Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

10 ways to use coconut oil this summer

Did you know there’s an-all-purpose oil that’s beneficial for your health? Believe it or not, the fleshy meat of a coconut is good for your health, both inside and out!

Coconut oil is extracted from the edible meat, the “kernel”, of the coconut. It’s extracted through various methods, which is why you’ll find different types of coconut oil like refined, unrefined or virgin.

You can use coconut oil in cooking, baking, and even as part of your beauty routine.

Let’s further explore the wide ranges of its uses:

1. Sautéing and frying

Coconut oil is great for cooking at a high heat because of its high smoke point. Oils like olive oil can oxidise when heated, but because coconut oil is made up of healthy saturated fats, it’s stable under high temperatures. It’s also great for non-stick cooking.

2. A natural moisturiser

At room temperature, it’s solid, but quickly melts when in contact with warm hands. Don’t rely on this natural oil to keep you protected from cancer-causing UV radiation though; you’d still need to apply sunscreen every day.

3. Improve your dental health

The natural oil can be a powerful weapon against the bacteria in your mouth that causes dental plaque, tooth decay and gum disease. Swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for 10 minutes, also known as oil pulling, has been found to be as effective as rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash in reducing bacteria.

4. Remove Makeup

Tired of battling with scrubbing mascara off? Worry no more! Apply a little oil on a cotton pad and wipe gently until all traces of makeup are gone. Coconut oil is also effective at removing colour fast and long lasting lipsticks.

5. Relieve eczema itch and loosen psoriasis scales

If you suffer from eczema and psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to build up, coconut oil is a safe natural remedy to try. It can help soothe the rough, red and scaly patches. Enjoy a hot bath by adding a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil to the tub to relieve itchy and scaly skin.

6. Treat your feet

Sweaty feet can result in athlete’s foot, a common fungal infection. Coconut oil may help soothe the infection and flaking skin. Apply an anti-fungal cream to treat the athlete’s foot and top it with a layer of organic coconut oil. This is an excellent fix for cracked heels too.

7. Ingrown hair treatment and preventer

Rubbing a little oil on the areas where you regularly shave or are prone to bumps and infection can help relieve symptoms of ingrown hairs. The oil helps soften the skin, so hair can easily grow properly through the follicle without becoming ingrown. Oil also helps to get rid of any infection causing bacteria.

8. Improve wound healing

Coconut oil contains a fatty acid called monolaurin, which is renowned for its antimicrobial effects. Using high-quality coconut oil may help reduce the risk of infection in healing wounds.

9. Anti-fungal cream

Because of its antibiotic capabilities, coconut oil can be used on the skin to assist in treating skin fungus.

10. Nail cuticle oil

To help reduce the risk of developing fungal infections, apply coconut oil to your finger beds. This will make it easy to push back cuticles which in turn promotes nail growth.

References:

5 Teas you can drink for an upset tummy

Ah. Nothing beats a soothing cup of tea after a long day. The herbs in teas have a calming effect and some can even help ease pain and nausea.

Choosing the right tea for your symptoms is important, though. These herbal teas could help.

If you have indigestion and nausea:

Ginger tea

If you’ve had too much to eat and are suffering from indigestion, sipping on ginger tea could help. Ginger is also known for decreasing symptoms of abdominal gas and motion sickness, including nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. It especially helps with nausea, but if your nausea is severe see your doctor immediately.

Brew it: Make ginger tea with freshly grated ginger and boiled water or ginger teabags.

If it is that time of the month:

Peppermint tea

Suffering from period cramps or nausea? Try refreshing peppermint tea. Peppermint works by soothing the stomach muscles and increasing bile (fluid that helps with digestion) flow. This helps your body digest fat with ease and your food to pass through the stomach faster. When your stomach muscles are relaxed, abdominal gas also moves out the body more quickly.

Brew it: Use fresh, crushed peppermint leaves, steeped in hot water for five minutes, or peppermint teabags.

