Some Remedies For Kidney Stones

Kidney grated, also called renal calculi, are sturdy concretions (sparkler aggregations) of dissolved minerals in urine; calculi typically form inside the kidneys or ureters. The provisos nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis submit to the presence of calculi in the kidneys and urinary expanse, respectively.. Not all kidney gravel basis symptoms. They’re regularly discovered when you have X-waves for an unrelated order or, when you obtain medicinal problem for other evils, such as blood in your urine or recurring urinary piece infections. The pest becomes worrying only when a kidney gemstone breaks relaxed and begins to work its way down from your kidneys to your bladder through the connecting tube (ureter). Kidney pebbles mostly form when your urine becomes too concentrated. The causes minerals and other substances in urine to form crystals on the central surfaces of your kidneys. Over time, these crystals may mingle to form a small, hard majority, or gemstone. Location, amount and the number of gravel also play a foremost role in deciding an appropriate behavior. However, most shingle may be treated lacking surgery. This is made practical by herbal dealing. Ayurvedic herbs and their standardized extracts are known to can vanish kidney sand, at the same time removing recurrence and urinary expanse infection. Herbs can easiness and alleviate kidney gravel to a great point. They have been found to relax the cramping sting, smash down steadily any vacant pebbles into charge gravel, and lubricate the passage of the pebbles for spontaneous deletion. Furthermore, herbal medicines have no surface effects. Minor concerns such as a distress stomach or headache may be a consequence of impurities such as copied binders and fillers in the herbal concoction. Symptoms of Kidney Stones - Sudden bother when the pebbles challenge to throw down the ureters on their way to bladder. The drag is first felt in the trait, pitiful onto the groin and thighs. Frequent craving to urinate, burning urination, scanty urination, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, sweating and chills. Home Remedies For Kidney Stones Prepare a tonic by boiling two figs in a cup of water. Drink this on a pointless stomach in the morning for one month. After a year or two of kidney shingle, and finale up in the hospice. I discovered at the first spasm of a sandstone, I found drinking unsweetened grapefruit juice, about 6-8 oz. A day for about a week, and presto they are deceased. My father would draft lemonade for the same supply. Your choice. Lower down Calcium Intake : In 92% luggage, kidney pebbles are due to intake of calcium or calcium food. Thus, you should be low the intake of calcium supplements. Cut down on oxalate containing foods such as chocolate, tea, rhubarb, cooked spinach and asparagus. A tsp each of sage juice and honey full daily for 6 months provides relief from this disorder. Watermelon, whichever eaten as a fruit or had a juice is very good. Prevention If there is an account of stones, fluids should be encouraged to produce adequate amounts of thin urine (typically 6 to 8 glasses of water per day). Depending on the letters of mineral, medications or other events may be recommended to thwart recurrence.

When the diagnosis of hemochromatosis is made it is important to adjust the diet so that too much iron is not being absorbed because of an improper diet. However such adjustment need not be at the expense of enjoying life and good food.

The biggest considerations are not to take medications which contain iron, consume too much alcohol or Vitamin C. Excessive alcohol consumption which has shown to greatly increase iron absorption in those with hemochromatosis is set at a level of 60g a day. Thus it is important to stay well below this level. The limit should be 30g a day in men and 20g a day in women. When a patient has two copies of C282Y and drinks excessive alcohol there is a multiplying affect – not an additive affect – on the absorption of iron. It is deadly to drink too much alcohol if you have hemochromatosis. The effect of excessive alcohol consumption on hemochromatosis cannot be overstressed.

Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. It is wise only to consume a moderate amount and not take Vitamin C tablets. Vitamin C has been known to precipitate heart palpitations in those with hemochromatosis.

The ingestion of black tea has been shown to decrease the absorption of iron. African tea which is becoming popular may contain iron so too much should not be consumed.

Patients with hemochromatosis should not take supplements unless there are documented deficiencies. There is evidence that those with hemochromatosis may also have an increased ability to absorb other heavy metals. While iron may be removed by bleeding it is very difficult to remove other excess heavy metals.

Don’t take milk thistle which has often been touted as good for the liver. It can cause severe problems in those with hemochromatosis. It is best to avoid herbal medicines with hemochromatosis as the joint effects have not been adequately studied.

Don’t eat raw shellfish. They may be contaminated with Vibrio vulnificans which thrives in an iron rich environment. There have been fatalities in the northern hemisphere. Cooking inactivates this organism.

