Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a relatively minor chronic irritation of the skin that affects about 3% of the general population.

With eczema there is an inherited hypersensitivity–not allergy–to certain substances or conditions. These include excessive dryness of the skin, heavy sweating, fatigue and stress. People with eczema are likely to develop hay fever, allergic asthma or, when they get cold sores, accompanying viral infections.

Eczema has distinct forms, at specific stages of life. Each stage comes in cycles of flare-ups, remissions and, often, gradual disappearance. Its duration is different with every individual case. Some people have eczema all their lives, while others develop it at random.

Infants have eczema three times more often than adults–and the condition differs. Dry, red patches appear on the scalp, forehead, neck, arms, legs and groin. Tiny blisters may develop, open and ooze fluid, then form crusts. These blisters are not common in older children suffering from eczema. Their patches of dry skin may have small bumps and appear on the elbows, back of knees, back of neck, wrists and face, especially the eyelids. Eyes are common site of eczema in adults. Other areas affected by eczema in adults include the hands, arms and legs.

While eczema can’t be cured, its flare-ups can often be prevented by avoiding triggers, including temperature extremes, stress, skin infections, heavy perspiration and various allergens.

Infants who feed exclusively on breast milk for at least 6 months are less likely to develop eczema. Eggs and fish, common triggers, should not be offered to infants until they are a year old. Also, shield infants from allergens such as smoke, pet dander, mites, molds and pollen.

Older children and adults should keep their baths short and use only lukewarm water. It’s also recommended that they use a mild bar soap that does not contain antibacterial additives.

Be sure the air where you live and work is moist–this may mean using a humidifier in the winter. And staying out of the sun, winter or summer, may also help.

Stress management is equally important in preventing eczema flare-ups. Exercise, meditation and yoga can all help reduce stress.

When eczema flares up, specific treatment is necessary. Among the medical remedies are ointments containing hydrocortisone. Other types of steroids may be applied to the trouble spots or, in severe cases, taken internally. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to eliminate bacteria and prevent secondary infection. (Germs may invade through scratches and tiny openings in the inflamed skin.)

Some alternative eczema treatments include:

• Acupressure–While it won’t cure eczema, it can relieve tension that can bring on flare-ups.
• Herbs–Chinese foxglove and licorice are effective anti-inflammatories; peony can boost the immune system; and evening primrose oil helps control itching.
• Baths–Soaking in a bath of 1 cup of table salt per tubful of water can be soothing to the skin.

We’re all familiar with the common cold–and our bodies are probably familiar with many of the more than 100 viruses known to cause it. Antibiotics will not cure a cold, which is caused by a virus;these drugs will only treat bacterial infections. A cold can take many forms, from head cold to chest cold, mild to miserable, as it runs its natural course from a runny nose to a hacking cough. Doctors joke that you can either do nothing to treat a cold and have it disappear in a week, or you can take medicine and feel better in seven days.

Herbalists don’t claim to have a cure for the common cold either, but folk traditions and home remedies from all over the world help to relieve the common miseries connected with it. Garlic steeped in honey is an old Italian remedy. Contemporary studies have shown that echinacea root, native to North American, has antiviral properties that can strengthen resistance to infection. Herbal teas such as rose hip tea contain vitamin C and bioflavonoids, immune-boosters and infection-fighters that may actually prevent colds.

Despite exhaustive efforts, a cure for the common cold remins elusive. Food remedies such as tea and chicken soup, however, are always popular, and for good reason. In the case of chicken soup, scientific studies have shown that it contains naturally occurring compounds that fight the inflammation responsible for most of a cold’s misery. But teas have enjoyed an even wider appreciation as a traditional remedy on every continent of the world. Japanese green tea is used to support the immune system. In India and China, ginger tea relieves chest and sinus congestion. Tart, tasty rose hip tea, abundant in vitamin C, is beloved in France. Other teas include:

Horehound – This is a common plant from the mint family whose Latin name, Marrubium, originates from a Hebrew word meaning “bitter juice.” Herbalists know it as a tea that expels phlegm from the chest, relieving congestion. Drink it either warm or hot to induce perspiration. Horehound lozenges have been used for hundreds of years as a cough remedy.