If you’re constipated:

Fennel tea

Your first thought probably wouldn’t be tea when it comes to fennel, but it makes for a soothing drink. Fennel is a herb that comes from a plant called Foeniculum vulgare. It tastes like liquorice and can be eaten raw or uncooked. Studies have shown that fennel can help ease stomach ulcers and constipation.

Brew it: Make fennel tea by pouring a cup of boiled water over one teaspoon of fennel seeds. Steep for five to 10 minutes, sieve the seeds and enjoy. You can also use fennel teabags or freshly grated fennel root.

If you need to relieve gas:

Chamomile tea

Known for promoting relaxation, chamomile tea contains ingredients that eases pain too. Sipping on this tea soothes the intestinal wall which relieves gas and any discomfort. It could also help you to doze off at night and ease anxiety and stress. However, talk to your doctor before drinking chamomile tea as it may cause an allergic reaction such as a rash, throat swelling or cramps in some people.

Brew it: Place a handful of fresh chamomile flowers in an infuser. Steep them in a kettle or pot for five minutes. Remove the flowers and enjoy. You can also use chamomile teabags.

References:

Alternative therapies to manage chronic pain

Chronic pain is a common problem. Chronic means when pain lasts for more than several months (usually between three to six months).

Over-the counter-medication isn’t the only way to relieve pain. Take a look at alternative therapies.

Therapies & treatments

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that’s rapidly becoming a mainstream treatment for pain. It’s believed to release pain-numbing chemicals in the body and block pain signals coming from the nerves. This works for pain caused by conditions like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, back injuries, and sports injuries. Acupuncture can treat lower back pain, menstrual cramps, headaches, joint conditions, and the side-effects of chemotherapy and nausea related to pregnancy.

Regular exercise has loads of benefits for people with different painful conditions. Physical activity can help relieve chronic pain, as well as boost energy and mood. Exercising can improve muscle strength and boost endurance. It helps with circulation and gets oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. This will help improve the function of your cardiovascular system. If you have chronic pain, check with your doctor before you start an exercise routine.

Depression and chronic pain often go together. Chronic pain can cause or worsen depression. The condition can lower a person’s tolerance for pain. Give therapy a try to help you talk out and solve problematic behaviours, beliefs and feelings.

The goal with deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation is to produce the body’s natural relaxation response, which is slower breathing, lower blood pressure and a sense of a good and balanced well-being.

Yoga has been practised for centuries and is said to reduce stress and improve fitness. It can also teach you that your breath is the bridge that links your mind and body. Inhaling and exhaling can help you achieve a deep sense of relaxation, flexibility and strength.

Supplements

Symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness can be a result of Vitamin D deficiency. Get Vitamin D supplements, while adding plenty of Vitamin D-fortified foods like orange juice, salmon, and tuna to your diet.

Eating Vitamin C-rich foods is a good idea for your general health. Great options include red peppers, strawberries, citrus fruits, and broccoli. Vitamin C is known to reduce inflammation and act as a natural antibiotic and antihistamine (a type of medicine often used to treat allergies).

Supplements of Vitamin B have been shown to be effective in pain management for different conditions. You can get Vitamin B12 from your diet through eggs, milk, fish, meat, and some fortified cereals.

Vitamin E may be able to reduce exercise-related damage to muscles. Boost your Vitamin E intake through foods, and use safflower or sunflower oil when cooking. Snack on sunflower seeds and nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts. Talk to your doctor before using any supplement as they’re not a substitute for medication.

References

8 ways honey can help your health

Honey is one of the world’s oldest medicines. Its strong antibacterial and healing properties make it a great natural remedy for many common health problems. It was the most used medicine in ancient Egypt, and was deemed so precious that it was traded as a form of currency!

