Home remedies for male impotency

VAIBHAV CHOUDHARY, TNN


Sexual impotence in men is a common problem whose frequency tends to increase with age. So before you start losing your sexual power, understand that being impotent doesn't mean you have to suffer the problem forever.

Home remedies come in handy to help men achieve greater sexual potency. "Some of these remedies may help, but they may prove ineffective for others. Experimenting with different home remedies yields beneficial results for less advanced cases," cautions Dr. M.P. Mani, (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery).

Here are some of the most common home remedies for treating male sexual impotence.

Sexual Impotence treatment using Garlic

Garlic is one of the most common vegetables found at home that's beneficial in the treatment of sexual impotence. Dr. Mani says, "Garlic has often referred to as "the poor man's penicillin" because it serves as an effective antiseptic and immune booster. Being a sex rejuvenator, it can improve sexual activities that have been damaged due to an accident or a disease. Garlic is important for people who overindulge in sex to protect themselves from nervous exhaustion."

Do it at home: Chew two to three cloves of raw garlic daily. Regularly chewing two or three cloves of raw garlic helps treating sexual impotence. In addition, eating garlic bread prepared with whole grains helps in the production of healthy sperms.

Sexual impotence treatment using Onion

Onion is considered to be an effective aphrodisiac and one of the best libido enhancers, but its properties are not generally known.

Do it at home: Take a white onion, peel it off, crush and then fry in butter. This mixture can be taken daily with a spoon of honey, but make sure to consume this mixture when your stomach has been empty for at least two hours. This remedy helps to treat premature ejaculation, impotence and involuntary loss of semen during sleep or other times (known as spermatorrhea).

Also, dip thee powder of black gram in onion juice for seven days and then dry the mixture. This mixture is a strong aphrodisiac and can be taken daily for improving sexual performance.

Sexual Impotence treatment using Carrot

Carrots are considered valuable in curing impotence.

Do It At Home: Take 150 gm of carrots, finely chopped with a half-boiled egg and a tablespoon of honey. Take this mixture, once daily for a month or twolts. People who are usually tense and suffer from sexual disorders can find relief as this home remedy increases sexual stamina.

Sexual Impotence treatment using Lady's Fingers

Lady's finger are considered a remarkable tonic for improving sexual vigor.

Do It At Home: Take 5 to 10 grams of the root powder of this vegetable with a glass of milk and two teaspoons of ground mishri (candy sugar) daily. Regular use of this recipe helps in restoration of sexual vigour.

Sexual Impotence treatment using Asparagus

The dried roots of asparagus (or white musli ) are used in Unani medicine as an aphrodisiac.

Do It At Home: Take 15 grams of the dried roots of asparagus and boil it with one cup of milk. Take this mixture twice daily for satisfactory results. The regular use of this recipe is valuable to cure impotency and premature ejaculation.


Sexual Impotence treatment using Drumstick

Drumstick is very useful as a sexual tonic in the treatment of sexual debility and functional sterility in both males and females. The powder of the dry bark is also valuable in impotency, premature ejaculation, and thinness of semen.

Do It At Home: Boil 15 gm of drumstick flowers in 250 ml milk. This soup is an effective sexual tonic for both men and women. Alternately, boil 120 gm of powdered dry bark in ½ litre of water for 30 minutes and then mix 30 gm of this powder with 1 tablespoon of honey in it. Take this recipe 3 times daily for good results.

Sexual Impotence treatment using Ginger

The juice extracted from ginger is a valuable aphrodisiac and beneficial in the treatment of sexual weaknesses.

Do It At Home: Take half a teaspoon of ginger juice with a half-boiled egg and honey, once daily at night, for a month. This recipe is said to relieve impotency, premature ejaculation, and spermatorrhea.

Sexual Impotence treatment using Dried Dates

Dried dates are a highly-strengthening food and have the ability to restore sexual drive, increase endurance and improve overall vitality, while promoting a Zen state of mind.

Do It At Home: Pounded and mixed with almonds, pistachio nuts, and quince seeds in equal quantities, about 100 gm of dried dates should be taken daily foe excellent results.

Sexual Impotence treatment using Raisins

Ayurveda recommends black raisins for the re-establishment of sexual vigour.

Do It At Home: Wash black raisins roughly in tepid water and then boil them with milk which makes them swollen and sweet. Eat these raisins with milk to get the desired results. You need to start with 30 gm of raisins, followed by 200 ml of milk three times a day and then the quantity of raisins can be gradually increased to 50 gm each time.

Sexual Impotence treatment using Saffron

In Ayurveda, saffron is used to treat infertility in couples as its fragrance is highly erotic. It can arouse sexual desire and can have a relaxing effect on the nerves.

Do It At Home: Use it as massage oil or consume it with food for improving sexual vigor.

Tips for Cure Acidity (gastric)

Posted by Hasan

Stomach acidity or hyperacidity conditions are a common problem. Ask the person sitting right beside you in a bus if he had experienced bouts of acidity attacks. Chances are great that he or she would answer you with a big YES. Why is this so?


Our stomach produces acid to digest the food that we eat. This is a regular and natural process. Whenever we eat, cells within the lining of the stomach pump acid to liquefy your sumptuous dinner, from mash potatoes to a slab of steak.

Problem occurs when these cells produce large amount of acid, more than your stomach needs. When this happens, you will suffer from stomach acidity. You would know if you were suffering from stomach acidity if you feel a burning sensation just above the stomach, or right below (the hollow part) your breastbone. This is the most classic sign of acidity. Other people experience acid regurgitation. This happens when you are lying horizontal on your bed. You may have a sour taste in your mouth, which resembles the taste of an orange puree that had gone stale. Acid regurgitation oftentimes results to heartburn, or that pain near the heart area.

Here i give you some tips for cure acidity

1.  Skip the aerated drinks as well as the caffeine. Opt for herbal tea instead.
2.  Have a glass of lukewarm water every day.
3.  Include banana, watermelon and cucumber in your daily diet. Watermelon juice is great for curing acidity.
4. Coconut water is known to soothe the system if you suffer from acidity.
5. Drink a glass of milk – everyday.
6.  Have your last meal at least two to three hours before you hit the sack.
7.  Keeping long intervals between meals is another cause for acidity. Have small but regular meals.
8. Try to avoid pickles, spicy chutneys, vinegar, etc.
9.  Boil some mint leaves in water and have a glass of this after meals.
10. Sucking on a piece of clove is another effective remedy.
11. Jaggery, lemon, banana, almonds and yogurt are all known to give you instant relief from acidity.
12. Excessive smoking and drinking will increase acidity, so cut down.
13. Try chewing gum. The saliva generated helps move food through the esophagus, easing symptoms of heartburn.
14. Ginger aids in digestion. Either buy powdered ginger in capsule forms or add the herb to your recipes.
15. A simple preparation of lemon water with sugar can be sipped on an hour before lunch to reduce uneasiness.
16. Have vegetables like drumsticks, beans, pumpkin, cabbage, carrot and spring onions.

