Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) occurs when the antibodies present in the body mistakenly attacks the cells lining the joints. This leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. This is a chronic disease that affects over 1.3 million people in the country, as reported in 2018 by Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network. There is no specific cause of RA, and hence treatment is varied, and many rely on home remedies that give them some relief. Here are some remedies that can help you get rid of pain and stiffness caused in arthritis: Mustard oil, and camphor remedy Heat 1 cup of mustard oil and add 10 grams of camphor in it. Heat this together till the camphor dissolves completely. Wait till the oil is lukewarm, and then use this mixture to massage on the areas where you experience swelling. Mustard oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has historically been used to soothe aches and pain. Also, camphor has properties that relieve pain and inflammation. Olive oil and lavender essential oil remedy Take some warm olive oil in a small bowl and add 2 drops of lavender essential oil in it. Use this mixture to massage the affected areas to alleviate discomfort and inflammation. Olive oil has a special compound called oleocanthal, and oleic acid that reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body. Lavender essential oil is just for your own home spa experience. Turmeric milk Turmeric has a chemical called curcumin, it helps reduce the pain and brings down the swelling. Many Indian dishes use this as one of the main spices in cooking, but if you aren’t a fan of those recipes you can try turmeric milk. Take one glass of milk and add 1 tablespoon of turmeric. Mix this and consume it daily before going to bed. Consume apple cider vinegar & honey Take one glass of warm water Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar Add 1 tablespoon honey Mix this well, and drink this once daily Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the pain and stiffness caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Living with a chronic condition isn’t easy; you’ll always have to be on guard against elements that trigger the condition and will have to lug your medications wherever you go. Asthma is one such chronic condition that, according to the CDC, affects approximately 25 million people in the country. Moreover, this condition is quite prevalent in children—1 child out of every 12 is diagnosed with asthma. Asthma is an inflammatory condition that affects the airways to the lungs and makes breathing difficult. This, in turn, makes performing any physical activity impossible. Mostly, people opt for medications to keep asthma under control and prevent an asthma attack. But there are others who rely on alternative treatment techniques to control asthma symptoms and keep the condition in check. Here are some effective home remedies to keep asthma under control. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body. In fact, this method has been used in western countries as well to improve the symptoms of asthma. Acupuncture improves lung function and is believed to modulate the immune system as well. Also, there is an increase in studies on the effect of acupuncture in treating respiratory conditions. Although some have yielded inconclusive results, some have reported that acupuncture can control the symptoms of asthma. Yoga One of the major triggers of asthma is stress, and one of the best ways to deal with stress is to practice yoga. The breathing exercises used in yoga can help people with asthma control breathing as well as relieve stress. There are certain yoga poses that can improve asthma symptoms as they open your throat and chest and facilitate easy breathing. The Bound Angle Pose, Bridge Pose, Bow Pose, and Cat Pose are some of the effective yoga poses that can help you deal with asthma symptoms.

Migraines are severe headaches that are recurring and can last for hours or even days. There is no specific cause known for migraines. As a result, no cure has been found yet. It is usually triggered by several factors like hormonal changes, emotional triggers (stress, anxiety, depression), environmental triggers (smoke or loud noises), and flickering screens. Sometimes, even certain foods or drinks can trigger migraine attacks. These include alcohol and caffeine. While triggers are different for each individual, there are some general home remedies that can help you manage your pain when a migraine comes knocking at your doorstep. Let’s look at some remedies that can help you manage migraine attacks better: Medicinal properties of ginger Ginger is known to be a medicinal herb and has been used as a home remedy for centuries now. Ginger root has anti-inflammatory properties that block out the prostaglandins which cause the pain during a migraine. You can use chopped ginger root in your food or you may also make ginger tea and consume it 2-3 times during the day. Cabbage paste Your simple kitchen ingredients are full of surprises. Cabbage has properties that reduce pain and swelling and can be used in the form of a paste to alleviate your migraine pain. All you need to do is take some fresh cabbage leaves and crush them until it leaves out some juices. Then, take a clean muslin cloth and apply this crushed cabbage paste on the cloth. You can then place this on your forehead until the paste dries out, and repeat as needed. Carrot and spinach juice It is studied that magnesium deficiency can trigger migraine attacks, so having a diet rich in magnesium can help avoid migraines. Dark leafy vegetables have magnesium and sodium. This organic sodium rehydrates the body, unlike the sodium associated with table salt, and helps in relieving pain.

