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15 Simple and Effective Home Remedies for Leg Pain
Leg pain is pain that you experience as sudden stabbing sensations, that lingers around or causes discomfort in your legs. Severe leg pain could occur due to physical trauma, injuries, and accidents while minor pain could be due to doing intense physical workouts. Minor leg pain recovers naturally with rest but more severe cases could require ongoing medical treatment coupled with a few natural remedies to speed up the healing process.
Generally, making some lifestyle changes like doing stretching, low-impact workouts, and consuming a diet rich in anti-inflammatory properties will help you overcome the pain and tackle the problem at the root. We discuss some of the most common causes of leg pain and cover some remedies you can try at home.
Common Causes of Leg Pain
The causes of leg pain can be several and experts usually agree that the cause of leg pain stems from damage or some problem with the musculoskeletal, neurological, and physiological system. The type of treatment will depend on the origin or cause of the leg pain and the best way to find that out is by getting a professional medical diagnosis. Dietary and lifestyle changes play a huge role in managing and treating it, thus speeding up the process and improving your chances of a successful recovery.
Some of the common causes of leg pain are:
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Sports injuries
Stress fractures from intense physical activity
Damage or trauma to the legs due to accidents
Poor blood circulation due to a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle
Potassium and magnesium deficiency stemming from malnutrition or poor diet
Varicose veins
Degenerative medical diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
Myalgia
Bone cancers like osteosarcoma
Conditions which damage the nervous system like sciatica, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and post-laminectomy syndrome
15 Natural Remedies for Leg Pain
Looking for natural remedies for your leg pain? Try these below and let us know how it goes.
1. Use Cold Compress
A cold compress lower inflammation by reducing blood flow after workouts or injuries. To relieve the pain, wrap a couple of ice cubes in a towel and place it on the affected areas. Do it for at least 10 to 15 minutes and repeat a few times throughout the day. This falls under one of the best home remedies for leg pain after delivery as well.
2. Drink More Water
Dehydration is the common cause of leg pain and muscle cramps. You can prevent this by drinking more water throughout the day. Drinking spring or mineral water is even better as it contains many beneficial electrolytes. Skip the caffeine and alcohol because those contribute to electrolyte imbalances and thus, dehydration.
3. Move Your Legs
Sitting still at work and doing nothing won't help the problem. If you want to boost blood circulation, reduce cramping, and get pain relief, try doing some low-impact exercises. It's among the top natural home remedies for leg joint pain. Calf and hamstring stretches are the best and when you do low-impact strength training routines, it benefits your bones and joints by increasing bone density.
4. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has analgesic properties which help soothe inflammation and pain in the legs. Drink a tablespoon or two of it on an empty stomach early in the morning, or choose to bathe in it by mixing the solution in your bath water. Make sure you go for raw organic apple cider vinegar though and if you choose to drink but can't stand the taste, use some honey - it makes it go down a lot easier. It's one of the top home remedies for leg nerve pain.
5. Try Yoga
Yoga makes use of therapeutic exercises which remove blockages in the body and makes the energy channels more open or receptive. Besides that, it's fantastic for healing your legs as the exercises are restorative in nature, detox the body, and speed up healing. The only catch is you need to do the poses or exercises right and not hurt yourself. That's why we always recommend working alongside a yoga instructor or expert practitioner. You can also try Qi Gong besides yoga as it's also one of the home remedies for leg pain during pregnancy.
6. Walk, Walk, Walk
Walking is one of the best, free, and natural ways of relieving leg pain. It reduces inflammation, boosts blood circulation, and releases endorphins in your body. Besides lifting your mood, it'll take some weight off the pain. But the good news is that it works.
7. Load Up on Potassium and Magnesium
The best way to treat your leg pain is to add foods to your diet which are rich in potassium and magnesium. Some foods to include are bananas, whole-grains, fish, yoghurt, dates, raisins, plums, tomato juice, and baked sweet potatoes. Deficiencies in these two nutrients lead to leg pain and when you fix that, you're resolving the problem at its roots.
8. Give Yourself a Warm Compress
If a lack of blood circulation is the reason for your leg pain, you can help reduce the pain by using some warm compress or heat packs. Apply one of these to the affected areas and let it sit for 10 or 15 minutes. You'll notice your muscles loosening up or relaxing, thus providing you relief from the pain.
