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10 Effective Remedies to Get Rid of Mosquitoes at Home
It is impossible to enjoy an evening out on the patio or open the windows to let in some cool evening breeze if your house is invaded by mosquitoes every day. Mosquitoes can be quite annoying to deal with, especially due to their constant buzzing, biting, and the range of diseases they carry. Dengue, malaria, and yellow fever are few of the many illnesses that they are known to spread. Hence, it becomes imperative to keep your house free of these unwelcome guests to safeguard the health of your family.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes at Home
There are several options to get rid of mosquitoes at home, naturally. Here are some of them:
1. Garlic
The strong smell of garlic helps keep mosquitoes away. All you need to do is crush some cloves of garlic, boil them in water and spread the smell all over the house. You can fill this solution in a bottle and spray your house with it to keep mosquitoes away.
2. Tulsi
The natural fragrance of Basil or Tulsi acts as a repellent for mosquitoes. Surround your house with Tulsi plants or keep a shrub next to each window. This herb helps keep mosquitoes away and works wonders in treating mosquito bites as well.
3. Cloves and Lemon
This remedy is one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away; it is quite simple too. Slice a few lemons into halves and stick some cloves into each half. Place these around the house to get rid of mosquitoes.
4. Neem and Lavender oil
Mix some neem and lavender oil in the ratio 1:1 and apply it on your skin. Neem oil can keep mosquitoes away better than commercial coils. It also has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, which keep your skin safe and protected.
5. Peppermint Essential Oil
Add a few drops of peppermint oil in a cup of water and fill it in a spray can. Spray this solution on your skin. Peppermint oil has chemical compounds that can keep mosquitoes away, leaving you smelling fresh and minty.
6. Camphor Oil
Camphor is the most trust-worthy remedy to get rid of mosquitoes. All you need to do is light camphor in a closed room and leave it for 20 minutes. Not only will you have a long-lasting natural mosquito repellent, but you will be surprised to see dead mosquitoes on the floor.
7. Coffee Grounds
Stagnant water puddles form the ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. If you have puddles around the house or up on the roof, spread some coffee grounds in it. If those are breeding grounds, the mosquito eggs will automatically float to the surface and once deprived of oxygen, they will not survive - thus, preventing more mosquitoes from taking over your house.
8. Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
Certain plants like Feverfew, Citronella and Catnip are known for repelling mosquitoes. You can plant these in your garden, keep them at your windowsill or doorways to stop mosquitoes from entering the house.
9. Tea Tree oil
Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in some water and apply it on your skin. This anti-fungal and anti-bacterial oil is not only excellent at repelling mosquitoes, but it can also treat mosquito bites.
10. Rosemary
Rosemary stalks are great at keeping mosquitoes away. Just burn a few stalks inside the house, and you can effectively get rid of mosquitoes from the house.
FAQs
Here is a list of some frequently asked questions and solutions for the same:
1. How to Avoid Mosquito Bites?
Avoid mosquitoes from biting you by installing mosquito screens on your windows and wearing long-sleeved, thick fabric clothes. You can avoid going out in the evenings or at dusks. If you have to go out, use some natural mosquito repellent to stay safe. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon-dioxide and consuming alcohol causes your body to emit CO2 and increases the bacterial composition of your skin. This, in turn, attracts mosquitoes. So try to limit your alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether. You will also need to clear out any stagnant water around your house and take a shower regularly, especially when you are sweaty.
2. Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Mosquitoes?
Apple Cider Vinegar, when sprayed on mosquito larvae can kill them. Although it takes quite some time, it is a natural and safe way to kill new mosquitoes from surrounding your house. You will need to use a good quantity of apple cider vinegar to kill the larvae in the stagnant water. Undiluted apple cider vinegar can also be sprayed on your skin to gain protection from mosquitoes.
3. What to Eat to Repel Mosquitoes?
Garlic and onions emit a compound called allicin through your pores when consumed. This affects your natural scent and keeps mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes do not like the smell of vinegar, so they steer clear if you have consumed a good amount of vinegar. Capsaicin in chilli peppers is an irritant that can keep mosquitoes away. Foods rich in thiamine like lentils, beans, tomatoes, etc., release an odour that repels mosquitoes. Citrus fruits like grapefruit contain a compound called nootkatone which is a component used in pesticides and insecticides.