…:: wish you a long, happy and healthy life::…

10 Hangover Remedies: What Works?

Don't get your hopes up

By Anne Harding

The only way to avoid a pounding head and queasiness the morning after is to drink in moderation, or to stay away from alcohol entirely. But it’s often easy to overindulge. 

Alternating your drinks with water or another nonalcoholic beverage can help you slow down and stay hydrated. If you still wind up with a hangover, you may be inclined to try one of the many supposedly tried-and-true remedies.

However, traditional hangover remedies are often ineffective, and some of them may actually make you feel worse.


Hair of the dog

Even though the thought of a Bloody Mary may appeal to you, a Virgin Mary is a much better choice the morning after. "The worst thing to do is to have another drink," says Charles Cutler, MD, an internist in Norristown, Pa., and the chair of the American College of Physicians' board of governors.

The alcohol may temporarily help your symptoms but could hurt in the long run. Hangovers make you feel horrible because alcohol is toxic, Dr. Cutler explains, and you need to give your body a chance to recover. That morning drink could lead to an even worse hangover the following day.


Greasy breakfast

There’s no scientific evidence that a heaping helping of bacon and eggs will ease hangover anguish, even though many people swear by it. "Greasy food is just going to give you heartburn," says Dr. Cutler, who recommends sticking with easy-to-digest foods such as toast or cereal. "You want to get calories right back into your system." 

Eat light and stay hydrated, agrees John Brick, PhD, an alcohol research scientist and author of The Doctor’s Hangover Handbook. "No specific foods are recommended, although honey sandwiches are helpful to some people," Brick says.


Alka-Seltzer

Alka-Seltzer turns 80 in 2011, and the famous fizzy medicine has probably been used to treat hangovers for nearly that long. In 2001, the company even introduced a Morning Relief formulation specifically for hangovers.

All Alka-Seltzer varieties contain sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda), which will help settle a queasy belly by neutralizing stomach acid. Still, other ingredients, notably aspirin and citric acid, may irritate your stomach after a night of heavy drinking.


Hangover pills

There are lots of hangover "cures" in a bottle out there—such as Chaser, PreToxx, and RU 21—but very little evidence to back up claims. "Hangover pills that have been studied are not effective, or only help against a few complaints…but not all," says Joris C. Verster, PhD, an assistant professor of psychopharmacology at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, who studies hangovers.

A 2005 review article in the journal BMJ identified eight peer-reviewed, placebo-controlled studies of hangover remedies, and concluded that "no compelling evidence exists" to support their use.


Coffee

If you’re a regular coffee drinker, skipping java when you’re hung over may—or may not—be a good idea, Brick says. You may wind up layering a pounding caffeine-withdrawal headache on top of your hangover woes when you miss your regular morning fix.

That said, caffeine narrows your blood vessels and boosts blood pressure. "Both of these may make the hangover worse," Brick says. "If you drink coffee regularly, you might try a very small amount in the morning. Wait 30 to 60 minutes and see how you feel."


Water and sports drinks

Conventional wisdom holds that the dehydration caused by heavy drinking is what makes you feel so sick the next day. In fact, experts actually know very little about what causes a hangover. Potential culprits include disrupted biological rhythms or even alcohol withdrawal, and research suggests that congeners—toxic substances found in alcohol, especially dark liquors such as whiskey—may also play a role. 

Nevertheless, replacing the fluid you've lost will likely help you feel a little less miserable. "Juice, water, Gatorade, all those things—they're going to make you feel better," says Dr. Cutler.


Take pain relievers

For women who have PMS-related pain such as cramping, breast tenderness, backaches, or headaches, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) can provide some relief. 

These include ibuprofen (Advil and similar drugs) and naproxen (Aleve). 

Or you can try over-the-counter remedies specifically aimed at PMS like Pamprin and Midol. These often combine some sort of pain reliever with caffeine.


Exercise

A gentle workout could help you feel better, if you can manage it (and that's a big if).

"Remember: If you've been drinking heavily, you could be a little dehydrated, you could be metabolically behind on your nutrition, and exercise is going to require hydration and nutrition," Dr. Cutler says. "Exercise is always the right thing to do, but I don't think [on] the morning you wake up with a hangover, exercise is what you need." What you really need is rest, he adds.


Sauna

Think you can "sweat out" the alcohol and other toxins you may have consumed during a night of partying? Think again. A sauna can cause potentially dangerous blood vessel and blood flow changes in your body. "The last thing you need is to disrupt the normal blood-flow patterns by extreme heat," Dr. Cutler says.

If you're already somewhat dehydrated, excessive sweating can be harmful, and even deadly. Researchers from the Finnish State Alcohol Company's Research Laboratories, in Helsinki, warn that sauna bathing while hung over carries "real health risks," including dangerous drops in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.


Sleep

People sleep poorly after a night of drinking. Alcohol will put you to sleep quickly, but when it begins to wear off several hours later, the withdrawal your body feels can disrupt sleep and jolt you awake. Although sleep deprivation won't by itself cause a hangover, it definitely can make the symptoms feel worse.

If you have the luxury of "sleeping it off" the next day, do so. Your foggy brain and achy body will thank you. "The body’s got an amazing capacity to heal on its own," says Dr. Cutler.

In the end, the only surefire treatment for a hangover is time.


Next: Your Detox Diet After the Holidays
You overindulged over the holidays and now you feel tired and bloated. This day-after plan shows you how to detox your system and get back on a healthy track.

Gingivitis - Home Remedies

Gingivitis also known as bleeding gums is the inflammation of gums due to bad oral hygiene. It is one of the periodontal diseases that affect the tissues surrounding teeth and gums. If not treated in time then gingivitis can lead to more serious gum problems like periodontitis and may eventually lead to the destruction of bone and tooth loss. You may already have gingivitis and may not know it because early stage gum diseases are seldom painful.

