Management of Common Ailments Using Home Remedies

Home remedy is a simple medication prepared at home by using herbs available in the region or ingredients available in the house like spices. Use of home remedies is prevalent in every part of the country as they are effective, economical and easy to use.

Home remedies are generally safe but may give rise to side effects, if not used properly without heeding precautions. Therefore the following instructions should be carefully read, understood and followed by the user.

General Instructions for Using Home Remedies

• Home remedies are meant for prevention of diseases and management of simple and minor illnesses like common cold, cough, to aid recovery from illness and to manage symptoms of minor ailments like loss of appetite, indigestion etc.
• Home remedies are also useful in chronic problems such as osteoarthritis
• Home remedies cannot replace a standard treatment and should be used as add on only. The attending physician should be always informed about the home remedy used by the patient
• Home remedy should not be used in major diseases such as cancer, serious or life threatening conditions as a main course of treatment
• Don't give any internal medication when a person is unconscious, not even through the nose. It may enter in the airway and prove to be fatal
• These home remedies should not be given to children below 1 year of age, unless advised by a qualified AYUSH physician
• The medicines mentioned in this booklet are generally safe, however, in case of any discomfort it should be stopped immediately and in case of persisting complaints, medical advice should be taken
• Use of right ingredient will give the desired result and therefore ensure proper identification of the ingredients/ herb that is being used
• The plants from footpath, burial grounds, dump-yards, drain-sides, industrial belt & other polluted area should be avoided
• The plants should be properly washed and dried in shade if required
• It should be stored in airtight containersand ensure the freshness before use
• Care should be taken while giving home remedies to old, sick persons, children and pregnant women
• In emergency situation or in acute illnesses such as acute pain, high fever, respiratory distress, unconscious, uncontrolled bleeding, tumours, ulcers, chronic cough, unexplained weight loss, medical consultation should be sought immediately
• Do not cause unnecessary damage to the plant and encourage replacement while plucking it to ensure preservation of plant species
• Collection of plants should be done in properseason to ensure maturity like Amla, Jamun seeds with minimal damage to plant
• Encourage the use of weeds (like touch me not) and often discarded parts of plants with medicinal value (pomegranate fruit coat, rose petals)
• The dose given is for adult. For children l/2 or 1/4 of this adult dose may be used
• The dosage may be adjusted with slight alterations, according to the tolerance and preference
• Measurements
  • 5gm. = 1 Tea spoonfull
  • 5ml. = l Tea spoon full
  • Fresh juice of plants -1/2 to 2 tea spoons
  • Decoction-1/2 to l cup
  • Hot and cold infusion-1/2 to 1 cup
  • Powder- l to 3 gm.
  • Paste- 1-3 gm.
  • Oil- generally for external use as home remedy
• The remedies may be taken with water, milk, butter milk, honey, ghee, rock salt as per the condition for which the medicine is taken while giving due consideration to personal preferences too
• Frequency of the medication is generally 2 to 3 times a day, while medicines are more frequently administered in cough, vomiting, dyspnea, diarrhoea etc.
• The duration of use may be as required or advised by the physician or till the symptoms subside
• In case of combined use/ add on, a minimum gap of 30 minutes should be maintained to avoid interaction with each other
• Juice of plants should be prepared by crushing with stones/pestle or grinding in mixie with little water if required and the juice should be strained through a clean cloth/ strainer
• Decoction should be prepared by boiling crushed/coarsely powdered drug in water for a particular period of time
• Paste should be prepared by crushing/ grinding the drug very finely with desired liquid if required

Common Cold

Symptoms : Common cold is a frequent problem encountered among people of all age groups and the following symptoms are usually seen.