9. Take Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt baths are fantastic for relieving some of that inflammation and leg pain you experience. These salts are rich in magnesium which is a key nutrient required to remedy the pain. Here's what you need to do - get half a cup of Epsom salt and add that to lukewarm water in a bathtub or bucket. Soak the swollen areas in that for 15 minutes and you'll feel better.
10. Drink Methi Water
Fenugreek is a natural remedy for treating leg pain. Buy some fresh fenugreek leaves and dry it in the sun. Let the leaves dehydrate and after that, crush them to make a fine powder. Take a teaspoon or two of this powder, blend with water, and drink up. You'll be surprised at the results. If you don't like fenugreek or methi water, you can squeeze a lemon and make lemon water from that. Lemon is loaded with antioxidants which relieve leg pain. Ginger tea is also another option for you as it has anti-inflammatory properties. That ends up reducing the leg pain and we recommend drinking it up to three times a day, every day.
11. Massage With Mustard Oil
Mustard seed oil is another amazing home remedy for treating leg pain. For this, take 200 to 250 grams of mustard seeds and soak it with about ten grams of camphor oil. Let this blend sit in the sun until you notice it dissolving. Massage your legs using this remedy and you'll soon notice your leg cramps going away.
12. Try Stretching
Stretching exercises help relieve tension from the leg muscles and relax. This boosts blood circulation in the process too. Some stretching exercises we recommend are the sitting pigeon pose, knee to opposite shoulder stretches, sitting spinal stretch, and the standing hamstring stretch. Any stretching routine that targets on loosening up your glutes, hamstring, and decompresses the spine will help. A neat trick to relieve the inflammation is to lift your leg slightly above the level of your heart. This helps in draining the fluids that get built up and led to the swelling.
13. Saffron Water Works
Saffron water is a good way to get relief from leg pain. Take a teaspoon of saffron powder and add it to half a cup of boiling water. Strain, let it cool a bit, and drink this concoction. You'll notice the pain gradually reducing or going away as the days pass.
14. Try Acupressure Therapy
Acupressure therapy involves putting pressure on certain points in the body to stimulate healing and recovery. We'll tell you the two points you can try massaging for leg pain relief. The first one is the dent or the joint between your index finger and thumb. For the second point, you'll have to run four fingers down from the shin to the knees until you hit a bump. When you hit the knee or right before you cross that mark, just place your pinkie finger down below to feel a tender area. This is the second spot you need to massage to get relief. Massage any or both of these spots for about 3 to 4 minutes until you feel the pain dissipating. But if your leg pain is serious and these don't work, consult a certified acupressure specialist. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to this and it's important to remember that.
15. Get Some Rest
Now, this is a no-brainer but if the reason why your legs pain in the first place is because of strenuous physical activity, then it's time to hit the snooze button and go back to sleep. Sleep is vital to muscle recovery and speeds up the healing process. If you're not clocking in 7 to 8 hours of sleep, you're definitely doing something wrong. If you suffer from insomnia, try eating some bananas or cherry juice before going to bed. These contain melatonin which acts as a natural sleep aid, with zero side effects.
If you're taking any supplements for falling asleep or any medications, consult your doctor and see if they are interacting with the foods you're eating. Sometimes the chemical interactions of these drugs or supplements worsen the pain and that's something you don't want. Some other things you could try for resolving the leg pain is soaking in sunshine for 10 to 15 minutes a day. A Vitamin D deficiency is linked to muscle cramps, leg pain, and low bone density and you can fix that by getting some time out in the sun.
Maybe you've been experiencing leg pain due to unhealthy lifestyle habits which have taken their toll on you or maybe you've been in an accident. Whatever the case, there's still hope and the road to recovery isn't super long. Just be patient, and try out these remedies. Before you realise, your body (and legs) will thank you for it.
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Your 5 Months Old Baby Growth and Development
Understanding the growth and development of your baby at different portions of his life is critical. By understanding how your baby grows, where he is in his growth cycle compared to other children his age, and checking if he is growing normally, you can be prepared for any challenge that may come your way.
Growth of Baby
Each week that passes during this phase of his life will show significant physical growth in terms of physique, strength, and mobility. When considering the growth of your child at this age, the measurements that come into consideration are:
Head Circumference
Weight
Height
Limb Movement
Baby Development
One of the most notable aspects of child growth at this time is the need to socialize. This is around the age when your baby has begun to grow awareness of his surroundings and begins interacting with other children and adults. This is also the time when the baby begins to recognize you and your partner as his primary caregivers. Things to consider for the baby's growth include diet, his feeding schedules, sleep, types of activity and physical health. Your baby’s medical specialist will give you developmental milestones to look out for on a monthly basis. If your baby doesn’t hit these milestones immediately, do not worry. Every baby develops at his own pace.
