelming majority of ice cream eaters don't have a clue of the harmful chemicals contained in their favorite brands of ice cream. Ice cream is harmful? But it tastes so good! Chocolate, French Vanilla, Neapolitan, Cookies N Cream, Praline Pecan, Strawberry, Chocolate Chip, Butter Pecan, Mint Chocolate Chip, Rocky Road, Marble Fudge, Chocolate Fudge and a host of other ambrosial flavored brands - harmful? How so? Ice cream is so innocent! It's as American as baseball and apple pie. Children love ice cream! What's so bad about ice cream?

Well, lets look at it. First of all, ice cream is a dairy product. It is derived from an animal, a grafted (man-made) animal at that. The black and white dairy cow is a crossbreed of a water oxen and a buffalo. It is not a natural creature to the earth. Now on the other hand, the golden brown cow that is common and native to India and certain parts of Africa is natural. This is a real cow and is held in high esteem by the Indians. In fact, the cow is sacred to the Indians.

Because ice cream is a dairy product, it is animal excreta, because it is excreted from the tit of a cow. Animal excreta is liquid meat!

Now you often hear me refer to ice cream as snot cream. Why? Because ice cream not only creates snot (mucus) in the body, it is full of snot (liquefied mucus) itself. All of the strip cups in the world cannot prevent mucus from mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland) from entering the milk supply.

I also said previously and can prove (via video) that milk (and therefore ice cream) contains feces. The milk filters always contain a brown film on it. This brown film is cow manure! Tasty, huh?

Now since ice cream is derived from a female animal, and all female animals in America are shot up with synthetic chemical hormones to make the cows develop faster, ice cream is laced with synthetic hormones that greatly affect the female hormonal system (as well as men's hormonal system). These chemical hormones cause female reproductive area cancers in human females.

Dairy products are the biggest cause of leukemia, especially in young American children. Leukemia used to be a disease indicative of Caucasians, but now many African-Americans are dying of leukemia due to an increase of dairy products in the African-American diet.

A good movie to rent and watch that deals with milk and cancer (leukemia) is I Love Trouble starring Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts.

If the chemical hormones (synthetic estrogen) make the female cow grow bigger and develop faster, what do you think they do to young American girls who love to eat ice cream? These little young American girls are walking around at age 8, 9 and 10 with fully developed breasts and buttocks, something you didn't see in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s. God and Mother Nature did not speed up the physical development of little girls. Man and his chemical food industry did!

So not only is ice cream full of snot, mucus forming, and laced with harmful chemical growth hormones, but ice cream contains a lot of other chemical additives that are injurious to health.

Did you know that many conventional and commercial brands of ice cream contain car antifreeze solution? Propylene glycol is an ingredient used in many ice creams. Propylene glycol is also used in radiator fluid (antifreeze). Propylene glycol is also used in many other so-called foods, such as cup cakes commonly found and sold at most conventional super caskets (oops, I mean, super markets).

Other additives found in ice cream include Piperonal, which is used in place of vanilla. Piperonal is a chemical used to treat lice. Diethyl glucol is a cheap chemical used as an emulsifier instead of eggs. It is used in antifreeze and paint removers. Butyraldehyde is used in nut-flavored ice cream and is one of the ingredients in rubber cement. Amyl acetate is a chemical used for banana flavor. However, it is also used as an oil paint solvent. Ethyl acetate is used for pineapple flavor. However, it is mainly used in industry as a cleaner for leather and textiles. Aldehyde C17 is a chemical used to flavor cherry ice cream but is used industrially as an inflammable liquid used in aniline dyes, plastic and rubber.

The list of additives in ice-cream sounds like a science project. Many nutritionists now refer to ice cream as the garbage dump food, and parents gladly allow their children to consume this stuff as an innocent sweet treat.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention all the sugar that goes into ice cream. Ice cream is sweet because of the number one and most addictive drug in the world - sucrose (sugar)! And because the dairy industry is a part of the diabolical American food industry, they are very clever and now hide sugar under umbrella terms to fool the American people. Various forms of synthetic chemical sugars and sweetners can be found under such umbrella terms as Sucrol, maltose, dextrose, glucose, saccharin (or Equal), aspartame (or Sweet N Low), and xylitol to name a few. If you didn't know, saccharin and aspartame use will cause cancer. These chemical artificial sweetners are carcinogenic (cancer causing) and will kill you.

And because obesity is epidemic in America today, especially amongst African-American women, a great travesty (and tragedy), I must say a word or two about the fat content of ice cream. Ice cream, like all other dairy products is fattening. It is impossible to have anything fat free that is a dairy product, although you see products that say this. Low fat and nonfat products, to your great surprise, have fat in them. You can't trust the food industry!

And don't forget about that sugar! Remember, sugar converts into fat in the human body and is stored in the fatty reserves, e.g. buttocks, breasts, thighs, belly, and back arms. You know, so many women talk about losing weight, but all they really have to do is stop eating certain things. But most can't (even though they loudly and openly profess God, the Source of Strength), because they have no willpower, discipline, self-love or fortitude, which is predicated upon emotional blockages and spiritual imbalance.

