Holy Basil good for brain and nervous system

Holy basil is a many branched, erect, stout and aromatic herb. It grows upto the height of about 75 cms and is hairy all over. The plant has tender, egg-shaped leaves, usually smooth, upto 2.5 cm in length, small, purplish or reddish flowers in small compact clusters on slender spikes, small fruits and yellowish or reddish seeds. The herb is bitter and pungent.

It is grown in flower pots in most Hindu homes. Its leaves are used in the worship of gods and goddesses and partaken as prasad.

This herb has been known from as early as the vedic period. Hindus regard it as an earthly manifestation of goddess Vrindavani who is dear to Lord Vishnu.
The holy basil is native to India. It reached Western Europe only in the I6th century. It has now been widely grown throughout the world.

The leaves of holy basil yield an essential oil which contains eugenol, carvacrol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. It has the property of destroying bacteria and insects. The leaves have also been separated to yield ursolic acid, apigenin, luteolin, apigenin-7, glucuronid, orientin and molludistin.

Healing Power
The plant has medicinal properties. The leaves are nerve tonic and sharpen memory. They promote the removal of catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seeds of the plant are mucilaginous or starchy and nourishing. They have a soothing effect on the skin and the mucous membranes. They also increase the volume of urine

Fevers
The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as a preventive against these diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a litre of waterand mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature.

Sore Throat
Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as a drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.

Respiratory Disorders
The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorders. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, doves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a litre of water rill only half the water is left and then taken,

Kidney Stones
Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stones, the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for six months, will expel them via the urinary tract.

Heart Disorders
Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduce^ the level of blood cholesterol

Children's Ailments
Common pediatric problems like cough, cold, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves: If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.

Stress
Basil leaves are regarded as an adaptogen or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil> twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common ailments.

Mouth Infections
The leaves are quite effective for the ulcers and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these condtion

Insect Bites
The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect slings or bites. A teaspoon of the juice of the leaves is taken and repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of the fresh roots is also effective in cases of bites of insects and leeches.

Skin Disorders
Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.

Eye Disorders
Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice should be put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

Teeth Disorders
The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustard oil to make a paste and used as tooth paste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

Headaches
Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache and for providing coolness in general.

Other Diseases
A decoction of the leaves can be given with beneficial results in gout and gonorrhea. This decoction is also useful in neuralgia. The juice of the leaves is a well-known remedy for earache and dullness of hearing. A few drops of the juice can be put in the ear for the treatment of these conditions. The powder of the leaves is used as snuff for expelling maggots from the nose.

The seeds of the plant are useful in diarrhea, chronic dysentery, habitual constipation, gonorrhea, internal piles, cough, kidney disorders and fever. The mucilaginous jelly, formed by infusing 4 to 12 grams of the seeds in cold water for some time, can be taken with sugar to treat these diseases. The cold infusion can also be taken for relieving pain after childbirth. Poultices of the seeds are beneficial for sores and sinuses.

Lower back pain: How to prevent?

Most sudden back pain is due to a sprain or a small tear in a muscle or ligament. You may have a niggling ache in your lower back or a sharp, localized pain and stiffness due to muscle spasm in the area. Sciatica is pain that travels through one buttock to the leg and foot, sometimes with numbness, tingling, and weakness in the leg. It is caused by trapping or irritation of the sciatic nerve, often due to a “slipped disc” between the bones of the spine. The usual causes of back pain and sciatica include lifting awkwardly or sudden twisting, but factors such as poor posture, pregnancy, and being inactive or unfit may make the back more vulnerable.

WARNING
Seek immediate medical help if:

* You have difficulty controlling your bowels or bladder; tingling and/or numbness in the anal or genital area; or muscle weakness

* Back pain follows an injury

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
* You have symptoms of sciatica

* Back pain has been developing slowly and is gradually getting worse

* You are losing weight or have a fever

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Moving without pain Getting out of bed awkwardly can cause sudden, painful twinges when you have back pain. This sequence of movements will get you on your feet with the minimum strain on your spine, so continue to use them even when your back is no longer painful.

* Lying flat on your back, bring your knees up to hip level and roll yourself slowly on to your side, facing the edge of the bed.