Vitamin E – as an antioxidant may be of some help because too much iron may act as an oxidant. However it is probably important not to exceed 400 to 800 IU a day of Vitamin E.

It is non-heme iron or the iron found in sources such as vegetables that is excessively absorbed in hemochromatosis. Thus a patient with hemochromatosis may consume a steak and not be overly concerned. Meat and blood are sources of heme iron.

It is important not to believe that those with hemochromatosis should overly restrict their diet. With the exception of the above pointers restriction of iron intake doesn’t help that much in hemochromatosis. A very strict diet with removal of all other sources of iron will help keep the ferritin level down, however no more than could be achieved by one phlebotomy every 6 months. So it is important to enjoy your food – hemochromatosis is not a barrier to that.

Aloe Vera, The Wonder Plant
by Elizabeth Boardman

Nicknamed as the ‘Wonder Plant’ among herbal medicines, Aloe Vera has been used to heal cuts, burns and even eczema. It is also used to relieve common conditions like arthritis, asthma and heartburn, aside from its topical use. Aloe Vera is relatively easy to grow in tropical regions and many people have cultivated these plants to be used as their first aid for common skin conditions. Another popular use is its addition as an ingredient for scrubs and bath products like bath salts.

The fact that only a few people are allergic to it makes it one of the most popular ingredients in making skin care products. Having both antibiotic and antiseptic properties, Aloe Vera is effective in soothing skin irritations caused by cuts, burns, and eczema. Studies show that the healing time of severe burns were reduced when Aloe Vera is applied regularly to it.

Cosmetic companies add Aloe Vera to their products because of its excellent moisturizing properties due to the plant’s extremely high water content. The gel can also be a good anti-aging agent if applied on a regular basis. It has 96% water content and the rest of the 4% contains active ingredients including amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. These properties of the plant makes it one of the popular ingredients used for natural skin care since it is cheaper to maintain and cultivate. The low cost of cultivating the plant makes it convenient for almost anyone to grow it in their homes. A lot of Aloe Vera gels are available from the stores, but only those that come from reputable manufacturers could come close to the same effectiveness of a freshly cut Aloe Vera plant.

Aloe Vera are also used to produce beverages. It is also commonly used as ingredients to yogurt in Japan. Whatever you consume, whether it’ll be juice or the yogurt, just make sure that the Aloe Vera used was fresh since its active ingredients easily oxidizes.

When the diagnosis of hemochromatosis is made it is important to adjust the diet so that too much iron is not being absorbed because of an improper diet. However such adjustment need not be at the expense of enjoying life and good food.

The biggest considerations are not to take medications which contain iron, consume too much alcohol or Vitamin C. Excessive alcohol consumption which has shown to greatly increase iron absorption in those with hemochromatosis is set at a level of 60g a day. Thus it is important to stay well below this level. The limit should be 30g a day in men and 20g a day in women. When a patient has two copies of C282Y and drinks excessive alcohol there is a multiplying affect – not an additive affect – on the absorption of iron. It is deadly to drink too much alcohol if you have hemochromatosis. The effect of excessive alcohol consumption on hemochromatosis cannot be overstressed.

Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. It is wise only to consume a moderate amount and not take Vitamin C tablets. Vitamin C has been known to precipitate heart palpitations in those with hemochromatosis.

The ingestion of black tea has been shown to decrease the absorption of iron. African tea which is becoming popular may contain iron so too much should not be consumed.

Patients with hemochromatosis should not take supplements unless there are documented deficiencies. There is evidence that those with hemochromatosis may also have an increased ability to absorb other heavy metals. While iron may be removed by bleeding it is very difficult to remove other excess heavy metals.

Don’t take milk thistle which has often been touted as good for the liver. It can cause severe problems in those with hemochromatosis. It is best to avoid herbal medicines with hemochromatosis as the joint effects have not been adequately studied.

Don’t eat raw shellfish. They may be contaminated with Vibrio vulnificans which thrives in an iron rich environment. There have been fatalities in the northern hemisphere. Cooking inactivates this organism.

Vitamin E – as an antioxidant may be of some help because too much iron may act as an oxidant. However it is probably important not to exceed 400 to 800 IU a day of Vitamin E.

It is non-heme iron or the iron found in sources such as vegetables that is excessively absorbed in hemochromatosis. Thus a patient with hemochromatosis may consume a steak and not be overly concerned. Meat and blood are sources of heme iron.