The Roman legions also treated their wounds with honey, and athletes at the ancient Olympic Games ate honey and dried figs to enhance their sports performance.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, believed in honey as the golden healer. “Honey cleans sores and ulcers, softens hard ulcers of the lips, and heals carbuncles and running sores,” he wrote. Science has shown us that, in fact, the ancients were not so far from the truth:

Sore throats and coughs

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists honey as a substance that relieves irritation in your mouth or throat by forming a protective film. It has strong antibacterial properties and provides temporary pain relief. Combine a spoonful of honey with some freshly-squeezed lemon juice and drink at regular intervals. Honey also relieves mild coughing (especially night-time coughing in young children). It shouldn’t be given to babies younger than a year old though.

Wounds, cuts and burns

As a natural antiseptic, honey can be used as a first aid remedy. According to research published by the journal, Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medication, it inhibits the growth of bacteria and helps keep wounds clean from infection. After gently cleaning the wound with warm water and mild soap, apply a layer of honey on a dressing. Change every 24 hours.

Hay fever

Do you suffer from hay fever? Eating honey that’s local to your area can help boost your immune system and reduce your hay fever symptoms. Honey contains very tiny amounts of the pollen found in your area. These bits aren’t enough to trigger an allergic reaction when you ingest honey, but they do help your body build up a tolerance to the pollen.

Digestive health

Honey has a mild laxative effect that can help combat constipation and bloating. It’s also rich in friendly bacteria, which act as a probiotic and keep the digestive and immune system healthy. For a homemade digestion aid, try tea with honey and lemon. Honey may also be effective in the treatment of ulcers – take about two teaspoons of honey on an empty stomach (half an hour before a meal), up to three times a day to provide pain relief.

Hangovers

Too much to drink? Honey is a great way to help the body deal with the toxic effects of a hangover. According to The Royal Society of Chemistry, the fructose in honey is essential to help the body break down alcohol into harmless by-products.

Healthy skin

Honey is great for your skin as it locks in moisture. If you suffer from dry skin, dab some honey on your skin, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. Legend has it that Cleopatra’s great beauty was thanks to baths of milk and honey. If you’d like to give it a try, run a warm bath and add a cup of milk and half a cup of honey to the water.

Mosquito bites

Honey can help reduce the itch and irritation of mosquito bites. Dab a bit of raw honey right on the bite. Honey’s antimicrobial properties will also help prevent infection.

Athletic performance

Honey can boost athletes’ performance, endurance levels and reduce muscle fatigue. It provides an easily absorbed supply of energy, making it ideal for energetic morning starts and as a pre- and post-exercise energy source.

References:

10 natural ways to treat depression

Today, depression affects over 300 million people worldwide. It’s one of the main causes of disability in developed, as well as low and medium income countries. The mood disorder doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone! This serious mental health condition affects the way you think, feel and behave. Between 2005 and 2015, worldwide depression rates climbed to 18%.

Are you one of those numbers? Don’t feel helpless. Even if you are taking medication for your condition, it’s worth adding on natural treatments.

The healthy escape 

Choose a diet that gives you important vitamins and minerals to balance your hormones and enhance brain function. Lifestyle changes are just some of your options. Boost your vitality and improve your mood.

  1. Find your triggers

Which parts of your life are getting you down? Examine your friendships, relationships, family dynamics, work, studies even consider body issues. Be honest with yourself to get to the root of why you’re depressed. Once you know the triggers of your negative moods, take steps to find positive ways of changing the dynamics.

  1. Move your body

Exercise does more than energise your body. It releases feel-good brain chemicals, like endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. Exercising stimulates new nerve growth that creates new pathways of communication and increases your brain’s flexibility.

  1. Eat “happy”

Healing foods that can treat mood disorders include Omega-3 like egg yolks, salmon, mackerel, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, coconut oil and soy beans. Fruit and vegetables are high in folate (folic acid) which improves your brain’s metabolic processes. Excellent folate foods include spinach, asparagus, avocado, beets and broccoli. Your body also needs antioxidant foods to fight the biochemical changes that take place when you’re stressed.

