HOME REMEDIES FOR HICCUPS

A hiccup, also known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF) or singultus, is an uncontrollable contraction of the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen) that may repeat several times per minute.

As the diaphragm contracts, it causes you to breathe air in very quickly, followed by a sudden closure of your vocal cords. This produces the characteristic sound of a hiccup.

Hiccups may occur individually or in bouts. For most people, a bout of hiccups lasts only a few minutes. Rarely, hiccups may persist for hours. Usually, the sound of a hiccup is the only sign. However, at times one can experience a slight tightening sensation in the chest, abdomen or throat.

Most often, hiccups occur due to drinking carbonated beverages or excessive alcoholic beverages, overeating, eating too quickly, eating very spicy foods, some kind of excitement or emotional stress, smoking, sudden change in the room temperature and swallowing air while chewing or eating something.

Long-term hiccups that last for hours can be due to some nerve damage or irritation, respiratory conditions, central nervous system disorders due to a tumor or infection, gastrointestinal conditions, metabolic disorders or certain medications.

It can also be triggered by alcoholism, anesthesia, barbiturates, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure, steroids and tranquilizers.

Hiccups can be annoying and embarrassing when in public. In general, a bout of hiccups will go away without any treatment. However, there are many home remedies that can help stop hiccups.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for hiccups.

1. Cold Water

You can shock your system with cold water to stop hiccups. Any kind of shock will cause distraction and will help put your hiccups to rest.

• Quickly drink a glass of cold water with honey in it and your hiccups will go away immediately.
• You can also gargle with cold water for 1 minute to keep hiccups at bay.
• Another option is to suck on a small piece of ice for a few seconds.

2. Drink Upside Down

Drinking a glass of cold water can shock your body and stop hiccups. But this remedy can be made more effective by drinking the water upside down.

1. Fill a glass with cold water.
2. Bend down at the waist and put your head down.
3. Drink the water from the opposite side of the glass than you would normally.
4. If required, repeat again.

Check out this video to see this technique in action.

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3. Hold Your Breath

Holding your breath is an age-old cure for hiccups. It increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, which distracts the mind and stops the cycle of hiccups.

1. Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can without letting any air out.
2. Exhale gently in a controlled manner.
3. Inhale and hold your breath again.
4. Do this for several cycles until the hiccups stop.

4. Sugar

Sugar is a great home remedy for hiccups, especially for small children who cannot effectively complete the two remedies described above. Swallowing sugar stimulates the vagus nerve and makes the body forget all about the hiccups.

1. Fill 1 teaspoon with white or brown sugar.
2. Hold the spoon in your mouth for 5 seconds.
3. Allow the sugar to dissolve slowly without chewing it.
4. Take a sip of water and the hiccups will stop.

This remedy can be used by adults too, but people who have diabetes must avoid it.

5. Vinegar

Vinegar is another effective remedy to stop hiccups. Its sour taste helps distract the mind, which helps stop the hiccups. White vinegar, malt vinegar or apple cider vinegar will do the trick.

• Swallow 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar, followed by a glass of water.
• Another option is to mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with a little water. Swallow it slowly and the hiccups will stop.

6. Peanut Butter

Another age-old remedy to keep hiccups at bay is peanut butter. The sticky, gooey consistency of peanut butter interrupts the breathing pattern when you try to swallow it and this helps stop continuous hiccups.

1. Put 1 teaspoon of peanut butter in your mouth.
2. Hold it for a few seconds, then swallow it without chewing.
3. If required, drink a glass of water.

If peanut butter is not available, you can use almond butter.

7. Breathe into a Paper Bag

Another time-tested trick that may help hiccup sufferers is breathing into a paper bag. This increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the body, making the diaphragm contract more deeply to bring in more oxygen. This helps stop the hiccups.

1. Tightly press a small paper bag around your mouth.
2. Breathe slowly and deeply into it.
3. Repeat this several times, while keeping the brown paper bag in place.

