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Shikakai for Hair - Incredible Benefits and Ways to Use
Shikakai has been used for hair care in India for hundreds of years. The pods, leaves and the bark of the Shikakai tree is a rich source of Vitamin A, C, D, E and K. It can be used in the form of shampoo to clean hair, used in making hair oil and even as hair masks to nourish the hair and help it to grow fast. But how do we use it? Do you want to know how we can make Shikakai shampoo, hair oil or hair masks at home? Here is an article to help you teach ways in which you can make hair products through this wonder shrub.
What are Shikakai and Its Herbal Properties?
Shikakai or Acacia Concinna is a climber with thorny, brown branches. The plant is full of vitamins and anti-oxidants which enhances hair growth and a lustrous mane. Owing to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, it can be used for medicinal purposes on wounds and skin problems.
Properties
Uses
Saponin
Works up a lather when water is added to it.
Vitamins (A, C, D, E, K)
Provides nourishment to the hair and promotes healthy and rapid hair growth.
Antioxidants
Moisturises the hair; prevents split ends, hair from getting brittle and greying.
Micro-nutrients
Nourishes the scalp and hair making it dandruff-free, smooth, tangle-free and lustrous.
Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
Prevents lice, psoriasis, eczema, and scabies.
Shikakai Benefits for Hair
It is a well-known fact that Shikakai is an age-old remedy for hair related problems but did you know that it has other benefits too. Let us explore its several therapeutic benefits and uses.
1. Hair Growth
The herbal remedy of Shikakai for hair growth has been coming down through ages. Shikakai powder when mixed with henna powder and yoghurt adds sheen to your hair and also aids hair growth.
2. Cleanser
It acts as a hair cleanser. Although it does not work up a rich lather, it cleans your hair effectively without any harsh effects to the hair or scalp.
3. Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial Properties
The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties prevent lice, dandruff or skin problems like scabies, psoriasis and eczema from occurring. Shikakai can also be used as an antiseptic to heal wounds.
4. Heals Wounds
When Shikakai paste mixed with turmeric paste is applied to cuts and bruises, it gets cured.
5. Anti-oxidants
The anti-oxidants repair damaged hair and prevents split ends. It also stops hair from getting brittle and coarse.
6. Controls Hair Fall
The vitamins and anti-oxidants prevent hair loss and as a result, cures balding too.
7. Used in Making Detergents
Due to the presence of saponins, it is used as an ingredient to make detergents and moreover being a good cleanser can effectively be used for cleaning purposes. The water used in boiling Shikakai and Reetha together can be used to wash delicate fabrics and remove solid stain marks.
8. Used for Good Oral Health
The herbal benefits of Shikakai are not only for hair and skin. Rinsing mouth regularly with Shikakai in lukewarm water aids good oral health. It further cures gum diseases and prevents bad breath and building up of plaque. Gurgling with Shikakai and warm water can cure tonsillitis and throat infection.
9. Balances Blood Sugar Level
Taking Shikakai powder regulates normal blood sugar levels. It neither allows the blood sugar level to decrease nor increase thereby keeping it balanced.
10. Cures Diseases
Apart from the skin and oral diseases, Shikakai helps cure Black fever (during malaria) and Jaundice. When the pods of the Shikakai are powdered and applied over the Leprosy affected area, it can cure the dreaded disease.
Ways You Can Use Shikakai in Daily Hair Care Routine
Shikakai has always been in a valuable resource when it comes to hair care and not without any reason. It is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins, multi-nutrients and has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties which make it a remedial solution for hair care. Although, it can be used for several other purposes like skin care, oral hygiene, cleansing agents and medicines, Shikakai is best known for hair care. Listed below are several ways in which you can make different kinds of hair care products using the wonder plant.
1. DIY Shikakai Shampoo
Shikakai is said to be a fine cleanser, and so is Reetha. When you add Amla and Fenugreek seeds to these ingredients, it makes for a perfect shampoo enriched with anti-oxidants, micronutrients and vitamins. Thus this Shikakai shampoo for hair loss is the ultimate DIY shampoo which can very easily be made at home.
