Dr. Lata Usha Wadawe

For thousands of years, people have been using essential oils for poison ivy, due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Poison ivy is a plant that grows in many parts of the united states, typically either as a shrub or a trailing vine, depending on your region. Scientifically known as toxicodendron radicans, this plant causes serious allergic reactions in more than 80% of the people who come in contact with it, and can cause severe reactions in a smaller segment of the population. If eaten or smoked, this plant can be fatal. The most identifying characteristic of this unassuming plant is the three-pointed leaf clusters, which tend to have a glossy surface. The sap of these leaves is extremely high in an irritating chemical named urushiol, which is what causes the reactions on the skin.

The symptoms of poison ivy can develop if you physically touch the plant or if the sap has been brushed on any other object, ranging from your pant leg or shoe to your pet or lawn furniture. The mostnotable symptom is extreme itchiness, along with redness or swelling of the skin in a spreading rash. In severe reactions, blisters or hives may also appear. Simple solutions like washing or taking anti-inflammatory medication may help some of the symptoms, but the use of essential oils for poison ivy is an even more effective solution. While there are some risks to treating poison ivy in this way, moderate and responsible use can quickly treat this painful and irritating condition.

List of best essential oils for poison ivy:

If you choose to use essential oils for poison ivy, some of the best options are myrrh, cypress, lavender, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, geranium, helichrysum and rose oils.

1. Eucalyptus oil

This essential oil boasts a number of powerful active ingredients including menthol, which can remove the heat and pain from your poison ivy rash. It will quicklysoothe inflammationand promote faster recovery of the damaged skin.

How to use – in most cases, you don’t need to dilute this oil on your skin, as it is not known for being toxic and will absorb almost fully into the skin. Simply apply 4-5 drops of the oil to the inflamed areas 1-2 times per day until the symptoms subside.

2. Lavender oil

One of the best things about this oil is its restorative and healing properties. When you use lavender oil on poison ivy symptoms, you can significantly speed up the healing process and soothe inflammation.

How to use – there is no need to dilute this oil, unless you have sensitive skin. Simply apply 4-5 drops of the oil on the site of the rash or inflamed skin, and regularly re-apply until the symptoms have faded.

3. Cypress oil

There is always the danger of secondary infections with poison ivy, as people are prone to scratch those areas of skin. Cypress oil has strong antiseptic qualities, meaning that it can protect the rash as it heals, while also soothing inflammation and pain.

How to use – mix this oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or aloe vera gel, and then directly apply it to the site of the inflammation 1-2 times per day.

4. Geranium oil

The anti-allergenic qualities of geranium oil can help quickly soothe the rash or itching that is caused by contact. By preventingadditional histamines from being released and returning the immune system to normal, geranium oil is a quick and effective solution for poison ivy.

How to use – do not use this oil in an undiluted form; instead, mix 5 drops of this oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and then gently massage the mixture into the affected areas on the skin.

5. Rose oil

This lesser known oil isn’t always considered for therapeutic purposes, but it can help to control the immune system and reduce the symptoms ofallergic reactions, which is precisely what a poison ivy flare-up is. This oil will also promote healing and soothe pain, when used in moderate amounts.

How to use – blend 4-5 drops of rose oil with lavender or peppermint oil and apply the mixture to the inflamed, itchy or swollen areas. Re-apply 1-2 times per day until the symptoms and redness disappear.

6. Myrrh oil

By increasing the hydration of the skin and soothing thepain of the rash, myrrh oil can help to speed the healing process following exposure to poison ivy.

How to use – many people choose to add 10 drops of myrrh oil to a bath and then take a long soak in the tub to properly soothe and stimulate healing on the painful areas of the body.

7. Tea tree oil

Widely considered one of the best essential oils for poison ivy, tea tree oil is able to reduce inflammation, prevent secondary infections, eliminate pain and promote a faster healing process when you’ve brushed up against some poison ivy.