Gingivitis is a form of gum inflammation that is rather common and is often the beginning of gum disease or periodontal disease. Gingivitis often represents the onset of bacterial growth in the mouth and if the condition is neglected or not treated appropriately it could progress steadily to cause tooth loss due to deterioration and destruction of the tissue surrounding the teeth. Keep in mind that although gingivitis may precede periodontitis, it is not necessary for gingivitis to always be indicative of, or progress to periodontitis.


Gingivitis takes shape in the beginning with the buildup of bacteria in plaque, causing inflammation and reddening of the gums. The gums may become susceptible to bleeding because of the severity of inflammation and this may be particularly problematic when brushing the teeth. In the early stages of gingivitis the teeth are unlikely to be loose or shaky as they are still firmly planted since there is not much chance of any irreversible bone or tissue damage.

It is extremely important that a gingivitis infection is picked on early enough and diagnosed and treated properly in a prompt manner. Gingivitis symptoms should never be neglected for the simple reason that gingivitis treatment can be quite effective in these initial stages, helping to prevent any advancement to periodontitis. In periodontitis there may be some amount of separation of the gums from the bones, and the pulling away of the bones allows for the accumulation of debris in the gaps allowing for infections. Although your immune system may fight the bacteria as the plaque spreads and begins to extend beyond the gum line, the process is only slowed down, but this gradual destruction is not reversible. Moreover the effects of your immune response extend beyond the bacteria.

To elaborate, it should be pointed out that good enzymes that are released because of immunity don’t just fight off bacteria but they also start to break down the bone and connective tissue holding the bone in place. This gradual deterioration of the teeth and tissues is therefore caused by toxins or poisons released by bacteria as well as by your immune response to those bacteria. Over time the extent of the deterioration quite naturally increases and these pockets begin to increase with the extent of tissue and bone loss also increasing. Eventually the teeth become lose and fall out. Gingivitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and in most cases treating gingivitis or periodontitis promptly would suffice to avert such outcomes. Treating gingivitis naturally at home can help to some extent but the relief is for the most part symptomatic. During pregnancy when treatment options are limited however treating gingivitis with home remedies for gingivitis may be necessary and medical treatment from your dentist may be deferred till later. In all other circumstances however treatment should begin at the earliest.


Symptoms of Gingivitis
The signs of gingivitis are not very hard to recognize, but it would be impossible for a lay person to correctly identify the cause of inflammation or bleeding, or any other symptom you might be experiencing. Your dentist would be most capable of making an accurate assessment of the symptoms of gingivitis and would recommend the appropriate treatment for gingivitis.

• Inflammation, swelling, redness and pain or possible bleeding of the gums are some of the most common signs of gingivitis.
• Gingivitis also causes bad breath or halitosis that would be impossible to miss.
• Gingivitis is also likely to cause some kind of discoloration of the gums and structural changes. The gums may show signs of receding and could appear to be reddened and inflamed rather than the healthy pink color they normally have. Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down or clench your teeth could be noticeable and for those who wear dentures you may notice changes in the way the dentures fit.
• The gums may not cause any pain but may be tender and painful when touched.
• Your gums would be a lot weaker and you would probably notice that they are a lot more susceptible to trauma, bleeding very often when brushing your teeth.
• In the more advanced stages the formation of pockets between the gum and teeth may be quite pronounced and easily noticeable, because of the state of deterioration of gum tissue and bone.
• The bone and gum tissue loss will also cause the teeth to become loose or shift.

Painful gums, bleeding while brushing, red gums, swollen gums, tender gums, bad breath and bad taste in mouth are some of the symptoms of gingivitis.

Causes of Gingivitis

When you talk about the possible gingivitis causes the first one that comes to mind is the buildup of plaque deposits. Plaque is a stick kind of debris that builds up on the teeth from deposits of food, bacteria and mucus that accumulate on the exposed areas of tooth and it is the primary cause of tooth decay. The most effective method of controlling the problem is through proper dental care, which would involve brushing the teeth, gargling, and cleaning the tongue. Failure to control plaque buildup will result in the formation of tartar, which is a hardened deposit towards the base of the tooth. Plaque and bacteria cause inflammation to the gums and a weakening of the teeth. In addition the release of bacteria and toxins from plaque or tartar further aggravates or irritates the gums causing gingivitis.

• Injury to the gums from trauma, which could even include brushing or flossing the teeth too vigorously, may also cause gingivitis.
• Misaligned or broken teeth, ill fitted fillings or poorly fitted and badly designed braces or dentures can also cause severe irritation to the gums and may also lead to infection or simply increase the risk of developing gingivitis.
• Certain medications like birth control pills and phenytoin are also known to aggravate or increase the risk of gingivitis.
• Hormonal changes may also make you susceptible to gingivitis because of increased sensitivity of the gums during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty.
• Smoking and poor oral hygiene greatly increase the risk of developing gingivitis.
• Certain diseases like HIV, diabetes and cancer or even seemingly harmless problems like a dry mouth can also contribute to the development of gingivitis.

It is caused by local irritants. Plaque, bacteria and food particles accumulating between the gums and the teeth cause gingivitis. Although these accumulations may be very small, the toxic chemicals produced by the bacteria in them causes the inflammation of gums.

Besides plaque, some other reasons for gingivitis are drugs, viral and fungal infections, hormonal changes during pregnancy and puberty, poor nutrition, medication and so on.

Remedies for Gingivitis

• Use mouthwash containing sage oil, peppermint oil, menthol, chamomile tincture etc
• Use toothpaste containing sage oil, peppermint oil etc.
• Use of products made from essential oils helps cure gingivitis.
• Gargle twice a day by a home made saline solution by putting a pinch of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. This will reduce the swelling in your mouth.
• Rub your gums with clove oil or you can also keep one or clove in your mouth.
• Use anti bacterial mouth wash to reduce the swelling on the gums.

Diet for Gingivitis

Gingivitis patients should consume low saturated fats. They must include lots of fresh fruits, and vegetables in their diet. They must eat a diet rich in fiber. People deficient in Vitamin C are at increased risk for periodontal disease. They must take Vitamin C supplements to improve the gum health. Eating vitamin C rich foods is beneficial. Avoid sugar, fruit juices, white flour, white rice, soft drinks, and syrups.

