The immune system within your body is what protects you from all the attacks of various microbes from the world outside. However, the immune system itself can face problems and can defend the body only so much. Thus it is wise to add some homeopathic medicines and help the immune system fight the possible intruders better. Let's have a look at some of them:

Gelsemium: this medication is extracted from the vine gelsemium sempervirens, and is known as a very effective remedy when you have flu like symptoms with the cold such as, exhaustion, body ache and fever.
Arsenicum album: a very well known remedy for food poisoning as well as other digestive disorders, arsenicum album can be very effective in treating a wide variety of stomach related illnesses caused by the reaction to foreign microbes.
Oscillococcinum: this medication contains trace amounts of duck liver and heart and is known to be a good immune booster. Effective in the cases of cold and flu like symptoms, oscillococcinum can effectively treat fever with flu and other symptoms, although it may take a bit of time for it start acting. It is thus best to consult with your homeopathic doctor before starting a course.
Allium cepa: if you have flu like symptoms with teary eyes and nasal congestion, allium cepa is a very good remedy. You have to take a few doses before the symptoms start subsiding. One dose contains three to five pellets and you might have to take about two to three doses daily for a couple of days for the symptoms to subside.
Combination medications: there are multiple medical combinations, which can help you boost your immunity as well. Consult your homeopathic doctor to get the best combination for your specific condition. Some of these combinations are:
Calcarea carbonica 30-1 dose, phosphorus - 1 dose, lycopodium 30-1 dose: this combination is very effective in treating sensitive colds where fever may or may not exist but causes extreme nasal blockages.
Lycopodium 30, sabadilla 30: this combination is very effective when the cold and nasal blockages are due to pollen sensitivity and occur during the pollinating season. This can be used in a regular dosage to not only stop the symptoms but to also stop the allergy from happening in the first place.

5 Homeopathic Medicines to Increase Immunity

During breathing activity, chest wall moves out & in, lungs expand & relax. For the smooth movement of the lungs inside the chest cavity, they are lined by pleura.

Pleura includes two thin linings, the layer lining lungs is called visceral pleura and the one lining chest wall is called parietal pleura. The cavity formed between these two layers is called Pleural cavity. It contains a small amount of lubricant called Pleural fluid which helps smooth sliding of two pleural surfaces. Any condition which results in inflammation of the pleural surfaces or accumulation of excessive fluid in the pleural cavity gives rise to symptoms attributable to pleural involvement or disease.

Pleural effusion is nothing but the collection of excess fluid in the pleural cavity. Excess fluid in the pleural space is not normal and can occur due to a variety of reasons. Depending on the chemical composition it is broadly divided into two categories, transudate and exudate. 


What Causes Pleural Effusion?

1. Transudate pleural effusions 

Transudate pleural effusion is formed when fluid leaks from blood vessels into the pleural space. Chemically, transudates contain less protein and LDH than exudates. It is generally seen in the following conditions.

Congestive heart failure

Liver failure or cirrhosis

Kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome

Peritoneal dialysis

2. Exudate pleural effusions 

Exudate pleural effusion is caused by inflammation of the pleura itself and are often due to diseases involving the lung. Following are some common illnesses giving rise to exudate pleural effusion.

Tuberculosis
Pneumonia
Lung or breast cancer
Lymphoma
Pulmonary embolism
Post chest wall trauma or surgery
Asbestosis and mesothelioma
Secondary to intra-abdominal pathology 
Pancreatic pseudocyst, etc
Symptoms of Pleural Effusion -

Chest Pain: Chest pain is mainly due to irritation of the pleural lining. The pain is sharp, localized and worsens with a deep breath, yawning, coughing which is usually described as pleuritic. If the effusion causes inflammation of the diaphragm the pain may be referred to the shoulder or the upper abdomen. As the pleural effusion increases in size, the pain may increase or disappear altogether due to the separation of inflamed pleural surfaces.

Shortness of breath: As the effusion grows larger with more fluid, the harder it is for the lung to expand and the more difficult it is for the patient to breathe resulting in shortness of breath.

Other Symptoms: Other symptoms are generally attributable to the underlying disease process.

Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion -

Patient s Detailed History and Clinical Examination are the mainstays of diagnosing pleural effusion and it s the underlying cause. Following investigative modalities are generally opted for working out the final diagnosis before instituting appropriate therapy.

Chest X-ray: X-ray will help indicate the presence of fluid. 
Chest Ultrasound(USG): will help in confirming the presence of the fluid and it s localization which in turn can guide the physician about its quantity and its capability.
CT Scan: CT scan of the chest may at times be required to ascertain the underlying cause or to know about any other co-morbid conditions.
Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure used to sample the fluid from the pleural effusion. Using a long thin needle, fluid can be removed and sent for testing to confirm the diagnosis.
This can be just for diagnostic purposes or can even be used as a therapeutic procedure.
Chemical analysis of the fluid will help determine the type of pleural effusion.
Treatment of Pleural Effusion -

Treatment of underlying Disease: The treatment of a pleural effusion usually requires that the underlying illness or disease is treated and controlled to prevent the accumulation of the pleural fluid. Like anti-TB therapy for Tubercular etiology or treatment of Cancer in malignant pleural effusion, etc.

Thoracentesis: As discussed earlier Thoracentesis can be used as a therapeutic procedure to remove excess fluid and help lung expand and function properly.

Tube thoracostomy: Thoracostomy or chest tube insertion may be done to drain and treat fluids which cannot be removed by needle aspirations, e.g. empyemas (pus collections).

Pleurodesis: Some pleural effusions reoccur multiple times; sclerosing agents that induce scarring such as talc or tetracycline was used to prevent a recurrence.

Decortication: If sclerosing agents fail, surgery may be required, called Decortication.

Pleural Effusion - What Is It?

Why Papaya is the God of Perfect Skin

Use a particular face wash and your face is free of all dead cells. it's not so simple. To dissolve the dead cells, the protein in the cells must be broken down. The only effective ingredients to do the job are AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids. This is why many skin exfoliating products contain AHAs. 


Papain, which is found in Papaya has similar properties. Papaya is a safe and natural, plant-based alternative to chemical exfoliants. To remove dead cells, gently massage papaya pulp on your face for about 5-7 minutes. Rinse your face alternatively with warm and cold water.  Remember not to overdo it though! Papaya is an acidic fruit, so don’t let the mask sit on your face for too long as it might cause dryness and skin irritation.




Do You Know: Why Papaya is the God of Perfect Skin?

Arthritis is a disease in which the joints in your body swell. Inflammation or swelling can be caused due to body's natural response to injury or disease. It can cause discomfort in the form of pain, stiffness as well as difficulty in movement. Major types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.

Causes of arthritis

Arthritis is generally caused by a combination of factors. It can happen due to genetic factors in case the disease runs in the family. Sometimes it can be caused due to injuries of the past; it can also be a by-product of your lifestyle. Some of the common causes of arthritis are:

1. Genetic makeup in which arthritis can be a hereditary trait
2. Physically taxing work life or injuries caused in an accident
3. Imbalance in the immunity system
4. Infections in the joint.

Risk Factors associated with arthritis

1. Family history - You can be prone to develop arthritis if it runs in the family. It can occur due to its hereditary trait hence making you more vulnerable to the environmental factors which contribute to developing arthritis.

2. Age - The risk of arthritis can increase with age. Types like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are more common in the old age.

3. Gender - Your sex is an important factor as women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis while men are prone to suffer from gout.

4. Joint injury - Joint injury caused due to accidents or due to sports activities can trigger arthritis. People with previous joint injuries can develop arthritis in that joint.

5. Obesity - Excess weight can put a lot of pressure on the joints, on the knees and hips in particular. Hence, obese people have more chances of developing arthritis than fitter people.

Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Arthritis

If not for Edward Jenner, millions would have lost their lives to several diseases. The discovery of smallpox vaccination in the last leg of the 18th century marked the beginning of a new chapter of vaccination and became a lifesaver for the human race from fatal and limiting diseases like smallpox, polio, tetanus, rotavirus, etc.