So if you eat conventional and commercial brands of ice cream, i.e. Ben & Jerry's, Casket & Robbins (oops, I mean Baskin & Robbins); Dreyers, Bryers, Carnation, Hagen Daaz, etc., you might want to start reading the ingredients on the carton or box (if you don't want to die prematurely due to poor health).

Am I suggesting we do away with ice cream? Not at all! Ice cream is too core to American culture. It will always be around and people will always eat it, even if they know what goes into ice cream. As Brother Odis (my sidekick and ace partner) and I always say, the American people generally are dead, mentally, morally, ethically, spiritually, psychologically, and emotionally. Social, academic, and religious programming struck the fatal death blow to the minds and souls of the American people.

However, not all of us are dead and there is a health conscious revolution and movement presently taking place in America (and thank God!). As I always say, we have a choice in life! There are alternatives to dairy-based ice creams.

My little son love son loves ice cream. He reminds me of my little brother and my father who loved ice cream very much.

Well, if I let my little son (and daughter) eat ice cream, what kind do I let them eat? Good question! Because this is the major intent of this article, to introduce and educate about healthy nondairy alternatives to conventional ice creams.

Most good health food stores (e.g. Whole Foods Market, Nature Mart, Erewon, Wild Oats) carry a host of nondairy brands of ice cream that are far better and safer than regular dairy-based ice cream.

Alternative nondairy brands of ice cream include Rice Dream, Soy Dream, Carb Escapes, Freezees, Soy Delicious, Whole Soy, Tofutti, Natural Choice, and Sweet Nothings. I've actually found all of my old favorite brands of ice cream under these brands. Sweet Nothings produce a nondairy fudge bar and fruit bar. Natural Choice brand makes fruit sorbet. So whether you enjoy ice cream, sorbet, fruit bars or fudge bars, there's an alternative.

However, I must point out that although these brands are nondairy, you still have to read the labels for questionable ingredients, especially for the sugars. Rice Dream, Carb Escapes, Freezees, Soy Dream, and Soy Delicious seem to have the best ingredients, including sweetners. However, Natural Choice uses evaporated sugar in their sorbet, Whole Soy uses organic sugar, and Tofutti also contains a questionable sweetner. However, compared to the real thing, these brands are much healthier and ideal for the health conscious consumer and vegan.

In closing, ice cream is a treat. The American Heritage Dictionary defines treat as: A special delight or pleasure. You treat yourself to a treat or special delight as a reward or for a special occasion. You don't treat yourself to a treat such as ice cream every single day. The treat is a reward for something - hard work, accomplishment of a goal, good grades in school, promotion, etc. However, in America, due to luxury and lack of discipline and self-control, we eat treats every single day absent a special occasion and/or reward. This leads to gluttony. So now we have reward absent work and endeavor.

However, it is important to state or say that because most of our jobs are so stressful and demanding, we feel so bad (tired, lethargic, indolent, beat down, stressed) at the end of the day, we feel we need a treat (ice cream, cookies, chocolate, candy, wine). And subconsciously or unconsciously, this is why most of us end up with daily rituals of eating that special treat - that favorite brand of chocolate, cookies, candy, or ice cream; or even that special brand of wine to relax (and paralyze) the mind.

You would be wise to start reserving your special delights or sweet treats for the weekend, rather than engaging in them every single day during the week. Give yourself something to look forward to. That ice cream isn't going anywhere!

Thank you for reading!

This article is compliments of www.dherbs.com

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Facts About Arsenic Found in Makeup and Baby Formula

Heavy Metals Found in Many Cosmetics: Not Listed on Labels

Is your make-up safe?In light of recent news that the FDA found lead in 400 brands of lipstick, Yahoo! Shine took a look at other products containing potentially hazardous ingredients. Historically, women have risked their health for beauty by usingcosmetics laden with poisons. It's reported thatQueen Elizabeth's face became so disfiguredfrom lead-contaminated makeup, she had all the mirrors in her palace removed. In 18th century France, courtesans applied vermilion rouge, which contained sulfur and mercury, and suffered damage to their teeth, livers, and nervous systems as a result. While the levels are much lower, according to a 2011 report byEnvironmental Defense, an Ontario-based research group, dangerous heavy metals still lurk in lip gloss, mascara, foundation, blush, eye shadow, and eyeliner.

Related: Lead In Lipstick, 10 Worst Brands, Better Alternatives

The researchers tested a total of 49 common products selected from the cosmetic bags of six average Canadian women. They found that every product contained at least one of seven heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, beryllium, thallium, and selenium. Lead, a known neurotoxin, showed up in 96% of the items. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that lead exposure is not safe at any level. Heavy metals are considered a by-product of manufacturing and it's worth noting that none were listed in the ingredients lists on the cosmetics' labels.

There is scientific debate about safe levels of heavy metals in the body. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which pushed for the FDA's recent scrutiny of lipstick, points out that, "Individual exposures to these metals in small amounts are unlikely to cause harm, but heavy metals can build up in the body over time and may increase risk for a variety of health problems." The U.S. Department of Labor links arsenic to stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate.