Note: This remedy is not recommended for heart and stroke patients. Plus, it is important to follow this method at one’s own comfort level.

8. Lemon

Lemon is a sure way to stop hiccups mid-stream. The sour taste of lemon overwhelms the irritated nerves, thus making the hiccups disappear.

• Put 1/2 teaspoon of undiluted lemon juice in your mouth. The overpowering taste will compel you to swallow it hard and the hiccups will stop immediately.
• Another option is mix the juice of one lemon in half a glass of water. Drink it quickly to stop hiccups.
• You can also put a little salt on a small piece of lemon and then suck the juice out of the lemon slowly.

9. Cardamom

Cardamom is also an effective remedy for hiccups. It has muscle-relaxing properties and hence can stop hiccups.

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder in a glass of hot water.
2. Set it aside for 15 minutes and then strain it.
3. Drink it slowly.

10. Chamomile

You can also use chamomile to stop hiccups. The muscle-relaxant properties of chamomile help ease the contractions in the diaphragm that cause hiccups.

• Steep 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile herb in a cup of water for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink it slowly and the hiccups will stop soon.
• Another option is to put 1 or 2 drops of chamomile essential oil in a brown paper bag. Hold the bag over your nose and mouth and take slow, deep breaths into the bag until the hiccups stop.

Additional Tips

• You can sing or laugh loudly to distract your mind and stop hiccups.
• Drink a small amount of a fizzy beverage to induce a burp to help the hiccups go away.
• Hold the end of your tongue with your fingers and tug. This eases diaphragm spasms and stops hiccups.
• Use a cotton swab to tickle the soft palate of the roof of your mouth.
• Put your fingers in your ears and breathe deeply for a few seconds.
• Chew a small piece of ginger slowly to fight hiccups.
• Drink alcoholic beverages only in moderation as they can damage the lining of the food pipe, which may result in frequent hiccups.
• Avoid eating in a hurry. Take your time, chewing your food properly and eating slowly.
• Avoid overeating as it is a common cause of hiccups.
• Avoid spicy foods that can irritate the lining of the esophagus and stomach. This in turn can cause hiccups.
• Cup your hands around your nose and mouth, but continue breathing normally.
• Try the open-mouthed swallowing method.
• Hold your nose and close your mouth for as long as you can or until you sense that the hiccups are gone.

If your hiccups remain for more than a few hours, seek medical advice.

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TOP 10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASFETIDA (HING)

Asafetida, also known as hing, is a latex gum extracted from several species of a perennial herb, Ferula. It is available in the market as a solid brick or smaller pieces, as well as in tablet or powder form.

This potent-smelling spice is commonly used in Persian and Indian cooking for flavoring, food preservation and fragrance. Due to its strong odor, it is also called Devil’s dung. From a nutritional perspective, asafetida provides protein, fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous, iron, niacin, carotene and riboflavin.

Along with its culinary uses, asafetida has a prominent place in traditional medicine. Its health benefits come from its carminative, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, diuretic, vermifuge, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac and anti-carcinogenic properties.

Given its numerous therapeutic and curative powers, this spice is also referred to as the ‘Food of the Gods’.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of asafetida.

1. Treats Stomach Problems

Asafetida is an amazing spice to treat various kinds of stomach problems. It has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiflatulent properties that help alleviate problems like indigestion, upset stomach, intestinal gas, intestinal worms, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also considered useful in treating food poisoning.

• Consume a little bit of asafetida on a daily basis by adding it to curries and food.
• Another option is to dissolve a few small pieces of asafetida in one-half cup of water. Drink it daily after eating your meal.

2. Cures Respiratory Disorders

Due to its anti inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic effects, asafetida is often used to treat respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, dry cough, whooping cough and colds. Plus, it acts as a respiratory stimulant, which is very useful in relieving chest congestion and releasing phlegm.