• Running nose
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Blocked nose
• Body pain
• Headache
• Fever
• Cough
• Watery eyes

 Preventive measures

• Use Turmeric, Ginger and Tulasi to boost immunity during outbreak in the form of warm decoction twice a day, at least for a week
• Keep away from others who are having symptoms of common cold
• The affected person should cover mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
• Wash hands with soap and avoid touching face if come in contact with person with symptoms
• Eat healthy, hygienic, warm and easily digestible food
• Use oil in the nostrils or ears only with an advise by a qualified physician
• Drink warm water, preferably processed with Ginger, Turmeric or Tulasi
• Take sufficient rest

Management

• Steam inhalation
• Decoction prepared from small piece of Ginger, 3 to 4 pinches of black pepper and 5to 6 Tulsi leaves taken 3 times a day OR Mix one teaspoon honey with half teaspoon Dalchini (Cinnamon) powder and take 2- 3times a day
• Gargle with warm saline water or decoction of Turmeric powder 2to 3 times a day

Cough

Home Remedies

• Keep small piece of Mulethi (licorice) or clove in mouth in case of dry cough
• Take decoction of powder or fresh leaves of Vasa (Adhatoda vasica)
• Take 1 glass hot milk mixed with 1 spoonful (5 gm) of Turmeric at bedtime
• Luke warm decoction of Ginger or one teaspoon juice of Ginger and Tulasi with a spoon of honey 3 times a day
• Gargling with warm saline water and , steam inhalation 2to 3 time a day
• Clove, Ginger and Cardamom in the form of powder or decoction or processed with milk is useful in cough with sputum

The cough associated with breathing problems, high fever, chest pain or if the cough persists for more than 2 weeks associated with blood in the sputum, weight loss, fever, loss of appetite etc., seek medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner for further screening and treatment.

Fever

Home remedy should be used for mild fever (of up to 100 F) that too only when associated with mild symptoms like cold or body ache. If there is further rise in temperature or associated with difficulty in breathing, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, altered consciousness or if the fever persists for longer than 2 days, a doctor should be immediately consulted.

Home Remedies

• Leaves of Chirayata (Swertia chirata) 10 gm, boi1ed in 2 cups of water and reduced to l cup, should be taken twice a day OR Whole plant of Nagarmotha {Cyperus rotundus) (l0gm) boiled in 2 cups of water and reduced to l cup.should be taken twice or thrice a day
• Warm decoction of crushed coriander seeds or Giloy stem (about 50 grams) 3 to 4 times a day, in any type of fever
• Take one tea spoon juice of Tulsi (Basil) leaves and Ginger and consume it 3 to 4 times a day after adding one teaspoon of honey, when associated with cold/cough
• Eat light and warm home cooked food
• Avoid cold and heavy food
• Take appropriate rest
• Use cold sponging if fever is above 100 F

Bronchial Asthama

Symptoms

• Difficulty in breathing /breathlessness
• Cough
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness

Preventive measures

• The best way to prevent asthma attacks is to avoid known irritants. Common irritants include cold air, pollen, and dust
• Consume light and warm food at night
• Take warm food and drinks
• Gargle with warm water
• Inhalation of steam is found to be useful
• Avoid curd, banana, buttermilk, guava, fried food, too much sour substances etc.
• Smoking, both active and passive should be strictly prohibited
• Avoiding food that trigger an allergy attack will help
• Stress may trigger asthma symptoms
• Yoga/Pranayama are very essential in prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma. Please perform it with the consultation of a trained Yoga expert
• Consult the doctor regularly and immediately in case of breathing difficulty

Home remedies

• Take Baheda (Terminalia bellirica) 3 to 5gm powder with equal quantity of Honey- twice a day
• Apply luke warm mustard oil mixed with a pinch of rock salt on chest and back
• Take 5 gm of powder of root of Kantakari (Solanum surattens) with honey or in the form of decoction
• Taking slow, deep breaths are helpful

Loss of Appetite

Home remedies

• Drink warm water
• Do not eat heavy meals, have warm and light food like Dalia, Khichadi
• Eat meals in the correct time in  appropriate quantity.
• Small pieces of ginger crushed and mixed with lime juice and rock salt may be taken before having food
• Amla (Embilica officianialis) powder mixed with pinch of salt before food
• Cut fruit of lemon into two halves, sprinkle powdered black pepper and salt and suck it repeatedly
• Pudina leaves (Mint),1emon and black salt with water
• Consume half spoonful(2-3 gm) Ajwain with rock salt and lemon juice

These home remedies may be used during recovery from illness or as adjuvant to any other treatment. Please ensure that the patient is not suffering from any underlying serious disease such as liver disorders, intestinal disorders, cancer or other serious conditions requiring medical care.

