*MENSTRUAL CRAMPS*
Cramps and pelvic pain with menstruation, with common causes such as heavy flow, passing clots, uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
* COMMON CAUSES*
Menstrual cramps can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include normal periods, heavy periods, wind or constipation.
For informational purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for help or advise
*Treatments*
*Self-treatment
Taking pain medication such as ibuprofen, naproxen or paracetamol may help to relieve menstrual cramps and pain. Using a heating pad may also help.
Menstrual cramps can be caused by:
1. Endometriosis. Tissue that acts similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, most commonly on fallopian tubes, ovaries or the tissue lining your pelvis.
2. Uterine fibroids. These noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can cause pain.
Adenomyosis. The tissue that lines your uterus begins to grow into the muscular walls of the uterus.
Pelvic inflammatory disease. This infection of the female reproductive organs is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.
3. Cervical stenosis. In some women, the opening of the cervix is small enough to impede menstrual flow, causing a painful increase of pressure within the uterus.
Complications
Menstrual cramps don't cause other medical complications, but they can interfere with school, work and social activities.
Certain conditions associated with menstrual cramps can have complications, though. For example, endometriosis can cause fertility problems. Pelvic inflammatory disease can scar your fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of a fertilized egg implanting outside of your uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
Symptoms
Symptoms of menstrual cramps include:
*Throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen that can be intense
*Dull, continuous ache
*Pain that radiates to your lower back and thighs
Some women also have:
Nausea
Loose stools
Headache
Dizziness
*13 things you can do at home to relieve period cramps*
Maybe you, like 90% of menstruating women, experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) when you’re about to get your period. Cramps, irritability and fatigue – dealing with these and other period symptoms every month can be as frustrating as they are painful.
The good news is there are many remedies you can do at home (and on the go) that might help you relieve period cramps and other period symptoms. It’s important to remember that these techniques won’t always work, especially for chronic conditions like endometriosis, but they can offer relief for mild to moderate period pain.
1. Drink more water to reduce bloating
A few days before your period begins, and maybe even during your period, you may feel like your stomach or other parts of your body are swollen, or that you’ve gained weight. This is due to water retention, or bloating. Bloating is a normal and common period symptom, but it can cause discomfort and make menstrual cramps worse.
While it may sound counterintuitive, drinking water regularly throughout the day can help reduce bloating during your period and alleviate some of the pain it causes. Try carrying a water bottle around with you and fill it up several times during the day. How much water each person should drink can vary, but a good goal is to drink at least eight, 8-oz. glasses of water per day. Also, drinking hot water can increase blood flow throughout your body and relax your muscles. This can lessen cramps caused by uterine contractions.
A woman in pain on the couch looking at her laptop while drinking herbal tea.
2. Drink herbal teas to relieve period pain
Certain types of herbal tea have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce bloating and inflammation, and antispasmodic compounds that can reduce the muscle spasms in the uterus that cause cramping. Drinking cinnamon, lemon, dandelion and hibiscus teas can help with bloating. Raspberry leaf, chamomile, thyme and oolong teas can help relieve menstrual cramps. And ginger, peppermint and green teas can help with both. Plus, these herbal teas can have other benefits, like stress relief and helping with insomnia.
3. Eat anti-inflammatory foods to ease menstrual cramps
Some foods can offer natural relief for cramps, and they taste great. Anti-inflammatory foods can help promote blood flow and relax your uterus. Try eating berries, tomatoes, pineapple and spices like turmeric, ginger or garlic. Leafy green vegetables, almonds, walnuts and fatty fish, like salmon, can also help reduce inflammation.
4. Skip the treats to avoid extra bloating and pain
While a brownie or french fries might sound delicious, foods high in sugar, trans fat and salt can cause bloating and inflammation, which makes muscle pain and cramps worse. So, try to avoid or reduce how much red meat, high fructose corn syrup, highly processed foods and foods with added oils you’re eating. Instead, reach for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and unsalted nuts and seeds.
5. Drink decaf coffee to improve period pain
Caffeine causes your blood vessels to narrow. This can constrict your uterus, making cramps more painful. If you need your coffee fix, switch to decaf during your period. If you rely on caffeine to beat the afternoon slump, eat a snack high in protein or take a quick 10-minute walk to boost your energy.
6. Try dietary supplements to help with menstrual symptoms
Vitamin D can help your body absorb calcium and reduce inflammation. Other supplements, including omega-3, vitamin E and magnesium, can help reduce inflammation and might even make your periods less painful. For best results, take supplements every day, not just during your period. Also, because some supplements interact with medications, be sure to ask your doctor before taking anything new.