It is important not to believe that those with hemochromatosis should overly restrict their diet. With the exception of the above pointers restriction of iron intake doesn’t help that much in hemochromatosis. A very strict diet with removal of all other sources of iron will help keep the ferritin level down, however no more than could be achieved by one phlebotomy every 6 months. So it is important to enjoy your food – hemochromatosis is not a barrier to that.

Diabetes Medicines - Herbal Solutions

Diabetes is a serious health condition. Hence, medical experts have come up with a lot of solutions to cure and treat this disease. When it comes to medicines, a lot of options are available. You would find non prescription, prescription and herbal medicines for diabetes. Herbs for diabetes have become a rage among people these days. Experts in this field feel that diabetes has been treated with plant medicines for many years now. In fact, the efficiency of these medicines has been rated as remarkable. The best part is that these herbs are non-toxic and remarkably efficacious in fighting off diabetes.A) Here are some of the herbal diabetes medicines widely used in order to treat this disease effectively:a) Pterocarpur MarsupiumThis medicine is a unique combination of herbs such as Malabar kino, verga, Indian kino and Pitasara. This herb has been used to cure diabetes for many years now. This drug is a natural agent and works wonders when it comes to treating diabetes.b) Bitter melon (Momordia Charantia) Bitter melon is also known as balsam pear. It is a tropical vegetable and cultivated widely in South America, Asia and Africa. Experts have also come to a conclusion that the plant has been exclusively used to treat diabetes since ancient times. It is also referred to as the folk medicine.The melon is composed of different compounds and all those compounds are super rich in antibiotic properties. Care should be taken that this medicine should not be given to the patient in large doses.c) Gymnema SylvestreThe herb is efficient in helping the pancreas in the process of insulin production in the case of Type 2 diabetes. It also works towards improving the power of insuling to reduce blood sugar in Type 1 as well as Type 2 diabetes. It decreases craving for sweet. The herb can be a great substitute for drugs that are known to lower blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes.d) Onion and GarlicNow, this may seem to be really hard for some people to digest but it is true. Onion and garlic are significant in lowering blood sugar. The active ingredients in both the herbs are allyl propyl dissulphide (APDs) and triallyl disulphide oxide (allicin) respectively. B) There are also other ingredients like flavonoids that play flavorable action. a) FenugreekAlso known as Trigonella foenuon graecum is rich in anti diabetic properties. These help in maintaining healthy sugar levels inside the body.b) Blue berry leavesThis is used for its beneficial ingredients myrtillin. The herb is widely know for producing excellent effects that last for about many weeks together.c) Asian GinsengThis is Chinese medicine used traditionally to treat diabetes. It works towards enhancing insulin release from the pancreas and also helps in increasing the amount of insulin receptors.d) BilberryIt reduces the risk of complications caused by diabetes including retinopathy and cataracts.e) SteviaIt has been traditionally used to treat diabetes.f) Ginkgo BilobaThe extract is known to prevent as well as treat early stages of diabetes.g) CinnamonIt enhances the efficiency of insulin.

Natural Menopause Remedies - Some to Think About

All women will eventually reach Change Of Life and many dread it coming since it brings with it a whole load of bothersome and sometimes painful or debilitating symptoms. The intention of this article is to give you some information on a variety of herbal and non-herbal treatments available that may be of help to you dealing with any symptoms you may feel. These include:• Phytoestrogens- Phytoestrogens are derived from plants and are often used as Change Of Life treatments because they are chemically similar or indistinguishable to the hormones created by your own body.• Wild Yam Creams- Wild Yam creams are generally not an effective Change Of Life natural remedy but they remain common and can be bought across the counter in drug stores. The Diosgenin contained in Wild Yam is capable of being synthsized into progesterone but only in a loboratory not your body.• Herbal Medicines- Herbal Change Of Life remedies are very common in treating Change Of Life symptoms naturally. A good herbalist can prescribe a range of compounds to relieve symptoms naturally.• Progesterone Treatments- Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone withing the human body. As women age then the amount of progesterone created decreases. Studies have shown that it is the reduction in progesterone that is most likely to be responsible for the symptoms experienced at Change Of Life. Progesterone remedies are normally taken in the form of a cream. Progesterone treatments can often be taken with other hormone treatments. This is the most effective Change Of Life remedy that there is.Change Of Life can be a tough time for women but there are a variety of Change Of Life remedies that you can try that may relieve your symptoms.I have outlined four treatments that you may wish to try in your bid to rid yourself of Change Of Life symptoms naturally.