Thyme – Tea made from fresh or dried thyme leaves acts as an expectorant, assisting the body’s natural inclination to clear out the respiratory passages through coughing. Thyme’s relaxant effect can gently ease muscle soreness that may come from too much coughing.

Elder – Elder flower tea helps decongest the sinuses, soothes postnasal drip, and brings down a fever. You can also add the berries to the tea to ease a scratchy, sore throat.

Echinacea – Echinacea root is best used at the onset of a cold rather than as a preventative. Clinical research suggests that it supports immune system functioning, helping your body’s natural defenses. Echinacea possesses antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it one of the most popular herbal medicines in the West. Mix it with a teaspoon of licorice root, which soothes sore throats.

You might also try these other soothing teas for cold symptoms:

Licorice root: relieves sore throats

Ginger: treats the chills

Chamomile: overall soother

Peppermint: relieves congestion

Garlic: fights infection (steep crushed cloves in cold water for several hours)

To get the most health benefits from herbal teas, check with a herbalist, who can advise you as to whether a particular herb works best alone or in combination with others. For example, elder flowers work well alone, but they are often combined with peppermint, ginger, yarrow, or rose hips. Each herb brings its own strength, but blends offer more cold-fighting benefits.

It’s not called the common cold for nothing. Americans get an estimated one billion of these mild-but-miserable infections each year, due to invasion by any of 200 known respiratory viruses.

This time of year, sniffles, sneezes, and coughs are positively everywhere. But before you give in and start stockpiling tissues and chicken soup, try a few simple tricks to help you and your family avoid those dreaded colds altogether.

Colds are spread by breathing in virus-containing droplets that an infected person has sneezed or coughed into the atmosphere. So one sure way to get infected is if someone sneezes or coughs directly on you.

Unfortunately, you can also catch a cold by handling something an infected person has touched and then rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth. In fact, most colds are caught this way. Careful hand washing with antibacterial soap is important to avid picking up the virus on your hands.

Insist that cold sufferers in your house wash their hands frequently–especially before contact with food or other people. Also, using disinfectants on surfaces such a doorknobs, telephones, and countertops is another way to avoid viral encounters.

You can also make life more difficult for invading germs by creating a hostile environment for them. Viruses thrive in dry conditions, so it’s important to drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day, especially when you’ve got a cold. Staying hydrated helps thin mucus and deliver nutrients in the body. Increase your fluid intake with vitamin C-rich juices and juicy fruits such as melons.

Chicken soup, a favorite healing food from your childhood, provides a steamy bowl of liquid comfort that can help keep you hydrated. Beyond that, research suggests that it contains compounds that reduce respiratory inflammation. Homemade chicken soup appears to be more effective than canned varieties; some speculate that the chicken bones, which simmer on the stove before the meat is stripped from them, may impart healing properties. Additionally, canned soups are often loaded with salt.

If you should get a cold, in addition to all of the above, a good way to fight a cold is with fire. Hot, pungent foods such as horseradish, curry, and spicy, hot peppers, such as jalapenos and chili peppers may be just as effective as over-the-counter remedies in combating common cold symptoms like sinus and chest congestion.

Spicy foods contain a compound called capsaicin, a mucus-moving agent, fiery foods work by releasing waves of watery fluids, which thin out and move the lung’s secretions away from air passages, which helps op en stuffed-up noses. Avoid heavy dairy products like milk, which can worsen congestion.

Finding venison used to be a real challenge for people who don’t hunt, but today, butchers have begun displaying venison steaks along with the T-bones and pork chops. This is partly because Americans have rediscovered the rich flavors of game meats. More important, people have learned that venison has the same nutritional benefits as beef and pork but with a fraction of the fat.

Venison is a broad term that includes the meat from deer, antelope, elk, and moose. It’s much leaner than port or beef, and it’s loaded with important nutrients, including protein, which the body uses to manufacture hormones and repair damaged cells. A 3-oz. serving of venison has more than 25 grams of protein, nearly half of the recommended daily amount. Venison is also rich in iron, which helps prevent energy-draining anemia, and phosphorus, the mineral that combines with calcium to form hard teeth and bones.