Suggestion for Gingivitis

Once you are sure that you are suffering from gingivitis you must see your dentist.

He will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, remove the plaque etc. Once treated, oral hygiene is very important to prevent gingivitis from re-occurring. Floss your mouth every time you eat something. Avoid stress because it contributes to plaque accumulation.

Food Allergies - Treatment Overview

From:  WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

The best treatment for food allergies is to avoid the food that causes the allergy. When that isn't possible, you can use medicines such as antihistamines for mild reactions and the medicines in an allergy kit for serious reactions.

Start by telling your family, friends, and coworkers that you have a food allergy, and ask them to help you avoid the food. Read all food labels, and learn the other names that may be used for food allergens.

If your baby has a milk or soy allergy, your doctor may suggest either that you change the formula or that you feed your baby only breast milk. Specially prepared formulas are available for infants who have soy and milk allergies.

If you or your child has mild allergies, your doctor may suggest nonprescription antihistamines to control the symptoms. You may need prescription antihistamines if over-the-counter medicines don't help or if they cause side effects, such as drowsiness.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, your first treatment may be done in an emergency room or by emergency personnel. You will be given a shot of epinephrine to stop the further release of histamine and to relax the muscles that help you breathe.

How to treat a reaction
If your doctor has prescribed an allergy kit, always keep it with you. It contains a syringe of epinephrine and antihistamine tablets. Your doctor or pharmacist will teach you how to give yourself a shot. Be sure to check the expiration dates on the medicines, and replace the medicines as needed.


You should also wear a medical alert bracelet or other jewelry that lists your food allergies. You can order medical alert jewelry through most drugstores or on the Internet.

Children and food allergies
It's important to take special care with children who have food allergies. A child with severe food allergies may have a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to even a tiny amount of a food allergen. Your child should always wear a medical alert bracelet and carry an allergy kit.

Make sure that all caregivers (school administrators, teachers, friends, coaches, and babysitters):

• Know about your child's food allergy.
• Can recognize the symptoms of a food allergy.
• Know where the allergy kit is kept and how to give the epinephrine shot.
• Know to call 911 immediately.

Children may have only mild symptoms in the first few minutes after they eat the food allergen, but they may have severe symptoms in 10 to 60 minutes. Children always should be observed in a hospital for several hours after a reaction.

Make sure that your child:

• Always wears a medical alert bracelet .
• Always carries an allergy kit. Children at risk of severe allergic reactions should keep the kits at school or day care as well as home. Older, mature children should be taught to give themselves the shot.

Natural Cure For Hypertension

From: http://www.indianfoodforever.com

One of the very effective lifestyle change for someone who is over weight and also suffering from hypertension, is to shed a few pounds. Losing weight even in small measure can have dramatic effects in lowering your blood pressure. A lot of experts prefer using pharmaceutical drugs while prescribing a weight loss programme in order to treat high blood pressure. The best and safest way to maintain your blood pressure is to eat right. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 and should not exceed the count of 140/90 in order to stay fit and free from strokes and heart attacks. Food like garlic, vegetables, fruits play a very important role in maintaining blood pressure.


Garlic: Garlic dilates the muscles of blood vessels, which helps in lowering blood pressure. It consists of a compound called adenosine which helps in vaso dilation and is also a muscle relaxant. Although, both raw and cooked garlic can benefit blood pressure, raw garlic is more potent and benefits faster. Garlic also interferes with the formation of blood clots and helps in reducing cholesterol. It not only helps lower the risk of colon, gastro intestinal tract and stomach cancers but also improves immunity and prevents gas formation. To get these numerous effects of garlic, all you have to do is finely chop 3-4 cloves of raw garlic and gulp it down with warm water or just extract the juice and drink it. And don't worry about the strong smell of garlic. People believe that garlic results in body odour, but it's not true. 

Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables have certain remarkable properties that have a magical effect on blood pressure. Research studies show that switching to a vegetarian diet lowers blood pressure. Fruits are concentrated with potassium, Vitamin C and loads of soluble fibre, all of which contribute to lowering blood pressure. Apart from this, fruits are low in sodium, which favours lowering of blood pressure. People who eat little or no fruits are prone to high blood pressure. Fruits are the best source of natural vitamin C. Make sure you eat fruits everyday to get your daily dose of vitamin C. Although, synthetic vitamin tablets do help to a certain extent, fruits have other properties which in unison lower blood pressure. 

Potassium: Studies show that a potassium rich diet lowers blood pressure and one deficient in potassium increases blood pressure. In addition to a low potassium intake, excess salt intake could also lead to hypertension. In order to get the right amount of potassium, increase intake of foods like bananas, watermelon, potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, spinach, skimmed milk, soya bean, and almonds. Eating three to six servings of these foods would ensure sufficient potassium intake and regulate blood pressure. 


Calcium: Some experts feel that hypertension is more likely due to calcium deficiency rather than due to excess sodium. They feel that consuming adequate calcium rich foods like milk, curd, spinach, leafy vegetables, Kabuli chana (Chick peas), Rajma, Matki, Jowar, Bajri and Nachini can neutralize the hypertensive effect of excess sodium. 

Fish: has always been considered health food. Fish oils are known to maintain blood pressure. Consuming fish like Mackerel (Bangada), Tuna and Surmai at least thrice a week will help you reduce your daily dose of medicines. 

But, health benefits that can be derived from minor changes in eating patterns will be effective only if you follow them as a part of your daily routine. Weight loss coupled with an intake of fruits, vegetables and fish is the key treatment for anyone suffering from high blood pressure. Avoiding excess salt & alcohol will help tremendously in achieving good results. In other words, it requires a change in lifestyle, eating habits and sheer determination to work towards 

Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide


What is It?

Erectile dysfunction, formerly called impotence, is the inability to obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual activity. It's more common in men over 65, but it can occur at any age.





Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Here are five natural remedies that are used for erectile dysfunction.


1) L-Arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide, a substance signals smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels to relax, which dilates the blood vessels and increases blood flow. Relaxation of smooth muscle in the penis allows for enhanced blood flow, leading to an erection.

L-arginine is found naturally in foods such as meat, dairy, poultry and fish. It is also available as oral L-arginine supplements, which some product manufacturers market as a "natural Viagra").

There have only been two studies to date, however, evaluating the effectiveness of L-arginine for erectile dysfunction.