What You Will Need
Shikakai – 8 pods
Reetha – 12 seeds
Amla (Dry) – 1 cup
Fenugreek seeds – 2 tbsp.
Water – 1 big bowl
Method
De-seed the Reetha.
Then soak all the ingredients together in a big bowl for a night.
The next morning, boil all the ingredients together along with the water that they were soaked in.
Once the ingredients become soft, switch off the stove and keep it to cool.
After it cools down, strain the liquid and use it to wash hair.
In case of hair which has been oiled, you have to boil the ingredients until the liquid becomes very thick and turns dark brown. And if it is just a regular hair wash without any oil in the hair, you liquid consistency can be kept thin.
Amla and Fenugreek seeds condition and moisturises the hair. Therefore, it is essential to include these two along with Reetha and Shikakai for better results.
How Often to Use
This herbal concoction shampoo can be used as per requirement. However, it should be used at least once every week for good results.
2. DIY Shikakai Oil
The herbal oil mix of Shikakai along with Almond and Coconut works will work wonders for your hair. Almond and Coconut oil put together nourishes the hair and the scalp resulting in hair growth; Shikakai, on the other hand, acts as a conditioner and add shine and lustre to the hair.
What You Will Need
Almond oil – 1 cup
Coconut oil – 2 cups
Shikakai powder – 2 -3 tbsp.
1 clean and dry glass bottle (to keep the oil)
Method
Add all the ingredients together in the glass bottle.
Shake it many times.
Then let it sit for 7 – 10 days in a cool place.
How Often to Use
The oil can be used as per requirement. However, using it 2 -3 times a week of getting rid of hair woes.
3. DIY Shikakai Hair Packs
Have you ever experienced bad hair days? Are you scared that one day you may become bald with the alarming speed in which your hair is falling? Are you greying earlier than your age? If you are down with hair problems, try out the Do-It-Yourself Shikakai hair packs listed below.
Shikakai and Curd Paste
This Shikakai hair mask has a host of benefits. It helps to nourish and moisturise the hair. The mask which contains curd is a rich source of good bacteria which help to prevent dandruff and skin problems in the scalp.
To prepare this mask, take 1 tablespoon each of Shikakai powder, Amla powder, Olive/Coconut/Almond oil and a cup of curd. Mix everything well and keep it aside for an hour or so.
Apply it on your hair and scalp. Keep it for an hour or till it dries. Then wash it off.
To get a good result, you must apply this mask once a week or once in 15 days. In the case of long hair, you can add more to each of the ingredients.
Pack for Dry Hair
This remedial solution of Shikakai for dry hair along with Amla and Fenugreek is an excellent Ayurvedic pack. The anti-oxidants of Shikakai and Amla help fight hair damage; Fenugreek adds more nourishment to the hair and makes it more manageable.
Make a paste of the ingredients put together with a little lukewarm water. Keep it aside for some time and then apply it on your hair. Once the pack dries up, wash your hair.
Applying this pack every alternate day or twice a week can help your dry, frizzy tresses become shiny and smooth.
Anti-Grey Hair Pack
An excellent pack made of Shikakai for grey hair blended with Henna powder, Amla powder, curry leaf powder and hibiscus flower works wonders for premature greying of hair. Henna is a natural colouring agent does no harm to the hair follicles, and on the other hand, Shikakai and Amla being rich in anti-bodies prevent hair damage and nourish it. Curry leaves and Hibiscus both prevents the hair from greying before time.
To make this paste, you need to take about 1/4th cup of Amla powder, ½ cup of Henna powder, a paste of 5-6 fresh Hibiscus flowers, 1/4th cup of fresh Curry leaf. Mix all of it with a little black brewed tea.
You can apply this pack once a week or once in 15 days. However, avoid using too much Henna powder since overusing it can dry up your hair.
Hair Fall Remedy Pack
Shikakai for hair fall is an excellent remedy. Therefore this pack with Shikakai, Amla, Reetha and eggs is the go-to solution for hair fall.
To prepare this pack, mix 2 tbsp each of Shikakai, Amla and Reetha (all in powder form) with 2 eggs, juice of 2-3 lemons and a little lukewarm water. Then apply it after keeping it aside for half an hour. Once dry, wash it off.
