Health benefits of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola)

Health benefits of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola)

Star fruit is an exotic type of fruit which is packed with minerals and nutrients and in the recent years it has gained global popularity because it has positive effects on our health. The scientific name of star fruit is Averrhoa carambola. This is a species of three which can found throughout Southeast Asia and other tropical areas including Latin America and the Caribbean. The fruit of this tree is widely cultivated for its use in culinary dishes thanks to sour and tart flavor which is a combination of citrus fruits, grapes and apples. When this fruit is cut in a cross – section has the shape of a star and this is from the names comes from. Star fruit is approximately 3 – 6 inches in length and the flesh of this fruit is yellow and it is tart in crisp in taste.  You can eat the entire fruit including the waxy outer layer. Star fruit has high amounts of oxalic acid and when it is consumed in moderate amounts, then your kidneys can function normally. But if you eat too much of this fruit, then it can increase your risk of kidney stone development.

Health benefits of star fruit

Respiratory: This fruit is cooling and anti – inflammatory agent which can promote salivation and cut through phlegm and mucus. This is a reason why it is popular home remedy for respiratory infections and general health. It alleviates sore throats and addresses underlying infections of the respiratory system.

Detoxify: Star fruit is known as diuretic. It can stimulate urination which can be helpful for some people to detoxify their bodies. This fruit will help to cleanse kidneys and liver. People who have pre – existing kidney conditions should eat this fruit with caution. By increasing the urination, it can lower the levels of salts and toxins within the body.

star fruit health benefits

Cholesterol levels: Star fruit has high levels of dietary fiber and low amount of natural fat. This is a reason why it is great for reducing cholesterol levels and managing them. Fiber helps to elevate HDL cholesterol and regulate LDL cholesterol and it is reducing your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and heart disease.

Metabolism: Star fruit has high amounts of riboflavin, folate and pyridoxine. These components can help to optimize your metabolism by ensuring that the necessary enzymatic and hormonal processes take place throughout your body. These vitamins play a part in everything from energy metabolism and nerve cell communication to emotional control and circulation.

Diabetes: There are some studies in which are said that this insoluble fiber – rich fruit can prevent the release of glucose after eating and readily control the insulin levels in your body. This is making the star fruit a ideal snack for people who want to avoid diabetes or for diabetic patients who want to manage their symptoms.

Bone mineral density: Star fruit has calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus which can promote better bone health and they can reduce the risk of osteoporosis as we are getting older.

Digestion: The key element in digestion is the dietary fiber because it can stimulate the movement of stool through the digestive tract, relieving the symptoms of diarrhea, cramping, bloating and constipation. Also it can help to improve the nutrient uptake and the bioavailability of other essential vitamins and minerals. Both the waxy peel and inner fruit provide significant levels of dietary fiber.

star fruit (Averrhoa carambola)

Blood pressure: Star fruit has moderate amount of potassium which can reduce your risk of heart attacks, strokes and atherosclerosis by relieving the tension on arteries and blood vessels. When it is eliminating the hypertension, then your heart will be able to rest, the fluid balance in your body will be appropriately maintained and the circulation can be more effectively carried out.

Cancer: There are some studies done on the star fruit in which is said that this fruit can be a potent anti – cancer fruit because it has dense antioxidant and fiber content. Star fruit has polyphenolic flavonoids which are able to counter the mutagenic effects of the free radicals and clear them out of the body before they make a damage and lead to chronic diseases.

Home Remedies For Asthma

Asthma is an acute problem associated with the respiratory system, where breathing becomes an effort. Asthma is the contraction of the air passage, which would normally let air in and out freely, so that we would not even realise our breathing. In the case of asthma, normal breathing becomes as exerted as one would breathe after running for a few hundred yards, gasping and panting vigorously.

Home Remedies for Asthma

Turmeric and Pepper for Asthma
Food tastes better, and is healthy, with turmeric added to it. There are loads of benefits that this yellow root could offer to mankind. You could take a bit of help from turmeric in your home remedy for asthma. Add turmeric powder to warm milk and sip into it slowly, enjoying and experiencing the milk as it soothes the mucous membranes around your throat.This is one of the most effective home remedies for asthma. You could also us a spoon of pepper, ground into pieces and mixed with the milk along with turmeric powder. You could ask for instant relief from asthma with this soothing composition.


