Fever

If the fever goes above 104 deg. F or if the child is uncomfortable from the fever even in lower ranges, sponging with tepid tap water usually helps. Do not use water that is too cold otherwise shivering will begin and negate the effects of sponging.

The effect of sponging is to absorb the body heat. It is best to keep the child in a cool place, keeping the fan running (to hasten the evaporation). Remove the clothes and dip a clean towel in tap water, squeeze out the excess water and cover the body with towel. Once the towel becomes warm, repeat the same process till his temperature comes down.

A common misconception is that sponging will lead to colds. It is true to a certain extent, but remember that high grade fever is a more serious problem which can cause complications, the cold can be easily tackled.

Hair Loss

• Application of olive oil at bed time and washing off the hair the next morning is very useful.
• The area of patchy baldness may be scrubbed with onions till it becomes red. Follow it up by applying honey over this patch.
• Amla oil is prepared by boiling dry pieces of amla in coconut oil is an excellent hair tonic.
• Boil heena leaves in mustard oil till they are burnt, the oil can be filtered. A regular massage of this oil is helpful.
• Application of coconut milk all over the scalp and massaging it into the hair roots is also beneficial in treating hair loss.
• The seeds of lime and black pepper ground together to a fine paste helps in treating patchy baldness.
• The most effective remedy of hair loss, is vigorously rubbing of scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water.

Headaches

• Certain food & beverages do not cause problem for all headache sufferers, avoiding them for a while to see if this helps is worth trying
  “ The three C’s” – cheese, chocolate and citrus fruits.

1. Alcohol especially red wine.
2. Nitrites found in processed meat like ham, turkey, hot dogs, sausages.
3. Monosodium Glutamate (Ajinomoto) found in Chinese foods, canned – meat and fish.
4. Salty snack foods.
5. Caffeine – a stimulant found in coffee, tea and soft drinks.

• Avoid skipping meals. This is especially true for migraine patients as it allows the blood sugar levels to drop down there by triggering the attack. A scarf remedy has often been recommended for tension headaches.
• Wrap a scarf or a handkerchief round the head and tie a tight knot, taking care that the knot lies over the area where you have maximum pain. This often reduces the blood flow and relieves congestive headaches especially those near the temples.