World Immunization Day, observed each year on November 10, is celebrated to increase the awareness on getting vaccinations in time to protect individuals against preventable diseases. 

Immunization is very important to help create resistance and to prevent your body from getting infected with a number of diseases. Timely administration of vaccine can help protect both children and adults from major diseases. 

Why must you get vaccinated? Is it really important?
Yes, getting vaccinated is indeed important. It helps the body stimulate its own immune system to protect against subsequent infections and also prevents them from spreading through any form of contact.  Vaccination is more important for children because the immune system of a child developed through breastfeeding starts to diminish, once the development cycle of the new immune system begins.

Vaccinations are highly cost-effective and easy to access. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), timely vaccination has helped prevent up to three million deaths per year, but still, there are almost 19 million infants who are not given timely vaccinations.

Vaccination in India
The Universal Immunization Program (UIP) of India is one of the largest in the world in terms of the amount of vaccine given, the geographical area covered, and the number of people who have benefited from the program. The program has been in effect for more than 30 years. However, due to a lack of awareness among citizens, it has only been able to reach out to two-thirds of children all over the country. 

We should seek to achieve complete immunization of not only children but also of adults. Under the Mission Indradhanush, which was launched by the government in 2014, the program allowed all children of up to 24 months of age and pregnant women to get free vaccinations. 

Important vaccinations for children
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends several vaccinations to be administered from 0 months to 10 years of age, the important ones being for polio, tetanus, rotavirus, typhoid, chickenpox, and MMR amongst others. It is essential for the parents to follow the immunization schedule and have the baby vaccinated against preventable diseases.

Vaccinations for adults
Vaccination is not just for children, but also for adults. All adults between the age of 20 and 30 should get a screening done for major preventable diseases like influenza, Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. An influenza injection should be administered once a year while a tetanus injection needs to be administered once every 10 years. 

Hepatitis A and B injections need to be administered during one's childhood. However, if adults aged above 19 and up to 49 years do not have any documentation of vaccination, it is strongly advised to take two doses of Hepatitis A and three doses of Hepatitis B.

Prevention is better than cure, and the most important gift that you can give your child and to yourself is good health. On this day, let's be aware of the importance of vaccination, and spread the same. Get vaccinated, stay healthy, and happy! 

World Immunization Day 2017 - Why Immunization Is Important?

The way we sit, walk, bend or stand is hugely dependent on one very vital organ of the human body; the spine. The spinal column provides strength and support to your entire framework. It has nerves, muscles, bones and tendons; all of which enhance proper functioning of your body. The human brain sends signals to the nerves in your spinal cord, a mass of nerve fibers and tissues ensconced within the spine, which further prompts every single part of your body to perform minute and notable actions all the same. A spine injury can, thus impair your health; in many cases it can even turn out to be fatal. Care should be taken to avoid sources of spine shock or injury. If an injury has already been acquired, it should be treated either through exercising or through medical assistance. 

A few postures to reap the benefits of a fit spine:

1. Twist your spine either early in the morning or after a tiring day: Fold one leg while the other leg remains perched on the folded one. If the left leg is folded the left elbow should be rested on your perched right knee and the right palm should be placed on the yoga mat behind your right hip. This posture can be repeated by folding the right leg as well. It increases spine mobility by twisting it to the end of its range sideways. Muscular spine aches can be remedied by following this posture once each day.
  
2. Do not slouch but sit straight: Some people are in the habit of slouching when they sit or stand. This is an absolutely wrong thing to do if your spine health is of any concern to you. Stretch out your shoulder blades and remain erect while standing and the same should be followed while sitting. Bending one's spine, unless it is necessary, can be very harmful.  
    
3. Stretch your spine in three directions: This exercise is a good way to allay the tension your spine has to undergo every day. Sit with folded legs, intertwine your fingers and stretch your arms upward, in front and at the back to expand your spine to the full. 
  
4. The downward doggy posture can relieve back pain: In this yoga posture, one is expected to stretch his or her legs according to the width of the person's back and stoop forward by placing the palms on a yoga mat. Knees and elbows should not bend.

Postures for a Fit Spine

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