20 Week Old Baby Development
A key milestone to recognise during this week of your child’s development is the ability to recognize individuals. Your baby at this point in his life knows who you are and when he hears your voice he will react by gurgling or smiling.
21 Week Old Baby Development
This week is critical for your baby. He will attempt to turn in one direction. He also will become more verbal and slowly begin to move his limbs based on the sounds around him, most likely due to your voice or your partner’s voice.
22 Week Old Baby Development
This week of his development is particularly exciting as his growth includes improved strength from the neck down to his feet. This is also when you can expect your child to try lifting his upper torso during tummy time.
23 Week Old Baby Development
This is a crucial week for his physical development. This is around the time when your baby will be able to sit upright with support. Expect your baby to also have more coordinated muscle movement and he will become far more verbal during this period.
The monitoring of the milestones of your child can also help you get him the care and help he may need to reach these milestones. Under the circumstances that your baby cannot reach these milestones by significant margins, it could indicate a form of a developmental disorder that you may need to be prepared for.
Baby Health
One of the most important indicators of your baby’s health being abnormal is the lack of development. During this time, it is absolutely essential that you keep an eye on your baby’s physical activity. Watch if he is less active physically. If this is the case, it could be an indicator that something is wrong. A baby at 5 months of age should be attempting to move his limbs more frequently and should be trying to mimic sounds around them. He should be making noise.
Keep an eye on your baby to see if he is crying a lot more than usual. This is your baby’s way of telling you something is wrong. Although babies at this age cry quite often, if the frequency increases significantly, it could be an indicator of something being abnormal.
It is recommended that you have a baby thermometer at home to check his temperature if you notice something abnormal. It is also recommended that you have your doctor on speed dial and follow up on appointments made. A critical aspect for your baby to stay healthy at this age is following up with his vaccines. Get him vaccinated on schedule and ensure you understand the function and timeline of each vaccination.
Remember not to overlook the vaccinations you need to take either. This is extremely important to battle conditions like a whooping cough. Talk to your doctor about what immunizations should be taken as per the immunization chart during this period.
Baby Milestones - 5 Months
There are numerous activities that are used as developmental markers for your child at this age. Here are some of the five months baby activities used to measure his development.
Sitting Down - This is the age when your baby is fairly active. One of the most exciting activities at this age to look out for is your baby attempting to sit up by himself, which is considered a fairly significant milestone for development.
Rolling Over - A crucial activity that shows development at this period is the ability to roll over to at least one side. Some myths claim that the direction he rolls in matters. It is important to understand that this is purely a myth. What is more important is that he can roll over in a direction.
Grip - Another key action that says your baby is developing well is his grip. The fact that your baby will attempt to hold things in his hands and that he has more control and a stronger grip is a good sign of his strength developing.
Identifying Flavour - A key milestone at this point is your baby’s ability to distinguish taste when feeding. This is when your baby can become a bit fussy about what he eats. You should start noticing his flavour preferences during this time. A way to identify the development is your baby spitting food out.
Ability to Recognize Sound - This is also when your baby’s auditory senses build to a significant level. He begins to recognize sounds. To identify if your baby is hitting this milestone, observe his level of engagement when you are playing with them. If he reacts to the sound of your voice, the sounds around them or the sound of others, be it positive or negative, it can be a good sign.
Behaviour
It is important to ensure you engage with your baby during this period of his development. This is also the time when a lot of agencies will try to sell you educational toys or products to boost his development. It is essential that you do not engage with that. Your baby at this point is growing naturally and will not gravitate to toys that he cannot identify with. Your baby’s growth can be aided by social interactions like spending time with him, talking or playing with him. This is also an age where your baby will begin to show “attachments”, be it to a person or a toy. This is a good sign as it shows a healthy development of his emotional sensitivity and emotional development. Something to keep in mind during this time is the danger certain items may pose during bedtime; this includes products like teddy bears, blankets and pillows. These items and any products that can potentially cover your baby’s face is considered dangerous as it can lead to suffocation. While it may help to put them to bed by providing comfort, it is recommended that you keep the surroundings around where he sleeps completely clear.
