Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a disease caused by exotoxin released by Streptococcus pyogenes.Once a major cause of death, it is now effectively treated with antibiotics. The term scarlatina may be used interchangeably with scarlet fever, though it is commonly used to indicate the less acute form of scarlet fever that is often seen since the beginning of the twentieth century.

It is characterized by:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Bright red tongue with a "strawberry" appearance
• Characteristic rash, which:

• is fine, red, and rough-textured; it blanches upon pressure.
• appears 12–48 hours after the fever.
• generally starts on the chest, armpits, and behind the ears.
• spares the face (although some circumoral pallor is characteristic).
• is worse in the skin folds. These Pastia lines (where the rash runs together in the armpits and groin) appear and can persist after the rash is gone.
• may spread to cover the uvula.

The rash begins to fade three to four days after onset and desquamation(peeling) begins. "This phase begins with flakes peeling from the face. Peeling from the palms and around the fingers occurs about a week later." Peeling also occurs in axilla, groin, and tips of the fingers and toes

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a native to India and southern Europe. For centuries it has grown wild in India, the Mediterranean and North Africa. where it is mainly cultivated. A limited crop grows in France. It was used by the ancient Egyptians to combat fever and grown in classical times as cattle fodder. Commercially, it is used in the preparation of mango chutneys and as a base for imitation maple syrup. In India it is used medicinally, and as a yellow dyestuff. It is also an oriental cattle fodder and is planted as a soil renovator. In the West, fenugreek’s therapeutic use is now largely confined to the treatment of animals, though historically. it has been used in human medicine. The name derives from the Latin ‘Greek hay” illustrating its classical use as fodder.

Preparation and Storage
Dried seeds should be lightly roasted before using (don’t overdo it though, or they will become bitter). After roasting, they are easily ground. A small amount will complement many other spices, but too much can be overpowering. If the seeds are required as part of a curry paste they can be soaked overnight to swell and soften, and be easily mixed with the other ingredients.

Culinary Uses
The major use of fenugreek is in curry powders, figuring in many mixtures, especially vindaloo and the hot curries of Sri Lanka. It is an ingredient of Panch phoron, the Indian five-spice mixture. In home-made powders, the amount used can be controlled, but in cheap bought powders it often overpowers. When fish is curried, particularly strong-tasting fish such as tuna and mackerel, fenugreek is frequently included in the spice mixture. Many chutneys and pickles incorporate it and it gives a tangy aroma to vegetables. The leaves, both fresh and dried, are used in meat curries, dhal and vegetable dishes and chutneys. The seeds are an ingredient of the Middle Eastern confection halva. Flour mixed with ground fenugreek makes a spicy bread. In India the roasted ground seeds are infused for a coffee substitute or adulterant. A tea can be made by infusing teaspoon of seed with two cups of water for five minutes.

Attributed Medicinal Properties
Fenugreek is a digestive aid. As an emollient it is used in poultices for boils, cysts and other complaints. Reducing the sugar level of the blood, it is used in diabetes in conjunction with insulin. It also lowers blood pressure. Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation and fights infection. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion, and loosens & removes excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps the body utilize oxygen. Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine. Fenugreek contains mucilagins which are known for soothing and relaxing inflamed tissues. Fenugreek stimulates the production of mucosal fluids helping remove allergens and toxins from the respiratory tract. Acting as an expectorant, Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis and congestion. In the East, beverages are made from the seed to ease stomach trouble. The chemical make-up is curiously similar to cod liver oil, for which a decoction of the seed is sometimes used as a substitute. Many other properties are ascribed to it in India and the East and not surprisingly include aphrodisiac.

Fenugreek seeds contain alkaloids, including trigonelline, gentianine and carpaine compounds. The seeds also contain fiber, 4-hydroxyisoleucine and fenugreekine, a component that may have hypoglycemic activity. The mechanism is thought to delay gastric emptying, slow carbohydrate absorption and inhibit glucose transport.

Fenugreek may also increase the number of insulin receptors in red blood cells and improve glucose utilization in peripheral tissues, thus demonstrating potential anti-diabetes effects both in the pancreas and other sites. The amino acid 4- hydroxyisoleucine, contained in the seeds, may also directly stimulate insulin secretion.

fenugreek, What are the Benefits of Fenugreek?

Due to its estrogen-like properties, fenugreek has been found to help increase libido and lessen the effect of hot flashes and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of menopause and PMS. In India and China it has also been used to treat arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, improve digestion, maintain a healthy metabolism, increase libido and male potency, cure skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), treat sore throat, and cure acid reflux. Fenugreek also has a long history of use for the treatment of reproductive disorders, to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain. Recent studies have shown that Fenugreek helps lower blood glucose and cholestrol levels, and may be an effective treatment for both type 1 and 2 diabetes. It is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits.

Uses of Fenugreek

Home Remedy for Balancing Cholesterol

Studies have found people who took 2 ounces (56g) of fenugreek seed each day had significantly (around 14 percent) lower cholesterol levels after 24 weeks, and had lowered their risk of heart attack by more than 25 percent. Therefore, a recommended remedy for lowering cholesterol is to take 2 ounces of seeds throughout the day. The seeds can be sprinkled onto prepared food, or they can be consumed with water if they are in capsule form.