One study involved 50 men who took L-arginine (5 grams a day) or a placebo. After six weeks, significantly more men taking L-arginine experienced an improvement in sexual function compared with men taking the placebo. Interestingly, it only benefited men who had initially low levels of nitric oxide.

Another study using a smaller dose of L-arginine and a shorter treatment duration found no benefit with L-arginine use. The study involved 32 men with erectile dysfunction who took oral L-arginine supplements (500 milligrams three times per day) or a placebo for 17 days. Oral L-arginine was no better than the placebo.

Side effects may include digestive complaints. High dosees of L-arginine may stimulate the body's production of gastrin, a hormone that increases stomach acid. For this reason, L-arginine may be harmful for individuals with ulcers and people taking drugs that are hard on the stomach.

L-arginine may also alter potassium levels in the body, especially in people with liver disease. It should not be taken by people who are on medications that alter potassium levels, such as potassium sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors. For more information, read my fact sheet on L-arginine: What is L-Arginine?.


2) Propionyl-L-Carnitine

One study examined the use of two forms of carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine in 96 men who with erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery. One group were given a placebo, another group took propionyl-L-carnitine (2 grams per day) plus acetyl-L-carnitine (2 grams per day) and sildenafil (Viagra) when needed, and the third group used Viagra alone.

Propionyl-L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine were found to enhance the effectiveness of sildenafil, and result in improved erectile function, sexual intercourse satisfaction, orgasm, and general sexual well-being compared to Viagra alone.

Another study examined the effectiveness of propionyl-L-carnitine supplements plus sildenafil in men with erectile dysfunction and diabetes who were previously unresponsive to Viagra alone. Participants in the study received either propionyl-L-carnitine (two grams per day) plus Viagra (50 milligrams twice a week) or Viagra alone. After 24 weeks, propionyl-L-carnitine plus Viagra was significantly more effective than Viagra alone.


3) Gingko

The herb ginkgo is used for erectile dysfunction, particularly in people who experience sexual dysfunction as a side effect of antidepressant drugs. It appears to relax smooth muscle and enhance blood flow in the penis.

In one study of 60 men with erectile dysfunction, there was a 50 percent success rate after six months of ginkgo treatment. Two additional studies, however, found that ginkgo was no better than a placebo.

For more information, read my fact sheet on ginkgo: What is Ginkgo?.

4) Zinc

Siginificant depletion of the mineral zinc, associated with long-term use of diuretics, diabetes, digestive disorders, and certain kidney and liver diseases, has been shown to lead to erectile dysfunction.

5) Ashwagandha

The herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is sometimes called Indian Ginseng because it is thought to have similar effects on the body. It is thought to increase energy, stamina, and sexual function. No studies, however, have examined whether it is effective for erectile dysfunction in humans.

Side effects of ashwagandha may include drowsiness. It should not be combined with sedative drugs.

6) Yohimbe

The bark of the west African yohimbe tree is a source of yohimbine, a compound that has been found to stimulate blood flow to the penis, increase libido, and decrease the period between ejaculations.

Yohimbe is not recommended, however, because it is potentially dangerous, even in small doses. Side effects may include dizziness, anxiety, nausea, a severe drop in blood pressure, abdominal pain, fatigue, hallucinations, and paralysis.

Natural Treatment of Gout

By: Dr. Weil


What is gout?
Gout is a painful, arthritic condition of the joints. It usually strikes the big toes, but it can also affect the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows.



What are the symptoms of gout?
The pain associated with gout is often sudden and intense. Joints tend to swell, and can be warm to the touch. The skin around the joint may also take on a deep red or purple hue. People who have had gout for extended periods of time may develop nodules beneath the skin near joints; these are accumulations of uric acid crystals. Attacks can recur in the same joint over weeks, months or years, and repeated bouts of gout can damage the joint. Kidney damage can also occur.

What are the causes of gout?
Gout has a strong genetic component. The hallmark of gout is elevated blood levels of uric acid, a breakdown product of protein metabolism (a distinction should be made by a physician between true gout and pseudogout, a similarly painful, arthritic condition that occurs when calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals are deposited in a joint). Uric acid comes from the metabolism of purines, a subclass of proteins that are abundant in human tissues and such foods as organ meats, sardines, anchovies, mushrooms, asparagus and lentils. Also, a number of drugs and supplements can increase uric acid levels in the blood and its tendency to form irritating crystals in joints. These include salicylates (the active component of aspirin), vitamin B3 (niacin), excess vitamin C and diuretics that may be prescribed for high blood pressure, edema or, cardiovascular disease. Others are Cyclosporine (used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs) and Levodopa for Parkinson's disease. Excess alcohol consumption, being overweight, and exposure to lead in the environment also increase the risk of gout in genetically susceptible individuals. Other risk factors include dehydration and acid conditions of the blood that can result from serious infections, surgery or ketogenic weight loss diets (such as the Atkins diet). The genetic component should not be underestimated, however. It is possible to have high levels of uric acid and never develop gout.


What is the conventional treatment of gout?
There is no known cure for gout, but it can be alleviated through a variety of conventional therapies. Physicians often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to keep inflammation and pain under control. Corticosteriods can have a similar affect; these are administered via pills or injections. There are also medicines that can lower levels of uric acid, the best known is probably allopurinol (Zyloprim). All of these measures should be used only as a last resort, as all carry the risk of significant side effects.


What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for gout?
Like so many diseases, gout is likely an artifact of inflammation and habits of lifestyle, which means following an anti-inflammatory diet and making changes in lifestyle should be the first line of defense. The following should be emphasized:

• Avoid meats that are particularly rich sources of uric acid such as organ meats, sardines and anchovies. Physicians used to advise cutting back on purine-rich plant foods such as lentils, peas, beans, mushrooms, cauliflower and spinach; however, recent research has shown no correlation between eating such foods and incidence of gout attacks.
• Eliminate coffee and all other caffeine sources from the diet.
• Minimize alcohol consumption. Alcohol promotes dehydration and irritates the urinary tract.
• Drink the full complement of eight eight-ounce glasses of water daily to flush uric acid from the system and prevent urate crystal deposition.
• If you are overweight, lose the excess pounds.
• Eat tart cherries in all forms - fresh, or as cherry juice, or in the form of tart cherry extract. Laboratory findings at Michigan State University suggest that ingesting the equivalent of 20 tart cherries inhibits enzymes called cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, which are the targets of anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Take bromelain, a compound of digestive enzymes and other compounds extracted from pineapple stems.

