Naturally Healing Trick for an Ingrown Toenail

I used to suffer from ingrown toenails as a younger Sister Knowitall, when I really didn't know much at all.  I got some great advise about how to treat and forever be healed from an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are caused from wearing shoes that don't fit properly or pointed toe shoes.  Why we feel it is necessary or beautiful to squeeze 5 toes that are slightly slanted but yet mostly square shape into a point is still a mystery to me, I'm not going to tell you to stop wearing them because you won't listen to me.  So wear them if you must just be sensible.  Never wear them two days in a row. Swap to a more comfortable shoe more than you wear the pointy ones.  When you do get an ingrown toenail it is important to take care of the issue before it becomes infected and medical attention is required.  Epsom Salt soaks are helpful for inflammation and infection as is pouring alcohol on the nail. The keep your toenails cut straight across. This  picture is borrowed from webmd.com and shows a trick I have known for years and it absolutely works. The idea is to help to train the nail to grow out over the skin rather than into the skin around the nail.  Most nail salons will cut the corner off of the nail which causes the situation to become worse as the nail grows back out it will again embed itself into the skin causing the ingrown nail to reoccur. I would also put some anti bacterial ointment on it as well. I use my Sister Knowitall salve for that but you can use, an essential oil like tea tree, (melaleuca) lavender or frankincense.  I hope you are able to find some relief from the pain. Take care of your feet and they will take you all the places you'd like to go. I

Stomach Virus, Upset Stomach, Food Poisoning Peppermint tea to the rescue

Dear Sister Knowitall,
Stop the pain.  My stomach hurts. I've been to the doctor and they recommended the BRAT diet for the residual effects of the stomach bug I had. They also gave me prescription. It is not helping the pain in my stomach.  I've tried Imodium and Gas-X  and I can't seem to get any better.

I still have this horrible pain in my stomach. Can you help?

Sincerely,
Alien in my stomach boy

Dear Alien Boy,
A stomach virus, upset stomach or food poisoning are terrible for anyone. We all think we are going to die from the body's rejection of anything we put into it. I have had virus's so bad that I've actually stayed in the bathroom because throwing up ever 5-minutes just wasn't worth leaving the comfort of the nearby toilet.  I feel your pain Alien Boy,  The BRAT diet is a great way to help your stomach heal. For those of you who don't know what that is, This is a diet to allow your body time to repair after you are sick by eating a bland diet, Banana, Rice, Applesauce,Toast.  Some even add yogurt to that diet to get the probiotics back into your stomach.  Pedialite is also helpful once you stop throwing up.  I have offered peppermint tea from tea leaves that I grew and then dried.  to help alleviate the pain.  You can put this on ice or drink it hot.  I  also add lemon balm that is a known anti-viral to help kill the virus. It does seem to do a wonderful job relieving the hurt from the extra gas and sore belly.  Ginger tea is another great tea for stomach upset and nausea,  You can even mix some peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil like; coconut oil or almond oil and rub it on your stomach for some relief.  I've seen them work wonders. Give it a try and remember don't overdo it by eating anything spicy. Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.  You'll feel better soon.

Swollen Ear Pain with Roaring Sound

Dear Sister Knowitall,

I need some of your sister stuff. . I am a hair dresser and something in my ear popped. I can't hear out

of that ear now, except for a horrible roaring.  I went to the doctor and was told that my ear drum isn't broken but it is very swollen. Traditional medicine has not helped and we are still without a diagnosis.  I am having an MRI but am hoping a natural approach will help me heal.  Do you have any suggestions. 

Sincerely,
Half Deaf Scissorman

Dear Half Deaf Scissorman,

I am really sorry to hear that you have significant hearing loss in one ear. As a hair dresser part of the job is listen to your clients needs and troubles. You are really part therapist like a bartender, so lets see if there is anything I can offer to help.  Let me say that going to the doctor was a good idea.  Often people assume that when you strive to live a holistic life that you don't go to the doctor or are against traditional medicine.  There may be some extremist out there that believe that but for the most part we are all just trying to live our best life and there are some problems that doctors can diagnose and treat.  That said, here are some suggestions for you to try that are safe and non invasive.  If you dont see any improvement seek further medical attention.

Coconut Oil (organic virgin cold pressed) on a Q-tip and lightly rub it on the opening of your ear.  You can also warm it in the microwave 5-10 seconds (not hot but warm, test first) use a dropper and drip 1 -3 drops into the ear and allow it to run down into the swollen area. Remain calm and breathe deeply to relax as it warms your ear drum. If you experience any pain that last longer than a few seconds immediately roll over and let the oil run out onto a cloth or cotton ball.  If you are ok allow it to stay there for a minute or two up to 5 minutes.  It will soothe and is a natural antibacterial and anti inflammatory.  It helps reduce toxins and yeast in the body.

Another option is to mix hot water with Epsom salt allow to cool so that you do not burn your ear.  Put a few drops into the ear and let soak for a few minutes. then roll over and allow the mixture to pour out of your ear.  Mix a bit of tea tree oil with almond oil or coconut oil and put in your ear with a Q-tip. If you feel any burning add pure oil to the tea tree to dilute it more. Do not use water to dilute it will not help.

There are foods are that are amazing super foods. Coconut Oil, Pineapple and Blueberries are awesome for reducing high blood pressure and inflammation in the body.  Eating these daily is a great way to reduce inflammation in the heal the body.

Begin drinking 8-10 glasses a day of water with lemon. I just purchased a small juicer at a local grocery store for less than $5.00.  I am a big fan of  drinking lemon water.
Lemon water is a great way to  boost your  immune system, reducing inflammation, reducing  joint and  pain swelling. see my Lemon Water blog for more info on how truly awesome it is.