Home Remedies for Toothache

Toothaches can vary greatly, from mild soreness to an unbearable throbbing pain in your teeth or around your jaws. Some of the main causes of toothaches are cavities, an infection, an exposed tooth root, a cracked tooth, gum disease, a loose filling, or jaw joint disorder. 

A toothache (see the above diagram) happens when the central region of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes irritated or inflamed. The pulp consists of several nerve endings that are highly sensitive. Pulp can become inflamed or irritated for many reasons, some of which are noted above.
If you have toothache, it is best to seek immediate advice from a dentist before the problem worsens. You can also try some natural remedies to relieve the pain temporarily.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for toothaches.
(Out of the 10, we have covered 3 highly effective home remedies in this video as well.)

1. Pepper and Salt

Salt mixed with pepper can be of great use when a tooth becomes extremely sensitive as both the ingredients have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

1. Mix equal amounts of pepper and common salt with a few drops of water to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste directly on the affected tooth and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
3. Do this daily for several days.

2. Garlic

Use of garlic can also provide immense relief from toothache. Garlic has antibiotic and other medicinal properties that can be very effective in reducing the pain.

1. Mix a crushed garlic clove (or garlic powder) with some table salt or black salt and apply it directly on the affected tooth to alleviate the pain. If you prefer, you can chew one or two cloves of garlic to get relief.
2. Repeat this natural treatment for a few days.

3. Cloves

Cloves have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anesthetic properties that help alleviate tooth pain and fight infection.

• Grind two whole cloves. Mix in a little olive oil or any vegetable oil and apply on the affected tooth.
• Another option is to dab a cotton ball in clove oil and rub it directly on the sore tooth. Or, you can mix a few drops of clove oil in half a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse.

4. Onion

Onions have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that control a toothache. It can provide relief from pain by killing the germs causing an infection.

• At the first sign of a toothache, chew raw onion for a few minutes to relieve the pain.
• If you are not able to chew it, place a piece of raw onion directly on the bad tooth or gum.

5. Asafetida

Dental problems such as toothaches and bleeding gums can be treated at home with the use of asafetida.

• Simply add a pinch or one-half teaspoon of powdered asafetida to two teaspoons of lemon juice and then warm it slightly. Use a cotton pad to apply the solution on the affected area. This will give you quick relief from the pain.
• Alternatively, asafetida fried in clarified butter can be put in the tooth cavity for instant relief.

6. Warm Salt Water

A simple glass of warm salt water can help treat a toothache.

Mix half a spoon of common salt in a glass of hot water and use it to rinse your mouth thoroughly.
It will help reduce swelling and inflammation, and also fight the bacteria that cause infection.

Top 6 Superfoods to Reduce Belly Fat

Belly fat, also known as visceral fat that accumulates around the midsection, is a major concern for many. Not only does belly fat make your figure unattractive, it also increases your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Many people try dieting to lose belly fat, but this is not the optimal solution. The ideal way to get rid of belly fat is to choose your foods wisely and do some physical exercise daily.
Knowing what to include in your diet is half the job, the other half is doing exercises daily that suit your body type. Certain foods actually help reduce stubborn belly fat and will get you well on your way to enjoying a slimmer physique.

Here are the top 6 superfoods to reduce belly fat.

1. Almonds

Almonds contain a good amount of healthy fats — polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Both fats help prevent you from overeating. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has proven that eating almonds suppresses hunger. They also help fight against heart disease.
High in magnesium, almonds are a key component for muscle building, and having more muscle will help you burn more belly fat.
In addition, the high fiber content in almonds will keep you feeling full for a longer time. Because almonds contain few calories, they will not contribute to belly fat. So, always keep roasted almonds handy and enjoy them as a snack or in salads or other dishes.

2. Watermelon

The American Dietetic Association declares watermelon as a perfect food to reduce belly fat. Watermelon contains 91 percent water and when you eat it at the beginning of a meal, it fills you up without adding a substantial amount of calories to your meal.
Plus, it keeps you feeling full longer and also helps combat water retention. This juicy fruit is also rich in vitamins B1, B6 and C, as well as potassium and magnesium. It is a great addition to a low-calorie and low-fat diet.
An interesting study done at the University of Kentucky revealed that drinking two glasses of watermelon juice every day for eight weeks reduces body weight (especially the fat around the belly) without altering muscle mass. Regular consumption of watermelon also lowers the risks associated with coronary artery plaque accumulation and heart disease.