Home Remedies for Pimples

From: http://www.speedyremedies.com  

What are Pimples?

Bacterial infection in the overactive oil glands situated at the base of the skin generally leads to the formation of Pimples. They are usually pus-filled raised bumps on the skin. Pimples are ugly to look at and hence considered a source of social embarrassment. The face, neck, chest, back and even shoulders are some of the most common sites of this infection.
Frequent breakouts of Pimples are referred to as Acne. Infected blackheads and whiteheads usually lead to the formation of Pimples. Contrary to the popular belief, Pimples are not caused due to dirt, sweat, or consumption of oily foods, chocolates, etc.
Though, the popular conception that Pimples should not be squeezed holds true. The act of picking or squeezing Pimples is discouraged as it may lead to further inflammation and scarring. Although many over the counter medicines and creams are often suggested to cure Pimples, still people are more attracted towards the natural cures in the form of natural home remedies for Pimples because they are safer and cheaper than the conventions methods of treatment.


Causes and Symptoms of Pimples

As already mentioned, overactive oil glands play an important role in causing Pimples. The oil glands tend to become overactive due to overstimulation caused by hormonal changes. The hormonal changes could be triggered by puberty.
Hormonal changes caused by menstrual cycles also contribute in the development of Pimple in women. Though, the problem tends to subside once the hormones settle down. Hereditary factors may also be held responsible for causing Pimples and Acne in some cases.
Medicines containing lithium, iodides, bromides, steroids etc have been associated with the worsening of Pimples. Repeatedly washing Pimple affected area may also aggravate the problem as skin tends to produce more oil in response to repeated washing and harsh scrubbing. Stress has also been associated, though indirectly, with frequent breakouts of Pimples.
Pimples are generally characterized by red or yellow colored inflammations on the skin. They are often filled with pus. When a Pimple is squeezed, the pus spreads on the surrounding area resulting in further infection. Moreover, the act of squeezing increases the probability of leaving behind scars even after the healing. These pus-filled Pimples are less commonly known as Pustules.


Natural Home Remedies for Pimples

• Add lemon juice and rose water in equal quantities and apply this mixture on the affected area for about half an hour. Regularly following this remdial procedure for about three to four weeks is one of the most popular natural home remedies for Pimples.
• Lemon juice can also be applied in combination with an equal amount of groundnut oil to prevent as well as cure this embarrassing problem. Similarly, lemon juice can also be added to sandalwood powder and the application of the resultant paste can help reduce Pimples to a great extent. A combination of lemon juice and cinnamon power is also beneficial in Pimple treatment.
• Honey is also considered good for skin. Applying a mixture prepared from three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder over night is another popular natural cure for this irritating problem. This natural remedy is sure to give encouraging results if religiously followed for at least two weeks.
• A facial mask consisting of grated apple and honey serves as an effective home treatment for Pimples and Acne.
• Rubbing garlic on the affected area several times in a day is one of the most effective though smelly natural home remedies for Pimples. For quicker results, garlic should also be taken internally.
• Regularly applying the pulp of ripe tomatoes on the face for about an hour or so helps in the effective treatment of Pimples. Cucumber pulp can also be used in the same way with the same results.
• Raw papaya juice can be applied on the Pimples to cure Pimples naturally.
• Simply applying freshly extracted mint juice serves as one of the easiest possible natural home remedies for Pimples.
• Applying a mixture of coriander juice and some turmeric is an effective home remedy for Pimple treatment. Alternatively, if coriander juice is not available then mint juice can be used in its place.
• Add two to three teaspoons of dried basil leaves to one cup water and boil the mixture for about 15-20 minutes. Cool the mixture and then apply it on the affected area. This therapeutic home remedy should be followed on a regular basis to get rid of Pimples naturally.
• Mix some water in a mixture of crushed margosa (neem) leaves and turmeric to make a fine paste. Finally, rub the resultant mixture on the Pimples and leave it on the skin for about half an hour to heal Pimples successfully and remove the left over scars too.
• Take some roasted and powdered peels of pomegranate fruit. Next, add some lime juice to this powder to make a paste like mixture. Applying this mixture is one of the most valuable natural home remedies for Pimples.
• Take some fenugreek leaves, crush them and add sufficient water, just enough to make a paste. Apply this paste on the face over night and wash it off with warm water in the morning as an effective natural remedy for natural Pimple removal. This remedy is particularly useful for individuals with dry skin.
• Take some grinded nutmeg and add a little raw milk to it. Apply the mixture and leave it for about one or two hours. This natural home remedy is not only beneficial in curing Pimples but is useful in getting rid of their scars as well.
• Tea tree oil and aloe vera gel have anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties that help in dealing with Pimples. Marigold and wheat germ oil are also effective against Pimples.
• Applying a mixture prepared from fuller’s earth and some water or rose water is a tried and tested Pimple cure. Fuller’s earth helps absorb excess oil from the skin.


Diet for Pimples


Judicious mix of a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds etc constitutes a healthy and balanced diet. A diet rich in vitamin A and zinc is highly recommended to deal with this problem. Moreover, consumption of wheatgrass juice helps in controlling Pimples effectively.

Oils extracted from corns, sunflowers, and safflowers have been associated with therapeutic properties for curing as well as preventing Pimples. Plus, regular and adequate consumption of fruit juices and water is considered favorable for the skin.


Though, fried and fatty foods do not cause Pimples by themselves, still they do not even help in the process of healing. Self control is the essence of any favorable treatment. Caffeinated and sugary products tend to produce toxins which are harmful for the overall health. Moreover, over consumption of junk food may prove to be unfavorable for the healing process.

5 Home Remedies for Dehydration

by Editors of Consumer Guide

Remaining hydrated is critical to your overall health. Every cell in your body needs water in order to function properly. In fact, an adult's body weight is 60 percent water, while an infant's is up to 80 percent water. Other than oxygen, there's nothing that your body needs more than water.

The simple cure for dehydration comes from the tap. Turn it on and drink. But there are other kitchen helpers that will keep you hydrated, too. Check out the next page for some helpful home remedies to treat dehydration.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.


1: Bland Foods
If you've experienced dehydration, stick to foods that are easily digested for the next 24 hours, because stomach cramps are a symptom of dehydration and can recur. Try soda crackers, rice, bananas, potatoes and flavored gelatins. Gelatins are especially good since they are primarily made of water.
You can also start and end your day with 16 ounces of water. It's a great way to prevent mild dehydration.


