Simplitudes » Women

Preventing and Treating Uninary Tract Infections

Gigi — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:45:14 +0000

Treating a urinary tract infection

Here are a few remedies that may help get rid of a UTI.

Shatavari Root (Asparagus Racemosus) – this particular Herb is a relative of asparagus and helps keep the urinary tract system in check. This root carries with it phytoestrogens, which offer moisture and rejuvenating properties for the kidneys and urinary tract. Shatavari keeps the immune system functioning properly and actually makes it stronger over time. Studies have also shown this root reduces stress, which has been proven to be very beneficial to the reproductive system, as well as reduce uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. These factors make this particular root very beneficial in fighting a urinary tract infection. Asian women start taking Shatavari around puberty and continue a daily intake for life. In that part of the world, menopausal symptoms are basically unheard of and they have the lowest percentage of urinary tract infections in the world.

American Cranberry also helps in both the prevention and treatment of a UTI. Cranberry helps to fight bacterium that forms on cell membranes. It inhibits bacteria from attaching itself altogether. For an active infection, take higher doses of Cranberry pills followed by 100 percent Cranberry Juice – no sugar added. Drinking pure Cranberry Juice daily will prevent regularly occurring urinary tract infections. Cranberry also prevents kidney stone formation as well as aid in fighting gum disease.

Goldenseal – (Hydrastis Canadensis) and uva-ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) – both contain antibacterial properties. Drink one or more of these in tea form to prevent infection and take tablet forms along with the teas while treating the infection. Check for herbs that should only be taken for months at a time. Some herbs can cause negative affects on body tissue if taken for long amounts of time. Let your body rest from certain herbs. Goldenseal is one of these.

Here are some wonderful products I highly recommend in the treatment of urinary tract infections:

Life-time Cranberry Concentrate – this contains high levels of Cranberry and asparagus – both known in keeping the urinary tract healthy

UT Answer – this is my favorite – it contains high concentrated levels of Cranberry and has no alcohol. I would recommend these products during an active infection. You can drink Cranberry Juice every day as a preventative measure. This might be cheaper in the long run.

Some other tips on preventing a UTI:

Avoid bubble baths, especially in young girls. If you or your kids simply can’t live without a bath, make sure the tub is disinfected properly with environmentally safe and/or natural cleaning products and just fill the tub with plain water. You can add a touch of Baking Soda or Epsom Salt for an added refreshing and skin smoothing touch.

Shower daily and wear clean 100 percent cotton underwear only. Avoid T-Backs and tight jeans. Wear comfortable, breathable, natural fibrous clothing.

Wash with allergy tested, sensitive skin soaps. Avoid liquid soaps. Avoid fragranced soaps, shower gels, sprays and powders. Natural soap and water daily is all you need. I do not recommend douching AT ALL! This will throw off your PH levels in the vaginal tract and can actually lead to even more infections. Just make sure that everything and anything that enters the vagina is natural – this concept has always helped me stay healthy when it comes to my female parts.

Avoid colored toilet paper. Use white, chemical free paper and always wipe from front to back after urinating. The number one reason for getting a UTI is E-Coli matter entering the urinary tract.

Make sure every bit of urine comes out before you wipe. It might take an extra minute, but it’s certainly well worth it. When urine seeps onto your underwear throughout the day, this causes a sea of bacterium that flows right up the tract. It might get more difficult to void as you get older, so, take your time and relax your bladder muscles as your urinating.

Wash up after intercourse and avoid sex gels.

Also, be careful with some of the external birth control gels and products out there. A lot of them tend to cause allergic reactions that may very well lead to infection.

After you swim, slip into dry clean underwear. You’ll also prevent a yeast infection by practicing this.

A UTI can also occur after certain medical procedures, so…keep extra clean throughout this time.

Just think natural, clean and simple, and you should be ok.

Later,g

Personal Grooming Tips

Gigi — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:44:45 +0000

Personal Care and Grooming

Apply scent free natural baby oil to lips for added gloss and moisturizing. You can even dab on a bit over your lipstick for added shininess.

I’ve been known to use lipstick or even lip gloss as blush whenever I’ve run out. I’ve also mixed a little baby oil and lipstick as a blusher, and I’ve found it has great staying power. Apply a little powder over top to reduce the shine and make the color last even longer throughout the day. Avoid this if you have break out or have very oily skin. Baby oil is mineral oil based and should not clog pores.

