Are there still people out there who clean their ears with a match stick or a safety pin? If yes, then this might make them come to their senses.

The sense of hearing is made possible by the ear to all the living beings. But what makes a man unique is his ability to stand up and face the world ahead. And it is his ears that make this happen. This pair of organs not is not only designed to process the sounds but also to maintain the balance of the body.

An ear is a highly sensitive organ which can capture sounds with a frequency as low as 20Hz i.e. 20 vibrations of the eardrum per second. It can distinguish a single sound from a background of noise. It is also capable of discriminating different sounds from a multitude like that of a musical chord. It can analyse tiny alterations in the frequency, the intensity and the duration of sound and even grasp the direction of sound. Therefore, it is an instrument of versatility.

Ear Wax

The ear consists of three basic parts - the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The Outer ear consists of the ear flap and the ear canal while the ear drum is placed safely in the middle ear. The skin of the ear canal is lined with hair follicles and glands that produce ear wax or cerumen. This protects the eardrum from dust, dirt or any external particle by trapping them on their way in.

Ear Blockage or Wax Blockage

In some people, the glands produce an excess of ear wax. If they fail to clean it in a regular pattern it may accumulate inside the ear and cause a blockage in the ear canal. Accumulation and hardening of ear wax is one of the common cases of loss of hearing. While cleaning the wax might get pushed back into the ear drum causing an obstruction. Any sharp substance used to clean the ear wax may injure the eardrum leading to a permanent hearing loss.

How to find out an increasing wax deposit?

An instrument of wondrous capabilities, the ear is so undemanding. One hardly needs to pay much attention to it. It has its cleaning mechanism by which the ear wax drops out. But ear wax deposit left unattended for a longer while can interfere with one’s hearing. Partial hearing loss is often a symptom of Ear Blockage. A blockage may manifest in some in the form of fullness in the ear or a sensation or ringing sounds in the ear called tinnitus. Temporary deafness troubles some others. Ear wax deposit also brings about ear pain and cough and in rare cases it meddles with the equilibrium of the body. It is then that one has to rush to an ENT specialist.

Most often, little children suffer from ear pain due to wax blockage. Parents adeptly deal with them using wax softeners at home. Some of the wax softeners used are drops of mineral oil, baby oil, glycerine or ear wax removal drops. These home treatments are availed when it’s just a blockage and not a perforated eardrum or swimmer’s ear.

What does the ENT do with Wax Blockage?

An ENT has a variety of tools to remove the wax depending upon its location and formation. Doctor’s use a small, curved instrument called a curette to scoop out wax. Some do not recommend it as it can potentially damage the ears if used carelessly. We have a two-sided silver curette at home though one has never used it personally. A water pick or a rubber-bulb syringe filled with warm water is also used to remove the wax. The suction method is also practised by ENTs. The irrigation method cleans the ear by shooting warm water in. It is not widely appreciated as it can be quite uncomfortable.

There is another technique used in some countries like China and Egypt named ear candling. Yes, you guessed it right. A burning wick and a candle used to melt it all out. This is a very foolish and hazardous technique of ear cleaning according to many Specialists.

Taking care of the ears

It is not an arduous job to protect your ears.

o Clean your outer ears with a wet wash cloth.

o Do not put things like a Q-tip into your ears. Don’t even think of pins or sticks. The use of cotton swabs may damage the inner ear or may cause an ear blockage. An adult finger with a wash cloth used carefully may serve the purpose.

o Do not expose your ears to loud noise. Use earmuffs! Shouting aloud is also damaging to your ears.

o The same with lower noise.

o Smoking can also cause tinnitus. Another excuse to stop smoking.

o Sinus problems can also lead to blocked ears.

o Check-up with an ENT in a periodical pattern.

Tags: Natural Remedies, Herbal Supplements, Natural Cures, Ayurvedic Medicine, Kitchen Tips

The Powers of Water - Unraveled…

We know that we can live without food for a while but not water. The most essential thing to sustain life is oxygen and water comes second. On an average an adult human body is made of 55 to 75% water whereas 80% of a human embryo is water. And only fresh water taken daily in the adequate amount can keep one fit and fine. Though water looks simple and naive once it enters the body it works hard to keep it healthy.

Eating habits are associated with our body weight. But in fact, it is not only what eat but also what we drink . Most of the posts on health would say ‘Drink enough water’. What does water do?

Water regulates body temperature, helps with blood circulation , takes the nutrients and oxygen to cells and cleans the body of its waste. Water plays a major role in digestion, in aiding weight loss and even in enhancing beauty!

Water itself is nutrition

Water is the most vital nutrient for good health and yet, we hardly come across the name in this context. WHO, in its detailed report on the nutrients in water acknowledges that drinking water may contain many of the 21 minerals essential to body.

Water keeps the fat off and clears the system

Water is devoid of any calorie in itself. And water helps the body by removing those extra calories which can build up in the body. Drinking water during the meal would avoid the accumulation of calories. It suppresses any excess of appetite and controls the diet. Water also accelerates the metabolism of body by 3%. Studies show that an additional glass of water can check your weight.