The report notes that the highest levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead overall were found in lip gloss, which can be ingested orally. Of the items tested, Benefit Benetint lip gloss contained the highest level of lead at 110 parts per millions (ppm), which is more than 10 times higher than the limit set by theHealth Canada Draft Guidance on Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetics.

Of the 49 tested, these items were found to have the highest levels of impurities:

Clinique Stay True Makeup foundation (Stay Ivory) — arsenic, cadmium, beryllium, lead, nickel, thallium

Sephora Sculpting Powder Trio eye shadow (Brown and Pink) — beryllium, lead, nickel, thallium

MAC Sheerton Shimmer Blush (Springsheen) — beryllium, lead, nickel, thallium

L'Oreal Bare Naturale mascara (Black/Brown) — arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel, thallium

Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus eyeliner (Black Onyx) — beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel

Almay Intense i-color Trio eye color (Trio for Blues, Brown and Dark Grey) — beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel, selenium

Benefit Benetint Pocket Pal (Red Tint and Clear Gloss) — arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel, selenium, thallium

Cost is no indicator that a product contains lower levels of heavy metals. Erin Charter, one of the women whose cosmetics were tested, commented, "The product [Benefit Benetint lip gloss] I spend the most money on, because I thought it was better for me, ended up being the worst out of anything tested!"

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics supports passage of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011, which was designed to give the FDA authority to ensure that personal care products are free of harmful ingredients. It also mandates that contaminants, such as heavy metals, be fully disclosed. In the meantime, you can check your favorite makeup on the Environmental Working Group's user-friendly, searchable database that rates the safety of thousands of cosmetics and other personal care products. 

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/green/heavy-metals-found-many-cosmetics-not-listed-labels-194900866.html

Arsenic Found in Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Foods, Baby Formulas

Some organic baby formulas made with brown rice syrup have been found to have high levels of arsenic, researchers …A sweetener used in powdered baby formulaand some organic and gluten-free foods may contain dangerously high levels of arsenic,researchers reported today.

Environmental chemist Brian P. Jackson, who is the director of the Trace Element Analysis Core Facility at Dartmouth University, said that his team found organic baby formula whose main ingredient was brown rice syrup had arsenic levels six times higher than what the EPA considers safe for drinking water. According to the study, which was published Thursday in the journal "Environmental Health Perspectives," the researchers also found high arsenic levels in some organic foods sweetened with brown rice syrup, including cereal bars, energy bars, and gel energy "shots" that athletes slurp down after working out.

"The baby formula findings are concerning," Jackson said. The risk of arsenic poisoning from eating a cereal bar or an energy shot once in a while are low, he pointed out, but for babies and for people who are on gluten-free diets, arsenic poisoning could be a concern.

"All we can fall back on is what we know about exposure through drinking water," Jackson said. "Moms should know that these rice-based formulas may contain arsenic and should limit exposure. Look at the ingredients when you purchase formula."

Samples for the study -- 17 kinds of baby formula, 29 cereal bars, and three energy shots -- had been purchased from grocery stores in the Hanover, N.H., area. The report did not say which brands were tested.

Organic arsenic is found naturally in the soil, but a more dangerous kind of the chemical, known as inorganic arsenic, was widely used in pesticides for years before the EPA banned it in 2009. Inorganic arsenic has been linked to lung, bladder, and liver cancer, and exposure to arsenic can affect brain function over time.

Certain crops absorb more arsenic than others. Rice "takes up more arsenic than all the other grains," Jackson says, and brown rice is higher in arsenic than white rice. (When white rice is processed, the outer hull of the grain is removed; though arsenic is found inside the grain itself, inorganic arsenic is usually contained in the outer layer.)

Baby formulas made with rice starch had very low levels of arsenic, but ones made with brown rice syrup were high. The U.S. currently does not regulate the amount of arsenic in food, though after arsenic was found in some brands of apple juice the FDA set a "level of concern" of 23 parts per billion for fruit juices. The EPA standard for arsenic in drinking water is 10 parts per billion.

Brown rice syrup is frequently used as a "healthy" alternative to high-fructose corn syrup and can be found in foods that consumers don't think of as rice-based and in products that are touted as "healthy," "all natural," and "organic."

"Even if you were an educated consumer, some products might just creep under the radar," Jackson told ABC News.

Still, some dietitians warned consumers to take Jackson's study with a grain of salt.

"I would encourage consumers to not worry about this study, but to use it as a reminder that foods that grow in soil are growing with a wide variety of chemicals, both those found naturally in the soil and those that may be there from use of chemicals to foster growth," Connie Diekman, director of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis, told HealthDay News. "Whether organic foods contain more arsenic, or other minerals, than conventional foods is hard to estimate, but this study does remind us that organic is not necessarily equal with healthier/better for you/safe from harm." 