  1. Never miss a meal

Missing meals is sure to get you “hangry” (hungry and angry!), and this is bad news for your mood. Keep your blood sugar stable to reduce mood swings. Try eating small meals throughout the day.

  1. Skip the coffee

It gives you a temporary lift, but soon, you’ll crash and need another fix. This is because it reduces serotonin levels. Serotonin helps regulate your mood so the last thing you want is to deplete this precious substance. Have some walnuts, a slice of pineapple or a plum rather – all of which contain serotonin.

  1. Enjoy the sun

Talk a short walk and get a blast of fresh air. Sunlight is great for a dose of Vitamin D, which can help your mood immensely.

  1. See the value of vitamins

Vitamin B is needed for the functioning of a healthy nervous system and to produce serotonin. Try Vitamin B6, B9, Vitamin D, C, magnesium, and zinc to boost your mood.

  1. Meditate

According to research by the American Psychological Association, mindfulness training helps you pay attention to the present moment and uses a different set of neural pathways; (where information travels through the nerve cells to the brain). It encourages you to focus on feelings and sensations rather than trying to “talk yourself out” of having the thoughts. Mindfulness changes the brain to allow you to access the present moment pathway.

  1. Get into balance

A hormonal imbalance can have a significant impact on your mood. Your chemical messengers are important for your overall health. Emotions and hormones are connected; a good balance of the one impacts the other. Try to stay on an even keel; keeping all parts of your life in balance.

  1. Talk it out

It’s okay to vent! Psychotherapy can help reduce symptoms of fatigue and low self-esteem that are usually associated with depression. With therapy, you learn how to manage depression by yourself. When you’re aware of your thoughts and learn how to proactively transform your self-destructive beliefs, it can change the way your brain functions and how you react to situations.

References:

 

3 Ways to treat pain without medication

Pain isn’t pretty, but it is necessary. The World Health Organization defines pain as “an unpleasant sensory or emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage”.

The purpose of pain is to warn your body to take action to prevent further tissue damage. How you feel and react to pain depends on what’s causing it.

Pain is felt when particular nerve endings detect tissue damage and are stimulated. This may come from damage to your tissues like when you’ve cut yourself, or from disruption to the nerves themselves. Pain can also happen for no known cause or long after an injury has healed.

Pain can be tricky to manage, especially when it’s chronic, or when there aren’t any clear, anatomical reasons for your pain. Neuroscientists are discovering that, apart from the actual injury, pain is also part of your brain: this is why someone who lost their leg can still feel pain in the foot (phantom pain), because the pain-message exists somewhere in the brain.

With all this mystery around chronic pain and ‘phantom pain’, what treatments-options exist outside of medication?

3 natural pain remedies

  1. Peppermint is a popular flavouring in gum, toothpaste and tea – and with good reason. Menthol, its active ingredient, is one of nature’s most effective natural pain. When applied to the skin, it produces a cooling sensation, and can temporarily reduce minor levels of pain associated with athletic injuries, overuse or muscle pain. According to a study published in Mymensingh Medical Journal, peppermint can also help treat symptoms of IBS including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. Peppermint oil can be massaged on to aching muscles for instant relief. You can also add a few drops to your bath water and soak in, or sip a cup of peppermint tea.
  2. Ginger is known for relieving nausea, but may also help ease inflammation and pain associated with headaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. Gingerols, the active ingredient in ginger, has a similar structure to capsaicin – the active ingredient in chilli peppers, which is a known pain reliever. Like capsaicin, gingerols act on specific receptors in the body, called vanilloid receptors, which sit on pain sensory nerve endings. Unlike capsaicin, which dulls pain receptors after initially causing pain, ginger can achieve the same effect but without the initial painful response. Ginger, fresh or dried, can be added to stir-fries, soups or made into a tea.
  3. Devil’s claw is a desert plant grown in Southern Africa. It’s named for the miniature claw-like hooks that cover its fruit. For centuries, natives of the Kalahari Desert have dried and chopped up the roots of the plant to treat pain, indigestion and skin problems. Harpagoside, the active ingredient in devil’s claw, appears to reduce pain and inflammation in joints. In a study published in Phytomedicine, devil’s claw was found to improve pain, mobility, and flexibility in patients with lower back pain and osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. Find it as capsules, liquid extract, and dried root.