How to use – you should always blend tea tree oil with other carrier oils, as it can worsen inflammation in some cases. After mixing 5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of olive or jojoba oil, gently massage the oils on the inflamed skin.

8. Peppermint oil

If you want to relieve inflammation and soothe a burning and itching sensation on the skin, few things are better than peppermint oil. Packed with antioxidants and active ingredients such as menthol, it is able to cool and soothe inflammation, while also protecting against secondary infections and reducing your urge to itch.

How to use – you can use undiluted peppermint oil directly on the site of a poison ivy rash, but if you tend to have sensitive skin, you may want to dilute the oil slightly with olive or coconut oil.

9. Helichrysum oil

There are rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory compounds found in helichrysum oil that can quickly eliminate pain and speed the healing process, while also modulating thebody’s immune response to lessen the severity of the allergic reaction.

How to use – blend 5 drops of helichrysum oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and then gently massage it onto the affected area. Repeat this process 1-2 times per day until the redness and irritation are gone.

A word of warning

Choosing to use essential oils for poison ivy is an effective remedy, but there are a few potential risks of which you should be aware. The concentrated chemicals in essential oils can make skin inflammation even worse, particularly in people with sensitive skin, and some people are also allergic to the base plant/herb of certain essential oils. While all poison ivy reactions may seem serious, it is critical to seek medical attention if the rash spreads to a large part of your body, the pain isn’t alleviated by at-home remedies, or if you experience any respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath. If you have been exposed to poison ivy, it is usually best to speak with a doctor before going for any alternative remedy such as using essential oils, to determine your individual risks.
 

Intrauterine insemination or IUI is the placement of a bolus of washed motile sperms in women's uterus with the help of a cannula. This procedure is painless and have chances of conception between 15-20%.

Most people, at some point of time, have been affected by allergic reactions. An allergic reaction is a hypersensitive reaction triggered by an Allergen (substance that has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction). Allergies can be Perennial or Seasonal. Perennial allergies are not season specific and can occur throughout the year.

Seasonal allergies, on the other hand, are season specific, for example, hay fever (triggered by pollens) is a common allergic reaction during the spring season.

A number of substances can act as a potential allergen, triggering a hypersensitive reaction in a person. The allergens can be 

1. Environmental factors, such as pollen, dust mites, sunlight, fur of some animals, or mold
2. Certain foodstuffs like milk and dairy products, peanuts, wheat, soy, tomatoes, eggplant, alcohol or shellfish.
3. Synthetic and natural substances like pesticides, nickel, latex
4. Certain medications like sulfa drugs, penicillin
5. Animal stings; mostly wasps and bees, can also trigger an allergic reaction.

The allergic reactions affecting a person can vary depending on the source of the allergen. It can be a skin allergy, nasal and cough allergy, food allergy or a dust allergy. The best way to treat an allergic reaction is to identify the allergen involved. Homeopathic treatments are very effective against allergic reactions. Though time consuming; homeopathic treatment provides long lasting and permanent relief. In addition, the homeopathic medicines have no harmful side effects. No wonder, more and more people are going for homeopathic treatments.

The following homeopathic medicines, if taken regularly and diligently, can successfully treat a number of allergic reactions:

• Arsenic album: Many people suffer from watery eyes, continuous sneezing, running nose accompanied by a burning sensation. These all are signs of a nasal allergy. Arsenic Album is an effective homeopathic option against nasal allergy.
• Sulphur: It provides great relief from skin allergies. Sulphur is a boon for people suffering from very dry and itchy skin.
• Natrum mur: It is an effective homeopathic (natural) medicine against nasal and skin allergies.
• Pulsatilla, natrum carb and aethusa cynapium: These homeopathic medicines act as a blessing for people suffering from milk allergy.
• Urtica urens: If you are allergic to shellfish, Urtica Urens is just for you.
• Bromium and lycopersicum: They are very effective against dust allergies. Arsenic Album is also an excellent option.