Apply the pack every alternate day or twice a week to stop hair fall.
Anti – Dandruff Pack
The main ingredients in this pack are Shikakai and Neem which have anti-microbial properties. This prevents dandruff and dry scalp.
Make a paste with 2 tbsp each of Neem leaf powder, Shikakai powder and Reetha powder together with a little water. Apply it on the scalp and hair. Once dry, wash it off.
Use this pack once or twice a week.
How to Make Shikakai Powder?
Now that you have been told how to use Shikakai powder for hair washes let us learn how to make Shikakai powder.
Dry the Shikakai pods in the sun. You may dry the bark of Shikakai plant and also leaves if you have them.
Once it is fully sun-dried, grind the pods (and the bark and leaves) together in a grinder to make a fine powder.
There are plenty of branded hair products in the market. However, nothing can match the goodness of natural products like Shikakai. Try it, and you will never use any other thing.
Also Read:
Natural Remedies for Glowing Winter Skin
How to Avoid Beauty Parlour Disasters
Beauty Secret Tips for Skin & Hair From Our Kitchen Shelves Read more
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How To Do Pranayama During Pregnancy
Pranayama can be described in different ways. For some, pranayama is the art of yogic breathing which uses certain breathing techniques to control the flow and circulation of life currents throughout the body. For others, it teaches one to breathe and improves the circulation of oxygen within the body.
What is Pranayama?
Pranayam allows the practitioner to be aware of their breath, increase their mindfulness, and improve their overall quality of life. This is done through rich oxygenation of the blood and by promoting a calmer mind and body. In Sanskrit, the 'prana' in pranayama translates to 'energy' while 'ayama' translates to the distribution of energy.
Why Practice Pranayama During Pregnancy?
During the initial stages of labour, the body releases adrenaline due to the stress and anxiety experienced by the mother. This can delay the release of oxytocin, a chemical compound in the body which aids in the process of delivery.
By practising pranayama, one can negate negative energy, relax, and aid the body to release oxytocin to make labour easier and smoothen it. Additionally, it helps cope with the pain by relaxing the body as well.
Is Practicing Pranayama Safe for Pregnant Women?
One question that is often asked is: “Is Pranayama Safe During Pregnancy?" While it is safe, there are some common unsafe pranic breaths for pregnancy such as:
Taking forceful breaths rapidly.
Holding the breath for a long period of time.
Consulting with your doctor or gynaecologist when practising specific pranayama techniques is recommended. This is because your body undergoes changes week-by-week during pregnancy.
Benefits of Pranayama
During pregnancy, your newborn is dependent on your body for the supply of oxygen and nutrients. Through conscious inhaling during pregnancy along with mindful exhaling during pregnancy, one can strengthen the supply of oxygen and dispel carbon dioxide in the blood. This purifies the blood, rids it of toxins, and supplies the foetus with fresh oxygen and nutrients as well. Supplying the baby with adequate oxygen contributes to its development in the womb, both cognitive and physical. By practicing pranayama, you can reduce your own anxiety by fuelling your body with oxygen.
Pranayama has multiple benefits for pregnant women and by practicing such techniques, one can enjoy multifold advantages. Here are several reasons why one should practice pranayama during early pregnancy:
Enhanced blood circulation
More energy in the body
Increased oxygen levels in blood
Eliminates wastes and toxins from the body
Pranayama generates positive hormones in the body
Removes negative thoughts and calms the mind
8 Best Pranayama Techniques
These are the following pranayama moves which are deemed safe for pregnant women. Practicing these will ensure good health and a growing, healthy foetus:
Gentle Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana) - Baddha Konasana, or the butterfly pose, is easy, safe, and an effective pranayama pose, especially helpful during child delivery periods. It stimulates and maintains the health of the reproductive system. It acts as a stress-reliever and even heals menstruation problems.
Sit erect and bring your knees towards you by bending them as close as possible.
Connect the soles of your feet with each other and hold your feet firmly with your hands.