5 Month Old Baby Activities
Below are some of the activities you can do with your little one to help them grow:
Eye Spy: Your baby is obviously filled with wonder and amazement at the world around him. It wouldn’t be unusual for him to stare away at a bird flying or a gawk at a whizzing car. Make sure you take advantage of this when you play the eye spy game where you can help stimulate his visual senses. Choose a toy that is visually appealing and is of interest to him. Place it about a foot away from him and then move it around in different directions. Do it in such a way that his eyes are trained on the toy alone. Moving it around at an acceptable pace helps your baby improve his eye coordination.
Lift: This is an activity that your baby will enjoy just as much as you. As the name suggests, lift your baby up every 10 to 15 seconds. This will help improve his sense of direction and comprehend the concept of space. It works well for his sense of touch and improves balance. When playing, make sure that you give off that feeling of anticipation so that he is prepared for the next lift.
Treasure Box: Put a box in front of them filled with toys and objects that are bound to get their attention. Go for toys that are hard, soft and anything big enough to not be choking hazards. This works well to improve their motor system as they lack the dexterity of holding objects. This fun little activity helps him hold things with ease and even gives him an idea of how much pressure he needs to hold it with.
5 Month Old Baby Care
Caring for your child at this time is crucial. This means performing certain activities that will help his growth. Here are a few ways to care for your baby during this stage of his development.
Keep his sleep area obstruction free.
Converse with them, engage with them verbally by making sounds or just talking to them.
Let them play with bright coloured toys; these allow your child to recognize colour and stimulate his minds.
Read to them. The more your baby hears your voice, the better. Read books with lots of bright pictures to help stimulate them.
Talk to your doctor about more methods of caring for your child’s developmental needs.
Feeding
Good nutrition is essential for your baby’s development at this stage. Although he will begin eating baby food, be sure to slowly phase in solid food in a controlled manner after consulting your physician. At 5 months, your baby’s primary source of nutrition still needs to be breastmilk. You can introduce small external foods though. Remember that during this period, your baby will begin to recognise if he is hungry or if he just needs comfort. Keep a less regimented feeding cycle and try to create a gap between feeding time and nap time. Maintain baby weight charts and mark his physical development every month, to make sure your baby isn’t undernourished.
Sleeping
During this period, your baby will turn onto one side during his sleep. It is important that you monitor this and move them to his back whenever possible. Remember to swaddle your baby during nap time as this can stop him from rolling onto his belly. Sleeping on his tummy can be dangerous and lead to suffocation.
Remember, swaddle him if he rolls over in one direction only and stop doing so when he can roll over in both directions. Always try making him sleep on his back. It is also extremely important that you talk to your doctor about how to ensure that your baby sleeps in a safe manner. Keep his sleeping area and surroundings free of anything that can cover his face.
Tips for Parents
Here are a few tips to help with your baby’s development:
Remember to stay calm and follow medical advice.
Keep a developmental diary.
Track all vaccinations.
Engage with your baby, play with him and talk to him as often as possible.
Keep yourself healthy; if you aren’t healthy, caring for your child can be impossible.
Ensure you eat well. Remember that he is breastfeeding; so what you eat is what nourishes him and you.
It is important to keep in mind that all these milestones act as guidelines and that your baby develops at his own unique speed. It is always beneficial to talk to your doctors in detail about the needs, milestones and care methods for your baby. It is also important to have an open channel of communication with your partner and other caregivers.
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Best Soil for Plants for Your Home Garden
If you love gardening and planting various kinds of plants in your lawn or garden, you absolutely must know about the types of soil that are best for your plants. In this article, we shall be discussing why it is important to choose the right soil, how you can choose it, and we shall also be discussing the various kinds of soil!
Importance of Soil for Plant Growth
Soil is the foundation on which various plants such as shrubs, grass, vegetables, fruits, trees, etc. grow. Soil not only holds the plants firmly on the ground, but also provides all the essential nutrients to the plants to grow and thrive. The health of the plant is directly related to the quality of the soil. Therefore, it is crucial and important to choose the right kind of soil for the plants that you wish to grow.
How to Choose the Best Soil for Your Plants?
