Minor sprains, aching back and painful joints
If you suddenly find yourself stranded after a joint injury, a muscle contusion or sprain, try the R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) method
of treatment recommended by Dr Sheela Nambiar, fitness and lifestyle consultant, National Association for Fitness Certification, Ooty. Ice packs and compression (by tying a tight bandage around the area) reduces swelling by reducing blood flow to the injured area.
Dr H.S. Chhabra, chief of spine services and medical director, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi, agrees that an ice pack is helpful within the first 24 to 48 hours of an injury. He also advises hot fomentation 48 hours after the treatment. Apply a hot water bag or towel dipped in warm water to the affected area.
Whether it is long hours at the com- puter or a minor injury, back pain can make your life terrible. An effective home remedy can be prepared by heating pure ghee with pounded garlic. Cool the mixture to room temperature and apply on the affected area, advises Dr Chhabra. Whe
Nausea, Acidity and Upset Stomach
Feeling queasy or experiencing a burning sensation in your throat? Dr Nangia recommends drinking a glass of lukewarm water with a piece of jaggery to curb acidity reflux.
A glass of vegetable juice-cabbage, white pumpkin or green gourd is an effective cure for acidity. "The alkaline properties and fibre content of these juices help reduce the acidity in the stomach," says Nambiar.
Anita Soni, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, L.H. Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, often recommends simple home remedies for her pregnant patients who wish to stay away from allopathic drugs. For an upset stomach, she advises avoiding milk and suggests eating an overripe banana. "Bananas strengthen the stomach lining and counteract the acids that cause an upset stomach," she says. They are also easily digested and ease symptoms of diarrhoea, as does burnt toast.
If you're feeling nauseous due to the pregnancy, then both Dr Duru Shah, medical director, Gynaec World, Mumbai and Dr Sheela Nambiar suggest chewing ginger.
To relieve menopausal symptoms, Dr Duru Shah suggests eating flax seeds: "Flax seeds are a rich source of phyto-oestrogen, called lignin which helps alleviate symptoms like hot flushes and palpitations." She also recommends other phyto-estrogen rich food like soybeans and tofu.