7. Apply heat to calm cramping
A little heat can help your muscles relax, improve blood flow and relieve tension. Try sitting with a heating pad over your lower stomach, taking a hot shower or relaxing in a hot bath.
8. Exercise for muscle relaxation and endorphins
If you’re in pain, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. But even gentle exercise releases endorphins that make you feel happy, reduce pain and relax your muscles. Fifteen minutes of yoga, light stretching or walking might be all you need to feel better. And if exercise is already a part of your routine, did you know that tracking your period can help you improve athletic performance?
9. Reduce stress to improve mental and physical period symptoms
Stress may make cramps worse. Use stress relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga or your own favorite way to relieve stress. If you’re not sure how to relieve stress, try guided imagery. Simply close your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine a calm, safe place that’s significant to you. Stay focused on this space for at least a few minutes while you take slow, deep breaths.
10. Try massage therapy to reduce cramping and stress
One study found that massage therapy significantly reduced menstrual pain in women with endometriosis. Massages may reduce uterine spasms by relaxing the uterus. In order to manage period cramps most effectively, massage therapy should focus on the abdominal area. But a full body massage that reduces your overall stress may also help to relieve menstrual cramps.
11. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to get rid of period cramps
The hormone prostaglandin can cause muscle contractions and pain. Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen can provide fast-acting relief by reducing the amount of prostaglandins in your body. OTC medicines may not always magically cure menstrual cramps, but they can often improve pain significantly. For best results, only take OTC medicines when you start to feel cramps. And remember, speak with your doctor if you’re not sure which OTC medication is best for you.
12. Try alternative medicine for PMS relief
Some people find relief with alternative medicine practices like acupuncture and acupressure. Acupuncture is a practice that stimulates the body by placing needles in the skin. Acupressure stimulates the body without needles by putting pressure on certain points of the body. These practices can help you relax, release muscle tension and improve blood flow throughout your body.
13. Start hormonal birth control
Birth control can stop period pain if cramps are caused by a hormone imbalance. Balancing your levels of estrogen and progesterone helps thin the uterine lining so it sheds more easily. Hormonal birth control also regulates the length and frequency of your period. Some forms of birth control can completely alleviate period cramps by stopping your period altogether. Talk to your OB-GYN about birth control options, including the pill, birth control shot or hormonal IUD. Then, you’ll be able to choose the type of birth control that works best for you.
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DIY: Brews and Potions
Witches standing over an open fire while stirring up potions in a cauldron is one of the many romanticized views of witchcraft. Today, witches brew many things for love, luck, health, wealth, and etc. Potions are a widely regarded instrument for witches. Potions are simply liquid spells that can be taken internally or applied externally to the body. Teas, enchanted perfumes, tinctures, and washes are the many forms these spells can come in. Some are used for healing, others are used in ritual or magickal work.
Kitchen Herbs and Common plants for Brews
Back in the day, homemade teas and salves were the only medicine available. Using these things today is still very popular and a holistic approach to health that treats the mind, body, and soul together. What you use does not have to be expensive, it can come from your back yard or your home. Many of what you already have you can use to make tinctures, teas, and decoctions. Also, syrups, tonics, waters, and vinegars. If you work with the herbs you have at home already on hand, you will be able to create your own remedy with a distinct local flavor.
The Power Behind the Plants
It is believed that many spiritual forces animate the world; called animism. When working with a plant or crystal, or performing a spell or ritual at a specific place, witches work with the spirits behind those plants or crystals, and call upon the spirit of that location to help them in their work. There is a special partnership and alliance between the witch and spirit, manifesting in forms of animals (familiars) or in the form of other plants, crystals, and locations. Over time, working with these spirits on various projects will deepen the relationship and the witch will gain information on magical associations, properties, and lore. These things often come through dreams, inspirations, or visions. The spirit will gain energy, attention, and physical shelter as animals or plants or crystals carried as a talisman.
Teas and Decoctions for Health
Using teas and decoctions (herb-and-water remedies in the form of conceited potions that your drink) is a very easy homeopathic way to get started. They are made with dried or fresh herbs, roots, or flowers infused in hot water. Cold infusions is used for tinctures, where the herbal properties are absorbed and released into liquids over time.
