Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is a natural antacid. I normally mix a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water but I have noticed the the actual volume of baking soda used isn't really important. It only changes the speed that it takes to work. I always stir it in until the water goes clear before I drink it. Sodium Bicarbonate can neutralize stomach acid and temporarily alleviate heartburn caused by acid reflux.
For me it works 100% of the time. I usually stay up until all the gasses stop.
There are some drawbacks to this, however. When you add baking soda to water, it releases carbon dioxide and fizzes a little. This fizz can open the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to enable you to burp and help relieve the pressure from bloating. Unfortunately, though, opening the LES can also allow the contents of your stomach to reflux up into the esophagus which is why I wait until it's stopped fizzing.
While many people have used baking soda to treat their heartburn, it's important to note that there haven't been any clinical trials to support baking soda's effect on heartburn. There is also the suggestion that it may raise your blood pressure. I suspect that it may also increase the amount of plaque on your teeth. My dentist told me that plaque build-up can be reduced by drinking acidic substances, which dissolves it. Things such as cola based drinks, vinegar (Apple Cider Vinegar tastes the best) etc. Baking soda is a base, logic says if acid can reduce it a base could increase it. I have no proof other than I have more plaque than I used to.
Other possible problems are symptoms of sugar diabetes, hypocalcaemia, pancreatitis and many other nasty things. Fortunately all of these are eliminated very quickly once you stop using baking soda to treat heartburn.
If you have chronic acid reflux you should consult your physician because there could be underlying causes of a serious nature. However, if the causes are due to the food or drink you are enjoying, there are numerous safe and effective natural remedies.
Of course you could just not eat or drink the things you like but that doesn't appeal to me. I would rather treat the heartburn with a safe remedy like one of these.
Some people have reported good results with these home remedies:
There may be many more which work but this is a good list to be going on with.
From my research it seems that many of these natural remedies are only safe if you use them only on an occasional basis. If you find that you need to use one or more of these acid reflux cures on a regular basis, more than a couple of times a week for several weeks in a row, go talk with your doctor, physician or other health professional.
You could be suffering GERD, known in some countries as GORD. This is is an acronym for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease. Your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter product or not but getting checked out is really important.
Is Baking Soda a Safe Natural Heartburn Remedy?What do candy, chewing gum, toothpaste, and ice cream all have in common? One thing is that all can be purchased with peppermint flavor. This perennial plant produces green leaves that are rich in medicinal value.
Peppermint Leaf is a great aid to the digestive system. It increases the quantity and ability of bile to flow from the liver. This in turn helps in the digestion of fats and reduces bad cholesterol. Peppermint also calms the stomach, aids in extracting nutrients from food, reduces harmful bacteria in the stomach, and relaxes the muscles in the intestines thus reducing cramping. Its cleansing properties decrease the filtering work demanded of the liver and kidneys. An after-dinner peppermint reduces both stomach gas and the amount of time food is in the stomach. It is used in anti-nausea medicine, not just for its pleasant flavor, but also because peppermint will sooth the stomach lining. In this way it has been effective in treating motion sickness and morning sickness as well.
Though effective as a tea, peppermint is primarily harvested for its oils, namely, menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate. The peppermint leaves are rated by the quantity of menthol in them. Peppermint grown in the US is about 70% menthol. Peppermint also contains vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, inositol, niacin, copper, iodine, silicon, iron, and sulfur.
For some peppermint leaf is a more effective source of pain relief for headaches than acetaminophen. Massaging the temples with peppermint oil has relieved even migraine headaches by relaxing muscles and cooling the skin. As a balm, it is used to relieve muscle and arthritic pain as well. Peppermint is an effective relaxant and can help in treating stress and restlessness.
Peppermint Leaf is also a natural expectorant and decongestant. Thus it is effective in the treatment of many respiratory ailments including bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma, and is known to stimulate the immune system. Peppermint is an ingredient in cough medicines because it increases the output of saliva, thus soothing the throat. It is also found in many chest rubs due to its ability to relieve congestion from colds, flues, and respiratory infections. By inducing sweating, peppermint has effectively treated fevers. It has also been used to treat bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, some forms of cancer, heart disease, earaches, gallstones, muscle tightness, and menstrual cramps.
