Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea). Natural and herbal remedies for the treatment of menstrual cramps.

Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
Natural and herbal remedies for the treatment of menstrual cramps.


Topics
What are Menstrual Cramps?
What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
Diagnosing Menstrual Cramps
Help for Menstrual Cramps
More Information on Menstrual Cramps



What are Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramps are also known by its medical term as dysmenorrhea. These cramps are characterized by either dull, throbbing pains in the lower abdomen or shooting, intense pains that may last for a few minutes. Every woman’s experience with menstrual cramps is different. Menstrual cramps can range from mild, moderate to severe pain.

Some women only experience mild menstrual cramps with a slight twinge of pain while for others, the pain can be incapacitating and disrupt their lives. Often when the pain is so severe, it is quite common to find young girls or women not being able to go to school or work.

There are two types of menstrual cramps – primary dysmenorrhea or secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea typically begins six months to a year following the beginning of menstruation and there is no underlying gynecological problem contributing to the pain. Cramps and the degree of pain tend to lessen as you become older and often disappear completely after giving birth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea involves an underlying abnormal condition such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids that causes the menstrual cramps. This condition usually develops later, after you have begun menstruating.

The common symptoms and signs of dysmenorrhea include:

Dull, throbbing pain in the lower abdomen
Pain that extends to lower back and thighs
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Sweating


What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
During the menstrual cycle, the uterus contracts when the blood leaves your uterus and sheds its lining. The lining of the uterus produces a hormone or special substances called prostaglandins which trigger the cramping and pain. Some women produce higher levels of prostaglandins and experience more severe cramps.

Several conditions can cause secondary dysmenorrhea and these include:

Endometriosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Adenomyosis
Uterine fibroids and uterine polyps
Use of an intrauterine (IUD) device


Diagnosing Menstrual Cramps
If you are experiencing severe menstrual cramps that are disrupting your life, consult your health practitioner. The diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea involves a thorough physical examination including a pelvic exam as well as a review of your medical history.

A pelvic exam will also be performed to check for any abnormalities and signs of infection. Additional tests such as imaging tests (ultrasound, CT or MRI scan), a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy may be performed to determine the underlying cause of secondary dysmenorrheal.

Help for Menstrual Cramps
Various treatment options are available to relieve the pain and discomfort of dysmenorrhea. Self-care strategies such as applying a heating pad on your abdomen or lower back, exercising regularly, keeping warm and getting plenty of rest can make a significant difference to the way you feel. Over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen can relieve discomfort.

If cramping is severe, low dosage oral contraceptives may be prescribed to prevent ovulation which thereby reduces the production of prostaglandins. If you suffer from secondary dysmenorrhea, treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment may include antibiotics for the infection, polyps to treat endometriosis or surgery to remove fibroids. Alternative treatment options such as massage, acupuncture, yoga or meditation can also provide pain relief.



Natural remedies
Natural and holistic treatments are a gentler and safer alternative to alleviate the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps. Using herbal remedies helps to support the female reproductive system and promotes overall health and wellbeing.

Herbs such as Foeniculum vulgare (Sweet Fennel) acts as a liver tonic and helps to promote water balance while Pulsatilla vulgaris (Pasque Flower) is a soothing and supportive herb for the female reproductive system. In addition, Dong Quai (Angelica Sinesis) helps to promote hormonal harmony throughout the menstrual cycle and Melissa officinale (Lemon Balm) soothes and promotes stable mood and feelings.


More Information on Menstrual Cramps

Tips to cope with menstrual cramps

There are several ways to cope with and alleviate the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps. Follow these helpful guidelines:

Exercise regularly by walking, cycling, stretching or doing pilates
Soak in a warm bath to relieve pain
Use a heating pad on your lower back or abdomen
Try drinking ginger tea to reduce nausea and chamomile tea to soothe cramps
Make yourself as comfortable as possible – wear track pants, socks and curl up with your blanket
Massage the affected area with arnica or aromatherapy oil
Increase your intake of vitamin supplements such as zinc and calcium
Reduce your intake of salt to help reduce bloating
Get plenty of rest


Source: Natural R...
www.gooddeedsmall.com

12 symptoms of kidney disease you shouldn't ignore

Most people are not aware of the fact that kidney disease can be silent killer. They may not show any symptoms for a long time till the situation becomes critical. It is important to recognize the symptoms of kidney diseases to catch them early. Here is a list of twelve such symptoms you should look out for:

1) Changes in your urinary function : The first symptom of kidney disease is that it changes the amount and  frequency of your urination. There may be an increase or decrease in amount and/or its frequency, especially at night. It may also look more dark colored. You may feel the urge to urinate but are unable to do so when you get to the restroom.