• A paste prepared by grinding asafetida in water and then applying it on your chest is an effective remedy for relieving a cough.
• You can also mix together one-half teaspoon each of asafetida powder and dry ginger powder and two tablespoons of honey. Have this mixture at least three times a day to get relief from a dry cough, whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma.

3. Relieves Menstrual Issues

Asafetida is really a boon for women, as it helps get rid of menstrual pain, irregular menstruation and heavy blood flow during menstruation. Asafetida boosts progesterone secretion and promotes smooth blood flow, and thus provides relief from these common female issues.

1. Mix a pinch of asafetida, one-half teaspoon of fenugreek powder and salt for taste in a cup of buttermilk.
2. Drink this two or three times daily for a month to alleviate the pain and discomfort accompanying menstrual periods.

4. Soothes Headaches

Whether you have a headache due to a common cold or a migraine, asafetida can surely solve your problem. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, asafetida can help reduce inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, which in turn will reduce headaches.

• Heat a dash of asafetida in one and one-half cup of water. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes and then drink it a few times a day to relieve mild tension headache.
• Another option is to take one teaspoon each of asafetida, dried ginger, camphor and two teaspoons of tailed pepper. Add enough milk or rose water to form a paste. Apply this paste on your forehead to treat tension and migraine headaches.

5. Alleviates Toothaches

Due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, asafetida helps alleviate tooth pain and fight infection. It can also help treat bleeding gums and dental caries.

• Simply place a very small piece of asafetida on the aching tooth to get quick relief from a toothache.
• You can also make a mouth rinse with asafetida. Boil a little asafetida and a few cloves in one cup of water. When lukewarm, use it as a mouth rinse.
• Another option is to make a poultice by heating one-half teaspoon of asafetida in two teaspoons of lemon juice. Soak a cotton swab in it and apply it on the affected tooth.

Follow either of these remedies a few times a day until you get relief.

6. Eases Ear Aches

The anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties of asafetida can help relieve an ear ache caused by an infection.

1. Heat coconut oil in a small pan.
2. Add a small piece of asafetida and allow it to melt.
3. When lukewarm, use this mixture as ear drops.
4. You can use two or three drops of this solution and repeat as needed.

7. Treats Colic Pain

Asafetida can effectively ease the symptoms of colic pain in infants by soothing the mucous membranes lining the gastrointestinal tract.

Before using asafetida for treating colic pain, make sure your baby is suffering from gas and not some other problem. If your baby’s tummy is tight and bloated, it is likely gas.

1. Make a thin paste of asafetida and warm water.
2. Apply the paste around the navel area (do not put it in the navel).
3. Repeat as needed.

Note: For infants and toddlers, it is not advisable to give asafetida internally.

8. Prevents Cancer

As asafetida is a powerful antioxidant, it helps protect the body from free radicals. Studies show its anti-carcinogenic property helps stop the growth of malignant cells and thus prevents cancer.

Of the several compounds in asafetida that have the potential to treat or prevent cancer, two most widely researched compounds are umbrelliprenin and ferulic acid, both of which help prevent the development of new cancer cells.

9. Treats Impotency

Asafetida has also been used for ages to treat impotency, or erectile dysfunction, in men. Being an aphrodisiac, it helps increase libido.

1. Fry one-fourth teaspoon of asafetida in a little clarified butter.
2. Remove from heat and mix in one-half teaspoon of fresh latex of banyan tree and some honey.
3. Take this mixture once daily in the early morning for 40 days to notice improvement in your condition.

According to a study in Egypt, asafetida is also useful in the treatment of genital infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

10. Heals Insect Bites and Stings

Asafetida is also very beneficial in treating insect bites and stings from bees and wasps. It relieves pain and inflammation and helps reduce the toxic effects. In fact, asafetida is also used in insect repellant products to ward off mosquitoes, gnats and other insects because of its pungent smell.

1. Make a paste of asafetida powder and water.
2. Apply it as a poultice on the affected area.
3. Let it dry and then rinse it off.
4. Repeat as needed.

