People with psoriasis try to remedy symptoms with different solutions, alternative remedies, and medications. New research points to the fact that there may be a link between low vitamin D levels and psoriasis development. For many, increasing vitamin D may significantly improve symptoms. 

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects about 2-3% of the general population. It primarily manifests on the skin in the form of inflammatory red, itchy patches. Skin cells rise to the skin’s surface too quickly because of an immune abnormality involving T-cells. Healthy skin will experience cell turnover once a month. People with psoriasis have skin cells that multiply 10 times faster than normal, causing an accumulation of skin cells on the surface. This creates the itchy plaques that characterize the condition. 

What Is Vitamin D?

Also known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is quite unique. When the skin is in direct sunlight, the body can make and store vitamin D. Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D actually transforms into a hormone that may support the brain, immune system, nervous system, lungs, cardiovascular system, bones, teeth, and insulin levels. The skin plays a role in the synthesis of vitamin D, and researchers characterize this as a complex reaction. 

Newer evidence has slowly emerged that vitamin D may also modulate certain immune reactions and mechanisms. It’s also commonplace for people with psoriasis to have low vitamin D levels. Since vitamin D levels help regulate immune response, the low levels may contribute to the condition’s development, but this is not yet confirmed. While research is in preliminary stages, it’s possible that vitamin D supplementation may be an adjunctive treatment option for psoriasis patients. Continue reading to learn more. 

Vitamin D’s Effect On Psoriasis

First of all, the epidermis consists of four layers: basal layer, spinous layer, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum. Several in vitro studies found that vitamin D promotes keratinocyte proliferation. Keratinocytes are the primary cells that exist in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. A decrease or deficiency of vitamin D, or loss of function of its receptor, has been associated with epidermis disruption. This may cause hyperproliferation of the epidermis’ basal layer, causing the classic psoriatic plaques. By regulating the synthesis of glycosylceramides that are necessary for the integrity of the skin’s barrier, researchers believe vitamin D can reduce the risk of psoriasis. 

Researchers also found that UVB light therapy may be effective at reducing symptoms of psoriasis. UVB light therapy mimics the sun’s UVB rays, which trigger vitamin D production in the skin. Currently, however, there is not enough evidence that proves that light therapy alone is responsible for improving the condition. 

Topical Vitamin D For Psoriasis

Topical vitamin D therapy proves to be a popular method for people with localized plaque psoriasis. It’s a common first line of defense that has proven efficacy and safety. Certain areas of the body are sensitive to steroid creams, but topical vitamin D ointments are much gentler on those areas. Topical vitamin D therapy doesn’t exhibit the same adverse effects as corticosteroids. One meta analysis found that topical vitamin D therapies were comparable to corticosteroids. Additionally, they exhibited superior effects when combined with a potent topical steroid.  

How To Get More Vitamin D

There are several ways to increase vitamin D levels in the body. The easiest way is to expose the skin to direct sunlight, which consists of both UVA and UVB rays. UVA exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, so psoriatic patients should consult a doctor to see how much sun exposure is necessary. Vitamin D supplements are also beneficial ways to raise vitamin D levels. According to the Institute of Medicine, an upper limit of 4,000 IU per day may prevent psoriatic side effects. Lastly, there are are some food sources of vitamin D, but try to steer clear of fortified foods. It’s best to focus on more natural foods that contain vitamin D. 

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You know what they say about acupuncture, right? It’s a jab well done! Alrighty then, thank you for indulging that pun. Now we can proceed with a legitimate adventure that was truly a unique experience for Vinnie, our content writer. 

In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, Vinnie went to Soma Acupuncture to receive an acupuncture therapy session. Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny, thin needles through the skin at specific points. It’s a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that works to enhance overall wellness. People also use acupuncture to balance the flow of energy, also known as chi or qi. Western practitioners of acupuncture believe that it helps to stimulate nerves, connective tissues, and muscles, aiding with pain and stress relief. 

The Philosophy Behind Acupuncture

The Chinese philosophy of acupuncture can be complicated, in that it isn’t necessarily based on science and medicine. The belief is that the human body is filled by chi, which flows to all the right places if a person is in good physical health. When a person is not in good physical health, chi is inhibited and cannot properly flow throughout the body. By relaxing the body with needles in specific acupuncture points, chi flows better and mental and physical health improve. Acupuncture’s purpose is to help patients achieve balance, providing relief from many ailments. 

I’m going to be completely honest and tell you that I have no idea if internal balance was achieved after I received acupuncture therapy. What I can tell you, is that I was in a state of complete relaxation. It was as though the therapist, Sarika Connor, cast a spell on me. Let it be known that no witchcraft of any kind was performed during this therapy. The cameraman, however, was very nervous the entire time because he has a fear of needles. Connor tried to show him how painless it was, but he declined the offer. 