When to see a doctor:

  • If the pain lasts longer than reasonably expected. A small burn, for instance, shouldn’t cause pain longer than a month. If it does, see your doctor immediately.
  • If you develop other symptoms like fever, weakness, or loss of sensation along with the pain.
    If the pain interferes with your quality of life.

References:

The herbs that adapt to whatever you need

You’ve heard about superfoods, but what about super herbs? Make way for adaptogens: the miracle herb you wish you knew about sooner.

Adaptogens are a unique class of herbs and roots used to improve the health of your adrenal system; the structure in charge of managing your body’s hormonal response to stress. These natural substances work by regulating the hormones of your adrenal system, helping you fight stress, cope with anxiety, and put fatigue to rest.

Adaptogens have also been shown to boost your immune system, increase your energy levels, and help you maintain a healthy weight, balance your moods, and enhance your mental performance. Adaptogens get their name from their unique ability to “adapt” to your body’s specific needs. There are just over a dozen adaptogens. These include:

  • Ashwagandha
  • Astragalus
  • Cordyceps
  • Leuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng
  • Jiaogulan
  • Maca
  • Panax or “true” ginseng
  • Reishi mushrooms
  • Rhaponticum
  • Rhodiola
  • Schisandra
  • Sea buckthorn
  • Tulsi, also known as Holy basil.

To be effective, adaptogens need to be taken daily for six to eight weeks to see true results.

How to take your adaptogens

  1. Take an extract.

These are readily available in natural food stores or online. You can also make your own extract using fresh, whole herbs and roots.

  • In a quart-sized jar, mix 30ml of dried, powdered herbs of your choice with 145ml of vodka, vinegar or water. Give it a good shake each day for two weeks.
  • After two weeks, allow the jar to rest for a day so that all the herbal material sinks to the bottom of the jar.
  • Strain the liquid over a bowl. Spoon the herbal material into a clean muslin cloth. Gather the edges of the cloth together to make a bundle. Twist the bundle to squeeze out as much of the extract as possible.
  • Pour the extract into a glass bottle and store in a cool, dry place away from heat or light.

How to use it: Add a tablespoon of the extract to a cup of water and sip. You can also mix it into a glass of juice or a smoothie if you struggle to get it down.

  1. Make a broth.

One of the best ways of getting the maximum benefits from adaptogens is to cook them long and slow in a broth.

“When you warm foods over low heat, you gently leech out the energetic and therapeutic properties of the foods, preserving the nutritional value of the food and making it easier for your body to use the nutrients,” says Rachel Drori, founder of Daily Harvest, a superfood smoothie company.

Try this simple recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 50g adaptogen herbs of your choice
  • 5kg beef or lamb bones
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 1 carrot, roughly chopped
  • 4 gloves garlic, crushed
  • 6 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • Enough water to cover (about 2 litres).

Method:

  • Place all the ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker.
  • Cover with cold water and bring to a boil.
  • Simmer or slow-cook on a low heat for about 12 hours.
  • Once it’s done cooking, strain the liquid and store in a container.
  • Drink one or two cups a day. You can also use the broth as a basic stock for stews.
  • The broth can be kept in the fridge for up to five days.
  1. Brew some tea.

Another way to reap the benefits of amazing adaptogens is by enjoying them as a tea. You can easily make your own adaptogen tea with whole herbs or roots. You can also find adaptogen herbal tea blends online or at a tea trader.

To find out which adaptogens could work best for you, talk to a functional nutritionist, or get hold of one of our doctors via the app.

