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Natural Remedies for Common Problems

Seems like everyone is having difficulties sleeping at one time or another due to stress at work, the state of finances or relationship pressures. There are commercial sleep aids but they can be habit-forming or have unpleasant side effects. There are natural remedies for insomnia including avoiding any kind of stimulant in food or drink, eat at least a few hours before bedtime, and make sure that what you eat is easily digestible. Drink chamomile tea before going to bed, or warm some milk up and drink it just before getting into bed. Your bedroom should be inducing to sleep such as having a comfortable room temperature, no distracting noises, and it should be well ventilated. Your bed should be comfortable and supportive. Use extra pillows for support or to elevate your head to breath easier if you have allergies. Nothing makes it more difficult to sleep as a stuffy nose! Some individuals swear by a warm bath before bed. If you suffer from tension, try massaging your head and neck or have your partner give you a massage. You can use two or three drops of essential oil of lavender to a base massage oil for an extra calming effect.

Headaches are another common complaint and can be remedied by using natural ways such as getting plenty of rest, exercising on a regular basis, avoiding foods and drinks that contain caffeine. If you normally take in a lot of caffeine and recently stopped try taking a cup of soda or a caffeinated tea and this may help relieve the headache because you can get caffeine withdrawal headaches. Relaxation exercises are often very helpful in relieving tension headaches. You can put a few drops of essential oil of lavender in cold water and dipping a washcloth in it, wringing it out and putting the washcloth on your forehead while resting in a darkened room. It may also help to massage your neck and spine.

The popularity of the computer could be the cause of an increase in carpal tunnel syndrome. This syndrome affects your wrists and can be quite painful. You can avoid carpal tunnel syndrome by using a wrist rest in front of your computer keyboard. It is also helpful to have a partner massage your inside of the wrist outwards and down with his/her thumbs. It may seem silly, but if you hold your hands above your head and wiggle your fingers you can relieve your muscles. Wearing a splint on your wrist at night if you are suffering from the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may be helpful. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are a gradual or frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of your hand, fingers, or thumb and the index or middle fingers. Your fingers may feel useless and swollen, even though no apparent swelling is seen. You may wake up in the morning having the intense need to s"hake out" your hand or wrist. If your symptoms persist you may feel the tingling all day and experience a weakened grip or have difficulty grasping small objects.