Soma Acupuncture

Soma Acupuncture is a mere stone’s throw away from the Dherbs office building, which is one of the primary reasons we chose to reach out to it. Supporting local businesses and shedding a light on them is a beautiful thing! Connor is such a lovely and lively personality and has a deep passion for her practice. She was in a terrible car accident and improved her condition by receiving regular acupuncture sessions. She was able to regain full range of motion in her shoulder, so she decided to switch professions and become a licensed acupuncture therapist. If it could help her that much, she thought she could use it to help so many others. 

Upon arriving at the facility, we talked about whether or not I had specific pain or sore areas in my body. At the time, I experienced some knee pain in my right knee, so she catered the session to benefit that area. I received acupuncture once before, but there was no discussion of my personal ailments, or aches and pains. It was like a general once-over that didn’t benefit me. Connor took the time to ask me about my health and tailor the session to fit my needs. 

The Treatment

It’s completely understandable to have a fear of needles, but acupuncture needles are so tiny that you barely feel them enter the skin. The sensation is like a small prick that lasts for half a second. The craziest thing happened, though, when she placed a needle in the center of my forehead and one in each ear. That combo put me into a completely relaxed state and I felt like I could instantly fall asleep. 

Then I was jolted into the present when she hooked some of the needles up to an electrical stem machine. It uses electrical pulses to mimic the signals that come from neurons, which are cells in the nervous system. The goal is to target muscles or nerves. In my case, Connor targeted my right knee. One of the needles did fall out and when she re-inserted it back into my shin, I felt the electrical pulse shoot up my entire right side. I laughed nervously because of the intensity. Connor apologized and tried her best to hold in her laughter. There’s nothing wrong with laughing at my pain, people. After that, I drifted off into a state of half-sleep/half-wake, a limbo or relaxation. 

Conclusion

When the therapy was over, I felt as though there was more mobility in my right knee. It was also less painful from when I first walked into Soma Acupuncture. It’s an incredible feeling to receive immediate gratification in regards to therapies. It’s like the relief I got when I received chiropractic therapy from Dr. Bobbi Jones at Zen Wellness LA. Because of the improvement within the timespan of the therapy, I believe that people are more inclined to return and receive regular treatments. 

Acupuncture is an easily accessible therapy that can benefit almost anyone. Whether you are dealing with stress, sore joints, or recovering from an injury, acupuncture may provide some much-needed relief. Make sure you discuss your situation with the acupuncture therapist so that they know how to treat you during the session. If you live in the Los Angeles area, contact Sarika Connor at Soma Wellness because she’s very attentive and informed about her profession. Tell her that V-Man from Dherbs sent you! Happy needling!

You can find out more about Soma Acupuncture by visiting:
Website: www.somaacuwellness.com
Instagram: @somaacupuncture

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Hiccups are an interesting phenomenon that seem to mysteriously occur out of nowhere. One moment you are lounging on the couch watching TV, and the next you are involuntarily hiccuping. Hiccups are strange in that they do not have a physiological advantage or purpose. Sneezing or coughing, for example, are common bodily reflexes to encountering pathogens or bacteria. 

What Are Hiccups?

Hiccups occur as a result of a sudden diaphragm contraction. The diaphragm sits directly below the lungs and it’s a primary component of breathing. Once it contracts quickly, air rushes into the lungs, where it gets stopped as the vocal cords close. That closure causes the “hic” sound. You may experience a subtle tightening in the throat, abdomen, or chest when you hiccup. Both the intensity and the rate of hiccups is different for each person.

Everyone experiences hiccups at some point in time, and they typically go away on their own. You only have to worry if they persist longer than 48 hours. You may have your own unique ways to get rid of hiccups, but do they always take care of the problem? Drinking water upside down or applying pressure to the temples may work for some and not others. The following natural remedies may be beneficial, but experiment with them to find a technique that works for you.

Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Hiccups

Ice Your Hiccups Away

Ice packs are not solely for remedying sore joints or injuries. You can ice your hiccups away by applying an ice pack directly over the diaphragm, which sits just below the ribcage. Hold the ice pack just above your navel and only apply a subtle amount of pressure until the hiccups go away. Cooling the diaphragm helps to put an end to the spasms.

Sip Some Pickle Juice

There are actually surprising health benefits for people who drink pickle juice. It’s not everyone’s go-to beverage, but a little dill pickle juice may be the remedy that gets rid of your hiccups. Make sure it’s dill pickle juice, not sweet pickle juice. The sour flavor in your mouth actually interrupts the hiccup pattern, halting the signal to the vagus nerve that gets irritated and causes hiccups. If you don’t want to drink pickle juice, consider a sip of vinegar instead. 