2: Watery Fruits
Bananas have great water content and are especially good for restoring potassium that has vanished with dehydration. You can also try watery fruits such as cantaloupe, watermelon and strawberries. Watery vegetables such as cucumbers are good, too.
Try adding 1 teaspoon lime juice, a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon sugar to a pint of water. Sip the beverage throughout the day to cure mild dehydration.


3: Salt
If you're experiencing symptoms of mild dehydration or heat injury, or you're just plain sweating a lot, make sure you replace your salt. Don't just chug salt straight from the box, however. Try eating pretzels, salted crackers or salty nuts.
And to slough off the dry, flaky skin that comes from dehydration, try this: After you bathe and while your skin is still wet, sprinkle salt onto your hands and rub it all over your skin. This salt massage will remove dry skin and make your skin smoother to the touch. It will also invigorate your skin and get your circulation moving. Also, if your skin is itchy as a result of dehydration, soaking in a tub of salt water can be a great itchy-skin reliever. Just add 1 cup table salt or sea salt to bathwater. This solution will also soften skin and relax you.


4: Sport Drinks
Not only will they add water back into your system, sport drinks restore potassium and other essential electrolytes (a salt substance, such as potassium, sodium, and chlorine found in blood, tissue fluids, and cells that carry electrical impulses). For children, these adult drinks may be too harsh, so talk to your pharmacist about pediatric rehydration drinks now on the market.
Don't depend on sport drinks or soft drinks for all your fluid requirements. They can come with side effects and calories. Plain old water is the best choice. Yogurt or cottage cheese both have sodium and potassium for replacing electrolytes as well.


5: Ice
Suck on ice or rub it on your body when you're overheated. This will help cool you down and prevent excess evaporation, which may lead to dehydration.
Eating a popsicle is a great way to restore water to your body as well. It's an easy way to get fluids into kids, too.
If you drink bottled water, freeze some in the bottom of an empty bottle, then top if off with cold water when you're ready to go. You'll have cold water ready to drink for hours. If you know you'll need more than one bottle of cold water, grab another full bottle, drain about an inch from the top and freeze the whole thing. By the time the first bottle is empty, you'll have plenty of cold water in the second.

How to Cure a Stuffy Nose in 1 Minute

From: williamkwan

So I've had a sensitive nose all my life, and I've tried all the typical remedies (nasal irrigation, anti-inflammatories, acupuncture, etc). A few months ago, while surfing the net, I came across the most awesome way to relieve nasal congestion. I wanted to share it with you guys and see if it works as well for other people as it does for me.

The premise is simple. When we breathe too much, we exhale too much carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is an important vasodilator, meaning that if we don't have enough, inflammation starts to occur. Therefore, curing nasal congestion simply requires us to increase the level carbon dioxide in our blood.

This is the simple exercise that has helped me so very much. If anyone here happens to have a stuffy nose, please try it out share how well it worked.

1. Breathe out. Hold your nose and close your mouth.
2. Hold your breath until it starts getting a bit uncomfortable. It’s faster if you walk around a bit. Nodding your head back and forth works too.
3. Keep your back straight and unplug your nose, keeping your mouth closed. Breathe as slowly as possible. You should feel your nose gently clearing out. 

The concept of breathing less to increase carbon dioxide levels is known as the Buteyko method. I wrote a blog post on it here, if you’re interested to know more about it.

Home Remedy for a Big Stomach

By Lee Morgan, eHow Contributor


A big stomach can mean many things. Finding a remedy for such a problem can only be done properly by first identifying the underlying cause of the condition. A big stomach may result from bloating due to gas, obesity, or a symptom of another problem that causes swelling in the abdomen.


Bloating From Gas
If your stomach bloats shortly after eating and the condition is temporary then it is most likely gas related. Gas can cause the stomach to enlarge and it may lead to mild to moderate pain and cause belching.

There are many ways to remedy gas at home without seeing the doctor. The easiest is to modify the way in which you eat. Chew slowly and take your time with a meal to encourage proper digestion and prevent unnecessary swallowing of air. Eating a couple of crackers before a big meal may better prepare and calm your stomach to help avoid gas, according to healthguidance.org.

Sipping very cold milk and allowing it to coat and soothe the stomach when it is experiencing indigestion can help quickly relieve gas pain and bloating, and the use of ginger tea (boiling ginger root in water) is an old favorite as an herbal cure for gas.

Obesity
If your stomach is enlarged because you have become obese, the answer is simple. You must lose weight. Depending on body type, some obese people carry their weight below the waist in their buttocks and legs, while others carry it high in their stomach and chest. Each type of obesity has its complications. To regain a flat stomach and improve your overall health, a balanced diet that includes recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and grains in addition to aerobic and muscle-building exercise is the only sure route to success.
Exercises that force you to use the unsupported trunk of your body, such as crunches, Pilates and core exercises with a fitness ball, will help you strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Swelling
If neither gas nor obesity appears to be the cause of your enlarged stomach, it is possible you have another medical condition that may need to be checked out by a doctor. Some causes of an enlarged stomach include food allergies, hernia, pregnancy, malabsorption, diabetic gastroparesis, appendicitis and pancreatic or gallbladder disease. All of these require medical care, according to wrongdiagnosis.com.

However, there are some causes that you may be able to remedy at home once you find out what the problem is.

Premenstrual syndrome, constipation and lactose intolerance can all cause stomach bloating and may all be relieved with home remedies.

Bloating caused by PMS is rooted in water retention. To relieve this discomfort cut back on salty foods and drink plenty of water to flush out your system. More water will also help with constipation, as will the consumption of whole grains and fiber.

Lactose intolerance, however, means you will have to avoid foods with lactose (milk sugar) while maintaining enough calcium for general nutritional needs.


Read more: Home Remedy for a Big Stomach | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5535482_home-remedy-big-stomach.html#ixzz2DKtckwsR

Baldness remedies – what works and what doesn't?

Written by Colin Brennan, health journalist


People have always been gullible where their hair is concerned. Queen Victoria drank silver birch wine made from sap because she believed it would cure her baldness. And despite icons such as David Beckham shaving off their locks, hair loss is refusing to become fashionable.

Dr Andrew Messenger, a consultant dermatologist at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, told NetDoctor: 'Although the great majority of men learn to live with it, I think everybody would prefer not to be bald. For a very small number of men, it becomes a big issue.'

