Carom Seeds & Health

Carom seeds are greatly used in our daily cooking not only to make our food taste good but also makes it digestible.Carom seeds have many other health benefits:

For Digestion:

1.Carom seeds help as an anti-bacterial to fight against bacteria in the digestive system.It helps to relieve excess gs from your body and in turn cure problems of your digestive tract like infections,acidity,diarrhea and flatulence.

For Weigth Loss:

2.Due to its effects in making your digestive system and so your metabolism work well, it helps reducing your weight naturally. Though the effect on reducing weight may take longer, you wont be having any side effects by taking ajwain or carom seeds in your daily diet.

For Asthma:

3.Carom seeds can be used in controlling occupational or work related asthma. Drinking carom water or mixture of ajwain&jaggery are commonly known home remedies to control asthma related breathing problems and chest congestions. Carom seeds are famously used in Ayurvedic treatments and medications.

For Toothache:

4.You can gargle carom water to get rid of your toothache. By adding salt in carom water, you can strengthen your weak gums and prevent further from toothache. Regular practice of gargling with carom water can keep the bacteria that causes toothache away from you.
Eat Healthy Stay Healthy :)

In Children

• Half a teaspoon of ajwain seeds boiled for a few minutes in 100 ml of water, administered with a little sugar to sweeten it can help bring out the phlegm in infants.
• Ajwain fried in oil and that oil applied to the stomach can take care of abdominal pains and colic in infants, which makes them cry out in pain.
• Due to constant hiccups, at times infants collect a lot of gas in their tummies, and this leads them to bawl in pain. Roasted ajwain place in a cloth or beetel leaf over the tummy helps in relieving their tummy ache and in the release of gas.
• Similarly ajwain seeds roasted and mixed in honey can be administered in tiny quantities can help alleviate cough in infants.
• Some mothers pin a spoonful of these carom seeds to the infant’s shirt, right next to the collar or just under the nose so that as the infant inhales the aroma of the ajwain, its cold and cough become a thing of the past.
• Depending on the age of those suffering from ailments, ajwain tea can be used to bring relief from stomach upsets, colds and cough.
• Dry roasted ajwain (to bring out the aroma) and place these in a cloth when they are still warm. Apply this to the chest area to cure asthma or relieve wheezing symptoms.

In Adults

• It is the first kitchen remedy for gastrointestinal problems for the average Indian. Every Indian mother keeps ajwain in her kitchen remedy box, along with dried ginger, cloves, mace and nutmeg.
• It is also used to stimulate appetite; and one of the best ways to manage an upset stomach or diarrhoea is by using a tea of ajwain.
• It is used for many types of abdominal problems and gastrointestinal disorders like bloated abdomen, diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea.
• It is also very effective as a relief aid to toothache along with clove and clove oil.
• Carom seeds are also used to fight acidity and heartburn.
• Most Indians, especially in the South, would pop a few carom seeds with buttermilk to alleviate heartburn, along with a little hing before trying anything else.
• Ajwain seeds are also very effective against headaches and migraine attacks. The aroma of the powdered ajwain helps relieve the severity of migraines.
• The oil extracted from these carom seeds can help in pain relief in those suffering from arthritis, knee and joint pains, etc when applied topically as it has excellent therapeutic effects.
• They are also used in treating ear infections.

In everyday cooking it is usually used as tea to flavour rotis (breads), biscuits, cookies and other such bakery products and various typical Indian savouries from across the country. The oil is used to treat various problems topically like arthritis and joint pains, ear aches and teeth sensitivities.

If the carom seed oil called thymol is not available, then a few spoonfuls of carom seeds seeped in coconut oil can do the trick at a pinch. The oil can also be used as a sexual tonic. It can be used in different combinations to treat sexual disorders, improve endurance and promote sexual health in both young and old individuals. To cure gastric problems and colic in young children, a warm tea, sweetened and given to the infant two to three times after feeding is the best possible remed.

