Bruises occur as a result of injury to the tissue that is located under the skin. This could be caused by trauma to the skin which in turn leads to the damage of blood vessels in the tissue under the skin. While the skin does not break, these ruptured blood vessels bleed into the area surrounding the injured tissue, leading to the formation of a bruise. The bruise is thus painful, and may result in swelling and skin discoloration on account of the bleeding tissue. Some persons tend to bruise more easily than others. For instance, a person may develop a bruise with no evidence of any trauma or injury to the skin. In such cases, bruising is a result of vitamin and nutrition deficiencies that make blood vessels weaker and prone to damage. Menstruation and diabetes are other causes for easy bruising. If you have a bruise that has not healed for a prolonged period of time, seek help from your medical practitioner as this may be an indicator of other, more serious conditions. Certain kinds of medication may cause bruises on the skin as they interfere with the process of blood clotting.

Natural Remedies To Heal Bruises

• Applying an ice pack on the bruise will provide immediate relief from the pain and swelling. An effective ice pack can be made by mixing two parts of water with one part of alcohol. The alcohol enables the ice pack to be flexible, and fit to the contours of the body, thus making it easier to treat the bruise.
• An infusion made from confrey root is an excellent remedy for bruises. Soak a soft cloth in this infusion and place it on the bruise for immediate relief from pain, discoloration and swelling.
• You can also make a plaster with confrey leaves, and apply it on your skin to help treat bruises.
• Parsley is an effective remedy while treating bruises. Crush a few parsley leaves, and apply this directly on your bruise to help diminish discoloration and reduce pain.
• The leaves of cabbage are also very efficient in the treatment of bruises. Wrap the bruised area in cabbage leaves for immediate relief.
• An infusion prepared from Arnica, Chamomile, and Yarrow is greatly beneficial for bruises.
• Add some witch hazel to your bath water to help treat bruises. Ensure that the water is not very hot as this can aggravate the bruise. Witch hazel promotes blood circulation, and will thus ensure a speedy recovery from the bruise.

Osteoporosis is a condition that caused bones in the body to become thin and brittle. The term osteoporosis comes from ‘osteo’ which means bone and ‘porosis’ which means becoming thinner and more porous. This bone disorder results in the erosion of the mineral density of the bone. Bone density is measured as an extent of bone that is present in the body’s skeletal system, and the lower the bone mass or density, the higher the chance of bones becoming brittle, and getting damaged. Osteoporosis is thus a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention as it may lead to potentially dangerous conditions, and bone damage. Bone damage as a result of osteoporosis generally tends to occur in the wrist, hip, and spine, and can occur in the form of a fracture or a collapsing of the bone. Though these areas may generally be affected as a result of osteoporosis, all bones in the body are susceptible to damage by this condition. Acute back pain or a sharp pain in either the hipbone or wrist, lower arm or the thigh bone is a common symptom of osteoporosis. A hunched back or a bent structure is another common symptom of osteoporosis. A person with a stooped posture or someone who has undergone a reduction in natural height on account of collapsed vertebrae is likely to be suffering from osteoporosis.

There are several causes for osteoporosis, and they include conditions like estrogen deficiency that occurs after menopause. Osteoporosis is also an age related disorder since bones tend to become weaker with age, and should therefore be closely monitored with the help of tests. Vitamin D or calcium deficiency can also lead to osteoporosis. Calcium deficiency arising from consuming certain kinds of medications can also lead to osteoporosis in certain cases. An over active thyroid gland or even disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can lead to bone damage and eventually lead to osteoporosis.

Diet To Prevent Osteoporosis

A healthy diet can help cure and prevent osteoporosis.

• Increase your consumption of soy products to help build the level of estrogen in the body.
• Eat foods that are rich in calcium and minerals. Alternatively, you can take calcium supplements to cure the deficiency that is causing osteoporosis.
• Green leafy vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains help restore the balance of calcium and other essential minerals in the body.
• Drinking dandelion tea is very effective in treating osteoporosis.
• Ensure that you exercise everyday to increase the strength of your bones, and prevent damage.

