Home Remedies for Fibroids

Fibroids, also called uterine leiomyomas, are extremely common non-cancerous muscular tumors of the uterus. About 80 percent of women develop this problem by the age of 50.

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is still not known. Factors like genetics, abnormalities in the blood vessel or vascular system, hormones and other growth factors play an important role in the development of fibroids.




The problem is more common in obese and African-American women. Women who have never given birth to a child or who had their first menstrual cycle before age 10 also are considered more at risk of fibroids.



Most women with fibroids have no symptoms. However, some women experience symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pressure and pain, bladder problems, rectal pressure and lower back pain.

Uterine fibroids are usually not dangerous, but can cause immense discomfort and lead to complications like anemia from heavy blood loss. In rare cases, they may cause complications that affect pregnancy.

In cases where there are no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, proper diagnosis and treatment may be required if your symptoms are severe or causing complications. Along with conventional treatment, you can try some natural home remedies.

Note: Most herbal remedies, including chasteberry and milk thistle are not recommended during pregnancy and nursing, so consult your doctor before taking them.

home remedies for fibroids

Here are the top 10 home remedies for fibroids.


1. Castor Oil Pack

Applying a castor oil pack on the abdomen helps stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems, and increases lymphocytes (disease-fighting cells) to eliminate disease-causing toxins from the body. Many holistic practitioners believe a buildup of these toxins plays an important role in fibroid development.

Castor oil also contains ricinoleic acid with anti-inflammatory properties. The following remedy may help shrink fibroids and also aid in pain relief.

Saturate a piece of wool flannel in castor oil.
Place it on your abdomen and cover it with a plastic wrap.
Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on it and cover that with an old towel.
Leave it on for about one hour, and then remove it.
Repeat three or four times a week for at least one month, or until you see improvement.
Note: Do not use this remedy during menstruation or if you are trying to conceive.

2. Chasteberry

Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean areas. It is an excellent herbal solution to maintain hormonal balance, lower estrogen levels and reduce inflammation. Simply take 25 to 30 drops of chasteberry tincture two to four times a day.



Note: Chasteberry will help regulate menstruation and bleeding between periods, but may also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

3. Milk Thistle

This herbal remedy helps metabolize and get rid of excess estrogen. Estrogen is a reproductive hormone that stimulates cells to release growth factors, which in turn contributes to fibroid growth. Simply take 10 to 25 drops of a tincture of this herb up to three times a day for three to four months.

4. Dandelion

Many herbalists believe that poor liver function leading to poor elimination of excess hormones contributes to fibroids. Dandelion aids in liver detoxification and clearing excess estrogen from your body.

Boil three tablespoons of dandelion root in three and one-half cups of water.
Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat, and allow it to steep for another 15 minutes before straining it.
Drink this tea three times a day for at least three months.
5. Green Tea

Studies indicate that green tea contains a compound called Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that inhibits growth of fibroid cells, eventually increasing their death rate.

EGCG offers anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant effects. Researchers have found that in addition to reducing the size of fibroids, green tea can reduce the severity of fibroid symptoms.

Drink two or three cups of green tea or take two 400 mg green tea capsules daily for several months.

6. Milk

In a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2009, researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine found that black women who consumed four or more dairy servings a day had a 30 percent reduced incidence of uterine fibroids compared to those who consumed less than one serving a day.

Although the exact mechanism for this is not known, researchers believe that the calcium in dairy may help reduce cell proliferation. So, include more milk and dairy products in your daily diet.

You can also combine milk with blackstrap molasses that, being rich in iron and other nutrients, helps combat anemia that may result from heavy bleeding due to fibroids. Though not proven scientifically, blackstrap molasses is also believed to help shrink fibroids.

Mix one or two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses in three-quarters cup of warm milk.
Drink it once or twice a day on a regular basis, or at least for several months.

10 Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavor and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger, and while it is best known as one of the ingredients used to make curry, it also gives ballpark mustard its bright yellow color.

Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has a tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh. Turmeric has long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine. Turmeric was traditionally called "Indian saffron" because of its deep yellow-orange color and has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. 

This chart graphically details the %DV that a serving of Turmeric provides for each of the nutrients of which it is a good, very good, or excellent source according to our Food Rating System. Additional information about the amount of these nutrients provided by Turmeric can be found in the Food Rating System Chart. A link that takes you to the In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Turmeric, featuring information over 80 nutrients, can be found under the Food Rating System Chart.