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/arsenic-found-brown-rice-syrup-organic-foods-baby-185300194.html

Home Remedies No. 23 For Chicken Pox

Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease, occurring usually in children. It usually affects children of three to four years of age. In most cases, the older the child, the more severe the attack Chicken pox may not be a life threatening disease, but it is dreaded by most because of the highly contagious nature of the infection. Chicken pox generally develops in children causing the distinctive blisters, by which most of us recognize the condition. Chicken pox in infants and children is problematic mainly because of the symptoms associated with the condition. Chicken pox infection causes severe itching and skin irritation, but scratching at the blisters simply aggravates the problem and the breakage of blisters can be even more problematic. Chicken pox blisters, if burst or scratched at can cause severe and rather permanent chicken pox scars. The main concern for any individual would therefore be to minimize the itching and irritation and to resist the urge to scratch at the blisters. Treatment for chicken pox is directed primarily at providing relief from the symptoms, rather than actually curing the condition. This is because of the very nature of the disease and what causes chicken pox. Chicken pox is caused by a viral infection, and treating the chicken pox virus with antibiotics would be ineffective and in fact harmful. Antibiotics are simply meant for the treatment of bacterial conditions, but will be ineffective against viral infections. Chicken pox remedies are therefore extremely popular and constitute the first line of treatment for the condition in most parts of the world. Home remedies for chicken pox are also popular for the treatment of the condition because of the simple reason that most of these treatments and home cures are non invasive and also pose little to no health risks, because of the absence of any potent chemical compounds. Although chicken pox is generally thought of and regarded as a childhood ailment that most of us suffer from and leave behind, the condition can continue to plague some adults. Children who develop a chicken pox infection are unlikely to suffer from the disease again because of a natural immunity that is developed against the chicken pox virus. This said, it should be pointed out that even after the chicken pox infection has resolved, the virus is not eliminated from the body, but remains in a dormant state. In some cases the virus may resurface after years or even decades to cause not chicken pox but shingles. This is a lot more serious a condition than chicken pox. A chicken pox infection is also a lot more threatening when it develops in adults as compared to in kids. Adults who have never suffered from chicken pox should therefore be extremely cautious about exposure to the virus. Similarly when dealing with chicken pox and pregnancy there are some significant risks and medical care should be provided. Chicken Pox Symptoms Low Grade Fever, a Mild Headache and Weakness Chicken pox usually begins with a low grade fever, a mild headache and a feeling of weakness.  Rash Appears on the Upper Chest or Back A rash appears on the skin on the first day of the disease. This is in the form of tiny red spots on the skin, mostly on the upper back or chest. In more severe cases, a rash may appear on the face and lower extremities. The papules turn into blisters and finally become pustules and form scabs, which fall off. They come in successive crops, so that while some are drying, others are beginning to form. The skin clears after a few days and the child feels well again. The duration of this disease ranges from ten to twenty-one days but is usually between fourteen and seventeen days.  Causes of Chicken Pox Chicken Pox Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet Virus Chicken pox is caused by a virus. Serious Condition such as Shingles or Herpes Zoster Many researchers believe that the disease is closely related to a much more serious condition known as shingles or herpes zoster that affects adults. Persistent Wrong Feeding of Children The basic cause of the disease, as in most cases of childhood fevers, is however, persistent wrong feeding of children, which results in diminished defense mechanisms of the body. Diet and food intake does not have any direct bearing on the disease however, and the effects are mostly incidental or indirect. A diminished digestive capacity would for example necessitate a diet that consists of foods that are easier to digest, and foods that boost immunity would help to fight off the infection. While chicken pox causes may be obvious enough it is the risk factors for contagion and the stages of infection that you need to be aware of. Preventive measures are the only effective strategy against chicken pox infection and the best defense in our arsenal would be the chicken pox vaccine. Vaccination offers close to complete protection and the infection may only develop in some individuals, but in such cases the effects of infection are very mild. Risk Factors: Chicken pox is highly contagious and could be easily passed on through direct contact with an infected individual or through contact with contaminated objects and areas, such as through contact with fluid from chicken pox blisters, or also by being in the vicinity of an infected person when they cough or sneeze. This may seem simple enough, but it isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The problem with controlling the spread of the chicken pox infection stems from the chicken pox incubation period. The chicken pox incubation period in both babies and adults is characterized by an absence of symptoms. Whether dealing with chicken pox symptoms in adults, infants or kids, the symptoms and signs of infection only surface around ten days to even three weeks after the infection. While the incubation period may be quite lengthy, the period of contagion begins a day or two prior to the outbreak, making this the highest risk period for contagion as there are no warning signs of infection. This period of contagion lasts so long as there are any uncrusted chicken pox blisters present. In the case of babies or infants, there is not much risk of them developing an infection in their first year if their mothers have had chicken pox in the past or were vaccinated. In such cases the infection is usually very mild. This is because babies have a natural immunity that is passed on through antibodies from the mother’s blood. Mothers who have never suffered from chicken pox and have not been vaccinated do have some cause for worry however, as in such cases babies under a year of age could develop severe chicken pox. Chicken pox symptoms in children are also likely to be a lot more severe in children who suffer from some immune system disorder or if their immunity is weakened because of some other illness or as a result of medications. When dealing with chicken pox in infants treatment advice from your doctor should