Decoction Method
For plants woody and seedy such as root and bark, use this method
Once the plant parts are boiled, place on a low heat and set to simmer for 15-20 minutes
After simmered, cool them and strain them, pressing the herbs through a cheesecloth or strainer
Ready to drink
Tea Method
For flowers, leaves, fruits, and/or stems of plans, use this method
Start steeping the herbs in the water before it reaches full boil
Once the water begins to steam or boil, remove it from heat
Steam for no more than 5-10 minutes
While hot, strain into a container
Drink right away or follow the cold tea method
Cold Tea Method
Following all the preparations of the tea method, after straining, pour into a container and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Herbs for Teas and Decoctions
If using a tea ball, only use a pinch of each plant or spice. If using an infusion pot, or something similar, use approximately 1/4 teaspoon of each ingredient. If you use root, seeds, or bark, use the decoction method. If you use flowers, leaves, fruits, or stems, use the tea method. If you use a combination of plant matter, use the decoction methods but then drink it iced following the cold tea method.
Angelica Root: Soothes colds and flu, reduces phlegm and fever; expectorant (do NOT use if you are diabetic)
Basil: Eases headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, insomnia, earaches; reduces stress and tension, improves skin
Blackberry (leaves or roots): Reduces diarrhea (note: blackberry roots are used as decoction, while blackberry leaves are used for tea)
Catnip: Soothes teething pain, colic, diarrhea, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on lithium or sedatives)
Calendula (marigold): Reduces fevers and diarrhea; soothes indigestion, gastrointestinal gramps, flu; antiseptic (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Cayenne Pepper: Soothes coughs, colds, arthritis, nerve pain, fever, flu; expectorant (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting and with theophylline)
Camomile: Reduces insomnia, anxiety, stress, fever, arthritis, indigestion; aids with sleep and pain relief (may decrease effectiveness of birth-control pills and some cancer medications, and may increase the effects of warfarin; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Cinnamon Bark: Soothes sore throats and coughs, anti-inflammatory (avoid taking with diabetes medications)
Dandelion Root: Detoxifying, aids digestion, relieves constipation, laxative (avoid if on antibiotics, lithium, or water pills)
Dandelion Leaf: Mild diuretic, potassium rich (discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Elderberry Berry: Wards off colds and flu
Elderberry Flower: Reduces fever (avoid taking with medications that decrease the immune system)
Garlic (for syrups): Antiseptic, eases atherosclerosis, rheumatism, ear infections, urinary tract infections; supports healthy cholesterol; helps lower blood pressure; boosts immune system; expectorant; reduces risks of colon, rectal, and prostate cancers (do NOT take with isoniazid or medications used for HIV/AIDS, or with medications used to slow blood-clotting)
Ginger: Eases morning sickness, nausea, colic, indigestion, diarrhea, fever, sore throats (avoid taking with medications that slow blood-clotting)
Ginkgo: Relieves anxiety, vertigo, tinnitus; improves circulation, helps concentration; helps vision and premenstrual syndrome (avoid taking with ibuprofen or with medications that slow blood clotting; numerous medications have interactions with ginkgo; discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)
Ginseng: Aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, boosts the immune system (do not take with medications that slow blood-clotting, and avoid taking with diabetes medications or with MAO inhibitors)
Goldenrod: Relieves gout and cramps
Lavender: Relieves anxiety, headaches, tension, stress, indigestion, irritable bowl syndrome; antibacterial; antiseptic; disinfectant (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Lemon Balm: Relieves anxiety, cold sores, colic, insomnia restlessness, indigestion; boosts memory (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Nettle: Relieves hay fever and arthritis; diuretic (avoid taking with diabetes medications, medications for high blood pressure, sedatives, medications that slow blood clotting, and lithium)
Onion (for syrups): Helps lower systolic blood pressure, relieves colds, antiseptic (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Parsley: Helps with iron deficiency, anemia, fatigue; diuretic (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting or with diuretics)
Peppermint: Relieves nausea, anxiety, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, colic, diarrhea, fever, coughs, colds; anesthetic (avoid if you have acid-reflux disease; avoid taking with cyclosporine; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver)
Pine Needles: Expectorant; antiseptic; relieves coughs, colds, fever, congestion
Rosemary: Improves focus, memory, concentration, blood pressure, circulation; antiseptic, antidepressant; eases indigestion
Thyme: Antibacterial, antiseptic, eases coughs and colds, expectorant (do NOT take with medications that slow blood-clotting)
Tea and Decoction Health Blends
The amounts listed here are for dried herbs, flowers, and spices. Dried ingredients are preferred for teas. If you wish to use fresh ingredients for decoctions, and they are available, double the amount.