3. Beans

Regular consumption of different types of beans helps reduce body fat, develop muscles and improve the digestion process. Beans also help you feel full for a longer time, thus keeping you from overeating.
This happens as beans are an excellent source of soluble fiber. This fiber especially targets belly fat, helping to break it down so the fat can be eliminated from the body. Plus, the protein in beans provides energy to your body. You can easily include beans in your daily meals by adding them to salads, soups or side dishes.

4. Celery

To get a flat tummy, fill your plate with green leafy vegetables like celery. Celery is extremely low in calories, full of fiber, and contains calcium and vitamin C that aid in weight loss.
You can drink half a glass of celery juice before eating your lunch or dinner to help cleanse your system. You can also add celery to salad or soup. An additional benefit of celery is that it contains apigenin, a natural compound that reduces the risk of ovarian cancer in women.

5. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are an extremely refreshing and low-calorie food. 100 grams of cucumber contains approximately 96 percent water and only about 45 calories. They are packed with minerals, dietary fibers and vitamins.
Eating a plate of cucumber salad daily is an effective and healthy way to cleanse your body of harmful toxins released by the digestive system and lose weight. As an added benefit, eating cucumbers daily can give you radiant, glowing skin because they are rich in vitamins B and C.

6. Tomatoes

One large tomato has just 33 calories. It contains a compound known as 9-oxo-ODA that helps reduce lipids in the blood, which in turn helps control belly fat. This compound also fights chronic diseases associated with obesity.
Plus, the powerful antioxidant lycopene in tomatoes offers plenty of additional health benefits like reducing wrinkles, fighting cancer and reducing cholesterol levels. Tomatoes are an excellent source of nutrients like iron and potassium and are rich in vitamins A and C. So, to enjoy a healthy body, include tomatoes (in both raw and cooked form) in your daily diet.

DIY Homemade Onion Juice and Honey Hair Loss Treatment

Onion juice is one of the best home remedies for thinning hair and hair loss. Its sulfur content improves blood circulation, stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair regrowth.
Sulfur is considered one of the primary building blocks of hair. It is required for healthy collagen and keratin. Many amino acids, the building blocks of protein, have a sulfur component, and keratin proteins have large amounts of sulfur-containing amino acids.

Studies have also found onions to be useful for treating hair loss. Plus, onions can help control issues like dandruff and scalp infections as well as reverse premature graying.

A small study published in the Journal of Dermatology in 2002 found that participants suffering from alopecia areata who applied onion juice to their scalp twice daily for 2 months had a significantly higher rate of hair regrowth than those in the control group who used tap water. The results were better among males than females.
The following recipe will also promote smooth and shiny hair due to the addition of honey. Honey is loaded with antioxidants and attracts moisture.

How to make an onion juice and honey treatment for hair loss

Things you will need:

• 1 onion
• Honey
• A knife
• A blender
• A strainer
• A bowl
• A mixing spoon
• Measuring spoons
• An essential oil of your choice (optional)

Steps

1. Peel, chop and blend an onion.

2. Put the blended pulp in a strainer. Using a spoon, press the pulp to extract the juice.

3. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey to the onion juice.

4. Optionally, add a few drops of an essential oil, such as lavender oil.

 

Your homemade onion juice and honey treatment is ready now.

How to use

1. Massage your bald patches or entire scalp with this mixture.
2. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on overnight, or at least for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse your hair the next morning.
4. Follow this hair loss treatment daily for a few months or until you are satisfied with the results.

Tips

• Instead of blending the onion, you can grate it and then extract the juice. For squeezing, you can use cheesecloth instead of a strainer. You can also use a juicer.
• To avoid tearing while cutting the onion, chill it in the freezer for about 15 minutes and then chop it.
• If you want to add a fragrant essential oil, use rosemary, lavender, peppermint or other similar oils that promote hair growth.
• You can also add some lemon juice or rose water to mask the onion smell.

 

The top 10 home remedies for diabetes

Here are the top 10 home remedies for diabetes. Needless to say, you also need to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

1. Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, can be helpful for controlling diabetes due to its blood glucose lowering effects. It tends to influence the glucose metabolism all over your body rather than a particular organ or tissue.
It helps increase pancreatic insulin secretion and prevents insulin resistance. Thus, bitter gourd is beneficial for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, it cannot be used to entirely replace insulin treatment.

• Drink some bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach each morning. First remove the seeds of two to three bitter gourds and use a juicer to extract the juice. Add some water and then drink it. Follow this treatment daily in the morning for at least two months.
• Also, you can include one dish made of bitter gourd daily in your diet.