Skin care is very important during the winter on account of various skin problems that arise during this time. The winter tends to leave skin very dry and flaky. In addition to a tightness of the skin and a feeling of dryness, sometimes exposure to the extreme cold could also lead to skin conditions like eczema. It is thus essential to incorporate a good skin care regiment in your daily routine to help safeguard your skin against the harsh winter. In extreme cases, you can consult a skin care specialist to assess your skin type so that you can use specialized products to care for your skin. However, in most cases, with a few simple skin care tips and home remedies, you can care for your skin during the winter, right at home.

• It is absolutely essential to moisturize your skin well during winter. Take care in choosing the right kind of moisturizer that is suited to your skin type. A moisturizer that is oil based is more effective in the winter than one which is water based. This is because an oil based moisturizer retains moisture in the skin more effectively than one which is water based.
• It is however, important to remember that different parts of your body require specialized care in the winter. For your face, a moisturizer with an oil base that is made of mineral oil, avocado oil, almond oil or primrose oil is ideal. These oils don’t clog the pores of your face while providing the skin with moisture.
• Similarly, the skin of your hands and feet require special attention in the winter otherwise they too start to form cracks and peel. Choose a moisturizer that is glycerin based or petroleum jelly based for your feet as they require intensive moisturizing.
• For your hands, choose a moisturizer that will keep them nourished through the day.
• Wear gloves and socks to protect your feet when you go outdoors. Choose the material for your gloves carefully, as certain kinds of materials may cause skin irritation and allergy. Wearing cotton gloves next to the skin, and then woolen gloves over this is effective in keeping out the cold and does not lead to allergies. Avoid wearing gloves that have become wet for long periods of time.
• Keep you gloves and socks, and clothes as dry as possible and change out of wet clothes immediately. It helps to periodically exfoliate your skin in the winter months, as this helps skin absorb and retain moisture better.

Sinusitis is a condition caused by the inflammation of the sinuses which are narrow, hollow air spaces inside the bones that surround the nose. The inflammation restricts the proper flow of air and mucus, thus resulting in infection triggered by bacterial growth. Pain and tenderness around the eyes and cheek bones are common signs of sinusitis. A heavy head and a thick yellow discharge are also characteristic of this condition. The inflammation usually results in a difficulty in breathing leading to a lot of discomfort. Congestion, fever, fatigue, weakness, headaches, bad breath, tooth aches and earaches are also indicative of sinusitis, as times.

Natural Remedies For Sinus Relief

• A healthy balanced diet is essential for a healthy body and mind. Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and salads are known to benefit people suffering from sinusitis.
• Foods rich in vitamin C help in building up the immune system thus making it strong enough to fight off various infections. Vitamin C also assists in the healing of damaged epithelial tissue.
• Eggs, yogurt and milk are also known to prevent sinusitis.
• Drinking plenty of water is recommended for the treatment of sinusitis as it helps in thinning out the mucus, allowing it to flow out of the nasal passages with ease. This helps in preventing headaches and congestion.
• Hot green tea, soup and broth are also known to be advantageous in reducing the symptoms of sinusitis.
• Nasal drops prepared by dissolving common salt in water can be used to unblock the nasal passages. This mixture can be prepared and stored in a bottle and used with the help of a dropper.
• Steam inhalation also proves very advantageous in opening up the nasal passages and relieving the sinus cavities.
• Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water used for the inhalation will be beneficial in reducing the pressure exerted by the inflamed sinuses while lessening congestion.
• In addition, garlic and onions added to the diet help in reducing sinus related problems.
• A moist, warm towel held across the nose will also help in thinning out the nasal discharge.
• People suffering from sinusitis should avoid the use of strong perfumes, scented oils and alcohol as they have a tendency to aggravate the condition.
• Sufficient rest is also crucial in easing the discomfort caused by sinusitis and related congestion.
• Sleeping on the side or with the head higher than the rest of the body is beneficial in making breathing easier.

In severe cases of sinusitis, medical intervention may become necessary.