Take deep breaths and while exhaling, press on the thighs and knees downward in the direction of the floor. Breathe normal and gently flap your knees like a butterfly by bring them up and down at a comfortable pace.
Dirgha Pranayama - Purges carbon dioxide from the lungs and promotes mental clarity through proper oxygenation throughout the body. It also teaches proper diaphragmatic breathing.
Sit erect.
Take slow, long, deep breaths within and let your belly deflate like a balloon.
Breathe in again but this time keep your focus on your chest and let it expand and deflate after exhalation.
Combine the steps above and open-up the low, mid, and high chambers of your lungs through inhalations and exhalations.
Shitali Pranayama - Shitali translates to 'cooling' in Pranayama and reduces the fight or flight response in the body by relaxing the parasympathetic system. It also lowers blood pressure and acid reflux symptoms in the body.
Sit comfortably by aligning the neck, spine, and head.
Do diaphragmatic breathing while keeping the eye closed, for several minutes.
Open up your mouth and curl your lips into an "O".
Inhale deeply as if you're drinking through a straw.
Direct your focus towards the cooling sensation of your breathing.
Pull back the tongue and close the mouth while you exhale completely through the nostrils.
Nadi Shodhana - Nadi Shodhana translates to Nadi as "flow" and Shodhana as "purification." Nadi Shodana is basically alternate nostril breathing and pacifies the three doshas. It releases toxins, infuses oxygen in the blood, and restores hormonal balances.
During the early mornings on an empty stomach, sit comfortably in a cross-legged position or on a chair with the feet flat on the ground.
Take a full, deep breath and follow it up with a gentle exhalation.
Repeat the breathing cycle several times till you feel breath becoming rhythmic and naturally paced.
Close your right nostril with your thumb and exhale through the left nostril.
Alternate between nostrils and repeat this exercise three to five times every day.
Ujjayi - Ujjayi detoxifies the mind, promotes mental clarity and the free flow of prana throughout the body. It builds up internal body heat and increases energy and self-awareness of the consciousness.
Close your lips and breathe in and out through the nose
Inhale slowly and deeply, more than your regular inhales
Constrict the muscles at the back of the throat and exhale slowly through your nose
Repeat the steps above
Brahmari Pranayama - Resembling the typical humming sounds of the Indian bee, the Brahmari pranayama is a relaxation inducer and helps calm the mind along with regulating emotions. It cures sinus problems, relieves hypertension, and makes childbirth trouble-free during pregnancies. It also relieves anger, tension, and anxiety during pregnancies.
Sit in any sitting asana like the Padmasana
Close your eyes and begin breathing deeply
Close the flaps of the ears with your thumbs
Place your index finger slightly above the eyebrows and cover the rest of your eyes with the other fingers
Apply gentle pressure to the sides of your nose
Focus your mind on the area between your eyebrows
Exhale slowly while making a humming 'Om' sound while keeping your mouth closed
Repeat the above steps 5 times
Kapal Bhati Pranayama - Can be practised before pregnancies but not during the pregnancy period. After pregnancies, if childbirth and post-recovery go smoothly, then one can gradually incorporate the use of Kapalbhati eventually.
Sit in Padmasana pose and keep your spine erect.
Inhale deeply until your lungs completely fill up with air.
Exhale forcefully and deflate your stomach so that it pushes deep inside.
Repeat four to five times every day.
Bahya Pranayama - In the Bahya Pranayama, the breath is kept outside and it is ideal for practice after the Kapalbhati Pranayam. Ideal for diabetics, it cures constipation, acidity, and sexual performance problems.
Sit in Padmasana or Siddhasana pose.
Breathe in deeply and exhale completely.
Hold your breath and make your chin touch your chest (Jalandhar Bandha).
Pull your stomach in such that the back and stomach touch each other.
Lift up the muscles near the groin area (Uddiyana Bandha).
Hold this for three bandhas for around 10 to 15 seconds and breathe deeply to release the Bandhas.
Repeat the above steps for four to five minutes every day for maximum results.
Effective Tips for Practicing Pranayama
Pranayama serves as a complement to one's lifestyle and improves the overall quality of life, pregnancy or not. There are a couple of lifestyle tips one should incorporate while practising pranayama:
Keep yourself happy by filling your mind with positive thoughts and occupying your time with productive and safe daily activities.