be followed meticulously. Chicken pox remedies are not just for adults and can help for children and babies alike. The remedies are primarily aimed at providing relief from the symptoms and to minimize itching and prevent scratching. The biggest problem for most individuals is the after effect of scratching at blisters, which leaves behind scars. Chicken pox scars removal can be a lengthy and tedious treatment procedure. Chicken pox and shingles symptoms and treatments do vary, but research indicates that individuals can greatly boost their immunity against infection through some simple diet practices. According to a study conducted, individuals who consumed significant quantities of fruits and vegetables daily had immunity against the virus three times higher as compared to those who ate less than one serving a day. Home Remedies for Chicken Pox Chicken Pox home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers  Chicken Pox treatment using Brown Vinegar The use of brown vinegar is one of the most important among the several home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of chicken pox. Half a cup of this vinegar should be added to a bath of warm water. This will relieve the irritation of the skin. Chicken Pox treatment using Oatmeal A bath of oatmeal is considered a natural remedy for relieving the itch due to chicken pox. This bath is prepared by cooking two cups of oatmeal in two liters of water for fifteen minutes. This mixture is then put into a cloth bag, preferably cotton, and a string is tied tightly around the top. This bag is allowed to float in a tub of warm water, and swished around until the water becomes turbid. Precaution should be taken to ensure that the bag is not torn. The child with chicken pox can splash and play in the water, making sure that water goes over all the scalds, while the pouch of oatmeal can remain in the tub . Chicken Pox treatment using Pea Water Green pea water is another effective remedy for relieving irritation of the skin. The water in which fresh peas have been cooked can be used for this purpose. Chicken Pox treatment using Baking Soda Baking soda is a popular remedy to control the itching in chicken pox. Some baking soda should be put in a glass of water. The child should be sponged with this water, so that the soda dries on the skin. This will keep the child away from scratching the eruptions. Chicken Pox treatment using Vitamin E Oil The use of vitamin E oil is valuable in chicken pox. This oil should be rubbed on the skin. It will have a healing effect. The marks left by chicken pox will fade away by this application. Chicken Pox treatment using Honey The use of honey as an external application has also proved valuable in chicken pox. The skin should be smeared with honey. It will help in the healing of the disease within three days. Chicken Pox treatment using Carrot and Coriander A soup prepared from carrots and coriander has been found beneficial in the treatment of chicken pox. About 100 gm of carrots and 60 gm of fresh coriander should be cut into small pieces and boiled for a while. The residue should be discarded. This soup should be taken once a day Chicken Pox treatment using Herbal Tea A mild sedative herbal tea can also prove beneficial in the treatment of chicken pox. This tea can be prepared from any of the herbs like chamomile (babunah), basil (holy basil), marigold (zergul) and lemon balm (billilotan). A little cinnamon (cinnamon), honey, and lemon may be added to this tea. 1t should be sipped slowly several times a day. Dietaries for Chicken Pox Chicken Pox : Home Remedies suggested by users Raw Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Lemon Juice To begin with, the patient should be put on a juice diet for a few days. He should be given plenty of raw fruit and vegetable juices. Lemon juice is considered to be especially beneficial. All-fruit Diet and Well-balanced Diet As the condition improves, the patient can be placed on an all-fruit diet for the next few days. Thereafter, he may be allowed to gradually adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on fresh fruits and raw vegetables. Other Chicken Pox treatments Warm-water enema A small warm-water enema should be administered daily during the initial juice fast to cleanse the bowels. Well-ventilated room is a must The patient should be kept in a well-ventilated room. As light has a detrimental effect upon the eyes during an attack of chicken pox because of the weakened condition of the external eye tissues, the patient should shade his eyes from the direct light or the room should have subdued light. Mud pack application on abdomen Application of mud packs on the abdomen twice a day, in the morning and evening, and repeated applications of chest packs will be beneficial. Lukewarm water baths with neem included in it Lukewarm water baths can be given every day to relieve itching. For better results, margosa leaves can be added to this water. The nails of the child should be kept clipped to prevent him from scratching, otherwise, germs on the skin may be scratched into the blisters, causing more severe infection. To prevent chicken pox. suggested by Senthamil on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Of course! Chicken pox prevents your child from attending the school. But you are the only one to safeguard your child. Some simple steps to avoid chickenpox boils are: 1.Avoid contact with infected patients. 2. Cleanse your house with dettol lotion daily when an infected person is staying in your house. 3. Inject prescribed vaccinations to prevent the deadly disease. 4. In case if you are infected, do not scratch your skin as the liquid may squeeze out and affect the nearby person. Chickenpox Remedy Advcie suggested by Garima on Monday, January 7, 2008 Chickenpox is a very infectious disease. Drink plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated and sponge with tepid water if the fever is high. Application of Aloe Vera gel soothes itching on the skin and also promotes healing of the blisters. Chiken Pox suggested by Glendina on Thursday, August 2, 2007 On the island the best remedy is to boil alot of sage leaves in a big pot and give the child/adult a bath in it everyday. It heals the skin quickly. No Water suggested by Louisa on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 When your child has chicken pox DON'T bathe them. When my daughter had it and my nephew she recovered quickly whereas my nephew where given baths and lotion took alot longer to heal and had alot more visible scars. It only takes 2-3 days without bath and heals faster and less spots occur. Just keep the little body from getting wet! Source:  http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Chicken-Pox.html

Facts About Tertiary Butylhydroquinone or TBHQ Found in McDonald's Chicken

Every mouthful of McDonalds meal contains a handful of chemicals that raise 'bad' cholesterol levels, increase diabetes risk, lower immunity, and damage DNA. In fact fast food contains so many harmful ingredients that I wouldn't even feed it to a pet because it would be cruel.