Peppermint Leaves can be purchased as a tablet, an essential oil capsule, or a tincture. Note that the capsules are often coated and don't start working until they reach the intestine. Thus, the benefits in the stomach are lost. To prepare peppermint leaf tea, pour one cup of boiling water over 1 or 2 tsp. of dried peppermint leaves. Then cover, steep for 10 minutes and strain. Do not ingest peppermint leaves since the menthol could be poisonous. Do not give peppermint to young children without professional counsel.
Peppermint Leaf is an herb with a variety of credits to its name. Anyone facing one of the problems listed above would do well to give peppermint leaf, oil or tea a try.
The Potency of the Peppermint LeafI went out to feed the birds this morning - the temperature was comfortably above freezing, and a downy woodpecker was telegraphing his territorial rights on the nearest utility pole. I realized it was time to feed the asparagus.
If you love fresh, succulent spears of asparagus but rankle at the price you pay for them (and the quality you get) at the grocery store, consider growing your own. Unlike most vegetables, asparagus is a perennial plant - one planting will return year after year, and a well-tended bed can produce an abundant crop for 25 years or more. Asparagus is an investment, and like most investments, requires some specific steps in order to reap rewards.
DIRT IS EVERYTHING
Asparagus needs soil which is rich in organic matter and drains easily. If your soil is like mine - clay that is as unworkable as Play-Doh - you'll need to incorporate goodies such as leaf mold, aged manures and compost the season before you plant. Asparagus also likes full sun, so be sure that your plot gets a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight during the growing season.
BUY GOOD STOCK
It's always helpful to purchase top-quality asparagus roots from a reputable nursery or seedhouse. Two-year roots will yield a crop the second year after planting. The roots should be plump, well branched and look healthy.
VARIETIES
Look for time tested varieties, preferably those termed "supermale" (it's the male asparagus that yields the spears. The female exhibits the ferny foliage and produces berries during the summer.) Several good varieties are:
Planting Your Bed
Asparagus is best planted in the spring, but is hardy enough to go into the ground as soon as the soil is workable. Asparagus roots need to be placed into a trench which is approximately 12" deep and 12" wide. Space your plants 12" - 18" apart. Spread the roots when you plant for maximum growth.
Cover with 6" of soil, and water in. When the plants begin to grow, continue to cover - or hill - with the remaining soil.
When your plants are up, mulch your bed with leaves or wood chips to retain moisture and keep weed growth down. You can also use a good pre-emergent such as Preen, which is formulated for asparagus beds.
FEEDING
Asparagus plants love to eat, and need to be fed three times a year with a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Generally, feed your bed in early spring before any spears are visible, a few weeks after you've harvested the last spears, and in the fall. Organic growers like to top-dress their bed each fall with aged horse or chicken manure. Heat from the decaying manure helps to keep the roots from freezing during harsh winters as well as providing food for the plants and texture for the soil.
ENJOYING YOUR HARVEST
And what can you do with your first crop? Steamed asparagus is delicious with an herb butter topping, mixed with rice, or au gratin. You can also chop very young spears and eat them raw or with a veggie dip.
For you low-carb dieters, asparagus is one of the approved vegetables. Enjoy it in large quantities!
Growing Great AsparagusThe article describes the healing qualities of borage, as well as, simple recipe on how to make effective remedy to treat various health problems, including insomnia, anxiety, depression, gallstones, nephrolith, gout and many more.
Borage is an annual or biennial with a stem growing to a height of 100 centimeters. The branched stem, branches and leaves are covered with rough hairs. The leaves have pleasant fresh cucumber like aroma and taste. Blossoms are usually light blue in color. However, white blossoms are sometimes observed. Blossoms are arranged in curlicues. The herb blooms in June and July. If the weather is warm, the plant might bloom even till September.
Borage is often cultivated in garden as culinary plant and medical herb. In addition, it is proven to be excellent for nectar. You should collect leaves, blossoms and tops of the herb during the florescence of it. You should dry the herbs at a room temperature in a well-ventilated room. You can dry them in a drying camera, as well, as long as a temperature does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius. If you use the herb in food, you should use fresh leaves. Leaves add a fresh cucumber like taste and aroma to your salad. You can use the blossoms to decorate your salad. They are eatable.
