Cures

About the Condition

Rosacea is a disease of the skin that causes pimples and redness on the face. It has been called adult acne since breakouts tend to look like acne. Some cases or breakouts also include soreness and burning in the eyelids and eyes. If left untreated rosacea can worsen and can also cause very serious eye and vision problems,

• It is unclear what causes rosacea but it does seem to run in families and mainly affects fair skinned people. The symptoms of rosacea are:
• Flushing or redness on cheeks, nose, mouth, or forehead that can last for several days
• Pimples or bumps that resemble acne
• Red, dry, swollen and irritated eyes
• Stinging or burning of the skin on the face that feels dry and sensitive or fells almost sunburned

Medicine cures and remedies

Though there are no cures for rosacea, symptoms can be treated and progression of the disease can be halted. Doctors commonly prescribe antibiotics in cream and pill form to help treat the redness and pimples. Antibiotics are also commonly used to treat eye problems. Other medicines used include: Acutane, tretinoin, isotretinoin and retinol creams. In cases of very advanced rosacea, surgical procedures can help aesthetically. Common procedures are laser surgery, dermabrassion and cryosurgery.

Alternative cures and remedies

There are many creams that homeopaths prescribe in the treatment of rosacea. Though these products should not be considered cures for rosacea, they are meant to alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups for as long as possible. A few creams commonly used are: green tea cream, Niacinamide Cream, Chrysanthellum Indicum Cream, and Azelaic Acid Cream. Ingestion of apple cider vinegar, B vitamins, selenium and zinc are also thought to offer relief help to avoid flare-ups. Treatments of aloe, burdock, chamomile, red clover and rose hips have also been prescribed.

Home cures and remedies

While there are no home cures for rosacea, there are steps that can be taken to minimize flare-ups and protect vision. Finding triggers is the first step. Keeping a diary of food and drink will help pinpoint the main triggers. Use sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher every day. Use products for sensitive skin and stay away from exfoliants and scratchy products. Do not scratch, rub or scrub the skin. Avoiding other stressors to the skin is also advisable, stressors such as: wind exposure, unprotected sun exposure, caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol and stressful situations.

About Upset Stomach

Heartburn, stomach pains, irregular bowel movement, constipation and a taste of bile are all symptoms of an upset stomach. These symptoms can worsen from alcohol, onions, fatty foods, coffee, chocolate or citrus.

The usual cause of an upset stomach is a condition called reflux oesophagitis. This is condition is brought about by stomach acid that moves up into the esophagus. Reflux oesophagitis feels like heartburn and can leave the taste of bile.

Ulcers are another common cause of upset stomach. Because the symptoms are very similar, ulcers can be mistaken for reflux oesophagitis. If symptoms also include black stools or unintended weight loss it is time to see a doctor. Most ulcers are caused by bacteria and can be treated with anti-ulcer medicine or antibiotics.

Irritable bowel syndrome is another cause for upset stomach. In this case a pain appears and gets worse after eating, but is helped by having a bowel movement. This pain is caused by an irritated large intestine when a change of movement occurs in the intestine.

There are danger signs to watch for. If any of the following symptoms occur, it is important to see a doctor immediately:

• Black, bloody or tar-like stools
• Vomiting with blood in it or a substance that looks like coffee grounds
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Sharp, sudden pains

Medicine cures and remedies

Depending on the specific cause of upset stomach doctors may prescribe antibiotics, anti-bacterials, acid neutralizers, anti-diarrhea medications as cures for upset stomach. Additionally, a special diet may be prescribed with specific foods to avoid. It is important to complete any course of treatment to avoid a chance of relapse.

Alternative cures and natural remedies

Homeopathic cures for upset stomach include: drinking peppermint tea, eat a mixture of fresh ginger and honey twice daily, taking a yoga class, medatative breathing. Peppermint candies will also calm many upset stomachs. It is also thought that sipping a dark red wine can help to settle nausea while milk can dilute acids.

