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Natural Ways To Fight Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve related disorders in men and women today. Those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome know all too well the pain it causes and, often times, the hefty price tag that comes along with medical treatments.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Battling Swelling Naturally

Today, I’ll talk about natural ways to fight the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Before I go any further, let’s talk carpal tunnel syndrome in more detail.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling, weakness, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers (not your little finger).

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. This pressure can come from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller. Many things can cause this swelling, including:

  • Illnesses such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.
  • Making the same hand movements over and over, especially if the wrist is bent down (your hands lower than your wrists), or making the same wrist movements over and over.
  • Pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

According to WebMD, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers or hand. Some people may have pain in their arm between their hand and their elbow.

Symptoms most often occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. If you have problems with your other fingers but your little finger is fine, this may be a sign that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. A different nerve gives feeling to the little finger.

You may first notice symptoms at night. You may be able to get relief by shaking your hand.

Now, let’s talk about natural ways to fight carpal tunnel syndrome such as:

  • Wearing a brace
  • Rest and reducing the activity causing carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Hand and wrist stretches/exercises
  • Change of diet
  • Supplements
  • Essential oils

Let’s get started!

Wearing A Brace

Wearing A Brace | Natural Ways To Fight Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Wearing A Brace | Natural Ways To Fight Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be quite painful at times. One way to naturally fight the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome is to wear a brace. Wearing a brace helps to stabilize the wrist and hand, preventing movements. Braces are mainly worn at night while you sleep but, can also be worn during the day. During the day, some people choose to wear a brace that is less restrictive. A typist would be a good example. People that do a lot of typing wear a brace that gives more freedom to their fingers but, still stabilizes the wrist.

You can purchase a brace at your local pharmacy. They can also be purchased online as well.

Rest and Reducing The Activity Causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This is easier said than done but, resting your hands or ceasing the activity that is causing your CTS all together while you heal is sometimes necessary. If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, continuing the activity that is causing your CTS can cause extensive damage that will require medical attention.

Hand And Wrist Stretches/Exercises

Once the pain and symptoms have subsided and you are able to return to the activity, there are simple daily carpal tunnel stretches and exercises you can do at home or work.

Stretch/Exercise #1: Rotate your wrist up, down, and from side to side. Do this stretch/exercise 4 times for each wrist.

Stretch/Exercise #2: Stretch your fingers far apart, slowly relax your fingers, and stretch your fingers once more. Do this stretch/exercise 4 times for each hand.

Stretch/Exercise #3 (thumb stretch): Gently pull your thumb back and hold it for 3-4 seconds. Do this stretch 4 times for each thumb.

Change Of Diet

The truth is, there are foods that can cause general inflammation throughout your entire body. Adding these foods to your daily diet can help fight the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Foods rich in omega 3 such as fish
  • Foods rich in potassium and magnesium
  • Foods that are low in sodium
  • Foods that are rich in B vitamins such as green leafy vegetables

There are foods that you should avoid such as:

  • Foods with processed sugar
  • Foods that are high in sodium
  • Foods that are high in saturated fat
  • Alcohol
  • Processed grains

Supplements

Supplements | Natural Ways To Fight Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Supplements | Natural Ways To Fight Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

These supplements can ease pain, reduce inflammation and muscle tension, and improve circulation. Consider taking these supplements on a daily basis:

  • Vitamin B6: Reduces inflammation. Dosage: 100 mg, 3 times a day.
  • Bromelain: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Dosage: 500 mg, 3 times a day between meals.
  • Magnesium: Reduces muscle tension. Dosage: 250 mg, twice a day.
  • Ginkgo Biloba: Improves circulation. Dosage: 120 mg, twice a day.

Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used topically to reduce pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. There are two essential oils that are the most effective:

  • Wintergreen essential oil: When applied to the affected area, this essential oil has an analgesic effect. It cools the inflamed area and will relieve other symptoms of CTS such as the tingling sensation.
  • Cypress essential oil: Helps to speed up the healing process by increasing circulation in the CTS affected areas.

The following essential oils are great in repairing tissue affected by CTS:

  • Helichrysum essential oil
  • eppermint essential oil (also helps to reduce pain)
  • Frankincense essential oil (also decreases inflammation)

Application instructions for all of the above mentioned essential oils: Mix 3-4 drops of essential oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil and massage into the affected area for relief.

Dr. John Bergman’s video shows how to cure carpal tunnel syndrome naturally:

Author’s note regarding carpal tunnel syndrome: If you are experiencing any symptoms that relate to carpal tunnel syndrome, please obtain a proper diagnosis from your primary care physician. Early diagnosis is the key to getting CTS under control.

Have you tried other natural methods for carpal tunnel syndrome? Let us know how if it worked in the comments section below!

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Self Sufficiency

NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.

The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.

The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.

“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”

The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller

This Article Was Originally Posted On dailycaller.com Read the Original Article here

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Self Sufficiency

How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!

This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.

So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt

Tools Needed:

  • knife
  • bowl
  • mason jar
  • smaller jar
  • rubber band

Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients



Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.

You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.

Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.

Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips



Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.

Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt



Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.

TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.

RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Step 4: Massage the Cabbage



Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.

TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.

Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar



Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.

IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.

Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar



You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.

Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.

Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band



Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.

Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily

Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.

Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures

Homemade Sauerkraut Cumin Juniper | How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.

NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.

You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.

Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut

  • Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
  • Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
  • If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.

Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!

So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.

What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!

Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!

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Self Sufficiency

9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN

Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!

RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide

In this article:

  1. Tomato
  2. Eggplant
  3. Beet
  4. Spinach
  5. Pea
  6. Carrot
  7. Radish
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Asparagus

Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!

Tomato

Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.

Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.

Eggplant

Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?

Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.

Beets

Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.

If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.

Spinach

Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!

Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.

Pea

Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.

Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.

Carrot

There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.

They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.

Radish

A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.

Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.

Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.

Asparagus

Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!

Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.

All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!

So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!

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