Caution

People taking high blood pressure medications, those suffering from blood clotting problems and pregnant women should avoid taking asafetida.

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HOME REMEDIES FOR ASTHMA

Asthma is a lung disease that causes difficulty breathing. Asthma can be either acute or chronic.Asthma attacks occur when there is an obstruction in the flow of air in the lungs.

Some common causes of asthma are allergies, air pollution, respiratory infections, sulfites in food and certain medications. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.

There are many medical treatments for asthma. These simple natural remedies can also provide relief from symptoms.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for asthma.

1. Ginger

Ginger is a well-known natural treatment for various ailments including asthma. Researchers have found that it can help reduce airway inflammation and inhibit airway contraction. Plus, studies indicate that it has compounds that may enhance the muscle relaxant effects of certain asthma drugs.

• Mix equal quantities of ginger juice, pomegranate juice and honey. Consume one tablespoon of this mixture two or three times a day.
• Alternatively, you can mix one teaspoon of ground ginger in one and a half cups of water and take one tablespoon of this mixture at bedtime.
• Cut one inch of ginger into small pieces and add it to a pot of boiling water. Let it steep for five minutes, allow it to cool down and then drink it.
• To detoxify your lungs, prepare a fenugreek decoction by boiling one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water and mixing one teaspoon each of ginger juice and honey in it. Drink this solution every morning and evening.
• You can also eat raw ginger mixed with salt.

2. Mustard Oil

When having an asthma attack, massaging with mustard oil will help clear the respiratory passages and restore normal breathing.

1. Heat some mustard oil with a little camphor.
2. Transfer it in a bowl and when it is comfortably warm, gently rub it on the chest and upper back and massage.
3. Do this several times a day until the symptoms subside.

3. Figs

The nutritional properties of figs promote respiratory health and help drain phlegm and alleviate breathing difficulties.

1. Wash three dried figs and soak them in a cup of water overnight.
2. In the morning, eat the soaked figs and drink the fig water on an empty stomach.

Continue this home treatment for a couple of months. This method helps the nutrients quickly enter your bloodstream and provide relief from asthma symptoms.

4. Garlic

The following garlic remedies will clear congestion in your lungs, giving you quick relief from asthma symptoms.

• Boil 10 to 15 cloves of garlic in one-half cup of milk. Drink this once a day.
• You can also make garlic tea by adding three to four cloves of garlic to a pot of hot water and letting it steep for five minutes. Allow it to cool to room temperature and then drink it.

5. Coffee

The caffeine in regular coffee can help control asthma attacks because it acts as a bronchodilator. Hot coffee also will relax and clear the airways to help you to breathe easier. The stronger the coffee, the better the result.

But try not to drink more than three cups of black coffee in a day. If you do not like coffee, you can opt for a cup of hot black tea. Do not use caffeine as a regular treatment though.

6. Eucalyptus Oil

Pure eucalyptus oil is an effective treatment for asthma symptoms because of its decongestant properties. Research indicates that it has a chemical called eucalyptol which can help break up mucus.

• Just put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a paper towel and keep it by your head when sleeping so that you breathe in the aroma.
• You can also put two to three drops of eucalyptus oil in a pot of boiling water and breathe in the steam. Try to take deep breaths for faster results.

7. Honey

Honey is one of the oldest natural cures for asthma. The alcohol and ethereal oils in honey help reduce asthma symptoms.

• Just inhaling the smell of honey produces positive results for some people.
• You can also mix one teaspoon of honey into a glass of hot water and drink it slowly about three times a day.
• Before going to bed, swallow one teaspoon of honey with one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder. This will help remove phlegm from your throat and allow you to sleep better.

8. Onions

Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce constriction of the airways when suffering from asthma. Also, the sulfur content in onions helps decrease inflammation in the lungs.

Simply eat raw onions to clear your air passage ways for better breathing. If you cannot bear the taste of raw onions, try eating cooked onions.

