Tag: Urinary tract infection

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Cornsilk (Zea mays)

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Other names: Maize, mais

Description: Corn is a grass which can grow up to 3 meter. Corn forms thick stems with long leaves. The flowers of corn are monoecious: each corn plant forms male and female flowers. The male flowers form the tassel at the top and produce yellow pollen. The female flowers are situated in leave axils and form stigmas or corn silk (yellow soft threads). The purpose of the cornsilk is to catch the pollen. The cornsilk is normally light green but can have other colours such as yellow, yellow or light brown.

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The yellowish thread-like strands found inside the husks of corn. The stigmas are found on the female flower of corn, a grain that is also known as maize and is a member of the grass family (Gramineae or Poaceae). The stigmas measure 4–8 in (10–20 cm) long and are collected for medicinal use before the plant is pollinated. Cornsilk can also be removed from corn cobs for use as a remedy.

If fertilized, the stigmas dry and become brown. Then yellow corn kernels develop. Corn is native to North America and now grows around the world in warm climates.

Cornsilk is also known as mother’s hair, Indian corn, maize jagnog, Turkish corn, yu mi xu, and stigmata maydis.

Parts used: Only cornsilk (styles and stigmas) is harvested for medicinal properties. Cornsilk should be harvested just before pollination occurs. Cornsilk can be used fresh or dried. The corn kernels (or corn) are a well known food.

Phytochemicals: Maysin, Carvacrol, Flavonoids, Polyphenols

Medicinal properties: Cornsilk has detoxifying, relaxing and diuretic activity. Cornsilk is used to treat infections of the urinary and genital system, such as cystitis, prostatitis and urethritis. Cornsilk helps to reduce frequent urination caused by irritation of the bladder and is used to treat bed wetting problems.

Some historians believe that corn has grown for more than 7,000 years in North America. About the time that Christopher Columbus brought the first corn to Europe, the grain grew throughout North and South America. The venerable plant’s stigmas have long been used in folk medicine to treat urinary conditions including inflammation of the bladder and painful urination.

Cornsilk also served as a remedy for heart trouble, jaundice, malaria, and obesity. Cornsilk is rich in vitamin K, making it useful in controlling bleeding during childbirth. It has also been used to treat gonorrhea.

For more than a century, cornsilk has been a remedy for urinary conditions such as acute and inflamed bladders and painful urination. It was also used to treat the prostate. Some of those uses have continued into modern times; cornsilk is a contemporary remedy for all conditions of the urinary passage.

Drinking cornsilk tea is a remedy to help children stop wetting their beds, a condition known as enuresis. It is also a remedy for urinary conditions experienced by the elderly.

Cornsilk is used to treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones in adults. Cornsilk is regarded as a soothing diuretic and useful for irritation in the urinary system. This gives it added importance, since today, physicians are more concerned about the increased use of antibiotics to treat infections, especially in children. Eventually, overuse can lead to drug-resistant bacteria. Also, these drugs can cause complications in children.

Furthermore, cornsilk is used in combination with other herbs to treat conditions such as cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), and parostitis (mumps).

Cornsilk is said to prevent and remedy infections of the bladder and kidney. The tea is also believed to diminish prostate inflammation and the accompanying pain when urinating.

Since cornsilk is used as a kidney remedy and in the regulation of fluids, the herb is believed to be helpful in treating high blood pressure and water retention. Corn-silk is also used as a remedy for edema (the abnormal accumulation of fluids).

Cornsilk is used to treat urinary conditions in countries including the United Sates, China, Haiti, Turkey, and Trinidad. Furthermore, in China, cornsilk as a component in an herbal formula is used to treat diabetes.

In addition, cornsilk has some nonmedical uses. Cornsilk is an ingredient in cosmetic face powder. The herb used for centuries to treat urinary conditions acquired another modern-day use. Cornsilk is among the ingredients in a product advertised to help people pass their drug tests.

In China, cornsilk is traditionally used to treat oedema and jaundice. Studies indicate that cornsilk can reduces blood clotting time and reduce high blood pressure.

Preparations:
Some herbalists say that cornsilk is best used when fresh, but it is also available in dried form. Cornsilk can be collected from the female flower or from corn cobs. In addition, cornsilk is available commercially in powdered and capsule form and as an extract. Cornsilk is usually brewed as a tea, a beverage that is said to be soothing.