Horse Chestnut Herb Description-Herbal Medicines

Taxonomic class Hippocastanaceae Common Trade Names Horse Chestnut Extract, Horse Chestnut Power, Horse Chestnut SFSE, Venostasin Retard, Venostat Common Forms Capsules: 250 mg, 300 mg Also available as extract using aescin to standardize concentration. Source The seeds from Aesculus hippocastanum are used to formulate horse chestnut extract sometimes known as Hippocastani semen. The bark of young branches should be used; the older bark is poisonous. Chemical components Horse chestnut is composed primarily of triterpene glycosides and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, astragalin, isoquercetin, rutin), coumarins (aesculetin, fraxin, scopolin), allantoin, amino acids, choline, citric acid, and phytosterol. Products are adjusted to contain triterpene glycosides calculated as aescin (escin). Actions Anti-inflammatory actions have been documented for the saponins (aescin). Aescin reduces transcapillary filtration of water and protein and increases venous tone related to increased prostaglandin F 2 alpha (vasoconstrictor). Murine studies have demonstrated a reduction in vascular permeability from artificial insults (that is, acetic acid or histamine) after pretreatment with components of horse chestnut (escins, desaacylescins). Aescin stabilizes cholesterolcontaining membranes of Iysosomes and limits the release of the enzymes. Usually, the release of the enzymes is increased in chronic pathological conditions of the vein. These enzymes normally break down the mucopolysaccharides in the cell membranes in the capillary walls, but this action is inhibited byaescin . Aescin has shown notable antiviral activity in vitro toward a strain of influenza VIrus. Reported Uses Horse chestnut therapy has been claimed to be effective for treating diarrhea, fever, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, and enlargement of the prostate gland. Some data exist to support a role in venous insufficiency. Data also suggest a role for horse chestnut in treating varicose veins. Certain enzymes responsible for the metabolism of substances that regulate capillary rigidity and pore size were found to be reduced in patients with varicose veins treated with 900 mg of horse chestnut extract. Concentrations of these enzymes have been found to be elevated in patients with varicose veins and may playa role in this disorder . DosageDosages of 100 to 150 mg/day P.O. of the aescin component, given as a single dose or in divided doses b.i.d., have been clinically tested in humans. Adverse Reactions CV: shock. GI: hepatotoxicity, nausea (with oral use), vomiting. GU: nephropathy. Hematologic: severe bleeding and bruising (caused by anti thrombotic activity of aesculin). Musculoskeletal: muscle spasm. Skin: hypersensitivity reactions, pruritus, urticaria. Interactions Anticoagulants, aspirin: Increased risk of bleeding because of aesculin, a hydroxycoumarin. Monitor the patient. Contraindications and precautions Horse chestnut is contraindicated in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown. Use cautiously in patients who are hypersensitive to other members of the horse chestnut family and in those with bleeding disorders. Special Considerations The fruit, leaves, and older bark of horse chestnut are poisonous. Monitor liver function test results. Inform the patient and health care staff that horse chestnut may color urine red. Instruct the patient to report fatigue, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, and yellowing of skin or eyes. Advise the patient to only use products derived from the seeds or bark of young branches.Advise the patient to report changes in effectiveness of other drug therapies. Urge the patient to check with his health care provider before taking other prescription or OTC drugs that may contain aspirin. Points of Interest Germany’s Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices recognizes horse chestnut extract as effective in treating chronic venous insufficiency. Do not confuse horse chestnut with buckeye, also called horse chestnut. Horse chestnut has been used I.V. in Europe for postoperative edema, presumably for its diuretic activity. Commentary Compression stocking therapy has been the primary treatment option for chronic venous insufficiency, although patient compliance is generally poor. No allopathic drugs are indicated for treating this disorder. Standardized horse chestnut extracts or certain components (escins) have intriguing properties and may be useful in patients with symptoms associated with this disorder. Future studies should pursue this potential application. Of note, some data from previous controlled trials have examined parameters that might be considered subjective, such as fatigue, leg pain, pruritus, and tenseness. Additional large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that examine both efficacy and safety in a more objective manner are needed before horse chestnut or any of its components are given a definitive role in therapy.

Curing or remedying the sleep disorder snoring by way of herbs is very common to numerous countries all over the world. Mostly because herbs, contrasting prescribe medicines, are apparently more holistic to the human body. Herbal medicines not only reduce snoring, it also relieves the snorer his or her pocket.