Black Pepper and Ginger for Asthma
Another home remedy for asthma would be a mix of one gram of black pepper, again, with one gram of ginger powder. You could mix them up in a teaspoon of honey and sip through the syrup. Ginger is good for the throat and buccal cavity region, even as black pepper would soothe the inner linings of the throat and provide relief from acute asthma attacks.

Honey for Asthma
Honey is an effective ingredient in many natural and homemade remedies – you could use honey as the base for a syrup of olive oil, milk and garlic. Heat the mixture and drink it in mornings, to provide instant relief for asthma – you could continue this treatment for a period as a useful home remedy for asthma. In fact, honey is so good for health, and specifically for asthmatic conditions, that it is said to give relief to people suffering from asthma, even as they inhale the air that has the essence of honey in it. If you could hold an open bottle of honey close to your nostrils and inhale along the bottle, it could provide relief and let you breathe more freely.

Fenugreek for Asthma
Ginger and honey do make a good combination when used with fenugreek seeds. Boil a glass of water with fenugreek seeds, and when it has come to boil, add the mixture of ginger powder and honey, one teaspoon each. Mix them well, sip and relax to the essence of ginger and fenugreek to make a difference, as an effective home remedy for asthma.

Drumstick Leaves Soup for Asthma
If you like soups, there is nothing like indulging on a glass of drumstick leaf soup. Take a handful of drumstick leaves, add them to a glass of water, and bring to boil. Add salt and pepper to taste. When it boils for a few minutes, leave it till the essence of drumstick leaves soak into the hot soup. Sip through it when it is hot enough to drink and create a soothing sensation to your throat. Drumstick leaves and the soup made of them are considered good, not just for asthma but also for bringing blood pressure under control.

Linseed Oil for Asthma
There are also a few natural expectorants that could come in handy towards being good home remedies for asthma. For instance, linseed is considered an effective expectorant, when around 20 grams of linseed are boiled in water and had at regular intervals.

Dry Safflower Seeds for Asthma
Similarly, dry safflower seeds could be powdered, mixed with a tablespoon of honey and had twice or thrice a day. This helps as an expectorant, where the sputum is let flow off the buccal cavity and could be released for ease of breathing. Red clover is another herb that could serve as an expectorant, being one of the most sought after home remedies for asthma.

Red Clover for asthma
Red clover is considered a blood purifier and is also thought of as a remedy for cancer. Red clover could be infused in tea and consumed as a soothing home remedy for asthma, given its expectorant properties. Red clover is considered a diuretic, known to relieve the body of excessive fluid accumulation, and clearing the lungs of mucous accumulation, proving to be an effective home remedy for asthma.

Thyme for Asthma
Another herb with properties of expectorant is the Thyme, a source of iron and used in a wide variety of cuisines around the world. Known for its strong flavour, thyme is also considered to have antibacterial properties, and is generally used as a home remedy for asthma and other respiratory disorders. Thyme could be added up and had as tea, which would clear your respiratory system of sputum and relieve your bronchial passages. Thyme is widely used in a variety of throat infections, coughs and allergic conditions.

Hot Water for Asthma
Taking bath in warm water is a natural remedy for asthma. Further, inhalation of steam is also a good home remedy for asthma, clearing the air passages and letting any accumulated phlegm out of the system.

Lemon Juice for Asthma
There is much goodness left in the tiny fruit of lemon for its size, and its healing powers in the case of asthma is just one more of the amazing health benefits of lemon. Lemon is high in Vitamin C along with potassium, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium, and could come in handy in many cases of throat infections, cutting through the phlegm in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, providing good relief for breathing. However, you may not want to add sugar and destroy the goodness that natural lemonade could give you as a perfect home remedy for asthma.

