HOW TO PREVENT FOOT ODOR AND KEEP YOUR FEET SMELLING FRESH

Foot odor is a major concern for many. In summer shoes stink of foul smells and it becomes impossible to have a meeting or even walk beside a person with foot odor. You can interpret the face expressions of those who are annoyed when the place is stinking . You better avoid feedback , worst case the person totally avoids you.

Basic cause of foot odor is sweat. Sweat combines with the harmless bacteria that live on the skin . When the environmental conditions are warm and damp the bacteria on the feet multiply and break down into foul smelling by- products. The conditions worsen when you wear shoes that prevents air circulation and synthetic socks that keeps the feet closed without absorbing the sweat.

At times the bacteria will overgrow and will lead to blisters on the feet or between the toes. You need to be extremely careful with the selection of foot wear and the socks. You can keep your feet smelling fresh by following these tips:

• Wash your feet as soon as you finish working out. To prevent the growth of bacteria keeping your feet clean and dry .
• If you can’t shower right away, rub your feet with antibacterial wipes or cloths containing tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic and astringent.
• Keep toe nails short, because bacteria can collect underneath. Rub diluted tea tree oil on your feet and thoroughly on toes/nails after showering. Tea tree oil kills foot fungus and smells nice too.
• Check your feet for any signs of fungal or bacterial infection, and treat any symptoms promptly.
• If your feet are excessively sweaty, try using an antiperspirant on your soles.
• Use odor-fighting insoles, like Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X insoles, which contain charcoal and baking soda to neutralize odors.
• Air out your shoes for at least a day before you wear them again, especially sneakers and boots. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.
• Sweaty feet and shoes that don’t allow air circulation can lead to fungus and bacteria breeding inside your shoes and socks. These germs can cause an embarrassing odor when you remove your shoes. Wear shoes made of breathable materials, like canvas, leather or mesh, and avoid plastic or nylon shoes.
• Wear thick, absorbent cotton socks with shoes. Opt for moisture control socks. Change socks daily. Avoid socks made of synthetic material. For closed shoes always wear socks, even if it is for a short duration. Sweat that collects in the shoe creates foul smell later.
• Apply on your feet daily a non-medicated powder, like baby powder or foot powder.
• Salt water can dry out your skin so if you wash your feet in it then you can reduce the moisture of your feet and that will reduce their tendency to get stinky fast. When you are done with your shower, soak your feet in a solution of lukewarm salt water. Don’t rinse it off; merely wipe it off with a towel and let your feet dry fully before putting socks on.
• Soak your feet in tea that has attained normal room temperature.  The tannic acid present in tea works effectively on feet. Black tea is best although green tea works as well.
• Ginger, radish and lemon are all good products for creating a foot scrub that will truly cleanse your feet. Do this once or twice a week.
• If you need to wear the same shoe in a row then sprinkle talcum powder inside the shoe. An ideal alternative will be corn starch or baking soda.
• Place crumpled newspaper inside damp / wet shoes , paper will absorb moisture and foul smells keeping them dry overnight.
• After a bath, wipe your feet with IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol 70%) available in medical store. It will prevent bacteria growth.
• Minimize food like garlic, onion, pepper if you perspire a lot. These food items stimulate your sweat glands and thus resulting in sweaty and stinky feet.
• Stress and anxiety increase production of sweat, later on causing unpleasant body and foot odor. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to keep away stress. A relaxed mind gives a healthy body.

Ayurveda recommends the following home remedies to keep away body and foot odor.

• Immerse foot in Neem leaves water for 20 mins, frequency once a week. It has anti-bacterial property. Use neem soap available in the market.
• Extract juice of radish or turnip . Apply this on your foot and let it dry.
• Use cotton swabs dipped in Vinegar to wipe your feet and under arms too. The foot will be free of bad odor throughout the day.
• Soak your feet for 20 minutes in a basin containing lukewarm water , salt and herbal ingredients as recommended by the Vaidyar.
• Extract tomato juice. Add ½ cup of tomato juice to a bucket of bathing water. You can keep body odor at bay too.

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HOW TO PREVENT NOSE BLEEDING IN SUMMER?

Nose bleeding occurs in summer when the tiny blood capillaries get ruptured due to hot waves or picking at the dry mucus inside the nose. The sudden trickle of blood makes the individual get panicky. You can follow the preventive measures mentioned and take care of your health.

What are the Preventive measures of nose bleeding?

• Do not go out in the hot weather. Cover your head with a cap and cover the nose with a folded kerchief or cotton cloth to avoid hot air coming in.
• Placing Air conditioners and Air coolers will maintain some humidity in the air.
• Avoid picking your nose and blowing your nose hard if it’s blocked due to cold and dried mucus.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking and hot drinks because they expand the blood cells in the lining of your nose
• After the bleeding stops, the blood clots inside the nose. Do not try to remove the dried mucus and blood. Clean nose when wet or with a wet paper towel.