2) Difficulty or pain during voiding : Sometimes you have difficulty or feel pressure or pain while voiding. Urinary tract infections may cause symptoms such as pain or burning during urination. When these infections spread to the kidneys they may cause fever and pain in your back.

3) Blood in the urine : This is a symptom of kidney disease which is a definite cause for concern. There may be other reasons, but it is advisable to visit your doctor in case you notice it.

4) Swelling : Kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from the body. When they are unable to do so, this extra fluid will build up causing swelling in your hands, feet, ankles and/or your face.

5) Extreme fatigue and generalized weakness : Your kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin which helps produce red blood cells that carry oxygen. In kidney disease lower levels of erythropoietin causes decreased red blood cells in your body resulting in anemia. There is decreased oxygen delivery to cells causing generalized weakness and extreme fatigue.

6) Dizziness & Inability to concentrate : Anemia associated with kidney disease also depletes your brain of oxygen which may cause dizziness, trouble with concentration, etc.

7) Feeling cold all the time : If you have kidney disease you may feel cold even when in a warm surrounding due to anemia.
Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) may cause fever with chills.

8) Skin rashes and itching : Kidney failure causes waste build-up in your blood. This can causes severe itching and skin rashes.

9) Ammonia breath and metallic taste : Kidney failure increases level of urea in the blood (uraemia). This urea is broken down to ammonia in the saliva causing urine-like bad breath called ammonia breath. It is also usually associated with an unpleasant metallic taste (dysgeusia) in the mouth.

10) Nausea and vomiting : The build-up of waste products in your blood in kidney disease can also cause nausea and vomiting.

11 ) Shortness of breath : Kidney disease causes fluid to build up in the lungs. And also, anemia, a common side-effect of kidney disease, starves your body of oxygen. You may have trouble catching your breath due to these factors.

12) Pain in the back or sides : Some cases of kidney disease may cause pain. You may feel a severe cramping pain that spreads from the lower back into the groin if there is a kidney stone in the ureter. Pain may also be related to polycystic kidney disease, an inherited kidney disorder, which causes many fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. Interstitial cystitis, a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall, causes chronic pain and discomfort.

It is important to identify kidney disease early because in most cases the damage in the kidneys can't be undone. To reduce your chances of getting severe kidney problems, see your doctor when you observe one or more of the above symptoms. If caught early, kidney disease can be treated very effectively.
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Source: Natural Health US
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Amenorrhea- Natural treatment for the causes of amenorrhea, missed periods, and irregular menstrual cycles

Amenorrhea
Natural treatment for the causes of amenorrhea, missed periods, and irregular menstrual cycles.


What is Amenorrhea?
Diagnosing Amenorrhea
What Causes Amenorrhea?
Help for Amenorrhea
More Information on Amenorrhea

What is Amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is the term used to describe the condition where menstrual periods are absent. When you miss a period, your first thought may be that you are pregnant. However there are actually several factors that may cause or contribute to the absence of menstruation.

Menstruation refers to the shedding of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) each month, and it is also commonly known as the menstrual period.

Menstrual periods usually last for five to seven days. In order for a woman to have regular menstrual cycles, her hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries and uterus must be functioning properly. Her cervix and vagina must also be structured normally to allow for menstrual blood to pass through.


Types of Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is classified into two types – primary and secondary amenorrhea.

Primary Amenorrhea - Primary amenorrhea occurs when a woman has not yet had her first menstrual period by the age of 16. This delayed period is usually due to late puberty, most common in teenage girls who are either very thin or very athletic. When young women are underweight, their bodies have yet to experience the normal puberty-related rise in body fat that sparks off the beginning of menstruation. On the other hand, the delay of menstruation may also be as a result of abnormal female reproductive organs or a genetic disorder involving the sex chromosomes such as Turner’s syndrome.