Here are some ways in which you choose the best soil for your plants:
1. According to the Plant
The kind of soil you pick for your plant should be in accordance with the plant you wish to grow. For example, if you are planning on planting a vegetable garden then it is important that the soil you choose is moist and loose, which will provide the flexibility to the roots to expand and grow and get maximum nutrients from the soil.
2. According To Quality
Make sure you pay heed to the quality of the soil. The soil with too much clay or sand may not be ideal for the plants to grow. It just has to the ideal mix of soils for the plants to grow optimally. Make sure you identify the soil in your garden and then make alterations according to the type of plants you wish to grow.
3. According To The Place Of Planting
The type of soil you choose for your plants will also depend on where you plan to grow the plants. For example, big potted plants in your patio or large pots require more nutrient-rich soil than the plants that are planted in your lawn. The potting soil contains special components that prevent under-watering or over-watering in the plants. Make sure you invest in good quality soil as sometimes the cheaper options may not be able to provide ample nutrients to the soil.
4. Preparing The Soil
Once you have narrowed down on the soil according to the plant requirements, another important step in the process is to prepare the soil. It is important to determine the kind of soil that is available with you so that you can make required changes in it by adding organic material and other additives to make it ideal for growing various kinds of plants.
Types of Soil that You Must Select for Different Plant Requirements
Following are various kinds of soil that you should select as your plant requirements:
1. Sandy Soil
This kind of soil requires mulching for holding moisture in it and requires various kinds of organic blends to make it ideal for growing plants.
Features
This kind of soil usually gets washed away during heavy rains.
Often carry fewer nutrients for the plants because it warms up faster.
It is easier to cultivate this soil and it drains and dries out fast.
Suitable For
Vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, lettuce, zucchini, etc, blubs and shrubs such as Sun roses, Tulips, Hibiscus, etc. Grow well in this soil.
2. Clay Soil
This kind of soil is loaded with nutrients and if the drainage is taken care of, this soil can offer optimum benefits to the plants to grow.
Features
It is heavier to cultivate and gets warmed up slowly during the spring season.
This soil is poor at water-drainage and allows fewer air spaces.
This soil is hard and rocky when dry and gets sticky and lumpy when it is wet.
Suitable For
Ornamental plants and fruit trees usually grow well on this soil. Shrubs and perennials such as Aster, Helen’s flower, Flowering quince, etc thrive on this soil.
3. Peaty Soil
This soil is acidic in nature and thus when it is combined with organic matter, lime and compost; it offers umpteen benefits for the plants to grow.
Features
High amounts of peat lend spongy and damp qualities to this dark soil.
This soil offers fewer nutrients because the acidic nature of the soil slows the decomposition process.
This soil heats up easily and can retain water.
Suitable For
Vegetable plants such as legumes, salad crops, root crops, etc, shrubs such as Witch hazel, Lantern trees, Heather, etc.
4. Silty Soil
Organic matter is added to this soil to make it more fertile and for improving the drainage capacity of the soil.
Features
This offers great benefits to the plants if the drainage system is channelized properly.
This soil is comparatively easier to cultivate.
It tends to hold moisture and has a soapy and soft texture to it.
Suitable For
Almost all kinds of fruits and vegetable crops can thrive on this soil is the drainage is proper. Grasses, perennials, climbers, shrubs, etc grow well on this soil.
5. Loamy Soil
This soil is acidic in nature and thus requires regular mixing with organic matter. However, this soil is the best soil for potted plants or garden plants.
Features
This soil is a mix of silt, clay, and sand.
This soil can be easily cultivated and warms up easily but does not become too dry during summer months. This is an ideal soil for outdoor plants.
It is damp and fine-textured soil.
Suitable For
Almost all kinds of berry crops and vegetable crops grow in this soil. Bamboos, climbers, perennials, tubers, and shrubs such as Dog’s tooth violets, Wisteria, Rubus, etc grow nicely in this soil.
6. Chalky Soil
In order to improve and enhance the workability of this soil, hummus is added.
Features
This kind of soil in stonier and grainier than other soils.
This soil is usually found on a limestone or chalk bedrock.
The alkaline nature of this soil may sometimes lead to yellowish leaves or stunted growth of the plants.
Suitable For
Vegetables such as cabbage, sweet corn, spinach, beets, etc, Blubs, trees, shrubs such as Pinks, Lilac, Mock oranges, Weigala, Madonna Lillie, etc.
How to Create Your Own Potting Soil?