Hairbrushes should be cleaned at least once a month in order to remove oils and impurities. A dirty brush will make your hair dirty after shampooing and bring unwanted oils to the scalp. You can soak your combs and hairbrushes in various solutions, but here are a few that work well for me. Always rinse off with mild soap and warm water as your last step to the following soak remedies.

Hot water and ammonia – wear gloves on this one and make sure to rinse completely with mild soap and warm water.

Baking soda and Hot water

Tea tree oil and hot water – use only a few drops of this highly concentrated oil. Its anti-fungal and cleaning properties are excellent for naturally cleaning and deodorizing many surfaces around the home, and works great on combs and brushes. It works especially well on pet combing supplies.

Mild shampoo and hot water

Never mix ammonia with anything other than water. If mixed with other chemicals, whether natural or not, you can create an extremely harmful toxic mix… the same goes for mixing bleach and dish liquid.

To help your cosmetics last longer, keep them refrigerated. Keep aloe lotions and sunscreens as well for a refreshing cooling sensation after beach or pool activities. Children love applying cooled sunburn lotions.

For healthy gums, try a solution of warm water, baking soda, sea salt and a touch of iodine. Do not use this solution if you have a known allergy to iodine.

A tiny dab of Tea Tree oil and warm water make an excellent anti-septic gargle.

Hydrogen peroxide and warm water helps whiten teeth and keep gums clean. Make sure to dilute the peroxide as much as possible.

When gargling with any solution, make sure not to swallow. Keep a very close eye on children under 6 years of age when taking care of their oral health.

Natural Personal Care

Gigi — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:32:02 +0000

NATURAL PERSONAL CARE REMEDIES FOR THE BODY

Tighten your pores and tone your skin with…

Make a paste with Baking Soda and distilled water. Apply all over face and leave on for about 30 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. This works really well for getting rid of blackheads.

Baking Soda makes an excellent deodorant – especially for those with chemical sensitivity to scented deodorants and antiperspirants containing aluminum. There are some really great aluminum free underarm products out on the market today. My favorite are the ones made from www.kissmyface.com Simply apply Baking Soda dry under arms. I apply Patchouli Oil on my underarms and this helps in fighting odors as well as smells great – if you like Patchouli. A little goes a long way. You can buy the oil at www.patchouligarden.com

Mix Baking Soda and Cornstarch Powder for stinky feet. You can also put this mixture in your shoes to keep them fresh. Drier sheets can also be inserted into stinky shoes.

Mix Baking Soda and water into a spray bottle. Keep this mixture in your refrigerator for use after over exposure to the sun. You can then apply some White Distilled Vinegar to avoid peeling after the sunburn starts healing.

If you have itchy, dry skin or are suffering with chicken pox, add one cup of Baking Soda to your bath water, followed by an application of dry Soda after bathing. This is safe for children as well. Soda acts as a mild pain reliever for many minor skin ailments involving pain, itchiness and dryness.

Unscented baby wipes make an excellent make-up remover. They contain a lot less additives than adult makeup removing cloths. You can also add a dab of baby oil for heavier makeup. Simply apply all over face and then wipe off with the baby wipe, or add some baby oil directly onto the baby wipe. I’ve also used baby lotion at times and wiped clean, followed by regular facial cleansing regime.

If you’re allergic to any of the above, handkerchiefs make gentle makeup remover cloths. I also find that sensitive skin Dove Soap works well for me. Since I don’t wear a lot of makeup, it removes it all and leaves my skin feeling moisturized and fresh. Order on line at www.dove.com They’ve also come out with tons of sensitive skin body and face products. I also like their commercials promoting beauty in every woman, no matter what your imperfections may be. I wish they’d come out with a makeup color line though.

A mild astringent for sensitive or dry skin is to wash and cut up some grapes, strawberries or cucumbers, and rub all over your face. Leave on for as long as you like and wash clean. Use this method a couple of times a week.

Slices of raw cold potatoes applied over closed eyes helps heal swollen and tired looking eyes. It also helps diminish the look of dark circles under the eye area.

If you use hairspray, rinse you hair with baking soda to remove any and all traces of the hairspray. You hair will also feel silky and smooth and adds shine as well.