Indigestion

Preventive measures

• Drink warm water
• Do not eat heavy meals, have warm and light food at regular intervals
• Avoid long intervals in between meals
• Sleep well, at regular time and avoid sleeping during day time
• Avoid sleeping immediately after food
• Avoid stress and anxiety
• Avoid heavy, too much spicy, sour and hot food

Home remedies

• Prepare an infusion of Aniseed (Saunf), Ginger, Cumin seeds and black Pepper by boiling in water
• Take lemon juice one tea spoon (5ml) after meal thrice daily with rock salt
• Mix 1 pinch of Ajwain and asafoetida in equal amounts and have with butter milk or warm water

Please ensure that the person is not suffering from any underlying serious disease such as liver disorder, cancer or such other conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Vomiting

Home remedies

• Drink coconut water with a pinch of cardamom powder in small amounts
• Have a cup of ginger tea
• Consume popped/ puffed rice boiled in water
• Procedure for preparing home-made ORS (1 Litre) using sugar, salt and water:
  • Clean water - l litre -5 cupfu1(each cup about 200 ml.)
  • Sugar - six level teaspoons(20-30 gm)
  • Salt - half level teaspoon (1-2gm)
  • Stir the mixture till the sugar dissolves

Note: Once prepared, use this solution within 24 hours.

Hyper Acidity

• Avoid heavy, too much spicy, sour and hot food
• Avoid junk food and preserved food items
• Don't remain hungry or thirsty for log time
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Sleep well and at regular time
• Adequate quantity of water
• Manage anxiety and stress
• 3to 5 gm of powder of Amla fruit in empty stomach
• Tender coconut water in empty stomach
• Juice of banana stem. Yastimadhu powder shall be taken in the dose of 3 to 5 gm with cold milk or water
• Paste of rose petals with cold milk or water

If the patient has pain in the upper abdomen, history of blood in the vomiting, dark coloured stool or any other serious symptoms, then it should be further investigated immediately.

Constipation

Symptoms

• Irregular bowel movements (passing fewer than 3 stools a week)
• Hard stools
• Undue straining at the time of bowel evacuation
• Heaviness of abdomen
• Loss of appetite

Preventive measures

• Drink a glass of warm water early in the morning
• Try to avoid hot and spicy food
• Adequate fluid should be taken
• Consume green leafy vegetables
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Use whole cereals like rice, wheat and pulses like green gram
• Intake of unctuous substances like ghee and oil in diet will also be beneficial 

Home remedies

• Triphala powder (3 -5gm) to be taken with warm water at bedtime
• Take 10ml (for adults) of Castor oil with warm milk or water at night
• Isabgol (5gm for adults) with warm water or milk
• Take raisins regularly
• Rose petals as paste with milk or water OR Gulkand (prepared by adding the paste of rose petals in sugar syrup) 1-2 spoons
• Take sufficient fluids, whole green gram, whole grains like red rice, Dalia are advisable
• Staying physically active also is necessary

Consultation with doctor is essential if there is no passage of stools for more than 3 days to rule out underlying causes such as intestinal obstruction, tumours etc. Do not use any home remedy in such cases.