Black Papper & Health

The health benefits of black pepper include relief from respiratory disorders, cough, common cold, constipation, digestion, anemia, impotency, muscular strains, dental care, pyorrhea, diarrhea,andheartdisease.

Black pepper is the fruit of the black pepper plant from the Piperaceae family and is used as a spice and also as a medicine. The chemical piperine, present in black pepper, causes the spiciness. It is native to the southern state of India, Kerala. From ancient times, black pepper is one of the most widely traded spices in the world. It is not seasonal and is, therefore available throughout the year.
Because of its antibacterial properties, pepper is also used to preserve food. It is a source of manganese, iron, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K and dietary fiber. Black pepper is a very good, anti-inflammatory agent.
The health benefits of black pepper include the following:

• Good for stomach: Pepper increases the hydrochloric acid secretion in stomach and thus, helps digestion. Proper digestion is essential to avoid diarrhea, constipation and colic. Pepper also helps to prevent formation of intestinal gas. Pepper-added diet promotes sweating and urination.
• Helps to lose weight: The outer layer of peppercorn assists in the breakdown of fat cells. Hence, peppery foods are a good way to help you shed weight.
• Good for skin: Pepper helps to cure Vitiligo, which is a skin disease that causes some areas of skin to lose its normal pigment and turn white. According to researchers in London, piperine contained in pepper can stimulate the skin to produce pigment. Topical treatment of piperine combined with ultra violet light therapy is much better than the other treatments for vitiligo. It also reduces the chances of skin cancer due to excess ultraviolet radiation.
• Relief for cough and cold: In Ayurveda pepper is added in tonics for cold and cough. Pepper gives relief from sinusitis and nasal congestion.
• The antibacterial property of black pepper helps to fight against infections, insect bites etc. Pepper added diet helps to keeping your arteries clean.
• Good antioxidant: An antioxidant, like pepper, can prevent or repair the damage caused by the free radicals and thus helps to prevent cancer, cardiovascular diseases and liver problems.
• Enhances bioavailability: Black pepper helps in transporting the benefits of other herbs to different parts of body.
• According to Ayurveda, black pepper also helps avoid ear-ache and gangrene. It is also good for conditions of hernia, hoarseness and insect bites. It relieves joint pain.
• It is a good treatment for respiratory conditions like asthma, whooping cough etc.
• It is used to treat conditions of tooth decay and toothache. In ancient times, pepper was also used to treat eye problems.

Preparing grounded pepper powder at home is better than buying ready-made pepper powder. But even home-made powder retains its freshness for only up to 3 months. Whole peppercorns can keep their freshness indefinitely.
Thus, adding a pinch of black pepper to every meal helps improve taste and digestion. It also improves your overall health and well being.
Precaution: Pepper may cause sneezing. Patients who’ve undergone abdominal surgery should not take pepper added diet because pepper has an irritating effect on the intestines. It is also not good for people with ulcers. Black pepper should not be taken in high concentration.

Living with a long-term condition

At any one time in the UK, as many as 17.5 million adults may be living with a chronic disease.
There are thousands of chronic conditions which affect people from mid-life onwards, including:

• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Arthritis.
• Diabetes.
• Depression.
• Asthma.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.

Although many of these diseases can be serious or even potentially fatal, modern medicine has meant that most people can control their condition with close supervision, medication, surgery and other treatments, living with it for decades.
The older you are, the more likely it is that you have to manage some sort of chronic health problem. Almost three-quarters of people aged over 75 suffer from one or more longstanding illnesses. But even among 16- to 24-year-olds, one in four will be living with a long-term condition.

Day-to-day problems

Once someone is diagnosed with a chronic lifelong condition, they face problems such as:

• Ongoing physical symptoms, which may be controlled by medication, slowly progress or come and go.
• The need to take medication regularly, managing any side effects, or have other therapies or interventions.
• Managing work and sustaining an income despite their condition, which can cause financial difficulties.
• Psychological problems resulting from stress and anxiety.