Basil and Turmeric for Asthma
Basil leaves have long been looked upon as blessings for humankind from a host of ailments; basil leaves could be shredded and boiled in water for fifteen minutes, with a little bit of turmeric powder. Turmeric is known to come in handy in many infectious conditions, and in combination with basil, proves to be an effective home remedy for asthma.

Basil and Honey for Asthma
One more useful home remedy for asthma would be to go for basil leaves, the tender green leaves that are full of medicinal properties, and mix them up with honey, mash them and consume the paste every morning. The medicinal properties of basil leaves combine with the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of honey to provide relief from asthma.

Turmeric and Honey for Asthma
Turmeric, with its anti-bacterial properties and honey, with its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tend to be useful home remedies for asthma, when you mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a tablespoon of honey, make a paste of it, and consume it for effective asthma relief.

Milk and Garlic Cloves for Asthma
While it is generally suggested that milk and milk products be avoided since they may not be easily digested, you could have this recipe as effective home remedies for asthma. Add a clove of garlic to a glass of milk and bring it to boil. After it has boiled, you may remove the clove and drink the milk for good relief from asthma

Garlic and Honey for Asthma
Garlic has its own set of medicinal properties, as does honey. A combination of the two does well as home remedy for asthma – you need to add a few garlic cloves and a tablespoon of honey to water and bring it to boil. Once it has boiled for a few minutes, you could filter off the garlic cloves and consume the mixture as home remedy for asthma.

Lavender Oil for Asthma
Lavender oil has a pleasant aromatic smell, but people prone to asthma attacks first need to ensure that the fragrance of lavender oil does not aggravate their asthmatic condition. If the aroma agrees with your system, you could infuse lavender oil on to water and bring it to oil in a kettle, as you bend over the steaming liquid and inhale deeply. You could prevent the vapours from escaping by having a piece of cloth comfortably placed over your head as you bend over, as a home remedy for asthma.

Mustard Oil and Camphor for Asthma
Mustard oil is known for its health benefits, improving immunity in people prone to asthma attacks. You could add a few bits of camphor to mustard oil and heat it up, and apply the warm oil on to the back and chest of people suffering from asthma as useful home remedies for asthma.

Surana powder for piles (haemorrhoids) 

Piles (haemorrhoids) are dilated veins within the anal canal. The precipitating causes of haemorrhoidal disease are chronic constipation, strain during defecation, sedentary life, pregnancy, chronic liver disease and abnormal bowel habits due to long-term use of low-fibre and fat-rich diet.

Piles may be internal, that is, above the internal anal sphincter or external, that is, below the sphincter; dry or with bleeding. The main and earliest symptom of piles is painless bleeding which is usually after and some times before defecation. Pain is not characteristic of haemorrhoids unless it is associated with infection, thrombosis or fissure-in-ano. Mucus discharge is a particular symptom of prolapsed haemorrhoids and anal itching may follow the discharge. Anaemia is seen in long-standing cases due to persistent and profuse bleeding.


Though piles are the most common cause of painless rectal
bleeding, it is important that rectal and anal cancer must be excluded by proper physical examination and investigation before the condition is treated as piles.
In Ayurveda, various drugs are mentioned to treat piles. Of these,
Surana powder is a simple herbal medicine which is frequently used for treating piles following certain life-style changes. The following do’s & don’ts are to be observed by patients with haemorrhoids:

1. Avoid heavy foods, untimely meals and food items that cause constipation and indigestion. 
2. Old rice, barley, garlic, black pepper, lemon, gooseberry, and ginger and judicious use of medicinal beverages are beneficial in the patients with piles 
3. Regular use of goat’s milk and yoghurt is beneficial. 
4. Avoid overeating and dry and spicy foods.

Surana [Amorphophallus campanulatus (Roxb.) Blume.] Surana powder is a simple formulation made from dried corm of Amorphophallus campanulatus, a stout, herbaceous plant cultivated throughout the plains of India. This medicinal plant is named so owing to its ability to combat diseases like piles. Surana is mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia1 as well as the Ayurvedic Formulary of India2. Its daily use is considered beneficial in relieving piles.

Composition

Surana powder consists of finely powdered dried corm of Surana for oral use. 