Home cures and remedies

Home cures for upset stomach are kind of hit and miss unless the cause of the upset is known. Ingesting fresh ginger or peppermint is thought to help. Placing a heating pad has been known to ease the pain of some stomach upset. Taking over the counter medications such as Gas-x, Pepto Bismol or taking a mild laxative can also be of some help.

About Sinus Infection

Sinus infections, also known as acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis, can become quite sever and debilitating. Sinus infections occur when the membranes inside the sinuses, nose and throat become swollen and block the sinus openings. This will prevent mucus from draining correctly and creates a moist environment allowing for infections. When sinuses become infected they become filled with pus, which leads to a whole host of symptoms. The common symptoms of sinus infection are:

• Thick greenish or yellowish discharge, either from the nose or back of the throat
• Nasal congestion or obstruction
• Pain and tenderness with possible swelling in the areas of sinus cavities
• Painful ache in upper teeth and jaw
• Coughing that worsens at night
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Ear ache
• Bad breath

If a sinus infection is suspected it is important to see a doctor if symptoms last longer than 7 days. See a doctor immediately if there is: severe headache, shortness of breath, confusion, changes in vision or stiff neck.

Medicine cures and remedies

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics as cures for sinus infection if the cause is due to a bacterial infection. Many cases of sinus infection are not bacterial and antibiotics will not help. Immunotherapy may be prescribed if allergies are the cause of sinus infection. Surgery is an option when sinus infections become are chronic and other avenues have been explored.

Alternative cures and remedies

Homeopathic cures for sinus infection have not been approved by the FDA. A popular homeopathic cure is a steam that is breathed throughout the day, and is said to have antifungal and antibiotic properties. The steam formula includes: ½ clove of garlic, 2 drops of tea tree oil, 1/4t. eucalyptus, 2 drops of a pau d’arco, a South American herb. All ingredients are dissolved in a pan of boiling water. The steam is inhaled for 2-3 minutes, two times a day.

Home cures and remedies

There are several home cures and remedies that may help. Although these remedies are not cures for sinus infection, they may be able to help lessen the symptoms. Getting plenty of rest and liquids such as water and juice will help the body heal itself quicker. Steaming sinus cavities by draping a towel over the head while breathing the steam off a bowl of hot water will help alleviate pain and cause mucus to drain. Warm compresses will ease sinus pain in the face. Sleep with the head elevated to reduce congestion and help sinuses to drain.

About Heartburn

Heartburn is the condition that occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus. Normally the lower esophageal sphincter, or the band of muscle and the bottom of the esophagus, opens to let foods and liquids to pass down into the stomach. When this sphincter fails to close properly, for whatever reason, the acids from the stomach flow back up the esophagus and causes heartburn.  

The symptoms of heartburn are: burning in the chest, usually at night or after eating; and pain that becomes worse when bending over or lying down.  

If chest pain becomes sever, see a doctor immediately as it may be a heart attack instead of heartburn. A doctor should be consulted when: the heartburn is present more than two times a week, or if there is difficulty swallowing.  

Medicine cures and remedies 

Still other medications will control the acid and help to heal the damaged esophagus. Over the counter versions are Prevacid 24 hour and Prilosec OTC.  

Alternative cures and remedies

It is believed that heartburn can worsen due to stress and anxiety. Coping strategies are thought to be cures for heartburn by alleviating the stressful situations that can bring it on. A few stress relievers to try are: hypnosis, massage, listening to soft music, breathing exercises and light exercise like walking or stretching.  

Home cures and remedies

In addition to home cures there are a few lifestyle changes that are thought to remove the environment that cause stomach acids to travel up the esophagus. The number one suggestion is to avoid the specific foods that trigger heartburn. Each individual has a different set of trigger foods, so it may take some trial and error to find them.  

It has also been suggested that eating smaller meals will keep from overfilling the stomach and/or causing the stomach to produce too much acid. Individuals with heart burn symptoms should not lie down after eating a meal for at least two to three hours.  

Tight fitting clothing has also been blamed for some bouts of heartburn. When clothing is too tight it can squeeze the abdomen and in turn press against the stomach. This can cause stomach acids to be spilled into the esophagus.

