The session has just started. Please feel free to join and submit your questions now.
After the session has ended, you can view the whole dialogue by clicking Recent Sessions, or The Archive.
Yours,
Health and Science Editor
Name
Bobo
-
Profession
Question
I suffer from tension headaches, and I take Panadol about twice a week. Is there any alternative affordable thing?
Answer
In my practice I focus on finding natural and affordable remedies for clients instead of suggesting expensive herbal remedies that may need to be purchased at great expense or ordered from overseas. I call these remedies "The Kitchen Pharmacy". For tension headaches the best kitchen remedies are:
1. Thyme tea: This is a common spice all over the world and is found in most kitchens. Make a tea from this spice by pouring hot water over one teaspoon of the herb and steeping it for ten minutes. Strain out the herb and drink this tea with some honey. Other kitchen spices that can be useful for headaches are cinnamon, anise and peppermint.
2. Reflexology is one of my favorite headache remedies because it is free. To relieve a headache press the "web" between your pointer finger and your thumb. Press this area for 2-5 minutes or until the headache subsides. You can also massage the entire hand, focusing especially on the thumb or have another person massage your feet, focusing on the toes.
3. Water is another inexpensive kitchen remedy for headaches. Studies have shown that many headaches - even tension headaches are a result of slight dehydration. Try drinking two glasses of water and wait ten minutes. See if the headache subsides. Even if it does not go away completely, the water will minimize the pain.
4. Avoid all products with MSG or artificial sweeteners. These flavor enhancers are known to cause or increase the pain of headaches.
5. You can also try the following foods or drinks: water with a teaspoon of rosewater, bananas, hibiscus tea, oatmeal or barley soup.
Is there any natural thing that can improve my children appetite? They eat very little, they are 3 and 5 years
Answer
First you need to look at what their needs are. Sometimes we perceive children as eating very little when they are actually eating the perfect amount of food. Society has trained us to eat large meals with multiple dishes three times a day. However, many doctors and studies have proven time and time again that this is what is leading to so many incidents of obesity in our societies. In reality, most people only need two meals a day or a number of smaller "snack size" meals every day. Are your children energetic and healthy? Do they look to be of a normal weight? Have you checked their weight with the charts? Are they eating a few times a day - even if in small amounts? If so, then they are probably fine. Their appetites may increase as they grow older and as they are more active.
Another thing to check is what they are eating. Some children who eat low-nutrient foods such as chips, candy, cakes and sodas gain weight. However, other children, when they eat these same foods, lose their appetite for "real" foods that will help them stay healthy. If this is happening with your children, you need to make sure they do not eat anything but whole foods (foods that have been minimally processed or not processed at all). Snacks and desserts should be reserved for special occasions. It may take a few days for their bodies to adapt to the new diet. However, after three days without "junk food" you will see an increase in appetite.
You may also want to decrease their consumption of milk and juices for awhile and focus on water. Some children with poor appetites simply get "full" from the liquids they are drinking.
If you have done all of the above and still need help you can try fennel or anise tea.
I’ve heard that there are some natural things that can decrease menstrual pain, what are these things?
Answer
There are many natural remedies that can reduce menstrual pain. My favorite three remedies are free or almost free:
1. Heating Pad: If you experience pain on a regular basis a heating pad would be a good investment. You can purchase a small electric heating pad, a hot water bottle or now, herbal "pillows" filled with grains that you can put into the microwave. Place the heat source on the source of your pain. After about 15 minutes the pain should subside. You can also take a hot shower or soak in a hot bath.
2. Reflexology: For menstrual pain you can massage the palms of the hands, especially right at the base of the fingers. You should also put pressure on the area right below the bump on the inside of your ankles. Apply pressure for 3-7 minutes until the pain subsides.
3. Proper diet: Menstrual pain is most often associated with the following foods: wheat products, chocolate, soy and milk products. Avoid these foods during the times when you usually experience pain. Additionally, make sure you have at least eight glasses of water a day.
The following "kitchen remedies" will also help:
1. Sage: This is a common herb in most kitchens. Boil water and pour it over one teaspoon of sage. Steep this tea for fifteen minutes, strain and then add honey or drink plain.
2. Thyme: This is a very powerful herb and another common kitchen herb. It is called "Za'aatar" in Arabic; however, it is the spice and not the mixture you use on breads.
3. Peppermint or Chamomile work for mild cramps.
There are many other things that can help decrease menstrual pain, however it would take hours to list them all. I hope these can get you off to a good start!
I'm anemic and I suffer th enormal symptoms of anemia like dizziness, decreased concentration, .etc.
what is your advice?