Energy Sleeping Naturally Without Sleeping Pills
If you are waking up several times during the night, only receiving about 2 or 3 hours of sleep and when the alarm clock goes off you feel like you could use more sleep, you may have the sleeping disorder of insomnia that causes you to be sleepy during the day. This loss of energy stemming from not having a good nights rest can result in a lack of attention, bad temper, on edge, irritable, not being able to focus on what you are doing, lethargic and these effects stay with you the rest of the day, robbing you of the very energy and alertness you need to function daily, whether on the job or your daily life routine.
Tiredness and lack of concentration during the day can lead to headaches, migraines, dizziness, mental exhaustion, confusion, memory problems, emotional instability and muscle pain. Your immune system has been weakened, allowing your general health to suffer and exposing you to become vulnerable to many common infections, sicknesses, and diseases. Chronic insomnia can interfere and disrupt a normal life, resulting in more serious disorders such as, arthritis, asthma, stress, kidney, heart disease, etc.
Insomnia is not a disease that is cured by pills. Stress, depression and insomnia work together. Over the counter drugs and/or prescription sleeping pills can actually cause harmful side effects such as forgetfulness, confusion, depression, and breathing problems. The long term studies on the effects of sleeping pills are not very encouraging and conclude those with insomnia are better off without the use of sleeping pills than they are with the use of them. There is no need to put your body through the harmful side effects cause by the use drugs when there is a better answer in the form of all natural homemade medicines and herbs.
Some homemade remedies and herbs for eliminating insomnia:
1) Mix together:
1 tsp. chamomile flowers
1 tsp. hops.
1 tsp. valerian root.
1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 45 minutes, strain and drink 1 hour before bedtime.
2) Take 30 to 40 drops of a liquid extract of dried hops 2 to 6 times a day. To enhance digestion, take before meals. Hops calm the nerves, and relieve the tension caused by stress.
3) Make a sleep tonic from liquid extracts using:
20% fresh valerian root 20% fresh passionflower flower tips 20% fresh chamomile flowers 20% fresh catnip flowering tips and leaf 20% dried hops. Take 15 to 30 drops in a little water before bed.
Valerian relaxes the nerves and muscles, improves your quality of sleep, even making falling asleep easier. Great for insomnia that is caused by mind activity, fear, fatigue, or excitement.
4) A few hours before bedtime take 30 to 40 drops of a liquid extract of Kava. Kava has been used as a mild tranquilizer in the South Pacific for over 3,000 years and its properties allow for a very peaceful sedative feeling which helps to achieve a deep state of relaxation, improving sleep. It reduces stress, tension, anxiety and relaxes the muscles. It can be used as a sedative without the side effects or addiction. The herb Kava is a very powerful herb. Take for only 3 days in a row and do not take more than the recommended dosage.
Vitamin B deficiency insomnia is becoming very common and this nutrient deficit destroys your body and energy, so take these vitamins to regenerate your body while inducing a peaceful and deep sleep.
These are only a few of the more popular all natural ways to treat insomnia that achieves healthier results allowing you to sleep deeply and comfortably refreshing your body with energy. Taking the proper steps to remedy your insomnia allows you to regain your life.
All Natural Ways to Cure Insomnia From Homemade Herbal RemediesWhere and How to Control Mosquitoes
Through mosquito control operations, it is possible to get rid of mosquitoes specifically in:
o Homes
o Parks and recreational areas
o Livestock and poultry farms
o In traditionally mosquito-infested regions like hills or tourist spots
The best and most effective mosquito control measure is to make use of a mosquito repellent. There are numerous types of mosquito repellents. You can choose to use any repellent of your choice. Rather the main aim of using a mosquito repellent is to keep away mosquitoes.
Mosquito repellents types
Few mosquito repellents make use of synthetic chemicals while some others make use of natural extracts. Therefore, repellents are available in an array of lotions, creams, sprays, coils, and incense sticks. Some are available in the form of nets, electric mats, insect zappers, and ultrasonic devices. You can choose the mosquito repellent that best suits you and your convenience and proves to be an effective mosquito control measure.
The most important ingredient in any mosquito repellent is DEET. This effective chemical repels mosquitoes. Other ingredients that cause similar repulsive action include oil extracts from citronella, catnip plant, Nepetalactone, and eucalyptus oil extract. Different mosquito repellents contain either one of these ingredients or a combination of few of them. Usually, these repulsive ingredients are best used externally on skin or on clothing as mosquito control measure.
Another effective mosquito control measure is to keep air in motion, within either the room or outdoors. Making use of fan to keep air circulating within a room can act as a mosquito repellent to a certain extent. Mosquitoes cannot tolerate moving air. If outdoors, fanning yourself while moving around can keep away mosquitoes.