Diabetes is recorded to affect millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, the widespread of this condition doesn’t seem to show any signs of slowing, and the only way to deal with it is through effective control. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot effectively transport sugar from the blood to the cells. If left unchecked, it can turn deleterious over the years, leading to the development of several other conditions.  It is essential to seek medical help and undergo the right treatment when affected by diabetes. This includes the use of medications like metformin and insulin injections. While medical intervention is usually necessary for diabetes, there are several natural home remedies and measures that can be used to show promise in treating the same.  Stay well-hydrated Water plays a key role when keeping blood sugar levels under control. It prevents dehydration and aids in flushing out excess blood sugar from the urine. There are some studies that point at how people who drank more amount of water daily had a reduced risk of developing unhealthy blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of water effectively hydrates the blood and keeps blood sugar levels in check.  Keep stress levels in check Stress has a highly negative impact on the levels of blood sugar. In times of excessive stress, hormones such as glucagon and cortisol can cause an immediate spike in the blood sugar levels. Stress can be reduced using several measures such as mindful meditation and daily relaxation.  Quality sleep Today, most people lead a lifestyle that has a direct effect on sleep quality. Poor sleeping habits, late sleeping hours, and not getting enough rest can affect blood sugar levels and trigger diabetes. Additionally, improper sleeping habits can increase appetite and bring about unhealthy weight gain. One must get enough quality sleep every night to ensure optimum health.  Regular exercise This not only increases the sensitivity of insulin but also ensures effective weight control.

Constipation is the infrequent bowel movement and is generally described as having less than three bowel moments in a week. This condition can last for several weeks or longer. It is one of the most common health conditions that people in the country suffer on a daily basis. It is estimated that around 20% of people in the country suffer from constipation. Chronic constipation can result in unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and experiencing pain while passing stools. These symptoms can also have a negative effect on the quality of life in the long run. Having said that, it is easy to treat constipation with some simple home remedies, some of which are mentioned below: Stay hydrated Drinking less than required water can result in constipation. Dehydration is one of the major reasons why people suffer from constipation. So, it is highly recommended to drink at least two liters of water to avoid symptoms of dehydration. Apart from treating idiopathic constipation, water can also help in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, avoid drinking carbonated water like flavored soda as it can worsen the symptoms of constipation. Caffeinated drinks Coffee stimulates the muscles in the digestive system which can stimulate bowel movement. Some studies suggest that coffee is at least 60 percent more effective than drinking water. Coffee also contains a small amount of soluble fibers, which can prevent constipation by improving the balance of gut bacteria. Eat more fiber Increasing fiber in the daily diet also increases the bulk in the consistency of the bowel movements, which makes it easier to pass. A recent study has revealed that more than 70 percent of individuals with chronic constipation benefit from including soluble fiber in their daily diet. Insoluble fibers such as whole grains, vegetables, and wheat bran add bulk to the stools helping them pass more quickly.

Working out, eating right, and catching up on your beauty sleep yields wonderful results. However, stress and pollution can wreak havoc on your hair and skin. While there are numerous skin products available that can repair the damage inflicted by the environment, when it comes to hair treatments, people prefer opting for natural remedies. Moreover, certain hair types are more prone to damage than others, and that’s where natural hair treatments come to your rescue. Visiting the salon might be the only viable solution, but there are better options. The ingredients for your hair treatment can be found easily, and you can whip them up in no time. Here are some of the most effective homemade hair treatments that will leave you with a strong and lustrous mane. Fancy some black tea? Tea can have an amazing effect on your hair. If your hair has been looking dull lately, you can revitalize it with the help of black tea! For this homemade hair treatment, all you have to do is brew some black tea. Let it cool and pour the tea onto your hair. You’ll have to wait for ten minutes and then wash it off. Et voila! Your hair will be shinier than it has ever been. You can repeat this hair treatment twice a week for best results. Butter it up Butter is a perfect remedy for dry and frizzy hair. It is creamy and rich, and adds softness and moisture to your hair. This hair treatment is inspired by a practice prominent in Ethiopia, where people use butter to moisturize their hair and protect it from sun damage. This hair treatment works wonders even if you have curly hair. It enhances your natural hair texture, and adds moisture and sheen to it. Go bananas! Bananas are the powerhouse of nutrients and are high in potassium too.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that results in red and itchy skin. This skin condition is common in children, but it can occur at any age. Chronic eczema can flare periodically and can be accompanied by fever and asthma. It has a wide range of symptoms including dry, red, and itchy skin; small, raised bumps that leak fluid when scratched, and thickened and cracked skin. The symptoms usually appear before the age of 5 and can persist in adolescence and even adulthood. Apart from taking medications and treatments prescribed by dermatologists and doctors, there are home remedies that can be used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of eczema. Some of these are mentioned below: Bleach Bleach has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can help in improving eczema symptoms. It is known to kill S aureus, a type of bacteria that causes staph infection on the surface of the skin. It also helps in restoring microbiomes on the skin surface. Dermatologists recommend using half a cup of bleach in a tub full of water. You can soak yourself for up to 10 minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer to avoid itchy skin. Aloe Vera gel The gel is derived from the leaves of the aloe plant. It has been in use for centuries to treat a number of ailments, one of which is eczema. Aloe Vera gel contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, wound-healing, and immune-boosting properties that can prevent skin infections. Aloe Vera gel can be purchased from a pharmacy or it can be extracted directly from the leaves of the aloe plant. Make sure to check the gel bought from the store as it can have drying ingredients and preservatives that can worsen the eczema symptoms. Coconut oil It contains healthy fatty acids that can lock the skin moisture and prevent it from getting dry.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation. The symptoms of this condition are generally stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joint which can flare up or subside. It is common among those who suffer from this type of arthritis to wake up with morning stiffness. It is a condition that can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes but cannot be cured permanently. It is a chronic condition that can even last a lifetime. While doctors administer various treatments, lifestyle changes can help improve psoriatic arthritis to a large extent. Here are the lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis: Stress Stress plays a very important role in triggering arthritis flare-ups. Learning to manage your day-to-day stress can keep your symptoms away. You need to first identify the reasons for stress in your day-to-day life and then understand how you can deal with it. Stress management varies from person to person. Once you understand what works best for you, this would be one of the best lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Food The food you eat plays a vital role in psoriatic arthritis triggers and the healing process. Here are some of the food groups that you must consume while avoiding others regularly. Anti-inflammatory omega-3: Tuna Salmon Olive oil Flaxseeds Chia seeds Avocados Nuts Fruits and vegetables with high antioxidants: Nuts Dark berries Green leafy vegetables Dark chocolate Dried ground spices Coffee and tea High-fiber foods: Oats Quinoa Corn Wild and brown rice Here is a list of foods that you need to stay away from when you have psoriatic arthritis: Red meat Diary Processed foods Some of the best diets that can be followed when you have psoriatic arthritis are: Gluten-free diet Paleo diet Mediterranean diet Following the right diet along with physical activity will help you maintain a healthy weight and keep the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis at bay.