When you go to the fast-food drive-through, you are:

• paying to harm your own health;
• your children's health;
• reducing your quality of life because the toxicity of eating synthetic chemicals will trigger illness;
• put more money into the hands of the medical insurance companies.

Still lovin' it?

Heard it before?  Well despite the illusion of a gradual switch to a healthier menu containing salads and smoothies, McDonald's line-up still contains nasty health-eroding chemicals: trans-fats, high levels of sugar, artificial sweeteners, petro-chemicals, and high-fructose corn syrup. The kids meals and salads also contain frightening ingredients and high levels of sugar.

Having perused their menus and nutritional information for their meals, it's incredible what synthetic chemicals they add to salads, chicken meals, burgers, and even to their drinks. Did you know that many of their foods and drinks contain tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a chemical preservative that is so deadly that just five grams is fatal? One gram of TBHQ can cause nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, delirium, a sense of suffocation, and collapse.

McDonald's foods still contain trans-fats, in addition to a whole host of synthetic chemicals to produce a taste which they deliberately engineer to be addictive, so you spend more money with them according to investigations by Eric Schlosser in his book Fast Food Nation.

Trans Fat Lie
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration decided that a food can contain trans-fats and that the amount doesn't have to be listed on the ingredient or nutrition list, providing the amount is not more than half a gram. Many burgers, shakes, and breakfast meals contain trans-fats. The problems with these oils is that they induce free radical damage in the body, which leads to artery damage, DNA damage, and oxidation of cholesterol, a.k.a. 'bad cholesterol'. You are getting this with every mouthful.

Almost all foods on McDonald's menu contain hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, that are also harmful to the body because they damage your tissues and raise your 'bad' cholesterol. Did you know that if a food manufacturer's food contains less than 0.5g of trans-fats then it doesn't have to legally list trans-fats on the label?

Here is just one example of what McDonalds put in their foods. The unhealthful ingredients in McDonalds' Chicken nuggets (straight from the McDonalds' web site) include:

• sodium phosphates;
• bleached wheat flour (nutrients removed);
• food starch-modified (likely genetically-modified);
• dextrose (sugar);
• partially hydrogenated soybean oil and cottonseed oil with mono-and diglycerides, (trans fats);
• Prepared in vegetable oil (Canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil) (trans fats);
• TBHQ, tertiary butylhydroquinone, a petroleium dervived product;
• Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent (a form of silicone used in cosmetics, and Silly Putty).

Look for yourself 
Download this nutritional information chart. It's a long PDF document of all their menu items. Find the foods you buy in the left column, and see how much trans-fats, and sugars are in them. THEN, visit McDonald's web site, select the foods you eat, click on the nutrition link, and scroll down to the ingredients list. If you can't pronounce any of the ingredients and don't know what they are then is it wise to eat them? This is a choice only you can make, but give your kids a choice too.

Pay now and later
I'm not just picking on McDonald's here. Visit the web sites of KFC, Wendy's, and the other companies. Their foods contain the same harmful chemicals that age you and leave your wallet and body feeling empty inside within an hour of finishing the meal. Does this make sense from a financial standpoint? What about from a health perspective? If you buy fast food, you'll pay now (with your money) and also later (with your health).

Why do I say that feeding fast food to a carnivorous pet would be cruel? Humans have a choice about what to eat, even if the choice is sometimes limited by finances, location, or time availability. When it comes to their food, pets rely on us making the best choice for them and trust that the food we put down for them is safe. If they don't like it, they'd leave it. The sweetness, aroma, and fat content however make fast food as appealing to pets as it would to humans, and feeding them food containing toxic ingredients would be cruel in my view.

Still got to have your fast food fix?Even though I don't recommend fast food for my clients, if you've got to have it, then you may as well get the best. Evos is an up-and-coming franchise in several states that tend to use higher quality produce than the regular fast food chains, although just like the other companies, their shakes are high in sugar, and some foods are high in salt.