9. Lemon

People with asthma often have low levels of vitamin C. Lemons are rich in this vitamins and antioxidants that can help reduce asthma symptoms.

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water and add some sugar according to your taste. Drink this regularly to reduce asthma attacks.

Oranges, papayas, blueberries and strawberries are also rich in nutrients that help minimize asthma symptoms.

Note: Avoid using bottled lemon juice. Also, do not take citrus fruits during asthma attacks if they worsen your symptoms.

10. Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon will help your lungs react better to irritants that cause asthma symptoms. It can also reduce airway narrowing and inflammation.

Along with salmon, you can eat other fishes such as cod, sardines, mackerel and tuna. If raw salmon is not readily available, you can try salmon oil.

The next time you suffer from an asthma attack, try these natural treatments. When followed in a proper manner, you’ll breathe easier and get relief from other symptoms of asthma.

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HOME REMEDIES FOR BAD BREATH

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is embarrassing and can take a toll on your confidence level. Bad breath can be due to a number of reasons such as eating odorous foods, smoking, dry mouth, medical conditions, gum disease, and sinus conditions. However, the primary cause of bad breath is the bacteria that build up on the back of your tongue or between your teeth.

Maintaining good oral health is essential to controlling bad breath. Also regular intake of water is essential for keeping your breath fresh. After eating a meal, swish water around your mouth for a few seconds. This will loosen food particles stuck between your teeth and clean your mouth. Along with water, you can also treat bad breath with the help of some readily available ingredients from your kitchen cupboard.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for bad breath.

1. Fennel

Fennel contains antimicrobial properties that combat bad breath.

• Slowly chew a tablespoon of fennel to freshen your breath and stimulate saliva production in your mouth.
• Immediately after eating foods with strong odors, freshen your breath by chewing fennel seeds mixed with the seeds of other aromatic spices like cloves and cardamom.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains cinnamic aldehyde, a kind of essential oil that not only just cover up bad breath, but it also actually reduces the amount of bacteria in your saliva. To treat bad breath follow this remedy twice daily.

1. Boil one teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water.
2. You may add some bay leaves and cardamom too.
3. Strain the solution and use it as a mouth rinse to refresh your breath.

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek tea is highly effective when bad breath is caused by catarrhal infections.

1. Boil a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water.
2. Strain and drink this tea.

4. Cloves

Cloves have powerful antiseptic properties that are very helpful in getting rid of bad breath.

• The easiest method is to pop a few pieces of cloves into your mouth and chew them thoroughly. This will eliminate bad breath in a few minutes.
• You can also make clove tea by putting three whole cloves in two cups of hot water and letting it steep for 20 minutes, stirring from time to time. You can drink the tea or use it as a mouthwash twice a day.

5. Parsley

Parsley contains chlorophyll that can help control bad breath.

• Dip a handful of fresh parsley leaves in vinegar and chew them thoroughly for a minute or two.
• You can also put parsley leaves through a juicer and sip the juice anytime you need to refresh your breath. The parsley will also aid digestion by reducing the production of intestinal gas.

6. Lemon Juice

Curing bad breath with a lemon rinse has been used for generations. The high acidic content in lemons prevents growth of bacteria on your tongue and gums. Just stir one tablespoon of lemon juice into a cup of water and rinse your mouth with it thoroughly. You can also add a bit of salt to it and rinse your mouth before going to bed. This remedy will help to solve the problem of dry mouth which is one of the main reasons behind bad breath. 

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Due to its acidic properties, apple cider vinegar makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath. You can try any of these remedies depending on your preference.

• Stir one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink it before eating your meals. The vinegar will help in digestion as well as cure bad breath.
• Drink one tablespoon of diluted apple cider vinegar after each meal.
• Gargle with apple cider vinegar mixed in a cup of water.

8. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great solution for getting rid of and preventing bad breath.