Cornsilk tea or infusion can be made by pouring 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water over 2 tsp (2.5 g) of dried cornsilk. The mixture is covered and steeped for 10–15 minutes. The tea should be consumed three times daily.

In addition, a tincture of 1 tsp (3-6 ml) of cornsilk can be taken three times daily. Tincture can be purchased over the counter, or made at home by mixing the herb with water or alcohol at a ratio of 1:5 or 1:10.

Cornsilk is also available in capsule form. The usual dosage for 400-mg capsules is two capsules. These are taken with meals three times daily.

A Remedy for Bedwetting:
Herbal remedies can be part of the treatment when children wet their beds. Methods of stopping this behavior include having the child exercise during the day, drink fewer beverages in the evening, and drink a cup of cornsilk tea one hour before bedtime. Cornsilk could be the only ingredient in the tea. However, cornsilk can be part of an herbal combination if bedwetting is caused by lack of nervous control of the bladder.

Cornsilk Combinations:
Cornsilk combines well with other herbs to remedy a range of urinary conditions. One remedy for a bed-wetting tea is to combine one part of cornsilk, St. John’s wort, horsetail, wild oat, and lemon balm.

An herbal practitioner can recommend other combination remedies to treat more complicated conditions. For example, when a person has cystitis, cornsilk can be combined with yarrow, buchu, couchgrass, or bearberry.

Furthermore, cornsilk may be an ingredient in a commercial remedy taken to maintain the urinary tract system. Other ingredients could include yarrow and marsh mallow.

Other facts: Corn originates from Central America but is cultivated in many countries as a food crop and as fodder. In countries with colder climate the whole corn plant is used a cattle feed.

Precautions:
Cornsilk is safe when taken in proper dosages, according to sources including PDR (Physician’s Desk Reference) for Herbal Medicines,, the 1998 book based on the findings of Germany’s Commission E. The commission published its findings about herbal remedies in a 1997 monograph.

If a person decides to collect fresh cornsilk, attention should be paid to whether the plants were sprayed with pesticides.

Side Effects:
There are no known side effects when cornsilk is taken in designated therapeutic dosages.

Interactions:
Information is not available about whether there is an interaction when cornsilk is taken with medication. People taking medications should first check with their doctor or health practitioner before using cornsilk.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.phytochemicals.info/plants/cornsilk.php
http://www.answers.com/topic/cornsilk

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Oh My Appendix!

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Human beings ate raw grass, leaves, bark and uncooked cereals, like rabbits and other herbivorous animals, before they became refined carnivores who cooked and softened their food. And like these animals, we too had a long appendix.

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As the nature of our diet changed, we did not require this organ and it eventually became small and rudimentary. It still nestles in the lower part of the right side of the abdomen, an appendage loosely attached to the transition point between the small and large intestines. The organ does not serve any discernible useful function. But in almost 40 per cent of the population it gives trouble at some time in their lives.

Digested food gets pushed in and out of the appendix during its transit through the intestine. As long as the opening remains patent, this does not pose a problem. Sometimes the opening of the appendix becomes narrowed and obstructed. This can occur because of intestinal worms, a hard stony piece of stool called a fecolith, or even undigested food particles. Contrary to popular opinion, orange pits and other swallowed seeds have not been shown to block the appendix.

The appendix is lined by abundant lymphoid tissue. This can swell and secrete infected fluid if there is a bacterial or viral infection. If this is sufficient to partially or completely block the opening, there is pain and swelling. If the symptoms are neglected, the appendix can “burst”, spilling the infection fluid into the surrounding area. The entire abdominal cavity can then become infected, causing peritonitis. The infection may get localised, forming an appendicular abscess.

Appendicitis initially produces non-specific symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. The pain may eventually localise in the lower part of the right side of the abdomen. There may also be acute pain in an anatomical area called McBurney’s point, situated a little away from the umbilicus.

The presentation of appendicitis may be atypical in the young (less than 10 years) and in the old (more than 60). The pain fails to localise in any particular area of the abdomen and may pose a diagnostic enigma. The symptoms may be confusing and the diagnosis missed if the appendix is situated in an abnormal location, too high, too low or at the back, or on the left side of the abdomen. Houdini, the magician, had an appendix on the left side. The diagnosis was missed and it perforated during a performance. He collapsed on stage, dying shortly afterwards.