Secondary Amenorrhea - Secondary amenorrhea is a condition in which a woman who previously had normal, regular menstrual cycles experiences irregular or absent periods.

Amenorrhea affects 2% to 5% of all women of childbearing age in the United States. Secondary amenorrhea can affect all women who have begun menstruating. Young women who are involved in sports where intense exercise is required like ballet, long distance running or gymnastics are more likely to be affected with amenorrhea.

Amenorrhea is a symptom in itself. Depending on the cause of amenorrhea, you may experience the absence of periods together with various symptoms of hormone imbalance such as breast milk secretions, headache, weight gain, acne, altered sex drive low libido, lowering of the voice, excessive hair growth on the face and body, and vision changes.

Diagnosing Amenorrhea
The diagnosis of amenorrhea is based on your medical history, physical examination as well as a pelvic examination. Your health practitioner has to rule out other menstrual disorders, medical conditions, as well as medications in order to determine a proper diagnosis of amenorrhea.

Whether you are pregnant or not has to also be determined - a woman has to have missed at least three consecutive menstrual cycles without being pregnant to be classified as having amenorrhea.

A young woman, 16 years of age or older who has not yet had her first menstrual period should be evaluated immediately so that an early diagnosis can be made and treatment started. In addition, other tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of the absence of periods.

Tests for Amenorrhea
Blood and urine tests are able to detect the imbalances of female hormones caused by problems with the ovaries or pituitary gland. Additional tests may also be performed to check levels of thyroid and adrenal hormones.

Pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to detect problems or abnormalities in the structure of your uterus and ovaries.

Progesterone challenge test is done to evaluate your estrogen status. You may be treated with the hormone, progesterone to see whether this brings about a menstrual period.


What Causes Amenorrhea?
There are several possible causes of primary and secondary amenorrhea and they include:

Primary Amenorrhea

Ovulation Abnormality
Certain ovulation or chromosomal abnormalities can cause the eggs involved in ovulation and menstruation to be prematurely depleted

Genital Abnormalities 
The absence of a uterus or vagina, vaginal septum or imperforate hymen present since birth can also result in the absence of menstrual periods

Hypothalamic Problems
The hypothalamus is a gland at the base of the brain that acts as the control center for the body and regulates your menstrual cycle. A disorder of the hypothalamus causing an absence of menstruation is known as functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Strenuous exercise, excessive weight loss as a result of anorexia nervosa, bulimia or stress may also contribute to interference in the normal functioning of the hypothalamus.

Pituitary Disease
The pituitary gland is also responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. A tumor or invasive growth may hinder the pituitary gland’s ability to perform this function.

Obesity
Females who are obese often experience amenorrhea as a result of excess fat cells interfering with the process of ovulation.

Thyroid Disease 
An underactive thyroid causing hypothyroidism or an overactive thyroid causing hyperthyroidism may also be responsible for absent menstrual cycles.


Secondary Amenorrhea

Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the most common cause of amenorrhea in women of reproductive age. Women do not ovulate when they are pregnant, thus menstruation stops.

Birth Control 
Often contraceptives such as birth control pills or hormonal injections can interfere with the menstrual cycle. If oral contraceptives are discontinued, regular ovulation and menstruation may take between 3-6 months to resume.

Excessive Exercise
Athletes or women who participate in strenuous training such as gymnastics, ballet or long distance running can experience absent menstrual cycles. There are many factors such as stress, low body fat and increased energy expenditure that contribute to athletes not having their periods

Medical Conditions 
Medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury; brain, ovary, or adrenal gland tumors; ovarian cysts; overproduction of prolactin by the pituitary gland; hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, chronic illness; and Asherman's syndrome (scarring of the uterine lining caused by infection or surgery) can also cause secondary amenorrhea

Premature Menopause
Menopause that occurs before age 40 is considered premature menopause. It is also associated with secondary amenorrhea and may result from genetic factors or an autoimmune disease.