* Swing your legs to the edge of the bed and lower your feet to the floor. Use your arms to push yourself into a sitting position.

* Using your arms and your leg muscles to push yourself up, slowly rise to a standing position. Reverse the procedure when you get back into bed.

What you can do yourself
An episode of back pain usually gets better within a few weeks. Take these steps to ease pain, staying as active as possible rather than resting in bed.

* If the pain is tolerable, try to continue normal activities as much as possible. Gradually increase what you do each day, but don’t overdo things. Stop any activity that makes the pain worse.

* If the pain is so severe that you cannot move, rest in bed for a day or two. As soon as you feel able to do so, get out of bed and start moving, even if it causes some discomfort.

* Your mattress needs to be firm, but not too hard. If you have an old, sagging mattress that does not support our back, put a board under it. You will probably find that lying on your side is more comfortable than lying on your back.

* While your back is painful, try to move in ways that are less likely to bring on or worsen the pain (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE)

* Take painkillers to relieve pain and stiffness (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* Rub ibuprofen gel or cream into the area to ease pain and inflammation (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* Rubbing the sore area with a counter-irritant cream or gel may help to soothe the pain for a short while (see DRUG REMEDIES).

* Holding a wrapped hot-water bottle or heating pad against your back may help to relieve pain, particularly if there is muscle spasm. You can also direct warm water on to the small of your back when in the shower.

Arrange to see your doctor if:
* The back pain is getting worse or is not easing within 48 hours

* You develop any of the symptoms listed in the Warning box

PREVENTION
Avoiding back pain If you prone to back pain, you may be able to prevent further episodes by taking particular care of your back.

* Wear comfortable shoes with a low heel.

* If you are overweight, lose weight – it will help to take pressure off your back.

* Walking, swimming, or a course of Pilates or yoga exercises will help to strengthen your back muscles. Your doctor or physiotherapist can also recommend back-strengthening exercises.

* Try to improve your posture when you walk, stand, and sit, both while you have back pain and afterwards (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE). You should also practice safe ways of lifting and moving heavy objects to reduce the risk of straining your back.

DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers include paracetamol and ibuprofen. Ibuprofen also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which will reduce stiffness, making it easier for you to try some gentle movement. If pain persists, try a stronger painkiller containing paracetamol and codeine.

Ibuprofen gel, cream, or spray has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces pain when you apply it directly to the affected area.

Counter-irritants , available as creams, gels, or sprays, produce a tingling sensation in the skin that soothes pain temporarily. Some warm the area; others have a cooling effect.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES
Standing and walking When you are standing or walking, pull your shoulders slightly back and down, holding you trunk straight. Try to balance your weight evenly over both feet.

Driving Angle the driver’s seat backwards very slightly and position it so you can reach the hand and foot controls easily. While you are driving, check from time to time that your arms are relaxed and your shoulders are not hunched.

Sitting Sit with your back straight, your bottom pushed into the back of a chair, and your feet flat on the floor. Choose a chair that is the right height to allow you to do this, with an upright back that supports the small of your back. The seat should support the full length of your thighs but should not put too much pressure on the backs of your thighs. When using a computer, the top of the screen should be at eye level.

Good posture
Sit well back in the chair, with your back straight and your lower back supported by the backrest. Keep both feet flat on the floor.

Reflexology alleviate muscle tension and stress

Severe neck and head pain: Key tips to avoid

Neck, head and back pain can range from a weak, regular ache to a sudden, sharp pain. It suddenly comes and the pain lasts from a few days to a few weeks.If it lasts for more than three months then the pain becomes chronic. If your pain is severe or doesn’t improve after three days, you should seek medical attention.

There are different kinds of treatments.

For medical management:

1. Drug therapy:

NSAID (non–steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which is a muscle relaxant, is of good help. It relieves mild to moderate back pain that doesn’t get better with OTC (over the counter) pain relievers.

Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, have been shown to relieve chronic backpain, independent of their effect on depression.

2. Physical therapy and exercise

Exercise, however, maybe useful for people with chronic back pain to help them return to normal activities and work

3. Injections: Cortisone-anti inflammatory medication

4. Surgery is usually reserved for pain caused by a ruptured disk. If you have rigid pain or progressive muscle weakness caused by nerve compression, you may benefit from surgery. Non prescription medications may provide relief from pain.