• English name = Elephant foot 
• Latin name = Amorphophallus campanulatus (Roxb.) Blume.
• Family = Araceae
• Part used = Corm or rhizome

Main chemical constituents3

Betulinic acid, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, lupeol, glucose, galactose, rhamnose and xylose.

Quality standards3

Identity, purity and potency of Surana corm for its oral use are estimated on the basis of the following physical constants.

• Foreign matter = Not more than 1%
• Total ash = Not more than 8%
• Acid-insoluble ash = Not more than 2%
• Alcohol-soluble extractives = Not M T 3%
• Water-soluble extractives = Not M T 9%

Method of preparation

1. Cut Surana corm into small pieces and dry them in sunlight or oven.
2. Take 50 grams of dried pieces of Surana. Dry them further to remove moisture for easy powdering.
3. Grind the corms in a grinder or pulverizer till fine powder is obtained.
4. Filter the powder through 85 size mesh to remove coarse fibers and other particles.
5. Keep the powder in a dry and air-tight food-grade plastic or glass container.

Dosage form 

Creamish-grey fine powder. 

Therapeutic properties4

Surana has carminative, appetizing, digestive and analgesic properties.

Dose and mode of administration

The dose of Surana powder for adults is 2 to 10 grams and for children 1 to 5 grams, twice daily to be swallowed with water.

Indications and uses

Surana is useful in piles, liver disorders, abdominal pain and constipation.

Precautions and safety aspects

1.  Raw Surana corm may cause itching which can be relieved by its antidotes such as lemon and tamarind taken orally.
2. Hot, spicy, fried, sour, pungent, fat-rich and heavy foods should be avoided during medication with Surana.
3. The patient should take plenty of water, properly cooked green vegetables, fruits and milk in daily diet.
4. Straining during defecation should always be avoided.
5. Diet should be soft and digestible and not causing constipation.
6. It is not advisable for pregnant and nursing mothers to consume Surana.

References = Traditional Herbal Remedies for Primary Health Care

ANISEED / FENNEL

For centuries, people wanting to lose weight and stay young ate fennel seeds. However, fennel seeds are most effective as a digestive agent – settling the stomach, relieving colic and wind, and easing indigestion and heartburn. It can also boost your appetite. It is also an antispasmodic and diuretic. It can also act as an antioxidant. It will also help to increase milk production in lactating mothers. Tea made with a few fresh sprigs of fennel
or a level teaspoon of seeds will relieve indigestion. An infusion of the seeds is an excellent carminative, especially for babies. Fennel is an effective treatment for

respiratory congestion and is a common ingredient in cough remedies. An essential oil is often extracted from the seed for medicinal use, though it should not be given to pregnant women.

1. Recipe : Braised Fennel With Cheese 

Nutritional Value (approx.)

• Energy 1488
• Protein 50 g
• Carbohydrate 213 g
• Fat 67 g

Ingredients

• Butter – 50 g 
• Baby fennel bulbs – 12 
• Water – 150 ml 
• Juice of 1 lemon 
• Salt and Pepper – to taste 
• Balsamic vinegar – 1 tbsp 
• Cheese, grated – 3-4 tbsp

Method :

1. Melt butter in a large pan. When it stops foaming, add trimmed and halved fennel bulbs lengthways.
2. Sauté gently for 2 minutes on each side until light golden. ◊ 
3. Add water and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper, bring to boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the fennel is tender.
4. Add vinegar and increase the heat to reduce the liquid by half. ◊ 
5. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the cheese. Allow the cheese to melt.
6. Serve hot.

2.Recipe : Aniseed Sherbat
Ingredients :

• Aniseed powder – 1 cup 
• Sugar Powder – ¾ cup 
• Cardamom powder – of 4-5

Method :

1. Mix all the ingredients together and sieve and store it in the refrigerator.
2. Whenever required, add 2-3 tsp of the powder to 1 glass of cold water and serve.
3. It is a great coolant in the hot summer. 
4. Drinking it everyday just before going out in the sun will prevent you from getting affected by the warm winds.