Anxiety Relief
1/4 teaspoon chamomile
1/4 teaspoon lemon balm
Cold Relief
1/4 teaspoon elderberry flower
1/4 teaspoon thyme
Mood Booster
1/4 teaspoon lavender
1/4 teaspoon catnip
1/4 teaspoon rosemary
Gastrointestinal Cramp Relief
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon calendula (marigold)
1/4 teaspoon goldenrod
Arthritis/Joint Pain
1/4 teaspoon goldenrod
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
(Note: after the tea cools, apply it by rubbing the liquid into the affected area)
Diarrhea Relief
1/4 teaspoon blackberry root
1/4 teaspoon catnip
Circulation
1/4 teaspoon ginkgo leaf
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon rosemary
Energizing Tea
1/4 teaspoon ginseng
1/4 teaspoon peppermint
Indigestion Relief
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon lemon balm
1/4 teaspoon peppermint
Expectorant
1/4 teaspoon pine needles
1/4 teaspoon nettle leaf
1/4 teaspoon angelica root
Sleepy Time
1/2 teaspoon chamomile
1/4 teaspoon catnip
1/4 teaspoon lavender
Fatigue Relief
1/4 teaspoon ginseng
1/4 teaspoon lemon balm
Fever Break
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon angelica root
Flu Relief
1/4 teaspoon calendula (marigold)
1/4 teaspoon lemon balm
Headache Relief
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon lavender
Immune-System Booster
1/2 teaspoon dried elderberries
1/4 teaspoon nettle
1/4 teaspoon calendula (marigold)
Sore Throat Relief
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ginger
(Note: add honey after steeped)
Stress Relief
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon chamomile
1/4 teaspoon lavender
1/4 teaspoon peppermint
Cleansing
1/4 teaspoon dandelion leaf
1/8 teaspoon goldenrod
1/8 teaspoon parsley
Herbs for Magickal Teas
Follow these steps to empower your tea:
As you steep the potion, envision yourself covered in either a blue or green light (whichever color represents healing to you)
As you drink the potion, visualize a blue or green light coming from the liquid.
Once you drink , the light will start radiating from within throughout your whole body and then out into the world around you
See it reach heaven (as above) and into the earth (so below), extending your will and desire into the universe
if you are the kind of person who likes affirmations and chants, try saying: “Herbs grown naturally, health and wellness come to me” (Robbins & Bedell, 2017)
Angelica Root: Angel work, protection, hex removal, exorcisms, health, meditation, divination (do NOT use if you are diabetic)
Basil: Loves exorcisms, wealth, astral travel, rituals for the dead, house blessings, ancestral work, calling on and working with dragon spirits, calling draconic or dragon spirit--based energy into your spell, protection, attracting money
Blackberry: Healing, money, protection, exorcism
Catnip: Love, beauty, happiness, calling on the energy of cats, working with cat spirits, used as an offering for cat spirits, breaking spells, fertility, psychic powers (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on lithium or sedatives)
Calendula (marigold): Money, prosperity, health, psychic development, protection, prophetic dreams, legal matters, psychic powers, healing (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Cayenne Pepper: Fidelity, hex breaking, protection, removal of blocks and negative energy, overcoming obstacles, fire, strength, passion (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting an with theophylline)
Camomile: Protection, luck, money, sleep, peace, purification (may decrease effectiveness of birth-control pills and some cancer medications, and may increase the effects of warfarin; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Cinnamon: Sexuality, lust, wealth, money, consecration, purification, love (avoid taking with diabetes medications)
Dandelion (both root and leaf): Purification, manifestation of wishes, enrichment, money (avoid if on antibiotics, lithium, or water pills; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking medications for your liver)
Elderberry: Exorcism, protection, healing, prosperity, sleep, protection against witchcraft (avoid taking with medications that decrease immune system)
Ginger: Love, money, success, power, protection (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Ginkgo: Healing, mental clarity, fertility; avoid taking with ibuprofen or with medications that slow blood clotting; numerous medications have interactions with ginkgo, discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)
Ginseng: Fertility, sexuality, lust, manifestation of wishes, healing, beauty, protection (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting; avoid taking with diabetes medications or with MAO inhibitors)
Goldenrod: Money, divination (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Lavender: Love, protection, purification, happiness, peace, healing, meditation, psychic abilities (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Lemon Balm: Love, success, healing, cleansing (may cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)