Unfortunately, there are no confirmatory diagnostic blood tests for appendicitis as there are for other illnesses like typhoid or urinary tract infections. The suspicion of appendicitis can, however, become a certainty with an ultrasound or CT scan. But these procedures have an inherent latent period (waiting for the facility to become available) and the appendix can rupture in the interim.

Around 45 per cent of women are suspected to have appendicitis during their reproductive years. This is because the pain of appendicitis can be confused with tubal infection (salpingitis), urinary tract infection, ectopic pregnancy or even normal mittleschmerz, the mid-cyclic ovarian pain caused by rupture of the mature ovarian follicle and release of the ovum. In 30 per cent of surgeries, the diagnosis of appendicitis is wrong and a normal organ is removed. The mortality, however, is 50 per cent if the inflamed appendix is not treated surgically.

A laparoscopy clinches the diagnosis. The appendix itself can often be removed at the same time with a minimally invasive, no scar laparoscopic procedure, thus providing an investigation method that also cures. The appendix can also be removed through a classical incision.

Sometimes it is possible to control the infection with antibiotics, allowing the person to opt for an interval appendectomy at a convenient time. Some people have a “grumbling appendix” that causes repeated attacks of pain which can be managed conservatively. This delays the need for surgery. It is not a very wise course of action as the infection can flare up at inopportune moments. Women who have repeated attacks of appendicitis are also likely to develop adhesions and scars. This can distort the anatomy of the pelvic area and result in undesirable relative infertility.

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Appendicitis

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Dysuria

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Definition:: Painful or difficult urination. This includes burning on urination. Dysuria is most commonly due to bacterial infection of the urinary tract causing inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) or kidney (pyelonephritis).

In women, dysuria may also reflect inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) or vulva (vulvitis). And in men, dysuria may be due to inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) or the urethra (urethritis) from gonorrhea or chlamydia.

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In medicine, specifically urology, dysuria refers to painful urination. This is typically described to be a burning or stinging sensation. It is most often a result of an infection of the urinary tract. It may also be due to an STD, bladder stones, bladder tumours, and virtually any condition of the prostate.

It is one of a constellation of irritative bladder symptoms, which includes frequency of urination and haematuria.

It is a common complaint in women, and almost 25% of women suffer from dysuria each year. It can also affect men, but to a lesser extent. Infection is the most common cause of dysuria.

The most common age range for this complaint is 24 to 54 years old. The infection is also thought to be contracted more easily by people who are sexually active. Genital herpes is one infection that can cause dysuria.

Signs and symptoms of dysuria:

  • Severe pain in urination
  • Incontinence urinary
  • Stinging or burning sensation during urination
  • Nocturia
  • Swelling in the bladder.
  • Urine frequency
  • Polyuria
  • Expulsion of urine from bladder

There are other symptoms that may accompany dysuria. These can include blood in the urine or vaginal discharge. There may be a hesitancy or slowness when urinating, and there may also be pain during intercourse. All of these symptoms must be taken into account and investigated before a diagnosis can be made.

Causes of dysuria:

There are many other causes of dysuria including irritation from chemicals in soaps, bubble baths, spermicides, and douches.

Diagnosis of dysuria:

Urine culture, urine analysis and urine dipstick will be recommended by health care provider to determine the disease. Sometimes, DNA probes may be suggested by the health care provider.

Ultrasonography and neurological tests may be used to detect the infection of urinart tract. Medical history related questions would be asked by health care providers. Medical history questions include:

When did you get problem during urination?

Is there any pain in thighs, urethra, or back pain?

Does pain continue or discontinue after urination?

Was there any blood in urine and drainage from vagina?

Physical activities, including horse riding and bicycle riding, may also cause the condition. There may also be some urethral damage during sexual intercourse. Certain conditions, such as depression, can also bring on dysuria.

A full medical history is required in order to diagnose the cause of dysuria. Factors taken into consideration include frequency and location of the pain. If pain is felt inside the body, then the cause may be cystitis or urethritis. If the pain occurs as urine leaves the body, then it may be a vaginal infection.

Treatment of dysuria:

Types of treatment of dysuria depend on the causes and symptoms of discomfort.

