Natural Remedies For Ear Infections Part 2

5. Fresh holy basil (Tulasi)

Crush a few leaves and rub the juice around the ear and on it, but make sure not to get it in the ear canal. The Tulasi has been used in India to treat ear infections for hundreds of years.

6. Mango leaves

Fresh young mango leaves contain juices that are very effective at treating ear infections. Grind or crush them to get the juice, then warm it up. Use the warm juice as ear drops and you’ll feel relief very quickly.

7. Salt

If you’re suffering from moisture build up, this is the best method to relieve it. Heat up salt in a pan (or the microwave) for 5 minutes, then place it in a towel or some other thick cloth, and then close it into a ball. Let it cool down and apply the filled cloth ball to the ear. The salt will draw out and absorb the moisture in your ear. (You can also use a rice compress)

Natural Remedies For Ear Infections Part 1

If you or your child are prone to catching ear infections, you know how painful they can be. They can be triggered by many things, like wax build-up, moisture build-up and allergies which lead to bacterial and viral infections. Luckily, they can be treated at home naturally, using historically proven remedies that are both safe, effective and have little-to-no side effects.

1. Castor or olive oil

Most ear infections occur due to wax build-up blocking the Eustachian tubes. Use a few drops of castor oil in the infected ear (remember to heat it up a little) before going to bed. Put a cotton plug in your ear and sleep on your side with the ear facing up. In the morning, clean your ear with a cotton bud. (Repeat for a week) The warm oil helps melting the obstructing wax.

2. Garlic

Known for its anti-bacterial properties, garlic is great for treating ear infections. Cook halved cloves of garlic in sesame or mustard oil on low heat, strain the oil and allow to cool. Pour a little bit into the infected ear and see how quickly you feel better.

3. Onion

Warm the onion in the oven and strain the juice, the put a few drops in the infected ear, and then tilt your head to allow the liquid to pour out. You can add a warm compress to the treatment - it will draw out the infection.

4. Steam

Put a few drops of tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil in a bowl of boiling water, place your head over the bowl and cover your head with a towel. This is highly effective at treating infections caused by blockage. To increase the effectiveness of the treatment, plug your ear with some cotton – this will absorb more moisture and heat, and focus the treatment in the infected ear. (If you don’t have either oil, just plain steam will also work)

Holy Basil For Support In A Variety Of Health Issues

Holy basil or tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is a sacred plant in India. It is a relative of our culinary basil but has a stronger, clove-like aroma and taste. Indians do not use it in cooking but do use it as medicine, mostly in the form of tea. It has been used traditionally to support:

1.    Heart health

2.    Optimal breathing

3.    Joint health

4.    Vision health

5.    Skin health

Research in both animals and humans demonstrates lack of toxicity and a variety of benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting the body and brain from the harmful effects of stress.

It also has a positive influence on mood, and is safe to use with pharmaceutical antidepressants.  Jim Nicolai, M.D., has great success with holy basil. Most of his patients have stress-related conditions, and holy basil is at the top of his list of plant-based strategies to target such issues. His personal experience is that it lengthens his "emotional fuse" and leaves him feeling calm and balanced in otherwise stressful situations. Use extracts standardized to two percent ursolic acid in 400 mg capsules. Dosage is two capsules, once or twice daily with food.

Wrong Side Prank

Eucalyptus For Treatment Of Respiratory Issues

Eucalyptus globulus is a stately tree that yields fragrant dried leaves. These are:

1.    Useful for treating respiratory problems including chest congestion, bronchitis, , bronchial cough and sinusitis.

2.    Effective in addressing sore throat and laryngitis..

3.    A natural antibacterial agent.

A small handful of whole leaves or a few drops of the essential oils in boiling water are effective for twice-daily steam inhalations. You can apply rubs as needed to the chest and throat to ease congestion. When buying eucalyptus products, choose oils containing 100 percent pure eucalyptus or at least 55 percent eucalyptol.

Spices To Keep Blood Sugar At Bay Part 2

4. Fenugreek: It's the Indian secret for taming diabetes. But you don't have to be diabetic to benefit from using it. Studies show it can help lower blood glucose levels by around 40%. That's because these seeds are full of dietary fiber. It helps your gut absorb—and use—glucose. This happens by slowing down your digestion. Finding whole fenugreek seeds can be hard. But if you can get them, try adding them to a salad. You can find them ground at gourmet grocers and online.

5. Oregano: This herb adds a totally new dimension of flavor to any food you put it on. Natural healers use it to treat arthritis, asthma, and ulcers. It may even help clear psoriasis. And it's also a potent blood sugar buster.

Along with rosemary and marjoram, researchers found this herb helps block insulin response. The result is easier digestion and higher energy levels.  Like the others, fresh is best. You should be able to find it in your grocer's produce aisle. If not, try growing your own.

Cutting back on sugar can be difficult. But it's one of the easiest ways to reduce inflammation—and your odds of facing cancer or heart disease. Using these spices at each meal doesn't just help keep blood sugar in check... It can also help you beat any leftover desires for sweets by adding new flavor to your favorite healthy dishes.