Nettle Leaf: Protection, exorcism, healing, jinx-breaking, lust (avoid taking with sedatives, lithium, or medications for diabetes, for high blood pressure, or that slow blood clotting)
Parsley: Healing, fortune, success, lust, protection, purification, ancestor veneration, working with the dead, traveling to the land of the dead, calling upon the energy of death and decay (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting or with diuretics)
Peppermint: Purification, love, healing, psychic powers, (avoid if you have acid-reflux disease; avoid taking with cyclosporine; discuss usage with your doctor if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver)
Pine Needles: Cleansing, drawing the aid of spirits, love, mental focus, protection, lust, exorcism, healing
Thyme: Health, healing, sleep, psychic powers, love, purification, courage, good luck (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting)
Magickal Tea Recipes
Attract and Protect Money
1/4 tsp goldenrod
1/4 tsp chamomile
1/4 tsp basil
Exorcism
1/4 tsp angelica root
1/4 tsp nettle leaf
1/4 tsp elder flower
Spirit Aid
1/4 tsp parsley
1/4 tsp rosemary
Love and Lust
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp catnip
1/4 tsp ginseng
Cleansing
1/4 tsp dandelion
1/4 tsp lemon balm
1/4 tsp thyme
Protection
1/4 tsp pine needles
1/4 tsp elderberries
1/4 tsp blackberry leaf
Divination
1/4 tsp goldenrod
1/4 tsp peppermint
Psychic Development
1/4 tsp calendula (marigold)
1/4 tsp ginkgo leaf
1/4 tsp lavender
Tinctures and Tonics for Health
A tincture is a traditional herb infusion made with an alcohol base. A tonic usually uses either vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar as the base. The alcohol used in tinctures must be at least 100 proof, or 50%, alcohol, which is why most vodkas and gins are used. Tinctures can also be made with vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar for those with alcohol issues, although less potent and yet still effective.
Crafting Tinctures and Tonics
Tools needed:
Two mason jars
Cheesecloth
The herbs/plants/spices
Measuring cups
An herb grinder
Alcohol/vegetable glycerin/apple cider vinegar
Tool to measure the dosage such as droppers for infant medication
Steps for recipe creation:
When preparing a tincture, the rule of thumb is you want a 1:4 ratio of herb to alcohol. If your herbs start to float, your ratio is good. Allow them to settle, and add a little more alcohol until the mixture is fully saturated.
Prepare the ingredients
Fill the mason jar with the herbs/plants/spices
Add the alcohol or alcohol substitute (If using apple cider vinegar as your base, you will need to take the additional step of laying wax paper on top of the jar lid)
Keep in a cool, dark place for a month (some may require refrigeration, and that will be noted)
Shake twice daily
After 1 month, strain the herbal matter from the liquid into the second jar using a cheesecloth (squeeze the cheesecloth to get out as much of the liquid as you can)
After straining, fill the remainder of the jar with distilled water--this dilutes the alcohol, allowing you to ingest it directly
Ready for use
Herbs and Plants for Health Tinctures and Tonics
Many of these will not taste good, but will work:
Alfalfa: Energy booster, laxative, cleanser (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting or suppress the immune system and with birth-control pills)
Allspice: Stimulant; eases indigestion, colds, coughs; reduces hives and swelling (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Aloe Vera Juice (liquid): Soothes the skin, antiseptic (external use only)
Angelica (fruit or seeds): Eases indigestion, gas, gout; balances nervous system (do NOT use if you are diabetic)
Bay Leaf: Eases indigestion, coughs, colds, fevers (do NOT take with any narcotics or sedatives)
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Antiseptic, eases symptoms of urinary tract infections (do NOT use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have stomach irritation or kidney disease; avoid taking with lithium)
Bergamot: Soothes colds, fevers, coughs, nausea, indigestion, menstrual cramps (avoid taking with photosensitizing medications)
Black-Eyed Susan: Soothes swelling, back pain, earaches; immune booster
Black Peppercorn: Anti-fungal, heals ulcers, relieves arthritis
Burdock Root: Detoxifying, soothes colds and skin issues (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Cedar (freshly dried leafy twigs): Soothes gout, naturally antiviral, boosts immune system (may cause drowsiness, avoid if on sedatives)
Clover (red): Soothes coughs, colds, bronchitis (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting and with tamoxifen; may decrease effectiveness of birth control pulls and medications that are changed by the liver)
Cloves: Soothes nausea and indigestion; antiseptic, expectorant (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Comfrey Leaf: Ease arthritis, rheumatism, coughs, colds, diarrhea, asthma; antibacterial (do NOT take with medications that can harm the liver)
Coriander Seeds: Aids in digestion; aphrodisiac; boosts immune system