An antibiotic will be prescribed by the doctor to reduce the discomfort. Medications and antibiotics are effective treatment. They can be used in case of severe pain during urination. Sometimes surgical treatment may be used to reduce the infection of urinary tract. Urinary analgesics such as phenazopyridine may be used before completed the culture.

Phenazopyridine (oral) is an effective treatment for pain relief.

Herbs for Dysuria:- Kantakari, Purslane, Sandalwood

Online Ayurvedic Clinic for Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Dysuria,

Dysuria -Ayurvedic Treatment

HOMEOPATHIC Treatment & Medicines for URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Prevention of dysuria:

  • You should avoid tight clothes such as pent, suit.
  • You should use latex condoms during sexual activities.
  • You should wipe clearly from front to back after urination.
  • You should manage self-care strategies.
  • You should avoid intercourse.
  • You should not use douching.
  • You can drink 10-12 glasses of water regularly.
  • You should keep the genital area dry and clean with mild soap and water.
  • Do not use vaginal sprays and irritation soaps.
  • Avoid sexual contact with infected person.

There are some simple measures that can be taken to prevent dysuria. These include using condoms and avoiding intercourse until an infection has left the body. Wearing loose clothing may help, and using feminine douches may also help. If dysuria occurs, it is important to seek medical help. Early diagnosis can prevent any infection from spreading.

When to seek medical advice

If you may experience severe pain during urination, you should call your health care provider immediately. There is blood in urine and drainage form vagina and panis call your doctor as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose

Resources:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-causes-dysuria.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysuria
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3163
http://www.womens-health-clinic.com/DYSURIA.htm

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Benefits Of Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice contains high levels of organic acids, which have an emulsifying effect upon fat deposits. When it comes to urinary tract infections caused by a strain of E coli bacteria, cranberry juice compounds may help.…click & see

Some of the compounds in the juice block the bacteria from sticking to the cells in the body, so that the body can more easily flush the bacteria out.

Cranberry juice can inhibit certain strains of Haemophilus influenzae, a type of bacteria found in the nose and throat of 75% of healthy children and adults.

The bacteria can also cause infections, and may be responsible for up to 40% of bacterially-derived middle ear infections. But take care with this juice, as drinking too much of it can cause you to put on weight, diarrhea, dental caries and indigestion.

Source:  The Times Of India

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Herbs & Plants

Gokulakanta

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Botanical Name:Hygrophila spinosa or Asteracantha longifolia / Hygrophila auriculata
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Hygrophila
Species: H. auriculata
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales

Common Name :: Gokhulakanta,marsh barbel,    Sanskrit: Kokilaksha

Description and Composition
Gokulakanta is a stout, rough, thorny, slightly tall annual herb. The stem of the plant is thin and small, round, hairy and red in color. The plant grows vertically up to about one metre with no branches on the sides. The leaves are simple, with waving or curling margins and the flowers are bright blue in color. The seeds are small, flat, round, dark red in color. The whole plant is covered with a soft hair growth. The entire plant is used medicinally, specially its leaves and roots.

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Hygrophila spinosa belongs to the plant family ACANTHACE and Genus Hygrophila This plant specimen prefers Wet soil a pH of 7 . All plants need light to allow the photosynthesis process of converting carbon dioxide to growth sugars to take place. Some plants need more sun-light than others. For this plant those sunlight conditions are well described as … Full sun .

Impressive Autumn foliage display is not shown by Hygrophila spinosa so look for an alternative plant for pleasing Fall leaf properties

Hygrophila spinosa gokulakanta is not known as a butterfly attracting plant

Almost all plants grown in gardens need to be fed using fertilzer in order to see them at their best. For this plant the suggested fertilizer program would be based upon … Typical mix of: 3 parts Nitrogen (N), 2 parts Phosphorous (P) and 3 parts Potassium (K for Latin name Kalium).

The roots of the plant contain an essential oil. Its seeds contain a yellow semi-drying oil-that is, the oil which possesses the property to dry partially by evaporation. They also contain diastase, lipase and protease. An alkaloid is also present in the seeds in addition to these chemical substances.

Benefits and Healing Power of Gokulakanta Herb.
Hygrophila spinosa has too many possible beneficial herbal uses to fully enumerate. A few of its uses include: as a demulcent, as an aphrodisiac, as a diuretic and as a urinary tonic. See the medicinal properties section for the full list. The aerial parts and the root are used in herbal preparations.