4. What are Mosquitoes Attracted to?
Lactic acid produced by your body is a major point of attraction for the mosquitoes. Eating salty food increases the amount of lactic acid produced. Acetone, released while breathing and estradiol, a by-product created during the breakdown of estrogen can also attract mosquitoes. They are also attracted to carbon-dioxide produced as a result of metabolism in the body. This is one of the main attractions. Mosquitoes are also attracted to colour – people wearing darker shades like black, red, navy blue, etc., tend to stand out to them.
Mosquitoes can truly be a great inconvenience that needs proper remedial options. The several home remedies for killing mosquitoes mentioned here can be your guide to get to a mosquito-free home.
Also Read:
Easy Ways to Keep Dust Free Home
Home Remedies to Remove Bed Bugs From Your Home
Tips to Get Rid of Cockroaches at Home Read more
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Ajwain and Ajwain Water for Babies - Benefits and Uses
Carom seeds (or ajwain) is a common Indian spice that is used in many culinary preparations. Ajwain enhances the flavour of the dishes and is known for its healing and medicinal properties. It cures digestive problems, symptoms of colic, chronic constipation, and cold and cough in babies as well as adults. Carom seeds contain a component called thymol, which functions as a potent germicide and fungicide and prevents the development of undesired pathogens.
Babies can benefit from its tremendous medicinal value; you can give ajwain to babies in the form of ajwain water or in a powdered form. However, it is advisable to use carom seeds for babies in moderation to avoid any likely complications.
Amazing Health Benefits of Ajwain for Babies
Many new moms question if they should give ajwain water to babies. The answer is yes, as ajwain water is beneficial for babies:
It provides relief from colic and gas in babies.
Babies who are prone to digestive disorders and stomach upsets, especially when they try new foods for the first time, will feel better after drinking ajwain water.
Ajwain also provides relief from cough and cold in infants.
Constipation in babies is a common problem; giving ajwain water to babies suffering from constipation can cure this problem and even regulate bowel movements.
It promotes the release of gastric acid, which can enhance appetite and facilitate smooth digestion in babies.
It can treat asthma in kids.
When to Introduce Ajwain to Infants
You can introduce ajwain to infants from 8 months onwards. It is advisable to start feeding it to your baby in small amounts. Also, for babies less than one year of age, it is desirable to use plain water and avoid adding any sweetener to it. Once the baby starts eating solids, a powdered version can be included in the baby's food in limited quantities. Gradually, you can add it to puris, parathas, and so on.
How to Select Ajwain for Babies
Carom seeds that are husk-free are good for babies. When preparing ajwain water or ajwain powder for babies, opt for husk-free carom seeds. Also, keep in mind to use organic seeds, which are devoid of chemicals.
Making Ajwain Water for Babies
Here is how you can make ajwain water for your little one:
Take 250 ml of water in a pan and heat it until it starts boiling.
Add ½ tsp of carom seeds to it and allow it to boil for a few minutes.
You can even slightly roast the seeds and grind them to form a powder before adding it to the boiling water.
You can add a little jaggery to the boiling water if you wish to sweeten the water.
Filter the water with a strainer and let it cool down before giving it to your baby.
How Much Ajwain Water Should Be Given to a Baby
For babies who are not yet one year old, you may like to begin with a maximum of one to two teaspoons of ajwain water per day. Slowly, you can increase the measure to two to three teaspoons of ajwain water. However, it is safe to give it only two to three times a week to babies who are less than a year old. Babies who are one year or more can be given around ¼ cup of the same per day. Again, it may be sensible to limit giving ajwain water just three to four times in a week, as opposed to daily.
Home Remedies Using Ajwain for Cold and Cough in Babies
Some useful home remedies for a baby’s cold and cough are as follows:
1. Herbal Concoction
You can prepare a herbal concoction using the following:
Ingredients
Tulsi leaves
1 tsp carom seeds
Cloves
Black pepper
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp dry ginger powder
½ cup water
How to Make
Put all the above ingredients in a pan and let it boil for some time.
Strain the water and serve it warm to your baby.
This herbal concoction will provide relief from cold and cough and from digestive troubles to babies who are more than 8 months.