• Brushing your teeth with baking soda will help reduce the acidity in your mouth and prevent bacteria from building up on your tongue.
• You can also gargle with baking soda dissolved in warm water to kill odor-causing bacteria.

9. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties that act like a powerful disinfectant for your mouth. You can get the benefits from tea tree oil in a variety of ways.

• Brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing tea tree oil.
• Put a few drops of tea tree oil on your toothbrush along with your regular toothpaste.
• Mix equal amounts of tea tree oil, peppermint oil and lemon oil in a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash.

10. Tea

Normal as well as herbal teas can also help combat bad breath. The compound known as polyphenols found in both green and black tea can stop the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath.

You can also opt for herbal tea with alfalfa. Chlorophyll found in alfalfa combats bad breath by helping clear toxins from the body. To make this herbal tea, put two teaspoons of dried alfalfa leaves in a cup of boiling water and steep for about 15 minutes. Drink this herbal tea several times a day to keep your breath fresh.

If your bad breath persists after trying these natural treatments, consult a doctor or dentist to see if there is a more serious underlying problem.

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HOME REMEDIES FOR DRY MOUTH

Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is a very common problem faced by many. Dryness in the mouth can be due to a change in the composition of saliva or reduced salivary flow.

It is often a symptom of the salivary glands not working properly as is often associated with aging, dehydration, stress, anxiety, snoring, depression, smoking or drinking alcohol. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers may also experience dry mouth due to dehydration and hormonal changes.

Dry mouth can also be a side effect of certain medications used to treat depression, nerve pain (neuropathy) and anxiety, as well as some antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants and pain medications. Other possible causes include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diabetes, nerve damage and autoimmune diseases.

Some of the symptoms of dry mouth include a parched feeling in the mouth, thick or stringy saliva, a rough tongue, excessive thirst, mouth sores, bad breath, loss of taste, cracked lips and difficulty chewing, speaking or swallowing.

Dry mouth can be very irritating, particularly due to the sticky feeling in the mouth. People sometimes refer to this as having “cotton mouth”. This problem can be easily treated with simple lifestyle changes and home remedies. Make sure to follow the remedies daily until the symptoms disappear.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for dry mouth.

1. Increase Fluid Intake

Dehydration is one of the most common reasons behind dry mouth. So, the best thing you can do is increase your fluid intake to keep your body hydrated. Proper hydration will make it easier for your body to produce more saliva and help get rid of the symptoms of dry mouth.

• Consume an ample amount of water throughout the day. If you cannot drink water, suck on small pieces of ice.
• Eat partly frozen chunks of water-based fruits and vegetables like pineapple, watermelon and cucumber.
• Drink smoothies, fruit juice or vegetable juice.
• Drink 1 to 2 glasses of coconut water daily.
• Drink herbal teas like green tea, chamomile tea, or others.
• Eat soft and liquid foods like stews and soups.

Avoid caffeinated beverages, sodas and alcoholic drinks as they can contribute to dehydration.

2. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper stimulates saliva production, making it one of the best remedies for dry mouth. Also, it will help bolster the taste buds so you can better distinguish sour, sweet, salty and bitter flavors.

• Press a little bit of ground cayenne pepper on a wet finger, then rub it around your tongue. This may cause a burning sensation for some time, but it will stimulate your salivary glands.
• Also, sprinkle cayenne pepper powder in your soups, salads and other dishes.
• Alternatively, you can take cayenne pepper capsules after consulting your doctor.

3. Fennel Seeds

The flavonoids in fennel seeds stimulate the flow of saliva and hence help get rid of dry mouth. Plus, their aromatic flavor helps combat bad breath that accompanies dry mouth.

• Munch on fennel seeds several times a day to treat dry mouth.
• You can also mix together equal amounts of fennel seeds and fenugreek seeds. Dry roast them in a pan, grind them thoroughly and add a little salt. Eat 1/2 teaspoon of this mixture after each meal.

4. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm contains mucilage. Due to this substance, it becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. This gel helps coat and soothe the mouth as well as the throat. Plus, it can effectively relieve many discomforts associated with dry mouth.

• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of slippery elm to a cup of hot water. Cover and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey and drink this tea twice daily.
• Another option is to prepare a paste with some slippery elm bark powder and enough water. Apply it inside the mouth, leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse your mouth with water. Do this once or twice daily.

5. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, helps keep your mouth moist and thus is very helpful in treating dry mouth. It is also beneficial in maintaining oral health and eliminating bad breath. Oil pulling can be done with coconut oil, sesame oil or any other edible vegetable oil.

1. Put 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil in your mouth.
2. Swish the oil around your mouth thoroughly for about 15 minutes.
3. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water.
4. Brush your teeth as usual.
5. Repeat the process daily, in the morning before eating anything.

Note: Do not gargle or swallow the oil.

6. Aloe Vera

An age-old remedy to treat dry mouth is aloe vera. It also helps protect the sensitive tissue in the mouth and enhances the taste buds.

• Drink ¼ cup of aloe vera juice daily to cure dry mouth.
• You can also rinse your mouth with aloe vera juice a few times a day.
• Alternatively, apply pure aloe vera gel around your mouth using a cotton swab. Leave it on for several minutes and then rinse your mouth with cold water. Do this 2 or 3 times a day.

7. Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is another effective remedy to eliminate symptoms of dry mouth. Its moisturizing property helps coat your mouth and keeps it moist for a reasonable amount of time. Plus, being high in vitamin E, it will help heal any sores you may have in your mouth.

1. Use your fingers to rub some grapeseed oil on your tongue and the inside of your cheeks.
2. Leave it on overnight.
3. The next morning, rinse your mouth with warm water and then brush your teeth as usual.
4. Repeat daily before going to bed.

8. Lemon

Lemon juice can stimulate saliva production and relieve dry mouth. Plus, its acidic nature can help cleanse your mouth and eliminate bad breath.

• Add the juice of half a lemon and a little honey to a glass of water. Sip this water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• You can also drink homemade lemonade to treat dry mouth. Be sure to use lemonade that does not contain sugar.
• Also, sprinkle a little salt on a small piece of lemon. Rub it on your tongue to enhance your taste buds.

9. Cardamom

An Ayurvedic remedy to fight dry mouth is cardamom. Chewing a pod of cardamom will moisten the mouth as well as eliminate bad breath.

• Chew a pod of cardamom thoroughly after every meal or whenever your mouth is dry.
• Alternatively, add 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder to a glass of hot water. Let it steep for 10 minutes and then drink it. Do this once or twice daily.
• You can also rinse your mouth with lukewarm cardamom tea twice daily.

10. Ginger

You can also use ginger to treat dry mouth. Ginger seems to be very effective in stimulating saliva and can make your mouth feel fresh longer.

• Chew a small piece of fresh ginger slowly. Do this several times a day to fight dry mouth symptoms.
• You can also drink 2 to 3 cups of ginger tea mixed with honey daily to stimulate your salivary glands.

Additional Tips

• Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco as it hampers saliva production.
• Suck on sugar-free candies or chew sugar-free gum to promote saliva production.
• Sleep in a room with a humidifier or vaporizer to keep your mouth moist all night long.
• Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
• If you have an option then avoid taking medicines like diuretics, antihistamines and decongestants that can cause a dry mouth.
• Gargle with warm salt water 3 or 4 times a day.
• Occasionally inhale steam to help moisturize your nasal passages and airways.
• In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth, clean your tongue daily. Use toothpaste and mouth rinse with fluoride in it.
• Drink water while eating and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing. After eating a meal, rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Lower your intake of spicy and acidic foods as they can irritate the inside of the mouth. Also, cut down on sugary foods and beverages as they may increase the risk of tooth decay.
• Munch on snacks that have high water content like celery sticks to stimulate the saliva glands and add moisture to your mouth.

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