Natural Ways to Keep Away Mosquitoes
Although you can use any mosquito repellent as effective mosquito control measure, simple natural remedies can also keep away mosquitoes. These include:
o Restrict use of floral fragrant perfumes, scented sunscreens, perfumed hair products, and floral fragrances from dryer sheets and fabric softeners.
o Excessive consumption of high-potassium foods and salty foods causes release of more lactic acid from your body. This attracts mosquitoes. Reducing intake of such foods can make you less prone to mosquito bites.
o Prolonged and excessive exercises cause greater transpiration of carbon dioxide from your body. It is similar in case of a burning candle or some other source of fire. High levels of carbon dioxide attract mosquitoes.
o Do not dress in dark-colored clothing, as they are potential attractants for mosquitoes.
o Humid atmosphere as present in wet and damp regions and areas like mud puddles, moist plants, and standing water attract mosquitoes.
o Specific variety or category of mosquito thrives in cool climates. You can therefore find a higher percentage of such mosquitoes in cool and cold temperatures.
o Spreading crushed leaves of lemon thyme, lemongrass, lemon balm, wormwood, and Pelargonium can prove to be a natural mosquito repellent.
o Consumption of lots of garlic can prove to be a natural mosquito repellent as the smell of garlic emanates from your skin pores and wards of mosquitoes.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes For GoodThere are various acid reflux symptoms and treatment plans. Some people have found that a home remedy for acid reflux is effective. However, it is important to have your symptoms evaluated by a doctor, especially if chest pain is present, to rule out more serious conditions.
Heartburn, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth or back of the throat and difficulty swallowing are the most common acid reflux symptoms and treatment may include prescription and over the counter medications, dietary and lifestyle changes or botanical and herbal remedies. As you can see, acid reflux is more than just occasional heartburn, which almost everyone experiences at one time or another. As opposed to treating occasional heartburn, a home remedy for acid reflux will almost certainly include changes in diet. A food and symptoms diary is often helpful for identifying foods, beverages and other things (like cigarette smoking) that may trigger symptoms.
Persistent cough, hoarseness and upset stomach are examples of other problems that may be acid reflux symptoms and treatment, once the diagnosis is made, often begins with a group of prescription drugs called proton pump inhibitors. The coughing and hoarseness are caused by stomach acid leaking up into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Unlike a typical home remedy for acid reflux, these are taken daily and actually prevent secretion of stomach acid. Like all prescription drugs, proton pump inhibitors may cause unwanted side effects, which may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue and dizziness.
There are those who choose not to use prescription drugs for the relief of acid reflux symptoms and treatment options for them may include botanical or herbal remedies. Some may consider this a home remedy for acid reflux since no prescription is necessary, but botanicals or plants and herbs were the first form of medicine. Prescription drugs are a fairly recent addition to healthcare. When used in combination with changes in eating habits, such as reducing the number of fried, fatty and fast foods, an herbal or botanical remedy may be just as effective as a prescription drug for the relief of acid reflux symptoms and treatment of the condition.
An herbal home remedy for acid reflux may include chamomile, meadowsweet, slippery elm, cancer bush, fennel, catnip, angelica root, gentian root, ginger root or other botanicals. Slippery elm was used historically by native peoples to treat stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn and other digestive complaints. Fennel and gingerroot were also common "folk remedies" for the relief of indigestion. Modern herbalists have found that a combination of several of the herbs that had been used for indigestion could be an effective home remedy for acid reflux.
For the relief of acid reflux symptoms and treatment of the condition, products containing an extract from the aloe plant are sometimes suggested. Aloe was not used historically for stomach upset, but it is believed, by some to be effective for many common digestive problems. It was used historically to soothe burns and promote healing of external injuries and has been proven to be an effective laxative. As a home remedy for acid reflux, aloe or other herbs and botanicals should only be one part of a complete treatment plan. Avoiding coffee, alcohol, spicy foods and even losing weight may be necessary for long-term control of acid reflux symptoms and treatment of the condition. It is important to treat acid reflux and visit your doctor regularly, because the condition can eventually damage the lining of the esophagus and, it is believed, can even lead to cancer of the esophagus. For more information about acid reflux symptoms and treatment options, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com
Acid Reflux Symptoms and Treatment