If you’re trying to reduce the amount of fat in your diet but don’t want to give up meat entirely, venison is a good choice. Only about 18 percent of its calories come from fat, about half the percentage of fat-calories in lean beef. It’s also lower in saturated fat than other meats. This is important because saturated fat is the main culprit in raising cholesterol and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health threats. Even though venison is a lean meat, it should be eaten in moderation because it has a lot more fat and calories than vegetables, whole grains, or other plant foods.

Venison lacks a lot of the tenderizing fat that makes beef and pork so succulent and juicy. To prevent toughness, it’s important to cook venison slowly, using moist heat rather than grilling or broiling. It’s also helpful to marinate venison in order to tenderize the tough tissues. Traditional marinades often include oils and other fats, but there’s no reason to use them. It’s the acidic ingredients in marinades, such as vinegar or fruit juice, that do the actual tenderizing. The small amount of fat on venison has a strong flavor, so remove it before cooking for the most enjoyment.

The flavor and texture of venison depend on when the meat was harvested. For best taste, buy meat that was harvested in the fall. That’s when deer have the most fat, which makes the steak more tender. If you’d like to make venison burgers or a stew, choose cuts that were harvested later in the year, which will be lower in fat. Just ask your butcher.

Cystitis is an agonizing and very common condition. Four out of five women suffer from it at some stage in their lives. Telltale symptoms are an urgent need to pass urine, even when there is little in the bladder, and a severe, scalding pain when urinating. Other symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen and back.

Cystitis is caused by an infection of the bladder and urethra (the tube leading from the bladder to the outside of the body) by E.coli bacteria.

E.coli is naturally present in the intestinal tract. It can be easily transferred to the urethra during sexual foreplay and intercourse or in the course of a hurried visit to the washroom.

You can take simple preventative measures at home to avoid cystitis or help put an end to recurrent attacks. Recurrent attacks must be treated by health professionals because a more serious infection may result.

However scrupulous your day-to-day hygiene routine, it is surprisingly easy to contract cystitis. All sorts of everyday habits and activities–from wearing panty hose to swimming in a pool treated with chlorine–can add to your vulnerability to attack.

If you suffer an attack, make an appointment to see your physician as soon as possible and take a mid-stream urine sample with you. This will be tested to check for infection. If cystitis is strongly suspected, many physicians will prescribe antibiotics before getting the results. Antibiotics provide pain relief fairly quickly.

At home, stay warm and rest. You may find a hot watter bottle eases abdominal and lower back discomfort. Keep a large jug of water beside you, and drink one cup every 1/2 hour to flush out stagnant urine.

Adding 2 tsp. bicarbonate of soda to the water may help counter acidity in the urine and prevent the bacteria from multiplying.

To prevent or help eliminate the condition, try the following:

• Prepare an herbal tea. Herbs that help flush the bladder and act as urinary antiseptics include Irish moss, shepherd’s purse and buchu. Or try aloe vera for its anti-inflammatory properties. Make the tea with 1 tsp. herb to 1 cup boiling water, and drink three times a day. Alternatively, stir 1 tbsp. marshmallow root, which has soothing and healing properties, into 1 cup boiling water until it becomes gelatinous. Drink three times a day before meals.
• Drink at least 5 cups of liquid a day–water, diluted fruit juices (but not citrus juices) and vegetable juices can reduce your vulnerability to attack and help relieve early symptoms. Try cranberry juice or a homemade broth of parsley, dandelion, spinach and carrot.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection? When bacteria in the urinary tract begin to multiply, infection can set in. The most common, mildest type is a bladder infection (cystitis), but the bacteria may wend their way up into the kidneys and cause a more serious infection (pyelonephritis).

It’s fair to say that most of us give as little thought as possible to the body’s removal of waste fluids and impurities. But when urination becomes painful, it calls unwanted attention to the urinary tract and its function. In fact, an estimated 25 to 50 percent of women suffer painful, irritating urinary tract infections, or UTIs, at some point. Fortunately, nutritional remedies may help relieve and even prevent these common, usually mild, but still bothersome infections.