Home remedies and Ayurvedic reference for nose bleeding:

• Stop nosebleed by dipping a cotton ball or plain sterile gauze with white vinegar and place it in your nose. Leave it in place for at least ten minutes. The acid of the vinegar will gently cauterize the inside of the nose and stop the bleeding.
• Applying cold compress or ice cubes above the nose or across the bridge of the nose will also help control the bleeding.
• Place a cloth or cotton gauze dipped in lemon juice, provides excellent relief.
• Place a cotton gauze dipped in rosewater or onion juice cloth dipped in Onion juice and place over nostrils.
• Juice of fresh coriander leaves can be used as nasal drops.
• Soak two figs (Anjeer) in water overnight. Eating them with water in the morning, helps to overcome nose bleeding.

Diet to be followed:

• Avoid spicy and items that give heat to the body.
• Consume coolants , coconut water and butter milk.
• Keep away from stress and tensions.
• Body and mind requires rest, have a sound sleep at night.

If you are getting this problem often do consult your doctor. If you are above 50 years of age the nose bleeding could be due to Blood pressure problems and need medical intervention.

Further reading: Get rid of Prickly heat with Home Remedies

HOW TO REMOVE DANDRUFF – HOME REMEDIES

Dandruff on scalp in the form of crust or lumps is a common problem for many. Dandruffs are caused due to aggravated Vata dosha resulting in dry scalp. Dandruff occurs when dead scalp cells accumulate as shiny flakes at the hair roots. It causes severe itching and redness, leads to further damage when scratched.

Some of the factors causing dandruff are:

Excessively oily scalp,  Improper maintenance of greasy hair , unhygienic hair conditions cause accumulation of toxins on the scalp, dry weather, scalp sensitivity, poor immune system, fungal infection, stress, hormonal imbalances. poor diet leading to dandruff.

Some of the easy home remedies – natural healing are:

Coconut oil is wonderful as a hair conditioner. It conditions the dry head, and softens the hair. Take equal quantities of lemon juice and lukewarm coconut oil (or any of your favorite head massage oil) and mix them well. Gently massage this mixture on your head in circular motions with your finger tips. For better results leave it for overnight, or at least for 30 minutes before washing your hair.

Fenugreek prevents hair loss, thinning of hair and baldness. For dry dandruff: Take 2 tbsp of fenugreek seeds and soak it overnight. Separately soak shikakai-soap nuts in water . Make a fine paste of soaked Fenugreek it in the morning and apply it on your scalp. Leave it for half an hour, and then wash it off thoroughly with water and shikakai / reetha (acacia concinna ). Use this treatment twice a week.

Lime juice can prove to be an effective treatment while dealing with dandruff, especially in the oily condition. Lemon juice cleans the hair free off the stickiness, and gives shine to the hair. It has antibacterial effect too. It protects scalp and skin too. Squeeze 2 limes. The lemon peels can be massaged on the scalp for 2 to 3 minutes . Continue massaging scalp with 2 tspns of lime juice, leave it for 30 minutes. Wash hair after this duration. You can follow this schedule once a week.

Vinegar balances the pH of the hair, protects and covers the hair shaft, and imparts smoother surface. It is an excellent home made after shampoo rinse. Mix 2 tbsp of vinegar with 6 tbsp of water, and apply it on your head with a cotton ball, or finger tips, and keep it over night. Shampoo your hair the next morning using vinegar mixed water.

Eggs are proteins and proteins are the building blocks of good, shiny, healthy hair. This pack nourishes the hair, and aids in removing dandruff. Mix 2 beaten eggs with 2 tbsp of water and 2 tspns of lime juice, and apply this mixture on wet hair. Slowly, and gently massage the mixture on your scalp for some time. Leave it for 15 minutes, and then rinse your hair with lukewarm water.

Olive oil helps dislodge dandruff flakes and also nourishes your scalp. Besides that, the oil also supplements your scalp and hair with essential vitamins A, K, E, provides anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory qualities and even moisturizes. Heat 3 tspns of organic virgin olive oil until it is warm to dip your fingers and apply over your hair and scalp . Leave it for 30 minutes. Wash your head and hair using mild shampoo .

Add 2 gms of camphor in 50 ml of coconut oil and store in a glass bottle. After 3 days apply the oil onto scalp and massage well. Leave it overnight.

These are simple remedies that can be followed with items available in your kitchen. Allocate some time to yourself and you will be thrilled with the results.

Your effort has ensured the dandruff are away. Continue the scalp care as dandruff is known to resurface.