When I was a little girl, I ended up burning the soles of my feet walking from the beach through an extremely hot parking lot on my way to the car. After arriving at home, my mom quickly soaked my feet in baking soda and water. She then followed daily treatments of the same but added splashes of white distilled vinegar to avoid the peeling as much as possible. I healed up completely and didn’t remember having pain or itching during the entire treatment period.

For rough, fry or callused feet, soak in warm water with about two tablespoons of baby oil. Do this daily. You’ll start noticing a definite difference after about one week. Always follow this with a foot scrub made of a sugar and honey paste, end by applying some foot lotion or any lotion of your choice.

Condition and Moisturize Your Body

Gigi — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:27:16 +0000

Body Conditioning Remedies

If your skin has been overexposed to cold, wind or sun, cold Mayonnaise can help sooth it. Leave on as long as you can stand it, then wipe clean. Follow by washing it off. Keep away from eye area and never sleep with any type of deep moisture treatment around eye area. Some of the oil may seep into the eye itself and may cause allergic reactions, and even blurred vision. You can also apply Mayonnaise on hair that needs extra moisture. Apply all over hair and scalp, and wrap in a towel or plastic wrap. Leave in for about 30 minutes, depending on your level of dryness.

Olive Oil and Hempseed Oil are great skin conditioners. You can also apply all over hair and scalp. Avoid the eye area when applying any moisture to the face, unless it is a specific moisturizer for the eyes area. Use this as a 30- minute treatment and wipe off. Follow with your usual cleansing regiment. You can get Hempseed Oil at an affordable price by going to www.hempsisters.com

For added smoothness, apply some pure dairy cream all over face. Follow with your regular cleansing regiment.

For mature or dry skin, try some unscented Baby Oil mixed in with your foundation. Baby Oil is light and has been tested for known allergens. Again, only apply moisturizer on the eye area that’s meant for the eye area. Your make-up will stay on longer throughout the day if you put a dab of the oil all over your face (excluding eye area) after washing your face.

Another treat is Baby Lotion. They have so many to choose from now. I like the fragrance free, naturally made organic lotion. I use it all over body and face. It leaves a fresh scent and gives just enough moisture.

For heavy- duty face conditioning, mash up an avocado and apply all over face. Leave on for as long as you’d like and wipe clean. Follow with your daily cleansing.

Honey also makes a great conditioning mask for the face. Mix in some powdered milk for extra smoothness.

If you live in an area with hard water, try some Baking Soda in your bath. Not only will it soften the water, but will do the same for your skin, not to mention… it deodorizes the tub at the same time! For extra soothing comfort and softening, mix in a little Epsom Salt. It works great on healing minor cuts as well as soothes achy muscles. For really pure Baking Soda, try Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda. www.bobsredmill.com

Rub the inside of a banana peel or avocado all over dry body parts, especially elbows and knees. Leave on for 30 minutes. Wash clean.

Add Baby Oil and Milk for added moisturizing and smoothing benefits during your bath.

Add a dab of Baby Lotion to your hair in your last rinse after shampooing. You’ll add lots of shine if your hair is dull or dry. A dab of the oil will also help your curls last longer after setting.

Avocado smoothed all over your hair and left in for 30 minutes before your final rinse will add lots of body to your hair. Burt’s Bees Extra Volume Shampoo adds tons of body and deep cleans oilier scalps. www.burtsbees.com

For an instant blast of moisture before applying your make-up or freshening up your face while you’re out, fill a small spray bottle with mineral water. You can actually buy these at department stores, but you’ll pay a lot more. Evian Water makes a moisture spray for on the go. www.Evian.com Spray it directly over make-up for a quick pick-me-up during the day.

Simple Tips for Pregnant Women:

Gigi — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 06:04:57 +0000

Simple Tips for Pregnant Women: These tips are beneficial before, during and following child birth.

1) Make sure you treat yourself and pamper yourself. Schedule alone time to just get away for a massage, manicure or pedicure (if you’re into that) or even a relaxing weekend at the beach or park retreat. My favorite was a nice foot massage, light walking or simply sitting back for the weekend and let other household members do all the work without being interrupted. I also kept on working throughout both pregnancies; keeping active is important for your health, emotional and mental well-being. Avoid just sitting around and eating. You’ll need to build up strength and lounging around, will only lead to weak muscles. try keeping your feet elevated as much as possible especially your last trimester; this will help to reduce swelling especially in warmer climates.