If you wish to accentuate the indoor beauty of your house by placing some potted plants and thinking that you can use the garden soil to pot the plants, well that is not a great idea, to begin with. This is because garden soil is not ideal for potted plants. You can procure readymade potting soil from the market or you can opt for the other two options if you do not wish to procure soil or loam for growing plants. The first option is sterilizing the outside oil or creating your own soil mix. Well, if you wish to learn how to prepare the soil for planting various kinds of plants or learn to make the best garden mix, the following are some steps that you need to take.
1. Sterilization of the Outside Soil
If you plan to use outside soil for indoor plants for potted plants, it is important that you sterilize it first. This is because it will not only help in getting rid of weeds and insects but it also makes the soil bacteria-free. It is very easy to sterilize the soil as all you need is a cookie sheet and an oven. Just take a cookie sheet and spread the soil nicely on it, which needs to be sterilized. Bake the soil in an oven at 180 degrees for approximately half an hour.
2. Creating Own Soil Mix
You can also make your own soil mix and the first and foremost step in that would be to sterilize the soil by baking it. Once the soil gets sterilized, you will be required to amend its composition by adding sand and peat moss. This is going to help you to maintain the quality of the soil that you wish to use for the plants.
What You Will Need
Here are some ingredients that you will be required while making the best soil for flowers, soil for growing vegetables or for growing other kinds of potted plants:
½ cubic yard perlite
½ cubic yard peat moss
5 pounds limestone
5 pounds blood meal
10 pounds bone meal
Procedure
Take all the ingredients in a large container and give a thorough mix.
Make sure you store the soil mix in an airtight container until it is required.
Gardening is a hobby that is not only therapeutic but also incredibly rewarding. We hope the above article helped you in understanding more about various kinds of soil for growing plants. Happy gardening!!
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Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy - Benefits, Precautions, and Side Effects
Pregnancy is a time of heightened awareness. It is the time, when a woman ponders over her every single decision, as it can have an impact on her baby some way or the other. During pregnancy, your body will undergo a lot of changes as a result of hormonal changes. These hormonal changes can lead to certain skin problems during pregnancy that might make you feel low. Yes, other than morning sickness, you will have skin problems to deal with too during pregnancy! We know you must be thinking about ‘pregnancy glow’, but sometimes, especially in the first trimester of your pregnancy, you may not have that bright-radiant skin that you had been hoping for. Instead, you may have pimples and acne that might make you feel low. But worry not, there are certain essential oils like tea tree oil that can help you combat skin problems!
The anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antibacterial properties of tea tree oil make it an effective remedy for acne and other skin complications that may arise during pregnancy. But is it completely safe to use tea tree oil while pregnant? Find out!
What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil or Melaleuca alternifolia is an essential oil derived from the tea tree. Tea tree oil is known for antimicrobial and antiseptic properties which makes it a common choice for treating skin ailments like acne, warts, scabies, insect bites, fungal or bacterial infections. It also offers various benefits for hair and nails.
Is It Safe to Use Tea Tree Oil While Pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to use tea tree oil during pregnancy but one must exercise utmost caution. If you want to use it, then you must read the instructions carefully on the bottle or use it as suggested by your doctor. Essential oils like tea tree oil are extremely concentrated, meaning that they are more potent when compared to products available in other forms from the same plant. Therefore, you need to know the correct usage of tea tree oil before you apply it on your skin.
Doctors usually recommend that tea tree oil should be used only in diluted form. You can apply it topically after consulting with your doctor and as suggested by her. Your doctor may also suggest some precautions, which you should follow carefully while using it. Ingestion of tea tree oil when pregnant can prove hazardous for the baby. So, never ingest it and also refrain from using it around the mouth.
Experts suggest that tea tree oil should be used with caution during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, as if not used properly, it can trigger uterine contractions and negatively affect the development of the growing foetus. The risk, however, somewhat reduces during the second and third trimester as the baby develops.
Benefits of Using Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy
Some benefits of using tea tree oil during pregnancy are mentioned below.
Using tea tree oil during pregnancy can help in balancing the production of oil and in unclogging the skin’s sebaceous glands, which can help cure acne and lower the chances of its occurrence.
Tea tree oil contains phytocides which may prove beneficial in the treatment of respiratory and nasal infections during pregnancy or otherwise. For the treatment of these infections, one can mix the Himalayan salt, 6-8 drops of tea tree oil and 10 drops of rosemary oil in a neti pot and then use it. However, the FDA does not recommend the use of neti pot as it can be used improperly by people. Hence, it must be avoided. You can consult with your doctor if you have respiratory infections or nasal infections.