Cramp Bark: Eases arthritis, rheumatism, menstrual cramps
Echinacea: Eases colds, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, boosts immune system (interacts with various medications, discuss usage with your health care practitioner before taking)
Garlic: Antiseptic; eases atherosclerosis, rheumatism, ear infections, symptoms of urinary tract infections; supports healthy cholesterol; helps lower blood pressure; boosts immune system; expectorant; reduces risks of colon, rectal, and prostate cancers (do NOT take with isoniazid, medication used for HIV/AIDS, or medications used to slow blood-clotting)
Goldenseal (roots and leaves): Aids digestion; eases colds, hay fever, menstrual cramps (avoid taking with medications that are changed by the liver)
Horseradish: Antiseptic; antibacterial; expectorant; soothes flu, colds, coughs, symptoms of urinary tract infections; diuretic; appetite stimulant (avoid taking with thyroid medications)
Hyssop: Soothes colds, fevers, sore throats, asthma, rheumatism, indigestion; expectorant
Lemon: Boosts immune system, helps prevent kidney stones, eases indigestion and constipation, relieves toothaches
Lemongrass: Supports healthy cholesterol; antibacterial; detoxifies; relieves constipation, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, coughs, colds, fevers, anxiety, stress, fatigue; boosts immune system
Mugwort: Eases menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, fevers, colds (do NOT take if pregnant)
Mullein: Relieves asthma, coughs, colds, diarrhea, hemorrhoids; expectorant; diuretic
Nutmeg: Stimulates digestive system; relieves diarrhea, nausea, anxiety (avoid taking with medications that are changed by the liver)
Orange: Lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, relieves arthritis and anxiety, stabilizes mood, boosts immune system; laxative (do NOT take with celiprolol, ivermectin, or pravastatin)
Onion: Helps lower systolic blood pressure, eases colds; antiseptic (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Skullcap: Eases headaches, stress, menstrual tension, insomnia, anxiety, sedative
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol (avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)
Valerian Root: Eases insomnia (do NOT take with alcohol, sedatives, or anti anxiety medications)
Witch Hazel Bark: Relieves pain, diarrhea, colds, fevers, ulcers, colitis; antiseptic
Wormwood: Eases indigestion and stomach disorders; aphrodisiac (avoid taking with anticonvulsant medications)
Yarrow: Antiseptic, relieves pain, hay fever, colds, fevers, menstrual cramps (do NOT take with medications that slow blood clotting, avoid taking with lithium or sedatives)
Yellow Dock: Laxative; reduces anemia, relieves fatigue, aids digestive system (do NOT take with digoxin, diuretic medications, or medications that slow blood clotting)
For tincture recipes, there are many books and sites that can be used for reference.
Magickal Tinctures
When making a tincture for use magickally and spiritually, shake the tincture two times a day to direct your energy into the jar and activate the magick within the herbs.
Tincture-Charging Spell
Materials:
1 green candle (herb spirits)
1 white candle (spirit and magick)
1 candle to charge the tincture (color depends on spell)
1 mixing bowl
Herbs and alcohol for the tincture (or alcohol substitute)
2 Mason jars
Cheese cloth
Ritual:
Place the three candles in a triangle on your altar or workspace. The white candle should be the top of the triangle (facing away from you to direct the energy out into the universe). The green and other candle form the base
Place the bowl at the center of the altar, and place your containers of herbs and alcohol on the floor
Light the white candle while stating: “For the power of spirit”
Light the green candle while stating: “For the herbal spirits”
Light the colored candle for your need, and state your need
Place an herb in the bowl, state a thank-you blessing to the herb, and explain why you are using that herb. Repeat for each herb, and as you add each herb, stir the mixture of herbs clockwise for increasing or bringing something to you and counterclockwise if you are trying to remove or decrease something in your life
Once you have mixed all the herbs in the bowl, hold your hands over the mixture and state your intent
Visualize a light coming out of your hands for that need (red for love and passion or power; green for money, success, growth and fertility; blue for healing; yellow for success; etc)
Pour the mixture into one of the mason jars and add the alcohol (do this at a safe distance form the lit candles)
Place the lid on the jar
Remove the mixing bowl from the alter and put the mason jar with the tincture blend in its place, in the center of your candles. Keep the mason jar there until the candles have finished burning
Shake the tincture, focusing your mental, emotional, and physical energy into the jar. As you shake, chant: “I can upon the powers green, Release the powers unseen. Herbs awakened on this day, Blessings in this tincture stay.”