1. Prevents Cancer

cancer virus
Turmeric can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells. Multiple researchers have found that the active components in turmeric makes it one of the best protectors against radiation-induced tumors. It also has a preventive effect against tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia, colon carcinomas and breast carcinomas.

2.Relieves Arthritis

rheumatoid arthtitis hand
The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, turmeric’s antioxidant property destroys free radicals in the body that damage body cells. It has been found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience much relief from the moderate to mild joint pains as well as joint inflammation.

3. Controls Diabetes

diabetes
Turmeric can be used in the treatment of diabetes by helping to moderate insulin levels. It also improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used to treat diabetes. Another significant benefit is turmeric’s effectiveness in helping reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes. However, when combined with strong medications, turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric capsules.

4. Reduces Cholesterol Level

cholestrol in artery
Research has proven that simply using turmeric as a food seasoning can reduce serum cholesterol levels. It is a known fact that high cholesterol can lead to other serious health problems. Maintaining a proper cholesterol level can prevent many cardiovascular diseases.

5. Immunity Booster

shield body from virus
Turmeric contains a substance known as lipopolysaccharide, which helps stimulate the body’s immune system. Its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents also help strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system lessens the chance of suffering from colds, flu and coughs. If you do get a cold, a cough or the flu, you can feel better sooner by mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it once daily.

6. Heals Wound

wound healing

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can be used as an effective disinfectant. If you have a cut or burn, you can sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process. Turmeric also helps repair damaged skin and may be used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

7. Weight Management

weight loss
Turmeric powder can be very helpful in maintaining an ideal body weight. A component present in turmeric helps increase the flow of bile, an important component in the breakdown of dietary fat. Those who wish to lose weight or treat obesity and other associated diseases can benefit from having one teaspoon of turmeric powder with every meal.

8. Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease

memory loss

Brain inflammation is suspected to be one of the leading causes of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric supports overall brain health by aiding in the removal of plaque build-up in the brain and improving the flow of oxygen. This can also prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Improves Digestion

improves digestion
Many key components in turmeric stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile, which then improves digestion and reduces symptoms of bloating and gas. Also, turmeric is helpful in treating most forms of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis. However it is important to bear in mind that people suffering from any kind of gallbladder disease should not take turmeric as a dietary supplement as it may worsen the condition. It is best to consume turmeric in raw form when suffering from a digestive problem.

10. Prevents Liver Disease

liver
Turmeric is a kind of natural liver detoxifier. The liver detoxifies the blood through the production of enzymes and turmeric increases production of these vital enzymes. These vital enzymes break down and reduce toxins in the body. Turmeric also is believed to invigorate and improve blood circulation. All of these factors support good liver health.


Given the numerous health benefits of turmeric, adding this powerful herb to your diet is one of the best things you can do to improve the quality of your life. You can add turmeric in powder form to curries, stir fried dishes, smoothies, warm milk and even to spicy salad dressings. Turmeric can be taken in pill form also. However, turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction.

Home Remedies for Bad Mouth Odour

The problem of halitosis, or bad breath, has plagued humankind for centuries. To conquer bad breath, the ancient Greeks reputedly used home remedies like rinsing with white wine, anise seed, and myrrh, while the Italians mixed up a mouthwash of sage, cinnamon, juniper seeds, root of cypress, and rosemary leaves, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

Today, of course, Americans still worry that their breath smells bad (and swish capful after capful of mouthwashes that often contain little more than alcohol and flavoring to fix it). Indeed, New York Times health columnist Jane E. Brody has written that she receives more questions about bad breath than about any other common medical problem. Fortunately, this article contains all the information you need to know about bad breath, from where it starts to home remedies that will help keep your mouth smelling fresh. Let's begin with a closer look at the problem.

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

1. Fennel

Fennel acts as an excellent mouth freshener that helps control bad breath. It also contains antimicrobial properties that fight the bacteria in the mouth.

• Slowly chew a tablespoon of fennel to freshen your breath and stimulate the production of saliva.
• You can also drink fennel tea a couple of times a day. To make this tea, steep one or two teaspoons of fennel seeds in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains cinnamic aldehyde, an essential oil that not only covers up bad breath, but also reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth. To treat bad breath follow this remedy twice daily.

1. Boil one teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water.
2. You may add some bay leaves and cardamom too.
3. Strain the solution and use it as a mouth rinse to refresh your breath.

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek tea is highly effective when bad breath is caused by catarrhal infections.

1. Boil a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water.
2. Strain and drink this tea once daily until you get rid of the problem.

4. Cloves

Cloves help freshen your breath and also have antibacterial properties that are very helpful in getting rid of bad breath.