Hormonal Imbalance
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder associated with hormonal imbalances and may also result in a loss of periods, obesity, acne and at times excess facial hair.

Other causes of secondary amenorrhea may be related to breastfeeding, physical and emotional stress, depression, certain medications, malnutrition, or sudden weight loss or weight gain.

Help for Amenorrhea
There are various treatment options depending on the cause to relieve the symptoms of amenorrhea and bring about a healthy, regular menstrual cycle. Depending on your overall health, medical history, age, and the extent of your condition, medications, procedures or therapies may be used to treat amenorrhea.

Common medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can help to encourage normal, regular menstrual cycles - although these medications have the potential risk of side effects. In addition, dietary modifications that include increased caloric and fat intake may also be beneficial.

Natural Remedies

Although conventional medicine may help to alleviate the symptoms of amenorrhea, they do not necessarily address the root of the problem. Natural and holistic treatments (from a reputable source) can help to address the underlying physiological and nutritional imbalances of the condition without the risk of harmful side effects and promote harmony in a gentle yet effective manner.

Use herbs such as Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry) as an effective treatment to promote hormonal balance and health. Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh) contains phyto-estrogenic properties which are also effective in correcting menstrual irregularities. In addition, Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian Ginseng) is a highly respected Chinese herb that helps to restore vital energy and promote overall systemic functioning while also regulating the menstrual cycle and improving hormonal balance.

More Information on Amenorrhea

Reducing the Risk of Developing Menstrual Disorders

If you are overweight or underweight, try to maintain a healthy weight and level of body fat by making appropriate changes to your diet and exercise routine.
Often, being underweight or overweight can cause menstrual disorders. Consult a doctor or dietician to help you make necessary adjustments to ensure a balanced diet.

Eat healthily and incorporate lots of vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates and protein into your diet. Reduce your intake of saturated fats, refined sugar, salt and caffeine.
Exercise regularly by walking, swimming, cycling or doing yoga. However, it may be necessary to reduce your exercise routine if it is excessive – some women exercise compulsively because they may fear weight gain while others who are athletes also struggle to cut back.

If you feel that your eating is compulsive and out of control, you should also be assessed for eating disorders. Eating disorders such anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa often contribute to amenorrhea.
Increase your intake of vitamins by taking vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium supplements to relieve cramping and PMS symptoms.

Reduce stress, levels by relaxing and resting more. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, progressive relaxation, biofeedback and yoga to quiet the mind and relax muscles. Detox and body cleansing can also be beneficial to help balance body systems.

Limit alcohol consumption and stop smoking naturally, as both habits can cause problems with your menstrual cycle.

Source: Natural R..

Amazing Health Benefit of Bitter Leaf 

BITTER LEAF.....

Bitter leaf is derived from the leaves of a small ever-green shrub found all over Africa called Vernonia, belonging to the family Asteraceace.
There are over a thousand species of this crop. Vernonia amygdaline is commonly found in West Africa, and Vernonia galamensis in East Africa.

True to its name, this leaf is bitter to taste, but surprisingly delicious in meals.

Other names with which this plant is known includes:

• Orugbo (amongst the Itsekiri and Urobo tribes in Nigeria)

• Onugbo 

• Ewuro

• Mojunso (East Africa – especially Tanzania)


The leaf can be eaten fresh like spinach in soup or dried too. African cuisines featuring this leaf as ingredients include:

• Egusi soup

• Ogbono soup

• Okra and bitter leaf soup

• Pepper soup

• Bitter leaf soup (Ndole in Cameroon)

• Banga soup 

In many parts of West Africa, the leaves are used to wash slime off fish and snail before been cooked.

The roots and twigs are eaten as appetizer too.

What is Bitterleaf Used For? Health Benefits and Nutrition Information

Bitterleaf is popular all over the world and flourishes wherever it is grown. A unique property of this plant is that every part of the plant is bitter.. The fact is that bitter herbs are good for our body. Bitterleaf tends to tone vital body organs like the liver and kidney. It can also be used for diabetes. Herbalists have been using Bitterleaf since a long time for the treatment of diabetes. This herb not only lowers the body sugar level sufficiently, but also plays a role in the repair of pancreas. Squeeze ten handfuls of fresh leaves in 10 liters of water and consume two glasses of solution thrice a day for a month.