The type of treatment you need will depend on whether your neck pain is caused by activities, an injury, or another illness.

A short period of bed rest and a small pillow under the nape of your neck to provide proper neutral positioning maybe necessary. Trying counter pain relievers and a cervical collar maybe beneficial. Dry or moist heat applied to the area can give relief..

NSAID non –steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),like Ibuprofen and Opioid like codeine must be prescribed by your doctor. Muscle relaxants are available by prescription only. Over the counter pain relievers and resting can prove beneficial.

You should stay active and complete your daily work as tolerated, unless this involves heavy physical labor.

Sciatic Nerve Pain: Key Causes and Home Remedies

Sciatic nerve pain (commonly called just sciatica) is usually experienced as a shooting or burning pain in the low back or buttock that radiates down the back of the leg.

Causes of sciatica include:

* Compression of the sciatic nerve in the lower spine or buttock from a herniated (slipped) disc
* Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the space around the spinal cord)
* Traumatic injury
* Arthritis of lower spine

In many cases, no obvious cause can be found.

Common "home remedies" for sciatica include:


* Losing excess weight
* Applying ice
* Stretching and exercising, with the goal of strengthening the muscles of the abdomen and low back
* Avoiding sitting too long, especially on a hard surface
* Changing your mattress to one that is firmer and more supportive
* Massage
* Yoga

Avoid staying in bed too long. Prolonged best rest is unhelpful and may even make things worse.

Standard medical approaches to treatment include:

* Rest, balanced with stretching and exercise (often with a physical therapist)
* Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen
* Drugs for nerve pain, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) or gabapentin (Neurontin)
* Injections of corticosteroids near the area of the compressed nerve
* Surgery to repair a slipped disc or to decompress spinal stenosis (though surgery is generally considered a treatment of last resort and only in cases in which a surgically correctable abnormality is present)

If you are bothered by sciatica, talk to your doctor about your treatment options, including home remedies.

source: intelihealth

Nerve Pain: Key Facts and Prevention

Nerve Pain

BACKGROUND

Nerve pain (neuropathy) is characterized by pain that is burning, shooting (often to distant areas), or stabbing. It also has an “electric” quality about it. Tingling or numbness (paresthesias) and increased sensitivity with normal touch being painful (allodynia) are also commonly seen.

Nerve pain can be triggered by malfunction of nerves associated with illness (e.g., diabetes, low thyroid, etc.), infections (e.g., shingles), pinched nerves (e.g., from muscles or disc disease), nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B6 and B12), injury (e.g., stroke, tumors, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis), fibromyalgia, and medication/treatment side effects.

TREATMENT
Recommended Supplements

Multi-nutrient powder

Nutritional support is critical! Use a good multi-nutrient powder along with a B complex capsule. This (along with the lipoic acid below) may take 6 months to kick in (but may begin working after a few weeks) — so start now.

Lipoic acid

Lipoic acid 300 mg 2 times a day.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine 1,000-3,000 mg a day (the studies used the higher dose but the lower dose may be enough). This has been studied in nerve pain from diabetes and also from cancer chemotherapy.

Vitamin D

Add vitamin D 2,000+ units a day. In one study, this decreased diabetes nerve pain by 47%.
Other Therapies & Advice

Do a blood test

Do blood testing to check for diabetes, low thyroid, or vitamin B12 deficiency (I give B12 injections if the B12 level is under 540 in nerve pain).

Medications

Lidoderm patches and topical gels

Many medications can be very helpful for nerve pain. For small areas, begin with the Lidoderm patch and topical gels. For large areas, or if these are not effective, use the oral medications.

Give the medicines and topical medications 2 weeks to work. If the medications cause side effects, start at a lower dose that is comfortable and raise it slowly as your body adapts. Give the natural remedies 3-6 months to work (they are going in to heal the nerve which takes time) though they often help much more quickly.

Topical pain gels (from compounding pharmacies; Your physician can call in the “Nerve Pain Lotion” to ITC Pharmacy at 888-349-5453 and they can mail it to you) are very helpful and, along with certain special medications, can be very helpful for nerve pain (apply twice a day and give them 2 weeks to work).