Melanin is the pigment present in the skin that is responsible for giving skin its natural color. Sometimes, this pigment gets concentrated in spots on the skin resulting in the formation of freckles. Freckles are commonly seen in fair people due to their light skin color that makes these blemishes very obvious. Freckles are usually found on the face as the skin on the face is more sensitive in comparison to the rest of the body. The face is also the most exposed part of our body.

The UVA and UVB rays of the sun have the ability to cause a lot of damage to the skin. The formation of freckles is also linked with direct exposure to the harmful rays of the sun, especially the UVB rays that stimulate the melanocytes causing an increase in the production of melanin to protect the skin from damage owing to sun exposure. This increase in melanin production makes the freckles darker and more prominent. Hence, to avoid the occurrence of freckles, staying away from direct sunlight is recommended. However, it is not always possible to stay away from sunlight. Hence, the use of a sunscreen, with an SPF of 15 or more, at all times is recommended. Since the protective value of a sunscreen tends to wear off in two hours or so, reapplying a liberal layer of sunscreen whenever possible is recommended.

Home Remedies To Remove Freckles

• The use of cosmetics with a sunscreen component will help in preventing the formation of freckles to a large extent. In addition, a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf will also prove beneficial in protecting the face from damage caused by the sun.
• The use of lemon juice is recommended for the treatment of freckles as it has the ability to lighten spots. The antioxidants present in lemon juice also help in healing skin damage caused by the sun. Since lemon juice is acidic in nature, most people cannot bear the tingling sensation left behind by it. In such a case, adding a little honey to the juice is recommended. In addition, honey also has natural healing properties and the ability to nourish the skin giving it a healthy glow.
• The application of cucumber juice or the juice of a raw potato on the affected area will also be beneficial in reducing dark spots.
• Every night, before going to bed, massaging your skin with vitamin E oil will also assist in rejuvenating the skin and restoring its natural beauty.

Aloe Vera is gaining extreme importance as an herbal medicine. It is the succulent pulp from the leaves that is used for various beneficial treatments ranging from skin and hair care to improving the overall health of an individual through internal consumption. Aloe is believed to be a rich source of various proteins, amino acids, minerals and vitamins thus gaining importance as a natural remedy to a variety of ailments. Aloe can be used in its pure form by slitting open the leaf and removing only the pulp. This pulp can then be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated so as to prevent it from drying up. A tonic can also be prepared by processing the pulp in a blender and storing the obtained liquid in a bottle. There is no need for the addition of water as the aloe pulp itself is very juicy.

Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera

• Aloe is known to improve the overall texture of skin and hair as it a natural moisturizer.
• In addition, it helps in the absorption of excess oil thus reducing the problems of oily skin and oily hair.
• It is also known to be beneficial in the treatment of acne, eczema, dandruff and various microbial infections due to its antimicrobial properties.
• It is also a natural healer that quickens the healing of burns, cuts and bruises while reducing the chances of scarring through its anti-inflammatory qualities.
• Aloe is said to assist in strengthening the immune system due to its high nutritional value. The consumption of a teaspoon of aloe tonic after every meal is believed to reduce the chances of heartburn and acidity as it has a cooling effect on the stomach. It also encourages the release of gastric enzymes that aid digestion and prevents the formation of stomach ulcers.
• Aloe is also considered to be one of the best body cleansers. It is supposed to help in maintaining body weight while assisting in the loss of excess weight.
• It is also believed to help in the treatment of ailments related to the gums and teeth.
• In addition, drinking aloe juice is believed to prevent joint pains.
• The regular consumption of aloe juice is considered beneficial in regulating blood sugar levels thus reducing the chances of cardiovascular disorders.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that all natural remedies prove effective only if carried out on a regular basis over a period of time. In spite of the numerous claims to improving health, some researchers state that these benefits of aloe are yet to be proven.

Stretch marks are a common problem and occur as a result of rapid changes in weight. When a person gains and loses weight too frequently, stretch marks occur on the skin and take a very long time to fade. Stretch marks can be very disfiguring and are more or less prominent depending on the color of a person’s complexion. Stretch marks occur most commonly during periods of rapid weight gain and loss, like pregnancy or even a as a result of a period of rapid growth during adolescence.