Shake the jar twice daily for one month, each time visualizing the need behind the tincture
Once the month has passed, strain the mixture into the second jar using the cheesecloth.
Now the tincture is ready to be used in magickal work
Herbs for Magickal Tinctures
For magickal uses, the following herbs, spices, and plants are only for external use in tincture blends:
Angelica Leaf: Angel work, protection, removing hexes, exorcism, health, meditation, divination
Alfalfa: Money attraction (drawing money to you), prosperity, protection
Allspice: Money, luck, healing
Aloe Vera: Protection, peace in the afterlife, prosperity, success, love
Bay Leaf: Protection, purification, enhancing psychic powers, strength
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Victory, protection, money, power, strength
Bergamot: Money, clarity
Black-Eyed Susan: Cleansing, releasing, grounding, integration, mediumship, connecting with the dead
Black Peppercorn: Protection, exorcism
Burdock Root: Protection, uncrossing (removing hexes or curses)
Cedar: Healing, purification, money, protection
Clover: Protection, money, fidelity, love, exorcism, success
Cloves: Enhancing psychic powers, astral travel, protection, exorcism, love
Comfrey Leaf: Money, safe travel, protection
Coriander Seeds: Love, health, healing, lust, fidelity
Cramp Bark: Protection, luck
Echinacea: Strengthening spells, offerings to spirits
Garlic: Protection, exorcism, lust, antitheft
Goldenseal: Healing, money
Horseradish: Purification, exorcism
Hyssop: Purification, protection, cleansing
Lemon: Purification, love, friendship, justice
Lemongrass: Repelling snakes, lust, enhancing psychic powers
Mugwort: Strength, psychic powers, protection, prophetic dreams, astral projection
Mullein: Courage, protection, love, divination, exorcism
Nutmeg: Gambling luck, money, fidelity, prosperity, luck
Orange: Love, divination, luck, money
Saint John’s Wort: Health, protection, strength, love, divination, happiness
Skullcap: Love, fidelity, peace
Turmeric: Purification
Valerian Root: Purification, cleansing, peace, love, protection, breaking hexes and curses
Wormwood: Summoning spirits, working with the dead, enhancing psychic power, protection, love, prophesizing, breaking hexes and curses
Witch Hazel: Protection, chasteness (less likely to give into temptation and sexual desire)
Yarrow: Psychic development, courage, love, exorcism, protection
Yellow Dock: Money attraction, customer attraction, love attraction
Source
Robbins, Shawn, and Bedell, Charity. The Good Witch’s Guide. New York: Sterling Ethos, 2017. Print.
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Prathima Hospitals: Best Hospital in Hyderabad | Kachiguda | Kukatpally
Before Getting into the remedies to prevent blackheads, you need to know, what are blackheads?
What are Blackheads?
Prathima Hospitals is the leading and best hospital in Hyderabad. We are providing quality health care services at Kachiguda and Kukatpally branches.
Blackheads are basically the result of sebum clogging inside our pores and the surface is oxidised due to the air. And these comes out like small bumps on your skin and these are called blackheads because they are usually in black or dark color.
Even though they are small, blackheads are most irritating and stubborn form of pimples and they return even if you remove them regularly because they are the most common problem faced by everyone.
People with oily skin are more prone to blackheads because their skin produce more sebum.
Ok, now we have discussed the blackheads and their causes. Now, let's know the factors that
actually causes blackheads and Increases them.
Symptoms of Blackheads:
There is a simple way to spot blackheads on your face or skin, because of their dark color
they are easy to identify.
Blackheads are a symptom of acne, but, being caused by open pores, they differ in some ways from other acne lesions.
Blackheads are inflammatory and they do not cause pain. They cause discomfort in the same way as pimples or acne.
The change in appearance by blackheads can reduce self-confidence and lead to psychological or social difficulties in some people.
Don’t squeeze and scrub blackheads roughly as it leaves scarring on your skin and it make your skin look worse.
Factors that increases the chances of developing blackheads:
● excessive oil production
● during puberty, symptoms like acne and blackheads can be observed in teens due to
the hormonal change spike in sebum production.
● Even in women, during menstruation or while taking birth control pills can even develop
blackheads.