The herb is a tonic and stimulant. It increases the secretion and discharge of urine and promotes libido. The ash of the plant selVes as an excellent diuretic. It has a soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes.

Special qualities
Tolerates drought no Tolerates high humidity no Tolerates seaside conditions no Insect resistant no Disease resistant no Deer resistant no Best uses Symbiosis Attracts butterflies no Attracts hummingbirds no Autumn foliage no Colorful berries no Desirable qualities Other interest Other interest color Other interest period

Adverse factors
Common pests Poisonous parts Poisonous indications Internal poison no Dermatologic poison no Livestock poison no Mechanical injury no Hay fever pollen Hay fever season Adverse qualities

Herbal medicine :
Medicinal properties demulcent aphrodisiac diuretic urinary tonic hepatoprotective Medicinal parts Aerial parts Root Has medicinal uses yes Do not self-administer no Do no use if pregnant no Legally restricted no Toxicity precautions Medicinal notes Hygrophila spinosa has too many possible beneficial herbal uses to fully enumerate. A few of its uses include: as a demulcent, as an aphrodisiac, as a diuretic and as a urinary tonic. The aerial parts and the root are used in herbal preparations.
Toxicity precautions & Medicinal notes: Hygrophila spinosa has too many possible beneficial herbal uses to fully enumerate. A few of its uses include: as a demulcent, as an aphrodisiac, as a diuretic and as a urinary tonic. The aerial parts and the root are used in herbal preparations.

Traditional uses
Parts used Traditional uses Contemporary uses Fragrance Fragrance parts Fragrance intensity Fragrance category Dye parts Dye color

Nutrition :
Is edible no Culinary uses Nutritional value Edible parts Description of edible parts Flavor / texture

Medicinal Uses: The herb is a good tonic and stimulant.It increases the secretion and discharge of urine and promotes libido. The ash of the plant serves as an excellent diuretic. It has a soothing effect on skin and mucous membranes.

Dropsy :– The ash of the plant is useful in treating dropsy, a disease marked by an excessive collection of watery fluids in the tissues or cavities of the body. The ash should be administered preferably with cow’s urine in doses of 1.5 to 3 grams. The root is also useful for treating dropsy.

Genito-Urinary Disorders :- The root of the plant is beneficial in .the treatment of gonorrhea and urinary disorders, including inflammation of the urinary tract and stone in the kidneys. Its decoction can be given in doses of 30 to 60 grams, twice or thrice a day.
The decoction of its leaves can be used with confidence in case of syphilis and gonorrhea. The mucilage obtained by infusing the seeds in water is also prescribed in gonorrhea, urinary diseases and as a tonic.

Liver Disorders :– The root of the plant is useful in treating liver disorders like jaundice and hepatitis. It is specially useful in hepatic derangement. A decoction of the root is administered in the treatment of such conditions. About 60 grams of the root is boiled in half a litre of water for 20 to 30 minutes in a closed vessel. About 30 to 60 ml of this preparation is given two or three time daily.

Anemia :- The herb purifies blood and is beneficial in the treatment of anemia. A decoction of its root can be administered in the same manner as for liver disorders.
Rheumatism :- The drug is also effective in rheumatic afflictions such as rheumatism, arthritis, and gout.

Methods for Uses and Dosages: The leaves of the plant do not have any noticeable taste. They contain a cellulose which is hard. The leaves can be taken by themselves or mixed with the leaves of holy basil (tulsi). The juice from 20 grams of leaves can be mixed with either buttermilk or coconut water or fruit juice. Two teaspoons of the powdered leaves can also be mixed with 120 to 180 ml of buttermilk or 100 ml of water.

Rheumatism: The drug is effective in rheumatic affictions such as rheumatism,arthritis and gout.

Other Uses:The leaves of the plant contain a cellulose which is hard. The leaves can be taken by themselves or misex with the leaves of holy basil. The juice of the leaves can be mixed with either buttermilk or coconut water or any kind of fruit juice.

References:
Miracle of Herbs,
http://www.vitamins-minerals-supplements.org/herbs/gokulakanta.htm,
http://www.plant-supplies.com/plants/hygrophilaspinosa.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygrophila_auriculata

http://www.crescentbloom.com/Plants/Specimen/HU/Hygrophila%20spinosa.htm

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