All these factors can contribute to a reduced quality of life and sometimes a sense of social exclusion. Those who get involved in managing their condition by learning about the issues and working with their doctors, nurses and therapists, tend to cope better and gain more control over their bodies and lives.

Learning about your condition

Learning about your condition is the key to recognising what is happening to you. There are plenty of good information sources such as:

• Your GP practice.
• The local pharmacist.
• Your local library (they may be able to help you search online for reliable information).
• Patient support groups (most have some sort of national self help group which can provide information and even local meetings - try searching online for your condition if you haven't already).
• If you're worried then your GP (or sometimes specialist nurse) should be able to help check you out.

Recognising symptoms

You can help yourself by knowing what to do when symptoms get worse, or how to recognise significant new symptoms.

Using medicines

Learn how to use your medicines effectively (remembering which ones to take at the right times) and recognise any side effects:

• When prescribing a medicine, the pharmacist should always check that you understand how to use it. If you have any questions, go back and ask them.
• Read the information that comes with the medicine. It's good to know the possible complications or side effects (but try not to let these prey on your mind as most are usually rare or minor).
• Always keep a written note of what medicines you are on. This may be useful if you're suddenly taken ill, lose your medicines while out or need to check for side effects.
• Most medicines are recommended to be given at a specific time of day. In some conditions timings may be critical (such as in Parkinson's disease) so always make sure you understand when you should be taking them and why.
• If you have lots of medicines or problems remembering what to take, talk to your pharmacist about the many devices that people can use to help, such as dosette boxes (to carry your daily/hourly tablets) or even call services. Maybe just setting a timer at home or on your mobile phone will help.
• If you live in England and are being prescribed a new medicine for certain existing or newly diagnosed long-term conditions (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or if you have been given a new blood-thinning medicine) you may be able to get extra help and advice from your local pharmacist. Under a new free NHS service, you will be given a series of private appointments with the pharmacist to check how you are getting on with the medicines. Ask your pharmacist about this new medicine service.

Employment issues

You may find you have to deal with work issues such as negotiating flexible hours or time off:

• If you feel able to do so, talk to your employers, about your condition. However, you're not obliged to, and some people prefer to keep health issues private. If you can talk to someone, even if it's a supportive colleague rather than the boss, you may feel better for having someone who understands what you are dealing with, and who may be able to offer support over specific issues in the workplace.
• If you can, get advice about illness-related issues from your union.
• Find out what your entitlements are, regarding sick leave or flexible working.
• If things are getting difficult, your employers may be able to consider part-time work, different hours, a work-break or some sort of flexible working arrangement.

Staying positive

Coping with the psychological consequences of the illness can be tough, but staying positive can really help your outlook:

• It can be difficult with a chronic condition to stay optimistic, especially if you're continually battling unpleasant symptoms, but trying to spot what gives you particular stress or depression and finding strategies to deal with them will really help.
• Deal with practical or emotional issues as they develop, rather than letting them fester or weigh you down. If you take steps to take control, no matter how small, this empowerment alone will start to make you feel better.
• Following a regular lifestyle with a balanced diet, daily exercise (if possible) and plenty of rest and sleep is vital to coping with stress.
• Take time out regularly to relax or do something you enjoy.
• Most people benefit from having someone they can offload their feelings to - a family member, friend or maybe a professional.

Talk to your GP if you feel you need support from a counsellor, or you can't seem to get on top of things.

Help is available

There is a lot of help available for people living with a chronic condition:

• You can access help from social services or other voluntary and governmental sources or support agencies, including claiming benefits but local help can vary from area to area. It can be difficult finding out what is available locally and how to access it - talk to your surgery or local support groups for your condition.
• Your local social services department may be able to help, guiding you to claiming benefits or by appointing you a case manager if appropriate. Your GPs surgery may also be able to offer some advice.
• Check with relevant agencies - for example your bank, your employer or your faith organisation, to see if they have anything which could help your situation.
• Many charities offer help relevant to chronic conditions. The Red Cross hires out wheelchairs and other equipment for example, while Age UK can offer all sorts of advice for the elderly from claiming benefits to finding carers or a care home.