Home Remedies For Age Spots

Age spots are also known as liver spots, sun spots and are brown, flat discolourations of the skin, which usually occur on the face, hands and the neck. In most cases, these spots are aggravated with exposure to the sun. They also occur when the liver becomes overwhelmed with toxins and age spots begin to develop on the surface of the skin.

Home remedies for age spots

Luckily, the first signs and appearances of these age spots can be easily remedied and treated with the help of simple home remedies. Let us now look at some effective home remedies for age spots.


Home Remedies for Age Spots

• Apple Cider Vinegar

When both apple cider vinegar and the juice of an onion are rubbed on these age spots, the acidic effects of the onion and the vinegar helps to lighten these age spots.
Take one part of apple cider vinegar and one part of onion juice and dab it directly on the age spots. You can also dilute the apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink this concoction once daily for a smooth and age spot free skin.

• Aloe Vera

The juice of aloe Vera is also said to be effective in the treatment of age spots. Many people have found it effective in reducing the appearance of age spots. Simply rub and dab the juice of aloe Vera plant directly on the age spots. You should see considerable and visible improvements in the next few months.

• Lime Juice

Another exceptional home remedy is the use of lime juice for treatment of age spots, tanning and blemishes. Squeeze the juice of a lime and directly apply it to the age spots. If the juice is very potent, you can dilute it with some curd and then apply it on the face. The curd will leave your skin soft and lime juice will help to fade the age spots.

• Castor Oil

Castor oil is believed to be an effective home cure for age spots. Rub some castor oil on the age spots occurring on the face and the neck. You can gently massage this oil so that it seeps well into the skin. Do this every morning and evening for best results.

• Eat a Potassium Rich Diet

Your diet can affect the severity and the spread of age spots. Make sure you take in a diet that is rich in potassium. Some of the potassium rich foods are bananas, cantaloupes, kiwi fruit, avocadoes , figs, dates and melons to name a few. By taking a diet that is rich in these foods, you will be minimizing the outbreak of incidences of age spots.

• Orange Juice

Orange juice has vitamin C that is said to be effective against age spots. Rub some orange juice directly on the affected areas of the skin. This will help to lighten the age spots.

• Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Since age spots tend to get aggravated by the sun, make sure you keep your skin well protected even while you are at home. Apply sunscreen after every two hours because the sun can penetrate your windows and curtains.

• Organic buttermilk

See if you can procure organic buttermilk at home. Now apply this buttermilk on the various age spots on your face and neck. Buttermilk has lactic acid in it, which helps to restore and rejuvenate the skin and make it healthier in the process.

• Chickpea Paste

Soak some chickpeas. Boil and mash them and apply the chickpea paste on your face. Leave it on the face for 30 minutes and allow it to dry before washing it off completely.

• Dandelion

Dandelion root is said to be very good for the complexion and helps to reduce burn marks and sun spots. Break off the stem of the dandelion root and rub the sap of the root on your face. Pure dandelion sap helps to clear the dead and dried skin cells of the face and leaves your face looking clear and radiant.

• Rosemary Essential Oil 

Use rosemary essential oil on your face to get rid of age spots. Take some rosemary essential oil andmix it well with lemon juice and vinegar. Now massage your face well with this mixture. Wash off with warm water later on. Do this twice everyday for best results.

• Drink Enough Water

Along with any home remedy for age spots, it is also necessary to drink a lot of water throughout the day. Water will help to flush out the toxins from the body and is good for any or all possible skin problems and ailments.

• Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is available at home and can be used as a facial bleach to get rid of age spots. Apply diluted hydrogen peroxide directly on your face with the help of a cotton swab. This helps to reduce and lighten the age spots after use for a few weeks.

• Sandalwood Paste and Rose Water

Make a paste of sandalwood powder and rose water. Now apply this paste all over your face and leave it on to dry. Once it has dried completely, wash it off. You can do this twice every week for best results.

• Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an age old home remedy for treatment of age spots. Rub some ripe tomatoes on your age spots. The juice of a tomato helps to lighten and remove tans, pigmentations and age spots.