Pull Your Knees Into Your Chest

Take a minute and lay down on your back. Now, draw your knees into your chest to compress your chest and diaphragm. This position may put an end to the contractions that cause hiccups. If you don’t want to do that, you can fold forward from a standing position and hang in the stretch to compress your chest and halt spasms. 

Stimulate The Vagus Nerve

Many researchers believe that irritation to the vagus nerve is the primary cause of hiccups. You have the ability to somewhat reset the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the stomach. Irritating the pharynx is a great way to get rid of hiccups. Essentially, you sip a glass of cold water, chew on a lemon, or eat a spoonful of raw honey mixed with water. These actions stimulate the vagus nerve.

Get Spicy

If you want to get rid of hiccups, you have to be brave. Sipping a little hot sauce is a classic home remedy to get rid of hiccups. Ingesting hot sauce fires up the nervous system, causing a burning sensation on the tongue and in the nose and eyes. You create this discomfort to shift your body’s focus away from the hiccups, which makes them go away. 

The Valsalva Maneuver

This maneuver increases the pressure in the throat, sinuses, and inner ear. To create this pressure, you have to blow air out of your lungs while blocking the nose and mouth. It sounds counterintuitive, but you essentially try to blow out and block the air’s exits. Close your mouth and pinch your nostrils to close them and breath out with force for 10-15 seconds. The pressure build up helps your hiccups vanish. 

Stretch The Diaphragm

Spasms in the diaphragm cause hiccups, so it’s beneficial to stretch the muscle and relieve those spasms. The easiest diaphragm stretch is to stand or sit up straight and take a deep breath that fills your lungs and belly. Once you feel that they are full of air, hold the air in for as long as you can. When you need air, exhale slowly and see if the hiccups are gone. If hiccups continue, try this action a few more times. 

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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the therapy people don’t realize they need. Although it isn’t a modern therapy, it has risen to popularity within recent years. A handful of celebrities and athletes regularly enter hyperbaric chambers to maintain optimal body function. During the therapy, a person enters a vacuum of pure oxygen flow with increased atmospheric pressure to promote oxygenation into the body’s tissues. 

In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, our content writer, Vinnie, entered the hyperbaric chamber. He was fortunate enough to go to Beverly Hills Hyperbaric Center, located in West Los Angeles, CA, to try out the therapy. If you watch the accompanying video, you’ll notice that the therapy is quite relaxing. It’s not like last adventure when Vinnie jumped in an ice bath (click here to watch). Vinnie will tell you more about the therapy below. 

Who Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For?

Historically, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used as an alternative treatment to over-the-counter drugs and invasive procedures. The military developed it to treat deep-sea divers in the field who suffered from “the bends.” The pressurized atmosphere and inhalation of pure oxygen promoted widespread healing throughout the body. To this day people still use it for that reason, but they also use it to oxygenate the body’s tissues to promote wound healing and cell regeneration. It’s a therapy that can be used to remedy lyme disease, but anyone can use it to expedite recovery or enhance cellular function.

I feel like the film team on my latest adventure was very hesitant to do this therapy. Supposedly, Michael Jackson slept in a hyperbaric chamber every night, and that scared them. Professional athletes like Tim Tebow and Terrell Owens notoriously received hyperbaric therapy. And it was evident that it’s a very popular therapy among celebrities when we arrived at Beverly Hills Hyperbaric Center. Pictures of all the famous athletes and actors that received hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the facility adorned the the walls. Maybe I’ll be on that wall one day…

Beverly Hills Hyperbaric Center

Upon arriving at the facility, I was greeted by Gonzo, who gave me the full rundown of everything there was to know about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. His enthusiasm about the therapy and its benefits was infectious. If the chamber was a car and he was the salesman, he would’ve had an easy sale with me. I was excited and ready to slide into the glass tube that looked like a space pod from the future. 

The chamber is essentially a glass tube with a bed that slides out on a track. For someone who is claustrophobic, it looks very intimidating, and the thought of being in a tight, enclosed space is frightening. According to Gonzo and Dr. Barry, who gave an interview after the therapy, many people who have claustrophobia have no issues with the therapy. The benefits outweigh the fear of being in the chamber, which is very comfortable. 

Going In The Hyperbaric Chamber

Before I entered the chamber, Gonzo gave me a piece of gum to chew. The reason for this is to aid with popping ears as the pressure changes in the chamber. I lay on the bed, Gonzo pushed the bed in the chamber, and sealed the door behind me. I had a blanket, a couple pillows, and the ability to watch whatever Netflix show/movie I wanted. Gonzo communicated with me via a little communication system in the chamber. He was a very attentive assistant who made sure I was comfortable throughout the therapy. 

I was thankful he gave me the gum because it helps tremendously when trying to pop your ears. The initial 10-12 minutes feel like taking off on an airplane. As Dr. Barry later explained, the atmospheric pressure changes so the person can breathe pure oxygen. Oxygen only comprises about 21% of the regular atmosphere, but breathing pure oxygen allows the body to absorb it at a rapid rate. Of course, you don’t feel this, but it’s happening. As Dr. Barry said, “It feels like nothing is happening, and it’s the easiest therapy to do.”

That sentiment may cause skeptics to avoid this therapy, but many studies have proven its efficacy for treating various health ailments. For instance, Dr. Barry knew of someone who was completely cured of lyme disease after receiving consecutive treatments. The pressurized oxygen penetrates deep tissues and plasma, which stimulates the production of healing chemicals. Essentially, this therapy helps the body heal itself from the inside out. And all I had to do was watch Netflix for this healing to take place!

Conclusion

It’s interesting to participate in a therapy that doesn’t seem to do anything in the moment. You can take a nap, watch a movie, or read in the chamber, so it’s not as involved as chiropractic or stretch therapy. Don’t think that this therapy is a complete waste of time because it has amazing benefits for your insides. A high percentage of people have poor circulation, but this therapy is a great way to enhance blood flow, which is one way it accelerates healing. If you want instantaneous relief or a therapy that you feel in the moment, this is not for you. For people who need help recovering from an illness or injury, regular sessions may accelerate your recovery. If you live in the Los Angeles area, visit Beverly Hills Hyperbaric Center. Dr. Barry will take care of you!

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The American Thyroid Association estimates that 20 million Americans have a thyroid disorder. Generally speaking, thyroid disorders result from an overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormones. Standard treatment tends to involve some form of medication to establish a healthy hormonal balance. Some doctors even convince people to remove the thyroid, and they end up taking thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives. 

With more and more attention on alternative medicine and treatment options, people have a growing interest in remedying the thyroid without conventional medicine. According to Ayurvedic medicine, many herbs can help create balance in the thyroid. In Ayurveda, the thyroid connects with the increase in kapha dosha and vata in the body. Doshas are essentially biological energies that maintain the body’s mental and physical processes. If the kapha and vata doshas are out of balance in the body, it’s possible to experience thyroid problems. 

Since the thyroid regulates and monitors metabolism, heart rate, and other key functions in the body, optimizing thyroid health is paramount to overall health. Failure to balance the thyroid can lead to poor immune function, low energy, mood swings, and extreme weight loss or weight gain. Some of the Ayurvedic herbs (below) complement conventional thyroid treatments. If you don’t understand proper dosage or recommendation for your thyroid condition, consult with your doctor about taking the following herbs.

Guggul

Guggul has a reputation for regulating thyroid function, but it also has positive effects on blood lipids. Guggul’s antioxidant properties work to protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress. This ultimately decreases lipid peroxidation in the liver and increases the liver’s ability to transform thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3). One animal study found that guggul has strong thyroid stimulating actions, and may even increase iodine uptake. 

Shigru (Moringa)

Known for regulating hormone levels and ensuring optimal thyroid function, moringa is an excellent herb if you suffer from hyperthyroidism. At the same time, hypothyroidism patients also benefit from moringa because it has a rich iodine content. More often than not, iodine deficiency is a primary cause of hypothyroidism. According to several studies, moringa extract exhibits anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. It can help to stimulate metabolism by regulating the production of T3 and T4 hormones. Finally, it may help to inhibit bone damage that results from an overabundance of T4 in the body. 

Ashwagandha

If you are familiar with Ayurveda, you know that ashwagandha has a healing reputation. It’s an adaptogenic herb, helping to naturally relieve stress and anxiety, but it also promotes internal balance in the body. In one study, ashwagandha exhibited an ability to increase T3 and T4 levels without significantly increasing iodothyronine 5’-monodeiodinase. In basic terms, ashwagandha was able to increase thyroid function. Other studies found that it helped decrease gluconeogenesis and improve antioxidant activity to protect the thyroid. Ashwagandha also stimulates the endocrine system and works to encourage lipid peroxide levels in the liver.

Piperine

Piperine is the active ingredient in long pepper and black pepper. It is an alkaloid that has been able to reduce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and insulin to almost normal levels. This is great news for people with hyperthyroidism. Piperine’s thyrogenic activity may also help to improve levels of A-1, T3, T4, and iodine. An animal study confirmed that piperine exhibited an ability to alter lipid profiles, hormone levels, and apolipoproteins. 

Bauhinia Purpurea

Bauhinia purpurea is a flowering plant that is native to the Indian subcontinent. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology monitored female mice that received bauhinia purpurea bark extract for 20 days. The conclusion of the study was that the bark extract increased both T3 and T4 concentrations. In human trials, Bauhinia purpurea helped to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, while protecting the thyroid from oxidative stress. It works to enhance antioxidant enzyme secretion, which may help to reverse metformin-induced hypothyroidism.

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Immersing the entire body in a large tub of near-freezing water is not everyone’s go-to favorite thing to do. Nonetheless, ice bath therapy has received a lot of attention from celebrities, athletes, trainers, and health influencers for its reported benefits. What are the secrets and benefits of this frigid therapy? Our content writer, Vinnie, will tell you all about them by recapping his latest fire & ice therapy session.

What Is Ice Bath Therapy?

If you’re familiar with Wim Hof, a.k.a. The Ice Man, the philosophy of soaking in cold water is to put the body into a fight or flight state. With the rush of endorphins and adrenaline, the natural instinct is to stress and jump out of the water. Remaining in the ice bath not only helps the body adapt to stress, but it also works to improve circulation, enhance immune function, and reduce inflammation. 

On my most recent adventure, I went to Remedy Place in West Hollywood, California. The entire facility is one of the most tranquil places I’ve ever been to, especially on The Adventures of V-Man. The entire facility houses various healing modalities. From hyperbaric oxygen therapy pods and infrared saunas to massages and ice baths, Remedy Place has it all. I opted to experience the one-two punch combo therapy that is fire and ice. This combo immerses the body in ice cold water for three to six minutes, followed by a 45-minute infrared sauna session. 

Arriving At Remedy Place

Am I allowed to say that everyone in this facility was beautiful? Entering this building was like wandering into a place where beautiful people congregate. Sorry, but I’m allowed to admire, right? Anyways, that says nothing about the facility. Remedy Place is chic, modern, dimly lit and intended for healing the body. The knowledgeable and friendly staff member, James, gave me a tour of the facility before showing me to the ice bath station. 

Typically, for the fire and ice therapy combo, a person starts with the ice bath therapy and then transitions to the infrared sauna. It’s possible to reverse the order, but James did not recommend that for my first go around. One doesn’t just change and enter the ice bath, though. The mind is not ready for that shock. For this reason, the person engaging in the therapy goes through an 11-minute breath work session. 

The Ice Bath Therapy

I mentioned Wim Hof earlier in the article. The breath work is similar to that of Wim Hof’s teachings, in that the goal is to oxygenate and alkalize the body. During this breathing, which essentially a form of guided meditation, you essentially prepare the body for the cold. The idea behind it is so that the mind can take over and make it so the body can handle the cold. I sat near the ice bath and practiced the breathing exercise. 

Before I knew it, it was time to submerge in the ice water. In the video, the water doesn’t look cold, but the tub of water remains at a cool 39º F by an electric cooling system. There is no ice in the water, but trust me when I tell you that it’s brisk. James, my ice bath coach, queued up a song that I wanted to listen to for motivation. And then I plunged in, leaving all but my head submerged in the water. My first instinct was to get out immediately because it was freezing. James encouraged me to recall that breathing to help calm my mind and just sit still in water. 

At one point, my forearms started to cramp a little, so I lifted them out of the water. James noticed that I started shaking after a while, so he suggested that I exit the water. I made it five and half minutes out of the maximum six-minute time limit. No big deal. I felt like I was ready to run through a wall after emerging from the cold. I was energized, hyped, and felt rejuvenated. 

Infrared Sauna Therapy

It was a very interesting transition to transfer from such an electrifying state to an immediate state of relaxation. The intense cold was lively and exhilarating and the sauna brought me down several levels. It was the fanciest sauna that I ever sat in. There was bluetooth capability! So I started up a podcast and relaxed in the space. 

One of the greatest things about the infrared sauna is that you can stay in there for a while without experiencing any feelings of discomfort. I didn’t feel like my breathing suffered from the heat or anything like that. The infrared sauna uses infrared light to heat the space, and this light can benefit the cells in the body more easily than a traditional sauna. Infrared saunas use infrared light to optimize the body’s ability to relax and promote detoxification. It’s not oppressive or uncomfortable; rather, the infrared sauna experience is restorative, especially after an ice bath session. I could have gone to sleep in there. That’s how relaxing I felt during that therapy. 

I felt like a new man after leaving Remedy Place and encourage people to check out the facility if they live in Los Angeles, CA. They have memberships, but all of the therapies are available for individual purchase. Please check them out and see how the other healing modalities can assist you in achieving the healthiest body possible. We are only on this planet for a limited time, so treat the body well and help it recover whenever possible. 

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A stye is a common eye condition that results in a red, swollen lump on the edge of the eyelid. Styes are common eye conditions that affect millions of people. While a stye may not be a life-threatening condition, it is irritating, embarrassing, and occasionally painful. More often than not, you can use home remedies to get rid of styes, and this article aims to cover five remedies that experts recommend. 

What causes a stye? 

A stye is a bacterial infection that results in a swollen bump near the eyelashes on the eyelid. The reddish bump can look like a pimple and results from an oil gland infection in the eyelid. Researchers claim that the staphylococcus bacterium is typically responsible for the infection. Dead skin, dirt, or oil build-up can clog the oil glands around the eye and cause bacterial build-up. That’s why eye makeup, frequent eye touching, rosacea, or expired cosmetics can increase the risk of stye development. 

In most cases, styes can be treated at home and they often go away within 7-10 days. To accelerate recovery, use the following home remedies.

5 home remedies to naturally get rid of styes

1. Use a warm tea bag

It’s helpful to use a warm cloth compress to provide relief, but it may be more beneficial to use a tea bag. Use a black tea bag because it contains antibacterial properties, and it may help reduce swelling. Add a black tea bag to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for one minute. Remove the tea bag from the water and allow it to cool for a couple minutes. Apply it to the affected eye and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. If you have a stye on each eye, use a separate tea bag for each eye. Do this twice daily to accelerate recovery. 

2. Avoid eye makeup

It’s a natural instinct to want to cover the stye with makeup, especially if you go out in public, but do your best to avoid makeup. Not only does makeup delay the healing process, but it can also irritate the stye and make it worse. It’s possible that more bacteria can spread into the area by applying more makeup. Make sure to clean your eye with water at least five to six times per day. This will offer a cooling effect and it may reduce the severity of the infection. 

3. Cucumbers or potatoes

One of the best things you can do to provide relief is to put something cool and refreshing on the affected eyelid. Apply a cold cucumber slice over the eye with the stye to help decrease inflammation and irritation. Cucumbers also work to enhance hydration and reduce possible swelling. Alternatively, you can apply a chilled potato slice on the eye if you don’t have a cucumber. It remains colder for a lot longer than a cucumber slice. 

4. Rinse with mild soap and water

Many health experts advise that people avoid harsh or synthetic soaps when it comes to cleaning the eye area. It’s best to choose soaps that are hypoallergenic and chemical-free. There are many natural soaps that have proven to be effective against bacteria that exists in the eyelid. OCuSOFT, for example, may be able to kill seven different bacterial strains. If you don’t want to use soap, you can use a gentle saline solution to help promote drainage. A saline solution will also promote the breakdown of bacterial membranes. The most important thing to remember is to use warm water, not hot water. 

5. Massage & coriander rinse

Many people find that gently massaging the area with lid wipes is a great way to promote drainage. Don’t try to pop the stye, though! Before you get anywhere near your stye, make sure that your hands are clean. Once the stye drains, make sure to keep the area clean and avoid touching your eyes as much as possible. If it hurts to massage your eye, stop massaging right away. If you don’t want to massage, you can use a coriander rinse. Some sources recommend making a tea-like liquid by pouring boiling water over coriander seeds. Once the liquid cools, strain the seeds and use the liquid to gently cleanse the eye. The antibacterial properties may help naturally get rid of a stye quickly.

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How does it feel to get in a fight with an octopus? Only a select number of people may be able to answer that question, and our content writer, Vinnie (a.k.a. V-Man), is not one of them. That being said, he did look look like he lost a fight to an octopus after his latest adventure. The most recent episode of The Adventures of V-Man chronicles Vinnie’s experience at Muscle Lab, where he received cupping therapy. Let him tell you all about it below.

What Is Cupping? 

Cupping is an old tradition that helps to stimulate circulation to muscles and improve recovery. It received a lot of attention during the 2016 Summer Olympics, during which Michael Phelps competed with purplish circles all over his back and legs. But cupping is an ancient therapy that is believed to help balance yin and yang, or the flow of qi in the body. Qi is the Chinese word for life force, and any pathogens that inhibit the flow can cause pain or reduced blood flow.

A cupping session involves a series of cups that the therapist places on different muscles. There are multiple styles, including dry, wet, and fire, but the most common variety is dry cupping using a pump. You can see how it works in the video in this article. The suction creates a vacuum inside the cup, causing the skin to rise into the cup. The reason that the skin reddens is because blood vessels expand. As you’ll see in the video, it looks very intimidating, but the markings are completely natural and they fade away within a week. Let Vinnie tell you all about his cupping experience below.

Arriving At Muscle Lab

First of all, Muscle Lab may be one of the coolest places that we’ve visited for The Adventures of V-Man. If there is one place that is designed to keep your body in the best condition possible, it’s Muscle Lab. They offer numerous services to optimize overall health, including cryotherapy, red light therapy, personal training, boxing, massage, cupping, and more. 

After we got a tour of the facility, we met with Ari Escala, the cupping therapist. Let me tell you something: Ari is a cupping master. She knows all about it and has dedicated a lot of time and effort to keeping her body, and all those she works with, in the best shape possible. One of the best ways to keep the body in shape, outside of working out and eating clean, is to engage in different recovery methods, cupping being an excellent option. Even if you don’t engage in regular exercise, it’s easy to experience tension or soreness from a sedentary lifestyle. Cupping works to increase circulation to those static muscles, which helps decrease pain levels and overall discomfort. 

The Cupping Experience

I cannot lie to you; it was a little nerve-racking to receive cupping. There are so many gruesome images of glass cups suctioning a person’s skin, and they contain bodily fluids. They scare people away from receiving cupping therapy, but there’s no need to be frightened, especially if you go to Muscle Lab. Ari talked to me the entire time she suctioned the cups up and down my back. You don’t want to push the body past the point of comfort, but a little suction is necessary. She encouraged me to communicate if anything was uncomfortable to ensure that I had the best experience possible. 

To be completely honest, there was very little discomfort during the entire cupping session. The only time that I felt slight discomfort was when we transitioned to a seated position instead of me lying face down. Ari likes to incorporate movement into the cupping therapy session to maximize blood flow. Additionally, motion is the body’s lotion, meaning that mobilizing the sore area will only increase circulation and accelerate recovery. 

Even though those a couple of those movements were tough to make it through, Ari was supportive and encouraging throughout. She makes you want to dig deep within your soul and push through the other side as a triumphant being. In fact, I can say that about the entire Muscle Lab staff. Let’s just say I overheard them coaching others and the intensity was real, but very inspirational. 

Conclusion

Cupping is a unique therapy that is beneficial for anyone, not just athletes. Whether you want to relieve lower back pain that results from sitting at your desk or shoulder pain from a hard workout, cupping can accelerate your road to recovery. Head on over to the folks at Muscle Lab and they’ll help you get your body into the best shape possible. We only took advantage of their cupping therapy, but the facility offers other beneficial therapies. Tell them that V-Man sent you if you live in the Greater Los Angeles Area. 

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No one needs a reminder that the body cannot survive without oxygen. The lungs require oxygen for optimal breathing, but that’s not oxygen’s only role in the body. Oxygen is the body’s fuel, working to nourish all the cells and tissues in the body. Carbon dioxide is simply the waste product of all these processes. 

As many people are aware, the oxygen people breathe on a regular basis does not stimulate deep healing within the body. There are chemical pollutants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other airborne toxins in the air we breathe. Additionally, the air humans breathe is only about 21% oxygen. The remaining 79% consists of nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, and methane gasses. If you want to provide the lungs and cells with optimal nourishment, the body requires purer oxygen. One of the best ways to provide the body with more oxygen is via hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the safe, natural practice of inhaling pressurized oxygen to regenerate the body. It’s a well-known treatment that is highly beneficial for diving-related illness (decompression sickness). The first use of HBOT was in the early 20th century. Orville Cunningham used pure oxygen to treat someone from dying from the flu. The therapy unearthed again in the 1940s when the U.S. Navy used HBOT to treat deep sea divers who experienced decompression sickness. It grew in popularly and people used it to combat carbon monoxide poisoning in the 1960s.

Scuba divers who develop decompression sickness still use it today, but it has many other uses and benefits. Within a hyperbaric chamber, air pressure increases two or three times higher than regular air pressure. The lungs can gather more oxygen that is purer in this setting. Your blood carriers more oxygen throughout the body to fight bacteria and stimulate stem cell growth. This is why it is highly beneficial for immune health and accelerated healing. 

The Benefits Of HBOT Therapy

Hyper Oxygenating Tissues

The body’s tissues require sufficient oxygen to function optimally. Tissues become injured overtime, or due to a specific injury, and they need more oxygen to survive and heal. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen that your blood can carry throughout the body. This hyper-oxygenates tissues to stimulate quicker healing. Regular treatments cause an increase in epithelial cells, which close wounds and form a barrier on the skin.

Higher Rate Of Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is the process of creating new blood vessels. Tissues cannot survive or repair without this natural process. Oxygen levels in the body dictate the rate and quality of angiogenesis. Increasing the amount and quality of oxygen in the body, for example in a hyperbaric chamber, can stimulate new blood vessel growth. HBOT also works to enhance collagen production, which is a crucial element of blood vessels.

Diving Related Issues

Decompression sickness occurs when scuba divers surface too quickly. Air bubbles form and expand in the body, which is sometimes referred to as “the bends.” If left untreated within hours, these bubbles can become life-threatening. The way to remedy the situation is by receiving oxygen, or spending time in a decompression chamber. HBOT helps the diver return to the pressure, or depth, at which they were diving. This allows for natural and gradual decompression to take place, reducing the volume of bubbles in the body.

Reduced Edema

It’s quite common for many people to experience edema, which causes fluid accumulation in the body’s cavities or tissues. The most common symptom is swelling in the lower leg, but it can occur anywhere in the body. Increasing the pressure on bodily tissues can restrict circulation and impair wound healing. HBOT helps to increase circulation by moving the built-up fluids to either circulate or eliminate. The tissues then receive more oxygen and can properly and efficiently repair or heal. 

Increased Antibacterial Activity

When the body receives more oxygen in a situation like HBOT, one of the primary benefits is increased antibacterial activity. In fact, this is almost an immediate reaction! Leukocytes, which are white blood cells, experience enhanced strength and movement from the oxygen. This helps them be more effective at killing harmful bacteria or foreign invaders in the body. Additionally, they help to reduce free radicals while removing dead cellular debris.

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Depression is either a minor or serious mood disorder that involves a wide range of symptoms. Some of them don’t interfere with daily life, while others can be life-threatening. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 264 million people suffer from depression worldwide. Roughly 17 million American adults have experienced one major depressive episode, and adolescents (ages 12-17) have a higher rate of the same episodes. These numbers may not be 100% accurate because many people with depression don’t always seek treatment.

One of the most unfortunate realities in today’s day and age is that many people don’t acknowledge depression as a serious issue. They neglect it and push symptoms to the side, failing to seek help. Sometimes, this is due to inadequate or non-existent mental health support facilities in certain areas. Considering that depression is one of the leading causes of disability, we need to correct this issue and not neglect symptoms of depression. Common symptoms of depression include:

• General sadness
• Feeling of emptiness
• Irritability
• Angry outbursts
• Lack of energy
• Slowed thinking, speaking, or lethargic movements
• Trouble concentrating
• Cognitive changes 
• Suicidal thoughts (in worst cases)

How To Fight Against Depression

People have used herbal remedies to treat anxiety and depression for centuries. In more recent years, Western cultures moved away from herbal remedies, focusing on prescription medications. A report on antidepressant use in teens and adults monitored a 400% increase between 1988-1994 and 2005-2008. While medications have their place, herbs and supplements can help combat depressive symptoms. The efficacy of these nutrients and herbs will depend on each person’s biochemistry. Keep reading to learn more about the natural ways to fight depression.

Vitamin D

A little sunshine everyday does more than boost immunity and aid the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D plays many roles in the body, one of which is fighting depression. According to a 2019 review of four randomized trials, vitamin D supplements helped relieve symptoms of major depression. People with depression tend to be deficient or low in vitamin D. People with the lowest levels have more severe depressive symptoms. If you have depression, consider getting out in the sun or supplementing with vitamin D to help improve quality of life.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is a mild antidepressant that is commonly used to relax the body before sleep. Many people with anxiety or insomnia benefit from drinking valerian tea before bed. It does have a mild sedative effect on the body that works to improve sleep quality. The good news is that if valerian root doesn’t make you tired if your depression causes anxiety symptoms. It actually works to calm the body and mind. Be mindful that you should not take this herb with other antidepressant medications.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

We’ve got the need…the need for omega-3s! According to research, omega-3 fatty acids may help to improve depressive symptoms, especially in postpartum women. One review of 26 studies found that omega-3 supplementation had a positive effect on 2,160 patients with depression. Several studies confirmed that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) proved to be the most effective omega-3s. There are many omega-3 supplements, but you can also find them in avocados, extra virgin olive oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and Brussels sprouts.

SAM-e

S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e) is a synthetic form of one of the body’s mood-boosting chemicals. Health experts classify SAM-e as a supplement, not a medication, and the FDA has not approved it in the U.S. to treat depression. People in Europe, however, prescribe SAM-w as an antidepressant. It has similar effects to common antidepressants, and it proved to be better than a placebo in one study. The efficacy of SAM-e will depend on the severity of the condition.

Saffron

This brightly colored spice is highly regarded in the culinary world, but it also has significance in herbal remedies. Several studies confirmed that it may help to naturally treat symptoms of depression. Researchers observed that it may increase levels of serotonin, a powerful mood-boosting chemical. One analysis of five controlled trials found that supplementing with saffron reduced symptoms of depression in adults with major depressive disorder. More research is necessary, but saffron shows great promise for fighting symptoms of depression.

Zinc

Zinc works to encourage a healthy immune system, but it also works to regulate neurotransmitter pathways. People with depression tend to be deficient or low in zinc levels. One analysis found that blood zinc levels were about 10% lower in people with depression than people without the condition. Another review found that supplementing with zinc alongside antidepressant meds worked to dramatically reduce symptoms. 

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