Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix,
a 3 1/2-inch-long tube of tissue that extends from the large intestine. No one
is absolutely certain what the function of the appendix is. One thing we do
know: We can live without it, without apparent consequences.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that
requires prompt surgery to remove the appendix. Left untreated, an inflamed
appendix will eventually burst, or perforate, spilling infectious materials
into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to peritonitis, a serious
inflammation of the abdominal cavity's lining (the peritoneum) that can be
fatal unless it is treated quickly with strong antibiotics.
Causes
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes
blocked, often by stool, a foreign body, or cancer. Blockage may also
occur from infection, since the appendix swells in response to any infection in
the body.
Symptoms
of Appendicitis
The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as
it moves to the lower right abdomen. This is usually the first sign.
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins
- Abdominal swelling
- Fever of 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Inability to pass gas
Almost half the time, other symptoms of
appendicitis appear, including:
- Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen, back, or
rectum
- Painful urination
- Vomiting that precedes the abdominal pain
- Severe cramps
- Constipation or diarrhea with gas
If you have any of the mentioned symptoms,
seek medical attention immediately, because timely diagnosis and treatment is
very important. Do not eat, drink, or use any pain remedies, antacids, laxatives,
or heating pads, which can cause an inflamed appendix to rupture.
Remedies for
Appendicitis
1. Castor
Oil
Castor oil
is an effective home remedy for appendicitis. A castor oil pack can help
relieve the blockage and reduce inflammation, and castor oil taken orally helps
treat constipation and improves bowel movements.
- Prepare a castor oil pack by folding a
large flannel cloth into layers and pouring 2 tablespoons of castor oil on
it.
- Lie down on an old towel and put the
flannel cloth on your abdomen.
- Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for
2 to 3 months.
2. Garlic
Garlic has anti-inflammatory
therapeutic potential that aids in the treatment of appendicitis. It helps
reduce the inflammation as well as pain.
- Eat 2 to 3 raw garlic cloves on an
empty stomach daily. You can also use garlic in your cooking.
- Another option is to take garlic
capsules, but only after consulting a doctor.
3. Ginger
Due to its
anti-inflammatory properties, ginger also helps treat appendicitis. It can
reduce pain and inflammation, while also helping relieve the common symptoms of
vomiting and nausea.
- Drink ginger tea 2 or 3 times daily.
To prepare ginger tea, simmer 1 teaspoon of grated ginger or ginger slices
in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Massage your lower abdomen with ginger
oil a few times daily.
- You can also take ginger capsules, but
only after consulting your doctor.
4.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek
seeds are effective in the treatment of appendicitis. These seeds prevent the
accumulation of intestinal waste and excess mucus, thus reducing the
possibility of the problem becoming severe. They also help reduce pain.
- Add 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds to
1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 10 to 15
minutes. Strain and have this decoction when lukewarm once daily.
- Include fenugreek seeds in your
cooking to control pain and inflammation.
5. Lemon
Lemon is
also very beneficial in treating appendicitis. The natural citrus juice in
lemon helps relieve pain and prevent indigestion and constipation. In addition,
the vitamin C in lemon boosts the immune system to prevent infection.
- Extract fresh juice from 1 lemon.
- Mix it with an equal quantity of
raw honey.
- Take this mixture a few times a
day.
- Repeat daily for a few weeks.
6. Basil
If the
appendicitis patient has a low-grade fever, basil is an effective herb for
bringing down their temperature. Moreover, basil is a good remedy for
indigestion and intestinal gas.
- To reduce a fever, boil a handful of
basil leaves and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger in 1 cup of water until the
solution is reduced by half. Strain and add a little honey. Drink this tea
2 times a day for a couple of days.
- To get rid of intestinal gas, mix 5
crushed basil leaves, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt and a little black pepper
powder in 2 to 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Consume it twice daily.
- You can also have 3 to 4 raw basil
leaves daily to help control appendicitis symptoms.
7. Mint
Mint is
another effective home remedy for appendicitis. It can help treat intestinal
gas as well as vomiting and nausea. Mint also helps relieve pain due to
appendicitis.
- Make mint tea by adding 1 tablespoon of fresh mint leaves to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and add some raw honey. Drink this tea 2 or 3 times daily for a few weeks.
- To combat nausea and vomiting, simply chew some fresh mint leaves.
REMEMBER
Do consult
your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Use home
remedies just as an adjunct treatment.