About Hot Flashes

Hot flashes can occur at any time, and will leave you sweaty, flushed and sometimes even tired. Hormonal imbalances are the root cause of most hot flashes, with menopause being the main culprit. The cause for hot flashes is not completely known, though the signs point toward the hypothalamus, or the body’s thermostat. There is not set pattern, flashes could occur just a few times a week or up to several times a day.

The symptoms of hot flashes include: head pressure, mild to intense heat in upper body, flushing, rapid heart rate, fatigue, weakness, dizziness and faintness. Flashes at night are sometimes known as night sweats and can wake you up with their intensity. Many hot flashes only last minutes but they can last up to half an hour.

Treatment is usually not necessary if you can handle them fairly well. There are options for treatment of symptoms if hot flashes are disrupting your everyday life.

Medicine cures and remedies

Remedy for hot flashes by Sue Richards ©

The main medical cures for hot flashes are actually not for hot flashes specifically, but for menopause in general. Hormone replacement therapy or HRT is either estrogen therapy or progesterone therapy. The doctor may prescribe either or both together depending on your particular medical history. A very serious side effect, and the reason many women refuse HRT, is the chance of developing breast cancer. The chances of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer rise dramatically in women who are on HRT.

Alternative cures and remedies

Black cohosh, soy and red clover are all purported alternative cures for hot flashes. Black cohosh is used in European countries to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms and is increasingly popular with menopausal women in the United States.

Soy and red clover both contain isoflavones which are thought to have a moderate effect on hot flashes associated with menopause. Women in Asian countries report less instances of hot flashes during menopause and it is thought to be because of the increased consumption of soy and soy based products.

Home cures and remedies

In cases where hot flashes are mild, lifestyle changes alone could alleviate the symptoms. Home cures and remedies for hot flashes include: keeping cool so as not to trigger hot flashes; stay away from spicy foods and caffeine; quit smoking as smokers have more instances of hot flashes. Deep breathing exercises can sometimes lesson the effects of hot flashes.

About the Nail Fungus

Nail fungal infections start out as white or yellow spots under the nail tip. Once the fungus spreads deeper along the nail bed it can cause the nail to change colors, thicken and develop crumbly edges. Nail infections are difficult to treat and many times become recurring problems.

Fungus is made up of microscopic organisms that live in moist, warm environments such as showers and swimming pools. They invade the body through minute cuts in the skin and separations between the nail bed and the nail. Nails must be continuously exposed to warm, moist environments in order for nail fungus to flourish and become a problem. The symptoms of nail fungal infections are nails that become: dark in color, dull and lacking shine, misshapen and distorted, thickened and have ragged, brittle or crumbly edges. Nails may also detach from the nail bed.

Medicine cures and remedies

Doctors often prescribe oral antifungal medicines as cures for nail fungus. The most effective medications have been with Lamisil and Sporanox. Oral antifungal medications are most often prescribed for patients with other risk factors such as diabetes, a history of cellulitis or are experiencing pain. Complete eradication of nail fungus can take up to four months of treatment. Other medical treatments include antifungal nail polish, topical medications and surgery to remove the infected nails.

Alternative/natural cures and remedies

Homeopathic practitioners have been known to prescribe tea tree oil treatments as cures for nail fungus. It has been stated that swabbing the infected nail twice daily with a cotton swab soaked in tea tree oil will aid in healing. This is to be done to a clean, dry nail.

Home cures and remedies

There are over the counter antifungal ointments and creams that can be purchased for at home use. This type of treatment is not very effective, especially if athlete’s foot is present or feet are kept enclosed in sports shoes that could become damp. Usually nail fungus must be treated with medications at higher doses than are available in over the counter medications. Keeping nails clean and dry can help aid and speed the heeling process.

Soaking feet in vinegar has been shown to aid in the inhibition of some bacteria. Experts suggest soaking feet in a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water for 15- 20 minutes daily. Applications of Vick’s Vapo Rub have been said to help as well.