Surprisingly, urine is sterile when it leaves the bladder and isn’t responsible for the bacterial invasions that cause UTIs. But if lingering E. coli bacteria from fecal matter move up the urethra (the tube through which urine flows out of the body) and enter the bladder, they can inflame the lining and cause pain and swelling. Women are more vulnerable to UTIs than men are, probably because the female urethra is shorter, so bacteria don’t have to travel as far to the bladder. A bladder infection, the most common type of UTI, is usually marked by an urgent need to urinate and painful urination. The infection can even reach the kidneys, where it can cause permanent damage if not reated. Warning signs of this more serious type of UTI include fever, abdominal or low back pain, and blood in the urine.

Cranberry juice offers the main dietary defense against UTIs, acting as both a preventative and a treatment by keeping bacteria from sticking to the lining of the bladder. Vitamin C, found in melon, kiwi, and cabbage, also helps. This antioxidant boosts the immune system, fights infection, and raises the acid content in urine so it’s less inviting to bacteria. Drinking plenty of water every day (eight 8-oz. glasses) helps flush out the urinary tract.

It’s important to take action at the first sign of a UTI; prompt treatment may prevent a mild bladder infection from developing into a more serious kidney infection. Often, simple steps you take at home can clear up the infection within a day. If you’re still uncomfortable after 24 hours, however, make an appointment with a doctor; you may need a course of antibiotics. Meanwhile, take these nutritional defenses against UTIs:

• Fluid Relief. During an infection, raise your daily water intake to at least one glass every hour. The fuller your bladder, the more thoroughly it empties to flush out bacteria.
• Cranberry Juice. In a Harvard study, elderly women prone to UTIs cut their risk of infection by drinking 10 oz. of cranberry juice a day. Cranberries contain compounds called condensed tannins, which appear to keep E.coli bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract. Cranberry juice also provides infection-fighting vitamin C, and some herbalists believe cranberry helps prevent yeast infections–a bonus if your UTI requires antibiotics, which kill helpful bacteria along with the harmful ones and may lead to yeast infections. Pure cranberry juice works best, but if you can’t tolerate the tartness, sweetened juices or cocktails may offer some protection. Or try blueberries, which also contain substances that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder. Some natural healers suggest eating 1 cup of fresh blueberries or drinking 2 cups of blueberry juice daily to stave off UTIs.
• Yogurt. Acidophilus, or “live cultures,” in some yogurts stock your body with friendly bacteria. Their presence may make it tougher for harmful bacteria to thrive and may stave off antibiotic-related yeast infections. The calcium in yogurt may also make the bladder less prone to infection.
• Foods to Avoid. Though fluids and vitamin C can help a UTI, certain products should be avoided during an infection. Alcohol, coffee, black tea, chocolate milk, soda, and citrus juices may irritate the urinary tract and worsen the pain of a UTI. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and peppers are high in vitamin C but are also acidic and potentially irritating, as are vinegary, spicy, or sugary foods.

Apple juice isn’t quite as nutritious as the whole fruit, but it’s a convenient way to get many of the important vitamins and minerals in one quick glass. It’s probably an exaggeration to say that an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but apples do have a well-deserved reputation for promoting health and vigor as well as for providing an exciting variety of tastes and textures.

Store-bought juices can’t compare with the taste and nutritional benefits of fresh juice. The apples for juicing are those with a crisp texture and bright taste, such as Fujis and Braeburns.

Apple juice is among the sweetest fruit juices. Drinking too much of it can really add on the calories–about 116 per cup. Unlike sugar-laden soft drinks, however, apple juice supplies a variety of essential nutrients. It’s packed with potassium, the mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. An 8-oz. glass, in fact, has more than 295 mg. potassium, 8 percent of the Daily Value. Apple juice is also a good source of vitamin B6, a nutrient that helps brain cells to communicate, and thiamin, a B vitamin that helps the brain utilize glucose, the sugar the body needs for fuel.

Apple juice contains quercetin, an antioxidant that makes cholesterol less likely to stick to artery walls and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. Research has shown that people who get the most guercetin in their diet are less likely to develop heart disease than those who get the least. Quercetin also helps prevent free radicals–harmful oxygen molecules that are naturally present in the body–from damaging the DNA in cells, the process that triggers cell mutations that may lead to cancer.