Water acts as the medium to move the nutrients, the antibodies and the hormones through the bloodstream. Thus it helps with blood circulation. Finally, it cleans the system by flushing away the unnecessary.

Prevents Dehydration and Water Retention

For the healthy functioning of the body at least 8-12 glasses of water a day is a must. And the quantity ought to be increased during periods of physical activity or hot weather.

Lack of sufficient water can lead to dehydration. As a result, the fat level increases and illnesses like asthma, allergies, migraine, gastritis and hypertension appear. Joint pain, stomach pain and ulcers, back pain, low energy level etc. can also be due to dehydration. The efficiency of the digestive system decreases for want of water and the body starts conserving water (water retention).

Water the Brain

Studies show that dehydration can affect one mentally contributing to mental confusions and disorientation. Water is also essential for nerve impulse conduction, sensory awareness and perceptive thinking. It contrains stress and depression.

Plays its role in Digestion

Plenty of water is needed for proper digestion and a dehydrated body will suffer from constipation. In many cases, heartburn is also due to lack of enough water.

Did you know?

· Water has the duty of moistening our lungs and aids breathing. Deficit of water can thus cause respiratory problems like asthma.

· Water helps in removing toxins and waste products. If the water intake is less kidney stones may develop.

· Water in the body safeguards the joints and tissues from shock and injury. Hence joint pains can be a result of lack of water.

· Urinary tract can be infected due to insufficient water.

· Inadequate intake of water during pregnancy affects the supply of nutrients to the fetus, breast milk production etc.

· Water plays the role of toning the skin and the muscles. Adult acne can be a result of reduced water intake.

Do not replace water with soft drink or juices. The caffeine or sodium present in the former is not body-friendly. Alcohol causes fluid loss and calorie increase as per experts. Hence, water means pure uncontaminated drinking water. However, the concept of mineral water is still arbitrary.

An exception

Certain medical conditions may demand an increased or restricted quantity of water. Therefore, if you have any disorders or ailments it is advised that you consult your doctor before changing the amount of water intake.

-Aparna K V

Disclaimer: The statements here are suggestions and we do not offer any medical advice. You should always consult your doctor or any qualified medical practitioner before buying any of our products.

Tags: Kitchen Tips, Natural Remedies, Natural Cures, Ayurvedic Medicine, Herbal Supplements

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness.” John Keats .

Out of the five sensory organs, the eyes can be called as the most beautiful creation of God. Without eyes, human beings would not have savoured the beauty of Mother Nature and her creations within. We often don’t realise what a single glance that lasts only a fraction of a second can capture for us. Our eyes work in collaboration with our brains to define the size, shape, colour, and texture of an object in front of us. They also let us know how close it is, whether it is still or moving and how fast its mobility is etc.

It should be noted that anything beautiful is vulnerable. Hence it is important to take care of your eyes and treat it with luxury and care.

We live in a polluted environment with a handful of stress and tension. The most common of dermatologic problems that vex people is having Dark circles or Crow feet under the eyes. Puffy eyes or ‘bags under the eyes’ also trouble some. Dark circles can be hereditary or the result of a physiological mechanism. It is due to lack of sufficient sleep in some while it is fatigue, tension or lack of haemoglobin in some others. Sinus also causes dark circles!

There are umpteen cosmetic products that come with the promise of getting rid of puffiness or dark circles. But there are so many natural remedies that can bring the brightness in and around your eyes back.

· De-stress yourself! There is absolutely no meaning in getting tensed and ending up with physical and psychological problems. Try to chill out when you get worked up. Relax and drink lots of water.

· Yes, drinking water is always the key. It removes the impurities from the system and rids off the chances of water retention. Water retention is one of the causes for puffy eyes .

· Pamper your eyes. Relax yourself with thin cool slices of cucumber. Some people like a paste of cucumber around their eyes. Some people are positive about a blend of almond and potatoes reducing dark circles. Still others like cool tea bags.

· Cotton pads soaked in rose water, milk or cold water for a cool luxury. Instead of cosmetic cleansers, milk or rosewater can act as a great natural cleanser for facial skin.

· Coconut oil works wonders. Gently massage the eye area with a thin film of coconut oil. Always use your ring finger while touching the sensitive eye area. Coconut oil is non greasy and it absorbs quickly leaving the skin moisturised and soft to the touch.

· Almond oil and honey in combination is also a good cure. Some people suggest applying tomato juice and lemon juice. But be careful as they can irritate the inner eyes.

· Castor oil is said to be good for thick eyelashes, eyebrows and hair. Apply a thin layer of castor oil on the eyelashes and eyebrows for long lashes and brows.

· Eat smart! Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Healthy eyes need carrots, berries, red tomatoes, beet root etc. Vitamin A deficiency is the main cause for night blindness. Vegetables like sweet potato, kale, carrots, spinach, avocado, broccoli, peas, asparagus and green pepper are rich in Vitamin A. Studies of the modern times show that eating leafy green vegetables may help prevent cataracts. Eat a vitamin rich diet.