Teeth begin to turn yellow with age. But, some simple ways can help you in retaining the white color of your teeth. There are numerous tooth whitening kits available in your nearest medical store. But, most of these are chemical-based products, which bleach your teeth. If you want to whiten the teeth and at the same time want to avoid chemicals, you should intake foods that whiten teeth naturally say no to red wine, dark berries, and black coffee. Here is a list of 10 such foods that whiten teeth naturally. Strawberries Strawberries are known as the most efficient natural tooth whitener. They are the storehouse of malic acid, which is a natural astringent that prevents tooth discoloration. No matter how you eat them, cereal, salad or dessert, strawberries will ensure that you always own a brighter smile. You can even mash strawberries and use them as toothpaste as they are counted as one of the top foods that whiten teeth naturally. Seeds and nuts Most of the seeds and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews or sunflower seeds have an abrasive texture. This abrasive texture works as a stain remover of your teeth and naturally whiten them. Onion Ignore its breath. Onions are the prime source of sulfur. The sulfur compounds available in onions keep plaque from forming on your teeth. Keep in mind that the anti-plaque powers of onion work when you eat them raw. Apple The loud crunch of apple helps in strengthening your teeth. Further, its high-water content increases the production of saliva. While eating an apple, this washes away the bacteria and leads to discoloration of teeth. Baking soda Baking soda works almost similar to a bleaching agent. You can switch to baking soda instead of your regular toothpaste to brush your teeth in the morning.

A flea infestation can be extremely frustrating. Fleas are difficult to get rid of and their bites can cause allergies. Additionally, using chemicals to get rid of fleas may cause problems for humans and pets. As a result, most switch to natural remedies, as they are safe and effective. Herbal spray Pest control services use chemical sprays to kill fleas that can be risky for humans and pets. You can instead prepare a herbal spray that is safe and effective. Some lemon juice can be boiled to create a spray solution. Moreover, witch hazel can be added to the spray to increase its effectiveness. This spray should be used all over your home since fleas can hide in corners, especially in your pet’s bedding. This spray smells nice and doesn’t have any side effects. Citronella oil Citronella oil can be mixed with tea tree and lemongrass oil to create a solution. Citronella is known to destroy fleas. This solution can be used to clean the entire house with the help of a mop. If this is done frequently, it can help get rid of fleas completely. Diatomaceous earth Diatoms are a type of algae. The microscopic remains of the algae are called diatomaceous earth. While one is a commercial-grade alga, the other food grade. If you want to use it at home to get rid of fleas, you should use the food-grade one to avoid side effects. The powder should be sprinkled in all areas where fleas could be hiding. The powder kills fleas and their eggs as well. Dish soap In a plate, add dish soap and place a candle in the center. Leave this in the room that is infested with fleas. The fleas would get attracted to the candle and fall into the soapy solution and die.