Continue reading on Examiner.com McDonalds fast food: toxic ingredients include putty and cosmetic petrochemicals - Atlanta wellness | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/wellness-in-atlanta/mcdonalds-fast-food-toxic-ingredients-unfit-for-animals#ixzz1nERKe6qx

Home Remedies No. 22 For Insomnia

Insomnia

The term insomnia literally denotes a complete lack of sleep. It is, however, used to indicate a relative inability to sleep that consists of difficulty in falling asleep, difficulty in remaining asleep, early final awakening, or combinations of these complaints. Insomnia is generally characterized by an inability to carry out routine activities effectively as a result of insufficient rest rising out of a disturbed sleep pattern. This disease has assumed alarming proportions in the present times, especially among the upper classes in the urban set-up. There are three types of insomnia – transient insomnia, acute insomnia and chronic insomnia. Transient insomnia normally lasts for less than a week. In the case of acute insomnia, an individual faces the problem of a disrupted sleep pattern for over a week, but less than a month. When poor sleep patterns prevail for over a month, the condition is termed as chronic insomnia. Lack of Sleep, Emotional Instability Individuals with insomnia find it extremely difficult to get a good night’s sleep. The single symptom that most frequently marks the onset of insomnia is difficulty in falling asleep. There may be changes in the duration and quality of sleep or persistent changes in sleep patterns. Some have little trouble falling asleep, but staying asleep is extremely hard. They normally end up tossing and turning in bed, waiting for the first light of dawn. Some are also known to fall asleep when it is time to wake up. Insufficient rest is bound to take a toll on any individual. The symptoms of insomnia continue into the day with people experiencing lapses of memory, lack of concentration and an inability to focus on work during the day. Hampered motor coordination, confusion and mental as well as muscular fatigue throughout the day are also characteristic signs of insomnia. Other symptoms of insomnia include emotional instability, irritability and impaired socializing skills. When the condition persists for a long time, individuals suffering from insomnia are also known to experience double vision as well as have hallucinations. In most cases, an individual with insomnia problems faces a lot of distress for an extended period of time as a result of the disorder.  Insomnia Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet Tension, Anxiety, Stress Stress and insomnia go hand in hand with stress being the number one cause for insomnia. The most common cause of sleeplessness is mental tension brought about by anxiety, worries, overwork as well as overexcitement. A change in work hours or time of sleep as well as an alteration in the sleep environment is also known to bring on a certain amount of anxiety that results in insomnia. Jet lag, too much of noise and an uncomfortable sleep environment can cause transient insomnia. The stress that revolves around the preparation for an important examination or office presentation could also lead to sleepless nights. Suppressed Resentment, Anger, Bitterness Suppressed feelings of resentment, anger and bitterness may also cause insomnia. Pent up feelings tend to cause a lot of emotional stress that leads to an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. These feelings could arise from difficult situations such as separation anxiety, divorce, the loss of a loved one or the loss of a steady job or home. A change in hormonal levels, especially during pregnancy, could also trigger insomnia. Constipation, Overeating, Excessive Tea-Coffee-Smoking Conditions such as dyspepsia, diarrhea and constipation cause a considerable amount of discomfort that hamper one’s ability to sleep soundly. Overeating at night, especially just before going to bed as well as going to bed hungry can also lead to sleep deprivation. But such causes for insomnia usually last for just a day or so and are nothing to worry about. The excessive intake of tea or coffee also alters one’s ability to fall asleep as the caffeine content promotes alertness. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption could also lead to insomnia over a period of time. Sudden withdrawal from addictive habits like smoking, alcohol consumption and drug usage could also be responsible for insomnia. Often, worrying about falling asleep is enough to keep one awake. Similarly, having to wake up early could also result in an inability to fall asleep at all. Insomnia could also be a side effect of certain medication or could be linked to trauma or surgery. Insomnia home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers Insomnia Treatment using Thiamine Of the various food elements, thiamine or vitamin B is of special significance in the treatment of insomnia. It is vital for strong, healthy nerves. A body starved of thiamine over a long period will be unable to relax and fall asleep naturally. Valuable sources of this vitamin are wholegrain cereals, pulses, and nuts. Insomnia Treatment using Lettuce Lettuce is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia as it contains a sleep-inducing substance, called 'lectucarium'. The juice of this plant has been likened in effect to the sedative action of opium without the accompanying excitement. Lettuce seeds taken in a decoction are also useful in insomnia. One tablespoon of seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water, till it is reduced by one-third. Insomnia Treatment using Milk Milk is very valuable in insomnia. A glass of milk, sweetened with honey, should be taken every night before going to bed in treating this condition. It acts as a tonic and a tranquilliser. Massaging the milk over the soles of the feet has also been found effective. Insomnia Treatment using Curd Curd is also useful in insomnia. The patient should take plenty of curd and massage it on the head. This will induce sleep. Insomnia Treatment using Bottle Gourd The mixture of bottle gourd juice and sesame oil in 50:50 ratio acts as an effective medicine for insomnia. It should be massaged over the scalp every night. The cooked leaves of bottle gourd taken as a vegetable are also beneficial in the treatment of this disease. Insomnia Treatment using Aniseed A tea made from aniseed is valuable in sleeplessness. This tea is prepared by boiling about 375 ml of water in a vessel and adding a teaspoon of aniseed. The water should be covered with a lid and allowed