Treating Diabetes and Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Studies have shown that participants with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar levels after eating fenugreek. Therefore, a recommended home remedy for treating Type 2 diabetes is to consume 500mg of fenugreek twice daily. Herbal Cure for Skin Inflammation

Research has shown that Fenugreek is an effective topical treatment for skin problems such as abscesses, boils, burns, eczema, and gout. Therefore, a simple skin inflammation remedy is the following:

• Take a spoonful of fenugreek and grind it into a powder.
• Mix the ground powder with warm water.
• Take a simple piece of clean cloth and soak it into the mixture.
• Apply the soaked cloth directly onto the affected skin as a poultice.

fenugreek, Fenugreek Seed for Increasing Milk Supply

Effect on milk production

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) appears to be the herb that is most often used to increase milk supply. It is an excellent galactagogue, and has been used as such for centuries. In one study of ten women, "the use of fenugreek significantly increased volume of breastmilk" [Swafford 2000].

Mothers generally notice an increase in production 24-72 hours after starting the herb, but it can take two weeks for others to see a change.

Dosages of less than 6 capsules/day (approx 3500 mg/day) produce no effect in many women. One way to determine if you're taking the correct dosage is to slowly increase the amount of fenugreek until your sweat and urine begin to smell like maple syrup. If you're having problems with any side effects, discontinue use and consider alternative methods of increasing milk supply.

Fenugreek can be used either short-term to boost milk supply or long-term to augment supply and/or pumping yields. There are no studies indicating problems with long-term usage. Per Kathleen Huggins "Most mothers have found that the herb can be discontinued once milk production is stimulated to an appropriate level. Adequate production is usually maintained as long as sufficient breast stimulation and emptying continues" [Huggins].

fenugreek

Scientific classification

fenugreek is a plant in the family Fabaceae. Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed, often called methi). The plant is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop and is a common ingredient in many curries.

The name fenugreek or foenum-graecum is from Latin for "Greek hay". The plant's similarity to wild clover has likely spawned its Swedish name: "bockhornsklöver" as well as the German: "Bockshornklee", both literally meaning: "ram's horn clover".

Zohary and Hopf note that it is not yet certain which wild strain of the genus Trigonella gave rise to the domesticated fenugreek but believe it was brought into cultivation in the Near East. Charred fenugreek seeds have been recovered from Tell Halal, Iraq, (radiocarbon dating to 4000 BCE) and Bronze Age levels of Lachish, as well as desiccated seeds from the tomb of Tutankhamen. Cato the Elder lists fenugreek with clover and vetch as crops grown to feed cattle (De Agri Cultura, 27).

Natural Remedies for Gray Hair

Given below are some natural remedies to cure grey hair. These need to be done diligently and patiently for some months for the results to be visible. Continued use would provide long-lasting results.

1. Take 100 gms of curd. Add about 1 gm of black pepper to it. Mix it well and apply it evenly on the hair and scalp. Keep it for an hour and then wash with warm water and mild shampoo. Do this treatment once a week to see the remarkable difference in the texture and color of your hair. Your hair will become silkier and regular use will also make the hair dandruff-free. Curd helps in curing dandruff and making the hair softer while black pepper helps make the hair black. So one recipe gives 3 benefits – a) dandruff-free hair b) soft and silky hair and c) black hair. Doing this once a week helps in maintaining the hair color and delaying greying to a great extent. This recipe should be avoided by people who have a tendency to catch frequent colds and coughs. Curd causes a cooling effect on the head and this may worsen a cold situation.
   
2. Rubbing your left and right hand nails with each other is a splendid way to cure hair fall, increase hair growth and get back the lost color. The beauty of the method lies in its simplicity and the fact that it is free, needs very little time and has absolutely no side-effects. Regular use brings back lost color. The new hair that grows back is also colored and not white. You need to fold both your palms inwards and place the fingernails of both hands against each other. Then with regular swift motions, rub them against each other. This rubbing procedure increases the blood flow to the scalp and helps in strengthening the roots. It is simple and can be done anywhere anytime. Do it for about 5-7 minutes twice a day. It is tried and tested and is guaranteed to show results. It is well popularized by naturopaths and ayurvedic experts in India. You need to be patient though. You will begin to notice a difference in about a month and by the end of 6 months you will se remarkable improvements in your hair.
   
3. Mix sesame oil or olive oil in juice of bottle gourd and apply to hair. This helps make the hair long, black, thick and shiny. This helps prevent gray hair and hair fall and is very good for the overall health of hair.

gray hair : Causes of Gray Hair

Gray hair is supposedly a sign of wisdom. Well, Gray hair is caused when the follicle is unable to add color to the hair or when there is lack of melanin in the body. Melanin is responsible in giving color to the hair and due to the lack of which the hair starts to grey. Grey hair in old days was the sign of reaching mid life or starting with old age. But in today’s life even very young people get gray hair.

There are a lot of reasons for having grey hair. One reason could be stress and tension. Lot of stress and tension leads to early graying of hair. Another reason could be age. If a person is around 40 it is natural for him to start graying. It is not that every person who reaches 40 or 40+ has grey hair but generally this is the scenario every where. As you age your body capacity to produce melanin decreases and you tend to grey fast. Smoking can also be one of the reasons for gray hair at an early age. Smoking is generally said to be injurious to health so it has to be injurious to your hair too. Certain Illness can also lead to graying or premature ageing of hair. Some drugs can also lead to change of color of hair early.

Grey Hair Treatment

There are some grey hair treatment available. Apart from temporary cosmetic treatments like dyeing and coloring, you can try natural methods for gray hair treatment. While coloring could rid you of the problem for some months, to dye grey hair means you will face with the problem again in less than a month. Other cosmetics available in the market may just help you keep your hair in a good condition and healthy but they would not help in delaying the process of getting gray hair. Natural remedies are a better option as discussed in the next section.