• Eat More of Fruits and Vegetables

Make sure you eat a diet that is high on fruits and vegetables. The vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables help to restore the natural texture and smoothness of the skin. They also moisturize because they are high in natural water content.
These simple and effective home remedies are very good in removing and eradicating age spots. Besides this, you should exercise and eat healthy. Eliminate unhealthy lifestyle practices like smoking, drinking and taking drugs, which all do untold damage to the skin. Keep stress at bay by practicing yoga and meditation. All of these will work together to give you a clear complexion.

Home Remedies For Abrasions.
A superficial damage caused to your skin as a wound or injury which has an impact on the top most skin layer is known as Abrasion, in the field of medicine.
But you will have to remember that Abrasion and laceration are not same, the former is less severe in nature resulting from scraping of the epidermis while the later one usually includes a sharp object. Abrasions can be easily healed with the help of certain home remedies.

Causes
During childhood everyone gets abrasion which usually happens when the vulnerable skin faces a rough surface, while in motion which grinds or rubs off the topmost layer of the epidermis. For example, abrasion can cause from running, playing sports, etc.
People who had accidents can also have abrasion too. Sometimes women may have abrasions after having a sexual intercourse.

Types Of Abrasion
Before knowing the home remedies for the abrasion you must know what sort of abrasion you or your loved one is suffering from. Three types of Abrasions can be spotted based on the degree or severity of the injury. The First degree abrasion includes an epidermal injury the skin and is most commonly spotted.
The 2nd degree abrasions which include minute percentage of bleeding, affects the epidermis as well as the dermis. The Third degree abrasion is the most serious of all, which involves the subcutaneous layer and damages the skin.

Symptoms
Abrasions are some small injuries on the skin and hence they are very easily noticeable. In some cases it is accompanied by pain which makes it even easier to identify.
Sometimes redness can be spotted in zones where scrapping of skin occurs; light fever can be noticed in some cases. In case of abrasion which is much more intense, as compared to common ones, intense pain along with swelling, excess bleeding, numbness around the site, weakness in the area and such case should be checked by a doctor immediately.

Foods To Eat 
Turmeric
Honey
Dairy Products
Meat
Zinc
Vitamin C
Sweet Potatoes
Ghee
Iron
Fluids

Food To Avoid 
Alcohol  Cabbage  Fried food  Non-veg diets  Onion  Pepper  Pickles  Radish  Smoking  Spicy, salty and acidic food  

Home Remedies For Abrasions
Luckily abrasions can be treated at home, very easily and they shouldn‟t be of much concern until or unless the cut is really deep:

Aloe Vera
After removing the thorns and the outer skin of the Aloe Vera leaves extract the gel. This gel should be applied on the abrasion thrice a day. After applying it, let it stay on the skin.

Turmeric
Turmeric is known to be an effective antiseptic. Take half teaspoon of turmeric powder, add a little water and mix it well to make a paste. After cleaning the abrasion with cotton apply the paste on it thrice a day. Leave it to dry and don‟t cover the wound.

Sage or Germanium Tea
For effective result in curing skin abrasion, dock leaves can be used as lotion. You can also apply tea made from sage or geranium leaves on the affected area.

Lavender Oil
Lavender oil disinfects the injury as well as helps in faster recovery. Three to five lavender drops oil can be added to Thyme tea. Apply this mixture at least twice a day. Other herbs such as a salve made of some tea tree along with comfrey are great at treating abrasions.

Vinegar
One tablespoon of Vinegar missed with three tablespoons of warm water can be dabbed on the abrasion several times a day as Vinegar is a natural astringent. This process helps keep the abrasion clean.


Crushed Marigold Flowers

Marigold flower is known to have antibacterial properties in it which helps to heal the wound faster. Crushed Marigold flowers can be applied on the affected area to acquire faster healing.

Diet Remedy For Abrasions
No specific is needed to follow to treat a skin abrasion; however certain food items can be included to speed up the healing process.