Walking for 30 minutes a day is highly recommended to aid with circulation and enhance the breathing process.
Swimming is also another highly recommended stress-free exercise for pregnant women which best complements pranayama.
Monitor your diet and include fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Food and breath are two sides of the coin. One doesn't go without the other so make sure you stick to a healthy diet since the baby in the womb also depends on it.
Additional Tips for Practicing Pranayama
Although safe, pregnant women must not overdo any of the above-mentioned exercises since the body goes through several changes during pregnancy. Practicing under the expert guidance of a doctor or gynaecologist who is well-versed with pranayama techniques is highly recommended. This is because every individual's body (along with hormonal levels and the changes that undergo on the inside) is different.
Pranayama and yogic exercises must be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, they are safe to practice before and after this period. Avoid practising Suryanadi pranayama during pregnancy since it can generate heat in the body and adversely affect the womb.
What Are the Effects of Pranayama During Pregnancy?
Pranayama bestows good health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. It is an integral component utilized for making a successful transition from adulthood to motherhood. It helps in generating a sense of well-being, maintaining good emotional health, and nurturing one's body for a successful delivery. Some of the many effects of pranayama during pregnancies include lowered stress levels, regulated oestrogen levels in the body, adequate hormone production, and elimination of toxins from both the baby and the mother.
How to Get the Best Results from Pranayama?
Getting the best results from your pranayama practice during a pregnancy will depend on several factors. Here a few important things to keep in mind to get the best results from your practice:
Practice under the guidance of an expert teacher - The teacher whom you practice pranayama under must be certified. A good teacher will adjust the exercises according to your situation and tell you what not practice as well as what to do. Although watching videos online and reading material on exercises can help, nothing beats hands-on walkthroughs under the guidance of a well-versed pranayama teacher.
Listen to your body - During pregnancy, while practising certain exercises, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded or uncomfortable. Not exerting oneself is important since it can adversely affect both the baby and the body.
Choose the right environment - Practice pranayama in a clean and healthy environment, preferably in a quiet and open space where airflow is not restricted. Avoid cluttered rooms, noisy environments, and practice in a place that is filled with greenery and serenity to get the best benefit.
Timing and meal frequency - Practice pranayama 3-4 hours before having your first meal. Practice during the mornings on an empty stomach since the mind, body, and air, are all fresh and pollution-free.
Take support and practice good form - Maintain the correct posture and take support when needed when practising certain asanas. By taking this into consideration, you can avoid muscle aches, spasms and enjoy pranayama to the fullest without any worries. Breathing is an important component of child delivery and practising pranayama can help one control the flow of their breathing. Through conscious inhaling and exhaling, one can regulate the flow of breath which can aid in a smooth delivery, free of any complications, during pregnancies.
Practicing pranayama exercises will lead to greater awareness of one's surroundings as one’s mind is calm and at ease. Pranayama helps to strengthen the body due to efficient use of oxygen and helps an individual live a fuller life.
Also Read: Butterfly Exercise During Pregnancy Read more
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Do You Use Homeopathy to Treat Your Child? This Will SHOCK You!
The (almost) unanimous opinion that experts hold is that homeopathy – an ancient for of alternative medicine – “runs counter to basic principles of chemistry, biology, and physics.”
Homeopathy has been in India since over two centuries times. It is one of the most common forms of medicine used to treat young children and babies. After we, as mothers, have exhausted all ancient wisdom of the family to try and treat our ill child, and tried all of dadi and nani's home-remedies, we often turn to homeopathy for children instead of allopathy. But is this really a good idea? Is it safe and effective? A recent development in the U.S. has a counterview on homeopathy that threatens to change everything. If you have ever used homeopathy for your little one, or are planning to, please keep this important development in mind.
The (almost) unanimous opinion that many experts hold is that Homeopathy – an ancient form of alternative medicine – “runs counter to basic principles of chemistry, biology, and physics.” Indeed, it is often the choice of treatment suggested even by doctors and paediatricians, because babies and young children are too young to be administered allopathy medicines that have chemicals. From experience, many mothers report that while homeopathic medicines may not show instant results like allopathic medicines, they do have definite, long-term results with zero side effects.