References:

5 natural ingredients for healthy hair

Are you struggling to find the right product for your hair, or simply looking for a cheaper option? We’ve scoped out some natural remedies that make good alternatives to expensive products. Bonus: they can also help heal pesky hair problems.

Remember: As with any other natural oil, it’s important to do a patch test first: rub it on a small part of your skin, such as your arm or hand, and give it a few hours to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin.

1. The problem: hair breakage and split ends.

The solution: coconut oil.

Coconut oil is the only oil in hair products that can minimise protein loss, says a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science. This means it’s effective in preventing hair breakage, which is great news if you’re regularly shedding hair. This fragrant substance has been used since ancient times in India for hair grooming, thanks to its moisturising properties.

How does it do this? The molecules in the oil get into the hair shaft, and repairs damaged, dry hair. They then seal the outside part of each hair, (the cuticle), that keeps it from breaking. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, capric acid and Vitamin E to increase and retain hair strength.

How to use it

Rinse your hair before shampooing and apply a tablespoon of coconut oil from the ends of the hair up to the scalp. If you have an oily scalp, only use coconut oil from the middle down toward the ends, as it can be too heavy for people with oily scalps. Cover with a shower cap and leave on for at least 10 minutes, or preferably overnight. Shampoo and condition as normal.

2. The problem: slow-growing hair.

The solution: castor oil.

Although there’s no clinical evidence claiming that castor oil is a remedy for alopecia (hair loss), the oil has been used for centuries. Castor oil can kill viruses and bacteria, making it a popular treatment for dry scalp and scalp fungus, which are indirectly linked to slower hair growth. Castor oil also contains Omega-6 and 9 beneficial fatty acid, which condition your scalp.

The reason why castor oil could possible help stimulate hair growth, is because it contains ricinoleic acid which increases circulation to the scalp. The increase in circulation is what could help with hair growth.

How to use it

Apply castor oil to damp hair and the scalp and let it soak in for a few hours, preferably overnight if possible. Wash the oil out of the hair with your normal shampoo and condition afterwards. If you find the smell a bit strong, add a few drops of an essential oil like lavender to mask the smell.

 

3. The problem: dull hair colour

The solution: a tea rinse

Tea’s not just for drinking; it’s great for your hair too. Say thanks to its medicinal, rejuvenating properties. Rinsing your hair with tea can make it shinier, and add a new lease of life to colour-treated hair. Tea contains antioxidants which can help fight sun damage that dries out the hair. Use chamomile tea for blonde hair, Rooibos for red hair, and black tea for brunette or black hair.

How to use it

Use the tea as your final rinse after a wash. Simply brew a pot of your preferred tea, let it cool and rinse your hair after shampooing and conditioning. Do not rinse again.

 

4. The problem: chemically damaged hair

The solution: Argan oil

Argan oil comes from the unroasted kernels of the Argania Spinosa fruit, and has become the latest star of hair and skincare products. There’s good reason for the popularity, though, as its therapeutic benefits have been claimed by Moroccans for more than eight centuries. In a study done on chemically treated and coloured hair, it’s been shown that Argan oil contains oleic and linoleic acids, which reduce breakage and upward bending of the hair cuticle, leading to a damaged, dull appearance. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology also mentions that Argan oil’s high content of monounsaturated fatty acids can benefit the overall condition of the scalp and hair.

How to use it

Use pure oil as a leave-in treatment after your wash. Rub a few drops of oil between your palms and massage through towel-dried or damp hair before styling.

 

5. The problem: dandruff

The solution: tea tree oil

Dandruff can have several causes, like dry scalp or a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis or a yeast fungus called Malassezia. Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is said to be an effective solution to dandruff. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has shown that only five percent of tea tree oil in shampoo can significantly provide relief for dandruff. If you do consider using tea tree oil, be careful of inhaling or swallowing it as the concentrated form can cause irritation or digestive problems.

How to use it

Simply add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo before applying to your hair. If you suspect that your current shampoo might cause scalp irritation, switch to a shampoo with a gentler formula first.

References