2. Ajwain Heat Pad
This can be an effective remedy to combat chest congestion and blocked nose in infants. This simple treatment works well for newborn babies.
Ingredients
2 tbsp carom seeds
A clean muslin cloth
How to Make
Roast the carom seeds for a few minutes or until you can smell the aroma.
Put these roasted seeds in a clean muslin cloth and tie the cloth to make a potli or a small pouch.
You can rub the warm potli on to your baby’s chest like a hot pad.
Alternatively, you can also place it close to your baby’s nose on his pillow while he asleep.
3. Ajwain Infused Oil Massage
Ajwain infused massage oil can also treat a cold and cough in babies. Here is how you can make it.
Ingredients
1 tsp carom seeds
1/2 cup mustard oil
1 clove garlic (optional)
How to Make
Heat carom seeds in some mustard oil to prepare the massage oil.
Let it heat till the fumes appear.
You can add a few cloves of garlic for extra health benefits.
Massaging your baby with this oil will provide relief from cold and congestion.
This remedy works for newborn babies and for babies below 6 to 8 months.
Massaging your baby regularly with ajwain infused oil can also work as a preventive measure against cold and cough.
4. Ajwain Jaggery Water
A mixture of ajwain and jaggery (gur) powder can help in expelling phlegm and easing cough, which may be keeping your baby awake at nights.
Ingredients
1 tsp ajwain/ ajwain water
1 tsp jaggery
How to Make
For babies who are one-year-old and above, roasted seeds can be crushed to make a fine powder and then mixed with jaggery powder in equal amounts and given every day.
For smaller babies, it is recommended to use ajwain water mixed with some jaggery.
Ajwain has numerous health benefits for both babies and adults. Its healing properties make it a valuable spice and an effective cure for several health issues.
Also Read: 15 Best Home Remedies for Blocked Nose in Babies Read more
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CT Scan In Pregnancy - Is It Risky?
A CT scan or a CAT scan is the common name for an imaging technique called Computed Axial Tomography scan. It is a procedure that uses a computer to combine several X-ray images to generate a cross-sectional, three-dimensional image of the internal organs of the body. Many women worry about CT scan during pregnancy side effects and their queries will be answered in this post. Beyond that, your doctor would be able to explain to you the risks and benefits of a CT scan if you ever need to have one.
Is It Safe to Perform CAT Scan during Pregnancy?
CAT scans use a focused beam of X-rays to generate imagery of the body and this high energy radiation does have the potential to cause harm to a foetus depending on its intensity and exposure range. Ionizing radiations such as X-rays are known carcinogens and their utilization has been speculated as a potential cause for the increase of cancer in developed countries. When CAT scans are performed during pregnancy, there is also concern about the carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of the ionizing radiation on the growing foetus. The highest risk, however, is for foetuses that are under 15 weeks old and at a radiation threshold greater than 50 mGy.
The risk goes up when the pregnant woman’s uterus comes under the field of scanning or a scan is performed in a region in the abdominal or pelvic cavity. When radiation shields are applied, scans expose the foetus to a dose of 1 mGY to 3.5 mGy or radiation. In contrast, the radiation exposure of foetuses from the background radiation (from the sun and space) is 0.5 to 1 mGy for a period of 9 months. The typical dosage the foetus is exposed to during a routine CAT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is about 25 mGy. CAT scans of the head or chest expose the foetus to almost no radiation. Advanced scanners with automated exposure control bring down the radiation exposure to 13 mGy.
Why Are CT Scans Performed?
Pregnant women can sometimes experience non-obstetrical conditions or emergencies that may require the use of CAT scans, some of these conditions include; renal colic, appendicitis, hemorrhagic ovarian cysts, ovarian torsion, pulmonary embolism and trauma. The utilization of CAT scans in these instances is highly useful for diagnosis and sometimes maybe the only tool that can be used to gain a proper insight into the condition. CT scans form a three-dimensional image of the internal organs where doctors can get a clear picture of the exact cause of the problem.
The primary diagnostic tool for pregnant women is the ultrasound but it cannot always give detailed views of the organs. When the safer modes of scan such as ultrasound and MRI scans cannot give a definitive answer or there is a time constraint, CAT scans are used as the best imaging option. As a rule of thumb, CT scans are not recommended to pregnant women unless the benefits outweigh the risks of exposing the foetus to the radiation.