2. Cinnamon

Powdered cinnamon has the ability to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin activity. It contains bioactive components that can help prevent and fight diabetes.
Certain trials have shown that it can work as an effective option to lower blood sugar levels in cases of uncontrolled type-2 diabetes.
Cinnamon, however, should not be taken in excess because we commonly use Cassia cinnamon (found in most grocery stores) which contains a compound called coumarin. It is a toxic compound that increases the risk of liver damage.
There is another variety of this herb known as Ceylon cinnamon or “true cinnamon.” It is considered safer for health but its effects on blood glucose levels have not been studied adequately.

• Mix one-half to one teaspoon of cinnamon in a cup of warm water. Drink it daily.
• Another option is to boil two to four cinnamon sticks in one cup of water and allow it to steep for 20 minutes. Drink this solution daily until you see improvement.
• You can also add cinnamon to warm beverages, smoothies and baked goods.

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herb that can also be used to control diabetes, improve glucose tolerance and lower blood sugar levels due to its hypoglycaemic activity. It also stimulates the secretion of glucose-dependent insulin. Being high in fiber, it slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars.

• Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Drink the water along with the seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. Follow this remedy without fail for a few months to bring down your glucose level.
• Another option is to eat two tablespoons of powdered fenugreek seeds daily with milk.

4. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Indian gooseberry, also known as Amla, is rich in vitamin C and Indian gooseberry juice promotes proper functioning of your pancreas.

• Take two to three Indian gooseberries, remove the seeds and grind it into a fine paste. Put the paste in a cloth and squeeze out the juice. Mix two tablespoon of the juice in one cup of water and drink it daily on an empty stomach.
• Alternatively, mix one tablespoon of Indian gooseberry juice in a cup of bitter gourd juice and drink it daily for a few months.

5. Black Plum or Indian Black Berry (Jambul)

Black plum or jambul, also known as jamun can help a lot in controlling blood sugar level because it contains anthocyanins, ellagic acid, hydrolysable tannins etc.
Each part of the Jambul plant such as the leaves, berry and seeds can be used by those suffering from diabetes. In fact, research has shown that the fruits and seeds of this plant have hypoglycemic effects as they help reduce blood and urine sugar levels rapidly.
The seeds, in particular, contain glycoside jamboline and alkaloid jambosine that regulate control blood sugar levels.
Whenever this seasonal fruit is available in the market, try to include it in your diet as it can be very effective for the pancreas. Else you can make a powder of dried seeds of Jambul fruit and eat this powder with water twice a day. This fruit is native to India and its neighboring countries but you can find it at Asian markets and herbal shops.

6. Mango Leaves

The delicate and tender mango leaves can be used to treat diabetes by regulating insulin levels in the blood. They can also help improve blood lipid profiles.

• Soak 10 to 15 tender mango leaves in a glass of water overnight. In the morning, filter the water and drink it on an empty stomach.
• You can also dry the leaves in the shade and grind them. Eat one-half teaspoon of powdered mango leaves two times daily.

7. Curry Leaves

Curry leaves are useful in preventing and controlling diabetes as they have anti-diabetic properties. It is believed that curry leaves contain an ingredient that reduces the rate at which starch is broken down to glucose in diabetics.
So, you can simply chew about 10 fresh curry leaves daily in the morning. For best results, continue this treatment for three to four months. It also helps reduce high cholesterol levels and obesity.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel helps lower fasting blood glucose levels. It contains phytosterols that have possible anti-hyperglycemic effects for type 2 diabetes.

The combination of aloe vera gel, bay leaves and turmeric is helpful for controlling blood sugar. To make this herbal medicine:

1. Mix together one-half teaspoon each of ground bay leaves and turmeric and one tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
2. Consume it twice daily, before lunch and dinner.

9. Guava

Due to its vitamin C and high fiber content, eating guava can be really helpful in maintaining the blood sugar level. It is best for diabetics not to eat the skin of the fruit so peel it first. However, too much consumption of guava in a day is not recommended.

10. Okra

Okra, also called ladies’ finger, has constituents such as polyphenolic molecules that can help reduce blood glucose levels and control diabetes.
A 2011 study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences found okra seed and peel powder to have antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential.

• Cut off the ends of a few okras and prick them in several places using a fork. Soak the okras in a glass of water overnight. In the morning, discard the okras and drink the water on an empty stomach. Do this daily for several weeks.
• Also, include okra in your diet.

Additional Tips

• Keep monitoring your blood sugar levels.
• Follow a healthy eating plan and exercise regularly.
• Get plenty of fiber in your diet.
• A few minutes of daily exposure to sunlight can also help control diabetes because it helps produce vitamin D, which is essential for insulin production.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. In fact, replace your regular sodas and sugary juices with water. In addition to providing hydration, water helps break down sugars.
• Try deep breathing, meditation, listening to your favorite music, or working on your hobby to relieve stress as it may raise your blood sugar.