Home Remedies For Stretch Mark Removal

There are several ways to reduce or lighten stretch marks.

• You can try a natural bleach to help lighten stretch marks. Lemon is an effective natural bleach. Apply the juice of a lemon, or half a lemon directly on the effected area to help diminish stretch marks.
• Try to gently exfoliate the area to dislodge dead skin cells that may have accumulated around the stretch marks, causing a discoloration or a patchy complexion. Exfoliating the area with a gentle apricot scrub may help diminish the stretch marks and lighten the skin of the affected area.
• You can apply cream that contains vitamin K on the area to help lighten stretch marks.
• Increase your intake of foods that contain vitamin K to help diminish stretch marks. Green leafy vegetables, diary products, liver and tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin K and are very useful in treating stretch marks.
• Foods that are rich in zinc are very useful in the treatment of stretch marks.
• Apply aloe vera on the affected area to help reduce stretch marks.
• Applying vitamin E directly on the affected area is another excellent method of reducing stretch marks.
• Cocoa butter is a great remedy for diminishing stretch marks. Apply cocoa butter on the affected area to help lighten stretch marks.
• Make a mixture of jojoba oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil and an ounce of carrier oil. Add a few drops of chamomile and lavender oil to this mixture. Apply this mixture on the stretch marks to help reduce them effectively.
• Regular exercise is another effective way of avoiding stretch marks. Regular exercise helps tone the muscles and makes skin firmer. It also helps in maintaining a regular and constant body weight. This reduces the possibility of stretch marks and helps keep you fit.
• A body massage with aroma oil may also be effective in reducing stretch marks as this helps firm muscles and skin.

Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder that causes the skin on the face to break out into small red bumps and red patches. The small red bumps may be filled with pus and may appear on the cheeks and the nose. When suffering from rosacea, the skin appears to be red and flushed. In some cases, rosacea causes the nose to appear red and bulbous.

Rosacea Diet Tips

There are several ways of caring for rosacea at home. It is important that you follow a skin care regiment that will ensure that you can curb rosacea at the earliest.

• It is important to care for your skin both externally and internally, by regulating your diet. Ensure that your diet doesn’t include processed foods. Processed foods that contain a high level of trans fat or sugar may aggravate your condition.
• Increase your consumption of fish, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and will help control rosacea.
• Reduce your consumption of spicy foods and chocolate as they will aggravate this condition.
• In addition, exercise caution while buying skin care products. Do not use face cleansers that have high alcohol content or those that have a very strong perfume. Strong scents and alcohol could irritate your skin and make rosacea worse.
• Rosacea symptoms may accelerate due to exposure to extreme temperatures. Excessive sun or wind could cause great damage to your skin, especially if you suffer from symptoms of rosacea. Avoid going outdoors without applying sunscreen and ensure that you keep your face well covered and protected in windy or cold conditions.

Home Remedies For Rosacea: There are also several home remedies you can try in order to alleviate symptoms of rosacea.

• The herb chrysanthellum indicum is an excellent remedy for rosacea. Creams that have this herb as a base will be effective in the treatment of rosacea. This herb promotes the functioning of capillaries and helps curb the symptoms of rosacea.
• Licorice, if applied directly on the affected areas provides relief from redness and inflammation of the skin. Apply licorice on your face everyday to help reduce the occurrence of red bumps and patches.
• A deficiency of riboflavin may also lead to rosacea. A deficiency of riboflavin may be on account of irregular eating habits or improper digestion and these factors combine to cause rosacea. Taking vitamin B supplements is one effective way of caring for the deficiency of riboflavin.
• Oatmeal is an excellent remedy for rosacea. Mix oatmeal with warm water in a blender until it forms a thick paste and apply this on your face to help treat rosacea.