Snoring is principally a widespread predicament of more or less every person in the world; even those who snore once in a while are bothered by it. The process of breathing through the mouth generates a sound that is not only disturbing but also quite shameful.

Herbal medicines not only lessen one’s snoring, it will also develop regular night-time breathing and develop the air passages. But if you are taking medical prescription on a regular basis, it would be unwise to shift herbal medication abruptly. It is best that you seek advice from your physician before shifting to herbal medication.

Now we shift our concentration to herbal treatment. Herbal medications help normalize the immune system and adjust the imbalance in your system. Furthermore, it also strengthens your energy as well as improves one’s wellbeing. And, is free from all forms of side-effects.

However, you must bear in mind that when you use herbal medication as your treatment it will depend in accordance with the symptom that you experience. The reason for that is because each and every herbal medication is from several different sources and yields several signs and pharmacological action.

Another thing that you can benefit from using herbal medication is the way it fits specific health requirements of a person. Nonetheless, when you purchase herbal medications, always opt for the traditional product that will suit your health requirements. Remember; do not opt for the regular developed product. There are some manufacturers that produce according to a single category.

These days there are numerous herbal medications that do not require cooking. These herbal medications come in a dosage form that is easy to take. These particular herbal medications are come in a form of an oral solution, tablets, pills, powders, lotion, spray, liniment, tea bag, capsules and the like. Each and every single one of these herbs have dissimilar efficacy.

Furthermore, taking herbal medications cost much less than those of prescribe medication. Therefore, if you want to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle, it is recommended that you try using herbal medications. It can treat that shameful snoring problem of yours without experiencing the hassles of the side-effects.

Diabetes Medicines - Herbal Solutions

Diabetes is a serious health condition. Hence, medical experts have come up with a lot of solutions to cure and treat this disease. When it comes to medicines, a lot of options are available. You would find non prescription, prescription and herbal medicines for diabetes. Herbs for diabetes have become a rage among people these days. Experts in this field feel that diabetes has been treated with plant medicines for many years now. In fact, the efficiency of these medicines has been rated as remarkable. The best part is that these herbs are non-toxic and remarkably efficacious in fighting off diabetes.A) Here are some of the herbal diabetes medicines widely used in order to treat this disease effectively:a) Pterocarpur MarsupiumThis medicine is a unique combination of herbs such as Malabar kino, verga, Indian kino and Pitasara. This herb has been used to cure diabetes for many years now. This drug is a natural agent and works wonders when it comes to treating diabetes.b) Bitter melon (Momordia Charantia) Bitter melon is also known as balsam pear. It is a tropical vegetable and cultivated widely in South America, Asia and Africa. Experts have also come to a conclusion that the plant has been exclusively used to treat diabetes since ancient times. It is also referred to as the folk medicine.The melon is composed of different compounds and all those compounds are super rich in antibiotic properties. Care should be taken that this medicine should not be given to the patient in large doses.c) Gymnema SylvestreThe herb is efficient in helping the pancreas in the process of insulin production in the case of Type 2 diabetes. It also works towards improving the power of insuling to reduce blood sugar in Type 1 as well as Type 2 diabetes. It decreases craving for sweet. The herb can be a great substitute for drugs that are known to lower blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes.d) Onion and GarlicNow, this may seem to be really hard for some people to digest but it is true. Onion and garlic are significant in lowering blood sugar. The active ingredients in both the herbs are allyl propyl dissulphide (APDs) and triallyl disulphide oxide (allicin) respectively. B) There are also other ingredients like flavonoids that play flavorable action. a) FenugreekAlso known as Trigonella foenuon graecum is rich in anti diabetic properties. These help in maintaining healthy sugar levels inside the body.b) Blue berry leavesThis is used for its beneficial ingredients myrtillin. The herb is widely know for producing excellent effects that last for about many weeks together.c) Asian GinsengThis is Chinese medicine used traditionally to treat diabetes. It works towards enhancing insulin release from the pancreas and also helps in increasing the amount of insulin receptors.d) BilberryIt reduces the risk of complications caused by diabetes including retinopathy and cataracts.e) SteviaIt has been traditionally used to treat diabetes.f) Ginkgo BilobaThe extract is known to prevent as well as treat early stages of diabetes.g) CinnamonIt enhances the efficiency of insulin.