• The easiest method is to pop a few pieces of cloves into your mouth and chew them thoroughly. This will eliminate bad breath in a few minutes.
• You can also make clove tea. Boil  a cup of water, add one teaspoon of ground cloves and allow it to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink the tea or use it as a mouthwash twice a day.

5. Parsley

Parsley contains chlorophyll that can help neutralize bad breath.

• Simply chew on a fresh parsley sprig to refresh your breath. You can also dip this herb in vinegar and then chew it thoroughly.
• Another option is to put parsley leaves through a juicer and sip the juice anytime you need to refresh your breath. It will also aid digestion.

6. Lemon Juice

Curing bad breath with a lemon rinse has been used for generations. The acidic content in lemons prevents growth of bacteria in your mouth. Plus, its strong pleasant smell helps mask the bad odor.

Just stir one tablespoon of lemon juice into a cup of water and rinse your mouth with it. You can also add a bit of salt to it and then use it. This remedy will help to solve the problem of dry mouth which is one of the main reasons that contribute to bad breath.

Credit

Absolute immunity no longer allowed under the law – Falana

Benin – A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Femi Falana said any president or governor who committed criminal act could be arrested while in office and taken for trials. Falana said this while speaking on: “Limit of executive immunity” in Benin to mark the 60th birthday of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Edo, Prof. Julius Ihonvebere. Falana said that immunity did not also extend to electoral fraud. He urged the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu to face the forgery charges against them rather than politicking about it, saying “they have no immunity to dodge the charges against them.’’ Falana said that according to the Supreme Court ruling, there was no longer absolute immunity therefore governors involved in criminal charges, including the leadership of the National Assembly must face the law. He faulted the invitation extended to the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malani by the leadership of the senate over the forgery allegation against the senate president and his deputy. “The senate is now politicising the issue, saying it is political victimization but not that the offence was not committed. “As leaders of the National Assembly, you are supposed to be above board and that is even the more reason you must be careful. “But I want to remind the senate that the Attorney General of the Federation is only answerable to his boss, who is the president and nobody else. “The same thing applies to the states, so there is no longer absolute immunity in this country. “And that is why what is happening in Ekiti today about money found in a bank and the governor is saying it is illegal to freeze his account that is not true. “Any issue that is criminal in nature must be treated as such,” he declared. Falana however described Ihonvbere as a resourceful Nigerian, who fought doggedly for the nation’s democracy. Gov. Adams Oshiomhole, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Elizabeth Ativie and other members of the State Executive Council were present at the occasion.

Want sparkling white teeth? Clean them with banana peels!