Moreover, these leaves have great nutritional, herbal and medicinal value.

It  contains very high amount of zinc, important in many enzyme function and keeping the skin fresh.

Some have claimed that this leaf may be dangerous to eat. There are no convincing studies to proof this.

As a general guide, washing your leaf very well and by so doing, you remove saponins to concentrations that are okay for the body to handle.

They also contains saponins and tannins (glycosides), as well as alkaloids. At least 13 other new compounds or vital ingredients have been found in these leaves, after a 40 years study, and have the following benefits:

• Anti-malaria

• Anti-bacteria

• Anti-parasites

• Anti-cancer.

It is also effective in preventing indigestion, scurvy, sciatica, and rheumatism.

At least 30 different illnesses have been suggested to be curable with the use of bitter leaf herbs.

Do you know this amazing leaf? if yes, what do you call it in your native language (also indicate how you eat it)-share this with others.

Source: Amazing Natural world

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Top 20 USES FOR VASELINE  

You might be surprised of all of the things Vaseline can do for you. It just celebrated its 141st birthday, so there must be a reason why it has lasted through all of these years!

1. It actually can helps you get LONGER, THICKER & FULLER LASHES. Lather Vaseline all over your eyelashes overnight and watch them thicken, even without a prescription!
2. Soften dry and cracked elbows. Can be use as a lip balm or lip gloss, as it is very very moisturizing.

3. Cure your damage cuticles or improves the conditions of it! Store a mini-Vaseline container in your purse and use for emergency dry cuticle moments.

4. For kissable, luscious lips: Fall is a beast for drying out summery, dewy lips. Vaseline is there for you and your irresistible pout. You can also mix Vaseline with Kool-Aid powder and make a colored (and flavored) lip gloss.

5. Help your scent stick around: Softly rub Vaseline all over your perfume points (i.e. the cleavage, behind the ear, neck, and wrist) and your scent will last longer!

6. It is a misconception that Vaseline clogs pores, so smear it all over your face, neck and arms for softer skin. Can be use as a moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin. It Does Not Clog your Pores. So no worries on that!

7. Lipstick smudges: Spread a little Vaseline over your teeth and lipstick smudges be gone! This is an infamous tip used at beauty pageants.

8. To remove last night’s makeup: Apply some to a Q-tip and have a pretty day.

9. Perfect for an eye-shadow/blush boost: Apply some under your eye shadow for a glossy effect. Apply on the apples of your cheeks for a dewy glow. Mix with lipstick for a cream blusher! Mix it with Eyeshadow to make it a Cream Eye Shadow.

10. It eases eyebrow plucking: Tame your eyebrows and lube up the under-skin so you can pluck with ease.

11. Prevent hair dye from seeping onto your forehead: Softly dab all over your hairline and keep that box hair dye from dying your forehead the color of your new hairdo.

12. To make your accessories look brand spankin’ new: New job interview or a hot date? Put a small dab on your shoes and shine away!

13. Cure hair Split ends!
Put some Vaseline on your hair ends, it can cure split ends! If you want to do it overnight, apply lesser so it would not stick or spread till your bed areas 

14. Remove makeup stains for your clothes. Dab a little with a damp cloth.

15. To Prevent spray-tan streaks: Rub all over the backs of your knees, ankles and hands to prevent seriously frightening spray tan lines.

16. Nail polish stuck? Hard to open it?
Put some Vaseline over the neck bottle of the nail polish & it would be easier for you to open it the next time!

17. It’s your new exfoliating body wash: Mix with sea salt and come out of the shower feeling soft, and sexy. You can mixed Vaseline with sea salts to create a scrub!

18. Remove false eyelash glue from your lash line.

19. Can be used to smooth and soothe skin after shaving.

20. Lubricates ear lobes and helps make earring insertion easy and painless.

21. Very dry hands / dry feet? Put on Vaseline over your hands & feet at night time, but use only cotton gloves & socks(only cotton type so it would not stick to your hands / feets) and wear it over night. You will see the differences when you woke up the next morning 

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