Tea tree oil may prove effective in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria including E. coli, thus protecting pregnant women from falling prey to bladder infections and cold sores. Tea tree oil is not supposed to be ingested at all, but you can use it by adding it to your bathwater. You can add around 3 drops of tea tree oil in 125 ml of bathwater, which you can use to cleanse around the urethra.
The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil can help you fight fungal infections that cause brittle or discoloured nails during pregnancy.
The topical use of tea tree oil during pregnancy can also help avert the occurrence of stretch marks.
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can provide relief from the symptoms of haemorrhoids, like swelling, pain and discomfort, during pregnancy.
Ways in Which You Can Use Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy
Mentioned below are some of the ways to use tea tree oil during pregnancy.
If you have nail fungus during pregnancy, you can apply a few drops of diluted tea tree oil on to the affected area twice daily.
You can prepare a toner by adding 1.5 ounces of apple cider vinegar, 1.5 ounces of clear water to 6 drops of tea tree oil to use it on your skin. It will give you glowing skin during pregnancy.
You can increase the effectiveness of your face wash by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to it which may help you keep pimples and acne at bay during pregnancy.
You can blend in tea tree oil in your lotion before using it to get smooth and soft skin during pregnancy.
If you have dandruff problem during pregnancy, consider using tea tree oil shampoo. Add a small measure of tea tree oil to your shampoo for best results.
You can also take aromatic baths by adding 4-5 drops of tea tree oil to your daily bathwater as it promotes healthy skin.
Harmful Effects of Using Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy
Certain dangers of using tea tree oil during pregnancy are mentioned below.
The use of tea tree oil during pregnancy can sometimes prompt an allergy, leading to inflammation and skin irritation.
Ingestion of tea tree oil during pregnancy can produce substantial toxicity which may lead to abdominal pain, confusion, diarrhoea, and even coma. Hence, it should never be ingested.
Improper use of tea tree oil during pregnancy can be detrimental for the health of the foetus.
Sometimes the topical use of tea tree oil can result in skin dryness, rashes, and blisters.
The use of tea tree oil by a pregnant woman with a history of eczema can cause a bad reaction.
Tea tree oil can also set off a hormonal imbalance in some women.
Who Should Avoid Using Tea Tree Oil?
Pregnant women and people with the following conditions should avoid using tea tree oil at all costs:
Chronic respiratory issues like asthma
Tuberculosis
Precautions to Take While Using Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy
Here are some precautions you can take while using tea tree oil:
To avoid the incidence of an allergic reaction always do a skin patch test first. Apply a drop of tea tree oil on to a small area of your skin and observe for any possible adverse response.
Refrain from using tea tree oil in concentrated form. The safe way to use tea tree oil is by diluting it.
Check the expiry date when buying a bottle of tea tree oil. Using expired tea tree oil can be harmful as after expiration the oil starts to hoard cancer-causing substances.
Be careful while using tea tree oil through a diffuser in a closed room as it has a pronounced smell which can trigger nausea during pregnancy.
Tea tree oil can be very beneficial for the skin and to treat the various skin problems like acne and pimples. However, one should use it with the utmost caution, especially during pregnancy. Diluting tea tree oil for use during pregnancy is desirable to reduce its potential risks. In case of uncertainty about the correct concentration, refer to a doctor before using tea tree oil who may prescribe a suitable dosage after examining your condition.
Also Read: Castor Oil in Pregnancy for Labour Induction Read more
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These 5 Husbands Told Us EXACTLY What They Want From Their Wives!
As women, we always know just what we want out of our men, right? "I wish he was more thoughtful." "I think he needs to lose some weight or just tone up a little." We obviously want the best for our husbands and aren't always shy to say so. But what if for once the roles were reversed? What if your husbands decided to tell us what THEY want from YOU? Would there be fireworks or would it go down smoothly? Let's see what they have to say!
Men are simple creatures - and that may not always work to our advantage, mainly because women are as complex as it gets. You know it's true! For instance, if you ask a man why is he so quiet and what he is thinking of and he says “nothing”, he is most likely to be telling the truth. But when you ask a woman what is wrong and she says “ nothing”...Boy! Is that poor guy in trouble!
