usefultipsofselviraveendran: April 2015

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Burning sensations in the feet is a very common problem and can affect people at any age. The burning sensations can range from mild to severe and can be acute or chronic in nature.

Often, burning sensations in the feet is due to some kind of damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. This problem is sometimes associated with diabetes, chronic alcohol abuse, and exposure to certain toxins.

Other causes include deficiencies of B vitamins, folic acid, thiamine or calcium; athletes’ foot; injuries, traumas, stings and bites from insects; burning feet syndrome; chronic kidney disease, and peripheral vascular disease.

In addition to the burning sensation in the feet, one can have symptoms like redness, swelling, increased sweating, dull ache, peeling skin, change in color and texture of the skin, and increased sensation of temperature.

The treatment for burning sensations in the feet depends on the underlying cause. It can be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription medications. You can also try some simple remedies to reduce the discomfort. Also, do consult your doctor proper diagnosis and treatment.

home remedies for burnung senations on feet

Here are the top 10 home remedies for burning sensations in the feet.

1. Cold Water

Cold water is one of the best home remedies for burning feet. The cool water provides quick relief from the tingling, numbness and swelling of the feet.

Fill a foot tub with cold water.
Soak your feet in it for a few minutes.
Give your feet some rest and then soak again.
Repeat several times a day.

Do not soak your feet in cold water for more than a few minutes as it can worsen the symptoms. Also, do not apply ice or an ice pack directly on your feet.

Note: Cold water immersions are often advised against in case of erythromelalgia as it may cause reactive flaring and may further lead to maceration of the skin, non-healing ulcers and other problems.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

As apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH level of your body, it can also be used to treat burning feet.

Mix one to two tablespoons of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Drink it once daily for best results.
You can also fill a tub with hot water and add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to it. Also mix in some sea salt or Epsom salt. Soak your feet in it for about 20 minutes twice daily.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric contains a good amount of the compound known as cucumin, which helps improve blood flow and circulation throughout your body. Plus, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce burning sensations as well as pain in the feet.

Mix one to two teaspoons of turmeric in a glass of warm water and drink it. Do this twice daily for best results.
You can also prepare a paste of two tablespoons of turmeric and enough water and apply it on the affected area once or twice a day for a few days. But, bear in mind that this remedy can stain your feet.

4. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt can help soothe your feet and give instant relief from burning sensations. Made out of magnesium sulfate, it can help reduce inflammation and pain. Plus, it can help nerves function properly.

Put one-half cup of Epsom salt in a tub big enough to cover your feet.
Pour warm water in the tub and mix it well.
Soak your feet in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes.
Follow this remedy once daily for a few days.

Note: Epsom salt soaks may not be suitable for those with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, so consult your doctor before trying this remedy.

5. Ginger

Ginger is another effective remedy for burning sensations in your feet. Several active components in ginger help increase blood circulation in the body, which in turn brings quick relief from the burning sensations.

Mix one teaspoon of ginger juice with some warm coconut oil or olive oil. Massage your feet and legs with this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes once daily.
Alternatively, you can drink two to three cups of ginger tea daily. You can even try a warm ginger tea soak to lessen swelling and pain.

Follow any of these remedies for several days until you get relief from the problem.

6. Bitter Gourd

In Ayurveda, bitter gourd has traditionally been used as a remedy for burning feet.

Grind a handful of bitter gourd leaves with a little water until you get a smooth paste.
Apply this paste on the affected area and soon the burning sensation will reduce.
Repeat as needed.

Home Remedies for Diabetes

Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, has become a very common heath problem. There are two main types of diabetes- type 1 diabetes in which the body does not produce insulin and type 2 diabetes in which the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin that is produced does not work properly.

Some of the common symptoms of diabetes include fatigue, weight loss (even though you are eating more), excessive thirst, increased urination, cut and bruises that are slow to heal and blurred vision.

While there is no cure for diabetes, with your blood sugar level under control you can live a totally normal life. There are various natural remedies for diabetes that will help you control your blood sugar level.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for diabetes. Needless to say, you also need to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

(Out of the 10, we have covered 3 highly effective home remedies in this video as well.)

1. Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, can be helpful for controlling diabetes due to its blood glucose lowering effects. It tends to influence the glucose metabolism all over your body rather than a particular organ or tissue.

It helps increase pancreatic insulin secretion and prevents insulin resistance. Thus, bitter gourd is beneficial for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, it cannot be used to entirely replace insulin treatment.

Drink some bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach each morning. First remove the seeds of two to three bitter gourds and use a juicer to extract the juice. Add some water and then drink it. Follow this treatment daily in the morning for at least two months.
Also, you can include one dish made of bitter gourd daily in your diet.

2. Cinnamon

Powdered cinnamon has the ability to lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin activity. Itcontains bioactive components that can help prevent and fight diabetes.

Certain trials have shown that it can work as an effective option to lower blood sugar levels in cases of uncontrolled type-2 diabetes.

Cinnamon, however, should not be taken in excess because we commonly use Cassia cinnamon (found in most grocery stores) which contains a compound called coumarin. It is a toxic compound that increases the risk of liver damage.

There is another variety of this herb known as Ceylon cinnamon or “true cinnamon.” It is considered safer for health but its effects on blood glucose levels have not been studied adequately.

Mix one-half to one teaspoon of cinnamon in a cup of warm water. Drink it daily.
Another option is to boil two to four cinnamon sticks in one cup of water and allow it to steep for 20 minutes. Drink this solution daily until you see improvement.
You can also add cinnamon to warm beverages, smoothies and baked goods.

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herb that can also be used to control diabetes, improve glucose tolerance and lower blood sugar levels due to its hypoglycaemic activity. It also stimulates the secretion of glucose-dependent insulin. Being high in fiber, it slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars.

Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Drink the water along with the seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. Follow this remedy without fail for a few months to bring down your glucose level.
Another option is to eat two tablespoons of powdered fenugreek seeds daily with milk.

4. Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Indian gooseberry, also known as Amla, is rich in vitamin C and Indian gooseberry juice promotes proper functioning of your pancreas.

Take two to three Indian gooseberries, remove the seeds and grind it into a fine paste. Put the paste in a cloth and squeeze out the juice. Mix two tablespoon of the juice in one cup of water and drink it daily on an empty stomach.
Alternatively, mix one tablespoon of Indian gooseberry juice in a cup of bitter gourd juice and drink it daily for a few months.

5. Black Plum or Indian Black Berry (Jambul)

Black plum or jambul, also known as jamun can help a lot in controlling blood sugar level because it contains anthocyanins, ellagic acid, hydrolysable tannins etc.

Each part of the Jambul plant such as the leaves, berry and seeds can be used by those suffering from diabetes. In fact, research has shown that the fruits and seeds of this plant have hypoglycemic effects as they help reduce blood and urine sugar levels rapidly.

The seeds, in particular, contain glycoside jamboline and alkaloid jambosine that regulate control blood sugar levels.

Whenever this seasonal fruit is available in the market, try to include it in your diet as it can be very effective for the pancreas. Else you can make a powder of dried seeds of Jambul fruit and eat this powder with water twice a day. This fruit is native to India and its neighboring countries but you can find it at Asian markets and herbal shops.

6. Mango Leaves

The delicate and tender mango leaves can be used to treat diabetes by regulating insulin levels in the blood. They can also help improve blood lipid profiles.

Soak 10 to 15 tender mango leaves in a glass of water overnight. In the morning, filter the water and drink it on an empty stomach.
You can also dry the leaves in the shade and grind them. Eat one-half teaspoon of powdered mango leaves two times daily.