Answer
For my clients with anemia I usually suggest a diet that is high in "blood building" foods. These foods include:
Oranges
Dates
Pineapple
Figs
Apricots
Banana
Black currants
Spinach
Gargir (Water cress)
Broccoli
Beets
Dark greens
Sweet potato
Pine nuts
Eggs
Liver
Okra
Parsley
Chicken
You can also supplement your diet with herbal teas. I will provide you with some options so you can choose a tea that is readily available for you. Some of the following suggestions may not be readily available. Please choose the herbs that are affordable and easy to find where you are living:
Nettles
Alfalfa
Horsetail
Boneset
Red Clover
Lycium Berries
Alma
Bilberry
Black Currants
Mulberry Fruit
Don Quai
Make the tea by pouring boiling water over one teaspoon of herb. Let the herbs steep for 15 minutes. Strain the herb and drink plain or with honey. You can drink from 2-3 cups a day.
I have two children and I always think of cooking them healthy food, however, I feel that most of our foods are contaminated due to insecticides added to veggies and fruits and also I want to know what are the most healthy condiments and seasoning to include in my kitchen?
Answer
This is a very good question! I have the same concerns for my children and I use condiments and seasonings in my own kitchen for this very reason.
My favorite preventative remedy is Zaatar, the mixture of sesame seeds, thyme and sumac that is popularly eaten with olive oil and pita bread. Thyme is a very effective remedy against parasites, and food contamination. I offer the children "Zaatar bread" a few times a week.
Another good food to help cleanse the system of insecticides and other food contamination are potatoes. Raw potato juice (combined with another favorite juice) can help draw toxins out of the body. To make this juice you need to juice 1/4 of a raw potato and mix it with any other juice. You can drink this once or twice a week.
A third tip on staying healthy is to use fresh herbs and spices in your cooking. Most herbs and spices can help balance our health and help cleanse our bodies. However, we need to use fresh or high quality herbs for this purpose. Do not use herbs or spices that come in the small jars that have been pre-packaged from the factory. Purchase your kitchen herbs from the market or from your local health food store, herbalist or spice market. Replace herbs on a yearly basis so they remain fresh and potent.
Another good kitchen assistant is vinegar. You can soak vegetables for up to five minutes in water and vinegar and you can soak fruits up to two minutes. If you rinse well after you soak them no vinegar taste will be present. However, your fruits and vegetables will be much cleaner.
Other great condiments and spices you can use to help are: fresh parsley, fresh dill, fresh coriander, black seed, sesame seed, garlic, onions and horseradish.
Jazakallahu kheiran for your time and answering all our questions. I wanted to ask you if you could tell me, if there are any natural products that can help me combat my asthma. And also something to help me concentrate more on my studies and reduce my anxiety.
Thank you again..
Answer
You mention that you have anxiety as well as asthma so I will suggest a few possible solutions. However, as I do not know your health history you will need to choose the one that is most appropriate for your situation.
For asthma that is caused by anxiety (exercise induced asthma or panic attack related asthma) the best remedies are fennel or thyme tea. I suggest these because they are readily available in most kitchens and because they both work on the lungs but also work on reducing stress and anxiety. Both will make you a bit drowsy, however, so you would not want to drink these teas before you study.
For asthma that is caused by allergies you can use herbs that help you cleanse the system and reduce allergic symptoms. The herbs that are most readily available in this category are nettles or hibiscus tea.
For asthma that is caused by problems with the lungs (due to smoking, exposure to smoke or pollution, or other lung issues) the best herbs and foods are: dark greens, parsley, peppermint, anise, fenugreek, gargir (water cress), and any dark green herbs or foods.
There are more exotic remedies of course. However, I usually find that simple remedies are just as effective.
I want to ask about natural remedies for damaged hair
Answer
To repair damaged hair you need to target the reasons for the damage.
If your hair has been damaged by styling methods such as curling irons, flat irons, perming or coloring, then the best remedy would be a high quality oil such as black seed oil or jojoba oil. It is amazing how quickly damaged hair can come alive again after applying these natural oils.
If your hair is limp and oily and seems to retain residue from shampoos, hair styling products or pollution then you should rinse it three times a week with vinegar and water (after your shampoo). You can also use herbal teas on the scalp to cleanse it. Any herbal tea will help cleanse your hair externally.
If you could provide more details about your hair damage I could suggest more remedies.
There is another person who had hair questions tonight as well. You might also check the answers I give her to her question to see if some of those suggestions might also help you.
Name
Paloma
-
Profession
Question
One of my friends advised me to use natural herbs to lose weight instead of following a certain diet. Is this true? And what are those herbs?
Answer
Herbs can assist you in weight loss; however they cannot replace proper diet and moderate exercise. I would recommend avoiding any prepared "diet teas" as these are usually sold at a very high price (about ten times or more what they are worth in herbal content) and can often have dangerous side effects.
