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Hydrochlorothiazide, also called by the short-hand terms hydrochlorot or HCTZ, is a diuretic primarily used to relieve fluid retention caused by various disorders. It is usually prescribed to be taken once daily and is provided in tablets and capsules of various dosages. Hydrochlorot is available in generic form and as several brand names including Ezide and Microzide.

1. Edema

   • Hydrochlorothiazide is prescribed to reduce fluid retention, or edema, caused by congestive heart failure and kidney disorders, and from taking medications such as steroids or estrogen. Edema usually occurs in the feet, ankles and lower legs, but can affect other parts of the body as well. Hydrochlorot blocks salt and fluid re-absorption in the kidneys and causes increased urine output.

   High Blood Pressure

   • Another common use for hydrochlorot is reducing high blood pressure, which helps prevent serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as kidney problems. Researchers have not fully determined why the drug decreases high blood pressure, and also why it does not affect normal blood pressure. Theories include reduction in blood volume and cardiac output that result from sodium being eliminated through urine, and also that the drug may be able to directly widen blood vessels.

   Kidney Stones

   • Doctors can legally prescribe medications for uses not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), called off-label use. One of these uses for hydrochlorot is preventing calcium-containing kidney stones, as the drug reduces the amount of calcium in urine.

   Ménière's Disease

   • Physicians also sometimes prescribe hydrochlorot to relieve symptoms of Ménière's disease, a condition characterized by too much fluid and pressure in the inner ear. This disorder can cause extreme dizziness and vertigo, and it affects balance and hearing.

   Edema During Pregnancy

   • Taking diuretics during pregnancy usually is not recommended, and any edema should be resolved by wearing support hose and elevating the legs. However, if a pregnant woman experiences edema from a disease-related (pathologic), cause, a doctor might prescribe medication such as hydrochlorot. Hydrochlorot also may be prescribed if the fluid retention causes extreme discomfort which is not alleviated by other methods.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of the herb licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) from which the compound glycyrrhizin has been removed. DGL is commonly used for problems of the digestive tract. It is available in several forms, including powders, capsules, chewable tablets and as an ingredient in various digestive compounds.

1. Licorice

   • Glycyrrhiza glabra, Koehler's Medicinal Plants, 1887, public domain

     Licorice root has a long history of use in both the Chinese and Western herbal traditions. It has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and lungs, and is used for cough, sore throat, gastritis and any condition that irritates these membranes. Licorice is one of the most common herbs in detoxification and cleansing formulas.

   Glycyrrhizin

   • Glycyrrhizin diagram, Shaddack, public domain

     Glycyrrhizin (also known as glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhizinic acid) is the main active constituent in licorice root. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner in her book "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," glycyrrhizin decreases inflammation by enhancing the movement of white blood cells toward the inflamed area, and increases the activity of several immune compounds. The compound also inhibits the breakdown of cortisol and corticosteroids, increasing the anti-inflammatory effects of these hormones.

   Side Effects of Glycyrrhizin

   • Some people experience increased water retention and blood pressure with long-term use of licorice root. Glycyrrhizin is responsible for this, as it can cause the body to reabsorb sodium at the kidneys, which decreases the amount of water excreted. Licorice root is therefore contraindicated in anyone with high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney or liver disease, and it should not be used by pregnant women.

   DGL Uses

   • Deglycyrrhizinated licorice was developed in order to avoid the effects of licorice root on blood pressure. DGL is safe in pregnancy and is safe for those with high blood pressure and liver and kidney conditions. Its sole use is to soothe irritations of the digestive tract, as without the glycyrrhizin, the detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effects of licorice are lost.

   Contraindications of DGL

   • There are no known contraindications of DGL. Some people are adverse to the taste of the chewable or powdered forms.

Canesten is a vaginal azole used in the treatment of yeast infections in the vagina. The medication works by killing and preventing the growth of fungus in the vagina, which in turn leads to alleviation of yeast infection symptoms. As with most vaginal medications, there are certain side effects associated with using the drug.

1. Common Side Effects

   • Some of these side effects include stomach and abdominal cramps, headache, burning and irritation of the genitals and skin rash. While these are considered the most common side effects associated with using the medication, they only affect a small number of users.

   Severe Side Effects

   • Unfortunately, there are also a number of severe side effects associated with using Canesten. Some of these side effects include hives, vaginal burning, vaginal itching and discharge, decreased sex drive, severe irritation around the application site, allergic reaction and swelling of the vaginal lips. These side effects are also very rare and do not affect a large amount of users.