● Heavy sweating can even cause blackheads
● Even use of some steroid-based drugs, such as corticosteroids can develop the cause of
blackheads.
● Shaving can also causes blackheads because that open the hair follicles
● Even you health conditions can develop blackheads such as stress,
polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
● Blocking of pores by cosmetic products can lead to blackheads.
Here are some simple Natural home remedies that prevent Blackheads:
1. Aloe Vera
As we all know, Aloe Vera is good for skin and can fight against many several skin problems.
The antibacterial properties of aloe vera are active in treating acne and reduces redness.
Aloe vera cleanse the skin pores which reduces the blackheads and helps in tightening the pores.
Steps to go with it:
● Take a teaspoon of aloe vera gel or pulp
● Add some coconut oil to it and apply to the areas prone to blackheads
Note: apply this mixture when you’re going to bed, leave it overnight and wash off your face when you wake up.
Repeat this process everyday until blackheads disappear.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C or ascorbic acid which helps in moisturizing your skin. By moisturizing, it removes dead skin cells and prevent clogging of pores, hence reduces the blackheads.
And it also helps in tightening the pores and reduces the blackheads.
Do you know that, The juice of one lemon provides almost 20 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 30 percent of the daily value.
Steps to go with it:
● Take a teaspoon of lemon juice and honey
● Mix them well and apply to the areas prone to blackheads
● Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse off.
Repeat this process daily until you observe a visible change.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an non-comedogenic product that helps to balance the sebum production of your skin which reduces the cause of blackheads. This may help in removing blackheads.
Steps to go with it:
● Take 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and add some coconut oil to it
● Now apply the oil to the area prone to blackheads
● After 30-40 minutes wash off your face and pat dry it.
Repeat this process twice a day for a better result.
4. Cornstarch and Apple Cider Vinegar
Cornstarch is great at fighting pimples, blackheads and whiteheads because it absorbs the excessive oil produced by the skin glands.
On the other hand,Apple cider vinegar unclog blocked pores. And alpha hydroxy acid helps to exfoliate the skin and help in smoothing and improving skin texture, and also helps to absorb excess oils of the skin.
Steps to go with it:
● Take a tablespoon of cornflour and add some vinegar to it, and mix them until it forms a thick paste
● Now apply this paste to the areas prone to blackheads
● Leave it for 20-30 minutes and wash off your face with lukewarm water and then followed by cold water to close the pores.
Repeat this process 3-4 times a week for a visible result.
5. Cinnamon and Lemon Juice
Cinnamon is the answer to all your skin problems. Cinnamon contains many anti-fungal, antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties which makes it good for skin.
Cinnamon removes the dead skin cells and helps in tightening the pores, hence reduces the blackheads. On the other hand, Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C or ascorbic acid which helps in moisturizing your skin.
Steps to go with it:
● Take a tablespoon of cinnamon powder and a tablespoon of lemon juice
● Mix them well until it forms as thick paste and apply it to the areas affected by blackheads
● Leave it for about 20-25 minutes and rinse off.
Repeat this process only 2 times a week for a better result. Remember lemon juice can cause pain sensation. Make sure to have a patch test before trying this remedy.
6. Honey
Honey can be used to cleanse pores and get rid of blackheads.
Since Honey contains antioxidants, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties, it helps to rid your skin of blackheads by removing dirt from pores.
It then hydrates and tightens skin pores for clear complexion. Hence, it helps to get rid of blackheads.
Steps to go with it:
● Take some honey and apply it to the area affected by blackheads with cotton pad
● Leave it for 15-20 minutes and rinse off
Repeat this process 3-4 times a week for a visible result.
7. Tomato for Blackheads
Tomato has many antibacterial properties which helps to treat open pores and reduce blackheads.
Tomatoes not only reduces blackheads but it also helps to get glowing skin and acts as a natural sunscreen. It makes your skin even more softer than before and make a path to clear skin.
Steps to go with it:
● Take a tomato and cut it as half
● Rub it on the areas affected by blackheads gently and wait until the tomato juice of tomato absorbed by your skin
● Wash off and pat dry your skin.
Repeat this process 2-3 times a week for a better result.
CONCLUSION:
Remember that above mentioned methods are totally natural ways to remove blackheads.
You can try any or combination of the above mentioned remedies to get rid of blackheads naturally.
If the above mentioned methods doesn’t work or if you have other issues that causing blackheads then you need to consult a dermatologist for a better treatment.
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