However, the U.S. disagrees.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - an independent agency of the USA Government – has said that all manufacturers of homeopathic medicines should label their products to clearly state that 'They Do Not Work'!
Why is the U.S.A Saying That Homeopathy “Doesn't Work”?
Homeopathy has, in fact, a very large market in the US. Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on homeopathic products.
Why, then, does the US government want to say 'homeopathy doesn't work'? Well, there are several reasons. Here are a few important statements made in the notice that was issued by the FTC:
The claims of homeopathic products are not based on modern scientific methods and are not accepted by modern medical experts.
Whatever 'evidence' or 'proof' of working of homeopathy has been submitted, has been largely regarded as incorrect. In fact, even the validity of the clinical trials that were conducted to support homeopathy are being questioned. It is the general opinion of modern doctors and scientists that these results are only a matter of coincidence, wrong research methods, and a bias that homeopathy enjoys among its followers and believers. In fact, Nobel Laureate Venkatraman Ramakrishnan has even mentioned that homeopathy is bogus and harmful!
Many homeopathic products are diluted to such an extent that they no longer contain detectable levels of the initial substance.
In the absence of the chosen substance, how can one claim with any certainty that homeopathic products work?
Homeopathy’s central mechanism of action runs contrary to the knowledge we have about medicine and human biology.
The central doctrine on which homeopathy is based – like cures like – is absurd. German physician Samuel Hahnemann, who discovered homeopathy, believed that a substance that makes a healthy person fall ill, can also be used to cure the person. This is the central mechanism on which homeopathy works.
At the time that homeopathy was professed, we did not have the current level of knowledge and insight into the workings of chemistry, biology, and the human body. With increasing knowledge in these spheres, experts are finding that the central doctrine on which homeopathy is based is absurd. How can something that makes you fall sick, be also used to cure you (no matter how much you dilute it)?
Is This True? Does Homeopathy Really Not Work?
As much as we would like to believe otherwise, the fact is -
Yes, this is true indeed.
In fact, the US is not the only country to diss homeopathy. Australia, United Kingdom, and Switzerland too have arrived at the same conclusion over the years. There truly is no scientific evidence that can suggest homeopathy actually works. Whatever few studies have been able to produce proof of the same have been in fact called coincidences.
For a scientific discovery to be considered legit, the results of the study leading to it need to be replicable: if the same experiment were to be run again in the same lab, or in any other lab, it should produce the same results (within a statistically determined margin of error).
Most homeopathy studies fail in this context.
WATCH: Does Homeopathy Really Work?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LFp6ASW0Ao
But We Have All Seen It Work!
Indeed every mother, at least once in her life, has turned to homeopathy to treat her ill child. You might have done so too. Even if you haven’t used homeopathy or don’t believe in it, we bet you definitely know a handful of mothers who will swear by homeopathy and say it works like a charm on their children.
But we cannot ignore scientific data – or rather a lack thereof – can we? So what's happening here?
The answer is: the placebo effect.
The placebo effect is one of the least understood phenomenen in the domain of medicine. The placebo effect is when a patient is cured of an illness in spite of being given a 'fake' medicine (typically, just a sugar pill, that has no active medicine in it), because the patient believed they were being given a medicine.
In short: the patient's belief is what cures them of the illness, rather than the actual pill being prescribed to them. And many believe that is how homeopathy actually works.
So What's the Harm in Allowing Homeopathy Products to Be Consumed as Medicine?
On first look at the matter, there seems to be no apparent harm. However, if you dig a little deeper, the implications of homeopathy being 'prescribed as medicine' become evident.
Believers of homeopathy at times refrain from consuming any other form of medication. This can prove to be a dangerous situation in extreme diseases like diabetes, or cancer.
Homeopathy – as a branch of 'medicine' – does not have the concept of vaccines. As mothers, we all know how important vaccination is.
Billions of dollars, rupees, pounds are spent each year on the manufacturing of these 'drugs'. Considering that they are only 'placebos', is it just to invest (read: 'waste') that kind of money and resources on them?