Other Treatments
Always remember before treating the abrasion always wash the wound properly. In order to clean it, you must wash the affected area with some cool fresh water and an antibacterial soap. This process may leave a bit burning or stinging sensation but that shouldn‟t make you skip the process, it is very important to wash it in order to avoid infection.

ARTHRITIS

The literal meaning of arthritis is "joint inflammation" and it can affect joints in any part of the body. When you have arthritis, damage is caused to a lesser or greater degree to the joints and mostly occurs in the hands, arms and legs. The inflammation in one or more of the joints results in pain, swelling and limited movement.


Causes :

1. Broken bone 
2. Infection in the area (usually caused by either bacteria or viruses) 
3. An autoimmune disease (this is where the body attacks itself because the immune system perceives a certain body part to be foreign) 
4. General wear and tear of joints (possibly from old age, over exercise etc.) 
5. Injury (leading to osteoarthritis) 
6. Metabolic abnormalities (such as gout and pseudo gout) 
7. Hereditary factors 
8. Infections 
9. Certain unclear reasons (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
10. Hormonal imbalance 
11. Emotional stress 
12. Structural changes in the particular cartilage of any joint 
13. Physical exertion 
14. Severe fright 
15. Shock 
16. Obesity 
17. Ageing 
18. Previous physical injuries 
19. Occupational hazards, such as those experienced by assembly line workers and heavy construction 
20. High-level sports

Symptoms :

1. Anaemia 
2. Colitis 
3. Constipation 
4. Weak digestion 
5. Intermittent fever 
6. Loss of appetite 
7. Fever
8. Overeating 
9. Weight loss 
10. Fatigue 
11. Feeling unwell 
12. Joint pain and swelling 
13. Stiffness particularly in the mornings 
14. Abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys 
15. A feeling of warmth around a joint 
16. Redness of skin around an affected joint 
17. Stiffness in the joints 
18. Deformed hands and feet 
19. Inflammation of muscles, ligaments and cartilage 
20. Painful movement of the joints, especially in cold, windy and damp weather 
21. Very little physical activity 
22. Blotchy rash on the arms and legs 
23. Inability to move the joints easily 
24. Tenderness of the inflamed joint 
25. Gland swelling (lymph node)

Foods to Avoid :

 Beans  Biscuits  Cakes  Chocolate  Coffee  Dairy products Fried foods  Meat  Pastry  Preservatives and additives  Tea  Tomatoes

Foods to Eat :

 Almonds  Apples  Asparagus  Avocado  Banana  Beetroot  Blueberries  Brazil nuts  Broccoli  Button mushrooms  Cantaloupe  Carrots  Cauliflower  Mango  Onion  Oranges  Papaya  Peach  Peas  Peppers  Pineapple  Plums  Pumpkin seeds  Sardines  Sockeye salmon  Spinach  Celery  Cherries  Collards  Ginger  Grapefruit  Grapes  Green vegetables  Herring  Kiwi Fruit  Linseeds   Squash  Strawberries  Sunflower seeds  Sweet corn  Sweet potato  Turmeric  Walnuts  Whole or cracked grains  Winter squashes

Remedies :-

1. A gentle massage with olive oil will give a lot of relief. 
2. Take equal amounts of water and freshly extracted potato juice and drink it daily.
3.  Rub the aching joints with hot vinegar just before going to bed. 
4. Take 10 gms of camphor and put it in a glass bottle filled with 100 gms of mustard oil. Keep this bottle in the sun till the camphor dissolves. Apply this oil in the joints daily.
5.  A teaspoon of black sesame seeds, soaked in a quarter cup of water and kept overnight, has been found to be effective in preventing frequent joint pains. The water in which the seedsare soaked should also be taken along with the seeds first thing in the morning.
6. Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same reason.
7. Garlic is another effective remedy for arthritis. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to individual preference.
8. Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B6, have proved useful in the treatment of arthritis. A diet of only bananas for three or four days is advised in treating this condition. The patient may eat eight or nine bananas daily during this period and nothing else.
9. A green gram soup should be prepared by mixing a tablespoon of green gram in a cup of water, with two crushed garlic cloves. It should be taken twice a day.
10. Add one tablespoon of cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink before going to bed.