Acid reflux and heartburn are common stomach disorders that cause content in the stomach that is liquid to rise up out of the esophagus. This can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing. One of the most common symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn is to have a burning sensation either in the throat or the center of the chest. This is the result of acid formation in the stomach that is pushed upwards through the esophagus. Acid reflex is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Most of the time, those who suffer from acid reflux tend to experience heartburn very often, although, not everyone who suffers from acid reflux suffers from heartburn. This is a serious condition that needs to be treated immediately. Over a period of time, acid reflux could be a potentially dangerous condition as it causes the delicate lining of the esophagus to erode. This could lead to the formation of scar tissue in the esophagus and then lead to difficulty in swallowing. Acid reflux is also known to cause cancer of the esophagus. Those suffering from acid reflux tend to experience frequent dry cough, bad breath, a tightening sensation in the throat, problems with sleeping and often, a bitter taste in the mouth. Acid reflux may also cause breathing problems, chest pains, a coarse feeling in the throat and even wheezing.

There are several factors that cause acid reflex, mainly, the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter is made up of muscle tissue and is responsible for keeping the food that enters the stomach from coming back up. It performs this function by regulating the lower opening of the esophagus while eating and swallowing. Sometimes, however, this sphincter may malfunction or may lose it’s ability to contract and therefore allows the stomach’s liquid contents to resurface. This sphincter may be weakened on account of several factors. In its weakened state the esophageal sphincter cannot maintain the balance of pressure between the stomach and the esophagus.

Tips To Prevent Acid Reflux

It is important to take certain precautions to prevent the possibility of acid reflex and to treat the condition.

• Eat small meals but eat regularly in the day.
• Ensure that you reduce your intake of fatty and fried foods.
• Avoid consuming alcohol and tobacco as this will worsen your condition.
• Ensure that you regulate your meal timings such that you avoid eating too close to bedtime.
• Apple cider vinegar is an excellent home remedy for acid reflux. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water and drink this while you are eating to help prevent acid reflux.

You should consult an eye doctor if you are suffering from loss of vision or impaired eyesight. This will help you determine exactly what is causing impairment in your vision. However, there are several ways to improve your eyesight and prevent eye disorders by following some eye care routines, exercises and home remedies. It is important to reduce the strain on your eye by everyday activities like reading, watching television and spending long hours in front of a computer screen. Take frequent breaks while reading or working on the computer. This ensures that your eyes don’t become dry and stressed. It is very beneficial for your eyes if your computer screen has a protective, anti-glare film to prevent damage to the eyes. Several foods are known to improve eyesight; therefore, making a few dietary changes will be greatly beneficial if you suffer from any eye disorder. Since most eye disorders are caused by a vitamin A deficiency, consuming foods that are rich in vitamin A will help reduce eye problems.

Food Tips For Better Eyesight

• Foods like beef, eggs, carrots and milk are very helpful in improving vision because of their high vitamin A content.
• Foods like cabbage, tomatoes, green peas, lettuce, oranges, milk cream, cheese, turnip, dates and fresh milk are all rich sources of vitamin A.
• Drink a glass of carrot juice everyday to help improve your eyesight. Carrots help improve your vision because of its rich mineral contents like iron, phosphorus, calcium and manganese. Increase your intake of carrots by serving it as a topping or in salads or stir fried with other vegetables.
• Eating spinach is another effective way of improving your eyesight. Spinach is rich in amino acids and helps keep your eyes healthy. Spinach is also rich in iron and vitamins B, A and C that are greatly beneficial for your eyes.
• Eggs are a rich source of protein that is very beneficial for your eyes. Eating eggs also prevents the occurrence of eye disorders like cataract.
• Aloe vera is very effective for the treatment of eye disorders and helps improve your vision. You can either drink the juice of aloe vera directly or rub the gel on your eyes to help soothe them.
• Eating vegetables like carrots, cabbage, spinach and tomatoes uncooked, in salads or as toppings is the most effective method of consuming the nutrients in these foods.
• Peaches, berries and oranges are also fruits that are greatly beneficial for improving vision because of their high protein and fiber content.
• Blueberry juice is an effective way of improving your eyesight.