This poses a serious health risk. In fact, American health policy expert Timothy Caulfield recently equated homeopathy to 'believ(ing) in magic'. In fact, speculations having been running wild that modern homeopathy might actually just be a scam.
How Does This Affect Babies and Young Children?
One of the most common baby problems that are treated with homeopathy is teething problems. However, there have been several cases where the baby was administered a homeopathic product to relieve teething pain, but had to be rushed straight to the hospital.
Several babies suffered from twitching of limbs, repeated siezures; some even turned blue and died.
There are several other things that could have caused this, apart from the homeopathic product itself: maybe that particular baby was sensitive/intolerant to that particular homeopathic pill; maybe the prescribed dose was high. However, it can be safely said that: homeopathy for kids is not a failproof method of treating illness.
US Government's Corrective Step
While it is true that homeopathy has no scientific backing, it does enjoy favourable opinion of a lot of people, and chances are that it will be impossible for any government to completely ban homeopathic products from the shelves of pharmacists and drugstores. Hence the FTC has suggested that all homeopathic products should carry a clear message that -
'there is no scientific evidence that the product works'
'the product’s claims are based only on theories of homeopathy from the 1700s that are not accepted by most modern medical experts'
So... What Should We Do?
It is clear from the findings of careful reviews and studies carried out by more than just one country, that homeopathy does not work. Add personal experience to that statement, and we can say: we do not know how or why homeopathy works (or does not work sometimes).
Having said that, would it still be wise to use homeopathy to treat your sick baby? One may never be entirely sure.
The manufacturing of homeopathic products is not as stringent as that of allopathic medicines. We may never know if there is a difference in the kind and quality of homeopathy medicines being produced in India and other countries (and what the exact difference is, if there at all is a difference). But it sure is a good idea to take an informed decision. Do you want to give 'placebo effect' a chance at curing your baby? You may. But be warned that homeopathy pills do not just 'not work', they have the potential to in fact work adversely on your baby.
A possible solution to this could be to first give home remedies a shot. Home remedies are passed on over several generations in the family, and they sure have a lot of merit. However, it is important to practice utmost care and caution while doing this. Even home remedies can go horribly wrong.
One solid piece of advice worth considering is: never ever prescribe any medicine without first getting it approved by your child's pediatrician – even a seemingly harmless medicine like homeopathy pills.
Source:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/homeopathy-treatments-must-be-labelled-to-say-they-do-not-work-us-government-orders-a7429776.html
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hundreds-of-babies-harmed-by-homeopathic-remedies-families-say/ Read more
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Q. Need some advice, guys. I've been trying to simplify my skincare routine, and I'm considering switching to a tinted sunscreen for daily wear. Any recommendations for a tinted sunscreen that's suitable for everyday use?
Nikitha
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1 hour ago
A. hello you can usually be using sunscreen lotion which contain spf like sebamed chicoo babyhug which can help any concern then it would be better to check with your doctor and she will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly which would be better and also safe
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Q. Which medicine i should take for cold during 9month pregnancy?
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A. Only whatever your gynaecologist suggest because during the time of pregnancy we don’t advise you to take any medicine without consulting the gynaecologist as some women can have side-effects also so better to check with your doctor
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Trying To Conceive
14 mins ago
Q. I have taken dydraboon tablets for 5 days started from 28 day it has been 8 days after last tablet yesterday I have done pregnancy test I got faint I have attached pic let me know what it's means I have taken pic within 5 mins only
Read moreDr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 mins ago
A. do serum beta hcg. 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 Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Mom of a 3 yr 2 m old child
10 mins ago
Q. is there any tablet to prepone periods
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
9 mins ago
A. no. any such thing needs direct check up and examination. that will help to treat. will need antibiotics too in to help better a d and prevent infection.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 6 months
6 mins ago
Q. from which month or week to take calcium and iron tablets during pregnancy
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 mins ago
A. I think after completing your first trimester you can start having Iron and calcium supplement you should have them till the time you do not deliver deliver after delivery you should have them for another six months to 1 year depending upon what your doctor suggest
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