Who doesn’t want dazzling white teeth without spending a fortune at the dentist? Especially when you can spend next to nothing to get them sparkling white? Old wives’ tales? Well, according to websites devoted to the unlikely fruits, spices and oils which promise to give you a knock-them-dead smile at a fraction of the price dentists charge. This is not so far fetched. But as for Dr.Uchenna Okoye, a clinical director at London Smiling Dental Group, a bit of caution is advised before you make your teeth worse than they are. He then gives his opinion on the various ‘wonder cure’ for yellowing teeth. Strawberries: Claim – Mash up a ripe strawberry, dip your toothbrush in it and brush carefully over teeth. Within two weeks, your teeth will be whiter. Dentist’s Verdict: True – Strawberries contain citric acid, which can weaken the surface hardness of your teeth. But it also contains the more gentle malic acid, and the riper the strawberry becomes, the higher the concentration of malic acid compared to the more harmful citric acid. So choose a really ripe strawberry, rub it on your teeth and just like exfoliating the skin, it does remove superficial debris. The malic acid won’t actually break down the stain molecules, but the surface clean gives your teeth a whiter appearance. A gentle and effective natural whitener. Orange Pith: Claim – The white part of the orange skin, between the surface and the flesh of the fruit, contains a d-limene, which can help remove stains from your teeth after using it for three weeks. Peel the orange, keeping as much of the white pith as you can. Rub the white part of the peel over your teeth, and let the juice sit on your teeth for three to five minutes. Brush your teeth thoroughly to clean away pulp and peel, and after several weeks the chemical will have whitened the appearance. Verdict: False – The advice I give all my patients is to be very wary of fruit juices and drink them with a straw (if they have to drink juice at all). So this claim goes against every piece of advice and scientific evidence I can think of. The citric acid within the orange causes tooth enamel to dissolve. This erosion can lead to tooth decay, and once the erosion has reached the soft, inner layer of your teeth known as dentine, you’ll experience sensitivity and pain. Avoid. Banana Peel: Claim – High levels of potassium, magnesium and manganese in bananas can help remove stains from teeth. Simply peel a ripe banana, and rub your teeth with the insides of the peel for about two minutes. After three weeks, your teeth will have whitened. Verdict: True – If you rub the skin, it can act as a gentle exfoliator and will remove some surface stains, but the banana will not reach the inside the pores on the surface of your enamel – so no true ‘deep’ clean will take place. However, I like the idea that you can eat a banana and give your teeth a quick healthy buff before running off to a meeting. Cider Vinegar: Claim – Rinsing with apple cider vinegar (mixed two parts of water) will make teeth whiter and protect teeth and gums from bacteria. Verdict: False – Cider Vinegar is a favourite of ‘detox’ devotees. Once swallowed, it mixes with pancreatic secretions in the intestines and turns alkaline, but when it hits your teeth, it is an acid, albeit a weak one. This makes the enamel on your teeth less resistant to damage – like wetting a chalk and then scraping off the surface. A low acid level – such as the malic acid in strawberries – won’t harm your teeth. But this will buff away a deeper layer of enamel, and should be avoided. Coconut Oil: Claim – A 3,000-year-old Ayurvedic way to clean teeth is to swish a tablespoon of oil (usually coconut, sesame or olive oil) around your mouth for 20 minutes every morning. The coconut oil sticks to the oil in the cell membrane of any bacteria in your mouth, so when you spit it out, you are ridding your mouth of unwanted micro-organisms. Used by stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, who claim it whitens teeth and improves complexion. Verdict: False – There is no scientific evidence at all that ‘oil pulling’ as it’s called, will whiten teeth, or even remove bacteria. It’s possible that the act of swishing the oil around your mouth will dislodge some bacteria or debris, so followed by a careful brushing session, your teeth may look cleaner. But no science shows that oil pulling will make your teeth any whiter. Bicarbonate of Soda: Claim – Bicarbonate of soda is a mild abrasive which effectively removes stains on teeth caused by coffee, red wine and tea. In a cup, mix half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with half a teaspoon of water, mix to form a paste, dip your toothbrush into the mixture and brush teeth for one to two minutes. After just a few days you will notice a difference. Verdict: True – Bicarbonate of soda – otherwise known as baking soda – is somehow considered natural but it is actually a chemical, and used commercially in some teeth – whitening products and toothpastes. It does effectively remove plaque and debris in the surface of the teeth to make them appear brighter, and it also can neutralise bacteria/acids in the mouth. But it is an abrasive compound and, as such, will damage the enamel protecting the teeth if used too much. Try it three times a year to lift those surface stains, and to avoid damaging the enamel, use your finger to rub it on or a flannel. Lemons: Claim – Suck on a slice of lemon for several minutes each morning, or rinse your mouth with lemon juice squeezed into a glass of water. The acid from the lemon will deep-clean even the tiniest of molecules lodged in your teeth. Verdict: False – Lemons have such a high concentration of citric acid that their juice is acidic enough to corrode enamel. Lemon juice has no place in the mouth at all. Lemons are more acidic than vinegar. Far from whitening your teeth, they’ll dissolve them away. I have seen patients who such lemons and are left with the imprint of a lemon slice on their teeth – requiring bonding and veneering to cover it up. Avoid this at all costs – it is the same as bathing your teeth in a glass of cola. So which is best? Strawberries beat them all hands down! What You See Is All You Get! (Humour) During a wild weekend in Edinburgh with the lads, Vinnie declares; ‘I’m going to wear a kilt out clubbing tonight.’ The others laugh but Vinnie insists embracing the traditional costume will get him lots of female attention. That night, Vinnie’s kilt swishes around his bare knees as they swagger into a club. Immediately a beautiful woman sways up to him. ‘Hey, handsome,’ she says with a wink. ‘Is there anything worn under that kilt?’ ‘Oh no,’ Vinnie declares hastily. ‘It’s all in perfect working order.’ Do It Yourself! (Humour) One night, Alex is in the mood to make love to his beautiful wife, Gail. Not wanting to sound too blunt, he whispers: ‘Would it be OK for me to put my letter in your post box?’ ‘No, it would not!’ she fires back. An hour later he’s still feeling frisky. ‘Any chance of posting my letter in your post box now?’ he murmurs. ‘No! Go to sleep,’ Gail replies firmly. But as time ticks by, she relents and says huskily: ‘OK, you can put your letter in my post box now … ‘ ‘Forget it,’ Alex snaps. ‘It’s been delivered by hand.’