He says it is more often younger men who visit their doctor to ask what can be done about hair thinning.

Medical attitudes to thinning hair
Most doctors believe men should think deeply before using any remedies for hair loss because the treatment options are so limited.

Baldness isn't a life-threatening condition, and it is easy to spend a lot of money trying to restore a full head of hair.

While it's all very well being told how you ought to feel about the loss of your hair, if it starts to dint your self-esteem, it's probably worth seeking treatment.

But Dr Messenger is clear about the limitations of medicine in this area: 'There are only two ways to deal with baldness currently available in the UK that the evidence shows work to at least some extent.' Neither of the medicines listed below is available on the NHS.

Minoxidil
Minoxidil is sold over the counter as a topical solution (liquid) under the brand name Regaine.

How does it work?
We don't know how minoxidil works. It was first used on patients with heart disease who reported an increased growth in their hair.

It may increase blood supply to the hair follicles.

How is it used?

It's applied twice a day, and it can take up to four months for the results to be noticeable.

Is it effective?

• About two-thirds of the men who use it have some improvement in their hair growth, ranging from minimal to moderate-to-dense regrowth.
• If hair starts to regrow, it will probably be soft, downy and barely visible. With continued use, this new hair may become the same colour and thickness as the rest of your hair.
• Regrowth of hair can be as much as 25 per cent of the existing hair, depending on how bad the hair loss has been and how long it has been happening.
• It is not possible to tell in advance whether minoxidil will work for you, and there's no evidence it works better in younger men. They may get better results because hair loss is not as severe, but this would apply to a man in middle age too.
• It isn't known why minoxidil works for some people and not others.

Regaine Extra Strength is a higher strength version of minoxidil and has a slightly better effect.

• The first sign of new hair begins to show after two months and it peaks at around one year.
• In trials comparing the two strengths, Regaine Extra produced 43 per cent more regrowth than the regular strength after 12 months' use.

How long do the effects last?
Any benefits to hair growth will carry on for as long as you continue the twice-daily applications.

Once you stop using minoxidil, regrown hair will be lost after three to four months, and the balding process will start again.

'It can become a bit of a bind rubbing it into the scalp twice a day after it has stopped improving and you can't see anything happening,' says Dr Messenger. 'You also have to go on paying for it at the rate of about £25 per month.'

How much does it cost?
The price depends on the strength and quantity of minoxidil being purchased. It is possible to get a triple pack three-month supply for around £59.95.

Is it safe?
Minoxidil is a safe treatment. Known side-effects include irritation of the scalp and the growth of hair on other parts of the body.

In some cases, loss of hair actually increases at first. If hair loss continues after two weeks, you should stop using the product and consult your doctor.

People with heart conditions should not use Regaine without first seeing their GP.

Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral tablet treatment for male baldness. In the UK its brand name is Propecia.

It is not available over the counter in shops or on the NHS: this means you will need to get a private prescription from your GP.

How does it work?
It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme in the body called type II 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is a hormone that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss in men who are genetically sensitive to it.

How is it used?
You take one tablet every day, with or without food.

Is it effective?
Propecia is effective in about 80 per cent of men.

It may take three to six months of treatment before you see any noticeable results.

How long do the effects last?
You will need to continue to use Propecia to maintain any benefits to hair growth.

This can be expensive, because doctors can only prescribe the medicine on a private prescription.

If you stop taking the drug, you are likely to lose any hair you have gained within 9 to 12 months.

How much does it cost?
The cost of treatment is around £35 per month.

Is it safe?
Yes. Potential side-effects include sexual problems such as a decrease in sex drive and temporary impotence.

Women cannot take this treatment, nor should they handle any crushed or broken tablets. This is because the active ingredient can cause feminisation of a male foetus in pregnancy.

What if these treatments don't work?
There are no other clinically proven medicines for baldness.

In cases where medicines aren't effective, some men may be tempted to try a hair graft.

Hair replacement grafts

How does it work?
In a hair graft, surgery is used to take hair from the back of the scalp and transplant it to the bald patch where the hair grows as if it were still on the original site.

• It is a minor operation done under local anaesthetic.
• It can be done in several stages or in one mega session where thousands of hairs are involved.
• The hair is now usually moved in micrografts - small groups of hairs - to get a more natural look. This helps avoid the graft resembling a doll's head.

Is it effective?
'A good result depends entirely on the surgeon's skill,' says Dr Messenger. 'I have seen some fairly good results but I don't think it ever looks completely natural.'

How much does it cost?
Usually between £1500 and £4000.

Is it safe?
The side-effects are the usual surgical risks of infection and scarring.

There is no known way of reversing this procedure, so if you aren't pleased with the results, you're stuck with it. The transplanted hairs will grow on in the same way as the hairs at the back of the head, which most men keep forever.

'I wouldn't recommend surgery hair grafts to anybody. I would let men know it's available, but that's all. I certainly wouldn't have it done myself. It is pretty bloody and traumatic,' says Dr Messenger.

What about claims for other products?
Dr David Fenton, a consultant dermatologist at St Thomas' Hospital in London, says men should be careful about adverts that claim to cure hair loss.

'Many of these people are offering treatments that have no scientific basis. Men wishing to restore their hair should stay well clear of them and get advice from doctors. Then they will be advised by people who are highly trained in their field, not salesmen with no medical background whatsoever.'

He also feels that men seeking help should be supported, given counselling and not belittled.

Buyer beware
Elizabeth Steel founded the support group Hairline International for both men and women after she lost her own hair.

'We hear of so many unsatisfactory transplants that we no longer recommend them,' she says.

'We advise our members to stay away from private clinics to avoid losing their money as well as their hair. It is just money down the drain.

'Some men have told me they knew the exotic and expensive remedies they were given weren't going to work, but they just wanted to enjoy the temporary light at the end of the tunnel.'

Her organisation has given impartial advice to more than 30,000 men worried about their hair falling out. Elizabeth says thinning hair can leave men very vulnerable: in one case, a successful 40-year-old father of two took his own life after a hair transplant went wrong.

Where can I get help?

• Your GP: consult your doctor before you hand over your money to anyone offering a cure for baldness.
• For general advice on hair loss, write to Hairline International, Lyons Court, 1668 High Street, Knowle, West Midlands B93 0LY. Enclose an A4-sized self-addressed envelope.