· Having gooseberries is good for the eyes. Chakshushya ( Amlaki) is the Sanskrit term describing gooseberry which means "strengthening the eyes”.

· Exercise regularly.

· Never rub your eyes.

· Do not use the contact lens for more than 12 hours or sleep without removing them.

· Do not expose the eye area to the Sun or look at the bright Sun. It is advisable to use goggles.

· Try to avoid using making up around the eye area. While using, do not use cheap cosmetics. And never sleep with make- up on.

· Please don’t cry.

· And last not the least, sleep tight! Eight hours of sound sleep in the night and twelve glasses of water a day would bring the twinkle back into your eyes.

And remember that eye donation is the noblest of causes. There are around 4.6 million people in India who can recover their eyesight through corneal transplantation. And only a little more than 10,000 cornea transplantations are done every year. Maybe you can impart the gift of sight too.

-Aparna K V

Disclaimer: The statements here are suggestions and we do not offer any medical advice. You should always consult your doctor or any qualified medical practitioner before buying any of our products.

Tags: Ayurvedic Medicine, Herbal Supplements, Natural Remedies, Kitchen Tips, Natural Cures

“Don’t forget to bring my "Tailam" (medicated oil) while coming back…” is a familiar dialogue iterated by the Grandmother to the handsome dashing hero or to his father in some of the poignant South Indian films.

You might have heard your grandparents complaining of joint aches or pain in the big toe . Old age is a time when you suffer from all kinds of medical conditions. Gout is the swelling of joints that affects thousands of people across the world. During a gout attack the sufferer can’t even tolerate the weight of a bed sheet over the affected area. Keeping warm towel to applying medicated herbal oils are practiced over most regions of India for Gout relief.

Do you think you can’t beat the gout that has been annoying you for a long time?

The Bout of Gout

The inflammation of the joints or gout is the result of uric acid built up in the body. A normal human body contains small amounts of uric acid in its bloodstream. In some people the metabolism rate of uric acid might be on a higher side. The excretory system does not remove this excess of uric acid ( hyperuricemia) . Then the crystals of uric acid accumulate in the body tissues (tendons) over the years causing arthritis. When in larger quantities this ruptures the skin to form sinuses and the resultant discharge is a white substance. This metabolism of uric acid is inborn and hence the disease is also congenital or inborn. Other than Gouty Arthritis the abnormal metabolism can also result in uric kidney diseases.

Gout arthritis is one of the hundred types of arthritis. It affects five percent of the people with arthritis.

Primary Gout

Majority of the gout cases are idiopathic or have no known reasons. They are either innate or hormonal.

Secondary Gout

This is a condition that occurs only to 1% of the gout patients. It is mainly triggered off by medications.

The Medical Condition

• Swelling
• Sudden pain while moving the joints
• Lasting joint pain in some people
• Redness and tenderness
• Warmness
• And stiffness of the affected area

Factors Contributing To the Increase in the Level of Uric Acid

• Food items containing purine generally trigger a bout of gout. Eatables like shellfish, dried beans, peas, organ meats like liver, kidney etc. are not recommended to gout patients.
• Intake of alcohol especially beer. The alcoholic content in the bloodstream interferes with the body’s ability to get rid of uric acid.
• The over weight of the body
• Some drugs also result in increased levels of uric acid in some. (Eg: some blood pressure medicines like Diuretics, Aspirin etc.)
• Renal insufficiency causes gout in older people. The kidney fails to remove the uric acid content of the body.
• Patients with medical conditions like Leukemia, Lymphoma and Psoriasis may also get gouty arthritis.
• Gout can also arise due to a surgery, chemotherapy, a joint injury or by a crash diet.

Medications

This form of arthritis is diagnosed through blood tests and x-rays. During an attack, sample fluid from the joints maybe taken to identify the disease.

• Doctors advise gout patients to rest the affected area in an elevated position.
• Water is the cheapest and most effective home remedy for gout. Drink lots of water so that the waste gets flushed out of the system.
• Avoid alcohol and foods with high purine-content. Make a habit of taking herbal teas.
• Check blood pressure and diet. Slim down and avoid over weight.
• Avoid wearing tight shoes or slippers to prevent hurting the joints and ankles.
• Some people find relief by icing or warming the area. But there is no scientific evidence on how it helps.
• The easiest and commonly available home remedy is turmeric. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and is used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating gout, arthritis, diabetes, for healing purposes and so on. Ingesting 250 to 500 milligrams of turmeric three times a day would provide relief from gout attacks.
  

-Aparna K V

Disclaimer: The statements here are suggestions and we do not offer any medical advice. You should always consult your doctor or any qualified medical practitioner before buying any of our products.

Tags: Ayurvedic Medicine, Natural Remedies, Herbal Supplements, Kitchen Tips, Natural Cures