Piles/Fissure

• Avoid spicy and heavy food. Take sufficient fluids, whole green gram, grains like red rice, Dalia
• Use Triphala or powder of Amla fruit rind 3 to 5 gm with warm water for smooth evacuation of stool
• Rose petals as paste or Gulkand, 1-2 spoons
• Juice of whole plant of touch me not plant specially if there is bleeding and prolapse
• Applying any oil followed by sitz bath with warm water or decoction of Triphala, Peepal, Gular tree bark will help

Diarrhoea

Symptoms

• Frequent passage of watery stools
• Pain in abdomen
• Fluid loss, persistent diarrhoea can lead to dehydration especially in children. Signs and symptoms include:

Preventive measures

• Increase fluid intake such as water/tender coconut water/buttermilk etc.
• Maintain proper hygiene. Wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water before consuming meals and after going to toilet
• Use clean boiled water for drinking
• Children below the age of 5 years should be treated with ORS and special attention is to be given to the signs and symptoms for dehydration
• Breast fed infants should be given ORS along with mother's milk

 Home remedies

• Take ORS, Procedure for preparing homemade ORS (llitre) using sugar, salt and water is given in point 2.8
• Powder of pomegranate fruit rind or peel (5-10gm) mixed with honey may be given 4 times
• Powder of fried Cumin or fruit of long Pepper or dried Ginger 1 tsp (5gm) mixed with 1 litre buttermilk and divided into 4 equal parts and each part is to be given at interval of 6 hours
• Fruit rind of Bael (Aegle marmelos) is usefull

Dysentery

Dysentery is diarrhoea with blood and mucous. Other symptoms may include fever, abdominal pain and a feeling of incomplete defecation. Complications may include dehydration.

Home remedies

• Powder of Pomegranate fruit rind (5-10gm) mixed with honey may be given 4 times
• Powder of Jaiphal 1/4 tsp, Ajwain and Jeera in 1:2:3 ratio with fresh butter milk 2 times daily
• Raw banana paste mixed with buttermilk, Jeera / Ajwain / Hing is good for diarrhoea, dysentery and constipation
• The fruit juice and fruitrind powder of pomegranate in the dose of 1/2 to 1 tsp in buttermilk
• Banana, papaya, curd, buttermilk, white gourd should be used

Anaemia

Iron deficiency is the commonest cause of anaemia, which can be prevented and corrected with easy measures.

Symptoms

• Paleness of eyes/face/ tongue or gums
• Tiredness

 Preventive measures

• Use of green leafy vegetables like Spinach (PaIak), Hogweed (Punarnara), Drumstick, and fruits like Amla, Pomegranate, dry Grapes, Dates etc.
• Prefer iron pan for cooking
• Use Jaggery in place of sugar
• Eat well, take whole grams, sprouts, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables
• Consume milk, fish, eggs, meat, pulses, finger millet etc.
• Regular deworming is required

Home remedies

• Juice of Amla mixed with honey to be taken 2 teaspoonfu1(l0m1) - twice a day
• Soup of Carrot, Spinach, and Beetroot should be consumed
• Consume dates, Jaggery and Moringa leaves regularly
  • In case of any possible cause for bleeding such as bleeding piles, excessive menstrual bleeding or in chronic anaemia without any apparent causes, medical consultation should be sought
  • Presence of severe symptoms like extreme paleness, dyspnoea, palpitation warrants immediate medical attention
  • Anaemia not responding to these measures or usual medication need to be referred for further investigation and treatment

Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms

• Frequent micturition
• Pain and burning sensation during micturition
• Strong persistent urge to urinate
• Passing small amounts of urine frequently
• Foul smelling urine
• Cloudy or dark coloured urine
• Pain in lower abdomen
• Urinary tract infection is very common in women

Preventive measures

• Drink a minimum 10 to 12 glasses of water per day, more during hot and humid weather as in summer and upon excessive sweating
• Drink coconut water
• A cup of decoction of bark of Peepal
• Use clean undergarments and clothes during menses
• Don't eat too much spicy/ oily food

Home remedies

• Soak two spoonful (10gm) of coriander seed powder in a glass of warm water at night, strain and drink in the morning
• Powder or juice of fresh leaves of Punurnara (Boerhavia diffusa) with water OR Decoction of Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris)
• Decoction of|amun/Peepal/ Gular bark
• Adequate intake of fluids (increase 2 litres than normal)
• Tender coconut water may be used few times ina day

These home remedies are advised in chronic and recurrent urinary problem as a supportive therapy, however in case of acute problem or if associated with diabetes, urinary calculi the main course of treatment should be continued or appropriate referral should be done.