The NHS now runs self-management programmes (known as 'Expert patient programmes') designed to:

• Help people reduce the severity of their symptoms in chronic illness.
• Work more closely with NHS professionals.
• Improve their confidence and resourcefulness.

These may be general, with people attending who have a range of different conditions, or specific to one condition (such as arthritis, diabetes or stroke). The sorts of topics covered include:

• Setting goals and making action plans.
• Problem solving skills.
• Developing communication skills.
• Managing emotions.
• How to pace daily activities.
• Managing relationships with family, friends and work colleagues.
• Communicating with health and social care professionals.
• Finding other health care resources in the local community.
• Understanding the importance of exercise, keeping active and healthy eating.
• Managing fatigue, sleep, pain, anger and depression.

READMORE:http://www.bbc.co.uk/health

Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)

Causes of dyspareunia

Lack of sexual arousal is by far the most common cause of painful intercourse. When a women's body is ready for sex, the vagina expands both lengthways and widthways. While this is happening, it becomes moist and lubricated to avoid any friction. The vagina wasn't designed to be penetrated in its unaroused state.
If you're sure you're fully aroused but still experiencing pain, check with your GP that you aren't suffering from an underlying condition. These can include:

• Childbirth - it's quite common for women to suffer some discomfort after childbirth, particularly if there was an episiotomy (a cut to make delivery easier).
• Menopause - intercourse may be more painful during the menopause as lower oestrogen levels cause a thinning of the vaginal wall. Ask your GP or local menopause clinic about oestrogen cream, which usually resolves the problem quite quickly.
• Urinary infections - cystitis or vaginal irritations such as thrush, vaginitis and genital warts are also likely to cause soreness. Once the underlying condition has been diagnosed, a course of treatment should solve the problem.
• Sensitivity to condoms - you may be irritated by certain makes of condoms, contraceptive creams or lubricants. Experiment with different brands.

The problem with pain is that it blocks sexual arousal, which causes further pain. Many women find that they're caught up in a pain cycle - having experienced painful intercourse before, they fear more pain which blocks arousal, causing more pain and so the cycle continues.
If the pain is in your lower abdomen or to one side, you should see your GP to rule out any gynaecological disorder such as:

• Endometriosis
• Prolapse
• Ovarian cysts
• Fibroids
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

Another possible cause is uterine retroversion, a natural condition where the womb tilts towards the back of the pelvis. In all these conditions, you may find that a different position, where thrusting is not so deep, is more comfortable.
If you experience ongoing vulval discomfort then you should check with your GP to see whether you're experiencing vulvodynia or vulval vestibulitus. You can get more information on these conditions from the Vulval Pain Society.

Treatments for dyspareunia

There are a number of self-help techniques wich may help:

• Relax. This is the most important thing you can do. Have a bath, use deep-breathing techniques or buy a relaxation tape from your local health shop.
• Work on relationship issues. You need to be sure that your head and heart are in the mood for sex as well as your body. If you're unhappy about something with your partner then sort it out first.
• Exercise your pelvic floor. This will increase the blood flow to your genital area and make you more conscious of any sensations of physical arousal.
• Use lubrication to speed up the process; keep a tube by the bed.
• Stimulate your sympathetic nervous system with exercise, or anything that will speed up your heart rate. Research suggests that your body will be more sexually responsive 15 to 30 minutes later.

Don't worry if none of the self-help techniques work for you, it's likely that whatever is causing the pain is treatable once appropriate help has been found.
If you've been suffering from painful intercourse for a while, it's essential to check that you're not suffering from an underlying condition.
READMORE:http://www.bbc.co.uk/health