   Important Safety Information

   • If your symptoms have not improved or have worsened after 7 days, contact your doctor for an adjusted treatment method. Vaginal medications sometimes come out of the vagina during the course of treatment, and it is recommended to wear a sanitary pad until the infection has passed from your body. To clear up the infection and ensure that it does not return, it is recommended to wear clean cotton panties at all times.

   Usage

   • Always use this medication exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor and never in dosages that exceed what has been recommended on the label. This medication is administered in cream form and is inserted into the vagina with an applicator. Always use the medication for the full course of treatment to ensure that the infection has completely left the area. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant before beginning to use this drug.

   Warning

   • If you experience any of the above side effects, contact your local physician immediately.

     If an overdose of Canesten is suspected, contact your local poison control center and head directly to the closest emergency room.

     Canesten is meant for the treatment of yeast infections only and should never be used for any other medical condition unless specifically instructed to do so by a doctor.

A small percentage of babies are lactose intolerant - unable to digest milk sugar, or lactose. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas and fussiness. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, so discuss your baby's condition with a doctor. According to Dr. Allen Greene, the author of "From First Kicks to First Steps," lactose intolerance is more common in premature babies, who are sometimes lactose intolerant until they begin to approach their original due dates. It also can be a temporary condition due to the infant having diarrhea. In most cases, lactose intolerance in babies disappears on its own by the second birthday. In the meantime, you can keep your baby healthy by using lactose-free foods.

1. Formula

   • Most babies with lactose intolerance cannot be breast fed, since mother's milk contains lactose, or take a cow's milk formula. The baby is placed on a special lactose-free formula made with soy. These formulas are safe for your baby and they can be found in most grocery stores.

   Baby Foods

   • Most baby foods are lactose free, but some contain milk. Typically, these foods contain the words "cream" or "yogurt" on the front of the package. If the product contains milk, there should be a warning at the bottom of the ingredients list.

   Finger foods

   • As your baby approaches his first birthday, start exposing him to more foods. Lactose-free foods include fruits, vegetables, Cheerios, plain rice cakes, noodles, small pieces of tofu, hard-boiled eggs cut into small pieces, and crackers. If you want to give your baby other foods, read labels and look for milk or whey on the ingredients list. If the product is kosher, look for the term "Parve" or a "P" on the package, because it will be lactose free.

   Making your own foods

   • Replace milk with a soy or rice substitute when making your own foods. You might have to experiment, but usually you cannot tell the difference. These products can be found in most grocery stores in the dairy or health food sections.

   Warnings

   • Never try to re-introduce milk into your child's diet until you have discussed doing so with your baby's doctor. Try dairy slowly, keeping the baby on mostly lactose-free foods. Watch her carefully to see if symptoms return. If they do, immediately put her back on a lactose-free diet until your doctor says it is safe to try again.

Nausea and vomiting can happen for a variety of reasons, such as pregnancy, illnesses, and the treatment of some diseases like cancer. Nausea can be overwhelming, but there are ways to combat this feeling. One common method involves using peppermint. Peppermint is used frequently because it helps ease inflamed tissues and calm muscle spasms. As an essential oil, peppermint acts as an anesthetic on the wall of the stomach to dissipate the feeling of nausea. (see reference 1)

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Peppermint essential oil
• Diffuser
• Handkerchief
• Bath tub
• Extra virgin olive oil

1. Using Peppermint Oil

   • 1

     Get some peppermint essential oil, which can be found at most natural remedy stores or online. Be sure to get pure essential oil.

   • 2

     Add 3 drops of the peppermint essential oil to a diffuser, then turn on the diffuser. It warms the essential oil and releases the scent of peppermint into the air. Breathe in the peppermint scent. (see reference 2)

   • 3

     Draw a bath using warm water, and add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil to the bath water. While relaxing in the bath, breathe in the peppermint scent.

   • 4

     Place 3-4 drops of peppermint essential oil in a handkerchief, put it up to your face and breathe in the essential oil.

   • 5

     Combine equal parts of peppermint essential oil and extra virgin olive oil. Apply the mixture topically to your temples to get rid of a headache that may accompany nausea.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to purchase essential oils and not the oils that are used for cooking.

• Store essential oils in a dark cool place.

• Consult your physician before using essential oils and aromatherapy, especially if you are pregnant.

• Before using it, be sure to educate yourself on the essential oil you want to use, and become familiar with the contraindications.

• Always add base oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, to the essential oil if you are going to use it topically.

• Do not ingest peppermint essential oil.