Eye Care

Symptoms

• Redness of eyes
• Itching sensation
• Irritation of eyes
• Watering of eyes
• Dark circles around the eyes
• Eye strain

Preventive measures

• Do not over strain the eyes
• Avoid reading in dim light, continuous usage of mobile, laptops, computers or television
• Give rest to eyes after every 20 minutes by fast blinking and looking at long distance
• Clean eyes with cold water after coming back from outdoors
• Pomegranate, carrot, honey, jaggery, green leafy vegetables, papaya should be included in the diet
• Fish, egg, milk are beneficial

Home remedies

• Put sliced pieces of cucumber over eyes
• Cotton balls dipped in rose water or luke warm water can be placed over eyes
• Wash the eyes with water containing 10 rose petals
• Boil the leaves and flowers of Devil weed (Chromoloena odorata) in water, strain it and use for eye wash in case of burning or redness of eyes
• Eating tender leaves of Moringa santed with ghee is beneficial for eyes

Sunstroke

Symptoms

• Burning sensation in hands and feet H Hot and dry skin
• Rapid heat beat
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Rapid breathing
• Increased thirst
• Weakness
• High fever (above 40°C/104°F), may be accompanied by vomiting
• Dilatation of pupil
• Vertigo etc.
• Susceptible group includes children, elderly and diseased persons, labourers and sports persons who are continuously exposed to Sun

Preventive measures

• Avoid sunlight between llam to 5pm
• Use umbrella or cap to cover your head
• Wear full sleeved cotton clothes while going out
• Avoid wearing tight and dark coloured clothes
• Avoid physical exertion during peak hours
• Drink minimum of 2-4 litres of water daily
• Consume Bael (Aegle marmelos) juice
• Drink buttermilk and Ampanna (Method of preparation-boil unripe mango on mild heat and make paste, then dissolve with 16 times water, thereafter mix black pepper clove, cardamom, sugar and salt as per the taster taste)
• Lemon water with mint leaves is also found to be helpful
• Avoid drinking tea/coffee/carbonated drinks/alcoholic drinks
• Eat vegetables and fruits
• Avoid fried/fatty food
• Try to get treated at the earliest to avoid complications
• Take adequate fluid to maintain proper urinary output

Immediate care after sunstroke

• Move to the shady place and have rest
• Take sips of water mixed with sugar and salt, if person is conscious
• Consult the doctor immediately
• Cover the body with cold/wetclothes

Wound Care

Uncomplicated fresh wounds may be treated with home remedy. Diabetic ulcer, non-healing ulcers, ulcers with uneven surface, foul smelling ulcers, ulcer covering large area, bleeding on touch etc. need immediate consultation with a qualified physician.

• Application of ice repeatedly on bleeding wound until the bleeding stops
• Turmeric mixed in oil is a good anti-septic. Use Aloe vera gel for dressing every day

Diabetes mellitus

Symptoms

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Excessive hunger
• Delayed wound healing
• Increased susceptibility to infections, skin problems
• Unexplained weightloss
• Weakness
• Diabetes Mellitus is a condition that often manifest without any overt symptoms and as such may be left undiagnosed. Therefore blood test once in a year after the age of 30 is advisable, especially if there is a family history of diabetes, overweight, sedentary lifestyle or stress.