Risks of Getting a CAT Scan while Pregnant
Here are some of the common concerns about getting a CAT scan done during pregnancy.
A CT scan involves ionizing X-ray radiation that is a little higher than the ambient radiation we receive every day. The radiation dose from CT scans can be about 10 mSv which is about the same radiation the average person receives from the background radiation in 3 years.
CT scan while pregnant first trimester has the highest risk to the developing foetus due to the carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of the ionizing radiation.
An abdominal condition that requires a CAT scan exposes the foetus to high levels of radiation.
Can CAT Scan during Pregnancy Cause Cancer in The Child?
CAT scans use radiation levels that are very low to cause severe damage to the mother or the fetus. Most scans operate within the ranges of 10 to 25 mGy and the exposure needs to be higher to cause cancer. Teratogenic effects are known to occur when the exposure goes over the threshold of 50 mGy to 100 mGY. A single scan is not of concern; multiple scans raise the risk of radiation exposure. If the exposure goes over 100 mGy to 150 mGy, the risk is serious enough to consider an abortion of the fetus.
CAT scans carry with them some risk. Talk to your provider about the risk vs benefits if you ever need to have one.
Also Read : Are Ultrasound Scans Safe? Read more
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Motherhood and Me - How FirstCry Helped Me on My Motherhood Journey
It is a pleasure to be a mother and means a lot of sacrifices within self for the transformation into a mother. I have stated some of my cherishing moments in achieving a balance with myself and motherhood.
The phases start from wearing a comfortable maternity outfit to work and at home till the date of delivery. Packing for hospital kit during delivery phase is meticulous. This phase was very easy because of an article on newborn essentials by First Cry Parenting.
Once we had our little bundle of joy, First Cry helped me overcome breastfeeding problems, thereby enabling me to restart my career. Weaning mix recipes that my children enjoyed during the various phases enabled them to gain adequate growth in terms of height and weight.
We got our children's photo shoot with outfits and fashion accessories from First Cry and it came out really well. And you know what, First Cry played an important role in all phases of my baby's growth and development with their collection of good quality toys. The toys stimulated our baby's development. In a nutshell, a wide range of toys for physical, motor, cognitive, language, sensory, and social stimulation was available.
All my children's birthdays were organised with the materials bought from First Cry. Starting from decoration for party till selection of return gifts for their little friends. And now, stationary for school projects, school craft works, hobby kits.. a lot more to share as I experience..
As a whole, I thank First Cry for playing an important role in providing a balance between life as a mother and working professional.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Chicken Fingers
This is also one of those recipes that can be handed over to your teenager completely. It's a simple chicken recipe where you just have to dip-marinate-bake. No elaborate set-up, simple ingredients, and can be made with minimum fuss. Plus, because the dish is baked, you get all the nutrients from the chicken and egg, primarily protein, in their first-hand form.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
6 People
10-15 Minutes
20-25 Minutes
Ingredients
400 g chicken breast
2 eggs
1 cup cereal / corn flakes, crushed
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step 1
Keep the oven for preheating to 350º F. Prick the chicken pieces with a fork.
Step 2
Beat the egg in a bowl, add a little salt and pepper to it. Dip the chicken strips into it. Keep the chicken pieces covered for 5-10 mins in the beaten egg.
Step 3
Roll the coated dipped chicken in the crushed cereal and place the strips on a nonstick baking sheet.
Step 4
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes, until the chicken is done. The test for doneness is that the chicken should be white, not pink, inside.
Nutritional Information
Calories
451 Kcal
Proteins
70.0 g
Total Fat
11.5 g
Total Carbohydrates
13.8 g
Cholesterol
335 mg
Sodium
432 mg
Potassium
566 mg
Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert water leak from baby eye....what is that
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. blocked naso lacrimal duct kk. 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
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. loop of cord is seen round the neck in growth scan is it a problem at the time of delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. single Loop okay no problem wait. 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
Puja Kumari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert My baby is 4months old he is having fever after vaccination . how many days would the fever remain? can I give him medicine
Puja Kumari
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
A. vomiting ka kya karan ho sakta
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. 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
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
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