There are people who are allergic to certain hair dyes. Arsenic Album and Sulphur effectively deals with such allergies. Natrum Mur and Sepia cannot be neglected either. Do not allow allergies to make your life miserable. Switch over to the homeopathic treatments and enjoy a stress free life, sans the allergies. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a homeopath.

Being childless can be a cause of depression for many families, especially women. Infertility in women has a large number of causes. One of the main causes is endometriosis and while a woman may not be aware of it, the pain of having it and its implications does make it worthwhile to know what it is all about! To understand fully what endometriosis is, it is essential to know about the fallopian tubes. These tubes are on either side of the uterus and their purpose is transfer a mature egg from the ovaries to the uterus.

How do Fallopian Tubes Get Blocked?
The uterus has a layer or tissue which lines it called the endometrium. If a woman does not become pregnant, each month, the tissue is shed through the process of menstruation. A condition called endometriosis is caused by the growth of a tissue which is more or less like the endometrium. The issue is that this layer does not grow on the inner walls of the uterus; instead, it grows in regions where it really is not supposed to be present, such as the cervix, the bladder and the vagina.

This can cause a lot of irritation, inflammation and in some cases, can also lead to the formation of scar tissue. However, endometriosis is not nearly the only issue that can occur when it comes to problems a woman can face with fallopian tubes. Another issue is something called hydrosalpinx. This happens when the fallopian tube widens because it is blocked. The prefix ‘hydro’ is because the tube then fills up with a fluid. This fluid prevents pregnancy as it prevents the egg from meeting with the sperm and being fertilised.

Schedule a visit with your doctor
When it comes to the diagnosis of the condition of fallopian tubes which are blocked, a doctor will usually examine a special type of X-ray which is known as an HSG. However, the reliability of this test is far from sure as there is about a 15 per cent chance that a false positive may be generated.

There are some solutions, for problems regarding fallopian tubes. When a single tube is blocked and the other is functioning perfectly, there is still a reasonable chance of getting pregnant and a doctor can prescribe drugs to improve the chances of pregnancy using the tube which is functional.

Laparoscopic surgery also has quite a lot of appeal for women having blocked fallopian tubes. It is used to open blocked tubes as well as to clean out scar tissue. Depending on how severe the block is, a 20-40% pregnancy rate can be achieved post-surgery. IVF treatment is also a viable option. Fallopian tube trouble can generally be overcome. But the first step is awareness! If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a doctor and ask a free question.

Ayurveda is a holistic method of treatment which focuses on treating the cause of the disease rather than the symptoms. There are Ayurvedic remedies, which boost the immune system that keeps the body healthy. A well-functioning immune system is essential for your body to be in optimal health.

The various Ayurvedic tips that help in boosting your immune system:

1. Use spices in your food: Various spices such as cumin not only add flavor, but also have certain properties which help in boosting immune system. They aid in the digestive process and allow the nutrients in the food to be absorbed more readily.
2. Choose wisely: You must eat natural foods as much as possible for a healthy immune system. Eating processed foods creates various problems in the body which reduces your immune strength. Eating natural foods also provide your body with the necessary nutrients and vitamins, which are beneficial for the body.
3. Limit alcohol intake: You should restrict alcohol consumption as it impairs the functioning of white blood cells in the body. It also impairs the oxygen delivery mechanism of the body.
4. Exercise on a regular basis: You should exercise on a regular basis to keep your body healthy. Exercises such as running improves your cardiovascular endurance and increases stamina levels in the body.
5. Sleep: You should get 6 to 8 hours of sleep to help your body recover and regenerate. Lack of sleep can impair the functioning of the immune system and makes you prone to various disorders.
6. Herbs: Various herbs such as ginger, garlic and amla help to boost your immune system as they contain various medicinal properties. They increase the white blood cells in the body which enhance the immune system.
7. Meditation: Meditation has been linked with lower stress levels; implying that it has a beneficial effect on your body.
8. Pranayama: You should practice pranayama as it helps in strengthening the body and calming the mind. It reduces stress in the body thus enhancing your overall well-being.