It’s worth drinking apple juice when you’re trying to lower cholesterol because it contains soluble fiber, which dissolves and forms a gel-like material in the intestine. The gel helps trap cholesterol before it passes through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. Commercial apple juice contains soluble fiber, but you’ll get a lot more when you make your own. You’ll also get more pectin, a type of fiber in apple juice that appears to help reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. Soluble fiber is found in the flesh of apples, so it’s fine to peel them before making juice. But incorporating the skin makes the juice even healthier because it’s rich in insoluble fiber, which helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, and other digestive discomforts.

An estimated 24 million people suffer from moderate-to-severe migraine headaches in the United States. Another 1 million women and 1.1 million men experience more than one of these severe headaches every month.

Other types of severe headaches are often mistaken for a migraine. Know the difference:

• Tension headache–intermittent pain that shoots from the front to the back of the head; may be accompanied by a stiff neck.
• Hypertension headache–throbbing pain that occurs suddenly at the back or top of the head.
• Cluster headache–sudden pain on one side of the head; involves the temple, neck, face and eye, which swells and tears; may also cause a runny nose; occurs in clusters over several days; is more common in men.

A migraine is more than just a headache–it can last from 4 to 72 hours, causes throbbing pain and is usually accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines predominantly affect adults between the ages of 35 and 45.

About a third of migraines are preceded by an aura, or visual manifestation, which may include tunnel vision, flashes, spots or colors. The aura may intensify and remain, on average, for about an hour before the headache strikes. Some sufferers have difficulty with language during an attack; others report a tingling or numbness of the fingers or half of the face or body during the aura.

Migraines can be set off by stress, alcohol, certain foods, hormones, oral contraceptives, changes in sleep patterns and the weather. Researchers have not found the cause of migraines, but 70% of sufferers have relatives who also experience migraines, suggesting a hereditary component.

Migraines are most often treated with rest in a quiet, dark room. Cold packs on the head or neck help some; pain relievers help others. Medications that treat or prevent migraines are available, but the best prevention is avoiding what triggers a migraine.

A key principle in preventing a migraine is to avoid whatever brings on an attack. For example, foods like chocolate, aged cheese and smoked meats, and those that contain MSG, can all be triggers. Alcoholic beverages, especially red wines, which contain flavonoid phenols, can also incite an attack.

Among women, migraines can be touched off by changes in the levels of hormones. The use of oral contraceptives, menopause and menstruation all affect estrogen levels. While certain brands or doses of contraceptives may induce migraines, the hormonal changes of pregnancy seem to relieve migraine attacks.

An interruption in the sleep cycle–such as sleeping in on weekends–can promote migraine attacks in some people, while changes in the weather cause migraines in others. Stress can also be a powerful migraine trigger.

If you think you’ve had, or have a migraine, consult you doctor to be evaluated and to develop a plan for prevention.

Chocolate may do more than provide a heavenly combination of smooth sensation and rich, creamy taste. Research shows it may be good for the mind, maybe even the body–in moderation. Even the name of chocolate’s source expresses an appreciation for its delectable wonders. The cocoa bean comes from the South American tree Theobroma, a Latin word meaning “food of the gods.”

There’s no doubt chocolate is a popular food. The average American eats 11 pounds of it per year. It won’t be mistaken for a health food because of its high fat content, but it does offer certain benefits. Cocoa contains flavonoids, antioxidants substances that prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, inhibit blood clot formation, and protect against cancer and heart disease. The British Medical Journal has reported that eating moderate amounts of chocolate may increase longevity, possibly because it contains copper, which may reduce pain; chromium, which helps regulate blood insulin levels; iron, which carries oxygen in blood; and magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Research has found that dark chocolate contains high levels of antioxidant polyphenols as well.

4.5 lb Chocolate Lover’s Assortment

This ultimate comfort food is a proven mood-enhancer, although not necessarily for the most healthful reasons. Consuming the fat in chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins, chemicals that produce a pleasurable, analgesic effect in the brain. Researchers have determined that chocolate contains anandamide, a neurotransmitter that produces a sense of euphoria. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, or PEA, a compound that mildly stimulates the nervous system–the same chemical released by the brain when we fall in love, which helps explain chocolate’s long-standing renown as an aphrodisiac. It also contains theobromine, a caffeine-like substance that provides a mood lift.