Alternative Treatment and Herbal Medicines For Breast Cancer

Cancer requires scrupulous medical and surgical treatment. Nonetheless, certain alternative therapies may play an adjunctive role in its care.Herbal MedicineHerbalists have long recommended tropical periwinkle to treat breast cancer and other malignancies. Indeed, a periwinkle alkaloid is used to make vincristine, a very potent chemotherapy agent. Oncologists stress, however, that this drug should be used only under careful medical supervision rather than to resort to herbal periwinkle extracts, which can be highly toxic.Meditation, Self Hypnosis And VisualizationStudies indicate that women with advanced breast cancer who participate in group support sessions that include these techniques have significantly longer survival rates than those who do not. Scientists have not yet been able to explain this effect, but some theorize that the methods mobilize the immune system to fight the further spread of cancer.Nutrition TherapySome nutritionists recommend daily supplements of beta carotene (precursor to vitamin A) and vitamins C and E, both to help prevent cancer and to slow its growth. However, studies suggest that foods high in these antioxidants are more effective. Good sources of beta carotene are orange and dark green vegetables and yellow and orange fruits; of vitamin C, many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits and bell peppers; of vitamin E, wheat germ, legumes, seafood, and poultry. Although the role of other dietary components remains controversial, some studies suggest that a low-fat diet may cut the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence. Such a regimen requires limiting the intake of all fats, especially those from animals, as well as animal protein, while increasing foods high in fiber, such as whole grain products and fresh fruits and vegetables. Other nutrition therapists and some naturopaths may recommend extreme macrobiotic and other restricted, low calorie diets for breast cancer patients. Oncologists warn that these diets should be avoided because they do not provide adequate calories, protein, and other nutrients that the body needs for recovery or to prevent the wasting that occurs in advanced cancer. Yog regular practice of yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help alleviate the stress and anxiety caused by cancer, which in turn may boost immune system function.Self TreatmentIncreasingly, women are expected to playa decision making role in their overall treatment. This demands being well informed and not hesitating to question your doctor and voice your concerns. Under the best of circumstances, a diagnosis of breast cancer is psychologically devastating. Joining a support group such as the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program, or simply talking to women who have recovered from breast cancer, can be reassuring. Concerns about physical appearance following a mastectomy are normal. However, women who do not undergo immediate breast reconstruction are usually relieved to find that, with a well fit prosthesis, they can wear most of their clothing without anyone being able to tell they have had this surgery. Initially, use a temporary prosthesis such as cotton fluff inserted into your regular bra, or one that is slightly larger to accommodate bandages. lake this to the hospital with you to avoid the stress of finding something to wear for the trip home. After healing is complete, plan to shop for a permanent prosthesis. Some regular lingerie departments sell breast prostheses, but you may feel more comfortable and find a wider selection at a specialty shop. Make sure that you tryon several different types. Prices vary, but many insurance policies and Medicare cover at least part of the cost. If you cannot find a ready-made prosthesis that looks and feels right, consider investing in a customized one made to match exactly the contour of your other breast.A prosthesis usually is not necessary after a lumpectomy, but a bra should be worn day and night for several days following surgery to prevent traction of the wound and to help the breast regain its previous shape. Self help measures can help to minimize common complications affecting the arm and hand on the mastectomy side. To minimize swelling, exercise your arm as soon as your surgeon says it is okay. Lift it as high as you comfortably can several times a day to promote the flow of lymph. Also, “walk” your fingers up a wall as high as possible and do isometric, or pumping, exercises for the hand such as squeezing a rubber ball. If arm swelling still occurs, talk to your doctor about wearing an elastic sleeve to reduce swelling and improve lymph flow. If lymph nodes have been removed, the arm and hand on that side are more vulnerable to infection. It is best to avoid anything that constricts or burdens them. Wear loose fitting clothing and switch your watch and purse to the opposite arm. Also have blood drawn or blood pressure measured on the opposite arm. Try to minimize cuts or injuries; for example, use an electric razor if you shave underarm hair; wear protective gloves for gardening and other tasks; and use special care when trimming nails and cuticles. If you do get a cut or burn, wash it immediately with soap and water and apply an antiseptic plus an antibiotic cream. Consult your doctor promptly if an infection develops.Other Causes of Breast SymptomsMany women experience swelling and tenderness of the breasts as part of premenstrual syndrome. Benign fibrocystic breast lumps are also exceedingly common. Nursing mothers often develop mastitis, a bacterial breast infection.