Preventive measures

• Timely intake of food in the proper quantity as per the requirement of body
• Avoid excessive food and binge eating habits
• Daily exercise like walking/swimming etc.
• Reduce stress by Yoga and meditation
• Maintain appropriate weight
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Reduce intake of white rice, sugar and sweets, aerated products, excessive carbohydrate rich food
• Avoid processed food

Home remedies

• 2 gm of Turmeric powder, Amla, Fenugreek each separately boiled with water and consumed twice a day (for internal use) are found to be useful
• Add 3-4 tsp (15-20gm) of cinnamon powder (Dalchini) in 1 litre of water, heat it for 20 minutes, strain, cool and drink every day
• 20 mlAmla juice mixed with turmeric can be taken
• Triphala powder 5 gmtwice a day with luke warm water
• 3 gm of dry powder of seed of Jamun {Syzygium jambolanum)
• 30 ml freshjuice of Bitter gourd

Known case of diabetes should periodically consult physician and a blood sugar test should be done after one week of regular intake of home remedies and lifestyle changes. In case of symptoms of hypoglycaemia such as weakness, thirst, perspiration etc. the home remedy should be stopped until the main medication is reduced or adjusted. Home remedies are beneficial asanadd -on in conditions that require medical management.

Joint Pain

Joint pain refers to discomfort, ache and swelling in any of the joints. It might be a result of natural degeneration of joints and bones or arise from any illness or injury to joints.. Continuous wear and tear through ageing makes joints more prone to problems. Commonly affected joints are wrists, fingers, knees, hips, ankle etc.

Symptoms

• Pain/ stiffness in affected joint
• Swelling
• Difficulty in movement
• Deformity
• Fever and body ache may occur

Preventive measures

• Moderate exercise/Yoga/ Meditation
• Maintain a right body weight
• Adequate rest
• Application of oil to the joints every day before taking warm bath
• Avoid excessive use of food causing bloating like potato, peas, bengal gram
• Include Cumin seeds,AJmain, Ginger, Turmeric, Fenugreek in the diet

Adolescent and Reproductive Healthcare

Menstrual problems

Menstruation is defined as the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissues from the inner lining of uterus through the vagina.The first period usually begins between 12-15 years of age and it lasts for 2-7 days. Menstruation stops after menopause which usually occurs between 45-55 years of age.In most females, physical and psychological changes are brought by fluctuating hormones during these reproductive years. These include:-

• Cramps in abdominal muscles
• Nausea with/without vomiting
• Acne
• Water retention
• Low backache
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings

Preventive measures

• Healthy diet
• Reduced salt intake
• Avoidance of caffeine and alcohol
• Regular exercise

Menstrual hygiene

• Eat well and drink adequate quantityof water
• Take up routine work but avoid over exertion
• Bathe everyday to maintain cleanliness
• Use clean clothes and sanitary pads and ensure proper hygiene
• Don't use dirty/unhygienic clothes
• Wash undergarments properly and dry it in sunlight
• Do not leave the pack of sanitary pads open. Close it each time after use
• Change the sanitary pad/ clothes at an interval of 6 hours
• Change the undergarments regularly
• Take utmost care to avoid vaginal and urinary tract infections

Leucorrhoea

Symptoms

• Unusual white discharge from vagina
• Yellowish or thick, curd like discharge
• Cramps in the lower abdomen
• May be associated with foul smell, itching and redness or burning sensation during urination and low back pain

Preventive measures

• Ensure cleanliness of vaginal areas and maintain general hygiene
• Avoid sexual contact during menstruation
• If the spouse has any itching, ulceration he also needs to be treated by a qualified physician
• Use condom during intercourse
• Boil Neem leaves in water and use this for washing vaginal area
• Drink adequate quantity of water

Home remedies

• Amla powder 3 to 5 gm in the morning and evening with honey
• Powder of mango seed -endocarp 1 tsp with rice washed water or paste of petals of bell flower
• Wash with decoction of Neem in case of itching
• Decoction of Peepal, Gular for internal and external use for vaginal wash
• If associated with back ache, massage with any oil, preferably Gingelly oil boiled with A)wain, black pepper will help.
• Dhanurasana and Bhujangasana are recommended for lumbar relaxation and strengthening the muscles

Dysmenorrhea

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain before/ during menses
• Maybe associated with stomach upsets/vomiting
• Pain in the lower abdomen/ back

Home remedies

• Garlic chutney
• Take Aloo vera gel (15-20gm) daily morning for 5 days before the expected date of menstruation
• May use hot water bag on lower abdomen
• l spoonful (5gm) powder containing equal quantity of roasted Fenugreek seeds/ Cumin seed s / Carom see ds / Fennel seeds and consume with milk / buttermilk or warm water twice a day during menstruation
• Appropriate rest, Yoga & Meditation

Ante-natal care

Ante-natal care focuses on a positive pregnancy experience which seeks to ensure not only a healthy pregnancy for mother and baby but also an effective transition to positive labour and child birth.

