Natural Remedies

Presbyopia: Natural Support Measures and Prevention IMPORTANT: Presbyopia is a physiological age-related change of the lens, usually starting after 40-45 and progressing until about 60-65. It is not a disease, but a normal stage of aging. It cannot be fully reversed by natural remedies, exercises or supplements, because it is due to loss of lens elasticity and weakening of the ciliary muscle. The measures below can slow progression, relieve symptoms (fatigue, tension, headaches), reduce the need to change glasses often and support overall eye health. For optical correction (clear near vision) you will probably need reading glasses or, in other cases, multifocal contact lenses, intraocular lenses or laser surgery. Consult an ophthalmologist if: near vision dropped suddenly, you have strong headaches when reading, vision worsens rapidly (not slowly as is normal in presbyopia), spots or flashes appear in the visual field. Sudden vision drops can hide serious conditions (cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment). ...

Chalazion: Natural Remedies for the Eyelid Lump IMPORTANT: A chalazion is a chronic, usually painless inflammation of a blocked Meibomian gland, appearing as a firm lump in the eyelid. It should not be confused with a stye (hordeolum), which is an acute, painful, abscess-like infection at the base of an eyelash. Small chalazia can resolve spontaneously or with warm compresses in 2 to 6 weeks. When they persist more than 1 to 2 months, press on the eyeball and distort vision, or become infected, ophthalmologic evaluation is necessary and, possibly, incision and curettage under local anesthesia or corticosteroid injection. Consult a doctor urgently if you have: severe pain, intensely red and swollen eyelid, fever, decreased vision, purulent discharge, recurrent or multiple chalazia, because frequent recurrences can hide a more serious condition, including (rarely) sebaceous carcinoma. In children and in people with repeated chalazia in the same spot, biopsy is mandatory. ...

Cardamom: Benefits for Digestion and Breathing, Uses and How to Use It IMPORTANT: Cardamom is generally safe when used as a spice in the usual culinary amounts. However, in medicinal quantities (concentrated teas, extracts, supplements) it is wise to be cautious. People who suffer from gallstones should avoid large amounts, because cardamom can stimulate gallbladder contraction. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should limit themselves to culinary amounts and avoid therapeutic doses without medical advice. Cardamom may interact with anticoagulant medications and with blood-sugar-control drugs, so diabetics and those on blood-thinning treatment should consult their doctor. Some sensitive individuals may experience an allergic reaction. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. ...

Natural Remedies for Pregnancy Hemorrhoids IMPORTANT: Hemorrhoids in pregnancy are very common but should not be ignored. If you have heavy or persistent bleeding, intense pain, a hard and painful lump in the anal area (possible thrombosed hemorrhoid), purulent discharge, fever, or any unusual change, go to the doctor immediately. Any cream, ointment, or suppository, even herbal-based, must be discussed with the obstetrician before use in pregnancy. Some ingredients (certain corticosteroids, vasoconstrictors, or herbs) are contraindicated. The remedies described below are for mild and moderate hemorrhoids confirmed by a doctor, and do not replace medical consultation. ...

Natural remedies for belching and aerophagia Belching, or burping, is the release of air from the stomach through the mouth, sometimes audible, sometimes with an unpleasant taste. We all have them occasionally, after a heavy meal or carbonated drink. Yet when they become frequent, loud, embarrassing, they isolate you socially. You no longer want to go out for dinner, you skip meetings, you start to chew with small mouthfuls, you hold your breath. It is not a small issue, it is a symptom to understand and treat. ...

Natural Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection Vaginal yeast infection is one of the most common infections women face: approximately 75% will have at least one episode in their lifetime, and 40-50% will have two or more. It brings that intense itching, white cottage cheese-like discharge, and burning sensation that makes you uncomfortable in your own body. The fungus Candida albicans normally lives on skin and mucous membranes, but when the balance of vaginal flora gets disrupted, it proliferates and causes symptoms. ...

Herbal Salves: How to Make Them at Home, Step by Step IMPORTANT: Homemade salves are meant for external use on intact skin. Do not apply salves to deep open wounds, severe burns, weeping infections, or rashes of unknown origin without medical advice. Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin (the inner forearm) 24 hours before first use, especially if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or dermatitis. Some plants (for example comfrey) must NOT be applied to broken skin because of their pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and must never be used internally. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children, and people with chronic conditions should ask a doctor or pharmacist before using herbal preparations. A homemade salve is not a substitute for medical treatment of a serious condition. ...

Natural remedies for atherosclerosis IMPORTANT: Atherosclerosis is a serious chronic disease that can lead to heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Never stop prescribed medication (statins, antiplatelet drugs, blood pressure medicines) without your cardiologist’s approval. The natural remedies described here are a support, not a substitute for medical treatment. Get regular checks: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, blood glucose, blood pressure. ...

Natural remedies for vitamin A deficiency IMPORTANT: Vitamin A deficiency can seriously affect vision (up to irreversible blindness in severe cases), immunity and skin health, and it is a common problem in young children, pregnant women and people with chronic intestinal diseases. On the other end, excess vitamin A (especially from supplements or large amounts of liver) is toxic, causes headaches, damages the liver and can produce fetal malformations. Do not take retinol supplements during pregnancy without medical advice. Consult your doctor before starting any supplementation, especially if you have liver disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis or have been diagnosed with hypervitaminosis. ...

Natural remedies for sleep paralysis IMPORTANT: Occasional sleep paralysis, once every few months, is considered a benign phenomenon and does not require medical treatment. However, if it occurs frequently (several times a week), is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks, or muscle weakness triggered by emotions (cataplexy), you need to be evaluated by a sleep medicine physician (polysomnography). These symptoms may indicate narcolepsy or other sleep disorders. The natural remedies below are adjunctive for occasional cases and for optimizing sleep hygiene. ...