To give your chocolate fix a low-fat spin, try baking your favorite chocolate cake or cookies with cocoa instead of baking chocolate. Choose low-fat, calcium-rich chocolate pudding instead of high-calorie mousse and ice cream. Swirl reduced-fat chocolate syrup over low-fat ice cream or yogurt, or use it as a dip for fruit. Eat quality chocolate in small servings, such as kisses or nuggets.

Food for thought–Is there really such a thing as a “chocoholic”? While chocolate boosts levels of endorphins, which lab studies have shown to be addicting to rats, research in humans is inconclusive. It may simply be that the taste of chocolate induces blissful sensory overload. Food researchers have found that chocolate is a bend of more than 500 flavors, more than in any other food analyzed.

4.5 lb Chocolate Lover’s Assortment

Normally, fungi, called yeast, live harmlessly and harmoniously with other microorganisms in the body, kept in check by beneficial bacteria. But the dark, moist vaginal area makes a perfect place for yeast to breed, and an overgrowth can lead to painfully itchy vaginitis.
About three out of four women will get at least one case, and many will suffer from recurring infections. Fortunately, you can improve your odds with some simple lifestyle changes, including a yeast-fighting diet.

Some men may also be prone to genital yeast infections. Often the only symptom is itchiness, though sometimes the head of the penis may be red and swollen. Even if the infection is mild, it should be treated to prevent spread to a partner.

“Vaginitis” is actually a catchall phrase for any inflammation of the vagina. Yeast infections, usually caused by a proliferation of the fungus Candida albicans, are the most common type, characterized by a cheesy discharge along with burning and itching, and perhaps an urge to urinate more often than usual. A host of factors may lead to an uncomfortable abundance of yeast, including douching, taking oral contraceptives, hormonal changes, high blood sugar levels, or a course of antibodics. Other forms of vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, which causes a fishy-smelling odor, and sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia.

To reduce the risk of vaginitis, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes that trap heat and moisture in the vaginal area. Soaps and detergents can cause irritation, so use only a baby cleanser or water when bathing, and be sure undergarments are thoroughly rinsed in the laundry. Get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet–a body that’s rested and nourished can better resist infection. Some foods, particularly yogurt and garlic, may actually protect against vaginitis.

There are a number of over-the-counter products that treat vaginal itching, but it’s best to get a doctor’s diagnosis, especially if it’s a first case of vaginitis. A yeast infection may require an antifungal drug, while bacterial vaginosis responds to an antibiotic. Meanwhile, you can supplement medical treatment with at-home remedies to ease your discomfort and even help fend off future infections.

Have a Yogurt a Day. – If you’re prone to yeast infections, a daily cup of yogurt might fend off itching and infection, provided you choose brands that contain live (active) Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures. The cultures help to keep vaginal bacterial flora in balance, preventing an overrun of yeast, and may help speed healing if you’re already infected. Acidophilus supplements also boost your body’s supply of friendly bacteria and a paste made of the powder and water may be soothing if applied internally. Applied topically, yogurt’s coolness stops the burning and itching.

Try Fresh Garlic. – Raw garlic has antifungal and antibiotic qualities, thanks to a compound called allicin that blocks the growth of these organisms. You can reap the protective benefits by adding fresh garlic to foods, perhaps mincing it and sprinkling it on breads and salads (cooking reduces allicin’s effects), or by taking garlic supplements. To treat bacterial vaginosis, you can insert a peeled clove (file the rough ends with an emery board) into the affected area at bedtime, removing it in the morning. Exercise caution, however: Direct contact with garlic may cause a burning irritation of its own.

Strive for Variety. – Recurrent vaginal infections have been linked to low levels of A and B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc–nutrients a varied diet provides. Colorful produce, including carrots, spinach, and cantaloupe, is rich in vitamin A, while whole grains, potatoes, and nuts provide B vitamins. Shellfish and legumes such as peas and lentils offer both zinc and magnesium.

Treat with Herbs. – Two antifungal herbs–tea tree oil and calendula–are available in suppository form for relief of itching and irritation. Double-strength tea made of comfrey leaf, an anti-inflammatory herb, may relieve burning and stinging, but don’t drink it–let it cool, pour it into a spray bottle, and spritz your pain away.