General measures

• Continue with the daily routine activities
• Counselling about healthy eating and lifestyle
• Avoid lifting heavy objects
• Ante-natal visits must be ensured including registration at health centre
• Daily oral iron and folic acid supplementation
• Regular weight check-up
• Blood test for anaemia
• Urine test for protein and sugar
• Regular blood pressure check-ups
• Nutrition counselling and preparing for giving birth
• Lowering caffeine intake
• Avoid pungent drugs, exercise, and coitus
• Avoid spicy food
• Avoid too much of coffee, tea, tobacco and alcohol

Month-wise regimens to be adopted in addition to regular food are indicated below:

Post -natal care

• After delivery, ensure reassurance and counselling of the women and her family members
• Provide appropriate rest, healthy food that supports digestion, restoration and lactation
• Passive exercise
• Abdominal tightening
• Hot water bath/herbal decoction bath
• Oil massage tones up abdominal, back and pelvic muscles
• Use appropriate contraceptive measures
• Feed the baby as early as possible after delivery
• Ensure exclusive breastfeeding of the infant upto 6 months

Dietary measures

• Green leafy vegetables
• Milk and milk products, ghee in appropriate quantityc
• Kheer made up of jaggery, rice/wheat/ green gram
• Herbs like Fenugreek should be included
• Fenugreek Laddoo/Pinni- made by whole wheat flour, Fenugreek seeds, Fennel seeds, Cumin, dry Ginger powder, sugar, ghee etc. helps to regain condition of body after delivery and very nutritious for recovery
• Almonds and raisins can be consumed

Home remedies to enhance milk secretion

• Shatavari powder 2to 3 gm with milk per day
• Jeeru powder with milk and sugar
• Fenugreek powder 2to 3 gm, 2 times a day and fenugreek leaf as vegetable
• Horse gram seasoned with ghee
• Use plenty of fluids, vegetables, pulses. Seasonal fruits are useful
• Avoid worry and mental stress

Geriatric Care

Care of elderly people aims not only to promote health by preventing and treating disease and disabilities but also to provide moral support, assurance and critical care. Some of the symptoms which can be managed through additional support of home based measures are mentioned below.

Preventive measures

• Adequate nutrition
• Stress / anxiety management through Yoga, meditation, listening to music, reading, involvement in spiritual activities, social groups etc.
• Be physically active as per the capacity
• Avoiding of smoking and alcohol
• Adequate sleep
• Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in the diet
• Have easily digestible food
• Regular and timely evacuation of bowels
• Regular health check-ups after 40 years of age
• Burns/ accidents/falls should be prevented
• Regular visits to physician,dentist and eyespecialists
• Counselling
• Involve in social groups and remain active in constructive activities
• Follow doctor's advice and regular medication if prescribed

Home remedies

• Body massage with warm sesame oil, coconut oil or/ medicated oil before bath will help to improve blood circulation, manages dryness, aches and pains in the body
• Consume 2 spoonful (10gm) of Guduchi juice or decoction when there are chances of infection as during out break-twice a day
• Consume 3to 5 gm powder of Ashwagandha roots with milk. It is found to be helpful in relievingjoint pains and promoting good mental health
• Consume 1-2 teaspoonful (5-10gm) of Amla juice or powder in case of hyper acidity or constipation. This also acts as immunity booster and rejuvenator
• May consume 1-2 spoonful of Triphala or Harad powder with warm water to control constipation and flatulence
• Juice of Tulasi leaves provides relief from common symptoms arising from acute upper respiratory tractinfection

Source : Ministry of AYUSH