to simmer for fifteen minutes. It should then be strained and drunk hot or warm. The tea may be sweetened with honey, and hot milk may also be added to it. This tea should be taken after meals or before going to bed. Insomnia Treatment using Honey Honey is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. It has a hypnotic action and induces a sound sleep. It should be taken with water, before going to bed, in doses of two teaspoons in a large cup of water. Babies generally fall asleep after taking honey. Insomnia Treatment using Rauwolfia The herb rauwolfia is a valuable medicine for insomnia because of its indisputable efficacy as a sedative. The hypnotic action of the drug appears to have been known since ancient times. The very first dose of rauwolfia will enable a patient with a phlegmatic and gouty nature to go to sleep. The powder of the root in a quantity of 0.25 gm to 0.5 gm should be mixed with some scented substance like cardamom and given to the patient The patient will have a sound sleep during the entire night. If the disease is chronic, the patient should take O.25 gm twice a day, in the morning as well as at night before retiring. Insomnia Home Remedies There are a number of home remedies for insomnia. Following a regular daily schedule, with definite sleep hours, is of great importance when dealing with insomnia. Once the body gets accustomed to a set routine, chances of insomnia fall tremendously. Home remedies for sleeplessness also include sharing thoughts and feelings with close family members or friends as this prevents the risk of pent up negative energy. A hot bath before going to bed following a brisk walk after dinner is also believed to be a good insomnia home remedy. A hot shower helps in relaxing the body while the walk not only acts as a good form of exercise but also aids digestion. The walk also tires the body to a certain extent, thus promoting the need for rest. However, one should keep in mind that knowing the cause of the disorder is very important for the treatment of insomnia. Insomnia : Home Remedies suggested by users Low Salt Diet The patient should take a low-salt diet as salt is said to interfere with a restful sleep. A balanced diet with simple modifications in the eating pattern will go a long way in the treatment of insomnia. Avoid White Flour Products, Sugar Products, Tea etc. Such a diet should exclude white flour products, sugar and its products, tea, coffee, chocolate, cola drinks, alcohol, fatty foods, fried foods, and foods containing additives. Another natural insomnia cure is restricting the intake of caffeine, in any form. For those who are addictive to tea or coffee, consumption of these beverages must be restricted and one must avoid the intake of these beverages closer to bedtime. Overeating should be avoided completely. Green leafy vegetables are believed to be very beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. Melons and mulberries calm the mind and improve sleep patterns. A diet rich in carbohydrates is known to boost serotonin levels, a factor responsible for promoting good sleep. Regular Active Exercise Regular active exercise during the day and mild exercise before retiring at night enhances the quantity and the quality of sleep. Simple forms of exercise such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and opting to walk short distances rather than take a car could help to maintain a fit and flexible body without being time consuming. Yoga helps in a majority of cases. It provides physical and mental relaxation from one’s disturbing problems. Meditiate, Eliminate Stress, Hobbies The patient should make an all-out effort to eliminate as many stress factors as possible for the treatment of insomnia. The steps in this direction should include regular practice of any relaxation method or meditation technique. Deep breathing exercises are known to be a very effective method of insomnia anxiety treatment and can be done at any time of the day, without proving to be embarrassing. One must follow the technique of deep breathing every time he or she feels anxiety or stress building up. This will definitely help in preventing high stress levels at the end of the day. Cultivating the art of doing things slowly, particularly activities like eating, walking and talking help one to spend time enjoying the activity rather than it being just a routine action that needs to be completed. Limiting the working day to nine or ten hours and the working week to five and a half days and avoiding meeting unrealistic targets goes a long way in relieving stress and frustration as one tends to be more relaxed in such cases. Cultivating a creative hobby and spending some time daily on this daily can also reduce the risk of insomnia. One could opt for simple hobbies such as reading or gardening. Maintaining a diary or personal journal is also a good option as it also helps in releasing bottled up feelings. A break from the monotony of daily hectic life tends to hamper sleep patterns. A short trip taken with family also helps in relieving stress. Yogasanas The traditional yoga asanas which are effective for insomnia patients are shirshasana, sarvangasana, paschimottanasana, uttanasana, viparit karni, and shavasana. One should keep in mind that asanas or postures related to yoga must be done under the guidance of a trained person. If wrong, they could result in physical damage that could lead to more harm than good. In case the problem persists, medication may be prescribed or acupuncture for insomnia may be recommended as a method of treatment. Body Relaxent suggested by Edmon on Monday, December 31, 2007 Remedy for difficulty in sleeping. Use the banana peel. First you must cleanse it and let it boil in water for 20 minutes on a slow flame, then pour the water into a cup and add one tsp of honey. Drink slowly and relax. Easy Does it Insomnia suggested by Debra on Sunday, November 11, 2007 Put a small drop of diluted lavender oil on your pillow, to aid in a more sound sleep. Make sure you allow at least 8 hours to sleep. insomnia simple remedy suggested by girish on Sunday, October 7, 2007 rub mustered oil on shole of your feet,before going to bed. wash your face with rosewater, drink one cup of milk with honey. regards girish Lack of sugar suggested by Tessa on Friday, September 14, 2007 I noticed that when I went on a diet wherein there was absolutely no sugar intake, it took me more than an hour to go to sleep. I'm not so sure though if it was the lack of sugar or too much aspartame (sugar substitute)that caused it. Source:  http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Insomnia.html