2) Take your supplements until the very end. I actually took prenatal vitamins and minerals before, during and after pregnancy. This makes for healthier babies and moms. there are lots of homeopathic treatments to relieve some of the discomfort that comes with pregnancy such as nausea, body aches, swelling and chronic fatigue. Check with your midwife, doctor or even childbirth class coordinator. Although you should follow a healthy eating and exercise plan, give into cravings once in a while. With my daughter I had to have everything orange likeâ€¦orange juice, orange sherbert, orange jelly candies and orange popsicles. Although some of it would be considered unhealthy, I tried for the healthiest when I could, which was the orange juice and that satisfied my orange craving just fine. Do everything in moderation and listen to your body at all times.

3) Have all the sex you desire. It is now known that a man’s sperm contains a hormone called prostoglandins which will actually help to soften the woman’s cervix. Try out different positions and find which one is most comfortable for tummy, baby and mom. There are lots of books covering pregnancy sex and some of the most comfortable positions I’ve read about are those of the Chinese. Your midwife should be able to answer these questions as well as your childbirth coach. If you’re over due – HAVE LOTS AND LOTS OF SEX! And remember, you can’t hurt the baby.

4) Make sure you have family and friends that will support you through your highs and lows. Your hormones are constantly changing and you need a real support system of people that care and understand. If you’re alone, look inside yourself for that support.

5) A positive attitude is important for both you and baby. Don’t let yourself stress out and read lots; learn information that in the long run will make you wiser and stronger. If you believe you can have a wonderful natural childbirth experience then you will! Stay away from negative energy and people.

6) When choosing a childbirth class, make sure it’s one that’s both informative as well as allows you to have choices. Allow yourself to connect with other expectant mothers and learn and share from one another.

7) Sleep as much as possible as you won’t be getting much of it once the baby arrives. Take 10 or 15 minute power naps throughout the day. They’ll refresh you and give you a burst of energy without causing you to be over tired in the middle of the day. If you sleep during the day, you won’t be able to have a productive sleep come night.

Don’t forget to exercise at least three times a week. Investigate safe exercise routines during pregnancy. After giving birth, take time to enjoy and feel free to not resume an exercise routing until your six week check up. Your body needs to heal slowly and the weight will automatically start coming off while you’re breastfeeding anyway.

9) Make sure you feel totally comfortable with those that will be with you throughout your delivery.

10) Drink lots and lots of fluids – especially water!!! Urinary tract infections can occur more during pregnancy.

11) And most importantly, concentrate on you, your baby and family. Once the baby arrives enjoy him or her and don’t let petty things get in the way. Everything doesn’t have to be perfectly clean and organized; just what makes you all comfortable. Sleep when your baby sleeps and do dishes another time and definitely get others to help while you’re going through the process of breastfeeding. Friends and family should not be judgmental and should not give advice unless asked. Life is too short and your babies grow up too fast. Spend time doing what’s really important and create memories you all will remember forever.

12) And one more thingâ€¦DRESS COMFORTABLE and wear comfortable shoes.

Pregnancy and Conditions Associated With It

Gigi — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 18:04:02 +0000

Folk Remedies for Pregnancy and Conditions Associated With Itâ€¦

Easier Childbirth:

Drink Blueberry Root Tea at the first sign of strong contractions.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is simply the most wonderful and has many uses before and after pregnancy. Drink this tea in the last stages of pregnancy to ease the pain of contractions. If your nipples are soar before and after breastfeeding, you can wash them regularly with this tea. It will also help with even milk production and regulate heavy bleeding after childbirth.

If you’re prone to miscarryâ€¦

Star Root taken in small amounts several times a day will help prevent miscarriage.
Drink Sage Tea once a day over ice to prevent simultaneous abortion.

Nausea during Pregnancy:

Drink Lemon water, Lime water, or Apple Cider Vinegar water in small amounts throughout the day.
Chamomile Tea or Mint Tea will help soothe and cool stomach lining and help to relax stiff stomach muscles.
Apply a cloth that’s been dipped in Mint Tea and wrung on your stomach while resting.