Many people assume that because herbs are natural that they cannot harm you, however, some herbs are safer than others. Thermogenic herbs (most are stimulants) contain substances like caffeine that speed up body functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration. This can also speed up metabolism and help some people lose weight. However, the effect on the rest of the body can be devastating.
However, if you are already following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, there are some herbs that can assist you in weight loss.
You should choose remedies that fit your situation. Try to find out why you are not losing weight and target that problem area in your body. Do you need to do a cleanse to flush out a sluggish liver? Do you need help with elimination and bowel cleansing? Whatever the reason there is an herb or remedy for you. If you use one that does not address your specific problem it may not work for you at all.
For help with speeding up your metabolism Cayenne is very effective. However, if spicy foods bother you this would not be a good choice.
If you need help cleansing your liver or digestive system in general you can use fennel, anise or cumin in your cooking or you can prepare them as teas.
If nutritional imbalance is the reason you are not losing weight then adding more leafy greens and seaweeds to your diet will help. If your weight problem is due to a thyroid issue you should consult with a health care practitioner before using seaweed.
Green tea can also be a very effective weight loss tool. However, it should be taken in moderation (1-2 cups a day) and should not be used by anyone with heart problems, anxiety or sleep issues as it is high in caffeine.
Other natural herbal teas that can help are ginseng and nettles tea.
Name
Sara
-
Profession
Question
I heard that Primrose oil is good for preventing hair loss, I can't find it in my country, is there anything that can replace it?
Answer
Primrose oil is not the most effective remedy for hair loss and is not effective alone as a hair loss remedy so there are certainly many things that would not only "replace" this, but would also be more helpful. I will offer various solutions below for you to explore.
1. Vitamin D. If you cover your hair, some hair loss problems can be a result of lack of vitamin D or proper airing of the scalp. I find that many women who wear the veil often find it inconvenient to take it off and put it back on again all the time, so some simply leave it on all day. If you do wear the veil you should make sure to take it off when you can (like when you are at home) and you should make sure to expose your head to natural sunlight either through a window at home, on your private balcony or in your private yard.
2. Herbs that improve circulation to the scalp can often be effective. These herbs include nettles and gingko.
3. Herbs that help balance the body are also effective in hair loss prevention because they can repair imbalances in the body that may be the cause of the hair loss. These herbs include ginseng (panax ginseg), black seed (nigella sativa) and aloe vera.
4. Nutritional deficiencies can also be a cause of hair loss. A whole foods diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron, will help reduce or prevent hair loss. Green, leafy vegetables, especially sea vegetables such as seaweeds, are good mineral sources. Raw oats (like found in muesli), potatoes, red peppers, and bean sprouts can provide silica. Dried fruits and cherry juice are rich sources of iron. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron. Include a good serving of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Vitamin C can also be found in hibiscus and rose hips teas.
5. Protein is also very important for hair growth. Many people who experience problems with their hair have diets low in protein. Make sure your diet has enough protein. If you are vegetarian, or do not eat enough animal protein sources you can also use soy, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, and two tablespoons of granulated lecithin daily as a protein supplement.
6. If your hair loss comes from problems with anemia, please see a question submitted earlier tonight on that topic and the suggestions I wrote for anemia.
7. Too much vitamin A can cause hair loss. If you are consuming supplements check the labels and make sure you are not over-dosing yourself with vitamin supplements.
8. Some foods are damaging to the body systems that support healthy hair growth. These include:
Sugary foods and drinks
Fatty foods
Excessive raw foods
Citrus fruits
Tomatoes
Salt
Dairy products
Are there herbs that can help in whitening the skin or at least counteract becoming darker?
Answer
Assuming the condition is natural (sun exposure, etc...) There are a number of home remedies for skin darkening which include the use of herbs and foods for this purpose. However, skin darkening can also be the sign of some medical conditions so if this is a new problem you might want to be seen by a health care practitioner. Assuming all is well and you are wearing a strong sunscreen lotion every time you go out and/or covering well - Here are some of my favorite home remedies:
1. Make a paste of tomato juice and oatmeal and apply it on your face. Wait for about 20 minutes and rise with cold water.
2. Vitamin C can help keep your skin healthy and balanced. Be sure to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables to help your skin repair itself from sun exposure.
3. Make a paste of turmeric powder and lemon juice. This helps counteract sun exposure.
4. Soak almonds and grind them into a smooth paste. Apply this paste on your face and leave to dry overnight.
5. Mix one spoon of honey, lemon juice, almond oil with milk powder and apply it on the face.
6. Lemon juice mixed with egg white.
7. Make a poultice or a cream from licorice root herb.
8. Make a paste from mulberries and apply it to the skin. Mulberries contain arbutin, which inhibits the production of melanin.
9. Be sure to brush the skin daily when you shower to remove dead skin cells. You can use a loufa, oatmeal or other natural scrub or rough cloth for this purpose.