It is for this reason that many relationships are either between two individuals who are comfortable with the “men are from Mars, women are from Venus” situation, or are spending their lives trying to figure the other one out.
Just to help our moms out, we decided to ask five simple beings i.e. husbands what they want from their wives. Their answers range from aww'dorable, surprisingly simple, notoriously naughty to downright hilarious...to say the least. Without further ado, lets clear your doubts on what your man may want from you.
The Doting Dater
This man said that his wife was actually quite perfect (aww) and that the only thing he would like from her was what he had originally fallen for – she planned great dates! But now, years into their marriage and two kids later, the dates were few and far between. He said that he would love for his darling to plan thoughtful, sexy or silly dates every now and then just like she used to so that they can forever remain the young, cute couple that they once were! Are you listening, husbands...this woman has a keeper!
The Raunchy Role Player
Hubby no. 2 said that while his wife makes it clear how much she loves him, he wishes she would get more imaginative, sometimes, during sex. So, while he knows she is physically attracted to him and vice versa, he would love for her to indulge in some role play – perhaps his favourite fictional movie character? He also admitted that sometimes, just her taking her mommy-role seriously turns him on more than she'd ever realise. Easy-to-please, this one.
The Funny Guy
“I just wish she would find my pranks funny."
Husband no. 3 just wants some appreciation for his jokes and tricks. He went on to tell us an incident that didn't go down well on his woman. “She was on her period once (red-flag alert) and was craving chocolate. As a joke I filled an empty box of chocolates with cotton balls dipped in red paint and left it on her pillow with a note saying 'I love how you understand me so well.' Minutes after I had placed it I heard a gasp and our bedroom door banged shut! She was so livid, she didn't even find the actual chocolates I had left on the dresser. I slept on the living room sofa that night."
Well, the joke's on you, sir.
The Hopeful Fantasizer
“My wife tells her best friend EVERYTHING. Right from the fights, we have to the details of what goes on in our bedroom! Initially, it would really make me nervous and even angry that this woman knew all about my flaws and inabilities... but then I thought since she knows everything already, what if she joined in on a romantic night in?”
He quickly added, “Although I quickly dismissed it, in a fantasy world, I would want my wife to actually be open to this!”
Erm. Whether or not he will get what he wants, we may never know!
The Genuinely Good-Guy
And finally, all this man wanted from his wife was this:
“I just want her to trust my ability as a father. That I do and will continue to, provide for her and our son and that she can take a break whenever she would like to."
What? Is that actually a man who can communicate well? It sure is! Lucky, lucky husband number 5 seems to want to pamper his princess all through life. Sigh! Read more
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Contribution – My Product review: Babyhug Safe Journey Forward Facing Car Seat
Car seat is not just a seat for a child, it is designed for its safety. Several countries have made a law to use car seat for the children to prevent any accidental injury or car crash death. it is the best way to prevent children from any sort of injury which may happen during the car journey. Moreover, parents can drive safely as car seat won’t allow any child to jump and hop on the seat, which sometimes distracts the attention of the parents while driving.
I bought babyhug safe journey forward facing car seat recently from firstcry.com. at first I was sceptical to buy it as I was under perception that car seat is only meant for the toddlers, but after going through its special features I couldn’t stop myself to buy it.
Babyhug safe journey forward facing car seat is good for the kids up to the age of 12 years or for the kids who hue under 36 kgs. My kids are of age 6 and 5 years and I used this car seat for them thrice and I was totally amazed by seeing the comfort of my kids. I use it on the front seat of the car to see its effectiveness.
it is a definitely a must have product if you are concerned about the safety of your child while driving. Seat is comfortable and soft. It’s back cushions doesn’t lead to any sweetness or humid feeling. And it doesn’t give any feeling of stiffness even after 3 hours of long car-journey. Its safety hardness is worthy of applause.
As of now I cannot see any negative side of this product.
Hence, to sum up, I would definitely recommend this babyhug safe journey forward facing car seat for the safety of a child special while driving.
Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
9 hours ago
Q. mam i am 21 week continuing in my pregnancy but my baby not moving as much
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. pl do ultrasound. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a Newborn child
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what is muconium staining?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. due to feetal distance that will be mcconium passing in the uterine cavity itself. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts What should I buy for my baby however I'm just expecting in 2 month
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. you can get information regarding essentials of the new ones watch any YouTube channel. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
7 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
3 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
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