***I am personally against taking any type of anti-nausea medications during pregnancy even if your doctor says it’s safe for the baby.***

Constipation during Pregnancy:

Take a tablespoon of Olive Oil upon rising.
Drink eight 8oz. Glasses of water per day.
Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
KEEP ACTIVE!

Swollen Feet:

Eat healthy food and reduce your intake of salt. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. Remain cool and avoid standing for long periods of time especially if the weather is hot. Drink lots of fluids and rest; take small walks throughout the day.

At the end of your day, try soaking your feet in warm Epsom Salts and follow by raising your feet higher than your chest on comfortable pillows; have your mate give you a foot and ankle massage to get the blood flowing and ease tension out; and last but not least, wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Stretch Marks:

The way I did it was taking my mom’s advice to apply warm Olive Oil and pure Cocoa Butter all over; especially the stomach, buttocks, and breast area. Stretch Marks have a lot to do with skin type and genetics, but try this remedy either wayâ€¦it may greatly reduce your percentage of marks.

If you still end up getting them approach this in a positive light. They are beautiful reminders of giving life; be proud of them and know that in some way, there is beauty in them as well.

******

**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **

Problems With Menstruation

Gigi — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:56:23 +0000

PROBLEMS WITH MENSTRUATION:

Irregular Menses:

1) Try soaking feet in hot water or take a warm bath.
2) Drink strong red wine throughout the day by tablespoon amounts.
3) Hot Chamomile and Cinnamon Teas
4) Apply heat on affected areas of pain; usually the lower back as well as lower abdominal. 5) Tablespoons of hot Whiskey and Sage Tea

Uncomfortable Menses:

1) Soak in hot baths
2) Drink Red Raspberry LEAF Tea 3 to 4 times a day. This tea is also very beneficial during the last month of pregnancy to lesson painful contractions.
3) Hot Chamomile Tea with a dash of Cinnamon
4) Women in the Cuban Countryside would drink warm beer. The Hops helps with the pain and also helps dismiss blood clots; which cause much of the pain in the first place.
5) Drink hot Thyme Tea

Heavy Bleeding During Menses:

We as women have to keep in mind our monthly period is a time to rest both physically and mentally. Clear yourself and your home of unwanted and bothersome responsibilities and stress. Avoid spicy foods and excessive alcohol. Stay quiet and drink warm Cinnamon Tea.

This should be a time to stop and redirect our thought patterns; a time to respect our bodies and allow it to go through this beautiful change with enjoyment as well as inner peace. It is because of stress and over exhaustion that our periods are sometimes irregular, painful, and heavy.

If you suffer mild night sweats before and after your cycle, drink some Sage Tea and eat highly nutritional foods; also, try a warm bath of Sea Salt. I say a new law should go into affect which allows women who work outside the home a monthly menses time off; what do you think? At least try and give yourself SOME rest time. It’s important!

*********

Douching Folk Remedies

Gigi — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:51:24 +0000

Douching Folk Remedies:

Before offering you some of the remedies, let me honestly say I’ve never douched nor had the need to; unfortunately there are times when the vaginal track can become irritated and at those times it’s better to try a natural douche rather than an over the counter remedy.

The vaginal track is an amazing thing; it keeps itself perfectly balanced and self cleanses as well. Listed here are some relievers in case you should run into vaginal imbalance or discomfort. Too much douching can lead to vaginal imbalances and strips the track of many of the essential components which keep it healthy.

1) Warm water and White Vinegar
2) Witch Hazel and warm water
3) An infusion of Slippery Elm Bark(especially good after vaginal child birth)
4) Common Teas and warm water

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Resources For Women

Gigi — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:48:09 +0000

RESOURCES FOR WOMEN

1) Alternative Health Insurance Services, (800) 331-2713
2) American Association of Naturopathic Physicians - www.naturopathic.org
3) American Botanical Council – www.naturopathic.org
4) Boston Women’s Health Collective – www.ourbodiesourselves.org
5) Homeopathic Educational Services – www.homeopathic.com
6) Hysterectomy Educational Resources and Services Foundation – http://www.ccon.com/hers%20
7) La Leche League International – www.laleche.org National Women’s Health Resource – www.healthywomen.org

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Simple Tips for Pregnant Women: