Hay fever is an allergy caused by dust, pollen or dander in the air, this causes allergy to eyes and nose. Hay fever is seasonal but can last throughout the year. Hay fever is also referred to as nasal allergy. Spring and fall are the seasons for hay fever.

Symptoms for hay fever include:

• Coughing, headache, itching of nose, mouth, eyes, throat, ear and skin. Redness and watery eyes, running and stuffy nose, impaired smell, sneezing, sore throat, wheezing, fatigue and trouble while sleeping are some common symptoms of hay fever.

Causes of hay fever include:

• The entry of allergens into the body through mouth, nose, throat and lungs. These allergens enter the body and react with the immune system.

Home remedies to cure hay fever are:

Honey boiled with minced grapefruit and lemon taken three times daily will stop the irritation of nose. Apply petroleum jelly inside the nose. Chamomile boiled in water and then fumes inhaled in will relieve the itching.

Maintain a clean healthy and balance diet, consume more fruits and vegetables as these may increase the fiber content of the body which helps soothen the bowel movements. Include vitamin C in your diet. Avoid flour, sugar, salt and dairy product. Drink plenty water and herbal tea. Eat food rich in protein.

Avoid going out early morning and late evening as the pollens are released during this time of the day. Avoid using nasal spray as it my increase nasal congestion. Avoid smoking and air pollutants.

Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach’s linning. Acute or chronic gastritis causes inflammatory lesions.

Symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, pain and discomfort in the stomach region.
• Coated tongue, foul breath, bad taste in the mouth, increased flow of saliva, scanty urination, uneasiness and mental depression are other symptoms of gastritis.
• In chronic conditions patient experience as feeling of fullness in the abdomen. They might also experience diarrhea or constipation.

Causes of gastritis are:

• Irregular or excessive eating, eating badly combined food, excessive intake of strong tea, coffee or alcoholic drinks, large quantities of condiments and sauces.
• Worry, anxiety, grief, prolonged tension, certain drugs, strong acids and caustic substances cause gastritis.
• Improper bowel movements and improper diet can also cause gastritis.

Home remedies to cure gastritis are:

• Coconut water gives the stomach rest and provides the necessary vitamins and minerals to return to its normal condition.
• One cup of rice gruel is recommended twice daily as they can induce greater flow of gastric juices.
• Potato juice taken twice or trice daily helps relief gastritis discomfort.
• Marigold herb taken twice daily is also very beneficial to treat gastritis.

Diet for gastritis includes:

• Consuming lots of fruits and vegetables to soothe bowel movements. Recommended fruits include pears, apples, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, peaches and melons.
• Having curd and cottage cheese along with lots of water will help dilute the gastric juices.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, spices, meat, sweet, strong tea and coffee as these can aggravate gastritis.
• Fasting for two to three days and only having warm water during this period will relax the stomach causing the inflammation to subside.
• Well balance diet is very essential; include all seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits.

Warm water enema done daily for one week will help clean the bowels. Hot water compress on empty stomach or two hours after meal will also be beneficial. Avoid physical exertion, stress, mental strain etc. Practice breathing exercises as it can be very helpful. Walking, swimming and golf can also benefit.

Gingivitis also referred to as bleeding gums is caused due to inflammation of the gums. This inflammation is mainly caused due to bad oral hygiene. Gingivitis is a periodontal disease which affects the surrounding gums and tissues. If not treated in time it can lead to serious problems like periodontitis eventually causing destruction of the bone and lose of teeth. However at early stages gingivitis is not very painful.

Symptoms of gingivitis include painful gums, bleeding while brushing, red gums, swollen gums, tender gums, bad breath and bad taste in mouth.

The common cause of gum inflammation is the local irritant. Plague, bacteria and food particles accumulating between the gums cause gingivitis due to the toxic chemicals produced by the bacteria.

Other causes that cause gum inflammation are drugs, viral and fungal infections, hormonal changes during pregnancy and puberty, poor nutrition, medication, lack of hygiene etc.

Home remedies to cure gum inflammation include usage of products that contain essential oils, gargling with saline water daily twice, rubbing clove oil on the gums or keep clove in the mouth, usage of anti-bacterial mouthwash etc. Other remedies to cure gingivitis are usage mouthwash containing sage oil, peppermint, menthol and chamomile tincture. Toothpaste containing sage oil, peppermint oil etc. are also highly recommended.

The diet suggested to patients suffering with gingivitis includes

• Consumption of low saturated fats.
• Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Food rich in fiber.
• Vitamin C is very essential to improve gum conditions.
• Avoid sugar, fruit juices, white flour, white rice, soft drinks and syrups.

If the condition is very serious it is recommended that the patient visits a dentist as he will thoroughly clean the mouth and gums and remove plague etc. Oral hygiene is very essential to prevent this condition from reoccurring. Using dental floss is advisable; also avoid stress as it contributes to plague accumulation.